Which is exactly what I've seen. Or in my case it was the neck which caused...issues.
With regulation stuff unless you get hit in the eye shouldn't be a problem - one site I got hit on the hand by someone using Teflon coated BBs (fortunately marshals were on the ball and escorted them off site almost immediately - though they probably should have been checking what people were bringing of their own) even with gloves on that HURT and left quite a mark for days.
EDIT: Good point above though that some single shot stuff at close range is another story.
Either way I'm not gonna chance a trip to A&E with either of the kids!
Is there a decent starter pistol anyone can recommend for home use? (or point me towards a decent UK retailer?)
I've had good results in the past with
https://wolfarmouries.co.uk/ but that was a long time ago now.
Personally I'd be tempted to suggest an SMG (though might be a bit more expensive if you are on a budget) over a pistol unless you are set on a pistol as they tend to be a bit easier to maintain, etc. but others might have a different opinion.
Also you should be able to buy tons of biodegradable BBs really cheap making reuse not hugely worth it but that is entirely up to you. Airsoft guns tends to induce spin on the BBs when fired for better distance/accuracy which tends to mean they go flying when they hit a harder surface and will go all over the place a soft backdrop will help a bit.