Introduction to airsoft shotguns

Airsoft shotguns have existed since the very beginning of airsoft and have had a wide range of systems and designs ranging from spring-powered, gas powered, including an airsoft double barrel shotgun and more recently some even using electric motors similar to standard AEGs. But what determines the ‘best’ airsoft shotgun? This certainly can divide opinion but for the sake of clarity we would only consider something a "true" airsoft shotgun if it fired more than one BB in a single shot. This will exclude some of the cheaper options which only fire one BB as they operate more like a pump-action sniper rifle than an actual shotgun. So with that said and done, here is our list of the 12 best airsoft shotguns available in 2023.

HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST AIRSOFT SHOTGUNS

There are a number of important factors we considered when compiling our list of Best Airsoft Shotguns, these include:

FUN FACTOR – Airsoft is a hobby so airsoft guns must be able to generate joy. We look at recoil, sound, design, optional accessories, and overall awesomeness that make the gun interesting. Non-shooting models can also be fun, like a beautiful revolver with realistic ammo that you can load into a rotating cylinder. We rate each of our picks on how much pleasure you can derive from ownership.

REALISM – What makes Airsoft guns attractive for so many is that they replicate real guns. While many manufacturers try their best to recreate the details and feel of a real gun, some succeed while others fail horribly and end up with something more akin to a toy. We rate how real each of our top picks feels and looks.

PERFORMANCE – Power measured in feet-per-second (FPS), range and accuracy are the key metrics we use to determine the best airsoft gun. From there, we also prioritize airsoft guns with an adjustable hop-up and high-quality buckings to ensure that they give the consistency and accuracy you need. All FPS ratings are universally based on 0.2 gram BBs.

BUILD QUALITY – We look for good quality construction, materials and refinement not only in the external components but also internally. The fit tolerances, discernable wobbles and rattles, smoothness of operation, durability of components, etc are all considered.

VALUE – Affordable airsoft guns that rank highly in all the above categories are prioritized over more expensive airsoft guns that offer the same, as "bang for your buck" is an important consideration for most airsoft players.  These criteria rates if you are getting more for your money compared to similar guns in the same class, meaning is it a good deal. For more information on how to determine the value of an airsoft gun, check out this article on what goes into the cost of an airsoft gun.

COLLECTABILITY – Sometimes an Airsoft gun stands out simply because it is unique either because it’s not produced by anyone else or holds enough of a cultural or collectable value to make you want to have a piece of history regardless of its utility. This criteria in particular rates whether the gun is a must-have for collectors. Some rare or limited edition Airsoft guns even appreciate in value in the secondary market and we rate their investment value where applicable.

Check our carefully selected list of 50 best airsoft guns across all categories

12 Best Airsoft Shotguns

1. Maruzen M1100 Gas powered shotgun

Maruzen M1100 Black Version Live Shell 'AUTOMATIC' Shotgun
Specifications
PlatformGAS
BrandMaruzen
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryREMINGTON
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelM1100
Capacity (rds)7
Power (fps)220
Power SourceGreen Gas / Top Gas
Shooting ModeSemi Auto
BlowbackYES
Hop-upFIXED
Net Weight (kg)2.70
Length (mm)1045.0
Content IncludedMaruzen M1100 Black Version Live Shell 'AUTOMATIC' Shotgun
MaterialPlastic
FUN★★★★★
REALISM★★★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★
VALUE★★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★★★

An extremely popular shotgun, the M1100 is used widely by law enforcement agencies around the world. The Maruzen M1100 holds 7 shells at a time and each shell is ejected on each shot. Three shells are included with the gun, each capable of holding 1 to 5 BBs at a time.

This unique semi automatic gas shotgun has an extremely realistic action but power is a little limited so this is not really suitable for serious skirmishing. The more BBs you try to load into each shell at a time, the less power you get. We recommend keeping to 3 BBs per shell at a time for decent performance.

Gas powered by HFC134a. Semi-auto action means that each shell is ejected automatically as fast as you can pull the trigger without the need to cock on every shot.

Pros

  • Realistic features and mode of firing 
  • High-quality replica
  • Blowback system makes it great fun


Cons

  • Can be quite prone to jams 
  • Does not like harder gases as it’s intended for 134a
  • Have fun chasing shells
  • Very short range

2. Tokyo Marui M870 TACTICAL Gas AIRSOFT Shotgun

Tokyo Marui M870 Tactical Shotgun
Specifications
PlatformGAS
BrandTokyo Marui
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryREMINGTON
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelM870
Capacity (rds)30
Power (fps)250
Power SourceGreen Gas / Top Gas
Shooting ModePump Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upFIXED
Net Weight (kg)2.75
Length (mm)960.0
Content IncludedTokyo Marui M870 Tactical Shotgun
MaterialPlastic
FUN★★★★
REALISM★★
PERFORMANCE★★★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★★
VALUE★★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★

The only shotgun that can reliably shoot 6 BBs simultaneously on each trigger pull for true shotgun functionality. The gas-powered M870 is decently hefty and definitely heavier than the older Marui M3 and SPAS 12 spring shotguns. With a full metal barrel and a zinc alloy receiver, the gun feels solid. The BEST part of this gun is the sound it makes when you rack it. Lots of clicks and clacks which sound convincingly menacing and real. The good news is that this M870 can take green gas! One full charge can power up to 100 shots of 3 BBs at a time.

Pros

  • Metal body and barrel
  • Satisfying pump-action motion and sounds
  • Great spread and decent range
  • Good gas efficiency
  • Removable gas tank


Cons

  • Fragile stock fitment
  • Difficult to repair
  • Single shell that loads 30 rounds is unrealistic

3. Tokyo Marui KSG Gas Shotgun

Tokyo Marui KSG Gas Shotgun
Specifications
PlatformGAS
BrandTokyo Marui
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryKEL-TEC
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelKSG
Capacity (rds)30
Power (fps)320
Power SourceGreen Gas / Top Gas
Shooting ModePump Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upFIXED
Net Weight (kg)2.52
Length (mm)660.0
Content IncludedTokyo Marui KSG Gas Shotgun
MaterialPlastic
FUN★★★★
REALISM★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★★

Modeled after the futuristic-looking KEL-TEC KSG, this pump-action shotgun delivers a high FPS and a nice, hefty feel that makes it one of the most interesting shotgun models available on the airsoft market. Best of all, this shotgun's bullpup design means that it is able to hold 30, 30-shot rounds while still being quite compact. Its mostly plastic construction might turn some people off but the racking sound and experience will put a smile on anyone's face, quickly making you forget this is a gun made from ABS. Adding to its already impressive features are picatinny rails for lights, lasers, or optics, making this an exceptionally capable airsoft shotgun!

Pros

  • High FPS
  • High Ammo Capacity
  • Futuristic Design that is True to the Actual Model
  • Fantastic Shooting and Operating Experience


Cons

  • Plastic Construction Due to Japanese Gun Laws Preventing Full Metal Guns
  • A Little Bulkier Than Some Other Shotgun Options
  • Reloading Can Be Cumbersome
Price no object? See our list of the most expensive airsoft guns money can buy.

4. APS CAM870 Series CO2 Shotgun

APS CAM MK-III-M Magnum Airsoft Marker
Specifications
PlatformCO2
BrandAPS
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryREMINGTON
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelM870
Capacity (rds)6+1
Power (fps)330
Power SourceCO2
Shooting ModePump Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upNONE
Net Weight (kg)2.69
Length (mm)1010.0
Content IncludedAPS CAM MK-III-M Magnum Airsoft Marker
MaterialMetal
FUN★★★★★
REALISM★★★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★

The APS system (MKIII) is a CO2 powered system where the shells are loaded with the gas and up to 6x6mm BBs which are then fired all in one go down a smooth bore barrel like the real thing. The spent shell is then ejected when the shooter pumps the action and a new shell is loaded ready to fire. Shells are fed from the tubular magazine under the barrel.

Obviously this being a shell ejector means that you do have the concern of losing shells but this is probably the best shotgun to use for airsoft 3 gun or practical shooting competitions.

Pros

  • TM gas system offer great performance 
  • Very handy to use in close quarters
  • Modern bullpup design


Cons

  • Lack of aftermarket parts 
  • Plastic body

5. Farsan 0521 Real Wood 1000mm Double Barrel Gas Shotgun

Image
Specifications
PlatformGAS
BrandFarsan
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryREMINGTON
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelBREAK ACTION
Capacity (rds)2
Power (fps)200
Power SourceGreen Gas / Top Gas
Shooting ModeLever Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upNONE
Net Weight (kg)2.80
Length (mm)1000.0
Content IncludedFarsan 0521 Real Wood 1000mm Double Barrel Gas Shotgun
MaterialMetal
FUN★★★★
REALISM★★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★★

The Farsan real wood double-barrel shotgun is an awesome, classic-style shotgun. Being a staple of the old west and commonly featured in movies and videogames, the double barrel shotgun one of those airsoft guns that inspires a lot of emotion. As its name would suggest, the furniture is real wood which adds to its overall realism making it an excellent wall hanger.

This airsoft gun is a realistic functioning break open shotgun that is shell loaded. Each shell features 5 round capacity and can be fired individually for each barrel with independent triggers, giving it an exceeding amount of authenticity.

Pros

  • Authentic metal and wood construction
  • Realistic shell firing system


Cons

  • Frequent reloads require large staple of shells ingame
  • Propriety shells from Farsan

6. VFC Fabarm Gas Shotgun

Image
Specifications
PlatformGAS
BrandVFC
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryFABARMS
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelSTF12
Capacity (rds)30
Power (fps)350
Power SourceGreen Gas / Top Gas
Shooting ModePump Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upADJUSTABLE
Net Weight (kg)3.10
Length (mm)840.0
Content IncludedVFC FABARM Licensed STF12 Compact 11 inch Gas Shotgun - Black
MaterialMetal
FUN★★★
REALISM★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★

So this entry is probably the newest product on the list. The VFC gas shotgun is a licensed replica of the Fabarms STF12 and it utilises the same shell and gas system as the TM gas shotguns.

This one is certainly a good option for those who want that gas system in a more modern layout. 

The external build quality is very good and it replicates the cosmetic features of the original very well !

Pros

  • Very well built
  • Modern design
  • Working up up system for good performance


Cons

  • Quite expensive compared to others 
  • Low aftermarket support

7. Tokyo Marui Spas12  Spring AIRSOFT Shotguns

Tokyo Marui SPAS 12 (Stockless Version)
Specifications
PlatformSPRING COCKING
BrandTokyo Marui
ColorBlack
Originating ArmoryBERETTA
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelSPAS
Capacity (rds)30
Power (fps)285
Power SourceSpring
Shooting ModePump Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upFIXED
Net Weight (kg)2.00
Length (mm)800.0
Content IncludedTokyo Marui SPAS 12 (Stockless Version)
MaterialPlastic
FUN★★★
REALISM★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★★

From Jurassic Park to the Matrix and Half-Life, the SPAS-12 is a legendary shotgun that is instantly recognizable and the Tokyo Marui SPAS 12 airsoft shotgun is the only model of its type out there.  This SPAS 12 airsoft shotgun is an older product but still extremely relevant today. It utilizes the 30 round “shell” style magazine that Marui later used in the gas shotgun series. What does differ is that instead of gas, the older design is powered by a spring which is manually “cocked” when you operate the pump action.

Pros

  • Lower cost
  • Great reliability
  • Very good performance


Cons

  • Can be difficult to cock for smaller or weaker players
  • Plastic construction
  • Low aftermarket support
Here's our best picks of airsoft pistols regardless of platform.

8. BO Manufacture Fabarm LICENSED Spring STF12 11 INCH SHORT SPRING Shotgun

Specifications
PlatformSPRING COCKING
BrandBO Manufacture
ColorBrown
Originating ArmoryFABARMS
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelSTF12
Capacity (rds)30
Power (fps)310
Power SourceSpring
Shooting ModePump Action
BlowbackNO
Hop-upFIXED
Net Weight (kg)1.26
Length (mm)610.0
Content IncludedBO Manufacture FABARM Licensed STF12 11 inch Short Spring Shotgun - FDE
MaterialPlastic
FUN★★★
REALISM★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★

The BO Manufacture FABARM Licensed STF12 is a 3 shot Shotgun licensed by FABARM SpA, Italy. The STF/12 is one of the most adaptable and customisable shotguns in its class. Thanks to unique high-end features, performances and a firmly modern look, this is the shotgun of choice for growing military, Law Enforcement and shooting sports enthusiasts worldwide.

The Airsoft replica makes no difference and follows the same path to make it the new reference in 3 shots airsoft shotgun. Designed and developed from scratch by the BO Manufacture team, this replica offers pretty good accuracy and shooting consistency and a yet extremely compact design. It is made out of a high-density ABS materials matched to the anodized metal barrel. There are currently 3 versions of the Shotgun in both tan and black. There's the 18 inch Ressort Spring Shotgun, 11 inch Compact Spring Shotgun and the 11 inch Short Spring Shotgun.

Pros

  • Easy use, spring action requires no gas or batteries
  • Excellent modern ergonomics
  • Very affordable


Cons

  • Limited aftermarket parts and upgrade potential

9. Tokyo Marui AA12 AEG AIRSOFT Shotgun

Tokyo Marui AA12 Electric Gun
Specifications
PlatformELECTRIC (AEG)
BrandTokyo Marui
ColorBlack
Replica TypeSHOTGUN
ModelAA12
Capacity (rds)93
Power (fps)260
Power SourceElectric
Shooting ModeSemi Auto / Full Auto
BlowbackNO
Hop-upADJUSTABLE
Net Weight (kg)3.90
Length (mm)840.0
Battery Type8.4v
Battery PlugSmall Tamiya
MaterialPlastic
FUN★★★★
REALISM★★★
PERFORMANCE★★★★
BUILD QUALITY★★★★
VALUE★★★
COLLECTABILITY★★★★

A class defining product as the first electric powered airsoft shotgun, the Tokyo Marui AA-12 lives up to the hype of its real steel counterpart by sheer weight of fire through its innovative triple barrel electric system. The AA12 fires from either a box or drum-type magazines and feeds 3 BBs per time much like the spring counterparts. Each of the 3 barrels has its own adjustable hop unit which allows the user to set the spread of the shots to be as accurate or widespread as possible, a feature only limited to Marui electric automatic shotguns.

Pros

  • Automatic mode of firing
  • Reliable AEG technology
  • Good hop up system
  • High capacity magazines


Cons

  • Very bulky
  • Reasonably expensive
  • Very limited aftermarket support
Here's what we think are the best airsoft sniper rifles.

Conclusion

In conclusion to this list I will remind you that “best” is usually very subjective. However I hope that you can use some of the points I have made to help you make a decision on what might be good for you.

Don’t forget to check out all these products and many more at https://www.redwolfairsoft.com/airsoft-guns

 Also, check our regular videos on new products on Youtube at

https://www.youtube.com/user/redwolfairsoft

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