See Part One: https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/blog/2017/02/introduction-to-the-ruger-yukon-air-rifle.html
Ruger Yukon by Umarex
Testing took place on a 75+ degree day with a slight crossing breeze and at 20 yards from a bench. No ear protection was required because the SilencAir system did as advertised and really made noise in an outdoor shooting session a non-issue (eye protection, however, is always a must!). Regarding the SilencAir muzzle device/front sight, the shooter must avoid grabbing it when cocking the Yukon. The red fiber optic rod could be damaged, but more importantly, you could wind up damaging the suppressor unit. If that happened you would have to send the rifle back to Umarex for repairs.
Not having the chance to put enough pellets through it to really break it in because of a recent spate of bad weather, the Yukon shot adequately out-of-the-box to take pests at this range. Being a 9 pound rifle and equipped with the Umarex ReAxis gas ram the recoil is not much of a factor for an adult shooter. The trigger had a crisp break at a consistent 5 pounds, 13 ounces, although company data indicates triggers are set at the factory to 3 pounds, 3 ounces. The scope provided with the Yukon is a 3×9 variable with a 32mm objective bell having a duplex reticle. The reticle was sharp and the image was bright, but the higher magnifications did not provide all that clear of a sight picture. I tried adjusting the eyepiece and it helped, so it might just be these old eyes.
Velocities out of the Yukon 18.7 inch barrel with pointed HN Excite Spikes (15.8 grs.) averaged 753fps while RWS Superdomes at 14.5 grs. averaged 665fps which is not what I was expecting. My chronograph registered two errors during the shot string with the Superdomes so there may have been something going on with my chronograph. RWS HyperMax pointed alloy pellets averaged 859fps, which is only slightly higher than what Umarex rates this rifle at for lead pellets. I think it may be time for a new chronograph… More testing with a variety of ammo is definitely in order as none of the ammo in this initial testing appeared to be favored by the Yukon, although it did lean toward the lighter pellets and the RWS HyperMax alloy pellets made a respectable showing. Excess factory lubrication left in this particular gun caused some dieseling for a number of shots. I swabbed the barrel prior to the start of my shooting session and multiple times thereafter to try and eliminate the dieseling as quickly as possible. Because of this I also checked the stock screws and scope mounts regularly to keep everything tight. Even so, none of the groups were what would be expected from an Umarex gun. Keeping in mind that springers can be unforgiving, and factoring out the mistakes of the shooter behind the trigger I’m sure the Yukon is capable of excellent groups. I have it for a while longer and will do a brief follow up soon.
This is definitely an adult air rifle and having to choke up on the barrel to avoid grasping the SilencAir does slightly increase the amount of cocking force applied. Umarex rates it at 30 pounds of cocking force and as this rifle breaks in more, I’m sure it will get smoother and easier to cock. The thickness of the wrist of the Yukon is a possible negative for those with small hands. I have decent sized hands and found that I was just covering the trigger face with the first pad of my index finger without reaching.
The Yukon is a classic looking powerful rifle for an adult looking to hunt varmints or pests or just general shooting. To obtain one, or any of the other Umarex offerings, navigate over to www.airgunsofarizona.com.