Beautifully Presented

I must say that the pistol on test here had rather gone under my radar, but when a friend declared that he had more than a passing interest in replica Western-style models, it set me looking in that direction. Those clever chaps at Umarex have inevitably come up trumps, and the Colt 45 Single Action Army revolver is a classic example of what they do best.

Authentic

My test gun was supplied in ‘Antique’ finish, which does add an air of authenticity, but if you prefer your pistols a bit more lairy, then good old shiny nickel is available, along with the rather more sober blued spec. Lovers of BBs are also catered for with their own model, though why you would opt for that, given their propensity for ricochets and reduced accuracy, I have no idea!

On test here is the version that fires pellets only, and the CO2-powered action and dummy bullet carriers, mean the specification is not only realistic when compared to a live Colt, but also super-compact, with the 12-gram CO2 capsule neatly stowed inside the grip.

First impressions

On opening the protective box for the first time, that super-slick antique action just looks the part. Everything is precisely made as you would expect from this German brand, and the visuals overall are impressive. My one gripe, as is so often the case with this style of pistol, is that those grips are just a little too plasticky and shiny, but I won’t dwell on them since everything else is so well executed. Pick it up and hold it in the aim, and the balance and feel (it weighs in at 2 lbs) is spot on.

Preparation

First up, we need to power the pistol, and this means removing the left side of the pistol grip. This is an easy task, simply achieved by inserting a fingernail in the indent on the base of the grip. The plastic grip side then just snaps off. Now we need to slacken the tensioning bolt in the base with the integral Allen key, which is fixed to the grip panel. I have to admit that during my first outing with this pistol, I was wondering how I managed to lose the Allen key, until I noticed this feature. Anyhow, it works a treat. Just drop the 12-gram CO2 capsule into its channel and gently tension the bolt. The capsule will then be pierced and will charge the system. Snap the grip back into place and its job done.

Next, we need to load up, and that means accessing the dummy bullets. Half cock the hammer, open the gate, and the cylinder should now be free to rotate clockwise. Twist it round to expose each chamber, and it is possible to insert a pellet here, into the rear of each bullet. Alternatively, let the bullets drop out (making sure you catch them rather than letting them fall on the floor!), and if any don’t fall out, a gentle prod with the spring-loaded ejector rod, will soon ease them. Prime each one with a pellet, then chamber each bullet in turn. Either way, the principle is simple, just make sure the pellet is a snug fit and sits flush at the surface of the bullet.

Home on the range

With everything ready and loaded, I couldn’t wait to get started, and with a target card set up at 10 yards, I was eager to see what this Colt could do. The open sights are neat and consist of a cast post up front and that groove that forms the rear notch at the back. If this was my pistol, then a tiny dab of Tipp-Ex or suchlike applied to the foresight would help the image, but that said, it all works well. The trigger is as the model’s name suggests, single action, and that means the hammer needs to be fully cocked before the trigger can be squeezed. However, the combination of that setback, perfectly positioned blade, and a pretty light release, results in a really sweet trigger pull. This Colt is fairly quiet compared to some CO2 guns, so basically pretty civilised overall.

Test results

Just how many shots can we expect from that 12-gram CO2 capsule? Well, Umarex claims around 120 with this pistol, although they do qualify that with the fact that shot count can vary dependent upon conditions. And in that regard, they are referring to the nature of CO2 as a power source, with the way muzzle velocity will drop along with shot count when shooting in colder weather.

My testing all took place on a cool but pleasant afternoon, and velocity was still 270 fps after 66 shots, only tapering off in the latter stages of the 90 shots that I monitored. This number is still a great output from the tiny capsule, and I simply wouldn’t get hung up on ultra-consistency, since this type of pistol is all about the fun element at the end of the day. That said, with the rifled barrel, and pellet-only remit, some usable accuracy is unsurprisingly on the cards. Sub 1.25” groups over 10 yards are pretty impressive with the open sights, but it’s the feel, balance, and handling that equally impress.

Classic Umarex

As mentioned earlier, Umarex offers the Colt 45 in a BB format, but I really would advise against it. Why take the inferior route when this pellet-firing beauty will have the edge every time? It’s beautifully presented, slickly made, well finished, and has such a sweet, not to mention authentic, action.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this pistol.