Tactical DROZD Review

[MuzzleFlash]

OK, I admit it. I'm just an overgrown kid. Who isn't really? Anyhow, I live in an urbanized area and shooting the Uzi (even suppressed) in the house is definitely not going to happen if I want to stay married and out of the poke. So when fellow member IMINI (http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6002) offered this last of his batch of tactical DROZD BB pistols, I sprung for what I hoped would be a fun basement toy. (Ed. Note that I have no relationship with the seller. In fact, he has not been told that I am doing this review.)

Clearly he has some time and labor in these things. As you can see from the first picture, the standard-out-of-box version looks like a banana gone bad. Not so with the custom tactical DROZD!

Most notably the yellow parts have been blackened to match nearly perfectly with the original black pieces on the stock gun. A picatinny accessory rail has been attached on the bottom of the gun to accept accessories such as the included foregrip. Another thoughtful modification was the inclusion of a 1/2x28 threaded barrel end (complete with a thread protector) plus a screw-on flash hider. Also included is a fairly flimsy but operational Rusky red dot sight. In addition to the tactical parts, you get a couple of CO2 cartridges, a bag of spare seals, a bag of BBs, a rapid loader for the magazine, a detachable stock, a stock extension (for adults) and an owner's manual. All this came carefully packed and wrapped in the Baikal factory box which was, in turn, bubble wrapped and sent in a Express mail box.

This gun contains three switch selectors. The first is a left-hand side mounted power switch which is basically an electronic safety. A red LED in a left sidewell illuminates to indicate that the gun is ready to fire. Also on the left-hand side is the three position fire selector (single shot, 3RB and 6RB). The right-hand side contains the three position ROF selector (300, 450 & 600 RPM).

The nose of the frame has a swing-up door that exposes the battery compartment. It takes 6 AA batteries and polarity DOES matter. The polarity markings on the frame are a bit confusing. Look in the manual! It has the correct orientation clearly drawn.

The magazine holds the CO2 cartridge and up to 30 BBs in a spring tensioned column. At first, I disliked this design since the captive cartridge clearly increases the cost of the mags. However, it also allows changeout of spent cartridges during mag reloads - a perfect task for the teenager while you bounce BBs off the the garbage can lid in the backyard. The included rapid loader is pure simplicity. I can load 30 BBs in about 3 seconds.

Firing the gun is just plain fun. It has a surprisingly good solid feel that reminds me of the polymers on other guns I own. I find the cheek weld comfortable. The sight picture is perfectly adequate for an air gun. I prefer the iron sights to the red dot, but that's just me. YMMV.

When the mag ran dry, I immediately wondered why they only made 30 round mags. God, this would be fun with a 300 round "drum" feeder! I don't want to stop shooting and drop the mag until the CO2 is spent! It would also be a nice touch to add a fourth select fire position that fires continuously. Isn't that what full auto is all about?

This gun is NOT quiet! It makes a decent "bang" that reminds me of the sound of a carpenter's hammer hitting a subfloor. Of course, I wondered what it would sound like with a real suppressor mounted on the threaded barrel. Now mind you, if I owned a .22 can, I wouldn't put it on this thing. But I do have a GT Vortex-9. With a roll of the dice, I made a bet this gun wouldn't squib a BB into my 9mm baffles. I can report back that the sound was reduced significantly, but not as much as I had hoped for. It was nearly as loud as the Remington subsonic .22 shot from my Uzi using that same can. Then again, I was indoors so I could be hearing the reflected wave.

I have a friend who has a well used Outback that he would be willing to try on this gun. If he gets a baffle strike for the cause....... well it needed upgrading to a Outback II anyhow! :D I will get back on this when and if we try it...

Claims that this gun will shoot up to 500 fps seem a bit far fetched in my limited experience. I find the velocity consistent with other short barreled CO2 guns and will try to chrono it when time permits. The barrel is rifled but I have yet to see if it produces decent accuracy. That will also have to wait until later.

On to the pictures...

Here is the "stock" DROZD:

http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=40253

Here is IMINI's Custom Tactical:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0527a.jpg

Here without the stock:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0516a.jpg

With the indicator LED on:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0517a.jpg

Right-hand side view:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0518a.jpg

[MuzzleFlash]

Mag opened up to replace CO2 cartridge:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0519a.jpg

Speed loader canister and mag with 30 BBs ready to go:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0521a.jpg

Threaded muzzle end:
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0523a.jpg

Battery compartment (gun is upside down):
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0524a.jpg

Box contents (less the Red dot which didn't make the pic):
http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/IMG_0525a.jpg

Larger versions of these photos can be found here (http://www.uziworld.com/drozd/).

[RoverDave]

Nice review and photos. Thanks Muzzleflash.

[chrisp929]

just bought one myself .. post and pics to follow ..

[rag]

What's their website and how much?

[grassyknoll]

Reminds me a little of the BB machinegun I had when I was a kid...it ran off of regular cans of freon like you used to be able to buy right off the store shelf.

There's no telling how much ozone I depleted when I was a kid.:cool

[stymie]

Originally posted by grassyknoll
Reminds me a little of the BB machinegun I had when I was a kid...it ran off of regular cans of freon like you used to be able to buy right off the store shelf.

There's no telling how much ozone I depleted when I was a kid.:cool

I had a couple of those things. You could easily boost the pressure by running a separate air tank. The freon cans would ice up rapidly on long bursts with velocity dropping off proportionally... BUT compressed air was another story entirely.
:)
You could cut fiberglass panels off of a 'vette with this contraption!

[cookie]

Originally posted by MuzzleFlash
OK, I admit it. I'm just an overgrown kid...

No! :devil
















Great review BTW. :thumbs_up

[stymie]

"You'll shoot your eye out... KID!"


:cool

[skydancer]

Muzzleflash: I have been interested in the Drozd, so I appreciate your review. I am an UZI fan, as I own 2 FA's and 1 SA. Based upon an article that I read in Shotgun News, you should not shoot steel BB's in your Drozd, as it will ruin the rifling in the barrel. You should only use lead BB's. The article listed Gamo and Beeman as offering lead .177 round BB's. The article said that the manufacturer adds to the confusion by shipping steel BB's with the Drozd.

[skydancer]

Gamo lead .177 lead balls:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00164632032454

[MuzzleFlash]

Thanks, Skydancer. I did not realize that. I'll load up on the softer shot.

I took my daughter out shooting today and she really enjoyed the Drozd..."almost" as much as the suppressed Uzi with the .22 kit!

http://www.uziworld.com/miscpics/IMG_0536a.jpg

[skydancer]

MuzzleFlash: I got my Drozd last week. It is a lot fo fun to shoot.
I can shoot out most of a 1/2" round sticker at 8 yds with one mag. It seems to be rather accurate. I will try it a longer distance next time that I bring it to the range. My only issue so far is that the magazines are a pain to load. The loading tool does not easliy pour the BB's into the mag. I have not determined why it will not feed very well. Have you had any problems loading the mags? Did you completely disassemble you gun to paint it black? The instructions did not say much about disassembly, but it has an exploded diagram.

[IMINI]

WOW!!!

Very nice review of my custom Black Tactical Drozds. It gives me much joy to see that you are enjoying it! Have had others inquire about the possibility of me making more. If I get at least 4 orders I will make time to make 4 or more for our Uzitalk members. Thanks Muzzleflash for taking the time to do such a great review. Best Regards, IMINI :heavy

[MuzzleFlash]

Originally posted by skydancer
MuzzleFlash: I got my Drozd last week. It is a lot fo fun to shoot.
I can shoot out most of a 1/2" round sticker at 8 yds with one mag. It seems to be rather accurate. I will try it a longer distance next time that I bring it to the range. My only issue so far is that the magazines are a pain to load. The loading tool does not easliy pour the BB's into the mag. I have not determined why it will not feed very well. Have you had any problems loading the mags? Did you completely disassemble you gun to paint it black? The instructions did not say much about disassembly, but it has an exploded diagram. My BBs flow fine but I have to shake them in. I did not dye my gun. It came that way from UT member IMINI. I have had problems getting gas cylinders into the mags. A little dremel and some polishing fixed that problem.

Enjoy! It is a blast!

[GOVT1911]

I got my DROZD about 2 weeks ago, LOADS OF FUN!!!!
Nice review, great pics. I dissasembled mine yesterday and shot a coat of Krylon for plastics, we'll see how it turns out. Hopefully I can get it back together!
It was mentioned earlier that somebody wished it went FA. I bet longer bursts would ice up the CO2 cartridge. I have noticed that if I fire all 30 rounds in the mag in 5 quick bursts, the velocity seems to drop a bit. Haven't chrono'd it yet. Too busy tearing up cans.
If ya'll get one of these, I reccomend you pick up at least one or two extra mags!!!

[Earle]

how powerfull is it ? will it break glass windows or go
through soda cans ?


how much is the tactical version from Imini ?





E....

[gus]

I recently bought a "normal" (yellow) one. It will definately go through cans!! I haven't tried it yet, but I'm pretty sure it will break glass.

On the difficult to insert CO2 cartridges, no need to Dremel. The square headed base that pushes up on the bottom of the CO2 cartridge is adjustable. There is a pin that needs to be drifted most of the way out to allow the head to rotate. I screwed mine in 1/4 turn and drifted the pin back in which cured the problem. Maybe the CO2 cartridges in Russia are a tad shorter?

Still haven't decided whether I'm going to paint/dye it black.

[IMINI]

Edit

[gus]

IMINI - You wouldn't happen to know where I can buy a few spare magazine loaders would you?

[IMINI]

Try here:
www.airgundepot.com/drozdloader1.html

[gus]

Unfortunately they are out of stock.

[Brian Ski]

How many rounds do you get out of one co2 cartridge??? How many before it starts to get weak????

[Patriot]

dyed it and made a fake can for it. Turns heads at the range every time I get it out!

http://www.hunt101.com/img/166849.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/img/171155.jpg

The mod will, on early boards, make the 300 RPM position into 1025RPM. Stack a 33K 1/2watt resistor on top of the resistor marked 823. This lowers the R/C time constant and speed up the rate of fire. Properly done, it will not damage your gun. I'd wait between mags though, or you'll ice up your gun. VERY cool!!
:heavy

Patriot

[cookie]

My Tactical DROZD arrived today. IMINI really does a great job on these! :thumbs_up

[IMINI]

Thanks! It is how I think they should all be made. Regards, IMINI :D

[gus]

I have now dyed my Drozd black using RIT dye from Walmart (approx $4 for two bottles), and added a modification board that allows it to fire 1,3,6 round bursts at 600rpm or continuous full auto at 1200rpm. MUCH Better!!!:D :heavy

[guyco]

Cool Gus

where did you find the info to mod the boards? have a link? or care to elaborate?

thanks Guy :50_cal

[aka_tom_w]

Originally posted by gus
I have now dyed my Drozd black using RIT dye from Walmart (approx $4 for two bottles), and added a modification board that allows it to fire 1,3,6 round bursts at 600rpm or continuous full auto at 1200rpm. MUCH Better!!!:D :heavy

Hi Guys,

I JUST registered on this board to reply to this post to learn how to mod the Drozd for full auto fire.

Is there another web link or posting somewhere that will detail exactly how to modify this little beauty for FULL auto fire??

Thanks

-tom w

[aka_tom_w]

Originally posted by guyco
Cool Gus

where did you find the info to mod the boards? have a link? or care to elaborate?

thanks Guy :50_cal

Here is some OLD info on the full auto mod

Drozd Full Auto at 1000rpm Modification
By Thomas Stock
vic20owner@yahoo.com

Required Parts:

Qty Description
1 - 276-1723 (LM555) *not 276-1718 (TLC555/LC555)* Timer IC (Radio Shack)
6 - 100k resistors
1 - 330 ohm resistor
2 - .1uF capacitors (ceramic disk)

Solder three 100k Resistors in series for 300k total. You'll need two of these resistor assemblies. Wire wrap circuit as shown in schematic.



To test circuit connect a 9 volt battery with the + terminal to + on the circuit, - terminal to (-) 300. Connect an LED to the trigger wire and then to the (-) battery terminal. If the LED polarity is correct an circuit is working, the LED should flash at approximately 16hz (1000 flashes per minute).

If circuit is working, solder all wire wrapped wires in place and trim as necessary. Squeeze silicon or other type of rubber or plastic adhesive into circuit to make a solid object and prevent shorts.

Disassemble your drozd, and locate the trigger switch (under trigger lever). Examine bottom of board and locate the terminal of this switch which is on the long side of the board (it connects to the wide trace labeled with a "-" sign). Cut the trace connecting this pin to the "-" trace with a razor blade or sharp hobby knife.

Solder trigger wire of circuit to the switch post. Solder a jumper from the switch post to the 600 rpm selection pin on the rpm select switch.



Solder the (-) 300 rpm wire from the circuit to the 300 rpm pin of the rpm selector switch.

Examine top of board and locate the trace which is just under the trigger switch. Cut this trace with a sharp hobby knife or razor blade. Solder the + wire of the circuit to the + post on the circuit board (see photo below). Place tape across capacitor traces to prevent full auto circuit board from shorting against drozd circuit board.



Gun should now fire full auto at 1000rpm when set to 300rpm. 450 does nothing and is considered a safety. 600 rpm setting works normal with all burst modes.

I haven't had a chance to try this on an old board, but my feeling is that it would work as intended. No guarantees for this circuit since I haven't had much time to test it. I did burn through about 10 magazines and 5 co2 cartridges in about 15 minutes. Yes, it's more fun than 600rpm :)

from this OLD cached google link (no images) (http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:Dv-hP1AWJQoJ:www.flopped.org/~mykrowyre/drozd/+drozd++full+auto+modification+board&hl=en&lr=lang_en&client=safari)

[gus]

Originally posted by guyco
Cool Gus

where did you find the info to mod the boards? have a link? or care to elaborate?

thanks Guy :50_cal

You can buy the mod board at:

http://www.weblimbo.com/.

Also there is a forum for Drozd owners and modifiers:

http://azure.bbboy.net/straferbbmachinegunownersgroup-viewforum?forum=10


Mine is still running great!:)

[aka_tom_w]

Thanks for the links.

Does anyone know if I can get one of those specialy modified "tactical Drozd" BB guns in Canada?

I am concerned about trying to get it through the mail past customs or across the border, or does the guy who builds and sell the tactical Drozd do so in Canada?

Thanks

-tom w

Originally posted by gus
You can buy the mod board at:

http://www.weblimbo.com/.

Also there is a forum for Drozd owners and modifiers:

http://azure.bbboy.net/straferbbmachinegunownersgroup-viewforum?forum=10


Mine is still running great!:)

[aka_tom_w]

Hi

Can I get one shipped into Canada?

I am interested but concerned about getting it through customs and across the border. the Drozd is legal in Canada but the tactical modded version might rasie some eyebrows?

Does anyone in Canada have one of these or is anyone in Canada Modding it?

is the a forum or discussion anywhere on the internet about modding Drozd's in Canada?

Thanks

-tom w

Originally posted by IMINI
Price for my Tactical Drozd would be $277.00 . It takes some time and materials to create my works of art. If I get 3-4 orders then I will build more. Thanks, IMINI :D

[codeS]

IMINI what price do u charge i would mind picking one up :patriot



edit i see above 277 thanks

[Mike85220]

I am curious, if this gun only like lead BBs, why do they give away 4000 Daisy zinc plated BBs with the purchase of one?

Is it one of those they just dont care kind of things or can the zinc plated work without wearing out the barrel?

I might need to get one of these, I used to have a Larc AMP when I was a kid. CO2 cartridges wont dissapear like the freon cans did.

[inboost]

A great wealth of info can be had on the Drodz on a CD complied by a guy known as Ol Pistol Packer on the BB Machine Gun Forums.

Drodz CD Resource Link (http://bb.bbboy.net/straferbbmachinegunownersgroup-viewthread?forum=10&thread=1228&postnum=0&viewfullpost=1)

I just got this CD after reading this review and it answers all the questions you have on dying / full auto / bulk tanks / lasers / optics / stocks/ etc!

If you are at all interested in this neat piece of hardware, get a copy of this disc!

[knall]

I still have my LARK, set her up to run off the air compresser. Works great.

[FLuziBANGER]

I still have my LARK, set her up to run off the air compresser. Works great.

Can you elaborate? I keep hearing that people have done this but I have no idea how. Pics would be great

[IMINI]

New Tactical Drozd II - Only one complete package available. Will make the ultimate x-mas present!

Package includes the following:

1. One New unfired Black Tactical Drozd II
2. Custom 14" .177 rifled steel barrel with alloy fake suppressor shroud/cover
3. Lower Picatinny Rail
4. Forward grip with internal storage compartment
5. Laser sight with pressure pad mounted on forward grip
6. BSA Red Dot Sight modified to fit factory Drozd upper rail.
7. Extra New Drozd magazine (Total 2)
8. Extra New Drozd mag loader (Total 2)
9. Eight New Panasonic AA Batteries
10. Original Drozd Barrel
11. Original Drozd ghost ring sight and rubber O-ring
12. Original Drozd factory BB's sealed in bag
13. Original Drozd box and owners manual

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc27b3127cceb136dbb3a1cb00000036100CbM3LJu5cMZ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc27b3127cceb136c355a12100000026100CbM3LJu5cMZ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc27b3127cceb136c36c202800000026100CbM3LJu5cMZ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc27b3127cceb136b4bae16d00000026100CbM3LJu5cMZ

This is the best Tactical Drozd package I have ever created. The package price is $550.00 shipped to the lower 48. Thanks for looking! :)

[IMINI]

Updated above post. :thumbs_up