Guaranteed fun with Stoeger Airguns: RX20 Synt and XM1 Rifles

If you enjoy casual shooting with air rifles, the two Stoeger models featured in these notes will delight you, both for their impeccable finish and ergonomic design, as well as their moderate price.

These are two very different models because the RX20 Synt is a single-shot compressed air rifle, while the XM1 is a repeating PCP that can also be used for single-shot shooting. However, both are very accurate and have been expressly designed for casual shooting (and hunting, where they can be used for this purpose).

They have been developed by Italian designers and engineers from the Beretta Group (to which Stoeger Airguns belongs), applying a new concept that encompasses several technologies, allowing the rifles to adapt to the users' preferences and ergonomic needs.

This new concept is called “Human Tech Design” by Stoeger Airguns, and in addition to ergonomics and ease of use, it gives the rifles a very elegant appearance, typical of Italian firearms, as seen in the illustrations.

Stoeger RX20 Synt

RX is the name of a modern series of Stoeger compressed air rifles, consisting of numerous models with fixed or break-barrel designs. Within this latter category, several RX20 models stand out, which basically differ from each other by having either synthetic (in various colors) or wooden stocks, the barrels may or may not have a suppressor, and they may come with a scope as standard (RX20 Combo versions). And, of course, also by price, as the RX20 Combo or those with suppressors are logically more expensive (see www.bbi.es).

The sides of the ergonomic “ProAdaptive Chekering” stock's grip and forend of the RX20 can be easily removed and replaced with other pieces in orange or blue, which are provided as accessories (Multi Grip System or MGS).

The stock is ambidextrous, non-slip, and features a Monte Carlo cheekpiece.

The RX20 Synt shown in the photos is the most economical RX20 version (its recommended retail price is 174 euros in either 4.5mm or 5.5mm caliber), but its price-quality ratio is very high, whether compared to other rifles in the RX series or those of other brands at a similar price.

On both sides of the rear sight groove, there are green fiber inserts. It is adjustable for elevation and windage.

As the rifle is loaded by breaking the barrel, it ends in a wider, non-slip area that allows for a firm grip. Note that the front sight is made of orange fiber.

It is equipped with an elegant black synthetic ProAdaptive Chekering stock that is ambidextrous and non-slip. It features a stock with a Monte Carlo cheekpiece and has the peculiarity that the sides of the grip and the forend can be removed (by loosening a screw) and replaced with other pieces in orange or blue, which are provided as accessories (Multi Grip System or MGS).

The safety is ambidextrous and automatic. It is located behind the chamber and is activated when the barrel is broken.

The trigger is two-stage adjustable and can be used with gloves because it is protected by a very large trigger guard, which is part of the stock.

Next to the model, you can read “Human Tech Design,” the new design concept aimed at ensuring that the rifles adapt to the user's tastes and ergonomic needs.

The barrel (break-barrel) is made of steel. It measures 41.97 cm, has no suppressor, and features open contrast sights: orange fiber front sight and rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, with green fiber inserts in the rear sight groove.

And behind the chamber (with a rail for mounting the scope), it has the safety lever, which is ambidextrous and automatic, as it goes into the safe position when the barrel is broken.

Stoeger XM1

XM1 is the name of Stoeger's most basic bolt-action PCP rifle, though it does not lack in performance when compared to other models of a similar or even higher price. In fact, it won the 2020 Red Dot Award for Best Product Design.

Like the previous model, it can be chosen in 4.5mm or 5.5mm caliber and is not very expensive (282 euros), considering that its design is customizable and ergonomic.

The Stoeger XM1 comes with a rotary magazine and a single-shot loading base (installed), a charging adapter, two Picatinny rails for accessories (right and left sides), a raised Monte Carlo cheekpiece, and a black and blue grip base (installed).

The stock is ambidextrous and adjustable in length and height, and it can also be customized by replacing the blue grip with a black one that is provided as an accessory.

As standard, it is prepared for single-shot loading by placing a pellet on a removable synthetic piece called the “loading base,” but it can also be used as a repeating rifle. To do this, simply remove the loading base (by pushing it to the side with your fingers until it comes out of its slot) and replace it with a magazine that is provided as an accessory and has a capacity of 9 pellets in 4.5mm or 7 in 5.5mm. In this case, the XM1 can be reloaded at high speed because the bolt is very fast and equipped with a well-bent lever with a very wide and non-slip synthetic handle.

Rifle with the rotary magazine and without it, with the loading base installed for single-shot use. Note that the bolt handle is very wide and non-slip for quick reloading.

The barrel is fixed, made of steel covered with synthetic material. It measures 565 mm and features a rear sight adjustable for height and windage, and an orange fiber front sight.

The rotary magazine has a capacity for 7 pellets in 5.5mm or 9 pellets in 4.5mm caliber.

The barrel, made of steel covered with synthetic material, features a rear sight adjustable for height and windage and an orange fiber front sight.

The safety button, a two-position button-passer type, is installed in the front part of the trigger guard.

And, true to the “Human Tech Design” principle, Stoeger offers it with an adjustable trigger in length (between -4 and +8 mm) and a synthetic stock with a Thumbhole design that is ambidextrous and customizable:

• It comes with a low cheekpiece for shooting with open sights but can be replaced with a higher one provided as an accessory to shoot with a scope with the cheek resting on the stock.
• Behind the buttpad, there are two spacers (in blue and yellow) that can be removed to adjust the length of the stock.
• The stock's grip with a “hole” is blue, but it can be replaced with a black one provided as an accessory.

Text and photos: Juan Francisco París

Este artículo también está disponible en español: Carabinas RX20 Synt y XM1