Barra 009 Part 004
Semi-auto accuracy at 21 feet
By Dennis Adler
Today we further explore the comparisons between the Umarex Glock 17 Gen4 and Barra 009 by shooting the 009 as a semiautomatic pistol. In part 003 were found that the velocity of the Barra is almost identical with the Gen4, the 009 delivering a littler more velocity on the high end and closer to the 325 fps figures quoted by the manufacturer but only by a few fps. Average velocity between the Gen4 and 009 is the same, 317 fps, and both guns have a modest 2 fps standard deviation for an entire magazine; overall, very comparable guns with the same parts. No corners cut by Barra.

Just as in the real world, the advantage to the 009 and the Glock 18 is the capability to use standard and extended capacity magazines as semi-auto pistols, both guns having the same general dimensions as a semi-auto Glock 17. In the case of the 009 the triggerguard precludes using Glock 17 fitted (injection molded and Kydex rigs) and to practice with the 009 you need a holster designed for the Springfield Armory XDM 4.5, which I just happen to have on hand. As previously noted the CO2/BB magazines are exactly the same except for base pads and so either can fit single or dual spare magazine pouches. The 009 draws cleanly from the Galco Combat Master holster used and can be brought into the ready position just as effectively as a Glock from a G17 Combat Master holster. The 009 also fits the injected molded, hard polymer level 1 locking paddle holster made by Swiss Arms for the XDM series CO2 models. That is the holster I am using for today’s semi-auto firing test.

Magazines
The design for the CO2/BB magazine for the Barra is excellent with an easily threaded seating screw (the seating tool comes with the magazines) and the locking follower sits well below the perfectly-sized BB loading port so you can easily pour your rounds into the magazine channel. This magazine design is the same as the Glock Gen4’s except for not having to remove the base pad to access the seating screw, like you do on the Glock mags. If you have the Gen4 and extra magazines and buy the 009 you can use them. Barra will have an extended capacity mag that looks like the 33 round Glock available shortly and that should also work with the Gen4. This just keeps getting better.

Today’s test
I shot the test outdoors at 21 feet from the target and used a complete draw from concealment protocol with the magazine having only 10 rounds. I did one reload and shot again on a second target, all shots fired from a Weaver stance using a two-handed hold.



I fired at approximately one second intervals. My best 10-shot group measured 1.25 inches and a best five rounds at 0.59 inches. This stacks up against my best groups with the G17 Gen4 delivering a 10-shot spread of 0.93 inches and a best five 0.5 inches. The 009 comes in a very close second (but in defense of the Barra, I have had a lot more trigger time with the Gen4), still the two guns are really close in handling and accuracy, equals, until I flip the switch.


When I wrap up next week it will be with the selector in the full auto position for the ultimate Glock 18-like CO2 airgun experience.
First, nice shooting. Barra seems to have made a nice effort in a crowded field. Once the 33 round fun stick is available, they are a serious player. Add this to the antique finish Schofield, with other models coming , they have gone from Walmart blister pak to top shelf display box. This may be a must have replica of the year