Note: This Table Top review pertains to two products: the Sig Sauer 1911 Max Michel Blowback CO2 BB Pistol and the Sig Sauer 1911 Spartan Blowback CO2 BB Pistol.

Type: BB Pistol
Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
Model: 1911
Materials: Full metal build
Weight: 934 g (2.06 lb)
Barrel: 127 mm (5 in), non-rifled
Power Source: 12 g CO2 x 1
Action: Semi-automatic, blowback, single action only
Ammo Type: 4.5 mm steel BBs
Ammo Capacity: 16 rounds
FPS: 410

Buy the magazine: SIG1051

Trigger Pull: Excellent! Just like a real 1911, it is single action only. Both Sig Sauer 1911s have very short and light trigger pulls. To make the shooting experience even more realistic, you will need to engage the working back strap safety in order to shoot these guns, again, like a real 1911.

Accuracy: I decided to only shoot the Spartan since the Max Michel is the same gun mechanically but with slightly different cosmetics, which shouldn't change the performance in any way. Starting with my FPS velocity chronograph testing, it did take me 2 shots to get the chronograph to read but after that I got 5 good readings averaging about 370 FPS, with the fastest shot close to 400. For my accuracy test I shot 10 rounds at a paper target set up about 30 feet away using my standard seated and rested shooting position. 2 of the 10 shots seemed to get away on me, but the other 8 were well within a 2 inch grouping. The 2 outliers only extended the grouping by about an additional inch. In terms of placement on target, the Sig Sauer Spartan BB Pistol was well centered left to right, but did shoot about 3 inches high.

Build Quality: Both the Spartan and Max Michel airguns are built really well. They feel solid in the hand and all the mechanical parts feel tight. The finish is nice and does not show any signs of wearing. You'll find metal parts everywhere except the magazines. Even the safety, magazine release, and slide catch are metal. It's too bad the magazine is also not metal.

Realism: Sig Sauer modeled the Spartan and Max Michel after their real steel version. Overall, they are very similar with the exception that neither of the real steel version have under barrel rails. You will also find adjustable sights on both of the real steel versions, and of course, proper full size magazines. Other than that, both these Sig Sauer 1911s look the part and have full Sig Sauer licensing and branding.

Pros:

• Full metal build gives the gun good weight!
• Good replica of the real steel 1911 Sig Sauer pistols
• Really nice single action trigger
• Full Sig Sauer markings and licensings
• Cam lever system for easy CO2 loading
• Working grip safety like real 1911
• Decent blowback feel
• Higher FPS than KWC 1911s
• White dots on both front and rear sights
• Bottom rail for accessories

Cons:

• Plastic stick magazine detracts from realistic reloading
• Rail wouldn't be on original Sig Sauer pistols
• Basic fixed sights are non-adjustable
• Would have liked a more recessed barrel
• CO2 grip comes off pretty easily

Comments: I know that everyone likes airguns with full size drop-out metal magazines and it does make the airgun look and feel more realistic, but once the mag is in the gun the experience for the most part is the same. Having a stick magazine in this case allows for a more efficient CO2 delivery, which should increase power and shots per CO2. I know a lot of people complain about the low FPS of the KWC 1911s so if this is you, then perhaps you may need to give up a full size mag for more power and shots per CO2? I was a bit surprised by how heavy the blowback is on the Sig Sauer Spartan and Max Michel CO2 BB Pistols. It kind of rocked my table a little bit, especially when the CO2 was new. I also really like the trigger and feel that these Sig Sauer 1911 offer, giving the KWC 1911 blowback airguns a run for their money. If you can get over the plastic stick magazine then I think you would really like owning a Spartan or Max Michel Sig Sauer.