Umarex Marlin Co2 BB Revolver

Type: BB Pistol.
Manufacturer: Distributed by Umarex.
Model: Marlin Old West Revolver
Materials: Mostly plastic, some internal metal parts.
Weight: 1.2 pound (544 grams).
Total Length: 10.5 inches (26.6cm).
Barrel: 5.5 inches 14cm) metal non-rifled.
Propulsion: CO2.
Action: Revolver SAO.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 18 round internal magazine.
FPS: Claimed 400.

Trigger Pull: The trigger on the Umarex Marlin Old West CO2 BB Revolver is single-action-only, so you must cock the hammer before each shot. That removes most of the trigger travel and effort, giving the Marshal a short, light, and easy-to-manage pull. It’s ideal for deliberate, accurate shooting, but less suited to action-style rapid fire unless you’ve got a very fast thumb.

Accuracy: For the velocity test we put five shots through the chronograph. The slowest registered 345 fps and the fastest hit 416 fps, with an average of 403 fps, right in line with Umarex’s claimed 400 fps. Perfect for popping cans and casual plinking out to roughly 30–40 feet. The test was done inside a sea can at about 18°C (≈64°F), which gives a middle-of-the-road CO2 performance; warmer weather will typically push velocities higher. Next we set the paper target on our pellet trap at 30 feet. Using our usual semi-rested position (hands braced on a front sandbag and seated on a stool), we fired 10 rounds with the Marlin Old West. The group measured roughly 4 inches, a bit left and just slightly high from the bullseye not far off and similar to the grouping we got with the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB Revolver, although the Marlin’s velocity numbers were notably higher.

Build Quality: There’s not a lot to get excited about in terms of materials, the Umarex Marlin Old West CO2 BB Revolver is mostly plastic with some internal metal parts like the barrel, trigger, hammer, and CO2 components. It follows the common two-half, screwed-together budget construction, which looks cleaner on the side where the screws are hidden. At just over a pound it’s fairly light. With relatively few moving parts, it should be reasonably reliable; the mechanical components do what they need to do and feel suitably solid for the price.

Realism: At first glance the John Wayne Marshal CO2 BB revolver resembles a Colt Single Action Army Revolver in shape and size, but it’s much lighter, about half the weight. The lack of real bullet openings in the cylinder (when viewed from the front) reduces realism. We used to the newer generation of revolvers with working cylinders and loadable, removable shells; those are pricier and hold fewer rounds, but they offer a much more authentic experience.

Pros:

• A decent looking replica of a Colt Single Action Army Revolver.
• Single action only trigger is short and light and well suited to careful shot placement shooting.
• 400 claimed fps is about perfect for plinking at ranges up 30-40 feet.
• 18 round magazine has a nice high capacity and easy to load when empty.
• Should get lots of shots per CO2.
• Safety is well hidden underneath just in front of the trigger guard.
• We like the look with the all black receiver and simulated wood grips.
• CO2 Allen key is built into grip so always have it on hand and will not lose it.
• Marlin licensed and seems to be $50 less than the almost exact same John Wayne version.

Cons:

• Mostly plastic builds makes it a bit light in the hand.
• No fake shell holes in the front of the cylinder, could have added this for a more genuine look.
• Not a big fan of the clamshell plastic packaging.

Comments: The Umarex Marlin Old West CO2 BB Revolver is a solid choice if you want an old-west single-action cowboy BB shooter for less than the nearly identical John Wayne Marshal (it’s about $50 cheaper). If you want more authenticity, consider one of the shell-loading Single Action Army style revolvers, they cost more, shoot a bit slower, and carry fewer rounds, but they deliver a much higher level of realism.