DYNAMIC PRECISION

Mark Camoccio puts the FX Dynamic Compact Takedown through its paces, revealing a precision-driven air rifle built for both stealth and performance

FX continues to evolve, with its latest kit firmly placing it in the premium bracket. Several wins in Extreme Benchrest competition in the States brought the Swedish brand into the spotlight, but its build quality and refined design continue to captivate demanding customers.

CONFUSED? YOU WILL BE

One thing that sets FX apart is the incredible range of models and variations available. On test here is the FX Dynamic Compact Takedown Black VP 300mm, and yes, that is quite a mouthful. Two points to make at this stage. Firstly, this takedown specification of the Dynamic is specifically aimed at the UK market. The second point is that the Dynamic is supposedly a hunting version of the Panthera, and whilst both models are listed as having been originally designed specifically to shoot slugs, primarily at FAC power, my test reveals that the 12ft/lbs Dynamic is a blistering performer with conventional pellets, but more on that in a moment.

LIVING IN A BOX

OK, let’s nail the basics first. This is, as the name suggests, a takedown rifle, which means it dismantles fairly quickly into its constituent parts and stows away neatly in a super-compact, padded hard case that measures just 22 inches x 17.75 inches.

Of course, this means we can arrive at a shooting permission or venue with a low profile, in an inconspicuous fashion, and, like it or not, there are times when this is necessary. Where a long, obvious gun case may well attract the wrong type of attention, this almost square case profile goes well and truly under the radar.

Snap open the clasps on the case (annoyingly tight on test), and you can see the two main assemblies held securely in their padded recesses. Thoughtful design means the main action gets a generous recess in the padding, allowing for a sizeable optic to stay attached for storage. I fitted a large MTC Mamba, and this proved no trouble, with space to spare.

FX DYNAMIC COMPACT TAKEDOWN BLACK VP 300MM

Type: PCP

Calibre: .177 on test, .22 available

Barrel Length: 11.75-inch (300mm)

Overall Length: 32 to 34 inches with butt extended

Weight: 6.8lbs

Energy: 11.1ft/lbs on max setting

Price: £1410 (guide)

Assembly is as easy as it looks, as you just screw the thread of the bottle section into the female thread at the rear of the action. Twist it a few times until the seal is complete. You’ll hear a small hiss as the valve opens on connection, but it’s designed to link or be removed at any time.

FEATURES

Twin manometers are mounted at an angle on the left side, and whilst it’s great to have info at your fingertips, I did find their positioning and prominence a slight irritation, given that’s where my left hand wanted to go half the time! Thinking about it, the gauges come into their own with the FAC versions, where high power is eating the air supply somewhat quicker, but their positioning still grates.

The bottom gauge shows the residual main bottle pressure, whilst the top one displays the AMP regulator pressure– set to about 65bar on my test gun. It’s stating the obvious, but expect the gauges to show a pressure drop when the action is dismantled.

The basic configuration features the 400cc bottle at the rear, which doubles as the cheekpiece, complete with an adjustable moulded clamp-on assembly and a butt pad. Forward of the bottle, everything is lifted from the FX Panthera. The drop-down contoured grip is AR-style, whilst the chassis-style aluminium fore-end sports a large Swiss Arca Rail mounting system, along with M-LOK slots, and further wrap-around mountings up and over. Everything looks and feels well-machined, with an air of real quality throughout.

FOSTER CARE

The maximum recommended fill pressure is a whopping 250bar with this model, and whilst that will easily return 200–250 shots, I would always advocate a lower working pressure of 200bar max, so components experience less stress over their lifespan.

A Foster filling adaptor is supplied, and given that this is a semi-standard fitting on charging kit, my bottle cable snapped straight on with no changeover needed. The inlet valve is just under the gauges and gets a neat push-fit dust cover, which is another nice touch.

CAPACITY

FX supplies the Dynamic Compact Takedown with its latest magazine design, which holds an impressive 22 shots in the tested .177 calibre and 18 in .22. FX, ever the innovator, has devised its own design of magazine, and this is unusual in that you first twist the plastic ridge around 180 degrees, from bottom to top, before the clear cover can be removed.

A word of caution here, as I had the small nut from the underside drop off into my hand! I think that if you keep turning the clasp clockwise (rather than anti-clockwise), you should be fine. I learned the hard way.

Now, twist the internal drum anti-clockwise against spring pressure, and drop the first pellet head-first into the top exposed hole. This holds the drum, and the magazine can now be filled. Close the clear lid, and turn the clasp 180 degrees back down to lock.

FINAL PREP

Scope mounting is via the inclined Picatinny rail, which helps to maximise the adjustment range of your chosen optic.

FX fits fairly refined triggers to its airguns, and this Dynamic gets a two-stage match unit, with bags of adjustment. The match shoe is visible, allowing the position of the blade to be raised, lowered, and set at any angle around its support rod. The reach can be altered by tweaking the relevant screw and sliding the carrier along the support rail. First-stage length and second-stage release are also fully adjustable. I made no adjustments for the record, despite being notoriously fussy, as the release was ultra-crisp and light.

Next, we need to adjust the rear stock elements to get our sight picture/support just right. The length of pull can be adjusted by slackening the lower two Allen screws on the right side of the moulding, just below the bottle. The butt assembly will then slide rearwards as required, after which the screws are to be tightened once all is set. In addition, the rubber pad itself can be raised or lowered by just over an inch either way, all done with the finger wheel. The result, after a couple of careful sessions, will be a relaxed, effortless, fully supported sight picture, and this really aids precise shot placement.

The final piece of my preparation concerns whether or not to fit a silencer. The neat, knurled ring up front can be spun off, and the half-inch UNF thread utilised if required. For hunting, it really is a no-brainer, as while the Dynamic isn’t super noisy, it certainly has a fairly bold report. Fit a silencer, and the muzzle blast is dramatically reduced.

ACTION

I alluded to FX being innovators earlier, and this Dynamic model sports an array of features that grab the attention. FX is known for manufacturing its own barrels via the Smooth Twist method, and this Dynamic utilises the Smooth Twist STX barrel liner system. The barrel measures 11.75 inches (300mm) and runs inside the chunky shroud up front.

The shroud is actually pressurised and acts as the plenum chamber. It’s an interesting concept, as the pressure around the barrel adds an extra degree of rigidity.

OK, enough detail! Let’s get to it. I’ve got this far and haven’t even mentioned the superb biathlon-style side-lever. Ergonomically spot on, this tasty component can actually be switched to the left side of the action if necessary.

Slide the magazine in from the right side, and close the lever.

POWER ADJUSTER

The Dynamic Compact Takedown is designed with a power adjuster feature – common on FX models. For sub-12ft/lbs models, such as my test rifle, the Micro adjuster roller assembly is left off at the factory stage, leaving a small void on the left side.

What we do get, however, is the Macro power adjuster – a knurled wheel on the left side of the action, just above the grip. It’s clearly marked, with settings 1 to 13, and has really positive click movement.

At the highest power setting (13), the Dynamic produced an average of 770fps | 11.1ft/lbs, whilst dialling down to number 1, the velocity/energy dropped to 466fps | 4ft/ lbs, using 8.44gr Sovereigns.

With all the settings in between, it’s clear this model is incredibly versatile. Dial it down for low-powered, close-range plinking or practice sessions, and the shot count will correspondingly go through the roof.

It’s just handy to know the option exists at the turn of a dial. For the record, the regulator is also adjustable, although this is more relevant with the FAC version.

CONSISTENCY

Back on full power, and from a reduced fill pressure of 200bar, I used five magazines for 110 shots over the chronograph. With a total spread of 19fps, it was clear the FX AMP regulator was ticking over nicely.

Residual pressure was 135bar after that, so I reckon the shot count from a 250bar fill should surpass those earlier, fairly conservative estimates.

CLASS ACT

Enlarged, single holes at 30 yards and groups barely a quarter of an inch c-t-c over 40 yards were proof that this Dynamic Compact Takedown is one seriously accurate machine. Granted, the rear stock is very utilitarian, but if that and the militaristic profile appeal, then this FX is simply a superb ultra-compact hunting machine that’s perfect for low-profile forays.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, for the kind loan of this rifle.