Umarex/Walther/GSG Good? Bad? Both?

[CoyoteSix]

Hey all! There's alot of guns by GSG/Walther/Umarex. That new UZI and ARX 160/22. Got to handle them today at my LGS. They felt pretty great. I also really want the AK .22 and MP5 .22. (Don't know their actual designations).


So what's the deal with the manufacturer(s) that produce these guns? Here's a list of things I hear about them, a couple questions I have.

1. They make airsoft guns as well as rimfire guns, the externals are air soft quality.

Question: When one says "Airsoft Externals" I think of cheap ABS plastic. I have felt some of the guns and they are definitely NOT plastic. It feels like a decent polymer, however I'm not an expert on materials like that. And on a side note I've seen some Airsoft guns that could easily be mistaken for the real thing if one didn't check the chamber.

2. They cycle everything/They cycle nothing.

Question: Which one is it? I understand that rimfires are picky animals, but generally groups of rifles are better about using less consistent ammo than others. EX A USUALLY 10/22 of any age/variance can cycle most junk).

Also, I'm not sure if some range reports are given after a good, thorough cleaning and lubricating the gun. Many forums in which the rifles are discussed don't have much credibility. I'd like to know how the rifle does with good lubrication etc.

So THR, anyone have any experience in which to answer my questions?

 

[OARNGESI]

They make great guns. I have a colt ar22 made by uramax and it never had any issues, my friend had the uzi it was heavy but it had descent accuracy and was reliable, and gsg makes the best 1911_22 .

When people refer to airsoft quality they are usually talking about the quality of metal, but it isnt a issue with a 22.

 

[MAKster]

Almost all the Umarex guns are made of zinc alloy. That says it all about their level of quality as far as I am concerned

 

[flphotog]

As far as I can tell Umarex only makes the p22, not any of the centerfires. I've never heard of CSG as I have no idea what that is all about. Walther just opened their own US operation and have been having many CS issues that I hope they can work out. Walther and Umarex are separate companies, both owned by the PW Group. Don't confuse Umarex and Walther. Umarex makes some rimfires and a lot of toy guns. Walther on the the other hand makes many very excellent handguns that are some of the best available including the PPQ. and PPS just to mention a couple.

 

[tarosean]

When people refer to airsoft quality they are usually talking about the quality of metal, but it isnt a issue with a 22.

I owned a few Ring of Fire Zamak pistols back in the day.. They ALL fell apart, some spectacularly... They were "just" 22lr... If you ask me.. The 35 bucks I payed back then was far too much... I wouldn't even think about a 500.00 mp5/AK clone made of the same materials...

 

[mf-dif]

From my experience, the Umarex guns are a fair step above the GSG in quality and function. My Umarex MP5 was stout. Nothing on it felt cheap and it had the weight of a steel gun, didn't feel like zinc. Felt like aluminum. It devoured everything and was extremely accurate as well. It's on the same level as my Sig 522.

On the other hand, the GSG MP5 I handled at the store felt cheap (zinc) and was light. Zinc just feels very light and almost hallow. It also was assembled with screws everywhere, while the Umarex had proper takedown pins. Many people "fix" their GSG MP5 but what's the point when you can just buy a higher quality version in the Umarex for less than the fixes.

I do own a GSG 1911. I didn't like it for quite a while because the finish sucks...look at it wrong and the paint falls off. And then it jammed all the time until it "wore" in. After 1000rds now it functions flawlessly with no matter the ammo. It does feel kinda cheap though with the zinc slide, but it does what a .22 is suppose to now. Shoots anything and is accurate.

 

[jackblack86]

I own 4-2 gsg and 2 wather umarex great guns I think you will find most people that own them like them. My favorite is gsg 522sd. I too own some some ring of fire guns not really comparable. Even the henry lever action rifle [ which I also own and think is one of the better gun values out there] is made out of zamak.

 

[weblance]

I own 2 Colt/Umarex 1911-22s and the new Umarex Walther PPK/S-22. They may be made of Zamak, but have been very accurate, and havnt had a malfunction in thousands of rounds. Nothing is thin, and I will be very surprised if they fall apart anytime soon.

 

[Indifferent]

I have a GSG 522 and it has been pretty reliable. I noticed the mag sticks and if the mag doesn't seat well it has light primer strikes and fails to eject. A little more break in and lube should fix that. Also to be fair this is some weird Russian ammo I have been using. CCI has been flawless but I only had 30 rounds of that.

But the Umarex guns are amazing. Simply some of the best 22s in the business.

 

[Willie Sutton]

Logic of some:

High technology diecast alloys = bad. "Umarex/GSG/etc sucks"

Injection molded plastic = good. "Keltec/Glock/etc are great"


Uhh.... <sigh>... that's magical thinking. Both materials are usable and reliable when properly selected for the application envisioned. These are not 1960's RG revolvers made from low alloy zinc. (and they truly sucked).


The Umarex/GSG/etc stuff is great. Some of the best "fun guns" available. No, they are not High Standards, or S&W Model 41's, or Colt Ace's. But they are functional and reliable fun-guns.


Willie

.

 

[CoyoteSix]

Thanks for all the input folks!

 

[doubleh]

Well, I've owned a Colt/Umarex M4 22 for a few years now and a GSG 1911 for several months and was going to get in this but Willie Sutton said what I would have.

I have had no problems with either one. Would I again buy either knowing what I now know? You bet I would.

 

[fpgt72]

I have the GSG 1911-22 and their STG-44, both are great guns. The 1911 I have shot every kind of ammo I could find in it and the only thing it did not like are sub sonic rounds....everything else, and I do mean EVERYTHING worked fantastic. Same with the stg...only bad thing about it is it is so darn heavy. The 1911 worked great the day it came out of the box and has worked great every time after that. It is great on its own or great practice for the .45 1911, fits great in the same holster, so cheaper practice. I know one guy that said he could not hit with his, but never had a problem with fit or finish or function.

 

[desidog]

Umarex is a toy factory.

The three guns I've had made by them were all lemons. Two went back for work twice (on their dime) and still had issues, the third just once back...

 

[Quiet]

German Sport Guns (GSG) primarily makes airsoft and BB guns.
GSG started making .22LR firearms by adapting their airsoft to shoot .22LR.
GSG designs and makes .22LR pistols for SIG (Mosquito and 1911-22).

Umarex primarily makes airsoft and BB guns.
Umarex owns Walther.
Umarex gets Walther to design & make them .22LR firearms that utilize some Umarex airsoft parts.
Colt (M16.22, M4.22), H&K (MP-5.22, HK-416.22), IWI (Uzi.22) and S&W (M&P-22) have all licensed Umarex to make them .22LR firearms.
The Walther .22LR pistols (P-22, PPK/S.22) are also made at the Umarex facilities.


Between the two, Umarex is the better company. They utilize better quality materials and parts for their .22LR firearms.

 

[Ryanxia]

I've got the GSG .22 1911 and it's pretty sweet. It's got the fake suppressor on it or you can take it off and put a thread protector on it to look normal (or buy an adapter to put a regular suppressor on it). I haven't tried disassembling it because I was told it's kind of a pain, but just put it on slide lock and spray it down when you want to clean it.