Umarex changed the game with the original Gauntlet. Available in .22 and .25 caliber, the Gen 1 Gauntlet delivered regulated performance around a $300 price point, one of the first PCP air rifle platforms to hit that mark. Umarex raised the bar with the Gauntlet 2. Let’s take a look at the key differences. To keep things simple, we’ll walk through all the new features of the G2 and compare them to the G1 along the way.
The Gauntlet
In 2021 Umarex revised their Gauntlet and launched the Gauntlet 2. For those “in the know,” the Gauntlet 1 was a composite of several 3rd party products typically used to convert something like the QB79 into a PCP Airgun. By adding a Ninja Regulated 13 Cu In bottle and multi-shot breach to a QB79, you essentially get the foundation of the Gauntlet. Umarex tightened up the fit and finish and added their custom stock, but the core elements already existed. While the G1 was a huge success, it left a lot of potential on the table. That’s where the G2 comes in.
The Gauntlet 2
Much of the core systems have remained the same between the G1 and the G2. The major differences come in the bottle and regulator settings, cocking system, and stock design. Also, Umarex released the .30 caliber Gauntlet 2 in 2022, a 100+ Foot Pound beast of an airgun, adding to the available caliber options.
The Bottle
The original Gauntlet rifles had 13 cu in aluminum bottles. The .177 and .22 used fixed regulators set to 1400 PSI. The .25 caliber model pushed that to 1900 PSI. The bottle could hold 3000 psi. The G2 blew them out of the water.
The new bottle on the G2 is still aluminum, but it’s now 22 cu in and can be filled to 4500 PSI. Additionally, the regulator for the .22 is set at 1900 psi, the .25 is set to 2100 psi, and the regulator on the .30 cal model is set to 2800 psi. Not only did this dramatically increase the shot count for each caliber, it also increased the potential power output. The .22 and .25 now get about 100 shots per fill on the reg, and the .30 gets about 25 shots on the reg. These changes alone make the G2 a worthwhile upgrade or first purchase for those looking for an entry-level, no-compromise hunting airgun.
The Cocking System
The G1 was known for being difficult to cock. Umarex addressed this by adding a beefier cocking handle and reworking the hammer and hammer spring to reduce the cocking effort by about 30%. As a result, not only does the G2 deliver more shots and more power, but it now takes less work to cycle between shots.
The Stock
Most of the critical comments surrounding the G1 centered around the stock. Umarex has completely redesigned the stock, and the G2 looks a lot like a mini Umarex Hammer. It’s fitted with M-LOK accessory slots, an adjustable cheekpiece, and the fit and finish are much nicer. It feels like a far more finished and well-thought-out product than the G1.
What Else is New
While the key improvements are the bottle, cocking system, and stock, some more subtle upgrades deserve to be mentioned. The .22 and .25 have new baffling in the shroud, reducing their perceived volume by several decibles. The .30, rather than trying to fit an integrated moderator that airgunners were simply going to remove anyway, has a threaded muzzle fitted with 1/2 UNF threads for any compatible airgun moderator. Lastly, Umarex upgraded the 11mm dovetail scope mount to a slotted weaver rail.
For those that already have the G1 and are wondering if the G2 is worth a look, our short answer is “yes.” The additional features, power, shot count, and overall build quality is better than the first time around. Given the upgrades and current market, the pricing has come up. But, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on a platform in this class. The G2 is a wonderful successor to the G1.
If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out to us here at Airgun Depot, and we’ll be more than happy to help you in anyway we can.
