Gletcher

• Brand & Parent Company: Gletcher is a brand under SMG, Inc. (Sport Manufacturing Group Inc.).

• Founded: The Gletcher brand has been around since 2008. Head Office: According to Blue Book of Gun Values, SMG Inc. (Gletcher) is based in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, USA.

• Warranty: Their airguns come with an 18-month warranty.

• Slogan: Gletcher’s slogan is “Military Precision”, emphasizing realism in design and function.

Products & Specialisation

• Replica Pneumatic Firearms: Gletcher specialises in CO₂-powered pneumatic replicas of real firearms.

• Detailed Replicas: Their products often copy iconic historical guns — for example:

  • Gletcher Parabellum: A blow-back CO₂ pistol replicating the Luger. 

  • Gletcher APS: Based on the Soviet Stechkin pistol.

  • Gletcher PYa “Grach”: A replica of the Russian military Yarygin pistol.

  • Gletcher M1891: Sawn-off version of the classic rifle, in CO₂ format.

  • Gletcher Nagant Revolver: A CO₂ / pneumatic version of the Nagant M1895.

• Realistic Handling: Their guns are built to mimic the weight, feel, and mechanisms of the originals, including sliding slides, bolts, and rotating cylinders.

• Ammunition: Many Gletcher models fire .177 / 4.5 mm steel BBs.

• Magazine & Gas: Most CO₂ pistols use standard 12 g CO₂ cartridges; some have removable magazines (e.g. 19-shot for the Parabellum).

Market & Reputation

• Collectors & Enthusiasts: Gletcher’s replicas are popular with shooters who appreciate realistic look-and-feel without legal restrictions on real firearms.

• Training Use: In markets like the U.S., real firearm owners sometimes use Gletcher replicas for dry-fire or CO₂ practice.

• Regulated Regions: In places with strict firearm laws, Gletcher offers a “safe” way to own historically important or military-style handguns.

• Distributors: Gletcher airguns are distributed internationally; for instance, Sports Guns is a major UK distributor.

Strengths

• Authenticity: High fidelity in design — both visually and mechanically — makes their guns feel very real.

• Metal Construction: Many models use metal parts to closely replicate the heft and durability of real guns.

• Variety: Broad range of historic models (Russian, European, military) allows collectors to pick their favourite era or style.

• Good Value: Compared to buying real firearms (or even some licensed airgun replicas), Gletcher offers a more accessible entry point for realistic firearms simulation.

Limitations & Criticisms

• Gas Consumption: Some users note that Gletcher CO₂ models can use gas quickly. For example:

  “I get two magazines through and then the CO₂ dies out.

• Sourcing Parts: Because the replicas are quite detailed, some spare parts or internal components (especially for more niche models) can be harder to find.

• Build Variability: As with many replica brands, there can be build-quality differences between models.

• Sound & Power: As many models are BB CO₂ guns, they are not particularly powerful in energy output compared to PCP air rifles or firearms — they’re more for plinking or training than serious target shooting.

Significance

Gletcher fills a niche in the air-gun market: providing realistic, historically inspired, and mechanically accurate CO₂ replicas of famous firearms. For enthusiasts who want the look, feel, and action of classic guns — without owning a firearm — Gletcher delivers a strong “authentic airgun” experience.