Finding the best airsoft pistols will be a challenge. But if you know how they work and what they’re used for, the search will not be as difficult. No matter what your intended application is, it’s important to find the best airsoft pistol for your own personal use. You want something that is excellent in quality and performance. At the same time, you want something with the ability to give you hours of enjoyment each time you use it.
In order for you to find the best airsoft pistol, we’ve put together a list of the nine best products currently on the market. Each one is considered the best in a certain category. So, if you’re looking for an airsoft pistol that is great for a certain application, you’re bound to find it here.
Before we get to the list itself, we’ll talk about what an airsoft pistol is and what it’s used for. And we’ll also talk about the characteristics that make an airsoft pistol stand out among the many others flooding the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Airsoft Pistols
Comparison of the Best Airsoft Pistols
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What is an Airsoft Pistol and What is it Used For?
An airsoft pistol is basically a pistol used for recreational purposes. They are not like regular guns that shoot off rounds which can kill or cause serious injury. Rounds fired from this type of device are propelled by air (CO2 specifically). This can be done through a variety of methods (i.e.--gas power, spring-loaded, etc.)
Most airsoft pistols are reserved for recreational purposes. Many people use them for warding off varmints or small critters invading your property or just for simple target shooting.
What Makes a Great Airsoft Pistol?
There are a lot of characteristics that make an airsoft pistol stand out among the many others on the market. It’s up to you to know what they are and why they are important. These characteristics are the reason the products made our review list. Here’s what you need to look for so you can determine if one is right for you, or not:
Price
If you’re on a budget, the price tag will likely be the first factor you will look at. But don’t let the price be the only reason you pick an airsoft pistol. Quality and performance matter most, as opposed to the price tag. If you are on a budget, be sure to find the best product you can afford within your budget range. However, you shouldn’t confuse this with getting the cheapest pistol you can find.
Quality
The best airsoft pistols are always made out of the best materials. For example, polymer is one of the best materials for firearms. Yes, even airsoft pistols are made using the same materials as regular firearms because they are proven to be durable and can handle all kinds of impacts. As a rule of thumb: the higher the quality, the better the chance it can last you a long time.
Intents And Purposes
Make no mistake, airsoft pistols are useful across many applications. But they can also excel in one. For example, a simple airsoft pistol can be used for any purpose depending on how well it performs. However, that fast shooting pistol that can shoot rounds a good distance is likely one of the best choices for a target shooting application. That’s why you should note the overall performance and characteristics if you’re looking for a pistol for a specific application.
Review of the Best Airsoft Pistols
The following is a list of the best airsoft pistols. These nine, available on the market, stand out among the many that flood the market. As you look through each one, take note of any characteristics and features that match your ideal pistol.
Once you find one that fits the bill, you’ll know you’ve got a winner on your hands. Now, let’s take a look at the first airsoft pistol on our list, our best overall choice:
Best Overall:
Crosman Stinger P311 Airsoft Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were able to use this airsoft pistol with little to no trouble overall. They were satisfied with the accuracy and velocity of every shot they took. One user said he was able to use it for paper target shooting as far as ten yards away with it. He also added that it was one of the most accurate airsoft pistols he’s used so far.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This product looks real, feels real, and delivers a powerful performance like the real deal. The only difference is that you’re dealing with pellets, not real bullets. It definitely stands out as the pistol to have for recreational purposes. Likewise, you can also use it for concealed carry practice before you’re ready to move up and use the real thing.
Who Will Use This Most
This item will be used by target shooters. Specifically, they will be able to fire off paper targets in a safe environment and away from other people or pets. Granted, these airsoft pistols are safer than regular pistols. But there are still safety precautions you need to take into consideration.
What Could Be Improved and Why
There should be some improvements to keep the pellets in place rather than having them find their way out of the magazine before they’re even ejected. There’s a reason misfirings tend to happen at times. The only time pellets should leave the pistol is when you’re firing them off.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the best in the business, the Crosman Stinger P311 Airsoft Pistol is the best possible choice for you. This will allow for hours of enjoyment. Especially if you like having fun shooting targets.
Runner-up:
BBTac Airsoft Pistol BT-M22 Spring-Loaded Gun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers enjoyed this airsoft pistol. They found the hammer was easy to cock back and firing was reliable. Episodes of misfiring were very few and far between, according to most users. They generally concluded the pistol was accurate and had the ability to reach as far away as 15 yards.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This is another one of those pistols that looks and feels like the real deal. Pistols like these give you a good idea of how a real pistol works and feels while learning how to use one for conceal carry purposes. Other than that, it does have its purposes as a recreational and casual target shooting pistol.
Who Will Use This Most
This product will be used for the usual target shooting applications. However, it is much better for use as a training pistol for concealed carry use. This way, you’ll start out with something safer before moving up to the real deal. If you think this is a do-it-all kind of airsoft pistol, you’re right.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The quality of the silencer could be better. It’s a pretty neat feature to have but can be ineffective as it's not the best quality. Other than that, the magazine capacity could be increased quite a bit. That will make the pistol slightly more enjoyable for users.
Bottom Line
The BBTac Airsoft Pistol is perhaps your best possible option if you’re looking for a fast-shooting, accurate pistol that is a heck of a lot of fun to use. It’s even more fun to use as a stepping stone towards being more of a disciplined and responsible gun owner.
Best for the Money:
Combat Zone Umarex Enforcer .6mm Airsoft
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this pistol were mostly newbie users. They had no complaints about the accuracy and performance. Many were able to hit targets from about ten yards out. One user even said he didn’t expect to shoot a pellet that far. Other than that, they were happy with the overall feel of the pistol.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This airsoft pistol works as if was priced much higher. It’s sturdy, reliable, and definitely hits the spot when you’re using it for target shooting or competition purposes. Not only that, it’s powered by a CO2 cartridge. This makes it really powerful compared to other types of airsoft pistols like the spring-loaded types.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used by casual target shooters and even recreational shooters. Whether you’re doing it for fun or for competition, it’s the pistol for fast shots which can reach out and touch something from about ten yards out. In short, it’s how an airsoft pistol should be.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This product should be improved in a few ways to prevent any misfiring or rogue pellets from falling out of the barrel. These issues simply go hand in hand. One way would be to narrow the path between the magazine and muzzle so the pellets stay in place and only leave the pistol when you pull the trigger.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an airsoft pistol and don’t want to break the bank, the Combat Zone Umarex Enforcer will probably be your favorite. This might be the perfect airsoft sidearm to ward off any varmints or invasive critters (aside from being a reliable target shooting pistol).
Best Spring Airsoft Pistol:
Firepower .45 Metal Slide Airsoft Pistol, 6mm
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, recent buyers were impressed with this product. Most were newbie users who have never used an airsoft pistol before. They were satisfied with the light trigger pull, easy magazine loading, and accurate shooting that came with the pistol. One user even said it was a lot of fun just shooting pellets at a target. The reliability was top-notch and not a single jam or misfiring was reported.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This is by far one of the most reliable spring-loaded types out there. It’s easy to load and has fewer episodes of jamming than any other airsoft pistol on this list. So if reliability is more of your cup of tea, you’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this pistol a closer look.
Who Will Use This Most
This airsoft pistol has its uses across many applications. But where it shines the most is in a target shooting or competitive shooting setting. This product is not only the best when it comes to accuracy, but also where reliability is a must. Any jamming episodes would spell disaster (especially in the heat of friendly competition).
What Could Be Improved and Why
The trigger mechanism could use an upgrade in quality. It shouldn’t feel plastic-like and flimsy. So at this point, upgrading it to a metal trigger might be in the realm of possibility. For a pistol to feel like the real deal, it applies to such accessories as the trigger, too.
Bottom Line
If you like spring-loaded airsoft pistols, the Firepower .45 Metal Slide Airsoft Pistol might be exactly what you’re looking for. This will be your best friend in any application if you want something that is super reliable and will stay that way for as long as you use it.
Best CO2 Airsoft Pistol:
Soft Air Colt 1911 CO2 Airsoft Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, users were happy with the pistol. They loved how powerful each shot was when they pull the trigger. This was seconded by a previous owner of a spring-loaded airsoft pistol. He says that CO2 is the way to go if you want fast, reliable shooting with a little bit of oomph to it.
Why it Stands Out To Us
At risk of being repetitive, we’ll say it again: CO2 is by far the most powerful type of airsoft pistol out there. These are a heavy favorite among paintballers that use airsoft rifles or pistols for the purpose of competition. Whether you’re firing paintballs or steel pellets, nothing can give your shots a boost like good ol’ fashioned CO2.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a favorite by many competitive shooters and even casual target shooters. Regardless, it will be one of the more fun airsoft pistols to fire off because of the firepower alone. Once you have this in your hands, you’ll feel like you have all the power in the world.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Let’s address the elephant in the room here. Maintenance is a must for airsoft pistols, especially if you want to use it for years down the road. That’s why it’s important to include disassembly instructions for the purpose of maintenance. Also, they come in handy if you want to replace the spring should it somehow give out on you.
Bottom Line
If more firepower is your kind of thing, you should invest in a quality CO2 airsoft pistol. Nothing will come close to the Colt 100th Anniversary 1911 CO2 Airsoft Pistol in that regard. It’s got some oomph, along with accurate, reliable shooting to boot.
Best Electric Airsoft Pistol:
Game Face AEG Airsoft Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pistol worked for a lot of new users, especially those who wanted something that would give them a good amount of accuracy and reliability. According to them, the battery is easy to charge and doesn’t take all day. The battery life is decent enough for an extended shooting session said, one user.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This pistol is battery operated. Yes, it’s a battery-operated airsoft pistol that can power each and every shot you fire. Unusual, right? But rest assured, they are rising in popularity for a good reason. They are easy to load and are far more reliable than even some spring-loaded airsoft pistols. As far as firepower goes, they are close to on-par with the CO2 types.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be best used for competitive shooting but don’t discount it as useless for all the other applications. It has its uses as an animal control or casual target shooting pistol. No matter what the application is, you have a pistol that is easy and quick to charge when you have to do so.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One suggestion would be to make some improvements to the trigger assembly. Jamming might be an issue for most users, so it would be a good idea to investigate what might be causing this and make the necessary adjustments.
Bottom Line
The Game Face AEG pistol is probably going to be your airsoft pistol of choice if you’re looking for something that will give you excellent firepower and superior accuracy. It’s the kind of pistol that can work to your advantage in almost any application.
Best Cheap Airsoft Pistol:
Daisy Powerline 340 Pistol (Airsoft Gun)
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pistol lived up to its performance as a starter pistol. Most users were satisfied with the overall performance. They were able to fire accurate shots from targets situated from 10 to 15 yards out. One user said he was so impressed that he feels like it should have cost more to purchase this.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This is the prime example of what a starter pistol should be; affordable, but reliable and of good quality, but not the best of the best. It’s something you can use to start out with, even if you don’t have a lot of money to play with. Rest assured, it does not disappoint like many other airsoft options with cheaper price tags.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is handy for not just adults, but also children, as well. It’s a great pistol to start out with and if you simply want to shoot some targets all day long. So long as you have enough rounds to go all day with it, it will be a lot of fun for you (or the young kid using it).
What Could Be Improved and Why
While it is made from durable materials, it needs a step up in terms of the overall quality and feel of it. In other words, eliminate whatever flimsiness some have reported and go from there. Also, it should be a little easier to assemble for most users for the sake of maintenance and cleaning.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a cheap but reliable airsoft pistol, then consider the Daisy Powerline a possible choice for you. It’s great for newbies and young kids, and you might have fun with it, as well.
Best Airsoft Pistol Under $100:
Sig Sauer 1911 Spartan Air Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This airsoft pistol was surprisingly sturdy and reliable for something that has a price tag of just south of $100. But nonetheless, new users were satisfied with it overall. One user even said it felt like something with more sturdiness and durability which allowed him to run and gun in a target practice situation.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This product is made from high-quality materials and surprisingly enough, it doesn’t have that cheap and flimsy feeling to it. Beyond that, it also has a light trigger pull thanks to the skeletonized trigger design. It makes pulling and shooting a lot easier compared to other pistols.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a favorite among those who like to shoot pellets for casual target practice or for competitive purposes. Either way, it’s fun to use a pistol that will allow for superior grip and handling so you can shoot with more stability, resulting in better accuracy.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Obviously, the muzzle is not painted orange as an indicator that it’s not a real pistol. This might attract some undue attention. So it would be better to include something that implies that the pistol is an airsoft type rather than the real deal.
Bottom Line
The Sig Sauer Airsoft Pistol is sturdy, reliable, and great for almost any application. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vet who loves shooting airsoft pistols, this might be a dark horse candidate for the best overall title at some point in the near future.
Best Full-Auto Airsoft Pistol:
Desert Eagle Full-Auto Airsoft Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This was by far one of the most impressive airsoft pistols on the market and new users confirmed it with their rave reports. One shooter said after testing out both the semi-auto and full-auto modes, he liked the latter much better because it was more reliable to shoot with. Plus, he was able to shoot off quicker follow-up shots in the process.
Why it Stands Out To Us
Nothing is more exciting than shooting a fully-automatic airsoft pistol, especially when you’re shooting something that will give you smooth, reliable shooting and won’t jam on you abruptly. It makes applications like target shooting much more fun.
Who Will Use This Most
This airsoft pistol is a no-brainer choice for the casual target shooter. It’s the kind of pistol you’ll want if you need continuously smooth, reliable firepower. It will definitely come in handy when you want to blast through paper targets like nobody’s business.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Some of the parts should be a little sturdier in quality. For example, the safety and slide should both be stronger so they won’t be susceptible to any breakage. Though it bears repeating, we’ll say it again: the sturdier the construction, the better.
Bottom Line
The Desert Eagle Full-Auto Airsoft Pistol could be exactly what you’re looking for if you want something that is reliable and provides continuously smooth firepower for any appropriate application.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Aside from the characteristics and features that make a pistol great, you should also consider some other aspects before making a final purchasing decision. These will play a major factor in which pistol you’ll eventually buy. Here’s what you should mull over:
Which Type is Best For You?
This depends on your personal needs and preferences. Keep in mind, there are some types that will be useful for one application and not so effective with another. Case in point, the spring-loaded airsoft pistols. They are great for casual target shooting, but they may not be ideal for competition purposes like paintballing. That’s when you’ll need something with more power like CO2 pistols for recreational activities that involve human targets.
Which Expertise Level Are You?
There are some great airsoft pistols for beginners and some best used by those at a higher level. Consider how often you’ve used airsoft pistols before making a decision. Most options are useful for all levels. If you’ve never used one before, it’s important to find one that is considered a starter pistol.
BBs or Paintballs?
Once again, this is where your intents and purposes come into play. Obviously, you’ll opt for either or if you intend to use them for target shooting purposes. However, if you’re competing against other people, you’re better off using paintballs, since BBs may not always be the competition-friendly choice. Those are reserved for casual target practice and animal control.
Types of Airsoft Pistols
Right now, there are a few types of airsoft pistols popular on the market. Once again, choosing the right type will depend on your application. Here are the airsoft pistol types:
Spring-Loaded Pistols
These are your more beginner-friendly pistols. They use BBs that will be loaded by way of cocking the hammer back. At the same time, the spring will be used to deploy the BB pellets once you pull the trigger.
CO2 Pistols
These require the use of CO2 cartridges that can be attached to the pistol itself. These are most popular among those who compete in contests that use airsoft guns. More specifically, the sport of paintball. These can accept either BBs or paintballs, depending on what the pistol is chambered to fire off.
Battery-Powered Pistols
These require the use of a rechargeable battery that provides a similar amount of firepower as CO2 pistols. Like their CO2 counterparts, they can fire either BBs or paintballs (depending on the rounds they accept).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best airsoft pistol, chances are you’ll find one among the list of nine listed above. No matter how often you use them or what your purpose is, you’ll have a ton of fun using these airsoft pistols. Find one that will stick with you for the long-term and make the most of it.
