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.

• Make sure to also watch my Field Test Review for the Umarex Mauser C96

Type: BB blowback air pistol.

Manufacturer: Umarex.

Model:Mauser C96 (M1932 / M712 Schnellfeuer).

Materials: Plastic and metal.

Weight: 2 pounds.

Barrel: 5.5 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto, single action only.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 19 round full size drop out metal magazine.

FPS: 380.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex C96 Mauser Legends CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is nice and short with a medium weight trigger pull (around 5-6 pounds) allowing for very quick consecutive shots. Unlike the new Umarex Makarov Ultra and Beretta Mod. 84 FS, the BB magazine chambering is done by the blowback action rather than the first part of the trigger pull which gives the Mauser C96 the best trigger by far out of all three guns.

Accuracy: I tested the Umarex C96 Mauser Legends from 30 feet back shooting at a paper target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front and standing in the back). My 10 shot grouping was just slightly below the center bulls eye and a bit to the right, all 10 BB's stayed within 1.25 inches with most of them grouping closer to a 1 inch group. The Umarex C96 Mauser Legends also got a surprising 390 fps on this not very warm day which was 10 fps over the claimed Umarex Feet per second rating, I can see this CO2 BB pistol hitting over 400 fps on a warm summer day for sure!

Build Quality: Lets get the fact that most of the outside of this CO2 BB pistol is plastic coated, I'm not sure why Umarex went this rout but it isa what it is and I do have to say the plastic looks great, not too glossy and not to flat, the quality seems very good and even though there is a lot of plastic on the outside there is plenty of metal used in the rest of this Replica Legends Umarex Pistol giving it a solid 2 pounds of mass in your hand. You will find it has a metal bolt, trigger, hammer, safety, rear sight, inner barrel and pretty much all of the full size drop out metal magazine which by the way holds the CO2 and the BB's. Fit and finish seems very good.

Realism: The Umarex C96 Mauser Legends CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is not licensed but it still makes for  a fantastic replica of a real steel Mauser C96 Broom-handle or should I say a M1932 / M712 Schnellfeuer which is the version that Umarex based their C96 on. I love all the working parts, the quick snappy blowback, short fast trigger, working safety, hammer and bolt, all combining to make this pistol a very believable Mauser replica pistol.

Available in the:Canada Replica Airguns Store & US Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Good price for what you get, right now $110 in our Canada Store.

• Really good accuracy, power and CO2 usage combo.

• Very nice replica of the original Mauser C96 (M1932 / M712)

• Decent weight and feel to it even though there is a lot of plastic on the outside.

• Fit and finish is very good.

• Snappy blowback action.

• Realistic working safety.

• Full size dropout mostly metal magazine that holds the BB's and CO2.

• Adjustable rear sight for elevation.

• Really great trigger on it.

• Super fun to shoot!

Cons:

• Lots of plastic on the outside.

• Slide does not lock back after last shot.

• Rear sight is not adjustable for windage, just elevation. 

Comments:

It's funny how earlier on Umarex came out with the Legends Luger P08 and even though it was pretty much an all metal air pistol, there where very few actual working parts on it, no blowback or even a bolt that functioned. Of course people complained about that, so what did Umarex do this time around... They switched things up completely and made a pretty much all external plastic air pistol but with tons of working parts and full functioning blowback action. So of course Umarex has opened themselves up to more criticism for having too much plastic in the Mauser C96 ;) Even so, this pistol is one to consider picking up, ti really is a very well made CO2 BB pistol regardless of the plastic parts. It's a great replica with awesome blowback action and a super fast trigger, The fps for a blowback gun is on the high side, it shoots dead on and you even get 80+ shots per CO2 all in one of the most unique looking pistols ever made. 

Watch my Vimeo Review for the Umarex C96 Mauser Legends CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:

Buy the Umarex C96 in the Canada

Buy the Umarex C96 in the US

• Make sure to also watch my Field Test Review for the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84FS

Type: BB blowback air pistol.

Manufacturer:Umarex.

Model:Beretta Mod. 84 FS. (Cheetah)

Materials: Mostly metal with a few plastic parts.

Weight: 1.5 pounds.

Barrel: 3.6 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto, single action only.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 17 round full size drop out magazine.

FPS: 360.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS is fairly long but in term of resistance is about a medium pull, there is no double action so single action only but the pull is longer than most single action triggers to accommodate the BB chamber mechanism on the magazine. Basically a BB is pushed into the breach/barrel during the first half of the trigger pull, then the trigger is released. I did notice a fair bit of friction during teh BB loading stage and it has been recommended to lubricate this area of the magazine to smooth out the trigger pull.

Accuracy: I tested the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS from 30 feet back shooting at a paper target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front and standing in the back). My 10 shot grouping was just a bit above the center bulls eye and very well centered left and right All 10 BB's stayed within 1.5 inches with most of them grouping closer to a 1 inch group. The Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS also got a respectable 363 fps on this not super warm day so I would expect it to hit significantly higher than the claimed 360 fps during hot summer weather.

Build Quality: Being a pretty much all metal gun, makes the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS feel solid and sturdy. The only plastic parts on the Umarex 84 FS where the grips and some magazine parts like the CO2 tab. The painted finish is a nice satin black. The fit and finish on this Umarex CO2 Blowback BB pistol is top notch with virtually no slide slop at all.

Realism: The Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS is a fully licensed replica of the real steel Beretta Model 84 FS. It is an extremely close copy in both looks and feel, has a nice snappy blowback action and field strips just like a real Beretta 84 FS. You'll also find a full size drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and BB's and a working slide catch/release that locks back when the magazine is empty.

Available in the:Canada Replica Airguns Store & US Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Good price for what you get!

• Decent accuracy, power and CO2 usage combo.

• Nice replica of the original Beretta 84 FS (Cheetah).

• Crisp blowback action.

• Working slide catch and release (Locks back after last shot).

• Realistic working ambidextrous metal safety.

• Full size dropout magazine that holds BB's and CO2.

• Can be field stripped like original Beretta 84 FS.

• Fully Beretta licensed.

• Recessed barrel for realism. 

Cons:

• Has the exposed CO2 tab on the bottom of the magazine.

• Trigger is a bit long and tight because of how BB's are chambered.

Comments:

Umarex really came through on this one, perhaps they are listening to their customers more and more because time and time again we ask for the same things over and over again with our Replica Airguns: Metal parts where metal would be found on the real steel version, blowback operation for that realistic kick and single action trigger ability, a full size drop out magazine that holds the BB's and CO2, ability to field strip again like the original version, a recessed barrel so it does not look like a toy gun or a better way of saying it... make it just like the real steel version but have it shoot BB's :) I think Umarex got most everything covered with their new Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol.

Watch my Vimeo Review for the Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:

Buy Umarex Mod. 84 FS in Canada - Buy Umarex Mod. 84 FS in the US

• Make sure to also watch my Field Test Review for the Umarex Legends Makarov Ultra

Type: BB blowback air pistol.

Manufacturer:Umarex.

Model:Makarov Ultra.

Materials: Mostly metal with a few plastic parts.

Weight: 1.5 pounds.

Barrel: 3.5 inches, metal non-rifled.

Propulsion: CO2 x 1.

Action: Semi auto, single action only.

Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.

Ammunition Capacity: 16-17 round full size drop out magazine.

FPS: 350.

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Legends Makarov Ultra is fairly long but in term of resistance is about a medium pull, there is no double action so single action only but the pull is longer than most single action triggers to accommodate the BB chamber mechanism on the magazine. Basically a BB is pushed into the breach/barrel during the first half of the trigger pull, then the trigger is released.

Accuracy: I tested the Umarex Makarov Ultra Legends from 30 feet back shooting at a paper target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front and standing in the back). My 10 shot grouping was just a bit below the bulls eye but fairly well center left and right and all 10 BB's stayed within 2 inches with most of them grouping even tighter than that. Not bad at all! This pistol also got a respectable 333 fps on this not super warm day so I would expect it to hit the claimed 350 fps during summer weather.

Build Quality: Being a pretty much all metal gun, makes the Umarex Makarov Ultra feel solid and sturdy. The only plastic parts on the Umarex Makarov Ultra where the grips and some magazine parts like the CO2 tab. The painted finish is a nice metallic dark grey, a definite improvement over the previous Umarex non-blowback Makarov glossy black finish.

Realism: The Umarex Legends Makarov is a licensed replica of the Makarov PM 9x18 Russian military and police pistol. It is a very close copy in both looks and feel, has a very heavy blowback action and field strips just like a real Makarov. You'll also find a full size drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and BB's and a working slide catch/release that locks back when the magazine is empty.

Available in the:Canada Replica Airguns Store & US Replica Airguns Store.

Pros:

• Good price for what you get!

• Decent accuracy, power and CO2 usage combo.

• Nice replica of the original Makarov PM.

• Heavy Blowback action.

• Working slide catch and release (Locks back after last shot).

• Realistic working metal safety.

• Full size dropout magazine that holds BB's and CO2.

• Can be field stripped like original Makarov.

• Fully Makarov licensed.

• Much better finish than original Umarex Makarov. 

Cons:

• Has the exposed CO2 tab on the bottom of the magazine.

• No recessed barrel.

• Trigger is a bit long because of how BB's are chambered.

• Safety does not de-cock the hammer like original.

Comments:

Umarex really addresses the majority of the shortcomings found on the original non-blowback 4.5mm Steel BB shooting Makarov. They added the much asked for blowback operation, made the slide catch/release operational, upgraded the magazine to a full size drop out CO2 and BB magazine, gave it a more realistic paint job and even replaced the plastic safety with a metal safety. The only tradeoff is the loss of the short take up single action trigger and perhaps a few fps. All in all a big improvement over the first version which even today is still a very good BB pistol.

Watch my Vimeo Review for the Legends Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:

Buy Umarex Ultra BB in Canada - Buy Umarex Ultra in the US

Some "not so new" CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistols from Umarex, but still popular Replica BB guns that have received a lot of attention and to be honest have to date not had a real "proper" Field Test. So why not put the Umarex SA177 and Umarex HPP side by side for yet another installment of Head to Head Shootouts!

Right off the bat I have to say that one of these very fine Blowback Air Pistols has been retired by Umarex. Word on the street is that some suits from a company that sell real steel semi auto pistols that kind of share a similarity to the Umarex SA177 may have applied some pressure to Umarex and somehow the mold got broken and guess what... No more Umarex SA177's :(

On a positive note, you can still get the Umarex HPP which in my opinion was always a better shooter with a much heavier and snappier blowback along with a very smooth trigger. And yes we have it the HPP for sale in our Canada and US Replica Airguns Stores.

Getting back to this Field Test Head to Head Shootout for the Umarex SA177 and HPP CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistols. I tested them both out on the Chronograph shooting 5 rounds in each gun using a brand new 12 gram CO2 in combination with 5.1 grain Umarex Zinc Coated Steel BB's. The SA177 average a bit higher at 395 fps while the HPP came in just a hair lower at a respectable 372 fps average.

In terms of accuracy from 30 feet out using a semi rested position (sand bag in the front, standing in the back), Both guns wanted to shoot just a bit to the left and they both had a definite internal tighter group that was about 1.5 inches with some strays that came outside opening the groups up to around 3 inches or so. Both BB Air Pistols worked flawlessly with no problems, again the Umarex HPP for me was more enjoyable to shoot with it's heavy blowback and lighter trigger over the SA177. You can also expect to get around 100 or even more shots out of a single CO2 cartridge.

Make sure to checkout my initial Table Top comparison video for these two Umarex Blowback BB Pistols, it goes back a few years for sure :)

Buy Umarex HPP gun in Canada   -   Buy Umarex HPP in the US

I was waiting for a magazine for my ASG STI Duty One 1911 to show up so I could finally do this "Head to Head" Field Test Shooting Review Video for the ASG STI Duty One versus the ASG CZ 75 P-07 Duty versus the ASG Bersa BP9cc. All of which are Blowback CO2 4.5mm Steel BB pistols.

This Shooting Field Test went fairly well and all guns performed as expected, I did have one slide lock back on a loaded magazine with my ASG STI Duty One 1911 and one failure to lock back on the last shot with my ASG Bersa BP9cc, but it did eventually lock back.

During the Chronograph 5 shot per pistol test I got fairly similar fps from all three guns with the STI Duty One getting the highest of 372 average fps, the Bersa BP9cc getting runner up with 353 average fps and the CZ 75 P-07 Duty trailing the field just a bit with a 346 average fps.

During the target portion of this Field Test Shooting Review from 30 feet back in a semi rested position, again the pistols shot fairly similarly with all of them getting pretty close to 2-3 inch groupings. I did have a double shot right after my slide lock back on the STI Duty One as I pressed the trigger twice, once when the slide was locked back and again when I released it, this chambered two BB's into the barrel making the gun shoot a bit low for that double shot. With that negative one against the STI Duty One 1911, I did however find it the most pleasing to shoot! It had the best blowback action and the smoothest trigger, plus I just like holding and sighting in 1911's :)

The CZ 75 P-07 had the next hardest blowback with the Bersa BP9cc coming in second in the trigger department. All of these CO2 blowback BB pistols should get somewhere around 100+ shots pre CO2 if you take your time a bit between reloading magazines.

Buy ASG BB Pistol From the Canada Store - Buy ASG BB Pistols from the US Store

• Make sure to checkout my Table Top Review for the Umarex Legends Makarov Ultra!

My last CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistol Field Test Review from my latest acquisitions of New Umarex Air pistols. For many people that already liked the Umarex Makarov CO2 BB pistol, the Umarex Legends Makarov blowback version may just have everything you where looking for that was missing from version One? Well let's see... It has blowback - check! It has a working slide catch/release - check! It has a full size dropout metal magazine - check! And it's still all metal, field strip-able and has single a single action trigger!

Sounds pretty good so far... So how does the Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback 4.5mm Steel BB Pistol shoot? Well like the other new Umarex CO2 Blowback BB pistols I just tested, the Beretta 84 FS and the Mauser C96, I was not disappointed.

As per usual, I tested the Umarex Makarov Ultra out shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph with a new CO2 to find out the real world fps performance. Umarex claims 350 fps and I got pretty close to this at an average of 333 fps and I would have to say the temperature was no more than 10-15 Degrees Celsius (50-60 Fahrenheit) so there is definite room for improvement on a warmer day.

Next I stepped back 30 feet and shot 10 rounds at my paper target using a semi rested position (Standing in the back, rested on a sand bag in the front). After review of the video I noticed that the first shot was a double shot and both of these rounds hit a bit to the right compared to the remaining single shots, so my grouping ended up being more of a 2 inch group rather than a 1.5 inch group when discarding the double shot from this test.

I have to say I really like shooting the Umarex Legends Series Makarov Ultra, it has really solid blowback, a pretty decent single action trigger even if it is a bit long travel. I also found the accuracy to be very respectable from 30 feet out and the fps even though it could be a bit higher is more than enough for plinking purposes. And all of this from a really eye catching all metal licensed Makarov replica. Another nice Legends Series CO2 BB pistol from Umarex.

Buy Umarex Ultra BB in Canada - Buy Umarex Ultra in the US

• Make sure to also watch my Table Top Review for the Umarex Mauser C96

Today I bring to you my shooting field test for my second new Umarex Blowback 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol and this one is part of the Legends Series, it's called the "Pistol C96" and is a variant of the Mauser C96, all though more so like the M1932 or M712 Schnellfeuer. The Umarex version is not licensed but none the less is a very good replica with lots of working parts including the blowback metal bolt, metal hammer, metal safety and adjustable metal rear sight. The single action only trigger is also metal along with the internal barrel and full size drop out metal magazine giving this otherwise all external plastic gun good overall weight of around 2 pounds.

Getting to the performance aspect of the Umarex C96 Mauser CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol, I can say it is even more fun to shoot than admire it's beauty! I first put 5 rounds through my Chronograph hoping to get somewhere near the 380 fps claimed rating and actually exceeded it with an average of 390 fps even on this slightly cool day.

Lately I have been stepping back to my 30 foot mark even for pistol field tests and so I tested the Legends Mauser C96 with 10 rounds at 30 feet out using a semi rested position and got a very respectable 1.25 inch shot group. I did have to adjust the rear sight up a few notches to get it a centered on the target but it is very easy to do on the fly with this Replica Blowback BB pistol.

I am very impressed with the single action only trigger on the Umarex C96, it is nice and short and not too heavy with a predictable release, combine that with a very snappy fast blowback and you have yourself a very quick shooter on your hands! You can expect to get somewhere around 100 shots per CO2 and this gun is very backyard friendly as it is one of the quieter CO2 BB guns I have tested.

Yes there is a a lot of plastic on the outside but everything else is awesome about this pistol so don't let a few molecules turn you off of this little treasure...

Buy the Umarex C96 in the Canada - Buy the Umarex C96 in the US

• Watch my Table Top Review for the Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback  BB Pistol.

Finally, a field test video for you and I thought I would start off with the new Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol. This replica BB pistol is fully licensed and is a very decent operational replica to boot. It has a full size drop out metal magazine with blowback operation, a working slide catch/release and safety along with the ability to be easily field striped. Did I mention it's pretty much an all metal gun?

So this video is mainly about the performance and overall I was very happy with how the compact Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS shot for me. Even on this somewhat cool day, my average fps came in just a smidgen higher than the claimed 360 fps from Umarex. I was a bit surprised at the slightly heavy single action trigger but it didn't seem to effect the accuracy at all as I got about a 1.5 inch 10 shot group from 30 feet away using a semi rested position. You can even coax out around 100 shots per CO2 if you space your shooting out a bit and let the CO2 warm up between magazines.

All in all, if you like the Beretta 92 FS styled pistols but perhaps want a more compact version with good overall fps and accuracy along with licensing and quality build. Then for sure pick your self up an Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol.

Buy Umarex Mod. 84 FS in Canada - Buy Umarex Mod. 84 FS in the US

I finally got some brand new Umarex pistols to share with you in this Vimeo video, all three of these CO2 4.5mm Steel BB pistols have blowback and use full size drop out magazines. They also all share single action only operation.

The Umarex Makarov Ultra (Legends Series) is an all metal pistol with very heavy blowback and a long but fairly smooth and medium pull single action trigger. Everything works just like the real steel version including the slide catch/release and safety. It is also fully field strip-able.

The Beretta 84 FS (Cheetah) also has a decent blowback feel but the trigger was a bit heavier on this model, perhaps the trigger will break in a bit over time? Still a really great full metal and fully licensed CO2 Blowback BB shooter with awesome weight to it. The Beretta 84 FS is fully field strip-able and has a working slide catch/release and safety.

Lastly I show you the Umarex Mauser C96 Boomhandle (Legends Series), although much of the external materials are plastic, there is lots of metal throughout like the barrel, bolt, rear sight, hammer, safety, trigger and most of the drop out magazine, giving this pistol a good overall weight to it. The blowback is super fast and crisp with a nice short and light single action trigger making rapid fire very quick.

Umarex Makarov Ultra CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol 

• Full metal

• Blowback operation

• 4.5mm Steel BB

• 12 Gram CO2

• Single action only trigger

• Fixed sights

• 3.5 inch smooth bore barrel

• 1.4 pounds

• 16-17 round magazine

• 350 fps

Umarex Beretta Mod. 84 FS CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol

• Full metal

• Blowback operation

• 4.5mm Steel BB

• 12 Gram CO2

• Single action only trigger

• Fixed sights

• 3.6 inch smooth bore barrel

• 1.5 pounds

• 16-17 round magazine

• 360 fps

Umarex C96 Mauser CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol

• Metal & plastic

• Blowback operation

• 4.5mm Steel BB

• 12 Gram CO2

• Single action only trigger

• Adjustable rear sight

• 5.5 inch smooth bore barrel

• 1.8 pounds

• 19 round magazine

• 380 fps

Buy Umarex BB pistols in Canada - Buy Umarex BB pistols in the US

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.

In this Comparison video I go through the benefits and shortcomings of both Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns. I focus mainly on Airguns but there is a definite crossover with Airsoft guns.

Here are some basic statements that best describe both Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns.

Blowback Airguns:

• Blowback Airguns usually have a movable slide that moves back and forth with each shot.

• Sometimes the blowback operation is internal (Internal bolt) so there may not be an external moveable slide.

• Some CO2 is used to move the slide rearwards in a Blowback Airgun.

• The Blowback motion of the slide with some blowback airguns can also cock the hammer or internal striker allowing for true single action trigger pull. But not always!

• Some Blowback airguns have the potential for full auto capabilities since they can have a true semi auto action.

• There is some noticeable recoil from the Blowback action simulating the recoil of a real gun.

Non-Blowback Airguns:

• Non-Blowback Airguns can have fixed or movable slides but they will not cycle back and forth with each shot.

• Non-Blowback Airguns tend to have less working parts since no Blowback valves are required or even a moveable slide.

• There are some Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns that field strip similarly to their real steel counterparts but this is most commonly found in Blowback Airguns.

• Non-Blowback Airguns require the shooter to cock the hammer for single action shooting or use a double action trigger pull for semi auto like performance.

Pros:

Blowback Airguns:

• Blowback Action causes a noticeable recoil which makes the airgun feel more realistic.

• Blowback Airguns in some cases have true semi auto action with true single action triggers which mimic the authenticity of the real steel versions of the guns they replicate much better making them better training tools.

• Having some recoil makes blowback Airguns potentially better training tools.

• Blowback Airguns look really cool when shooting them  and are great action prop guns.

Non-Blowback Airguns:

• Non-Blowback Airguns tend to have less working parts so less to go wrong and more reliability.

• Non-Blowback Airguns can be more accurate since the recoil from the blowback is not a factor.

• Non-Blowback Airguns have more potential power and more shots per CO2 since no CO2 is robbed for the blowback operation.

Cons:

Blowback Airguns:

• Blowback operation can rob some of the power and will also rob how many shots you get from the Airgun.

• Blowback Airguns are effected even more by cold weather and the cool down effect.

• The recoil from Blowback Airguns can effect accuracy for some shooters.

Non-Blowback Airguns:

• Non-Blowback airguns are generally double action when shooting semi auto and so the trigger pull will be longer and heavier.

• Non-Blowback Airguns do not replicate the recoil action of a real gun.

• Non-Blowback Airguns do not look as cool to shoot and are not as good of an action prop gun.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I finally answer the question... Which Airgun is the Best? There has to be a best airgun out there right? So let's cut to the chase and stop waisting everyones time and money buying the third Best Airgun or even the second best Airgun! Why would you even want anything other than the very best Airgun available to mankind!

I really hope you weren't one of the gullible ones that actually bought something other than the Best Airgun, well I guess you're going to have to watch my YouTube video to find out which Airgun is the Best Airgun of all time...

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the third video in a series of Head to Head Air Pistol Shootouts. In this video place the KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 head to head versus the Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92.

Both CO2 4.5mm Replica Air Pistols feature full size drop out metal magazines that hold the CO2 and 4.5mm steel BB's. These super realistic BB guns also have full blowback with working slide catches, safeties and magazine releases and they can both be field stripped juts like the real steel versions.

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 KWC Model M1911 Tac A1 vs Cybergun-KWC GSG 92-M92:

Buy the Swiss Arms P92 in Canada

Buy the Swiss Arms P92 in the US

Buy the KWC Model M1911 A1 Tac Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol in Canada

Buy the KWC Model M1911 A1 Tac Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol 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.