Golden Eagle Hi-Capa 4.3 GBB Pistol; Black/Chrome

Golden Eagle's Hi-capa range presents unprecedented value, offering a Tokyo Marui clone Hi-capa with full metal construction and fantastic build quality straight out of the box. This is the more compact 4.3 variant, with a slightly shorter outer barrel and slide than the standard 5.1 version making for an easier and faster draw from a holster with the same fantastic Hi-capa performance.

Starting at the front, we can find 11mm CW female threads at the tip of the outer barrel, meaning a tracer unit or suppressor can be mounted using the CowCow thread adapter or an alternative 11mm CW female to 14mm CCW male thread adapter. The barrel itself is finished in an eye-catching mirror chrome, adding a nice bit of visual interest to the otherwise plain Hi-capa 4.3 design and matching well with the chrome controls.

The slide itself is a close copy of the Tokyo Marui Hi-capa 4.3 slide, complete with front and rear serrations for optimal grip when cocking the pistol and the modern, angular design that gives the Hi-capa its iconic look. The slide cycles smoothly on the frame rails, with very little friction and a buttery smooth feel; a nice surprise for such an affordable sidearm!

On the top of the slide, we can find the iron sights which are an open design patterned after real steel "Novak" sights. The sights are fixed, non-adjustable combat sights designed for strength and were the chosen sights for the USMC MARSOC 1911 pistol thanks to their strength and reliability.

Both the hammer and trigger are skeletonised, reducing weight and providing customised race-gun aesthetics which fit the Hi-capa perfectly. The trigger is patterned after the Airsoft Masterpiece "Puzzle trigger" but both parts are machined as a single piece, meaning you don't have quite the same functionality as an aftermarket trigger that costs almost as much as this gun, but you do get the high-end look.

Next up, we reach the frame of the pistol, which is constructed in standard Hi-Capa fashion; with a metal upper frame containing the internal parts and a lower pistol grip/trigger guard module made from polymer. At the front of the frame, we are treated to a 20mm Picatinny rail which allows tactical flashlights, laser aiming modules or alternative 20mm accessories to be fitted, should the mission require it.

Moving rearwards, we come to the slide release catch/disassembly lever, which is located on the left side of the pistol. This control features a serrated extension surface to allow easy access to release the slide with no chance of slipping off the control, with a weight-reducing relief cut in its underside to minimise unnecessary weight in the build. To the rear of the slide release catch, we can find the manual safety, which is present on either side of the pistol and sits comfortably within reach of the shooter's thumb when holding the pistol in a firing grip. Both the manual safety and the slide release catch are finished in mirror chrome, adding to the stylish accents and giving the Hi-capa 4.3 a custom look.

The manual safety allows the Hi-Capa 4.3 to be carried "cocked and locked" safely, with only a very slight movement required to remove the safety before taking the shot. Also included is the hallmark 1911/Hi-Capa beavertail grip safety, which protrudes slightly from the rear of the grip, also finished in chrome to complete the look. This safety ensures the pistol can only be fired when it is properly gripped, preventing accidental discharges.

The trigger, as with many other Hi-Capa and 1911 variants, has a very small amount of uptake before you get to the wall, and resets with a satisfying audible and tactile click with practically no overtravel. The trigger is what makes real 1911 and Hi-capa pistols so popular with competition shooters, and fortunately for Airsofters, this perk has translated over well to the Airsoft equivalents. If you are shooting for speed, whether in a skirmish or for target shooting, you can't do much better than a Hi-capa trigger!

The magazine release can be found on the left side of the pistol, ideally positioned for right-handed shooters but also accessible for lefties with a bit of practice. This mag release is a low-profile design, ideally suited to a combat pistol where an accidental mag drop in the thick of it can mean life or death. Obviously, life or death doesn't enter the equation with an Airsoft gun, but gas magazines cost money and they don't really like to be dropped if it can be avoided!

The grip section itself is an almost perfect copy of that of the TM Hi-capa 4.3, featuring "OPS-M.R.P" markings on either side and crackle texture to provide superb wet weather functionality and comfort. The front of the grip features pyramidal texture, matching perfectly with that at the rear on the hammer spring housing, further enhancing grip whether you wear gloves or not. As with most Hi-capa pistols, the grip is modular and can be swapped for aftermarket alternatives with the appropriate knowledge and tools.

On the inside, the Golden Eagle Hi-capa 4.3 has a nice surprise in store for us. The inner barrel is a tightbore 6.02mm example, improving gas efficiency, FPS and accuracy when compared with the standard 6.08 barrel bore. We love it when an affordable Airsoft gun gives us more upgrades than we deserve!

The HOP-up is adjustable and a perfect copy of the Tokyo Marui system, meaning aftermarket HOP-up bucking and nub upgrades are a go as long as you use the GBB/VSR type. The HOP-up can be adjusted by removing the slide which can be done by removing the magazine, cocking the slide, aligning the slide lock lever with the smaller of the two cutouts on the left side of the slide, and pushing it through from the right. After this, you can push the slide forward and off the frame, revealing the HOP-up adjustment gear located on the bottom of the outer barrel.

Whether you are looking for a solid Hi-capa base gun for your next build or you want a full metal sidearm which won't break the bank, the Golden Eagle Hi-capa 4.3 is a sure bet. With full TM compatibility, the modern-classic Hi-capa look and an eye-catching mirror chrome finish on its trim parts, you will be well catered for with Golden Eagle's Hi-capa whether you are all about the looks or focus on performance!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.02mm Tightbore inner barrel - Superb accuracy potential
• Black finish with mirror chrome controls - Subtle yet stylish
• TM Compatible internals - Compatible with common upgrade parts, great base for a build
• 11mm CW Female threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready with CowCow thread adapter
• Gear adjustable HOP-up unit - On the outer barrel, accessible when the slide is removed
• Open iron sights - Fixed combat style "Novak" style irons
• 20mm Picatinny frame rail - Ready for a tactical flashlight or laser unit
• Front and rear slide serrations - Easy to rack from the front or the back
• Ambidextrous manual safety - Great for left and right-handed shooters
• Beavertail grip safety - Encourages a proper grip and locks the trigger when the pistol is not held firmly
• Flared magazine well built into the grip - Makes reloads easier by guiding the magazine in
• Low profile magazine catch - No danger of accidentally dropping your mag mid-firefight
• Compatible with Hi-capa holsters - NUPROL Hi-capa Retention Holster

Package Includes

• Golden Eagle Hi-Capa 4.3 GBB Pistol; Black/Chrome
• 25rnd Green Gas magazine
• User manual
• Cleaning rod