by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Air Venturi ISSC M22 BB pistol.
This report covers:
- Daisy Premium Grade BBs
- Air Venturi Copper-Plated Steel BBs
- Long trigger pull
- The trigger
- H&N Smart Shot copper-plated lead BBs
- The sights
- Overall impression
Today we find out if the ISSC M22 BB pistol from Air Venturi can shoot. As I always do with BB guns, I shot at 5 meters and used the UTG Monopod to rest my hand. This resulted in a steady hold, though I must comment that the second stage trigger pull is so heavy that it took concentration to remain on target.
Daisy Premium Grade BBs
First up were Daisy Premium Grade BBs. The first two shots landed higher, then the rest of the shots walked down to about 1.5 inches below the point of aim. They were also slightly left of center. Since this was the first group I didn’t know what to make of it, but as the test progressed it turned out that the point of impact was where the last 8 Daisy BBs landed.
Ten Daisy BBs made a 1.674-inch group at 5 meters, but if we look at the last 8 shots the group measures 1.069-inches. That is pretty close to what the other BBs did. I am willing to chalk those first two shots up to getting used to the gun.
Ten Daisy Premium Grade BBs went into 1.674-inches at 5 meters, but the last 8 went into 1.069-inches.
Air Venturi Copper-Plated Steel BBs
Next up were 10 Air Venturi Copper-Plated Steel BBs. These all went to the same place — a spot just left of center and about 1.5-inches below the aim point. Ten Air Venturi BBs went into 1.052-inches, which is similar to what the last 8 Daisy BBs did.
Ten Air Venturi copper-plated BBs went into this nice round 1.052-inch group.
The most interesting thing was the point of impact. It was in the same place as the Daisy BBs, which makes me think this gun is very repeatable.
The trigger
Holding the gun on the monopod emphasized the trigger pull, which was heavier than I like for good target work. It’s a combat trigger-pull that will do better in rapid-fire than with deliberate shots. But thanks to the monopod I was able to hold steady on target. It just took more concentration.
H&N Smart Shot copper-plated lead BBs
The last BB I tested was the H&N Smart Shot copper-plated lead BB. I expected these to strike a lower on the target, which they did. The impact point is 2.5-inches below the aim point and just as much to the left of center as the other BBs. Ten BBs made a 1.61-inch group at 5 meters, but as you can see the preponderance of them went to the exact same place.
Ten H&N Smart Shot copper-plated lead BBs went into this 1.61-inch group. Most of them are clustered pretty close.
The sights
I said in Part 1 that I thought the sights were going to help me shoot this pistol, and indeed they did. They were clear and sharp and I had no problem keeping them lined up on the bull. I think if I owned this pistol I would shave the front post down a trifle to bring the impact point up to the aim point.
Overall impression
Let’s be honest. If it’s a Glock air pistol you want, this is it. It’s so close to the Austrian firearm in look, feel and handling. Even the trigger feels the same. As a trainer, I have to give the ISSC M22 high marks for realism and authentic controls. Sure, it costs more than some others, but you get realism for your money. For some shooters, that’s important.
BB
I for sure like the realism thing in a pistol.
You mentioned it has a long slide action in previous reports. Could you feel it bumping the gun when you shot?
If I ever get me another airsoft pistol it’s for sure going to be a blow back design again.
And you know what a guy at work brought up something cool about air soft guns. He said that it reminds him of tracer rounds. And it is true once the brain kicked in gear and thought about it.
I can really see myself getting a full auto airsoft machine gun and shooting at some kind of moving targets and watching the tracer air soft ball trail to the target. Or even running past some aluminum cans and blasting them. Just got to remember to lead the shot so I can at least hit the cans. 🙂
GF1,
Yes, I did feel it bumping with each shot. I had covered that in the earlier parts and felt I didn’t need to mention it again, but it is definitely there.
B.B.
BB
You did and I thought about it after you was talking about the trigger pull that was on the harder side when you shot groups.
You mentioned the trigger pull would be what the Glock guys are use to but the 1911 guys wouldn’t like it.
So what I’m getting at this gun your testing today does represent a Glock pretty good. The reasons for asking is I have been thinking about getting a pistol. A firearm pistol. And I been paying attention to the difference of the bb pistols you have been testing and telling about.
So I usually like the long pull of a trigger before second stage. So I believe I would possibly like a Glock.
Then now the question. Do you think the firearm version of the Glock possibly could have the same sight to POI relationship? If so would you shave the front sight post down on the firearm version of the Glock or other pistols for that fact?
GF1,
Edith carried a Glock 36 that’s now mine. That is a compact .45 ACP pistol. We put a Wolf barrel on it so it won’t blow up with reloads, We put on a special trigger to lower and smooth the trigger pull. We put a laser that she could activate with her trigger finger after drawing the gun and we replaced all the Glock springs with Wolff springs for greater reliability. I have shot that gun and it hits what I aim at. There is no POI shift.
It’s not as accurate as a 1911, but few pistols are. But it is perfect for self defense. At 25 yards I can keep them all in 4 inches.
B.B.
BB
Thanks for that info.
And this may sound funny comming from me. But the firearm pistol I get I don’t want to mod. I want a pistol that will perform out of the box. Definitely no add on sights and probably not even a laser on it.
I want a Glock/1911 style pistol but no revolvers and kind of compact and easy to carry and handle pistol. The wife and daughters will shoot it too. But mostly for occasional target practice and plinking. So don’t want no big cartridge gun either. And no .22 rimfire either.
I know, I know I’m picky but maybe you and others have a good choice for a pistol and a cheaper ammo thats readily available that may fall into those categories I mentioned.
I plan to buy only one so I want it to be the right one. Kind of funny hearing that I bet. But I’m kind of just the opposite with firearms than with airguns. Go figure .
GF1,
A Glock/1911 pistol sounds to me like a Ferrari/Ford F150 vehicle. Are there two pistols that are more different? I don’t think so.
Pick one or the other, but don’t think of them as alike, just because both are pistols.
Glocks are safer for unskilled shooters because their triggers are so long and deliberate. 1911s are more specialized. I’d stay with the Glock.
Stick with a 9mm. That’s a very light-recoilling round that can still kill if necessary. And there is no pistol ammo cheaper than 9mm.
Before you buy, go to a gun store and hold the model you are thinking of. Take your wife if she will be shooting, too. But don’t try to fit the entire family. Disaster there. Unless you get a Luger and then you’ll be the only one who can cock it.
Make sure everyone who will be shooting can rack the slide. that’s the hardest part. Glocks are not the best for that. Maybe Sigs are best. A 1911 isn’t very good except one that was made as a 9mm. They can be very easy to rack because their recoil spring is so light.
And the compact models are all harder to rack than the full-sized guns.
B.B.
BB
Thanks for all that info. I will keep that all in mind when the time to purchase comes.
Oh and have you got any testing done with that airsoft revolver you was going to match up against the bb version. Or was that the pellet version. I don’t remember right now which you was going to shoot.
GF1,
Not yet. That’s part of the overflowing plate I mentioned earlier today.
B.B.
BB
It’s ok. I just thought I would ask while we’re on the subject of pisrols today.
GF1,
Our local indoor range rents various hand guns, and has a very good selection. It is a great way to shoot different firearms to see if they fit you and your family. There are a number of very good small 9mms available. The local range has most of them in rental because most of ladies seem to prefer them. Also, the majority of the participants in his concealed carry classes are ladies.
BTW, check the prices at your local range. The one here almost always beats the big box store prices.
Also, don’t rule out a revolver out of hand. If for carry, a small frame revolver is just as concealable as a small pistol. If a home defense gun, consider a 357 loaded with 38 special rounds – much less recoil and the option to load full power 357 rounds.
When my daughter graduated from college, she took an out of state job. I bought her a Ruger LC9S as a graduation present because of all the pistols that she tried at the range, that was the one she liked best. She ended up taking my old 38 chief’s special because she liked it even better than the LC9S.
Jim
I thought the problem with the Glock and reloads was caused because the Glock chamber doesn’t quite enclose the round like other guns, so the case can get bulged from pressure. Is that really the problem and would a new barrel fix it?
Matt61
Matt,
That is the problem and a new barrel is supposedly the fix.
B.B.
I like the idea of the drop free magazine. Easy fix for leaking seals. Also the rear sight windage adjustment is nice. The accuracy is good enough for pop cans. Thanks for the report.
Best wishes
Harvey
B.B.,
That’s too bad about the trigger pull. I was very hopeful when you earlier reported the 2nd stage to be 5 lbs. 10 oz., but that was probably dry firing, right? Why is it that with CO2 guns the trigger pull is sometimes much heavier when it is loaded with ammo than it is when one dry fires it? (I’m referring to shooting it with CO2 but no BBs.)
Michael
Michael,
I don’t think there is any difference in this trigger with the CO2 in. What is different is when I tested the pull weight I wasn’t watching the front sight against the rear notch. This time I was concentrating and noticing all the movement.
B.B.
Speaking of pistols, I just made a muzzleloading pistol out of a Crosman 760, the new ones (they’re not much good for anything else 🙂 I cut the barrel off about an inch from the breech; reamed the barrel band out to accept a half inch aluminum pipe that I got at Lowes; put in a copper tube insert that I got from a hobby store that measures about .340; cut off the back of the stock; and wrapped the pistol grip with electrical tape. .315 Hornady roundballs are loading with cloth patches and hit my back stop at 6 yards with some authority and not bad accuracy with the cheap Crosman 4 x scope that came with the gun. If I’m able to get over to a friend’s house this weekend, I’ll have some chrony figures.
Brent,
I am doing a similar project with an 880 multi-pump for darts and arrows. The arrows will require a shroud chop. I did 2″ 30gr. coat hanger darts and .062″ TIG rod 5″, 35gr. darts. Both penetrated 3/4″ pine board at 24′ and that was only with 3 pumps. (tip of darts showed on the backside of board) I am studying arrow balance a bit first. Dart accuracy was a bit dismal. Maybe 12″ at best. Some shots did land in the same spot. They bend pretty easy when they impact a board. You can, and I did, straighten them,….but then that affect accuracy as well I would imagine. No chrony yet. Power is obvious. Got to fine tune accuracy.
Keep us posted on future blogs. Be careful and safe. Chris
I bought a Colt manufactured 1911 in 1981 for home defense but have been fortunate never having to use it. I figured that the one time I might have to use it, I did not want a knockoff or a copy brand in a stressful encounter. If it was good enough for Uncle Sam and used in four our more international conflicts by our servicemen, then it was the best sidearm for me. It also fits so nicely in the palm of my hand and is a sweet firearm to use at the range. The downside is only 7 rounds in the magazine but then getting hit by one .45 caliber round will put most bad guys down for good.
Bob
As a matter of fact, I have wondered about the grip safety on the 1911. You would think if the grip is wrong that it might not go wrong. But a century of wars indicates that there is no problem. Here is another anecdote to boost confidence. There was an after-action report from the Korean War where a guy said, he woke and a giant Chinese soldier was standing over him with bayonet. This must have been during the surprise attacks around the Inchon Reservoir. Trussed up in his sleeping bag, the soldier was helpless. But he emptied his 1911 through the bag and it worked without getting hung up.
But I will add that your best defense is not the 1911 but anticipation. A guy wrote a story about how some enormous unstable guy came onto his porch and called him out for a conversation. He obliged and the other man launched a cheap shot. It was only then that the homeowner pulled his .45. No no no.
Matt61
Bob
I really need to get some shooting time on some pistols to see what I like.
My brothers got a Beretta in 9 mm that I have shot in the past. I do like it. But it has been some time now since I shot it. Don’t even remember what model it is. But it was controllable and easy to shoot. I really need to try some out.
There are some really good 8 and 10 round magazines made for the good old 1911. I like the Wilson’s. The 8 rounder is almost the same length as a 7 round mag. The 10 is a bit longer but not that much. It’s a great back up magazine to carry.
Mike
Especially when it’s loaded with the pure lead holllowpoints my dad likes so much.
Yiiii. Another 5 yard test that I can relate to. B.B., would you say that the monopod is as good as a solid rest at that range or just better than offhand? Interesting about the trigger pull. I was dry-firing my CZ 75 SP-01 around the house, trying to decide what to do about the trigger. The fact is that the curved trigger feels kind of neat and secure. And the trigger pull is almost okay. At the last range outing at 25 yards, it actually did better than the SW 686 and pretty close to the 1911. On the other hand, there is just a tiny bit of creep that seems to be mocking me. What to do when fixing all this will cost $250 dollars?!
Matt61
Matt,
The way I use the monopod it is as steady as a solid rest. But it is tiresome to use and does wear me out sooner.
B.B.
If you buy a Glock in .40 S&W you can have the versatility of shooting three different calibers in the same gun. Change the barrel to .357 SIG and you can use them with the same magazines. Change the barrel to 9mm and use 9mm Magazines and you can shoot 9mm. This gives you lots of options.
Mike
Mike
That is good info. Thanks.
Jim
There was nowhere to respond above.
That is a very good idea too. We have a local indoor range and they do rent guns now that I think about it after you mentioned it.
I could see myself getting a pistol I don’t like because I didn’t take it for a test drive. So yes going and renting the gun and actually shooting it is a very good idea. I will do that to before I purchase one. Thanks.
BB
Something just crossed my mind. We have been talking about size and how a pistol fits the shooter.
You know how you put your famous dime by your group’s for size reference. What about a tin of pellets or container of bb’s or even a Co2 cartridge by the pistol for size reference.
You know you did start putting the pellet or bb on your targets again after I asked sometime back about why you didn’t anymore. Pistol size is hard to determine when it is in a picture by itself you know.
GF1,
That’s not a bad idea. Good for you!
B.B.
BB
Thanks.
And maybe a 12 gram co2 cartridge would be best. Most of the pistols you test are Co2 anyway.
A tin of pellets probably won’t be good to reference size though because tins vary in size so much.
Maybe try on the next pistol you do and see if the 12 gram Co2 cartridge looks ok in the picture with the pistol.
BB,
Can you elaborate on the barrel change preventing the Glocks from going ka boom? I always thought the problem was as Matt61 described. And is the new barrel the Lone Wolf Barrel? I intend to change my carry from a Smith & Wesson to a Glock and I want to know all about them that just aint common knowledge.
Ton,
Search for Glock Kaboom in You Tube. You will see what happens.
B.B.