Type:BB Rifle. Manufacturer: Umarex. Model: AER16. Materials: Metal and plastic build. Weight: 4.9 pounds (2.2 kilograms). Length: 32.25-35.5 inches (82-90.2cm). Propulsion: AEG (with Deans Connectors). Battery: Comes with an 11.1 V 120 Mac Battery and USB Charger. Action: Semi & Full Auto. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 55 rounds. (650 shots per battery charge Aprox.) FPS: 430fps. Rate of Fire: 450+ rounds per minute in full auto (depending on battery voltage).
Trigger Pull: The trigger on the Umarex AER16 AEG full-auto BB Carbine, like most AEGs, isn’t a purely mechanical trigger. It works as an electrical on/off switch, so it feels more like a light, short single-action pull. You’ll notice a small delay between pulling the trigger and the BB firing because the trigger starts a motor that first pulls the spring and piston back. Once the spring is fully drawn and released, it compresses air that propels the 4.5 mm steel BB. Using a higher-voltage battery reduces that delay, since the motor spins faster and returns the spring more quickly, which also raises the full-auto rate of fire.
Accuracy: I have not Field Test Reviewed the Umarex AER16 AEG full-auto BB Carbine or even tried it out yet so far, I hope to make my Field Test Shooting Video for it as soon as I can as I am very interested in how the AER16 performs compared to the Barra 400e which is a very similar AEG 4.5mm BB firing Airgun. If the AER16 shoots anything like the Barra 400e,I can expect it to shoot pretty close to 400 fps, with near 1 inch 10 round groupings in semi auto and slightly larger groups in full auto. You can checkout my Barra 400e Field test here.
Build Quality: The Umarex AER16 AEG full-auto BB Carbine is metal and Plastic in design with a plastic hand guard and receiver. That said, it does have a lot of metal parts including the barrel, buffer tube, magazine, trigger, charging handle, magazine release, dust cover, inner bolt shield, selector switch, sling mount and other bolts and pins! It feels very solid when holding it and the fit and finishes is really good. Since there is less metal all around then you find with the Barra 400e, this makes the AER16 a fair bit lighter coming around 5 pounds versus the Barra’s 7.5 pounds.
Realism: The Umarex AER16 AEG full-auto BB Carbine is based on the AR platform in terms of its overall design without any specific licensing other than Umarex branding. It does have a lot of working parts including the charging handle which opens the dust cover showing the simulated bolt. There is no Hop-up like you would find in a similar Airsoft Rifle but with BB’s this is not so much of a requirement. You will also find a working magazine release for the all metal magazine along with a working selector for semi and full auto shooting. The all metal buffer tube allows for an AR style rear adjustable stock which I would assume you can swap out for just about any AR buffer tube based rear stock.
Pros:
No CO2 required so cost to shoot is less.
Comes with high volt LiPo battery and charger
Very consistent velocity as there is no cool down effect from CO2 cooling the gun (Just like an AEG Airsoft rifle).
Have the option to shoot in semi or full auto modes.
Lots of metal in construction (buffer tube, magazine, barrel, trigger, dust cover, charging handle, safety switch, magazine release sling mount.
Lots of rail option for mounting accessories.
Flip up removable sights with fully adjustable rear peep sight (single aperture).
6 position adjustable rear stock.
Nice high capacity 55 round magazine, easy and fast to reload with speed loader.
Lots of working parts including the charging handle, dust cover, magazine release, selector switch.
Comes with safe storage bag for LiPo battery (no fear of burning your house down).
Cons:
No blowback operation as with some other Full Auto BB Rifles like the Crosman AR Series.
Receiver is plastic not metal.
When battery is installed you can not use all the shorter positions of the adjustable rear stock.
Comments:
The Umarex AER16 AEG full-auto BB Carbine is a nice addition from Umarex to what Barra came out with a year or so ago with their 400e AEG Rifle. I like that the AER16 is a true AR Replica which is a very popular design and it is a lot lighter than the kind of heft 7.5 pound Barra 400e which may be a bit much for some smaller or lighter shooters to handle. The Umarex AER16 AEG full-auto BB Carbine also has the advantage that it comes with an included 1.11V 1200mAH LiPo batter and USB Charger so no further purchasing is required to shoot it other than some BB’s which most Air gunners will normally have on hand. One last point to make is that the AER16 is the less expensive option over the Gen 2 Barra 400e that come in both metal and polymer version.
I recently started testing out the new DJI Osmo Nano, and while this camera may be marketed as an action/vlogging camera, I immediately saw how it could become a real asset for creating Replica Airguns review videos. On my channel, I’m always filming from multiple angles—close-ups of the guns, tabletop shots, and shooting demonstrations. The Nano’s small size and magnetic mounting system open up a lot of creative possibilities that larger cameras just can’t manage.
Why the Osmo Nano Fits Airgun Reviews
The DJI Osmo Nano is compact, lightweight, and extremely versatile. Thanks to its built-in magnets and the wide range of mounts that DJI includes in the box, I can attach it just about anywhere—on a target stand, a tripod, even a piece of metal in my indoor range. For my type of reviews, where I often want a stable angle on the gun while still moving around myself, this is a huge advantage.
Another big plus is that the Osmo Nano is not just flexible but also delivers great image quality. It records in 4K with 10-bit color and even offers a D-Log mode for those who want to fine-tune their footage in post-production. That’s a level of control you usually don’t get from such a small device.
Key Specs
Here are a few highlights worth noting:
Resolution & Color: Up to 4K recording, 10-bit color, and D-Log for advanced color correction.
Stabilization: Rock-solid electronic stabilization, so even handheld or mounted-to-moving-objects shots stay smooth.
Magnetic Design: Attach it quickly to mounts, gear, or almost any surface.
Lightweight Form Factor: Easy to carry, position, and experiment with new camera angles.
DJI Osmo Nano vs. Insta360 Go Ultra
A lot of people will naturally compare the Osmo Nano to the Insta360 Go Ultra since they’re both in the same category. But from my testing, DJI’s camera has some strong advantages:
Lower Price: The Osmo Nano is much more affordable.
Included Accessories: DJI packs in more mounts and options straight out of the box.
Color Flexibility: With 10-bit recording and D-Log, it offers a lot more room for dialing in your footage.
For someone like me who’s already juggling multiple cameras during a review, having a cost-effective and flexible option like this makes a lot of sense.
Final Thoughts
The DJI Osmo Nano may be tiny, but it’s built with creators in mind. For airgun reviews, it allows me to set up angles I wouldn’t normally capture, without having to invest in another full-sized camera or rig. Smooth footage, great color, and the freedom to mount it just about anywhere—it’s a perfect addition to my setup.
If you want to see it in action, check out my video where I share some first impressions and show real-world examples of what the Nano can do.
This is one camera I’ll definitely be adding into the mix for future Replica Airguns reviews.
Type: Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by KJ Works. Model:KP-18 TBC. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.7 pounds (770 grams). Total Length: 7.9 inches (20cm) Barrel: 4 inches (10.6cm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1 (Gas mags available). Action: Semi & full auto blowback, SAO trigger. Ammunition Type: .6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 22 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 410 (with barrel extension).
Trigger Pull: The trigger on the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol behaves like a true Single Action Only unit, pleasantly light with a fairly short travel. There’s a bit of initial take-up, but you can clearly sense the crisp break near the rear where the release occurs, extremely light, consistent, and free of any noticeable slack. Remember you’ll need to rack the slide to chamber the first BB; after that the blowback mechanism handles all subsequent cycling.
Accuracy: I haven’t yet fired the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol or produced a Field Test Performance video for it. However, I’ve already completed a full field and shooting test for the very similar KJWorks KP-13, so I’d expect comparable on-target performance between the two. I’ll post a full field test and shooting video for the KP-18 TBC down the road, stay tuned.
Build Quality: KJWorks pistols are generally well made, and I expect the KP-18 TBC to follow that pattern. Based on my hands-on time with the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol and my first impressions of the KP-18, fit and finish look excellent. As with other models, you’ll find metal and polymer components positioned where they would be on a real modern semi-auto pistol, which contributes to the solid, authentic feel.
Realism: The KJWorks KP-18 TBC is a close visual replica of the real-steel Glock G18-style pistol, albeit without official licensing. Umarex holds the Glock license for many BB and Airsoft models, and the fact that a green-gas magazine from the Umarex Glock 17 full-blowback fits the KP-18 suggests KJWorks may be manufacturing some Glock-pattern airguns for Umarex. Glock has historically objected to unlicensed replicas in North America, so how this will play out remains unclear. For now, both licensed and unlicensed options exist for buyers.
Pros:
Metal and Polymer with decent weight and good feel to it.
Heavy Full blowback operation.
Excellent fit and finish as always with KJWorks pistols.
High capacity full size drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and 22 rounds.
Well hidden safety incorporated into the serial number under the barrel.
Working trigger safety.
White dot front sight and white outlined rear sight for easy target acquisition.
All working components like a real steel Glock styled pistol.
Comes with extended threaded outer barrel for adding a possible compensator or mock-suppressor.
Comes with barrel extension for higher velocity shooting (Possibly for easier import into Canada).
Would make a good training weapon if you are a real steel Glock owner.
Has a semi and full auto selector toggle located on the left rear of the slide.
Can use CO2 or gas magazines.
Field strip-able.
No orange tip.
Cons:
Sights are not adjustable.
Full auto will use CO2 like crazy but may be worth it.
Not a licensed version.
Comments:
If you’re a Glock enthusiast seeking a realistic training piece, you can shoot more affordably and in more places, there are more choices than ever. If official licensing matters, Umarex is the go-to option, although I haven’t seen a full-auto Glock from them yet. For those who prioritize a full-auto-style experience, the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is as close to a real-steel Glock full-auto feel as you’re likely to find. I also appreciate the magazine interchangeability with some Umarex Glock mags if you already own a Glock 17 Airsoft pistol for instance. Whatever route you choose, it’s great to see more Glock-pattern airguns coming to market.
Before I get into this Field Test Shooting Video for the Bug-A-Salt 3.0, make sure to watch my Table Top Video Review for it where I go into more details and specifications along with some nice close up video of it. In this Field Test Outdoor Shooting Video I test out the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 on some wrapping paper (Wrapping Tissue Paper) from various distances to see what damage the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 does to it. You do really need to get in pretty close to see significant damage, but if you where a small bug you would at bare minimum be stunned and immobilized waiting for that fatal kill shot.
I was hoping to go on a kind of Bug Safari Hunt out in the yard, so I did a dry run without my cameras running and I quickly found out that bugs in the wild are extremely elusive. They much prefer the comfort of your home which is of course the ideal location for using the Bug-A-Salt 3.0, but not great for shooting a video…
I was not able to record velocity or accuracy for that matter using the Bug-A-Salt 3.0 as it is more like a salt shotgun but as fate would have it, one very unlucky fly did land near by while I was recording, and it met its fate for the sake of this video. I also vaporized some butter cups (These are small yellow flowers that grow wild in the grass). All in all I was able to showcase the effectiveness of the Bug-A-Salt 3.0. My advice is to get in nice and close if you want a one shot kill, or you will have to take some follow up mercy shots.
I am making this video for both my channels (GetFitOver40 & Replica Airguns) since I will be using the HoverAir X1 ProMax in my Video making process to capture video in a way that only an AI Drone can. I do like to share with my audiences some of the tech I use behind the scenes to make the videos a bit more interesting.
There is a ton to talk about and show when it comes to the HoverAir X1 ProMax which is why this video is a bit on the longer side. I really wanted to talk about what I like about this amazing flying video system, and of course show the super high quality video it takes.
The purpose of this video is not so much to go over all the specifications and details, or to compare it to other similar products, but rather to go over what I like about it, and why I decided to get one for myself. About a year ago I ordered the HoverAir X1 Pro when it was being crowdfunded, but I backed out of my order when the DJI Neo came out, mainly because the DJI Neo was first to market, and it can also fly in true FPV mode which really appealed to me. I am glad I got the Neo as it has been so much fun, and will be keeping it mainly for its FPV flying and versatility.
Why did I decide to get myself the HoverAir X1 ProMax? There is really nothing out there right now that can take as high quality video (8k) in such a small and portable package. I love the AI flying modes but it is also nice you can use the Beacon with the Joysticks to control it just like a regular Drone.
For me it was the ultra high video quality, the faster tracking speeds, and the ability to use it like a standard drone since all my other drones are more or less FPV drones. Oh yah, I also got a crazy deal on it over on Marketplace (About half price).
Type: Revolver CO2 Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Umarex. Model:Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor. Materials: Mostly all Metal. Weight: 3.3 pounds (1.55 kg). Total Length: 12 inches (30.5cm) Barrel: 6 inches (15cm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Revolver, SA & DA trigger. Ammunition Type: .6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 6 round cylinder. Velocity: Claimed 500fps.
Trigger Pull: The Umarex Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor CO2 Airsoft Revolver shoots in either single action or double action. If you pull the hammer back, you can shoot in single action which will give you a super short trigger pull with virtually no takeup and a very light and predictable release, perfect for when you are wanting the best possible accuracy out of this Airsoft Revolver. You can also simply just pull the trigger in double action which means your trigger finger is doing all the work of pulling back the hammer and releasing it which is a much longer trigger pull that is between medium and heavy pull, but still fine for quicker action shooting.
Accuracy: So far I have not shot the Umarex Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor CO2 Airsoft Revolver but I have shot a lot of similar shell loading 6 shooter revolvers. Yes the cylinder and the actual shells are a bit larger but this should not really affect accuracy or power. Umarex does claim a max velocity of 500 fps which does seem high, so it will be interesting to see if the Umarex Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor CO2 Airsoft Revolver will actually hit these numbers. In my past Field Test Shooting Video Reviews I am generally able to get at least a 2 inch 6 shot groupings from 30 feet away from my paper target so hopefully that is the case with the S&W 629 Competitor.
Build Quality: If you’re looking for a very solid and hefty Airsoft revolver, than I don’t think there is anything more beefy than the Umarex Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor CO2 Airsoft Revolver. It is a whopping 3.3 pounds and is almost all metal so smaller handed shooters may find this one a bit too much to hold comfortably. Fit and finish is very good and I do really like the satin stainless steel look to it even though Umarex calls it a chrome finish.
Realism: I like the shell loading revolvers for the added realism you get manually loading the cylinder with 6 preloaded shells. In almost all of the shell loading 6 shooter revolvers, the cylinder and shells are actually smaller than what you would find in a real steel 6 shooter revolver, especially the Single Action Army Revolvers as they would normally shoot a .45 caliber shell rather than a .38 caliber shells. So it is nice that Umarex didn’t just go with already to go parts and they gave the Umarex Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor CO2 Airsoft Revolver newly designed larger shells and a larger cylinder, maybe the shells are not actually .44 caliber in size but the larger cylinder and larger shells does give it more realism. Of course almost all the parts function just like they would in a real steel revolver.
Pros:
Almost all Metal build with a very heavy weight of 3.3 pounds.
Full adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation.
Comes with 12 reloadable shells, most only come with 6 shells.
Grooved Pistol Grips for added comfort and grip.
Picatinny rail on top of barrel for adding a red dot or optional sight.
Nice Smith & Wesson markings on gun stamped into the frame.
Option of shooting in single or double action, nice light single action trigger.
I like the satin stainless finish.
Super realistic loading and shooting with the removable shells.
Cons:
Does come with an orange tip.
No adjustable hop-up I can see.
Rather large and heavy so not great for younger or smaller handed shooters.
Velocity may be a bit hot for some Airsoft games.
Comments:
I think my main takeaway for the Umarex Smith & Wesson 629 Competitor CO2 Airsoft Revolver is that Umarex has a new larger shell and cylinder design, which is closer to the actual shell and cylinder size of a .44 magnum, so maybe we will see this design coming out in future shell loading revolvers. Other noticeable features are for sure the size and weight of this beast. If you add a red dot or optical sight to it, then this Airsoft revolver could weigh in at nearly 4 pounds! If you want the ultimate shell loading revolver than this is probably going to be the choice to go with, unless you want it in 4.5mm steel BB or Pellet versions as at least for right now, it is only available in an Airsoft version, maybe that will change down the road…
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is a Single Action Only trigger that requires you to work the pump action to load salt and prepare the hammer to fire in Single Action. There is a little bit of takeup and then a medium trigger pull weight that is about right for a pest control tool like this, as you do not want a super light trigger that could go off unintentionally. When you work the action using the pump, the real sight also pops up not only so you can use it but also to indicate that the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is loaded and ready to fire.
Accuracy: So far I have not fired or tested out the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun as it is not the time of year for bugs just yet, so that portion of my review is going to have to wait until at least spring time when the bugs and flies come out in full force. I will not be making my traditional Field Test Shooting Video where I shoot at a Paper target setup 30 feet away, or even testing out the velocity in fps as the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is only rated to shoot up to 3 feet away and I’m not sure how a blast of salt would even be read by a Chronograph or if that information is even important for a fly exterminator like this. I will be making some sort of shooting video for the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun when I am able to find bugs to blast…
Build Quality: The BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is made out of mostly plastic with I assume some metal working parts internally. Even the internal barrel is plastic since you are only shooting salt. The BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun does feel solid and the working parts like the pump action, trigger and safety feel durable enough. The salt hopper lid may be a bit flimsy and if that breaks I’m not sure how one would keep the salt in the hopper?
Realism: The BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun is not a replica gun to speak of, it kind of looks like a pistol grip pump action shotgun but there is really no way I feel anyone would mistake the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun for a real gun, this is probably good since you may want to keep it out lying around in your house for when you may need to do some bug blasting.
Pros:
Very unique product, not a lot of competition in the market.
Makes eliminating flies and bugs a lot more fun, would be fun at get togethers or parties.
Fairly well built, feels solid and durable.
Low cost to operate, only requires table salt.
Can get up to 80 shots per loaded salt hopper.
Can shoot flies up to 3 feet away.
Easy to access cross bolt safety.
Auto pop-up rear sight lets you know it is loaded and ready to fire.
SAO Trigger is relatively decent.
No bug guts mess to cleanup.
Cons:
Not suitable for larger bugs with hard exoskeletons like wasps or larger. Really only meant for flies.
Not a toy as it could be assumed it is. So be careful around kids as an eye shot could be very painful and cause injury.
Price is a lot more than a fly swatter that also gets the job done.
Comments:
If you hate flies as much as I do and would like a more sportsman like way to eliminate them rather than your standard fly swatter that basically mushes the fly into a bloody mess on what ever surface you mash it into. Then perhaps something like the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun may be just perfect for you. I am hoping it works as good as the advertising says it does. Based on some of the reviews I have watched it seems ideal for flies but may not so good for larger insects with hard exoskeletons. You are going to pay a lot more for the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun than a dollar store fly swatter will cost you, but I can guarantee you will have a lot more fun using it and no need for the messy bug juice clean up after a kill shot.
Type: Less Lethal Pistol. Manufacturer:Umarex - T4E. Model:P2P HDP 50 Compact. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.3 pounds (585 grams). Barrel: 4 inches (108mm) Smooth bore. Total Length: 7.2 inches (183mm). Power Source: 1x8 gram CO2. Action: Semi auto - Double action only trigger. Ammo Type: .50 Caliber Rubber Ball, Pepper Ball, Powder Ball. Ammo Capacity: 4 Round spring fed internal magazine. FPS: 365 (11 Joules).
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is double action only but not overly long or heavy. There does not seem to be any ammo friction which is nice, so each round feels about the same with spring tension not playing much of a factor. In order to use the trigger, the Pistol will need to be fully charged by loading an 8 gram CO2 and giving it a smack on the bottom of the pistol grip of the CO2 screw. This will pierce the 8 gram CO2, charging the gun with pressure and activation the trigger mechanism. When the CO2 pressure becomes too low, the pressure indicator will retract and the trigger will not function and a new CO2 will be required for more shooting.
Accuracy: So far I have not tried out the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol in the Replica Airguns Indoor Airgun Shooting Range, I have shot its big brother the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 and it did shoot around a 6 inch 6 shot grouping for me with a velocity of around 450 fps that worked out to around a 15 joule energy rating. I do not expect the same from the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol as it is claimed with a lower velocity of 365 and an energy rating of 11 joules. It should get pretty close to this based on it’s bigger brother’s performance.
Build Quality: The build quality of the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is very good overall. It is mostly made out of plastic which is fine, since it is designed to be a compact and portable pistol which should be on the lighter side. There is metal where it needs to be in most of the mechanical areas including the barrel, trigger, charging system and I am sure other internal parts. The plastic parts feel well made and fit and finish is very good. I wish the trigger guard that swings down to load the ammo clicked back into place better as it seems easy for it to open up and potentially get caught on clothing or objects while using it.
Realism: This version of the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol comes with the orange slide area to show that it is not a lethal firearm. It may also come in an all black version but at this time we only sell the colored slide version. This does make it obvious that the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is not a “Real Firearm” designed for lethal encounters, which in Canada is a good thing since our self protection laws seem to favor the criminal more than the victim. Making sure you are using a tool designed to deter a criminal rather than harm or kill them, is hopefully going to keep you out of trouble with the legal system. That said the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol does look kinda like a modern or futuristic semi auto pistol and functions much the same but with a lot less force.
Pros:
Not many options for a true less-lethal option here in Canada. This Airgun is purpose built for less lethal use so it has what I believe a decent amount power to hopefully deter an intruder.
It is clearly marked in orange to indicate it is not an actual lethal firearm. When protecting yourself in Canada you have to be cautious with your intentions, and having clear orange markings will help in your case to show that you where not trying to give the impression of using a real firearm.
Decent power of claimed 365 fps with a 11 Joules energy rating.
Can store the 8 gram CO2 in it and activate with a quick hit to the bottom of the CO2 screw.
Holds 4 rounds in the internal magazine which hopefully gets the job done. Should be able to reload at least one more time for a total of 8 shots per 8 gram CO2.
Black post front and orange notch rear sights have enough contrast to make sighting on most targets stand out.
Double action trigger feels smooth and not too heavy, also has a trigger safety on it.
Comes with 10 rubber and 10 powder balls along with three 8 gram CO2 to get you started.
Compact size is nice if you want to cary it with you, (law permitting).
Cons:
Uses 8 gram CO2 which are harder to get and more expensive than 12 gram CO2, will also get less shots per CO2 and quicker cool down.
No Picatinny rail or adjustable sights.
Only holds 4 rounds.
In Canada it does not seem you can get pepper balls easily most likely due to import regulations.
Comments:
I really liked the big full size brother of the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol and it did turn out to not only be fairly accurate but also performed well in the power category, coming in even a bit higher than the claimed 13 joules of energy with a real world rating for me of 15 joules using standard .50 caliber rubber balls. So I am hoping the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol with its 365 fps rating and 11 claimed joules will at least hit the mark. Yes it is a bit less powerful but it is also a lot smaller and more compact if you where interest in conceal caring it. Again law permitting in your area! Stay posted for my Field Test Shooting Video where I will find out if the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Compact CO2 Less Lethal Pistol performs as expected.
Type: Less Lethal Pistol. Manufacturer:Umarex - T4E. Model:P2P HDP 50. Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.5 pounds (.7 kg). Barrel: 4 inches (10.2 cm) Smooth bore. Total Length: 8.5 inches (21.6 cm). Power Source: 1x12 gram CO2. Action: Semi auto - Double action only trigger. Ammo Type: .50 Caliber Rubber Ball, Pepper Ball, Powder Ball. Ammo Capacity: 6 Round spring fed internal magazine. FPS: 485 (13 Joules).
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is double action only but not overly long or heavy. There does not seem to be any ammo friction which is nice, so the each round feels about the same with spring tension not playing a factor. In order to use the trigger, the Pistol will need to be fully charged by loading a 12 gram CO2 and giving it a smack on the bottom of the pistol grip. This will pierce the CO2, charging the gun with pressure and activation the trigger mechanism. When the CO2 pressure becomes too low, the trigger will not function and a fresh CO2 will needed to be swapped over.
Accuracy: So far I have only briefly tried out the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol here in the Replica Airguns Indoor Airgun Shooting Range, and I was rather impressed at the initial performance as it did seem to be moving the .50 call rubber balls I was shooting at close to 500 fps with a lot of energy as my pepper and cardboard target was dislodged from the backstop after a few shots. Accuracy seems to be as expected from a Paintball type pistol, so I am expecting to get around a 4-6 inch 6 shot grouping at 30 feet away which will be effective in a Less Lethal encounter.
Build Quality: The build quality of the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is good overall. It is mostly made out of plastic which is fine, as I feel that if it was mostly metal, and because of its larger size, it would be on the heavy side and not something you may want to use in a cary situation if that was your plan. There is metal where it needs to be in most of the mechanical areas including the barrel, trigger, charging system and I am sure other internal parts. The plastic parts feel well made and fit and finish is very good. The Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol does have more than enough weight at 1.5 pounds to feel solid in the hand.
Realism: This version of the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol comes with the orange slide to show that it is not a lethal firearm. I have seen all black version but at this time we only sell the colored slide version. This does make it obvious that the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is not a “Real Firearm” designed for lethal encounters, which in Canada is a good thing since our self protection laws seem to favor the criminal more than the victim. So making sure you are using a tool designed to deter a criminal rather than harm or kill them, is hopefully going to keep you out of trouble with the law. That said the Umarex P2P HDR 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol does look like a modern semi auto pistol and functions much the same but with less force.
Pros:
Not many options for a true less-lethal option here in Canada. This Airgun is purpose built for less lethal use so it has what I believe is enough power to actually dissuade most intruders.
In this case I like that it is clearly marked in orange to indicate it is not an actual lethal firearm. When protecting yourself in Canada you have to be cautious with your intentions, and having clear orange markings will help in your case to show that you where not trying to give the impression of using a real firearm.
Nice powerful 485fps with a 13 Joules energy rating.
Can store the 12 gram CO2 in it and activate with a quick hit to the bottom of the CO2 screw.
Holds 6 rounds in the internal magazine which hopefully gets the job done. Should be able to reload at least one more time for a total of 12 shots per 12 gram CO2.
Fiber Optic sights make it easy to line up your target in most lighting conditions and backgrounds.
Double action trigger feels smooth and not too heavy or long, also has a trigger safety on it.
Can add a tactical light or laser to the under barrel picatinny rail.
Comes with 10 rubber and 10 powder balls to get you started.
Cons:
It is a bit on the larger size, not going to be easy to cary if that is your plan. I do not know what the legal ramifications of carrying this would be as it is clearly designed for protection and not for lethal encounters.
Not a lot of shots per CO2 but the idea here is to quickly deliver as much damage as possible, this is not a weapon for prolonged gun fights.
In Canada it does not seem you can get pepper balls easily most likely due to import regulations.
Comments:
The Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is a very refreshing product for us here in Canada as up until now similar styled Rubber Ball purpose built self defense products we have been able to get, in my opinion simply did not have enough power to really be effective other than the initial intimidation of holding what looks like a firearm. If it came down to actually shooting it, I don’t believe there would be enough stopping power to deter an intruder. The Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol on the other hand has a 485 fps, 13 Joules power rating which is a rather big jump from other similar products available to us here in Canada and although it may not stop everyone, I do believe you have a much better chance protecting yourself with the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol. If you are looking for something to have at home to help you feel a bit safer, then the Umarex P2P HDP 50 Gen 2 CO2 Less Lethal Pistol is the absolute best option for Canadians at this time.
You may have noticed a lack of Airgun Video Reviews last week? That is because I went on vacation with my buddy Steve to Oceanside California where we stayed at the WorldMark Oceanside Resort. We spent a full week in Oceanside visiting the surrounding beaches, Mission Beach in San Diego along with Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.
We had a really great time, I was able to capture a variety of video of some of our experiences using my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, My DJI Neo AI and FPV Drone, and my Meta Glasses. I have put together a video to share Oceanside California and surrounding area in a mostly chronological order for your viewing enjoyment.
I am back to making Airgun Review Videos so stay posted for those videos coming shortly…
Since I use all kinds of cameras for the making of my Replica Airguns Videos including the HoverAir X1 Flying Camera Drone, I though it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on the new DJI NEO Mini Drone which Is replacing my HoverAir X1 at least for now. This is not an unboxing first impression video with basic out of the box test videos. This video is going to go over how the DJI NEO actually performs comparing to the HoverAir X1 and other DJI dedicated Drones and FPV Drones.
I have used different drones to do everything the DJI Neo claims to do, but can the DJI NEO really do it all and if so can it do it all as good or good enough?
The short answer is yes it can do it all but will it meet your specific expectations?
I don’t claim to be a pro at any of the things the DJI Neo can do, but I have at least some experience using the HoverAir X1 for the past year which is a similar experience as what you get with the base model DJI NEO out of the box.
I also have owned and flown standard DJI Drones with remote control setups for taking those cinematic flying around smooth shots. The DJI NEO out of the box can do limited distance and height using your DJI NEO with your phone in Manual Mode. You can also purchase the DJI NEO Fly More Kit that comes with the RC-N3 Controller and unlock almost limitless distance and even more features out of your DJI NEO.
I owned the first generation DJI Avata and flew it with the motion controller similar to what you can do with the DJI NEO when combined with the DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 Controller. That experience really got me more interested in experimenting with FPV drones.
I now own a bunch of FPV drones in various styles and sizes and use them with my DJI Goggles and Manual Controller to fly in full Manual Acro Mode for a true fps experience.
DJI NEO Compared to the HoverAir X1.
For the most part they both perform a lot of the same Selfie Camera shots like Follow, Droney, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Direction Track and some more specific to each unit.
You can fly them without a controller or even your phone by simply turning them on, selecting your flying mode and pressing a button.
They both can use your phone as a simple virtual controller to fly them around in manual mode and get some cool more cinematic shots.
They both can use your phones built in Microphone to record audio while taking out the drones propeller noise.
They are both well under 250 grams closer to 120 to 130 grams.
They both have a one axis gimbal setup.
The cameras in both are comparable. 2.7k 30fps for the HoverAir X1 and 4k 30fps for the DJI NEO.
Both have full prop guards and are very crash resistant.
Where does each one shin in my opinion?
HoverAir X1:
Starting with the HoverAir X1 it came out first and so more of the bugs and settings have been worked out, and you have to give them credit for being first here as DJI did a lot of copying if we are being honest.
The HoverAirX1 has more ability to change settings using the buttons on the drone without going into the phones software to do it.
The HoverAir X1 is better at staying in place when inside and in lower light situations.
The HoverAir X1 can record in portrait mode for social media content.
The HoverAir X1 can use just about any external USB or BT Microphone for recording to get better audio than just by using you phones internal Microphone. The DJI NEO only gives you the option to use their DJI 2 Microphone which starts at $300 Canadian.
The HoverAir X1 can be folded, making it much more portable.
The HoverAir X1 at this time can track a little bit faster than the DJI NEO, but that can change with a softer update in the future.
The HoverAir X1 does not restrict where you can fly as there is no Geo Fencing. The DJI NEO will not give you much of a problem here when in solo mode or when connected to the DJI Fly App without any controllers or Goggles, but when connected to addition DJI accessories, you will have to factor in Geo Fencing limitations and work arounds which can be really annoying.
DJI NEO:
Moving on to the DJI NEO, the NEO has voice command as long as the DJI Fly App is open and your phone screen is on, very useful when wanting to change the drones distance and height in modes like Follow and Direction Tracking.
The DJI software is a bit more intuitive and the Manual Mode allows for much smoother control of the DJI NEO and further distances and height. (60m)
The DJI NEO records in 4k which is a bit better than the HoverAir X1 2.7k, but not by much. There is room for improvement with the NEO in terms of software updates but we will see what DJI does in terms of improving video quality and hopefully the ability to tweak the video settings.
The DJI NEO has built in GPS which allows it to stay in position outside better and even go over water and steep drop-offs.
The DJI NEO has an 18 minute battery run time versus the HoverAir X1 10 minute battery run time. (In real life it is more like 15 versus 8 minutes), so almost double per battery.
The DJI NEO is much more than a one trick pony with its ability to be much more than a Flying Selfie Camera Drone. It can be a full fledged remote controlled drone or even a true FPV drone when adding the additional accessories to it.
And that brings us to the point in this video where I talk about if the DJI NEO can really perform good enough to possibly replace your stand alone drone or even your FPV Drone? And again it depends on what your expectations are and what your end use in these modes is.
In terms of a stand alone drone, when the DJI is connected to the RC-N3 Controller, it can do much of the same tasks you would expect and get many of the same shots. Because of its size it will not be as good in stronger winds and it also does not have the power or speed of a larger dedicated Drone. Most of the DJI Drones also have higher quality cameras with larger sensors and 2 or even 3 axis gimbals with better stabilization. They also have much longer battery run times so you can go farther and longer with them. That said the DJI NEO may be good enough for a non-pro user to get the shots they are looking for.
The DJI NEO has been compared to the DJI Avata series and it does look a lot like a smaller version for sure. In terms of flying ink a DJI Avata, again it is smaller and less powerful so it will be slower and more prone to weather conditions. The camera systems on even the DJI Avata 1 is much better than the DJI NEO with full 4k 60fps ability and the DJI Avata 2 camera is even better than the Avata 1 camera.
As an FPV Drone you can strap on a set of DJI Goggles 3 and and instead of using the Motion Controller 3, you can connect to the RC Motion 3 Controller and get full manual mode FPV flying and hit speeds as high as 60km/h. You do have to be careful as the DJI NEO is not really a freestyle drone, if you push it too hard it will washout and go out of control potentially crashing, especially if you are close to the ground and it does not have time to recover. That said it is a lot of fun to fly if you fly within its limitations.
Some tips when using the DJI NEO based on my experiences:
Record in 4k for best quality except when in FPV Manual mode as the faster motion of FPV flying requires more frame rate speed to capture all of the motion without getting video jitter. Your feed in the DJI Goggles will look a lot better in 1080p 60fps as 1080p is the native resolution and 60fps is much smoother and allows for easier viewing while flying.
Do not use the DJI NEO inside in low light, it simply does not work very well in low light inside and will most of the time just land.
When using a remote like the RC-N3 or the Goggles 3, lower your video sharpness to (-2) for better looking video.
To fly in restricted GEO Zones you will need to go online and make a license request on the DJI Fly-Safe website and then you will need to treansfer that request license to your drone using the DJI Fly App while connected to the DJI NEO with with an internet connect. A bit of a process but after a few times you get the hang of it. I was not able to unlock a Geo Zone on location while in the app even with an internet connection. Hopefully this gets fixed down the road.
Type: GBB Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by EMG. Model:SAI 2011 DS 4.3. Materials: Mostly metal (Aluminum) and plastic. Weight: 1.94 pounds (878 grams). Total Length: 8.25 inches (210mm). Barrel: 4 inches (102mm) metal rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi auto Blowback, SAO trigger. Ammunition Type: 6mm Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 30+1. FPS: Claimed 380-430.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol like what you would find on a traditional 1911 style pistol so it is Single Action Only and is nice and short and light in weight. Being a single action pistol for your first shot you will need to pull back the slide to chamber a round into the barrel which will also cock the hammer for you. the blowback action will cycle the slide for you from that point on automating the action.
Accuracy: I have not made my Field test Shooting Video or even tested out the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol yet or even shot it at all so I can not comment on the performance other than the claimed velocity of (380-430 fps) which does seem a bit high to me? My plan is to have this info available next week when I make my Field test Shooting Video so stay posted of that video coming out shortly…
Build Quality: The EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is a well made Airsoft Pistol with quality materials throughout. You will find a machined aluminum slide an aluminum frame and a full metal drop out magazine. The barrel is Titanium Nitride Coated and the only real plastic parts I could find would be the grips, the gas tube and the hop-up wheel. The stainless coating on this Airsoft pistol looks fairly thick and so should stand up over time with less wear showing.
Realism: The EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol to me is not a true 2011 design as it does not have the once piece grip/trigger guard design found in 2011 pistols. It is double stack so that fits with the naming convention but I would say it is more like a combination of the Salient Arms SAI Red and SAI Red H. It does check all the boxes for realism in terms of function, looks and feel with all the working parts you expect on a Replica Airsoft Pistol including being able to fully field strip it.
Pros:
Superior Performance and 1:1 Scale Functionality.
Machined Aluminum Alloy Frame and Slide.
Rugged Reliability without sacrificing Weight.
Officially licensed by Salient Arms International.
Front and Rear Combat Style Sights with integrated Forward Fiber Optic.
Machined Anti-Glare Slide Top.
Ambidextrous Safety and Squared Trigger.
Titanium Nitride Style SAI Barrel for added durability.
On-Frame Integrated Accessory Rail.
Skeletonized trigger and hammer.
Options of both Green Gas and CO2 Magazines.
Deep Engraving with Real Steel Training Weapon Grade External Finish, Look, and Feel.
Cons:
Has orange barrel tip. But can be removed with some work.
No white dot or fiber optics on rear sight.
Not really a True 2011 in design as the name suggests.
Comments:
I am a huge 1911/2011 fan and so the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol really appeals to me. I like the compact design of the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 yet it has a nice high capacity double stack magazine that gives this Airsoft Pistol a bit more girth in the hands which for me is OK as I have pretty large hands. I like that you have the option of shooting CO2 or Green Gas depending on what magazine you are using. This version comes with a CO2 Magazine, but you can purchase a green gas magazine if you prefer using gas over CO2. I like the modern look with the gold barrel and skeletonized trigger and hammer. The price is on the higher side but sometimes you have to pay a little bit more to get the additional quality and to have a gun that really stands out.
First off, Comica was kind enough to send the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System for free to review. That said the opinions in this review are my own and I do a fairly thorough review testing out the audio of the Comica BoomX-D PRO’s to my Comica Vimo C similar Microphone system. I use a variety of setups including recording into my camera and smart phone via line in and USB in. I also test out the internal recording capability of the Comica BoomX-D PRO’s to see if three is any difference in sound and levels.
One of the main reasons why I was interested in tech Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System is its ability to record directly to internal memory so you do not necessarily need a receiver as you can record direct to internal memory to one or both of the transmitters Microphones and then transfer the audio to you computer or smart phone later to sync with any video you may have recorded to go along with it.
The Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System also comes with lapel Microphones that you can use instead of the built in Microphones on the actual transmitters which can make for a more discreet microphone setup and may improve audio just a little bit. The Comica Vimo C Wireless Microphone System I have been suing for the last two years and which has never let me down and fulfilled pretty much all my audio needs is a bit more compact setup than the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System but Comica Vimo C’s do not have internal memory to record to our allow for using lapel microphones.
In terms of audio quality, both systems sounds fairly similar, the Comica Vimo C Wireless Microphone System to me sounds like it may be a bit fuller in the bottom end just a little bit but not by much. Both systems have a solid connection between the transmitters and the receiver giving good range with a reliable connection with no cutouts as long as you do not get really far away with objects in-between the transmitter and receiver. I suggest you watch my Full Review Video and decide for yourself how you feel about the audio quality of the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System and if perhaps it may be the right setup for your audio recording needs. In my opinion they are a well priced system for what you get and are comparable to much higher pried units without compromising quality of build or sound.
Here are some of the key features of the Comica BoomX-D PRO Wireless Microphone System:
2.4G Digital Dual-channel Wireless microphone, Global Free Frequency.
This is not an Airgun related video, I was away for a week on vacation so I made a video of some of the vacation highlights, watch if you want to or wait for some more upcoming Airgun Videos…
My wife and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Whistler BC Canada where we stayed 5 nights, then we traveled a few hours to Birch Bay Washington US for 3 more nights.
We stayed in our WorldMark Timeshare which is always very enjoyable and invited up some good friends and relatives to come and join us for part of each trip. It was a lot of fun being able to spend some of our vacation time with good people!
It was a vacation first and foremost but I like to document my trips al least to some degree with video. So I am able to share parts of the vacation with everyone using my Meta Glasses, HoverAir X1 Selfie Drone, Insta360 X4 and GO2 cameras and even a drone shot of me playing around flying my mini Pavo Pico FPV Drone around the hotel in Whistler.
I hope you enjoy the video of our various walks, outings and just simpel hotel lounging around. If you are thinking of going for a vacation in Whistler or Birch Bay, this video may give you a bit of an idea of what you can expect.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is a single action only trigger as you need ot cock the bow in order for the trigger to be engaged. The trigger mechanism basically just pushes the bow string up and over the lip of the rail releasing it so there is a bit of friction and I would say it is about 10 pounds maybe a bit less. The safety is also engaged when you cock the bow requiring you to take the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow off safe before shooting as an added layer of safety.
Accuracy: I have not made my Field Test Shooting Video for the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow and so I am not sure what to expect from it. I have shot a similar bow, the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow so it should perform similar to that one if you want to check that Field Test Shooting Video out, but I expect the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow to have a little bit more power as it has a rated fps and draw weight a little bit higher than the Bear X Desire XL Crossbow, we will see?
Build Quality: The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is actually made pretty decently, yes it is mostly plastic and light weight but feels sturdy enough to hold, the bow itself is fiberglass and the only real metal I can confirm is the cocking rail, mostly everything else other than the nuts and bolts that hold it together are some sort of plastic, The only part that does not feel up to par with the quality is the included red dot, it is fairly entry level but I am sure it will get the job done, and if it stops getting the job done at some point you can upgrade it then, or simply use the included rear iron sight which is fully adjustable.
Realism: The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is not a Replica as is what I usually review here on the channel. But I think there is a crossover in terms of interest for a product like this with people that are also interested in Airguns. The other benefit is that it has a lot more power than a non regulated Airgun as the CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow uses nice heavy 146 grain bolts traveling at almost 200 fps which gives an energy rating of around 12 foot pounds. So if raw power is what you are after, then this is your best option for something still compact if you do not have a firearms license.
Pros:
Fairly inexpensive.
Super light weight and compact.
More power than an Airgun yet still quiet to shoot so you can use discreetly just about anywhere with a good back stop setup.
Easy to draw the bow using the stock for leverage.
Safety is automatically engaged.
Picatinny rail already has iron fully adjustable rear sight and comes with a very basic red dot sight to get you started.
Fiber optic front sight.
3 bolts included.
191 fps (12ft/lbs).
Comes with fore grip.
5 portion adjustable rear but stock.
Cons:
Will need a good backstop or will lose lots of bolts.
Takes a little bit of time to set it up but not too hard, just follow the steps in the manual.
Careful not to wash you hadn't or thumb with the string (Ouchy).
Comments:
The CenterPoint Hornet Recurve Compact Crossbow is a nice crossover product that appeals to Airgun enthusiasts as it does not require a firearms license and can be used in a lot more locations than a standard gun. It also has decent power as compared to a non regulated Airgun hitting 12 foot pounds which is at least 4x more than most non regulated Airguns can achieve. In terms of pest control, it does have the power required for small pests but accuracy is not going to be as good as an Airgun so hitting the rather small sweet spot on a small pest is not going to be easy and you want to be humane about it, so make sure if you do plan on using this for some sort of pest control, that you practice your accuracy and are confident in your shot placement. Personally I would just enjoy shooting it as a target bow that literally cost you nothing after purchase as long as you don’t lose the bolts.
Type: NBB CO2 BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Gamo. Model: P-20. Materials: Plastic & metal. Weight: .97 pounds (439 grams). Total Length: 7.25 inches (184mm) Barrel: 4.25 inches (108mm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x 1. Action: Semi auto NBB, double action only trigger. AmmunitionType: 4.5mm steel BB's. AmmunitionCapacity: 20 round metal stick magazine. FPS: Claimed 400.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol is the same as pretty much all of the DOA trigger low cost BB Pistols where the trigger has to do all the work. Much of which is pulling back the fairly strong internal hammer spring which in this case is the barrel which protrudes slightly out of the front of the pistol until you reach the release point, and it snaps back hitting the valve and pressurizing the Airgun. This will give you a bit of a finger workout if you are shooting fast and want to empty out the 20 round magazine.
Accuracy: At this point I have not tested or shot the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol but I plan on making my Field Test Shooting Video the following week so stay posted for that. I do expect it to perform nearly exactly live every other Airgun made like this, and there are many that essentially have all the same internal components with a slightly redesigned outer shell, so mechanically they are all the same and should shoot about the same. It should get really close to the claimed 400 fps and I expect it to shoot under a 2-3 inch grouping, unless I am having an off day.
Build Quality: The build quality of the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol is what you expect from almost all plastic BB Guns of this type. It is not super heavy but that means less can break when dropped on a hard surface. Fit and finish are good and one gripe I have with most of these types of BB pistols built the same way, is that the grips are a bit lose so it can pop off when you pull it back. The Gamo GP-20 Combat’s grips are a lot more solid and this does help make the Airgun feel a bit more confidence inspiring.
Realism: The Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol from what I can see is not an exact copy of a real steel pistol in production but it does look like a modern semi auto pistol in design. The barrel is slightly recessed, and the CO2 tab is also hidden inside the grips, so unless you get close to the pistol you would think it could be the real deal. That said some giveaways are the moulded into the slide ejection port and the screw holes on the right side of the two plastic halves of the Airgun along with the kind of out of place standard safety switch that looks more like something you would find on a piece of electronics.
Pros:
Very low cost and simple design will make it reliable.
Fit and finish looks decent for an all plastic gun, grip are actually pretty tight.
Picatinny rail for adding accessories like a laser or tac light.
Standard metal stick magazine found in lots of Airguns for cross compatibility.
Right hand screws are very small and less obvious then some other two sided low cost plastic Airguns.
White dot sight up front and fiber optic in the back are easy to see on all backgrounds..
Safety is right above the trigger finger so easy to switch if you are right handed.
Recessed barrel for added realism.
Cons:
Some more metal would have been nice, but typical of a low cost BB shooter like this.
Double action trigger does require some work, so action shooting will be a bit harder.
Not a lot of working parts other than the trigger, safety, and magazine release.
Comments:
I have reviewed many CO2 BB Pistols built exactly like the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol, so it is at least for me, not the most exciting Airgun review but I always enjoy the chance to shoot even the most basic of Airguns. I would say the Gamo GP-20 Combat CO2 BB Pistol in this category is one of the nicer options as I feel Gamo stepped up the build quality just a bit, even if it was just to make the grips feel more solid and less prone to popping off when loading CO2. It is a little bit beefier than similar CO2 BB Pistols in this category so maybe not the best for smaller handed individuals but good for someone like me with larger mitts. The price is right for sure and with its simple design, it should perform as expected for a good long time!
Type:Blowback BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Made and Distributed by ASG. Model:CZ Shadow 2. Materials: Mostly all Metal. Weight: 2.7 pounds (1230 grams). Barrel: 4.5 inches (114mm) metal non-rifled. Total Length: 85 inch (215mm). Propulsion: 1 x CO2. Action: Semi auto blowback, single & double action trigger. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 17 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 285.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG CZ Shadow 2 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is both single and double action, by either pulling the slide or hammer back you engage the single action trigger which is nice and short and light with a medium take-up. You will need to pull the slide back to load a BB into the breach area for your first shot or you will simply be shooting CO2 on that first shot. If you drop the hammer down once a BB is in the breach, you can shoot in double action which is much heavier but it is fairly smooth without any noticeable sticking points.
Accuracy: I have not shot the ASG CZ Shadow 2 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol or made my Field Test Shooting Video so far, that will happen hopefully next week. So right now I can not comment on the true velocity or accuracy of this BB Pistol. It is very well made so I expect it to perform like most Full Blowback CO2 BB pistols which means it should shoot around a 1-2 inch 10 shot grouping at 30 feet away. And I expect it to achieve a velocity close to the manufacturers claimed fps, so just under 300 fps as claimed by ASG. We will find out for sure next in a weeks time!
Build Quality: TheASG CZ Shadow 2 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is distributed by ASG but I am not 100% sure who exactly makes it for them. I feel it is either going to be KJWorks or KWA. In either case both companies make very high quality Airsoft and Airguns and that is present with the ASG Shadow 2 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol. Fit and finish are excellent and the entire gun is virtually all metal with an anodized slide and zinc grips. It weighs in at a very hefty 2.7 pounds and has a very solid feel to it.
Realism: The ASG CZ Shadow 2 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is a 1 to 1 copy of the real steel CZ Shadow 2 IPSC Pistol and side by side it would be very hard to tell one form the other. It features full blowback operation and can by fully field stripped. All the mechanical parts work like the real steel version adding to the realism of shooting this CO2 Competition built Blowback BB Pistol. Again it is full metal which not only helps it look the part, but also feel the part. It is a very realistic replica and to make it even more believable, ASG has provide the CZ licensing to add all the correct markings to this product.
Pros:
Single and double action trigger with a nice light short single action trigger.
Fit and finish is excellent, very little slide wiggle, all metal build.
This pistol is heavy at 2.7 pounds!
Extremely close replica of the real steel CZ Shadow 2 in both looks and function.
Rear sight is fully adjustable and sits very flush with the slide.
Fiber optic front sight helps with quick targets acquisition.
CNC machined Aluminum slide and full metal build including the machined zinc pistol grip sides.
Recessed barrel for added realism.
Full size 17 round metal magazine holds the CO2 and BB’s and adds additional weight.
Side swappable Ambidextrous magazine release.
Extended trigger guard makes shooting with gloves easier.
Claimed to be highly accurate, we will find out during my Field Test.
Most Mechanical parts work just like a steel version and can be easily field stripped to access hop-up.
Heavy slide spring with fast blowback action, great for action shooting.
Licensing all over this gun true to the real steel version.
Cons:
Velocity of claimed 285 seems low.
Price will be a bit higher than some similar guns like this but the quality of the ASG CZ Shadow 2 is very high.
May be a bit heavy for some people.
Comments:
The ASG CZ Shadow 2 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol is a quality product all around not only being just full metal but also icormdrating Anodized Aluminum in the slide but also making the grips out of CNC Zinc. Fit and finish is excellent and the overall IPSC look is very appealing. It is a bit heavy coming in at 2.7 pounds but this will keep it very stable when performing competition styled shooting. I am really looking forward to seeing how this one performs as I have high expectations so I hope later on next week when I make my Field Test Shooting video it delivers as promised.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver is a single action only trigger, so you will need to cock the hammer back before each shot which does take away almost all of the trigger pull length and weight, making it short and light and easy to shoot. Perfect for slowed down accurate shot placement, but less effective as an action shooter.
Accuracy: I have not tested out the Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver but it is a lot like the Crosman Fortify SA CO2 BB Revolver so I am thinking it will perform at lot like that CO2 BB Revolver, if you want to get an idea on how the Barra 1858 might perform, you can watch my Crosman Fortify Filed Test Shooting Video to get a heads up before I make my official Filed Test Shooting Video for the Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver.
Build Quality: When it comes to the build for the Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver, there is not a lot to really get super excited about. It is basically a mostly all plastic gun with some metal parts internally like the barrel, trigger, hammer and CO2 area. The Barra 1858 has that lower cost Airgun, two halves, screwed together build which generally looks better on the side without the screws showing. As it is mostly plastic it is very light in the hand at only just about a pound or so. Overall there are not a lot of moving parts so it should be reliable enough just because there is not much to break or go wrong. All the mechanical components do what they need to do and feel solid enough.
Realism: The Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver at a glance looks a lot like a Remington 1858 Single Action Revolver, it has the same shape and size but the weight is way less being mostly plastic. The lack of actual bullet holes in the cylinder looking at it from the front of the revolver also takes away from the realism. I guess I am really used to the new generation revolvers with working cylinders and real loadable shells but these guns are more expensive and hold less ammo as they are genuine to the 6 shooter capacity. The barrel is however recessed which is nice.
Pros:
Inexpensive revolver as compared to other shell loading styled revolvers out there.
A decent looking replica of a Remington 1858 Revolver.
Single action only trigger is short and light and well suited to careful shot placement shooting.
400 claimed fps is about perfect for plinking at ranges up 30-40 feet.
18 round magazine has a nice high capacity and easy to load when empty.
Should get lots of shots per CO2 as there will be very little CO2 leakage with a non shell loading design.
Safety is well well hidden just in front of the trigger so easy to get to.
Has a recessed barrel for added realism.
CO2 Allen key is built into grip so always have it on hand and will not lose it.
White markings as an warnings are not super obvious, could be a little lighter.
Comes with two starter CO2’s and some 4.5mm Steel BB’s.
Cons:
Almost all plastic builds makes it a bit light in the hand.
No fake shell holes in the front of the cylinder, could have added this for a more genuine look.
Sights are non adjustable but fairly normal for an inexpensive plinker.
Comments: The Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver is a completely new concept in design over what we have become use to in todays Single Action Legend Revolvers with their shell loading design, the Crosman Fortify as I have mentioned is the only other new classic cowboy Revolver on the market like it so perhaps there will be more in the future. My shooting experience with the Crosman Fortify CO2 BB Revolver was about what I expected, it shot pretty close to the claimed fps and got around a 2 inch 10 round grouping shooting at a paper target 30 feet down range. So we will see if the Barra Cowboy Series 1858 CO2 BB Revolver performs about the same which was respectable. For a low cost BB Revolver you kind of get what you pay for here, which is not a bad deal at the end of the day considering the lower cost to get you up and shooting.
Type:Blowback BB Pistol. Manufacturer: Made and Distributed by KWC. Model:K17 (Black Barrel Version). Materials: Metal & Polymer. Weight: 1.68 pounds (760 grams). Barrel: 4.3 inches metal non-rifled. Propulsion: 1 x Co2. Action: Semi auto blowback, single action only trigger. Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's. Ammunition Capacity: 17 round drop out full size metal magazine. FPS: Claimed 329.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the KWC K17 Black Barrel CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is short with only a little bit of take up, the release is light and crips. The blowback action resets the internal Hammer / Striker with each shot for that true single action trigger and it’s also nice that the trigger does have a working trigger safety. You will need to rack the slide for the first shot but then the blowback action takes over for the rest of the shots.
Accuracy: I have already made a Field Test Shooting Video for the Gold Barrel version of this same KWC K17 pistol so you can check out that video here to see how the Black Barrel Version will essentially shoot. If you want to know right here and now the KWC K17 shot right around 325 fps and got a 4 inch grouping at 30 feet away shooting 10 rounds into a paper target. Maybe the Black Barrel Version will shoot a bit differently for me? We will find out soon enough…
Build Quality: TheKWC K17 Black Barrel CO2 Blowback BB Pistol feels really good, I’m going to say it’s probably one of the nicest KWC CO2 blowback pistols I have had in my hands to date. The finish is really nice, the polymer frame is flawless and fit is really good with nice tight tolerances throughout. it may even look better to me than the Umarex Glock version it is similar to?
Realism: The KWC K17 Black Barrel CO2 Blowback BB Pistol being a full blowback Airguns is supper realistic in terms of looking like and functioning like a real steel gun. All the parts function as you would expect them to including the ability to filed strip the KWC K17 which gives you easy access to the hop-up. In terms of the KWC K17 Black Barrel CO2 Blowback BB Pistol being a replica it does look similar to Glock with some differences like the trigger guard, slide cut-outs, extended beaver tail and straighter pistol grip. As I shoe in my Review video the parts even mix and match with the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol we also sell. Available From: The Replica Airguns Store.
Pros:
Good weight with very solid feel to it.
Full blowback action will produce good recoil effect.
Full size drop out metal magazine.
Short and light single action only trigger.
No ugly markings or warnings.
I prefer the more standard look of this Black Barrel Version.
Field strips like the real steel version.
White dot sights front and back.
Adjustable hop-up to adjust for some limited elevation as needed.
Working trigger safety along with serial number safety.
Cons:
Full blowback action will produce lower fps and use up more CO2.
But plate could be more like the Umarex Glock version.
Comments:
I really like the KWC K17 Black Barrel CO2 Blowback BB Pistol as I did the Good Barrel Version, it may even be one of my favorite CO2 Blowback BB Pistols from KWC to date. I am not a huge fan of the Gold barrel version but that’s a personal preference thing. All in all if you’re looking for that Modern Pistol design than the KWC K17 CO2 Blowback BB Pistol is going to fit the bill. If you are a Glock fan also make sure to checkout our Umarex Glock line of CO2 BB, Airsoft and even Paintball Replica Pistol in our online Replace Airgun stores…
Type: BB PistolPellet Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by Crosman. Model: SNR357. Materials: Mostly metal, some plastic parts. Weight: 1.92 pound (871 grams). Total Length: 8.13 inches (20.65cm). Barrel: 3 inches (7.6cm) metal non-rifled. Propulsion: CO2. Action: Revolver single and double action. AmmunitionType: 4.5mm BB’s / .177 cal. pellets. AmmunitionCapacity: 6 round cylinder. FPS: Claimed 400.
Trigger Pull: The Crosman SNR357 CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver has both a single and double action trigger, meaning you can pre-cock the hammer and shoot in single action which has a light short trigger pull. Or you can simply shoot in double action by pulling the trigger when the hammer is down and the trigger will cock the hammer and also release it to fire the Revolver. In double action the trigger is noticeably longer and heavier than in single action as your trigger finger now has to do all the work for the action. Having both single and double action is nice as you can shoot in action rapid fire using the double action or slow down and shoot with more accuracy in single action.
Accuracy: I have not tested out this exact Crosman SNR357 CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver but I have reviewed several similar products from Dan Wesson which essentially are the exact same mechanical gun manufactured by Wingun for both ASG and Crosman. I will be making a new Field Test Video for the Crosman SNR357 in a week or two but you can take a look at my recent Field Test Video for the Dan Wesson 2.5 inch Gold version which is mechanically the same gun as the Crosman SNR357 CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver.
Build Quality: When it comes to the build of the Crosman SNR357 CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver, it is alsmot all metal other than mainly the grips and the CO2 tab as far as I can tell. It weighs in at nearly 2 pounds even for a more compact revolver so it feels very hefty in the hand. In similar Dan Wesson models there has been some concerns with the hammer feeling a bit sloppy but this has never caused any concern in terms of functionality. I also am not a fan of the way the grips slide back for access to the CO2 as they can come off and misalign when trying to put them back in place. Other than that this pistol is a solid well made revolver.
Realism: The Crosman SNR357 CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver is styled after a 357 type snub nosed revolver and looks for the most part true to scale and form. As this product design was one of the first shell loading revolvers back in the day, manufacturers had to use parts that where already available as in the CO2 valves which where at the time a bit longer than they can make now. Because of this, the area between the cylinder and the back the revolver is a bit long to accommodate the longer valves made at that time. This does distorts the gun a little bit but to be honest most people will not notice.
Pros:
Design has been around for a while now and so it is well tested.
A decent looking replica of a 357 type revolver.
Single and double action trigger allows for both action and more laid back and precise shooting ability.
400 claimed fps is more than adequate for plinking and action shooting.
Always fun loading up the 6 removable shells and placing them in the cylinder.
Fully adjustable sights for dead center shooting.
CO2 is fully well hidden inside the grips.
Can choose between shooting pellets or BB’s.
Cons:
Barrel is not recessed.
Area between cylinder and hammer is a bit long as it has to accommodate the CO2 valve.
Grip removal can be a bit finicky.
Comments: The Crosman SNR357 CO2 Dual Ammo Revolver is far from a new styled gun on the market, it’s been around for about a decade originally introduced main stream by ASG as their Dan Wesson 357. Being an older styled airgun means any issues it may have had are now for sure worked out so you know you are getting a solid and reliable Air Pistol here. If you are looking for an updated 357 then take a look at the Dan Wesson 715 series as some of the issues I have mentioned with the SNR357 are worked out on the newer style 357 Revolvers.
