Ultimate guide to FX Airguns

When first launched, the FX Wildcat was regarded as one of the first successful bullpup designs. The MK2 enhanced that reputation further and the current version, the MK3 continues the tradition. Distinguished by its black synthetic stock and available with either a 500mm barrel (the Compact) or 700mm barrel (Sniper) in calibres up to .30, the MK3 benefits from a larger plenum size along with improvements to the air flow and valving arrangement. Like most FX rifles, the ability to adjust and fine tune the set up is a core feature of the Wildcat MK3. Although undeniably of more benefit to high-power versions, a power wheel cycles through seven hammer spring preset positions, and the regulator can be adjusted externally as well. Further tweaking to adjust the tension of the hammer spring and balance it with the regulator is possible by inserting an allen key into a hole on the wheel. The MK3 also benefits from a higher capacity Side-Shot magazine. Current models also ship with FX’s Superior STX Barrel Liner. The barrel and liner can be swapped out for different calibres, including the Superior STX Heavy Liner for those who shoot heavier slugs. At a time when the cocking mechanism on many bullpups was awkwardly placed at the back of the rifle, the Wildcat was designed to bring the side lever closer to the middle of the rifle, making it much easier to cock and cycle pellets. The design also enabled a crisp, two-stage trigger at a time when those on many other bullpups felt vague.

For a full review and accuracy test results of the FX Wildcat MK3 see our page and video here. 

Unlike the majority of FX rifles that feature tactical or less conventional designs, as well as black synthetic stocks, the Crown is aimed squarely at those who want a more traditional sporting rifle and comes with a choice of synthetic, walnut or several different laminate stocks. FX claims it is ‘the most progressively engineered and accurate air rifle ever created’. There’s no denying the rifle’s capabilities, but several other manufacturers would no doubt contest the claim. Many of the advancements developed on the FX Impact have been incorporated into the Crown such as the interchangeable barrel and liner system, externally adjustable regulator and the ability to tune the hammer tension via a power wheel. The regulator and 480cc carbon fibre bottle combine to deliver a huge shot count in 12 ft. lbs. format, delivered via a smooth side lever action and capacious magazine that takes as many as 22 pellets in .177 calibre. Other features include a two-stage adjustable trigger and a telescopic moderator/shroud. The entry level Crown VP Edition has a synthetic stock and aluminium bottle.

FX helped define the concept of the modular gun platform with the Dreamline. Interchangeable with AR components, the Dreamline is a rifle of multiple personalities depending on its configuration. The Dreamline Classic is a traditional walnut stocked sporter whilst the Dreamline Lite is a super-lightweight hunting rifle. You can also opt for the Dreamline Bullpup and the Dreamline Tactical. At its heart, the Dreamline shares many of the design features of the Impact, Wildcat and Crown, namely the FX Smooth Twist X (STX) barrel, the calibre and liner of which can be swapped; externally adjustable regulator, as well as valve and hammer tension adjuster, adjustable two-stage trigger and high capacity magazine. As standard, the Dreamline has a 220cc air cylinder that takes a maximum 230 bar fill that can be swapped for a bottle for increased shot count.

Thanks to some slick promotional work, superb engineering and design, the FX Impact is one of the most popular air rifles on the market for both 12 ft. lbs. shooters and those with firearms licenses or fortunate enough to live where there are no power restrictions. The highly tactical bullpup design has influenced many other companies to produce similar rifles. However, FX keep raising the bar with a seemingly never ending number of enhancements, revisions and modifications. As with other FX rifles, the Smooth Twist X Barrel is interchangeable with barrels of different calibres and liners to accommodate slugs. Other features include: externally adjustable hammer tension/power wheel and regulator pressure, an excellent two-stage trigger, smooth side lever cocking, huge shot count from the standard 480cc bottle in 12 ft. lbs. format and a high capacity Side-Shot magazine. Options include silver, black or bronze finishes to the breech area, as well as 500 and 600mm barrels. The Compact model has a smaller 300cc air bottle. The Sniper model has a 700mm barrel and the .35 calibre model has a larger 580cc bottle and 800mm barrel.

The Verminator is a small, tactical take down rifle that is ideal for use in confined spaces. Based on the FX Royale breech block, the current Verminator MK2 has a detachable 400cc air bottle which also serves as the rifle butt. The side lever cocking action, along with an adjustable trigger, shrouded barrel, high capacity magazine and three-stage power adjuster are capable of high levels of accuracy, making the rifle, as the name suggests, superb for hunting and pest control. The Verminator MK2 packs down compactly to fit in a supplied plastic hard case that is designed to accommodate accessories such as a scope.

As a sporting style rifle, the Royale 400 is more closely aligned to the Crown than the rest of its more tactical looking siblings, and is available with a walnut, black synthetic or black pepper laminate stock. The 400cc air bottle gives the rifle good shot count through the 500mm Smooth Twist barrel, particularly in 12 ft. lbs. The side lever is as smooth and reliable as that on other rifles in the FX line up. The two-stage trigger is crisp and precise and a three-stage power adjuster gives you added flexibility, although shooters of the high power versions will appreciate it most. With a larger 500cc air bottle and 600mm Smooth Twist barrel, the FX Royale 500 is available in .25 calibre only.