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Strike Point

Umarex Strike Point multi-pump pistol: Part 1

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↓ 109 comments

by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier

Strike Point
Umarex Strike Point multi-pump pistol.

This report covers:

  • Description
  • Trigger
  • Safety
  • Sights
  • Operation
  • Advantages
  • Evaluation

Today we look at the Umarex Strike Point multi-pump pistol. I overlooked this pistol at the SHOT Show this year, or if I did see it I got distracted soon after. Here is a brand new multi-pump that wants to play in the budget class. They are going up against the Crosman 1377 that is firmly entrenched. The Strike Point is several dollars less, so this will be an interesting launch.

I don’t think this will be resolved by the price. At this level both companies are almost giving them away. This will revolve around features and performance. I don’t want to compare the Strike Point to the 1377, but some things will obviously have to be said.

Description

The Strike Point is a multi-pump air pistol, which makes it a pneumatic. It comes in both .177 and .22. I’m testing a .177. The manual gives the max velocity of 600 f.p.s. in this caliber. That puts it right there with the 1377. Naturally I’ll test that for you.

The manual says to use 2 pumps when shooting inside the house. For 10 meters it recommends 4 to 6 pumps. And 10 pumps is the recommended maximum. For those who are new to multi-pumps, when you over-pump the gun the air pressure inside doesn’t allow the valve to open all the way and the power decreases. At some point the gun fails to fire altogether and must be manually depressurized before it works again. This involves partial disassembly and is not safe for those unfamiliar with multi-pumps.

The pistol is large and all black synthetic on the outside. Only the trigger, bolt and rear sight are metal. The pistol weighs 2 lbs. 7-1/8 oz. on my postal scale. Also it is wide and high. You know you are holding something when you have the Strike Point in your hand.

Trigger

The trigger is not adjustable, and the Pyramyd description says the pull is 5 lbs. 8 oz. Of course I will test that in Part 2.

I can tell you that the trigger blade is angled too far forward. I almost can’t fit my average-sized trigger finger through the triggerguard in front of it.

Safety

The safety is a crossbolt type that’s pressed in on the left side of the gun (pressed to the right) to make safe and to the left to fire. It is manual so it doesn’t come on until you apply it.

Sights

The front sight is a fiberoptic red dot surrounded by a stout plastic hood. Some owners have criticized the hood for obscuring the target, but I don’t see that as a problem. However, the post has a rounded top that makes precision aiming difficult. Also, the front sight is wider than the rear sight notch when the pistol is held at arm’s length. That will make it quite difficult to aim.

Some reviewers have said the gun is not accurate, but I wonder how much of that criticism is due to the difficulty of using the front sight? I will know more after the accuracy test.

Strike Point front sight
Strike Point front sight is a red dot surrounded by a heavy plastic hood.

The rear sight is a sheet metal blade that adjusts for windage but not for elevation. Owners have criticized it for looking cheap, but Crosman and Benjamin have used the same type of rear sight for the last 70 years and it works. I will be able to say more about it when I shoot the pistol for accuracy.

Strike Point rear sight
The Strike Point rear sight slides from side to side for windage adjustment. There is no elevation adjustment.

Operation

To pump the pistol it first must be cocked. The manual recommends leaving the bolt open, but they are trying to prevent the loading of the gun and then putting it away without firing. Later, if it were to fire during pumping with the bolt closed and a pellet loaded, the pellet would come out as fast as if the trigger were pulled.

It is possible to pull the trigger and lower the striker by holding onto the bolt. That way you can store the pistol with one or two pumps of air inside to keep the valve closed against airborne dirt.

Advantages

The Strike Point is larger than the 1377, so if you have big hands it may feel more comfortable. It is also definitely a little muzzle-heavy which helps some people hold it steadier.

Evaluation

I have to find a way of dealing with the sights, if I’m going to see the real accuracy potential of the Strike Point. If I can figure that out and if the gun is accurate, this could become a best buy!

author avatar
Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier)
Tom Gaylord, also known as B.B. Pelletier, provides expert insights to airgunners all over the world on behalf of Pyramyd AIR. He has earned the title The Godfather of Airguns™ for his contributions to the industry, spending many years with AirForce Airguns and starting magazines dedicated to the sport such as Airgun Illustrated.
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109 thoughts on “Umarex Strike Point multi-pump pistol: Part 1”

  1. B.B.,

    I find it incongruous that you would think that people with big hands may feel more comfortable using the Strike Point while at the same time having a trigger blade angled so far forward that their finger might not fit without potentially pulling the trigger just by inserting it. Does it actually need the entire length of travel for the trigger to release the sear? Definitely aimed at the European market where Crosman commands a premium. It will probably undersell it more significantly over there.

    Siraniko

    PS. First Paragraph, Second Sentence: I overlooked this pistol atv (at) the SHOT Show this year, or if I did see it I got distracted soon after.

  2. I might be willing to give it a chance. I just like multi pumps.

    I’m not sure… when you said, ‘They are going up against the Crosman 1377 that is firmly entranced,’ did you mean, ‘firmly entrenched’?

    • Yep how would you ever know you have the front post centered with out moving it from side to side to get a glimpse of the side of the post.

      I guess the globe would help though.

      • If it were my gun I STRONGLY suspect I would be widening the rear sight notch. BB can’t do that on a loaner. It will be interesting to see if he gets frustrated enough (and has the time) to cut, drill, bend and file some properly sized replacement rear sights to properly test the accuracy of the gun with the fibre optics blacked out.

        Thinking about it, I would (time permitting) jury rig rear sights out of a plastic jar lid with my dremel for a proper test of accuracy.

        • Yep something would have to be done.

          It would only make me wonder if the gun could be more accurate if I didn’t do something.

          We will see I suppose with what BB shoots it like.

        • Seantheaussie,

          Have to love the Dremel and all its accessories eh?

          A piece of that blue/black metal “band strapping” (the stuff they use for packaging and bundling wood and such) is a great material for making sights and other things. Very versatile stuff – I always have several feet of it in the “good for something” box. 🙂

          I have used the strapping numerous times to fabricate sights to replace those that friends lost.

          If I had a Strike Point, the first thing that I would do would be to add a flat washer and spring lock washer to secure the sight. Would probably change the screw to an Allen-head or Torex at the same time.

          Hank

  6. BB,

    You could possible wedge something under the rear sight if you need elevation.

    I think that huge front sight will be a deal breaker. The only way that could work is if the glowy thingy front sight part fits in the rear sight notch and the rest of all that rigmarole does not obscure what you are shooting at.

    I’ll just stick with my Izzy.

  7. BB,

    That trigger is most definitely wonky. Who designed this thing? Between the front sight and the trigger you have to wonder if the designer even knew anything about shooting.

      • BB,

        Well, hopefully someone who counts at Umarex will read this and fix these issues. The trigger should be a relatively “easy” fix after they sell off all of this run. The front sight will be an issue though. That will call for all new molds which will likely be a real deal breaker

        The only way they could get around that would be to modify the existing molds and seal off the front sight and hood sections and come up with a front sight they can mount during assembly. That will most definitely increase manufacturing cost also, but might save it.

        What will muddy the water is they will sell large quantities to the big box stores and it will be a year or two before the fall off of sales to the stores will give an indication that something is wrong and it will likely be written off as the fickleness of the consumer moving on to another “latest and greatest”.

        • RR,

          You know, in retrospect, maybe this is not made to be aimed at “us”, the informed shooter at all? Maybe “we” are the minority? Maybe our dollars pale in comparison to the dollars of the uninformed masses? If that is the case, then any discussion of what “should have” or “could have” been done is mute and pointless? Maybe their point was never to upset the 1377 in the first place? Just toss out a price point alternative?

          It is only my opinion, but I think that may be a more accurate picture of things.

            • B.B.,

              Thanks for the conformation on the they, us and we distinctions and $ spent. I did not know for sure. With the internet and near instant consumer reviews, even the most uninformed consumer has at least some information on which to base a purchase. For anything.

              In other words, the days of tossing out some product and expecting the consumer to just start lapping it up, are fading fast. Apparently though there is still somewhat of a logic to that marketing concept. Logic being dollars.

              One thing I know (for sure),.. any air gun maker had better walk very wide circles around this blog if they are pawning junk. You may be more diplomatic in your reviews and opinions, but we as readers can be a brutally honest bunch.

              Thanks again, Chris

                • Mr. Gaylord:
                  I agree with your approach to honesty. While honesty is always a positive, brutal honesty is not. Honesty without respect, compassion and encouragement is simply cruelty.
                  As I was told early in my career, you’re never off the record. A core aspect of adult leadership is the constant recognization that someone is always watching and listening. We teach and lead by example. Brutal honesty is simply conduct unbecoming.
                  Respectfully,
                  William Schooley
                  Rifle Coach
                  Venture Crew 357
                  Chelsea, MI

                  .

                  • Mr. Schooley,

                    Good point and I agree. My point was in reference to air gun products. Not people. I think that we can all agree that we treat each other with quite a lot of respect here. Everyone seems to help each other and is always helpful to the newcomer.

                    Honesty with regards to a product’s performance is one thing, and different from a person’s performance. Like I even have to tell you?

                    I always like your comments and admire your coaching position. I am sorry if you were offended by my comment with regards to the commenters here being very honest with regards to a product’s performance.

                    Chris

                    • Chris:
                      Yes, BB’s blog community is remarkable for its civility. And I took no offense. But thanks for the clarification.
                      There’s certainly noting wrong with critiquing a product’s shortcomings as both a call for its improvement and as a warning to potential purchasers. Opinions, even opinions expressed with persuasive force are the sine qua non of productive open discussions.
                      Respectfully
                      William Schooley
                      Rifle Coach
                      Venture Crew 357
                      Chelsea, MI

            • Hank,

              🙂 I need it more often than not, myself. 😉 It is easy to become picky once you have some knowledge. If the makers want to get into the pockets of the readers here, they had better bring something of descent quality to the table. Something well thought out.

              Then of course, we don’t want to pay too much for it either! Ha-ha! Talk about a paradox.

              After reading the comments, then commenting myself,.. I was left with “why?” Why did they launch this with flaws that any knowledgeable air gunner would spot right off? My observation (a guess really) was all I could come up with as an answer.

          • Chris U,

            I think this gun is aimed at kids, plain and simple. How many adult shooters do you know that want a gun that would probably be deployed by a Transformer or RoboCop?

        • RR
          Someone at Umarex that counts. And fix the issues.

          Do you really think they will redesign the gun and release it again. I’m willing to bet the answer is no.

          If they don’t get it right the first time it will be destined to be what it is forever.

  9. Looking at the Crosman, for only five dollars more it has it all over this thing. Also, you can upgrade it to a steel breech which will allow you to mount better rear sights such as the Williams and you can also use barrel clamp mounts for a dot sight or scope.

    This thing will have to shoot like a 10 meter pistol to compete with the Crosman. Of course, that is my most humble opinion.

  10. B.B.,

    This is an interesting one for sure. The 1377 definitely has the better/sleeker looks. It is also .6# lighter. Lengths are similar. FPS is similar. The 1377 has the better grip, in my opinion. Plus, the mod. options for the 1377. All of that makes it a tuff one to “de-throne”.

    The whole trigger and front sight issue is interesting as well. Plus, no rear elevation. I think that I do like the front globe idea, but I do not think this one was well executed.

    I will have to agree with others that have commented,… did anyone that knows how to shoot even have a hand in designing this? You would think that any air gun company would want that. Just look at post sales results of guns that are made without real shooters input. They launch, real shooters get their hands on them, the (bad) reviews start rolling in and they soon die a quick death. Not a very good business model when your goal is to at least recoup your initial tooling cost and beyond.

    Oh well, I am always thrilled to see new offerings across the entire air gun world regardless. I’ll be looking forward to see how this ones pans out.

    Chris

  11. B.B.,

    The Strike Point is for someone with fingers as thick as mine a Strike Out. I would not be able to squeeze my trigger finger into the gurad in front of the trigger, not even close.

    You did mention the trigger is metal, however. Does it look to you as though one could take some pliers and bend the trigger backward to make it usable?

    Michael

        • Halfstep,

          As you can clearly see,.. the arc of the lever aligns perfectly to the curvature of the afore mentioned over sprung spring. A perfect design! 😉 Or?

            • Halfstep,

              Artistic?,… well ok. I like artistic. I was thinking more function, as in, arc matching arc. The lever would be going down upon firing.

              And yes, the thick, bulky look did stand out too. Bigger is better sells better? Who knows?

              As a complete side note and off topic,… enjoying the first of 4 days off, while watching TV, I noticed the new trend in Military recruiting commercials. They look more like a video game, without the graphics/cartoonish characters. Quite real actually. Some scenes look totally real.
              I found it interesting, if not a bit disturbing.

              • Chris
                Remember how I did that experiment by cutting coils on some spring guns and they performed with the same with as much as 4 inches of doing removed.

                Well this pistol definitely needs some spring removed for the sear.

                That’s absolutely rediculous.

                • GF1,

                  Yes, I remember. I am often the one telling others about it. The spring may work ok if shortened/positioned straight. It should definitely make the pull lighter. I was just joking with Halfstep.

                    • GF1,

                      If I remember correctly, Umerex is an importer. They do not make anything. They resell. Who knows what they are getting and from where? Their name is big, BIG, but what is it exactly they are selling? Lowest bid? Highest profit margin? The latest and greatest from Wang Po Industries? I have lost track of who has bought out who and who now owns what.

                      If I am wrong,.. anyone feel free to jump right in.

          • ChrisU,

            I just had another epiphany. I bet the whole point of requiring the finger to be crammed between the trigger and guard was to straighten the spring prior the beginning the firing cycle.

  12. B.B.,

    i suppose the sights issue could be addressed by grinding the front one off, followed by grinding most of the rear one off. Then use the screws on the rear to attach a small rail for a red dot.

    That, along with approaching the trigger as a project, could make the Strike Point a fun air pistol kit/project, especially if Umarex threw in skateboard tape for the forearm, which in the photos looks a bit slick for a pumping arm. The end result might be a very nice shooter, if the trigger is crisp and the barrel is accurate.

    Michael

    • Michael
      And after the trigger is fixed what’s the next thing you would do to the gun to make it how you think it should be. And the next and the next and so on.

      I’m curious to see if BB can shoot this gun good as is. Now this one will be one to follow and see how it actually does.

      If it does shoot good as is is. Will it shoot better if the trigger is changed or if the sights are worked on? Logic would say yes. But you just never know.

      • Gunfun1,

        B.B. no doubt can shoot this pistol as well as it can be shot, but I would not be able to shoot it AT ALL. There is no way I could squeeze my finger into that tiny space between the blade and trigger guard.

        Michael

    • Michael,

      Depending on its thickness, it may be possible to screw on a dovetail rail to that long plastic barrel shroud, eliminating the need to mess with the stock sights.

      Half

  13. Totally off topic:

    Last year I had 4 hot pepper plants that got hit by a slight frost, yet were still alive, (they had at least 40 green Cayenne peppers on them that I wanted to turn red and save). I brought them in and trimmed off anything not alive or dying.

    In short, I got all of the peppers and 2 plants survive to this day. The “stubs”, about 8″ high, now have new growth all over them and some new shoots are 8″+ long. They are about 14″ tall at this point. Some life was always present, but they are really taking off now.

    Most interesting of all is,.. there is at least 20 blossoms that have just started! 🙂 It will be interesting to see what happens. If they continue to live, I will put them outside this planting season. Then, in the Fall, I may repeat. We are talking mid-Ohio here. Like air guns, I like to play around and see what will happen. 😉

    Just some FYI for anyone interested.

      • Halfstep,

        No,… (well maybe),.. I just like my peppers and found my testing to be interesting and maybe of interest to other Northern gardeners. 😉

        We will just have to see how this pistol does.

      • Halfstep,

        Ok,.. how is this?,…. Upon finding that a straight spring was binding when the sear lever lowered during firing,.. the “air gun”,.. umm?,.. errr?,… “techs”, thought that we need a BIGGER spring. BIGGER is ALWAYS better,… right? So, bigger it was . And POOF!,… the binding issues were gone and the trigger functioned perfectly. They did not realize that matching arc to arc was a benefit, but rather just that BIGGER was better. Well, of course. 😉

        How was that? Ok, now I am finished,… maybe. 😉 Come on,… I do not need any help without you already “goating” me on! 😉

        • ChrisU
          I am also a northern gardener on the great frozen tundra of Mn.. I am not a fan of hot peppers but I am always saddened when frost ends the tomato season. BTW May 15 is when it is safe to plant outside here. Gerald

    • Chris U,

      Glad your peppers made it. Someday i want to build a greenhouse. The peppers should produce all year in a protected and heated greenhouse.

      We just used the last of our frsh peppers a couple of weeks ago. They were a little wrinkled but tasted ok.

      Don

  14. One look at the strike point trigger tells me the design engineer was not a shooter. It also says the design was not tested by a shooter OR even worse if it was tested by a shooter and the design was not changed based on a review. I have seen this too many times. I will expect this carries into other parts of the gun besides the sights.

    This gun would have to be very accurate to overcome just trigger and sight blunders for me to bite the pellet.

    Don

  15. Uuugly, uuugly, uuugly. Umarex would have been better served by dveloping something unique, like a Maximus style PCP pistol with a skeleton style stock accessory for around $200. That would have filled the gap between the 2240 and Marauder pistol. If it was accurate with a decent modifiable trigger, I would be interested because I’m getting tired of 10 lb + rifle scope combos.

  16. I’ve been thinking about Reb, lately. Anybody hear anything about him? He would have loved all the latest innovations and price point PCPs. I miss his comments.

    Brent

  17. I don’t want to put down Umarex. I’ve owned three. The Umarex Browning Buckmark is pretty good. I wanted the Umarex Ruger Explorer to be good, but try as I might, it wouldn’t meet my accuracy standard. Also the automatic safety, that I actually liked, wouldn’t always actuate. I finally returned the gun. My Umarex APX NPG, while I wasn’t very happy with the accuracy at first, that got much better with use. The trigger isn’t very nice, but improved somewhat with more shooting. When I finally retried the RWS Meisterkugeln 7.4 grain rifle pellets, boy howdy did it start to shoot!

  18. I had to smile reading this thread.
    Such a polite thrashing.
    Makes me all the more a fan of the blog.
    I’m betting part 2 will be equally entertaining.
    Carry on gentlemen.

  19. BB, another issue that I see is that the gun needs to be cocked to pump it up, and yet multi – pumps should be stored with a pump in them, so this one needs to be stored both pumped and cocked. Leaving it cocked will eventually affect the hammer spring won’t it?

  20. I picked up a StrikePoint last year, wanted to do a comparison to the Crosman 1322. I an a little(alot) biased towards Crosman, but figured why not try something new.
    After laughing at the sights, cringing at the trigger, and having consistency issues over the chrony, I decided it is not fair to compare the 1322.
    While the SP seems a good deal, I can’t imagine it selling well against a 13xx.
    Goodluck testing BB, look forward to your results.

  23. I own a Crosman P1377 and a Gamo Compact (which is now a Air Venturi V10). I’m very happy with both as they are more accurate than my talents allow. I also give consideration to how a gun “looks”, and the Umarex would fail in that respect for me.
    I found “2 pumps for in the house, and 4-6 for 10 meters” interesting as I’ve always felt that 10 meters was the minimum target shooting range. On the other hand, I’m not into “plinking”. Also, there seems to be a big difference between 4 and 6 pumps. Could one assume that 4 was OK for a paper target?
    In any event, I love your reviews, as well as the help you have given me in the past (like leaving one pump in the P1377 between sessions).

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