If you are new to Airsoft and have no idea where to start, then this starter guide will be a great reference tool for you to ensure you know what is for you, and what to avoid.

So, what is an Airsoft gun?

Airsoft guns are essentially replica guns that shoot primarily 6mm balls known as BBs. These BBs are sold in a range of weights such as 0.12g (Do not buy these), 0.20g, 0.25g etc.

People who buy Airsoft guns are looking to use these guns in a competitive environment, such as skirmishes held at Airsoft sites, or sometimes they are looking for a gun to use for target shooting. Airsoft weapons are also used for historical re-enactments and by museums. There are also a large number of collectors who enjoy collecting airsoft weapons for their replica collections.

When it comes to the different types of Airsoft guns, there is a massive range of guns available in the market. We suggest that you purchase an AEG (AutomaticElectric Gun) as your first weapon, and perhaps a pistol for use as a sidearm in tighter situations. There are grenade launchers, support weapons, sniperrifles, sub-machine guns and anything else you can think of, all of which have certain benefits and drawbacks.



I keep hearing about FPS, what is that?

FPS is the standard measurement of a weapon's muzzle velocity. FPS stands for ‘Feet-per-second’, essentially detailing how fast your BBs will travel once you pull the trigger. We always measure FPS with a 0.20g BB.

To help give you a simple idea of this:-

1 FPS is around 0.68mph
400 FPS will travel at 270mph

Airsoft sites will also have limits on the maximum FPS you can have on your Airsoft gun, so you need to make sure they you know the limits before arriving at the site. Sites will also have limits on different types of weapons as well. As with everything, it can get a bit complicated, however, as a general rule the maximum muzzle velocity for any airsoft weapon capable of firing in automatic mode is 350fps, semi-automatic only 425fps, single shot weapons 500fps.

Using a heavier BB will reduce the FPS of your weapon, and, you need to ensure that the BB weight you are using is firing at the FPS limit for the site you play at, this is because of Joule Creep which comes into play when changing the weights of BBs used. 



What about the different types of Airsoft systems?

When it comes to Airsoft systems, there are a few different alternatives.

Electric Airsoft Gun (AEG)

As the name says, this is an airsoft gun that is powered by an Electric Motor and Gearbox. These weapons are powered by small batteries (usually Li-Po batteries) that are rechargeable and interchangeable. AEGs are the most common/popular type of Airsoft guns currently on the market because they are more reliable than other weapon types and offer the most firepower. AEGs are great starter weapons for anyone who is just getting into Airsoft.

Gas Airsoft Gun

Gas airsoft guns are run by a variety of different methods including Co2, HPA and different gas compounds which are colour codes by power, the less lubricants within the gas, the more power the gas will generate. The lowest power gas includes maintenance, then Green which is for standard all-year use, Red which is for Metal Slide or Heavier Recoiling weapons or for use in cold temperatures, then Black which is most commonly used in Sniper Rifles. We do recommend you read the manuals supplied with your replicas to ensure you are using the correct propellant for your replica. Whilst the different gas colours are typically dictated by the canister, this is not always the case, so definitely make sure you purchase the correct one for your weapon.

Gas Airsoft guns most commonly, but not always, offer realistic ‘Blowback’, weapon controls and realistic assembly/disassembly. ‘Blowback’ is the term used for the recoiling mass of the bolt or slide. Gas guns are the most realistic type of airsoft guns as they generate a great depth of realism. However, because of the amount of movement involved in ‘Blowback’, the guns are typically less reliable and will need far more routine maintenance, lubricating and cleaning than an AEG for example. The magazines are also prone to leak and require regular maintenance.

Spring Airsoft Gun

Another type of gun found on the market is the spring airsoft gun. Popular with sniper rifles, these guns require you to manually compress a spring which when the trigger is released will propel the BB from your gun. These guns offer great power but can only fire one shot at a time (sometimes Tri-shot in the case of shotguns). Due to the nature of the system spring guns can be relatively unreliable and will require repairs from time to time, the most common parts to fail on these replica are the sears (that hold back and release the spring under tension) and triggers.  When purchasing a spring rifle it is a good idea to make sure there are available spare parts. 



Last question, who are Dave’s Custom Airsoft, and what do we do?

That is a great question.

At Dave’s Custom Airsoft LTD we have thousands of different products available throughout our Showroom and website. From airsoft guns, consumables such as Gas and BBs, internal and external parts right through to tactical equipment.

We have over 10 years of experience in the technical aspect of airsoft weapons and we offer upgrade packages on most of the guns we have available as well as on guns you already own. These tiered upgrade packages are great ways to improve the firepower, accuracy and reliability of your guns. We also handle repairs for AEGs and Spring Rifles as well as custom builds. All our tech work is handled by our in-house tech team, they are always around to help with any questions or issues you may have.