Nearly everyone starting airsoft should have a sidearm.
An airsoft pistol is one of the first purchases most airsoft beginners make when first starting out.
Well, let us tell you that many of them end up buying something simple LOOKS cool, but don’t actually perform at all on the field. They end up being unhappy with their purchase and now they have to shell out more money for a replacement.
Let’s avoid that, shall we? Below we have our list of the best airsoft pistols for beginners.
Factors to consider for what makes the best airsoft pistol for beginners
Here are the factors we considered when compiling our list of the best airsoft pistols for beginners:
Shooting Performance
A beginner airsoft pistol should have:
- Consistent Muzzle Velocity – the standards we want to hit are +/- 20 FPS variance in 3 rounds bursts.
- Decent accuracy at combat distances – we should see hits on a man-sized target at 25 yards easily.
- Adjustable hop up & high quality bucking – this is key to a consistent flight path on the BB.
Reliability
When you pull the trigger, a good airsoft pistol should fire without fail.
- Full metal construction – while not a requirement – a full metal gun has a tendency to be more resistant to drop damage than a plastic one.
- It will work under tough circumstances – can this airsoft pistol function under high/low temperatures? How about a bit of sand or dirt, does that affect the function?
- Precision internal construction – precisely built internal parts help ensure that the airsoft pistol will cycle properly.
Internal Build Quality
The internals of a gun should be made of great materials and assembled in a precise way.
- High-quality bucking – the bucking is the main object touching your BB before you fire your gun, it is important that it is of the highest quality.
- Solid hop up – the hop-up unit should be adjustable and the adjustment shouldn’t move by itself while firing the gun.
- Rubber seals are good – good gas efficiency is reliant on solid seals.
- Smooth inner barrel – the inner barrel should be smooth and the crowning should be flawless.
- Well-designed air nozzle – the air nozzle should seal very well in the hop up unit.
- Smooth trigger parts – sloppy trigger breaks will ruin any chance at combat accuracy.
- Good gas efficiency – we should be able to get, at least, a full magazine’s worth of BB’s from a single fill. Ideally, we should be getting multiple magazines worth of BB’s.
- Large gas reservoir – related to the above, if a magazine has a large gas reservoir it’ll ensure you get plenty of shots before needing a refill.
External Build Quality
The externals should be well constructions and gets extra points for:
- Cocking serrations – cuts made into the slide to increase friction on your fingers. This means you can rack the pistol more easily (although with airsoft, it’s quite easy to rack your slide).
- Comfortable grip – the pistol grip itself should feel good in your hands. We expect excellent ergonomics, but luckily since these guns are replicas of the real deal, they’re going to be pretty good here.
- Tactical rail – you’ll be able to attach accessories like lasers, flashlights, and more.
- Iron sights – the front and rear sights should be easy to acquire and be rock solid during use.
Value
What you buy should be worth the money being spent.
- Performance to cost ratio – the high overall performance of the airsoft pistol, the better.
- Features to cost ratio – we’re looking for more features for every dollar spent..
- Customer Service of the Manufacturer – The manufacturer’s warranty and customer service reputation should be good to ensure that IF you receive a lemon, it’ll be covered.
Keep these 2 tips in mind when purchasing
- What is the reputation of the manufacturer? Much like anything, you get what you pay for. I’d say that with airsoft is especially true, as the difference between even $20 can be stark. Good airsoft manufacturers will have more rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure that you’ve got a good product that will run when you need it to run.
- Does it come with a warranty – Review the warranty policy to determine if it is provided by the manufacturer itself, or the store. One nice thing about airsoft specialty stores is that they typically provide some kind of warranty on top of what is currently available.
With that said – let’s start:
Elite Force 1911 Tac Co2 Airsoft Pistol
It’s hard NOT to recommend this airsoft 1911 to beginners. For those looking to get started in the 1911 world, it’s hard to beat the value you’re getting. I still remember the days where Jet “The Desert Fox” started showcasing this pistol and it took the airsoft world by storm.
This is the new Gen 3 variant (at the time of writing) of this Co2 gas blow back pistol and it’s a SOLID pick for anyone looking to start airsoft.
| Specs | Elite Force 1911 Tac |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KWC OEM |
| Magazine Capacity | 14+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 340 – 350 |
| Gas System | Co2 Proprietary – 12 gram cartridges |
| Hop Up | Fully Adjustable – KWC Proprietary System |
WE CQB Master 1911 MEU Airsoft Pistol
Many newbies start off with a WE pistol. If I were writing this 10 years ago, I might have steered users away from WE. However, their recent batch of pistols has made some fairly decent improvements.
They’ve made some great internal component improvements that help increase the gas efficiency of the pistol as well as looked to improve their quality assurance process.
They’re now well worth recommending to new players, especially since they come in a lot of models.
Note: Most WE-Tech 1911’s are internally all the same, and so what you’re really buying are the externals. We will be providing multiple options below.
| Specs | WE 1911 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | WE-Tech |
| Magazine Capacity | 16+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 300 – 320 |
| Gas System | Green Gas |
| Hop Up | Fully Adjustable – WE Proprietary System |
KJW M9 Airsoft Pistol
When newer players ask which brand they should go with for an airsoft M9 we always first point to the KJW line. The KJW line of airsoft M9’s are fully TM compatible, and in our opinion, BETTER than the Tokyo Marui line of M9’s.
Featuring full metal construction and solid overall performance at a GREAT price point, it’s our go-to choice if you cannot spend more for something like the KWA M9 PTP.
| Specs | KJW M9 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KJ Works |
| Magazine Capacity | 25+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 320 – 340 |
| Gas System | Green Gas |
| Hop Up | Non Adjustable TM Style |
Swiss Arms P226 Airsoft Pistol
Made famous by Seal Team Six’s use, the P226 is our first “unique” airsoft pistol on our list. OEMed by We-Tech, the Swiss Arms P226 has some really cool features. Some of the coolest we think are:
- Functioning decocker
- Fits into P226 holsters
- Preupgraded bucking
This airsoft pistol is pre-upgraded with a REAPs style bucking. This means the BB’s should have a more consistent backspin and get more distance.
Pick this one if you want to have heads turning at the field.
| Specs | Swiss Arms P226 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | WE-Tech |
| Magazine Capacity | 20+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 300 – 320 |
| Gas System | Green Gas |
| Hop Up | Adjustable WE Tech Style F226 |
G&G GTP9 Airsoft Pistol
It is awesome to see G&G try something new. Known most of their Combat Machine line of airsoft M4’s, the GTP9 is one of their most effective stabs at the gas pistol market.
The GTP9 is modeled to have similar ergonomics as a Glock (and looks very much like the KWA ATP). There are some differences and even new features. Some of the major stand outs are listed in our pro / con list below.
Overall though, the internal function of the gun is GREAT for the price point, easily earning a spot on our list.
| Specs | G&G GTP9 Airsoft Pistol |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | G&G |
| Magazine Capacity | 27+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 300 – 320 |
| Gas System | Green Gas |
| Hop Up | Adjustable G&G Proprietary |
KJW KP-13 Airsoft Pistol
The next item on our list, the KJW KP-13, is another shot in the “Glock replica” airsoft world. We think that this airsoft pistol is closer to the Glock in terms of ergonomics, and even has some additional features.
Coming in at a reasonable price point, KJW is known for making quality internals for their gas guns. We found that the KP-13 is a worth entry.
A common question is: Does the KP-13 fits Glock holsters?
It does, but it is an incredibly tight fit.
| Specs | KJW KP-13 Airsoft Pistol |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KJW |
| Magazine Capacity | 24+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 300 – 320 |
| Gas System | Green Gas |
| Hop Up | Adjustable KJW Proprietary |
WE M9A1 Airsoft Pistol
If you’re a newer player with a smaller budget, then the WE M9A1 might be what you need. Featured on our list of best cheap airsoft pistols under $100, the WE line of airsoft M9’s won “Best M9 for under $100”. For those who have a little more money, we usually recommend the KJW M9.
However, if you cannot afford the extra $30, then this choice will serve you well enough. One thing we are glad to report is that WE Tech has improved its QC, meaning that we’ve found players reporting fewer lemons than before.
Considering the price – it’s a solid option.
| Specs | WE M9 Airsoft Pistol |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | WE |
| Magazine Capacity | 26+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 310 – 340 |
| Gas System | Green Gas |
| Hop Up | Adjustable – Sort of |
APS XTP Airsoft Pistol
APS is a brand of airsoft gun that dabbles in the Co2 realm. This is another entry in the “Glock replica” realm.
One of the most unique things about this airsoft pistol is that it is “dual gas.” This means that it can take Co2 and Green gas (each magazine will specialize in one or the other). Some newer players aren’t sure if green gas or co2 is better for airsoft, but in this case, you won’t have to worry.
The polymer slide… we’re honestly not sure just how well it’ll stand up to long-term use. However, it makes using Co2 have a LOT of heft and gas efficiency. Give it a go and we think you’ll enjoy the performance.
| Specs | APS XTP Airsoft Pistol |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | APS |
| Magazine Capacity | 25+1 Rounds |
| FPS | 300 – 320 (Green Gas) / 340 – 350 (Co2) |
| Gas System | Green Gas OR Co2 |
| Hop Up | Adjustable |
Just interested in getting the best pistol on the market? Check out our article on the best airsoft pistol. Or, if you’re ready to jump into starter airsoft rifles – check out our article on the best airsoft guns for beginners.
Lastly, check out our article on the best airsoft gun by category.
