What is a Blank Gun?

The best way to describe a Blank Gun is to imagine it as a real gun in just about every way except one… There are no dangerous bullets flying out the front of it. That’s right, a Blank Gun just like a real gun uses a brass or metal shells, loaded with a primer and gun powder, but for what ever reason reason, some rocket scientists forgot to put a bullet at the end of the Blank shell. 

Why Would You Want a Blank Gun?

Isn’t the entire purpose of a gun to shoot something? So why on earth would you buy a gun that doesn't  shoot anything at all, what purpose would it serve? Even Nerf guns, water guns, potato guns all shoot something…

One way to look at a Blank Gun is to imagine it as a cap gun, but for grown ups. Similar to how kids like to shoot their cap guns because they go bang and sparks and smoke fly out of them, Blank Guns do the same thing but on a much grander scale and in most cases they look and sound a lot more like a real gun than a cap gun does.

So Blank Guns don’t actually do the main function of a real gun (that is to shoot a bullet), but they do look and sound the part of a gun. So how could this be of practical use to anyone?

Signalling Devices:

First off, have you ever heard of a Starter Pistol or a Flare Gun? Blank Guns have been historically used to signal the start of races. Many Blank Guns also have the ability to shoot flares by adding a flare adaptor to them so a person can shoot a flare into the air to signal distress if they are lost or hurt.

Gun Handling and Training:

Since many Blank Guns look, operate and feel almost exactly like real guns, Blank Guns are a great place to start out when training a person on proper gun handling and operation. If they make a mistake while using a Blank Gun, the consequences are far less severe than with a real gun. There is also much less kick from a Blank Gun so shooting a Blank Gun is less scary or intimidating for new shooters.

Dog Training:

Dogs used for police, military and hunting are required to stay calm around loud noises like gun shots, trained dogs also need to get used to the presence of guns and even how to attack the gun hand of a person who could be a potential threat. Again using Blank Guns in this training situation is a much better option than using a real gun for obvious reasons.

Movies, Video TV and Stage:

Introducing live ammunition on a movie set would be ridiculous, there is absolutely no need to shoot a bullet in this type of situation. Blank Guns make perfect stage props since they again look the part and sound the part without the dangerous bullets flying all over the place…

Collectors:

Many collectors want to own guns but for reasons like gun restrictions in their area, they may not be able to own a real gun or certain types of real guns. Blank Guns can offer a person with heavy gun restrictions in their area the ability to own similar Blank Gun versions. Perhaps they can own real guns but just simply don’t want to go through the licensing and registration hassle of owning a real gun. Blank Guns can generally be purchased for far less money than a real gun which is appealing to collectors who in many cases may not even shoot them.

Celebration:

In places like Turkey, people celebrate holidays and events by shooting Blank Guns into the air, at one time they actually shoot real guns, but people where getting injured or even killed by the falling bullets. Because of this, Blank Gun production became an industry in places like Turkey as Blank Gun manufacturers like EKOL, Retay and Zoraki (also know as ATAK Arms) are Turkish companies.

So now you know some of the reasons why a person would want to own a Blank Gun. I have Blank Guns and I also own real guns too. One reason is because there are many Blank Guns I own that I can not own in their real steel versions because of Canadian gun restrictions so obtaining a similar version in a Blank Gun allows me to own these models.

If a Blank Gun is not for you, then by all means get a real gun, but please understand that there is a place for Blank Guns, and in those environments, a Blank Gun is actually a better choice than a real gun.

Type: BB air pistol.

Manufacturer:Baikal.

Model: MP-654K.

Materials: Weapons grade steel slide, frame and most parts.

Weight: 1.7 pounds.

Barrel: 3.8 inches, metal-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto, double and single action.

Ammunition Type: Steel/Lead BB's 4.5mm.

Ammunition Capacity: 13 rounds.

FPS: 380.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the 2013 Blued Baikal Makarov MP-654K CO2 BB Pistol is good in single action mode (When cocked), when shooting in double action mode it is a bit heavy but it seems like over time the gun is working its self in a bit as the metal is hard and as with many Russian made guns, they need some break in period. The trigger springs are heavy so don't expect light trigger pulls.

Accuracy: The accuracy and true feet per second performance will be tested when I do my future Field Test Shooting review.

Build Quality: Excellent, the Baikal Makarov MP-654K CO2 BB Pistol is made side by side using the same machine sand same materials as the original Makarov PM (9x18) firearm that it is Replica of. There simply is not another airgun made to this quality level or that is as accurate a replica of it's real steel version.

Realism: You simply can not get any closer to how close this gun resembles the original Makarov PM (9x18). You can even field strip this gun exactly like the original. The only acceptation is when it come time to fire the BB gun version, The Baikal MP-654K is not designed to have blowback operation which is understandable as it would be impossible to fabricate this gun so close to the original and still give it blowback operation.

Pros:

• All Steel construction

• Made side by side in the factory to the real steel version with same build quality and on same machines.

• The closest BB gun to a real gun you can get in terms replicating the parts and being made out of the same materials as the real version.

• Can filed strip like the real version.

• New 2013 version has recessed barrel.

• New 2013 version has the flush CO2 screw.

• New 2013 version is the PM style with narrower handle and PM grips.

• Can field strip like the real version.

• Shoots in single and double action.

• Safety works as a de-cocker.

• Made in Russia!

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other airguns.

• No blowback operation.

• Only a 13 round magazine.

• Gun requires some breaking time.

Comments:

The new 2013 Blued Baikal MP-654K PM Styled BB Air pistol is one of those must have airguns if you are a collector, sure the price is a lot more than most airgun replicas out there but the 2013 Blued Baikal MP-654K is built like no other airgun. Rather than creating a replica gun around existing airgun parts, Baikal takes a different approach and reworks a real Makarov backwards so it is made to shoot steel BB's using CO2 rather than 9mm rounds. You could say it is a real Makarov but chambered to shoot steel BB's and use CO2. These guns are rarely available in Canada since they often get stuck in customs because they are so realistic. I was actually very surprised when we located a secure that had some that they where willing to give up!

My Vimeo Video Review for the 2013 Blued Baikal Makarov MP-654K CO2 BB Pistol:

Buy the 2013 Blued Baikal Makarov MP-654K In Canada

The weather has been bad, cold, wet and dark, not conducive for Airgun testing at all but it has been a long time since I got outside to shoot any of my guns and so I braved the storm and setup all my lights and cameras and made a shooting video for you all :)

I was really curious about the Daisy CO2 Pellet/BB shooters I made a table top review of just recently, the Daisy Powerline 617X and Daisy Powerline Model 008. So I loaded some fresh CO2, a mag of 7 grain lead pellets and a mag of 4.5mm Steel BB's for each gun and conducted my Chronograph and Target tests accordingly.

I shot 5 round of pellets and 5 rounds of steel BB's throughout my Chronograph using the Powerline 617X first and then the Powerline 008 secondly. Both guns performed really close during the chrony section shooting the pellets at close to 400 fps and the steel BB's at just over 400 fps. The Daisy 008 seemed to be releasing more CO2 with each shot because it seemed louder and had more kick, but because of the shorter barrel I did not see an increase in fps over the Daisy 617X. I would image the Daisy 617X will get more shots per CO2 in the long run.

As per my usual target accuracy testing I stepped back 30 feet and emptied a magazine again of both lead pellets and 4.5mm steel BB's for each gun into some paper targets using a semi-rested position (sand bag up front and standing in the back). Again the Daisy Powerline 617X seemed to outperform the Daisy Powerline 008 just a bit getting a little bit tighter grouping with both the lead pellets and steel BB's, right around the 1 inch mark with 6 rounds per ammo type. I think the single action trigger may have helped a bit but I do have to say the double action only trigger on the Daisy Powerline 008 is really nice and smooth making shot placement very easy. This may have been the reason for the very respectable 1.5 inch 8 shot pellet grouping I got with the Daisy 008.

All in all two very nice and versatile pellet/BB shooters from Daisy, worth looking into for sure.

Buy Daisy Guns in the Canada Store 

Buy Daisy Guns in the US Store

It has been way too long since I got to go to the gun range and shoot my "big boy" guns! I say that sarcastically, sure my real steel guns are fun to shoot but it sure costs a lot of money and basically all we really do is shoot paper targets. Shooting at papper targets is fun for a while but I kind of enjoy shooting my airguns at pretty much any type of target I choose to shoot at. And of course any time I want to and for pennies per shot.

So getting back to Range Day shooting my real steel big boy guns ;) I went with a couple of buddies of mine and we shot a nice variety of guns. My Norinco NP-30 double stack 45 cal 1911, my Wyoming Arms Parker 10mm, a couple of my friends Glock 40 cals, my Norinco NP-34 P228 and Norinco Tokarev Type 54 9mm pistols, my Chiappa 1911-22 and ISSC M22 22LR pistols, a nice Sig Mosquito 22LR, my buddies S&W M&P 15-22 22LR rifle along with my ISSC MK22 SCAR 22LR rifle and my friends mighty custom Ruger Mini 14 in .223 caliber...

It was a cold day but a really fun day and it gave me a chance to really use my iPhone 6 plus camera for its slow-motion capabilities in a decent lighting situation.

Enjoy the footage of these "real guns" shooting in real time and slowed down.

My last Blank Gun Shooting video went really well, my iPhone 6 plus 720p 240 frames per second slow-mo video worked awesome and so did my newly acquired ME8 General 1911 Front Firing 8mm blank pistol.

I was hoping my Bruni Mod. 92 Top Venting 8mm PAK Blank Pistol would also perform just as well and as luck would have it, it did :) I did notice on the last round the shell kind of stayed in place and got re-chambered, not really sure what happened there but all 4 rounds fired which was my main goal and of course I caught it all in slow-motion HD!

Enjoy my Shooting Test Video of the Bruni Mod. 92 Top Venting 8mm PAK Blank Pistol and if you have not already checked out my Table Top Review of the Bruni Mod. 92 then make sure to do so.

Buy Blank Guns in the Canada Store 

Buy Blank Guns in the US Store

I was really looking forward to not only shooting my recently acquired Front Firing ME 8 General 1911 8mm PAK Blank Pistol and making sure it worked as promised, but I also want to checkout the new 720p at 240 frames per second slow motion video feature on my new iPhone 6 plus!

Everything went pretty much as expected, all rounds chambered, fired and ejected without a hitch. No slide lock back on the last round but this blank gun is not designed to do that so I was not expecting this to happen :)

Enjoy my Shooting Test Video of the Front Firing ME 8 General 1911 8mm PAK Blank Pistol and if you have not already checked out my Table Top Review of the ME 8 General, then make sure to do so.

Buy Blank Guns in the Canada Store 

Buy Blank Guns in the US Store

Make sure to watch my Table Top Review for this pistol for if you have not already done so. In this Field Test Shooting portion of my review for the Umarex Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle CO2 BB Pistol, I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph to find out if the claimed 410-420 fps is accurate or not. I also setup a paper target at my standard 30 foot range and shoot 10 rounds using a semi rested position (Standing in the back while resting the gun on a sand bag up front). I did not add any additional sight options to the rails on the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle but rather stuck with the open sights for this field test.

In terms of performance, the Umarex Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle CO2 BB Pistol did pretty good for a really low cost BB gun with a rather long heavy unpredictable double action trigger. I was a bit surprised when I walked up to review the target to find just over a 2 inch group since while shooting it felt like I was pulling a many of the shots. The open sights are not adjustable in any way but I did shoot down the middle pretty well, but on the high side of the target. I would need to aim low to get this gun to shoot in the bulls-eye form 30 feet away. Either that or add some sort of sight to the top mounted picatinny rail.

My fps Chrony testing for the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle backed the claimed 410-420 fps claims from Umarex, I actually shot a 5 shot average of 417 fps so right on the money here and you may be able to expect even a bit more on a warm summer days since my test was done at moderate fall temperatures.

All in all a decent shooter, good fps, efficient on CO2 and for a heavy DOA trigger I was even able to get a respectable grouping.

Buy the Baby Desert Eagle in the Canada Store

Buy the Baby Desert Eagle in the US Store

Here is my follow up Shooting Field Test to my ASG STI Duty One Non-blowback Table Top Review. During this Field Test Shooting video review I not only shoot my Non-blowback STI Duty One version but I also compare it to the Blowback ASG STI Duty One to see if fps and accuracy are effected when adding Blowback to the equation? I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph with both guns to get an average fps and I also step back 30 feet and setup resting my hands on a sand bag and standing in the back for a fairly secure shooting stance. I did my standard 10 shot grouping for my accuracy test from 30 feet away.

Overall both guns performed similarly and as expected the Blowback did effect the fps but not as much as I expected it to? I was expecting the Non-blowback STI Duty One to be at least 50 fps faster but it was only around 20 or so. I am fairly certain since the fps os so close between the two guns, that you will get more shots form a CO2 out of the Non-blowback ASG STI Duty One since there is no CO2 being used to make the slide recoil back and forth. In the end the Non-blowback STI shot an average fps of 373 while the Blowback version shot an average fps of 356.

When it came to accuracy, both guns performed about the same getting about a 2 inch group from 30 feet back. The Blowback STI did spread the BB's out more from side to side perhaps because of the slide recoil while the Non-blowback ASG STI Duty One seemed to shoot Horizontally tighter.

Personally since both guns shoot almost as high of fps and both STI Duty One's seem to be about the same accuracy wise. Why not just go with the blowback version since you will be shooting in single action most of the time which allows for a faster and lighter trigger pull. The only real downside to the Blowback STI Duty One is perhaps a bit more CO2 usage but you can still expect to get around 100 shots per CO2 which is very good for a CO2 blowback pistol.

Buy the STI Duty One NBB In Canada

Buy the STI Duty One NBB In the US

Here is my follow up Shooting Field Test to my Umarex CP88 Competition Table Top Review. During this Field Test Shooting video review I not only shoot my CP88 Competition version but I also compare it to the non Competition CP88 version to see if fps and accuracy are effected when adding the longer barrel? I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph with both guns to get an average fps and I also step back 30 feet and setup resting my hands on a sand bag and standing in the back for a fairly secure shooting stance. Since the Umarex Walther CP88's have an 8 shot rotary magazine I went with an 8 shot grouping for my accuracy test from 30 feet.

Overall both guns performed similarly and as expected the longer barrel CP88 Competition had the higher fps with 424 average versus 347 average, but what was surprising was how much faster the CP88 Competiton shot. Right around 80 fps more which is significant considering there is only 2 inches more of added barrel length to the Umarex CP88 Competition version. I am thinking that perhaps my CP88 Competition test model was tuned a bit better at the factory?

When it came to accuracy, both guns performed about the same getting about 1 inch group from 30 feet back. This was not a surprise since barrel length has less effect on accuracy than most people think.

Both guns are a pleasure to shoot and will not only perform great shooting close up but if you go with the higher fps Umarex Walther CP88 Competition you will be able to shoot much further out because of the rifled barrel and decent fps performance.

Buy the CP88 Competition in the Canada Store

Buy the CP88 Competition in the US Store

While the weather is still holding on, I setup some clay pigeon targets at varying further out distances than the typically 30 feet I shoot on my deck. I paced out approximately 40-60-80-100+ foot ranges conservatively thinking this would be a good test to see if a 6mm Airsoft rifle could effectively hit targets at any of these ranges using heavy .36 gram Airsoft BB's.

Make sure to checkout my other video I shot on the same day that features my Baikal Drozd Blackbird taking it through this exact same long range shooting test.

So today I brought out an Airsoft Sniper rifle since this is what it's made to do, the model being the ASG AW .308 Airsoft Sniper. As with many of my shooting videos I captured all the fun using a bunch of different cameras and camera angles along with a dedicated lapel microphone so the audio also comes in nice and clear.

So make sure to watch my YouTube video and see how the ASG AW .308 Airsoft Sniper Rifle does shooting clay pigeons up to 100 Plus feet away...

Buy AW .308 Airsoft Rifle in Canada

Buy AW .308 Airsoft Rifle in the US

While the weather is still nice, I decided to setup some clay pigeon targets at varying further out ranges than the typically 30 feet I shoot on my deck. So I figured 40-60-80-100 foot ranges would be a good test to see if a 4.5mm Steel BB rifle could effectively hit targets at any of these ranges.

I did do a similar test earlier on using my Umarex Steel Force but I think the Steel Force may have been a bit underpowered for the 80-100 foot shots.

So today I brought out my Drozd Blackbird since it has a bit of power and what it may lack in accuracy it for sure makes up in volume! As with many of my shooting videos I captured all the fun using a bunch of different cameras and camera angles and today I even wore a dedicated lapel mic which I have a min-review for coming up shortly!

So make sure to watch my YouTube video and see how the Baikal Drozd Blackbird does shooting clay pigeons up to 100 feet away...

Buy the Drozd BlackBird Machine Gun in the Canada Store 

Buy Drozd BB Guns in the Canada store

I decided to do my Field test of the Gletcher M1891 Sawn Off Mosin Nagant Rifle a little different than my standard filed tests. I pretty much already did a similar Field Test for the M1891 during Table Top Review and if I used the same methods for testing I would most definitely have gotten the same results. Which by the way where a 1.75 inch group from a full 17 round magazine shooting from 30 feet back, and an average of 430 feet per second.

As you know, I have been utilizing clay pigeons in many of my shooting videos so I thought, why not have some more fun and set up a bunch of miscellaneous targets at a variety of distances ranging from 30 feet, right up to 80 feet, and see what I can hit shooting the Gletcher M1891 shooting a couple mags of 4.5mm steel BB's.

As it turned out I think I did much better than when I tried to shoot my Steel Force at targets set up long range. Anyways, watch the video, I tried to make it fun and interesting and even setup 4 cameras this time to catch all the action!

Buy Gletcher 1891 Mosin Nagant in the Canada Store

Buy Gletcher 1891 Mosin Nagant in the US Store

Type: BB Rifle.

Manufacturer:Gletcher.

Model: Gletcher M1891 (Replica of Sawn Off Mosin Nagant "Obrez").

Materials: Metal & plastic.

Weight: 5.7 pounds (2.6kg).

Barrel: 5.5 inches, smooth bore (inner barrel).

Propulsion: CO2.

Action: Bolt - single shot - single action.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 16 rounds. (I was able to fit 17 rounds in the magazine)

FPS: 394fps (120m/s).

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Gletcher M1891 is single action only, the bolt cycle does most of the work setting up the loading of a BB into the chamber and pre-cocking the bolt spring. The take up is minimal and the release is about medium to light weight. The bolt snaps forward firmly and with a nice clanking sound, you can even feel the weight of it as it moves forward.

Accuracy: I did take the opportunity to do a quick pre-test with my Gletcher M1891. I shot several rounds through my Chronograph and averaged around 430 fps which is a bit higher than the claimed 394. I also shot a couple of magazines at a paper target standing 30 feet back using a semi rested position and was about to get a 1.75 inch 17 round group which is pretty good considering I found it kind of unusual to hold the Gletcher M1891 in this manner. The Gletcher M1891 does take some getting used to since you hold it like a rifle but do not rest it against your shoulder for stability.

Build Quality: The Gletcher M1891 is really well made, you can tell by it's robust weight and how solid the action feels when you draw the bolt back and release it the first time. Everything that would be metal on the real Mosin Nagant is metal on the Gletcher M1891 including the full size dropout magazine that holds both the BB's and CO2. Yes the stock is imitation wood but in some ways it is harder than real wood and may actually hold up better. The finish looks great and I like the silver bolt, as with most electromagnetically coated finishes, the coating is not thick so it will wear off in the high spots fairly easily. Some touch up can solve this problem fairly easily.

Realism: I've never actually put my hands on a real steel Mosin Nagant Rifle but from the photos I viewed online, the Gletcher M1891looks really accurate in terms of being a BB replica. Of course the magazine has been adapted to fit CO2 and BB's but once placed in the gun it is nearly impossible to tell it from a real Mosin Nagant, or I should say a sawn off version of one. The weight of this rifle (5.7 pounds) gives it the feeling of genuineness. The only real giveaway is the imitation wood stock which looks pretty good considering. I have read online that a real Mosin Nagant stock can be adapted to fit the Gletcher M1891 so that would indicate that it is fairly true in size and construction to a real Mosin Nagant Rifle.

Pros:

• Very Unique BB gun.

• A piece of history you can shoot in your back yard.

• Mostly all metal gun.

• Nice heavy 5.7 pound weight to it.

• Adjustable rear sight, at least for elevation.

• Nice single action trigger.

• Bolt action feels great and has a firm release.

• Full size drop out metal magazine that holds both the BB's and the CO2.

• More fps than claimed and decent accuracy, I expect to get lots of shots out of a single CO2 because of the magazine design.

Cons:

• Stock is plastic but looks good considering.

• No real way to adjust windage and the rear sight does wiggle a bit from side to side which could throw off the aim.

• Electromagnetically coated finish may be prone to wear in the high spots.

Comments:

The Gletcher M1891 is one of the most interesting BB guns I have had the opportunity to review, it has history, it's kind of a pistol and kind of a rifle at the same time and in this sawn off configuration it looks both old school and modern. I could almost see it being used as the perfect zombi gun ;) Getting away from it's unique looks, the Gletcher M1891 performs very well, shooting a respectable 430 fps with accuracy that surprised me since I found it a bit hard to hold at first. There is something very gratifying about having to work a bot or lever or the hammer on a single action revolver that makes each shot just that much more precious! If you're looking for that ultimate eye catcher that people will have to take a second look at than this is the one for you.

My Vimeo Table Top Video of the Gletcher M1891 Mosin Nagant Replica BB Rifle:

Buy the Gletcher M1891 Mosin Nagant in the Canada Store

Buy the Gletcher M1891 Mosin Nagant in the US Store

I often get asked about using a 4.5mm Steel BB gun for pest control and to be honest I really don't think a BB gun is the right tool even at close range to properly and humanly take care of pests when need be. A much better tool is a high powered pellet rifle in just about any caliber as long as you have taken the time to practice your shot placement at a variety of ranges.

Pellets on the other hand, since they are shot out of a rifled barrel are generally super accurate, even within an inch or so at long ranges. Steel BB's on the other hand will do OK within 20-30 feet but once they get to the farther out ranges, they tend to drift a lot, making it very hard to predict exactly where they are going to go...

So I thought I would back up my words with a real world test by taking an average mid priced BB rifle and taking aim at some clay pigeon targets setup about 100 feet away. Watch my YouTube video to see how my Umarex Steel Force did shooting in semi auto at 100+ feet out.

Umarex Steel Force Used for this Test:

• 12 gram CO2 x2

• 4.5mm Steel BB's

• AR/M16 Replica

• Semi auto & 6 Round Burst, Single Action Only

• 300/30 Round Hopper/Magazine

• 430+ FPS

• Plastic with some Metal Construction

Buy the Umarex Steel Force in Canada - Buy the Umarex Steel Force in the US

If you have been watching my Full Auto Fun Videos, then you will have noticed that I have recently been using Clay Pigeons as my go-to targets. Generally Clay Pigeons are shot from launchers and used with shotguns since the flight of the Clay Pigeon simulates a bird in flight nicely.

So I thought, why not use them as reactive targets for my Airguns and Airsoft guns? It turns out they work pretty darn good, well at least with 4.5mm Steel BB pistols and I would imagine even better with pellet guns. What about Airsoft guns, will the Airsoft lighter weight plastic BB's have enough mass to get the job done?

You'll have to watch this video to find out the answer to that question when I unload a full magazine of .20 gram Airsoft BB's into some Clay Pigeons using my KWC .50 Desert Eagle...

Buy KWC Airsoft Desert Eagle in Canada

Buy KWC Silver Desert Eagle in Canada 

This Article and Video expresses my views and opinions on this matter and should not be taken as legal advice.

Main points covered:

• Uncontrolled Firearms do not require a Firearms License within Canada to own and operate.

• What is an Uncontrolled Airgun and Airsoft Gun?

• What is an Uncontrolled Blank Gun / Starter Pistols?

• What about Fully Automatic Airguns and Airsoft Guns?

• What about Replica Guns?

NOTE: Controlled Firearms require a POL (Possession Only License) , PAL (Possession Acquisition License) or R-PAL (Restricted Possession Acquisition License) within Canada to own and operate. 

MEMORANDUM D19-13-2

Firearm – a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet, or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person, and includes any frame or receiver of such a barreled weapon and anything that can be adapted for use as a firearm.

“Uncontrolled”firearms are those devices that, although falling within the definition of a firearm in the Criminal Code, are exempt from specific legal requirements of the Firearms Act and its regulations, as well as from other legislative provisions. “Uncontrolled” firearms should not be subdivided into any of the non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited classes. The following types of firearms are deemed “uncontrolled”:

Flare, blank, rivet and industrial guns: Any device that is designed exclusively for signaling, for notifying of distress, or for firing blank cartridges or for firing stud cartridges, explosive-driven rivets or other industrial projectiles, provided that the importer intends to use it only for the purpose for which it is designed.

NOTE: (Toy guns and starter pistols do not generally qualify as firearms. However, some toy or model guns and starter pistols may be designed with very realistic mechanisms or appearances (e.g., color, size, scale, translucency) and resembling a real make and model of a firearm. In such cases, they may be considered replica firearms even if they are made of plastic, die cast zinc, or other material.)

Low muzzle velocity/energy guns: Any barreled weapon that is not designed or adapted to discharge projectiles at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 meters per second (500 feet per second) and at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 Joules, or to discharge projectiles that are designed or adapted to attain a velocity exceeding 152.4 meters per second (500 feet per second) and an energy exceeding 5.7 Joules. Both thresholds of 152.4 mps and 5.7 Joules must be exceeded for the firearm to be considered “controlled”. This requirement exempts firearms that fire below the threshold velocity with a standard projectile, but exceed the threshold velocity when fired with a high-velocity projectile. 

Airsoft guns and certain types of paintball guns or markers may qualify as a replica firearm, if the muzzle velocity of the projectile does not cause serious bodily harm and their external features are clearly designed to resemble a specific and readily identifiable make and model of a firearm. To be considered a firearm, within the meaning of the Criminal Code, an airsoft gun must have a muzzle velocity in excess of 111.6 meters per second (366 feet per second).

NOTE: This memorandum used to state when using a .20 gram BB but does not specify this BB weight anymore?

NOTE: The term air gun is a colloquial term referring to BB or pellet guns. Such guns operate either as spring- powered, gas-powered, or electrically powered. If the muzzle velocity of the air gun is less than 152.4 mps (500 fps)/5.7 joules but still able to cause serious bodily injury to a person, it may be considered an “uncontrolled” firearm. Airsoft guns and certain types of paintball guns may qualify as a replica firearm (see paragraph 49 of this memorandum).

Replica firearms:

“Replica firearm” is defined as any device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, a firearm, and that itself is not a firearm, but does not include any such device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, an antique firearm.

For a device to be a replica firearm it must meet all three requirements:

• (a) it cannot be a firearm, meaning it does not discharge a projectile with sufficient energy to cause serious bodily injury or death to a person. If the device is a firearm, then it cannot be a replica firearm (and vice versa);

• (b) it must resemble exactly, or with near precision, a real existing firearm of an identifiable make and model. With respect to visual examination, note that the maximum observing distance is one at which the equivalent make and model of the firearm can be identified. This distance will vary from one firearm make to the next. For example: A Luger pistol has a very distinctive silhouette as compared to other makes and is therefore more readily identified from further away. The examination of the object is something more than casual, but less than detailed. The device does not need to be so close that markings are identifiable; and

• (c) it cannot be designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, an antique firearm. 

RCMP Website "Air Guns"

1. Air guns that are "Controlled" Firearms for purposes of both the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code

These are air guns with both a high muzzle velocity (greater than 152.4 meters or 500 feet per second) and a high muzzle energy (greater than 5.7 joules or 4.2 foot-pounds). The "muzzle velocity" is the speed of a projectile at the instant it leaves the muzzle of a gun, normally expressed in meters per second or feet per second. The "muzzle energy" is the energy of a projectile at the instant it leaves the muzzle of a gun, expressed in joules or foot-pounds. Air guns need to meet both standards to be classified as "Controlled" firearms for purposes of the Firearms Act.

These high-powered air guns are subject to the same license and registration requirements as a conventional "Controlled" firearm. Owners and users are also required to store, transport, display and handle them safely in accordance with the regulations supporting the Firearms Act.

Usually, the manufacturer's specifications are used to determine what muzzle velocity and muzzle energy an air gun was designed to have. This information may be available in the user's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If the information is not available, individuals can call the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) at 1-800-731-4000 and ask to speak to a firearm technician to find out if the air gun is considered to be a firearm for purposes of the Firearms Act.

High-powered air rifles are generally classified as non-restricted firearms. However, the classification depends on the exact design of the air gun. Air rifles manufactured to resemble an assault rifle could be non-restricted, restricted or prohibited depending on the exact model imitated. High-powered air rifles would also be prohibited firearms if fully automatic or if they have a sawed-off barrel. They could also be restricted firearms if they have a folding stock that reduces the overall length to less than 660mm. 

Additional thought on this subject: Even though Uncontrolled Firearms are not governed by the same laws that apply to Controlled Firearms within the Firearms act and do not need to be handled or stored similar in the same way you are required to handle, transport and store a Controlled Firearm, we need to treat our Uncontrolled Airguns, Airsoft Guns and Blank guns with care and go over and above what is expected when had handle, transport and store them.

Perhaps the last of my 4.5mm Steel BB Dull Auto Fun Video? We'll see? Today I take out my Umarex EBOS (Electric Burst of Steel) 8 Round Burst BB Machine Gun and again take aim at a bunch of clay pigeons I set up 30 feet away. Even thought the EBOS does not have the highest rate of fire with only 500 rounds per minute, it does get the job done because it stays true on target and really proved to be very accurate allowing me to even trim off the smallest bits of clay pigeon stuck in the edges of the holders.

The rate of fire on the Umarex E.B.O.S. almost reminds me of what you would hear or expect from an AK 47 type machine gun.

Near the end of this video I try my luck at shooting some of the clay pigeons out of the air shotgun style but failed horribly :( Perhaps I should give by modified 1200 rounds per minute Drozd Blackbird a go at it :)

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Only a few more Full Auto Fun Videos left to do for you, todays features the Umarex Steel Force which is basically an updated version of the Steel Storm but instead of having an H&K styled outer shell, the Steel Force is based around the popular AR 15 series and like many modern AR 15's, the Steel Force has an adjustable stock which really helps with target acquisition and accuracy.

Like my other Full Auto Fun Videos, I take out a bunch of clay pigeons from about 30 feet away. The Umarex Steel Force proves to be very accurate and CO2 efficient (got about 300 shots from the pair of 12 gram CO2's) but is a bit of a pain to reload the spring fed 30 rounds magazine when the 300 round BB hopper is full.

All in all if you'er looking for a low cost and super fun BB machine gun with a high rate of fire, good CO2 efficiency, awesome pinpoint accuracy and pretty decent power, then pick yourself up one of our Umarex Steel Force BB Guns!

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This one is a bit of a revisit since I already did Full Auto Fun Videos for both my Cybergun GSG 92 and Cybergun Mini UZI, both of which I had to do the conversion mods (GSG 92 Full auto Mod Video - Mini UZI  Full Auto Mod Video) to allow them to shoot in full auto modes.

The good news is that out of the box the KWC Mini UZI and KWC M92 both shoot in selectable semi auto and full auto modes. And if you didn't already know, the KWC versions are virtually the same guns since KWC makes them for Cybergun. The only real difference being the KWC version does not have the licensing or white lettering on the BB guns and of course the KWC versions are full auto ready to go.

So with that said, enjoy my YouTube Full Auto Fun Video of the KWC Mini UZI and KWC M92 Full Auto ready 4.5mm Steel BB CO2 Blowback Replicas.

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Alright, so todays Full Auto Fun Video may be stretching things just a bit but I figured that since my Umarex Walther SG 9000 does have the ability to shoot 3 rounds with each pull of the trigger that we'll give it the benefit of the doubt and include it in this round of Full Auto Fun Videos.

The Walther SG 9000 is a kind of different looking airgun, the back half looks like a Walther Pistol while the front half is more of a tactical styled shotgun. And like a shotgun you can shoot multiple BB's with one shot. You actually have teh option of shooting single shot or three shot burst. In single shot mode, the Walther SG 9000 is pretty peppy shooting at around 500 fps on a fresh and warm 88 gram CO2. When you switch the SG 9000 over to three shot burst mode, it does slowdown somewhat closer to the 250 fps range so not really that great for any serious penetration.

But I figured since I was shooting clay pigeons which are made for shotgun use, why not use a BB styled multi-round shotgun on some of them! All in all the Umarex Walther SG 9000 got the job done...

I am sad to say that Umarex does not seem to make the Walther SG 9000 anymore so if you're looking for one you may have to settle for a used on if you can find an owner willing to give it up.

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