Tanfoglio Gold Custom - 4.5mm BB review: BIG!

[luckythirteen]

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, as soon as I saw this pistol reviewed in Air Gunner magazine, I knew I had to have it. So this morning I went and picked one up! Onto the review: (Apologies for the orientation of some pics. Photobucket isn't playing nice).

The outer box is typical of KWC, with fancy graphics and lots of info. I found the 'caution' box particularly interesting in the top left corner. It says to only use Swiss Arms BB's, as other brands have larger tolerances so may jam the action. Other than that, it's a nice sturdy box.

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Flipping the lid, we see the user manual, pistol and box of BB's (interestingly made by Cybergun, not Swiss Arms). Under the BB's are two allen keys, one for the screws on the weaver rail, the other for the CO2 plug in the magazine. The manual is extremely basic, but covers most things.

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Taking the pistol out, the first thing you notice is the weight. It really does feel heavier than even an Umarex Beretta 92, but feels very solid.

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Flipping it over, you can see the little charging knob on the slide, and strangely, four threaded holes just like the other side, except the rail won't fit on this side. .177 is marked on the chamber, as is KWC, made in Taiwan and the serial number. All markings feel quite deeply engraved and filled with white paint.

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Pulling the slide with an empty mag keeps it locked back, and can be flicked forward with the slide release catch. When the slide is back, the barrel tips up, as I've seen before on Airsoft Western Arms models. Pleasingly, the chamber opens up, rather than the cover being moulded into the slide.

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Pulling the slide back, making the barrel tip up, I'm almost certain that it's only the outer barrel moving. Looking into the muzzle, the actual inner barrel looks to stay still.

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Also, while the slide is back, I can see something else interesting. You can see the threaded bar on the charging handle screws into a rear sight base. There is even a tiny little rotational arrow with an 'L' on the side of it. The strange part is that there is no way of attaching a front sight. I can only assume that this is a modified version of the limited model which has open sights.

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Dropping the magazine with the generously sized mag release button, the weight of this also hits you as it's mostly metal too. You can see the large CO2 plug on the bottom and the cutout for a CO2 bulb.

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Loading the magazine isn't the easiest thing to do for the first few times. Unlike most mags of this type, there is no horizontal slot that you can slip the follower into once the spring is pulled down. You certainly need to use a strong thumbnail to keep it held right down as you load. The first time I loaded it, I found it quite difficult to squeeze BB's into the plastic part at the top, but it does become easier over time. They end up sitting in a double stacking position, like real high capacity magazines found on Glocks etc. Loading CO2 is very easy, and the plug only needs a sight twist to pierce the bulb. It would be nicer to not have to use an allen key, but on the flip side it looks very neat.

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Pushing the mag back in is extremely easy, and can be done quickly without paying much attention to it due to the very large mag well.

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Although there is nothing in the instructions regarding removing the slide, it can be done as per real 1911 type pistols. Just pull the slide back until it locks, pull it back a touch further while pushing the pin on the opposite side of the slide release and remove the catch. The slide will then come right forward and off.

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Underside of slide.

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I can't give a fair shooting test until my sight has been delivered, which will take a while as I've only just ordered it from Japan. I wanted a small reflex sight, so went for a replica of the EOTech Zombie Stopper. I've seen high res pictures and videos of it in action and it certainly looks impressive for the price. I won't post a pic, but Google can help you out.

Of course, I'm not waiting weeks to see how it shoots so I had a little plink without sights. First shot: WOW! Strong, snappy blowback without throwing you off too much. 2nd, 3rd, 4th shots, action cycled but no BB. This is the only time it's happened which I will put down to the very tight plastic part holding the BB in place. It's now much better after a few shots. It's not excessively noisy either, producing more of a loud phut than a crack.

I can feel a slight blast of air on my hand with every shot, which appears to be coming from the right hand safety catch due to the presence of oil after the first mag. It's not a problem, but did make me wince slightly until I got used to it. Power is impressive for a BB gun. I always thought my CP99 compact was quite snappy, but this punches twice as many pages of a book (scientific I know!)

So far, only two downsides I've found if I'm being extremely picky. The finish of the grey paint isn't perfect. There are shallow marks in various places, and the end of the beavertail has very tiny chips, but you have to look in the right light to notice most. Also, when the slide blows back, the hammer only just touches the frame and has started chipping the paint after two mags.

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Other than that, I'm extremely pleased for the price I paid. It's the most solid feeling air pistol I've ever held and looks very smart. I'll add to the review when my sight comes (which I'm rather excited about).

Just as a side note, while researching it, I was reminded of a Hong Kong made film that I have, which seems appropriate to mention. It's called Double Tap, and centres around race guns and IPSC. It's packed full of action, has loads of real race guns and a few air pistols, as well as loads of action! The making of parts on the extras are fascinating too, going quite in depth into IPSC and race guns.

I don't think I've missed anything, but feel free to let me know if I have

[gingernut]

Tighten the rail now and again as all the excitement loosens the screws especially the top ones.

I find this pistol quite remarkable for the money.
It seems to like being shot one handed and has good power and real accuracy.
I dont like red dot sights but this one is the exception to my rule.

[xx.Morph.xx]

I bought 1 of these.....then I bought 3 more...well tbh 2 ltd custom & another Gold Custom 1 of each flavour 6mm & 4.5mm
much better than the race gun IMHO both mechaniclly & athetically (SP)
The half hight slide means a quad tap against the plates it wel under 1s

[Gunscrossed]

Great review!, I also have one of each Limited and Gold Custom, both in 6mm. Just need some spare mags now.

[wetsparks]

Hi, new to site but not guns.

I also have a Gold Custom in my collection and as you say a great gun for the money. Some tips I have picked up along the way. Don't over fill the mag. The follower has a habit of catching on the side of the slot if you do, this causes the fire one or two round and then no BB's coming out. This means you have to drop the mag and release the follower. If you keep to around 16 BB's this problem is sorted.

For shooting IPAS they don't like you using steel BB's. Gamo lead BB's just jam the action horribly. H & N copper coated lead BB's work just fine and are a little heavier than the steel ones.

As well as keeping an eye on the scope mount screws you also need to check the grub screw that holds the compensator in place as this habit of coming loose too.

[Oshea]

Thanks for posting it gives me something to consider while Im looking to purchase my first pistol

[pakelly]

Hi I bought on of these for my father as a christmas present and I have to say its brilliant.

Is he wants to get into HFT hes looking to get rid of it to part fund a HFT setup.

Could anyone tell me if you have a for sale section on the forum.

Many thanks
Phil

[jalan01]

Can anyone help regarding getting spare mag's for these please.. 6mm seems not to be a problem, but nobody, as far as my searching goes, stocks the 4.5mm??? Been tryin' everywhere
thanks..