ELECTRIC AIRSOFT PISTOLS
Electric Airsoft Pistols
The general term of electric airsoft pistol is airsoft electric pistol, AEP for short is essentially a miniaturized AEG and is probably the most cost-effective airsoft pistol platform. Though most people prefer an assault rifle style AEG, certain role players would prefer an AEP over a gas one just for the sake of more consistent power output, but in return, AEP lacks in realism and the satisfying impulse that most airsoft experience when they are using a gas-powered airsoft pistol. If you are looking for an airsoft pistol that has great performance and realism is not a concern, consider getting an AEP. If you plan to look for an airsoft pistol to build proper shooting habits or dry firing, then AEP may not suit your needs.
What to Look for in an Electric Airsoft Pistol?
When looking to purchase an electric airsoft pistol, one of the things we must pay attention to is battery acceptance. Certain AEP will take proprietary shaped Li-Po batteries, making it hard to swap out in a pinch, not to mention it is close to impossible to find a place to recharge the said battery when the player is in the field. However, there are some AEPs that just take standard batteries such as AA sized ones, which can easily be found in a supermarket or convenience store. Players just need to bring some spare batteries in their kit and they are all set.
Another thing to look out for is whether the pistol has a picatinny rail at the bottom of the pistol for lights or accessories. Having the extra weight may not sound ideal on such a lightweight airsoft pistol, but having the option will allow a better gameplay experience such as having a light to check dark corners if enemies are hiding.
What are Some of the Best Electric Airsoft Pistols?
There are a plethora of AEPs that airsofts can choose from on our online store. Out of all the ones you can choose from, we do recommend for beginning AEP users to look into the hi-capa line. As they have all the basic features, with a relatively high ammo capacity for prolonged gameplay. Certain models can even shoot full-auto, if the game site allows, you practically have a miniature SMG as your sidearm.
https://www.redwolfairsoft.com/aeg-aep-tokyo-marui-aep-tokyo-marui-hi-capa-e-full-semi-auto-fixed-slide-without-battery-charger.html
Why You Should Use an Electric Airsoft Pistol
Though AEP is not as realistic and nowhere near as satisfying as shooting a gas pistol, AEP is relatively consistent. It will perform well under all kinds of weather conditions as long as the battery is charged. And since 1 charged battery should last you almost a full day, the user will end up needing to carry less equipment to the game (extra bottles of gas for gas-powered airsoft pistol). Furthermore, AEPs are generally made with plastic, making it one of the lightest sidearm to carry. For airsofters that plan to run around all day, having an AEP as sidearm may not be a bad idea. Do note that plastic slides and frames are more prone to breakage so be sure to take that into account when purchasing one.
Electric Airsoft Pistol
These are battery powered airsoft pistols that can shoot in semi or full auto. Electric powered airsoft pistols come in two different types: Electric Blowback airsoft pistol (EBB) which are designed for beginners delivering appoximately 150fps using 0.12g BBs, or 90fps using 0.2g BBs, while Automatic Electric Pistol (AEP) shoot with more power for skrimishing at 180fps using 0.2g BBs. EBB pistols have simulated blowback, while AEP pistols have fixed slides. Use our shopping filters to find the electric airsoft pistol you need.
- Novritsch SSE18 Full Auto / Semi AEP Airsoft Pistol - OD (Gen 2) - US version Out of Stock NOVH-SSE18-AEP-OD-US$159.99
Electric airsoft pistols draw power from a battery to propel BBs down range, allowing you to easily direct follow-up shots toward your opponents in close-quarters battle (CQB) scenarios. Electric blowback airsoft pistols have a moving slide that simulates real-life recoil, while automatic electric pistols have a fixed slide.
Many beginners start with an electric airsoft pistol for its affordability and ease of operation but often graduate to a gas blowback airsoft pistol or an automatic electric gun (AEG).
What Are Electric Airsoft Pistols?
Electric airsoft pistols use an electric motor powered by a battery to shoot airsoft BBs down range. These pistols can shoot in semi-automatic and full-auto modes. Many beginners gravitate toward electric airsoft pistols because they don’t require green gas or CO2 capsules, which can be expensive.
Many players of all experience levels keep an electric airsoft pistol as their sidearm or backup weapon. These airsoft pistols offer a quick follow-up shot if you’re a sniper who needs to abandon the long range of your sniper rifle and contend with your opponents up close.
Most batteries hold enough charge to play for an entire day, perhaps two, depending on how often you use it.
How Do Electric Airsoft Pistols Work?
Electric airsoft guns require a battery to power an internal motor. When activated, the motor turns a series of gears that compress a main spring, similar to the mechanical action you perform when you manually cock a spring-powered airsoft pistol.
As you pull the trigger, the spring tension is released, pushing a piston into a cylinder to create pressurized air, which propels the BB down range.
Two types of electric airsoft pistols exist: the electric blowback pistol and the automatic electric pistol.
Electric Blowback (EBB) Airsoft Pistol
EBB airsoft pistols are a tamer version of gas blowback (GBB) pistols, which use part of the compressed airsoft gas charge (green gas or CO2) to produce somewhat realistic recoil. The simulated blowback of these battery-powered airsoft pistols doesn’t have a powerful muzzle flip, but it can throw the slide backward for visual appeal.
Many beginners who want to carry a pistol go for an EBB because it’s an affordable option. The stick magazines that come with most EBB pistols are also easy to carry in bulk, and installing the battery in the pistol grip quickly prepares you for gameplay.
Although most EBBs have less power than their spring airsoft pistol counterparts due to plastic internals and weaker internal springs, they’re still tons of fun to shoot.
Automatic Electric Pistol (AEP)
If you’re looking for more power than most EBB platforms offer, an AEP could satisfy your needs. An AEP works off the same basic concept as most electric airsoft pistols, with slightly more advanced internals. However, the slide of an automatic electric pistol is fixed in place.
Can You Upgrade an Electric Airsoft Pistol?
Although electric airsoft pistols automate the same basic mechanism that’s found in a spring-powered airsoft pistol, they suffer from a similar lack of aftermarket support and upgradeability.
For the most part, electric blowback pistols can’t necessarily be upgraded, and even AEPs have limited parts availability. In some cases, it’s a matter of the effort far outweighing any gains, and in others, it’s as simple as not having enough room within the pistol footprint.
Indeed, installing a precision inner barrel is one of the only real modifications you can make to an AEP. Even so, you’re only getting slightly more velocity (measured in feet-per-second, or FPS). If it’s more power you’re looking for, a GBB pistol offers a broader selection and more robust aftermarket support.
Electric Airsoft Pistols vs. Gas-Powered Airsoft Pistols
Power, cost, and performance separate electric and gas airsoft pistols. Electric airsoft pistols do better in fluctuating temperatures, as the internals can typically function consistently across a wide temperature range. They’re also cheaper to invest in initially and operate, as long as you have a way to charge the batteries.
In contrast, gas-powered airsoft pistols require purchasing green gas or CO2. Although you can get quite a few shots out of both types of compressed gas, buying bottles of green gas or CO2 capsules can quickly drain your wallet.
Gas airsoft pistols are also more susceptible to temperature changes and suffer from what’s known as the “cool-down” effect, which affects the velocity of BBs flying down range.
However, many airsoft players run gas-powered pistols because they’re so much fun. The realistic recoil provides a tactile experience, and the added power gives you further reach to pick off your opponents. Players also often collect gas airsoft pistols to add to their arsenal.
What Are Some Popular Electric Airsoft Pistols?
Since most EBB pistols are made equal, you can’t really go wrong with any of them. For the most part, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you want something with a bit more power, automatic electric pistol variants are the way to go.
Tokyo Marui has a significant presence in the electric airsoft pistol arena, similar to the Hi-Capa pistol segment.
Here are a few of our favorite electric airsoft pistols (EBB and AEP):
- Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa AEP: This Hi-Capa features a fixed slide, a 30-round magazine, and metal gears.
- CYMA Salient Arms BLU Airsoft AEP (Mosfet Edition): This fully licensed variant incorporates a full metal slide, polymer frame, adjustable hop, and heavyweight construction.
- Tokyo Marui Beretta M9 A1 AEP: There’s no mistaking the Beretta emblem on this fixed-slide AEP that shoots in semi-auto and full-auto.
- Desert Eagle EBB: Tokyo Marui’s EBB take on the Desert Eagle comes in silver and black, with a functioning slide and cocking hammer.
- Novritsch SSE18 Full Auto/Semi AEP: Upgraded by the master himself, this AEP (based on the Glock 17 platform) features an adjustable hop-up, fiber optic front sight, straight trigger, and threaded outer barrel, and is also available in tan and OD green.
There’s no better place to find your next electric airsoft pistol than RedWolf. Our vast selection of available airsoft rifles, handguns, shotguns, grenade launchers, accessories, ammo, and gear helps you find everything you’re looking for, all in one place.
We also stock popular brands like Umarex/Elite Force, Sig, and more. Add your favorite electric airsoft pistol to your wishlist and see what else makes its way into the cart here at RedWolf.
Electric Airsoft Pistols
The general term of electric airsoft pistol is airsoft electric pistol, AEP for short is essentially a miniaturized AEG and is probably the most cost-effective airsoft pistol platform. Though most people prefer an assault rifle style AEG, certain role players would prefer an AEP over a gas one just for the sake of more consistent power output, but in return, AEP lacks in realism and the satisfying impulse that most airsoft experience when they are using a gas-powered airsoft pistol. If you are looking for an airsoft pistol that has great performance and realism is not a concern, consider getting an AEP. If you plan to look for an airsoft pistol to build proper shooting habits or dry firing, then AEP may not suit your needs.
What to Look for in an Electric Airsoft Pistol?
When looking to purchase an electric airsoft pistol, one of the things we must pay attention to is battery acceptance. Certain AEP will take proprietary shaped Li-Po batteries, making it hard to swap out in a pinch, not to mention it is close to impossible to find a place to recharge the said battery when the player is in the field. However, there are some AEPs that just take standard batteries such as AA sized ones, which can easily be found in a supermarket or convenience store. Players just need to bring some spare batteries in their kit and they are all set.
Another thing to look out for is whether the pistol has a picatinny rail at the bottom of the pistol for lights or accessories. Having the extra weight may not sound ideal on such a lightweight airsoft pistol, but having the option will allow a better gameplay experience such as having a light to check dark corners if enemies are hiding.
What are Some of the Best Electric Airsoft Pistols?
There are a plethora of AEPs that airsofts can choose from on our online store. Out of all the ones you can choose from, we do recommend for beginning AEP users to look into the hi-capa line. As they have all the basic features, with a relatively high ammo capacity for prolonged gameplay. Certain models can even shoot full-auto, if the game site allows, you practically have a miniature SMG as your sidearm.
https://www.redwolfairsoft.com/aeg-aep-tokyo-marui-aep-tokyo-marui-hi-capa-e-full-semi-auto-fixed-slide-without-battery-charger.html
Why You Should Use an Electric Airsoft Pistol
Though AEP is not as realistic and nowhere near as satisfying as shooting a gas pistol, AEP is relatively consistent. It will perform well under all kinds of weather conditions as long as the battery is charged. And since 1 charged battery should last you almost a full day, the user will end up needing to carry less equipment to the game (extra bottles of gas for gas-powered airsoft pistol). Furthermore, AEPs are generally made with plastic, making it one of the lightest sidearm to carry. For airsofters that plan to run around all day, having an AEP as sidearm may not be a bad idea. Do note that plastic slides and frames are more prone to breakage so be sure to take that into account when purchasing one.
How do Electric Airsoft Pistols Work?
Electric airsoft pistols run on batteries that power a motor. As you pull the trigger, the motor turns a series of gears that compresses a main spring. Once the main spring is full compressed and released, it pushes a piston into a cylinder, which creates pressurized air. This air is routed into the barrel where a BB is sitting ready to be pushed out of the barrel of the gun. In semi-auto mode, the action stops here. In full-auto mode, everything described above is repeated again until the trigger is released.
There are two types of electric airsoft pistols, and the cheaper version is called the Electric Blowback Pistol, or EBB. These are in essence full polymer automated spring pistols, which run on 4 x AAA batteries that drives a low power motor. The main spring is of very modest power and these EBB pistols are unable to shoot heavy BBs. The slide moves back slightly during firing but there is no felt recoil at all, and the motion is simply for visual appeal. EBB pistols are less powerful that spring pistols, because the mostly plastic internal mechanism of EBBs cannot drive a stiff spring. But EBB pistols offer a fun shooting semi-auto or full auto experience for those just getting into airsoft. The magazines are stick type because most of the real-estate inside the grip is taken up by the 4 x AAA alkaline batteries.
A more advanced type of electric airsoft pistol is the Automatic Electric Pistol, or AEP. This is essentially an attempt to shoehorn a AEG rifle’s internals into the small footprint of a pistol. AEP pistols have an internal gearset driven by a higher power motor than in EBBs. The pistol also houses a small rechargeable battery stored inside the slide. Operating in much the same way as an EBB but with significantly more power. AEP pistols can generate FPS ratings that make them more useful in the field.
If you choose an EBB, make sure to use 0.12g BBs that is recommended for greater durability of the pistol.
Are Electric Airsoft Pistols Good?
Electric pistols are an alternative to the much more popular gas airsoft pistol. Electric pistols might be good for people who have no access to green gas or CO2, or simply want a pistol that runs on battery power, which is cheaper and more reliable to run. An electric airsoft pistol is a pragmatic choice and while they do the job, they do not particular shoot far nor get your adrenaline running. However they make an excellent for younger shooters just starting out in airsoft. It is a safer option compared to gas or CO2 pistols.
Popular electric powered airsoft pistols are mostly AEP airsoft guns. Tokyo Marui AEP guns are the most relialble and popular compared to all other brands, although admitted few other manufacturers make AEPs. If you’re looking for an AEP, consider the Tokyo Marui Hi Capa AEP or the Tokyo Marui Beretta M9 AEP. Unfortunately many people ask but Tokyo Marui does not make the Tokyo Marui Desert Eagle AEP. Instead, they offer a black or nicklet plated version of the Tokyo Marui Desert Eagle EBB. Tokyo Marui Electric Airsoft Glock pistols are only available in Japan and not for sale elsewhere. Some customers also ask about the Tokyo Marui MAC 10 AEP, but it’s actually a Tokyo Marui MAC 10 EBB and its listed in our Electric Powered SMG section since its not a pistol. Most of the guns listed in the Electric Powered SMG section are AEGs with full size gearboxes to generate significantly more power.
What is the Best Electric Airsoft Pistol?
If you are only getting an EBB pistol for indoor plinking, then all electric airsoft handguns perform pretty much the same. If you want something that shoots a little hard and can be used for real skrimishing or in games, then opt for one of Tokyo Marui’s AEP pistols. They all perform pretty much the same, so ultimately which one is best depends on your taste.
Can You Upgrade an Airsoft Electric Pistol?
EBB pistols cannot be upgraded at all, while there are very limited parts available for modifying AEP pistols. However the limited space and the laws of physics means that it is extremely difficult to upgrade an AEP pistol to generate any significant gains. Any minor gains in power will require a lot of work, and a big tradeoff in durability. We do not recommend modifying or upgrading any electric airsoft pistol, except maybe to put a precision inner barrel into an AEP for small FPS gains. Unfortunately the 400FPS electric airsoft pistol is a myth and does not exist. If you wish to upgrade and modify your guns for more power, then consider getting a gas blowback airsoft pistol instead.
How Does an Electric Airsoft Pistol Compare to a Gas Airsoft Pistol?
Electric airsoft pistols are purely functional with very limited engagement when it comes to the shooting experience. EBB pistols are for beginners and should not be considered for more serious players, while AEP pistols may have an edge over gas pistols if you live in a very cold climate. Gas pistols only operate well in warm weather, and do not perform consistently when fired rapidly in semi, burst or full auto mode. If you need to shoot your pistol frequently in rapid succession, and in cold weather nonetheless, then an AEP electric pistol might make more sense than a gas airsoft pistol.
But for pure fun factor, gas airsoft pistols blow electric airsoft pistols away with their much higher power, more realistic action, and each gas pistol has a much more distinct character that makes them interesting to collect. Compare the fact that when using a 0.2g BB, an EBB shoots at 90fps, while an AEP shoots at 180fps. An average gas pistol will shoot over 300fps. So it wouldn’t really be fair to compare an electric pistol against a gas pistol, since they are operating at completely different levels.
If you have the budget, we recommend getting a gas blowback airsoft pistol over an electric airsoft pistol.