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.

Type: Pellet/BB Multi-pump Air Rifle.

Manufacturer:Crosman.

Model: MK-177.

Materials: Plastic with some metal.

Weight: 3.5 pounds.

Barrel: 16.75 inches, rifled.

Propulsion: Multi-pump.

Action: Single shot - bolt action with manual advance magazine.

Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellets & 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 5 shot pellet magazine - 18 shot BB internal BB magazine - 350 round BB hopper.

FPS: 750 with Pellets and 800 with BB's for the US version (Up to 495 with Canada version).

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman MK-177 is medium length and fairly light. The trigger mainly releases the bolt so no pre-cocking of the trigger is required. The trigger is plastic but seems to work just fine as there is no real load on the trigger when shooting, you do need to get used to where the release point since there is some take up well before the trigger releases.

Accuracy: I found the Crosman MK-177 Air Rifle to be a very good shooter, getting about a 1 inch 10 shot grouping from 30 feet out in a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back). I also put 3 rounds through my somewhat failing Chrony Chronograph using 3,5 & 10 pumps and the MK-177 with the maximum 10 pump shot as high as 631 fps using 6.9 grain RWS lead pellets. I would expect the Canadian detuned version to shoot well below the 500 fps Canada limit much like my Canadian Crosman M4-177 I reviewed a while back.

Build Quality: The Crosman MK-177 Multi-pump Air Rifle is mostly molded plastic, but for a $100-ish Military Styled Replica Air Rifle it hits the mark in terms of affordability and if it was an all metal airgun you would more than likely expect to double or tripple this price point! Even though plastic is used throughout this Air Rifle, there are some internal metal parts where they need to be, the fit and finish seems to be good and I do not get the feeling the Crosman MK-177 is cheaply made in any way. The fact that most parts are molded means there is very little that can snap or break off and will make this air rifle even more durable longterm.

Realism: The Crosman MK-177 is a lose replica or copy of an FN SCAR Assault Rifle or ACR. It is not exact in terms of true dimensions to accommodate the pumping mechanism, You will not find very many working parts as just about everything is molded into the plastic on this Crosman MK-177 rifle. Unlike the Crosman M4-177 the lower magazine area is not removable and the rear stock is also none adjustable, I am not sure why Crosman didn't add these features to the MK-177 like they did to the M4-177? I am glad to see another Replica Assault rifle on the market as so few of them are available in Pellet or steel BB shooters.

Available in the:Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• The only SCAR Pellet/BB rifle I know of?

• Fairly well priced.

• Excellent accuracy!

• Very easy to pump.

• None red dot version comes with detachable and adjustable iron sights.

• Rails on top and sides for accessories.

• Option of shooting pellets or BB's, I would stick to pellets and save the barrel since it is not semi auto.

• Feels super solid since there are very few moving parts that could break.

• Looks like the Crosman M4-177 Pellet magazines are compatible.

Cons:

• Mostly plastic and just about everything is molded into the gun.

• Bolt and magazine are on opposite sides?

• Would of been cool if Crosman made a dedicated BB magazine?

Comments:

The Crosman MK-177 Multi-Pump Pellet/BB Air Rifle is very much like it's brother the Crosman M4-177 with a few plusses and a few minuses when comparing the two of them together. On the plus side the MK-177 has a bit more power and also the pumping is much easier while yielding higher internal pressures. On the downside the Crosman MK-177 is almost entirely molded plastic with no removable lower magazine or adjustable stock, and the bolt has been switched around to what I feel is the wrong side since now you need to index the magazine on one side and work the bolt on the other requiring a less efficient approach. Either way it is nice to have another replica air rifle on the marker and for the relatively low price you get a nice accurate pellet rifle, great for target shooting and even small pest control.

Watch my Vimeo Full Video Review of the Crosman MK-177 Pellet/BB Air Rifle:

BuyAir Rifles in Canada 

Buy Air Rifles in the US

I wanted to cover some basic Airgun, Airsoft Gun, Blank Gun and Paintball Gun information on what do they all shoot, what makes them shoot and some other miscellaneous info thrown in along the way...

Your should also watch the video attached at the bottom of this post as it goes into a fair amount of detail.

Let's begin with the types of ammo used:

Airgun Ammo

• Airgun ammo for the most part is broken down into BBs and Pellets, the most standard size BB and Pellet is the 4.5mm or .177 caliber Steel BB and Lead Pellet. You can also get Pellets in other calibers and even other materials other than lead such as steel or aluminum, some can have plastic skirting around a metal interior.

• Pellets also come in a variety of caliber's like .177, .20. 22. 25 and even larger but then I would start considering them to be bullets as they will take on the shape of a bullet when they get into the larger sizes.

• Airgun Ammo is not be fired at people, it is primarily used for target and hunting small game.

• Airguns can use Spring Pistons, CO2, Compressed Air and Multi-pump propulsion systems.

Airsoft Gun Ammo

• Airsoft Guns for the most part shoot round 6mm (.22 caliber) plastic BBs which come in a variety of weights ranging from .12 grams up to .48 grams. There are larger Airsoft BBs such as 8mm and even larger.

• There are biodegradable and even tracer florescent Airsoft BBs available.

• Airsoft Ammo is traditionally used for Airsoft battles and can be fired at people using protective gear. Airsoft Ammo can also be used for target shooting.

• Airsoft Guns can use Spring Pistons, Spring Piston - AEG (Electric Motor) CO2, Gas (Green, Red, Propane) and Compressed Air propulsion systems.

Paintball Gun Ammo

• Paintball Guns or "Markers" have been historically used for the sport of Paintball but their whereabouts came from the need of ranchers and forestry workers to mark trees. Hence the name "Marker"

• Paintball ammo comes in a variety of sizes ranging with the most common being .43 and .68 caliber. They are generally made from a gelatin outer coating containing primarily polyethylene glycol, other non-toxic and water-soluble substances, and dye, they are usually biodegradable.

• Paintball Guns can also shoot a variety of Paintball Ammo that can be made out of Rubber, Plastic, Glass and they can also contain Powders and even Pepper for use in non lethal defense.

• Paintball Guns can generally use either CO2 or Compressed Air as their propellant.

Blank Gun Ammo

• Blank Guns are just like Real Guns but without the dangerous bullet at the end of the brass shell. Other than that they work exactly the same as a Real Gun!

• Blank Guns are used when a bullet is not required or even wanted. For instance... Gun safety, gun training, training animals to be around guns and/or loud noises, Props for Movies - Stage -  Film - TV, Collectors that do not want the red tape associated with owning a Real Gun or when owning a Real Gun is prohibited.

• Blank Guns can shoot a variety of sized ammo, most common are .22 caliber crimped, .380 crimped, 8mm P.A.K. and 9mm P.A.K.

• Blank Guns use gun powder as their means of operation.

Here are the most common forms of propulsion used in the guns we discussed earlier:

CO2

• CO2 is the most common propellant in Airguns (BB and Pellet), it is also used in Airsoft Guns and Paintball Guns.

• CO2 is a compressed gas which expands when released, it requires a warm environment to fully expand and tends to cool it's surroundings quickly when shot fast or in full automatic which can slow the velocity of the projectile and even freeze up the gun being used.

• The most common reusable CO2 cartridges are 12 and 88 gram but you can get larger CO2 tanks in a variety of sizes that can be refilled with CO2.

Gas

• Gas is used primarily in Airsoft Guns, I have not personally seen an Airgun that is made to use Gas other than CO2.

• Gas is similar to CO2 in that it is a compressed gas that expands when releases, it also cools down the gun it is being used in and requires a warm environment.

• Gas comes in a variety of names, Green Gas, Red Gas and Propane Gas. Green Gas contains Propane as it's base but has additives in it like silicone for lubrication .

• Red Gas is know to be a bit more powerful than Green Gas as it has Chlorodifluoromethane or HCFC-22, R22 or Freon 22 used in refrigeration which turns to a liquid under a slightly higher pressure giving you slightly higher fps.

• Many people use propane gas with an adapter that allows the mixture of silicone as propane is cheaper to buy.

Compressed Air (HPA)

• Compressed Air (HPA - High Pressure Air) is most commonly used in Airguns and Paintball Guns but some people use it for their Gas based Airsoft guns.

• The compressed air comes from high PSI tanks that can be purchased in a variety of sizes and contains compressed air at pressures up to 5000psi.

• These tanks are reusable and usually need to be refilled at a paintball or scuba shop, some people buy their own compressors or large scuba tanks for refilling purposes.

• Some Compressed Air (HPA) guns have their own built in tanks that can be filled with a compressor or even a manual pump.

• Compressed air does not cool down the gun it is being used in and is a great option for high output or fully automatic guns.

Multi-Pump Pneumatic

• Multi-Pump Pneumatic systems are most commonly used in Pellet and/or BB guns.

• Multi-Pump Pneumatic guns use the same principle as HPA - High Pressure Air guns in that they require pressurized air as the propellant. The main difference with Multi-Pump Pneumatic guns, is that you do all the work by pumping the gun between shots. Generally speaking you pump the gun 3-10 times, take a shot and repeat this process.

• Multi-Pump Pneumatic guns are not effected by air temperature and are great for target and small pest control.

Spring Piston

• Spring pistons are generally found in Pellet Rifles and Pistols but some Airsoft Guns also use a Spring Piston System and generally speaking Spring Piston Guns are single shot only or in other words, the Spring needs to be drawn back before each shot. Spring Piston Guns can have magazines that allow for quicker repeat shots.

• Spring Piston Guns come in many cocking configurations, Brake Barrel and Side lever to name a couple.

• The Spring can be a Mechanical Spring or a Gas Spring.

• Spring Piston Guns are not effected by temperature and are often used for small game hunting and target shooting.

Automatic Electric Guns (AEG)

• Automatic Electric Guns  are generally found in Airsoft Rifles but there are some Airsoft Pistols (AEP) that use this same system.

• Automatic Electric Guns use a similar system to a Spring Piston gun but have an electric motor that does all the work of drawing back the spring. You can even have fully automatic AEG guns.

• The power for the electric motor comes from removable batteries, so it is a combination a battery supplying the motor with the power to draw back the spring that creates a pillow of air that shoots the BB.

• AEG Airsoft Guns are great for situations when you require high capacity magazines with full auto capability. 

Gun Powder

• Gun powder is used in Blank Guns, in the same manor that it is used in a Real Gun, the charge from the Gun Powder supplies the force required to operate the blowback in most semi auto Blank Pistols, it also creates the sound of a live round along with the muzzle flash which makes Blank Guns great for training and as Props for Movies and Film.

• Because the kinetic energy from a blank gun is the same as a real gun, blank guns can be very dangerous when used in close proximity to an object, see my "Are Blank Guns Dangerous Video"!

Some other Gun Relevant Terminology:

Blowback

• Blowback operation is when some of the force of the propellant is used to move the slide backwards, which in most cases cocks the hammer for single action and can also pickup and chamber a round into the barrel.

• The slide spring supplies the energy for the return to the forward position of the slide.

• Blowback Guns do rob some power from the bullet force and in the case of CO2 or Gas Guns the also reduce the amount of shots per CO2 or Gas fill.

Revolver, Semi Automatic

• Revolver: Revolvers feed ammunition via the rotation of a cartridge-filled cylinder, in which each cartridge is contained in its own ignition chamber, and is sequentially brought into alignment with the weapon's barrel by a mechanism linked to the weapon's trigger (double-action) or its hammer (single-action)

• Semi Automatic:  semi-automatic pistols use the energy of one shot to reload the chamber for the next. Typically recoil energy from a fired round is mechanically harnessed. After a round is fired, the pistol will cycle, ejecting the spent casing and chambering a new round from the magazine, allowing another shot to take place immediately.

Single Shot, Repeater, Semi Automatic & Fully Automatic

• Single Shot: A Single Shot Gun needs to be reloaded each time it is shot.

• Repeater: Repeating action Guns are single barreled guns containing multiple rounds of ammunition. These rounds are loaded from a magazine by means of a manual or automatic mechanism, and the action that reloads the rifle also typically re-cocks the firing action. The term repeating rifle is most often applied to weapons in which the next cartridge is loaded by a manual action, as opposed to semi-automatic rifles, in which the force of one shot is used to load the next.

• Semi Automatic: A semi-automatic, or self-loading, firearm is a weapon that performs all steps necessary to prepare the weapon to fire again after firing.

• Fully Automatic: A Gun that uses either its recoil or a portion of the gas propelling the projectile to remove the spent cartridge (in the case of a gun-shell), fire again repeatedly, as long as the trigger is held down or until the magazine is exhausted. Automatic Guns are distinguished from semi-automatic Guns in their ability to fire more than one shot in succession once the trigger is pulled.

Single, Double Action, SA/DA

• Check out my post explaining Single and Double action!

• Single-Action (SA): trigger performs the single action of releasing the hammer or striker to discharge the firearm each time the trigger is pulled.

• Double-Action (DA): The trigger both cocks and releases the hammer or striker

• SA-DA:  A SA/DA firearm combines the features of both mechanisms. You can pull the trigger in Double Action when the hammer is down which cocks and releases the trigger or you can cock the hammer with your thumb and then release the trigger using Single Action to fire the weapon. 

Lever Action, Pump Action, Bolt Action

• Lever Action: In a classic lever-action firearm, rounds are individually loaded into a tubular magazine parallel to and below the barrel. A short bolt is held in place with an over center toggle action. Once closed, the over center action prevents opening solely by the force on the bolt when the weapon is fired. This toggle action is operated by a hand grip that forms part of the trigger guard. When operated, a spring in the tubular magazine pushes a fresh round into position. Returning the operating lever to the home position chambers the round and closes the breach.

• Pump Action: With a pump-action firearm, the action is operated by a movable fore-end that goes backwards and forwards to eject, extract, and chamber a round of ammunition. Pump-actions are usually associated with shotguns.

• Bolt Action: The bolt opens and closes the breech end of the barrel and contains the firing pin. The bolt is held in place with a lever that fits into a notch. Moving this lever out of the notch will release the restraint on the bolt, allowing it to be drawn back. An extractor removes the spent cartridge, which is then ejected through the lever slot. A spring at the bottom of the magazine pushes up the reserve rounds, positioning the topmost between the bolt and the chamber at the base of the barrel. Pushing the bolt lever forward chambers this round and pushing the lever into the notch locks the bolt and enables the trigger mechanism.

Magazine vs Clip

• Magazine: A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. Magazines can be removable (detachable) or integral to the firearm. The magazine functions by moving the cartridges stored in the magazine into a position where they may be loaded into the chamber by the action of the firearm. The detachable magazine is often referred to as a clip, although this is technically inaccurate.

• Clip: A clip is a device that is used to store multiple rounds of ammunition together as a unit, ready for insertion into the magazine or cylinder of a firearm. This speeds up the process of loading and reloading the firearm as several rounds can be loaded at once, rather than one round being loaded at a time. The term "clip" is also frequently used to refer to a detachable magazine, though such usage is incorrect.

ALL GUNS ARE NOW SOLD - THANKS FOR THE AWESOME RESPONSE!

This is a first for me but I guess you could say I have to make room for some more guns ;) I have some duplicate guns and a couple I juts don't have a need for anymore so instead of having them sit around collecting dust, I thought I would offer them up for sale and get them in the hands of someone who can really appreciate and get some use out of them...

Here is a list of the items up for sale: 

• Baikal IZH-61 .177 Caliber Spring Piston Pellet Rifle: $115
• Baikal MP-655K Pellet/BB CO2 Pistol (missing pellet magazine): $125
• Umarex CP99 Compact CO2 BB Blowback Pistol: $50
• Swiss Arms Sig Sauer GSR 1911 CO2 BB Pistol: $30
• ASG CZ 75 P-07 DUTY Dual Tone CO2 BB Blowback Pistol: $125
• Umarex Beretta M92FS .177 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol - Nickel with Wood Grips: $200
• (2x) AK47 BB Gun Magazines: $50 Each
• Crosman 2240 .22 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol (14 inch barrel, RJMachine Breach/Brass Bolt, Wood Grip, NcSTAR 6x32 Scope): $225

Shipping/Handling is $15 Canadian and $25 to the US and you must be 18 or over to buy. You will need to email me at mike@replicaairguns.com to let me know what gun/guns you want to buy - first come first serve, I will send a PayPal request to the person with the first offer to buy and give them 24 hours to pay or I move on to the next buyer.

You can watch my YouTube Video to get a good look at each pre-owned item up for sale:

I am happy to report back to you on all the new cool stuff I got to see at this years 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Make sure to also watch my Vimeo video at the bottom of this post for some first person styled play by play of my experience at the Vegas SHOT Show 2013. (like you're there with me ;)

First up I want to cover a new gun from ASG, I have been wanting to get my hands on the 4.5mm Bersa BP9CC and I finally got to, not only did I get my hands on it but ASG was kind enough to supply me with one to take home for review. You can get the Bersa BP9CC in both Blowback and non-blowback versions and also in either BB or Airsoft. I opted for the 4.5mm BB Blowback version. I will be reviewing this BB gun very soon!

ASG also had a very cool prototype of an Airsoft CZ Scorpion EVO 3A1 hopefully coming out soon.

While roaming around SHOT Show 2013, I came across an interesting booth from FlashFog Security. I often get people asking me about using an airgun as a home defense weapon and I strongly advise against this. If the intruder is not scared off by the gun there is little an airgun can do to actually stop them. The FlashFog system works by rapidly filling a room with dense fog combined with a strobe light effect which blinds and disorients intruders completely. There is little an intruder can do other then try and get the heck out of there!

UPDATE: FlashFog just added a new section to their website specifically for School Security to help keep our schools safer from potential safety threats! So check it out: School Security Smoke Screen

I was a bit surprised by Gamo this year, they tend to stay away from actual Replica's and generally make BB/Pellet guns that look like popular guns but not any gun in particular. Gamo has a new BB/Pellet MP9 based machine pistol that uses a similar mechanism to their P-25 and PT-85 so it can shoot both 4.5mm BB's and .177 caliber Pellets using a double ended 16 shot rotary magazine. It also has an internal blowback system so it should have some recoil feel to it! I am pretty sure it is semi auto only but still a nice addition to their lineup!

Gamo also brought out a new 4.5mm BB Blowback pistol called the C-15 which has a metal slide and plastic frame, it kind of reminds me of the Umarex HPP in how it looks and feels.

Umarex had several new products that I am sure everyone is going to like! One that I think will do really well is the Steel Force, the Steel Force is designed around the 4.5mm BB shooting Steel Storm platform so it has a 6 round burst blowback operation and holds the 2x12 gram CO2 in the magazine while the BB's go in a 300 round hopper that feeds into a 30 round spring fed internal magazine. Like the Steel Storm it will shoot around 430 fps. The Steel Force has the advantage of being styled after the AR platform so it has a collapsible stock which will make shooting very easy.

Another often asked for airgun replica is the historic German Luger. This year Umarex stepped up to the plate and introduced the Umarex P.08 4.5mm BB pistol. Sorry, no blowback or even a working slide on this one but it is all metal and has a very good weight and feel to it.

If you're a fan of the entry level Umarex XBG then you may be interested in the new Umarex T.D.P. 45 which is very similar to the XBG in looks and features but with a slightly different look to it.

If you've ever wanted to turn your pistol into more of a PDW styled gun, you may be able to depending on which Umarex gun you have? Umarex added a very cool accessory called the T.A.C Converter that converts your Umarex HK USP (BB-Airsoft), SW MP40 (BB), XBG (BB), CZ Enforcer (Airsoft) and Walther P99 DOA (Airsoft) into more of a tactical (PDW) or Personal Defense Weapon complete with for-grip, adjustable rear sight, lots of rail options and a foldable stock.

I am assuming the Crosman M4-177 Pellet/BB Rifle has been doing well for Crosman as they have expanded with some more similar assault styled air rifles. The Crosman MSR77NP pretty much looks like a classic M16 but is in fact a Nitro Piston break barrel pellet rifle able to shoot .177 caliber pellets at 1200 fps (I hope there is a 499 fps Canada version planned too?).

A new takeoff of the M4-177 is the MK-177 which also shoots .177 caliber pellets and 4.5mm BB's using a multi-Pump System but it uses an upgraded more efficient pump system that squeaks out more fps with less pumps. The Crosman MK-177 is designed after the FN SCAR and is available in an adjustable iron sight version or a Red Dot equipped kit version.

One thing you can never get enough of in my opinion is another 1911 pistol! Crosman is introducing their GI Model 1911BB Blowback 4.5mm CO2 pistol, the one they had on hand was more of a prototype so the slide was not operational but it will feature an all metal design, blowback operation, 450 fps and a 20 round drop out magazine. I am sorry to say but it looks like the Crosman C51 has been dropped from Crosman's lineup but if you want a similar styled gun you can checkout the KWC SW40F which is a very close airsoft version.

We recently started carrying G&G Armament Airsoft guns, you can checkout my review of the Xtreme 45. I did stop by their booth and they had some new products on display, the M1 Grand (all wood stock) Airsoft had it's magwell all wrapped up as G&G had a propriety magazine system they did not want their competition to see. G&G also had some very interesting targets that light up, when shot they would react by individually turning off so you could see if you hit it or not.

There was a rather large crowd at the KWA booth but it was a shared booth so it's hard to say what everyone was looking at, the KWA area was pretty full, I did talk to the KWA rep and asked him point blank if KWC and KWA where the same or sister companies and the answer was not at all. There are often a lot of guns that look like they could be from the same company, I guess there is a lot of copying going on ;) One gun from KWA I would love to get my hands on is the Kriss SMG!

Now keep in mind many of these guns I have highlighted today are not available yet and a lot of them should be coming out in the spring time frame so please try to refrain from repeatedly asking when I will review them and have them in the store, it takes time and as much as we all want them now, they get here when they get here! 

Watch my Vimeo video of the Replica Aiguns at SHOT Show Vegas 2013

FYI - We just got some more Dan Wesson 6 inch Silver in stock in our Canada Store, we are going to get our pre-order sales units out first to the customers who have been waiting for their pre-paid units and then we will take new orders, if you want one act fast as inventory is limited...

Buy Dan Wesson Revolvers in Canada   -   Buy Dan Wesson Revolvers in the US

One question I get asked often is "Which are my favorite airguns?" or "What are my top 5 gun choices?" I have done my best to avoid answering this question because it's a very hard question to answer and to be truthful on any given day I may come up with a different selection of guns as there are just so many great airguns out there!

So today I took a bunch out and shuffled through them all to see if I could come up with five of my top picks, well at least for today that is, and I'm pretty happy with my selection (Umarex Desert Eagle - ASG CZ 75 P-07 Duty - Baikal MP-654K Makarov - Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 - ASG Dan Wesson 6 Inch Sliver). I know for a fact they are some excellent choices and if you happen to own or plan on buying one then I'm sure you will agree wiht me.

So checkout this Vimeo Video Review where I go through them and explain what I like about each gun, and why they made my Top 5 Airgun Pick.

Buy these guns in Canada   -   Buy these guns in the US

I am still waiting for some updated photos but we now have the Swiss Arms Sig Sauer GSR 1911 BB pistol with laser in stock. I am expecting to get my review copy shipped from the Toronto warehouse early next week so for sure I will have some photos and a better description I can share with you shortly...

Buy Swiss Arms GSR 1911 in Canada

Type: BB air pistol.

Manufacturer:UmarexUSA.

Model:Smith & Wesson M&P R8. Buy in CAN  -  Buy in US

Materials: Plastic (polymer) and some metal construction.

Weight: 1.37 pounds.

Barrel: 5.1 (6.5) inches, metal smooth bore.

Propulsion: 12 gram CO2 x 1.

Action: Repeater, single and double action.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 8 shot rotary magazine.

FPS: 420.

If you haven't already checked out my Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P Table Top Review, make sure to do so for all the details and specifications on the Umarex S&W M&P R8 CO2 BB Revolver.

This Field Test Review focusses primarily on how the S&W M&P R8 performs in feet per second velocity, its accuracy and of course my comments on it's shoot-ability and CO2 efficiency.

Although the Umarex R8 did not get a very high average FPS rating (336 fps 8 shot average), it was very cold on my test day and on the positive side, the lower FPS enables the R8 to get a lot of shots per CO2, I would imagine you can get close to 200 useable shots out of one CO2 cartridge with the Umarex S&W M&P R8. The low usage of CO2 also make this gun very quiet to shoot so if you live in an area where noise is a factor the R8 may be a great choice for you.

<!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-9036472715040282"; /* Replica Airguns Content */ google_ad_slot = "1487049688"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15; //-->

During my Table Top Review, the trigger felt a bit heavy to me but when actually shooting the R8 it felt pretty good in both single and double action with the double action actually surprising me a bit at how it seemed to smooth out. I was able to get very good double action target results even when shooting close together. When shooting in single action on a target I managed to get six out of eight shots within the 1.5 inch bulls eye, two stragglers made it outside but overall the Umarex S&W M&P R8 shot very well for a smooth bore BB pistol.

As far as mechanical consistency the Umarex S&W M&P R8 performed perfectly for me with no malfunctions of any kind and other then reloading being just a bit awkward (There is not much room to get the magazine out for reloading - very tight tolerances) the Umarex R8 makes for a very decent low cost BB revolver.

If you're on a budget and want a replica CO2 BB revolver with good accuracy and tons of shots per CO2, the Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P makes for a very suitable option.

My Vimeo Field Test Review for the Smith & Wesson M&P R8 BB CO2 Revolver:

Buy this gun in Canada   -   Buy this gun in the US

Make sure to also checkout my Field Test Review of the Umarex S&W M&P R8 for the real world performance results!

Type: BB air pistol.
Manufacturer: UmarexUSA.
Model: Smith & Wesson M&P R8. Buy in CAN  -  Buy in US
Materials: Plastic (polymer) and some metal construction.
Weight: 1.37 pounds.
Barrel: 5.1 (6.5) inches, metal smooth bore.
Propulsion: 12 gram CO2 x 1.
Action: Repeater, single and double action.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 8 shot rotary magazine.
FPS: 420.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P R8 is not too bad but has a stickiness to it right at the beginning as the cylinder rotates and pushes the metal spring "feed ramp"in and out. Shooting this revolver pre-cocked in single action mode is a bit smoother but also has some resistance right at the beginning. Overall I would say it has a medium pull to it. UPDATE: When actually shooting this gun, the trigger felt very respectable and I was able to get excellent accuracy result shooting in both single and double action.

Accuracy: Very good! I got 6 out of 8 shots inside my 1.5 inch bullseye and only two shots went outside a bit. these results where done shooting from 20 feet out in a semi-rested position. I also shot freehand in double action shooting quickly and also got a fairly well placed grouping. When it came to FPS performance the Umarex S&W M&P R8 was a bit disappointing (336 fps average 8 shots) but on the plus side it got well over 150 shots per CO2 and was extremely quite to shoot.

Build Quality: This is an almost all external polymer air pistol with some metal components on the inside like the inner barrel, hammer and some other internal framing components. The fit and finish is very good on the S&W M&P R8 and the plastic seems rigid and does not have much flex to it. Overall the R8 has decent weight but I felt another half pound would have helped this gun out.

Realism: The Umarex S&W M&P R8 is a licensed replica of the actual Smith & Wesson M&P R8 revolver. It is a very close looking copy in almost every way. There is a lot of attention to detail that helps make this gun very believable like the Smith and Wesson markings throughout the airgun and full size swing out cylinder!
Provided by: ReplicaAirguns.com

Pros:

• I don't know the shooting side of things just yet but here's what I can tell you so far.
• Should have decent FPS and good CO2 usage.
• Inexpensive but decent build quality.
• I like that the cylinder is full size and looks real.
• Adjustable rear sight.
• Well hidden CO2 tab.
• Full S&W licensing, very good replica.
• Single and double action trigger.
• Magazine is removable for easy loading and you can get extras.
• Easy to add accessories to it and make it customized to your liking.

Cons:

• The plastic exterior may put off some customers looking for a more metal gun.
• Lighter weight makes it feel a bit cheap.
• Trigger action is a bit sticky at the beginning.
• I would have liked to see this one in a pellet shooter.

Comments:
The Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P R8 BB CO2 Revolver based on my first impressions in this table top review portion is a rather nice low cost CO2 revolver. Other than it's low cost, it has a lot going for it like the extensive Smith & Wesson trademarks and the full size swing out 8 round cylinder, just like its hard hitting 357 big brother. The S&W M&P R8 also has an adjustable rear sight and full single and double action trigger for fast paced shooting or slowed down precision. I also really like the well hidden CO2 tab and larger diameter barrel opening that add to the realism of this Air pistol. Yes it shoots BB's only, and yes it is mostly plastic but I think once you start shooting this gun you will quickly forget these two minor shortcomings and remember how little all this enjoyment cost you!

My YouTube Table Top Review for the Smith & Wesson M&P R8 BB CO2 Revolver:

Buy this gun in Canada   -   Buy this gun in the US

If you love the early war guns then this one will interest you for sure. This Crosman All Metal P38-ish looking replica may not be licensed but it does look the part of the Walther P38.

The Crosman C41 pistol features alloy construction that gives it a realistic weight and feel to a real firearm. A medium framed pistol, the C41 has ambidextrous checkered grips and is modeled after some of the famous German pistols the Walther P38.  Powered by a Powerlet® 12 gram CO2 cartridge, with muzzle velocities up to 495 fps, the C41 has an 18 round all metal spring fed drop out magazine that ensures accurate BB feeding with every shot. An easy slide grip guarantees quick CO2 replacement resulting in less downtime and more time on the range. Rear notch and front blade sights ensure accurate shots every time.

• 4.5mm Steel BB's
• CO2 Powered
• 18 shot drop out magazine
• 495 fps
• 2 pounds
• 5.1 inch steel rifled barrel
• Double action only
• Styled after the Walther P38

Buy this gun in Canada   -   Buy this gun in the US

One of the first of three pistol I am adding to the Replica Airguns Store is the Crosman C11. This is a low cost yet very powerful CO2 air pistol that I am bringing to you on two version, the standard and the Tactical version. The Tactical version comes with a fake suppressor and sight rail for just $10 more.

Crosman .177 Caliber CO2 Powered, BB pistol - This modern styled semi-automatic CO2 powered pistol combines hand-held comfort with quality components, at a very affordable price. The Crosman C11 features a velocity of up to 480 fps and an accessory rail under the barrel for a tactical light or laser sight. The C11 also features an all metal drop free removable magazine for BBs, as well as grips that slide back for easy replacement of CO2 Powerlets. We also have the C11 available in a Tactical version with the addition of a sight rail and fake suppressor for only $10 more.

• 4.5mm Steel BB's
• CO2 Powered
• 18 shot drop out magazine
• 480 fps
• 1.4 pounds
• 6.75 inch total length
• Double action only

Buy BB Pistols in Canada

Buy BB Pistols in the US

I wanted to get this video out to you a bit sooner but I have been really sick the past three days and so I have not had a lot of time to put this YouTube Video together. It's a pretty simple compilation of some photos and videos I took during my time walking around the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, not all of it is to do with airguns but most of it is. I even took a few touristy shots since it wasn't all work ;)

Here it is by popular demend, a video of all my Air and Blank Guns, many of which where added in 2011. Thank you to everyone for your suport, without you all, this would not have been posible!

Here is a list of all my Air and Blank Guns so far...

Pistols BB:

• Umarex PPK/S Nickel platted 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol (Full Auto Mod).

• Umarex PPK/S 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex CP99 Compact 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex CP99 Compact Recon 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex H.P.P 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex SA177 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex Steel Storm 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Machine Pistol.

• Umarex Makarov 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex H&K USP 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex Colt Defender CO2 4.5mm BB Pistol.

• Umarex Colt Special Combat CO2 4.5mm BB Pistol.

• Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex Beretta Elite II 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Baikal IZH MP-654K (Makarov) 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol (Nickel).

• Cybergun P226 X-Five 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Cybergun P226 X-Five (with Sight Rail) 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Cybergun GSG 92 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol (Full Auto Mod).

• Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• Cybergun Sig Sauer SP2022 (Metal Slide) 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Cybergun Sig Sauer GSR Sigarms 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Cybergun IWI Jericho 941 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Crosman C41 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Crosman PRO77 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• EKOL ES 55 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• ASG CZ 75 P-07 DUTY 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• ASG Dan Wesson 2.5 inch Silver 4.5mm CO2 BB Revolver.

• ASG Dan Wesson 4 inch Black 4.5mm CO2 BB Revolver.

• ASG Dan Wesson 6 inch Silver 4.5mm CO2 BB Revolver.

• ASG Dan Wesson 8 inch Black 4.5mm CO2 BB Revolver.

• ASG STI Duty One 1911 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

• ASG Steyr M9-A1 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

Pistols Pellet: 

• Umarex Desert Eagle .177 Cal. Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol.

• Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm .177 Cal. Blowback CO2 Pellet/BB Pistol.

• Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm (Tactical) .177 Cal. Blowback CO2 Pellet/BB Pistol.

• Umarex PPQ .177 Pellet & 4.5mm BB CO2 BB Pistol.

• Umarex Colt Government 1911 A1 Nickel CO2 .177 Pellet Pistol.

• Umarex CP88 Matte Black CO2 .177 Cal. Pellet Pistol.

• Umarex Beretta M 92 FS  Matte Black CO2 .177 Cal. Pellet Pistol.

• Umarex Beretta M 92 FS  Nickel Wood Grips CO2 .177 Cal. Pellet Pistol.

• Umarex CPSport CO2 .177 Cal. Pellet Pistol.

• Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P 45 .177 Cal. Pellet 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.

• Baikal IZH MP-655K (Viking) .177 Cal. Pellet & 4.5mm BB BB Pistol.

• Crosman 1088 .177 Pellet 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol (Sliver)

• Crosman 2240 Custom .22 Pellet - Wood Grips - Extended Barrel - RJ Machine Bolt.

• Crosman 1377 American Classic .177 Cal. Pellet - Multi-pump.

• Crosman Kimar CK92 Black CO2 .177 Cal. Pellet Pistol.

• Crosman Kimar CK92 Chrome CO2 .177 Cal. Pellet Pistol.

• Webley Alecto (Zoraki HP-01) .22 Cal. Pellet Target Pistol (Multi-stroke pneumatic)

• Valtro Airgun 92 - Shoot2 System CO2 .177 Pellet pistol.

• Anics Skif A-3000 CO2 .177 Pellet pistol.

• Xisico XSP180 .22 Cal Break Barrel Pellet (Target Pistol)

Pistols Airsoft:

• Crosman Airmag M50 UZI 6mm Blowback CO2 BB Airsoft Pistol (Full Auto Mod).

Rifles BB:

• Crosman Marlin Cowboy Lever Action Spring BB Rifle.

• Daisy Red Ryder Lever Action Spring BB Rifle.

• Baikal MP-661K Blackbird 4.5mm BB CO2/Air Machine Rifle (Full Auto 1200 RPM Mod.) JimC Barrel.

• Baikal Drozd (Classic) 4.5mm BB CO2/Air Machine Gun (Full Auto 1200 RPM Mod.) JimC Barrel.

• Umarex MP5K PDW 4.5mm BB Blowback CO2 Rifle (Semi Auto).

• Umarex Walther SG9000 CO2 4.5mm BB Shotgun (Semi Auto Single & Three Shot Burst).

• Umarex EBOS CO2 4.5mm BB Machine Gun (Semi/Full Auto 8 Round Burst).

• Cybergun Mini UZI 4.5mm BB Blowback CO2 BB Gun (Full Auto Mod).

• RAP4 "Real Action Paintball" RAP5 MP5 4.5mm BB Blowback Rifle CO2(Semi/Full Auto)

• ZMZ Tyrex PPA-K-01 - 4.5mm BB Blowback Submachine gun CO2(Semi/Full Auto)

Rifles Pellet:

• Crosman Quest 800 .22 Cal. Spring Piston Pellet Rifle (Rodent/Crow Removal).

• Crosman Night Stalker .177 Cal. - Blowback CO2 Pellet Rifle (Small Rodent Removal).

• Crosman Backpacker 2289 .22 Cal. Pneumatic Pellet Rifle (Rodent/Crow Removal).

• Baikal IZH MP-61 .177 Cal. Side Lever Spring Piston Pellet - 5 Shot Magazine

• Umarex CX4 Storm .177 Cal. Blowback CO2 Pellet Rifle (Semi Auto).

• Benjamin Sheridan Super Streak in .22 Cal. Spring Pellet Rifle (Rodent/Crow Removal).

• Kimar Mod. K 760 - .177 Cal Spring Pellet Rifle (Target/Small Pests)

Rifles Paintball:

• Tacamo T68 AK47 Paintball Rifle .68 Cal.

Blank Guns:

• Kimar Lady K (Walther PPK) 8mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• (Removed from Possession) Zoraki Mod.914 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi/Full Auto.

• (Removed from Possession) Zoraki R1 Revolver (Rossi Snub Nosed) 2.5 inch Barrel - 9mm P.A.K. & Crimped 38 cal. Blanks.

• (Removed from Possession) Zoraki Mod.925 Mini Machine Gun 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi/Full Auto.

• Zoraki M906 (All Black) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• Zoraki M906 (Silver-Chrome Slide) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL ASI (UZI) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi/Full Auto.

• EKOL Jackal Dual (Beretta 92 FS) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi/Full Auto.

• EKOL Firat (Beretta 92 FS) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Dicle (Beretta Cougar) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Aras (Browning Hi-Power) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Special 99 (Beretta Cheetah) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Major (Walther PPK) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Volga (Tanfoglio GT27) 9mm P.A(Walther PPK).K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Tuna (Tanfoglio GT27)  8mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• EKOL Arda (Mini Revolver) 8mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• Retay CS9 (Smith & Wesson CS9) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• Retay Baron HK (Sig Sauer P228) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

• Retay Eagle (Desert Eagle) 9mm P.A.K. Blanks - Semi Auto.

You can also check them out here.

Crosman just made a press announcement for their latest M417 Pneumatic Air Rifle which looks a lot like an M4 assault rifle.

Although it looks like a semi auto, under the hood is a multi-pump pneumatic system that requires pumping between shots, you can pump just a few times or several to get right up to 625 fps with 7.9 grain pellets so I am assuming this one is not coming to the Canadian market in it's current configuration. By the way you can also shoot BB's by loading up to 350 into the BB reservoir located on the side of the receiver, while an 18 round track feeds the BB's for shooting.

Some other interesting points to mention are the adjustable rear stock and windage adjustable, dual aperture (2-position), flip rear sight, and elevation adjustable front sight that can also be removed entirely for alternative sighting like a red dot or scope.

The Crosman M417 - M4 styled pellet and BB rifle uses a polymer stock, receiver and forearm and sports tactical rails for mounting accessories in several locations. MSRP is right around $119.

Here 's to hoping for a Canadianized version some time in the near future...

Buy Air rifles in Canada   -   Buy this rifle in the US

Update on 2011-11-09 19:12 by Michael Kaye

Crosman just changed the name of this product to: M4-177

Type: Pellet air rifle.
Manufacturer: Baikal.
Model: IZH MP-61.
Materials: Metal & plastic.
Weight: 4.3 pounds.
Barrel: 18.5 inches, metal-rifled.
Propulsion: Spring piston.
Action: Repeater.
Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellets.
Ammunition Capacity: 5 rounds.
FPS: 490.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the IZH MP-61 is a nice light 1.4 pounds and the release stage is also adjustable, you actually need to be careful of accidental shots as the trigger is light enough to go off before you are ready to shoot.
Accuracy: Very good, I was not so sure when first using the IZH-61 with my initial scope and pellet setup but my second open sight test with different pellets yielded a very tight 1 inch group from 30 feet out in a standing unrested position.

Build Quality: This is a no-nonsense gun made Russian style, it is built to be cost effective so there are parts that could be made with metal that are plastic but there isn't anything on this gun that feels cheap or poorly built. Baikal also doesn't cheap out on the plastic as not all plastic is the same. I actually dropped the IZH MP-61 right on the front hooded sight without any adverse effects, cheap plastic would have cracked and broken.
Realism: Since the Baikal IZH-61 is not a replica gun, I can not really compare it to any existing one rifle out there, but it does look very tactical in design, much more so then your standard spring piston air rifle.
Purchased this rifle from: The Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Inexpensive spring piston rifle.
• Very unique looking air rifle.
• Side pull lever design.
• 5 round magazine/clip.
• Right on the money with FPS.
• Adjustable Stock.
• Adjustable Trigger.
• 11mm dovetail rail mount for scopes.
• Very light weigh and easy to cock.
• Made in Russia

Cons:

• Plastic stock seems to mark up easy - kind of part of the utilitarian look.
• Mechanics takes a bit of getting use to.
• Scope rail mount is a bit short.

Comments:
The Baikal IZH MP-61 is a really nice low cost yet full featured air riffle! You really get a lot of rifle for your money: You get an efficient side lever design with a 5 shot magazines for quick repeat shots, a very light weight and adjustable trigger, an adjustable stock, a rail mount for a scope and one of the more tactical looking air rifles available on the market. The Baikal MP-61 also takes the FPS right up to the limit without going over so no license or PAL is required to own this one in Canada. This air rifle is designed for target shooting but could also be used for small pest control if your marksmanship is good enough to hit the vital kill zones of your prey.

My YouTube Video Review for this Russian made Air rifle:

Buy this rifle in Canada   -   Buy this rifle in the US

Another new product arrives at the

Replica Airguns Store

The Baikal IZH-61 has a very interesting style and design, it is compact, lightweight and a truly affordable air rifles that offers a unique blend of attributes inherent in hi-class sporting weapons such as a five way adjustable trigger, an adjustable stock,an adjustable rear sight and fully hooded front sight. The Baikal IZH-61 also has provisions to mount a scope or red dot sight.

Some other interesting design element are a fixed barrel with a heavy duty side cocking lever and a 5 shot pellet magazine fed into the barrel by a slide feeder ensuring high pattern results.

• .177 caliber pellets
• 5 round magazine
• Sidelever Spring-piston
• 10.5 pounds cocking effort
• Up to 490 fps
• 4.3 pounds
• 18.5 inch rifled barrel
• 33 inches total length
• 1.4 pound trigger pull
• Adjustable rear sight
• 11mm dovetail scope mount
• Made in Russia

Buy Baikal IZH MP-61 5 in Canada