FX DRS vs Panthera (Dynamic block)

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Smok3y

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Sep 25, 2018
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I am surprised I don’t see more comparisons of the Panthera/DRS… Have any of you tried both and chosen one over the other?

I have been looking around at the DRS since it came out and trying to figure out what exactly is moving some PRS shooters from the Panthera to the DRS. Is it really just the new chassis? (It is one of the nicest, most well respected chassis in the powder burner game.)

I was going through the videos, threads, and specs and trying to compare why they would pick the DRS. I guess moving that bottle from the rear must be the ticket. The Plenum is actually smaller on the DRS when looking at the longer rifles (but about the same on a 600mm). The air supply is smaller on the DRS… while the bottle is technically basically the same size on a 700mm, it can’t be filled to as high a pressure, so less air. Seems like it still has a low shot count, but just high enough. The lack of the FX quick tune system on the DRS probably isn’t a big deal for PRS dedicated gun shooters, but others would probably miss that if they like playing around with different speeds and ammo.

One of the big things when the Panthera came out was the discussion about the super tight spreads they were getting with the new block and it has had tons of success. That DRS came out and some big names moved quickly. (Marketing?) Anyone else moving over? Is the DRS seeing those same consistencies then?

I like the looks of those rifles especially when you make that Panthera a King or put it in that Delta Chassis, but I would want to shoot pellets more, so those Panthera/DRS probably aren’t suited for a guy like me. The King style build is probably suited better for someone like me who likes to shoot a couple different weighted pellets and likes to shoot for longer periods of time (more air).

Anyway, just curious as I don’t feel like I’ve seen as much comparison as I would have expected.
 
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I’m also interested in the comparison. Especially now that there’s going to be aftermarket chassis for the DRS I can get the wood stock and then swap it out and save +$1k.

Panthera seems to be more modular in the configuration.

Does either platform allow for caliber changes?
Seems like the answer is no given the barrel serves as the airtank/plenum depending on the model.
 
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DRS is not as easy to adjust as Panthera is.

DRS is much light weight.

My DRS .22 shoots like a champ 25 grain NSA slugs.

My Panthera Compact hunter.25 do not shoot slugs at all.

My Panthera has a front and a rear bottle, so it gives A LOT more shots per fill.

Panthera is a more sofisticated air gun in terms of adjustability.

In terms of accuracy it is clear that both are SUPER accurate.

DRS price is really close to be half the price of the Panthera.

Panthera need an accessory butt pad to be comfortable. DRS is out of the box acceptable in terms of ergonomics.

Side level of Panthera is more robust that the one in the DRS.

DRS need the super powerful plenum to be able to shoot at high power. Panthera can shoot at high power out of the box.

If you are interested in another comparison, just ask.
 
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Emu said:
DRS is not as easy to adjust as Panthera is.

DRS is much light weight.

My DRS .22 shoots like a champ 25 grain NSA slugs.

My Panthera Compact hunter.25 do not shoot slugs at all.

My Panthera has a front and a rear bottle, so it gives A LOT more shots per fill.

Panthera is a more sofisticated air gun in terms of adjustability.

In terms of accuracy it is clear that both are SUPER accurate.

DRS price is really close to be half the price of the Panthera.

Panthera need an accessory butt pad to be comfortable. DRS is out of the box acceptable in terms of ergonomics.

Side level of Panthera is more robust that the one in the DRS.

DRS need the super powerful plenum to be able to shoot at high power. Panthera can shoot at high power out of the box.

If you are interested in another comparison, just ask.
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This was awesome Emu, thank you!!!
 
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Emu said:
The champ for caliber changing is the Daystate Delta Wolf..... Amazingly easy !

And in terms of adjusting power is absolutely impossible to have a more friendly way to do it.
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Thank you, it’s really disappointing they have this whole liner system which you’d think would allow for caliber changes yet seemingly doesn’t.
 
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I have both a .22/700mm Panthera and a .22/600mm DRS Classic.

Accuracy, spread, etc are as stated above.

I use the Panthera primarily as a long range sniper rifle (pellets on squirrels), as a bench rifle (pellets) and as a slug gun, 'cause I'm curious about slugs. I enjoy the tunability of the Panthera because playing "what if" with various projectiles and tunes is a fun activity all to its self - I'm easily entertained. The long, heavy Panthera is ideal as a stable shooting platform. I've added a second reservoir (700cc) to my Panthera to have less interruptions while tuning at higher power levels.

The DRS is my light weight squirrel stalking rifle, I absolutely love it for that application and for off hand plinking. The power (about 30fpe) and shot count (again around 30 - I refill every 2 magazines, 28 shots) is fine for hunting small game and general shooting.

The DRS is adjustable, just not as conveniently as the Panthera because you have to remove the stock to access the screws. IMHO, that's a non-issue on a PCP that shoots great with the factory tune. For my use (typically sub 40 yard shots) I'm considering reducing to power to 20ish fpe which will give me more shots but more importantly, to reduce the muzzle blast (suppressors aren't allowed in Canada and the DRS is fairly loud). Once tuned to my pellet of choice, I won't be messing with the tune so the lack of external adjustments is actually a good thing.

The DRS platform is attractive because it's flexible, covering everything from casual plinking, pesting and hunting to PRS and bench shooting. A 700mm DRS with the large plenum, in a tactical stock is very similar to a Panthera. I chose the DRS Classic as that's what I needed.

The DRS and Panthera are different and also the same - I use mine as plain old "pellet guns" most of the time and enjoy them both.

Hope this helps!
Cheers!
 
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Bernie7 said:
Thank you, it’s really disappointing they have this whole liner system which you’d think would allow for caliber changes yet seemingly doesn’t.
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Caliber change is possible. You would just need to buy the pieces individually. All the parts & pieces are listed on the FX website. Getting the parts would probably be the most difficult part of the process.
 
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Slipstream38 said:
My understanding is both the DRS and the Panthera can have the barrels and calibers changed, you need to order the correct parts. Its more complicated because of the shroud/plenum are integrated increasing the cost to change caliber. It can be done however not very economical.
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Caliber change is easier than it would be to try to shorten one would be
 
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