Ammunition Type: .177 caliber lead pellets & 4.5mm Steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 6 round rotary magazine.
FPS: 485 fps using steel BB's.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Daisy Powerline Model 617X CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol is pretty decent on both single and double action, single action of course being shorter and lighter. I even found when adding the 6 shot rotary magazine, this did not effect the trigger pull at all. I would not say the trigger pull is light, but it is not heavy either and the release or breaking point is very predictable which should make the Daisy Powerline Model 617X a pretty good shooter in theory.
Accuracy: This is yet to be determined since I have not yet done my Field Test Shooting review for this airgun. I would expect to get just over 400 fps using lead pellets and as much as verging on 500fps using steel BB's. My prediction is that the pellets will perform best in terms of accuracy since the 5 inch barrel is rifled and the trigger feels good. The sights are not adjustable, but I am hoping the Daisy Powerline Model 617X centers well on target but we will have to find out when I do my shooting review.
Build Quality: The Daisy Powerline Model 617X CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol is made in Japan which is know for producing quality products in general. I would have to say by giving the Powerline 617X a good look over that it appears to be well made with good fit and finish even though most of the gun is plastic on the outside. The metal parts are where they need to be, lots internally in structural areas and externally as in the trigger, hammer, safety, and of course the internal metal rifled barrel.
Realism: The Daisy Powerline Model 617X CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol is a replica of a Beretta Model 92 even thought there are no Beretta markings on the gun. Some of the parts are moulded in like the take down lever, slide catch release and magazine release but on the plus side the ambidextrous safety is in the correct location, working and metal. The internal metal frame give the Daisy Model 617X enough weight to feel good in the hand but is much lighter than a real solid steel Beretta 92. Size is comparable and other than the sticking out CO2 tab this gun does look like a Beretta 92 until you get up close and personal.
Fairly low cost with what looks to be decent fps and hopefully good accuracy. (Around $70-80)
Shoot both .177 caliber lead pellets & 4.5mm Steel BB’s.
Both Single and Double action trigger are smooth and not super heavy, easy to predict breaking points.
Red fiberoptic front sight makes it easy to line up targets in different light situations.
Latch holds barrel in place nice and firmly.
Pretty decent replica of a Beretta Model 92.
Made in Japan.
Cons:
No adjustable sights.
Kind of ugly CO2 tab on bottom of grips.
Only has a 6 shot magazine.
Barrel is not recessed
Comments:
I have heard that this Daisy pistol shoots steel 4.5mm BB's at right up around the 500 fps range so even lead pellets should have good velocity out of the Daisy Powerline Model 617X CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol. The single action trigger has a nice medium pull with a very predictable break so as long as the sights are centered on target well, I should expect a nice grouping. If you like the Beretta style of gun, don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a pellet shooting version, than the Daisy Powerline Model 617X CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol should work well for you.
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the Daisy Powerline Model 617X CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol:
Ammunition Type: .177 caliber lead pellets & 4.5mm Steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 8 round rotary magazine.
FPS: 480 fps using steel BB's.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Daisy Powerline Model 008 CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol is pretty decent considering it is a double action only pistol. The trigger action is relatively short and fluid for a DAO trigger setup and I found when adding the rotary magazine, this did not effect the trigger pull at all. I would not say the trigger pull is light, but it is not heavy either and the release or breaking point is very predictable which should make the Daisy Powerline Model 008 a pretty good shooter in theory.
Accuracy: This is yet to be determined since I have not yet done my Field Test Shooting review. I would expect to get right around 400 fps using lead pellets and as much as 480 fps using steel BB's. My prediction is that the pellets will perform well in terms of accuracy since the barrel is rifled and the trigger feels good. The sights are not adjustable, but I am hoping the Daisy Powerline Model 008 centers well on target but we will have to find out when I do my shooting review.
Build Quality: The Daisy Powerline Model 008 CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol is made in Japan which is know for producing good quality products in general. I would have to say by giving the Powerline 008 a good look over that it appears to be well made with good fit and finish even though most of the gun is plastic. The metal parts are where they need to be, internally in structural areas and externally as in the trigger, hammer, CO2 lever, Safety, and of course the metal rifled barrel.
Realism: The Daisy Powerline Model 008 CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol as far as I can tell is not really a replica of any gun that I am aware of? It does look a bit like the Gamo P-25 I reviewed a while back in overall basic shape but is smaller. The Daisy Powerline Model 008 does look like a gun and the recessed barrel and CO2 loading system that looks like the but plate of the magazine help to make this air pistol look realistic.
Fairly low cost with what looks to be decent fps and hopefully good accuracy. (Around $70-80).
Shoots both .177 caliber lead pellets & 4.5mm steel BB’s.
Double action only trigger is smooth and not super heavy while still being relatively short for a double action trigger, and with an easy to predict breaking point.
Fairly ergonomic gun to hold but grips are a tad bit thick.
Like the CO2 loading design, no tabs sticking out.
Nice and compact.
Made in Japan.
Cons:
No adjustable sights.
No single action trigger.
Grips may be a bit thick for some people with smaller hands.
No markings on the sights for easier target acquisition.
Comments:
I am looking forward to testing this gun out when I do my Field Test Shooting review. No the Daisy Powerline Model 008 is not blowback and it does not have a lot of metal parts but overall the Daisy Powerline Model 008 CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol feels really good in the hand a really nice for a double action only trigger. I am hoping the Daisy Powerline Model 008 CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol shoot pretty hard and hopefully nice and accurate for me. I like the overall size of the Daisy Powerline Model 008, nice and compact with easy to load 8 round pellet and BB magazines which should work well no matter what ammo I choose to go with.
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the Daisy Powerline Model 008 CO2 Pellet-BB Pistol:
I was hoping my Bruni Mod. 92 Top Venting 8mm PAK Blank Pistol would also perform just as well and as luck would have it, it did :) I did notice on the last round the shell kind of stayed in place and got re-chambered, not really sure what happened there but all 4 rounds fired which was my main goal and of course I caught it all in slow-motion HD!
I was really looking forward to not only shooting my recently acquired Front Firing ME 8 General 1911 8mm PAK Blank Pistol and making sure it worked as promised, but I also want to checkout the new 720p at 240 frames per second slow motion video feature on my new iPhone 6 plus!
Everything went pretty much as expected, all rounds chambered, fired and ejected without a hitch. No slide lock back on the last round but this blank gun is not designed to do that so I was not expecting this to happen :)
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Bruni Mod. 92 Top Venting 8mm PAK Blank Pistol is fairly decent on both single and double action with a fairly long take-up in double action and of course a much shorter lighter take-up in single action mode.
Accuracy: NA.
Build Quality: The overall build quality of the Bruni Mod. 92 Blank Pistol is good, mine does show some wear since it is an older previously owned blank gun but for the most part the wear and tear is cosmetic only, the mechanical parts all seem to be in excellent working order. Most of this blank shooter is made out of a zinc based metal with a few steel parts, mainly the screws, pins and springs. But it has an impressive weight to it! The grips seem to have been replaced with wrap around rubber grips that may actually be for a real steel Beretta M92.
Realism: The Bruni Mod. 92 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol is a very realistic looking Beretta 92 in terms of overall looks and true to scale size and weight. Most of the parts work as you would expect them to on the real steal version including the double and single action trigger, safety, locking slide catch release and magazine release button. The only exception really is the fact that this version is top venting so there is a small hole just in front of the breach that allows the full discharge of the blank round to escape out the top of the blank gun. The barrel is actually fully plugged but seems to have been partially drilled out to give the impression of being a front firing gun.
Purchase from: A private collector.
Pros:
Well made, materials fit and finish is all very good even though very little use of hardened steel.
15 round double stack magazine is nice hi-capacity.
For a used gun it is in very good working condition, some minor wear mainly on finish.
Barrel has been partially bored out to look like a front firing gun.
Grips have been replaced with what looks to be real Beretta grips.
It's a very close Beretta Model 92 replica!
Made in Italy.
Cons:
Top venting instead of front firing
No actual take down lever for easy field striping
Finish is a bit worn.
Comments:
In terms of being a very accurate Beretta Model 92 replica, the Bruni Mod. 92 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol is very close in almost all areas. Sure I would have liked it to of been front firing but the reality is, I rarely get around to shooting my blank guns. My blank pistols are mostly for show and since actual replica only guns are prohibited, being a blank gun skirts around our Canada laws allowing for ownership. Don't forget we sell the ROHM Blank guns here in our Canada Online Store and they are very good quality guns so check them out if you are in the market for a blank shooter.
My Vimeo Full Video Table Top Review for the Bruni Mod. 92 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Gletcher NGT Silver CO2 BB Revolver is nice and crisp in both single and double action, there is virtually no trigger wiggle and the trigger pull is decent in double action while much longer and of course nice and light in single action as expected. You will want to pre-cock the hammer for accurate single action shooting but have the option of shooting double action for any action shooting you may want to do. Keep in mind you will have to individually reload each round.
Accuracy: I have not done any shooting so far with this Gletcher revolver due to some pretty awful weather conditions. I expect it will shoot nice since it has a fairly long sight radius and the open iron sights are conducive to precise shooting.
Build Quality: The Gletcher NGT Silver CO2 BB Revolver is really well made, you can tell by it's solid weight for a fairly small pistol, all of the mechanical parts feel smooth and responsive. Everything that would be metal on the real M1895 Revolver is metal including the solid one piece cylinder. Yes the grips are imitation wood but this is to be expected. The sliver finish looks great and I like the black contrasting parts that really highlight this gun.
Realism: I've have not had the opportunity to actually put my hands on a real steel Nagant M1895 Revolver but from the photos I have viewed online, the Gletcher NGT Silver is very accurate in terms of being a BB replica. Of course the shells fit steel BB's internally and the barrel has been downscale to shoot 4.5mm Steel BB's but other than that it is very difficult to tell it from a real Nagant M1895 Revolver. Even the barrel opening is recessed and looks true to scale for the original rounds used in this revolver and you can remove the one piece cylinder similar to the real version.
Pros:
Beautiful Silver finish.
Very solid and weighty gun.
Hammer and trigger actions are very crisp, virtually no wiggle.
CO2 is well hidden.
Recessed barrel looks great.
7 round cylinder instead of 6 like the other shell loading.
Cylinder can be removed.
Shoots in both signal and double action.
Grip is nice and small so great for shooters with small.
Shooting performance pros yet to be determined…
Cons:
Non adjustable sights. (Perhaps like original)
No speed loading on this one, one shell at a time, so make your shots count.
Shooting performance cons yet to be determined…
Comments:
The Gletcher NGT Silver CO2 BB Revolver is yet another addition of shell loading revolvers like the Dan Wesson and KWC 357 based revolvers, with the exception that the Gletcher NGT is more of a blast from the past and even though it comes in at a much more compact size, it holds an additional round! Another note worthy point is the fact that Gletcher has somehow figured out a way to reduce the CO2 release valve giving the Gletcher NGT a more true to scale frame size, I am talking about the distance between the hammer and the cylinder. This allows for a more realistic and true to dimension replica which in this classic revolver is super important.
My Vimeo Table Top Video of the Gletcher NGT Silver CO2 BB Revolver:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ME 8 General 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol is exactly what you would expect from a single action only 1911 styled semi auto pistol, short and light. But not super light, it's far from a hair trigger, perhaps more of a medium pull weight for a 1911 SAO.
Accuracy: NA.
Build Quality: The overall build quality of the ME 8 General 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol is really very good, nothing fancy at all going on with this pistol and a lot less actual moving parts than you would find on a real steel 1911 so much less to go wrong but the metal quality and fit and finish are very good overall. You will not find a lot of actual steel in this gun other than the magazine, screws, pins and springs but again the metal is good quality and the ME 8 General 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol even sports real wood grips.
Realism: The ME 8 General 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol is a very realistic looking 1911in terms of overall looks and true to scale size and weight. As mentioned already, many of the parts are not operational but actually moulded into the gun. Like the Safety, side trigger mounted magazine release and back strap safety. You will find the actual magazine release on the bottom of the pistol grip and even thought the slide catch release is operational, there is no spring assist to lock it in the up and open position when the magazine is empty so if you want to lock the slide back you will need to manually do this.
Purchase from: Private collector.
Pros:
Well made, materials fit and finish is all very good even though very little use of hardened steel.
10+ round single stack magazine is very hi-capacity.
For a used gun it is in very good condition, not many rounds through it and well kept.
Front firing and came with flare adaptor.
Real wood grips.
Made in Italy.
It's a 1911!
Cons:
Slide catch release, must be engaged manually.
Many working parts are simply moulded into the gun.
Not easily field strip-able.
Comments:
So the ME 8 General 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol is not the most accurate replica of a 1911 in terms of all parts being operational but it hits the major ones for me like: It's front firing, the slide will lock back, it has a true 1911 SAO trigger and for the most parts it looks and works like a 1911. Finding 1911 blank guns here in Canada is super hard and I am a big fan of 1911's so when the opportunity to pickup this gun came around I was interested even if it was not cheap. Blank guns are getting harder and harder to find here in Canada and I guess that's what is making them so appealing. Don't forget we sell the ROHM Blank guns here in our Canada Online Store and they are very good quality guns so check them out if you are in the market for a blank shooter.
My Vimeo Full Video Table Top Review for the ME 8 General 8mm P.A.K. Blank Pistol:
Here is my official Mobster Halloween Costume Video as promised and it looks like I made it just in time for Halloween!
There have only been a few entries so far so come on everyone, let's get your costume videos uploaded and entered into this years 2014 Halloween Costume Giveaway Contest for a chance to win a KWC / Cybergun Blowback Pistol.
You still have till the 10th of November but time is running out...
Materials: Mostly metal with some plastic construction.
Weight: 2.75 pounds (1218 grams).
Barrel: 5.5 inches, non-rifled.
Propulsion: 12 gram CO2.
Action: Revolver, single & double actions.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 6 rounds.
FPS: 400fps.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC 357 6 Inch CO2 BB Revolver is good in both single and double action, even better than the Dan Wesson and S&W 327 TRR8 shell loading revolvers, most likely because the spring tension that pushes the inner barrel to make contact with the cylinder is noticeably lighter on the KWC 357. Even the hammer is smoother and has less wiggle, just a better trigger and hammer mechanism overall.
Accuracy:Based on my results shooting the Umarex Colt Python 357 which is essentially the same gun in a different finish. The results I got shooting my 6 round group from a 30 foot out semi rested position where good overall. Vertically there was about a 2 inch spread while horizontally there was about a 1 inch spread. I did find the plastic tips on the brass shells seemed to be a bit tight at first and this is when I did most of my Chronograph and target shooting. I believe the tightness effected the consistency of the FPS which also effected the accuracy especially up and down. I did get one shot out of the Umarex Colt Python 357 well over the claimed 400 fps but again the fps was rather erratic most likely because of the snug BB fit due to shell break-in.
Build Quality: The KWC 357 6 Inch CO2 BB Revolver being mostly metal has a very good build quality, perhaps even better than the Dan Wesson and S&W 327 TRR8 shell loading revolvers, even the weight of the KWC 357 came in close to a half of a pound more! The only real plastic I could find was in the grips and the shell tips. Fit and finish was also good with no noticeable chrome wear or sloppy workmanship. It will be interesting to see how the Chrome finish wears over time...
Realism: The KWC 357 6 Inch CO2 BB Revolver overall is a close copy a the real steel 357 styled revolver. I did notice the rear portion of the receiver (between the rear cylinder and hammer) to be a bit longer perhaps to accommodate the CO2 valve length, but other than that this pistol is super close to the original 357 styled revolver it is based on. Again being all metal gives this CO2 BB revolver very realistic weight and feel and the loadable brass shells make using this gun almost exactly like using a real shell loading revolver but for much less cost per shot and of course a lot less recoil on the hands.
It's a revolver with actual shells! Give you the feeling of loading and shooting a real revolver.
Mostly all metal design.
lots of detail, well made, Chrome looks nice, not sure if it will ear better than the black finish?
Good overall weight, heaviest out of all the shell loaders.
Should have good overall power, accuracy and shots per CO2 (based on Colt Python testing).
Fully adjustable sights for windage and elevation.
Well hidden CO2 Screw.
Recessed barrel.
Nice easy Trigger pull in both single and double action.
Cons:
Grips are a bit rough.
Grips may be a bit large for people with small hands.
Black rear sight may not be great on dark backgrounds or low lighting.
Comments:
The ASG Dan Wesson shell loading revolvers reintroduced me to the joy of loading and shooting a revolver which up until that point was not that realistic of an experience when using a BB or Pellet revolver. The KWC 357 6 Inch CO2 BB Revolver like the Umarex Colt Python 357 has taken it up a notch by adding just a bit more overall weight, a smother trigger and hammer mechanism and styling this revolver on the Classic 357 magnum platform. And all of this for even less than the cost of the original Dan Wesson shell loading series CO2 BB revolvers. If you're a revolver fan, make sure to grab one of these, the Chrome finish is really eye catching and would make a great addition to your revolver collection for sure.
My Vimeo Table Top Review for the KWC 357 6 Inch CO2 BB Revolver:
Some more CO2 pistols I will be doing Table Top and Field Test video reviews for in the near future. Some of them I have already reviewed in different caliber versions, either 4.5mm Steel BB or 6mm Plastic Airsoft.
From KWC I show off two revolvers styled after the 357 and if you watched my Umarex Colt Python 357 Review then you will notice the similarities between these KWC made revolvers since they are all made by KWC. The Model 357 6 inch version is finished in Chrome and made to shoot 4.5mm Steel BB's while the KWC Model 357 2.5 inch shoots 6mm Plastic BB's and is in all black. At this time I do not have these KWC revolver listed in the Replica Airguns Canada Store but should have them listed fairly soon...
Make sure to watch my Table Top Review for this pistol for if you have not already done so. In this Field Test Shooting portion of my review for the Umarex Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle CO2 BB Pistol, I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph to find out if the claimed 410-420 fps is accurate or not. I also setup a paper target at my standard 30 foot range and shoot 10 rounds using a semi rested position (Standing in the back while resting the gun on a sand bag up front). I did not add any additional sight options to the rails on the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle but rather stuck with the open sights for this field test.
In terms of performance, the Umarex Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle CO2 BB Pistol did pretty good for a really low cost BB gun with a rather long heavy unpredictable double action trigger. I was a bit surprised when I walked up to review the target to find just over a 2 inch group since while shooting it felt like I was pulling a many of the shots. The open sights are not adjustable in any way but I did shoot down the middle pretty well, but on the high side of the target. I would need to aim low to get this gun to shoot in the bulls-eye form 30 feet away. Either that or add some sort of sight to the top mounted picatinny rail.
My fps Chrony testing for the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle backed the claimed 410-420 fps claims from Umarex, I actually shot a 5 shot average of 417 fps so right on the money here and you may be able to expect even a bit more on a warm summer days since my test was done at moderate fall temperatures.
All in all a decent shooter, good fps, efficient on CO2 and for a heavy DOA trigger I was even able to get a respectable grouping.
Ammunition Capacity: 15 rounds - Internal spring fed magazine.
FPS: 420.
Trigger Pull: The trigger on the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle is double action only, it is a very long trigger that has a medium to heavy pull weight with a very long take up and unpredictable release point. Shooting accurately and controlled will take some time in the saddle so to speak but can be achieved. This pistol is really for plinking at pop cans and such, shooting off hand for fun. My full Field Test Shooting Review to follow shortly...
Build Quality: The Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle is pretty much all plastic with some internal metal parts. The only actual working external parts are the trigger and the cross bolt safety. The slide catch, hammer, slide mounted safety and take down lever are all moulded into the plastic of the gun and are none functional. Even the magazine is internal so no need for a magazine release here! In the case of the Baby Desert Eagle, perhaps less is more since there is very little to break off or go wrong with this simplistic BB shooter ;)
Realism: This is a very close replica in terms of looks only (not to scale) to the real actual Magnum Research Desert Eagle with licensed trademarks and all. Keep in mind this is the "Baby" version so it is significantly smaller and lighter than the Pellet shooting full size Magnum Research Desert Eagle which could actually be a benefit to those with smaller hands. But again if we are simply talking about "looking like" a Desert Eagle than the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle does look the part, well except for the strange looking slide trigger.
Will fit smaller hands much better than the full sized Desert Eagle.
Has both a top and bottom picatinny rail for all your accessory mounting needs.
Magnum Research Licensed.
Not bad in terms of power, accuracy and CO2 usage combination.
Cons:
Mostly all plastic.
Very few actual working parts, only the trigger and cross bolt safety.
Trigger is very long and kind of unpredictable.
If you decide to mount the included top picatinny rail, you will not be able to use the pistols built in iron sights anymore.
Unsightly screw holes on the left side of this air pistol.
No drop out magazine of any type.
Comments:
OK, so I'm rarely thrilled with the lower budget plastic super simple BB pistols but they do have their place. The tend to work well and stay reliable since there are fewer parts and less mechanical gizmos to get messed up. When the shooting begins and the steel starts to fly, they point the same and they hit your target just the same and all for a lot less out of pocket fun. On the plus side the Umarex Baby Desert Eagle is a pretty decent looking Desert Eagle copy all be it a much smaller version so if you've always wanted the big boy version with it's super huge handle and rather steep price point, well now you can get it in a size and price reduced version that just may be all you really need...
Watch my YouTube Video Review for the Umarex Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle:
Since I have already doen dedicated reviews for both the T.A.C Converter and XBG BB Pistol, I won't drag this written reviw on too long since yuo can read my other dedicated reviews for each product.
In a nutshell, when you buy the Umarex T.A.C. Converter XBG CO2 BB Pistol Combo, you get the XBG CO2 4.5mm BB Pistol preinstalled in the T.A.C Converter, you also get the included fore-grip which is renovable by the way can coudl be used stand alone on any other gun with an under barrel Picatinny rail.
Keep in mind that this combo kit only works with the XBG Pistol since there are no included adaptors for the other Umarex pistols designed to work with the T.A.C Converter. (H&K USP, S&W M&P40, XBG, CZ Enforcer, Walther P99 DAO, SA177).
The addition of the T.A.C. Converter to the XBG really improves the shoot-ability since the rear folding stock allows for a much more stable hold position. You also have the addition of whit dot sights front and back with the rear sight being adjustable for windage only. I would recommend a compact light weight red dot sight for this gun since using the included open sights are hard to keep in focus because of how close the rear sight ends up being to your eyes when in the shouldered position.
With the top, bottom, and side picatinny rails you can add litterally all types of accessories to this package including a tac light, laser, optical sight, red dot, folding metal sights to name a few.
The XBG BB Pistol has a nice combincation of 400+ fps with tuns of shots per CO2 and respectible accuary with easy access to the Drop out metal BB magazine.
Here is my follow up Shooting Field Test to my ASG STI Duty One Non-blowback Table Top Review. During this Field Test Shooting video review I not only shoot my Non-blowback STI Duty One version but I also compare it to the Blowback ASG STI Duty One to see if fps and accuracy are effected when adding Blowback to the equation? I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph with both guns to get an average fps and I also step back 30 feet and setup resting my hands on a sand bag and standing in the back for a fairly secure shooting stance. I did my standard 10 shot grouping for my accuracy test from 30 feet away.
Overall both guns performed similarly and as expected the Blowback did effect the fps but not as much as I expected it to? I was expecting the Non-blowback STI Duty One to be at least 50 fps faster but it was only around 20 or so. I am fairly certain since the fps os so close between the two guns, that you will get more shots form a CO2 out of the Non-blowback ASG STI Duty One since there is no CO2 being used to make the slide recoil back and forth. In the end the Non-blowback STI shot an average fps of 373 while the Blowback version shot an average fps of 356.
When it came to accuracy, both guns performed about the same getting about a 2 inch group from 30 feet back. The Blowback STI did spread the BB's out more from side to side perhaps because of the slide recoil while the Non-blowback ASG STI Duty One seemed to shoot Horizontally tighter.
Personally since both guns shoot almost as high of fps and both STI Duty One's seem to be about the same accuracy wise. Why not just go with the blowback version since you will be shooting in single action most of the time which allows for a faster and lighter trigger pull. The only real downside to the Blowback STI Duty One is perhaps a bit more CO2 usage but you can still expect to get around 100 shots per CO2 which is very good for a CO2 blowback pistol.
Here is my follow up Shooting Field Test to my Umarex CP88 Competition Table Top Review. During this Field Test Shooting video review I not only shoot my CP88 Competition version but I also compare it to the non Competition CP88 version to see if fps and accuracy are effected when adding the longer barrel? I shoot 5 rounds through my Chronograph with both guns to get an average fps and I also step back 30 feet and setup resting my hands on a sand bag and standing in the back for a fairly secure shooting stance. Since the Umarex Walther CP88's have an 8 shot rotary magazine I went with an 8 shot grouping for my accuracy test from 30 feet.
Overall both guns performed similarly and as expected the longer barrel CP88 Competition had the higher fps with 424 average versus 347 average, but what was surprising was how much faster the CP88 Competiton shot. Right around 80 fps more which is significant considering there is only 2 inches more of added barrel length to the Umarex CP88 Competition version. I am thinking that perhaps my CP88 Competition test model was tuned a bit better at the factory?
When it came to accuracy, both guns performed about the same getting about 1 inch group from 30 feet back. This was not a surprise since barrel length has less effect on accuracy than most people think.
Both guns are a pleasure to shoot and will not only perform great shooting close up but if you go with the higher fps Umarex Walther CP88 Competition you will be able to shoot much further out because of the rifled barrel and decent fps performance.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG STI Duty One 1911 Non Blowback is fairly light in both single and double action. Take-up is the same in both modes but when in single action mode most of the trigger pull has little to no resistance until you get to the break point near the end where the hammer is released.
Accuracy: In an Earlier review I shot the Blowback version STI Duty One 1911 air gun at a target from 20 feet away in a free standing position, and it performed well getting a 1.5 to 2 inch grouping right in the center of the target. The rear sight is adjustable for windage which is always nice to have just in case you are shooting a bit to the left or right. For me there was no need to adjust the sights. My Chrony testing with an eight shot averaged result was 373 fps - very decent for a blowback pistol! It will be interesting to see how this Non Blowback version performs since there is more CO2 going to the BB and less gun movement without the Blowback operation.
Build Quality: ASG did a great job designing and making the STI Duty One 1911 Non Blowback BB gun, they didn't really compromise on anything other than going with a polymer frame! With that said all that important parts like the Slide, Slide Catch, Safety, Mag Release, Hammer, Barrel and Magazine are all metal. The fit and finish as with all the ASG air guns is very good!
Realism: The ASG STI Duty One 1911 Non Blowback version is a close replica to the real steel STI 1911, the only real giveaway is the trigger design, as a true 1911 trigger is not your typical lever type. Even with the different type of trigger the STI Duty One is a very good replica complete with STI licensing and trademarks.
No Blowback action but does have a working slide and slide catch.
Adjustable rear sight for windage.
Shoots in both single and double action.
Good quality control, very well made, fit and finish is good.
Should have good power and accuracy like the blowback version, perhaps even a bit better.
May have even better CO2 usage than the already good blowback version.
Metal drop out magazine.
Good STI Replica.
Holds really well in the hand.
Cons:
Trigger is not true to the real steel 1911.
No working grip safety like a real 1911.
Polymer frame rather than a metal frame.
CO2 can be hard to get out.
Comments:
In terms of comparing the Non Blowback version of the ASG STI Duty One 1911 to the Blowback version without actually shooting it, they are pretty much identical except for the double and single action trigger found on the Non Blowback version. Even the slide seems to work the same. The big difference will be when I shoot the Non Blowback ASG STI Duty One. Will it shoot with a lot more FPS and will the reduced slide movement give it more accuracy? I am assuming yes to both of these question but I guess we will all have to wait and see when I do my official Shooting Field Test Comparison...
Watch my Vimeo Video Review for the ASG STI Duty One Non Blowback CO2 BB Pistol:
This video is to give you a heads up on a few guns I will be reviewing shortly. Most of them are different version of guns I have already reviewed except for the Baby Desert Eagle which so far has eluded me :)
While the weather is still nice, I decided to setup some clay pigeon targets at varying further out ranges than the typically 30 feet I shoot on my deck. So I figured 40-60-80-100 foot ranges would be a good test to see if a 4.5mm Steel BB rifle could effectively hit targets at any of these ranges.
I did do a similar test earlier on using my Umarex Steel Force but I think the Steel Force may have been a bit underpowered for the 80-100 foot shots.
So today I brought out my Drozd Blackbird since it has a bit of power and what it may lack in accuracy it for sure makes up in volume! As with many of my shooting videos I captured all the fun using a bunch of different cameras and camera angles and today I even wore a dedicated lapel mic which I have a min-review for coming up shortly!
So make sure to watch my YouTube video and see how the Baikal Drozd Blackbird does shooting clay pigeons up to 100 feet away...
I decided to do my Field test of the Gletcher M1891 Sawn Off Mosin Nagant Rifle a little different than my standard filed tests. I pretty much already did a similar Field Test for the M1891 during Table Top Review and if I used the same methods for testing I would most definitely have gotten the same results. Which by the way where a 1.75 inch group from a full 17 round magazine shooting from 30 feet back, and an average of 430 feet per second.
As you know, I have been utilizing clay pigeons in many of my shooting videos so I thought, why not have some more fun and set up a bunch of miscellaneous targets at a variety of distances ranging from 30 feet, right up to 80 feet, and see what I can hit shooting the Gletcher M1891 shooting a couple mags of 4.5mm steel BB's.
Model: Gletcher M1891 (Replica of Sawn Off Mosin Nagant "Obrez").
Materials: Metal & plastic.
Weight: 5.7 pounds (2.6kg).
Barrel: 5.5 inches, smooth bore (inner barrel).
Propulsion: CO2.
Action: Bolt - single shot - single action.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 16 rounds. (I was able to fit 17 rounds in the magazine)
FPS: 394fps (120m/s).
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Gletcher M1891 is single action only, the bolt cycle does most of the work setting up the loading of a BB into the chamber and pre-cocking the bolt spring. The take up is minimal and the release is about medium to light weight. The bolt snaps forward firmly and with a nice clanking sound, you can even feel the weight of it as it moves forward.
Accuracy: I did take the opportunity to do a quick pre-test with my Gletcher M1891. I shot several rounds through my Chronograph and averaged around 430 fps which is a bit higher than the claimed 394. I also shot a couple of magazines at a paper target standing 30 feet back using a semi rested position and was about to get a 1.75 inch 17 round group which is pretty good considering I found it kind of unusual to hold the Gletcher M1891 in this manner. The Gletcher M1891 does take some getting used to since you hold it like a rifle but do not rest it against your shoulder for stability.
Build Quality: The Gletcher M1891 is really well made, you can tell by it's robust weight and how solid the action feels when you draw the bolt back and release it the first time. Everything that would be metal on the real Mosin Nagant is metal on the Gletcher M1891 including the full size dropout magazine that holds both the BB's and CO2. Yes the stock is imitation wood but in some ways it is harder than real wood and may actually hold up better. The finish looks great and I like the silver bolt, as with most electromagnetically coated finishes, the coating is not thick so it will wear off in the high spots fairly easily. Some touch up can solve this problem fairly easily.
Realism: I've never actually put my hands on a real steel Mosin Nagant Rifle but from the photos I viewed online, the Gletcher M1891looks really accurate in terms of being a BB replica. Of course the magazine has been adapted to fit CO2 and BB's but once placed in the gun it is nearly impossible to tell it from a real Mosin Nagant, or I should say a sawn off version of one. The weight of this rifle (5.7 pounds) gives it the feeling of genuineness. The only real giveaway is the imitation wood stock which looks pretty good considering. I have read online that a real Mosin Nagant stock can be adapted to fit the Gletcher M1891 so that would indicate that it is fairly true in size and construction to a real Mosin Nagant Rifle.
Pros:
Very Unique BB gun.
A piece of history you can shoot in your back yard.
Mostly all metal gun.
Nice heavy 5.7 pound weight to it.
Adjustable rear sight, at least for elevation.
Nice single action trigger.
Bolt action feels great and has a firm release.
Full size drop out metal magazine that holds both the BB's and the CO2.
More fps than claimed and decent accuracy, I expect to get lots of shots out of a single CO2 because of the magazine design.
Cons:
Stock is plastic but looks good considering.
No real way to adjust windage and the rear sight does wiggle a bit from side to side which could throw off the aim.
Electromagnetically coated finish may be prone to wear in the high spots.
Comments:
The Gletcher M1891 is one of the most interesting BB guns I have had the opportunity to review, it has history, it's kind of a pistol and kind of a rifle at the same time and in this sawn off configuration it looks both old school and modern. I could almost see it being used as the perfect zombi gun ;) Getting away from it's unique looks, the Gletcher M1891 performs very well, shooting a respectable 430 fps with accuracy that surprised me since I found it a bit hard to hold at first. There is something very gratifying about having to work a bot or lever or the hammer on a single action revolver that makes each shot just that much more precious! If you're looking for that ultimate eye catcher that people will have to take a second look at than this is the one for you.
My Vimeo Table Top Video of the Gletcher M1891 Mosin Nagant Replica BB Rifle:
