If you’re looking to get started in airsoft, choosing the right gun can be overwhelming. With so many different types of airsoft guns available, each with its own features and benefits, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
However, taking the time to understand the different types of airsoft guns and their uses can help you choose the right one for your needs. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the different types of airsoft guns available and provide tips to help you choose the right one for your style of play.
Types of Airsoft Guns
There are three main types of airsoft guns:
- Spring-Powered
- Gas-Powered
- Electric-Powered
Spring-Powered Airsoft Guns
Spring-powered airsoft guns are the simplest and most affordable type of airsoft gun. They use a spring to compress air and fire the pellet. These guns are easy to use and require no external power source. They are also very reliable and require little maintenance.
However, they are limited in terms of their power and range, and they require manual cocking after each shot, which can slow down your rate of fire.
Gas-Powered Airsoft Guns
Gas-powered airsoft guns use compressed gas, usually propane or green gas, to fire the pellets. These guns are more powerful than spring-powered guns and can shoot farther and faster. They also have a realistic recoil, which can add to the realism of the game.
However, gas-powered guns require more maintenance and can be more expensive than spring-powered guns. They are also affected by temperature changes, which can affect their performance.
Electric-Powered Airsoft Guns
Electric-powered airsoft guns use a battery to power a motor, which compresses air and fires the pellet. These guns are the most popular type of airsoft gun because they are powerful, have a high rate of fire, and require little maintenance. They are also very customizable and can be upgraded with various accessories, such as scopes and silencers.
However, they can be more expensive than spring-powered guns, and their batteries must be charged regularly.
There is fourth option isn’t commonly used but shouldn’t be overlooked depending on your requirements – An HPA system.
High-Pressure Air (HPA) systems are a type of pneumatic technology used in airsoft guns to propel BBs by releasing compressed air. HPA systems are powered by external air tanks filled with compressed air, typically stored at pressures of 3,000 to 4,500 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Different Styles Of Airsoft Guns
In addition to the airsoft gun types, you then have the choice of what style of weapon you want. It can get confusing at times, it’s the terminology.
Here is a list of the most common style of airsoft guns:
- Rifles: These are usually the most common type of weapon used as are popular among beginners.
- Shotguns: Perfect for close range combat, but poor for long range tactical play.
- Handguns: Excellent as a secondary weapon for any close encounters you may come across. Another popular choice for beginners.
- Sniper Rifles: Designed for long range shots and offer exceptional range and accuracy. These guns are not for everyone. It can be a long game hiding and waiting for the opponent to appear.
- Machine Guns: Submachine guns are light and compact and ideal for fast paced games. Alternatively, there is also the light machine gun which is heavier and belt fed, usually best whilst hiding on the floor waiting to open fire on multiple players.
- HPA Systems: HPA guns are High Pressured Air systems that are highly customizable. They are popular among seasoned players due to their fine-tuning and performance.
By understanding the various styles of airsoft guns available, players can choose the appropriate weapon to match their playstyle, preferences, and tactical requirements.
With options ranging from rifles, shotguns, and handguns to sniper rifles, SMGs, and LMGs, as well as unique and custom designs, the airsoft world offers a diverse arsenal for enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airsoft Gun
When choosing an airsoft gun, there are several factors you should consider:
Budget
The first factor to consider is your budget and this is something I always talk about. Only spend what you can afford.
Airsoft guns can be expensive and can range in price from $20 to $1,000 or more. As a beginner, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money on your first gun. A good entry-level gun can cost between $100 and $300. You should also consider the cost of accessories and ammunition.
Brand
There are some things in life where the brand isn’t that important. Unfortunately, Airsoft isn’t one of them.
Brands in airsoft matter. If you buy an unbranded airsoft gun for $20, expect it to be very poor and not last very long. I made this mistake once as a beginner. I bought my son a cheap gun for Christmas. By the end of the day it was in the bin with the wrapping paper.
Here is a list of some of the top brands to look out for:
- ASG
- Classic Army
- G&G
- KWA
- Lancer Tactical
- Tokyo Marui
- Umarex
- VFC
- WE Tech
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other reputable airsoft gun brands out there. It’s important to do your research and read reviews before purchasing an airsoft gun to ensure that it meets your needs and is reliable.
Power
The power of an airsoft gun is measured in feet per second (fps). The higher the fps, the more powerful the gun is. However, you should be aware that some airsoft fields have a limit on the fps of the guns allowed. A good range for an entry-level gun is between 300 and 400 fps.
Accuracy
The accuracy of an airsoft gun depends on several factors, including the quality of the barrel, the weight of the pellets, and the type of hop-up system used. A good airsoft gun should be accurate up to about 100 feet.
Range
The range of an airsoft gun is also an important factor to consider. The range depends on the power of the gun and the accuracy of the pellets. A good airsoft gun should have a range of at least 100 feet.
Rate of Fire
The rate of fire of an airsoft gun is measured in rounds per minute (rpm). The higher the rpm, the faster the gun can shoot. A good entry-level gun should have a rate of fire of at least 10 rounds per second.
Style
The style of an airsoft gun is a matter of personal preference. There are many different styles available, including rifles, pistols, shotguns, and submachine guns. You should choose a style that fits your playing style and the type of game you want to play.
Accessories
Airsoft guns can be customized with various accessories, such as scopes, red dot sights, lasers, and flashlights. These accessories can improve your accuracy and make aiming in low-light conditions easier. However, they can also add to the cost of the gun, so you should consider your budget when choosing accessories.
Best Airsoft Guns for Beginners
Now that we have covered the different types of airsoft guns and factors to consider when choosing one, let’s take a look at some of my recommendations on airsoft guns for beginners. I’ve chosen the below to give you a good range of choices.
| Airsoft Gun | Power | Accuracy | Range (ft) | Rate of Fire | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYMA AK47 | Spring | Medium | 100 | 10 rounds per second | $100-150 |
| G&G Combat Machine | Electric | High | 150 | 12 | $150-250 |
| Elite Force 1911 | Gas | Low | 50 | 10 | $100-150 |
| KWA M4A1 | Electric | High | 150 | 15 | $250-350 |
| WE M92F | Gas | Low | 50 | 10 | $100-150 |
1. CYMA AK47
The CYMA AK47 is a classic airsoft rifle that is popular among beginners. It is a spring-powered gun with an entire metal body and a high-capacity magazine. It has a range of about 100 feet and a rate of fire of about 10 rounds per second. It is also very affordable, within a price range of $150.
2. G&G Combat Machine
The G&G Combat Machine is an electric-powered airsoft rifle that is reliable and easy to use. It has a polymer body and a high-capacity magazine. It has a range of about 150 feet and a rate of fire of about 12 rounds per second. It is also customizable and can be upgraded with various accessories. It has a price range of around $200.
3. Elite Force 1911
The Elite Force 1911 is a gas-powered airsoft pistol that is popular among beginners. It is a replica of the famous Colt 1911 and has a whole metal body. It has a range of about 50 feet and a rate of fire of about 10 rounds per second. It is also very affordable, with a price range of $100 to $150.
4. KWA M4A1
The KWA M4A1 is an electric-powered airsoft rifle that is very reliable and accurate. It has a metal body and a high-capacity magazine. It has a range of about 150 feet and a rate of fire of about 15 rounds per second. It is also customizable and can be upgraded with various accessories. It has a price range of $300 to $350 onwards.
5. WE M92F
The WE M92F is a gas-powered airsoft pistol that is a replica of the famous Beretta M92. It has a full metal body and a high-capacity magazine. It has a range of about 50 feet and a rate of fire of about 10 rounds per second. It is also very affordable, with a price range of $100 to $150.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airsoft gun as a beginner can be a daunting task, but it is important to consider the type of game you want to play, your budget, and the factors we discussed above.
Spring-powered airsoft guns are the most affordable and reliable, but they have limited power and range. Gas-powered airsoft guns are more powerful and realistic, but they require more maintenance and can be more expensive.
Electric-powered airsoft guns are the most popular and customizable, but they can be more expensive than spring-powered guns.
When choosing an airsoft gun, you should also consider the power, accuracy, range, rate of fire, style, and accessories. Ultimately, the best airsoft gun for a beginner will depend on your personal preference and playing style.
