by Tom Gaylord, a.k.a. B.B. Pelletier
Friends, I am so jammed up with work that it isn’t funny. I’ve never been so busy in my life. I’m trying to do everything for everybody, and it’s pulling me in all directions.
I’m not telling you this for sympathy. I’m telling you so you’ll understand the next set of notes.
There’s going to be an airgun show here in Texas on September 6. It will be about 20 miles outside Ft. Worth at a gun club that has asked me to put on an airgun show for them. Their members all own airguns and want a place to sell them. I believe both airguns and firearms will be permitted at this show, which will be a first for any airgun show.
This s a private club that runs 6 gun shows a year, but they have no concept of what an airgun show will be like. I do. They’ll pull in visitors and dealers from thousands of miles away, instead of a 50-mile radius. I already have several commitments.
Pyramyd AIR will sponsor the show. Jim Chapman has said he’ll come and be on the big bore range along with Eric Henderson. That’s the two most prominent big bore airgun hunters in the world at the same place and time demonstrating big bores to all who want to learn. Big bore maker Dennis Quackenbush will also have a table at this show. And, no, I don’t know what he will have for sale.
AirForce Airguns said they will have a table, and the “American Airgunner” TV show has said they’ll film the show.
I’ll try to pull in as many major airgun dealers as possible from around the country. But here’s the deal. These guys (the people running the show) have no concept of how big this could get. They haven’t met with me yet to give me names of contacts, table fees, etc. Until I know that, nothing is decided. I’ll keep you informed. Please don’t ask until I tell you — right now, you now know as much as I do.
I’m traveling next week to attend the “Flag City Toys That Shoot” airgun show in Findlay, Ohio. I’ll also stop by Pyramyd AIR to return some guns I’ve tested over the past year. I have one other stop to make on the East Coast. That will keep me on the road for over a week, and I need blog reports that I can write quickly without resorting to test results.
What I need are topics I can write while I’m on the road. I have such topics — the choking of a barrel, more on airsoft tuning, safety of CO2 guns, etc. I’m saving those reports for the road. I also have one guest blog from reader RifledDNA that I’m saving for that time.
That’s a quick update on my life and what’s happening. Now, let’s get on with today’s report.
The Colt Python from Umarex is a realistic-looking BB revolver.
Umarex is bringing a realistic Colt Python to market. It’s a BB gun (shoots steel BBs, not plastic 6mm airsoft BBs) that uses realistic-looking shells to hold each of the 6 BBs it fires. When you load it, it loads with cartridges, just like a normal .357 Magnum Python.
When I saw this revolver at the 2014 SHOT Show, I told Justin Biddle, the Umarex USA marketing director, they’re going to sell a boatload of these. I remember the wide acceptance of the Dan Wesson BB revolver when I tested it. This Python is the same thing. It looks real, feels real and customers are going to reward the effort by buying it. I just hope it turns out to be as accurate as the Dan Wesson!
When I opened the box, it revealed all that comes with the revolver, plus an undisclosed but entirely realistic bit of future information. As you can see in the picture below, the revolver comes with a speedloader and 6 (count ’em) shells that hold one BB each. An astute observer will also note the styrofoam in the box is cut for 4-inch and 2.75-inch barrels, so I think that’s the plan. This revolver that I’m testing has a 6-inch tube.
This is what comes in the box. Note the cutouts for the front sights of shorter barrels.
Each cartridge holds a single BB, so this gun is a true 6-shot revolver. I say that because shooters familiar with airsoft revolvers, which this one appears to descend from, usually load 4 plastic BBs into each shell, for a total of 24 shots per loading.
The speedloader assists in loading the 6 cartridges into the revolver’s cylinder. But it can also help you load the cartridges with BBs I showed how to do that in a report on the Dan Wesson revolver. It should work the same for this Python.
The Python comes with a speedloader that helps load the 6 cartridges into the cylinder. It also helps load the BBs into each cartridge.
What’s so nice about this revolver, besides the great feel of the Python that it captures perfectly, is the way it operates the same as the firearm. The cylinder swings out to the left for loading, just like the .357 does. It’s both single- and double-action, and the trigger-pull is lighter than the firearm in double-action but much heavier in single-action. I’m thinking this one will probably go as high as 5 lbs. in single-action. I’ll weigh both pulls in the velocity test.
The cylinder pops out to the left, just like a Python firearm cylinder.
The gun weighs 39 ounces, which is several ounces less than a firearm Python with a 6-inch barrel (44 oz.). But it’s definitely muzzle heavy, just like the firearm.
The one major departure from the firearm is the inclusion of a manual safety, located behind the hammer. Push it in to lock the action. Pull it out, and the gun operates normally. It’s very difficult to see, so it doesn’t hurt the look of the revolver one bit.
The manual safety (shown in the “on” position) is unobtrusive. Pull it back to take it off.
The sights are adjustable in both directions, as you can see in the photo above. I’ll report on how well they work in the accuracy test.
The CO2 cartridge is housed inside the grip, but you don’t access it in the normal way. The “normal” way would be to pop off one of the rubberized grip panels, exposing a place for the cartridge and some sort of mechanism to tighten it during piercing. Instead, this one uses a large, plastic threaded plug that screws in with a large Allen wrench supplied with the gun. It’s easier to operate, plus it keeps the grip panels from loosening during use…as they always do with the other arrangement.
The CO2 cartridge drops into this hole and is tightened by this threaded plug.
All things considered, and with the revolver in hand, this BB gun is everything I’d hoped it would be. All that remains is to test it.
Hi Tom, again you had to put :(“steel BB’s, not plastic 6mm) in your article.Why not call steel BB’s StB’s and plastic BB’s PlB’s that ought to stop any confusion. Just a thought from N.Z I enjoy your ramblings! Greetings Jeff
I think we should call steel bbs – bbs, and call airsoft – airsoft shots or rounds. Then you’d say an airsoft magazine hold twenty rounds of shot, or plastic shot. That way we leave original titles to their rightful owners.
RDNA,
Here on this blog that might work, but I write for larger audiences who then go to Wal-Mart and see the term BB Bullets written on the side of airsoft ammo packages. I can’t compete with that level of misinformation, so I plow ahead, keeping my readers informed at each opportunity.
B.B.
Jeff,
I’m not going to let illiterate Asian airsoft manufacturers change the language that way.
We already have Americans calling semiautomatic rifles machine guns because the media uses the terms interchangeably. So, I’m going to be stubborn.
B.B.
BB,
Your stubbornness where it makes a difference is why I love reading your writings.
Tom K
I think it should be left alone, and call them what they are.
People are always throwing acronyms around instead of typing the words you want to convey.
New readers would be left wondering what is meant by “StB” instead of being informed by the article.
No one wants to have to find a list of airgun related acronyms just to find out what 3 letters stand for.
I AGREE Ian,totally. BB you always keep us correctly informed,don’t change.
Have a blessed day everyone.
Even though I am not one who cares for CO2, I like that plug arrangement for the cartridge. I am a bit skeptical of it being plastic though. I guess if you treat it like you should, it will not be an issue.
They are definitely going to sell a boatload of these. You cannot get much more realistic than this without using ear protection.
Totally agree about the cartridge, the removable grips kill a good bit of realism too. Glad to hear my humble guest report will multitask for a higher purpose, and that show sounds like a doozy, better clear the slot for years to come, if it turns out how it sounds they will all want it every year!
RDNA,
That’s how Edith and I do things. If this first show goes as we expect it to, they will hold one every year and probably need to make additional room for more vendors.
B.B.
This is the revolver I was waiting for! I came very close to getting the Dan Wesson but couldn’t bring myself to get one because of the funny looking barrel. What I really wanted was this gun.
Thank you Umarex!
J-F
I’ve seen it written here a bunch of times…”The only interesting gun is an accurate gun.”
That being the case, what’s Umarex’s deal with producing all these smoothbores? Do they think only the rifle guys care about accuracy?
Crosman’s 357 may not look as good but I can manage some pretty good groups out of its RIFLED, PELLET SHOOTING barrel.
At half the cost!
I do like the look of this gun and might buy one, but I’m really beginning to feel the same way. Lately my BB guns sit while I shoot pellet guns instead. The ricochets and lousy accuracy are a P.I.T.A.
All of these BB handguns are fine at 15 feet for “minute of pop can” plinking, as B.B. often calls it. But it’s pretty depressing to miss a pop can two or three consecutive times from 25 feet and be able to see the BBs miss by an eighth of an inch to the left, to the right, short, and whichever direction a shot chooses to miss, spraying out of that smooth bore.
If you look at web sites that are dedicated to documenting vintage CO2 replicas of famous handguns, you can see a dozen of vintage PELLET-firing, rifled-barreled replicas of revolvers and a couple dozen pistol replicas from Daisy, Crosman, Hahn, Gamo, Healthways, Anics, and even Umarex. At 15 feet there’s little difference in accuracy, but who wants to shoot at anything in the backyard from 15 feet? It’s embarrassing.
If Umarex can make one of their non-blowback all metal pellet replicas for an end price of $200, and if they can make a plastic blowback Desert Eagle for about the same, and if they can make all-metal blowback BB guns that sell for between $70 and $120, I don’t get it. Given the market evidence, Umarex should be able to make pellet versions of these for only slightly more money than the BB versions.
I suppose the problem is that when it comes to the classic 586 revolver, 1911A, Beretta 92, Walther CP88 and CP99, they can use a revolving feed mechanism. Perhaps the broomhandle, Luger, Makarov, Beretta 82, and Walther PPK are just too narrow to pull that off.
Hey, BB, how’s the pellet-shooting M1 carbine concept coming? ;^) Plenty of room in there for a metal 8 shot revolving magazine in there, and if an 88 gram CO2 bulb and true semi-auto blowback, all wood and metal were part of the deal, most serious replica-oriented airgunners would pay Walther Lever Action money for it in a heartbeat.
Oh, and don’t get me started about how much I’d shell out for a true semiauto HPA or 88 gram CO2 Garand!
Michael,
Your M1 Carbine idea is a good one. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Umarex is working on it now. After all, the Walther Lever Action has a much thinner receiver and it works.
B.B.
B.B.,
To me the Garand and Carbine, along with the lever action carbines of the old west (The Rifleman!), have always been THE “cool man” rifles.
I recall when I was seven or eight, playing G.I. Joe with my friends, we were at the house of the boy in the neighborhood who had EVERYTHING G.I. Joe. We were doing WWII, and I had my Thompson. The boy who had everything was using his M1 Carbine with folding buttstock, and another of my friends had no rifle and needed to borrow one. The boy who was hosting asked him, “What kind of rifle do you want?” He responded, “What is there?” Our friend said, “You could carry an M1.” Our friend said, “O.K.” Back then “M1,” “M-16,” “Triumph,” “Mustang,” and “10-speed” were the most wonderful nouns in an American boy’s vocabulary.
So my friend who did not know guns had this incredibly disappointed look when the other boy handed him an M1 Garand, clunky, full-stocked, no long, sexy magazine hanging down from it. I said, “I’ll trade you my machine gun for that M1.” Before he could say yes, my other friend said, “Wait, you’ll trade your Thompson?” I replied, for an M1 Garand? Of COURSE. It’s the greatest gun ever made.” He said, “Yeah, true. But I’ll trade my M1 Carbine for your Thompson because it’s cooler.” I then swapped for the carbine instead of the Garand. The friend of mine who was still looking disappointingly at his Garand asked, “If this rifle is the greatest gun ever made, why did you trade for that little one?”
I looked at them both and said, “THIS is the coolest gun of World War II because this is what the paratroopers dropped down with before D-Day.”
All of these trades, by the way, were just for that afternoon’s play. The boy who had all of the G.I. Joe stuff actually owned all of them. Man, I hope he still has all of that today — talk about a nest egg!
Michael
I would love to see a M1 or even a Mosin Nagant replica gun in bb or a pellet version also.
Well probably I would prefer it in a pellet firing version. But either way that would be a couple of cool rifles to add to the collection.
B.B.,
I hope you’re right! Hey, because I’m the one who mentioned it on this blog months ago, what can you do to help me buy one of the first 100 made? ;^)
Michael
Michael,
Watch this space!
B.B.
Always, Obi Wan!
The first time I turn on a computer on any given morning, be it 12:01 AM before bed, or 11:00 am or whatever when I get up (I have an irregular schedule), the first thing I do is check this blog. Sometimes I read it right then, other times I wait a few hours, depending of the topic, but I always peek first thing.
Probably 60 percent of what I know about airguns I have learned from this blog over the years. Another 35 or so percent is from my personal experience, and the rest from wherever.
Michael
Michael
I could see this gun re-skinned in the form of a M1 or Mosin real easy. What do you think.
/product/crosman-1077-air-rifle?m=204
I think the 1077 is one of the best values in pellet guns. It is surprisingly accurate, quiet, lightweight, inexpensive, and a heck of a lot of fun.
Michael
Michael
You would think there would be more bb or pellet replica rifles after a person sees how many airsoft rifles are available. You would think they would convert some of the airsoft guns over and kick up the sales a bit.
But as usual there’s more to it than just a thought. So maybe if we keep asking maybe the right person will hear and it will start happening. 🙂
dangerdongle
Have you looked at the Umarex Smith and Wesson 586 pellet revolver? I like it a lot more than the Crosman 357 pellet revolver.
Well, the Umarx S&W 586 is the Gold Standard of pellet revolvers, but the metal barreled version of the Crosman 357, the one with traditional grips, was notably better than the current version, as was their predecessors, a rendition of the S&W .38 Special in both combat and target barrel lengths.
Perhaps the best of all non Umarex S&W 586 pellet revolvers is the Daisy Model 44 and Model 144, both based on the iconic S&W Model 29, with the 144 having the 8 inch barrel. I have one, and that Daisy 144 “will blow your head clean off.” (LOL)
Michael
Michael
Because Pyramyd AIR doesn’t have a listing for that Daisy 144, I had to Google it. It does look impressive. When you talk about the metal barreled version of the Crosman 357, how long ago was that one in production. I have only known the current one with the plastic shrouded metal barrel that I bought almost two years ago. In fact the Crosman 357 and Beretta PX4 Storm were my first air guns that got me started in this hobby.
Charles,
Google CO2 Replicas Collection and go to the site that comes up near the top. It is a hobbiest’s site, not trying to sell a thing, and it has many links to this blog throughout.
Michael
Amen to that! As a teenager I grew increasingly frustrated at the severe accuracy limitations of shooting bbs. I still vividly remember diligently mowing and raking extra lawns, dreaming of a weirauch hw50 and feinwerkbau 124, until I had finally saved enough to buy them. It was SO worth it!
Since then I’ve never wanted to spend my money on an airgun, no matter how beautiful it may appear, that was going to disappoint me beyond 15-20 feet. The joy of shooting so quickly turns to frustration when you know your aim is good and can’t hit anything!
The show will be fun. I had asked for a min sponcer from your store for a small event I had. Kinda disappointed when they never bothered to even reply. They could have replayed with a “No”. Didn’t even bother to reply. Now,this blog is the only reason I visit this website. Will be waiting for more info on show.
It was probably just a company policy of no solicitation, since asking for any kind of sponsorship is technically solicitation, I wouldn’t take it too personally. The store probably only uses certain established channels for who they will put there name on. Think of how many unqualified persons might ask for sponsorship? (By no means saying you wouldn’t be) You may need an inside man for support like that.
Little update on the NP limited, crosman says they’re trying to find me a Legacy stock, the barrel is 11″, a trigger job that included lightening the trigger spring has it pretty darn shootable. As for the choke? There was none! Not kidding, pushing a half dozen pellets through showed zero tightening anywhere past the first 3″ or so. Its shooting way faster, no chrony but a penetration test on the same piece of wood in the same section of grain showed a hair short of an 8th inch increase. Need to rethread the muzzle, cut down the shroud tube and badabing, quiet again. The gun right now without the shroud is just 34″! And it still hitting within an inch or less at 20 yards with just a quick two shot confirm. Not a one inch group but two separate shots that were right on the money, like laser beam. Cannot wait ti get out hunting with this handy little monster!
RDNA
Well it sounds like you had good luck with the gun. And I don’t know how that shroud/barrel was made on the gun you have. But it sounds like you also shortened the shroud when you did the barrel.
I guess what came to my mind was could the shroud of been left longer than the barrel? Or was the shroud a part of the barrel and there was no way of cutting one with out cutting the other.
If the shroud could of been left longer than the barrel you might of had a quieter gun. But if I remember right I think you said your not worried about quiet. Anyway sounds like you got the right length on the barrel.
What kind of pellets have you been shooting?
Yeah definitely making a shooter out of it, still think a different stock/grip setup is necessary but otherwise turning out as Id hoped. Using a Benjamin mixer box I got from WWorld before hand then another tin of benj hps I ordered with the gun. They’re 14.3gr, gonna order some different weights when I get a little extra cash, just needed something to get it goin. Any weights you find best for keeping flat but still hitting hard? Think just a hair lighter might be good. The shroud is fully removable with a threaded break/cap that just press seals into the body/tube and then a tapered breech end that presses in also so to put change it just need to shorten the tube and press it back together, but the muzzle end cap threads on so need to tap the threads back on the muzzle.
RDNA
I have had good luck with the JSB 15.89 dome pellets. In my spring guns that I had along with my PCP guns.
They are a little on the heavy side for a springer/nitro piston gun but I like them. They definatly hit hard.
Good day, B.B.
My apologies for being off for so long. And believe me, I fully understand the load on your shoulders – I have an example of one on my own.
Perhaps I can write something on cleaning airguns or installing scopes – how would you feel about that?
And I must finish my low-magnification test – that means I must take a good sleep and run it with 1 inch targets at 50 m.
The revolver is great. Well, everybody knows I’m crazy for 6-shooters. I only wish it could be made with rifled barrel and pellet-friendly cartridges – with rear-loading, to eliminate dead volumes, and that can substitute for shot/unshot pistons in real rounds.
duskwight
duskwight,
Good to hear from you! I imagined you were very busy, because an airgunner like you never stays away too long.
You can write any guest blog you want and I will be happy to run it, but it will have to be after I return from my trip next week. So, more towards the end of this month?
I hope Umarex is reading these comments, so they know how many people want a Python pellet pistol.
B.B.
B.B.
No problem. This gives me some time to brush up my skills (pun intended).
duskwight
B.B.,
Does this one use the same “shells” as the Wesson revolver?
Thanks,
Randy
Randy,
Thanks for asking. I didn’t know, but Pyramyd AIR tells me categorically — NO. The shells do not interchange. Apparently that is something they tried right away.
B.B.
Well, that must’ve taken some forethought.
B.B.,
I gave you the wrong info. My bad. We state this on the page that sells the extra Python speedloader:
“This speedloader is not compatible with Dan Wesson BB revolver shells.”
I also recall someone telling me that the Dan Wesson shells, if used in the Python, will deliver a lower velocity. However, I can’t find that email, and it’s not written on any of the product pages. Another Pyramyd AIR employee also recollects that. We’re trying to verify it. Stand by.
Edith
I was thinking that it din’t make sense.
Thank You, Edith!
Here’s the info about the Dan Wesson shells & speedloader and the Colt Python shells & speedloader:
1. Dan Wesson speedloader and the Colt Python shells are not compatible.
2. Dan Wesson shells used in the Colt Python (they’d have to be inserted by hand) will result in a velocity drop…as much as 100 fps less.
Thanks,
Edith
Put me on the list for a pellet shooting python. The bb gun is cool, and I’ve added a few bb replicas to my collection, but I would lust for a pellet python!
I myself, would like to see a nice, production 10fpe repeating sidearm. My 5’5″ frame would look overburdened with a P-rod strapped to my hip. A lot like my old Dragoon! I know there are some options out there and have considered many but most already start out too big and still require modification.Could ya’ll please flip some models out there that I may have overlooked?
Thanks
Reb
These replica guns are starting to grow on me the more I see them. And the accuracy part is what would make or brake the deal for me.
But I know there is people out there that love these type of guns no matter what so I think its good that they are making them. And I think after my little bit of time that I have messed with the airsoft guns that’s what has kind of got me interested in these type of guns. Anyway can’t wait for the accuracy test.
And BB that’s good news about the Texas show. Sounds like things are coming together good. Should be a exciting show from what you said so far. Can’t wait for more info.
I’m one of those that love these replicas. I tried airsoft replicas but I didn’t get as much pleasure shooting them as the steel BB’s one. I have between 30 and 40 of them.
I’m going with the Python as soon as I can get my hands on one, the Makarov Ultra will also soon join the stable and so will the Luger P08, Mauser broom handle and the whole CZ line of pistols… if they could just stop coming out with cool new guns for a while so I could have time to buy those I want right now and if they could come out with the blowback version the first time around so we don’t end up buying two identical pistols… I already have the non-blowback version and now I’m gonna have to get the other one.
I love being able to own a bunch of cool guns that we’d need thousands of dollars to buy the firearms they so closely copy.
Only accurate may be interesting but FUN guns have something going for them too! The FUN factor is very important for me. I don’t hunt, I don’t do competition so I shoot to have fun. But missing your target isn’t fun so accurate ARE the most interesting… to a certain point.
J-F
J-F
I remeber you said you liked these kind of guns. I guess you do. 30 to 40 of them. And I thought I had a lot of guns.
And who would be better to ask than you. Are they soda can accurate out to 25 yards or so? If so I could see myself with some in the future..
Soda can accurate out to 30/40 feet yes, 25 yards… it depends.
Some don’t have the velocity to constantly reach accuratly at 25 yards and some have heavy, hard to manage triggers.
The Steel Force is quite accurate for a BB rifle! BB’s competitions are meant to be shot at 15 feet if I’m not mistaken.
J-F
J-F
I could probably live with that. I still mess with that airsoft sniper rifle I got a while back. It still surprises me every time I shoot it.
And I got one of those gel targets for that cheapy blow back airsoft pistol with the laser on it. We shot it a lot this winter inside in the famly room. Its turned out to be a fun gun.
So I could see myself with a few bb versions of the right kind of guns if they make them.
I like that we now have another Python to choose from, but I’m still waiting for a Colt SAA pellet handgun.
—Joe
Joe,
You might not have to wait much longer. Maybe even next year.
B.B.
Merciful Heavens…oh be still my thudding heart. B.B. you have definitely made my day! Any other hints about this SAA would be gratefully accepted.
I’m liking this gun also. That said, I too wish for more “pop”. The Umarex pellet firing Colt, Beretta and so on are really revolvers with semi auto skin and produce over 400 fps, I don’t see why they can’t get more horsepower from these “bb” revolvers. You’d think 450 to 480 fps would be easy, considering the length of the barrel and the lighter weight of the steel bb. I also like the idea of a rifled barrel. Maybe it would be to hard to design a “shell” to hold a pellet. Why not a rifled barrel and the “shell” loaded with a lead round ball? Should be easy enough. Just thinking here.
Yes, some rifling and a little hotter valve “out of the box” would certainly go a long way!
I guess we’ll see if they listen.
Its not a repeater or replica, but for a good price the trail np pistol is SUPER accurate and is even strong enough for close range small game, I got 4 rabbits in one week with it. Its small enough I could go hike with it in a backpack and just whip it out when I saw them. Furthest I shot was about 20 yards. That pistol is an awesome compliment to a bugout kit. Gamo lethals… never needed ti even think about a follow up shot, it’ll put em on top of each other all day. Loved that one, but Im a “rotater” and say I can always get another one far too often, though at least in this case its easily true. Im gonna pick up another one down the road but got enough to keep me busy awhile.
RifledDNA, I was hoping to see them do a trail NP 2 (like the coming rifle). If they can do it, it sounds like it would be a winner. Bradly
I think there’s a couple pcps that get some serious power but a spring pistol that gets up over 600 and is affordable, awesome. The np pistol looks wicked too, get the snazzy new np2 and keep the price, awesome. I like the trail cause its compact, usually to get that power its a big goofy lookin pistol. I think the same thing, .22, 550-600fps, np2, maybe a couple bucks more but 80$ already gettin tight to stay in the affordable category for a pistol.
Ya know, I hadn’t considered a springer, I guess because of the limited standby time. Thanks for the reminder of the versatility of the NP system!
Did you ever end up being able to log in? The first pellet went out last night!
Yeah. I tried to Google it last night to no avail.
Remember — unless you create a non-realistic “replica” where the barrel moves back as the action is cocked, a true revolver has a gap between barrel and cylinder (I suspect they have some moving part to seal against the back of the cartridge, or one would have two air gaps).
The semi-autos (even the ones that are really revolvers under the cover) don’t have all the air leakage points.
Wulfraed, what do you mean “The semi-autos (even the ones that are really revolvers under the cover) don’t have all the air leakage points”? Wouldn’t they both still just have two? Example would be the pellet firing Umarex Colt 1911 pistol. It is a revolver with a different skin. It still has a cylinder. That would make a gap before and after the cylinder, just as in the Colt revolver discussed here (or the Dan Wesson). One may be sealed better than the other but they would have the same number of gaps. The only way to not have two gaps would be like the old Brocock air cartridges. That would eliminate the rear “gap”. Bradly
Partly the surrounding “slide” captures/delays some of the air, rather than immediately spilling to atmospheric.
Just looked at my CP99. There is an o-ring at the base of the barrel on which the “cylinder/magazine” slides when rotating — so the front gap is pretty much nil. I can’t tell if the brass port on the rear side moves to press on the cylinder (there is a safety interlock that blocks the trigger unless the loading port (front slide) is closed).
The Webley Fosbery would definitely be a hit! Put it in .22 and send ’em out @550 Rifled barrel and I’ll buy it!
B.B.,
Are the shells and speedloader for this compatible with the Dan Wessons?
Thanks,
Michael
Michael,
There’s already a thread about his very thing further up on the page. Reader Randy Smith originated it. Please search the page for his name, and it’ll bring you to that thread. I’m still waiting for some answers, though, but I’ll add any info I get to that thread.
Edith
Thank you much, Ma’am!
Michael
REALLY Off-Topic, but my neighbor is a retired pilot for United Airlines. Today at the mailboxes we exchanged small talk about Flight 370. He told me that he thinks they’ll never find it. Some debris will wash up on some shore ten years from now, but that plus 50 cents. . . .
Anyway, he said about all of these people on TV saying finding the plane is “like trying to find a needle in a haystack” are using the wrong analogy. He said it’s more like this: “Trying to find a jumbo jet that crashed into the middle of the Indian Ocean is like trying to find a foot-long toy airplane that crashed into the middle of Lake Superior.”
Yikes.
Michael
This is a very nice gun. If I were in the market for another bb gun this would be on my wanted list. Maybe once I finish my current 1911 build I’ll think about it.
The two features about this Colt Python that impress me most are its realistic appearance and the way the CO2 is loaded. Much as I like the Dan Wesson revolvers, and I’ve got three of those, I don’t like their removable plastic grips. Even the Umarex Smith and Wesson 586 pellet revolver has better grips than the Dan Wesson. Although one side of the Smith and Wesson grip comes off to load the CO2, the grip is a much sturdier rubber material. I haven’t decided yet whether or not to buy the Colt Python because I have so many replica BB and pellet pistols already and not enough time to shoot them all.
BB,
Does the cylinder rotates as a COLT, I mean, clockwise like in the real firearm? By looking at the pictures, I think it does, but just want to confirm.
Not being compatible with Dan Wesson’s shells and speedloader does not surprise me, although it could be appreciated by Dan Wesson owners who already have them.
Fred BR,
The cylinder does rotate clockwise.
B.B.
I noticed quite a a few people being interested in this pistol shooting pellets…
They will be bringing out a pellet shooting Dan Wesson sometime this year. You have to take your shell, unscrew the “bullet” part of the shell, load a pellet in hte shell and screw the bullet back on the shell… for each and every pellet… I’m not doing that!
J-F
J-F
I’m with you on not wanting the extra work to load pellets to the Dan Wesson. The Umarex Smith and Wesson 586 may not have a full swing out cylinder and imitation bullets, but it’s very easy to load pellets to its disk magazine. It’s also a very accurate pistol.
Those mags and those in the series of Umarex pistol looking revolvers, the Beretta PX4 or Gamo PT-85 with their rotary mags or even the old Crosman Peacemakers are quite easy to load and a blast to shoot.
I’m not against the pellet idea in action pistols but the solution used on the Dan Wesson seems like a pain to work with to me.
I think it would have been possible to load the pellets from the back, avoiding the whole “screwing/unscrewing” thing. I’ve seen some people mod their pistol in such a way using a rifled straw barrel to replace the smooth bore one.
J-F
Instead of these cartridge steel BB CO2 revolvers, why don’t these manufacturers make versions that can fire lead balls or pellets through rifled barrels? Would be more accurate I would think, and a better replica overall. For that matter, why can’t they make .22 lead ball or pellet versions since the original airsoft 6mm revolvers these were drived from, actually have larger projectiles. Now maybe they will have to tweak the valve systems to power the .22s leading to fewer shots, but there may be enough people willing to take that trade-off.
Sounds fair to me.
Ahem. With thanks to Charles R. Ward, what follows is a list of fourteen CO2 powered airguns in .22 that were (all are out of production) replicas of specific firearms:
Pistol CO2 Replicas in .22:
The 1)American Luger and 2)Schimel P-22 were CO2 replicas of the P-08 Parabellum that shot 22 caliber round balls and / or pellets. The 3)Crosman 451 was a CO2 replica of the 1911A in .22. The 4)Daisy 622x was a CO2 replica in .22 of the Beretta 92fs. The 5)Daisy 780 and 6)Smith & Wesson 78G were CO2 replicas in .22 of the S&W Model 41. The 7)Healthways Plainsman MA22 was a CO2 powered, .22 round ball shooting replica of the Colt Woodsman. The 8)Crosman Mark I was a CO2 powered, .22 pellet shooting replica of the Ruger Mark I. The 9)Ampell / Shakespeare Acro I S220 was a .22 pellet shooting CO2 replica of the Thompson Center Contender.
Revolver CO2 Replicas in .22:
Crosman offered their S&W .38 special CO2 replicas, the 10)Model 38C (combat) and 11)38T (Target) in .22 (as well as .177). Crosman’s 12)Model 44 Peacemaker was a .22 CO2 replica of the Colt 1873 Single Action Army, as was its 13)Model SA6.
Rifle CO2 replicas in .22: The Crosman 14)Model 99, a .22 CO2 powered replica of the Savage Big game lever action rifles.
Michael
I love his site, I think it’s sad that he hasn’t updated it in a while (since the Winchester model 11 came out).
He has great pictures and reviews.
J-F
APRIL 13, 2014
I have read the blogs above with great interest, today.
3 Days ago, I received my new Colt 357 Magnum Python from Pyramyd AIR. My first surprise was how accurately it compares to the firearm of the same name. Secondly, I am very happy to learn the Colt is made of steel! At 2.6 lbs., it feels it too! I was able to shoot a 3/4 in. grouping in my nice warm basement at 26 ft. Not bad!
Due to the lousy weather, here, in Maryland, I set up a well stocked shooting gallery in my basement but it is not making my wife too happy!
The one thing about the handguns I have purchased from Pyramyd AIR so far, is the writing on them. It detracts from their looks and makes them look cheap. I wish there was a way to remove the writing without re-spraying them ! I guess that is my only choice.
I have purchased the following handguns so far and doubt they will be the last.
My growing collection consists of : 1.- TANFOGLIO 1911, 2.- COLT U.S. GOVERNMENT 1911-A1 PELLET, 3.- MAKAROV ULTRA BLOWBACK, 4.- 4 IN. DAN WESSON (black) revolver, and 5.- My new 6 in. COLT PYTHON .357 MAGNUM .
I still have the firearms I used during my stint in the Korean War. My M2 Carbine, M1 Garand, and my .45 cal. Colt.
They still hang on the wall above my fireplace. One of your writers mentioned Umarex making replicas of the M1 CARBINE AND M1 GARAND. I can not understand how Umarex could make them work like my firearms due to the weight of the blowback parts. It doesn’t seem that Co2 would be able to be strong enough to do the job ! I’ll believe it when I see it! Remember, the Garand, is a 9 lb. rifle alone !
Well, thank you for giving me a chance to vent. I appreciate it.
Jim C
Jim C,
Umarex has not yet made replicas of the M1 Garand or M1 Carbine.
So far, the only long gun replica they’ve made is the Winchester 1894 (if my memory is correct). That gun is pretty pricey, too, so I’m not sure they could make the M1 replicas at an affordable or attractive price.
Edith
Jim,
I think a lot of us older shooter would like a carbine or a Garand. I own both firearms and also a Crosman BB carbines from the 1960s, and I would really love to have a quality airgun (pellet gun) to go with them.
What you probably read was someone daydreaming. As far as I know, there is nothing in the works. But I will certainly mention it to the folks at Umarex the next time we talk. They are always looking for neat things to make.
Welcome to the blog.
B.B.
B.B. and Jim,
I am the daydreamer, or perhaps better described, the “Daydream Believer”!
The CO2 powered M1 carbine and Garand, and elsewhere on this blog’s comments sections, CO2 powered AK-47 “Kalashnikov-style” (i.e. WOOD furniture) I describe are VERY do-able for Umarex because they already have a compact 8 round lead pellet magazine and action, and blow-back is not something I personally care about, nor apparently do the many purchasers (and yep, I am one) of their excellent Walther Lever Action rifles.
Do yourself a GIGANTIC favor — I guarantee you’ll thank me, if indeed accuracy to the target thrills you. Get the (Umarex made) Colt 1911A1 Pellet pistol for 199.99 here at Pyramyd AIR, and if the warning writing on the exterior of the gun drives you nuts, you might try to rub it off with a tiny bit of vegetable oil on your fingertips followed by a thorough wipe-down of the whole outside with a soft, absorbant cloth. It will probably outshoot your Colt Python BB pistol or any other BB pistol at 26 feet, and it will easily do so outside at 40 feet.
Blow-back is a reasonable feature in a CO2 pistol, but in a rifle, it is more than I would expect or, frankly, even desire.
Michael
Oops, please pardon me; I also meant to include Edith in my salutation above.
Michael