In this review, I’m taking a deep dive into the all-new FX Leopard—a purpose-built bullpup air rifle that merges tactical design with precision performance. Due to some unfortunate flooding in my main studio, I filmed this review at the 68 Whiskey Studio, and I want to thank Keith for offering up his workspace. That said, what started as a relocation turned into the perfect opportunity to test the Leopard not just on the bench, but in the field.
We’ll cover the platform’s major design updates, internal architecture, tuning system, and terminal performance using 22 grain FX Hybrids. And yes, we’ll also explore the more… creative testing protocols, including a few long-range shots on my least favorite holiday snack: Peeps.
Platform Overview – What is the FX Leopard?
At its core, the FX Leopard is a bullpup-configured evolution of several FX legacy systems, borrowing structural and mechanical DNA from rifles like the Dynamic, Maverick, and DRS Tactical. What sets the Leopard apart, however, is the integration of the over-the-barrel air source design—first seen on the DRS—but reimagined here in a much more compact bullpup frame.
Rear-Mounted Plenum – 54cc of Efficient Power
One of the most unique aspects of the Leopard is its rear-mounted 54cc plenum, tucked cleanly into the buttstock. Unlike the FX Dynamic, which places a larger plenum over the barrel, the Leopard separates the fill source and the air storage. The air tank is mounted over the barrel (like the DRS), while the plenum lives in the rear.
If you’re newer to airgun tuning, think of the plenum as your rifle’s “lungs”—the reserve of compressed air sitting just behind the valve, ready to deliver a consistent blast behind your projectile. The size of the plenum directly influences how much power the gun can generate, particularly for slugs and heavier projectiles.
Using the common rule of thumb—1cc of plenum per 1 FPE (or 0.5cc per FPE for high-efficiency builds)—this 54cc setup can support anywhere from 54 to 100 foot-pounds, depending on how the rifle is tuned.
Tuning Systems – Macro, Micro, Regulator, and Shared Tune Logic
Like all modern FX platforms, the Leopard features the Quick Tune System, allowing shooters to adjust the macro hammer spring, micro fine-tune wheel, and regulator pressure. This triad of adjustments gives shooters full control over power output and efficiency.
Ergonomics and Trigger System – AR Familiarity Built In
FX has been dialing in its AR-style ergonomics, and the Leopard takes it even further. The UTG1 grip offers a thick palm swell, defined finger grooves, and a trigger reach geometry that lands naturally with standard AR depth.
They’ve also equipped this platform with the same trigger shoe from the DRS Tactical—a flatter, wider AR-style shoe that gives excellent feel and repeatability. For those coming from AR-15 or AR-10 platforms, this will feel extremely familiar.
DonnyFL Yokozuna – More Than a Suppressor
While the Yokozuna is a highly effective suppressor, I’ve also been using it as a mechanical barrel tuner. On previous FX models with less rigid barrels, harmonic tuning via suppressor length and weight adjustments was a game-changer.
Field Testing – Slug Efficiency and Terminal Ballistics
With a 310cc air source, the Leopard isn’t running massive onboard capacity, but has the ability to use add on external bottles for over 890cc of on board air! However, even with just the over the barrel air source, its valve efficiency and shot curve performance with the FX Hybrids was outstanding. Despite running a lightweight 22-grain slug, the platform delivered tight, consistent groups and enough retained energy to ethically and effectively dispatch small game.
Keith from 68 Whiskey joined me to talk about field experience with the FX Hybrids, highlighting their ability to expand violently on contact. Unlike traditional pellets that often lack punch on marginal hits, the FX Hybrids act more like hyper-expanding hollow points. We discussed their tendency to anchor game animals immediately, especially on tougher targets like squirrels with small vital zones. Being able to experience Keith's culinary skills, where we grilled those squirrels into smoked squirrel tacos, was an awesome treat!
I promised a recipe, so here it is:
Shoot Squirrel with FX Airgun, slow cook over open fire, Bourbon Trail Grillworks grill, eat squirrel. Enjoy! LOL!
FX has once again pushed the boundaries of what an airgun can be. The Leopard isn’t just another modular rifle. It’s a fully thought-out precision platform—and in my book, it is a major step forward in airgun innovation.
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