Stoeger X20s - Quiet, Accurate, just needs better trigger and scope

[@AirGunWeb]

I'm glad you took it as it was intended.. there are those that do not understand the mechanics of what they are doing and then find themselves with a hole through their wall, or worse their foot or someone else. Cheers Rick

[@heycheckthatout]

I have recently bought this rifle. I have shot air rifles since i was a kid (30 years old now) and i can say that for the price this gun is very nice. A far as those talking down about Chinese products, not all Chinese made items are created equal...sorry that's just how it is. Having experience with importing through my job, quality is determined by the buyer and the factory it is made at. If Stoeger wanted to i'm sure they could have theses guns hammered out and sell them for 99.99 or less, but they dont. A Chinese flea market b3-1 is about 35 bucks and contains no more material then this rifle. The price difference? R&D + Metals and Polymers chosen + Box printing + packing materials + manual and any other instructions + shipping + labor + etc. So take all that plus the manufacturs chosen mark up, then add the distributors mark up, then add the resellers mark up and you get said 149.99 rifle. German guns? take all that and add Germany's export tariffs to the mix. Chinese guns are not that bad, and im sorry but the scope is nice but lets be realistic, if it was a more expensive scope it would be a more expensive rifle yes? The trigger is not horrid, it is on par with most guns in this price range. The gun, trigger and scope are perfectly fine. My tip to all those getting into air guns that my be scared away from people making them think that they are not getting something good? Buy what is practical and you can afford and shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot some more until you learn to shoot the rifle you have well. A top shelf german rifle wont make you better if you cant hit the broad side of a barn. i been to the range a ton of times and seen guys with 1500.00 plus fire arm setups and i out shoot them with my mosin nagant. Why? because I shoot better, not that paticular gun. Dont get me wrong, the 1500.00 dollar rifle and scope and hand loaded matched rounds are far and away more acurate then even the best mosin nagant could be. But a crosman 760 got me in to air guns and a Mosin Nagant got me into fire arms and though i have much better guns now, i learned to shot them well before i bought something better. As scattered as i wrote this out, i hope this helps all the new guys considering this gun or any in this price range. I liked the idea of this gun, bought it, shot many rounds through it, and decided i like it. Quieter then any other spring gun ive bought to date, accurate, and a completely useable trigger. AGAIN learn the gun and learn to shoot THE GUN well and you will do well with it.

[@FlyboyHelosim]

I just bought this air rifle today at my local gun shop and it came with a Stoeger 3-9x40 AO scope, not the 4x32 compact like it says on the manufacturer's website.

[@AirGunWeb]

@Trekkie1961 I have not looked at the mechanics of the gun yet, but I will. I'm glad you liked the shot cards. They give a good point of reference for the shot groups. I'm going to have them as PDF on my site soon. Cheers rick

[@AirGunWeb]

To John Burns: The Stoeger X20s is a commodity airgun, not an heirloom airgun. It is designed to share shelf space on a big box store and is an entry level airgun. I sold my review model to a viewer who was extremely happy with the gun's performance and operation. I've never heard back about any issues, so I'm guessing that he's still happy with it. I have several airguns in this class and I pull them down off the wall and run some pellets through them every so often. They don't match my HWs or Walther LGV, but it would be unrealistic to expect them to. They all still function and shoot accurately and powerfully enough for what they are. The guns that have shown the highest rate of failure have been the standard Nitro Piston class guns. (not the XL) The spring guns have held up much better. Now at around $150ish, this is an even greater value. Yes the scope is not what I'd choose and the trigger has a long 2nd stage, but the overall package is well worth the $150. If you have the money and patience to save up and start with an RWS and then move up, then that's my advice to new airgunners. If not, there are many sub $200 airguns that are decent enough for you to get your feet wet and have some fun. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

What you are saying is very true. It also matters how your meter's set (fast or slow). I use the same process every time so that at least my measurements are consistent. I use two different meters and compare the results. I've tested outdoor and indoor, at various distances, etc. Noise is an issue in neighborhoods with zoning usually specifying what's "legal. The numbers I provide are a good baseline for comparison, siding on the edge of caution. Hope that helps. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@kkiller16 Thank you for the kind reviews. With the support from Pyramyd Air, Leapers, and some new companies to be announced soon, I should be able keep things moving forward. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I just did it free hand with my dremel tool. I did it very slowly checking the depth every couple of seconds until it was just right. It worked for me, but obviously voids the warranty. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I tried the GTX Gen II trigger on this and it worked very well. Either the GRT or GTX will make a HUGE difference. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I used a one piece mount from leapers. I'm not sure about 7 yards.. I did not try.. As a note.. I posted a video on how to adjust for barrel droop using this setup. That may work for you if you need to get on target at only 7 yards. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@Asterixarcher Thank you! Shooting yes.. spelling.. gammer.. not so much.. So thank you again for catching that. I've got to fix it in a few more places now! Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I hear you.. I try and use the factory optics when I can. But I opted to replace them on this one to give folks an idea of what it could do. I make sure to disclose the various upgrades and changes so that people know exactly what went in to getting it to perform as it did on camera. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I used to visit a friend and clear squirrels for him. I liked a moderate .22 cal airgun for the job. Something like the RWS 34. This stoeger would be a good fit as well. Cheers, Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Thanks for your comments. Not every gun will have barrel droop... also, It ultimately may have been the mounts and not the rifle. I replaced the mounts later on and found that it did not need to be shimmed. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@damattalizer The GTX Gen-II trigger is adjustable. The stock Stoeger Trigger can adjust some of the length of the 2nd stage, but not enough to matter. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Some people like the trigger on the Stoeger because they say that it is okay for hunting and not bench shooting. Some companies do not put the work on their triggers like others. If you can get use to it it is a decent trigger for hunting.

[@AirGunWeb]

good question.. I'd go with the Hatsan. It may take a bit of work, but the base materials are much higher quality than what you get from the Chinese Stoeger. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@lambchops1493 the pellets that I used in the video were the best that I found for this gun. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@coyotehunter118 Thank you for the kind words.. Cheers Rick

[@Longrangedisco]

I bought the x20s about a month ago. Here in the UK it comes standard with a 3-9 x 40 AO scope with a duplex reticle. Good for rabbits as well as target shooting. Tim.

[@AirGunWeb]

@CanadianAirGunHunter Hey there. Unfortunately PA does not have any Canddian sales because import restrictions prevent them from shipping anything but clear airsoft guns to Canada. There is a vendor, Air Gun Source, that works with PA at some level. You may want to talk to them about doing some reviews for them. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I've noticed s change in some of the crosman/stoeger breaches. I don't have this s20x anymore to confirm, but the standard x20, x5, crosman vemon, and optimus, all are so tight that the pellet won't seat in the breach. I've opened the breaches on my guns with my dremel tool, but you don't want to do that to your new gun.. call Stoeger, and Crosman respectively and have them address the issue. This type of inconsistency is what really hurts the sport. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

The x20s was surprisingly different with regards to the attention to detail during assembly than what I found when I looked at a standard x20. I got the x20 (personally) thinking it was going to be like the x20s.. nope.. more like the $99 crosman guns. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

We do our best to inform people of the performance of rifles. Ultimately the decision is yours as to what you would choose. We would go with the Hatsan 85 Sniper in Camo. Even though it is not a NP rifle it is still quiet enough for backyard shooting. Cheers,. AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

you can adjust some of the pull length of the 2nd stage.. but it still is too long and too rough for bench work.. it is fine for field work. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Look at the MTM shooting rest. I'll be making a video of it and the mtm gun maintenance center on Take AIM this month. Cheers Rick

[@kkiller16]

you do great reviews and its awsome that your doing them so frequently keep up the good work

[@AirGunWeb]

@EdgunUSA Thanks for the comments Ted.. I just dropped a GTX GEN-II trigger in the Stoeger and it really helped. I'm going to put one in my trail as well and then run a side by site shoot off. Rick

[@rossdaboss10001]

thanks rick for finally getting around to the x20 thank you very much

[@AirGunWeb]

all depends on the gun.. each manufacturer may have a different maintenance schedule. whatever they recommend, go by that. Cheers Rick

[@FlyboyHelosim]

Yeah that crossed my mind as well! The box with my rifle still shows the 4x32 compact, but the new 3-9x40 AO is a beast in size and also has the parallax adjustment and big chunky hand-tuned windage and elevation turrets. In fact the scope is almost identical to the one fitted in your video!

[@AirGunWeb]

The X20s is not a bad gun for the money and it is very quiet. Cheers AGW

[@PapelMano]

I somewhat agree, i find it okay for bench work, but i often find myself snatching the trigger as a result. And 100% agree about the optics, will be purchasing the scope used in this video! Cheers

[@FlyboyHelosim]

Just as a sort of update to my previous posts, I have now oiled the barrel a few times since I've had the gun, and have shot several hundred pellets through it. This is most certainly one of the weirdest air rifles I've ever had with regards to varying pellet performance, but I can tell you that I am now getting very good groups from around 25 yds with one particular pellet... the SMK Pointed Spitfires. All dome head pellets I've tried seem to give erratic performance.

[@AirGunWeb]

@peediedylan27 The pellet should be flush.. sometimes due to manufacturing fluctuations, you have a breach that is not quite open enough for the pellets to fit properly. If it is not affecting accuracy, then just leave it. Most of the time it can cause issues and you need to fix the breach. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

If I get one in for review, I will post a review. I would love to see how it shoots. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

depends on your neighbors.. it is one of the most quite spring guns on the market.. maybe the quietest. .22 is more quite than .177. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Yep. That is a typical issue with those guns unfortunately. BKL makes a 1 piece drop compensation mount that works pretty well. It is expensive, but it does work. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@TheLordofcod Yes.. Stoeger is in the dog house right now because of their X20.. the X20s is a great gun, assembled with care and attention.. the X20 is.. well.. not. It is rough and the breach is not machined correctly. I had to dremel mine out to take pellets. I'm still working on it. The Crosman Optimus is the same basic gun for a lot less. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

The Leapers 3-12x40ao with a set of accushot rings will be about $90 from PyramydAir. Cheers Rick

[@FlyboyHelosim]

For newcomers to airguns and the concept of sound suppression, it's worth noting that you will get different results in different environments. Stoeger claim on the box that the X20S only produces 94.26 dB, and this was in a strict test environment in a laboratory. However, this AirGunWeb video said their tests showed 95 dB, in I don't know what type of environment. And the Pyramyd Air video showed in their test, noise levels down to as low as 84.8 dB, in a slightly wooded area.

[@AirGunWeb]

they are going to be similar. the Stoeger is more quiet.. if that is what you are going for, then the Stoeger is the way to go. Cheers! Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@lambchops1493 My eyesight is not great, so a scope is really necessary for me. As for cleaning it.. I want to tune it and install a GTX Gen-II trigger and see how much better it can be. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I got to where I was shooting .25" groups at 10 yards and less than .5" at 20 yards, it just took practice. Now the better gun, albeit louder, is the Hatsan 95. It is more what you are looking for in the accuracy department, but it's louder. If you clean the barrel on your x20s and practice at 10 yards, get consistent with your hold, maybe swap out the scope for an AO scope, you'll get there. None of the sub $200 .22 guns are going to do better than what you already have. Cheers Rick

[@Britspence381]

This video just showed up in my recommendations in 2021, very good review. I have a Stoeger X20 S2 in .22 cal and love it. My chrony shows around ~734 fps with Crosman 14.3 domes. The scope that came with the gun is small and I have to really 'scrunch up' to it to get a good sight pic but it does a good job and I'm going to leave it on the gun. Paid $99 for the gun, it's a springer and I think the dealer was making way for the gas-pistons. I'm sticking with the springers for now.

[@AirGunWeb]

@CanadianAirGunHunter You should contact the folks at the gateway to airgun forum.. they will know much better than I will.. they do that kind of stuff all the time. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I put the GTX in mine to test the difference between the GRT.. I found the GTX to work really well. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@thejackking10 I just got in my x20.. Frankly I'm disappointed in the build quality compared to the X20s. The X20 is rough all over.. hard to cock, stiff shooting, and the pellets don't seat right. I had to dremmel out the breach a bit just to get the skirt to not get destroyed when I close the barrel. I'll know more once I shot it more. also the scope is duplex vs mil-dot.. The Trail seems to still be a better gun. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

not sure.. it will all depend on what pellet you use. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Look at the crosman optimus, ruger air hawk or hatsan striker 1000 in .22. Cheers Rick

[@Notadoc22]

yes another video!! I literally jumped up and down when i saw this in my sub box :)

[@AirGunWeb]

It will help for sure. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I used a Leapers 4-16X40 in the vid. It comes with a 4x32 scope. Cheers, AGW

[@johnganshow5536]

Video from 2011, Has stoeger improved the trigger for 2018?

[@AirGunWeb]

@Trekkie1961 The GTX Gen-II is my preferred trigger. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

hard choice with the x20s vs trail NP. I like both. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I'm not really sure.. there are some folks that do that kind of work. Check the Gateway to Airguns forum for more info. cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I believe that if you look online that you can find a replacement trigger for the X20S. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

Leapers 3-12x40AO (PyramydAir PY-A-3695). It is only $70 and a great scope. You just need a good mount. A good 1 piece high mount should work just fine. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

It would be a good gun for small game hunting out to 40 yards. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

@damattalizer This is a really nice gun.. better than I expected.. stay tuned on my website for how this rifle works once I get done working on the trigger. Cheers Rick

[@NitroGary01]

I have fitted a longer adjustment screw behind the trigger and wound it in to take up most of the second stage, at least its predictable now. Plus it does retain a second stage. having a play with pellets now. I have been using a beeman pellet and I find the skirt gets trashed when I close the breech. I think a Crosman premier, with a shorter skirt might be better suited.

[@AirGunWeb]

The x20s is a very nice gun.. I believe it is better built than the standard x20. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

look up bryan and associates on line.. they have the fittings that let you refill the 88 gram bottles. cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Both rifles would be good for small game hunting in .22. I would go with the Stoeger X20S. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

personally I think the Hatsan 85 is the better options. The material quality is great and you don't need to worry about replacing the trigger the day you get the gun. Both guns will benefit from a better scope, but the Hatsan scope is more usable than the Stoeger. Hope that helps. Cheers AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

@EKIM1428 Take a look at the Take AIM video on new rifle maintenance. With the Stoeger X20s, you'll want to use a bore snake vs patches.. they'll get lost in the baffles.. don't ask me how I know.. ;) Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@Psycho12345123 I just sent you a link to the article on my site.. the links are above the video.. Cheers. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Not sure.. contact stoeger directly for that data. I no longer have this rifle so I'm just not sure. Cheers AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

It was bad enough that I replaced it. The rifle shoots so well that it deserves a better trigger and scope. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

if you sign up for their email alerts via the form on the home page, you'll get 5% off immediately and also get the regular discounts and specials when they come out. cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I don't moan.. I review and critique airguns. It's well below average of what is available from other vendors in the same price range, i.e. the Hatsan Quattro trigger, Beeman RS2, Ruger Air hawk, Air magnum, Gamo SAT, etc. The trigger is a critical component of the gun that goes directly to accuracy and ease of shooting. It's important that consumers understand what to expect. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@hanzithaking so yes.. some no.. depends on the sponsor. Cheers Rick

[@FlyboyHelosim]

Don't worry I won't, but I did in fact wonder about 'opening' the breach myself with something. Did you use like a countersink? I ask just out of curiosity, like I said, I won't do any modifications. I've found with the pellets I've used so far, that the very end of the skirt won't go fully in, and when you shut the barrel that piece of skirt gets sheared off against the gun. You then also get a build-up of lead flakes around the breach, that have to be chipped off after every few shots.

[@AirGunWeb]

Yes. It is a bit quieter. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

that's very cool. sure you did not get the X20 vs the X20s. The x20 comes with the 3-9x40 ao scope and is a completely different gun. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

I used a 1 piece mount from Leapers Rick

[@TheZalaran]

Wonderful to have on hand for little ones.

[@AirGunWeb]

@14GBuck14 Nope.. it is most noticeable when trying to shoot from a bench rest. The long pull makes it difficult to stay on target. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

That's a great deal.. maybe stoeger took my suggestion and dropped that little scope they originally bundled with the gun..? Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

Yep.. the GTX Gen II or the GRT III will both work very well in this gun. You can google them. Cheers AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

@aaronsname Just personal preference... the .22's are more accurate generally. The .177 rifles tend to shoot too fast. Now a nice .177 shooting 750 to 800 fps can be really fun to shoot to, but most people want 1000+ fps in their .177 and don't realize that accuracy goes out the windows past 1000 fps. With a .22 you get all the power and accuracy. This rifle and a also the Benjamin Trail NP are a good example of that. Cheers Rick

[@jimtoone1777]

Great shooting. I have one I detuned to 10.5ftlb and it is super accurate and an ideal pest/vermin gun, it’s my go to gun and it always makes a clean kill

[@AirGunWeb]

I prefer this much more than the x50. cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

If someone will supply us with the rifle, we will be more than happy to review it. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

Consider the Hatsan 85 Sniper in .22 when it comes out.. if you can't wait.. the Trail NP in .22. Cheers Rick

[@eliade66]

I recently bought a Stoeger X20 (caliber .22). I would say that it is between an entry-level and a mid-level power airgun, but very fun to have and for hunting small game. Several people complain about the trigger because of its long second stage when taken out of the box. However, as explained in the user’s manual, this can be very easily addressed by tightening the screw behind the trigger. The latter can then become much crispier and with a short run. Truly, no need for replacing it! My only complaint is rather about the windage and the elevation adjustment screws for the fiber-optic open sight, which do not allow fine-tuning. This being said, once you get accustomed with the rifle, you can achieve a great and consistent shooting accuracy without a scope within a 20-25 yds range, according to one’s eyes… A scope may provide the desired precision at greater range. Last but not least, remember that this is spring airgun, which requires a gentle hand when aiming and shooting. Don’t hold it tightly or you’ll lose accuracy. That’s not the rifle’s fault!

[@unholyevili]

Archer Airguns stocks a lot of parts for the Stoeger rifles, including triggers and stocks. Stephen Archer also wrote up a little book/manual on the Stoegers, like he did for the QB78.

[@AirGunWeb]

Both of these rifles are about on par in performance. With each of these rifles you will have an issue with the trigger. As of now I would go with the X20S because the power is more consistent. Cheers, AGW

[@damattalizer]

stoeger really hit style on the mark!

[@ctdvargas]

great review. you touch upon all the importan break barrels within moderate price ranges

[@E-Jitsu]

Rick, Any chance you'll do a review on the next evolution of the Stoeger X20 - the Stoeger ATAC? Gas piston, improved trigger system, Stoeger suppressor, and a new stock? Yes, please! Pyramyd Air release the .22 caliber version for sale August, however, the .177 caliber goes on sale on May 22. I'm eagerly waiting for someone to do a review on one of this rifle in either caliber to justify me purchasing one.

[@AirGunWeb]

I would use a .25 cal for turkey hunting. Cheers, AGW

[@AirGunWeb]

@gustavo8832 I did not have that problem with this gun. It has less recoil than the Gamos from my experience. Rick

[@jimharding9950]

Doing the 20 cent 10mm adjustment screw on the trigger was the best possible bang for buck mod I've done to my X20s!!! At about 400 rounds so far, I'm still not grouping at 1/4 inch like this guy, though. Pyramydair.com has these for $99....well worth every penny.

[@SptifireAce]

the stoeger x20s is also available with a 3-9x40 AO duplex scope.

[@AirGunWeb]

the x20 has the energy to do well out to about 50 yards, but the accuracy is not there past 25ish. The x20s is a better option. It has the energy to 50 and accuracy out to about 35 or 40 yards. Cheers Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@martinashcroft1 It is a toss up.. I love the quietness of the x20s, but I like the features of x20 like the better scope and open sights.. not sure.. Rick

[@AirGunWeb]

@sniper9618 I'd love to see this with a gas ram.. I plan on working a GTX Gen-II trigger into it later and also rebuilding it with moly paste.. should be a new rifle when that is done.. Rick

[@45imawsome]

I fully agree with you. This is my first air-gun (i have shot firearms before) and this is what i feel. The scope always seems to be off even when adjusting it and (personally) the 2-stage trigger is just to heavy.

[@AirGunWeb]

It is ok.. I have one. it needed a lot of work to shoot properly. Rick