Airsoft guns come in two main types of materials – metal and polymer. Many airsoft players wonder which material makes the better airsoft gun. This article will compare metal and polymer airsoft guns across various factors to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Metal airsoft guns offer greater durability and realism but are heavier and require more maintenance. Polymer airsoft guns are lighter, cheaper, and easier to care for but may be less realistic and durable. Build quality matters more than material for accuracy.
What are Metal and Polymer?
To understand the differences between materials, let’s first look at what metal and polymer are:
- Metal – Most airsoft guns are made from some type of aluminum alloy. Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, rust-resistant, and machined precisely for good internals. Steel and iron are sometimes used but are heavier.
- Polymer – Polymers used in airsoft guns include ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, and fiber-reinforced plastics. These are lightweight molded plastics that can be made sturdy yet flexible.
Why Use Metal Airsoft Guns
- Most are constructed from aluminum alloys like aluminum 6061 which provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Aluminum is lighter than steel but maintains tremendous durability – it does not crack under stress as a polymer can.
- CNC machining allows precise manufacturing tolerances for reliable feeding, firing, and cycling.
- The machined aluminum body feels rigid and solid in the hand, closely mimicking a real gun.
- Downsides are increased weight over polymer and potential for rust if not cared for properly.
Why Use Polymer Airsoft Guns
- ABS and reinforced polycarbonate plastics are commonly used. Nylon and fiber-filled nylon provide flexibility too.
- Injection molding and precise computer-aided mold design create solid, resilient polymer bodies.
- While strong, the polymer can crack more easily from impacts compared to metal.
- Polymer feels less rigid and “cold” than metal but allows detailed molded shapes.
- Lightweight but durability is lowered, so polymer guns require careful handling to prevent damage.
So in summary, metal offers the utmost durability and rigidity but at the cost of increased weight and care. Polymer sacrifices some ruggedness for dramatically lighter carry weight and flexibility.
This helps explain why each material has its pros and cons. Airsofters should weigh these carefully against their needs and priorities when choosing a metal versus polymer airsoft gun.
What Are the Benefits of Metal and Polymer Airsoft Guns
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first airsoft gun or a seasoned player eyeing an upgrade, read on to learn which material best fits your needs and budget.
Durability – Metal Airsoft Guns Last Longer
One of the biggest advantages of metal airsoft guns is their durability. Metal is simply tougher and more resilient than polymer. Metal airsoft guns can withstand more abuse from drops, impacts, and general wear and tear during games. Polymer guns can crack or break more easily.
A sturdy metal gun will hold up much better over time for players who play frequently or use their airsoft guns heavily during MilSim games. Metal airsoft guns often feel more solid and robust as well.
Weight – Polymer Guns are Lighter
Polymer airsoft guns have a big advantage when it comes to weight. Polymer is much lighter than metal, making polymer airsoft guns easier to carry and maneuver during games. The lighter weight also makes aiming and handling polymer guns easier for longer periods.
For younger players or anyone who wants a lighter gun, polymer models are a better choice. The lower weight also allows the use of larger batteries and accessories while keeping the overall weight manageable.
Accuracy – It Depends on Build Quality
Accuracy depends more on the quality and precision of the manufacturing rather than the material. Well-made metal and polymer airsoft guns can both achieve excellent accuracy.
Polymer guns often have looser tolerances which can reduce accuracy slightly. However, some polymer guns utilize tight precision molding to match the accuracy of metal. For the best accuracy, look at reviews of specific gun models rather than relying on material alone.
Price – Polymer Airsoft Guns Cost Less
Polymer guns are generally cheaper to manufacture than machined metal guns. This translates into lower prices for polymer airsoft guns compared to similar metal models.
Polymer guns can cost $75 to $150 less than metal counterparts. This makes polymer a better choice for beginners on a budget or players looking for a lower-priced secondary weapon. The money saved can be used for batteries, magazines, gear, and other accessories.
Realism – Metal Airsoft Guns Look and Feel More Realistic
For players looking to simulate real guns as closely as possible, metal airsoft guns provide a more realistic heft, look, and feel. The weight and tactile coldness of metal better approximates a real firearm.
Polymer guns often look and feel more like toys. While less important for recreational play, players who want guns for collecting, display, or training purposes may prefer metal. Some fields also only allow metal guns for a more authentic milsim experience.
Customization – Both Offer Extensive Customization Options
One of the great things about airsoft guns is the ability to customize them to match your preferences. Both metal and polymer airsoft guns offer virtually endless customization options.
You can add scopes, sights, grips, flashlights, lasers, grenade launchers, customized paint jobs, and more to transform your gun exactly how you want it. The material doesn’t limit modifications, so you can customize a metal or polymer gun to meet your needs.
Maintenance – Metal Guns Require More Care
One downside of metal airsoft guns is that they require more maintenance and care than polymer models. Since metal can corrode, metal guns need regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent rusting, especially if used outdoors.
Polymer guns can simply be wiped down and don’t corrode, making cleaning much easier. For players who don’t want to spend time consistently maintaining their gun, a polymer is again the better choice.
And the Winner Is…
So which is better overall – metal or polymer airsoft guns? There’s no definitive answer since both have pros and cons.
For frequent hardcore use and realism, metal airsoft guns edge out polymer. But for affordability and lighter weight, polymer models work better. Much comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
The best approach is to consider what features matter most to you. Once you know your needs, you can focus on finding the best specific metal or polymer airsoft gun to match them. With quality manufacturing, both materials can make outstanding airsoft guns.
Here are some examples of popular airsoft guns made from metal and polymer:
Popular Metal Airsoft Guns
- Tokyo Marui Next Generation M4A1 – This aluminum alloy M4 replica features Tokyo Marui’s reliable hop-up system and solid construction.
- LCT AKs – LCT is renowned for its realistic 1:1 scale AK models CNC machined from steel and aluminum alloys.
- KWA LM4 PTR – The KWA LM4 perfectly mimics the dimensions, weight, and controls of the real steel H&K 416 rifle with durable pot metal and alloy.
Popular Polymer Airsoft Guns
- G&G Combat Machine M4 – One of the most popular starter M4s, with a fiber-reinforced polymer body keeping weight down.
- Elite Force Glocks – Using durable ABS plastic, these officially licensed Glock pistol replicas are lightweight yet rugged.
- Tokyo Marui HI-CAPA – Tokyo Marui’s upgraded gas blowback HI-CAPA pistol has a polycarbonate frame able to withstand green gas pressure.
These are just a few examples of well-known airsoft guns using each material to illustrate their properties in real products. When choosing between metal and polymer, consider if weight or pure durability is more important for your needs.
Conclusion
Whichever you choose, be sure to use high-quality BBs, practice proper shooting techniques, and have fun! Airsoft is a great way to experience action-packed games and simulate military scenarios at any age. Just use protective gear for safety and pick the airsoft gun material that best suits your style of play.
- Metal airsoft guns offer greater durability and realism but are heavier and require more maintenance.
- Polymer airsoft guns are lighter, cheaper, and easier to care for but may be less realistic and durable.
- Build quality matters more than material for accuracy. Either can be customized extensively.
- Consider your budget, usage, and priorities for weight/realism to decide which material fits your needs best.
- Focus less on material alone and more on finding the highest quality metal or polymer airsoft gun with your desired features.
