Best pistol for C.A.P.S.
 

Very new to airsoft so I will make a long story short.

Myself and a friend are looking to get into IPSC style shooting and want to know what the best pistol is to start out. I am sure it will be a TM 1911 but there seems to be a few different models and styles and we are not familiar with the terminology and acronyms. I know upgrades are a huge part of this sport so initial value versus upgrade cost and availability down the road is a consideration for me.

My thanks in advance for your insight. If this has been covered in another thread I apologize. There is so much info on here and I just can't seem to find the time to plow through all of it. A wife and 5 kids will do that to you....

Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa. End of story.

The single stack / 1911 series is a bit too limited as far as gas consistency and capacity is concerned. For practical shooting, there's a reason why the double stack "high capacity" / 2011 series dominates in both airsoft as well as real steel.

Holy sheet. What was that, like 10 seconds? LOL Thanks by the way!

4.3 or 5.1. And what is the MEU version?

Marine Expeditionary Unit (M.E.U) is what the standard for pistols that were issued until about the 80's for American forces. It is designed by the Navy for accuracy and long engagements

So they would be single stack 1911 style then?

Yes

Umm... no. Made from modified 1911a1s in 1985 for Force Recon.

Ah crap my bad. meant to say it's been in use since the 80s

You're very welcome. If you want to do more research on the topic, check out this thread for more information than you'll be able to handle:
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=94413

4.3 vs 5.1 is one of the most common questions. It's so common, that I placed it as the very first Q/A in the FAQ in that thread I linked above. Just scroll down to post #2 (you can hotlink from the Table of Contents in post #1) and read away.

As for MEU, it's based off the 1911 / single stack platform. It's great as a skirmish pistol. I have a couple as well.

All good info, thank you gentlemen. Guess I should get AV'd and start shopping....

TM Hi-capa 5.1, best gbb period, but expecially very suitable for CAPS, can be upgraded externally to the tits if you want (if moving from standard to open division) but is amazing in stock form.

and wtf does that (incorrect) blurb about MEU's have to do with IPSC style airsoft shooting?

Well I did mention that I was unfamiliar with the acronyms...So it helped that way. LOL

Going to assume that buying one used and hopefully somewhat built is going to be cheaper than starting from scratch? Assuming the used one is in good condition and built by someone reputable.

If buying used, and the person isn't local, check out the pics and description thoroughly, ask for more detailed pics if you need them, ask questions.

If he's local, check out the gun first, fire off a full mag and see if it locks back on empty etc. take off slide and examine further if possible.

OK cool will keep all that in mind.

Is there anyone in durham that does AV? Or close to durham?

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=74996

that has a list of all the Age Verifiers, and one part in particular:

Whisper Kill
Will verify Durham Region.
Can be contacted at:
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