Description
Army R45 Stubby Gas Blowback Pistol (Polymer Body and Slide – R45 – Blue)
The Army Armament R45 Stubby is a compact, short-slide gas blowback pistol in the 1911 family, with a polymer body and slide and a blue finish. Short 1911-style pistols have a long history as concealable carry guns, and the R45 brings that compact profile to airsoft.
Army Armament is known for affordable gas pistols, and the polymer version of the R45 keeps weight and cost down while still giving you a working blowback slide. It is a fun, handy pistol for target shooting and an easy-to-carry sidearm for skirmishing.
Build and design
The polymer body and slide make the R45 light and comfortable to carry, and polymer is tough and resistant to scratches and dents. The stubby proportions mean a short slide and grip that sit neatly in the hand and in a compact holster.
The blue finish gives the pistol a distinctive look and makes it easy to pick out among other sidearms.
How it works
The R45 is a gas blowback pistol, so the slide cycles back with every shot for realistic recoil, chambering the next BB ready for the following shot. Gas pistols work best at moderate temperatures; keep the magazine warm on cold days for the best performance.
A compact pistol rewards a steady grip and a smooth trigger press. Spend some time at the range getting used to the short sight radius.
Holsters and carry
Compact pistols like the R45 are easy to carry in a belt holster, a chest rig or even a pouch, which makes them a sensible backup for players who already carry a primary rifle. Choose a holster that holds the pistol securely without being hard to draw.
A magazine pouch on your belt lets you carry a spare, gassed magazine, which is handy for longer games.
Getting started
Fill the magazine with airsoft gas in short bursts, holding the can upright, and let it settle for a minute. Load the BBs, insert the magazine firmly and fire a few shots at a safe backstop to get a feel for the trigger and sights.
Practise drawing, reloading and using the safety at home, and have the pistol chronographed at your site before your first game.
Key features
- Compact, short-slide 1911-family gas blowback pistol
- Blue finish
- Polymer body and slide
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Realistic slide blowback
Compatibility
Use magazines made for the Army Armament R45 where possible, as compact 1911-style magazines are not always interchangeable between brands or models. Compact 1911 holsters are the best fit; check the fit before buying. Use only gas made for airsoft guns and good quality 0.20g BBs.
Care and maintenance
Put a drop of silicone oil on the magazine’s fill valve and seals every few fills, and store magazines with a little gas in them so the seals stay tight. Do not overfill, and let magazines warm up to room temperature in cold weather rather than heating them.
Wipe the moving parts and the outer barrel with a thin film of silicone oil now and then, clean the inner barrel with a rod and patch, and use good quality seamless BBs. Never use petroleum-based oils on the seals.
Who is it for?
The R45 Stubby suits players looking for a light, compact sidearm, collectors of unusual and coloured pistols, and anyone who wants an affordable gas blowback pistol for target practice.
Please note: gas and BBs are not included. Always wear suitable eye and face protection when using airsoft replicas.
