The model I'll be reviewing and customizing from now on is the UMAREX/VFC G45 (Glock 45).

In 2021, UMAREX/VFC was the only company to model a gas blowback Glock Generation 5. I wish other manufacturers, including domestic ones, would also release GEN.5 series models, but I suppose it's difficult due to licensing issues?

UMAREX/VFC is a manufacturer whose reputation for both price and quality is steadily improving, so I'm really looking forward to the review.

The item being reviewed this time is a custom-made item requested by a customer.

We received permission from our customer to post this on our blog. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude once again.

I'll be reviewing a standard, out-of-the-box G45.

appearance

As usual, let's start with a side view of the exterior.

On the other side.

The G45 is the civilian version of the Glock 19X (a product submitted for the US Army's next standard issue pistol trials), which is a crossover of the Glock 19's slide size and the Glock 17's grip size.

Unfortunately, the SIG P320 was chosen for the trials, but the Glock's excellent performance and ease of use are well-established, and it seems to be popular among civilians.

The differences between the Glock 19X and the G45 will be explained later.

Just like the real thing, this gas blowback pistol is compact in size, yet the grip is just right (Glock 17 size), it has a large magazine capacity, and a large gas chamber, making it very easy to use. Furthermore, the markings are perfectly licensed by Glock.

Furthermore, they've gone to the trouble of making the extractor a separate part, demonstrating their meticulous attention to detail in its appearance.

Next, let's look at the trigger and grip area.

Trigger and grip area

Grip

opposite side

The grip is the same size as a Glock 17, making it very comfortable to hold. The controls are also quite convenient, with a larger magazine catch and an ambidextrous slide release lever. The magazine catch can be switched to either the left or right side (though some disassembly is required).

Otherwise, it's pretty much the usual Glock.

Let's take a look at the grip from the back.

Personally, I think the best thing about the G45 is that its grip is the same size as a Glock 17. Even though Japanese people are generally smaller than people from other countries, a Glock 19-sized grip feels cramped.

On the other hand, if you're wondering whether the Glock 17 is a good choice, the slide is a bit large for carrying as a sidearm, so I think the crossover G45 and Glock 19X are much easier to use.

It looks like it could be fitted with an optional grip back panel, just like the real thing, but for some reason it's not sold (though I might just be unaware of it). I really hope they start selling it.

Next is the magazine slot.

Unlike the military model Glock 19X, it appears to lack a lanyard ring.

Next, we'll take a closer look at the slides.

slide

This is a top-down view.

The markings are clearly etched and molded onto both the chamber and the sights.

Next is the muzzle.

The muzzle features realistic rifling. Furthermore, one of the great features of UMAREX/VFC gas blowback systems is that you can adjust the hop-up by inserting an Allen wrench into the recoil spring guide and turning it.

Even without a hex wrench, you can adjust it by stopping the slide and turning the recoil spring guide by hand (it's possible, but not impossible).

While many models require removing the slide to adjust the hop-up, this mechanism is very welcome.

Finally, here's a site picture.

I apologize for the blurry photo. I'm personally pleased that the sight is a 3-dot sight, rather than the U-shaped one commonly found on Glocks.

Next, let's look at the slide stop state.

Slide stop state

The slide is stopped.

opposite side

A characteristic of this manufacturer is that the barrel tilt is almost nonexistent due to the short recoil mechanism. Therefore, those who are looking for a highly model gun-like feel may not be satisfied. However, since less barrel movement improves the performance of an airsoft gun, I personally welcome it.

With a little ingenuity and modification, it's possible to move the barrel.

Finally, let's take a quick look at the G19X and G45.

G45 vs. G19X: A comparison of their appearances.

Here are comparison photos.

opposite side

The specifications are basically the same, but the G45 differs in the serrations (grooves) on the front of the slide, the presence or absence of a lanyard ring, the shape of the magazine insertion port, and the color.

Unfortunately, the magazine insertion slots are shaped differently, so the magazines are not interchangeable.

If you're interested, please also check out my review of the UMAREX/VFC G19X.

Finally, we measured the weight without the magazine.

Magazine

This is the front of the magazine.

The magazine is Glock 17 size, so it holds 21 rounds and has a large gas chamber, ensuring stable operation. Furthermore, it features ambidextrous magazine catches with notches on both sides.

side

Rear

The real thing has a hole to indicate whether there are bullets or not, but this gas blowback version has that reproduced with molding. It also has clear markings.

Lip, gas outlet

The lip is made of resin and is designed to avoid damaging the bullets. The gas outlet has a trendy curved shape to improve the seal with the main body.

Next, the bottom

The bottom has a Glock logo cover that conceals the gas inlet.

To refill with gas, unlock the lid and slide it open as shown in the following picture.

This is the gas inlet.

The owner has modified this gas valve for HFC-134a. The original valve makes it difficult to refill with gas, so I think it's better to change it if possible.

Finally, here's the weight of an empty magazine.

This is an average weight.

Live-fire performance verification

We will check the shooting performance using the usual method. Fill the magazine with HFC-134a gas and raise the magazine surface temperature to 28°C.

The room temperature is approximately 20°C.

The BBs are G&G bio BBs, 0.2g, with the hop-up set to the weakest setting.

Despite the short barrel, it has a pretty good muzzle velocity.

Next up is HopMAX

Even with the hop amount at maximum, there wasn't much of a difference.

In the case of gas blowback guns, the muzzle velocity naturally becomes similar to that of a flowing air gun, so even if you apply hop-up, the change in muzzle velocity is minimal, and in some cases, it may even increase.

If you're interested, please also check out my review of the chronograph.

Fuel efficiency

This is the weight when the magazine is full of gas.

This is the weight of a magazine after firing 21 rounds.

I used about 5g for 21 shots, so the fuel efficiency is about 0.23g per shot, which is pretty average.

It holds about 20g of gas in total, so a simple calculation would suggest it could last for about four magazines, but considering the gas pressure drop and other factors, I think it's more realistic to expect it to last for three magazines.

Finally, here's a video of it in operation.

UMAREX/VFC G45 Normal Operation

It's working reasonably well.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.2g
It's inexpensive and accurate, so I use it for a wide range of purposes, from performance testing to airsoft games. It's been my favorite since it first came to Japan (around 2008). It lasts a long time for a biodegradable product.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
It's 0.25g. I generally use 0.25g BBs when playing airsoft.

Summary and future plans

Despite being an imported product, it performed just as well as domestic products, making it a truly excellent product.

The initial velocity is around 72 m/s with 0.2g BBs, and the fuel efficiency is also in the 0.2g range, so it's not much different from domestic manufacturers. In terms of appearance, it's made by UMAREX/VFC, which has an official license and a reputation for high-quality appearance, so it's very well made.

And the price isn't particularly high either, around 15000 yen, which is comparable to or even lower than domestic manufacturers.

The drawbacks are that the hop settings aren't suited to domestic conditions, and the market stock is unstable, which is unavoidable since it's an imported product.

This is a highly recommended product.

next timeWe will now proceed with disassembly and verification of the custom modifications.

Thank you for your company.

UMAREX/VFC G45
This is one of Glock's latest models (GENERATION.5).

UMAREX/VFC G45 Spare Magazine
Since it's an imported product, please purchase it while supplies last.

・Injection valve for domestic gases
I recommend it (but be sure to use genuine O-rings).