Electric options
The electric airsoft pistol is one of the weakest in its category. Unlike similar machines, it is difficult to fit into compact dimensions such a filling that would provide more power.
Such modifications are suitable for shots from short distances in closed shooting ranges. As a training option for beginners, this is a pretty good solution. But electric airsoft pistols are not among the most powerful versions.
What are the advantages of pistols?
Pistols are an excellent choice as additional weapons for airsoft games (see examples in the AirSoft-RUS.ru store). This equipment is suitable for short distances. It can be used as, for example, an additional weapon for a sniper, which will significantly expand tactical capabilities.
The advantage of pistols is ease of operation and fairly low price. This makes them a great choice for beginners. They can easily be used as your main weapon during games.
Spring modifications
Such specimens operate from a spring mechanism. The power and speed of the shot primarily depend on the force of the spring and the entire mechanism installed by the manufacturer or owner.
It is worth noting that a spring airsoft pistol requires some effort when loading and firing a shot. It is quite possible to make a powerful weapon from such a modification. However, it is not very effective in terms of rate of fire and on training grounds. Roughly speaking, the gun is too slow and inconvenient to use.
Model characteristics and purchase
Before you buy a gun, decide on its characteristics.
Type . Although everyone answers the question of which gun is best for airsoft differently, players often agree on one thing - the choice of pneumatic mechanism. The most common are gas airsoft pistols - they are powerful, but at the same time simple and reliable. There are models that run on green gas, and there are models that run on carbon dioxide (CO2). The main difference is in the store. In the first case, you will need to fill the vacuum in the magazine from an external gas cylinder. In the second, the mini-can will be mounted directly into the magazine body.
Electric models, although they have less power, are for the most part capable of firing in automatic mode, something that almost no gas-powered pistol can boast of. The use of inexpensive materials in the manufacture of electric guns (for example, under the Cyma brand) leads to a reduction in their cost, without at all affecting the quality. In addition, electric guns are cheaper and easier to maintain: you just need to charge the battery and insert it into the gun.
Series . The beauty of airsoft is that you can hold in your hands an exact copy of almost any model of weapon, including even large-caliber ones. Therefore, do not be shy in your wishes and feel free to ask the seller for the legendary Colt, Beretta, TT, Rook or Makarov. If you are just going to your first game, check with the team about the specifics of the scenario. So, if their emphasis is on modeling specific troops, then you will need to buy the appropriate weapons, otherwise you may not find a place in the team.
Material . This can be either a completely metal device or a product made partly of metal and partly of durable plastic. It all depends on the model of the original and the level of the pistol itself.
Price . Here we can give two pieces of advice - don’t give up on China right away, because... and there are good and high-quality manufacturers, and the price will often be lower than that of the same Japanese or Taiwanese goods. And secondly, frankly cheap models are unlikely to last long, because miracles, although they happen, do not happen to everyone. When thinking about which airsoft pistol to choose, give preference to the middle price range.
And further. It is very important to pay attention to three indicators when purchasing: weight, initial speed and magazine volume. Firstly, the gun should be comfortable for you, not too heavy. Secondly, the higher the speed of the shot, the further the ball will fly. Third, magazine capacity will determine how often you will have to reload the magazine.
Gas models
Gas weapons are divided into several types, differing in design and power. For example, the GBB variation airsoft pistol simulates the recoil of a real weapon. The power of the shot depends on the type of gas used.
The working mixture is conventionally divided into two categories: greenase and CO-2. The first option implies different compositions and brands. In any case, the most lethal greengas is much weaker than CO-2. Therefore, when choosing a truly powerful airsoft pistol, you need to pay attention to models that are aggregated with the second type of mixture. Next, let's look at the brief characteristics of some popular modifications.
Characteristics of airsoft drives
There are three main drives:
- spring,
- electric,
- gas.
The spring (spring) drive is the simplest in design. Using the power of our own muscles, we move the piston, which stretches the spring, then fixes it on the latch. Thus, the weapon is ready to fire, and only pressing the trigger, which releases the spring-loaded piston, separates us from the shot.
The simplicity of this drive provides many advantages, the main one of which is low wear of equipment, which is associated with a low rate of fire, that is, a small number of shots.
Another advantage is that it is zero affected by weather conditions, whether it's raining, snowing, hot or cold, all you have to do is stretch the mechanism and fire. The disadvantage of this system is the need to tighten the mechanism before each shot.
The most popular and versatile drive in airsoft is the electric drive. Its advantages include the ability to fire continuously, which is possible thanks to an electric motor that provides the force to stretch the spring. A wide selection of spare parts is available for this type of gun, which allows not only routine maintenance of the mechanism, but also to reduce or increase the drive power.
The disadvantage is its power source, that is, the battery. Batteries have limited capacity and may not always provide the energy needed to run the entire game.
The last drive, the most popular among replica pistols, is gas. Models with this drive shoot gas contained in a cylinder. The most commonly used are Green Gas or compressed carbon dioxide (CO2).
In this system, the ball is accelerated by expanding the portion of gas dosed by the valve. Models controlled in this way have variable power caused by the compression and expansion of the gas, depending on the conditions of use.
What is the Blow Back and Hop-up system for?
Let's start with the basic system used in almost every replica, that is, the Hop-up system. This is a system that spins balls fired by a gun. It uses the physical phenomenon of the Magnus effect. Simply put, a rubber or silicone gasket mounted on the barrel of the internal replica causes the ball to rotate when fired.
Most replicas use an adjustable Hop-up mechanism, even gas guns, but there are replicas that have a fixed setting adapted to the given ball weight.
Blow Back is a bolt recoil system that, using gas from a cylinder, drives the replica's dummy bolt. This system is mainly used in GBB (Gas Blow Back) replicas. In the case of gas replicas, the use of Blow Back, in addition to an interesting visual effect and bringing it closer to the original, has a number of disadvantages.
The main disadvantage of using this system is the "siphon" effect, which most often occurs at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. During the shot, the valves freeze and all the gas comes out after the first shot, so it is not recommended to use gas replicas in the autumn-winter period.
Makarov airsoft pistol
It is produced by several well-known manufacturers. The weapon comes in a special box with instructions in several languages. “Makarov” is made of metal, has a high build quality, all associated elements fit perfectly together. The weight of the pistol is almost seven hundred grams.
The weapon is powered by a CO-2 gas cylinder. The twelve-gram reservoir is located directly in the handle. Installation and removal of the cylinder is done by loosening the clamping screw and sliding the handle back. When charged, the pad must be firmly fixed. The magazine holds 14 bullets in the form of balls and is equipped with a stopper to facilitate the loading process. The shot speed is about one hundred and twenty meters per second. For this category of weapons this is quite a decent indicator.
Rating of the best airsoft weapons for 2022
This top was compiled taking into account the opinions of professional airsoft players.
Cyma AKS-74N CM.040
These models are characterized by high strength, accuracy and long service life. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or a professional, these drives are suitable for players of any experience. The drive type is electro-pneumatic, the prototype is an AK-type Kalashnikov assault rifle.
Case material – steel and aluminum alloy. This approach guarantees the strength of the weapon and its light weight. Assembling and disassembling the machine is easy and quick, all fastenings are also durable and securely fixed. Most of the drive parts are easily replaceable; if you wish, you can easily change them; the standard assembly will allow you to use spare parts from a completely different manufacturer. The device runs on a lithium-ion battery.
Cyma AKS-74N CM.040
Advantages:
- high quality product at a relatively affordable price;
- ergonomic design;
- high rate of fire.
Flaws:
- Lithium-ion batteries cannot withstand operation in cold and damp weather;
- Some parts of the case are quite fragile.
The average cost is 10 Russian rubles.
Pistol KJW CZ-75 Gas GBB KP-09.GAS
Gas drive running on green gas. Weapons are manufactured in Taiwan. The gun itself is made of high-quality metal, so you can enjoy shooting for more than one season. The small dimensions of the drive ensure its light weight, despite the metal materials used.
To make the process more natural, the manufacturer has provided an imitation of the recoil of a shot, so you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of battle. The weapon is equipped with a magazine, gas bullets, and detailed operating instructions. But the user will have to purchase a gas cylinder independently. Also, the disadvantages of the drive include its operating temperature - 10 degrees, which means that in cold weather you will not have to enjoy the game.
Pistol KJW CZ-75 Gas GBB KP-09.GAS
Advantages:
- strong body;
- long service life.
Flaws:
- works only in relatively warm weather;
- There is no cylinder included.
The average cost is 8,700 Russian rubles.
A&K M249 MKI machine gun
One of the best models of machine guns for airsoft. The product is made of aluminum alloy, the folding stock ensures compact transportation of weapons. If desired, you can easily purchase many additional parts, for example, a tactical flashlight, and equip the drive with them. This will not cause any difficulties; the machine is compatible with most parts. The sight consists of a front sight and an aiming bar.
One of the main advantages of the model is the programmable firing rate; there is also a control button for the convenience of owners. If you want your machine gun to have high firepower, equip it with a battery with high current output. The device comes with a magazine for 5,000 balls. But you will have to purchase an imitation belt with cartridges yourself.
A&K M249 MKI machine gun
Advantages:
- high rate of fire;
- possibility of tuning;
- suitable for close and medium distances;
- excellent quality product.
Flaws:
- Lithium-ion batteries are not designed to function in damp conditions.
The average cost is 40,000 Russian rubles.
Submachine gun Cyma MP5K PDW (cm041pdw)
An ideal weapon for close combat. This drive is excellent in battles inside buildings. The weapon has a folding stock, it is easy to fold and move in a small space. Small dimensions and weight will give you maneuverability, ensuring a quick victory. If you are a fan of bright and dynamic actions, then such a device is definitely the best choice.
As for the technical characteristics, there is nothing to complain about here. The manufacturing materials include plastic and aluminum. These materials ensure the lightness and strength of the model. Don’t let the presence of plastic scare you; the manufacturer conscientiously approached the creation of the drive, making it from impact-resistant materials. If you wish, you can equip the machine gun with a flashlight and other tuning tools; it is also possible to use an imitation silencer. The flame arrester is removable, the user will not spend much time removing it.
The model is a replica of the famous and widely used MP-5 submachine gun.
Submachine gun Cyma MP5K PDW (cm041pdw)
Advantages:
- easy to carry out repairs and tuning;
- high quality of goods at a relatively low price;
- high strength.
Flaws:
- The stock starts to loosen over time.
The average cost is 12,500 Russian rubles.
Pistol grenade launcher Cyma M52 "Blunderbuss"
The spring model will provide powerful and accurate shots. The ergonomic design of the pistol will allow you to fight with ease without hand fatigue.
The material used is a mixture of plastic and metal. The shooting process occurs as follows - the user loads one cartridge case and fires a shot. Next comes recharging. With good aim and favorable conditions, the firing range can reach up to 100 meters. You can also equip the drive with both older and newer ammunition.
Pistol grenade launcher Cyma M52 "Blunderbuss"
Advantages:
- light weight;
- high firepower;
- versatility of ammunition.
Flaws:
- low rate of fire;
- short firing range;
- frequent recharging.
The average cost is 3,000 Russian rubles.
Shotgun Koer K1207 Benelli M4 Tactical
And another spring version of an airsoft weapon. The shotgun allows you to equip yourself with different sight options. Ammunition is presented in the form of balls that scatter into small particles, creating an imitation of real shots.
The manufacturing material is plastic, which makes this shotgun less durable, but this approach ensures a low cost of the product. It should also be noted that the shotgun can be used in all weather conditions. The spring drive mechanism does not deteriorate over time due to dampness and cold; it does not require constant charging and the purchase of gas cylinders.
Shotgun Koer K1207 Benelli M4 Tactical
Advantages:
- effectiveness of shots;
- Can be used even in the harshest weather conditions;
- ergonomic design;
- budget price;
- accurate shots;
- high firing range.
Flaws:
- fragile material;
- low rate of fire.
The average cost is 4,600 Russian rubles.
Glock pistol
The Glock airsoft pistol comes complete with a magazine, an external barrel, a heel for expanding the clip capacity and instructions.
Main characteristics of this weapon:
- caliber - six millimeters;
- pistol weight with clip – 773 grams;
- length/height/thickness – 204/156/30 mm;
- adjustable Hop-Up;
- shot speed – 95-100 meters per second;
- Magazine capacity - 23 spherical charges.
Owners will also be pleased with the assembly of the pistol. The developers paid a lot of attention to detail. All removable parts are marked, the elements fit perfectly. To aim the weapon at the target, a standard rear sight and front sight are used. Small parts are made of plastic, the design includes a practical return spring and a brass barrel. The model in question is manufactured by various companies producing sporting weapons and is one of the leaders in the relevant market.
Choosing an airsoft pistol. Comparative test. Part 0. Preface.
Choosing an airsoft pistol. Comparative review.
The series of articles does not claim to be scientific and everything stated here is purely personal opinion and impressions of accumulated experience. If you are thinking about purchasing a pistol, then in this series I will try to tell you in the most accessible form about the types of airsoft pistols, the advantages and disadvantages of their varieties and some specific models.
Some of the material in this introductory article is a free presentation of other sources and authors (you can see all sources at the end of the article).
“Choice…” is aimed at beginners; in these articles I will not lay out complex assembly/disassembly schemes, tuning, shooting training courses and methods for zeroing pistols. The articles contain mostly simple informational information and some recommendations.
Airsoft pistols Galaxy
Gaming weapons under the Galaxy brand are available in several modifications. Let's look at the main parameters of the Galaxy G.6A pistol. It is an exact spring copy of the Colt 1911 military model. The weapon is made of a special alloy of zinc and plastic and is equipped with a silencer.
Options:
- caliber - six millimeters;
- principle of operation – spring;
- charges – six-millimeter balls;
- magazine capacity – 18 bullets;
- the shot speed is about eighty meters per second;
- length – 190 mm;
- weight – 650 grams.
The body of this weapon is made of galvanized metal, and the side equipment of the handle is made of plastic. Design features and the use of modern materials make the gun comfortable and lightweight.
Principle of operation
The key selection criterion, which we recommend starting with, is the principle of operation of the product. There are four of them in total and each is moderately popular.
Spring pistols
Spring pistols use the shooter's muscular strength to fire a shot. That is, cocked, fired, cocked, fired. More like a toy, you will say, and you will be right.
photo of spring pistols. On the right is a miniature spring TT
However, it's not all bad. Spring pistols are good as stand-alone weapons of last resort. They do not require energy sources and are several times cheaper than any other analogues.
The shot power is about 60 m/s. And the main drawback associated with the need to cock the bolt frame after each shot is the very low rate of fire.
in the photo is the spring pistol platoon required to fire each shot
Electric pistols
Pistols with an electric motor are powered by a battery installed under an imitation bolt frame. Such products do not have problems with the rate of fire, since the gearbox installed inside is responsible for firing the shot. Moreover, electric pistols can have an automatic firing mode, that is, fire in bursts.
on the left is an electric glock from Cyma, on the right is removal of the imitation bolt carrier, on the bottom is the placement of the battery in the pistol
Shooting can continue until the battery runs out. It should be noted that the battery will lose its capacity faster at sub-zero temperatures.
Due to the design feature of the AEG pistol, the imitation bolt frame does not move and its appearance, like the spring, looks more like a toy. Additionally, an electric airsoft gun will produce a power of about 60 m/s, which is relatively low considering gas models.
But with the above disadvantages, this is the most practical and inexpensive type of airsoft short barrel. Easy to use, reliable, easy to maintain, no need to buy gas and carry it with you. Charged the battery and you're done! These are the trump cards of electric pistols that make them very popular.
Pistols on the greengaz
These samples are powered by greengas, which is filled into the magazine tank. After the magazine has used up its entire supply of gas, you need to either change the magazine to a new one or refill it with gas.
in the photo there is a pistol, a magazine for it and the gas used for loading
Gas is supplied by manufacturers in 650-1000 ml cylinders, therefore there is a need to carry the cylinder with you for recharging. The gas is also sensitive to ambient temperature and will not work in sub-zero temperatures.
on the left are types of gases. Large cylinders are greenzaz. On the right is refilling the airsoft pistol magazine with greengas.
Greengaz models have a high degree of replicability, since most manufacturers make models in metal and with a recoil simulator mechanism that sets the bolt in motion during shooting.
The average shot power is 100 m/s, which is a good indicator.
In our opinion, pistols on greengaz are the most attractive and replica models that evoke the most vivid emotions.
Comparison of Glock on greengaz (left) and electric Glock (right). The difference between metal and plastic is striking
CO2 gas pistols
CO2 samples are almost completely identical to their greengas counterparts. Such products are powered by CO2 gas, which is placed in cans installed in the pistol handle. After the magazine has used up the entire supply of gas, you need to either change the magazine to a new one, or remove the empty canister and install a new one.
on the left is a Beretta with CO2, a magazine for it and cartridges for charging. On the right is a magazine with a screwed-in spray can.
Let us highlight the main differences between CO2 and greengas. Firstly, carbon dioxide is less sensitive to low temperatures (you can shoot when it’s below zero outside), and secondly, it’s a little less ambiance - in some samples you have to make a magazine with an enlarged heel in order to hold a canister. The rest of the ambience of the pistols is excellent. Metal parts, movement of the bolt frame, everything is as it should be.
CO2 pistols are the most powerful in the entire line of airsoft pistols. The power of the first shots from a fresh can confidently remains in the range of 120 m/s, which is comparable to a full-fledged drive!
Reviews and prices
Consumer responses to airsoft pistols are divided, which is not surprising. Some users like weighty metal models that look as much like real weapons as possible. Other owners are content with inexpensive electro-pneumatic or spring modifications, which are optimal for target shooting in a shooting range or enclosed space. Professionals choose reliable pistols made from composite materials that combine power, accuracy and light weight.
An airsoft pistol, the price of which depends on the design, manufacturer and configuration, can be purchased on sale or on order from seventy dollars.
Cowboy or gangster?
Airsoft game scenarios are varied. Participants are transported to the times of the Great Patriotic War, to the Wild West or to a completely fictional reality. The choice of pistol model depends on the upcoming game, if the scenario is thematic. Colt is for arming a cowboy, a stylish Beretta is for a Prohibition-era gangster, a revolver is for a revolutionary.
If the airsoft scenario does not provide for historical stylization, then players are guided by their preferences: revolver, Makarov, TT, Stechkin, Glock or Desert Eagle - from the point of view of series and model, the choice is always significant.
Airsoft gun manufacturers are copying legendary and new pistols. Options close to the original are made from metal, but they are invariably more expensive. Others are made from impact-resistant plastic, reliable and safe. The price for such models is cheaper.
The most famous brands in airsoft fan circles are; KSC, KWC, Tokyo Marui, Cybergun, Umarex, WE, KJW, Gletcher, Cyma.
What should you do right away with your first airsoft weapon?
- Give it to a workshop so that the wiring can be re-soldered and an electronic key “BTS 555” installed. This is necessary in order to protect the drive electrics from burning out as a result of prolonged squeezing of the trigger.
- Change the standard connectors with which the battery is connected to the drive with “T-connectors”. They last longer with periodic connection and disconnection of the battery.
- Do shimming. The procedure for adjusting gears in a mechanism using washers. This will increase the lifespan of your gearbox.
- If you plan to play in a building or airsoft clubs in the city, you will have to change the base spring to a weaker one so that the drive produces no more than 120 m/s 0.2 g ball
All these operations are best left to an experienced mechanic in a specialized workshop. Anyone can disassemble a gearbox, but as practice shows, not everyone can assemble it correctly.
