The resemblance of the Smith & Wesson licensed M&P 9 full size airsoft gas blowback pistol by VFC to its real steel counterpart is incredible. Aside from the orange tip, one would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two in a side by side comparison. Much like the real Smith & Wesson M&P, the airsoft version features a full metal slide attached to a polymer frame, a 20mm accessory rail underneath the muzzle, and an ambidextrous slide release level. Of course, while the airsoft version of the pistol doesn’t use actual ammunition cartridges, it still includes the small opening in the top of the slide for the operator to see if there is a cartridge in the chamber. Additionally, the magazine release can be switched around either side of the gun depending on if the operator is right or left-handed. Overall, the external quality is what you would expect from VFC – that is to say, very good. So good, in fact, that it should fit in your real steel S&W M&P holsters! How does it shoot though?
Functionally, the VFC/Cybergun S&W M&P 9 works like a champ. It shoots around 300 FPS with .20g BBs and its hop-up unit is adjustable – but you have to remove the slide to access and adjust it. My advice is to adjust it for the distance you are looking to shoot prior to getting into a game. That way, you can make your aiming adjustments accordingly once you do get into an airsoft skirmish with it. Reloading is smooth and there is enough room for the magazine in the well that it slides out without fuss – but not so much that wobbles around. The takedown lever on the model we looked at didn’t rotate very smoothly and needed to be muscled a bit once the slide was in the proper position for its usage. I would imagine this will loosen up with extended use.
Quick Overview from our friends at AirsoftMegastore
The pistol comes with three backstraps of various thickness and switching them out is very easy thanks to the locking mechanism. On the real Smith & Wesson M&P pistol, it is the takedown tool, located inside the pistol grip. On the airsoft version, you twist it and pull it out – then your backstrap is unlocked and easily removed. Once a new backstrap is put in place and the lock reinserted, the backstrap is solidly in place and doesn’t feel wobbly or loose at all. Speaking of magazines, each holds 24 rounds and one of the magazines is included in the box. Additional magazines retail for about $40 dollars, which, while pricey, is in keeping with most high-end gas blowback pistols on the market.
Something that should be noted about the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 gas blowback pistol is that it has the ability to shoot in either semi-automatic or FULLY automatic modes! If you pull back the slide, you will find a fire select toggle on its underside (on the bottom of the part that covers the dovetail). Fully automatic fire is a lot of fun with this pistol but, be warned as you will run through your BBs very quickly.
[ezcol_1half]The Good
- Excellent reproduction of the real steel Smith & Wesson M&P pistol
- Smooth action
- Ability to shoot in full-auto mode
- Fun recoil
[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]The Bad
- Takedown lever can be fussy
[/ezcol_1half_end]
Overall, the VFC/Cybergun Smith & Wesson M&P 9 airsoft gas blowback pistol is a great airsoft pistol with very respectable accuracy and such realistic function that you could even use it to train muscle memory when unable to take your real steel M&P to the range. This airsoft gas blowback pistol retails for $149.99 and is available now at most airsoft retailers. We’d like to thank Cybergun and Palco Sports for helping us make this review possible.
[easyreview title=”S&W Licensed M&P 9 Full Size Airsoft GBB Pistol by VFC Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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Product Links:
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