July Staff Picks: War Museums, Cowboy Guns & Optics You Forgot You Loved

FX may be the new buzz, but our picks this month dig deeper into nostalgia, utility, and good old-fashioned fun.

July 2025’s been weird. Strange headlines, stranger weather, and a lot of you banging on the digital door about FX rifles. And you know what? Fair play. After months of pestering, they’re finally here—along with their usual entourage of Donny FL moderators, Element Optics, and Saber Tactical accessories.

And yes, we’ve already seen the back-in-stock notifications roll in for the FX DRS Saber Tactical Enhanced in both

Boulder Grey👉 Here…

and Bronze👉 Here

They’re exactly the kind of forward-thinking, modular air rifles that resonate with people who like options without the overcomplication. But let’s be clear—they're not the staff picks this month. Mainly because we've not had a chance to have a go with them. Next month's pick, possibly?

Instead, we’ve got a few old favourites, some historical influences, and a scope revival that deserves your attention.

Tee’s Pick – Gletcher NGT F “Nagant” CO2 BB Revolver

🔗 Gletcher NGT F Nagant M1895 Revolver

Tee and Craig may be on holiday, but that didn’t stop us bothering them for a pick. Inspired by a war museum visit, she chose the Gletcher NGT F—a faithful nod to the iconic Russian Nagant revolver.

It swaps the original 7.62mm round for 4.5mm steel BBs and leaves out the original’s baffling gas-seal system (thankfully). The result? A reliable, well-built replica that pays tribute to its roots without being a nightmare to look after. Powered by CO2, stamped with Gletcher’s solid reputation, and ideal for any historical airgunner.

Craig’s Pick – UMAREX Marlin Lever-Action BB Repeater

🔗 Marlin Lever Action BB Repeater

Craig’s also away—and clearly living his cowboy fantasy. After seeing a few classic lever-actions on display, he picked this UMAREX Marlin, which feels like a proper backyard shootout waiting to happen.

Sure, it’s not an exact replica, but it captures the vibe. With a gravity-fed magazine, reversed underlever cocking, and that distinct Marlin-style profile, it’s a nod to the good ol’ days of BB guns and tin-can destruction.

Whether you're reminiscing about the Wild West or just want a fun plinker, this one's a hit.

Also: wear eye protection. Please.👉 Safety Gear

Karl’s Pick – Vector Optics Tauron Gen2 3-18x50 FFP

🔗 Tauron GEN2 Scope (SCFF-64)

Yes, you’ve probably never heard of the “Tauron.” But you have heard of the Taurus 3-18x50 FFP—an OG “Vector Air Recommends” scope that we quietly rated for years. For some reason, Vector Optics have changed its name... Why?... We're not sure. What we are sure of...

The Tauron GEN2 keeps the core formula:

✔ Superb MPX1 reticle (etched, illuminated dot, FFP)

✔ Bright, crisp glass

✔ Compact design with smart, usable zoom

✔ New hybrid tactical turrets with zero-stop

This isn’t about flashy features—it’s about everything you actually need, done right. If you want a scope that can handle pest control, range work, and long shots without being a faff—this is it.

Reminder: add your mounts. Every week, someone forgets and emails us in a fit of rage. Read the listings. It’s not hard.

Luke’s Pick – UMAREX Walther Reign M2 Bullpup PCP Air Rifle

🔗 Walther Reign M2 PCP Bullpup

Luke didn’t even hesitate this month. His pick? The Walther Reign M2 — because someone in the trade (with a straight face) told him “it doesn’t sell.” That’s odd. We’ve sold more of these than most guns on our wall — and for good reason.

You lot love it. We love it. It’s a rugged, multi-shot, ambidextrous swapable PCP with a Lothar Walther barrel… for under £800. Show us another rifle that packs this much function into a gun this light, and we’ll wait. Seriously. We’ll wait.

Let’s break it down:

• Regulated action – consistency out of the box

• QD sling points – because someone thought about carrying it

• Top & bottom Pic rails – accessories? No problem

• Swappable cocking lever & mag direction – lefties rejoice

• Single-shot ready breech – bench ready

• Threaded barrel – yes, you can hush it

• Lothar Walther barrel – you know, like the £1-2K target rifles use

• and one of the last UMAREX "Made In Germany" guns...

Is it a little plasticky? Yep. Does it look like it costs less than it delivers? Also yes.

But do not mistake that for weakness. This is one of the most capable, compact PCPs we’ve ever stocked. And while other shops can’t shift them, we can’t keep them in stock.

It’s the working airgunner’s secret weapon — and if you're more worried about how it shoots than how it looks on Instagram, this is your rifle. It’s the best PCP in UMAREX’s line-up—don’t @ us. End of discussion.

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