BB guns have been around for decades and just like everything else, nothing stays the same! It may have started with a Daisy but it’s become an Umarex, a Barra, a Crosman and many more! BB guns started as lever action spring powered bb rifles like the Daisy Red Ryder.
Now when anyone mentions bb guns, there’s the question of what kind?
- Multi-pump Pneumatic – Crosman 760 Pumpmaster
- Co2 BB Pistol – Barra 009 Full Auto BB Pistol
- Co2 BB Revolver – Dan Wesson 8” BB Revolver
- Co2 BB Rifle – Umarex Legends M1A1 Co2 BB Rifle
- Spring Piston – Daisy Red Ryder
Those have all been around for quite some time. There’s a new kid on the block, the first one was the Barra 400 E Gen2 Electric BB Rifle. Umarex has brought another one to the stage, the Umarex AER16 Electric BB Rifle.
Electric cars and bikes, why not airguns? What inspired this platform? We’re pretty sure it was a desire to do away with Co2 cartridges and extend the trigger time. Maybe a little side motivation, to spend less time loading necessary components and more time shooting.
The 400 E is a bb gun that is powered by a rechargeable 11.1V battery that lasts over 1,000 shots. The total length is 32” and the total weight is 6.98 lbs. It gives the ability to adjust for the size of the shooter with an adjustable AR style buttstock and pistol grip.
It comes with removable flip-up sights on the nearly full length picatinny optics rail. The ability to mount accessories utilizing the M-Lok slots is another great feature along with the QD sling mount.
The CNC machined aluminum receiver and handguard showcase great quality and feel. Aside from the aesthetics your expectations will be exceeded when you learn of the performance.
You can expect to get 440 fps using .177 Air Venturi Steel bbs and you can sling 550 rounds per minute! The magazine capacity is 50 BBs so you’ll need to load fast or purchase extra Barra 400E Magazines to attain that capacity in that time.
The Umarex AER16 Electric BB Rifle is a BB gun that is powered by a rechargeable 11.1V battery that lasts about 650 rounds. It is a little over 32” long from butt to muzzle, it’s length is 32.36” and it weighs 7.3lbs. It also has an adjustable AR style stock and pistol grip.
The AER16 has the same type of sights, optic rail, and M-Lok slots that the Barra 400E has. They both resemble an actual firearm. It is equipped with a smart LED MOSFET. It also uses .177 bbs and you can expect a max velocity of 430 fps.
The 55 round drop free magazine inserts exactly like most ARs and for a faster reload you can purchase extras. If you want to sling some bbs and not concern yourself with CO2 again, these are perfect! All you have to do is decide which one fits you best!!
Regardless of the one you choose, you can expect to have hours of fun! Especially when you purchase multiple batteries, when one dies, pull it for a recharge and insert another one for endless trigger time!
