Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol

The Borner WC 401 boasts a sleek, modern design with a black polymer frame that feels sturdy in hand. It features a top-mounted Picatinny rail (20mm) which allows you to attach various accessories like scopes, red dots, or tactical lights. The pistol is surprisingly lightweight at just over 2 pounds, making it easy to handle and shoot for extended periods without fatigue. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

• Semi-Automatic Action: With each pull of the trigger, the Borner WC 401 fires one pellet. This makes it fast and fun to use for target shooting or plinking.
• CO2 Power Source: The pistol uses standard 12g CO2 cartridges as its power source. These are readily available at most sporting goods stores and online retailers. A single cartridge can fire approximately 60-80 shots, depending on the temperature and your shooting style.
• 4.5mm Steel BB Caliber: The WC 401 is chambered in .177 (4.5mm) caliber steel BBs. This is a common air gun caliber that offers good accuracy and power for small game hunting or target practice.
• Adjustable Rear Sight & Fiber Optic Front Sight: The pistol comes with an adjustable rear sight to fine-tune your aim, along with a fiber optic front sight that makes it easier to acquire targets in low light conditions.
• Double Safety System: For added safety, the WC 401 features two separate safeties: a trigger lock and a manual slide lock. This ensures that you can't accidentally fire the pistol while carrying or storing it.
• Removable Magazine with Quick-Change Feature: The magazine holds up to 29 steel BBs and is easily removable for quick reloads. It also features a spring-loaded follower that prevents pellets from falling out when reloading.

The Borner WC 401 is constructed primarily of polymer, which helps keep the weight down while maintaining durability. While it doesn't feel quite as robust as some all-metal air pistols, its still surprisingly sturdy and well-built for its price point. The slide mechanism feels smooth and reliable, with no noticeable play or rattling. The trigger pull is crisp and consistent, offering a good balance between light weight and positive engagement. However, the plastic grip can feel slippery when your hands are wet or sweaty, so consider adding some textured tape or installing an aftermarket grip for better control.

When it comes to accuracy, the Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol performs surprisingly well. I was able to consistently hit targets at distances of up to 25 feet with reasonable precision. The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight make it easy to zero in on your target quickly and accurately. While you won't be winning any long-range shooting competitions, the WC 401 is more than capable for backyard plinking or small game hunting within its effective range. The pistols velocity (measured using a chronograph) averaged around 385 FPS with Crosman Copperhead BBs at room temperature. This puts it well above the legal limit of 3.5 Joules (260 FPS) in most countries, making it suitable for hunting small pests or varmints like squirrels and rabbits within close range. Important Note: Always check your local laws regarding air gun power limits before using this pistol for hunting purposes.

The Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol has received generally positive reviews from users on various online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay. Here's a summary of what people are saying:

• Pros: Affordable price, lightweight design, semi-automatic action, decent accuracy, easy to use, reliable CO2 power source, double safety system, quick magazine change feature.
• Cons: Plastic grip can be slippery, sights could be more robust, limited effective range (around 25 feet), some users report issues with the slide locking open after firing a few shots. Overall, most users are satisfied with their purchase and recommend the WC 401 as an excellent entry-level air pistol for beginners or experienced shooters looking for a fun and affordable plinking gun. However, there are also a few complaints about reliability issues, so it's always wise to read user reviews thoroughly before making a decision.

The Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol is priced competitively at around $50 - $60 USD on most online marketplaces. This makes it an excellent value for the features and performance you get. When compared to other entry-level CO2 pellet pistols in its price range, the WC 401 stands out with its semi-automatic action and Picatinny rail accessory mount. While there are definitely more expensive air pistols available that offer superior accuracy and power, they often come at a significantly higher cost. For those on a budget who want a reliable and enjoyable pellet pistol for plinking or small game hunting, the Borner WC 401 is an excellent choice.

The Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol is a great option for beginners or experienced shooters looking for an affordable and fun air gun to use for target shooting or pest control. Its semi-automatic action, lightweight design, and decent accuracy make it easy and enjoyable to shoot. While the plastic grip can be slippery and the sights could be more robust, these are minor drawbacks considering its price point.

Yes, the Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol is an excellent choice for beginners due to its easy operation and low recoil. The semi-automatic action allows for rapid follow-up shots with minimal effort, making it a great way to learn firearm handling skills.

The Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol uses .177 caliber BBs (steel balls). It is not designed for traditional pellet ammunition. Ensure you only use the correct ammo to avoid damage or malfunction.

With a muzzle energy of less than 3.5 Joules, the Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol falls under European regulations for non-firearm airguns. This makes it relatively low powered but still effective for small game hunting and target practice within reasonable distances.

Loading CO2 cartridges is straightforward. Simply unscrew the cartridge holder on the bottom of the pistol, insert a new 12-gram CO2 cartridge (piercing valve required), screw it back in until tight and pierce the cartridge with the piercing pin using your thumb.

You can typically expect around 50 to 60 shots per CO2 cartridge, depending on factors like temperature and how hard you pull the trigger. Some users report even more shots under optimal conditions.

The effective range for hunting small game or target shooting with the Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol is generally considered to be around 15-20 meters (approximately 50-65 feet). Beyond this distance, accuracy decreases significantly.

Always treat your air pistol as if it were loaded and handle it with care. Wear eye protection and avoid pointing the muzzle at anything you don't intend to shoot. Keep out of reach of children and ensure proper storage in a secure location.

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. Clean your pistol after each use, lubricating moving parts with silicone oil as needed. Regularly inspect the seals on CO2 cartridges to prevent leaks. Store the pistol in a dry place away from extreme temperatures.

While some modifications are possible (such as replacing grips or adding an aftermarket trigger), it's important to note that modifying airguns can void warranties and potentially affect their safety and legality. Consult with experienced professionals before attempting any upgrades.

The Borner WC 401 Pellet Pistol typically comes with a user manual, CO2 cartridge holder, Allen wrench for maintenance, and occasionally an additional magazine or BBs. Always check the product description to confirm what's included.

Depending on your specific hunting needs, you may want to consider essential items such as a camouflage pattern suitable for your environment, comfortable hunting boots with good traction, reliable outdoor clothing (warm layers if necessary), and a sturdy backpack or bag to carry your gear.

Airgun ownership laws vary by region. Always check local regulations before purchasing or using an air pistol. Some areas may require permits, registration, or restrict sales to minors.

CO2 cartridges are widely available online and at many sporting goods stores that sell BB guns and pellet rifles. You can also find them in some hardware stores. Ensure you purchase cartridges specifically designed for airgun use with piercing valves.

The Borner WC 401 uses a blowback system where, upon firing, the bolt travels rearward, extracting an empty BB casing and loading a fresh one from the magazine. This process repeats automatically with each trigger pull as long as there are CO2 cartridges and BBs in the pistol.

While it can be used for recreational target practice, the Borner WC 401 is not typically favored by competitive shooters due to its relatively low power output compared to other air pistols designed specifically for competition. However, some casual target shooters find it enjoyable and accurate enough for informal use.

The Borner WC 401 does not have any rails or attachment points for mounting accessories such as bipods or scopes. While you can technically attach them using adhesive pads, this is not recommended due to the risk of damaging the pistol or compromising its accuracy.

If your pistol isn't firing correctly, check for CO2 leaks, ensure proper BB loading, and verify that you are using a fresh CO2 cartridge. If problems persist, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

The Borner WC 401 typically comes with a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Always retain your proof of purchase to claim any warranty service.