Replica Pistols in Canada from the Post 1998 era Part 2

CO2 and gas powered replicas

Crosman Airmag C11

This is a CO2 airsoft made by Crosman. It is not an exact replica of any known model and with the transparent model it is even more difficult to make a comparison.

I didn’t know at the time that, a couple of years later, I would come across an Anics Beretta 9000 pellet pistol so, for the time being, the Airmag C11 was the placeholder of that model in my collection.

With a picture of a black C11 positioned above a Beretta 9000 (with an extended mag), it helps in seeing a more than passable resemblance between the two.

Crosman Model C11 in black.

Beretta 9000 with extended magazine.

Beretta 9000 DAO

The Beretta 9000 is a polymer framed compact modern looking semi-auto that keeps the open top slide styling typical of the Beretta design. In 9x19mm it has a 12 rounds magazine. Two types of actions exist for that model: Double/Single or DAO ( double action only). It was introduced in early 2000.

Visual Accuracy

For sure the Crosman Airmag C11 is not the most exciting replica. It is a close match but not an exact replica as the Tokyo Marui series are. Furthermore the transparent body doesn’t help in seeing the resemblance.

Functional Accuracy

This is a non-blowback CO2 airsoft and consequently, it is more powerful than the spring airsofts that were discussed previously. On this pistol all the controls are molded in place except for the mag release and it shoots in DAO (double action only).

Shooting

If I remember correctly the accuracy was slightly better than the springers but I still used the same target size that was created for the Tokyo Marui pistols. The trigger pull is long but not heavy.

Quality and reliability

It is sturdy enough and I don’t remember having any jamming problems with it.

Overall Impression

If your interest is in realistic replicas, it would be better to look for other options if they are available.

Palco FirePower Raider CO2 (Clear Body)

When I bought this CO2 airsoft pistol there was no other replica of the HK USP available. Since it was not very expensive I purchased one as a placeholder in my collection for the firearm it represents.

HK USP

Around 1989, Heckler & Koch (Germany) started working on a new design. The “Universal Self-loading Pistol” has been created as the P series replacement. Its introduction, in early 1993, started with the model USP40 (.40 S&W -13 rounds) followed by the USP9 (9x19mm-15 rounds) and finally the USP45 (.45 ACP-12 rounds) around mid-1995. The USP platform has a polymer frame and a Browning style action. A mechanical recoil reduction system insensitive to ammunition types is an important feature of the USP. The pistol also passed several environment tests and has corrosion resistant finish throughout. The USP can be disassembled in 7 majors groups for maintenance and has a total of 54 parts. With its modular approach, controls can be switched left or right and it offers a large variety of trigger styles.

Visual Accuracy

Again, with transparent models, it is interesting to see the internal mechanism (in this case CO2 instead of spring) but as a replica it is not satisfying. This airsoft is close enough to recognize the model but that is about it.

Functional Accuracy

This is a non-blowback CO2 airsoft pistol but the slide is moveable by hand, though this is only cosmetic. Most of the controls are molded in place, the magazine release works as it should and the gun has a good weight.

Shooting

If I remember correctly the accuracy is similar to the Crosman Airmag C11 so I still used the same target size that was created for the Tokyo Marui pistols. This pistol can be shot in double action or in single action if the hammer is cocked by hand.

Quality and reliability

If I remember correctly, it worked fairly well but I may have experienced some problems with the slide. It is moveable by hand and in some cases it could jam against some of the internal components. The option is there but in fact it might be better to leave it alone.

Overall Impression

To wrap up the case of the transparent airsofts I must say that, knowing now that most of the models I was looking for would eventually become available in metal BBs or pellets airguns, I would not have spent the money on unsatisfying pistols. On the other hand, it is a bit late to cry over spilled milk.

The Next Level

I was always on the lookout for new models or changes in the status of replicas. In 2009, I came across a site that opened some new possibilities for me.

I discovered 007 Airsoft which is a company located in Alberta, Canada (www.007airsoft.com). The airsoft pistols and rifles shown there were already imported in Canada and ready to be shipped, furthermore the site was advertising that all the items sold on the website were 100% Canadian legal.

That was excellent news for me because they had a fairly nice selection of green gas blowback replicas. The section that caught my eyes was the KJ Works display. Everything that was sold to civilians was mostly full metal except for a portion of the receiver that was tinted clear plastic. The fact that the plastic was tinted and also frosted was a game changer because now the shape of the pistol could be clearly seen (which was not the case with the transparent models shown earlier in the article).

That being said I had two concerns. The first one was the propulsion method which is green gas. After some research I discovered that green gas is propane already mixed with silicone. I didn’t want to be dependent on an expensive propellant that could be difficult to obtain and propane was solving the problem. I had to dig a bit more until I found an adaptor to purchase. The second concern was the fact that all those nice models were not cheap. Luckily, since I had been in near starvation mode for a while I had time to put some money aside. The downside was that after I got all I wanted my reserve would be completely depleted.

Not knowing if there would be some other reversal of fortune and that those models would disappear from the site for whatever reason, I decided to jump. I first bought a KJ Glock 27 to see what it actually looked like. After receiving it, I tried it and was completely convinced that I wanted more. It should be noted that the KJ Works line doesn’t have any trademarks or markings but I could live with that.

The next week, I placed an order for a KJ Glock 32C, KP05 Hi Capa and a KJ Ruger Mark I. Again I was not disappointed, so less than two weeks later I ordered another KP05 Hi Capa and KJ Glock 23.

I have to say that I have been impressed by the accuracy of these airsoft pistols. They are high quality mostly metal airguns and they feel solid. Groupings were not as good as with pellet airguns but a lot better than with the spring airsofts.

Since they were shooting propane gas, I didn’t want to use them in the house so they became my summer pistols for periods when I could shoot in the garage with the door opened for ventilation. Having a different trap for the plastic BBs than for lead pellets, I couldn’t use the same distance as for my airguns. Again I had an available distance of about 21 to 22 feet and this was similar to what I had with the airsoft springers. The new pistols having better performance, I made a new set of targets. This is the comparison between my pellet airguns targets and the gas pistol targets.

I will now present those gas models; they are not in the order of my purchases because I wanted to group all the Glocks in one section. I will start with the KP05 Hi Capa.

KJ Works  KP05 Hi-Capa 1911

This is a really nice pistol even with portion of the receiver being clear tinted plastic. The fact that the KJW series has no markings contributes to uncertainty in identifying the corresponding Real Steel Handgun.

When I was preparing my PowerPoint slides for my collection, my assumption was that the S&W 1911 was the inspiration for the KJW model.

After more research, I started to doubt that I had the perfect match.  I found three possible candidates: the S&W 1911, the Para Ordnance Black Ops 14.45 and the Springfield Armory 1911 MC Operator.

Real Steel Background

Smith & Wesson 1911

The SW1911 is a modernized variation of the classic M1911. It has a serration added at the front of the slide and an extended safety grip. It also sports a skeleton hammer and trigger. The S&W 1911 is available in a variety of frame/slide combinations and has a capacity of 8+1 rounds.

Para Ordnance Black Ops 14.45

Para Ordnance pioneered the double stack single action. This version of the 1911 design has a 14 round double stacked High Capacity magazine. The frame and slide are both stainless steel. It has an integral accessory rail and a skeletonized hammer and match grade trigger. It seems that the original 8+1 round version was introduced around 2012 and the Hi Capa around 2015.

Springfield Armory 1911 MC Operator

This pistol has a steel frame with an integral accessory rail and the 5 inch match grade barrel is stainless steel and it also has a light weight hammer and trigger. It seems to have been introduced around early 2000 and the intent was to compete in the bid for the Marine Corps Special operation Unit. It has a 7 round magazine.

Visual Accuracy

The S&W 1911 is very close visually with the same shape at the front of the receiver, long beaver tail grip safety, thicker mag plate, similar hammer and trigger and dovetailed rear sight.  What the S&W lacks is an ambidextrous safety and the other detail that detracts is the visible extractor. The Real Steel is only 8+1 rounds so it not actually a HiCapa, which has nothing to do with the visual accuracy but it is still a discrepancy.

Since the Para Ordnance Black Ops 14.45 is actually a HiCapa handgun (14 rounds) it should be a closer match but visually it is not quite right. It has a lot of similar characteristics with the KJW replica but the shape at the front of the receiver, the serrations and the hole pattern in the trigger are different.

So if the shape at the front of the receiver and the fact that it is an 8+1 handgun are ignored the Springfield Armory 1911 MC Operator would be the best visual match.

Functional Accuracy

The pistol is a very realistic GBB (gas blowback) airsoft which has all the functional controls found on the firearm. The blowback is sharp and the single action trigger is very nice. The slide locks open on the last shot as it should and this model could easily be used to teach handgun safety training.

Shooting

The KJ Works KP05 is fairly accurate with 0.25g BBs. This fact is reflected by the size reduction of the targets shown a bit earlier in the article. The green gas is surprisingly efficient in these replicas even if the pressure is very low compared to CO2.

Quality and reliability

They are quality well-made pistols that could be expected to work flawlessly for a long time. The only weak part in that system is the plastic nozzle that loads the BBs and transfers the gas. I had previously some problems with the nozzle of a Cybergun metal BB blowback pistol but none yet with the KJW series so I will keep my finger crossed.

Overall Impression

I liked this replica so much that I bought a second one, so that I can practice shooting with both hands.

R-Gun Pete

Related pages:

Replica Pistols in Canada from the Post 1998 era – Part 1: Spring Powered Replicas

Replica Pistols in Canada from the Post 1998 era – Part 3: Ruger and Glocks

Tokyo Marui Spring Powered Replicas

Anics Beretta A-9000S review

Home

6mm reviews

Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P 327 TRR8 revolver

For some reason the Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P TRR8 revolver doesn’t seem to be a particularly popular or well-known replica.  It’s an all-metal, 4.5mm BB shooter which internally looks very similar to the Umarex Ruger Superhawk and the Dan Wesson/WinGun series of revolvers.  Like them, it features removable shell casings into which BBs are loaded.  However, unlike these other revolver replicas, this one shoots like a laser.  It’s one of the most accurate replica air pistols I have ever used, and that includes a number of pellet shooters with rifled barrels.  How can a BB shooter be so accurate?  Honestly, I have no idea but this is a replica worthy of attention from anyone who values precision shooting.

Real steel background

S&W TRR8

The Smith and Wesson M&P 327 TRR8 (Military & Police, .327” calibre Tactical Rail Revolver, 8-shot capacity) is an eight-shot revolver intended for military and law enforcement use.  To keep weight down, the N series frame is made of a scandium alloy while the cylinder and five inch barrel are stainless steel (though the barrel is enclosed within an alloy shroud).  The pistol is chambered for .327 Magnum and .38 special rounds and features adjustable V-notch rear sights and a replaceable foresight.  Unusually for a revolver, the TRR8 features an under-barrel accessory rail and can be fitted with an additional upper rail.  It’s a reliable, rugged and accurate handgun which has proved very popular since its introduction in 2006.

The Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P 327 TRR8

The Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P 327 TRR8 (Snappy title, eh?  To save strain on my typing finger, I’ll just call it the TRR8 from now on) is a six shot, CO2 powered revolver with removable shell casings which was launched in 2011.  CO2 is stored in the grip, the rear part of which hinges backward to give access.  This is a licensed replica which features S&W markings and an S&W logo on the grips.  The rear sight features windage and elevation adjustment and both front and rear sights have fibre-optic inserts in place of dots.  The TRR8 is available in black or polished steel finish.  In some markets this pistol is sold as the “Umarex S&W Dominant Trait“.

The pistol features removable shell casings into which BBs are loaded and which shoot through a light alloy inner barrel which is sprung to provide sealing with the cylinder face.  The replica is mostly metal other than for the grips.  As far as I’m aware, no 6mm version of this pistol is available.

I purchased my TRR8 in as-new used condition.  However (and I didn’t notice this until it was pointed out to me much later) the base of the shell casings are marked “Dan Wesson”.  Other TRR8s seem to come with shell casings which are marked “S&W”.  So, I presume the seller of my pistol got the shell casings mixed up, though I suppose it’s also possible that some TRR8s come with Dan Wesson casings?  Whatever the reason, my TRR8 shoots very well indeed using these shell casings.

Packaging and presentation  2.5/5

The Umarex TRR8 comes in a serviceable cardboard box which features the S&W logo.  It is provided with a brief user manual, six shell casings, a speedloader, an optional upper picatinny rail (in addition to the fixed lower rail) and an allen key for rail fixing/removal.  Overall, packaging and presentation are adequate but nothing special.

Visual accuracy  5/10

S&W TRR8 (left) and Umarex S&W TRR8 (right)

The Umarex TRR8 has a much longer barrel than the original  and the cylinder is longer, smaller diameter and mounted about ½” further forward on the replica.  The overall effect is slightly odd, as if a TRR8 has been stretched horizontally.  Unless the Umarex TRR8 is based on some variant of the original that I’m unaware of, the profile here isn’t particularly close to the original.

The hammer, trigger guard and cylinder all look different on the replica though the grips and safety/cylinder release do closely match the original.

Overall, this seems a slightly disappointing visual replica (though I’m open to input on this – does anyone know if the Umarex replica based on some other variant of the TRR8?).

Functional accuracy  13/15

Given that this replica features removable shell casings, the Umarex TRR8 closely replicates the function of shooting with a real revolver.  The hammer, trigger, safety and cylinder release all work on the replica as per the original.  The weight of this replica is also good, being within a few ounces of the weight of the original.

Loading CO2 is done by hinging back the rear part of the grip and inserting the cartridge.  Piercing is done by twisting the plastic piercing tab.  Loading happens cleanly with no major loss of gas.  The rear part of the grip is then rotated forward, which also hides the piercing tab.  The rear part of the grip does have slight movement when it’s closed and the plastic piercing tab looks and feels a bit flimsy, though I didn’t have any problems with it.

BBs are loaded by operating the cylinder release, which allows the cylinder to swing out on a crane on the left side of the frame.  Shell casings are then removed and BBs are pressed firmly into the nose of each shell casing.  Shells are then reloaded into the cylinder either individually or using the supplied speedloader.  The cylinder is then swung closed, and you’re good to shoot in single or double action.

If you look closely, you can see that the shell casings which came with my TRR8 are marked “Dan Wesson”

One disappointment functionally is that this doesn’t replicate the eight-shot cylinder on the original.  You would imagine that if S&W can fit eight of the mighty .327 cartridges in this cylinder, Umarex might have found room for eight replica shells!  I’m guessing that this is for reasons of parts commonality – the cylinder here looks very similar to that used on the Umarex Ruger Superhawk and is smaller diameter compared to the distinctive short, squat cylinder on the original weapon.

Shooting  39/40

The sights on the Umarex TRR8 are particularly fine.  The rear and foresights incorporate small fibre-optic rods which provide bright dots.  I was sceptical at first, but these really do improve target acquisition.  Perhaps they’re just well suited to my ageing eyesight, but I found them bright, clear and very easy to use.  Even better, the rear sight incorporates windage and elevation adjustment, so it’s possible to align the point of aim and point of impact precisely.

Six shots, 6yds, freestanding, Blaster steel BBs.

And it’s worth taking time to adjust the sights because accuracy is where the TRR8 really stands out.  This pistol will place BBs precisely where you want them.  The light weight and decent sights help, but the TRR8 seems to have inherent accuracy that’s way ahead of most comparable pistols.  This is one of the few replica air pistols which could benefit from a laser or red-dot sight.  Or, if you want the “big game” look, what about a telescopic sight mounted on the upper rail?

Real TRR8 fitted with telescopic sight

Even though it’s a fairly long pistol, the TRR8 feels well balanced and light.  The double action trigger pull is fairly long and slightly clunky but with a consistent and clean break point.  The single action pull is light and crisp.  The pistol fires with a satisfying bang though of course there is next to no recoil.  I had no misfires or failures to fire with my TRR8 and I got around 60 full-power shots from one CO2 cartridge.

The claimed fps for the TRR8 is 400, which sounds about right.  On a chilly autumn day in Scotland and using fresh CO2 and Blaster steel BBs I saw an average velocity across the chrono of 388fps (with a high of 403 and a low of 380).

Six shots, 6yds, freestanding, Blaster steel BBs, UBC Backyard Wild Bunch Target downloaded from the UBC site (link below).  Note the head shot.  The head on this target is just over 1″ across.  I can not only hit it at 6yds, I can place a BB precisely within that area.  I can’t do this with any other replica air pistol I own.

I admit that I’m at a loss trying to explain the accuracy of my Umarex TRR8.  The easy-to-see sights certainly help, as does the long sight radius, but the BB comes from the shell casing into a light alloy, movable, smoothbore barrel which is held in place only by a light spring.  Allowing for inevitable machining tolerances in the shell casing, cylinder, barrel shroud, barrel and indexing system, this just can’t be particularly accurate.  And yet somehow it is.  It’s the same system seen on the Dan Wesson/WinGun revolvers and on the Umarex Ruger SuperHawk, none of which (in my experience) are especially accurate (though I notice that the inner barrel on the TRR8 seems to be made from heavier gauge material than seen on these other pistols).  But this isn’t just the most consistently accurate BB shooter I have ever tried, it’s also more precise than many of my pellet shooters which have rifled barrels.  With the TRR8 I can place a BB precisely where I want, shot after shot.  It doesn’t really make any kind of sense, but that’s how it is.  Have I just been lucky that a particular conjunction of assembled parts have made my TRR8 especially accurate?  Is it something to do with using the Dan Wesson shell casings?  Does the heavier inner barrel help?  I can’t say for certain – I can only report honestly on the performance of my TRR8.

The only downside to shooting the TRR8 is the need to re-load every six shots.  I suppose you just have to accept that this is part of the revolver experience, though I can’t help wishing that Umarex had replicated the eight shots of the original.  Spare shell casings are easily obtainable (and Dan Wesson shells obviously fit) so at least it’s possible to have pre-loaded shells standing by.

Quality and reliability  13/15

The finish on the black TRR8 looks durable and well applied.  My TRR8 suffered from no chipping or rubbing problems.  The grip fit isn’t fantastic and the CO2 piercing tab feels flimsy, but apart from this, the TRR8 looks and feels well made and put together.  I am not aware of any particular reliability or functional problems with this model.

Overall Impression  13/15

The polished silver version looks good.

When you pick up the Umarex TRR8, it feels like a nice replica.  Good weight and balance, a durable looking finish and a general feeling of quality.  Then you start shooting.  And you realise it’s something quite exceptional.  This a better shooter than any BB gun has a right to be and it’s as accurate as many pellet shooting replicas I have owned.  If you have any interest in replica air pistol target shooting, you really need to try one of these.

Conclusion

The Umarex TRR8 is well made and finished, a fair functional replica and it’s relatively cheap.  It’s a pity that it doesn’t look more like the original and that it doesn’t hold eight shots.  However, it is one of the best shooting replica air pistols that I own.  And I own (or have owned) a lot of replica pistols.  It’s well balanced, has a reasonable trigger action and very clear and fully adjustable sights but most of all, it’s just phenomenally accurate.  In fact, my TRR8 was so uncannily accurate that I hesitate to suggest that all TRR8s will be the same.  But I do recommend that you urgently get hold of one of these and give it a try.  If it’s anything like mine, you won’t be disappointed!

Total score: 85.5/100

Related pages:

Gun Heaven Nagant M1895 review

Umarex Replicas, 1996 – 2014

Home

4.5mm reviews

Links:

Download the UBC Backyard Wild Bunch Target from the Umarex Boys Club forum

Classic replica air pistol review: Smith & Wesson 78G and 79G

Replica air guns actually manufactured by the original maker of a firearm are very rare indeed.  The only other example I can think of is the Baikal MP654K by IMZ, but back in the early seventies, Smith & Wesson got there first.  The 78G and 79G air pistols are replicas of the S&W Model 41 semi-auto target pistol and were produced by Smith & Wesson in their Springfield, Massachusetts and Tampa, Florida plants.  Both the 78G and 79G (the only difference between the two is calibre: the 78G is .22″ and the 79G is .177″) are hefty, well made, powerful, single shot, CO2 powered air guns.

I owned and enjoyed a late model 78G version of this fine replica, so most of the shooting and functional information in this article comes from my experience of that pistol, though I believe that the 79G is very similar to use and shoot.

Real steel background

In the decade following World War Two, the majority of production from Smith & Wesson involved revolvers for law enforcement and civilian use.  However, in the early 1950s a new president joined S&W, the dynamic and forward thinking Carl “Swede” Hellstrom.  Hellstrom wanted to diversify the S&W range to meet the needs of a market that was starting to look towards semi-auto pistols, and under his leadership new developments in the mid-fifties included the Model 39, the first US made semi-auto to chamber the 9x19mm round and the Model 41 target pistol.

Smith & Wesson Model 41

Introduced in 1957, the Smith & Wesson Model 41 was a .22 calibre semi-auto target shooting pistol.  In contrast to many contemporary .22 rimfire pistols, the Model 41 quickly gained a reputation for quality, reliability and extreme accuracy.  Construction was all-steel with attractive walnut grips and a hard-wearing glossy black finish.  The Model 41 was provided with a fully adjustable rear sight, a ten round magazine, a 7⅜” barrel and a light and precise single action trigger.  The Model 41 proved extremely popular and S&W sold very large numbers over the following twenty years, with supply sometimes struggling to keep pace with demand.

In 1963 the glossy black finish on the slide was replaced with a matt, dark grey finish to reduce glare.  In 1978 some additional minor design changes were made to the design of the Model 41, and some people felt that the new version didn’t provide the same high quality of fit and finish seen on early models.  The Model 41 was dropped from the S&W range in 1992, but was reintroduced in 1994 as the Model 41 (New Model) with detail changes and improvements.  The Model 41 has remained in intermittent production since, and was last reintroduced in 2013 (with a price tag of $1,400!).

Despite the introduction of many more modern designs, the S&W Model 41 is still a highly regarded target shooting and competition pistol – as recently as 2010 more than one title at the World Speed Shooting Championships was won by competitors using the Model 41.  Not a bad performance for a design that was more than fifty years old at the time.

The Smith & Wesson 78G and 79G

In 1965, the Wesson family sold Smith & Wesson to British conglomerate Bangor Punta.  By the late 60s, Bangor Punta was pushing S&W to diversify their range, and one of the solutions was to produce an air pistol which could be used to provide an inexpensive practice tool for the Model 41.  The S&W Sporting Goods Division employed an engineer from Crosman who produced a design for a single shot air pistol which was functionally very similar to the Crosman Mark I and Mark II models from the mid 1960s.  A cocking hammer is pushed forward to prepare for shooting and a metal loading probe is used to push a single pellet into the breech.  The pistol uses a standard 12g CO2 cartridge inside the grip (the “G” part of the name stands for “Gas” – all S&W air guns were designated either “G” or “A” for Air on pump-action models).  From 1970 two functionally identical versions were introduced: one in .22″ calibre (the 78G) and one in .177″ calibre (the 79G).  Both versions have adjustable power levels, a manual safety and a fully adjustable rear sight.

The 78/79G pistols are beautifully made and designed to handle and shoot just like the Model 41.  The weight and balance of the replicas is almost identical to the rimfire version and at up to 50ft, the 78G is said to be almost as accurate as the Model 41(the 78G is actually claimed to be more accurate than some .22 rimfire target pistols at ranges under 50ft).  Grips are wood-effect plastic on the 78/79G, but are almost identical in shape and feel to the walnut grips on the original.  Each pistol has a unique serial number stamped on the left side of the frame, above the trigger.

The 78G and 79G were initially produced in the S&W plant in Florida before the S&W Sporting Goods Division was moved to Springfield in 1973.  Having pushed S&W towards diversification in the early seventies, Bangor Punta then reversed that decision and decided towards the end of the seventies that the Company should rationalise their range and concentrate on the core firearms business.  The last production of the 78G and 79G was in 1978, though both continued to be sold by S&W until 1980 when the S&W airgun business including the tooling required to manufacture the 78G and 79G was sold to Daisy.  Over 170,000 78Gs and 79Gs were produced by S&W between 1970 and 1978.

Daisy 780, 790 and Model 41

Daisy Model 41

From 1980 Daisy continued to produce both versions as the Daisy Powerline 780 and 790 and introduced a nickel-plated version of the 79G as the Powerline Model 41 which also incorporated a revised CO2 loading system.  The 780 and 790 are visually identical to the 78G and 79G other than for markings, and they remain powerful and accurate pistols though many people felt that the Daisy models lacked the high quality of fit and finish which characterised the S&W versions: the metal loading probe, for example, was replaced by a plastic version on the 780 and 790 and the trigger action was said to be less precise.  These models were not strong sellers in the Daisy range and all production ended by 1985. The Daisy variants of the 78G/79G are not as popular with collectors or shooters as the original S&W pistols.

Model changes

The first versions of the 78G and 79G featured an adjustable trigger, where the release point of the sear could be changed by using a small allen screw in front of the trigger.  Early versions also included a two-stage cocking process:  the cocking hammer could be moved partly forward to cock for a low-power shot, or fully forward to cock for a full power shot.

Early black finish 79G (top), later grey finish 78G (bottom)

Finish was originally a sprayed semi-gloss black paint, but was changed on later versions to a dull grey, baked powder-coat finish, which looked somewhat similar to a Parkerised finish.  The earlier black finish seems to be more prone to chipping and wear than the later grey finish, which is very hard-wearing.

From approximately 1973 (when production moved to Springfield) the new finish was used on all 78G and 79G models and the adjustable trigger and two-stage cocking were dropped.

78G markings (top), incorrect 80G markings, below

A very small number of 79Gs were wrongly stamped by S&W.  The model identification is stamped on the left side of the slide, but some 79Gs are marked as “Model 80G .177 calibre” – the 80G was a CO2 powered air rifle also produced by S&W, and it would appear that someone used the wrong stamp on at least one batch of 79Gs.  This has led some people to suppose that there is a third version of the S&W air pistol, but pistols marked in this way are simply misidentified 79Gs.

Function and Shooting

The first thing you notice on picking up one of these replicas is weight.  These are hefty pistols.  They may be made of alloy rather than steel, but they are notably heavier than most modern replicas.  The finish also seems thickly applied and very long lasting, especially the grey finish on later models.  Everything about the 78G and 79G feels like it was made to last.

Power adjustment screw

Before you start to shoot with your 78G or 79G, you may want to adjust the power level.  All models of both types have a slotted power adjustment screw under the barrel which is accessed from below the muzzle.  This screw adjusts the tension on the hammer spring: turning it clockwise increases power and anti-clockwise reduces power.  S&W claim that setting this screw in the low power position will result in a 50% saving in CO2, though I can’t say that I noticed that this led to a huge difference in CO2 consumption on mine.

To prepare a 78G or 79G for shooting, you must first load the CO2.  The CO2 chamber is inside the grip and accessed by unscrewing the CO2 piercing assembly (the large knob on the bottom of the grip).  There is no way to check whether there is a CO2 cartridge in place, and if you unscrew the piercing assembly with a charged CO2 inside, there will be a loud bang as the assembly flies across the room.  So, it’s always best to cock and fire the pistol in a safe direction to confirm that there is no CO2 pressure before you unscrew the assembly.  If it is pressurised, move the cocking hammer towards the rear to release gas pressure.

Next, you insert the CO2 cartridge.  This goes in upside down compared to most modern replicas (i.e. with the piercing neck facing down).  The piercing assembly is then replaced and screwed finger tight.  Piercing is achieved by tapping sharply on the piercing knob on the base of the piercing assembly.  S&W recommend holding the pistol in one hand and tapping the knob with the heel of your other hand, but I never seemed to be able to get this to work, and I usually found that gently tapping the piercing knob on a worktop or other hard surface was a better way of piercing, which happens without any loss of CO2.

Next, you will want to load a pellet.  This is done by pulling back on the charging handle at the top rear of the pistol.  This moves the loading probe back and exposes the loading trough and breech, and a pellet can then be placed in the trough.  The charging handle is then pushed forward until it latches, and the loading probe pushes the pellet into the barrel.  Both versions accept a variety of pellet weights and types without any problems.

The cocking hammer in the discharged position.  Moving it forward cocks the gun, moving it backward releases CO2 pressure

Finally, it’s time to cock the gun.  This is done by firmly grasping the lugs of the cocking hammer which project from the frame above and in front of the trigger,  and pushing it forward until it latches.  On early versions there are two positions in which the cocking hammer will latch: the first gives a lower power shot, the second gives full power.  On all later versions, the cocking hammer latches only on the full power position.  The manual safety, a crossbar type behind the trigger can be applied only when the pistol is cocked – pushing the safety to the right makes the pistol safe, pushing it to the left allows it to fire.

The grips have a distinct thumb ridge, but these are identical on both sides and are equally comfortable for right and left-handed use.  The sights are a simple notch and post design without white dots or aiming aids, but they are clear and easy to use.  The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation using slotted screws.  Some people fit some form of optical sight on to the top of the slide, though this involves drilling and tapping holes in the top of the slide.

All 78Gs and 79Gs fire with a loud bang, the cocking hammer is fairly heavy and the spring that propels it when the trigger is pulled is powerful, but this is a hefty pistol and felt recoil is minimal.  The single action trigger pull on my 78G was short, but not especially light or crisp.  I’m told that the earlier versions with adjustable triggers have a much crisper trigger pull, but I haven’t tried one so I can’t comment on this.

78G, six shots free standing, six yards, standard sights

A 78G in good condition will shoot at over 450fps in the high power setting with most pellet types (strangely, S&W claim only 365fps for the 78G on high power, but most owners report considerably higher velocities – mine regularly shot at 450 – 460fps).  Many 79Gs will produce over 500fps.  All versions shoot with awesome accuracy and the 78G is probably the only replica air pistol I have tried which was consistently more accurate and more powerful than my 6″ Umarex S&W 586.  Even at 10m, my 78G was capable of 1″ groupings and I believe that these are also capable of very good accuracy at up to 50ft (though the heavier .22 pellet from the 78G works better at longer ranges).  For most of the shooting I did, the 78G was far more accurate than I was capable of utilising, and I had to work hard on my technique, grip, breathing and stance to get the best out of this replica.

Loading and cocking for each shot is a slightly cumbersome process, and these certainly aren’t action shooting pistols, but they are more powerful and accurate than almost any replica air pistol you can buy today. The only thing that stopped my S&W 78G being my favourite replica in terms of shooting was my Crosman Mark 1. The S&W 78G and 79G are very similar to the Crosman Mark 1 in terms of design and function (unsurprising since the same designer was involved in both projects) but, for me at least, the Mark 1 is just a little better balanced, a bit less cumbersome and has a more comfortable grip angle than my 78G. These are very good replicas. It’s just that, in my opinion, the Crosman Mark 1 is slightly better.

Quality and reliability

The S&W 78G and 79G are made from zinc alloy, though this feels rather heavier than the alloys used on contemporary replicas (these air pistols actually weigh a little more than the Model 41 pistol).  However, the alloy used is also quite brittle, and care is needed to avoid damage during disassembly and use.  There are also issues with the use of dissimilar metals – on my 78G for example, the sleeve round the power adjustment screw was firmly stuck in place.  Several O rings were leaking, and the only way to disassemble the pistol is to remove this sleeve.  I eventually managed this, following several applications of penetrating oil and the use of more force than I would have liked, but it could easily have ended in disaster.  I found similar problems in a number of areas – the use of steel and brass components in an alloy shell can cause parts to become firmly wedged in place over time (the tiny allen screw used for trigger adjustment in early examples is another part which suffers from corrosion) and unless you are  confident in your gunsmithing skills, refurbishment of a 78G or 79G may be something best left to a professional.

The castings on some of the earliest 78G and 79G models also turned out to be porous and these can lose gas fairly quickly through the CO2 channels cast into the frame.  Sadly, there is not a lot you can do if your 78G or 79G is losing gas through the castings.  Later models (with the dull finish and non-adjustable trigger) don’t seem to suffer from this problem.

There are also a couple of quirks in the operation of these replicas.  Once a 78G or 79G is cocked, it cannot be safely de-cocked other than by shooting.  It is also possible to unscrew the piercing assembly while a charged CO2 is in place, launching the assembly across the room with a great deal of force.  It’s best to release gas pressure by moving the cocking hammer fully to the rear and then test fire the pistol in a safe direction to confirm there is no residual pressure before removing the piercing assembly.

There also seems to be some variability in CO2 usage.  I generally used my 78G in the high power setting, and I found that I was getting 25 – 30 shots per CO2 (though I have seen claims of as few as 12 – 15 shots per CO2 for these models).  However, I have also seen claims of 100 and even 200 shots per CO2 from some users.  S&W claim 65 shots per CO2 on high power and 125 shots per CO2 on low power – the lower the power setting the less CO2 you’ll use, and the ability to cock to a half-power setting on early models may also help, but even so there seem to be wide differences between examples in the level of CO2 consumption.  I found that my 78G used a lot of CO2 though I was entirely willing to accept that in return for the high levels of power and accuracy the pistol provided.  On the other hand, other people seem to get much better CO2 consumption while retaining good power and accuracy so there does seem to be some variation.

Another slightly worrying quirk of the 78G and 79G is a tendency to fire if they are dropped while cocked.  A stray .22 pellet traveling at over 450fps is definitely something you want to avoid, so careful handling is in order.  In the US in 1983 a recall was ordered on all S&W 78G and 79G models in addition to the Daisy 780, 790 and Model 41.  Recalled pistols were modified to prevent them from firing if dropped.  Apparently all pistols modified in this way have the letter “D” stamped on the angled part of the base of the grip.  I have handled a number of these pistols, but I have never seen one marked in this way so I wonder how many were actually modified?  Unless your 78G or 79G is marked in this way, be very careful when handling it cocked.

Keeping it working

If you buy any elderly air pistol, it is probably sensible to assume it will need to be resealed.  On the 78G and 79G most of the seals are simple O rings which can be replaced with modern Viton versions which will cure leaks and may even improve power.  Disassembly isn’t technically difficult and no special tools are needed, but some of these pistols are now more than forty years old, and many parts are likely to be firmly lodged in place.  This, combined with fairly brittle alloy casings can cause major problems, so approach with caution.

Conclusion

Lots of 78Gs and 79Gs were produced and large numbers still turn up for sale.  If you do buy one of these, you aren’t buying a replica: this is a Smith & Wesson handgun which happens to use CO2 and pellets rather than cartridges.  For that reason alone, they’re worth considering, but they also happen to be extremely accurate and powerful, so they aren’t disappointing to shoot.  Of course, even the most recent 78G or 79G will be more than thirty-five years old now, so you have to expect some wear and tear and it’s probably sensible to budget for re-sealing to get the best out of one.  But for your money you’ll get one of the most accurate and powerful replicas around and you’ll own a real slice of S&W history.  Which can’t be bad, can it?

Related pages:

Crosman Mark 1 and Mark 2

Home

Classic replica air pistol reviews

Links

Very detailed article on re-sealing a 78G – Part 1

And Part 2

How to add a sight rail (to a Daisy 790) – Part 1

And Part 2

Classic replica air pistol review: Crosman 38 revolvers

With the unexpected success of their Wild West revolver replicas in the late 1950s and early 60s, Crosman began looking for other ways to expand their range of replicas.  A potential source of sales quickly appeared from an unlikely source: The US Air Force.  In the early 60s, the Cold War was gaining impetus and the Strategic Air Force Police found themselves responsible for guarding large numbers of air bases and missile, radar and defence installations across the USA and overseas, many in very remote locations.  Most of these sites lacked firing ranges and in order to maintain weapon proficiency the Air Force was considering the use of airguns for safe and economical pistol training.  The Crosman Model 160 was one of the pistols tested, and Crosman became involved in the repair and service of these guns for the Air Force.  It wasn’t long before their Air Force contacts asked whether it might be possible for Crosman to develop replica air pistols for training purposes which more closely resembled the Smith & Wesson revolvers then used by Air Force police and security units?

US Air Force Air Police training with S&W 38 revolvers, Taipei, Taiwan, 1960s

Image from: http://taipeiairstation.blogspot.it/

In 1962 Crosman demonstrated a prototype of their S&W 38 replica.  The Air Force was happy, orders were placed and the new replicas went in to production.  However, Crosman realised that Police departments across the US also used Smith & Wesson revolvers, and these might too be interested in a safe and economical training tool.  A new company, the Crosman Professional Products Division, was formed to sell airguns as training tools to US military and law enforcement agencies.  In addition, an innovative interactive training system, the Crosman Moving Picture Combat Target System was developed to support and encourage the use of the new replica 38 revolvers as police training aids.  Sales to Government and law enforcement agencies were good, and in 1964 these revolvers were also released to the general public as the Crosman 38 range of revolver replicas, modestly claimed by Crosman to be “the greatest advancement ever made in gas powered guns“.  Like the Wild West replicas which had come before, they proved to be popular with air pistol shooters and collectors and large numbers were sold before production ended in 1985.

In 1983, as the 38 series was being phased out, Crosman introduced the 357, another CO2 powered revolver replica.  The 357 is a powerful and accurate low-cost replica which, like the 38 series, employs a revolving rotary pellet carrier in the front part of the cylinder.  However, the 357 is of mostly plastic construction and is of top-break design, where the front part of the pistol hinges forward to give access to the pellet holder.  Although it inherits many of the positive features of the 38 series, most people feel that the 357 is not of the same quality of fit, finish and durability as the earlier revolver replicas.

The Crosman 38 range

The Crosman 38s are replicas of Smith & Wesson Masterpiece revolvers.  The 38C is a replica of the K-38 Combat Masterpiece (later known as the Model 15) and the 38T is a replica of the Target Masterpiece (later known as the Model 14).  The Masterpiece revolvers are essentially S&W Model 10 (Military & Police) revolvers with the addition of adjustable sights.  Over 6 million Model 10 revolvers were produced over a long production run, and in the mid-1960s this was the most common revolver used by police and government agencies in the US.  The Crosman replicas are a good visual representation of the S&W revolvers, are close to the weight and balance of the originals and their single and double action trigger closely replicates the feel and operation of the cartridge versions.

Smith & Wesson Target Masterpiece Revolver

All the Crosman 38 revolvers share similar design and functionality.  The main body is constructed from die-cast zinc alloy.  The right side is the main casting with a removable cover plate on the left.  The rear part of the cylinder does not revolve and is an integral part of these castings. The barrel shroud is a separate casting.  CO2 is retained inside the grip and accessed by removing the left hand grip.  The grip is held in place by clipping it to the CO2 cartridge and the grip cannot be secured unless a CO2 cartridge is present.  CO2 is tightened and pierced by turning a slotted screw in the base of the grip.  A small diameter pipe carries CO2 to the main firing valve which is concealed within the rear (non-moving) part of the cylinder.  Up to six pellets are loaded in the revolving rotary pellet carrier.  The pellet loading system is improved from the Wild West replicas: a spring-loaded follower on the left upper side of the rear part of the cylinder is pulled back to reveal a loading trough.  A pellet is placed in the trough and the follower is released, pushing the pellet forward into the pellet carrier.

All Crosman 38 replicas can be fired in double or single action.  The single action trigger pull is very good: short, light and almost entirely without creep.  Even the double action pull is good – long and fairly heavy but consistent and with a clear break.  All versions have a fully adjustable “micro-click” rear sight which is adjusted by turning small slotted screws.  All Crosman 38s have a unique serial number stamped on the left side on the fixed part of the cylinder.

Some versions of the Crosman 38s provided to the US Air Force and Police training units were provided with fixed CO2 cartridges and bulk fill adapters in the base of the grip, in place of the CO2 tightening screw.  However, this version was not sold to the general public and these are relatively uncommon.

Most versions were finished in black with brown, wood effect grips.  However, smaller numbers were produced in a very attractive chrome finish with black plastic grips.

The barrel shroud on all versions is removed by unscrewing the slotted screw below the barrel.  The inner barrel on all versions can then be removed by loosening the set screw on top of the main casting.  The only difference between the 38C and 38T is the inner barrel shroud and barrel, so any 38C can be converted to a 38T (and vice versa) by changing the barrel and shroud.

First variant in .22″ (1964 – 1976)

.22″ 38C

Initially, two versions were offered to the public: The 38T (Target) with a 6″ rifled barrel and the 38C (Combat) with a 3¾” rifled barrel.  Both were .22″ calibre and featured all-metal construction including the rotary pellet carrier and the rear sight.  On the earliest models the valve assembly is made from brass (you can see the valve assembly through the pellet loading trough), though this was quickly changed to alloy.  These early versions are basically identical to the accurate and powerful Police and Air Force training weapons and feature very high quality fit and finish.

Production of first version of the .22″ 38C continued until 1973 and the first version of the .22″ 38T continued until 1976.

Second variant in .22″ (1964 – 1976)

Second variant .22″ 38T

In parallel with the first variant, a second variant of the .22″ version was also produced.  This version is very similar to the first other than for the introduction of cost-saving measures including making the rear sight mounting plate shorter and constructing the revolving part of the cylinder and the rear sight from plastic.  Some people feel that these second variants do not provide the high quality of fit and finish seen on the originals, through from my own experience I haven’t noticed much difference.

The second variant of the 38C was produced from 1964 – 1976.  The second variant of the 38T was introduced in 1973 and continued in production until 1976.

.177″ versions (1976 – 1985)

.177″ 38T

In 1976 the growing popularity and lower cost of .177” pellets prompted Crosman to drop the .22″ versions of both pistols and replace these with very similar replicas in .177″ calibre.  These were functionally and mechanically identical to the second variant of the .22″ version, including plastic construction for the rear sight and the rotary pellet carrier.  Some people feel that the .177″ versions do not provide the power or accuracy of the .22″ versions and that fit and finish are inferior.  However, I have owned both .22″ and .177″ versions, and I didn’t find a marked difference in fit, finish, heft, feel or accuracy.  The .177″ 38C continued in production until 1983 and the .177″ 38T until 1985, which marked the end of all production of the Crosman 38 series.

.177″ 38C

The Crosman  Moving Picture Combat Target System

I can’t talk about the Crosman 38 revolvers without mentioning the Crosman Moving Picture Combat Target System (MPCTS), a wonderfully inventive system for training Police officers before the advent of video and computers.  The system comprised a projector and a series of 8mm, Technicolor “Magi-Cartridges” which provided short movies titled “To shoot or not to shoot” which included scenes where there was either a clear danger, or where the threat was more doubtful.  The movies were projected on a paper screen and an officer armed with a Crosman 38 would watch, drawing and firing at the screen when appropriate.  The projector was linked to a simple audio controlled sensor which operated the stop control and froze the film on the sound of a shot.  An instructor would then examine the paper screen, note where the shot had hit and critique the officer’s technique and performance.

Period Crosman advertising for the Moving Picture Combat Target System

Apologies for the poor picture quality – this is a picture of Crosman publicity info for the MPCTS.  It’s very difficult to find any images of the MPCTS.  If anyone has better pictures of the system in action, I’d love to include them.

It all sounds endearingly antiquated now, but MPCTS system was a cutting-edge training tool back in the mid 1960s, allowing law enforcement personnel to rehearse their actions in response to stressful and threatening situations and pre-dating the current use of interactive training tools.  Crosman referred to the use of the MPCTS with their 38 air pistols as the “38 Simulator System” and it was used by a large number of Police Departments across America.

Specifications

Function and shooting

All versions of the Crosman 38 revolvers shoot well, but many people claim that the first (all metal) .22″ variants seem to have the edge in power and accuracy.  No surprise given that these were developed as military and police training tools though of course the performance of any older air pistol will depend as much on its current condition as on original manufacturing tolerances.

CO2 is loaded by removing the left hand grip, loosening the CO2 screw in the base of the grip and inserting the CO2 cartridge.  Tightening and piercing is done by use of the slotted CO2 screw – Crosman recommend the use of a coin, but a large blade screwdriver gives more leverage.

Pellet loading trough and serial number on a .177″ 38C

Pellets are loaded one at a time by pulling back the follower and placing a pellet in the trough on the left upper side of the cylinder casting, with the nose of the pellet facing forward.  The follower is then released and the pellet is pushed into one of the six chambers in the moving part of the cylinder.  Repeat five more times, and you’re ready to go.  The loading process is a little cumbersome, but easier than loading pellets into the Wild West replicas.  No manual safety is fitted to any of the 38 range, so with pellets and CO2 in place, you’re ready to shoot.

The double action trigger pull is long and fairly heavy (around 8lbs for the earliest .22″ versions, around 10lbs for later versions) but uniform, smooth and with a clear and consistent break.  Manually cocking the hammer gives a short and relatively light (around 5lbs on all versions) single action pull.  The single action trigger is precise and clean with almost no creep.

All versions fire with a bang that’s notably louder than most current replicas (though not quite as deafening as some of the early Wild West revolvers).  Power is more than adequate: Around 300 – 320fps for the .22″ 38C and around 10 – 15fps higher for the .22” 38T.  The .177″ 38C gives around 340 – 360fps and the .177″ 38T gives around 400fps.  Accuracy is very good, with 38C versions grouping at around 1″ at six yards and the 38T capable of ½” groupings at the same range.  CO2 consumption is around 40 – 50 shots for .22″ versions and 50 – 70 shots for .177″ versions.  All performance figures are based on a 38 in good condition – worn seals and rifling will of course notably reduce power, accuracy and CO2 consumption.

The sights on all Crosman 38s are simple but effective.  There are no white dots, just a notch and post arrangement that closely replicates the setup on the S&W Model 14 and 15.  The rear sight is fully adjustable and with most examples it’s possible to get the point of aim and the point of impact to coincide precisely.  The 38T version is one of the most accurate replicas ever made, and a good one can rival or even surpass the superb Umarex 586/686.

Reliability

I have owned a .22″ 38T and a .177″ 38C and both leaked CO2 from the same place when I bought them.  A short piece of copper pipe takes CO2 from the main CO2 seal to the firing valve.  At either end of this pipe are threaded gland seals.  Both my 38s leaked from the seal at the valve assembly end.  However, unscrewing the gland seal and reassembling it with a little silicone sealant cured the leak in both cases.  This copper pipe and the two gland seals seem to be the weak point of the 38 design, and I have heard of many others which develop leaks from this area.

CO2 gland seals (arrowed)

Fortunately, working on any Crosman 38 is fairly simple.  Five slotted screws hold the cover plate on the left side to the main casting.  After the left grip is removed, these are unscrewed from the left side and the left cover can be lifted off, leaving the internal mechanism in-situ (the large slotted screw on the right, in the centre of the cylinder casting is used to hold the firing valve in place and does not need to be removed to separate the two halves).  Note that there are some loose parts inside, so if you tilt the main casting too far, these will fall out.

On the Crosman Wild West replicas there is a noticeable difference between the quality and accuracy of the early all-metal guns and the later versions made partly of plastic.  However, this is less marked on the 38s.  I have owned an early all-metal 38T and a later 38C with plastic sights and cylinder and the difference between the two was minimal in terms of feel, build quality and accuracy.  Indeed, there may be good reason to look for a newer version – these are generally cheaper and may have up to 20 years less wear and tear than the oldest models.  Other than leaky seals and pipework and a need to lubricate the trigger and indexing mechanisms (which apply to any older replica), not a lot goes wrong with the 38s.  Probably the biggest issue is erosion of the lands on the rifled barrels.  Some of these pistols are now fifty years old and may have shot thousands or even tens of thousands of pellets, causing wear to barrels.  This will cause a loss of accuracy, though happily getting a barrel replaced isn’t a complex or expensive job and replacement barrels (at least in .177″, though .22″ versions seem harder to find) are available.  Many replacement parts are available from specialist retailers and seal kits are easy to find.

One thing that is worth checking on any Crosman 38 is the gap between the rear end of the inner barrel and the face of the revolving rotary pellet carrier.  If there is a large gap, gas will leak from this area, decreasing power.  The inner barrel is retained by a set-screw in the top of the main body casting.  It’s worth checking that the inner barrel is seated as close as possible to the pellet carrier without fouling it.

Overall, a Crosman 38 is a good introduction for anyone thinking of dipping a toe into the vintage air pistol scene.  There are lots around, they’re not too expensive, they’re robust and reliable, easy to work on and replacement parts can be obtained fairly easily.

Conclusion  

Many people believe that the Crosman 38 series are some of the finest replica air pistols ever made.  Like the Crosman Wild West revolver replicas, the earliest versions of the Crosman 38 revolvers are regarded as the best quality, though these are all fine replicas.  However, unlike the Wild West replicas, all 38s are also accurate and satisfying shooters, aided by clear and adjustable sights and a long sight radius on the 38T.  They also have convincing weight, good balance and all have very nice double and single action triggers.  Most of all, they’re well engineered and reliable replicas which handle and shoot like cartridge firing revolvers.  Unsurprising given that this was what they were specifically designed to do.  Whichever version you choose, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

From Shane to Doctor Strangelove: If the Crosman Wild West replicas represent the cowboy-mad optimism of the 50s, the 38s are a link to the cold war worries of the 60s.  They represent a small slice of military and law enforcement training history from a time when people were starting to think about how to make this safer while also more realistic and useful.  Very large numbers of the Crosman 38 series were made during their twenty year production run and it’s fairly easy to find examples for sale.  Prices are generally reasonable, though the earliest all-metal .22″ versions are starting to become popular with collectors and prices of these are edging up.  The rarer chrome finish versions with black grips tend to be considerably more expensive, though they do look very striking.  All versions are well made and finished, though many are now 40 – 50 years old so you should budget for additional work to bring an elderly example back to prime condition.  However, it’s worth spending time and money to get a Crosman 38 back to optimum shooting condition.  That’s what they were made for and what they still excel at.

Very occasionally, examples of the Crosman MPCTS also come up for sale.  Like most 60s era electronics, it can be difficult to get these working reliably but it’s worth trying – this is Call of Duty circa 1965!  Be aware that if you do manage to get one of these operating with some paper screens, you will suddenly become the most popular person in your neighbourhood.  Expect lots of visitors asking to have a go.  Me included!

Related pages:

Classic replica air pistol review: Crosman Wild West replicas

Classic replica air pistol review: The Marksman Repeater

Home

Classic replica air pistol reviews

Links

Disassembling a 38T

http://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.it/2008/04/disassembling-crosman-38t.html disassembling a 38T

Download a manual for any Crosman pistol

http://www.crosman.com/cs/manuals

Collection of Crosman air pistols, including some very nice 38s

http://www.mrgunsplace.com/air-pistols.html