Karma My First Semi-Automatic Airgun Hunting Adventure with the Karma SLS

[UpNorthAirGunner]

Check out the full review here: https://donnyfl.com/blogs/news/my-first-semi-automatic-airgun-hunting-adventure-with-the-karma-sls

Back in December, I joined the DonnyFL and Saber Tactical crew in Florida for a hunting trip. My sidekick for the adventure was PJ Clarke, a longtime friend and fellow airgunner. Together, we headed to Southern Florida to meet up with Travis Wilson of Trophy Trophies. Travis gave us a front-row seat to the region’s overwhelming iguana problem, and let me tell you—it was an eye-opener. The trip turned out to be the perfect opportunity to see the Karma SLS in action.

The Karma SLS: Standard vs. Compact​

The Karma SLS series is designed to deliver fast, reliable, and high-performance semi-auto shooting, making it a go-to for airgunners. Whether you prefer the full-size Karma SLS Standard or the more portable Karma SLS Compact, both models share some standout features that make them versatile tools for hunting and fast trigger pulling alike.

Key Features of the Karma SLS Standard and Compact:​

• Semi-Automatic Operation: Both models offer rapid semi-auto functionality, allowing you to fire as fast as you can pull the trigger. This makes them perfect for situations that require quick follow-up shots, such as pest control and small-game hunting.
• High-Quality Barrel: These airguns come with precision-crafted barrels, ensuring tight groupings and reliable accuracy at various distances.
• Adjustable Power Settings: The Karma SLS series allows you to tune the power output to suit your specific needs, whether you’re targeting pests at close range or engaging in precision shooting at longer distances.
• Compact and Portable Design: The Karma SLS Compact is perfect for tight spaces and quick maneuvers, while the Karma SLS Standard provides a more traditional profile with added air capacity for extended shooting sessions.
• Magazine Capacity: Both versions boast generous magazine sizes, reducing the need for constant reloading during your hunt or shooting session.
• Ergonomics: Designed with comfort in mind, both models feature lightweight, durable builds with grips and stocks that feel natural in hand.

Whether you’re hunting in an urban environment or out in the field, the Karma SLS series offers versatility and performance that can keep up with the demands of the hunt. The Compact version shines for mobility, while the Standard version provides the firepower and air efficiency for extended sessions. This was my first hunt with a semi-auto airgun and had a blast.

 

[Scotay42]

This looks more of an advertisement vs any kind of review. Noone talks about how heavy it is compared to similar pcps of this size. There is no talk about trigger quality or adjustability, is it similar to a huben or more like an AEA trigger, which is terrible?

 

[UpNorthAirGunner]

This looks more of an advertisement vs any kind of review. Noone talks about how heavy it is compared to similar pcps of this size. There is no talk about trigger quality or adjustability, is it similar to a huben or more like an AEA trigger, which is terrible?

This is my real review for the SLS and for a semi-auto rifle and my first time using one to hunt with, it performed well. I have the AEA HP in a similar configuration as well and the quality differences are night and day. The semi-auto action of the Karma has been more reliable so far vs. the AEA. Not sure if it is the build quality of the magazine that makes the difference, but the difference is noticeable as is the build quality of the rest of the airgun.

 

[Scotay42]

This is my real review for the SLS and for a semi-auto rifle and my first time using one to hunt with, it performed well. I have the AEA HP in a similar configuration as well and the quality differences are night and day. The semi-auto action of the Karma has been more reliable so far vs. the AEA. Not sure if it is the build quality of the magazine that makes the difference, but the difference is noticeable as is the build quality of the rest of the airgun.

I would hope so for more than 2x the price. My quesrion is weight comlared to other similarly priced rifles and the trigger quality, is it the same as an AEA like a double action or is it crisp and short like a leishy2 or huben? Both of thoss are quality triggers, the AEA is not.

 

[UpNorthAirGunner]

I would hope so for more than 2x the price. My quesrion is weight comlared to other similarly priced rifles and the trigger quality, is it the same as an AEA like a double action or is it crisp and short like a leishy2 or huben? Both of thoss are quality triggers, the AEA is not.

As far as weight, it is around 9 pounds and I've paired mine with the Element Optics Immersive 5x30 which is a lightweight wide field of view optic. The additional weight comes from features that come standard like the longer arca rail and folding stock. The barrel in this thing is also more of what I call a precision focused barrel vs. other shrouded barrels I've seen on other rigs. That heavier weight barrel is what has made the Karma brand known for extreme precision to include a few top podium spots with the Red Panda. So those larger precision barrels do add a bit of weight, but I'll take that additional weight for the level of precision this arigun offers.

 

[Scotay42]

As far as weight, it is around 9 pounds and I've paired mine with the Element Optics Immersive 5x30 which is a lightweight wide field of view optic. The additional weight comes from features that come standard like the longer arca rail and folding stock. The barrel in this thing is also more of what I call a precision focused barrel vs. other shrouded barrels I've seen on other rigs. That heavier weight barrel is what has made the Karma brand known for extreme precision to include a few top podium spots with the Red Panda. So those larger precision barrels do add a bit of weight, but I'll take that additional weight for the level of precision this arigun offers.

So same trigger as the AEA? Ive heard mixed reviews, only the youtubers and donny say it is great, other owners not so much.

 

[MT3]

So same trigger as the AEA? Ive heard mixed reviews, only the youtubers and donny say it is great, other owners not so much.

Horrible trigger

 

[blackdog899]

This looks more of an advertisement vs any kind of review. Noone talks about how heavy it is compared to similar pcps of this size. There is no talk about trigger quality or adjustability, is it similar to a huben or more like an AEA trigger, which is terrible?

I thought I was on Industry News heading. Looked like an ad straight from Donny FL

 

[Scotay42]

I thought I was on Industry News heading. Looked like an ad straight from Donny FL

I completely agree. I really hate "reviews" like this. I cannot rely on any review anymore to be honest. This being just a beefed up AEA is garbage as well. Good for the guys that win with a Red Panda but stuff like this makes me stay away from Wolfiek Group altogether.

 

[DonEnzone]

I just checked and holy crap... the SLS Standard weighs a whopping 4.1 kilograms (close to 9 pounds). I can already imagine the back problems I'd get from carrying that brick around. Especially since the weight distribution is more towards the front, not the back. The compact version doesn't fare much better with 3.7 kilograms. That is one heavy rifle for it's size and power.

If I'm gonna go for a semi-auto, I'd prefer the Taipan Slash. The long version is only 3 kilograms, and most of the weight is in the stock. It's more expensive, sure... but at least I can carry it around comfortably for an extended period of time.

 

[thammer]

9lbs in a compact gun doesn't feel like it. I've been shooting Kral guns for the past almost decade so I guess it just made me forget what a light gun is. I have a karma EQ and at 9lbs she sure doesn't feel that heavy. I love heavy barrels since harmonics play such a big role in aurgun accuracy. It's not a target trigger for sure but if you have a few minutes and patience you can make the EQ trigger pretty darn good. Call them adds if you want but hell I'll take a video of hunting showing it doing it and working over a trigger tester and chrony review any day. I've seen single digit chrony es guns that still don't shoot well enough to take precision head shots. I haven't gotten my hands on the SLS yet but if I wasn't shooting a custom BR gun the only one I'd spend my money on would be the Red Panda so that's half the line up I'd choose over anything shooting pellets or slugs through a straw.

 

[JaceSpace1369]

I completely agree. I really hate "reviews" like this. I cannot rely on any review anymore to be honest. This being just a beefed up AEA is garbage as well. Good for the guys that win with a Red Panda but stuff like this makes me stay away from Wolfiek Group altogether.

Not to mention the amount of SLS that have been on classifieds for months.

 

[DonEnzone]

9lbs in a compact gun doesn't feel like it. I've been shooting Kral guns for the past almost decade so I guess it just made me forget what a light gun is. I have a karma EQ and at 9lbs she sure doesn't feel that heavy. I love heavy barrels since harmonics play such a big role in aurgun accuracy. It's not a target trigger for sure but if you have a few minutes and patience you can make the EQ trigger pretty darn good. Call them adds if you want but hell I'll take a video of hunting showing it doing it and working over a trigger tester and chrony review any day. I've seen single digit chrony es guns that still don't shoot well enough to take precision head shots. I haven't gotten my hands on the SLS yet but if I wasn't shooting a custom BR gun the only one I'd spend my money on would be the Red Panda so that's half the line up I'd choose over anything shooting pellets or slugs through a straw.

It's not just about weight, but also the distribution of it. If the weight is evenly distibuted, or more towards the back of the gun then it feels a lot less heavy. On the SLS most of the weight is concentrated near the front tank. Especially if you keep that massive bottom rail on it. I'm sure it's great to shoot from a benchrest position, but as someone who prefers to shoot off-hand, this is definitely not ideal.

 

[thammer]

It's not just about weight, but also the distribution of it. If the weight is evenly distibuted, or more towards the back of the gun then it feels a lot less heavy. On the SLS most of the weight is concentrated near the front tank. Especially if you keep that massive bottom rail on it. I'm sure it's great to shoot from a benchrest position, but as someone who prefers to shoot off-hand, this is definitely not ideal.

You are absolutely correct. Balance definitely makes a huge difference. Probably not that well suited for your application. What I'm seeing in this post though, is pretty much pure criticism about the gun from mostly people that haven't touched one and already made a decision about it then criticism about an author that took the time to share videos and specs. If it's not for you it's not for you. Simple. I see hundreds of posts about guns in here i have zero interest in yet never felt compelled to bash the gun or the person who posted it. I just make my decision and move on. If I make a statement about a particular brand it's because I've had experience with more than dozens of a particular model and not just a singular situation. I worked in car dealerships for decades. Every brand from $10,000 sticker prices in the early 2000's to over $150,000 sticker price luxury vehicles and have yet to see an empty shop or warranty department. Comparing AEA to Karma in my Actual experience since I do own one and have held, shot, tuned, and worked on both is like Comparing a Toyota and Lexus. Built by the same company in the same facility and lots of the same parts yet vastly different in price and luxury.

 

[Perle]

You are absolutely correct. Balance definitely makes a huge difference. Probably not that well suited for your application. What I'm seeing in this post though, is pretty much pure criticism about the gun from mostly people that haven't touched one and already made a decision about it then criticism about an author that took the time to share videos and specs. If it's not for you it's not for you. Simple. I see hundreds of posts about guns in here i have zero interest in yet never felt compelled to bash the gun or the person who posted it. I just make my decision and move on. If I make a statement about a particular brand it's because I've had experience with more than dozens of a particular model and not just a singular situation. I worked in car dealerships for decades. Every brand from $10,000 sticker prices in the early 2000's to over $150,000 sticker price luxury vehicles and have yet to see an empty shop or warranty department. Comparing AEA to Karma in my Actual experience since I do own one and have held, shot, tuned, and worked on both is like Comparing a Toyota and Lexus. Built by the same company in the same facility and lots of the same parts yet vastly different in price and luxury.
View attachment 563341

I don’t have a karma but I do have 2 AEAs that were sorted out by my friend Sicumj.
Triggers are crisp albeit heavy even worked and very predictable. I shoot them well

Car analogy appropriate

 

[1handwill.gc]

You are absolutely correct. Balance definitely makes a huge difference. Probably not that well suited for your application. What I'm seeing in this post though, is pretty much pure criticism about the gun from mostly people that haven't touched one and already made a decision about it then criticism about an author that took the time to share videos and specs. If it's not for you it's not for you. Simple. I see hundreds of posts about guns in here i have zero interest in yet never felt compelled to bash the gun or the person who posted it. I just make my decision and move on. If I make a statement about a particular brand it's because I've had experience with more than dozens of a particular model and not just a singular situation. I worked in car dealerships for decades. Every brand from $10,000 sticker prices in the early 2000's to over $150,000 sticker price luxury vehicles and have yet to see an empty shop or warranty department. Comparing AEA to Karma in my Actual experience since I do own one and have held, shot, tuned, and worked on both is like Comparing a Toyota and Lexus. Built by the same company in the same facility and lots of the same parts yet vastly different in price and luxury.
View attachment 563341View attachment 563343

That's funny but it's true I also have a background and Auto Sales since 1984 and like you said it is also proved with gas i own an EQ in 25 i purchased it the first week they were on sale adjusted my trigger second day I had it i left it light and short and I have no complaint How's a matter of fact I have left to do with it It's fine even heavier slugs to test it So far I've only shot 30.3 pallets And 40 green slots And even at the minimum tune The Rifle Has great precision It's easy to balance And it's great if you're shooting From any kind of rest Don't even of hand And what I mean of hand I'm an amputee Of my right hand It used to be a writ i But even With my left hand I can shoot it Pretty damn well not as good as when I have two hands. I was shooting Riley But still For a hunting gun I don't think anybody can ask for anything more

 

[K.Diante]

What kind of numbers are getting in respect to power and velocity before seeing a drop-off? I've considered going with a semi-auto, but I haven't made the switch as of yet

 

[DonEnzone]

What kind of numbers are getting in respect to power and velocity before seeing a drop-off? I've considered going with a semi-auto, but I haven't made the switch as of yet

Well, if there's any airgun to start with if you're on the fence about semi-auto, it would be this one. If you end up not liking it you can just use the side-lever instead.

 

[Sicumj]

I disagree the AEA's are garbage. I have 4 and just bought another one tonight. Triggers come from the factory at about 5.5 lb. You can get them to about 3 lb with some spring changes and some polishing of the sear and hammer. I rework every gun I purchase no matter if it is a powder burner or air. They all need either broke in by shooting or worked and polished by hand. There in is the difference generally in price. The AEA trigger is not ideal for sure and their magazines suck. The mags are the cause of the majority of failures and jams.

Anyway I agree 9 lbs is a bench gun for me. I like light weight rifles for offhand shooting. Here is one of my favorites. Shoots 15.89 JSB's at around 850 fps. As is sits the weight is 6.1 lb. Trigger measures 3.25 lbs and it is fed by AE Swede magazines. Accurate enough to shoot golfballs at 5o yds. I've been carrying it every day on our dog walks.