Sitting quietly in the pages of our catalog is a little rifle that was introduced about 4 years ago. Well, introduced isn’t the right word. It would be better to say that the Fusion 2 was re-introduced as the successor of the original Fusion. While these two rifles did share the same power source, 12g CO2, and both shot .177 caliber pellets- the revamped Fusion 2 utilized a 9-shot rotary magazine and slick bolt action. Not to mention the CO2 tube was vastly improved as well.
The rifle, launched in the midst of the PCP craze, was a slow seller. These days it is hard for a .177 caliber pellet rifle to get any sort of wind behind its sails. However, it didn't just sit on the shelves and collect dust. No, a little breeze filled its canvas and it pulled out of the harbor and began its journey on the airgun market.
Three Big Factors For Choosing the Fusion 2
Fast forward to 2024 and Umarex has introduced succeeding generations of the Gauntlet PCPs, and even debuted the revolutionary Komplete NCR rifle that uses NitroAir cartridges but the Fusion 2 is steadily sailing along.
But why? Well, I think it boils down to a few central facts about this rifle. For starters, it isn’t heavy. The Fusion 2 tips the scales at a mere 6.5 lbs. Compared to the average break barrel air rifle, the Fusion 2 is about 2 lbs lighter. Two pounds is two pounds so this is certainly an advantage going for the Fusion 2.
CO2 power is convenient and it doesn’t require a lot of upper body strength to unleash it. This isn’t the case for spring powered air rifles or for PCP rifles– at least in part. All that is needed for the Fusion 2 is to puncture the CO2 cartridges and operate the bolt action. Neither of these tasks are difficult. Break barrel rifles require from 20 to 38 pounds of force to cock. For some people, the prospect of a workout in order to shoot an air rifle is just not worth it. PCP’s can be extremely easy to shoot, but with convenience there is a price tag. PCPs have to be filled somehow and that either means sweat equity from a hand pump or $$$ for an electric pump. Once again, for many people the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
But what else is going on for the Fusion 2? A lightweight rifle that’s easy to use is hard to walk away from, even if it isn’t the most powerful shooter on the market. If I had to point out a third positive attribute for the Fusion 2, it would be its noise output, or rather the lack thereof. With velocities coming in between 600-750 FPS depending on the weight of the pellet you use, and the SilencAir muzzle device further soaking up excess noise, the Fusion 2 is a stealthy garden pest eliminator.
But Wait! There's More!
Ok, the bonus positive for the Fusion 2 is that it is accurate. With CO2 power there’s virtually no recoil. And with velocities in the airgun sweet spot, most any pellet will shoot decently in this rifle, and nearly any pellet between 7 and 10 grains will shoot very well from it. For the person who likes to occasionally shoot, eliminate tree rats or other pests from their homestead, or just don’t want to fuss with really expensive or hard to shoot alternatives, the Fusion 2 is there for you.
Since it is only offered in .177 caliber, it might not be the best hunting rifle for you. In this case, if you are hunting and need to stretch out further range from a rifle, I would encourage you to take a hard look at the Komplete NCR. It is offered in .177 and .22 calibers and since it is producing quite a bit more power than the CO2 powered Fusion 2 can make, the Komplete offers accuracy and similar CO2 convenience for only a modest increase in price.
So here’s my question for you. Are you ready to take the easy road for a change? The numbers don’t lie. Many of you are doing just that and keeping the Fusion 2 in a respectable position in our sales spreadsheets. To those folks we say, “Thank you and happy shooting!”