Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman M4-177 is medium length and fairly light. The trigger mainly releases the bolt so no pre-cocking is required. It takes a bit to get used to where the release point since there are no real warning indicators. The trigger is plastic but seems to work just fine as there is no real load on the trigger when shooting.
Accuracy: I found the Crosman M4-177 Air Rifle to be a very good shooter, getting about a 3/4 inch grouping from 30 feet out in a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back). I also put 3 rounds through my Chrony Chronograph and the M4-177 averaged about 410 fps with the 10 pump maximum which is about what I would expect from the Canadian detuned version, keep in mind the US non-detuned version shoots up in the 600 fps range so it would have been nice if the Canadian version got closer to our legal non-registered limit of 500 fps.
Build Quality:The Crosman M4-177 Multi-pump Air Rifle is mostly plastic which some of my viewers will not like, but for a sub $100 Replica Air Rifle it hits the mark in terms of affordability and if it was an all metal airgun you would more than likely expect to double the price tag - if not more! Even though plastic is used throughout the Air Rifle, there are some internal metal parts where they need to be, the fit and finish is very good and I do not get the feeling that the Crosman M4-177 is cheaply made in any way.
Realism: The Crosman M4-177 is a respectable M4/AR replica. It is not exact in terms of true dimensions as the forward stock is a bit long to accommodate the pumping mechanism, (kind of long like the original AR but without the tapering). Crosman did a good job to add all the parts that you would find on a real M4/AR even if they are simply for show and are molded into the plastic. I particularly like the removable iron sights and full rail for mounting a scope or red dot sight. I am also really glad to see a Replica Assault rifle on the market as so few of them are available in pellet or steel BB shooters.
One of the few replica Air Rifles on the market (MP5K PDW & Mini UZI).
Very well priced.
Excellent accuracy!
Comes with detachable and adjustable iron sights.
Fully adjustable stock.
Picatinny rail on top for just about any type of sight system.
Option of shooting pellets or BB's.
Cons:
Mostly plastic build.
Lower rails you just can not use as the pumping action gets in the way?
FPS is well below the Canada non PAL limit of 500 fps so maybe a bit too detuned?
Comments:
The Crosman M4-177 Multi-Pump Pellet/BB Air Rifle is in my opinion a must have air rifle, simply because... why not? How many replica pellet and steel BB shooting air rifles are there out there and for under $100 to boot? What the M4-177 lacks in metal parts, it makes up in accuracy and fun factor. And the M4-177 really is not a bad replica in terms of realism as Crosman made it a point to copy the real steel M4/AR fairly closely. I know for a fact from the emails I received and YouTube comments that many people have been looking for an M4/AR styled Air Rifle and Crosman has now delivered one to us so what are you waiting for ;)
When it comes to Airguns and Blank Guns, it's not often that an item is actually more money to buy in the US but with the Webley Alecto, it was actually more money in the US so I got to thinking, why not ship our Canada version to our US customers so they can save a few bucks! Both the US and Canada Webley Alecto are the same with only one exception, the Canada version has been detuned but this can be easily rectified with a simple valve modification (Instructions delivered after purchased from Replica Airguns).
Time is runnig out! Just in cased you missed my EKOL Arda & Dicle - Bruni Mod. 92 PAK Blank Gun Silent Auction video last week or perhaps didn't get a chance to bid on anything, this is your last chance as this silent auction ends tonight at midnight (Friday May 11th).
You can check out the original post and watch my YouTube video for these items located here.
It's always good to start the week off with an update video so everyone knows what's happening short-term and long-term...
I recently acquired a couple new items that I will be reviewing in the near future (along with several other reviews that I will be trying to get to ASAP!) First off is the Crosman M4-177 which is basically a multi-pump pellet and BB shooting replica of an AR or M4 styled carbine used by the US military. The Crosman M4-177 is mostly plastic on the outside but on first inspection seems to be built fairly well. It has removable metal sights and the magazine is also detachable but is not used as a magazine but rather a compartment for storage. The unit I have is the Canadian detuned version which shoots .177 caliber lead pellets and 4.5mm steel BB's at under 500 fps.
I also received my first old west blank shooting revolver (M1873), I have wanted one of these for a while and finally got my hands on one :) Unfortunately this one has a plugged barrel so it vents out of the cylinder area which may get a bit messy. I may see about making this one a front venting gun if possible and of course as long as it's within the law as I plan to make sure the cylinder stays semi plugged so no actual rounds could ever be shot out of it. The Old West M1873 Blank Revolver holds six .380 crimped blanks and is an all metal and wood construction. This should be a fun review!
I also touch upon a few other guns on the list of items I need to review and by the way in an attempt to get caught up I will be doing my Table Top and Shooting reviews combined.
Here are some of the guns that I will be reviewing over the next while...
Gamo P-25 & PT-85 .177 Caliber Blowback Pellet pistols (This one will get done this week!)
I wanted to make a quick video to showcase a few items I will be reviewing and some of which are also for sale in the Replica Airguns Store.
First off we have a few of the new front firing Kimar Model 85's (Orange Slide) left in Canada. I stated out with 9 and I am not down to 3 so hurry on this one if you want one in Canada. If you are in the US, I also have them for sale in my US Replica Airguns Store in both Black and Nickel.
Next up I just wanted to show you a Kimar Lady K that will show up some time down the road in a video review, this item is now in my personal collection and sorry it is not for sale in either my Canada or US store at this time.
I have had lots of requests to review the Daisy Powerline 5501 and to be honest I have wanted to get this one for some time and even though it is available for sale in our US Replica Airguns Store I have not had the opportunity to pick one up until now so look forward to that review again some time down the road...
Last but not least I wanted to give you a closer look at the new Turkish made high powered Webley Tempest I have available in the Canada Store, these ones shoot as hard as legally possible within our Canada limitation to be classified as uncontrolled firearms and they make great compact pest control pistols that you can keep handy for when required.
OK, so that's it for now and be sure to watch the full reviews of these guns when I get to them shortly!
The classic Webley Tempest is now available in the Replica Airguns Canada Store and let's set the record straight right from the start. This is a the latest made in Turkey version and it really smokes! From most peoples reviews the fit and finish are comparable to previous versions and we will just have to take their word for it as I have never had a Webley Tempest to compare one to? I can tell you the new Turkish made Webley Tempest is very well made air pistol and when it comes to power this gun take it right to the edge in terms of what is legal as an unregulated airgun in Canada.
I tested both the .177 caliber and .22 caliber Webley Tempests and they both shot very hard, keep in mind, with added velocity there is also added cocking effort and the .22 caliber definitely uses a stronger spring as it also has more energy behind the fast moving .22 caliber pellets. The .22 is not for everyone because it take a lot for work to cock this bad boy!
These are the results I got shooting the Webley Tempests using my Chronograph:
.177 Caliber
6.9 grain pellets used
499 fps
3.8 foot pounds
5.2 Joules
.22 Caliber
11.9 grain pellets used
400 fps
4.2 foot pounds
5.7 Joules
Here is some more info on the new Turkish Webley Tempest:
This is the latest and most powerful (made in Turkey) version of the original barrel over cylinder design that made Webley pistols world famous. Positively locked barrel using the famous Webley revolver type stirrup.
The Webley Tempest is a spring-operated, single shot; break barrel air pistol fitted with a precision-rifled barrel primarily suited to waisted lead pellets. The gun is available in either .177 or .22 caliber. The gun incorporates many additional design features, which include: adjustable trigger, manual safety catch (i.e. selective use), adjustable rear sight with vertical and horizontal adjustment. Handle is designed to fit the hand, with a thumb rest and checkered grips.
One question I get asked often is "Which are my favorite airguns?" or "What are my top 5 gun choices?" I have done my best to avoid answering this question because it's a very hard question to answer and to be truthful on any given day I may come up with a different selection of guns as there are just so many great airguns out there!
So today I took a bunch out and shuffled through them all to see if I could come up with five of my top picks, well at least for today that is, and I'm pretty happy with my selection (Umarex Desert Eagle - ASG CZ 75 P-07 Duty - Baikal MP-654K Makarov - Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 - ASG Dan Wesson 6 Inch Sliver). I know for a fact they are some excellent choices and if you happen to own or plan on buying one then I'm sure you will agree wiht me.
So checkout this Vimeo Video Review where I go through them and explain what I like about each gun, and why they made my Top 5 Airgun Pick.
One question I get asked all the time is to give my feedback on guns and in most cases I am asked to compare two or three guns with each other and come up with a definitive answer as to which on is the best or "which one should I buy?"
In this Vimeo Video I talk a bit about how I feel answering these questions because in many situations the guns being compared can not always be ranked on a scale as one being better then the other. Many times each gun offers its own set of positive and negative features and it really comes down to what features are most suited to your needs. Your needs may be very different then mine
Often it can be as simple as what style or look do you prefer because the guns in question may share the same features and benefits.
As you know I have been doing some reviews of my 22LR "Real Steel" guns and I added a couple more to the collection I want to share with you all. From my past experience, airguners also like the low cost 22LR guns for a variety of reasons including reduced operating cost, low recoil, lots of places to shoot them and so on...
I took both these guns to the gun range and put several hundred rounds through them and by the end they where both shooting very reliable using inexpensive box Blazer 22LR ammo. I stuck with this ammo because it seemed to be working well. The Chiappa 1911-22 was a bit pickier at first but I think it was mainly to do with a rather stiff magazine spring, making it difficult for the first couple rounds to chamber, again most of this sorted itself out by the end of the shooting day.
My ISSC M22 really performed well, the slide was a bit tight at first creating a few failures to chamber and eject but after a few magazines it settled right down and would hammer through all 10 rounds with no problems. I am really loving this little 22LR Glock replica!
Stay tuned for my full reviews on both of these guns and enjoy my Vimeo preview video for now!
I've added some Crosman products to the store! Not the super new stuff Crosman showed us at the 2012 SHOT Show but still some popular items I have been asked to sell by many of you. First on the list is the Crosman Pumpmaster 760 Variable Pump Air Rifle Kit. This is the Canadianized detuned down to 495 fps version so yes you can buy this one without a firearms licence in Canada.
A proven and dependable Crosman favorite for over four decades, the Crosman Pumpmaster 760 Variable Pump Air Rifle offers an experience all its own. Over 12 million have been sold! It is unique in that it doubles as a BB repeater or a single shot pellet gun. This air rifle has been detuned to 495 fps for the Canadian market.
I wanted to get this video out to you a bit sooner but I have been really sick the past three days and so I have not had a lot of time to put this YouTube Video together. It's a pretty simple compilation of some photos and videos I took during my time walking around the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, not all of it is to do with airguns but most of it is. I even took a few touristy shots since it wasn't all work ;)
Here it is by popular demend, a video of all my Air and Blank Guns, many of which where added in 2011. Thank you to everyone for your suport, without you all, this would not have been posible!
Here is a list of all my Air and Blank Guns so far...
Pistols BB:
Umarex PPK/S Nickel platted 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol (Full Auto Mod).
Umarex PPK/S 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex CP99 Compact 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex CP99 Compact Recon 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex H.P.P 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex SA177 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex Steel Storm 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Machine Pistol.
Umarex Makarov 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex H&K USP 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex Colt Defender CO2 4.5mm BB Pistol.
Umarex Colt Special Combat CO2 4.5mm BB Pistol.
Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.
Umarex Beretta Elite II 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol.
Baikal IZH MP-654K (Makarov) 4.5mm CO2 BB Pistol (Nickel).
Cybergun P226 X-Five 4.5mm Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Beretta CX4 Storm and the Crosman Night Stalker are both pretty decent and weigh in at 8.5 pounds for the Beretta CX4 and 7 pounds for the NightStalker. This is a bit surprising since the Umarex Beretta trigger only releases the action while the Crosman NightStalker has to rotate the 12 shot magazine with each trigger pull.
Accuracy: This is still to be determines in a later field test review but from my past shooting experiences with both these guns I found them to be pretty good and even though the Crosman NightStalker is a far cheaper built and priced gun then the Umarex CX4 Storm, I think it may have the edge on the German made counterpart.
Build Quality: Both of these Beretta CX4 Storm looking guns have plastic shells with internal metal parts but they are night and day when comparing the build quality. Don't get me wrong, the night Stalker is not a badly built rifle but when sitting side by side with the Umarex CX4 Storm, you can really see the extra quality that went in to the German made Umarex version. It has much heavier and thicker materials and the fit and finish is excellent, pretty much what you would expect to see on the real Beretta CX4 Storm.
Realism:The Umarex Beretta CX4 Storm is obviously a replica of the real steel Beretta CX4 Storm and it really is an excellent replica in almost every way with the excepetion of the screw holes one side. The pellet shooting version even includes the hard shell case that looks to be the same one the real CX4 comes with. So what about the NightStalker? The Crosman NightStalker is a look-a-like for the replica Beretta CX4 Storm but not really a replica. It still looks very good and makes for a a decent rifle if your looking for something that has that CX4 Storm look and feel.
Purchased From: Private Sale.
Pros for Umarex Beretta CX4 Storm:
Very well made - made in Germany.
Almost perfect replica with lots of detail.
Comes in a nice hard-shell case.
Adjustable sights for windage and elevation.
Has built in picatinny top rail.
Large capacity 30 rounds belt-fed pistol grip loading magazine just like the real CX4 Storm.
True Blowback operation.
Lots of shots per 88 gram CO2.
Pros for Crosman NightStalker:
Made in the USA.
Inexpensive yet a very respectable shooter.
Adjustable sights for windage and elevation.
Can mount rails for sights and add on accessories.
Decent capacity 12 round rotary magazine.
Lots of shots per 88 gram CO2.
Cons for Umarex Beretta CX4 Storm:
A bit on the expensive side!
Canadian detuned version is very underpowered.
Trigger pull is a bit hard for a true blowback gun.
Cons for Crosman NightStalker:
Kind of simple and basic in design!
Canadian detuned version is very underpowered.
Would have been nice if it came with a top rail of remounting a scope.
12 shot magazine a bit tricky to load till you get used to it.
Comments:
I don't do a lot of rifle reviews as there seems to be a lot less replica air rifles when compared to the vast amounts of replica air pistols available. So it's kind of nice to have these two air rifles that I can show you. Of course if money was no object, then I would recommend the Umarex Beretta CX4 Storm over the Crosman NightStalker especially since the NightStalker does not seem to be in production anymore - kind of a shame since it is really a very respectable multi-shot blowback air rifle for the money. Neither one of these air rifles are made for hunting but I suppose if you have the non-Canadian version that have not been detuned then they may have enough power for small pests. Either way these guns are meant for fun times, and they are fun to shoot rapid fire on targets so if you want a very believable CX4 Storm for a lot less money then the real steel version not only to buy but shoot, then look no further...
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Kimar Model K 760 is a bit stiff but on a beginner gun I would recommend the trigger to be on the heavy side for safety reasons and also to teach correct trigger control. It did not seem to effect my shooting at all which was nice.
Accuracy: Very good, I was surprised at the tight group I got from a semi rested position and with open sights, I nearly got a 3/4 inch group from 30 feet out which is about the best I can expect from just about any gun I have shot in the same manner. The Kimar Model K 760 spring piston break barrel rifle also shot true to it's claimed feet per second rating and got right around the 450 fps velocity mark.
Build Quality: The Kimar K 760 .177 air rifle is not going to win any prizes for style or craftsmanship but it gets the job done and in about as simple a manner as is required. With that said, what can really go wrong with it?Crank the barrel and pull the trigger. The lack of a safety does not really bother me as I never ever trust a safety and it's always good to learn how to keep a gun safe at all times even when you "believe" it is not loaded or ready to shoot. There is some plastic found on the Kimar K 760 like in the sights and the stock but the mechanical parts are all metal including the trigger.
Coming in at around $50, you can not ask the world from the Kimar Mod. K 760 .177 Caliber Spring Piston Rifle! What you can ask for is for decent accuracy and usable fps, and that's exactly what you are going to get from the Kimar K 760. This break barrel air rifle is really perfect for a beginner shooter on a budget or even for someone who may want to pack it around in some ugly situations where you wouldn't want to subject your high priced top quality air rifle. For the money you really can't lose with this one!
Ammunition Type: .22 caliber pellets. (Also available in .177 caliber)
Ammunition Capacity: 1 round.
FPS: 400+.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Xisico XSP180 is amazing right out of the box. You actually have to be very carful because it doesn't take much to release it. I like mine setup this way but you can adjust it to your shooting style.
Accuracy: Very good, I was expecting to do much worse as I am far from a spring piston expert shooter. Even though I'm not as comfortable on the springers, I found the XSP180 easy to shoot even with the heavier spring piston kick. From 30 feet out I was able to get a tight 1 inch group shooting from a semi rested position. The Xisico XSP180 surprised me yet again with 470 fps average velocities even in the large .22 caliber version I was using.
Build Quality: The Xisico is priced on the lower end for a target pistol and because of this uses perhaps a bit more plastic then similar styled pistols. That said I found the plastic to be good quality and the gun had good overall weight to it. There are times when plastic is better suited then metal and I felt it was used well in this gun. Of course there is metal internally and externally but the main shell is primarily made out of plastic. All the moving parts worked well and felt nice and tight. I did not feel any concern that this gun would let me down.
Realism: The Xisico XSP180 is not a replica of any gun that I know of but it does have a modern look to it with its elongated design and ergonomic features.
I wasn't expecting the world from this spring piston break barrel pistol because it is a more price conscience gun and yes it may not be as refined as the Webley Alecto I also reviewed but I have to say it performed well and exceeded my expectations in most every way. First off, when the manufacturer claims 400 fps from the .22 caliber version this usually means the absolute best case scenario! I used medium grain pellets and still got some amazing chronograph results from this spring piston shooter right up into the 470 fps range. Secondly, being a springer with a heavy recoil, I figured it would effect my shot placement but again I was surprised and shot as tight a group as I can expect from any pistol with open sights from 30 feet out. lastly, again if you can get your head around the plastic, this gun feels well made and I would expect a lot of good times shooting with it for many years. If you're on a bit of a budget but want a compact shooter you can target shoot with or even take down small to medium sized pests, then grab yourself a Xisico XSP180.
Looking for an ultra compact, super inexpensive, Italian made air rilfe for target or small pest control? Look no further!
This brand new air Italian made rifle from Kimar in .177 caliber is an ideal first air rifle for plinking targets in the back yard and because of it's very compact size it is excellent for small or first time shooters. Don't assume it doesn't have any power? You get up to 450fps velocities which makes the Kimar K 760 useful for shooting small rodents.
The Kimar 760 is very inexpensive yet has a high quality finish on the synthetic stock and metal work and fires accurate groups from 15 meters out with its open sights which are adjustable for windage and elevation.
I am pleased to announce that we have added another target shooter to the Replica Airguns Store and this one also does not require any CO2!
The Xisico XSP180 is a very close copy of the Diana P5 Magnum and is a spring action pistol that packs the power of an air rifle within its compact, lightweight body. At under 17" in length and weighing only 2.5 lbs, the XS180P reaches muzzle velocities of up to 500fps using .177 caliber pellets and up to 400fps using .22 caliber pellets.The XSP180 is packed with performance features.
The picatinny rail underneath the barrel provides many tactical options for the shooter. The competition style hand grips gives a comfortable, natural fit enabling better accuracy. Premier fiber optic adjustable sights as well as an auto/manual safety and adjustable trigger round out the long list of features.
Action: Bolt-action single shot, single action only.
Ammunition Type: .177 caliber pellet.
Ammunition Capacity: 1 round.
FPS: 495.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman 1377 American Classic is non-adjustable but is short and light with virtually no creep at all, it's just right there! It makes for very accurate shot placement.
Accuracy: I found the Crosman 1377 to be an amazing target pistol, getting about a 1/2 inch grouping from 30 feet out in a semi-rested position. And I performed my accuracy test twice with the same result each time. I also put the America Classic through the Chrony Chronograph test using increasingly more pumps each time and got it up into the 460+ fps range with 15 pumps using 6.9 grain RWS lead pellets. Keep in mind this is the Canadianized version that has been release valve limited to under 500 fps, so over-pumping should not hurt this gun too much, but either way do so at your own risk as Crosman says it's a 10 pump gun...
Build Quality:The Crosman 1377 American Classic is not a fancy looking gun but it gets the job done with a mostly metal design and build. Remember this gun has been around for 40 years and has pretty much stayed the same so Crosman must be doing something right with it.
Realism:The Crosman 1377 pellet pistol is not a replica, it is a target airgun, so it looks like a target air pistol and for that we'll give it high marks ;)
Ability to regulate power with the amount of pumps.
Mostly metal construction.
Rifled barrel.
Adjustable sights for windage and elevation.
Light and short single action trigger.
Would be good for small pest control because of its decent FPS and excellent accuracy for precise shot placement ability.
Lots of mods and upgrades available for this gun!
It has been around for 40 years!
Cons:
Trigger is a bit thin (but can be upgraded)
Sights are fully adjustable but a bit hard to adjust.
Comments:
The Crosman 1377 America Classic .177 caliber pellet pistol is a must have target air pistol, even though I own the much more full featured (and pricey!) Webley Alecto .22 caliber multi-pump pneumatic target air pistol, the Crosman 1377 is still great to own and shoot. I think one day I will pass my 1377 down to my son when he is ready to learn the art of accurate pistol target shooting. The fact that you can head out for the day with the 1377 America Classic in one hand and a tin of .177 caliber pellets in the other and shoot till you can't shoot any more, with no CO2 required makes it very inviting - and pretty much everything you point it at will get nocked down or nailed dead on.
Action: Semi auto blowback, double and single action.
Ammunition Type: Steel BBs 4.5mm.
Ammunition Capacity: 18 rounds
FPS: 330
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Sig Sauer X-Five is what you would expect from a real automatic pistol, in single action mode it is very light and short. The blowback action re-cocks the hammer with each shot.
Accuracy: Excellent for a BB shooter, I got about a 1 inch grouping from a 20 foot away free standing position with this red dot equipped BB shooter. I also put the Cybergun Sig Sauer P226 Open version through my Chrony Chronograph and even though the box has a 300 FPS rating on it I, I was able to get an 8 shot average of 343 FPS.
Build Quality: Excellent, with an almost all metal construction, this gun has some weight to it and the craftsmanship is also very good!
Realism: The Cybergun Sig Sauer X-Five P226 is as close as you can come to the look, weight, feel, and action of the real Sig Sauer X-Five. P226! Everything about this gun makes it feel real, it would make an excellent training gun for someone just getting started in the sport or even for a skilled semi auto shooter wanting to hone their skills when a gun range is not easily accessible.
Sacrifice some fps and shots per CO2 because of the heavy blowback but worth it.
A bit hard to load up.
Can not field strip without taking off the sight rail?
Comments:
This Cybergun BB air pistol is styled after many modern blowback Airsoft pistols, this means it functions very similarly to the real steel. It is a very hefty gun made almost entirely from metal and has a very snappy blowback action which adds to its shooting realism. Even the magazine looks and feels like a real 9mm magazine with similar weight and dimensions. The Cybergun Sig Sauer X-Five Open version shoots even more accurately than the non-sight rail version because of the addition of a Red Dot scope helping the accuracy! Both the regular version of teh Sig Sauer X-Five P226 and this "Open" version are absolutely great air pistols but for the extra $10 price tag you get some really nice additions to this pistol including an adjustable rear sight.
My Vimeo Videos for this very fine Cybergun Sig Sauer P226 X-Five Open version Airgun:
I received my Crosman American Classic .177 Multi-pump Bolt Action Pellet Pistol a few days ago and had a bit of time to shoot yesterday. I was extremely impressed with this very inexpensive classic single shot bolt action target pistol. Even using the stock open sights, I shot a group about 1 inch in diameter from a 30 foot out free standing unrested position!
I still prefere my Webley Alecto but then again it is about 5 times more expensive and so it should be a better gun :)
I will be following this up with a full review some time down the road...
Here are some specifications for the Crosman 13177 American Classic: