11 Best Airsoft Pistols for 2024 (Ranked and Reviewed)

Having a great airsoft pistol is crucial for any airsoft player. However, choosing the best airsoft pistol from the hundreds of options available is like looking for a needle in a haystack. To help you make that choice, we ranked and reviewed 11 of the best airsoft pistols out there.

If you’re in a hurry:

The choice of airsoft pistols on the market is huge, with hundreds or even thousands of options available. On one hand, the large number of airsoft pistols is great, since it gives you a lot of options to choose from. But, it also makes it very difficult for you to choose the best airsoft pistol. And to make matters worse, a large percentage of the airsoft pistols available are low-quality and should be avoided. That’s why having a reliable guide in choosing an airsoft pistol is crucial.

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. Some of the more important ones 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 definitely 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 below.

And now, here are the best airsoft pistols on the market in 2024.

Best Airsoft Pistols for 2024

1. Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gas Blowback

Best airsoft pistol overall

Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1
FPS Range250-300
Gas TypeHFC134a, Green gas
Dimensions235mm x 143mm
Magazine31 rounds
Hop upYes, Adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Safety
ManufacturerTokyo Marui

Among the plethora of great options, we chose the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gas Blowback pistol as the best one out there. Manufactured by one of the most famous airsoft companies ever, the always reliable Japanese Tokyo Marui, it can hardly get better than this gun.

While other companies have created similar airsoft pistols, this one is truly elite, fully living up to the reputation of Tokyo Marui.

It’s a gas blowback pistol featuring a high-strength polymer slide and frame. The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 uses green gas and can shoot up to 300 FPS. Its magazine can carry 31 rounds, much more than standard gas blowback pistols, so it protrudes slightly from the bottom.  

The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 is lightweight with a comfortable grip. It features a Hi-Grouping barrel stabilization and a hop up system which make it highly accurate. Apart from its high accuracy, it also has a great range. In a nutshell, the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 is characterized by great shooting consistency, FPS stability, and cycling speed.

Features:

  • High strength polymer slide and frame
  • Optional 20mm lower accessory rail
  • Double stack magazine
  • Stamped style markings
  • Adjustable rear sights
  • Realistic blowback action

It’s an all-plastic pistol, which comes with both advantages and disadvantages to full-metal pistols. Some of the advantages are the snappy blowback, the cycling speed, as well as having great gas efficiency.

One of the disadvantages of plastic airsoft pistols is that the slide is less durable. However, the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 has a solid construction and has proven to be very durable in various tests. Therefore, it successfully overcomes even the biggest concerns usually related to plastic pistols.

In addition to it being great out of the box, the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 is also highly upgradeable and customizable, with a number of aftermarket parts available for fine-tuning it.

The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 may be one of the priciest on this list, but without a doubt, it lives up to the price. And due to its gas efficiency, in the long run, it’s still cost-effective. Hands down, this is probably the best airsoft pistol you can get. This TM is also ranked as the best airsoft pistol on Outlook India’s list of best airsoft guns overall.

2. Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2

Best CO2 airsoft pistol

Elite Force 1911 Tactical CO2
FPS345
Gas Type12g CO2 Cartridges
Dimensions230mm x 135mm
Magazine14+1 rounds
Hop upYes, Adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Safety
ManufacturerElite Force / Umarex

Another option you absolutely can’t go wrong with is the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2. If the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 is the best green gas airsoft pistol, then the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 is hands down the best CO2 airsoft pistol out there.

The Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 features a full-metal construction, which makes it very realistic. Another thing that adds to the realism is the ultra-realistic slide action. This pistol has a great shooting performance and accuracy out of the box, and it comes with an adjustable hop up which further improves them.

It comes with all the features expected of a 1911 safety pistol. The usage of CO2 enables the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 to have an FPS of around 345, which is among the highest on this list. The CO2 also enable this pistol to have a very strong blowback, making it one of the most realistic airsoft pistols out there.

Features:

  • Full Metal Construction
  • 20mm Underside Rail great for Tactical Accessories
  • Threaded Orange Tip

The Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 has a built-in rail to which you can add on a flashlight or a laser. It also features a threaded tip which allows you to add a mock silencer or a suppressor.

The only con to this gun is its relatively low magazine capacity of 14+1 rounds, which is characteristic of all single-stack 1911s.

Even though we ranked it second on our list, the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 is a viable alternative, and for some players even a better choice than the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1.

Some of the instances when you should definitely consider getting the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 over the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 are:

  • if you prefer a full metal build over an all-plastic pistol;
  • if you prefer CO2 to green gas; or
  • if you want to save some money and not sacrifice quality.

To learn more about this pistol, check out our in-depth Elite Force 1911 TAC Review.

3. KJW M9

Best airsoft pistol for beginners

KJW Full Metal M9
FPS Range300-340
PowerGreen gas, propane adapter, red gas, CO2.
Dimensions216mm x 133mm
Magazine25+1 rounds
Hop upYes, non-adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
ManufacturerKJ Works

Another great option that you can’t go wrong with is the KJW M9 Full Metal. We ranked it as the best airsoft pistol for beginners, but it’s just as great for more experienced players too.

The KJW M9 is very realistic and with a great internal and external build. Unlike many other pistols on the list, it’s compatible with both green gas and CO2. The construction of this gas blowback airsoft pistol is full metal.

It shoots roughly at between 300 and 340 FPS. Keep in mind that if you’re using CO2 the FPS should be higher compared to green gas. Also, by using CO2 you get a stronger recoil.

The KJW M9 has a great grip, is perfect for lefties too, and comes with reinforced steel parts, which increase its durability.

Features:

  • Full Metal Construction
  • Full Metal Heavy Weight New Version Aluminum Slide and Frame.
  • Able to handle high pressured gas: green gas, red gas, Co2, Propane adapter.
  • TONS of after market upgrade / replacement parts available.
  • Hard Kick Blowback Action / Working Realistic Hammer action.
  • Great accuracy and performance.
  • Standard Military Type Tactical Grip.
  • Ambidextrous on frame safety.
  • Built in front & rear sight with high visibility white dot.
  • Reinforced metal steel parts on entire pistol.
  • Built in lanyard adapter, a spec. requested by the US military to KJW. For increased tactical advantage and realism.
  • On Slide Serration.
  • It’s a KJW: Marui Design, reputable manufacture and its close relationship with your#1 retailer means it will never go out of service on you. (Tons of spare / upgrade parts available).

This airsoft pistol is perfect for all conditions, both outdoors and indoors. It has a great range and accuracy, and comes with an adjusted hop up.

The KJW M9  is one of the most realistic airsoft pistols out there. In fact, it’s even used by the US military and law enforcement, as part of their training. This is due to their great performance and their realism.

Although it’s already awesome out of the box, the KJW M9 is highly upgradeable and customizable, with numerous parts available for fine-tuning it.

If you’re looking for a realistic, accurate, and reliable airsoft pistol, you should definitely consider the KJW M9.

4. Glock Gen 4 G17

Best Glock airsoft replica

Glock Gen4 G17
FPS Range290-310
Gas typeGreen Gas, Red Gas, Propane/ CO2,
Dimensions190mm x 140mm
Magazine20 Rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Safety
ManufacturerElite Force (Licensed by GLOCK)

This list probably wouldn’t make sense without a Glock replica in it. Even the fact that there’s no Glock replica in the top 3 may be a surprise to some. The Glock Gen 4 G17 features all the logos and details found on the real firearm it replicates. If you want an airsoft pistol that closely resembles the real version, consider this pistol, fully licensed by one of the most famous brands in the world when it comes to firearms.

But, the original looks and feel are just a small part of why the Glock Gen 4 G17 is an awesome choice. It’s a very reliable, lightweight, and durable pistol with a comfortable grip. It’s powered by green gas, but you can also opt for a CO2 version.

Features:

  • Lightweight, rugged injection molded polymer frame w/ aluminum alloy slide
  • Fully licensed by GLOCK w/ complete rollmarks on the slide and logos molded to the frame
  • Traditional GLOCK sights
  • Functional GLOCK trigger safety
  • GLOCK Gen.4 rough texture technology for improved slip-resistant grip
  • GLOCK accessory rail
  • Realistic gas blowback to simulate recoil and slide cycling

The Glock Gen 4 G17 shoots at around 300 FPS. It features a magazine with a capacity of 20 rounds, as well as a hop-up unit. You can add a flashlight or laser to it, if you wish so.

It’s produced by Umarex, a company with a great reputation in the airsoft world, which received the world’s first license to reproduce Glock. And it manages to do so with great success. All in all, the Glock Gen 4 G17 is likely the best Glock replica there is.

To read more about this pistol, check out our in-depth Elite Force Glock 17 Gen 4 Review.

5. SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17

SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17
FPS Range370-410
Gas TypeHFC134a, Green gas/ CO2
Dimensions216mm x 165mm
Magazine21+1 rounds
Hop upYes, Adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Safety
ManufacturerSIG Sauer

A fantastic way to finish the top 5 airsoft pistols is with the SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17. An exact replica of the US Army’s M17, this airsoft pistol has features that you just can’t ignore.

The SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17 is compatible with both green gas and CO2, which offers you flexibility. You can opt between black or tan as its color. Another thing that sets it apart is a snappy recoil.

The fact that it’s produced by SIG Sauer is another advantage since a high reputation of the manufacturer is always a pro with airsoft guns. And not only is it produced by SIG Sauer, it’s in fact one of their best products. It was manufactured as a training pistol for professionals, which is why it’s incredibly realistic.

Features:

  • Metal slide with fully licensed SIG SAUER laser-etched trademarks
  • Optic-ready slide with removable reflex sight plate
  • Compatible with both CO2 and green gas (includes CO2 magazine)
  • Field strippable with similar weight and balance to the real M17 handgun
  • 1:1 replica of the new US Army Modular Handgun

With a metal slide and a polymer frame, the SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17 is accurate, reliable, and with a great range. It shoots at an FPS of around 400, which is among the highest on this list.

The only disadvantage is that it’s on the more expensive side, but that is understandable given the quality of the pistol.

All in all, you definitely can’t go wrong with a SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17. If you don’t mind paying a little more than for many of the other airsoft pistols on the list, this one should be among your top choices.

If you’re interested to learn more about this gun, check our in-depth SIG Sauer P320 M17 Airsoft Review.

6. KWA M9 PTP

KWA M9 PTP
FPS325
Gas TypeGreen Gas
Dimensions216mm x 140mm
Magazine25 rounds
Hop upYes, Adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
ManufacturerKWA

Another M9 on the list, and another great choice. A gas blowback pistol with full metal construction, this airsoft pistol has one of the best external builds out there. Apart from the high-quality metal construction, the KWA M9 is also a highly realistic replica of its Beretta counterpart.

The KWA M9 is characterized by a great performance right out of the box. It’s accurate, durable, with a great range, shoots at an FPS of roughly 325, and features an adjustable hop up.

Features:

  • Full metal construction mimics the real counterpart
  • Functioning safety / decocker mechanism
  • Double – Action / Single-Action capable
  • Realistic takedown
  • Realistic blowback

The pistol is powered by green gas and is actually very efficient when it comes to gas consumption. That’s owed to the NS2 gas system, pioneered by the Taiwan’s KWA, which is the company that manufacturs this airsoft pistol. The NS2 gas system manages to maximize the green gas efficiency.

Without a doubt, the KWA M9 PTP is along with the KJW M9 one of the best M9s on the market. If an M9 is what you want, it’s probably best to decide between these two.

7. GLOCK Gen 3 G19

GLOCK Gen 3 G19
FPS Range290-310
Gas typeGreen Gas, Red Gas, Propane
Dimensions170mm x 130mm
Magazine19 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Safety
ManufacturerElite Force (Licensed by GLOCK)

In case you like Glocks but for some reason didn’t care for the Glock Gen 4 G17, here’s the second Glock on the list. Another lightweight, fully licensed Glock with a very realistic blowback.

The GLOCK Gen 3 G19 is probably the best and most realistic G19 airsoft replica. It has a high-quality build, great performance right out of the box, an adjustable hop up, with a metal slide and a polymer frame.

Features:

  • Lightweight, rugged injection molded polymer frame w/ aluminum alloy slide
  • Fully licensed by GLOCK w/ complete rollmarks on the slide and logos molded to the frame
  • Traditional GLOCK sights
  • Functional GLOCK trigger safety
  • Slip-resistantnt grip texturing w/ front & backstrap checkering
  • GLOCK accessory rail
  • Realistic gas blowback to simulate recoil and slide cycling

It’s a little smaller and with a shorter grip compared to the Glock Gen 4 G17. Generally, it’s one of the most compact airsoft pistols on the list, so if that’s what you like, the GLOCK Gen 3 G19 is a great option.

In a nutshell, if you’re into Glocks, you simply can’t go wrong with one of the GLOCK Gen 3 G19 or the Glock Gen 4 G17.

8. Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” Gas Blowback Pistol

Best airsoft pistol under $100

Action Army AAP-01
FPS312
Gas typeGreen Gas
Magazine22 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Full-Auto
ManufacturerAction Army

While all of the abovementioned guns are great and definitely worth the money, the reality is that not everyone is willing to spend that much money on what is essentially a sidearm. But, does that mean that you have to settle for a low-quality gun? Not at all.

Although it may not be as perfect as the other airsoft pistols on the list, 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.

But, the most important thing that sets the Action Army AAP-01 “Assassin” apart from the other airsoft pistols in the list is its very affordable price.

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.

9. H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force

Best electric airsoft pistol

H&K Licensed USP AEP
FPS190-210
Battery7.2v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type
Magazine29 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemElectric
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Full-Auto
ManufacturerElite 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.

10. Colt M1911A1

Best spring airsoft pistol

Colt M1911A1
FPS325
Dimensions225mm x 150mm
Magazine12 rounds
Hop upYes, non-adjustable
SystemSpring
Firing ModeSingle Shot, Safety
ManufacturerSoftAir

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.

11. Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU

Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU
FPS Range200
Gas typeHFC134a, Green gas
Dimensions223mm x 150mm
Magazine28+1 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Safety
ManufacturerTokyo Marui

Last, but definitely not least, is the Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU. After looking at other types of airsoft pistols, we finish the list strongly, with a truly great airsoft pistol. We already discussed about the reputation of Tokyo Marui in the airsoft world, so there’s no need to repeat ourselves.

The Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU is an all-plastic pistol, which shouldn’t really concern you, because it’s very solid construction and a very durable plastic. The pistol has a nice recoil, faster cycling speed, as well as good gas efficiency, which are all possible due to the plastic slide.

Features:

  • High quality Japanese construction
  • High cyclic rate thanks to ABS slide
  • Realistic trademarks on slide
  • Textured wrap around style grip
  • Tactical low profile sights

This pistol features an adjustable hop up, a semi-auto firing mode, and a magazine with a capacity of 28+1 rounds. It’s powered by green gas and shoots with an FPS of roughly 200. As well as most other gas pistols on the list, the Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU is very accurate and has a great range.

One of the rare disadvantages is that it’s pricier than most of the other airsoft pistols on the list. However, that’s expected from a Tokyo Marui, and this pistol is definitely worth the price, as well as the others on the list.

Comparison Table of Best Airsoft Pistols

 Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2KJW M9Glock Gen 4 G17SIG Sauer ProForce P320 M17KWA M9 PTPGLOCK Gen 3 G19
FPS Range250-300345300-340290-310370-410325290-310
Gas TypeHFC134a, Green gas12g CO2 CartridgesGreen gas, propane adapter, red gas, CO2.Green Gas, Red Gas, Propane/ CO2,HFC134a, Green gas/ CO2Green GasGreen Gas, Red Gas, Propane
Dimensions235mm x 143mm230mm x 135mm216mm x 133mm190mm x 140mm216mm x 165mm216mm x 140mm170mm x 130mm
Magazine31 rounds14+1 rounds25+1 rounds20 Rounds21+1 rounds25 rounds19 rounds
Hop upYes, AdjustableYes, AdjustableYes, non-adjustableYes, non-adjustableYes, AdjustableYes, AdjustableYes, adjustable
SystemGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas Blowback
ManufacturerTokyo MaruiElite Force / UmarexKJ WorksElite Force (Licensed by GLOCK)SIG SauerKWAElite Force (Licensed by GLOCK)

Buyer’s Guide

What Is an Airsoft Pistol?

An airsoft pistol is essentially a highly realistic replica of a real pistol. While they closely resemble the real pistol they replicate, airsoft pistols shoot small, round, plastic BBs.

In airsoft, pistols are mainly used as a sidearm, a secondary weapon. If you’re mostly playing close quarters, you may even opt for an airsoft pistol as your primary weapon. Pistols are also great for target shooting practice.

Airsoft pistols are highly popular, in part due to their affordability. Indeed, compared to airsoft rifles, pistols are usually much cheaper.

Types of Airsoft Pistols

Depending on what powers them, there are different types of airsoft pistols. Mainly, we divide them into 3 categories: spring, electric, and gas airsoft guns.

Spring Airsoft Pistols

The simplest and by far cheapest are the spring airsoft pistols. Although the first airsoft guns ever were spring guns, they aren’t practical for an airsoft battle. This is mainly because they require the player to manually cock the gun before each shot. Because of this, they have a much slower rate of shooting and are virtually unusable in an airsoft match.

They also require some hand strength in order to pull back the slide before every shot. Finally, their range and accuracy are inferior to other types of pistols. They can still be fun for target shooting in your backyard though.

If this works for you, the Colt M1911A1 may be your best option, which is also very affordable.

Electric Airsoft Pistols

Next up are the electric airsoft pistols (AEPs). They are definitely an upgrade over spring pistols, and these can even be used in an airsoft match. Electric airsoft guns are battery-powered and don’t require you to manually cock the gun.

While electric airsoft guns are generally the most popular, when it comes to pistols, they are clearly inferior to gas pistols.

Still, they do have some advantages over them. Mainly, AEPs are more cost-effective. This is because they are powered by batteries, which can easily be recharged when depleted. On the other hand, with gas pistols, you’ll need to keep buying gas whenever you’re out of it.

AEPs are also much easier to maintain, which makes them a good option for beginners. They’re also very consistent and are able to perform great in difficult conditions such as cold weather.

All in all, while not as good as gas pistols, AEPs are an option that you can consider when buying an airsoft pistol, depending on how much you rate cost-effectiveness and maintenance.

The choice of electric airsoft pistols isn’t as good as that of gas pistols. Still, there are a couple of great choices. If you decide to go this route, you won’t be disappointed with the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force, arguably the best electric airsoft pistol on the market.

Gas Airsoft Pistols

Without a doubt, gas airsoft pistols are the superior pistol type. They’re the most realistic, powerful, accurate, reliable, and durable airsoft pistols there are. If you’re really serious about airsoft, these are virtually the only type you should look at.

The only disadvantages they have is that they aren’t as cost-effective (you’ll need to buy gas bottles or cartridges), and require some maintenance, which shouldn’t be much of an issue. If you find these factors crucial, you may opt for an electric airsoft pistol instead. But, be aware that the performance and realism you get from them won’t be as good as with gas airsoft guns.

Gas airsoft pistols are powered by gas, such as green gas or CO2. Green gas is stored in bottles, and you fill it in by “pouring” it from the bottle into the magazine. Generally, you can shoot 2-3 full magazines before you need to refill gas. The best green gas airsoft pistol, as well as the best airsoft pistol overall in our rankings, is the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1, which is also one of the best Tokyo Marui guns overall.

On the other hand, CO2 gas is usually found in small CO2 cartridges, which are inserted whole into the pistol. If this is what you’re looking for, your best option is to go with the Elite Force 1911 TAC CO2.

Blowback vs non-blowback gas airsoft pistols

Some of the terms that you might have heard are blowback vs non-blowback gas pistols. In essence, gas blowback airsoft pistols are those that have a recoil upon firing, similarly to real pistols. This hugely increases the realism of these type of pistols, so they’re far more popular than any other type of airsoft pistols. A large majority of the items on our list of best airsoft pistols are gas blowback guns.

Still, you should be aware that gas blowback airsoft pistols have a disadvantage too. Once again, that’s their cost-effectiveness. A blowback pistol will use gas both for shooting the BB and for the recoil. In comparison, a non-blowback pistol will only use gas for the shooting.

Despite this, if you’re looking for the best of the best airsoft pistols, it’s very likely you’ll end up with a gas blowback airsoft pistol.

Other terms that you should know are fully and semi-automating firing modes. In essence, fully automatic shooting means that the gun will shoot out pellets for as long as the trigger is pressed, up until you release it. Semi-automatic means that the gun shoots out one pellet for every pressing of the trigger, and you need to release the trigger and press it again for another firing.

What To Look Out for When Buying an Airsoft Pistol?

If you’re looking to buy an airsoft pistol, it’s crucial to know what to look out for. We considered a bunch of different factors when creating this list of best airsoft pistols for 2024. These factors are some of the most important things you should look for in an airsoft gun. Here are just some of the things to consider when buying an airsoft pistol:

  • Build quality – It’s no surprise that one of the key things to consider is the build quality, both internal and external. You want a gun with high-quality internal components (such as the barrel, trigger, and bucking), as well as high-quality external components (such as the grip, slide, and rail).
  • Shooting performance – You want an airsoft pistol with consistent FPS (meaning that the FPS doesn’t vary too much between different shots), high accuracy (so that you can hit opponents from a distance), and a hop up.
  • Reliability – When it comes to construction, metal build is usually considered more reliable than plastic. However, in some cases, the plastic can be of high quality and very durable (such as the Tokyo Marui models), so it’s not a problem.
  • Value for money – You’d be surprised how often price doesn’t correlate with quality when it comes to airsoft guns. Therefore, getting a more expensive airsoft pistol is justified only if it lives up to its price. When making the list of best airsoft pistols, we ensured that the price of each pistol on the list is justified.
  • The reputation of the manufacturer – Getting an airsoft pistol from a well-known brand means that you shouldn’t worry too much about its quality. If you’re buying an airsoft gun produced by a company such as Tokyo Marui or Elite Force, it’s very likely that you’re getting a high-quality piece.

How We Made This List

In order to make the reviews as reliable as possible, I’m continuously testing the products we recommend.

Out of the 11 pistols reviewed in this list, I’ve personally tried and tested 9 of them. I’ve also consulted countless experienced airsofters. In addition, before publishing, 3 different experienced airsofters have looked at and approved the list. Lastly, I’ve looked and analyzed many other blogs and the products they recommend, so that I don’t miss a good product.

All of this is done to give you the best possible recommendations for your next airsoft pistol.

Conclusion

With thousands of airsoft pistols out there, it’s difficult to distinguish the 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 for 2024.

In this article, we presented the 11 best airsoft pistols currently on the market. Some of the best of the best are the:

Although there are many options on this list, you really can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

FAQ

What Is the Best Airsoft Pistol?

As of the end of 2022, the best airsoft pistol on the market is the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gas Blowback. Produced by one of the best companies in the business, it shoots at up to 300 FPS, has a magazine of 31 rounds, great shooting consistency, FPS stability, and cycling speed. The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 is an accurate and upgradeable all-plastic gun with a performance that’s difficult to match.

What Is the Best Spring Loaded Airsoft Pistol?

As of the end of 2022, the best spring loaded airsoft pistol is the Colt M1911A1, which is a very realistic replica fully licensed by the Colt company. It’s a reliable and durable option which has a magazine capacity of 12 rounds, comes with a non-adjustable hop up, and shoots at around 325 FPS. Although the performance of the Colt M1911A1 is far from that of gas guns, it’s also significantly cheaper. If you’re looking for the best spring airsoft pistol, you should definitely consider this one.

Affiliate disclaimer: Airsoft Freaks is a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, as well as other affiliate programs. If you buy some of the products on this list through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.