Watch my Video for all the main differences but in short here they are for those reading this post:
Steel BB version uses CO2 while the Airsoft version uses Green Gas or Propane.
There is no orange tip on the Steel BB version while Airsoft versions come with orange tips installed.
Steel BB versions have 20 round full length magazines for both the 3.8 and 4.5 inch versions, while the Airsoft 3.8 compact comes with the shorter 14 round magazine and the Airsoft 4.5 comes with a longer 25 round magazine.
FPS for the Steel BB versions are 270fps for the 3.8 and 325fps for the 4.5, comparably the Airsoft 3.8 is claimed to have 280fps with the 4.5 version a bit higher at 330fps. (Keep in mind that steel BB’s weigh more at around .33 grams compared to the .20 gram plastic Airsoft BB’s used for testing).
I did notice that on the sliver slide version, my earlier Airsoft 4.5 had more of a parkerized metallic finish while my same Steel BB version I received at a later time had more of brushed stainless look to it. Air Venturi has since informed me that all silver slide version will now have the brushed stainless finish.
It felt like Christmas the other day when a bunch of Springfield Armory new products showed up at my door! So first off thanks to Air Venturi for sending me these new products for review. I already got my hands on the Springfield Armory XDM 3.8 and 4.5 GBB Airsoft version but have been wanting to also review the CO2 Blowback Steel BB versions.
In this video I show all these new Springfield Armory CO2 Blowback BB guns quickly but will of course be making dedicated Table Top and Fired Test Shooting Video for them upcoming.
Type: Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Air Venturi Model: Springfield Armory XDM 3.8 & 4.5 Inch Materials: Metal slide & Mag with Polymer frame. Weight: 1.75 & 1.9 pounds (794 & 861 grams). Length: 7.25 & 8.25 inches total length Barrel: 3.8 & 4.5 inch Metal non-rifled smooth bore. Propulsion: Green gas or propane. Action: Blowback, single action only. Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 14 & 25 rounds. FPS: 280-330 fps.
Trigger Pull: The single action only trigger pull on the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol is pretty much what you would expect on a striker fired SAO pistol. There is very little take up with a light release which should make for great action shooting and help with accuracy when slowing things down a bit.
Accuracy: This time I actually have done my Field Test Shooting video for the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol and it did pretty good, getting a 2 inch 10 round grouping from 30 feet away shooting just a bit low on the target, nothing a bit of hop-up adjustment shouldn’t be able to account for. The claimed fps is 330 for the 4.5 inch version and I was able to average right around 300.
Build Quality: At SHOT Show this year I commented on the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM Pistols and how great they looked and felt. Nothing really different now that I have them in my hands for review. I did notice that my AIrsoft version with the Silver Slide had a kind of metallic parkerized finish while my BB Silver Slide version has a more stainless steel look. I prefer the Stainless Steel look a lot more and feel it makes the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM Pistols look higher quality. Hopefully Air Venturi sticks with the Stainless Steel finish? Build quality and finish are good thought the gun.
Realism: The Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol is really one of the best 1 to 1 copies I have seen out there. It looks pretty much identical including all the licensing and markings in all the right places. It also is full blowback with a full size drop out metal magazine and all the mechanical working parts work the same as the real steel version including the trigger safety, grip safety, slide catch release, take down leaver and magazine release. Field striping is done just like the 9mm big brother allowing for easy hop-up adjustments.
Lots of metal parts where the real steel version would also have them.
Fully Field Strippable.
Adjustable Hop-up.
Easy to use sights, fiber optic up front and white dot on the back.
Springfield Armory fully Licensed.
Working serial number, trigger and backstop safeties.
Comes with different sized back straps for small to large hands.
Rail for adding accessories.
Warning instructions are nice and discreet!
Your choice of compact or full size versions also in all black or silver slide.
Performed well in my Field Test Shooting Review getting a 2 inch 10 shot grouping and close to the claimed fps.
Cons:
Comes with the orange tip we all love but should be pretty easy to remove.
Sights are non-adjustable. Can use Hop-up to bring shots up or down.
Silver Slide Airsoft version finish is not my favorite.
Comments:
Like I said at SHOT Show this year I was super impressed with the entire Springfield Armory lineup and now that I have them in my hands I am still just as impressed with the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistols. You are getting pretty much what everyone looks for in a Replica Airgun: 1 to 1 size and similar weight, full blowback action, full size drop out metal magazine, fully licensed, adjustable hop-up, filed strippable and similar build materials you would find as compared to the real steel 9mm version. I also like that you have a ton of choice offered by Air Venturi: Airsoft or BB, 3.8 inch compact or 4.5 inch full size, silver or black slide and even short lower capacity or longer high capacity magazines for the 3.8 inch version.
My Table Top Review of the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol
Type: BB Rifle. Manufacturer: Crosman. Model: Bushmaster MPW. Materials: Metal & plastic. Weight: 6.5 pounds (4.98 kilograms). Length: 21 inches (Stock all the way in). Propulsion: 12 gram CO2 dual cartridges. Action: Blowback - single action only. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 25 rounds. FPS: 430fps. Rate of Fire: 1400 rounds per minute in full auto
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun is single action only since the charging handle must be cocked first before you can shoot it. The trigger is short and fairly light as you would expect from an AR type trigger action. The bonus with the Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun is when you switch it over to full auto mode and just one pull and hold of the trigger will empty the 25 round magazine in just seconds.
Accuracy: So far I have not actually shot the Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun but since the internals are exactly the same as the Crosman DPMS SBR CO2 Blowback BB M4 I have already fully review, then I will expect it to performa about the same until I do my Field Test Shooting Review. You shoudl expect about 400 fps in semi auto mode and in terms of accuracy I hope to get a similar 3/4 inch 10 round semi auto grouping from 30 feet away. Full auto will open up the group a bit but not too much, maybe around 2 inches…
Build Quality: The Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun is well made all around. Weighing in at 6.5 pounds without any add on accessories it feel solid and well built. There is a lot of metal going on inside and out of this rifle but keep in mind the top and bottom receiver are plastic with metal parts where they need to be like in the internals, pretty much all the working parts are metal, the magazine is full metal, the buffer tub is metal, charging handle, selector switch, magazine release, bolt release, trigger and of course the barrel is metal.
Realism: The Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun is about as real as you are going to get in a CO2 Blowback AR/M4 styled Airgun. You can even take it apart and split the top and bottom receivers like the real steal version. The blowback action gives you some recoil but more importantly offers a true single action trigger and of course the full auto ability we all love. Almost all the working parts work like they would on a real M4 other than the forward assist which is moulded into the receiver.
Pros:
Super realistic working M4/AR 4.5mm BB Rifle just like the DPMS SBR but in a different flavor.
Full blowback operation with both semi and full auto shooting, can feel the blowback operation rocking the gun.
Good weight and feel to it.
Almost everything works exactly like the real steel version. (Charging handle, dust cover, bolt release, magazine release, selector switch…)
Duel CO2 full metal drop out magazine that holds the 25 4.5mm steel BB’s.
Adjustable and customizable AR buttstock.
Included red dot sights and ability to add pop-up iron sights.
Lots of rails for mounting additional cool hardware.
Built in Mock Suppressor.
Cons:
Receiver is plastic but well made and does not compromise feel or weight since there is lots of metal throughout this gun.
No iron sights included.
No fore grip included like the DPMS SBR.
Comments:
The Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun is really pretty much the same as the Crosman DPMS SBR CO2 Blowback BB Full Auto Rifle with more or less Cosmetic changes. One big advantage over the DPMS SBR is the AR comparable buffer tube which allows you to swap out any AR styled rear stock you choose! You also get an included Red Dot sight since there are no Iron sights. The Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun is super customizable with its quad-rail so go ahead and dress yours up with Iron sights, lasers, tactical lights, foregrips or whatever else you can dream up.
My Table Top Video of the Crosman Bushmaster MPW CO2 Blowback BB Machine Gun:
Using .20 gram BB’s I loaded up the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol with propane gas and placed several rounds through my Chronograph to see what the feet per second average would be. The last 5 shots I took where actual the fastest averaging 290 fps, a little bit slower than I was expecting but just about right for close quarters Airsoft games.
I then switched over to .32 gram Airsoft BB’s since they tend to be a bit more accurate out at longer ranges. Using a fresh paper target and shooting from a rested and seated position 30 feet away, I took 10 shots with the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol. The result was a 10 round grouping of about 2 inches with one straggler just outside the main group. The Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol did shoot a little bit low at 30 feet but I am sure the hop-up can be adjusted for this. It was well centered left to right which is a good thing since the sights are non-adjustable.
I really like the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Airsoft Pistol, it looks and feels very solid with a nice balance in the hand. The Single Action Only Trigger is short and light making follow up shots quick and responsive. The blowback action is crisp with good simulated recoil. I look forward to trying out the Steel BB version of the Air Venturi Springfield Armory XDM GBB Pistol as soon as I get my hands on one which should be pretty soon. Take your pick, Airsoft or Steel BB, either is a great choice!
In this Field Test Shooting video I perform two main Airgun tests using the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol. The Chronograph Test to find out what the actual real world velocity is using a brand new CO2 along with 5.1 grain 4.5mm high quality Steel BB’s. And secondly I perform an Accuracy Test where I shoot 10 rounds at a paper target setup 30 feet away while using a rested seated position to take out as much human factor as possible. By the way the temperature on this day in the Sea Can Indoor Airgun Shooting Range was 24 degrees Celsius or 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Starting with the Chronograph Test, I shot 5 rounds with the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol through my Chronograph and averaged 287 fps with the fastest being 297 fps and the lowest being 276 fps. This was pretty close to Sig Sauers 295 maximum fps claim and right in line for a super short barrelled blowback BB pistol.
So how did the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol do in terms of accuracy? Well not bad. I was able to get around a 2.5 inch 10 shot grouping with all but one shot hitting within 2 inches of each other. I did find the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol shot a little bit low at 30 feet but not a crazy amount. In terms of windage it was well centered, maybe just a hair to the right.
Overall the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a nice shooter, it has a very fast and snappy blowback action and makes a kind of popping sound that’s is louder than I expected. The SAO trigger when using good quality smooth 4.5mm Steel BB’s was decent allowing me to concentrate on my shooting rather than struggle with the trigger. All in all I really love this little Air Pistol, Sig Sauer did a great job bringing it to market and getting as much into the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol as they could considering it’s super compact size.
Type: Air Pistol. Manufacturer: Sig Sauer ASP Model:Sig Sauer P365. Materials: Metal and polymer build. Weight: .8 pounds (363 Grams). Barrel: 3.2 inches - smooth bore. Propulsion: 12 gram CO2. Action: Blowback singe action only. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 12 round full size drop out magazine. Max FPS: 295.
Trigger Pull: The trigger on the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a single action only trigger so you will need to rack the slide to cock the trigger and internal striker, after which the blowback operation will do this for you. When the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is unloaded the trigger pull length is short and the trigger weight is fairly light. That said when you load the full size drop out magazine with steel 4.5mm BB’s, the trigger pull weight increases significantly. This is because the inner barrel comes back and into the magazine when the trigger is pulled allowing for a better seal between the barrel and magazine which increases power and CO2 efficiency. The drawback to this is more friction on the trigger when you pull it with a loaded magazine.
Accuracy: Since I have not done my Field Test Shooting Review for the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol, I can not comment fully on how the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol will perform in terms of accuracy and power. I did have the chance to shoot off a couple magazines worth of ammo in the yard shooting at some pop cans around 30 feet away and the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol seemed to hit them most often then not. I was a bit surprised by the snappy blowback and loud pop the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol made and will not be surprised if it is able to hit the claimed 295 fps velocity using a brand new CO2.
Build Quality: The Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol has a metal and plastic (polymer) build, the slide is metal along with part of the full size magazine and I am sure several inner parts will also be metal. The frame along with section of the magazine are plastic. It’s kind of hard to tell if the trigger, safeties, slide catch and take down leavers are metal but I believe they are with the magazine release being plastic. The Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is not the heaviest Airgun coming in at about .8 pounds but for its size it feels good. Fit and finishes are also good.
Realism: The Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a replica of the real steel Sig Sauer P365 which is a 9mm striker fired everyday cary compact pistol. It looks and feels the part with most external mechanical working parts mimicking the real steel version well enough. I was not able to easily field strip the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol since the takedown leaver seems to be only for show. One main difference between the CO2 Airgun and Real Steel version of the Sig Sauer P365 is the use of polymer in the frame for the Airgun version while the real steel Sig Sauer P365 has a metal frame. I imagine this is because 9mm rounds pack some punch and a small polymer frame may not have been up to the job. not something to be concerned with in a CO2 version of the same pistol.
One of the smallest CO2 BB Airgun on the market and somehow Sig managed to get a full size drop out magazine in it?
Good overall replica of the real steel P365 Sig Sauer pistol in terms of looks and operation.
Full Sig Sauer markings and licensing.
Working ambidextrous safeties and slide catch release (locks back after last shot).
Snappy blowback feel.
White and green dot sights front and back.
Rail for accessories (Maybe).
Recessed barrel opening and open ejection port for added realism.
Warning instructions are super discreet!
Cons:
SAO trigger gets a bit harder to pull when loaded up with BB’s.
Has a polymer frame as compared to the metal frame on the real steel version.
Not easily field strippable..
Comments: The Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol was a real show stopper at this years SHOT Show, I was amazed that Sig Sauer was able to actually figure out a way to fit a full size drop out magazine that holds both the CO2 and 12 steel BB’s in such a compact Airgun. The Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is even small than the Walther PPK in many ways so great work by Sig in figuring out how to engineer their new Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol. I also think the the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a great replica of the real steel version in looks, feel and function which is what we are all looking for when considering buying a new CO2 replica Air Pistol. My initial test shots went well and make me feel optimistic about how the Field Test Shooting Video will go when I make it shortly.
My Table Top Review of the Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol:
Again I have some new products to show everyone. Some we got a bit of a preview of when I was at SHOT Show 2019 earlier this year but now I have them in my hands to show off and of course will be doing full Table Top and Filed Test for anything new as soon as I can get to them.
Starting with Sig Sauer, they sent me their brand new Sig Sauer P365 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol. This was probably one of my favorite new Air Pistols at SHOT Show simply because it is so small and somehow Sig was able to find a way to put a full size drop out metal magazine that holds both the CO2 and BB’s in it. This is one I am really looking forward to testing out in the Indoor Sea Can Airgun Shooting Range.
Another fantastic product is Crosman’s DPMS Full Auto CO2 BB Rifle which was pretty much perfect the first time around. Well at SHOT Show this year Crosman updated it a bit mainly with some cosmetic changes and now is offering the Crosman MPW, a slightly shorter version of the DPMS and now with an AR Compatible Stock for customizing your Crosman’s MPW Full Auto CO2 BB Rifle.
So maybe not as exciting… I also take a look at a NBB CO2 BB Makarov from KWC that is pretty basic but is much less expensive and will offer higher FPS and more shots per CO2 being that it is Non-blowback Airgun. It will be interesting to see how it compares performance wise to the KWC Full Blowback CO2 BB version.
Last but also super cool and I know it’s not really as Airgun related but still something I think everyone will be interested in is the Pocket Shot Pro Arrow Pouch with D-Loop. I reviewed the Pocket Shot “Slingshot” a while back, this new product allows you to use standard Arrows with their new Arrow Pouch getting around 40 pounds of pull and it comes with a trigger release. By the way the Pocket Shot Pro Arrow system is legals to hunt deer with in most US States, I’m not sure about Canada but perhaps here too?
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.
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
In this Field Test Shooting Review I test both the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 & 3 Airsoft Rifles out putting some rounds through my Chronograph to see what the actual fps is. I also put some rounds down range to see how the accuracy is for both of these KWA AEG Airsoft Rifles is.
Starting with my Chronograph test, I was using heavier than normal .32 gram Airsoft BB’s to see if this would help out a bit with the accuracy but keep in mind it will slow the fps down a bit compared to using standard .20 gram Airsoft BB’s. My results for both AIrsoft guns where pretty close with the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 Airsoft Rifle shooting slightly faster at around 324 fps versus the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 3 Airsoft Rifle coming in with a velocity of 314 fps. The KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 Airsoft Rifle can be adjusted for 320-380 fps by accessing a screw situated at the end of the buffer tube. The KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 3 Airsoft Rifle does not have this feature since it has its recoil system setup inside the buffer tube. You can swap out springs if you want to adjust your fps on the TK.45 3 Airsoft Rifle.
Moving on to the accuracy test. I know 30 feet is not really a great range for testing out an AEG Airsoft rifle but it does give us an idea of how tight it will shoot at this range and then all we need to do is expand that a bit as we get further out. But a tight group at 30 feet should mean a decent group even when shooting further away.
I do have to say I was having some difficulty with the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 3 Airsoft Rifle using the same ammo in both guns so this should not be a problem if it works well in one but not the other? That said I was getting misfeeds followed by double shots using the .32 gram Airsoft BB’s in the TK.45 3 Airsoft Rifle. Even in full auto it seemed to misfeeds for a bit but then cleared up at the end. Maybe a different ammo choice or some break in time is required? That said both Airsoft guns seemed to shoot low so perhaps a hop-up adjustment is in order. The KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 Airsoft Rifle seemed to shoot the lowest even requiring me to retest it since my first go around shot below the range of the camera. When I sighted in at the top of the target the second time I did get a very tight 1 inch grouping just below the bullseye. In full auto both guns punched nice 2-3 inch holes through the paper targets.
Other than the strange miss feeding issue I had with the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 3 Airsoft Rifle, I found them to be very nice rifles. The simulated blowback recoil action felt nice on the shoulder so personally I would go for the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 3 Airsoft Rifle, I would just need to workout the miss feeding issue for sure. Maybe even a shorter version of the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 3.0 Airsoft Rifle would be nice? You can purchase one of these KWA Airsoft Rifles over in our Canada Replica Airguns store!
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 is going to be the only video this week. I’m turning 50 on Friday April 5th and had a goal that I wanted to complete before I reached 50. I wanted to get my 1993 Ducati 750 Super Sport all fixed up and ready to go, and it’s been a lot of work cleaning, fixing, painting… Perhaps it’s a bit of a mid life crisis sort of thing but at least it’s gotten my but in gear :) Stay tuned till the end of the video for some video of what the mighty Ducati looks like today if you’re into that sort of thing!
Getting back to the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 & AEG 3 Airsoft Rifles. You may remember my Shot Show Interview with Jonathan, well he went front to back and up and down the entire KWA product line ending with the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 & AEG 3 Airsoft Rifles and boy does he know his stuff, I will be adding the portion of Jonathan’s interview that deals with these rifles at the end of this video also.
Here is some info on the KWA Ronin TK.45 Tekken AEG 2.5 & AEG 3 Airsoft Rifles…
