Last but now least to show you in this update video is the ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1. This product was developed by ASG in cooperation with CZ and is made to give the Airsoft Player the closest shooting experience they can possibly get to handling and shooting a real CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1!
This Field Test Shooting Video Review focuses on the performance results of the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. I put it through its paces to see what kind of velocity it can achieve as compared to the 400 fps Umarex claims on the packaging. I also perform my standard 10 shot accuracy test from 30 feet back to see how this action pistol groups on paper.
My first portion of the test, the feet per second velocity test I performed using my Chronograph shooting five 5.1 grain standard zinc coated steel BB's with a brand new CO2. The fps for the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol ranged a little from 334 to 358 fps with an average 5 shot reading of 348 feet per second. Keep in mind the temperature was not exactly warm on this day, just a little over 10 Degrees Celsius so I was not anticipating top claimed fps readings so hitting about 50 fps under claimed may be a bout right, I know for sure on a hot summer day I can expect better results.
Next up was the accuracy or shooting portion of this field test shooting review, I performed my standard 30 foot back paper target test using a semi rested stance standing in the back with a sandbag up front to rest my hands on for stability. This position is nice and stable but not perfect so there is always some human factor to take into account. Removing one flyer that was rather high, I was able to get a 3.5 inch grouping from my Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol which is what I would consider about average for a blowback BB shooter, not the best but far from the worst I have shot. I am pretty sure I could do a bit better once I got used to the trigger as it does have a lot more take-up than I am use to with a 1911 and the release is a bit firmer.
A couple of observation when shooting the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. I found the trigger to be noticeably longer and heavier than a standard 1911 but at least it is single action and I would say usable once taking a little time to get accustomed to it. The break point is rather deep and the release can catch you off guard but again putting some rounds through the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol will work much of this out. The Blowback action is not overly heavy but certainly enough to give that recoil effect. I would also suggest only placing 15 rounds in the magazine as the load of the follower spring for a full magazine can play a little havoc with the trigger.
All in all this is a nice 1911 Blowback BB pistol option especially if you are looking for a 1991 that shoots a little harder and gets more shot per CO2 than the KWC/Cybergun 1911's since you can expect fps performance in the mid to high 300's and at least an extra magazine worth of shots per CO2 from the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is like the original 1911 semi auto pistol a single action only trigger. That said the Colt M45 CQBP SAO trigger is notably longer than a true 1911 trigger would be but still pretty decent overall. There is a fair bit of take up but once you get to the release point the trigger weight is about a medium pull and should allow for pretty fast action shooting with not too much finger fatigue.
Accuracy: I have not shot this "version" of the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol but I have high expectations that it will get much better fps and CO2 efficiency than the similar looking KWC versions out there. 400 fps for a blowback is pretty good and if it can get about 5-6 magazines worth of shots that would be close to double of what a KWC 1911 blowback gets! In terms of accuracy only time will tell when the weather perk sup here a bit and I can get outside and make some shooting videos...
Build Quality: I am very impressed with the build quality for the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. In many ways it may even be better than the KWC 1911's as it seems to have a much more durable finish and the mechanical parts fit together very snug with virtually no slide wiggle at all. This little rather inexpensive 1911 blowback BB pistol should last you a long time and perform well doing it.
Realism: Up to now I have been almost preferring the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol over the KWC Blowback 1911 series but when it comes to realism the tables turn a little bit in favor of the KWC 1911 version. On first look it is hard to tell them both apart so yes they both look and feel very much like real steel 1911 pistols. Once you get into some more of the mechanical aspects the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol does make some compromises choosing to take away a little bit of the realism in favor of increasing performance. These area are the range of motion of the blowback action. On the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol the slide range is a bit shorter which will save on CO2 usage and the magazine is a stick mag setup which again allows for a more enclosed system again taking advantage of all the CO2 being used. Most of the mechanical parts work as you would expect them to on a real 1911 with the exception of the grip safety. The barrel is even nicely recessed ti make the barrel opening look like a real 45 auto. Lastly the trigger even though it is a true SAO trigger does extend out from the gun a lot more than a true 1911 trigger would.
Build quality and finish seem really good, excellent tolerances.
Nice snappy blowback action with a pretty heavy recoil spring.
Overall Accurate 1911 tactical styled replica in most ways.
Does have a single action only trigger, but is longer than most.
Fully Colt Licensed.
Like the white dot sights, machined hammer, ambidextrous safety and accessory rail.
Cool that the Alan key is built into the handle.
Has a believable recessed barrel.
Finished coating seems to be more durable than the actual KWC versions.
Warning instructions are color matched and not so intrusive.
Cons:
Trigger action is notably longer than a real 1911 trigger but is single action only.
No working grip safety.
Not easily field strippable.
Does not have a full size drop out metal magazine but rather a metal stick mag.
Comments:
I can never seem to get enough of the Blowback 1911 BB pistols when I have the opportunity to review them. Most of them have been just different reskinned, rebranded and redistributed version of the original KWC 1911 so it was kind of nice to get the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol since it offers that 1911 look with blowback action and from the looks of things it should have improved performance in the shooting department. If you have been after a Blowback 1911 BB pistol but wanted one with some more power and that you can get a decent amount of shots out of a single CO2 then the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol may be just what you are looking for.
My Vimeo Videos for the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol:
Type: BB air pistol. Manufacturer: Umarex - KWC. Model: Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911. Materials: Pretty much all metal build. Weight: 2 pounds. Barrel: 4.38 inchesBrass, non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 18-19 rounds. FPS: 320.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 is like all the other KWC made CO2 full blowback 1911's, it's exactly what you would expect from a real 1911 single action only pistol which helps to make this replica 1911 a great trainer. So in other words the trigger pull is super short, super light with very little take-up and a nice crisp break.
Accuracy: I have not shot this "version" of the Umarex - KWC 4.5mm BB 1911 but it will undoubtedly perform exactly like all the others. I can expect decent under 2 inch groupings from 30 feet out and will get a little over 300 fps on a full CO2 cartridges. Depending on how fast I shoot off my magazines, I should expect to get around 3 good mags and if I slow things down a bit I should get a forth magazine so anywhere from 50-70 good or so shots per CO2 out of the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911.
Build Quality: Very good, with almost all metal construction, good weight and craftsmanship, the KWC 1911 line of pistols have proven themselves over time and even though some of the original first run units had some CO2 valve issues, this seems to have been fixed over the years. You will find most of these KWC pistols in general have a rather thin coating for a finish and so they tend to wear a bit on the high spots but with this weathered Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 that really isn't a concern!
Realism: This is as close as you can come to the look, weight, feel, and action of the real 1911 in virtually almost every way including the ability to field strip this pistol! All the mechanical parts work just like they do on a real steel 1911 including the grip safety. I'm not sure what more you could ask for? The Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 even has that real gun wear and tear look to it which in my opinion even adds to the realism.
Extremely realistic airgun replica of an original Colt 1911 A1 styled 45 auto.
All metal construction - Good weight and solid feeling gun.
Would make an excellent training gun as it functions just like the real steel 1911 45 handgun.
Blowback action is very firm adding to the realism of shooting this weapon.
Field strips just like the real 1911 45 auto.
True 1911 Single action only trigger, excellent pull, very smooth and light.
Working grip safety.
Colt Licensed by Umarex
Weathering gives this pistol a very authentic look to it.
Warning instructions are nicely out of the way.
Cons:
It goes through CO2 very fast as do all the KWC full blowback pistols.
Sights are non-adjustable.
Umarex decided to label the safety, perhaps for legal reasons but it detracts from the finish.
Comments:
You would think by now I would be getting tired of reviewing yet another variation of the KWC made 1911? Nope! The Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 with it's Umarex Colt licensed and Weathered appearance adds just enough to respark my interest in these awesome CO2 Blowback 1911 replicas and every time I pick one up I get a little excited and want to go out and shoot some rounds through one :) If for some reason you have not picked up one of these 1911's to date then make sure to grab the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 before they are all gone!
My Vimeo Videos for the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 BB Pistol:
In this video I feature my top five favorite BB pistols for early 2016. That said there are lots of other BB pistols I truly love and enjoy but I had to pick 5 so these are them! You may notice that many of them are blowback, I do like the blowback guns after all and this is my top 5 pick so naturally many of them will have blowback action.
Here is a list of my top 5 guns featured in this video not necessarily in order of choice:
With the popularity of the KWC - Cybergun 1911 Blowback CO2 Pistols and how super realistic they are in so many ways, it is no surprise that people often ask me if they can replace the original grips with grips made for a real 1911.
The short answer is yes you can! You will have to be prepared to remove just a little bit of material from the backside of both grips near the bottom of the handle where there is an area that has been flared out to accommodate the CO2. Not really a big deal, you can use a Dremel for the quick and easy approach or even some sand paper if you don't mind taking a little more time.
Action: Semi auto non-blowback, double action only.
Ammunition Type: Steel BBs 4.5mm.
Ammunition Capacity: 21 rounds
FPS: 394 fps/ 120 m/s.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC Metal Slide CQBP M45 A1 Non-Blowback CO2 BB Pistol was about medium to hard but I have definitely experienced heavier trigger pulls on some guns. It is nice that the trigger is in the style of a 1911 and not your typical lever styled trigger like you will find on some 1911 wannabe's. I imagine if the CQBP M45 A1 has a lever style trigger it would have more leverage and be a bit lighter.
Accuracy: I have not shot the KWC Metal Slide CQBP M45 A1 Non-Blowback CO2 BB Pistol but expect it to perform similar to the Cybergun Sig Sauer GSR Sigarms I reviewed a while back since both guns have similar internals so for now until I do my dedicated Field Test review you can read my Cybergun Sig Sauer GSR Sigarms Review: "Accuracy was decent but not outstanding, I got around a 2.5 inch grouping from a 20 foot away free standing position, shooting just to the left and high on the target. I did find that I was able to zone in a bit better with the Cybergun GSR as I got used to the trigger. I also put the Cybergun Sig Sauer GSR through my Chrony Chronograph and got very close the manufacturers 397 claimed feet per second, actually starting off well above it and settling down to around the 370 FPS mark. My 8 shot average on a new CO2 was actually 422 FPS."
Build Quality: You will find a pretty nice balance of metal and plastic on the KWC Metal Slide CQBP M45 A1 Non-Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. The metal slide, magazine barrel and some literals give it a really decent weight in the hand and the fit and fish feel good overall. The trigger and hammer are not the best aspects of the gun in terms of quality as they are both plastic and both kind of made more for show and less for function.
Realism: The KWC Metal Slide CQBP M45 A1 Non-Blowback CO2 BB Pistol looks and feel the part of a M45 1911 A1 including a full size drop out metal magazine, working magazine release and safety. The slide catch release is none functioning and so is the hammer which does not cock back for single action shooting. It would have been nice to have a single action trigger and a working slide to finish off this pistol but it is meant to be more of an entry level pistol at the end of the day.
Should have good FPS and lots of shots per CO2 based on my 4.5mm BB version testing!
Rail for mounting accessories.
Nice white dot sights.
Recessed barrel give it a more realistic look.
True 1911 style looking trigger even though it is double action only.
True 1911 working safety.
Cons:
No blowback - slide does not move either.
Hammer moves but does not cock so no single action shooting.
Non adjustable rear sight.
Trigger action is bit heavy and long so it’s not going to be the fastest action shooter.
Comments:
If you're looking for a lower cost well made 1911 in that classic A1 style but with a little bit of updating like having a Picatinny rail and tactical sights then the KWC Metal Slide CQBP M45 A1 Non-Blowback CO2 BB Pistolmay just be right for you. So it doesn't have blowback or a working slide, on the other hand it has lots of metal on it giving it good weight and feel and with less moving parts there will be less to go wrong down the road. You can also expect to get fps into the 400 range with a decent amount of shots per CO2 so the trade off not having blowback may be worth it for this reason. All in all a nice airgun in the under $100 category.
My Vimeo Videos for the KWC Metal Slide CQBP M45 A1 CO2 Air Pistol:
Manufacturer: KWC. Licensed and Distributed by Umarex
Model: Colt Commander 1911.
Materials: Almost all metal.
Weight: 2 pounds.
Barrel: Metal non-rifled.
Propulsion: CO2 x 1.
Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 18-19 round full size drop out metal magazine.
FPS: 325.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Colt Commander CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol is exactly what you would expect from a true single action 1911 styled pistol. It has a short take up and then a nice light and crisp pull and release. Because of the similar mechanics not only to the trigger but other aspects of this gun, it would make a truly awesome low cost trainer to be used when your real 1911 is not practical and also to save on the high cost of real 45 semi auto shells.
Accuracy: I shot the Umarex Colt Commander BB gun at a target from 30 feet away in a semi rested position, and it performed well getting an 8 shot 1.5 inch grouping very close to the bulls-eye that extended a little larger with three additional rounds that came outside the smaller 8 shot grouping. The sights are non-adjustable even thought they kind of look like they are so it was nice to see that this BB pistol was already dialed in pretty good! My initial Chrony testing puts this gun right in the 300-325 fps range getting a 5 shot average of 306 fps which is just fine for this style of heavy full realistic blowback action BB shooter. The outside temperature was 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) so the Colt Commander should shoot a bit quicker on a warmer day. You can expect to get three good magazines worth of shots with some extra CO2 left over for a potential 4th magazine. If you slow your shooting down and let the gun and CO2 warm up between magazines you can get 4 magazines with this BB gun for sure.
Build Quality: Like the other KWC 1911's, the Umarex Colt Commander version is overall a well built and mechanically sound BB pistol. Tolerances are good and the finish may even be a bit better than what KWC makes for its own non-licensed versions of this very popular 1911 series.
Realism: The Umarex Colt Commander CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol is as close as you can get to a real steel 1911 styled 45 semi auto but with a slight modern Tactical look to it, the Colt Commander version has the addition of a: Tac style trigger and hammer, and upgraded white dot sights. This gun is nearly all metal with a very heavy blowback action that simulates the more sluggish and delayed blowback of a real steel 1911. And the true 1911 single action trigger will not disappoint you either.
All metal construction - Good weight and solid feeling gun.
Nice heavy blowback action that replicates a 1911 very well.
Very Accurate 1911 replica in terms of looks and mechanical aspects.
True 1911 single action trigger, excellent pull, very smooth and light.
Working safety and grip safety.
Decent accuracy, not too bad amount off shots for this style of gun about 3+ good magazines.
All metal full size dropout magazine that holds the BB's and CO2.
Nice addition of some Tactical features (Tac style trigger and hammer, white dot sights)
Chrome coated barrel and breach not only look really nice but wear better.
Cons:
Sacrifice fps and shots per CO2 because of the heavy blowback but worth it.
Not a big fan of the white "S & F" on the safety or the white warning instructions on the slide.
Comments:
Sure the Umarex Colt Commander CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol is yet another KWC made 1911 but Umarex has really captured the classic 1911 style without taking it too far into the Tactical realm. The addition of the modernized white dot sights, along with the machined trigger and hammer and the chrome barrel and breach give this BB shooting blowback 1911 a well balanced look. If you're looking for a traditional 1911 A1 but with just a few modernized tweaks, then check out the Umarex Colt Commander.
My Vimeo Video Review for this quality Umarex Realistic Full Blowback BB Pistol:
This Field Test Shooting video is not going to have any big surprises but even so I really like shooting these KWC made CO2 Blowback BB 1911 Replicas and the Umarex Colt Commander is no exception.
So let's get right to the test results! I started off by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph using a brand new CO2 with Umarex 5.1 grain zinc coated 4.5 mm Steel BB's. My 5 shot average velocity was 306 fps and the temperature on this day was fairly average at 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit). So on a warmer day you can expect to get a bit higher fps out of the Umarex Colt Commander CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol.
Moving on to the Target accuracy performance, I shot 10 rounds from the Umarex Colt Commander from 30 feet back using a semi rested position (Sand bag in the front, standing in the back). I was able to place the bulk of the shots within a 1.5 inch group but three came out extending the group somewhat, overall the placement was fairly well centered on target and the white dot sights make sighting the Umarex Colt Commander CO2 Blowback 4.5mm BB Pistol really easy on just about any color background.
The single action 1911 type trigger is exactly what you would expect from a 1911, short, light and crisp. The blowback action is solid and like a real 1911 almost has that delayed sluggish feel to it.
This year the Crosman booth was a bit of a let down in terms of "Replica guns" There really wasn't anything new to speak of? I didn't hang around too long to check on the non-replica guns, perhaps they have been focussing on that area of their market for this year?
One 4.5mm CO2 Blowback BB Pistol they featured as a prototype version last years was on display this year as the final product, the Crosman GI Model 1911BB. And again I was not overly impressed. The Crosman GI Model 1911BB looks for the most part like a 1911 except for the funky trigger which is supposes to look like a 1911 single action trigger. In reality it is a rather heavy double action trigger not at all true to a 1911. I was also puzzled by how recessed the barrel was, sure it's nice to have a slightly recessed barrel to make the pistol more believable but the GI Model 1911BB inner barrel is recessed at least an inch or more robbing this pistol of potential fps.
Guess I'm going to have to try one out at some point to see if it shoots better than I am giving it credit for.
One product from Crosman that is kind of a crossover between a replica and a PCP rifle is the Crosman MAR177 PCP AR Conversion Kit. It is designed to replace the top receiver for a standard AR allowing AR owners to shoot .177 caliber pellets using a standard Pre Charged Pneumatic system with their AR platforms. Of course you need an AR lower to use the Crosman MAR177 PCP AR Conversion Kit.
The KWC/Cybergun Model 1911 Blowback BB Pistols and Airsoft Pistols are very popular and so I tend to get lots of questions about them like: Are they the same quality? What version shoots the best? How do I remove the white warning lettering? Can I get one in an Airsoft version? Can I add a laser or tactical light? Can I change the grips...
So in this YouTube video I compare all four existing KWC and Cybergun model 1911's showing you the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 in 4.5mm Steel BB, the KWC Model 1911 and Model 1911 A1 Tac also in 4.5mm Steel BB and lastly the KWC Model 1911 in 6mm Airsoft plastic BB.
Watch my Vimeo Video of these four KWC and Cybergun Model 1911 4.5mm Steel BB and Airsoft CO2 Blowback Pistols:
This Update video addresses the similarities between the KWC and Cybergun product lines, specifically the KWC Model 1911 vs. the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 and the KWC Taurus PT99 vs. the Cybergun GSG 92. In a nutshell, they are all made by KWC and are exactly the same with the exception of some of the licensing and branding that goes on the slides. Cybergun simply contracts KWC to make the guns for them and add some slight different printing. All parts are interchangeable.
I also show you the Silver Finish Blowback Airsoft KWC Desert Eagle and mention again that the licensing on this one is kind of hit and miss depending on what KWC sends us. So when you order one there is an additional surprise waiting for you when you open the box :)
Lastly, I show for the first time a G&G Airsoft product, the G&G Xtreme 45 Blowback that looks an awful lot like the Umarex Colt Special Combat chambered in 4.5mm Steel BB. The main differences are that the Colt Special Combat is a BB gun and the Xtreme 45 is an Airsoft gun. The G&G has blowback where as the Colt Special Combat does not have blowback.
Make sure to checkout my Vimeo video of this product update for even more info!
