Airsoft is a sport that has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. It is safe, fun and unlike its counterpart paintball, is non-messy. As a result, the sport now has a huge adult fan following. If you have also been bitten by the Airsoft bug and are planning to buy or upgrade your airsoft gun, then the huge variety available in the market and online may confuse you no end. And if you select the wrong kind of airsoft gun, then you will regret your decision for a long time to come airsoft guns.
Good airsoft guns should be treated as investments in the sport and in your airsoft skill, and some thought and research definitely needs to go in there if you want to enjoy airsoft to the hilt. We discuss below the main types of airsoft guns to give you a better idea of what the best gun will be for you.
Airsoft Machine Guns
Almost all airsoft machine guns are powered by an electric motor which makes their operation fully automatic or at least semi automatic. Coming in light yet realistic looking versions of real machine guns models, these plastic and metal airsoft guns are perfect for those who want to go on and on when they get down on the battle field. Battery powered airsoft machine guns come with a rechargeable battery that works the internal gears of the machine to cock a powerful spring. Every time the trigger is pressed, the spring propels airsoft BBs with power and precision.
The advantage of airsoft machine guns is that they are very fast and powerful, and unlike spring loaded guns, do not need to be cocked for every shot. The downside is that you may have to carry spare batteries whenever you plan on playing for a long time.
Airsoft Sniper Rifles
Airsoft sniper rifles are single shot spring propelled guns. Just like real rifles, these guns have to be cocked for every single shot. While spring airsoft guns come in all price ranges and are a good bet for beginners, you may invest in a high end airsoft sniper rifle if performance and aim are what you are looking for. High end airsoft snipers perform as well as real ones when it comes to hitting the bull's eye and are perfect for those who are into precision shooting and target competitions.
The only disadvantage of these guns is that they are not battery powered and need to be cocked for every shot, which makes them second best when you are playing a war game. However, using airsoft grenades can give you extra power on the battlefield when you are using spring loaded mechanisms.
Airsoft Pistols
Even though CO2 airsoft guns are available in all formats, they are most popular as airsoft pistols. Powered by green gas or CO2 in the gas chamber, gas airsoft guns are extremely powerful and as close to the real thing as you can imagine. With a blowback mechanism, CO2 airsoft guns give users a real gun like feel every time they fire a shot. However, these airsoft guns are usually the costliest in the market and are advised only for enthusiasts and collectors.