by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Umarex Synergis underlever repeating gas piston rifle.
This report covers:
- Does it stop cocking after the last pellet is shot?
- Velocity JSB Exact 8.44-grain domes
- Firing cycle
- H&N Baracuda Match with a 4.50mm head
- Air Arms Falcons
- Trigger pull
- Cocking effort
- Summary
Okay, spring-gun repeater fans, today is the day we get started testing the new Umarex Synergis. Let’s go!
Does it stop cocking after the last pellet is shot?
No, it doesn’t. After the last shot is fired it is possible to cock the rifle and fire it again without a pellet in the breech — dry-firing it. Does dry-firing damage the gun? Not as much as it used to, but it’s still not recommended. You don’t have to treat your dry-fired rifle like a hand grenade with the pin pulled, but neither is it something you want to do intentionally. So, what do you do?
You watch the clear magazine lid for the two dots — red and white — to align. When the magazine is loaded they are off by one chamber/pellet. The clear part of the magazine is pointed back toward the shooter, so, except for the scope mounts getting in the way, this is easy to do.
The magazine is loaded into the rifle. If the underlever is forward there is a pellet in the breech and the gun is ready to fire. Remember, the safety is manual. As you keep shooting the white dot moves counter-clockwise around the magazine.
The third-to-last shot has been fired and two shots remain. The white dot that moves is coming around to the red dot.
The dots are aligned. It’s time to reload the magazine. If you cock and shoot when the mag looks like this you will fire the gun dry.
Velocity JSB Exact 8.44-grain domes
Umarex sent a tin of JSB Exact 8.44-grain domed pellets with the test rifle, so I assume they are among the best in the Synergis. Therefore I started the test with them. I shot two pellets without chronographing them to wake up the action, and then ten for the first string. Ten pellets averaged 886 f.p.s. The spread ranged from a low of 879 to a high of 892 f.p.s.That’s a difference of 13 f.p.s. which is great for a brand new rifle.
At the average velocity this pellet generates 14.72 foot-pounds at the muzzle. That’s enough for some hunting and pesting, so let’s hope the rifle is accurate.
Firing cycle
The Synergis is smooth for a gas piston gun, but there is a definite jolt when it fires. There is no slap to the cheek, so the bad vibration has been dealt with.
H&N Baracuda Match with a 4.50mm head
Next to be tested was the H&N Baracuda Match with a 4.50mm head. These domes weigh 10.65 grains and are accurate in a lot of air rifles. The Synergis put them out at an average 818 f.p.s. which generates 15.83 foot-pounds at the muzzle. Usually heavier pellets decrease in muzzle energy in spring-piston airguns, so the Synergis seems to like this one. The spread went from 801 to 823 f.p.s. — a difference of 22 f.p.s.
Air Arms Falcons
The last pellet I tested was the Falcon from Air Arms. At 7.33-grains it is the lightest pellet I tested. It averaged 951 f.p.s. at the muzzle, generating 14.72 foot-pounds. But the spread was 31 f.p.s., going from 941 to 972 f.p.s. The 972 was the first shot and after than the velocity never topped 954 f.p.s., so I’m thinking the Falcon isn’t as unstable as the numbers show. The first shot may just have burned a little more chamber oil than the rest, because at this power level all spring guns diesel.
Okay — the Synergis is a 14.5-16 foot-pound rifle. That’s a good place to be for a .177. But what about that non-adjustable trigger?
Trigger pull
I told you in Part One that the trigger pull was something to experience. Now I’ll get down to the number. How does the number two strike you — as in a 2-pound pull? And, the safety is manual!!! Why, it’s as if Umarex is going to trust us to manage our own safety issues. Maybe I should stop trimming the hedges with my lawnmower?
Yes — just two pounds! I was mentally and physically prepared for my trigger finger to winch a 500-pound weight down a rocky road with a broken Come-Along (American slang for a cable or strap hoist), but this trigger broke like it wanted to! Brother-in-law, Bob, you’re gonna like this one!
Will all Synergis triggers be this nice? Did Umarex set this one up just for me? Who knows? What I do know is it’s really good and that means that other Synergis triggers can be made just as good if they don’t start out that way. I’m not saying they don’t — just that there are no worries. Guys — this trigger is one the chatter forums will start advising people to buy, once they get guns of their own to test. Kowabunga!
Cocking effort
Okay — here we go. I mow my own lawn. It’s a postage stamp, and I mow it. Why do you care? Well, if you hire a service to mow your postage-stamp lawn then you probably don’t like lifting or pulling much of anything. So, when I say the Synergis cocks easy for a gas piston gun, that’s like saying I can run a mile in 8.5 minutes. That’s not terribly fast but there are some folks who drive to the mailbox at the end of their driveway. They will not be on the same sheet of music as me.
The Synergis I am testing cocks with exactly 30 pounds of effort. For a gas piston or gas spring, that is light! I remember when the cocking effort for gas springs hovered around 45-50 pounds and went up from there.
Summary
That’s it for this report. I have to say this Synergis is looking better at every turn. I sure hope it’s accurate, and, yes, I’m mounting the scope that came with it.
BB
So when that magazine is empty do you have to cock the gun to get the mag out?
If so that means you need to load the mag back up and insert it in the gun. Then the cocking lever needs closed. So at this time the gun is ready to fire.
If I want to store the gun that means I need to take a shot so I don’t store the gun loaded.
Or is there another way?
GF1,
I have never done it,… but maybe the under lever could be held,.. the trigger pulled,… and the lever returned to closed position very slowly while holding it? Good point though.
Chris
Chris
Maybe so. I have never tryed it on a underlever either. I guess I could check with my Tx 200 tomorrow.
But maybe all under lever guns aren’t the same.
GF1,
That new Browning Leverage I just got doesn’t seem to have a way of decocking it, you have to fire it to unload it. I think my RWS 52 decocks the way Chris U describes. So that means all are not the same, I guess.
Half
Halfstep
It would surprise me if they all were the same.
With my HW97 underlever, I could hold the lever down, pull the trigger, and then slowly release the cocking lever; there was no anti-bear trap device; I like things this way; when you are loading the gun, you simply hold the lever down, and then your fingers are safe…simple…I like simple. =>
Dave
My favorite saying.
Simple but effective.
GF1,
The way I do it is load one round and then fire it. Then I know the rifle is uncocked and empty.
B.,B.
BB
And there you go.
Good morning all!
Neat gun! I’ve not owned an underlever before, and have thought about this gun as an interesting addition. I think I’d use a light colored marker to paint a big old stripe on the finger ridges on the outside of the magazine so I could see “empty” at a glance. That would sure beat trying to see those little dots!
B.B.,
Seems like the engineers have figured out how a gas spring ought to behave with these new offerings. So far (knocking on wood) you haven’t reported of any gas spring guns knocking you silly everytime you shoot. They do require you to get into your Zen mode to yield their best accuracy results. Remember to RELAX when you determine it’s accuracy.
Siraniko
B.B.,
I am liking this one. I like the overall looks and styling first of all. I like underlevers. I like the price. I have no springers anymore,…. but if this one test out well,… one may have to hop in the shopping basket on the next order. At this price point and it being an Umerex,… I would not be surprised to see these turn up at the big box stores.
Good Day to you and to all,…….. Chris
Chris,
No sproingers?! Dude, what are you doing? I understand your enamoration with that Red Wolf, but to forsake sproingers?
As your doctor I am prescribing you to take a Synergis every day for ten days. If after that time there is no improvement we can prescribe you something stronger, such as an HW97 or TX200. Please do not be concerned, this ailment can be remedied.
RR
Are you forgetting.chris had a Tx and then he got a LGU from me. So he has already had some nice springers.
And speaking of springers. I wish the Synergis was available as a springer also. I would for sure get one. But I’m pretty sure I won’t get one with the nitro piston. Reason being is right now to me the gun is shooting too fast. If it was a spring gun I could cut some coils and do a little tuning. With the nitro piston that’s another story.
Maybe they will come out with a spring powered Synergis in the future. Hope so anyway.
GF1,
I remember. That is why I said he was forsaking them.
As for the Synergis, the only way it will have a coil spring is if you put one in yourself. I am sure that can be done.
I myself would not have a problem with a gas spring if it is adjustable and rebuildable. I too think most are too powerful for their own good.
RidgeRunner,
With so many Snake Oil sales people out of work you are fast becoming a Spring Oil salesman?
He has so much to learn from that Red Beauty and then he absolutely MUST get a BIG BORE (the Original Airgun) to really learn the ultimate expertise of PCPs and at REAL distances!
Lol!
shootski
Shootski,
You are correct. I have much to learn of the “Red Beauty” as you referred to. I am lucky to have shot 10 times this year. Last session,… after 2+ months of no shooting was good. I had as many as 4 pellets in a row go through the same hole at 50 yards. Pellet sorting aside,.. (I did not),… I suspect that subtle variations in holds/rest/pressure contributed.
Big bore next? I had better be shooting ALOT more than I am now. The Air Force Texan line,… and the smaller similar guns have always had my interest. I know what brand you support! 😉
I would imagine that a military sniper would take “sorting” to a whole new level? The targets/bulls are bigger,… but the distances are much greater. As an air gunner,…. I would wash, head sort and weigh sort if I was real serious. That (at least) eliminates those variables and points the finger of any error directly back to me.
Chris
Shootski,
Spring Oil Salesman?! I will have you know sir that this bottle of RidgeRunner’s Miracle Spring Oil will not only cure whatever is ailing your sproinger, but will help to boost the power of your PCP by at least twenty-five percent. Not only that, but it can be spread on your balding pate to help restore what age has taken away.
RR,
I’d like a case, please. Do you ship overnight?
B.B.
BB,
Of course! I can have it to you before lunch tomorrow…if your wallet is thick enough.
RR,
And I drink it — right? I mean it’s not tropical, is it?
B.B.
BB,
Do you mean topical? It is mostly, but if you want a hairy tongue you can drink it.
I want to know how much percent by volume it is if you know what I mean.
If it don’t grow hair I’m sure there is multiple other uses for it. Probably good sleep medicine if you have a good supply on hand. 😉
Gunfun1,
That’s PROOF!
How fast the gunpowder burns per foot when mixed with rum ;^)
shootski
Shootski
PROOF per foot or POOF per foot. 🙂
GF1,
Why of course! It is good for whatever ails you! With enough of this you will even think you are shooting better.
RR
As long as it’s fun. 😉
RidgeRunner,
I’m not balding!
Is this miracle product good for anything else?
shootski
Shootski,
Yes, but since this is a family blog we cannot discuss such matters.
RR,
Thank you “Doc” for that well thought out diagnosis! 😉 I appreciate your sincere concern.
We will see how this one plays out. I want nothing to do with one like from a recent review. For the price,… what can we expect? They nailed the looks, trigger, rail and M-rod mag? in my book. Can it hold 1/2″ at 25?,…. 50? Even 1″ at either?
I do have the 75th Red Ryder and 499 springers,… but do not really count them. For a top end (bb) shooter,… the 499 is the ultimate tack driver!,………… hands down!,…. end of story!,….. finish!
Chris
Chris,
Perhaps you should acquire an used HW30 in excellent condition. I found such on one of the forums in the classifieds for a VERY reasonable price. I bought it for my grandson for Christmas, but it stays at Gadada’s house so he can shoot it when he comes over. 😉
RR
Stop cheating. You know he’s growing older. I think Grandpa will have some explain’n to do before too long. 🙂
GF1,
Cheating?! I have to keep the seals flexible.
RR
Right. 😉
LALALALALALALA…I can’t hear what you are saying about the trigger…the cocking effort…the firing cycle…LALALALALALALALA!
This makes me long for my CFX. Gamo renamed it the ACCU and gave it a defunkedafied stock and called it the CFR.
Let us see how she shoots.
NOOOOOO! I…MUST…RESIST…LALALALALALALALA!
RidgeRunner,
Resistance is futile! Especially when the Great Enabler is being the drum and the item is plucking the heartstrings. I always thought RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Guns was open for expansion?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Thank you for explaining the bleeding obvious to him. One would think they would just lie down and roll over! 🙂
B.B.
B.B.,
If the accuracy is there we won’t be listening to the beating of a drum but to the tune of the Pied Piper!
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Well, the worst that could happen is that it is the perfect 14-15 foot-pound springer, and all of us must get one! :^)
Michael
Michael,
Actually, 10 – 14 FPE is likely the ideal power range for a serious shooting sproinger. With less power you reduce its hunting capabilities and with more you increase the hold sensitivity. Of course this is a general rule to which there are always exceptions.
RR,
Excellent point regarding more powerful (than 14 fpe) springers being hold sensitive. Off hand (no pun intended) I can think of only one exception: the 21-22 fpe Diana 54/56. The trade-offs with that powerplant is the weight of the air rifle and the cocking effort.
It’s always something! :^)
Michael
Michael
I had a .177 and .22 caliber 54 Air King and I love them.
I’m working on getting a collection of springers. I’m looking for good wood as well as a good shooter. So probably I’ll get a 56 in .177 and .22 before it’s over.
I no way thought anything about collecting air guns. But I found myself wanting certian ones lately. And no they ain’t classics. But they are modern known good shooters.
I found lately there is alot more air guns I want to aquire then I first realized. And to note. I will get them before it’s over.
Michael,
That is not a point that I brought up, but the weight has much to do with hold sensitivity.
Siraniko,
Most, but not all of the residents at RRHFWA are ladies who have been around for a time and their previous owners have decided they needed to live somewhere else.
Sometimes a young lady will show up at the door and stay with us for a bit, but many of them decide they wish to see more of the world before they settle down to a sedate way of life.
Yes, I am always ready to add on to the Home when one decides they wish to stay. That is not often though.
B.B.
Let hope that it can stack pellets? Everything else seems well thought out.
-Y
B.B.
I would guess that because a can of the JSB 8.44’s was included for you, that is a good clue about this rifle.
If a manufacturer can get a lot things right about a more complex design like this underlever at this price point,
I am impressed. This is starting to look like a milestone type of gun to me, too good for Walmart!? I bet she can cook. IF it does, the UPS or FedEx has some more work from me. It makes it more fun when I feel like I am getting good bang for the buck, plus noteworthy design to boot.
Rob
I’m liking everything I’m hearing (reading) so far. Great price, Looks fantastic. Springer with a fixed barrel. Repeater with no apparent issues with the magazine. 30# pull to cock. Question: do you use one or two hands to cock the lever? Sone break barrels I have used required the shooter to use two hands after a while because of the heavy cocking manuver. It does build muscles.
My second question is about the supplied scope as it does not appear to be able to adjust for parallax. I will be really curious to see how BB likes the scope. Maybe a Bugbuster should be ordered along with the Synergis?
Bob in Houston
What are the chances of a .22 version in the future? Just curious.
John,
At the SHOT Show I was told the .22 would come, it just wasn’t ready yet.
B.B.
B.B. and John,
Umarex really would miss out if they don’t market this in .22 as well. If it is accurate, this is an ideal pest-er/verminator, but in .22.
Michael
B.B.,
Regarding the risk of a dry-fire once the magazine is empty, I now realize that really won’t be an issue. No one who is hunting is going to shoot the Synergis thirteen times in quick succession. That could only happen if the person is shooting at targets or, most likely, plinking. The shooter should simply try to keep count, and if he or she loses count, upon realizing “Uh, what is the shot count now?” take a look at the magazine.
Michael
Michael,
That’s it. Not so hard, is it?
B.B.
B.B., :^)
Michael
Funny you mention that.
I count my shots in my head as I’m shooting. Always have. Be it semi-auto, multi-shot bolt action and so on. And yes even single shot target shooting groups even if I do see the rounds hit the target
I do this with my 30 round MPX to the 15 round Daisy 74. Even my 1077’s and such. I count.
And I do this to this day if I’m shooting multiple rounds off fast action like with my .22 rimfire semi-auto Winchester 190 or the MPX and 1077. Basically the guns I can’t see how many shots are left. Then when I’m suppose to be done I shoot into the ground to see if a round goes off. But I have to say I’m usually right with my counting. If one does go off into the ground I stop. Then I take out the mag or clip.
Don’t know if that’s a good way to do it. But it helps me.
Gunfun1,
I am bad at keeping count, so I simply put ten pellets in the lid of the tin on a stool sitting next to me, and when there are no longer any pellets left, I know I am done shooting that target.
Michael
Michael
Really.
Where I learned from big time was shooting my tube fed Winchester 190 semi-auto .22 rimfire when I was a kid. There was nothing worse than having 15 shots in the tube and plinking. Then I’m at the end of my bullets and a dog gone snake hangs out a tree right in front of my face. The gun goes up and all I hear is click. I’m going like what the heck.
So counting became very important to me. Then came pesting. And of course shot gun hunting. You could only have 3 shells and a plug in the gun. Basically 1 chambered and 2 in the tube. So birds flush up or some rabbits and bam, bam, bam. And my triggers finger is pulling away and I’m all done. All I can say is counting is a good thing in many ways.
Heck in the machine shop biusness on production machines counting parts coming off a machine is very important. That’s how you follow a part around after you change a tool or if a certian collet is not performing right. And you can even crash tooling if you count wrong because certian machining stations need turned off then back on under certain circumstances.
That’s one thing I can say is if you don’t count and you been gunning for awhile. Take on that next challenge. I think it will make you a bit more confident shooter.
Gunfun1,
As a machinist, you are by definitiion a numbers guy. Me, I am a words guy through and through, having studied and taught writing, literature, and film. My point is that counting might be simple and certain for you, but I am much better at writing about counting than actually counting. ;^)
Michael
Michael
Then maybe if you was my right hand and I was my left hand we would work out good together. 🙂
I’m definitely a numbers guy. And here’s where you step in. I’m not a word guy or spelling guy and writing kind of guy at all.
Maybe we both need some practice doing those (other) things we don’t do as good.
But you know what I got to bring this up. What do you think those gunners were doing back in the Wild, Wild West. When they was out there on a street fight they was all counting shots. That’s what helped you survive. And you better darn well be a good counter and pay attentioner. If not you was cutting yourself short.
Staying on the game is important. But staying above the game is what makes you survive. In more ways than one.
What do you think?
GF1,
Regarding the Wild West gunfighters, even I can count to five. ;^)
Michael
Michael
You mean six.
Or maybe in the case of the single gun fight. Do we mean 1.
Nope. I mean five. SA Colts, Remingtons and S&W were five shot revolvers. The sixth cylinder was meant to be left empty.
Michael
Michael
Lol. Read your comment just now.
You just said nope I mean six. But the first comment you said 5.
Ok I see that number thing coming out now. 😉
But seriously. One shot is what was needed. And you better well be able to get it done with one. If not you would never know about it.
B.B.,
Red dot on magazine No Work for Night Pesting if you are using a RED lens or RED LED flashlight (torch) just an observation learned from doing my notes for my kneeboard in RED for night training flights.
shootski
shootski,
Hey! You’re preaching to somebody who is red-green colorblind! I can’t even see the dot until I take its picture and examine it.
It reminds me of the “Abyss and the guy trying to defuse a nuclear warhead at 20,000 feet underwater by the light of a green cyalume stick, “Cut the white wire. Be sure not to cut the green wire!”
B.B.
BB
So what is the dot sight that works for you?
You just see the dot as a different shade of gray or black. Right? And I guess the size and shape of the dot.
I bet though you got good contrast between the target dot and the sight dot or reticle though I’m thinking.
It might actually stand out better for you than if us other shooters have color.
You can probably tell real good the contrast difference in low light situations I’m thinking too. Am I close to right?
GF1,
Well, since I never saw things the way you see them I can’t really say. I do see green and red as colors. But red against a black background is invisible to me. That includes most of the warning signs and panels in the world.
I chose a green dot sight because I can see that color better against a background. And both the red and green dots are illuminated, which helps a lot.
B.B.
BB
Ok so green does good for you.
I’m just trying to relate here.
What does a green dot sight look like when you shoot at brown dirt? And what does the green dot sight look like shooting at grass or up in a tree in the summer when the leaves are all green?
GF1,
It looks like a bright light. I’m not sure I always see it as green.
B.B.
BB
Sounds to me like your eye does pick up on green the best.
Not that you determine it as a color. But it stands out better.
You know I bet different people that actually see color pick up on certian colors better than other people.
Maybe that is why some people can shoot better than others even.
I don’t know just some thoughts that crossed my mind.
Gunfun1,
Vision is actually not the biggest factor; nerve impulse/transmission speed and brain processing speed are way more important than visual acuity. The old see the X in the sighting system and by the time all the sending receiving processing more sending and finally the trigger finger gets the message to press the trigger…now where is that X…heck we’re is that BULL!
Time conquers all, Lol!
shootski
Shootski
Come on now. You mean nobody ever told you it’s all about how you cross your toes. 😉
Gunfun1,
My witchdoctor told me to stop doing that! ;^)
shootski
Shootski
Ok listen real good here.
Never ever ever ever ever ever listen to your witch doctor again.
Maybe he’s related to a head hunter. They’re just wanting to get in your head. That’s what they do.
Ok you got it. Cross your toes. Then you will find great accuracy. If you can believe that. 🙂
B.B.,
I, too, am red-green colorblind. I have read that green lasers appear brighter than do red ones because their frequency is closer to the ideal light frequency for human vision, or something like that. That is why green lasers seem brighter than red, even though their luminescent measurement is the same as red ones of the same power.
What I wonder is if all of that is true for we red-green disabled guys (color-blindness is almost entirely a male affliction). The cones on our retinas are different than the typical.
Michael
GF
Those of us who required perfect color vision for our jobs would find life hopeless without it.
Those who have limited or total lack of it cannot imagine what the world would look like to the rest of us.
tt
TT
I know that.
Here’s a simple thing at work we have to do and watch for and make sure is right.
Our bar stock that we machine comes in as heats. In other words like 5 or 6 bundles of bar stock that have 50 or so bars in each bundle.
Those bars are for a certian part we make. So they get color coded and documented for that specific job/part we are making.
That’s basically for traceability throughout the process for them parts as they go through different steps. Like machining, washing, thermal deburring, heat treating and packing and shipping.
More or less how we can segregate parts throughout the process if we find something wrong.
Well guess what. One of the guys was color blind. So he was making wrong colored material tags. It took us a while to figure out why parts was getting mixed when they was getting to shipping.
But yep it does all matter at some point in time.
GF1, We ran out of replies above, which should suggest something to us. ;^) But I corrected my error above, thanks. Loading six in most SA revolvers without a transfer bar can get one killed accidentally, right? (And no Sig Sauer jokes. ;^) Michael
Michael
But of course we knew we was running out of space.
I was counting. I just didn’t know if it would be you or me. 🙂
B.B.,
I always paid the extra $$$ for the Bright White Cyalume® Sticks.
Also the IR version to mark targets for the big boys to pound.
shootski
Shootski
Right. Definitely a bad scenario.
I believe shot counting is the right way.
The trick is that you got to learn to trust yourself.