Quote Originally Posted by Modski66 View Post
I think there are at least two definitions of realistic for existing replicas; does it look and feel realistic - eg Baikal Makarov, or does it look and operate in a realistic way - blow-back, lock-back on last shot etc, but lacks the realistic feel because of the materials it is made of.

If there ever was something that combined both, it would probably be too expensive for the mainstream consumer - or wouldn't fire pellets!
I agree with Mark, but think that realism when it comes to CO2 handguns falls into two slightly different categories; Firstly the revolvers - all metal, shell loading, fully functioning replicas and secondly, the autos - all metal (& polymer on newer replicas), full size mags, fully functioning (blow back, lock back on last shot etc.). Anything outside of these qualities is not an actual CO2 replica, more like a facsimile of the actual gun, it looks like the actual gun but unfortunately it does not function like the real gun so is not a replica by definition (function & form).

The only trouble with having real steel versions would be immediate Govt. clamp down and outlawing of them overnight as they would be too easy to convert to a real powder burning firearm (that's not my thoughts but that would be theirs, guaranteed), the knee jerk reaction in the media would bring unwarranted and undeserved attention to all us CO2 handgun owners. Next thing we know, we will all need to apply for a FAC and only be allowed to own just a handful of them rather than the substantially large collections that most of us already have in our possession. If you remember the Govt. compensation payments for handgun owners you'd be only too familiar with the pittance they would probably give us for handing in our 'prized' collection pieces. So, I'm happy the way things are at the moment, things are generally moving in the right direction when it comes to CO2 handguns, what with using CO2 handguns stateside being used for a safer alternative to firearms training, which has seen a recent increase in the CO2 replica autos with their full sized drop out mags, blowback & lock back on last shot operation and what with the increasing popularity of the airsoft gaming industry, we are set to see some more growth in the CO2 handgun world as a result.