Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

4 Air Guns For Your Next Training Session

Dennis Adler by Dennis Adler
July 14, 2022
in Guns
0
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols

They may look like cartridge-firing 1911s, but these air pistols are built for .177 BBs. Clockwise from top left: Crosman's GI 1911 BB in a World War Supply U.S. M7 holster; the Remington 1911 RAC; the Winchester Model 11K, and the Umarex Colt Commander.

0
SHARES
13
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols
They may look like cartridge-firing 1911s, but these air pistols are built for .177 BBs. Clockwise from top left: Crosman’s GI 1911 BB in a World War Supply U.S. M7 holster; the Remington 1911 RAC; the Winchester Model 11K, and the Umarex Colt Commander.
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI
The Remington 1911 RAC and Crosman GI 1911 both feature early-style hammers and sights. The Crossman, however, has a unique DA/SA trigger system and a manual safety on the right side of the frame. The Crosman also has real checkered, diamond-pattern wood grips.
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt commander
Practicing with 1911 air pistols should include proper carry methods and familiarization with drawing the firearm from concealment, attaining a proper grip, releasing the thumb safety and acquiring the sights.

air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt commander air pistol
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt commander air guns
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt commander target

air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, air power pistol
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt
air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt pistol

Winchester Model 11K, winchester air gun, air guns
Winchester Model 11K
Crosman GI Model 1911BBb, crosman, air guns

My very first handgun was a World War II-era Model 1911, and I could not hit the broad side of a barn with it! Fortunately, there were very few barns where I lived in the Southern California desert, but there was this wonderful sand berm just outside of town that folks used as a shooting range on weekends, and it was there, over time, that I became proficient with the Model 1911.

The cost of that training experience, even in the late 1960s, wasn’t cheap. Over time, I improved my motor skills and muscle memory by practicing draws and firing routines—exercises that include the swift but well-timed release of the thumb safety, placement of the trigger finger, activation of the slide and magazine releases, reloading, releasing the slide and reacquiring the target after each shot. I wish back then that I knew what I know now and that there had been air pistols like the Umarex Colt Commander and Remington 1911 RAC. With these air guns, I could have learned a lot for just pennies on the dollar!

In terms of training exercises, there are numerous advantages to using 1911-style air pistols, as these duty-sized handguns operate the same way as a cartridge-firing Colt .45 ACP. Specific training regimens can be practiced with these “blowback” air pistols, right down to loading the magazine, chambering the first round and pulling the trigger. This also helps to improve skills such as trigger control and sight acquisition, particularly with this type of air pistol because the slides on the Umarex Colt Commander and Remington 1911 RAC actually function with each shot. All that is missing is recoil, and you can see the results of your efforts with .177-caliber BBs on your target for only pennies, rather than the cost of .45 ACP ammunition.

Gaining familiarity with a cartridge-firing pistol and its operation by using a perfectly matched air pistol is affordable and efficient, ideal for youth or remedial training, and there’s also just the plain fun of it. Once you shoot a live-action BB gun, it’s hard to stop until you run out of CO2, and, best of all, most top-quality 1911 models retail for less than $150.

Classic Style

air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt

The Umarex Colt Commander and Remington 1911 RAC (both are manufactured in Taiwan and share identical features) are the most exact in detail and operation to a 1911. The Umarex and Remington models are fully licensed products and are accurate down to the smallest details. Closely duplicating the physical appearance, weight and balance of the cartridge-firing models, the Colt Commander and Remington 1911 RAC pistols operate with the power of a single 12-gram CO2 capsule contained within the magazine (rather than inserted separately into the grip frame). In addition to the CO2 capsule, the precisely sized 1911-style magazine also contains a channel for 18 steel, .177-caliber BB rounds. Extra magazines can be purchased and used for tactical reload drills.

RELATED STORY: 7 Compact Replica Air Pistols by Umarex

In a blowback-operated air pistol, the CO2 capsule performs two functions, propelling a BB downrange at an average velocity of 325 fps and operating the recoil of the slide to recock the hammer and chamber the next BB. Each pistol’s all-metal construction (including the magazine) provides a hefty feel in the hand (34 ounces), approximating the weight of a real 1911.

The Umarex model, which sells for $122, features a modern skeletonized trigger and Commander-style hammer, three-dot sights, a checkered/raised mainspring housing and diamond-checkered plastic grips as well as a fully operational beavertail safety, thumb safety and slide release.

The Remington 1911 RAC, priced at $129, features an early-style 1911 hammer and trigger, early-style front and rear sights and checkered, wood-finished grips. During WWI and WWII, Remington manufactured Colt Model 1911s to meet U.S. military demands, and today Remington manufactures its R1 series of 1911s and lends its name to the air pistol version. Both models have military lanyard rings at the bottom of the backstrap. Every aspect of handling these 1911 air pistols is a training experience.

Warhorse Variants

air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI
The Remington 1911 RAC and Crosman GI 1911 both feature early-style hammers and sights. The Crossman, however, has a unique DA/SA trigger system and a manual safety on the right side of the frame. The Crosman also has real checkered, diamond-pattern wood grips.

There are also several special versions of the Colt 1911, including the KWC Tanfoglio Witness, which features a raised/checkered mainspring housing, an early-style Colt hammer and original-style sights. One of the most authentic 1911 blowback action air pistols is the Gletcher CLT 1911. This new model features a 1911A1-style hammer, sights, and thumb safety, along with the circa-1924 raised mainspring housing, and a lanyard loop. This model retails for $150. Lastly there is the Blackwater tactical version with a dust cover accessory rail, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, and a Blackwater-stylized slide. It also retails for $200. These models are identical in operation to the Colt and Remington and are available through Pyramyd Air.

RELATED STORY: Exclusive Video – Test-Firing 3 Select-Fire Air Pistol Replicas

One of the oldest names in air pistols is Crosman. This fabled American brand offers a full-action 1911 called the GI Model 1911BBb. This model also features a blowback action, however the Crosman is a unique design with a separate BB reservoir that holds 20 BBs delivered downrange at an average velocity of 450 fps. The exterior is based on the early GI-issued 1911s and has a fixed rear sight and a small, early-style front sight. Not quite as accurate in detail, the 1911BBb does not offer all of the working features of the Colt or Remington. Instead, it uses a different-style magazine; a flat, smooth mainspring housing; an oversized DA/SA trigger; and a non-functioning 1911-style thumb safety. Crosman adds a manual safety of its own design on the right side of the frame that is set and released by the trigger finger. With a suggested retail price of $100, the GI Model 1911BBb is also the least expensive.

Winchester Model 11K, winchester air gun, air guns
Winchester Model 11K

The Winchester Model 11K, which is manufactured in Japan and licensed by Winchester, uses yet another variation of the blowback design. Priced at $150, the Winchester 11K is the deluxe version with a matte black slide and matte cast alloy frame. The airgun features a traditional raised palm swell and beavertail grip safety, a full-sized thumb safety and slide release, an early-style hammer and a serrated trigger, all of which are brightly finished. The most important difference between this design and the Umarex 1911s is Winchester’s traditional placement of the CO2 capsule in the grip frame and a separate stick-type carrier for BBs. Like the Crosman, the Winchester design eliminates the possibility of using the air pistol for tactical reload practice.

Airing Them Out

air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt commander
Practicing with 1911 air pistols should include proper carry methods and familiarization with drawing the firearm from concealment, attaining a proper grip, releasing the thumb safety and acquiring the sights.

To do a full training set, I decided to go old school and wear a World War Supply U.S. M7 shoulder holster like the one William Holden wore in The Wild Bunch. Drawing the Remington air pistol from the shoulder rig, I went through the entire procedure, from loading the magazine to working the slide, setting the safety, holstering, drawing, releasing the safety, acquiring the target and firing. I also practiced magazine changes. I repeated these exercises with the Umarex Colt Commander using a Galco Combat Master belt holster. Doing these practice regimens will help anyone become familiarized with the proper handing and operation of a 1911.

RELATED STORY: 16 Air Guns to Keep Your Skills Polished and Your Training Cheap

air gun, air guns, air pistol, air pistols, remington 1911 RAC, Crosman 1911 GI, umarex colt commander target

With a target placed out at 25 feet, the accuracy of the Remington 1911 RAC and Umarex Colt Commander was consistent throughout five complete reloads (90 shots). The best average 10-shot group measured 1.87 inches with the Colt Commander. While the trigger pull is light and recoil nonexistent, this is still good training practice for handling the 1911 and reacquiring the sights after the slide closes.

Training is essential for concealed carry. If a Colt 1911 was my personal preference for a concealment sidearm, having one of these highly accurate Umarex 1911 air pistols for practice drills would be an excellent low-cost option for any training regimen short of live ammo target practice. With an average price of $125, the cost of just five boxes of .45 ACP Winchester 230-grain FMJ ammunition would easily pay for one of these live-action air pistols!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Crosman
http://www.crosman.com

Pyramyd Air
http://www.pyramydair.com

Remington Air Guns
http://www.remingtonairguns.com

Umarex
http://www.umarexusa.com

Winchester Air Rifles
http://www.winchesterairrifles.com

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

pocket pistol, pocket pistols, concealed carry handguns, concealed carry handgun, concealed carry pistol, concealed carry pistols

Best Pocket Pistols for Personal Defense [2022]

The Benjamin Gunnar PCP Air Rifle.

The Benjamin Gunnar PCP High-Capacity Air Rifle Chambered in .22 or .25

The Crosman C362 Pump-Action Pneumatic.

Crosman C362 Pump-Action Pneumatic Air Rifle for Bug Out and Defense

Remington Arms offer $33 million to Sandy Hook plaintiffs.

Remington Arms Co Offers $33 Million Settlement in Sandy Hook Suit

Load More

PERSONAL DEFENSE WORLD VIDEOS

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

Study Proves the Good Guy with a Gun Theory.

Good Guy with a Gun: Study of CCW Holders Stopping Mass Shootings

Following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, gun control advocates have taken the anti-gun narrative to a fever pitch. They insist...

Read more

TRENDING

DeSantis launched 15 carry fits for the Taurus G3C.

DeSantis Unveils 15 Different Fits for the Taurus G3C Pistol

...

Taurus 605 TORO and 856 TORO Revolvers.

Taurus Releases New Optics Ready 605 TORO and 856 TORO Revolvers

...

pocket pistol, pocket pistols, concealed carry handguns, concealed carry handgun, concealed carry pistol, concealed carry pistols

Best Pocket Pistols for Personal Defense [2022]

...

concealed carry, concealed carry handguns

Top 13 Compact 1911 Handguns for Concealed Carry

...

PICK A CATEGORY

CONCEALED CARRY SPOTLIGHT

gun drawing tips techniques

Tips & Tricks for a Fast Gun Draw

You have the right gun. Your cutting-edge holster is made with some lightweight, futuristic material. Your belt is even specially made to carry your...

CONCEALED CARRY SHOWCASE

21 Red-Dot Optics at SHOT Show 2023.

21 new Red-Dot Optics Sighted at SHOT Show 2023

A Perfect Example of Why Gun Control Doesn’t Work.

15-Year-Old in St. Louis Proves Why Gun Control Doesn’t Work

Concealed Carry Holsters and More for Women from SHOT Show 2023.

Concealed Carry Holsters and More for Women from SHOT Show 2023

The Beretta 80X Cheetah.

The Beretta 80X Cheetah: Rounds Downrange Before SHOT Show 2023

The FightLite SCR Bandito Pistol.

Shot at SHOT Show: The FightLite SCR Bandito Pistol in 5.56 or 300BLK

Are Switchblades Illegal?

Are Switchblades Legal to Carry in the United States?

Two New Concealed Carry Pistols from Rock Island Armory.

Two New Rock Island Armory Concealed Carry Pistols at SHOT Show

The GPO Spectra Reflex Sight.

GPO Debuts Spectra Reflex Sight at SHOT Show – Its First Reflex Optic

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Getting a Jump on SHOT Show 2023.

7 Personal Defense Related Products to Start SHOT Show 2023 Early

SHOT Show 2023 is almost here and the anticipation is killing us. Of course, the staff of Personal Defense World...

site logo
Gun News, Gun Reviews, and Self Defense Tips

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • View All Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.