Good First Pistol?
 

I already have 2 air-soft rifles and am now looking for a relatively low-price, reliable, field-worthy pistol. I have looked at all the reviews/ forum posts I can find ( for these guns and others ) and am right now looking at the

KWC Desert Eagle

G&G GS801

and the ASG STI Duty One

And am interested in Glock, SIG, and M9 styled pistols

Sorry if the is the wrong place for this post (tell me)
And I am open to any suggestions for pistols in the range of 100-230 CAD$

Thanks, Kelsea

None of the above. None of them have parts available for when they break, and they will break.

If you don't want to spend too much on a starter pistol, look for KJW pistols. They are all reliable, parts are available directly from the manufacturer for cheap and they don't need any upgrade out of the box.

Alternatively some WE pistols, like their Glock 17 (only the 17, don't touch the others) are pretty good for the money, but they are not as reliable as KJW pistols.

Lately price has come down a lot of Tokyo Marui pistols, so if you can revise your budget a bit, you'd get a very good pistol that will last you a very long time. Keep it stock and full plastic and it will always serve you well.

Oh, and don't forget to edit your post and remove the links, you are not supposed to post links to guns in the non age-verified section.

If your willing to shell out an extra 50ish$+taxes you can find a Tm g17 for sale from one of the Canadian retailers

First off, figure out what model of pistol fits you the best or that you really want first. In other words, do you want a USP, M9, Sig, 1911, Glock, etc.

From there, the community can help narrow into brands that make decent versions of those pistols that fit your budget.

I like the M9 /Glock/ Sig or something similar ,GG or CO2 powered, under 380 FPS (local field limit for pistols), and could likely go up to $235 CAD

KJW M9 and Sigs (for full metal and CO2/Green Gas) - Highly recommend KJW
WE/HK3P for (some) Glocks and Sigs
TM is a little out of your price range but worth the cash if you don't want full metal or CO2

KJW M9A1 FM looks quite nice, and has a good price where I've found it ($195) , also found a TM Glock 17 for less than that so I am going to keep looking seeing as I wont have enough money for about 5 weeks :p

I have a KJW P226 it was my first pistol and only, and i still use it and that was like 6 years ago..

I have a KJW M9...had it for a year now...But rarely have to use it...my primary AEG has always been pretty good...and being a bullpup I don't even switch to pistol for room clearing.

However, the KJW M9 is really nice..smooth action..

I think the primary thing is actually go and feel some pistols...I don't like the M9 because of my hand size just doesn't fit well. I have small hands that likes compact pistols..full size is too big, I can't even reach the mag release without moving my whole hand...cause I bought it online without feeling it first...

right, edit:
Perosnally, I don't like KWC. Parts not available...at least I can't find it...cause I was trying to fix my friend's KWC pistol. The parts in the KWC was inferior to 2 free Cybergun CO2 pistols of the exact model I got from a supplier at a trade show! (unless you want to shell out a lot of shipping fee)
KJW parts is like everywhere in NA...

Yeah, i've got a local airsoft store with mainly KWC, going to go there and feel out some guns, then buy a KJW online :P

Just wanted to double check, KJW is KJWorks?

Yup.

Okay, thanks.

Ive always had good luck with my pile of kwa pistols, My m9 ptp tac has been my major workhorse for the past two years or so, with no maintenance. And yes, it does get used quite frequently lol.

My KWA usp was a no go. Trigger and trigger bad snapped.

I'd go kjw or tm.

Looking at the KJW G23 Plastic Slide, and the KJW G32C ( metal slide )

Was wondering if anyone has experience with either.

save up a bit and get a TM G17. first and last pistol you ever buy.

The KJW G23/32 is a decent workhorse. Definitely get the metal slide, unfortunately the KJW plastic slides are nowhere near as good as TM plastic slides and will not last long on propane/green gas.

The KJW Glocks are reliable and durable, but their accuracy leaves to be desired because of their wobbly outer barrels. At close range you won't have any problem hitting anything, but their useful range is limited. They're good holster fillers and backup weapons, but if you plan to use it as a primary, you might want to look elsewhere. All other KJW pistols (1911/Hi-Capas/Sigs/CZ75/etc.) have better range and accuracy.

I think the G32 would be best for me, my main use for it will be as secondary with my sniper ( closest range you can shoot with them is 60ft), and with that range all i really need it for is reliability.

The only difference between their G23 and G32 is the ported slide. Also known as extra holes to let the dirt inside your pistol. They don't do anything on an Airsoft pistol and are purely cosmetic. If you plan to crawl around in the dirt all day, the G23 is a *much* better choice.

Would it be possible to tape over the holes or something? And also would it be as reliable as the KJW M9? ( just looking for something that wont break/ stop shooting )

If you have to jerry rig a solution for your pistol, and it wasn't issued to you by some organization, you need a different pistol.

Have you held a Glock 23/32? Depending on your needs, it can either be the perfect fit, or it can be infuriating small compared to a 17. Parts compatibility with TM is hit or miss - nothing fits right, the front rail block is different... but at least KJW parts are easy to get.

Most KJW pistols, with the exception of their USP (Ugh) are reliable workhorses. You will find that the M9s are a good gun, though I don't like their takedown - having become used to a captive recoil spring, I'm not enthused about having my spring fly halfway across my room when taking it apart. I also don't like how easy it is to engage the safety when racking the slide. It's a training issue, but a needless one when a frame mounted safety for them is possible (Looking at you Taurus). Lastly, having used a M9A1 as a primary sidearm, it's heavy. Like, anchor heavy. You WILL feel it.

I carry a Glock 17, but it's a custom build. The TM Glock 17s are a lot like a McLaren... they'll do their job damn well, but they're not durable externally. If you baby your kit, it'll be the best pistol you can get (and now at prices near KJW Glock price) and if you don't... upgrade or get a Sig.

Why a KJW Sig? Easy. It's a full metal pistol that can be found at retailers for less than $200. It doesn't have a safety in an awkward position, just a easily engaged decocker. Parts are easily available for it. The grip is super comfortable for small or large hands (Get rid of the finger grooves, Glock) and the sights are nice and clear. I mean, the downside is that it's got a high bore axis (barrel high up) but in airsoft that's not an issue. The gun is also lighter than the M9.

Lastly, if you're straining to make your budget, stop. Save up some more. The rule is buy cheap, buy twice. I learned the hard way, hopefully you don't.

If you really want one of KJW's Glock, just get the G23. There is absolutely no point in getting the G32. If the store you shop at has the G23 plastic slide and the G32 metal slide, they most definitely can get a G23 with a metal slide.

Should get age verified, some decent deals on pistols in classified section.

Sort of decided what I am going for, so here's my top 3:

1. Tokyo Marui XDM .40 Green Gas Pistol (175$)

2. Tokyo Marui Glock 17C Custom (190$)

3. KJW M9A1 Olive Drab CO2 Pistol (190$)

Again, if anyone has personal experience or info on any of these, tell me :p

Also, in either of the TMs, what type of gas would I need? (GG/Propane/ Duster/ etc.)

all TM's spec for duster, but everyone either uses green gas or propane.

I personally just went though a can of green gas on my brand new TM g17. now its kinda broken in. I switched to propane and am adding GBB oil to the cylinder (you do know that green gas is propane with oil and without the smell?)

your choices are good ones; just make sure you can get a kydex or serpa holsters for them.

All of them are excellent choices. Pick the one that fits your hand the best.

Okay,thanks for everyone's responses, definitely helped me as the initial guns I wanted were in some cases more expensive than the gun I am now going to get.

( I knew about GG :P )

Thanks again, Keslea

1. Points well, good angle, idiot proof operation with cocked and loaded indicator, grip safety. Bad side is the trigger can be a little long for a striker fired pistol. Nice mag capacity, good sights.

2. Get the regular TM Glock 17. The 17C looks nice, but has a ported slide, 1911 grip adapter, and magwell. The magwell is useful, the grip adapter fits nobody, and the ported slide can let in dirt. Parts compatibility through the roof.

3. It's loud. Trigger's light, double action's decent, points well. Grip is on the larger side. Safety gets in the way of a power stroke. Definitely heavy.

All three are good options. I like Glocks, so I recommend them. I used to carry the Beretta, and if I liked the look of the XDM I'd have one too.

TM G17, Hi-capa, 1911 have 19283912839921839128391839128932193129398129381923 819239 parts on the market.

Probably going to go with the G17 ( always nice to have parts )
Would propane be bad for the gun or would it make just a small difference compared to duster?

TM are designed for duster. I run all my TMS on propane with no problem so far...

So... if things breaks, it's an excuse to buy new parts :D

Okay, thanks

Some people have had cracked TM Glock slides with propane, but replacement metal slides and springs sets are easily available and run between 100-150$. Because of the square shape, the Glock slide is not as impact resistant as the other TM plastic slides. With that said, they will usually last a while, its rare that they crack in the first few games. Some people have been using them with plastic slides for years.

So if the slide were to break it would be relatively easy to replace?

Very simple.

It just costs you 100-200 USD depending on the brand. I ran my old old TM M&P9 last winter season on propane, had no problems. Sold it to a good friend and he dropped 800 bucks immediately upgrading it to tits.

yes, but when you get a metal slide, its a good idea to get a metal guide+ spring as well. You can also epoxy the slide if it starts to crack for whatever reason like if your short on cash and a game is coming up soon.

The TM's already come with a metal guide and spring, which is an upgrade on the polymer unit on the actual Glock. Upgrades are nice, but in the end you just need a 150% spring on a metal slide.

So, i've sorta decided what im going to get ( over time )

TM G17
PGC Metal Slide/Barrel Set Marui G17 BK
Guarder 150% Enhanced Recoil/Hammer Spring
GUARDER ORIGINAL FRAME FOR MARUI G17

Would these upgrades be the best for using GG? Mainly looking to make it last long on GG.

Yeah you look good on your plan in my opinion but I don't think you will need the frame for a while. In my opinion use it until something breaks, replace and use it again.

If I think he's getting the frame from where he's getting it from... I.E. A Canadian retailer... it may be worth getting it now as resupply on that frame is erratic to say the least.

one thing I have noticed on my TM G17 is that the slide will pop off the back sometimes on propane. I've started to ensure I only use half cans of gas on it and not fill it for too long. Strange though that it's never happened on my G18c...

How well would the TM G17 perform in 1-5°C, and if it doesn't work would a Co2 pistol perform better?

KJW MAGS SUCK, constant leaks and repairs...other then that the pistols works fine, I have KWA Pistols USP/M 9/M 93X...no magazine or maintenance problems

Currently loving my Kwa M93r. It feels like it can take a beating, but ill still baby it though.

Just run the TM on duster during cold temps. Yes, CO2 would work better in the cold in general, but TM's are still going to be nicer than anything running CO2 during warm weather (when you do your most airsofting :P)

If you shoot slowly and you keep your mags in a warm area, such as inside your coat/BDU, it will be fine. Don't expect to be able to quickly dump a whole mag though, it will cool down too much and dump all the gas in one go. Your FPS/joules will also go down. CO2 is better in the cold, but it will eventually suffer from the cool down effect too. The best pistols in the cold are either non-blowback (NBB) pistols such as the TM MK23 or AEP pistols (non-blowback, electric, low power ~220fps). KJW has come out with a CO2 NBB MKII pistol, it should work very well in the cold. It has a hard trigger pull though.

http://www.kjworks.com.tw/productdetail.php?id=73

http://www.kjworks.com.tw/photo/13813109112.jpg

Which slide would be best compatible with the guarder frame, PGC or Guarder?

Ended up getting the TM, with:
PGC Slide Set
Guarder Frame
WE Mag
Some sorta serpa

And love it, so thanks for everybody's help :P

Pics if anyone cares: http://imgur.com/a/32ZfH