KWC 18 CO2 Blowback Steel BB Pistol Table Top Review
In this Table Top Review, we’re taking a detailed look at the KWC 18 CO2 Blowback Steel BB Pistol. This model is part of KWC’s long-running lineup of Glock-style pistols—some licensed through Umarex and others, like this one, produced without official Glock markings but clearly inspired by the platform.
As always, this is a Table Top Review only. A full Shooting / Field Test Video will follow shortly.
I've reviewed many Glock-style CO2 blowback pistols over the years—Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5, Airsoft, Steel BB, full blowback, semi-blowback—you name it. KWC manufactures a large percentage of these frames and blowback systems, often for Umarex’s officially licensed Glock models. So while this KWC 18 isn’t a licensed Glock, it’s built by the same people behind many of the Umarex-branded models.
Let’s get into the details, compare it briefly to a couple of Umarex Glock versions, and then talk pros and cons.
Specifications
Manufactured By: KWC – Made in Taiwan
Power Source: 12g CO2
Ammunition: 4.5mm Steel BBs
Action: Full Blowback (Semi & Full Auto Selectable)
Magazine: Full-size dropout metal magazine, 18 rounds (Model AAKC MM19)
Trigger: Single-action-only style, short and light (Glock-like)
Length: 203mm (8 inches)
Barrel: 102mm (4 inches), smoothbore
Weight: 1.7 lbs (771 g)
Velocity: Up to 314 FPS under optimal conditions
Sights: Front white dot; rear white half-rectangle
Safety Systems:
Trigger safety (Glock-style)
Secondary safety located in the “serial number” plate under the barrel
Hop-Up: Adjustable hop-up (rare for steel BB pistols)
Rail: Under-barrel Picatinny rail for lights/lasers
Field Strippable: Yes – Glock-style takedown system
In the Box
KWC 18 CO2 Blowback Pistol
18-round full-size dropout metal magazine
Allen key for CO2 tightening
Small sample pack of steel BBs
Instruction manual (loading, CO2 installation, hop-up access, takedown, jam clearing)
Product guide / brochure
The packaging is similar to many Umarex Glock boxes—clean printed box with an internal molded insert.
Comparison to Umarex Glock Models
To give this pistol some context, here’s how it stacks up against a couple of current Umarex licensed Glock variants:
Umarex Glock 17 Gen 5 (Semi-Blowback)
Has the MOS-style removable optic plate
Features a semi-blowback system with shorter slide travel
More efficient gas usage, higher FPS
Double-action-style trigger (not Glock-accurate)
Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 (Full Blowback)
Full blowback with full travel slide
Uses the same style of full-size dropout metal magazine
Much closer in function to the KWC 18
Fully licensed Glock markings
KWC 18
Same full-blowback feel as the Gen 4
No Glock markings (unlicensed)
Adds full auto mode, which the Glock 17 models do not have
Very similar weight, ergonomics, and trigger feel
Slightly different slide shape, trigger guard, and frame cuts to avoid trademark conflict
If you’ve handled Umarex Glock models, this KWC 18 will feel instantly familiar.
Walk Around
The KWC 18 is extremely Glock-like in shape and ergonomics, with only small cosmetic changes:
Slightly longer and differently shaped slide cuts
Altered trigger guard shape
Modified rail and frame geometry
No Glock-branded markings anywhere
Controls are where you expect them to be:
Slide catch/release on the left
Trigger safety
Takedown levers in the Glock position
Selector switch for Semi / Full Auto just above the trigger area on the left side
Under-barrel safety disguised as a serial number plate
Sights are classic Glock style:
White dot front
White “goalpost” style rear
The full-size dropout metal magazine fits tightly and locks back after the last shot. The slide feel is excellent—strong spring tension, clean metal-on-metal sound, no cheap clanking.
Field Strip
Field stripping is Glock-simple:
Lock slide slightly back
Pull both takedown tabs down
Slide comes forward and off
(Note: KWC pistols are often tight from factory, so the first removal may require a solid tap.)
Inside you’ll find:
Full metal slide
Return spring/guide
Removable inner barrel
Accessible hop-up wheel
Fire control components including the semi/full auto mechanism
Reassembly is straightforward once parts are aligned correctly.
Pros
Excellent weight and feel – solid, realistic, and well-balanced
Full blowback provides snappy recoil and realistic slide movement
Single-action Glock-like trigger is short, light, and crisp
Full-size metal magazine for realistic reloads
Semi & Full Auto modes (rare for BB pistols)
Adjustable hop-up — unusual but useful for slight elevation tuning
Field strippable, great for maintenance and realism
Picatinny rail for lights/lasers
Good trainer option for Glock owners thanks to similar ergonomics
Minimal branding gives it a clean tactical look
Cons
Full blowback reduces FPS and CO2 efficiency
Full auto burns CO2 extremely fast
Expect maybe one strong magazine and a partial second depending on temperature
CO2 cooling effects occur quickly during rapid fire
Tight factory tolerances make the first field strip a bit stiff
No official Glock markings (a con only if you want licensed branding)
Final Thoughts
The KWC 18 CO2 Blowback Steel BB Pistol is a very solid performer for anyone who wants a Glock-style CO2 pistol with full blowback realism—and especially for those who want the fun of full auto.
The build quality is strong, trigger feel is excellent, the slide operation is smooth, and the ergonomics match real Glock pistols closely enough to make this a legitimate training or plinking option.
If you already own Umarex Glocks, this model will fit naturally into your collection and may even share some compatible magazines (listed as AAKC MM19).
A full Shooting / Field Test Review is coming soon—these KWC/Umarex Glock-pattern pistols are always a blast to shoot.
Buy the KWC 18 BB Pistol
You can purchase this item from our Replica Airguns online stores:
We carry a large selection of Umarex Glocks, KWC Glock-style pistols, airguns, BB guns, airsoft guns, pellet guns, blank guns, and accessories.
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