Air Pistol Review · 2026

Camstar Mauser X Matte Review

India's First Gen 2 spring air pistol — ₹7,999, no licence, best entry-level pistol under ₹10,000.

Updated July 2026 · Written by Camstar Sports (manufacturer)

Buy the X Matte — ₹7,999 →

Verdict

At ₹7,999, the Mauser X Matte is the best air pistol under ₹10,000 in India in 2026. Better build, tighter groups, and cleaner trigger than the ₹6,900 Star Leo — worth the extra ₹1,099. Buy it if you want a proper entry-level pistol you'll still be using two years from now. Skip only if you specifically want semi-auto CO₂ (get the Star RX Gen 3 at ₹25,500 instead).

Camstar Mauser X Matte Specifications

TypeSpring-powered air pistol
Calibre.177" (4.5mm) lead pellets
ActionSingle-shot break-barrel spring
VelocityUp to 480 FPS with 7.9gr pellets
Muzzle energyUnder 8 joules (well within legal limits)
Weight~880 g
TriggerSingle-stage with defined wall
FinishMatte black, fingerprint-resistant
Price₹7,999
Shipping₹1,500 pan-India
Warranty12 months manufacturer
LicenceNot required (under Arms Rules 2016)

What we love · what to watch

✅ Strengths

  • Best build quality under ₹10,000
  • 480 FPS — faster than any spring pistol at this price
  • Gen 2 improvements: tighter groups, cleaner trigger
  • Matte finish resists fingerprints and looks premium
  • Realistic weight (880g) — closer to a real service pistol feel

⚠ Watch-outs

  • Still a single-shot — re-cock between every pellet
  • No open rail for optics or accessories
  • Grip is one-size (no interchangeable back-straps)
  • Not target-grade for ISSF competition — that's RX Gen 3 territory

Who this is for

  • The person who wants their first "real feeling" air pistol
  • Home paper-target practice at 6–10 metres
  • Backyard plinking with a pellet trap
  • Gift for someone graduating from a toy air pistol
  • Anyone who tried a Star Leo and wants a step up

How it compares

vs Star Leo →

₹1,099 cheaper — but Leo is single-stage entry-level

vs Star RX Gen 3 →

₹25,500 CO₂ semi-auto — the big upgrade

Best air pistol guide →

See how it ranks overall

Full price list →

Every air pistol in India

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mauser X Matte legal in India without a licence?

Yes. It operates under 8 joules of muzzle energy — below the 20-joule threshold in the Arms Rules 2016. No licence, no registration, no NOC required in most Indian states. Buyer must be 18 or older.

What does "Gen 2" mean on the Mauser X?

Gen 2 refers to the second-generation manufacturing improvements: tighter piston seals for ~15% less shot-to-shot variation, an improved trigger sear for a cleaner break, and the fingerprint-resistant matte finish. Every Mauser X Matte shipping in 2026 is Gen 2.

Is the Mauser X better than the Star Leo?

Yes — for ₹1,099 more you get metal on the parts that matter, ~50 FPS more velocity, and a noticeably better trigger. If your budget can stretch, always pick the Mauser X over the Leo. If it can't, the Leo is still a legit shooter.

Is the Mauser X Matte accurate enough for target shooting?

For home paper-target practice and backyard plinking at 6–10 metres, yes. For ISSF 10m competition scoring, no — target competition requires a purpose-built pistol like our Star RX Gen 3 or a match-grade single-shot.

How is the Mauser X Matte different from the original Mauser X?

The Matte version is Gen 2 — updated internal seals, better trigger, and an anti-glare matte finish instead of the original semi-gloss. Every unit we ship today is Matte / Gen 2; the original 2023 model is no longer in production.

Can I use any .177 pellets?

Yes, any standard .177" (4.5mm) lead pellet. We recommend 7.9-grain wadcutters for paper target practice — they cut clean holes for easy scoring.

Ready to shoot?

Free pan-India delivery · 1-year manufacturer warranty · No licence required

Buy the X Matte →See all air guns
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