I used some of my Christmas money to buy a CO2 air gun called a SixNeedler. I had wanted one ever since Jörg Sprave started talking about designing it, and eventually offering it for sale, on his YouTube channel.
I'm always thinking ahead, considering possible future situations where conventional ammo (or its components) might become unavailable or prohibited, and alternatives become important. Plus, I like having options. Especially options you can buy online and have shipped directly to your house without "Imperial entanglements". That's always useful.
This is one air gun I would actually consider carrying for defense under certain conditions. I don't say that lightly, as I have firearms I wouldn't consider carrying for defense, even if I like them.
This gun feels real. It has a metal frame (aluminum?) and a solid polymer cylinder and grip. It even has a metal trigger and trigger guard! The whole thing is solid and has heft. It seems to be well-made. Also, it's black, not blue like the photo may suggest.
Unlike the other airguns I have, the SixNeedler is a serious tool. It shoots blowgun darts or "needles" rather than BBs or pellets. While they don't have the stopping power or foot-pounds of .44 Magnum, you do not want to get hit with one. They will not simply bounce off.
It's a "top break" much like a Schofield, but without an extractor popping anything out, because there's nothing to extract.
I've shot several cylinders-full already. It is double-action/single-action. Pretty easy to shoot. The grip angle is something to get accustomed to, but not a problem. The grip shape, I'll discuss below.
My target is a cardboard box filled with layers of cardboard, fortified with stacks of newspaper every several layers. The needles are penetrating an average of 2.5 to 3.5 inches, and they are stuck in the newspaper layers hard; they must be removed with pliers (don't damage them, since they are reusable!) I've watched videos where they are going through clothing, skin, ballistic gel, and cow leg bone.
It's fairly accurate- although I'm shooting at short, indoor ranges (across my library room/office- about 4 yards is all). If I brace the gun in place, removing the randomness of hand movement, most shots hit in about a 1.5" group, but there are some flyers that will hit a few inches from the point of aim. It's definitely accurate enough for defensive distance shooting.
The only negative I've found is the grip shape and size. It's got a squarish cross-section and is a bit large for my hands. If I hold it with the (oversized, in my opinion) grip cover (which encloses the CO2 cartridge in the grip) removed, it feels less awkward and almost more comfortable. Of course, there's no recoil, so the grip is not going to hurt your hand while you shoot, regardless of the grip design.
I did write the company and suggest they offer differently sized/shaped grip covers, and they said they will take it under advisement for any updates. I hope they do it, and I hope they offer additional grips for sale separately.
I did write the company and suggest they offer differently sized/shaped grip covers, and they said they will take it under advisement for any updates. I hope they do it, and I hope they offer additional grips for sale separately.
All in all, I really like it. It's sci-fi enough to appeal to that side of me. It's dangerous enough that it could be used defensively, and that appeals to my prepper side. It's different, cool-looking, and it works as advertised. It's also not terribly expensive. I think you should consider adding one to your collection. Then tell me what you think.
I'm even thinking about making a leather holster for my SixNeedler, if that means anything.
This isn't a paid review or anything. Like my review of the Barra Schofield, it's just me sharing my thoughts, experiences, and opinions. There are no affiliate links, and I get nothing if you buy one, click on anything, or whatever else people do to pay reviewers for reviewing products.
Here are a couple of videos of me shooting it, single action and double action, in my library/office: