Airsoft Guns for Beginners - How to Choose a Starter Gun

If you are just venturing into the world of airsoft, choosing your first airsoft gun is the first big decision that you'll need to make. From dictating your style of play to dictating how much of a hit your pocketbook takes, the decision of which airsoft gun to purchase as your entry into the sport is one that can have a lot of aftereffects. Thankfully, we at RedWolf Airsoft have helped countless first-timers choose a gun that is perfectly suited for both their needs and budget. In this article, take a look at some of the top considerations that go into choosing airsoft guns for beginners before taking a look at some of the best beginner airsoft guns on the market today.

What to Consider When Shopping for Your First Airsoft Gun

Shopping for your first airsoft gun can be a really enjoyable experience, but it's also one that is bound to lead to a lot of questions and uncertainties. Before you break out your wallet, there are several important factors to consider and questions to address. The top questions that you will want to keep in mind when it comes to choosing airsoft guns for beginners include:

How Much Should I Spend on My First Airsoft Gun?

Airsoft guns range in price from last little as $30 for a spring-powered pistol to thousands of dollars for high-end LMGs. Ultimately, how much you spend on your first airsoft gun is entirely dependent on your budget. Even if money isn't really a concern, though, there isn't much reason to spend a small fortune on a high-end airsoft gun as your introduction into the sport. In fact, we at RedWolf Airsoft often recommend that our customers start out with guns that are considerably more affordable so that they are able to learn more about what they like and what they don't before they spend the money on a higher-priced gun. Check out this article to learn more about how much airsoft guns cost.

What Type of Airsoft Gun is Best for Beginners?

Once you've decided how much room you have in the budget, the next decision you'll need to make is to choose whether you would like to purchase an airsoft rifle, an airsoft pistol, or an airsoft shotgun.

Let's start by eliminating the only one of these three options that probably isn't the best choice for beginners. While airsoft shotguns can be excellent choices for indoor or otherwise close-range engagements, they aren't the most versatile choice, and their functionality is very situational. In other words, if you're only going to purchase one airsoft gun, you are probably better off choosing a gun that is more versatile and better suited for a wider range of play styles.

With that said, if versatility is your number one concern, you can't go wrong with an assault rifle. Good quality airsoft assault rifles offer better range than any type of gun outside of sniper rifles while at the same time being more than adequate for close-quarter combat as well.

While airsoft rifles are by far the most versatile choice for those who want to start out with a gun that will do it all, starting out with an airsoft pistol can be a great option as well solely due to the fact that pistols tend to be far less expensive; if you would like a low-cost introduction to airsoft before you shell out the money for a good rifle, starting out with an airsoft pistol is an excellent option to consider.

Is One Platform Better Than Another for Beginners?

Airsoft guns come available in four different platforms: spring-powered airsoft guns, gas-powered airsoft guns, automatic electric guns (AEGs), and HPA (High Pressured Air).

If you are looking for the simplest and most affordable platform, a spring-powered airsoft gun is an ideal choice. With spring-powered airsoft guns, you don't have to worry about purchasing gas canisters or keeping your battery charged. Spring-loaded airsoft guns are also typically much cheaper than gas-powered guns or AEGs, making them great airsoft guns for beginners who want to start out with something more affordable.

However, the performance of spring-powered guns can't match the performance of a good AEG or gas-powered gun, and, with a spring-powered gun, you'll need to cock the gun manually between each shot. If you would prefer to start out with a higher-performing gun that offers semi-auto or even full-auto fire then you may want to consider purchasing an AEG. AEGs tend to be great beginner guns since all you have to do is ensure that the gun's battery is properly charged before you take it out into the field. Quality gas-powered guns offer great performance as well, but the maintenance required for gas-powered guns creates a little bit of a steeper learning curve for those who are new to airsoft.

What Brand of Airsoft Gun is Good for Beginners?

Deciding which brand of airsoft gun you would like to purchase and deciding how much money you would like to spend are ultimately just about the same consideration; you get what you pay for, and reputable brands renowned for producing high-quality guns are going to charge more for their products than brands that are not as well-known and established.

With that said, spending more doesn't always translate to a higher-performing airsoft gun. Tokyo Marui, for example, is one of the most reputable and well-reviewed airsoft gun manufacturers in the world. However, since Tokyo Marui guns are made out of plastic rather than metal due to Japanese laws, these guns actually tend to be more affordable than guns from brands that sell metal airsoft guns despite the fact that Tokyo Marui guns offer some of the best-performing guns that you will find. If you would like to save a little money while still purchasing a gun that will maximize your competitive advantage then you can't go wrong with Tokyo Marui.

Other great airsoft gun brands that have earned a reputation for reliability and quality include brands such as RWA, Umarex, G&G, and ASG.

Check out video on some of the best airsoft gun brands:

Best Starter Airsoft Guns

Now that we've covered the various factors you will want to consider when choosing your first airsoft gun, here are a selection of airsoft pistols, rifles, shotguns, and sniper rifles that make for excellent entry-level airsoft guns:

Best Airsoft Pistols for Beginners

Tokyo Marui EBB Series

FUN	★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★
REALISM	★★	VALUE	★★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★

Sporting a highly refined nickel plated finish (for this price category), these high quality pistols are a beauty considering its an affordable EBB. Uses 4 AAA batteries commonly found in Marui's lineup. Slides moves back on each shot and hammer actually cocks. Sight rails on barrel allow you to install sights. Has fixed hop-up for up to 25 meters of travel. Stick type magazine is removable and reloadable.

KJ Works M9 Series Gas Blowback Pistol

FUN	★★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★
REALISM	★★★★	VALUE	★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★

The KJ M9 GBB pistol is shaped in the classic we all know and have come to see everywhere from movies, to TV shows, and video games. Probably one of the most prolific pistols as it was the service pistol of the United States army for decades. This airsoft gun is a faithful recreation and works just like the real one. The pistol works with most accessories compatible with the M9A1 and the accessory rail works with most lights and lasers.

RWA Nighthawk Custom War Hawk Airsoft Pistol

FUN	★★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★★★
REALISM	★★★★	VALUE	★★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★★★★

The RWA Nighthawk Custom War Hawk 1911 pistol is the latest in the long line of licensed pistols from RWA. The War Hawk brings a unique 1911 design to every player by delivering on performance and flexibility unmatched in its category!

Created originally as a collaborative project between famed shooter Chris Costa and Nighthawk Custom, the War Hawk features the Nighthawk Custom "Tri-Cut" design. The Tri-Cut gives your traditional 1911 a futuristic, modernized look by removing the rounded top of the slide in place for hard edges.

Best Airsoft Rifles for Beginners

ARES AMOEBA Series of M4 AEGs

FUN	★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★
REALISM	★★	VALUE	★★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★

A lot of people have gone and customized their own version but ARES are the only company that have listened and set off to design the AM-013 and AM-014 which closely resembled the AAC Honey Badger PDW. It fits in with their Amoeba line as their receiver hasn't changed but they've managed to add the stylish HB extendable stock, a free float hand guard and a mock suppressor protruding out the front. Sure the hand guard is a little longer, but we are sure ARES will come out with a shorter hand guard version. It works with the ARES / Amoeba Electronic Gearbox Programmer for ARES Electronic Firing Control System Gearbox so you can set your AEG to burst fire if you prefer. The trigger response is excellent and works best with a 7.4v PEQ battery which is stored in a small compartment of the stock.

CYMA AK AEG Airsoft Rifle

FUN	★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★★
REALISM	★★★	VALUE	★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★★

CYMA is widely considered the go-to choice for many players around the world when considering a budget, entry-level AK. However, don't let this moniker fool you into thinking it's a "basic" gun. The CYMA AK series of electric airsoft guns are great shooters out of the box and are ideal for players that love to modify their guns as they are based on Tokyo Marui spec. While their stock form is nothing to ride home about, they make up for this by offering steel receivers, accessories, and internals that are tried and tested!

Best Airsoft Shotguns for Beginners

Maruzen CA870 Tactical II Shotgun

FUN	★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★
REALISM	★★	VALUE	★★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★★

Based on the Remington 870, The Maruzen CA870 is a shorter magazine-fed replica version very loosely based on real steel.

The Solid Glass Fiber design is very robust and has a fantastic finish but keeps the weight way down and keeps things nice and affordable. The system employed by Maruzen shotguns is a pump-action weapon firing a single BB at a time. Although it is spring-operated, the pump is very light, you won't have to break your arm to pump this thing.

Best Airsoft Snipers for Beginners

Silverback TAC41 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle

FUN	★★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★★★
REALISM	★★★	VALUE	★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★★

The Silverback Tac-41 takes the top spot on our list as it is what we feel to be the best example of what the natural evolution of the VSR-10 would be. Boasting the largest air volume in its category, the Tac-41P can sling BBs downrange at a highly consistent FPS with deadly accuracy. Furthermore, Silverback took the time to ensure that there was first-party support for the rifle for players that want to further push the performance of the gun! For a sniper that costs less than $300, there's a lot to like about the Silverback TAC41 Bolt Action Rifle, including its unique design, its high-capacity magazines, its ambidextrous controls, and its included buttstock spacers that allow for a customizable length of pull.

Tokyo Marui VSR-10

FUN	★★★★	BUILD QUALITY	★★★
REALISM	★★	VALUE	★★★★★
PERFORMANCE	★★★★★	COLLECTABILITY	★★★

The Tokyo Marui VSR-10 is a legendary airsoft sniper in its own right but it also makes for a great beginner option. The VSR-10 shoots very consistently and straight, making it great for players that want to try sniper while living in countries that have strict FPS restrictions. The VSR-10 also has a wealth of aftermarket parts for further upgrades too.

Other Considerations for New Airsofters

Everything You Need to Know About Airsoft: Check out this guide for a complete introduction to the world of airsoft.

Airsoft Clothing Guide: Check out this guide to learn more about putting together the ideal airsoft outfit for your climate and play style.

Battery Guide for AEGs: Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about AEG batteries.

How to Build a Loadout: Check out this guide to learn more about assembling the perfect airsoft loadout.

Airsoft Gear Guide: Check out this guide to learn more about choosing the right airsoft gear for your play style.

Airsoft Mask Guide: Check out this guide to learn more about choosing an airsoft mask to protect your face and eyes.

Can Kids Play Airsoft?: Check out this guide to see what you should consider before introducing your children to airsoft.

Airsoft BB Guide: Check out this guide to learn more about choosing the right airsoft BBs.

Airsoft Rules Guide: Check out this guide to learn the commonly-accepted rules of airsoft.

Starting an Airsoft Team: Check out this guide to learn more about starting your own airsoft team.

Competitive Airsoft Games Guide: Check out this guide to see the 17 most popular types of airsoft games.

Airsoft Laws by State: Check out this guide to learn more about the state laws governing airsoft and airsoft guns.

Check out another video we did on more airsoft guns for beginners: