This Field Test Shooting Video Review focuses on the performance results of the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. I put it through its paces to see what kind of velocity it can achieve as compared to the 400 fps Umarex claims on the packaging. I also perform my standard 10 shot accuracy test from 30 feet back to see how this action pistol groups on paper.
My first portion of the test, the feet per second velocity test I performed using my Chronograph shooting five 5.1 grain standard zinc coated steel BB's with a brand new CO2. The fps for the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol ranged a little from 334 to 358 fps with an average 5 shot reading of 348 feet per second. Keep in mind the temperature was not exactly warm on this day, just a little over 10 Degrees Celsius so I was not anticipating top claimed fps readings so hitting about 50 fps under claimed may be a bout right, I know for sure on a hot summer day I can expect better results.
Next up was the accuracy or shooting portion of this field test shooting review, I performed my standard 30 foot back paper target test using a semi rested stance standing in the back with a sandbag up front to rest my hands on for stability. This position is nice and stable but not perfect so there is always some human factor to take into account. Removing one flyer that was rather high, I was able to get a 3.5 inch grouping from my Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol which is what I would consider about average for a blowback BB shooter, not the best but far from the worst I have shot. I am pretty sure I could do a bit better once I got used to the trigger as it does have a lot more take-up than I am use to with a 1911 and the release is a bit firmer.
A couple of observation when shooting the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. I found the trigger to be noticeably longer and heavier than a standard 1911 but at least it is single action and I would say usable once taking a little time to get accustomed to it. The break point is rather deep and the release can catch you off guard but again putting some rounds through the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol will work much of this out. The Blowback action is not overly heavy but certainly enough to give that recoil effect. I would also suggest only placing 15 rounds in the magazine as the load of the follower spring for a full magazine can play a little havoc with the trigger.
All in all this is a nice 1911 Blowback BB pistol option especially if you are looking for a 1991 that shoots a little harder and gets more shot per CO2 than the KWC/Cybergun 1911's since you can expect fps performance in the mid to high 300's and at least an extra magazine worth of shots per CO2 from the Umarex Colt M45 CQBP Blowback CO2 BB Pistol
Type: BB air pistol. Manufacturer: Umarex - KWC. Model: Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911. Materials: Pretty much all metal build. Weight: 2 pounds. Barrel: 4.38 inchesBrass, non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm Steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 18-19 rounds. FPS: 320.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 is like all the other KWC made CO2 full blowback 1911's, it's exactly what you would expect from a real 1911 single action only pistol which helps to make this replica 1911 a great trainer. So in other words the trigger pull is super short, super light with very little take-up and a nice crisp break.
Accuracy: I have not shot this "version" of the Umarex - KWC 4.5mm BB 1911 but it will undoubtedly perform exactly like all the others. I can expect decent under 2 inch groupings from 30 feet out and will get a little over 300 fps on a full CO2 cartridges. Depending on how fast I shoot off my magazines, I should expect to get around 3 good mags and if I slow things down a bit I should get a forth magazine so anywhere from 50-70 good or so shots per CO2 out of the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911.
Build Quality: Very good, with almost all metal construction, good weight and craftsmanship, the KWC 1911 line of pistols have proven themselves over time and even though some of the original first run units had some CO2 valve issues, this seems to have been fixed over the years. You will find most of these KWC pistols in general have a rather thin coating for a finish and so they tend to wear a bit on the high spots but with this weathered Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 that really isn't a concern!
Realism: This is as close as you can come to the look, weight, feel, and action of the real 1911 in virtually almost every way including the ability to field strip this pistol! All the mechanical parts work just like they do on a real steel 1911 including the grip safety. I'm not sure what more you could ask for? The Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 even has that real gun wear and tear look to it which in my opinion even adds to the realism.
Extremely realistic airgun replica of an original Colt 1911 A1 styled 45 auto.
All metal construction - Good weight and solid feeling gun.
Would make an excellent training gun as it functions just like the real steel 1911 45 handgun.
Blowback action is very firm adding to the realism of shooting this weapon.
Field strips just like the real 1911 45 auto.
True 1911 Single action only trigger, excellent pull, very smooth and light.
Working grip safety.
Colt Licensed by Umarex
Weathering gives this pistol a very authentic look to it.
Warning instructions are nicely out of the way.
Cons:
It goes through CO2 very fast as do all the KWC full blowback pistols.
Sights are non-adjustable.
Umarex decided to label the safety, perhaps for legal reasons but it detracts from the finish.
Comments:
You would think by now I would be getting tired of reviewing yet another variation of the KWC made 1911? Nope! The Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 with it's Umarex Colt licensed and Weathered appearance adds just enough to respark my interest in these awesome CO2 Blowback 1911 replicas and every time I pick one up I get a little excited and want to go out and shoot some rounds through one :) If for some reason you have not picked up one of these 1911's to date then make sure to grab the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 before they are all gone!
My Vimeo Videos for the Umarex Colt Combat Vet Limited Edition 1911 BB Pistol:
Another preview video with some pistols from Umarex, ASG and Gletcher. Two of these Airguns I got to see whiel I wa sin SHOT Show this year so it was nice to be able to spend a bit more time with each one now that I have them in person for review :)
Lets start off with the ASG Dan Wesson 715, mine happens to be the Stainless version in 4.5mm Steel BB. What an upgrade over the original Dan Wesson Revolver and I thought those where already really good! The all new ASG Dan Wesson 715 is super solid coming in close to three pounds with its mostly solid metal construction.
Next up is the Umarex Combat Vet 1911 which is essentially a KWC 1911 distributed and Colt licensed via Umarex. The Umarex Combat Vet 1911 is a limited edition product made to look weathered and used and it does look amazing!
Lastly the Gletcher Stechkin in a Gold finish shipped in a real wood box with velvet lining. This is the same Airgun as the Gletcher APS but blinged out a bit, the Gold finish is lined with black etching to really make this gun look unique.
With the popularity of the KWC - Cybergun 1911 Blowback CO2 Pistols and how super realistic they are in so many ways, it is no surprise that people often ask me if they can replace the original grips with grips made for a real 1911.
The short answer is yes you can! You will have to be prepared to remove just a little bit of material from the backside of both grips near the bottom of the handle where there is an area that has been flared out to accommodate the CO2. Not really a big deal, you can use a Dremel for the quick and easy approach or even some sand paper if you don't mind taking a little more time.
