Hammerli 850 Air Magnum CO2 Air Rifle Review

Heads up — this article has affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission (it helps us keep testing gear instead of getting real jobs). It costs you nothing extra, and we only recommend products we’d actually spend our own money on.

The Hammerli 850 Air Magnum is a CO2-powered, bolt-action air rifle with an 8-shot rotary magazine. It’s built to a higher standard than most CO2 rifles in its class — with a genuine wood stock, match-quality sights, and consistent velocity that makes it popular with target shooters who want something more refined than typical backyard plinking rifles.

Overview

The Hammerli 850 uses two 12g CO2 cartridges to deliver 88 shots per fill — significantly more than single-cartridge rifles. The bolt-action mechanism distributes CO2 efficiently, resulting in shot-to-shot consistency that rivals more expensive platforms. It’s available in both .177 and .22 caliber, making it versatile for target shooting or light pest control.

Specifications

• Caliber: .177 or .22
• Ammunition: Pellets
• Action: Bolt-action, repeater
• Power source: CO2 (2x 12g cartridges)
• Muzzle velocity: Up to 760 fps (.177)
• Magazine: 8-round rotary
• Shot count: ~88 shots per CO2 fill
• Stock: Genuine hardwood
• Sights: Fiber optic front, adjustable rear

Key Features

• Dual CO2 cartridge system: Two 12g cartridges give you ~88 shots before reloading. That’s more than double most single-cartridge CO2 rifles — fewer interruptions during a shooting session.
• 8-round rotary magazine: Smooth, reliable feeding. Quick to swap in a fresh clip when it runs out.
• Genuine hardwood stock: Stands out from the crowd of synthetic stocks. Well-balanced, comfortable, and looks the part. Ambidextrous design works for left and right-handed shooters.
• Fiber optic sights: Easy to acquire quickly. The adjustable rear sight gives you windage and elevation control without needing a scope, though a scope rail is also included.
• Consistent velocity: CO2 rifles can be sensitive to temperature, but the dual-cartridge system provides more stable pressure than single-cartridge designs. Shots stay consistent through most of the CO2 charge.

Pros

• 88 shots per fill — excellent shot count for a CO2 rifle
• Genuine hardwood stock at this price is rare and appreciated
• Very consistent shot-to-shot velocity
• 8-round magazine speeds up target sessions
• Available in both .177 and .22
• Match-quality fiber optic sights included

Cons

• CO2 performance drops in cold weather (below 50°F)
• 760 fps is moderate — not ideal for long-range or hunting larger pests
• Heavier than most CO2 rifles due to wood stock
• Higher price point than comparable CO2 rifles

Verdict

The Hammerli 850 Air Magnum is a premium CO2 rifle that delivers where it counts: consistency, build quality, and shooting experience. If you’re serious about CO2-powered target shooting and want a rifle that feels and performs above its category, the 850 is the benchmark. The wood stock, dual-cartridge efficiency, and match sights make it a notch above typical CO2 options.