If you’re just getting into airsoft and are looking to buy your first replica, weight should be something to look out for. Why is it important? Because you are going to be carrying the gun around for a few hours and you will also need to handle it when shooting. Speaking from personal experience, having to shoulder a heavy gun and maneuvering it around obstacles can be tough, especially if you are not used to it. That being said, if your conditioning is decent, you still might experience fatigue in your arms and shoulders from playing a full day of airsoft.
Most airsoft guns recommended for beginners – AEGs – weigh around 7 lbs or 3 kgs. Pistols weigh about 2 lbs (~900 grams), airsoft shotguns weigh around 6 lbs (~3 kg), light machine guns are around 12 lbs (~5.5 kg). Depending on the model, snipers and DMRs are anything from 4 to 15 lbs (up to 7 kgs).
| Type of Airsoft Replica | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Pistols | 1.4 – 2.4 lbs |
| Shotguns | 3.7 – 8.8 lbs |
| SMGs | 3.5 – 6.2 lbs |
| Rifles | 5.5 – 10 lbs |
| Suport Guns/Light Machine Guns | 7.2 – 14 lbs |
| Sniper rifles | 4.4 – 15 lbs |
The figures above are just rough estimates as there are far too many airsoft guns to give an accurate list of weights for each model. You also have to take into account the weight of the accessories you attach to your replica, as these can significantly contribute to overall weight you need to carry on the airsoft field. In the following paragraphs, I will cover the weight of some of the most popular airsoft weapons and give you lots of tips that will help you move around better as you’re playing.
Weight of Airsoft Guns – In-depth Guide
Before diving into the exact weights of airsoft replicas, it’s important to make a few key observations. It’s obvious that some types of airsoft guns are lighter than others, for example a pistol will be lighter than a rifle. However, even in the same class of gun, there can be major differences in terms of weight. This mostly comes down to the materials with which the gun is made as some guns can be made using mostly steel, while others are mostly polimer based. In addition, the power source (spring, electric, gas or HPA) can also impact the overall weight of the replica.
The Weight of the Manufacturing Materials
The materials used in the manufacturing of airsoft replicas can vary quite a lot, depending on the model on which the replica is based on, or on the price range. Guns that are made using lots of metal, such as steel or aluminium, are heavier than guns made with extensive use of plastic and polymers. Thankfully, as airsoft has evolved over the years, manufacturers have come out with lots of options in terms of the replicas they offer. You can find the same M4 or AR15 style replicas that come with mostly metal or mostly plastic bodies. In addition to being lighter, polymer guns are also generally cheaper than their metal counterparts.
A good example of this is the CORE and EDGE series from Specna Arms. The same model of replica is made from different materials just to save on costs. In this case the receiver of the CORE model is made with fiber-glass reinforced polymer, while the receiver of the EDGE model is made from a Zinc alloy. As you can tell from the pictures, the EDGE model weighs 2435 grams, while the CORE is lighter at 2120 grams.
Other manufacturers that make replicas recommended for beginners like G&G and Lancer Tactical also have models which you can buy with either a polymer or a metal body, depending on what you want to spend or how much weight you want to carry. The bottom line is that if you want a lighter gun, polymer body replicas are the way to go.
The Style of the Gun Impacts Weight
Depending on the model of gun you go for, you can expect different materials. For example, if you want to buy an AK style replica, most of the models you will find on the market are made from steel or metal alloys so as to resemble the real gun more closely. More modern firearms like the H&K G36, the Steyr AUG or the Tavor have gone away from a full steel construction in favor of using polymers where possible just to save weight. These rifles have steel barrels and firing mechanisms and usually aluminium rail systems for attaching accessories such as scopes and grips. To further reduce the weight, most even come with polymer magazines
It’s the same story with pistols. Take the iconic Colt 1911, which features a mostly steel construction, as it weighs 39 ounces (1100 gram). The more modern Glock was developed with a polymer body (just the slide and some of the internals are made from steel) to make it easier to carry and it weighs just 20.65 ounces (670 gram).
In the world of airsoft you can pretty much get replicas of whichever model of firearm you may like and in lots of configurations. Take the common M4 platform. You can get it in regular size, but also in CQB or DMR variants. In these, the length of the barrel varies and with it the overall weight. The same can be said of AK variants, where you can have the full size AK 47/74 or the shorter AK 74U or 105 platforms. Purists prefer the wooden handguard and stock, while others like to have polymer handguards and metal or polymer stocks. Each of these style choices can impact the weight of the replica.
In my experience, most players prefer to have their replicas look as much as possible like the real firearm because it adds to the immersion. On the other hand, there are those who prefer lightweight guns because they allow quicker movement and target acquisition. The players who enjoy indoor arenas and the CQB (Close Quarters Battle) style of play will tell you that reaction time is very important and a light gun helps a lot with quickness.
Weight of the Airsoft Replica Based on the Powering Mechanism
When I say power plant I mean the mechanism that makes the gun shoot. As you may know there are four main types of airsoft replicas: spring powered, AEG (electric), gas guns and HPA (high pressure air). Each of these categories comes with different weights.
Springers are probably the lightest airsoft guns as they don’t need a lot of components to make them work. Take a basic AR15 springer gun and compare it to an AEG and you’ll quickly notice the weight difference. However, you should take this with a grain of salt as, depending on the platform, you can have some very heavy spring powered rifles. That is the case with some of the larger sniper rifles like the CheyTack M200 which weighs over 17 lbs (7.7 kg).
AEGs tend to weigh more than spring guns because they have more components. Electric replicas have a gearbox, a motor and require a battery to function. Each of these components adds to the overall weight. Higher quality gearboxes are made from sturdier metals and the components themselves are heavier, which does add weight. Batteries also come in different weights, depending on the materials they use. For example, LiPo batteries are lighter than the equivalent NiMh batteries. If you want to save a few grams, and if your replica allows it, you may consider replacing your NiMH batteries with LiPo batteries,
Gas guns are heavier than AEGs, but they tend to offer a more realistic feel when fired. While in terms of the firing mechanism, there isn’t much of a weight difference, the magazines are what significantly add to the weight. If you compare AEG magazines to gas magazines, you will see quite a difference. That is because the magazines that work in gas guns need to house not just the BBs and the spring, but also a gas container and valves. As you might expect, the gas needs to be stored in a sturdy container that can handle high pressure and this means heavy materials.
HPA guns are quite similar to gas guns in terms of their operation. Both use high pressure gas to shoot BBs, however the main difference is in how this gas is stored. Unlike gas guns, HPA replicas require you to carry around a separate tank that feeds into the gun through a line. Generally, the tank is carried in a backpack or attached to a special harness. The point is, the gun itself may not be too heavy, but the added equipment that you need for it to work adds a lot of weight. So, what does an HPA setup require? The gun, air tank, connecting line and pressure regulator. If you do decide to run a HPA gun, the best option for saving weight is to replace the regular aluminum air tank with one made from carbon fiber. The only problem is that these are significantly more expensive than aluminium tanks.
Weight of Popular Airsoft Replicas
The tables below will list the approximate weight of the most commonly used airsoft replicas. I’ve decided to split them up into categories, but you need to realize that there could be many iterations of the same gun so don’t rely too heavily on the figures you see in the table. They are just there to give you a rough idea on what to expect for each replica. In addition, if you’re buying an airsoft gun online, the reputable sites will list the weight of each model.
Airsoft pistol weights
| Model | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 4.3 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol | 1.8 lbs ~ 850 gram |
| GBB Glock 17 Gen.5 CO2 Pistol Replica | 1.4 lbs ~ 675 gram |
| Heckler & Koch USP Tactical pistol replica | 1.8 lbs ~ 825 gram |
Airsoft shotgun weight
| Model | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| CYMA CM370 Shotgun Replica | 3.7 lbs ~ 1.7 kg |
| Tokyo Marui AA-12 Shotgun Electric Replica | 8.8 lbs ~ 4 kg |
| Tokyo Marui KSG Shotgun Replica | 6.3 lbs ~ 2.9 kg |
Airsoft SMG weight
| Model | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| H&K Elite Series MP5A5 Airsoft AEG Rifle | 6.1 lbs ~ 2.8 kg |
| H&K Umarex MP7 Rapid Deployment Hard Kick Airsoft Gas Blowback by KWA | 3.5 lbs ~ 1.6 kg |
| H&K UMP Competition Series Airsoft AEG Rifle by Umarex | 4.4 lbs ~ 2 kg |
| FN Herstal Licensed P90 Full Size Airsoft AEG | 5.5 lbs ~ 2.5 kg |
Airsoft rifle weight
| Model | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider Airsoft AEG Rifle | 6.7 lbs ~ 3 kg |
| Cyma AK CM042A carbine replica | 6.9 lbs ~ 3.1 kg |
| VFC Avalon Gen2 Full Metal VR16 Saber Carbine M4 AEG Rifle | 7.1 lbs ~ 3.22 kg |
| Krytac Full Metal Trident MKII CRB Airsoft AEG Rifle | 5.5 lbs ~ 2.5 kg |
| Tokyo Marui Colt Licensed M4A1 SOPMOD MWS ZET System Gas Blowback Rifle | 5.5 lbs ~ 2.5 kg |
| GHK AK74 AKS-74MN Steel Receiver Full Metal Airsoft GBB Gas Blowback Rifle | 10.7 lbs ~ 4.8 kg |
Airsoft LMG weight
| Model | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Marui – MK46 Mod0 Next Gen Recoil Shock | 13.8 lbs ~ 6.3 kg |
| Cybergun FN Licensed M249 Airsoft Machine Gun | 14.1 lbs ~ 6.4 kg |
| Krytac Full Metal Trident MK II LMG AEG | 7.12 lbs ~ 3.2 kg |
Airsoft sniper weight
| Model | Approximate weight |
|---|---|
| Novritsch SSG10 Airsoft Sniper Rifle | 4.4 lbs ~ 2 kg |
| Desert Tech SRS-A1 26″ Gen3 Pull Bolt Action Bullpup Sniper Rifle Silverback Airsoft | 8.1 lbs ~ 3.7 kg |
| CYMA Standard VSR-10 Bolt Action Airsoft Sniper Rifle | 5.2 lbs ~ 2.4 kg |
| Tokyo Marui VSR-10 Pro Bolt Action Airsoft Rifle | 4.4 lb ~ 2 kg |
Weight of Airsoft Gun Accessories
As you can imagine, adding a lot of accessories to your replica can increase its overall weight significantly. That is why I try to add as little as possible to my rifles when I’m playing while taking into account the specifics of the field. For example, adding a flashlight may look cool, but you’re not going to use it much if you’re playing in a forest during the day (maybe if there are some buildings on the field). You should use common sense in this regard, because keeping the weight low will allow you to move and shoot more efficiently.
How much weight do gun accessories add? Let’s look at some popular attachments and I’ll give you my honest opinion on whether you should really be using them. Keep in mind that the weights listed in the table are just there to give you an idea and you may find lighter or heavier attachments.
| Attachment | Approximate Weight | Should You Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Red Dot | 8.8 oz ~ 250 gram | Yes, they are useful for quicker target acquisition. Just try and find a lighter model. |
| Scope | 23 oz ~ 650 gram | Yes, if you’re using a sniper rifle. Just remember that for airsoft you don’t need huge magnification as the guns don’t really shoot that far. |
| Bipod | 25 oz ~ 700 gram | Maybe useful for really heavy machine guns or snipers. |
| Foregrip | 1.7 oz ~ 50 gram | Yes, they help with gun handling and make it more comfortable to hold for prolonged periods of time. Could also be used as a bipod. |
| Flashlight | 5.2 oz ~ 150 gram | Yes, if playing indoors or at night. Don’t use it in forests as it will just snag on bushes. |
| Bayonet | 3.5 oz ~ 100 gram | No. Plastic bayonets won’t help you play better, but you can have some fun rushing and poking people with a rubber knife. |
| PEQ box / Laser pointer | 1.7 oz ~ 50 gram | If you’re using the box to store your AEG battery, it makes sense. It can make your gun look cool, but I wouldn’t bother with a laser. |
The Impact of Weight on Your Airsoft Performance
As you can imagine, having to carry a heavy gun and a heavy secondary for an entire day of playing will make you really tired. If you’re not in great shape, I would advise you to get a light replica and forget about the secondary (Yes, I know Dessert Eagles are cool, but they are heavy). What you need to realise is that other than your gun, you still need to carry additional equipment while playing, so do try and think about bare necessities.
Other than your gun, you will need to carry protective gear. Glasses or goggles are a must and sometimes even a face mask is mandatory. If you want to be extra safe, you might consider wearing knee and elbow pads, and perhaps a helmet.
To stay in the fight for longer, you will definitely need to carry spare magazines for your replica. Depending on how many you have or how many you want to use, the added weight can be significant. In addition, you will need to find a way to transport the magazines. This means a plate carrier or harness that adds extra weight on your shoulders. If you’re using an AEG, you might consider having a spare battery. All of these will increase the weight of your airsoft gear, so it’s up to you to make smart decisions regarding what you carry.
Speaking from experience, you will need to move fast if you want to avoid getting hit and this is considerably easier if you’re not encumbered by unnecessary weight. Other things you can do to improve your game play is to exercise regularly. A bit of cardio done every week can do wonders for your ability to move around without losing your breath. In addition, you should add some type of weight exercise for your arms and shoulders as it helps with maneuvering your gun. You don’t need to use dumbbells specifically, as you can just as well practice with your airsoft replica at home. This will make you used to its weight and help you move it around more confidently. Try bringing the gun up in the shooting position and remember to switch shoulders as it will help you to get used to shooting with your off hand. This is a very valuable skill to have in airsoft so you should practice it as much as possible.
Also in terms of physical exercise, you should do some squats with weights as these will help you move around your environment quicker. Squats are great for practicing ducking behind cover. You should also practice getting into a prone position and standing up while holding your gun because it is something you might find useful during outdoor games.
All in all, airsoft is a great way to get some exercise and if you play enough of it, you will see your physical condition improve. The best part is that it doesn’t really feel like a regular gym workout. The excitement and adrenaline will keep you going even when you’re out of breath.