Overview
The Badger Air-Brush Co. Patriot 105 is a gravity-feed, dual-action airbrush built to serve the exacting demands of miniature painters and wargaming hobbyists who need consistent, fine control over thin acrylic paints. Its 0.5mm nozzle strikes a practical middle ground for this niche, capable of laying down smooth base coats across tanks, vehicles, and larger scenery pieces while still allowing enough precision for basic shading, highlighting, and zenithal priming on infantry-scale miniatures. The internal mix design atomizes paint thoroughly before it leaves the nozzle, which helps hobbyists avoid the spattering and tip-dry issues that plague cheaper external-mix models when working with the thinned, pigment-heavy paints common in miniature painting.
Ergonomically, the Patriot 105 is designed to reward long painting sessions at the hobby desk. The trigger mechanism follows Badger's standard dual-action operation, where downward pressure controls airflow and pulling back regulates paint volume, giving painters the kind of nuanced control needed for gradient blending, weathering effects, and layered basecoats on wargaming armies. The compact gravity-feed cup sits conveniently atop the body, making it easy to switch between small batches of custom-mixed color for army painting projects without wasting paint, a real advantage for anyone cranking through dozens of identical miniatures for a tabletop force.
Built with Badger's reputation for durability, the Patriot 105 features a solvent-resistant design that holds up under the cleaning routines airbrush users go through when swapping between acrylics, inks, and washes typical in miniature and wargaming work. It disassembles readily for maintenance, letting painters clear dried paint from the needle and nozzle quickly so they can get back to spraying primer coats, varnish layers, or custom camouflage patterns on their models. For hobbyists moving beyond brush-only techniques and looking to speed up basecoating while unlocking smoother transitions and professional-level finishes on miniatures and terrain, the Patriot 105 offers a dependable, hobby-focused entry point into airbrushing.
Key features
- 01Dual-action, gravity-feed design for precise paint control
- 02Interchangeable nozzle/needle sets (0.5mm, 3F fine, and 7 medium tips available)
- 03Solvent-resistant O-rings for use with lacquers and enamels
- 04Made in the USA with precision-machined internal parts
- 05Comfortable, lightweight body designed for extended painting sessions
- 06Compatible with standard 1/8" airbrush hose fittings
Specifications
| Nozzle Size | 0.5mm (standard), 3F fine and 7 medium available |
|---|---|
| Action Type | Dual-action, gravity feed |
| Paint Cup Capacity | ~1/3 oz (9 ml) |
| Air Pressure Range | 15-50 PSI |
| Weight | 3.2 oz (91 g) |
Pros & cons
What we liked
- Versatile enough for both base coating and fine detail work
- Durable construction that holds up to years of hobby use
- Interchangeable tips let you tailor spray pattern to miniatures or terrain
- Smooth trigger action reduces fatigue during long painting sessions
- Good value compared to premium European airbrushes
- Easy to disassemble and clean between color changes
What could be better
- Stock 0.5mm needle isn't ideal for ultra-fine highlighting without upgrading to the 3F tip
- Gravity-feed cup is smaller than some competitors, requiring more frequent refills
- Learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with dual-action triggers
- Replacement parts and specialty tips can be pricier than base unit
- No built-in color cup lid, so paint can dry out during breaks
Hobbyist notes
Feedback from painters and players who use it.
Great all-rounder for Warhammer minis
I've been using the Patriot 105 for base coating my Space Marines and terrain pieces for about a year now. It handles thinned acrylics beautifully and cleans up fast between colors. Bought the 3F tip separately for finer work and it's been a great combo.
Solid workhorse, small cup annoying
Performance is great for basecoating vehicles and larger infantry batches, but the gravity cup empties quicker than I'd like on big jobs. Still, build quality feels sturdy and it hasn't clogged on me even with metallics.
Good value, needs a learning curve
As someone new to airbrushing minis, it took a few sessions to get the dual-action trigger down, but once I did, this thing became essential for priming and shading my wargaming armies. Wish it came with the fine tip standard.
Reliable after two years of Kill Team painting
Still going strong after heavy use on terrain, vehicles, and squads. I swap between the medium and fine nozzles depending on the job. Cleaning is straightforward with the included tools, and I haven't had any leaking issues.
Our verdict
Very good for smooth gradients and fast priming
The Badger Patriot 105 is a solid workhorse airbrush for miniature painters and wargamers who need one tool that can handle both broad basecoats and moderately fine detail work. While it's not the absolute best choice for hyper-fine zenithal highlights without a tip swap, its durability, American manufacturing quality, and reasonable price make it a favorite among hobbyists building armies or dioramas. With proper cleaning and occasional tip upgrades, it becomes a versatile long-term addition to any painting station.
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