Best Airsoft Pistols UK (2026): Our Picks

Looking for a new sidearm? These are the airsoft pistols we recommend most often in our Thetford shop, from budget CO2 pistols to top-end gas blowbacks. Every pick below is in stock now.

What to look for

• Gas blowback (GBB) pistols use green gas and kick back when you fire. They’re the most realistic and the most fun, and they work best in warmer weather.
• CO2 pistols hit harder in the cold and are cheap to run, but CO2 is harsher on the internals.
• Magazines: pick a common platform (Hi-Capa, 17 series, 1911) so spare mags and upgrades are easy to find.
• Brand matters: Tokyo Marui, WE and EMG are the names we trust for reliability and spare parts.

Our picks at a glance

• ASG CZ 75D Compact CO2: a compact, budget CO2 pistol that works year-round
• Cyma H17 Polymer GBB: an affordable 17-series gas pistol
• Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 4.3 Desert Warrior: the classic Marui Hi-Capa: accurate and easy to upgrade
• Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 4.3 Xtreme: a full-auto Hi-Capa for fast CQB
• WE EU17 GBB: a full-metal 17 series with strong blowback
• Tokyo Marui FN Five-seveN: a crisp, reliable gas pistol
• WE Desert Eagle L6 .50AE: the big, heavy show-stopper
• KRYTAC SilencerCo Maxim 9: a unique integrally suppressed pistol

Gas, CO2 or spring: which type of pistol?

Gas blowback (GBB) pistols run on green gas and the slide kicks back every shot, so they feel the most like the real thing. They’re our most popular pistols, but green gas loses pressure in cold weather, so expect weaker shots on frosty mornings.

CO2 pistols use 12g capsules and keep their power in the cold. They’re cheap to run, but CO2 is harder on seals and internals than green gas over time.

Non-blowback pistols (like the ASG CZ 75D Compact) have no moving slide, so they use less gas per shot and are simple and reliable, but there’s no recoil.

Our picks in more detail

Cyma H17 Polymer GBB: best budget gas pistol

An affordable 17-series gas blowback with a polymer frame. A great way to try GBB without spending much, and 17-series magazines and holsters are easy to find.

ASG CZ 75D Compact CO2: best for winter

A compact non-blowback pistol that runs on CO2, so it keeps working when green gas pistols struggle in the cold. Simple, reliable and cheap to run.

Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 4.3 Desert Warrior: best all-rounder

The Marui Hi-Capa is one of the most popular airsoft pistols ever made: accurate, reliable and with a huge range of spare magazines and upgrade parts. The 4.3 is the compact version, here in tan.

Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 4.3 Xtreme: best for fast CQB

A Hi-Capa that can fire full auto. Brilliant fun indoors, but it gets through gas and BBs quickly, so carry spare magazines.

WE EU17: best full-metal 17 series

WE’s 17-series pistol gives a weighty, metal feel and a strong blowback kick. A good step up from a polymer pistol.

Tokyo Marui FN Five-seveN: best for smooth, reliable shooting

A crisp, consistent gas pistol from Marui with a distinctive look. In stock in our Thetford shop.

WE Desert Eagle L6 .50AE: the show-stopper

Officially licensed, big and heavy, with a satisfying kick. It uses more gas than a standard pistol, but nothing else feels quite like it.

KRYTAC SilencerCo Maxim 9: best for something different

A licensed replica of the Maxim 9 with its built-in suppressor look. A real talking point on the field.

Looking after a gas pistol

• Use the right gas: stick to the gas your pistol is designed for. Most of our GBB pistols are made for green gas. Browse green gas
• Store magazines with a little gas in them: it helps keep the seals in good condition between games.
• A drop of silicone oil: on the slide rails and magazine seals keeps everything running smoothly. Never use mineral oils. Browse maintenance
• Keep it warm in winter: keep spare magazines in an inside pocket between rounds.

For more detail, read our gas blowback pistol buying guide.

What else you’ll need

• Spare magazines: two or three is ideal. Browse pistol magazines
• A holster: so your sidearm is always to hand. Browse holsters
• Gas: green gas for most GBB pistols. Browse gas
• BBs: 0.20g or 0.25g bio BBs suit most pistols. Browse BBs
• Eye protection: essential for every player. See our eye protection guide

Questions we get asked

What’s the best airsoft pistol for a beginner? A Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa or a 17-series gas pistol. Both are reliable, easy to maintain and have loads of spare magazines.

Gas or CO2? Gas for most players. CO2 if you play a lot in winter or want more power.

What else do I need? Green gas (or CO2 capsules), 0.20g or 0.25g BBs and eye protection.

Can I buy these? Yes, if you’re 18 or over and play airsoft. UKARA isn’t needed. Just confirm at checkout and we’ll give you a quick call before we send it. Not a player yet? We’ll spray any replica two-tone for free (adds 24 hours). Read our UKARA and two-tone guide.

Why is my gas pistol weaker in the cold? Green gas pressure drops as the temperature falls, so the pistol shoots softer and the blowback is weaker. Keep magazines warm, or choose a CO2 pistol for winter.

Are airsoft pistols good for beginners? Yes. A pistol is a great first replica or a backup to your main gun, and a Hi-Capa or 17-series is easy to learn and maintain.

Can I use CO2 magazines in a green gas pistol? Only if the manufacturer makes a CO2 magazine for that model. Never put CO2 in a green gas magazine.

Do you sell spare parts for pistols? Yes, and our in-house tech can service or upgrade your pistol in the shop.

Free click & collect from our shop at 20 Castle Street, Thetford, or UK delivery from £3.95 (free over £50). Want to try before you buy? Test it on our indoor range, or call us on 01842 683567.

More buying guides: pistols · sniper rifles · SMGs · shotguns · under £100 · under £200 · masks & eye protection · for beginners · starter kits