Having a good gun by your side during a match can mean the difference between success and failure. Whether you’re using it as a backup weapon or as your primary weapon, the pistol must be a tool in which you place the utmost confidence. It needs to be handy, solid, and stable in shooting, and most importantly it needs to be extremely reliable. In today’s article, we are going to look at some of the best airsoft handguns available on the market today.
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Best Airsoft Pistols: Which Airsoft Pistol Should I Get?
While there are many really good options out there we’ll try to bring you the best airsoft pistols you can purchase today. Note that this is our opinion based on many different replicas we tried during the years. And if you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to read reviews you can check our table below where you can find our choices for best gas-powered, best AEG (AEP), best buy, and best overall airsoft pistols.
| Best Overall Airsoft Pistol |   Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 D.O.R. GBB |
| Best Airsoft Gas-Powered Pistol |  Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB |
| Best buy Airsoft Pistol |   Umarex H&K Licensed VP9 Tac |
| Best AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) |   GAME FACE GFAP13 AEG Electric Airsoft Pistol |
Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 D.O.R. GBB – Best Overall Airsoft Pistol
Let’s start with this great replica from Tokyo Marui, a Japanese manufacturer and one of the most valuable airsoft brands on the market that are known for reliability, build quality, and accuracy of their replicas. Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 D.O.R. GBB is one more example of why their replicas are appreciated by airsoft players around the world.
With a sharp and aggressive look, it features a peculiar trigger, which is flat in the middle part and appreciated by many players for its sensitivity. It has a quite big handgrip, suitable for those with a wide grip or a large hand, and has a pressure safety located on the back of the grip, in classic 1911 style.
The distinctive feature of this pistol is that it is sold with the predisposition for the mounting of a red dot: in fact, removing the rear sight will reveal the place for mounting a red dot. The frame is made out of metal, while other parts, like the slide, out of solid plastic, which makes the gun pretty lightweight. The pistol is sold in dual tone color, with most of the components in matte black and some parts, such as the trigger, hammer, safety, and grip safety in steel, which gives the pistol a distinctive look.
Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 D.O.R. GBB airsoft pistol has been much appreciated because of its outstanding performance and reliability. In fact, many players reported that, despite its powerful blowback action, it stays very stable while shooting, and the BBs reach targets with nice accuracy, even at longer distances. This airsoft replica is gas-powered, which must be charged into the magazines; it has a muzzle velocity of about 250 – 300 FPS and mounts 31 rounds magazines.
Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 D.O.R. GBB is suitable for those looking for a reliable and accurate pistol that won’t let them down during a game, and that will perform amazingly – a classic model with modern and lightweight materials, with a very unique look. All, of course, guaranteed by a giant like Tokyo Marui. And if you can’t find this exact replica, you can choose any of Tokyo Marui’s Hi-Capa variants, we doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Features
- Gas-powered
- Adjustable hop-up
- Muzzle velocity: 250 – 300 FPS with 0.20g BB
- Realistic Blowback Action
- High strength polymer slide
- Double stack magazine
- Stamped trademarks
- Light-weight flat-faced trigger
- Removable rear sight to accommodate for a red dot mounting plate
- Rear and front slide serrations
- Magazine capacity: 31 rounds
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic, Safe
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Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB – Best Airsoft Gas-Powered Pistol
And now something classic, a replica of iconic GLOCK 17, a wildly popular handgun that is used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Airsoft replicas made by Umarex usually don’t disappoint and it’s the same case with this pistol, officially licensed Glock replica.
Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB is identical to the original, even in the smallest detail, starting with the 1-to-1 scale of the various parts all the way down to the logos and caliber demarcation on the slide. In particular, we have a Glock 17 Gen 4 replica, GBB, with a round exit velocity of 290 FPS. It mounts 22-round, metal bifilar magazines, similar to the originals.
The ergonomic grip helps to keep the gun stable while shooting, a quite useful feature considering the recoil power of this replica. Indeed, the metal slide and green gas feed help generate an extremely realistic recoil, one of the qualities most appreciated by users of this replica.
Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB is a great choice for Glock lovers.
Dimensions and weight reflect its solid and light nature: overall it is 202mm long and weighs about 660g. The gun maintains maximum realism even in the process of taking down and maintaining the weapon. The muzzle velocity of the shots is about 290 FPS, so it is perfect for medium and short-range engagements, maybe in CQB environments, where having a small and handy weapon is fundamental. Needless to say, you can never go wrong with Glock.
Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB is a truly exceptional airsoft pistol: compact, well-built, maneuverable, powerful, reliable with good accuracy, and a pretty realistic recoil. The price isn’t exactly entry-level, but you can consider it a buy once, cry once. Let’s just say that if you were to purchase this pistol, you’re unlikely to find yourself wanting to buy a different Glock 17. In case you can’t find this Glock replica we suggest that you take a look at Umarex Elite Force Glock 17 Gen3 Blowback airsoft pistol or Elite Force Glock 18C Gen3 GBB Blowback airsoft pistol. They are both great choices and the only reason they didn’t make it on this list is because we didn’t want to spam this list with so many Glock replicas.
Features
- Adjustable hop-up
- Muzzle velocity: 290 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Realistic Blowback Action
- Powered by green gas (housed in the magazine)
- Fixed traditional Glock U-shaped rear sight and white dot front sight
- 22-round drop-free metal magazine
- Integrated weaver rail
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Umarex H&K Licensed VP9 Tac – Best buy
H&K lovers, take a look over here. This officially licensed replica of the VP9 is a joy to use. Perfectly faithful to the original, even in the logos, thanks to the collaboration with Umarex, this gun has an unmistakable look and feels incredible in the hands.
Compact, lightweight, and extremely solid, it is a pistol suitable for urban and woodland contexts and is a precise and reliable companion. Umarex H&K Licensed VP9 Tac features an extremely responsive “light pull” trigger and an ergonomic grip that guarantees a firm hold. It’s also a perfect gun for left-handed shooters, thanks to the ambidextrous controls.
Umarex H&K Licensed VP9 Tac is sold with 3 grip sizing back straps, which guarantee complete customization to fit every shooter’s hand. This replica is gas-powered, mounts 22 round magazines, and develops a muzzle velocity of 325 FPS. It is sold in dual tone color, which gives it a modern look that immediately catches the eye, but it is also available in total black.
Despite costing like a medium-range gun, the performance of Umarex H&K Licensed VP9 Tac is very satisfactory, and many players have reported experiences comparable to the top of the range guns
This gun has been massively purchased after its presentation on the market because of the excellent relationship between quality and price: in fact, despite costing like a medium-range gun, the performance is very satisfactory, and many players have reported experiences comparable to the top of the range guns. Like any self-respecting modern concept pistol, it allows for the mounting of a frontal flashlight thanks to the front lower rail.
Striker lovers should consider Umarex H&K Licensed VP9 Tac airsoft pistol, as it is definitely worth the cost. It’s probably not the best choice as a first purchase, but it is a good option for those looking for an upgrade in both technology and quality.
Features
- Muzzle velocity: 325 FPS with 0.20g BB
- Magazine capacity: 22 rounds
- 3 Grip Sizing Back Straps
- Full License Authorized Marking
- Threaded Barrel 14mm CCW
- Gas-powered
- Blow Back action
- “Light Pull” Trigger System
- Metal Slide
- Ambidextrous controls
- Polymer Non-Slip Textured grip
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GAME FACE GFAP13 AEG Electric Airsoft Pistol – Best AEP / AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun)
This little guy from Game Face has been a huge hit with buyers over the past few years. GAME FACE GFAP13 AEG, a small, light, maneuverable, and well-built airsoft replica, has everything a good backup weapon should have.
It mounts 30-round magazines, which it can empty quickly, thanks to the power supply. The barrel and gearbox are made of metal, while the rest is polymer, which allows it to be durable without adding too much weight. The muzzle velocity is around 250 FPS, which is more than enough for close encounters. Among the pros, it turns out to be comfortable and precise: instead, as a con, it seems that the battery included with the purchase tends to run out quickly, which can be solved by purchasing a spare battery.
In addition, being electric, it is not affected by temperature changes and does not force those who carry it to have with them gas or CO2 for charging – just have a couple of chargers and you are ready to go. Overall, GAME FACE GFAP13 AEG is a good gun if you want something electric and reliable at a convenient price.
Features
- Muzzle velocity: 250 FPS with 0.20g BB
- Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
- Electric, battery powered gearbox mechanism
- Metal gearbox and barrel
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Elite Force 1911 Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun
This airsoft replica offers the reliability of a classic 1911 model along with an aggressive, modern revamped look. It is often sold in a dual-tone color scheme, with a black slide and tan lower receiver, giving it a unique look.
Elite Force 1911 Blowback pistol features a 20mm bottom slide for mounting flashlights and laser pointers, as well as a 14mm counterclockwise threaded tipper for mounting a silencer, a very interesting feature for players who love the stealth style of gameplay.
This replica is made of metal and technopolymer, which makes it extremely solid and lightweight. The gun is CO2 powered, mounts 15 rounds magazines and features a muzzle velocity of 345 FPS, which makes it quite powerful. It is provided with a high grip pistol grip, to ensure maximum stability while shooting. It has an adjustable hop-up, so you can get a precise shot at the desired distance.
If you’re looking for a classic pistol with a revamped, aggressive look and a modern twist, that is also reliable, powerful and accurate, Elite Force 1911 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is something definitely worth considering.
Elite Force 1911 also features all the typical safety mechanisms of 1911, starting from the grip safety to the classic thumb safety. The trigger is perforated, to be lighter, more sensitive, and responsive to pressure. The rear sights of the replica are one of its strong points: they will allow a quick acquisition of targets and remarkable precision during the shooting. One more thing worth mentioning is the decent recoil you get when firing from this airsoft replica.
If you’re looking for a classic pistol with a revamped, aggressive look and a modern twist, that is also reliable, powerful and accurate, Elite Force 1911 Blowback Airsoft Pistol is something definitely worth considering. The 1911 is one of the most widely used pistols in the world, and the addition of the modern features that this replica comes with allows it to compete with other more modern pistols, without sacrificing the reliability of a great classic.
Features
- Adjustable hop-up
- Muzzle velocity: 345 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge
- Realistic all-metal construction
- Realistic blowback action
- 14 mm Threaded Barrel
- Metal Drop Free 14 Round Magazine
- Magazine capacity: 15 Rounds
- Weight: 2.4 Pounds
- Material Type: Metal
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Elite Force H8R Revolver
Well, let’s take a look at something completely different. Elite Force H8R is an aggressive and futuristic-looking revolver that will please lovers of the genre without sacrificing the convenience of some modern accessories. In fact, despite being a classic model, this revolver is clearly of modern design.
Elite Force H8R is a great and aggressive-looking airsoft revolver, that is fun to use, shoots powerfully and precisely, and stands out from classical-style pistols.
The revolver is CO2 powered, and the canister is housed in the ergonomic handgrip. It can shoot both single and double action and develops a muzzle velocity of about 320 FPS. Not bad for a gun of this type. It is constructed mainly of polymer, but some mechanical parts, such as the hammer, are made of metal, for greater strength. To reload you don’t need to remove the drum – you simply change the magazine that is inserted just before the drum. The gun is sold with 5 of these magazines in total, for faster reloading.
If you are a revolver fan and want something handy and modern, consider this little jewel. Elite Force H8R is a great-looking airsoft revolver, that is fun to use, shoots powerfully and precisely, and stands out from classical-style pistols.
Features
- Adjustable hop-up
- Polymer body
- Gas-powered airsoft gun (CO2)
- Top and bottom 20mm accessory rail
- Ergonomic grip w/ in grip CO2
- Easy to change rotary magazine
- Firing Mode: DA/SA
- Integrated safety
- Green fiber optic sights
- Muzzle Velocity: 325-340 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Comes with 5 10-shot clips
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Elite Force Walther P99
We still hadn’t satisfied Walther enthusiasts. Better late than never. The Elite Force Walther P99 is one of the most popular airsoft replicas in recent years by lovers of this kind of weapon, and it is certainly not a coincidence.
It features an extremely realistic recoil system, which together with the respect of the dimensions and logos of the real counterpart, gives this gun a really realistic look and feel. Of course, it has an adjustable hop-up and the typical lower slide for mounting accessories. It is sold with integrated rear sights, excellent for quick target acquisition.
If you’re a Walther fan and enjoy the classics of an outstanding brand and the reliability of Umarex, you’ve probably just found something to consider for your next purchase.
The muzzle velocity is about 320 FPS, which is pretty good. The magazines can hold up to 20 BBs. Once the magazine is emptied, the slide stays open, just like it does with the real gun. It has an ambidextrous magazine release button, which makes it perfect for both left and right-handed shooters, and the small size and light weight make it handy and easy to conceal. The weak point of this airsoft replica is a stick-style magazine that is inserted into the grip, just in front of the compartment for the CO2.
Elite Force Walther P99 is probably one of the best replicas suitable for CQB and is perfectly suited for concealed carry. If you’re a Walther fan and enjoy the classics of an outstanding brand and the reliability of Umarex, you’ve probably just found something to consider for your next purchase.
Features
- Realistic Blowback Action
- Muzzle velocity: 320 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Double action
- Metal slide
- Adjustable hop-up
- Paddle style mag release
- Fixed front and rear sights
- 15-round drop-free magazine
- CO2 powered (compartment is hidden in the grip)
- Metal barrel
- Brass inner barrel
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WG Beretta M9 Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol
An Italian classic that never disappoints: WG Beretta M9 combines an excellent quality of internal components with a classic and aggressive look, with a touch of modernity. In fact, it features a lower rail under the barrel and ergonomic grips for a solid hold during shooting.
WG Beretta M9 is a gas-powered airsoft gun (CO2 cartridge is installed directly into the handgrip) with decent blowback action and features safety and adjustable front and rear sight. The muzzle velocity is pretty impressive: around 450 FPS which provides you with a decent amount of power. In addition, the magazines have very good CO2 retention, and the sealed valves allow you to empty several magazines before this airsoft replica starts to lose power. Considering we’re talking about 15-round magazines at the power we mentioned, that’s not bad at all.
WG Beretta M9 combines an excellent quality of internal components with a classic and aggressive look, with a touch of modernity.
The gun is approximately 23cm long and weighs about 900g: it is certainly not a small weapon like many others we have reviewed in this article, but it offers other advantages over most strikers, starting with the ability to act directly on the hammer, which is placed on the outside of the gun. Otherwise, it’s a classic beretta. The only weak point is the magazines, which are stick type.
Although it may appear to be a weapon of outdated design, thanks to the upgrades with which it is equipped, it remains an excellent and affordable choice for those who want a classic pistol revisited in a modern way, solid and reliable, without breaking a bank.
Features
- Gas (CO2) powered (compartment is hidden in the grip)
- Blowback Action
- Muzzle velocity: 450 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Railed Frame for Accessories / Attachments
- Ergonomic Polymer / Textured M9 Military Type Hand Grip
- Adjustable Rear Sight
- Integrated Glow Sights
- Full Metal Slide
- 15 Round Magazine
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Umarex Beretta M9A3 GBB
Here we have another classic revisited in a modern way. Umarex Beretta M9A3 GBB has really been a hit with all the M9-loving players. The pistol features high grip grips with a modern and aggressive look, and the grip is almost straight with front and rear grooves for an even firmer grip.
Umarex Beretta M9A3 GBB is a CO2 powered airsoft pistol, that mounts 22-round magazines and has a muzzle velocity of 330 FPS. In addition to the safety and semi-automatic fire, it also features a full auto mode, making it perfect for high-volume firefights if things get bad. Thanks to the many upgrades that distinguish this pistol from its older sister, this gun is effectively suited for the most modern operational contexts, where the possibility of implementing equipment on the weapon has become essential.
In addition, it performs very well during shooting, offering both stability and power simultaneously. Compared to the classic M9, it also features a lower front slide for mounting accessories and is sold with a counterclockwise threaded tipper for mounting the silencer, making it suitable for stealth actions as well. It is currently only available in tan color, which gives it a different look from all its related replicas.
Umarex Beretta M9A3 GBB has been appreciated by fans for the quality of the recoil system and the feeling when firing, which make it realistic and fun to use. It is something that a Beretta fan should definitely consider.
Features
- Gas (CO2) powered
- Blowback action
- Magazine capacity: 22 rounds
- Muzzle velocity: 330 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Full automatic and semi-automatic capability
- Adjustable hop-up
- Length: 225mm
- Weight: 830g
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Umarex Walther PPQ GBB Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun
To wrap things up, let’s go back to another great Walther classic: the PPQ. This gas-powered airsoft replica not only looks good, true to its original counterpart, but it also shoots really well. Thanks to its small size, 180x140mm, it is compact and handy.
Umarex Walther PPQ GBB Blowback is a very well-received airsoft replica by PPQ lovers, not only for the realism but also for the noteworthy performance
Umarex Walther PPQ GBB Blowback airsoft replica features an ergonomic grip, integrated rear sights, and a lower front slide for mounting accessories. Of course, it comes with an adjustable hop-up for shot calibration. Moreover, like the original, it has trigger safety, perfectly working. It mounts 22 round magazines, which ejects at a rate of about 270 FPS, enough to allow tense shots on medium distance.
This airsoft replica has been very well received by PPQ lovers, not only for the realism but also for the noteworthy performance. Clean shots, good cooling resistance during rapid-fire, and good overall reliability. As always, Umarex does not disappoint and offers a product suitable for those who want to experiment with less common platforms.
Features
- Gas-powered
- Blowback action
- Adjustable hop-up
- Made of metal and nylon reinforced polymer
- Fully Licensed Walther Trademarks
- Fixed Front and Adjustable Rear Sights
- Ergonomic textured grip
- 20mm accessory rail for lights, lasers
- Front and rear slide serrations and a functioning safety
- Muzzle velocity: around 270 FPS
- Magazine capacity: 22 rounds
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Tokyo Marui MK23 Socom
That’s right: a spring-loaded airsoft pistol. This splendid H&K MK23 Socom replica produced by Tokyo Marui may seem like an outdated model, at first glance, but don’t be fooled. Tokyo Marui MK23 Socom, in fact, rightfully enters this list thanks to a large number of advantages it offers.
The gun is made of durable abs, and while there are definitely better options out there, the biggest advantage it offers is its quietness. In fact, it produces virtually no noise when fired, which makes it suitable for shooting in urban environments, to eliminate opponents without being detected. In addition, it is prepared to mount a silencer, which incredibly makes it even quieter.
The gun is very stable, and while it doesn’t have a phenomenal range it’s perfect for short-range eliminations. Another big plus is the price: with just 40 USD you are taking home a Tokyo Marui pistol that is extremely reliable. A great choice for those who decide to approach the world of CQB.
Features
- Spring-powered
- Fixed hop-up
- Muzzle velocity: around 217 FPS
- Magazine capacity: 26 rounds
- Fire Mode: safe/one-shot
- Length: 244 mm
- Weight: 0,48 kg
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Honorable Mentions – Best Airsoft Pistols
There are even more airsoft pistols worth purchasing so we decided to mention them in case you can’t find other sidearms on our list.
Umarex Elite Force Glock 17 Gen3 Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun
Almost everything we said about Umarex Glock 17 Gen 4 GBB can be said about this airsoft pistol. It’s a pretty realistic Glock 17 replica, lightweight and compact, well-built, maneuverable, reliable, and accurate.
Elite Force Glock 18C Gen3 GBB Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun, 300 FPS
Officially licensed, full-auto Glock 18C replica is one more well-built, reliable, and performant airsoft replica.
ASG Dan Wesson WG CO2 Full Metal High Power Airsoft 6mm Magnum Gas Revolver
This great-looking and powerful (shoots at around 499 FPS) gas-powered (CO2) airsoft revolver also made it on our list of Best Airsoft Guns Under $100. Accurate for midrange, well-built, gas-efficient, ASG Dan Wesson airsoft revolver is really fun to use. You can read our review here.
Sig Sauer, SIG AIR, ProForce M17 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol
This gas-powered airsoft replica gained popularity within the airsoft community quickly after law enforcement agencies started using it. And that’s not without reason as this replica is one more solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable airsoft sidearm.
ASG CZ P-09 Gas Powered Airsoft Pistol
ASG CZ P-09 is a gas-powered, fully licensed, realistic-looking, tactical airsoft replica manufactured by ASG. Durable, accurate, and performant, with features like ambidextrous controls, blowback action, tactical accessories rail, and adjustable hop-up, it’s one more good choice if you’re looking for an airsoft sidearm.
KJW Beretta M9
This Berreta M9 metal replica from KJW is a well-built, reliable, and accurate airsoft pistol with realistic recoil and a great choice for beginners without breaking a bank. While not the best airsoft replica you can purchase, this is still a very good choice for the price both for first-time players and airsoft enthusiasts. You can check our full review of KJW Beretta M9 here.
Summary
Choosing the right airsoft pistol for you depends on a couple of things and can mean the difference between success and failure during the match. Do you want a gas-powered pistol or AEP (electric)? Do you care about realistic recoil? Do you want a quiet sidearm or noise is not the problem? Are you seeking for something more futuristic or classic-looking? Just make sure that you pick a well-built, reliable, durable, and performant replica.
We suggest that you read the following articles if you’re a beginner to learn more about airsoft guns so that you can make the right decision:
- A Guide To Airsoft Gun Types: What Airsoft Gun Should I Get?
- Do Airsoft Guns Have Recoil?
- What’s The Highest FPS Airsoft Gun And Does FPS Even Matter?
- Why Do Airsoft Guns Have an Orange Tip?
We hope you found this article helpful and that we helped you choose the best airsoft pistol.
