Panthera vs M3?

For me the Panthera is effectively a Mk3 Crown.
I've added a 700cc front bottle so the shot count is now massive and the whole 'PRS' spiel no longer applies.

As far as shooting itself is concerned I think their maximum theoretical accuracy potential is the same. The Panthera is more consistent from a velocity perspective so that may change at very long ranges but I haven't tested it much beyond 150y yet.

What I have found is the Panthera has a more settled shot cycle and is less hold sensitive at similar (and higher) power levels, making it easier to extract that accuracy/precision without errors in technique creeping in.
Having the bottle up front behaves much like those weights people attach to the rail, improving balance and markedly reducing any muzzle flip compared to its stock form.

I would totally agree with @Macros on his comparison between the two. I have 3 Impacts and 0 Pantheras , so I'm shooting from the proverbial "armchair shooter"
What I have gathered from the many posts here on AGN is the Panthera is a platform in progress. FX is building upon this to enhance and better each of their other current offerings. We all win in the end.
I'm happy

Patrick

I think this is a typical case, of shiny disease. The next best thing has come out and we GOTTA HAVE IT!
im a pester like you, and have no interest at all in the panthera in current form. It’s not practical for what we do. When other renditions come out (which they will), the practicality might be there. In whole, the platform looks to be eye opening, but the current offering (as FX has said themselves) is more purpose built for competition, and not for us. Stick with what you’ve got for now, and wait till the platform grows. There’s already info out there on a hunter version of the panthera in the near future. Who knows what else will be available!

I own both.

I bought the 500mm Panthera in 30 cal specifically for hunting. 2 reasons. First, my state has a minimum requirement of 30 cal for an air rifle to hunt "big game". My target species of Turkey is considered big game by the state. 2nd, I really liked that the form factor of the panthera was more like many of my powder burner hunting guns. The panthera feels great in the hands and shoulders like a 'real' hunting gun.
I went with the Panthera in 500mm because i wanted it easier to carry, and it comes with the standard superior liner for shooting pellets. However, if I were to go back in time, I would have gotten the 600mm and just bought a regular liner when I wanted to shoot pellets.
The shot count is as expected low. VERY much so on the 500mm in 30 cal. With just the rear 300cc bottle, you will get two mags if you are shooting low velocity 750-800fps, and 1 mag plus 3 shots when the reg is up to shoot 900fps+. Which is perfectly fine for hunting but I went ahead and put the huma double bottle adapter and a 700cc bottle on the front for plinking/shooting from the bench. I'll remove the front barrel when I take it hunting.
Accurate and consistent, yes. But so is my Impact. Do I have a little buyers remorse? A little. Really wish I got the 600mm barrel.
If your intended target is squirrels and woodchucks, I say IMPACT all the way. Proven, accurate and your shot count and magazine size would be much better suited for that type of hunting.
Now, for me, if I need more than a couple of shots at a turkey's head, I need to retire from turkey hunting.

I would say the the Panthera has the advantage if you want to shoot heavy slugs. The M3 gets a little fussy in that realm, requiring tensioners and very fine tuning. The M3 also has the issue of slow first shots after resting.

I do however agree with many of the points made by madeintheuk. The 700mm panthera is quite the broomstick and I’d much prefer a new Impact with the pressurized shroud and power block from the Panthera.