GBB Pistols

Gas blowback pistols, or GBB pistols, are airsoft guns that fire 6mm plastic BBs propelled by gas stored in the magazine. This gas is loaded into the magazine from a large aerosol-style canister, available from our BBs & Gas section.

This gas is injected into an upturned GBB pistol magazine for about 3-5 seconds until gas starts spilling from the magazine. The magazine is then loaded with BBs, with capacities ranging between 12 and 49 BBs. The magazine can then be inserted into the GBB pistol.

Just like the real thing, the GBB pistol needs to be chambered for the first time, i.e. the first BB needs to be loaded into the chamber at the back of the barrel. The slide at the top of the GBB pistol is pulled fully rewards, cocking the hammer, and then released, forcing the BB into the chamber.

Once the trigger is pulled, the hammer strikes down and a small amount of gas is released through the magazine valve into a nozzle positioned behind the BB. The gas propels the BB out of the barrel, and the remaining gas is used to "blowback" the slide to re-chamber the next round, just like the real thing. Once the magazine is empty and the last round is fired, the slide will lock back with the ejection port open, again like the real steel pistol.

GBB pistols are either made from metal or high quality ABS plastic that looks very similar to metal. The also weigh approximately the same as the real steel and all GBB pistol magazines are made from metal. All of our GBB pistols operate the same way as their real counterparts, in terms of safety catches, decockers, blowback action, magazine releases and slide releases. A lot of them also feature real firearm insignia for that authentic look.

AirsoftEire also stock additional magazines in our Magazines sections for all of our pistols.

Airsoft, the law and YOU

All of our GBB pistols comply with Irish law. None of our GBB pistols exceed the 1 joule limit of muzzle energy and there is ABSOLUTELY no way they can be converted to fire live ammunition. All GBB pistols are designed to fire 6mm plastic BBs, they will NOT fire metal ball bearings, darts or any other kind of dangerous projectiles.

Please always wear full eye protection when using your airsoft gun. Do not carry your airsoft gun in public or you could be met by an armed response and you will be arrested or worse. Please bear in mind that although your airsoft gun is 100% legal to own, if you use it in a public place or brandish it in a threatening manor, you CAN be arrested.