Air rifle Gamo Hunter 1250: review, characteristics and reviews

Judging by numerous reviews from small arms lovers, you can hunt well with both firearms and spring-piston rifles. A wide range of such weapons is presented to the attention of fans of “pneumatic guns”. Among the wide variety of shooting products, Gamo Hunter 1250 air rifles are very popular among hunters.

A bullet fired from such a gun has the highest initial velocity. The article contains information about the design of the Gamo Hunter 1250 spring-piston rifle and its tactical and technical characteristics.

About the manufacturer

The Gamo Hunter 1250 is manufactured by the Spanish arms company Industrias EL Gamo. This company specializes in the production of blowguns, rifles and ammunition for them. In 1961, the company released its first air pistol, which, due to its excellent qualities, gained great popularity. When working on samples of their first air rifles, weapon designers used guaranteed interchangeable parts. In 1963, Gamo began shipping its products to England. By 1970, the export market for Spanish pneumatics had expanded to cover about forty countries. The Gamo Hunter 1250 and 420 airguns were prototypes of spring-piston “breakdowns” from manufacturers such as Crosman and Stoeger. The trigger mechanisms of Spanish rifles are equipped with similar Turkish-made Hatsan models.

A few words about the manufacturer

Originating in Spain, the world-famous Gamo company has more than 50 years of history as a manufacturer of air guns: bullets, rifles and pistols. In 1961, the company's pilot air pistol was launched on the Spanish market and immediately became popular with consumers due to its excellent quality. The company's first steps were aimed at creating the production of air rifles from guaranteed interchangeable parts.

In 1963, deliveries of the company's products to the UK began. At the same time, Gamo became a participant in international exhibitions. By 1970, the company's products were already supplied to 40 countries. In 1980, business ties began with similar enterprises in the United States, and in 1995 the Gamo USA corporation was founded.

Since 2013, 100% of the company's shares have been owned by the New York-based investment fund Brookman, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. (B,R,S).

The subject of our review, the powerful Gamo Hunter 1250 air rifle, has been supplied to the world market since the beginning of 2000.

Power

In accordance with Russian legislation, the optimal muzzle energy of spring-piston rifles using 4.5 mm ammunition should not exceed 7.5 J. Because, thanks to the Gamo Hunter 1250 spring, the rifle has a power of 32 J and a muzzle velocity of 380 m/ s, this model comes to the Russian arms market in a weakened version. The muzzle energy of such a “pneumatic” is 7.5 J, and the bullet speed does not exceed 170 m/s. These rifles are additionally marked with the letter "F".

Gamo rifle modifications

Initially, the company produced many different models, but all of them had only two types of compressors: 25x100 and 29x120. Then, for a long time, rifles with a 29x100 compressor were produced. Rifles were created for different purposes, caliber 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm. However, the 5.5 mm caliber was not supplied to the Russian market.

In 2015, the company released the Gamo Mach1 rifle with a 33x100 compressor (volume 85 cm3), the rifle had a power of 29 joules. Having conducted its own research, the company found that the efficiency of rifles with this air volume is higher than that of rifles with 25x100, 29x120 and 29x100 compressors.

Now the most powerful rifles have a compressor diameter of 33 millimeters and a Mach1 prefix. The company also produces rifles with a gas spring; the abbreviation IGT is added to the model name - Inert Gas Technology. To reduce recoil (and this is one of the main disadvantages of spring-piston pneumatics) and increase the service life of the optical sight, the RRR - Recoil Reducing Rail system was developed, a movable bar (rail) for mounting optics. Models with the Wisper prefix (from English - whisper) have a multi-chamber sound moderator and a barrel coated with a special sound-absorbing composition.

The company has developed two systems related to the firing mechanism: SAT (Smooth Action Trigger) and CAT (Custom Action Trigger). The first system makes the trigger smoother; such adjustments are more suitable for sporting rifles. The second option involves adjusting the first and second stages of descent with one screw.

Butt

To produce this element of the rifle, high-quality wood is used, which is subjected to an impregnation procedure. Mostly classic stocks are made of beech. Walnut is used less frequently in production. Often rifles are produced from this type of wood, which are intended for export to the American market. The shape is designed in the Monte Carlo style. A special rubber butt pad is provided for the butt. It was possible to prevent the air rifle from slipping in the hand thanks to the use of fish skin pads.

Trunk

The steel rifle barrels are equipped with 12 rifling. The barrel length is 450 mm. A special cylindrical muzzle with a diameter of 33 mm is provided for it. Its task is to muffle the sound of a shot from the Gamo Hunter 1250. Reviews from owners indicate that the muzzle is effective only in a weakened version of the rifle. In the full-fledged version of the Spanish “pneumatic”, the bullet speed is too high and easily overcomes the sound barrier. As a result, the shooting is accompanied by noticeably loud pops. The barrel muzzle is removable. A special bolt has been developed for it, which is used as a fastening device and an aiming front sight. The place where the barrel is mounted is the barrel coupling, into which it is screwed and firmly fixed using fastening pins.

Gamo spring-piston air rifles

Despite the fact that the company produces a great variety of models, Gamo spring-piston rifles can be divided into three categories based on power:

3-14 joules;
16-25 joules (magnum class);
more than 26 joules (supermagnum class)

Rifles 3-14 joules

Entry level rifles. Almost all models have the word Delta in their name:

The youngest model, Gamo Delta Junior, weighs only 2 kilograms and is 92 centimeters long. But at the same time it has a match barrel. Energy does not exceed 3 J, ideal for teaching children.
Gamo Deltamax Force has a speed of 170 m/s, the plastic stock boasts ergonomics and a comfortable grip, the model has been produced since 2017.
The Delta Fox GT and Delta Fox GT Wisper models weigh only two kilograms and have a muzzle velocity of 175 meters per second. Installing a high pressure gas spring will significantly increase power. The models are easy to aim due to the interesting butt. The Wisper model (pictured below) has a sound moderator (our own development class=”aligncenter” width=”600″ height=”225″[/img]
The most powerful rifles in this category are the Gamo Forest and Gamo Black Shadow, available in wood and plastic, respectively. The energy of these models allows you to hunt small game, the initial speed of a bullet weighing half a gram is almost 275 meters per second. Black Shadow has long been a sales leader among its price segment (up to 10,000 rubles)

Magnum class Gamo rifles

The legendary Gamo Hunter 440 belongs to the magnum class and has been a sales leader for two decades. Weight is 3200, bullet speed is more than 300 meters per second, the rifle’s safety margin allows it to be increased to 26-30 joules (initially 20 J). Unpretentious and reliable model. It was copied by almost all companies in the world (with the possible exception of Diana and Weihrauch)
The Socom series of models and the famous Shadow 1000 model also belong to the magnum class. There are a great many combinations of them, but the 2018-2019 models are equipped with the RRR rail. This is how you can distinguish new models, due to the fact that the stock of previously produced rifles in stores is still quite large.
One of the latest magnum class models is the Gamo Replay-10 Maxxim. The rifle combines all the latest developments of the company. This is a patented magazine, an integrated sound moderator with something like a DTK (muzzle brake-compensator), and an RRR rail. Weight 3 kilograms without scope. The speed of a coiled spring bullet is more than 300 meters per second. The sound moderator does an excellent job.
Rounding out the line of magnums is the Gamo CFX. The model is no less famous than the legendary Hunter 440. A distinctive feature of this model is the under-barrel platoon. That is, reloading occurs by breaking not the barrel, but a special lever under the barrel. Due to the fixed barrel mount it has high accuracy. With some fine-tuning, the accuracy can rival even AirArms and Weihrauch. The rifle took many prizes in precision shooting competitions.

Supermagnum and higher

This class opens with a new product (though for the North American market), the so-called “black series”: Black Knight, Black Fusion, Black Bull. Muzzle energy exceeds 26 joules, the speed of heavy bullets is more than 275 meters per second. All are equipped with RRR rail.

The Gamo Mach1 PigMan rifle, released in 2015, marked the beginning of the era of Gamo supermagnums with a 33 mm diameter compressor (now all rifles with this diameter have the Mach1 prefix in their name). The rifle's power is about 30 joules.

The black series was also re-released with a larger compressor and a high-pressure gas spring.

One of the most powerful rifles on the planet is the Gamo Hunter 1250. The rifle weighs 4.2 kilograms. The bullet speed is more than 380 meters per second, greater than the speed of sound. The barrel length is 420 millimeters, which allows for accurate shooting at long distances. Muzzle energy more than 30 joules. This rifle is chosen by many hunters around the world, because the price is only $450.

It was this model that was taken as the basis for the creation of the most powerful spring-piston rifle in the world (in .177 caliber) Gamo Hunter 1250 Grizzly IGT Mach1, power 36 joules.

About sights

The air rifle is equipped with a combined sighting bar (entirely) made of plastic and metal. If necessary, the shooter can adjust the rear sight in the horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, the barrel coupling is equipped with a special dovetail mounting unit, making it convenient to mount various optical sights on rifles.

In such cases, the muzzles are removed. As evidenced by reviews from owners, when choosing a telescopic device, first of all, you should pay attention to the strength of the structure. This recommendation is due to the fact that when shooting from such a powerful “pneumatic” rifle, the sight is subjected to a very heavy load.

Rear sight and sight

The sighting bar (rear sight) has a combined plastic-metal design and can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. It is also permissible to install an optical sight on a rifle. For this purpose, a dovetail-type attachment point is welded to the barrel coupling.

A telescopic sight must be selected based on the strength of its design, since with strong recoil a considerable load is applied to it. Usually, when installing it, the muzzle is removed.

Performance characteristics

Air rifle of spring-piston type.
Country of origin: Spain.
The rifle fires 4.5 mm bullets.
Loading ammunition is carried out by breaking the barrel.
The power of the main version of the rifle is 32 J. For the Gamo 1250 F Hunter, this parameter is 7.5 J.
The bullet's flight speed is 380 m/s (for the main version) and 170 m/s (for the weakened rifle).
The weapon is single-shot.
The rifle weighs 4.4 kg.
The total length is 1230 mm.
Barrel length – 45 cm.
The weapon is equipped with a non-automatic safety lock.
The energy source is a coiled spring.

The number of rifling in the barrel is 12.
The sighting bar type is “dovetail”.
The length of the bar is 11 mm.
The weapon has a carbine design.
Materials: steel (barrel) and wood (stock and butt).
Color – wood.
The warranty period is six months.
32 thousand rubles is the price of Gamo Hunter 1250.

Reviews from owners indicate that you do not need to present any licenses to purchase such a rifle. However, only an adult can buy a pneumatic gun.

List of characteristics

This single-shot rifle is loaded by breaking the barrel and combines enormous power and precision. It is designed to fire lead bullets of 4.5/5.5 mm caliber. The bullet speed is 381 m/s (in the open version), and the shot power is 36.3 J (in the open version). The number 1250 in the name refers to the English unit of speed FPS (1250 feet per second).

It is important to note that the rifle is supplied to Russia in a weakened version with a power of 7.5 J and a bullet speed of V0 = 175 m/s. In order to return the full performance of the Gamo Hunter 1250, it is necessary to drill out the bypass hole (remember the ban on owning such a powerful weapon - it is criminally punishable).

The clamping force is 26.5 kg (both versions). Weight is 4.1 kg. The total length is 123 cm, and the barrel length is 400 mm.

About the strengths of the model

Judging by the reviews of the owners, Gamo Hanter 1250 have the following advantages:

The rifles are easy to operate and maintain.
High-quality wear-resistant steel is used for the manufacture of trigger mechanisms, and hard wood is used for butts. This explains the high service life of these Spanish “pneumatics”.
No vibrations during shooting.
There is no air leakage from the tank, which has a positive effect on shooting accuracy. The compressor is equipped with a very high quality rubber seal.
The fit of the “iron” in the wooden stock is very high quality.
Due to the low weight of the piston, the air rifle is very easy to operate.

About the disadvantages

Despite the presence of many undeniable advantages, the Gamo Hunter 1250 also has disadvantages. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the disadvantages of Spanish rifles include:

Loud operation of mechanisms. During operation, the spring rattles a lot.
The presence of a cuff in the rifle that is very hard and at the same time susceptible to physical impact. According to the shooters, it breaks very often.
The heavy weight of the wind weapon itself. Due to this circumstance, Spanish “pneumatics” are not suitable for long hiking trips. According to hunters, it is very cumbersome to walk through the forest all day, carrying a heavy rifle with an optical sight mounted on it.
Strong recoil. According to the owners of this model, the recoil when shooting is so strong that even the rubber butt pad on the butt cannot cope with it.

Gamo pre-inflated pneumatics (PCP)

In Russia, Gamo PCP models are represented by only one basic model, Gamo Koyote. The model has a beautiful wooden stock, although it weighs 3.9 kilograms. The rifle has a bolt cocking mechanism. Available in two calibers, 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm. The muzzle energy of the .22 caliber is over forty joules. The drum holds 10 bullets. One fill can fire about 25 shots. The integrated sound moderator perfectly dampens the sound of a gunshot. Such a small selection of PCP models from Gamo on the Russian market is due to the euro exchange rate; they cannot compete with the same Hatsan, for example, or Kral.

How to reduce returns?

Since the presence of noticeable recoil during shooting negatively affects the accuracy of the battle, many owners dismantle the coiled “Gamow” springs. Instead, special gas ones are installed. Such a spring is a cylindrical product containing an inert gas inside.

The operation of the coil springs is accompanied by oscillatory processes and double recoil, as a result of which the rifle barrel is thrown to the side, which reduces the accuracy of hits. According to owner reviews, gas springs are characterized by a single, short and softer recoil. Today, purchasing such a product is not a problem. Gas springs are available in a wide variety on the airgun market.

What to look for when buying a pneumatic gun?

Before purchasing a Gamo Hunter 1250, the rifle must be thoroughly inspected. Judging by reviews from owners, the following faults are often encountered in this model:

Misalignment of the “pneumatic” barrel and the cylinder. It is normal if the barrel is tilted down no more than two degrees. After a few shots, he settles into place. It's worse if the misalignment is five degrees. In this case, the owner may have difficulty installing optical sights. In some “pneumatics” the barrel can be noticeably turned to the right or left. Since the dovetail sight is welded parallel to the barrel and not the cylinder, a slight bevel is not a problem. However, judging by the reviews of some owners, this flaw does not suit many aesthetically.
The presence of a long crack in the stock near the largest screw.
The presence of too much lubricant in the rifle mechanism: gun oil and technical petroleum jelly. Treatment with a lubricant increases the service life of the rifle’s hardware. For wooden surfaces, a large amount of Vaseline is undesirable. Otherwise, this substance destroys the bond between wood fibers.
The presence of burrs on the inner surface of the stock. It is formed as a result of its rough processing.
Poor quality processing of the muzzle. By shining a flashlight into the barrel of the rifle, you can see that the rifling in the barrel is located 1-2 cm before the muzzle. Ideally, they are not visible in the barrel channel.
The presence of rusty screw heads that secure the rubber butt plate.

Air rifle Gamo Hunter 440 4.5 mm (fracture, wood)

The GAMO Hunter 440 air rifle, which has the best price, is a relatively inexpensive rifle, which for many shooters has become the key that unlocks the treasured door of truly exciting shooting. Undoubtedly, even the weakest gun will be suitable for learning the basics of this fascinating business, but this is not enough to improve your shooting skills. The GAMO Hunter 440 air rifle is made in a classic style. Steel rifled barrel, wooden stock and butt Gamo Hunter rifle. The appearance of the weapon deserves a solid A+. But the external qualities of pneumatics are far from the most important thing. More important are its technical characteristics of air rifles. Fortunately, this model has everything in order too. The speed of a lead bullet is approximately three hundred three to three hundred seven meters per second. The Gamo Hunter 440 air rifle weighs three thousand grams with a length of one hundred and ten centimeters. For a rifle of this class, the dimensions are standard. Of course, reading about these rifles in the technical data sheet is for beginners. More or less experienced shooters will put all the instructions aside and immediately move on to the practical part - testing the Hunter air rifle. From this moment, often, buyers of the GAMO Hunter 440 rifle begin to realize how much the right choice they made. The accuracy of fire is excellent, the spread of bullets is minimal. The power is also quite high. It even allows you to go hunting small game with this gun. When hunting, by the way, it is better to move very quietly. Animals immediately recognize the confident step of the owners of the GAMO Hunter 440 and immediately hide in holes, hiding their furry bodies from lead bullets. After the first acquaintance with a given weapon, the process of customizing it usually begins. The shooter adjusts the trigger and adjusts the sight. For fans of weapon optics, by the way, the developers of the rifle of this model have provided the possibility of installing an optical sight. Therefore, if desired, you can also buy and install it. Shooting with optics is always more accurate, but there are fans of open sights who remain true to their traditions.

How to buy a GAMO Hunter 440 air rifle in our online store?

Just add the item to your cart and place your order. You can also call our managers, who will definitely help you choose the product that is right for you and place your order. All products presented in our catalog are of high quality, since we cooperate exclusively with well-known and reputable manufacturers. The goods can be picked up directly in our store; for this you need to have your passport with you.

Gamo Hunter 1250 Grizzly

In 2022, a new model from the famous Spanish one appeared on the Russian airgun market, listed as Gamo Hunter 1250 Grizzly IGT Mach1.

The rifle belongs to the “1250” series, but, unlike the previous model, a proprietary IGT gas spring has been developed for it. According to the manufacturer, the new model has increased muzzle energy. Her figure rose from 32 to 36 J.

The changes also affected the stock. In a modernized blowgun, the butt is made not of hard wood, but of polymers. Today, a series of rifles from the Spanish manufacturer Industrias EL Gamo are considered the most powerful in the world.

Review of GAMO Hunter 440.

The Spanish company producing pneumatic weapons, GAMO Precision Airguns, has been known in Russia for quite a long time for its reliable and inexpensive hunting air guns. Air rifles from this Spanish company are very popular all over the world, including in our country. This weapon is simple, easy to use, does not require special care, is quite powerful, and has many options. Since the 2000s, an air rifle for hunting game birds, the GAMO Hunter 440, has been supplied to our country, having several modifications.