Review Gamo Whisper Silent Cat Air Rifle
I've shot a few hundred rounds through the Silent Cat. Accuracy is
AMAZING, essentially same hole groups at 20yds**. With the muzzle
velocity chronograph at 1030 +/- 10fps, it is as loud as a standard "10
pump" pellet gun which has a velocity around 650fps. Essentially,
sounds like a BB gun!
The suppressor does NOT quiet down the shot
when using the PBA ammo, which gives Muzzle Velocities of 1280-1330fps,
jumping into supersonic. With PBA ammo, a report like a ladyfinger
firecracker going off is heard due to the "mini sonic boom" of the
projectile. The suppressor DOES protect the muzzle, which is a good
enough reason to get this model. The last 1mm of barrel effects
accuracy more than the rest of the length! The muzzle crown (where the
pellet exits), must be cut perfectly at 90 degrees with no nicks or
dings so the air pushing the pellet exits uniformly.
I have a
Gamo Big Cat, and an RWS, the Big Cat is .177, and it is quite a bit
louder than the Silent Cat, about 50-80 fps slower from the muzzle (may
just be the gun, not sure without more tests). The Big Cat is
noticeably louder than the Silent Cat when it comes to game downrange.
The RWS is about the same loudness as the silent cat, but it is pushing a
.22 cal pellet weighing 3x as much at only 800fps.
The bundled
scope is solid, good eye relief, the only minor issue is in bright
light, the VERY bright fiber dots on the iron sights "wash" into the
scope slightly.
The BIGGEST feature of this rifle, the reason I
bought it, is the skeleton stock. It allows for the same grip as a
thumb-hole stock on a 10/22, or the grip on an AR rifle or most
handguns. This comfort feature alone has increased accuracy and quicker
muzzle on target.
CONS:
1) Length of 2 stage trigger is adjustable, but the weight isn't. I wish it was the other way around.
2)
NOT related to the air rifle, but to Gamo Pellets. They cost the same
as premium pellets, but have the accuracy of popular "$5 for 500"
pellets. If a rifle doesn't seem to be accurate, try shooting Polymag
or similar True Match pellets! For every day plinking, using any 8
grain pellet will hit close to the point of aim, and for a lot cheaper!
**
With regards to accuracy, If you MUST have first shot hits, splurge and
get machined pellets. I am in love with Polymag Predator Pellets, they
group "same hole" for me at 20yds. The Gamo "red tip" pellets, which
LOOK VERY simliar to the polymag, but have casting marks and extrusions
down the skirt, tend group at about 1/2" at the same distance the
premium pellets go practically in the same hole. Velocity for both is
close, with the polymag being a bit faster and more stable.
Overall - You will Not Regret getting one of these, whether for hobby target or hunting small game out to 50 yards!