Dedicated junior airguns are a vital piece of the jigsaw for sure, and little gems like the gun on test here, can really make a difference and play their part. Welcome to the Stoeger X3 TAC, and a very smart little gun it is too.
Stoeger has slowly evolved its airgun line-up, and as part of the Beretta organisation, it has some really stylish Italian designed hardware. This X3 TAC is a no-nonsense starter gun for juniors, but Stoeger deserves credit for going the whole hog. For every element has been carefully thought through, with juniors in mind. Low weight, deliberately low powered so easy cocking, and scaled down dimensions.
Many parents simply won’t want the hassle of a PCP, with all the paraphernalia and high pressure air issues that they entail. So a basic traditional spring piston design makes sense, for ease of use, storage and safety. The current asking price of this model means it is easily affordable too, which can be a big factor when youngsters are showing an interest in something, only to drop it on a whim a few weeks down the line.
“Ergonomic tactical style stock” is how Stoeger describes the X3 TAC’s handle, and the all terrain qualities of the synthetic material certainly looks the part with plenty of stylish features all part of the moulding. Synthetic stocks are practical too, given they allow for significant weight loss all over, courtesy of the cut-outs throughout the thumb-hole configuration. The drop down grip is scaled down for small hands, and with attractive chequering here, and both sides of the forend, proper control is assured. A fairly short barrel and scaled down cylinder again keep weight down, and with the X3 TAC tipping the scales at a mere 4.6lbs, this model can be handled with ease by all.
GETTING STARTED
Cocking this Stoeger is a civilised affair, and it’s an easy sweep down to break the barrel and cock the action. This is only as it should be, given the deliberately low-powered action. A weaker spring, and less swept volume, just keeps everything easy for youngsters, and that’s exactly what they need at the start of their shooting experience. Look to the rear of the cylinder, and there’s a large safety catch button. It automatically engages when the action is cocked, and a white dot then shows to confirm the gun is “safe”. Nudge it forwards, and the X3 TAC is ready to go. If you need to reset the safety then that’s possible too, so all very user friendly.
It’s worth noting at this point that it is possible to de-cock the X3 TAC, by gripping the barrel and controlling it, nudging off the safety, then pulling the trigger and letting the barrel rise up gradually. Most springers are now fitted with an anti-bear trap mechanism, so this makes a refreshing change here. There are times when the action has been cocked, yet we realise we’ve had enough, or need to check something, so being able to de-cock the system matters in my book.
PERFORMANCE DETAIL
Down on my range, this Stoeger soon began to shine. As mentioned, breaking the barrel open and cocking the action is really easy, but another plus is the chamfer that’s machined into the breech. This means that many pellets just drop in, rather than needing a squeeze to sit flush. This does mean that the barrel needs to be kept pointing down slightly whilst the breech is closed, just to stop pellets falling out, but that’s good from a safety aspect in any case.
Fibre-optic open sights come fitted as standard, and with a red hooded foresight element and green elements in the rearsight, the sight picture is spot on. Full finger wheel adjustment is on offer too, and as usual, I would recommend persevering and learning the ropes with the “irons” first. My eyes have changed over the years, but I could still manage groups sub half inch over 10 yards, and around the inch mark over 20 yards.
Fixing an appropriately compact scope in place (the Hawke Airmax 2-7x32 was a perfect fit), soon closed things down, and had me drilling groups of around 3/8inch over 20 yards. Proof then that this diminutive sporter has what it takes to reward technique.
As expected at this price point, the trigger is basic, but with so little work to do (as in far less loading from a weakened power plant) the end result is fairly light. Creepy but very acceptable.
As for firing cycle characteristics, low power here equates to modest recoil, and if my test gun is anything to go by, a surprisingly civilised shot release -just a metallic ring, with little to no spring resonance.
VERDICT
It’s difficult not to like the Stoeger X3 TAC. At the full RRP, it’s a good deal, but it’s often discounted. It’s well thought out, has all the features, accuracy and all importantly easy handling that’s required in a properly designed dedicated junior gun.
UK DISTRIBUTOR
GMK
T: 01489 587500
E: sales@gmk.co.uk
W: www.gmk.co.uk