10 Best Airsoft Guns 2023 – Buyer’s Guide
Airsoft is a fun and inexpensive way to simulate tactical situations and it can be played virtually anywhere. Besides the strategy and teamwork, one of my favorite things about the sport is the gear. There are so many types of guns, load-outs, and ways to play! So, I’ve used my experience on the field to rate the top 10 airsoft guns and provide some tips so you can pick the right one for you.
10 Best Airsoft Guns List
Picture | Name | Power | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. UKARMS Lancer Tactical MK18 MOD 0 EAG Metal Gears | Electric | $$$ | 4.6 | |
2. Umarex Glock 19X Blowback Airsoft Pistol | Green Gas | $$$ | 4.7 | |
3. Lancer Tactical Gen 2 LT-19 Carbine Automatic Airsoft Gun | Electric | $$$ | 4.6 | |
4. BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle with Scope - 500 fps | Spring | $$$ | 4.0 | |
5. Lancer Tactical Gen 2 SPR Interceptor | Electric | $$$ | 4.6 | |
6. Valken ASL+ Series M4 Airsoft Rifle | Electric | $$$ | 4.4 | |
7. Elite Force Beretta Arx 160 Automatic Airsoft Rifle | Electric | $$$ | 4.3 | |
8. Elite Force 1911 Blowback Airsoft Pistol | CO2 | $$ | 4.5 | |
9. G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider Airsoft Gun | Electric | $$$$ | 4.1 | |
10. Valken ASL Series M4 MOD-M Airsoft Rifle | Electric | $$$ | 4.4 |
What are the different kinds of Airsoft Guns?
There are four basic types of airsoft guns. Each has it’s pros and cons.
Green gas powered – Green gas is a cheap, reliable option for gas powered guns. More commonly found in handgun models, green gas powered sidearms are a great way to stay in the game at close ranges. Like CO2 guns, you will need to buy a steady supply of gas cartridges. Green gas tends to be more expensive than CO2.
CO2 powered – A slightly more powerful alternative to Green gas, CO2 powered guns are commonly in the form of sidearms, but there are also plenty of options for CO2 powered rifles. CO2 cartridges are inexpensive and very easy to find. One of the main downsides to green gas and CO2 guns is that they have a specific temperature range where they work best. Outside of this range you may experience more jams and malfunctions. This leads us to our other two options: battery and spring powered guns.
Battery powered – Battery powered guns typically come in the form of semi-auto and fully automatic rifles. They are somewhat powerful, have long charge durations, and can put out a high volume of rounds in a short time. Air Electric Rifles (AEGs) require no input other than ammo and periodic recharging. They are usually in the medium power range, which makes them effective at long range and in close quarters situations. Most AEGs have a high magazine capacity, and can be fired consistently at almost any temperature. For volume of fire you can’t beat an EAG.
Spring powered – Spring powered guns are single shot, so they don’t make good assault rifles. However they are very reliable and can be extremely powerful. Spring powered sniper rifles are typically the highest velocity guns you will find at your field. Their range makes them very effective in games and I their nearly unlimited customization since most all spring powered snipers have the same basic internal configuration. Spring powered guns can be inexpensive and are always ready to use – no charging or air canister.
Be aware that most Airsoft fields restrict BB velocity. Some guns may exceed allowed velocity at your field, so I recommend that you check regulations before purchasing.
Choosing the best Airsoft gun for you
Consider your player style when selecting an Airsoft gun.
Beginner – The best option for a beginning player is usually an AEG. It is simple, moderately priced, and will get you into the action quickly. This is the one and only gun you will need since the high volume of fire and good range make Air Electric Guns great for almost any situation or game. Because of the versatility, many expert players also rely on EAGs as their primary Airsoft gun.
Advanced Player – If you are looking for a combination of high velocity and high rate of fire option you should consider a CO2 or green gas powered assault rifle. These will be more expensive, but have more power and consistency than AEGs.
Sniper – If you like a more tactical approach where every shot is thought out, a spring powered sniper is going to be a fun option for you. They are easy to use, affordable, customizable, and have excellent range and power. Picking off an enemy with one shot from across the field is one of the most rewarding experiences in airsoft.
Secondary Weapon – If you have an AEG or a sniper, you may be looking for a good sidearm. Gas powered and CO2 powered handguns are going to be the best option for a sidearm. They are small and can be holstered until you need them. They have more limited ranges and magazines than EAGs, but can lay down good volume in close-quarters.
Now that you know what factors to base your decision on, let me walk you through my top three airsoft guns on Amazon.
Lancer Tactical MK18 MOD 0 AEG FIELD Metal Gears Airsoft Gun Rifle w 9.6v Battery & Charger
This rifle is an affordable way to try airsoft, and if you are a beginner looking to start out in the sport this is a great first gun to buy. Battery powered, all it takes to get on the field is a quick charge.
The body is made of a durable nylon polymer and that is shock and drop resistant and the metal gears are rugged and reliable. The battery is included in the box along with a charger and users manual. It also comes with 600 rounds so you can use it as soon as it arrives at your door. A terrific all-around Airsoft gun for any situation.
Umarex Glock 19X GBB Blowback 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun
This pistol is a well built, powerful and good looking sidearm that will not let you down if you ever get caught with an empty magazine in your primary gun. It is officially licensed by Glock and will fit most standard Glock holsters.
This gun is powered by green gas, so it will be slightly more expensive to refill, but it is durable and reliable, and doesn’t jam easily. Overall this is the best sidearm you can get for the price. If you are using a sniper, it is going to make all the difference in close quarters.
LANCER TACTICAL Gen 2 LT-19 Carbine 10″ AEG Automatic Airsoft Gun
Like the first gun on our list, this is a fully automatic AEG that will be perfect for starting out in the sport of airsoft, but is more than capable enough to be a primary gun for experts. It comes in multiple color schemes and has a keymod rail system so that you can add attachments.
The package comes with a battery, charger, and 300 rounds so it can be used right out of the box. The body is made out of durable polymer and has a metal barrel and gearbox inside. Overall, this is a great, moderately-priced way to get out on the field.