I was thinking that I wanted a Sidewinder compact, but then I started looking at Leshiy 2. I am looking at these because I want a semi-auto with removable magazine that has excellent reliability and reasonably compact. I have a .25 GK1 and everything about it is great except for the nonremovable mag. I would probably get .25 again in either of these since I already have the GK1 in .25 and lots of different ammo to try out, but I'm not set on the caliber. At least the Leshiy is an easy barrel/mag swap to a different caliber (and I think Sidewinder might be also), but can you even buy the barrels to do so? I haven't seen them listed for sale anywhere.
What am I looking for? No fuss reliability. Compact and portable. Reasonably accurate (either of these are better than my skills). Use for informal target shooting and rare pesting. Bonus if it is extremely quiet because then I can occasionally shoot in the backyard for a quick session, but max 20yards so more suited for pistol. I also don’t shoot if any neighbors are out and nothing with any noise so they don’t think I’m doing anything more than plinking with a BB gun. I probably don't get to shoot enough to justify the cost of either of these but I want a great experience when I do. Any other contenders for my criteria?
(This thread has lots of good comments on these already… https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/the-semi-sisters.1305959/ )
Leshiy 2 "Wolverine" long, 350mm, Behemoth moderator, large 460cc bottle
+ Great design
+ I love that it folds up so small, especially with the twist off suppressor option
+ easy to make completely safe
+ available speed loader (I saw a video on it but haven't seen it for sale)
+ from reviews, seems like it’s pretty quiet with the behemoth
- no regulator guage (easy add though)
- not as powerful as Sidewinder at max (at least in .25)
- can't easily adjust power (I would prefer to typically use low or medium power for shot count but turn up on occasion) Could this be replaced with a nice knob?
- smaller magazine (8 rounds)
- cost
- cost
- cost
What's the shot count with the large bottle? (at max power or at an acceptable lower power)
Does it still fold completely into lock-in position with the large 460cc bottle?
Sounds like this is pretty quiet with the Behemoth. Any comments on noise with that or the standard suppression? If it's quiet enough then I can sometimes shoot in the backyard.
Sidewinder S compact
+ easy to adjust power and has regulator guage
+ Can do more power than Leshiy
+ bigger magazine (15 rounds)
+ sounds like it might be a little less fiddly than the Leshiy, or maybe at least with adjustments
- longer. Even the compact is not as portable as a folded Leshiy, but probably ok for me.
- lower shot count on compact due to smaller bottle, but still sounds like more shots per fill than the Leshiy
- cost
- cost
Is there a speed loader available, or do I need to buy extra of those expensive mags?
From what I've read on this, with the standard suppression it probably isn't quiet enough to use in my backyard. Any comments on noise level or upgrading suppression, beyond weevil and subscriber's great thread here https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hushing-the-sidewinder-mini-30.1307559/
In general, I love the portability and design of the Leshiy. But the Sidewinder power adjustment and cost are big pluses. And at lower power, the Sidewinder might have better shot count.
This is not a near term purchase. The GK1 still stings. Probably at least a year maybe two, so who knows what else might be out by then too, but I want a goal post for the next purchase.
What am I looking for? No fuss reliability. Compact and portable. Reasonably accurate (either of these are better than my skills). Use for informal target shooting and rare pesting. Bonus if it is extremely quiet because then I can occasionally shoot in the backyard for a quick session, but max 20yards so more suited for pistol. I also don’t shoot if any neighbors are out and nothing with any noise so they don’t think I’m doing anything more than plinking with a BB gun. I probably don't get to shoot enough to justify the cost of either of these but I want a great experience when I do. Any other contenders for my criteria?
(This thread has lots of good comments on these already… https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/the-semi-sisters.1305959/ )
Leshiy 2 "Wolverine" long, 350mm, Behemoth moderator, large 460cc bottle
+ Great design
+ I love that it folds up so small, especially with the twist off suppressor option
+ easy to make completely safe
+ available speed loader (I saw a video on it but haven't seen it for sale)
+ from reviews, seems like it’s pretty quiet with the behemoth
- no regulator guage (easy add though)
- not as powerful as Sidewinder at max (at least in .25)
- can't easily adjust power (I would prefer to typically use low or medium power for shot count but turn up on occasion) Could this be replaced with a nice knob?
- smaller magazine (8 rounds)
- cost
- cost
- cost
What's the shot count with the large bottle? (at max power or at an acceptable lower power)
Does it still fold completely into lock-in position with the large 460cc bottle?
Sounds like this is pretty quiet with the Behemoth. Any comments on noise with that or the standard suppression? If it's quiet enough then I can sometimes shoot in the backyard.
Sidewinder S compact
+ easy to adjust power and has regulator guage
+ Can do more power than Leshiy
+ bigger magazine (15 rounds)
+ sounds like it might be a little less fiddly than the Leshiy, or maybe at least with adjustments
- longer. Even the compact is not as portable as a folded Leshiy, but probably ok for me.
- lower shot count on compact due to smaller bottle, but still sounds like more shots per fill than the Leshiy
- cost
- cost
Is there a speed loader available, or do I need to buy extra of those expensive mags?
From what I've read on this, with the standard suppression it probably isn't quiet enough to use in my backyard. Any comments on noise level or upgrading suppression, beyond weevil and subscriber's great thread here https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hushing-the-sidewinder-mini-30.1307559/
In general, I love the portability and design of the Leshiy. But the Sidewinder power adjustment and cost are big pluses. And at lower power, the Sidewinder might have better shot count.
This is not a near term purchase. The GK1 still stings. Probably at least a year maybe two, so who knows what else might be out by then too, but I want a goal post for the next purchase.
