This Article is not intended to explain which type of gun is better or worse, it is only to point out what makes each gun different and how these differences can effect their performance and usage. I personally like all types of guns and respect other peoples choices in which guns they prefer to use. If you have a strong opinion about one type of gun being the "only gun" for everyone, then keep it to yourself please or it will be deleted!
For those "Special People" out there that like to call other people names for their interest in BB and Airsoft guns, here's an idea… go take your 9mm and shoot off a full magazine in your residential backyard and then see what happens? Also take note of how much money that magazine of 9mm ammo cost compared to the $5 that 2400 BB cost.
And please don't tell me to get a real gun because I probably have more real guns than you do! Like I said I appreciate and respect all types of guns.
What is the difference between a BB gun and an Airsoft gun?
In short BB guns (airguns that shoot a steel or lead BB) have been around for a long time so they get to keep the name of being called a "BB gun", even though many people refer to Airsoft guns as "BB guns". And yes Airsoft guns shoot a plastic BB but they do not inherit the name as it is reserved for the long standing… well BB gun!
BB guns generally shoot a 4.5mm or .177 caliber steel BB but some can also shoot lead BB's.
BB guns are most often used for target practice and training, some high power BB guns can also be used for pest control.
Airsoft guns generally shoot 6mm plastic BB's ranging in weights depending on what they are being used for. There are also larger caliber Airsoft guns available but they are not the norm.
Airsoft guns are most commonly used for tactical simulation games but can also be used for target practice and training, there are also Airsoft leagues that conduct IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) competitions.
Both BB and Airsoft guns can use Springs, Air, Gas or CO2 as a means of propulsion.
Both BB and Airsoft guns can be made out of a variety of materials depending on the grade and use of the gun.
Realism
I would have to give the edge to the Airsoft guns in this category, the entire hobby is bases on how real the gun looks and functions. Most Airsoft guns are near impossible to tell apart from the real steel versions, even on close inspection.
That is not to say that there aren't any highly realistic BB guns available, there most certainly are but the focus with BB guns is not always on realism. It is often more on performance and so compromises are made that can effect realism.
Power!
BB guns generally have more power (energy) and carry that energy out further down range, but both BB and Airsoft can shoot up into the 500+ fps ranges.
BB guns have a smaller but denser and harder ammo so they tend to penetrate deeper into objects which can be good or bad depending on what you want to do with the gun. (War Games vs target and Pest control)
Accuracy
Both BB and Airsoft guns can be very accurate and this surprised me when I started reviewing and testing Airsoft guns. I had the impression that Airsoft guns would not be nearly as accurate as a BB gun but I was impressed with the results I got from a well made and tuned Airsoft gun.
With that said I still feel that a BB gun takes this category, not so much for close up shooting, but when shooting out at range a BB is less susceptible to the elements and will be more accurate further down range.
One advantage Airsoft guns generally have over BB guns is the hop up that gives the BB some backspin and allows it to keep a more level trajectory which can help with long rang shots. (Kind of like the backspin a tennis player uses to make the ball float deeper into the court.)
Shooting Environment
Because of the material and energy levels of both projectiles, BB and Airsoft guns are best used for different shooting situations and with different levels of safety implemented. Always use eye protection with either gun but be aware that a steel BB will cause more damage when it hits an object and that object could be you. BB guns require a heavier backstop and will also ricochet off of objects with much more force than an Airsoft plastic BB would so you need to be careful around windows and breakable objects.
Airsoft gun can be a better solution for indoor shooting or even sometimes when doing some backyard shooting where you may live close to buildings.
Airsoft guns are obviously the better choice when being used in war games as the plastic BB's are designed to hit but not harm, keep in mind that proper clothing and protection is required and limits to the FPS are often employed to keep everyone safe.
Do not even think about using a standard Steel BB gun for war games unless you want to make a trip to your local emergency for BB removal.
Hunting
I rarely recommend BB or Airsoft guns for pest control, I prefer larger caliber pellet guns that shoot at as high a velocity as you can obtain in your area. This is the most humane way to take care of small varmint if this is required, or for hunting to put meat on the table.
There are a few exceptions, some furry critters that do not like to stay still like squirrels and chipmunks can be alleviated with a high powered BB machine gun. A customized full auto Drozd can pump out 1200 rounds per minute with velocity up into the 800 fps range.
I would not consider an Airsoft gun for pest control or hunting period! If you want to scare off your neighbors cat, well that's another issue.
Cost
Both BB guns and Airsoft Guns can range dramatically in cost and so comparing quality to quality they are about the same to buy and also the cost of use is about the same as ammo is fairly close in price, perhaps steel BB's are a bit cheaper but not by that much.
Some BB guns can get up there in price, I have spent as much as $1000 on my full customized Drozd Blackbird with all the bells and whistles. A high end competition Airsoft gun can also cost well over $1000 to even $2000 or more when all is said and done.
So I hope this Video helps you understand the differences and practical uses of both BB Guns and Airsoft Guns and wether you deiced to get one or the other or maybe some of each. Just remember to use them with respect and always shoot safely and you will have a great time doing so!
This is a bit unusual even for us ;) A friend of mine put me on to some really cool headphones (Earbuds) that looked like bullet shell casings and I stumbled on a good deal for some that I wanted to pass on to everyone. I have to say they are the best fitting earbuds I have ever used (Even over some very expensive earbuds I own) and actually stay in my ears and sound really good because they fit deep into the ear for great bass response and noise isolation.
These unique 9mm Bullet Digital In-Ear buds are designed to the same dimensions as a real 9mm bullet shell casing. All metal design means they are not only built tough but also very realistic. They feature excellent sound quality with crisp high-end and deep rich base. Because of their extra length over standard earbuds, they fit much better so they won't fall out as easy and they also create a tight seal which increases the bass while reducing outside noise! You can get yours in either brass or silver finish.
Plane and simple, the coolest headphones you can get!
I have a rare EKOL LADY blank gun for you today listed as a silent auction item, this blank gun is a front venting model so the barrel is semi-plugged but all the flames and smoke vent out the front of the barrel like a traditional gun.
This EKOL LADY 9mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol in Satin is previously owned, it has been fired but is in very good condition. It comes in a hard shell foam lined plastic case.
Please submit your silent auction offers to me by no later than June 27th midnight! (Silent auctions are for our Canadian customers looking to by blank guns in Canada) participants can send me an email with their top bid on the item listed and the highest bid wins this auction). *Local tax plus shipping & handling will be added.
Good luck to all participants!
If you reside in the US, you can also buy the EKOL Firat new from us in our US Replica Airguns Store.
I have been hinting about an even bigger Canada sale on the King Arms Colt M4A1 Metal AEG Airsoft Rifle and here it is - now $100 OFF the regular price (Canada Store Only) so don't wait as I'm not sure how long this sale will last...
Some more updates for you, I received some more NcSTAR Accessories for my Canada Replica Airguns Store, some Red Dots, Scopes, Lasers, Tactical Lights, Rails, Bipods and some Vests, Slings and Holsters. I will be updating the Canada Store shortly with these very well priced items shortly so check back soon!
I also have a couple more blank guns that I will be conducting a Silent Auction on shortly: An EKOL Lady in Satin and an EKOL Special 99 in "White", which is more like a soft textured Nickel.
Lastly I also just picked up my first paintball pistol a RAM X50 and it is one I have been after for a while since I am a big Sig fan. It' basically an unlicensed Sig Sauer 226 that uses CO2 and chambers .43 caliber paintball and/or rubber balls. It is blowback and has a drop out 9 round metal magazine.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG AW .308 Sniper Rifle is very nice, there is very little play, once the trigger safety is flush the release is almost instant and the pull is very light but not so light that you would accidentally shoot it.
Accuracy: Being an Airsoft Rifle and a Sniper rifle in one made me wonder if you could actually get a tight grouping at longer distances? I'm sure hitting a human target at 60 feet shouldn't be too hard but what about a pop can consistently? With a bit of fine tuning I was able to get a 2 inch grouping at 60 feet out using a rested position. And with the Hop-up dialed in, my aim point was the same at 30 feet as it was at 60 feet as a result of the backspin keeping the trajectory even all the way out.
Build Quality:The ASG AW .308 is not over the top price wise so I was not expecting it to be built like a Sherman tank. It is however solid enough but also light enough to use in the field without having to lug around too much extra weight. Most of the parts that you want to be metal are metal including the barrel, bolt & receiver, trigger, magazine, strap rings and rial system. The stock is of course plastic with some added rubber and seems to be hollow in parts which I am assuming is what keeps this rifle on the lean side.
Realism: Without actually having handled a real AW .308 Accuracy International England Sniper Rifle, it's hard to say how spot on it is but it does look very similar to the photos I found online with the exception of the magazine being further forward on the stock. It is a nice touch that the actual Accuracy International England licensing is also on the ASG AW .308.
Extremely fun to shoot (Even though it's not a semi or full auto gun).
No CO2 or batteries required, ready when you are.
Excellent accuracy at most ranges.
Very nice trigger.
Good power.
Good use of metal parts.
Will not break the bank.
Cons:
Does not come with a sighting system so you need to buy something to shoot it.
Light Airsoft BB's will not give you good results, use high end heavy Airsoft BB's for best results.
Stock looks adjustable but is not, was not a problem, everything felt good!
Some things are not explained in the manual?
Comments:
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this Airsoft rifle, you would think that a full auto gun would be so much more fun to shoot and don't get me wrong they are fun to shoot, but there is something to be said about setting up a target well down range, getting into position to take the shot and slowly squeezing off one well placed round! And of course hitting the target. I really like the fact that all you need is a bunch of Airsoft BB's and you're ready to go, no CO2, no dead batteries to deal with. Every time a do another Airsoft review I am impressed with how well these guns shoot and how accurate they are! The ASG AW .308 took this to an even higher level and also showed me that an Airsoft BB can pack some real punch to it. All in all it was a good day and I have a feeling when I get the urge to fire off some well placed rounds just for fun, this rifle is going to get picked more often than not.
I just received some of my ASG Airsoft guns in my BC location and wanted to make an update video for you so you can see them up close and perhaps see how they stack up against their Airgun counterparts. Keep in mind many of my ASG guns are only available in the Canada Replica Airguns Store, we do have some ASG Airsoft guns for my US based customers but this time here in Canada I have more to offer my Canadian folks!
I am also super impressed with the high quality of the LMT Defender M4 Carbines, they are a serious bit of gear and have some very good heft to them, even more so than my full metal King Arms M4A1 I already sell and have done a full review of, not to take anything away from the Kings Arms product as it is very good at its price point.
I also received my first sniper rifle and have played around with it a bit to see what it is capable of. I added a bipod to the front and a 3x9 power scope as the ASG AW .308 comes pretty bare bones but ready for all you can throw at it. I can say it likes heavier Airsoft BB's, as the .20 gram ones I started with seemed to fly off in all directions due to the high velocity, even stepping up to a .25 gram BB tightened my group up significantly at 30 feet. I have heard this rifle really prefers heavy Airsoft BB's so I plan do do my review based on that information.
Enjoy my Vimeo Video Update focusing on the new ASG Airsoft lineup.
The STI Duty One 1911 Non-Blowback Airsoft Pistol is a full size replica of the actual STI Duty one 1911 pistol which is a modernized and upgraded version of the original classic Colt 1911. You will find features like; an integrated weaver rail for lasers and tactical lights, high rise beavertail grips, a unique serial number on each air pistol and STI licensed markings. (BUY NOW)
The ASG AW .308 very powerful spring operated Airsoft Sniper Rifle and has licensed Accuracy International AW .308 markings. Out of the box it shoots close to 2 joule and weights almost 7 pounds with its solid metal construction. The Sportline AW .308 has adjustable Hop-Up for accuracy and top rail for mounting a scope. (BUY NOW)
The ASG LMT Defender R.I.S. is a classic carbine with a few modifications. The normal front guard has been replaced with a full rail interface system (R.I.S.), that gives you plenty of opportunities to mount accessories. As the normal battery space is used by the R.I.S. the wiring to the battery goes back to the stock. The stock is a special sopmod stock with two compartments to house the battery. The functionality is similar to the other LMT ProLine models – Adjustable hop up, 1.5 joule power and semi & full auto. (BUY NOW)
The Proline (PL) range of products, are high-end products, targeted at regular players, players who want to have better than average Airsoft gun and Milsim/teamplayers. The Proline models can be modified and upgraded.
Two well known firearms and accessory manufactures have joined forces to create this beauty of a Proline Airsoft AEG. The full metal Defender4 Carbine licensed by LMT upgraded with the S.I.R. rail system licensed by A.R.M.S.. A Selective Integrated Rail system (S.I.R.) offers a wide variety of options to mount tactical accessories. Quick and handy flip-up iron sights are mounted on the S.I.R. Strong and well built with what is probably one of the best out-of-the-box gearboxes, heavy reinforced with 8 and 9 mm bearings, steel gears, and ball-bearing spring-guide as well as an upgraded cylinder set. It can handle Li-Po batteries and shoots 1.5 joule (120m/s/394 fps) in semi- and full-auto mode with Easily adjustable Hop-Up. (BUY NOW)
The Proline (PL) range of products, are high-end products, targeted at regular players, players who want to have better than average Airsoft gun and Milsim/teamplayers. The Proline models can be modified and upgraded.
I have another EKOL Firat Magnum blank gun for you today listed as a silent auction item, this one is a top venting model so the barrel is plugged and all the flames and smoke vent out the top of the barrel, not the front. The EKOL Firat has always been a popular seller here in the Replica Airguns Store.
This EKOL Firat Magnum 9mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol in Gloss Black is previously owned but has low usage and is in very good condition. It comes in a hard shell plastic case with the manual, and field stripping key.
Please submit your silent auction offers to me by no later than June 5th midnight! (Silent auctions are for our Canadian customers looking to by blank guns in Canada) participants can send me an email with their top bid on the item listed and the highest bid wins this auction). *Local tax plus shipping & handling will be added.
Good luck to all participants!
If you reside in the US, you can also buy the EKOL Firat new from us in our US Replica Airguns Store.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex SW1911 S is actually fairly heavy which I found a bit surprising because it is a single action only gun. I found myself thinking a few times that the gun may have misfired but realised that I just needed to pull the trigger a bit firmer. This can be good in that the gun will not easily or accidentally go off and since accuracy is not a factor it is not a big deal.
Accuracy: NA.
Build Quality: The overall build quality of the SW1911 S is fantastic. It is one of the nicest blank guns in terms of overall build quality and finish quality. The tolerances are very tight and the quality of the workmanship is top notch. When holding the Umarex SW1911 it has a lot of mass to it and feels just like a real 1911 in the hand. This blank pistol is made in Germany!
Realism:The Umarex SW1911 S is a replica of a Smith and Wesson 1911 semi auto pistol but I could not find an exact match to a specific model they currently make. It is licensed and branded by Smith & Wesson and in terms of looking like a real steel gun it is bang on with the exception of the exhaust notch that is cut into the top of the slide. Interestingly enough I think Umarex may have not even needed to cut out this notch as my slow motion video shows that all the burn off happens before the slide even starts to move.
Very well made, materials fit and finish is all very good.
Two-tone finish looks very nice.
Very true to the original 1911 - (A1 styled).
Love the nice rubber wrap around grips.
I was able to fit 10 rounds in the magazine (2 extra)!
German made quality.
Cons:
Top venting.
Notch cut out of slide takes away from the realism a bit.
Magazine can be a bit tuff to get in (pressing the magazine release helps).
Heavy trigger pull on mine.
Comments:
Even though the Umarex SW1911 S had a few shortcoming like being a top venting gun, having the notch cut out of the slide and perhaps a bit heavy of a trigger, I still really like it! The quality is evident throughout this fine German made blank gun and you can just tell it's made right. This is also my first true replica blank gun as it is fully licensed by Smith & Wesson, something that has been lacking in all my other blank guns because of our Canadian importation laws. I really wish I could get my hands on some more "replica blank guns" as I don't mind giving up the front firing for top venting to obtain a blank gun that is a true replica.
As promised, the new ASG Airsoft Pistols have been added to the Replica Airguns Store and by the way none of them have the orange tip as they are all classified as Uncontrolled Firearms just like a standard Airgun!
Dan Wesson Airsoft Revolvers:
The legendary revolvers licensed by Dan Wesson These revolvers have authentic markings and an individual serial number stamped into the frame. The revolvers features a single and double action trigger system and adjustable rear sight for extra realism and accuracy. The Dan Wesson BB revolvers are made of metal except for the ergonomical grip constructed in hard ABS plastic.
The 12g CO2 cartridge is stored under the grip and is easily accessed by sliding the grip to the side – easy-load style. Each of the 6 cartridges holds one Airsoft BB and is placed in the metal drum that rotates as each round is fired. The revolvers comes with a speed loader, changeable tactical rail and 6 cartridges.
The CZ 75 P-07 DUTY is the new generation of the CZ 75 family which was first designed back in 1975 by the famous small arms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka, Czech Republic. This is the semi automatic 4.5mm airgun version fully licensed by CZ. It is powered by a 12g CO2 cartridge stored in the grip using the easy-load system and the Airsoft BB’s are put in the drop-out magazine.
The CZ 75 P-07 DUTY is a compact tactical upgraded version compared to the standard CZ 75. Besides being more compact in size the P-07 DUTY has an integrated front waiver rail for mounting light and laser. The grip and metal slide carries authentic CZ markings and every gun comes with unique serial number.
The ASG Steyr M9-A1 Non-Blowback CO2 6mm AIrsoft BB pistol is a faithful copy of the real model Steyr mannlicher M9-A1 complete with licensed trade marks and a functional safety pin. You will get over 465fps shots from the 14 round drop out magazine and just like the real steal you can add a laser site or tactical light to the weaver style accessory rail.
Just a quick heads up for our Canadian customers waiting on Dan Wesson Revolvers, the ASG Airguns and some Airsoft guns have now cleared customs, we still have some more Airsoft guns from ASG coming down the road but at least we have some to start with for now.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that we have a very large backorder list and we will be doing our best to send out the backordered Dan Wesson starting tomorrow. It will take some time to get caught up so please try to avoid sending us an email about your backordered Dan Wesson, we are working very hard to get them to all of you and will update everyone with a tracking number as soon as yours ships.
If you are interested in some of the ASG Airsoft guns then make sure to check back over the next few days as I update our Airsoft guns section or our Canada Replica Airguns Store with the new ASG Airsoft items.
Photo of ZORAKI 917 Removed by Request from Glock "Renzulli Law Firm"
All references, photos and video claiming that any item in this Review/Video looks like a Glock or is a Replica of a Glock in any way shape or form have been removed from this post as requested by Glock"Renzulli Law Firm"
When ever I can get my hands on some blank guns at a realistic price or perhaps a trade that works for both parties, I generally try to make it happen. And if they are guns that I don't have in my collection, well they go directly into my collection so please no offers from fellow Canadians as I tend to hold onto my more rare or hard to acquire Canadian replica guns pretty firmly! .
Both of these 9mm P.A.K. Blank shooting guns are not brand new but they are in very good condition and it's hard to even say it they have been shot or not? My new Zoraki Mod. 917 as you can see, is styled very closely after the NAME REMOVED and so much so that all new version sold in North America must have "This is not a Glock" engraved on the right side frame of the receiver in order to be sold. Mine however was purchased before this requirement :) UPDATE: NO LONGER BEING SOLD IN NORTH AMERICA.
Photo of ZORAKI 917 Removed by Request from Glock "Renzulli Law Firm"
My Umarex SW1911 S is licensed by Smith & Wesson which makes it pretty hard to get in Canada becasue for a very long time we have not been allowed to import any replica guns and since it is licensed it makes it a true replica and would normally be stopped at the boarder. You may own replicas in Canada without a said license but you need to make sure they are stored and handled as defined by the requirements outlined in the Canada Firearms Act.
We have been waiting a while here in Canada for some of our ASG products to come back in stock. ASG provides us with our Dan Wesson line and the Dan Wesson Revolvers have been a very popular airgun to say the least. We did manage to get a few of them, mainly to fill some of the earlier back orders but this big order had to come by cargo ship and now it has arrived and has been with Canada customs for about a week so we should be close to having them for you!
The hold up on this shipment is because we have some ASG Airsoft guns in with the regular Airguns which is good news as we will soon be stocking some very nice ASG Airsoft Pistols and Rifles but the new Airsoft guns are the main reason that Canada Customs is taking their time giving their OK on this shipment.
My advice to anyone who has been waiting a long time for their Dan Wesson Revolver (Mostly the 2.5 & 4 inch versions) is to hold on a bit longer because the wait is almost over and we will sell out of these guns quickly so having your backorder in guarantees you will get yours.
I have a very popular blank gun for you today and I'm sure it will get a lot of activity as the EKOL Firat has always been a popular seller here in the Replica Airguns Store.
This EKOL Firat Magnum 9mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol in Gloss Black is previously owned but has low usage and is in very good condition. It comes in a hard shell plastic case with the manual, flare adaptor and field stripping key.
Please submit your silent auction offers to me by no later than May 23rd midnight! (Silent auctions are for our Canadian customers looking to by blank guns in Canada) participants can send me an email with their top bid on the item listed and the highest bid wins this auction). *Local tax plus shipping & handling will be added.
Good luck to all participants!
If you reside in the US, you can also buy the EKOL Firat new from us in our US Replica Airguns Store.
Time is runnig out! Just in cased you missed my EKOL Arda & Dicle - Bruni Mod. 92 PAK Blank Gun Silent Auction video last week or perhaps didn't get a chance to bid on anything, this is your last chance as this silent auction ends tonight at midnight (Friday May 11th).
You can check out the original post and watch my YouTube video for these items located here.
I've been talking a lot about some blank gun offering for my Canada based customers and I didn't want to leave out my US located customers. So I've added a few 1911 styled blank pistols to the Replica Airguns US Store. Now keep in mind these 1911 blank guns are all top venting but they still function and field strip much like a real gun!
I don't usually do this but I am looking for a Retay Baron HK Blank Pistol, I know there are a few of them out there in Canada and I have a very good customer who I am trying to help out with this. If you have one and you are willing to sell it to me, please Contact me with your asking price!
It's always good to start the week off with an update video so everyone knows what's happening short-term and long-term...
I recently acquired a couple new items that I will be reviewing in the near future (along with several other reviews that I will be trying to get to ASAP!) First off is the Crosman M4-177 which is basically a multi-pump pellet and BB shooting replica of an AR or M4 styled carbine used by the US military. The Crosman M4-177 is mostly plastic on the outside but on first inspection seems to be built fairly well. It has removable metal sights and the magazine is also detachable but is not used as a magazine but rather a compartment for storage. The unit I have is the Canadian detuned version which shoots .177 caliber lead pellets and 4.5mm steel BB's at under 500 fps.
I also received my first old west blank shooting revolver (M1873), I have wanted one of these for a while and finally got my hands on one :) Unfortunately this one has a plugged barrel so it vents out of the cylinder area which may get a bit messy. I may see about making this one a front venting gun if possible and of course as long as it's within the law as I plan to make sure the cylinder stays semi plugged so no actual rounds could ever be shot out of it. The Old West M1873 Blank Revolver holds six .380 crimped blanks and is an all metal and wood construction. This should be a fun review!
I also touch upon a few other guns on the list of items I need to review and by the way in an attempt to get caught up I will be doing my Table Top and Shooting reviews combined.
Here are some of the guns that I will be reviewing over the next while...
Gamo P-25 & PT-85 .177 Caliber Blowback Pellet pistols (This one will get done this week!)
Another great opportunity for some of my Canadian based customers to get yourself a blank firing gun here in Canada. Today I bring you three models, two front firing blank pistols from EKOL in Gloss Black (Arda and Dicle) and one Italian made top venting Bruni Model 92 in Chrome.
Lastly we have a stunning Bruni Mod. 92 in Chrome:
Top venting.
8mm P.A.K. blanks.
15 round capacity.
Single and double action.
Comes with hard case.
Excellent condition!
All these guns are up for silent auction and this is how it works:
Send me an email with your top price as you will be bidding against others for the top offer. (Taxes and shipping will be added to your bid)
If you want more than one of these blank guns, please bid on each gun individually.
You have till Friday May 11th midnight to get your top bid in place.
Once the top bidder has been selected I will send them an email to notify them that they are the top bidder and Payment will be required within 24 hours or the next top bidder will be selected and notified.
