By Chris Turek - The UpNorth Airgunner
On my channel, UpNorth Airgunner, I’ve built a reputation for diving deep into the world of high-end airguns and precision shooting. But here’s the thing—we all have to start somewhere. Over the years, I’ve found that if you’re just getting into this sport, even if you can afford a top-of-the-line airgun, starting with an entry-level model is a smart move. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about learning the fundamentals of airgunning without the fear of messing up an expensive piece of gear.
Unregulated airguns, like the Niksan Elf W, are particularly great for this. They offer a crash course in the basic principles of airgun tuning, allowing you to really grasp the interplay of air pressure, hammer, and spring tension. Understanding the velocity curve of an unregulated airgun—that classic bell shape—is airgunning in its purest form. It’s a hands-on lesson in physics, and it’s something every airgunner should experience.
Plus, there’s something liberating about having a “beater” airgun in your collection—one you know can take some abuse while you’re learning and experimenting. The Niksan Elf W fits that bill perfectly, and over the past year, it’s proven to be a tough, reliable companion.
First Impressions
When I unboxed the Niksan Elf W, the first thing I noticed was the quality. The wood stock not only adds elegance but also a solid, balanced feel. It’s got a bit of heft compared to synthetic options, but it’s worth it. For a budget-friendly PCP, the Elf W feels like it’s in a higher league. Its unregulated design might be simpler, but that simplicity translates to reliability—fewer moving parts mean fewer chances for something to fail in tough conditions.
Another standout feature? The accessories. This airgun comes fully loaded with four magazines and a sturdy hard rifle case. It’s a grab-and-go package, perfect for someone ready to dive right into shooting without needing to hunt down extras.
A Year of Real-World Use
Over the past year, I’ve kept the Niksan Elf W at my hunting property. It’s always charged and ready, sitting by the cabin door. Northern Michigan’s weather is no joke, with drastic temperature swings and relentless moisture. Despite all that, the Elf W hasn’t missed a beat. No rust, no leaks—it just works.
When it comes to pest control, this airgun delivers. Whether it’s a squirrel gnawing on the siding or a chipmunk wreaking havoc in the garden, the Elf W is up to the task. It’s accurate, dependable, and always ready for action.
Teaching the Next Generation
One of the surprising highlights of owning the Niksan Elf W was lending it to a friend. He wanted to teach his kids about gun safety and airgun basics, and this was the perfect choice. The Elf W is straightforward to use and forgiving for beginners. It’s tough enough to handle the inevitable bumps and scrapes while his kids got the hang of it.
The weight of the wood stock also helped them learn proper shooting form without being too unwieldy. My friend told me his kids loved using it, and it gave them confidence while learning responsibility. He didn’t have to worry about them damaging an expensive or complex airgun, and the Elf W’s design made their learning curve smooth and enjoyable.
Shooting Performance
While the Elf W’s unregulated design doesn’t offer consistent shot-to-shot velocity, it’s still plenty reliable. Shooting JSB 18.13-grain pellets, I’ve achieved speeds of around 850 FPS, which is more than enough for small-game hunting and pest control.
Accuracy is where this airgun shines. At 30 yards, I can stack pellets with ease, and even at 50 yards, the grouping remains tight. Its high-precision barrel and self-indexing magazine ensure smooth and consistent operation. The adjustable trigger is another win, allowing me to dial in a crisp break that suits my preferences.
Durability in the Wild
The Elf W thrives in the rugged outdoors. Whether it’s left out in freezing temperatures, dropped in the snow, or bumped against trees while trekking through the woods, it takes it all in stride. This airgun is built tough, plain and simple.
The 280 cc air tank, with its 200 bar fill pressure, provides plenty of shots before needing a refill. As long as you keep an eye on your fill pressure, you can get through a few magazines without issue, and at closer ranges, you won’t see much of an impact shift.
Features and Accessories
The Niksan Elf W comes with a solid set of features that add to its value:
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Four self-indexing magazines (12-shot capacity for .22 caliber)
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Picatinny rail for easy optics mounting
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Transfer port power adjuster for tweaking performance
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Adjustable cheek piece for personalized comfort
This package has everything you need to hit the ground running, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned shooters.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Exceptional build quality and durability
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Reliable accuracy and power
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Includes a generous array of accessories
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Beautiful, solid wood stock
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Great for teaching airgun basics and safety
Cons:
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Unregulated, so velocity consistency isn’t perfect
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Slightly heavier than synthetic stock models
Final Thoughts
The Niksan Elf W .22 caliber PCP airgun is a fantastic pest control option that I don’t have to baby. Whether it’s tossed into the corner of the cabin or bouncing around in the back of a side-by-side, it handles the abuse without flinching. It’s simple, tough, and reliable—exactly what I need in the northern wilderness.
If you’re considering one, check out DonnyFL. They’ve got plenty in stock at a great price, along with other models that are worth exploring. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, the Niksan Elf W is a solid choice that punches above its weight.
