For years, our team has enjoyed the simple satisfaction of archery and the precision of air rifles. But we always felt there was a gap between the two. We wanted the powerful, silent flight of an arrow combined with the point-and-shoot ease of a modern rifle. The challenge was finding a device that wasn’t a complex crossbow or a traditional bow. We were looking for something new, something that could revolutionize backyard target shooting, and that’s when we first got our hands on the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun.
- 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 an Arrow Air Rifle
Before diving into this unique category, it’s important to know who this is for. The ideal user is a shooting enthusiast, a backyard plinker looking for a thrilling new challenge, or even a small-game hunter in a region where air-powered arrow guns are permitted. You should consider the power source—the AirJavelin uses convenient 88-gram CO2 cartridges, which offer multiple shots per fill without the need for manual pumping. Key factors are accuracy, power (measured in feet-per-second and foot-pounds of energy), and the overall build quality. You want a rifle that feels solid, is easy to accessorize, and delivers consistent results shot after shot. This isn’t a toy; it’s a powerful tool that demands respect. If you’re looking for a modern, powerful, and incredibly fun alternative to traditional airguns or archery, the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun is a fantastic place to start your search.
While the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun 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: Features and Feel of the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun
Right out of the box, the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun feels substantial and well-built. The all-weather synthetic stock is rugged and comfortable to shoulder, capped with a rubber recoil pad that, while not strictly necessary for recoil, adds to a secure and stable hold. What immediately caught our eye were the Picatinny accessory mounts. This is a huge plus, allowing for the easy addition of optics, quivers, or bipods—a feature many users, including us, took full advantage of to customize the look and feel. The rifle comes with three of Umarex’s Straight Flight Technology arrows, which are specifically designed for this platform. The bright orange fiber optic front sight is clear and easy to pick up, making it ready for action right away.
What We Like
- Impressive Power and Accuracy: Capable of shooting up to 300 fps with pinpoint precision, making it incredibly satisfying for target practice.
- Highly Customizable: Integrated Picatinny rails make it simple to add scopes, quivers, and other accessories.
- Fun Factor: It offers a unique and thrilling shooting experience that blends archery with modern airgun technology.
- Great Value: For the performance and features it offers, the price point is extremely competitive.
What We Didn’t Like
- CO2 Cartridge Not Included: The required 88-gram CO2 cartridge must be purchased separately, which caught some first-time buyers by surprise.
- Occasional Shipping Issues: A few users reported receiving packages with missing components, though this wasn’t our personal experience.
In-Depth Performance: How the AirJavelin Shoots
This is where the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun truly shines. It’s one thing to read specs on a page, but it’s another to feel the smooth, powerful release of an arrow hitting its mark. We put it through its paces to see if the real-world performance lived up to the hype.
Power and Velocity
Powered by a single 88-gram CO2 cartridge, the AirJavelin boasts a velocity of up to 300 fps and delivers around 35 fpe of kinetic energy. In our testing, this translated to serious impact downrange. Arrows buried themselves deep into our foam targets with a satisfying thud. This is not a toy, and its power demands caution and a proper backstop. As one user aptly put it, this thing is “very powerful. No joke.” We found that a single CO2 cartridge reliably provided about 25-30 effective, full-power shots before the velocity began to drop, which is perfect for a solid session of target practice without needing to swap power sources constantly.
Accuracy and Sighting
We were immediately impressed with the out-of-the-box accuracy. Using just the factory-installed fiber optic sights, we were hitting tight groupings at 20 yards. One of our testers even managed to “Robin Hood” an arrow, splitting the nock of one already in the target—a testament to its consistency, a sentiment echoed by users who reported achieving the same feat. Another user mentioned their wife hitting a bull’s-eye at 30 yards on just her fourth shot. The included Umarex Straight Flight Technology arrows fly true, and the platform is incredibly stable. For those who want to reach out further, adding a simple red dot or a magnified optic to the Picatinny rail turns the AirJavelin into a surgical tool. If you’re looking for a platform that rewards good technique with incredible precision, you can experience the tack-driving accuracy of the AirJavelin for yourself.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The AirJavelin feels like a tool built to last. The all-weather stock means you don’t have to worry about damp conditions, and its light weight makes it easy to handle for extended periods. The ergonomics are comfortable for a wide range of shooters. But the real star of the show is the customizability. We mounted a scope and a side-mount quiver, and it completely transformed the rifle’s profile into something that looks as “bad ass” as it shoots. This potential for personalization is a major selling point and a reason why it has become such a favorite among hobbyists.
Getting Started: CO2 and Arrows
It is critical to note that the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun does not come with the 88-gram CO2 cartridge required for operation. This is the single most common point of confusion for new buyers. You must purchase this separately. While this may be a minor inconvenience, it’s standard practice for most CO2-powered airguns. We recommend picking up an Umarex-brand cartridge to ensure a proper seal and optimal performance. The included arrows are high-quality and come with field tips, ready for the range.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we checked in with the broader community to see if our findings aligned. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Users consistently praise the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun for being “fun to shoot” and “very accurate.” Many, like us, were thrilled with the value and immediately started personalizing their rifles with accessories. The most common critique, by far, revolves around the CO2 cartridge not being included, with some new owners expressing disappointment that they couldn’t use it right away. This highlights the importance of reading the product description carefully before purchasing.
How the Umarex AirJavelin Stacks Up: A Look at Alternatives
While the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun is in a class of its own, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular air rifles to understand its unique place in the market.
1. Gamo Silent Cat .177 Pellet Air Rifle with 4×32 Scope
- VELOCITY: .Shoots .177 Caliber pellets up to 1200 FPS (1000 FPS Lead)
- PROPULSION: Breakbarrel Spring Piston Single Shot
The Gamo Silent Cat is a classic break-barrel pellet rifle. Its primary advantage is its self-contained power plant—no CO2 cartridges needed. It’s also significantly quieter, making it a great choice for backyard pest control. However, it offers a more traditional shooting experience, firing small pellets instead of arrows. It lacks the unique, high-impact thrill of the AirJavelin.
2. Umarex Browning Pellet Lever Action Air Rifle
- 19-shot, .177 caliber BB air pistol
- Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 NOT included)
This Browning replica offers a nostalgic, Western-style shooting experience with its lever-action mechanism. It’s a beautiful piece that’s fun for plinking. Compared to the AirJavelin, it’s lower in power and designed for a different kind of enjoyment. The AirJavelin is a modern, tactical-feeling arrow launcher, while the Browning is a classic pellet-firing repeater.
3. Gamo Daisy Powerline Model 35 Multi-Pump Pneumatic BB/Pellet Gun
- 625 feet per second at full charge (10 pumps)
- Features a classy stock and forearm
The Daisy Powerline 35 is an excellent entry-level, multi-pump airgun. Its main advantage is its low cost and the fact that you provide the power by pumping, eliminating the need for CO2. However, it is far less powerful than the AirJavelin and requires significant effort between each shot. It’s a great starter rifle, but the AirJavelin operates in a completely different league of power, speed, and convenience.
Final Verdict: Is the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun a Bull’s-Eye?
Without a doubt, yes. The Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun is an absolute blast. It successfully merges the worlds of archery and airgunning into a powerful, accurate, and incredibly fun package. For the backyard enthusiast seeking a new challenge or anyone wanting a unique shooting experience, it delivers in spades. As long as you go in knowing you need to purchase an 88-gram CO2 cartridge separately, you are in for a fantastic time. It’s a high-value, high-performance rifle that we wholeheartedly recommend.
If you’ve decided the Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API