Sport Products
The GAMO Pro Hunter 250 4.5mm is a powerful air rifle designed for both target shooting and hunting small game. This review will explore the features, performance, durability, accuracy, and overall value of this popular airgun, offering insights to help you decide if it's the right choice for your needs. Well delve into user opinions and pricing, concluding with a verdict on whether the GAMO Pro Hunter 250 lives up to its reputation.
The GAMO Pro Hunter 250 boasts an attractive design that blends aesthetics with functionality. It's constructed primarily of synthetic material, which reduces weight while maintaining durability. The rifle features a sleek black finish with subtle gray accents, giving it a modern and tactical look. However, some users might prefer the aesthetic appeal of a wooden stock. The ergonomic design is one of the highlights of this air rifle. The textured grip provides excellent control during recoil, even in wet conditions. The cheek piece is well-placed for comfortable eye alignment with the scope (sold separately), ensuring accurate aiming and shooting. Weighing just over 7 pounds unloaded, its relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for both novice and experienced shooters. The rifle's length is approximately 45 inches, which might be a bit long for some users or storage spaces. The overall balance of the gun feels well-distributed, contributing to its ease of handling. However, the synthetic stock can feel somewhat slippery at times, especially during rapid fire sequences. This could be mitigated with an aftermarket grip upgrade.
GAMO has a reputation for producing reliable air rifles, and the Pro Hunter 250 continues this tradition. The rifle is built to withstand rigorous use, making it suitable for both recreational shooting and hunting. It features GAMO's renowned IGT (Inert Gas Tube) technology, which replaces traditional springs with an inert gas piston, resulting in a smoother cocking action and reduced vibration. The synthetic stock provides excellent resistance against weather elements, ensuring consistent performance even in humid or rainy conditions. The barrel is rifled for enhanced accuracy and stability during flight. While the rifle appears durable overall, some users have reported issues with the plastic breech seal cracking over time. Replacing this part isnt difficult but does require a bit of maintenance. The trigger mechanism on the GAMO Pro Hunter 250 has received mixed reviews. While it's adjustable for weight and travel, many shooters find it to be somewhat heavy and inconsistent, especially compared to more expensive air rifles with higher-quality triggers. However, this can often be improved by adjusting the sear engagement or replacing the trigger components entirely.
The GAMO Pro Hunter 250 is known for its impressive accuracy potential when properly sighted in. The rifle consistently delivers tight groupings at distances up to 30 yards, with some shooters reporting even greater accuracy beyond that range. This makes it a versatile choice for target shooting and small game hunting. With a velocity of around 1267 FPS (feet per second) using .177 caliber pellets or 1059 FPS using the 4.5mm (.22 caliber) variety, this air rifle packs a significant punch. The power level is sufficient to take down squirrels and rabbits effectively but may struggle with larger game. It's crucial to adhere to local regulations regarding airgun use for hunting purposes. The IGT technology contributes significantly to the Pro Hunter 250's performance by reducing vibration and recoil, which improves accuracy and consistency. The smooth cocking action also makes it easier to shoot accurately without flinching or anticipating the shot. However, some users report a noticeable 'twang' sound during firing, which can be distracting for those who prefer near-silent shooting.
The GAMO Pro Hunter 250 has garnered generally positive reviews from airgun enthusiasts and hunters alike. Many users praise its accuracy, power, and reliability. Here are some common sentiments expressed in online forums and product reviews:
The GAMO Pro Hunter 250 is typically priced between $149 and $179 USD, depending on where you purchase it from. For this price range, it offers excellent value for money compared to other air rifles with similar performance characteristics. It's a particularly attractive option for beginners or those looking for an affordable hunting rifle. The rifle comes with basic iron sights but is scope-ready. While some users prefer the accuracy of a scope, others find that the open sights are sufficient for short-range target shooting. Purchasing a quality scope will significantly enhance its accuracy potential and versatility. The cost of a decent airgun scope ranges from $50 to $200 or more, depending on features like magnification and reticle type. Considering its overall performance, durability, and price point, the GAMO Pro Hunter 250 represents an excellent value proposition for both recreational shooters and hunters. It provides a level of accuracy and power that exceeds expectations at this price range.
The GAMO Pro Hunter 250 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a powerful, accurate, and reliable air rifle without breaking the bank. While it has some minor drawbacks (trigger pull and breech seal durability), these are easily addressed with simple adjustments or replacements. Its lightweight design, ergonomic grip, and IGT technology make it comfortable to shoot and highly effective in both target shooting and small game hunting scenarios.
The Gamo Pro Hunter 250 is a powerful air rifle designed for recreational target shooting and pest control. It features a break-barrel action, single shot capabilities, and comes with a smooth rifled barrel for increased accuracy. This model uses .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets.
The muzzle energy of the Gamo Pro Hunter 250 in .177 caliber is approximately 12 ft-lbs, making it a powerful and capable air rifle for various applications. Please check local laws regarding permitted muzzle energies before purchase.
The Gamo Pro Hunter 250 has proven to be quite accurate in many tests. The rifled barrel helps deliver consistent performance, allowing you to hit targets at distances up to 50 yards with practice. Accuracy will also depend on pellet choice and shooting technique.
We recommend using high-quality lead pellets designed specifically for air rifles. Pellets between 8.4 grains and 13.4 grains generally perform well in this gun, depending on your personal preferences and desired velocity.
Yes, absolutely! The break-barrel action is relatively easy to operate, making it a great choice for newcomers to air rifle shooting. Its lightweight design also makes it easier to handle than some other models. However, always prioritize safety and proper training before handling any firearm (even an airgun).
To load a pellet, first break open the barrel by pushing down on the lever located near the front of the stock. Then insert a pellet into the chamber until it sits firmly in place. Close the barrel and you're ready to shoot!
The Gamo Pro Hunter 250 features adjustable fiber optic open sights for easy aiming. The rear sight has two adjustment screws: one for elevation (vertical) and one for windage (horizontal). Adjust them as needed to center your shots on target.
With practice, you can effectively shoot targets out to around 70-80 yards using the Gamo Pro Hunter 250 in .177 caliber. However, accuracy will decrease significantly beyond that range.
The Gamo Pro Hunter 250 weighs approximately 6.3 pounds (2.8 kg), making it relatively lightweight and easy to carry around for hunting or recreational shooting.
Always wear eye protection and ear protection when shooting. Never point the air rifle at anything you don't intend to shoot, and always treat it as if it is loaded. Keep out of reach of children. Store unloaded in a secure location.
Many standard airgun accessories are compatible with this model, including scopes (ensure proper mounting options), bipods, slings, and pellet pouches. A scope can improve accuracy significantly at longer ranges.
No, this rifle is designed to shoot pellets only. While it may technically be possible to use BBs, they are not recommended as they could damage the barrel and affect performance. Stick with .177 caliber (4.5mm) airgun pellets for optimal results.
Practice is key! Consistent shooting form and proper technique will significantly increase your accuracy. Try different types of pellets to find what works best in your rifle, and consider using a scope or other aiming devices if desired.
Regular cleaning with an airgun cleaning kit is recommended after each shooting session. Lubricating moving parts periodically can also help ensure smooth operation. Refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions.
Yes, it can be used effectively for hunting small game such as squirrels and rabbits within legal limits. However, its power is not sufficient for larger animals like deer or wild pigs. Always check local regulations regarding airgun use for hunting purposes.
A break-barrel air rifle means that you have to manually open (or 'break') the barrel before loading a pellet and cocking it. This is done by pushing down on the lever located near the front of the stock.
The hammer will be visible in the breech area when the gun is fully cocked. It should also have a distinct 'click' sound as you close the barrel, indicating that it has been properly engaged with the sear mechanism.
No, we strongly advise against using steel ammunition in this rifle. Steel can damage the internal components and void your warranty. Stick to lead airgun pellets designed for break-barrel rifles.
The standard package includes the GAMO Pro Hunter 250 air rifle, adjustable fiber optic sights, a safety manual, and a quick start guide. Pellets are typically not included.