I have a gas powered airsoft pistol modeled after the S&W M&P9. I bought it to use in a two day force-on-force class that was open to Threat Focused Pistol course alumni only, a couple of years ago.
The pistol and mags looked, felt and functioned (the slide reciprocated when fired to load the next pellet from the mag) like my M&P9’s. The pistol fit the holsters, and the mags fit the mag pouches for my “real” M&P9. There was an additional feature the airsoft pistol had; a little switch on the underside of the slide that changed the operation from semi-auto to full auto.
The pistol is NOT A TOY. It is powerful enough to penetrate and tear unprotected skin. I believe that back when I bought it, the price was around $145.00 for the pistol, and that included a magazine and a few accessories. Additional mags were $38.00 each. Also; it’s surprisingly accurate.
As far as airsoft practice in lieu of “real firearm” training; I believe that it would be beneficial. One can still work on sight picture, trigger control, grip, and stance when shooting an airsoft.
Now, as to there being no recoil; the same could be said about shooting .22 LR pistols and revolvers, but they’re frequently used as training firearms. No one is disputing the value of shooting “.22’s” for training. As a matter of fact; I’ll be shooting IDPA practice for the next few weeks with a Ruger LCR in .22 LR. Negligible recoil, but with one of the heaviest DAO trigger pulls that can be found, and a two inch barrel; it’s a great training tool. When you get proficient with one of them; anything else you pick up to shoot is going to be remarkably easy to shoot well.
I don’t personally have much use for the low power spring operated airsofts, and wouldn’t use one of those for training. The wife has had a couple in the past for use in running the squirrels off the bird feeders. They were OK for that, but not really accurate enough beyond a few feet. There’s no comparison between those and a good quality “green gas” powered airsoft pistol.
"Sights are for the unenlightened."
Rick
IDPA Certified Safety Officer
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