The COMETA Fenix 400 USC LT, Ultra Short Carbine, a Review.

[hendrickotto]

The COMETA Fenix 400 USC LT, Ultra Short Carbine, a Review.

The Spanish “Cometa” firm celebrated its 150 years existence since 1860 and is located near the city of Bilbao.
Founded by the Bascaran Family, it is managed by the fourth generation: Guillermo, Cristina, and Laura Martinicorena Bascaran.

Cometa guns became accepted as competing with high quality products of the traditionally well known airgun manufacturers from other European countries.
This review is about the Model Fenix 400 Ultra Short Carbine (USC) LT, a short break barrel rifle with beautiful laminated wood stock and a metal trigger version in .177 / 4.5 mm caliber, with a UK spec power output.
It features a very nice adjustable cheek piece that is variable in height.
This particular USC model was first launched a few years ago for the UK market. Having no metallic sights it needs a telescopic sight.
This spring powered air rifle is available in both .177 and .22 calibres.

The overall appearance and first impressions

When I saw this short break barrel gun it immediately got my attention, also because nowadays I tend to get attracted more to the shorter barreled guns.
Its looks are very attractive but also very purposeful and it reminds me of the Weihrauch HW 97 K's straight lined, “right into the shoulder”, but looks just more elegant.

The action cylinder is slender and rather long, which accomodates the longer piston stroke (about 100 mm) that delivers the standard power that in Spain is the legal limit of some 18 fpe or 24 Joules of energy. Finishing is certainly at a nice - to - higher level, especially considering the price point.

The stock

The pretty stock, barrel and action are fabricated in house and feels really light, slim and trim.There is no adjustable butt pad, nor a thumb groove on the neck behind the safety to accomodate the "thumb up" shooter.

Practically ambidextrous: The cheek piece is very slightly raised at the left side and almost flat at the right side.the safety is right in the middle of the end cap and there is no anti-bear trap to fiddle with. This means that this gun is almost completely ambi-dextrous. Adjusting the comb for height with the hex screws at the righ hand side of the butt stock is easy and quick.

Beautifully coloured and laminated, the stock features a light satin coating, with an elegant shape that typically exhibits some sporting features: a rounded tip at the fore-end and a slim, not very broad "comb", which offers comfort.
With about 30 mm travel, it takes the height of the cheek piece just above the top line of the stock, allowing the use of many different scope set-ups.

There is a shapely butt stock affording a comfortable right-left (ambi) fit with a slightly raked grip that has nice chequering for a firm grip.
The grip is not steep but seems to be made rather for quick shouldering, pointing and aiming. The fore end flows long forward and is not too narrow, with at its sides useful, very subtly executed chequering panels that seem to be lazer engraved.
There are no disturbing sharp edges on the wood, not even in the cocking slot at the fore end, nor at the inletting of the trigger guard.
At the rear, there is a thick butt pad that fits the shoulder quite nicely, does not slip and is neither very hard nor too soft. Its fit to the wood is rather well finished.
The metal - to - wood fit is very nice and certainly more than decent.
The action tube looked slim, being of smaller diameter than for instance those of HW.
I found no lateral play at the trigger blade, nor the barrel hinge. Inletting details just looked very neat and screw holes were nicely finished.

Handling

Unscoped I found this gun very light and easy to handle and it took no time getting used to it although I am used to the solid feel of underlevers.

The overall length and balance point.
The weight is very modest at 3,2 KG and overall length is 104 cm..
Without a scope the balancing point is about 7 cm in front of the trigger guard. This makes for a neutral balance, not forward biased (muzzle heavy): enough to the rear for easy pointing and just enough forward for stability. ..

With a scope (750 grammes) mounted.

Often people forget how much the scope and its mounting system can influence the handling of a rifle.
Not only the total weight but also the balancing point is influenced consiserably by the overall set-up.
The length of the action tube as such leaves ample space also for the longer scopes clearing the breech mechanism,
With the scope the balance point shifted to about 3 – 4 cm in front of the trigger guard.

The trigger

The trigger is fully adjustable for weight and length.
It has a slightly curved metal blade with a smooth front face.
I think it should be curved more backwards because of the rather flat pistol grip. This reachback blade would make it fit the finger more in a straight line for better control.

This trigger blade is of metal and its front shape is slightly curved, with a smooth front. But the trigger guard is non- metal, a bit wide from left to right and its edge a bit sharp. and not finished very nicely, showing casting joints.
The safety is of the automatic type and is a sheet metal T-shaped component placed centrally behind the action tube and it is very easy to operate without change of grip and moves very smoothly. The safety is resettable and the rifle can be de-cocked (there is no anti-bear trap provision).

The trigger is adjustable for first stage travel and second stage weight.
The small set screw in front of the bigger screw sets first stage travel and turning it clock wise makes the travel shorter. The bigger screw nearer the butt sets the trigger weight and turning this clock wise increases pull weight.

The action

The action cylinder is slender and rather long, which accomodates the longer piston stroke (about 100 mm) that delivers the standard power, which in Spain is the legal limit of 18 fpe or 24,2 Joules of energy.
Depending on which export market is concerned, the USC can be delivered with different power outputs : 7,5; 10; 12; 16; 19 or 24 Joules.

The scope mounting rails should stretch considerably longer forward than the 140 mm provided, and these appear indeed too short. The action as such leaves ample space also for the longer scopes clearing the breech mechanism,
I found no lateral play in the barrel hinge while cocking the gun.
Although not over - engineered like some of its competitors, the overall mechanics look and feel solid.
The general design of the action and barrel junction is quite straightforward and apart from the barrel block, the metal is nicely polished and the blueing is a bit matte but attractive.

The finish and blueing

I compared this USC with a HW 97 where, however, the blueing just looks a bit deeper and thicker (fatter).
The barrel and action tube were nicely finished and are both evenly, almost identically coloured.
The moderator is more of a matte finish and not quite smooth and blue, but this finish allows a good slip-free grip for cocking the barrel. Its different finish is not at all disturbing. It is a very efficient cocking aid and appears to be made of aluminium.

Technology of the“power plant”.

Externally, it seems to be very similar to that of its German spring piston counterparts
But internally, there are other differences and the most striking one is the piston release system.
The piston is not released “centrally” by the trigger system, but its latch is located at the top of the piston body, where a sort of extension, a “lip” with a squared opening, is designed that protrudes rearward beyond the main piston body, engaging the trigger latch system at the top of the action tube.
This is unlike guns where there is a piston stem running centrally within the piston with a trigger “hook” integrated into its front end. This latter ensures a centrally induced piston start without lateral whobble.
The Cometa system in theory is therefore less whobble free and more prone to internal friction resistance and vibration.

Why this design ?
Well, I think that the designers wanted to make the power train more flexible in allowing the spring to be easily replaced by a Gas Ram system (see below).
This would give the shooters the choice of power delivery with minimal cost and effort, at the same time keeping the manufacturing costs down.
With this set-up a central piston release is incompatible.
Also, Cometa claims that even with the long stroke, this system makes for a shorter action tube.
Also connected with this system is a small orifice on top of the action tube that unfortunately causes exposure to the open air, rain and other elements, together with dirt ingression.

Does the lateral piston release really make a difference in normal use ?
I don't really know, having no access to vibration measuring equipment....
Does it make a difference as to accuracy ?
We will have to see later.
The main action parts such as the spring guide and top hat are all steel and have no synthetic interfaces.

Barrel clamp and lock-up

The face of the barrel block is small. Therefore, the detent ball is rather small. The whole assembly is certainly not over-dimensioned, but in short, functioning is slick, easy (quick) and positive !

Barrel to rails line-up

For now, I could only shoot at about 15 Meters range and it seems that this gun has proper alignment of barrel and dove tails. I could not detect any barrel droop.

Preparing for the shot

Fortunately break barrel guns are the most easy type to get used to and while breaking the barrel requires a short and snappy rap to release its lock, this is not a problem. Releasing the barrel for cocking from its latch is not really very easy, but at the same time it gives confidence in the ruggedness of the system.
The stroke for closing the barrel is still a bit stiff, sometimes needing an upwards rap.

The safety is resettable in order to re-engage the trigger. When used for hunting or pest control, the silent cocking method is very easy.

The slender grip fills my hand less than other guns and is placed more flat.
It has no palm swell, which I surely missed, but it is quite funtional.
The trigger guard needs a larger oblong (or a second) hole for the adjustment screws. Inside the guard there is just enough room for a gloved trigger finger. Its synthetic material in practice is quite OK to me, however.

First shots

The cocking stroke was surprisingly easy with such a short barrel ! Then I realized that the fat moderator shape must have acted like a very efficient cocking aid, improving not only grip but also the leverage.
The trigger has a very long first stage with several points where it drags, then a sort of wall, then some more slack and then the second stage with the shot !
This trigger really needs quite some adjustment !

No spring twang, no creaking or squeaking or any other noise whatsoever, no smells, fumes or dieseling, no rotation twisting and no appreciable recoil. A short, a fairly dry "Chokkh" is just about all you hear.

The shot cycle was very smooth and quick and not overly loud, even at a point (long before run-in of the gun) where almost no lubricants were burnt off (dieseling can be expected) and it gave a bit of lube smell.
The breech seal is rather small and thin and the chamber could use some chamfer / bevel to lead in those pellets better. The fact that the barrel sealing O-ring is BLACK did not help chambering a pellet in low light. This O-ring should be in WHITE (or at least lighter) colour.

The safety disengaged a bit too easy and its travel was too short, in fact. I like more weight.
The trigger's second stage also was a bit too light for my liking but for the time being, I'll leave it alone. I never start fiddling with triggers soon in the familiarization process.

What purpose is it for ?
Perhaps this USC by nature is more for hunting or HFT because of a slightly narrower and shorter fore end, apart from the shorter overall length.
For HFT competition it seems just fine as to pointability and balance. The stability on target afforded by its weight which is just enough.

Accuracy testing

Cometa manufacture their own hammer forged barrels that have a certain quality reputation. It is generally accepted that these guns can be very accurate.

The accuracy ? During the first few (less than 50) shots of JSB Exact 4.52 and especially JSB “Cometa” Express 4,52 pellets went into the same hole at about 15 meters. Longer range testing will be carried out, but this already is some indication of its potential.
I hope at 40 or even 50 Meters results will remain as good..
Generally, with quality air rifles and ammo I strive for grouping 3 x 5 shots at 50 m indoors within about 10 to 15 mm center to center.


Noise suppression
Action noises: No spring twang, no creaking or squeaking or any other noise whatsoever, no heavy smells, fumes or dieseling, no rotation twisting and no appreciable recoil. The damping of the shot noise is just very good, certainly considering the short barrel.
The noise at discharging the shot is low level. A short and fairly dry "Chokkh" is just about all you hear.

Recoil:
Recoil was very moderate and soft. I could keep my eye on the target from release to pellet impact.

Barrel / muzzle flip is barely noticeable, but remember that it wore a longer and rather heavy scope.

Action torque
Shooting from bags, I did hardly notica any torquing of the gun around its length – axis.


IN CLOSING

What I like

It is in fact for all practical purposes completely ambidextrous, in view of the safety that is centrally located at the end cap of the action cylinder and the similarities between both sides of the butt stock and cheek piece, apart from the flatter right side with the two countersunk adjustment screws at the right flank of the butt.
A left handed shooter will not notice these hex screws.

The full and rounded fore end tip looks like it would affort a nice variation of the “hunter's grip”, allowing quick swing movements..
And I was pleasanly surprised by the nice fit of my leading hand fingertip inside the end of the wide part of the cocking slot.
This finger position works well for me while taking deliberate, slow shots !

What I like less or don't like

For strip-down, the cross faced Phillips screws are not what I like.
It deserves side stock hex screws, if possible with cups.
The 140 mm short dovetails restrict scope mounting..
The lack or option of curve back trigger blade.
The screwdriver hole in the trigger guard should be elongated (or a slit shape) to easily reach both set screws.
The instruction leaflet does not indicate how trigger setting screws should be turned for what effect (in or out for more or less weight / travel).

What I would wish for.

A USC version with Cometa's own gas piston kit would be quite welcome.
Do I have any wishes for the USC stock? Yes, surely: the thumb shelves left and right or centrally, a fuller grip with palm swell, and a bit wider bottom of the fore end, broadened by 1 cm or so.

Finally, here is a special asset of Cometa springers: Gas Ram versions.

Some of the Fenix 400 range of guns are also available in gas ram versions, along with spring piston guns.
These so - called “GP” (Gas Piston) versions can be converted into traditional spring piston guns and vice versa very easily. Do do this it is not necessary to change the piston.Parts kits for conversion are available for users. In fact, all versions of the Fenix / Fusion, including the USC are using the same platform so the GP is the same for all.
This is a real asset of these Cometa guns, making for great versatility and flexibility for the experimentally inclined shooter.


General data:

Caliber : 4.5 mm / .177
Power: (Joule): sub - 12 fpe / 16,3 Joules
Loader : single shot
Mounting: 11mm Dovetail
Arrestor holes: no standard holes in action tube; they are too small !
(A single 4 bolt clamping mount is recommended.)
Overall Length: 104 mm
Weight: 3.2 kg / 7 Lbs
Length of Pull: 360 mm
Overall barrel length: 370 mm

Summary of assessment with my own personal (and therefore subjective) value points,
Points out of a maximum of 10 points: (Preliminary)

Power plant: piston and main spring; 8
Finish: 7,5
General appearance, esthetics: 8,5
Accuracy : 7
Handling and Ergonomics: 8,5
Shot cycle behaviour: 8
Stock comfort / feeling: 8
Balance : 9
Ease of shouldering and pointing: 9
Cocking effort and smoothness : 8,5
Loading : 6
Trigger: 5
Safety: 7
Shot Cycle: 8
Noise Reduction: 8
Noise at Cocking & locking: 8
“Cuddling” factor: 8
Serviceability / Strip-down ease: 7
Retail price ; (standard version) +/- 380 Euro; GBP 420 (2024)
Average: 7,5
General assessment: 8
Price to Quality rating: 9,5


Probably these guns do pose a real challenge to the other manufacturers, especially in view of their very reasonable price point. I suppose that this would be so even at a somewhat higher price level caused by some improvements!

Hendrick - Otto; 30-03-2025


TECHNICAL SPECS (Manufacturer's data):

* the effective barrel length (without moderator), 23 cm hammer forged barrel
* the number of rifling grooves, 10
* the rifling twist and direction: Right hand at 1:400mm (15,75”)
* if the barrel has a choke, NO
* the piston diameter, 26mm
* the piston stroke length, +/- 100 mm
the volume of the compression chamber, 53 CC
the diameter of the transfer port. 3 mm

[32:1]

Great review, a good read and far better than I could of written

I’m already a very happy Cometa owner and have a selection now and enjoy all of them, some modified and some as they left the box, I totally agree that they indeed a very good budget priced offering

Chris

[hendrickotto]

Chris
THX again, I dont know whats happening- I could not see on the forum if my review was ever posted.
What is the prob with that site ??? please can you tell me since moderators dont reply my questins ?
Thanks again,
HO

[hendrickotto]

WOW, and sorry the review is now visible !

[hendrickotto]

Chris who made your metal Cometa trigger blade . DIY job ?

[32:1]

Chris who made your metal Cometa trigger blade . DIY job ?

I have the original polymer blade, I like it and don’t see the need for a metal blade

[TonyL]

An excellent and very detailed review.

[billywhizz1]

Many thanks to hendrickotto for a very detailed review ,, a real help to me in making my next rifle choice.