Tokyo Marui Colt M1911 Government HG Airsoft Gun Review

This time, I'll be reviewing the Colt M1911 Government [HG/Hop-Up], a classic air-cocking handgun from Tokyo Marui, which is the origin of my own airsoft gun hobby.

At my age, when I was a child, Tokyo Marui released a series of air-cocking handguns for 1,900 yen, and they were so popular that almost every boy owned one (I think the price went up to 1,980 yen after the consumption tax was introduced).

As it was one of the earliest models, the magazine was the chopstick type, and naturally, there was no such thing as hop-up, but it was very popular due to its accuracy and quality.

The lineup was extensive, and as far as I remember, after the Luger P08, Nambu Type 14, Colt Double Eagle, and Automag II, the Desert Eagle was released, which made me ecstatic. There was a wide variety, from major to minor models, and new models were released one after another, which was fun. (It was a lenient era where anyone could buy them even if the target age was 18).

I remember being envious of my wealthy friends who collected them because the prices were affordable even for children.

Unfortunately, the price is now 3500 yen (excluding tax), not 1900 yen, but I think it's still an affordable price.

The item I'm reviewing this time isn't from that era, but a current model, but I'll review it with a childlike enthusiasm.

Outer box, contents

This is the outer box.

The item reviewed here was purchased some time ago, so the packaging design of the current product may differ.

Personally, I like this box because it's similar in design to the old 1900 yen series.

Let's open the box.

The Colt logo on the styrofoam box gives it a stylish feel.

Next, let's look at the contents.

The included paper states that the optimal hop-up trajectory can be achieved with 0.25g BBs.

This is related to explanatory documents.

Despite being a low-priced product, it comes with almost the same documentation as the company's gas blowback airsoft guns.

I'm impressed by Tokyo Marui's ability to invest in details like this.

Main unit exterior

Let's take a look at the overall appearance of the device.

It's on the opposite side.

Looking at the newest current models, the body color appears to be black (likely mimicking rust-preventive blackening). Mine is from an older batch, so it has a grayish color that looks like it was treated with parkerizing (rust prevention using a phosphate coating with zinc phosphate), which is exactly what I like about it.

Let's take a closer look.

This is the shell ejection port.

While the overall appearance is excellent, the plastic feel of the ejection port is a bit disappointing.

Next is the muzzle.

The muzzle features a large .45 caliber (approximately 11.4mm) hole and rifling, which are faithfully reproduced. I'm also impressed by the accurate reproduction of the pushing barrel, a characteristic feature of the M1911.

I tried loading a dummy .45 ACP round that I had at home into it just for fun.

I was surprised that it fit me reasonably well.

Next is the hammer and rear sight.

The molding around the hammer (including the extractor) is excellent. The hammer itself is made of resin, but the anti-slip features are well-reproduced. The rear sight is simple, just like the real thing.

The front sight is just as simple as the rear sight.

While such simple websites may not be the easiest to read, they have the advantage of being less likely to snag when storing in a holster, carrying, or drawing the device.

Next, raise the hammer.

Of course, it's a dummy, but it's great that you can see the firing pin.

Next is the grip.

Personally, I think the texture and accuracy of this grip (A1) are fantastic.

When I held it, it felt slim and easy to grip, just like an M1911 (I'm a Japanese person with an average build).

Next is the frame.

Due to its construction, the frame has a visible gap where the left and right sides are joined (the real frame is machined from a solid block of metal, so there is no gap separating the left and right sides).

Finally, there's the lanyard ring located at the bottom of the grip.

It has a sturdy lanyard ring, which I personally consider a sign of military use.

However, since the lanyard ring on this product is made of resin, I think it will break if used roughly, so you should be careful.

In summary, despite its retail price of 3500 yen, I think it looks just as good as a gas blowback pistol. However, because of the low price range, parts like the hammer are made of plastic, but even so, I think it's wonderfully made (considering the cost, I think it's incredibly well done).

Stamps

First, let's look at the markings on the slide.

It's amazing that it has a proper engraving despite being in this price range.

適当に訳すと特許受理日1897年4月20日、1902年9月9日、1905年12月19日、1911年2月14日、1913年8月19日

Patent of Colt Company, manufacturer, Hartford, USA.

I think it 's.

As a former engine designer for motorcycles and automobiles, I personally found it amazing that John Browning managed to get five patents granted for such a simple machine.

If you design a new machine as complex as a car engine, you can probably obtain around 10 patents, but it would be quite difficult with a simple machine like this.

This is the engraving on the opposite side.

It is stamped with "Army 1911 Model".

Finally, there's the ASGK (one of the Toy Gun Associations) marking on the frame.

This is unavoidable since it's a toy gun from a major manufacturer (this doesn't exist in the real thing).

Next, let's look at the controls.

Operation system

First, let's take a look at the controls, such as the trigger and safety.

The design is excellent, allowing all controls to be operated with just the index finger and thumb of one hand.

Personally, what I find impressive about this product's controls is that the safety only engages when the hammer is cocked, and the grip safety functions reliably.

First, raise the hammer to engage the safety.

Gripping the grip and pushing up the safety with your thumb engages the safety. Naturally, the trigger is locked and cannot be moved.

To release the safety, simply press down on it with your thumb.

Next is grip safety.

The trigger will lock and won't move unless you press the thumb area shown in the picture.

Try pressing it to release the grip safety.

This device is designed so that the trigger will not move unless it is held firmly and in a safe position.

I think it's amazing that it has the same two safety systems as the real thing, despite being in this price range.

Incidentally, since it was designed over 100 years ago, it's designed for right-handed users only and is not ambidextrous.

Next, let's look at the trigger pull.

The trigger is not being pressed at all.

Incidentally, the trigger is wonderfully made, with a non-slip surface where your finger rests being accurately reproduced.

Pull the trigger all the way.

The trigger pull is quite long, which I think is a reproduction of the genuine military model, which also has a longer trigger pull for safety reasons.

Finally, let's take a look at the magazine.

Magazine

In the past, magazines were thin and long like chopsticks and not very realistic, but current models are perfectly realistic.

front.

It's a single column, so it's nice and thin.

Ammunition can be loaded by hand without the need for any special tools.

However, since it holds a relatively large 25 rounds, it's convenient to have a loader from the same company if you have the means (XL is recommended).

Tokyo Marui BB Loader XL
I recommend this because it can be used with various magazines. The smaller version is difficult to use and runs out of ammo quickly, so I think the XL is better.

Incidentally, the magazine fell out under its own weight.

Finally, we'll measure the weight.

I think it strikes a good balance between weight, texture, and ease of use.

Cocking Tips

Next, we'll proceed with cocking the gun.

The general method of cocking is to pinch the serrated part at the rear of the slide with your fingers and pull the slide back.

This product is intended for ages 18 and up, and the slide cocking mechanism is fairly heavy, so those with less strength, especially women, may find it challenging. Furthermore, models like the M1911 and CZ75, which have thin, difficult-to-grip slides, may be difficult even for strong individuals.

I'll share my own method for cocking the gun.

Instead of gripping the slide with your left hand, hold the barrel at the front of the slide by gripping it (if you are right-handed).

Next, point the slide in front of your body.

Instead of pulling the slide back here, pull the slide towards you with your left hand while simultaneously pressing the body you're holding with your right hand to cock it (momentum is important).

If you can get the hang of the momentum like this, you won't need much force and you should be able to cock it with the right timing.

Here's a video of the cocking process for reference.

Tips for cocking the Tokyo Marui M1911

I've often seen women struggling with air cocking guns in the field, so I've included this for reference. It's a great product that's easy to get into, so I hope it helps broaden its appeal (though I wonder if I even have any female readers?).

Incidentally, I noticed while taking the cocking photos that the outer barrel was recoiling very effectively. I'm impressed.

Actual firing performance

Let's take a look at the actual shooting performance.

This product has a fixed hop-up and specifies a 0.25g BB weight, so we will use 0.25g BBs.

For the live-fire performance test, we used VFC's 0.25g bio BBs (since it's an air-cocking gun, we didn't investigate conditions such as ambient temperature).

This is the initial velocity.

With a 0.25g BB, it boasts impressive performance with an initial velocity of 57.4 m/s and a projectile strength of 0.41 J.

In terms of gas blowback, it's comparable to compact models like the Glock 19.

I fired a few shots to see the variation in initial velocity.

As expected from an air-cocking type, it's very stable.

Introduction article on chronographs

Next, let's look at the trajectory.

The initial velocity isn't that high, so it doesn't shoot as far as an electric airsoft gun, but as expected from Tokyo Marui, the trajectory performance is excellent, allowing for a range of 35m to 40m, and you can aim and hit targets up to about 35m.

Next is a video of it in operation. Since it's an airsoft gun, it's quite plain.

Tokyo Marui Colt M1911 Government Airsoft Pistol (Spring-type) - Working

The fact that it uses an air-cocking firing mechanism means it performs consistently regardless of climate (hot, cold) or weather conditions (rain, snow), which is a big advantage (although rapid firing is difficult).

Even an airsoft pistol can be a surprisingly effective side weapon in airsoft games if you put in the effort.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
The fixed hop-up setting for Tokyo Marui air cocking guns is 0.25g.

Summary

Despite its low price, it was a fantastic product with a superb appearance (though there were a few minor shortcomings) and high accuracy.

Even from the perspective of a former engine designer, the exterior quality, various gimmicks, and operational performance were at a level that was unthinkable from a cost standpoint.

The only drawbacks, which are unavoidable due to its design, are that it has a heavy cocking mechanism, it can't fire rapidly, and the hop-up is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Regarding cocking, I've written about some tips for cocking in this article, and since this product series is priced at a level that makes it ideal for beginners, I hope it will broaden its appeal.

Finally, on a personal note, I used to own Tokyo Marui gas blowback M1911 and MEU pistols, but they were single-column and the gas chamber vaporization wasn't great, making me unsure about firing them even in the middle of summer, so I sold them (even three shots in rapid succession was difficult).

I also owned a WA M1911, but it was too expensive to use casually, and the fixed hop-up and the poor quality of the magazine with its unique blowback system led me to sell it.

Therefore, I personally consider the Tokyo Marui Airsoft M1911 to be the definitive version of the M1911.

However, recently, Tokyo Marui has released an M45 with a significantly improved blowback engine, and various manufacturers have released CO2 models, so I might give them a try (I've already purchased a CO2 M45).

I recommend this to everyone, from beginners to veterans.

Next time, we'll cover disassembly and the mechanism (slide section).

Thank you for your time.

Tokyo Marui Colt M1911 Government [HG/Hop-Up] Air Cocking Gun
I believe this is the ultimate product, the origin of both airsoft guns and real automatic handguns. I highly recommend it.

Special Magazine
Since it's an air-cocking gun with a 25-round magazine, I don't think it's really necessary, but I'll include it just in case (it might be useful to have one or two).
As of this writing, it appears that Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping are all out of stock, but I think it will become available again once they start production again.