Umarex may be the new name but the old title of Hammerli remains just as popular.
This air rifle was introduced as high power CO2 option for game hunters!
The name situation makes things a bit hard to follow, but know this –
The Hammerli 850 goes under the name Umarex in the US market.
They’re one and the same.
German company Umarex are experts at CO2 power
(For more on the best air rifle brands, see this post)
They introduced the world to the first mass-produced, affordable and full-power 12 ft/lb CO2 hunting rifle, the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum.
It is powered by liquid gas, and made up of synthetic material, making it light in weight and economical.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum has been the solution for those seeking an accurate rifle with a real firearm feel but cannot afford the real deal.
Hammerli / RWS are well known for standing behind their guns, whatever they claim, and they do deliver!
Their warranty has always been the best in the market.
Therefore, Umarex Hammerli 850 is another trusted name in the community.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is popular with pest controllers in particular.
(For more on the best air rifle for squirrels, see this post)
The rifle comes with smooth blacked-steel cocking and a generous bolt.
It’s a lot of fun to shoot with, so you will have a hard time putting it down.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum wood stock is synthetic though, known as an all-weather stock.
You can take the gun anywhere and not be worried about the finish as it is made of durable polymer with a Monte Carlo stock!
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum uses an 88-gram air source cartridge,
Which allows you to have 200 – 250 shots before you need to change the cartridge.
The rifle comes with a fiber-optic sight to help you acquire your target.
You can feel free to mount a scope on the 11mm dovetail rail.
Based on the German quality, Umarex makes a dovetail–to-weaver mount.
This rifle is ideal for plinking, recreational target shooting, and competition.
The wooden stock is robust and reliable.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum not only has the look of a firearm, but it works like a firearm in terms of accuracy.
If you wish to have the experience of a military firearm, but cannot buy one, then the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is the best choice for you.
All told, the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum has just about everything if you have ever hoped for in a CO2 repeater!
(For more on 5 types of air rifles you need to know before buying, see this post)
Cocking Effort And Trigger
You should think seriously and consciously about the trigger performance or the cocking ability
You don’t want something that fires off course too easily.
Luckily, the trigger performance of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle is just unbeatable.
The HAM team has taken the test to check the ability of the trigger, and the results are amazing.
The Hammerli 850 has a cock-on-opening bolt-action,
And for sure, it is actually very easy to manage.
This means that the Hammerli 850 is suitable for both young shooters or less physically strong adults.
The rifle does not discharge accidentally even with the lower pull weight of just 1 lb.
Therefore, the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle is safe to use in any way.
Moreover, the trigger pull is very smooth and consistent.
But I would make it clear here that if one snatches the rifle during shooting, it will miss the second target.
You would be amazed to learn that the Hammerli 850 has a bolt action that works like a firearm
This is the big attraction for you towards the rifle.
If you have a military background or interest in real firearms, you would love to have Hammerli 850 in your collection.
Note that the bolt is a little bit rough and bulky as you close the stroke.
But, maybe with time as you use the rifle, it’ll become smoother.
There is nothing wrong with having an action like this — it’s just something you’ll get used to.
Stock
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum wood stock is synthetic.
Umarex has made the gun to be used anytime, in any weather, and it’s beautiful in black – reminiscent of the military.
(For more on the in-depth comparison between synthetic and wood stock, see this post.)
The Hammerli 850 has that renowned German quality as it is made of durable polymer.
With a raised cheek-piece on both sides of the Monte Carlo Stock, it is ambidextrous.
The rifle has an air-source cartridge of 88gms.
It is quite useful because it allows you to have up to 200 or 250 continuous shots before you change the cartridge.
Scope And Sight
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum comes with fiber optic sights, which are very popular in airguns nowadays.
These sights allow you to adjust between to a bright red, hooded foresight which is nicely designed along with an adjustable rear sight.
You can also add green fiber optics on a sliding ramp — all you need is a screwdriver to make the change.
Accuracy And Speed
Your concern regarding the accuracy has been very much considered by the Umarex Hammerli AirMagnum 850.
The speed of a CO2 air rifle can never be compared with a real gun because it cannot fulfill the requirement of a minimum number of shots per fill.
You can consider the multi-shot capability and lack of recoil at a reasonable price with a simple appearance and features.
The HAM team has tested the Umarex Hammerli AirMagnum 850 at a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Below are the results:
| Pellet | Muzzle Velocity-Average | Muzzle Energy-Average | Accuracy |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 674 fps | 9.8 ft/lbs | GOOD |
| H & N field target trophy green 14.66 grain | 668 fps | 9.9 ft/lbs | GOOD |
| RWS hobby 11.9 grain | 640 fps | 10.8 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| Crosman premier HP 14.3 grain | 606 fps | 11.7 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 610 fps | 11.9 ft/lbs | BEST TESTED |
| H&N field target trophy 14.66 grain | 609 fps | 12.1 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| H&N Barracuda match 21.14 grain | 519 fps | 12.6 ft/lbs | GOOD ONE FLYER |
The muzzle velocity is quite a complicated topic when it comes to CO2-powered air guns since CO2 is performance is so dependent on temperature.
As the temperature rises, so too does the pressure of the CO2.
As the CO2 increases, the muzzle velocity increases as well since the temperature increases by 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Pellet | Muzzle Velocity calculated at 67F-Average | Muzzle Velocity calculated at 75 F-Average | Muzzle Velocity calculated at 90F- Average |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 674 fps | 690 fps | 720 fps |
| H & N field target trophy green 14.66 grain | 668 fps | 684 fps | 714 fps |
| RWS hobby 11.9 grain | 640 fps | 656 fps | 686 fps |
| Crosman premier HP 14.3 grain | 606 fps | 622 fps | 652 fps |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 610 fps | 626 fps | 656 fps |
| H&N field target trophy 14.66 grain | 609 fps | 625 fps | 655 fps |
| H&N barracuda match 21.14 grain | 519 fps | 535 fps | 565 fps |
The table, as mentioned earlier, clearly shows the result of the increased muzzle velocity with an increase in temperature.
But the growth is limited; it cannot be said that it would grow at infinity.
At around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, there is increased pressure in the “valve lock”, and the muzzle velocity begins to fall very quickly.
Therefore, it is accurate to say that around 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the maximum shooting temperature for CO2-powered air rifles.
Manufacturers recommend that if you do this and your valve lock gets heated, then allow it to cool down.
This will bring the pressure down and allow you to shoot again.
JSB Jumbo Exact Pellets achieved the best accuracy with the Hammerli 850.
However, this air rifle is not picky about pellets and shows good accuracy with a whole range.
(For more on everything you need to know about air rifle accuracy, see this post)
Watch how this German-made tack driver puts .22 caliber pellets through the same hole at 35 yards:
Consistency
The Umarex Hammerli 850 AirMagnum demonstrates good consistency all around.
The standard deviation dropped to a lower extent of 4.2 FPS with JSB jumbo pellets.
With GAMO platinum PBA pellets, the standard deviation recorded by the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle was just 8.7 FPS.
This was its best performance.
The weight of the trigger pull was rock-steady, with no such variations when tested by HAM. This is outstanding and quite rare!
Loudness
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle is a high-powered CO2 air rifle with no silencer.
However, this is not the disappointment it might seem as many shooters like the noise!
It’s worth noting that the HAM team expected the sound to be much louder because it is high power CO2,
So the noise still doesn’t meet the norm for this type of gun.
You cannot compare the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle with .22 LR firearms in terms of the noise of course – it’s much quieter, even in .177 caliber.
Nevertheless, shooters looking for a quiet air rifle best avoid this air rifle.
Shooting Ability
Amazing results here for Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle!
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle is so perfect.
It is easy to shoot as there is not such heavy cocking and no recoil.
It doesn’t take at all long to master.
The rate-a-gun score is 4.1, which is outstanding.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle is very easy to handle and quick on the target.
The 16 joules valve is best for shooting with accuracy.
You can load the clip of the Hammerli 850 XT very smoothly, but it is suggested for you to take some time to push every pellet right down to the hole
So that the compressed pellet is seated correctly by the O ring that runs around the clip.
The HAM team experienced no misleads during the examination of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle.
Appearance
The attractive color and design of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle would urge you to get one for any shooting activity, be it backyard shooting, hunting, or sports competition.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum combo comes within the forearm, which is removable, the CO2 cylinder is well concealed inside.
The finish of the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum air rifle is very impressive, featuring:
- A well-finished metal part
- And a well-molded black ambidextrous synthetic stock.
Note here that the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum wood stock version is available in the US.
It might be available in Europe but we’re not sure about the price.
The price for a Umarex Hammerli AirMagnum 850 can be high outside the US.
Outstanding Grip
With the stock of black synthetic material, the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum wood stock has a slim pistol grip.
It has raised dots, which will increase the grip.
It has a thick rubber butt-pad, and the cheek-piece makes it suitable for shooting from both sides.
Pros
- Adjustable rear fiber optic sight
- The air rifle has a rifled steel barrel with all-weather synthetic stock and both are durable and eye-catching just as you see the Umarex Hammerli 850 air magnum
- Hooded front fiber optic sight
- As you buy, you would 3-9 * 40 mm of AO optic from the center point.
- It has hardwood stock, and it has sling mount
- The speed can be shooting up to a velocity of 1100 fps.
- It is ideal for the small hunting game
- It has higher efficiency rate when you read the instructions
- Outstanding accuracy
- Over-length is 41 inches, therefore; easy on shoulders
- Light in weight as it is synthetic
- Great trigger
- Easy to shoot
- Accurate with all tested pellets
- Best to experience firearm
- Great CO2 bolt-action
- Safe while using with family due to safety mode
- It does not emit CO2 even at the lowest muzzle velocity, therefore; safe to use with the
Cons
- High-cost CO2
- Poor open sight
- Balky bolt action
- Harder trigger but adjustable
Price
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum costs between $250 and $280.
Being a CO2 air-rifle, this is a viable alternative for the shooters or hunters who are looking for a PCP rifle with minimal recoil and don’t want to buy a refill tank.
If you compare the accuracy and reliability, and indeed the real firearm feel, none can beat the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum at such a low price.
HAM Rating
| Economical | 70% |
| Accuracy | 70% |
| Trigger and cocking effort | 90% |
| Consistency | 90% |
| Loudness | 50% |
| Sight | 20% |
| Shooting ability | 90% |
| Appearance | 90% |
The conclusions for the hard air magazine test are satisfactory.
The HAM team loves the Hammerli 850 AirMagnum.
It’s accurate and has an eight pellet clip and bolt action.
You can handle it very easily, and it doesn’t need tuning. It’s also very durable.
Specifications
- The manufacturer is Umarex USA (old name Hammerli)
- .22 caliber in Hammerli 850 AirMagnum xt kit
- The Umarex Hammerli AirMagnum 850 xt has the 650 fps velocity
- Ammo type is pellets
- The Hammerli 850 co2 is Bolt-action
- Barrel style is rifled
- Firing mode is a repeater
- Weight of rifle is 5.65 lbs.
- Noise is 3-medium
- CO2 mechanism
- Automatic safety
- Fiber option rear sight
- Trigger pull is 3 in Hammerli 850 AirMagnum accessories
- Target shooting/ Small game hunting/ backyard shooting/ plinking
- 1-year warranty
- Testers were Doug wall
- Model number 2251001
- Serial number G038251
- Price $250 – 280
- 200 – 250 shots per cartridge
- Quick firing 8-shot rotary magazine
- Monte Carlo stock
- 2 stages adjustable trigger in Hammerli 850 hPa in Hammerli 850 accessories
- Product dimensions 12 * 45.1 * 4.2 inches
Customer Reviews
The reviews of the customers are very much in favor of the Umarex Hammerli 850 air magnum,
As people appreciate the rifle’s accuracy and the price, as well as the easy loading and changing of the magazine.
Moreover, the smooth trigger pull is widely appreciated.
Even the retired servicemen and engineers who have bought the rifle left positive reviews.
Even the reviews reveal that people who bought some other rifle or gun previously were disappointed with their decision
And are encouraging other people to go for the Umarex Hammerli 850 AirMagnum as it is the best choice for hunters.
Not only hunters will reap the benefits, however.
If you’re looking to have a good backyard shooting session, or even looking to teach someone how to handle a firearm, this is a great starting point.
Moreover, one of the users of the rifle commented that bottle O ring blew just after the 5th CO2 bottle.
This suggests that the rifle should have some quality standard.
Additionally, since the Umarex Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is synthetic, it’s praised for being to light.
It’s easy on the shoulders so you can carry and fire it all day.
Generally, there are no recurring complaints made about the Umarex Hammerli 850 AirMagnum
So it’s safe to assume that it has no chronic problems.
In the same way, safety is also being considered because the Umarex Hammerli 850 AirMagnum comes with accuracy and safety.
The rifle is safe to use without much stress.
It does not leak CO2 even at lower temperatures or pressure.
Conclusion
Hammerli 850 is an excellent CO2 air rifle for the money.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum fulfills every primary requirement of the shooters.
If you are looking for a magazine-fed bolt action rifle, with accuracy and ease of use, Hammerli 850 AirMagnum suits you down to the ground.
