October 30, 2014
By G&A Staff
Air guns have always been a great way to introduce young ones and beginners to the thrills of shooting. They're also an excellent training aid for shooters of all skill levels.
At the Range
G&A also reviewed several air rifles from Umarex in the December 2014 issue of Guns & Ammo. Subscribe here to print, digital or both!
Air pistols have come a long way in recent years. Several models now replicate the appearance and function of traditional pistols, allowing shooters to become familiar with handling and discharging firearms without experiencing the noise, recoil and muzzle flash of an actual pistol. For new shooters, air pistols are also useful for learning basic firearm safety principles without the pressure of handling a traditional firearm. For experienced shooters, air guns excite reminiscent youthful experiences and remain commonly useful in tactical training or competition purposes.
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Guns & Ammo recently tested a variety of Umarex USA air pistols capable of discharging pellets, steel BBs or Airsoft BBs. All six air pistols maintained a common theme: these ship-to-the-front-door alternatives make shooting a little less expensive. Not to mention they're just downright fun.
Accuracy was tested from a distance of 10 meters, and velocities were clocked with a digital chronograph .
Beretta PX4 Storm Specifications: Beretta PX4 Storm
Type: CO2, semiautomatic, double-action/single-action (DA/SA)
Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
Projectile: Pellet or BB
Capacity: 16 rds. (Pellet or BB)
Overall Length: 7.6 in.
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
MSRP: $119.99
Manufacturer:
Umarex
Performance: Pellet
Avg. Velocity: 389.8 fps
ES: 20
SD: 8.9
Avg. Group: 1.98"
Performance: BB
Avg. Velocity: 384.67 fps
ES: 17
SD: 9.3
Avg. Group: 2.20"
Browning Buck Mark URX Specifications: Browning Buck Mark URX
Type: Break-action, single-stroke cocking mechanism
Caliber: .177
Projectile: Pellet
Capacity: 1 rd.
Overall Length: 12 in.
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
MSRP: $54.99
Manufacturer: Umarex
Performance: Pellet
Avg. Velocity: 290.6 fps
ES: 72
SD: 31.25
Avg. Group: 1.75"
Colt Government 1911 A1 Specifications: Colt Government 1911 A1
Type: CO2, semiautomatic, double-action/single-action (DA/SA)
Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
Projectile: Pellet or BB
Capacity: 8 rds.
Overall Length: 8.6 in.
Weight: 2.4 lbs.
MSRP: $279.49
Manufacturer: Umarex
Performance: Pellet
Avg. Velocity: 205.4 fps
ES: 35
SD: 14.3
Avg. Group: 2.5"
Performance: BB
Avg. Velocity: 138.2 fps
ES: 145
SD: 58.6
Avg. Group: 3"
Elite Force 1911 TAC Specifications: Elite Force 1911 TAC
Type: CO2, semiautomatic, single-action (SA)
Caliber: 6mm
Projectile: Airsoft
Capacity: 14 rds.
Overall Length: 9 in.
Weight: 2 lbs.
MSRP: $148.50
Manufacturer: Umarex
Performance: Airsoft
Avg. Velocity: 374.8 fps
ES: 16
SD: 6.7
Avg. Group: 1.45"
Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Specifications: Smith & Wesson M&P 45
Type: CO2, semiautomatic, double-action (DA)
Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
Projectile: Pellet or BB
Capacity: 8 rds.
Overall Length: 8 in.
Weight: 1.35 lbs.
MSRP: $89.99
Manufacturer: Umarex
Performance: Pellet
Avg. Velocity: 310.4 fps
ES: 71
SD: 27.4
Avg. Group: 1.29"
Performance: BB
Avg. Velocity: 351.8 fps
ES: 18
SD: 7.05
Avg. Group: 2.19"
Walther P38 Specifications: Walther P38
Type: CO2, semiautomatic, double-action/single-action (DA/SA)
Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
Projectile: BB
Capacity: 20 rds.
Overall Length: 8.5 in.
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
MSRP: $117.74
Manufacturer: Umarex
Performance: BB
Avg. Velocity: 405.6 fps
ES: 14
SD: 5.9
Avg. Group: 1.87"
Pictured are the six Umarex air pistols used in this test (clockwise):
Browning Buck Mark URX
Walther P38
Smith & Wesson M&P 45
Beretta PX4 Storm
Colt Government 1911 A1
Elite Force 1911 TAC
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