If you have read my review of the Gletcher PM1951, you’ll know that, while it wasn’t a bad shooter, it hits around 2” below the point of aim. I hate replicas that shoot low. I don’t know why: I can just about tolerate something that shoots high, but not low. On a replica such as this which has fixed front and rear sights, I can’t simply adjust the sights to take care of the problem. If this was a 6mm replica, I’d switch to using a lighter BB and/or adjust the hop-up. But on a 4.5mm replica, I don’t have either option. So, is there anything you can do about it if your 4.5mm replica shoots low?
Happily, the answer is yes. Sort of. Let me explain. If the point of impact is below the point of aim, you have two options: you can raise the point of impact by raising the barrel or you can lower the point of aim by modifying the sights. On the Gletcher PM1951, the barrel is rigidly fixed to the frame, just as it is on the Makarov pistol this replica is based on. That means that there isn’t a quick or simple way to change the angle of the barrel.
On replicas like this where the front sight is an integral part of the slide, the only option is to file it down.
On this replica, the only option is to modify the sights. If I want to lower the point of aim, I need to either lower the front sight or raise the rear sight. There doesn’t appear to be a simple way of raising the rear sight, so the only thing left is to lower the front sight by filing it down.
Before you start anything like this, make sure that you first do plenty of reference shooting. You want to establish a known baseline before you start making any alterations. When you’re doing this, use the same steel BBs all the time to ensure consistency. I have shot a few hundred rounds through the PM and I am confident that the centre of typical groups is around 2” below the point of aim. You can see a typical target below.
10 shots, Umarex Steel BBs, 6m, semi-rested. Point of aim is the centre of the black circle. The group is very respectable but its centre is approximately 2” below the point of aim. And yes, I know the target’s upside down.
So, we need to lower the front sight to raise the point of impact. On a replica where the sight is a non-removable part of the slide, the only option is to file the sight down. There are two things to consider here: the first is that a small change in the height of the front sight makes a large difference to the point of aim and the zinc alloy from which replicas are made is relatively soft so, don’t try to take too much off in one go. File off small amounts each time and then shoot to check how things are progressing. The second thing is that, given the generally thin and fragile finishes applied to our replicas, it’s horribly easy to inadvertently put a large scrape or scratch on the finish of the top of the slide when you’re filing the sight. Guess how I know that? That’s right, because I tried filing down the front sight of my Cybergun P226 X5 without using a mask and I put a scratch right along the top of the slide. So, you need to make a simple mask that will allow you to file the sight without risking damaging the slide.
On the PM, I removed the slide and then used a piece of card to make a mask which I taped in place round the slide. This left only the sight projecting and stopped me from scraping the top of the slide. Then, it was just a case of filing a little at a time and testing by shooting.
Having said that you should take off a little at a time, I had to file the PM sight down more than I expected to get the point of aim and the point of impact to coincide. However, when I was done, I had a PM that shoots where it’s aimed.
After filing, 10 shots, Umarex steel BBs, 6m, semi-rested. Aim point was again the centre of the black circle. The group isn’t as tight this time, probably because I shot fairly quickly, but at least it’s vertically centred on the black circle and six out of the ten shots are inside the inner circle. And the target’s still upside down…
So, that wasn’t too difficult. In less than an hour I went from a replica that was hitting two inches below the point of aim at 6m to one that shoots pretty well where it’s aimed. The front sight has ended up smaller than I would have liked, but I’m willing to put up with that in return for a better shooting experience.
A quick dab with a black permanent marker pen and it’s good to go. Another job can be ticked off the list and I can start to really enjoy shooting this replica.
The Makarov is a classic pistol which has been represented by a number of replicas. However, none of them have been entirely satisfactory for a number of reasons. So, when I saw that Gletcher have produced a new, CO2 powered, 4.5mm Makarov replica, I was excited. Is this the Mak replica we have been waiting for? Let’s take a look…
The Makarov
I have already covered the history of the Makarov PM (Пистолет Макарова or Pistolet Makarova) in my review of the Baikal MP-654K (you can find a link at the end of this article) so I won’t repeat that here. Instead, I offer an interesting fact. Can you guess what is the only handgun to have been regularly taken into space? That’s right, that would be the Makarov.
You see, on board every Soyuz spacecraft was a Granat-6 survival kit. Along with the usual stuff like a first aid kit, there was also other survival gear in case the capsule came down in an uninhabited area. This included a compass, machete, fishing gear and a Makarov pistol and ammunition.
A Soyuz survival kit complete with Makarov pistol.
This is, as far as I’m aware, the fourth CO2 powered Makarov replica in 4.5mm, though all the previous versions had issues. The first was the Baikal MP-654K which was introduced in 1998. Not so much a replica as a CO2 version of the original firearm, this is produced in the same factory as the firearm version. It’s a heavy weight replica, but it lacks blowback and all versions are designed to shoot steel BBs through a rifled barrel, which means that all are woefully inaccurate.
In 2009 Umarex launched their new Legends range with a Makarov replica. This was a CO2 powered, 4.5mm pistol and it’s a pretty decent shooter. Unfortunately, it lacks blowback and parts like the slide release are moulded in place. In 2014 another Makarov replica joined the Umarex Legends range, the PM Ultra. This version had blowback, but it also had an unsightly CO2 loading tab which projected below the grip and it used a moving barrel system to fire which meant that it lacked a true single-action trigger.
The Gletcher PM 1951
Gletcher is a brand owned by US company SMG (Sports Manufacturing Group, Inc.). Under the Gletcher brand, SMG sell a number of 4.5mm replicas of historic handguns. Generally these are rebranded versions based on Taiwanese 6mm replicas.
The Gletcher PM 1951 appears to be a 4.5mm version of the Taiwanese KWC Makarov PM airsoft replica. It’s pretty much all metal with only the grips and some internal parts being made of plastic. This is a blowback replica and the slide operates through a full range of movement and locks back on empty. There is a slide mounted manual safety and a slide release, both on the left side, and a magazine release in the heel of the grip.
Up to 16 BBs can be loaded into a full-size, drop-out magazine which also holds the CO2 cartridge. Unlike the original (which is both double and single action) this replica is single action only. The inner barrel is brass and has a fixed hop-up rubber.
Packaging and presentation (2/5)
This replica comes in a simple card box with a single magazine and a hex key for tightening and piercing the CO2. No manual is provided but inside the lid of the box there is an exploded view of this replica.
The box states “18 Month Warranty” but there are no clues as to what this means or how one would go about making a warranty claim.
Visual accuracy 6/10
At first glance, the Gletcher PM looks fairly much like a Makarov. However, when you look a little more closely, there are several discrepancies. First and most obvious is that the grip is too long on this replica. On the original, the overall height from the top of the slide to the base of the grip is 125mm. On this replica it’s 140mm. I assume the extra length is to accommodate the CO2 cartridge, but, just like the Umarex Walther PPK/S, this looks a little odd because of the extended grip.
Makarov PM (left) and Gletcher PM 1951 (right)
Next there’s the trigger guard – this is much too thick and I don’t know why. Just as on the original, the trigger guard on this replica is hinged at the rear and must be swung down to allow the slide to be removed. Some people have suggested that the trigger guard on this replica is thick because a hinged zinc alloy trigger guard of the correct dimensions would be too fragile. However, both the earlier Umarex versions have hinged zinc alloy trigger guards of the right size, and I’m not aware of problems with these breaking. Whatever the reason for it, the trigger guard on this replica does look odd and not at all like the original.
Then there’s the hammer. In the fully forward position, it looks sort of OK, but when it’s cocked, you can see that it’s a very strange and unrealistic shape.
You’ll note that I haven’t mentioned the magazine base extension which projects below and in front of the grip base. This makes the already long grip look even longer and I assume that this is also done to accommodate the CO2 cartridge, but it does look a little strange – most Makarovs have a magazine base that’s flush with the base of the grip. However, some versions, especially export versions for the US market, do have this type of magazine extension, so I’m not going to mark it down just for that.
This replica also lacks any sort of accurate markings. The only markings here are PM 1951 on the left side and some Gletcher markings on the right. All markings are laser-etched in fairly obtrusive white text.
Functional accuracy 13/15
Functionally, this is pretty good. It has blowback over a full range of movement, a full-size magazine and the magazine and slide release are located and work just as they would on the original. One small discrepancy is that this replica is single action only whereas the original shoots in both double and single action. This replica can be field stripped in the same way as the original. There is a sleeve which fits over the outer barrel. Initially, I thought this was plastic, but I believe it’s actually some form of light alloy.
This replica weighs almost precisely the same as the (unloaded) original, which is always nice to see.
Shooting 30/40
Loading the magazine with BBs on this replica is a little fiddly if you have large man-fingers like me. You have to hold the follower down with a thumbnail and the drop BBs in one at a time into the wider opening at the bottom front of the magazine. CO2 loads cleanly and without leaks using the hex key provided. When you re-insert that magazine, you have to use a fair amount of force – the spring on the catch is very strong. When I first started shooting this replica, the magazine dropped out of the grip a couple of times because I hadn’t pushed it in firmly enough. Getting it back out again is also a bit of a chore – the deeper and extended magazine base makes using the release in the heel of the grip a little awkward and this is definitely a two-handed job.
With the magazine inserted, you must rack the slide for the first shot. This also cocks the hammer. If the manual safety is engaged, you can’t rack the slide. There is no decocker – the only way to safely de-cock is to remove the magazine and pull the trigger. With the slide racked and the first BB in the breech, you’re ready to shoot. The sights are simple – just a notch and post arrangement with no white dots, but they’re clear and easy to read.
The trigger is reasonably light and short and true single action – all pulling the trigger does is to release the sear and allow the hammer to drop. The Gletcher PM is moderately loud and the blowback action provides fairly strong recoil effect. Balance is good, but I didn’t especially care for the grip. The rear of the grip has a pronounced corner or edge at each side. This isn’t particularly uncomfortable, but it is noticeable and I’m sure that other Makarov replicas I have owned weren’t like this.
I ran a number of shots from the Gletcher PM over my chronograph and, in fairly warm temperatures, I saw readings of between 265 – 280 fps. Perfectly reasonable, but well down on the 328 fps claimed by Gletcher. I found that I was able to get 50 – 60 full power shots before power started to drop off. Faster shooting uses CO2 more quickly. Like some other KWC replicas I have owned, cooldown is an issue if you’re shooting quickly. You can actually feel the cold permeating the grip if you shoot several times in quick succession.
In terms of accuracy, this is adequate. Groups are around 1.5 – 2” at 6m, but it does do one thing that I particularly hate – it shoots low. At 6m, it hits around 2” below the point of aim. Now, there are a number of things that you can do about that (and I may look at this in another article) but looking at other reviews of this replica, it does seem that out of the box, it’s likely to shoot low. I find that very frustrating. Obviously, I prefer a replica that shoots to the point of aim, but I can just about tolerate one that shoots high. What I definitely don’t like is a replica that shoots low. There is a hop-up rubber here, but it is non-adjustable. This replica’s airsoft roots can be seen in that there is a slot for a hop-up adjustment wheel in the outer barrel, but the wheel itself is not provided.
There is one other slightly odd thing about this replica. The slide locks back, but generally not when you fire the last shot. It locks back when you fire the shot after the last BB is fired. So, if you have 10 BBs loaded, you shoot all ten, but it isn’t until you pull the trigger for the eleventh time when the pistol is empty that the slide locks back. This happens nine times out of ten. It’s not a major issue, but it is odd and in the course of shooting around 500 rounds, this has been completely consistent.
Below you can see a short video showing a shooting test for the PM 1951. You’ll note that in this video, the first shot was so low that it completely missed the target – I don’t know why and this isn’t usual with this replica. You’ll also note that the slide locks back after the last shot is fired, which is also unusual.
Overall, the Gletcher PM is a perfectly pleasant shooter, but not an outstanding one.
Quality and reliability 13/15
Overall, quality and finish look reasonable. The semi-matt finish seems to be fairly hard wearing and is showing no signs of wear though, like every Mak replica I have seen, there is a scratch on the slide where the bearing for the manual safety moves. It was notable that, out of the box, my Gletcher PM was completely devoid of lubrication.
Other than the issue with the slide usually failing to lock back until the shot after the last BB, I haven’t seen any faults with my PM and it shoots reliably and without misfeeds or misfires.
Overall impression 11/15
I like compact replicas and I like classic handguns, so I should really love this replica. The fact that I don’t is down to a combination of several minor factors which separately don’t amount to much, but which combine to be a little frustrating. I don’t care for the extended grip or the corners on the rear of the grip. I don’t like look of the oversized trigger guard or the oddly shaped hammer. And I do hate the fact that it lacks a double action trigger and that it shoots low.
None of these are show-stopping issues and they are partly offset by decent finish, good weight and the fact that it’s a reliable shooter. But overall, if I’m looking in the gun cupboard for something to provide half an hour of shooting satisfaction, this usually isn’t the one I’ll be reaching for.
Conclusion
It looks as though we’ll have to wait a little longer for the definitive 4.5mm Makarov replica. This is close to being a good visual and functional replica, but it’s not quite there. However, it is relatively cheap and it seems to be reliable and fairly frugal with CO2 usage.
If you want something that looks and handles like a Makarov, you’ll probably still be wanting a Baikal MP-654K. If you want something that looks like a Makarov, has blowback and shoots well, I’m afraid you’ll most likely be looking at the 6mm WE version.
In replica terms, hype is a double-edged weapon. It can mean that you assume something is going to be good before you ever pick it up but it can also mean that you have expectations so high that the reality is bound to be disappointing. For these reasons, it’s not easy to approach a review of a Tokyo Marui replica pistol completely objectively. After all, TM have a reputation for producing some of the finest airsoft replicas. But hey, this is the World of Replica Air Pistols and the word “objective” is right up there on the site banner, so, let’s put those preconceptions aside and take a look at the TM Hi-Capa Custom. Is it really as good as they say? Is it worth the money? Will I run out of superlatives before I finish the review? Sit down, strap-in, grab a mug/glass of your favourite beverage and let’s take a detailed look at this iconic replica.
The first question to address is: what is this a replica of? The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa Custom Dual Stainless doesn’t claim to be a direct replica of any specific firearm, but it is obviously very similar in appearance and function to the Hi-Cap 1911s produced by companies such as Springfield Armory and STI, so that’s what I’ll be discussing here.
1911 Hi-Cap
The 1911 by John Moses Browning has been a popular handgun since it was first introduced in the early 1900s. However, one of the limitations of this design is that its slim grip accommodates a magazine which holds just seven .45 ACP rounds. By the 1970s and 80s, many shooters were switching to 9mm semi-automatics which had much larger capacity magazines. In response, companies like Springfield Armory and STI in the US and others elsewhere began producing 1911 pistols with wider, double stack magazines which could hold up to 14 rounds. These designs, which quickly became known as “1911 Hi-Caps”, often also added other features which addressed shortcomings of the original 1911 design such as ambidextrous manual safeties, accessory rails and extended grip-safety beavertails to avoid hammer bite. The result was pistols which lost the wonderfully slim grip and clean look of the original, but became in many ways much more practical handguns.
The STI Edge, a custom 1911 Hi-Cap
Illinois based Springfield Armory Inc. started trading in 1975 after purchasing the rights to use the famous Springfield Armory name (the original Springfield Armory in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts closed down in 1968). Springfield Armory is now one of the biggest firearm manufacturers in the US producing the XD range of semi-automatic pistols as well as several 1911 designs and automatic rifles.
The Springfield Custom shop produce a range of very high quality handguns which are used both by competition shooters and carried by law enforcement agencies. For example, in 1996 the FBI Hostage Rescue Team set out on a very exacting series of tests in order to select a new handgun. The winner was the Springfield Professional 1911 A1 produced by the Custom Shop. Springfield Armory produce several variations on the Hi-Cap 1911 theme.
A 1911 Hi-Cap by the Springfield Armory Custom Shop
Although you won’t find any Springfield Armory markings on the TM Hi-Capa Custom, things like the angled front and rear slide serrations and the use of black and polished stainless on the slide make it look very like a custom version of the basic 1911 design produced by Springfield Armory. It’s also possible to buy a replacement metal slide for this replica from airsoft customizing manufacturer Intrudershop which includes full Springfield Armory markings.
TM Hi-Capa Custom fitted with an Intrudershop Springfield Armory metal slide
The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa Custom Dual Stainless
The TM Hi-Capa Custom is a replica of a railed 1911 4.3 Hi-Cap. It is constructed of a mix of high-grade plastic and metal. The slide, outer barrel and grips are plastic while just about everything else (including the frame, guide rod, trigger, hammer, sights, safety and grip safety) is metal. The inner barrel is brass with hop-up which is adjusted via a small wheel under the barrel. A full size, metal, drop-out magazine holds up to 28 BBs and there is an ambidextrous manual safety which can only be engaged when the hammer is fully cocked. The hammer can also be manually de-cocked to a half-cock position in which the pistol cannot be fired. This replica is an improved version of the original Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa design which is claimed to be more accurate and to incorporate “Hi-Kick” blowback for increased recoil effect. TM also produce a similar 5.1 Hi-Capa version, but not in this distinctive Dual Stainless finish.
Packaging and presentation (2.5/5)
The TM Hi-Capa Custom comes in a polystyrene base with cut-outs for the pistol, magazine and accessories and a colourful, printed card lid. This replica is supplied with a single gas magazine, a small bag of TM BBs and a plastic clearing rod. It also comes with what may well be a comprehensive user manual, but as it’s entirely in Japanese, I can’t be certain about that.
The information on and inside the box is slightly confusing. For example, it gives the caliber of this replica as .45ACP and the magazine capacity as 13 + 1, both of which are true of the original firearm, but not this replica (which, of course has a caliber of 6mm and a magazine capacity of 28 + 1). At first I assumed that this information simply referred to the original weapon, but the box gives the weight of the pistol as 865g, which is close to the replica but much too light for the original.
Visual accuracy 8/10
Although this isn’t a replica of a specific firearm, it’s a good general visual replica of a custom 1911 Hi-Cap with a 4.3” slide and barrel. The markings on the slide (“OPS Tactical .45”, etc.) don’t have any particular meaning or refer to any firearm as far as I know.
Functional accuracy 14/15
Functionally, this is very good replica. It has blowback over a full range of movement, a full-size magazine and all the controls are located and work just as they would on the original. Even small details like the fact that the front and rear sights are separate metal parts which are fitted on to the slide replicates what you’d find on the original. This replica can be field stripped in the same way as the original.
Shooting 36/40
The first thing you need to do is to load the magazine with gas but, unlike most of the other airsoft replicas reviewed on this site, the TM Hi-Capa Custom is designed to use HFC-134a gas rather than the more usual HFC-22 (Green Gas). Many Japanese designed and manufactured replicas, such as those produced by Western Arms and KSC as well as TM, are specifically designed to work best with HFC-134a. This gas is a refrigerant (chemical composition 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane) and is quite different from Green Gas which is simply propane. The main reason that Japanese replicas are designed to use HFC-134a is that there are very strict power limits on replicas in Japan and the use of this gas ensures that replicas won’t exceed these limits. You can use Green Gas in any gas powered replica, and it will give more fps and a stronger blowback compared to HFC-134a, but many Japanese replicas use plastic slides and restricted flow gas valves and these can be damaged by using higher pressure Green Gas. That said, I know that some people have used Green Gas in Tokyo Marui replicas for years without any adverse effects – you’ll find a link at the end of this article to a review of a TM 1911 that has been run on Green Gas for over six years without any problems!
For some reason, I found it more difficult to load the HFC gas into this replica without leaking that I do when filling Green Gas magazines. It wasn’t a major issue, but there was always some leakage when I filled this magazine. Once it’s filled with gas, you can add up to 28 BBs. The follower doesn’t lock down so you have to hold it down while you add the BBs to the wider part of the opening on the front of the mag. The mag inserts and locks positively. Rack the slide to queue up the first BB in the breech and you’re ready to go. Incidentally, the slide racks with a very satisfactory sound – it may be made of plastic, but at least it doesn’t sound like it! The ambidextrous manual safety can only be engaged with the hammer fully cocked and it moves precisely and smoothly. The pistol will not fire unless the grip safety is depressed, and this is also smooth and light in operation.
The sight picture is simple and very clear. There’s only one white dot, on the front blade, but it’s easy to acquire a good sight picture. The single-action only trigger is short, precise and very light indeed – so light that I had a couple of unintentional discharges before I got a feel for it. This isn’t particularly loud and the recoil effect provided by the Hi-Kick blowback simply isn’t as strong as it is on some replicas with heavier, metal slides, but the blowback action is very snappy. I know that some people don’t like the feel of the blowback action on plastic slide equipped TM replicas but, while I agree that it isn’t as powerful as some other replicas, it seemed to me to provide an entirely satisfactory shooting experience. This has good weight though, like many airsoft replicas, around 30% of the total weight is in the magazine, which does give it a slightly butt-heavy feel.
The fat, double stack magazine certainly holds plenty of gas – I was able to get more than 70 full power shots from a single fill of gas. Which also suggests that the gas efficiency of HFC-134a is as good as claimed. It also seemed to me that cooldown was far less noticeable using this gas than either Green Gas or CO2, though that’s a subjective thing which I can’t confirm by measurement.
Hop-up adjustment wheel (arrowed)
The hop-up is adjusted via a small, toothed plastic wheel under the barrel – you have to remove the slide to access it. Just like everything else about this replica, hop-up adjustment is precise and accurate. Using .2g BBs at 6m, the full range of hop-up adjustment moves the point of impact vertically by just over two inches. Even a small movement of the adjustment wheel gives a corresponding change in the vertical centre of the point of impact. Add to this the fact that the front sight is drifted into the slide and can be moved from side to side, and it should be possible to get the point of aim and the point of impact to coincide precisely. Out of the box, with the hop-up set to the minimum, mine shot precisely to the point of aim with .2g BBs.
In terms of power, my TM Hi-Capa Custom certainly isn’t going to break any records. I ran ten shots using .2g BBs over my UFC Pro chronograph on a fairly warm (20°C) day and I got the following results:
231fps
231fps
229 fps
229fps
228 fps
228 fps
228 fps
227 fps
227 fps
226 fps
Now, these readings are certainly very low for a replica rated at 280fps and I can’t explain that. However, what is noticeable is that they are amazingly consistent. The maximum difference between the highest and lowest readings is under 2.5%. If you want consistency in shooting from your replica, what you need is consistent power, and the TM HI-Capa Custom certainly has that. Am I concerned about the lack of power? Not really. I use my replicas for target shooting and plinking only. For that, I need enough power for the BB to travel on a fairly flat trajectory and to have enough energy to pierce the target cleanly when it gets there. Any additional power is actually wasted. So for me, it’s largely irrelevant whether a BB is traveling at 200, 300, 400 or 500fps as long as it works for shooting, which this replica does. However, I know that other people (especially those who shoot at longer range) disagree and want as much power as possible from their replicas. All I can say is that, for me, the standard TM Hi-Capa Custom is adequately powerful.
A full magazine of 28 .2g BBs, shot freestanding at 6m range and fired fairly rapidly. Black, centre circle is 1½” in diameter.
Below, you can see a short video showing the TM Hi-Capa Shooting.
The can shooting part of the video is fun, but it’s also a good test of any replica. I’m afraid there are more replicas than you might expect that can’t reliably hit a can at 6 metres, let alone do it rapidly, six times in succession. This tests accuracy, how easy the sights are to use and whether cooldown is an issue.
Overall, the TM Hi-Capa Custom is very, very satisfying to shoot. It has, in my opinion, enough recoil effect to be satisfying, it feels good in the hand and it’s as accurate and consistent as any BB shooting replica can be. It also seems to work flawlessly (I haven’t had a single misfeed or failure to fire) and it’s frugal with gas. I’m not sure what more you can ask from any replica?
Quality and reliability 15/15
The TM Hi-Capa Custom feels very well made and constructed. The slide fits tightly on the frame and moves with a precise action. The fit of the inner barrel inside the outer barrel and the fit of the outer barrel in the slide are both very good indeed with very little play and no gaps. The grip safety and manual safety work smoothly, precisely and with very little effort. The shiny finish on part of the slide does manage to look a lot like polished stainless steel and there are no visible moulding seams anywhere on this replica (except for a barely noticeable seam on top of the outer barrel). Even the magazine is beautifully made and finished. It was also notable that my TM Hi-Capa Custom arrived well lubricated out-of-the-box, something that isn’t true of most of the replicas I test.
Hammer in the half-cock position
Overall, I haven’t had any issues with the quality or reliability of this replica at all and it seems to confirm that TM replicas are manufactured and assembled with a care that puts some other replica manufacturers to shame. Most people also say that long term reliability with TM replicas is also good. The only thing I did notice is that the slide on the TM Hi-Capa Custom is made entirely of plastic, unlike some TM replicas where metal is used to reinforce the plastic slide. This is one of the reasons that, so far at least, I have chosen to run this only on HFC-134a, as recommended by TM.
Overall impression 14/15
This replica feels good from the moment you pick it up. It has convincing weight and feels solid, balanced and very well finished. Everything about it works precisely, smoothly and without undue effort. And it shoots like a dream – it’s accurate and amazingly consistent and extremely frugal with HFC-134a gas.
OK, perhaps it isn’t especially powerful or as loud as some replicas and the recoil effect provided by the blowback isn’t as strong as some, but overall, I don’t think you’ll particularly notice any of those things while you’re enjoying shooting one of these.
Conclusion
The TM Hi-Capa Custom makes me smile every time I pick it up. That’s all I can ask from a replica. Yes, there’s a price differential between this and some other replicas. But, believe me, there’s an even greater enjoyment differential. And if you don’t care for the standard version, the upgrade options for TM replicas seem endless. Would you like a metal slide and outer barrel with Springfield markings? No problem. Or a tightbore barrel? Or upgraded valves, springs or sights? Or custom grips in a range of eye-searing colours? Or internal and external changes that will allow you to safely use Green Gas? All of these and more are available, which means it’s possible to customize your TM Hi-Capa and make it into something completely unique (you’ll find links to a couple of places which sell custom TM parts at the end of this review). Just be careful – customizing TM Hi-Capas can be addictive, and some people have ended up spending a great deal of money on upgrade parts…
Before doing this review, I wasn’t sure that I’d care for TM replicas. The main issue for me has always been the use of plastic in their construction – I generally prefer metal replicas. However, although the slide is plastic here, just about everything else is metal which gives this replica a convincing heft and feel. Overall, I can’t recommend this highly enough. I can’t say if the Hi-Capa Custom is typical of all TM pistols, but this one is just as outstanding as the hype led me to expect. And that doesn’t happen often!
Having recently re-discovered my passion for the classic Italian “giallo” films of the 60s, 70s and 80s, I often notice the protagonists, especially the intrepid police detectives, are armed with a small, but very handy, semi-automatic pistol. Naturally, I assumed this to be a Beretta and set-out to discover what model it was likely to be and if any replicas were available.
Inspector Tellini (Giancarlo Giannini) comes face to face with the murderer in “Black Belly of the Tarantula” who has a penchant for pins (thereby saving his wife and solving the crimes…) What a guy!
This proved to be more of a challenge than I thought as IMDB does not have many of these more obscure movies listed and in the one that is given, “Tenebrae”, the gun, although clearly belonging to the Beretta Series 80 family of pistols, does the lady in question little good as she is sitting next to a window instead of looking out of it… queue the ketchup!
However, following a little research I soon discovered that in most cases the pistols shown would be either Model 1934s, Series 70s or Series 80 “Cheetahs”. All feature the attractive, smooth curves and characteristic cut-out slide of the Beretta pistol; the question was: were any replicas available? Having been quite pleasantly surprised with both the WE Tokarev and Browning, I thought I would go to their website first and was delighted to see their latest addition was a “Cheetah” Mini-92 which looks an awful lot like a Model 84FS (replicas of which I now realise are also made by Umarex in 4.5mm and Gun Heaven in both 4.5 and 6mm).
A quick word with K.Don, the owner of my local shop, soon confirmed their availability in Thailand and so it was off to Suphanburi to have a closer inspection. I should like to add that since I already owned a KJ Works M9A1, I had been toying with the idea for a while of getting the more “rounded” and, in my opinion, more attractive Model 92. However, justification for another pistol so very similar to that of the M9 was a little difficult to find (even for me!), but a smaller model built along the same lines — well, that was a different story!
Comparison between the much larger, but visually and operationally similar, Beretta 92 (in this case an M9A1 made by KJ Works, also of Taiwan)
Real Steel Background
The Beretta “Series 80” family of pistols was introduced in 1976 and were chambered for .32 ACP (models 81 and 82), .380 ACP (models 84, 85 and 86) and .22 rimfire (models 87 and 89). Differences between pistols in the series, which have latterly been given the collective name of “Cheetah”, include variations in safety and trigger operation, magazine capacity (the Model 84 features a double-stack, 13 round magazine), trigger guard appearance, visibility of the slide-stop “cut-out” and even a forward tilting barrel on the Model 86 (an interesting concept and one which I would like to pursue having recently handled, but not shot, a real “tilting-barrel” Beretta at the Nakhon Sawan Shooting Club).
The WE Cheetah “Mini-92” (Model 84FS)
Packaging and Presentation 3 / 5
The pistol is presented in standard-issue We-Tech “egg-shell” type packaging inside a robust cardboard box. Although being “one-size fits all”, the gun and magazine are unable to come into contact with each other and the box is more than adequate for safe transit (and IMHO is much better than polystyrene). A small Allen (hex) key is provided should you need to remove the piston/ blowback assembly. The manual is useful and details the various parts to the gun, how to fill with gas, load 6mm balls and how to operate the pistol (although it does not describe how to field-strip). These processes are given in Chinese, English, Spanish, German and Italian (although the exploded diagram and parts listing is only in Chinese). Two colours are available; I chose silver/ nickel over black.
Visual Accuracy 8.5 / 10
Whilst still in the shop, I “turned-detective” in order to determine which version of the Series 80 “Cheetahs” this gun by Wei-Tech most closely resembled, if any at all. The first thing I noticed was the trigger guard which is quite prominent and has a serrated front edge.
Then came the lack of a cut-out for the slide stop. Earlier versions of the “Cheetah” had a visible cut-out on the left-hand side, but this is now hidden from view on the more modern guns. Needless to say, it did not take long to deduce that this “Mini-92” bore more than a passing resemblance to a Beretta Model 84FS.
By comparing the photographs given below, it is clear to see that, markings aside, the 6mm replica is to all intents and purposes identical to that of a real 84FS (photo courtesy of “impactguns.com”). The only differences I can see are that the sights are black and the small screw under the rear sight is simply an indentation.
The markings are another matter, but at least some have been included, are relevant to the pistol and are stamped/ engraved along the frame reading “CAT.5802-MOD.8 F-CAL.9 Short”. The grips are black plastic, although I have seen wooden Beretta grips fitted to a Mini-92 which enhance the overall look of the pistol.
The same attention to detail goes for the right-hand side except where the fake extractor is black as against to silver (but full marks for fitting one as an extra item in the first place). Interestingly, the Italian proof marks “BD” (indicating it was “proved” in 1994) are shown on the trigger guard whereas they would normally be found on the frame above the trigger on a real Beretta.
The markings on the outer barrel read “CAL.9 Short” with “360 Auto” underneath… I would have thought “380” would have been more appropriate, although it is very small lettering and barely noticeable. The magazine is appropriately marked “CAL. 9 SHORT”. Again, all these markings are etched or stamped very well (they are not painted) and IMHO go towards the overall visual appeal of this gun.
Functional Accuracy 13 / 15
Functional accuracy is excellent with, as far as I am aware, everything working as it should. The recoil spring is perfectly balanced for this kind of gun and feels very realistic when chambering a round (it also sounds the part, too). The serrations on the rear of the slide have a “sharp” feel to them and allow for a very positive grip between finger and thumb. The gun works in both double and single action. To operate in double action, a ball must first be loaded by pulling back on the slide. The safety switch is then moved up in order to decock the hammer thereby making it “safe”. Pushing down on the safety will then allow the gun to be fired. The trigger pull is extremely smooth in both double and single action. The hammer may also be released manually.
Ready for shooting in “double-action” with the safety applied and the hammer at the half-cock position. The sights are an interesting variation to the more commonly found “three-dot” pattern.
Being a WE gun, one expects the internal mechanism to closely resemble its real counterpart, and it doesn’t fail to deliver. Field stripping is carried-out in a straight-forward fashion by removing the magazine, checking the breech is empty (not really necessary on 6mm “airsoft” as the propellant is housed in the magazine, but good practice none the less), pushing the small button on the left-hand side of the frame and rotating the lever on the opposite side down through 90°. The slide may then be moved forward, the guide rod and recoil spring removed followed by the outer barrel and hop-up assembly which slides slightly forward to clear the loading nozzle and down (the barrel and hop-up are pinned together as one unit). The outer barrel is threaded for a silencer.
Shooting 30 / 40
Green Gas/ propane is loaded in the base of the magazine and I have not experienced any leaks so far. The follower is rather short, but may still be caught and held down by a thumb nail whilst 6mm balls are loaded from the top. The pistol sits nicely in the hand, is well balanced and very enjoyable to shoot. The recoil is crisp and relatively strong for a gas-blowback pistol, producing muzzle velocities in the region of 295 +/- 5 fps using 0.20g ammunition (which I have found to suit it best). The slide locks back when the last shot is fired and may be released by depressing the slide stop or by pulling back and releasing the slide.
IMHO, it would be great if WE were to introduce slightly more powerful versions of their guns, perhaps approaching two joules of muzzle energy, for those wishing to use them for target shooting/ plinking as against to skirmishing.
The following targets were shot using a two-handed stance from 18 feet (5.5m). Both were shot as two sets of five shots at each silhouette. I think it is fair to say that a 1 ½ inch grouping is quite easily achievable, albeit having to aim about 1 ½ inches above POI. The magazine will hold fifteen 6mm “double-stacked” balls with about four full mags (cheers Marc!) from a single charge of gas. It seems to suffer little from the “cooldown” effect.
The hop-up is not very effective, with BBs starting to fall at longer ranges of greater than 15m (although lateral accuracy is still good). In fact, adjusting the hop-up wheel on mine seemed to make very little difference at all.
Quality and Reliability 13 / 15
I have had this pistol for a little over a month and, apart from the hop-up, have not experienced any problems so far. It is made of metal alloy and feels solid and well assembled. Even with the slide removed, there are no extraneous movements to any of the parts; with the slide fitted it feels just right. I was slightly concerned with what appeared to be a very small abrasion to a piece of metal in the hammer assembly (see photo).
However, this was also present on another Mini-92 in the shop and has not deteriorated in any way, even when viewed through a magnifying glass. I would suggest this is part of the original manufacture/ design. The silver/ nickel finish seems to be good and on a par with that of their Tokarev TT-33.
Overall Impression 13 / 15
My overall impression of the WE Mini-92 is an extremely good one. It both feels and operates in a very realistic fashion and, markings aside, should be considered to be a fine replica of a Beretta Model 84FS. One would hope that a licensed version may be introduced at some point in the future. My only other real comment would be to reiterate that slightly more powerful versions be made available, perhaps using an easily identifiable dual-magazine system, for those of us who simply wish to participate in a little informal target shooting at home.
Complete with black gloves and sunglasses (stilettos, Fedoras and of course an alibi come extra!)
The KSC Heckler & Koch P10 isn’t a particularly handsome replica. In fact, it’s kind of plain. Not that you can blame KSC for this, because it’s a very good visual replica of the original handgun. Now, maybe that shouldn’t matter but the truth is that those of us who shoot and collect replicas are often influenced by how a pistol looks. I know that I am generally drawn to a replica in the first instance by its visual appeal (or lack of it) or the history behind the original. Which might lead you to overlook the HK P10.
And that would be a pity, because the KSC HK P10 sort of reminds me of BMW 5 Series saloons from the 1970s. Huge, ugly, boxy things that sat on the road like a shed on wheels and made no concessions to looking “nice“. However, I owned a couple of those 5 Series Beemers in the late 70s and early 80s and they were very good indeed. No frills or flounces, no pretty styling cues, just fast, competent and well made cars. And the KSC H&K P10 is a little like that. Not much to look at perhaps, but beautifully made and finished, efficient and reliable.
Real steel background
In the 1970s Heckler & Koch produced some innovative handguns. The VP70 from 1970 was the first polymer framed handgun and featured a DAO trigger (unusual at the time) and a combined holster/shoulder stock. The P7 from 1976 was a more conventional design but it was cocked, not by thumbing back a hammer or racking the slide, but by squeezing a cocking handle at the front of the grip. However, when H&K began work on a replacement for the P7 in the late 1980s, they returned to a much more traditional design.
In 1993, the USP (Universale Selbstladepistole) was released. The USP is a short recoil operated, locked breech, semi-automatic pistol which uses a conventional Browning locking system (the functional design is actually similar to the Colt 1911). Most models feature a combined manual safety/de-cocker on the left side of the frame. However, moving the manual safety from “fire” to “safe” does not automatically de-cock the USP – the lever must be depressed to a lower position to de-cock. This means that the USP can be carried “cocked and locked”, like the 1911. The USP also incorporates a novel recoil reducing captive coil spring on the guide rod and provides extremely good corrosion resistance through the use of a hard, nitro-gas carburized black oxide finish, which gives the USP a distinctive matt black/dark grey appearance. Original USPs were chambered for 9x19mm and .40″ S&W rounds.
The USP quickly gained an enviable reputation for durability and reliability. It was subjected to a range of tests including exposure to extreme temperatures, use in hostile environments including mud, sand and salt spray and endurance tests which involved firing up to 24,000 rounds with no component failures. By the end of the 1990s the USP and derivatives had been adopted by military and law enforcement agencies in a number of countries including the US, Australia, Denmark, France, Spain and Greece. A slightly modified version of the USP (the P8) was also adopted as the main service pistol of the German Armed Forces (the Bundeswehr).
H&K USP Compact
In 1994 the USP Compact was introduced, a scaled-down version of the full size USP which was not equipped with the recoil-reduction system. The USP Compact has a bobbed hammer and a 3.58″ barrel (compared to the 4.25″ barrel on the full-size version). A slightly modified version of the USP Compact with a spurred hammer was adopted as the sidearm of a number of German state police forces as the P10. The P10 is available chambered for the 9x19mm round only.
The KSC H&K P10
I have talked about KWA and KSC before, in the review of the KWA HK45 (you’ll find a link at the end of this review). KSC is Japanese and KWA is Taiwanese and though they sell what appear to be almost identical replicas, nobody seems to be certain what the commercial relationship between the two companies is. Most people assume that KWA manufacture replicas in Taiwan and these are sold using both KSC and KWA branding but I don’t know if that’s actually the case. The review here is of a KSC product, but I think you are safe to assume that KWA products based on the USP Compact will be very similar if not identical.
In addition to replicas based on the full-size USP and the HK45, KWA and KSC also produce several replicas based on the compact version of the USP. These include the USP Compact, the USP Compact Tactical and the P10. All appear to be mechanically identical and differ only in markings, hammer, outer barrel and sights. The original version of the USP Compact produced by KSC featured a plastic slide but around four years ago a new version was introduced featuring a metal slide and the improved System 7 gas feed system (KWA versions have NS2, which appears to be identical). KSC claim that System 7 incorporates a new, advanced lightweight piston which increases the speed of slide movement and provides a harder kick as well as improved power and accuracy compared to older models.
The KSC H&K P10 reviewed here is the newer version with a metal slide and the System 7 gas feed system. This version also has a metal trigger, hammer and controls and the magazine is also of metal construction.
Packaging and presentation 3/5
The KSC H&K P10 is provided in a sturdy card box with a polystyrene interior with cut-outs to house the pistol and accessories. It is supplied with a tool to adjust hop-up, a lock-out key and a small bag of unidentified BBs. The lock-out key engages with an opening in the mag well and allows the hammer to be disengaged. On the original, this is done to allow safe storage of the P10. You’re probably unlikely to use this feature on an airsoft version, but it’s nice to see this functionality from the original included. The HK P10 also comes with what appears to be a comprehensive user manual which includes some background to the USP series. Unfortunately the manual is wholly in Japanese without translation of the text to any other language.
An alternative magazine baseplate is also provided which does not incorporate a “pinky-grip” extension.
Visual accuracy 9.5/10
H&K P10 (left), KSC H&K P10 (right)
The KSC P10 is a very good visual replica of the original though it incorporates features more commonly seen on “tactical” versions of the USP and USP Compact including a threaded extension to the barrel for mounting a suppressor and high level sights (to maintain a good sight picture with a suppressor fitted). The P10 is more commonly seen with the standard barrel and sights though it’s certainly possible that some may have been modified in this way.
Some of the markings of the KSC P10
Markings on the KSC are very good indeed. On the left of the slide you have the Bundesadler (Federal Eagle), “KH” (indicating a pistol manufactured in 1997) the “stag horn” proof mark from Ulm and a (non-unique) serial number. Markings on the left side of the slide are laser etched in white – all other markings are engraved. The serial number is repeated on the outer barrel and on a metal plate under the accessory rail. The pistol also features assorted “Heckler & Koch GmbH” and “GE/Polizei” markings. There are no markings referencing KSC or Taiwan as the country of manufacture nothing noting indicating that this is a 6mm replica. Even the “WARNING REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL” text engraved under the trigger guard is an accurate reproduction of what’s on the original. There are no markings here that you wouldn’t find on the original and nothing from the original has been omitted.
The finish of the slide is a good match to the non-reflective nitride finish on the original and finish on the polymer frame and metal slide match well. There are no prominent moulding seams and generally, it’s difficult to see how you could have a more accurate visual replica.
Functional accuracy 14/15
Some KWA/KSC pistols are intended as training aids for the cartridge versions, and the functional accuracy of the KSC H&K P10 is extremely close to that of the original. The hammer, trigger, slide release, magazine release and safety/de-cocker lever all operate here precisely as they do on the original.
The only thing that I can see which doesn’t work on this replica is the ejector pin. On the real weapon, the ejector pin projects slightly when a round is in the chamber and the upper surface of the pin is painted red, acting as an external visual loading indicator. The red paint is present on the replica, but the ejector pin is fixed in place, though this hardly a criticism given that I’m not aware of any replica which currently includes this function.
The KSC P10 field strips as per the original – the magazine is removed, the slide is moved back until a cut-out is aligned with the combined slide release/locking pin on the left. The pin is then pushed out from the right side and removed and the slide can then be pushed forward off the frame.
Shooting34/40
The KSC H&K P10 magazine is filled with gas in the usual way, though it does seem sensitive to different nozzle types on gas cannisters. While most filled without leaks or issues, one can of green gas (which worked without problems on my other replicas) produced a noticeable loss of gas while filling. There did not appear to be any leaks from the magazine and the follower locks down to allow up to 22 BBs to be loaded from the top.
When inserted in to the grip, the magazine locks positively and cleanly though I did notice on a couple of occasions that inserting a loaded magazine caused the slide lock to release allowing the slide to move partly forward. This didn’t happen if I loaded an empty mag and it seemed to happen more often while the pistol was very new.
With the magazine in place and the slide racked, you’re good to shoot. The sights are a simple notch and post design and the white dots allow a clear sight picture against any background. The rear sight is adjustable for windage only. The KSC P10 doesn’t offer anything in the way of alternative backstraps, but the grip is a reasonable size and should comfortably fit most average sized hands. The “pinky-grip” extension on the magazine does help to give a positive grip, though an alternative flat version is also supplied. Although the magazine release is ambidextrous, the slide release and safety/de-cocker are left side only, so this isn’t a particularly lefty-friendly replica. The slide operates through a full range of movement, releases with a satisfying clank and moves positively and with authority.
In single action mode, the trigger pull is short, light, creep-free and precise. In double action it’s obviously longer and a little heavier, but still precise and pleasant to use. Blowback is snappy and strong, but despite KSCs claims for System 7, I didn’t find it to provide notably more recoil effect than most other 6mm replicas I own. The P10 isn’t particularly loud, but it does shoot with a sharp crack that’s quite distinctive.
Ten shots, six yards, rested, 0.25g BBs. All but one of the shots is inside or touching the 1½” diameter black centre circle.
Accuracy and consistency are good both with the recommended 0.20g BBs and with heavier 0.25g BBs. Groupings at six yards are generally around 2″ or less with very few flyers. After adjusting hop-up, the point of impact is around ½” below the point of aim at six yards. Adjusting the hop-up is very easy on the P10 due to the use of the KSC tool which allows adjustment without removing the slide. With the slide locked back and the magazine removed, the tool engages with a toothed wheel on the outer barrel, which allows quick and very fine adjustment.
Gas consumption is good with 50 – 60 shots from a single fill of the magazine. Overall, the most notable thing about shooting the KSC P10 is its consistency and reliability. I haven’t experienced a single double feed or other loading problem, the trigger pull is predictable and good, the slide locks back on empty every time and I can confidently place BBs on target time after time. As a shooter, this is up there with the very best 6mm semi-auto replicas.
Quality and reliability 13/15
I have shot around 500 BBs of various weights with the P10 so far, and to date I have had precisely no misfeeds or failures to fire. None. That’s pretty impressive and certainly better than many 6mm replicas I have tested and it suggests that the feed and gas system the P10 is carefully designed and well engineered. The KSC P10 just seems to go on reliably and relentlessly pumping out BBs with a minimum of fuss.
Mine did have a couple of very minor issues out of the box. The front sight was loose where it is drifted into the slide, and it moved from-side-to-side due to the effects of blowback. However, this was easily fixed with a thin layer of packing under the sight to wedge it into position. I also occasionally found that the slide would unlock and move partly forward as a loaded magazine was inserted, though this mainly happened when the P10 replica was very new and it stopped now that the pistol has been used. Otherwise the KSC HK P10 has functioned flawlessly, its finish and overall quality seem very good and there is no obvious internal or external wear on mine at all.
Overall Impression 12/15
If you have read this far, you’ll know that the KSC P10 doesn’t appeal to me in the way that some other replicas do. On one level I know that shouldn’t matter, but then I’m shooting these replicas purely for pleasure and I do like a replica that looks good. Consider the Umarex Walther PPQ for example, or the KWC Ruber MKI. Both are replicas of modern semi-auto pistols. However, the originals they’re based on have (for me, at least) far more visual and historical appeal than the P10. And yet, when I want to put some fuss-free BBs on-target, the P10 is often the replica I reach for. It has been completely reliable and I never have to fiddle to get it to shoot as it should. Overall, this one has grown on me. It just does what it says on the box and gives the impression that it will continue to do so for some time to come.
Conclusion
So, the KSC H&K P10 – as ugly as a sack of frogs, but as reliable as if it was carved out of a solid block of granite. It also shoots with good power and accuracy, has nice, strong blowback and a fairly loud report and from previous experience of KSC/KWA products, I anticipate good long-term reliability. And you know, I’m kind of getting used to the way it looks. Perhaps calling it “ugly” is unfair. Maybe “functional” or “utilitarian” would be a fairer description. It may not be the first replica you’d choose to display on the wall, but as a shooter it’s very good indeed.
I still don’t care for the extended outer barrel or the raised sights, and I’d like it even better if I could use it in my left hand, but you just have to respect something that’s made and finished as well as this. If you want a replica that has the “wow” factor, you may want to look elsewhere. But, if you want a reliable, well made, well engineered replica pistol that also shoots very nicely, the KSC H&K P10 could be the one for you. A 1970s BMW 5 series of the replica world.
Total score: 85.5/100
Cons
More expensive than some comparable airsoft pistols
There is an ongoing debate amongst some replica air gun enthusiasts about airsoft weapons versus “real” air pistols. Many replica air pistol fans regard airsoft pistols as little more than inaccurate, underpowered and expensive toys. While in the past there may have been some truth in this, improved designs and advances in technology mean that newer airsoft pistols handle and shoot very well indeed. Personally, I feel that many modern airsoft pistols should be regarded as air weapons which simply happen to use a different calibre of BB.
So, I’m going to review here the KWA HK45 which, IMHO, is a very fine replica air pistol which stands comparison to other replicas of any calibre.
Real steel background
The HK45 is an evolutionary development of the Heckler and Koch USP (Universale Selbstladepistole: “Universal Self-loading Pistol”) and is functionally very similar to that weapon. Chambered for the .45 ACP round, the HK45 has a distinctive polygonal O-ring barrel, replaceable grip backstraps, improved ambidextrous controls and a standard picatinny accessory rail. To keep the grip within comfortable ergonomic limits, the HK45 magazine holds just ten of the fat .45 ACP rounds (compared to 15 rounds in the 9mm variant of the USP).
The HK45 was originally developed for the U.S. Military Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) and Combat Pistol (CP) programs which were intended to find a replacement for the ageing Beretta M9. Both programs were cancelled in 2006 before a new pistol could be selected but HK continued with commercial development of the HK45, targeting the military, law enforcement and personal defence markets. The HK45 was released in 2007.
The HK45 is the first HK pistol to be assembled (from U.S. and German made components) at the Heckler and Koch manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire, USA.
The KWA HK45
KWA is a Taiwanese company which began as an industrial design specialist in the automotive and power tools sector. However, they moved into airsoft design and manufacture in the late 1990s and became Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for several well-known airsoft distribution companies before starting to offer products under their own name in 2006. KWA has a long association with Japanese airsoft design and R&D company KSC. KWA manufacture airsoft replicas which are branded as KSC products in some countries. KWA have a reputation for producing very high quality airsoft pistols which are also used as training weapons by some law enforcement agencies.
Umarex hold the worldwide exclusive rights to the HK trademark and the exterior design copy license for the HK45. On the packaging for this pistol the words “Powered by Umarex” are prominently featured, though my understanding is that Umarex have no involvement in the design or manufacture of this replica beyond granting a license to KWA.
The KWA HK45 is a gas powered, blowback replica with a metal slide and fittings and a polymer frame and grip. It is a fully licensed replica featuring accurate H&K trademarks and markings. The KWA HK45 features the NS2 internal gas delivery system, a KWA patented design. NS2 utilizes an advanced lightweight composite gas piston with a two-stage internal expansion chamber that delivers gas more efficiently and more consistently. KWA claim that this increases cycle rate and provides a crisp, powerful blow back action as well as increasing muzzle velocity and providing more consistent shot-to-shot performance. The magazine is an integral part of the system and is a one-piece construction milled from solid alloy billet. NS2 is functionally identical to System7 which is used on some KSC branded pistols.
Packaging and presentation 3/5
The HK45 is provided in a rather nice card box with HK and Umarex markings on the top. The only KWA marking you’ll find on the outside of the box is a discreet logo on one of the end panels, and even there it shares space with HK and Umarex trademarks. Inside, there is a large KWA tag attached to the replica. The box features hard foam with cut outs to fit the pistol and accessories.
Alternative backstrap, hop up tool (top) and lock-out key
The KWA HK45 comes with a single magazine, a small bag of unidentified BBs, an alternative replacement backstrap, a hop-up adjustment tool and a lock-out key. The lock-out key engages with an opening in the mag well. With the hammer down, turning the key through 90° disengages the hammer. KWA claim this allows “safe storage” – I’m not sure this is really relevant to an airsoft replica, but it’s impressive that it fully replicates the lock-out system used on the original.
Using the lock-out key
Visual accuracy 9.5/10
Real HK45 (left), KWA HK45 (right). Probably.
The KWA HK45 is visually identical to the original. Every contour of the frame, slide and grip are accurately modelled and all controls are accurately placed and modelled. All markings on the real weapon are replicated including the “H&K .45 Auto” markings on the inner barrel. Even the tiny green O-ring on the barrel of the original is present on this replica. The only thing that distinguishes this replica from the original is the text “Licensed Trademark of Heckler & Koch Gmbh” in white lettering on the lower right front of the slide. Other than this, it’s virtually impossible to tell the original from the replica.
Barrel O-ring
In terms of visual accuracy, this is about as good as it gets for replica pistols.
Functional accuracy 14.5/15
Many recent KWA pistols are intended as training aids for law enforcement operatives, so it’s no surprise to find that the functional accuracy of the KWA HK45 is extremely close to that of the original. All controls here work as per the original. The slide release and magazine release are ambidextrous as per the original. The safety/decocker lever is provided on the left side of the fame only (again, as per the original) though markings are provided on the frame to allow fitting a right-side lever. Looking at how closely the KWA HK45 matches the real weapon (both internally and externally) I wouldn’t be surprised if the HK parts which can be used to convert the safety/decocker lever to the right side of the frame would fit on the replica, which would make it one of the very few replicas to be truly ambidextrous.
The only thing that I can see which doesn’t work on the replica is the ejector pin. On the real weapon, the ejector pin projects slightly when a round is in the chamber and the upper surface of the pin is painted red to act as an external visual loading indicator. The red paint is present on the replica, but the ejector pin is fixed in place.
The KWA HK45 field strips as per the original – the magazine is removed, the slide is moved back until a cutout is aligned with the combined slide release/locking pin on the left. The pin is then pushed out from the right side and removed, and the slide can be pushed forward off the frame. It’s a very similar setup to that used on the venerable Colt 1911.
Removing the slide locking pin
This replica loads, shoots and strips in precisely the same way as the original. Other than for the addition of a moving ejector pin, it’s difficult to see how a replica could be more functionally accurate.
Shooting34/40
The KWA HK45 is loaded by filling the full size magazine with gas and BBs. Gas filling is done without drama or leaks. The magazine follower locks down and the mag double stacks to hold up to 29 BBs. I found this replica worked well with 0.2g BBs. The slide is racked for the first shot, which pushes a BB into the chamber and cocks the hammer for single action. The HK45 feels particularly good in the hand – balance is very good and it points naturally. Heckler and Koch spent a great deal of time perfecting the ergonomics of the original weapon and this is apparent when using the replica.
Hop-up is adjusted using the supplied tool which engages with a toothed adjustment wheel round the barrel breech. Adjustment is precise, but the slide has to be held half-way back while this is done – with the slide locked back, the tool can’t reach the adjustment wheel.
Using the hop-up adjustment tool
The trigger pull in single action is crisp, light and consistent. In double action it is longer, but still fairly light and consistent. The three white dots on the non-adjustable sights make lining up the target simple. Blowback is particularly crisp and strong and the pistol fires with a satisfying crack. I have had no misfeeds or failures to fire though I have seen other owners reporting occasional double feeding of BBs when using this replica. The magazine holds gas for more two weeks without appreciable leaks and it’s possible to fire two full magazines from a single fill, though power drops noticeably for the last few shots. The slide locks back when the mag is empty.
Six shots, six yards, 0.2g BBs, note single flyer at lower edge of green circle
0.2g BBs hit the target hard at 6 yards and penetration is good – this knocks chunks out of a backstop which some other airsoft pistols just dent. Accuracy is good. I regularly get groupings around 1″ – 1¼”at 6yds though with occasional flyers which hit anything up to 2½” from the point of aim. At 6yds, best accuracy seems to be obtained using 0.2g BBs.
Overall, this is one of my favourite airsoft pistols for target shooting. It feels good and shoots well and reliably. Groupings are generally good, though as noted with flyers approximately every ten shots. My HK 45 is still fairly new, so it’s possible that this may improve with further use. In terms of accuracy and consistency at six yards, this is comparable with many pellet shooting replicas and better than most steel BB shooters.
Quality and reliability 13/15
The weight of the KWA HK45 is good and is very close to the weight of the real weapon. One slight disappointment is that a fair portion of this weight comes from the magazine which is machined from solid billet, and with the magazine removed the pistol feels notably light. However, most of the time you’re using this pistol the magazine will be in place, so this isn’t a major problem and the KWA HK45 does feel very well balanced.
The finish on the metal parts of the KWA HK45 seems well applied and durable – my pistol is showing no signs of wear. The polymer parts seem robust and the textured finish feels good.
The only slightly suspect area is the outer barrel. This is made of lightweight plastic, and some owners have reported that this can crack with extended use. The pistol will continue to shoot if this happens, but it’s a surprising flaw in what otherwise seems to be a very well made replica. I have also read reports of premature wear on the slide locking catch of this replica, but my pistol seems unaffected.
Overall Impression 13/15
This a high quality, nicely finished replica which handles and shoots well. Like the original, it’s ergonomically very good indeed with fine balance and a slim, contoured grip. Visually it’s almost indistinguishable from the original weapon. It has good weight, feels good to shoot and the crisp blowback helps to replicate the recoil of the real weapon. It’s accurate enough for satisfying target shooting, though the occasional flyer BBs are something of a mystery.
Overall, this feels like a quality replica. No surprise then that it’s also a little more expensive than most other Taiwanese offerings.
Conclusion
This is a hefty and accurate replica pistol which shoots as well as it looks. Forget that it uses green gas and shoots plastic BBs – this is as satisfying as any replica air gun I have tried. I’d recommend anyone who thinks that airsoft pistols are toys to try one of these. Don’t think of it as an airsoft pistol – it’s simply a very fine replica air pistol indeed. If you are considering dipping your toe in the world of airsoft, this would be a good place to start.
Given KWA’s involvement in producing airsoft pistols that are suitable for use as training tools, it should be no surprise that this looks, operates and handles identically to the firearm it replicates. However, it’s also reliable, well-made and accurate and powerful enough for satisfying target shooting. If the higher than average price doesn’t put you off, I really can’t think of any reason you wouldn’t want to add one of these to your replica collection.
Total score: 87/100
Cons
A little more expensive than the average airsoft replica pistol.
A large part of the overall weight comes from the magazine.
Pros
Spot-on visual and functional replica.
Has enough power and accuracy to be a satisfying target shooter.
Seems well made and finished and my HK45 has been completely reliable.
Some people regard the Umarex 586/686 replica of a Smith & Wesson revolver as the finest multi-shot replica air pistol ever made. That’s a big claim. This is certainly a well made, powerful and accurate replica, but is it really the best there has ever been? Let’s take a look.
Real steel background
In 1856 partners Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson formed a company to manufacture a pistol which used a then revolutionary self-contained metallic cartridge. This pistol, the Smith and Wesson Model 1, was an instant success and the outbreak of the US Civil war in 1861 created huge demand for this and subsequent Smith and Wesson handguns. The company continued manufacturing a number of different types of pistol until the present day, though it has always been best known for revolvers. The company continued to be controlled by the Wesson family until 1964 when it was bought out by Bagnor Punta, a large US conglomerate. Since then it has had a number of corporate owners, including British engineering company Tomkins from 1987 to 2001.
Bonnie and Clyde’s car, 1934
During the early to mid 1930s, Smith and Wesson were involved in research to develop a handgun cartridge capable of penetrating vehicle bodywork. Police were involved in frequent fire-fights with bootleggers and gangsters and found that conventional bullets often failed to pierce the heavy bodywork on contemporary vehicles. The result was the .357 Magnum cartridge, introduced in 1934. This was a more powerful development of the existing .38 special round (confusingly, both are the same calibre – .357 is the nominal bullet calibre of the .38 cartridge). The round was made 1/8″ longer than the standard .38 to prevent inadvertent loading in a .38 pistol not designed for this high pressure ammunition.
Smith and Wesson 686 with 6″ barrel
Many handguns were designed for the .357 round, but the extreme power of this ammunition caused vicious recoil and mechanical failures on some pistols. In 1980 S&W introduced revolvers chambered for the .357 featuring the heavier “L” series frame, designed to withstand long term shooting with this round. These 6 and 7 shot revolvers were available with 4″, 6″ and 8″ barrels and were constructed of blued carbon steel (the 586) and polished stainless steel (the 686). The “L” frame revolver series is very popular and these pistols have been adopted by civilian shooters and police departments across the US.
The Umarex 586 and 686
The Umarex 586/686 were launched in 1998, the same year as another popular Umarex pellet shooter, the Beretta 92FS. The 586/686 is powered by CO2 (retained inside the grip and accessed by removing the right side of the plastic grip) and was originally available with a 4″, 6″ or 8″ rifled barrel, though the 8″ version seems to have been dropped from the range at some point and currently the 586/686 are only available with 4” or 6” barrels. The barrels and barrel shrouds are interchangeable and some early versions were supplied as kits which included all three barrels. The barrel and shroud are easily disassembled by removing the inset plastic retaining nut with the supplied tool. Pellets are held in a removable ten shot rotary pellet holder which swings out on a crane to the left of the frame. The rotary pellet holder is the only part of the cylinder which rotates when the trigger is pulled.
The crane is released by pushing forward on the cylinder release on the left of the frame. No manual safety is fitted though Umarex claim that the pistol is provided with an internal safety mechanism which prevents a loaded pistol from discharging if dropped or jarred. There is no accessory rail fitted as standard and the 6″ version weighs a hefty 2.8 pounds.
Like many of the other Umarex pellet shooters, the 586/686 models are assembled, finished and tested within the Umarex plant in Germany.
My early gloss finish 6″ 586
The 586 and 686 are identical other than for finish. The 586 is black (gloss black for early models, semi-matt black for later models) and the 686 is provided in what Umarex describe as a nickel finish, but which is actually a rather matt silver. Both models share the same black rotary pellet holder, which looks a little odd on the otherwise silver 686.
Packaging and presentation 4.5/5
Like most Umarex pellet shooting replicas, the 586/686 comes in a distinctive hard case. The case is well padded with foam which features cut outs for the pistol, a single rotary pellet holder, CO2 and spare barrels and shrouds. The pistol is provided with a short user manual.
8″ 586 with alternative 4″ and 6″ barrels
The Umarex hard cases may not be of the absolute best quality, but they’re way ahead of the packaging for most replica pistols.
Visual accuracy 8/10
Smith and Wesson 686, 6″ top, Umarex 686, 6″ bottom
Overall this is a very good visual replica. The profile and look of the original are well replicated and only the cast rear part of the cylinder looks notably different. The cylinder release and adjustable rear sight are well replicated in form and function.
The only small visual anomaly on the Umarex replica is that the cylinder pawl indentations and fluting on the replica cylinder reflect the ten chambers in the rotary pellet holder rather than six (or seven in some versions) of the original. And of course the black pellet holder on the 686 does rather stand out.
Revolvers have fewer markings than their semi-auto brethern. The original revolver has “Smith & Wesson” engraved on both sides of the barrel, the S&W logo under the safety catch on the left side of the frame and trademark information on the right front of the frame. The replica has the S&W logo and name on the left, but otherwise includes only Umarex markings.
Functional accuracy 8/15
Functional accuracy is fair, given that these replicas don’t have a full size cylinder. The rotary pellet holder does swing out on a crane which is released by the cylinder release catch. However, the Umarex 586/686s don’t really replicate the loading and operation of a revolver in the way that other Umarex products such as the TRR8 revolver or the series of Dan Wesson replicas do.
The 586/686 cannot be field stripped. Any disassembly beyond removing the barrel and shroud requires splitting the casing halves.
Shooting38/40
This where the 586/686 really excels. Using fresh CO2 and RWS CO2 Target pellets, my 6″ 586 averaged 390 – 410fps, dependent on temperature, a little better than the Umarex claim of an average 395fps for this model and more than enough for target shooting at 6 or 10yds. Accuracy is very good indeed. At 6yds, freestanding, using a two-handed grip I can generally achieve groupings in the 1¼” – 1½” range. I believe that this replica is capable of sub 1″ grouping, so this is probably a reflection on my shooting technique. The fully adjustable sights are clear and easy to use and can be adjusted to place a pellet precisely on the point of aim.
Ten fairly rapid shots in double action, freestanding at 6m with my 6” 586
Despite being a heavy, long gun, the 586/686 doesn’t feel unbalanced and it is comfortable to hold and shoot. It can get tiring if you’re shooting for an extended period using a single-hand grip, but is considerably better with two hands.
It’s worth noting that this is one of the loudest replicas I have owned (only my Baikal MP-654K was louder), something you may want to consider if you need to avoid startling your family or neighbours when you shoot. However, at one point I tried the mock silencer which Umarex offered as an option for this model – to fit the silencer, you remove the threaded insert in the end of the barrel and the silencer then acts as the retainer for the barrel. To my surprise (considering it’s sold as a “mock” silencer), it worked very well, reducing the sound of my 586 to inoffensive levels. As far as I know, Umarex no longer sell the mock silencer for this replica, but these do occasionally turn up second-hand and it may be worth looking for one if you need to shoot your 586/686 quietly.
The ten shot rotary pellet holder simply lifts off the crane spindle for loading and it seems easier to load than the eight shot version used on Umarex semi-auto replicas. It’s also less finicky about having pellets bedded down in the holder and less prone to misfeeds. When replaced, the grip covering the CO2 fits well with no looseness or rattles – unlike some other replica revolvers which store CO2 in the grip. The CO2 pierces cleanly, without any leaks and I got around 60 full power shots from one CO2.
The double action trigger pull is fairly heavy, but smooth and consistent. The single action pull is light, precise and consistent and I have not experienced any misfeeds or failures to fire while shooting this replica.
This is a delightful and very satisfying replica to shoot. Of all my replica pistols, this is the one which feels most like shooting a firearm, though happily without the shoulder-wrenching recoil of real .357 ammo.
I have also tried an 8″ version of this replica. In theory I suppose that the longer barrel should allow greater accuracy, but I didn’t find this to be true. I found that the longer barrel unbalanced the pistol, and shooting even a full ten shot magazine quickly got tiring so that the wobbles set in. In this case, I do feel that less is indeed more. I haven’t tried the 4″ version, but I would imagine that accuracy would be very similar to the 6”.
Quality and reliability 13/15
Mechanically, the 586/686 is absolutely superb. The indexing, trigger and hammer action are creamy smooth, precise and consistent. Even the crane and the rotary magazine swing out and click back into place with a satisfyingly precise action. I’m not aware of any reliability issues with these replicas, though like any replica pistol, internal parts and seals do eventually wear and degrade over time. Lubrication is important to keep a 586/686 in top condition, and achieving this effectively requires dismantling. This can be daunting as inside you will find a complex arrangement of pins, pawls, sears and plates. There are also several tiny springs waiting for an opportunity to twang off into the middle distance. However, if you feel confident, there are several good on-line guides explaining how to disassemble and re-assemble these pistols (you’ll find a link to one at the end of this review).
Later 4″ 586 in matt finish
The finish on the early model gloss 586 is extremely good. It doesn’t particularly resemble blued carbon steel, but it is attractive, well applied and hard wearing. Later model 586s have a more matt finish, which is just as resistant to chipping and scratching, but to me at least doesn’t look quite as good. I have never been a big fan of the nickel finish on the 686. Like the nickel finish on several other Umarex pellet firing replicas, it’s actually a rather dull, matt silver. It does seem well applied and hard wearing, but looks nothing like the shiny polished stainless steel original. You only have to look at (for example) the beautiful shiny nickel finish on some Tanaka revolvers to see what’s achievable and in that context, the finish of the 686 is a little disappointing. The black pellet holder on the 686 is also an anomaly – surely on a pistol in this price range it would be possible to provide something which didn’t look as if it had been borrowed from another replica?
However, overall I’m not aware of any other pistol which exudes quality in the way that the 586/686 does. Just pick one up and you’ll see what I mean. More a family heirloom than a toy and better than any other replica revolver I have tried.
Overall Impression 13/15
This a class act in every way. Very nicely made and finished, reliable and a pleasure to shoot. What more can you ask from a replica pistol? Well, I generally prefer replicas which not only look good but also replicate the operational function of the original. The 586/686 isn’t quite so good in this respect, but it’s such a fine pistol that the first time I picked one up, I knew I had to have it.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the design is now almost twenty years old, this is still a fantastic replica air pistol. In some ways, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better one. No surprise that it’s also one of the most expensive replicas. But then, as they say, you get what you pay for. And what you get here is a beautifully finished, well made, heavy, loud, accurate and powerful multi-shot pistol. It isn’t perfect. Nothing is. But it’s pretty damn close. Flaws? I feel that the 8″ version is too heavy and unbalanced for sustained accurate shooting, I think the black rotary pellet holder looks out of place on the silver 686 and I’d prefer if the whole cylinder revolved and this replica generally better reflected operating a real revolver. Given the latter point, I’m not sure I’d classify this as the best replica air pistol ever, but it’s certainly something that anyone interested in replicas should try.
In some ways, this feels like a throwback to something from an earlier era of replicas – it may not be the best replication of the revolver experience, but it is a well-designed, well-made, reliable and powerful air pistol in its own right. This makes it stand out compared to many other current replicas which seem to be designed down to a price rather than designed to last for many years. But on the whole the main drawback is that the 586/686 mercilessly exposes poor shooting technique. It’s no good trying to blame suspect accuracy on the gun – if you miss the target with this replica the problem almost certainly lies with you. If you’re lucky, you may even find that using a 586/686 improves your shooting. So, you’ve gotta ask yourself a question: “Do I feel lucky?” Well, do ya, punk?
The Umarex Legends MP40 was released in Canada in early June and my BB machine gun arrived just in time for Father’s Day. After opening the box and admiring this nice specimen for a little bit, I managed two complete cycles on the day I received it (4 CO2 cartridges and about 350 BBs).
Basically this will be a first impression post.
This submachine gun is a realistic and weighty replica.
The magazine must be prepared with 2 CO2 cartridges and the instructions mention that it holds 52 BBs. In my case I decided to use only 50 to have a round number.
All the shooting has been done offhand, standing up and using the shoulder stock. First I shot on paper targets from two distances: 15 and 25 feet.
Not knowing the accuracy of the MP40, I started at 15 feet to make sure that I would not shoot outside my trap.
From the box, it was shooting a bit low and to the left. Flipping up the second rear sight took care of the elevation. For the windage, I discovered that placing the bullseye in the gap between the front blade and the left air space gap of the rear sight was giving me a point of impact where I wanted it.
The adjustment shots were made in semi-auto. The next step was to continue the same way for several more shots on a fresh target. Being confident that all the BBs will be kept contained in the trap I proceeded to have several full automatic bursts which were surprisingly bunched close together.
I moved out to 25 feet and continued shooting in semi-auto for the balance of the session. The system works well and will not waste CO2 because the trigger will just produce a click if there no BB present in the top of the mag (this means that the gun stops shooting on the last shot). When a fresh mag is re-inserted, the cocking knob is pulled to make the gun ready to shoot.
With a few full-auto bursts and mostly semi-auto shooting I was able to get close to 4 mags of 50 BBs for a total of approximately 200 without any problem. It should be noted that at the end the gas pressure was not enough to recock the striker, so for the last few shots I recocked the gun by hand for each shot until I felt that it was getting too slow. After removing the mag, I saw that only a couple of BBs were left unfired. When the cap was removed it could be felt that there was some pressure still in the reservoir.
I would say that realistically about 175 good blowback cycles could be achieved.
For my second session, I moved to my garage to engage pop cans. This time I had to split my session in two parts with a gap of several hours between. In the first part, I used a mix of semi and full auto for 2 mags and in the second part a few auto bursts and mostly semi-auto. It seems that the full-auto made a difference because this time I obtained only one full mag (#3) before starting to have some problems after only a few shots on the last (#4). The MP40 is brand new and should not have leaked CO2 during the time I was away, so it is probably the use of the full-auto that caused a lower number of shots (about 150 this time).
This would have to be confirmed by trial, but I suspect that using only full-auto will probably get 2 mags or less of usable shots.
This picture shows the paper targets covered in the previous text. The pop cans are not shown here but take my word that they were pretty much destroyed. The can lid shown in the upper right corner is from the full-auto test that will be explained a bit later in the post.
As for the problem I had at the end of my 2 part session, I noticed that there was no impact in my trap after a few shots on my last mag. After removing the mag and pushing a wooden rod through the barrel I found 3 BBs stacked together.
With the mag removed the breech is easily accessible to clear the barrel.
I suspect that there was not enough pressure to push the BB out of the barrel but there was enough pressure to operate the blowback to recock the gun. Since there was a BB present in the top of the mag, the trigger worked and a BB was then shot in the rear of the first with a repeat for the third BB.
Anyway when I unscrewed the cap there was barely any CO2 pressure left.
Some people might be wondering about the trigger pull. It is mentioned in some reviews as being heavy, and there is some truth to it but it is not overly bad. It is certainly not in the same category as a Colt 1911 or Tanfoglio Witness single action trigger feel but it is relatively easy to get used to it.
The other complaint is about the lack of a lock for the BB follower but this can easily be solved by using a small hook that helps to hold it in place during loading. I made mine from a small left over piece of oak hardwood flooring.
To complete my post I decided to see how many mags the MP40 would run in full-auto. I was able to get 3 mags of 50 shots each without any problem. I pushed the limit by putting 10 BBs in the 4th mag and after a short burst it started to have BBs stuck in the barrel. After that test it seems that, shooting small bursts at a time, it would be possible to get around 150 shots. On the other hand, continuous fire might reduce that number.
In conclusion for airgun collectors, the MP40 is a nice addition that has an historical connection to a legendary model. Expectations should be realistic; this is not a competition target airgun but a very nice plinker.
R-Gun Pete
P.S. I had a piece of leather at home and I thought it would be a good idea to make a sling for my MP40.
There are big guns, there are stupidly big guns and then there’s the Auto Mag, for people who think the Desert Eagle is a compact pistol.
Ah, the 70s. The decade that taste forgot. Big hair, big cars, big movies and really, really big guns. In many ways the Auto Mag pistol typifies the excess of the 1970s. It was bigger and more powerful than just about any other semi-automatic handgun before or since. It was also almost completely pointless. It certainly produced the power of a .44 Magnum revolver with a little less recoil, but generally, the only time you’ll see a gun this big is when it’s fitted with wheels and being towed behind a team of horses.
Somehow, this seemed cool in the 1970s. And no, that isn’t me. My hair was way longer than that in the 70s.
The production history of the real steel Auto Mag was relatively brief and these exist now only as historical oddities and collector’s items. So, it’s perhaps surprising that in 2003 Japanese company Marushin introduced a gas powered, blowback replica of the Auto Mag. But I’m glad they did. Just like the original, production of this replica was brief and you can now find these only on the used market. But it’s worth seeking one out if you can – if you have any interest in handguns and replicas, I defy you to pick one of these up and not have a smile on your face.
Real Steel Background
The idea which became the Auto Mag pistol came from Harry Sanford, a US businessman, in the late 1960s. Sanford wanted to produce a semi-automatic pistol which was capable of shooting the powerful .44” Magnum round, but with less recoil and a larger ammunition capacity than the Smith & Wesson revolvers for which the round was originally designed. Because of the power of the round for which this pistol was designed, a conventional moving slide was rejected in favour of a cylindrical bolt with eight radial locking lugs (similar to the bolt used on the M16/AR15 rifle) and a cocking knob with grip serrations that projects from the back of the main body of the pistol. The final design was complex and required extensive manual input during manufacturing to ensure that the stainless steel elements operated correctly together.
The Auto Mag was offered in two versions. One was chambered for the mighty .44 AMP round which propelled a 15.5 gram projectile at up to 1,650fps (that’s around 2,000 Joules of muzzle energy folks!). The other was the .347 AMP version which used a necked-down version of the same casing to fire a .357” round at over 1,700fps. The only difference between the two versions was the barrel (which was interchangeable). Barrels were available in 6½” and 8½” and with or without vent ribs. Magazine capacity was 7 rounds and all versions featured adjustable sights.
Early Auto Mag Model 180 in .44 AMP and with a 6½” barrel.
But just who were the customers that the Auto Mag was intended to appeal to? Its sheer size and weight ruled it out as a military or police sidearm and (outside Hollywood) for the same reason it was never going to be a viable concealed carry weapon. You can shoot targets and tin cans just as effectively with much cheaper .22” rounds (a .22LR round is less than one tenth the cost of a .44AMP round) and those don’t generate wrist-snapping recoil and blinding muzzle flash. There are certainly people who hunt using large calibre pistols, but their numbers are relatively low and anyway, the Auto Mag doesn’t provide a massive advantage over a revolver as a hunting weapon. I suppose there will always be people who feel a pressing need to win any “my gun is bigger than your gun” argument, but again, the numbers involved are fairly small. In most ways, the Auto Mag was an answer to a question no-one was asking.
Don’t you love Hollywood? Only there would a police officer choose a 14” long pistol weighing four pounds as a concealed carry weapon. In Sudden Impact (1983), the fourth of five films featuring Clint Eastwood as “Dirty” Harry Callahan, the main character briefly swapped his iconic S&W revolver for a .44AMP Auto Mag.
In mid 1971, production of the Auto Mag pistol started but the business model adopted was, well, let’s be charitable here and call it “quirky.” It has been estimated that each Auto Mag pistol cost around $1,200 to manufacture in 1971 (and remember that the purchase price of something like the reliable and well-regarded Colt Python revolver was just over $200 at that time). To overcome this problem, the company decided to sell each Auto Mag at a price of just $247.50. This meant that they would lose almost $1,000 on every Auto Mag sold, but the idea was that this would generate such massive demand for this pistol that subsequent volume production would reduce manufacturing costs and investors would queue up to pour money into the company. This was a brave (or possibly misguided) approach and in the event, very few people bought Auto Mags. It was therefore no great surprise when on May 3rd 1972, after producing less than 3,000 pistols, the Auto Mag Corporation of Pasdena declared bankruptcy.
However, that wasn’t quite the end of the Auto Mag story. After AMC went bust, several other companies were granted licenses to manufacture the Auto Mag. Some of the best known include TDE Corporation, OMC Corporation and High Standard Corporation. Altogether, around 9,500 Auto Mag pistols were produced between 1971 and 1982. These were sold at prices of up to $3,250, much more realistic in terms of manufacturing costs but hardly likely to encourage large numbers of sales.
This is one of the later Auto Mag pistols produced by AMT. It doesn’t look anything like the original version but, is it just me or does it look a whole lot like the pistol from the original Robocop movie?
The Auto Mag name was also revived by the Arcadia Machine and Tool Company of Covina, California who produced both copies of the original pistol and a series called the AMT AutoMag II, III, IV and V in the 1980s and 1990s. However these latter pistols were actually of a completely different design and had nothing to do with the original Auto Mag. There are still people who buy and collect Auto Mags in the US, but with ammunition becoming difficult to find (and costing anything up to $8 per round if you can find it!) these aren’t particularly popular shooters.
The Marushin Auto Mag
This replica is manufactured by Japanese company Marushin and is a replica of the first version of the .44 AMP Auto Mag Model 280 manufactured by the Arcadia Machine and Tool Company of Covina, California. Most parts of this replica are made of high density plastic, though the hammer, trigger, bolt, magazine and some internal parts are metal. It’s a blowback replica where gas is stored in the full size drop-out magazine but it’s designed for 8mm BBs rather than the more common 6mm variety. The Marushin Auto Mag was available only with an 8½” barrel and in black finish with black grips or silver polished finish with brown wood effect or black grips. The one that I owned had a very glossy and rather attractive black finish though I have also seen examples with a more matt finish. As far as I am aware, this replica was introduced in 2003 but is no longer available new though used examples occasionally turn up for sale.
This was often (though not always) sold as the “44 Auto Mag CLINT1”. The “CLINT1” refers to the use of the Auto Mag by Clint Eastwood in the movie Sudden Impact. This movie was made in 1983 after production of the Auto Mag had ended. However, two pistols were built specially for use a props in the movie and these were given the serial numbers “CLINT1” and “CLINT2”. Despite this, the Marushin Auto Mag doesn’t feature a serial number.
I believe that Marushin also produced a very similar non-blowback version of this replica. However, I know nothing at all about the non-blowback Auto Mag other than that it is also now out of production.
Packaging and presentation (2.5/5)
The Marushin Auto Mag usually comes in a monster card box with a polystyrene insert though I have seen silver finish versions which were supplied in a light alloy case. This replica comes with a small bag of 8mm BBs, a couple of hex keys for adjusting the hop-up and a manual.
This is the box for the silver finish version which also came with a light alloy case.
Visual accuracy 9/10
As far as I can tell given that I have never actually seen a real steel Auto Mag, this Marushin replica is completely accurate in terms of size, placement and shape of controls and markings. The only visual difference is that on the right side of the upper receiver (in the position where the serial number is stamped on the original) this has the text “MFG.MARUSHIN.”
Markings are engraved deeply into the high-density ABS receiver and look much, much better than the more usual painted or laser etched markings.
Functional accuracy 14/15
Just like visual accuracy, the functional accuracy of this replica is 100%. All controls are present and operational as per the original. The bolt must be pulled back and released to cock the pistol for the first shot and the bolt locks back when the last shot is fired. Like the original, this is single action only. The takedown lever on the left side of the frame is operational and takedown allows the upper receiver and barrel to be removed leaving the bolt and bolt carrier mechanism in-situ.
Shooting 32/40
Preparing the Marushin Auto Mag for shooting is no different to any other blowback 6mm airsoft replica. Put up to 10, 8mm BBs in the magazine, fill the magazine with green gas through the valve in the base, insert the magazine then pull back the bolt and release and you’re ready to shoot.
The Marushin Auto Mag is fairly loud, certainly louder than most 6mm replicas, and the felt recoil from the moving bolt is strong. The 8mm BBs hit the target with notably more authority than 6mm BBs. The very long stretch from the front to the rear sight gives the Auto Mag an exceptional sight radius and the fact that the rear sight is fully adjustable means that you can get the point of aim and the point of impact to coincide precisely.
Oddly, given its size, I didn’t find the Marushin Auto Mag at all clumsy to shoot. The grip is reasonably sized and the balance is good and I found this less of a stretch than, for example, several Beretta 92 replicas I have owned. The reach to the single action only trigger is also reasonable and the trigger is very light and with a precise and consistent break. I found accuracy to be reasonable, with groupings of 1” – 1½” at 6m. I ran six shots from my Marushin Auto Mag over a chronograph on a fairly chilly day in Scotland and I got a low of 240fps and a high of 260fps. Let’s call it an average of 250fps, though I have seen claims of anything up to 400 fps for this replica. I generally got about two full magazines plus a few extra shots for each fill of green gas.
This is the only 8mm replica I have owned, and I have to say I enjoyed shooting these larger BBs a lot. They may be only 2mm larger than the more usual 6mm BBs, but they feel notably bigger, they’re less fiddly to pick up and load and they smack into the target a lot harder than smaller BBs. I have a feeling that they’d also probably be better at longer range than 6mm BBs as well, though I never did get the opportunity to try this out. The Marushin Auto Mag does have adjustable hop-up though I never tried adjusting it – mine shot just fine as it was and the adjustable rear sight has a good range of adjustment.
Generally, I enjoy shooting smaller replicas. I have no idea why – I don’t have especially small hands, but for some reason I find the grip on things like Desert Eagle and Beretta 92 to be just too big to get a comfortable hold. However, I didn’t have any problem with this replica. And this is so ridiculously big that it’s just fun to shoot. Look at the picture below of my Auto Mag next to one of my Umarex Walther CP88s. The CP88 isn’t particularly small, but next to the Auto Mag it looks like a pocket pistol! But look at the grips – if anything, the Auto Mag has a smaller grip and a shorter reach to the trigger which is why it’s comfortable to hold and shoot.
Quality and reliability 12/15
I’m afraid that the mainly plastic Marushin Auto Mag does feel rather light when you pick it up. Its sheer size makes you expect something very heavy indeed, but although it weighs over 2 pounds, it doesn’t weigh as much as it looks as if it should. In some ways that’s good – I imagine shooting the four pound real steel version would get tiring very quickly, but that isn’t a problem here. But I can’t help that wish that more metal had been used in the construction of this replica. The most striking thing about the Auto Mag is its size, and if this replica had the weight to match, it would really stand out in any collection.
I did have a few minor issues while shooting my Marushin Auto Mag. The bolt would occasionally fail to lock back on empty and sometimes a BB would not feed into the magazine, leaving me shooting just green gas. However, in general this was fairly reliable considering that I bought it as a well-used example and the fact that most of the external parts are made of plastic means that you won’t have to worry about the finish chipping off (on the black version at least, I don’t know how the silver version is finished). However, on some of the painted metal parts including the bolt and trigger, there was some paint wear on mine.
Overall impression 11/15
The Auto Mag pistol is bigger than a very big thing and that bigness is first and main thing that strikes you about this Marushin replica. The second thing that strikes you when you pick it up is that it feels rather light and a little toy-like (especially with the metal magazine removed). That’s a pity because Marushin also make an all-metal, shell ejecting PFC version of the Auto Mag and there seems no reason (other than cost) that they couldn’t have used more metal here.
However, if you ignore the lack of weight, this is a sturdy, well-made replica which shoots reasonably well. I also found that, despite its size, it was easy to find a comfortable grip, something I haven’t found with all large replicas.
Conclusion
This is a good replica of a relatively little known pistol. I particularly enjoyed shooting with 8mm BBs instead of the more usual 6mm versions and I’d like to see more replicas in this calibre. These larger BBs probably make this replica too powerful for skirmishing, but they are ideal for the kind of target shooting that I do.
This is the more common matt black finish
Do you really need a replica this big? Of course not! On the original, the size is justified because the Auto Mag shoots a massively powerful round capable stopping a charging T-rex. However, this replica isn’t any more powerful than most and is less powerful than some. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. If you do want one, your biggest problem will be finding a used example as these aren’t made any more. The polished silver version with wood effect grips and which came with an alloy case looks particularly good, if you can find one. So, go ahead, make your day – get yourself one of these.
Total score 80.5/100
Cons
Mainly plastic and fairly light
Not especially powerful
Hard to find nowadays
Pros
Handles and shoots well
Great visual and functional replica of an unusual handgun
When automotive engineer Andrew Lawrence was commissioned in 1940 to design an air pistol that would be powerful, accurate, inexpensive to manufacture and would replicate the balance and handling of a firearm, he came up with an innovative design that resembled both the Colt Woodsman and the Luger. However, wartime shortages meant that the result of his work, the Hy-Score air pistol, didn’t finally appear for sale until 1946. These spring powered air pistols proved to be reliable and well made and they became enormously popular and many hundreds of thousands were produced until new safety rules in the US led to the end of production in 1968.
Relatively recently, people have started to appreciate just how innovative and well-made the Hy-Score was and these pistols are starting to become sought-after collector’s items. But, what’s the story behind the Hy-Score and would you really want to add one of these to your replica collection?
Development
Entrepreneur Steven E. Lazlo started the S.E. Laszlo House of Imports of Brooklyn, NY in 1933. His plan was to create an American company through which he could import and market some of the best products from Europe. He was very successful in this and quickly began to import large numbers of airguns, telescopes, binoculars, lenses and other items. The market for European airguns in pre-war America was particularly strong with the imported products (especially those from Germany and the UK) being regarded as being of higher quality than home-grown American airguns. It didn’t take Lazlo long to realise that there would be a ready market for an American manufactured airgun which was made to the same quality standard as the guns he was importing.
In 1940 he approached his brother, Andrew Lawrence (Andrew had anglicised his surname to the more American sounding Lawrence in 1939) with a design brief for a spring powered air pistol which included seven main requirements:
Ease of cocking.
Minimum muzzle velocity of 300fps (for .22” version) and 400 fps (for .177” version).
Elimination of parts needing frequent replacements such as leather seals, etc.
Trigger pull not to exceed 3½ pounds and to be short and crisp.
Barrel to be rifled for accuracy.
Appearance and balance to approximate as closely as possible that of a standard firearm.
Low manufacturing cost by use of stampings, automatic screw machine parts and plastics.
Andrew, a talented automotive design engineer, began his design study by looking at some of the imported air pistols that Steven Lazlo was selling in order to assess their designs. He examined two German Air pistols, a Haenel and a Diana, as well as a Swedish Zenit and a British Webley. All were spring powered designs with various methods of cocking. However, after considering the relative merits of each, Andrew produced a design for something very different, a concentric piston design where the air piston fits round the outside of the barrel. This allows the main spring and barrel to be long (increasing power) but because these are concentric, it also keeps the overall length of the pistol short. This wasn’t the first time that this design had been used for an air pistol – the British Westley Richards and Abas-Major air pistols for example had used a similar overall design. However, this was the first time that an attempt had been made to combine this design with modern production methods to produce an air pistol constructed using pressed steel to ensure that it looked and handled like a firearm.
The unusual design of the Hy-Score was mentioned a lot in early advertising.
Lawrence also included other innovative ideas in his design. For example, most contemporary air pistols used leather for seals, but this tended to dry out and required frequent lubrication to keep it working efficiently. Instead, steel piston seals were to be used on the new design (though, in the event, these proved to be too brittle to withstand the forces in an airgun compression chamber and these were fairly quickly replaced with neoprene O rings). The grips were to be made of Tenite, a new plastic material developed by the General Electric Company which was hoped to be both strong and durable. The grip design incorporated the insertion of two large steel slugs to ensure that the completed pistol had good balance. The trigger design was also novel – to avoid the full weight of the mainspring bearing on the sear (which would have increased pull weight), Lawrence designed what he called a “servo mechanism” which knocked the sear free as the trigger was pulled, giving a much lighter trigger action. There was also a “dry fire/practice” facility which allowed the trigger to operate without the pistol being fully cocked, so that shooters could get used to the trigger pull. Even the loading gate used a unique and clever “camera shutter” mechanism that ensured effective sealing while being reliable and simple in use. Cocking was achieved by lifting the compression cylinder, breech and barrel from the rear and rotating this assembly round a pivot pin in front of the trigger guard.
The completed air pistol certainly looked like nothing else on the market. In contrast to most other contemporary air pistols, with its blued finish and chunky looks, it did look and handle like a firearm, most notably like the iconic German Luger even if it wasn’t intended to be a direct replica of that pistol (though later Hy-Score advertising proudly claimed “the accuracy of an air rifle with the looks and handling of a Luger”). By around 1942, the design was ready to go into production, but by that time America was involved in World War Two and the US War Production Board cut off the supply of raw material to all production that was not considered essential for the war effort, including the manufacturing of air pistols.
For this reason, it wasn’t until 1946 that Steven Lazlo was finally able to begin advertising what had been named the Hy-Score Target Model Air Pistol through the newly created Hy-Score Arms Corporation. The first models (no model numbers were initially assigned) were single shot only and offered in both .177’ and .22” calibre, but it wasn’t long before Andrew Lawrence began refining the design to produce a multi-shot version. This used a magazine on the end of the pistol which incorporated six pellet chambers. When the user turned the breech cap, one of the chambers would line up with the breech, dropping a pellet into position.
Production
1949 advertising for the Hy-Score from Popular Mechanics Magazine. “Looks and feels like a Luger. Revolutionary mechanism blasts pellets at close-to-firearm speed!”
Production of the first Hy-Score Target Model began in 1946 and this air pistol immediately proved to be powerful and reliable and became popular with air pistol enthusiasts across America. From 1948 onwards, single shot Hy-Score pistols were provided with a longer barrel and a revised rear sight and were designated as the Model 800 (the earlier models were then referred to as the Model 700). The Model 800s also used revised production methods so that they required less final machining, though some people feel that the extremely high quality of the first models was reduced with the Model 800. When the repeating version was introduced, this was designated the Model 802. And if you’re wondering, the Model Number 801 was given to a Hy-Score, break-barrel air rifle.
Advertising for the Model 802 repeater, also from 1949
The original Model 700 had incorporated a relatively short barrel with an extended outer barrel shroud. In 1952, the Hy-Score company began to produce the “Sportster” and “Shorty” Models 803 and 804 (the 803 Sportster was a single shot version, the 804 Shorty was a repeater). These used the short barrel of the original Model 700 with a shorter outer barrel. These models were often sold with interchangeable .177” and .22” rifled barrels and a smoothbore barrel for BB shooting. However, these short-barrelled versions were less powerful and less accurate than the longer barrelled 800 and 802, and proved to be less popular. Confusingly, there was also a Hy-Score 805 Pocket Model (despite the fact that Hy-Score already had a Model 805 in their range – a licensed version of a break-barrel Diana air rifle). It appears that the Model 805 is basically a .177” calibre Model 803 with a fixed, non-interchangeable barrel though these appear to be very rare. By the end of 1954, production of all short barrelled versions had ended and only the Model 800 and 802 remained in production.
Many hundreds of thousands of Hy-Score pistols were produced in America between 1946 and 1968, when all production ended. Most were Model 800 or 802. Production ended mainly because the Hy-Score was not provided with any form of manual safety and Andrew Lawrence believed that the trigger design of the Hy-Score would make it difficult to incorporate such a device without a major re-design. Increasingly strict safety laws in the 1960s in America meant that there was a limited future for any air pistol which didn’t have a manual safety and so the decision was made to end production. The Model 802 ceased production first and for a time, only the Model 800 continued. Then this too ended in 1968 and Steven Lazlo went back to selling imported air guns (though Hy-Score continued to sell accumulated stocks of the Model 800 up to 1970).
The Hy-Score company went into liquidation in 1981 following the death of Steven Lazio in 1980, but that wasn’t quite the end of Hy-Score production. In 1989 a British businessman, Richard Marriot-Smith, bought not only the rights to manufacture the Hy-Score but many of the machine tools and jigs required. These were shipped to Kent in England and the Phoenix Arms Corporation was set up to manufacture and sell a slightly revised version of the Model 800. This incorporated an improved rear sight which was adjustable for elevation, a thicker, heavier machined front end and a barrel that was approximately 8” long and recessed about ½ from the muzzle for a threaded section which was used to mount a silencer. The Phoenix Hy-Score also had a revised body which incorporated milled grooves to allow the fitment of a telescopic or laser sight. Sold as the Hy-Score Sporter, these air pistols were supplied with interchangeable .177” and .22” barrels and an optional silencer. Initially, only a single shot version was produced but, in September 1990, a repeater version was introduced which was based on the Model 802. At around the same time, a new, fully adjustable plastic rear sight was added and versions with this feature are generally referred to as “Mark II” models, though otherwise they are identical to the first models. Sporters were supplied either in blued finish with brown plastic grips or in chrome finish with white or grey grips. However, the Hy-Score Sporter still lacked a manual safety which meant that it couldn’t be sold in many markets. Limited opportunities for sales meant that by 1991, all production of the Phoenix Hy-Score pistol had ended.
The American Hy-Score was confidently advertised in the 1940s as “the world’s most powerful air pistol.” By the time that the Phoenix Hy-Score Sporter was advertised in 1989, it had been downgraded to “one of the world’s most powerful air pistols’”
Design
The basic design of the Hy-Score didn’t really change much from the first version produced in 1946. On the very first versions, the rifled barrel was actually only 7¾” long, but this was hidden by using a longer, drawn steel outer shroud. From 1948 onwards, Model 800 and 802 Hy–Scores had a longer, 10¼” rifled barrel which was virtually as long as the outer shroud. From the time that these models were introduced until production ended twenty years later, their design remained almost unchanged. The Sportster and Shorty and Pocket Model versions (Models 803, 804 and 805) introduced in 1952 used the 7¾” barrel from the original models with a shorter outer barrel.
Model 803 Sportster
The frames on all versions of the Hy-Score are made from pressed steel which means that they can be blued, unlike more modern replicas which are made from zinc alloy. Likewise the body tube which is made from drawn steel. And that, in most cases, is what you get on the Hy-Score – a durable, hard wearing, glossy blue/black finish that lasts approximately forever. The newest Hy-Scores (other than the Phoenix versions) were made almost fifty years ago, but most seem to have retained their finish well. The same goes for the Tenite plastic used for the grips. Unlike the material used, for example, on the grips for the Schimel which was produced around the same time, the grips on the Hy-Score seem to resist cracking and shrinkage very well. Some Hy-Scores were also produced with a rather nice chromed finish and white plastic grips, and this too lasts well.
When the Phoenix Arms Company re-launched the Hy-Score in 1989, there were a number of differences. The rear sight was improved and in the Mark II version replaced with a more robust and fully adjustable plastic “field sight”. The inner rifled barrel was shortened (compared to the Model 800 and 802) and the barrel shroud was threaded for an optional silencer which was claimed both to reduce noise and to act as a cocking aid. The barrel shroud itself and the front of the frame were redesigned and machined rather than pressed to give a much more chunky look. However, in terms of mechanical function and operation, the Phoenix Hy-Scores are identical to the US models.
Phoenix Hy-Score Sporter Mark II
Shooting the Hy-Score
To prepare any Hy-Score for shooting, you must first cock the gun and compress the mainspring. To do this, the latch on the right side of the frame, above the trigger guard, must be pushed forward to release the upper part of the pistol. Then, the whole upper body is pivoted forward around a pin in front of the trigger guard. A link in the frame drags the piston forward and compresses the mainspring until it catches on the sear with an audible “click.” The upper body is then pivoted back until it latches closed. With the pistol cocked, you do have to very careful about avoiding accidental discharge given the lack of any form of manual safety. It’s also said that striking any Hy-Score model at the rear of the receiver even fairly gently or dropping it will cause the pistol to fire so some caution is required when handling a cocked Hy-Score.
To load a pellet (in the single shot version) the pistol must be pointed down and then the knurled breech cap is turned anti-clockwise to open the central breech shutter. A pellet is then dropped into the opening in the end cap, point down. The end cap is then turned clockwise to allow the pellet to drop into the breech and tightened to seal the breech. In the repeater, the process is similar, other than that up to six pellets can be loaded into the breech cap which is then rotated, with the pistol pointing down, to load a single pellet into the breech for firing.
There is just a single opening in the centre of the breech cap on single-shot models
Incidentally, don’t be fooled by the “Repeater” tag – the Hy-Score Models 802 and 804 aren’t like, for example, the Crosman Model 600 which will fling a stream of pellets downrange as quickly as you can pull the trigger. The loading process on the repeaters is finicky, they seem choosy about pellet type and of course they must still be cocked for each shot. In fact, many people seem to prefer the simplicity of the single shot models which, they claim, can be shot just as quickly as the repeaters.
The breech cap on the repeater is a much more complex design
With the Hy-Score cocked and with a pellet loaded, you’re ready to fire. And it seems that there is a great deal of disagreement about this part of the Hy-Score experience. Andrew Laurence claimed that the Hy-Score was designed and tested to give groups of 1” or less at a range of 30ft using standard pellets, but that improved accuracy could be obtained by using competition grade pellets. Some owners agree, claiming that the Hy-Score is very accurate. Others claim that groups of 2½” or more at 30 feet are much more likely. Lawrence also claimed around 300fps for the .22” version and 400fps for the .177” version and most tests of longer barrelled versions do seem to agree with these power figures. In general, the Model 800 and 802 with their longer barrels are more powerful and accurate than the Models 803, 804 and 805. Most reports suggest that the Phoenix Hy-Scores are just as powerful and accurate as the 800 and 802 and some accounts even suggest that it was necessary to reduce power on these versions to meet UK power limits.
There seem to be two issues affecting accuracy with the Hy-Score (assuming that the pistol and barrel are in good condition). First is the trigger action – it’s long and creepy with a vague release point. Presumably this is a result of the servo mechanism, but it’s certainly much less crisp and light than many other contemporary classic air pistols. The second issue is the action of the air piston. This slams to the rear when the trigger is pulled and results in a forward reaction in the spring housing, causing the muzzle to dip down just as the pellet is being fired. The sights are designed to compensate for this (the barrel actually points well above the point of aim), but the amount of dip depends on your grip and stance – some people find that it works well, others that the point of impact is well above or well below the point of aim.
The Hy-Score is a fairly hefty air pistol, weighing around 2.2 pounds (1000g), but it is nicely balanced and the grips suit right and left handers. It’s pleasant to shoot, but, if you’re thinking about buying one of these, you may want to try it first. Some people report very good accuracy, some people report average accuracy at best. There are certainly bound to be variations between individual examples of any elderly air pistol, but this one seems also to depend on shooting technique. If possible, try before you buy.
Buying a Hy-Score
If you decide that you do want to buy a Hy-Score, the good news is that there are lots about and this generally seems to be a well made, well finished and reliable air pistol. If you compare it to, for example, the Schimel, another Luger lookalike launched at about the same time, the materials used on the Hy-Score appear to be of much better quality and it’s relatively easy to find a Hy-Score in good condition. The bad news is that this pistol is now becoming recognised as a classic and prices for good examples have risen dramatically in recent years. Highest prices seem to be for the very first Model 700s, especially those which come in their original boxes. The Shorty, Sportster and Pocket Models also command high prices because of their relative scarcity with the chromed versions being most sought-after. Cheapest currently seem to be the Model 800 and 802, but then these are probably the most powerful and accurate of the US Hy-Scores so they’re ideal if you want a replica you can shoot as well as admire.
In reliability terms, the only real problem is the relatively fragile rear sight fitted to all US Hy-Scores. On many examples this breaks off and finding a replacement may not be easy. Other than this, and the need to replace the neoprene O ring piston seal now and again, there is very little that seems to go wrong with Hy-Scores. Finish seems to last very well indeed, the Tenite grips don’t seem prone to shrinking or cracking and there don’t appear to be any inherent mechanical weaknesses.
The Phoenix Hy-Score Sporter was often sold as a kit which included two barrels (in .177” and .22” calibres) and a silencer in a foam lined hard case
The British-made Phoenix Hy-Scores seem to be, if anything, even better made than the US versions. The rear sight is certainly much more robust on the Sporter Mark II and the quality of pressing and machining is very good indeed. The main problem is that relatively few Phoenix Hy-Scores were made in a period of not much over one year of production, so finding one of these won’t be easy and will likely cost you as much if not more than a US made Hy-Score.
Conclusion
The Hy-Score represents innovative design coupled with very high standards of production and finish from the Golden Era of American air pistols. It may not be capable of the sort of pinpoint accuracy that some other contemporary replicas provide, but it’s a robust and reliable air pistol that just seems to go on shooting without problems for year after year. If you want a classic replica which you can shoot without worrying about whether it’s going to break (I’m looking at you, Crosman 451!), you are probably going to want one of these in your collection. Just don’t wait too long – the way that interest in the Hy-Score is increasing, it’s going to get harder and harder to find a pristine example for reasonable money.
In replica terms, hype is a double-edged weapon. It can mean that you assume something is going to be good before you ever pick it up but it can also mean that you have expectations so high that the reality is bound to be disappointing. For these reasons, it’s not easy to approach a review of a Tokyo Marui replica pistol completely objectively. After all, TM have a reputation for producing some of the finest airsoft replicas. But hey, this is the World of Replica Air Pistols and the word “objective” is right up there on the site banner, so, let’s put those preconceptions aside and take a look at the TM Hi-Capa Custom. Is it really as good as they say? Is it worth the money? Will I run out of superlatives before I finish the review? Sit down, strap-in, grab a mug/glass of your favourite beverage and let’s take a detailed look at this iconic replica.
A 1911 Hi-Cap by the Springfield Armory Custom Shop
World of Replica Air Pistols 