Editor's Choice: Gletcher M712 CO2 Pistol

by
posted on October 9, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gletcher.jpg
Gletcher, a company known for producing meticulously detailed pneumatic replicas of real firearms, has extended its product line to include the M712—a reproduction of the Mauser C96 Broomhandle’s M712 variant. A CO2-powered facsimile of the genuine article, Gletcher’s M712 offers shooters an alternative to the Mauser that is pennies to the dollar of the real thing.

Accurately reflecting the size and weight of the original, Gletcher’s attention to detail in designing this airgun is impressive. Like its forebear, the M712 airgun is selective-fire, loads via a detachable box magazine and is charged by drawing back the gun’s straight-line bolt. Gletcher even included a slot in the rear of the handgun’s broom-handle-shaped grip—where the famous holster/buttstock of the original would be affixed.

Using a 12-gram CO2 cylinder for power, which is concealed entirely within the 18-shot-capacity box magazine, the M712 fires .177-cal. steel BBs at an average velocity of 361 f.p.s. The gun also features what Gletcher calls its “Blowback System,” which uses a small portion of the gas to actuate the bolt, simulating the reciprocation and recoil of its progenitor.

The M712 states right on the side of the receiver that it is “not a toy,” and you’ll likely have to remind yourself of that fact several times during a range session. Full-automatic fire is an awful lot of fun—even when you’re just shooting BBs. Shooters who have fired a full-automatic-capable gun know how difficult it can be to keep them loaded—and this gun’s entire magazine payload can be fired in less than three seconds. Several Gletcher products are available for purchase at pyramydair.com. Price: $180. Contact Sport Manufacturing Group; (877) 969-0909; gletcherguns.com.

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.