Crosman Game Face GF1911G Airsoft Pistol

Before I get started I have to mention that the orange tip on this pistol was shot out of the barrel.  It does come with the orange tip from the factory.  I think it may have gotten bumped and knocked out of alignment though.  All testing was done without the orange tip in place.

My first impression of this pistol really created a deeper desire to keep shooting it! The thing that really stands out is that the weight is so comparable to a real 1911, coming in at 33.6 oz.  The grip safety depresses but is non-functional.  The hammer falls but does not stay in battery.  There is a thumb safety that is strictly for aesthetics and does not move at all.  I mention this because it seems weird that these features are non-functional but for the purpose of an airsoft pistol I think it would really drive the price up if all of these components were functional.  They feel real. And for training purposes this would come in very handy, at least for pulling the trigger.  Having a non-functional thumb safety that doesn't move would, however, not be the best option for training to draw and fire your 1911 if you carry one on a regular basis. So there is that to think about.  The actual safety on the pistol is on the right side above the trigger and is easily toggled forward and backward with your index finger.

As far as the slide release goes, it functions like normal. With this pistol the slide release engages when the magazine is in place and you pull the slide back.  It has fixed black sights but it's rare that the pistol shoots a BB that doesn't curve so I can't tell if the sights are good or not.  Whether it was a full CO2 cartridge or a half empty one, it didn't seem to affect the consistency of the shots.  One BB would curve to the left then the next would curve to the right.  I know this is typical but they seemed like they were going off target a little more than they should have been.

*I'll be adding a picture of my groups and distances shortly.*

The magazine is kind of heavy since it's metal but does allow for a fast release when the magazine release is pushed.  The magazine is a slim, and holds 15 rounds.  It fits compactly into the grip along with the CO2 cartridge and the hex head set screw tool for tightening and loosening the CO2 cartridge. To remove/replace the CO2 cartridge you release the magazine, pop the grip plate off, let the hex head fall out (which is held in place tandemly with the grip plate and magazine when in place), and then simply loosen or tighten the set screw. Simple.  It's nice that it all fits right into the grip.

One of the other things I really like about it is that the slide blows back on every shot, simulating a slight degree of recoil.  Very slight.  However, one thing I don't like is how much the slide rattles around.  The slide itself is fairly light and the tolerances are less than satisfactory.  If you give the pistol a shake, it's actually quite loud.  The good thing is that this does not affect accuracy and does not indicate one way or the other how well built the pistol is.  The entire pistol, with exception to the slide tolerances, is durable and sturdy.

I thoroughly enjoyed shooting the GF1911G. I would recommend this to ANYONE looking for an affordable and realistic way to have fun shooting, save some money on ammo, and train.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Provides as much realism as possible from an airsoft platform.

Target Market: The airsoft community should love this one. Excellent for training newbies for the real deal too.

FNBs: (Features and Benefits)

Features

• Full Metal Frame
• Realistic weight compared to a real 1911 (33.6 oz.)
• Semi-automatic blowback function
• CO2 powered
• 15 round detachable magazine

Benefits

• Feels EXTREMELY close to holding a real 1911
• Very simple to use
• All tools needed are with the pistol
• FUN!

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? No options available. Black only.

What others are saying? "This has got to be the best alternative to live rounds I have ever tried. Now I understand why the military is starting to use these as an training alternative. I love the fact that the entire weapon looks and feels like a real Colt 1911, just like I used in the US Army and have in my holster..."  -JoeBear on Crosman -There are not many reviews on this pistol.  Check out Crosman for a more detailed user review from username "JoeBear".

Price point

• MSRP = $105.99
• Retail = $78.95, $78.97

I need it now! Availability: You can get this from Crosman, Walmart, and Sportsmans Depot

Our Rating + I love that it mocks a real 1911. The non-functional grip safety, hammer, and thumb safety make it feel real. + Realistic weight + Semi-automatic (The blowback action is awesome!)

- With a round chambered you can loose your BB out the end of the barrel if you point down and have too much movement. - Inconsistent shot placement - The slide rattles fairly easily when you give the pistol a shake - Comes with only 1 magazine

Score 7

Mike's Links This Week In Guns Firearms Insider Community Blog Post

Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe IWB Holster

By Mike Emert

The SuperTuck Deluxe is Crossbreed’s pride and joy. They claim that this is their most comfortable and most concealable holster in their collection. They are made with a Kydex construction riveted to a leather backing. The cool thing about Crossbreed is that you have the option to order it with horsehide when it’s in stock. Many people like the horsehide because it is more resistant to sweat. Having a dry gun on a hot day is preferred! The horsehide aids in this very well. The leather is cut in a design that is unique to Crossbreed and many people love it. If you want to fork over an additional $7.50 you can get the holster with a “Combat Cut” which basically takes more leather out from behind the grip, and is cut lower, and closer to the Kydex form. There is a row of 4 holes on each side of the holster to give you the option of raising or lowering your belt clips, independently. So if you want your handgun canted forward just raise the front clip and lower the back clip to your desired location. Pretty simple. The clips themselves are my biggest hang up with it. I should first say that Crossbreed offers different clip options for an additional $10. The ones that come standard are a very shiny black and are stamped with their logo. I love their logo but that and the shininess make the clips pretty noticeable when your shirt is tucked in. I personally wear brown belts most of the time so these are not the best clips for me, but I also usually wear my shirt un-tucked so they’re not much of a problem. I hope to transition to either the J-clips or V-clips soon. As far as the tucking goes, the clips are designed with a rubber spacer to create a separation between them and the leather to make tucking your shirt in a little bit easier. Just make sure you hang on to them when adjusting the height of the clips because they are separate pieces.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The holster is strictly for wearing inside the waistband for comfortable, deep concealed carry.

Target Market: Armed citizens, Law Enforcement, and anyone else wanting to carry a gun in their pants...comfortably.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) Key Features

• Leather or optional horsehide backing.
• Kydex construction riveted to the leather backing.
• Adjustable steel clips.
• You can adjust the clips to provide cant.

Key Benefits

• Very comfortable.
• Well constructed and durable.
• Comes with many options.
• You can tuck your shirt in.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? It comes standard as black cowhide. For $10 extra you can get Tan Hard Rolled Cowhide or for $15 extra you can get the holster in horsehide. There is an option to get a “Combat Cut” and your choice of either J-clips or V-clips for an extra $10 as well.

What others are saying? Colt Forum Triangle Tactical

Price point

• MSRP = $69.75
• Retail = Major retailers don’t carry them from what I’ve found. Every now and then you can run across a local shop that has them but it’s rare.

I need it now! Availability: Right from the Crossbreed website.

Our Rating + Very comfy! + Keeps your firearm very low if that’s how you like it. + Form fitting. + Having options for backing and clip style is nice.

- The standard clips are shiny and stamped with a logo. Although it looks great, even with a shiny black belt they stand out. They really stand out if you wear a brown belt. This is where having options for the J-clips or V-clips is nice.

Score: 8.5

Mike’s Links Firearms Insider Firearms Radio Network

Thompson Center Hot Shot .22LR

By Mike Emert

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame - The Hot Shot is well known for being one of the easiest youth rifles for a learning platform. Target Market - Youth FNBs (Features and Benefits) Key Features Single Shot. Break Action (Disengaged with trigger guard). Peep sight. Polymer forend and butt stock. Hammer with “safety always on” feature.

Key Benefits Very simple to use! Easy platform to learn on. Very light. (3 lbs) Safety is well designed.  Hammer must be all the way back to make contact with the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. A slip while cocking the hammer will not contact the firing pin.

Does it come in black? Yes. It has been available in pink and camo as well.

What others are saying? Shootingtimes.com Novascotiahunting.com

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail) MSRP = none Retail = $185 - $200 (since it was recently discontinued retailers can barely keep them in stock)

I need it now! Availability The Hot Shot was discontinued by TC in early 2013.  It will take some research and work to find one.

Our Rating I think Thompson Center did well in designing the Hot Shot to look identical to their Pro Hunter model.  It is a perfect size for a small youth to learn on but would be too small for even a young teenage male.  This model offers simple, and easy operation making for a fun and educational learning experience. + Single Shot. + Acquire target easily with peep sight. + Break action is very smooth + “Safety always on” feature is very nice. - Availability (Discontinued) - Too small for a young teenager to use practically but could still be a fun option to plink with.

Score 8 Great! Would be higher if it weren’t discontinued.

Mike Emert Firearms Radio Network This Week In Guns

I really wish this model was still available! It’s an excellent learning tool. The Crickett would be the Hot Shots biggest competition but for being geared towards first time, youth shooters, the break action of this rifle via the trigger guard and the difference in how the safety works makes this rifle a better option.  This obviously is subjective to what the child prefers, however.

Glock 17 Gen. 4

by Mike Emert Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points Claim to Fame: Its superior reliability and simplicity Target Market: Law Enforcement, Competitive Shooters, Homeowners, Target shooters FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) Key Features:

• Polymer frame.
• Aggressive stippling on the grip
• 3 safety features including Trigger safety, Drop safety, and Striker safety.
• Upgraded recoil spring
• 17 round magazine capacity with optional 19 or 33.
• Ability to modify the magazine catch to left hand shooter.
• Adjustable grip size.
• Loaded chamber indicator.
• 5.5 lb. trigger.
• 4.5" barrel.

Key Benefits:

• Light and durable
• Heavy trigger pull for high stress situations
• High magazine capacity
• Easy to take down

Does it come in black? Yes. And many options for customization. Lone Wolf Distributors Glockmeister What others are saying? Most people who shoot the G17 love it! The Truth About Guns Guns and Ammo Price point (MSRP versus actual retail)

• MSRP = $549 (Must go through a dealer)
• Retail = Buds Gun Shop offers them for $539 with a cash discount

Used = Gun Broker has had them as low as $440 I need it now! Availability: You can get the G17 Gen4 at virtually any local gun shop or online retailer. Our Rating: You can’t go wrong with Glock. It’s a versatile platform which is easy to learn and easy to operate.  Their reputation proves they are reliable and there really is no good argument against that. + Reliable, reliable, reliable! + Light weight + Minimal amount of parts + If there is a function or feature you want changed, it’s easy to do it. + 17 round magazine - Ugly (But I can get past that). - Some have experienced spent brass hitting them in the face. Score 9.5 Amazing!

Mike Emert Firearms Radio Network This Week In Guns

What do you think? If there is someone who doesn’t like the G17 Gen4 for some other reason than personal preference then I sure would like to know why.  I understand some people may not shoot Glock as well as they shoot another gun due to their body type or their personal mechanics.  The G17 Gen4 has really set the bar high as far as reliability goes, and you can’t get any more simple in the operation of the gun.  It’s rugged and trusted by law enforcement agents worldwide.  Popularity is not always the best way to determine a product’s quality but when lives are at stake, popularity is probably the biggest factor to consider.