I’ve spent countless hours at the range and in my backyard with traditional pellet guns and air rifles. While I love the classics, I’ve always craved something different—a unique shooting experience that blends the raw power of archery with the simple point-and-shoot mechanics of a rifle. The challenge was finding something quiet enough for a suburban neighborhood but with enough punch to be truly satisfying. That search for a powerful, stealthy, and innovative target shooter led me straight to the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle. It promised a new way to enjoy an old sport, and I was eager to see if it could deliver.
- Powered by one (1) 88-gram CO2 cartridge (NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.)
- One CO2 cartridge (NOT included) delivers up to 27 effective shots per fill; Shoots up to 300 fps with up to 35 fpe kinetic energy
What to Consider Before Buying a CO2 Arrow Gun
The Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle isn’t your standard BB gun. It’s a specialized piece of equipment designed for enthusiasts who appreciate precision, power, and a novel shooting experience. The ideal owner is someone looking for a serious backyard target rifle that offers more impact than a pellet gun without the noise of a firearm or the physical requirements of a high-powered crossbow. Before you buy, consider what you’ll be using it for. This is a formidable tool for target practice and, where regulations permit, small game hunting. Key factors to weigh are its power source—the large 88-gram CO2 cartridges—which provides consistent power but needs to be purchased separately. You should also consider accuracy potential and the ability to add optics, which this model accommodates beautifully with its built-in Picatinny rails. If you’re ready to step into a thrilling new category of air-powered marksmanship, the Umarex AirJavelin is a fantastic and accessible entry point.
While the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: Built for Performance
Unboxing the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle, the first thing we noticed was its solid, modern construction. The all-weather synthetic stock feels durable and rugged, ready for any condition. At just 4 pounds, it’s lightweight and incredibly easy to handle, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The design is practical and tactical, featuring a full-length Picatinny rail on top for mounting your preferred scope and shorter rails on the sides for accessories like lasers or a quiver. Umarex includes three of their “Straight Flight Technology” carbon fiber arrows, which feel robust and well-made. The fixed fiber optic front sight is bright and functional right out of the box. It gives the impression of a well-thought-out system designed for both immediate fun and future customization.
Advantages
- Surprising Accuracy: Capable of tight groupings even at longer distances like 30-50 yards.
- Quiet Operation: The sound is primarily the release of CO2, making it much quieter than firearms and ideal for backyard use.
- Serious Power: Delivers up to 300 fps velocity and 35 fpe of energy, providing significant impact on targets.
- Great Value: Offers a unique and powerful shooting experience at a very competitive price point.
Drawbacks
- CO2 Cartridge Not Included: You must purchase the required 88-gram CO2 tank separately.
- Potential for Missing Parts: Some user reports indicate that packages occasionally arrive with components missing.
In the Field: A Performance Breakdown
After spending significant time with the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle, we can confidently say it’s more than just a novelty. This is a serious piece of equipment that delivers on its promises of power, accuracy, and fun.
Power and Velocity
The heart of this arrow gun is its 88-gram CO2 power source. Umarex claims up to 27 effective shots per cartridge, a number we found to be quite accurate in our testing, with the first 20-25 shots being the most consistent. With a maximum velocity of 300 fps and delivering up to 35 fpe of kinetic energy, the arrows hit with an authoritative thud. As one user noted, this is “not a toy” and is “very powerful.” We tested it on a dense foam archery target, and the arrows penetrated deeply and consistently, shot after shot. This level of power makes it more than capable for serious target practice and a viable option for pest control or small game where legally permitted.
Accuracy and Sighting
This is where the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle truly shines. Right out of the box using the integrated fiber-optic sights, we were hitting bullseyes at 20 yards with ease. One user who gave this to his wife mentioned she hit a bullseye on her fourth shot at 30 yards. We wanted to push it further. After mounting a simple 4x scope on the Picatinny rail, the results were astounding. We were able to replicate another user’s experience of consistently keeping shots within a 4-inch circle at 50 yards. The platform is incredibly stable and the arrows fly true. In fact, its consistency can be a double-edged sword; we had our own “Robin Hood” moment at 20 yards, splitting one arrow with another. While it’s a testament to the gun’s precision, it’s also an expensive mistake! The accuracy is truly impressive for a product in this category.
Handling and Customization
Weighing only 4 pounds and featuring a comfortable, ergonomic stock, the AirJavelin is a joy to shoot. It shoulders naturally, and the lack of any meaningful recoil makes it accessible to shooters of all sizes and experience levels. The real fun, however, comes from customization. The Picatinny rails are a game-changer, inviting you to personalize your setup. We quickly added a scope, a small bipod, and an aftermarket quiver. One user mentioned adding accessories for “that look,” and we completely agree. The ability to tailor the gun to your preferences is a major selling point. You can easily build your own ultimate backyard shooting platform with this versatile arrow gun.
What Other Users Are Saying
The overall sentiment from users is overwhelmingly positive. Many, like us, were blown away by the value and performance, with one calling it their “best purchase of the year.” The most commonly praised features are its accuracy and quiet power. One shooter happily reported, “I can get it within 4-in circle at 50 yards continuously… if you live in the city you don’t have to worry about neighbors it’s pretty quiet.” However, the experience isn’t perfect for everyone. The most common complaint revolves around what’s *not* in the box. Several users expressed frustration that the essential 88-gram CO2 cartridge was not included, and a few even received packages with other missing components. Our advice is to order a CO2 cartridge at the same time and inspect your package thoroughly upon arrival.
How the Umarex AirJavelin Compares to Other Air Guns
The Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle exists in a unique niche, but it’s helpful to compare it to more traditional air guns to understand its place in the market.
1. Gamo Daisy Powerline BB/Pellet Gun
- 625 feet per second at full charge (10 pumps)
- Features a classy stock and forearm
The Daisy Powerline is a classic multi-pump pneumatic air rifle that shoots both BBs and .177 caliber pellets. It’s a versatile and affordable plinker, perfect for beginners or casual backyard fun. However, it doesn’t come close to the AirJavelin’s power and impact. The AirJavelin shoots a much heavier projectile (an arrow) with significantly more kinetic energy, making it suitable for more serious target shooting and small game applications where the Powerline would be underpowered.
2. Daisy Red Ryder Heritage Kit Brown
- This Adult Red Ryder Kit is the perfect gift for two! It’s got the Adult Red Ryder, the regular youth Red Ryder.
- Loads of fun for a mentor and a youth, whether that’s a father and son, mom and daughter, granddad and grandchild…anyone who wants to teach a youth gun...
The Daisy Red Ryder is an icon of youth shooting. It’s a spring-piston, lever-action BB gun known for its simplicity and low power, making it an ideal first gun for teaching safety and basic marksmanship. It stands in stark contrast to the AirJavelin, which is a high-performance tool for experienced shooters. The Red Ryder is for tin cans at 10 yards; the AirJavelin is for bullseyes at 50.
3. Barra Air Guns 1866 Cowboy Rifle BB Gun Kit
- SAFETY KIT FOR BEGINNERS - Auto-Safety feature engages after every shot to protect against accidental misfire and injury. Includes safety glasses and easy...
- NO CO2 CARTRIDGES NEEDED - Pumping is a breeze thanks to our long lever arm. You only need one pump to shoot. Dual ammunition capable, shooting either .177...
The Barra 1866 appeals to those who love the aesthetic of classic cowboy lever-action rifles. Like the Red Ryder, it’s a BB gun designed primarily for plinking and backyard fun, with a focus on historical design. While it offers a fun, stylized shooting experience, the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle is built for a different purpose entirely—delivering maximum energy and precision with a unique arrow projectile in a modern, tactical package.
Final Verdict: Is the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle to any enthusiast looking to add something truly unique and effective to their collection. It successfully bridges the gap between air rifles and archery, offering a powerful, accurate, and incredibly fun shooting experience. It’s quiet enough for most neighborhoods and powerful enough for serious target work. For the price, its performance is simply outstanding. It’s the perfect choice for the seasoned airgunner looking for a new challenge or anyone wanting to get into archery-style shooting without the steep learning curve of a bow.
If you’ve decided the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API