Airsoft guns were introduced on the market as a response to the BB guns that were on the market at the time. BB guns are just too dangerous and Airsoft guns have taken their place as effective and affordable modes of recreational and competitive entertainment. So, are you looking for an Airsoft gun that shoots a BB or are you looking for a BB gun that shoots an Airsoft?
They’re not the same thing but they offer the same sort of recreational and competitive entertainment, just in different ways.
Best Blowback Airsoft Pistols: The technology
Even though they are both toys, the manufacturers of Airsoft guns have put a lot of effort into making them feel and look as realistic looking as possible. It’s no wonder that many people mix up an Airsoft with a BB gun.
Most Airsofts are classified based on the barrel setup (AEG, GBB, etc.) and by their FPS (distance). While BB guns are classified into power classes, that is, varying strengths of projectiles.
If you are looking for a BB gun, I recommend you take a look at my guide on the best BB guns.
If you are looking for an Airsoft gun, keep reading.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Colt 1911 CO2 Full Metal Airsoft Pistol | Best Overall |  |
| HK Heckler & Koch P30 Electric Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun | Budget Pick |  |
| 500 FPS WG AIRSOFT METAL M9 BERETTA BLOWBACK GAS CO2 HAND GUN PISTOL | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Colt 1911 CO2 Full Metal Airsoft Pistol
Pros:
- Good accuracy and range
- Excellent grip and comfort
- High fire rate
- Cheap price
- Nice trademarks
- Durable plastic construction
- Easy field stripping and maintenance
This gun is a nice addition to your collection, especially if you have a WW2 collection. I've had my WWII replica M1911 for decades and it looks great if you also have a replica M3 Grease gun and a replica Thompson or M1 Garand. If you are going ro the airsoft skirmish in the forest, a WW2 replica M1911 airsoft gun would give you the edge over the opponents.
Many vintage shooters will tell you that the original M1911 design had the best safety in the world – it was so gentle you could hardly feel it working. The Colt M1911 Blowback Pistol has an adjustable hop-up and blowback action. The blowback really adds to the realism and shootability of the gun. In addition, the slide is smooth and the airsoft gun features a large and comfortable slide release and magazine release. Overall, a great look with a realistic field strip mechanism.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol
What is the best airsoft pistol out there? With advancements in technology in the industry, the choice you make is more important than ever. Of all the things you can buy to spend your money on, it is extremely important that you invest in the right gun for you. While the market for cheap recreational BB guns and the sales option are plentiful, the choice you make will affect you in the long term. It is important to know what you should look for before you make a final decision.
If you are someone who wants to invest in a top-quality airsoft gun that will last you a lifetime, check out the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 Caliber BB Gun Pistol Revolver. The technology and engineering process behind this model is extremely impressive. It offers precision that you would expect from a Smith & Wesson gun. However, it doesn’t skip on the style either. It looks extremely realistic and comes with additional features that you would never see in airsoft gun models.
3. 500 FPS WG AIRSOFT METAL M9 BERETTA BLOWBACK GAS CO2 HAND GUN PISTOL
Pros:
- Powerful cartridge
- Features a powerful blowback system
- Great for concealed carry
- Great for beginners
- Good accuracy
- Affordable price point
- Durable and reliable
- Capable of rapid fire
- Low kickback
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Measures at 8.9in
- Blowback doesn’t last too long
- Low accuracy at longer range
- Low firing distance (10-20 meters)
- Slightly difficult to take apart and put back together
The most popular airsoft pistol is the Beretta M9, so we decided to test one of the most popular airsoft M9s out there. This particular one comes at a budget price point, being one of the cheapest models on the market. It’s also one of the highest rated on the market, so the value is really good.
4. HK Heckler & Koch P30 Electric Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun
Pros:
- Lightweight – less than a pound
- Good finish quality and appearance
- All high-quality HK parts used for durability
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- Excellent ergonomics – comfortable to hold
- Automatic slide lock
- Adjustable hop-up
- Safety selector is ambidextrous
- Includes cleaning rod, magazines, and flashlight
- Semi-automatic firing mode
Cons:
- Magazine may require upgrading for increased capacity
- Optics mount is not permanent
- Not compatible with lower models
- Includes a goofy orange tip
- Pistol is heavy
This is a great pistol for anyone looking for a quality airsoft pistol. This pistol is heavy but comes with a reinforced slide and barrel for durability. Plus the adjustable hop-up and laser system makes this a reliable and accurate weapon with plenty of features to add to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best spring loaded airsoft pistol?
Spring-loaded pistols are powered by a coiled spring mechanism which you can cock manually. In contrast, blow-back pistols are gas-powered, where compressed air propels the BB. They are also called gas blow-back pistols. They are the most realistic of all airsoft pistols because they closely mimic real-life pistols.
Spring-loaded airsoft pistols are generally cheaper than blowback ones, yet very accurate. Blow-back airsoft pistols are more costly, yet more realistic. Here are the best spring-loaded and blow-back airsoft pistols.
What's better blowback or non blowback?
The majority of airsoft guns are blowback, meaning that the slide when fired, and the spring are what pulls the next round into position. This creates more realistic action and gives the feeling of true size when holding a real gun. The non-blowback airsoft guns have the traditional pull back for each round. It doesn’t blow the slide back, just moves it, and then holds it back until you load the next round. It makes them slightly lighter and less complicated.
What is the best airsoft gun to buy?
The answer to the question of what the best airsoft gun is is a loaded one because there’s a lot of great options if you’re on a budget.
You can shoot to pop cans, shoot one at a time or shoot birds from the sky with the best airsoft gun. It’s all about what you want to use it for.
How accurate are airsoft pistols?
The accuracy of an airsoft pistol depends on three factors, namely velocity, accuracy, and range. To get a pistol with maximum accuracy, you have to invest a lot of money to get an electric pistol because it can shoot at high velocities and has a variety of magazine options to choose from. Because of this, many airsofters just use spring-powered pistols and pistols are not that accurate especially when shooting more than 140 feet.
Conclusion
The industry standard for Blowback Airsoft Pistols, with the most realistic features and controls.
Blowback Airsoft pistols are the most realistically designed Airsoft pistols out there and are the industry standard. Some models simulate the recoil of a real handgun and even use a slide that moves just like the ones in the real deal.
When you are looking for an Airsoft pistol, the very first thing you should do is figure out if you really need to be getting one. Are you just a collector or do you actually plan to use the pistol?
The second most important thing you need to figure out is, what do you want to use the pistol for?
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Colt 1911 CO2 Full Metal Airsoft Pistol | Best Overall | |
| HK Heckler & Koch P30 Electric Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun | Budget Pick | |
| 500 FPS WG AIRSOFT METAL M9 BERETTA BLOWBACK GAS CO2 HAND GUN PISTOL | Upgrade Pick | |