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In this table top review, we are taking a close look at the Crosman 2240XL Special Edition, a .22 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol. While I haven't shot this exact model yet, I have shot the standard 2240 non-XL version, and they share a very similar firing mechanism. The biggest draw to the XL version is the factory-upgraded metal breech with an 11mm dovetail rail, and the threaded muzzle for added versatility.

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Key Specifications:

• Model: Crosman 2240XL Special Edition

• Type: Pellet Pistol

• Caliber: .22 caliber lead pellets

• Power Source: 12-gram CO2 (1 cartridge)

• Velocity: Up to 460 FPS

• Action: Single-Shot Bolt Action

• Safety: Cross-Bolt Safety

• Barrel: Rifled Steel Barrel, Threaded muzzle (1/2" x 20 threads)

• Stock/Grips: Plastic grips

• Construction: Mostly metal (steel breech, barrel, loading chamber) with plastic grips

• Weight: 1.8 lbs

• Overall Length: 12.5 inches

• Sights: None included

• Optics Rail: 11mm Dovetail Rail

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First Impressions & Build Quality:
The 2240XL brings a much-needed factory upgrade to the legendary 2240 platform: a full steel breech. This alone is a huge addition, making the gun stand out and providing a much higher quality feel. The gun is almost entirely metal, including the barrel, CO2 loading chamber, bolt, and breech. The grips are plastic, which is fairly standard, but one of the best things about the Crosman 2240 platform is how highly customizable it is. There are countless aftermarket parts available, and you can even easily swap out the grips fro wood grips or for a Crosman shoulder stock to turn it into a backpacker-style carbine.

Weighing in at 1.8 pounds and measuring 12.5 inches long, The Crosman 2240XL Special Edition has a solid feel in the hand. The threaded barrel comes with a thread protector and gives you options for adding mock suppressors or other attachments.

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How It Works:
This is a single-action, bolt-action pellet pistol. To operate it, you must first cock the bolt and manually load a .22 caliber pellet into the chamber. Once the bolt is pushed forward and locked down, the trigger is engaged and ready to fire. Powered by a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge housed in the lower tube, it is capable of firing up to 460 FPS depending on the weight of the pellets used. Because it's a single-shot bolt action, you'll need to manually load a pellet for every shot, but you won't need to pump it since the CO2 provides the power.

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Pros:

• Upgraded steel breech from the factory provides a robust build and premium look.

• Built-in 11mm dovetail rail makes adding a red dot or magnified optic easy.

• Threaded muzzle (1/2" x 20 threads) with an included thread protector for attachments.

• Solid CO2 power at up to 460 FPS.

• Highly customizable platform with endless aftermarket parts available.

• Excellent light single-action trigger with very little take-up.

• Mostly metal construction ensures long-lasting durability.

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Cons:

• Does not come with any open sights, an optic is required out of the box.

• Relies on CO2, meaning velocities will fluctuate as the gun cools down during rapid fire and potentially as CO2 volume lowers.

• Standard plastic grips are somewhat basic.

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Final Thoughts:
The Crosman 2240XL Special Edition takes an already proven pistol and adds the features most shooters end up buying aftermarket anyway. Having the steel breech and dovetail rail right out of the box makes mounting an optic straightforward, and the threaded muzzle is a fantastic touch, even if it’s just mainly for looks. If you're looking for a powerful .22 caliber airgun for small pest control that can be modified to your exact liking, the 2240XL is a superb starting point.

Stay tuned for the Field Test Shooting video coming up down the road.

Available at:

• 🇨🇦 Buy the Crosman 22040 XL .22 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol in Canada

• 🇺🇸 Buy Pellet Pistols in the US

We are halfway through September, and another unannounced delivery just showed up at the door. This box was surprisingly compact but incredibly dense, hinting at a hefty amount of possible ammunition inside. Cracking it open revealed a massive 4,000-count bottle of BBs and an updated classic from Crosman.

Gear Stock 4.5mm Copper-Coated Steel BBs

The sheer weight of this package came from a bulk 4,000-round bottle of Gear Stock 4.5mm steel BBs. These specific rounds feature a copper coating, which looks great but comes with a few historical caveats.

• Copper vs. Zinc: In my experience, copper-coated BBs can tarnish over time. Unlike zinc, which stays relatively clean, older copper coatings can oxidize and leave a dark, powdery residue on your hands and inside your airgun's barrel.

• Quality Check: If you burn through your ammo quickly, the tarnishing won't be an issue. We will have to see if modern manufacturing has improved the coating durability on this Gear Stock batch, but I typically lean toward zinc-coated BBs for long-term storage and cleaner shooting.

• Buy Gera Stock BB’s in Canada

• Buy Gear Stock BB’s in the US

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The Crosman 2240 XL .22 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol

The main event in this box is the Crosman 2240 XL. The 2240 platform has been a staple in the airgun community for decades, and the XL version finally addresses the most common pain points shooters had with the base model out of the box.

• Core Specs: The 2240 XL is a CO2-powered, bolt-action, single-shot pistol chambered in .22 caliber. It weighs in at 1.8 pounds, features a rifled steel barrel, and utilizes a standard 12-gram CO2 cartridge.

• The Metal Breech Upgrade: The standard 2240 and its multi-pump cousin, the 1322, utilize a plastic breech. Mounting an optic on those older models requires clamp-on barrel adapter rings, which can easily twist out of alignment. The 2240 XL ships with an upgraded all-metal breech featuring a milled 11mm dovetail rail, allowing for a rock-solid red dot or scope mount straight from the factory.

• Threaded Muzzle: The front of the barrel has a threaded muzzle cap. You can unscrew the tip to attach 1/2" UNF aftermarket compensators or moderators, adding another layer of customization.

• Buy the Crosman 22040 XL .22 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol in Canada

• Buy Pellet Pistols in the US

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Customization and Practical Application

Because the 2240 XL features a dovetail rail instead of iron sights, it is built specifically for optics. This plays perfectly into the massive aftermarket support for Crosman’s 22xx and 13xx platforms.

I own a heavily modified "backpacker" setup on one of my personal Crosman .22s, featuring a skeletonized rear shoulder stock and a magnified scope. At sub-500 FPS, a .22 caliber pellet is highly effective for close-range pest control. When dealing with nuisance animals like crows attacking songbirds, an ultra-high-velocity pellet will often pass straight through the target, wasting its kinetic energy. A heavier .22 pellet moving at moderate speeds dumps its full energy upon impact, providing a much more immediate and humane dispatch.

The full tabletop and field test shooting videos for the Crosman 2240 XL are coming up next. Make sure you are subscribed on Rumble, Vimeo, X, Threads, or TikTok to catch the full performance breakdown when it goes live.

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Today, we are putting the Marksman 1018 Spring-powered BB/Pellet Pistol through its paces in the indoor shooting range. Don't get too excited, this gun isn't going to blow your socks off with crazy power, and I highly doubt we'll be seeing sniper-level accuracy. I also only test it out using standard 4.5mm steel BB’s in this Field Test.

If you're looking for the nitty-gritty details, specifications, and close-up angles, I have already done the dedicated Table Top Video Review for this gun, so be sure to check that out. For this session, we are strictly focused on performance: getting it on the Chrony and seeing how this spring-powered plinker handles when we actually put some 4.5mm BB rounds downrange.

Chronograph and Velocity Testing Starting things off with the chrony test, I wanted to see what kind of speed we could get out of this basic springer. Marksman claims it can shoot up to 200 FPS on the packaging. To test this, I loaded up the built-in BB reservoir to see if it could hit those numbers. Let's see how it performed:

• Shot 1: 111 FPS

• Shot 2: 110 FPS

• Shot 3: 107 FPS

• Shot 4: 115 FPS

• Shot 5: 108 FPS

• Shot 6: 108 FPS

• Average 110 FPS

As you can see, the numbers were very consistent, hovering right around the 110 FPS mark. While it is incredibly consistent, it falls well short of the 200 FPS claim. Because of this exceptionally low velocity, I decided to scrap my usual 30-foot target test. The gun just doesn't have the power to push BBs effectively at that distance without a massive arc, so I moved closer to the paper target at around 20 feet.

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Accuracy Downrange at 20 Feet Next up, from 20 feet out, I took aim to see what kind of grouping the Marksman 1018 could pull off on a fresh paper target.

Shooting the Marksman 1018 Spring-powered BB/Pellet Pistol requires a bit of an adjustment. Out of the box, the fixed sights were shooting rather high and significantly to the left. I was aiming dead center at the bullseye, and the rounds were lofting up and striking far left of the center ring. Because you are dealing with completely fixed sights on a low-velocity plinker, you're going to have to rely heavily on "Kentucky windage", meaning if you want to hit your target, you'll need to aim well to the right and a bit lower to compensate. At 30 feet, those BBs would just be arcing even more dramatically, so 20 feet (or even 10 feet) is definitely the sweet spot for this pistol.

Shooting Feel and Features Despite the low velocity and accuracy quirks, the physical shooting experience has some redeeming qualities. The loading mechanism works flawlessly; it draws from the internal reservoir consistently without missing a single beat while cocking as long as it is fairly full.

Cocking the spring is incredibly easy, and the trigger actually isn't half bad for such a basic, entry-level gun. Since it's spring-powered, there is no need for CO2. This means it will work in absolutely any environment, rain or shine, and it’s incredibly cheap to shot.

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Final Thoughts Ultimately, the Marksman 1018 Spring-powered BB/Pellet Pistol is exactly what it looks like: a real basic, inexpensive plinker. It’s not meant for long-range accuracy or high power. It's designed for casually plinking pop cans in your backyard or basement at 10 to 20 feet. For just a few bucks, you can grab a bottle of BBs and have some cheap, casual fun without ever worrying about buying or running out of CO2 cartridges. It is inexpensive to buy, inexpensive to shoot, and incredibly easy to operate.

Where to Buy

• Buy the Marksman 1018 Spring BB - Pellet Pistol in Canada

• Buy Airguns in the US

Thanks for tuning in! Make sure to head over and follow the Replica Airguns channels on Rumble, Vimeo, and YouTube. We are uploading as much content as possible to Rumble right now, and your support means the world as we keep building up our video community! Until next time, take care.

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First Look & Overview In this table top review, we are taking a look at the Marksman Spring BB / Pellet / Dart Pistol, an inexpensive and versatile option for backyard and basement plinking. This model is primarily constructed with a plastic exterior shell, housing a single-stroke spring-piston power plant. Coming in at around $50 CAD, this is not a high-end replica, but it offers a highly accessible shooting experience with the ability to handle multiple types of ammunition.

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Specifications

• Caliber: 4.5mm Steel BBs, .177 Caliber Pellets, & Darts

• Action: Single-stroke spring piston, break-barrel style loading

• Magazine: 18-round BB reservoir (single-shot for pellets and darts)

• Power Source: Spring piston

• FPS: Maximum 200 FPS

• Weight: ~1 lb (454 grams)

• Overall Length: 9 inches

• Construction: Mostly plastic exterior with internal metal components

• Sights: Fixed fiber optic sights (front and rear)

• Safety: Cross-bolt safety

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Build Quality & Design The Marksman Spring BB / Pellet / Dart Pistol features a lightweight, predominantly plastic external construction. While it lacks the substantial heft of full-metal replicas, weighing in at just 1 pound, it feels quite comfortable in the hand. The grip has a nice texture and isn't overly thick, making it suitable for shooters with smaller hands even though the pistol maintains a slightly bulky, blocky 1911-style appearance. Despite the external plastic shell, the internal spring piston system and critical mechanical components are made of metal.

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Magazine & Loading System Loading this pistol is a unique process. It features a built-in 18-shot internal reservoir for 4.5mm steel BBs. To fire, the rear section of the slide is pulled back to activate the spring piston. Pushing the top portion forward opens the breech in a break-barrel fashion, allowing access to the loading bay. When using BBs, they drop in from the internal reservoir. If you are shooting pellets or darts, you will load them one at a time directly into the breech. An included rubber speed-loader accessory lets you easily drop BBs into the reservoir by simply pinching it, a convenient feature that saves loading time.

Handling & Controls Operating this spring piston pistol requires manual cocking before every shot. The slide is used to cock the internal spring, and the trigger features a skeletonized design within a built-in fairly heavy trigger guard. The trigger pull is decent but requires a deliberate press. The cross-bolt safety effectively locks the trigger, ensuring that the pistol cannot be fired once cocked and loaded until you have disengaged it. (Mine did have an issue)

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Sights & Optics The Marksman Spring BB / Pellet / Dart Pistol comes equipped with fixed fiber optic sights on both the front and the rear. This makes target acquisition noticeably easier, especially against various backgrounds or in lower light conditions. The sights are fixed and non-adjustable, and the pistol even though it looks like it does, it does not include accessory rails for mounting aftermarket optics or lasers.

Performance Expectations This airgun is not built for shattering power records, boasting a maximum velocity of around 200 FPS. Because of its low power output, it is very quiet to operate, making it ideal for close-range indoor plinking or backyard target shooting where noise is a concern. The spring piston action means there is no CO2 to buy, keeping your operating costs extremely low.

Pros

• Very affordable (around $50 CAD)

• No CO2 required; low ongoing operating cost

• Versatile ammo compatibility (shoots BBs, pellets, and darts)

• 18-round internal BB reservoir

• Included quick-load pinch accessory for BBs

• Fiber optic sights front and rear

• Lightweight and easy to handle for various hand sizes

• Quiet operation ideal for indoor or backyard shooting

Cons

• Low velocity (max 200 FPS)

• Predominantly plastic exterior construction

• Requires manual cocking for every single shot

• Fixed, non-adjustable sights

• No accessory rails

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Final Thoughts The Marksman Spring BB / Pellet / Dart Pistol isn't about raw power or ultra-realistic blowback action. It's an accessible, budget-friendly airgun that doesn't require extra CO2 purchases. With the ability to shoot multiple types of ammo and a convenient included BB loader, it delivers straightforward, simple fun. Stay tuned for the upcoming field test shooting video to see exactly how this performs down range.

Be sure to check out our exclusive long-form video content on YouTube, Vimeo and Rumble and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Buy the Marksman 1018 Spring BB - Pellet Pistol in Canada

• Buy Airguns in the US

We’ve got yet another box on the table today for our August Mystery Unboxing. It took a while to arrive, but it was absolutely worth the wait. We’re diving into four highly anticipated products across the BB, Pellet, and Airsoft categories.

Here is a quick first look at what’s hitting the review table soon!

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Marksman Model 1018 .177 Caliber Air Pistol

First out of the box is the Marksman 1018. This is a very budget-friendly (around $50), 1911-inspired spring-actuated pistol. It features fiber-optic sights on the front and back, making it an excellent, quiet option for basement or backyard plinking. While it can technically shoot darts and bolts, we'll be sticking to BBs and pellets for our tests.

Basic Specifications:

• Action: Single-stroke spring piston

• Caliber: .177 Caliber (BBs and Pellets)

• Capacity: 18-shot internal BB reservoir

• Velocity: Up to 200 FPS

• Weight & Length: 1 lb / 9.0 inches

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Umarex Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol

Next up is a beauty from Umarex, the Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS. If you love ultra-realistic replicas, this is it. It features a heavy full-metal slide spring, a recessed barrel, and classic white dot sights. The "MOS" means it comes ready with all the mounting plates you need to attach your favorite red dot sights. It runs on a full-size, drop-out 17-round metal magazine and utilizes a full blowback system for ultra realistic blowback operation.

Basic Specifications:

• Action: Semi-auto full blowback, single CO2 cartridge

• Caliber: 4.5mm (.177) steel BBs

• Capacity: 17-round drop-out metal magazine

• Velocity: Approximately 300 FPS

• Weight & Length: 1.5 lbs / 7.95 inches

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A&K M1873R M-LOK Lever Action Airsoft Gas Rifle

I'm incredibly excited to finally do a proper field test on this one. This is a replacement for a previous model that had a leaky loading valve. This gas-operated, "Mares Leg" style lever-action rifle is heavily modernized. It features a gorgeous real wood stock, an enlarged lever loop, a Picatinny top rail, an M-LOK handguard for accessories, and a mock suppressor on the front.

Basic Specifications:

• Action: Gas Non-Blowback Lever Action (Green Gas)

• Caliber: 6mm Airsoft BBs

• Capacity: 25-round internal magazine

• Velocity: 360 - 390 FPS (with 0.20g BBs)

• Weight & Length: 3.7 lbs / 24.5 inches

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Specna Arms SA-E10 PDW Edge AEG Airsoft Rifle

Finally, we have an absolute powerhouse in a tiny package: the Specna Arms SA-E10 PDW. This is a super-compact AR-style AEG with a polymer-metal build and a telescopic stock. Specna Arms goes above and beyond with the box contents on this one. Along with the rifle, you get two S-MAG mid-cap magazines, an additional M90 drop-in spring to easily lower your FPS for indoor fields, a Deans adapter, and a vertical foregrip.

Basic Specifications:

• Action: Electric (AEG) with Pre-installed MOSFET

• Capacity: Includes two 125-round mid-cap S-MAG magazines

• Velocity: 375-390 FPS (Drops to ~310-320 FPS with included M90 spring)

• Length: Minimum 505 mm (approx. 19.8 inches)

• Inner Barrel: 160 mm precision 6.03mm barrel

Stay tuned to the Replica Airguns channel, as I'll be doing dedicated tabletop and field test shooting videos for all of these very soon.

Hey everyone, Michael here from Replica Airguns. We’ve got another July unboxing video for you! If you're wondering why we have two in the same week, I recently realized I had a tiny mystery box video (featuring the ASG CZ P10C) all finished and ready to go, but I completely forgot to hit publish on it. Better late than never!

After getting a little low on review gear in the warehouse, I decided to bring in a new, medium-sized box of goodies to test out. Here’s a quick look at the highlights of what just landed.

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Gear Stock Copper-Coated BBs

First out of the box, we have some Gear Stock copper-coated steel BBs. I typically prefer using zinc-alloy BBs, but I haven't used this specific brand specifically. I’m eager to run these through a few tests to see how they perform and whether they may corrode long term leave any black residue in the barrel or on the gun.

Umarex P2P Secure 68P Impact Defense Kit

Next up is the Umarex Prepare to Protect (P2P) Secure 68P, a .68 caliber less-lethal impact defense kit. Right off the bat, the packaging screams quality, it comes in a really nice, durable nylon soft case.

Inside, you get a great variety of ammunition to load into its 6 round metal magazine:

• 6 glass breaker impact rounds

• 6 powder practice rounds

• 6 rubber impact rounds

The pistol itself features a double-action trigger, runs on 12g CO2 (which they thoughtfully include in the kit), and fires at a velocity of around 350 FPS. It has a great weight and feel to it, and I'm looking forward to getting this on the chronograph.

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Daisy Woodland Trail Western Carbine (Model 1999)

Finally, we have something that’s just pure fun: the Daisy Woodland Trail Western Carbine 1999. It's a classic lever-action BB rifle but with a modern, outdoorsy twist.

Instead of the traditional wood look, this model features a really cool green stock with a matching trigger. It also brings some nice upgrades to the table, including a Picatinny rail for mounting a red dot or optical scope, a fiber optic front sight, and an adjustable rear sight for elevation. It holds a massive 650 BBs and shoots right around 350 FPS. I haven’t shot one of these green stock versions yet, and I already know it's going to be a blast for backyard plinking.

What's Next?

Stay tuned because dedicated tabletop and field test shooting videos for all of these products are coming up very soon! You know I love shooting these lever-action rifles, so expect a detailed breakdown once I get them out in the yard or here in the sea can Airgun range.

As always, you can find these items available in both our Canada and US stores. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel and follow us across our social media platforms so you don't miss the full reviews!

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In this review, we are looking at two crossbows that honestly shouldn’t really be compared, but that’s exactly why this comparison is interesting. On one end, we have the Steambow M10, a compact, magazine-fed, fast-shooting crossbow built for fun, training, and high repetition shooting. On the other, the CenterPoint AT400, a full-size, high-powered compound crossbow designed for serious hunting applications.

Aside from both launching bolts/arrows, these two platforms sit at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. The goal here is not to declare a winner, but to help you decide which one actually fits your use case, or if you might want both.

Key Differences Overview:

Steambow M10

The Steambow M10 is a compact repeating crossbow designed more for fun, training, and high-volume shooting. It uses a magazine-fed system that can hold 10 bolts, allowing for very fast follow-up shots. Depending on the limb setup, it can reach speeds of up to around 200 FPS and produce approximately 10 to 15 foot-pounds of energy. Its lighter draw weight options and easy cocking system make it beginner-friendly and much less physically demanding to use. Overall, the M10 is best suited for target shooting, casual use, and potentially small game with the right setup.

CenterPoint AT400

The CenterPoint AT400 is a full-size compound hunting crossbow built for serious power and hunting use. Unlike the M10, it is a single-shot platform that focuses on accuracy, penetration, and range rather than fast repeat shooting. It sends arrows downrange at about 400 FPS and delivers close to 150 foot-pounds of energy, putting it in an entirely different class. With its roughly 200-pound draw weight, it requires much more effort to cock and reload, usually with a rope or crank system. This makes it better suited for medium to large game hunting, where power and shot placement matter far more than speed.

Side-by-Side Summary

If you want something lightweight, compact, fast, and easy to shoot often, the Steambow M10 is the better fit. If your main goal is hunting and you need maximum power, longer range, and serious downrange performance, then the CenterPoint AT400 is clearly the more appropriate choice. Even though both are crossbows, they are built for very different types of users and very different shooting experiences.

Power & Performance

The biggest separation between these two comes down to raw power.

• The Steambow M10 delivers up to about 10–15 foot-pounds of energy, depending on limb configuration and bolt weight. It’s comparable to higher-end airguns or paintball-level power.

• The CenterPoint AT400, by contrast, produces close to 150 foot-pounds of energy and launches arrows at around 400 FPS.

That’s not a small difference, it’s an entirely different category.

Real-world comparison:

• M10 = backyard shooting, small game potential

• AT400 = deer, and potentially even elk with proper shot placement

This is essentially the difference between a BB gun vs a hunting rifle in terms of role and impact.

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Shooting Experience:

Steambow M10

• Magazine-fed (10 bolts)

• Extremely fast follow-up shots

• Break-action style cocking (very quick)

• Great for drills, repetition, and skill building

• Minimal effort required

You can realistically fire 10 shots in about 10 seconds, making it a very engaging and fun platform.

CenterPoint AT400

• Single-shot system

• Requires rope cocking or crank system

• Significant physical effort (200 lb draw)

• Slow reload (often 30–60+ seconds)

This is a deliberate shooting experience, not something designed for volume or speed.

Use Case Breakdown:

Steambow M10 – Best For…

• Backyard shooting (with proper backstop)

• Target practice

• Tactical-style drills

• High repetition training

• Casual and frequent use

• Lower-cost shooting (especially with rubber ball version)

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You can even use:

• Rubber balls (low cost, reusable)

• Lightweight bolts

• Indoor-friendly setups (with proper safety)

CenterPoint AT400 – Best For…

• Hunting (deer and potentially larger game)

• Long-range accuracy

• Maximum penetration and power

• Purpose-driven shooting

This is not a casual-use product, you typically bring it out when it matters.

Ease of Use & Physical Demand:

Steambow M10

• Very easy to cock (even at lower draw weights)

• Beginner-friendly

• Lightweight (~compact platform)

• Minimal fatigue

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CenterPoint AT400

• High effort required

• Needs cocking tools (rope or crank)

• Physically demanding

• Slower workflow between shots

Key takeaway:
Anyone can pick up and use the M10 easily. The AT400 requires more commitment, strength, and practice.

Size & Portability

Steambow M10

• Compact and lightweight

• Can be partially disassembled easily

• Backpack-friendly

• Ideal for mobile use

CenterPoint AT40

• Large, fixed structure

• Not easily transportable without a case

• Designed for field carry, not casual portability

Ammo & Cost of Ownership:

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Steambow M10

• Bolts are smaller and cheaper

• Rubber ball version = extremely low cost

• Less wear and tear overall

• High reusability

CenterPoint AT40

• Arrows are larger and more expensive

• More prone to damage/loss at high speeds

• Requires maintenance and replacement over time

Value Consideration:

Interestingly, both fall into a similar price range (~$400–$500), but value depends on usage frequency:

• M10 → Likely used often → Higher practical value

• AT400 → Used less frequently unless hunting regularly

If something sits unused, its value drops regardless of price.

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Who Should Buy Each?

Choose the Steambow M10 if you…

• Want fun, fast shooting

• Plan to shoot frequently

• Prefer low effort and ease of use

• Don’t need high power

• Enjoy tactical or training-style shooting

Choose the CenterPoint AT400 if you…

• Are hunting (especially deer or larger game)

• Need high power and penetration

• Value accuracy and range

• Don’t mind slower reload times

• Are comfortable with physical effort

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Final Thoughts

These two crossbows are not competitors—they are tools for completely different jobs.

• The Steambow M10 is about frequency, fun, and versatility

• The CenterPoint AT400 is about power, precision, and purpose

If anything, this comparison highlights that you may not need to choose one over the other, you might actually benefit from having both ends of the spectrum covered.

If neither fits perfectly, then the real answer may be to look for something in the middle.

Where to Buy

Both of these crossbows (or similar models) are typically available through:

• Buy Steambow M10 in Canada

• Buy CenterPoint AT400 In Canada

• Buy in the US

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In this April 2026 unboxing, there’s a solid mix of power, realism, and variety straight out of the box. Even before opening it up, the size and weight of the package hinted that this wasn’t going to be a light or basic shipment. As usual, this is more of a first look and overview rather than a deep dive, with full tabletop and field test reviews coming later.

CenterPoint AT400 Compound Crossbow Kit (400 FPS)

The first item out of the box is easily the most substantial: an AT400 compound crossbow kit. This is not one of the smaller, backyard-friendly crossbows—it’s a full-sized, high-powered unit designed for serious use.

• Velocity: Rated around 400 feet per second

• Energy: Approximately 142 ft-lbs

• Features:

  • Detachable silent crank system for easier cocking

  • Picatinny rail for mounting optics or accessories

  • Full kit setup with multiple components included

This level of power puts it well into small-to-medium game hunting territory, making it more than just a recreational piece. Because of its size and power, testing it indoors isn’t really practical, so this one will likely get a detailed tabletop breakdown rather than a traditional shooting demo.

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Umarex T4E TP50 Gen 2 (.50 Cal Tactical Pistol)

Next up is the Umarex T4E TP50 Gen 2, this time in the all-black tactical version rather than the more recognizable orange training model.

• Caliber: .50 caliber

• Velocity: Up to 465 FPS

• Ammo: Rubber balls (included in the box)

• System: CO2 powered with quick-pierce activation

This version stands out for a couple of reasons. First, the higher velocity suggests noticeably more energy compared to earlier or training-focused versions. Second, the all-black design gives it a much more realistic look, closer to a traditional firearm aesthetic.

Functionally, it uses a spring-fed internal magazine and a preloaded CO2 system, allowing you to keep it ready without gas leakage. When needed, a quick strike activates the CO2, making it immediately usable.

Based on typical .50 cal projectile weights and that velocity, this likely lands somewhere in the mid-to-high teens or possibly around 20 ft-lbs of energy, though exact numbers will be confirmed during testing.

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E&L AKS-74N AEG Airsoft Rifle (Legends Series)

The final item in the box is a standout for realism: the E&L AKS-74N AEG airsoft rifle, branded under the “Legends / Legendary Perfection” line.

This is clearly built to replicate the real AK platform as closely as possible.

• Construction:

  • Real wood stock

  • Stamped steel receiver and metal components

  • Folding stock (magnetic lock)

• Operation:

  • AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)

  • Semi and full-auto firing modes

  • Adjustable rear sight (elevation)

• Extras:

  • Deans connector compatibility

  • Included specs sheet with velocity in m/s

The weight is immediately noticeable, estimated around 7–8 pounds, which adds to the realism. The combination of real wood furniture and steel construction gives it a very authentic feel compared to lighter, polymer-heavy Airsoft rifles.

The included magazine is polymer, but it should be compatible with standard AK-style AEG mags, meaning upgrades or swaps are likely straightforward.

Final Thoughts

This unboxing delivers a strong mix across three very different categories:

• High-power archery platform (AT400 crossbow)

• Compact CO2-powered .50 cal pistol (TP50 Gen 2)

• Full-metal, real wood AEG rifle (E&L AKS-74N)

Each item targets a different type of user, from tactical training and backyard use to collectors and realism-focused Airsoft enthusiasts.

As always, this is just the first look. Full tabletop reviews, comparisons, and field tests will break down real-world performance, usability, and value.

For availability and full write-ups, check:

• ReplicaAirguns.ca (Canada)

• ReplicaAirguns.us (USA)

• ReplicaAirguns.com (reviews and videos)

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I caught up with Mark at the Umarex booth to check out a stack of new releases for 2026, ranging from backyard BB “fun guns,” to a major upgrade for the Thompson, plus a dual-fuel hunting/pest-control PCP concept and some serious less-lethal / training options.

• Storm Line BB Rifle (dual CO2, full auto): A traditional, “tamer-looking” BB rifle that’s anything but tame.

  • Capacity: 400-round main reservoir + 25-round ready magazine

  • Action: Full auto

  • Vibe: Affordable, high-volume backyard fun, while keeping the styling less “tactical,” which could help for markets like Canada.

• Ridge Tech Lever Action (CO2): Lever actions are hot, and this one leans modern while staying simple and budget-friendly.

  • Feed system: 8-round magazine + 120-round reservoir built into the mag

  • Use case: Tin-can plinking and family backyard sessions, “CO2 Red Ryder for adults” energy.

• Thompson M1A1 Drum Magazine Upgrade: The #1 request finally landed: a drum mag for the Thompson.

  • Capacity: 400 BBs

  • How it runs: Wind as needed to keep feeding similar to Airsoft High cap magazines

  • Best part: The drum magazine is planned to be sold separately and should work with the older stick-mag Thompson versions too, so existing owners can upgrade without buying the whole gun again.

• Outpost (25 cal) “Dual Fuel” PCP Concept: One of the most interesting items in the booth, a platform aimed at practical use over pure plinking.

  • Power source: Runs on a nitrogen cartridge or as a traditional PCP-style setup out of the box

  • Caliber: .25 only

  • Design notes: Side lever, folding stock for compact carry, onboard spare-mag storage (prototype shown)

  • Positioning: Built for small game / pest work and “preparedness” minded buyers

  • Canada angle: CO2 use (if supported) could drop velocity, but in this form it sounded like it may currently be on the “too fast for Canada” side, so detuned / CO2-focused variants were discussed as a possibility.

• S68 (68 cal, CO2, ~16J): Compact launcher format with real punch for its size.

  • Power: 12g CO2

  • Magazine: 6-shot standard, extended option mentioned

  • Ballistics talk: Roughly ~360–380 fps with a ~46-grain projectile (as recalled in the interview)

  • Ammo pairing: Steel-core “core defense” style rounds were emphasized for hard impact; pepper options depend heavily on local rules.

• HDX 68 “Shotgun Style” (68 cal): A higher-capacity, higher-energy format.

  • Capacity: 16 rounds

  • Energy: ~36 joules mentioned

  • Use case: Home / business defense in jurisdictions where these products and ammo types are legal.

• HDC 68 (M4/Rifle Style, CO2, adjustable): A configurable platform that can run mag-fed or hopper-fed.

  • Tuning: Adjustable velocity

  • Feeding: Magazine or hopper (round ammo works well; shaped rounds can be used depending on orientation)

  • CO2 options: 88g CO2 or adapters for 12g

  • Why not nitrogen (yet): Too much pressure without regulation, risk of damaging projectiles in the barrel.

• New Ruger-Branded 1911 (CO2 blowback): A dressed-up 1911 variant with extra detail.

  • Notable features: Flared magwell, two-tone finish, extended beavertail, competition-style touches

  • Appeal: A strong trainer option for 1911 fans, great feel, realistic handling, and that classic 1911 cycling character.

• Competition-Style CO2 Pistol (single-shot): A purpose-built target/competition format with modern mounting options.

  • Loading: Single-shot

  • Ergonomics: Competition grip + competition styling

  • Mounting: Built-in rail (no “upgrade it just to mount stuff” hassle)

  • Caliber shown: .177, with the obvious question of a future .22 variant.

Watch the Full Interview Video:

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We made it to the Barra Booth here at SHOT Show 2026 and once again I caught up with Jacob to check out what’s new for 2026, lots of “modern western” energy this year, plus some serious PCP development and even a very functional slingshot.

• New “cowboy” premium single-action revolver (PCP cartridge-powered): Unlike most revolvers in this category that run on CO2, this one uses refillable air cartridges (small pressure chambers) filled to ~2000 PSI. You load a pellet into the nose cone, charge multiple cartridges at once using a charging manifold (up to six at a time), then drop the loaded cartridges into the cylinder just like shells.

  • Caliber shown: .22

  • Hand pump fill estimate: roughly ~10 pumps (quick top-offs), with a tip to pump → degas → pump againfor more consistent cartridge pressure.

  • Frame/version: brass frame first, with other versions planned.

  • Positioning: premium / highest-quality cowboy-style item in their lineup; made in Italy.

  • Early price talk: roughly $400–$500 range (with cartridges), but still TBD.

• 1866 CO2 Lever Action – Tactical version (launching this year): Built off their popular CO2-powered 1866 lever action (two CO2 cartridges in the buttstock, shells load into the gun, lever cycles and ejects).

  • Updates: black stock, M-LOK fore-end, larger Picatinny section, and paracord wrap on the lever for comfort.

  • Calibers: .22 is the focus (with .177 also planned/available).

• New slingshot (with internal grip magazine): A compact, foldable slingshot that stores ammo in the grip and feeds by gravity—engineered so it releases one steel shot at a time.

  • Uses flat bands (easy to swap/upgrade for strength/velocity).

  • Sighting: built-in sight plus fiber optic references for left/right-handed use and different ranges.

• Replica-style break barrels (AK + M16 formats): Two new break-barrel rifles styled after an AK and an M16 with non-functional replica controls, but standard break-barrel operation.

  • Sights/optics: adjustable iron sights plus Picatinny rail for optics.

  • Calibers mentioned/planned: .177 / .22 / .25.

• New PCP platform: “300Z” (pre-production prototype in hand): A more serious, modern tactical PCP design with:

  • Folding stock, 1913/Picatinny rear, dual gauges, 2-stage trigger

  • Externally adjustable regulator

  • Ambidextrous side lever (convertible)

  • Rotary magazine (prototype shown in .30 cal, 8 rounds)

  • Power testing target: up to ~80 ft-lb in .30 cal

  • Notes: barrel shroud look—not a suppressor; Canada discussion included licensing/detune possibilities.

• Updated PCP: “270Z” (built off the 250Z, redesigned internals): A redesigned system meant to feel more like a traditional bolt action, with increased plenum volume (machined from a solid block of aluminum) targeting ~20% more power than the 250Z.

  • Features: adjustable cheek rest, M-LOK fore-end

  • Timing: Q2 target for the 270Z; Q3 target for the 300Z.

Jacob also emphasized an ongoing push toward higher workmanship, better materials, and improved performance, and it shows, especially in the new premium western revolver and the next-gen PCP lineup.

Watch the Full Interview Video:

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I just got back from SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, and let me tell you, it was an action-packed trip! Over on our channels, we’ve just dropped a fast-paced highlight reel that captures the best moments of our week long stay.

The SHOT Show took place at the Venetian Convention Center, and you’ll see plenty of footage capturing the scale and energy of the event itself: busy show floors, massive booths, indoor and outdoor areas, and the overall atmosphere of one of the largest firearms and shooting-sports events in the world, with Airguns and related gear naturally woven throughout.

But it’s not just airguns, we’ve got slices of Vegas! You’ll catch us strolling Fremont Street, lounging poolside, and soaking up those iconic Vegas vibes between interviews. Whether you’re here for the Airguns or the atmosphere, this video’s got it all, music, cuts, the show floor, and a taste of Las Vegas. Check it out now and immerse yourself in the SHOT Show experience!

In this Umboxing Preview Video I take a quick look at tow Airsoft Guns from KJWorks, one is a Gas Blowback Airsoft Rifle and one is a CO2 Full Blowback Airsoft Pistol. I don’t get into too many of the details or specifications as this is really the first time I have seen either of these Airsoft Guns in person, a full table top and field test video review will be coming up for both of these Airguns down the road but I did want to get them out there so everyone know these are either in the Replica Airguns Online Store or will be showing up soon.

The first item I grabbed out of the box was the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Full Blowback Airsoft Pistol which looks a lot like a Glock but with a full auto selector switch on the left side of the slide and it also is the TBC model so it comes with a barrel extension that attaches to the inner barrel and the option to add a mock suppressor to the outside barrel threads. This version comes with a CO2 magazine but I am sure there are option to use it with a Gas magazine also.

Next out of the box was the KJWorks M700 Take Down Gas Airsoft Sniper Rifle which is a break down bolt action gas operated Sniper based Rifle as the name suggests. It is super easy to assemble and has a nice smooth bolt with the only sighting option being the addition of a scope added to the included picatinny rail. The base of this rifle is very heavy so it is is not a light weight rifle by any means.

Here are some more details for each of these Airsoft Gun:

KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Full Blowback Airsoft Pistol

• Type: Airsoft pistol.

• Manufacturer: KJ Works.

• Model: KP-18-TBC-CO2.

• Weight: 1.7 Pounds (775 grams).

• Length: 7.9 inches (20cm).

• Caliber: 6mm BBs.

• Propellant: CO2/GAS.

• Capacity: 22 rounds.

• Velocity: 410 FPS.

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KJWorks M700 Take Down Gas Airsoft Sniper Rifle

• Type: Airsoft rifle.

• Manufacturer: KJ Works.

• Model: M700 Gas Takedown

• Weight: 7.9 Pounds (3600 grams).

• Barrel length: 21.9 inches (55.5cm).

• Caliber: 6mm BBs.

• Propellant: GAS.

• Capacity: 11 rounds.

• Velocity: 400-470 FPS.

Wow, two mystery boxes this time to unpack and see what’s inside! I did have a bit of an idea that there was going to be two new BB Blowback CO2 Glocks from Umarex, the same ones I checked out at this years SHOT Show. There was also some more Air Pistols from various companies. One from Novritsch, the SSX23 NBB Gas Airsoft Pistol, that looked like it was Blowback as the slide does cycles. The Daisy 415 Powerline CO2 BB Pistol, a fairly simplistic Air Pistol, the Vigilante Dual Ammo CO2 BB/Pellet Revolver, I’m pretty sure I have visited before from Crosman. And one more item from Umarex, the Umarex Ruger P345 CO2 NBB Airsoft Pistol keeping to the basic low cost theme.

I also got a few accessor items from a company called GEAR STOCK, Some CO2 in 12 and 88 gram along with some 6mm aluminum Airsoft BB’s. A very cool rechargeable red and green laser that comes in a nice hard shell case and it has a picatinny rail on the bottom she you can stack a second accessory under it.

Here are some links and specs for the Airguns I show off in this mystery box video:

Umarex Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol

• Type: CO2 Full Blowback BB Pistol

• Velocity: 280

• Weight: 1.44 Pounds

• Length: 6.9 inches

• Ammo Capacity: 17

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Umarex Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS CO2 Blowback BB Pistol

• Type: CO2 Blowback BB Pistol

• Velocity: 450

• Weight: 1.5 Pounds

• Length: 7.95 inches

• Ammo Capacity: 18

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Umarex Ruger P345 CO2 NBB Airsoft Pistol

• Type: CO2 NBB Airsoft Pistol

• Velocity: 380

• Weight: 1.7 Pounds

• Length: 7.95 inches

• Ammo Capacity: 15

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Novritsch SSX23 NBB Gas Airsoft Pistol

• Type: Gas NBB Airsoft Pistol

• Velocity: 450

• Weight: 1.9 Pounds

• Length: 9.75 inches

• Ammo Capacity: 24

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Crosman Vigilante Dual Ammo CO2 BB/Pellet Revolver

• Type: CO2 BB and Pellet Revolver

• Velocity: 465-BB’s / 435-Pellets

• Weight: 2 Pounds

• Length: 11.36 inches

• Ammo Capacity: 6-BB / 10-Pellet round rotary magazines

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Daisy 415 Powerline CO2 BB Pistol

• Type: CO2 NBB BB Pistol

• Velocity: 495

• Weight: 1 Pound

• Length: 8.75 inches

• Ammo Capacity: 21

In this Unboxing Video I checkout a mid sized mystery box and find some new products inside that I will be making future Table Top and Field Test Shooting Videos for. In this Unboxing Preview Video I mainly talk a look at each item mostly for the fist time and I go over some of the basics for each of them. IN my upcoming full review videos I will go way more into detail so make sure to watch those videos when they come out.

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So what did I get in this months box of goodies? The first item I unpacked was the KJWorks 1911-TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol. A firmly traditional 1911 with a single stack magazine configuration at least in terms of external size. I am pretty sure the actual Airsoft BB’s will stack side by side to some degre as it does hold 24 rounds. It also comes with a barrel extension and the ability to add a much suppresser to it to cover the barrel extension I would imagine. It is also available in an OD green receiver version.

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The next item I grabbed from the box was the NcSTAR FlipDot Mod. 02 Flip-up Red Dot Sight specifically designed with a MOS compatible mounting plate for Glock Pistols like the new Umarex Glocks I checked out at this years SHOT Show. You can mount this compact Flip-up Red Dot sight directly to the slide of these new Glocks and it also comes with some adaptor plate option for attaching it to a Picatinny Rail.

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The next item I took a look at was the Umarex Combat Zone Enforcer Airsoft Pistol. A low cost adn simplistic mostly plastic CO2 powered lightweight Airgun with an all metal 15 round stick magazine and a 400 fps claimed velocity. It’s not going to be the most exciting Airgun but there is very little to go wrong and being so light weight makes it super durable in the even of a drop or fall.

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Last but perhaps the oust interesting item that came in this months mystery box was the G&G ARP9 3.0P AEG Airsoft Rifle. I kind of butchered the name but I do talk a pretty good look at it in they video. The G&G ARP9 3.0P is a compact AEG Rifle (at least with the stock folded out). It has a unique magazine where the Airsoft BB’s load into 4 separate channels, I am assuming this helps to get more ammo in the magazine (300 rounds) and make it smoother so hopefully less or no jamming. The G&G ARP9 3.0P feels solid in the hand and well made, it also has a claimed velocity of 370 fps which is perfect.

I look forward to making my full Table Top and Shooting Review videos of each of these items so make sure to check back if you are interested in any of them…

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In this part two video of our three part video series covering all the different ammo and barrel types that can be used with the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun, I test out the .50 caliber Paintball (Rubber Ball) barrel and ammo option to see what velocity and accrual I can get from the Alias Gem CO2 Airgun. If you have too already watch my Table Top Video and or my BB and Airsoft Field Test Shooting Video, then make sure to do so when you get a chance. Right off the bat I want to say that the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun is not at all an Airgun you are going to want to buy in terms of raw performance as you will see in this video and my other Field Test Videos for it in this series. It is however a very unique Airgun you can shoot up close with and have some fun shooting whatever ammo you decide to go with on that given day.

Starting with velocity, I should have put a brand new CO2 in the Airgun as I end up finding out only getting three good shots out of my remain CO2, because of the super short barrel and rather inefficient use of the CO2, you only get around 12-15 full use shots out of the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun and that is with the larger 12 gram CO2! For that reason I only based my average velocity through my Chronograph on the first three shots I took, which were all pretty close in velocity. Here are the results: 200, 207, 203 with an average of 203 fps using fairly light weight .50 Caliber Rubber Balls. Again the super short barrel does not do this Airgun any favors in the power department.

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Moving onto the accuracy portion of this test, well you really don’t need to watch this part as I was not able to hit my 8x11 target setup 30 feet away. Part of the problem is that there are no sights on the .50 Caliber Paintball Barrel and the other factor is that the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun kind of throws rounds all over the place no matter what ammo or barrel type you choose, so trying to figure out exactly where to aim is kind of hard and so I may have simply not been aiming in the best location on the target to get best results. In hind sight I probably should have just shot this Airgun a lot closer than I do when making my standard Field Test Shooting Videos, but this is my standard shooting location and so I stuck with it.

After I make my videos, I sometimes see things I did not notice when I was making them, and in this case I can see that the .50 caliber Paintball Rubber Rounds I was using did not always go as deep in the barrel as you need to front load them and kind of tap them and let gravity help ease them in. I should have perhaps used a pencil or something like it to push the Rubber Balls all the way in for more consistent performance in terms of velocity and accuracy. Well now we all know! You are not going to be using this Paintball Airgun for any kind of Paintball war games and so in my opinion I would go with the included 6mm Airsoft BB’s for shooting in areas where a 4.5mm metal BB may not be good idea. The 6mm Plastic Airsoft BB’s seemed to have the highest velocity averaging 383 fps with .25 gram Airsoft BB’s and I was able to get some of them on the paper target at 30 feet away.

• Buy the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun in Canada

• Buy the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun in the US

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This Field Test Shooting Video for the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun is part one of three videos where I will be testing out the included 4.5mm Steel BB Barrel and 6mm Airsoft Barrel options that come with it in the box. I also have the .50 Caliber Paintball and rocket Barrels that I will be testing in Field test Videos two and three consecutive to this video. Normally I first test velocity and then I test accuracy, but in this three part video series I test velocity and accuracy at the same time being that the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun is a single shot pistol. I get the same end testing results as I would normally get, but I do only shoot 5 rounds at the target, spoiler alert the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun is not all that accurate, so I am not sure if adding another 5 more shots would have shown us a different result.

In terms of velocity, keep in mind the barrel is super short on the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun at just over 3 inches when using the 4.5mm Steel BB, the 6mm Airsoft, and the .50 caliber Paintball Barrels. That said with 4.5mm Steel BB’s I did average 263 fps and with 6mm .25 gram Plastic Airsoft BB’s, I averaged 383 fps which was actually pretty good. The temperature was mid warm so pretty close to room temperature when I performed my test.

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Accuracy was not nearly as good as I was hoping for, I was not expecting stellar results and I would say I got even less than stellar results only getting 3 of the 4.5mm Steel BB’s on the paper target and only 2 of the 6mm Airsoft BB’s on the target. I did struggle with exactly where I needed to aim the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun as BB’s were so inconsistent. Perhaps if I was able to figure out the ideal aim point, I would have had more BB’s land on the target. Even the sights are hard to use with such a small Airgun having a super short barrel. If you are hoping the .50 caliber Paintball rounds and Rockets (Bolts) do better, don’t count on it…

All in all Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun is a super cool and unique Airgun that has a lot of options when it comes to ammo choice. I would not recommend using it at anywhere close to 30 feet away as I did in this test, this is how my Airgun range is setup. It would be a lot better at 20 feet or even 10 feet since it is not a lot of fun if when you shoot at something, you don’t really ever hit it ;) Stay posted for my upcoming Field Test Shooting Videos for the .50 Caliber Paintballs and the Rockets (Bolts). I have also made a Table Top video you can check out if you are interested in more of the details and specifications along with some nice close up video of the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun.

• Buy the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun in Canada

• Buy the Alias GEM Multi Ammo Mini CO2 Airgun in the US

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It’s been a while since I made a Field Test Shooting Video, probably well before I went to SHOT Show. I have been working on my SHOT Show 2025 Videos but those Interview Videos are all done and now it’s time to get caught up on some Field Test Shooting Video I have been wanting to make. So today I was able to make my Field Test Review Video for the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol and for some this is a pretty entry level BB Pistol many might overlook but if you are simply looking for a 1911 based BB Pistol that is super inexpensive to buy, and cheap to shoot, and you don’t need quick semi auto shooting. Then the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol Field Test Review could be an option for you. Make sure to watch my Table Top Review Video for the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol for Details, Specifications, Pros and Cons and some nice close up video.

In this video I test out both the velocity and accuracy and I guess to some degree the usability so lets get started with the Velocity or fps portion of the testing. I loaded up the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol with a half full hopper of 4.5 mm Steel BB’s, so around 100 BB’s which is way more than I needed and I shot 5 rounds through my Chronograph hitting the following fps: 191, 193, 188, 195, 197 which averaged 193 fps. Umarex claims a velocity of up to 240 fps which I think is a bit high as temperature is not even a factor with a spring piston Airgun, so warmer conditions will not really make much of a difference here.

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I then placed a brand new paper target on my backstop 30 feet down range and proceeded to shoot 10 rounds into it using a semi rested shooting position. Hands rested on a sand bag up front and sitting on a stool in the back. This generally gives me pretty good stability while performing these tests, but there is always some human factor to take into consideration. I was not all that impressed with the grouping I got, the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol likes to fling BB’s around a bit. You an see them curl so maybe some miscellaneous spin is being added in the barrel but it is not a consistent spin so the BB’s kind of spray all over the target that ended up giving me around a 8 inch grouping. Usually I can get around a 2 inch grouping with a BB Pistol that is generally what I would consider to be good accuracy.

I wish the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol Field had hit closer to the 240 claimed fps and was also a bit more accurate as it would then be more usable at the 30 foot range I tested it at. I would suggest if you buy or own this BB Pistol, that you shoot it at targets closer in at 10-20 feet as the poor velocity and accuracy would be a lot less noticeable at these ranges and for that purpose it would be just fine. If you want a super low cost BB Pistol option that is also a decent looking 1911 Replica, and that you don’t need to go out and buy any CO2 to use it. Then take a look at one in our Replica Airguns Online Store. Heck, it’s only $19 US and $29 CAN right now!

• Buy the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol in Canada

• buy the Umarex DSX 45 Spring BB Pistol in the US

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Type: Pump Spring Piston.
Manufacturer: BUG-A-SALT.
Model: BUG-A-SALT 3.0.
Materials: Metal and plastic.
Weight: 1.5 pounds (680 grams).
Total Length: 21.5 inches (54.6cm).
Barrel Length: 8 inches (20.3cm).
Barrel: Plastic non-rifled.
Propulsion: Spring.
Action: Pump SAO.
Effective Distance: 3 feet.
Ammunition Type: Standard table salt.
Ammunition Capacity: 80 round hopper.
FPS: NA.

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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.

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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…

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

• Buy the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun in Canada

• Buy the BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Salt Gun in the US

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark from Umarex again at SHOT Show 2025 and Mark went over some of the new products from Umarex coming out this year. Make started of by showing me two new MOS (Modular Optic System) Gen 5 Glocks in a Glock 17 and Glock 19 versions. Both come with Umarex based red dot sights but you can change them up for something different if you choose to down the road. We then took a look at the new Umarex AER16 AR AEG Rifle in 4.5mm Steel BB rather than 6mm Airsoft similar to the Barra e400 that came out last year. In a nutshell it is a battery/spring operated 4.5mm Steel BB Full Auto AR Replica. Mark then showed us some A&L AK based AEG Airsoft Rifles they are now distributing that feature Full steel body construction with high-quality real laminated wood handguard and skeletal folding stocks. These are one to one in terms of size and weight adn very detailed. We then finished up the interview taking a look at the Legends Saddle Lever Action Shell Loading Rifle and the Umarex Smith & Wesson Competitor Shell Loading revolver.

I spoke with Jacob from Barra and he went over a lot of new products adn updated products Barra is introducing this year. We discussed some new PCP Air Rifles with Canada import options, Jacob went over some new updates to their 1866 Muti-pump BB and Pellet Lever Action Rifle, and he went over Barra’s Gen 2 400e AEG BB rifle which include a higher capacity magazine, an increased velocity and unproved internal tolerances for smoother BB flow. Lastly Barra is introducing high grade 4.5mm BB’s that a re procession ground to be more uniform for improved accuracy and better BB feeding. Great for full auto guns.