Gun Review: Elastic Precision Semi-Auto Rubber Band Guns (MP5 / 1911 / PPK)

Two unexpected surgeries recently confined me to home — during duck hunting season no less. I soon found I needed something to scratch the gun guy itch. Video games don’t do it for me; I prefer more tangible challenges. I’ve got pellet guns and a few Airsoft guns, but I can’t shoot them in the house without consequence. Plus I was on painkillers. To quote the Spinners, hey ya’ll prepare yourself for the Rubberband, Man . . .

I bought not one, but an entire set of three wooden Elastic Precision Semi-Auto Rubber Band Guns.

My internal rationalization may have been that if I bought all three, there would be a good chance an awesome rubber band gunfight of some sort would break out. Somewhere. At some point in time. Or at least maybe I could get in on a sweet “Dandelion Safari,” side arm included…

In reality, each wooden replica was intriguing in its own way. And besides, I’d never used a semi-automatic system on a wooden band gun and was curious to see just how effective it was for slinging rubber.

The PPK, 1911, and MP5 all arrived at my doorstep, direct from the company, no FFL required — even if you’re in California (knock on wood). I picked simple maple; walnut, padauk, and osage are far too pricy for me, even if they do look better.

They weren’t exactly packaged well and the “magazine” of the MP5 broke off during shipping. It was easily fixed with some wood glue, but who wants to do that? I didn’t.

Packs of ammo (commonly known as “rubber bands”) are included with each gun. They are good quality bands that retain their elasticity even after many uses (note: storing a band gun loaded will ruin your bands).

Just like calibers, each gun takes a different size band and they are color-coded for easy identification. Loading the band guns is a breeze, just remember to load your last band first (FILO for those that remember accounting class).

The first thing I noticed as I brought each gun into my sight picture was that there are no sights! For a few moments I thought I was missing something really obvious. Nope, not one of the three models has any type of official sighting system. You can sight down the top of the rail to an extent, but they’re all literally point-and-shoot.

And, of course, they have the annoying orange/red safety tips, which detracts from their wooden components.

Wooden construction aside, the allure of the Elastic Precision band guns is the semi-automatic ability and realistic round count of each mechanical toy. The PPK and 1911 utilize as system that walks the bands up a series of notches until they are released, one at a time, from the muzzle.

The MP5 uses a ratcheting system that works a release tab from band to band as you pull the trigger.

Unlike the PPK and 1911, the MP5’s system equates to a stepped set of band velocities because each band after the first to fire is stretched a slightly longer distance from the muzzle, delivering the bands at a range of distances.

While I didn’t have any toy soldiers to pick away at, a nice Northern Pintail decoy that lives on the bookcase took quite a pelting. Almost as much as the television set during a fake news highlight reel. Next election season is going to be a little more fun to follow, that’s for sure.

Toying around with these band guns was a good deal of fun. They shoot bands 20 to 25 feet very rapidly and are accurate enough to keep things challenging at medium and long ranges. They are easy to load, ammo is readily available and inexpensive, and they’re great for indoors and training children.

The MP5 is a tad expensive, but the PPK and 1911 are reasonably-priced and all make great gifts. What’s more, the band guns are available in kits so you and your kids (or just you…that’s fine, too) can build your shooters in the shop. The Elastic Precision wooden band guns are iconic American toys that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime. Guaranteed to blow your mind.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Elastic Precision Model PPK

Price as reviewed: $19.99 
Colors: Maple, Walnut, & Padauk

RATING (out of five stars):

Overall: * * * *
The PPK is a nice little pea-shooter poised to fire five bands. It’s easy and quick to load and conceals well in most pockets. The grips could be improved to better fit the palm swell.

Specifications: Elastic Precision Model 1911

Price as reviewed: $39.99
Colors: Maple, Walnut, & Padauk

RATING (out of five stars):

Overall: * * * * *
The 1911 is by far my favorite of the band guns. Stacking six bands and featuring an actuating slide, it shoots straight and feels great.

Specifications: Elastic Precision Model MP5

Price as reviewed: $99.95
Colors: Maple, Walnut, & Osage

RATING (out of five stars):

Overall: * * *
The MP5 is expensive for what it is, especially when it arrives broken. The multi-position sliding stock is neat, but will not hold up to kid abuse. This sub-gun does pack 24 bands, which is almost unheard of when it comes to wood band guns, and it unleashes them at a delightful rate.