GAS AIRSOFT SHOTGUN

Airsoft gas shotguns dominate the field with intimidating blasts of BBs propelled by green gas, black gas, red gas, CO2, or HFC134a. Players can enjoy the full shotgun experience, from racking the gun and loading shells to the life-like recoil from gas blowback models. 

Typically, an airsoft gas shotgun uses an onboard gas reservoir to propel BBs toward your target. Airsoft gas shotguns can resemble everything from a realistic historical shotgun to a futuristic and tactically advantaged workhorse that conquers close-quarters battle (CQB). 

What Is an Airsoft Gas Shotgun?

An airsoft shotgun, also known as a scattergun, refers to an airsoft gun that looks like, or mimics, a real shotgun that can shoot one or more BB rounds. If you think of traditional shotguns that fire birdshot or buckshot, airsoft shotguns work off the same concept with 6mm plastic BBs as the projectile. 

An airsoft gas shotgun most commonly uses green gas or CO2 to fire multiple BBs downrange. Airsoft gas shotguns excel in CQB scenarios or gameplay that involves mid-range shots and lower feet-per-second (FPS). In addition to intensifying combat, airsoft gas shotguns can take attachments such as real wood elements, historical features, pistol grips, metal receivers, and a healthy dose of realism to replicate the sound and feel of working a real shotgun. 

Players often choose airsoft shotguns because they’re affordable, easy to learn how to shoot, reliable, fun to use when engaging with other players, and durable. A Tokyo Marui shotgun is a mainstay in any airsoft collection. Plus, the multi-shot spread produced by most airsoft shotguns increases your chances of hitting your target in fast-paced gameplay. 

You can choose from a wide variety of airsoft shotguns, like the Tokyo Marui KSG Gas Airsoft Shotgun or G&G ESG B-10 GBB Shotgun. Get your hands on one today!

How Does an Airsoft Gas Shotgun Work?

Firing an airsoft gas shotgun requires pressurized gas and BBs instead of an electric gearbox. The gas shotgun typically incorporates a gas reservoir onboard, while shotgun shells or magazines store the BBs. Similar to any gas airsoft gun, the gas propels the BB out of the muzzle via multiple inner barrels housed within an outer barrel, and the cocking action (such as pumping it) loads another set of rounds for the next shot.

Some airsoft gas shotguns are limited to a select number of shots, and others (like the G&G ESG B-10 GBB Shotgun, which uses M4-style AEG magazines) let you select the shot count with a selector switch. Only a handful (including the Tokyo Marui Saiga-12 SBS GBB Airsoft Shotgun) let you go full-auto. 

Shell-ejecting airsoft gas shotguns use shells that incorporate a valve, similar to miniature airsoft grenades or grenade launchers. Airsoft gas shotguns may or may not have an adjustable hop-up mechanism with traditional bucking as well.

How To Choose an Airsoft Gas Shotgun

Walking onto the airsoft field with a gas-powered airsoft shotgun can mean a traditional real-wood airsoft shotgun for one player or a tactical airsoft shotgun platform for another. 

Airsoft shotguns look and function differently with various accessories. For example, the Tokyo Marui M870 Tactical Gas Airsoft Shotgun includes three inner full-metal barrels, a fixed hop-up, Picatinny top rails, and the clickity-clack sounds of a true shotgun. Tokyo Marui also makes the M870 Breacher Gas Airsoft Shotgun, a variant more geared toward CQB with its shorter length, pistol grip (instead of a traditional shotgun stock, and rubber foregrip. 

Fun Factor

If an airsoft gas shotgun doesn’t draw your ear, it should draw your eyes to the design elements or other accessories that take a simple shotgun to the next level. Take the Wingun T2 Shotgun, for example, which can hold four shotgun shells in the magazine, and the shell is ejected on each lever cycle after firing. A gas blowback airsoft shotgun gives you more of a realistic experience and the firepower you need to dominate your airsoft field. 

Collectability 

Rare or limited-edition airsoft gas shotguns can up your reputation at your local airsoft field if you decide to bring them. Many players add a shotgun to their airsoft collection for various reasons: To expand a collection, to compliment their airsoft pistols or gas rifles, or just to feel like an action hero while playing airsoft. If having a unique airsoft gas shotgun is on your list, researching which models are collectible and desirable is a good first step.

Replica Style

Like many other airsoft guns, airsoft gas shotguns can resemble real-life variants. The Farsan 0521 Real Wood 1000mm Double Barrel Gas Shotgun incorporates classic wood furniture and a break-open-style loading port. Fans of the Terminator movies might enjoy the lever-action WinGun T2 Shotgun— the airsoft version of the gun used by Arnold in the film. The Maruzen M870 Black Version mirrors a platform many global law enforcement agencies rely on. 

You can also choose from several airsoft gas shotgun styles, including: 

• Pump action

• Sawed-off
• Lever action
• Double barrel
• Break action 

Some styles are based on aesthetics, while others indicate how the airsoft shotgun operates. 

Performance and Build Quality 

Airsoft guns can take quite a beating, so investing in a higher-quality model to start with can really improve your experience. The best airsoft gas shotguns use high-quality components, from internal mechanisms to external materials. There’s just nothing like racking an airsoft gas shotgun time after time and getting the same satisfying performance. 

How To Upgrade an Airsoft Gas Shotgun

For the most part, you can typically find an airsoft gas shotgun that checks multiple boxes on your wishlist. However, consider upgrading certain components or switching out pieces for better ergonomics or mission-specific needs. RedWolf offers a wide selection of airsoft shotgun parts, as well as upgrade and replacement parts for airsoft gas shotguns specifically, including: 

• Cheek Rests
• Mag Release
• Threaded barrel adapter
• Nozzles & valves
• Inner Barrel Parts
• Hop Up Parts
• Spring Pistons and Cylinders
• Trigger Parts for Shotguns
• Airsoft Shotgun Springs
• Vests and pouches for carrying extra shells and gas canisters

Some players upgrade their airsoft gas shotguns by tapping them for high-pressure air (HPA), fitting a larger gas reservoir, or purchasing extra gas tanks. 

An HPA conversion can increase efficiency, but it does require carrying around a regulator and bottle (typically housed in a backpack or attached to a vest) to supply air to the shotgun. Since airsoft gas shotguns are a close-distance replica, you typically won’t find scopes mounted on them but rather red dots, lasers, or flashlights, which can give you the edge over your competition, especially in night games.

Popular Airsoft Gas Shotguns

Choosing an airsoft gas shotgun can be a piece of cake if you know what you’re looking for. If you’re in the market for a pump action gas shotgun, a tactical semi-auto shotgun, or a traditional replica, check out the following models: 

• Tokyo Marui SAIGA 12K Gas BlowBack Shotgun
• APS Striker Street Sweeper Airsoft Shotgun (12-MK3 'CO2 Cartridge Charging Version')
• APS Shell-Ejecting CAM 870 Shotgun MKIII Magnum Airsoft Marker
• Farsan 0521 Real Wood 1000mm Double Barrel Gas Shotgun
• Tokyo Marui KSG Gas Airsoft Shotgun
• VFC FABARM STF 12 Compact 11-inch Gas Airsoft Shotgun
• Maruzen M870 Black Version
• Tokyo Marui M870 Tactical Gas Airsoft Shotgun

RedWolf is your source for high-quality airsoft gun platforms and accessories. Check out our blog to learn more about airsoft and discover our favorites, from the best realistic airsoft guns to the best cheap airsoft guns of 2024.