A review on the Air Arms S410 Carbine

The Air Arms S410 Carbine
(pictured with the S410 Classic’s longer air tube and an additional moderator)

S410 Carbine Specs – Light and short exellent range and field gun.
O/A Length 885 mm Caliber .22
Barrel Length 395 mm Stock Walnut
Weight 2.48 kg FAC Power .22 – 23 ft. lbs. (28 ft. lbs. max power)
Loading Side Lever Bolt Action
Max Fill Pressure / capacity 200 bar – 2900 psi / 181 cc (model tested 242 CC)

Air Arms has one of the best and most trusted names in the world of airguns. So much so that even though I had always wanted an S410, I waited until I had purchased and tested numerous other air rifles because I already knew the AA S410 would be a winner. I had originally planned on buying and testing the S410 ERB model but decided on the Carbine model after my ERB arrived and had less than expected accuracy. I sent it back figuring it was probably just a clipping problem and decided to get the Carbine model for round two. I can say that I now understand why this model is so popular and highly praised. The weight, length and balance is just perfect. I requested the Carbine model but wanted the S410 Classic’s longer air tube for more shots per fill. The rifle tested and shown in these pictures have the Classic’s longer “H” air tube and is a special order. I think it’s a great combination!

If I could choose one word to describe the S410 it would be quality. I am very impressed with the features and all the little details this rifle has, especially when compared to much more expensive rifles. It truly is the little things that count and this rifle has those little things; from very useful things like a pressure gauge and quick fill, to little details that set this rifle apart from the others, like the beautiful checkering of the wood and the decorative machining on the fill cap and barrel thread protector. There is even a screen filter to prevent debris from entering the rifle when filling. It’s so nice to see a company that still puts out a quality product rather than skimping on as much as possible in order to cut down on production costs. What blows me away is that this rifle has more features and decorative goodies than rifles twice the cost.

Oh, did I mention that the stock that came on my S410 Carbine is honestly the nicest factory walnut stock I have seen. I thought the stock I had on my Daystate Airwolf MCT was great but this one tops it. I love all the dark grain and it really belongs in the catalogs! These pictures really don’t do this stock justice.

So what about performance? What’s the shot count and how accurate is it? This picture should answer one of those questions. I was shooting for groups at 50 yards when this lizard decided that the dirt piles below my target board would be a good place to get some sun. Already satisfied and confident with the S410’s accuracy, I decided to go for a head shot. It wasn’t a direct hit which is good for the picture but I did take the top of it’s head off and stopped it cold in its tracks! It certainly feels great to be able to hit whatever you decide to aim for!

Here are a couple 10 shot groups shot from 50 yards using JSB 15.8 gr.

The S410’s power adjustment is very accessible and can be adjusted at will. It only takes a turn of the power adjustment dial by hand with no tools required. You are also able to lock the power adjustment for times when you don’t want it to accidentally get bumped or moved, like when hunting. Turning the dial to full power gave me up to 28.5 ft/lbs where the low setting brought the power all the way down to around 12 ft/lbs, transforming the S410 Carbine from hunter to the ultimate backyard friendly plinker. The power adjustment dial is pictured after the shot string at half power. On the opposite side of the dial there are lines to measure power output which is show after the 3/4 power shot string.

Shot string at 1/2 power
(I started at half power and then after shot 30 would turn the power up every few shots to maintain the power until it was at full power at the end of this string.)

Shot string at 3/4 power

Shot string at full power
(Although the shot string is not as tight and the shot count isn’t as high when the rifle is set to the maxium power, it is a nice feature to be able to easily turn the rifle’s power up and back down for those extra long distance shots. If you really think about it, who needs more than 30 shots when hunting.)

The only area I see the S410 suffers is in shot count, but what it lacks in shot count the S410 Carbine offers so much more, and it’s very easy to get spoiled shooting this rifle. The magazine is quick and easy to load and I prefer it to the FX the Theoben style magazine, but again it’s personal preference. The side lever cocking is just so smooth and easy! The attention to detail and the quality of work on this rifle is top notch! The overall length and the balance of the rifle is perfect and the noise level is acceptable and neighbor friendly. For those who must have mouse fart quietness, it is extremely quiet with the addition of a moderator and all you will hear is mechanical noise! So although this rifle, like most air tube rifles, will suffer from a low total shot count per fill, it makes up for it in the low profile appearance and the perfect balance and weight of the rifle. If you prefer a more traditional look and don’t mind the lower shot count, this rifle is perfect for you. If you must have more power, there is always the Classic model and the ERB model. At the average asking price of $1055 for the S410 with the walnut stock and $80 to upgrade to the longer air tube, I don’t think you’ll find a better made rifle for less money.

Bobby Escay