This was the first time shooting a blank gun in the new Sea Can and I can tell you it was pretty loud inside but of course I was wearing ear protection! In this Blank Gun Shooting video I test out the ARAL Model 1453 and 622K 9mm PAK Blank Guns and put 3 rounds through each of them.
Not everything went as planned. First off my high speed slow motion camera decided to not work :( and secondly I had some technical issues with both guns, well sort of...
Since the manual for the ARAL Model 1453 does not cover what I believed to be a safety on the back of the slide, I had no idea and was surprised to find out that rather than a safety, this selector switch is actually a semi and full auto selector which is kind cool but not so much when you're not expecting your blank gun to be shooting in semi auto :) Keep in mind this semi-full auto switch is only on the all black ARAL Model 1453 and not the two tone version.
Moving on to the ARAL Model 622K 9mm PAK Blank, I have a feeling that perhaps a different brand of ammo may have worked better in it. The 9mm PAK Blanks I used worked OK but I did get a failure to eject and the last round seemed to also not eject properly probably because there was no bullet in the mag too help direct it out of the breach area.
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:
What do yo know, a new Blank Gun Review! It's been a while since I actually saw some new Blank Guns other than our ROHM selection that made it past our wonderful Canada Customs.
But still it's nice to hold a new Blank Gun in my hands even if it's not the best quality. The two ARAL blank guns I take a look at in this Table Top Video Review are the ARAL Model 1453 and ARAL 622K 9mm PAK versions. Both are front venting and both have double stack 14 round magazines. They also have threaded inner barrels however no flare adaptor came with either on of them and I only got an included manual with the ARAL Model 1453.
In terms of what exactly real steel guns do they look like or resemble? The ARAL Model 1453 is kind of like a big chunky and somewhat ugly looking Glock. I have nick named mine the RoboGlock :)
The ARAL 622K resembles a CZ 75 but it's a fair bit smaller in size and much shorter. The finish on my ARAL 622K is really bad, it looks like someone took a can of spray paint and painted it themselves. But still they are working blank guns, well let's hope so when I test them out in my upcoming Field Test Shooting video... Fingers crossed!
It's been a rather long time since I made an Airsoft Rifle Field Shooting Test video. I like to shoot a bit further out than 30 feet when using a rifle. Unfortunately the weather outside is getting really cold where I live so my testing will have to all be done inside the Replica Airguns Sea Can Airgun Range which only allows for about 30 feet worth of distance to my paper target. I figure if I can get a tight group at 30 feet than it shouldn't spread out too much at longer ranges!
Since the G&G ARP-9 and G&G ARP-556 have identical internals and similar barrel lengths I figured I only really needed to test one of them out so I picked the G&G ARP-556 AEG Airsoft CQB and put 5 shots through my Chrony Chronograph to get my Field Test Started. The G&G ARP-556 AEG Airsoft CQB shot a nice consistent 400 fps which is as high as I would want to go for indoor CQB type shooting. The BB's sure did get to my paper target quickly!
I followed my velocity testing with an accuracy test at 30 feet back using a rested shooting position, sand bag up front and sitting in the back. I first placed 10 rounds on my paper target in semi-auto and hit the 1.5 inch bullseye with every shot! I think this may have been a first for me using an Airsoft rifle? Of course I had to switch the G&G ARP-556 AEG Airsoft CQB over to full auto and see how she would perform. Since I was using an 11.2 volt bolt battery the rate of fire was crazy fast but even so in full-auto the bulk of the shots still hit the center bullseye cutting out a 2 inch hole in my paper target. The G&G ARP-556 AEG Airsoft CQB is a beast that I would not want to be on the receiving end of!
I'm pretty sure I found my go to AEG M4 styled CQB rifle, I'm not sure how you could beat the results I got shooting the G&G ARP-556 AEG Airsoft CQB. And if you're looking for a slightly lighter and less expensive version with the same performance then take a look at the G&G ARP-9 AEG Airsoft CQB.
First off make sure to checkout my Table top review for the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol, it really is a nice Beretta Airsoft copy, perhaps one of the best out there!
In the Field Test Shooting Video I perform my standard Chronograph and accuracy tests on the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol. I put 5 rounds through my Chrony Chronograph using .20 gram plastic Airsoft BB's with a full propane filled magazine. My Sea Can indoor airgun range was warmed up sufficiently for a gas gun test but I found the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol did shoot a tad bit slower than the 330 or so claimed fps coming in closer to 300fps. Still totally usable for indoor airgun wars.
Moving onto my accuracy test I placed 10 shots on target 30 feet down range using a rested shooting position, sitting in the back and sand bag up front. This time I was impressed with how tight a group I got, I was able to get the bulk of the shots all within about three quarters of an inch with only two shots hitting just a little outside of this. I did notice the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol was shooting a bit low for me but that can be easily corrected by adjusting the the internal hop-up to raise the shot placement up as required.
The G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol has a somewhat relaxed blowback but has plenty to give some recoil feel. You will get at least a full 27 round magazines worth of shots from each gas fill, perhaps even two if you stretch out your shooting a bit.
Type: Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: G&G Model: GPM92 Materials: Metal slide & frame. Weight: 2.24 pounds (1016 grams). Length: 8.9 inches total Barrel: 4.6 inches,Metal non-rifled smooth bore. Propulsion: Green gas or propane. Action: Blowback, single and double action. Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 27 rounds. FPS: 350+ fps.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol is very good in both single and double action. Double action is a bit longer but not that much heavier when shooting in single action. 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 G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol but I did get the chance to shot it quickly in my Sea Can indoor shooting range. Blowback felt good and accuracy seemed tight even though I was shooting free hand. I did notice the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol shot just a little bit low but I can adjust the hop-up slightly to account for it.
Build Quality: Like pretty much all G&G Airsoft guns, the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol build quality is right inline. Fit and finish where excellent and a lot of attention to detail was seen all over this Replica Airsoft Pistol. There is also some new gas valve technology from G&G that should significantly help with freezing in colder or fast shooting situations.
Realism: The G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol is an excellent replica of the real steel Beretta Mod. 92FS, the safety even acts as a working decocker. You'll also find 5, 10, and 15 numbered markings on the backside of the magazine that would normally indicate how many bullets are in the magazine, a nice touch for sure! Everything works pretty much the same as it would on a real Beretta M9 including the ability to fully field strip the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol.
Whirl Cylinder Valve system should expect to get decent amounts of shots per gas fill.
White dot sights front and back.
Comes with hard shell case.
Very detailed full size drop out metal magazine.
20mm rail for accessories.
Comes with high quality speed loader.
Safety also works as a decocker.
Threaded removable barrel tip for add on mock suppressor.
Cons:
Sights are non adjustable.
A little bit more expensive than some other Beretta M92 full blowback Airsoft pistols
Barrel opening not as recessed as much as a real 9mm would be.
Comments:
I would have to say the G&G GPM92 is one of the nicest Beretta Model 92FS Airsoft Pistols you are going to find out there. There is a ton of attention to detail for sure, You also get the hard shell case with included high quality speed loader and G&G's new Advanced Safety Release Valve and Revolutionary Whirl Cylinder Valve that help with freeze-up issues. You might pay just a smidgen more that some other similar Blowback Beretta M92's out there but I feel it is well worth it.
My Vimeo Table Top Review of the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS GBB Airsoft Pistol:
I just received some really nice G& G Airsoft guns to share with everyone, I have two CQB Styled AEG rifles and a fantastic Gas Blowback Beretta Mod. 92FS.
The AEG CQB AR or M4 styled rifles are similar in a lot of ways and are super compact and really well built. The G&G ARP-9 has a polymer receiver and hand guard while the G&G ARP-556 has a full metal receiver and hand guard. Both have good weight to them. You will also find Skeletonized PDW stocks and large crown flash hiders on both models along with M-LOK hand guards. Inside you will find upgraded ETU and MOSFET electronics.
Obvious difference are the 9mm style magazine found on the G&G ARP-9 versus the M4 styled high capacity magazine on the G&G ARP-556. You also get an ambidextrous safety sector switch on the G&G ARP-556.
Next I show off the G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol. It comes in a high quality hard plastic case with a well made speed loader. If you place the magazine in the gun you will have room for two magazine in the hard shell case. The G&G GPM92 hold 27 roads in it's double stack magazine that has some interesting new features that help it perform much beet in cold environments and really boost green gas usage. G& G calls them the Whirl Cylinder Valve system and Micro gas filter. Both help eliminate free up in the gun when shooting fast.
The G&G GPM92 Beretta Mod. 92FS is really well made and shoot in double and single action and the safety even works as a decocker. For those looking to add a mock suppressor you will happy to know the G&G GPM92 has a threaded barrel tip.
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.
This weekend save up to 10% on BB, pellet and airsoft rifles!
Also, loyal blog and channel followers get a coupon code for FREE SHIPPING on their purchase. Now that's something to be thankful for! Read this post for details!
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.
I am going to start off with a spoiler alert for this Field Test Shooting Review and go on record to state that the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle is one of the most accurate pellet air rifles I have ever tested, at least at close up ranges. I would not expect the NXG APX to shoot as accurately at longer ranges simply because it has power limitations but I would expect it to be super accurate up to 50 feet for sure.
Let's start with the velocity performance for the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle first. I place 3 shots with the 10 pump max using around 6-7 grain lead pellets and the results where all right around 440 fps. I then tried 12 pumps which is not recommended by Umarex and really there was little difference in the power output so you may as well stay within the 10 pump maximum recommendation. I also tried a slightly heavier grain lead pellet (around 8 grain) and did notice a slight reduction in fps getting closer to 420 fps. Lastly I shot a 5.1 grain steel BB through my Chrony Chronograph and similarly got around 440 fps.
Now to the accuracy testing of the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle. I decide to go with 5 pumps for each shot since speed at this closer in range was not going to be all that important. As long as fps consistency stayed the same then accuracy will also be the same. I placed 5 shots on my paper target 3o feet down range using a rested position and all my pellets hit the bulls-eye (I did take the time to adjust the 4x15 included optical sight). Not only did all shots hit the bulls-eye but all 5 shots also hit each other with a grouping close to a 1/4 of an inch. I originally thought the grouping was larger since paper tends to tear a bit but looking back at the video footage I clearly saw each shot literally touching the next shot with several entering the same holes.
Keep in mind this airgun came with a bare bones budget optical sight that was actually even a bit blurry to look through at 30 feet out in a well light environment. Imagine how good the Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle could perform with a higher quality optical sight.
My advice if you are looking for a super accurate budget pellet air rifle is to grab yourself an Umarex NXG APX Multi-pump Pellet-BB Rifle and make sure to upgrade the optical sight either right away or down the road when your budget permits it.
"UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG (UMAREX) headquartered in Germany receives the first worldwide license from the well-known Austrian weapons manufacturer, GLOCK, for the reproduction of its internationally recognized pistols..." Continue reading here.
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.
While in Whistler last week mountain biking with my friend Steve, we stopped for a quick visit of Green Lake just outside of Whistler Village just off the Sea to Sky Highway. Green Lake is one of the many beautiful lakes around Whistler BC Canada.
I was away in Whistler BC for the last few days with my friend Steve doing some mountain biking before the weather turns cold. We stayed pretty close to the village but found some great single-track trails with a nice variety of terrain to get a great workout in and have a lot of fun riding.
I captured a few moments with my Samsung Gear 360 Video Camera to share my mountain biking experience with everyone. I did bail once pretty good but fortunately I was not wearing my Samsung Gear 360 at the time or it could have been damaged pretty good!
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.
