Is there an air pistol that fits the bill of the most realistic air pistol?  Specifically, the answer is no.  In general, the answer is a resounding YES!  Now to ‘Splain ourselves. 

The most realistic air pistols will have the following characteristics: 1 to 1 size ratio, blowback operation, last round hold open, and full-size drop free magazine. 

1:1

A 1:1 replica will most likely fit into a holster made to fit the firearm a replica is based on. This ensures that the feel of the air pistol will be as close as possible to the authentic article. This is an important feature for people who want to use an air pistol to supplement their firearm training.  

Blowback Action

Since airguns use air, or more accurately, gas to propel the BB, pellet, or airsoft BB down the barrel, the term blowback refers to the redirection of some of this gas to move the slide (top half of the air pistol) backwards like the motion that occurs when a firearm extracts a spent shell case. This operation is unnecessary with air pistols, but it is a very nice feature that helps provide the user with the ultimate in realism. 

Last Round Hold Open

This feature is designed to facilitate fast, smooth magazine changes.  When the last round is fired, the slide stays in the open or locked position. When the fresh magazine is inserted into the magazine well, the slide can be quickly released, chambering a round into the chamber nearly instantly. Air pistols that utilize blowback operation function in the same manner. Not only is this practical, but it is cooler than the other side of the pillow. 

Full Size Drop Free Magazine

The icing on the realistic air pistol cake is a full size drop free magazine. In air pistols this feature provides much of the weight that helps make a replica air pistol feel more like a firearm. This feature also makes adding fresh fuel source and ammo a breeze. In most cases the full size drop free magazine will also fit in an appropriate sized magazine pouch. 

Conclusion

Umarex has many air pistols that offer the above characteristics. You will find full featured blowback air pistols in these brands: Beretta, Colt, GLOCK, HK, Smith & Wesson, Umarex, and Walther. Additionally, you will find these full featured air pistols offered in .177 BB, .177 pellet, and 6mm airsoft. That is to say, we likely have your Most Realistic Air Pistol available at Umarex Airguns or Elite Force Airsoft.