Barrelless traumatic pistols with an electric primer have always aroused distrust among potential buyers. The main reason for this is the lack of combat analogues. However, this trend is changing over time. Today, many believe that barrelless pistols with an electric primer are the most effective means of protection among the entire range of traumatic weapons. Traumatic pistol "Shaman" is currently considered one of the best representatives of barrelless pistols. Today we will get to know him better.
General characteristics
This model can be called new, as it hit the stores only in 2010. It is produced by the A + A company, which has already become famous for its pistols of the Kordon family and 18x45T cartridges. The main distinguishing feature of the new "trauma" was the use of a 20.5 mm cartridge in it.
Which ammo is better?
Disputes about this have been going on for quite some time. When shooting at hard targets, 18- and 20.5-mm cartridges show approximately the same result. But in the case of targets similar in density to the bodya person, a cartridge whose caliber is larger works much more efficiently. The reason for this is simple - the bullet has a large surface area of contact with the target when hit. The second important argument in favor of this cartridge is weight. The combination of weight and area reduces the penetrating effect of the bullet and increases the stopping power. The impact force of such a projectile is enough to stop a person dressed in winter clothes.
Comparing cartridges 20, 5x45 and 18x45, in addition to differences in shooting performance and penetrating action due to the dimensions of the bullet, it is also worth dwelling on design features. It is important to note that the 18x45 cartridge from A + A may differ from the same cartridge from another manufacturer. The sleeve of this projectile is made of plastic, and the bullet does not have a shank. Instead of the latter, it has a smooth back, which is clamped directly into the sleeve with peculiar grooves.
A cartridge of a larger caliber is made in a similar way, with the only difference being that its bullet is larger and heavier. It is interesting that, despite the difference in caliber, the bottoms of the cartridge cases of both cartridges are absolutely identical in size. This was done not only for reasons of economy, but also so that the Shaman barrelless pistol could work on two types of ammunition. As a result, this feature has become the hallmark of the weapon.
Bicality
Instead of clips and magazines, the Shaman pistol uses cassettes, as in the Strazhnik or Osa-Aegis models. Structurally, they are designed for 20,5 mm projectile. To insert 18-gauge cartridges into the cassette, you need the simplest adapter in design. In fact, it is a nozzle made of plastic, which is put on the cartridge case 18x45 in order to increase its diameter. No further adaptation is needed as the bottoms of the cartridge cases are identical.
There is an opinion that cassettes quickly become unusable, to put it simply, they crack. This can happen due to swelling of the sleeve. It is worth noting that there are no such problems when working with A + A cartridges. Therefore, if the cassettes crack, then only when using low-quality shells. There are also no problems with attaching the cassette to the body of the pistol, according to the owners of this injury.
One more thing
From the above, we can conclude that a larger caliber cartridge is more effective than a smaller one, but there is one more nuance. Among the 19x45 ammunition there are cartridges that are loaded not with bullets, but with rubber balls. They are called 18x45W. The weight of such a bullet-ball is comparable to ammunition of 20.5 caliber. Shooting at various targets showed that under almost any circumstances, the ball of the 18x45Sh cartridge is not inferior to the bullet of the 20.5x45 cartridge. In the event of a hit with material identical in density to the human body, the probability of penetrating injury from the ball is small, but the impact from such a hit is very noticeable even through winter clothes.
Electronics
The Shaman pistol, which we are reviewing today,has simple electronics. And even a mechanical fuse, which in such models is usually presented in the form of a switch, is not here. This decision is due to the desire of the creators to completely simplify the design and, as a result, increase its reliability.
However, according to experts, the rejection of a mechanical fuse is not justified at all, and there are at least two reasons. First: modern technologies make it possible to make the switch completely protected from the most aggressive environments. Second: the gain from such a solution can only be theoretical, since the shutter button has exactly the same contacts that are subject to oxidation, like the fuse.
The traumatic pistol "Shaman" has one safety device - a lever located under the trigger. It simply blocks the possibility of pressing a key until the gun is held in the user's hand. Considering that the shot force in this model is about 4 kilograms, such a fuse is quite enough.
Food
The Shaman pistol is powered by a lithium battery, which causes indignation among some skeptics. Many of them complain that the battery charge can drop when the gun is in the cold. It is indeed possible, however, in order for the power element to be discharged so that a shot would become impossible, it takes a lot of time and very severe frost. The Shaman pistol, whose characteristics we already know, is usually worn inpocket, so there are no problems with sub-zero temperatures.
But what can really cause a weapon to fail is the natural discharge of the power element. In order for the user to control the battery level, the gun design has a corresponding indicator. It lights up when the safety lever is pressed. The battery charge indicator, together with the laser target designator, practically does not discharge the pistol. However, if they turn on in your pocket and stay on for a long time, this wave is possible. To be sure that a shot will occur if necessary, it is recommended to check the charge daily. It is also recommended to carry a spare battery with you at all times.
Application
The Shaman traumatic pistol, the characteristics of which we have reviewed today, can work with different ammunition, including light and sound, which are great for protecting against dogs and people. The fact that the pistol only has two shots requires the user to be very accurate and quick to reload. According to the manufacturer, the replacement of the cassette will not take more than a second. However, only an extremely restrained and balanced person can achieve such a result in a force majeure situation, who, moreover, did not spare the time to develop this skill.
Despite the fact that the shooter at the first stage of the conflict can operate with only two shots, it is recommended to fire the first shot with a flash and sound cartridge, and the second, ifof course you have to, the usual. A flash and sound cartridge will significantly increase the chances of successful self-defense, as it works on all targets located in the direction of the shot.
Pistol "Shaman": reviews
As the reviews of the owners show, the main problem of the Shaman pistol is the low level of ergonomics. Despite the fact that there are very few internal elements in the handle, it has a large volume, and not all shooters fit comfortably in the hand. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the gun weighs a little over 200 grams. From the point of view of comfortable wearing, this is an absolute plus, but from the point of view of the recoil force, it is a significant minus. The Shaman pistol, especially with a large cartridge, has a very impressive return compared to other traumatic models of greater weight.
Another problem that Shaman users face is the lack of a convenient holster, forcing them to carry weapons in their pockets. There are at least two disadvantages in this regard. The first is the probability of turning on the LCC and turning off the fuse. As you already know, this can lead to battery drain. The second is the possibility of the safety lever getting caught on the fabric, threads or any items in the pocket.
Many users of this weapon find the 4kg trigger pull too heavy. In principle, in most models of traumatic and military weapons, the descent is not easier. This is due to the fact that when the trigger is pressed, the shooter cocks the hammer. And in revolvers, additional effort is also needed ondrum rotation. In our case, the tight descent is nothing more than the price of safe wearing. There is no constructive excuse for tight triggers in electric primer pistols.
Conclusion
Today we reviewed the barrelless pistol of traumatic action "Shaman". Summarizing the above, it is worth noting that it is the most powerful in its class. Thanks to such a unique property as bicaliber, the user of the weapon can equip it with a cartridge that is most suitable for a particular task. Like any other weapon, the Shaman pistol has its drawbacks. The main ones are a large handle, strong recoil and not very comfortable transportation.
