I don't often review target and or hunting rifles since for the most part Replica Airguns is all about well... replica airguns :) I have reviewed some of my own personal spring piston and pump rifles since I have them and there is a cross over in folks that like both the replica airguns and airguns meant for target and or hunting purposes.
We do have a small selection of spring piston rifles in our Replica Airguns Canada store suitable for target and small game so I thought I would point some of them out in this preview video.
Ammunition Capacity: 15 round full size metal magazine.
FPS: 300+
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol is I would have to say one of the nicest 1911 single action triggers I have tested so far. The take-up is very slight with an extremely light trigger pull required to release the hammer. Any lighter and I would say it would be too light and perhaps prone to accidental firing.The three hole tactical trigger extends out a little further than some 1911's but feels secure on the finger.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol but have high expectations based on the overall quality of this pistol and form other reviews I have read on this Airsoft 1911 replica. According to the manufacturers claimed fps, we should get somewhere right around 300 fps. The ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol has an adjustable rear sight for windage and we can take care of elevation using the adjustable hop-up so zoning in the Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 to shoot dead center on target should not be too difficult.
Build Quality: The ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol is one of those Airguns that really catches your eye, and once you pick it up and hold it in your hands you discover that not only does it look really great but it also feels really great in your hands! The tolerances of the parts are excellent, everything mechanical is smooth without any friction and you can even see the texture of the metal grain through the quality matt black powder finish.
Realism: The ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol is a a fantastic replica of a real steel MEU SOC 1911 used by the US Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The balance and weight really make this 1911 Airsoft pistol feel like your holding the real deal, all the mechanic parts function as they would compared to the original and the ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol is fully field stripable.
Excellent quality, durable black powder coat matte finish .
Enhanced Pro-Grip with brass marine inserts
MEU SOC 1911 Licensed.
Three hole tactical trigger with skeleton hammer.
Comes in a hard shell case with Gemtech Outback II 5-inch silencer and lanyard.
Rail for adding accessories.
Cons:
FPS is kind of low for Canada Market so not one we can regularly get in stock.
A bit on the pricy side.
No option of CO2 magazine.
Comments:
With all the BB and Airsoft 1911's out there what makes the ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol stand out from the rest. First off it feel the most believabel when holding it in your hand, it seems ot have that perfect weight and balance that is often hard to replicate in an Airgun. With features like enhanced Pro-Grips with brass marine inserts, MEU SOC 1911 licensing, three hole tactical trigger, ambidextrous safety, super smooth and light single action trigger, White dot adjustable sights and the included hard shell case with lanyard and Gemtech silencer you can not go wrong with the ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol.
My Vimeo Video Review for the ASG Socom Gear US Marine MEU SOC 1911 GBB Airsoft Pistol:
In this Field Test Shooting video I test out the performance of the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol using my Chronograph to get a real world (FPS) Feet Per Second rating. I also position myself 30 feet back and shoot 10 rounds at a paper target using a semi-rested shooting position (Sand bag up front and standing in the back).
In terms of velocity the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol shot a bit on the fast side at 414 FPS when averaging a 5 shot strong using .20 gram BB's with a brand new CO2. Keep in mind I was using the CO2 magazine which will have more power than the Gas Magazine version. I would assume the Gas mag version would shoot right around the mid 300's which may be more suited for indoor Airsoft games. For outside Airsoft wars you may want the extra power of the CO2 mag for shooting at targets further distances out.
Stepping back 30 feet and shooting at my paper target, the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol produced a decent 2 inch 10 shot grouping that was just a hair low but well centered left and right. The low factor could be adjusted up using some Hop-up tweaking. The trigger in single action mode is light and the release is crisp. Even the double action trigger is fairly light for double action, but there is a lot more take up since your finger is doing all the work that the blowback action would normally do for you when shooting in single action.
With the heavy blowback and high FPS the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol creates a really great shooting experience. It would be great for some target practice, getting some additional trigger time in if you are a Sig Sauer P226 owner and would make an excellent outdoor Airsfot war backup weapon. The quality is excellent and as a lover of the Sig Sauer lineup of guns I highly recommend this Airsoft pistol from KJWorks.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KJWorks KP01-E2 Sig Sauer P226 Airsoft Replica is good in both single and double action. Once the slide is pulled back and released the first round is chambered and the hammer will remain back placing the KJWorks P226 in single action mode, the pull is light and the take-up is nice and short, most of your shots will be in single action mode unless you use the de-cocker to lower the hammer for a subsequent double action follow-up shot, double action shots are still pretty light but much longer in order to cock the hammer back.
Accuracy: (I have not shot the KJWorks distributed CO2 Mag version but I have already done a Field Test Shootinng Review for the same KJWORKS gun distributed and licensed by Cybergun in the Gas Mag version. Here is what I had to say about the Cybergun Gas Magazine version: "Shooting the Cybergun Sig P226 from 20 feet out in semi rested position I was able to get very good results. I placed 10 rounds in about 1.5 inches with the shot placement being a bit low possibly due to my barrel mod, adjusting the hop-up may bring the aim point back up to where it should be. The Sig Sauer P226 Airsoft Replica shot right around the 316 fps range while conducting my 5 shot average chrony testing which was lower than advertised but I was using much heavier .20 gram BB's. You can expect to get a full magazine worth of shots out of each gas fill-up but I did notice that as the magazine got colder it did tend to become much less efficient and also seemed to vent a lot of vapor."
Build Quality: The build quality for all KJWorks guns in my opinion is one of the best in the business. Fit and finish is top notch with close tolerances in the working parts as you would find in a real steel gun. The paint is excellent and in general will wear much better than other Airsoft guns out there. The KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is pretty much all metal and feels it, the recoil spring is nice and firm and all working parts are smooth and crisp when operated.
Realism: The KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is a replica of the real steel Sig Sauer P226 with the exception of the licensing. The KJWorks KP01-E2 really is a great looking and functioning Airsoft Replica. You can field strip this gun exactly like a real Sig Sauer and all the mechanical parts work just the same including a working de-cocker and adjustable front sight. It is really hard to distinguish the Airsoft version from the real Sig P226 in both looks and feel.
All metal pistol with good overall realistic weight to it.
Very crisp and firm full blowback operation.
Some of the best fit and finish in the industry. Especially in price range.
Nice accurate looking and working Sig Sauer P226 Replica.
Working de-cocker.
White dot sights for quick target acquisition.
Front sight is adjustable for windage.
Full size drop out magazine holds Airsoft BB's and CO2.
Fully field strip-able.
Cons:
No actual Sig Sauer Licensing but very clean look.
CO2 Mag does stick out a bit and add to size
Comments:
I am a huge Sig Sauer fan so I have kind of high expectations with a replica gun! The KJWorks lineup as a whole is really fantastic, and what I say about the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol can be said about the entire lineup. KJWorks makes a super well built product that replicates the real steal version almost exactly other then they shoot Airsoft BB's instead of actual bullets. When holding a KJWorks gun in the hand you can feel the quality, in weight, ballence and especially when operating the slide, trigger and other working parts. Everything just feels so perfect and responsive. For the money you can not go wrong with the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol or any other KJWorks gun for that matter.
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the KJWorks KP01-E2 (Sig Sauer P226) CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol:
This First Person Shooting Clay Pigeons Video with my KJWorks M9A1 and 1911 Airsoft Pistol is to serve two purposes: Number one and really the only reason needed to make a video like this... To get outside on a nice warm summer day and practice some tactile shooting all while recording it in first person so you can come along and enjoy it with me :)
Secondly I wanted to inform everyone that the video uploads will be a bit lighter for the next week or so since I am on what I call a working holiday. I am focusing on a Fitness Contest this weekend along with a Fitness Expo the following weekend, nothing to do with Replica Airguns but it does coincide with my other Website and YouTube channelGetFitOver40.com. The Fitness contest is the Victoria Cup where I will be competing in the Men's Physique (Masters - Over 40) and (Open - All Ages) divisions. The Fitness Expo is called "theFitExpo" and it is in Anaheim California.
So if you want to watch more of my videos then you will have to checkout my other fitness channel for the next week where I will be posting lots of related content on what's going on fitness wise in my life right now.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KJWorks Beretta M9 & M9A1 is very good in both single and double action. Double action is a bit longer and heavier than when shooting in single action but not heavy by any means. Single action shooting is short, light and crisp as you would expect when shooting a real steel Beretta 92 style pistol.
Accuracy: I have not done my actual Field Test Shooting video review for the KJWorks M9 and M9A1 Airsoft pistols but I did get the chance to make a short preview video where I shot both guns at some clay pigeons setup around 20 feet away. I was able to pop the center out of the clay pigeons no problem and found that even without any practice I was consistently hitting dead center on most shots. I am not sure exactly what the FPS will be but considering both theses versions of the KJWorks M9 & M9A1 have the CO2 mags they should shoot up into the 360+ fps range using .20 gram Airsoft BB's. Blowback operation is strong and the slides cycle full length. Keep posted for my upcoming Field Test Shooting Video for both pistols.
Build Quality: As expected, the KJWorks M9 & M9A1 build quality is just like all the other KJWorks Airsoft guns I've tested so far, excellent the fit and finish is the best in my opinion even when compared to my my 4.5mm steel BB shooters. When using these guns regularly, areas that are painted like the metal friction areas show very light wear which is rarely the case with metal built blowback Airguns. Again the tolerances between the moving parts like the slide and frame are very tight showing excellent workmanship and machining from KJWorks.
Realism: Both the KJWorks M9 & M9A1 are copies of the real steel popular Beretta M9 & M9A1, it is really hard to tell them apart from the real versions. Both the M9 and M9A1 are very similar in design with the M9A1 having some slight cosmetic differences, the biggest being the addition of a tactical rail built into the frame. Both KJWorks Beretta's can be field stripped in the same manor as a real Beretta M9 Semi Auto pistol and all parts function the same.
Pretty much all metal pistols with good weight to them.
Full heavy blowback operation.
Excellent fit and finish as always with KJWorks pistols.
High capacity full size drop out magazine that holds the Airsoft BB’s and CO2. (Can get Green Gas mags)
Seem to be very accuracy and well centered on target.
White dot sights make it easy to shoot an most backgrounds.
Ambidextrous safeties.
Field strip-able like the real steel versions.
Cons:
Sight are non-adjustable but elevation can be adjusted using the hop-up.
Grips may be a bit wide for some small handed people.
CO2 magazines sticks out a bit when using the CO2 mags.
Comments: The KJWorks Full Metal M9 & M9A1 are yet more examples of excellent full blowback Airsoft pistols from KJWorks. They are built to very high standards, are near perfect replicas of the real steel Beretta M9 & M9A1 and performance is also excellent. Yes the price is slightly higher than a similar Airsoft gun from KWC but the quality on the KJWorks is definitely worth the extra cost. Make sure to drop by our Replica Airguns Canada Store and checkout our new lower pricing on the KJWorks line of Airsoft guns.
My YouTube Table Top Review of the KJWorks M9and M9A1 Full Metal Blowback Airsoft Pistol:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KJWorks 1911 is very good since it is modeled after a real steel 1911 which makes it short and crisp with a very light trigger pull. There is a very slight take-up at the very beginning of the pull but once your get past this the release is crisp and perceptible. Since it is not a double action trigger you will need to either rack the slide for your first shot or pull the hammer back if you have already chambered a round.
Accuracy: I have not done my actual Field Test Shooting video review for the KJWorks 1911 Airsoft Pistol but I did get the chance to make a short preview video where I shot some clay pigeons setup around 20 feet away. The KJWorks Full Metal CO2 Airsoft 1911 was a lot of fun to shoot at the clay pigeons and I had no trouble hitting them form that range over and over again. I am not sure exactly what the FPS will be but considering this version of the KJWorks 1911 has the CO2 mag it should shoot up into the 360+ fps range using .20 gram Airsoft BB's. Blowback operation is strong and the slide cycles full length. Keep posted for my upcoming Field Test Shooting Video for the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 CO2 Airsoft Pistol.
Build Quality: As expected, the KJWorks 1911 build quality is just like all the other KJWorks Airsoft guns I've tested so far, excellent the fit and finish is the best in my opinion even when compared to any of my 4.5mm steel BB shooters or 6 mm Airsoft pistols. When using KJWorks guns regularly, areas that are painted like the metal friction areas and high spots show very light wear which is rarely the case with metal built blowback Airguns. Again the tolerances between the moving parts like the slide and frame are extremely tight showing excellent workmanship and machining from KJWorks.
Realism: The KJWorks CO2 Full Metal 1911 Blowback Airsoft Pistol copies the real steel very popular even today Colt 1911 A1, it is really hard to tell the KJWorks Airsoft 1911 apart from the real 45 caliber version. The KJWorks 1911 can be field stripped very similarly to a real 1911 Semi Auto pistol and all parts function virtually the same including a working safety, grip safety, slide catch-release, magazine release and hammer.
Pretty much all metal pistol with good realistic weight to it.
Full cycle heavy blowback operation.
Excellent fit and finish as always with KJWorks pistols.
High capacity 28 round full size drop out magazine that holds the Airsoft BB’s and CO2. (Can get Green Gas mags)
Seems to be accurate and well centered on target.
Nice two tone finish.
Working grip safety.
Nice light true single action only trigger.
Field strip-able.
Cons:
Sights are non-adjustable but you can adjust elevation using the hop-up.
Field strips a little different than a real 1911.
CO2 magazine sticks out a bit but KJWorks makes Gas Mags also.
Comments:
I am a big fan of 1911 pistols and love getting my hands on pretty much any version weather it be a Real Steel 45 caliber 1911, a 4.5mm Steel BB version or 6mm Airsoft Pistol. As long as it has that true 1911 single action short light trigger to it. I love the way the slide cycles a bit slower than most semi auto pistols and this can be found in many Airgun and Airsoft version like this KJWorks 1911 making the shooting experience even more realistic. The fit, Finish and overall quality of the KJWorks 1911 over other brands is worth the slight additional costs so if you don't mind paying juts a tad bit more for that extra quality and you're looking for a CO2 1911 then you will not be disappointed with the KJWorks Full Metal CO2 Airsoft 1911.
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the KJWorks M9and M9A1 Full Metal Blowback Airsoft Pistol:
We recently received some new pistols from KJWorks, The CO2 versions in Full Metal of the Colt 1911, the Berretta M9 and the Berretta M9A1. All of these guns are really well made, the fit and finish is excellent. Definitely a very high quality Airsoft pistol and worth spending a little bit more to get this extra quality. We have even lowered the price on many of our new KJWorks guns to make them even more affordable so check them out in our Canada Replica Airguns Store!
So I made a quick demo preview video where I get away from my table top and go outside to show them off a bit and shoot a few rounds through them at some clay pigeons. I did have some camera issues but you will get a good idea on how these guns look and perform.
My main goal in this Shooting Performance Test was to see how the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPAConversion Kit performed side by side with a standard 12 gram CO2. Keep in mind that you can also switch over at any time to a regular 12 gram CO2 even after installing the ANT adaptor system in the gun or magazine.
My choice of Airgun for this test was the KWC - Cybergun Mini UZIConverted to Full Auto. I chose this Blowback 4.5mm CO2 BB Gun because it uses a lot of CO2 with each shot and when shooting in full auto it literally eats CO2. I knew this airguns would really put the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit to the test.
My first performance test was to comparing both systems using a Chronograph so I could see how the fps velocity slowed down because of the CO2 cool down effect. The 12 gram CO2 did pretty well emptying a full 25 round magazine but keep in mind I was shooting in semi auto only for the sake of using a Chronograph. I did notice a drop in velocity from a high of over 300 fps to a low of around 260. When I switched over to the Bulk CO2 ANT System and performed the same test the fps started out a bit lower but stayed pretty much about the same with a few ups and downs. The initial lower fps may have been a result of using separate magazines for each test since the valves in each magazine are most likely tuned a bit differently to let out more or less CO2 with each shot.
My second and most impressive test was to empty a full 25 round magazine in full auto mode! Again a started out using the standard 12 gram CO2 and to make this a real world test, I did not replace the 12 gram CO2 form the previous test. I figured 50 shots was a realist amount of shots to get from a single 12 gram CO2 and after all I was only shooting in semi auto which uses a lot less CO2 then shooting in full auto.
My KWC Blowback Mini UZI rocked pretty good using the 12 gram CO2 until it hit about a third the way through the magazine and then it stated to slow down and pretty much stop dead in its tracks with about 5-6 rounds still left in the magazine. The CO2 was all gone and I was left a bit unsatisfied :(
Without any significant break time to let my KWC Mini UZI warm up again, I switched over to the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit magazine and unloaded the full magazine in no time with no cycle rate slow down at all, even after the magazine was deprived of Steel BB's I kept squeezing the trigger and letting the blowback hammer my shoulder for several more satisfying bursts. Now that is what you expect from a full auto Blowback BB Machine gun!
In conclusion, when shooting in semi auto you will see better fps consistency using the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit but where this system really shines at least for me is I can shoot as fast as as long as I want and it will feel same as the very first shoot I take even when using a full auto system. No more switching out 12 gram CO2 every few magazines, just speed load some more BB's in and your good to go.
I was sent a really cool new product form a company called ANT (Advanced Novelty Tech). Their CO2/HPA Converter allows you to hook up either a large CO2 tank or High Pressure Air system using standard Paintball hose system.
What's kind of neat with the Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit, is that you can still interchange your 12 gram CO2 if you want to even after modifying your gun to use Bulk CO2 or HPA!
The ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit works with well over 100 BB, Pellet and Airsoft guns most of which would be Pistols but some rifles are included in this list.
The main advantages over using standard 12 gram CO2 cartridges would be a significant lower cost for CO2, along with less fps velocity fall off, so better performance overall.
Stay posted as I will be making a field test performance test using the ANT Advanced Novelty Tech CO2 HPA Conversion Kit with my KWC Mini UZI Full Auto BB Machine gun :)
First off let’s get one thing straight! What I’m looking for in a BB gun is more than likely going to be way different than what someone else is looking for in what they think is the “Best BB Gun” available.
Many people will determine the Best BB Gun as the BB gun that has the highest price tag, usually you get better quality the higher the price goes up but not always, there are times when perhaps you are paying for a name brand or cosmetic add ons that don’t always make the gun better or the best.
On the other hand, some people will determine the best BB gun as the one that is the least cost since they may not have a lot of money to spend, and an expensive BB gun is a BB gun that that person would not be able to afford or even own, far from an ideal or the Best BB Gun for them.
Many people only look at the specifications to determine if that particular BB gun is the outright best BB Gun. One specification that people seem to fixate on is how powerful is the BB gun in question? If it has the highest FPS then surely it must be the best BB Gun! That Pop can never saw it coming! What about cost of operation, so things like reliability and how many shots per CO2 you can get out of a BB gun. All important features to consider when picking out the Best BB Gun!
Style is another important part of what makes a BB Gun the Best option for you, are you wanting a classic BB Pistol? Perhaps a Modern BB Gun, Maybe even a BB gun that you can not get in your area because of gun laws? Style is a very individual preference and what looks good to me may look terrible to someone else.
One aspect that is very important to me, is realism, does the BB Gun operate the same and does it have similar metal and plastic parts as the real steel version? Does the BB gun I am considering have blowback operation and a true single or double action trigger like it’s big brother? What about a full size drop out magazine and the ability to field strip the BB Gun?
Some people want their BB gun for simple backyard good old fun shooting and so as long as it shoots pretty straight and works as it’s supposed to, then that is all they care about. Many real steel shooters want a BB Gun to operate exactly like their real steel version, so they can practice with it to get in more trigger time when going to a gun range is not an option.
Of course there are aspects like Reliability, Performance, Fit and Finish, Licensing and Build Quality that all determine what makes the Best BB Gun and again it really depends which of these qualities are most important to you that will determine which BB Gun is the best BB Gun.
So how do you determine which is the Best BB Gun? Make a list of what you are looking for in a BB Gun. Attributes like Cost, Performance, Build Quality, Style, Realism, Availability…
Once you have narrowed down your Best BB Gun list, get as much information on each BB Gun you are considering, to narrow the list down even more. There are tons of Youtube videos you can watch for your Best BB Gun final short list to help you determine your ultimate choice.
So please don’t ask me what the Best BB Gun is? I can not even tell you which one I like the best since my wish list changes from day to day…
First off we are not talking about 6mm Plastic Airsoft Guns but rather 4.5mm Steel BB versus .177 caliber Pellet.
Same but Different:
Generally speaking a BB CO2 Pistol and a Pellet CO2 Pistol are very similar, they just shoot a bit different types of ammo, that will determine a couple mechanical differences in both guns. You may come across a CO2 Pistol that can shoot both Pellets and BB's but these are not as common.
Magazine Types:
The fist main difference is usually the magazine design, since lead pellets don’t stack on top of each other very well compared to steel BB’s, action CO2 BB and Pellet pistols will have a very different types of magazine designs. Pellet CO2 Pistols will generally use a rotary type magazine while BB Pistols will use a stick or stacked ammo magazine. In terms of realism, a stick or stacked magazine is better suited than a rotary magazine. Some Action Pellet Pistols will have what looks like a stick magazine, but the stick will actually have two rotary magazine on either side. You will often find higher capacity magazines in BB CO2 Pistols since Rotary magazines usually only offer around 8 rounds (16 on a double sided stick style).
Another downside to a rotary magazine is knowing when you are out of ammo, a rotary magazine does not allow for this, it will just keep turning around and around no matter if there is ammo in it or not, so you need to listen to the the sound of the CO2 gun to determine when a rotary type magazine is empty. BB Action shooters do not have this problem since in most cases the magazine BB spring follower acts exactly the same as real steel gun follower locking back the slide on the last shot, stopping any follow up shots from happening.
Ammo Size:
Steel BB’s traditionally only come in 4.5mm which is the same as .177 caliber. Lead pellets can come in a myriad of sizes, the most comma being .177, .20 and .22 caliber but they can go as large as 50 caliber for PCP air rifles used to hunt even large game.
Barrel Rifling:
Another common difference between BB and Pellet CO2 Pistols is the rifling inside the barrels. Lead pellets need to spin in order for them to shoot straight. Steel BB’s on the other hand fly pretty true thought the air weather they spin or not. Rifling is most often not used in steel BB pistols because the hardened steel can damage the rifling and since there is little to no benefit in adding rifling to a BB guns barrel in terms of accuracy, then why even have it. Pellet pistols with their softer lead ammunition need to have the rifling in order to create the spin that keeps the pellet true and straight while in flight.
Accuracy:
Even though many BB CO2 Pistols can shoot accurately at close to medium ranges, they are not as accurate as a Pellet CO2 Pistol, especially as the distance become greater to your target. Not only does the spinning of the pellet help accuracy, but also the added mass of the lead pellet keeps them from being as effected by cross winds and airborne debris.
Hunting and/or Pest Control:
In most cases I do not recommend using a pistol for pest control because, plain and simple they are harder to shoot accurately. This is because there is no stock on a pistol to help steady the gun, and the front and rear sight are much closer together on a pistol than compared to rifle sights which means there is more margin for error when signing in a target. Pistols are generally lower powered than rifles which also plays a roll when considering a pistol for pest control since it may not have enough power to get the job done humanly. That said, there are pellet pistols deigned with power in mind, usually these are spring piston, or pressurized air powered air guns which can have a lot more power than a standard CO2 BB or Pellet Pistol.
Pistols versus Rifles:
This is not the forum for a full pistol versus rifle comparison. I can tell you that you will find a lot more pellet rifles than your will find BB rifles, they both exist but for the most part rifles are geared more towards target shooting and hunting. Most of the BB rifles available would be styled after replicas so the focus is not necessarily on power and or accuracy in these models.
Abundance:
In terms of Replica Action Shooters, BB Pistols outweigh the Pellet pistols by a land-slide. BB’s just work better in action pistols because the round hard steel ammo operates much easier and more reliably than the softer lead pellets, at least for action shooters. And the point of Replica Action Shooters is not so much power and accuracy but more so towards rapid fire good old back yard fun shooting.
Which is Best?
Well… Neither one is best, it just depends what you are looking for.
Do you want accuracy at longer ranges - if so maybe get a Pellet CO2 Pistol.
Do you want more realism in terms of magazine loading and your slide locking back on the last shot - then you may be in the market for a BB CO2 Pistol.
Do you want more power down range - heavy pellets are going to hit harder and truer than lighter Steel BB’s.
Do you want trouble free shooting - hard steel BB’s rarely miss-feed or misfire compared to softer Lead Pellets especially in action shooters.
The best is what’s best for you and not always what's best for me…
Make sure to also checkout my full Table Top Review where you will find more details and specifications for the KWC Luger P-08 Airsoft replica pistol which is virtually the same gun as the 4.5mm BB version with the only real difference being the ammo type and the amount of rounds per magazine (21 rounds for the 4.5mm BB version and 15 rounds for the 6mm Airsoft version).
Basically in this YouTube video, I shoot the 4.5mm Steel BB version of the KWC P-08 Luger head to head against the Airsoft Version to see how they compare in terms of Feet Per Second speed and Accuracy from30 feet away from a paper target using a semi rested shooting stance. As expected the heavier 4.5mm Steel BB's shot a bit slower but did seem to have a slight advantage in the accuracy department.
Watch my YouTube Field Test Head to Head Shooting video of the KWC Luger P-08 CO2 Blowback Replica Pistols to see how they both compared:
This topic of Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns comes up often so I thought I would address it a second time around since I get a lot of new visitors and subscribers daily who may not have watched my first video explanation on this topic. You can also checkout my first video on this subject since there may be some stuff I missed out in this video second video ;)
There are really two types of people asking or commenting on Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns. The first type of person who genuinely wants to know which is best and for what reasons. Then there is the other kind of person who makes a narrow minded statement that one type is clearly better than the other type, based on their own preferences and interests but not considering that there are other people out there with different opinions and preferences than them. You know who you are and we all know you are not going to change cause that would require an open mind...
Here is a list of the Pros and Cons I go over for each style of Airgun:
Pros:
Blowback guns simulate recoil.
Blowback guns can have better and more true triggers compared to their real steel counterparts.
Blowback guns can be better suited for action shooting.
Blowback guns are better as prop guns.
Blowback guns are generally more realistic in terms of mechanics.
Non-blowback guns generally use less CO2 per shot.
Non-blowback guns generally have higher fps.
Non-blowback guns can be more accurate.
Non-blowback guns can be more reliable.
Non-blowback guns can be less expensive.
Cons:
Blowback guns generally get less shots per CO2.
Blowback guns generally have lower fps.
Blowback guns can be less accurate.
Blowback guns can be less reliable.
Blowback guns can be more costly.
Non-blowback guns do not simulate recoil.
Non-blowback guns do not have true single action only triggers.
Non-blowback guns generally have heavier triggers that slow down shooting performance.
Non-blowback guns are generally not as good for prop use and or training.
Non-blowback guns generally are not as realistic compared to their real steel counterparts.
Watch my Vimeo video where I go into detail on Blowback Airguns Versus Non-blowback Airguns again ;)
In this Vimeo video, I go over a common question I get pertaining to the recoil effect of Airguns and Blank Guns. Many people want to know if Airguns and Blank Guns have similar recoil effects to a Real Guns and if so, how much recoil will you feel from an Airgun or Blank Gun?
The short answer is yes, there is some recoil with both Airguns and Blank Guns since whenever there is a force in one direction there will be a somewhat similar force in the opposite direction creating what we feel as recoil. With Airguns since the force from the CO2 or compressed air is rather small in comparison to that of the gun powder blast from a Real Guns or even a Blank Gun, the recoil is very slight. Blank Guns have similar gun powder charges to a Real Gun and so the recoil is more noticeable but unlike a Real Gun, a Blank Gun does not really push against a sizable object like a bullet, a Blank Gun only pushes against the air in front of the barrel which has very limited resistance and so there will be much less felt recoil from a Blank Gun than the recoil from a Real Gun pushing on a heavy grain bullet.
With semi auto Guns like Blowback Pellet and BB Guns and semi auto Blank Guns, there is also the momentum and mass of the slide to consider as it moves backwards and forwards which also gives the effect of recoil and in the case of an Airgun accounts for most of the recoil felt by the shooter.
Watch my Vimeo video on this subject where I go into much more detail and explain the effect of recoil when shooting Airguns and Blank Guns:
In this Comparison Video I go through the benefits and shortcomings of CO2, Spring Piston and Pump Airguns. I focus mainly on Airguns but there is a bit of a crossover with Airsoft guns.
All three systems (CO2, Spring, Pump) create pressure that forces the ammunition with a high force out of the barrel. Similar to how gun powder is the source of energy for a bullet.
Here are some basic statements that best describe CO2, Spring Piston and Pump Airguns.
CO2 Airguns:
CO2 Airguns use the expansion of CO2 gas to create the pressure required for the ammo.
CO2 Airguns generally store enough CO2 for multiple shots per cartridge.
CO2 Airguns have a limit as to how much power they can produce since CO2 has a set vapor pressure of 850 psi, or about 56 bar at room temperature which is around 25 C or 77 F. CO2 Gas also requires a warm environment to expand so warmer temperature and longer barrels help with power.
Some CO2 guns can also use pressurized air tanks in place of CO2.
Spring Piston Airguns:
Spring Airguns use the release of a pre-cocked spring and plunger system to compress air to power the ammo.
Spring Piston Airguns require the cocking of the spring between each shot so they are single shot only.
Spring Airguns are limited to how much effort is humanly possible to cock the spring into position. If you make the spring to strong then not everyone will be able to use the Airgun effectively. Too week of a spring and the Airgun will lack power.
Spring Piston Airguns are known for having a fair amount of recoil and vibration when the spring moves both forward and backwards quickly inside the Airgun.
Spring Airguns can use either a mechanical spring or a gas spring.
Pump Airguns:
Pump Airguns (either Single or Multi-Pump) store air pressure in a chamber that when released, powers the ammo.
Most Pump Airguns require at least 1 or more pumps, often up to 10 pumps for each shot and you generally only get one shot per set of pumps. Not to be confused with PCP Airguns (Pre Charged Pneumatic) which have large pressure tanks that are recharged with a high volume of pressurized air that is capable of shooting multiple shots per charge.
Pump Airguns are also somewhat limited to how much effort is humanly possible since the higher the chamber pressure, the harder it will be to pump the Airgun.
Misc Airguns:
Generally speaking both Spring and Multi-Pump Airguns have more potential power than a CO2 guns since CO2 has a set peek pressure limit.
Pump and CO2 Airguns are know to have very little recoil since the pressure is stored in a chamber and then released by a valve. No slapping back and forth of a large internal spring.
Pros:
CO2 Airguns:
CO2 Airguns allow for multiple shots per CO2 cartridge for more realistic action shooting.
CO2 Airguns do not require any human effort to charge the gun other than loading the CO2 and Ammo into the Airgun.
CO2 Airguns allow for true semi auto shooting ability.
Spring Piston Airguns:
Spring Airguns have the potential for high velocity since the larger and stiffer the spring, the greater the output force.
Spring Airguns do not require anything other than your ammunition, typically either a Pellet or BB.
Spring Airguns are mechanically very simple which makes them very reliable and less expensive to produce than other types of Airguns.
Pump Airguns:
Pump Airguns have the potential for high velocity since more pumps equals greater output force, only limited by the users strength and the pressure rating of the Airgun.
Pump Airguns do not require anything other than your ammunition, typically either a Pellet or BB.
Pump Airguns have next to no recoil which makes them very easy to shoot and highly accurate.
Cons:
CO2 Airguns:
CO2 Airguns require the purchase and use of CO2 or they simple do not work.
CO2 Airguns are very susceptible to temperature changes, especially cold temperature since CO2 needs a warm environment in order to expand. Cool down effect also plays a role in power output.
CO2 Airguns have a maximum set amount of power output.
Spring Piston Airguns:
Spring Airguns require the pre-cocking of the spring for each shot.
Spring Airguns can take some getting used to since the spring recoil/vibration requires a very lose grip (Military Grip) to shoot accurately with them.
Spring Airguns should not be stored pre-cocked since this can damage the spring, less so with gas spring versions.
Pump Airguns:
Pump Airguns require pre-pumping to pressurize the air chamber for each shot.
Pump Airguns, especially Multi-Pump Airguns take the most amount of human effort for each shot.
Pump Airguns need to stored with at least one pump in them or the seals can get damaged over time.
In this Comparison video I go through the benefits and shortcomings of both Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns. I focus mainly on Airguns but there is a definite crossover with Airsoft guns.
Here are some basic statements that best describe both Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns.
Blowback Airguns:
Blowback Airguns usually have a movable slide that moves back and forth with each shot.
Sometimes the blowback operation is internal (Internal bolt) so there may not be an external moveable slide.
Some CO2 is used to move the slide rearwards in a Blowback Airgun.
The Blowback motion of the slide with some blowback airguns can also cock the hammer or internal striker allowing for true single action trigger pull. But not always!
Some Blowback airguns have the potential for full auto capabilities since they can have a true semi auto action.
There is some noticeable recoil from the Blowback action simulating the recoil of a real gun.
Non-Blowback Airguns:
Non-Blowback Airguns can have fixed or movable slides but they will not cycle back and forth with each shot.
Non-Blowback Airguns tend to have less working parts since no Blowback valves are required or even a moveable slide.
There are some Blowback and Non-Blowback Airguns that field strip similarly to their real steel counterparts but this is most commonly found in Blowback Airguns.
Non-Blowback Airguns require the shooter to cock the hammer for single action shooting or use a double action trigger pull for semi auto like performance.
Pros:
Blowback Airguns:
Blowback Action causes a noticeable recoil which makes the airgun feel more realistic.
Blowback Airguns in some cases have true semi auto action with true single action triggers which mimic the authenticity of the real steel versions of the guns they replicate much better making them better training tools.
Having some recoil makes blowback Airguns potentially better training tools.
Blowback Airguns look really cool when shooting them and are great action prop guns.
Non-Blowback Airguns:
Non-Blowback Airguns tend to have less working parts so less to go wrong and more reliability.
Non-Blowback Airguns can be more accurate since the recoil from the blowback is not a factor.
Non-Blowback Airguns have more potential power and more shots per CO2 since no CO2 is robbed for the blowback operation.
Cons:
Blowback Airguns:
Blowback operation can rob some of the power and will also rob how many shots you get from the Airgun.
Blowback Airguns are effected even more by cold weather and the cool down effect.
The recoil from Blowback Airguns can effect accuracy for some shooters.
Non-Blowback Airguns:
Non-Blowback airguns are generally double action when shooting semi auto and so the trigger pull will be longer and heavier.
Non-Blowback Airguns do not replicate the recoil action of a real gun.
Non-Blowback Airguns do not look as cool to shoot and are not as good of an action prop gun.
