In 1970s Japan, gun and shooting enthusiasts were frustrated by their inability to shoot and hunt with standard firearms, because of the strict gun control laws in that country. Their solution to this concern was the development of airsoft guns.
These guns, powered by various sources, shoot small pellets or BBs with relatively low velocity. The result of this is that you can hunt and shoot with extremely low risk of injury to yourself or others. The propellants used in airsoft guns (more on this later) are much weaker than the gunpowder in standard firearms and can be used with virtually no injury risk.
Our Personal Best Choice
Best Overall Model
Umarex Walther 2262020
Best Value Model
H&K P30
Best Honorable
Mention Model
Umarex Glock 19
Best Overall & Best Value Model
Double Eagle Pump Airsoft Shotgun
Best Honorable Mention Model
Smith & Wesson M3000
Best Overall Model
COLT CQBR-RIS
Best Value Model
Marines Airsoft SR01 Spring Powered Rifle by Crosman
Best Honorable
Mention Model
Crosman DSBR Co2 Powered
At first, the airsoft guns in Japan were made by private operators and hobbyists. As these guns, and the sport itself, became more popular in Japan, manufacturing companies there began producing these guns on a much larger scale.
Shortly thereafter, the manufacturers began exporting them to other Asian countries, such as Korea, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. From there the sport caught on and spread to Europe and the Americas.
Comparison Table
As we noted earlier, the focus of this article will be on three different types of airsoft firearms – pistols, shotguns, and rifles.
| Product | Best Features | Rating (No. of Reviews) | Price Range | View on Amazon |
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Best Airsoft Pistols |
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4.7 out of 5 |
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4.1 out of 5 |
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4.1 out of 5 |
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4.0 out of 5 |
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4.0 out of 5 |
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4.0 out of 5 |
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Best Airsoft Shotguns |
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4.6 out of 5 |
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4.5 out of 5 |
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3.8 out of 5 |
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3.8 out of 5 |
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3.7 out of 5 |
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3.3 out of 5 |
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Best Airsoft Automatic Rifles |
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4.5 out of 5 |
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4.3 out of 5 |
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3.7 out of 5 |
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3.8 out of 5 |
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3.6 out of 5 |
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3.7 out of 5 |
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Quick Walk-Through Airsoft Guns Basics
While these guns can be used in several activities, such as target shooting, deterring pests, and tactical training, their primary use is in airsoft hunting games. Airsoft games are a simulation of military action, using military tactics, and look-alike, replica airsoft guns.
Most airsoft guns are a 1:1 copy of existing military or law enforcement actual firearms. In these competitive games, two teams use various types of airsoft guns to shoot small plastic pellets or BBs at their opponents.
Airsoft games are very similar to paintball competitions, with two exceptions – they feature lower velocity shooting, leaving no visible marks or injuries where paintball can leave painful welts from the force of the shot.
In paintball competitions, you can see someone has been shot, and therefore out of the game by the paint stains. Airsoft uses an honor system, where people admit having been shot and remove themselves from the competition.
While airsoft started in Japan, the games have rapidly spread. Airsoft is now played virtually everywhere around the globe. While there are many different airsoft organizations and game venues, there are a few general rules that are common to all. These include:
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ANSI standard eye protection is mandatory. Since the eyes are one of the few places where permanent injury from an airsoft pellet could occur, safety glasses, goggles, or face shields must be worn. Standard prescription eyeglasses are not allowed, as the lens could shatter if hit by a pellet and cause serious eye injury. Many sites also recommend wearing protective vests to avoid bruising from the pellets.
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Even though the airsoft guns have a relatively low muzzle velocity, most organizations do not allow shooting at an opponent within a minimum safety range, typically about ten feet. Players within that range cannot be actually shot but can be called out of the game as if they had been.
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Overall, gun safety is paramount, and virtually all venues have a “safe zone” where no guns may be used, or players shot. This safe zone allows players to rest, hydrate, etc. without fear of being shot.
There are many more rules to airsoft competitions, and, for a complete listing, you can visit the following source.
On an airsoft team, every player is assigned a specific role. These roles are usually assigned by a team leader, and can include, depending on the size of the team and competition, can include a tactical officer, riflemen, snipers, scouts, infantry, recon patrol, marksman, and even more.
The website gives an excellent overview of the roles and responsibilities of various airsoft teams. Based on the role, different types of airsoft weapons may be needed, or even a combination of weapons.
As you would expect, given these different roles within an airsoft team, different types of airsoft guns may be desired and used. Typical models available include airsoft sniper rifles, pistols, automatic or semi-automatic rifles, and shotguns. In this article, we will focus on the pistols, shotguns, and automatic or semi-automatic rifles.
In most cases, airsoft guns discharge the pellets or BBs by compression. There are two major types of compression used in these guns – spring compression and gas compression. Spring compression may be either manual, through cocking the gun, or electric, typically battery-powered cocking.
These guns have a coil spring in the shooting mechanism, and, by cocking the gun, you compress the spring. As you pull the trigger, this compression releases, and forces out the BB from the barrel of the gun. Compression-type guns are typically single shot, meaning that you have to either cock or re-compress the spring before firing another shot.
Gas compression airsoft firearms use canisters of pressurized gas to power the pellets. There are four primary types of gasses used – CO2, or carbon dioxide; HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) gasses; propane, similar to that used in gas grills and home heating; and “green gas”, made from biodegradable materials and environmentally friendly.
Gas-powered guns tend to be more powerful than spring compression guns, resulting in greater distance and accuracy. Additionally, these guns tend to be semi- or fully automatic, so more rapid firing is possible.
Airsoft guns are frequently confused with BB guns or pellet guns. They are not the same, and using them interchangeably could have serious consequences. BB guns fire small, .177 caliber metal projectiles at muzzle velocities from 350 FPS all the way up to 1000 FPS.
Airsoft guns are firing softer plastic pellets at velocities that might approach 400 FPS in gas propelled guns. Wither their higher power, BB guns are suitable for hunting small game and target shooting. They are not suitable for war games as in airsoft, nor indoor shooting other than confined shooting ranges.
You will often see a series of icons on various web sites selling airsoft equipment, and even on the packaging of the guns. These icons are used to identify the unique features of the gun, such as materials, magazine type, gameplay style, and many others. To get a good summary of the various icons and their meaning, please check here.
One last point to consider before we move off to the comparison table is gun safety. Almost all airsoft guns are made to look like replicas of actual firearms. Because of this, there have been tragic accidents, where police have mistaken these airsoft guns for real firearms, and have shot airsoft users in error.
All these guns feature a blaze orange tip, which serves as instant identification to law enforcement that they are not real guns. Therefore, these tips should not be removed – they are an extremely important safety feature and help protect the user. “Any person who changes, alters, removes, or obliterates any coloration or markings that are required by any applicable state or federal law or regulation, for any imitation firearm (replica firearm), or device in any way that makes the imitation firearm (replica firearm) or device look more like a firearm is guilty of violating the state or federal law (Removing the orange tip may also void the manufacturer’s warranties).
In all other safety aspects, airsoft guns should be treated exactly the same as standard firearms to protect both the user and those around the user. When not in use, the safety should be set to prevent accidental firing of the weapon. They should not be aimed unless you plan on shooting them.
When carrying them outside the course, they should remain in a protective case. You may know it is an airsoft gun, but other people around you may not realize that is the case. It should also be noted that some of these guns, particularly the rifles, are restricted from shipping into certain states and municipalities; the purchaser should verify legality prior to purchase. You must be eighteen or older to purchase most of these guns. You can find a list of some known restrictions here.
Buying Guide
In this section, we’ll be describing various specifications, features, and performance criteria related to airsoft guns. You will make a more informed purchasing decision if you have a better idea on the relative importance of each of these features, not only to the performance of the gun, but also toward meeting your needs and expectations.
Most of the items we will cover in this section have relevance to all three types of guns reviewed here – pistols, shotguns, and rifles. If the terms are specific to only one or two of the guns, we will make a note in the discussion point.
As you read through this, we recommend making a list of which of these features that are absolutely critical to you in a gun’s performance and use. You can also track those that are nice to have, where you don’t really need them, but they are something you might use from time to time.
And there may also be specific features you don’t need at all, and will not consider in your buying decision, particularly if they drive the price up. This should help you determine the best overall value for your specific requirements.
In the next section we’ll look at each gun in greater detail, with general impressions of the gun, features, and specifications for each, and the pros and cons of that particular model.
Best Airsofr Pistols Review
Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 6mm BB Airsoft Pistol – Honorable Mention
This pistol is by far the most expensive from our list, but you get arguably the most famous name in pistols with this replica – the Glock, used by military and law enforcement personnel all over the world.
The gun is powered by environmentally friendly third generation green gas and shoots standard 6mm pellets at a velocity of up to 290 feet per second (FPS). The shorter grip and barrel make it easier to handle, and it features a realistic blowback.
Glock 19 Gen3 6mm BB
Airsoft Pistol
Features and specifications:
- magazine holds nineteen rounds, and gun weighs about 1-1/2 pounds
- can be taken apart, cleaned, and reassembled just like the original
- speedloader available for purchase separately, along with extra magazines
- metal slide, plastic lower body, internal components some of each
Pros
- Handling and blowback just like an original Glock
- Realistic size and shape allow it to be used for training purposes
- Highest rated pistol with a 4.7 review
Cons
- Over double the price of the next most expensive pistol
- Customers report user documentation not complete
H&K P30 with Metal Slide Pistol – Best Value
This is an entry-level pistol modeled after the H&K P30. It features spring compression, a metal slide, and fixed front and rear sights. Just over seven inches long, it weighs less than a pound.
It comes with an accessory rail, unusual for a pistol, but could be used to mount a light or laser sight. The magazine holds 15 rounds, and while .12g pellets are recommended, users report good results with .2g BBs.
H&K P30
Features and specifications:
- built-in adjustable hop up system to adjust flight pattern of pellets
- rated at 240 FPS muzzle velocity
- box of 400 BBs included with purchase
- metal slide, most other parts polymer plastic
Pros
- Reasonable quality rating at 4.1 overall, entry-level price of $26
- Also rated highly for value (4.5) and accuracy (4.4)
Cons
- Several customer complaints about durability
- Comments are that .2g BBs improve accuracy, but will decrease FPS velocity
Umarex Walther 2262020 15 Rounds P99 Blowback Airsoft Pistol – Best Overall
This is another replica from Umarex, based on the Walther P99 pistol. This pistol is CO2 powered, with a metal slide that blows back to create a realistic “kick” when firing. The CO2 power delivers a higher muzzle velocity, even with .2g pellets. This is a larger pistol, at over ten inches long, weighing in at 1.6 pounds.
Umarex Walther 2262020
Features and specifications:
- muzzle velocity rated at up to 320 FPS
- has an accessory rail and manual safety mechanism
- metal barrel and slide; other components are plastic
Pros
- Reasonably priced at $60, with a corresponding 4.1 rating
- Good ratings for ergonomics (4.5) and value (4.3)
- Designed for .2g pellets, 15 round capacity
Cons
- Rating of 3.9 for accuracy, no hop up adjustment on pistol
- Some complaints of high CO2 usage
Desert Eagle Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol
This is the lowest priced pistol of our group, coming in at just $19, but still brings in a 4.0 rating. It’s a spring-powered pistol, and boasts a proprietary accuracy system that purports to hit a quarter at 25 feet distance. It’s very lightweight at one pound, and is a true replica of the Kalashnikov Double Eagle pistol.
Desert Eagle
Spring Powered Airsoft Pistol
Features and specifications:
- available in silver, black, or two-tone colors. Silver is standard; black and two-tone are extra charge
- muzzle velocity is 175 FPS, which is the lowest of the pistols from this group
- magazine capacity is 25 rounds, which is the largest capacity of these pistols
Pros
- Large magazine capacity reduces the need to reload
- Entry level price with reasonable quality rating
- Ratings for durability, accuracy, and value all 4.0 and above
Cons
- Low muzzle velocity will limit range and power
- Customers complained about durability of gun, and frequent jamming
Combat Zone Umarex Enforcer
Another gun from the Umarex family, featuring a high strength polymer construction and semi-automatic firing (meaning you don’t have to cock or pull the slide back each time, just pull the trigger). The polymer construction brings this pistol in at under one pound, and uses CO2 propellants, rated for up to 200 rounds per cartridge.
Combat Zone Umarex Enforcer
Features and specifications:
- muzzle velocity is 400 FPS using .12mm pellets
- fixed front and rear sights, 15 round all-metal magazine
- rail included for light or laser mounting
Pros
- Good combination of price and rating for a semi-automatic pistol
- Strong ratings for value, accuracy, and durability – all 4.3 – 4.6
- Semi-automatic action for faster shooting
Cons
- Several complaints about CO2 seals leaking and magazine jamming
- Not able to purchase additional magazines for the pistol – not sold separately
Soft Air Colt 1911 CO2 Airsoft Pistol
This pistol is modeled after the legendary Colt handguns. It offers both blowback functionality but is a semi-automatic pistol, so you get the best of both. It has a metal body, and textured handgrips, and weighs just over two pounds, and 8.6 inches long. It carries the second-highest price of the eight pistols but has a good 4.0 quality rating.
Soft Air Colt 1911
Features and specifications:
- muzzle velocity is 344 FPS using .2g BBs
- adjustable hop up system
- fifteen to seventeen round magazine
- delivered with 2000 BBs and spare magazine (two total)
Pros
- Semi-automatic firing with high muzzle velocity for distance and accuracy
- Metal construction for durability
- Fairly compact 8” x 6” size
Cons
- Customers complain of high CO2 usage – sometimes only 50 rounds per cartridge
- Low rating for accuracy (3.6)
Before we move over to reviewing the shotguns, let’s summarize the overall recommendations for the pistols:
Best Overall Model
Umarex Walther 2262020
Best Value Model
H&K P30
Best Honorable
Mention Model
Umarex Glock 19
Getting CO2 propellant in a very reasonably priced pistol was the game changer for me in selecting the Best Overall as the Walther. The H&K had good reviews and performance, and the second-lowest price, so obviously the Best Value. I really liked the Glock, but I couldn’t get past the price.
However, if you are a long-time airsoft player, this might be a great gun for you. But I think overall, there is a fairly small audience for a pistol at this price, as evidenced by the low number of reviews (21) for it.
Best Airsoft Shotguns Review
Smith & Wesson M3000 Spring-powered Airsoft Shotgun – Honorable Mention
Smith & Wesson have been making American firearms for over 150 years, and this replica of their M3000 shotgun continues that legacy. It has a sawed-off shotgun look to it, and comes with a working scope. It uses standard 6mm pellets, powered by a spring-loaded mechanism.
Smith & Wesson M3000
Features and specifications:
- comes with standard .12g BBs, and a 180-round magazine plus spare and light
- muzzle velocity is 355 FPS, adjustable hop up unit
- single-shot capability, plastic body
Pros
- Muzzle velocity is among the highest in this grouping
- Good sized magazine reduces reloading requirements
- Pump and fire function give a realistic action and feel
Cons
- Checked multiple web sites, found only three reviews (all 5.0)
Double Eagle Pump Airsoft Shotgun – Best Overall, Best Value
This is another sawed-off shotgun, spring-loaded, with a 21-inch barrel. With “pump and shoot” functionality, you can shoot up to ten BBs at one time (by pumping the gun ten times). It’s a good entry or intermediate level shotgun. It has a metal barrel for improved accuracy and a wood-grained grip.
Double Eagle Pump
Airsoft Shotgun
Features and specifications:
- fully adjustable hop up system
- nineteen round magazine, 50 rounds of ammo and speed loader included
- 320 FPS, with claimed accuracy up to 100 feet
Pros
- Pump and shoot functionality for multiple rounds per shot
- Short barrel for easy carrying and use in tight quarters
- 11 of 12 reviews were 5.0 stars
Cons
- Limited number of reviews; none found on other web sites
Mossberg Tactical Long Shotgun
This is a full-sized replica shotgun, with a length just under thirty inches. It’s also a “pump and shoot” style, and comes with 2500 BBs, and a compact pistol and holster. While the rating drops down to 3.8, it has over 200 reviews, so you should know what to expect with this gun.
Mossberg Tactical Long Shotgun
Features and specifications:
- available rail for mounting scope, light, laser, or night vision equipment
- muzzle velocity is 355 FPS, with magazine capacity of 180 rounds
- lightweight at only 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Everything you need to start an airsoft hobby in one package
- Adjustable hop up system
- Among the highest in muzzle velocity
Cons
- Customer complaints about overall durability and magazine jamming and not feeding properly
Double Eagle Heavy Weight Shotgun
Here, we go back to a sawed-off version of the shotgun, but with the added functionality of firing a three-shot burst. This gun has a pistol grip, and uses a replica shotgun shell as a magazine to give a more realistic touch. It comes with lots of extras, but it is the highest-priced gun of the six reviewed here.
Double Eagle
Heavy Weight Shotgun
Features and specifications:
- comes with sling, speed loader, sample BBs, barrel cleaner, and a single shotgun shell magazine with 30 round capacity. Additional magazines can be purchased separately.
- muzzle velocity is 300 – 350 FPS using .2g pellets; can also handle .25g
- pump action, and spring propelled
Pros
- Not a lot of dollars more than the lowest-priced gun, but a lot of extra equipment and features
- Users rate it as fairly accurate, with a tight grouping of the three BBs
- Rated well for durability by users
Cons
- Slow rate of fire
- No rail for attachments or options
Crosman Voodoo Spring Power Shotgun
This is a full-sized replica shotgun, with full stock and overall 26.5-inch length, weighing just under two pounds. It has the same “pump and shoot” feature as the Mossberg Tactical reviewed above.
It’s a solid gun, spring-loaded, with a lot of metal parts for strength and durability. It has an adjustable stock, and comes with a rail system and adjustable hop up.
Crosman Voodoo
Spring Power Shotgun
Features and specifications:
- several contradictions in print vs. reader reviews. Text says 250 rounds, box and users say 19 round magazines. Text mentions front and rear sights, but none shown on pictures of gun
- muzzle velocity is up to 390 FPS, with .2g pellets recommended; speed loader included
- allows “slam firing” (hold trigger down and pump as fast as you can) for quicker follow-up shooting
Pros
- Highest muzzle velocity of all the reviewed shotguns, using .2g BBs
- Adjustable stock for comfort
Cons
- Contradictions in advertising vs. customer reports is concerning
- Fairly small magazine capacity
BBTac Airsoft Pump Action Shotgun
One more sawed-off, pump-action airsoft shotgun. While the price is mid-range, the quality rating drops off to 3.2 on over 200 Amazon ratings. The gun comes with an included speed loader and sling, and the pistol grip is ergonomically sound.
The gun got a higher 8.2 (out of 10) rating on Airsoftcore.com, with a very high rating for build quality, and ended up on their top five list of this year.
BBTac Airsoft
Pump Action Shotgun
Features and specifications:
- 400 FPS muzzle velocity, measured using .12g pellets. .2g or .25g ammo recommended for accuracy.
- magazine capacity is only 14 rounds
- metal alloy with ABS plastic materials of construction
Pros
- Airsoftcore.com rating is very strong
- Good accuracy at a range up to 50-feet
Cons
- The fairly low rating on Amazon
- Very small magazine capacity would require frequent reloads or extra magazines
So, this gets us to the end of the shotgun reviews. One difficulty in reviewing the shotguns is the very tight range of prices – from a low of $23 to a high of $54. Given this, we really did not use price as an overwhelming factor in our “best of” decisions. Here’s a quick summary of our recommendations:
Best Overall & Best Value Model
Double Eagle Pump Airsoft Shotgun
Best Honorable Mention Model
Smith & Wesson M3000
It’s worth mentioning that the M3000 is a really nice shotgun, and coincidently has the lowest price of any of the six guns.
However, the very limited number of reviews scared me away a little bit; it will definitely be worth looking back at this gun in another six months or so. At the same time, while the Double Eagle only had a dozen reviews, over 90% of them were 5.0. Combining that with the accuracy and the ten-shot capability made it a solid choice for best overall and value.
Best Air Rifles Review
COLT CQBR-RIS Automatic Electric Airsoft Gun – Best Overall
This is a very realistic looking replica of another Colt firearm. It’s electric-powered, using an 8.4V battery, which is also rechargeable and included with a charger. It has an adjustable stock, giving it a length from 27″ to about 31″. While it has the second-highest price of our six rifles, it also has the highest rating, at a solid 4.5.
COLT CQBR-RIS
Features and specifications:
- barrel, magazine, and other moveable parts are metal. Balance of rifle is plastic
- muzzle velocity is 395 FPS using .2g BBs
- magazine holds approximately 300 pellets
Pros
- Large magazine, and substantial velocity, which only drops to about 350 FPS with .25g pellets
- 81% of reviews are 5.0 stars
- Battery can be upgraded to 9.6V for longer life
Cons
- Price might move this out of the entry level category
Crosman DSBR Co2 Powered – Honorable Mention
This is a gas-powered rifle, using CO2 cartridges as a propellant. This drives the price up to $161, the highest of the six rifles, but it also carries a 4.2 rating. The rifle has both semi-automatic and full-automatic capability and can fire up to 1400 rounds per minute. NOTE that this rifle does not use standard airsoft pellets; it is built to work with metal BBs only.
Crosman DSBR Co2 Powered
Features and specifications:
- powered by two 12g CO2 cartridges
- adjustable stock up to 30” long, weighing 6.2 pounds
- magazine capacity is 25 rounds
Pros
- No muzzle velocity listed on Amazon, but Pyramidair.com has it at 430 FPS
- Overall rating is 4.2, with almost 85% of review four or five star
Cons
- High price point, which likely would drive new users away
- 25 round magazine will empty quickly on automatic mode
Marines Airsoft SR01 Spring Powered Rifle by Crosman – Best Value
This rifle checks in with a 3.7 rating on 102 reviews, and the lowest price of the group at $61. It has a foldable stock, a quad rail system for accessories, fold-down sights, and is spring powered with an adjustable hop-up system. The overall length is 28 inches, and the weight is 1.9 pounds.
Marines Airsoft SR01 Spring
Powered Rifle by Crosman
Features and specifications:
- large, 350 round magazine capacity
- muzzle velocity is up to 325 FPS
- quad rail system allows mounting of accessories such as laser, scope, night vision, etc.
Pros
- The solid combination of rating and price point
- Reviewers cite good accuracy at 100 feet, the overall range at 150 feet or more depending on pellet size
- Good reviews as a training gun for beginners
Cons
- Complaints by customers about durability and accuracy
Game Face GF76 Carbine Airsoft Rifle
This airsoft rifle is spring loaded, electrically powered, with both semi-automatic and full-automatic capabilities. The battery and charger are included, and it also has an adjustable hop-up system. The collapsible stock makes it suitable for easy maneuvering in close quarters.
Game Face GF76
Carbine Airsoft Rifle
Features and specifications:
- muzzle velocity is 375 FPS using .2g pellets
- shooting capacity is about 700 rounds per minute
- rail system for mounting options, adjustable front and rear sights, 4.5 pounds
Pros
- Good features, middle of the range in price
- Rated 4.4 for accuracy
- Rechargeable 8.4V battery for good shooting life
Cons
- Overall rating below 4.0; 3.9 rating at Dick’s Sporting Goods site
- Most customer complaints were related to overall durability and quality of magazine
FN Soft Air Scar
This rifle is also electrically powered and is the number one seller in airsoft rifles at Amazon. Despite that, it carries a fairly low 3.6 rating, but the $66 price tag is attractive to beginning buyers. It has a foldable and extendable stock, and a drop-down grip at the front of the rifle for shooting stability.
FN Soft Air Scar
Features and specifications:
- overall BB capacity is about 200 rounds, but with a 15 round magazine frequent reloading will be needed
- muzzle velocity is a fairly low 260 FPS
- front and rear flip-up sights
- rifle measures 21 inches long, weight is just under four pounds
Pros
- Good beginner rifle, with a 4.1 rating for beginners, and a reasonable $66 price tag
- An Amazon bestseller
Cons
- Fairly low ratings for accuracy (3.7) and durability (3.6)
- Battery can be over-charged and damaged
- Several complaints about manufacturer’s customer service
BBTac Airsoft Electric Gun M83
The M83 is a fully automatic, electric airsoft rifle. It also has the semi-automatic capability and has a magazine capacity of 25 .12g BBs. It’s made from ABS polymer plastic for durability and comes with a foldable rear stock and a rail system for mounting accessories.
BBTac Airsoft
Electric Gun M83
Features and specifications:
- muzzle velocity is given as a range from 200 – 250 FPS
- length is 27 inches, weight approximately five pounds, and has an adjustable hop up system
- comes with scope, laser targeting system, flashlight, front grip, battery pack and charger
Pros
- Full equipment package for airsoft game mode
- Second lowest price of the six rifles
Cons
- Lowest rating of the six rifles
- Fairly low muzzle velocity of 200 – 250 FPS even with smaller pellets
And that wraps up the review section for the six rifles. To recap how we see their ratings, here are the top ones:
Best Overall Model
COLT CQBR-RIS
Best Value Model
Marines Airsoft SR01 Spring Powered Rifle by Crosman
Best Honorable
Mention Model
Crosman DSBR Co2 Powered
Both the Colt and the DPMS warranted consideration for the best overall rating, but the deciding factor for me was the requirement that the DPMS can only use metal BBs and not the standard airsoft pellets. It also has relatively low twelve reviews. So, given this apple to orange comparison, the Colt gets the nod as best overall.
The Marines Airsoft SR01 was a pretty easy choice for the best value, with good standard features, an entry-level price, and a good quality rating with a significant number of reviews.
Conclusion
We feel we’ve presented a good cross-section of pistols, shotguns, and rifles here, with airsoft guns meeting the needs of veteran shooters and relative newcomers. As we pointed out earlier, the best selection for you individually will be the gun that best meets your needs and requirements, your budget, and provides you a great value.
