I know I have been talking about this gun for some time now (Since last years SHOT Show) but the truth of the matter is Umarex did not release it all that quickly and when it did finally come out several months ago there was a recall and so the stock that came in quickly left again. So here we are now and I finally get to show everyone this very nice Umarex made Walther P38 BB shooting replica pistol.
At first glance it looks a lot like the Crosman C41, when I was at the 2012 SHOT Show visiting the Umarex booth, I thought they had just rebranded the Crosman's C41. When I took a closer look I could clearly see the difference and realism found in the Umarex Walther P38 version; like full Walther P38 licensing, blowback operation, working safety and slide catch. Pretty much everything that was missing from the Crosman C41. The Umarex P38 is a very accurate copy of a real steal P38 in almost every way.
All in all it looks to be another welcome and very realistic looking blowback BB Replica pistol and in this case one with a history that goes back to the way to World War II.
I have talked about how KWC and Cybergun are really the same product and that Cybergun and KWC products in many cases are really the same gun but with some versions having slightly different markings on the guns themselves.
Today I show you a new 4.5mm Steel BB gun we just brought into the store very closely related to the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911, or otherwise known as the KWC Model 1911. This new airguns is a Tactical version of the Model M1911 and it goes by the name Model M1911 A1 Tac. It shares the same internal parts as the Tanfoglio Witness 1911 including the 4.5mm Steel BB magazine but the Tactical version is all black and has several updated modern parts that you would not find in a traditional 1911 A1 45 auto replica: Like the tactical trigger, hammer, adjustable white dot sights and accessory rial. This gun would make an awesome IPSC trainer for sure.
At this point there is no 6mm Airsoft version but you can get the KWC Model 1911 and M92 in 6mm Airsoft all metal versions.
I also compare my GSG 92 4.5mm Steel BB pistol I reviewed in the past and show you that it is identical to the KWC same M92 version with the exception of some marking on the slide. Many people even prefer the KWC branded models as they do not have the rather offensive white warning instructions all over them.
So if you're in the market for one of these super popular KWC/Cybergun blowback ultra realistic BB and Airsoft pistols you do have some options to consider...
Watch my Vimeo Video Preview for these very popular KWC/Cybergun Blowback Pistols:
In this part of the review I test the HK G36 KV AEG Rifle using my Chronograph to see what the 5 shot feet per second average is using fully charged batteries. I got pretty much right bang on to the factory claimed 450 fps using .20 gram 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's and consistency was within a few fps for each shot.
I also take the Umarex HK G36 KV AEG Blowback (EBB) Airsoft Rifle back 30 feet and shoot it at a target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back) and shoot in both semi auto and full auto, there really was no real difference in accuracy using both selections, I think the built in magnified scope helped out here to get a very tight 1.5 inch group shooting in semi and full auto.
So far out of all my AEG rifles I would have to say the Umarex HK G36 KV (EBB) performed the best getting very consistent and high fps and tight groupings in both semi and full auto even using light weight .20 gram BB's.
Watch my Field Test Shooting Vimeo Video Review for the Umarex HK G36 KV AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle:
In this part of the review I test the Smith & Wesson 357 CO2 Pellet Revolver using my Chronograph to see what the 5 shot feet per second average is using a brand new CO2. I got pretty close to the factory (even a bit over) claimed 425 fps using RWS 7 grain lead pellets on this rather cold day so you can expect better fps on a nice warm summer day.
I also take the Smith & Wesson 357 686 CO2 Pellet Revolver back 30 feet and shoot it at a target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back) and again although I did not get teh same half inch grouping I got in my preliminary testing, I did manage to get a nice tight grouping , keep in mind the Umarex Smith & Wesson 357 is an action shooter but is capable of target pistol like accuracy.
All in all the Umarex Smith & Wesson 357 686 CO2 Pellet Revolver performed very well. That said I was able to get tighter groups and higher fps so expect this Umarex high grade CO2 pistol to perform very well for you.
Watch my Field Test Shooting Vimeo Video Review for the Umarex Smith & Wesson 357 686:
This is the official Field Test or Shooting Video Review for the G&G Xtreme 45 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol. If you haven't checked out my Table top Video Review for the G&G Xtreme 45, make sure to do so as I have some more photos there and also all the specifications and details including the Pros & Cons for the G&G Xtreme 45.
In this part of the review I test the G&G Xtreme 45 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol using my Chronograph to see what the 5 shot feet per second average is using a mostly brand new CO2. I got pretty close to 400 fps which is not bad considering the very cold day and the fact that I had to reset my Chronograph and missed the most powerful first several shots.
I also take the G&G Xtreme 45 back 30 feet and shoot it at a target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back) and again I was plagued by technical difficulties and had to redo this part of the test as one of my cameras was not working. I did get a nice 2 inch 10 shot grouping the first time around, the second go resulted in a 3 inch 10 shot group which is pretty good for an airsoft pistol using light weight .20 gram BB's at this range.
All in all the G&G Xtreme 45 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol performed very well for me and considering the fairly low price point and long list of features I would have to say it is good value for the low cost, and it has some pretty nice curb appeal going for it too.
It would not be the end of another year without another Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Gun Collection video for you. This year I'm not showing all my guns, I started to take them out and quickly realized there where just way too many and this years video would have been several hours long and would have taken most of the week for me to shoot and edit...
So this year I have hand picked some of my top favorites and most notable replica Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Guns. They may not all be the best made or hardest shooters or even all that accurate but each one has some significants to me.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Smith & Wesson 357 686 Revolver is very light and smooth in both single and double action. Single action is much shorter and a bit lighter with just a very short take up to it. In double action it does get a hair heavier and much longer as is expected but still very usable and easy to shoot quickly and with accuracy.
Accuracy: I found the Umarex S&W 686 pellet revolver to have some of the best accuracy I have tested out of a pistol, getting about a half inch grouping from 30 feet out in a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back). I also put 5 rounds through my Chrony Chronograph and the Umarex 357 686 averaged right around 450 fps using RWS 7 grain lead pellets which is even better than the claimed 425 fps from Umarex.
Build Quality:The Umarex Smith & Wesson 357 686 CO2 Pellet Revolver is almost entirely metal with the acceptation of the rubber grips and front removable sight, it has a very substantial overall weight and feel to it coming in at just under three pounds. Keep in mind this is one of the higher end German made Umarex guns and you can tell in the workmanship and fit and finish. All the mechanical parts work flawlessly and have very tight tolerances, the finish is also superb. Yes the price is up there but this is a an airgun you will most likely be passing down to future generations one day as a collectors item, and I would imagine also in working condition.
Realism:The Umarex S&W 686 is a replica of the real stell Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum and overall looks pretty similar in shape and style. It would have been nice to have seen a full swing our cylinder but this would have meant a more complicated design with potentially less performance? In a perfect world, loadable shell casings like the Dan Wesson would have been very cool but keep in mind this is an airgun that really performs in terms of power and accuracy. Mine was the silver version, I would have liked to have seen a color matched magazine but since it is metal it could be color matched after the fact. The Smith & Wesson licensing and markings along with the heavy weight, hidden CO2 Tab and recessed barrel help to give the Umarex S&W 686 a very believable look and feel.
Pretty much all metal, has a nice solid feel and good weight.
Higher than claimed fps (right around 450 fps)
Amazing accuracy, one of my best pistols tested to date.
Very high quality German made workmanship.
Very comfortable rubber grips.
Fully adjustable rear sight (windage and elevation).
Well hidden CO2 tab.
Full S&W licensing, good overall replica.
Single and double action with a nice trigger in both SA and DA.
Magazines are removable for easy loading and have a high 10 shot load capacity.
Cons:
A bit on the expensive side of things.
Rotary magazine is not color matched on the Silver version.
On the low side of shots per CO2 (About 60-70).
No rail mount for a accessories of any type.
Comments:
The Umarex Smith & Wesson 686 CO2 Pellet Revolver is not for everyone and I say that because the $250 plus price point is going to be just too much for many buyers. If you can find a way to get past the price then you will have a very high quality German made air gun on your hands, not only are the Smith & Wesson 568/686 CO2 Pellet revolvers very well made but they also perform as good if not better in terms of accuracy and velocity then even some dedicated target air pistols I have tested. Looks will not let you down either and I would not be surprised that this gun if well taken care of can be passed down to future generations as a working collectors item. If you are looking for a high quality, excellent performing replica pellet revolver then make sure to consider the Umarex Smith & Wesson 586 and 686 line of CO2 replica pellet revolvers.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex HK G36 KVis fairly short and light as it is essentially just an electrical on off switch for the internal electronic components. You can shoot the G36 very quickly in semi auto mode, and in full auto it cycles very quickly giving a high rate of fire.
Accuracy: In my brief pre-testing without any sighting in, the Umarex Heckler & Koch G36 KV shot just a bit off center to the right from a 30 foot semi rested position and produced a nice 2 inch grouping. In full auto the grouping opened up a bit but still punched a nice 1.5 inch hole in the target with most of the BB hitting there.
Build Quality: The Umarex HK G36 KV is very well made, yes it has lots of polymer but so does the real version and the plastic seems very durable, the fit and finish looked great and there is a lot of metal in and around the G36 where it would be on the real steel gun and where it is really required to be. Like the trigger, top rail, pins, selector switch, barrel, gearbox and gears.
Realism: Similar to my WE G39C reviewed earlier, I bet if you had a real Heckler & Koch G36 sitting beside the Umarex HK G36 KV, you would be hard pressed to tell them apart? The Umarex is also fully HK licensed and trademark throughout even including the 5.56mm NATO markings.
Excellent attention to detail with lots of working parts.
All metal internals and metal external mechanical parts.
Semi auto & full auto selectable.
Full HK licensing and markings.
Accurate 2 inch 10 shot group from 30 feet out.
Nice high 450+ FPS.
Full ambidextrous, even the charging handle can be switched side to side.
High capacity magazine (400 rounds)
Built in 3x optical sight with ability to add a Red Dot for close quarter shooting.
4 position adjustable folding stock.
Easy access to hop up system.
Cons:
Does not come with a battery or charger.
Came with the orange tip, you may want to replace it or paint it black?
May be too powerful for close quarter skirmishes without some detuning.
Comments:
This is my first Umarex Airsoft rifle product review and I have to say it really seems good so far, I have not had a lot of hands on time shooting the Umarex HK G36 KV but right out of the box I was getting very good results, nice high 450+ fps and good groupings even out at further range. The fit and finish are all very good and the realism is as good, if not better than other Airsoft AEG I have reviewed. I like the built in 3x Optical Scope and the addition of an upper rail to accommodate a Red Dot, this gives you the ability to acquire quick close up shot placements using a Red Dot while also being able to focus in on further out targets using the magnified optical scope. I look forward to my official Field Test shooting review.
The Fenix models I show off in the YouTube video are the TK45 -TK15 - LD22 - PD22, a rather nice selection that should cover most lighting requirements.
Some Features and Benefits of Fenix Flashlights:
Use Top quality Cree XLamp XM-L LEDs for highest efficiency and LED lifespan.
Heat-sinks to make sure the LEDs do not overheat.
Use the Optic Ultra Clear Glass Lenses that also produce a perfect mix of Throw and Spill.
A constant current regulation circuit, which keeps the flashlights in constant brightness regulation. Unlike traditional flashlights output will not dim over the life of the battery.
Waterproof to IPX-8 (2 Meters) standard with Anti-shock.
Type III Hard Anodized Scratch Resistant Finish.
Fenix TK45:
760 Lumens
200 Meter Throw Beam
232 Hours Max Runtime
IPX-8 Waterproof (2 Meters)
Type III Hard-anodized Anti-abrasive finish
Impact Resistant
Fenix TK15:
337 Lumens
215 Meter Throw Beam
142 Hours Max Runtime
IPX-8 Waterproof (2 Meters)
Type III Hard-anodized Anti-abrasive finish
Impact Resistant
Fenix LD22:
190 Lumens
100 Meter Throw Beam
110 Hours Max Runtime
IPX-8 Waterproof (2 Meters)
Type III Hard-anodized Anti-abrasive finish
Impact Resistant
Fenix PD22:
190 Lumens
101 Meter Throw Beam
97 Hours Max Runtime
IPX-8 Waterproof (2 Meters)
Type III Hard-anodized Anti-abrasive finish
Impact Resistant
Make sure to watch my YouTube Video Preview on the Fenix line of Flashlights:
Materials: Mostly metal construction with a few plastic parts.
Weight: 2.1 pounds.
Barrel: 4.88 inches, metal non-rifled.
Propulsion: CO2 x 1.
Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only.
Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 16 round magazine.
FPS: 400+.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the G&G Xtreme 45 is very smooth in single action only mode with there being just a bit of take-up and then a fairly light release, the light blowback and single action trigger allow fast sequential shooting with good groupings.
Accuracy: This is somewhat yet to be determined in my upcoming Field Test Shooting portion of this review but I did get the chance to take it outside and put some rounds down range, performance overall seemed decent.
Build Quality: This is an almost all metal air gun with good fit and finish and a nice hefty 2.1 pound weight to it. very similar in build to the Umarex Colt Special Combat 4.5mm BB Pistol reviewed earlier! The only plastic parts to speak of are the grips. In a perfect world, real wood grips would be nice but I have feeling that real 1911 grips may just fit this gun?
Realism: The G&G Xtreme 45 is a very good replica of the classic 45 auto 1911 styled pistol, with the exception of the trigger mechanism. I was happy to see if had a single action only trigger like you would find in a 1911 so this was a bonus. Overall weigh and feel make this Airsoft pistol a very believable gun and the blowback although light gives some nice feedback when shooting and the allowable single action trigger on followup shot.
Blowback operation (enough to give it some shot feedback and also cocks the hammer for easy single action trigger pull).
High fps for a blowback Airsoft pistol.
Expect to get decent amount of shots per CO2.
Fully adjustable rear sight.
Attractive two tone finish.
Magazine is all metal full size and hold both the CO2 and BB's and has a flush hidden CO2 screw.
Rain for accessories.
Very affordable gun considering all of the features it comes with.
Cons:
Blowback operation is light and not a full cycle.
Slide catch does not engage on the last round.
Does not have a true 1911 styled trigger but at least is single action.
Comments:
The G&G Xtreme 45 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is a great combination of realism and practicality toped with lots of great features you don't often find in a gun in this price range: Almost all metal, blowback operation, good fps and CO2 usage, fully adjustable rear sight, full size drop out metal magazine with hidden tab, awesome looks, and low price point. If your in the market for a good all around 1911 styled Airsoft blowback pistol, definitely put this one on the check list!
My Vimeo Video Review for the G&G Xtreme 45 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol:
This Update video addresses the similarities between the KWC and Cybergun product lines, specifically the KWC Model 1911 vs. the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 and the KWC Taurus PT99 vs. the Cybergun GSG 92. In a nutshell, they are all made by KWC and are exactly the same with the exception of some of the licensing and branding that goes on the slides. Cybergun simply contracts KWC to make the guns for them and add some slight different printing. All parts are interchangeable.
I also show you the Silver Finish Blowback Airsoft KWC Desert Eagle and mention again that the licensing on this one is kind of hit and miss depending on what KWC sends us. So when you order one there is an additional surprise waiting for you when you open the box :)
Lastly, I show for the first time a G&G Airsoft product, the G&G Xtreme 45 Blowback that looks an awful lot like the Umarex Colt Special Combat chambered in 4.5mm Steel BB. The main differences are that the Colt Special Combat is a BB gun and the Xtreme 45 is an Airsoft gun. The G&G has blowback where as the Colt Special Combat does not have blowback.
Make sure to checkout my Vimeo video of this product update for even more info!
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Bolt Airsoft B4A1 is fairly short and light as it is essentially just an on off switch for the internal electronic components. You can shoot this gun very quickly in semi auto mode, and of course in full auto when full auto position is selected. As is with all AEG rifles there is a bit of a delay while the spring is retracted and released, this is not as noticeable in full auto.
Accuracy: I tested the B4A1 Airsoft rifle by putting around 10 rounds into a target from 30 feet with .36 gram Airsoft 6mm BB's while using a semi rested position (sand bag in the front - standing in the rear). I used a non-magnified red dot scope for this test rather than using the built in iron sights. I got very good result in semi auto and even with the recoil making my sights jump around a bit in full auto still stayed well centered on target and got about a 1.5 inch group in both semi and full auto. My chronograph testing with lighter .20 gram BB's resulted in a 421 fps 5 shot average.
Build Quality: The Bolt Airsoft B4A1 Metal AEG Carbine is very well made with a full Metal upper and lower receiver, along with metal and polymer parts exactly where they would be on the real steel version of an actual Colt M4. The only plastic or nylon components are the stocks and the grips and perhaps some internal parts. I found the adjustable stock and magazine tolerance to be tighter than my King Arms M4A1 I previously reviewed which showed the Bolt B4A1 had a bit higher quality in the workmanship, for the most part the fit and finish was very good!
Realism: As with many Airsoft guns, there is great attention to realism and the Bolt Airsoft BRSS B4A1 Carbine is another great example of an Airsoft Carbine based on the Colt M4 platform. It is an AEG but because of the BRSS (Bolt Recoil Shock System) you get a very nice compromise between a conventional AEG and a GBB (Gas Blow Back Airsoft) gun. In other words, like a standard AEG I get that endless stream of consistent BB's flying down range on target but unlike a true Gas Blow Back Airsoft gun, I don't get that drop off in power and limitation to about 30 usable rounds per magazine . What I do get similar to a GBB is that recoil action that helps make the shooting experience so much more believable! Even the sound from the Bolt B4A1 is much snapper than a standard AEG and more like a GBB. I also like the fact that the charging handle and forward assist work similarly to a real M4 and also the dust cover cleverly exposes the bolt and internal hop-up for easy adjustment along with the bolt cycling just like a GBB rifle would cycle which is similar to a real steel M4.
Great attention to detail with lots of working parts.
All Metal upper and lower receiver, lots of metal parts throughout.
Semi auto & full auto selectable.
High capacity 300+ round magazine.
Removable carry handle with Weaver/Picatinny rail underneath.
Nice high 420 real FPS.
Extremely accurate for plastic BB's.
Fully adjustable sights with two position Peep sights.
6 position adjustable stock.
Easy access to internal hop-up system.
Realistic Blowback Recoil system (BRSS) for a very believable shooting experience!
Cons:
May not get off as many shots per battery charge as a traditional AEG because of the Bolt Recoil Shock System.
Does not come with battery or charger but most higher end AEG's also do not.
Not yet readily available in Canada, maybe we can change that :)
Comments:
The Bolt Airsoft B4A1 Blowback Airsoft Carbine is a great compromise for the avid Airsofter looking for a practical skirmish weapon, but also craving the realistic experience of having blowback with recoil which up until now was really only provided by Gas Blow Back systems. I really like this concept and find it great fun to shoot even if its just for plinking in the yard. The overall quality is very good and you just have to love the M4 platform it's based on. If you're into customizing you can mix and match many external and internal parts with other existing Airsoft mechanical parts and I would imagine real steel accessories. I like mine as is with my addition of a riser and Red Dot and if I every get a chance to get out for a skirmish this will be my weapon of choice for sure!
I got a few sample products I wanted to quickly share with everyone :) First off Bolt Airsoft, a Taiwanese based company, sent me one of their B4A1 (M4A1 Copy) AEG Airsoft rifles featuring BRSS - (Bolt Recoil Shock System) which has Blowback with simulated recoil.
The Bolt B4A1 is designed after the M4A1 and looks and works like most AEG Airsoft rifles giving you sustained performance and the use of high capacity magazines but Bolt has added their BRSS - (Bolt Recoil Shock System) which gives you the feedback and recoil you would normally only get with a true GBB (Gas Blow Back) Airsoft gun.
I will be doing a full review very shortly so watch for it!
I also received from ASG (Action Sport Games) a few Mock Airsoft Suppressors, all of them are B&T (Brügger & Thomet) derivatives. It was nice that they sent me the version (MP9 QD) that fits perfectly on my ASG/KWA MP9. The other tow are the ROTEX-IIIA and ROTEX-IIIA Compact that fit perfectly on to a standard flash hider and even include one with them.
Check out my Vimeo Preview Video of these Review items from Bolt Airsoft and ASG:
As with most new items I pickup, I like to share them with everyone. I am checking into some more ROHM blank guns, an RG-59 and RG-88, the RG-59 is a lot like the ROHM RG-56 .22 caliber blank revolver I sell in the Canada Replica Airguns Store but in .380 caliber and the one I show off here is a 5 shot two-tone model. Other than that they use the same frame and mechanical parts throughout.
I also received a black/blued ROHM RG-88 which is kind of like a Walther PPK in design, it field strips the same, has a similar safety setup and even has a similar size and look to it although it is definitely not a replica of a Walther PPK. I am impressed with the overall quality of the ROHM blank guns, material used, fit and finish is very good.
Lastly, I acquired a pre-owned Umarex CP99 CO2 Pellet Pistol from a customer of mine. It is in pretty much in new condition and is one of the Umarex guns I was missing in my collection and have been looking to add. The Umarex CP99 is a pretty good replica of the Walther P99 and uses the standard Umarex metal 8 shot rotary magazines and shares the same CO2 grip fed magazine as the CPSport. The CP99 is German made so it's not one of the lower cost Umarex pistols out there but you do get what you pay for ;)
I've had lots of requests to review the Daisy Winchester Model 11 and to give my opinion how it stacks up with the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911. I will be doing a full review of the Daisy Winchester Model 11 Colt 45 1911 replica shortly but wanted to kick things off with my comparison portion.
Your best off to simply watch my Vimeo Video Comparison of the Tanfoglio Witness 1911 and Winchester Model 11 but here are my thoughts on some of similarities, strengths and weaknesses for both 1911 syled airguns.
Similarities:
Both are good replicas of the classic Colt 45 1911 semi auto pistol.
Both shoot 4.5mm Steel BB's and use standard 12 gram CO2.
Both are mostly metal and weigh close to 2 pounds with the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness weighing about 40 grams more.
Both come in a nice cardboard box.
Both have blowback operation with slides that lock back after the last shot.
Both have true 1911 styled single action only triggers.
Strengths:
The Winchester Model 11 has the higher feet per second rating and gets more shots per CO2 (410fps vs 320fps).
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 has a full size drop out metal magazine that holds the BB's and CO2.
The Winchester Model 11 is more economical to buy and shoot.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 has a more realistic "full" blowback operation.
The Winchester Model 11 has less intrusive warning markings on the slide.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 has a working Grip Safety.
The Winchester Model 11 is made in Japan.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 can be field stripped similar to a real 1911.
Both have fairly high capacity magazines (16 BB's for the Winchester and 18 BB's for the Tanfoglio).
Weaknesses:
The Winchester Model 11 has a funky extra button on the thumb safety?
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 tends to use a lot of CO2 with less average fps.
The Winchester Model 11 has more free-play (wiggle) in the slide.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 magazine are more expensive and can be hard to find at times.
All in all I really like both guns, and what really counts is how they feel and shoot and after a quick outside testing with the Daisy Winchester Model 11, it seemed to shoot and work pretty good for me. Realists may prefer the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 because it is more realistic in terms of how it's built and how it functions but as a daily shooting gun, the Daisy Winchester Model 11 hits harder and gets more shots per CO2, all while still giving the shooter a very realistic 1911 styled shooting experience.
Watch my Vimeo video Comparison of the Daisy Winchester Model 11 vs the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911:
This is a much different review than I generally do but I have been using POV (Point Of View) or Action Cameras for some time now that I sometimes mount on my guns or myself for that first person style video angle. In the past I have been using an Innovations Drift HD170 Action Camera and an Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera. I still have the Drift HD170 but the ATC9K went back to Costco because some of the plastic was starting to crack on it.
Let's turn the focus back to the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam, so why the "upgrade"? Well for one I had some extra play money because Costco gave me back all the money I spent when I returned the ATC9K. Of course there are a lot of other great cameras to choose from out there and I was considering one of the Hero based systems but the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam kind of caught my eye for a number of reasons.
Built in WiFi and with downloadable App for iOS and Android based Smartphones.
Comes with waterproof case good down to 60M (about 200 feet).
Has SteadyShot image stabilization that is very effective.
Carl Zeiss Lens with 170-degree or 120-degree selectable viewing angles.
Full 1080P 30fps resolution along with 720P 120 fps Super Slow-mo.
Excellent video and audio quality.
One of the most intriguing features for me was the built in WiFi as it allows me to see what the camera sees by streaming the video to my iPhone in real time. Even with a built in video view finder on a camera, you still can not see the screen when the camera is mounted on your head, while a remote screen using WiFi to stream the video to another device like my iPhone lets me see exactly where the camera is pointed and also start and stop recording and even change some of the settings remotely.
After doing some online research and watching video samples of the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam in comparison with some other very good quality Action Cameras, it was clear to me that the sony had excellent video and audio recording capabilities and seemed to even beat the competition in low light situations.
Of course there where some Cons I had to consider but for me they where not a big deal:
When in the water proof case you can only access the start and stop button.
No audio in any of the 720p high frame rate modes (60-120 fps).
It's a new product from Sony so there may be some bugs to work out and features that could be improved or added.
A bit limited in what camera mounts come in the box.
Your best bet to really see what the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam can do is to watch my video review for it. I show you around the Sony HDR-AS15 and also sync it to my iPhone using the PlayMemories Mobile Smart Phone App so you can see how to pair it, start and stop recording all while viewing the streaming video on the iPhone's screen. I also show you how you can use the WiFi feature to copy pre-recorded video from the HDR-AS15 to a Smartphone using the PlayMemories Mobile Smart Phone App.
I end off my review by showing you some video samples I made in various shooting modes and situations playing around with my new Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam.
Checkout my Video Review of the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG/KWC MP9 A3 is single action only as the charging handle has to be pulled back to open and release the bolt for the first shot. There is a trigger safety but it is not noticeable when shooting this Airsoft machine gun. There is a short take-up and then a light release and short reset.
Accuracy: Right away I put my NcSTAR 1x25 Red Dot sight on the ASG/KWC MP9 A3 as it was a perfect fit for this small and compact machine pistol, it did not take long to sight it in and I was able to get decent accuracy in both semi auto and full auto burst due to the mild but very fast cycle rate. I was able to get a 2 inch grouping at 30 feet out using a rested position. In full auto mode the grouping did not really get too much wider. I also got between 350 and 370 fps when testing the ASG MP9 on my Chronograph.
Build Quality: The ASG/KWC MP9 A3 Airsoft Machine Pistol is built very well, using similar components that you would find on the real steel version so yes it has a plastic shell but that is to be expected. The ASG/KWC MP9 A3 does use lots of metal where it needs to be like in the internal parts, pins, bolt, barrel, rails and even the magazine. The fit and finish is near perfect!
Realism: I have to say the ASG/KWC MP9 A3 is pretty much a bang on copy of the real steel Brügger & Thomet MP9 A3. The only telltale sign is the ASG branding on the right side along with the 6mm caliber beside the ASG logo. One other small detail is the magazine which is metal on the Airsoft version where as you would find the real version uses a transparent polymer magazine.
Rate of fire is very fast and does not slow down much even when the gas is running low.
Good overall power for a short barreled gas blowback gun.
Very nice trigger with working trigger safety.
Excellent replica of the real steel version in just about every way.
Can add a lot of gear and make this gun your own.
Decent price for all you get out of the ASG MP9!
Cons:
Bolt didn't lock back for me when the gun got really cold?
Real magazine would actually be transparent polymer.
Comments:
I really like the ASG/KWC MP9 A3! I love the look, I love the features and the price is also really good for what you are getting. I was really impressed with the super high cycle rate and because of the small low weight bolt the gun does not move around too much or slow down in rounds per minute even when you do a full mag dump. There is however just enough blowback recoil to give you that GBB realistic feel! I also found that the magazine holds a lot of gas so it is possible to get two magazine worth of shots out of a single fill, that's around 100 shots. I also like how easy it is to add to the ASG/KWC MP9 A3, I had mine pimped out and looking amazing right away and suggest if you get one you do the same :)
My Vimeo Video of the ASG/KWC MP9 A3 Airsoft Machine Pistol:
This one has to be the coolest Machine Pistols out there!
The KWA (ASG) B&T MP9 A3 Black GBB is a compact gas blowback machine pistol licensed by the original manufacturer Brügger & Thomet, Switzerland. The A3 version has a bottom rail and a folding stock and the whole body is made of reinforced fiber polymer. The whole construction of the MP9 is very realistic and it is field stripped as the real thing. The cocking handle is functional with the realistic metal bolt. The B&T MP9 has adjustable hop-up and both semi and full auto firing mode can be selected. Furthermore the trigger has an active safety function.
Plastic 6mm Airsoft BB's
(GBB) Gas Blow Back
Semi & Full Auto
366+ fps w/ .2g
Adjustable Hop Up
3.9 lbs
48 Round Magazine
11.5 Inches Folded - 20.5 Inches Open
Reinforced Fiber Polymer Body
Field Strips like the Real Steel
NO CLEAR sections (All Black) and does NOT have orange tip!
Model:ME Ranger (1873 Colt 45 Single Action Army).
Materials: Mostly Metal with wood grips.
Weight: 2.2 pounds.
Barrel: Cylinder venting with fully plugged barrel. (No Red Tip)
Propulsion: Gun powder.
Action: Single action only.
Ammunition Type: .380 Crimped.
Ammunition Capacity: 6 rounds.
FPS: N/A.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Bruni ME Ranger Colt 45 Single Action Army Revolver is very light as it is a single action revolver and most of the effort is done by pre-cocking the hammer. All you are doing is releasing the hammer which with the ME Ranger is nice and light with next to no creep.
Accuracy: NA.
Build Quality: The overall build quality of the Bruni ME Ranger is nice an believable. It has good weight to it and the finish is not perfect but you would not expect and Single Action Army styled revolver to be perfect. All the mechanical parts felt tight and functioned perfectly for me.
Realism: The Bruni ME Ranger Blank Revolver is a pretty decent replica of a real Colt 45 Single Action Army Revolver in terms of size, weight and most general appearances. It does lack the 45 caliber larger more open Cylinder holes as it is chambered in .380 caliber but you can only see this when looking from the forward position of the ME Ranger. My version also had the plugged barrel so all flame and gasses emit from between the cylinder and the back of the barrel, it would be nice to un-plug this barrel so some of the gasses and flame would come out the front of the barrel.
Purchase from: A private collector.
Pros:
Well made, materials fit and finish is all very good.
True to the original 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver.
Real wood grips.
Nice light single action trigger.
Made in Italy.
Cons:
Not fornt venting.
9mm P.A.K. blanks do not fit - too long.
Wood grips are a bit bland.
Comments:
As my first replica Old West Single Action Blank Revolver, it is a nice addition to my collection. It would make an awesome prop for any cowboy or cowgirl costume, maybe I can convince my wife to go as a cowgirl this year for halloween ;) Overall I really like the Bruni ME Ranger and I plan to perhaps open the barrel up so that I get a more realistic shooting experience with flames and smoke coming out the front of the barrel. That and perhaps some work on the grips to give them a more rugged and weathered look.
My Vimeo Full Video Review for the Bruni ME Ranger Blank Revolver:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the WE G39C is about what you would expect from a Single action only Semi Auto rifle, it has a very slight take up and then about a 4 pound trigger pull that is crisp and smooth.
Accuracy: Out of the Box the WE G39C shot great up close and farther out, the hop-up seemed to be already dialed in, and even though I was using only .20 gram BB's which is a bit light for this gun, I still found they tracked well and stayed on target both near and far. My 30 foot semi rested testing produced a nice 2 inch grouping. Shooting the barrel out on the tactical range I did have to aim just a bit higher when back out at 60 or more feet away. Maybe a slight bit more hop-up would do the trick.
Build Quality: The WE G39C is very well made, yes it has lots of polymer but so does the real version and the plastic seems very durable, The fit and finish looked great and there is a lot of metal in and around the G39C where it would be on the real steel gun and where it is really required to be. Like the trigger, flash hider, rails, pins, switches, rear sight, magazine and most internal parts also.
Realism: I bet if you had the real G36C sitting beside the WE G39C you would be hard pressed to tell them apart? WE did a great job making this Airsoft version very believable not just in appearance but also when field stripping it and shooting it with it's heavy bolt and felt blowback recoil.
Amazing attention to detail, just like the real H&K G36C.
All metal internals and metal external mechanical parts.
Semi auto & full auto selectable.
Awesome blowback kick really hits you in the shoulder.
Field strips just like the real steal version.
Nice high 400 FPS and good accuracy near and far.
Full ambidextrous, even the charging handle can be switched side to side.
Can get up to three magazines per propane fill up.
Very well priced for how awesome it really is.
Cons:
Some people may not like that it is a polymer built gun externally but it is what it is!
And that's it!
Comments:
So far I have been impressed with We an Airsoft company, they really know how to make very realistic and high quality products. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the mostly polymer external build on this gun but the sheer quality and solid build took away any ideas that tis Airsoft gun would be anything like a toy. The WE G39C is one of the best performing GBB Airsoft guns I have tried out getting up to 90 shots per gas fill on a magazine which is very impressive. We was also able to keep the price down which means more people can get into one of the G39C's. If you've been thinking about adding one of these to your arsenal I don't see any reason why not to!
