Badger Air-Brush Co. Model 105 Patriot Fine Gravity Airbrush, Stainless Steel Review (2026)

Dual-action control for miniature work

The Patriot 105 is a dual-action, internal-mix, gravity-feed airbrush, meaning air and paint flow are controlled together through the trigger: pressing down releases air, and pulling back releases paint, giving a painter fine control over line width and paint volume in the same motion. That level of control is what separates dual-action airbrushes from simpler single-action models and is the main reason miniature painters lean toward this format for detail work, zenithal highlights, and smooth base coats. A permanently mounted 1/3 ounce color cup sits on top, sized for typical miniature painting sessions without needing constant refilling.

The single needle and nozzle setup

Badger built the Patriot around a single 0.50 millimeter needle and nozzle configuration with a two-angle needle tip that mates precisely with the cone-shaped nozzle, rather than offering swappable nozzle sizes. That fixed 0.5mm setup is described as capable of spraying a wide range of materials, including inks, dyes, watercolors, acrylics, enamels, lacquers, glazes, latex, and various primers, which covers most paints a miniature painter would run through an airbrush. The tradeoff of a single-size setup is less flexibility than airbrushes offering interchangeable nozzles for very fine 0.2mm work or heavier 0.5mm-plus coverage.

Build quality and maintenance

The airbrush is built from stainless steel, which resists corrosion from water-based acrylics that can be harder on airbrush internals than solvent-based paints over time. Badger designed the Patriot with an acute tapered color well intended for faster cleaning and a self-centering nozzle, along with a patented easy-access needle removal system that lets a painter pull the needle for cleaning without a full teardown. That combination is meant to reduce the maintenance friction that comes with owning any dual-action airbrush, where clogged nozzles and dried paint in tight passages are common frustrations. That focus on serviceable design reflects the airbrush's role as a working tool meant for regular sessions rather than an occasional-use item that can tolerate awkward cleaning.

What is and is not included

This listing is for the airbrush itself; it does not include a hose, compressor, or additional nozzle sizes, so a painter without existing airbrush equipment needs to budget separately for a compressor and hose to get it running. The needle is a metal component within a light, low-mass tool, so it can bend if dropped or handled roughly during cleaning, which is a normal risk with any airbrush of this size rather than something specific to this model. Badger manufactures the Patriot line in the USA, which is reflected in the price relative to some imported entry-level airbrushes. Anyone new to airbrushing should budget for a compressor, hose, and cleaning supplies alongside the airbrush itself before expecting to start painting.

Bottom line

For a painter who wants a durable, USA-made dual-action airbrush that handles both priming and fine miniature detail from one fixed 0.5mm setup, the Patriot 105 is a dependable workhorse with an established track record. It is not a complete starter kit since the hose and compressor are sold separately, and the fixed needle size means painters who want to switch between very fine and heavy coverage work will feel the limits compared with multi-nozzle airbrushes. Anyone already running a compressor and wanting a reliable primary airbrush for miniatures will find the stainless build and easy-maintenance design worth the price.

Frequently asked questions