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How to choose your first Airsoft Gun in Three Easy Steps:

Choosing your first airsoft gun can be a challenge! To start, here are some questions you can to get you started.

Is there a style of play you want to try?

The most popular 'role' in airsoft is the 'rifleman', and it's where most players start out. There are many other roles in airsoft, like 'sniper', or 'squad gunner'. Knowing which style of play you want to approach will quickly narrow down your options and help you find the right gun. If you're not sure which role to begin with, our suggestion is to go 'rifleman', which uses the majority of airsoft replicas.

Is there a certain type of airsoft gun you really like the look of?

The primary objective of airsoft is to have fun, and using a replica that makes you happy is a large portion of that goal. You will have more fun overall with a gun you enjoy. If you're not sure or are indifferent, an M4-style platform is very popular, capable, and available!

What is your budget for your airsoft gun?

This is the most important factor when considering your first airsoft replica. Keep your budget realistic, and don't forget necessities like eye protection, BB's, and a proper gun bag. If you're not sure what your budget should be, we recommend starting out with at least $150 - $300 to spend on your first replica.

With these three questions answered, you've probably narrowed down the expanse of choices into a more approachable cluster of options!

Our Top 10 choices for Beginner Airsoft Guns

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this list is not ranked in any way, and is meant only to offer suggestions for good airsoft guns to start out with! There's no easy, single answer, because everyone's needs are so different!

In order to make this list, we applied some common sense constraints to help us narrow things down:

We want our first airsoft gun to be an AEG. We feel that AEG's are the best way to start playing airsoft, because they're low-maintenance, affordable, easy to use, and they work in a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

Everything on this list is under $300. We thought that was a reasonable budget to start airsofting with. Keep in mind you'll need other necessities like eye protection, batteries, and a gun bag, so make sure you account for spending on those other items as well.

M4/AR-15 Rifles
Our first group of AEG's are all styled after the 'M4', which is hands-down the most popular platform in airsoft, and for good reason! M4's are very adaptable, plentiful, and they have the largest selection of aftermarket parts. An M4 as a starting platform will last you well into your airsoft career.

Specna Arms / Rock River Arms Licensed CORE / EDGE AEG - $135+

G&G CM16 Raider 2.0 - $196

Matrix "Calico Jack" Polymer M4 Airsoft AEG Rifle w/ M-LOK Handguard & MOSFET (Model: Carbine / M4 Stock / Black)

CYMA Platinum M4 QBS Airsoft AEG Rifle (Model: 13" M-LOK)

NON-M4 Rifles
If you're looking for something that isn't an M4, worry not! There are plenty of other options available that will work very well as a starting airsoft gun. Here are a few good options to consider:

JG AUG Military Full Size Airsoft AEG Integrated Scope - $189

CYMA Standard Stamped Metal AK-105 - $194


PCC/SMG/PDW
If you're planning on playing in a CQB/CQC environment, like an indoor field, then perhaps you should go with something more compact and maneuverable, like a PDW, PCC, or SMG -
Heckler and Koch H&K Competition MP5 SD6 - $186

King Arms PDW 9mm - $215

G&G CM16 ARP9 - $248


PISTOLS
If you want a fun challenge while remaining competitive, here are some great options:

Elite Force Full Metal 1911 Tactical CO2 - $124

AW Custom "Ace Competitor" Hi-CAPA Green Gas - $169

Elite Force Fully Licensed GLOCK 17 Gen.5 - $179


SHOTGUNS, SAWs & SNIPERS
Some players really want to play a certain role that just doesn't fit with a traditional rifle or pistol. If you're one of those players, then here's some options that you should seriously consider for a more specialized role:

CYMA Standard M870 - $58

CYMA Standard VSR-10 - $125

Cybergun FN Licensed M249 "Featherweight" - $245

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