The key to finding a good gun is doing the research necessary to determine if the weapon is of the quality you are needing. That’s where we come in. We have taken the pleasure of forming a list of the ten cheapest, yet well made, airsoft guns available. These weapons, while they may not have the fancy bells and whistles some of your more high dollar pieces may have, are an excellent choice for those looking for high quality at an affordable price.

Crosman Marine Airsoft SR01

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 1.7 lbs.
• Length: 28 in.

Perfect for any close-quarter combat, the Crosman SR01 is fully licensed by the US Marines. Boasting a 350-round magazine and a foldable stock, the SR01 will have you in the game at a fraction of the cost. Don’t let the price tag fool you; the SR01 packs a mean punch.

Measured with a .20g bb, the SR01 is capable of shooting rounds at 325 feet per second. Furthermore, at 100 feet away, you can expect more than 80 percent accuracy. For a spring powered gun, that ratio is astronomical. Additionally, the front and rear sights are adjustable, as well as the hop-up system, allowing you to control the accuracy of the shot at long ranges.

As far as the quality of the material, for this price range, you can’t expect to have a full metal gun. With that said, the SR01 feels exceptionally sturdy. On lower-end guns, the stock and other non-critical parts, are often noticeably of lesser quality. However, this is not so with the SR01. The stock is steady and feels like it belongs on an expensive gun.

The SR01 is just a single-fire rifle. With it being spring powered, that means that it requires the shooter manually reload a round by pulling the slide back. While this may seem like an ancient form of shooting, especially when compared to the technology on most airsoft guns today, this provides an inexpensive and efficient entry point for anybody looking to get into the sport. This gun requires no battery and no gas, meaning it cost nothing to be able to shoot, except the ammo of course.

Just because this gun is on the cheap list doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some great features. Like the ability to add optics, lights, and many other accessories on the Picatinny-style rail. Additionally, the stock on the SR01 is foldable, meaning the shooter can change the style of shooting to adjust for close-combat style play.

Overall, the Crosman SR01 is perfect for any beginner looking to get into the sport without having to spend much money. For a cheap airsoft gun, you can’t get much better than this.

Velocity Airsoft M16A1

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 4 lbs.
• Length: 30.5 in.

Modeled after the M16 used by the fighting men and women of our armed forces, the Velocity M16A1 has the look and feel of the real piece without the high price tag of some of its competitors. Though its body and stock comprise of a high-caliber ABS polymer compound, the internal components, mainly the barrel, are made of a high-grade aluminum. Don’t let the polymer fool you; the M16A1 can withstand any beating you can give it.

Weighing in at 4 pounds, the M16A1 feels robust and sturdy while running through the battlefield. It’s not too heavy that you get tired of carrying it after just a few minutes. It’s also not too light that you feel like you’re going to break it. Also, if you want added comfort while packing it around, it comes with an excellent sling.

Unlike many spring powered airsoft rifles, the M16A1 fires at a rate of 250 feet per second. Also, it comes with a high-capacity magazine capable of holding 200 rounds at a time. This capacity means less time reloading and more time destroying the enemy.

What we liked about it, and what caused us to put it on our list, is how accurately the M16A1 shoots. With its 36-inch-long aluminum barrel, a .20g bb is accurate upwards of 100 feet. Also, it has two front sights, one for long range and the other for short range.

If you are looking for an entry-level airsoft rifle, but don’t want to spend a ton of money, the M16A1 is one of the best options available. When your enemy gets shot with they know it; it hits with the same power that the more expensive guns do. They won’t know you’re shooting an affordable gun.

BBTac BT-M82

• Player Level: Beginner-advanced
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Length:

For an excellent beginner AEG (automatic electric gun), the BBTac BT-M82 is the perfect gun. At just a fraction of the cost of many AEGs, the BT-M82 is a replica of the Sig-552. Though it has a high-grade ABS polymer body, you’ll believe it’s a metal body simply by how sturdy and durable the gun is.

Powered by a 7.2-volt Ni-CD rechargeable battery, the BT-M82 is capable of firing rounds at 250 feet per second. Additionally, unlike most cheap airsoft guns, the BT-M82 has the ability for the shooter to select between semi-auto and full-auto firing modes. Don’t worry, though, about running out of ammo quickly. This airsoft gun comes with a high capacity magazine.

The feature that caused us to put this airsoft gun on our list of best bargain-basement airsoft rifles is its adjustable hop-up system. Though it is typical for the high-end airsoft guns, the hop-up system rarely comes on a low-end airsoft gun. This feature allows for increased accuracy at an extended range. That makes the BT-M82 perfect for any style of play.

The Bt-M82 comes fully ready to shoot directly out of the box. Though it has rear and front iron sights, it also comes with an electronic red dot scope, flashlight, foregrip, and other accessories that make this gun an excellent deal for your money.

What we found in our testing is that the battery that comes with this BT-M82 holds a charge for an extreme amount of time. In fact, we charged after it was completely dead for 45 minutes. After that time, we then shot around 2000 more rounds, and it was still firing powerfully. This longevity equals a ton of fun without the fear of your battery dying. All in all, the BBTac BT-M82 is a perfect gun for any skill level who doesn’t wish to spend a ton of money on a rifle.

Crosman Elite Stinger R33

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Length: 24 in.

If small and compact is what you like, the Crosman Elite Stinger R33 is the perfect match. Made to be a fourth of the size of its real steel counterpart, the m16, the smaller size fo the R33 make it ideal for close-combat scenarios. Add in its authentic feel, and you’ve got an excellent airsoft gun for just a fraction of the cost of a high-end gun.

For a cheap airsoft gun, the R33 is accurate. At 75 feet, with a .12g bb, you can expect to hit your mark each time. It is spring-powered, so it must be re-cocked after each shot. However, the cocking mechanism is extremely easy to pull back that even children looking to get into airsoft would be able to do it.

The sights that come with the gun are excellent as well. Not only does it have a fixed front sight but also has a dual rear sight, allowing more increased aiming ability. When you factor in the adjustable hop-up, the R33 is perfect for any skirmish.

The size, though, is what caused us to want the R33 on our list. To look at it, you would think it was just a replica designed to be placed on a shelf, especially if it didn’t have the orange tip required by law. The detail put into the gun is impeccable for a budget airsoft gun. However, it functions amazingly to be such a small ordinance. And the size allows you to easily maneuver around buildings, trees, walls, and whatever else your game choice dictates.

While this gun isn’t intended for tournament style play, for someone looking to get into airsoft without spending a ton of money, the R33 would be an excellent choice. The polymer body makes it exceptionally sturdy and able to withstand even the hardest falls.

Crosman 50003 Stinger R37

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 2.9 lbs.
• Length: 24 in.

From one of the most trusted names in the airsoft industry comes another impeccably accurate spring-powered reasonably-priced airsoft gun. The Crossman Stinger R37 comes with everything you need to get out into the field the very first day you get it. Built to resemble an ar-15, the R37 is about a fourth the size of the real thing.

Though the size allows for incredible maneuverability in tight quarters, it’s not the feature that made us put it on our list. This gun has everything you could wish to have on a more expensive airsoft rifle. This list includes a forward grip, adjustable or removable stock, front and rear sights, and a Picatinny rail system for additional accessories.

Also, something else you wouldn’t expect on such a small, affordable gun is its magazine capacity. The durable high-grade plastic magazine can hold 400 bbs. That means more time shooting and less time loading. Additionally, it has extraordinary power, shooting the rounds at upwards of 250 feet per second.

The hop-up system improves its accuracy over longer distance. It is recommended, however, to use heavier bbs as the .12g rounds tended to curve upwards considerably. However, with .2 or .25g, we saw exceptional accuracy for such a budget airsoft gun.

For a beginner, this is the perfect gun. Designed with speed and precision in mind, you’ll be playing with the big boys in no time. If you’re worried about the quality of the materials used to make this gun, don’t. Though It’s not metal, Crosman has developed a great durable gun that will last you quite some time in play.

Soft Air SCAR-L

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Length: 34 in.

In the world of Spring-powered airsoft guns, it doesn’t get much better than the Soft Air SCAR-L. Built as a replica to the FN Herstal Scar, the Soft Air version features many of the same qualities and features of its real-steel counterpart.

The Soft Air SCAR-L boasts of a high-capacity magazine able to hold 350 rounds. Additionally, it has many customizable features, such as the adjustable stock and foregrip, as well as Picatinny rails for additional accessories. For a cheap airsoft gun, the customizability to the shooter is that of a more expensive gun.

However, the feature that caused us to put the SCAR-L on our lists is that fact that it has two different styles of weapons available. Though buyers must purchase each separately, you can have either a spring-powered rifle or an AEG (automatic electric gun.) Both have the same build and features on the outside, but each has different abilities.

The Spring-powered version can reach a velocity of 400 feet per second. The reason the SCAR-L can shoot so hard is due to the heavy weight spring Soft Air has used. Also, with the adjustable front and rear sights, this weapon is remarkably accurate. A great feature of the spring-powered version is the ability to switch which side the charging handle is on, allowing for a right or left-handed shooter to quickly pull it back.

The electric version is powered by a single, double “A” battery and can reach a velocity of 260 feet per second with a .20g bb. Also, since this version is an AEG, you can switch between semi-auto and full-auto, giving you the feel of firing a real gun.

Considering both styles are the same in price, which you choose is all up to you. You won’t regret making this your first airsoft gun or adding it to an existing arsenal as it can compare to many high-priced rifles.

BBTac M16A2

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 3.6 lbs.
• Length: 38 in.

Fashioned after the Vietnam War Era M16, the BBTac M16A2 is a replica in both size and feel. Constructed from a high-grade polymer, the M16A2 is one of the sturdiest guns you can get.

The stock on the BBTac M16 isn’t adjustable, though that doesn’t affect its shooting abilities. However, the reason it is on our list is that it could probably be one of the most accurate spring-powered airsoft guns available. When shooting .2g bbs, you can expect a velocity of around 250 feet per second. However, when you add on the length of the barrel and the hop-up system, you can expect accuracy up to 75 feet or more, especially if you aim correctly.

The magazine can hold 200 rounds in its reservoir chamber. Weighing in at 3.6 pounds and 38 inches long, it is one of the bigger guns on our list. However, it has sling hooks attached to the front and back of the gun and comes with a well-made sling to help you carry the weight for an extended period.

We also found it to be extremely durable, though it only consists of plastic. It feels solid in your hands and allows you a firm grip when recharging the handle. Just be careful that you don’t pull the trigger while recharging or it will fire a shot.

Designed for ease of use and maintenance-free play, the BBTac M16A2 is the perfect gun for a beginner marksman looking to enjoy the sport. Though the long rifle isn’t the best choice for close-quarter combat, you can still be efficient and accurate. You won’t be disappointed with this gun as your first.

BBTac M83

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 8.8 lbs.
• Length: Up to 39 in.

Designed with the M4 rifle in mind, the BBTac M83 would be an excellent choice for beginner and expert airsoft enthusiasts alike. One of the few AEGs on our list, the eM83 is everything you could hope for in a low-end airsoft rifle. For just a fraction of the price, you get a gun that will make you a leader of the pack.

Powered by a 7.2-volt rechargeable battery, the M83 is capable of shooting a velocity of 250 feet per second. Additionally, since it an AEG, the shooter can quickly switch between semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes. Even on full auto, the high-grade electric motor consistently shoots .2g bbs at 250 feet per second or more.

The BBTac M83 is specifically designed to be an entry level airsoft gun. This fact is what caused us to put the M83 on our list. Not only can it be an M4 replica but can also be switched to accommodate a more close-quarter combat style. Included with the M83 are a removable barrel extension and adjustable stock that, when transformed, turns the M83 into the perfect short rifle. Additional accessories that come with it include an electric sight, flashlight, and sling. Interesting, though, is that the electronic optics allow you to see your sights in during night play as well; a feature rarely found on low-end airsoft guns.

The battery included is designed to last extended periods without needed recharging. We found we could play all day on a single charge, and that was on full auto. Keep in mind, though, that it only takes the gun about 10 seconds to empty a full magazine while on full auto.

With all the added accessories, as well as the well-built design, the BBTac M83 is the perfect gun on our list for any beginner. You will be able to immerse yourself into the airsoft world immediately upon receiving your gun.

X36 Double Eagle M85

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 7 lbs.
• Length:

For a budget airsoft gun that comes already assemble and ready to go, look no further than the X36 Double Eagle M85. Designed with functionality and ease of use in mind, the DE M85 has everything you need to get on the field and be a productive member of your team.

Build wise, like most inexpensive airsoft guns; the M85 entirely consists of a high-grade plastic material. However, as we found when testing, the material is extremely durable and sturdy. The adjustable stock has no wiggle room when extended, giving you the assurance you need while in combat. Also, the magazine fits tightly into its compartment with no wiggle when firing.

It is an AEG, so it has the option to select semi-auto or full auto. However, what sets the M85 apart from our affordable airsoft AEGs, and what made us want it on our list, is its rate of speed. We found that, on a full charge, the battery-powered motor can empty the 40-round magazine in about 3 seconds.

Even further proof of its worthiness to be on our list is the consistency at which it fires the rounds. Even on full auto, you can expect each round to come out at around 200 feet per second. With the adjustable hop-up system, you can be extremely accurate in one of the cheapest guns around.

The additional accessories included with the rifle make the M85 an even better deal. Included are items such as a flashlight, an electronic sight, and the foregrip. The electronic sight has two settings; changing the settings allows you to see your dot better in bright sunlight or nighttime shooting. Overall, the M85 is a remarkable inexpensive airsoft gun and is perfect for any airsoft shooter.

 

Conclusion

Cheap doesn’t always mean bad. As you can tell by our list, the advancements in airsoft technology have allowed manufacturers to create great guns that cost a fraction of the price. Just because a gun consists of plastic doesn’t mean it’s of lesser quality, especially if you’re looking to get into the sport without spending much money.

Before buying any airsoft gun, be sure you do your homework. Research the different options available and find which gun best suits your particular needs and styles. Don’t be afraid to rent a gun from your local range to see if the features fit you before you invest your money. After all, no two shooters are the same.

There’s no doubt about it; paintball is one of the most exciting sports available. But imagine how much fun it would be if it were only you playing. That’s why the motto “the more, the merrier” fits with paintball. The more people you have on your team, the more fun you are bound to experience. However, figuring out how to start a paintball team can sometimes be the most difficult part of paintballing.

The Beginnings

Most always paintball teams start out the same way; two or more people realize they like playing paintball with each other and decide to do it together. Notice the words “like playing paintball with each other.” It’s not about a long drawn out contract or constitution that makes your team. Instead, it’s the partnership and comradery found in its members.

If the members of your team don’t like each other, it won’t last. If everyone isn’t on the same wavelength when it comes to determination and effort put into making the team successful, it won’t last. That’s why you need to find members that are at the same stage of life as you are. For example; a married person with two kids won’t have the same commitment of time that a single member would have. That’s not to say that married people can’t enjoy paintball because they can and do. However, when forming a team, have members from the same stage, this way one member doesn’t think less of another because of, what they see as, a lack of commitment.

What style of play will you participate?

As many know, there are various types of paintball games available; from tournament play to scenario/military simulations. Deciding which aspect of paintball your team will mainly play is important. This way you can gain members with the particular skill set you will need. For example, in military style combat, you can’t have a team filled with snipers. Instead, you need to have various types of guns and shooters to be an efficient team.

On the flip side, in a tournament style match, having members who are fast and accurate may be more important than the type of gear they carry. Always keep this in mind when forming your team.

Get your core members

It’s inevitable that teammates will come and go. Whether it be through life changes or simply being at odds with each other, members will come and go. However, it’s important that your team has a set of core members that stick with the team, no matter what. For a team to be successful, it must have solid leadership and standards; a group whose core members are always fluctuating can have neither and will often fail.

Look like a team

Most people will say that how a team looks isn’t as important with how they play. I believe they go hand in hand. Once you have your core group formed and you’ve decided which type of game you will focus on, it’s important to get everyone looking the same. Looking the same entails wearing the same colors and style of clothing. If you are focusing on military play, your team will want to have the same brand and style of tactical clothing.

On the other hand, if your team will focus on tournament play, it may be important to have purchase jersey’s that has everyone’s name and number imprinted on them. At the very least, in tournament play, make sure everyone wears the same color shirt.

Being uniform in appearance not only lets those you face know that you are a team but sets the field from a psychological standpoint, especially if the other team isn’t in uniform. After all, imagine how you would feel facing a team that not only performs like a team but looked like one even before they got onto the field.

Find a regular place to play

This step is as simple as forming an agreement with your local range owner. After all, your team needs a place to play, and they need bodies to stay in business. In this agreement, set the day and time when your team will have the field all to themselves. This structure will ensure that your team practices regularly. Also, if your team begins to be successful in play, the range owner may decide to become your first sponsor. Gaining a sponsorship will open up an entirely different set of doors for your team.

Practice often, but not too much

As with anything you set out to accomplish, practice makes perfect. That’s why one of the most important aspects of having a successful team is ensuring you practice often as a team. Having them entails ensuring the practice days are set as such so that every member can make it. Make it a point to know your member’s schedules and existing commitments and plan practice around these.

Also, practice often, once a week, if not more. However, don’t practice so much that your members get burned out before your team plays for real. Also, keep in mind that practicing entails shooting paintballs. We all know that paintballs can be expensive, especially when practicing often. That’s why it’s important to practice in a manner that you aren’t just throwing money away. (This is where having a sponsor can come in handy.)

It may even become possible to set up a “Scrimmage” type game with another team. Scrimmages are commonly used for practice purposes but give you someone to go up against besides your teammates. A match like this allows your team to function as a team during practice and gives you the opportunity to know what your team needs to build on without running the risk of losing an actual game. Scrimmages are both fun and needful for any team looking to be successful.

Assign specific roles

Not everyone on your team can be the leader. On the flip side, not everyone can be a regular member either; someone as to lead and this crown usually falls to whoever started the team. However, assign specific roles for each member of your team using the member’s strengths as a guide.

Also, the specific roles may change from scenario to scenario. That’s why, in practice, it’s important to run through many scenarios your team may face. Just as in the military, ensure the each member knows the duties of those above them in case the leader get’s shot during the round. In this case, the duties will shift momentarily, and your team needs to prepare for this.

Getting a Sponsor

Having a sponsor for your team doesn’t mean that every member is going to get rich and famous. Instead, most of the time, it just means that someone is giving you a little extra money that can be used to buy gear for the team, such as the paintballs used during practice. The sponsorship can be as minimal as putting the business’ logo on your shirt to having their brand on every piece of gear.

Doing the work to get a sponsor, however, can be a daunting task. This fact is particularly the case for paintballers. Most businesses view paintball as a bunch of teenagers shooting each other. That’s where you, as a team, must show them that it has evolved to much more than that. You have to replace the stereotype in their minds with the real thing. That’s where the success of your team comes in to play. After all, nobody want’s to sponsor a loser.

Yes, having a team can be a difficult task, especially for the leader. However, in the end, it is incredibly rewarding to be playing the sport you love with people you love. Every team has obstacles they must hurdle to become successful but remember, your team is just like your family. They know your weaknesses, and you know theirs and building on each other will only help to make your team more successful.

Depending on the gun, using a paintball gun can be rather complicated, especially when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. However, once the shooter takes ample time to practice and get acquainted with their gun, using it becomes like riding a bike. That’s why, before you step onto the field of battle, you need to practice and learn how to use a paintball gun as if you were a professional.

The Basics

Before you can know how to use a paintball gun, you must first know how a paintball gun operates. Whether you are using an AEG (Automatic Electronic Gun), a gas-powered, or a manual cocking gun, all work basically the same. When the piston inside the gun moves backward, a small pocket of trapped air goes in the barrel. When you pull the trigger, this pocket of air is released and sends the paintball shooting through the barrel.

In an AEG and gas-powered gun, this cycle repeats automatically, and another round goes into the chamber. With a manual cocking gun, the shooter pulls back the slide, retrapping the air and loading a fresh paintball.

How to hold the gun

Using a paintball gun isn’t as simple as just pulling the trigger. There are steps, which after many rounds of repetitious practice, that will become second nature. However, for beginners, it’s best to go through these steps each time you are on the field. The first step is how you hold your gun.

How you hold it depends on which style gun you have. For a simple pistol, you just grip the weapon with your dominant hand (whichever hand you write with) and steady the gun by placing your second hand over your first. You will always pull the trigger with whichever hand you are using to grip the marker.

For a rifle, most will have a cO2, or gas cylinder, on the rear of the weapon. When using this style of gun, always put the cylinder on your shoulder. It’s important that you not rest it on your shoulder as this will provide no support. Rather, stick the end of the cylinder into your shoulder so that it rest on your collar bone. Guns that are AEG will most often have an extendable stock that presses against your shoulder.

Then, with your dominant hand, wrap your fingers around the grip of the trigger assembly. When doing so, never put your trigger finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Instead, rest your trigger finger along the slide on the barrel of your gun. Next, using your non-dominant hand, steady the barrel of the weapon.

Your Aim

Your aim is the deciding factor on whether your team wins or loses. Good aim takes lots of patience and practice, and several thousand rounds of paintballs. Every gun will be slightly different as far as what your use for aiming. However, you can locate most at the end of your marker’s barrel. Holding the gun just directly below eye level, line the mark on your gun, used for aiming, with your target and shoot. Easy, right? Now add in the fact that almost always your target will be moving.

Shooting a moving target is considerably more challenging than one standing still. That’s why you need to practice leading your target. Leading just means you aim just directly ahead of your target in the direction it is moving and then you fire. Proper leading of the target, however, must take into consideration the rate of speed the target is traveling, as well as how long it will take your paintball to reach your mark.

Most people like to close their non-dominant eye when aiming. While this helps your mind to focus through one optic, it leaves you vulnerable in that is cuts your peripheral vision in half. With one eye closed, you may have an enemy sneak up on that side, and you never see them. That’s why it’s important to remember never close your eyes when shooting your gun.

What to remember when firing

Though a paintball will be leaving your gun going near 300 feet per second, it isn’t aerodynamic enough to maintain that speed over very long distances. That’s why you need to familiarize yourself with how far your gun can accurately shoot. Familiarize yourself with the rate at which the paintball drops after it leaves your gun. Then, use this knowledge to adjust your aim. You may have to aim a little above your intended target to compensate for the drop.

Playing paintball, and shooting a paintball gun, can be a fun and rewarding experience if you know what you are doing. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced shooter, always take the time to practice and familiarize yourself with any new gun you may have. After all, you can’t win if you can’t shoot your weapon properly.

With the advancements in technology today, airsoft pistols are usually the first gun purchased by someone looking to get into the sport. As if often the case, you get what you pay for especially when looking for the best airsoft pistols. You can go to a big box retailer and spend a few dollars on a cheaply made plastic airsoft gun, and it works just fine for a game or two. Then, you’ll just be spending more money replacing it than you would by taking your time to research and find the best gun available.

In the world of airsoft guns, more money, however, doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. When looking at the quality of the gun, you want to look at design, materials, and what type of gas it uses.

We’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of the top ten airsoft pistols available on the market today. You’ll see that the price range on our list differs but on thing remains constant; every gun on our list is durable and of excellent quality.

Umarex Walther P99

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 1.6 lbs.
• Length: 10.9 in.

For a well-made airsoft sidearm that is easy on the wallet, the Umarex Walther P99 would be an outstanding option. Built to resemble the Walther P99, which is one of the most highly efficient handguns used by police and civilians all over the world, the Umarex P99 is just as reliable. You won’t have to fear using this as your backup weapon.

The durability is what caused us to place the Umarex P99 on our list. Unlike most airsoft guns, the slide on the Umarex P99 is metal. This gun has been dropped from a tree and still fired with no problems. Weighing in at 1.6 pounds makes it light to carry on your hip as well.

Perfect for those just getting into airsoft, the Umarex P99 is accurate up to 15 feet without any problems. Also, another excellent feature is that the CO2 cartridge is not stored in the magazine like most airsoft pistols. Instead, the cO2 cartridge fits securely in the gun’s grip. This feature makes it easy to change out the CO2 without having to waste when you unload the magazine.

Also, the Umarex P99 is not a gas hog like most airsoft pistols. Easily, you will be able to shoot through 10 magazines or more before having to reload the cartridge. Also, even though it uses a negligable amount gas, the bbs are fired at a rate of 380 feet per second.

With most airsoft pistols the shooter must manually cock the slide back to fire each time. With the Umarex, P99, the marksman locks the slide back for the first shot and then it’s semi-auto from there. You can fire the entire magazine without having to recock the gun.

For anyone who has seen the Walther P99, you would know that this resembles it’s real-steel counterpart perfectly. In fact, Umarex has done such a great job making their P99 look and feel like the real gun that you can use any holster or accessory designed for the authentic gun with this replica, and it will fit perfectly.

Umarex Elite Force 1911

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Length: 11 in.

The Umarex Elite Force 1911 could be the closest thing to the real deal that we have ever seen. Between its full metal construction and the blowback when fired, you’ll have a hard time distinguishing between the two. In fact, unlike most every other airsoft pistol, even the magazines on this 1911 are made from metal.

The accuracy of the 1911 is astonishing, as well. When shooting .25g bbs, you can hit your target every time at 20-25 feet. Also, the bbs are going approximately 350 fps when they leave the barrel.

Included on the 1911 is an adjustable hop-up system. By simply tightening or loosening the hop-up, the shooter it able to adjust the spin on the bb, thus affecting accuracy and velocity. Furthermore, unlike most airsoft pistols, the 1911 has a threaded tip that allows you to add any mock silencer you want to enhance your weapon’s appearance.

However, what caused us to want this gun on our list was the fact that the pistol’s design accommodates both left-handed and right-handed shooters. Though any gun fits in your left hand, very few include an ambidextrous safety system that can be used by lefties. This feature means that anyone can safely use this airsoft gun without having to take additional steps to apply the safety.

All in all, the Umarex 1911 is an excellent gun, no matter what your skill level is. For a side arm, you can trust to fire every time you pull the trigger, and not have to worry if it falls or gets banged on, this 1911 is for you.

Soft Air Colt 1911

• Player Level: Intermediate
• Weight: 2 lbs.
• Length: 8.5 in.

The Colt 1911 is one of the most iconic handguns of all times. Used by the armed forces (especially the Marine Corps) for many years, the Colt 1911 was known for its accuracy and dependability. That’s why it’s the best pistol for use in the airsoft arena.

For the 100th anniversary of the Colt 1911, Soft Air developed a replica, commemorating no only the style of the weapon but the characteristics as well. Its full metal construction, alone, is enough to make this airsoft pistol idea for any shooting scenario. Add in the internal features, and you’ve got an amazing gun.

The Colt 1911 is semi-automatic and has the blowback feature, meaning that once you cock the slide back the first time, the gun uses power from the CO2 to throw the slide back again. Even though it’s using the additional gas to throw the slide back, you are still able to get 4 to 5 full magazines through the gun before needing to change out the CO2 Cartridge.

The weight distribution of the Colt 1911 is superb to other airsoft pistols. Weighing in at exactly 2 pounds, this gun has a full metal construction that makes it fell like its real-steel counterpart. Additionally, the short trigger pull means you can know the pistol will fire exactly when you want it too.

Accuracy is never a concern, either, with the Colt 1911. When shooting a .20g bb, you can expect to be accurate up to 20 meters away. This gun is perfect for use as a backup or secondary weapon while in close-combat games.

Though shooters at any level can operate the Colt 1911, the short trigger pull makes it ideal for an intermediate level shooter. However, don’t be afraid to buy this gun if you’re just starting out; you won’t be disappointed.

M93R Tactical PTP

• Player Level: Intermediate-Advanced
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Length: 12 in.

Beyond any doubt, the M93R Tactical PTP Airsoft pistol is not your ordinary airsoft gun. In fact, while it is perfect for any style of airsoft play, the M93R was specifically designed to be used as a training weapon for tactical teams. From its construction down to the type of gas it uses, every part of the M93R’s design has training in mind.

The M93R doesn’t use your typical CO2. Instead, it uses a KWA NS2 gas system that not only adds power to the shot but delivers a powerful blowback ability for the slide, adding a more realistic experience for the shooter. Also, the gun can be completely field dressed, allowing for training in the repair of the M93.

Perhaps the feature that caused us to put the M93R on our list, and what makes it the most fun to shoot, is the different firing styles available. Instead of only having a semi-auto function, the M93R shooter can switch between semi-auto, full-auto, and a 3 round burst. A feature like this makes it perfect for any fighting scenario

Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, the M93R is one of the heaviest pistols around. However, with its metal body and polymer outer barrel, the weight distribution makes it very comfortable to shoot. Additionally, to add a more realistic look and feel when compared to its real-steel counterpart, this M93R has the addition of a folding vertical support, high-capacity magazine, and longer barrel for increased accuracy.

This gun is, by far, not your average airsoft pistol. While the ease of shooting is perfect for any shooter, the added features on the m93R make it a perfect gun for an intermediate to advanced shooter. However, if you’re looking for a pistol that will last for several years, the M93R is the perfect weapon for you.

ASG Dan Wesson Airsoft Revolver

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 2.3 lbs.
• Length: 14.9 in.

If you are looking for the most realistic airsoft experience, and gun, available, the ASG Wesson Revolver is perfect for you. Licensed by Dan Wesson, this ASG Revolver, as the looks and feel of a real revolver, even down to only being able to fire six shots at a time.

Powered by a CO2 cartridge located in the grip, the revolver uses six cartridges that will hold a single bb. The cartridge loads each bb into the cylinder of the gun. It even features a double-action trigger system, meaning you don’t need to pull the hammer back with each shot. However, for added realism, it can be used as a single action as well.

The construction of the revolver is what allowed us to put it on our list. Except for the ABS plastic grip, the entire gun is metal. Also, the gun features an adjustable rear sight, exactly like that found on an actual revolver.

With its massive 8 inch barrel, the ASG Revolver is one of the most accurate guns on our list. Also, with the adjustable hop-up feature, you can fire more than 425 feet per second! Almost unheard of in an airsoft pistol. More velocity means the gun is accurate as a longer length, making it perfect for close combat and field scenarios.

The gun is relatively easy to use, able to be shot with a pull of the trigger. If you want a lighter trigger pull, you can pull the hammer back first and then fire. The CO2 cartridge is easy to access in the grip of the gun and will typically last through a hundred rounds.

Your shooting and play style will determine how well you like shooting from a revolver. With only six rounds, it does mean having to reload more often. However, by having extra cartridges already loaded before hand, reloading in the field is a breeze. Marksmen at any level will be able to master the ASG revolver in no time.

KJW 603M9

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 3 lbs.
• Length: 13 in.

This full metal version of the M9 is perfect for any beginner looking to add a backup weapon to their arsenal. It’s entire construction it built to ensure durability and versatility while remaining exceptionally accurate. Not to mention it looks mean when walking onto the field of play.

We added this gun to our list of top airsoft pistols because of the ability to switch the gas you use. It comes with the needed equipment to run off of green gas. However, by simply purchasing an additional magazine designed for CO2, you can choose between the two, depending on your style of play and how loud you want it to be. Using green gas gives the gun a more realistic feel not only because it makes the gun loud, but it kicks the slide back with enough force that the recoil feels like you’ve shot a real gun. That makes it perfect for practicing you shooting cheaply at home.

Also, when using the green gas, there is more power behind the shot. The 603m9 can shoot upwards of 400 feet per second. The velocity allows you superb accuracy at even 20 meters with a .20g bb.

Another bonus, and another reason it made our list is its ease of use. Anybody can pick this gun up and become an airsoft champion. The ease of which you can reload gas and perform maintenance if needed makes it a great buy for any level of player. It’s a gun that is built well and will last for many years of play without falling apart on you.

WE Hi-Capa 5.1k1

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Length:

The WE Hi-Capa 5.1k1 is perhaps the meanest looking gun on our list. It looks and acts like a real gun, giving you an advantage over your enemy by sheer appearances alone. Not to mention it has a full metal construction, making it durable and versatile.

Why we like the WE so much is because of its high capacity magazine. Unlike other airsoft guns that give you 15 rounds max, the WE Hi-Capa has a magazine size of 30 rounds. This feature means the shooter will have more fun while spending less time reloading.

The WE is strictly a green gas or propane powered gun. While this adds a little more expense to shooting, it gives it a more realistic feel with the added power it throws on the slide. But don’t let the extra power make you shy away from this gun. The design is such that shooting it is easy and comfortable, even for longer periods of times.

An additional feature on the WE is the adjustable hop-up system. A system like this allows you to adjust for shooting over longer distances. With the green gas, you can expect to get a shot velocity of around 330 feet per second. Of course, this is all dependent on the size of bb you use. Also, even though it uses the more expensive green gas, you will find it uses minimal gas in firing.

For the affordability of the WE, you won’t get another gun the gives you the shooting capacity in such a well-designed weapon. It is the perfect weapon for anybody looking to get into airsoft or anyone looking to add a second weapon to their arsenal.

HFC M9

• Player Level: Beginner-Advanced
• Weight: 8 lbs.
• Length: 8.5 in.

The HFC M9 is one of the most popular airsoft pistols in the modern days of airsoft play. Featuring a full metal construction and select fire system, this M9 is ideal for anybody looking to add a reliable and accurate sidearm to their gear.

The select fire option allows the shooter to choose between semi-auto and full auto shooting. This toggle is perfect in that you can comfortably make a choice between the two depending on your style of play. Additionally, the high-capacity magazine gives you 25 rounds to play with before reloading, making shooting in full auto that much more fun.

Allowing the HFC M9 to make it on our list was the rail along the top of the barrel. This rail allows the shooter to attach any accessories you may want, such as a light, optics, etc. The accessories are easily removable, enabling you to adjust your setup while in the field to accommodate for whatever scenario you find yourself.

The accuracy of this gun is by far one of the best we have seen. Powered by green gas, with an adjustable hop-up system, the HFC M9 can hit the target from as far away as 100 feet with the round still traveling at around 300 feet per second. This range is even better than some airsoft rifles we have tested.

The gas blowback is an added feature that is becoming more popular in airsoft guns. However, with the green gas system on board the HFC M9, the blowback is much more realistic in sound. Your enemies will tremble just by hearing the HFC M9 fire off.

Like more airsoft pistols, the HFC M9 is easy to use and maintain. This lack of maintenance makes it perfect, regardless of how long you’ve been in the sport. Take your time to familiarize yourself with changing and reloading the gas so that you don’t have any trouble in the field.

Crosman GF600 357 Revolver

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 1.8 lbs.
• Length: 10.5 in.

Built to resemble a 357 revolver, the Crosman GF600 is a perfect replica of its real steel counterpart. Weighing in at around 2 pounds, the full metal construction of the GF600 gives the shooter the piece of mind that the gun is sturdy and reliable, especially when you consider its price range. You won’t find another gun built like the GF600 in this price range.

As with any revolver, there is a limit to the amount of rounds you can fire. With the GF600, you can shoot eight rounds at a time. The cylinder, however, does swing out like an actual revolver, allowing you to reload fast in the field with a little practice.

The GF600 has a CO2 cartridge located in the grip of the pistol. We found it to be incredibly easy to replace the CO2, especially while under excessive fire. Simply pop open the end of the grip, pull the old out and slide in the new.

The gun is also designed to be comfortable to shoot. While the entire gun is metal, the grip does have a textured polymer material over it, much like the grip on a real gun. We were able to shoot the GF600 for hours without any discomfort at all.

Surprisingly, for a smaller gun, the GF600 carries a big punch. With a .20g bb, you can expect to get a shooting velocity of around 400 feet per second. Add a heavier bb, such as the .25g, and you may lower the speed but increase the accuracy and the amount of punch on the end.

Additionally, similar to the genuine revolver, the shooter can select between double and single action trigger. Furthermore, you can shoot directly by pulling the trigger, resulting in a long trigger pull, or pull the hammer back first for a short trigger pull.

Overall, we feel this gun is perfect for any style of play, as well as any shooter level. For beginners and advanced shooters alike the GF600 is the perfect addition to any arsenal.

Airsoft Black Ops GBB 1911

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 1.9 lbs.
• Length:

If you’re looking to experience the fun of shooting a .45 caliber 1911 without actually buying one, the Airsoft Black Ops 1911 is the perfect choice. From the metal slide to the functional hammer, the GBB 1911 has all of the features of the iconic 1911 in an airsoft pistol.

With the adjustable hop-up feature, you can undoubtedly hit your target at 100 feet consistently. With .12g bbs, you’ll be firing at around 430 feet per second. Add that to the authentic experience of the gas blowback, and you’ve got a gun you can enjoy for many years.

The full metal magazine holds 18 rounds, along with the CO2 cartridge. While the blowback feature is powerful, the gas consumption on this 1911 is reasonable, getting 4 to 5 magazine loads through one CO2 cartridge. The equals more time shooting and less time reloading; perfect for any airsoft war.

For the added features and realistic design, this GBB 1911 is by far the most bang for your buck. At a beginner price range, this gun is excellent for any level of shooter. For a reliable gun you can trust not to have problems in the field, the Airsoft 1911 is perfect. We dropped it from a tree and was still able to fire with no problems at all. (No, don’t purposefully drop it from a tree.)

We did find that the magazines are hard to find. However, they are constructed of a single piece of metal, so you should have no issues at all. Just be sure you don’t drop the magazine from the gun and lose it.

 

Conclusion

Airsoft pistols are a dime a dozen. However, finding the one that fits your style and budget can sometimes be difficult. That’s why it’s always good to research and find the best gun that works for you. After all, you’re the one that will be shooting it. The worse feeling is buying a gun without researching it and finding out it doesn’t work for you. Don’t waste your time or money.

With the advancements in technology today, airsoft pistols are usually the first gun purchased by someone looking to get into the sport. As if often the case, you get what you pay for especially when looking for the best airsoft pistols. You can go to a big box retailer and spend a few dollars on a cheaply made plastic airsoft gun, and it works just fine for a game or two. Then, you’ll just be spending more money replacing it than you would by taking your time to research and find the best gun available.

In the world of airsoft guns, more money, however, doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. When looking at the quality of the gun, you want to look at design, materials, and what type of gas it uses.

We’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of the top ten airsoft pistols available on the market today. You’ll see that the price range on our list differs but on thing remains constant; every gun on our list is durable and of excellent quality.

Perhaps the most exciting military simulation sport out there, airsoft is beginning to take the world by storm. With upgrades in technology, today’s airsoft guns continue to look more and more like their real-steel counterparts. Playing airsoft, however, can become expensive if you don’t know how to evaluate quality vs. cost. With so many guns available on the market today, it’s hard to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve taken the initiative and created a list of the top ten guns we feel are the best available on the market today. Our desire is that this list will help you narrow down your search and get you on your way to an incredible experience in the game of airsoft.

Soft Air Kalashnikov Tactical AK-47

• Player Level: Beginner-Intermediate
• Weight: 8.5 lbs.
• Length: 29 in.

Fashioned after the Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle, the electric-powered Kalashnikov is a prime choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the AK-47, the Soft Air Kalashnikov has the same weight and dimensions of its real-steel counterpart. Furthermore, its features give it the same customizability.

Attached to the stock Soft Air Kalashnikov are Picatinny rails that allow the shooter to add on any accessory he or she may want. Also, being this adaptive allows the user to switch out set-ups for different styles of play. You can quickly go from a close-combat set up to a long-range shooting setup with ease.

Unlike other airsoft guns where the magazine is designed only to look the part, the Soft Air Kalashnikov comes with two 600-round magazines. However, you may want to purchase additional magazines, considering the rate of speed on this AEG is 600 rounds per minute as upwards of 400 feet per second. Add that with the rechargeable 8.4-volt battery, and you’ve got a weapon made to play with the big boys.

Not only does the Kalashnikov look vicious, but it can withstand any torture the shooter might throw at it. During a review, this AEG was dropped on rocks and banged against trees, all while retaining excellent working condition with minimal scratching. Furthermore, though the gun weighs in at 8.5 pounds, the ergonomic design and sturdy foregrip make this gun comfortable to shoot for hours at a time.

Looks and style, though, will only take a weapon so far; even more important is the accuracy of the AEG Kalashnikov. Even at 25 yards, with .20g bb’s, you’ll be able to destroy the enemy. In fact, adjusting the hop-up can allow you to get a range of 90 yards, though the bb won’t be going too fast. All in all, the Kalashnikov is an excellently built gun at a very affordable cost.

Lancer Tactical LT-12

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 7.4lbs.
• Length: 32.75 in.

If you’re in the market for an excellent beginner gun that’s easy to use yet easy on the pocket, the Lancer Tactical LT-12 is the perfect gun for you. Though it’s not metal, the polymer body gives the gun a sturdy and firm feel. Weighing in at 7.4 pounds, you won’t have a problem carrying this fun gun through the battlefield without getting tired.

The LT-12 features a free-float Keymod Rail System for mounting any accessory you may need. Add that in with the Flip Up Sight system, and you have a gun that can fit any fighting scenario. Furthermore, the 300-round magazine feeds the bbs in so fast your enemies won’t believe it’s just a starter gun.

Perhaps the feature that made us put the LT-12 on our list is the high rate of speed it shoots the bbs. Shooting 0.2g rounds, you can expect to get upward of 430 feet per second. This velocity will allow you to shoot consistently at 50 yards and hit the target every time. Accuracy like this makes it ideal for all close-quarter combat and assault roles.

Another excellent feature is the ability to switch between semi-auto and full auto. In semi auto, the 8.4-volt battery will shoot the rounds out as fast as you can pull the trigger. In full auto, you’ll be mowing your opponents down. Additionally, the battery is rechargeable and can last for an entire of fighting. In fact, we played in the field from 9 in the morning to past 5 in the evening on a single charge.

Did we mention, though, that all of this comes with one of the most affordable guns on out list. No matter what your budget, or experience level, is the LT-12 is an excellent choice to add to your arsenal.

Soft Air Colt M4

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Length: 30.2 in.

Designed to mimic the exact gun used by the majority of America’s armed forces, the officially licensed Colt M4 by Soft Air is a superb shooting machine. The black and desert tan two-toned M4 features a polymer-built frame with the interior pieces being durable metal.

What made us want to put the Soft Air Colt M4 on our list is its affordability. This AEG is so durable it can stand against more expensive guns and never miss a beat. With the excellent quality of the materials used in construction, you’ll never be able to tell the difference between this and its metal counterparts.

Out of the box, the Colt M4 comes with four Picatinny rails that make it perfect for customization. Not to mention the stock is fully adjustable, allowing the shooter to form the gun to fit their needs and style of shooting. Add that with the accurate stock iron sights, and you’ve got a gun that requires no modification before taking it into the field.

The 8.4-volt rechargeable battery the comes in the box allows for hours of shooting without the need to recharge. The metal gears inside enable the gun to shoot at an incredible 400 feet per second with 0.2g bbs. Add in the high capacity magazine, and you’ve got the perfect combination for any beginner looking to get into the sport.

The Soft Air Colt M4 is average weight, weighing in at approximately 6 pounds. However, the design of the gun is such that it won’t become burdensome after extended play in the field. In fact, this may be one of the most comfortable guns to shoot on our list.

 

ASG Tac-6

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 3.5 lbs.
• Length: 36 in.

The ASG Tac-6 is perhaps the most exciting gun to shoot on our list. Instead of relying on a battery pack, the Tac-6 is CO2 powered. This feature means it fires the bbs at a higher rate of speed over a greater distance. This feature, alone, makes it excellent for playing the role of a sniper in a military simulation game.

Being CO2 powered means that there are very few internal moving pieces. A feature like this makes the Tac-6 one of the most dependable guns on out list. And since there is not battery to recharge, you never have to worry about losing time in the field. Just click in a new cO2 cartridge, and you’re ready for battle.

The rifle does have some room for added accessories on the two Picatinny rails; one on top and one on the bottom. However, the Tac-6 comes with a fully adjustable bipod that allows the shooter more control in a sniper situation. Want to be able to pick the gun up and move quickly? The bipod will easily fold up, allowing you to interact in a close-combat scenario with ease.

What we found to be a great addition to the Tac-6 is the fact that it came with a built in laser-siting system. Though the top sights are of excellent quality, the laser site will have you hitting targets upwards of 60 yards or more with ease. Also, since it has the laser site included, this opens up space on your Picatinny rail for other attachments, such as flashlights or a fore grip.

Without a doubt, the Tac-6 is the most “bang for your buck” purchase on our list. Coming in as one of the cheapest guns available, the build and features of the Tac-6 will give the shooter the same excitement or more expensive guns at just a fraction of the price. This gun is perfect for anybody looking to get into airsoft without spending a fortune.

G&G CM16 R8-l

• Player Level: Intermediate-Advanced
• Weight: 10 lbs.
• Length: 32.5 in.

For an experienced player looking to up their game and add an excellent gun to their arsenal, the G&G CM16 R8-L is the perfect gun. Right out of the box, the R8-L will have you shooting like a champion. The fiber-reinforced polymer body helps make this gun durable, regardless of the beating it may take in battle.

Two features of the R8-L caused us to put it on our list; the first being that it includes a red dot scope. With the ability to shoot a 0.2g bb at 400 feet per second, the red dot scope allows you to accurately aim and fire. Though it has top sights included as well, the red dot lets you know exactly where your bb is going to land.

The second feature bringing the R8-L to our list is the 9.6-volt NiMH rechargeable battery and the included smart charger. The 9.6-volt battery ensures the gun will have enough power to send bbs firing down range consistently without losing speed or power. Additionally, the smart charger ensures that you can’t over charge the battery, allowing it to last longer without damage.

To ensure the shooter can enjoy the weapon without excessive amounts of reloads, the R8-L has a 360 round magazine. In Semi-auto mode, the gun will shoot the bbs as fast as you can pull the trigger. What we found to make this gun even more of a deal is the ability of the gun to load the rounds consistently without a misfire, even in full-auto mode.

Unlike other guns in the same price range, the R8-L can stand up to anything you can throw at it. Through countless hours in the field, including trips, drops, and bangs, the R8-L still consistently fired without losing power or accuracy. A feature like this makes it perfect for any shooting scenario.

Using this AEG is simple, even with the complex mechanics inside. Follow the instructions, and you are sure to have countless hours of fun.

 

Lancer Tactical LT-25b Interceptor

• Player Level: Beginner-Advanced
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Length: 32.6 in.

For a fully customizable airsoft gun that you can take into any battle scenario, the Lancer Tactical LT-25b Interceptor would be a perfect choice. The high-grade polymer body gives the gun a solid, sturdy feel while shooting, giving you the peace of mind you need when in the middle of combat. In fact, the gun is made to mimic a slight recoil action, so it feels more like shooting the real thing.

The 8.4-volt nunchuck battery throws the metal gears inside all the power they need to fire a 0.2g bb at 400 feet per second or more. Add that velocity with the standard 300 round high-capacity magazine included with the Interceptor and you’ve got a gun that will allow you to perform like never before.

What made us want to add this gun to our list, however, and distinguish it from other AR15 replicas is the accuracy you get with the Interceptor. With the long barrel, you can shoot a 3-inch size grouping at 100 feet with just the iron sights. Add on a scope sighted in correctly and you can easily his 150plus feet with no problem.

Want to customize the gun to fit your needs and shooting style? The Interceptor is perfect for that. With four Picatinny rails around the barrel, you have all the room you need to add your accessories. Also, the heavy duty stock is adjustable, allowing you to form it to your body and shooting stance instead of you having to adjust to fit the gun.

You won’t have to worry about getting fatigued while in the field with the Interceptor. Coming in at 7.5 pounds, you can carry this gun for hours at a time and never feel it, especially with the added sling that helps distribute the weight of the weapon. When you add everything together with excellent construction, you’ve got the perfect gun for anybody wanting to get into airsoft.

 

FN Herstal P90

• Player Level: Beginner-Advanced
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Length: 24.4 in.

The FN Herstal P90 airsoft gun is a perfect replica of the real-steel P90, in both looks and feel. Weighing in at 7.5 pounds with a composite body and metal upper receiver, you’ll have a hard time distinguishing between the real and airsoft. Add to that an incredible rate of speed, and you’ve got the perfect gun for close-quarter combat.

The P90 comes with a 9.6-volt NiMH battery. This battery allows the gun to have the power needed to send rounds across the battlefield at an impressive 400 feet per second, even with a .25 g bb. Furthermore, it does so accurately and consistently. We were able to get a 3-inch grouping at 20 yards; for an AEG airsoft gun, that’s impressive. If you have the perfect conditions, and a scope sighted in correctly, you will be able to hit your target at a whopping 150 feet away.

Ease of maintenance, however, is the feature that put this gun on our list. Often you see the word maintenance included in a review and you immediately think it’s a bad purchase. That’s not so with this gun. Inevitably, any gun is going to need maintenance, if not to be cleaned thoroughly. The P90 is by far one of the easiest guns to break down. Even in the field you can break it down and have any problem resolved in a matter of seconds.

The P90 isn’t a gun for the faint of heart. The designer made this gun for close-quarter combat. It’s sleek design, and low profile allows this gun to be kept tight into the shooter. IT gives the shooter the maneuverability required to be successful in tight spaces. All in all, whether you’re a beginner or expert, adding the P90 to your arsenal is a smart move.

 

G&G CM18 Mod1

• Player Level: Beginner-Advanced
• Weight: 5.6 lbs.
• Length: 32.5 in.

For a gun you can trust to fire, not matter the circumstance, you want the G&G CM18 Mod1. It’s fiber-reinforced polymer body, and metal gearbox gives it the durability to fire in any scenario. It’s lightweight construction also ensures the shooter won’t fatigue after extended hours of play.

The Mod! AEG comes with a stock 120-round magazine and uses a crane-style battery. This configuration gives you the power necessary to send rounds down range at upwards of 360 feet per second. Add in the total length of 32 inches, and you’ve got an exceptionally accurate weapon.

This gun is fun to shoot as well, having both semi-auto and full-auto modes so that the shooter can quickly switch between the two. Not to mention, the gun looks and feels like the real deal. The two-color scheme of black and brown will only enhance the military simulation aspect of your game.

Furthermore, the Mod1 has the customizability of an AR15. In fact, many of the same accessories can be used for the airsoft version Mod1 as can be used with an AR15. This feature gives you countless options of being able to update and accessorize your weapon. However, the iron sites work just fine, allowing you to be accurate to 30 yards or more.

Perhaps the greatest asset of the Mod1, however, it how user-friendly it is. Young and old alike, regardless of skill level, can enjoy hundreds of hours of fun on and off the range with the Mod1.

 

JG M4 RIS System w/Scope

• Player Level: Beginner-Advanced
• Weight: 10 lbs.
• Length: 32.5 in

If you’re looking to shoot long range shots and play the role of sniper, the JG M4 with a rifle scope is perfect for you. Unlike other AEGs in our list, the JG M4 boasts a full metal construction. Though this makes it a little heavier to carry, weighing in at 10 pounds, it allows the shooter the piece of mind knowing the gun will withstand any abuse you can give it.

What made us want to put the JG M4 on our list is its ability to be accurate at long distances. With a 14 inch barrel and the 8.4-volt battery pushing rounds through at an astounding 500 feet per second, you can put rounds on target at 100 yards with ease with the included rifle scope sighted in correctly.

Additionally, the rate of speed the JG M4 can shoot is astonishing. With the adjustable hop-up system, the metal gears can load a new round as fast as you can shoot without a misfire. With the 300 round high-capacity magazine you’ll be able to engage the enemy for longer periods of time between reloads.

Unlike of AEGs in this price range, the JG M4 does include both semi-auto and full-auto firing modes. Also unlike most airsoft guns, the safety on the JG M4 is fully functional, ensuring you never have to worry about your gun going off in the safe zone.

Overall, the JG M4 can withstand anything you throw at it. Making it durable and versatile, the JG M4 is perfect for any level of shooter.

 

G&G M4 Raider

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 8.8 lbs.
• Length: 33 in.

The G&G M4 Raider is perhaps the most versatile gun on our list. It’s heavy duty polymer construction, and G&G Zinc Metal gearbox make this gun perfect for any scenario. On top of that, the stock is a six position retractable crane stock, allowing the shooter to change shooting position and style effortlessly.

The magazine included with the M4 Raider is a high-capacity, 450 round magazine. The high torque motor inside allows the M4 to shoot an impressive 15 rounds per second at 400 feet per second. In the hands of a skilled shooter, the M4 will help lead your team to a decisive victory, no matter what style of play you face.

The M4Raider can also work for sniper shooting, as well as close-combat scenarios. The 14-inch barrel on the M4 allows the gun to be extremely accurate at 50 yards. Add in a scope sighted in further, and the perfect conditions, you can reach 75-80 yards easily.

Like most military replicas, the M4 does have four Picatinny rails that are perfect for customization. Though the iron sights work flawlessly, the gun can easily be set up with a red dot scope, allowing for more accuracy and precision in your shooting. Also, the full metal sling hooks ensure the gun won’t fall from the sling in the middle of the action.

Being one of the more affordable guns on our list, we were amazed at how well constructed and easy to use the M4 Raider was. It’s a great buy for any skill level but works perfectly for a beginner looking to get into the sport for as little cost as possible. By far, this gun is one of the best on the list.

 

Conclusion

Airsoft is a fun sport but can get pricey, especially if you don’t know what you are wanting. It’s always best to do as much research as possible before spending your money on a gun you may not enjoy. Each gun is different, and each shooter has specific needs and wants for a weapon. If you have a local range, stop by and rent a couple of guns and use them in a match. Better yet, get some of your teammates to let you give their guns a shot. Doing this will make sure you get exactly what you want.

If you’ve ever seen men and women dressed in military-style outfits shooting tiny plastic bbs at each other, you’ve probably wondered what in the world is that called. Or maybe you are a parent whose child has just informed you that they desperately need an airsoft gun and their lives depend on it, yet you have no idea what they mean. Well, you are not alone. The official definition of Airsoft is a military simulation exercise where opponents shoot 6mm plastic bbs at each other. However, it is so much more than that.

The Beginnings

Military simulation games have been around for as long as humanity has fought wars. Ever since the beginning of time men have fought “war games” as a training tool to increase their effectiveness in an actual battle. However, airsoft isn’t quite as old as humanity.

The sport of Airsoft was created in Japan using the term “Soft-air,” describing the “green gasses” that was used to shoot the plastic bbs. The term “airsoft” was first employed in the US by the Daisy BB gun manufacturer to describe a new weapon they created that shot plastic bbs instead of metal. The term was supposed to instill a feeling of comfort in the prospective audience, implying that getting shot by a plastic bb wouldn’t hurt as badly as getting shot with a metal one would. However, those who found themselves on the receiving end of one of these new bbs didn’t agree with the soft portion of their name.

Since Daisy first coined the name, Airsoft has seen several innovations that has made it a safer sport while increasing the excitement of playing. The game has evolved from the pump action bb gun to the cO2 powered weapons of today.

It wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that airsoft began to transform into what we know it as today. Early guns were not able to be purchased whole. Instead, purchasers had to assemble the weapons into the end product once they had all of the pieces at home. As technology transformed, companies began manufacturing and selling the guns fully assembled.

Nowadays, even law enforcement and some military branches use airsoft guns as a training tool, as well as in competitions. In fact, the guns manufactured today for airsoft resemble real guns so much that there are restrictions on how you can transport them to and from your home.

Airsoft Verses Paintball

There are many different military simulation games today. In fact, most have probably heard of paintball but few, seemingly, have never heard of airsoft. There are, indeed, many similarities between the two. However, they are extremely different as well.

Both airsoft and paintball shoot projectiles using stored gas, usually cO2, or electrically-charged gears. However, as the term describes, paintball shoots tiny balls filled with a paint-like substance. Airsoft, on the other hand, uses tiny plastic bbs that shoot from the gun anywhere from 350-700 feet per second. Though both hurt, airsoft pellets have the tendency to sting considerably more.

While paintball leaves the victim with a distinct mark on their person, the game of airsoft depends solely on the victim letting the other players know they have been shot. Therefore, trust is one of the top characteristics needed in the game of airsoft. If a player refuses to call theirs hits, and the other players or the referees find out, it could result in that player getting kicked out of the game and potentially banned from the particular property.

Most of the gear, as far as eye and head protection, are the same for most military simulation games. However, with airsoft, there is limited if any, additional padding worn over the base layer of clothes. Wearing too much padding would lessen the impact of the bb to the point where the person being shot would not feel it.

Another distinct difference in the games of paintball and airsoft is how the guns feed the ammunition. In the game of paintball, the gun has what is called a hopper that houses several rounds of paintballs. Airsoft guns, on the other hand, are more like actual firearms in that they are magazine-fed. The shooter loads as many plastic bbs into the magazine as it can hold and then pops it into the bottom of the gun. Reloading requires the shooter to carry several pre-filled magazines while on the battlefield.

The legalities of Airsoft

Though some countries have strict regulations on the game and build of guns (requiring off colors that do not match real guns), airsoft is allowed in most portions of the globe. However, because the guns used in airsoft are precisely made to resemble actual firearms, they have to be treated as real by law enforcement until proven otherwise.

Even in the United States, some states have banned the public play of airsoft. New Jersey, New Mexico, and Michigan, to name a few, only allow airsoft play on private property with the consent of the landowner. If an airsoft gun is found or played with in public, a person will incur harsh fines and penalties. That’s why it’ important to check on the laws in your particular city, state, and municipalities. In fact, there are even some Home Owners Associations that have outlawed the play of airsoft.

Professional Training Airsoft

With the technologies that have advanced the game of airsoft, many professional law enforcement and military companies have begun using airsoft as a training tool. With the cost to shoot being drastically less, this allows for police and soldiers to fire more rounds down-range and increase their performance. In fact, there is an entire portion of airsoft manufacturing devoted solely to professional uses.

With the manufacturing of guns for the professional sectors, the guns are the exact scale and weight of their firearm counterparts. Furthermore, to make training as real as possible, these professional airsoft guns can be equipped with tools that will increase the decibel of the shot as well as produce a kick to the weapon, giving it a more real feel.

Getting Started Basics

Before getting involved with the sport, take into consideration every aspect involved before spending a ton of money. Many people have spent hundreds of dollars only to find out they didn’t care for the sport. Though we don’t see why anybody wouldn’t like playing airsoft wars, those people do exist. That’s why we recommend trying out the game first before spending your hard-earned money.

Most airsoft clubs and ranges will have equipment designated for rent. This equipment will be everything you need, from the gun to the protective gear. If you are new to the sport, try renting the gear first.

Next, find the best gun to fit your style of play. Some do fine with spring action, single shot guns. However, others enjoy shooting the Automatic Electric Guns (AEGS). Of course, the AEG is more expensive but can prove to be rather enjoyable to shoot. Try several out before settling on a single one.

If you are a parent and your child wants to get involved, get involved with them. Not only will this allow you to keep a watchful eye on them, but it may also prove to be some of the best bonding moments you’ve ever had.

The truth is airsoft has evolved since its inception nearly 100 years ago. With all the advancements and the attempts of manufacturers to make more people aware of the sport, airsoft will no doubt be around for many more years to come. After all, in what game and the old and young alike meet on a battlefield and be equalized and have one exciting adventure after another.

Finding the right paintball gun is perhaps the most important decision you will make in your paintball career. And, while money is always an option, sometimes you just was to go with the best. With advancements in technology, today’s paintball guns have far surpassed those of the past, even as recent as ten years back. Furthermore, the amount of options available on paintball guns nowadays can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty of gathering together ten of the best guns available today. You’ll find that most of the picks in our list allow you the option to add additional attachments, enhancing the user’s overall experience.

Tippmann Cronus

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Length: 17 inches

If you are in the market for an excellent beginner gun, the Tippmann Cronus is the gun for you. The build of the gun, alone, makes it an incredible marker in that it requires minimum maintenance to operate. Unlike other higher priced guns, the Tippmann Cronus has as few moving parts as necessary yet still offers extreme accuracy and durability.

The affordability of this gun makes it available to any newcomer looking to get into the sport. Of course, it’s going to be a well-made gun since it’s a Tippmann. Also, the gun feeds ammo by an internal gas line hooked to an 18.5-ounce cylinder. This mechanism makes for hours of fun without the fear of running out of gas.

Weighing in at just 6 pounds, the Cronus fits for any situation. From speedball to woodsball, this gun can take a direct hit and keep firing. In fact, after many hard days back to back in the field with the Cronus, we were surprised that it remained accurate while chopping few paintballs. We were able to fire it for a whole day and only splattered three balls out of the barrel.

Thought the gun itself is 17 inches long, the barrel measures just over 9. Combine that with a velocity of 280-300 fps, and you’ll get a splat diameter the size of a softball at ten meters. For close combat scenarios, this makes the Cronus a valuable addition to any armory.

Perhaps what puts this gun on out top ten list, besides that fact that it’s affordable yet well made, is the fact that you can add whatever attachments you want or need for your style of play. With the multiple Picatinny rails, you can customize the gun with hundreds of accessories available to you. While it may not be the most expensive gun on the market, it is by far one of the most durable and versatile weapons available.

Tippmann A-5 With Rapid Response Trigger

• Player Level: Beginner – Intermediate
• Weight: 4.6 lbs
• Length: 13 inches

The Tippmann A-5 is the perfect gun for any paintball enthusiasts. Priced a little higher than your standard beginner guns, the A-5 will make anyone fall in love with the sport.

Right our of the box, the gun is ready to fire. All you simply need to do is hook up you gas canister, which can be c02, compressed air, or even nitrogen, and you’re golden. By the gun allowing you to use a variety of gas types, the user can practice cheaply but perform exceptionally well in the field with the more expensive nitrous.

What put this gun on our top list would be the rate of balls per second that is possible. Featuring a response trigger and a Cyclone ball feeder, the A-5 is capable of shooting 15 rounds per second. What this means is that you can fire the gun as fast as you can pull the trigger. Oh, and did we mention that the cyclone feeder requires no battery? Instead, it operated inline with the gas feed to throw the paintballs in without fail.

The design of the A-5 allows its use in any scenario or style of play. Weighing in at only 4.6 pounds with a 13-inch length (8.5-inch barrel), this paintball gun is perfect for close combat fighting, such as woodsball, as well as speedball play. Also, if you are looking to take up a sniper post and wish for your paint to fly further, the A-5’s barrel can be upgraded, allowing you to shoot that long shot.

What we liked most about the Tippmann A-5, however, is its durability in the field and the ability to field strip the gun easily. When you’re in the heat of battle, that last thing you want to do is have a gun malfunction and, when you do, you don’t want to take the entire round to fix it. The build of the A-5 ensures that breakdowns in the field will be close to zero. However, should you find yourself in that unfortunate experience, the A-5 can be field stripped in less than 60 seconds, allowing you to fix the problem and get back to the game.

Dye Proto Rail

• Player Level: Advanced
• Weight: 2.8 lbs
• Length: 12 inches

If you’re looking to take your paintball game to the next level, the Dye Proto is the gun for you. Not only does this gun look like a million bucks, but it also performs like it as well. With the option to efficiently select between semi and full auto, the Rail is capable of firing 34 balls per second without blinking. Combined that with the ergonomic design and you’ll be able to shoot this gun all day long without an issue.

Right out of the box, you can take this gun into any competition and be able to compete at any level. With the high-grade aluminum body, bolt, and trigger, the Rail will stand up to any abuse you can throw at it. Whether your playing in the middle of a rainstorm or on a sunny day, you won’t have to worry about your gun malfunctioning.

However, if it does, maintenance and field repairs are a breeze with the Rail. Perhaps what helped bump it onto our list is the fact that, not only does it come with a complete parts kit in the box but the O-rings are color coded, allowing to detect and replace a troubled O-ring quickly.

Another reason for this gun being on our list is its incorporation of both gas and electric features. With the Rail, the firing system uses a gas-powered system. However, there are electrical components as well, such as the option for an electric feed system. Also, one of the features we found to be extra appealing was the LED light indicator system. Without taking your eyes away from your sights, you can tell the status of your gun, knowing if you need to refill your tank or hopper easily.

While the Rail is a highly affordable gun, it can be used against tournament quality guns and never miss a beat. Not to mention it can be fully customizable to the shooter, making it a perfect fit for any level of player.

Tippmann U.S. Army Project Salvo

• Player Level: Beginner – Intermediate
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Length: 12 inches

If there ever were a gun specifically designed for military simulation play, the Salvo by Tippmann would be it. Designed to look like the ar-15, the Salvo comes with an aluminum body and an 11-inch barrel making it one of the most accurate guns on our list right out of the box. Add to it the affordability, and you’ve got a perfect paintball gun for any level of shooter.

Weighing in at 7 pounds, the Salvo is on the heavy side of things. However, when you add a shoulder strap, the weight no longer is an issue. In fact, it feels like an AR-15. However, looks are the best part.

The Salvo can outperform guns priced triple what this cost and more and is just as durable as tournament-level guns. In fact, testing put this gun into conditions where traditional markers would fail but, when picked back up the Salvo fired as good as it did before.

Perhaps the feature that allowed the Salvo to make it on our list, besides its functionality in woodsball play, was the folding stock. It allows the shooter to adjust the weapon to fit the different scenarios, from close-combat to long range sniper.

Though the standard Salvo package doesn’t come with a Cyclone feeder system, one is easily installed, boosting the Balls per second rate, even though it only has a semi-auto function. Besides, with four Picatinny rails, the upgrade possibilities are endless.

Repairs in the field, though there are few, are effortless with the Salvo. Tippman, keeping with the look of an ar-15, designed a fake clip. What makes this clip so useful if the fact that it houses all of the necessary tools to do repairs on the gun, freeing up space in your pack and making the readily available.

Empire Axe

• Player Level: Advanced
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Length: 10.6 inches

For a well-rounded paintball gun with minimal, yet exceptional features, the Empire Axe is the marker for you. Weighing in at under 4 pounds, the Axe makes up for its light weight in accuracy and durability, not to mention it’s just about as quiet as you can get in a paintball gun.

This marker is one of our top ten guns because it has easy maintenance. Unlike most other paintball guns, no tools are required to remove the bolt from the Axe. Instead, it has a push-button release that allows you to efficiently slide the bolt out, allowing you easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

The rate of fire is excellent with the Axe, especially when you add on a force-fed hopper. Empire has developed a Slipstream solenoid, and a magnet returned bearing trigger that allows the shooter smooth and fast firing. It is also quick to change out the gas cylinder with the ASA control lever and regulator.

Though it can shoot over 300 fps, we found that putting it at about 280 fps (the tools to do so come with the gun) you can get pinpoint accuracy without chopping paintballs. In fact, we were able to put more than fifty-thousand rounds through the Axe without a single broken ball. That means you can play hundreds of rounds and trust you won’t be wasting your paint.

One should note that the Axe is one of the most versatile paintball guns available. Though it doesn’t allow you to add many extra attachments, it is still an excellent gun for all scenarios, as well as woodsball and speedball play. With guns like the Axe on the market, there’s no need to pay thousands of dollars for a paintball gun when you can get a tournament-quality gun for a fraction of the cost.

DYE M2

• Player Level: Advanced
• Weight: 4.6 lbs
• Length: 11 inches

The M2 is by far the most expensive gun on our list, but if you are looking to invest in a forever gun, this is the one for you. There’s no doubt about it; the M2 isn’t a beginner’s gun. It features just about every feature you could ever hope to have on a paintball marker directly out of the box.

What made us want to put the M2 on our list would be the electronics onboard the gun. With its 1-inch full-color high-resolution OLED screen you have immediate access to every control and setting on your gun. Whether you’re in the middle of a fire-fight and want to check how much gas you have left or want to switch from semi to full auto, the 5-way joystick allows the user to manipulate the display effortlessly.

Along with the heads up display, the electronic system on the M2 offers a rechargeable battery, wireless charging capabilities, and an advanced tech mat. This system allows you to download updated software or custom boot screens as well as charge your battery in the blink of an eye.

Weighing in at 4.3 pounds, the M2 fills perfectly balanced in your hands.  Measuring approximately 11 inches total, the M2 is excellent for any style of play you may try. Also, the standard M2 comes with two Ultralite Boomstick barrel backs, the .684 and .688. This feature allows you to quickly adjust your marker for different size paint as well as shooting conditions.

Sticking with the customizability, the M2 offers several shooting styles, including semi-auto, ramped, capped, and full, just to name a few. There’s no particular combination of trigger pulls required to switch between shooting styles; just select which one you want on the display, and you are ready for battle.

Aside from all of the technology added to such a lightweight frame, the M2 looks stunning. Available in over 15 color options, your competitors will tremble in their boots just by looking at the M2. Add to it the unique sound signature as the paint leaves the barrel and you’ve got a beast of a marker.

Dye Proto Rize Maxxed

• Player Level: Intermediate
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Length: 9.8 inches

There’s a fine line between an entry level marker and an advanced tournament gun; the Rize Maxxed is that line. Though it has many functions of a tournament level gun, the price and user-friendliness are second to none. Right out of the box, any shooter will be able to hold their own on the field.

The Maxxed has an electronically controlled trigger system that is the main reason it made our list. Powered by a simple 9v battery, the trigger allows the shooter to change between four different shooting options, from semi all the way to full auto. Changing options is all done by a simple manipulation of the trigger itself.

Not only does the gun look magnificent, but it is also perhaps the best gun in its price range. With it’s vast array of metallic color options, your opponents will take you for the pro you are, thinking you spent thousands of dollars on your gun. Don’t worry; there’s no need to tell them the truth.

When you first pick up the gun, you are going to be astonished by how light weight it is.  If you are more familiar with heavier markers, you will soon find out that the gun isn’t a lightweight at all.  Therefore, the weight will take some getting use to.  It can hold it’s on with its durability, accuracy, and versatility. In fact, many we have spoken with have told us how much they hate going against players with the Maxxed simply because of how accurate the gun it.

Another awesome addition that Dye has added, though it’s not on the weapon itself, is the full-color user’s guide. Unlike most user manuals where you have to guess what it’s trying to point out, the detailed pictures in this handbook allow even the most novice of users to quickly take apart the gun for cleaning and maintenance, as well as how to use it for first timers.

Planet Eclipse ETEK5

• Player Level: Intermediate – Advanced
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Length: 12.1 inches

While this could be one of the more expensive guns on our list, it could be the best gun you will ever own. Believe me, though, when I tell you that you are getting a great buy with this marker. While most guns may require you to purchase add-ons or exchange parts to make it what you want, the ETEK5 requires no such purchases.

One word that kept coming to our minds, and perhaps what has caused it to be such a great gun, is sturdy. Most guns in this price range seem to have a little give in the grips especially, as well as other places throughout the marker. The ETEK5, however, has no such give. The construction alone of this gun will allow you to have countless hours of fun with no issues whatsoever.

One feature that has haunted guns in this price range is their high usage of gas. With the ETEK5, that will never be a problem. In fact, this gun hates to use gas, allowing you to shoot more balls down range and gain more kills in a round.

Power and consistency are more words we could use to describe the ETEK5. As hundreds of rounds fire through it, we realized it never lost its accuracy or power like most guns will. As far as maintenance, this gun requires very little. Running clean and quiet, your enemy won’t know what hit them.

What Planet Eclipse has done to take this marker to the next level is to incorporate its Zick3 technology. What this technology does is enables the gun to have a gentle yet firm acceleration of the bolt on the first pull. Then, as the bolt resets and prepares to fire for the second time, the acceleration is increased, causing more pore to throw the bolt into the ball and then remains high. This feature makes the Etek5 have less recoil while being easy on the paintballs, causing very few, if any, breaks.

Planet Eclipse Etha

• Player Level: Advanced
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Length: 21 inches

As the younger sibling of the ETEK5, it was only proper to allow the Etha to be on our list, especially seeing as though they have many of the same features. Perhaps the difference that caused us to want to add the Etha is the fact that it is priced lower than the Etha. Now be it, it doesn’t have all of the features but, for the price, its an excellent choice for any novice or pro shooter.

The accuracy with the Etha is unbelievable. Measuring in as 21 inches long, the barrel, alone, is 14.5 inches. This length makes it the longest gun on our list by far. With the added length, the Etha has enough power to through paintballs accurately down range.

One would think that the extra length of the Etha would make it heavier than it’s counterpart, the ETEK5. However, surprisingly, the Etha weighs in at only 2 pounds. Don’t let the weight fool you; though it’s light in weight, it isn’t a lightweight when it comes to performance in the field.

Besides the materials used to manufacture the marker, what makes the Etha so light is the fact that it’s an electronically-powered gun. Often, electric guns gain a bad reputation.; that is not so with the Etha. Though you will want to take some time to read the manual carefully and familiarize yourself with the different components (Especially if you’ve never fired an electronic gun before), it’s very easy to master. It won’t be long before you are out on the field lying down the competition.

The Etha, like it’s pricier counterpart, has four shooting modes ranging from semi to full auto. Perhaps, though, what makes the Etha standout is the ease at which you can switch the modes. When you are out in combat, you never know when switching from semi to full auto may necessary. With the Etha, that change happens in the blink of an eye.

Tippmann A5 .68 Caliber

• Player Level: Beginner
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Length: 13 inches

Boasting its level of durability while being a bare-bones gun, the Tippmann A-5 .68 Caliber is everything a beginner paintballer will ever need. While it is on the heavy side, weighing in at 5 pounds, the A5 will stick with you in even the toughest of fights.

When we say bare-bones, we mean that you are getting a basic gun with no bells and whistles, but that’s why we wanted to put it on out list. For a beginner just getting into the sport, having a gun with more electronics than your car may be overwhelming. With the A5, all you have to know it that when you pull the trigger, it’s going to shoot a paintball every time.

There’s only one setting for the A-5, and that is semi auto. However, with the cyclone feeder system, it will launch a paintball as fast as you can pull the trigger. With the right person, this could be as many as 15 balls per second. While that doesn’t seem like a lot when compared to more expensive guns, for a beginner, that’s perfect.

Unlike some guns in this price range, the A-5 also boasts of having an excellent air delivery system. Instead of the cartridge screwing directly into the gun, the A5 has a gas line going from the cylinder to the chamber. Not only does these allow for a more controllable gun (since the cylinder can then rest against your shoulder) it also creates more power behind the ball.

Another feature that makes the A5 perfect for beginners is how easy maintenance is. By following the steps in the manual, the A5 can be completely broken down in less than 60 seconds. Not only does this equal less time spent on maintenance but also allows for quicker repair time should something happen while in combat. Add that to its durability, even in rain and mud, and you’ve got a gun that will stick by you for many years to come.

Conclusion

When it guns to choosing a gun, take your time and research. If possible, use a friends gun or rent one that like from your local field and take it for a spin. Making a purchase like this is a significant investment, and you want to ensure you get a gun that’s going to fit your style and meet your needs.

If you are in the market for a new paintball gun, you may be wondering just how much you are going to have to pay. After all, you want to be sure you get the best price for the best gun possible. Though you may be able to find a deal or specials going on around your area, we’ve taken the liberty of pulling together some prices that you may encounter.

Basic Pistol

For beginners, or those looking for a cheap way to have a secondary gun, going to a retailer such as Walmart or Dick’s sporting good could net you a basic pistol for around twenty dollars. The quality, and overall functionality of the gun, however, will be lacking compared to the gun you can get for a little more money.

With this twenty-dollar gun, you will simply be getting a plastic gun that fires using the small, 12g, cO2 cartridges. Also, this maximum capacity of this low-end gun is 50 paintballs. However, for a beginner simply looking to get started for as little as possible, this may be the perfect gun.

Next Step Up

Now, if you are serious about getting started, and want to have the best entry-level gun you can get your hands on, you are looking to spend around $70 to $80. In that price range, you will find the D3fy Conqu3st paintball gun. Featuring a 10.5” barrel, the D3fy Conqu3st is the perfect low-cost beginners paintball gun.

In this price range, rest assured that a large fillable cO2 canister feeds the ammo. Also, instead of only having the ability to fit a 50-round hopper, guns in the $70 to $80 price range can work with any of the larger hoppers. Therefore, you would have the ability to have 250 to 500 rounds, equaling the capacity to shoot more balls downrange without having to stop to reload. This feature alone could allow you to maximize your first experience.

Another benefit to spending the extra money to get to this price range is that most of the guns are metal. This fact means better durability while rumbling and tumbling through the woods or battlefield. The last thing you want is to accidentally drop your weapon and have it shatter because it is plastic.

$100 Price Range

If you are looking to step up your game, and have the money to spare, this price range may be the one for you. For around $100, you can get a paintball gun like the Tippman Cronus. Also made of a durable material, it also features four Picatinny rails that allow you to mount your accessories, such as scopes and lights.

Also, by spending the extra money, you will be getting a gun with an internal gas system. In this regard, there won’t be a tube running from your cO2 cartridge into your weapon. Instead, the CO2 canister will easily screw in. This configuration provides more durability and reduces the risk of catching the gas line and ripping it out of your gun.

Also, adding to the fun level of paintballing, guns in this price range will begin to be semi-automatic, meaning you won’t have to cock the slide to fire manually. Though this will cause you to use more paintballs, it allows you the ability to have fun by sending more balls downrange. After all, who wouldn’t like that?

$200 Plus

There comes a point in a paintballers life where they must have the best possible gun that exists. If this is the point you are at, we recommend that you save your money for a while before purchasing. However, your paintballing game will be at its highest with a gun like the D3fy D3s. Starting out at around $250, guns like the D3fy D3s feature the ability to go fully automatic. Imagine the fun you could have by being able to empty the entire contents of your 500-round hopper with one simple trigger pull.

Another benefit to spending the money to get a high-end gun is the extreme durability of the materials of these guns. Most feature a high-grade aluminum frame that won’t rust or bend under even the most extreme situations. Though you are looking at spending a small fortune, you can know that guns in this price range will last you many years to come.

As with any hobby, playing paintball can quickly become expensive, especially when you add in the extra gear and supplies you will need on top of the purchase of your gun. Just remember, you don’t have to have the best when you are just starting out. However, as you become more involved in the sport, you will want to invest a little extra money to get the best out there.

If you are a parent of a teenager, or a teenager wanting to get into the sport, you may be wondering how old you must be to play paintball. The answer to that question, however, is not as simple. Several factors go into the appropriate age to play, including the legal age to purchase equipment, as well as certain facility rules that may limit age for insurance purposes.

Legal age to play

Most countries, like the United States, do not specify a certain age in which a child can participate in paintball. Rather, they leave it up to the individual paintball facilities to determine at what age they will allow a child to play. Here are the standard ages that are allowed:

• 9 or below – Generally speaking, children nine years old or younger will not be allowed to play paintball in an arena setting. This rule of thumb doesn’t mean they can’t play in a backyard somewhere, but it is strongly recommended to have parental supervision when doing so.
• 10 to 16 – Most facilities in the United States will allow children from 10 years old to 16 access to their premises if there is parental consent. However, some places require a child to be 14 years old before allowing access.
• 16 and above – In most arenas, a teenager that is 16 years of age or higher is not going to have a problem gaining access to a paintball facility.

If you have any questions as to what your local arena requires, don’t hesitate to call them. If you decide to go to a facility without calling, then make sure you have your parent with you.

Age to Purchase Equipment

The topic of the how old an adolescent must be to purchase paintball equipment creates a considerable amount of debate. Most of the time, it depends on store policies and how well the store knows the individual buying the supplies. Most stores, especially big-name retailers such as Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods will require the purchaser to be 18 years old. This requirement is for the purchase of paint alone. However, the smaller paintball shops may have a different policy.

For example, if a local shop has seen you in their store on many occasions with your parent, and knows your parent has consented to you participating in the sport, the owner may allow you to purchase most equipment. However, as will be the case no matter where you go, you must be 18 years old to buy any cO2 products. In fact, most retailers won’t even allow a minor to carry cO2 around the store, even with a parent present.

Remember, age requirements aren’t there to discriminate or make you have a bad day. As with any rule, it’s all about safety. A child under the age of ten usually isn’t mature enough to follow the rules, let alone handle a paintball gun. That’s why it is always good practice to have parental involvement in anything that involves a minor. Plus, it is considerably more enjoyable when the player can endure the sting of being hit with the paintball. Most children wouldn’t be able to tolerate the pain.

How To Clean A Paintball Gun & The Many Benefits

If you have invested hundreds, or sometimes thousands of dollars, into your paintball gun, it is best to know how to clean it properly. After all, if the excess paint and dirt are allowed to stay on your weapon, the performance of your gun will significantly diminish. That’s why it’s always important to clean it as soon after you shoot it as possible. Let’s look at the correct process of how to clean a paintball gun. (Remember, all guns will have different directions to take apart your gun so ensure you follow the instructions in your user’s guide.)

Gather the Proper Supplies

It’s necessary to have a few supplies on hand before starting to ensure you clean your gun the best you can. Most, if not all, of these, will already be in your house. If you don’t know where they are, ask your mom; after all, moms know everything. These supplies include:

The user manual for your gun, specifically the portion on disassembling your marker.

• Q-tips, cotton swabs, or an old toothbrush
• A Full roll of paper towels
• Warm Water
• Manufacturer recommended lubricant
• Tools needed to take apart your gun

Cleaning rods

After gathering all your supplies lay them out on a large workspace. You want to ensure you have enough room to work without risking losing any of the pieces to your gun. However, the kitchen table is not recommended unless you lay down some plastic coverings first.

De-Gas your Gun

Just as in cleaning a real gun, you want to ensure there is not a chance of a misfire before disassembling your marker. To do this, first remove the cO2 canister from your gun. Next, locate the ASA (Air Source Adapter) lever and release the gas in the tubes of your weapon. If your gun does not have an ASA lever, follow the user manual on how to de-gas it.

Disassemble your Gun

After removing the cO2 canister and any excess gas in your gun, it’s time to disassemble your gun. Again, there is not a single standard way to dismantle a paintball gun as each style gun is different. That’s why it is imperative to follow the user’s manual and ensure you take apart your gun properly. However, there are standard pieces you will want to guarantee are removed and cleaned. These include:

• Bolt
• Barrel
• Hammer
• Grip frame

Ensure you place each piece along with the screws and fasteners, in a safe place as you remove them. The last thing you want is to lose pieces of your gun. A good way of ensuring that you don’t misplace even the smallest parts is to place each item, along with the screws for that piece, in a small zip-lock bag. This way, even if the bag falls, you retain all the parts.

Clean the Body

Once you have disassembled your gun, you will be left holding the body of the weapon. This part may be one of the dirtiest portions of the marker as this is the portion the paintballs fly through. Take as much time as you want to clean this piece as leaving even the smallest particle of dirt could cause your gun to Jam.

Before you commence cleaning, check the user’s guide to see if it’s possible to clean your particular gun with a squeegee or rod. As this is the portion of the weapon the balls fly through, you want to be sure you don’t damage it in any way. If a squeegee, or cleaning rod, is allowed, start by using water and running the squeegee through the body.

Once you remove the biggest portion of the dirt and paint with the squeegee, begin using the Q-tip or toothbrush. Using one of these will ensure you can accurately, and thoroughly, clean every edge and crevice of your gun where the squeegee could not get. This step may be tedious but always keep in mind that it’s not possible over clean your weapon.

Once you complete this portion, take several paper towels and completely wipe down the body, removed any excess water. Ensure the weapon is completely dry before setting it aside. Because most gun bodies are metal, even a tiny amount of moisture can cause irreparable rust damage.

Cleaning the Barrel

Handle the barrel with extreme care. This portion of the gun helps with the accuracy of your weapon. Therefore, any damage to the barrel will cause the paintballs to fly off the mark. Use the same process when cleaning the barrel as when you washed the body.

Start by using a pull-through squeegee and remove the biggest portion of paint and dirt. Remember, always pull the squeegee completely through; never stop half way. Stopping before pulling it completely through will result in an improper cleaning and could cause damage over time.

The inside of the barrel will be completely smooth so there should be no need to use a Q-tip or brush. However, you still want to ensure it is completely dry before laying it aside by using paper towels in the same fashion you did the squeegee.

Cleaning the bolt and hammer

These portions of your gun may not have much, if any, paint residue on them, unless you had a paintball explode in your gun. Therefore, to properly clean these pieces, simply wipe them down with a paper towel and warm water and then dry completely.

Once the pieces are dry, check the O-rings on both for any signs of wear and tear. Though a small amount of wear and tear is ok, it’s never a bad thing to replace these O-rings. Because they are inexpensive, we recommend replacing them every few cleanings just to ensure you have no problems in the field.

Cleaning the Grip Frame

This portion of your gun gets dirty and muddy during paintball action. You will want to ensure removing even the tiniest particles using your Q-tips or toothbrush. Delicately wipe the frame down, ensuring you do not affect the trigger assembly.

Unless you are a professional gunsmith, do not under any circumstances, disassemble the trigger assembly. There are tiny pieces assembled in a complicated and concise way. Removing the trigger assembly without knowing how it works will cause you to lose function of your gun.

Pre-Assembly Check and Lubrication

Once you clean the major pieces of your gun, you needed to do a pre-assembly inspection of the entire weapon. Not only are you looking for any dirt or paint residue; you also want to check every O-ring and spring to ensure they are in proper working order.

O-rings should be free of any cracks or stretch marks. All springs should be straight and tight. If you determine any of these pieces need replacing, now is the best time to do so. Malfunctioning springs and O-rings will not only affect the performance of your gun but will cause you to use a considerable more amount of gas and could damage your weapon.

Once you have ensured that the pieces are in proper shape, it is time to lubricate your weapon. Ensure you are using the oil recommended by your gun’s manufacturer as any other oil may damage your marker. When lubricating, ensure the O-rings receive a light coating of oil also as this ensures they last longer. Follow the steps on the oil to apply it to your gun and be careful not to use too much or not enough.

Assemble the gun

Once you have lubricated the pieces, you are clear to reassemble to the gun. Again, ensure you are following the steps correctly according to your marker’s user manual. Also, ensure each screw is tightened completely and has no play in it as this could also cause damage in the field.

Proper care and maintenance of your paintball gun will ensure your gun will last for many years. Not to mention, cleaning and maintaining your weapon properly at home will go a long way to diminishing the amount of emergency maintenance you have to complete while in the field. That means more time playing and less time fixing.