One replica is not like the other

As we've hinted in several articles, only certain brands have the rights to produce official replicas of guns. However, the market is full of various inaccurate copies and imitations, whether in the form of airsoft or air guns. An official replica, on the other hand, should have the exact shape as well as the original logos and markings as its prototype. Still, individual brands produce both cheaper and more expensive official replicas of both airsoft and air guns. Today we will take a closer look at what is the difference between the CO2 pistols called CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow cal. 4.5 mm (.177) with catalog codes 18396 and 17526. Both are produced by the Danish brand ASG (Action Sport Games).

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW IN GENERAL

CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow is an all-steel, self-loading, full-size pistol from the production of the Česká zbrojovka, which is based on the design of the traditional CZ 75 model. The production of this weapon started in 2006. It was developed with the help of members of various special units and successful sport shooters. It has achieved many accomplishments in international shooting competitions IPSC. The standard model is calibrated for 9 x 19 (Luger) ammunition with a magazine capacity of 19 rounds.

REPLICA MOD. 18396 VS 17526

If you put the both replicas side by side and look at their left side, you will find that they are almost indistinguishable. The differences you will find only when you look closer and they include the different shape of the hammer, the color of the trigger, the color of the barrel finish and the CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW inscription. If you look closely at them from the right side, you will find a difference in the color of the chamber and also in the inscriptions on the gun. However, you will also find small dimensional and shape differences for example on the rear sight and sights.

If you hold both weapons in your hand, you will immediately notice a fundamental difference. Model 18396 is an all-metal replica. The lower and upper part of the weapon, including most of the internal parts, is made of metal, which can be felt in the weight, which is 950 g (a weight very similar to the original model, which weighs 1,170 g). The model 17526 is made almost entirely of plastic, resulting in a weight of only 595 g.

The Model 18396 has a magazine capacity of 17 steel shots, but this is less than the Model 17526, which has a capacity of 21 steel shots. The all-metal Model 18396 features an ambidextrous safety just like the original model. The safety on model 17526 can only be operated from the left side.

Model 17526 develops a projectile energy of up to 2.4 J (velocity up to about 120 m/s). The all-metal model 18396 is weaker. It develops projectile energy of up to 1.6 J (velocity of up to approx. 95 m/s), which may be due to the fact that it is equipped with a Blow-Back function. This feature makes the slide move when firing like on real self-loading pistols. Thus, part of the pressure from the cartridge is used to move the slide. The all-metal Model 18396 can be easily disassembled in a similar way to how a real model is disassembled. The slide on model 17526 is not movable and disassembly is not recommended by the general consumer (only service with special tools).

But what do both models have in common? They are the same size and shape, very similar sights (including the fiber optic sight), the DA (Double Action) trigger system and the possibility of installing e.g. a laser sight on the bottom mounting rail. Both models have a 2-in-1 magazine design, which means that the magazine serves as a case for the cartridge and at the same time the ammunition is loaded into it.

CONCLUSION

An essential fact for choosing between these two replicas will certainly be the fact that the all-metal replica of mod. 18396 is almost three times more expensive than mod. 17526. However, there is nothing to be surprised about. The all-metal replica feels much more realistic during shooting, especially due to its weight and the Blow-back feature. On the other hand, the cheaper replica has a greater performance, which is especially pleasing in terms of longer range. Either way, both replicas are made by the quality ASG brand and whether you opt for one or the other, you certainly won't regret it.