Not sure what airsoft pistol is right for you? We review the pros and cons of spring, battery-powered, CO2, and green gas airsoft pistols.

Spring Powered Airsoft Pistols:

• A good starter gun to learn the proper gun handling and safety practices.
• Used for small space shooting and target practice.
• Not recommended for on field use as they have a lower fire rate (FPS).
• Widely available for sale at many chain stores like Wal-mart, Canadian Tire, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and more

Alkaline Battery-Powered Pistols:

• Not suitable for use for outdoor games.
• Designed to be used in home and for recreational purposes.
• Low FPS and rate of fire.
• Fun as an entry level AEG.
• Gives the user the feel of full auto.
• Hard to find

CO2-powered Airsoft Pistols:

• Very popular in a lot of the main mid-level manufactures.
• Very useful for indoor games as players can load extra magazines with CO2 cartridges; one can reload very quickly while on the field.
• Relatively cheap to use, simple to learn, and used in high tension situations.
• A great accessory for airsoft snipers to use as a last line of defense when the battle gets close.
• Usually only available for purchase at specialty airsoft retailers.

CO2-powered Airsoft Revolvers:

• Very cool looking!
• Great for classic western or police-style games.
• You’re limited to 6 shots before reloading.
• Teaches you to avoid the spray and prey style firing/gameplay.
• Refillable shells add to realism.
• Difficult and time consuming to reload.
• Mechanical revolving cylinder provides lots of realism.
• Often hard to add a scope or a sight to.
• Usually only available for purchase at specialty airsoft stores.

Green Gas Powered Airsoft Handguns:

• Appealing to many airsoft players because the green gas has a lubricant mixed in, which lubricates your weapon as you use it.
• Is cheaper to use  but more cumbersome to carry around while on the field.
• Many players switch to propane once they start using green gas.
• Only available at professional airsoft stores.

 

Advantages of professional training pistol vs. a cheap clear airsoft pistols

• There is really no comparison between a professional training pistol and a cheap plastic spring pistol.
• Much like anything else, in airsoft, you get what you pay for.
• The build quality and overall reliability of a professional training pistol far exceeds anything offered in the form of a cheap clear airsoft pistol.
• Professional training pistol are designed to closely mimic the look of the real gun. They are mostly made of high quality nylon fiber or steel (To match the real thing).
• About 90% of all clear airsoft pistols on the market are single shot gun; The shooter needs to cock back the slide after every shot.
• This is a large disadvantage when compared to the semi-automatic firing option given in all professional training pistols.

Advantages of a professional training pistol vs. a normal airsoft pistol

• Professional is the most realistic feeling and functioning pistols on the market.
• They are desired by police academy students, ex military, and police officers.
• They give the ultimate experience in terms of a learning aid.
• A professional training pistol is a desired purchase before many people buy the real thing.
• The performance of a professional training pistol is at par with any other “normal” airsoft pistols.
• The greatest difference is in build materials and functionality. Grip safeties, de-cocking mechanisms, and slide releasers are introduced to allow for the most realistic feel when shooting and field stripping the pistol.

Know which one you want?

Check out our huge selection of airsoft pistols!