Airsoft Hi-Capa Gas pistols

Does the Hi-Capa pistol have a real-life counterpart?

Although it does not have a direct real-life counterpart, the designers at Tokyo Marui, where the first Hi-Capas were created, were heavily inspired by the Colt 1911 pistol. They took the original design and modified it into a more sporty version. One of these modifications gave rise to the name Hi-Capa - "High Capacity" - which was an extended frame that allowed for larger capacity magazines.

The closest resemblance to real weapons can be found in the 2011 sports models used for IPSC. In IPSC, we can also find Hi-Capas specifically in AIPSC, or the airsoft division.

Advantages of Hi-Capas over the rest of the market

Hi-Capas maintain their elevated position in the market thanks to the fact that they are a mark of quality and consistency. This consistency arises from the fact that all manufacturers strive to adhere to the Tokyo Marui standard. This ensures that Hi-Capas retain their characteristics and advantages across brands.

The most notable advantages include:

• Quick trigger reset
• Wide range of models (3.8, 4.3, 5.1, etc.)
• Accurate and consistent shooting
• Extensive support and compatibility with aftermarket parts
• Tactical and sporting versions

Which manufacturers produce Hi-capa airsoft pistols?

Hi-capa replicas are produced by many different manufacturers, each of which tries to differentiate itself with its unique approach to design. Our e-shop offers the largest selection of replicas from Raven and Vorsk. Both manufacturers are part of Nuprol, a company known for its quality, which ensures a common technical basis and thus partial compatibility of some internal parts.

Classic design from Raven

Raven offers modestly designed yet elegantly styled models that easily match most uniforms. These are more affordable yet still fully reliable choices for backup, offering all the advantages of the Hi-Capa platform.

Compared to Raven, Vorsk's tactical style targets more demanding players who want more than just a backup from their pistol. Its models offer a more aggressive and tactical design. Thanks to this design, a wide range of colors, and high modularity, they are ideal for use as a primary weapon in CQB or directly in tournaments.

Our tip: If you are looking for your first pistol and don't want to use standard fixed sights, go for a set that already includes a collimator. You will avoid the tedious selection process and uncertainty about the compatibility of the collimator mount on the pistol.

What are Hi-capa 3.8, Hi-capa 4.3, and Hi-Capa 5.1?

You may notice that Hi-capa models often have numbers in their names. What do these numbers mean? They refer to the barrel length in inches, as determined by Tokyo Marui. Barrel length affects not only performance but also the appearance of the replica. The most common barrel lengths are: 5.1, 4.3, and 3.8. Each length has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance and dimensions. It is therefore important to keep this in mind when choosing, ideally trying them out in the store so that you can choose the option that suits you best.

Aftermarket support

One of the main reasons why hi-capas are so popular and widely used in tournaments is their aftermarket support, which is significantly greater than for any other series of pistols. This wide range of parts allows you to achieve the best results possible on the market. Another advantage of this huge aftermarket support is the easy conversion to HPA, mainly thanks to the availability and quality of adapters from a number of manufacturers.

Technician's recommendation: If you decide to upgrade your gas pistol and are unsure about which parts to choose, consult a technician who understands them. Selection and installation require technical and professional knowledge, and poorly chosen parts or poor instalation can damage both the parts and the replica.

The heart of the Hi-Capa system: Green Gas, CO2, or HPA?

Hi-Capas can be found powered by all available propulsion options for GBB pistols. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of both performance and operation.

Green Gas

The most common and simplest option. You fill the magazines directly with Green Gas—gas from a canister—and don't have to worry about anything else. It is a cheap and reliable option. Problems may arise at lower temperatures, which can lead to reduced performance. More in our article on Green Gas.

CO2

Replicas powered by CO2 use CO2 cartridges that are installed directly into the magazines. Compared to green gas, they offer lower operating temperatures, but cause more drastic wear and tear on the pistol's components. In general, CO2 is slowly disappearing from the market and being replaced by green gas, which is - in our opinion superior.

HPA Conversions

HPA (high pressure air) systems are generally the most consistent propellant you can own. They are not affected by high or low temperatures, their power can be precisely regulated, and their operating costs are very low. On the other hand, the purchasing price is higher because no replica comes in HPA by default. You need to purchase an adapter, a compressed air cylinder, a regulator, and a connecting hose.

Our recommendation: For classic secondary weapon functionality, we would recommend a Green Gas-powered replica. It offers the best price/performance ratio and is the easiest to operate and maintain.

Which Hi-Capa is right for you?

As already mentioned, there are many Hi-Capas on the market, so it depends on what you want from it and what your budget is. The important thing is to decide what you are looking for. Will it be a compact backup such as the 3.8, or will you be looking for the highest performance, range, and modification in the 5.1 series? Or will you find a compromise in the 4.3? Whatever you require from a hi-capa, it will be able to deliver without any problems.