Let me start by saying I am familiar with standard and blowback BB guns via friends. I “officially started” with the purchase of the Daisy line CO2 426 then 415, which are both fun guns for beginners to shoot. The 415 naturally feels better, with a smooth trigger pull and soft, easy-to-find “clutch point” to make any final sight adjustments. Problem was that I find the 1911-styled grip a bit slim and long for my taste. So I decided that my next one would be closer to what I would want in a real firearm - one with blowback action.
Umarex has in my eyes, knocked this one out of the park.
Like I said, this is my first experience with GG, but I love the fact that I can fill the reservoir easily and quickly, as well as not worry about leaving a half empty cartridge in the pistol. Refill cans are readily available and affordable, so it’s easy to keep a couple of cans in reserve.
Now for the build - the PPQ is already a great looking and feeling pistol, so the fact that Walther-owned Umarex were able to produce such an exact replica does not surprise me. The weight is superb and it has the shorter, wider grip that I like. The grip markings are so tactile it feels like I have to peel my fingers off it to put it down. The rear sights came what seem to be perfect for me, but can be adjusted if need be and are easy to line up. The safety-trigger pull is a bit slight in that I have had a couple of unwanted down-range shots go off while trying to find the clutch point, but nothing close to being enough to complain about. Don’t quote me, but I believe Umarex only designed the gas delivery system but the trigger system is all Walther PPQ.
The slide is easily gripped, and simple to remove and clean, even for novices just starting to maintain their guns. The magazine is just as realistically weighted and BB’s load easily. I tend to pull the spring down (what I term “drop-loading”), but it isn’t too strong that it puts any strain on the thumbs when “push-down” loading.
Side note: the orange BB-identifiable tip is removable, but because of the attention to detail of this gun, it is EXTREMELY POSSIBLE for it to be mistaken for the real thing, so if you decide to take it outside, I urge you to practice EXTREME CAUTION if you walk anywhere around in public. Don’t wanna spook your suburban neighbors!!
Performance - if the blowback action on this is anything like the real thing, I am in for some fun! The action is crisp and direct, and initial cock is clean and doesn’t require much forearm pull or feel heavy. On a fully-gassed mag, shots are straight (~24’ target) and I’ve averaged around 44 rounds per fill (depending on how quickly the trigger is pulled between shots) before noticing a decline in power. It’s not as powerful as the 415, shots are straight Also, depending on atmospheric conditions, a puff of smoke can clearly be seen on firing, which further enhances the real look and feel of the pistol.
Mag release button is a bit strong and does require direct pressure to release, which I like as no one wants the mag to come out at the slightest pressure. It comes out smoothly and return is clear and unmistakable with the sound of a click. It’s easy to see why LEO’s that carry the real one use this as a practice pistol.
The sound on firing isn’t too loud, but does resonate a bit if shooting indoors. I shoot from a inside a shed - outside towards a target, and I’m told it doesn’t sound much different than a pneumatic impact tool being operated.
This is easily the best BB gun I’ve ever shot, and I am incredibly impressed with it. With proper maintenance, I see this being a long-term favorite and with what I know now, would easily have paid retail for it.
