|
Backyard Marksmanship
| Review: Walther PPK/S CO2 (1of2) |
phollowaysdeadred (32/M/Middlesex,UK) |
12/18/1999 07:44 pm EST |
|
First Impressions The Walther Mod. PPK/S CO2-Air pistol is a compact, well-weighted air pistol that faithfully duplicates the looks and the handling of its cartridge firing namesake. The only major change to the lines from the self-defence pistol is a wing nut for tightening the CO2 capsule up, where the magazine base should be. The markings on the left-hand side of the slide from the muzzle to the hammer reads: �WALTHER� in the classic scroll, followed by two lines of text. The first line reads �Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do.�, the second line reads �Modell PPK/S Cal.4,5mm/.177 BB�. In the Umarex tradition, the true font style has been used. On the right-hand side of the slide from hammer to muzzle reads: A �F� in a pentagon, below which is written �Umarex GmbH + Co.KG�. Then taking up the entire space on the slide between the �ejection� port and the muzzle is written, �WARNING:Before using read Owner�s Manual available free from Umarex/Germany.�. Below this is a neatly stamped serial number. The grips are well made black plastic, both of which have the classic �WALTHER� scroll emblazoned on them. The pistol itself is cast alloy, probably aluminium and is well finished in an even satin black coating. How to Operate Remove the stick magazine by pushing the button located behind the trigger on the left-hand side of the frame and withdrawing the magazine at the same time. Then load a 12gram CO2 capsule by first removing the left-hand grip plate by levering off. Then unscrew the capsule retention wing nut and place a 12gram capsule into the grip frame. Replace the left-hand grip plate and tighten the wing nut until resistance is felt. Load 15 4.5mm (.177in) steel BBs into the stick magazine and insert the magazine into the pistol. You can now retract the slide to its rearward position and release to cock the hammer or simply thumb the hammer back instead. The trigger is single-action only, the hammer must be cocked to fire. Pressure on the trigger will now fire a BB out of the barrel and retract the slide to cock the hammer for the next shot, just like a true semi-automatic pistol. Continue to operate the trigger until the magazine or the CO2 capsule is exhausted. After the last shot is fired, the magazine follower will hold the slide open to indicate that no more shots are available. In Use The pistol�s generous weight is balanced neutrally on your middle finger. It points naturally very well, but with a very slight nose down attitude. The sights, despite their size, give a good picture. The trigger blade is grooved and is surprisingly broad at 8mm (5/16in). The trigger has two stages, the first stage of 8mm (5/16in) is simply the take up of the transfer bar onto the sear assembly. The second stage is a 2mm (1/13in) smooth, rolling creep that is predictable in use. The trigger break feels surprisingly light, but is in fact 850grams (14oz). The slide operation is very quick, so much so that you do not see the movement, simply you just feel the action work with the sudden changes of balance and hear the �clack, clack� of the slide hitting it�s stops. Safety The radial safety catch on the rear of the left-hand side of the frame, where a PPK/S owner might expect it, is simply a part of the slide casting to keep with the realism of this look-alike. The real safety catch is located on the right hand side of the frame, behind the trigger. It is manually operated and disconnects the trigger transfer bar from operating the sear assembly. Additionally there is a sear notch on the hammer that prevents the hammer from hitting the valve unless the trigger is pulled to the rear at the same time as the hammer drops. Performance With the 5.5 grain BBs, the typical velocity achieved was 260 feet per second. This calculates to about 0.83 foot/pounds (1.12 Joules) muzzle energy. Accuracy over 15 shots, rested two handed was 51mm (2 in) centre to centre at 15 feet. 3 shots spoiled this group, 12 shots of the group achieved 28.5mm (1 1/9 in) C-T-C. Point of impact was 51mm (2 in) low of aim. From a full CO2 capsule, I fired 90 shots before there was insufficient power to throw the slide fully to the rear to allow the magazine follower to keep the slide open on the last shot. However, only after 150 shots did the slide start to fail to cock the hammer, velocity had dropped to 245 fps. After 180 shots, the slide would not cock the hammer, velocity had dropped to 210 fps. The hammer can still be thumbed back manually at this point. Up to a total of 225 shots can be taken before the velocity has dropped to a lowly 70 fps. I would guess that an impressive 200 usable shots could be had out of a CO2 capsule. Power source used: Crosman Copperhead 12gram Powerlet Ammunition used: Daisy Golden Bullseye B-B Special Feature The pistol has a �field strip� facility incorporated into the design. By swinging down the trigger guard and holding it there, you can then pull the slide right back and lift it off of the frame. Manufacturers Technical Data Overall length: 155mm (6 1/10 in) Weight: 560grams (1lb 3 �oz) Muzzle velocity: 90m/sec (295fps) Barrel length: 89.5mm (3 �in) Sights: Fixed post and notch, sight base of 108.5mm (4 9/32 in) Final Comments This pistol is an excellent replica of a Walther PPK/S. It is ideally suited to anyone who wanted to have the real thing, but did not want the problems of firearm ownership or was not legally allowed pistol ownership. It is also suitable for those with a Walther PPK/S and wished to practice away from an authorised range, such is the accuracy of the feel. On its down side is its limited accuracy beyond 20 feet. For similar money you could buy a pellet firing 8 shot CO2 pistol with a rifled barrel, but it wouldn�t have �WALTHER PPK/S� written on it, which says a lot, and means you have missed the point of this replica. I believe this could become a future classic. |
| View Replies to this Message |
Back to the Yahoo!Club