Falcon FN12 Review

Overall Rating

Handy size. Super accurate. Simple and reliable.

None?

The Falcon FN12 is based on an older design than many PCP airgun models currently on the market. Despite the FN12's age, its performance is still up to par with newer PCPs. High quality PCPs are all very similar in performance so picking the one with the attributes to best suit your needs is difficult. The FN12 can do almost everything I expect of a PCP so it really pleases me.

My walnut sporter FAC .22 FN12 shoots 16 grain JSB Exacts at around 805 fps (23 fp) and gets 25 usable shots per fill from 200 bar. I opted for a single shot model which uses a seperate loading and cocking bolt. It is scoped with a Weaver V16 4-16x42 and adjustable 2 piece B-Square mounts. If "serious" target shooting though, I limit the shots to 17 or so for maximum consistency and fill to 190 bar. For most uses including hunting I fill to 195 bar and take 20 shots. Very little POI change due to the change in pressure in the air cylinder occurs through 20 shots from 195 bar. The power is adjustable but 25 shots per fill is more than adequate for my needs (especially with the mini 4,500 psi tank I have).

The Falcon valving is very consistent and plays an important role in the gun's accuracy. I do not do much benchrested shooting except for when sighting in or testing, but 15 yards off a rest, I once shot weighed (used ones that all weighed 15.8 grains) 5 JSB Exacts into a slightly sub-.125" group. 4 of those shots went into the same hole which was almost the same size as the pellet itself but 1 shot opened the group to about .125". As for longer range testing on a still day, the best I have done with my FN12 was to shoot a 5 shot 3/4" group at 60 yards.

FN12s are lightweight PCPs and are balanced very well. Even with the Logun mod and a relatively heavy scope, I find it very easy to point and aim. The total length of the FN12 is 39.5" with the accessories and it weighs just over 7 lbs. Falcon match triggers are sweet and crisp so the gun is easy to keep steady while pulling the trigger.

The Falcon FN series are a reliable design and mine's has not so muched as hiccupped through a year and a half of heavy use. The FN12 is a proven design and I have chosen to keep this PCP over some other newer PCPs I have owned. The one minor problem I encountered was that the seals in the quick fill unit broke with handpump use. The problem doesn't exist if you fill with a tank or anything else besides the hand pump. Those seals are cheap anyway and are easy to change. The gun can also fill without the quick fill unit.

If you are looking for an ultra handy PCP look very carefully at the Falcon FN12. It performs very well for all functions and has stood the test of time. Now that Air Arms took over Falcon, hopefully they will ramp up production of the FN series.

Members' Comments on180SX's Review

• hinksy on 7th Mar 2006

  spot on review-you obviously know your stuff! i also run an fac falcon - do you have problems with 'twanging'?

• 180SX on 30th Apr 2006

  Thank you for your kind words :). Well, my Falcon does twang, but it doesn't bother me much. I know that de-twangers are available, however.

• jonnyonone on 21st May 2007

  Hi john...... where did you get the mini tank you fill your falcon from and how much for?