| Choosing the right weapon will enhance your airsoft | | | | extreme cold while electric guns require a battery |
| sporting experience. Follow these steps when | | | | and charger. The most popular guns are arguably |
| selecting your first firearm. | | | | airsoft AEGs (airsoft automatic electric guns) which |
| Determine how you will be using your airsoft gun. | | | | are always a good place to start for beginners. Guns |
| There are a few questions you need to ask yourself | | | | also come in 5 different styles: handgun, rifle, |
| before deciding on an airsoft gun: What kind of | | | | shotgun, sniper rifle, and machine gun. Your role in the |
| playing situation will you be most frequently | | | | game will determine which style makes the most |
| participating in? Military re-enactment or sport genres? | | | | sense. |
| Does historical accuracy matter? What role will you | | | | Consider your airsoft gun and accessory budget. |
| play on your team? Do you want to be in the heat | | | | What kind of budget will you be working within? Will |
| of battle, or a peripheral sniper? A Rifleman (an | | | | you be playing competitively or just for fun? How |
| excellent position for a newbie) makes up the bulk of | | | | much are you willing to spend on this new endeavor? |
| the team and participates in a variety of positions | | | | Keep in mind that along with your gun(s), you may |
| and fire ranges. A CQC (Close Quarters Combat) | | | | also want airsoft accessories (BBs, green gas, lasers |
| soldier will need more durability and a firearm that is | | | | and sights/scopes/optics), and tactical gear |
| maneuverable. A Support Gunner pins down the | | | | accessories (tactical vests, masks/face & eye |
| enemy with heavy fire so that other team members | | | | protection, camouflage suits, holsters, and |
| can advance. A sniper or marksman needs a high | | | | military-style backpacks). |
| degree of accuracy. Know what role you want to | | | | Test drive some guns. |
| play. Select the gun style that suits your role. | | | | If you have friends with airsoft guns, borrow their |
| Determine which length, weight, degree of accuracy, | | | | weapons and see what feels right to you. Most |
| rate of fire, and the upgrade potential you desire. | | | | airsoft players have more than one type of gun to |
| Decide which type and style of airsoft gun will work | | | | use in different scenarios... test out as many as you |
| for your playing needs. | | | | can. There are fantastic airsoft gun deals online which |
| There are three types of airsoft guns to choose | | | | will help you stretch your budget. If you are just |
| from: spring-action, electric and gas. Each has certain | | | | starting out, keep in mind there are lots of airsoft |
| advantages. Spring-action guns are inexpensive and | | | | gun starter packages that can help jump start you |
| very durable but lack the power of gas and electric | | | | airsoft experience by getting you all the extras you |
| guns. Gas guns may suffer reduced performance in | | | | need for cheap. |