Airsoft pistols have many advantages over their rifle counterparts. They’re more compact and lightweight, to start with, as well as being more affordable. Plus, when you’re in a tight space or close-quarters battle, it’s an awful lot easier to aim a compact pistol than a big, clunky rifle.

But you can’t just settle for any old weapon. If you want to push the odds in your favor and have the best chance of battlefield success, you need a weapon you can count on. Take a read through the list below for in-depth looks at seven of the finest Airsoft pistols money can buy in 2023.

1. Glock 17 Gen5 Gas Blowback Pistol

 

No list of the finest Airsoft pistols can be complete without the Glock 17. Often described by seasoned Airsoft players as the ultimate all-rounder, this pistol excels in pretty much every area that matters. Speedy FPS? Check. High-end build quality? Check. Superior handling? You bet.

First off, the No. 1 aspect of the Glock 17 that deserves a mention is its exceptional build quality. It comes complete with a strong and durable frame, crafted with care from high-density polymer. A reinforced aluminum alloy slide tops off the weapon, providing additional strength and durability.

Thanks to its next-level construction, you can count on the Glock 17 to serve you well for plenty of battles, with minimal signs of wear and tear from one clash to the next.

But durability is just one of the Glock 17’s numerous qualities. It also offers sublime handling. The ergonomically textured grip feels comfortable in the hand. Lining up shots is a breeze with this bad boy in your grasp, and there’s next to no chance of it slipping between your fingers.

While previous iterations of the Glock have come with finger grooves, the 17 foregoes them. This makes it a more versatile weapon, fitting nicely in the hands of almost any user. In short, it’s a very well-made pistol, and the manufacturers clearly put a lot of thought and care into fine-tuning their design.

Even the slide of the Glock 17 adds to its usability. It’s serrated, with easy and seamless racking, helping you avoid wasted time and inconvenience in between firefights. Then, there’s the magazine, which quickly slips out with a single button press, ready for rapid reloading in the heat of the moment.

Like the majority of the other pistols on this list, the Glock 17 is powered by green gas. That means it may not have quite the same kick as a CO2 model, but it’s much longer-lasting, easier to work with, and more reliable overall.

Do you like to modify and upgrade your weapons? That’s not an issue with the Glock 17, either. Its helpful under-rail allows you to attach a range of accessories, from laser sights to improve your aim to flashlights for dimly-lit battlefields.

Specifications:

• FPS: 325
• Color: Black
• Material: Aluminum and Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 23 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: Green Gas
• Length: 8 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi-Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• One of the best all-round Airsoft handguns on the market
• Fantastic aluminum and polymer build
• Quick-release magazines for rapid reloading
• Easy to modify

Cons:

• The magazine capacity is a little low

2. Lancer Tactical Knightshade Hi-Capa Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol

 

Lancer Tactical Knightshade Hi-Capa Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol w/ Red Dot Mount, Black/Gold

 

 

Lancer Tactical is right up there among the top-tier names of the Airsoft industry. Producing one top-of-the-line weapon after the next, it’s a brand we can always count on to deliver the goods. The Lancer Tactical Knightshade is no exception to that.

First off, let’s talk about this weapon’s appearance. On the battlefield, aesthetics may not matter one bit, but a lot of players still want to bring good-looking weapons to the fight. And the Knightshade is a real good looker!

Lancer Tactical Knightshade Hi-Capa Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, Black/Bronze

Guaranteed to turn a few heads and maybe – if you’re lucky – even distract an opponent during a crucial moment of battle, it’s a veritable feast for the eyes. It almost feels like the kind of pistol you’d expect to see in the grip of an action movie star as they blast their way through a building full of bad guys.

What’s more, there are no less than four distinct color variations to choose from with the Lancer Tactical Knighshade – Black/Gold, Black/Bronze, Black/Green, and a separate edition of the Black/Gold fitted with a red dot mount. So, if one style doesn’t quite suit you, you’re sure to find another that will.

Lancer Tactical Knightshade Hi-Capa Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, Black/Green

 

Of course, there’s much more to this Airsoft pistol than good looks. It wouldn’t be much use on the battlefield if its only advantage was looking cool. Fortunately, the Knightshade also packs some serious firepower under the hood.

It’s capable of varying FPS between 300 and 330, which is pretty impressive for a pistol. What’s even more impressive is the magazine capacity – you can store up to 28 rounds in this bad boy, all but eliminating the “frequent reload” issue that plagues a lot of Airsoft pistols.

 

Lancer Tactical Knightshade Hi-Capa Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, Black/Gold

 

Build-wise, this pistol doesn’t disappoint – with a mix of metal and polymer composite parts, it’s as solid as it is attractive, with simply spectacular handling. It’s a gun that just seems to fit right in the hands, and the highly textured grip means that you won’t have to worry about it slipping or sliding from your grasp during a critical encounter.

Righty or lefty? It won’t matter with the Lancer Tactical Knightshade. Thanks to the ambidextrous safety lever sitting above the trigger, this gun is easy to use in either hand. Other nifty features include the skeletonized, lightweight trigger and expanded magwell base for speedy reloads.

Specifications:

• FPS: 300-330
• Color: Two-tone (Three color combos to choose from)
• Material: Aluminum and Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 28 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: Green Gas
• Length: 9.5 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi-Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• A stylish, eye-catching design
• Multiple color options to choose from
• Excellent handling and maneuverability
• Decent capacity and FPS

Cons:

• The flashy color scheme may not be to everyone’s taste

3. G&G Armament GPM1911 CP Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol

 

All too often, Airsoft fans have to make compromises when picking out their arsenal. Need something with lightning-fast FPS? Well, you probably have to sacrifice some handling, in that case. Looking for an exceptionally durable gun that won’t wear and tear after a couple of battles? If so, you’re probably going to have to cut some corners in the ergonomics department.

Well, what if you didn’t need to make a single compromise? That’s the promise that G&G makes with the GMPM1911, and it absolutely delivers! Strong, fast, and a veritable pleasure to work with, this Airsoft pistol raises the bar to new heights, and it could be exactly what you need to improve your arsenal.

History lesson time – the G&G GMPM1911 is designed to be a modern-day mimic of the iconic M1911 pistol, used by the U.S. Army. However, this version has had a bit of an upgrade, with state-of-the-art adjustments to look and feel more like a racegun than a piece of military history.

Tipping the scales at just 2 pounds, this pistol is about as light as they come. It’s ideal for fast aiming and quick turns. An opponent caught you off-guard? No worries. With the GMPM1911 in your hands, you can rapidly and easily adjust your aim to take a shot that could keep you in the game.

But don’t be fooled by how light this thing feels – it’s the exact opposite of a dainty, fragile weapon. In fact, with its strong, solid metal internals, this pistol is a real workhouse. It can last you for years of use, coping with the rigors and stresses of battle after battle.

Plus, with G&G’s very own patented Whirl Cylinder technology, the GPM1911 reaches levels of performance that other Airsoft pistols can only dream of. Top it all off with a massive 29-round magazine, and you’re looking at one of the finest pistols in the game today.

Of course, we also have to mention this gun’s rather striking design. Electing to eschew the typical blacks and grays that dominate most Airsoft pistols, G&G decided on a cool blue finish for this particular armament. It may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it’ll certainly turn a few heads during your next firefight.

Specifications:

• FPS: 330-350
• Color: Two-Tone (Blue/Gray)
• Material: Metal and Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 29+1 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: Green Gas
• Length: 9 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi-Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• High levels of speed, durability, and performance
• Feels light and easy to handle
• Big capacity to reduce the need for reloads

Cons:

• Macaron Blue color can be a little distracting
• The sights are a little basic

4. JAG Precision TTI JW4 Pit Viper Hi Capa Green Gas Airsoft Pistol

Many players agree that one of the best things about Airsoft is that it gives you the chance to feel like you’re in an action movie. With your favorite firearm in your hands, you roam the battlefield, picking off enemies like Bruce Willis or Sly Stallone. There’s nothing quite like it, and even the most action-packed video games can’t compete with a thrilling Airsoft fight.

Well, the TTI JW4 Pit Viper gives you the chance to take those action-hero dreams to the next level. This pistol was modeled after the gun used by Keanu Reeves himself in the latest installment of the smash action blockbuster franchise, “John Wick.”

We’ve got to hand it to the manufacturer. They really went above and beyond the call of duty with this design. It looks so much like the real thing from “John Wick 4,” you almost feel like it fell right out of the big screen and into your hands. Of course, it would be a shame if this gun simply looked special and wasn’t fun to use. Thankfully, that’s not the case!

When it comes to performance, this is a terrific item to add to your collection. Its hand-stippled ergonomic grip helps you keep the gun steady while adjusting your aim, while the helpful slide lightning cuts minimize muzzle flip and speed up slide cycling.

 

Did we mention that this Airsoft pistol is capable of a whopping 370 FPS, too? That’s one of the fastest speeds of any pistol, and even more than certain top-end rifles. It’s super-fast, and the extended inner barrel helps to keep your aim true, even while firing at high speeds.

In terms of capacity, the TTI JW4 Pit Viper continues to impress. It’s capable of storing 30+1 rounds, significantly higher than many other handguns that can only hold 23-25 shots at a time. And, in a thrilling, action-packed firefight, those extra rounds can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Of course, since this is another green gas-powered pistol, you won’t need to worry about any batteries or charging times, either. Just fit a new cartridge when the old one runs out and keeps on firing.

Specifications:

• FPS: 330-370
• Color: Two-Tone (Black/Bronze)
• Material: Aluminum and Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 31 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: Green Gas
• Length: 9.5 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi-Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• Awesome action-movie design
• Big capacity magazines
• Very fast FPS

Cons:

• Not the most compact pistol around

5. Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gold Match Custom Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol

 

If durability is one of your primary concerns when picking out an Airsoft pistol, look no further than the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gold Match Custom. Extremely well-made from only the finest materials, this pistol can cope with the rigors of a hardcore Airsoft lifestyle – no matter how many battles you fight or how harsh the conditions get, this gun can cope with it all.

It features strong polymer grip panels, which not only aid with maneuverability and handling but are also designed to deal with any and all weather conditions. Then, there’s the equally strong polymer slide and rock-solid, reinforced polymer frame. In short, every piece of this powerful pistol has been built with durability and resistance in mind. This is a gun you can count on.

It’s also a gun that you’ll love to look at. With its solid black body and gold accents in key areas, like the trigger and safety, it’s a very aesthetically impressive weapon. Of course, that won’t matter all that much in terms of performance on the field, but it’s always nice to have guns that look the part.

Beyond its stellar appearance, the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gold Match Custom has decent levels of performance to match. The 240 FPS rating is, admittedly, not the fastest, but still good enough for close-quarters battles, which is really what this pistol was made for. It stores an impressive 31 rounds, reducing the need for reloads and features realistic blowback action on every shot.

 

The more you use this gun, the more you notice how clever certain elements of its design really are. The extended safety, for example, fits so nicely and naturally with your hand, minimizing the risk of any unfortunate misfires. The dual front and rear sights, too, are perfectly placed to provide ultimate aim assistance, letting you lock on to your enemies and fire without mercy.

For fans of weapon modding, this Tokyo Marui pistol also comes with a 20mm Picatinny rail just under the barrel. You can easily attach the likes of lights and lasers to the rail to help out in dark environments.

Specifications:

• FPS: 240
• Color: Two-Tone (Black/Gold)
• Material: Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 31 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: Green Gas/Propane
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi-Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• A very sleek, stylish design
• High-capacity magazine for minimal reloading
• Excellent levels of durability and strength

Cons:

• The FPS is a little on the slow side compared to other pistols

6. ASG Action Army AAP-01 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol

Sometimes, the simplest weapons are all you need to get the job done. And if you favor performance over aesthetics and substance over style, then the Action Army AAP-01 is a great little gun to choose. It may not be the best-looking or most eye-catching pistol on the market, but what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in terms of performance and power.

Powered by efficient green gas, the Action Army AAP-01 has an impressive FPS of 312. It can fire faster than many other pistols on the market, and it’s also capable of both semi-auto and full-auto firing modes. This is a stark contrast to many other pistols, which are typically only capable of semi-auto.

 ASG Action Army AAP-01 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, Black

 

Looking a lot like the classic World War II Luger, the Action Army AAP-01 may have old-fashioned inspiration, but it has very modern levels of construction.

The whole thing is made from a strong and durable ABS polymer, ensuring that it can go the distance and last for many battles. It won’t show the usual signs of wear and tear that tend to appear on so many lesser pistols. You can confidently and reliably use it in almost any situation, without fear of it letting you down.

The Action Army AAP-01 is also surprisingly lightweight. It’s very easy to aim and can be quickly and conveniently concealed in pockets or holsters, as needed. Plus, a lot of its key parts are ambidextrous, so left-handed users won’t have to feel left out.

 ASG Action Army AAP-01 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol, Tan

 

In terms of customization, the Action Army AAP-01 also excels. ASG made this pistol with the modding market in mind. It’s compatible with lots of different upgrades, accessories, and aftermarket parts, even those that were originally designed for other models. So you can really modify and enhance this gun to make it feel unique and suit your specific style of play.

Specifications:

• FPS: 312
• Color: Black
• Material: Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 23 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: Green Gas/Propane
• Length: 9 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi Auto, Full Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• A great value pistol for any arsenal
• Comes with full-auto firing mode
• Easy to modify and upgrade with parts and add-ons

Cons:

• At 23 rounds, the magazine capacity is a little low
• The design is quite basic compared to other pistols

7. CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol w/ Metal Slide

The final entry in our list is the CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback. First of all, the big difference with this pistol compared to all the others above is that it uses CO2, rather than green gas, in order to power each shot when you pull the trigger.

For those who are new to Airsoft, there are some big differences between CO2 and green gas. So, you’ll get a very different experience when using the CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback compared to, for example, the Lance Tactical Knightshade or the TTI JW4 Pit Viper.

 

The biggest difference is the blowback. The CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback has a real kick to it, packing more of a punch compared to green gas alternatives and having more of a realistic feel. This gun also tends to work better in cold temperatures than others, so it might be a nice fit if you live in a cooler area or attend Airsoft events during the frosty seasons.

CO2-powered pistols also tend to have high speeds, and the CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback maintains the trend. It’s capable of 328 FPS, and the full-metal slide actually jerks back with every single shot fired, adding to the ultra-realistic feel of this weapon.

If that wasn’t enough, you also get a built-in tactical rail with every CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback. This is perfect for quickly and seamlessly attaching a range of accessories, like a laser to help you hone in on your enemies with even greater accuracy. It also comes with white-dot sights to make aiming easier. This really helps to compensate for the heavy kick, helping you stay on target with every shot.

 

At just 8 inches in length, it’s also worth noting that the CZ P-09 CO2 Blowback is a very compact and lightweight choice. The shortened barrel compared to other pistols makes it easier to maintain your aim, and its relatively small size gives this gun a great portability rating. You can easily slip it into cases or holsters to carry from your home to the battlefield.

Specifications:

• FPS: 328
• Color: Two-Tone (Black/Gray)
• Material: Metal and Polymer
• Маgazine Capacity: 25 Rounds
• Operation: Gas Blowback
• Power Source: CO2
• Length: 8 inches
• Fire Modes: Safe, Semi-Auto
• Adjustable Hop-up: Yes

Pros:

• A very compact, lightweight, portable pistol
• Strong kickback and realistic metal slide movement
• Copes well in cold environments

Cons:

• May not last as long as green gas alternatives
• Strong kick can be difficult to deal with

 

 

Pick Your Pistol and Hit the Battlefield

 

There you have it. Seven spectacular Airsoft pistols to choose from, each with its own key advantages and features. All that’s left to do is for you to pick the perfect one. Make sure to consider your own playstyle, experience, and performance needs to select the right pistol to take into your next battle.