Air Arms SM100 Short Action (.22cal) Review

Overall Rating

[1]Carbine length at ~35" long. The sporter stock (thats what SM stands for) has great Balance and its got an impressive trigger (curved Brass version).

[2]VERY smooth operating, I cant even hear it cock and its slick.
[3]Ajustable stocks from a AA Shamal can be switched.

[1]Because this is a Short Action version of the SM100 series, it gets less shots than a longer gun. I am guessing 30 shots per fill at ~2500psi (gun shoots @ 15ft lbs)

[2]Its vintage (I personally think that makes the gun unique) (1989-1993) and no more parts are made, and some parts like the Olypic trigger can be VERY hard to find and VERY expessive ($400 or so)
I would think modifications etc would cost more than a "modern" rifle.
[3]Original fill system is outdated, its recommended to get it changed to a parker nipple ($20)

I got this Air Arms SM100 Short Action .22 gun from Airguns of Arizona about a month ago. It's my 1st English made air rifle (the others were Korea -- Career and AR6--)

It's said that this model (the 100 series) is better than the more modern ones, I never shot an AA300 or 400, but this guns IS impressive in its quality.

Just holding the gun for the 1st time was enough for me, its balance was something than non of my other guns had, it was easer for me to shoot this gun (Which I can also thank the great trigger for ! )

Though it's a used gun, the one I got was in excellent condition, and its blueing and especially its handling were OUT OF THIS WORLD ! (I think it could have been in storage)
Its soooo smooth in its operation, that its hard to believe this gun was used... it was vertually new to me.

Its a total joy to shoot, even though it takes longer to finish off pellets than a multi shot... I could shoot this gun the whole day :)

Just knowing the gun for about a day, I was able to get ragged one hole groups @ 35 yards, with it using a rest and a "not so good" Simmons 4x 22Mag scope (I borrowed)... Now I can only imagine what its real potential is with a better scope.

I am very glad I got this rifle, I think its work more than every penny I payed for it... and I consider my self pretty lucky to get one for the price I did ($420 I got it for)

It seems that you rarely ever see these older 100 series etc up for sale... Hmmm I wander why ?

Members' Comments onC Ramsay.'s Review

• Malcytull. on 17th Mar 2003

  This review is pretty accurate, I have one in .177 cal, but being in the UK I am limited to the 12ft/lbs power, I get about 80 shots per 190bar fill, & I too believe the finish is superior on the older model.

• JB. on 24th Mar 2003

  I use a long SM100 in a deep NJR style FT stock fo field target.
  I have been used to NJR's and find this rifle to be every bit as good and accurate.
  I changed from an NJR to a Protarget with out any success and now have gone back to a 100 series with great results. I don't think that you can beat the 100 series for FT or hunting.
  They can be bought for a good price now but a very good FT version of the SM, XM, TM will fetch a bit more and a very good NJR will set you back about the same as an average protarget. I think personnaly that the 100 series is a far better buy.