Let’s Talk About Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit
The Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit is a budget-friendly entry point into the world of airsoft, offering a licensed replica of the iconic Colt 1911. Marketed by Matrix, this kit includes not only the pistol but also shooting glasses and a holster, making it a complete package for beginners. It’s designed for backyard target practice or casual skirmishes, appealing to those who want the look and feel of a 1911 without the higher cost of gas or electric-powered airsoft guns.
I was looking for an inexpensive and safe way to introduce my nephew to the fundamentals of firearm handling and target acquisition. An airsoft pistol seemed like a perfect solution, offering a realistic feel without the inherent dangers of a real firearm. I wanted a 1911 style pistol to start him off with a classic design.
Unboxing the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit, my initial reaction was mixed. The polymer construction felt lightweight, which I expected at this price point, but the licensed Colt trademarks added a touch of authenticity. The included accessories – shooting glasses and a holster – were a welcome bonus, though their quality appeared basic.
Compared to other spring-powered airsoft pistols I’ve handled, such as some lower-end Umarex models, the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit seemed comparable in terms of build quality. I chose this particular kit primarily because of the Colt licensing and the included accessories, offering a complete package for a beginner. Other options didn’t offer a holster or eye protection at this price point.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t expecting a high-end airsoft pistol, but the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit seemed like a decent starting point for my nephew’s airsoft journey. It offered the essential elements needed to get started.
Real-World Testing: Putting Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit in my backyard, setting up some basic paper targets at around 20 feet. The weather was dry and mild, providing ideal conditions for initial testing. I wanted to see how accurately it could shoot.
The pistol performed adequately, though the accuracy was definitely limited by the spring-powered mechanism. The lightweight plastic BBs were prone to veering off course, especially in slight breezes. The pistol did require a bit of force to cock back the slide.
The Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit took some getting used to, primarily due to the spring-powered action requiring manual cocking before each shot. The trigger pull was also somewhat heavy and inconsistent. This could be tough for very young users.
The biggest surprise was the relatively low power of the pistol. The BBs lacked significant impact, even at close range. This made it suitable for very safe target practice.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of occasional use, the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit has held up reasonably well, considering its price point and plastic construction. There were no catastrophic failures or breakages.
The finish shows some minor scratches from handling and holster use, but the pistol remains functional. The magazine release is starting to feel a little loose.
Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth. I did apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the slide rails to keep them moving smoothly.
Compared to other spring-powered airsoft pistols I’ve owned, the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit performs as expected. It is a basic, no-frills airsoft gun that provides a decent introduction to the sport without breaking the bank, but a more premium airsoft pistol would obviously out perform this in nearly every category.
Breaking Down the Features of Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit
Specifications
Manufacturer: Matrix. The brand Matrix is known for offering affordable airsoft products aimed at beginners.
FPS Range: 395-400. This is a bit misleading, as the product description also states a velocity of 260 fps; the 395-400 fps is a Matrix specification, while the 260 fps is specific to the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit.
Gun Model: Colt 1911. This replicates the look of the classic Colt 1911 pistol.
Color: Black. It offers a tactical and realistic appearance.
Fabric/Material: Polymer. Polymer construction keeps the cost down and makes it lightweight.
Magazine Capacity: 13 Round. The low-capacity magazine reflects that of a basic airsoft pistol.
Velocity: 260 fps. This is the muzzle velocity, which determines the BB’s speed.
Included Accessories: Magazine, Gun, Shooting glasses, Holster. This is a comprehensive starter kit.
Size: Small. This pistol is likely sized appropriately for smaller hands, making it suitable for youths.
These specifications highlight that the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit is a budget-friendly, lightweight option intended for beginners. The polymer construction and lower velocity make it suitable for safe, close-range target practice.
Performance & Functionality
The Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit performs adequately for its intended purpose: basic target practice. The accuracy is limited, but sufficient for honing aiming skills at close range.
The pistol’s biggest weakness is its inconsistent power and the need to manually cock it before each shot. It does get the job done, though.
It meets the expectations for a budget-friendly spring airsoft pistol, but doesn’t exceed them. It’s a basic tool for learning firearm safety and handling.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a polymer airsoft pistol. It feels relatively solid and lightweight, though obviously not as robust as a metal-framed airsoft gun.
The ergonomics are acceptable, mimicking the feel of a 1911. The smaller size might be comfortable for users with smaller hands. There is a bit of a learning curve for young users to get use to racking the slide.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its polymer construction, the Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care and use. Avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning and occasional lubrication. Replacement parts are unlikely to be readily available, but given the low cost of the pistol, replacement is often a more practical option than repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit comes with a magazine, shooting glasses, and a holster. The pistol also features a 20mm accessory rail, allowing for the attachment of accessories such as lasers or flashlights.
Due to its budget-oriented design, extensive customization options are not readily available for this model. However, the 20mm accessory rail provides some flexibility for adding tactical accessories.
Pros and Cons of Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit
Pros
- Licensed Colt replica: Offers an authentic look and feel.
- Complete starter kit: Includes shooting glasses and holster for immediate use.
- Affordable price: Makes it accessible to beginners and budget-conscious users.
- Lightweight polymer construction: Easy to handle and carry.
- 20mm accessory rail: Allows for customization with lasers or flashlights.
Cons
- Spring-powered action: Requires manual cocking before each shot, limiting rate of fire.
- Limited accuracy: Not suitable for long-range shooting or competitive play.
- Polymer construction: Less durable than metal-framed airsoft pistols.
Who Should Buy Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit?
The Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit is perfect for beginners who are new to airsoft and want an affordable and safe way to learn basic firearm handling and target practice. It’s also a good option for casual backyard plinking and introducing youngsters to the sport.
Those who are serious about airsoft, seeking high accuracy, or participating in competitive games should skip this product. They would be better served by gas-powered or electric airsoft guns with higher performance capabilities.
A must-have modification would be higher-quality BBs. Using heavier, precision-grade BBs can improve accuracy and consistency.
Conclusion on Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit
The Colt SoftAir Licensed Colt 1911 Spring Airsoft Pistol Kit is a decent entry-level airsoft pistol, offering a licensed Colt replica at an affordable price. While it has its limitations in terms of accuracy and power, it provides a complete package for beginners, including essential accessories like shooting glasses and a holster.
The price is justified for what it offers: a basic, functional airsoft pistol for learning and casual play. Don’t expect this to perform like a $200+ airsoft pistol.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to get started in airsoft or teach youngsters about firearm safety. Get yours today and start honing your skills!