This is not to say that a “Real Gun” is not as good as an Airgun or better in other ways, in this video I’m just pointing out how an Airgun in some cases can actually be better suited than a Real Gun.
Availability: What I mean by this, is that in many countries Real Guns can be very hard to acquire and often require safety course and applications before one can purchase a Real Gun. I have no problem with this but it is a reality that must be considered. Having an Airgun versus not having a gun at all makes it a better option for people that live in countries that have strict gun laws. Here in Canada we are allowed Real Guns, even pistols but we do have restriction on our pistols and so I can only get certain guns in an Airgun version. As a collector this is better than not having the gun at all.
Price to Buy: Generally speaking you can pickup an enter level Airgun for much less money than a real gun.
Cost to Shoot: Real gun ammo prices have been steadily increasing to the point that a day out shooting can cost several hundred dollars just on the ammunition alone.
Comparison of Price:
50 rounds of 9mm ammo will cost around $18.00
6000 rounds of 4.5mm Steel BB will cost about $18.00
CO2 is a bit less than $1 per 12 gram Cylinder which can yield up to 100 shots each.
To shoot 100 rounds of 9mm will cost close to $40 versus 100 shots of 4.5mm steel BB at around $1.
For this reason alone an Airgun can make a lot of sense even for Real Gun owners looking to get more cost effective practice time.
Access to Shooting Locations: Depending on where you live you will have to consider your local laws and where you are allowed to shoot both types of guns but typically you can shoot an Airgun safely just about anywhere as long as you implement some backstop safety precautions. Here in Canada we can only shoot a pistol at designated gun ranges, where as Airguns have a lot more allowances to shot them as long as you are not braking any city bylaws.
Training Guns: Even if you plan to eventually step up to a Real Gun at some point, an airgun is a great option to first learn proper gun handling skills since if you where to make a mistake, the consequences are much less severe. Airguns are also a lot less intimidating than a real gun since they are much quieter and have less recoil, you don’t even need to wear ear protection with most Airguns which means an instructor can communicate to his pupil on the range a lot easier.
Prop Guns: Since Replica Airguns look so much like real guns these day, they can often be used as a safer substitute for use in Movie, TV or other Photo and Video productions. Using a Real Gun on set generally requires a certified “Gun Wrangler” be on hand as Real Guns must be transported, stored and handled using very strict regulations. Airguns generally do not need to follow the same rigid regulations that Real Guns are bound to.
Tactical Training with Live Targets: Obviously shooting a real gun at a live target would not fair well for anyone involved, so that is completely out of the question. Airsoft Airguns are however perfect for Tactical Training and other weapons based simulations. All that is required for safety when using Airsoft guns is the use of eye protection and generally some heavy clothing.
I am sure there are some more areas in which Airguns may have the advantage over a Real Gun but these are the main ones that I could think of.
It has been a while since I picked out some of my favorite guns, after all my favorite gun picks change on a daily basis since there are so many awesome guns out there to pick from.
This Vimeo video is a little different since I pick out my favorites from a bunch of mostly replica gun categories including Steel BB, Pellet, Airsoft, Revolvers and Blank Pistols.
You may notice most of my picks happen to be blowback guns but to me airguns are all about being as realistic as possible and having blowback operation to me help to simulate the realism that much more. The exception in this video is in the pellet gun category since I decided on a pellet gun that was more about function and purpose over being any type of real replica.
Hopefully you take the time to watch my entire Vimeo video since I also bring out some close runner ups but here is a list of my top picks on this day, tomorrow it could be a completely different list of guns ;)
In this Field Test Shooting video I test out the KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol to determine what the real work velocity is and also how well it performs in terms of accuracy. To test velocity I use a my Chrony Chronograph and do my best to get 5 good readings which I then average out. I always use a brand new 12 gram CO2 cartridge and generally use .20 gram plastic Airsoft BB's for my entire Field Testing. To test accuracy I set myself up 30 feet back using a semi rested position, to do this I place a sand bag to rest my hand and gun on and then stand securely in the back while I place 10 rounds on a paper target. There is obviously some humane factor involved but I can usually get a good idea on how accurate a given gun is.
During the Velocity or Feet Per Second Chronograph testing, I did manage to get 5 good readings, not all in a row but all within the first 10 or so shots. The KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol shot hard and averaged 420fps again using .20 gram Airsoft BB's.
For my accuracy testing, all 10 shots placed within about 3 inches and they where fairly well centered left to right but did shoot a little bit high, this could be corrected using the hop-up adjustment to bring the Airsoft BB's down just a little.
I was rather surprised at how loud the KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is, it is by far one of the loudest CO2 Pistols I have shot to date other than the Umarex Desert Eagle Pellet Pistol. The KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol also has a lot of blowback kick which makes it a lot of fun to shoot. Don't expect a lot of shots per CO2 since it uses a lot of CO2 per shot but in my books it is worth it for the added blowback recoil.
The KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol may shoot a little bit hot for indoor Airsoft close quarters games but if you plan to use it outdoors at longer ranges it would definitely send Airsoft BB's out to further away targets. You could also pickup a Green Gas Magazine to lower the FPS about 50fps or so which would calm the KJWorks KP-11 down enough for indoor shooting.
Action: Semi auto, single & double action with full blowback.
Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 25 round full size drop out metal magazine.
FPS: 366+ with extended barrel.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol is surprisingly light in single action mode, there is also minimal takeup. When shooting in double action the trigger pull length is much longer and heavier and has a bit of a stickiness too it but since this is a blowback pistol most of your shooting will be in single action mode where the trigger feels great!
Accuracy: I haven't done a dedicated Field Test Shooting Video yet for the VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol but I did get the chance to play around with it when I did my I.C.U. 2.0 HD Action Camera review. In terms of power and accuracy it feels pretty good and you can expect to get decent power and accuracy out of it, we will have to wait and see how it performs on paper targets and when tested on the Chrony.
Build Quality: The VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol is well made overall, I have found pretty much all the VFC airguns I have gotten my hands on seem to be well made and very realistic. you will find metal parts where they would be on the real Steel version of this pistol and same goes for plastic parts like the frame in this case. The finish seems to be holding up nicely too for me.
Realism: VFC really seams to pay a lot of attention to every detail of their Airsoft guns and the VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol is no exception. All the mechanical working parts on this Airsoft version work as they would on the real .45 ACP FN Herstal FNX45, even the extractor is a separate part not moulded into the slide like you would find on most Airsoft pistols. You also get Interchangeable Back Straps to accommodate different hand sizes and of course it's fully FN licensed!
Excellent reproduction of the real steel FN Herstal FNX45 in looks and operation.
Very Crisp Firm full blowback operation.
Excellent fit and finish.
Everything is Ambidextrous so great for lefties too.
High Rise sighs suitable for the addition of a moc suppressor.
Comes with two interchangeable internal barrel lengths.
Fully field strip-able.
Fully FN Herstal Licensed.
Cons:
Comes with a red tip.
Magazine is kind of shiny
My serial number plate fell off while shooting it so make sure yours is on tight.
Comments:
Like I have mentioned throughout this review, VFC not only makes super realistic Airsoft guns, they also make a really high quality product. The VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol is another example of this and offers everything you would hope to expect in an Airsoft Replica! The only down side is the orange tip but that can be sorted out easy enough after you get it. It's definitely not a small gun so keep that in mind when deciding on buying it, overall the VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol is a really nice Airsoft gun at a reasonable price point.
My Vimeo Video Review for the VFC FN Herstal FNX45 Tactical GBB Airsoft Pistol:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KJWorks KP-11 1911 is very good since it is modeled after a real steel 1911 which makes it short and crisp with a nice 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 predictable. 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 KP-11 M1911 Airsoft Pistol so I do not have any definitive feedback for you but based on my experiences shooting other KJWorks 1911 styled Airsoft CO2 Pistols I expect it to have great blowback action recoil, a nice trigger and good overall FPS and accuracy. In terms of reliability, KJWorks pistols are solid in this department.
Build Quality: As expected, the KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol build quality is exactly like all the other KJWorks Airsoft guns I've tested so far, Build quality for the price point is top notch with tolerances between the moving parts like the slide and frame are extremely tight showing excellent workmanship and machining from KJWorks. The finish is always a step above other similar styled Airsoft and BB guns, youn really don't have to worry about the finish coming of as easy.
Realism: The KJWorks CO2 KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 Blowback Airsoft Pistol copies the real steel very popular even today Colt 1911 45 caliber pistol, it 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. This Hi-Capa version has a more tactical look with a wider frame for what would be a double stack hi capacity styled magazine.
Has really good weight but not too heavy since it has a polymer frame..
Expect to have typical KJWorks crisp and firm full blowback operation.
Excellent fit and finish. I like the mat textured finish which looks to bed super durable.
Nice bright white dot sights, really easy to see.
I like the look of the tactical hammer and trigger.
Nice high capacity magazine with a little extra zing for the CO2 Mag.
Fully field strip-able.
Cons:
Is not really setup up for left handers with no real ambidextrous components.
CO2 magazine is long to accommodate the 12 gram CO2.
Grips may be a bit thick for smaller hands.
Comments:
I love 1911 pistols and enjoy shooting them, there is something about how they feel in the hand that is different form most other pistols. They always feel so solid. The KJWorks Airsoft versions capture that feeling exactly and again the little bit more you may pay for a KJWorks 1911 over some other lesser quality Full blowback 1911's is worth the cost in my books. This Hi-Capa 1911 version with it's tactical look and finish would make a great game player for sure!
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the KJWorks KP-11 Hi-Capa 1911 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol:
Recently I picked up my new Chrony Beta Shooting Chronograph to replace my F-1 that has not been working so well for me in past videos... I wanted to get outside and give it a try shooting a few of the airguns that I was not able to test out properly. Now I know that under my patio deck, the lighting is not optimal even on sunny days and because of this I have never expected to get perfectly consistent fps recording but as many of you know, my old Chrony F-1 was pretty much not working at all near the end there.
I have ordered a light kit which will help out a lot especially when summer is over and the sky becomes more overcast. But for now I decided to test my Chrony Beta Chronograph under my deck roof as I have been testing all along and see if I can get better results with this newer Beta version.
So makes sure to watch my Vimeo video testing of my Chrony Beta Shooting Chronograph shooting a selection of airguns.
I was personally confused about some of the similarities and differences between several models of KJWorks Beretta M9 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistols, so I decided to make a video where I go over 4 models of KJWorks M9 Pistols and point out the commonalities and differences between them.
Here are the 4 versions of KJWorks Beretta M9 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistols:
All of them come with interchangeable 25 round CO2 Magazines.
All of them shoot around 360+ fps.
All have a metal slide and frame.
All weigh close to the same weight (2.1 - 2.4 pounds).
All shoot in single and double action.
All have ambidextrous safeties.
All have white dot sights.
Prices range from $184 -$200.
Here is a list of the differences between them:
The VE, Vertex and M9A1 come in a semi gloss finish while the Tactical is more of a matt black.
The VE and M9A1 have rails for accessory attachments while the Vertex and Tactical do not.
The Vertec, Tactical and M9A1 have laniard loops while the VE does not.
Some slight trigger guard differences between the models but very subtle.
The Vertex and M9A1 share the same style classic Beretta pistol grip, The Tactical has a tactical finger pistol grip and the VE has it’s own unique pistol grip.
Make sure to watch my Vimeo video where I cover this information in detail:
Another Airsoft Pistol Preview Video to share with everyone. First up we have a nice lighter weight CO2 powered 1911 from KJWorks called the KP-11 The lower receiver is polymer which helps to keep this gun a little bit lighter all around but it still has good weight to it coming in at a little over 2 pounds, the grips are larger than some 1911's since the KP-11 has a double stack style full size drop out metal magazine. You will also find some nice Tactical upgrade like adjustable white dot sights, a lower rail for accessories and milled trigger and hammer.
I also show off an interesting and not all that common pistol from Cybergun, the FNX -45 Tactical in Gas Blowback. For import into Canada it ships with a longer barrel which stick out of the front of the gun but it also comes with a shorter barrel you can install after your receive it. The Longer barrel gives the Cybergun FNX -45 Tactical Airsoft Pistol the extra velocity to allow it to be Canada import ready. The FNX -45 Tactical is a really detailed and well built Airsoft Pistol. By the way the FNX -45 Tactical is also availabl in Dark Earth color.
Here are some of the specifications for the KJWorks KP-11 and Cybergun FNX -45 Tactical Airsoft Pistols:
Propulsion: Green gas or 12 Gram CO2 dependant on magazine used.
Action: Blowback,Single action only.
Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 29 rounds.
FPS: 410-440 fps
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine is pretty much exactly like a real Ruger 10/22, nice and short, not to light or heavy, crisp and single action only. If you already have a Ruger 10/22 and want to pickup this Airsoft version for some anytime shooting then you will not be disappointed in the trigger since it is already what you are used to.
Accuracy: I decided to setup my paper target a little further out than my standard 30 feet, so I took it back to around 50 feet and put around 24 shots into it in a fairly quick succession from a rested position. The KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine grouped continently and well centred on target getting around a 3 inch grouping. This was using a red dot scope but with the out of the box hop-up setting in place. I was a little bit surprised by my fps results as my Chronograph recorded an impressive 445 average 5 shot fps using the lower powered green gas magazine. All shot where within only a few fps of each other too! I can only imagine how hard this gun would shoot using the alternative CO2 Magazine. Blowback action was just enough to give some feedback and of course allowed for the bolt to cycle giving the KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine a true single action trigger pull.
Build Quality: The build quality for all KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine is very good with a nice weight and feel to it, It really does feel like I am holding a real Ruger 10/22 and it is one of the most popular semi auto 22LR rifles out there for a reason. Mechanically this Ryger 10/22 copy works great, super consistent and very responsive. The fit and finish as with all KJWorks guns is top notch.
Realism: The KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine is for all intents and purposes simple an Airsoft version of the Ruger 10/22 and even though I have no way to confirm this, I would imagine many 10/22 after market accessories may actually work with the KJWork 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine. Everything works just like it would on a real 10/22 without the loud noise and ejecting shells.
Built on the very popular 10/22 platform so lots of people are going to be very familiar with this rifle and may want an Airsoft version they can shoot just about any time they feel like it.
Good weight and feel to it.
Blowback semi auto action with true single action trigger.
Lots of rail access points for tons of add on accessories.
Pop-up fully adjustable sights stay out of the way but are ready to go when needed.
Easy to adjust Hop-up.
Available magazines in both CO2 and Green Gas.
Adjustable AR styled rear stock with AR pistol grips.
Sling mounts included.
Works with standard Airsoft screw on flash hider or suppressors.
Awesome FPS and consistency.
Very accurate even at 50 feet, around a 3 inch 25 shot grouping.
Cons:
No full auto mode.
Higher capacity mag would have been nice.
Would be nice to have a higher capacity magazine for it.
Comments:
I am really impressed with the KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine! It feel and shoots a lot like the real steel version but with less noise and recoil. For back yard shooting fun and practice you can not find a cheaper gun out there to simulate shooting your real 10/22 and of course this rifle used on an Airsoft field would be a perfect fir for almost any shooting environment since it is light, compact, accurate and powerful. I think I found my newest favorite Blowback Airsoft Rifle :)
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the KJWork KC-02 Version 2 10/22 Gas Blowback Airsoft Carbine:
Some more of my Personal airgun pistols for sale! I am showcasing here on the Replica Airguns website and over on the Replica Airguns YouTube channel a series of videos I am making for the purpose of selling some guns out of my personal collection. I simply have to make room for the new guns I will be testing and reviewing for everyone, my collection has gotten a little bit out of hand and needs to be thinned down a bit :)
In this 6th Mike's Personal Guns For Sale video, I am offering three of my Airsoft pistols, the super popular Dan Wesson 6 Inch Silver in pretty much brand new condition complete with the box, manual, speed loader and shells. I also have tow rather hard to get Airsoft guns that are in somewhat limited working condition and need a little TLC. But the simple fact that they are not easily obtained here in Canada does bring up their value a little bit.
Make sure to watch my above YouTube video to see these Airsoft Pistols I am selling and instructions on how you can take part in the sale and purchase of them. By the way I am only selling to Canadian residents since shipping cross borders is a little sketchy.
Here is a list of the Airsoft Pistols I am selling from my personal gun collection:
In this 2016 SHOT Show Interview I talk with Chip Hunnucutt from Crosman Corporation. Chip was eager to show off Crosman's new Airbow which is a essentially a hybrid PCP Air Rifles combined with a Crossbow. SO take away the bow and replace the power source with a 3000 PSI compressed air system that is capable of shooting standard archery arrows at 450 fps with 160 foot pounds of energy using 375 grain arrows.
The Crosman Airbow on a full 3000 PSI charge can deliver 8 consecutive shots @ the regulated 450 fps. The Airbow also weighs in at 7 pounds and being that it is a Bullpup design it is only 33.5 inches long so nice and compact for an arrow shooter.
Since the power is generated by the PCP compressed air system there is no heavy cocking rope so a simple lift of the ambidextrous cocking bolt is all that is needed to charge the Crosman Airbow. The Airbow also comes standard with a CenterPoint® 6x40 mm scope specially designed with the Airbow in mind.
Since the Crosman Airbow is technically an under 500 fps airgun, it should be considered an uncontrolled firearm here in Canada which means no PAL license will be required to buy and own the Crosman Airbow in Canada. In terms of using the Airbow for hunting as it is not a bow but rather an Airgun, that is yet to be determined here in Canada.
In this 2016 SHOT Show Interview I talk with Bob Li from Action Sport Games. Bob shows me some of the new products this year from ASG. Some of ASG's newer pistols are the Dan Wesson 715, the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow, the CZ P-09. New to the rifle line is the CZ Bren 80, also a couple of sniper rifles, the M40A5 and M40A3. ASG is also coming out with a an Inferno HPA version of their CZ Scorpion EVO 3A1.
The ASG Dan Wesson 715 has ot me my favorite product from ASG, you need to hold it in your hand to really understand how solid this pistol really is at close to 3 pounds. Everything about it is an improvement over previous Dan Wesson models including the trigger and hammer action, crane setup and the more actuate frame length with the new more compact internal CO2 valve. The ASG Dan Wesson 715 will be shipping in 4.5mm Steel BB, 6mm Plastic Airsoft and .177 caliber pellet versions.
ASG's two new Full blowback CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow, the CZ P-09 pistols should be coming out shortly, both will be available in 4.5mm Steel BB and 6mm Plastic Airsoft. Both pistols feature a metal slide and frame with full size drop out metal magazines and will have CO2 and Green Gas magazine configurations. The CZ P-09 will have a threaded barrel and barrel protector.
This is my SHOT Show 2016 Teaser Video! You will get to see some new gun highlights from companies like Umarex, ASG, Crosman, Sig Sauer, KWA and ISC. I will be following up this video with some interview videos very soon so do make sure to check back for those uploads. All I can say about the show is it’s huge! So much to see, so much walking and too much to take in…
ASG:
As always, ASG had some new products this year. The all new Dan Wesson 715 357 Magnum shell loading Revolver! This gun feels absolutely amazing in the hand and will be available in Steel BB, Airsfot and even Pellet shooting versions. Also new are the CZ P-09 and CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Full Blowback BB and Airsoft Pistols.
Crosman:
Big at Crosman this year was their PCP Airbow, Crosman put a lot of focus on this product and even had a lot of crossbows on display to go with their new PCP Airbow. Crosman also introduced their low cost entry level Benjamin Maximus PCP rifle in .177 and .22 calibers offerings. Not really much in the way of replica pistols from Crosman this year, but then again last year was kind of the same?
Sig Sauer:
I finally made it to the Sig Sauer Booth this year to checkout their new CO2 Pellet gun line. All new Sig Airguns are made true to size and weight with similar trigger actions as their real steel versions. The Sig MPX is their more compact (shorter barreled) pellet shooting CO2 rifle with internal blowback and belt fed 30 round magazine. The Sig MCX is the longer barreled rifle version but built much the same as the MPX. Sig also introduced two new pellet shooting CO2 Blowback Pistols, the P226 and the P250. Both use similar double ended rotary magazines as the Umarex PX4.
Umarex:
Umarex always seems to have some new exciting Airguns products to offer at SHOT Show. The PPK is back with a few updates including no more ugly CO2 tab sticking out of the bottom! And yes the Beretta Model 92A1 will finally be shipping soon, I believe in February! My favorite product this year from Umarex would have to be the Full Blowback, Full size drop out magazine S&W M&P 40 CO2 BB Pistol. Umarex released yet another 1911 on the market, this version does come with a stick mag and sports pretty high fps and more shots per CO2 then the KWC based 1911’s. The super popular Colt SAA Revolver is now available in a pellet shooting version with a rifled barrel :) Umarex had on display another low cost revolver, the ultra futuristic looking Brodax CO2 BB Revolver.
KWA:
KWA always has really nice high quality products to showoff at there booth each year, we may even start carrying some of KWA's products this year, fingers crossed on that one… New to the KWA line are some AEG rifles with simulated blowback action, I really liked the Blowback AEG AK they had on display. KWA also released a new Airsoft shell loading revolvers that had some of the nicest looking brass and aluminum shells. On display under a glass cover was a very solid Gas Blowback Thompson Machine-gun with real wood stock, it was absolutely gorgeous!
ISC:
ISC known for their top quality AEG internals, had their full line of high quality Airsoft rifles on display. And new this year to ICS was their first ever Airsoft pistol, the blowback BLE Alpha. The BLE should be out mid year and looked and felt really nice. The trigger on it was super short and light.
I have some really awesome Interview videos I’m working on, I will be uploading them shortly so stay tuned for those…
When I say Airguns, I am referring to pretty much all BB, Airsoft, Pellet, Paintball and even Blank guns for most of the topics listed here.
Do’s:
Treat your Airgun just like you would a real gun. If something goes wrong, perhaps the outcome will not be as severe but do you really want to take a trip down to your local emergency ward to get a BB or Pellet removed?
Always assume your airgun is loaded, for some reason it always seems those empty guns are the ones that do the most damage.
Be discrete, If it looks like a gun other people will think it is a gun so don’t flash your airguns around in public. Keep it in a case when transporting and shoot it in an area that will not alarm other people.
Always wear eye protection when shooting your Airgun. Do you really want to shoot your eye out? No Joke!
Be aware of your surroundings like windows, hard objects that could make your ammo bounce back at you. Make sure you are shooting your Airgun in a safe direction at all times, know your target and beyond.
Use Airguns to teach others and learn how to safely and effectively shoot a gun. Airguns can be less intimidating then a real gun (Not so loud and very little recoil) and make for great start out and transitions guns.
Use Airguns to get more inexpensive trigger time and become a more experienced shooter. Airguns cosy only pennies per round to shoot and can be shot in way more areas than a real gun can, practice makes perfect so get shooting!
Use Airguns in areas where real guns may not be allowed or safe to use. Again, Airguns can be shot in all kinds of places, in your back yard or even in a properly setup indoor home range.
Use Airguns with adequate power for safe and humane pest control where real guns may be prohibited.Airguns are quiet and less likely for the bullet to travel long ranges which makes them ideal for close range pest control in areas where real guns are too loud and to powerful.
Don’ts:
Do not assume because it is an airgun it is not dangerous or simply a toy. Many Deaths have been caused by Airguns along with a lot of pain and suffering so treat your Airgun with respect. It is not a toy or you would find them in the toy department at your local store along with yo-yos and stuffed animals.
Do not point or shoot at people unless of course you are using an Airsoft gun in an Airsoft field or facility. Yes Airsoft guns are meant to shoot at each other (with appropriate attire like eye protection and full body clothing), but steel BB and Pellet can cause serious injury especially at close range and on direct skin contact.
Do not leave your Airgun loaded, you never know who is going to come across it and accidentally discharge it. Remember, a loaded gun is a dangerous gun in the wrong hands. You may know better than to assume the gun is undulated but children and even adults without any gun training will most definitely handle the airgun without consideration of the danger it poses.
Do not use an Airgun for self protection. See my related video. Simply put, Airguns are not practical for self defense because they rarely have enough Stopping Power. The ones that do have enough power need to be pre-charged and in most cases are only single shot meaning if you miss or don’t get the job done no the first shot then you are done.
Do not use an underpowered Airgun for pest control. See related video. Using a low powered BB pistol for pest control is cruel, you will only injure the animal making it suffer unnecessarily. Use a high powered pellet rifle to get the job done.
Do not take your gun apart, in most cases this will void the warranty and the reality is that airguns rarely need to be cleaned since no dirty gun powder is used. lead pellet rifles may require occasional barrel cleaning to keep the rifled barrel free of debris.
Do not over oil your Airgun, a little goes a long way and too much oil will just attracted dirt, use the right airgun oil and just enough to keep part functioning smoothly.
Do not over pump an Airgun. Over pumping an Airgun can cause damage to valves and seals and in a worse case situation a rupture the air pressure reservoir or even cause the airgun to explode!
Can I use Airsoft BB's in my BB Pistol? I would have to say this is by far the number one question I get asked in the comments section of my Vimeo videos. I have made several videos where this question gets addressed within the video but so far to date I have not made a stand alone video just covering Airsoft BB use in BB Guns.
So here it is, and now I have a video I can link to this so very common question, if you where wondering about this yourself than please watch my YouTube Video on this topic as it goes into a fair amount of detail about it.
The short answer to this question is no, you can not use 6mm Airsoft BB's in a 4.5mm Steel BB Pistol or Rifle. For the simple reason that 6mm is larger than 4.5mm and so the physical diameter of a6mm Plastic Airsoft BB is just to large to fit inside of a 4.5mm Steel BB magazine or barrel.
People have commented about using a 4.5mm plastic Airsoft BB in a 4.5mm BB gun and yes this could in theory be an option but I discuss why I feel this is not a good idea based on size and mass.
I'm getting close to uploading 600 videos now over on the Replica Airguns Vimeo channel, so there are bound to be a lot of similar questions and popular discussions. In this Replica Airguns Vimeo Video I address what I feel are my Top 10 Most Common Airgun Questions and Discussions.
This Video Review focuses on the shooting aspects of the Baikal MP-53M. I test it out to see what kind of velocity it can achieve and I also perform an accuracy test to see how straight and true it shoots.
My first test, the velocity test I performed using my Chronograph shooting 5 7 grain RWS lead pellets. the fps ranged from 303 to 341 fps with an average 5 shot reading of 319 feet per second. Keep in mind the Baikal MP-53M is strictly a target shooter and is not meant for pest control so these readings are perfectly adequate for this this pistols purposes. The lower velocity also makes for a nice easy cocking effort.
Moving on to the accuracy portion of this field test shooting review, I performed my usual 30 foot paper target test using a semi rested stance standing in the back with a sandbag up front to rest my hands on. This position is fairly stable but not perfect so there is always so human factor to consider and with a springer which I am not super proficient at so there where a couple of shot that I pulled. For the most part the majority of my shots with stayed within about a 1 inch grouping but I know with practice the Baikal MP-53M would shoot under a half inch for sure.
A couple of side notes about the Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol... It has a super nice trigger which is very light and crisp which will aid in accuracy for sure. I did find that the rear sight moved around a little bit, it seemed to rise a bit and I had to press down on it just a little to keep my shots consistent. The spring is not terribly strong so recoil is minimal for a springer and it is very easy to cock.
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:
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol is a nice light 2 pounds and the release stage is also crisp, the trigger is not adjustable but it is really nice the way it is with virtually no take-up and a crisp release.
Accuracy: At this point I have only plinked around a bit with the Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol, I have not really tested it out on a paper target or put any rounds through the Chronograph. It does however seem to have pretty decent power for a low effort springer and I was able to place most shots on my targets down range. Stay posted for my full Field Test Shooting Video where I will put the Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol through its paces.
Build Quality: The Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol is made in typical Russian fashion, it may not be super pretty or have the best finishing out there but all the parts are built to last, even the plastic parts are made using weapons grade materials and the 8.5 inch rifled barrel is hammer-forged.
Realism: The Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol is not a replica gun, it is purely made to be a single shot target pistol for plinking purposes. I would not even recommend the Baikal MP-53M for pest control as it is under powered for that purpose. This pistol is simply for placing lead pellets into targets down range. Nothing more.
Anti-beartrap spring piston mechanism. (No pinched fingers)
Baikal quality hammer-forged rifled barrel.
Fully adjustable sights.
Inexpensive to shoot, all you need is a tin of pellets.
Russian made durability.
Ambidextrous pistol grip.
Easy to cock (only 13 pound cocking effort).
Really light and crisp 2 pound trigger pull.
Cons:
Not supper powerful so not good for pest control.
Trigger is non-adjustable but feels really good anyway.
No easy way to mount a scope or red dot without modifications.
Comments:
The Baikal MP-53M Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol is a great choice if you're looking for a simple but really well built air springer for target shooting. There are cheaper springers like the Umarex Browning Buckmark and of course there are more expensive springers like the Webley Tempest but if your looking for a reasonably priced, high quality and good overall performing Break Barrel .177 Pellet Air Pistol than the Baikal MP-53M should fit the bill with its hammer-forged rifled barrel, anti-beartrap mechanism, ambidextrous grip and fully adjustable rear sight.
Watch my Vimeo Video Review for this Russian made Spring Piston Air Pistol:
