Which Gun is Best for You?

Airsoft Guns ? Which Gun is Best for You?

For the interested person who is looking to join the exciting and exhilarating fun of the sport of Airsoft, finding an affordable Airsoft gun is not as complicated as it may seem. Although some of the higher-end guns can be expensive, the average newcomer does not have to spend a small fortune to purchase and enjoy a quality Airsoft gun. Before the interested buyer begins to search for his optimal weapon, an understanding of the different types of guns that are available, and how these guns work can be very helpful.

Generally speaking, Airsoft guns fall into three different categories, which are defined by how the guns are designed and operate. The more complicated the inner mechanisms that fire the guns, usually the more expensive they become.

Spring Airsoft Guns:

These are the cheapest airsoft guns you can get. An internal spring shoots the pellet from the gun. They're single shot guns which means you'll need to cock the gun each time you want to fire one of the plastic bbs. This can get annoying at times but these guns can be purchased for just a few dollars.

Electric Airsoft Guns (AEG):

They are often called automatic electric guns or AEGS, because they are capable of a Rate of Fire (ROF) of 300 to 900 rounds per minute (RPM), and their muzzle velocities range from 200 to 400 feet per second. These are also known as AER (Automatic Electric Rifles)and are the most popular type of airsoft rifle because for many reasons. For example they're highly portable, battery powered, powerful, accurate and reliable. Many AER models can give 2 - 3 years of flawless operation with the most basic of maintenance but tend to be the most expensive type of airsoft gun available. The most popular electric airsoft guns are manufactured by the Tokyo Marui, a Japanese airsoft gun manufacturer.

Gas Airsoft Guns:

Gas models usually need to be refilled after you've fired off a few magazines. Both gas and AEG airsoft are also available in blowback models - this is where the topslide flys backwards when a shot is fired; the same way it does in the movies. Gas airsoft guns are also highly portable and reasonably powerful. Available in fully automatic modes they can deplete the gas "charge" stored in the gun very quickly. This can involve carrying around replacement tins of compressed gas for the rifle or possibly even carrying a recharging pump around with you.