Umárex Notos Carbine Alternatives UK: Find the Right PCP Rifle
By Amis Thains Published 6 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are looking for a compact PCP carbine that outperforms the Umárex Notos, but the UK market is flooded with similar-looking options that just shift the trade-offs. This page breaks down the specific alternatives available to you, detailing how each fixes the Notos' power ceiling or noise issues.
In short: The Umárex Notos is a budget PCP carbine that tops out around 12 ft-lb, making it ideal for casual pest control and plinking but not for high-precision target shooting.
For more power or better ergonomics in the UK, the Gamo Swarm or a pre-broken-in Umárex Zelos are the direct upgrades.
If you want to stay within the Umárex ecosystem without buying a new gun, a bottle conversion kit is the most impactful modification available.
Quick picks
Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
Solves the low-capacity 4-shot limitation of the Notos with a 7-shot rotary magazine.
Offers a whisperer mechanism for significantly lower noise than the standard Notos platform.
Extends the air reservoir to double the shot count and smooth the power curve.
Keeps the barrel clean, which is critical for accuracy on any PCP including the Notos.
Best for Notos Owners: Umárex 7-Shot Rotary Magazine
The biggest complaint about the Umárex Notos carbine is its four-shot capacity. For a pest control session or a range day, reloading the magazine every four shots breaks your rhythm and adds bulk to your kit.
The Umárex 7-Shot Rotary Magazine fixes this directly. It slots into the standard Notos carbine receiver without requiring any modification to the gun itself.
This part is specifically designed for the .22 caliber Notos. It does not add power or accuracy, but it removes the interruption of constant reloading. If you are content with the 12 ft-lb power level but hate the low capacity, this is the most cost-effective upgrade available.
Note: Ensure you buy the .22 magazine. The .177 magazine will not fit or function correctly in a .22 rifle due to chamber dimensions.
Doubles the shot count per magazine load, removing the need to constantly reload during a session.
- Fits the Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle (2254847)
Best for Quiet Shooting: Gamo Swarm Whisper
Many shooters ask if the Gamo Swarm is quieter than the Notos. The standard Gamo Swarm is not inherently quieter; it is a different PCP mechanism. However, the Gamo Swarm Whisper model is specifically engineered for low noise.
Unlike the Notos, which uses a standard PCP blowback or direct transfer design, the Whisper model uses a tuned valve system that mutes the cocking and firing report. It is significantly quieter than the Umárex Zelos and the Notos.
If you are shooting in a back garden or near occupied neighbors in the UK, the Gamo Swarm Whisper is the direct alternative. It maintains a similar compact carbine size to the Notos but with a much lower decibel output.
The drawback is the weight. The noise reduction mechanism adds a few ounces compared to the lightweight Notos. It is not the best choice if you are carrying the rifle for long distances.
Provides a genuinely quieter shooting experience for backyard or urban use where the Notos is too loud.
- This rifle uses a 10-shot rotary magazine that automatically loads a pellet every time
- The Inert Gas Technology piston replaces the traditional metal spring. This results in
Best for Power and Range: Umárex Notos Bottle Conversion
If you want to keep your Umárex Notos but need more consistency or shot count, you are not looking for a new rifle. You are looking for a bottle conversion kit.
These kits replace the short internal air reservoir with a longer, external bottle. This is the most common upgrade for UK Notos owners who find the standard 10-shot burst inconsistent.
A bottle conversion smooths the power curve. Instead of the velocity dropping 20% by the last shot, you get a more uniform velocity across 15-20 shots. This makes the Notos a viable target rifle instead of just a pest gun.
This is a DIY or shop job. It requires careful fitting of the regulator and the fill probe. It is not a ‘plug and play’ item; you need to be comfortable with basic airgun maintenance.
Safety first: When converting a PCP, ensure the new bottle pressure rating matches or exceeds the fill pressure you intend to use. Never overfill beyond the manufacturer's limit.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Choosing between the Notos, the Gamo, or the Umárex Zelos comes down to three specific factors. Look at these before you buy.
- Power Ceiling: The Notos and Gamo Swarm are typically limited to sub-12 ft-lb. The Umárex Zelos and premium Crosman models can push 15-18 ft-lb. If you need range, pick the Zelos.
- Noise Level: The Gamo Swarm Whisper is the quietest option here. The Notos and Zelos are standard PCP noise levels. Pick the Whisper for garden use.
- Modding Potential: The Umárex Notos has a large aftermarket in the UK. The Gamo has less. If you plan to upgrade, stay with the Umárex.
| Model | Best For | Key Strength | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umárex Notos | Budget PCP | Low entry cost, easy to find in UK | Low power, inconsistent late-shot velocity |
| Gamo Swarm Whisper | Quiet Shooting | Lowest noise output | Heavier, less modding support |
| Umárex Zelos | Target Practice | Higher power ceiling, better accuracy | More expensive, heavier |
| Umárex Notos (Converted) | Performance on a Budget | Keeps low cost, adds consistency | DIY installation, requires technical skill |
If you are undecided, the Umárex Notos remains the value pick. But if you need specific performance, one of these three paths above will solve your issue.
Accurate alternatives require a clean barrel; this kit ensures your chosen rifle performs as advertised.
- Barrel cleaning kit for .177 & .22 sortgun, rifles and pistols (4.5mm & 5.5mm). Please
- Light and portable, easy to carry.
Maintenance and O-Ring Care
Whichever PCP you choose—Notos, Gamo, or Zelos—the life of the gun depends on the seals. The O-rings in the fill probe and regulator are the first things to fail on all three brands.
UK weather is hard on rubber seals. Moisture and cold temperatures degrade standard O-rings faster than in dry climates. You should check your seals every six months.
Use a dedicated lubricant. Standard silicone grease can sometimes swell specific Nitrile O-rings. A gold marker oil is a safe, widely available alternative that won’t deteriorate the seals like some heavy greases will.
Pro tip: When cleaning O-rings, use a lint-free cloth. Do not use paper towels, which can leave micro-fibers in the regulator.
The bottom line
If you want the quietest option for garden use, buy the Gamo Swarm Whisper. If you want to keep your current Notos but make it shoot better, buy a bottle conversion kit. For most UK shooters who want a reliable, moddable PCP at a reasonable price, the Umárex Notos with the 7-shot magazine is the best value package.
- Fits the Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle (2254847)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gamo Swarm more powerful than the Umárex Notos?
No. Both are typically sub-12 ft-lb guns. The Gamo Swarm often has a slightly better power curve due to its regulator, but the peak velocity is very similar. The difference is in consistency, not raw power.
Can I convert a Umárex Notos to .177?
No. The Umárex Notos is chambered specifically for .22 or .177, but the barrels and chambers are not interchangeable in a simple way. You must buy the gun in the caliber you need. A .177 barrel will not fit a .22 body correctly.
Which is louder: Umárex Notos or Gamo Swarm?
The Gamo Swarm Whisper is significantly quieter. The standard Gamo Swarm and the Umárex Notos are similar in volume, with the Notos often sounding slightly sharper due to the blowback action.
Does the Umárex Notos work well with an optical sight?
Yes. The Notos has a standard 11mm Weaver rail. Most 4-16x or 1-4x scopes will fit. However, the Notos can ‘swim’ (recoil up) with heavy scopes, so keep your scope under 1 lb for best accuracy.