Model: M16A4 with Heavy BRRS (Bolt Recoil Shock System).
Materials: Metal & Nylon.
Weight: 7.7 pounds (3500 grams).
Length: 43 inches (1100mm).
Propulsion: AEG with Heavy BRSS
Action: Semi/full auto, single action.
Ammunition Type: 6mm Plastic Airsoft BB (recommend using undersized BB's).
Ammunition Capacity: 300+ round magazine.
FPS: 360+.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the BOLT Airsoft M16A4 is fairly short and light as it is essentially just an on off switch for the internal electronic components. You can shoot this gun very quickly in semi auto mode, and of course in full auto when full auto position is selected. As is with all AEG rifles there is a bit of a delay while the spring is retracted and released, this is not as noticeable in full auto mode and also when using higher voltage 11.1 volt batteries.
Accuracy: I tested the BOLT M16A4 BRSS Airsoft rifle first on my Chronograph to see what kind of real world fps I would get from it using .20 gram Airsfot BB's. The BOLT M16A4 produced consistent 350 fps shots which is perfect for indoor or outdoor Airsoft events. I then stepped back roughly 30 feet and place 10 rounds on my paper target using a semi rested position and was able to get a nice tight 2 inch grouping. When switching up to full auto mode the grouping pretty much stayed exactly the same, right in that 2 inch pocket.
Build Quality: The Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle is very well made with a full Metal upper and lower receiver, along with metal and polymer parts exactly where they would be on the real steel version of an actual M16 or AR styled riffle. The only rubber or nylon components are the stock and the grips and perhaps some internal parts. I really could not find anything to complain about other than making sure to use the right sized ammo as the barrel is a true 6mm barrel and so when using actual 6mm BB's they can get jammed up. I had great results when I used 5.95mm Airsfot BB's.
Realism: As with many Airsoft guns, there is great attention to realism and the Bolt Airsoft BRSS M16A4 AEG is another great example of an Airsoft rifle based on the Colt M4 platform. It is an AEG but because of the Heavy BRSS (Bolt Recoil Shock System) you get a very nice compromise between a conventional AEG and a GBB (Gas Blow Back Airsoft) gun. In other words, like a standard AEG I get that endless stream of consistent BB's flying down range on target but unlike a true Gas Blow Back Airsoft gun, I don't get that drop off in power and limitation to about 30 usable rounds per magazine. What I do get similar to a GBB is that recoil action that helps make the shooting experience so much more believable! Even the sound from the Bolt M16A4 is much snapper than a standard AEG and more like a GBB. I also like the fact that the charging handle and forward assist work similarly to a real AR and also the dust cover cleverly exposes the bolt and internal hop-up for easy adjustment along with the bolt cycling just like a GBB rifle would cycle which is similar to a real steel AR.
Pros:
AEG Performance with GBB like Recoil.
Very high quality materials and workmanship throughout.
Lots of forward rails to place accessories on and just looks cool in general.
The fixed classic M16 stock is very comfortable and grows on you over time.
Can shorten the gun by removing the barrel extension if you like.
Can use 11.1V Li-Po or 9.6V Ni-mh or Ni-Cd batteries.
Fully Adjustable Hop-up.
Semi and Full Auto.
Cons:
BRSS system will drain the batteries faster than a standard AEG.
Can not switch out the stock as the BRSS system extends back into it.
Need to use undersized 6mm Airsoft BB’s because of the tight barrel.
Comments:
The BOLT M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle with BRSS Recoil is a great compromise for the avid Airsofter looking for a practical skirmish weapon, but also craving the realistic experience of having blowback with recoil similar to a Gas Blow Back systems. I really like this concept and find it great fun to shoot even if its just for plinking in the yard. The overall quality is very excellent and you just have to love the AR platform it's based on. If you're into customizing you can mix and match many external and internal parts with other existing Airsoft mechanical parts and I would imagine real steel accessories. It's great to be able to use an Airsoft rifle in virtually any weather condition and still get that Gas Blowback Feel but with AEG performance and consistency.
My Vimeo Video Review for the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle with BRSS Recoil:
My first impressions with the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle where not so good as it was miss feeding and miss firing terribly for me. A quick communication with BOLT Airsoft and I was informed that perhpas my BB choice was the wrong one. The Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle has a true 6mm barrel so it is a tight fit with BB's that are 6mm since many can actually be a bit larger making them get stuck in the breach area.
BOLT Airsoft suggested I switch my Airsfot BB choice to a slightly under sized 6mm Airsfot BB so I tried some of my 5.95mm Airsoft BB's and all I can say is it was like shooting a different gun. Not only did it feed and shoot perfectly, but the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle with Heavy BRSS Recoil also became instantly more accurate for me. The moral of this story is always make sure to use the right ammo in your gun :)
So getting back to my Field Test Shooting Review for the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle with BRSS Heavy Recoil... In this video Field Test Review I shoot several rounds through my Chronograph to test out the fps velocity of the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle. Which by the way came in around the mid 300's. I also step back 30 feet and shoot some semi auto rounds into a paper target to see how accurate the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle is. Since the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle is a semi and full auto AEG Airsoft rifle, I also had to replicate my accuracy in full auto to see if my groupings would stay consistent even at a high rate of fire. I was very impressed with the accuracy in both semi and full auto, form 30 feet out you will get within 2 inches all day long.
It is fair to note that I was using 11.1 volt Li-po batteries with .20 gram BB's for the entire testing so this did effect my motor speed giving me quicker trigger response and faster full auto rate of fire. I would suggest using a high capacity battery setup since the BRSS Heavy Recoil does use up some additional battery power but boy is it worth it. The BRSS Recoil is not going to be as heavy as a true gas blowback system but it is close and does give you a nice shoulder tap but with the benefit of high capacity AEG magazines and consistent AEG performance.
In a nutshell, if you want the dependability, consistency and none stop shooting performance of an AEG Airsoft AM16 but with the blowback action of a gas system then make sure to give the Bolt M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle with BRSS Heavy Recoil a good look into.
A while back, BOLT was kind enough to send me one of their B.R.S.S. Recoil AEG Airsoft Rifles for review, make sure to watch my full review of the BOLT B4A1 BRSS Recoil Blowback AEG Airsoft Rifle.
Well again BOLT came through and sent me their latest offering, the BOLT AEG M16A4 Blowback Airsoft Rifle with B.R.S.S. Heavy Recoil system. B.R.S.S. stands for BOLT Recoil Shock System. The new BOLT Heavy Recoil system has a fixed stock which houses the improved recoil unit giving a more direct and solid recoil effect to the users shoulder. The BOLT M16A4 is a long length AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle also suitable for snipers.
Here are some of the specifications:
Blowback B.R.R.S Heavy
Adjustable Hop-up
Semi & Full Auto
Standard AR 70 & 300 round magazines
312 fps & 393 fps versions
Aluminum, ABS, Nylon & Glass Fiber and Steel construction.
7.4V & 11.1V (Li-Po) or 9.6V (Ni-mh / Ni-Cd)
7.7 pounds (3500 grams)
43 inches long (1100mm)
Comes in Black / Tan
In this YouTube Preview video for the BOLT M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle I show you around the gun a bit and do a quick shooting test. Unfortunately I was using 6mm Airsoft BB's which I later found out where a bit to large in diameter since the BOLT M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle has a true 6mm barrel. After the video when I received this information from BOLT I switched to 5.95mm Airsoft BB's and the BOLT M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle worked perfectly for me :)
Stay tuned for my Full Table Top and Field Test Shooting videos for the BOLT M16A4 AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle:
Action: Semi auto non-blowback, double action only.
Ammunition Type: Airsoft Plastic 6mm BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 15 rounds
FPS: 400+
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC IWI Jericho 941 CO2 Airsoft Pistol is about medium to hard but defiantly not the worst airgun I have tested. After you quickly shoot off a full CO2 cartridge you may need a bit of a break to rest your trigger finger but the actual shooting experience is just fine and it does not effect accuracy too much once you get used to the pull and break point of the trigger.
"Accuracy was pretty good for a double action shooter, I got around a 1.5 inch grouping from a 20 foot away free standing position, shooting just a hair to the left but a bit on the high side. It is a bit unfortunately that the Jericho 941 does not have sight elevation adjustments as it would make a very accurate airgun otherwise. I also put the Cybergun IWI Jericho 941 through my Chrony Chronograph and got very impressive FPS results, actually starting off and staying well above the claimed manufacturers FPS. My 8 shot average on a new CO2 was a very high 488 FPS, again well above Cybergun's claimed 443 FPS."
Build Quality: Very good, the KWC Model 941 CO2 Airsoft Pistol weighs in at about 2 pounds which is a very hefty weight for a medium sized pistol. The build quality and fit and finish is good all around with decent usage of metal in the slide, magazine, outer barrel and trigger. There are not a lot of moving parts so I would expect good durability since there is not a lot to go wrong with this Airsoft pistol.
Realism: The KWC IWI Jericho 941 Airsoft Pistol is very close to the look, weight, and feel of the real Israel Weapons Industries Jericho 941! Even though it doesn't have a working slide it definitely looks the part with its cut out ejection port, full size drop out metal magazine and recessed metal barrel. The KWC Model 941 does not have any licensed trade marks to speak of but on the positive side of things it also doesn't have the ugly warning instructions written on it either.
All metal full size drop out magazine holds CO2 and Airsoft BB's.
Very accurate IWI Jericho 941 replica in terns of looks, size and weight.
Should get good FPS based on the steel BB version results.
Can expect lots of shots per CO2 based on Steel BB version.
Expecting good accuracy based on the steel BB version results.
Very affordable price at well under $100.
Cons:
Non-blowback and the slide is non-functioning.
The hammer is only for show and does not cock back for single action shots.
Non adjustable rear sights.
Trigger action is bit on the heavy side and gets a bit tiring after lots of shooting.
Comments:
For a relatively inexpensive Airsoft gun you get good value for your money, most importantly a very accurate reproduction of the real IWI Jericho 941 firearm in terms of size, looks and weight. I am hoping to get similar shooting results shooting the KWC Airsoft Model 941 as I did with my BB shooting Cybergun IWI Jericho 941 I tested a few yeas back as it was one of my highest fps BB pistols tested. So make sure to check back shortly for my Field Test Shooting Video Review for this Jericho 941 Airsoft version from KWC.
My Vimeo Videos for the KWC IWI Jericho 941 Airsoft Pistol:
Ammunition Capacity: 15 round full size drop out metal magazine.
FPS: 417.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG MK II is double action only which will make it a bit on the heavy and longer side when compared to a real steel Ruger MK II, it is smooth however and does have a nice satisfying click that sounds like a firing pin being release. The unfortunate part is that the real steel version is a single action only trigger and one that is super short and light so the contrast between the Airsoft and 22LR version may make this gun not practical is an optional training tool if you win the 22LR version also.
Accuracy: This part of the review is yet to be determined as I have not done my Field Test or Shooting tests for this pistol. I will put a link in here when I have done my official Field Shooting Test. For now all I can go on is some feedback from others that have claimed very high fps and excellent accuracy, I am looking forward to finding out for myself! You can watch my Ruger MK I Gas version Field Test Shooting Review to get an idea on how the ASG Ruger MK II version might perform.
Build Quality: ASG as usually distributes quality guns, the fit and finish on the ASG Ruger MK II Dual Tone CO2 6mm Airsoft Pistol is very good and there is use of metal where it needs to be like with the internal mechanical parts, the trigger, the safety, the rear fully adjustable sight and the full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and the Airsoft BB's. Thee MK II version has a metal upper which adds additional weight over the MK 1's plastic upper.
Realism: The ASG MK II is based on real steel Ruger MK II with the fluted barrel in a two-tone finish and looks very close to a real Ruger MK II. There is no blowback operation or bolt operation so that means that only a double action trigger is possible, this is a bit unfortunate since the real Ruger Mark II has an absolutely smooth and light single action trigger. On the positive side you can field strip the ASG Ruger MK II Dual Tone CO2 6mm Airsoft Pistol just like the real version.
If you own a real Ruger 22LR it would be nice to have for some backyard or basement shooting.
Adjustable rear sight for windage.
Adjustable Hop-up for Elevation.
Full size all metal drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and Airsoft BB's.
Metal upper barrel, Metal trigger, metal safety and many metal internals.
Very satisfying trigger sound, sounds like a real firing pin :)
Field Strips just like the real steel Ruger MK Series.
Cons:
Plastic sights front and back, plastic trigger.
No blowback (Would have allowed for a true single action trigger)
Double Action Only, unlike the real steel version that is single action only.
Comments:
Compared to the my previous review of the ASG Ruger MK I, the MK II for me is a big improvement. The metal upper barrel assembly makes all the difference in terms of weight and feel and with the two-tone look it is for sure a very attractive looking pistol. I also prefer using CO2 for the increased performance of higher fps and less cool down effect over a gas system. I am hopping my Field test Shooting video goes well and the ASG Ruger MK II Dual Tone CO2 6mm Airsoft Pistol performs on point for me.
My Vimeo Table Top Video Review for this ASG Ruger MK II Airsoft Pistol:
Ammunition Capacity: 20 round metal stick magazine.
FPS: 400 fps claimed.
Trigger Pull: Trigger pull on the Umarex HK 45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol is double action only but doesn't feel too bad, it has the traditional longer double action pull but I did not find it to be too heavy and the release point was fairly predictable for me allowing for some good overall accuracy.
Accuracy: I have already done a full Felid Test Shooting Review Video for the Umarex HK 45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol so make sure to check that one out! In summary I got a bit higher fps then claimed at 420 fps with a 5 shot string using a brand new CO2 with RWS 5.1 grain zinc coated steel BB's. From 30 feet away shooting on a paper target using a semi rested posting I was able to place 10 BB's within 1.5 inches, almost close to a 1 inch grouping. The shot placement for me was just a tad to the left and a bit down but several shots hit the bulls eye so out of the box accuracy was really good on this low cost BB pistol.
Build Quality: The Umarex HK 45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol is built fairly basic with few moving parts so there is not much to go wrong, the fit and finish is good and there is metal where it needs to be internally and also the trigger, magazine and slide.
Realism: The Umarex HK 45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol is a very good overall HK 45 Replica BB pistol in terms of size and looks, it has full HK licensing and even has a metal slide and polymer frame like the original real steel HK 45. It is a bit lighter bit not by too much. There is no working slide and the slide catch/release and hammer are molded into the gun. The only working parts would be the safety, magazine release and trigger.
Metal where it matters, slide, magazine, trigger, internals.
Nice replica of the original HK 45.
Fully HK Licensed.
White dot sights easy to sight in your target on most backgrounds.
Decent double action trigger.
Picatinny rail for accessories.
Cons:
None blowback with a fixed slide.
Slide catch/release and hammer are moulded in and none functioning.
Sights are none adjustable.
Comments:
For a rather low cost CO2 4.5mm steel BB pistol, the Umarex HK 45 has a lot going for it! It is fully HK Licensed with a metal slide and metal parts where you want and need it. The accuracy and power are both good and even the double action trigger is very usable. Sure the Umarex HK 45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol is a pretty basic gun with few moving parts but then again simple is sometimes better in terms of reliability. If you are an HK fan and want a low cost well made and good performing BB pistol then checkout the Umarex HK 45.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Umarex HK 45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol:
Trigger Pull: Trigger pull on the Webley MK VI .455 CO2 Shell Loading BB Revolver is great in both single and double action, for a shell loading revolver the double action is the best I have come across with next to no friction like I would usually find with shell loading revolvers when shot in double action mode.
Accuracy: I tested the Webley MK VI .455 CO2 Shell Loading BB Revolver on my pool deck first off shooting 6 rounds through my Chronograph. The claimed fps is 427, I got really close to 400 fps in my testing so there is the potential for this revolver to shoot up into the low 400's. When I stepped back 30 feet and shot 6 rounds form my semi rested position, I got a really tight 1 inch group with almost all the rounds landing in the bulls eye. My shots where just a hair to the right but not by much which is good since the sights on this pistol are none adjustable. You can check-out my full Field Test Shooting Video here!
Build Quality: The Webley MK VI .455 CO2 Shell Loading BB Revolver is pretty much an all metal construction other than the plastic grips and any internal seals. The fit and finish is excellent with a great overall weight in the hand. The only complaint I have is that the grips being a thin plastic seem kind of low quality compared to the rest of this otherwise high quality Webley CO2 BB Revolver.
Realism: In terms of replicating a real steel Webley MK VI .455, Webley did a really great job with their CO2 BB firing version. Webley even includes a Small Arms Training Manual based off of the real steel variant. Webley based the BB CO2 MK VI from the original blueprints and the licensing is form the original 1915 version. The only real tell that this is a CO2 BB revolver would be the small safety switch on the lower right side frame and the CO2 valve located right behind the hammer.
Looks amazing and is a very accurate replica of the real steel Webley MK VI.
Great weight and feel in the hand at 2.4 pounds
nice deep Recessed barrel with true .455 caliber opening.
Break barrel design makes it really easy to load the dummy shells.
Hammer / trigger action is great in single and double action.
Webley Licensed.
Well concealed CO2.
Fairly discreet safety location.
No ugly warning instructions on the gun!
Cons:
One of the higher cost shell loading revolvers we sell.
Sights are none adjustable.
Real version would shoot .455 caliber rounds, the dummy shells are actually closer to 357.
Could be a bit loud for some back yard shooters?
Plastic grips seem a bit cheap compared to the rest of this high quality gun.
Comments:
Another classic shell loading CO2 BB Revolver, nothing wrong with that, I remember a time when finding a realistic revolver, even a modern version was hard to do. Now we have a growing selection of super realistic revolvers that replica their original real steel variation with ultra realism. The Webley MK VI .455 CO2 Shell Loading CO2 BB Revolver is no exception and makes for yet another option if you want a well designed, super functional and ultra realistic classic BB revolver.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Webley MK VI .455 CO2 Shell Loading CO2 BB Revolver :
In part one test of the Umarex Polymer Colt Python 357 CO2 BB Revolver, the Chronograph velocity test I managed to get 5 reading out of 10 shots (Chrony was acting up again) and averaged 426 fps using 5.1 grain zinc coated RWS BB's with a brand new 12 gram CO2. Perhaps my average would have been slightly higher if I got all 5 readings on the first 5 shots since the fps is always a bit higher. My highest reading was 442 fps while my lowest reading near the end was 406 fps.
Part two, the accuracy component to this Shooting Field Test gave my fairly good results but perhaps not as good as the all Metal Shell Loading Umarex Colt Python I tested out earlier. I did find the Umarex Polymer Colt Python 357 CO2 BB Revolver shot well centered but got about a 2 inch grouping shooting 10 rounds on the paper target. If you find yours is not set to shoot exactly on the bulls eye you can easily adjust the sights for windage and elevation.
If you are wanting a higher than 6 round CO2 BB Revolver with a low price tag, good velocity, easy loading, adjustable sights, a smooth single and double action trigger and decent accuracy than checkout the Umarex Polymer Colt Python 357 CO2 BB Revolver!
In this Field test Shooting Review I again get out from under my deck roofing and take my Chronograph and target shooting onto the pool patio. I may as well take advantage of the great summer weather we are having and get some rays while I shoot a video :)
The CO2 BB Pistol I chose for this Field Test Shooting video is the Umarex HK45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol. As per my usual Field Test Shooting Video Reviews, I test out the real world velocity (fps) for the Umarex HK45 BB Pistol by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph using a brand new CO2 and using 5.1 grain RWS zinc coated Steel BB's. I did have a few Chronograph issues but managed to get 5 good readings giving me an average of 421 fps.
Then I stepped back 30 feet and shot 10 RWS 5.1 grain zinc coated Steel BB's on a paper target to see how accurate the Umarex HK45 Metal Slide CO2 BB Pistol would be for me on this day. I was impressed to see a tight 1 inch grouping shooting from my rested position. The BB's where well centered on the target, just a hair to the left but good considering the sights are none adjustable.
Overall the velocity and accuracy of the Umarex HK45 are really good for this low cost BB pistol, the double action trigger is a bit long and on the medium pull, side but that is to be expected. The white dot sights make acquiring just about any target easy which may have helped me in my accuracy portion of the test.
In this Field test Shooting Review I get out from under my deck roofing and take my Chronograph and target shooting onto the pool area. Why not? The weather has been great and the pool is officially open and looking good :)
My pistol of choice for the Field Test Shooting video is the Gletcher BRT 84 All Metal CO2 BB Pistol. As per my usual Field Test Shooting Video Reviews, I test out the real world velocity for the Gletcher BRT 84 BB Pistol by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph using a brand new CO2 and 5.1 grain RWS zinc coated Steel BB's. I did have a few Chronograph issues but got a solid 4 readings giving me an average of 421 fps.
I then stepped back 30 feet and shot 10 of the same RWS Steel BB's on a paper target to see what kind of accuracy I could get shooting the Gletcher BRT 84 All Metal CO2 BB Pistol. I was impressed to see a close to 1 inch grouping shooting from a rested position. I actually performed this test twice because the first time I forgot to record with my camera glasses but I still got similar results both times.
The Gletcher BRT 84 All Metal CO2 BB Pistol is a bit on the louder side with a nice cracking sound when fired. The double action trigger is decent, nice and predictable but a bit on the long and heavy side since it is double action only. The sights are none adjustable but the Gletcher BRT 84 CO2 BB Pistol shot pretty true to the center of the target, juts a bit low and to the right but not by much. Overall for under $100 and being all metal this is a nice replica Beretta 84 BB shooter with good pereormcane.
In this Field Test Shooting Review I put the Webley MKVI .455 CO2 Shell Loading BB Revolver through my Chronograph and Target Tests to see how powerful and accurate the Webley MKVI really is!
Starting off with the the velocity Chronograph test, I shot 6 rounds through my Chrony using a brand new CO2 and RWS 5.1 grain zinc coated steel BB's in my Webley MKVI .455. My 6 shot string averaged just under 400 fps right at 397. Pretty decent for a shell loading BB revolver, not to mention very consistent shot to shot!
Next up was the accuracy component for this Field Test and as per usual, I setup my sand bag 30 feet away from my paper target and unloaded a full 6 round cylinder in to my ammo trap. I use a semi rested position, standing in the back resting my hands on a sand bag up front. This has proven to be a fairly stable shooting platform for me but there is some human factor involved. I was impressed with my 1.5 inch 6 shot grouping (right in the bulls eye) that could as easily been a 1 inch group if the one flyer had stayed a bit tighter but still really good performance for a none rifled BB shooter!
The hammer and trigger on the Webley MKVI .455 CO2 Shell Loading BB Revolver are very smooth in both single and double action with single action shooting being the shortest and lightest for best accuracy. It is still nice that this old school revolver offers double action shooting when you want to unload on your target quickly.
I also like the top break loading design which makes loading fast and easy on this 2.4 pounds all metal CO2 BB Revolver.
I wanted to not only do my Field Test Shooting review for the Umarex 9XP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol but also compare it to the discontinued Umarex SA177 since both guns share most of their internal parts. I had a good idea that both airguns would perform very similarly with perhaps the newer 9XP having the edge due to it being almost 5 years newer.
A with all my current BB Pistol Field Test Shooting Reviews, I test out the real world Feet Per Second performance by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph to see what they average out at, of course I use a brand new CO2 for this and my choice of BB was RWS Zinc coated 5.1 grain Steel BB's.
I started out testing the Umarex SA177 to use as my baseline and after about 5 warmup shots, the SA177 came back to life after sitting on the shelf for many years un-shot. My 5 shot string averaged a respectable 397 fps which is pretty good for a blowback pistol!
I then moved on to the newer Umarex 9XP CO2 Blowback Pistol and right away it popped out all 5 shots at over 400 fps with an average of 412 for my 5 shot string. Not only was the Umarex 9XP more powerful but it also had a snappier blowback action and was louder than the SA177 leading me to believe the CO2 valve may be setup to let out a bit more CO2 with each shot.
Stepping back 30 feet from my paper target I proceeded to again first test out the Umarex SA177 for the accuracy portion of this field test. I used my standard semi rested shooting stance, (sand bag up front, standing in the back) since it offers me a pretty stable shooting platform. I generally like to shoot 10 rounds into the paper target but the SA177 for some reason was having some slide lock back issues and I lost a BB in the process. Later on when I reloaded my SA177 I did not have this same problem so I am not sure what was going on. Even though the slide was locking back on some shots it did not really seem to effect the accuracy all that much. I got a main grouping that was about 1.5 inches in diameter and then a couple shots went out of that group extending the diameter to about 2.5 to 3 inches. Still pretty good for a blowback pistol. The shots where fairly well centered on the target.
When I performed the same test using my Umarex 9XP, I did not have any slide lock back issues and was able to get all 10 shot on target although one mystery shot did not seem to make a hole at all even though I clearly heard it fire and hit the target, perhaps it went exactly through an already existing hole? Either way I had a nice 5-6 shot group dead center on the target well under a 1 inch diameter and then 4 shots came outside extending the grouping to about 2 inches, again another well centered grouping!
In conclusion the Umarex 9XP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is a nice replacement for the SA177, it performs very similarly to the SA177, even perhaps a bit better! To me it felt like the trigger on the Umarex 9XP was a bit heavier than the SA177 but not by much? Maybe the 9XP hammer spring is heavier which would explain the increase in fps. SO if you have been wanting an SA177 but can not find one used, grab yourself one of the Umarex 9XP's, you will not be disappointed :)
My main goal in this Shooting Performance Test was to see how the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPAConversion Kit performed side by side with a standard 12 gram CO2. Keep in mind that you can also switch over at any time to a regular 12 gram CO2 even after installing the ANT adaptor system in the gun or magazine.
My choice of Airgun for this test was the KWC - Cybergun Mini UZIConverted to Full Auto. I chose this Blowback 4.5mm CO2 BB Gun because it uses a lot of CO2 with each shot and when shooting in full auto it literally eats CO2. I knew this airguns would really put the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit to the test.
My first performance test was to comparing both systems using a Chronograph so I could see how the fps velocity slowed down because of the CO2 cool down effect. The 12 gram CO2 did pretty well emptying a full 25 round magazine but keep in mind I was shooting in semi auto only for the sake of using a Chronograph. I did notice a drop in velocity from a high of over 300 fps to a low of around 260. When I switched over to the Bulk CO2 ANT System and performed the same test the fps started out a bit lower but stayed pretty much about the same with a few ups and downs. The initial lower fps may have been a result of using separate magazines for each test since the valves in each magazine are most likely tuned a bit differently to let out more or less CO2 with each shot.
My second and most impressive test was to empty a full 25 round magazine in full auto mode! Again a started out using the standard 12 gram CO2 and to make this a real world test, I did not replace the 12 gram CO2 form the previous test. I figured 50 shots was a realist amount of shots to get from a single 12 gram CO2 and after all I was only shooting in semi auto which uses a lot less CO2 then shooting in full auto.
My KWC Blowback Mini UZI rocked pretty good using the 12 gram CO2 until it hit about a third the way through the magazine and then it stated to slow down and pretty much stop dead in its tracks with about 5-6 rounds still left in the magazine. The CO2 was all gone and I was left a bit unsatisfied :(
Without any significant break time to let my KWC Mini UZI warm up again, I switched over to the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit magazine and unloaded the full magazine in no time with no cycle rate slow down at all, even after the magazine was deprived of Steel BB's I kept squeezing the trigger and letting the blowback hammer my shoulder for several more satisfying bursts. Now that is what you expect from a full auto Blowback BB Machine gun!
In conclusion, when shooting in semi auto you will see better fps consistency using the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit but where this system really shines at least for me is I can shoot as fast as as long as I want and it will feel same as the very first shoot I take even when using a full auto system. No more switching out 12 gram CO2 every few magazines, just speed load some more BB's in and your good to go.
I was sent a really cool new product form a company called ANT (Advanced Novelty Tech). Their CO2/HPA Converter allows you to hook up either a large CO2 tank or High Pressure Air system using standard Paintball hose system.
What's kind of neat with the Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit, is that you can still interchange your 12 gram CO2 if you want to even after modifying your gun to use Bulk CO2 or HPA!
The ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit works with well over 100 BB, Pellet and Airsoft guns most of which would be Pistols but some rifles are included in this list.
The main advantages over using standard 12 gram CO2 cartridges would be a significant lower cost for CO2, along with less fps velocity fall off, so better performance overall.
Stay posted as I will be making a field test performance test using the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit with my KWC Mini UZI Full Auto BB Machine gun :)
A few years back the Umarex SA177 disappeared off the face of the earth, well not really, it simply juts stopped being made and fairly quickly retailers ran out of stock... As with anything that people want but can not get any more, the demand went up and all of a sudden everyone seemed to want to get their hand on an Umarex SA177 Blowback BB Pistol.
You might ask why Umarex stopped making what at the time was a fairly popular CO2 BB Pistol? Well if you know anything about Glock, they do not like it all that much when a company makes a product that they feel infringes upon their intellectual properties and copy writes. Did the SA177 look like a Glock, well sure it had some similarities and perhaps Glock felt it was a bit too similar and so may have kindly asked Umarex to stop making it? At least that's what I think happened :)
So that brings us to now. And a new gun on the market called the Umarex 9XP that in many ways is a lot like the SA177 but with a slightly new skin on it, one that differentiates itself a bit more from the traditional Glock look. Sure the Umarex 9XP Blowback BB Pistol has a some Glock looking properties but it am guessing it has enough subtle changes to make the lawyers over at Glock HQ happy enough to allow Umarex to again sell an airgun very similar to the SA177.
Internally and mechanically as far as I can tell the Umarex SA177 and Umarex 9XP are the same and so they should both perform very similarly too each other and with pretty much all the same specifications. Even the magazines seem to be interchangeable! The trigger and trigger pull look to be identical and even the slide catch release are modeled after each other. Again, the only difference are some minor cosmetic changes to the metal slide and polymer frame.
So if you have been looking to get your hands on an SA177, well the next best or perhaps even better airgun is now available in the new Umarex 9XP! And the price is all right too!
Trigger Pull: Trigger pull on the Umarex Colt Single Action Army Shell Loading BB Revolvers is the best I have ever come across in an airgun. Being that the Umarex Single Action Army Revolvers are single action only, most of the work is done while you pre-cock the hammer. The trigger pull is under 2 pounds and has virtually no take up with a crisp release.
Accuracy: I tested both 4.5mm steel BB's and 4.7mm Lead ball BB's in the Umarex Colt Single Action Army Shell Loading BB Revolver. With the Steel 4.5mm BB's I shot just under a 2 inch 6 shot grouping when shooting from a 30 foot distance using a semi rested position (Sand bag up front, standing in the back). The shots where pretty well center hitting the paper target just a little bit high, they did seem to stray a little more left and right rather then up and down. When I switch ammo to the 4.7mm Lead BB's I got a similar 2 inch grouping but they hit the target a bit lower and tended to shoot tighter from side to side with more variation up and down, perhaps because the lead BB's did not seem to shoot at a vary consistent velocity. My Chronograph testing for the Steel BB's was right around 400 fps while the Lead BB's being heavier shot a bit slower at just under 300 fps.
Build Quality: The Umarex Colt Single Action Army Shell Loading BB Revolvers have a mostly all metal construction other than the plastic grips and any seals. The fit and finish is excellent with a great overall weight in the hand. Whether you get the Nickel or Blued version. The mechanical action of the hammer and trigger feels just like it would on a real single action army revolver.
Realism: In terms of replicating a real steel Colt Single Action Army Revolver, Umarex has done a really great job with their CO2 BB firing version. It's really hard to tell one from the other except for the smaller shells and the discreet safety switch located under the frame. Even the barrel is nicely recessed and has some fake rifling twists in it. The CO2 is well hidden with the Allen key built into the handle so no ugly screw tab hanging down.
Looks amazing and is a very accurate replica of the real steel old west version.
Recessed barrel with fake rifling.
Great weight and feel in the hand.
Shell loading design that loads from the back so no need to remove shells if you wish not to.
Hammer and trigger action is about perfect, no take-up, very crisp and super light.
Finish on both the Nickel and Blued version is very nice.
Very well concealed CO2 with built in Allen key.
Discreet safety location.
Cons:
In your face warning instruction on the right side of the barrel are a shame.
Real steel version would shoot .45 caliber bullets, dummy shells are actual closer to a .38.
Seems really quiet to shoot, would like to see a louder more powerful version!
Comments:
All I can say is we finally got our Airgun 1857 Colt Single Action Army Revolver! I have been asking the big airgun companies for this for a while and I knew it would be very popular once made available. As it turns out, not only do the "Americans" want one, but so do many folks overseas! I am really glad that time and effort was put into this first version and we got such a great product that looks amazing and shoots just as good as it looks. For anyone who is interested in owning the classic cowboy six shooter, you have to make sure to get one of these super realistic Single Action Historic Revolves!
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the Umarex Colt Single Action Army CO2 BB Revolver :
Some more new guns I will be checking out, well one is just a different finish of the Umarex Colt SAA Revolver but for sure worth taking a look at in this Preview Video.
All the guns in the Vimeo Preview Video and CO2 4.5mm BB Pistols, three are styled after revolvers and one is based on a semi auto modern pistol.
Starting with the revolvers I show off the absolutely gorgeous blued finish on the Umarex Colt Single Action Army BB Revolver and it all I can say is it really needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate how great it looks. I was not expecting the blued version to look nicer than the Nickel version but in my opinion it is my favorite of the two. And that's not to say the Nickel version is not a great looking pistol in it's own right.
I've been waiting a while to see firsthand the Webley & Scott MK6 CO2 BB Revolver and it finally came this week. Another really well built and designed classic Revolver to add to the list of shell loading CO2 BB Revolvers. I was really impressed with the trigger and hammer action, both single and double action feel super smooth and the position of the hammer makes for really easy draw for single action shooting. The 2.4 pound all metal weight give the Webley & Scott MKVI great balance and realism, while the top-break design makes for super easy loading.
Not to be mistaken with the Full Metal Shell Loading Umarex Colt Python 357, I take a look at the more affordable Umarex Polymer Colt Python 357 that fits the bill nicely when looking for a BB Revolver with a nice hammer and trigger, fully adjustable sights, and higher than average capacity magazines than your standard revolver.
Last but not least I look at another fairly affordable CO2 BB Pistol, the Umarex HK45. It's a pretty basic CO2 BB pistol but looks really good and has decent weight with its metal slide. The HK45 features white dot sights, a Picatinny rail, an all metal drop out stick magazine and full Heckler and Koch licensing.
Part 2 of my two part Field Test Shooting Video Review, this one focuses on the accuracy or target portion using my Umarex Colt Single Action Army Shell Loading BB Revolver. As per usual I set my self up 30 feet from my paper targets using a semi rested position (Standing in the back, while resting the gun on a sand bag up front). I normally take 10 shots and see what kind of a grouping I can get but with a six shooter that requires some reloading so we will base this testing on six shots.
Like part 1 in my Chronograph or velocity Field Test, I use a variety of ammo, starting off with 4.5mm Steel BB's and then switching to some 4.7mm Lead BB's for the second group of 6 shots from the Umarex Colt Single Action Army Revolver. I decided not to try the Dan Wesson Dummy Shells since they proved to be not so reliable during my Chronograph testing.
At the end of the Video I have some fun with my KWC / Cybergun Government 1911 just to see how it compares to a fixed barrel revolver.
Make sure to watch my below YouTube Review Video to see my full shooting accuracy result, I can say both the steel and lead BB's shot from the Umarex Colt Single Action Historic BB Revolver shot similar under 2 inch groupings with the lead BB's dropping a bit on the target with their slower velocity.
I decided to split this Field Test Shooting Review of the Umarex Colt Single Action Army into two parts since i wanted to do multiple tests with multiple types of ammo and dummy shells. at the end of the video I also throw in my Cybergun / KWC 1911 Blowback BB Pistol just for fun since both of these pistols where used in the US Military.
I start off by testing out the Umarex Colt Single Action Shell Loading BB Revolver shooting 6 rounds through my Chronograph using the included Umarex Dummy Shells with steel 5.1 grain 4.5mm BB's since this is what most people will experience. In my second test I switch up the ammo slightly and try out some much heavier Lead BB's that are a bit larger than 4.5mm (about 4.7mm) and weigh in at somewhere between 7-8 grains.
On my third test I go back to the standard 4.5mm Steel BB's but switch out the included Umarex dummy shells and replace them with some Dan Wesson Dummy Shells. Both shells are about the same length and width but with the included Umarex shells, you load the BB's into the back of the shell. With the Dan Wesson shells you load the BB into the front of the shell.
What do you do when you have some nice weather and a brand new Umarex Shell Loading Colt Single Action Historic CO2 BB Revolver that you are itching to try out! Well you go shoot it, that's what you do! So I thought I would setup a bunch of miscellaneous targets along with some cameras and record the fun so you all could join me :)
I did use steel BB's for the most part but I also gave some lead BB's I had lying around a try, the lead BB's are a bit larger in diameter so they fit fairly snug, I would not recommend using them on anything other than a brand new CO2 cartridge or they could get stuck in a shell or the barrel. The lead BB's are also much heavier than steel BB's so they do not go as fast but seemed to work pretty good for me. A great option if you are shooting at metal targets with your Umarex Colt Peacemaker!
I also discovered that one can simply load BB's directly into the back of each shell without having to actually take the shells out of the Umarex Colt Single Action Army Revolver, so if you only have 6 shells and want to keep the shooting moving along then just pop the BB's directly into the shells.
