Umarex is known the world over as being the King of Replicas. We have important license agreements with some of the most popular firearms brands on the planet and as a result, we make many officially licensed replicas in both 6mm airsoft and .177 calibers. But our love for replicas doesn’t just stop with licensed replicas. Like many of you, we also love historical firearms, those that were used in militaries around the world. From the training fields to the battle fields and then to the silver screen, our televisions, and gaming systems, these types of guns are a part of the world fabric. That’s why we are honored to present to you our Legends line of replica airguns.
In Umarex’s Legends line you will find examples from both the Axis and Allied powers. We are confident that at least one of them will scratch your itch for historical replicas!
The Axis and Soviet Union
Starting with replicas from the other side of the pond, we have the Russian Makarov BB pistol. These were originally chambered in 9X18 Makarov and today can be found in either that chambering or .380 ACP here in the United States. 20 years ago, Makarov’s were fairly common and very affordable on the surplus gun market. These days surplus Makarovs are a little harder to find, but the Legends Makarov BB gun is easy to get and super affordable.
Next on the list is the P08 “Luger” that was employed by German forces for an extended period of time. This pistol was an early autoloader that took a different approach than American engineers in the design of its action. The rear sight assembly is mounted on a hinge or toggle that folds in the process of extracting a spent cartridge and chambering a fresh one. This unique action is something to behold. The good news is Umarex makes a BB P08 that cycles exactly like the firearm. This version does cost a bit more than the non-blowback version but it really is a treat to shoot if you are into the most realistic BB gun replicas. If looks are more important to you, then you will have a blast with the non-blowback action.
Moving on from the “Luger” is the M712 variant of the C96 “Broom Handle Mauser” handgun. This pistol also had a unique look to it with a blowback action that left the barrel fixed in the shot cycle. With the box magazine located in front of the trigger guard. This pistol is large and imposing and fascinating as well. Our Legends version of this is based on the rare select fire version that was produced late in the guns’ production period. Therefore, in either semi-auto or full auto, you can send BBs downrange all day long with the Legends M712.
The last entry on the European side of the world goes to the German MP40. This was a feared sub-machine gun during World War II. This open-bolt gun utilized a round that is still extremely popular today, the 9X19mm Luger. With a trick under fold stock, this SMG could easily be fired from the hip or from shoulder support. This weapon was featured heavily in WWII movies like The Battle of Stalingrad, To Hell and Back, Darby’s Rangers, The Great Escape, The Battle of the Bulge, The Big Red One, and Saving Private Ryan. The MP40 is also featured in FPS video games like Raid: World War II and Call of Duty: WWII. That said, it made sense that Umarex make a replica of this wartime firearm. In the Legends section of our website, you will find the Legends MP. The MP uses two 12 gram CO2 cartridges for power and features a big, 52 round stick magazine. Of course this is a select fire BB gun– what fun would it be if it were not? If you pick up an MP, be sure to add some extra BBs to the cart and a big 50 count box of 12g CO2!
The Allies and United States
Now on to the Western Hemisphere where we measure things in inches and drink coffee instead of tea! The first replica on this list is obvious. Its story begins well before the Second World War, in 1918. Like the German MP40, the Thompson submachine gun was developed, too late, for use in the trenches of the First World War. Be that as it may, this platform was quickly made popular, by those who could afford it. You see, in those days there was no prohibition against the general public owning machine guns as they were a relatively new technology. As such, criminals seeking an upper hand against rival gangs and law enforcement gravitated towards the 1921A model with its drum magazine. In later development, the Thompson was issued to servicemen as the 1927 variant with a full length hand guard, shielded rear sight assembly and stick magazine. The drum magazine was also compatible with this later version. You will find our “Chicago Typewriter” on the Legends page under the M1A1 designation. This is a close replica of the 1927 version and comes with a 30 round stick magazine. For 2026, we will have a drum magazine version available, the M1A1 D. If you already have the original M1A1, you can pick up the drum magazine by itself. Once again, buy some extra CO2 and BBs. You will need them!
The last entry for the military themed Legends page is the M3 Grease Gun. During World War II there was an extreme demand for the 1927 M1A1, a demand that could not be satisfied for two very good reasons. First, the manufacturing process needed to make the M1A1 was intense. Lots of metal, lots of machining, lots of time to make a few guns. The metal, machine work, and time added up to a bill that Uncle Sam could not justify, nor could do without as there was too great a demand. The servicemen needed a cheaper option that could do the same job. Thus was born the Grease Gun. The Grease Gun was made, mostly, from stamped steel. With metal use rationed through an efficient process, nearly no machine work, and a fraction of the production time, the Grease Gun was a winner. Later on in the way a revision was made and that revision stuck. It was the thumb charging M3 version. Then, for the next 50 years the M3 Grease Gun had its place in the armory of the US Armed Services. With this history in mind, Umarex making a replica of the M3 Grease Gun was an easy choice.