Having a great airsoft pistol is important for any airsoft player. But not everyone wants to break the bank on a sidearm. Luckily, there are numerous solid airsoft pistols that are very affordable, even for a price of under 100 dollars.
Choosing the best airsoft pistol for the price from the hundreds of options available is a difficult task. To help you make that choice, we ranked and reviewed 7 of the best airsoft pistols under $100 on the market in 2023.
If you’re in a hurry:
The choice of airsoft pistols under $100 is relatively large, with hundreds of options available. Looking for the best cheap airsoft pistols is tricky, since a lot of the options on the market are not good enough. Still, there are a couple of very solid airsoft pistols even for a price of under $100. To help you identify them, we created this list of best budget airsoft pistols.
Generally, airsoft pistols are mostly used as a sidearm, a secondary weapon. However, for many people, pistols are the first airsoft gun they use, mainly because they’re usually cheaper than airsoft rifles. And for a close quarter game, an airsoft pistol can even be your first choice. All in all, owning an airsoft pistol is almost essential for an airsofter.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an airsoft pistol. Apart from the price, some of the more important factors that we took into account when we made this list are shooting performance (FPS), accuracy, reliability, build quality (both internal and external), value for money (we made sure to only include airsoft pistols on the list if they’re worth their respective price), adjustable hop up, the reputation of the manufacturer, as well as others.
If you’re not really sure what airsoft pistols are, how they are used, what to look for in them, and what types of airsoft pistols are there, you can check out our buyer’s guide.
And now, here are the best airsoft pistols under $100 on the market heading into 2023.
Best Airsoft Pistols Under $100 for 2023
Best Airsoft Pistol Under $100
1. Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” Gas Blowback Pistol
FPS | 312 |
Gas type | Green Gas |
Magazine | 22 rounds |
Hop up | Yes, adjustable |
System | Gas Blowback |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto |
Manufacturer | Action Army |
Among a couple of very solid budget airsoft pistols, we chose the Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” pistol as the best one out there.
Although it may not be as perfect as airsoft pistols in the range of $150-$200, the Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” is definitely a great choice. With it, you get a sidearm that’s not too far from the highest-quality airsoft pistols out there, at a significantly lower price.
The Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” is great for both target shooting and airsoft games, is great for lefties as well as for right-handed users, and features a threaded barrel to which you can add a suppressor. It shoots with a solid FPS of over 300.
Features:
- Action Army’s first unique pistol design comes with aggressive styling and performance to match
- Unique target pistol design, great for both target plinking and use in Airsoft skirmishes
- Selectable Semi-Auto and Full-Auto firing modes!
- 14mm- threaded barrel allows the use of Airsoft suppressors
- Fiber-optic style front and rear iron sights
- Ambidextrous and side-swappable features such as the mag-release and charging handle optimize ergonomics for both right and left-handed shooters
- Uses TM g-spec compatible green gas magazine
One of the features that sets this pistol apart is that it comes with both semi-auto and full-auto firing modes. You can seamlessly switch from semi to full auto and vice versa through a selector switch featured in the pistol.
All in all, the Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” is a solid airsoft pistol, and without a doubt worth the money. If you’re looking to spend less than $100 on a sidearm, this pistol is very likely your best option.
Best Airsoft Pistol for the Price
2. WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911
FPS | 400-499 |
Gas Type | CO2 |
Magazine | 16 rounds |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
System | Gas Non-Blowback |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
Manufacturer | Win Gun |
In the search of solid airsoft pistols, you can look even further below $100. A very solid option for a price of around $80 would be the Win Gun’s WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911. This pistol is among the most high quality pistols on this list, while being cheaper than most.
The WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 features a full metal construction, a magazine capacity of 16 rounds, a polymer frame, and an adjustable hop up. It’s powered by CO2, and is highly gas efficient.
And when it comes to the FPS, the WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 has the highest FPS on the whole list, shooting BBs at 400-500 FPS.
Features:
- Full metal construction looks and feels like the real Colt
- High power output between 400 and 499 FPS
- Highly efficient CO2 system fires over 60 BBs on one 12gram CO2 cartridge
- Heavyweight metal slide
- Durable polymer frame
- Railed frame fits tactical lights, lasers and other weapon accessories
- Functioning on-frame safety
- Diamond textured grip panels for positive grip
While all of this is great, it has to be noted that this is a non-blowback pistol. Although this makes it more gas efficient, it also means that this is significantly less realistic compared to the blowback airsoft pistols on the list. But, apart from the realism factor, this is a great pistol for the price.
If you want to go with a cheaper option, the WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 is likely your best option. This is especially true if realism is not the crucial factor in your choice. If on the other hand you want a realistic pistol, it’s best to look at the other options on the list. If you really like 1911s, you can also check the best airsoft 1911 pistols.
Another Great Pick
3. APS A-CAP Combat Adaptive Pistol Co2
FPS | 300-330 |
Gas type | CO2 |
Magazine | 25+1 rounds |
Hop up | Yes, adjustable |
System | Gas Blowback |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
Manufacturer | APS |
Another great option under $100 is the APS A-CAP Combat Adaptive Pistol (CAP). It’s a similar to, but much cheaper than the KWA ATP. Powered by CO2, this pistol shoots BBs at an FPS ranging between 300-330.
The CAP features a magazine capacity of 25+1 rounds, a snappy recoil, and an adjustable hop up. It’s a solid pistol with decent accuracy and range for its price.
Features:
- Stamped American flag also acts as glare reduction milling
- 20mm accessory rail for weapon lights or lasers
- Trigger mounted safety
- Front and rear slide serrations for easy weapon manipulation
- High visibility front and rear sight dots
- Milled slide channeling cuts down on glare
- Ergonomic molded polymer frame
- Reliable APS CO2 powered system
The pistol comes with an ergonomically molded polymer frame, front and rear slide serrations, as well as a comfortable non-slip grip. It also has external fixings such as the accessory rail, to which you can attach lights or lasers.
The APS A-CAP Combat Adaptive Pistol is definitely worth its price tag. It can be great for beginners, but also to anyone who wants a solid pistol without going over their budget.
Best Airsoft Pistol Under $70
4. Umarex Walther P99 Co2
FPS | 380 |
Gas type | CO2 |
Magazine | 15 rounds |
Hop up | Yes, fixed |
System | Gas Blowback |
Manufacturer | Walther / Umarex USA |
If you’re looking to get the most value for your money, alongside the WG Special Combat 1911, your best option is the Umarex Walther P99 Co2. It’s hard to believe that such a pistol is under $70. And not just on this list, but in general too, the Umarex Walther P99 Co2 is one of the airsoft pistols that offer the most value for the price.
The Umarex Walther P99 Co2 shoots BBs at very high 380 FPS, which makes it one of the most powerful pistols under $100. It’s powered by CO2, features a 15 round magazine and a fixed hop up. Furthermore, it’s manufactured by one of the most reliable airsoft companies, which means you don’t have to worry about its quality.
The pistol comes with accuracy, power, and range that’s usually found in much more expensive pistols. It also has a strong and satisfying blowback. All of these makes it very realistic. Its realism is further improved by its weight, look, feel, as well as the metal slide.
Features:
- Metal slide blows back creating a realistic kick
- Hop-up system built-in
- Drop-out BB magazine for added realism
- CO2 concealed in the grip
The Umarex Walther P99 Co2 features fixed sights both on the front and rear, a good safety selector, ambidextrous magazine release and a comfortable grip.
In a nutshell, the Umarex Walther P99 Co2 is a pistol that’s seriously underrated. If you’re looking to spend up to $70, I’m absolutely confident that no other gun comes close to it. In fact, even considering pistols in the range $70-$100, the Umarex Walther P99 Co2 is better than most.
Another Top Pick
5. Beretta APX CO2 Blowback
FPS | 310 |
Gas Type | CO2 |
Magazine | 15 rounds |
System | Gas Blowback |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
Manufacturer | Elite Force / Umarex |
The Beretta APX CO2 Blowback is another great option. It’s a replica of the 9mm Beretta APX pistol, featuring a metal slide and a polymer frame, a drop free magazine with a capacity of 15 rounds, and a very realistic blowback. It shoots BBs at 310 FPS. The fact that it’s manufactured by the always reliable Elite Force / Umarex is another plus.
This replica has all the logos and trademarks of the real Beretta APX, and it features a picatinny rail to which you can add tactical attachments such as lights and lasers. It’s a semi-automatic pistol with a true double-action trigger.
Features:
- Metal slide
- Blowback action
- 15 round drop free magazine
- 20mm under barrel accessory rail
- Manual safety
- Utilizes 12g CO2 cartridges
- Includes two magazines
The Beretta APX CO2 is characterized by good durability and solid accuracy. It’s powered by 12g CO2 cartridges placed inside the pistol grip.
At that price, there’s no doubt that the Beretta APX CO2 is worth the money.
Best Electric Airsoft Pistol Under 100
6. H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force
FPS | 190-210 |
Battery | 7.2v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type |
Magazine | 29 rounds |
Hop up | Yes, adjustable |
System | Electric |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto |
Manufacturer | Elite Force |
Up until now, all the recommended pistols were powered by gas. This is no surprise since gas airsoft pistols are without a doubt superior to both electric and spring airsoft guns. However, electric airsoft guns have a lot of advantages over gas guns (you can read more in the buyer’s guide below), so for those of you who are looking only for an AEP, we included the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force.
Keep in mind that this pistol won’t perform as well as any other mentioned already. Still, it has the advantages that come with electric airsoft guns. First of all, it’s cost-effective, because the battery is rechargeable and you won’t have to keep buying gas. It’s also much easier to maintain than gas guns, so it might be a good choice for a beginner.
Features:
- Fully licensed by H&K
- Based on the Tokyo Marui AEP system
- Full metal slide and polymer frame, is easily upgradeable with Tokyo Marui spec gearbox internal components
- Heavy weight robust construction with full metal slide, magazine, selectors, inner barrel
- Adjustable Hop-up and Precision bore inner barrel and high-performance motor
- Detachable magazine and on-frame ambidextrous magazine release
- Utilizes the traditional 7.2v AEP battery
The H&K Licensed USP AEP is a great and underrated airsoft pistol. It features a full metal slide and polymer frame, and is manufactured by the highly regarded Elite Force. This AEP shoots at an FPS of around 200, is very accurate, and has a surprisingly solid range. The H&K Licensed USP AEP comes with a magazine capacity of 29 rounds, an adjustable hop up, as well as both semi and full-auto firing modes.
It also comes with a great battery life, and is very consistent even in conditions such as cold weather. The AEP is also a good choice if you’re playing indoors, where limits may prevent you from using more powerful pistols.
In a nutshell, if you decide to go with an electric airsoft pistol, you should definitely consider The H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force.
Best Airsoft Pistol Under $30
7. Colt M1911A1
FPS | 325 |
Dimensions | 225mm x 150mm |
Magazine | 12 rounds |
Hop up | Yes, non-adjustable |
System | Spring |
Firing Mode | Single Shot, Safety |
Manufacturer | SoftAir |
For more diversity, we’ll include a spring airsoft pistol on the list too. Clearly, this pistol can’t compare to any on the list. Still, if a spring pistol is what you’re looking for, this one is a great choice.
The Colt M1911A1 is a very realistic replica fully licensed by the Colt company. Although it’s inferior to the other pistols on the list, it’s also by far the cheapest option. But it’s still a reliable and durable option.
Features:
- Fully Licensed by Colt
- No gas or battery required to operate / power.
- Polymer Frame with heavyweight metal slide.
- 1:1 True scale with realistic slide action
- Detachable magazine / on-frame safety
- Serrated slide
Since it’s a spring airsoft pistol, the Colt M1911A1 doesn’t come with an auto-firing mode. But on the other hand, it requires neither gas nor battery to work. It has a magazine capacity of 12 rounds, comes with a non-adjustable hop up, and shoots at around 325 FPS.
While the performance of the Colt M1911A1 is clearly not up to par to gas guns, you should definitely consider it if you’re looking for the best spring airsoft pistol.
Comparison Table of Best Airsoft Pistols Under $100
Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” | WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 | APS A-CAP Combat Adaptive Pistol Co2 | Umarex Walther P99 Co2 | Beretta APX CO2 Blowback | H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force | Colt M1911A1 | |
FPS Range | 312 | 400-499 | 300-330 | 380 | 310 | 190-210 | 325 |
Power | Green Gas | CO2 | CO2 | CO2 | CO2 | 7.2v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type | |
Magazine | 22 rounds | 16 rounds | 25+1 rounds | 15 rounds | 15 rounds | 29 rounds | 12 rounds |
System | Gas Blowback | Gas Non-Blowback | Gas Blowback | Gas Blowback | Gas Blowback | Electric | Spring |
Firing Mode | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | Single Shot |
Manufacturer | Action Army | Win Gun | APS | Walther / Umarex USA | Elite Force / Umarex | Elite Force | SoftAir |
Conclusion
With many cheap airsoft pistols out there, it’s difficult to distinguish the solid quality from the junk. So, we took into account the shooting performance, accuracy, reliability, build quality, value for money, and the manufacturer of the numerous pistols on the market to create a list of the best airsoft pistols under $100 for 2023.
In this article, we presented the 7 best airsoft pistols under $100 currently on the market. Some of the best of the best are the:
- Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin”– best airsoft pistol under $100 overall
- WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911– best airsoft pistol for the price
- Umarex Walther P99 Co2– best airsoft pistol under $70
- H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force – best electric airsoft pistol under $100
- Colt M1911A1 – best airsoft pistol under $30
Although there are many options on this list, you really can’t go wrong with any of these picks.
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The founder of Airsoft Freaks and a passionate airsofter for more than 15 years. Get to know me better on my about page