Entries in Pellet,Full Auto Fun

Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm Blowback Pellet Pistol First Gen Versus New Head to Head Showdown

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I originally reviewed my first generation Umarex PX4 Storm CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol back in August of 2010. Mine was actually one of the first PX4's to come into Canada. Since it has been almost 4 years since I first got my hands on this pellet pistol, I though it might be worth taking a revisit of it and comparing a first generation version to a current generation version of the Umarex PX4.

Cosmetically they are really close, I found it hard to tell them apart visually, My first generation had perhaps a slightly lighter colored slide? Other than that they look identical. When I loaded them both up with pellets I did notice that my 4 year old PX4 magazine was tighter in terms of loading the pellets, So in other words, the new Umarex PX4 magazine has slightly larger diameter holes. I don't think this really made much of a difference while shooting, it's just a bit easier to load the newer magazines.

In terms of shooting performance, both Umarex PX4 Storms performed very similarly, getting almost the exact feet per second rating on my Chronograph. (First generation had 363 average fps versus current version with 357 average fps). By the way I was using 7 grain flat head RWS pellets for both my Chronograph and target testing.

Both pistols also shot really nice groupings, form side to side there was about a 1.5 inch spread but vertically the groupings seemed to get more into around the 3 inch spread range. This could be perhaps because of shooting heavy grain pellets and the variation in fps which will make a heavy grain pellet drop a bit. My first generation PX4 did seem to shoot a bit higher on target then my current generation PX4 which seemed to like to shoot right in the bulls eye area.

Both pistols have a really nice snappy and hard hitting blowback action especially using a new CO2, they are also a bit on the louder side so be aware of this when shooting in residential areas. You can expect to get around 4 decent magazines or 64 shots per CO2 but there will be some power drop near the end of the CO2.

Overall the Umarex PX4 Storm CO2 Blowback Pellet Pistol is a great looking replica of the real steel PX4 and also performs very well in terms of power, accuracy and shots per CO2 for such a hard hitting blowback pellet pistol. It is is also one of our best priced Pellet Pistols in my books for value versus cost spent.

Watch my Vimeo Video Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm Blowback Pellet Pistol First Generation Versus New Head to Head Showdown:

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Field Test, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: PX4 Storm, Umarex

KWC Luger P-08 Back in Stock - Umarex TDP 45 Tac - Beretta PX4 - Update Preview Video

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Some updates to share with you, first off we have the KWC Luger P-08's back in stock. And that would be for the 6mm Airsoft and 4.5mm Steel BB versions. get them while you can, our last batch ran out fast!

I also show off the Umarex TDP 45 Tac which is the tactical version of the TDP 45 and comes with the additions of a threaded barrel that houses a removable mock silencer, a sight rail for adding a red dot scope and a removable laser. All of this for around $60 so great value for sure!

I also wanted to revisit the Umarex PX4 Storm Blowback Pellet Pistol since I reviewed this gun way back and my personal Umarex PX4 Storm was one of the first to enter Canada and as I saw with the Umarex CP99 Compact, Umarex made some slight tweaks to it and improved the overall performance. So perhaps a side by side comparisons in order, first generation versus present generation.

I also mention the ASG Bersa Thunder Pro 9 because I actually forgot I had reviewed it and was going to review it again. Guess I am either getting old and losing losing my mind or I have made way too many videos and can not keep track anymore, perhaps a bit of both, anyways ignore that part of the video, you can already watch my Table Top Review and Filed Test Review for the ASG Bersa Thunder Pro 9.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, Bersa Thunder 9 Pro, KWC, Luger P08, PX4 Storm, TDP 45 Tac, Umarex

Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns 2

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This topic of Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns comes up often so I thought I would address it a second time around since I get a lot of new visitors and subscribers daily who may not have watched my first video explanation on this topic. You can also checkout my first video on this subject since there may be some stuff I missed out in this video second video ;)

There are really two types of people asking or commenting on Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns. The first type of person who genuinely wants to know which is best and for what reasons. Then there is the other kind of person who makes a narrow minded statement that one type is clearly better than the other type, based on their own preferences and interests but not considering that there are other people out there with different opinions and preferences than them. You know who you are and we all know you are not going to change cause that would require an open mind...

Here is a list of the Pros and Cons I go over for each style of Airgun:

Pros:

  • Blowback guns simulate recoil.

  • Blowback guns can have better and more true triggers compared to their real steel counterparts.

  • Blowback guns can be better suited for action shooting.

  • Blowback guns are better as prop guns.

  • Blowback guns are generally more realistic in terms of mechanics.

  • Non-blowback guns generally use less CO2 per shot.

  • Non-blowback guns generally have higher fps.

  • Non-blowback guns can be more accurate.

  • Non-blowback guns can be more reliable.

  • Non-blowback guns can be less expensive.

Cons:

  • Blowback guns generally get less shots per CO2.

  • Blowback guns generally have lower fps.

  • Blowback guns can be less accurate.

  • Blowback guns can be less reliable.

  • Blowback guns can be more costly. 

  • Non-blowback guns do not simulate recoil.

  • Non-blowback guns do not have true single action only triggers.

  • Non-blowback guns generally have heavier triggers that slow down shooting performance.

  • Non-blowback guns are generally not as good for prop use and or training.

  • Non-blowback guns generally are not as realistic compared to their real steel counterparts. 

Watch my Vimeo video where I go into detail on Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns again ;)

Categories: Airsoft, BB, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, Full Auto, GBB, Gas, Pellet, Pistol, Rifle, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags:

Do Airguns and Blank Guns Have Recoil?

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In this Vimeo video, I go over a common question I get pertaining to the recoil effect of Airguns and Blank Guns. Many people want to know if Airguns and Blank Guns have similar recoil effects to a Real Guns and if so, how much recoil will you feel from an Airgun or Blank Gun?

The short answer is yes, there is some recoil with both Airguns and Blank Guns since whenever there is a force in one direction there will be a somewhat similar force in the opposite direction creating what we feel as recoil. With Airguns since the force from the CO2 or compressed air is rather small in comparison to that of the gun powder blast from a Real Guns or even a Blank Gun, the recoil is very slight. Blank Guns have similar gun powder charges to a Real Gun and so the recoil is more noticeable but unlike a Real Gun, a Blank Gun does not really push against a sizable object like a bullet, a Blank Gun only pushes against the air in front of the barrel which has very limited resistance and so there will be much less felt recoil from a Blank Gun than the recoil from a Real Gun pushing on a heavy grain bullet.

With semi auto Guns like Blowback Pellet and BB Guns and semi auto Blank Guns, there is also the momentum and mass of the slide to consider as it moves backwards and forwards which also gives the effect of recoil and in the case of an Airgun accounts for most of the recoil felt by the shooter.

Watch my Vimeo video on this subject where I go into much more detail and explain the effect of recoil when shooting Airguns and Blank Guns:

Categories: Airsoft, BB, Blank Gun, Blowback, CO2, Comparison, GBB, Gas, Pellet, Pistol, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags:

ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet - BB Pistol Table Top Review

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Type: Pellet & BB air pistol.

Manufacturer: ASG.

Model: CZ P-09 DUTY.

Materials: Metal slide and polymer frame.

Weight: 1.6 pounds (726 grams).

Barrel: Metal rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto blowback, single action double action hybrid.

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

Ammunition Capacity: 16 round magazine.

FPS: Up to 492 using 5.1 grain ammo.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG CZ P-09 DUTY is similarly to the Umarex PX4 Storm and Gamo Blowback Pellet Pistols. All three Pellet shooting pistols use double sided stick based rotary magazines that hold 8 rounds in each end. They also all shoot with a single action hammer (set to the cocked position by the blowback action) while the first stage of the trigger rotates the rotary magazine and indexes a round. So I would consider them to be single/double action hybrids. The trigger pull in general is not overly heavy but it is long and there are noticeable sticky points when the magazine is rotating and the hammer is being released.

Accuracy: During my Field Shooting Test I decided to allocate 8 rounds for each test station since the magazine holds 8 rounds on each end. During my Chrony test the ASG CZ P-09 Duty started out in the high 300's and then dropped to the low 300's with an average 8 shot velocity of 334 fps. From the 30 foot mark shooting on a paper target using a semi rested position (Sand bag up front and standing in the back), I was impressed to see 7 of my 8 shots to all hit within 1 inch of each other while the oddball got away a bit and extended the grouping out to about 2 inches. The ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet-BB Pistol did shoot a hair low and to the left a bit but not too extreme.

Build Quality: Overall I found the ASG CZ P-09 Duty to have a good solid build quality to it, everything functioned as it should with the exception of the front sight vibrating lose and almost popping out. I would recommend checking the front sight on your CZ P-09 and making sure to super glue it in place if you find it to be loose or you could lose it while shooting the pistol and once it falls off I doubt you would find it again? The only other questionable design is the way the CO2 cover fits on this pistol. It kind of clips in place but seemed like it could loosen up over time.

Realism: The ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet - BB Pistol is a close replica to the real steel CZ P-09 Duty, the only real giveaway is the ejection port that is not cut out but rather moulded into the slide. I would have liked to have seen an open ejection port like the Umarex PX4. The CZ licensing and recessed barrel do help to make this a very believable Pellet shooting replica.

Purchased From: The Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

  • Shot a nice tight group for me, about 1 inches with 8 shots.

  • Like the white dot sights, easy to sight in on most backgrounds.

  • Can use both Pellets and BB's if you choose to.

  • Fully CZ Licensed.

  • Lots of metal where it needs to be: Slide, barrel, trigger, hammer, safety and slide catch/release.

  • Nice heavy blowback action.

Cons:

  • Slide catch release is non-functioning, don't know when you are out of ammo?

  • Sights are non-adjustable and almost lost the front sight while shooting it.

  • Not sure I like the CO2 cover, seems a bit flimsy

  • Ejection port is not cut out. 

Comments:

It's nice to see another Pellet shooting blowback replica air pistol and one that has really great accuracy as well. There are a few shortcoming on the ASG CZ P-09 Duty like the moulded ejection port and the kind of lose fitting CO2 cover but overall the ASG CZ P-09 Duty is a blowback pellet pistol worth looking into. In terms of looking the part of a CZ P-09 Duty, the ASG pellet version does this very well with it's full CZ licensing and attention to detail throughout. 

My Vimeo Video Review for this versatile ASG Pellet and BB action blowback shooter:

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, CZ P-09 Duty Pellet

ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet-BB Pistol Field Test Review

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I finally got the opportunity to shoot the ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet/BB Pistol that I saw back in January of this Year while I was attending the SHOT Show in Vegas. Essentially the ASG CZ P-09 Duty is built similarly to the Umarex PX4 Storm and Gamo Blowback Pellet Pistols. They all use double sided stick based rotary magazines that hold 8 rounds in each end. They also all shoot with a single action hammer (set to the cocked position by the blowback action) while the first stage of the trigger rotates the rotary magazine and indexes a round. So I would consider them to be single/double action hybrids.

Anyways, on with this field test shooting review... As per my normal field test shooting reviews, I shoot some rounds through my Chronograph to get an average fps rating and I also step back 30 feet from a paper target and use a semi rested position to place a series of rounds downrange. I decided to allocate 8 rounds for each test station since the magazine holds 8 rounds on each end. During my Chrony test the ASG CZ P-09 Duty started out in the high 300's and then dropped to the low 300's with an average 8 shot velocity of 334 fps.

From the 30 foot mark I was impressed to see 7 of my 8 shots to all hit within 1 inch of each other while the oddball got away a bit and extended the grouping out to about 2 inches. The ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet-BB Pistol did shoot a hair low and to the left a bit but not too extreme.

All in all the blowback is fairly heavy, at least enough to shake the front sight around so much that it almost fell off the gun so be careful of this and perhaps super glue yours in before you lose it somewhere.

The trigger on the CZ P-09 Duty is pretty much the same as all the other blowback rotary mag pellet airguns on the market, kind of long but not too heavy yet still very usable.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Pellet, Pistol, Review, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, CZ P-09 Duty Pellet

Umarex Colt Commander - ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Airgun Update Video

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Two new CO2 Blowback Airguns to preview for you today that I will of course be doing full Table Top and Field Test Shooting reviews down the road for each of them.

First up, the Umarex Colt Commander CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:

  • Uses 4.5mm steel BB's.

  • Uses 12-gram CO2 cartridges.

  • Blowback semi auto action.

  • 18-rd drop-free full size BB magazine.

  • Single-action-only.

  • Fixed front and rear white dot sights.

  • Skeleton trigger and hammer.

  • Textured grips.

  • 325 fps.

  • 2.1 pounds.

  • Smooth bore barrel.

  • Functioning grip safety.

  • Slide stays open when last BB is shot.

  • All metal.

  • Fully Colt licensed.

Next we have the ASG CZ P-09 Duty CO2 Blowback Pellet/BB Pistol:

  • Uses .177 caliber pellets or 4.5mm steel BB's.

  • Uses 12-gram CO2 cartridges.

  • Blowback semi auto action.

  • 16-rd drop-free double sided magazine.

  • Single and double action.

  • Fixed front and rear white dot sights.

  • 380 fps.

  • 1.6 pounds.

  • Rifled barrel.

  • Threaded muzzle.

  • Metal and plastic.

  • Fully CZ licensed.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, Pellet, Pistol, Replica Airguns News, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags: ASG, CZ P-09 Duty Pellet, Colt Commander, Umarex

Airgun Usage for Hunting and Pest Control

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This may be a bit controversial for some people who don't like the thought of using an gun for hunting or extermination of unwanted pests. But weather or not it is accepted by all, it is a practice that many people still embrace including myself when done in a humane way.

Let's start off by addressing this topic by asking some questions and filling in some of the answers. Keep in mind I go into much more detail in my Vimeo video below.

What is the reason that you need to Shoot or Hunt an Animal?

Are you shooting an animal out of need or just for fun, sure there is a thrill in the sport of hunting but after taking down your prey, the animal should not be killed in vain as the meat should be eaten. There are also times when pesky critters get into your gardens, tree farms, feeding stations garbages and who knows what else? I personally think shooting an animal that has not done you any harm or that you don't plan on eating is not ethical. So question your motives wisely?

Can you use an Airgun for Hunting and or Pest Control?

The short answer is yes! As long as you choose the correct Airgun for the job, one that has enough power and accuracy to get the job done in a humane manner. Using an underpowered or inaccurate gun of any type for the chosen target will lead to the animal being wounded and possibly getting away to suffer unnecessarily.

What about Pistols versus Rifles?

Given the choice, a rifle will always be your best bet, rifles tend to be more accurate since they are more stable to hold and the fact that the sights are further apart which improves the guns accuracy. Most rifles also allow for enhanced sighting systems like red dots or magnified scopes for even further accuracy improvements. There are some pistols made specifically for hunting and target shooting that can be accurate but I would limit their use to shorter ranges.

What about Pellet guns versus BB guns?

BB guns in general are not meant for hunting or pest control, and in most cases they are underpowered and not as accurate as their pellet shooting counterparts, especially out at longer ranges where most pests keep their distances to. If you plan on doing some hunting and or pest control, please invest in an adequate pellet rifle to get the job done humanly.

What type of Ammo is best for Hunting and Pest Control?

There are lots of types of pellets available, pointed, rounded, flat, hollow-point and even pellets that have nylon tips. At the end of the day, use the pellet that is the most accurate in your Airgun because shot placement will win over pellet shape any day of the week. The reality is that as long as that pellet hits the target with adequate velocity, it doesn't matter what shape it is, it's more than likely going to pass right through the animal.

What is the lowest FPS that I can use?

I would rather ask the question, what is the highest fps I can get away with since more fps will give you more margin for error, since it will have a flatter trajectory and will do more damage even if your shot is off a bit. An experienced shooter could make a kill shot on a small pest even with a 400 fps airgun but the shot would have to be perfect and the range would have to be close. Of course when shooting larger game, you will need larger caliber pellets with higher velocities. Also when using a high velocity airgun you need to consider what is beyond your target, if you miss, where is that pellet or bullet going to end up? You need to make sure you do not injure anyone by mistake as pellets/bullets can travel a long distance.

How large of an Animal can an Airguns Kill?

This is really dependent on the Airgun being used, Airguns come in many different calibers, from .177 right up to .50 caliber, some PCP Airguns can even take down a deer! You need to do your research and make sure the Airgun you choose has both the power and accuracy you need for the intend prey.

Where can I use an Airgun for Hunting and or Pest Control?

This is a question you need to ask your local authorities as laws and hunting regulations are different just about everywhere. Even shooting pests on your property may require a permit so be careful to obey your local laws.

Categories: .20 cal, .22 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Break Barrel, Bulk Air, CO2, Comparison, Full Auto, How To, PCP, Pellet, Pistol, Rifle, Scope, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags:

Webley Alecto and Tempest Back in Stock - Update Video

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Two of our most popular single shot target/hunting pellet shooters are back in stock again after what has been a rather long delay. The truth of the matter is we just didn't have a supplier for them anymore here in Canada until now. Webley as a company has been through some pretty big changes over the past several years and now hopefully it has all been worked out and supply will be steady.

Don't worry about the quality, that is still top notch! We now have the Turkish made Webley Alecto and Webley Tempest (both available in .177 and .22 caliber pellets) back in stock and I am happy to say the Alecto has even been improved with an upgraded Air Reservoir and even higher fps than before which means the Webley Alecto and the Webley Tempest now shoot right up to our maximum fps here in Canada before becoming restricted firearms so no need for an R-PAL which means happy shooting in places other than a gun range!

I would even rcomend both these Webley pistols for small pest control especially in the .22 caliber versions as they have the power and accuracy to get the job done.

Categories: .22 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, Multi-pump, Pellet, Pistol, Replica Airguns News, Single Shot, Spring Piston, YouTube Video Tags: Alecto, Webley

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:

Is an Airgun Good for Self Defense?

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Is an Airgun Good for Self Defense? Another one of those questions I get asked fairly often that's a bit hard to answer in a few sentences... Not all of us have easy access to a 9mm pistol or even a rifle but many of us can get our hands on an airgun fairly easily and they look real enough, I guess that is one thing they have going for them.

But what if the mere sight of what looks like a gun does not scare an intruder off? If you where hoping that would be enough, you may just be out of luck and what if you just brought an Airgun to a "real" gun fight? You are going to be drastically "outgunned" pun intended and here's why. A 4.5mm Steel BB weighs about 5.1 grains and generally you are looking at about 2-3 foot pounds of energy from a CO2 BB gun. Even a .177 caliber lead pellet is only marginally heavier at around 7-8 grains and if you're really lucky you might just get 4 foot pounds of energy out of a CO2 pellet pistol.

So let's take a look at a fairly conservative "real pistol" rounds, the 9mm. The 9mm rounds come in different bullet weighs but you can get a 120 grain 9mm in a plus p ammo with as much as 400 foot pounds of energy and even with that much raw power, many people claim that a 9mm round does not always have enough stopping power to put down a person even when shot multiple times center mass. It just depends what vital organs or arteries you hit that determines if he gets lucky or you get lucky.

Your 5.1 grain 4.5mm Steel BB is not going to do anything if it hits any type of clothing and even if you find some flesh it's just going to piss off the intruder.

My suggestion is to consider a bat or a golf club or a really big knife or just about anything other than an airgun because if the sight of the airgun replica does not scare an intrude away then you are really buggered.

Keep in mind that you need to abide by any laws regarding the use of self defense in your areas. Even just physical force could be considered a crime and at the end of the day you are ultimately accountable for your actions.

Categories: .22 cal, 4.5mm / .177 cal, 6mm, Airsoft, BB, Blowback, CO2, Gun Law, Pellet, Pistol, Real Gun, Revolver, Semi Auto, 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:

How to Load Your Air Pistol

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In many of my reviews I show the loading process of each gun but sometimes I either skim over this part or assume most people already know how to load an Air Pistol and skip it entirely. Well as it turns out not everybody does know how to load up an Airgun or they are unclear on certain areas, like do you actually need the CO2 and how long can you leave CO2 in an airgun?

So I made a video specifically to cover how to load CO2, BB's and/or Pellets into your Air Pistol.

Now even though this video is targeted at 4.5mm Steel BB and Lead Pellet Pistols, there is a crossover with 6mm Airsoft Pistols so this video may also help an Airsoft shooter.

Our Family Bearded Dragon (Dijon) was looking rather sad and lonely today so I figured he could hang out while I made the video, he really doesn't do much of anything most of the time so why not give him a special appearance in one of the Replica Airguns Videos ;)

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, BB, Blowback, CO2, How To, Pellet, Pistol, Semi Auto, YouTube Video Tags:

SHOT Show Vegas 2014 Miscellaneous

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I stopped by the ICS Booth, we don't sell too much of their products but have carried a few items from time to time. ICS caries some nice quality Airsoft guns including the M1 Grand with real wood stock, and some AK & AR variants.

One of our suppliers had the new FN Herstal Five-seveN Blowback Airsoft pistol, I believe made by Marushin. Like the real FN Herstal Five-seveN, the pistol is pretty much all polymer including the slide and frame. This pistol also uses CO2 in the full size drop out magazine which should make it fairly powerful.

Looks like there is another Dan Wesson contender available now in the form of a Swiss Arms S&W 357 Magnum 4 inch and 6 inch barreled version, they look really nice and like the Dan Wesson have the realistic reusable brass shells that hold the 4.5mm Steel BB's.

Ever considered owning a  mobile Gunsmith vehicle, look no further, I came across this pimped out Firearms Van complete with machine guns mounted in the front :) Inside was a complete firearms workshop.

Last but not least, we had some fun while in Vegas. I go down for the SHOT Show for business but I also bring my wife and we make time for some non business related activities. I generally stay at the WorldMark resort each time and this year the weather was pretty nice so we where able to get some sun by the pool a couple of days and I even got a tan line! Of course the food and entertainment is always awesome in Vegas.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, 6mm, AEG, Airgun News, Airsoft, Airsoft News, BB, Blowback, CO2, Full Auto, GBB, Pellet, Pistol, Rifle, Semi Auto Tags: 357, FN Herstal Five-seveN, ICS, Marushin, SHOT Show, Swiss Arms

SHOT Show Vegas 2014 Crosman Booth

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This year the Crosman booth was a bit of a let down in terms of "Replica guns" There really wasn't anything new to speak of? I didn't hang around too long to check on the non-replica guns, perhaps they have been focussing on that area of their market for this year?

One 4.5mm CO2 Blowback BB Pistol they featured as a prototype version last years was on display this year as the final product, the Crosman GI Model 1911BB. And again I was not overly impressed. The Crosman GI Model 1911BB looks for the most part like a 1911 except for the funky trigger which is supposes to look like a 1911 single action trigger. In reality it is a rather heavy double action trigger not at all true to a 1911. I was also puzzled by how recessed the barrel was, sure it's nice to have a slightly recessed barrel to make the pistol more believable but the GI Model 1911BB inner barrel is recessed at least an inch or more robbing this pistol of potential fps.

Guess I'm going to have to try one out at some point to see if it shoots better than I am giving it credit for.

One product from Crosman that is kind of a crossover between a replica and a PCP rifle is the Crosman MAR177 PCP AR Conversion Kit. It is designed to replace the top receiver for a standard AR allowing AR owners to shoot .177 caliber pellets using a standard Pre Charged Pneumatic system with their AR platforms. Of course you need an AR lower to use the Crosman MAR177 PCP AR Conversion Kit.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, Airgun News, BB, CO2, PCP, Pellet, Pistol, Rifle, Semi Auto Tags: Crosman, GI Model 1911BB, MAR177 PCP Conversion Kit, Model 1911, SHOT Show

SHOT Show Vegas 2014 ASG Booth

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I also visited my friends at the ASG booth but for some reason I did not get a photo  of their booth? I do have some video walk through stuff I will show you in my YouTube Video coverage of this years Vegas SHOT Show. Most importantly I have lots of gun photos so let's take a look at them...

One of my favorite ASG pistols is the Bersa BP9CC, I have already reviewed it and I just really like how this gun looks and holds, ASG took it one step further this year by adding a two-tone silver version and I have to say it looks awesome in person, my photos do not do it justice at all :(

A new handgun to the ASG blowback pistol series is the CZ P-09 Duty Pellet pistol. Basically it shares similar mechanics to the Umarex PX4 and Gamo PT-85 using the double sided rotary pellet magazine with 8 shots located on each end of the stick magazine. The ASG CZ P-09 Duty features a metal slide, working hammer and safety.

Another pellets pistol that should be very familiar to most of you is the new .177 caliber pellet shooting Dan Wesson in 6 inch silver and 8 inch black versions. ASG added a rifled barrel and redesigned solid brass shells that hold pellets instead of 4.5mm Steel BB's. Expect to take a little bit longer to reload the pellets as unscrewing the tip of each shell is required to place a .177 caliber pellet in each bullet tip.

Of course ASG has tons of licensed pistols to choose from, many on both 4.5mm Steel BB and 6mm Plastic Airsoft!

One new rifle that stood out to me was the ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle, the Scorpion features an intelligent AEG system that detects when there may be a potential feeding problem and also when the magazine is out of ammo.

Categories: 4.5mm / .177 cal, 6mm, AEG, Airgun News, Airsoft, Airsoft News, BB, Blowback, CO2, Full Auto, Pellet, Pistol, Revolver, Semi Auto Tags: ASG, Bersa, CZ P-09 Duty Pellet, CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1, Dan Wesson Pellet, SHOT Show

Shot Show Vegas 2014 Umarex Booth

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Umarex had a lot of new products this year so I thought I would start off showing you some of them. I will be following this post up with a full 2014 Vegas SHOT Show video once I finish posting some of my photos and comments on the show events.

Here is a photo of the main Umarex Booth.

I have always liked the 4.5mm BB version of the Umarex Makarov, Umarex now has the Makarov Ultra version that features blowback, a working slide catch and full size drop out magazine, looking forward to testing this one out!

Another kind of new addition to the 4.5mm Steel BB lineup is the Umarex Beretta Model 84FS. It has been available overseas but is now coming to North America. The Umarex Beretta Model 84FS also features blowback and a full size drop out magazine.

I'm not sure if we needed another rebranded version of the KWC 1911 Blowback BB pistol, but we got one anyways! Umarex now has their own version of what looks to similar to the KWC Tac A1 but with Colt licensing. 

Umarex also made up a very limited edition and very weathered looking blowback BB shooting 1911 based on the KWC design called the Colt 1911 WWII Commemorative. I am not sure how many where made but I know there are not a lot of them... Hope I can get my hands on one...

Umarex came out with Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8 last year and this year they have added a similar styled 4.5mm Steel BB shooting revolver with removable shells but in a licensed Colt Python 357 version.

Last but not least and going back many years, Umarex is bringing out another Legends Series 4.5mm BB pistol. The German Mauser C96, I'm not 100% sure if it's blowback or not but it does seem to have a working action, the main pistol is made out of Polymer but it does have a full size drop out magazine and seems to have good weight overall. Most of the parts work like the original Mauser C96 including the adjustable rear sight and safeties.

Categories: Airgun News, BB, Blowback, CO2, Pellet, Pistol, Revolver, Semi Auto Tags: Beretta Model 84FS, Colt 1911 WWII Commemorative, Colt Commander, Colt Python 357, Makarov Ultra, Mauser C96, SHOT Show, 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