RIFLE TEST ON FORM

Just a few years ago it seemed that anyone wanting to get into recoilless shooting would have to shell out a considerable sum for a rifle they’d want to hang onto, or buy an entry-level offering with the expectation of having to upgrade it.

But with the Stoeger XM1 – the American firm’s first PCP – it seems you can have your cake and eat it too, as this regulated, bolt-action, multi-shot gives you everything you need to get started. And chances are you won’t want to part with it any time soon.

The Stoeger XM1 comes as package called the Synth Combo, which includes the rifle itself along with optional pistol grip inserts, optional cheekpieces, optional butt pad spacers, Picatinny rails for attaching bipod legs and storing spare magazines, one magazine, one single-shot tray, a fill probe, and a selection of O-rings and hex keys. Then there’s the 3-9x40 scope, two-piece mounts and sound moderator. All for £395. I wondered whether so much for so relatively little would turn out to be too good to be true, but my scepticism was misplaced, as I was about to find out.

As extensive as this checklist may be,