Find The Best Airsoft Guns: Buyers Guide & Reviews

Getting involved in Airsoft, especially when first trying to navigate the thousands of options of guns and gear, is no easy feat. What are some of the best airsoft guns? Which type of gun do I get? Do I get the CQB, carbine, or long barrel version? Do I go with spring, electric or gas? What mods do I need? What are some of the top airsoft companies to follow?

As enthusiastic airsoft players ourselves, we’re here to give you the information to make these decisions easier. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each type of gun, and review each gun, accessory, and piece of gear to the best of our ability. We’ll also go over the different types of airsoft matches, roles, strategies, news, and more, so you can make an informed decision on which airsoft gear is best for your loadout. And, most importantly, we have lots and lots of articles about airsoft gun reviews.

Best Beginner & Budget Gun

1. G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider

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You will find that any time the phrase “best beginner airsoft gun” comes up, we recommend the G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider CQB (an M4 AEG), and there’s a reason for that: it is hailed as the best airsoft gun for beginners, hands down, across the industry and the sport. It is the best gun you can buy for under $200. If you ever played paintball, it’s the Tipmann 98 Custom (arguably the most popular paintball gun of all time) of airsoft.

The G&G CM16 Raider CQB performs well out of the box. The importance of this fact for a beginner cannot be overstated, because tuning and upgrading airsoft guns either takes experience or money. It shoots up to 350+ FPS, again, also out of the box. It’s shorter and lighter than a lot of stock MP5s (half the size of an M4) which is great for beginners just learning how to move around with their guns. It’s versatile, powerful, and accurate out of the box. And the kicker is the price: The G&G CM16 Raider is field-ready for its price, and airsoft is definitely a sport where you get what you pay for. That money you save can be applied to the rest of the airsoft gear, extra mags, and ammunition (BBs) you need to get started.

Because barrel length for the most part doesn’t matter in airsoft, this rifle is feasible both indoors and outdoors. It’s really the perfect new airsofter gun.

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Top Rifles

2. VFC Avalon Saber

 

VFC has a reputation for making great airsoft rifles with both high-quality internals and externals, and the newest Avalon model, the Saber, is no different. Arguably the best M4 AEG on the market, the Avalon Saber comes in two gun types and barrel lengths, the CQB version (250mm, 10”) and the carbine version (363mm, 14-15”). The difference between the two other than the barrel length are the handguard length and the flash hiders (with the CQB obviously having a more compact and slightly inset version.

Nearly every part of the VFC Avalon Saber are full metal. The stock is adjustable, the fire selector switch is ambidextrous, the rear sight is detachable, and the FPS range is 370-380 out of the box with stock springs. Comes with a dual MOSFET which is clutch. The magazines are VFC and TM-compatible (Tokyo Marui). The VFC Avalon Saber is the only M4 variant that can outclass the Krytac Trident MK2 out of the box.

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3. Krytac Trident MK2 CRB

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Another AEG that is fantastic right out of the box, shoots at 390-400 FPS, and I’ve seen designated marksmen using this stock or with just basic barrel upgrades. The Krytac Trident MK2 is arguably tied with the VFC Avalon as the best M4 AEG out of the box. With zero play or wobble, solid feeling, high-quality metal, Krytac’s trademark ambidextrous, slightly-stiff file selector, and one of the best rifles to hold and feel with everything just feeling exactly in the right place, the Krytac Trident MK2 is one of the best AEGs (and HPAs) on the market.

There are two versions (lengths) of the Krytac Trident MK2: CRB and SPR. We recommend the CRB over the SPR because the CRB is more maneuverable, agile, and comfortable to hold than the longer SPR at a cost of a few FPS that we feel is worth it.

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4. Umarex H&K 416 A5 w/ Avalon Gearbox

The Umarex H&K 416 A5 is manufactured by VFC and is one of the most reliable high performance AEGs on the market today, right out of the box.

Externally this AEG is extremely well made and comes complete with official H&K trademarks for added realism.  With a full metal, CNC machined upper and lower receiver, this rifle feels great in your hands and will stand up to the rigors of airsoft warfare.   Built with flip up sights and miles of rail space the external customization options of this AEG are virtually endless.

Complete with a highly efficient, perfectly tuned VFC Avalon gearbox, this gun is built to perform and will not disappoint.  The Avalon gearbox features improved bearings and is operated by a high torque motor powered by neodymium magnets.  Not only is the gearbox built like a tank, it also comes complete with a quick change spring system allowing the user to easily adjust the FPS for indoor or outdoor play.  The integrated MOSFET allows the use of powerful 11.1v batteries to get the maximum rounds per second.

It comes with a high price tag, but you get what you pay for.  This AEG is reliable, easy to operate, customizable, accurate, and durable.  If you’re looking for a gun that is 100% ready to rock out of the box, then this is a worthy contender.  No need to shop around for extra parts and upgrades after it arrives.  Just charge the battery, load it up with BBs, and you’re good to go.  To top it off it comes complete with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty so you know your investment is well protected.

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5. ICS Proline CXP-MARS SBR AEG (EBB version)

The ICS Proline CXP-MARS is arguably tied with the VFC Avalon for the best stock M4 airsoft rifles on the market, and is one of, if not the best choices for a gun that can be quickly modified for both indoor and outdoor play. The split gearbox design makes it amazingly easy to swap out the upper gearbox to lower your FPS for indoor play rules, as it shoots at a whopping 400+FPS stock (with 0.20g BBs). For field and CQB use, you may consider buying a second upper gearbox so that you can quickly swap it in and out for indoor or outdoor play. For series hybrid use, consider getting a longer indoor barrel, and you will have a gun that is formidable for either indoor or outdoor play in minutes.
To further praise ICS’ internals, you would be forgiven for thinking that they came with pre-installed custom internals as their performance and resilience are second to none, making the ICS Proline CXP-MARS incredibly powerful and accurate right out of the box. It also comes with an inline trigger MOSFET.

The externals are just as high-quality and it would take a few pages to list the bragging rights of ICS’ M4 AEG in this article. The upper and lower receiver are real steel, the MTR-S1 stock is adjustable, the pistol grip feels great in your hands, and did we mention the SSS trigger system with electronic blowback that rivals Tokyo Marui’s recoil shock series? Just a fantastic all-around gun and a difficult choice to make when comparing to the VFC Avalon Saber.

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Top Shotguns

6. JAG Arms Scattergun (Gas-Powered)

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It is impossible to shoot this thing without an evil grin on your face. The JAG Arms Scattergun is the most expensive shotgun on our list, but it’s also the most terrifying. It’s powered by green gas, it shoots at both 3-burst and 6-burst modes, it shoots at up to 370 FPS at close range (ouch), and it is both extremely powerful and extremely satisfying. There is nothing quite like getting a mid-range multikill on 3 opponents with their jaws dropped and their chests clenched.

This shotgun comes in two different models: the cheaper HD and the more expensive SP Tactical. The multi-shot modes fire at a more indoor- and CQB-legal 300-330 FPS. If you have the budget for a high-end shotgun that is a blast to shoot (ha), get the JAG Arms Scattergun. Now.

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7. CYMA M870

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The CYMA M870 Tri-Shot Shotgun is one of the best springer shotguns and one of the best CQB guns for the money, even as a shotgun. The M870 is deadly accurate and is really hard to miss with at close or mid-range, and gives you triple the likelihood of hitting your target. If your aim is correct, you’re likely to hit your target with 2 out of 3 BBs even 25-30 yards away. It’s also not nearly as hard to pump as a lot of spring pump-action airsoft shotguns on the market.

Because the CYMA M870 is so popular as the best-selling spring airsoft shotgun on the market, it comes in a lot of different models and builds, with both a polymer and real metal build. We highly recommend the real metal build to add to the real feel and build quality. The M870 is a lot of fun to use and shoot because it uses real loaded shells full of BBs which it ejects just like the real thing, has a pistol grip that feels great in your hands, and comes with the bonus of seeing the terror in your opponents’ eyes when you round a corner at close range and aim at their chest!

People who own a CYMA M870 tend to love them and have a blast with them.

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8. CYMA M3

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Yes, we’ve listed another CYMA shotgun, and that’s because along with AK’s, CYMA makes great spring shotguns.

The CYMA M3 shotgun model has been around since the early 2000s and it is still a great choice for a springer shotgun – it’s hard to improve on perfection! The pistol grip is better and more ergonomic than the CYMA M870, and it comes with a small iron sight which is easier for aiming.

The full-length M3 with the stock is quite long and unwieldy for CQB, so we recommend the one without a stock.

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9. ASG Franchi SAS 12/SPAS 12 Tri-Shot

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The ASG Franchi SAS 12 (or SPAS 12) is probably the best budget airsoft shotgun on the market and one of the best budget airsoft guns on the market. It is a general rule in airsoft that if you spend cheap you’ll regret it later. Somehow, this is not the case with the ASG Franchi SAS 12.

The ASG Franchi SAS 12 keeps a good grouping at up to 75 feet. It is tough and resilient. As with most pump-action spring shotguns, it is a little difficult to pump at first, and takes a bit of breaking in. It has a full metal barrel, high-quality plastic polymer receiver, and a pistol grip that feels comfortable in your hands. It uses real shells of BBs which it ejects, but we do recommend getting extra BB shells (we highly recommend the Zombie Stopper Shells as three shells are not enough, and the ones it comes with have been known to jam. But the shells are also dirt cheap, so you shouldn’t have any problem keeping the gun very affordable.

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Top SMGs

10. ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1

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I have yet to see someone disappointed with their ASG Scorpion EVO3 A1. The Scorpion is hands down the best SMG on the market for the money, arguably tied with the Krytac KRISS Vector for the best stock SMG period, and is one of the best airsoft guns ever made. They are formidable in CQB. They are powerful and accurate enough for outdoor and Mil-Sim. They are fantastic in urban environments. They are extremely accurate, light, and maneuverable, and they are deadly accurate right out of the box.

The ASG CZ Scorpion is a widely respected airsoft gun and shoots like a laser beam even when stock. It’s one of the best out of the box guns on the market and recommended by just about every airsoft player I’ve played with. I have seen Facebook groups for ASG CZ Scorpion EVO owners. As far as value, while they are a little pricey for beginners, if you can afford the ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1, you will be able to compete with seasoned airsoft players with fully upgraded guns.

The ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 comes in both the original SMG/PDW version and a carbine with a slightly longer barrel. We recommend the true-to-form SMG/PDW version.

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11. Krytac KRISS Vector

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The Krytac KRISS Vector has to be one of the most beautiful airsoft guns on the market. Krytac’s KRISS Vector comes with all the typical Krytac goodies: ambidextrous fire selector, integrated MOSFET, officially licensed by Krytac, and a gun that just feels right and powerful in your hands. Add in a numbered hop-up dial, a stock that easily folds, unfolds, and locks, and a dual aperture on the rear sight, and you have a gun that is not only lethal out of the box, but has more bells and whistles than a lot of fully upgraded and modified guns.

The aesthetics of the gun are just gorgeous. Every switch and selector has a satisfying click to it. Everything about Krytac’s KRISS Vector is intuitive and this SMG truly feels like an extension of your body. This PDW is a snappy, sexy laser beam.

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12. VFC H&K MP5 A5

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The VFC MP5 is one of the best AEG MP5s on the market (tied with the ICS MP5 which is a little harder to find in the States), and it includes high-performance Avalon internals. The A5 is an improvement over the A4 with better externals.

The externals look great and feel great, with fully stamped steel externals. This 2^nd gen VFC H&K MP5 A5 has semi-auto, 2-round burst, and full auto options. The foregrip is nice, round, and textured which is important for a short SMG like the MP5. The stock has two positions: extended and compact. The hop-up is slider style. The VFC MP5 comes with a 200 round hi-cap mag.

If you’re looking for an AEG MP5, with high-quality internals and real steel externals, that feels comfortable in your hands, the VFC H&K MP5 A5 is a fantastic choice for either a primary or secondary weapon.

Editor’s Note: You will see this listed both under VFC and Elite Force/VFC. They’re the same thing.

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Top Pistols

13. Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 GBB

The Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1 Gas Blowback Pistol is the most popular airsoft pistol of all time. Its reliability, accuracy, and efficiency are second to none. Its aftermarket support, compatibility, and availability for custom or replacement parts is unparalleled. And you won’t find a better pistol for the price.

The pistol construction is entirely polymer, like many real-life pistols, which is ideal for a sidearm and a pistol with recoil (blowback). It aides in gas efficiency and recoil management. Because of its aftermarket support, there are a plethora of lower rail options. The pistol’s accuracy at mid-range is comparable to a lot of airsoft rifles. The TM Hi-Capa 5.1 keeps its grouping at 80 feet and counting. It’s FPS is a little low at 295 FPS with .20g BBs which it makes up for in accuracy.

This is the best, most reliable airsoft pistol you will find, hands down. When it comes to a sidearm, you need a pistol that will work when you need it to and temporarily replace your primary, and this pistol does it in spades.

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14. ASG KJW CZ P-09 GBB

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The ASG CZ P-09 GBB pistol is a reliable sidearm and secondary weapon for a very affordable price. ASG’s take on the CZ P-09 is very much like its real-life counterpart. It is easy and natural to aim and has a very manageable recoil thanks to the gun’s barrel position, slim build and narrow, low-profile slide. The elongated beaver tail combined with the natural point of aim and ergonomic pistol grip make this pistol particularly easy to get used to and develop muscle memory with. It’s also extremely easy and satisfying to pull out of your holster and takes milliseconds to line up.

The ASG CZ P-09 GBB Pistol comes in a CO2 version and green gas version, and is an outstanding choice for your sidearm and/or secondary that won’t break the budget. It also just looks cool to pull with its unusually slim, stamped, and tactical design.

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15. KJW PTP M9 Full Metal

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KJW makes great pistols, and the KJW PTP M9 is no different. This sidearm works on either green gas or CO2 (that’s not a misprint – you don’t need to buy one for green gas and another for CO2), which makes this a great pistol for novices and experienced airsofters alike as you can decide to switch from CO2 to green gas depending on the environment, the weather, or your mood. Switching from CO2 to green gas will also lower the FPS to a more indoor-legal limit.

The reliability, performance, and aftermarket support are a close second to Tokyo Marui’s Hi-capas. It also feels, performs, and kicks incredibly realistically: it’s a 1:1 scale replica of an actual M9 and weighs in at a pretty-heavy 2 pounds. The slide is heavy too, and made of aluminum, so while this sidearm is satisfying to draw and shoot, it will be heavy on your hip too.

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Sniper Rifles / DMRs

There are a lot of demand and online searches for airsoft sniper rifles. Because the physics of airsoft guns are different from firearms, muzzle velocity and accuracy have very little to do with the barrel length and to an extent the receiver, and more to do with the hop-up, spring, diameter of the barrel, and rest of the internals. A lot of stock airsoft SMGs will equal the accuracy and power of carbines or rifles, and I’ve even seen a stock ASG CZ Scorpion EVO outshoot stock sniper rifles with a much higher rate of fire. But if you want a sniper rifle, who are we to tell you any differently?

Sniper rifles have their advantages. At most sites, indoor or outdoor, sniper rifles are allowed to have much higher FPS limits, at up to 500FPS for bolt-action sniper rifles, and even up to 450FPS for semi-auto DMRs (designated marksman rifles). That means if you are aiming long range at your target, your BB is going to travel quicker, meaning better accuracy against moving targets. And your target is definitely going to feel the hit, making the possibility of uncalled hits much less likely.

There is a saying in airsoft, “sniper rifles are built, not bought”, because the power and accuracy of an airsoft sniper rifle or DMR depends on internals, mechanics, and tweaking. That’s why in this section we list the best stock airsoft rifles to build on, as well as snipers that will shoot decently out of the box.

The rifles that are best to build on have these qualities in common: they have good aftermarket support and availability to heavily upgrade and modify, and they have the potential to be sniping laser beams with the right modifications and tweaking. As usual, Tokyo Marui is the compatibility standard with its VSR-10 rifle platform, but in several ways, the cheaper VSR-10 clones are the way to go. The VSR-10/BAR-10 model is the BASR (bolt-action sniper rifle) platform that the majority of sniper rifle upgrades are built for. Anything that will fit one brand’s VSR-10 or BAR-10 should fit other brands’. There are a few other options with decent availability for upgrades: the famous AWM/AWP/L96, the M4380, and a few others.

HPA-tapped sniper rifles are another option for semi-automatic designated marksman rifles (DMR’s).

Building a sniper rifle is largely a min/max, meta game, where the objective is to build the most powerful, most accurate precision sniper rifle possible with the least amount of money.

16. JG BAR-10

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The JG BAR-10 as we stated before is one of the most common “project” sniper rifles. It’s a more affordable clone to the Tokyo Marui SR-10, which gives you more money for upgrade parts, as the internals that make the difference between the two are going to be swapped anyway. The JG Bar-10 also allows for a higher maximum FPS than the equivalent Tokyo Marui SR-10.

The JG BAR-10 has a plethora of options for aftermarket upgrades and customization parts, so you can fine-tune your sniper rifle into the laser beam from the likes of airsoft snipers like Novritsch.

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17. UTG Type 96 Shadow Ops (Upgraded “500+” FPS version)

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Now for everyone’s favorite sniper rifle platform: the L96 AWP (Arctic Warfare Policy). There are not a lot of stock sniper rifles I would recommend to our readers, but this one gets the AGG stamp of approval.

UTG’s L96’s FPS depending on the BB size, and is most accurate when shooting heavier BBs. We recommend at least .28g BBs, maybe even .30g BBs. Where most sniper rifles would start to curve or jam shooting at those speeds, the UTG Type 96 Shadow Ops impresses again by shooting unbelievably accurately without any upgrades (apart from the FPS upgrade kit). And if you do decide to do any upgrades or modifications in the future, the L96 has plenty of aftermarket support.

Our only complaint about this rifle is that it does not shoot as fast as UTG claims. We chronographed the shots with 0.20g BBs with two different versions of the UTG L96, and it didn’t hit near 500 FPS. 460 FPS was the fastest we shot with 0.20g BBs. However, the fact that a stock sniper can shoot over 400 FPS is damn impressive.

We usually hesitate when recommending a stock sniper rifle, the UTG Type 96 Shadow Ops with FPS upgrade has passed our tests. Be aware that the rifle does not include a scope though!

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18. Echo 1 PSR

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Echo 1’s full metal PSR is a great sniper rifle, whether you plan to use it stock, plan to upgrade it later, or both. A VSR-10 variant, you have access to all of the most popular upgrades and mods. It shoots up to 500-530 FPS stock though (!!!) depending on BBs, so check the rules for sniper rifles at your field, or consider either buying bigger BBs or replacing the spring if it shoots too hot for your field.

The Echo 1 PSR is surprisingly accurate and well-built for a stock BASR at its price. It also has a lot of features you would expect only in a rifle with aftermarket upgrades, such as the PSR trigger that easily adjusts, allowing for a hair trigger or hard squeeze depending on your preference.

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