As regular readers of this site will know, I’m a big fan of Umarex replicas. So, I’m delighted that at the IWA Outdoor Classics Show at Nuremberg on 7th March, Umarex have announced several new replica pistols which will be available over the next few months.
4.5mm BB pistols
2½”, 4″ and 6″ versions of the Python .357. 4″ version is also available in polished silver
The new model I’m probably most excited about is the Python .357 revolver, a replica of the Colt Python, arguably one of the best revolvers ever made. These CO2 powered replicas will be available as 2½”, 4″ and 6″ versions with black (2½”and 4″ only) or polished (4″ and 6″ only) finish. The overall shape looks close to the original (though it doesn’t quite replicate the hump-backed rear frame of the original) and these will feature fully moving cylinders, vented barrels, removable shell casings, a manual safety catch, speed loader and fully adjustable rear sights. The 4″ version weighs around 2.2 pounds, the 2½” version slightly less and the 6″ a little more. I really like revolver replicas and if these even come close to the quality and accuracy of the Umarex TRR8, they’ll be worth waiting for. Even if they do look very similar to the recently announced Swiss Arms .357 from Cybergun, I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these!
The new Walther PPS also look very interesting and this one will almost certainly be unique to Umarex. Based on the concealed-carry Walther Polizei-Pistole Schmal , this replica is a CO2 powered, blowback BB shooter featuring an “Enhanced Blowback System“, which is claimed to give a more powerful blowback without increasing CO2 usage. It features a metal slide, polymer frame and grip and a drop-out magazine which holds up to 18 BBs. The specification also notes an “integrated allen wrench in the backstrap for exchange of CO2 capsule” – so it sounds as if this may have a new CO2 tightening/piercing system. It’s a very compact pistol at just over 6″ in length, but still weighs a reasonable 1.3 pounds. If this is as much fun as the Umarex Walther CP99 Compact, it could be very special indeed.
The Colt M45 CQBP is a replica of a development of the venerable Colt 1911 produced as a Close Quarter Battle Pistol for the US Marine Corps. It’s an all-metal, CO2 powered, blowback BB shooter with a 19 round drop-out magazine. I don’t know if it features a working grip safety, but it is single action only and will be available in black or dark earth finish. Also featuring an under-barrel accessory rail, ambidextrous safety and grooved, memory beavertail. Another hefty replica at around 2 pounds in weight.
If you want one of the new Colt 1911 WWII Commemorative editions (and, let’s face it, you can never have too many 1911 replicas!), you’ll have to be quick – only 1000 will be produced. This an all-metal, CO2 powered, blowback replica of the Colt M1911A1 with a 19 round drop-out magazine and wood grips and is single action only.
It looks like a very similar to the KWC 1911, in which case it will be a very good replica indeed. The black finish has been aged to make it look like a survivor from World War Two, it weighs just over 2 pounds and each pistol will feature a unique serial number. I hope Umarex will also produce a non-aged version in larger quantities.
The IWI Jericho B is the first Umarex CO2 replica of a pistol from Israel Weapon Industries. It’s based on the IWI 9mm service pistol and features a movable metal slide (but no blowback), a working safety-catch, 23 round magazine and a double action trigger.
The Jericho B is a fairly new pistol, and as far as I’m aware, this is the first licensed replica, though I have also seen a similar looking Swiss-Arms Jericho from Cybergun.
Although it’s not mentioned in the Umarex IWA press release, another new Umarex BB replica was announced at the Shooting, Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show at Las Vegas in January. This is the PM Ultra Blowback Makarov pistol. It’s a CO2 powered, 4.5mm BB shooting blowback replica of the Makarov pistol with a drop-out 18 round magazine.
I believe this will be sold as part of the Umarex Legends series. I don’t know much about it other than that Umarex are claiming 400fps, which is impressive for a blowback Bb pistol. It does look very similar to the Gun Heaven Model 59 reviewed on this site, and I’m looking forward to trying one of these.
Also mentioned at SHOT was the Umarex Legends Mauser C96. This one seems to have been under development for some time, and I hope it will be available soon. It’s another CO2 powered, 4.5mm BB shooter with blowback and a 19 round drop-out magazine. Early pictures seemed to show an ugly extended plastic tip to the barrel, but more recent pics suggest something that looks a lot more like the original. Another one that I’m really looking forward to…
Pellet shooters
No new releases for fans of Umarex pellet shooters were announced, just a couple of cosmetic updates to existing models. The Beretta 92FS Sniper Grey looks to be identical to the existing Umarex 92FS, but comes in a matt dark grey finish. The Heckler & Koch P30 ODG is a replica of the H&K service pistol and appears to be identical to the existing Umarex HK P30, but features a frame and grip finished in olive drab.
6mm BB pistols
The new CO2 powered 6mm Legends .357 looks identical to the 4.5mm Colt Python, but only seems to be available in 2½” and 4″ form in black finish. The CO2 6mm IWI Jericho B appears to be identical to its 4.5mm counterpart other than for a reduced magazine capacity of 16 BBs. One interesting new 6mm arrival is the AEG Beretta M92 A1 Tactical. With a rechargeable battery concealed in the frame, this non-blowback electric replica features a (non-functioning) suppressor and single and full-auto fire modes. Mind you, with just 30 rounds in the magazine, you won’t be shooting for long in full-auto!
It’s a pity that there aren’t any new pellet shooters forecast for 2014, but some of the new BB replicas look very nice indeed. It’s particularly nice to see some additions to the Legends range and I hope to review some of these new products in the near future.
All pictures courtesy of Umarex Sportwaffen GmbH & Co. KG
Related pages:
Umarex Walther CP99 Compact review
Links
No details yet of when the new pistols will be available to buy, but information about all new products will be released on the Umarex website:
The Pistol Place 