The Umarex TC 68 (Tactical Carbine) captivated us at the IWA 2025 in Nuremberg. It is a multi-purpose CO2 rifle, which can be, depending on the selected performance version, used for self-defense, training shooting in the backyard or for paintball matches.
PERFORMANCE
The TC68 is available in 7,5J, 16J and 40J versions.
The 7.5J version offers only a semi-automatic firing mode, which requires the trigger to be pulled for each shot.
The 16J and 40J models feature both, a fully-automatic firing mode and a semi-auto mode.
AMMUNITION
You can use just about any rubber, paintball or pepper projectiles in .68 caliber (17.27mm). The 20-round bottom magazine is even compatible with non-spherical "precision" projectiles designed for improved accuracy.

If you require higher ammo capacity, the included adapter can be used to install any hopper-type paintball magazine. A "dummy mag" magazine bottom cover is also included.
PROPULSION SYSTEM
This rifle is powered by a large 88g CO2 cartridge that screws into the rear of the receiver after removing the stock. The manufacturer states that the cartridge is sufficient for 250 full power shots in the 7.5J version, 180 shots in the 16J version and 80 shots in the 40J version. You can also use an adapter for two 12g CO2 cartridges, which, while reducing the power and number of shots, offers the popular quick piercing system when striking the rear of the stock with the palm of your hand. The red indicator informs you that the power unit is activated and pops out of the top of the stock when pressurized.
However, if you want to maximize the power and number of shots, you can convert the gun into a PCP air rifle by installing any 200cc HPA bottle with a regulator (with output pressure ranging from 800 to a maximum of 1200 psi / 55 to 82 bar). Umarex offers a set of threaded adapter and plastic buttstock for purchase.

A welcome innovation from the manufacturer is the release valve located in front of the buttstock. This allows you to safely release the gun's internal system while keeping the cartridge pressurized. While we still don't recommend leaving the CO2 cartridge activated longer than necessary (freezing carbon dioxide can degrade the valve's sealing rings over time), the valve does come in handy for maintenance or short breaks during shooting. And if you use the previously mentioned HPA bottle with compressed air instead of CO2 capsules, the risk of damaging the seals due to freezing gas exposure is no longer an issue.
The second new feature is the power regulator located behind the grip, which can adjust the airflow from the cartridge into the gun. This allows you to fine tune the muzzle energy of the gun for different purposes - for example, you can reduce the power if you are going to a paintball match, or on the contrary, you can increase it in case of self-defense. The regulator cover also serves as the turning key.

DESIGN
The 300mm barrel is fixed via an Autococker-type thread, making it easy to disassemble for cleaning or to replace it with a tuning barrel. The M22x1.5 threaded muzzle features a metal muzzle brake imitation, which can be replaced with a Umarex T4E X-Tracer .68 unit.
The entire TC 68 rifle is based on the AR-15 platform, so you'll find plenty of standardized components like an easily replaceable AR-15 grip, Picatinny top rail, handguard with a series of M-LOK slots on the sides and bottom, ambidextrous fire mode switch, ambidextrous magazine safety, and ambidextrous QD shoulder strap mount.

The rifle's internal frame is of course made of metal and then covered by a lightweight, impact-resistant polymer body. As a result, the TC 68 boasts a pretty durable structure while maintaining an overall weight of just 2900 grams.
Maintenance
Since the gun is powered by CO2 cartridges, the sealing rings can become brittle and crack when exposed to the freezing carbon dioxide over time. This can be prevented by occasional application of a few drops of silicone oil to the valve / nozzle of the inserted cartridge. It’s also not recommended to leave the activated cartridge in the gun for longer than necessary. If you know you won't be shooting for a while, release the pressure and remove the empty cartridge. This is not necessary when using a HPA system.
Our opinion: The TC 68 Tactical Carbine is the best thought-out and designed RAM gun we've had here so far. It is incredibly versatile, it offers adjustable performance and you can use a variety of propellant types. Plus, thanks to the AR-15 platform, you can mount just about any commonly available accessory on it. Umarex has really outdone themselves this time and we're giving this gun a thumbs up.