Cybergun Desert Eagle .44

Manufacturer: UHC (Cybergun Rebrand)

Model: Cybergun Desert Eagle .44

FPS: 250-270

Cost: $20-$25

Introduction: The Cybergun Desert Eagle is one of the only two options availible when wanting to purchase a spring Desert Eagle replica (The other would be the KWC Ultra Grade Desert Eagle .50) In any case, it is very common at a variety of sporting good stores and comes with a relatively cheap price tag. The popularity of the Desert Eagle style replica makes it a very common beginner's choice in airsoft replicas.

Externals: The replica comes in three different colors: Silver, Black, and Clear. In all cases, the externals are deftinately not impressive as the silver is a very flat silver, the black is a semi-shiny black, and the clear is obviously transparent. The replica is prone to scratching. Although the replica feels very sturdy in its build, it is very light and feels very plasticy; its size is very deceptive. Since this is a Cybergun rebrand, Desert Eagle trademarks are featured on the replica. Taking away from the realism though are the "Cybergun" and "Shoot/Safe" etchings on the side of the replica. Overall, the externals leave much to be desired despite a sturdy build.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts other than screws, the spring, the barrel, and other various internal mechanisms of the replica.

Safety: The pistol does not feature a reaslitic safety; rather, it uses the slide lock as a safety. It is a little bit stiff but otherwise, clicks nicely into place. (See note in externals about "Shoot/Safe" etchings)

Magazine: The magazines feel very solid and tend to hold around 20-25 bbs. The last couple of bbs are hard to get into the magazine. The magazine has good weight and is where the majority of the weight in the replica comes from. The mag release is quite solid, except that the magazine does not slide out smoothly the majority of the time; it must be pulled out with some force.

Firing: To fire the Cybergun Desert Eagle, pull the back of the replica till you hear a click. Afterwards, simply pull the trigger. The trigger pull is solid and responds quite well. Ultimately, the range is probably around 50-70 ft accurate with .20s, and probably pushing 75 ft with .12s. Either way, its range is acceptable. The FPS is also decent at 250-270. Overall, its performance is acceptable for such a low cost replica, but still can't compare with potentially less expensive KWC Cybergun-rebranded spring replica pistols.

Conclusion: A fine pistol and a good purchase for those a fan of big handguns and/or the general Desert Eagle style. Unfortunately, the externals and the fake safety are what really make this replica medicore, but it is still a great starting point for beginners because of its easy maitence and sturdy build. I have seen it take several drops onto hard surfaces from 3 feet off the ground and it still holds its own pretty well. In the end, a good deal for its price and great for beginners.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 3/5
Durability: 4/5
Accuracy: 4/5
Range: 3/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5

UHC M9 Heavyweight

Manufacturer: UHC

Model: M9 Heavyweight

FPS: 250-260

Cost: $17-$25

Introduction: The UHC M9 is a very popular spring pistol. It is commonly availible at airsoft retail stores and is very nice. Note that there are two different versions- the normal and the heavyweight. The normal is supposedly much weaker and less well built than the heavyweight replicas (I have only handled heavyweight models).

Externals: The pistol's build quality is very nice and feels very solid- no creaks. The pistol also features an open ejection port. It feels like very nice quality ABS plastic. Overall, there really isn't much to say about the pistol's external build other than that it has good weight, nice build, and overall looks very impressive for a low-cost replica.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts other than screws, the spring, the barrel, and other various internal mechanisms of the replica.

Safety: The pistol does not feature a reaslitic safety; rather, it uses the slide lock as a safety.

Magazine: The magazines feel very solid and tend to hold around 10-12 bbs. They are loaded very simply, though in a slow manner. Again, the simplicity of the replica and its parts is what makes it stand out as an excellent low-cost replica.

Firing: To fire the UHC M9, cock back the pistol till you hear a click and guide the slide forward. The cocking processes can only be described as clunky and not smooth- it feels like sliding two sheets of metal against each other. Once you do that, the trigger should shift indicating the replica is cocked. The trigger pull is very light and response. The replica has excellent range and power, easily reaching anything within 60-70 feet and possibly hiting targets up to 100 feet. Overall, the pistol is a joy to shoot and operate.

Conclusion: An outstanding spring pistol- it definately is worth it's low cost. It is very durable due to its simplicity and solid build. I highly recommend the HEAVYWEIGHT version to any beginner or airsofter looking for a side arm.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 4/5
Durability: 5/5
Accuracy: 5/5
Range: 4/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 4/5