I recently wrote an article about what companies to watch coming into SHOT 2015. Gamo was on that short list of companies that I knew to be bringing out some advancements in airgun tech and products, so I spent a lot of time down at their booth.. Here’s my first article which will cover the 3 new technologies and touch on a 4th that’s not so new.
Gamo At SHOT Show 2015Let’s start with the old
As I think back, Gamo was one of the first companies that I can remember adding a built in “silencer” to their break barrel airguns. The Gamo Whisper had what was called the ND, or “noise dampener” that was permanently attached to the rifle barrel. This promised to reduce the noise by some 52%. The concept of the Whisper ND system was quickly copied by just about every major airgun manufacturer with various levels of success.
Quieting an airgun is an important feature for the US consumer. It’s really not an optional feature for most shooters, it’s one of the first things they look for today. Jumping ahead Gamo tried a bull barrel system which was not quite as effective. Finally, last year, they introduced the Bull Whisper Fusion. This took the best of the bull barrel system and merged it with the ND system. While it may look a bit awkward, the result is pretty amazing. I have a few Gamo guns that utilize this technology and, so long as you keep your shots sub sonic, there is virtually no shot noise, there’s only mechanical noise.
Gamo’s Whisper Fusion Noise Dampening SystemNow let’s bring in the new!
Gamo introduced 3 new enhancements to their airguns this year. Each new feature addresses suggestions and comments from customers, reviewers and airgun critics like myself. It’s very encouraging to see a company consider their consumer base and be willing to take proactive measures to address their various concerns and suggestions. So on to the new tech.
The first new feature addresses a major point of contention with new spring gun owners, scope creep and breakage. As more companies push their gas ram power plants as being “better,” they have not really addressed the fact that they cause more recoil than traditional metal springs. This sharp vibration transfers directly into the scope and either makes them very hard to stabilize on the rail, or just snaps the internals. To combat this problem, Gamo has created a 2 part rail that utilizes a dampening system at the rail level. As recoil is transmitted through the airgun, this two piece rail absorbs some of this shock and is reported to lessen the impact on the optics. If it works as they state, then that means less scope creep, and longer scope life, even on magnum springers.
Gamo’s Recoil Reducing Rail SystemGamo’s triggers have long been the subject of conversation. Their original metal triggers were so disliked, that there was an entire cottage industry based around creating a simple replacement. Gamo’s answer to this some time back was their SAT trigger. Now personally, I like the SAT trigger just the way it is. It’s very smooth and predictable. Could it be better, sure. But anything “could” be a little better.
Well, Gamo has again listened to customer feedback and has sought to address the continuing comments about the SAT by creating the new CAT or “Custom Action Trigger.” The major addition is a 2nd adjustment which allows independent control over the 1st and 2nd stage of the trigger adjustment. This is something that I’m very eager to see in action and Gamo is promising me one of the first available products to put to the test.
Gamo’s new “Custom Action Trigger”Lastly, Gamo has revamped their IGT into the MACH 1 IGT. The original IGT hit hard, maybe too hard and it really had a harsh recoil. The new MACH 1 iteration is supposed to have taken all the lessons learned from the original IGT and created a new and improved power plant. The new MACH 1 is promising less recoil, higher durability, and a smoother shooting cycle.
Gamo’s new generation IGT, the MACH 1Putting all the pieces together
There’s one Gamo airgun that’s pulling all the new technologies into 1 new product, the new “Pigman Rifle” will have all the new tech and be available in a couple of months. I’ve held this new gun and it’s very light, something that Gamo’s had going for them for a while, and feels like an old friend when I pull it to the shoulder. I should be getting my sample when the new shipment comes in so definitely keep your eyes on the blog for my report on how all these new technologies come together.
