Read the first part and the second part of my review of the Walther CP88 Tactical.
by B.B. Pelletier
Silencer
The muzzle of the pistol is threaded for a screw-in silencer. As noted in the last report, this is not a real silencer – it’s just for looks. In a curious turn of events, this silencer actually sharpens and magnifies the report! A flat pop becomes a sharp crack with the can screwed on.
Being a functional guy, I don’t go for eye candy, but a lot of shooters do, and the CP88 Tactical pistol was designed for them. To their credit, Umarex cut the foam inside the CP88 Tactical’s hard gun case to fit the gun with the silencer mounted, as well as a special spot for it when it’s taken off.
Pistol comes in a hard case. Foam is cut to accept pistol with all accessories installed, plus a separate cutout for the silencer (it now holds the Allen wrenches, rear sight and clips).
Shooting
The sweet trigger mentioned in the last report, plus the generous grip make this pistol a delight to shoot. I was glad I had loaded a bunch of Walther clips in the Speedloader report, because I went through them rather fast. I don’t remember my first CP88 being quite as much fun to shoot as this one, and I’ll attribute the difference to the trigger that I believe has gotten better over the years. I still prefer the M1911A1 trigger, because my hand fits that grip configuration better; but the physical performance of the CP88 trigger is probably just as nice.
Realism
The CP88 shocked the world with its realistic look when it first came out. Nothing has changed in that respect. This is still a pellet pistol that fools a lot of gun buffs. The weight, the feel of cold metal and the realistic finish all tell you this is the genuine article. Because it’s made by Umarex – the parent of Walther, this REALLY IS a Walther pistol! Collectors need it to complete their roster of specimens from Ulm.
Accuracy
I got five-shot groups of 1″ at 10 yards when shooting H&N Finale Match pellets. That’s about 1/8″ better than the other Umarex pistols with similar-length barrels, and I think I know why. Longer-barrelled pistols often give me tighter groups, a trait I must attribute to their longer sight radius, but the red dot on the CP88 Tactical does away with the sights altogether. The accuracy has probably always been there and it just took an optical sight to bring it to the surface. The regular rear sight blade is also provided, in case you want to revert back to the CP88 with open sights.
If you favor large 9mm service-type pistols, the CP88 Tactical is probably the gun for you.
Nice gun. Is there a way to mount a laser to it?
Speaking of lasers – at my local gunshop I have seen a laser with 1″ rings to mount on a scope. What is the purpose of this combination? Maybe to transfix your prey, or to estimate the range by observing the gap between laser dot and crosshairs?
Markus
Markus,
There probably is a way to mount a laser, but I don’t know what it is at the moment.
A laser coupled with a scope. Range-finding is one possibility, but I know another. When targets are closer than the zero range of the scope, it’s hard to shoot them. So a bird hunter might zero his scope for 20-35 yards and his laser for 10 yards.
B.B.
I do the same thing for varmints, only I use a red dot sight for distance along with a tactical light. The laser works great for the rascals that come up close. The Airforce PCP’s are super for this with all the mounting rails. Although my bug buster scope will work at close range I find the red dot allows quicker acquisition.
CWI
B.B.
Thanks for the review of the walther CP88. Definitely enjoy reading it and will consider purchasing this one after saving up some money.
Anyways, I do have a question about another pistol. I believe it’s sold under RWS, but it’s a model of a Sig Sauer P228. Any idea where one would be able to purchase this gun in the U.S.? I’ve only seen pictures of it, but haven’t ran across any U.S. websites where you can purchase it.
Does pyramid air have plans to stock it sometime?
Has it gone obsolete already?
Thanks,
W.P99 Fan
W. P99 fan,
I haven’t forgotten the P99, but I have other committments to fill first.
The C225 was the second Umarex gun made. It was carried by RWS, but was never popular. They have apparently ceased production, but there may be some new old stock guns still unsold.
If not that, then watch the airgun classified ads. One is sure top come up.
B.B.
B.B.
Thanks for your feedback, it helps.
No problem about the CP99, I’ll be patient about that one.
Anyways, another question if you don’t mind. Do you know of any pellet guns that replicate the glock? Or if Umarex may have plans to design and build a glock replica? The only glocks I know of are airsoft and BB guns.
Thanks!
W.P99 Fan
Condor VS Talon. Okay I have decided on the Condor by Aiforce. The main reason is I live in the desert and nothing here is close range. Everything I shoot at is out at 50 yards or more. But what would some reasons be to go with the Talon instead. I know it’s more accurate. But how much more?
Also what is a good pellit to fire from the condor I was going to buy a tin of kodiaks and jb exacts.
Quick question. How do you travel by air with a pellet pistol? Any rules, restrictions or tips? I’d rather carry the gun in my baggage than hassle with shipping it to and from my destination.
Thanks
baldtrucker,
Kodiaks and JSB Exacts are very good pellets for Condors.
B.B.
D.B.
You travel with a pellet pistol the same way you travel with a firearm – by telling the airline that you have the gun in your checked baggage. They have rules like it must be inside a locked case in your luggage and you have to remain with the bag when it is inspected, so you can open the case. No CO2 or compressed air can travel by air.
Call the airline you are flying with to learn their requirements. DO NOT do it online because most of these companies don’t keep their websites current.
B.B.
Couple questions for you B.B. I am relatively new to airgunning, but being off to college has forced the switch from real bullets to .177 pellets. My first purchase was a Walther Nighthawk, and I just acquired a CP88 today. I like the CP88 a lot more, as the Nighthawk feels like a toy, compared to the real feel of the CP88. Here are my questions. I purchased some Webley “Weblube” with the Nighthawk; can I put a drop of this stuff on my powerlets, or should I purchase some Pellgunoil? Secondly, what kind of maintanence should I perform on both of these pistols. Specifically, what needs to be oiled and how often? I am slowly reading through all of your posts on here, trying to expand my knowledge of this new hobby of mine, so thanks for all the info you have provided here for everyone.
J. Tye,
WEBLUBE? I don’t know whether it is pure silicone or petroleum-based. If the latter, DON’T USE IT! If it is silicone, it’s a good substitute.
You don’t need to oil your gun at all. Until is begins working roughly, which will take a long time, the factory lube is sufficient.
Don’t clean your gun. A pellet gun is just as real as a firearm, except is has no combustion gasses to clean after firting.
In other words, just enjoy your gun.
B.B.
I searched the web for info about the weblube, all I could come up with is that it is a synthetic. Is that sufficient?
J. Tye,
Yes, if Weblube is synthetic it is a good substitute. We think “silicon” and “synthetic” as more or less equivalent in these discussions as silicon polymers are the base for many synthetic oils. Silicon polymers are better for air guns as they often have a much higher flash point than carbon based oils and silicon does not harm the seals and other parts in the gun.
Happy shooting!
Ehrich
Ehrich,
Thanks for clearing that up, I feel much better now. For a moment I thought I might have ruined my guns!
J.Tye,
I saw that too. I would say no, until we establish that it is silicone.
B.B.
Ok I will stop using it for now. I’ll order some Pellgunoil here shortly.
This question pertains to the Umarex Colt 1911. I am looking for aftermarket rear sights that can adjust for elevation. I know Crosman does not offer them, but I know they are available for the actual Colt firearm. Do you know if the rear sight on the Colt airgun is a copy of the original, so an aftermarket sight for made for the firearm will fit it?
Hi,
I am looking on purchasing this gun, one question, can you take the silencer off and replace it with the competition extension barrel?
Thank you
That’s a question for Pyramyd AIR. Call them and ask for Chris or Boris. I believe you can, but the tactical model isn’t mentioned in the description:
/product/walther-cp88-barrel-4-to-6-blued?a=864
888-262-4867.
B.B.
Has anyone used the following pellets with this CP88/Tacticle gun; which is better for accuracy, distance and impact. Also, would you recommend any other brand or type; my main shotting is outdoor and indoor target only and not for hunting.
Beeman H&N Match wadcutter
RWS Meisterkugeln Match 7.0 gr
Gamo Match 7.5 gr
Crosman Premier Match 7.9gr
Thank you,