AIRSOFT SPRING PISTOLS

What Is a Spring Airsoft Pistol?

A spring airsoft pistol uses a compressed spring to propel BBs down range. Of all the types of airsoft guns, spring-powered pistols are among the easiest and cheapest to operate. Many beginners start with spring-powered airsoft guns (often called “springers”), as they’re also great for plinking and target practice in the backyard. 

Players often use a spring airsoft pistol as a backup weapon or sidearm, especially when playing primarily with an airsoft sniper rifle. This type of airsoft pistol doesn’t require green gas (used by airsoft gas blowback (GBB) pistols such as Glock and Sig Sauer) or CO2 capsules, which are more susceptible to temperature changes. 

Spring airsoft pistols are also easier to operate than high-pressure air (HPA) airsoft rifles but not necessarily as fun as grenade launchers or airsoft shotguns (which can also be spring-powered).

Spring airsoft pistols are also a completely different animal than automatic electric pistols (AEPs) and automatic electric guns (AEGs), which operate using batteries and gearboxes. Examples include the CYMA Salient Arms BLU Airsoft AEP (Mosfet Edition) and the Cybergun FN P90 Airsoft AEG SMG.

How Does a Spring Airsoft Pistol Work?

Spring airsoft pistols work off a simple design principle. Manually compressing a spring builds tension, which creates a pocket of air when released. Each time you want to fire your spring air pistol, you must cock the gun first to expel an airsoft BB. 

The mechanics of how springs are compressed and released vary between spring airsoft pistol models. Popular designs include the Beretta M9, Colt M1911, Magnum Research Desert Eagle, Double Eagle, and the .357 Magnum revolver. Although spring airsoft pistols can be fun to carry, they’re slightly impractical in the heat of an airsoft game, as they’re slow to fire follow-up shots, have limited range, and typically manage only a low rate of fire. 

Can You Upgrade Spring Airsoft Pistols?

For the most part, spring airsoft pistols typically don’t have nearly the same aftermarket support as gas blowback (GBB) pistols or automatic electric guns (AEGs). 

Some models may allow you to upgrade certain aesthetic parts or swap out the internal spring for something stronger. However, a stiffer spring can stress the internals and shorten the longevity of your spring airsoft pistol. 

Although putting a silencer or suppressor on a spring airsoft pistol can make it more aesthetically pleasing, these devices typically don’t address the distinctive sound of a springer firing. Flashlights and red dots can also give your spring airsoft pistol a custom look. 

You can also find some spring airsoft pistols in the boneyard, such as the BONEYARD KWC SP2022 spring pistol.

What Are Some Popular Spring Airsoft Pistol Models?

It would take a lot of space and time to give every spring airsoft pistol the time it deserves. 

To help guide you toward the best spring airsoft pistol for your experience level and gameplay style, we’ve picked a few of our favorites to highlight: 

• Tokyo Marui AUTOMAG III: Tokyo Marui upholds a reputation for quality and performance, and this AUTOMAG is no exception. It features a wide grip and a 25-round magazine. 
• Umarex WALTHER PPQ 'HME': Fully licensed by Walther, this Umarex spring airsoft handgun incorporates a realistic heavy weight and full metal slide. 
• Tokyo Marui P228 Spring Airsoft Pistol (High Grade): The brand’s replication of the Sig P228 features a full-size removable magazine. 
• Tokyo Marui Python PPC Custom Spring Revolver: Feed BBs into the six-inch shells and out the 6mm barrel of this Python spring airsoft revolver. 
• Maruzen APS-1 Grand Master MK.III: If you’re looking for an Olympic-style spring airsoft pistol, Maruzen’s rendition includes an adjustable grip and trigger. 

Whether you choose a spring-powered airsoft pistol or revolver, RedWolf carries the selection you need to make the best purchase for your budget. As you browse, check out the many airsoft parts, ammo, and accessories we carry, including buckings, hop-ups, holsters, nozzles, vests, and almost anything else on your wishlist.