Ultimate Guide to Starting Airsoft in 2023
Taking up airsoft as a sport or hobby has never been easier thanks to the wealth of information and gear available online. In the following guide, I will try to cover all the basics of starting airsoft and give you tips, tricks, and valuable advice to help you make the most out of your starting budget. This will ensure that your first experiences of playing are enjoyable and satisfying, which is critical for new player retention.
It is my belief that catering to the needs of new players is the best way to develop the sport, thus helping everyone who at least wants to try it out is paramount. This is the whole point of this blog. As a new player, I was overwhelmed with the amount of information about all aspects of airsoft and because of this, I made plenty of mistakes, especially when trying to figure out what gear to get and how to get the most performance out of what I already bought.
Now with the intro out of the way, here is how you should use this guide. I have covered each topic in the list below to give you a rough idea of the best answers for these questions. For some of them, I have already written more in-depth articles which will be linked where appropriate. You will also find some product links as I felt it necessary to give examples of replicas or pieces of gear that I recommend. Some of these links will be affiliate links, meaning that if you buy something I might get a small commission. This will not impact the price you see listed on the websites, but it will allow me to keep the blog running.
Here are the most common questions that people ask about airsoft:
- What is Airsoft?
- What should I know before playing airsoft?
- What makes airsoft an exciting sport or hobby?
- Where to start with airsoft? Where can you play airsoft?
- When should you start airsoft?
- What are the benefits of airsoft?
- What is needed to play airsoft? Is airsoft expensive?
- Does airsoft hurt? Is airsoft dangerous?
- What airsoft gun is best for a beginner?
- What gear do I need to play airsoft?
What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a shooting simulation sport or a hobby that came about in the 1990s in Japan. It quickly grew in popularity and expanded to other countries as more and more people saw the appeal of getting to use replica firearms either for fun or for training purposes. While there isn’t a single person who is credited with inventing airsoft, it is widely acknowledged that one of the pioneers is Tokyo Marui, a company that invented the electronic gearbox. This is a contraption that uses a series of metal gears, springs, pistons, an electric motor, and other parts to push plastic BBs with compressed air. The name airsoft also originates from Japan, where “soft air” replica guns were sold to the public because of restrictive gun laws.
These days, airsoft has grown to encompass an entire industry that manufactures everything from replica guns to protective gear. The game is generally played in organized settings, where two or more teams battle for a strategic objective in a clearly defined space. That being said, there are plenty of people who have taken up airsoft just by using cheap spring pistols in their backyard. If you would like to know more about how airsoft came to be this worldwide phenomenon, I have a complete article covering airsoft history that will answer any questions that you might have.
What Should I Know Before Playing Airsoft?
In theory, anyone can play airsoft. However, most countries and states that allow airsoft have strict laws that prohibit the sale or use of airsoft replicas for people under the age of 18. If you are underage, it is best to check local laws to see whether you are allowed to practice airsoft. Most states will allow children over the age of 13 to play airsoft with adult supervision.
Airsoft is a game that is based on an honor system. This means that when you are hit by an opposing player, you need to acknowledge the elimination. You should raise your hand and yell “hit” to make sure you don’t get shot by other players on the enemy team. Depending on the rules of the game, you will either have to walk back to the staging area or call for a medic to get you back in the game.
Why you should call your hits? It is the only way in which the game can develop and grow. Showing respect to other participants will ensure everyone has a great time, thus drawing more new players. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if you are eliminated, you will generally get to respawn in just a few minutes and keep having fun. It simply isn’t worth it to not call your hits. The faster you run back to spawn, the faster you get to be back in the fight.
Another rule you should be aware of is that of minimum engagement distances (MED), which basically tells you how close you can be to an opposing player to shoot them with your replica. Some fields have no MEDs, allowing you to shoot people point blank, but the replicas that are allowed have low FPS. Depending on where you play and the replica you are using, you will need to follow the MED rules to ensure all players are safe.
The last rule that I am going to mention is “Dead men don’t talk”. This means that when you are eliminated from the game, it is considered dishonorable to let your teammates know where you got shot from. You should simply walk back to the respawn area, wait to reenter the game and then try to take out the enemy that shot you. This rule adds to the realism of the sport, by not giving an unfair advantage to your own team. Make sure to keep this in mind while playing and don’t give in to the temptation of giving away enemy positions.
Airsoft has a set of mandatory protective equipment. While you can play airsoft in whatever clothes you like, you will be required to wear at least a set of safety glasses or goggles. These need to have the required safety rating, making them safe for airsoft use. For the US market, the safety rating is either ANSI (This comes from the American National Standards Institute) Z87 or ANSI Z87+. The recommended rating for airsoft use is ANSI Z87+, as this is for high-impact protection. Of course, you could do better and get glasses that have the US military rating MIL-PRF-32432.
For the European Market, the safety standards for eye protection are listed as EN 166. This standard has three classifications Mark A, Mark B and Mark F. For airsoft purposes, you would need to get at least EN 166 F, but you should probably get EN 166 B rated goggles.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some fields might require you to wear full seal eye protection, which rules out most types of impact-rated glasses. What this means is that you will need to use goggles that seal around your eyes perfectly so as to prevent any stray BBs from going around the lenses and causing an injury.
If it is your first time playing at a new airsoft venue, I thoroughly recommend checking their protection requirements, as some fields also list lower face protection as mandatory. This can be either a mesh mask or any other piece of protective gear that can prevent hits to the mouth area. BBs have been known to shatter teeth on impact, which can lead to costly dental procedures. Of course, if the field doesn’t list the lower face protection as mandatory, you can play without a mask, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Masks are very cheap, easy to get, easy to wear, and can prevent painful injuries. You definitely should get one, especially if you are a younger player.
What Makes Airsoft an Exciting Sport or Hobby?
If you’re having doubts about whether airsoft is for you, consider this: think of the best video game FPS experience and amplify it by at least 100. Granted, you won’t get achievements and get to brag to your online friends, but you’ll get to make new friends, get a good workout in, learn to work with others, and learn new skills.
The social aspect of airsoft is probably the most important to me. I’ve had the chance to meet people who I would have never spoken to otherwise. This includes both younger and older people, army veterans, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and others. Each of these people has a great story and unique life experiences, with plenty of stuff to learn from. The military guys are always humble and eager to teach others how to hold a rifle, how to shoot and move, and how to take an objective as a team. Every time one of them has been on my team, I’ve been able to pick up tips and tricks that have made me a better player.
One of the guys that helped me a lot is an airsoft tech. He was able to salvage some of my more questionable gear choices and was able to recommend better equipment. He has worked on all of my AEGs, giving them tune-ups and upgrades, making them the best that they could be. As an added bonus, whenever I want to buy a new replica, I can always rely on his advice and expertise. The cool thing is that he was able to teach me to do basic upgrades like changing buckings and barrels, how to maintain my gas pistols, and how to identify common breakdowns.
Another aspect of airsoft is the sporty side. It is often overlooked as most people just focus on guns and collecting gear. In my opinion, the best part of airsoft is that it gets you moving. The surge of adrenaline while playing will have you run further, faster, and for longer than you could ever believe possible. Now, I have always been active, playing basketball, swimming, and going to the gym, but the workout I get from airsoft is something else. It also helps that I mainly play outdoors, in a large forest with lots of hills and valleys. Navigating that for five to six hours every Sunday is sure to get the blood pumping.
Irrespective of how you like to play, the mobility side of airsoft is very important. Being able to move from cover to cover while also shooting will give you an edge over static players. Furthermore, being more mobile will allow you to outplay even people who have the best and most expensive replicas.
Airsoft is a great way to get in shape. It will motivate you to improve your conditioning either through walking or lifting weights, as you will want to be able to carry your fancy new rifle and make good use of it. That being said, even if you are out of shape, you can still participate by holding key positions and providing covering fire for teammates. The thrill of the game will push you out of your comfort zone and get you moving.
Last but not least, airsoft is fun and exciting because there is something for everyone. Some people like to collect replicas and play just occasionally. Others prefer the social aspect and take part in events just to hang out with friends. For some, airsoft can be a way to get away from the stress of everyday life and blow off steam at the end of the week. For people who are into FPS video games, it is just a way to get more immersion and pretend to be a real soldier for a few days.
Where to start with airsoft? Where can you play airsoft?
If you want to try out airsoft, your best bet is to find the nearest field, check when they have open walk-up days and just go out and rent some basic gear. Almost all venues have people that will take care of first-time players, explaining the rules, and demonstrating how the guns work and how the games are run. To make the most out of your first experience, I recommend going with friends. That way you won’t feel overwhelmed and get to share some friendly banter whenever you get to face each other.
Of course, if you already have friends who are playing airsoft, you should be all set. You will surely find someone to lend you a replica and you can rent the protective equipment. All in all, trying out airsoft should cost you around $40 for a day. If you would like a more detailed guide about the costs of airsoft, I have a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each piece of gear.
If you’re wondering what to do before your first day of play, I recommend reading about local laws for airsoft, checking out the rules of the venue you are about to visit and maybe watching some YouTube videos. Take this last piece of advice with a grain of salt, stay away from clickbait titles that focus on cheaters and other drama. Keep in mind that people upload this kind of stuff to get more views and what you get to see is a highly condensed and edited version of the airsoft game. Find some videos that explain the rules and weapon manipulation and you should be all set.
You shouldn’t pressure yourself to perform amazingly the first time you play, especially if it’s the first time you get to handle a gun replica. There will be plenty of movements you won’t be accustomed to, you might not notice you are out of ammo, and you might find it difficult to aim around obstacles. What I’m trying to say is that you probably won’t be an invincible god the first time around, and that’s ok. Just try to have fun and learn as much as you can. You can worry about getting kills after you’ve had some more games under your belt.
When should you start airsoft?
As soon as you reach the lowest legal age and get approval from your parents. It’s a great sport to get into and it will keep you occupied throughout your formative years. You’ll get to make friends, do stuff in the real world and maybe pick up some skills along the way.
If you are no longer a minor, the answer is the same. Go try the game as soon as possible. See if it’s something you would like to do. If you do find that you enjoy the sport, there is plenty of stuff to keep you engaged and loads more ways to spend your hard-earned cash.
What Are the Benefits of Airsoft?
Like I’ve said above, in my opinion, the main benefit is getting to socialize with lots of cool people, making new friends, and having a cool way to spend your weekends. It’s much easier to talk with strangers who have the same interests as you do, so if you’re not someone who finds it easy to make new friends, airsoft is a great hobby. There are people from all walks of life who are interested in playing weekend warriors and for countless different reasons. Some do it for fun, others for relieving stress, and others to train for their real jobs (yes you can use airsoft as a means of training for the military and law enforcement).
The second most important benefit of airsoft is fitness. Playing airsoft will encourage you to get in shape while helping you become a more active person. You will notice even tiny improvements to your capabilities if you play regularly. In addition, airsoft certainly isn’t as boring as riding a stationary bike for hours. You will find the strength to keep pushing beyond your limits if you feel like you might win the game. If you find it hard to get up and go to the gym, getting up for airsoft will certainly be easier.
Because airsoft is a complex sport or hobby, you will find yourself picking up new skills. They may be technical skills if you find that you like to tinker with your replicas and equipment or they could be soft skills like working as a team and leading others. I know some guys who got into radios just because they got to play around with walkie-talkies at our games. Others wanted to record their gameplay so they decided to learn video editing so they could post the action on YouTube. You could learn first aid if you wanted to play a medic role at more complex games, map navigation if you wanted to lead your own team at a mil-sim event. I cannot stress this enough, airsoft has something for everybody.
The final benefit to airsoft which I will mention is that you stop spending your money on useless stuff because you can buy airsoft gear instead. You may take this lightly, but getting kids into airsoft can make it so they want to save their money to get replicas and accessories instead of junk food or other harmful stuff.
What is needed to play airsoft? Is airsoft expensive?
The basic pieces of gear that you need to play airsoft are a replica, eye protection, and BBs. That is the short answer and you can rent everything you need from most airsoft venues for $40 to $50, but you might need to pay separately for the BBs.
The more complete answer is that you need a basic replica. The most cost-effective gun you can buy for airsoft is a spring-powered shotgun. For under $100 you can get a good Cyma 3-shot and a few spare shells and you’ll be competitive in any close-quarters battlefield. Most pump-action shotguns fire 3 to 5 BBs per shot, giving you more chances to hit. As an added bonus, most shotguns come with a BB loader in the pack, which is great if you’re just starting out. The controls are simple to understand and operate so you’ll have no problems adjusting to using the shotgun. The only word of warning about these kinds of replicas is that if you are a younger player or someone who isn’t at least remotely fit, you might find it difficult to reload the action after each shot.
The other recommended replica type for beginners is AEGs or automatic electric guns. These come in all shapes and sizes and are powered by batteries. If you do decide to pick up an AEG for your first replica, make sure you stay away from LPAEGS (low-power AEGs) as these simply aren’t worth the investment. Be prepared to pay anything from $150 to $300 for a good starter airsoft gun.
You should also have some money to buy a battery (if the gun doesn’t come with one included), a good smart battery charger, a few spare magazines, and a BB loader. Other attachments like extra grips, optical aiming devices, slings, and so on are simply not needed if you’re just starting out. Your budget for these critical pieces of equipment should be somewhere between $50 and $100.
I’ve covered protective equipment in the paragraphs above, but here are some tips for buying good gear. Your main concern should be to get the best eye protection you can afford. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on something like a DYE mask, but you must make sure you get either glasses or goggles with at least the ANSI Z87+ (for US) or EN 166 F (European rating system). Any piece of eye protective gear that has one of these safety ratings should be good for airsoft. If you’re not sure what model to get, the Pyramex I-Force Sporty Dual Pane Anti-Fog Goggles (affiliate link) is a good choice for under $20. If you want to be extra safe, make sure to also get a mesh face mask like this one from OneTigris.
If you would like to find out more about the costs of airsoft, I have this complete guide to buying your starter gear. I explain all there is to know about which pieces of equipment are a must-have and some that are nice to have and give tips and examples of good value-for-money products.
Does airsoft hurt? Is airsoft dangerous?
Because the whole point of airsoft is to shoot and get shot with actual projectiles, you can’t go into the sport without expecting to get hit. How much does playing airsoft hurt? It depends on a lot of factors. Most importantly the place you get shot will determine how much pain you feel. It could be something as insignificant as a flick, or something like a bee sting. Of course, different body parts experience pain differently. Fortunately, there is plenty of protective equipment that you can wear to minimize BB impacts.
If you are concerned about the pain you might experience when playing airsoft, you can read this complete guide to getting shot in airsoft. You will find out how pain varies depending on the speed of the BBs, how much the weight of the BB matters, the distance to the shooter, and what to expect in terms of the area of impact.
You’ll be pleased to know that most airsoft injuries aren’t generally caused by getting shot with BBs. This guide to airsoft injuries will explain all the risks of playing airsoft. You are likely to get scrapes, bruises, and cuts just from maneuvering around the field as your attention will mostly be focused on detecting or tracking enemies. Ankle sprains and head bumps are also common, but there is plenty you can do to prevent these. Good hiking boots that have good ankle support will protect your feet, while airsoft bump helmets are amazing at protecting against both BB and environmental impacts.
What Airsoft Gun is Best for a Beginner?
This is a really tough question to answer, as most new players have different needs. What I mean by this is that the field where you will mostly play might have different rules regarding FPS, the use of semi or full-auto, and other special requirements. What I would say is that the best airsoft replica for a beginner is whatever fits your needs and budget. With that out of the way, I will give you some advice and recommendations.
The best gun for an airsoft beginner will be an AEG, a gun that is powered by batteries. These are easy to use, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be had for a relatively low price. You should expect to pay somewhere around $200 to $350 for a great beginner AEG. If you can’t afford that, I would recommend saving up some more. Your alternative is to look into spring-powered airsoft shotguns. These can be had for under $150 and are great for indoor fields.
If you want to have fun, you should get the best replica you can afford. In airsoft, as in many other hobbies, paying more tends to get you more value. Now, there certainly are some cases and brands where this isn’t true, but the general rule is a higher price tag should bring better quality parts, both internal and external.
The list below has some of the best airsoft guns for beginners. The models I recommend are on the list because they are good value for money, reliable, easy to upgrade, and easy to use. I will break up the list into 3 categories: AK variants, M4 variants and Others.
Best AK Airsoft Replicas for Beginners:
Cyma AKs: Cyma is a very well-known brand for the quality of their AK replicas. Lots of new players have started their airsoft careers with a Cyma AK and there are many airsoft venues that have them as rental guns. There are two types of Cyma AKs, one is the Tokyo Marui clones, and the other the VFC clones. Both types are good, but the latter is considered superior.
Another thing to keep in mind about Cyma AKs is that they tend to shoot a bit hot out of the box, meaning that their power output is a little over the limits of most fields. To solve this, have the shop or website you are ordering from check the FPS and ask them to tune down the power if necessary.
The Tokyo Marui AK clone series starts at around $150 and generally has a polymer construction. This means that most exterior parts are made of plastic. This isn’t an issue and makes the guns lighter, which is great for younger players who might not have the endurance to wield a metal replica. The outer barrel, the receiver cover the sights and the stock attachment is however made of metal.
Models in this series have the following codes CM028, CM040, CM045.
The nice thing about these models is that most come with a battery and charger (not a smart charger though) and a high-capacity magazine that holds up to 400 BBs. This can save you some money if you don’t want to buy a separate battery and charger. In addition, a high-cap magazine may be enough for short games.
The VFC AK clone series starts at just under $200. There are a lot of models in this range and they have full metal construction. Some come with a battery and charger, while others don’t, so make sure to check what you are buying. They also come with a high-capacity magazine.
The best part about this series is that they come in both classical and modern looks. If you want to go for the old-school model with wooden furniture I recommend something like this. For the more modern, tacticool look, you can go with something like this.
I’ve also started my airsoft journey with a Cyma AK and you can read the review here. The second model was the CM076 as I wanted a more compact rifle. You can read the long-term review here. The reason I bought my second AK was that I could use the same magazines.
E&L AK series: If you want the best-looking airsoft AKs, E&L is the brand for you. There is even this rumor that they build their replicas in a factory that used to make real AK rifles, however, I haven’t been able to find actual proof that this is true. The rumor is supported by the fact that most E&L AKs come with a real steel gun cleaning kit (which you shouldn’t use on your replica by the way as it may damage it).
The external build quality of these replicas is legendary. They come coated in oil, have amazing wood furniture, and are built almost entirely out of steel. Some parts may be polymer or wood, but that replicates the real firearm. Because they are built like tanks, E&L AKs are heavy. For players that want to feel like they are holding the real thing, it’s the best choice. If you are a younger player or not very strong, these replicas might give you some trouble. You will certainly need a sling if you plan to carry one around all day.
The internals are similar to Cyma, nothing amazing out of the box, but make for a great upgrade platform as they use a standard version 3 gearbox. The guns come with mid-capacity magazines (around 120 BBs), but you will have to buy a battery and charger separately.
E&L has this amazing new lineup of models called the Essential Line, which has a variety of AK variants, ranging from the classic AKM to the newest AK12 series of rifles. The prices vary from around $280 to over $350.
LCT AK series: some people might argue that LCT makes the nicest airsoft AKs, but in my experience and having held both, I would say E&Ls are prettier. LCT build quality is also top-notch, and they stand out because they offer a wider variety of models, both old and modern. LCT AKs are some of the most expensive on the market with prices starting at over $300, but you can generally get one on sale for a lot less.
LCT internals aren’t amazing, but since they use standard version 3 gearboxes, they make for a good platform for upgrades. Another thing that makes LCT stand out is that they offer some models with electric blowback which ads to the realism. I wouldn’t recommend electric blowback models for beginners as their complexity makes them less reliable and they tend to require more maintenance. If you want to go LCT for your first replica, get one without blowback.
Best M4 Airsoft Replicas for Beginners:
If AKs aren’t for you, and you prefer the M4 platform, you’re in luck. The market is simply overflowing with M4 replicas as they are the most popular type of airsoft gun with the biggest aftermarket support. This being the case there are plenty of replicas that are great for people who are trying to get into the sport. The list below has plenty of options to choose from and I’ve tried to list models in all price ranges.
Double Eagle M9xx Series / Matrix Calico Jack M4s: these are some of the best value for money airsoft replicas. There is a variety of models available in the series which will make it easy for you to find one that suits your needs. Their prices range from under $200 to just under $300. Some models have a polymer body while others come with a metal handguard, but the build is solid and the receives have a futuristic look.
Why do I recommend these replicas? Because of the Falcon electronic control system. This is a great feature because it allows you to program how the gun fires, it makes it safe to use with LiPo batteries and offers better performance, especially in semi-auto fire. In addition, the guns come wired with deans battery connectors, a mid-capacity magazine, and a rotary-style hop-up.
Cyma Platinum M4 Series: amazing performance out of the box. They have good-quality internal components, great trigger response for prices starting under $300. They go on sale quite often so you might be able to pick one up for around 250 dollars. Plenty of size options are available and the styling is very modern.
What makes the Platinum line so impressive? The bang for your buck. You get performance that easily rivals much more expensive replicas. They have one of the best quick-change spring systems on the market, known as QBS which allows you to change the spring without taking the gearbox out of the gun. This will allow you to make your replica safe for both indoor and outdoor fields. The guns come with a mosfet, rotary-style hop-up, and deans battery connectors.
Specna Arms Core/Edge Series: Specna Arms has a few lineups of M4 that are aimed at new players. The cheapest series is called Flex and I wouldn’t bother with it. Next up is the Core series, which has polymer bodies, with newer models coming with the Gate X-ASR mosfet. Core M4s can be had for as little as $135, but I would recommend spending a bit extra for the mosfet models. These have better performance and are more reliable in semi-auto fire.
The best value Specna Arms M4s are the Edge series. They have metal construction, come with two mid-capacity magazines, an extra M90 spring (that is intended for indoor play) and a few other extras like a vertical grip and rail covers (depending on the model). The original Edge M4s came with the Gate X-ASR mosfet, but the newer EDGE 2.0 models have a Gate Aster mosfet which is way more advanced and a Solar ™ Trigger, high torque motor and other goodies. This does increase the price to around $300, but I would say you get a lot for what you pay.
I still own an Edge E04 and it has served me well for well over 3 years now, but I have put in some upgrades and will have a review published shortly.
Classic Army Skirmish Line: a nice line of M4s that are aimed at beginners. The price is around $230 and its great value for money. The guns come with a pre-installed mosfet that allows you to program either 3 round or 5 round burst. It also allows you to use LiPo batteries out of the box.
The externals are maybe not for everyone, meaning that the styling is quite different from basic M4s. The bodies are made from reinforced nylon fiber, making them both light and durable. Some models come with a full stock, while others have a PDW stock and you can get the gun in various lengths.
Maple Armouries Marauder AEG: an interesting alternative from a small company in Canada. They make a simple M4 with a polymer body and great internals for the price point of around $220. It’s a great choice if you can find them in stock as they tend to run out quickly. Another problem is that sometimes delivery times can be quite long, but that depends on where you order from.
Arcturus M4 Series: Arcturus is a new company but they have proven that they can build great airsoft replicas for a good price of around $220. They have both polymer and metal guns and they include a microswitch trigger that improves performance. Like with the other recommendations in this list, there are a variety of models in this range so you’ll find it easy to get just the right size for your build. As an added bonus, most of their models come with two magazines.
Top Airsoft Guns for Beginners – Not AK or M4 variants
If you don’t like the looks of AK or M4 replicas, this list is for you. It includes some SMG models, and some more exotic rifle models and PDWs. I have tried to sort them according to price, but this is highly volatile these days so keep that in mind as you read through.
JG 608 G36 variant: JG makes some of the best G36 replicas on the market. Lots of airsoft fields have them as rental guns because they are cheap, reliable, easy to maintain and repair. This gun comes in at around $125 and is a great choice for beginners, having a battery and charger included in the box. If you’re unfamiliar with the G36 family of rifles, they are the primary German military rifle. They come in a variety of lengths and even as a designated marksman model.
Another thing to keep in mind is that real G36 rifles have a predominantly polymer construction, with only the barrel and some internal parts made of steel. Airsoft G36s are the same, meaning that the body of the gun is made of plastic. Don’t let this put you off though, the frame is sturdy and durable, but also lighter than metal body guns and, as I have explained in previous paragraphs, this is perfect for younger players.
The reason I chose this particular model is because it has an M4 magazine well, meaning it uses M4 magazines instead of the regular G36 magazines. This is a good thing because M4 magazines are more readily available, cheaper and have smaller dimensions. It will make it considerably easier to store spare magazines in most magazine pouches. As an added benefit, if you find yourself low on ammo during a game, you will certainly be able to find a teammate that can lend you an M4 magazine (told you this is the most common airsoft platform). This JG model also comes with a standard AR15/M4 buffer tube, which will allow you to swap it for any other stock model that you might like.
The internal components are nothing to write home about. It uses a standard Version 3 gearbox that can be easily upgraded with aftermarket performance parts. The other great thing about the G36 platform in airsoft is that it is one of the easiest guns to take apart because of the modular design which is held in place with push pins. If you plan to start working on your own replicas, a G36 is a perfect choice.
CYMA CM.011 HIGH-SPEED: another G36 variant that makes the list. This time it is made by Cyma and I’m recommending it because of its upgraded internals. As a quick side note, all Cyma models labeled as high-speed have an improved configuration, that offers significantly more performance than the standard replicas. High speed also means it has a higher rate of fire, which in this case is around 25 rounds per second (RPS).
The increased performance also comes with an increased price tag, but I would argue that it is worth it at around $150. Unlike the JG model above, this Cyma doesn’t come with a battery and charger, so you will need to purchase those separately.
Other details that set the Cyma CM011 apart from the JG model is that it comes with the standard G36 magazine well and the standard G36 stock. The latter is not a problem as its design is comfortable and modern in my opinion.
The magazine well is another issue. You will need to buy G36 spare magazines, but Cyma makes some great ones and at a good price. Alternatively, you can buy a M4 magazine well and replace the stock one. This is a very simple installation process as the platform features a modular design. It is an operation that you can do yourself as it involves just removing some pins. To get it right the first time, just find a tutorial on YouTube.
Double Eagle UTR45: this SMG replica is inspired by the H&K UMP submachine gun. While it doesn’t look exactly like the real steel gun, it takes that classic design and modernizes it with a fancy M-lok rail and an improved stock design.
Just like the real weapon, the UTR45 is mostly polymer in construction, with just the barrel and a few other parts being metal. Weighing around 2500 grams, it is one of the lighter SMG replicas available, making it great for young players and long games where your arms will eventually get tired.
In terms of internal build, the UTR45 comes with the excellent Falcon electronic control system with programmable fire mode that lets you choose semi, burst and full auto. This is an instant upgrade that lets you use LiPo batteries and gives excellent trigger response.
CYMA CM.041 HIGH-SPEED: if you are a fan of the iconic MP5 submachine gun by Heckler & Koch, this is one the best models you can get. Another model from the high-speed lineup by Cyma, this MP5 is equally impressive in terms of performance for its price point of around 210 dollars.
Being an SMG replica it is compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The magazines are smaller than your typical M4 magazines, meaning you can carry more of them. The stock collapses to give you an even smaller platform.
The internal components are the same high quality parts of the high-speed line, but this time using a version 2 gearbox that can take most standard upgrades.
G&G ARP9: a great PCC (pistol caliber carbine) option from G&G that is one of the most popular platforms for speed soft players. It is a small package that offers a lot of performance out of the box. It is more expensive than the other models on this list at around $260, but most people would argue it is a fair price.
The body is made of polymer, but G&G is the company that made plastic guns popular because of their top-notch build quality. The replica weighs just 2350 grams and this makes it perfect for CQB environments where you need to quickly bring your gun on target.
Internally, the ARP9 comes with a mosfet for better trigger response in semi-auto fire and the ability to program 3 round burst instead of full auto fire. It uses a standard version 2 gearbox that can take any upgrades which you might want further down the line.
Cheapest Airsoft Gun That I Would Recommend For a Beginner?
There is no better answer than a CYMA pump action shotgun. You can get a basic 3-shot plastic shotgun for as low as $60, but I would get one in the 80 to 100 dollar range. As long as you have the strength to keep pumping the action after every shot, you can hold your own against guns that cost hundreds of dollars.
Airsoft shotguns are best used in smaller fields that are oriented more toward short-range combat. You can’t expect to use one in large outdoor fields and compete against high-end AEGs or GBBRs simply because shotgun range and power output simply isn’t on the same level. That being said if you like a challenge, you can give it a go and still have fun surprising people.
If you plan to get an airsoft shotgun as your first gun, make sure to get extra shells, because their BB capacity is limited to 30. You will certainly need more than 30 BBs to get through an airsoft game.
What Gear Do I Need to Play Airsoft?
I’ve already covered the basics in the paragraphs above, but I’ll give you a short rundown of the essential pieces of gear that you will need. First of all, you will need an airsoft replica of some kind. Either rent, borrow or buy one from the list above.
Mandatory safety gear includes safety glasses or goggles and a lower face mask. Make sure to read the complete guide to eye protection in the section above. A mesh mask will save you lots of pain and perhaps some expensive dental bills. Get one even if your field allows you to play without. They are very cheap and will help you keep your good looks.
BBs and a BB loader. Buy BBs online as they are generally cheaper than buying them from airsoft fields. Don’t skimp on BB quality! Cheap BBs can and will ruin your replica. Buy BBs from a reputable brand like BLS. They are the largest BB manufacturer in the world and lots of companies choose to rebrand their products. Don’t get BBs lighter than 0.2 grams! If you get a decent starter gun, get at least 0.25 gram BBs as they will perform better that 0.2s.
Spare magazines. Get at least another high-capacity magazine for your replica. Running out of BBs during the game sucks and most fields don’t allow you to reload while on the field. You will need to get back to the staging area, thus missing out on all the action. Two high-capacity magazines will give you roughly 600 BBs to work with and with some trigger discipline, you can make them last for the entire game. If you can afford it, buy 3 to 4 mid-capacity magazines.
Battery and battery charger. If the gun you are buying doesn’t include them, make sure to pick up a suitable battery and a smart charger. You could also get a spare battery if you want to play for more than a few hours. A smart charger will stop charging when the battery is full, thus protecting it from overcharging and giving it more life.
Hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support. Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries in airsoft so try to keep your feet safe. If you play mostly indoors, you could get away with wearing running shoes as they are lighter and more breathable, but there is still the chance of slipping on floor BBs.
Jeans and a hoodie will work just fine. You don’t need BDU or military-spec clothing to have fun. You can get those if you decide airsoft is the sport for you. At the beginning of your airsoft journey, I would focus on getting a good replica and other pieces of equipment that will improve your performance and enjoyment. You can get away with wearing almost anything at airsoft games as long as it isn’t offensive to other players. Long sleeve shirts offer a bit more protection than regular t-shirts, but you could also wear those if you get hot easily.
As a general rule baggy clothes are a bit better because they can softenBB impacts. The downside is that you might not feel all incoming hits, and that might make some players call you a cheater. Try to be extra careful and always call your hits even if you aren’t exactly sure.For added head protection, I recommend wearing a cap or a beanie, just keep in mind that these might fog up your glasses as you heat up.
Gun bag/gun case. Depending on the laws of your state/country, you might not be permitted to have your replica out in public. Having a gun bag or case is the way to go. You can store most of your gear and thus avoid showing your replica to the public.
Remember, you simply can’t tell how people might react to seeing you walking about with something that looks like a real firearm (and most airsoft guns are highly realistic). You don’t want to make people feel threatened as they will call the police or sometimes pull out a real gun. A cheap gun bag can prevent fines and even worse outcomes.
Rifle Sling. If your replica is long, heavy, or both, a sling is nice to have. It will save your arms from having to carry your gun all day, freeing your hands to do whatever else needs doing.