Beginners often wonder whether they should buy an airsoft pistol or an airsoft rifle first. Affordable pistols are attractive, with spring-powered guns available online starting at 30 euros, which create a decent impression. However, even as a beginner, one should not solely be guided by price but choose the airsoft weapon based on its intended use. While pistols are handy, they usually have lower projectile energy than assault rifles. A muzzle energy of about 1 joule is common for pistols, while assault rifles typically propel BBs with 1.5-2 joules. The higher energy translates into higher speed, greater range, and increased precision. A rifle can be shouldered for aiming and usually comes with a sighting optic, such as a scope. In contrast, a pistol is small and can be held quickly in any direction. This property is called maneuverability in weapons and can be advantageous in playing fields with tight spaces or in house combat scenarios where one needs to shoot around corners. Therefore, the best option is a combination of both weapons - an airsoft assault rifle for long shooting distances and an airsoft pistol for close combat.
Those starting with airsoft want to buy a weapon at the beginning. Our advice, if you want to compete against other players on the field, is to go for the airsoft rifle. However, the pistol as a backup weapon is already a real game-changer for any ambitious airsoft player and is also part of our basic equipment. With airsoft weapons, the same principle applies as with their real counterparts: shooting accurately with a pistol is significantly more challenging than with a long gun, especially when aiming with the front and rear sights.
As with their real counterparts, there are countless models of airsoft pistols. Most airsoft players primarily choose a model based on their taste. Shooting performance comes second. However, the same principle applies in the airsoft sector for high-quality replicas as with the real models: they all shoot straight - what matters most is good craftsmanship. If you want to acquire a particularly realistic model, you should get a weapon with a blow-back system. Airsoft pistols with blow-back are powered by an electric motor with a battery or a CO2 capsule. Part of this energy is used to accelerate the slide of the weapon backward during firing, just as a firearm would. This effect makes the softair weapon appear very realistic. However, it can complicate precise shooting because the weapon's center of gravity shifts during firing. Models without blow-back function are therefore easier to handle but less realistic - and the decision is ultimately a matter of taste.
One of the most popular airsoft models is the Glock17 airsoft from Umarex, which impresses airsoft fans worldwide with its high degree of realism and excellent craftsmanship:
You can also buy used airsoft pistols, but you should have as many details of the weapon shown to you as possible. It is important to note that airsoft pistols with a muzzle energy of up to 0.5 joules are classified as toys and can be purchased from the age of 14. Airsoft pistols with a muzzle energy of over 0.5 joules (and up to 7.5 joules) are classified as free weapons. To purchase these, you must be at least 18 years old. The best and most reliable offers for airsoft pistols can, of course, be found on Gunfinder.
Most airsoft pistols are replicas of real weapons. However, the manufacturers of the real counterparts often do not produce the airsoft weapons themselves. The most popular airsoft models are from Umarex and German Sports Guns:
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