Last updated: November 2026
The Avenger vs Gauntlet debate has become one of the most heated discussions in the budget PCP world. Both the Air Venturi Avenger and the Umarex Gauntlet 2 represent the new generation of affordable pre-charged pneumatic air rifles that deliver performance previously reserved for rifles costing twice as much.
If you’re trying to decide between these two popular PCPs, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive Air Venturi Avenger review and Umarex Gauntlet 2 review, we’ll compare every aspect that matters: accuracy, power, build quality, features, and value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which rifle deserves a spot in your collection.
Quick Verdict: Avenger vs Gauntlet 2
Short on time? Here’s the bottom line:
Choose the Air Venturi Avenger (~$300) if you value adjustability, want the best bang-for-buck, or enjoy tuning and optimizing your equipment. It’s the tinkerer’s dream at an unbeatable price.
Choose the Umarex Gauntlet 2 (~$450) if you want superior out-of-box fit and finish, a larger magazine capacity, or prefer a more polished shooting experience without any tinkering required.
Head-to-Head Specifications Comparison
Let’s start with the raw numbers. This Avenger vs Gauntlet specs breakdown reveals important differences:
| Specification | Air Venturi Avenger | Umarex Gauntlet 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | ~$300 | ~$450 | Avenger |
| Available Calibers | .177, .22, .25 | .22, .25 | Avenger |
| Magazine Capacity (.22) | 10 rounds | 13 rounds | Gauntlet 2 |
| Max Fill Pressure | 4,351 PSI (300 BAR) | 3,625 PSI (250 BAR) | Avenger |
| Shots Per Fill (.22) | 60-70 (tunable) | 70-80 | Gauntlet 2 |
| Power (.22 cal) | 30-45 FPE (adjustable) | ~33 FPE | Avenger |
| Barrel Length | 22.5 inches | 24.75 inches | Gauntlet 2 |
| Overall Length | 42.5 inches | 46.75 inches | Tie (preference) |
| Weight | 6.0 lbs | 8.5 lbs | Avenger |
| Regulator | Yes (adjustable) | Yes (fixed) | Avenger |
| Stock | Synthetic (basic) | Synthetic (adj. cheekpiece) | Gauntlet 2 |
| M-LOK Slots | No | Yes | Gauntlet 2 |
| Single-Shot Tray | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Air Venturi Avenger Review: The Value King
The Air Venturi Avenger shocked the airgun world when it launched. At roughly $300, it brought features that were previously exclusive to rifles costing $600 or more. Let’s break down what makes this budget PCP so impressive.
Adjustability: The Avenger’s Secret Weapon
The Avenger’s most compelling feature is its remarkable adjustability. Out of the box, you can tune:
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Regulator Pressure: Adjustable from approximately 1,800 to 3,000 PSI, allowing you to balance power and shot count
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Hammer Spring Tension: Fine-tune the hammer strike for your preferred pellet weight
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Transfer Port: Adjust air flow for efficiency optimization
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Trigger: Two-stage adjustable trigger with surprisingly good feel for the price
This level of tunability means you can configure the Avenger for backyard plinking (lower power, maximum shots) or hunting (maximum energy, fewer shots). Most budget PCPs force you to accept factory settings—the Avenger lets you dial in exactly what you need.
Accuracy Performance
According to user reports from major airgun forums and YouTube testing videos, the Avenger consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 25 yards with quality pellets like JSB Exact or H&N Baracudas. At 50 yards, expect groups between 0.75″ and 1.25″ with a properly tuned rifle—remarkable for a $300 PCP.
The choked barrel promotes pellet consistency, and the side-lever cocking mechanism is smooth enough to maintain accuracy during rapid follow-up shots. The integrated moderator keeps the report neighbor-friendly, though it’s not the quietest option in this price range.
Build Quality Considerations
Here’s where we need to be honest: the Avenger’s build quality reflects its price point. The synthetic stock is purely functional—not ugly, but not premium either. Some users report minor cosmetic blemishes on the metalwork, and the overall fit and finish is “good enough” rather than impressive.
That said, the important parts—barrel, regulator, valve—are genuinely well-made. The Avenger punches well above its weight where it counts for accuracy and reliability.
Umarex Gauntlet 2 Review: Refined Excellence
The Umarex Gauntlet 2 builds upon the success of the original Gauntlet with meaningful improvements across the board. At $450, it costs 50% more than the Avenger—but is it worth the premium?
Out-of-Box Experience
Where the Avenger rewards tinkering, the Gauntlet 2 excels at immediate satisfaction. Pull it from the box, fill the tank, load the magazine, and you’re shooting tight groups. The fixed regulator is set at an optimal pressure for the platform, and most users find the factory tune perfectly acceptable.
The ergonomics are noticeably superior. The adjustable cheek piece allows proper eye-to-scope alignment regardless of your optic choice. The rubber buttpad provides comfortable recoil absorption during extended sessions. The M-LOK slots on the forearm make adding a bipod or accessories trivially easy.
Magazine and Shot Count Advantages
The Gauntlet 2’s 13-round magazine (.22 cal) gives it a practical advantage over the Avenger’s 10-round capacity. When you’re on a pest control session or just enjoying some plinking, those three extra shots before reloading add up.
Shot count is also impressive. Despite the lower fill pressure (3,625 PSI vs the Avenger’s 4,351 PSI), the Gauntlet 2’s efficient valve and regulator design delivers 70-80 consistent shots per fill in .22 caliber. The standard Avenger tune typically produces 60-70 shots, though aggressive tuning can match the Gauntlet’s efficiency.
Accuracy and Power
The Gauntlet 2 matches the Avenger’s accuracy potential. Both rifles are capable of sub-MOA performance at typical airgun distances with quality ammunition. The Gauntlet 2’s longer barrel (24.75″ vs 22.5″) provides a slight velocity advantage, though the Avenger can be tuned to exceed the Gauntlet’s factory power output.
In .22 caliber, the Gauntlet 2 produces approximately 33 foot-pounds of energy with standard hunting pellets—more than sufficient for squirrels, rabbits, and similar small game. The power is consistent shot-to-shot thanks to the quality regulator.
Build Quality and Fit/Finish
This is where the Gauntlet 2 justifies its price premium. The overall fit and finish is noticeably superior to the Avenger. The metalwork is better finished, the stock materials feel more substantial, and the rifle simply looks and feels more expensive in hand.
The Gauntlet 2 also benefits from Umarex’s established service network in the US. If something goes wrong, getting warranty service or parts is straightforward.
Check Gauntlet 2 Price on Amazon
Accuracy Testing: Real-World Results
Both rifles are capable of impressive accuracy, but real-world testing reveals subtle differences in the Avenger vs Gauntlet matchup:
| Test Condition | Air Venturi Avenger | Umarex Gauntlet 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 25 yards, 5-shot group (JSB Exact) | 0.35″ – 0.50″ | 0.35″ – 0.55″ |
| 50 yards, 5-shot group (JSB Exact) | 0.75″ – 1.25″ | 0.80″ – 1.20″ |
| Velocity consistency (extreme spread over 10 shots) | 8-15 FPS (tuned) | 10-18 FPS |
| Cold bore shift | Minimal | Minimal |
Key takeaway: Both rifles deliver similar accuracy when properly set up. The Avenger has slight potential for better consistency when tuned by an experienced hand, while the Gauntlet 2 delivers its accuracy with zero setup required.
Upgrade Paths: Expanding Your Rifle’s Potential
Both platforms benefit from a strong aftermarket, but the Avenger has an edge here due to its longer time on market and enthusiastic tuner community.
Air Venturi Avenger Upgrade Options
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Stock Upgrades: Multiple aftermarket stocks available, including wood and chassis options
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Power Kits: Various tuning parts for pushing power beyond 50 FPE
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Barrel Upgrades: Lothar Walther and other premium barrel options available
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Extended Magazines: Higher capacity options from third parties
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Shroud/Moderator Upgrades: More effective noise reduction options
Umarex Gauntlet 2 Upgrade Options
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Stock Options: Growing aftermarket, though fewer choices than Avenger
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Power Modifications: Some tuning parts available, but less extensive ecosystem
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Moderator Upgrades: Several options for improved suppression
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Accessories: M-LOK compatibility opens many tactical accessory options
Winner for upgrades: The Avenger’s larger tuning community and longer market presence give it more upgrade options, especially for power modifications.
Which Rifle Wins by Use Case?
Rather than declaring an absolute winner in the Avenger vs Gauntlet debate, let’s match each rifle to ideal user profiles:
Choose the Air Venturi Avenger If You…
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Want to save $150 for pellets, optics, or filling equipment
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Enjoy tuning and optimizing your equipment
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Need .177 caliber (Gauntlet 2 doesn’t offer it)
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Want maximum power potential (45+ FPE when tuned)
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Prefer a lighter rifle for field carry (6 lbs vs 8.5 lbs)
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Plan to upgrade extensively over time
Buy Air Venturi Avenger on Amazon
Choose the Umarex Gauntlet 2 If You…
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Want the best out-of-box experience without tuning
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Value superior fit, finish, and ergonomics
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Need the larger 13-round magazine capacity
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Want M-LOK slots for easy accessory mounting
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Prefer an adjustable cheek piece for optics flexibility
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Value Umarex’s established US service network
Buy Umarex Gauntlet 2 on Amazon
Final Verdict: Avenger vs Gauntlet 2
Both the Air Venturi Avenger and Umarex Gauntlet 2 are excellent budget PCPs that outperform their price points. The rivalry has pushed both manufacturers to deliver remarkable value, and airgunners are the winners.
If maximum value and tunability are your priorities, the Avenger at ~$300 is nearly impossible to beat. Its adjustability, lightweight design, and strong aftermarket support make it the enthusiast’s choice.
If refinement and immediate satisfaction matter more, the Gauntlet 2 at ~$450 delivers a more polished experience with superior ergonomics, better out-of-box consistency, and the peace of mind that comes with Umarex’s service backing.
Either way, you’re getting a capable hunting and plinking rifle that would have cost $700+ just five years ago. The budget PCP revolution is real, and both of these rifles prove it.
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