Inexpensive starter pistol
 

Hey guys, looking for info regarding starter pistols that would be anywhere from 100-150 bucks and shoot 300-350 fps. This is not a want to buy article, but a inquiry for information and discussion, I have looked at some co2 pistols like the kwc 1911 that fit perfectly in my price range, could you guys just suggest any other possible pistols in this price range for retail? Currently awaiting my AV. Should i wait to gain access to the classifieds?

Classifieds is full of good deals
Yes, wait

As for brand, for something not too expansive and reliable you should consider Kwa.

Thanks for the prompt response, I'm definitely hoping I can find something at a reasonable price, I have heard only good things about kwa. Myself personally I like the 1911 look, so hopefully I can sweet spot something around 120 or 130 used with a extra mag

I wouldn't look that low...

Sorry bro but $100 is probably the going rate for a broken/"parts gun" WE 1911.

I would avoid the KWC Co2 1911s as they shoot wayy to hot for CQB. I know someone who bought one and it sits on his webbing every game. Its become a show piece for him.

For a basic WE 1911 expect around 200-250ish for one with some mags.

Be patient and wait a few days for your AV to kick in!

there are KWAs and kjws for <200

Some used KJW and most WE (used, again) are often around the 150$ mark, although that would be in the low-end of their typical price-range. And as LurkingKnight said, KWA's price a pretty damn good these days at some retailers, even if still higher than OP's target price.

To OP: A good advice would be to wait an extra pay or two and stack up at least 200$ to just get started into buying a pistol. A better advice would be to stack a good 3-400$ so you buy something reliable, an extra mag or two (it all depends on your intentions needs though), AI propane adapter, some *good* BBs (no Canadian Tire or Walmart crap), potentially a holster, GOGGLES or ANSI Z87.1 and above rated glasses (BB bounces)

About Eye Protection, we can't stress that enough. Buy some. You don't have to spend 50-100$ on them, as long as they offer a good seal and answers to Z87.1 standards (protection for high-speed impact), a lot of working glasses are rated so, if you feel you have to cheap out on glasses (which you shouldn't)

buy cheap buy twice

As I usually tell many people who are interested in airsoft, (whether it turns them away or not I still tell them as they should heed the warning) If you are going to cheap out in airsoft, don't even start. Airsoft is an expensive hobby and isn't for everyone. spending around 150 bucks for an brand new pistol isn't breaking the bank. Many ways to save money, buy one less video game could pay for half the cost of a 150 dollar KWA pistol. (From what I know personally at least brand new video games cost at least 59.99 - 69.99) anyway, 150 bucks is actually very reasonable for a Pistol of KWA quality. so as everyone else said I wouldn't look below 150 bucks for a working decent pistol

Absolutely the best advice when it comes to pistols

1. They are hard and troublesome to fix
2. They are hard wearing and eventually beat themselves to pieces, even the best of them...at best you swap in a new part, at worst you junk it. Worst-worst is you dump lots of time/money into it and still end up with it not working for long
3. Some guys use theirs a lot...some rarely. But either way you just want it to work when you use it.
4. The fastest way to ruin a perfectly working pistol is to "upgrade" it

TM pistols (IMO) are the best. Action/reliability/build quality/detail. Downside is that they're entirely plastic. That's a bit of bummer when it comes to the nice feel/sound of a metal gun. But they work. For a "simple" metal upgrade like a metal slide and recoil spring, they're usually very painless (again....buy quality on upgrades)

WE guns look great...but they're sluggish in general. If you're a max-uber-performance-super-blaster nut you'll be irritated...if you're a utilitarian-infrequent-use-focus on other aspects type, it might fit the bill. Awesome looks for the price though. Lots of very nice 1911 builds. You can try to soup it up...but see the points above.

KWA pistols tend to be very good builds (their USPs and some other models tend to be frail...mostly since they run really hard on themselves). They might shoot very hard though (some old one shot so hard they blew nozzles/pieces frequently) and not come in under sub 350 limits. The new gen are quite nice. Good builds over all and would be my second choice.

I wouldn't bother with KSC. Great builds but they're all plastic too...and if I was going that route I'd by a TM.

KJW tend to be ok. Workhorses...but their longevity might not be great. Lots of their glocks out there though...(lots of worn out/busted ones too).

WA are nice builds for looks. Parts can be hard to find. Very nice plastic builds...metal upgrades are pricey. If you want a pretty piece it's an option.

For any new guy with zero familiarity with these things...I wouldn't recomend buying used at all. Don't rush to snap up something...budget approx $500. $300 for the pistol, $100 for a pair of extra mags and $100 (that's lean) for a holster/pouches to hold things.

Thanks
 

Thanks for the great advice, decided to Go kjw as Milsig.ca is completely blowing out their pistol line for 100 bucks each. ordered the p226, although it may not be as good as kwa or TM i myself have a G and G combat machine that i have put over 2000 rounds through, i maintain it well and haven't had a problem thus far. I spent 180$ on it brand new and i think that they are also workhorses for what you pay for as i think they are the easiest way to reliably enter Airsoft. (not in that all guns go down). Ended Up Paying 175 for KJW p226 that shoots 310-330 with .2's perfect for CQB. keep in mind the kjw came with 2 magazines and 4000 bb's. I'm looking for reasonable options in terms of starter equipment, and i've been pretty lucky. i know airsoft is a type of go cheap go home scenario, but it can be done. i'll take the steps necessary to maintain my inexpensive equipment. :)

I definitly think airsoft is a money pit. If you can't afford a $200 pistol. You shouldn't be starting airsoft.

Purchased VGP-XP Pyramex goggles, wanted revisions but they were to expensive, using metal mesh for mouth protection and a pasgat helmet for now :) good words to help a new guy! i made sure that there was a full seal and they are ANSI and Milspec Rated :D

Help Me find cost effective solutions and make suggestions to assist me in my purchases rather then turning me away from the sport. Jupiterl simply told me to screw off. Not appreciated.

There are pistols that suit your needs in the classifieds section of the site. The sooner you get age verified the sooner you can start.

Okay.... save up your money. Nothing good comes out of buying cheap crap. Welcome to REAL LIFE.
Don't appreciate it? Well you don't really have a choice.
If your not willing to upgrade your budget you must downgrade your expectations.
You won't need a holster right away but it is useful if you wish to game the pistol. Also you will not need a second mag, but again the advantages are obvious.
You will also want to get your hands on an AI (Airsoft Innovations) Propane Adaptor kit. This will let you use normal Propane (the kit comes with silicon oil). This will save you allot in costs. (green gas-$20.00 for 8oz. propane $5.00 for 16oz)

This sounds harsh I know. But it has to. Phloudernow has done many builds and knows airsoft pretty darn well if you ask me. But look at it. You want a good working pistol then you need to save up. Not by that new video game. Work an extra shift at work, don't eat out the next few weeks. Saving a few more bucks adds up.

People are trying to emphasize that you're going to be hard pressed to find a good gun for $100. If you get one for $100, it's probably a piece of crap, or was good at one time, but is on its last legs.

KJW is a decent brand. I have several KJWs myself. I have a feeling that the only reason they're $100 is because they've got a fully clear body, so they're not selling as well. At $100, a KJW should hold you over just fine.

Not expecting the best pistol, simply something that will work. KJW was noted as a workhorse and i have read plenty of reviews that saw mostly good things. I have a holster positioned on my vest waiting to be filled and will be grabbing the kit as soon as possible. Green Gas is way overpriced in a can. I have ordered it with 2 additional magazines for pistol games.

This was the resin i considered them, i don't mind the clear body as it can be painted or changed, i have heard they are made of a very durable Polymer body thats is not easy to crack, i think it will work well as well as long as i keep things checked on.

This is airsoft. The use of the phrase "cost-effective" is very much a relative term in this sport. Sorry to hurt your feelings, but that's the way it is. Unless all you are going to do is some plinking in the basement, $200.00 is but a small drop in a very large bucket that you can expect to spend over time in this hobby... either in the short term, or the long.

As the saying goes, want it sugar coated? Go to a candy shop..

Brand new KJW p226 200 brand new, purchased one for 99.95 and got 2 magazines and 4000 bb's for 175$. There may be a bucket, but it doesn't have to be huge if you look around. i saved over 100 dollars on that order. if i do that for every purchase my bucket won't be that big. its not about my feeling but the reality of everyone telling me that i need to spend 200 dollars on a pistol or not play is not warranted, as i did buy a 200 dollar pistol, for 100 bucks.

Plastic frame. If you are happy with that, great.. Metal framed KJW M9's/P226's can be found for $200.00. There is a reason why buyairsoft is blowing them out.. they can't be selling very much of them in the current market, now that metal framed pistols are much more available to the savvy buyer.

Durable Polymer. Have heard no issues with cracking or damages. plea show them to me if you can find them. Also it is ok with me as i am sure it would cost ALOT more with metal. a 100 dollar KJW is a steal. I think its great that your Savvy, but to find one for 100 bucks, even with a polymer lower. Please show me where they can be found brand new in canada for 100 bucks and i'l agree with you that they are a better buy.

My first KJW M9 had a cansoft frame, and it's lasted me a couple years of relatively light use so far.

The mag hasn't lasted though. If you're going to buy more mags, spend a little more and get a TM mag (KJW is TM compatible).

Anyway, in the defence of the "big bucket" people (of which I am one, but only because I blindly tell myself that "it would be so much more fun if I just had one more [insert piece of gear here]"), you made a compromise, and got a clear plastic framed gun.
So...Yeah...*turns nose up snobbily at your plasticness*

Get age-verified. I didn't say they were on buyairsoft.

In the OP's defence.. but i also had the KJW M9 "cansoft" to start - no issues with it at all for the year i used it.. but it just wasn't metal. Found a deal on the FM version and bought another one. Now i've got a spare lower for the internal parts, and an additional (metal, cansoft version has the same slide assembly as FM) upper with threaded barrel and silencer for the FM primary.

If i were to do it again, and they were as readily available at the time as they are now, FM the first time, done deal.

LOL at firestorm. We'll see what happens with it. i bought 2 extra generic mags because whey were pretty cheap, may regret it or it may work. that sounds smart, it there is a reasonable deal after i get into it more for a FM version i won't hesitate.

But then you'll have wasted $100 on a plastic gun, and people will rub your nose in it. People will chant "buy cheap, buy twice" as you do your walk of shame into the staging area of a game and sheepishly load the new gun that has replaced the original.

It can go so many ways, can only hope for the best. thanks for the tips.

i would liek to recommend you the hellfire 1911 from airsoftdepot.ca its full metal and is pretty mucH a WE highcapa.

No retailer outside AV noob!

Clear plastic frams WILL break. Its almost a guarantee. I know of what i speak i own 10 pistols currently. Every single clear frame gun i have had cracked, with the execption or my kjw glock 32. Its in a guarder frame now though.

Parts are interchangeable, it breaks and I get a full metal version lower, at a lower price in total as these are interchangeable. As well as the magazines, I've gamed it and it seems sturdy, going to place a retention cord on it so it won't hit the ground if dropped. Until it breaks I'm good :)

I picked up a KWC SW40F (Smith and Wesson clone). $150+tax at a major Toronto retailer (can't specify directly because you aren't AV'ed, so make the connection yourself). Great blowback, its CO2, which works great in any condition, and in the four months I have had it I have had ZERO problems with it. Fairly accurate for a CO2 pistol I must say. Fires at around 385fps using .20's. It slightly resembles a glock crossed with something else.. I've had TM glocks before, a G18 and a G17, and I actually like this better. Only thing is I haven't been able to find spare mags for it, although I haven't looked in the past six weeks or so.. should probably get on that..

385 is a bit hot for cqb, but sounds cool

Yeah no, not a CQB pistol, I only use it outdoors.

I personally suggest a KWA ATP. Mine is the first gen and has run perfectly for thousands of rounds. Parts are easy to get if anything breaks and they are one of the TOP teir gbb pistol manufactureers. Prices are dirt cheap too.

It's likely you'll move on to a metal WE or a TM at that point. Pouring cash into a starter gun isn't really that super.. It does seem to be the case however that nearly everybody goes through their starter gun phase for a bit. No biggie. You can appreciate a high end gun like a TM (or whatever) that much more when you finally get your hands on one, and you will eventually..

An extra $150 for a TM sounds like a lot now but just wait until you get some higher/steadier income in your pocket. Just keep saving those pennies, in the meantime run what you got till it's dust .. That's what everyone else does.

You shot me with that KJW of yours at Ultimate Airsoft numerous times the night you came out to play with us last week and it stung like any TM or WE or KWA gun. Some of us run our TMs for months and months without getting a single kill with them, you tagged me and my guys many times that evening. That's all that counts for now...

One thing that sucks about the ATP like most of the other KWA guns and non-TM , non-WE stuff is that they all fire way too hot for indoor play..

There actually where some KJW FM p226's on sale for $150 brand new with a 10% discount at a certain grand opening, if anyone remembers that. Glad I got my dual tone, as it seems everyone has been sold out of them for months now. I still prefer the KJW over a TM tho.

Lol, a little off topic, but what I experienced was that I got more kills with either of my pistols than I did with my rifle during my first game 0.0

I'm curious, just HOW MANY of you experienced veterans out there actually still use a CO2 pistol after a number of years in the hobby vs propane?

CO2 is less temperamental. Less fluctuations in velocity as well.

Just stick an NPAS in it.

What do you consider "too hot"? They all (KWA's) pretty much shoot below 350.

mine shoots(stock out of the box with all 5 of my mags) at 330 fps...:confused:

Great, looks like I was misinformed on the KWAs then . What is the deal with revolution listing the ATP as 370-380fps?

I think it was shown they used high flow valves to get the to pass certification. But now they just import regular ones since they have an exception.


Or maybe it's magic :/

Either they used hiflow valves, or they're just lying.

In any case stock KWA's shoot 300-350.

You guys win and I lose. The kjw p226 has totally rocked, however I found a Tokyo marui hi capa for 150 bucks. I had to buy it. I put over 1000 rounds through it today. Tokyo marui makes it so good, also cost effective magazines as I can use WE hi capa magazines. Thanks everyone for your earlier tips but this hi capa is a laser, much more accurate then my 226 and just bad ass, thanks again all who posted.

Hey Sammy,

If your still looking for a very nice pair of Authentic Revision eye wear. Take a look at Jeroons store ARMY ISSUE in Mississauga. Best price ive seen around.

Already purchased Revision Locusts, they ar great! The TM Hi CAPA was a absolute laser and a joy to shoot! i am using propane in a TM at the minute, and have heard mixed reviews about doing so.... i want to upgrade it at some point, so i figure if the slide breaks i can take care of it, but i was very impressed that it ran 1000 rounds through it today no problem with propane. i have heard stories of guys putting 10's of thousands of round through it with propane, and i have heard the stories of 10 shots and the slide is gone, i know this has been covered to death, but if anyone with heavy TM Hi-Capa experience could make a comment i would love to hear about the best options :D

My Elite Force 1911 (KWC OEM) Shoots just under 350.

I heard rumors that the KWC 1911 can run on a propane mag but I'm not sure which...

both my KWA pistols shoot 380 stock on .2s and both from RA