Metal slide, but much of the rest is plastic- not unusual in these kinds of "replicas" that are made to resemble modern handguns that are partially plastic to a varying degree. Decent enough weight and not at all flimsy. Uses a 2x8 shot double ended mag. Decent blowback.
It doesn't tick all the boxes for those who want an "exact replica" in that there is no ejection port cut out and doesn't lock back on the last round, then again, personally this doesn't bother me because:
1. I know its a "replica" and have no illusions about it being a "real steel"
2. An ejection port cut out is pretty pointless as there is nothing to eject-IMHO it would just be a muck-trap
3. No-one has come up with a feed mech that will lock back on a blowback pellet pistol
Most clubs wont allow bbs.
Most pellet blowbacks disappoint.
I would still rate the CP88 for this type of course.
As already said, PP shooting is short range and the targets ate quite large. "Precision" shooting it isn't - more about speed so BB pistols are fine. You can use lead BBs at clubs where steel are banned (because of rebounds) if allowed.
On some courses of fire reloads will be needed - either mandatory of because of the length of the stage (number of shots).
So, if you want to dabble for a bit of fun I'd suggest something like an RAC 1911 and these are not daft expensive. Plus a spare magazine.
I use one of these for the Police Pistol competition (and some of the other comps as well) in the Umarex Boys Club monthly matches - great fun.
FAS 604, Remington 1911, Colt SAA, HW45, BSA Mercury, Winchester underlever (Walther), SMK QB78
Practical pistol good fun, used to do it in South Africa with .45 and 9 mil. Best fun is "house clearing" if you set up a scenario, especially with "innocents" involved. For airgun obviously cant use steel bb because of ricochets, but lead bb and pellet OK. If you want to beat everyone else for speed and accuracy you can use the MP651K pistol which shoots pellets and lead bb's, single or double action. People who have never had one of these run them down, but once you have used them you realise how good they are. Just buy the standard pistol without all the rifle gubbins, and they are cheap. See pic..
Baz
http://imgur.com/a/B5FCO
BE AN INDEPENDENT THINKER, DON'T FOLLOW THE CROWD
Having been beaten by Baz with one of these I agree.
Couldn't remember name of it.
Another vote for the 1911 (any kwc variant) here.
Also the sig x five open. Very accurate for bb shooters