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Airsoft Guns vs. Bb Guns: The Difference Explained
We at RedWolf Airsoft pride ourselves in educating about airsoft — we’ve been teaching people about airsoft for years, getting into the nitty gritty of this awesome hobby.
As part of our ongoing mission to educate and entertain, we’ve covered a lot of ground in our blogs. Today, we’re addressing the question: What’s the difference between airsoft guns vs. BB guns? We'll look at their design, ammunition, and usage to make this comparison easier.
So, let’s dive in and help you decide which is right for you.
What Are Airsoft Guns?
Airsoft guns are pneumatic replica firearms that shoot plastic pellets using air pressure. They come in various types depending on the power source and different builds, like pistols or shotguns. Some use electricity, others gas, and a few use springs or high-pressure air. So you can choose an airsoft gun that fits your preferences and needs.
Let’s get into the different types of airsoft guns.
Battery-Powered Airsoft Guns
Electric airsoft guns, or AEGs (automatic electric guns), are a versatile and popular choice. Tokyo Marui, the innovators, first developed them, and they have since gained a loyal following among airsoft enthusiasts.
AEGs operate on a motor and piston system powered by a rechargeable battery. This battery powers the motor, which compresses a piston, propelling the plastic pellet out of the gun. The ability to switch between semi-automatic and full-automatic firing modes makes AEGs a cost-effective and efficient choice for any airsoft enthusiast.
Gas-Powered Airsoft Guns
Gas airsoft guns, with their unique power source of compressed gas, offer a fun, realistic experience. Various types of gas, such asgreen gas andCO2, are used.
To use a gas airsoft gun, you fill the magazine with gas, load it into the gun, chamber a round, and you’re ready to fire. When you pull the trigger, the gas is released from the magazine into the chamber, propelling the plastic pellets out. Gas guns can be semi-auto or full-auto, depending on the design. These guns are celebrated for their authentic blowback, adding excitement to your airsoft battles.
Spring and High-Pressure Air (HPA) Airsoft Guns
Other types of airsoft guns are spring-powered guns and high-pressure air (HPA) systems.
Spring-powered guns are simple — you manually cock the gun by pulling back a spring before each shot. This compresses the spring, releasing and pushing air and fires the pellet. People often use these in sniper rifles due to their reliability and power.
HPA airsoft guns use an external air tank connected to the gun by a hose. When you pull the trigger, compressed air is released, firing the pellet. HPA systems provide consistent performance and allow tuning for different power levels.
In summary, there are many types of air guns, each with its own features and benefits. There's an airsoft gun for every player, from electric-powered AEGs to gas-operated models and even spring or HPA systems.
What Is a BB Gun?
You might recognize Ralphie’s Red Ryder in A Christmas Story as a classic BB gun, but they’re much more than that. Also known as air guns, BB guns are often mistaken for airsoft guns, but they're different. The main difference between these pellet guns is the ammo.
Unlike airsoft guns,BB guns shoot small round metal projectiles called BBs. They also don't have ahop-up unit, a feature in airsoft guns that improves accuracy by putting a backspin on the airsoft BB as it leaves the barrel, increasing its range and reducing the effects of gravity.
Due to their higher base power, people often use BB guns for pest control and small-game hunting.
How Do BB Guns and Airsoft Guns Compare?
When it comes to BB guns vs. airsoft guns, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Here’s how the two stack up, and what you should know.
Airsoft
- Realistic: Airsoft guns look and feel like real firearms.
- Safety: Lower FPS and plastic BBs mean fewer injuries.
- Versatility: Good for skirmishes, training, and airsoft games.
- Options: Many upgrade and customization possibilities.
- Legal: Easier to buy in many countries due to lower power.
Pros
- Realistic Proportions and Operation
- Safe for Skirmishing
- Wide Upgrade Options
- Different Platform Options
Cons
- Lower Base FPS
- Illegal in Some Countries
Airsoft guns, designed for recreational shooting and skirmishes, prioritize safety. They discharge plastic BBs at lower FPS (feet per second), making them safer for close-range than long-range activities. Airsoft guns have a design that often mirrors that of real guns, making them ideal for training and competitive play.
Realistic features like blowback and selective fire modes enhance the experience while maintaining a high level of safety.
BB Guns
- Power: BB guns shoot metal pellets with more force.
- Functionality: Good for hunting small animals and controlling pests.
- Cost: Metal BBs are cheap, so BB guns are cost-effective.
- Realism: Design often mimics real guns like airsoft guns.
- Safety Note: We do not recommend them for recreational skirmishes due to the higher risk of injury.
Pros
- Realistic
- Higher Base FPS
- Uses Metal Ammunition
- Can be used as Tool for Hunting or Pest Control
Cons
- Unsafe for Skirmishing
- Fewer Replacement Parts
BB guns, with their higher power, are more suitable for practical use. They propel metal BBs at a higher velocity, making them effective for pest control and small-game hunting.
While BB guns can be used for target practice, plinking, and some competitive play, it's important to note that they're not recommended for casual skirmishing due to the increased risk of injury, emphasizing the need for caution.
Now that you know each type's differences and uses, you can choose the right one. Whether for realistic training, recreational games, or practical use, both airsoft and BB guns have their place in the shooting community.
Can a BB Gun Be Used as an Airsoft Gun?
You can technically use a BB gun like an airsoft gun for target practice or shooting competitions, as both types of guns can share some of the same accessories.
For example, many BB pistols can use the same holsters, lights, and lasers as airsoft pistols, while airsoft rifles can use the slings, sights, and bipods used with BB guns.
That said, there is a limit to this crossover. You wouldn’t want to show up to an airsoft game with a BB gun, and using an airsoft gun for pest control isn’t practical, either. So, while there’s some overlap in accessories and general use, keeping their specific roles separate is best.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between airsoft and BB guns depends on your needs and wants. Airsoft guns are used for military simulations and team-based games, such as capture the flag, or scenario-based missions. They look like real guns but shoot plastic pellets, making them safer for casual play.
On the other hand, BB guns shoot small steel BBs and are more powerful, making them suitable for target shooting and small-game hunting, such as squirrels or rabbits.
Airsoft might be the way to go if you want a fun team experience, and we’ve got you covered at RedWolf Airsoft.
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