N/A First PCP - need advice (Notos vs Stoeger Scout)

Hey all, been lurking for a while here and [I think] I am ready to start dropping cash into this alleged money pit.

I’ve had a cheap .177 springer in the past that was silly quiet. Could hunt the backyard all day and you only knew I was there when a stray pellet whacked wood. I picked up a “gamo gen3i swarm whisper fusion 10x” ~2 months ago and right off the bat, that sucker was LOUD. (I know I know, how could be such a fool and waste my money on Gamo?? Thankfully Bass Pro has a great return policy).

I’m looking to upgrade into the PCP world (already bought a cheap compressor from others recommendations).

Sound: by far the biggest concern for me. I’d prefer to have the neighbors have no clue I’m out there.
Range: realistically fairly close but I do appreciate flexibility in case I go hunting in the woods in the future.
Price: All told, I’m looking to spend under $600 between gun, scope, and other pertinent accessories.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Umarex Notos and the Stoeger Scout.
- Stoeger Scout: leaning towards this as it looks like it’ll pack more of a punch but it seems it’s loud out of the box. I have limited experience with AR builds so I’m not too keen on going to town with modifying off the bat. I’ve seen some thoughts of putting a moderator on but I cant make heads or tails of which to actually pick…
- Notos seems like a great fit but I’ve seen quite a few concerns about the small tank. I know I’ve heard “don’t get overly fixated on how much power they can pack” but hey, I’m human afterall

Any advice appreciated!
 
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If you gonna hunt, get the scout. The moderator for the scout is like 30 bucks from buck rail and it makes the scout backyard friendly. the scout also has the punch and power for more distance, and humane quick kills. Especially in .25. Scout has a 5 year warranty. All in all, the scout is just an all around hunting/pesting rifle, where the Notos is more a lightweight close in pester.
 
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Got a Stoeger .25 Bullshark a few months ago myself. Wanted a light compact truck/walking around gun. Noise isn't a concern for me. Really enjoying it, just nearly out of pellets and broke due to repair work on wife's car. When possible I want a Ranger as a bench shooter/plinker.
I recommend getting it bore scoped if possible. I scoped mine out of the box and found the lands damaged from the piloting tool when making the crown. They're made in China so stuff like that does get past quality control. Some will say it doesn't matter so long as the gun is accurate. Personally I prefer things to right and undamaged when new no matter how it shoots.
Called up Benelli, sent a them pictures, they replaced the gun with no further questions. Total turn around was about a week.
Here's link to pics of 1st gun's barrel.
Thread 'Updated Warranty Replacement for XM1 Bullshark Arrived From Benelli Today' https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/updated-warranty-replacement-for-xm1-bullshark-arrived-from-benelli-today.1333298/
They're warranty is to simply replace the guns, not repair them.
 
Hey all, been lurking for a while here and [I think] I am ready to start dropping cash into this alleged money pit.

I’ve had a cheap .177 springer in the past that was silly quiet. Could hunt the backyard all day and you only knew I was there when a stray pellet whacked wood. I picked up a “gamo gen3i swarm whisper fusion 10x” ~2 months ago and right off the bat, that sucker was LOUD. (I know I know, how could be such a fool and waste my money on Gamo?? Thankfully Bass Pro has a great return policy).

I’m looking to upgrade into the PCP world (already bought a cheap compressor from others recommendations).

Sound: by far the biggest concern for me. I’d prefer to have the neighbors have no clue I’m out there.
Range: realistically fairly close but I do appreciate flexibility in case I go hunting in the woods in the future.
Price: All told, I’m looking to spend under $600 between gun, scope, and other pertinent accessories.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Umarex Notos and the Stoeger Scout.
- Stoeger Scout: leaning towards this as it looks like it’ll pack more of a punch but it seems it’s loud out of the box. I have limited experience with AR builds so I’m not too keen on going to town with modifying off the bat. I’ve seen some thoughts of putting a moderator on but I cant make heads or tails of which to actually pick…
- Notos seems like a great fit but I’ve seen quite a few concerns about the small tank. I know I’ve heard “don’t get overly fixated on how much power they can pack” but hey, I’m human afterall

Any advice appreciated!
 
I am a big fan of the notos. its accurate provided you get the correct scope mount. an ar style cantilever mount backwards with thelarge clamping area over the barrel to action seem is the best.
the notos also has a large aftermarket and knowledge base. . that alone is worth alot when considering a purchase!
 
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Ain't nothing 'alleged' about it. :)
Screenshot_20250727_192701_AliExpress.jpg
 
So I've owned both. First I owned a Notos, because it was small, lightweight and 'neat'. Great little shooter. Even though it was lightweight, and I wanted to make it a woods-walker, it was too light to shoot off-hand. Too many lazy figure 8s when I tried to shoot something. Liked the gun, but I sold it. Bought a Scout a few months back. I wanted the .25 but they were out so I got the .22. Man, I love it! Having a little weight helps when shooting off hand. It's got a great warranty and I haven't really found anything I don't like about it. Hard to beat for $350. And I think I get @50+ shots per fill (?) Anyway, here's my initial post after I bought it. So the bottom line is deciding what your final purpose will be. Best of luck.

 
I'm sure the Notos has a role, I think of it as a modernized Prod. I may buy them for my grandkids when they get a little older. But I don't think it, or my Prod, is a great all around airgun. You mention you have a compressor. I think both the Notos and Prod are great for hand pumping because they store so little air. The Prod has enough power for hunting small game with a retune and the Notos reportedly has low 20s fpe right out of the box. That is enough if the biggest thing you want to kill is a rabbit.

The Scout, even in 22, should get you about 10 more fpe including the ability to get heavier for caliber pellets up over 800 fps. My P35-22 is tuned to a little over 30 fpe and has killed a small raccoon for me, for instance. It will also give you at least twice as many shots per fill, even at the 50% higher fpe.

In terms of noise, I have a Bullshark and a P35X which both have the same sort of baffle arrangement as the Scout, I believe. I think they are pretty quiet. But they also have the adapter for a 1/2 UNF moderator to be added if you disagree. I believe the Notos moderator has to be destroyed to be removed from the gun. The good news is the Notos comes with a moderator, the bad news is the upgrade path is a bit difficult.
 
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