Gun Review: .22-Caliber Umarex Octane Air Gun

September 13, 2013 By John Geiger

If you owned an air gun as a kid and haven't shot one in awhile, you're going to appreciate them in a whole new way. When you're hunting small game, like squirrel, you want the right gun for the job. We recently picked up a Umarex Octane and were impressed at the power and accuracy of this break-action .22-caliber air gun.

Photos by Ron Sinfelt

Umarex Octane

The Umarex Octane (MSRP, $260; umarexusa.com) is a break-open-cocking air gun. With the 3-9x40mm scope that comes with it, the package is about 9 pounds. I'm generally not a fan of the thumbhole-stock look, but the sleek Octane pulls it off.

Suppressor

This good-looking .22-caliber air gun comes with a suppressor — not a silencer — and that helps keep the report below that of a .22 Long Rifle. It's a good option for shooting squirrels, ground hogs, rock chucks or even coyotes.

Target Shooting

I was able to shoot excellent groups from the bench at 35 and 50 yards. You could have covered the 35-yard groups with a dime. You can expect tight groups at 50 yards. And there is almost no recoil, so shooting all day is a pleasure.

Two-Stage Trigger

The two-stage trigger broke at between 6 and 6 1/2 pounds. You can adjust the amount of take-up in stage one, but the weight cannot be adjusted by the user.

Reaxis Gas Piston

Much of the power and accuracy of this air gun can be attributed to the Reaxis gas piston. It's explosive. I consistently shot holes through 1/2-inch plywood and the 1/4-inch panel behind it.

Not a Kid's Toy

The Octane sends pellets down range at up to 1,050 fps. Lighter pellets definitely make a supersonic report. This is definitely not a kid's toy air gun. The Umarex Octane is a serious small-game air gun that looks, feels and shoots a lot like a rimfire.

Have you tried the Umarex Octane yet? If so, share your experience with us in the comments section!

Recent Videos

Gear

Lew's Custom Pro Gen 3

Other

Light up the Salt

Other

Light up the Salt

A day of saltwater fishing often starts before sunup and can continue until well after dark. Flashlights—whether they be handheld or hands-free models—are vital items for safety and success in the salt. In this episode, we take a close look at several models from Streamlight that are up for the task.

Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Many saltwater species are excellent on the table, but only if you care for and clean them properly. Preparing your catch for a meal starts as soon as you land the fish, and knowing how to properly clean it back at the dock is vital in ensuring the best flavor. In this episode, we detail steps that will help you turn your catch into memorable meals.

Fishing

Snook on the Hook

Fishing

Snook on the Hook

The snook is an ambush predator of the saltwater shallows, often hiding among mangroves and attacking prey as it swims by or is swept past by current. Finding spots where snook like to hide is key to catching them, and in this episode we slide in next to an gnarly edge of mangroves and make precise drifts with our baits to pull fish from the cover.

Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

With a 13-inch length of pull and 18 1/2-inch barrel, the Super Compact version of the Cobra III pump shotgun from TriStar is sized just right for young or small-framed shooters. We spent a few minutes with Eric Renander of TriStar to get a closer look at this new .410 bore and discovered it has many of the features found on full-size shotguns, which hunters of all ages will appreciate.

Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

One of the most high-tech shotgun slugs to hit the market, the Freight Train is a polymer-tipped copper projectile designed for greater penetration and accuracy. We talked to Adam Moser from Federal Ammunition to get details on not only the slug, but also its wad and sabot, and to find out what the new Freight Train has to offer deer hunters.

Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Keep things simple when it comes to tackle for the salt by choosing one general-purpose rod and reel combo that will serve for a variety of gamefish and presentations both inshore and offshore. In this episode, Capt. George Gozdz provides tips on how to make that selection, and we put the combo to the test against sailfish, tarpon, snook and more.

Fishing

Jacks to the Max

Fishing

Jacks to the Max

The jack crevalle often doesn't get the respect it deserves when compared to species like sailfish and snook, but jacks can provide thrilling action on light tackle—especially when fishing topwater baits. In this episode, we go in pursuit of jacks to show you why these ravenous brawlers are well worth your time and attention.

Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Baits & Tackle

Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Baits & Tackle

FFS (forward facing sonar) techniques dominated the new lure offerings at ICAST in Orlando. Here's a sampling of intriguing new fishing products at the annual trade show.

Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Reels

Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Reels

Finesse tactics continue to have impact on new bass gear. Of course, not everything in bass fishing is driven by finesse, so here's a sampling of some of the latest in freshwater fishing reels.

Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Rods

Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Rods

Rod builders continue to gravitate toward accommodating lighter finesse techniques. Here's a small sampling of the best new fishing rods from this year's show.

Fishing

The Fight is On

Fishing

The Fight is On

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and powerful surges that will tire your arms and test your strength. Successfully landing these species requires careful attention to fighting technique, and in this episode we'll highlight tips that will help you win the battle.

See All Videos

Buy Digital Single Issues

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Game & Fish App

Other Magazines

Guns & Ammo

Hunting

North American Whitetail

Bowhunter

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

Buy A Copy

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

Buy A Copy

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

Buy A Copy

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

Buy A Copy

2023 Hound

Buy A Copy

2023 Hound

Buy A Copy

2023 Crossbow Revolution #2

Buy A Copy

2023 Crossbow Revolution #2

Buy A Copy

2023 Tree Saddle Hunter

Buy A Copy

2023 Tree Saddle Hunter

Buy A Copy

2023 Hunting Gear Guide

Buy A Copy

2023 Hunting Gear Guide

Buy A Copy

See All Special Interest Magazines

More You May Be Interested In

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe & Save.

Gun Review: .22-Caliber Umarex Octane Air Gun

Umarex Octane

Suppressor

Target Shooting

Two-Stage Trigger

Reaxis Gas Piston

Not a Kid's Toy

Video That May Interest You

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Buy Digital Single Issues

Don't miss an issue.Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Other Magazines

Guns & Ammo

Guns & Ammo

Hunting

Hunting

North American Whitetail

North American Whitetail

Bowhunter

Bowhunter

Special Interest Magazines

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

2023 Backcountry Hunter Fall

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

2023 Fly Fisherman Destinations

2023 Hound

2023 Hound

2023 Crossbow Revolution #2

2023 Crossbow Revolution #2

2023 Tree Saddle Hunter

2023 Tree Saddle Hunter

2023 Hunting Gear Guide

2023 Hunting Gear Guide

More You May Be Interested In

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get Digital Access.

Not a Subscriber?

Get a Full Yearof Guns & Ammo& Digital Access.

Get the Newsletter

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.