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

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

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

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

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

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

What about Pistols versus Rifles?

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

What about Pellet guns versus BB guns?

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

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

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

What is the lowest FPS that I can use?

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

How large of an Animal can an Airguns Kill?

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

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

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

In this Comparison Video I go through the benefits and shortcomings of CO2, Spring Piston and Pump Airguns. I focus mainly on Airguns but there is a bit of a crossover with Airsoft guns.

All three systems (CO2, Spring, Pump) create pressure that forces the ammunition with a high force out of the barrel. Similar to how gun powder is the source of energy for a bullet.

Here are some basic statements that best describe CO2, Spring Piston and Pump Airguns.

CO2 Airguns:

• CO2 Airguns use the expansion of CO2 gas to create the pressure required for the ammo.

• CO2 Airguns generally store enough CO2 for multiple shots per cartridge.

• CO2 Airguns have a limit as to how much power they can produce since CO2 has a set vapor pressure of 850 psi, or about 56 bar at room temperature which is around 25 C or 77 F. CO2 Gas also requires a warm environment to expand so warmer temperature and longer barrels help with power.

• Some CO2 guns can also use pressurized air tanks in place of CO2.

Spring Piston Airguns:

• Spring Airguns use the release of a pre-cocked spring and plunger system to compress air to power the ammo.

• Spring Piston Airguns require the cocking of the spring between each shot so they are single shot only.

• Spring Airguns are limited to how much effort is humanly possible to cock the spring into position. If you make the spring to strong then not everyone will be able to use the Airgun effectively. Too week of a spring and the Airgun will lack power.

• Spring Piston Airguns are known for having a fair amount of recoil and vibration when the spring moves both forward and backwards quickly inside the Airgun.

• Spring Airguns can use either a mechanical spring or a gas spring.

Pump Airguns:

• Pump Airguns (either Single or Multi-Pump) store air pressure in a chamber that when released, powers the ammo.

• Most Pump Airguns require at least 1 or more pumps, often up to 10 pumps for each shot and you generally only get one shot per set of pumps. Not to be confused with PCP Airguns (Pre Charged Pneumatic) which have large pressure tanks that are recharged with a high volume of pressurized air that is capable of shooting multiple shots per charge.

• Pump Airguns are also somewhat limited to how much effort is humanly possible since the higher the chamber pressure, the harder it will be to pump the Airgun. 

Misc Airguns:

• Generally speaking both Spring and Multi-Pump Airguns have more potential power than a CO2 guns since CO2 has a set peek pressure limit.

• Pump and CO2 Airguns are know to have very little recoil since the pressure is stored in a chamber and then released by a valve. No slapping back and forth of a large internal spring.

Pros:

CO2 Airguns:

• CO2 Airguns allow for multiple shots per CO2 cartridge for more realistic action shooting.

• CO2 Airguns do not require any human effort to charge the gun other than loading the CO2 and Ammo into the Airgun.

• CO2 Airguns allow for true semi auto shooting ability. 

Spring Piston Airguns:

• Spring Airguns have the potential for high velocity since the larger and stiffer the spring, the greater the output force.

• Spring Airguns do not require anything other than your ammunition, typically either a Pellet or BB.

• Spring Airguns are mechanically very simple which makes them very reliable and less expensive to produce than other types of Airguns. 

Pump Airguns:

• Pump Airguns have the potential for high velocity since more pumps equals greater output force, only limited by the users strength and the pressure rating of the Airgun.

• Pump Airguns do not require anything other than your ammunition, typically either a Pellet or BB.

• Pump Airguns have next to no recoil which makes them very easy to shoot and highly accurate.

Cons:

CO2 Airguns:

• CO2 Airguns require the purchase and use of CO2 or they simple do not work.

• CO2 Airguns are very susceptible to temperature changes, especially cold temperature since CO2 needs a warm environment in order to expand. Cool down effect also plays a role in power output.

• CO2 Airguns have a maximum set amount of power output.

Spring Piston Airguns:

• Spring Airguns require the pre-cocking of the spring for each shot.

• Spring Airguns can take some getting used to since the spring recoil/vibration requires a very lose grip (Military Grip) to shoot accurately with them.

• Spring Airguns should not be stored pre-cocked since this can damage the spring, less so with gas spring versions. 

Pump Airguns:

• Pump Airguns require pre-pumping to pressurize the air chamber for each shot.

• Pump Airguns, especially Multi-Pump Airguns take the most amount of human effort for each shot.

• Pump Airguns need to stored with at least one pump in them or the seals can get damaged over time.

I get asked about what cameras I use fairly often so a while back I made a video showing some of the cameras I used at that time. Since that video was made I have been using a newer pair of "HD Camera Glasses" called Pivothead Recons' which I really like and are very good quality and are perfect for that first person video camera angle.

In this video review, I show you around my pair of Pivothead Recon 1080p HD Camera Glasses and include some footage taken with them. I talk a bit about the specifications but have included the below specs right off of Pivothead's website to make sure it all gets covered:

OPTICS

4 ELEMENT GLASS LENS

Largan Glass Camera Lens

FOCUS

Recon'sContinuosFocus | Auto Focus: 4”- | Fixed focus: 2.8’ – | Macro 4”- 28”

FIELD OF VIEW

75 Degrees

IMAGE SENSOR

8MP Sony CMOS

RAM

2GB SDRAM

VIDEO

RESOLUTION

1080p@30fps | 720p@60fps | 720p@30fps

VIDEO FORMAT

Mp4 H.264

EXPOSURE

Auto | Bright | Dim

VIDEO OPTIONAL SETTING

Black & White | Face Tracking | Time/Date Stamp

AUDIO FORMAT

AAC MONO

44.1 kHz

PHOTO

IMAGE SIZE OPTIONS

8MP | 5MP | 3MP

BURST OPTIONS

16 Shot Stills | 10 Shot Stills | 5 Shot Stills | 3 Shot Stills

TIME LAPSE OPTION

1 Shot/1s | 1 Shot/30s | 4 Shots/8s

4 Shots/30s | 10 Shots/30s | 5 Shots/60s

FOCUS

Auto | Macro

EXPOSURE

Auto | Bright | Dim

ISO

Auto | 200 | 800 | 1600

PHOTO OPTIONAL SETTING

Black & White | Face Tracking | Time/Date Stamp

STORAGE

INTERNAL MEMORY

8GB

INTERFACE

USB CABLE

USB 2.0 Cable for Charging and Data Transfer

POWER

RECHARGEABLE

Rechargeable 3.7VLi-Polymer/440mAh

DC POWER

USB power via Micro USB, 5V DC 500mA

OPERATING SYSTEM

SYSTEM

Mac | PC | Android

PRE SET MODES

Active | Action Sport | Power Save

Spectator | Hands On (Macro) | Social | Black & White

CERTIFICATION

FCC | FDA | CE

Make sure to watch my Vimeo Video Review of the Pivothead Recon HD Video Glasses:

Type: Airsoft AR M16 Styled Rifle.

Manufacturer:G&G.

Model:CM16 Carbine GBB.

Materials: Metal and plastic/fiber construction.

Weight: 5 pounds.

Barrel: 10 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: GBB

Action: Semi & full auto blowback.

Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 30+ round magazine.

FPS: 370+.

I could pretty much copy and paste my review of my G&G CM16 Raider GBB since both of these guns are pretty much the same Airsoft Rifle with different finishings. Instead I will place a link to my G&G CM16 RaiderVersion 2 GBB AR Airsoft Rifle Review and insert some nice photos of the  G&G CM16 Carbine version for you to admire :)

Buy the G&G CM16 Raider GBB Airsoft Rifle in Canada - Buy G&G Airsoft Rifles in the US

Moving on to the head to head comparison of the Tanfoglio Gold Custom versus the Sig Sauer X-Five Sight Rail (Open version). Again like my previous video of the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 versus the Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92, these two Air Pistols feature full size drop out metal magazines that hold the CO2 and 4.5mm steel BB's, along with full blowback with working slide catches, safeties and magazine releases. Both are field Strippable and both have the addition of sight rails with red dot sights for quick target acquisition.

I did not find either sight rail pistol to be all that much more accurate than similar open sight pistols like the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 and Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92, but I did find that target acquisition was much quicker and even when I accidentally double tapped the trigger, the second round was right on target.

In this field test comparison I shoot both guns through my Chronograph to see what kind of feet per second performance each one shoots, I also take them back 30 feet and shoot 10 rounds on a paper target using a semi rested position for true accuracy results.

Watch my Field Test Head to Head Shootout for the Tanfoglio Gold Custom versus the Sig Sauer X-Five Sight Rail:

Buy BB Pistols in Canada 
Buy BB Pistols in the US

Buy KWC Sig P226 X-Five in Canada
Buy KWC Sig P226 X-Five in the US

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

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

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

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

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

We carry a lot of the G&G line and perhaps have as much in stock as you would find at the G& G booth ;) I did see a few items we do not have in stock so I will have to see what I can do about that. Some products that I hope to see added to our Canada Replica Airguns Store would for sure be the M1 Grand and our Canadian Military Colt C7A1/2.

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

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

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

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

So it's 2014 but I still needed to make my 2013 Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Gun Collection Favorites for 2013. It's become a tradition I guess you could say. No I do not show all the guns in my collection but I do cover most of my favorites and also some new guns I picked up in 2013.

Here's a peek but make sure to watch the YouTube video bellow where I go over all my top picks for 2013. You can also buy many of the guns I show in this YouTube video over in our Canada and US Replica Airguns Store!

2013 BB Pistols

2013 Pellet Pistols

2013 Airsoft Pistols

2013 Blank Pistols

2013 Rifles

Type: Airsoft AR M16 Styled Rifle.

Manufacturer:G&G.

Model:CM16 Raider GBB

Materials: Metal and plastic/fiber construction.

Weight: 5 pounds.

Barrel: 10 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: GBB

Action: Semi & full auto blowback.

Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 30+ round magazine.

FPS: 370+.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the G&G AR styled Airsoft CM16 Raider is very smooth, the CM16 Raider uses a mechanical trigger that once the charging handle has been pulled back or "charged", works in a single action only manor with a slight bit of take-up and then a light predictable release. Each time the closed bolt gas blowback system shoots a round in semi or full auto, the internal action is ready for the next single action shot.

Accuracy: So far I have not tested Version 2 of the G&G CM16 Raider, but I have tested Version 1 so here are the result I got with Version 1 until I do my official Field Shooting Test with Version 2. When shooting from a 30 foot distance I did get some nice closely grouped shots from the G&G CM16 Raider Gas Blowback but when shooting in full auto it did spread apart somewhat, maybe from the GBB recoil? Version1 of the G&G CM16 Raider GBB shot an average of just over the 325 fps, I was using .25 gram BB's and it was a cool day so you can expect higher fps out of the G&G CM16 Raider when conditions are better.

Build Quality: The G&G CM16 Raider GBB being built on G&G Combat Machine Platform is targeted more for the price conscience person. The quality is consistent and good and I did not mind having more plastic in the G&G CM16 Raider GBB as my plan from the beginning was to add a lot of extra accessories and starting out with a somewhat lighter footprint made the gun still relatively usable even when all geared up with extra accessories. I also feel the plastic or polymer fiber upper and lower receiver and RIS rail system will also wear better than steel as it is more likely to flex rather than break in many situations, not to mention metal will show scratches and wear more over time.

Realism: Airsoft AR rifles in my opinion are very realistic in general, even the AEG versions work just like the real steel AR's with working charging handles, dust covers, bolts, magazine, adjustable stocks and sights, but I would have to give the advantage to the gas Blowback systems like the G&G CM16 Raider GBB as it has a full internal bolt with some decent recoil, it can also be field striped very similarly to a real AR15 rifle. The shot count is more like what you would find in an M16 or AR rifle which means you will need to consider ammo shot assuage and reloading more carefully when using it in an Airsoft game.

Purchased From: The Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Super affordable Gas Blowback Airsoft AR M16 styled Rifle.

• Very high rate of fire in full auto.

• Polymer shell is both light and very durable, does not show scratches or wear as easily as metal.

• All most every part is operational - Fully Ambidextrous now.

• Can be fully customized, lots of mounting points on the RIS Rail system.

• Fully adjustable Crane Stock.

• Removable rear Iron Sight can be swapped out for other sighting systems and hardware.

• Version 2 is a significant upgrade from Version 1.

• Internals can be swapped over to make it an AEG gun.

Cons:

• Some people may not like the polymer RIS rails and upper and lower receiver?

• Would have liked to have seen some sort of a plate over the pistol grip to finish it off.

Comments:

I already really liked Version 1 of the G&G CM16 Raider GBB Airsoft AR Rifle and even bought a bunch of magazines and gear to sport mine up for use in some local Airsoft games, the upgrades and improvements found in Version 2 are the icing on the cake! I am hoping the internal performance enhancements will increase the FPS just a bit and Gas efficiency somewhat over Version 2 but will find out when I give it a thorough testing shortly. If you have been a bit scared off by the higher prices of some GBB Gas Blowback Airsoft rifles then perhaps take a look at the G&G Combat Machine Platform CM16 Raider in GBB, it may just change your mind about Gas Blowback Airsoft rifles!

My Vimeo Video Review for the G&G CM16 Raider Airsoft GBB AR Styled Airsoft Rifles:

Buy the G&G CM16 Raider GBB Airsoft Rifle in Canada 

Buy G&G Airsoft Rifles in the US

You may wonder why I am doing another video on the G&G CM16 Raider Gas Blowback Airsoft AR Rifle? That's because the one I have here in this Update Video is Version 2 and yes there is a difference. So far I can only tell you about the obvious stuff since I really have not tested it out to see if there are any other performance gains with Version 2 over Version 1.

G&G has made some improvement with Version 2 enhancing several areas:

• First off, there is now a selector switch on both sides of the receiver allowing for left or right handed use.

• Carrying on with the ambidextrous theme, G&G also added a magazine release to the left side of the receiver.

• Another missing feature was a bolt lock out when your magazine was empty, this has been added and so the bolt will lock back about 1/3 the way back locking out the gun and letting you know when you are out of ammo.

• The bolt release on Version 1 was just for show and did not function. On Version 2, with the bolt lock, G&G also added a working bolt release.

Those are some pretty significant improvements to the G&G Armament CM16 Raider GBB Version 2 in my books! So now it's time to test it out and see if full auto mode has been improved. I found with Version 1, that when using full auto, the G&G CM16 Raider GBB would have some trouble getting through a full mag dump but when shooting very quickly in semi auto had no problems at all.

Make sure to check back for my full review and shooting field test for the G&G CM16 Raider GBB Version 2 AR Airsoft Rifle.

Buy the G&G CM16 Raider GBB Airsoft Rifle in Canada - Buy G&G Airsoft Rifles in the US

In this YouTube Overview video I show several NcSTAR Accessories, we carry a fair amount of NcSTAR products our Canada Replica Airguns Online Store and I thought it was time again to showcase some more NcSTAR items.

Here are the NcSTAR Accessories highlight in this YouTube video:

• Red & Green Laser
• Ultra Compact Green Laser
• Tactical Cantilever Red & Green Dot Sight
• Compact Tactical Green Dot Sight
• Tactical Red Dot Sight
• Folding Vertical Grip

Make sure to watch my YouTube Overview Video for these NcSTAR Products:

Buy NcSTAR Accessories in the Canada Replica Airguns Store

Type: Airsoft.

Manufacturer:King Arms.

Model:Thompson M1A1 Military & M1928 Chicago (Gold & Chrome).

Materials: Metal & Wood.

Weight: 6.6 pounds.

Barrel: 15 inches, metal.

Propulsion: AEG

Action: Semi/full auto, single action.

Ammunition Type: 6mm Plastic BB (recommended .20 gram plus).

Ammunition Capacity: 420 round magazine.

FPS: 380-410.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the King Arms Thompson Machine Guns 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 even quicker when full auto is selected. As with all AEG systems their is a slight delay between when you pull the trigger and the shot is taken as the internal spring needs to compress first before releasing.

Accuracy: In many cases Airsoft guns can be just as accurate as 4.5mm BB guns, well at least at fairly close ranges, I was able to get most of my .25 gram BB 10 round target test shots within 1 inch from 30 feet away using a semi-rested position. There where a couple BB's that lengthened the group out to about 2 inches but still a very good result when you consider these are plastic BB's being used. In Terms of FPS, I did stick with the slightly heavier 2.5 gram Airsoft BB's and still got a decent 360 average 5 shot Chronograph test result making this AEG Airsoft rifle perfect for just about any Airsoft game type.

• Click here to watch my Field Test Shooting Video for these King Arms Thompson Machine Guns

Build Quality: The King Arms 23 Karat Gold and Chrome Platted AEG Thompson Machine Guns are very well made using Aluminum Zinc Alloy bodies and real Wood Stocks, the fit and finish is very good and pretty much everything on these rifles are either metal or wood. You will have to polish these guns with a cloth from time to time since the mirror finish shows every smudge and finger print.

Realism: I'm not sure how many real 23 Karat Gold and Chrome Platted Thompson Machine Guns there are out there but there has to be at least a few ;) But going on how these guns look and feel, they are solid and very realistic. Some people have mentioned that the bolt should be on the top for some versions of the Thompson's but there are some Thompson's with the bolt on the side so I suppose we will let that one slide. The Wood stocks are a real plus adding to the overall weight and authenticity. Most parts works as they would on the real steel Thompson M1A1 Military or M1928 Chicago (Gold or Chrome) AEG Airsoft Machine Guns.

Available in the: The Canada Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Gorgeous Wood stock and Gold or Chrome platting.

• Nice high capacity metal magazines, can be mixed and matched.

• Adjustable rear sight for windage with two sight positions (Notch & Peep).

• Semi and full auto selectable with really nice rate of fire.

• FPS is bang on for indoor or outdoor Airsoft games.

• Fully Thompson licensed.

• Comes with Certificate of Authenticity.

Cons:

• Does not come with a battery or charger.

• Prone to finger prints and smudges.

• Need to use a screw driver to get at the battery.

Comments:

I am a big fan of the King Arms Thompson line, even the all black version with the plastic stocks looks and functions great. Internally the lower cost black version is the same and having previously shot my black Thompson, I knew these blinged out 23 Karat Gold and Chrome Platted versions where also going to perform as good as they looked! I'm not so sure about buying a Gold or Chrome Thompson for everyday use, since they will get knocked around and scratched up but if you are looking for the best of the best with real wood stocks and all metal parts then make sure to consider one of the Thompson 

My Vimeo Video Review for the King Arms Thompson Gold & Silver AEG Airsoft Machine Guns:

Buy the King Arms Thompson Special Gold & Chrome AEG Rifles in Canada

We just received an order of KWC products so if you've been waiting for some out of stock items then go take a look! By the way, the KWC Beretta / Taurus full metal blowback BB and Airsoft versions now come semi and full auto enabled!

Canada Replica Airguns Store  -  US Replica Airguns Store

I am jumping the gun so to speak with this field test review and showing you my field test video review for the King Arms Thompson Gold M1A1 Military AEG Airsoft Machine Gun before I've even done the table top review... Guess I just wanted to shoot this one :)

• Click Here for my King Arms Thompson Gold & Silver AEG Airsoft Machine Gun Table Top Review

I decided to perform my field test shooting review using just the Thompson M1A1 version since the 1928 style has the same internal mechanics, there really was no point in testing them both. Other than a few cosmetic changes like a stick magazine versus the drum magazine and the forward stock pistol grip on the 1928 version, these guns are pretty much the same. I also opted for the most flashy 23 karat Gold version, well... because "Gold is Best!"

So let's get to the results! As with most of the guns I field test, I shot 5 rounds through my chronograph, this time I decided to use .25 gram Airsoft BB's for both my chronograph and target portions of this shooting review since fishing the ammo out of the stick mag was a bit of a pain ;) I was able to get a respectable 360 fps average 5 shot Chrono test which makes this AEG Airsoft rifle bang on for just about any Airsoft battle situation. I would expect to get right around 380-400 fps if I was using the lighter .20 gram BB's.

Once I stepped back to the 30 foot semi rested target position, I shot 10 rounds first in semi auto which got me a pretty nice tight 1 inch group (if you throw out the couple of fliers). In Full Auto the shot placement also stayed nice and tight spreading out to about 2 inches or so. This Classic Thompson AEG Airsoft Machine Gun definitely hits what every you are shooting at and has a nice rate of fire that's not too wasteful of BB's but still offers plenty of cover when required.

At the end of this field test shooting review for the King Arms Thompson Gold M1A1 Military AEG Airsoft Machine Gun, I shoot some water filled cans while capturing the experience in slow motion using my new iPhone 5's 720p 120 frames per second 4 times slow-motion feature.

Buy the King Arms Thompson Special Gold & Chrome AEG Rifles in Canada

We have some new arrivals in our Canada Replica Airguns Store that some of you who like the more flashy guns may appreciate! What makes a classic Thompson machine gun even better? First of all make sure it's got an all metal body, then add real wood furnishings and of course cover it in 23 karat gold platting or if you prefer a slightly toned down version, then go with the Chrome plating.

Thompson M1928 Chicago Grand Special - Gold/Chrome

Thompson M1A1 Military Grand Special - Gold/Chrome

• 6mm Plastic Airsoft BB's

• 420 round stick or drum magazines

• AEG 8.4v (Large Type)

• 6.6 pounds (3000 grams)

• 400+ fps

• Aluminum Zinc Alloy body

• Real Wood

• Gold version is 23K Gold Plated

Checkout my update video for the Thompson Special Gold & Chrome AEG Airsoft Rifle:

Buy the King Arms Thompson Special Gold & Chrome AEG Rifles in Canada

I thought I would try some Sport Smoke Tactical Airsoft - Paintball Smoke Grenades (TSG) and show you how they work out in an open area and also when in an enclosed area (indoors). These Tactical Smoke Grenades put out a lot of smoke but will require either a non windy day or an area where the smoke can accumulate to give you good coverage. Either way they do a greta job of causing a distraction that will allow you to get into a better position.

Here is some info on the Sport Tactical Smoke Grenades for Airsoft and Paintball:

The Sport Smoke Tactical Smoke Grenade (TSG) is designed to meet the extreme needs of today's paintball and Airsoft enthusiasts. These high quality smoke grenades are very affordable, producing a thick white plume of smoke to cover your movement and provide a major strategic advantage.

• Pull ring igniter.
• Thick white smoke.
• Good hang time.
• Easy to handle and carry.
• Biodegradable.
• Cool burning, Non-Pyrotechnic Smoke.
• Made in the USA.
• Smoke Output: 10,000 cubic feet
• Duration: 75 sec
• Dimensions: 2.75"×1.5"
• Weight (lb.): .2

Right now we sell these bad boys in our Canada Replica Airguns Store!
 

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I originally made this Field Test Review Video a few months ago but had to pull it down because it featured two WE Products. The WE AK74-UN and the WE G18C which unfortunately looks a bit like a Glock. If you are not familiar with the video I made on the Glock Trademark Infringement Cease Order I received then you should probably watch that video, it will fill in some of the gaps on why I had to cut out the WE G18C portions from this video and repost it with only the parts that showcase the WE AK74-UN.

Anyways you can still read my Original Field Test Review post minus the video and photos of the WE G18C.

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Type: BB Machine Gun/Rifle.

Manufacturer: Umarex USA.

Model:Steel Force (AR Platform).

Materials: Plastic and some Metal.

Weight: 3.37 pounds (1529 grams).

Barrel: Metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 2.

Action: Semi and 6 round burst blowback, single action only.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 300/30 round hopper/magazine.

FPS: 430+.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Steel Force CO2 BB Machine gun is single action only, so you will need to charge the rifle by pulling back the charging handle first, one this is done the trigger is reset and ready the gun is ready to shoot. The blowback operation charges the internal bolt automatically afterwards so keep this in mind, to release the bolt you will need to take out the CO2 magazine and press the  trigger. The trigger is fairly light but has some initial take up and then a bit of creep before it releases the bolt.

Accuracy: I shot the Umarex Steel Force at a target from 30 feet away in a semi rested position using both the semi auto and 6 round burst modes, the Steel Force performed very good getting around a 1.5 inch 10 shot grouping in semi auto and then spreading out a bit in 6 round burst mode which was to be expected, still a respectable grouping. Shots where well centered on the target but I did have the advantage of using a red dot scope, I found when using the none adjustable open sights that come with the Umarex Steel Force that I was shooting under the target at closer ranges. My Chrony testing did not go exactly as planned due to my temperamental Chronograph but I was able to get two shots to read and they average out at 466 fps, well over the 430 claimed fps.

Build Quality: The Umarex Steel Force CO2 BB Rifle is mostly plastic on the outside with most of it's metal parts on the inside, you will find a metal flash hider, metal trigger and metal trigger guard but other than that everything else externally is plastic. The plastic seems durable enough but it has just a bit too much shine for me which I think makes it look less like metal and more like plastic. Everything seemed to function as expected but again I would have liked to have seen a bit more metal, not necessarily the outer shell, but I feel the selector switch, sights, magazine release, charging handle and front and back sights could have been made out of metal and would have given this Umarex rifle a bit more weight and balance.

Realism: The Umarex Steel Force CO2 BB Rifle is designed on the AR platform and for the most part is about the right size shape and look of an AR pr M16 rifle. Even the selector switch, magazine release, rear adjustable stock and Charging handle function just like a real AR! Some parts are model in just for looks like the bolt release, dust cover and forward assist but at least they fully look the part. The plastic for me was the real tell here as it kind of looks like plastic where as some plastic guns are really hard to tell they are not metal, but other than that this is a pretty decent replica of an AR Rifle.

Available From: The Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Higher than claimed fps.

• Good accuracy in both semi and 6 round burst mode.

• Got lots of shots per dual CO2 (Full Hopper).

• Love the adjustable AR stock which was missing and needed on the Steel Storm.

• Not a bad replica of an AR platform gun.

• Full auto has a very high rate of fire.

• Internal blowback does give a bit of recoil feedback feel.

• Lots of rials for adding on accessories.

• Price point is good for a fun dull auto BB rifle.

Cons:

• Sights are non adjustable.

• Plastic finish could have been a bit higher grade, like what most Airsoft AR's use.

• Just a bit more metal would have been nice and added to the overall weight a bit: Selector, Magazine Release, Sights, Charging handle.

Comments:

The Umarex Steel Force CO2 BB Machine Gun is for sure an improvement over the Steel Storm, first of all it is a true replica of a real rifle in production (The AR/M16 platform), it also has a rear stock that is adjustable which makes shooting this gun on target so much more easier. Overall I feel it shoots better than the Steel Storm with improved accuracy and performance. With that said the Steel Storm is still a great BB machine gun if your looking for more of a pistol SMG design. For the low cost of the Steel Force you really can not go wrong, this BB machine gun will put a smile on your face every time you take it out to shoot it.

My Vimeo Table Top and Field Test Videos for the Umarex Steel Force BB Machine Gun:

Buy the Umarex Steel Force in Canada 

Buy the Umarex Steel Force in the US

So what is the best way to describe the Umarex T.A.C. Converter? Well it converts several Umarex pistols into more of a PDW (Personal Defense Weapon). It's an accessory with a built in folding stock, included for-grip that also allows you to add other accessories to it converting your basic pistol into just about any configuration of tactical gun you can dream up! Add lasers, tac-lights, red dots, optical sights, flip up sights or what ever else you can think of...

The Umarex T.A.C. Converter works with the following Umarex pistols: The H&K USP, the S&W M&P40, the XBG, the CZ Enforcer, the Walther P99 DAO and the SA177. It currently does not work with any other pistols as you need to use the required adaptors that are specific to each gun. I suppose it is possible Umarex could make adaptors for other guns, only time will tell?

In my below Vimeo video, I show you the Umarex T.A.C. Converter with my Umarex SA177 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol installed, I also show you how to take out the pistol and then I walk you through the installation of my Walther P99 DOA CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol that is designed to fit into the T.A.C. Converter.

The Umarex T.A.C. Converter is a neat concept from Umarex that allows air-gunners to take an already existing umarex air pistol or one they plan to get and create something entirely different and new.

Buy Umarex TAC Converter in the Canada Store

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