Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle is light short and crips with just a little bit of take-up before it releases. You will have to first either work the lever action which also chambers a preloaded shell into the breach of the barrel, or you will have to pull the hammer back in order for the trigger to be active as a single action trigger.
Accuracy: At this time I have not made my Field Test Shooting Video or shot the Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle. I am really looking forward to testing it out when I make my Filed Test Shooting Video Review for it hopefully soon! Barra claims is will shoot .22 caliber pellets up to 410 fps. I am not sure if this is for mid grain or light grain pellets but we will find out again when I make my shooting review video. The rear sight does have three positions of elevation so I should be able to find one that works here my Indoor Sea Can Airgun range where I setup paper targets at 30 feet away. I am hoping the Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle shoots close to the bullseye out of the box as it does not have any windage adjustment to space of.
Build Quality: The Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle seems to very well built and has a lot theft to it weighing in at 6.5 pounds so it feel very solid to hold and shoulder. It is mostly all metal which from what I can see, only the stock is plastic rather than actual wood. The faux wood does look very real and unless you get in close to it and notice none of the real wood imperfection, then you can figure out it is emotion wood. The fit and finish is all quality and I expect the Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle to perform reliably.
Realism: The Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle is based on the Winchester 1866 Lever Action Rifle and does look the part with all the expected working parts found on a lever action rifle. Barra has included a thumb safety behind the hammer along with a grip safety that requires the shooter to hold the lever tight to the stock or you will not be able to pull the trigger. Being a shell loading design that requires preloading pellets into the shells and then loading those shells into the rifle tub magazine also makes the experience feel very real. Barra has done a great job hiding the CO2 being the butt plate and the barrel open is about the diameter of a 45 caliber bullet.
Pros:
Not many rifles come in .22 Caliber. Should have a bit more down range power over .177 caliber.
Almost all metal construction with good weight and feel to it.
The Faux Wood stock looks very realistic, hard to tell it’s plastic!
Octagonal recessed barrel adds to realism.
White writing is mostly under the barrel so fairly discreet.
The gold receiver and but plate add to the look of quality.
Rear sight has three positions for different ranges and sighting types (standard low, peep mid, high distance).
Also have the option of mounting a red dot or magnified optical sight on the rear compact picatinny rail.
Dual 12 gram CO2 system is less expensive and reduces the cool down effect while allowing for lots of pellet reloads between heaving to change the CO2.
Has a secondary safety on the lever, it must be pressed into the stock to shoot, kind of like a grip safety.
Claimed 410 fps should be more than sufficient for mid range shooting.
Lever action rifles are just so much fun to shoot!
Cons:
Rear sight is not adjustable for windage.
More than likely going to lose some shells if you are shooting outside in the yard as they all eject into the grass or who knows where? Will probably need to buy some backup shells over time.
You will have to hold the lever snug to the stock or the trigger will not work.
Comments:
I was super excited this year at SHOT Show when I went to the Barra Booth and the Barra Team showed me their new Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle. We also spoke about how the .22 caliber version shoudl be Canada friendly as it was under 500 fps. Here we now and I finally got my hands on one and it is nice to have a .22 Caliber Replica CO2 Lever Action Rifle available to us Airgun Collectors. Sure Umarex has their Legends CO2 Shell Loading BB Rifle but I like The Barra 1866 shooting pellets over BB’s. Price point for the Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle is very reasonable for what you get as it is a lot of gun for the money. I am really looking forward to seeing how well it shoots and if it can get close to the claimed 400 fps.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Barra 1866 Lever Action 22 Cal CO2 Pellet Rifle:
Since I use all kinds of cameras for the making of my Replica Airguns Videos including the HoverAir X1 Flying Camera Drone, I though it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on the new DJI NEO Mini Drone which Is replacing my HoverAir X1 at least for now. This is not an unboxing first impression video with basic out of the box test videos. This video is going to go over how the DJI NEO actually performs comparing to the HoverAir X1 and other DJI dedicated Drones and FPV Drones.
I have used different drones to do everything the DJI Neo claims to do, but can the DJI NEO really do it all and if so can it do it all as good or good enough?
The short answer is yes it can do it all but will it meet your specific expectations?
I don’t claim to be a pro at any of the things the DJI Neo can do, but I have at least some experience using the HoverAir X1 for the past year which is a similar experience as what you get with the base model DJI NEO out of the box.
I also have owned and flown standard DJI Drones with remote control setups for taking those cinematic flying around smooth shots. The DJI NEO out of the box can do limited distance and height using your DJI NEO with your phone in Manual Mode. You can also purchase the DJI NEO Fly More Kit that comes with the RC-N3 Controller and unlock almost limitless distance and even more features out of your DJI NEO.
I owned the first generation DJI Avata and flew it with the motion controller similar to what you can do with the DJI NEO when combined with the DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 Controller. That experience really got me more interested in experimenting with FPV drones.
I now own a bunch of FPV drones in various styles and sizes and use them with my DJI Goggles and Manual Controller to fly in full Manual Acro Mode for a true fps experience.
DJI NEO Compared to the HoverAir X1.
For the most part they both perform a lot of the same Selfie Camera shots like Follow, Droney, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Direction Track and some more specific to each unit.
You can fly them without a controller or even your phone by simply turning them on, selecting your flying mode and pressing a button.
They both can use your phone as a simple virtual controller to fly them around in manual mode and get some cool more cinematic shots.
They both can use your phones built in Microphone to record audio while taking out the drones propeller noise.
They are both well under 250 grams closer to 120 to 130 grams.
They both have a one axis gimbal setup.
The cameras in both are comparable. 2.7k 30fps for the HoverAir X1 and 4k 30fps for the DJI NEO.
Both have full prop guards and are very crash resistant.
Where does each one shin in my opinion?
HoverAir X1:
Starting with the HoverAir X1 it came out first and so more of the bugs and settings have been worked out, and you have to give them credit for being first here as DJI did a lot of copying if we are being honest.
The HoverAirX1 has more ability to change settings using the buttons on the drone without going into the phones software to do it.
The HoverAir X1 is better at staying in place when inside and in lower light situations.
The HoverAir X1 can record in portrait mode for social media content.
The HoverAir X1 can use just about any external USB or BT Microphone for recording to get better audio than just by using you phones internal Microphone. The DJI NEO only gives you the option to use their DJI 2 Microphone which starts at $300 Canadian.
The HoverAir X1 can be folded, making it much more portable.
The HoverAir X1 at this time can track a little bit faster than the DJI NEO, but that can change with a softer update in the future.
The HoverAir X1 does not restrict where you can fly as there is no Geo Fencing. The DJI NEO will not give you much of a problem here when in solo mode or when connected to the DJI Fly App without any controllers or Goggles, but when connected to addition DJI accessories, you will have to factor in Geo Fencing limitations and work arounds which can be really annoying.
DJI NEO:
Moving on to the DJI NEO, the NEO has voice command as long as the DJI Fly App is open and your phone screen is on, very useful when wanting to change the drones distance and height in modes like Follow and Direction Tracking.
The DJI software is a bit more intuitive and the Manual Mode allows for much smoother control of the DJI NEO and further distances and height. (60m)
The DJI NEO records in 4k which is a bit better than the HoverAir X1 2.7k, but not by much. There is room for improvement with the NEO in terms of software updates but we will see what DJI does in terms of improving video quality and hopefully the ability to tweak the video settings.
The DJI NEO has built in GPS which allows it to stay in position outside better and even go over water and steep drop-offs.
The DJI NEO has an 18 minute battery run time versus the HoverAir X1 10 minute battery run time. (In real life it is more like 15 versus 8 minutes), so almost double per battery.
The DJI NEO is much more than a one trick pony with its ability to be much more than a Flying Selfie Camera Drone. It can be a full fledged remote controlled drone or even a true FPV drone when adding the additional accessories to it.
And that brings us to the point in this video where I talk about if the DJI NEO can really perform good enough to possibly replace your stand alone drone or even your FPV Drone? And again it depends on what your expectations are and what your end use in these modes is.
In terms of a stand alone drone, when the DJI is connected to the RC-N3 Controller, it can do much of the same tasks you would expect and get many of the same shots. Because of its size it will not be as good in stronger winds and it also does not have the power or speed of a larger dedicated Drone. Most of the DJI Drones also have higher quality cameras with larger sensors and 2 or even 3 axis gimbals with better stabilization. They also have much longer battery run times so you can go farther and longer with them. That said the DJI NEO may be good enough for a non-pro user to get the shots they are looking for.
The DJI NEO has been compared to the DJI Avata series and it does look a lot like a smaller version for sure. In terms of flying ink a DJI Avata, again it is smaller and less powerful so it will be slower and more prone to weather conditions. The camera systems on even the DJI Avata 1 is much better than the DJI NEO with full 4k 60fps ability and the DJI Avata 2 camera is even better than the Avata 1 camera.
As an FPV Drone you can strap on a set of DJI Goggles 3 and and instead of using the Motion Controller 3, you can connect to the RC Motion 3 Controller and get full manual mode FPV flying and hit speeds as high as 60km/h. You do have to be careful as the DJI NEO is not really a freestyle drone, if you push it too hard it will washout and go out of control potentially crashing, especially if you are close to the ground and it does not have time to recover. That said it is a lot of fun to fly if you fly within its limitations.
Some tips when using the DJI NEO based on my experiences:
Record in 4k for best quality except when in FPV Manual mode as the faster motion of FPV flying requires more frame rate speed to capture all of the motion without getting video jitter. Your feed in the DJI Goggles will look a lot better in 1080p 60fps as 1080p is the native resolution and 60fps is much smoother and allows for easier viewing while flying.
Do not use the DJI NEO inside in low light, it simply does not work very well in low light inside and will most of the time just land.
When using a remote like the RC-N3 or the Goggles 3, lower your video sharpness to (-2) for better looking video.
To fly in restricted GEO Zones you will need to go online and make a license request on the DJI Fly-Safe website and then you will need to treansfer that request license to your drone using the DJI Fly App while connected to the DJI NEO with with an internet connect. A bit of a process but after a few times you get the hang of it. I was not able to unlock a Geo Zone on location while in the app even with an internet connection. Hopefully this gets fixed down the road.
Here we go with another unboxing video this month, and this is a big box, so no doubt the mystery items are going to be big too! As always with new products, I will be following up with dedicated Table Top and Field Test Videos for each of them so make sure to check down the road for those videos for a lot more information and actual performance results…
Don’t look below if you want to just watch the video and be surprises by what’s inside the mystery box but if you want a quick peak before hand then checkout the basic specs below for all three new items I will be reviewing soon.
Type: GBB Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by EMG. Model:SAI 2011 DS 4.3. Materials: Mostly metal (Aluminum) and plastic. Weight: 1.94 pounds (878 grams). Total Length: 8.25 inches (210mm). Barrel: 4 inches (102mm) metal rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi auto Blowback, SAO trigger. Ammunition Type: 6mm Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 30+1. FPS: Claimed 380-430.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol like what you would find on a traditional 1911 style pistol so it is Single Action Only and is nice and short and light in weight. Being a single action pistol for your first shot you will need to pull back the slide to chamber a round into the barrel which will also cock the hammer for you. the blowback action will cycle the slide for you from that point on automating the action.
Accuracy: I have not made my Field test Shooting Video or even tested out the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol yet or even shot it at all so I can not comment on the performance other than the claimed velocity of (380-430 fps) which does seem a bit high to me? My plan is to have this info available next week when I make my Field test Shooting Video so stay posted of that video coming out shortly…
Build Quality: The EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is a well made Airsoft Pistol with quality materials throughout. You will find a machined aluminum slide an aluminum frame and a full metal drop out magazine. The barrel is Titanium Nitride Coated and the only real plastic parts I could find would be the grips, the gas tube and the hop-up wheel. The stainless coating on this Airsoft pistol looks fairly thick and so should stand up over time with less wear showing.
Realism: The EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol to me is not a true 2011 design as it does not have the once piece grip/trigger guard design found in 2011 pistols. It is double stack so that fits with the naming convention but I would say it is more like a combination of the Salient Arms SAI Red and SAI Red H. It does check all the boxes for realism in terms of function, looks and feel with all the working parts you expect on a Replica Airsoft Pistol including being able to fully field strip it.
Pros:
Superior Performance and 1:1 Scale Functionality.
Machined Aluminum Alloy Frame and Slide.
Rugged Reliability without sacrificing Weight.
Officially licensed by Salient Arms International.
Front and Rear Combat Style Sights with integrated Forward Fiber Optic.
Machined Anti-Glare Slide Top.
Ambidextrous Safety and Squared Trigger.
Titanium Nitride Style SAI Barrel for added durability.
On-Frame Integrated Accessory Rail.
Skeletonized trigger and hammer.
Options of both Green Gas and CO2 Magazines.
Deep Engraving with Real Steel Training Weapon Grade External Finish, Look, and Feel.
Cons:
Has orange barrel tip. But can be removed with some work.
No white dot or fiber optics on rear sight.
Not really a True 2011 in design as the name suggests.
Comments:
I am a huge 1911/2011 fan and so the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol really appeals to me. I like the compact design of the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 yet it has a nice high capacity double stack magazine that gives this Airsoft Pistol a bit more girth in the hands which for me is OK as I have pretty large hands. I like that you have the option of shooting CO2 or Green Gas depending on what magazine you are using. This version comes with a CO2 Magazine, but you can purchase a green gas magazine if you prefer using gas over CO2. I like the modern look with the gold barrel and skeletonized trigger and hammer. The price is on the higher side but sometimes you have to pay a little bit more to get the additional quality and to have a gun that really stands out.
In this Mystery Boxing Video I get to take a look at 4 new Airgun Products and give you my first impressions along with a few specifications about each of them but not in a lot of details as I have not had an opportunity to research any of them as this my first time seeing them.
First out of the Mystery box is a new Umarex T4E .43 Caliber CO2 Blowback Paintball Pistol with Walther licensing called the Umarex T4E PDP. I have reviewed similar styled T4E .43 caliber CO2 Blowback Pistols in the past and this one should perform and function similarly.
The next Airgun I pulled out out of the box was the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol, a really nice 1911 styled Airsoft Pistol with a stainless finish and gold barrel with a CO2 Magazine. This one looks and feels really nice.
Staying with the pistols that came in this Mystery Box, I got my first look at the Umarex Markpoint .177 Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Pistol that has a bit of a utilitarian look and feel to it. This one is the longer barrel version and has a claimed fps of 395 using alloy pellets so we will see what it can get with more traditional lead pellets when I make my Field Test Video for it down the road a bit.
The last item out of the Mystery Box was another Umarex product, a fun CO2 BB Rifle with H&K licensing called the HK416. This semi auto and 6 round Burst internal Blowback CO2 BB Rifle is a lot like the Steel Storm and Steel Strike from Umarex but a little bit larger I would say and with H&K Licensing so more of a true Replica Airgun.
I will be making full Table Top and Field Test Videos for all of these items shortly so keep an eye out for those videos but for now you can at least get an idea what these Airgun Products will offer.
First off, Comica was kind enough to send the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System for free to review. That said the opinions in this review are my own and I do a fairly thorough review testing out the audio of the Comica BoomX-D PRO’s to my Comica Vimo C similar Microphone system. I use a variety of setups including recording into my camera and smart phone via line in and USB in. I also test out the internal recording capability of the Comica BoomX-D PRO’s to see if three is any difference in sound and levels.
One of the main reasons why I was interested in tech Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System is its ability to record directly to internal memory so you do not necessarily need a receiver as you can record direct to internal memory to one or both of the transmitters Microphones and then transfer the audio to you computer or smart phone later to sync with any video you may have recorded to go along with it.
The Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System also comes with lapel Microphones that you can use instead of the built in Microphones on the actual transmitters which can make for a more discreet microphone setup and may improve audio just a little bit. The Comica Vimo C Wireless Microphone System I have been suing for the last two years and which has never let me down and fulfilled pretty much all my audio needs is a bit more compact setup than the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System but Comica Vimo C’s do not have internal memory to record to our allow for using lapel microphones.
In terms of audio quality, both systems sounds fairly similar, the Comica Vimo C Wireless Microphone System to me sounds like it may be a bit fuller in the bottom end just a little bit but not by much. Both systems have a solid connection between the transmitters and the receiver giving good range with a reliable connection with no cutouts as long as you do not get really far away with objects in-between the transmitter and receiver. I suggest you watch my Full Review Video and decide for yourself how you feel about the audio quality of the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System and if perhaps it may be the right setup for your audio recording needs. In my opinion they are a well priced system for what you get and are comparable to much higher pried units without compromising quality of build or sound.
Here are some of the key features of the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System:
2.4G Digital Dual-channel Wireless microphone, Global Free Frequency.
Type:AEG Airsoft Rifles Manufacturer:Umarex. Model:Elite Force M4 CFRX Materials: Mostly plastic/some metal. Weight: 5.2 pounds (2360 grams). Total Length: 32.4-35.4 inches (820-900mm). Barrel: 16.1 inch (410mm) barrel non-rifled. Propulsion: AEG. Action: Single action semi & full auto. Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s (Eye Trace compatible). Ammunition Capacity: Mid/High cap 340 round magazine. FPS: 370-400 fps.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Elite Force M4 CFRX Eye Trace AEG Airsoft Rifle is fairly short and light as it is basically a simple on and off switch as it is not mechanical but rather electrical. For this reason there is no real creep or feel of a release. When you get to a point in the trigger you close a circuit that activates the electric motor cycling the spring shooting in either semi or full auto depending on your selector switch position at the time.
Accuracy: At this time I have not made my Field Test Shooting Video or even shot the Umarex Elite Force M4 CFRX Eye Trace AEG Airsoft Rifle, I am planning to make a video for this rifle at the end of this week if all goes as planned. I do not have any of the “Eye Trace” Airsoft Ammo to show how this works and looks but I will be able to do my traditional accuracy and velocity testing here in the Replica Airguns Indoor Sea Can Airgun Range. When I do get access to some of the Eye Trace Airsoft Ammo I will make a short video most likely in a lower light situation to show how it looks.
Build Quality: The Umarex Elite Force M4 CFRX Eye Trace AEG Airsoft Rifle does have a lot of plastic in the build including the upper and lower receiver, hand guard, rear stock, front and rear sights, grips and flash hider but as expected there are metal part where they are required as in the inner and outer barrel, magazine, buffer tube, trigger, selector switch, magazine release, charging handle, dust cover and of course many internal parts. It does have a decent weight to it being a fairly long AR and so it feels solid enough. I would have liked to have seen metal sights and perhaps a metal receiver since it is not a cheap or inexpensive AEG Airsoft Rifle.
Realism: The Umarex Elite Force M4 CFRX Eye Trace AEG Airsoft Rifle is based on the M4/M16 platform of course in a modern version with all the tactical additions. It looks and feels the part for sure with lots of working parts including the safety, selector switch, charging handle, dust cover, adjustable rear stock, pop-up front and rear sights as you would expect. Most of the hardware should be interchangeable with a real steel AR if you want to personalize the look of it. The addition of the Tracer element will add to the realism when shooting it in low light situations, but so far I have not tested it as I do not have any Eye Trace Ammo on hand.
Pros:
Eye Trace System unique and great in low light situations.
Lots of accessory mounting options with Picatinny top rail and side adb bottom M-LOK.
Full adjustable Pop-up sights.
Pre-installed MOSFET for improved electronic performance.
Ver 2 Full Metal, fully upgradeable gearbox.
6 position adjustable AR compatible type rear stock.
I like the two tone black and tan finish.
Has the Elite Force Branding from Umarex.
Easy to get at adjustable Hop-up.
Cons:
Plastic receiver and orange tip.
Battery options limited due nunchuck compatible space.
Pop-up removable sights are plastic.
Comments:
Umarex introduced the “Eye Trace” line of Airsoft Rifles at SHOT Show this year and I have been somewhat eagerly awaiting getting my hands on one to try this new system out, but unfortunately we do not have any of the Eye Trace Airsoft Ammo to do that with. I am not sure if Umarex is low on supply or perhaps it was missed in the order? Either way I will be testing out the new Eye Trace Airsoft Ammo when I get my hands on some. in the future. Just to be clear on how this works, the Eye Trace Ammo is florescent and these New Eye Trace Airsoft Rifles have a blue light you can turn on or off that activated the florescent Airsoft Rounds illuminating them to look like tracer rounds coming out of your barrel. The new Eye Trace Airsoft Rifles work just like a standard AEG Airsoft Rifle when using normal Airsoft BB’s, so I can test the Umarex Elite Force M4 CFRX Eye Trace AEG Airsoft Rifle as I always do so stay posted for my Official Field Test Shooting Video for it coming out very soon.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Umarex Elite Force M4 CFRX Eye Trace AEG Airsoft Rifle:
I have only tested out another similar Crossbow setup one other time so this is not my normal Field Test Review. Like last time when I made my Bear X Desire XL Crossbow Field Test Video, in this Field Test Video I record my Chronograph velocity for the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow at the same time as I shoot at the target so I did not have to make two separate video segments and basically did it all in one go. I did have a bit of a brain fart and forgot I needed to setup two separate cameras, one on the Chronograph and one on the Target, as I generally only need one camera at a time for my usually two segment Field Test Videos. So getting to the point, I did not have dedicated camera on the target while shooting and in hind sight it would have been better to have the camera on the Target rather than the Chronograph as my camera glasses generally record the Chronograph readings for me too. I do walk up to the Target at the end of the video so we do get to see exactly where all the bolts landed, so I can show you the final result at the end of the day.
In terns of velocity, CenterPoint claims a velocity of 191 fps. I was able to get consistently just over 180 fps so pretty close. My Chrono readings using the included 147 grain 6.5 inch aluminum bolts ranged from 180 to 182 fps so very consistent. This gave an overall Foot Pound energy of 10.61 foot pounds so velocity and foot pound energy were just a little bit under the claimed rating! This is enough for small pests for sure, it really comes down to accuracy at this point as you will want to get either a head or shoulder area shot for a humane kill, and I am not sure if this bow is up of the job? You will have to see how accurate it will be for you and make that decision for yourself..
In terms of accuracy I found the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow to be fairly accuracy on the windage side (left and right), basically with all the bolts only being about 2 inches apart side to side. Where it did not perform as well was in elevation with the bolts ranging about 8 inches top to bottom. I am not sure why this was the case as the velocity is very consistent and generally less consistent velocities account for elevation changes. All the bolts hit the target using the included red dot with no pre adjustments but it did shoot just a bit to the right and maybe overall a bit low. This can easily be corrected using the red dot windage and elevation adjustments.
Interestingly the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow has a higher claimed velocity over the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow I tested a while back, yet the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow actually shot a bit faster hitting 190+ fps, not a huge difference but an interesting observation. The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow does come with a red dot but both have Picatinny Rails so Red Dots will fit on both Crossbows no problem. I am going to address the elephant in the room, if you compare both of these Crossbows they are virtually the same with the exception of the branding and distribution of them. So I would say get either one, the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow is actually less money as it does not come with an included Red Dot but at least right now it is out of stock so your only option may the the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow, both are a lot of fun and pack a lot more punch than your standard non regulated Air Rifle.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is a single action only trigger as you need ot cock the bow in order for the trigger to be engaged. The trigger mechanism basically just pushes the bow string up and over the lip of the rail releasing it so there is a bit of friction and I would say it is about 10 pounds maybe a bit less. The safety is also engaged when you cock the bow requiring you to take the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow off safe before shooting as an added layer of safety.
Accuracy: I have not made my Field Test Shooting Video for the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow and so I am not sure what to expect from it. I have shot a similar bow, the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow so it should perform similar to that one if you want to check that Field Test Shooting Video out, but I expect the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow to have a little bit more power as it has a rated fps and draw weight a little bit higher than the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow, we will see?
Build Quality: The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is actually made pretty decently, yes it is mostly plastic and light weight but feels sturdy enough to hold, the bow itself is fiberglass and the only real metal I can confirm is the cocking rail, mostly everything else other than the nuts and bolts that hold it together are some sort of plastic, The only part that does not feel up to par with the quality is the included red dot, it is fairly entry level but I am sure it will get the job done, and if it stops getting the job done at some point you can upgrade it then, or simply use the included rear iron sight which is fully adjustable.
Realism: The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is not a Replica as is what I usually review here on the channel. But I think there is a crossover in terms of interest for a product like this with people that are also interested in Airguns. The other benefit is that it has a lot more power than a non regulated Airgun as the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow uses nice heavy 146 grain bolts traveling at almost 200 fps which gives an energy rating of around 12 foot pounds. So if raw power is what you are after, then this is your best option for something still compact if you do not have a firearms license.
Pros:
Fairly inexpensive.
Super light weight and compact.
More power than an Airgun yet still quiet to shoot so you can use discreetly just about anywhere with a good back stop setup.
Easy to draw the bow using the stock for leverage.
Safety is automatically engaged.
Picatinny rail already has iron fully adjustable rear sight and comes with a very basic red dot sight to get you started.
Fiber optic front sight.
3 bolts included.
191 fps (12ft/lbs).
Comes with fore grip.
5 portion adjustable rear but stock.
Cons:
Will need a good backstop or will lose lots of bolts.
Takes a little bit of time to set it up but not too hard, just follow the steps in the manual.
Careful not to wash you hadn't or thumb with the string (Ouchy).
Comments:
The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is a nice crossover product that appeals to Airgun enthusiasts as it does not require a firearms license and can be used in a lot more locations than a standard gun. It also has decent power as compared to a non regulated Airgun hitting 12 foot pounds which is at least 4x more than most non regulated Airguns can achieve. In terms of pest control, it does have the power required for small pests but accuracy is not going to be as good as an Airgun so hitting the rather small sweet spot on a small pest is not going to be easy and you want to be humane about it, so make sure if you do plan on using this for some sort of pest control, that you practice your accuracy and are confident in your shot placement. Personally I would just enjoy shooting it as a target bow that literally cost you nothing after purchase as long as you don’t lose the bolts.
In this Field test Shooting Video, I test out the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle in my Indoor Replica Airguns Sea Can Shotgun Range to find out what the velocity is and what the accuracy is like shooting .20 gram Airsoft BB’s through my Chronograph. I also shoot in both semi and full auto at a paper target setup 30 feet away. If you are more interested in details and specifications for the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle then make sure to watch my Table Top Video I have already made that also has some nice close up video for you to check out…
So first up I loaded up a mag full of .20 gram Airsoft BB’s and proceeded to shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph. Specna Arms claims around 380 fps using the preinstalled spring setup, I averaged 348 with my slowest shot recording 344 fps and my fastest shot hitting 351 fps, so all of them pretty close in terms of velocity but a bit under the claimed 380 fps using .20 gram Airsoft BB’s
With the Velocity Test completed I moved on to my Accuracy Test for the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle Field where I not only shot 10 rounds in semi auto to see how tight of a grouping I could get, I also finished up the 120 round magazine in full auto to see if that grouping opened up a bit with a lot more rounds and a bit of full auto shake. For my 10 shot grouping I did get around a 2 inch spread, I did notice the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle shot really low and a bit to the right out of the box. I would say about 8 inches low and 3-4 inches to the right. There is some sight adjustment you can do so you should be able to dial in the sights to your personal preference. When I switched over to full auto which is always more enjoyable with AEG Airsoft Rifles, the grouping did open up a bit but not a lot more, maybe as much as 4 inches but I did put close to 100 rounds additionally into the target.
Overall I am impressed with the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle, I would have liked to have seen it shoot a bit closer to the bullseye out of the box using the iron sights, but personally I would more than likely add a red dot sight anyway, and that will correct any sighting problems one may have with this Airlift Rifle. The FPS is I would say about perfect for most Airsoft shooting conditions and it can be used with the pre-installed spring either for CQB or out door games. I do like the 120 round magazines as there is no need to whined a spring half way through a magazine but you will need more magazines on hand or a good speed loader handy for an Airsoft Battle. Just keep in mind your battery options will be limited due to the battery area being rather small since this very compact AIrsoft Rifle does have limited space to put a battery.
Type: AEG Airsoft Rifles Manufacturer:Specna Arms. Model:Edge SA-X01 Materials: Mostly metal/aluminum. Weight: 5.52 pounds ( 2.50 kg). Total Length: 23.5-27 inches (597-686mm). Barrel: 10.63 inch (270) inner 6.03mm tight bore barrel non rifled. Propulsion: AEG. Action: Single action semi & full auto. Ammunition Type: .6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: High cap 380 round magazines. FPS: 380 fps with installed spring, included M90 spring will be lower fps.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle is fairly shot and light, it is basically a simple off off switch as it is not mechanical but rather electric. For this reason there is no real creep or feel of a release. When you get to a point in the trigger you close a circuit that activates the electors motor cycling the spring.
Accuracy: At this time I have not made my Field Test Shooting Video or even shot the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle, I am planning to make a video for this rifle next week if all goes well. I have reviewed other Specna Ames Core products in the past and made Field test Videos for them so perhaps check one of those videos out in the time being for a bit of a heads up of what you can expect from the Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle.
Build Quality: Specna Arms Airsoft Rifles are made of good quality no matter if you go with the Core or Edge versions. You will still get a quality product with quality materials and metal parts where you need them. The Edge Series offers upgrades like more metal parts, improved gearboxes and electronics along with additional accessories but you pay a bit rmeo for the added quality and add ons.
Realism: The Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle is based on the AR15 or M16 platform of course in a very modern compact PDW styled. It looks and feels the part for sure with lots of working parts including the safety, selector switch, charging handle, dust cover, adjustable rear stock, pop-up front and rear sights as you would expect. Most of the hardware should be interchangeable with a real steel AR if you want to personalize the look of your Specna Arms Rifle.
Pros:
Very high quality product with quality components throughout (Already listed in Specifications).
4 positions rear stock.
ESA™ quick spring change system makes spring changes quick and easy.
Comes with two springs for potential indoor and outdoor usage.
Almost all metal build.
Removable fully adjustable pop-up sights.
No orange tips on our Canada Store versions.
Lots of rial mounting options using M-LOK System..
Comes with a fore grip and deans connector and two magazines.
Easy access to motor for any possible trouble shooting you any need to do.
I love the compact size. perfect for close closer quarters situations.
Cons:
Much higher cost than Core Series.
Magazine capacity is low but comes with two magazine.
You will need a very specific compact battery setup for this Specna Arms model.
Comments:
I for sure like the look of the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle, but more than that you get a really great Compact PDW Airsoft Rifle at a reasonable price with a ton of quality components and a mostly all metal build. Specna Arms even includes an additional magazine in the box. You could go with one of their Core series of Airsoft Rifles in a similar PDW and save a bit of money but if you can afford the upgrade then I would go for this version as you will not need to upgrade it in the future and that alone will save you some money over time. I would suggest adding a couple Lipo batters and a good charger to your shopping cart and maybe even an couple more magazines.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Specna Arms Edge SA-X01 AEG Airsoft Rifle:
Type: AEG Airsoft Rifles Manufacturer:Specna Arms. Model:Core SA-J73 Materials: Fiberglass reenforced plastic and metal/aluminum. Weight: 5.7 pounds (2.59 kg). Total Length: 23.4 - 32.6 inches (594 - 828mm). Barrel: 15.7 inch (399mm) inner 6.03mm tight bore barrel non-rifled. Propulsion: AEG. Action: Single action semi & full auto. Ammunition Type: .6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: High cap 430 round magazine. FPS: 370-380 fps with installed spring, included M90 spring will be lower fps.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle is similar to a light single action trigger as essentially the trigger is non-mechanical, but rather it is more like an electrical on off switch. There is a little bit of take up with virtually no extra friction to let you know when the release is, with a bit of use you will figure out exactly when the trigger will release the action.
Accuracy: At this time I have not made my Field Test Shooting Video or even shot the Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle, I am planning to make this video for next week if all goes well. I have reviewed other Specna Ames Core products in the past and made Field test Videos for them so perhaps check one of those videos out in the time being for a bit of a heads up of what you can expect from the Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle.
Build Quality: One thing I can say, is no matter if you get the Core or Edge version of the Specna Arms AEG Air Rifles, you are getting extremely good value for your money, and neither one is going to have any low quality parts in it. Even the lower cost Core Series will have fiber glass reenforced plastic and metal parts along with a metal gearbox and virtually almost the same build as the more premium and higher priced Edge Series. You will get upgrades in the Edge Series like an aluminum receiver and buffer tube, a GATE X-ASR Mosfet, upgraded Gearboes, and an additional magazine.
Realism: The Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle is based on the AK platform with a bit of a more modern look to it which includes a synthetic folding stock, a sight mounting system and a more modern magazine design. The Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG has lots of metal parts in it and has a good overall weight and feel to it which make is not too heavy or too light in my opinion. Our Canada version even come with a black flash hider rather than orange one which helps with realism.
Pros:
Very affordable price ($200 at time of video), yet very high quality product for what you pay.
Quality components throughout both the Core and Edge series.
Precision barrel internal 6.03mm diameter.
ESA™ quick spring change system makes spring changes quick and easy.
Comes with two springs for potential indoor and outdoor usage.
Plastic parts are fiberglass reenforced making them very durable.
Rear sight is adjustable on the fly for elevation.
No orange tips on our Canada Store versions.
Side mounting option for an optical or red dot sight system.
Metal V3 Gearboxes with metal gears and mostly all metal parts inside.
Decent amount of space for a battery.
Weight is about perfect, may actually too heavy with metal receiver?
Cons:
Plastic receiver.
Need to remove dust cover and use a screwdriver to adjust the hop-up.
No battery or charger included.
Comments:
The Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle for right around $200 is not what I would expect for such a lower priced more entry level Airsoft Rifle. The build quality and components in this Airsoft Rifle are not budget by any means and when you hold it, it feels like a very high quality product. Sure you don’t get a battery or charger with it which you often find bundled with lower cost Airsoft Rifles, but generally these batteries and chargers are extremely entry level and will require upgrading almost immediately. So do yourself a favor and invest in a good battery setup if you do not already have one. If you’re in the market for an AK based AEG Airsoft Rifle and have a limited budget but still want a decent product, then I would recommend the Specna Arms Core SA-J73 AEG Airsoft Rifle for sure.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Specna Arms Core SA-C07-PDW AEG Airsoft Rifle:
In this performance Field Test Shooting Video for the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver, I test out what the fps velocity is using a fresh standard 12 gram CO2 cartridge and shooting 4.5mm Steel BB’s through my Chronograph. I then setup a paper target 30 feet down range and shoot 10 rounds into it using the Single Action Only Trigger to see how tight of a grouping I can get out of the box. If you have not already watched my Table Top Video Review for the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver, then make sure to do so for details and specifications along with some nice close up video.
First up for my velocity fps test of the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver, I shot 5 rounds through my Chronograph. The slowest fps was 354 and the fastest shot hit an fps of 368, this result averaged 358 fps which was a somewhat under the claimed “up to” 420 fps from AirVenturi, still an OK velocity for shooting pop cans and the likes up to 30-40 feet away. The temperature in the Sea Can was about 20 degrees Celsius which is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so a good temperature to get middle of the road performance from a CO2 Airgun like the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver. In warmer temperatures you can expect higher velocities…
I then placed my paper target on my pellet trap 30 feet downrange and using my standard semi rested shooting position (hands rested on a sandbag up front and sitting on a stool in the back), I proceeded to shoot 10 rounds into the target with the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver and I was able to get about a 4 inch grouping well centered up and down but pushed to the left about 3 inches. I am not sure why this shot grouping spread out so much for me as my Crosman Forty Filed Test Review gave me a much better grouping and these guns are literally the same gun with different branding being the only real differences. Maybe I was just off on this day? Hey it happens sometimes!
The John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver is a lower cost mostly plastic Single Action Army Revolver with a fair amount of plastic in the build, but it does feel fairly well built and fairly solid other than being a bit lighter weight. It should produce close to 400 fps velocities in warmer conditions which is more than enough for plinking and pop can shooting which is really what it is built for. I do have to mention that this John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver for whatever reason is double the price of the Crosman Fortify CO2 BB Revolver I reviewed earlier, so if you don’t care about the John Wayne Licensing, than maybe consider the Crosman version for a lower priced option.
In this Filed Test Shooting Video recorded in the Replica Airguns Indoor Sea Can Shooting Range, I test out the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol to see what the actual velocity is in fps shooting 4.5mm steel BB’s with a fresh CO2 Cartridge. I also shoot 10 rounds of BB’s into a paper target setup 30 feet down range to see just how accurate the accurate the Gamo GP-20 Combat Pistol is out of the box. If you are more interested in details and specifications along with some closer up video of the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol, then make sure to watch my Table Top Video for it located here.
So let’s get to the velocity test for the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol. Gamo does claim up to 400 fps and to find out if these claims are true, I first installed a brand new 12 gram CO2 cartridge in the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol and proceeded to shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph. I then averaged the shots out and was impressed with a much higher than claimed velocity of 422 fps. My slowest recorded shot was 419 fps with the fastest shot hitting 424 fps, so all of them very close to each other.
Moving on to the accuracy portion of my Field Test, I then setup a brand new paper target 30 feet away and using a semi rested shooting position (Hands on a sand bag up front and sitting on a stool in the back), I purposely shot 10 rounds with care into the target. The Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol does not have adjustable sights at all so you will have to adjust your aim point if it is not bang on out of the box for you. That said, for me I was able to get about a 3 inch 10 round shot grouping, fairly well centered but just a bit to the left, about an inch or so. The shots did spread out a bit more up and down with less of a spread left to right, but still a decent grouping none the less.
The Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol is like many of these low cost CO2 NBB BB Pistols, was very predictable as I have shot a ton of them and since they all share similar mechanical attributes internally, they tend to shoot about the same. I don’t mean this as a bad thing since they generally all shoot fairly decent with right around 400 fps velocities and generally I get anywhere from a 2 inch to 4 inch grouping with them. The good parts is the design is tried and trued and seems to be very durable and problem free with less moving parts to go wrong. They are also rather low cost and the magazines are interchangeable, so if you have other models based on this same build design, then you can mix and mach your magazines and load them all up for non-stop shooting fun. I do like the overall feel of this NBB CO2 BB Pistol, and the sights are very easy to aim with being white dot in the front and fiber optic in the back. If you are looking for a low cost basic NBB CO2 BB Shooter then this could just check all those boxes for you.
Type: BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by AirVenturi. Model: John Wayne Marshal. Materials: Mostly plastic, some internal metal parts. Weight: 1 pound (455 grams). Total Length: 10.5 inches (26.6cm). Barrel: 5.55 inches 14cm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2. Action: Revolver SAO. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 18 round internal magazine. FPS: Claimed 420.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver is a single action only trigger, so you will have to cock the hammer back with each shot which does take away most of the trigger pull length and weight, making the Marshal trigger short and light and easy to shoot. Ideal for slowed down accurate shot placement, but less effective as an action shooter unless you have a very quick thumb!
Accuracy: I have not tested out the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver but it should perform exactly like the Crosman Fortify revolver as they are literally the exact same gun with the exception of the branding and licensing. In my Field Test Shooting Review for the Crosman Fortify CO2 BB Revolver it did shoot a little bit lower than the claimed 420 fps and shot around a 2 inch 10 shot grouping at a target setup 30 feet away. You can watch that video here but I will be making a dedicated Field Test Shooting Video for the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver shortly…
Build Quality: When it comes to the build for the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver, there is not a lot to get overly excited about. It is basically a mostly all plastic gun with some metal parts internally like the barrel, trigger, hammer and CO2 area. The John Wayne Marshal has that lower cost Airgun, two halves, screwed together build which generally looks better on the side without the screws showing. As it is mostly plastic it is on the light side at around just over a pound. Overall there are not a lot of moving parts so it should be reliable enough just for that reason alone. All the mechanical components do what they need to do and feel solid enough.
Realism: The John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver at a glance looks a lot like a Colt Single Action Army Revolver, it has the same shape and size but the weight is much less at about half. The lack of actual bullet holes in the cylinder looking from the front of the revolver does take away from its realism. I guess I am really used to the new generation revolvers with working cylinders and real loadable and removable shells, but these guns are more expensive and hold less ammo as they are genuine to the 6 shooter capacity.
Pros:
A decent looking replica of a Colt Single Action Army revolver.
Single action only trigger is short and light and well suited to careful shot placement shooting.
420 claimed fps is about perfect for plinking at ranges up 30-40 feet.
18 round magazine has a nice high capacity and easy to load when empty
Safety is well thought out and built into an already existing part of the gun rather than simply adding a switch afterwards.
I like the look with the all back frame and bone white grips.
CO2 Allen key is built into grip so you always have it on hand and will not lose it.
John Wayne licensed for those old west John Wayne fans.
Cons:
Mostly plastic builds makes it a bit light in the hand.
No fake shell holes in the front of the cylinder, could have added this for a more genuine look.
Twice the price of the Crosman Fortify which is basically the same Airgun.
Comments: The John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver is for sure an option if you are looking for an old west single action cowboy BB shooter and specifically if you are a John Wayne fan. If you don't care about the John Wayne licensing and want to save about half of the price then my recommendation is to go for the Crosman Fortify as it is the same exact CO2 BB Revolver at the end of the day minus the john Wayne licensing on it. You also have the option of buying one of the many Shell Loading Single Action Army Revolvers available but they are a bit more money and will shoot a little slower with less ammo capacity but the trade of is a lot more realism.
Another box showed up at my door and this time I had no idea what was inside it, I asked the boys in the warehouse to surprise me and send some new product as I was low on review items, and in a couple of days later this tall somewhat large box showed up. In this Replica Airguns June Mystery Box Unboxing Video I open the box and take a look at what’s inside. I recommend you just watch the video and enjoy the suspense with me, but if you want to cheat and find out now, then look below at quick breakdown of each item…
What you can expect from this Field test Shooting Video for the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle are two things for sure. I test out the velocity with both 4.5mm Steel BB’s and .177 caliber lead pellets, I also chuck both of these rounds downrange to see if one may be more accurate than the other and how close I can get a 5 shot grouping for each ammunition type. If you are looking for details and specifications and perhaps some more close up video of the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle then you may want to watch my Table Top Video for it here.
If you have watched any of my hundreds of Field Test Videos, then you already know I start off shooting 5 or so rounds through my Chronograph to see what the average velocity is going to be. In this Field Test I shoot 3 rounds of each ammo type, 3 BB’s and 3 pellets since it is a pump Airgun and they tend to be more consistent than a CO2 Airgun. Barra claims around 350 fps, I am not sure if this is for BB’s or Pellets or both? As it turns out (spoiler alert), both ammo types performed about the same in both the velocity and accuracy portion of my testing. For BB’s, my chronograph testing got 303, 316 and 316 for an average of 312 fps. For pellets my chronograph results were 309, 309, 314 for an average of 311, so only 1 fps off between the two. Keep in mind the BB’s weigh around 5.1 grain while the pellets I was using were around 7 grain, so the pellets will be carrying more energy downrange and hit a bit harder. By the way they are also harder to load so I would suggest just shooting the steel BB’s in this one since you can keep the fun times flowing better...
Next up for my accuracy test of the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle, I again shot both ammo types, but 5 rounds of each and just like the velocity test they matched each other almost exactly. Both the steel BB’s and lead pellets I was using shot really well centered left to right, maybe just a hair to the left and both shot just about an inch or so high on the bullseye I was aiming at 30 feet away. The 5 BB’s grouped nicely for me at about an inch while the pellets did get a slightly tighter 3/4 inch grouping for me in this test. I was using a semi rested shooting position sitting on a stool in the back with the rifle rested on a sand bag up front.
The Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle really surprised me in how it performed, It’s not going to be the most powerful BB/pellet cowboy rifle out there but compared to a Red Ryder it does have a bit more punch and in terms of accuracy I found it shot better for me than at least I can do with a Red Ryder type BB rifle. You also have the option of shooting BB’s or Pellets but I would recommend shooting BB’s since you have that 50 round hopper and the BB’s auto load when you pull the bolt back which is much easier than loading pellets with a pair of tweezers which is what I needed to do to get them in with my sausage fingers. One more thing to mention is I do not recommend pumping this air rifle more than 1 time, not only does the manual say not to, but there is little benefit in pumping it more times with only the risk to damaging the airgun. I pumped it 4 times and only got about 20 fps more out of it so just don’t do it. If you want a Cowboy style Air Rifle with a little more realism than say a Red Ryder but that shoots about the same then checkout the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle.
Type: Lever/Pump Dual Ammo Rifle Manufacturer: Distributed by Barra. Model:Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle. Materials: Mostly plastic, some metal. Weight: 4.1 pounds (1859 grams). Total Length: 36 inches (91.44mm). Barrel: 18 inches (45.7cm) metal rifled. Propulsion: Pump Compressed Air. Action: Lever/Pump Ammunition Type: .4.5mm steel BB’s & .177 Caliber Pellets. Ammunition Capacity: 50 BB’s in hopper, single shot Pellets. FPS: Claimed 350-400.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle is respectable at about 5 pounds with a medium to short pull length. I would say it is perfect for novice shooters as it is not overly light so as not to go off easily by accident and not too heavy for youth shooters with less finger strength than adults. When you pull the bolt back to reload the ammo, the internal cocking mechanism is activated allowing for single action type shooting. You do need to activate the bolt with each shot.
Accuracy: My dedicated field test shooting video is planned for this week, so for now I have no idea what to expect in terms of velocity and accuracy from the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle, other than it is claimed to shoot around 350 fps when using pellets. It does have an 18 inch rifles barrel which should contribute to helping a lot with accuracy, so I do have high expectations especially since it has a pretty good trigger and when looking down the sights they allow for a nice tight fix on the target. The rear stock is short but not so short that it feels cramped for an adult shooter which should also help when I perform my accuracy test.
Build Quality: The Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle is nothing special when it comes to materials being used in it. It is for the most plastic with the exception of the inner and outer barrel along with the rear sight and I would imagine some other internal parts. It does feel not so bad as it is a bit over 4 pounds and is smaller in nature so it feels solid enough in the hand. I wish the Pump/Lever was metal as it would of felt a bit more solid and would have added a bit more additional weight to the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle. Fit and finish is good and overall the gun looks and feels good.
Realism: The Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle is essentially styled after the Old West Lever Action Cowboy Rifle, and it has everything we would expect other than loading shells which is available in other Lever Action Air Rifles if you don’t mind paying a premium for one. The lever is actually not a lever but more of a pump so the action and look of the lever is not exactly as you would expect from a true lever action rifle, but when it is locked in place it does look the part. The gold receiver and rifle band looks sharp and I feel matches up with the dark imitation wood stock nicely. One point to make is that the hammer is not the hammer but actually the safety and the bolt not only opens the breach area but also acts as the cocking mechanism for the internal hammer.
Pros:
Super easy to pump.
Fit and finish looks decent for a mostly plastic airgun.
In terms of realism it does look like a more compact lever action rifle for the most part
Can shoot either BB’s or Pellets.
Holds 50 BB’s in the hoper for quicker follow up shooting.
Metal octagon outer barrel adds addition weight to a mostly plastic gun.
Rear sight is metal and is also adjustable for elevation.
Trigger pull is pretty decent, not too light but is short and about 5 pounds.
Recessed barrel for added realism.
Made for kids but the shoulder pull length and sight placement works for adults too.
The gold receiver looks good and gives it a unique look.
Cons:
Mostly plastic build.
Manual says only one pump but I wonder why this is the case or perhaps just to deregulate it?
Pellets are hard to load especially if you have larger hands and fingers.
Comments:
The Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle is a competitor for products like the Red Ryder but it has a bit more realism in terms of looking more like a replica of a real steel Lever Action Cowboy Rifle. It also allows for shooting pellets and has an actual rifled barrel so hopefully this helps with accuracy. You can still kind of shoot it Lever Action Style when shooting BB’s but there is the addition of charging the bolt with each shot over and above working the Lever / Pump, so it will take a bit more time to get those follow up shots as compared to a Red Ryder BB Rifle. One other point to make is that the lever is actually not a lever but more of a pump since this is not spring powered but instead has an air reservoir which on this version only allows for one pump, but on the non-junior version you can pump it up to 10 times and get a claimed 800 fps out of it (US Version). I am going to try pumpkin the Barra 1866 Junior Dual Ammo Pump Cowboy Rifle up to three times to see if there is any difference in power but this could void your warranty if you damage the air reservoir by over pressuring it. So be good and only pump yours once as instructed in the manual.
In this velocity and accuracy Field Test Shooting Video for the ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol, I test out the velocity in feet per second (FPS) using a brand new 12 gram CO2 loaded up with 4.5mm zinc coated Steel BB’s by averaging out 5 rounds shot through my Chronograph. ASG claims 394 fps on the box which sounds about right for a non blowback CO2 BB Pistols of this type. I then setup a fresh paper target 30 feet down range in the Replica Airguns Sea Can, and shoot 10 BB’s at it using a semi rested shooting position to find out how the ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol performs and if it shoots near the bullseye out of the box, and if it can get a decently tight 10 shot grouping. If you have not already watched my Table Top Video Review for theASG Cobray Ingram M11, then make sure to watch it for details, specifications and some nice close up 4k video.
I start off my Field Test with velocity test of the ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol by shooting 5 rounds through the Chronograph and then averaged them out. The slowest of the 5 shots was 397 fps while the fastest shot topped out at 409 fps, this averaged 399 fps which was slightly higher than claimed 394! Temperature was maybe a bit under 20 degrees Celsius, closer to 18 or 19 which in Fahrenheit is in the low to mid 60 degrees. It is likely the ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol could reach higher fps velocities in warmer temperatures.
For the accuracy portion of the Filed Test I placed a fresh paper target 30 feet downrange, and using a semi rested shooting position (hands rested on a sandbag up front and sitting on a stool in the back) I placed 10 rounds into the target with the ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol. The ASG Cobray Ingram M11 did end up shooting fairly well centered on the target with two rounds even entering the bullseye. I found it shot just slightly to the left but not by much, in terms of elevation I did end up having to shoot about 3 inches lower on the target to hit near the center. The grouping for the 10 rounds was about 2.5 inches total so not too bad for having such an open peep sight to look through. I did extend the Ingram M11 NBB out in front of me rather than using the rear stock as I felt the rear sight was just too close and too open at that distance for me.
The ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol is a pretty basic non blowback BB Pistol but it does perform not too bad getting good fps of close to 400 and able to shoot fairly well centered at 30 feet out with a respectable 2.5 inch shot grouping. The trigger is a bit on the heavy and long side but this is generally true for most double action triggers. If you do plan on opening the rear stock and placing it on your shoulder you will find that rear sight to be very wide since it is so close up, this will allow for quick target acquisition but it also makes accuracy harder since the front sight is kind of swimming in that rather large peep opening. I prefer just holding the ASG Cobray Ingram M11 NBB CO2 BB Machine Pistol out in front of me pistol style but you can try it for yourself and decide which way works best for you. If you are looking for a MAC 11 BB Pistol this may just be your only option for now but it is lower cost and still a lot of fun to shoot.
In this velocity and accuracy Field Test Shooting Video of the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol, I test out what the velocity is in feet per second (FPS) using a brand new 12 gram CO2 loading up .20 gram plastic 6mm Airsoft BB’s by shooting 5 rounds through my trusted Chronograph. Salient Arms claims 375 to 390 fps which is on the higher side for many blowback Airsoft Pistols. I then setup a fresh paper target 30 feet down range here in the Replcia Airguns Sea Can, and shoot 10 rounds at it using a semi rested shooting position to find out how the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol shoots in terms of if it is anywhere near the bullseye out of the box and if it can get a decently tight grouping. If you have not already watched my Table Top Video Review for the EMG SAI BLU, then make sure to watch it for details, specifications and some nice close up 4k video.
First up in my Field Test of my velocity test of the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol, I shot my standard 5 rounds through the Chronograph and then averaged them out. The slowest shot was 392 fps while the fastest shot hit 399 fps, this averaged 395 fps which was slightly higher than the claimed maximum of 390! Temperature was maybe a bit under 20 degrees Celsius, I would say closer to 18 or 19 which is in the low to mid 60’s or so degrees Fahrenheit, so it is possible for the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol to hit even higher fps velocity in warmer temperatures.
I then set things up for the accuracy portion of this test and placed a fresh paper target 30 feet downrange, using a semi rested shooting position (hands rested on a sandbag up front and sitting on a stool in the back) I proceeded to place 10 rounds into the target with the EMG SAI BLU Airsoft Pistol. The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol did end up shooting fairly well centered on the target with some rounds even entering the bullseye for me. I found it shot just slightly to the right but not by much, in terms of elevation it averaged right in the center. The grouping for the 10 rounds was about 3 inches total but I feel the .20 gram BB’s where a bit of a light choice for this Airsoft Pistol as the velocity is higher than some and a heavier Airsoft BB’s would have probably gotten me better results.
I really enjoyed shooting the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol. Everything about it feels really good, the single action trigger is perfect, nice and short, light and crisp, the slide has such a snappy response to it with more blowback feel than I was expecting for a lighter slide. The overall feel and weight of the gun just feels good in the hand, not too heavy or light, the perfect weight to pack around as a dedicated sidearm for sure. It also has that Glock look and feel to it but with its own unique look so you won’t be just another dude with a Glock, not that that’s a bad thing but it does get a bit boring… The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol is a premium Airsoft Pistol so you will pay a bit more but you will get a really nice gun in terms of looks, originality and performance.
