KJ Works KP-18 TBC 6mm Blowback Gun

Type: Blowback CO2 Airsoft pistol.
Manufacturer: Distributed by KJ Works.
Model: KP-18 TBC.
Materials: Metal & Polymer.
Weight: 1.7 pounds (770 grams).
Total Length: 7.9 inches (20cm)
Barrel: 4 inches (10.6cm) metal non-rifled.
Propulsion: CO2/GAS.
Action: Semi & full auto blowback, SAO trigger.
Ammunition Type: 6mm plastic Airsoft BB’s.
Ammunition Capacity: 22 round drop out full size metal magazine.
FPS: Claimed 410 (with barrel extension).

Trigger Pull: The trigger on the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol behaves like a true Single Action Only unit, pleasantly light with a fairly short travel. There’s a bit of initial take-up, but you can clearly sense the crisp break near the rear where the release occurs, extremely light, consistent, and free of any noticeable slack. Remember you’ll need to rack the slide to chamber the first BB; after that the blowback mechanism handles all subsequent cycling.

Accuracy: For the chronograph test we used a fresh 12-gram CO2 capsule with stand.25 gram Airsoft BBs, and the temperature was about 20°C. Five shots with .25 gram Airsoft BBs registered 301, 301, 291, 285, and 281 fps, averaging out to 292 fps. That’s within the expected range for a full-blowback CO2 pistol running heavier .25 gram Airsoft BBs, you’d see higher velocities with lighter .20 gram rounds, and it’s plenty adequate for Airsoft games and target work plinking. On the accuracy side we fired from 30 feet using a semi-rested shooting position (hands braced on a sandbag while seated). In semi-auto the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Full Blowback Airsoft Pistol shot just slightly low and a touch left, producing roughly a 2-inch group with most rounds clustered reasonably well. Switch to full-auto, however, and it becomes almost impossible to keep on target, the pistol tended to climb high and stray to the right, putting most shots completely off the target. That full-auto behavior makes it poor for controlled rapid-fire engagement, but in semi-auto it’s much more manageable.

Build Quality: KJWorks pistols are generally well made, and we expect the KP-18 TBC to follow that pattern. Based on our hands-on time with the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol and our first impressions of the KP-18, fit and finish look excellent. As with other models, you’ll find metal and polymer components positioned where they would be on a real modern semi-auto pistol, which contributes to the solid, authentic feel.

Realism: The KJWorks KP-18 TBC is a close visual replica of the real-steel Glock G18-style pistol, albeit without official licensing. Umarex holds the Glock license for many BB and Airsoft models, and the fact that a green-gas magazine from the Umarex Glock 17 full-blowback fits the KP-18 suggests KJWorks may be manufacturing some Glock-pattern airguns for Umarex. Glock has historically objected to unlicensed replicas in North America, so how this will play out remains unclear. For now, both licensed and unlicensed options exist for buyers.

Pros:

• Metal and Polymer with decent weight and good feel to it.
• Heavy Full blowback operation.
• Excellent fit and finish as always with KJWorks pistols.
• High capacity full sizes drop out magazine that holds the CO2 and 22 rounds.
• Well-hidden safety incorporated into the serial number under the barrel.
• Working trigger safety.
• White dot front sight and white outlined rear sight for easy target acquisition.
• All working components like a real steel Glock styled pistol.
• Comes with extended threaded outer barrel for adding a possible compensator or mock-suppressor.
• Comes with barrel extension for higher velocity shooting (Possibly for easier import into Canada).
• Would make a good training weapon if you are a real steel Glock owner.
• Has a semi and full auto selector toggle located on the left rear of the slide.
• Can use CO2 or gas magazines.
• Field strip-able.
• No orange tip.

Cons:

• Sights are not adjustable.
• Full auto will use CO2 like crazy but may be worth it.
• Not a licensed version.

Comments: If you’re a Glock enthusiast seeking a realistic training piece, you can shoot more affordably and in more places, there are more choices than ever. If official licensing matters, Umarex is the go-to option, although we haven’t seen a full-auto Glock from them yet. For those who prioritize a full-auto-style experience, the KJWorks KP-18 TBC CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is as close to a real-steel Glock full-auto feel as you’re likely to find. We also appreciate the magazine interchangeability with some Umarex Glock mags if you already own a Glock 17 Airsoft pistol for instance. Whatever route you choose, it’s great to see more Glock-pattern airguns coming to market.