Whenever I'm out hiking/camping I like to carry some minimal airgun to discourage varmits (typically snakes). So far, that has been a modified M712. Good power, reliable, and select fire, it's been very effective. In fact it's actually been overkill.
I normally shoot pellet guns, but find that I prefer certain BB guns for this application.
This time I figured I'd give the Umarex Colt Defender a try. Here's what I've discovered so far ...
Likes:
It's small, simple, all metal, spits out steel BBs at ~350fps, over 100 shots/cylinder, and inexpensive.
Dislikes:
No removable mag (slow reloading), double action only, ridiculously heavy trigger, less accurate than the M712 (but expected from a short barrel).
Mods:
I replaced the spring (by removing the barrel front cover) with a lighter one from the hardware store.
This significantly reduced the trigger pull to a much more acceptable level. I imagine this will lessen internal stresses & wear as well.
Out of the box, the trigger was the worst I've ever felt. Absolutely terrible.
But with the lighter spring it's totally different. Much better. I'm happy with it now.
Amazing what such a simple mod can make.
It's not blowback and none of the controls are functional, just molded in, so it's very basic.
For me, that means less to break out in the woods
Let's see how it goes.
View attachment 528521
. I can get 1 ragged 5 shot group two handed at 10 yards. 
