Sumatra Carbine .22 carbine Review

Written by: Matt Sasso

Handling
The first thing you notice as you pick up an shoulder the Sumatra carbine for the first time, is that it is very well balanced and snugs up nicely and naturally. Your hand slips loosely into the lever and the gun holds steady almost effortlessly. One begins to picture taking fast running game on the fly and working that lever like a true western rifleman. This gun was designed ergonometricly which cannot be said about all air rifles. The Sumatra is designed for right or left handed shooters and one of the most notable observations about this gun is that everyone I have let try it has shot well with it immediately. There is a very low learning curve to get the feel of it. In addition, it also passed my spot shooting test. Spot shooting is done with both eyes open and focused on the target. The gun performed amazingly well and I was able to shoot quarter sized groups from a standing position.
What does that mean? It means the stock and barrel are aligned with a natural shooting position. I have a very expensive German gun that could never do that!!

Finish and craftsmanship
The Sumatra is built surprisingly well for the low purchase price. I was very happy when I first opened the box. The blueing is smooth. The metal parts work together firmly and the finish on the stock and butt are simple and even. I could not find any flaws with mine. Keep in mind that I do not purchase guns to hang on the wall. I expect them to look reasonably well and shoot awesome. I know I have already put a few dings in the stock and I am sure there will be a few scratches over the years but that is the life of a field gun.

Function
The Sumatra carbine is built on a very simple premise and that is to shoot heavy pellets very fast and very accurately. The six shot rotary magazine loads very quickly and simply snaps into the gun with the lever fully open. The Sumatra’s rotary magazine will take any .22 cal pellet on the market with no adjustment. A shooter can squeeze off six shots as fast as he can work the lever and pull the trigger. The trigger is somewhat adjustable although it will remain a “Crisp” pull at the lowest setting.



The Gun carries a nice size air chamber approximately 290cc under the barrel. This is filled to 3000psi using a scuba tank or high pressure air pump. At the end of the lower air chamber a rotating dust cup reveals the air fill port which the fill probe fits into.

I have had no problems with the well over 300 fills I have put into my gun. One question I often receive about this gun is how many shots do you get? I keep the gun set to shoot a little lower than maximum power and it seems to shoot 3 magazine or 18 shots without a drop in point of impact. That is a perfect match for field hunting and with the Sumatra you really need only one shot to take game to the size of a large raccoon.

Adjustable power
The adjustable power wheel is a really nice feature on the gun and it is located on the underside of the receiver. The wheel will adjust the power of the gun from almost zero to 1200 fps. Next to the power wheel is a compact PSI gauge which is a fantastic feature to have on a PCP rifle. However, the Sumatra gauge does not read accurately and a 3000psi fill may read 1000psi. The gauge works, it’s just that the numbers inside of it are not calibrated properly. So once you know your gun you can tell from the position of the needle whether or not you have a full fill or it is time for a refill.


Factory peep sight
The last feature I should discuss is the factory peep sight. This is the worst rear sight I have ever used and it would require a bit of drilling to actually be able to see through it. I think it would have worked fine as the front adjustable sight is built well and adjusts easily.

However, I had intended to drop a scope on this gun so I didn’t bother. I mounted a Bushnell banner 3x9x50 on the gun because I had one laying around. I used standard mounts and it works fantastic but I plan on switching it out for a compact Leapers mildot at some point.

Accuracy and shooting
The most surprising thing about the Sumatra is that it will shoot almost any pellet accurately. I have tried Eun Jins, Crosman Premiers, Predators, Kodiaks and Crow Magnums. All but the Crow Magnums shot perfectly and you can expect quarter sized groups at fifty yards although I regularly take game out to 80 yards with it.

I spent some time using the heavy 30 grain Eun Jins and I absolutely love them for hunting. They hit very hard and accurately although it takes a lot of air to push them out straight for the long shots and I found myself using Kentucky windage for the 90 yard shots. I have since switched back to Kodiaks for all game smaller than a fox. The Kodiaks shoot exactly the same as the Eun Jins only they shoot flatter and farther and you shouldn’t require any scope adjustment between the two. At a moderate power setting the Kodiaks should stay fairly flat out to 70 yds.

Hunting
This is where the Sumatra Carbine shines. It is a hunting rifle made for field use. Its short compact build makes it perfect for maneuvering through brush and vines and almost disappears when tucked into the hunter’s body. I have taken many coons, a few foxes, rabbits, squirrels, pigeons etc. with this gun. If you hit something with the Sumatra the extra power is really unforgiving and even if your shot is off a bit you can expect deep penetration and massive damage.
I went coon hunting with a friend of mine and he was carrying a very nice Logun. We came across a couple of coons and when he saw me take a large coon with the Sumatra he said about his gun, “I have to get one of those, my gun is just a toy compared to it”. In many ways he is right. The Sumatra will handle the full range of airgun hunting from pesky starlings to Foxes and coons.

I had an experience while doing some pest control on a farm. I came across four coons at a feeder. They were all about 30 yards out and I took careful aim at the one closest to the woods. I dropped him cold then in the confusion I dropped the next one before he was aware of what was happening. The third coon fell as it darted for the tree line. Number four had taken a few wrong steps in the wrong direction when the commotion started and now he was headed up a tree. I dropped him midway up his climb. It was over in 6 or 7 seconds and I still had 2 rounds left in the gun. I took a total of 10 coons that night and the gun worked flawlessly. Oh, and I also took a running possum at 80 yards on the same night. You might say I am a great shot but I would contend that a good shooting team consists of the shooter and his rifle and both need to be able to do their part reliably.

The Sumatra is a little loud for regular back yard use. However, I have shot it many times with the power dialed way down and it is barely audible. At higher power you are going to get a fairly loud “Crack”.


Recommendations
If you are going to hunt with an airgun or you are looking for your first PCP then the Sumatra is for you. It is at the lower end of the Price scale and offers some great features. I guarantee you will love its simplicity, power and handling. The Sumatra carbine is to airgun hunting what the Winchester was to the old west. One gun for all occasions.


Factory Specifications

Model Cal. .22 Sumatra Carbine .22
Total Wt. Overall Length Velocity fps Muzzle Energy Cocking Method Cocking Effort Power Plant


7.0 lb
35.5" long

Lever Action
* New fully adjustable power
62 fpe
* quick fill adapter,
* Threaded Barrel
(10 x 1mm)
* Includes: 2 magazines,

* Installed scope rail
* Faster shut off for hand pumps
* 5/8" ctc at 50 yards using
Eun Jin pellets
* Adjustable 2-Stage Trigger