AIRSOFT SMG

Airsoft submachine guns (SMGs) bring replicas of some of the most popular real-steel SMG platforms to the airsoft field. Shorter in length than your average rifle, real-life SMGs rely on pistol-caliber cartridges to get the job done. 

Powered by a rechargeable battery or a compressed gas, airsoft SMGs dominate in close-quarter battle (CQB) scenarios found in both indoor and outdoor airsoft fields. 

What Is an Airsoft SMG?

Airsoft often borrows some of the best platforms from the real-steel world, and the airsoft submachine gun is no exception. Real SMGs excel in close-range combat, where a compact footprint serves you best in clearing rooms and entire buildings. These versatile real-steel guns exploit the power of pistol-caliber cartridges complemented by shorter barrels. 

Many consider the Heckler & Koch MP5 the most famous real-steel submachine gun. This particular platform serves many law enforcement agents, SWAT team members, and special military unit members. More recently, SMGs have given way to personal defense weapons (PDWs), which fire rifle cartridges from a shorter barrel. 

In airsoft, SMGs can also be referred to as airsoft machine pistols due to their slightly oversized, pistol-like footprint and lightweight construction, which makes them easy to fire with one hand. 

Like their real-world counterparts, airsoft SMGs are smaller than airsoft rifles (including your typical airsoft automatic electric gun (AEG)) but larger than airsoft pistols. The airsoft SMG design prioritizes compactness, maneuverability, and accuracy, similar to real-steel SMGs, with shorter barrels and folding stocks. 

Like airsoft rifles, SMGs often have Picatinny rails up top for scopes or red dots and rail sections on the sides or bottom of handguards for flashlights, foregrips, or grenade launchers. Some come with a mock suppressor or flash hider for a more realistic look.

How Does an Airsoft SMG Work? 

Rechargeable batteries, compressed gas, springs, and high-pressure air (HPA) represent the four main ways airsoft guns propel BBs down range. Airsoft SMGs, similar to airsoft pistols and rifles, utilize one or more methods across different platforms, depending on the manufacturer. For example, the Tokyo Marui Vz61 Scorpion Spring Airsoft is a spring-powered SMG, while the Maruzen VZ61 Scorpion is a gas blowback (GBB) SMG, even though they replicate the same real-steel SMG. 

AEG

Of the four types of airsoft SMGs, the most popular include AEGs and GBBs. Airsoft AEGs work well for new players and more experienced players who’ve settled into the role they want to play on the field. AEG SMGs operate similarly to any AEG airsoft rifle in that a gearbox fires a motor to pull back an internal piston that compresses a spring. When a trigger pull releases that spring, the SMG fires as quickly as those components can actuate. 

In addition, those same internal components mirror those of many assault rifles, making upgrade parts readily and affordably available. If you’re not already satisfied with the fantastic performance out of the box, you can easily upgrade airsoft AEG SMGs to suit your liking. 

Running an airsoft AEG SMG is also cheaper than a GBB SMG because you only have to invest in rechargeable lipo batteries and a battery charger. Magazines are also more affordable because they don’t have to hold a gas reservoir in addition to your plastic ammo. 

GBB

The draw of GBB SMGs stems from the realistic recoil built into these platforms. Strategic release of the compressed gas (like CO2 or green gas), stored in either the gun itself or magazine, sends BBs down range. These SMGs also cycle like the real thing when the gas is released, giving users a near-authentic and fun experience. 

Since GBB magazines must carry compressed gas and BBs, they’re often heavier and of lower capacity than your typical AEG magazine. 

However, you can easily stuff a few magazines throughout your gear by putting a few in side pouches or snugging them into the pockets of your chest rig. You won't need as many magazines if you run a GBB SMG as a backup weapon to your sniper platform. 

HPA

Despite having to carry a tank in your backpack or strapped to your back, HPA SMGs can add power to an already optimized platform with a steady supply of pressurized air. 

For example, the ASG CZ Scorpion EVO3A1 SMG w/ Wolverine Inferno Gen. 2 HPA Edition incorporates single, three-round burst, and full auto firing modes with a programmable rate of fire. The EVO3A1 SMG also features the 70-degree Ultimate bucking for consistency and accuracy. 

How to Choose an Airsoft SMG

Before you decide on an airsoft SMG, consider what role you want to play on the field and how much you want to spend. Snipers who want a secondary weapon often choose a reliable and accurate SMG to quickly take out targets that breach the minimum engagement distance. 

If you want a historically accurate SMG, there’s seemingly no end to the available options. And if it’s budget you’re concerned about, airsoft SMGs can range from a few hundred dollars to north of $500. 

Popular Airsoft SMG Models

When it comes to airsoft SMGs, you really can’t go wrong. Players looking for a solid backup weapon to carry in addition to their airsoft sniper rifle often choose the Maruzen Ingram M11 Gas Blow Back Sub Machine Gun. 

Other popular platforms include the following: 

• H&K MP5
• ICS MP5 SD6 CES Retractable Stock Airsoft AEG SMG
• H&K MP7
• King Arms KWA / KSC M11A1 System 7 (NS2) Gas Blowback SMG w/ M11 PDW CNC Kit Installed
• FN P90
• Umarex MP5K PDW Airsoft SMG GBB V2
• Scorpion EVO
• H&K UMP
• Arcturus PPK20 AEG Airsoft SMG
• UZI
• Krytac Kriss Vector
• Umarex MP7A1 AEG SMG
• Thompson SMG
• Arcturus PP19 01 Vityaz Ztac SP1 Carbine AEG SMG

John Wick fans will surely add the EMG TTI John Wick Sig Sauer MPX AEG (Faux Carbon Fiber Handguard) to their wishlist. The real-world version appears in the third chapter of the John Wick series, but why not introduce it to the airsoft field? This airsoft SMG has a CNC-machined full-metal receiver, faux carbon fiber extended M-LOK handguard, and TTI-licensed flared magwell. 

However, what makes the EMG TTI MPX AEG arguably the most desirable is the VFC Avalon gearbox with built-in MOSFET inside. The quick-change spring system, ambidextrous controls and charging handle, and 100-round mid-capacity magazine aren’t bad additions either. This AEG SMG also features a three-port comp-styled muzzle device that’s icing on the cake. 

Not entirely sold on the idea of an airsoft submachine gun? Check out RedWolf’s wide selection of airsoft platforms, accessories, and upgrades that keep you on the leading edge of airsoft. From stocking up on BBs to picking out your next favorite airsoft gun, RedWolf is your go-to source.