If you have ever handled a real Glock 17, the first thing you notice about the Glock 17 Gen4 CO2 Air Pistol is how familiar it feels. This is the officially licensed Umarex replica of the pistol that serves with armies and police forces around the world, and it is one of the most convincing CO2 blowback air pistols you can buy in the UK right now. It is in stock now at Just Air Guns at £214.99, and after spending some range time with it, we think it is one of the best value licensed replicas on the shelf.
First impressions
Straight out of the box the Gen4 nails the look. This is a 1:1 scale replica at 203mm long, with the correct Gen4 grip texturing, interchangeable backstraps so you can dial the fit to your hand, and the larger magazine release that defines the Gen4 generation. The polymer frame and metal slide give it a reassuring 1.7kg heft, and all the controls — the slide stop, takedown levers and manual safety — work just like the real thing. The licensed Glock roll marks on the slide are crisp and correctly placed.
Performance on the range
The Gen4 runs on a 12g CO2 capsule and fires 4.5mm steel BBs from a full-metal, drop-free 19-round magazine. Umarex rates it at a maximum of 3 Joules — around 426 fps — which makes it lively for a CO2 pistol, and the blowback action cycles the slide on every shot with a satisfying snap that genuinely mimics the real pistol’s recoil impulse. As a semi-automatic repeater you can work through a full magazine in seconds, and the fixed blade sights are easy to pick up quickly at typical indoor and garden plinking distances.
One of the Gen4’s best party tricks is the blowback. On a 12g CO2 capsule the slide kicks back on every shot, and with the 19-round metal magazine you can burn through a full load in seconds. Feed it 4.5mm steel BBs, keep the CO2 fresh, and it just runs.
Accuracy is what you would expect from a smoothbore BB pistol: excellent for fun target shooting and training practice inside 10 metres or so, and consistent enough to keep a satisfying grouping on a paper target. The working manual safety and crisp tactical trigger make it a great platform for practicing safe handling habits too.
Build quality
Construction is polymer frame over metal where it matters — the slide, the magazine and the working internals. The Gen4’s grip stippling is faithfully reproduced and the interchangeable backstraps click into place solidly. The drop-free magazine is full metal and feeds reliably. With a barrel length of 3.6 inches and an overall length of 7.75 inches, it balances exactly where a Glock 17 should. This is a replica that will stand up to regular range sessions.
Specifications
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- Brand: Glock (Umarex licensed)
- Type: CO2 blowback air pistol, semi-automatic repeater
- Calibre: 4.5mm steel BB
- Magazine: 19 rounds, full metal drop-free
- Energy: max 3 Joules (~426 fps)
- Action: semi-automatic, working manual safety
- Construction: polymer / metal, 1:1 scale
- Length: 7.75 inches (203mm), barrel 3.6 inches
- Weight: 1.7kg
Who is it for?
This is an 18+ purchase under the VCR Act, and it is aimed squarely at adult shooters who want an authentic training and target pistol. Glock fans, collectors of licensed replicas, and anyone who wants realistic blowback feedback for practice without the cost of live rounds will get the most from it. The dual appeal of authentic handling and cheap steel BBs makes it an easy recommendation as a first CO2 pistol or an addition to a growing collection.
Verdict
At £214.99 the Glock 17 Gen4 CO2 Air Pistol sits at the premium end of the CO2 pistol market, but the licensed detailing, full blowback action and metal drop-free magazine justify every penny. It is the closest you can get to the real Gen4 handling experience without a section 5 licence, and it is available right now.
Buy the Glock 17 Gen4 CO2 Air Pistol for £214.99, or browse the full range of CO2 air pistols at Just Air Guns.