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ELECTRIC AIRSOFT SHOTGUNS
Electric Airsoft Shotguns
Electric airsoft shotguns are known for their ability to launch barrages of 3 round bursts downrange with a single pull of the trigger. This fearsome weapon is deadly in close-quarters engagements, most airsoft shotguns are breechloading and can be single-barreled, double-barreled, or in the form of combination guns.
Similar to a rifle, shotguns come in a range of different action types, which as known single-shot and repeating. For those that are non-repeating designs, over-and-under break-action shotguns are by far the most common type. Although revolving shotguns did exist at one point, most modern repeating shotguns are either pump-action or semi-automatic, and some are also fully automatic, lever-action, or bolt-action to a lesser extent.
The common characteristics that make a shotgun unique center on the requirements of firing a shot. These features are the features typical of a shotgun shell, namely a relatively short, wide cartridge, with straight walls, and operating at relatively low pressure. But since this is airsoft let’s not worry about that. Ammunition for shotguns in the states is known as shotgun shells, shotshells, or just shells. Though if you’re from the United Kingdom you may know it as the cartridge.
These shotguns can 3 rounds of BB in full auto or a single 3 round bursts but this all depends on the brand and model. They typically feed on a magazine which usually can hold up to 300 rounds. Though the range on these shotguns is short, they still remain very effective at CQB. Imagine, breaching into a room with a full-auto shotgun that can shoot 3 rounds at a time with a high rate of fire!
What to Look for in an Electric Airsoft Shotgun?
Electric shotguns bring an interesting dynamic to Airsoft as it’s rather challenging to replicate the functionality and shooting style of Shotguns as replicas. There are not many electric shotguns out there, but with that being said they are super fun to shoot!
These shotguns usually come with a magazine as they work very similar to an AEG, but with a shorter inner barrel and the ability to shoot 3 rounds at once with three inner barrels. Don’t expect to find any that are shell ejecting or pump-action styles as electric airsoft shotguns do not support this function.
What are Some of the Best Electric Airsoft Shotguns?
Being able to shoot three BB’s at a time, hold a huge drum magazine capable of 3000 BB’s and three independent adjustable hop-up, the Tokyo Marui AA12 can do it all. Is it possible to have too much fun? This fearsome monster of a gun has to be the best electric airsoft shotgun as it delivered a fun shooting experience. It can be used for most situations but just don’t try using it as a long-range rifle!
Click here to learn more about the Tokyo Marui AA12: https://tinyurl.com/yylrdafy
Why You Should Use an Electric Airsoft Shotgun
If you are looking for something that’s easy to shoot, cost-effective, and doesn’t require much maintenance then look no further. Compared to a gas airsoft shotgun, there’s no need to worry about it jamming, loading shells, or gas leaks! An electric airsoft shotgun is very similar to an AEG but with a shorter barrel and the ability to shoot three rounds at a time. What we like about electric airsoft shotguns is that it’s not loaded like a typical shotgun with shells. This makes it very easy to manipulate and suitable for anyone that wants to get into shotguns, as you don’t need to pump it for every shot.
How Far Do Electric Airsoft Shotguns Shoot?
As electric airsoft shotguns feature an inner barrel compared to its gas counterpart you can expect a bit more distance with it. From our testing, electric airsoft shotguns can shoot distances of 30 meters or more depending on the environment. This of course can be extended if you make modifications to the inner barrel, but keep in mind this is a shotgun. It is designed for CQB, so if you want range then use a rifle!
Electric Shotgun
ELECTRIC AIRSOFT SHOTGUN
Airsoft electric shotguns are powered by a rechargeable battery and can shoot 3 BBs per trigger pull at 30 BBs per second in full auto mode. Electric shotguns are more complex versions of the AEG rifle, and are used when overwhelming firepower is needed to clear a room or a group of opponents. Tokyo Marui is the only brand to make electric shotguns, with the AA-12 and the SGR 12 as the only options in airsoft.
Electric shotguns rely on rechargeable batteries, gearboxes, and intricate gears to turn a trigger pull into several BBs shot down range. These airsoft replicas mirror the function of a real-steel shotgun and incorporate the benefits of an automatic electric airsoft gun (AEG). Alternative airsoft shotguns include spring-powered and compressed-gas-powered shotguns, each offering its own pros and cons.
What Is an Electric Shotgun?
Electric shotguns are airsoft shotguns that shoot multiple BBs with a single trigger pull using a gearbox and rechargeable battery.
An electric airsoft shotgun distinguishes itself from a spring-powered (“springer”) airsoft shotgun and a compressed gas (green gas or CO2) airsoft shotgun. Springer airsoft shotguns use a compressed spring to create the blast of air that propels BBs down range, while gas-powered airsoft shotguns require green gas or CO2 to perform the same function.
Electric shotguns are similar to airsoft AEGs but with slightly more complex internals. An electric shotgun can fire in full auto and provides impressive power compared to a more affordable spring-powered shotgun. Airsoft electric shotguns aren’t as common as other types of shotguns, but they can be devastatingly fun on the airsoft field.
How Does an Electric Shotgun Work?
Electric shotguns require rechargeable batteries to work. Once you remove the batteries from the charger and plug them into the airsoft shotgun, you’re ready to go. All you have to do is load up a few magazines with BBs and head out to the field for some electrifying gameplay.
Mechanically, electric airsoft shotguns work similarly to your standard AEG platform. Inside, electric airsoft shotguns house three individual barrels and corresponding cylinders. When the gearbox fires the trigger, one BB travels down each barrel to exit the muzzle.
Electric shotguns run on ratioed gears with main springs that drive the piston the length of the cylinder to create the compression necessary to propel the BB down range. If you’ve seen an AEG in person, you understand the split second the gun takes to react and fire when you pull the trigger. This ability to return fire — quickly — puts AEGs at the top of the list for many airsoft players, including experienced ones.
Spring vs. Electric Shotgun
Beyond the shotgun platform basics, the differences between spring-powered and electric airsoft shotguns boil down to user experience.
With a spring shotgun, you must manually cock the gun each time you want to fire it (like a pump-action shotgun). This can leave you open to return fire from your opponents, and since you’re in close quarters (rather than far away like you might be with a springer sniper rifle), calling “hit!” probably isn’t far off.
Gas vs. Electric Shotgun
Similar to electric shotguns, certain gas airsoft shotguns allow you to shoot without having to manually cock the spring back each time.
However, gas shotguns (similar to any gas-powered airsoft pistol or rifle) are more susceptible to changes in temperature and may not perform well in the cold. Some players prefer gas shotguns because they offer a more realistic kick due to their blowback nature, but electric airsoft shotguns can be just as fun to shoot.
Why Run an Electric Shotgun?
When you take a look at the electric shotguns RedWolf stocks, it’s easy to see why you might want to add one or both of these electric shotguns to your airsoft arsenal.
The Tokyo Marui AA12 AEG Airsoft Shotgun and the Tokyo Marui SGR-12 Electric Airsoft Shotgun have an intimidating presence. They’re also the perfect platform for clearing rooms or providing cover fire in close-quarter battle (CQB) and looking like an action hero at the same time.
How To Choose an Electric Shotgun
Very few brands have attempted to create an airsoft electric shotgun. Tokyo Marui is among the few, with its AA12 AEG Airsoft Shotgun and the SGR-12 Electric Airsoft Shotgun variant, but Cyma also made an SGR-12.
Electric shotguns can cost a pretty penny compared to other airsoft guns, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Of the models we mentioned, the Cyma SGR-12 is the more affordable. However, keep in mind that all of these models are costly to repair. They also require a high-capacity magazine to feed the alarming rate at which you’ll fling ammo down range. A drum magazine can help give these electric shotguns from Tokyo Marui enough feed for plenty of gameplay.
How To Upgrade an Electric Shotgun
Similar to a spring-powered airsoft shotgun, electric shotguns aren’t necessarily upgradable. In fact, we don’t recommend you upgrade your electric airsoft shotgun, including the Tokyo Marui models. Although this brand is known for its aftermarket support, increasing the spring rates within the electric shotgun can actually risk failure due to excessive internal stress.
Popular Electric Shotgun Models
RedWolf stocks the Tokyo Marui AA12 AEG Airsoft Shotgun and the Tokyo Marui SGR-12 Electric Airsoft Shotgun.
The SGR-12 semi-auto and full auto shotgun is based on the design of Thor’s Hammer in Resident Evil 7 and features a 10-inch front handguard, polymer and full-metal components, multiple Picatinny rail segments, and a battery compartment tucked in the stock. Pull the charging handle back to expose the three individual hop-up units for each of the three inner barrels, and once you’re tuned, simply insert the 93-round magazine for tons of fun.
Choosing between the Tokyo Marui AA12 and the SGR-12 depends on your gaming style and what features you’re looking for. The AA12 is the more realistic, replicating the real-steel variants used in The Expendables franchise and video games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
However, the SGR-12 wins points for looking the tactical part, complete with an M4-style pistol grip, M-LOK handguard, a removable flash hider, a Picatinny rail up top for your red dots and scopes, and a 3,000-round drum magazine. Did we mention that the drum mag also fits the AA12?
Electric airsoft shotguns don’t enjoy as much popularity as other AEGs, perhaps due to practicality. For example, airsoft players often come prepared with an AEG rifle to crack off follow-up shots, potentially in full auto.
However, lobbing multiple BBs down range with one trigger pull of a shotgun could match, if not exceed, the time it takes to expel that many BBs from an AEG barrel. At that point, you’re probably outgunned.
Check out our reviews of the Tokyo Marui AA12 and the Tokyo Marui SGR-12 to learn more about the difference between these two electric airsoft shotguns. RedWolf’s inventory includes some of the best airsoft rifles, grenade launchers, handguns, and more. We stock all the airsoft accessories you need, from nozzles, buckings, and HPA regulators to gas blowback (GBB) pistols, semi-automatic rifles, revolvers, and lever-action rifles from your favorite brands.
How do electric airsoft shotguns work?
Mechanically, electric shotguns are very simiilar to regular AEG rifles, expect they possess more complex gearbox designs and sufficient air volume to drive 3 individual barrels using 3 separate cylinders. Tokyo Marui’s design is nothing short of a mechanical feat. Electric shotguns also have a gearbox and run on ratioed gears with main springs that drive a piston into a cylinder for air compression.
Is an electric shotgun better than a spring airsoft shotgun?
Electric airsoft shotguns offer a major competitive advantage. Because they are electric, they are inherently able to shoot in full auto. Tokyo Marui’s electric shotguns can shoot 3 BBs each time and up to 30 BBs per second, meaning a rate of fire of 10 blasts per second. That is enough to send your opponents running for cover. That is significant more firepower than a hand pumped spring shotgun that you may be lucky to get off one blast per second. If you have the budget and need serious room clearing firepower, the electric shotgun wins over the spring shotgun anyday. If you get an electric shotgun, then be sure to get the 3000 round drum magazine since you will be using up your BBs very quickly.
How much do electric shotguns cost?
Electric shotguns are very expensive because they are very complicated internally, with multiple barrels with individual hop up adjustments that allow it to fire multiple BBs at once. Because of this, they run in the hundreds of US dollars, and can also be costly to repair. Thankfully, Tokyo Marui is famous for their reliability and build quality so if you take good care of these shotguns, they should last a long time without any problems. The Tokyo Marui AA-12 airsoft AEG shotgun is a bit more affordable, while the Tokyo Marui SGR 12 automatic electric airsoft shotgun is a fancier version that costs a bit more.
How to upgrade an electric shotgun?
Unfortunately due to the limited offering by Tokyo Marui and a lack of aftermarket upgrade parts, there is nothing you can do to upgrade an electric airsoft gun. Expert gunsmiths might be tempted to increase the spring rates inside the gearbox but this would also risk other component failure due to the added stress. For these reasons, we do not recommend modifying or upgrading the Tokyo Marui Electric shotguns at all. They are very effective in their factory form and were never meant to be long range shooters. Being hit by 3 to 6 BBs simultaneously in their factory power is already going to hurt and be noticed.
