New from FX the Leopard Sniper Air Rifle
The latest release from FX is the Leopard, and it capitalizes on everything FX seems to have learned from their previous rifles. This model follows a bullpup format, allowing for a relatively long barrel while keeping the overall rifle length compact—905mm for this 700mm-barrel sniper version.
This is the FAC (Firearms Certificate) version, but the Leopard is also available in a sub-12 ft-lb format, with matching shot counts depending on whether you choose the 500mm, 600mm, or 700mm barrel with corresponding air cylinder volume. Weights vary slightly across models; I’ve been using the 700mm version, which weighs 3.9kg bare. It's incredibly stable when shot from supported positions—perfect if precision at range is your goal.
The rifle features FX’s super-stiff DRS-type barrel, housed within the full-length air cylinder that holds 310cc of air at 230 bar. An additional 580cc underslung carbon fibre tank more than doubles the shot count, though exact figures depend on your calibre and tuning setup. Speaking of tuning, the FAC model includes both Macro and Micro adjusters for the AMP II regulator and air delivery system. This allows you to configure the rifle for your desired power level, then fine-tune it for peak accuracy.
The .30 calibre, 700mm sniper barrel comes with FX’s Superior Heavy Smooth Twist liner. It’s optimized for slugs, though heavy pellets will also perform well. I tuned mine for 44.5gr FX Hybrid Slugs and achieved sub-10mm five-shot groups at 50 meters—outdoors with breeze, not at an indoor range. Muzzle velocity was 978 fps, generating 95 ft-lbs of energy, and I consistently got 50 accurate shots before needing a refill. Extreme spread from ten shots was 8 fps!
The Leopard ships with a fitted hard case, a 13-shot magazine (in .30 cal), a Foster filling adaptor, an FX sticker, and a detailed instruction manual covering setup and tuning. If you're using slugs, the magazine’s recessed clear lid accommodates projectiles up to 13.4mm in length—giving you plenty of versatility even in this larger calibre variant.
The rifle is constructed almost entirely of aluminium, with the only plastic components being the vertically adjustable butt plate and the rubberized AR-15-style grip. The grip is ambidextrous, stippled, and designed to provide a secure hold without excessive muscle strain.
FX has developed an outstanding two-stage adjustable trigger. On my test rifle, it broke crisply at just 115g (4 oz). The cocking sidelever is smooth and minimizes any disruption to your aimpoint between shots. The top Picatinny rail is inclined 20 MOA for long-range shooting and measures 220mm, providing ample room to mount even large scopes with correct eye relief. Length of pull is 15" (383mm), making it better suited to taller shooters. At 5'11", I found it very comfortable. The cheekpiece is smoothly anodized in deep black—like the rest of the rifle—without a single blemish. It’s a serious performer at any range, whether for target shooting or pest control.
It’s great to see FX allowing evolution in their design and although the Leopard is a one off, it certainly capitalises on all the beneficial features developed on other models, this combines all the best features for accuracy and precision with superb build quality and refinement in use. There is a Picatinny rail on the underside for bipod or tripod mounting and on the former the gun shoots very easily with just the tiniest felt recoil pulse. One final tip: At these power levels, the rifle produces a noticeable boom, so I’d highly recommend pairing it with a Donny FL sound moderator.