The reel steel holds 10+1 rounds (10 in magazine, 1 in the breech)... this high-grade replica holds a few more, at 15+1. Having researched this model on the Internet prior to its arrival, I can confirm that this Marui masterpiece is a very close replica to the real thing. Although close scrutiny would reveal that the barrel in the Airsoft version is in fact a few millimetres shorter. The overall length of this gun is just 182mm, making it a very short contender in the Gas Blowback line up, but Marui really have created a little gem here.

The gun's styling is very nice. Those of you who are a fan of the Glock 17's may find this one a little difficult to get used to. Not only because you are loosing an extra 11 rounds of ammo found in the G17's mag, but its small size may put some people off. Admitably when I first read the specs, I thought this weapon wasn't going to be much competition to the Marui Tactical Master reviewed recently, but I was shown otherwise upon firing.

Despite its small barrel, only 73mm long, this gun has all the range and accuracy of any of the gas blowbacks I have tested. And what really set this pistol apart from the others I have used, is the fully adjustable hop-up, a very nice feature for any serious skirmisher or shooter. Gas Blowback Pistols which incorporate a hop-up feature usually require a small screwdriver or Allen key, for adjustment after tedious stripping of the pistol.. Not this one. Simply cock the gun, remove the magazine, pull the take down lever and remove the top slide. Now on the left hand side, and clearly marked is a small wheel which can be easily tuned to your favourite Gas/BB set-up. I found that I had to slightly increase the hop-up out of the box, as it was shooting just an inch low at 10m. Once I took a few minutes to get it right, it was shooting just right, every time - all the time. Obviously depending on the average range you're planning to use, you may want to adjust it to your liking. But out of the box this gun is set-up for accuracy at about 25m - although the gun's effective range is beyond this. As I was testing the accuracy with a standard 10m target (not to mention the rapid fire coke can test), I adjusted it accordingly.

The gun’s overall construction is very high quality. The grade of plastic used is of the usual high quality that you’d expect from Marui, with no apparent signs of that dreaded plastic shine. All of the official markings can be found on this model, including the Glock trademarks and serial numbers stamped on the magazine, slide, ejection port and safety mechanism. In small wording on the right hand side of the frame, is written "Made in Japan, Tokyo Marui Ltd". But it’s certainly not intrusive to the guns realism and good looks.

Starting with the barrel end of things, this gun already appears attractive. Like art lovers appreciate the works of Picasso… I find myself admiring the curves and bumps of the latest firearms – and this one is quite a cute little number. The Glock 17 is most noticeable for its strange curve underneath the barrel, immediately before the trigger guard. This model does not feature this, but instead looks a little like a Walther P99 from this angle. Similarly, the rear end, where one would normally find a hammer on a single and double action pistol, the Glock 26 also appears P99’ish. Seeing how the Glock has been around longer than Walther’s new introduction, I’m assuming the later copied this style from the Austrian gun manufacturer.

Underneath the barrel, the safety mechanism is located. Glock’s feature several "safe" features. Firstly you have the well known trigger safety, whereby a separate, smaller trigger protrudes from the main trigger. Pulling both correctly, as you would normally fire a pistol enables the internal hammer (more on this in a second) to be released, however, if you catch the trigger on something, such as a holster on removal, the gun will not be fired.

Secondly you have the trigger block method. This is engaged by sliding backwards a small silver catch, this locks the trigger in places and does not allow it to be depressed.

Then you have the internal hammer, which reduces the chance of it being knocked or the gun being dropped and the weapon discharging. On this model, the internal hammer is a bit of a cheat method. It should be double action, on pulling the trigger, you are drawing back the hammer, and at the end of the pull, releasing it. On this model, when you cock the gun, chambering the first round, you are also cocking the hammer, as if you were pulling it back for single action on a select fire pistol. The action of the gas blowback cocks this hammer on each shot. This can be seen better when field stripped.

Talking of stripping. The procedure on this firearm is a doddle. As per most gas blowback pistols, the slide can be manually locked back into place, for cleaning purposes, checking the breach etc. Or upon the last shot, the slide stays locked back into place, and once a fresh magazine is inserted, the slide release lever is pressed, the slide flies forward chambering a round – and you’re ready for action again. Forward of the slide lock lever, there are two little sliding "latches" on either side of the gun’s frame. After removing the magazine, cocking the gun (which moves the hammer out of the way), and pushing on these two latches, the top simply slides off. This gives you access to the hop-up assembly, as mentioned previously. Not to mention easy access for cleaning and lubrication.

The magazine is where most of the weight is coming from in this weapon. All steel and very sturdy, it easily holds enough gas for a second reload of the BB chamber. Giving you 30 shots in total. A nice feature about the Glock 26’s magazine is that they have included a spare piece on the box, to change the shape of the bottom. Out of the box, this gun comes with a curved piece, which is actually an extra finger grove. Very good for people with slightly bigger hands, that would struggle with the small size of this gun. I personally think its looks fine like this, and fits into my palm quite nicely. However you may opt to change it for the flat piece. My only gripe about this gun, is regarding this curved magazine piece. You can’t fill the gas reservoir with an American eagle can, because the red plastic nozzle is not long enough to get past the curve. HFC "Green Gas" fits fine, but some people are a bit dubious about using this high-pressure gas in case of magazine seal problems. Its working ok so far, so I’ll keep you posted with that. So basically, in order to fill with American eagle gas, you have to slide off the bottom magazine piece, fill with gas, and then replace. Not a brilliant design, but then I’m using Green Gas anyway, so it’s not affected me…

Other interesting features about this gun are the sighting system and the power of the blowback action. The sights are the chunky combat type, but if the hop-up is tuned to your desired ammunition and gas source, then fairly accurate. I was hitting the bottom of coke cans at 15m with ease, which I use as my standard test. I would say, head shots at 20m with ease, and body shots won’t be difficult at ranges beyond this. As for the blowback action, it’s very strong for such a little pistol. Marui have got the balance and feel just right in this model, so when the slide does fly back, it’s a satisfying experience.

Conclusion? There’s lots of blowback pistols on the market at the moment, which would easily suffice as a backup weapon, but I feel in order to find the correct one, they’ve each got to have something a little special which differs them from the rest. With this one, its overall size is a good deciding factor. Anyone who skirmishes on a regular basis will probably own some kind of load bearing / tactical vest. This gun comfortably fits into pockets without the need for a holster. Although if you do opt for one, a standard size will fit just fine. Its power and range is equal to that of weapons with longer barrels, and its accuracy is perfectly adequate for a sidearm. It’s not exactly a competition pistol, but then neither are any of the guns I have reviewed so far. Its very economical on gas, and even the 15 round magazine is plenty enough for backup purposes. Another major factor is the low price tag. Even though it’s tiny in comparison – you are still getting a lot of gun for your money, with all the added bonuses such as the adjustable hop up feature.

£90 is very little for a gas blowback of this quality, and experienced shooters will be surprised by its performance, just as your weekend warrior will be pleased with its ability to keep the "enemy" at bay, alongside the rest of its bigger brothers.