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Let's face it! Anything can happen during a game of airsoft. Your weapon may get jammed during the most crucial part of the game. You may even run out of spare magazines without any time to fill them up with BB's. Even worse, you may end up with a rifle that has completely burned up. When one of your opponents is about to reach your hiding place and your main weapon can no longer protect you, you would wish to have one of these side arms tucked in your vest. It may not be as strong as a rifle, but having an airsoft pistol in your hand during such times is better than nothing.

A Friend That's Got You Covered!

Airsoft pistols are very good support weapons for airsoft games. They also have a place in Closed Quarter Battles or CQB's. There are three kinds of airsoft pistols: the spring pistol, the gas pistol and the electric pistol.

Springer Airsoft Pistols

Spring airsoft pistols or springers are the cheapest airsoft guns in the market. It is the best option for people who do not have the money to buy a gas airsoft gun or automatic electric gun (AEG). The pistols can cost as low as $25. High-end springers can reach a price of $50. The springer airsoft pistols are also used during cold weather when the AEG's and the gas airsoft pistols do not function well. The disadvantage of using a springer is that it has a limited range and power.

Electric Airsoft Pistols

Electric pistols, on the other hand, are powered by 4 AAA batteries. Most low-end electric pistols are as cheap as spring guns. High-end electric airsoft pistols are just slightly more expensive like the Tokyo Marui Dezert Eagle Electric Pistol which fires semi-auto rounds and costs only $59. These pistols can go as high as $65. Although they are cheaper than gas guns, the disadvantage of using electric airsoft pistols is that the power and range are also limited. They shoot around 100 to 130 fps and they are not very durable. They have the tendency to burn out after a few months. They sometimes don't work well during cold weather.

Gas Airsoft Pistols

A gas pistol, whether it is a low-end one or a high-end one, is the perfect back up weapon. When it comes to power, range and accuracy, a cheap gas pistol can surpass the two other types of airsoft pistols. Unfortunately, just like the AEG, it might not work well during cold weather. Temperature does have the tendency to make the gas contract. When it does, the pressure is significantly decreased. Also, owning a gas pistol can be very expensive. They cost around $100 and above. You also need to load these babies up with gas. A canister usually costs $20.

Realistic Blowback Feature

Some gas guns have gas blowbacks. This makes the experience more realistic because it resembles the recoil that one would feel when firing a live gun. Try firing one and feel the slide of the pistol move back just like a real gun.

Despite the extra expense, gas airsoft pistols would be more useful in an airsoft game. Gas airsoft guns have been used for a very long time. In fact, it has been around longer than automatic electric airsoft guns (AEG). In the past, there were gas assault rifles and machine guns. Unfortunately, none of them are manufactured today. They are now considered as 'airsoft antiques.'