If you’re a fan of the Hitman series from IO Interactive, you know Agent 47. He’s the stoic, genetically engineered assassin with a dark sense of humor and an uncanny talent for infiltration. He’s a master of disguise and an expert in all forms of combat.
While he can turn nearly any object into a weapon, he has a clear favorite: his pair of custom pistols. For fans looking to bring a piece of the game into the real world, building a replica of the iconic agent 47 silverballers is a popular project.
His signature sidearm is the Silverballer .45ACP handgun, a truly beautiful and deadly-looking weapon.
Key Takeaways
Iconic Design Origin: The Silverballer is a modified pistol based on the real AMT Hardballer, a stainless steel clone of the Colt M1911A1, produced from 1977 to 2001 and now available only on the used market for $600–$900.
Replica Building Options: Fans can create replicas using a real AMT Hardballer (authentic but regulated) or an airsoft base like the KWC or Tokyo Marui M1911A1 (affordable, license-free, and safe for cosplay).
Essential Components: Key parts include Pachmayr American Legend Grips (GM-45G), custom ICA logo medallions (often from Etsy), and a fictional suppressor inspired by Knights Armament Company designs.
Legal and Safety Considerations: Real firearm builds require compliance with laws like the National Firearms Act for suppressors; airsoft versions are less regulated but must be handled responsibly, often with orange tips to avoid confusion with real guns.
Role in Hitman Games: The Silverballer remains a fan-favorite unlockable weapon in the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy, available in classic or silenced Mk II variants for strategic gameplay across all missions.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Agent 47’s Silverballer?
In the world of Hitman, the Silverballer is a heavily modified pistol issued by the International Contract Agency (ICA). In reality, it’s based on a real-world firearm: the AMT Hardballer.
The Hardballer was one of the very first pistols made entirely from stainless steel, a clone of the classic Colt M1911A1 design. Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT) produced them from 1977 until the company closed in 2001. Because they are no longer manufactured, finding an original AMT Hardballer requires searching the used market, where prices can range from $600 to over $900 depending on its condition.
How To Build Your Own Agent 47 Silverballers
Since you can’t buy a finished Silverballer off the shelf, you’ll have to create your own. This is where the fun begins. You have two main paths: creating a replica from a real firearm or building a safer, more accessible version from an airsoft pistol.
The video below shows an excellent example of a fan-made replica that captures the look perfectly, aside from the missing grip medallions.
For most fans, the airsoft route is the best choice. It’s more affordable, doesn’t require a firearms license, and results in a prop that’s safe for cosplay and display.
The Key Components for a Perfect Replica
Whether you choose a real firearm or an airsoft base, you’ll need a few specific parts to achieve the iconic Silverballer look. You can find detailed build logs and guides from other fans who have done it, like this fantastic thread about modifying an AMT Hardballer on the Hitman Forum.
Here’s what you need to source:
- The Base Pistol: For an authentic build, you’ll need a used AMT Hardballer. For an airsoft build, popular and accurate base models include the KWC M1911A1 CO2 Blowback or the Tokyo Marui M1911A1 Government Model.
- The Grips: The specific grips used are Pachmayr American Legend Grips (Model GM-45G). These rubber grips have the distinct wraparound finger grooves that are essential to the Silverballer’s design.
- The Medallions: The silver ICA logo medallions in the center of the grips are a custom part. You can often find high-quality replicas made by dedicated prop makers on sites like Etsy.
- The Suppressor: Agent 47’s suppressor is a fictional design. However, many airsoft replicas modeled after those from Knights Armament Company (KAC) have a similar aesthetic and are widely available.
A Word on Legality and Safety
It’s crucial to understand the legal differences between the two build paths. Owning a real firearm is subject to strict federal, state, and local laws.
For example, in the United States, real suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934 and require extensive background checks and a tax stamp. Always research and comply with all laws in your area before starting a real firearm project.
Airsoft guns are much less regulated, but they are not toys. They should always be handled responsibly. Many jurisdictions require airsoft guns to have a blaze orange tip to distinguish them from real firearms.
The Silverballer in the Modern Hitman Trilogy
The original article was excited for the next Hitman game, which launched as Hitman 3 in 2021. Since then, IO Interactive has consolidated the entire modern series into a single package called Hitman: World of Assassination.
Throughout all three games, the Silverballer remains one of the most popular and reliable pistols. It’s an unlockable item that you can earn and then use in any mission across the entire trilogy, a testament to its iconic status. Whether you prefer the classic ICA19 Silverballer or the silenced Mk II version, it’s the perfect tool for a strategic, stylish playthrough.
I completely agree with your love for Agent 47 and the Hitman series. The Silverballer .45ACP handgun is definitely one of the most iconic weapons in the game, and it’s great to see that there are replicas available for fans of the series. I also appreciate the attention to detail you’ve put into this article, including the specifications and modifications needed to create your own replica. I too am excited for the upcoming Hitman game and can’t wait to see the new challenges and opportunities for stealthy kills.
I also have my silverballer and black lily firearm replicas. But i don’t know where to post it. You can email me. Thanks!
Sent you an email.