Two rifles from the same brand, but they live in entirely different worlds. The Umarex Notos and the Umarex NXG APX represent two distinct approaches to airgunning, each with its own philosophy on power, convenience, and purpose. If you’re standing at the crossroads, trying to decide between a modern PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) platform and a classic multi-pump, this comparison cuts to the core of that choice.
My honest assessment is that this isn’t just about picking a rifle; it’s about choosing an entire shooting experience. One offers the refined consistency of pre-charged air, while the other delivers the straightforward, tactile satisfaction of manual pumping. Let’s break down exactly what each brings to the table.
Head-to-Head Overview: Notos PCP vs NXG APX
At first glance, both are compact, magazine-fed rifles designed for fun and function. The similarities largely end there. The Notos is a .22 caliber PCP air rifle built around a fixed, regulated air reservoir. The NXG APX is a .177 caliber CO2 pellet rifle that uses a built-in pneumatic pump. This fundamental difference in powerplant dictates nearly every aspect of their performance and use.
| Feature | Umarex Notos Carbine (.22 Cal) | Umarex NXG APX (.177 Cal) |
|---|---|---|
| Power System | PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) with regulated valve | Manual Multi-Pump Pneumatic (3-10 pumps) |
| Caliber | .22 | .177 |
| Velocity (FPS) | ~700 fps with 12-grain pellet | ~700 fps (up to 800 fps with 5.4-grain alloy) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7-shot auto-indexing rotary | 10-shot (includes two magazines) |
| Cocking/Action | Side-lever cocking | Pump handle integrated into forearm |
| Included Optics | None (optics-ready) | 4x15mm airgun scope |
| Primary Use Case | Small game hunting, plinking, target | Family plinking, casual target shooting |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Power Source & Performance: PCP vs Pneumatic Explained
The heart of the debate. The Notos uses a PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) system. You fill its internal tank from an external high-pressure air source (like a hand pump or scuba tank) to around 3000 PSI. A regulated valve ensures that each shot receives the same air pressure, leading to remarkable consistency in fps velocity and point of impact until the tank is nearly empty. You then get a full shot count per filldozens of shotswith no effort between shots beyond working the side lever.
The NXG APX uses a manual pneumatic system. For each shot, you lift the pump handle and stroke it 3 to 10 times to compress air into a small chamber. More pumps mean higher velocity. Honestly speaking, this is where the classic “plinking” feel comes in. There’s a direct, physical connection between your effort and the rifle’s power. However, you must repeat this process for every single shot, which affects pace and can introduce shooter fatigue.
Velocity & Energy: The Raw Numbers
Both claim around 700 fps, but that’s only part of the story. The Notos achieves this with a heavier 12-grain .22 pellet, generating significantly more muzzle energy (over 13 foot-pounds) than the APX shooting a standard 7-8 grain .177. The APX can hit 800 fps, but only with ultra-light 5.4-grain alloy pellets, which trade weight for speed and are less ideal for hunting. For pest control or hunting, the .22 caliber’s heavier pellet from the Notos carries more energy downrange and is less susceptible to wind. My honest take is that if you’re asking “can you hunt with Umarex NXG APX pellet rifle,” the answer leans toward the Notos for anything beyond the smallest pests at very close range.
Accuracy, Range & Real-World Testing
Consistency is accuracy’s best friend. The regulated PCP system in the Notos is engineered for minimal variation from shot to shot. This mechanical consistency is a huge advantage for tight groups, especially when paired with a good scope. The side-lever action is smooth and isolates the barrel from vibration during the loading cycle.
The NXG APX’s accuracy hinges entirely on the shooter’s consistency with the pump stroke. Five pumps one time and seven the next will change the point of impact. Speaking honestly, this makes it a fantastic tool for learning the fundamentals of hold and trigger control, but it adds a variable that’s absent in a PCP. The included 4x15mm scope gets you started, but it’s a basic package.
For a true accuracy test, the Notos has the inherent advantage. Its design minimizes variables. The APX can be accurate, but it demands a disciplined, repeatable routine from the shooter. This distinction is critical for answering “which is more accurate Umarex Notos or NXG APX“the Notos has a higher mechanical accuracy ceiling.
Build, Features & Ergonomics Compared
Action and Handling
The Notos employs a side-lever cocking mechanism. It’s quiet, efficient, and allows the shooter to remain on target. As a multi-shot repeater, its 7-shot rotary magazine makes follow-up shots quick. The NXG APX uses its pump handle as the forearm. You break the barrel slightly, pump, then return to aim. It comes with two 10-shot magazines, offering great capacity for plinking sessions.
Noise Level and the Silencer Moderator
The Notos is specifically noted for quiet shooting. Its barrel is designed to act as an effective moderator, making it a superb choice for backyard shooting where noise is a concern. The APX’s report is sharper and more pronounced, typical of a pneumatic system. If discretion is a priority, the Notos wins outright.
Trigger Pull and Feel
While specific trigger pull weights aren’t listed, PCP rifles like the Notos typically feature more refined, adjustable triggers optimized for precision. Pneumatic rifles like the APX often have simpler, functional triggers geared toward general use. The action type usually predicts the trigger mechanism focus.
Scope and Sights
The APX wins on out-of-the-box readiness, including a 4x15mm scope. The Notos requires you to add your own optics, which is actually a benefit for serious shooters who want to choose their own quality glass. It’s a trade-off between immediate utility and long-term customization potential.
Verdict: Best Use Cases & Who Should Buy Which
This is where your needs separate the winner from the runner-up. You’re not just buying a gun; you’re buying into a system.
Choose the Umarex Notos PCP If:
- You want the best value for pest control and occasional small game hunting in .22 caliber.
- You prioritize shot-to-shot consistency and higher potential accuracy.
- You value quiet operation for backyard use.
- You’re willing to invest in a supporting system (hand pump or air tank) for filling.
- You see yourself progressing in airgunning and want a platform with more performance headroom.
In my honest opinion, the Notos represents the modern entry point into serious airgunning. It’s a gateway to the performance that makes PCPs so popular. For more on how it stacks up against other popular options, see our gamo vs notos comparison.
Choose the Umarex NXG APX If:
- Your primary goal is casual, affordable plinking and family fun.
- You want the ultimate in simplicityno external air sources, just pellets and elbow grease.
- You appreciate the tactile, classic experience of pumping before each shot.
- You need a complete, ready-to-shoot package right out of the box.
- Your budget is strict and you want to avoid the additional cost of PCP filling equipment.
Honest to goodness, the APX is a blast to shoot. It’s uncomplicated and engaging. It’s a fantastic first rifle to learn on. For another look at a similar rifle in this category, check out our thoughts on the gamo varmint vs apx.
Covering What Others Miss: Warranty, Support, and Longevity
Many reviews stop at the specs. A critical factor is long-term ownership. Umarex generally offers solid warranties, but it’s wise to check the specific terms for each model at purchase. Aftermarket support is stronger for the Notos; its popularity has spurred a community creating custom moderators, stock options, and tuning guides. The APX, as a closed-system plinker, has less modding potential. For long-term reliability, PCPs have fewer moving parts per shot cycle than pneumatics, but they introduce the complexity of high-pressure seals. Proper maintenance for both is key. I honestly believe considering these “after the sale” factors is part of making a smart purchase.
For those interested in formal target shooting, organizations like the official source for international competition or the authority guide for youth programs in the U.S. provide structured pathways that typically use specialized target rifles, but the fundamentals learned on any accurate airgun are invaluable.
Final Shot
The Umarex Notos and NXG APX cater to different shooters at different crossroads. The Notos is a compact, capable, and quiet hunter that demands a bit more initial investment. The APX is the definition of accessible, pump-action fun. Your choice between Notos PCP vs APX CO2 for backyard shooting boils down to your appetite for consistency versus convenience, and your plans for the rifle’s role.
If you desire the streamlined, repeatable performance of modern airgunning, the Notos is the clear path. If you seek an inexpensive, engaging rifle for casual targets without extra gear, the APX delivers. Both are excellent at what they’re designed to do. The right pick depends entirely on which shooting experience you’re after. At the end of the day, that’s the Honest Opinion.