Best Airsoft Pistol: Definitive Guide (2024)
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Did you know that you can actually benefit from a good airsoft pistol aside from adding badass visuals to your loadout?
In this fresh new guide, we will be diving deep into:
- The best airsoft pistols for beginners;
- The most versatile pistols for all kinds of players and uses;
- Also the most powerful one (not for the faint of heart!);
- Features you have to look out for when getting one;
- Pros and cons of each unit;
- Side by side comparisons;
- And a whole lot more!
Lots more!
So, my comrade, if you’ve already heard most airsoft players’ comments that you really can’t get much from a pistol and it’s useless in games…
…let me change your mind.
In this list, we’ve compiled the best airsoft pistols that we have used over the years along with the ones we’ve got just to test them out or find new additions to our collections.
It was tough field research but definitely a load of fun.
We were surprised to know that some airsoft pistols can actually be powerful and useful outside of using them to shoot pests, targets or stubborn crapping birds in your backyard.
So without further ado, let’s now see these findings, hot and fresh out from the muzzle.
Game on.
- Best Airsoft Pistol For Beginners
- Best Budget Airsoft Pistol
- Best Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol
- Best Electric Airsoft Pistol
- Best Airsoft Pistol For Target Shooting
- Best Green Gas Airsoft Pistol
- Best Rail System Airsoft Pistol
- Best Gas Powered Airsoft Pistol
- Best Lightweight Airsoft Pistol
- Best FPS Airsoft Pistol
- Why Trust Us?
- Buyers Guide: How to Choose the
- The Best Airsoft Pistol
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- Our Final Verdict:Best Airsoft Pistol
- Conclusion:Best Airsoft Pistol
Try surveying your airsoft buddies thoughts about airsoft pistols and more than 50% of them would most probably tell you that it’s not much use in battle.
While it’s definitely not as powerful as riffles or as far-reaching as other types of airsoft guns, there are actually scenarios where a well-built airsoft pistol can come in handy.
If you’re a sniper…
…then you’d do well with a handy dandy handgun at your side, in case you’d have a little encounter on your way to your preferred location.
Airsoft gun ammo is also not unlimited. You might run out, or worse – your gun might malfunction. (Happened to me before. Embarrassing as heck).
That’s why I always make sure to include a pistol in my loadout now.
What’s cooler…
…is that new (and old) models of airsoft pistols are now more realistic than ever, and I totally kept most of the entries in this review to adorn my collection.
So how did we narrow down the list of the best airsoft pistols today?
Of course, we just can’t take random pistols on our shopping cart and then arrange them from 1-10!
That’s why I and my AirsoftNut colleagues agreed on seven metrics based on the most important factors we always consider when buying airsoft guns.
Wanna know the outcome?
Read on to see how the best airsoft pistols worked side by side.
Best Airsoft Pistol For Beginners
1 – Elite Force 1911 Blowback 6mm BB Pistol
- Manufacturer: RWS
- Length: 11”
- Weight: 2.45 lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: 345-350 FPS
- Power source: 12-gram CO2 cartridge (not included)
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Bottom Line : A jam-packed full metal airsoft pistol with features that airsoft beginners would love.
Pros
- Smooth and powerful blowback
- Unique two-tone design
- Ambidextrous safety switch
- Rail system for attachments
- With a 14mm threaded barrel
- Smooth blowback action
- Hi capa 1911 pistol
Cons
- Barrel is smaller than the real thing
I’d like to start with a bang (yes, pun intended) by talking about our team’s chosen Editor’s choice awardee, the Elite Force 1911 blowback airsoft pistol.
So why do we consider it the best, you ask?
Let’s start with the build. This 1911 upgrade has an ultra-realistic full-metal body complete with all the nooks and crannies for details. That’s more than I’ve expected from a blowback airsoft pistol.
And mind you, I was already expecting this to be realistic, this being a blowback pistol.
Now I’d like to get straight to the most important details.
Thanks to its smooth blowback action, there’s hardly any recoil while retaining its realistic feel. Shooting it felt like I was being one with the pistol!
Not to mention…
…the experience was further enhanced by the adjustable hop up system that kept my shots surprisingly straight and accurate.
Now you might be wondering….isn’t it too powerful for CQB or indoor use?
Well, that’s what the adjustable hop up was for. When using it indoors, I just adjust it to the bare minimum.
Power-wise, it’s a CO2 pistol, which doesn’t only make it a toucher kicker than other non-CO2, but it can also be used effectively in colder temperatures!
You might be thinking…
Okay, I get you, it’s impressive, but that makes it too complex for beginners, isn’t it?
Not so. Because it also features an ambidextrous safety switch so it can be enjoyed by literally anybody.
Drop free magazine, a rail system for extra items, a threaded tip for a suppressor, textured pistol grip, and front and rear sights for perfectly accurate targeting make the Elite Force 1911 Blowback air con airsoft gun perfect for beginners.
Best Budget Airsoft Pistol
2 – Elite Force Beretta 92 FS 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun
- Manufacturer: Elite Force
- Length: 8.5”
- Weight: 0.57 lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: 150 FPS
- Power source: Electric
- Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
Bottom Line : A great airsoft pistol for your bucks, it can be used by both beginners and veteran players.
Pros
- Affordable
- Realistic design
- Beginner-friendly
- Very affordable for its features
- Accurate shooting
Cons
- While it looks realistic, it can be way too lightweight
- The magazine is harder to find compared to other models
Let me just say this
This Beretta replica is power, accuracy, and convenience combined!
If you have a tight budget, you can still have a powerful and gorgeous pistol without emptying your pocket.
The Elite Force Beretta 92 FS initially looked like a full-metal pistol when I first laid eyes on it. But don’t be fooled– it’s actually made of tough plastic with a full-metal slide.
It looked freakishly realistic in person, too, if not for the orange tip.
Call me weird…
…but my most favorite feature is the double trigger. The lower trigger is a safety switch that won’t let you shoot the pistol unless you’re also pressing it together with the main trigger.
That made it great for my beginner boys practicing in the backyard!
In case you’re wondering…
This is an AEP powered by four AAA batteries.
Not to mention, it also has a drop-free magazine that took me a while and some real effort to remove.
Talk about top-notch safety features!
If I have to buy my little boys their first airsoft pistols, I think this Beretta replica would be it.
Packed with many features at a low price, hence its Best Value trophy from us!
Best Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol
3 – Firepower Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol
- Manufacturer: Palco Marketing, Inc. (Sports)
- Length: 8.5”
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: 325 FPS
- Power source: Spring-powered
- Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Bottom Line : A great spring loaded airsoft pistol that packs an impressive amount of power and accuracy.
Pros
- Very powerful shooting
- Features a safety lever
- Affordable
- Features a white dot sight for accuracy
Cons
- The hammer is not functional (for aesthetic purposes only)
- It’s too loud for stealth
The Firepower .45 airsoft pistol…
It’s a spring-powered airsoft pistol, so why is it the Top Pick?
Well, it might be spring-powered and could even be an entry-level pistol, but it sure as heck can pack a crazy powerful shot!
Spring pistols are often given to beginners and for good reasons. They have to be manually cocked and mostly aren’t really that powerful to hurt or damage.
But this Firepower .45 is just too powerful that I even carried it with me in a couple of games!
With a velocity of 325 FPS (and even more at times), I was able to shoot up to 40 yards with great accuracy.
I know, I was surprised, too.
My bad for underestimating it just because it’s a spring pistol.
What’s a pity, though…
…is how some parts, such as the hammer, aren’t functional. They’re just there for the visuals.
But anyway, it’s a small price to pay for its unbelievable power.
Because of this, it got straight 10s from all of us at the team, making it this roundup’s Top Pick.
Related: Firepower Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol: Definitive Review
Best Electric Airsoft Pistol
4 – GAME FACE Electric Full/ Semi-Auto Airsoft Pistol
- Manufacturer: Crosman Corporation
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Length: 7.87”
- Velocity: 250 FPS
- Power source: Electric
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Bottom Line : A great electric semi/fully automatic AEP that both beginners and pros will love.
Pros
- Electric and convenient
- Can be fully or semi automatic
- Comes with a battery charger
- Hi capa pistol
- Affordable
- Great accuracy
Cons
- Some unit’s battery life can be short
There may be numerous new electric airsoft pistols on the market now, but this fully/semi-automatic one by Crosman is noticeably fast becoming a crowd favorite.
So what’s left to do but get one?
Unlike most electric airsoft pistols, this one is rechargeable. Now, that’s an objective quality, so I’m just putting it out here.
It’s quite cheap so I wasn’t expecting much.
But boy, oh boy was I wrong.
I used it for target shooting in the backyard and it’s able to take down three cans straight 17 meters away!
And yes, the cans were dented.
For a low-priced rechargeable AEG? That’s an exceptional feat if you ask me.
Best Airsoft Pistol For Target Shooting
5 – Beretta APX Blowback Co2 6mm Airsoft BB Pistol
- Manufacturer: Umarex USA
- Length: 9”
- Weight: 1 lb
- Muzzle Velocity: 300 FPS
- Power source: CO2
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Bottom Line : A great CO2 gun with great accuracy that makes it suitable for target shooting.
Pros
- With Picatinny trail for attachments
- Comes with 2 drop-free magazines
- Swappable grip plate (silver and black)
- Ergonomic curved grip
Cons
- Soft trigger
- Slide doesn’t look realistic
Looking for an airsoft pistol not only for games but for a good target shooting, too?
We’ve tried a couple of airsoft pistols for target shooting and I’d say this one stood out among the rest.
Why is that?
Well, just look at its grip. It’s not only ergonomic but very cleverly engineered, too, with the CO2 capsule chamber concealed behind the curved grip!
Isn’t it impressively clever?
Not only that…
Its grip plate is also swappable, with black and silver plates to suit every occasion.
It has a light blowback action and it’s also something objective but it’s great if you’re a beginner or using it for target shooting.
Best Green Gas Airsoft Pistol
6 – Sig Sauer, SIG AIR, ProForce M17 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol
- Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
- Length: 8.5”
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: Up to 320 FPS
- Power source: Green Gas
- Magazine Capacity: 21 rounds
Bottom Line : A great looking rifle that has a few unique features at this price point
Pros
- Ambidextrous safety and slide lock brakes
- Polymer grip frame
- Weighted like the real thing
- Can use both CO2 and green gas
- High capa pistol
Cons
- Might be too heavy if you’re not used to it
- A little pricey
Fan of green gas blowback pistols? Then you’d love this coyote stunner.
But this is not your typical green gas pistol.
In 2017, Sig Sauer nailed the U.S. Military Modular Handgun System Trials with their P320 MHS…
…and let me tell you, this particular green gas pistol is the clone of the U.S. Army’s new M17.
Suffice to say…
I felt pretty grand holding this piece of history in my hand.
And because it’s a green gas pistol, the small amount of oil will lubricate your gun as you shoot, making it very easy to use, too.
And the coolest thing ever?
Its weight and feel are exactly like the real thing!
Think I’m bluffing?
Try it for yourself.
Related: Sig Sauer ProForce M17 Review
Best Rail System Airsoft Pistol
7 – 500 fps New Full Metal WG Airsoft
- Manufacturer: WG
- Length: 12”
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: 500 FPS
- Power source: CO2
- Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
Bottom Line : A powerful handgun like no other with 500 FPS velocity and a classy realistic look.
Pros
- Stand-out power at 500 FPS
- Ultra-realistic look and weight
- Metal and ABS materials
- Sights are adjustable
Cons
- The magazine is a bit hard to remove
- Not perfectly accurate
Wanna scare the heck out of your opponents?
While that’s certainly not my goal, this super realistic stunner packs a crazy punch at 500 FPS.
Yes, 500. Not for the faint-hearted.
The construction is mostly metal except for some ABS parts that are equally durable.
Most of all…
It has an accessory rail that I really love. So if you’re a fan of customizing, I’m sure you’ll love this one, too.
Best Gas Powered Airsoft Pistol
8 – GLOCK 19 Gen3 6mm BB Pistol
- Manufacturer: Umarex USA
- Length: 10”
- Weight: 1.4lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: Up to 350 FPS
- Power source: CO2
- Magazine Capacity: 11 rounds
Bottom Line : A comfortably familiar replica of the Glock 19 that most shooters love with a powerful velocity.
Pros
- Looks and feels like the real G19
- Great for training
- Ergonomic grip texture
Cons
- Not perfectly accurate
- Doesn’t fit a Glock 19 holster
Just want to have a simple, no-nonsense shooting?
Of course, having the classic Glock is a must.
The Glock 19 is the more compact version of the G17 we all came to love.
With its realistic look and feel, you can train gun grip using this one, making this one of the best airsoft pistols for training.
It also features a safety button, making it great for beginners, too.
Best Lightweight Airsoft Pistol
9 – Desert Eagle Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol
- Manufacturer: Desert Eagle
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Length: 11”
- Velocity: 170-175 FPS
- Power source: Spring
- Magazine Capacity: 28 rounds
Bottom Line : A stunning lightweight airsoft pistol great for beginners and pistol collectors.
Pros
- Stunning and realistic aesthetics
- With a super comfy rubberized grip
- Accurate
- Easy-to-access safety lever
Cons
- Might be too lightweight if you’re a pro
- The magazine is hard to find-if not, widely unavailable
Looking for a great lightweight pistol for your kid or a trainee?
Why not introduce them to Desert Eagle early on?
With its attention-catching silver body and realistic details, many shooters consider this Soft Air Desert Eagle .50 a collector’s item!
Aside from being lightweight…
It’s also very easy to operate- easy to load, easy to pull, and with a good set of sights to guide any beginner into accuracy.
While it’s not much of a long-distance shooter, it’s very accurate (19 cans down and 1 missed), making it great for CQB.
And it doesn’t hurt that it looks like the real Desert Eagle!
Now, don’t you go around carrying this stunner if you don’t want to scare a couple of neighbors!
My most favorite feature?
It’s the magazine that can fit in 28 rounds of BBs.I don’t know about you, but I always get the pistol with the highest capacity, if you ask me.
Best FPS Airsoft Pistol
10 – Elite Force Umarex Combat Zone Pistol Airsoft Gun
- Manufacturer: Umarex USA
- Length: 7 inches
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: 400 FPS
- Power source: CO2
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Bottom Line : One of the most powerful airsoft pistols on the market at a jaw-dropping 400 FPS.
Pros
- Great power at 400 FPS
- Perfect accuracy with the aid of white dotted sight
- Semi-automatic function
- Just the right kind of lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- No licensed magazine available
It’s always best in accuracy or best in FPS…
….but why not both?
Too good to be true? I thought so, too.
That’s until I used the Elite Force Umarex Combat Zone Enforcer pistol airsoft gun.
It may look deceiving, with its weight being under 1 pound and build being super compact, but I kid you not, this is one beast of a sidearm.
But with a solid 400 FPS, this semi-automatic action is easily one of the best FPS airsoft pistols on the market today.
Be warned.
This lightweight but beastly guy isn’t meant for CQB and indoor use for it doesn’t have an adjustable hop up.
Nevertheless, that’s a very teeny tiny price to pay for having a handgun this powerful.
Wondering how far you can shoot?
Well, I’ve tried shooting it across a 35 feet space and the result was as equally accurate as when I shot at 15 feet.
Did I say power and accuracy combined?
Because it’s not a blowback airsoft pistol, it uses very little CO2, letting my CO2 capsule last up to 200 rounds before running out!
Now, it might be lightweight, but the drop-free magazine is made of metal, adding a considerable amount of weight to this pistol.
The only downside I saw with this unit is that you just won’t be able to find a licensed magazine for this, in case you want to buy a spare.
Now that’s a bit of a bummer as this would be a blast (pun intended) in battle.
Why Trust Us?
Being a team of not only airsoft enthusiasts but experts and veterans, too, we don’t simply search the net for the most popular and best-rated airsoft guns out there.
We study the users’ reviews, get these airsoft guns ourselves (no problem as some of us are building a diverse airsoft equipment collection) and bring them to different locations, and set metrics to find out the best ones.
And not only the best ones…
…but also the best ones to fit YOUR needs and preference.
We, ourselves, are shooters very different from each other.
We know that what works for me might not work for you.
And that is why we always strive to do comprehensive research and field tests just to determine the different kinds of bests when it comes to airsoft guns.
For all our reviews- such as this one- we like to use the airsoft equipment in different locations, after which we will then set metrics depending on the most important qualities a wise shooter would consider before adding something to his shopping cart.
The result?
An epic review and guide that will cater to every playing style and need.
We’re just as concerned and meticulous as you.
So don’t hesitate. Read on and take what appeals to you the most, because that’s most probably the one that your playing style needs.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the
The Best Airsoft Pistol
1. What are the different types of airsoft pistols?
Spring
The most basic type, it’s the original build powered by spring. Spring airsoft pistols have a decent amount of power and range and are considered the best entry-level airsoft pistol for beginners. You have to manually cock it, though, before each shot. But hey, patience is what you need if you’re just starting out.
Gas
Powered by compressed gas to push the pellets or BBs out, this type uses CO2 or propane gas and can either be blowback or non-blowback.
Electric
Most often powered by batteries or can be charged before usage. Electric airsoft pistols are commonly automatic pistols.
2. Features to look out for
Accuracy
This is the rate at which you’re able to shoot your targets precisely. If you like long-range shooting, better look for pistols with adjustable hop ups to guide your BBs into shooting straight and square into the target.
Comfort
Study the airsoft pistol’s build. The curves and how the triggers and buttons are located. Then try to hold it in your hand to see if that design feels comfortable in your hands even for a long period of time.
Safety features
This is a very important factor to look out for when buying an airsoft pistol, or gun for that matter, especially if you’re buying it for young adults or beginners. Starters tend to fumble with their guns and accidents can be avoided with a good functioning safety feature.
Top Tips
- Power isn’t everything especially if you’re a beginner. If your pistol can handle around 0.20 grams of BBs and up, then you should be alright.
- Start with a basic pistol and upgrade later when you already know the trades of the game.
- Study and choose the right BBs or pellets for your airsoft pistol.
- Take good care of your airsoft pistols so they’d also take care of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is gas or electric better for Airsoft Pistol?
If we’re talking about airsoft guns, then electric power would be good and convenient. But since we are looking at airsoft pistols, gas is most often the best way to go.
2. What should I look for when buying an airsoft gun?
In our experience, the features that you should look out for are safety features, a comfortable design and build, range, and durability so you’re actually investing in a pistol you can use long term.
3. Which Airsoft Rifle is the Most Accurate?
GBB airsoft guns mostly are, and they’re also considered by many shooters to be the best overall.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Rating #1 Value For Money
Now, it’s not about the price tag but the benefits you’re getting for the price you have paid. Is it giving you more than you paid for? Then congratulations, you’ve just scored a great value for money!
Rating 1
Rating #2 Power
Most airsoft fields have a limit of around 350 FPS power limit. So if you’re getting an airsoft pistol for playing, around 250 FPS to 350 FPS would be your best bet. Suffice to say, the 500 FPS New Full Metal WG Airsoft Pistol is one crazy beast when it comes to power coming in at 500 FPS!
Rating 2
Rating #3 Range
Range refers to how far your BB or pellets could go.
Rating 3
Rating #4 Versatility
Is it strictly for pros only? Or is it too simple for only beginners to enjoy? A good versatile airsoft pistol can be enjoyed by both beginners and pros alike. You can also use it outside of the airsoft arena.
Rating 4
Rating #5 Durability/Workmanship
Airsoft is one tough game. It’s almost inevitable to drop your pistol especially if you’re playing in nature or in a rocky location. Regardless of the material, may it be plastic or metal, a well-made airsoft pistol won’t crack with just one drop.
Rating 5
Rating #6 Ease Of Use
This metric refers to how easy and fast your pistol can be operated. We all want an easily operated pistol as they’re mostly used in high-pressure situations in games.
Rating 6
Our Final Verdict:
Best Airsoft Pistol
We’ve done our super comprehensive research and field play, and while we can’t deny that they’re lots of fun, we didn’t forget to watch out for the metrics. Now below are the overall scores. Read on and take your pick.
Conclusion:
Best Airsoft Pistol
Now it’s interesting even to us how most Elite Force pistols topped the overall.
But what can I say?
I’ve been an Elite Force fan myself for so long.
But it’s also really cool discovering new brands, such as the 500 FPS beast!
Definitely keeping this one in case I wanna show off.
Putting this definitive review and roundup together was definitely an eye-opening experience for our team.
While we always carefully pick our rifles and masks for the game, few people pay attention to airsoft pistols.
We were surprised…
…at just how useful bringing one into the field could be.
Not only does it give you the upper hand in the game by having a reliable and trusty second secondary weapon that you can whip out instantly anytime, but some are also fancy enough to add some pizzazz to your loadout!
And at the end of the day…
It’s just really nice knowing I have a cool pistol lying somewhere deep down in my drawer.
What’s your favorite airsoft pistol on the list? Have you ever tried one of them? Share your experience and let us know!
Last update on 2024-05-27
DISCLAIMER: Some or all of the product links on this page are affiliate links. The operator of this website receives a small commission if you purchase products through these links, HOWEVER, there is no added cost to you. These commissions help to fund the operation of this AirsoftNut.com. Note: Some images may be displayed from the Amazon Product Advertising API.
