Stoeger Arms X20 Wood Breakbarrel Air Rifle Combo

Things I liked: I put a few rounds thru the first X20 sent. I was impressed with the lighter than normal recoil. After about 4-5 pellets the trigger seemed to be getting better(not that it was all that bad at shot #1). The scope is fairly nice with a lot of adjustment.I bought the rifle to use for the better than average iron sights, but the scope was already mounted so I decided to sight it in and shoot with that for a while.and good thing I did. Even with all the problems I had with the original and the replacement, PA staff gave me no problems or grief.

Things I would have changed: At 16ft I was 1 low on bullseye and the scope was fully maxed out. At 10 meters it would have been at least 15+ low of target with no more adjustment. Looked to see if breech might not be seated and barrel pointing down. Looking down the receiver and to the barrel it was visibly pointing downward. Called PA to return for a replacement and I asked if PA could check the next one visually. He told me that that is checked at the factory prior to their shipment. Well that is a crock, because eventhe replacement was VISUALLY pointing down as well. Simply, they are NOT checked for barrel droop visually, let alone mechanically. Out of the box new, and it is functionally flawed to only be usable with iron sights. Most of the other Stoeger models have suppressors and no sights.

What others should know: Its a shame it seemed nice for a Chinese built rifle otherwise. However I am left with the question of what else didnt Stoeger bother checking, and what other part of the build did they botch as well. Two in a row is a red flag of a quality process problem and can easily stem farther that just one model. I would rather be shooting, than swapping rifles back and forth until I find one they did right, and still be wondering . One positive thing is that it cured my desire to purchase an expensive Benelli shotgun, if they cant even manage the quality out of their Chinese air rifle sub company. I will leave Stoeger/Benelli problems for someone else and keep looking for an air rifle that I can have some confidence in up front.