On with the show… First I shot five rounds through my Chronograph using a brand new CO2 in what I would consider to be room temperaterer (20C or 70F). Sig Sauer claims their MCX Rattler shoots around 325 fps and in my testing I got a five shot average of 318 with my slowest shot hitting 298 and my fastest shot hitting 346. So I would say Sig is right on the mark here.
I then setup a fresh pepper target 30 feet away and loaded up a full magazine (30 rounds) for my accuracy test where I first shot in 10 rounds in semi auto and then the remaining 20 rounds in three round burst. I would say I was able to get around a 2 inch grouping in semi auto but I did have to shoot aiming on the bottom of the rings and I was using the flattened sights rather than the pop up sights as you have two options with the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle. Once I switched the selector to three round burst, my grouping really did not change all that much, maybe 3 inches at most and that was with 20 rounds.
The Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle is a lot of fun, it is by far not the most powerful blowback full auto-ish Blowback BB Rifle out there but it performs decent and looks really good. The internal blowback action does give you a slight tapping feel and it does allow for a true single action trigger. If you want a rather compact Blowback BB Rifle with Sig licensing and branding along with Sig quality then take a look at the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle. Did I mention it was really affordable too?
Type: Non-blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Bear River. Model: Bear River BR45. Materials: Mostly plastic. Weight: 1 pounds (454 grams). TotalLength: 8 inches (203mm). Barrel: 4.72 inches (120mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto non-blowback, DOA trigger. AmmunitionType: .4.5mm steel BB’s. AmmunitionCapacity: 20 round drop out metal stick magazine. FPS: Claimed 410.
Trigger Pull: The Bear River BR45 NBB CO2 BB Pistol has a double action trigger commonly found on lower cost NBB CO2 BB Pistols with a long trigger pull that requires more length and effort to pull, but I would say is still usable for action shooting. Your finger will get worked a bit after several magazines of action shooting. The Bear River BR45 trigger pull makes the internal metal barrel move forward and out of the front of the barrel opening but as it has a recessed barrel you don’t really see it protruding out of the front. When you reach the release point the barrel snaps back into the BB Pistol acting like the hammer and releasing CO2 and shooting a BB.
Accuracy: I have not shoot the Bear River BR45 NBB CO2 BB Pistol yet or performed my standard Field Test Shooting Video, so I can not comment at this time on the actual performance other than what is claimed in terms of fps (410fps). I have shot several similar CO2 BB Pistols which share almost the exact same internal components but have a different external skin on them. One bonus is that all this style of metal stick magazines are the same so they will be interchangeable. My previous experiences with similar BB Pistols is that they will get mid 400fps velocities and in general will shot around a 2 inch grouping or so. It is hard to say how close the Bear River BR45 is going to shoot to the bullseye, as out of the box it may shoot a bit high or low or left or right. We will find out during my shooting test.
Build Quality: The Bear River BR45 NBB CO2 BB Pistol is an almost all plastic moulded Airgun with only a few metal parts I can pick out. The trigger and magazine are metal along with the inner barrel and the area where the CO2 goes in. Because of the plastic build, it is rather light weight at around 1 pound which can actually be good if you were to drop it on a hard surface as the mass is low resulting in less damage. Scratches will also be less noticeable on an all plastic exterior Airgun over a metal Airgun as the material on a plastic Airgun is going to have the color throughout the material rather than a painted surface that will show blemishes a lot more. The simplicity of the design means you should get a lot of use from the Bear River BR45 before encountering any issues.
Realism: The Bear River BR45 NBB CO2 BB Pistol is not a replica of an exact real steel gun in production but it does take after a Sig Sauer or H&K looking at the basic shape and features. There are few external mechanical working parts on the Bear River BR45 other than the trigger, safety, magazine and inner barrel. The barrel is well recessed and the CO2 tab is sunken in the grip which helps in terms of it looking more realistic.
Pros:
Nice size BB pistol, feels good in the hand.
Decent FPS rating of 410.
Picatinny rail on frame for adding on accessories.
Non-blowback should get lots of shots per CO2.
Easy to see white dot sights front and back.
CO2 tab is recessed and somewhat hidden under the grip.
Double action trigger pull is long but not too firm.
Uses a generic all metal stick magazines commonly found in lower cost BB pistols.
Recessed barrel looks that part.
Simple design with not a lot of moving parts will make it reliable for a long time.
Cons:
All plastic gun for the most part.
Not many working parts, pretty much all moulded gun.
CO2 tab a bit hard to use for people with bigger fingers.
Comments:
The Bear River BR45 NBB CO2 BB Pistol is a basic mostly all plastic NBB CO2 BB Pistol very simple in design which makes it dependable and reliable as there is a lot less to go wrong as compared to a blowback metal BB Pistol with lots of moving parts. Also keep in mind the metal in Airguns is not as hard or strong as you find in a Real Steel Pistol so all of these moving metal parts will wear over time and some may eventually fail. Other advantages of a NBB CO2 BB Pistol are that it will have a decent velocity rating and it will also get more shots per CO2 as compared to blowback Air Pistols, so not only is the initial cost of a simple NBB Air Pistol going to be less but also you will not need as much CO2 to operate it. I do like the size of the Bear River BR45 NBB CO2 BB Pistol as it is a bit larger than similar NBB Replica Air Pistols which for me and my larger hands is a good thing.
Type: Non-blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Barra. Model: Barra 380. Materials: Mostly plastic. Weight: .93 pounds (422 grams). TotalLength: 6.89inches (175mm). Barrel: 4.25 inches (108mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto non-blowback, DOA trigger. AmmunitionType: .4.5mm steel BB’s. AmmunitionCapacity: 20 round drop out metal stick magazine. FPS: Claimed 410.
TriggerPull: The Barra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol has a typical double action trigger with a longer trigger pull that requires more length and effort to pull, but I would say is still usable as an action shooter. Your finger will get a bit tired after several magazines of action shooting. The Barra 380 trigger pull makes the internal metal barrel move forward and out of the front of the barrel opening enough to see it clearly, then when you reach the release point it snaps back into the BB Pistol acting like the hammer and releasing CO2 and shooting a BB.
Accuracy: I have yet to shoot the Barra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol or even performed my standard Field Test Shooting Video as of yet, so I can not comment at this time on the actual performance other than what is claimed in terms of fps - 410fps by the way. I have shot several similar CO2 BB Pistols which share almost the exact same internal components but have a different external skin on them. One benefit is that all this style of metal stick magazines are the same so they will be interchangeable. My previous experiences with similar BB Pistols is that they will get mid 400fps velocities and in general will shot around a 2 inch grouping or so. It is hard to say how close theBarra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol is going to shoot to the bullseye, as out of the box it may shoot a bit high or low or left or right. We will find out during my shooting test.
BuildQuality: The Barra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol is a pretty much almost all plastic Airgun with only a few metal parts I can see on it. The trigger is metal along with the inner barrel and the area where the CO2 goes in. Because of the plastic build, it is rather light weight which can actually be good if you where to drop it on a hard surface as the mass is low resulting in less damage. Scratches will also be less noticeable on a plastic Airgun over a metal Airgun as the material on a plastic Airgun is all tan/black throughout the material rather than a painted surface that will show blemishes a lot more. The simplicity of the design means you should get a lot of use from the Barra 380 before encountering any issues.
Realism: The Barra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol is not a replica of an exact real steel gun in production but it does take after a compact Beretta when you look at the open barrel and similar trigger guard. There are few external mechanical working parts on the Barra 380 CO2 NBB BB Pistol other than the trigger, safety, magazine and inner barrel. The barrel is slightly recessed and the CO2 tab is hidden in the grip which helps in terms of it looking the part.
Pros:
Nice compact size BB pistol easy to transport.
Decent FPS rating of 410.
Should get lots of shots per CO2 as it is non-blowback
Picatinny rail on frame for adding accessories.
Does have a white dot sight up front.
Finger groves on pistol grips for a secure grip.
CO2 tab is well hidden within the grip.
Double action trigger pull is long but not too firm.
Uses a generic all metal stick magazines commonly found on lower cost BB pistols.
Simple design with not a lot of moving parts will make it reliable for a long time.
Cons:
All plastic gun for the most part.
Not many working parts, pretty much all moulded gun.
Grip can pop of kind of easy if you pull a bit hard.
Sights are non adjustable and no white dots on the rear sight.
Comments:
I often mention how I prefer blowback Airguns that have a more solid weight and feel to them with more working parts, but again there is a lot more that can go wrong and complex parts wear out over usage a lot quicker than a more simple design as in the the case of the Barra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol. Price is also going to be a lot less when looking a more simplified Air Pistol like the Barra 380, as the plastic build is a lot cheaper to produce over more expensive metals. Another bonus with non-blowback CO2 airguns is that they do tend to have a higher velocity with more shots per CO2 than a similar CO2 Blowback Pistol, so less expensive to shoot over time. It really depends what you are really looking for? A couple other strong points to mention about the Barra 380 NBB CO2 BB Pistol would be the compatibility with other similar styled CO2 BB pistol metal stick magazines and if you like the look of a Beretta then you may also like the look of the Barra 380.
Type: Non-blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Crosman. Model: MK45. Materials: Mostly plastic. Weight: .63 pounds (281 grams). Total Length: 7.25 inches (184mm). Barrel: 4.5 inches (114mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto non-blowback, DOA trigger. AmmunitionType: .4.5mm steel BB’s. AmmunitionCapacity: 20 round drop out metal stick magazine. FPS: Claimed 480.
Trigger Pull: The Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol has a typical double action tiger with a longer trigger pull that requires more length and effort to pull, but I would say is still usable as an action shooter. The Crosman MK45 trigger pull makes the internal metal barrel move forward and out of the front of the barrel opening a bit, then when you reach the release point it snaps back into the BB Pistol acting like the hammer and releasing CO2.
Accuracy: I have yet to shoot the Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol or performed my standard Field Test Shooting Video, so I can not comment at this time on the actual performance other than what is claimed in terms of fps. I have shot several similar CO2 BB Pistols which share almost the exact same internal components but have a different external skin on them. The good news is the metal stick magazines for all of these type NBB CO2 BB Pistols are the same so they will be interchangeable. My previous experiences with similar BB Pistols is that they will get mid 400fps velocities and in general will shot around a 2 inch grouping or so. It is hard to say how close the Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol is going to shoot to the bullseye, as out of the box it may shoot a bit high or low or left or right. We will find out during my shooting test.
Build Quality: The Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol is a pretty much an all plastic Airgun with only a few metal parts I can find on it. The trigger is metal along with the inner barrel and the area where the CO2 goes in. Because of the plastic build, it is rather light weight which can actually be good in a fall as the mass is low resulting in less damage if you were to drop it on a hard surface. Scratches will also be less noticeable on a plastic Airgun over a metal Airgun as the material on a plastic Airgun is all tan/black rather than a painted surface that will show blemishes a lot more. The simplicity of the design means you should get a lot of use from the Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol before encountering any issues.
Realism: The Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol is not a replica of an exact real steel gun in production but it does share a lot of cosmetic characteristics as what you would see on a Sig Sauer or even H&K Pistol. The magazine release on the Crosman MK45 looks and works a lot like what you will find on an H&K Pistol. There are few external mechanical working parts on the Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol other than the trigger, safety and inner barrel. The barrel is slightly recessed and the CO2 tab is hidden in the grip which helps in terms of believability.
Pros:
Desert tan with black grips looks really good in my opinion.
High FPS rating of 480.
Picatinny rail on frame for adding on accessories.
Non-blowback should get lots of shots per CO2.
Easy to see fiber optic sights front and back.
CO2 tab is nicely hidden inside the grip.
Double action trigger pull is long but not too firm.
Uses a generic all metal stick magazines commonly found on lower cost BB pistols.
Ambidextrous magazine release.
Simple design with not a lot of moving parts will make it reliable for a long time.
Cons:
All moulded plastic BB gun for the most part.
Not many working parts, it’s pretty much an all plastic BB gun.
Grips are fairly loose, they don't really snap into place.
Sights are not adjustable.
Comments:
I personally prefer blowback Airguns that have a more solid weight and feel to them with more working parts, but again there is a lot more that can go wrong and parts tend to complex parts wear out over usage a lot quicker than a more simple design like in the case of the Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol. Price is also going to be a lot less when looking a more simplified Air Pistol like the Crosman MK45, as the plastic build is a lot cheaper to produce. Another bonus with non-blowback CO2 airguns is that they do tend to have a much higher velocity and also generally you will also get more shots per CO2 than a similar CO2 Blowback Pistol. It really depends what features you want more and in this case you also get a more cost effective Air Pistol with plenty of shooting enjoyment. A couple other strong points to mention about the Crosman MK45 CO2 NBB BB Pistol would be the fiber optic sights front and back and its sharp l looking two tone layout.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman Triple Threat CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver like pretty much all of the 357 type Crosman Revolvers is rather nice in single action with virtually zero take-up and it has a not too light weight with a predictable feel to it. In double action it does get much longer and heavier but still very usable. If you have larger thicker finger then you may want to start off in single action as the finger opening is a bit tight.
Accuracy: I have not specifically tested out the Crosman Triple Threat so far but I would be very surprised if it was any different than the standard Crosman 357 and the Crosman Vigilante I have already done Field Test Reviews for. Other than the shape of the outer barrel, both of these guns are virtually the same including the frame and the 6 inch barrels. Back in 2012 when I tested out the Crosman 357 I averaged around 400 fps using mid grain lead pellets and was able to get a 1 to 1.5 inch multi-shot grouping at 30 feet away from my paper target. I will be making an update Field Test Shooting Video so we will see if I can replicate these results with the standard Crosman 357 and Vigilante CO2 Pellet and BB Revolver.
Build Quality: The CCrosman Triple Threat CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver is a fairly basic pistol that incorporates a variety of length plastic outer barrels and inner steel barrels (3/6/8 inches), the grips are also plastic as expected and so are the magazines and sights. Most everything else is metal including the receiver, trigger and hammer. This line of Crosman 357 pistols has been around for decades so you can expect hours of fun and reliable shooting with their multi-barrel dual ammo version.
Realism: There are for sure a lot more realistic looking Replica Revolvers out there with swing out cylinders that eject the shells just like their real steel counterparts, but where the Crosman Triple Threat shines is in performance, reliability and consistency. You will get more shots per CO2, higher fps and better accuracy with the Crosman Triple Threat CO2 Pellet and BB Revolver over other more realistic Revolvers on the market.
Pros:
Inexpensive Pellet revolver with a proven track record that goes back decades.
Good usage of metal parts where you need them most. (Metal trigger, hammer, frame, barrel, CO2 Tab screw
Single and double action trigger for action and more focused shooting.
Excellent accuracy and good power with a reasonable amount of shots per CO2 (based on similar versions).
Fully adjustable rear sight.
Riffled steel barrels (All three of them).
3 different barrel choices (3/6/8 inches) depending on the look and how compact you want it to be.
CO2 and tab are nicely hidden and use all metal.
Come with both a Pellet and BB magazines..
Cons:
Outer barrels are plastic but very solid. Metal would have added a bit more weigth perhaps better balance?
Grips and trigger pull length may be a bit long for smaller handed people when shooting in double action.
Not your most real revolver out there in terms of replicas out there but probably more usable then most.
No white dots on the sights.
Comments: The Crosman Triple Threat CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver is basically another reskinned Crosman 357 at the end of the day with a ton of options including 3 different barrel lengths that will change the look, size and power depending on your needs. You also have the choice of what ammo you want to use, cheaper 4.5mm Steel BB’s or more accurate and even higher velocity lead pellets for greater downrange energy and precision. If you are not sure which Crosman 357 type revolver to get? The standard 357… the Vigilante or the Triple Threat, maybe go with the Triple Threat at the end of today as it offers the most options and variety of configurations.
Type: BB Rifle. Manufacturer: Sig Sauer ASP Model: Sig Sauer MCX Rattler Materials: Metal and Nylon Fiber build. Weight: 4.6 Pounds (2.1 kg). Barrel: 7 inch (17.8 cm) steel non-rifled. Propulsion: Single 12 gram CO2. Action: Semi auto and 3 round burst with internal blowback (single action only trigger). AmmunitionType: 4.5mm Steel BB’s. AmmunitionCapacity: 30 rounds spring fed. Velocity: Claimed of 325 fps.
TriggerPull: The trigger pull on the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle is a single action only trigger that requires initial activation of the charging handle, after the first shot the internal blowback action will do this automatically for each followup shot. The single action only trigger is fairly short with a light pull and predictable release, great for action shooting. You also have the option of shooting in true semi auto (one trigger pull and one shot) or selecting 3 round burst mode which allows for one pull of the trigger with 3 rounds in full auto.
Accuracy: I really don’t have much feedback to give here as I have only shot a single magazine so far with the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle in a very uncontrolled format as I was not so much testing it out but rather just having some initial fun to see what it was all about. I will of course be following up this Table Top Review with a Field Test Review shortly to find out what the actual velocity is and see how accurate it is in both semi auto and 3 round burst mode.
BuildQuality: The build quality for the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle is really good considering it is mostly all plastic on the outside. It does feel solid and well built when holding it in the hand. From what I can tell the metal parts would include the barrel, the charging handle, the main controls and also much of the internal components inside both the rifle and the magazine. I would have liked to have seen a metal flash hider and perhaps the pop-up Iron sights could have also been metal.
Realism: The Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle is a 1 to 1 scale very realistic Replica of the real steel Sig Sauer Rattler normally chambered in 5.56 NATO. It would have been nice if the dust cover opened up when charging the Airgun for realism but most of the other controls work as expected, like the charging handle, selector switch, magazine release and I am not sure but maybe even the bolt release, I will know more when I make my Field Test Shooting video for the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler.
Pros:
Perfect size and weight for a fun BB semi / full auto shooter.
Fully adjustable pop up sights that are usable in both the down and up position,
Lots of accessory mounting options with the picatinny top rail and MLOCK in the sides and bottom.
Folding rear stock allows for a compact size and much easier transportation.
Ambidextrous selector switch.
Can shoot in both semi and 3 round burst modes.
Very solid AR15 type magazine that holds the 30 4.5mm steel BB’s and the single 12 gram CO2.
Reasonably priced at around $250 at the time of this video.
Sig Sauer licensing.
Cons:
Only uses a single CO2, two would have been better in a fast action shooter like this to maintain fps.
325 fps seems a bit low.
Lots of plastic but build quality does feel good.
Comments:
The Sig Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle reminds me a lot of the Umarex Steel Storm and Steel Force which are both Compact AR type Semi and Burt mode 4.5mm CO2 Blowback Airguns. Where the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle shines, is in the quality and realism as compared the Umarex counterparts. I do like that both the Umarex Steel Storm and Steel Force use dual 12 gram CO2 cartridges which I feel allows them to have more consistent velocity and performance as compared to the single CO2 in the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle. My First impressions without really testing the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler are all pretty positive but it will really come down to how well it performs and so I will put my recommendations on hold until I actually test it out!
My Table Top Review of the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Rifle:
I love making these Mystery Box Unboxing Videos as many of the items inside are actually real mysteries to me, some I may have an idea of but even these items are new to me so it’s fun to open them up and check them all out. In this October 2023 Mystery Box Video I checkout 9 items ranging from AEG Airsoft Rifles to Airsoft , BB and Pellet Pistols. There is even a new Steel BB product from Sig Sauer that is a compact rifle with a 3 round burst option when shooting.
30 feet is not really a long enough distance to test out a Spring Piston Break Barrel Air Rifle but it’s been pretty rainy outside as the weather here in British Columbia has progresses into full on rainy fall weather. So we will have to make do with the 30 foot limitation I have here in the Replica Airguns Sea Can Indoor Shooting Range. At least it is warm and the lighting is perfect :) In this Filed Test Shooting Video for the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle I test out the velocity in fps along with the accuracy at 30 feet away. For both of these tests I use 15.43 grain .22 caliber Gamo lead pellets. If you are more invested in details and specifications along with some closer up video then watch my Table Top Video for the Beeman Black Panther.
Beeman claims just under 500 fps for the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle but it is unclear if this is with .177 caliber or .22 caliber pellets and what kind of pellet are being used? Light weigth Alloy or standard Lead pellets. I decided to go with the .22 caliber barrel for all my testing but may try out the .177 caliber barrel in a future update Field Test Video. I placed 5 shots through my Chronograph using the 15.43 grain .22 caliber lead pellets and was able to get an average velocity of 422 fps. The slowest shot was 418 fps with the fastest shot hitting a max of 429 fps so all fairly close together. In terms of energy output, a pellet that weighs 15.43 grain travelling at 422 fps has a foot pound energy of 6.1.
I am not the best shot when it comes to sprig Piston Air Rifles, but I did my best here. I shot a total of 8 shots on the paper target and the main group was about 1 inch in diameter, this consisted of 6 pellets in that main group with 2 pellets that came out one shot a bit high and one shot a bit to the right. I was using the built in post and notch fiber optic sights rather than installing the 4x32 scope. After all the target was only 30 feet away. I am pretty sure one could easily get a .5 inch grouping at this range with perhaps a 1 inch grouping at distances closer to the 50-60 foot mark, which should make this a decent pest control option when using the .22 caliber ammo as I feel it would get the job done with a bit more authority.
The Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle comes with two barres offering the ability to shoot using .177 caliber pellets or .22 caliber pellets with a quick barrel change. .177 caliber pellets could be used for smaller pest control but I would mainly use the .177 barrel for basic target practice as .177 caliber pellets are definitely cheaper than .22 caliber pellets. When you do require that slight additional stopping power, then go with the .22 caliber barrel for sure!
Type: Pellet Rifle. Manufacturer: Beeman Model: Black Panther Dual Caliber. Materials: Metal and Synthetic Plastic. Weight: 7.2pounds (2.3kg). Total Length: 44 inches (111.8cm). Barrel: 16.75 inches (42.5cm). Propulsion: Spring Piston. Action: Single Action Single Shot. AmmunitionType: .177 & .22 Caliber Pellets. AmmunitionCapacity: 1. MaxFPS: 495 Claimed.
Trigger Pull: The trigger on the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is single action only requiring you to break the barrel and compress the internal spring piston before you can shoot it. This will also engage the safety which you have to disengage for each shot manually as an added security measure. The actual trigger pull is I would say a medium pull with an easy first stage then a more firm second stage. I am pretty sure the Black Panther uses the Sportsman tigger setup which does have some adjustment for trigger pull as far as I am aware of. Once I get a chance to shoot the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle I will be able to tell you more about how the trigger feels.
Accuracy: I have not performed any shooting tests with the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle so far, I will be making a Video Review next in the next few weeks “weather permitting” as I want to get outdoors for this test to be able to shoot the Black Panther at longer ranges. I expect the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle to perform well in the accuracy department using the 4x32 optical scope. In terms of power the spring does seem to take a bit of effort so I am hoping for a decent fps in both .177 caliber and .22 caliber!
Build Quality: The Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is made in China but looks to be fairly well made. It is mostly metal including the front and rear sights with a synthetic plastic stock and feels good to hold resting the cushioned rubber butt-pad to your shoulder. The stock and trigger guard are a one piece design, that said the trigger guard is fairly thick so it should stand up to some abuse.
Realism: The Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is not a copy of any real steel gun in production but does have that overall rifle shape to it so it looks like a gun but most people will be able to immediately see that it is a Pellet Rifle and that is exactly what it is since it is not trying to be a Replica Airgun or copy of any real steel rifle in production.
Pros:
All Weather durable ambidextrous synthetic stock.
All metal front and rear fiver optic sights.
Can shoot both .177 and .22 caliber pellets for multi purpose shooting.
Sportsman trigger (adjustable) with automatic safety system.
Comes with included 4x32 scope and mounts.
Very solid build at 9.92 pounds.
Nice cushioned rubber butt-plate looks good and adds to shooting comfort.
Has a scope-stop so your scope will stay nicely in place.
Cons:
Hard to tell if the claimed 495 fps is for .177 or .22 caliber lead or alloy pellets?
Hard to find this exact gun for info, not even on Beeman’s own website.
Made in China.
Comments: The Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle is designed to be a more affordable Break Barrel Spring Piston Pellet Rifle with metal where it counts and a synthetic stock for durability and resiliency to weather conditions. You do have the option of shooting either .177 caliber pellets for a faster flatter trajectory or if you use the .22 caliber barrel, you benefit from perhaps a bit more downrange energy and less effect from windy conditions. You can also choose between shooting with the open fully adjustable metal sights or install the 4x32 scope for longer range shooting. You for sure get a versatile Spring Piston Air Rifle with the Beeman Black Panther Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle at the end of the day.
In this Replica Airguns Unboxing Video I take a look at 6 Airguns consisting of 2 Paintball Pistols, 3 Airsoft Rifles and one Pellet Rifle. This is not a full review in any way but is rather a preview of what i will be doing full Reviews for over the next several weeks.
This is not exclusive to Airguns since trends of Airguns are highly influenced by what type of Real Steel Pistols are popular to people. This is often based on what people see portrayed in movies and TV Series, and also promoted online. There is for sure an overlap in what is popular and it is hard to say what is influencing what? Is it the popularity of Pistols out in the real world that influences what we see being used in the movies and on TV? Or is it what we see in Movies and TV that influences our choices of pistols out in the real world? Perhaps it is a combination of both?
My list is based on my own personal experience and does not represent the entirety of types of Pistol designs available.
As always I placed a brand new C02 in the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol to get maximum power and the temperature was around 21 degrees Celsius or about 70 degrees Fahrenheit which is warm enough to get good velocity results but not hot enough for maximum fps so keep that in mond. I deiced to shoot 4 Steel BB’s, and 4 Lead Pellets through my chronograph and averaged the velocities out for each ammo type. The Steel BB’s weigh about 5.1 grain while the Lead Pellets weigh a bit over 7 grain so I was expecting to see higher numbers with the BB’s which is exactly what I got but not near as high as the claimed 495 fps.
My actual velocity result for Lead Pellets was a 4 shot average of 332 fps with the slowest being 313 and the fastest shot hitting 359. For steel BB’s I was able to average 346 fps so not a lot faster at the end of the day but close. My slowest Steel BB Chronograph reading was 342 with the fastest shot at 356 which was actually just a bit slower than the Lead Pellet fastest velocity reading. Lead Pellets tend to seal in the barrel better than Steel BB’s so even though they are a bit heavier they still get pretty close velocity readings to BB’s since the less CO2 blows by the ammo with Lead Pellets.
Sine the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol has a double sided rotary magazine that holds 8 rounds on each end, I loaded one side with BB’s and one side with Pellets and proceeded to see how tight of a grouping each ammo type was capable of with 8 rounds. As expected again the Lead Pellets performed better getting about a 1.5 inch grouping well centered up a down on the bullseye but a tad to the left of it. The Steel BB’s did spread out somewhat getting closer to a 4 inch grouping that this time was better centered side to side but a little bit low of the Bullseye. Out of the box the sights seem to be fairly well centered which is nice since they are not adjustable.
So the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol isn’t the flashiest Replica Airgun out there, maybe not the most powerful or accurate Airgun either but it is fun to shoot and does offer more options in terms of ammo choices when shooting. Velocity is really close between Steel BB’s and Lead Pellets and since the Lead Pellets are about 2 grain heavier they will have more energy downrange when they hit a target. The Lead Pellets also performed better in the accuracy department and shot a respectable 1.5 inch 8 shot grouping so if this was my Airgun I would probably go with Lead Pellets as long as I had some on hand, but if all you have around is Steel BB’s than at least you can keep on shooting which is what it’s really about at the end of the day.
You may be thinking, not another KWC 1911 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol Review! I get it, there are so many renditions of this 1911 Air Pistol either direct from KWC or distributed through almost all the big Airgun companies with their unique branding and licensing. Is there anything different about this version? In terms of performance not really, they all shoot about the same which is good. Not the highest fps but great triggers, nice heavy blowback operation and pretty consistent and decent accuracy. Really the only difference with the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is it is a bit chunkier than most other KWC based 1911’s which is mostly from the more beefy picatinny rail. You can watch my Table Top Video Review for more details and specification along with more close up video of the Barra 4006 here.
Getting right into the Field Test part of this Review video, I shot 5 rounds through my Chronograph using a brand new CO2 in average room temperature conditions and I was able to average 292 fps with the slowest velocity hitting 286 fps and the fastest velocity hitting 300 fps. The general claimed fps for Full Blowback CO2 BB KWC 1911’s is around 330 as a best case most likely in very warm conditions. 300 fps is all you need to shoot pop cans and paper targets 30 feet away and feel like a champ doing so.
When it comes to the accuracy of the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol, I was not surprised to get around a 2 inch 10 round grouping at 30 feet away shooting at a paper target. This is pretty much exactly what I get from all the KWC Full Blowback 1911 BB shooters out there. Out of the box I did shoot a tad bit to the left but in terms of elevation the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol was up for the job at 30 feet out. Since the white dot sights are non-adjustable, you will have to shoot just slightly to the right to drop pop cans consistently but this again is going to be the case with just about any BB or pellet pistol that does not have adjustable sights. They rarely ever shoot perfectly dead center on the bullseye. You could add an adjustable laser sight to the picatinny rail if you do want more precision aiming.
So that brings us to the concluding of this Filed Test Shooting Video for the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol. All in all a super fun 1911 Replica Airgun with one of the best trigger out there, nice heavy blowback action, velocity that gets the job done and accuracy to match. I have a soft spot for 1911’s and I love full blowback all metal Airguns, the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol seems to have little bit more heft to me (@ 2.2 pounds) which I like in a 1911, perhaps closer to a real steel 1911 in this case. Another great CO2 Blowback BB Pistol to chooses from!
I was really looking forward to testing the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol in the Replica Airguns Sea Can Indoor Shooting Range, mainly because it offers a new type of system for loading BB’s into the Breach that does not require any trigger effort while still providing more efficient CO2 usage. I am happy to say that the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol does provide a higher velocity with this system, more efficient CO2 usage and it still maintains good accuracy with a really great feeling single action only trigger, the same as you would fid on a classic 1911! If you are mainly interested in details and specifications along with more close up video of the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol then watch my Table Top Video Review.
So let’s get right into the performance… As always I started out with my Chronograph Velocity Test to see what the actual fps is for the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol. ASG claims 420fps which is about 100 fps higher than what you can expect best case scenario from a KWC Full Blowback CO2 1911. My 5 shot average in this test was 372fps using a brand new CO2 in medium temperature settings. In a warmer shooting situation you may get a little bit higher fps but I would not expect a lot more out of this pistol. Still I would say on average about 70fps faster than the Full Blowback KWC 1911’s I have tested in the past.
Moving on to my accuracy test, I shot 10 rounds at a fresh paper target from 30 feet away using a semi rested shooting position with my hands rested on a sand bag up front and sitting on a stool in the back. My 10 shot grouping ended up being around 2 inches which is a little on the tighter side than you would expect from most Blowback BB Pistols. It did shoot a little bit low but side to side was very well centered. The trigger felt really good while the blowback action is very fast and snappy as compared to the full blowback KWC 1911’s I have reviewed in the past.
I was very happy with the performance of the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol overall! The trigger was short and light as I was hoping for, the velocity was perfect for a blowback CO2 Pistol getting really close to 400 fps, and the partial blowback action although not as aggressive as some otters blowback CO2 BB Pistols was still strong enough to give some good feedback while shooting. One point I would like to make with this pistol is to not take the magazine out or rack the slide between magazine reloading as you can very easily double load a BB into the breach either resulting in a double shot or possible BB jam. If you want a Blowback 1911 with that classic 1911 trigger and a little bit better performance than most other blowback 1911’s ,then the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a really great choice!
Type: Non-blowback CO2 BB and Pellet Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Gamo. Model:P-430. Materials: Mostly plastic. Weight: .94 pounds (427 grams). Total Length: 8 inches (203mm). Barrel: 4.75 inches (121mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto non-blowback, DOA trigger. Ammunition Type: .4.5mm steel BB’s and .177 caliber pellets. Ammunition Capacity: 16 round drop out plastic stick magazine. FPS: Claimed 495.
Trigger Pull: The Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol is typical of a double action tiger in that it is a longer trigger pull that requires more effort to pull. The Gamo P-430 trigger is I would say good for a DOA trigger as it is not overly heavy and does allow for fairly quick rapid fire shooting. The trigger pull not only cocks the hammer, it also rotates the rotary magazine on either end of the stick magazine so there is a lot going on here but it still is not overly heavy which is nice.
Accuracy: I have yet to shoot the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol or performed my standard Field Test shooting Video so I can not comment at this time on the performance other than what is claimed in terms of fps. Which if accurate will be one of the more powerful CO2 BB/Pellet guns, but we will see when I do my Field Test Shooting video. Accuracy is not claimed so hopefully the accuracy out of the box is as good as the claimed fps…
Build Quality: The Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol is a pretty much all plastic Airgun with only a few metal parts I can make out. The trigger is metal along with the inner barrel and the area where the CO2 goes in. Because of the plastic build, it is fairly light weight which can actually be good in a fall as the mass is low resulting in less damage if you were to drop it on a hard surface. Scratches will also be less noticeable on a plastic Airgun over a metal Airgun as the material on a plastic Airgun is all black rather than a painted surface that will show blemishes a lot more. The simplicity of the design means you should get a lot of shots from the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol before encountering any problems.
Realism: The Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol is not a replica of a specific real steel gun in production but it does share a lot of cosmetic characteristics as a Sig Sauer Pistol such as the M17 and P226. There are few external mechanical working parts on the Gamo P-430 other than the trigger, safety and magazine release and as mentioned already the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol is rather light weigth which takes away from the realism. The barrel is slightly recessed and the CO2 tab is hidden in the grip which helps in terms of realism.
Pros:
Claimed high velocity of 495 fps.
Expect lots of shots per CO2 as compared to a blowback Airgun.
Simple design means it will have less to go wrong over time.
Picatinny rail for add on accessories.
Can use either 4.5mm Steel BB’s or .177 caliber pellets.
Cross bolt safety to prevent accidental shots.
Has a Sig Sauer like look to it which is a good thing.
Double ended stick magazine works well and does not add too much friction to the trigger pull.
Well hidden CO2 Screw, no tools required.
Fit and warning instructions on Airgun is embossed and color matched so it is very subtle.
Cons:
Mostly all plastic Build.
No white dot sights so will be harder to see on darker backgrounds, also not adjustable.
Light weight with no blowback action so not as good realism and a cheaper feel to it.
Trigger is a bit long but not crazy heavy.
Comments:
I personally prefer blowback Airguns that have a more solid weight and feel to them, but again there is a lot more that can go wrong and parts tend to wear out over usage a lot quicker than a more simple design like in the case of the Gamo P-430 CO2 Dual Ammo BB Pellet Pistol. Price is also going to be a lot less when looking at the Gamo P-430 as the plastic build is a lot cheaper to produce. On the other hand these non-blowback CO2 airguns do tend to have a much higher velocity and also generally you will also get more shots per CO2 than a similar CO2 Blowback Pistol so you have to give to get, it really depends what features you want more and in this case you also get a more cost effective Air Pistol with plenty of shooting enjoyment.
Type: Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by BARRA/KWC. Model:1911 4006. Materials: Mostly Metal. Weight: 2.1 pounds (953 grams). Total Length: 8.7 inches (220mm). Barrel: 4.7 inches (119mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto blowback, SOA trigger. Ammunition Type: .4.5mm steel BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 17 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 370.
Trigger Pull: The Single Action Only trigger pull on the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is like all other KWC design full blowback 1911’s. This is a good thing since it is one of the best triggers on a KWC Airgun, really short and really light! The main reason for the excellent SAO trigger is because the blowback action not only cycles the slide but it also load a BB in the breach and also cocks the hammer allowing for a simple hammer release by way of the trigger action.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol or performed my Field Test shooting Video. That said since I have reviewed a ton of the KWC 1911’s and they all share the same mechanics features, I expect the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol to get similar results which is an fps about 330 and decent accuracy at 30 feet out.
Build Quality: I says this about just about every KWC based Airgun and the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is no exception, overall the fit and finish is good but the finish can wear a bit over time on the high spots. I will say KWC has gotten better over time with their finish process seeming to wear a lot less than their earlier made products. Like almost all KWC Airguns the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is pretty much full metal with the exception of the grips and the air nozzle.
Realism: The BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is a fantastic replica of a real steel Tactical 1911. And again broken record time here… The entire line of KWC blowback BB Pistols replicates the look and action of their real steel counterparts super closely so unless you get right up n this Replica BB Gun and really inspect it you will not be able to tell it apart from the real version.
Pros:
Has that well liked KWC 1911 look in a more modernized tactical design.
Has that classic 1911 short and light single action only trigger we all love.
Field Strippable just like the real steel version.
All working parts just like a real steel 1911.
Working grip safety.
Full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and 17 BB’s.
Accessory rail on bottom of the frame for add on accessories.
Ambitious thumb safety.
Recessed barrel for realism.
Full blowback action for simulated recoil and a smoother trigger.
Good overall fit and finish.
Cons:
Painted markings on slide are a bit much.
Full blowback operation robs power and shots per CO2.
Sights are not adjustable.
Comments:
What can I really say about the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol? It’s pretty much exactly like all the other KWC built 1911’s but perhaps with i't’s own slightly different look to it. Thats not a bad thing since this design has been around for I am not sure but I want to say over a decade now so anything that needed to be worked out has been worked out. I loved the KWC 1911 when it first came out and still love any one of these new version today. If you’re in the market for a full blowback CO2 BB Pistol then take your pick, I like the heft and tactical modern design of the BARRA 4006 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol and also appreciate that it still has some classic 1911 component going on.
Type: Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by ASG. Model: 1911 US-C. Materials: MostlyMetal. Weight: 1.9 pounds (874 grams). Total Length: 8.7 inches (220mm). Barrel: 4.7 inches (119mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto blowback, SOA trigger. Ammunition Type: .4.5mm steel BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 18 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 420.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is surprisingly really good as this is a new design mechanically different than the standard KWC 1911. There is a slide nozzle on the top of the magazine that pushes a BB into the breach area of the barrel and seals off the magazine for the barrel allowing for higher fps and I would imagine better CO2 efficiency. There are other Blowback Airguns that do this but most incorporate the trigger force to push the slide nozzle forward causing some friction and creating more of a double action trigger feel. I believe the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol uses the blowback action to engage this slide nozzle allowing for a true short and light single action trigger. Which the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol does have.
Accuracy: At this point I have not shot the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol or done my Field Test Performance Video. I really have no idea what to expect from it as this a new design I have never seen or shot before. I have high expectations based mainly on the advertised specifications but also from my observations looking over the mechanics and how this Airgun feels in the hand. Hopefully it performs as good as I am wishing for…
Build Quality: The ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol has good fit and finish, I would compare it to a KWC 1911 in this department, I have a feeling it may be made in the KWC factory as the manual uses some of the same graphics found in most KWC manuals. I could be wrong here. That said the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is mostly all metal with the exception of the pistol grips as expected.
Realism: The ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol looks exactly like a real steel 1911 with the exception of an additional pin in the frame. The slide also does not cycle as much as a real steel 1911 or even like a standard KWC 1911 and field striping will not be done in the conventional manner since the slide catch release does not easily come out. All that said I feel like tis 1911 airgun design may be a nice compromise between performance and realism.
Pros:
Has that well liked KWC 1911 look but with different internals.
Looks to have a nice short and light single action only trigger.
Because of new type design I expect really good fps and lots of shots per CO2.
All working parts just like a real steel 1911.
Working safety and grip safety.
Full size drop out metal magazine that holds the CO2 and 18 rounds.
Integrated CO2 Allen key tool.
Recessed barrel for realism.
Blowback action for simulated recoil and a smoother trigger.
Good overall fit and finish.
Cons:
Painted markings on slide are a bit much.
Field strip is not conventional.
Sights are not adjustable.
Comments:
I am really optimistic that the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol will be a real winner here as it has a lot going for it! First of all it’s a 1911 and who doesn’t like a 1911? It is also a really solid replica on its own rights so it should check most boxes here with its blowback action, full size drop out metal magazine, nice SAO trigger and all metal build. On top of this all ,the specifications look really good with higher velocity than the standard KWC 1911 and I am also assuming better CO2 efficiency. Take all of this into account and the ASG 1911 US-C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol could be the new 1911 standard to go by.
In this Update Preview Video I take a look at three CO2 Air Pistols from ASG, Gamo and Barra. All shoot 4.5mm steel BB’s and one can also shoot .177 caliber pellets. two of them have blowback action. Two are also styled after the popular 1911 Semi Auto Pistol. The ASG 1911 has a unique magazine and chambering system that is the first I have seen of this in a Blowback Airgun. It offers with blowback operation along higher fps and a nice light semi auto trigger, which is a combination not offered in many Airguns.
Airguns are generally cheaper to buy and for sure cheaper to shoot. Airguns can cost as little as $50-100 to buy while real guns in similar models will cost many time more. Cost of ammo is so much less expensive than Real Gun ammo by a mile!
Difficulty to Obtain:
Airguns in most countries do not require any licensing or registration. Generally there are more available options in Airgun choices than Real Gun choices as restrictions often prohibit many Real Guns to be obtained.
Places to Shoot:
Unless you live in a super remote locations and your laws allow you to shoot Real Guns in those locations, then in most cases you can shoot an Airgun almost anywhere within reason. You can even shoot certain Airgun models in your basement. Airsoft is a great option for indoor shooting as the plastic ammo does not carry very much energy so with minimal effort you can make a backstop that will trap the ammo very well.
Trigger Time:
Because ammo is much less expensive and places you can shoot are easier to find, you can get a lot more Trigger Time under your belt which will also improve your shotgun with Real Guns and after all it’s just fun to shoot guns even if they are Airguns.
Safety:
I am not talking about safety in terms of protection. I am talking about safety as in if you do something stupid and your Gun goes off accidentally. If you accidentally fire your Airgun indoors, the bullet will not travel through floors or walls and potentially harm or kill someone on the other side. If you do manage to shoot yourself with an Airgun, the consequence are much less severe than shooting yourself with a Real Gun. That said, always treat an Airgun as if it was a Real Loaded Gun, as server injury and even death can occur even with an Airgun.
Ware Games and Training Situations:
There is no way you can use a standard Real Gun to shoot at people, unless extensively altered with special parts that make the Real Gun unusable to shoot live ammo. With Airguns you have the choice of using an Airsoft or Paintball gun that are both designed specifically for this purpose.
Pest Control:
If you have the need for pest control in an urban area where you do not want a stray bullet to travel too far or penetrate buildings if a shot where to go awry, then an Airgun designed for accuracy and power may be perfect for the job. Accuracy with target and hunting Airguns is on par if not better than many Real Guns and are have powerful enough to kill a pest humanely without having too much power for the job and having to worry as much about your background.
Prop Guns:
As mentioned already, Airguns can look a lot like Real Guns, so they are perfect to be used as a stand-in or Prop Gun when you need to simulate the look and function of a Real Gun. Again they are easier and cheaper to obtain and if something does go wrong, the consequences are much less severe.
Social Stigma:
Unfortunately Real Guns and perhaps any gun these days are looked upon with a social stigma as being the cause of the Crime rather than a tool used in a Crime. And so people blame Guns for these crimes rather than the people committing these crimes. If a person is motivated enough to do something bad, they are going to do it either way and will use whatever means is available to them to commit these Crimes. Including other means like: Knives, Blunt Objects, Poisons, Vehicles, Explosives… Sad but true! Airguns are not used in homicides or mass shootings as they are completely underpowered for a crime like this. They can however be used in crimes as a show of threat, as they do look a lot like real guns, generally people that use Airguns for real crimes, if challenged will give up immediately as they are completely outgunned. Don’t bring an Airgun to a Real Gun fight, you have better chance with a knife!
In this Comparison Video I show several models of Glock Replica Airguns distributed under the Umarex/Glock license. Umarex has brought to market several Glock Replica Airguns to date including BB, Pellet, Airsoft and even Paintball versions in a variety of models. I showcase only a few of these models in this video but it is a good selection to give most people an idea of what is available from our Replica Airguns website in terms of Glock Pistols.
