Deciding to invest in an airsoft gun can be expensive, even if you know where to find the right deals. Airsoft guns are replica firearms, shooting pellets rather than bullets, which are usually made of some type of biodegradable material. If this is your first gun, you need to know what type of power suits your needs the best.
Spring-Loaded
An airsoft spring revolver is one of the most popular models for beginners and individuals with a mild investment in shooting. The single-shot devices work by using compressed air in the spring to launch the pellet through the barrel of the gun. This type of gun is not available as an automatic or semi-automatic model, which means the user has to cock the gun before each shot. While they are not as powerful as a gas-powered airsoft fun, they have greater power than an electric model. Some spring-loaded guns, like bolt-action rifles, can shoot as fast as 400–700 feet/second.
Gas-Powered
A gas-powered gun is one of the fastest and most powerful models, available with automatic or a semi-automatic operation. You can usually choose between “green gas” or propane, but the latter requires an adapter for your gun to use the gas. “Red gas” can also be used, but it is illegal within the United States. Most of the time, gas power is applied in guns where the size would make it impossible for electric functions. Gas power is also preferred if you want a blowback feature, which cycles a slide or bolt to make the gun feel like an average firearm.
Electric
Electric guns use a battery to drive the electric motor, which uses an internal piston/spring assembly to launch the pellets from the muzzle. AEGs, or automatic electric guns, have the capacity for automatic, 3-round burst, or semi-automatic operation. Electric airsoft guns come with many different styles, including low-powered, medium priced, electric blowbacks, mini electrics, and multiple forms of automatic reloading options.
Where to Get a High-Quality Airsoft Gun
Though you have many options to choose from, select a specialty store like Airsoft GI to help you pick out the right gun. With spring-loaded, gas-powered, and electric guns available, you can purchase everything you need for target practice at one location. Check out the adapters and additional accessories to add to your gun collection, giving you a wider range of shooting options when you are ready to head to the shooting range.