The UMAREX NOTOS .22

 IT'S 2023 AND TIME FOR A POST!  

Well, it's been a while since my last journal, but I've longed to start writing again on my HPA Adventures! No better way to show my renewed excitement than to write about my experience with the NEW Umarex Notos CRK .22 caliber.  New for 2023.

The air gun comes standard as a PISTOL or a Carbine.  Meaning, you can install the stock and it becomes a carbine or, install a set of (SOLD SEPARATELY) pistol grips and viola, you have a pistol.  Grips are available at UmarexUSA.com.  As of now, the air gun is available only in 22 caliber.  My particular NoTos is making 20 FPE which is 780 FPS (peak) using 14.5 gr RWS Superdomes.  The regulator is set from the factory at 1900 psi.  It also has a hammer spring adjuster.  To get to that, if you have the rifle stock attached, you will have to remove it as the adjuster is in the lower rear of the receiver.  The Moderator is also NON-REMOVABLE!  The Air tube comes with a pressure gauge on the end and is easy to read.  Just below that is the fill port that allows easy air tube fills via the included probe.  The trigger is also adjustable and has a block on it which acts as the safety.  The air gun also come with ONE 7 shot magazine.  Others can be ordered through any outlet that carries the NoTos including UmarexUSA.  The sidelever cocking handle is just aft the magazine on the left side of the receiver.  It has a recess in the receiver that allows for your finger to access the handle.  PROBLEM!?  Not at all!  While the handle is flat, UmarexUSA definitely thought this one out!  Looks are deceiving!  The Carbine also comes standard with an AR15 multilocation buttstock.

 The Notos, as advertised on the box put up chrony numbers of 780 fps with 14.3-14.5 grs Domed pellets,  My goal was to strictly shoot JSB Hades pellets at 15.89 grs.  They posted a speed of around 760 fps! Most 18 gr pellets will travel a tad over 700 fps.  This gives you a rough estimate of the gun potential and valving.  It hits right at 20 fpe from its 11.75" .22 cal barrel and is accurate with a host of pellets.  In my opinion, weight of projectiles should be kept 18 grs and under.  That doesn't mean it cant shoot heavier projectiles, but, you get the best speed to power ration to keep the flight of the pellet flat.  Its is afterall a low powered airgun.  And YES, it will shoot 20+ gr slugs!

HUNTING:  

The Notos was flawless in the field just as I hoped it would be!  Its main purpose was to pest feral pigeons in which it performed perfectly but, it had no problem taking ground squirrels out to 50 yrds.  The carbine was a joy to hold/carry while walking the permissions.  Its so light and compact and shoulder extremely well.  Its so accurate, I literally had no misses the entire day.  Where you point, you hit!

MAGAZINE UPGRADE:

Carm Magazines for the Umarex Notos is my newest upgrade 

The one and only issue I have with the Air gun is the magazine.  First, you only get one.  The 2nd and final is that it has feeding issues of some sort.  Its not every time you cycle the action but, its often enough to cause concern with reliability when you need it most.  Easiest solution is to pick up a few CARM magazines like pictured above.  You even get them in colors of your choice.  Well, any of the colors he provides that is!

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Simply put, I love everything about this air gun except the magazine.  It has the looks, its compact, perfectly light and balanced, its regulated and has adjustable power, it has an adjustable stock and trigger, it has a pressure gauge. Its sidelever cocking and has plenty of picatinny rail to install just about any optic and accessory you could possibly need.  Red Dot scopes and compact regular scopes are ideal for this size carbine/pistol.  The Umarex Notos is well priced at $260 and If you don't have one by now, your missing out!