Hey, BP,
I don't have any personal experience with the Hunter series, but as far as I know, the Hunters are basically Shadows with wooden stocks, with the exception of the 1250. And if that's not right, I'm sure someone will straighten me out :-). Regarding the 1200 fps, that number is based on using Gamo Raptor pellets. And even then, I suspect it's overly optimistic. Look around on this forum for posts on Gamo Raptor or PBA pellets. Bottom line for me is, I won't use them. I think they are basically a marketing gimick, and I also beleive they can actually damage my rifle. With the pellets I mentioned in the earlier post, you can expect realistic velocities of 850-950 fps. Possibly higher with one of the newer rifles, someone is doing some testing on the other Gamo forum of a new Shadow Sport. The damn thing just keeps getting faster the more they shoot it. With Gamo Hunter pellets (8.4 gr. advertised, actually 8?) they were getting velocities around 940 fps. And decent accuracy. I also don't know anything about the new 1 pc. scope mount, and I havne't seen any reviews yet. Based on some of the mounts they've used in the past, I wouldn't expect a lot. Fortunately, good mounts are available at a reasonable price, like under $20. I think the scope has gotten some okay reviews. As far as the laser/light combo, I thought they were just in the way with my friends Varmint Stalker. Looks cool, but I don't really think too many people actually use them or need them. Finally, I wouldn't say that the CFX is difficult to load, it just takes getting used to, and developing a technique that works. And it's definitely not as straight forward as a break barrel. Hope this helps, and no apology needed "for the 3rd degree". What goes around comes around, you're doing exactly what I did, just a few months ago.
Dave