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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates => Air Gun Review Gate => Topic started by: Lambchops on October 18, 2011, 07:59:34 PM

Title: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 18, 2011, 07:59:34 PM
Alright guys and girls it's time for me to do a review on my Stoeger X20 S .22 for you all. I've had it about 3-4 months now, and I really do enjoy it. Once again, this review will be all text and no pictures. I got the gun from Airgunsdaily.com for around $180. It came with a brand new, un opened Stoeger X20 S .22, a 4x32 RG fixed power compact scope and 5 tins of Stoeger's pellets.

We all know about the advertised "silenced" and "quietness" of this gun. Well let me tell you this truthfully. They are correct. This gun is amazingly quiet. The sound of the pellet hitting its target is louder than any mechanical noise or report. It's just a simple "pfft", then a "smack" when the pellet finds its target. For comparison, there is a river in my back yard, and somewhat of a valley. When I shoot my Beeman RS2, my CO2 action pistols, or my Walther Falcon Hunter, they all echo very loudly and they are easily audible by my neighbors. With my Stoeger, there is no echo what so ever. For another comparison, I let my Uncle shoot it when I go over to his house. I always cock it and load it for him because he's used to the old fashioned Benjamin and Sheridan's of his day. So I let him shoot it and I stood off to the side by the target. He took the shot and hit it. To me it sounded like he dry fired it because it was so quiet. But I knew that wasn't possible because I loaded it ;). Overall I give the shroud a perfect 10/10. If I could, I'd give it a 20/10.

First off, the scope. The scope a small, lightweight, compact 4x32 RG Fixed Power scope. RG meaning it has the option for a red / green dot depending on whether or not you'd like to use it. The scope is very nice, but in my honest opinion, doesn't suit very well for this airgun. The scope is lightweight as stated above, and most likely due to the fact the the Stoeger X20 S was made for the field and hunting. It has a very nice field of view, however it doesn't feel like a 4x32 to me. It feels more like a 2.5-3x32 magnification. I have a different 4x32 that zooms in much further. The eye relief is another thing I don't like. It is simply too far. If I had to estimate, it's about 4" of eye relief. Eye relief is essential for accuracy and staying on target quickly and accurately. Overall, I give the scope a 7/10 because it leaves much to be desired.

Next, the stock. The stock is very well made and ergonomical. It's all synthetic. I'm a woodie kinda guy, but I don't mind this stock one bit. It is very nice and not "cheepy feeling" like others. It feels very good in my hands. It also makes the rifle very lightweight which makes it good for taking out into the field for a day of hunting. I give the stock a perfect 10/10.

Now for the trigger. The trigger in my honest opinion is horrible. Coupled with the poor eye relief of the scope and it's long lengthy pull, it makes it really hard to enjoy a day of punching paper in the back yard. I don't know much about triggers and first stage and second stage blah blah blah. To me it feels like it doesn't have a second stage at all- if there is one, you can hardly notice it. The trigger pull is a long, mushy, lengthy, pull. I'd estimate a good 5 lbs of trigger pull. I highly recommend that if you want this gun, invest in a GRT III trigger. The trigger gets a 6/10.

Accuracy. I'm amazed with this little springers' accuracy. Even with the poor eye relief and horrible trigger I'm able to get sub dime sized 5 shot groups bench rested from 15 yards with CPHP's With a nicer scope, and a GRT III, you can expect even better. I've taken starlings, pigeons, squirrels, and doves off hand from about 5-30 yards no problem. If you're a good shooter, you will have no problem taking shots at game and pests. I haven't really went for groups at 30+ yards, but based on the 15 yard groupings, you can expect less than 1". I give the accuracy a 9/10.

Now for the power. The rifle is advertised as 800 FPS in .22. Granted I don't have a chrony, but I'm more than sure that it is not shooting at this power level. Realistically it is more around 700 FPS. The power leaves much to be desired in my opinion. It is plenty of power, however for taking down squirrels. I've taken plenty in one shot to the fuse box. When I shoot pigeons from 25 yards, I get complete pass through's with a big gaping exit wound lol. The gun is a very smoother cocker. I can easily do this in one fluent motion. It takes very little effort at all. I'd say around 23 lbs of effort. For comparison, my Beeman RS2 shoots around 800 FPS in .22 and cocking effort is around 35 lbs. So the cocking effort to power ratio is very good for the Stoeger. 23 lbs of effort for around 700 FPS. You can expect anywhere from 13-15 FPE with CPHP's depending on your gun. I give the power an 8/10.

Shooting cycle. I absolutely LOVE the way this gun shoots. It is very smooth, and so much fun to shoot for a day in the back yard. When you pull the lengthy trigger  >:(, there is a quick and smooth motion where the piston hits home and sends the pellet flying. I have never owned a Nitro Piston, but I bet they feel smooth like this. For comparison, my Beeman RS2 is very rough and loud compared to the firing cycle of the Stoeger. There is very minimal recoil; much less than my RS2. The Firing cycle gets a perfect 10/10

Now for the things I don't like and it's problems. I can find no problems what so ever with this amazing gun. There are some things I do not like about it- mainly the trigger and the scope. But that is all folks, I love just about every little bit of this gun. But I gotta put something in here, so I'll put this. The gun was made in China, and not the good ol' U S of A..  ;D. On a side note, the gun had lots of "mystery oil" everywhere you could think of. When I first got it, oil would splash out of the safety and in between the stock everytime I shot it and splat in my face!  >:(. Luckily I know lots about springers and knew it would be harmful to the seals and springs to keep shooting it in this condition. So after about 5 shots, I took it apart and wiped everything down. Sure, it still dieseled a little bit, but atleast i wasn't getting "mystery goo" in my face.  :D. Don't worry about this issue guys. If you decide to buy this neat little gun, simply clean it when it gets in your possession.

Now for the pellets. The gun came shipped with 5 tins of Stoeger's "new" brand of pellets. They're really H&N pellets in disguise lol  ;). H&N manufactures pellets for Beeman and now Stoeger. Beeman and Stoeger simply re-label them. Comes with a tin of: Stoeger X-Field,  Stoeger X-Hunt, Stoeger X-Magnum, Stoeger X-Match, and Stoeger X-Power. The Field's are simply H&N Field Target Trophys. The X-Magnum's are Beeman Silver Arrows, and the Stoeger X-Power's are copper plated Beeman Kodiaks. There are twins for X-Hunt and X-Match, but I can't remember their names off the top of my head. So basically that means I'm too lazy to go to PyramydAir.com and look...  ;D. The pellets are very fine crafted and German manufactured. I will most definitily buy them again in the future. They're a very good bargain ( *hint*). After this please go read my Review of the Stoeger Pellets in the Bargain Gate  ;). The pellets get a 10/10

Would I buy this again? Heck ya I would! I love it, and this was an amazing deal. Thanks Airgunsdaily!  ;)


Well guys and girls (lizzie lol), this concludes my honest, real world review. I really hope you all enjoyed it, and if you read it, please leave a comment. This took a lot of effort and time and it would make me feel good  :D ;D. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I have no problem trying to answer any questions you all have. Overall, this gets a 9.5.

God Bless, and have a good day.

Cordero
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: grimlama on October 18, 2011, 09:40:25 PM
Enjoyed the write Cordero...We're gonna have to get you a camera though...I like pretty pictures!...lol...Keep on keepin' on!

Lamar
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 18, 2011, 09:42:10 PM
Enjoyed the write Cordero...We're gonna have to get you a camera though...I like pretty pictures!...lol...Keep on keepin' on!

Lamar

Thanks Lamar! I have a camera, but I'm too lazy tp upload them and figure out how to post :D
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: stevemag on October 18, 2011, 09:58:36 PM
very good review, i wish i read it before i bought my x-20, i might've bought the 20s instead. great review!
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 18, 2011, 10:10:39 PM
very good review, i wish i read it before i bought my x-20, i might've bought the 20s instead. great review!

Thank you so much for reading it. I'm glad you liked it.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: stevemag on October 18, 2011, 10:16:52 PM
i guess i'll have to get one of those too, i like quiet.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 19, 2011, 02:16:55 AM
i guess i'll have to get one of those too, i like quiet.


I truely think you will enjoy it if you do purchase a Stoeger X20 S.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: fgwhite on October 19, 2011, 02:28:59 AM
YES I THINK I MAY HAFT TO BUY ONE ALSO I REALLY LIKED THE WRITE UP IT WAS GOOD
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 19, 2011, 02:31:01 AM
YES I THINK I MAY HAFT TO BUY ONE ALSO I REALLY LIKED THE WRITE UP IT WAS GOOD

Thanks man. It makes me happy to see that I'm helping others with these reviews I do. Any questions, feel free to ask away! ;)
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Volltreffer on October 19, 2011, 02:05:42 PM
Thanks for the excellent review! I have been looking for a quiet backyard AG. This will go on my short list. (At the top!)
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 19, 2011, 04:41:42 PM
Thanks for the excellent review! I have been looking for a quiet backyard AG. This will go on my short list. (At the top!)

I'm glad you enjoyed the review, and thanks for the kind words. ;)
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: redone1992 on October 23, 2011, 10:37:11 AM
Enjoyed the review.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 23, 2011, 06:20:53 PM
Enjoyed the review.

Thanks brother. ;)
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: grizzlyadams on October 23, 2011, 07:03:34 PM
do they offer the 20s in wood?
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on October 23, 2011, 07:06:59 PM
do they offer the 20s in wood?

Sadly, no. However the X20 comes in a wood stock, and the X20 & X20 S have interchangeable stocks.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on December 20, 2011, 06:47:35 AM
Bump ;)
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: daveshoot on December 20, 2011, 10:03:28 AM
Still no pics...  :o
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on December 21, 2011, 01:45:00 AM
Still no pics...  :o

Are pics necessary. It looks the same as the one in stores :) it's not like I have a custom camo on it.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: daveshoot on December 21, 2011, 09:22:29 AM
Strictly speaking, no... but people here like to look at guns!

You won't see Stoegers in stores around here, and real world pics are always a nice complement to web photos (kinda like magazine girls, airbrushed and all).

I enjoyed the write-up, just like to see more of these. You bumped it after a couple of months- how is it working out? Trigger smooth out any? Do any of the replacements drop into a Stoeger action?
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on December 21, 2011, 06:15:57 PM
Strictly speaking, no... but people here like to look at guns!

You won't see Stoegers in stores around here, and real world pics are always a nice complement to web photos (kinda like magazine girls, airbrushed and all).

I enjoyed the write-up, just like to see more of these. You bumped it after a couple of months- how is it working out? Trigger smooth out any? Do any of the replacements drop into a Stoeger action?

Well the main reason I don't do pictures is because I use my phone for a camera. It's decent at 8 megapixels. It's too complicated to plug it into the computer and find the specific folder with the pics.

As for the trigger, I polished the main sear and sanded down a few screws. The trigger is OK now, but a GRT would be way better.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: MustangMike on January 31, 2012, 10:21:14 PM
You could always email the pics to ur email or upload them directly to photobucket
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on February 01, 2012, 07:55:24 AM
You could always email the pics to ur email or upload them directly to photobucket

I finally figured out how to post pics a few days ago, so if the general consensus is to post pics, then I will. ;D
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: path on February 01, 2012, 09:31:46 AM
ok lets see the magazine girls!!!!!        ok a a gun,
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Tarheel on February 01, 2012, 10:34:42 PM
ok lets see the magazine girls!!!!! 

Rule 6 violation edit-Provocative Photos

Bubba Zanetti
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: tommyboy1587 on April 06, 2012, 09:30:11 AM
Great review!  Due to my X 10's awesome performance, I was already considering this rifle.  After  reading your review, now I'm REALLY considering this rifle.  I'm in the market for a .22, and this may very well be the one.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Lambchops on April 06, 2012, 06:43:13 PM
No problem man, glad you liked it.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: thedavemyster on April 15, 2015, 01:12:47 PM
Thank you for your review; it was a deciding factor in buying my own Stoeger X20S, with which I am well pleased.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: IguanaHunterReturns on April 15, 2015, 06:30:06 PM
If you think that a NP doesn't kick, you're in for a surprise. My benjamin kicks like a mule.
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: lillysdad621 on April 15, 2015, 10:45:40 PM
I got a benjamin xs .177 with the NP as i needed a quiet weather resistant springer for work... even without the shroud the titan is quiet. i still havent had the chance of shooting an X20S, but everyone seems to be saying the same... its ultra quiet. has anyone compared it to a non shrouded NP rifle?
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Pilgrim on April 29, 2015, 12:18:43 AM
Quote

Well the main reason I don't do pictures is because I use my phone for a camera. It's decent at 8 megapixels. It's too complicated to plug it into the computer and find the specific folder with the pics.


If i may humbly offer a suggestion - I'm with you on the hassle part!  ::)
My workaround is to "email" photos from my android smartphone to my home email account on the computer. Beats to dickens out of cords & searching folders, etc. Then i upload to photos to a host sharing site, and link to them in my forum post as needed. Fairly simplified but like you, i have make myself want to do it...
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Freth on February 23, 2016, 09:46:05 AM
I bought one and am simply amazed by it.  It is quieter than my Gamo Mach1 Pigman!  The other day I stepped out the back door, shot a squirrel out of a neighbor's tree, and my retriever didn't realize anything had happened because of the lack of sound from my Striker or Big Cat.  I had to go get the squirrel myself.  I did put the GRT trigger on it, and it shoots ever so smoothly and nice.  Very light pull.  This is AN OUTSTANDING air rifle!!!
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: Limpy45 on November 14, 2017, 04:41:57 PM
I bought the same rifle about 2 years ago, only in .177.  I have about 400 pellets through it and really like it.  So far at least 4 cottontail rabbits, 2 squirrels and one crow don't like it.  I have been shooting quite a bit in my shop, so I only can shoot about 15 feet.  I took it to our outdoor rifle range the other day and at 28 yards by my lazer range finder I could shoot dime size groups!!  I bought a longer screw for the trigger travel adjuster and then slowly trimmed it to a length that I liked the trigger pull.  I also have the screw the length so I can bottom it out and that way it will stay tight and not vibrate loose and change trigger pull.  Works good so far, so I am not going to mess with it anymore.  Just bring on more bunnies and tree rats!! Both crawling and flying type! 
Title: Re: Stoeger X20 S .22 - Honest Real World Review
Post by: 1959 Moggy on November 21, 2017, 05:33:11 PM
  I really enjoyed your review,mostly because I agree with virtually every word. I replaced the trigger on my .22 with a unit I got from elsewhere, and like you, I'm even happier with this gun. Much more than just a pretty rifle. Thanks again for taking the time.   Bryan