I did my unboxing vide for both the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical and M10 Tactical already which is generally a preview of the products I am unboxing but with these types of compact crossbows, they generally need a bit of setup before they are complete and ready to view and use.

For that reason I wanted to make a quick combined Preview Video for Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical and M10 Tactical Crossbows so you can see what they look like all put together, and what the main differences are between the two of them. This way you can figure out which one might be the best choice if you are in the market for a product like this.

Let’s go over the main specifications and differences to determine what you get with each one:

• Distributed by: Steambow GmbH Austria.

• Materials: Mostly plastic with some metal parts.

• Weight: M10 4 pounds / AR-6 2.6 pounds.

• Lengt: M10 24.2 inches / AR-6 22 inches.

• Width: M10 17.5 inches / 17.5 inches.

• Magazine Capacity: M10 10 bolts per external magazine / AR-6 6 bolts per internal magazine.

• Bow Tension: M10 75 pounds (12 foot pounds) / AR-6 55 pounds (10 foot pounds).

• Picatinny Rails: M10 top, sides, bottom / AR-6 top, bottom.

• Sights: M10 fiber optic front, peep or grove rear / AR-6 fiber optic mid.

• Rear stock: M10 AR type upgraded 6 position / AR-6 AR type 5 position.

• For-grip: M10 yes upgraded / AR-6 yes standard.

• Safety: M10 yes bolt / AR-6 no.

• Sling mount: M10 yes on receiver / AR-6 yes on stock.

• M10 extras: 20 bolts, 2 magazines, 2 rear sight options, pre-strung, more power.

• Price at time of this video: M10 $569 CAN / AR-6 $389 CAN.

Another Mystery Box to share with everyone but this time I peaked a bit so it’s not as much of a mystery for me, but it will be for you. I was glad I peaked as the items inside where not the usual assortment and it was good I was able to get a bit of pre-intel on them before I jumped into this unboxing, as there was a lot to discover about each of the three items in the Mystery Box. I hope they appeal to some of you, I think they are very interesting and after checking them out, some of you may decide to add one or two of them to your collection.

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The first two items I looked at are from an Austrian based company called Steambow. They are both compact crossbows that offer a unique reloading system with built in Magazines that hold either 6 or 10 rounds depending on the version you buy. The Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical is the less expensive yet still “kind of expensive” version with a built in 6 round magazine While the AR Series Steambow M10 Tactical has an upper that accepts 10 round magazines you can preload. The Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical comes with a 55 pound pre-strung bow that produces around 10 foot pounds of energy, while the Steambow M10 Tactical come with a 75 pound pre-strung bow which should produce close to 12 or more foot pounds of energy. Both incorporate fiber optic slights, lots of rail mounting options, AR style rear stocks which shoulder mount easy and quick cocking to make the most of the automatic bolt loading systems.

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Another Archery based item also in this months Mystery Box was the Umarex AirJavelin FishR PCP based arrow launcher designed for anglers. It is intended to work with a fishing real of your choice and comes with a single retrievable barbed arrow, so a lot like bow fishing but with a PCP propulsion system. The Umarex AirJavelin FishR has a built in 4500 psi tank that is regulated to 800 psi and the arrow is a whopping 1250 grain to cut through the water with ease. The entire system is salt water resistant so you can use it in both fresh and salt water conditions. There are both picatinny and M-LOK mounting options for sights and accessories.

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Stay posted for my Table Top and Field Testing Video Reviews coming shortly…

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There a re a few Red Ryder type BB Rifles out there now, of course the original Red Ryder that dates back several decades. Since then Crosman came out with their version of the Marlin Cowboy BB Rifle, then there was an Air Venturi John Wayne licensed version of the Red Ryder. Recently Barra came out with their slightly different take on the Red Ryder with the Barra 1866 dual Ammo Air Rifle, which though it looks a lot like the Red Ryder, it is not spring operated but rather pump operated and can shoot both Steel BB’s and Pellets. That brings us to the most recent version of Red Ryder type BB Rifles, Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle which is the focus of this Field Test Shooting Video Review. You can watch my Table Top Video Review for details and specifications along with more close up video of it here.

To start things off with my Field Test Shooting Video of the Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle, I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph to see what the real world velocity is in fps. Umarex claims around 300 fps. I was able to average right around 274 fps so not far off of the claim. My lowest performing shot was 270 fps with the fastest shot hitting 278 fps, so all very close in velocity which is typical of a spring piston Airgun, this will help with consistent accuracy especially in terms of elevation.

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When it comes to the accuracy, the Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle did as well or perhaps even better than my other testing using previous Red Ryder type Air Rifles. If I through out one flyer I got, my 10 shot grouping was able to get around a 2 inch grouping that was overall well centered on the target, maybe juts a hair to the right. Even with the flyer the grouping spread out to a 3 inch grouping. I am pretty sure I could do better as this was the first time shooting this rifle. Keep in mind as I have to work the lever action for each shot that requires me to hold the rifle straight up and down in order for proper BB loading, this means I need to fully reset my hands on the sand bag and re-aim for each shot which will effect accuracy consistency a bit. Still a good result.

All in all I do really like the Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle, mainly as it has a longer shoulder pull more suitable for adults. I feel adults get left out a bit in terms of target marketing with the standard Red Ryder which is a very compact BB Rifle with a short shoulder pull more suited for kids and youth shooters. This makes the Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle more comfortable to shoot as an adult but will still work for youth and kids as is is not too large in size or heavy or even very hard to work the lever action. Now the whole family can really take part in the fun experience of shooting a Red Ryder type BB Rifle!

• Buy the Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle in Canada

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Type: Lever Action Rifle
Manufacturer: Distributed by Umarex.
Model: Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle.
Materials: Metal and plastic.
Weight: 2.59 pounds (1.2kg).
Total Length: 36.69 inches (93.2cm).
Barrel: 16 inches (40.6cm) metal rifled.
Propulsion: Spring.
Action: Lever.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB’s.
Ammunition Capacity: 650 in hopper.
FPS: Claimed 300.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle is just about right for a rifle like this at 5 pounds with a medium to short pull length. I would say it is perfect for just about all shooter including novice shooters as it is not overly light, so as not to go off by accident and not too heavy so as to affect your accuracy. The Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle trigger is considered a single action only trigger as it is only active after each cycle of the lever action which also is required to chamber a BB round.

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Accuracy: My dedicated field test shooting video will be coming up over the next couple of weeks. So for now I have no idea what to expect in terms of velocity and accuracy from the Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle, other than the claimed 300 fps which is what you can expect from the similar Red Ryder BB Rifle. Accuracy in general for a BB Rifle like this can be hit or miss. From past shooting experiences testing out the Red Ryder and first version of the Crosman Marlin Cowboy BB Rifle, they both shot decent from about 30 feet away, but I would have to say the Red Ryder did perform more consistently getting a tighter grouping than the Crosman Marlin Cowboy. Hopefully this Umarex newer version performs up to par.

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Build Quality: The Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle has overall good build quality with a metal barrel, receiver, rear sight and lever. The stock is plastic along with the front sight and the trigger but it does look and feel well made with all the mechanical parts feeling solid and tight. It does feel much heavier in the hand than the claimed 2.59 pounds. I would have preferred a metal trigger, not sure why Umarex went with a plastic trigger?

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Realism: The Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle is essentially styled after the Old West Lever Action Cowboy Rifle, and it has everything one would expect other than loading shells which is available in other CO2 poweredLever Action Air Rifles if you don’t mind paying a premium for one of them. The lever does not work the cycling of the bolt but rather it pre-cooks the internal spring that provides the air pressure and power. The lever does load a single 4.5mm Steel BB with each crank of the action. I do like that the Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle has a full shoulder pull stock more suitable for larger shooters which does all add to the realism rather than having a super short rear stock.

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Pros:

• Easy to pump.

• Fit and finish looks good for an inexpensive Airguns, seems very well made.

• In terms of realism it does look like a classic old west lever action rifle for the most part.

• Holds 650 BB’s in the hopper for quicker follow up shooting and virtually unlimited ammo.

• Official Marlin licensing and branding via Umarex.

• Rear peep sight is metal and is also adjustable for elevation.

• Trigger pull is pretty decent, not too light but is medium-short and about 5 pounds.

• Metal lever feels a lot better than as plastic one and will be more durable.

• Shoulder pull length is much longer than a standard kids type Red Ryder BB Rifle.

• Plastic stock has nice texturing that helps with grip and looks.

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Cons:

• No sight adjustments for windage.

• Overall Power is lower than other CO2 BB and Pellet Rifles but still is adequate for it’s intended purpose.

• Would have liked a metal front sight and trigger.

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Comments:

The Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle in my opinion is really built for adult shooters that want to join in on the fun with perhaps their kids or other youth shooters shooting something like a Red Ryder. The longer shoulder pull feels a lot more natural for larger shooters and I do feel like the Umarex Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifle just feels a bit more like a full size Lever Action Rifle. Performance wise, I dolt think we are going to see anything much different than what we are already getting from a standard Red Ryder or first generation Marlin Cowboy BB Rifle. That’s really OK since this type of rifle is made for good old fun, blasting pop cans and plastic army men with a friend. And with some time shooting one you can get pretty accurate with one of these BB rifles too.

• Buy the Umarex Marlin Lever Action Spring BB Rifle in Canada

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Airguns are not toys and as so require proper storage, transportation and handling so as not to cause an accident that could be minor or even deadly.

No matter if you are handling an Airgun or a “Real Gun”, they should both be handled in the same manner even if the consequences from an accident with an Airgun may be less serious. Life long injuries like the loss of an eye are nothing to be taken lightly.

For the most part, what I talk about in this Airgun Safety 101 video can also be applied to a “Real Gun” although most countries will have stricter laws and guidelines in the storage, transportation and handling of “Real Guns” over an Airgun.

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Storing Your Airgun:

In Canada an unregulated Airgun does not have any real specific safe storage guidelines but common sense should be used and I recommend that you at the bare minimum keep your Airgun in some sort of locked space whether it be a safe, cabinet or room that is locked all of the time.

You can also put a trigger lock on your Airgun if you do not have a lockable storage location for it.

You should also make sure to store your Airgun unloaded, at least when it comes to BB’s and or Pellets. If there is some unused CO2 in it, or it is charged with Compressed Air, but unloaded in terms of ammunition, that is OK, but again keep it in a safe location away from anyone that may be able to get their hands on it and hurt themselves or others.

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Transporting Your Airgun:

Again, in Canada an unregulated Airgun does not have any real transportation guidelines but if you keep your Airgun out in the open and someone sees it, they will most certainly call the police and more than likely you may find yourself staring down the wrong end of a police firearm, at least until they sort it all out. This is very serious as unfortunately people have died as a result of handling their Airguns out in the open and underestimating what kind of police response that may entail.

For that reason alone, always keep your Airgun out of sight in a case or backpack or the trunk of your car. Never transport your Airgun loaded and it is best if you can lock it in a case or put a trigger lock on it for added safety when transporting it.

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Shooting Your Airgun:

Shooting your Airgun is always the most enjoyable part of owning an Airgun, so don’t do something stupid and turn that experience into a nightmare. Treat your Airgun as if it is deadly at all times, never point it at anything you do not intend on shooting.

Keep your safety on until you are ready to shoot. Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot it and only shoot it in a safe location with an appropriate background and backstop.

Think of the barrel of your Airgun as a light saber that if it crosses even your arm, it could cut it off. Even a BB to the arm is a serious matter. I had a friend that shot himself in the arm with a BB Gun and the BB lodged in the tendons of his wrist requiring an operation to remove it. He was a violin player so this could have ended his violin playing, but luckily he was OK.

When Your finger is not on the trigger it should be held across the trigger guard in a straight position to ensure no accidental misfires.

Wear eye protection, Steel BB’s will bounce back when they hit a hard surface and can come back with enough force to injure an eye easily. Generally Airguns do not require ear protection but some can be loud enough that you may want to wear some sort of ear protection as a precaution.

Only shoot with others that are responsible and take Gun Safety very seriously. Young people will need constant supervision and it is best to go through all of this first before even considering handing them an Airgun for the first time. Perhaps start them off with something like an Airsoft gun which will have less consequences if an accident were to take place.

Airguns are awesome in so many ways and allow for a similar shooting experience to a “Real Gun”. They can be used in more situations, with less overall cost and are a great way to learn proper gun handling and how to improve your shooting ability even if you are a “Real Gun” owner. Always be responsible with your Airgun not only for yourself but for others as it only takes a few idiots to ruin things for the rest of us. Don’t be that Idiot please!

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I don’t believe I have ever interviewed EKOL at SHOT Show in the past. I have dropped by their booth and taken a look at their product line and chatted but this year EKOL had some new and interesting products that I feel fit in nicely with Replica Airguns products and Replica Airgun enthusiasts.

In this EKOL SHOT Show 2024 Interview Omer from EKOL goes over three Airguns that are new for this year. The EKOL ES P92 which is a CO2 BB Blowback Beretta 92 Replica but rather than rebrand a KWC made version, EKOL makes their own in their own factory and it is very unique compared to other CO2 BB Blowback Beretta 92’s on the market.

Another product form EKOL based on the ES P92 Pistol is the EKOL ES P95B which I would call an SMG or submachine gun with a folding stock, but it only shoots in semi auto and is based off of EKOL’s ES 92 mechanically.

Lastly, Omer showed me one of their Replica Pellet Rifles, the EKOL AK which is a break barrel AK Replica Spring Piston Pellet Rifle that really looks a lot like an AK 47. EKOL also makes a very believable AR/M16 Break Barrel Pellet Rifle as well!

We have not carried much if any of the EKOL product line over the last few years so hopefully we can get some of these into our Online Replica Airguns Stores as they should even be legal for import into Canada.

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I’m back from SHOT Show 2024 and I always like to start off my series of SHOT Show Interview videos with a Teaser Video that not only shows off a few new guns but also gives everyone a vibe of what it feels like to visit Las Vegas and SHOT Show. I can only show you so much because as you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…

I did get the chance to interview several Airgun Companies that I will be putting together Interview Videos for, including Umarex, ASG, KWA, Barra, EKOL and Byrna. Unfortunately Sig Sauer is no longer attending SHOT Show and Crosman had significantly reduced the focus of their booth and really did not have much in the way of Replica Airguns to show.

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I don’t get to test out Bolt Action Airsoft Sniper type Rifles all that often but I do enjoy them for sure. I would like to test out the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle using longer ranges than I can here in the Replica Airguns Indoor Sea Can Shooting Range but hopefully this Filed Test Review gives you an idea of what this Spring powered Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle can do. Make sure to watch my Table Top Review for the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle for details, specifications and closer up video. In this video I mainly test out the velocity and accuracy at 30 feet away to see what the actual fps is and how tight of a 10 shot grouping I can get on a paper target.

Starting with the velocity test, I generally put 5 rounds through my Chronograph and then average them out for a real world rating. In this test I used standard .20 gram Airsoft BB’s for both the velocity and accuracy components of the video. I was very impressed with the consistency of the velocity with the slowest shot hitting 362 fps and the fastest shot hitting 363 fps averaging 362.5 fps and only having a 1 fps maximum difference between all shots. Pretty good right? Consistent velocity is very important for any sniper type rifle as if there is a large spread in velocity this can reduce elevation accuracy down range.

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In terms of accuracy I was again very impressed with my results. For my target test I setup a fresh paper target 30 feet away and proceeded to shoot 10 rounds into it. I did have to reset for each shot as I had to manually work the bolt after each shot, this can affect accuracy but it did not seem to all that much. I was using a seated position in the back with my hands rested on a sand bag up front which does hep settle things down. Even with having to reset between each shot, I still managed to get close to a 1 inch 10 shot grouping, one shot did shoot just a bit high but that was probably me pulling it a bit. Out of the box with no sight adjustments the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle shot almost dead center in the bullseye, it is fairly easy to adjust the elevation using the rear sight but there is no easy way to adjust for windage using the built in iron sights.

I know this is a Field Test Shooting Video and so it’s not really all about build or quality. That said I do love the quality and attention to detail the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle has and the fact that it performs really well too is a big bonus. One last point I did not even mention in the Field Test Video is that Was able to load a lot more than 11 rounds into the magazine. I stoped at 19 as the spring was getting on the tight side, but may have been able to load more? If you’re looking for a sniper rifle with a history and that will stand out in a game then take a look at the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle as an option.

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Type: Airsoft Rifle.
Manufacturer: S&T
Model: KAR98K
Materials: Metal & Wood.
Weight: 3300 grams (7.28 pounds).
Total Length: 1120mm (44.1 inches).
Barrel: 483mm (19 inches) Smooth bore.
Power Source: Spring Piston.
Action: Bolt Action - Single Action Only.
Ammo Type: 6mm Airsoft BB.
Ammo Capacity: 11 Round Magazine.
FPS: 380-420.

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Trivia: The Karabiner 98 kurz (German: "carbine 98 short", often abbreviated Kar98k or K98k and often incorrectly referred to as a K98 (which was a Polish Carbine) is a bolt-action rifle chambered for the 7.9257mm Mauser cartridge that was adopted on 21 June 1935 as the standard service rifle by the German Wehrmacht. It was one of the final developments in the long line of Mauser military rifles. Although supplemented by semi- and fully automatic rifles during World War II, it remained the primary German service rifle until the end of the war in 1945. Millions were captured by the Soviets at the conclusion of World War II and were widely distributed as military aid. The Karabiner 98k, therefore, continues to appear in conflicts across the world as they are taken out of storage during times of strife.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle is a single action only trigger as the bolt action not only compresses the spring but also readies the trigger for release making the trigger pull short and light. There is a short amount of takeup with a crisp and light release.

Accuracy: I have not shot the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle so far but plan to make a full dedicated Field Test Shooting Video shortly to find out what the actual real world velocity and accuracy will be. So stay posted for my upcoming shooting test in a few weeks time…

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Build Quality: The build quality for the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle is really good as it is made almost exclusively of either metal or wood. The stock is finished in a dark walnut stain and the metal has a rustic finish about it which is what you would find in a real steel aged version. You will also find a CNC Aluminum body along with a Reinforced metal barrel, bolt assembly and internals. The S&T KAR98K has a quality feel about it inside and out.

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Realism: As mentioned earlier the finishes has a less refined look adding to the realism, that combined with the real wood stock really makes this Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle supper believable as a Replica Airgun. The only real giveaway is when you pull the bolt back and it is a solid unit with no visibility in to the magazine area. Other than that the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle is a solid copy of the real steel version.

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Pros:

• Super believable replica of the real Kar98k.

• Very solid build quality weighing over 7 pounds.

• Realistic materials including the real wood stock.

• CNC Aluminum body.

• Reinforced metal barrel, bolt assembly and internals.

• No need for a battery or to use CO2 or gas.

• Adjustable rear sight on the fly for elevation.

• Bolt action feels smooth.

• Easy to adjust Hop-up.

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Cons:

• Does come with a red tip (should be able to remove).

• Rear sight not adjustable for windage.

• No sling included, would have been nice.

• Bolt does not allow to see into magazine area.

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Comments:

The S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle looks and feels the part for sure and has a lot of quality going on with it’s real wood stock and quality metal throughout. I love the finish of not only the wood stock but also the metal parts as they have a less refined and aged quality about them that would be similar as to how a real World War 2 rifle would look today. If you want an ultra realist bolt action World War 2 Carbine that you can shoot almost anywhere, then look no further. OK the sticker price on this one is a bit higher than some, but again so is the quality so if that's important to you be prepared to pay a bit more.

• Buy the S&T Matrix KAR98K Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle in Canada

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This is not exclusive to Airguns since trends of Airguns are highly influenced by what type of Real Steel Pistols are popular to people. This is often based on what people see portrayed in movies and TV Series, and also promoted online. There is for sure an overlap in what is popular and it is hard to say what is influencing what? Is it the popularity of Pistols out in the real world that influences what we see being used in the movies and on TV? Or is it what we see in Movies and TV that influences our choices of pistols out in the real world? Perhaps it is a combination of both?

My list is based on my own personal experience and does not represent the entirety of types of Pistol designs available.

• Glock

• Sig Sauer

• 1911

• Beretta 92 / 84

• S&W M&P

• Makarov / Walther PPK

• 357 / 44 Magnum / Colt Single Action Army

• Desert Eagle

• UZI

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Cost:

Airguns are generally cheaper to buy and for sure cheaper to shoot. Airguns can cost as little as $50-100 to buy while real guns in similar models will cost many time more. Cost of ammo is so much less expensive than Real Gun ammo by a mile!

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Difficulty to Obtain:

Airguns in most countries do not require any licensing or registration. Generally there are more available options in Airgun choices than Real Gun choices as restrictions often prohibit many Real Guns to be obtained.

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Places to Shoot:

Unless you live in a super remote locations and your laws allow you to shoot Real Guns in those locations, then in most cases you can shoot an Airgun almost anywhere within reason. You can even shoot certain Airgun models in your basement. Airsoft is a great option for indoor shooting as the plastic ammo does not carry very much energy so with minimal effort you can make a backstop that will trap the ammo very well.

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Trigger Time:

Because ammo is much less expensive and places you can shoot are easier to find, you can get a lot more Trigger Time under your belt which will also improve your shotgun with Real Guns and after all it’s just fun to shoot guns even if they are Airguns.

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Safety:

I am not talking about safety in terms of protection. I am talking about safety as in if you do something stupid and your Gun goes off accidentally. If you accidentally fire your Airgun indoors, the bullet will not travel through floors or walls and potentially harm or kill someone on the other side. If you do manage to shoot yourself with an Airgun, the consequence are much less severe than shooting yourself with a Real Gun. That said, always treat an Airgun as if it was a Real Loaded Gun, as server injury and even death can occur even with an Airgun.

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Ware Games and Training Situations:

There is no way you can use a standard Real Gun to shoot at people, unless extensively altered with special parts that make the Real Gun unusable to shoot live ammo. With Airguns you have the choice of using an Airsoft or Paintball gun that are both designed specifically for this purpose.

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Pest Control:

If you have the need for pest control in an urban area where you do not want a stray bullet to travel too far or penetrate buildings if a shot where to go awry, then an Airgun designed for accuracy and power may be perfect for the job. Accuracy with target and hunting Airguns is on par if not better than many Real Guns and are have powerful enough to kill a pest humanely without having too much power for the job and having to worry as much about your background.

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Prop Guns:

As mentioned already, Airguns can look a lot like Real Guns, so they are perfect to be used as a stand-in or Prop Gun when you need to simulate the look and function of a Real Gun. Again they are easier and cheaper to obtain and if something does go wrong, the consequences are much less severe.

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Social Stigma:

Unfortunately Real Guns and perhaps any gun these days are looked upon with a social stigma as being the cause of the Crime rather than a tool used in a Crime. And so people blame Guns for these crimes rather than the people committing these crimes. If a person is motivated enough to do something bad, they are going to do it either way and will use whatever means is available to them to commit these Crimes. Including other means like: Knives, Blunt Objects, Poisons, Vehicles, Explosives… Sad but true! Airguns are not used in homicides or mass shootings as they are completely underpowered for a crime like this. They can however be used in crimes as a show of threat, as they do look a lot like real guns, generally people that use Airguns for real crimes, if challenged will give up immediately as they are completely outgunned. Don’t bring an Airgun to a Real Gun fight, you have better chance with a knife!

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This review shows that low cost Airguns can perform just like higher priced Airguns. They may not be as realistic and all made out of metals for that added weight and feel but in terms of power and accuracy they can still get the job done as is with the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun! In this Field Test Shooting Review I do just that, I test the power and accuracy first by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph to find out what the real world fps is, I then I shot 10 rounds down range at a fresh paper target to see what kind of grouping I can get and if the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun is sighted in on the target out of the box.

Starting with the velocity test I first placed a brand new 12 gram CO2 into the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun and loaded up the 10 rounds rotary magazine with Daisy Zinc Coated 4.5 mm Steel BB’s. The temperature was around 22 degrees Celsius which is 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the sea can indoor shooting range so not too warm or cold. The claimed fps from Umarex is 450, I was able to get an average of 403fps with the fastest shot hitting 425fps and the slowest shooting down to 388fps. So a bit under the Umarex claimed velocity but in the ball park.

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Next I performed the accuracy test for the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun and since the sights are non adjustable you kind of hope that where you aim is where the shots go but if they don’t then you will need to adjust your aim point just a bit. Out of the box the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun did shoot a bit low but was fairly bang on side to side so when shooting at around 30 feet out you will need to aim just a tad over the intended target. Out of 10 shots, 8 rounds where all within a nice 1.5 inch grouping with a couple of flyers that I kind of want to keep out of this test because it was probably more me than the gun causing them to go off a bit. 1.5 inches is very good for a 4.5mm Steel BB Airgun!

All in all the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun shot right around 400fps which is for sure a step up for something like a Red Ryder BB Rifle that at best can shoot 300fps. You also don’t have to work the pump as hard as you would the lever on a Red Ryder since the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun is CO2 powered rather than spring powered. I also feel like the Umarex NXG Pump Shot was more accurate than the Red Ryder at least for me but that said some people can hit a nickel all day long with their Red Ryders! There are not a lot of Pump Action Looking Airguns out there in 4.5mm Steel BB versions and in more compact easier for younger or smaller shooters so if you fall into that category and want something in a shotgun format then the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun may be perfect for you.

• Buy the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun in Canada

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Type: BB Rifle.
Manufacturer: Umarex.
Model: NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun
Materials: Mostly all plastic construction.
Weight: 2 pounds (908 grams).
Length: 29.5 inches (749mm).
Barrel Length: 12 inches (30 cm) smoothbore barrel.
Propulsion: Single CO2 cartridge.
Action: Pump repeater.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 10 rounds.
FPS: 450+ fps.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun is pretty decent, there is a short task up and fairly easy release as the pump action not only turns the rotary magazine but also cocks the internal hammer/striker system. So you will need to pump it before your first shot and after each shot.

Accuracy: I have not Field Test Reviewed the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun yet but will be making a full Fields Test Review this week to find out what to expect in terms of accuracy and velocity. So we will find out if the fps is closer to the on the box specs of 450 fps or the mostly online specs of 490 fps. Perhaps somewhere in-between?

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Build Quality: The Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun is almost all plastic which is not a bad thing in terms of quality and durability. The fact that it only weighs in at 2 pounds may make it feel kind of light and cheap but in a drop or fall situation it means it will most lily not sustain any damage because of the light weight. Most of todays airguns when made out of metals generally are made out of pot metal or zinc alloy which is a nice heavy metal that looks and feels great but is not super strong so when you drop a heavier gun made out of this material it can easily get damaged.

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Realism: The Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun looks like a traditional pump action shotgun and even has a little bit of a recessed barrel to make it more believable but it is smaller in size since it is designed more for younger and smaller shooters. The light weight is not only a giveaway but makes ti feel more like a toy than a real gun. If you can ignore that then hopefully you can enjoy the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun for what it is which is a low cost compact BB rifle made for customs interested in Airguns liek the Red Ryder but that perhaps want a bit more power.

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Pros:

• Low cost CO2 rifle great for all ages and sizes.

• Has a fiber optic front sight.

• Comes in a nice looking two tone Black/FDE color scheme.

• Fairly easy to pump since the pumping action is not required to activate a spring or compress air.

• Built in manual thumb safety.

• Stock and high check rest position feel good and a good size length for smaller younger shooters.

• Rotary drop out magazine holds 10 4.5mm steel BB’s for quick follow up shots.

• Trigger feels pretty good, short and fairly light.

• Full ambidextrous design.

• Perhaps a step up for entry level shooter over a Red Ryder type BB rifle in terms of power.

• Overall a decent looking air rifle.

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Cons:

• Mostly plastic, so a bit on the light weight side.

• Sights are not adjustable in any way.

• May be a bit cramped for larger shooters.

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Comments: The Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun is not going to win any prizes for quality and realism but keep in mind it is really designed more for entry level younger shooters getting into the Airgun hobby. For them this will be not so intimidating as a larger, heavier more realistic version of a replica Shotgun. I think it will be realistic enough for most new Airgun Shooters and in terms of performance and features it is for sure a step up form something like a Red Ryder BB Rifle. I am looking forward to my upcoming Field Test Shooting Review out what the actual velocity is and what kind of groupings I can get shooting 30 feet down range on a paper target.

My Table Top Video of the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun:

• Buy the Umarex NXG CO2 BB Pump Shotgun in Canada

• Buy the Umarex BB Rifles in the US

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Gun Safeties generally are going to be similar for all types of guns, so Safeties used with Airguns are often the same types as used with Real Steel Guns. Some guns will have no Safeties at all while other guns many have multiple Safeties on them. In this informative video I go over six of the more common types of Gun Safeties used in Real Steel Guns and Air Guns.

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Here is a list of the more common types of gun Safeties.

• Trigger Safety

• Cross Bolt Safety

• Slide Safety

• Frame Safety

• Grip Safety

• Magazine Safety

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Type: Airsoft Rifle.
Distributer: ASG.
Model: Action Army T-11.
Materials: Metal and polymer build.
Weight: 3.9/4.5 pounds.
Barrel: 11.8 inches, non-rifled.
Total Length: 34.7/43.3 inches
Propulsion: Spring
Action: Bolt action repeater.
Ammunition Type: .6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s.
Ammunition Capacity: 50 round magazine.
FPS: 400-430.
Type: Pistol and Rifle versions.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Gun is light, short and crisp. There is virtually no take-up and the release point has no creep to it. I would say it is not too light but for sure one of the lighter trigger s I have tested on a Airsoft rifle.

Accuracy: I have not performed my Field Test Shooting Video for the ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Gun so stay posted for that. ASG claims around 400-430 fps velocity depending on the version which is kind of weird since both have the exact same barrel length internally and I would assume both use the same mechanical part throughout? I don’t have the rifle version to compare to but I will for sure test the velocity using my Chronograph for the pistol version when I do my Field Test Shooting Review along with accuracy performance.

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Build Quality: The ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Gun is well built for sure, it feels really solid in the hadn't and has good overall weigth to it for it’s size. You will find lots of metal parts where they need to be as in the inner and outer barrel, receiver, bolt, trigger, magazine release and I am sure most mechanical internal parts. Fit and finish is also very good.

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Realism: The ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Gun is not a replace of any gun I know of but does have tab least the pistol version does look like a sawn off shotgun more than a sniper rifle. The gun overall all is very modern and ergonomic looking but in terms of being a replica of any specific real steel gun in production I don’t know of any it would resemble?

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Pros:

• Top and bottom rails for lots of accessory add on options.

• Can swap over to a rifle version by adding on an interchangeable but-stock.

• Mock magazine allows for storage and transport of tools plus extras.

• Safety switch is in a great location for right handed shooters.

• Comes with included hand stop.

• Solid construction with lots of metal parts where they are important.

• Ability to add side rails.

• Great option if you are looking for a more compact sniper rifle.

• Comes in Pistol and Rifle versions.

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Cons:

• Has an orange tip.

• Does not come with sights, will need to add some sort of optical or red dot sight.

• Does not come with speed loader, would have been nice.

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Comments:
I am looking forward to performing my Indoor Field Test Shooting Video for the ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Gun. I won’t be able to test it out perhaps as far range as I would like to since I will be shooting it in the Replica Airguns Indoor Shooting range which allows me to test at 30 feet. That should give us a good overall idea on at least what it may be capable of since if we can get a tight group at 30 feet we should also be able to get a tight group at longer ranges with proper hop-up and BB selection. I like the option of being able to choose either the Pistol or Rifle version and both should perform about the same. Having the Pistol version will allow for a much more compact Sniper Rifle option much better suited for shooting in a variety of situations.

My Vimeo Videos for the ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Gun:

• Buy the ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Pistol in Canada

• Buy the ASG Action Army T-11 Spring Powered Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle in Canada

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Make sure to watch my Table Top Video Review where I go into more detail about the specifications and details along with some nice close up video of the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle.

In this Vimeo Video Field Test Review I test out the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle in the indoor Replica Airguns Shooting Range to see how accurate it is and what kind fo velocity we can expect from it.

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Starting with the velocity test I averaged out 8 rounds through my chronograph using 8.18 grain lead pellets using the dual 12 gram CO2 setup and I was able to average 445 fps which is not bad as these are mid grain weight pellets, lighter weight pellets would for sure get closer to the 490 fps claimed by Umarex. The temperate was about average room temp so not overly cold or warm.

Moving on to the accuracy test I placed all 9 rounds from the rotary magazine into a fresh paper target setup 30 feet away. I use a reseted seated position in the back with the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle resting on a sand bag up front and I was using the 4 power scope for this test which I setup earlier. My final result was for sure an under one half inch grouping, I did feel like I pulled one shot a little bit but I am sure this Airgun can get quarter inch groupings at 30 feet and I would expect half inch groupings at 50 feet so perfect for mid range small pest shooting.

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Umarex does adversities this Air rifle as being very quiet but in Canada we are not allowed to have any type of suppressor even on airguns so I believe this Canada version has been disabled in that regard but the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle is fairly quiet for sure with its long barrel and slightly lower fps than the US version. Overall the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle is a lot of bang for the buck with the added 4x scope, included magazines that hold 9 rounds each and the ability to use either a dual 12 gram or single 88 gram CO2 setup. It also looks really cool and performs just as good!

• Buy the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle in Canada

• Buy the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle in the US

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Type: Pellet Rifle.
Distributer: Umarex.
Model: Fusion 2.
Materials: Metal and polymer build.
Weight: 6.5pounds (2948 grams).
Barrel: 22.5 inches, rifled.
Total Length: 40.3 inches
Propulsion: 12 gram CO2 x2 or 88 gram CO2 x1
Action: Bolt action repeater.
Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellets.
Ammunition Capacity: 9 round rotary magazine x2.
FPS: 490.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle feels pretty good, it is fairly short and light having a claimed 3.5 pound release which is believable. You will need to obviously work the bolt for each shot that precooks the internal hammer/striker allowing for the short and light trigger.

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Accuracy: I have not performed my Field Test Shooting Video for the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle so stay posted for that. Umarex has claimed a velocity of around 490 FPS for the Canada version I will be testing, the US version has a claimed velocity of up to 700 for those in the US purchasing this Rifle. I am sure the included 4x32 optical scope once setup will help in the accuracy department when I test this CO2 Air Rifle out on a paper target setup 30 feet down range.

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Build Quality: The Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle is a fairly low cost target pellet Rifle when you consider it comes with a decent optical scope along with two 9 round magazines but even so the build quality seems very solid coming in at 6.5 pounds. The stock is plastic of course but there is lots of metal where you want it to be as in the bolt, trigger, safety and most other mechanical parts.

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Realism: The Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle is not a replace of any gun I know of but does sport a very modern ergonomic look with its pistol grip and molded full stock. I like the built in picatinny rail which even though it does not offer any type of open sight configuration will allow for a variety of scope mounting options for near or far shooting.

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Pros:

• Low cost for a full featured Air Rifle with included scope.

• Nice ergonomic modern looking design.

• Ability to use either 12 gram or 88 gram CO2 cartridges.

• Comes with 4x32 optical scope and all mounting hardware needed.

• Come with two 9 round rotary magazines.

• May be very quiet if the SilencAir technology is not disabled here in Canada?

• Single action 3.5 pound trigger fells good.

• Safety is large and easy to use.

• M-LOK slots for mounting additional hardware.

Cons:

• No iron sight option if you would prefer that.

• Limited to under 500 fps (Canada version).

• Not sure about the functionality of the SilencAir technology in Canada?

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Comments:
I am looking forward to performing my Indoor Field Test Shooting Video for the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle to see if it performs as good as it looks. I’ll probably use the duel 12 gram configuration for this test since I don’t plan on shooting 300 rounds with it for my testing. We should also find out if the SilencAir technology has been disabled or not with my Canada version but even so, a 500 fps Air Refile is not going to be all that loud either way at the end of the day. There are not a lot of Bolt Action multi shot pellet Air Rifles out there especially in this price range so I am really hoping it hits a home run when I test it so stay posted for that video…

My Vimeo Videos for the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle:

Buy the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle in Canada

Buy the Umarex Fusion 2 CO2 .177 Caliber Bolt Action Pellet Rifle in the US

In this Vimeo Replica Airguns Update Video I take a look at three CO2 Airguns, one is a 4.5mm Steel BB revolver distributed by Barra and two are CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistols distributed by Umarex. All of these CO2 Airguns I have previously reviewed in slightly different versions either barrel length and finish or Steel BB as compared to 6mm Airsoft So checkout why other reviews on similar version Airguns.

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The Barra Barra Schofield CO2 BB Revolver is a replica of the Schofield No. 3 single action revolver and utilizes 6 reloadable shells for a very realistic shooting experience. It is very solid in construction bing made mostly out of metal and weighs in at around 2.4 pounds. This version shots 4.5 mm Steel BBs at a velocity of up to 400 fps. It comes in a variety of barrel lengths and finishes so amen sure to have a look in our Online Replica Airguns Store for what we have available…

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Next up from Umarex is the fully licensed Beretta Pietro Mod. 92 A1 CO2 Blowback Semi and Full Auto Airsoft Pistol, this product is distributed by Umarex but is made by KWC. Another solid metal pistol with a hefty 2.4 pound weigth that holds 21 rounds in its full size drop out metal magazine and offers both semi and full auto shooting at the flick of a switch!

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Again from Umarex I showcase the Elite Force 1911 Tac CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol and like the Beretta Pietro it too is made in the KWC factory for Umarex. The 1911 Tac as the name suggest is a tactical version of the standard Colt 1911 but with some upgrades like a skeletonized hammer and trigger along with an ambidextrous safety, white dot sights front and back and a picatinny rail on the frame for add ons. You can expect velocity to be somewhere in the 400 fps range and the full size drop out metal magazine holds 15 Airsoft BB’s.

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Type: BB Air pistol.
Distributer: Crosman.
Model: MAKO.
Materials: Metal and polymer build.
Weight: 1.71 pounds (775 grams).
Barrel: 6 inches, non-rifled.
Total Length: 8.6 inches
Propulsion: CO2 x1.
Action: Semi auto blowback, double action only.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 20 rounds.
FPS: 425.

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Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is a little on the heavy side since it is double action only and it is also longer again being double action only. That said it is fairly smooth and not super heavy which shoudl allow for decent action shooting. It would have been cane if the hammer could be engaged for single action shooting but the design of the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol does not allow for this and therefore the hammer is just for show in this case.

Accuracy: I have performed my Field Test Shooting Video for the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol which can be found here. I won’t get into too much detail but overall you can expect velocity to be in the 400 fps range with a brand new CO2 and accuracy was decent form 30 feet away but could be a bit tighter. I was surprised at how snappy the blowback action was for a light weight slide with a light spring in it.

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Build Quality: The Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol feels solid enough in the hand and the materials used I am sure are on par with most Airguns out there but the gun may come across as being on the cheaper side as it lacks some of the more full features of more realistic functioning blowback Airguns. Just don’t let that make you think it is not well made as it is well made and may even be more reliable over time..

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Realism: The Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol looks the part of a beretta M92 at first glance but when you get a little closer you can really tell it is an Airgun at heart which is not a bad thing since that’s exactly what it is. You will find working parts like the magazine release and slide catch release and the slide does function since it is a blowback Airguns but the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol does have that funny inner barrel that pops out of the front every time you pull the trigger and parts like the slide safety are moulded into the slide and the hammer is just for show.

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Pros:

• Fairly inexpensive.

• High FPS rating for a blowback BB pistol.

• Easy to see Fiber Optic front and rear sights.

• Multi tone color scheme looks good.

• Has a pleasing tactic look to it.

• CO2 tab is nicely hidden inside grip under magazine but plate.

• Double action trigger pull is long but not too firm.

• Picatinny rail for adding accessories.

• Notched grips for a firm hold (best for larger hands)

• Has a working side catch release that locks back after the last shot.

• Has a surprising decent blowback action to it.

Cons:

• Slide action feels clanky.

• Hammer is just for show, does not do anything, no single action shooting ability.

• Grips are large and will be to bog for smaller hands.

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Comments:
All in all the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is a fun inexpensive CO2 Blowback BB Pistol that surprised me a bit when I actual got to shoot it. I originally though ti would feel kind of cheap to shoot but the snappy and firm blowback action and higher fps than usually found on blowback Airguns was surprising! The fiber optic sights making lining up target super easy and for a double action only shooter the trigger is not too bad so if you're a Beretta and Crosman fan then perhaps this is the pistol for you.

My Vimeo Video for the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol:

• Buy the Crosman MAKO Blowback CO2 BB Pistol in Canada

• Buy Crosman Blowback Airguns in the US

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Today I decided to get outside since the weather was nice and make my Field Test Shooting Video for the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle (actually outside in the filed!) After all the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle is a sniper rifle and so I wanted to test it out at longer ranges than my 30 foot indoor shooting range can allow for. So I setup two paper targets at around 40 feet and 80 feet out, the actually distance may have been longer than that?

Starting off my Field Test Review I placed five .25 gram plastic Airsoft BB’s through my Chronograph and averaged 446 fps which is 6 fps faster than the claimed 440 fps from ASG. And that was with .25 gram Airsoft BB’s so if I was using lighter .20 gram BB’s I would expect velocity closer to around 500fps so don’t be shooting anyone with this Airsoft Rifle at close ranges!

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Next I proceeded with my accuracy test placing 5 rounds on the target setup around 40 feet downrange. I managed to get all 5 rounds within about 2 inches of each other, not bad since this is a good 10 feet more than I usually test my Airsoft Rifles at. With the remaining 10 rounds in my magazines I was hoping to get at least a couple shots on my paper target setup a good 80 feet away but did not have much luck, I even reloaded the 15 round stick magazine 2 more times and gave it a go but again with no success! The Airsoft BB’s seemed to want to angle off in all direction usually up and to the right or left right before the 80 foot target, perhaps I would have had much better luck at 60 feet?

All I can surmise from this higher range Field Test is that the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle is not really a long range Airsoft gun at least with the .25 gram Airsoft BB’s I was using, maybe heavier Airsoft BB’s would settle down a bit more? I can say at ranges up to 40 feet the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle did perform just fine so keep that in mind when looking into buying one of these as smoking cans at 30-40 feet will be no problem and make for some fun times in the back yard or even basement makeshift gun range.

Make sure to also watch my Table Top review for the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle.

• Buy the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle in Canada

• Buy the ASG TAC-6 CO2 Airsoft Rifle in the US