Stoeger S4000E Air Rifle Review: Two Years With a Fantastic Breakbarrel

Quick Take

After two years with my .22 Stoeger S4000E, I trust it. It is light for the power, easy to shoot well once you learn the hold, and accurate enough to matter. For the money, this is one of the best gas piston breakbarrels you can buy.

Why I Bought It

I wanted a practical .22 springer that lived in the real world. No silly 1400 fps claims, just usable velocity with lead, a smooth shot cycle, and decent ergonomics. The S4000E’s advertised numbers in .22 are right in the sweet spot for small game and backyard work. That is exactly where it lands in daily use.

What Stands Out After Two Years

Size and balance: About 7.6 pounds and 44 inches overall, but it shoulders fast and feels slimmer than it looks. The Monte Carlo comb lines up naturally with both the included scope and the open sights.

Shot cycle: Very quick and surprisingly calm for a budget gas piston. No twang and only a modest forward lunge. It rewards a light, consistent grip.

Cocking effort: My scale shows roughly 34 pounds. The stroke is long, which spreads the work out and keeps fatigue down. Near the end of the stroke geometry makes it feel a touch heavier. Use a second hand at the muzzle for that last inch and it is easy.

Noise: The integrated silencer vents into the large chamber under the barrel. Downrange report is backyard friendly for the power. You still hear the internal thunk at the cheek, which is normal.

Trigger: Two stage with a little travel in stage two. Not match grade, but predictable. You can adjust the second stage length. I left mine slightly long and learned the break.

Sights and optics: The adjustable rear and swappable front fiber inserts are actually useful. The red tube is dimmer and works like a black post for precision. The included 4×32 is clear enough to use. I shot a lot on irons before scoping.

Real Accuracy and Power

With lead pellets in .22, expect around 17 foot pounds at the muzzle with middle weight domes. Velocity with 14 to 16 grain pellets sits in the low 700s. Heavy domes around 21 grains hold excellent consistency in this gun.

My best 25 yard results from a rest using the artillery hold:

• JSB Exact RS: consistent groups around half an inch on good days and just under an inch when I was rusty
• RWS Superdome 14.5 grain: repeatable sub inch groups and very forgiving
• H and N Baracuda Match 5.53 head: slow but laser consistent and an excellent hunting choice inside 30 yards

If your groups wander, check stock screws first, then give the bore a proper clean. This barrel responds immediately to a clean and tight bedding.

Pellets It Likes

• RWS Superdome 14.5 grain for all around use
• H and N Baracuda Match 5.53 head size for consistency and small game
• JSB Exact RS for easy accuracy and sight in work

Tip: Try three or four premium domes before declaring a winner. This rifle clearly prefers quality lead over ultra light alloy pellets.

How To Shoot It Well

• Use the artillery hold. Open palm under the balance point, heel of the hand touching the trigger guard, fingertips relaxed. Do not clamp the forearm or pull the butt hard into the shoulder.
• Aim, close your eyes, relax, open your eyes. If the sights moved, adjust your body until they do not. That trick tightened my 25 yard groups more than anything else.
• Follow through. Keep the sight picture until you feel the recoil finish.

Living With It

Maintenance: Keep the three action screws snug. Wipe the barrel exterior after wet days. Clean the bore when groups open up or after several tins. A few drops of silicone chamber oil once in a long while is enough. Do not dry fire.

Durability: The gas piston has held power. The synthetic stock still looks new. No shift in point of impact once the screws are kept tight.

Ergonomics and panels: The Multi Grip panels do change the feel. I stayed with the coarse black checkering for maximum traction.

Use cases: Perfect for pest control in the 15 to 35 yard window, backyard plinking where power matters, and small game hunts where you want a simple, reliable tool.

Small Quirks To Know

• Stage two travel is noticeable. It is consistent, just learn it.
• The last inch of the cocking arc feels heavier. Use the off hand to finish the stroke and it becomes a non issue.
• The included scope is fine to get started. Upgrading to a compact airgun rated optic makes the most of the rifle.

Who Should Buy It

• New springer owners who want a forgiving first serious .22
• Experienced shooters who want a dependable, accurate breakbarrel that is not a punishing magnum
• Pest controllers and small game hunters who need about 17 foot pounds with real world accuracy

Verdict

The Stoeger S4000E has earned its spot on my rack. It is calm to shoot, honest on power, and accurate with the right pellets. The design choices make sense for actual use, not just a spec sheet. If your budget is around this price and you want a trustworthy .22 breakbarrel, this is an easy recommendation.