Umarex presented at SHOT Show this year a license I think we all thought was never going to happen! That would be Glock, for years Glock has been steadfast about not allowing their handguns to be licensed by anyone other than them. Glock has been very protective about their brand and intellectual properties as they are entitled to. I'm not sure what Umarex said to Glock but somehow they where able to get Glock to agree to letting Umarex license Glock pistols to be made into BB and Airsoft versions. The first BB and Airsoft models I was able to checkout at this years SHOT Show are pretty basic in design and are styled after the Glock 19.
The new Umarex Glock 19 licensed BB and Airsoft pistols are CO2 powered as expected but don't have blowback operation and have a fixed metal slide and a drop out stick magazine. The new Glock Licensed Umarex pistols do however look and feel really good, picking them up you would think you are holding a real steel Glock until you try and rack the slide or drop the magazine. Umarex did indicate there will be more licensed models coming out down the road with full blowback operation and full size drop out metal magazines, we just need to be patient as Glock is very particular about the quality control.
Another show stopper for me at the Umarex Booth was the Legends Cowboy Lever Action Shell loading BB Rifle. I love shooting my Red Ryder BB Rifle but I have to admit the Red Ryder kind of looks a bit like a kids beginner airgun. The new Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action Shell loading BB Rifle look, feels and operates like the real deal so it's not only going to be super fun to shoot but an awesome replica to own especially if your into the old west guns.
The Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action Shell loading BB Rifle uses two 12 gram CO2 cartridges and can hold 10 BB loaded shells in its tube styled magazine, working the lever action elects the empty shells. Umarex claims around 410 fps so the Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action Shell loading BB Rifle will be Canada legal without the need for a PAL. I thought the stock was real wood but was correct, it's actually made out of plastic, but I think just about anyone looking close up would have a hard time believing Umarex didn't use real wood.
Thanks to Mark Davis from Umarex for making himself available to interview!
I wanted to start my SHOT Show 2018 Interviews with Crosman because in my books they had one of the most exciting new products this year at SHOT Show, the Crosman Remington DPMS SBR which is a duel 12 gram CO2 powered 4.5mm steel BB firing AR styled semi and full auto Machine gun.
What I like about the Crosman Remington DPMS SBR is that it works a lot like an Airsoft Gas Blowback rifle with an internal bolt and buffer tube spring, working charging handle and dust cover, it even has a bolt release button. The Crosman Remington DPMS SBR can even be taken apart similarly to a real AR rifle.
The next new interesting product from Crosman, and as I found out the design is not entirely exclusive to Crosman, was the CO2 Non-Blowback Pellet firing 1911. The Crosman Pellet 1911 has an interesting magazine design, it looks like a traditional full size drop out magazine, which as you would expect holds the CO2 but rather than an inline BB magazine the new Crosman Pellet firing 1911 has two built in 6 shot rotary magazines that can be flipped so you essentially end up with a 12 shot magazine.
You will have to drop the full size magazine after the first 6 shots to flip the rotary magazines. The Crosman Pellet 1911 does not have blowback action but the double action only trigger is smooth and not too heavy. The slide is metal with a metal magazine and a polymer frame. The Crosman Pellet shooting 1911 comes in silver and black.
The next new product from Crosman was the Mako. The Crosman Mako is a Beretta styled CO2 Blowback BB pistol. The Crosman Mako features Blowback action, fiber optic sights, tactical grips, a double action trigger and a stick magazine that holds the 4.5mm steel BB's.
Thanks to Phillip Guadalupe from Crosman for allowing me the Interview!
So it begins, I have been to this years SHOT Show in Las Vegas and checked out the new products from Umarex, Crosman, Sig Sauer and ASG. I have taken video and Interviewed the main Airgun companies. Now it's time to report back to everyone what I saw and learned. To start with here is a Teaser Video with some scenes from Vegas, inside SHOT Show and of course some of the highlight products from each airgun company.
Type: Blowback Pellet & BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Umarex. Model:SA10. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 2.05 pounds (930 grams). Barrel: Metal rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto blowback, single & double action. Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellets & 4.5mm BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 8x4 round rotary full size drop out metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 420.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol is similar to most of the rotary magazine styled pellet pistols. The blowback operation does cock the hammer allowing for a lighter single action styled trigger pull but the trigger pull length is still about the same as shooting in double action. There is less trigger pull weight when the hammer is back shooting in single action but the first part of the trigger pull is necessary in order to rotate the magazine.
Build Quality: The Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol feel great in the hand and has a nice weight and solid feel to it. Like most modern day pistols the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol has a metal slide and polymer frame, you will also find a lot of internal metal parts along with a full size drop out metal magazine. Fit and finish are also very good.
Realism: The Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol is not a copy or replica of any actual real steel gun in production but to me it most resembles a Sig Sauer, not exactly as the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol does incorporate its own design and style. You will find a lot of real gun attributes that make this gun look and feel the deal. Like it's blowback operation, full see drop out metal magazine, wide open recessed barrel and ability to be field stripped. Available From: The Replica Airguns Store.
Pros:
Great weight and feel to it, build quality seems good.
Accessory rail for adding a laser or tactical light.
Unique full size drop out metal magazine that holds extra rotary magazines on it for quick reloading.
Have the option of shooting Steel BB’s or pellets.
Has a rifled barrel.
Gold barrel looks good.
Barrel tip is removable allowing for possible mock suppressor or silencer.
Slide catch is actually a safety making it nice and discreet.
Can easily field strip the gun.
Warning instruction are not overpowering.
Cons:
No white or yellow dot sight on the front and they are non-adjustable.
Trigger safety is just for show.
Not really a replica but a great looking gun none the less.
Comments:
I have been waiting a while to get my hands on the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol and now that I have it for review I can say it seems to be a really well put together CO2 Blowback Airgun. OF course I still need to get some shooting in with it till I make my final decision but so far I am liking what I am seeing. Generally prefer actual Replica Airguns but the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol does have a really nice look and feel to it, I don't even mind the Gold barrel and I am usually not a big Gold Gun fan. The unique magazine design with its snap in rotary Pellet and BB magazines shoudl come in handy when it coms time for testing and the ability to shoot either Pellets or BB's does give the shooter more options.
Type:BB Pellet Pistol Manufacturer:Umarex Model:SA10 Material: Polymer frame with metal slide. Weight: 929.8 g (2.05 pounds). Power Source: 12 g CO2 x 1. Action: Single & Double action Ammo Type: 4.5mm steel BBs and /177 caliber Pellets. Ammo Capacity: 8 rounds. FPS: 420
I have been having a hard time getting my hands on the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol to do a review for everyone. It's been a rather low stock item. We have had it in a couple of times but not in a lot of quantity and since the demand has been higher than the supply the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol tends to be out of stock most of the time! Hopefully that changes in the future?
This YouTube video is a Preview video only for the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol so I do not go over a lot, I sim,ply show you around the gun and take a look at the packaging and any info on the packaging. My Future Table Top Video Review will have a lot more details along with a full field strip of the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol.
Here's what we know for now! The Umarex SA10 has a metal frame and polymer slide, it shoots both .177 caliber pellets and 4.5mm Steel BB's. The Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol has blowback action with a single and double action trigger and sports a full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and removable rotary 8 round magazines, 4 in total 1 ready for shooting and the other 3 on standby ready to be hot swapped. We should expect around 400 fps with lighter ammo and I am hoping for decent accuracy using pellets since the Umarex SA10 CO2 Blowback Pellet and BB Pistol does have a rifled steel barrel.
Wow, we had a great contest giveaway for the Umarex Ace in the Hole Single Action Army Revolver. We received 406 participants with close to 2000 separate entries, so thank you everyone that got involved. Unfortunately for the other 405 participants there can only be one winner and to see who that winner is you're going to have to watch my Contest Giveaway announcement video...
First I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, hopefully you get all the toys you have been wanting! Maybe we can help you out a little with that over on our Online Canada and US Replica Airgun Stores.
I also have a new Red Ryder Type BB Rifle to show off, this one is John Wayne licensed and called the John Wayne Lil Duke. At first glace it looks a lot like a Red Ryder but it has the large loop styled lever which is designed for easier use when wearing gloves, perfect for our Canadian weather ;) The John Wayne Lil Duke Lever Action BB Rifle has a really nice fit and finish, perhaps even a bit better than the classic Red Ryder BB Gun. I really like the real wood stock finish.
Another nice touch is that the John Wayne Lil Duke Lever Action BB Rifle comes with a lasso scope rail that you can attach just behind the rear iron sight to accommodate dove tail scope mounts. Just make sure to really tighten down the rear screw as it comes loose super easy due to the spring vibration. I would even recommend adding a bit of lock tight to the screw to be sure.
Here are some of the main specifications for the John Wayne Lil Duke Lever Action BB Rifle: 4.5mm Steel BB's, leaver action spring piston, 350 fps, 550 round magazine, 2.5 pounds, smooth bore 9.5 inch barrel, adjustable rear sight for elevation, included scope mount for 11mm dovetail rings, metal and wood build.
Before I get into this Field Test Shooting Review for the Umarex Legends Ace in the Hole SAA Pellet Revolver I did want to mention again that we do have a Contest Giveaway going on till the end of this month where we will be giving away an Umarex Legends Ace in the Hole SAA Pellet Revolver to a Canada or US Winner. Sorry we can not ship outside of Canada or the US due to airgun and import regulations. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this review to enter the contest.
Back to the Field Test Shooting Review! Rather than just testing the 3.5 inch barreled Umarex Legends Ace in the Hole SAA Pellet Revolver by itself, I also compare it to two other Umarex SAA Revolvers, in 5.5 and 7.5 inches version. I wanted to see how the barrel length effected power and accuracy and I was kind of surprised at the results.
I shot three rounds from each Umarex SAA Pellet Revolver through my Chrony Chronograph and averaged them out for each gun. Umarex claims the Umarex Legends Ace in the Hole SAA Pellet Revolver to get around 340 fps and it shot an average of 323fps with a brand new CO2 and using 8.2 gram lead pellets, not bad at all considering the pellet weight and colder temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius. next I shot the 5.5 inch Umarex SAA Pellet Revolver in the same manner and averaged 347fps which is kind of what I was expecting die to the anger barrel. SO when I came to the 7.5 inch Umarex SAA Pellet Revolver I was expecting even higher results but was surprised by my results which where exactly the same as the 3.5 inch version coming in at 323fps? Perhaps the valve was a bit detuned on the 7.5 inches version, I am not sure?
Moving on to the accuracy performance for the Umarex Legends Ace in the Hole SAA Pellet Revolver. Again I sued the same 8.2 grain RWS flathead pellets and emptied a full cylinder into my paper target positioned 30 feet downrange. My accuracy result for the Umarex Legends Ace in the Hole SAA Pellet Revolver where decent with my 6 shoot group getting around a 2 inches and well centered on the target, just a lad high but not by much. I am pretty sure I pulled one of the shots so I think I should of gotten closer to 1.5 inches. Next I Shot the 5.5 inch UmarexSAA Pellet Revolver but seemed to struggle a bit with it. I found the 5.5 inch Umarex SAA Pellet Revolver shot to the left and my 6 shot grouping was a lot more spread out exceeding 2 inches by a bit. Lastly I tested out the 7.5 inch Umarex SAA Pellet Revolver and it was the clear winner placing all 6 rounds wishing the black bullseye getting close to a 1 inch grouping. I love it when that happens :)
In this yet another AEG Airsoft Field Test Shooting Video Review I mainly focus on the Cybergun Famas AEG Bullpup Airsoft Rifle and put it through my typical velocity and accuracy tests I conduct in the Replica Airguns Indoor Sea Can Shooting Range. I also show some other similar Bullpup styled AEG Airsoft Rifles in comparison that I plan on also reviewing very soon, the IWI Tavor 21 Elite Force and two AEG Bullpups from ASG, the Steyr Aug A2 and Steyr Aug A3 Proline Series..
So how did the Cybergun Famas AEG Bullpup Airsoft Rifle perform? I placed 5 rounds through my Chrony Chronograph using .20 gram plastic Airsoft BB's and I got right around a 360 fps average which is should be just about right for most indoor or outdoor shooting environments. Velocity consistency was also good.
Moving on to the accuracy portion of my indoor sea can field test, I place my paper target 30 feet down range and put 10 rounds into the target shooting from a rested seated position with a sandbag up front for stability. The Cybergun Famas AEG Bullpup Airsoft Rifle shot a nice 1.5 to 2 inch grouping just a little high but well centered. The front and back sigh are both adjustable making windage and elevation corrections very easy to do. You could also play around with the hop-up to adjust elevation at various ranges.
In full auto mode the Cybergun Famas AEG Bullpup Airsoft Rifle performed really well, I pretty much empty the magazine and the grouping only spread out to about 3 inches making a clean 3 inch hole in my paper target. There is something very gratifying about unloading an entree magazine in full auto and checking out the damage it caused :)
All in all the Cybergun Famas AEG Bullpup Airsoft Rifle is a great performer at a pretty low price tag of around $200 Canadian at the time of this review. If you want a slightly higher quality version than also checkout the Cybergun Famas F1 EVO Version which is only about $90 more and but offers better build material and and internals improvements.
In this Field Test Shooting Video Review I mainly focus on the ASG CAA M4 Sportline AEG Airsoft Rifle and put it through my typical velocity and accuracy tests I conduct in the Replica Airguns Sea Can Shooting Range. I do compare the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle to the ASG CAA M4 Sportline version since they look virtually identical but do have some notable differences, like the build materials and much lower cost for the ASG CAA M4 Sportline AEG Airsoft Rifle. That said both ASG CAA M4 AEG Airsoft Rifles did perform very similarly other than a bit of a velocity bump with the ASG CAA M4 Proline model over the Sportline I test in this video.
So how did the ASG CAA M4 Sportline AEG Airsoft Rifle perform? I placed 5 rounds through my Chrony Chronograph using .20 gram plastic Airsoft BB's and I got a 335 average fps which is a bit lower than the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle but still great for a variety of Airsoft shooting situations. I did notice that the FPS seemed to be creeping up slowly as I tested it, maybe some break in was taking place?
Moving on to the accuracy portion of my indoor field test, I place my paper target 30 feet down range and put 10 rounds into the target shooting from a rested seated position with a sandbag up front. The ASG CAA M4 Sportline AEG Airsoft Rifle shot a nice 1.5 to 2 inch grouping a little to the right of the bulls-eye and slightly low, which I can easily correct using the adjustable sights and hop-up adjustments. I like to conduct my field tests with all the guns right out of the box and with no adjustments prior to my testing since that's the way you're going to get them and you may have to also make some small correction to the sights and or hop-up adjustments.
In full auto mode the ASG CAA M4 Sportline AEG Airsoft Rifle didn't miss a beat. I emptied what was left of the mag (About 130 rounds or so) in no time with a few quick bursts making a nice mess of the paper target which is the result I'm looking for in full auto mode :)
In this Field Test Shooting Video Review I mainly focus on the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle and put it through my typical velocity and accuracy tests I conduct in the Replica Airguns Sea Can Shooting Range. I do compare the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle to the ASG CAA M4 Sportline version since they look virtually identical but do have some notable differences, like the build materials and perhaps a few internal upgrades found in the Proline version. That said both ASG CAA M4 AEG Airsoft Rifles did perform rather similarly other than a bit of a velocity bump with the ASG CAA M4 Proline model.
So how did the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle perform? I placed 5 rounds through my Chrony Chronograph using .20 gram plastic Airsoft BB's and I got a very respectable 392 average fps with most of the five shots actually getting 392 fps so very consistent velocity for sure.
Moving on to the accuracy portion of my indoor field test, I place my paper target 30 feet down range and put 10 rounds into the target shooting from a rested seated position with a sandbag up front. The ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle shot a tight 1.5 inch grouping just to the right of the bullseye which I can easily correct using the adjustable sights. I like to conduct my field tests with all the guns right out of the box and with no adjustments prior to my testing since that's the way you're going to get them and you may have to also make some small correction to the sights and or hop-up adjustments.
In full auto mode the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle didn't miss a beat. I emptied what was left of the mag (About 200 rounds or so) in no time at all and made a nice mess of the paper target which is what I am usually going for :)
All in all the ASG CAA M4 Proline AEG Airsoft Rifle is a very high quality Airsoft gun but does come at a premium pricetag. If you're budget is a bit lower than checkout my upcoming Field Test Shooting Video of the more economical ASG CAA M4 Sportily AEG Airsoft Rifle which will be out this week.
Type: Airsoft AR, M4, M16 Styled Rifle. Manufacturer:G&G. Model:ARP-556 and ARP-9. Materials: Metal and plastic/polymer construction. Weight: (ARP-9 4.4 pounds) (ARP-556 5.3 pounds). Barrel: 6 inches, metal non-rifled. Propulsion: AEG non-blowback. Action: Semi & full auto SAO. Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's. Ammunition Capacity: (ARP-9 300) (ARP-556 450). FPS: 400+.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the G&G ARP rifles is an electric mechanical trigger that simulates a single action only trigger. There is essentially a light spring internally which supplies the trigger pressure. Pressure is even and smooth.
Build Quality: As with all of the G&G product line the G&G ARP-556 and ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB Rifles are really well made. Fit and finish is flawless and I had no issues shooting these guns at all. Every engagement of the trigger resulted in an Airsoft BB downrange and in full auto mode BB's where literally streaming from the barrel :) You will find a little more metal specifically in the receiver for the G&G ARP-556 over the G&G ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB Rifle which does make the ARP-556 a little bit heavier but not by much.
Realism: Both the G&G ARP-556 and ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB Rifles are super realistic, they are based on the AR, M4, M16 Rifle design but are scaled down for tactical close quarters use with their compact barrels and adjustable stocks. Most parts work as you would find on a real steel M4 like the charging handle, dust cover, simulated forward assist and of course the magazine releases. There is however no blowback operation but I can attest that if you have an 11.2 volt battery and are shooting in full auto you will feel this gun a rock'n.
2 lower and higher priced models with similar looks and performance to choose from.
Super compact CQB rifles.
Fully adjustable pop-up iron sights front and back.
Crown flash hider acts as a sound amplifier if you’re into that sort of thing?
Great internals, Internally upgraded with an ETU and MOSFET system.
Skeltonized PDW stock perfect for close quarters combat.
Nice 400 feet per second velocity, good for close and even further out ranges.
Very accurate, one of the best Airsoft rifles tested to date.
ARP-526 has an ambidextrous selector / safety switch.
ARP-556 has full metal receiver.
ARP-9 is a bit lighter and less tiring to carry, great if you plan to add on a bunch of accessories.
Cons:
No blowback operation.
ARP-9 has a plastic receiver.
You need some pretty compact batteries to fit into the short bumper tube.
Comments:
I am going to go on the record and say that the G&G ARP-556 and ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB Rifles would be my go to Airsoft battle rifle of choice. They have enough power for out door shooting and not too much for indoor shooting. Their compact and lightweight design will make them super easy to carry around all day and quick to place on any target in a hurry. Accuracy is not a concern since these AEG Airsoft Rifles can cut a bullseye out of a paper target no problem. Price for what you get, quality, looks. performance are all top notch with either choice of G&G ARP-556 or ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB Rifle you decide to go with.
My Vimeo Video Review for the G&G ARP-556 and ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB Rifles:
In this Classic Legends Airguns comparison video I look at a number of different Classic or Legendary BB Airguns and compare them to each other to determine which one I personally feel is the best . My final choices are of course based on my own personal opinion and in this video I end up picking two as they where kind of each in their own class.
In this Makarov comparison video I look at a variety of different versions of Makarov BB Airguns and compare them to each other to determine which one I feel is the best in their class. My final choice is of course based on my own personal opinion and even then I found it hard to pick a clear winner.
In this Revolver comparison video I look at a variety of different types of Revolver Airguns and compare them to each other to determine which one I feel is the best Revolver styled Airgun. My final choice is of course based on my own personal opinion.
In this comparison video I look at a variety of different Sig Sauer P226 Airguns and compare them to each other to determine which one I feel is the best Sig Sauer styled Airgun. Of course my choice may not be your choice :)
In this comparison video I look at a variety of different Beretta 92/Taurus PT92 Airguns and compare them to each other to determine which one I feel is the best Beretta/Taurus Airgun. Keep in mind what's best in for me may not be best for you.
In this comparison video I look at a variety of different 1911 Airguns and compare them to each other to determine which one I feel is the best 1911 Airgun, well at least for me.
Type: Multi-pump Pellet-BB rifle. Manufacturer: Umarex USA. Model:NXG APX. Materials: Metal and polymer parts. Weight: 3.4 pounds (1.54 kg). Barrel: 20 inches, rifled. Propulsion: Multi-pump. Action: Single shot pellets/repeater BB's. Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellets & 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 75 BB's in hopper. FPS: up to 490.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle is not too bad, I would not say it's overly light but not on the heavy side either. Essentially it has a single action trigger since you need to pre-charge the bolt to engage the trigger. There is a little bit of take-up and then a fairly noticeable break point where you will feel the most trigger weight right before it releases.
Accuracy: So far I have not performed my Field Test Shooting review for the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle so I do not have any velocity or accuracy information to share at this point. I do plan on making that Shooting video Review this week so stay posted for that one.
Build Quality: The Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle is not going to be one of your highest quality airguns but it does get the job done and feels solid enough with all the working parts feeling tight and secure. Most of the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle is plastic, even the bolt and trigger but you will find more metal inside where it counts like the inner steel barrel and the outer steel barrel shroud. The stock is plastic and that's OK, I do like the addition of the rubber butt pad and cheek rest as they work well and help to make the Umarex Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle feel comfortable to hold in position and shoot.
Realism: Since the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle is not a replica, realism is not really a factor here but it does look like a gun so treat it as if it was a real gun since most people will not know the difference. Always transport and store any airgun safely and discreetly.
Pros:
Low cost air rifle with a lot of features.
Iron sights actually look really usable with the fiber optic red dot up front.
Comes with an 4x15 optical sight which should help with accuracy at longer ranges.
Super easy to pump even when getting close to the 10 pump max.
Built in auto safety.
Stock and cheek rest position feel really good.
Choice of shooting pellets or BB’s.
Trigger feels pretty good, not too heavy.
Mostly an ambidextrous design so good for lefties too.
Has a rifled barrel.
Overall a good looking air rifle.
Cons:
Mostly plastic, not the highest quality build.
Included 4x15 scope is super low budget but will work till you can upgrade it down the road.
Comments: I really hope the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle shoots well as it is kind of a cool air rifle with a lot of features at a low price tag and would make a great little target and maybe even small pest air rifle if it turns out to be accurate and hit that near 500 fps mark with pellets. The Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle is not going to win any quality or design awards but from a usability stand point it works well and feels good to hold and shoot, the rear stock and cheek rest are in a perfect piston for me and this is a pretty small airgun overal. Personally I would invest in an upgraded scope, something like the Walther 4x32 would be perfect and not too expensive.
Type: Break barrel pellet rifle. Manufacturer: Umarex USA. Model:Ruger Explorer. Materials: Metal and polymer parts. Weight: 4.45 pounds (2.5 kg). Barrel: 12 inches, metal rifled. Propulsion: Spring piston. Action: Single shot. Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellets. Ammunition Capacity: 1. FPS: 495.
Trigger Pull: I found the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle to have a fairly light trigger, there is some initial take up with a smooth almost undetectable break or release point, I found that as I shot the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle the trigger seemed to be breaking in a bit which made it a bit hard to figure exactly when the trigger was going to release but I feel over time and once the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is broken in the trigger will become more predictable.
Accuracy: Since I have already made a shooting or field test video for the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle, I can comment on its performance n this review! With 6 grain lead pellets (on the lighter side), I was able to get a 5 shot Chronograph average velocity of 485 fps. Using heavier 7-8 grain pellets the velocity slowed down a bit to around 400 fps. In terms of accuracy the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle performed well getting about a 1 inch 10 shot grouping on my paper target setup 30 feet down range. I know the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle can do better than this once the trigger settles down a bit since some shots went off unexpectedly.
Build Quality: The Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is not an expensive air rifle and is more or less an entry level spring piston pellet shooter. That said it is built fairly well with a metal receiver, barrel and trigger setup. The modern looking stock is polymer and the steel barrel is coated in a synthetic soft plastic to help with long term durability. The real fiber optic sight is plastic so you will have to be careful with it as it does protrude a bit from the air rifle.
Realism: Since the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is not a replica realism is not really a factor here but it does look like a gun so treat it as if it was a real gun since most people will not know the difference. Always transport and store any airgun safely and discreetly.
Pros:
Really great looking air rifle with a modern look to it.
Finish is very durable with its polymer stock and plastic/rubber coated barrel.
Fully adjustable fiber optic sights are easy to sight in and use.
Receiver is notched for ring mounts so you can add an optical sight or red dot to it.
Trigger is fairly light, just need some break in time with it.
Cocking effort is fairly easy at 16.5 pounds.
Great size gun for all ages.
Power and accuracy were good for an entry level air rifle.
Cons:
I did find the trigger break/release point to be a bit unpredictable but I feel this is a break-in issue and will become more consistent over time.
You have to remember to push that safety in with ever shot.
Comments: The Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is marketed as a Youth air rifle but in reality it would be great fun for all ages. I am a fairly large person at 6 feet tall and I had no problem dealing with the slightly shorter configuration. The trigger guard is nice and open and allows for large fingers which is not always the case with airguns designed for smaller individuals. The overall quality you get with the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle for the lower entry level price tag is very good and in terms of performance I feel you for sure get your monies worth with the Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel Pellet Rifle.
