Precision and Performance: The Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL Review
While the original series was known for its accuracy, the bolt-action was often described as heavy or stiff. The new Side Lever action transforms the user experience, allowing for rapid follow-up shots without losing your sight picture. This makes it an ideal platform for both competitive target shooting and serious pest control.
1. Regulated Consistency
Unlike many air rifles in its price bracket that are “unregulated,” the Gauntlet 2 SL features a consistent pressure regulator. This ensures that every shot, from the first to the last in a fill, leaves the barrel at virtually the same velocity. For the shooter, this translates to predictable vertical consistency and tighter groups at long ranges.
2. High-Capacity Air Supply
The rifle is equipped with a massive 24 cubic inch (393cc) aluminum tank with a fill pressure of 4,500 PSI. Regulated at approximately 1,900 PSI (for the .22 caliber) or 2,100 PSI (for the .25 caliber), it provides an industry-leading shot count, allowing you to spend more time shooting and less time at the compressor.
3. Enhanced Ergonomics and Suppression
The synthetic stock is designed with a tactical aesthetic, featuring an adjustable cheekpiece to ensure perfect eye-to-scope alignment. Furthermore, the fully shrouded barrel includes a highly effective internal baffling system, making it backyard-friendly by significantly reducing the report of each shot.
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Caliber Options | .22, .25, or .30 |
| Action | Side Lever (SL) |
| Max Velocity | Up to 1,075 FPS (.22) / 985 FPS (.25) |
| Max Fill Pressure | 4,500 PSI |
| Tank Size | 24 cu. in. (393cc) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rds (.22) / 8 rds (.25) / 7 rds (.30) |
| Optics Rail | Picatinny |
| Weight | ~9.1 lbs |
| Stock | Adjustable Synthetic |
Experience Level and Differentiators
The Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL is the perfect “bridge” model, suitable for beginners entering the PCP world as well as intermediate shooters looking for a high-performance regulated rifle without the premium price tag.
What truly differentiates it from its predecessors and similar models is the Side Lever action, which drastically reduces the physical effort required to cycle the rifle. While the previous bolt-action models were functional, the SL mechanism brings a level of refinement usually reserved for rifles costing twice as much. Additionally, its 4,500 PSI fill capacity provides a significantly higher shot count than most entry-level competitors, making it a “marathon runner” in the field.
Expert Note: Because this rifle fills to 4,500 PSI, we strongly recommend using a dedicated PCP compressor or a high-pressure carbon fiber tank, as filling a tank of this volume with a hand pump is physically demanding.
| Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Umarex |
| Caliber | .22 |
| Velocity | 1075 fps |
| Condition | New |
| Ammo Type | Pellets |
| Action | Sidelever |
| Barrel Style | Rifled |
| Fire Mode | Repeater |
| Gun Weight | 8.50 lbs |
| Overall Length | 47.00 in |
| Barrel Length | 28.25 in |
| Loudness | 4-Medium-High |
| Noise Level | 90.6 dB |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 |
| Mechanism | Pre-charged pneumatic |
| Rail | Weaver & 11mm dovetails |
| Safety | Manual |
| Sights (Front/Rear) | None |
| Shots per Fill | 70 |
| Trigger Adjustability | Single-stage |
| Intended Use | Small game hunting / Target practice |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL
- PCP
- Side Lever action with knurled handle
- 24 cu. in. removable aluminum air cylinder
- Max velocity: 1075 fps (.22), 985 fps (.25), 1000 fps (.30)
- Max power: 33 fpe (.22), 51 FPE (.25), 99 FPE (.30)
- Expected shots: 70+ (.22), 50+ (.25), 25 (.30)
- Improved synthetic stock
- Cocking effort decreased 15%
- Aircraft grade aluminum receiver
- 4500 psi/310 bar fill pressure
- 1900 psi regulator (.22), 2100 psi regulator (.25), 2800 psi regulator (.30)
- Magazine capacity: 10 rounds (.22), 8 rounds (.25), 7 rounds (.30)
- 4 baffle design, 8 dB sound reduction
- Single stage adjustable trigger
- Textured rubber buttpad
- Onboard pressure gauge
- Height adjustable cheek comb
- Picatinny/11mm dovetail optics rail
- M-LOK accessory slots on sides and bottom of forearm
- Foster quick disconnect port
- Weight: 8.5 lbs.
- Barrel length: 28.25″
- Overall length: 47″
- Includes 1 rotary magazine and 1 single shot tray
- .30 cal features 1/2″x20 threads for a moderator
