Beginners Guide: The different types of Airsoft Gun
Beginners Guide: What’s the difference between the types of Airsoft Guns?
When you are first getting into Airsoft, it can be a bit daunting when looking at the different types of Airsoft weapons available. At Dave’s Custom Airsoft, we have decades of experience, most of us have been playing at sites around the UK for many years now.
In this guide, we hope to help pass on some of our knowledge and give you some ideas of what weapon you are looking for, and what to look out for.
Assault Rifles
Probably the most common weapon you will find at an airsoft site, an Assault rifle is the primary weapon choice for most players.
Typically set to fire semi-automatic and fully automatic (or burst), they are great choices for beginners who are just getting started in Airsoft. Most commonly powered by electric, you can find incredible replicas available of real-life guns.
Some of the most popular types of assault rifles are the M4, G36, and AK47/74. You often see these used a lot in popular movies, TV shows and video games. A lot of the most famous weapons used in films and video games are also recreated for airsoft players as well.
Pros:
- A huge range of replicas is available
- Easy to use
- Great beginner weapons
Tips:
As a beginner, we would always recommend using an AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) before trying Gas or other replicas. Electric guns tend to be a lot more reliable and easier to maintain.
SHOP ASSAULT RIFLES
Specna Arms CO1 Core Carbine AEG (Half-Tan) - View
Shotguns
If you are looking for something that takes some skill to use but is very satisfying when you land a hit (or 6 in one) then shotguns are what you want to be searching for.
Prioritising spread over a short distance, these weapons are much more effective in Close Quarter Battles (CQB). Some of the airsoft shotguns fire a single BB at a time, but most fire 3 to 6 BBs per trigger pull to recreate the effect of shotgun shells.
Unlike Assault Rifles, most Airsofters won’t use a shotgun as their primary weapon, instead using it as a backup/secondary to their primary weapon of choice.
Pros:
- A great option for CQB games
- Incredibly fun to use
- Max Fun Factor
Tips:
Make sure you always check the listing of the shotgun to ensure you but the correct barrel for what you are looking for (single shot/tri-shot)
SHOP SHOTGUNS
CM352 Shotgun Replica (Black) - View
Sniper Rifles
For those wanting to sit back and pick off the competition from afar, Sniper Rifles are an excellent choice.
Made for those with a bit more experience in airsoft, sniper rifles are not as commonly found at airsoft games, but any team which has a sniper on their team already has an advantage.
Most sniper rifles in airsoft will be spring powered, meaning that the sniper will need to be charged after every shot, but this also means you will be able to shoot with more power than other weapon types. There are electric and gas-powered snipers available, however, these are less common than their spring-powered counterparts.
Pros:
- High power limit than most other weapons
- Great for those who want to play at larger more open airsoft sites
- Excellent choice for more experienced airsoft players
Tips
Some airsoft sites will have a minimum range for sniper rifles to engage their targets.
SHOP SNIPER RIFLES
MB4409D Sniper Rifle Replica with Scope and BiPod (Black) - View
Pistols
Any serious airsoft player will always carry a pistol as a secondary with them. Great for when battles get tighter.
With a choice of single-fire, burst-fire, semi-automatic and fully automatic pistols available, there is a huge range of pistols available. For those wanting to look for iconic pistols, there are incredible replicas of the famous Magnum Revolvers and Desert Eagles available.
Pistols are also great for beginners who are just starting to help improve their aim.
Pros:
- Great secondary option for CQB
- Beautiful replicas of iconic pistols
- A must for any serious airsoft player
Tips
Most pistols are gas-powered and will perform worse in colder temperatures. To help prevent this, try and keep your magazines at room temperature.
SHOP PISTOLS
Beretta Mod.92 FS Co2 Pistol (Black) - View
Submachine Guns
Also known as SMGs, these weapons are smaller and lighter than assault rifles, but can still pack a very powerful punch.
Great for those who like to keep agile throughout the field, SMGs are guns that can really deliver with the power of a primary but keep agile like a secondary. With the right upgrades, SMGs can often be more useful in battle than other types of weapons.
Pros:
- Great for keeping agile in the field
- Excellent for CQB
- Magazines are often smaller, so you can carry more during battle
Tips
As these do tend to be smaller than assault rifles, it does mean small batteries will need to be used.
SHOP SUBMACHINE GUNS
CYMA 0.41PDW MP5 (Black) - View
Support Guns
Now, if you are looking for something big, powerful and can shoot a massive amount of BBs, then look no further than the Support Gun.
Used for laying down a suppressing fire to help your teammates advance on the enemy, these guns are the finest examples of defence as a form of attack.
Often coming with stands or bipods, these are great for those who want to lie back and unleash.
Pros:
- Hold a huge amount of BBs
- Great forms of defence
- Excellent for laying down a serious amount of fire
Tips
These are typically larger and heavier than all other weapons, so you won’t be as mobile, so make sure you always have a secondary weapon available.
SHOP SUPPORT GUNS
S&T MK46 Sports Line AEG with Box Magazine (Black) - View
Hopefully, the above guide has helped you and you now know what type of weapon will suit you. However, if need further help, we have other guides available below.
A handy guide to Batteries in Airsoft.