Highest Velocity CO2 pistol Part 2
And the fastest BB
By Dennis Adler
Among the advantages with the G19X over the Third Gen G17 and Gen4 Glock versions is the improved white dot sights, which for the CO2 model, are very well regulated for POA without excessive aiming corrections often needed for fixed sights on CO2 pistols.
Can velocity carry the day? It depends upon the gun, the distance from the target, the ammo and the individual pulling the trigger. Certainly with long guns, the answer is yes, velocity can carry the day as it did back in the American West with rifles like the Sharps. Handguns played an entirely different role, then and now. Even in the military, the weapon of choice has always been a rifle or carbine, a handgun was more of a defensive weapon, a “sidearm” for use in close quarters, and that is still the role of the handgun in today’s military. Less so for law enforcement, where the handgun is the primary weapon both for defensive and offensive uses, and almost always at close distance. Putting this in terms of air pistols (as training guns) higher velocity means a straighter trajectory downrange with a .177 caliber steel BB fired from a smoothbore barrel at 21 feet. This, however, isn’t always enough.
Velocity is a very big part of how well a gun performs, but even a faster BB from a gun with so-so sights and a heavy trigger isn’t going to be that impressive. It’s just a fast miss. Holding over, holding under, correcting POA for windage with fixed sights is a constant issue, so when a model comes along that presents fewer or none of these problems, you have to applaud the manufacturer for doing the best possible job. We still criticize them for other things, like molded-in, non-functional parts and not being able to fieldstrip the gun like its centerfire counterpart, but with the G19X a lot of that pales in comparison to accuracy and performance. The Umarex Glock CO2 model has not disappointed. Then again, I’m right handed, and field stripping is great after you’re done shooting, so the G19X is done well enough in my book to make it worthwhile owning as both a training gun and a decent target pistol.
Both the new Gen5-based G19X and Gen4 G17 CO2 models fit the same holsters like this ASG Strike Force locking paddle holster. However, the G19X and Gen4 will not fit in injection molded holsters made for older style Third Gen models.
Pushing the limits
To bring this two-parter to a conclusion, the facts of the G19X are already established from the original test reviews and the 2019 Replica Air Pistol of the Year competition. It is a good example of higher than normal performance with a modest tradeoff. I think most of us can live with the gun’s few failings in order to have a BB pistol that consistently delivers tight groups at 21 feet. One reason for this is that the G19X is closing the distance from the muzzle to the target at a greater velocity than the overwhelming majority of comparable models which only have velocities between 310 fps and 320 fps. That extra 50 fps with a blowback action BB pistol is a lot, especially at only 21 feet from the target. Combine this with the right BBs and you have a tack driver. Picking the right tack is what will make this test worthwhile. Up to now, I have done my best work with the Umarex brand of polished steel BBs. Now, with equal velocity to the Umarex and a higher grade finish, the question at hand is will Daisy’s precision ground un-plated chromium steel Match Grade BBs deliver the best accuracy possible from the G19X?
The trigger on the G19X (and Third Gen G17) is a DA/SA design (not a Glock DAO) and always rests in the forward or ready to fire position. The Gen4 trigger is a Glock DAO (though some refer to it as an SAO) and when it is pulled and the gun is empty, it will sit further back in the triggerguard, as pictured, until the slide is cycled. In other words, if you load a magazine and do not rack the slide on the G19X and pull the trigger it still works because it is firing double action. After the first shot, what the slide action is doing is staging the trigger in a ready to fire condition (still forward) but with a slightly lighter pull and less stacking, but the same length of pull as fired double action. At 7 pounds, 2.5 ounces, it is a comparatively heavy pull, and with the narrow blade safety will tend to wear on your trigger finger after a few magazines. In my case after many more than that, and yes it will start to groove your finger tip. That is the one big advantage the Gen4 has over the G19X and Third Gen, a much smoother, lighter trigger pull.
With pellet-firing CO2 pistols it is comparatively easy to find an ideal pellet for a gun, most often in my tests it is RWS Meisterkugeln or H&N Sport Match Green that delivers the best combination of velocity and accuracy (the H&N obviously with higher velocity being alloy rather than lead pellets), but with BBs shot from smoothbore barrels, things are less precise since most blowback action guns shoot at around the same velocity and BBs generally do not differ that much from one brand to another. Now with a blowback action pistol capable of 376 fps the slight variances in BB quality or manufacturing begin to appear. There are differences in velocity between BBs shot from the G19X by as much as 10 fps. Not an “oh wow” difference, but with a gun that is already pushing steel balls at 50 fps greater to start, it becomes really obvious that one is performing better than another. The added attention paid by Daisy to their Match Grade BBs does provide a little more velocity compared to most other BBs, and equal to within 1 fps of the Umarex Precision, which is one of the best BBs on the market. The higher grade finish on the chromium steel Daisy BBs may also enhance accuracy (or better, consistency) from shot to shot, and with the higher velocity of the G19X produce the best groups possible with this CO2 pistol.
The purpose of this latest test of the G19X was to see if accuracy would be increased with the more costly Daisy Match Grade precision ground, un-plated chromium steel BBs. The answer, after several targets, the best of which is shown here, is yes, but by a very small margin compared to Umarex Precision steel BBs. That margin is a best 5-shot group of 0.53 inches with the Daisy; a mere 0.15 inches better than the best 5-shot group with Umarex, measuring 0.68 inches. In a points match the Daisy had a tighter group, but the Umarex had more in the Bullseye. That’s a variable you have to attribute to the shooter more likely than the gun, which proved itself extremely accurate with either BB.
My best target fired off hand from 21 feet using a two-handed hold put 10 Daisy Match Grade in the bullseye and 10 ring measuring 0.75 inches, with a fest five rounds at 0.53 inches. That’s 0.15 inches better than the Umarex for best five shot group. It’s a small difference, and there were actually more hits inside the red with the Umarex at 0.68 inches, while the overall spread with Umarex was 0.875 inches. The beauty of the G19X and its 376 fps average velocity is that this BB pistol can shoot accurately out to 10 meters. The final test then is at that distance fired off hand, which would be equivalent to more serious training with the 9mm pistol at close combat range. My best 10-shot group spread through the 10 ring, with two cutting the edge of the 10 and two in the bullseye, measured 2.0625 inches with a best five rounds at 1.0625 inches with the Daisy Match Grade BBs. Fired off hand, I’d be happy to do that with the 9mm GTX at 10 yards.
The key takeaway is that the G19X can do quite well with the Daisy Match Grade all the way out to 10 meters fired off hand. At roughly 10 yards, a centerfire pistol close quarter training distance, the air pistol can substitute for low cost practice. Yes, there is no recoil, well, there is, and about as much as you are apt to get from any blowback action CO2 pistol on the market today, so you do have a modest sensation of firing a handgun, and everything else feels close to the 9mm model.
The Takeaway
For a Compact semi-auto blowback action CO2 pistol, I don’t see a better gun than the Glock 19X for this kind of practice. Yes, the Springfield Armory XDM 3.8 is a more authentic pistol and nearly as accurate at 21 feet, but beyond that anything shooting at less than 350 fps isn’t going to hold accuracy out to 10 meters. The G19X was still aiming at 6 o’clock and still with about a 2-inch hold under. Yes, you read that right, under. Even at 10 meters the rounds are traveling with a very flat trajectory and POA is almost the same as at 21 feet. Certainly 10-ring accuracy would no doubt suffer, the G19X CO2 model will shoot out to 15 yards and retain center mass hits on a B-27 silhouette target and you can’t do that a with pistol shooting at 300 fps, at least not with the accuracy of the G19X.
Most of the faults with the G19X are secondary to its overall performance. To the negative, the trigger pull is heavier than it should be by about 2-pounds (that’s a lot), and if you are left handed, the non-functional right side slide release is a big disappointment, as well as not having a magazine release on the right side, but overall, this is one of the best training guns to come along. At around $100 you cannot go wrong, and if you are a Compact Glock owner, this one is a must. For those interested in learning how to handle a Glock, I would probably go with the new Gen4 G17 simply because of the correct trigger pull weight and feel, and the interchangeable backstraps, but those are the only advantages over the G19X.
A word about safety
Blowback action airguns provide the look, feel and operation of their cartridge-firing counterparts and this is one reason why they have become so popular. Airguns in general all look like guns, blowback action models more so, and it is important to remember that the vast majority of people can’t tell an airgun from a cartridge gun. Never brandish an airgun in public. Always, and I can never stress this enough, always treat an airgun as you would a cartridge gun. The same manual of operation and safety should always apply.
Hi Denis
Great MV review!
You must recall that the G19X was responsible for tearing up my right thumb a little last year. It has, more or less, healed and, although being a little gun shy for awhile and using a light weight cycling glove to protect the damaged area made the gun a little more difficult to shoot. I have started using it more lately with no problems.
A few things are noticeable now, mostly the strong recoil has diminished by quite a bit making the gun a lot nicer to shoot and a lot easier on my upper thumb. Hardly any frame or beavertail bite anymore. Muzzle velocity is still the same which leads me to think the valve and the other slippy parts needed more of a break in than other guns of this type!
Also, of note, if you are thinking of buying one of the polymer paddle holsters for this gun the PA stock # is PY-A-8025. It is the correct holster for the G19X.
And best of all – I’m rid of that darn glove!
Cheers
Red
Red:
I keep testing new guns, so I never have a chance to see what happens to recoil over an extended period. Has anyone else experienced a drop in felt recoil with the G19X CO2 model after extended use? What is your feeling about the trigger pull on the G19X since you have logged some serious trigger time?
Dennis
Denis
The G19X trigger is getting better. It’s another part of the gun that seems to want some serious breakin time. With just under 500 shots through it now the trigger still has that annoying hard break on the first shot on a fresh mag most of the time! Even after cocking the slide for the first shot! The hard break gives you that “huh” moment one out of every three shots or so and you have to be careful not to relax the trigger as you’ll just load another bb. That little G19X just doesn’t work well in shotgun mode!
After the first shot is done the trigger is almost pleasant to use now. Most of the ‘filled with gravel feeling is no longer there and you can pull through the break smoothly. Groups of about 1¼” to 1½” are fairly easy now after that first shot.
The tan mag that came with the gun has been shelved. The slide lock back on empty no longer works and it has jammed a couple times. Scary on a gun that can’t be field stripped. The replacement mag I’m useing is the Third Gen G17 mag with black floor plate. Seems to work just fine.
I think a breakin of 1000 shots may be necessary to get all the moving parts of this gun working together in unison.
We’ll see
Cheers
Red
I would like to see the pistol Umarex should have offered from day one. Gen 5 Glock 19, blowback , fully functional controls. Would prefer the non takedown with higher velocity.
That may be down the road after the G17 Gen5. Would be a logical entry to replace the first non-blowback G19 entry-level model first introduced by Umarex and Glock. Personally, I would like to see more of the models sold in Europe being offered here, since we know they are already in production.
The lack of European available models here and delayed availability of models have been sore points. Due to firearms restrictions there, the airgun market is huge. Doubt that will change unless our firearms rights continue to be eroded here. I hope we will be surprised in 2020. If notvwill squander some money on a 4 inch reinforced Colt Python
How well do you think the G19X would work for backyard action pistol out to 15 yards with Dust Devils or Smart Shot? …or is there a more suitable pistol – bb or pellet? (Revolvers not excluded).
Bob,
I like Dust Devils but they are not as accurate as a steel BB because of the design and slightly smaller size of the composite BB vs. a steel round. The G19X will no doubt slam a Dust Devil downrange at well over 380 fps, so 15 yards wouldn’t be a problem. I have shot steel BBs with the G19X at 15 yards and the gun does fairly well. Shooting 45 feet from the target with a blowback action CO2 BB pistol is always pushing the limits with most pistols because they are shooting at 310 to 320 fps. The G19X and G17 Third Gen are capable. If you move up to pellet pistols with alloy pellets, you can get in some very good practice at 15 yards with the Sig Sauer M17. Revolvers, I like the ASG Dan Wesson 715 with the 6-inch rifled barrel and pellet cartridges. Again, I would go with alloy pellets, I have had good results with H&N Sport Match Green alloy wadcutters. Lot’s of possibilities. Another fun thought might be the Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action. You can shoot alloy or lead pellets using the pellet cartridges from the Peacemakers and the rifle is great fun at 45 feet with reactive targets.
Dennis
Denis
In BB’s latest report of the M1 Airsoft Carbine he states – and I quote – ‘Is the upper handguard loose? Yes — just like the upper handguards on all the firearms!’
So, never having had an M1 in my hands before, this was news to me.
I, as a lot of people who have this gun, just thought it was a shoddy manufacturing process responsible for a bad fit. Instead thats just how they were built! That kind of detail in a replica is very welcome.
Now I have to unfix the mod I used to stabilize the upper handguard! Pretty easy as all I used were a couple of ⅞” dots cut from camo duck tape. They just pulled off and the gun was back to its original configuration in no time.
Cheers
Red
Red,
Handguards on the M1 were never really tight by virtue of the design and wear on wood and parts over time, however, the fit of the plastic handguard is really sloppy as far as I’m concerned and the M1 CO2 models with the wood stocks and handguard have a much better fit. It really doesn’t make any difference in how well the gun works; it is just something that irritated me. The wood stock feels nicer in the hands, but if you have already invested in the plastic stock version, if the fit of the handguard doesn’t bother you, then that’s fine.
Dennis
Hi Denis
So I brought the M1 back to original and found that, as you mentioned, the slop in the handguard was too annoying. The stabilizing camo dots were back on in 2 seconds. I found it too disconcerting having the hand guard move that much while trying to aim. Makes me wonder how the WWII guys handled this? Bubblegum maybe?
Having the gun on the bench I decided to touch up a few spots that were scratched or worn. Using Outers Gun Blue I started on the reciever area. I didn’t notice it at first but in a few places where I had swabbed the gun blue on bits of the lettering the white lettering turned black!!
I immediately swabbed all the lettering and logo except for the Serial# and US Carbine (which were dulled out anyways) on top of the breech.
A serendipitous find that got rid of all the ugly white lettering. The ink in the lettering must have a very high ferrous content.
If you place the gun in the right light you can still read the lettering and see the logo. Even feel it with your fingertips! It just doesn’t stand out anymore. Just the way I like it.
Cheers
Red