The question comes up often about which Airgun to buy. Customers are wondering when they are looking at a specific Airgun and they see several similar products but from different companies, are they the same gun and if so which one should they decide to buy?
One of the biggest Airgun suppliers out there is for sure KWC, their BB and Airsoft guns are redistributed through companies like Umarex, Crosman, Sig Sauer, ASG, Gletcher and more. Often times the companies that redistribute KWC Airguns hold licensing agreements with real gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Glock, Colt, Beretta, Sig Sauer, Taurus to name a few… KWC makes the Airguns in their Taiwanese factory but they are not allowed to put a real gun manufacturer license on the Airguns they distribute directly so KWC distributed Airguns will generally be all black.
I have also seen companies like Umarex distribute a new KWC Airgun that I have not seen yet from KWC, I believe KWC works with these big name Airgun companies directly and will build a new gun or variation of an existing KWC Airgun for them and give that Company an exclusive for a period of time. KWC will eventually regain the rights to sell that Airgun model directly after 6 months to a year.
Now that you know a little bit more on how it all works let’s get back to whether you should buy a KWC branded Airgun or other Brands same Airgun. It really comes down to I would say three factors. Do you want a Licensed version of the Airgun you are buying? Is there a price difference? Which gun is available to buy when I am ready to buy?
When you buy the Licensed version of the KWC Airgun redistributed through a third part Airgun Company you will often get a lot more writing on the Airgun than just the Gun Manufacturers name. Warning information comes to mind and does not look all that attractive on the slide where it is usually found in bright white lettering. If you like a cleaner look and don’t mind the lack of licensing then the KWC distributed version will generally be all back, nice and clean looking.
You would think buying the KWC Version that is sold more directly to the end customer would be the less expensive of the options because less hands are involved in the selling process. This is not always true, it is more about supply and demand, if more people want the cleaner looking KWC version but it’s harder to get ahold of than the price of the KWC version may actually be higher than say the Umarex or Crosman version. So shop around if price is the deciding factor as the guns are going to be mechanically the same with just some slight cosmetic differences between them.
Lastly, availability maybe what eventually leads you to buy a KWC version over an Umarex, or Crosman or Sig version since if the gun is not in stock well you may have limited options and so the one in stock is going to be perhaps your only option! Don’t feel like you got short changed, again these guns are virtually all the same at the end of the day no matter if you buy it from KWC, Umarex, Crosman, Sig Sauer, ASG, Gletcher or whomever.
Type: BB Pistol. Manufacturer: KWC. Model: TT-33. Materials: Mostly all Metal with some plastic parts. Weight: 1.54 pounds (700 grams). Barrel: Non-rifled. Propulsion: 12 gram CO2. Action: Non-Blowback - single action only trigger and hammer. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 19 rounds. FPS: 423
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol is strictly single action only, and I mean like a Single Action Only Revolver. You will need to cock the hammer manually with each shot since the trigger does not actuate the hammer as it is only used to release the hammer. And since there is no blowback action the slide recoil will also no accurate the hammer. Because fo this don’t expect the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol to be an action shooter but the trigger is decent on it since it is short and not too heavy.
Build Quality: The KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol is built well enough with a mostly metal construction. It feels very solid and the only plastic parts I can tell for sure being the grips. Everything else appears to be all metal. The entire gun is basically two separate halves joined together with screws that you can see but in terms of being well built I would have to say the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol is a very solid well built airgun.
Realism: This is one area where the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol may let a few people down, there is not working slide or blowback operation and with the screws required to join the two haves of the gun being fairly visible on the right side of the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol, it does take away form the realism. The biggest downside for me is the lack of an ejection port entirely, not even a fake one etched into the slide? On the hotter hand you do get a recessed barrel, full size drop out metal magazine and I like the way KWC worked the safety into the slide catch release rather than adding another safety somewhere on the gun where it was not meant to be.
Pros:
One of a handful of 4.5mm BB shooting Tokarev replicas out there.
Very solid and weighty gun for it’s size. Mostly all metal.
Full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and BB’s.
Recessed barrel adds to realism.
Non-blowback will increase fps and CO2 efficiency.
SAO trigger shoudl help with accuracy.
Did a good job of making the safety discreet by working it into the slide catch release.
Cons:
No action shooting since it has a SAO trigger/hammer.
No Blowback operation and no ejection port on slide?
Has the rather noticeable assembly screws on the slide.
Comments:
I like certain things about the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol and then some things make it hard for me to like it. I like the weigth and feel and almost entirely full metal build including the full size drop out metal magazine. I also expect the single action only trigger to work well for getting some decent accuracy. On the other hand having to cock the hammer on what shoudl be a semi auto pistol is a bit weird and the lack of the ejection port completely on the slide is a big oversight in my books. Maybe the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol will redeem itself when I do my Field Test Shooting video next week and sway me back to the in favor side? We will have to wait and see.
My Table Top Video of the KWC Model TT-33 CO2 SAO Non-Blowback BB Pistol:
Type: Pellet air pistol. Distributer:KWC. Model: M1911. Materials: Metal and polymer build. Weight: 2.2 pounds (990 grams). Barrel: Rifled steel. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi auto non-blowback, double action only. Ammunition Type:.177 caliber pellets. Ammunition Capacity: 12 rounds. FPS: 345.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol is not what your would expect from a real steel 1911 since the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol is a double action only shooter as com[pared to a single action only trigger like what you would find on an actual 1911. That said it works fairly well as long as you make sure to full release it after each shot, short releases may result in the hammer not going back all the way. As with most double action triggers it is a bit long and heavy bit not unusable, just the prepared to get a little bit of a finger workout.
Accuracy: I have not shot the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol just yet but will be doing so shortly so stay posted for my Field Test Shooting video for the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol. I expect it to do fairly well in terms of accuracy and power since there is no blowback and the barrel is rifled.
Build Quality: The KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol is built just like all the other KWC airguns, it’s not going to be the best quality you have ever seen but it is very good and KWC has been making airguns for a while not not just for themselves but for other companies like Umarex, Gletcher, ASG, Crosman and even Sig Sauer. You will find metal on this gun where it matters… The slide, full size drop out metal magazine and of course lots of internal parts. The frame, trigger, fake hammer, magazine release and slide catch are all plastic. Fit and finish is good overall.
Realism: The KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol really does look and feel like a real steel 1911 A1 pistol with the exception of the trigger. everything is is really believable even though not all parts are work like the slide, slide catch release, fake hammer… On a real 1911 A1 the frame would also be metal adding to the overall weight but the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol comes in at 2.2 pounds so it’s no lightweight and with the metal magazine in the hun it has good balance to it.
Good weight and solid feeling gun. Lots of metal where you need it.
All metal full size drop out magazine holds CO2 and 12 pellets.
Decent looking replica of 1911 A1.
One of a few CO2 1911 pellet pistols out there.
Recessed barrel helps with look of realism.
Rifled barrel will help with accuracy.
Non-blowback operation with increased fps and CO2 efficiency.
More realistic looking than the Umarex pellet 1911 for a lot less money.
Cons:
No blowback - slide does not move either.
Hammer moves but does not cock so no single action shooting.
Trigger action is bit heavy but not not too bad for a double action trigger.
Comments:
I’m a bit on the fence with the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol. It looks really good and has a lot of potential in terms of power and accuracy over the Cybergun/KWC Blowback BB version which has always been a favorite of mine. Maybe it will impress me when I get to my Field Test Shooting Review for it but will it be enough to win me over the realism of shooting the full blowback BB version? I guess we will have to find out!
My Vimeo Videos for the KWC M1911 Non-Blowback CO2 Pellet Pistol:
Some new guns came in for me to highlight, some will get full reviews and some are KWC unlicensed versions of some Airguns I have already reviewed so this unboxing update video will suffice for them.
In this Field Test Shooting video for the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol I take it through a series of tests to see what kind of velocity and accuracy we can expect form the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol.
To see what kind of power the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol has I place 5 shots through my Chronograph using a brand new CO2 and 5.1 grain standard steel BB’s. The temperature inside my Sea Can indoor airguns shooting range was about 22 degrees Celsius or 70 degrees Fahrenheit so not too warm or too cold, perfect for CO2 Airgun testing. The Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol was able to average 363 fps which was actually a little bit faster than Umarex’s claimed 330fps.
Moving on to my accuracy test for the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol I first placed 10 semi auto rods into my paper target situated 30 feet downrange and form my seated and rested position I was able to get most of the shots in a 1 inch grouping with two outliers. Keep in mind I had to repeat this test since my first 10 shot grouping was very low on the target. I also found the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol shot a little bit to the left but not a lot. Perhaps the internal hop-up adjustment may bring the BB’s up a bit on target?
I then replaced the magazine with a fully loaded one and just for fun shot some full auto bursts into the target, as expected my results where more or less “Spray and Pray” with some steel BB’s bouncing off of harder potions of the target and coming back at me…
Overall the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a decent performer and a lot of fun to shoot with very snappy blowback operation. Other than ti shooting low on the target I had nothing to complain about and I really think it’s one of the nicest Steel BB shooting Blowback Beretta pistols on the market.
In the Field Test Shooting Video I perform my standard Chronograph and accuracy tests on the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol. I put 5 rounds ( At least I try to…) through my Chrony Chronograph using slightly heavier than usual .32 gram plastic Airsoft BB's with a full propane filled magazine. My Sea Can Indoor Airgun Range was warmed up sufficiently for a gas gun test (Around 22 degrees Celsius or 70 degrees Fahrenheit) but perhaps because I was using the heavier .32 gram Airsoft BB’s I only managed to get around 230fps for the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol.
Moving onto my accuracy test I placed 10 shots on target 30 feet down range using a rested shooting position, sitting in the back and sand bag up front. I was impressed with how tight of a 10 shot grouping I got! I was able to get the bulk of the shots all within about an inch with only two shots hitting just a little outside of this. The G&G Armament GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol did shoot a little bit low and just a tad to the left but you shoudl be able to raise it up as needed using the built in Hop-up adjustment.
You will notice in my Filed Test Shooting Youtube Video that I did has some initial problems with the G&G Armament GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol misfiring some rounds. This seemed to only happen when I switched to a brand new propane tank and topped up the magazine all the way. My first 4-5 shots seemed to vent a lot of gas and for some reason the G&G Armament GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol would misfire. Once I got through the initial rounds the G&G Armament GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol shot just fine. Not the most powerful Airsoft gun I have tested but for indoor close quarter Airgun battles the G&G Armament GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol would perform just fine.
Type: BB air pistol. Distributer:Umarex. Model:Beretta M9A3. Materials: Metal and polymer build. Weight: 1.9 pounds (861 grams). Barrel: 4.5 inches metal, non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi and full auto blowback, single and double action. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 18 rounds. FPS: 330.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is like what you would expect from a real Beretta of this style, it offers both single and double action but most of the time you will be shooting in single action since the slide blowback cocks the hammer after each shot. Single action has a little bit of take-up but has a predictable release that is not overly light or heavy. Double action shots are longer and heavier which is as expected but will only be required for that first shot if you have de-cocked your chambered pistol.
Build Quality: The Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is slightly lighter than the standard Beretta Mod. 92 A1 since it has a polymer frame but it still has a good weight to it at close to 2 pounds. All the materials feel high quality and the fit and finish is top notch. It’s a real looker for sure! The slide spring is one of the heavier ones I have seen in a full blowback CO2 BB pistol giving a real snappy blowback action.
Your choice of shooting in either semi auto or full auto mode.
Really nice replica of the original real steel Beretta M9A1.
Great weight and feel to it. Not too heavy!
High quality metal and polymer design, fit and finish is very good.
Strong slide spring so has nice crisp blowback action.
Realistic working safety and working slide catch release.
Full size dropout metal magazine that holds BB's and CO2.
Can be field stripped like original Beretta M9A3.
Fully Beretta licensed.
Can put a mock suppressor on it.
Really a great looking airgun!
Cons:
Will eat CO2 especially in full auto mode.
None adjustable sights but the front sight is removable.
Typical Umarex ugly white warning instruction on the slide.
Comments:
If you’re a Beretta fan then I think you are really going to want to pick one of these Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistols, even if you are lady have a different version. The new Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is by far one of the best to date in terms of getting it all right. You get all the typical Full Blowback features like a working slide catch release and magazine release, an ambidextrous safety, full size drop out metal magazine that hods the CO2 and 18 4.5mm Steel BB's. On top of all of this you also have a threaded barrel tip for adding a mock suppressor and the Authentic FDE Color Scheme that really makes the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol a real looker!
My Vimeo Videos for the Umarex Beretta M9A3 Full Auto CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:
To celebrate Victoria Day here in Canada we are having a SALE over in the www.ReplicaAirguns.ca Online Store! Everything will be 10% OFF! Sale will go over this weekend and end Monday night.
We are featuring a couple of newer products in the Canada Store, one from G&G and one from Umarex…
Type: Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: G&G Model: GTP9 Materials: Polymer slide & frame. Weight: 1.5 pounds (680 grams). Length: 8.85 inches (22.5 cm) total Barrel: 4.4 inches (11.2 cm),Metal non-rifled smooth bore. Propulsion: Green gas or propane. Action: Blowback, single action only. Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 23 rounds. FPS: 350-400 fps.
Trigger Pull: The single action only trigger pull on the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol is light with just a little bit of take-up. Since there is a built in trigger safety you will need to make sure your finger is firmly on the trigger or you may notice the trigger safety binding a little bit. Other than that the trigger pull is smooth.
Accuracy: I have not done my actual Field Test Shooting video review for the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol but I did get the chance to shot it quickly in my Sea Can indoor shooting range. Blowback felt pretty decent considering the slide is polymer and I was able to get most of my shots on or near the bullseye from about 25 feet out free standing. I did really like the more open sight setup as it allowed me to see over and under my target giving me a bigger picture of what I am lined up with.
Build Quality: Like pretty much all G&G Airsoft guns, the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol build quality is very high quality all around. Fit and finish where excellent and even though the slide is polymer the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol felt solid in the hadn't and had a decent overall weigth to it. I know plastic slides are not always everyones first choice but the slide on the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol did have good weight to it allowing for decent blowback feel and in many cases plastic will be more durable than pot metal or zinc metal slides and stand up to abuse and wear and tear better.
Realism: The G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistolis not a replica of any specific real steel gun in production but it is designed to look like your common modern pistol and it seems many of these modern pistols have some Glock like tributes, that square shaped slide, square trigger guard and shallow thumb rest. That all said the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol has all of the right stuff we look for in a replica pistol like a full size drop out metal magazine, full blowback operation and of course the ability to field strip the gun juts for fun or for occasional cleaning.
Most external parts on gun are polymer so you will not get finish wear or noticeable scratches on it. Also keeps the weight down.
Threaded barrel for adding a mock suppressor.
Comes with two different sized Grip Back-straps to accommodate small and larger hands.
Expect to get decent amount of shots per gas fill (around 3-4 magazines).
Adjustable Hop-up that is super easy to access with no gun disassembly required.
Micro Gas Filter and Whirl Cylinder Valve help to manage gas efficiency.
Full Size Dropout metal magazine pretty standard on Airsoft pistols these days.
Rail for accessories if you choose.
Open white dot sights make it super easy to see your target.
Dual safety system, cross bolt on frame and trigger safety.
Narrow and light, would make a great lightweight side arm for Airsoft battles.
Cons:
Some people may not like the polymer slide?
Sights is non adjustable but mine got bullseyes from 25 out.
Comments:
Normally I am not a big fan of all plastic or polymer guns but in the case of the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol I think it makes sense, G&G has done a great job of making the plastic slide feel solid and have good overall weigth to it so you still get that weighty feeling int he hand and enough blowback to feel the recoil with each shot. I also think the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol will be more durable long term and look better even if it gets knocked around since you won’t see the scratches and dings that you would see on a metal gun. The G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol also has a ton of stuff going on that I have not seen on other guns to date like the open rear sights for better sight framing and that super cool easy to access hop-up adjustment system.
My Table Top Review of the G&G GTP9 GBB Airsoft Pistol:
In this Update Video we take a look at some BB and Airsoft pistols I have already reviewed but in a slightly different form factor. They are all Umarex Legends pistols but two of them (The P.08 and M712) are WWII Special Editions versions with that aged weathered look to them.
The Umarex Single Action Army Wildcard .45 is in 6mm Airsoft which I have so far not review in a Single Action Army Revolver so not only will I be showing you this one up close, but I will be doing a followup Field Test Shooting video for it shortly.
Here are some basic specifications on these three Airguns:
Umarex WWII Limited Edition M712 Full Auto Blowback BB Pistol
Type:BB Pistol Manufacturer:Umarex Model:WWII Limited Edition M712 Materials: Full Metal Weight: 1424 grams (3.15 pounds) Barrel: Smoothbore Power Source: CO2 Action: Semi and Full Auto Ammo Type: 4.5mm BBs Ammo Capacity: 18 Rounds FPS: 360
Umarex WWII Limited Edition P08 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol
Type:BB Pistol Manufacturer:Umarex Model:WWII P08 Materials: Full Metal Weight: 808 grams (1.7 pounds) Barrel: Smoothbore Power Source: CO2 Action: Semi and Full Auto Ammo Type: 4.5mm BBs Ammo Capacity: 21 Rounds FPS: 300
Third time is a charm or so they say? Now that we are on the third version of the Umarex “Steel” series of BB CO2 Blowback Semi and 6 Round Burst Air Rifles what can we take away from this Field Test Shooting Video? Does the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle measure up to its predecessors? Without a full on spoiler alert I would have to say the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle did not let me down…
Starting off with the Chronograph Velocity portion of my Indoor Sea Can Airgun Shooting Test, things did not start off so good, first shot out of the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle was below 200 fps? I think this is because the duel CO2 system needs a least a couple of shots to get primed up because the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle only seemed to get better with each shot which is the opposite of what happens with most CO2 Airguns. After several shots the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle seemed to settle into a nice 390 fps range and the temperature was only 18 degree Celsius or 64 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer conditions I would expect to get at least the 400 fps claimed by Umarex.
Moving onto the accuracy portion of the Field Test Shooting Review for the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle, I was very pleased with the results. Placing 10 semi auto shots 30 feet down range into my paper target using a rested seated position I was able to get just under a 1 inch grouping. And this was using the built-in flip up none adjustable peep sights which I do fins a little bit hard to use with my aging eyes… The Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle even shot well centred just a little bit low and slightly to the left but very close to the bullseye. When I flipped the selector switch to 6 round burst things did spread out a bit but this was mainly because of the vibration that caused me to pull the gun to the right with each 6 round burst.
At the end of the day the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle is a really fun CO2 Blowback “full Auto” BB Rifle that has a crazy 6 round burst rate of fire and shoots pretty hard with good accuracy. You get all of this at a pretty affordable price. Are there other Full auto capable BB rifles that look a little bit better than the Steel Strike? I’m thinking about the Crosman DPMS SBR… Sure but in terms of performance the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 Blowback BB Rifle isn not lacking anything in this department. It may depend on your budget and if you’re simple just looking for a fun full auto CO2 BB rifle at the end of the day.
Type: BB Machine Gun/Rifle. Manufacturer: Umarex USA. Model: Steel Strike (AR Platform). Materials: Plastic shell with internal metal parts. Weight: 3.8 pounds (1720 grams). Barrel: 9 inch Metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 2 (housed in b uffer tube) Action: Semi and 6 round burst blowback, single action only. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 900/30 round drop out hopper/magazine. FPS: 400.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle is single action only, so you will need to charge the rifle by pulling back the charging handle first, once this is done the trigger is reset and the gun is ready to shoot. The blowback operation charges the internal bolt automatically after each shot so keep this in mind as the gun is going to be live and ready to shoot until you either run out of ammo or CO2. Make sure to place it in safe mode when not in use especially when you have CO2 in the gun.
Accuracy: I have not shot the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle yet but will remaking a Field test Shoting video very soon for it. But for a reference I did shoot the Umarex Steel Froce which is a very similar product and this is how it performed for me:
Shooting the Umarex Steel Force at a target from 30 feet away in a semi rested position using both the semi auto and 6 round burst modes, the Steel Force performed very good getting around a 1.5 inch 10 shot grouping in semi auto and then spreading out a bit in 6 round burst mode which was to be expected, still a respectable grouping. Shots where well centered on the target but I did have the advantage of using a red dot scope, I found when using the none adjustable open sights that come with the Umarex Steel Force that I was shooting under the target at closer ranges. My Chrony testing did not go exactly as planned due to my temperamental Chronograph but I was able to get two shots to read and they average out at 466 fps, well over the 430 claimed fps.
Build Quality: The Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle is mostly plastic on the outside with most of it's metal parts on the inside, pretty much everything you can see on the outside is going to be plastic except for maybe the magazine release and selector switch. The plastic seems durable enough but it has just a bit too much shine for me which I think makes it look less like metal and more like plastic. Everything seemed to function as expected but again I would have liked to have seen a bit more metal, not necessarily the outer shell, but I feel the flash hider, trigger, flip up sights and charging handle could have been made out of metal and would have given this Umarex Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle a bit more weight and balance to it.
Realism: The Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle is designed on the AR platform and for the most part is about the right size shape and look of an AR 15 / M16 type rifle. Even the selector switch, magazine release, rear adjustable stock and Charging handle function just like a real AR 15! Some parts are molded in just for looks like the bolt release, dust cover and forward assist but at least they look the part. The plastic for me was the real tell here as it kind of looks like plastic where as some plastic guns are really hard to tell they are not metal, but other than that this is a pretty decent replica of an AR Rifle.
Will get a decent amount of shots with its dual CO2 configuration.
Removable and 2 position adjustable stock.
Flip up sights with optical sight top rail option.
Lots of rials for adding on accessories.
Not a bad replica of an AR platform gun.
Full auto has a very high rate of fire.
Internal blowback does give a bit of recoil feedback feel.
CO2 in the buffer tube makes more sense?
Price point is good for a fun full auto BB rifle.
Cons:
Pop up sights are non adjustable.
Plastic finish could have been a bit higher grade, like what most Airsoft AR's use.
Just a bit more metal would have been nice and added to the overall weight a bit. (Switches, Sights, Charging handle.
No sling mounts.
Comments:
The Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle looks to be an improvement over the Steel Storm and Steel Force, I like the new placement of the duel CO2 into the buffer tube and changing the location of the BB’s from the upper receiver and into the drop out magazine which is where we would normally expect them to be. We also get a magazine hopper capacity of up to 900 rounds with the new Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle so no having to refile int for several CO2 swap-outs. I think the overall looks ahed improved and the tighter aperture of the pep sight shoudl make getting BB;s on target with more accuracy a bit easier. I look forward to seeing what kind of performance I get out of the Umarex Steel Strike CO2 BB Rifle when I test it out during my upcoming Field Test Shooting Video.
My Vimeo Table Top Videos for the Umarex Steel Striker BB Rifle:
This review was plagued with nothing but recording issues during the target accuracy portion of the review. I had to record it 6 separate times for reasons like: Two battery issues, one wrong setting in my camera, a memory card issue (wasn’t reading) and in one test I had a piece of cardboard covering a camera lens!!! Anyway I did get it done in the end but it was very frustrating!
So how did the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol perform for me during this Field Test Shooting Video? I would have to say a bit hot and cold. In terms of velocity, the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol was bang on averaging right around 325 fps which was right in line with KWC’s 328 fps claim. And the temperature was not super hot inside the Sea Can Indoor Airgun Shooting Range. About 15 degrees Celsius or around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moving on to the target portion of this Field Test Review I did manage to get a 4 inch 10 round grouping during my first test (which had recording issues) but for the shooting test that made it to this video my grouping spread out a fair amount closer to 6-8 inches. I did play around with the internal hop-up because the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol likes to shoot low and to the right, so I thought that if I adjusted the hop-up up, I would be able to get shots a little higher on target but this adjustment only seemed to make the gun shoot a little bit less accurately for me? As always I was shooting using me rested seated position from 30 feet down range.
Type: Blowback BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Made and Distributed by KWC. Model:K17. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.68 pounds (760 grams). Barrel: 4.3 inches metal non-rifled. Propulsion: 1 x Co2. Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only trigger. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 17 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 329.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is short with only a little bit of take up, the release is light and crips. The blowback action resets the internal Hammer / Striker with each shot for that true single action trigger and it’s also nice that the trigger does have a working trigger safety.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol so I can only quote what KWC is saying in terms of FPS which is around 330. For a full blowback action steel BB pistol like many other KWC Blowback Air Pistols this is about what you are going to expect. It may sound low but to be honest 300+ is fast enough at 30 feet to only notice a slight delay from the time you press the trigger till the steel BB hits the target and you can expect to put holes in pop cans all day long. In terms of accuracy I should be able to get at least a 2 inch 10 shot grouping from 30 feet down range if the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is on point for me.
Build Quality: TheKWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol feels really good, I’m going to say it’s probably one of the nicest KWC CO2 blowback pistols I have had in my hands to date. The finish is really nice, the polymer frame is flawless and fit is really good with nice tight tolerances throughout.
Realism: The KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol being a full blowback Airguns is supper realistic in terms of looking like and functioning like a real steel gun. All the parts function as you would expect them to including the ability to filed strip the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol which gives you easy access to the hop-up. In terms of the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol being a replica it does look similar to Glock with some differences like the trigger guard, slide cut-outs, extended beaver tail and straighter pistol grip. Available From: The Replica Airguns Store.
Pros:
Good weight with very solid feel to it.
Full blowback action will produce good recoil effect.
Full size drop out metal magazine.
Short and light single action only trigger.
No ugly markings or warnings.
Has some bling with the gold barrel and vented slide.
Field strips like the real steel version.
White dot sights front and back.
Adjustable hop-up to adjust for elevation as needed.
Working trigger safety along with serial number safety.
Cons:
Full blowback action will produce lower fps and use up more CO2.
Not sure I like the Gold barrel?:
Comments:
I really like the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol, it may even be one of my favorite CO2 Blowback BB Pistols from KWC to date. That will be somewhat determined by how it shoots of course. The only thing I’m not a huge fan on is the Gold barrel but that’s a personal preference thing. You amy really like the Gold Bling! I could easily polish the barrel to more of a stainless finish if I wanted to and maybe I will? All in all if you’re looking for that Modern Pistol design than the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is going to fit the bill. And by the way if you’re more into Airsoft then you can get the Airsoft version of the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol in our Canada Online Store!
Type: Blowback GBB Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Umarex. Model:Glock 17 Gen 4. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.45 pounds (658 grams). Barrel: 3.75 inches metal non-rifled. Propulsion: Green Gas or Propane. Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only trigger. Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 20 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 300+.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Glock 17 4th Gen GBB Airsoft Pistol is fairly short with only a little bit of take up, the release is light and crips. The blowback action resets the internal Hammer / Striker with each shot for that true single action trigger and it’s also nice that the trigger does have a working trigger safety.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the Umarex Glock 17 4th Gen GBB Airsoft Pistol so I can only quote what Umarex is saying in terms of FP2 which is around 300 using Green Ga or Propane. This is fine for playing Airsoft games but for Canada import it can get a bit sticky. Luckily we where able to get a bunch into Canada so hopefully we can get some more in our Canada Replica Airguns Store in the future… US supply will be less of a problem.
Build Quality: TheUmarex Glock 17 4th Gen GBB Airsoft Pistol seems well made overall. It does seem a little bit underweight but still feels solid enough in the hand. The Slide is metal but has a bit of an unusual finish that makes it look a lot like the plastic frame rather than a more shiny metal look. All the parts seem to fit nicely, maybe even a bit snug at first as I noticed the side had a bit of friction to it but seems to be working in nicely now.
Realism: The Umarex Glock 17 4th Gen GBB Airsoft Pistol looks the part of a Glock 17 4th Generation all day long. Other then the slightly lighter weight it would be hard to tell off hand until you remove the magazine and take a closer look. All the parts work as you would expect them to, similar to the real steel version and you can even fully field strip the Umarex Glock 17 4th Gen GBB Airsoft Pistol which makes getting to and adjusting the hop-up easy enough to do. Available From: The Replica Airguns Store.
Pros:
Decent weight and feel to it, build quality seems good.
Really nice looking replica of the original Glock 17 Gen 4.
Fully Glock licensed.
Easy to see white dot sights front and back.
Recessed barrel for added realism.
Accessory rail for adding a laser or tactical light.
Full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and 20 6mm Airsoft BB’s.
Warning instruction are nice and discreet under trigger guard
Nice light SAO trigger as the blowback pre-cocks the internal hammer/strike.
Working trigger safety.
Cons:
May or may not come with an orange tip but can be fairly remissly removed.
Sight are non-adjustable which is common with low cost airguns like this one.
FPS is a bit low making Canada import difficult.
Comments:
Getting the Umarex BB versions of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 has for sure been a bit easier since fps velocity is not a factor. So it was great that we where able to import at least some of these Umarex Glock 17 4th Gen GBB Airsoft Pistols into Canada. I hope we will be able to continue supplying the Glock Airsoft versions in our Canada Replica Airguns Store but I can not promise anything… So if you see some in stock then grab one while you still can!
Type: Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Umarex. Model:Glock 17 Gen 3. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.6 pounds (726 grams). Barrel: 4 inches metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto blowback, double action only trigger. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 18 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 365.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is in a way a single action trigger since the blowback action pre-cocks the internal hammer allowing for a much lighter single action type trigger pull. I call it a a double action trigger mainly because there is an indexing of a BB from the magazine into the breach area every time you pull the trigger which means the take up is long and there is a little bit of friction from the mechanical mechanism that indexes a BB.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol so I can only quote what Umarex is saying in terms of FP2 which is 365. That's sounds reasonable based on other similar guns like this that have that parcial blowback action and BB indexing system to allow for a more sealed system. We will find out when I perform my Field Test Shooting video for the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol shortly.
Build Quality: TheUmarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol seems well made overall, Fit and finish are nice and slide wiggle is minimal. There is a bit of a clanky sound when the slide cycles but since pretty much all of these types of airguns are made out of pot metal with a high con ten of zinc alloy this is kind of expected.
Realism: The Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol absolutely looks the part of a Glock 17 3rd Generation, sitting on the table and even holding it in your hand you are going to think it's the real deal until of course you drop the magazine and see that it is a Co2 mag. Mostly everything operates like a real Glock 17 but the slide is not a full blowback meaning it only goes back about 3/4 as much as a real Glock 17 slide would. One other noticeable difference is the ability to quickly field strip the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol, you will need to remove a pin since the take down tabs are non functioning and moulded into the frame. Available From: The Replica Airguns Store.
Pros:
Great weight and feel to it, build quality seems good.
Really nice looking replica of the original Glock 17 Gen 3.
Fully Glock licensed.
Easy to see white dot sights front and back.
Recessed barrel for added realism.
Accessory rail for adding a laser or tactical light.
Full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and 18 4.5mm steel BB’s.
Safety built into the serial number plate area keeps it well hidden.
Warning instruction are nice and discreet under trigger guard
Not bad feeling double action only trigger as the blowback pre-cocks the internal hammer/strike.
365 fps is decent for a blowback BB gun.
Cons:
Does have blowback action but not full blowback.
Slide sound is a bit clanky.
Sight are non-adjustable which is common with low cost airguns like this one.
Would have liked to have seen more pristine packaging from Glock.
Comments:
Since there release of the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol we have all been waiting for a blowback version and now we have it in the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol! Defiantly another step in the right direction when it comes to a Licensed Glock. Am I looking forward to the Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback BB Pistol, sure but if you’re a Glock fan why not have them all and this version will get you a bit higher fps and more shots per CO2 while still offering blowback action with a decent trigger!
In this Vimeo Preview Video I show off three new Glock and Glock-like Air Pistols. Two of them are from Umarex and are Glock Licensed, one being a GGB Airsoft Pistol and the other is a CO2 Blowback BB Pistol. I also show an unlicensed Glock-like CO2 Blowback BB Pistol from KWC that kind of looks like a glock but has several key differences that do make it deviate a fair amount from that of a true Glock pistol.
Starting with the KWC 17. At first glance you may think it looks a lot like a Glock but on closer inspection it has the following differences: Notched out trigger guard, extended thumb guard or beaver tail, straight pistol grip with no finger indents, cut out on slide, slide serration on front. The KWC 17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a full blowback Airgun with a full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and 17 rods of 4.5mm steel BB’s. You can expect to get around 330 fps for it.
Another Blowback CO2 BB Glock is the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol which is fully Glock licensed and also features a full size drop out metal magazine that hold 18 4.5mm steel BB’s. The Glock 17 Gen 3 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a partial blowback Airgun so you can expect a little bit higher velocity of around 365 fps and additional shots per CO2.
Lastly I show you the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB Airsoft Pistol, another fully Glock Licensed airgun with full blowback operation and a full size drop out metal magazine that holds 20 6mm plastic Airsfot BB’s and the either Green Gas or Propane Gas. Velocity will be around 300 fps on this one.
Pickup one of these Glock and Glock-like Airguns form either our Canada or US online Replica Airgun stores!
Being that KWA is a new product in our Replica Airguns Online Stores, I wanted to go over as much of the KWA product line as possible and really not only learn for myself but be able to share all of this information with everyone. I have to thank Jonathan for spending so much of his time really diving in deep to what KWA has to offer.
There really is an absolute ton of info in this video that in no way I can put into words so you’re going to have to watch this KWA SHOT Show Interview from start to finish. So go get yourself a snack and something to drink, cause it’s going to be a long one!
This year at SHOW Show 2019 Bob from ASG had a lot to show me so make sure to watch the full Interview Video for all the details and information.
Bob and I first go over a new ASG CZ Airsoft Pistol called the Shadow 2 kind of like a modernized SP-01 Shadow. The ASG CZ Shadow 2 is a competition stile pistol with adjustable sights and trigger and will come in both CO2 and Green Gas magazine options.
Next up Bob showed me the CZ75 SP01 ACCU Shadow with some special edition features like: Ergonomic anodized aluminum grips with grip tape, match style high sights, oversized slide release and ambidextrous safety and a tunable anodized aluminum trigger.
ASG being the exclusive partner with ICS had some new ICS Pistols to show us. First up was the Airsoft ICS XPD, a compact Gas Blowback System that will come with shorter compact magazines and extended magazines that will hold more green gas. Both Gas magazines will feature a new valve system called the Revo system.
If you like the feel of a 1911 but perhaps want something a bit more modern then checkout the New ASG Korth PRS Airsoft Pistol, you can even put real 1911 grips on it!
Not new to ASG this year is the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 but ASG has enhanced this Airsoft rifle by working with a designer to adding an M-Lok Handguard, Magwell Grip and Fore Grip that will be a three part system you can customize.
Last Bob showed me around the CQR Hera Arms Airsoft Rifle that is a collaboration of ASG, Hara Arms, ICS. It will come in standard Mosfet and Triple-S (Smart Shooting System).
Looking forward to getting my hands-on some of these new ASG
Air Venturi announced their new Springfield Armory lien of BB and Airsoft guns at SHOT Show 2019 and of course I stopped by to talk with Scott and see what these new products where all about!
First off we have the Springfield Armory M1 Carbine Rifle. You will be able to get it in either 4.5mm Steel BB or 6mm Airsoft versions. Both will have full drop out metal magazines that hold the 12 gram CO2 and either 15 BB or Airsoft rounds. You can expect around 40-60 shots per CO2 since the Springfield Armory M1 Carbine is a full blowback Airgun. The standard version will come with a synthetic wood stock that is very believable but for around $100 more you will have the option of a real wood stock which does add a bit to more weight to the rifle.
Continuing on with some more Springfield Armory Airguns. Air Venturi will be distributing the XDM pistol in a compact and full size configuration, again both 4.5mm Steel BB and Airsoft versions. There will be a solid black version and a two tone silver slide version so lots of options to pick from. The 4.5mm Steel BB version will use a 12 gram CO2 while the Airsoft version will allow for Green Gas or CO2 mags.
I wanted to mention one more product Scott showed me that is still in production, a reactive target system called the Bata-Bang that connects to your phone via Bluetooth allowing you to time your shooting and play shooting games with it and others even online. Hopefully we see this product soon from Air Venturi!
