Although blowback airsoft guns are far more popular, non blowback airsoft pistols do have some advantages. But, finding a good non blowback pistol is much more difficult. That’s why we created this list of 7 best non blowback airsoft pistols for 2023.
If you’re in a hurry:
When it comes to airsoft pistols, those with blowback are much more popular compared to non blowback ones, given their realism. Still, non blowback airsoft pistols do have some significant advantages.
The main advantage they have is their cost-effectiveness. Gas blowback airsoft pistols use gas both for the shooting and for the recoil. On the other hand, non blowback airsoft pistols use gas only for the shooting. This makes them far more cost-effective.
Apart from being cheaper to use, non blowback airsoft pistols are generally cheaper. This is true both for gas non blowbacks, as well as for AEPs.
But, finding a great non blowback airsoft pistol is more difficult than finding a great blowback gun. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any. In fact, that’s what this list is all about.
Some of the more important factors that we took into account when we made this list are the shooting performance (FPS), accuracy, reliability, build quality (both internal and external), value for money (we made sure to only include non blowback airsoft pistols on the list if they’re definitely worth their respective price), the reputation of the manufacturer, etc.
And now, here are the best non blowback airsoft pistols on the market in 2023.
Best Non Blowback Airsoft Pistols for 2023
Best Gas Non Blowback Airsoft Pistol
1. 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 |
Among the few great non blowback pistols, we chose the Win Gun’s WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 as the best one. A very affordable piece (like all non blowback pistols), this is one of the options to go with if you’re looking for a non blowback.
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.
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
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.
Another Great Gas Non Blowback Airsoft Pistol
2. Elite Force Licensed GLOCK 19 Gen3 Non-Blowback
| FPS | 330 |
| Gas type | CO2 |
| Dimensions | 170mm x 130mm |
| Hop up | Yes, adjustable |
| System | Gas Non-Blowback |
| Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
| Manufacturer | Elite Force (Licensed by GLOCK) |
Another great non blowback airsoft pistol is the Glock 19 Gen 3. A lightweight, fully licensed Glock that also has a blowback counterpart. In fact, its blowback counterpart is one of the best airsoft pistols overall.
The Glock 19 Gen 3 is the best non blowback Glock airsoft replica. It has a high-quality build, great performance right out of the box and an adjustable hop up.
Generally, The Glock 19 Gen 3 is a very compact airsoft pistol, similar to the real Glock 19 model, of which it is a full-sized replica. Its slide and grip are shorter compared to the Glock 17 Gen 4, which makes handling, carrying, and aiming easier. If more compact airsoft pistols are what you prefer, the Glock 19 Gen 3 will be a great option.
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 resistant grip texturing w/ front & backstrap checkering
- GLOCK accessory rail
- Gas efficient non-blowback system
The Glock 19 Gen 3 features a very consistent and stable FPS of above 300. It works with real steel holsters, lights, and lasers.
In a nutshell, if you’re into Glocks, this is the best non blowback Glock replica.
Best Electric Non Blowback Airsoft Pistol
3. 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 |
If you’re looking for an electric non blowback, there are a couple of options as well. Among those, we chose the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force as the best one on the market. Manufactured by the highly reliable Elite Force, this is the pistol to choose if you’re looking for an electric non blowback airsoft pistol.
The H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force has all 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.
The H&K Licensed USP AEP is a great and underrated airsoft pistol. Based on the Tokyo Marui AEP system, It features a full metal slide and polymer frame. 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.
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 (sold separately)
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.
A Premium Electric Non Blowback Airsoft Pistol
4. Cybergun Magnum Research Officially Licensed Desert Eagle AEP
| FPS | 190-210 |
| Battery | 7.4v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type |
| Magazine | 29 rounds |
| Hop up | Yes, adjustable |
| System | Electric |
| Firing Mode | Semi-Auto, Full-auto |
| Manufacturer | CYMA (Licensed by Cybergun) |
The Cybergun Magnum Research Officially Licensed Desert Eagle AEP is another electric non blowback option. However, this one is a more premium option. If you want a great electric airsoft pistol and don’t mind paying a few bucks more, then this pistol is probably your best choice.
It’s an AEP manufactured by the always reliable CYMA, and licensed by Cybergun. This pistol is heavy weight, and features a full metal slide, magazine, selectors, as well as a very durable polymer frame.
It shoots BBs at 190-210 FPS, has a 29 round magazine, good battery life, an adjustable hop up, and can shoot both semi and full auto. It’s based on the Tokyo Marui AEP system.
Features:
- Based off of the Tokyo Marui AEP system
- Features an internal MOSFET system to protect your internals and extend the lifespan of your pistol
- 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, mag well, inner barrel
- Precision bore inner barrel and high performance motor
- Semi-automatic and fully automatic dual firing model with on frame selector / safety
- Detachable magazine and on-frame magazine release
- Utilizes the traditional 7.2v AEP battery
However, the Cybergun Magnum Research Officially Licensed Desert Eagle AEP features an internal MOSFET system, which will protect the internals of the pistol. This will significantly expand its lifespan. So, although you pay more for this pistol than for others, you can expect it to last much longer than other, more affordable pistols.
A Revolver Option
5. Smith & Wesson M&P R8 CO2 Airsoft Revolver
| FPS | 410 |
| Gas Type | CO2 |
| Dimensions | 270mm x 165mm |
| Magazine | 8 Round Cylinder |
| Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
| System | CO2 revolver |
| Firing Mode | single action/double action |
| Manufacturer | Elite Force / Umarex (Licensed by Smith & Wesson) |
For the sake of diversity, we decided to include a revolver on this list. The Smith & Wesson M&P R8 is an accurate and powerful airsoft gun, with great range, shooting at 400 FPS. Its internals are full metal, and has a polymer frame. This revolver is a fully licensed Smith & Wesson replica.
Features:
- Polymer body w/ adjustable rear sight and authentic M&P R8 trademarks
- Bottom 20mm accessory rail
- Ergonomic grip w/ in grip CO2
- 8 round cylinder with realistic shells
- Double action/single action with integrated safety
- Adjustable hop up
It comes with a picatinny rail to which you can add tactical attachments such as lights and lasers. The Smith & Wesson M&P R8 can be used both in double action and single action firing modes. It comes with an adjustable hop up and a magazine with a capacity of 8 rounds.
Although the revolver as a type may be outdated and has some drawbacks, it’s still a unique airsoft gun that can be a lot of fun. If you’re into them, the best CO2 airsoft revolver is likely the Smith & Wesson M&P R8.
Cheapest Non Blowback Option
6. Beretta Licensed Umarex Elite II Airsoft CO2
| FPS | 380 |
| Gas Type | 12g CO2 Cartrodge |
| Magazine | 15+1 rounds |
| Hop up | Yes, Non-Adjustable |
| System | Gas Non-Blowback |
| Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
| Manufacturer | Umarex |
Features:
- Fully Licensed Beretta Trademarks
- High Strength Polymer Construction
- Ergonomic Design
- Uses 12gram CO2 Cartridges (not included)
- Efficient Non-blowback design
- 1:1 Replica
Another Non Blowback Airsoft Pistol
7. Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P40 CO2 Non-Blowback
| FPS | 300 |
| Gas Type | CO2 |
| Magazine | 15rds |
| Hop up | No |
| System | Gas Non-Blowback |
| Firing Mode | Semi-Auto |
| Manufacturer | Umarex (Licensed by Smith & Wesson) |
Features:
- Lightweight, rugged injection molded polymer frame w/ aluminum alloy slide
- Fully licensed by Smith & Wesson w/ complete rollmarks on the slide and logos molded to the frame
- Traditional M&P sights
- Slip resistant grip texturing w/ front & backstrap checkering
- 20mm accessory rail
- Gas efficient non-blowback system
Comparison Table of Best Non Blowback Airsoft Pistols
| WG Co2 Powered Special Combat 1911 | Glock 19 Gen 3 Non Blowback | H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force | Cybergun Magnum Desert Eagle AEP | Smith & Wesson M&P R8 Revolver | |
| FPS | 400-499 | 330 | 190-210 | 190-210 | 410 |
| Source | CO2 | CO2 | 7.2v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type | 7.4v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type | CO2 |
| Magazine | 16 rounds | 29 rounds | 29 rounds | 8 Round Cylinder | |
| Hop up | Yes, adjustable | Yes, adjustable | Yes, adjustable | Yes, adjustable | Yes, adjustable |
| System | Gas Non-Blowback | Gas Non-Blowback | Electric | Electric | CO2 Revolver |
| Firing mode | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | single action/double action |
| Manufacturer | Win Gun | Elite Force (Licensed by GLOCK) | Elite Force | CYMA (Licensed by Cybergun) | Elite Force / Umarex (Licensed by Smith & Wesson) |
Conclusion
Unfortunately, non blowback airsoft pistols are not as popular as their blowback counterpart. This also means that finding a great non blowback airsoft pistol is not easy. That’s why we created this list of the 7 best non blowback airsoft pistols on the market in 2023.
The founder of Airsoft Freaks and a passionate airsofter for more than 15 years. Get to know me better on my about page