For decades, the name Morini Competition Arm SA has been synonymous with the gold standard of Olympic-level air pistols. When the Swiss manufacturer released the CM162EI, it revolutionized the sport by perfecting the electronic trigger, a move that cemented its place as one of the most successful competition pistols in history. However, as the 2010s drew to a close, Morini looked to the future, seeking to merge their air pistol success with the soul of their legendary CM162EI.
The result was the Morini CM200EI. While it may look similar to its predecessor at a glance, the CM200EI represents a significant technological leap. This article explores how these two titans of the 10m range compare, analyzing whether the “new kid on the block” truly outshines the veteran CM162EI.
The Heart of the Machine: Electronic Triggers
The primary reason a shooter chooses a Morini is often the electronic trigger. In the world of precision shooting, the “lock time”—the time between the trigger pull and the pellet leaving the barrel—is everything.
- CM162EI: The 162EI used a pioneering electronic board that provided a crisp, consistent break. It eliminated the mechanical friction found in traditional triggers, meaning the weight you set on day one was the weight you felt on day 1,000. It relied on a 3V lithium battery and offered a simple, reliable dry-fire mode.
- CM200EI: The CM200EI takes this a step further. Morini explicitly designed the 200EI trigger to perfect the “Crisp” feel. The trigger is mounted on micro-ball bearings, offering a sensation of smoothness that is difficult to replicate with mechanical levers. Furthermore, the electronic board is now separated into two parts, which improves serviceability and balance. The most notable change is the refined “arrest point” adjustment, allowing for a hyper-specific customization of the trigger’s second stage.
Barrels and Ballistics: The Quest for Stability
Both pistols utilize world-class Lothar Walther barrels, but the engineering surrounding the metal has shifted significantly.
The CM162EI was famous for its stability, often utilizing a compensator with upwards of 28 vents to bleed off air and prevent muzzle flip. It was a “stable” shooter, but by modern standards, it felt somewhat heavy at the front, especially in the Titanium and standard long-barrel variants.
The CM200EI introduces EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) ventilated barrels. These microscopic, precision-machined holes are placed along the barrel to vent air in a way that creates a downward force, effectively neutralizing recoil before the pellet even clears the muzzle. Additionally, the CM200EI features a carbon fiber barrel sleeve. This isn’t just for aesthetics; carbon fiber dampens vibrations better than steel or aluminum and allows for a more favorable weight distribution, making the pistol feel “lively” in the hand without being unstable.
Digital Connectivity: The Smart Pistol
Perhaps the most jarring difference for traditionalists is the jump into the digital age. The CM162EI is a tool of pure mechanics and basic electronics. The CM200EI, however, is a “smart” firearm.
- Bluetooth Integration: Modern CM200EIs (Version 5.0 and above) come equipped with Bluetooth. Using the Morini app, shooters can connect their pistol to a smartphone to analyze training sessions.
- Training Modes: The app provides feedback on stability, arm muscle performance, and even a “random function” for training plugs to simulate the pressure of a real match.
- Digital Manometers: While later versions of the 162EI introduced digital gauges, they are standard on the CM200EI. These digital readouts are far more precise than the old analog needles, allowing a shooter to know within a few bars exactly how much air remains for their string.
Ergonomics and Weight
Weight is a polarizing topic in the shooting community. Some want a heavy pistol for “mass stability,” while others want a light pistol to reduce fatigue during a 60-shot match.
| Specification | Morini CM162EI | Morini CM200EI |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Weight | ~1020 g to 1060 g | ~985 g |
| Barrel Length | 240 mm | 230 mm |
| Cocking Lever | Steel/Aluminum | Carbon Fiber |
| Sight Line | 310 – 350 mm | 330 – 350 mm |
The CM200EI is noticeably lighter, coming in at under a kilogram. Much of this weight saving comes from the use of carbon fiber in the charging lever and the barrel shroud. This lighter weight makes the pistol more accessible to a wider range of athletes, though it does mean the shooter must have a very steady hold, as there is less mass to “soak up” small muscular tremors.
The Shooting Experience: Feel and Feedback
When you step onto the firing line with a CM162EI, you are holding a piece of history. It feels robust, slightly front-heavy, and gives a very direct “click” when the solenoid fires. It is a workhorse that has won countless Olympic medals and is famously forgiving.
The CM200EI feels like a precision instrument. The cocking stroke of the carbon fiber lever is shorter and requires less effort. The grip adjustment is more refined, allowing for a higher degree of personalization in the rake and tilt. When the shot breaks, the recoil is virtually non-existent due to the EDM venting. It feels more like “releasing a laser” than firing a projectile.
Maintenance and Reliability
The CM162EI is legendary for its durability. There are units from the late 90s still competing at the highest levels today. Its electronics are simple, and its seals are easy to replace.
The CM200EI, being more complex, requires a bit more care. The Bluetooth board is more sensitive to battery health, and the EDM holes in the barrel need to be kept clean to ensure the recoil-reduction system works as intended. However, Morini has mitigated many of the early “teething” issues, and the current production models are as reliable as their predecessors.
Conclusion: Which One Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between the CM162EI and the CM200EI is a matter of philosophy.
- Choose the CM162EI if you value a proven track record, a slightly heavier and more “grounded” feel, and you prefer a pistol that doesn’t require a smartphone to reach its full potential. It remains a world-class competitor and is often available at a better price point on the secondary market.
- Choose the CM200EI if you are looking for the absolute cutting edge. If you shoot both 10m Air Pistol and 50m Free Pistol, the similarity in trigger feel is an invaluable training advantage. Its lighter weight, carbon fiber construction, and data-driven training via the app make it the superior tool for the modern, tech-savvy athlete.
The CM162EI was the pistol that defined a generation, but the CM200EI is the pistol designed to win the next one. While the 162EI will never be “obsolete,” the 200EI is undoubtedly the more refined, capable, and futuristic evolution of the Morini legacy.
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