| Although there are only 3 types of Airsoft guns | | | | from; plastic won’t last as long as metal and |
| available, gas, electric and spring, each type has | | | | breaks easier but is a cheaper option. |
| different versions with added features and extras. | | | | - Precision is decided by the bore, length and quality |
| Making a decision on the type of Airsoft gun to | | | | of the inner barrel. Precision inner barrels can be |
| purchase will ultimately depend on the reason you | | | | purchased in a variety of lengths and bore diameters |
| want the gun, whether it is for practicing shooting at | | | | in order to improve the predisposition of the BB and |
| targets or playing in a game with other players. | | | | make it return to the same targeted spot each time |
| Spring Airsoft Guns or Rifles are the easiest type of | | | | the trigger is pulled. |
| Airsoft gun to use, pull back the slide which | | | | - If the gun is damaged it can prove costly to have |
| compresses the spring and the gun is ready to shoot. | | | | to replace it so take into consideration whether parts |
| These guns are great for target practice, relatively | | | | can be replaced inexpensively or even upgraded thus |
| cheap to buy and there is no need for gas or | | | | improving the quality of your gun at a fraction of the |
| charging it up to make it work. On the other hand it | | | | cost. |
| has to be ‘reloaded’ each time it is fired (like | | | | - Think about the accessories you might want to buy |
| a shotgun/rifle) so isn’t very suitable for games | | | | to go with your gun, are they reasonably priced? |
| where speed is the main factor. Airsoft Gas Guns are | | | | What kinds of extra magazines can be bought and |
| generally for the more serious gun enthusiasts and as | | | | what are the costs for these? |
| they operate by a gas driven mechanism powered | | | | - Note the FPS speed (Feet Per Second). This is the |
| either by carbon dioxide and/or green gas have to | | | | speed at which the pellets leave the gun barrel, so |
| be refilled each time. Be aware too that if conditions | | | | the higher the FPS, the faster the pellet will go. Be |
| are very cold, gas guns won’t work. The Electric | | | | aware though, that the faster the bullet the more |
| Airsoft Guns and Electric Powered BB Guns, (also | | | | impact it will have on contact with a part of the |
| known as AEG) are the most popular Airsoft guns on | | | | body. Roughly, a gun with a 2/300 FPS will hit |
| the market today and the perfect choice for games. | | | | someone within ten feet skin and cause some very |
| Made in Japan, they have a rechargeable battery | | | | painful bruises. |
| used to power the electric motor that enables the | | | | - The amount of rounds that can be fired from the |
| inner mechanism to discharge the pellets. They can | | | | gun in a certain amount of time is called the ROF |
| be fired continually and are great for games. Another | | | | (Rate of Fire). This feature is often hyped up as the |
| advantage to the electric guns is they often have | | | | more rounds aimed at the target the chance of a hit |
| high capacity magazines that can hold hundreds of | | | | increases but inevitably more ammunition is used. |
| BBs. | | | | The ideal place to find information and advice on |
| When selecting your gun you should keep in mind the | | | | buying an Airsoft gun is to read some reviews on the |
| following; | | | | Internet. Airsoft Forums can also be valuable sources |
| - How long the gun could be expected to last? With | | | | of information. Don't consider buying a gun just |
| some TLC and the correct maintenance guns can last | | | | because it looks good, but weigh up all the facts |
| for many years. Its durability will also depend on the | | | | before you come to any decision. |
| quality of the gun and the material it’s made | | | | |