6 Best Full Metal Airsoft Pistols for 2024 (Ranked and Reviewed)

Full metal airsoft pistols are generally sturdier, more impact resilient, and more realistic compared to plastic pistols. However, choosing a good full metal airsoft pistol among the hundreds of pistols made of pot metal can be quite difficult. To help you make that choice, we ranked and reviewed 6 of the best full metal airsoft pistols out there.

If you’re in a hurry:

The material of which an airsoft pistol is made is very important. Many people prefer metal pistols over their plastic counterparts. Still, it depends a lot on the quality of the metal or plastic.

A metal airsoft pistol is not necessarily better than a plastic one. Especially given that a large number of metal pistols are actually made of pot metal, which is essentially zinc mixed with other cheap metals. Such a pistol may not be better than a plastic pistol, especially if the plastic one is made of high-quality plastic.

Yet, a full metal airsoft pistol made of good metal, with parts made of aluminum alloys, does offer some advantages. It’s usually heavier and therefore more realistic than a plastic one. Also, a full-metal pistol is sturdier and won’t be damaged if hit by a BB.

On the other hand, some people may prefer the fact that plastic pistols are lighter since they’re less tiring. Plastic pistols also won’t get as hot as metal pistols after a long day in the sun.  Even one of the best pistols overall, the Tokyo Marui Hi-CAPA 5.1, is made of plastic.

All in all, it’s up to you and your preferences whether to go with a metal or a plastic pistol. However, generally full metal is considered an advantage when it comes to airsoft pistols.

But one thing that is very important, whether you choose a metal or a plastic airsoft pistol, is that it’s made of a high quality material and by a reputable company. The build quality is one of the factors we took into account when making this list.

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, apart from the build quality, are shooting performance (FPS), accuracy, reliability, 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 on best airsoft pistols.

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

Best Full Metal Airsoft Pistols for 2024

1. Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2

Best full metal airsoft pistol and best full metal 1911

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

Among the many great options, we chose the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 as the best one out there. Made of high-quality metal parts and manufactured by one of the best airsoft companies, the always reliable Elite Force, it can hardly get better than this full metal airsoft pistol.

Apart from the full-metal construction, 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. Despite that, the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 is probably the best full metal airsoft pistol on the market, as well as one of the best overall.

If you want to learn more about this pistol, check out our in-depth Elite Force 1911 TAC Review.

2. KJW M9

Best full metal 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 full metal 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.

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.

3. KWA M9 PTP

Another great pick

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 full metal M9s on the market. If an M9 is what you want, it’s probably best to decide between these two.

4. WE / CQB Master Metal 1911 MEU Gen. 2

WE CQB 1911 MEU
FPS300-330
Gas TypeGreen Gas, Red Gas, Propane Adapter
Dimensions220mm x 135mm
Magazine16+1 rounds
SystemGas Blowback
ManufacturerWE-Tech / CQB Master

A durable, dependable, and always reliable pistol. That’s the best way to explain the WE / CQB Master Metal 1911 MEU Gen. 2. This full metal pistol with aluminum alloy slide and frame is the second 1911 on the list, and if an 1911 is what you’re looking for, it’s a great alternative to the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2.

It features a molded rubber grip with slip-resistant wrapping, as well as forward and rear slide serrations. Apart from that, it features comfortable ergonomics and a crisp trigger.

Features:

  • Durable aluminum alloy slide and frame
  • Classic, timeless design and legendary performance with a touch of modern
  • Heavy weight for added realism
  • Wrap-around slip resistant molded rubber grip
  • Forward and rear slide serrations
  • Enlarged beaver tail
  • Novak style adjustable rear sight
  • Realistic blowback action simulates slide cycling and recoil

The WE / CQB Master Metal 1911 MEU Gen. 2 has a magazine capacity of 16+1 rounds, and shoots BBs at an FPS of 300-330. It is highly realistic, with a strong blowback, accurate, and with a range of 100 feet. The pistol can use both green and red gas, and its gas efficiency is great.

It’s a very heavy pistol, with a heavy recoil too, making it even more realistic. The WE / CQB Master Metal 1911 MEU Gen. 2 is another great option, slightly cheaper than the first three ranked pistols, without sacrificing much quality.

5. Colt 1911 Tactical CO2 Airsoft Blowback

Colt 1911 Full Metal CO2
FPS380-390
Gas TypeCO2
Dimensions230mm x 135mm
Magazine14+1 rounds
Hop upYes, Adjustable
SystemGas Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto
ManufacturerColt / Cybergun / OEM: KWC

To complete the top 5, we chose the fantastic Colt 1911 Tactical. It’s a truly awesome licensed replica of one of the most legendary pistols of all time, the Colt 1911. A pistol that was used in both world wars, and that is the longest running military pistol of all time.

The Colt 1911 Tactical is a full metal gun, powered by CO2, with a realistic blowback and an adjustable hop up. It has a good range and great FPS close to 400, which is one of the highest on this list.

Features:

  • Full metal construction looks and feels like the real Colt
  • Stamped Colt trademarks on both the right and left side of the slide
  • Stamped & laser engraved Colt Government markings on slide & frame
  • Tri-dot, white dot combat sights
  • Front and rear cocking slide serrations
  • Functioning frame and beavertail safety
  • Under barrel 20mm accessory rail for mounting weapon lights of laser units
  • Ultra realistic finish

This airsoft pistol comes with an accessory rail perfect for tactical attachments such as lights or lasers. It features a dropfree magazine with a capacity of 14+1 rounds. The Colt 1911 Tactical is easy to use, very accurate, and has a comfortable grip.

In a nutshell, the Colt 1911 Tactical is a great gun worth of its price tag that you can’t go wrong with.

6. WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911

Best full metal airsoft pistol under $100

WG CO2 1911
FPS400-499
Gas TypeCO2
Magazine16 rounds
Hop upYes, Adjustable
SystemGas Non-Blowback
Firing ModeSemi-Auto
ManufacturerWin Gun

Although all the ranked airsoft pistols are great and worth the money, the reality is that all of them cost more than $100. And not everyone is willing to spend that money on an airsoft pistol. But, that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a low-quality gun. In fact, you can find very solid full metal airsoft pistols even for less than $100.

If the budget you have is $100 or less, your best choice is probably to go with Win Gun’s WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911. With it, you get a full metal sidearm that’s not too far from thigh-qualityty pistols for a significantly lower price.

Apart from the full metal construction, The WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 features a magazine with a 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.

Comparison Table of Best Full Metal Airsoft Pistols

 Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2KJW M9KWA M9 PTPWE / CQB Master Metal 1911 MEU Gen. 2Colt 1911 Tactical CO2 Airsoft BlowbackWG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911
FPS Range345300-340325300-330380-390400-499
Gas TypeCO2Green gas, propane adapter, red gas, CO2.Green GasGreen Gas, Red Gas, Propane AdapterCO2CO2
Dimensions230mm x 135mm216mm x 133mm216mm x 140mm220mm x 135mm230mm x 135mm/
Magazine14+1 rounds25+1 rounds25 rounds16+1 rounds14+1 rounds16 rounds
SystemGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas BlowbackGas Non-Blowback
ManufacturerElite Force / UmarexKJ WorksKWAWE-Tech / CQB MasterColt / Cybergun / OEM: KWCWin Gun

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 6 pistols reviewed in this list, I’ve personally tried and tested 5 of them. I’ve also consulted countless experienced airsofters. In addition, I’ve looked and analyzed many other blogs and the products they recommend, so that I don’t miss a good pistol.

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

Conclusion

With hundreds of metal airsoft pistols out there, it’s difficult to distinguish the quality from the junk. So, we took into account mainly the build quality, but also the shooting performance, accuracy, reliability, value for money, and the manufacturer of the numerous pistols on the market to create a list of the best full metal airsoft pistols for 2024.

In this article, we presented the 6 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 Full Metal 1911 Airsoft Pistol?

The best full metal 1911 airsoft pistol is the Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2. In fact, it’s the best full metal airsoft pistol overall. The Elite Force 1911 TAC Co2 is manufactured by the always reliable Elite Force from high-quality metal parts. This CO2 pistol has a great shooting performance and accuracy out of the box, and it comes with an adjustable hop up which further improves them.

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