Umarex Legends M712 2026 Best Backyard Classic

Sep 19, 2026 1:13 AM

The umarex legends m712 has that old-school Mauser C96 attitude, but it doesn't feel like a shelf queen pretending to be useful. Its full-metal build, blowback action, and distinctive box magazine give it a heavier, more mechanical feel than basic plastic BB pistols. That matters after the first few magazines, because cheap-feeling plinkers can make backyard shooting feel flat fast. This one leans hard into character, and honestly, that's half the fun.

The biggest draw is the way it mixes historic replica styling with simple CO2 operation. A 12-gram CO2 cartridge keeps setup familiar, while .177 steel BBs are easy to source for casual target sessions. Still, it isn't the kind of pistol to grab for quiet, slow precision work. The blowback eats some gas, the action has snap, and the whole experience feels more lively than calm.

Small details help the Umarex Legends M712 stand out from ordinary backyard pistols. The selector-style layout, long barrel profile, and broomhandle grip create a very specific feel in the hand. Awkward at first? Maybe a little, especially for hands used to modern grip angles. But that oddball shape is also the point, because it makes each shot feel tied to the design instead of just another round of cans on a fence rail.

Practical expectations matter here. This pistol rewards relaxed plinking, historical replica collecting, and short target sessions more than serious accuracy chasing. Cold weather can reduce CO2 consistency, steel BBs need safe backstops, and the weight may feel chunky during longer sessions. So, treat the CO2 BB pistol as a character-rich shooter with real heft, not a stripped-down training tool, and it makes a lot more sense.

Umarex Legends M1A1 Blowback Automatic .177 Caliber BB Gun Air

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ARS Mark

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9.2
Brand
Umarex

Key specs2

Automatic Blowback Action

Features automatic cycling and blowback action in an M1A1 military platform firing standard .177 steel BBs.

Specification Check

Confirm velocity ratings and magazine capacity on the product listing, as these figures are unstated in the catalog.

Pros & cons32

Pros

Authentic M1A1 submachine gun styling with realistic blowback action
Features automatic firing capability for rapid backyard target shooting
Uses standard .177 caliber steel BBs for readily available plinking ammunition

Cons

Listing omits magazine capacity, which must be verified before purchasing
Velocity ratings and CO2 capsule requirements are not stated in product data

Umarex Legends M3 Grease Gun .177 Caliber BB Gun Air

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9.0
Brand
Umarex

Key specs2

Gas System & Stamina

Dual 12-gram CO2 cartridges deliver enough gas volume to cycle up to 3 full 30-round magazines on full-auto, reducing the freezing issues common to single-capsule pistols.

Muzzle Velocity

Up to 415 fps with .177 steel BBs

Pros & cons42

Pros

Dual 12-gram CO2 cartridge setup delivers shooting endurance up to 3 full magazines
Velocity reaches up to 415 fps with .177 caliber steel BBs
Drop-free 30-round magazine pairs with semi and full-auto shooting modes
Live action bolt operation and all-metal construction enhance realism

Cons

Submachine gun dimensions of 26.5 inches make it much longer than pistol replicas
Catalog listing shows contradictory weight data that must be confirmed

Umarex Legends M712 Blowback Automatic .177 Caliber BB Gun Air

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ARS Mark

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8.8
Brand
Umarex

Key specs3

Action & Firing Modes

Offers selectable semi-automatic and full-auto shooting modes paired with blowback action, allowing quick switches between steady plinking and rapid bursts.

Frame Weight & Handling

Weighing 3.75 pounds with an all-metal build, this pistol provides realistic heft but requires a firm two-handed grip during sustained fire.

Sighting & Targeting

Equipped with an elevation-adjustable rear sight and fixed front blade to fine-tune your aim over standard backyard plinking distances.

Pros & cons43

Pros

Select-fire mechanism supports both semi-automatic and full-auto burst shooting
Realistic blowback action and durable all-metal frame mimic the classic firearm
Elevation-adjustable rear sight allows elevation corrections for steel BB plinking
Reaches velocities up to 360 fps using standard 12-gram CO2 capsules

Cons

Heavy 3.75-pound build can cause offhand wrist fatigue without shoulder support
Single 12-gram CO2 powerplant cools quickly during rapid full-auto bursts
The 18-shot magazine empties rapidly when firing in full-auto mode

Umarex Legends MP Blowback All Metal Automatic .177 Caliber BB

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ARS Mark

ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

9.0
Brand
Umarex

Key specs2

Automatic Blowback Action

Pairs fully automatic operation with blowback cycling in a vintage all-metal submachine gun configuration.

Specification Check

Verify CO2 capacity, muzzle velocity, and magazine shot count directly with the seller before purchasing.

Pros & cons32

Pros

All-metal air rifle frame provides authentic vintage submachine gun handling
Blowback action adds tactile recoil during target shooting runs
Automatic firing mode enables rapid .177 steel BB plinking

Cons

Magazine capacity and spare magazine part numbers are omitted from the data
Velocity and CO2 power configuration are unlisted and require verification

Umarex Legends Makarov All Metal .177 Caliber BB Gun Air

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8.6
Brand
Umarex

Key specs2

Frame Weight & Handling

At 1.9 pounds and 7.5 inches long, the Makarov is significantly lighter and easier to control offhand than the 3.75-pound M712.

Muzzle Velocity

Up to 380 fps with .177 steel BBs

Pros & cons32

Pros

Reaches up to 380 fps muzzle velocity from a compact 1.9-pound metal frame
Grip-housed single 12-gram CO2 design keeps handling balanced and lightweight
Moveable slide and drop-free 16-shot magazine allow realistic firearm handling drills

Cons

Lacks full-auto firing capability present on the M712 and M3 replicas
Slide is moveable but does not feature gas blowback cycling

Umarex USA, Legends Cowboy, .177 Caliber, Lever Action, CO2 Air

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8.6
Brand
Umarex

Key specs2

Action Mechanism

Features a manual lever-action mechanism with a wood stock, trading rapid-fire speed for deliberate Western-style plinking.

Ammunition & Power

.177 caliber steel BBs, CO2 powered

Pros & cons32

Pros

Authentic lever-action cycling mechanism offers distinct Western shooting action
Wood stock construction delivers classic vintage styling for BB plinking
CO2-powered rifle platform provides stable shoulder-fired target practice

Cons

Manual lever action fires much slower than automatic or semi-auto blowback replicas
Maximum velocity, magazine capacity, and CO2 count are unlisted in catalog data

Umarex Legends P.08 All Metal .177 Caliber BB Gun Air

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8.4
Brand
Umarex

Key specs2

Action & Firing Modes

Operates in semi-automatic mode with blowback toggle cycling, offering classic German military aesthetics with a 21-shot drop-free magazine.

Gas System & Stamina

Runs on a single 12-gram CO2 capsule delivering up to 300 fps, avoiding the rapid gas drop of full-auto fire by sticking to semi-auto shots.

Pros & cons42

Pros

High-capacity 21-shot drop-free magazine holds more BBs than the M712 pistol
Blowback toggle action delivers distinct historical semi-automatic cycling
Moderate 2.2-pound all-metal frame balances comfortably without excessive nose weight
Includes manual safety lever and carries a 90-day limited warranty

Cons

Maximum velocity of 300 fps is lower than the M712 and Makarov pistols
Fixed front and rear sights offer no elevation or windage adjustment

Last update on 2026-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How many shots does a single CO2 cartridge yield in the Umarex Legends M712?

Shot count per cartridge depends on your shooting pace and mode, because rapid full-auto bursts consume gas significantly faster than controlled semi-auto fire. The Umarex Legends M712 powers its realistic blowback action and 18-shot magazine using a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge. Because rapid cycling cools the internal valve quickly, verify recommended operating temperatures and shot expectations in the product manual. Umarex recommends using Umarex-brand CO2 cartridges to ensure a proper seal and optimal firing performance.

Does the Umarex Legends M712 feature both semi-auto and full-auto firing modes?

Yes, the Umarex Legends M712 includes selectable semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes. Both modes cycle .177 caliber BBs through an 18-shot magazine with active blowback action. Choosing semi-auto delivers controlled single shots for precise target plinking, while switching to full-auto unleashes rapid-fire bursts until you release the trigger or empty the magazine.

Is the 3.75-pound weight of the Umarex Legends M712 difficult to balance offhand?

It depends on your shooting stance, as the Umarex Legends M712 weighs 3.75 pounds across exterior dimensions of 13.5 x 8 x 2.5 Inches. With that heft concentrated forward along the barrel and receiver, shooting one-handed can cause muzzle dip during rapid bursts. Adopting a firm two-handed grip provides the support needed to stay on target while managing the recoil from the blowback action.

How does the M712 magazine capacity compare to the Legends M3 Grease Gun?

The Umarex Legends M712 holds 18 shots in its magazine, whereas the Umarex Legends M3 Grease Gun features a 30-round drop free magazine. Both models offer semi and full auto action, but the M3 Grease Gun is an air rifle with dimensions of 26.5 x 9.5 x 3.75 inches and live action bolt operation. If you want longer shooting strings before reloading, the larger magazine capacity of the M3 rifle provides more continuous plinking between reloads.

How does the Umarex Legends M712 compare in weight and capacity to the Legends P.08?

The Umarex Legends M712 is noticeably heavier and holds fewer rounds than the P.08, weighing 3.75 pounds with an 18-shot magazine compared to 2.20462262 pounds and a 21-shot capacity on the P.08. Both models shoot .177 caliber BBs with blowback action powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, but the M712 adds full-auto operation alongside semi-auto. If you prefer a lighter sidearm with higher magazine capacity for standard plinking, check out the Umarex Legends P08 Luger to compare frame handling.

What distinguishes the blowback action of the M712 from manual repeating airguns?

The Umarex Legends M712 harnesses gas from a 12-gram CO2 cartridge to cycle its blowback action automatically after every shot. In contrast, air rifles like the Umarex Legends Cowboy lever action require manually cycling the lever to chamber each .177 caliber BB. While blowback action provides authentic semi-auto and full-auto recoil feedback, manual action mechanisms conserve CO2 pressure across longer backyard plinking sessions.

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WRITTEN BY

John Timmons

I'm an airgun enthusiast and I love nothing more than spending my time outdoors shooting targets. I'm always on the lookout for new airgun gear, and I love sharing my knowledge with others.