I don't do a lot of Springer (Spring Piston) Air Rifle shooting tests or even reviews for that matter. Mainly for a couple of reasons: Number 1, my content is mostly focused around Replica style Airguns and Number 2, it's kind of hard to test out the longer range airguns in my 30 foot airgun range. That said I felt the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle would be a really great airgun to review since it is both affordable and even though it is targeted for the youth market, it really does make a great shooter for all ages.
I have not done a Table Top Review for the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle but plan to shortly so stay posted for more detailed info on the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle down the road in that review.
So how'd we do during my Field Test Shooting Video for the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle? Not bad I would say! Using about 6 grain rather light weight .177 caliber lead pellets I was able to get really close to the 500 fps claimed fps mark coming in just under at a 5 shot testing average of 485 fps. I did put a couple heavier grain pellets through my Chrony Chronograph and got closer to the 400 fps mark, still not bad for this lighter sprung spring piston air rifle.
In terms of accuracy, shooting at my paper target setup 30 feet down range in my Sea Can Airgun Range, I shot about a 1 inch 10 shot grouping. I was finding the trigger break-in to be a bit unpredictable during this testing which led to some premature shots going off so I do feel once the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is broken in and me getting use to the trigger break, I should be able to improve on this result.
Overall the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is a really nice entry level airgun perfect for all ages and not just the youth market. It looks really cool, is easy to cock and has a very resilient finish. Oh ya it shoots pretty good to!
I was a bit surprised by the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol, it actually shot a lot better than I was expecting it to perform. I did have to aim rather low since the Umarex DX-17 BB Pistol likes to shoot on the high side but if you are shooting at closer in ranges then you won't have to adjust your aim point so high.
Getting into my performance testing for the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol, I placed 5 shots through my Chrony Chronograph and averaged 210 fps which again was very close to the Umarex claimed 200 fps, even a little bit higher! he DX-17 is a single shot repeater but because of the BB reservoir you can quickly reload follow up shots by simply point the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol a little upward while pulling the slide back and pushing it forward to active the spring piston and load a BB at the same time.
As I mentioned the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol shot on the high side, at 30 feet it's a good 8-9 inches high but I have a feeling that this is about as high as the BB's will rise since they are not going that fast and gravity will start bringing them back down. At about 10-15 feet out from a target the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol seemed to shoot about 3-4 inches high so not nearly as bad and this can be adjusted pretty easy by simply aiming a bit under the target you are shooting at. In terms of a 10 shot grouping theUmarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol got about a 4 inch grouping which I have to say kind of surprised me as I was expecting a much larger spread.
So for about $20 you kind of get what you pay for but I really think with the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol you perhaps get a little more! It has a really good trigger, seemed to be built pretty tuff, shot exactly right on the claimed fps mark and was even able to keep a reasonable grouping. And to keep costs down even more you never need to buy CO2 so that's another bonus.
Trigger Pull: The single action only trigger pull on the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol is actually pretty good. It's fairly short with only a little bit of very light take up and then an easy release that has no added friction. So you will have to get use to when and where the release happens but it is a really decent trigger for such an inexpensive airgun.
Accuracy: I have only shot the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol a few times to get use to the mechanical operation of using this spring powered pistol since there is a very specific order in which you need to cock and load the Umarex DX-17 for proper operation. I did find the DX-17 shot a bit high for me at 30 feet out so I had to adjust my aim point about 5-6 inches lower to hit targets at this range. For further out shooting you many not need to do so since the fps is fairly low and I would expect the BB to drop pretty quickly. In terms of power being that the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol is only rated at 200fps, well it seems sufficient enough for plinking away at targets and should have no problem getting through a pop can.
Build Quality: I was expecting this $20 low cost BB airgun to be fairly low quality in general but when I took it out of the plastic clamshell packaging I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and how the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol felt in my hand. It has a good weight to it and the fit and finish are really good. Mechanical parts tolerances feel snug and the plastic used feels of good quality.
Realism: The Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol as far as I know is not a replica of any specific real steel gun in production but it does kind of remind me of a Browning Hi-power at least the back half and the way the frame angles up a bit in front of the trigger. Other than that it looks the part of a real gun. The DX-17 has what looks like real working parts on it with the slide catch, magazine release and magazine but plat all moulded into the airgun. Available at the:Replica Airguns Store
Pros:
At $21 Canadian its great value for a target plinker.
It actually looks and feels pretty good in person, better than I expected build quality and weight to it.
No CO2 required so very cheap to shoot.
Single action trigger is actually really decent, better than most airguns.
Accessory rail for adding a red dot or perhaps a tactical light.
15 round reservoir makes followup shots quicker and no fumbling around loading BB’s in-between shots.
Lower fps means if you do do something stupid you are less likely to have to make a trip to the doctor
Cons:
Pretty low fps so don’t expect any long range shooting or great penetration.
Sights are not adjustable and it seems to shoot kind of high.
Why not rifle the barrel and make pellets an option?
Comments:
I rarely review these super low cost airguns especially spring powered ones with low fps, it almost seems like why would you want any of that? But you know the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol is actually a great little airgun and you really can't beat the price tag. You are also going to save a bunch of money not having to buy CO2 and once you load 15 rounds into the BB reservoir you can empty the DX-17 fairly quickly. Sure the power seems a bit low but it gets the job done and like I said if there was an accident, you are less likely to break that window or require medical attention. I think this would be a great add on to an existing order you might be making with us, that way you wouldn't have to pay for shipping for this one item and you get a fun little plinker for only $20 more.
My Vimeo Videos for the Umarex DX-17 Spring Powered BB Pistol:
Well the Shipping Container Office and Airgun Shooting Range is finally all ready to use and so for this first ever airguns shooting video in it, I simply wanted to try out a couple of airguns and see how this new setup worked. I also wanted to play around with some camera position setup to see how it all looked and if there will be any additional lighting or placement considerations.
Summer is here! While some folks are working on a tan, you're out working on your aim. This weekend, stock up on all the essentials — ammo, CO2, targets, extra mags — so you can shoot until the sun goes down.
When you spend $50 or more on any items, we'll ship them to you for free! Ends Monday, so don't wait.
I got a lot done this week in the Shipping Container Project Office and Airgun Shooting Range. Finished up all the drywall office mudding, I primed and painted the the office, connected up all the electrical and office lighting and installed the hardwood and baseboard along with the trimming. All that's left in the office is some caulking, paint touchup and then I have to figure out how I'm going to finish up the shooting hole? I do have some ideas for it though...
Next week I will be working on these odds and ends and hopefully may even get the shooting range spray foam insulted?
About three weeks ago I started the interior construction of the Shipping Container Project. So far I have cut out the window and door, framed the office in, installed the window and door, done some preliminary painting, wired in electricity for the entire unit, added an internet line, run underground wiring to the main house, installed insulation and vapor barrier and last but not least, added the drywall. I would have to say the worst is over and now I look forward to more of the finishing work like painting, flooring, connecting the electrical plugs and lighting fixtures.
The only real big jobs left to do would be painting the outside of the Sea Can and spray foam insulating the shooting range area but the spray foaming I will be contracting out and getting it done professionally so that part will be easy at least!
Yup, another Shipping Container Project Update Video! For those of you interested in this project I am sure you have been waiting with baited breath ;) And for those wanting more airgun videos you are probably wondering when I will resume making more... Heck, I'm with you on that one, this manual labour stuff is way harder than making airgun videos, but it is all for the greater good. I will try and slip in some airgun related videos before this Shipping Container Project is finished, that's almost a promise!!!
At this point I am almost ready for drywall, all the electrical is completed including running the power and Internetunderground to the poorhouse and main house. I need to have my Internets at full jam, that's a must!
This week I will be getting the electirfcal all hooked up to the main box, adding isulation and vapour barrier, some more window baar cleanup and painting and by end of the week I hope to have the drywall in place along with the taping and first layer of mud.
Oh yah, this video also includes a huge bonfire, every spring and fall we usually burn all the fallen branches and yard debris, everyone comes out and enjoys the huge fire :)
The Shipping Container Project is moving along nicely, this past week I finished up my office area framing, I also got the door and window cutout and installed! Next up on my list is cleaning up and painting the window bars so I can make the unit a bit more secure. I suppose I will have to do the same with the metal door since it is in dire need of a facelift. Once the doors and windows are all taken care of I will be moving on to the electrical and wiring. My goal is to get all of this done by end of week... The sooner I get this Shipping Container Project done the sooner I can get back to making even better and more consistent airgun videos in my new home.
This week I started framing in my new office and in this video I show the wall closest to the airgun range where the door and shooting opening are situated. I managed to frame the back wall in too. I also talk about how much time it takes even before you pick up a drill or hammer simply planning everything out and acquiring all the supplies required for a project like this. I have spent a ton of time researching what I need to make this Shipping Container Project into the vision I have for it. Spoiler alert, in my next video the framing is all done including the installation of my window and outside door, glad that part is over!
No need to hunt for deals this Easter, EVERYTHING in our store is on sale! So kickoff your long weekend with a long-barreled revolver. Celebrate spring’s arrival with a spring powered sniper rifle. Or treat yourself to a hollow chocolate bunny and some hollow point pellets. This deal ends soon, so hop to it!
Lately I have been doing a lot of sourcing out figuring out how everything is going to be laid out, what kind of lighting I want to use, how am I going to heat the office area in my shipping container. I want to keep everything pretty low power so my plan is to go with all LED lighting and a 400 Watt heater which should be
fine in my 90 square foot insulated office space. I plan to blast the shooting range with some propane heat on days when I need it for the shooting testing during the colder months.
I did pickup some hardwood flooring pretty cheap at Big Box Store and also got my 3x6 office window from Surrey New and Used. I already have metal doors that my father-in-law has had stashed away for several decades but at least now they are going to come in handy.
The first job or actual work I needed to do on the Shipping Container Project was to level and place the Sea Can onto some bricks/slabs, this also helps to keep the underside dry so it does not rust out. There shouldn't be much settling since the storage container is resting on my gravel parking area and the gravel goes right down about 1 foot deep to the hard pan.
Next on my list is starting the framing, figuring out exactly where the windows and doors will be and of course cutting the container to fit them.
This Vimeo video will be a little different than most, sorry no shooting and not even a single gun to show anywhere in this video! But it will lead to hopefully better shooting field test and table top videos down the road as I will have a dedicated space not only to work but to also shoot my review airguns.
Today, well actually yesterday a 40 foot shipping container (Sea Can) showed up at my house. This new metal box is going to be my airgun shooting range and office space combined. It will contain a 30 foot airgun shooting range closest to the rear doors so that I can open them and create a longer range if necessary. The front 10-12 feet of the container will be my work office space where. I will also use some of the container for storage.
Over the next few weeks I will be leveling the container, framing and insulating the office area, adding some electricity and lighting and of course completing some finishing work to the office space to make it more cozy. Eventually I hope to do some outside work giving the container some more curb appeal with a new coat of paint.
I plan to make more videos to share with everyone of the work progress as it happens so keep watching...
This year at SHOT Show 2017 in Las Vegas, I found there wasn’t a lot of new Airgun products but as always there are some that stood out for me. If you want more info on each Airgun Company then make sure to watch my full interviews for this years SHOT Show 2017. So without prolonging this video any longer let’s get right into it…
Umarex Legends MP CO2 Full Auto German MP40 Replica Machine-gun:
What’s not to like about the Umarex Legends MP? It has lots of metal parts weighing in at 7.7 pounds, a 60 round steel BB magazine with a dual 12 gram CO2 system. You also get your choice of shooting either in semi auto or full auto at up to 400 fps. Personally the Umarex Legends MP was the most interesting Airgun at the show this year for me and I really think it is going to be a hit!
Umarex SA10 Blowback Pellet and BB CO2 Pistol:
Another interesting product from Umarex this year was the SA10, I am not really sure what it is exactly styled after, it’s more of a futuristic looking gun with slide venting and a thread barrel for adding a mock suppressor or compensator. What appealed to me most about the Umarex SA10 was the new magazine design that incorporates a full size drop out metal magazine with 4 rotary 8 round magazines that can be loaded with either pellets or BB’s. When you empty one 8 shot magazine you simply drop the entire mag out and swap your empty 8 shot rotary magazine for a full one. The SA10 has a nice weight of around 2 pounds and shoots up to 426 fps.
Sig Sauer ASP P320 CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol:
Sig Sauer introduced their new Sig Sauer ASP P320 CO2 Pellet Pistol this year that will be replacing the P250. Like the P250 the Sig P320 has a metal slide and polymer frame but instead of a double sided 16 shot rotary magazine, the Sig ASP P320 has a newly designed and very unique 30 round belt fed magazine. That’s nearly double the capacity without having to flip the magazine around part way through shooting. It’s great to see innovations like this happening in the airgun market.
Crosman Remington 1875 Shell Loading CO2 Pellet and BB Revolver:
Crosman introduced their own Single Action Old West Revolver this year in the form of the Remington 1875. Like the super popular Umarex Single Action Army Revolvers, the Remington 1875 is also shell loading and uses 12 gram CO2. You have the option of shooting either Pellets or BB’s out of its smooth bore barrel. I expect the Crosman Remington 1875 Shell Loading Revolver to be another popular Old West Airgun Revolver.
Crosman PSM45 Single Shot Spring Powered BB Pistol:
The Crosman PSM45 at first glance may not seem that interesting, after all it’s all plastic on the outside and only shoots about 200 fps! On the plus side it kind of looks like a Glock and we all know how hard it is to find airguns these days that resemble a Glock. I also like the fact that there is no need for any CO2, and most springers out there look like springers while the Crosman PSM45 looks like a real semi auto pistol. The PSM45 even has pretty decent weight to it since there are lots of internal metal parts and a full size drop out metal magazine which was a real surprise in such an entry level low cost pistol. If you’re looking for a fun inexpensive replica plinker than the Crosman PSM45 should fit the bill. On a side not the PSM45 would also make a really great low cost prop since the slide does work and it has that full size drop out magazine!
ASG Dan Wesson 715 2.5 and 4 inch Shell Loading CO2 Revolvers:
The ASG Dan Wesson Revolver has always been a popular choice, and then the Dan Wesson 715 came out improving on the design by adding extra weight and smoothing out the mechanics. How do you top that? Well by giving us some more options like barrel lengths. You now have your choice of a 2.5, 4 or 6 inch barrel for the Dan Wesson 715 and of course you will be able to buy your 715 pick in 4.5mm Steel BB, 6mm Plastic Airsoft or .177 Caliber Pellet ammunition versions. My personal choice may be the 4 inch Dan Wesson 715 since it has the addition of an integrated accessory rail machined into the outer barrel for lasers or tach lights.
Gletcher M1944 Mosin Nogant CO2 BB Rifle:
The Gletcher M1944 Mosin Nogant CO2 BB Rifle is not a new replica gun this year but it has been a hard one to get your hands on. In fact up until SHOT Show 2017 I had never seen one in person and so the Gletcher M1944 is new to me. I was very impressed with the quality of the Gletcher M1944 Mosin Nogant, it has a lot of metal parts including the swing out bayonet and even the simulated wood stock looks like real wood. I even had to take a second look and ask before confirming that the stock is in fact plastic on the Gletcher M1944 Mosin Nogant. I am looking forward to reviewing this rifle in the future when I do finally get one!
Of course there where other interesting products at SHOT Show 2017 this year but those are the products that stood out the most for me. Again make sure to watch my full interview videos to find out more about all the new products at this years SHOT Show.
Roses and chocolate are nice, but nothing says "I Love You" like a semi-automatic rifle. This year ditch the dinner reso and take your sweetheart on a romantic airsoft or hunting adventure. Couples who play together stay together, right?!
And finally my last Vimeo video from SHOT Show 2017 in Las Vegas! Sorry there is no Interview this time with KWA but I did talk a lot with the KWA folks over at SHOT Show this year and I even got to test out their Laser Targeting System designed to be used with several specifi KWA guns by laser-ammo.com.
Unfortunately we don't carry the KWA brand in the replica Airguns store, a few models sneak in when being distriubted by another company like ASG in the case of the ASG MP9. I would love to carry KWA Airsoft Products in the future since they really do make very high quality Airsoft guns.
KWA has a great selection of Airsoft pistols and rifles in both Gas Blowback and AEG formats. The quality reminds me of the KJWors Airsoft guns we sell in the Replica Airguns Canada Store, you can really feel the quality when you pick them up and hold them for yourself.
My First SHOT Show 2017 Las Vegas Interview to kick things off! Dani Navickas from Sig Sauer ASP talks with me about three new CO2 blowback air pistols Sig Sauer ASP is introducing this year just in time for spring season.
The Sig Sauer ASP P320 will be replacing last years P250, don't worry the Sig Sauer ASP P226 is not going anywhere! The P320 is a CO2 Blowback Pellet pistol similar to the previous P250 but this new model has a 30 round belt fed magazine rather than a dual sided 16 round rotary magazine. I love that Sig Sauer ASP is coming out with new innovations like this for us Airgun enthusiasts! The Sig Sauer ASP P320 has a metal slide and polymer frame like it's big powder burning brother and throws pellets at around 430 fps average. Don't expect a ton of shots per CO2, you will be lucky to get two magazine out of a single 12 gram CO2 but I am sure the extra power is worth it.
Sig Sauer ASP also introduced this year two new full metal and full blowback CO2 BB firing 1911's that feature a working safety and grip safety along with a true single action trigger. You have your choice of the signatured Max Michel in two tone black and silver or the Spartan in a Gold Brown finish. Both of these guns are based on the same mechanical build but are cosmetically different. I can say they feel really good in the hand and are super solid. There is a bit of a trade off, you do get a bit higher fps (around 410 fps) than some other 1911's at out there but you will have to put up with a stick magazine.
Last week I was in Las Vegas to attend this years 2017 SHOT Show. As always I look forward to this event since I not only get to look at all the new Airgun related products, but I also meet with the big Airgun companies and talk face to face with many of the good folks I have been emailing back and forth with.
This first video will hopefully get you excited to watch my upcoming Interview videos I will be making for companies like: Sig Sauer ASP, Umarex, ASG, Crosman and Gletcher. I also have some additional video of the KWA booth where they had a laser sighting system set up for people to test out their Airsoft guns on a simulated targeting system.
Happy Holidays from everyone here at Replica Airguns! This year we're offering our loyal customers the gift of FREE SHIPPING in both our Canada and US Online Stores. But it all ends Monday night. So as you recover from your food hangover and Die Hard marathon, check out the great guns and accessories available at ReplicaAirguns.ca and ReplicaAirguns.us
Not sure which accessories match your new gun? We're here to help you with that!
