September Staff Picks: Swedes, Scopes and SPA

Yes, we’re back with our staff picks for September! This month has mostly been about second-hand gems, so there isn’t much that’s brand new. Still, a few pre-existing favourites have caught our attention.

Karl’s Pick – FX Impact Mk4 Copper

www.vector-air.co.uk

FX Impact M4 Copper Edition PCP Bullpup Air Rifle | Vector Air

The Icon Reborn – Sharper, Stronger, Smarter Since its debut in 2015, the FX Impact has redefined what modern airguns can achieve. A true game-changer in both form and function, it quickly cemented its place as one of the most versatile, accurate, and innovative air rifles on the market. Now, with the release of the FX Impact M4, FX Airguns has pushed the platform even further—enhancing performance, rigidity, comfort, and control, all while maintaining the iconic aesthetics that shooters around the world know and trust. What’s New in the Impact M4?🔧 FX Quick Set Trigger (QST)A revolutionary addition, the Quick Set Trigger allows instant adjustment between multiple trigger profiles—Hunter, Match, or Standard—all with a simple screw tweak. No upgrades, no swapping units. Just dial in your preference and shoot. 🧱 Improved RigidityThe redesigned top plate is thicker and stronger, enhancing the structural integrity of the platform for a more solid, consistent shooting experience—especially noticeable under heavy use or competition stress. ✋ Refined GripThe all-new FX Grip features a more sculpted palm swell, integrated beavertail, and a secure AR-style mount. It feels natural in the hand and offers improved ergonomics for both target shooting and field work. 💨 AMP Regulator with Brass PistonNow fitted with a brass-piston AMP regulator, the M4 offers faster refresh rates, better consistency, and durability under higher fill pressures—rated to 170 BAR working pressure. 🔄 Redesigned MagazineHigh-capacity magazines have been reengineered using stronger materials and a smoother rotating mechanism, ensuring reliable cycling even when loaded with heavier slugs. 🔭 Extended Optics RailThe integrated dovetail and extended Picatinny scope rail give you ultimate flexibility for scope positioning, with perfect alignment and improved rigidity. 🎯 Design TouchesSmall but meaningful refinements across the chassis—like functional cutouts, sleek lines, and improved access points—make the M4 as practical as it is good-looking. It’s evolution, not revolution—just as it should be. Key Features: FX Quick Set Trigger (QST) – switch between Match, Hunter, or Standard trigger profiles with one screw Side Lever Action – ambidextrous mount, smooth right-hand operation Carbon Fibre 480cc Bottle – light and high-capacity Adjustable Recoil Pad – for perfect shoulder fit Dual WIKA Pressure Gauges – monitor both regulator and main tank pressure Superior STX 600mm Barrel – renowned FX accuracy Foster Fill Port – quick and easy refilling Detachable Muzzle Brake / Moderator Adapter Picatinny Scope Rail with Adjustable Positioning Delivered in a Custom Hard Case Specifications: Calibres Available: .177 (4.5mm), .22 (5.5mm) Magazine Capacity:  – .177: 35 shots  – .22: 28 shots Shot Count Per Fill (Approx.):  – .177: up to 375 shots  – .22: up to 330 shots Fill Pressure: Max 250 BAR (3625 PSI) Air Cylinder: 480cc Carbon Fibre Bottle Barrel Length: 600mm Overall Length: 860mm Weight: 3.1kg (6.85 lbs) Trigger: Fully Adjustable QST Safety: Switch Style Optics Rail: Full-Length Picatinny (adjustable mount) Construction: Aircraft-grade aluminium with reinforced top plate Charging Interface: Foster Quick Disconnect Final ThoughtsThe FX Impact M4 doesn’t just build on a legacy—it refines it. From benchrest to field, it’s a serious platform built for shooters who demand nothing less than world-class precision, adaptability, and control. Whether you're pushing pellets through paper or slugs through steel, the M4 ensures you’re doing it with the best FX has ever offered.

As a team, we tend to lean toward tactical rifles, and the FX Impact has been a cornerstone of that market since its debut in 2015. The M4 edition has had a mixed reception, but Karl can’t help but admire its Swedish design mantra: doing the little things right. From the smooth side-lever cocking to the FX Quick Set Trigger and the perfectly balanced frame, FX Airguns has nailed the details. Karl chose the Copper version because, frankly, black is boring. The FX Impact M4 refines an already iconic platform—world-class precision, versatility, and control all wrapped in a Swedish-engineered package.

Tee’s Pick – VictOptics S6 1-6x24i Fiber Illuminated LPVO Scope

www.vector-air.co.uk

VictOptics S6 1-6x24i Fiber Illuminated SFP LPVO Scope (OPSL33) | Vector Air

Introducing the VictOptics S6 1-6x24 Fiber Illuminated LPVO Scope, a cutting-edge optic masterpiece crafted by Vector Optics. Designed for precision shooting and tactical versatility, this LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) rifle scope is engineered to elevate your shooting experience to new heights. Ultra Bright Fiber Dot Technology: The VictOptics S6 features fiber reticles with an ultra-bright dot, ensuring crystal-clear visibility even in bright sunlight. The 6-step red illumination offers versatility in various lighting conditions, providing optimal performance for every shooting scenario. 1/5 MIL Precise Adjustment: Achieve unparalleled accuracy with the 1/5 MIL click value and Zero Reset & Turret Lock features. This LPVO scope supports precise adjustments for different distances, while the turret lock prevents accidental movements, ensuring your settings stay locked in during critical moments. Sharp and Clear Image: Enjoy a true 6x zoom factor with a sharp and clear image from edge to edge. The absence of an inside dark ring around the image guarantees an unobstructed view, enhancing your shooting accuracy and overall experience. Fully-multi Coated Main Tube: Experience improved colour reproduction with the Fully-multi Coated (FMC) optic coating technology applied to the main tube. The wide field of view, combined with a generous 101mm (4.0") long eye relief, enhances your situational awareness for a superior shooting performance. True 1x Power for Rapid Shooting: The true 1x magnification allows for both eyes open shooting, providing a faster and more intuitive shooting experience compared to traditional iron sights. The low magnification reduces eye strain during extended shooting sessions, making it the ideal LPVO for CQB, Airsoft, and paintball combats. Dioptric Adjustment for All Shooters: The dioptric adjustment, with compensation from the fast-focus eyepiece (+2 to -2), makes the S6 LPVO super friendly to shooters with myopia or hyperopia. Easy adjustment ensures a sharp image, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. Specifications: Magnification: 1-6x Objective Lens Dia: 24mm Optics Coating: FMC Field of View: 109.2-18.2 feet @ 100 yards Eye Relief: 101mm / 4.0 inch Length: 249mm / 9.8 inch Weight: 425g / 15.0oz Tube Dia: 30mm Click Value: 1/5MIL Adjustment Range: >50MIL Parallax Setting: 100 yards Reticle: Fiber Mil reticle Illumination: 6 levels of intermittent red Battery Type: CR2032 (Not Included) Finish: Black matte Shock tested: Up to 750g Water-resistant: IPX4 Fully nitrogen purged: to eliminate fogging internally Accessories: Comes with flip-up caps and cleaning cloth Upgrade your optics game with the VictOptics S6 1-6x24 Fiber Illuminated LPVO Scope – the perfect blend of advanced features, durability, and unmatched clarity. Dominate the field with confidence; order yours today!

Tee’s pick is all about versatility and value. The VictOptics S6 LPVO is a go-to optic for airsoft battle rifles, DMRs, and compact sniper builds. Lightweight, ultra-bright, and affordable, it also doubles perfectly for PCP pest control setups. It’s a tactical-friendly scope that gives airsofters and hunters alike a real edge in the field without costing a small fortune.

Luke's Pick – OwlSet ARGON ES 1.2X10 Nano Thermal Imaging Camera

www.vector-air.co.uk

OwlSet ARGON ES 1.2X10 Nano Thermal Imaging Camera (VEOT-MC07) | Vector Air

Handheld or Rail-Mounted Nano Thermal with Touchscreen and 500m DetectionThe OwlSet ARGON ES (VEOT-MC07) is a compact, lightweight thermal imaging camera offering impressive performance in a form factor smaller than most smartphones. Whether you're spotting handheld, or mounting it to your rifle with the optional picatinny mount adapter (VEOTM-01), this unit gives you incredible flexibility and a unique circular AMOLED display that doesn’t need to be pressed to your eye. Ideal for pest control, HFT shooters, or outdoor enthusiasts who want thermal capability without bulk or weight. Key Features: 1.2X Optical Thermal Magnification – With up to 4.8x digital zoom Mountable Versatility – Use handheld, or mount at 45° (with third-party offset rail), or directly in-line using the VEOTM-01 Picatinny mount adapter as a Thermal Optic Round AMOLED Display – A 1.43” screen with 466x466 resolution allows easy viewing—even with glasses Ultra-Light & Compact – Just 205g, smaller than a mobile phone, yet rated for rugged outdoor use (IP67) VOx 256x192 Thermal Sensor – 12μm pixel pitch and <30mK NETD delivers great thermal detail Hotspot Tracking – Automatically highlights and follows the hottest object in view Touchscreen Interface – Simple, intuitive, and responsive even in low light 6-Hour Battery Life – USB-C rechargeable with 20W fast charging support Wi-Fi Connectivity – Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for remote control and image/video sharing via iOS/Android app Built-in Media Storage – 16GB internal memory for saving photos, videos, and audio Specifications: Magnification: 1.2x optical, 4.8x digital Objective Lens: 10mm / F1.0 Resolution: 256 × 192 pixels @ 12μm Detector Type: VOx (Vanadium Oxide) Spectral Range: 8 – 14 μm NETD: <30mK Field of View: 13.1° × 13.1° Display: 1.43" Round AMOLED Touchscreen (466 × 466) Eye Relief: 25mm Diopter Adjustment: -5 to +5 Detection Range: Up to 500m / 550 yards Colour Palettes: White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, Green Hot, Iron Red, Blue Hot, Sepia Waterproofing: IP67 Power Supply: Built-in rechargeable battery Battery Runtime: Approx. 6 hours Charging: USB Type-C, supports 20W quick charge Wireless Connectivity: 2.4GHz & 5GHz Wi-Fi with companion mobile app Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C / -4°F to +122°F Dimensions: 111mm (L) × 49mm (H) Weight: 205g / 7.23oz Package Includes: OwlSet ARGON ES Nano Thermal Camera USB Type-C Charging Cable Wrist Strap Two Screen Protectors User Manual Suggested Accessories: icatinny/Helmet Mount Adapter (VEOTM-01 – For mounting the ARGON ES Nano directly onto a Picatinny rail Vector Optics 45° Offset Rail (SCRA-57) – For offset mounting as a co-witness thermal backup sight Why Choose the ARGON ES?This is the thermal solution for shooters and pest controllers who don’t want bulky scopes or headsets. With almost limitless eye relief (as long as you can see the screen), it functions more like a reflex sight than a traditional thermal monocular when mounted. For such a small footprint, it offers unmatched versatility and usability—especially at this price point.

Eech never sleeps with Luke, and this month it’s thermal. The OwlSet ARGON ES is marketed as a thermal spotter, but with the optional VEOTM-01 Picatinny mount, it doubles as a thermal red dot/backup scope. Pest control, night hunting, or airsoft—all covered. At £375, it’s a high-value thermal solution, portable, lightweight, and with almost limitless eye relief thanks to its small AMOLED display. It’s small, versatile, and priced aggressively—perfect for shooters who want tech without bulk.

Craig’s Pick – UX SPA Expert CO2 Pistol by UMAREX

www.vector-air.co.uk

UX SPA Expert CO2 Pistol by UMAREX | Vector Air

Precision Entry-Level Shooting with a Match-Style FeelThe UX SPA Expert represents the top of UMAREX’s SPA pistol series—designed for those entering the world of recreational airgun shooting but still expecting precision and performance. Powered by a standard 12g CO₂ capsule housed in the grip, the SPA Expert delivers consistent energy of up to 3 joules, propelling .177 calibre pellets at up to 100 m/s (328 fps). The 190 mm rifled barrel ensures impressive accuracy, all packed into a sleek pistol form. The ergonomically styled grip and double-action only trigger offer the feel of a modern competition pistol, while red accent controls and intuitive colour-coding help guide safe and confident operation. A manual pushbutton safety adds peace of mind. With three 8-shot rotary magazines included and Picatinny rails above and below the barrel, this pistol is ready to be customised with optics and accessories to suit your shooting style. Key Features: Top Model in the SPA Series – Superior performance in a budget-friendly platform CO₂ Powered – Uses 1x 12g capsule for around 50 shots per fill Pellet-Firing Precision – Rifled 190 mm barrel for improved accuracy Ergonomic Match-Inspired Grip – Comfortable and stable for extended use Double Action Only – Fast and consistent trigger pull with red trigger visual cue Accessory Ready – Picatinny rails for sights, lasers, or lights Includes 3 Rotary Magazines – Quick reloading and extended shooting time Specifications: Calibre: 4.5 mm (.177) Pellet Power Source: 1x 12g CO₂ Capsule Magazine Capacity: 8 Rounds (Pellet Rotary Magazine) Shot Capacity: Approx. 50 Shots per Capsule Energy: <3.0 Joules Velocity: 100 m/s (328 fps) Barrel: 190 mm Rifled Trigger: Double Action Only Safety: Manual Pushbutton Overall Length: 320 mm Weight: 530 g

Craig usually favors performance or quirky builds, so this was a curveball: an entry-level CO₂ pistol. The UX SPA Expert isn’t about flash—it’s about subtle, reliable fun. Ideal for kids or beginners, it’s reminiscent of retro duck-hunt-style pistols rather than the usual “military replica” vibe. Not the most powerful pistol, but the rotary magazine keeps pellets consistent, and it’s perfectly safe and approachable for family shooting or tin can plinking.

Final Thoughts

September’s staff picks showcase the diversity in our hands-on testing: Swedish precision rifles, tactical yet affordable scopes, high-tech thermal imaging, and approachable pistols for all ages. Old favourites meet new tricks—sometimes it’s refinement, sometimes it’s just fun—but all have passed the Vector Air test of usability, reliability, and genuine enthusiasm.

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