Replica CO2 Airgun Collection

*Schimel P-22*
	Replica Name
Info: Manufacturer/Model: Schimel P-22 (same as GP-22) Replica Of: German Luger P-08 (9 mm) Made In: USA Caliber/Ammunition/Feed: 22, lead pellet, single-shot Air Source: CO2, 8 g Powerlet Accessories: None Recommended Pellet or BB: H&N Rundkugeln (15.4 gr) Weight (lb)/Length (in): 2.4, 9.25 Body Material/Finish/Grips: steel, gray, plastic Barrel Length (in)/Material/Rifled: 6.25, steel, yes Trigger Action: SA Trigger Pull (lbs)/Adjustable: 3.5 (with gun charged), no Sights (front/rear): fixed, fixed Velocity (fps): not specified (see performance section) Sound Level (dB): 99 Thickness of Pellet Holder (in): N/A Manufactured Dates: 1949-1954 Condition/Manual/Box: 60%, yes (copy), no Serial Number: 31336	Comments: This is a model GP-22 Schimel that did not get the "G" stamped in the frame. Various reports indicate that early production Schimels lacked the "G", which was added later to both the name and serial number. Apparently, the "G" (for gas) was added when Schimel decided to also produce the AP-22 ("A" for air - a pump pneumatic). While many examples of the GP-22 exist, there are no known examples of the AP-22. This particular gun still holds air and shoots. The gun is a very good replica of the German Luger and was manufactured by Schimel in North Hollywood, California between 1948 and 1954. It is thought to be the first CO2 cartridge pistol produced in the USA. The gun is fairly complicated to shoot, but has surprisingly good accuracy. This particular Schimel shoots best using lead balls (H&N Rundkugeln copper covered lead balls). Care must be taken in cocking and charging this gun as the pot metal is fragile and some of the pivot points are easily broken (see additional instructions below). This is one of the hardest hitting (and loud) CO2 replica pistols ever made. It's too bad production didn't continue with better materials and a few engineering improvements. More than 50 years later, few air pistols can match this gun's performance. Schimel GP-22 Instruction Manual Stoegers Catalog Ad for Schimel GP-22 and AP-22 (probably 1951) Stoegers 1953 Ad for Schimel GP-22 Airguns that Look Like Firearms by Tom Gaylord Blue Book Information (6th Ed.) on Schimel P-22 American Vintage Airguns Repair Thread #1 American Vintage Airguns Repair Thread #2 Photos from J.B. Jenkins (from American Vintage Airguns) Performance: Measurements were made on 11/05/07 at a temperature of 71 ºF and 14' elevation. A ten shot string was fired from a bench rest at 15' using H&N Rundkugeln lead balls (15.4 gr). The highest velocity measured was 392 fps, the lowest was 350 fps (average of the 10-shot string was 376 fps). The Schimel fired a six shot string with open sights that grouped at 0.26". This is amazing accuracy for a 60 year old airgun. Click the thumbnail below to see a larger image. Click here for a description of the measurement methods.
	Right Profile 1:
	Right Profile 2: After each shot, the reset button must be pushed forward to seal the chamber. Once this is done, the charging lever can be pulled back and then pushed forward. Pulling back the charging lever before pushing the reset button will result in the loss of all CO2. Be sure to keep the safety engaged during all charging and loading steps and keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
	Front View:
	Right Side Markings: This shows a close-up view of the reset button and safety.
	Left Side Markings:
	Loading Pellets: Pulling the toggle back pulls the bolt probe out of the breech and allows a pellet to be loaded. H&N Match-Kugeln (13.4 gr) pellets work very well in this gun. Push the toggle down carefully to make sure the pellet is smoothly loaded into the breech.
	Loading CO2: When loading a new CO2 cylinder, first make sure the reset button has been pushed forward. Then, pull pack the charging lever back and insert the new cylinder. Screw the cap on snugly (but not too tight). Push the charging lever forward -- this should pierce the cartridge. Test fire the gun. If it does not fire, then the cartridge either 1) did not pierce properly or 2) is pierced but is pushed in so tight that CO2 cannot get out to fill the chamber. Open and close the charging lever several times to complete the piercing process. When the cylinder has pierced properly, you will feel additional resistance when pushing the charging lever forward. If the gun is still not firing, let it sit for 5 minutes and then try opening and closing the charging lever several times again. If it still does not fire, carefully unscrew the piercing cap while keeping the cylinder opening pointed in a safe direction. This is a potential dangerous situation, the cartridge may be pierced and under pressure and could shoot out at very high velocity. To expel any unused gas, pull the charging lever back and then pull the trigger. Do not attempt to unscrew the piercing cap if there is still CO2 in the cylinder.