Before you can choose your first airsoft gun, it would be good to know some basics before buying. There are many airsoft guns to consider; but which one is the best one for you and what accessories will you need? Airsoft guns are replicas to scale of real firearms shooting 6mm plastic pellets. Though they are not real guns, they can be dangerous if not handled properly so safety should always be a concern.
CHOOSING AN AIRSOFT GUN
There are three basic types of Airsoft Guns that can be defined by what type of power is used to propel the BB and they are; Spring, Gas/Co2 and Electric, also known as AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun). Just as real firearms come in a large number of major categories, so do airsoft guns, including; Sniper Rifles, Assault Rifles, Machine Guns, Shotguns, Support Guns and Pistols.
SPRING POWERED
The original airsoft guns that were used for airsoft gaming due to good reliability and they offer a decent amount of firepower for their price. Although now mainly used for target shooting or back garden battles and not skirmishing, can make a cost-effective choice, particularly if looking at sniper rifles. However, unlike the gas and electric models, these do not have an automatic firing feature, so you need to reset the spring each time before shooting.
- Most basic type
- Viewed as entry-level airsoft gun (except for some sniper rifles)
- Use spring action to fire plastic pellets
- Cock and fire – mechanical power – action required to fire each pellet
PROS
- Generally the least expensive option
- Does not require batteries – no recharging
- The power source is unlimited – manual cocking to fire
- Many upgrades available – possible to increase to a powerful airsoft gun (on higher-end spring powered guns)
- Works in hot, cold, dry and wet weather conditions
- Perfect as a starter for new airsoft gun owners
- Some models are very powerful
CONS
- Must be manually cocked prior to every shot
- Not available in semi-automatic or automatic firing capabilities
- Low-cost models generally have a short life expectancy
- More common in plastic than metal
- Spring action is not always quiet and location disclosure is possible
GAS POWERED
Gas-powered airsoft guns are available in several models – most common are propane, CO2 or gas, blowback or non-blowback – and use compressed carbon dioxide or compressed gas, propelling the BB pellet from the barrel. The gas also moves the slide and loads the next round on blowback models including many pistols.
- Non-blowback gas airsoft guns look and feel less realistic than blowback guns
- Non-blowback guns are powerful and conserve gas more than blowback guns
- Multiple types of compressed gas used to fire BBs
- Viewed as intermediate to advanced airsoft guns
- Popular for outdoor target shooting & training
- Most are semi-automatic
- Some are available fully automatic
- Green gas or CO2 is the most common propellants
- Some models can use more than one type of gas
PROS
- Semi-automatic firing capabilities
- Automatic firing capabilities
- AEG’s constraints make gas-powered airsoft pistols popular due to size
- Pistol blowback feature – places pellet automatically for next shot, highly popular feature
- A more realistic and most versatile option
- Usually costs less than AEGs (Electric Guns)
CONS
- Gas can freeze causing malfunctions
- Gas canisters can be costly
- Power is not unlimited
- Spare gas canisters are required for lengthy gaming
- Many gases are harmful to the environment
- Gas clouds can happen giving up your location
- Propane use requires an adapter
- More expensive than spring powered airsoft guns
- Sensitive to outside air temperature
ELECTRIC POWERED
Electric airsoft guns are the most popular if you are looking to start skirmishing. Powerful rechargeable batteries power a high-torque motor and gearbox to offer outstanding performance. A selector switch offers both semi and full-auto firing modes plus a fully working safety. Available in both Sportline (plastic and/or polymer) and Gen2 or 3 full metal replicas guns.
- Rechargeable batteries
- Hi-cap magazines
- Realistic look and feel
- Semi and full automatic firing
PROS
- Commonly available in polymer or metal for a more realistic feel
- Preferred for field gamers and skirmishers
- Manual cocking not required
- Rapid semi-automatic firing capabilities
- Automatic firing capabilities
- Quiet, ideal for gaming
- Useable in hot and cold weather conditions
- Many upgrade options available
CONS
- Requires recharging
- Battery life differs depending on battery
- Known to malfunction in wet conditions
- Metal gearboxes – produce more power, more expensive, allow faster firing
- Plastic gearboxes – produce less power, less expensive, slower firing
CONCLUSIONS
Choosing your first airsoft gun may seem a little overwhelming with all the guns on our website. We always recommend a Sportline AEG and/or a GAS pistol for skirmishing or a spring-powered gun and/or pistol if target shooting in your garden. However as always, the choice is up to you, but don’t forget you can have more than one gun! If you have any further questions, please contact our support team at www.justbbguns.co.uk.