I thought it might be useful to have a thread where we can discuss our shared experience of CO2 replica guns. I currently own four and have had mixed results compared to both my expectations based on manufacturers' product descriptions, and Andy's reviews. More often than not I'm shooting them in my cellar at a range of 8m. The temperature is a pretty stable 10 degrees Centigrade. I usually load the CO2, pre-warmed in my trouser pocket, just before shooting and put a dab of silicon oil on the tip of the cartridge. I store the guns empty. I don't yet own a chronograph, but do intend to purchase one at a later date. I'd be interested to know if other members own the same guns and whether or not they've experienced similar levels of performance. My own experience is briefly summarised below... Though before continuing I should tell you that I'm fairly new to this type of gun, my eyesight is far from perfect, and I'm by no means an expert marksman:
Umarex Mini-Uzi .177 BB
I'm generally pleased with the performance of this gun. The one I own is entirely made from plastic, unlike the Swiss Arms version that Andy has reviewed. I'm getting around five clips worth of shots per 12g CO2 cartridge which equates to 140 BB's fired. The accuracy is quite good over 8m and I can hit a 4cm wide x 8cm high target around 8 times out of 10 from a standing position.
ASG 1911 Dan Wesson Valor .177 Pellet
Again, I'm generally pleased with this gun. I'm getting up to 60 shots per 12g CO2 cartridge, though the power is decreasing significantly after about 50 and the last few shots are effectively being lobbed out of the gun barrel. Every so often a pellet gets stuck in the barrel and has to be cleared and occasionally the pellets don't line up properly with the barrel and won't fire. Both problems are mitigated somewhat by taking care over loading the pellets into the the cartridge and making sure they're well seated. The accuracy is pretty good and I can hit 4cm wide x 8cm high targets around 8 times out of 10 from a standing position at 8m. It should be noted that though I love this gun, it doesn't have blowback and is the quietist and least exciting to fire.
Umarex Walther PPK .177 BB
This gun certainly looks the part and feels good in the hand, but I do have some concerns over it's accuracy. I can get up to eight clips or around 120 shots from one 12g CO2 cartridge, but the power levels drop significantly towards the end. I was initially disappointed by the accuracy of the gun, but put it down to having a short barrel and firing BB's. I can't hit a 14cm x 14cm target with it from 8 metres, but can do so consistently from 5 metres. The gun is very low powered and, even with a brand new cartridge, you can almost see the steel BB's flying off in anything other than a straight line. It wasn't until I saw Andy's review for this that I wondered if it might just a problem with the particular gun I purchased. His results on the range were certainly much better than my own and I'd be interested to know how other members have got on with this gun.
Gletcher P08 Luger .177 BB
I love this gun and was very happy with it until recently. It's definitely the most CO2 hungry of the guns I own and I can only get two or three clips from one 12g cartridge. That's around 40 full-power shots and then another 20 indifferent ones. The trigger was very heavy at first and the BB's often didn't feed cleanly, but a bit of oil helped significantly with that. Initially the accuracy was pretty good and I could hit a 4cm wide x 8cm high target from a standing position around 6 or 7 times out of 10 at 8m. I suddenly found it impossible to hit these targets though and couldn't even hit a 14cm x 14cm target without deliberately aiming high. On investigation, I've found that the BB's are now hitting a good hand-span below the point I'm aiming at, at 8m. I can't check the power at the moment, but I'm wondering if it's dropped for some reason. The gun has never been dropped or otherwise knocked about and the only gas seal that I can see easily looks fine. I'd be interested to know what any other members think might be the cause of this problem.
So that's it for now... I hope to start hearing from you soon. Both about the guns I've mentioned above or the various CO2 firearms you own yourselves!
If this work as a reply for - Star Spawn:
REgarding your Walther and Luger. and the CO2 pressure issues.
I have already mentioned trying out some TPFE tape at the point where you insert the CO2 cartridge. If you feel OK in taking apart the gun, warranty expired or voided. You can do some pressure tests and try re-sealing the are the co2 realease point by removing threaded seal and re-screw, again, using a small piece of PTFE tape.
All said, the latter suggestion may not be appropiate for this forum because you are taking apart the pistol, and requires both some knowledge, and making sure to be extremely safe testing the gun out.
Hope this helps
Follow up:
The reason I am asking this is because I have watched every YouTube I can find regarding these models. What I can figure out is the p226 has had serious issues pellets hitting the target 2" to 3" below the hard sight. but the 480fps version hits right on...
OK, by right on, I mean within a viewable area. not 2"-3" below the sight.
Carefully studying the Videos over the last 5 years. including zooming in on Sderial numbers. IT appears Sig has been labeling the p226 from 510fps (originally) down to 350fps back up to current 480fps.
Interestingly, the 9mm p320 had several issues and now have an upgrade program because of these issues.
Would love any and all feedback!
I have 3 Sig Sauer replicas. All purchased from watching the AAR channel. plus the SA10.
Regarding all the Sig Sauers. All I have just bought new online and what I keep receiving are boxed models that show only 380 fps. When both current packaging and even the older AAR reviews show p226 480fps and p320 430fps. Andy's AAR reviews show with the lighter pellets achieve close to the higher fps.
Does anyone know what is going on here? Why am I receiving older models?
I called Sig CS today and he was rather vague. saying they had to "tamp down" on their claims. for the new models, yet, when I pointed out Sig's online catalog showed the higher fps. and that online specs explain how they rated them. what pellet. He hemmed and hawed..
Regarding conditions. I am shooting indoors 500ft above sea level, 80 degree f with 60% humidity....
Anyone know what gives here??
I have just the two Co2 guns. The first is the Gletcher CLT 1911 4.5mm bb pistol, full blowback and field strippable. The second one is the Umarex Colt Saa 1873 .177 pellet revolver. they both feel amazing and capture the character of the originals.
Umarex Luger P08 blowback.
Lovely piece of kit which I bought in the 'battlefield' finish. Problem was, on firing a shot or two, a valve jammed and emptied the CO2. Sent it back twice to Umarex and they offered a normal black finish as a replacement.
Exactly the same problem with this. Don't thinks it's the cylinder seal, I think it is the release valve at the front of the magazine - the gas exodus is not a leak but a sudden complete discharge. Either the valve is sticking open OR something in the body of the gun is holding it open.
Webley Mk VI revolver
Another lovely piece of kit - but also leaks and am lucky to get six shots off - no chance of a reload. Suspect this leak is CO2 cylinder connection.
In both cases: I never leave a cylinder in overnight; always put a dab of silicon oil on the tip of the CO2; only tighten sufficient to get a seal (not possible in the case of the Webley).
I am now left with two beautiful 'de-activated' replicas. Perhaps Airfix kits would have been cheaper.
Any thoughts?
The Glock 17 Gen 4 is ridiculously hungry. 36 shots (two clips) and it's time to change the CO2. Phenomenally good blowback though, so it's worth it for the fun factor.
I've got two CO2 guns, one a Webley VMX with a red dot sight and some 3d printed goodies attached, found it accurate and powerful enough at 10ft with fresh CO2 to despatch some garden rats with head shots, makes a great weapon for short range target work too with a 9 shot magazine fed by a bolt action. The other is a Crosman 1077, a 'ruger' style rifle with 10 shot magazines that can be fired as fast as you pull the trigger. Great fun for garden plinking. I enjoy them both for easy light weight shooting practice.