It does need a moderator and not a mini, this gun has a bark, the shroud is ornamental. Saying that the supplied Kral moderator is more than good enough, that makes it near enough silent. Adjustable stock works a treat. Accuracy wise put the right pellet for your barrel in it and it's as accurate as you will get anywhere, so think about the scope you are going to use. Weight is actually about 3.4kg unscoped and it carries that quiet well, not as unbalanced as it appears. Very nice gun, well worth the money. Mags are sticky to start, but improve with use