The need for entry-level PCPs was recognized by a few manufacturers because, let’s face it, not all airgunning enthusiasts are in a position to drop $1000+ on a PCP and then obtain the additional accoutrements that are needed such as SCBA tanks and compressors. Some just want to dip a toe in the water and know that if PCPs aren’t their cup of tea, they haven’t mortgaged the farm to find that out.
Stoeger Industries has been around almost 100 years as a firearms purveyor, publisher and gun store that began operation in New York City and was known for value-priced firearms. In the early 2000s they became part of the Benelli USA family. Benelli, known for their Italian heritage shotguns, is owned by the 500-year-old gunmaker Beretta Holdings. Over a decade ago an airgun division was formed and began importing airguns for the U.S. market and the airguns they sold were also value-priced. Seeing the burgeoning interest in PCPs a decision was made to introduce their own model to the public – the XM1. Having an Italian parent company gave them access to Benelli’s design team and it shows in the ultra-sleek and sporty lines of the XM1. Italian inspired features were incorporated like “Proadaptive Checkering”, consisting of raised “Thridion” checkering for comfort and excellent, spongier, gripping surfaces along with advanced ergonomics. Supporting this concept utilizing removeable spacers in the buttstock, various combinations can be tried to fit the gun to any individual from a small-statured youth to the maximum length-of-pull adjustment of 15 inches, fitting a large adult. Additionally, Stoeger provides each XM1 with a higher cheekpiece and larger grip insert that are easily swappable, further increasing the ergonomics of the gun. The open thumbhole style polymer stock lends this gun for use by left-handers. Not truly ambidextrous, however, as the bolt handle cannot be shifted to the left side.
Other built-in features include a regulator to give shot-to-shot consistency, a fiber-optic front sight and a two-stage trigger that is adjustable only for l-o-p over a 12mm range, two short picatinny rail sections that mount on the sides of the forearm with one having three slots utilizing magnets to hold extra magazines, molded-in holes for sling swivel attachments and a package of assorted O-ring seals. As an entry-level PCP for a youth, the weight of just under six pounds without a scope is definitely a plus. For anyone taking the rifle into the field the lightweight will be welcome.
The XM1 provided for review was the S4 suppressed version in .22 caliber. The S4 is Stoeger’s latest generation sound suppression which is permanently affixed to the airgun and adds about six inches to the standard XM1 bringing the overall length to 45.5 inches with all stock spacers installed. Baffles combined with a decompression chamber below the shrouded barrel moderates the report very well. Definitely checks the box for “backyard friendly”.
The rifled steel 21-inch barrel is mated to a black anodized aluminum breech block. The air cylinder appears to be 100cc and is located under the barrel. A manometer sits at the muzzle end and the tank is rated to a 200 bar (2900psi) fill using the supplied brass probe. The fill opening is just behind the manometer and a stopper is supplied to keep debris out as there is no collar or cover for the fill hole.
It’s a bolt-action repeater using a 7-round rotary magazine. A .177 caliber version is also available and its magazine holds 9 rounds. After the last shot, a block rotates into place preventing the bolt from closing. A nice touch to keep you from wasting air on empty chambers. The bolt handle is large and molded in an unusual shape. It also sports the “Thridion” checkering for extra purchase when working the bolt. A very natural and comfortable design, the bolt worked smoothly right out of the box. Cocking occurs upon drawing the bolt back and the gun can be safely de-cocked, although this is not covered in the Owner’s Manual.
The trigger is a wide, curved and smooth-faced metal unit, also very nice right out of the box. The average pull weight was a light 2 pounds eight ounces, having a long take-up but a crisp break. Surprisingly good for an airgun in this price range. The safety is a cross-bolt located in the front of the trigger guard.
While it comes with a square-notch rear sight, it takes up some of the minimal 11mm scope rail available so I found it to be a choice between iron sights or a scope. The rotary magazine also protrudes above the breech block so higher scope rings/mounts are necessary. Going to my trusty MTC Mamba-Lite 4-16x42mm scope provided by AofA, and SportsMatch rings I had better than expected results with this modestly priced air rifle. Thinking the scope might be over-matched for what the gun could do, I found they paired nicely as I was able to shoot very tight groups out to 40 yards and 5-shot ragged holes at half that distance. It didn’t seem too picky about what I fed it, though there are always some pellets an airgun won’t like. Best accuracy was obtained with the new Predator International 15.89 grain Hades pellets. This gun also really liked the 16 grain Predator Polymags and 14.5 grain SIG Venoms. Polymags, with their polymer tip, were the maximum length that would still work in the rotary magazine. No worries using longer pellets though as a single-shot tray is also included with the XM1.
Rated by Stoeger as launching lead pellets at 800fps, I found it actually exceeded that velocity with 18.21 grain pellets hitting 840fps at a mile above sea level. Approximately 35 shots could be squeezed out while the manometer read in the “green zone”, but velocity starts to drop after the third full magazine.
MSRP on the XM1 is $200. The XM1 S4 runs $229 in a kit form with a 4x32mm scope. There is also an option for a RealTree camo version, only in .22 for $250. Stoeger Airguns stands behind their products, giving the original purchaser a five-year warranty.
The XM1 has shortcomings, of course, but you get quite a bit for your money. All-in-all, if you’re looking to get into PCPs, this one is worth checking out.
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