A Look at the Western Airguns Mordax Select-Fire Airgun

Let’s be honest. The words full-auto airgun hit a very specific part of the brain.

It is the same part that hears a racetrack engine start up, sees a drawer full of fresh tools, or watches a soda can explode off a target stand and immediately thinks, “Again.”

So when people hear about something like the Western Airguns Mordax — a select-fire PCP airgun available in calibers like $.22$, $.25$, and $.30$ — curiosity happens fast.

This is not your grandpa’s break-barrel.

This is not the old pump gun in the closet.

This is not a polite little backyard plinker that sips air and asks permission before making noise.

The Mordax is a modern, tactical-style PCP air rifle with semi-auto and full-auto capability, depending on configuration and local legality. It is compact, powerful, magazine-fed, and built for people who looked at regular airguns and thought, “Nice, but what if it had a little more chaos?”

And yes, chaos is fun.

But it also needs rules, safety, air supply, and a very honest conversation with your wallet.

Let’s talk about it.

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First Thing: Is the Mordax an Air Pistol or an Air Rifle?

The Western Airguns Mordax may get mentioned in conversations about full-auto air pistols because it has that compact, tactical personality. It is short, modern, and looks more like something from a movie prop table than a traditional hunting rifle.

But technically, the Mordax is best thought of as a compact select-fire PCP air rifle, not a typical air pistol.

That matters because it has rifle-like power, rifle-like air demands, and rifle-like responsibilities.

It may be compact.

It may look wild.

It may make your inner $12$-year-old kick the door open and yell, “I need this.”

But it is still a serious airgun.

And serious airguns deserve serious respect.

Even when they are ridiculously fun.

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What Does “Select-Fire” Mean?

Select-fire means the shooter can choose between firing modes, usually semi-auto and full-auto.

In semi-auto, one trigger pull fires one shot.

In full-auto, the gun continues firing as long as the trigger is held and there is air and ammunition available.

That sounds simple.

It also sounds like a great way to empty a magazine before your brain has fully processed what your finger just did.

Full-auto is exciting, but it turns pellets and air into disappearing resources at a speed normally reserved for gas station snacks on a road trip.

One second you have a full magazine.

The next second you have an empty magazine, a big smile, and the sudden realization that you should have bought more ammo.

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PCP Power: The Heart of the Mordax

The Mordax is a PCP airgun, which means it runs on compressed air stored in an onboard reservoir.

Instead of CO₂ cartridges or a spring, the gun uses high-pressure air to launch pellets or slugs.

PCP systems are popular because they can offer:

• Strong power
• Good consistency
• Fast follow-up shots
• Smooth shooting
• Magazine-fed designs
• Better performance than most CO₂ guns

With a select-fire airgun, PCP power is almost mandatory. CO₂ would struggle badly in a setup like this, especially with rapid fire. CO₂ cools down as you shoot quickly, which causes pressure and velocity to drop.

Compressed air handles rapid shooting much better.

It still gets used fast, though.

A full-auto PCP does not sip air.

It chugs it like it just crossed a desert.

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Full-Auto Is Fun, But It Burns Air

This is one of the biggest things to understand before buying a select-fire PCP.

Full-auto shooting uses a lot of air quickly.

A normal bolt-action PCP lets you slow down, aim, shoot, and conserve air. A semi-auto uses air faster because follow-up shots are quicker. A full-auto airgun takes that one step further and says, “What if the air reservoir had a panic attack?”

That means you need a serious fill plan.

You will probably want one of these:

• A good PCP compressor
• A carbon fiber air tank
• Both, if you shoot a lot

A hand pump might technically work for some PCPs, but for a full-auto airgun like the Mordax, relying on a hand pump sounds like punishment from an ancient civilization.

Can you hand pump?

Maybe.

Will you enjoy hand pumping after dumping magazines in full-auto?

No.

Your shoulders will write a resignation letter.

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The Three Calibers: $.22$, $.25$, and $.30$

The Mordax being available in $.22$, $.25$, and $.30$ gives shooters some real choices.

Each caliber has a personality.

And like most personalities, each one is useful and annoying in its own special way.

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$.22$ Caliber: The Fast, Affordable Fun Option

The $.22$ version is probably the most practical choice for high-volume shooting.

Why?

Because $.22$ pellets are generally cheaper, easier to find, and lighter than larger calibers. That matters when you have a gun capable of full-auto fire.

Full-auto with $.22$ is like opening a bag of chips.

You say you’ll just have a little.

Then suddenly it is gone and you’re staring into the empty container wondering who raised you.

The $.22$ version makes sense if you want:

• More shots per fill
• Lower ammo cost
• Faster shooting
• Flatter trajectory than larger calibers
• Maximum plinking fun
• Less air consumption than $.25$ or $.30$

For most people who want the Mordax mainly for fun, training, and general shooting, $.22$ may be the smartest choice.

It gives you the full-auto experience without making every magazine feel like a financial event.

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$.25$ Caliber: The All-Around Heavy Hitter

The $.25$ version sits in the middle.

It hits harder than $.22$, but it is not as air-hungry or expensive to feed as $.30$.

This may be the sweet spot for shooters who want more impact on targets, better energy, and more serious field potential while still keeping the gun somewhat manageable.

Choose $.25$ if you want:

• More power than $.22$
• Better impact on reactive targets
• Better pest-control potential where legal
• A good balance of power and shot count
• Less extreme air use than $.30$

The $.25$ version is the “do a little of everything” option.

It is not as cheap to shoot as $.22$.

It is not as hard-hitting as $.30$.

But it may be the best balance.

And balance is important, even if most airgun buyers only discover that after buying something loud, expensive, and completely impractical.

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$.30$ Caliber: The Big-Bore-ish Beast

The $.30$ version is where the Mordax gets more serious.

A $.30$ caliber airgun launches a heavier projectile with more authority. That means more energy and stronger impact.

It also means more air use, fewer shots per fill, more expensive ammo, and a more curved trajectory.

Full-auto in $.30$ sounds amazing.

It also sounds like your compressor just got nervous.

Choose $.30$ if you want:

• Maximum impact
• Heavier pellets or slugs
• Stronger field performance where legal
• Serious reactive target energy
• A more hard-hitting airgun experience

But be honest with yourself.

If you mostly want to shoot cans and spinners, $.30$ may be more gun than you need.

It is fun, yes.

But it is the expensive kind of fun.

Like owning a boat, except the boat fits on a shooting bench and eats air.

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Pellets or Slugs?

Depending on the caliber and setup, shooters may experiment with both pellets and slugs.

Pellets are usually more common, easier to shoot accurately in many airguns, and more affordable.

Slugs are heavier and more aerodynamic. They can carry energy better at distance, but they usually need the right barrel, enough power, and proper tuning.

With a select-fire gun, reliability matters too.

Not every projectile that shoots well slowly will feed well or perform well during rapid fire.

That means testing is important.

Do not assume your favorite pellet or slug will automatically be the best choice.

Airguns are picky.

Full-auto airguns are picky while eating faster.

That is not a personality flaw.

That is a lifestyle.

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What Is the Mordax Best For?

The Mordax is not a traditional benchrest gun.

It is not a quiet little backyard pistol.

It is not the gun you buy because you want the simplest, cheapest way to punch paper.

The Mordax is best for shooters who want something different.

It shines in roles like:

• Recreational shooting
• Reactive targets
• Semi-auto airgun fun
• Full-auto plinking where legal
• Tactical-style training
• Pest control where legal and appropriate
• Airgun collectors who like unusual platforms
• Shooters who already have PCP fill equipment

It is the kind of gun that makes a range day memorable.

You bring a single-shot target pistol, people nod politely.

You bring a select-fire PCP in $.30$ caliber, people start wandering over like raccoons hearing a trash can open.

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Full-Auto Is Not Always the Best Mode

Here is the funny thing about full-auto:

It is incredibly fun.

It is also not always useful.

For accurate shooting, semi-auto is usually better. You aim, squeeze, follow through, and make each shot count.

Full-auto is great for fun and close-range reactive targets, but it can burn through ammo fast and spread shots if you do not control the gun well.

Even with an airgun, full-auto requires discipline.

Otherwise, you are just making noise and converting money into holes in the wrong places.

Which, to be fair, is still entertaining.

But not exactly precision shooting.

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Accuracy: Semi-Auto First, Full-Auto Second

The Mordax should be judged first as a semi-auto airgun.

If it groups well in semi-auto, feeds reliably, and shoots consistently, that is the foundation.

Full-auto is the bonus feature.

A very loud, very fun bonus feature.

But if your goal is accuracy, use semi-auto and test pellets carefully.

Try different ammo. Shoot groups. Check point of impact. Learn the trigger. Learn the air curve. Learn how the gun behaves.

Then, once everything is working, flip into full-auto and let the soda cans experience a brief but meaningful crisis.

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Optics: Keep It Practical

For a gun like the Mordax, a red dot sight makes a lot of sense.

A red dot keeps the gun fast and fun. It works well for close to medium distances and matches the style of the airgun.

A low-power scope can also work if you want more precision.

Something like a compact variable optic could be a good fit.

What you probably do not need is a giant long-range scope with massive turrets and enough magnification to inspect bugs on the target.

The Mordax is compact and fast.

Do not ruin that by turning it into a top-heavy optical science project.

The goal is useful.

Not “tactical yard sale.”

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Noise Level

Let’s not pretend.

A select-fire PCP, especially in larger calibers, can be loud.

Maybe not firearm loud, but definitely noticeable.

The sound comes from compressed air leaving the muzzle, mechanical cycling, pellet impact, and the general angry little symphony of rapid fire.

Noise depends on caliber, power, moderator setup where legal, ammo, and environment.

If you shoot at home, make sure it is legal and safe. Also be considerate.

You may think the sound of full-auto airgun fire is beautiful.

Your neighbor trying to grill chicken in peace may describe it differently.

And with less poetry.

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Legal Considerations

This part matters.

Full-auto airguns can fall into a strange legal gray area depending on where you live.

Some places treat airguns very lightly.

Other places regulate them heavily.

Some may have rules about full-auto capability, sound moderators, hunting use, discharge within city limits, caliber limits, transport, or public land use.

Before buying or using a select-fire airgun, check your local laws.

Not internet comments.

Not “the guy at the range said.”

Actual regulations.

The phrase “but it’s only an airgun” is not magical armor.

It will not protect you from laws, fines, confiscation, or the deeply unpleasant experience of explaining your hobby to someone with a badge and no sense of humor.

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Safety: This Is Not a Toy

The Mordax may be fun, but it is still a powerful airgun.

Especially in $.25$ or $.30$ caliber, it can send projectiles with serious energy.

You need:

• A proper backstop
• Eye protection
• Safe target placement
• Awareness of what is beyond the target
• Careful handling
• Good muzzle discipline
• Secure storage
• Responsible use

Full-auto adds another layer because shots happen quickly.

If your backstop is not safe for one shot, it is definitely not safe for a whole string of them.

A cardboard box filled with regret is not a backstop.

Use something built for the job.

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Hunting and Pest Control

Could a Mordax be used for pest control or hunting where legal?

Depending on caliber, power, ammo, and local regulations, yes.

But full-auto is not a hunting feature.

Ethical hunting is about precise shot placement, not spraying pellets like you are trying to win an argument with a bush.

For pest control or hunting, semi-auto is the mode that makes sense.

You want controlled, accurate, responsible shots.

The larger calibers, especially $.25$ and $.30$, may offer better field performance where legal, but the shooter still needs to know the effective range and use proper ammo.

Full-auto is for fun.

Semi-auto is for serious work.

Knowing the difference is what separates responsible shooters from future internet cautionary tales.

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What I Like About the Mordax

It Is Different

There are plenty of bolt-action PCPs. There are plenty of traditional air rifles.

The Mordax stands out.

A select-fire PCP is just cool. We do not need to pretend otherwise.

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It Offers Caliber Choices

The ability to choose between $.22$, $.25$, and $.30$ makes the platform more flexible.

Shooters can pick based on cost, power, air use, and intended purpose.

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It Is Fast and Fun

Semi-auto is already enjoyable.

Full-auto is grin-inducing.

That is the entire point.

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It Has Serious PCP Performance

This is not a weak novelty gun. It is a real PCP platform with real airgun capability.

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It Works Well With Modern Optics

A red dot or compact optic fits the personality of the gun perfectly.

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What I Do Not Like

It Uses Air Fast

Full-auto will drain air quickly. Be ready.

It Uses Ammo Fast

This is not the gun for people who hate buying pellets.

It Requires Good Fill Gear

A compressor or tank is strongly recommended.

It May Not Be Legal Everywhere

Select-fire airguns deserve extra legal research before purchase.

It Is Not a Precision Benchrest Gun

It can be accurate, but its main appeal is speed, fun, and power — not slow-fire competition purity.

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Which Caliber Should You Pick?

If you want the most affordable full-auto fun, choose $.22$.

If you want the best balance of power, shot count, and practicality, choose $.25$.

If you want the hardest-hitting version and do not mind extra air and ammo cost, choose $.30$.

For most shooters, $.25$ may be the sweet spot.

For high-volume plinking, $.22$ makes the most sense.

For maximum impact and grin factor, $.30$ is the one that makes your compressor sigh deeply.

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Final Verdict

The Western Airguns Mordax is exactly the kind of airgun that reminds people this hobby is no longer just BB guns and backyard cans.

It is modern, compact, PCP-powered, magazine-fed, and available in serious calibers. The select-fire capability makes it stand out in a big way.

Is it practical?

Partly.

Is it efficient?

Not especially in full-auto.

Is it cheap to feed?

Absolutely not if your trigger finger has no adult supervision.

Is it fun?

Yes.

Very yes.

The Mordax is best for shooters who already understand PCP airguns, have good fill equipment, and want something fast, unusual, and entertaining. It can also serve more serious roles in semi-auto where legal and appropriate.

But full-auto is the dessert, not the main meal.

Use semi-auto when accuracy matters.

Use full-auto when the target is safe, the backstop is solid, the law allows it, and your wallet has accepted its fate.

Because sometimes airgunning is about precision.

And sometimes it is about making a row of cans realize they chose the wrong fence post.

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