In addition to the late 19th and early to mid-20th century classics recreated in air gun form and featured in this article, there are also some Cold War era-inspired options out there for all of you Communist Bloc fans.
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From the early post-war Russian model of the Makarov Model 1951 to the unique Stetchkin APS, there is something here for all of the “fellow travelers” out there!
Gletcher PM 1951
The Pistolet Makarova or PM 1951 was originally issued to Soviet officers. The Gletcher copy of the famous 9x18mm Makarov PM 1951 pneumatic pistol was designed to duplicate the original with great attention to detail, and by using all-metal construction the weight, balance and realistic feel have been preserved. Operating the PM1951 air pistol resembles the original by loading a magazine and racking the slide to the rear to chamber the first round.
The PM 1951’s blowback action adds yet another level of authenticity to shooting this air pistol. It comes with one full-sized magazine that holds 16 .177-caliber BBs. Concealed within the magazine is the channel for the air pistol’s 12-gram CO2 capsule. This helps center the weight, improve the pistol’s balance in the hand and also allows for authentic magazine loading. Average velocity for the PM 1951’s projectiles is 329 fps.
Gletcher Stetchkin APS
The metal-bodied APS is the first pneumatic reproduction of this legendary Soviet model. The 9x18mm-caliber handgun was developed in the mid-20th century, particularly for soldiers who did not carry an automatic weapon or carbine but needed a strong and reliable weapon. The combat effectiveness of the APS was provided through its high-capacity 20-round magazine, its 5.5-inch barrel length and its select-fire capability.
Although the Gletcher air pistol is not equipped with a select-fire option, its overall design holds true to its original model. The APS has the identical 36.8-ounce carry weight and measures 8.875 inches in overall length. Its powerful blowback action and realistic slide response give the APS a high level of authenticity. The magazine holds 22 .177-caliber BBs that deliver an average
velocity of 361 fps.
Umarex Makarov Ultra
Using a one-piece CO2 and BB magazine for authentic loading, the classic lines of the Russian Makarov, complete with the plastic grips emblazoned with a Russian star, delivers the weight (24 ounces) and balance of the real 9x18mm pistol designed by Nikolai Makarov in 1951.
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Intended to replace the aging Tokarev TT-33, the pistol was “essentially” a Russian version of the Walther PP. The Makarov remained in use by the Soviet military and police for over half a century, and it is still popular throughout the world. The Umarex air pistol features an all-metal blowback action and a capacity of 16 BBs.
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