Entries in Comparison,Review

Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol Table Top Review

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Type: BB blowback air pistol.

Manufacturer:Umarex.

Model:Beretta Mod. 84 FS. (Cheetah)

Materials: Mostly metal with a few plastic parts.

Weight: 1.5 pounds.

Barrel: 3.6 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto, single action only.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 17 round full size drop out magazine.

FPS: 360.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS is fairly long but in term of resistance is about a medium pull, there is no double action so single action only but the pull is longer than most single action triggers to accommodate the BB chamber mechanism on the magazine. Basically a BB is pushed into the breach/barrel during the first half of the trigger pull, then the trigger is released. I did notice a fair bit of friction during teh BB loading stage and it has been recommended to lubricate this area of the magazine to smooth out the trigger pull.

Accuracy: I tested the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS from 30 feet back shooting at a paper target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front and standing in the back). My 10 shot grouping was just a bit above the center bulls eye and very well centered left and right All 10 BB's stayed within 1.5 inches with most of them grouping closer to a 1 inch group. The Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS also got a respectable 363 fps on this not super warm day so I would expect it to hit significantly higher than the claimed 360 fps during hot summer weather.

Build Quality: Being a pretty much all metal gun, makes the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS feel solid and sturdy. The only plastic parts on the Umarex 84 FS where the grips and some magazine parts like the CO2 tab. The painted finish is a nice satin black. The fit and finish on this Umarex CO2 Blowback BB pistol is top notch with virtually no slide slop at all.

Realism: The Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS is a fully licensed replica of the real steel Beretta Model 84 FS. It is an extremely close copy in both looks and feel, has a nice snappy blowback action and field strips just like a real Beretta 84 FS. You'll also find a full size drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and BB's and a working slide catch/release that locks back when the magazine is empty.

Available in the:Canada Replica Airguns Store & US Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

  • Good price for what you get!

  • Decent accuracy, power and CO2 usage combo.

  • Nice replica of the original Beretta 84 FS (Cheetah).

  • Crisp blowback action.

  • Working slide catch and release (Locks back after last shot).

  • Realistic working ambidextrous metal safety.

  • Full size dropout magazine that holds BB's and CO2.

  • Can be field stripped like original Beretta 84 FS.

  • Fully Beretta licensed.

  • Recessed barrel for realism. 

Cons:

  • Has the exposed CO2 tab on the bottom of the magazine.

  • Trigger is a bit long and tight because of how BB's are chambered.

Comments:

Umarex really came through on this one, perhaps they are listening to their customers more and more because time and time again we ask for the same things over and over again with our Replica Airguns: Metal parts where metal would be found on the real steel version, blowback operation for that realistic kick and single action trigger ability, a full size drop out magazine that holds the BB's and CO2, ability to field strip again like the original version, a recessed barrel so it does not look like a toy gun or a better way of saying it... make it just like the real steel version but have it shoot BB's :) I think Umarex got most everything covered with their new Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol.

Watch my Vimeo Review for the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Beretta, Beretta Model 84FS, Umarex

Umarex Makarov Ultra Legends CO2 Blowback BB Pistol Table Top Review

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Type: BB blowback air pistol.

Manufacturer:Umarex.

Model:Makarov Ultra.

Materials: Mostly metal with a few plastic parts.

Weight: 1.5 pounds.

Barrel: 3.5 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto, single action only.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 16-17 round full size drop out magazine.

FPS: 350.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Legends Makarov Ultra is fairly long but in term of resistance is about a medium pull, there is no double action so single action only but the pull is longer than most single action triggers to accommodate the BB chamber mechanism on the magazine. Basically a BB is pushed into the breach/barrel during the first half of the trigger pull, then the trigger is released.

Accuracy: I tested the Umarex Makarov Ultra Legends from 30 feet back shooting at a paper target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front and standing in the back). My 10 shot grouping was just a bit below the bulls eye but fairly well center left and right and all 10 BB's stayed within 2 inches with most of them grouping even tighter than that. Not bad at all! This pistol also got a respectable 333 fps on this not super warm day so I would expect it to hit the claimed 350 fps during summer weather.

Build Quality: Being a pretty much all metal gun, makes the Umarex Makarov Ultra feel solid and sturdy. The only plastic parts on the Umarex Makarov Ultra where the grips and some magazine parts like the CO2 tab. The painted finish is a nice metallic dark grey, a definite improvement over the previous Umarex non-blowback Makarov glossy black finish.

Realism: The Umarex Legends Makarov is a licensed replica of the Makarov PM 9x18 Russian military and police pistol. It is a very close copy in both looks and feel, has a very heavy blowback action and field strips just like a real Makarov. You'll also find a full size drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and BB's and a working slide catch/release that locks back when the magazine is empty.

Available in the:Canada Replica Airguns Store & US Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

  • Good price for what you get!

  • Decent accuracy, power and CO2 usage combo.

  • Nice replica of the original Makarov PM.

  • Heavy Blowback action.

  • Working slide catch and release (Locks back after last shot).

  • Realistic working metal safety.

  • Full size dropout magazine that holds BB's and CO2.

  • Can be field stripped like original Makarov.

  • Fully Makarov licensed.

  • Much better finish than original Umarex Makarov. 

Cons:

  • Has the exposed CO2 tab on the bottom of the magazine.

  • No recessed barrel.

  • Trigger is a bit long because of how BB's are chambered.

  • Safety does not de-cock the hammer like original.

Comments:

Umarex really addresses the majority of the shortcomings found on the original non-blowback 4.5mm Steel BB shooting Makarov. They added the much asked for blowback operation, made the slide catch/release operational, upgraded the magazine to a full size drop out CO2 and BB magazine, gave it a more realistic paint job and even replaced the plastic safety with a metal safety. The only tradeoff is the loss of the short take up single action trigger and perhaps a few fps. All in all a big improvement over the first version which even today is still a very good BB pistol.

Watch my Vimeo Review for the Legends Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Makarov, Makarov Ultra, Umarex

Umarex SA177 vs HPP Head to Head Shootout

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Some "not so new" CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistols from Umarex, but still popular Replica BB guns that have received a lot of attention and to be honest have to date not had a real "proper" Field Test. So why not put the Umarex SA177 and Umarex HPP side by side for yet another installment of Head to Head Shootouts!

Right off the bat I have to say that one of these very fine Blowback Air Pistols has been retired by Umarex. Word on the street is that some suits from a company that sell real steel semi auto pistols that kind of share a similarity to the Umarex SA177 may have applied some pressure to Umarex and somehow the mold got broken and guess what... No more Umarex SA177's :(

On a positive note, you can still get the Umarex HPP which in my opinion was always a better shooter with a much heavier and snappier blowback along with a very smooth trigger. And yes we have it the HPP for sale in our Canada and US Replica Airguns Stores.

Getting back to this Field Test Head to Head Shootout for the Umarex SA177 and HPP CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistols. I tested them both out on the Chronograph shooting 5 rounds in each gun using a brand new 12 gram CO2 in combination with 5.1 grain Umarex Zinc Coated Steel BB's. The SA177 average a bit higher at 395 fps while the HPP came in just a hair lower at a respectable 372 fps average.

In terms of accuracy from 30 feet out using a semi rested position (sand bag in the front, standing in the back), Both guns wanted to shoot just a bit to the left and they both had a definite internal tighter group that was about 1.5 inches with some strays that came outside opening the groups up to around 3 inches or so. Both BB Air Pistols worked flawlessly with no problems, again the Umarex HPP for me was more enjoyable to shoot with it's heavy blowback and lighter trigger over the SA177. You can also expect to get around 100 or even more shots out of a single CO2 cartridge.

Make sure to checkout my initial Table Top comparison video for these two Umarex Blowback BB Pistols, it goes back a few years for sure :)

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: H.P.P., SA177, Umarex

ASG STI Duty One vs CZ 75 P-07 vs Bersa BP9cc Head to Head Shootout

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I was waiting for a magazine for my ASG STI Duty One 1911 to show up so I could finally do this "Head to Head" Field Test Shooting Review Video for the ASG STI Duty One versus the ASG CZ 75 P-07 Duty versus the ASG Bersa BP9cc. All of which are Blowback CO2 4.5mm Steel BB pistols.

This Shooting Field Test went fairly well and all guns performed as expected, I did have one slide lock back on a loaded magazine with my ASG STI Duty One 1911 and one failure to lock back on the last shot with my ASG Bersa BP9cc, but it did eventually lock back.

During the Chronograph 5 shot per pistol test I got fairly similar fps from all three guns with the STI Duty One getting the highest of 372 average fps, the Bersa BP9cc getting runner up with 353 average fps and the CZ 75 P-07 Duty trailing the field just a bit with a 346 average fps.

During the target portion of this Field Test Shooting Review from 30 feet back in a semi rested position, again the pistols shot fairly similarly with all of them getting pretty close to 2-3 inch groupings. I did have a double shot right after my slide lock back on the STI Duty One as I pressed the trigger twice, once when the slide was locked back and again when I released it, this chambered two BB's into the barrel making the gun shoot a bit low for that double shot. With that negative one against the STI Duty One 1911, I did however find it the most pleasing to shoot! It had the best blowback action and the smoothest trigger, plus I just like holding and sighting in 1911's :)

The CZ 75 P-07 had the next hardest blowback with the Bersa BP9cc coming in second in the trigger department. All of these CO2 blowback BB pistols should get somewhere around 100+ shots pre CO2 if you take your time a bit between reloading magazines.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, Bersa, CZ 75 P-07 Duty, STI Duty One 1911

Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol Field Test Review

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My last CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistol Field Test Review from my latest acquisitions of New Umarex Air pistols. For many people that already liked the Umarex Makarov CO2 BB pistol, the Umarex Legends Makarov blowback version may just have everything you where looking for that was missing from version One? Well let's see... It has blowback - check! It has a working slide catch/release - check! It has a full size dropout metal magazine - check! And it's still all metal, field strip-able and has single a single action trigger!

Sounds pretty good so far... So how does the Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistol shoot? Well like the other new Umarex CO2 Blowback BB pistols I just tested, the Beretta 84 FS and the Mauser C96, I was not disappointed.

As per usual, I tested the Umarex Makarov Ultra out shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph with a new CO2 to find out the real world fps performance. Umarex claims 350 fps and I got pretty close to this at an average of 333 fps and I would have to say the temperature was no more than 10-15 Degrees Celsius (50-60 Fahrenheit) so there is definite room for improvement on a warmer day.

Next I stepped back 30 feet and shot 10 rounds at my paper target using a semi rested position (Standing in the back, rested on a sand bag in the front). After review of the video I noticed that the first shot was a double shot and both of these rounds hit a bit to the right compared to the remaining single shots, so my grouping ended up being more of a 2 inch group rather than a 1.5 inch group when discarding the double shot from this test.

I have to say I really like shooting the Umarex Legends Series Makarov Ultra, it has really solid blowback, a pretty decent single action trigger even if it is a bit long travel. I also found the accuracy to be very respectable from 30 feet out and the fps even though it could be a bit higher is more than enough for plinking purposes. And all of this from a really eye catching all metal licensed Makarov replica. Another nice Legends Series CO2 BB pistol from Umarex.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Makarov, Makarov Ultra, Umarex

Umarex C96 Mauser CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol Field Test Review

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Today I bring to you my shooting field test for my second new Umarex Blowback 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol and this one is part of the Legends Series, it's called the "Pistol C96" and is a variant of the Mauser C96, all though more so like the M1932 or M712 Schnellfeuer. The Umarex version is not licensed but none the less is a very good replica with lots of working parts including the blowback metal bolt, metal hammer, metal safety and adjustable metal rear sight. The single action only trigger is also metal along with the internal barrel and full size drop out metal magazine giving this otherwise all external plastic gun good overall weight of around 2 pounds.

Getting to the performance aspect of the Umarex C96 Mauser CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol, I can say it is even more fun to shoot than admire it's beauty! I first put 5 rounds through my Chronograph hoping to get somewhere near the 380 fps claimed rating and actually exceeded it with an average of 390 fps even on this slightly cool day.

Lately I have been stepping back to my 30 foot mark even for pistol field tests and so I tested the Legends Mauser C96 with 10 rounds at 30 feet out using a semi rested position and got a very respectable 1.25 inch shot group. I did have to adjust the rear sight up a few notches to get it a centered on the target but it is very easy to do on the fly with this Replica Blowback BB pistol.

I am very impressed with the single action only trigger on the Umarex C96, it is nice and short and not too heavy with a predictable release, combine that with a very snappy fast blowback and you have yourself a very quick shooter on your hands! You can expect to get somewhere around 100 shots per CO2 and this gun is very backyard friendly as it is one of the quieter CO2 BB guns I have tested.

Yes there is a a lot of plastic on the outside but everything else is awesome about this pistol so don't let a few molecules turn you off of this little treasure...

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Mauser C96, Umarex

Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol Field Test Review

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Finally, a field test video for you and I thought I would start off with the new Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol. This replica BB pistol is fully licensed and is a very decent operational replica to boot. It has a full size drop out metal magazine with blowback operation, a working slide catch/release and safety along with the ability to be easily field striped. Did I mention it's pretty much an all metal gun?

So this video is mainly about the performance and overall I was very happy with how the compact Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS shot for me. Even on this somewhat cool day, my average fps came in just a smidgen higher than the claimed 360 fps from Umarex. I was a bit surprised at the slightly heavy single action trigger but it didn't seem to effect the accuracy at all as I got about a 1.5 inch 10 shot group from 30 feet away using a semi rested position. You can even coax out around 100 shots per CO2 if you space your shooting out a bit and let the CO2 warm up between magazines.

All in all, if you like the Beretta 92 FS styled pistols but perhaps want a more compact version with good overall fps and accuracy along with licensing and quality build. Then for sure pick your self up an Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Beretta, Beretta Model 84FS, Umarex

New Umarex CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistols - Beretta Mod. 84 FS - Makarov Ultra - C96 Mauser

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I finally got some brand new Umarex pistols to share with you in this Vimeo video, all three of these CO2 4.5mm Steel BB pistols have blowback and use full size drop out magazines. They also all share single action only operation.

The Umarex Makarov Ultra (Legends Series) is an all metal pistol with very heavy blowback and a long but fairly smooth and medium pull single action trigger. Everything works just like the real steel version including the slide catch/release and safety. It is also fully field strip-able.

The Beretta 84 FS (Cheetah) also has a decent blowback feel but the trigger was a bit heavier on this model, perhaps the trigger will break in a bit over time? Still a really great full metal and fully licensed CO2 Blowback BB shooter with awesome weight to it. The Beretta 84 FS is fully field strip-able and has a working slide catch/release and safety.

Lastly I show you the Umarex Mauser C96 Boomhandle (Legends Series), although much of the external materials are plastic, there is lots of metal throughout like the barrel, bolt, rear sight, hammer, safety, trigger and most of the drop out magazine, giving this pistol a good overall weight to it. The blowback is super fast and crisp with a nice short and light single action trigger making rapid fire very quick.

Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol 

  • Full metal

  • Blowback operation

  • 4.5mm Steel BB

  • 12 Gram CO2

  • Single action only trigger

  • Fixed sights

  • 3.5 inch smooth bore barrel

  • 1.4 pounds

  • 16-17 round magazine

  • 350 fps

Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol

  • Full metal

  • Blowback operation

  • 4.5mm Steel BB

  • 12 Gram CO2

  • Single action only trigger

  • Fixed sights

  • 3.6 inch smooth bore barrel

  • 1.5 pounds

  • 16-17 round magazine

  • 360 fps

Umarex C96 Mauser CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol

  • Metal & plastic

  • Blowback operation

  • 4.5mm Steel BB

  • 12 Gram CO2

  • Single action only trigger

  • Adjustable rear sight

  • 5.5 inch smooth bore barrel

  • 1.8 pounds

  • 19 round magazine

  • 380 fps

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Beretta Model 84FS, Makarov Ultra, Mauser C96, Umarex

CO2 Versus Spring Versus Pump Airgun Comparison

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In this Comparison Video I go through the benefits and shortcomings of CO2, Spring Piston and Pump Airguns. I focus mainly on Airguns but there is a bit of a crossover with Airsoft guns.

All three systems (CO2, Spring, Pump) create pressure that forces the ammunition with a high force out of the barrel. Similar to how gun powder is the source of energy for a bullet.

Here are some basic statements that best describe CO2, Spring Piston and Pump Airguns.

CO2 Airguns:

  • CO2 Airguns use the expansion of CO2 gas to create the pressure required for the ammo.

  • CO2 Airguns generally store enough CO2 for multiple shots per cartridge.

  • CO2 Airguns have a limit as to how much power they can produce since CO2 has a set vapor pressure of 850 psi, or about 56 bar at room temperature which is around 25 C or 77 F. CO2 Gas also requires a warm environment to expand so warmer temperature and longer barrels help with power.

  • Some CO2 guns can also use pressurized air tanks in place of CO2.

Spring Piston Airguns:

  • Spring Airguns use the release of a pre-cocked spring and plunger system to compress air to power the ammo.

  • Spring Piston Airguns require the cocking of the spring between each shot so they are single shot only.

  • Spring Airguns are limited to how much effort is humanly possible to cock the spring into position. If you make the spring to strong then not everyone will be able to use the Airgun effectively. Too week of a spring and the Airgun will lack power.

  • Spring Piston Airguns are known for having a fair amount of recoil and vibration when the spring moves both forward and backwards quickly inside the Airgun.

  • Spring Airguns can use either a mechanical spring or a gas spring.

Pump Airguns:

  • Pump Airguns (either Single or Multi-Pump) store air pressure in a chamber that when released, powers the ammo.

  • Most Pump Airguns require at least 1 or more pumps, often up to 10 pumps for each shot and you generally only get one shot per set of pumps. Not to be confused with PCP Airguns (Pre Charged Pneumatic) which have large pressure tanks that are recharged with a high volume of pressurized air that is capable of shooting multiple shots per charge.

  • Pump Airguns are also somewhat limited to how much effort is humanly possible since the higher the chamber pressure, the harder it will be to pump the Airgun. 

Misc Airguns:

  • Generally speaking both Spring and Multi-Pump Airguns have more potential power than a CO2 guns since CO2 has a set peek pressure limit.

  • Pump and CO2 Airguns are know to have very little recoil since the pressure is stored in a chamber and then released by a valve. No slapping back and forth of a large internal spring.

Pros:

CO2 Airguns:

  • CO2 Airguns allow for multiple shots per CO2 cartridge for more realistic action shooting.

  • CO2 Airguns do not require any human effort to charge the gun other than loading the CO2 and Ammo into the Airgun.

  • CO2 Airguns allow for true semi auto shooting ability. 

Spring Piston Airguns:

  • Spring Airguns have the potential for high velocity since the larger and stiffer the spring, the greater the output force.

  • Spring Airguns do not require anything other than your ammunition, typically either a Pellet or BB.

  • Spring Airguns are mechanically very simple which makes them very reliable and less expensive to produce than other types of Airguns. 

Pump Airguns:

  • Pump Airguns have the potential for high velocity since more pumps equals greater output force, only limited by the users strength and the pressure rating of the Airgun.

  • Pump Airguns do not require anything other than your ammunition, typically either a Pellet or BB.

  • Pump Airguns have next to no recoil which makes them very easy to shoot and highly accurate.

Cons:

CO2 Airguns:

  • CO2 Airguns require the purchase and use of CO2 or they simple do not work.

  • CO2 Airguns are very susceptible to temperature changes, especially cold temperature since CO2 needs a warm environment in order to expand. Cool down effect also plays a role in power output.

  • CO2 Airguns have a maximum set amount of power output.

Spring Piston Airguns:

  • Spring Airguns require the pre-cocking of the spring for each shot.

  • Spring Airguns can take some getting used to since the spring recoil/vibration requires a very lose grip (Military Grip) to shoot accurately with them.

  • Spring Airguns should not be stored pre-cocked since this can damage the spring, less so with gas spring versions. 

Pump Airguns:

  • Pump Airguns require pre-pumping to pressurize the air chamber for each shot.

  • Pump Airguns, especially Multi-Pump Airguns take the most amount of human effort for each shot.

  • Pump Airguns need to stored with at least one pump in them or the seals can get damaged over time.

Categories: .22 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Break Barrel, CO2, Comparison, Multi-pump, PCP, Pellet, Pistol, Repeater, Revolver, Rifle, Semi Auto, Spring Piston Tags:

Blowback Versus Non-Blowback Airgun Comparison

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In this Comparison video I go through the benefits and shortcomings of both Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns. I focus mainly on Airguns but there is a definite crossover with Airsoft guns.

Here are some basic statements that best describe both Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns.

Blowback Airguns:

  • Blowback Airguns usually have a movable slide that moves back and forth with each shot.

  • Sometimes the blowback operation is internal (Internal bolt) so there may not be an external moveable slide.

  • Some CO2 is used to move the slide rearwards in a Blowback Airgun.

  • The Blowback motion of the slide with some blowback airguns can also cock the hammer or internal striker allowing for true single action trigger pull. But not always!

  • Some Blowback airguns have the potential for full auto capabilities since they can have a true semi auto action.

  • There is some noticeable recoil from the Blowback action simulating the recoil of a real gun.

Non-Blowback Airguns:

  • Non-Blowback Airguns can have fixed or movable slides but they will not cycle back and forth with each shot.

  • Non-Blowback Airguns tend to have less working parts since no Blowback valves are required or even a moveable slide.

  • There are some Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns that field strip similarly to their real steel counterparts but this is most commonly found in Blowback Airguns.

  • Non-Blowback Airguns require the shooter to cock the hammer for single action shooting or use a double action trigger pull for semi auto like performance.

Pros:

Blowback Airguns:

  • Blowback Action causes a noticeable recoil which makes the airgun feel more realistic.

  • Blowback Airguns in some cases have true semi auto action with true single action triggers which mimic the authenticity of the real steel versions of the guns they replicate much better making them better training tools.

  • Having some recoil makes blowback Airguns potentially better training tools.

  • Blowback Airguns look really cool when shooting them  and are great action prop guns.

Non-Blowback Airguns:

  • Non-Blowback Airguns tend to have less working parts so less to go wrong and more reliability.

  • Non-Blowback Airguns can be more accurate since the recoil from the blowback is not a factor.

  • Non-Blowback Airguns have more potential power and more shots per CO2 since no CO2 is robbed for the blowback operation.

Cons:

Blowback Airguns:

  • Blowback operation can rob some of the power and will also rob how many shots you get from the Airgun.

  • Blowback Airguns are effected even more by cold weather and the cool down effect.

  • The recoil from Blowback Airguns can effect accuracy for some shooters.

Non-Blowback Airguns:

  • Non-Blowback airguns are generally double action when shooting semi auto and so the trigger pull will be longer and heavier.

  • Non-Blowback Airguns do not replicate the recoil action of a real gun.

  • Non-Blowback Airguns do not look as cool to shoot and are not as good of an action prop gun.

Categories: .22 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, 6mm, Airsoft, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, GBB, Pellet, Pistol, Revolver, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags:

What is Better - Plastic or Metal Replica Airguns?

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It seems like most Replica Airguns collectors are looking for their Replica Airguns to be made out of metal. I even get people complaining about the frames of their airguns being made out plastic (polymer), when in fact the real steel version the gun is designed to replicate also has a plastic or polymer frame.

Most modern real guns are made as light weight and compact as possible, utilizing high grade plastics (polymer) and light weight metals. Of course they use high grade hardened steel in areas where the gun receives the most pressure and continuous wear and tear.

In the real steel gun world, lighter is often better since carrying around a 3 pound pistol all day can be uncomfortable. On the other hand in the Replica Gun world it can be the other way around as replica airgun collectors want that heavy clanky gun that feels solid and real in the hand.

This begs the question - Do Airguns really need to be made out of metal? For strength reason generally not since high pressure is not a factor even in blank guns as there is no bullet holding the pressure in the barrel and when talking about an Airgun or Airsoft Gun, there is even less pressure on the internal parts. For this reason most companies use low grade metals that have a higher content of zinc, often called pot metal. Even though it looks and feels like gun steel it is not nearly as strong and will scratch and break much easier and not be able to handle high pressure. So even though you may think metal is a better option for an Airgun, the reality is that plastic can sometimes be a better option, at least in terms of durability.

What are the benefits to Plastic components:

  • Lighter weight.

  • More flexible, can take a bit of a beating without breaking.

  • Does not show scratches or dents as much as metal. 

What are the benefited to Metal components:

  • Gives the gun a more realistic weight, feel & sound.

  • In some situations will wear better than plastic. 

What are the cons to Plastic components:

  • Can be less realistic in weight, feel and sound.

  • Can wear quicker than metal parts in some situations.

What are the cons to Metal components:

  • Shows scratches and wear more.

  • Lower quality metals can break or crack fairly easily. 

What do I prefer?

  • I prefer realism so I like to have metal parts where they would be in the real version of the same gun.

  • I like my Replica Guns to have a similar weight and feel as their real steel counterparts.

  • I like higher quality metals to be used in the mechanical parts like: (pins, triggers, hammers, barrels, screws, springs, catches…)

  • I don't mind the use of plastic when it is high quality plastic and again when used in a similar manor to the real steel version of the gun.

Watch my Vimeo video on What is Better - Plastic or Metal Replica Airguns?

Categories: Comparison, YouTube Video Tags:

Which Airgun is the Best?

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I finally answer the question... Which Airgun is the Best? There has to be a best airgun out there right? So let's cut to the chase and stop waisting everyones time and money buying the third Best Airgun or even the second best Airgun! Why would you even want anything other than the very best Airgun available to mankind!

I really hope you weren't one of the gullible ones that actually bought something other than the Best Airgun, well I guess you're going to have to watch my YouTube video to find out which Airgun is the Best Airgun of all time...

Categories: .22 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Multi-pump, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Revolver, Semi Auto, Spring Piston, YouTube Video Tags:

Pivothead Recon True Point-of-View HD Video Glasses Review

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I get asked about what cameras I use fairly often so a while back I made a video showing some of the cameras I used at that time. Since that video was made I have been using a newer pair of "HD Camera Glasses" called Pivothead Recons' which I really like and are very good quality and are perfect for that first person video camera angle.

In this video review, I show you around my pair of Pivothead Recon 1080p HD Camera Glasses and include some footage taken with them. I talk a bit about the specifications but have included the below specs right off of Pivothead's website to make sure it all gets covered:

OPTICS

4 ELEMENT GLASS LENS

Largan Glass Camera Lens

FOCUS

Recon'sContinuosFocus | Auto Focus: 4”- | Fixed focus: 2.8’ – | Macro 4”- 28”

FIELD OF VIEW

75 Degrees

IMAGE SENSOR

8MP Sony CMOS

RAM

2GB SDRAM

VIDEO

RESOLUTION

1080p@30fps | 720p@60fps | 720p@30fps

VIDEO FORMAT

Mp4 H.264

EXPOSURE

Auto | Bright | Dim

VIDEO OPTIONAL SETTING

Black & White | Face Tracking | Time/Date Stamp

AUDIO FORMAT

AAC MONO

44.1 kHz

PHOTO

IMAGE SIZE OPTIONS

8MP | 5MP | 3MP

BURST OPTIONS

16 Shot Stills | 10 Shot Stills | 5 Shot Stills | 3 Shot Stills

TIME LAPSE OPTION

1 Shot/1s | 1 Shot/30s | 4 Shots/8s

4 Shots/30s | 10 Shots/30s | 5 Shots/60s

FOCUS

Auto | Macro

EXPOSURE

Auto | Bright | Dim

ISO

Auto | 200 | 800 | 1600

PHOTO OPTIONAL SETTING

Black & White | Face Tracking | Time/Date Stamp

STORAGE

INTERNAL MEMORY

8GB

INTERFACE

USB CABLE

USB 2.0 Cable for Charging and Data Transfer

POWER

RECHARGEABLE

Rechargeable 3.7VLi-Polymer/440mAh

DC POWER

USB power via Micro USB, 5V DC 500mA

OPERATING SYSTEM

SYSTEM

Mac | PC | Android

PRE SET MODES

Active | Action Sport | Power Save

Spectator | Hands On (Macro) | Social | Black & White

CERTIFICATION

FCC | FDA | CE

Make sure to watch my Vimeo Video Review of the Pivothead Recon HD Video Glasses:

Categories: Accessory, Non Airguns, Review, YouTube Video Tags:

G&G CM16 Carbine Light Version 2 GBB AR Airsoft Rifle Table Top Review

5 Comments

Type: Airsoft AR M16 Styled Rifle.

Manufacturer:G&G.

Model:CM16 Carbine GBB.

Materials: Metal and plastic/fiber construction.

Weight: 5 pounds.

Barrel: 10 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: GBB

Action: Semi & full auto blowback.

Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 30+ round magazine.

FPS: 370+.

I could pretty much copy and paste my review of my G&G CM16 Raider GBB since both of these guns are pretty much the same Airsoft Rifle with different finishings. Instead I will place a link to my G&G CM16 RaiderVersion 2 GBB AR Airsoft Rifle Review and insert some nice photos of the  G&G CM16 Carbine version for you to admire :)

Categories: 6mm, Airsoft, Blowback, Comparison, Full Auto, GBB, Review, Rifle, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: CM16 Carbine GBB, G&G

Tanfoglio Gold Custom vs Sig Sauer X-Five Sight Rail Head to Head Shootout

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Moving on to the head to head comparison of the Tanfoglio Gold Custom versus the Sig Sauer X-Five Sight Rail (Open version). Again like my previous video of the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 versus the Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92, these two Air Pistols feature full size drop out metal magazines that hold the CO2 and 4.5mm steel BB's, along with full blowback with working slide catches, safeties and magazine releases. Both are field Strippable and both have the addition of sight rails with red dot sights for quick target acquisition.

I did not find either sight rail pistol to be all that much more accurate than similar open sight pistols like the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 and Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92, but I did find that target acquisition was much quicker and even when I accidentally double tapped the trigger, the second round was right on target.

In this field test comparison I shoot both guns through my Chronograph to see what kind of feet per second performance each one shoots, I also take them back 30 feet and shoot 10 rounds on a paper target using a semi rested position for true accuracy results.

Watch my Field Test Head to Head Shootout for the Tanfoglio Gold Custom versus the Sig Sauer X-Five Sight Rail:

KWC Model 75 TAC Blowback BB Pistol.jpg
 
Sig Sauer 4.5Mm X-Five.jpg
Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, Accessory, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Cybergun, KWC, Sig Sauer X-Five P226, Tanfoglio Gold Custom

KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 vs Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92 Head to Head Shootout

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Here is the third video in a series of Head to Head Air Pistol Shootouts. In this video place the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 head to head versus the Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92.

Both CO2 4.5mm Replica Air Pistols feature full size drop out metal magazines that hold the CO2 and 4.5mm steel BB's. These super realistic BB guns also have full blowback with working slide catches, safeties and magazine releases and they can both be field stripped juts like the real steel versions.

In this field test comparison I shoot both guns through my Chronograph to see what kind of feet per second performance each one shoots, I also take them back 30 feet and shoot 10 rounds on a paper target using a semi rested position for true accuracy results.

Watch my Field Test Head to Head Shootout for the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 vs Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92:

SWISS arms 177 P92.jpg
kwc M1911 A1.jpg
Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Beretta M 92 FS, Cybergun, GSG 92, KWC, M1911 A1 Tac

Gamo PT-85 vs Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm Head to Head Shootout

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Installment number 2 of my Head-to-Head Airgun comparisons. In this video I compare the replica Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol versus the Gamo PT-85 CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol. Both are very similar mechanically and use very similar rotary magazines combined with single action hammers and very heavy blowback.

Make sure to checkout my other posts for my Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm and also the  Gamo PT-85.

Watch the video below to see the Beretta PX4 Storm CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol go head to head against the Gamo PT-85 CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol in both a test of the feet per second performance and accuracy shooting at 30 feet using a semi rested position.

 
Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, Blowback, CO2, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: Beretta, Gamo, PT-85, PX4 Storm, Umarex

ASG Dan Wesson 8 inch Revolver vs Umarex S&W 327 TRR8 Head to Head Shootout

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This post is really all about watching the YouTube video and seeing how these two similar CO2 4.5mm Steel BB revolvers compare to each other. I was working with a new Chronograph since again it was really dark outside and my old Chronograph does not like darkness. I did get some usable Chrony results with the new one but I did have to work for it ;)

Make sure to checkout my other posts for my Dan Wesson revolvers and also the Umarex S&W 327 TRR8.

Watch the video below to see the Dan Wesson 8 inch 4.5mm Steel BB Revolver go head to head against the Umarex S&W 327 TRR8 in both a test of the feet per second performance and accuracy shooting at 30 feet using a semi rested position.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, CO2, Field Test, Pistol, Review, Revolver, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, Dan Wesson, S&W 327 TRR8, Umarex

Commonly Asked for Head to Head Gun Shootouts

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I get many question over on my Vimeo Channel, lots of times people asking me which gun is better and in most cases it really comes down to personal preference. But in some situations the comparisons are really close and to be honest it's even hard for me to decide which gun I think is better.

I get asked which one has higher fps, or is more accurate, or has harder blowback recoil... the list goes on. Without actually taking both gun outside and doing a head to head test using the same exact situations, I really can not honestly tell you! So that's exactly what I am going to do. Take some of the most commonly asked about gun comparisons and have a showdown.

Over the next while I will be making a total of five separate videos where I compare the following CO2 BB pistols head to head:

Make sure to come back and check out these upcoming head to head field test shooting videos!

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Field Test, Full Auto, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Revolver, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, Cybergun, Gamo, KWC, Umarex

My Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Gun Collection Favorites for 2013

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So it's 2014 but I still needed to make my 2013 Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Gun Collection Favorites for 2013. It's become a tradition I guess you could say. No I do not show all the guns in my collection but I do cover most of my favorites and also some new guns I picked up in 2013.

Here's a peek but make sure to watch the YouTube video bellow where I go over all my top picks for 2013. You can also buy many of the guns I show in this YouTube video over in our Canada and US Replica Airguns Store!

2013 BB Pistols

2013 Pellet Pistols

2013 Airsoft Pistols

2013 Blank Pistols

2013 Rifles

Categories: .20 cal, .22 cal, .43 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, 6mm, 8mm, 9mm, Airsoft, BB, Blank Gun, Blowback, Bulk Air, CO2, Full Auto, GBB, Multi-pump, Paintball, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Revolver, Rifle, Semi Auto, Single Shot, Spring Piston, YouTube Video Tags: