Western Airguns Western Airguns Mordax Venom

Dana from MountainSport Airguns posted a short video on his Youtube about the Mordax a few days ago.
WARNING: It has pest elimination, so if that's not your thing, don't watch it.

Definitely my thing. I think it'll do great to tree squirrels when small game is open. The Modax seems pretty accurate too. Odds of shooting a tree squirrel over 80 yards in MN is very low so I think it'll be a great gun to have in your arsenal especially for a quick follow up shot.
 
Has anyone owned both the Mordax and Huben GK1? Is the Mordax much more accurate even though both have similar length barrel? The GK1 shot count is terrible but from a looks standpoint I think it looks way better. If only someone created a bottle adapter for the GK1 that would be a winning short range semi auto hunting combo. It’s a super light pistol and great setup with a folding stock carbine. I don’t care much for the looks or size of the Huben K1 although it’s the same platform.
 
I had GK1 (.25 cal) and now own the standard Mordax. I don't know why but I have mixed feelings about the GK1. I still believe that it is the semi-auto pistol which all others are judged against, and I feel that it makes more power than the (standard) Mordax. Heck, my .25 GK1 (purchased pre-owned, and the first owner had it tuned by Derrick Wall) was slinging 33.95's at 827 fps/25.39's in the 880's. That's some darned power from a pistol length barrel!

My GK1 shot well and never gave me any trouble... but I still like the Mordax better. I had bought the adapter and used a stock with the GK1, so it was apples-to-apples shooting as compared to the Mordax. Pretty much because I don't find myself shooting PCP pistols very much (really only shoot my Manul as a pistol), but I like playing with mini-carbine form factor guns. Both the GK1 and the standard Mordax could be quieted down well with the correct thing on the end of the muzzle. Both were accurate, although I felt with the reciprocating parts the GK1 was a bit more prone to muzzle flip (but not to the extent I have felt with the .25 cal Huben K1 rifle). The standard Mordax just feels really solid when shooting. And on my 25 yard backyard range shooting rested guns, in my hands the standard Mordax is just a little easier to shoot more accurately as compared to the GK1.

Perhaps it was the power difference between the 2 guns? I'm not very power hungry when it comes to air guns, and prefer shooting something which is smooth and quiet over something which is powerful and brash. I just don't need the latter for my main uses (plinking and some very light pesting normally within 70 yards). And while the only thing which ever broke on any of my multiple Huben guns was the pot-metal magazine release lever on a K1, for some reason I was always concerned about Huben failure. Not that it should have been even an afterthought as if I couldn't fix something, resources like Kelly at Kraz-Cool was always available. But in my mind I am just more comfortable in working with the service dept. at AoA based on my past interactions with them. So I'm not as overall concerned about if or when my Mordax might have an issue (and none of my Mordaxi, nor my Sidewinders ever have).

I do have large hands (wear size XXL gloves), but the GK1 grip still felt big to me. The Mordax grip is more comfortable. And given the option, I do prefer the removable mag of the Mordax over the fixed mag of the GK1.
 
I had GK1 (.25 cal) and now own the standard Mordax. I don't know why but I have mixed feelings about the GK1. I still believe that it is the semi-auto pistol which all others are judged against, and I feel that it makes more power than the (standard) Mordax. Heck, my .25 GK1 (purchased pre-owned, and the first owner had it tuned by Derrick Wall) was slinging 33.95's at 827 fps/25.39's in the 880's. That's some darned power from a pistol length barrel!

My GK1 shot well and never gave me any trouble... but I still like the Mordax better. I had bought the adapter and used a stock with the GK1, so it was apples-to-apples shooting as compared to the Mordax. Pretty much because I don't find myself shooting PCP pistols very much (really only shoot my Manul as a pistol), but I like playing with mini-carbine form factor guns. Both the GK1 and the standard Mordax could be quieted down well with the correct thing on the end of the muzzle. Both were accurate, although I felt with the reciprocating parts the GK1 was a bit more prone to muzzle flip (but not to the extent I have felt with the .25 cal Huben K1 rifle). The standard Mordax just feels really solid when shooting. And on my 25 yard backyard range shooting rested guns, in my hands the standard Mordax is just a little easier to shoot more accurately as compared to the GK1.

Perhaps it was the power difference between the 2 guns? I'm not very power hungry when it comes to air guns, and prefer shooting something which is smooth and quiet over something which is powerful and brash. I just don't need the latter for my main uses (plinking and some very light pesting normally within 70 yards). And while the only thing which ever broke on any of my multiple Huben guns was the pot-metal magazine release lever on a K1, for some reason I was always concerned about Huben failure. Not that it should have been even an afterthought as if I couldn't fix something, resources like Kelly at Kraz-Cool was always available. But in my mind I am just more comfortable in working with the service dept. at AoA based on my past interactions with them. So I'm not as overall concerned about if or when my Mordax might have an issue (and none of my Mordaxi, nor my Sidewinders ever have).

I do have large hands (wear size XXL gloves), but the GK1 grip still felt big to me. The Mordax grip is more comfortable. And given the option, I do prefer the removable mag of the Mordax over the fixed mag of the GK1.
This is good info. I wish the GK1 had a removal magazine and I really like it setup with a folding stock carbine. Like your review, many really like the Mordax. It is on the pricey side though compared to a GK1 carbine.
 
Here's a video of how to upgrade your original Mordax into the Venom.
Thanks - that's pretty awesome. From 2 mags to almost 6 mags with the 300cc bottle.

Did anyone else cringe when he brought out the Channellock pliers with unprotected jaws to loosen his reg gauge to degas???:(

That kit looks so easy to install that you could switch back-and-forth depending on your needs/wants for the day.

Now instead of complaining about low shots-per-fill, I will instead be complaining about the "small mag capacity"!

If only the kit didn't cost an arm and a leg (I actually have no idea of its cost, but am assuming that it won't be inexpensive).
 
Thanks - that's pretty awesome. From 2 mags to almost 6 mags with the 300cc bottle.

Did anyone else cringe when he brought out the Channellock pliers with unprotected jaws to loosen his reg gauge to degas???:(


That kit looks so easy to install that you could switch back-and-forth depending on your needs/wants for the day.

Now instead of complaining about low shots-per-fill, I will instead be complaining about the "small mag capacity"!

If only the kit didn't cost an arm and a leg (I actually have no idea of its cost, but am assuming that it won't be inexpensive).

I did! Wouldn't there be flats on that gauge for a small open end wrench??

Youtube didn't link where that kit came from or the cost. I looked on the Western webpage, not listed as an upgrade.

And I don't know all the Western dealers, but AoA is one and the basic Mordax is just shy of $2000. The Venom is listed @$2400.

So, $400 for the upgrade kit?...........
 
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And I don't know all the Western dealers, but AoA is one and the basic Mordax is just shy of $2000. The Venom is listed @$2400.

So, $400 for the upgrade kit?...........
If they are charging $400 for the difference when new, you can bet the kit will cost more than that - after all, they keep the parts that would "come off" to use on another new gun, and they don't have to package / stock / ship the kit when on a new gun. I'd expect the parts to cost almost double what the optional difference in cost is, although that $400 may come down as the "newness" of the new option wears off . . .
 
I had GK1 (.25 cal) and now own the standard Mordax. I don't know why but I have mixed feelings about the GK1. I still believe that it is the semi-auto pistol which all others are judged against, and I feel that it makes more power than the (standard) Mordax. Heck, my .25 GK1 (purchased pre-owned, and the first owner had it tuned by Derrick Wall) was slinging 33.95's at 827 fps/25.39's in the 880's. That's some darned power from a pistol length barrel!

My GK1 shot well and never gave me any trouble... but I still like the Mordax better. I had bought the adapter and used a stock with the GK1, so it was apples-to-apples shooting as compared to the Mordax. Pretty much because I don't find myself shooting PCP pistols very much (really only shoot my Manul as a pistol), but I like playing with mini-carbine form factor guns. Both the GK1 and the standard Mordax could be quieted down well with the correct thing on the end of the muzzle. Both were accurate, although I felt with the reciprocating parts the GK1 was a bit more prone to muzzle flip (but not to the extent I have felt with the .25 cal Huben K1 rifle). The standard Mordax just feels really solid when shooting. And on my 25 yard backyard range shooting rested guns, in my hands the standard Mordax is just a little easier to shoot more accurately as compared to the GK1.

Perhaps it was the power difference between the 2 guns? I'm not very power hungry when it comes to air guns, and prefer shooting something which is smooth and quiet over something which is powerful and brash. I just don't need the latter for my main uses (plinking and some very light pesting normally within 70 yards). And while the only thing which ever broke on any of my multiple Huben guns was the pot-metal magazine release lever on a K1, for some reason I was always concerned about Huben failure. Not that it should have been even an afterthought as if I couldn't fix something, resources like Kelly at Kraz-Cool was always available. But in my mind I am just more comfortable in working with the service dept. at AoA based on my past interactions with them. So I'm not as overall concerned about if or when my Mordax might have an issue (and none of my Mordaxi, nor my Sidewinders ever have).

I do have large hands (wear size XXL gloves), but the GK1 grip still felt big to me. The Mordax grip is more comfortable. And given the option, I do prefer the removable mag of the Mordax over the fixed mag of the GK1.
Funny, but I have the full sized variants and not the pistols (Sidewinder and K1) but my take is almost the opposite of yours. Unfortunately it highlights the reality of the fact that even when we find somebody with direct experience comparing guns, we are still looking at a comparison of a sample size of one against another sample size of one . . . I don't doubt you in your assessment, but with my samples I feel the Huben is the better made gun by far.

I do agree with you in that I prefer shooting something that is smooth and quiet over powerful and brash, but with mine the K1 has far more refined a shot cycle than the Sidewinder even at higher power. That said, I have always thought that both of the guns would better in that regards if the action were out in front of me than up against my head . . . .
 
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Not to be a negative nancy, but... doesn't this kinda defeat the whole purpose a compact PCP pistol? I mean, if you're gonna slap a bottle on it, and a stock, and (in some cases) a longer barrel, you might as well buy a Sidewinder instead.
I'll have to handle one in the bottle configuration to see how much it makes the gun feel like a compact Sidewinder. To your point, the standard Mordax handles very different from a compact Sidewinder. And, likely due to the lower power generated by the Mordax, shoots rather different as well (smoother shot cycle and quieter).

To your other point, I don't know how many folks are purchasing the Mordax as a pistol instead of as a mini-carbine. I don't see the Mordax as a pistol at all, and personally would never remove the stock and shoot it unsupported. Plus it really doesn't provide any gains. For example, It won't fit into a backpack as a pistol where it would not have as a mini-carbine.

My gut tells me that the Mordax will lose some of the lightness and handiness when you add a bottle, but it may still be lighter and more tossable as compared to a Sidewinder compact.
 
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I agree with TMH.

I’ve owned the sidewinder compact and it didn’t feel compact at all. It still felt really bulky to me… I‘m not a tall guy. I’m short and stubby coming in at 5ft 6’ At 200 lbs. I hunt with all my airguns (small game).

I have owned a GK1 and converted it to a pistol with a stock. That felt amazing and provided the extra stability when shooting at farther distances (30-40 yards) The main issue is low shot count.

With the Mordax Venom it’ll retain its compactness, light weight (4.7lbs), semiautomatic features, and now with extra shot count. This will fit my needs perfectly as most “compact” airguns are not this compact or will have low FPE.

Most compact airguns cannot produce the FPE wanted. E.g. Brocock path finder, Atomic XR, and Notos to name a few. Im hoping to get 25-35 FPE on the .22 Mordax venom either shooting 15.89gr or 18.13gr JSBs while keeping the gun compact.