Definitive Guide to Umarex Hammer

When Umarex set out to create a big-bore, they wanted to do things differently. Rather than creating an expensive, heavy, long airgun, they wanted to create something more affordable, useable and more manageable in the field. Umarex had a lot of challenges along the way, but in the end, they created something unique and first of its kind in the airgun world.

At the heart of the Hammer are several new patented technologies along with some unique design choices. The valve is a unique design, as are the two-shot magazine, cocking system, and safety plate. They leveraged their relationship with Walther Arms to create a .510 barrel made in Germany. The power is delivered by a 4500 PSI carbon fiber bottle regulated to 3000 PSI, delivering two consistent shots on target. This feature alone sets the Hammer apart from most large caliber rifles currently on the market. For the stock, they created something modern but practical and familiar. The grip is a standard AR15 Grip, and the foregrip uses M-LOK channels for mounting industry standard accessories.

The whole Umarex Hammer package weighs in at only 8.5 pounds and is 43.75 inches. That's downright "carbine-like" when compared to other magnum big bore air rifles. So let's get into the operation and shooting characteristics of the Hammer.

Setup & Operation

The Hammer needs 4500 PSI for optimal operation. Umarex reports that you'll get two regulated shots generating up to 700 foot-pounds with heavy 500+ grain ammo. Based on our experience and ammo availability, we used the Seneca .510 420-grain slugs for our tests. Each two-shot group delivers close to, if not just over, 600 foot-pounds with each shot. So a typical spread would be 791 FPS for the first shot and 803 FPS for the second. Or vice versa. At 791 FPS, a 420-grain slug delivers 583.7 foot-pounds. At 803 FPS you're getting 601 foot-pounds. As we tested the Hammer, these numbers would trade off back and forth or in the general area. There was very little spread between them, provided we filled our Hammer to 4500 for each two-shot test. If you can only fill to 300 bar (4350 PSI), then you'll get one full-power shot with a 2nd nearly full power shot that may drop 40 or 50 FPS at the most. It's not a deal-breaker, and you won't see any real change in your point of impact at 50 yards, but it's not as consistent as if you can get to 4500 PSI as a starting point.

The two-shot magazine is one of the key advantages the Hammer has over other hunting rifles. Not only does it have two shots on tap, but when you cock the gun, it automatically cycles to the next round in the magazine. The cocking system itself is very easy, requiring very little effort. Additionally, the magazine is the breech. So when you remove the magazine, you've removed any ammo from the rifle.

Loading the magazine is easy and straightforward. Just insert the slug into the mag, paying attention to the proper orientation, and slide the magazine into the receiver. There's a dovetail groove to help align the magazine and also depress the safety plate. Then, the magazine is spring-loaded and clicks into place. Once you close the bolt, you are ready to fire.

The firing cycle of the Hammer is not like most other rifles. It had a significant push into your shoulder, and it's very loud, generating upwards of 120 DB. If you shoot this a lot from the bench, you will want to wear ear protection. The trigger pull breaks at just under 2 pounds which is another selling point for the Hammer.

To take your next shot, simply pull back on the cocking handle and then slide it forward. The magazine will automatically move to the next position, and you're ready to send your next shot downrange.

The Hammer generates a lot of energy, and Umarex wanted to make sure that it was as safe as possible. There are three primary safety systems on the Hammer. The first is a traditional trigger safety. The second, mentioned above, is the safety plate under the magazine. The Hammer will not fire if the magazine is not in the gun. The final safety is a hammerlock on top of the buttstock. When the screw is screwed in, you can't cock or fire the rifle. All of this makes the Hammer a very safe, big-bore hunting airgun.

One critical point to observe when shooting the Hammer is to keep all body parts away from the magazine and breech area. Because the magazine is the breech, it acts much like a revolver cylinder with high-pressure air escaping from the tiny gaps in front and behind the magazine. In the same way you would never grip a revolver by the cylinder, you never want to have any part of your hand or arm near the magazine or breech area. If you keep this in mind while shooting, you'll enjoy what the Hammer delivers for accuracy and power.

Performance & Accuracy

We shot several two-shot groups at 50 yards, mimicking a typical hunting scenario. We used an Axeon EDR scope for our tests. As you can see below, the Hammer is more than capable of delivering lead on target. Considering we were pushing up to 600 foot-pounds, there's little that would not drop if hit with that power and this accuracy.

50-yard shots, fired from a full 4500 PSI fill using 420 Grain .510 slugs.

Summing Up

So there you have it. The Hammer is a powerful big-bore airgun that's easy to operate, easy to shoot, and easy to carry. However, it has some challenges, such as needing 4500 PSI every two shots and diligence to keep away from the "red zone." In addition, the recoil and noise may be more than some shooters want to handle, given this is an airgun, but we found both to be very manageable with enough trigger time at the bench.

If you would like to know more about the Umarex Hammer and what it can bring to the table for your airgun hunting needs, please don't hesitate to reach out to us here at Airgun Depot. We are always happy to help.