by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Gamo Swarm Maxim repeating breakbarrel air rifle.
This report covers:
- Loading
- The feeding mechanism
- Velocity JSB Exact RS
- Gamo PBA Platinum pellets
- H&N Baracuda Match 4.50mm heads
- Back to JSB RS
- What about dry fires?
- Cocking effort
- Trigger pull
- Trigger adjustment
- Evaluation
Today we look at the velocity of the new Gamo Swarm Maxim multi-shot rifle. Of course this rifle is so different that we will also be looking at several things we don’t normally see. Should be an interesting report.
Loading
I was concerned about loading the magazine because I have some experience with other multi-shot breakbarrels and none of it is good. But the Swarm magazine loads like any rotary PCP mag, so there is no worry. Like most of them, there is an o-ring that’s around the entire rotary wheel and part of it intrudes into each chamber to hold the pellets. Consequently, they don’t just drop in. You have to push on their bases a little to get the heads past the rubber.
The magazine is spring-loaded to advance to the next loaded chamber. So when you load it, you turn the rotary wheel against the spring. It is not as hard as many PCP mags that are designed the same way. After each pellet is loaded the wheel stays where that pellet was loaded, so the rotary wheel never slips and runs all the way back to the first pellet hole.
A portion of the rubber o-ring is seen on the right side of the chamber. The pellet head must be pushed past it.
The feeding mechanism
Several of you asked to see the feeding mechanism. Well, it’s kind of like Yehoudi. He’s the man inside your refrigerator who turns on the light every time you open the door. The Swarm feeding mechanism is inside its plastic housing and is not visible from the outside, but I know that a probe has to push each pellet into the breech when the barrel is closed. Yehoudi works the same way. [From a popular song of the early 1940s “Who’s Yehoudi?,” made famous because of the popularity of classical violinist Yehudi Menuhin on the Bob Hope radio show.] Bottom line? I ain’t a’gonna tell ya ‘cause I don’t know.
Those wire legs move the feed mechanism.
The barrel is partially cocked with the magazine removed and the feed probe is seen sticking out on the right side.
What I can tell you is that loading the magazine into the rifle and taking it out again are very easy and straightforward. Have no concerns — you’ll be able to do it.
Velocity JSB Exact RS
The first pellet I tested was the lightweight JSB Exact RS. They gave some interesting results, so I will show the entire string.
Shot…………velocity
1………………1310
2………………1262
3………………1170
4………………1027
5………………1049
6………………..996
7………………..975
8………………..959
9………………..936
10…………..…..948
The average for this string is 1063 f.p.s., but it’s meaningless. As you can see, the Swarm I am testing needed to burn off some oil before settling down. I will come back and test this pellet again, after I test all the others. It looks like it will settle in the 930-950 f.p.s. range.
Gamo PBA Platinum pellets
Next to be tested were Gamo’s PBA Platinum pellets. If the rifle is ever to achieve its advertised velocity of 1,300 f.p.s., it should be with this 4.7-grain pellet.
This pellet averaged 1218 f.p.s. in the test rifle. The spread went from 1202 f.p.s. to 1227 f.p.s. That’s 25 f.p.s. As you can see, the Swarm has already settled down. At the average velocity this pellet generates 15.49 foot pounds of muzzle energy.
H&N Baracuda Match 4.50mm heads
Next I tried some H&N Baracuda Match pellets with 4.50mm heads. This pellet averaged 813 f.p.s. in the Swarm, with an 18 f.p.s. spread from 804 to 822 f.p.s. At the average velocity, this pellet generates 15.63 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Back to JSB RS
Now it was time to re-test those JBS Exact RS pellets. This time they came in at an average 944 f.p.s. The low was 932 and the high was 955 f.p.s., so a spread of 22 f.p.s. That was where I expected it to be, though as the rifle breaks in it may speed up a little. At the average velocity this pellet generates 14.51 foot pounds of energy.
Operation of the repeating mechanism
You have to experience it to appreciate it. Since the safety is manual, just cock and fire. I shot a 10-shot string through the chronograph in about one minute. Once I realized how reliable the feed mechanism is, I was completely at ease using it.
What about dry fires?
The top of the pellet magazine tells you how many pellets remain in the mag. All you have to do is remember whether the rifle is cocked and therefore loaded.
The number of pellets that remain in the magazine is easily seen.
Cocking effort
The Swarm has Gamo’s Inert Gas Technology (IGT) gas spring and piston, so the cocking effort is constant throughout the cocking arc. I estimated it at 28 lbs., and when I tested it, it took 32 lbs. of effort to cock the rifle. It’s well within reason for the power of the rifle.
Trigger pull
The trigger on the test rifle breaks at 2 lbs. 7 oz. It is a two-stage pull with a light first stage and a definite stage 2. I can feel the tiniest bit of creep in the stage 2 pull, but I rate the operation of this trigger as fine.
Trigger adjustment
I said I would adjust the trigger in this report and let you know how that went, so here goes.
I followed the directions in the owner’s manual (declare a holiday!) and was able to adjust both the length of the first and second stages of this COT trigger! I does work as advertised. However most other adjustable triggers allow the adjustment of the weight of stage two, so this one is different. It adjusts the length of the stage two pull. The weight remains the same.
I got the trigger with a very short first stage and a short second stage. The pull weight remained where it was — 2 pounds 7 ounces. But now this trigger is very sweet. You know — an adjustable trigger that actually adjusts isn’t that common. I praise Gamo for getting this one right!
Evaluation
So far I am quite pleased with the Swarm. If it turns out to be accurate, as I have already heard owners proclaim, then we have a world-beater on our hands.
The hump from the magazine feed mechanism will turn off some buyers, but I think Gamo has put a lot of value into this rifle. Accuracy is next.
B.B.
Why did Gamo succeed with the loading magazine where others have failed?
Is it because of the PCP trickle down effect?
-Y
Yogi,
I don’t know. The magazine certainly is based on a PCP design, but the feed mechanism is something I’ve never seen before. I guess someone at Gamo really cares!
B.B.
B.B.
Some reviewers have noted that this rifle responds well to a firm firearm-like grip as well as the artillery hold.
Would you check that for us? It’s kind of hard to believe since the rifle is so light but if true it would be a
refreshing change and possibly a selling point for me as I’m very interested so far.
JTinAL,
That doesn’t surprise me. The Swarm shoots very smooth, so it might not be hold sensitive.
B.B.
Just the though of that stirs my interest because PCP’s has all but diminished my desire for ever wanting to buy another break barrel.
B.B.,
Looking good so far.
Q: Has a break barrel rifle ever been designed that uses a magazine/wheel, that does (not) probe the pellet into the breech? I am thinking of the action in some action pistols when I ask this,.. where in the air blast hits the pellet while the pellet is still in the magazine and not in the breech yet.
Good Day to you and to all,… Chris
Chris,
The Baikal 61 had a stick magazine that also acted as the chamber.
RidgeRunner,
If you are referring to the IZH 61, it uses a probe which extends well into the breech which you have to release manually before you can remove the five shot “clip” after the last shot, at least the ones that I have do. Of course mine are the newer model with the plastic receiver which features built in “droop” compensation molded into the scope dovetail rail. Great rifles with hammer forged barrels which you can shoot all day long and not even break a sweat cocking them , too bad they are no longer being imported due to sanctions against Russia. The reason, they are made in the same plant as AK 47’s.
Bugbuster
Bugbuster,
I forgot about the bolt.
Chris,
Yes, Haenel had a really odd repeater that used a wheel. I haven’t reported on it in the blog, but I did in my newsletter.
I have only seen one of those strange rifles, and it wasn’t working.
B.B.
B.B.,
Thank you. A (quick) look in the Blue Book shows that they (Haenel) played around with the concept for quite awhile. There is 4-5 listed without counting. Some shooting round balls. Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE my Blue Book? 😉
A magazine break barrel with a bolt action would be an interesting concept. I think that it has merit. Your pellets are right there. It would be better than fumbling around for a pellet. Just like a PCP, the air port is ahead of the magazine and bolt tip,.. yet behind the pellet. The bolt would serve no purpose other than to advance the pellet into the breech.
At least it eliminates the clunky looking magazine/feeding system on top. Top feed off the magazine would keep the magazine low profile too.
Chris
G’day BB,
Were those shots over 1200fps “cracking” by breaking the sound barrier?
I am still trying to get my head around those consistent MagnetoSpeed results I obtained.
Since MagnetoSpeed is “next door” to you, any chance you could test one compared to your normal chronograph on air rifles?
Cheers Bob
Bob,
They cracked so loud I almost put on my hearing protection! But as you see, it was very brief.
I really do need to look at MagnetoSpeed, don’t I? Keep after me! 😉
B.B.
B.B.,
Perhaps MagnetoSpeed would be willing to lend you one for you to test and report on. With variables such as different lighting conditions, springer, CO2, and pneumatic powerplants expelling different gases/concentrations of gases from their muzzles, that, too is something to look at with the MagnetoSpeed. How does it do with a blast of CO2, for example?
I would very much welcome a one or two part report on the MagnetoSpeed.
Michael
BB,
You are making it very hard for me not to be interested in this air rifle. The one issue I have had with Gamo is their triggers and now you are telling me the have done it. Now we can get a sproinger with a nice trigger for under $200. This explains why I have seen the price of several models of Weihrauch sproingers come way down.
As for the magazine hump, those who just cannot live with that can get the Hornet Maxxim. It is the same air rifle without the magazine mechanism.
/product/gamo-hornet-maxxim-igt-cat-air-rifle?m=3998
Gamo brought it out before they brought out the Swarm. It is one I have been wanting you to test for us.
When the word starts getting out Crosman is going to be in big trouble. Maybe they will finally do something about their triggers.
RR,
Yes, the trigger on this Swarm is a very nice one and is quite adjustable. I sure hope this rifle is accurate!
B.B.
RR
I looked at the Hornet, and it has the same problem for me that the Swarm has. No open sights. But that’s just me. Looking at the Swarm, I don’t see how they could put open sights on it. Unless it had high open sights like an AR…..hmmm
Doc
Doc,
I guess if you just had to have open sights, you could always get you the new Rogue.
https://hardairmagazine.com/news/benjamin-rogue-back-not-knew/
Of course you would then have to contend with the Crosman trigger.
Please Try the 11.75 Predator GTO’s…..I had Excellant results at 25 yds
Zermat,
If I have them I will try them.
B.B.
Zermat,
This rifle is a .177!
B.B.
B.B.,
Does the magazine “play nice” with long pellets?
Michael
Michael,
I think the Baracudas are long. Are you asking about pellets that are even longer?
B.B.
B.B.,
Predator Polymags? Polymags are about as long as they get, plus the pointed tip might pose a problem once the pellet is properly seated. Plus, those are a popular hunting pellet regardless of caliber, and this air rifle is all about the quick second shot.
Michael
Michael,
I have those. I will test the Swarm with them next time.
B.B.
Michael
They now make a short Preditor polymag just for that reason.
True, but the blog exists to inform its readers. Testing with the long ones will reveal whether the Swarm is up to the task. If the Swarm can shoot ’em, how many people who are currently on the fence jump off off it and buy one?
Besides, reviews for the shorter version are positive yet less enthusiastic than those for the original. The short one is a compromise, a concession to multi-shot air rifles.
Michael
Michael
Yep but at least they make the other ones for people that can’t use the normal legnth ones.
It’s always nice to have options ya know what I mean. 🙂
BB,
So far, the only issue I have heard concerning this air rifle is the scope that is included in this packaged. That I am afraid is a common problem. Once again I wish they would just let it go and not bother or if they are going to package something with it, they could have BSA make/buy a decent sproinger scope. They could include this one in their package.
/product/bsa-ar-2-7×32-rifle-scope?a=276
RR,
The bundled scope on the Swarm I agree is junk. Mine was still born. BSA in my opinion does not make air rifle (springer) scopes. They if they have AO, they would not have mil dots. If they have mil dots then parallax is 100 meters! Glass is clear and they may stand up to springer recoil but they would lack some feature that airgunners desire.
Ton,
No, the BSA scopes are not great, but they are better than the packaged scopes and Gamo owns them I do believe.
BB
Your reference to Yehoudi is realy showing your age. It makes me wonder how many of your readers know of this person. I have only heard some of the old radio shows on tape.
Gopher
Gopher— Start counting. I am #1 on your list. But that may be because I am 80 years old. ——Ed
Ed,
Young. 80 years young. :^)
Michael
Hi BB, i wonder if this loading system can be easily fitted to other breakbarrel rifles as an after market attachment?? 🙂 your thoughts?
Regards,
Peter
Peter,
It can be done, yes. However, it would require that certain dimensions of the air rifles were identical to that of the Swarm and it would also take an experienced machinist to make the necessary modifications.
Hi RidgeRunner, thanks for your thoughts. grant it the rear iron sight would be in the way, but if Gamo could make an attachment of sorts to even their existing break barrels
Regards,
Peter
Peter,
I think the rifle has to be designed with this in mind. How difficult it might be to redesign a rifle to accept this feed, I can’t guess.
B.B.
Hi BB, thanks for your thoughts. I didn’t think i would be very difficult to index a pellet with the break of a barrel…as long as the probe was centered and there was an adjustment available to center it if it was not. the device would “simply” 🙂 clamp onto the barrel….there’s money in this if Gamo hasn’t already put a patent on it 🙂
Regards,
Peter
BB,
I’m an open sight guy. That said, Red Dot is second on my list. Since there is no magnification with those (mine anyway), do you think the “hump” would show too much on those sights?
Thanks
Doc
BB,
I see this gun is also listed in 22 cal on PA’s site. Would the magazine still hold 10 rounds or is it reduced by a round or two?
Thanks,
Doc
BB,
I found the 22 cal mags on PA’s site. They do say 10 shot. That is nice.
Doc
Doc,
According to the listing, the .22 mag also holds 10.
B.B.
Doc,
I believe a dot sight will show the hump. But I will look at it for you.
B.B.
BB
Sweet. Thank You. Oh and I just found out about the Diana Stormrider PCP (I know I’m behind)! WOW…On PA’s site just $200 and it’s multi shot! And from Diana!!! WOW, exciting time for sure. Sooner or later (sooner probably) I’m going to have to go over to the dark side!
Doc
I think that the Stormrider is a Chinese PCP that had been floating around under various names.
I think you’re right. The Diana Stormrider sure looks like a rebadged Airmax Varmint which is made by snowpeak in china.
Kevin,
That is an interesting speculative statement. A major brand with a highly regarded reputation, “re-branding” a maybe somewhat inferior product. Not that it is not out of the realm of possibility,… but I am not sure so sure that would the wisest road to go down.
Chris,
Agreed.
Nonetheless that “road” has been heavily traveled by others using their good name for rebranding airguns. Winchester, Browning and Walther come to mind.
Ouch
B.B.
Did you ever happen to find out if a dot sight would work on the Swarm or if the hump covered too much of the view to be useful?
Doc
Doc,
It does get in the way.
B.B.
B.B.,
I don’t understand why I wasn’t seeing your answer till now (I went back and checked but saw nothing. Oh well. Thanks just the same. I was afraid it would get in the way. Darn.
Doc
We will know soon enough if the Stormrider ( sounds a lot like Strumgewehr lol) is Chinese made. That would be a bad sign but you never know. Take Beeman for e.g. They have their name on both cheap and quality guns. A Beeman RX1 and a Beeman RS1 are two very different beasts. We will get accustomed to the difference too lol.
I recently upgraded from my Crosman Powermaster to the .22 Gamo Hornet. Now I have the .22 Swarm to compare and decide which I like best. I had three problems right from the start. The scope was mounting tilted and the scope was mounting too close to the magazine loader and I could get the lens caps on/off w/o opening the barrel a bit. Third problem was is ammo. My fav. Crosman Powershot lead-free pellets are too long for the Swarm’s magazine!! Bummer, I din’t see that coming!! I’d sure like to hear what other lead-free pellets people like using with the Swarm.
GMan,
Welcome to the blog.
B.B.