Next Pistol off the rank?

[Selfy86]

Hello everyone,

I am considering expanding my air pistol collection and would appreciate your input. I am interested in lead pellet pistols with a blowback feature. Currently, my collection includes models from Beretta, Glock, Walther, Sig, and Colt. I no longer have any CZ or Gamo pistols; the classification of Gamo as a classic brand may be subject to personal interpretation.

I am seeking recommendations for a lead pellet 1911 blowback model. I have researched options such as the Umarex SA10, ASG CZ Po9, and Gamo PT85. The Umarex Desert Eagle also caught my attention, though availability appears limited. While the Umarex SA10 receives positive reviews, I am unsure about its gold barrel aesthetic. The Desert Eagle has a half blowback mechanism, which I find preferable. The Gamo PT85 resembles my Beretta PX4 Storm, and the ASG CZ Po9 receives mixed feedback.

For context, I use my air pistols for target shooting in my garden at a distance of 7.5 meters, aiming at a 500mm x 500mm archery target with a 200mm square splatterburst target in the center. Precision marksmanship is not a primary concern for me.

Thank you,

Mr Crap Shot

 

[Alan B]

Not really a 1911 style pistol, except in being a double/single action with an external hammer, but with a different style safety lever (not as easy to operate as a 1911-style thumb safety, but it does de-cock the pistol when operated and is very safe when engaged), is the GAMO P25. Kind of like a Walther PP in terms of looks and very solidly-built considering its fairly low price, internally it is the same mechanically as the PT-85, so these two GAMO pistol only really differ in looks.

Of the two, I prefer the P25's appearance, which can be kept 'classic', or if you prefer, it can be tarted up with the inexpensive addition of a tactical kit for it (costs about 20 quid), which adds more rails than the East Coast mainline. That kit also comes with bits to allow it to fit the PT-85. Spare mags for these pistols are inexpensive too (about a tenner) which is a major plus point, so if you get a second one, that'll give you 32 shots ready to go before you need to refill a mag, and it will easily pop off 32 full power shots with one CO2 (actually a fair few more than that in spite of its blowback metal slide).

Since it is pretty loud when fired, I went slightly over the top with my P25, adding a threaded extension to the barrel to allow it to take a suppressor (not simple to do unless you are into making custom modifications, but not rocket science if you are reasonably okay at making some custom bits and pieces). To be honest, adding that suppressor thread was more a case of 'seeing if I could do it' and for a bit of fun, than anything else, because it is still not the quietest gun, owing to the blowback feature, but it does make my P25 look unique and it did ever so slightly improve its accuracy.

With the tactical rail bits added to it, it gives the pistol a more modern squarer profile and will allow you to fit everything including the kitchen sink to your pistol, as I have done, giving mine an under-barrel torch and a laser, as well as a red/green-dot sight. I'll probably get around to buying another P25 and keeping that one stock, simply because I like the looks of it that way too.

I will concede that the P25's safety is not easy to operate with one hand, but it does the job and other than this minor ergonomic quibble, there is little to fault it. It feels very solidly-built especially when you rack its metal slide. It sits in your hand well with a chunky polymer grip which will accommodate numerous shooting grip styles, when cocked, the trigger affords a very smooth release and it has a mag release which makes for quick 'tactical' reloads if that's what you are after, so it's a great fun pistol to shoot. The CO2 capsule loading system is simple and foolproof too.

For a small blowback pistol, it is fairly accurate even with just the iron sights. It's never going to beat a dedicated target pistol for accuracy of course and neither will if beat a non-blowback CO2 pistol such as the CP88 for either economic gas use or accuracy, but that's not really what it's about, which of course is fun backyard plinking with a bit of style, which won't break the bank, unless of course you go mental and start modifying the living crap out of it like I have done with mine.

If you like blowback CO2 plinkers, I would honestly say that no collection is complete without a GAMO P25. Here's my stupidly over the top one; although I have a lot of CO2 pistols, this remains one of my favourites:

 

[Caruso]

Sadly there is no pellet firing blowback 1911 which is a shame as I would also love one.

 

[BIGJFH]

It is a little odd that Umarex never made a 1911 version with the Sig X5 mechanism.....theres loads of 1911 variants and theyd have made a (financial) killing....guess they were unable to get the branding licences like they did with Walther and Glock (although the UX c.p.s.\ Walther cp99 pistol differences confused me and I went for the branded one in silver to avoid white lettering)....not sure if the belt fed pistols were a success

 

[bluestu]

Think you need an umarex sw586 revolver in your life personally ...the older ones prob 6 inch barrel (or 4 ) mod adapter a stumpy on the end and poss a red dot sight..or skip that and get a safari land speed draw holster (SW k frame). Hmmmm why did I sell that exact set up??? I get the blow back thing I have a few but you are just robbing power especially in pellet ie internalised revolver format

 

[Selfy86]

Since I changed to flat headed pellets, jams (touching wood) have been a thing of the past. (Commentators curse) Good shout regarding the Sig X5 internals. As for getting into revolvers, I am addicted to blow backs and I have been told revolvers are just as addictive. So I am trying to stay strong! At the moment

 

[rockdrill]

Think you need an umarex sw586 revolver in your life personally

As for getting into revolvers, I am addicted to blow backs and I have been told revolvers are just as addictive. So I am trying to stay strong! At the moment

I would agree with @blustu, an Umarex Model 586 or 686 is a very nice addition.

If you are luck you might find one of the three barrel sets with four, six and eight inch barrels:

One of the nicest things with these guns is the accuracy potential, this is ten shots, fired rested, double action, with a red dot sight (2 MOA dot) at 25 yards:

 

[bluestu]

I would agree with @blustu, an Umarex Model 586 or 686 is a very nice addition.

If you are luck you might find one of the three barrel sets with four, six and eight inch barrels:
View attachment 868083

One of the nicest things with these guns is the accuracy potential, this is ten shots, fired rested, double action, with a red dot sight (2 MOA dot) at 25 yards:
View attachment 868084

Yep i have the same 586 3 barrel set in nickel now ...I stupidly sold my ex 6 inch black one with all the bits