Today I got to test out the Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol and put it through its paces. I’ve already done a full tabletop review covering the specs, features, pros, and cons, so if you want a close-up look and all the finer details, be sure to check that out. Today, we’re focusing entirely on performance—running it through the chronograph to see how fast it shoots and then sending ten rounds downrange at 30 feet to see what kind of real-world accuracy it delivers.
For the velocity test, I used a fresh 12-gram CO2 cartridge and standard 0.25-gram Airsoft BBs. The test was done in about 24°C (75°F) weather. Five shots over the chronograph clocked in at 300, 304, 309, 295, and 300 feet per second, giving an average velocity of 302 fps. That’s a little slower than I was expecting, but given the heavier .25-gram BBs, it’s still respectable—and switching to lighter .20-gram BBs should bump up the velocity somewhat.
Accuracy testing was done from 30 feet in a semi-rested position, bracing my hands on a sandbag while seated. The pistol grouped at roughly 2.5 inches, which is decent, though I suspect a better BB match could tighten that up further and maybe adding more hop-up as well. Out of the box, it hit close to the bullseye but tended to land a bit low and to the left. The sights aren’t adjustable, but you do have the option to mount a red dot on the rear rail side for finer aiming.
Overall, I came away impressed with the Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol. While the velocity was slightly under my expectations with .25s, the accuracy was solid, the double action trigger was longer and heavier but worked well, just make sure not to point the barrel down or take a long time engaging the trigger or a BB may roll out of the barrel (additional Hop-up may sort this out?). I was also surprised at how quiet it was—using very little gas, which translates into a lot of shots per fill, easily up to 100 or more. If you’re after a true purpose built sniper pistol that has good power, efficiency, accuracy and is super quiet and stealthy, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Type:NBB Gas Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Novritsch. Model:SSX-23. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.9 pounds (860 grams). Total Length: 9.65 inches (24.5cm). Barrel: 5.75 inch barrel (14.6cm) 6.02mm smooth bore. Propulsion: Gas (Green Gas or Propane) Action: Semi auto NBB, DA & SA trigger. Ammunition Type: 6mm Airsoft BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 24 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 375-450 BB weight dependent.
Trigger Pull: The Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol has a double action trigger for its primary semi auto shooting, as there is no blowback action to pre-cook the hammer or load a round into the breach. This does mean that the trigger pull is longer and a bit heavier than a traditional single action trigger. It is still a decent trigger and not very long or heavy for a double action trigger. You can also pre-cook the hammer manually for single action shooting which may come in handy for when you need the absolute best accuracy out of the Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol, so I can only comment on what’s claimed by Novritsch for velocity (375-450 BB weight dependent). I have watched a few shooting videos online and they do indicate it has good velocity, accuracy and is super quiet which is ideal as a Sniper Airsoft Gun. I will of course be making a full Field Test Shooting Video for the Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol down the road in a bit so I can see for myself how it performs.
Build Quality: The Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol has the typical modern semi auto pistol build characteristic so it has a metal slide with a metal magazine and plastic/polymer frame. Other metal parts would include the trigger, safety, hammer, magazine release, inner barrel and other internal parts. For a larger Airsoft Pistol it is not overly heavy coming in at around 2 pounds. The weight feels good in the hand and the Airsoft Pistol has a good weight and balance to it. Fit and finish look and feel good.
Realism: The Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol is not an exact Replica of one specific gun, but shares a lot in common with the H&K USP line of Semi Auto Pistols. It is a bit larger especially in its length but there are several styles of H&K USP And Guns that come in a variety of versions and sizes. You do get a working slide in that you can cycle it manually, but it is only for show and does not even cock the rear hammer. It may be useful if you wanted to get at the gas tub for some reason, but it does add some realism in that you slide it back and forth. I do like the Full size drop out metal magazine and all the working parts like the hammer safety, the magazine release the slide catch release and working hammer for single action shooting.
Pros:
Built specifically for Snipers. Accurate, High velocity (up to 450), Quiet, Gas efficient (100+ rounds per gas fill).
Adjustable Hop-up system.
Included hard shell case.
Threaded barrel for adding a tracer unit or suppressor.
Not bad double action trigger, can also pre-cock the hammer for single action shooting.
Has a similar HK USP look to it but larger in size.
NBB but has a working slide to add to the realism.
Metal slide and metal magazine.
Fiber Optic sights (but non adjustable).
Can add a red dot to the rear top slide.
High capacity 24 round full size double stack metal magazine.
Cons:
NBB action.
DA trigger is a bit longer and heavier than H&K USP SA Trigger.
Fiber Optic sights are not adjustable.
Price point is on the high side for a NBB.
Comes with an orange tip (Can be removed).
Comments: The Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol is a purpose built Airsoft Snipper Pistol designed to have lots of power for those long range shots, good accuracy again to reach out further out over what a standard Airsoft Pistol is capable of, and on top of that it is super quiet so as not to reveal your position. I was also super impressed with how many shots people were getting out of a single gas fill of the magazine. Generally getting some 100+ rounds to a fill, so four 24 shot magazine reloads! It is primarily a double action trigger Airsoft Pistol, but it does have a really nice double action trigger and you can thumb cock that rear hammer manually for even more precise shooting when you need it. I am not sure of any other Airsoft Pistol with all these features focused specifically for Airsoft Sniper usage, but if that is what you are looking for then the Novritsch SSX-23 NBB Airsoft Sniper Pistol is a great choice.
I also got a few accessor items from a company called GEAR STOCK, Some CO2 in 12 and 88 gram along with some 6mm aluminum Airsoft BB’s. A very cool rechargeable red and green laser that comes in a nice hard shell case and it has a picatinny rail on the bottom she you can stack a second accessory under it.
Here are some links and specs for the Airguns I show off in this mystery box video:
Type: Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by KJ Works. Model:1911 TBC. Materials: Mostly all Metal. Weight: 2.2 pounds (980 grams). Total Length: 8.6 inches (218mm) Barrel: 4.25 inches (108mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto blowback, SAO trigger. Ammunition Type: .6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 24 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 360+.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol is exactly what you would expect from a similar real steel 1911, it’s super short and light, the take-up is almost non-existent with a super light release. There is no adjustment on it but I don’t feel it is needed at all as this is not a competition Airgun, KJWorks does make and sell 1911’s more suited for competition shooting. There is just something about a 1911 trigger that I love!
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol or even made my Field Test Shooting Performance Video. I have shot a fair amount of KJWorks Full Blowback Airsoft Pistols and they have in all seemed to perform very well for me. So I’m confident when I get to the Field Test Shooting Video for the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol I will not be disappointed in it.
Build Quality: The KJWorks line of Airsoft Guns are known for their quality build and attention to detail, the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol is no exception. It is a mostly all metal Airgun with the acceptation of the grips and gas tube, and perhaps a couple other small internal parts? Fit and finish is bang on and the slide spring feels nice and firm, which should result in a nice crisp blowback action. There is almost no slide wiggle with the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol which again speaks to the quality and workmanship of KJWorks products.
Realism: I’m not really sure how you could get a more realistic Airsoft Pistol than what you have here with the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol. It is 1 to 1 scale and functions almost identically to a real steel 1911 A1. It has full blowback operation and can be field stripped fully top to bottom. Even the grip safety is required in order to shoot it. This version in order to fit the flared out CO2 cartridges does have indents in the magwell which is different than what you would ind on a traditional 1911 but it is not super obvious.
Pros:
Pretty much all metal pistol with good weight to it.
Full heavy blowback operation.
Excellent fit and finish as always with KJWorks pistols.
High capacity full size drop out magazine that holds the Airsoft BB’s and CO2. (Can get Green Gas mags also).
Comes with barrel extension and threaded barrel tip.
Comes in all black and OD green two tone finish.
Working backstop safety
Nice short and light true 1911 style single action only trigger.
Fully field strip-able.
Cons:
Sight are non-adjustable and do not have any white or fiber inserts.
No rail mounting options.
CO2 magazine sticks out a bit.
Comments:
If you are looking for a traditional 1911 styled semi auto Colt Pistol and don’t want a more modernized 1911 then the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol has that classic look but with a bit of an upgraded magazine and the ability to add a mock compensator mainly to protect and hide the barrel extension which when added will increase the velocity and perhaps also accuracy. I like the all black version but you can also get one in two tone OD Green for a more contrasted look. Looking down the sights will be your biggest challenge with the KJWorks Full Metal 1911 TBC CO2 Airsoft Pistol, as it has standard post and notch sights that do not have any white dots or marking to assist with aiming. It will be an upgrade for sure from a lessor expensive KWC Full Blowback 1911 and I feel ti is worth the additional money especially if you are a big 1911 fan like me.
