This report covers:
- No clue
- The test
- Scoped
- Install fresh NitroAir cartridge
- Sight-in
- JSB Hades
- RWS Hobby
- Air Arms Falcons
- JTS 18.1-grain dome
- Last pellet—H&N Baracuda 15
- Summary
Today we begin looking at the accuracy of the Umarex Komplete air rifle. I say begin for many reasons that I’ll explain as the report unfolds.
No clue
For starters I have no clue how accurate the Komplete may be. Given the power we saw in Part Two I selected five pellets to test, but the test was different. I will explain.
I wanted to see what pellets are potentially accurate, and also to eliminate those that aren’t. That’s why I picked five for today’s test.
Instead of the usual 10-shot groups I decided to shoot five shots with each pellet so I could test more pellets. But I also did that because the NitroAir cartridge only has enough gas for around 40 great shots. After 40 it becomes arguable whether the follow-on shots are doing their best—especially as the distance increases.
And I shot today from 10 meters. I don’t know the Komplete yet and I wanted to keep all the shots in the pellet trap.
The test
I shot five groups with five different pellet from 10 meters. The rifle was rested directly on a sandbag and there were no called pulls. I had to use the rotary magazine because there isn’t a single-shot loader for the Komplete—yet. I only loaded five pellets at a time into the magazine so there could be no mistakes.
Scoped
The Komplete comes with a scope but I didn’t mount it—yet. I mounted a UTG 10X44 scope that looks great on this rifle.
The 10X44 UTG scope looks great on the Umarex Komplete.
Install fresh NitroAir cartridge
Remember the trouble I had installing the first NitroAir gas cartridge? I mentioned it in Part 2. I also knew that sometimes these cartridges pierce so quietly that we can’t tell if it’s happened. That’s what happened last time.
This time I screwed in the cartridge until the resistance increased ever-so-slightly, which should be the point where the piercing pin contacts the cartridge. I then screwed it in another turn and a half. Then I unscrewed the cartridge about a quarter turn and fired the rifle in a safe direction without the magazine installed. The cartridge had pierced!
This demonstrates that the last time BB was wrong. If you follow my instructions for today’s installation they should work well.
Sight-in
Remember I said in Part Two I wasn’t sure whether the Komplete’s trigger is single-stage or two-stage? After today’s test I am certain it is a single-stage trigger. And knowing that I am now much safer when using it.
The Komplete shot WAY low and to the right—even though this scope is shimmed. I had to crank up the elevation a lot and also move the reticle to the left a lot.
I started sighting-in at 12 feet and took five shots to get to the bullseye. Then at 10 meters I took three more shots to refine the scope setting.
JSB Hades
For sight-in and for the first group I shot JSB Hades pellets. Five went into 0.291-inches between centers at 10 meters.
ht
Five JSB Hades pellets went into 0.291-inches at 10 meters. It might look like a good group but it’s quite large for 10 meters.
RWS Hobby
The next pellet I tried was the RWS Hobby wadcutter. Five went into 0.561-inches at 10 meters. That rules out the Hobby for use in this rifle in my book!
The Komplete put five Hobbys into 0.561-inches at 10 meters. Not a pellet for this rifle!
Air Arms Falcons
The third pellet I tested was the Air Arms Falcon dome. The first three shots went into the same hole without any apparent enlargement. That’s the round hole at the bottom of the group. But the final two shots opened the group to 0.22-inches. It’s the smallest group of this test so this is a pellet that will be tested again.
The Komplete put five Falcon pellets into this 0.22-inch group at 10 meters.
JTS 18.1-grain dome
I wanted to see what a heavier pellet would do so I tried the 18.1-grain JTS dome next. Five went into a very round 0.227-inch group at ten meters. This is another pellet to try some more, though I will note that they loaded into the breech much harder than all the other pellets!
Five 18.1-grain JTS domes went into a 0.227-inch group at 10 meters. Another keeper!
Last pellet—H&N Baracuda 15
The last pellet I tried was the H&N Baracuda 15. Five of them went into 0.284-inches at ten meters and given what the Falcons and JTS domes did I’m ruling these pellets out for future accuracy tests.
The Komplete shot five H&N Baracuda 15s into a 0.284-inch group at ten meters.
Summary
Today’s test has taught me a lot more about the Umarex Komplete. I now have the rifle sighted in and I know two good pellets to try at greater distances. I also know how to install a NitroAir cartridge in the rifle.
The rifle is scoped and sighted-in for the next test. And I know how the trigger works, as well. This was a good day!
Wow, nice groups.
Now, please shoot it at 25 yards and see if it still groups so well.
Have a nice weekend everybody!
-Yogi
Yogi,
That’s my plan. Then the same on CO2.
BB
Tom,
That’s a nice single stage trigger breaking at under 4 pounds of pressure compared to other single stage triggers out there. I know you haven’t been inside and have no plans but do you think the trigger will improve with use?
Siraniko
Do you mean smooth out or lighten the trigger pull?
Or both??
-Yogi
Yogi,
I’m not sure yet.
BB
Siraniko,
Maybe it’s me who needs to improve?
BB
The more I read about Komplete the more I see some potential in the platform. We have constant 40 shots serious power that comes from a small tank. Next thing that comes to mind is a small semi auto pistol/carbine. A cheap ~15fpe, 40 semi auto shots, accurate airgun with less than 20 inches length. What is not to like? I believe that it could be a seller for Umarex taking a piece of the market from Turkish and Chinese brands. It could also be a weaker alternative to the Talon.
My problem is I already have some nice airguns. All kinds live here at RRHFWA. This just does not do anything for me, though I can see where this just might appeal to someone who wants to break into PCP airguns at an affordable price tag.
Oops!
The test
I shot five groups with five different pellet (s) from 10 meters.
I had to use the rotary magazine because there isn’t as (a) single-shot loader for the Komplete—yet.
RR,
Got it. At least you’re reading these reports! 😉
BB
I predict BB will be pleased with accuracy at 25 yards with both gas types but we all shall see.
I have not found it necessary to back off the cartridge screw on either of my two Komplete rifles. I’m guessing it’s okay to do it or not do it.
The weight and handling of these Kompletes, at least for me, is a major plus.
Deck
Interesting airgun, maybe a good (less expensive) way to break into the PCP arena.
I consider 25 yards to be “very close” range for testing modern PCPs as all but truly incompatible pellets should shoot reasonably well at that distance. That being said, just for giggles (and an excuse to do more shooting), I might test all my rifles at 10 meters to see how well they stack up against my FWB 300 and 603.
From tons of testing (airguns, tunes and pellets) accuracy and stability issues start showing up after 35 or so yards. For that reason, I do my testing at 40 yards – far enough to see what really happening, close enough that me level of skill is not (negatively) impacting the results too badly 😉
BB, please shoot a couple of groups at 40-50 yards to see what this rifle can do.
Happy Friday all!
Hank
Hank,
Not a bad idea!
BB
B.B.,
I hope folks take note and understand the reason you backed off 1/4 turn.
Personally i think i would try as much as a full turn and listen for leaks.
Getting the maximum possible flow of gas to a valve will usually give the best shot to shot pressure metering stability.
Given five shot test groups, your proven high level of shooting skill, and your pellet picking skills for testing purposes i think the best that can be expected from this PARTICULAR barrel and rifle is 3 MOA.
So, at twenty five yards slightly under 1″ and at 50 yards around 1.5”+ for 10 shot groups.
If folks that buy this rifle get close to that accuracy they should consider it good.
On your CO² cylinder testing i have found in my CO² guns having a properly configured dip tube type of arrangement allowed the ability to shoot with a CO² gas ONLY or liquid CO² valve. If your cylinder can’t ensure one or the other exclusively your muzzle velocity will likely prove very inconsistent.
shootski
Shootski
I’m wondering what backing off the CO2 cartridge/cylinder screw does. Does this relax residual tension? Also 1/4 turn vs a full turn is a subject I want to hear more about. My Crosman 1377 and 2400KT do require backing off but others don’t seem to.
I am not a technical guy and my ignorance may be showing but I’m too old to try to hide it.
Deck
Decksniper,
“My Crosman 1377 and 2400KT do require backing off but others don’t seem to.”
Mine don’t either! The 1377 is a Multi-pump Powerplant in stock form; therefore doesn’t need a piercing device to get the compressed air to the valve. Your 2400KT in stock form has a CO² Powerplant supplied by a CO² Powerlet (cartridge) that is pressed into the valve inlet. The process to get CO² flowing into the valve after installing a new Powerlet requires you to cock the bolt, release the SAFETY and pull the trigger. That first trigger pull after installation of a new Powerlet is to drive the piercing pin into the cap of the Powerlet thereby causing the CO² to flow into the valve as soon as you cock the stryker/hammer for the next shot. Sometimes the CO² will leak into the valve even without recocking the airgun. Occasionally i have heard folks complain about piecing pins getting stuck?
TIP:
For those new to this system if an EMPTY POWERLET gets stuck in the tube you can try cocking and pulling the trigger a number of times to get the cartridge to slide out…SOMETIMES. IF that doesn’t work their are a number of ingenious methods to get a stuck one out without disassembling the airgun; just ask here on the blog and you will get the advice you need.
Now back to the REPLY: The reason to back out the cylinder in this airgun’s Powerplant is that the piercing pin is FIXED and as you screw in the cylinder is pierced by entering the sealed mouth/annulus of the cylinder. The problem is that as it enters it may partially or completely block the gas flow (depending on the piercing device design and perhaps how HARD the user cranked it IN) from being able to make it’s way to the valve. By turning the cylinder out by some amount you are giving the cylinder’s gas a (larger) opening to flow through to the valve. Tom used a 1/4 turn back out and that may be sufficient but doing a little careful experimenting with turning out to the start of leakage (and then back in a bit) will provide a larger path/opening for gas flow. Both for refiling the valve after the shot and during the next shot cycle; you may get a more consistent shot to shot flow.
Clear as mud?
Ask follow-up questions as needed.
If someone knows better i’m always open to learn something new… every day of my life!
shootski
Shootski
Many thanks for a clear explanation on backing off the CO2 screw. Of course the 1377 is a multi pump. I was thinking one airgun and typing another! I do have another Crosman Custom CO2 with a 24” barrel perhaps based on the 2240 platform that the manual calls for backing out the screw. But my Dan Wesson, Beeman AR2078A and Crosman 160 may also benefit from backing off. The last two are back to back with two piercing pins and allow the option of loading either one or two cylinders. I will give them all a try backing off the screw to see if this helps consistency.
I also have a Crosman Custom 1300KT multi pump. It and the 2400KT have Lothar Walther barrels. Equipped with a steel breech, I have the option to mount my choice of optic. All can be converted back and forth as carbines or pistols. I’m sorry Crosman discontinued its Custom shop.
On one occasion having left a partially consumed CO2 cylinder in for several weeks, it was firmly stuck after shooting all the gas out. I finally made a wood dowel with a concave end. After cleaning the round cylinder butt and applying some glue to the matching dowel, I was able to pull the cylinder out. Another time just cocking and releasing the sear worked.
Deck
For the good of the order, If the cap is suddenly too hard to turn back out by hand, the CO² has been released and has pressurized the tube. Don’t use pliers to turn the cap!
Roamin
Yes, never use more than fingers to unscrew, at least I don’t. Just shoot blank shots until it is loose or use the degas tool if it has one.
Deck
Decksniper,
Yup!
I got out early this morning to exercise the ASP20s and set up the Lab Radar to give their Gas Springs a wellness check.
Results show no loss of MV.
My target is an old, broken, and very rusty 3lb sledgehammer head i found while tilling the soil for the tomatoes. The head is small enough in RADAR cross section that the Doppler ignores the return enough to get readings even on the .177 pellets till just before they impact at 30 yards.
The sound of the Lead smacking the steel is very satisfying. The .22 will occasionally knock the head off the retaining wall if i hit one end or the other.
I had started to shoot through the hole for the handle but it was concentrating the hits enough that i was drilling my way through my 6″×6″ Backstop; so i now only shoot at the solid sides of the head. I have Lead blasted most of the rust off of the head.
I never suspected i would enjoy shooting Springers this much….
shootski
Shootski
Like you I am the happy owner of at least one Sig ASP20. While my Weihrauchs and Feinwerkbau springers are as accurate at closer ranges, the Sig can stretch its legs more.
Deck
Vana2,
“Modern” PCP’s should be tested at 100 yards. That is where they shine.
guys at the range tell me up to 100 yards pellets are fine. Further than 100 yards, slugs are the way to go(assuming that you can find the right one). Seems even harder than finding the right pellets?
-Yogi
Yogi,
IMHO, testing average PCPs at a 100 yards is like driving the family car at 100 mph… it can probably do 100 mph but it’s not what it’s designed for.
Pellet guns have come a long way (accuracy, power, and range) in the last 30-40 years but I would say that most are 50-60 yard weapons at best.
I’d bet that (bench shooters aside) people generally don’t shoot much beyond 50 yards and most at half that range. Testing at 40-50 yards lets me evaluate the stability of the pellet and tune where under 30 yards the problems are not apparent. My testing at 100 yards still yields nice “patterns”, not groups… I’m working on it though 😉
To get (useful) accuracy at 100 yards requires finely tuned high-end airguns, carefully selected ammunition and a lot of skill.
By “useful accuracy” I’m talking about how far a one inch target can be consistently hit, not theoretical MOA stuff.
Pellet gun barrels were designed for pellets at (relatively) low velocities and close range work. The lack of industry standards and “special” custom tweaks (like chokes) have made shooting slugs a challenge. Getting the right fit (and tune) is critical to performance as the solid slugs are not as ductile or forgiving as pellets. There’s quite a difference between a pellet gun and a slug gun, both are optimized for their job.
Just my take on things.
Hank
What kind of car do you drive?
If my car can not do 100mph, it would not be my car.
My springers can do 55 yards, they have to during Field Target.
Guys at my range regularly shoot at 150-200 yards with their PCP’s.
If you are only shooting at 50 yards, shoot a springer!!!
-Yogi
PS Yes, I take my car to the track to see what it can really do.
Vana2,
Hank i read your reply to Yogi: “IMHO, testing average PCPs at a 100 yards is like driving the family car at 100 mph… it can probably do 100 mph but it’s not what it’s designed for.” over coffee during a break from the renovation work yesterday morning…i almost responded then but will today after sleeping on it. My thoughts included some questions.
What is an average PCP these days and how accurately can they be shot during testing? I think many can be kept on a National Target Company A-36 1982 (NRA 50 FT. Rifle Target) out to 100 yards. That target is the one with two central sighting bulls and ten for record bulls; some might be able to group within the vicinity of the individual bulls in the hands of an average shooter with substantial experience with the scope-projectile-rifle on a no wind day.
Now as far as the family car. Back in the mid to late1980 the family car was a four door sedan by SAAB, Model 900S with a normally aspirated 2.3 Liter 4 cylinder engine. That car was capable of cruising all day on the German Autobahn at 120+ MPH/193+ Kp/h. Just before moving back to the USA we replaced my 1978 FIAT 131 Abarth, that had acquired rust problems, with a SAAB 9000 AERO Five Door (hatchback) that could do an honest 168 MPH/270 Kp/h with no Electronic Limiter and the 3″ custom exhaust header and pipe i installed. Those are all “family sedans; okay one is a hatchback with 5 doors that seats 5 adults comfortably ;^)
So there is hope for average PCP and family sedans.
The RCMP would love me i’m sure if their horses are really that fast!
shootski
Shootski,
Never owned any of those posh, high performance European cars, just a couple of those brute-force north american ones with 340 to 394 cubic inch V8 engines. That was back in my younger days when gas was 33 cents a gallon.
As far as the 100 yard shooting goes, I still define accuracy as the ability to put a 10 shot group into a one inch circle (consistently), any bigger than that is a pattern, not a group 😉
From what I’ve seen of people’s 100 yard attempts (with only 5 shots!) those PCPs are (maybe) capable of 75-80 yard one inch groups.
I don’t do MOA, it’s ok for theory but not for practical shooting. My one-inch accuracy thinking is based on the fact that the kill-zone on a squirrel or rabbit is constant, regardless of distance.
Cheers!
Vana2,
Hank those cars may have been considered posh (unfortunately) by some but for my family they were considered to be economy cars due to owning them for at least 10+ years (most for 20+ and 500k+ miles) and a minimum for 250k miles. SAAB was killed by the American POSH Crowd buying them, asking for V6s, demanding automatic transmissions which all convinced General Motors to buy a controlling interest going on to steal the rugged Winter soul that made SAABs great automobiles.
In my youth i enjoyed shoe horning Chevy small block V-8 high revving engines into strange little foreign cars.
MOA, MRAD, clicks of any kind are just for twirling sight/scope turrets ;^)
Totally agree that Game and Pest anatomy determine minimum accuracy requirements for a respectful harvest.
PCP testing or for that matter any projectile launching device testing is full of traps for the unwary and unknowing. Controlling the variables is almost an impossible task; in the end results downrange is all that matters and most of that has little or nothing to do with the device but rather with the operator and their ability to take note of and adjust for the most important variables before and during that one shot.
I will now stop the soap box performance.
What ever happened to the Soap Box Derby?
shootski
Shootski,
*** Controlling the variables is almost an impossible task; in the end results downrange is all that matters ***
Sometimes (with live targets) the best decision is to pass up the shot 😉
My son (15 yo) on his first deer hunt passed up a 25 yard , standing shot at a nice 6-point buck. Deer are beautiful, he had never killed an animal and it was his choice to shoot or not, he let the buck walk. When I asked why he didn’t shoot he explained that he didn’t have a clear shot at the lungs and was not confident enough for a neck shot, that it was best to wait for a better shot. I was pleased with his choice, many adults would have tried a marginal shot. He did take a deer with a 45 yard shot later that day.
Shooting paper is another matter – that’s where you learn about all those variables 🙂
Hank
Vana2,
Hank your son is an example to us all on how to be an ethical sport hunter.
Not taking the shot when something isn’t quite right is what i was taught makes the difference between the merely great target shooters and the Champion/Elite Target Shooters.
shootski
Looking forward to the CO2 testing. Hopefully BB’s testing results will be in line with other reliable test reports I’ve read and help substantiate the Komplete’s performance characteristics.
As Shootski suspected, at least one report reveals an 88g CO2 cylinder providing 150 good shots. But, shots 1-40 exhibited significant variation.
Does anyone else think the Komplete is reminiscent of the Hammerli/Umarex 850?
It looks similar. But the 850 has a simpler magazine that is positioned below the top of the receiver. The 850 is designed to work like a single action revolver. No springs in the mag, just an o-ring. It was my first “good” air rifle. Great for pesting to 20 yards and mine holds CO2 indefinetly. I know this because my Avenger has taken over most duties…more range.
Remarq,
One of the reasons that the typical CO² Powerplant has Muzzle Velocity (MV) instability is that when folks handle/cock their airguns between shots by changing the hold (from muzzle up or muzzle down) they inadvertently cause different amounts of liquid and gas CO² to find it’s way to the valve which of course causes large swings in the amount of CO² that gets behind the projectile in the barrel.
On my airguns with the Catalina 71/2, 13, and 22 cu. in. CO² cylinders i have them equiped with a bent tube from the tank valve (ON/OFF) fitting that is indexed to one side of the cylinder. If the tank is top indexed you get only gas state CO² to the valve and if it is indexed to the bottom of the tank you get liquid state CO² to the valve; as long as you keep the gun close to level.
The MV stability gained is notable higher and the power increase with a valve tuned to make use of liquid state CO² is surprising to many shooters.
shootski
shootski,
That sounds like a promising blog topic. Maybe I will work it into the SAA test series.
BB
B.B. and SIG owning Readership,
This is a supposedly: “…revolutionary way to understand and maintain your guns, ….
I guess no one from Crosman is left at SIG!
WHAT a shame SIG AIR didn’t (wasn’t allowed by the lawyers) to offer at least this level of support for their SIG ASP20! I remember all the quetching on this FAILING of SIG’s (and all the other Forums) about lack of owner ability to get parts…causing folks to NOT buy the Break Barrel of the Millenium.
https://www.sigsauer.com/sig-sauer-small-parts-shoppers?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=250621_Small_Parts_Shopper&_kx=GTTIt72xWUt0fxOu0WaU0sLKfDtRBfhpEzB62T3MMF4.SKxiWA
https://www.sigsauer.com/partpicker/p365-parts-picker
shootski
Hi I have had excellent success with the h and n hunter extreme 18 grains at 25 yards using a tripod and I’m not a great shot
B.B.,
I bought a Komplete on impulse. I regret it. Not for any reason regarding the rifle. I have three good pcp rifles in .177, .22 and .25.
What I will invest in now is a more powerful pump and a carbon fiber tank. I can still take the portable pump with me. Hand pumps are now history for me, although I had a good work out filling to 2000 psi.
It is good to see you are still providing valuable airgun information for your readers. You certainty did for me.
Best to you,
Ken Holmes