Airsoft Hi-capa / 2011 Style GBB Pistols - A Quick Run-Down

Airsoft Basics: What is a Hi-capa?

What is a Hi-capa?

The real world Hi-capa pistol descends from the venerable 1911 pistol which saw the US Military through two world wars and the Vietnam conflict. Being a bit of a boomer pistol, the 1911 needed an update for the 21st century to cut it amongst the Glocks and Sigs, and that update came in the form of the STI 2011 pistol, a 1911 platform with a modular grip assembly which accepts double stacked magazines, increasing the capacity of the 1911 platform considerably. 

The first Airsoft Hi-capa was made by Airsoft legends, Tokyo Marui, who introduced their Hi-capa 5.1 GBB pistol in response to the increasing popularity of AIPSC in Japan, which is essentially competitive shooting with Airsoft pistols against the clock. Skirmishers rapidly got on board the Hi-capa train when it became evident the large gas reservoir of the Hi-capa gave it a true edge when it comes to rapid firing, and now the Hi-capa is a skirmish staple!

Fast forwards a couple of decades and Airsofters now have a multitude of Hi-capa pistols at their disposal, ranging from full metal Hi-capas from WE and Army Armament to Tokyo Marui's more recent Hi-capa revamp, the Hi-capa 5.1 Gold Match GBB pistol. If you want to see some cool Hi-capas available right now in a ton of unique flavours, check out our Hi-capa Catagories video below!

Hi-capa Types

Hi-capas come in a plethora of different shapes and sizes, with split slides or full slides, and to decide which Hi-capa suits you most you may want some intel on each type and what they do best. Hi-capas are usually named for the barrel length, with the numerical part of the name denoting the length in inches. Click each header below for more info on each Hi-capa type!

Hi-capa 5.1

Hi-capa 4.3

Hi-capa 3.8

Full Slide Hi-capas

Full Slide Hi-capas

Hi-capa Automatic Electric Pistols (AEP)


Whilst the surface of the Airsoft Hi-capa world has barely been scratched here, the sheer number of options available to the Hi-capa user means if I detailed every single one in this article it would be dictionary length! Speed-soft obsessed? There's a racy bright coloured swiss-cheesed Hi-capa for you. 

Milsim player who detests garish guns? We have gentlemanly Hi-capas available also, with no-frills functionality and classic aesthetics. The vast range of Hi-capa pistols provides for both ends of the Airsoft spectrum and everyone in between. If you have decided the Hi-capa platform is the one for you, take a look at our Hi-capa selection by clicking the button below, or check out our Top 5 Full Metal Hi-capa GBBs here!

Show me the Hi-Capas

Airsoft Buying Guides

If you've been looking at grabbing some Airsoft Gear but you're a little thrown by all the jargon and terminology surrounding the many Airsoft Guns, Accessories, and Equipment, do not worry! As our buying guides are here to provide you with all the information you need to make a well-informed and confident purchase.

  • Buying Guide: Rail Systems
    Buying Guides

    Buying Guide: Rail Systems

    RIS, M-LOK, KEYMOD, URX!? We get it, there's a big mix of rail systems and attachment interfaces, but we're here to help you identify what each rail system is and decide which rail system works best for you.

  • Buying guide: Optics
    Buying Guides

    Buying guide: Airsoft Optics & Red Dot Sights

    Red Dots, Holographic Sights, Magnified, Short Dots! Flip to side magnifier!? Plenty to take in we know, but we're here to help clarify the different optics available to help you choose what suits your play style and setup. 

  • Buying guide: Assault vests, Chest rigs, and Plate carriers
    Buying Guides

    Buying guide: Assault vests, Chest rigs, and Plate carriers

    In the market for something to store your spare magazines, bbs, personal effects, hydration, and tactical snacks whilst you are on the skirmish field? This article should leave you well equipped to set yourself up with a basic, functional rig suited to the role of an Airsoft rifleman. 

Want to learn more?

Dive deep into Airsoft Pistols with more information from our series of articles on the subject. From picking the right Airsoft Gas, to what's the best Airsoft Pistol to buy, we have all the information you need right here in one place.

  • Airsoft Beginners Guide To: Gas
    Beginner Guides

    Airsoft Beginners' Guide To: Gas

    This latest new player video features Patrol Base Pete and Patrol Base Mike, who are here to discuss one of the most important topics to anyone who owns a Gas powered Airsoft replica: The differences between all the main Airsoft Gas Types.

  • Gas Types and Maintenance
    Beginner Guides

    Airsoft Gas Types and Maintenance

    Airsoft Gas is usually a popular choice because of the blowback feature, adding an extra level of realism for the player. Gas comes in three main types, Green Gas, CO2 and Propane.

  • Can I buy a gun for my Son / Daughter / Significant Other?
    FAQ

    Can I buy an Airsoft gun for my Son / Daughter / Significant Other?

    You can buy any Airsoft replica from our website as long as you are over the age of 18, and the item is Two Toned.