The Umarex Glock 17 Blowback .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is an air pistol that stands out for its remarkable build quality and realistic design, making it an appealing choice for both airgun enthusiasts and Glock fans alike. This air pistol is designed to replicate the look and feel of the iconic Glock 17, one of the most popular handguns in the world. Whether you are using it for target practice, training, or just for fun, this BB gun offers a satisfying shooting experience that closely mirrors the real thing. Let’s take a closer look at the Umarex Glock 17 Blowback Air Pistol, exploring its specifications, features, and suitability for various users based on customer reviews.
Detailed Specifications:
- Caliber: .177 caliber (commonly referred to as 4.5mm)
- Action: Blowback action with single and semi-automatic firing modes
- Power Source: 12-gram CO2 cartridges (CO2 NOT included)
- Propulsion: Smoothbore barrel
- Magazine Capacity: 18-round magazine
- Velocity: Up to 410 fps (feet per second) with standard weight BBs (manufacturer’s specifications) – Actual velocity may vary based on CO2 pressure and BB weight.
- Sighting System: Fixed sights with white dots for improved visibility
- Safety: Internal safety trigger and manual safety lever
- Material: Polymer frame with metal slide
- Grip: Textured ergonomic grip for improved control
- Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
- Overall Length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
Features and Functionality:
- Near-Exact Replica: Licensed by Glock, the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback boasts a design that closely resembles the real Glock 17 pistol. This includes features like a textured grip with interchangeable backstraps for a customized fit, a functioning slide release, and a realistic weight distribution. For Glock owners or those familiar with the platform, this replica allows for safe and affordable practice of proper form and operation (with proper safety precautions). Amazon reviewers consistently praise the realistic look and feel of the air pistol.
- Blowback Action: The blowback action is another feature that adds to the realism of this BB gun. Each time you fire, the slide cycles back, mimicking the operation of a real firearm. This feature not only enhances the shooting experience but also helps with training by simulating the recoil you would experience with an actual Glock 17. The semi-automatic action allows for rapid shooting, making it an excellent choice for target practice or tactical drills.
- Single and Semi-Automatic Firing Modes: The Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback offers both single and semi-automatic firing modes. The single-action mode allows for precise shot placement, while the semi-automatic mode enables rapid fire, ideal for drills or plinking fun. Users appreciate the versatility of the dual firing modes, catering to both target practice and rapid-fire scenarios.
- CO2 Power Source: The Umarex Glock 17 is powered by a standard 12g CO2 cartridge, which is housed in the magazine. This power source provides consistent velocity, allowing the BB gun to shoot at around 365 feet per second. The CO2 system is easy to use, and replacing cartridges is a quick process. On average, a single CO2 cartridge can provide up to 50-60 shots, depending on shooting conditions.
- 18-Round Magazine: The BB gun comes with an 18-round drop-free metal magazine, which holds both the BBs and the CO2 cartridge. The magazine is designed to replicate the double-stack design of a real Glock magazine, adding another layer of realism to the gun. Reloading the magazine is straightforward, and the drop-free design allows for quick and easy magazine changes during shooting sessions.
- Fixed Sights: The fixed sights with white dots offer a simple and functional aiming solution for close-range target practice and plinking. While not adjustable, they provide a clear sight picture for casual shooting. Users seeking long-range precision might consider adding aftermarket sights.
Who is the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback For?
Based on various customer reviews, the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback .177 caliber BB gun air pistol is ideal for:
- Glock Enthusiasts: The near-exact replica design allows Glock owners to practice proper form and operation in a safe and affordable way (with proper safety precautions in place). This is a great option for familiarization and muscle memory training.
- Plinkers: The combination of realistic design, blowback action, and decent magazine capacity makes the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback a fun and engaging choice for casual target practice and plinking sessions.
- Responsible Training (with proper safety precautions): The realistic design and controls of the Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 Blowback can be beneficial for familiarization training purposes (with proper safety precautions in place).
Conclusion
The Umarex Glock 17 Blowback .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is a top-tier choice for anyone looking for a realistic and reliable air pistol. Its authentic design, blowback action, and solid build quality make it a standout in its category. Whether you are a Glock enthusiast, an airgun collector, or someone looking for a reliable training tool, this BB gun delivers on all fronts. It offers a shooting experience that is as close to the real thing as you can get without using live ammunition.
If you’re in the market for an air pistol that combines realism, performance, and quality, the Umarex Glock 17 Blowback BB Gun is an excellent choice. Its realistic design, ease of use, and overall performance make it a worthwhile investment. Don’t miss out on the chance to own this impressive piece of equipment.
Umarex GLOCK 17 Blowback .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol, Gen3
Umarex Glock 17 Blowback Air Pistol Gen3 vs. Gen4 vs. Gen5: A Comparison
The Umarex Glock 17 Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 BB guns are replicas of the different generations of the Glock 17 firearm, each reflecting the design and features of their respective versions. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 models:
1. Frame Design and Texture
- Glock 17 Gen3:
- The Gen3 model features a simple and smooth grip texture with finger grooves on the front strap. These grooves are intended to provide a more secure grip but can be less comfortable for some users with varying hand sizes.
- The grip backstrap is fixed and not customizable.
- Glock 17 Gen4:
- The Gen4 model introduces a more aggressive and enhanced grip texture, known as the RTF (Rough Textured Frame), providing better control and a more secure hold.
- The Gen4 also includes removable backstraps, allowing users to customize the grip size to fit their hand better. This modular backstrap system is a significant improvement over the fixed backstrap of the Gen3.
- Glock 17 Gen5:
- The Gen5 model further refines the grip by removing the finger grooves, offering a smoother front strap that accommodates a wider range of hand sizes and grips.
- The grip texture remains aggressive like the Gen4, and the backstrap system is retained, offering the same customization options.
2. Slide and Barrel
- Glock 17 Gen3:
- The Gen3 model features a standard slide design without any front serrations. The barrel and slide are more traditional, with a standard rifling pattern and finish.
- Glock 17 Gen4:
- The Gen4 slide remains largely similar to the Gen3, but it may have some updates in terms of internal components for improved durability. Like the Gen3, it does not have front slide serrations.
- Glock 17 Gen5:
- The Gen5 model introduces a few changes to the slide, including the addition of front serrations, making it easier to manipulate the slide from the front.
- The barrel in the Gen5 is a “Glock Marksman Barrel” (GMB) with enhanced rifling and improved accuracy over previous generations.
3. Magazine and Capacity
- Glock 17 Gen3:
- The Gen3 BB gun model typically comes with a standard magazine of 18-round.
- Glock 17 Gen4:
- The Gen4 model features a slightly updated magazine design of 18-round , compatible with earlier versions but with minor enhancements for better feeding and reliability.
- Glock 17 Gen5:
- The Gen5 model comes with a standard magazine of 21-round and introduces an ambidextrous magazine release, meaning the magazine release can be switched to either side, catering to both left- and right-handed shooters. This is a significant update over the Gen3 and Gen4.
4. Trigger and Safety
- Glock 17 Gen3:
- The Gen3 trigger system is consistent with Glock’s Safe Action design, featuring a trigger safety but lacking some of the refinements found in later generations.
- Glock 17 Gen4:
- The Gen4 trigger is similar to the Gen3 but might have slight improvements in feel and reset due to internal updates.
- Glock 17 Gen5:
- The Gen5 trigger system has been refined for a smoother and more consistent pull, with an updated trigger spring assembly. The Gen5 also incorporates a more rounded and less pronounced slide lock lever on both sides of the gun, enhancing ambidextrous operation.
Umarex GLOCK 17 Blowback .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol, Gen3
The Umarex Glock 17 Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 BB guns each bring unique features that reflect the evolution of the Glock 17 design. The Gen3 is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional and straightforward design. The Gen4 adds enhanced grip texture and customization options, making it more versatile and comfortable for different users. The Gen5 incorporates the latest advancements, including a more refined trigger, improved slide design, and a more user-friendly magazine release.
Your choice between these models would depend on your preference for grip comfort, handling features, and the degree of realism you desire in a Glock replica.