The Beeman RX-2 - A Surefire Hunting Airgun

The Beeman RX-2 is a fantastic gun for the hunter for a number of reasons. The accuracy of the German-built gun is legendary, as are all the guns from the HW factory. But the RX-2 has some advantages over the other break-barrel rifles available.

First, the laminate stock is very eye-catching, and sets off the superb bluing of this gun quite nicely. HW guns have one of the best finishes on the market, and they didn't stint at all with this full-sized adult airgun.

Secondly, the powerplant of the RX-2 is a gas ram, not a spring. This is of importance to the hunter in that you need not worry about leaving your gun cocked for extended periods of time while hunting. There simply isn't a spring that will take a set, and the gas ram operates by compressing a sealed quantity of gas, nitrogen I believe. You still have to follow the practice of not dry-firing a break-barrel, as the piston still needs a cushion of air to prevent it from hitting the breech face during the firing cycle.

I have a few pics of my RX-2. Last week, you saw a review of a Tech Force scope that I mounted on this gun. It is still working fine, and I also used a reddot for a squirrel hunt a few weeks ago. Both methods of sighting worked well, but I haven't used the reddot for an extended amount of time and can't comment on the longevity of such a sighting aid. However, the Tech Force scope is holding up quite nicely after several hundred rounds.

The RX-2 is like most other break-barrel rifles in that you need to learn how to shoot it. It is a heavy gun, coming in close to 10 lbs. with a scope on it, so it may not be ideal for a long session of hiking and hunting. But if you hunt by ambush and intend to wait while hidden for your prey, it will be no problem.

The RX-2 can be de-cocked by breaking the barrel open, holding it firmly with one hand while disengaging the safety with the other, and carefully returning the barrel to the locked position. The safety, shown below, is able to be re-engaged if you decide to pass up a shot after taking the safety off.



The scope rails cut into the receiver accept the standard 3/8" scope rings, but I've discovered that a quality one-piece mount that firmly grips the dovetails is a must on this gun. The alternative is a mount that has a scope-stop pin to aid in keeping it in position. The firing sequence generates a sharp, quick snap of recoil, and plan on fastening your scope firmly in place on this gun.

20+ fpe are easily available in .22 caliber from this gun. Using RWS Superdomes, I've received 26 fpe, and the two squirrels you see in this pic were taken with Crosman Premiers that were putting out 24.5 fpe. The smashing effect of the RX-2 has made it one of my favorites already, and I hope to keep one of these guns in my possession for a long time to come.

The quality of this rifle commands a premium price. Compasseco currently sells the RX-2 for $728.95, and though the price may seem prohibitive to some, you certainly get a quality gun for your hard-earned money.