Authentic Aesthetics
Many airsoft players value authenticity. Thankfully, the vast majority of airsoft pistols on the market are made to an impressive standard. Many pistols are licensed by firearm manufacturers, meaning the tiniest details of the real thing are fully replicated. Away from aesthetics, you should also consider things like the construction of any pistol you are interested in purchasing.
If you want a more realistic weight and true-to-life handling, you should think about purchasing pistols made from metal. At the very least, metallic slides will provide you with essential extra weight that leave the pistol feeling reassuringly heavy in your hands.
Blowback Action
If you want an airsoft pistol that handles like the real thing, a reliable blowback action is a must. Look for pistols that include a metal slide as this will provide you with the telltale blowback action and recoil typical of conventional firearms. Admittedly, there are some airsoft players who do not like to experience recoil after firing a shot. If that applies to you, look for airsoft pistols that feature anti-blowback elements to reduce the amount of recoil after firing. Remember to check out our post on the most realistic looking paintball guns.
Enhanced Firing Distances
Many airsoft pistols available today include a hop-up feature. This feature is particularly important if you are looking to extend the firing reach of your shots. A hop-up feature will impart backspin onto your fired rounds. Provided there are no obstacles between you and your chosen target, this backspin will help your rounds travel further across the field of play.
Customisation
Some airsoft pistols will already come loaded with additional features and accessories, although this often to properly replicate the weapon it is based upon. Most of the time, existing extras will be limited to front and rear sights. If you want more scope when it comes to customisation, make sure any airsoft pistol you are buying includes accessory rails. This will allow you to further tailor your pistol your preference.
If you want to upgrade your pistol with enhanced sights and lights, an accessory rail is a must. Mounting rails will also allow you to push your existing pistols to the limit before you have to think about swapping out your weapon for a more substantial model.
Best Airsoft Pistol Reviews
Give yourself an instant edge on the battlefield with our selection of some of the best airsoft pistols currently on the market.
Colt 1911 CO2 Full Metal Airsoft Pistol with Adjustable Hop-Up and Blowback, 380-390 FPS, Black
If you value high degrees of realism across the board, this Colt 1911 airsoft pistol should be top of your lift. This airsoft pistol utilises powerful C02 action to deliver incredible firing performance. In fact, when using 0.20g ammo, you can expect firing rates of between 380 and 390 FPS. This semi-automatic airsoft pistol is incredibly easy to handle and fire. This pistol uses 6mm ammo, with the magazine holding 14 individual rounds.
This should provide you with more than enough ammo for most airsoft scenarios, especially if you are using this pistol as a secondary weapon alongside a rifle. This Colt 1911 pistol also comes with 100 starter BB rounds to help you get a good feel for the weapon and practice some shots before you take into an airsoft gameplay scenario.
This pistol will go down well with purists. This authentic replica is made from metal for a more realistic feel, while the size is also in keeping with a genuine Colt firearm. An adjustable hop-up feature is also included, putting backspin on fired rounds to provide you with longer shooting distances. There is also a satisfying blowback action on offer here, giving the weapon a significant kick when fired.
Walther P99 Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun, Walther P99 Airsoft Gun
This Walther P99 replica is another must-have for any airsoft player who values realistic design and authentic handling. The overall finish of this pistol is outstanding, with detailed textures and style accents that ensure the weapon looks almost exactly like the real thing. The metal slide also produces a considerable blowback, giving the weapon a realistic kick when fired. A built-in hop system is also included, which puts backspin on fired rounds and allows your ammo to carry further than more basic airsoft pistols.
This Walther P99 pistol will fire 6mm plastic airsoft rounds, with maximum firing rates of 320 FPS possible. This pistol also includes a 15-round magazine that can be dropped out and replaced whenever your ammo reserves run dry. This airsoft pistol is powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, which is discreetly housed in the grip.
Elite Force Umarex Combat Zone Enforcer 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun, Black
If you are in need of a compact and reliable airsoft pistol, the Elite Force Umarex Combat Zone Enforcer is an ideal option. This compact pistol boasts an incredibly authentic finish that will appeal to those who prize aesthetics, with the high-grade polymer construction making it an especially robust choice. This airsoft pistol will fire 6mm plastic airsoft rounds, with maximum velocities of up to 400 FPS possible.
This Elite Foce Umarex pistol is powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge which is housed in the grip, ensuring constant firing performance. An integrated accessory rail is also included, allowing you to customise the pistol your individual needs. Thanks to this rail, you can add things like fixed sights to your weapon to enhance its functionality.
Desert Eagle Full Auto Airsoft Pistol
The Desert Eagle is a classic firearm, so this detailed replica should go down a storm with airsoft enthusiasts. This officially licensed replica handgun is a perfect representation of the genuine article, featuring the same level of detail and subtle accents found with the real thing. This gun is also completely to scale, with a metal construction that gives it a realistic weight. If you are looking for a true-to-life handling experience, this airsoft replica is certainly something you will want to invest in.
This replica fires 12g airsoft rounds and shoots at velocities of up to 394 FPS. This makes it far more effective than other airsoft pistols out there. You can also choose between semi-automatic and full-automatic firing configurations, giving you plenty of options when it comes to combat. If you want something that feels like a genuine handgun and operates in much the same way, this Desert Eagle pistol is perfect.
ASG CZ P-09 Gas Powered Airsoft Pistol with Outer Barrel Threading
The ASG CZ P-09 is a must for any airsoft player looking for authentic details and firing action, along with the freedom to customise the pistol to their liking down the line. This pistol is a very detailed replica, with realistic levels of blowback and a metallic outer barrel adding to the overall appeal of things.
The adjustable hop-up feature also allows you to add some backspin to fired rounds, extending your firing reach in the field. Those looking for high levels of realism will definitely appreciate the blowback functionality of this pistol, with significant levels of recoil that add to the shooting experience.
This is also a user-friendly choice of pistol. The smooth trigger pull allows for easy operation and firing, while the 3-dot sight system allows you to line up with targets in no time at all. This pistol also includes an ambidextrous safety so it can be fully utilised by all players, while the integrated rail mounting system means you can add a light or laser without any hassle.
500 fps new full metal wg airsoft m 1911 gas co2 hand gun pistol w/ 6mm bb bbs(Airsoft Gun)
This quality airsoft pistol utilises a CO2 feed to deliver significant firing performance. You can also look forward to more substantial firepower than other options when you invest in this pistol. Maximum firepower performance of up to 500 FPS makes this a must for anyone who wants a more serious addition to their arsenal. This gun will also go down well with those after realistic aesthetics and authentic handling. The durable body is very solid, with a carrying weight very close to a conventional pistol.
This WG Sport 1911 airsoft pistol allows for semi-automatic firing, with a working hammer included to give you very realistic firing performance. Despite its significant firepower potential, this pistol has been designed to minimise blowback. An adjustable hop-up feature is also included to extend the reach of your fired rounds. Also included is an adjustable rear sight, along with a rail system for further customisation.
Umarex 2274306 USA, Beretta APX Blowback Co2 6mm Airsoft BB Pistol
If you are looking for more authenticity from your airsoft weaponry, this Beretta APX is worth thinking about. The realistic blowback action of this pistol instantly leaves you with the impression that you are handling a conventional weapon. This pistol is also equipped with authentic details like the manual safety trigger, fixed sights at the front and rear, as well as 15-round drop-free magazines.
This pistol is very easy to handle, with an ergonomic grip frame that allows you to unleash an entire magazine comfortably. The grip also houses the concealed C02 chamber. This replica also boasts a swappable grip design. You can choose between silver and black, with changes quick and easy to carry out. If you are looking for a pistol that can be adapted to your individual airsoft requirements, this pistol is perfect. An accessory rail is included on the frame itself, letting you mount sights and lights with relative ease.
Elite Force Glock 19 Gen3 6mm BB Pistol
If you are looking for an authentic shooting experience, this GLOCK 19 GEN3 CO2 airsoft pistol is something to seriously consider. This replica gun is a compact take on the conventional GLOCK 17. The grip and slide element of the G19 is shorter than what you would find with the G17, allowing for easier handling. The smaller design of this pistol also make it easy to holster and carry, even if you are armed with a sniper rifle and other accessories.
You can look forward to incredible ergonomics here, while the overall functionality and handling of the replica is very similar to the real thing. Even the carrying weight is relatively similar to the live pistol this replica is based on. If you are GLOCK enthusiast, there is plenty to enjoy here.
Sig Sauer M17 CO2 Air Pistol
The Sig Sauer M17 C02 air pistol is a quality replica of the US Army M17. If you are a fan of that firearm or want to bring the basic functionality of it to your airsoft games, this C02 pistol is a worthwhile investment. This premium airsoft pistol features a full blowback metal slide, providing you with a kick that is similar to what you might experience when firing a live firearm. This airsoft pistol also field strips like the real thing, making it an absolute must for anyone who appreciates authenticity.
This air pistol includes a drop magazine, along with a concealed CO2 chamber that you will barely notice until it comes to replenishing your gas reserves. This airsoft pistol also includes a 20-round pellet magazine so you can start practising with it straight away.
