This will be my final Interview Video for SHOT Show 2025. I did get to talk with someone from Crosman but the Daisy rep was not around totally with so I did my best to talk about a couple of the Daisy products that I felt were interesting. If you are not aware, Crosman and Daisy have now joined forces together along with Gamo, Benjamin and SPLATRBALL so all of these product were on display at the Crosman Daisy Booth. I focussed on the Crosman M1 Full Auto Carbine and their updated all black ST1 Full Auto BB Rifle. We then took a look at some of the Game Face Airsoft Products and then I performed my own Interview/Review for Daisy talking about the Woodland Trail Model 1911 and Model 25 Lever and Pump Action BB Rifles.
We recently picked up the Steambow line of Compact Crossbows and I have already made a Table Top Review for some of their products. So far I had not shot or tested any of the Steambow product line yet and so it was nice to get the chance to shoot a few different models over in the Archery Pavilion at SHOT Show and also talk with Tobias their product specialist. I did get the chance to drop by the Steambow Booth and talked with the Steambow team and founder about some of their new products coming out including a new Rubber Ball crossbow they are working on that should be coming out in the near future.
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.
Luckily I was able to find some time with James again this year and James gave us all the new details on some of the KWA updated and new products. Starting with the KWA ATP-Z Blowback Airsoft Training Pistol added recently to the KWA lineup, James also showed us a few versatile Carbine Pistol Kits made specifically for the ATP-Z and ATP-GT Pistols. Not yet fully released, James went over their updated TAC-9 hopefully coming out this year. We then got a nice tour of the updated Radian Model 1 AEG Airsoft Rifle with built in recoil system also built into KWA’s Q10 AEG Airsoft Rifle.
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.
It was nice to run into ASG (Action Sports Games) right away and talk with Bob for ASG. Bob always has a great understanding of the ASG product line and each year I Interview him and find out all the news and updated product in the ASG lineup. This year Bob’s goes over the new ASG CZ P-10 C CO2 Blowback BB Pistol, the Action Army C1 Pro Bolt Action CO2 Airsoft Rifle, ASG’s new Frag Impact Sound Grenades, along with some new additions to the Shadow 2 Series of Airsoft Pistols. Was a great start to this years SHOT Show 2025!
I’m back from SHOT Show 2025 Las Vegas and finished transferring and uploading all the video from all the cameras we shot it all on. We had a great time, we met a lot of great folks at the booths and it’s now time to put it all together and make some videos for everyone so I can share the experience!
I always like to put out a “Teaser Video” with some quick clips of the entire experience including some of the travels, a bit of the resort we stayed at, shots of Vegas and of course lots of the SHOT Show 2025 experience along with the booths we visited. Enjoy this quick preview and stay posted for my upcoming Interview Videos shortly…
In this Indoor Field Test Shooting Video, I put the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol through my usual performance shooting test by first finding out what the velocity is by shooting 5 rounds through my Chronograph using a fresh CO2 along with .20 gram Airsoft BB’s. I follow this up with a 10 round accuracy test, again using .20 gram Airsoft BB’s and shooting at a paper target setup 30 feet down range, while seated on a stool in the back with my hands rested on a sand bag up front. This generally works pretty well and helps me get the most out the gun I am testing. If you are also interested in details and specifications than make sure to watch my Table Top Video I already made for the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol.
So how did the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol do in my testing? Not bad! Starting with the velocity fps test I shot 5 rounds through my chronograph with a brand new 12 gram CO2 cartridge and while EMG claims around 400 fps, I only averaged 321 fps with my fastest shot hitting 323 fps and my slowest shot hitting 318. So relatively close in terms of fps but not close to the 400 claimed fps. Totally fine for Airsoft games, perhaps in super hot temperatures, it can do better but in standard room temperatures this is what I got.
Next up I tested out the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol’s accuracy from 30 feet away and put 10 rounds down range as best as I was able to do with my slightly aging eyes. I was happy with the results with most of the rounds staying within about 2 inches of each other and just slightly to the right of the bullseye, but pretty much perfect in terms of elevation. There where a couple of rounds that came outside of the base 2 inch grouping, which increased the grouping to about 3 inches total.
I am a huge 1911 fan and so a 2011 design only tuns up the dial that much more. The EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol performed without a glitch for me and I love the extra heft and snappy blowback action along with the crips light and short single action 1911 trigger. I was a bit surprised by the lower 323 fps velocity, but to be honest this is more than a capable velocity for a combat close range Airsoft Pistol. The EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is a real looker for sure, it just needs that eye soar of an orange tip removed to perfect its look. If you like the look and feel of a 1911/2011 in your hand, and if stainless steel is your color of choice, then I would say go for this one.
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.
In this Mystery Boxing Video I get to take a look at 4 new Airgun Products and give you my first impressions along with a few specifications about each of them but not in a lot of details as I have not had an opportunity to research any of them as this my first time seeing them.
First out of the Mystery box is a new Umarex T4E .43 Caliber CO2 Blowback Paintball Pistol with Walther licensing called the Umarex T4E PDP. I have reviewed similar styled T4E .43 caliber CO2 Blowback Pistols in the past and this one should perform and function similarly.
The next Airgun I pulled out out of the box was the EMG SAI 2011 DS 4.3 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol, a really nice 1911 styled Airsoft Pistol with a stainless finish and gold barrel with a CO2 Magazine. This one looks and feels really nice.
Staying with the pistols that came in this Mystery Box, I got my first look at the Umarex Markpoint .177 Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Pistol that has a bit of a utilitarian look and feel to it. This one is the longer barrel version and has a claimed fps of 395 using alloy pellets so we will see what it can get with more traditional lead pellets when I make my Field Test Video for it down the road a bit.
The last item out of the Mystery Box was another Umarex product, a fun CO2 BB Rifle with H&K licensing called the HK416. This semi auto and 6 round Burst internal Blowback CO2 BB Rifle is a lot like the Steel Storm and Steel Strike from Umarex but a little bit larger I would say and with H&K Licensing so more of a true Replica Airgun.
I will be making full Table Top and Field Test Videos for all of these items shortly so keep an eye out for those videos but for now you can at least get an idea what these Airgun Products will offer.
In this velocity and accuracy Field Test Shooting Video of the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol, I test out what the velocity is in feet per second (FPS) using a brand new 12 gram CO2 loading up .20 gram plastic 6mm Airsoft BB’s by shooting 5 rounds through my trusted Chronograph. Salient Arms claims 375 to 390 fps which is on the higher side for many blowback Airsoft Pistols. I then setup a fresh paper target 30 feet down range here in the Replcia Airguns Sea Can, and shoot 10 rounds at it using a semi rested shooting position to find out how the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol shoots in terms of if it is anywhere near the bullseye out of the box and if it can get a decently tight grouping. If you have not already watched my Table Top Video Review for the EMG SAI BLU, then make sure to watch it for details, specifications and some nice close up 4k video.
First up in my Field Test of my velocity test of the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol, I shot my standard 5 rounds through the Chronograph and then averaged them out. The slowest shot was 392 fps while the fastest shot hit 399 fps, this averaged 395 fps which was slightly higher than the claimed maximum of 390! Temperature was maybe a bit under 20 degrees Celsius, I would say closer to 18 or 19 which is in the low to mid 60’s or so degrees Fahrenheit, so it is possible for the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol to hit even higher fps velocity in warmer temperatures.
I then set things up for the accuracy portion of this test and placed a fresh paper target 30 feet downrange, using a semi rested shooting position (hands rested on a sandbag up front and sitting on a stool in the back) I proceeded to place 10 rounds into the target with the EMG SAI BLU Airsoft Pistol. The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol did end up shooting fairly well centered on the target with some rounds even entering the bullseye for me. I found it shot just slightly to the right but not by much, in terms of elevation it averaged right in the center. The grouping for the 10 rounds was about 3 inches total but I feel the .20 gram BB’s where a bit of a light choice for this Airsoft Pistol as the velocity is higher than some and a heavier Airsoft BB’s would have probably gotten me better results.
I really enjoyed shooting the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol. Everything about it feels really good, the single action trigger is perfect, nice and short, light and crisp, the slide has such a snappy response to it with more blowback feel than I was expecting for a lighter slide. The overall feel and weight of the gun just feels good in the hand, not too heavy or light, the perfect weight to pack around as a dedicated sidearm for sure. It also has that Glock look and feel to it but with its own unique look so you won’t be just another dude with a Glock, not that that’s a bad thing but it does get a bit boring… The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol is a premium Airsoft Pistol so you will pay a bit more but you will get a really nice gun in terms of looks, originality and performance.
Type: GBB Airsoft Pistol. Manufacturer: Distributed by EMG. Model:SAI BLU. Materials: Metal and plastic. Weight: 1.3 pounds (570 grams). Total Length: 8.5 inches (216mm). Barrel: 4 inches (102mm) metal rifled. Propulsion: CO2 x1. Action: Semi auto Blowback, SAO trigger. Ammunition Type: 6mm Airsoft BB’s. Ammunition Capacity: 25. FPS: Claimed 375-390.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol like a Glock is single action only and it is very light and short, perhaps lighter and shorter than a Glock trigger in my opinion. The EMG SAI BLU does have a working trigger safety similar to a Glock and for storage there is also a serial number switch located just in front of the trigger guard where you would expect it to be.
Accuracy: I have not made my Field test Shooting Video or even tested out the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol so far so I can not comment on the performance other than the claimed velocity of (375-390 fps). 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 up shortly…
Build Quality: The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol is very well made with quality materials throughout. You will find a machined aluminum slide with lightening cuts, aggressive slide serrations with SAI rollmarks, an injected moulded polymer frame and a full metal drop out magazine. The SAI brass color removable back-strap and magazine release are also made out of metal and the backstop can be swapped out for other sizes but you will have to acquire those on your own.
Realism: The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol is custom designed and built by Salient Arms to fill the void between M&P ergonomics and Glock reliability. So it is not an exact replica but it does share its looks to a certain degree with a Glock, but I am sure Salient Arms did there best to not cross any lines in terms of infringement on other product designs. In terms of realistic operation the EMG SAI BLU functions and operates as you would expect a real steel pistol like it is designed around to operate.
Pros:
Nice light and short single action trigger.
Fit and finish is excellent, with qaulity build materials.
Fairly light weight pistol, easy side arm to pack around ready when you need it.
Fiber optic front sight for quick and easy shot placements.
Frame integrated 20mm accessory rail is ideal for mounting weapon lights and other accessories.
Threaded, fluted SAI style outer barrel (EMG SAI licensed proprietary convex thread cap included)
SAI brass color removable backstrap and magazine release for added weight to enhance balance while shooting.
Full size metal magazine holds the CO2 and 25 Airsoft BB’s which adds additional weight and balance.
Most mechanical parts work just like a steel version of this style of modern semi auto pistol.
Unique individualized serial number laser-engraved on every model.
Very snappy and responsive slide action.
Machined aluminum slide with lightening cuts, aggressive slide serrations with SAI rollmarks.
Cons:
Mine did not come with the EMG SAI licensed proprietary convex thread barrel cap .
Will need to purchase additional back straps separately if required.
Price is a bit on the higher side.
Comments:
The EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol is a really well designed and built pistol and may be an option for someone looking for a Glock but that maybe want’s to have a more unique pistol with many of the features and benefits a Glock offers. I’m not sure I like the brass/gold highlights but I would say it is not over the top. I am especially impressed with how smooth the slide cycle feels, how snappy the return is and the spring feels the perfect amount. I am expecting when I load a 12 gram CO2 and actually fire the EMG SAI BLU Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol, the blowback operation will be really good! You will pay a bit of a premium for this Airsoft Pistol but it does have premium build and materials in it so it will be worth the slightly higher cost.
I’ve got some new Airguns to show everyone today and all of them are Pistols of some sort or another. I show you three 4.5mm BB Pistols from ASG, a Cybergun 1911 NBB BB Pistol, an Airsoft Full Blowback Pistol from EMG and lastly from Umarex, an HK Full Blowback Airsoft Pistol. This is not a full review by any means, the video is mainly to let you know what is coming up in terms of Table Top and Field Test Videos and that we do have these products at least listed in our Replica Airgun Store.
Many Canadians ask about options for what they perhaps could use for home defense since we are not allowed to really use any kind of a weapon to defend ourselves. A product classified as “Less Lethal” may be of interest to people living in Canada. I interviewed Byrna, just such a company that offers alternatives to standard “Lethal Interventions” for self protection and Josh from Byrna was kind enough to go over their pistol and rifle offerings specifically built to shoot paintball type ammunition for the purpose of stopping bad guys.
I am hoping this is a product we will be able to add to our online Replica Airgun Stores, as they do tick the boxes for import into Canada such as shooting well under 500 fps, yet having the ability to cause serious injury so as to allow them to be considered a non regulated firearm.
I don’t believe I have ever interviewed EKOL at SHOT Show in the past. I have dropped by their booth and taken a look at their product line and chatted but this year EKOL had some new and interesting products that I feel fit in nicely with Replica Airguns products and Replica Airgun enthusiasts.
In this EKOL SHOT Show 2024 Interview Omer from EKOL goes over three Airguns that are new for this year. The EKOL ES P92 which is a CO2 BB Blowback Beretta 92 Replica but rather than rebrand a KWC made version, EKOL makes their own in their own factory and it is very unique compared to other CO2 BB Blowback Beretta 92’s on the market.
Another product form EKOL based on the ES P92 Pistol is the EKOL ES P95B which I would call an SMG or submachine gun with a folding stock, but it only shoots in semi auto and is based off of EKOL’s ES 92 mechanically.
Lastly, Omer showed me one of their Replica Pellet Rifles, the EKOL AK which is a break barrel AK Replica Spring Piston Pellet Rifle that really looks a lot like an AK 47. EKOL also makes a very believable AR/M16 Break Barrel Pellet Rifle as well!
We have not carried much if any of the EKOL product line over the last few years so hopefully we can get some of these into our Online Replica Airguns Stores as they should even be legal for import into Canada.
This year at the KWA Booth I had the pleasure of running into John, and we went over a bunch of new items KWA had on display. John was even rocking a similar pair of Ray Ban Meta AI Glasses which made us look a little bit like twins…
In this KWA SHOT Show Interview John higgled the following products from KWA: The KWA ATP-Z and ATP-CT Optics Ready GBB AIrsoft Pistols which are convertible to SMG versions, along with a new prototype TAC-9 GBB Airsoft Rifle.
KWA AIrsoft products have always been one of favoriteAirsoft guns for their quality, looks and performance. They tend to offer a lot of Gas Blowback options which I really appreciate as a Replica AIrgun Collector.
It’s alwasy nice to have a chat with Bob at ASG, I have been interviewing him for years now and really missed not being at SHOT Show the last three years. As always, Bob really knows the ASG product line inside and out and took us through some of the new products and changes to the ASG lineup in 2024.
Some of the products include: The ASG CZ P-10 C CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol, the Steyr L9-A2 CO2/Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, the USW Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, the new Hybrid Airsoft line including the CO2 Blowback H-22 and the AEG H-15, the ICS Ape SE AEG Airsoft Rifle, and lastly the ICS Carnotaurus, Legacy, ACME High-Capa Pistol Series.
I am looking forward to get my hands-on many of these new ASG products and making reviews for everyone to checkout in the near future…
I’m pretty sure I have never made an Interview for Barra before in any of my past SHOT Show Videos, so I was really happy when I visited their booth and discovered a bunch of really great new products to talk about with GEO. Like many other Airgun companies, Barra does incorporate rebranded products from other manufacturer popular Airguns, but they also have some unique products I have never seen before. They are either working really closely with dedicated manufacturing companies or making these items in house. Either way it’s great to see new and interesting products.
Some of the products Geo went over with me in this SHOT Show 2024 Barra Interview where: The Barra CO2 1866 Lever Action Rifle, some Rifled Pellet Barrel Kits for the Schofield Revolver and 1866 Rifle, the 1858 CO2 BB Revolver, the 357 Shell Loading CO2 Revolver, the 400 AEG Airsoft Rifle and two new nameless Airguns they are still working on and perfecting, a full Blowback Competition Style BB/Airsoft Pistol and a compact AEG Airsoft Rifle.
It was great talking with the team over at the Barra Booth and I look forward to testing out their new items as they become available.
Kicking off my SHOT Show 2024 Interviews, I present my Umarex Interview with Mark Davis, you may remember Mark from past Umarex SHOT Show Interviews? This is a fairly long interview as Mark had a lot of product to show me including…
The new Marlin Lever Action BB Rifle, the Walther PDP CO2 BB Pistol, the BBX11 1911 Blowback CO2 BB Pistol, the MarkPoint Break Barrel .177 Caliber Pellet Pistol, the Trinity Hi-Cap 2011 Blowback Airsoft Pistol, the Gambler High Stakes Single Action Army CO2 Airsoft Revolver, the Glock 380 GBB Airsoft Pistol, the CQC Elite Force AEG Airsoft Rifle with i-Trace, and the Beretta PMX GBB Airsoft Rifle.
Yep, that’s a lot of products to go over in one Interview, and Mark did a great job! I am really looking forward to getting my hands on these new products from Umarex to review for everyone!
I’m back from SHOT Show 2024 and I always like to start off my series of SHOT Show Interview videos with a Teaser Video that not only shows off a few new guns but also gives everyone a vibe of what it feels like to visit Las Vegas and SHOT Show. I can only show you so much because as you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…
I did get the chance to interview several Airgun Companies that I will be putting together Interview Videos for, including Umarex, ASG, KWA, Barra, EKOL and Byrna. Unfortunately Sig Sauer is no longer attending SHOT Show and Crosman had significantly reduced the focus of their booth and really did not have much in the way of Replica Airguns to show.