There are over 500 airsoft guns marketed toward beginners. Let us cut through the BS and showcase, what we think, are the best starter airsoft guns.
We’ve played 1000+ airsoft games and gone to multiple MILSIM events. One of our writers even worked in the industry in one of the leading Southern California airsoft specialty stores (he even has gotten hundreds of newer players into airsoft).
So, we feel extra confident in our recommendations for anyone looking to get the best start in airsoft they can. Read below for learning what is the best airsoft gun for beginners.
Quick Answers:
Keep on reading for each specific review.
As with anything, you get what you pay for in airsoft. However, that doesn’t mean that if it is expensive, it is good for your particular situation. Read on to see the factors we considered before making a decision if an airsoft AEG (automatic electric gun) belonged on this list.
Main Factors to Consider for a Good Starter Gun:
We took the below airsoft rifles and really put them through the paces. We understand that beginner airsoft loadouts are going to be different from those who have played for a long time.
We also only included airsoft AEG’s as they are easily the best airsoft gun type for beginners to purchase. They are the best balance between performance, reliability, and cost. We love a good airsoft pistol, but they aren’t always beginner friendly.
Value
We surveyed over 50 new players and discovered that the most common starting dollar amount for their first airsoft gun was around $200 – $250 in total (this includes battery, charger, and first magazine).
So, we reviewed the following things:
Performance to Cost Ratio – we wanted to ensure that the cost of the beginner airsoft rifle was worth the few dollars available.
Reliability to Cost Ratio – reliability is quite important as newer players simply don’t have the funds for a backup gun in case their primary breaks down.
Customer Service of the Manufacturer – The manufacturer’s warranty and customer service reputation should be good to ensure that IF you receive a lemon, it’ll be covered.
Battery & Charger should be included – and if it doesn’t, then we aimed for an beginner airsoft AEG that is below $200.
No one likes hidden extra costs, and most airsoft AEGs, especially those in the higher end, do not come with a battery or charger. These can tack on an extra $30 or so.
Shooting Performance
Consistent Muzzle Velocity – the standards we want to hit are +/- 15 FPS variance on .20g BB’s. Any more than that and it suggests something quite wrong with the air compression components of the gun.
Adjustable hop up & high quality bucking – these are key to a good BB flight path. Accuracy is the most common first concern, and we place this high on our list of performance indicators.
Performance with a 9.6V battery – most beginners start with a 9.6v or 8.4v NiMH battery. So, the starter airsoft gun should be able to cycle reliably and have a decent trigger response time.
Reliability
It will work under tough circumstances – let’s face it, beginner airsoft players are usually very rough on their equipment. This is because they not only lack the experience of weapons handling, but they also don’t have the money for equipment that can help prevent damage to the airsoft gun.
Precision internal construction – well built and precisely installed internal parts help ensure longevity of the airsoft gun.
Internal Build Quality
High quality bucking – the bucking is the main object touching your BB before you fire your gun, it is important that it is of the decent quality.
Solid hop up– the hop up unit should be adjustable and the adjustment shouldn’t move by itself while firing the gun.
Rubber seals are good – good gas efficiency is reliant on solid seals.
Smooth inner barrel – the inner barrel should be smooth and the crowning should be well made.
Solid trigger contacts – the most common failure on a starter airsoft AEG is an error with the trigger contacts. They can fuse or get misaligned.
Well shimmed gearbox – a well oiled and shimmed gearbox keeps your gears, motor, and piston in good working order. You can hear a poorly shimmed gearbox as it will whine heavily under use.
Reshimming a gearbox commonly requires a technician, so the better shimmed it is out of the box, the better.
External Build Quality
Full metal body – while a full metal body isn’t a requirement, it is a “nice to have” as metal bodies have a tendency to be more durable than polymer ones.
Tactical rail – most new players end up installing optics, forward grips, and other accessories, so having a tactical rail that can accomodate these is good.
Future Upgradeability
Ease of upgrade – some airsoft AEG designs, by their very nature, are more difficult to do maintenance and work on.
Parts compatibility – the more aftermarket parts fit into this AEG without needing small modifications, the better. We hope for most parts to just simply be a “drop in” affair.
Availability of parts – some airsoft guns are of a more “rare” design and so there are fewer aftermarket parts for them.
Keep these 2 tips in mind when purchasing
- What is the reputation of the manufacturer? Much like anything, you get what you pay for. I’d say that with airsoft is especially true, as the difference between even $20 can be stark. Good airsoft manufacturers will have more rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure that you’ve got a good product that will run when you need it to run.
- Does it come with a warranty – Review the warranty policy to determine if it is provided by the manufacturer itself, or the store. One nice thing about airsoft specialty stores is that they typically provide some kind of warranty on top of what is currently available.
Lancer Tactical G2 Airsoft LT-19B M4 Carbine 10″ AEG Rifle
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 375 – 390 FPS |
| Range: | 125 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Polymer Upper / Polymer Lower |
| Length: | 31 inches / 34.5 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 4.3 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.03mm Tightbore |
| Inner Barrel Length | 363 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable – Rotary Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes – Polymer Keymod |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | Yes |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Small Tamiya – Nunchuck |
| Magazine Capacity | 300 Round High Capacity |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 – Quick spring change |
| Upgradability | High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
Lancer Tactical has always been known as a budget / beginner brand (check out our article on the best airsoft brands for our opinion) and this shows why.
Externally, the LT19 line is an M4A1 style airsoft gun with polymer keymod rail & collapsible crane stock. The flip up sights are functional (although sometimes the rear sight doesn’t click all the way and needs a little coaxing with your thumb). The outer barrel is full metal and we brought this carbine out to several games and it ran just fine.
Performance-wise we’d say that this sets a great baseline for what a starter airsoft AEG should be. It fired around 14 RPS (rounds per second) on a fully charged 9.6v (we later just threw in an 11.v LiPo for increased trigger response).
We were able to reliably hit man-sized targets out to 120 feet after adjusting the hop up (which is a standard TM style one piece hop up unit utilizing a rotary wheel).
In terms of value, we’re surprised at the sheer amount of “stuff” you get. Most of the time you get a handful of features, but the LT19B comes with a LOT. Some features you will find on this starter airsoft gun that you might be hard-pressed to find on other beginner AEG’s are:
- Tightbore inner barrel
- Quick spring change system
- Rotary style adjustable hop up
- Keymod RIS
- Rear sling mount
- Flip up sights
- Packaging that includes: battery, charger, high capacity magazine
Who is this gun for?
This is a great gun for a beginner looking for a solid package. There are a ton of features that come with this AEG at a very affordable price. At the time of writing, this M4 will run you about $170. This means that you’ll have quite a bit left over for some better essentials. A few choice we’d recommend are:
- Smart charger
- Safety gear like better eye protection
- Optics (red dot)
- Spare battery
- Extra magazines
G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider Airsoft AEG Rifle
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 325 – 340 FPS |
| Range: | 150 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Polymer Upper / Polymer Lower |
| Length: | 31 inches / 34.5 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 6.1 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.08mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 363 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable – TM Gear Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes – Polymer |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | Yes (If you select the battery package) |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Small Tamiya – Nunchuck |
| Magazine Capacity | 450 Round High Capacity |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 |
| Upgradability | Very High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
The G&G combat machine, back in the early 2010’s, set the golden standard for beginner guns. Being one of the most popular choices at the time, it came in at an affordable price, had decent performance metrics, and was reliable. It was the first to pioneer the high-density, durable polymer receivers as a replacement aging to the TM style ABS plastic receivers.
In terms of performance, we’re able to hit targets out to 135 feet fairly easily with 0.25g BB’s. The shimming on our particular version was fairly spot on, all we had to do was adjust the motor height a bit for a near soundless pop for each trigger pull.
This particular package provided by Evike.com gives you a smart charger to start with, which is far more safe than a standard wall charger. A smart charger will ensure that you do not accidentally overcharge and destroy your NiMH battery. Read more about the best airsoft battery & charger and how to take care of them here.
Our main complaint with this model (and the Combat Machine line in general) is that the dust cover’s spring is reversed, and the charging handle doesn’t actually open the dust cover. This means that you need to jam your nail in to open the cover and adjust the hop up.
Most beginner airsoft rifles don’t have to worry about this at all, as most models just spring open after pulling the charging handle.
Who is this gun for?
A new player looking for a reliable, no-nonsense choice for their first AEG. The upgrade potential for this gun is HUGE. Check out our full review here.
KWA Full Metal KM4A1 Airsoft AEG Rifle
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 395 – 410 FPS |
| Range: | 175 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Metal Upper and Lower Receiver |
| Length: | 30.5 inches / 34 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 6.7 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.05mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 395 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14” Metal |
| Hop Up | 2 Piece – Adjustable – KWA 2G Hopup |
| Includes Rail | No |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Front Wired – Small Tamiya – Butterfly |
| Magazine Capacity | 120 Round Midcap |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 |
| Upgradability | Very High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
If all you’re concerned with is maximum performance at a low price then stop right here. KWA is known for making high quality AEGs and gas guns and the KM4A1 is a perfect example. There’s a reason KWA makes some of the most popular airsoft guns on the market.
Running 18 RPS with a fully charged 9.6v and up to 20+ RPS with an 11.1v, this full metal choice can not only fire smoothly and reliably but also go quite the distance. The included 2G hopup and bucking actually makes contact with the BB at two points giving a more reliable backspin and thus a more consistent flight path.
We are easily able to hit targets out to 150 feet with a high degree of success with this gun.
Additionally, the shim job on the gearbox is superb. Running a stock KM4A1 can almost feel like an upgraded variant of another more affordable or beginner airsoft rifle.
The internals are solidly made, and the externals are just as good. There is almost no wiggle in the crane stock or in the handguard despite well over 3 dozen airsoft games. The receiver is rock solid and can take quite a bit of abuse.
We often keep a spare KM4A1 around in case one of the crew’s primary weapons goes down. We can confidently hand off this KWA airsoft rifle to a friend knowing that it’ll perform.
Who is this gun for?
A new airsoft player looking to get the best beginner airsoft rifle focusing on maximum performance – all at a price that is less than $200.
Keep in mind that this airsoft rifle usually doesn’t come with a battery or charger, and so you’ll need to pick that up separately.
JG M4A1 S-System
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 390 – 400 FPS |
| Range: | 125 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | ABS plastic upper and lower receiver |
| Length: | 30 inches / 33 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 7.7 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass |
| Inner Barrel Length | 363 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 2 Piece – Adjustable |
| Includes Rail | Yes – S-System w/ Picatinny Rail Sections |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | Yes |
| Battery Type | Front Wired – Small Tamiya – Butterfly |
| Magazine Capacity | 350 Round High Capacity Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 |
| Upgradability | Very High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
JG has a reputation for being a budget brand aimed directly at new players. This particular Tokyo Marui M4A1 clone is a perfect example of why. Clocking in at 400 FPS, this M4A1 is fairly well put together.
The immediate thing that stands out is the S-System rail system, which provides a monolithic (meaning one piece) top rail system so you can place optics wherever you’d like. It can take tactical attachments like forward grips, red dots, flashlights, the works.
If you’re wondering where you might’ve seen this gun before, it is heavily featured in the first two Call of Duty Modern Warfare games.
Flip up sights and adjustable rail segments makes the gun look awesome.
In terms of furniture this airsoft rifle has all the standard fixings including an A2 style grip and LE style collapsible stock.
We took this gun out to about a dozen games and had zero issues with reliability, however the two piece hop up unit isn’t as consistent as we’d like and it does affect the range somewhat (inconsistent backspins can widely affect the spread of the BBs at 100+ feet of range). We’re able to strike man sized targets at around 115 feet fairly reliably. For targets beyond that we actively chose to engage at closer distances.
Our main issue with this budget airsoft rifle is the battery compartment. It is SMALL – and the included 8.4v brick battery barely fits. Considering the low price of the gun, we do recommend going with a buttery or nunchuck style 7.4v LiPo battery so you can be assured it fits in the gun (the battery compartment is inside of the S-System handguard).
Overall, this is a pretty decent shooter at a very affordable price. At the time of writing, this great airsoft gun will run you about $180. This means that you’ll have quite a bit left over for some better essentials. A few choice we’d recommend are:
- LiPo battery & LiPo charger
- Vertical Grip
- Optic
Who is this gun for?
For the airsoft player looking for an awesome-looking rail system with decent performance. Just remember that the battery compartment is very small and you’d be advised to pick up a 7.4v LiPo battery & LiPo charger. Remember that you cannot mix and match the battery chargers for NiMH and LiPo batteries.
King Arms TWS M4 Striker Ultra Grade II Airsoft AEG Rifle
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 400 FPS |
| Range: | 150 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Polymer upper & lower receiver |
| Length: | 31 inches / 34.5 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 4.2 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass 6.05mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 363 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable |
| Includes Rail | Yes – Polymer M-Lok Modular Rail w/ 3 Rail segments |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Buffer Tube – Small 7.4v LiPo |
| Magazine Capacity | 140 Round Midcap Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 w/ Quick Spring Change |
| Upgradability | Very High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
King Arms has been making some of the best airsoft guns for beginners a while now. We’ve always considered them a B grade airsoft manufacturer as they make quality products at a relatively reasonable price. Their airsoft guns don’t scream “amazing,” but are functional and no-nonsense.
TWS M4 Striker has a lot of the awesome features we’d expect out of a gun in the 300 dollar range and the performance proves it. Accuracy-wise we can hit 12 inch groupings at 130 – 140 feet fairly easily and with an 11.1v LiPo it runs at 18-19 RPS.
Additionally, the gearbox features a quick spring change system, so in a matter of minutes you can have a CQB or field ready gun quickly. The out-of-the-box shimming is very well done; as good as the G&G combat machine we reviewed earlier.
This particular model even includes a MOSFET, which should help protect your trigger contacts (the most common failure we see in other airsoft guns for beginners).
We’ve taken this particular gun out to the field about a dozen times and after 2,000 rounds (approximately 15 mid-cap magazines) we haven’t had a failure yet. However, we’ve used other King Arms motors before and we’ve noticed a higher rate of failure than other models (even the JG blue motor outperforms the King Arms motor).
Who is this gun for?
An airsoft player who wants an above-average performing airsoft rifle at a cost that reasonable. The included PDW stock, preinstalled MOSFET, and quick spring change system really make this gun stand out among its peers.
CYMA Standard AK74 RIS Tactical CM048A Airsoft AEG Rifle
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | AK74M Electric (CM048A) |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 400 – 410 FPS |
| Range: | 150 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full metal upper and lower receiver |
| Length: | 37.5 inches |
| Weight: | 6.5 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass 6.07mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 455 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable – AK Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | Yes (With battery package) |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Stock – Small Tamiya |
| Magazine Capacity | 400 Round Hi-Cap Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 3 |
| Upgradability | High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
This is the first AK on our list and it’s quite a good one. CYMA is famous for their high quality AK externals and affordability (see our article on the best airsoft brands for more info). Their internals are usually fairly budget level, but they still perform well and have rugged gears for high overall reliability.
This particular beginner gun is well suited for newer players because it has all the foundations needed for a high performance highly upgradable airsoft AEG.
Everything is in place from the large battery compartment to the handguard RIS to the dovetail side plate for aftermarket AK rails to the Version 3 gearbox to allow a new player to scale this AK into quite a beast.
In fact, a number of airsoft technicians we know have taken this exact airsoft AK and turned it into a monster on the field with very high accuracy, reliability, and rounds per second.
From all the AK’s we’ve reviewed, this one clearly creates a solid foundation for any new player.
Who is this gun for?
An airsoft player looking for a beginner AK airsoft gun that has good out-of-the-box performance while also being completely upgradable.
Softair Licensed Kalashnikov Full Metal AKS74U Airsoft AEG with Real Wood Furniture
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | AKS74U Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 395 FPS |
| Range: | 120 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full metal upper and lower receiver |
| Length: | 19.5 Inches / 29 Inches (Folded / Extended) |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass 6.07mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 260 mm |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable – AK Style |
| Includes Rail | No |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Top Wired – Small Tamiya Connector – Stick Type |
| Magazine Capacity | 600 Round Hi-Cap Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 3 |
| Upgradability | High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
This Softair AKS-74U is a compact variant of the tried and true AK design. OEMed by Cyma (famous for their AK line), you know you’re getting a fairly decent product at a very reasonable cost.
The wood furniture and full metal construction makes this quite a beautiful AKS74U and the internals aren’t half bad either.
The biggest drawback to this AKS74U is the very small battery compartment. If you go with a NiMH battery you’re stuck with a stick design in the 8.4v range. 8.4v NiMH batteries just don’t let this gun run very well as RPS is low and trigger response is sluggish. If you do pick up this AK be sure to get, at minimum, a 7.4v LiPo.
Who is this gun for?
An airsoft player looking to play insurgent and use a classic designed AK style airsoft gun.
Colt Licensed Full Metal M4A1 RIS Carbine
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4A1 w/ RIS |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 390 FPS |
| Range: | 120 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full metal upper and lower receiver |
| Length: | 33 Inches / 30 inches (Folded / Extended) |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass 6.07mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 363 mm |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – M4 Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Small Tamiya Connector – Crane Type |
| Magazine Capacity | 350 Round Hi-Cap Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 |
| Upgradability | High-Medium |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
V2 gearbox, includes rails, and rear wired. This is the perfect platform for future upgrades while still keeping a bite to performance. As far as beginner airsoft guns go this is a solid pick with no real downsides.
Who is this gun for?
A begineer looking for a classic M4A1 with rails that also has full licenses for that authentic look.
What is the best airsoft gun for beginners?
So, there are quite a few AEG’s here on this list. Each come in a varying costs (all under $250 after considering batteries and charger) and have different levels of performance and features.
Your needs as a beginner will vary, and so we’ll break down our best airsoft beginner gun list into a couple of categories.
In terms of pure on-field and practical performance – the best airsoft gun for beginners is the KWA Full Metal KM4A1 Airsoft AEG Rifle. None of the other guns matches the KM4A1’s pure performance in accuracy, reliability, trigger response, and RPS.
In terms of overall value and versatility – the next choice in best airsoft guns for beginners is the King Arms TWS M4 Striker Ultra Grade II Airsoft AEG Rifle. This choice barely beats the G&G Combat Machine Raider simply due to the fact that the King Arms TWS M4, overall, has more high-end features. In terms of shooting performance, the difference is negligible.
If you’re interested in purchasing anything in this list, you can check out the links provided above, or scroll further down for our final breakdowns.
Conclusion: Final Breakdown on the Best AEG Airsoft Beginner Airsoft Guns:
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying the Best Airsoft Gun for Your Needs
Airsoft is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires both strategy and skill. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, it’s important to choose the right airsoft gun to fit your needs.
Where Will You Be Playing
The first factor to consider when choosing an airsoft gun is where you’ll be playing. If you’re playing in an indoor arena, you’ll need a different type of airsoft gun than if you’re playing in an outdoor field.
Indoor guns are typically:
- shorter as to allow for easier handling around obstacles
- firing BB’s at 330 – 350 FPS
- able to have a high rate of fire or snappy semi-auto
- adjustable in length
- carrying high-capacity magazines to reduce reload needs
Outdoor guns are typically:
- medium length as to allow for longer range. Read our guide on how far airsoft guns shoot.
- able to provide consistent backspin to increase range
- large enough to be stabilized
- firing BB’s at 380 – 400 fps
Know Your Personal Requirements
Before you make a purchase, it’s important to know your personal requirements for an airsoft gun. This includes:
- Your playing style
- The role you play on the airsoft field
- Your budget
Do you prefer to play a supportive role, or are you an aggressive player who likes to take the lead? Knowing your personal requirements will help you choose the right airsoft gun for you.
Do Upgrades Matter
Upgrades can make a big difference in your airsoft gun’s performance, but they can also be costly. It’s important to consider whether you plan to upgrade your airsoft gun in the future, and if so, how much you’re willing to spend on upgrades.
Some upgraded AEG’s cost more than something that is fully decked out from the factory.
If you’re just starting out, it is more cost-effective to purchase a gun that’s ready to go and also has compatibility with aftermarket parts for future upgrades if needed.
How Often Do You Plan to Repair
Airsoft guns can break down over time, and they may need to be repaired. It’s important to consider how often you plan to repair your airsoft gun, and your budget to do so. Some airsoft guns are more durable and require less frequent repairs, while others may need to be repaired more often.
This is why selecting the best airsoft brand matters. Not only are the brands indicative of build quality, but also of the warranty.
What Type of Performance Do You Need
The performance of an airsoft gun is determined by several factors:
- Velocity (FPS)
- Accuracy
- Rate of fire
- Trigger response
It’s important to consider what type of performance you need in your airsoft gun. If you’re an aggressive player, you may need an airsoft gun with a good trigger response & high rate of fire. If you’re a supportive player trying to lay down cover fire, range and accuracy may be more important.
Do I Want to Get Attention at the Airsoft Field
Lastly, consider whether you want to get attention at the airsoft field. Some airsoft guns are designed to be flashy and eye-catching, while others are more discreet. For example, a plain jane M4 AEG isn’t going to turn heads at an airsoft field, but a G&G F2000 will.
It’s important to choose a gun that reflects your personal style and how you want to be perceived on the field. In our opinion, stick to more standard guns because they will be less expensive and easier to repair or upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes airsoftcore.com specifically qualified to talk about beginner airsoft guns?
We’ve been playing airsoft actively for nearly 2 decades now. One of the main writers used to work for one of the main airsoft retailers in Southern California and we have numerous contacts in the airsoft world. We’ve cross-referenced our information with expert airsoft techs and play regularly to see if beginners are actually happy with their airsoft guns on the field.
We’ve been to nearly a hundred fields in the continental USA and have thousand of gameplay hours under our belt. We’ve talked to hundreds of new players to determine what airsoft guns they regretted buying, or what purchases they were happy with.
That said, we’re also just some nobodies on the internet to you. While we love to provide accurate airsoft gun information we also aren’t going to have issues if you have a different opinion or experience from us.
What does this list only feature AEG’s? What type of airsoft gun is best for a beginner?
Automatic electric guns are about the most affordable, and most common, variant of great airsoft guns. The other 3 options are spring, gas-powered or compressed-air.
- Spring airsoft guns are usually VERY affordable, but are absolutely outclassed in performance and realism by all other options.
- Gas airsoft guns are more pricey and more realistic at the cost of reliability and performance. This is why we didn’t include an airsoft pistol.
- Compressed air airsoft guns are VERY pricey and harder to maintain, but do offer marginally better performance.
When it comes to choosing the best airsoft gun for a beginner, there are a few factors to consider.
- Type of gun: Electric guns (AEGs) are a popular choice for beginners because they are easy to use and maintain, and they are widely available. They are battery-powered and have a semi-automatic or automatic firing mode. Gas blowback guns are another option, but they can be more expensive and require more maintenance.
- Price: Airsoft guns can range in price from under $100 to several thousand dollars. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a more affordable gun and work your way up as you gain more experience.
- Brand: It’s best to choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality and reliable airsoft guns. Some popular options for beginners include JG, Lancer Tactical, Classic Army, and G&G.
- Size and weight: It’s important to consider the size and weight of the gun to ensure that it is comfortable for you to hold and maneuver.
A good beginner airsoft gun is the M4 AEG series, it is a popular choice for beginners because it is widely available, easy to use, and affordable. The M4 is a versatile gun that can be used for a variety of different roles, making it a great choice for players who are just starting out. Brands like JG, Lancer Tactical, Classic Army, and G&G are known for producing high-quality M4 AEGs at affordable prices.
It’s also important to note that you have to take into consideration your budget, preferences and what type of game play you are going to engage in.
Can I remove the orange tip?
The United States has federally mandated that all airsoft products are to be sold with the orange tip. This is really for your own safety as you don’t want any police agencies believing you have a real weapon (which the orange tip helps ID it as an airsoft product). You’d hope that the United States law enforcement agencies would be able to tell the difference between a replica and real firearms, but it is not really reasonable for them to assume. This is why the orange tip is essential due to local laws and removing them can create a problem.
With that said, you’ll find a lot of players violating local laws and end up removing their orange tip. Hopefully, they know the risks involved. Ultimately, we want you to be safe, and the airsoft hobby/sport truly does NOT need any tragedies and you want to reduce dangerous situations as much as you can.
By removing the orange tip you can create other legal concerns with local law as well.
Related Article: Best Airsoft Rifle Buyer’s Guide
