When starting out in Airsoft, we have a ton of options. It seems like a never-ending list of choices to filter through. But, as always, WE’RE HERE TO HELP! Today, we’re going to be helping the people on a tighter budget. Specifically, we have a $200 price point to work with. Hold onto your tight’s folks, we’re getting this party started!

 

#5 – Lancer Tactical Multi Mission Carbine (MMC) $185

The Lancer Tactical MMC line is one of the most underrated series on the market. OEM’d by Lonex, This series will last and perform at a competitive level. With Lonex’s complete line of parts included, this gun is the walking definition of “Pre-Upgraded”. Every single part in the gun is considered an upgrade part by most techs. Along with all of the upgrades is a high strength polymer body. Why is this only at number 5 you ask? Well it’s an incredibly basic gun. There’s nothing that stands out that’ll make it an ultra-high-end performer. While the internals are better than most, they’re not the best parts available for upgrading. Check out our review here!

 

 

#4 – Apex Fast Attack (Metal & Polymer) $110 – $196

 

The Apex brand gained a bit of a negative reputation a few years back. Recently they’ve streamlined their gearboxes, re-worked a few things, and now feature an incredibly reliable system. The Fast Attack series come in a full metal and polymer bodies. Internally it features 8mm steel bushings, low resistance wiring, a 25k Classic Army Motor, Flat trigger, rotary hop-up unit, and a 6.03mm Barrel. The trigger response is amazing on this extremely budget M4. With most of the upgrades already done for you, there is very little that you’d absolutely need to change. Now a lot of people are asking, “How is an Apex above the MMC?” It’s above the MMC because they perform relatively the same. The polymer Fast Attacks are about $70 cheaper. You can also get a metal Fast Attack for about $10 more than the MMC.

 

 

#3 – G&G CM-16 E Raider 2.0 $190 – $225

The G&G Combat Machine line dominated the entry level market for many years. We used them as a base for our G4 line up and they worked fantastically. Very recently G&G re-vamped their line to include a MOSFET straight out of the box. Originally their mid-tier guns included their ETU system. Now it’s trickled its way into their entry level guns. The trigger unit allows for incredible trigger response. It can be programmed to feature a 3 or 5 round burst, The G&G is wired to deans, giving you great trigger response and rate of fire. The biggest drawback to the new G&G is the battery space. With their MOSFET being in-line, it takes up a lot of space making battery options limited. Using higher voltage batteries may result in your MOSFET getting burnt out as well. Their MOSFET seems to run into snags when using anything higher than a 7.4v LiPo.

 

 

 

 

#2 – Elite Force M4 CFR Next Gen – $184.95

 

 

Elite Force is known for their quality control. Everything from their high-end AEG’s, pistols, and (of course) their entry level guns. They thoroughly quality control check every single gun that is imported into the US to be sure you don’t run into an issue. The CFR features a microswitch trigger similar to the G&G. This allows for great trigger response. The advantage of the Elite Force is it can handle higher power batteries more efficiently. You’ll get a similar rate of fire, semi-automatic response, and range and accuracy. The difference being the Elite Force won’t burn out from consistent high-power battery usage. Check out this awesome review from Diles46!

#1 – Classic Army ECS Skirmish Line – $184.99 – $224.99

 

Classic Army has made a huge splash in the industry in the past 2 years. They’ve rebuilt their reputation and are quickly taking over the market. Their Skirmish line was already incredibly competitive with a MOSFET, precision gears, 6.03mm barrel, and rotary hop up. Then they started producing the Skirmish line with their ECS out of the box. The ECS allows for an enormous range of programmability. Classic Army also upgraded from a basic motor to a proline 23k motor. The upgraded motor shows in the improved rate of fire. They also changed the hop up unit to a polymer. Giving it a better seal for a more consistent FPS output. Featuring 4 different types, in 2 legnths, only APEX has more selections in their line. Check out our review here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We get a lot of questions about hot pistol models. We thought it would be fun to put together a list of our 5 Most Popular Airsoft Pistols. Now this countdown isn’t a list for the best performing pistols by any means. This is simply the most in demand Pistols that people have asked us for.

 

#5 – ASG CZ P-09

The ASG CZ P-09 came out back in 2015 and took the market by storm. It boasts a comfortable grip, good stock performance, and it can use green gas or CO2! The design of the CZ grip was made to be as comfortable as possible. People with small hands still find it comfortable, even with a double-stack magazine. Performance wise, the P-09 can go toe to toe with most stock pistols available. Range, accuracy, consistency, and gas efficiency are all amazing in it’s price range. The most appealing option that this pistol has, is its ability to use green gas or CO2. With green gas the P-09 works great for indoor fields. With CO2 it works perfect for outdoor play.

 

 

#4 – M9 Platform

A lot of people come into Airsoft with some kind of gaming experience. A lot of games feature real guns and most of them have an Airosft counterpart. One of the most common guns in the gaming world is the M9 pistol. Used in everything from Doom, Call of Duty, Battlefield, Arma, and so many more. Many of us have used an M9 in the virtual world. A lot of times we transition to an M9 in Airsoft. We didn’t list a specific brand M9. There are so many different brands to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Personally, I prefer the KWA M9 due to it’s good performance out of the box. If you’re on a budget, the Elite Force or KJW are also great options.

#3 – 2011 Platform (Hi Capa)

The Hi Capa is the go to standard for Indoor Airsofters all over the world. The Hi Capa has a seemingly endless supply of upgrades. The Hi Capa platform is a model that should never go out of service. A base gun can start at $100 and be the final investment for an indoor gun. There are also guns that perform great out of the box. The AW Hi Capa Line is one of the hottest Hi Capas on the market. Builds can cost thousands, depending on what parts go into it. There’s a reason the Hi Capa is a go to in the indoor world. It’s light, upgradeable, and consistent. What more could you ask for from a sidearm?

 

#2 – 1911

The 1911 is debatably the most iconic pistol ever made. In the real firearms world it has been used since its creation in 1911. To this day, it’s still used by Special Forces groups and Law Enforcement. A lot of people say the 1911 is an outdated system. Regardless, any weapon system with a continuous service life of 107 years is impressive. Everyone from real steel shooters to gamers knows what a 1911 is. There are very few pistol manufacturers that don’t make a GBB pistol version. Elite Force, WE, KJW, KWA, just to name a few. Just like the Hi Capa, upgrades are endless to make it perform amazingly.

#1 – Glock Platform (17 & 19)

Our top pick goes to the Glock platform in general. While the 1911 has the longest current servic

e life of any military weapon in history. The Glock is quickly stealing the spotlight in the Law Enforcement and Military world. Using a highly reliable striker fire system, the Glock was designed to do one thing, work. In airsoft, that is no different. There are several companies who have produced Glocks over the years. Only recently has Elite Force secured the licensing. Now that Glocks can be sourced reliably, their appearances will become much more widespread. Companies such as PTS and Maple Leaf have already started making upgrade parts for the new models. It may only be a matter of time before they take over the Airsoft market. Just how they took over the real firearms market.

One of the most common questions we receive is, “Is it safe?” To that we’ll answer, “Absolutely! As long as Little Johnny is wearing the proper safety equipment, he’ll come home in one piece.” The majority of parents will breathe a sigh of relief knowing their child is safe. If you’re the parent that is still concerned, that’s ok! We’re here to show you all the steps you should take to make sure your child is safe. We all want to have fun and be safe when playing Airsoft.

First, the most important piece of safety equipment for ANY player is quality eye protection. Any eye protection that is worn onto an Airsoft field should meet, minimum, ANSI Z87.1 rating. Meaning it has been tested and certified to stand up to blunt impact, splashes, and small dust particles. If your eye protection is not rated you run the risk of your lenses shattering and potentially losing an eye. We’re only born with two eyes and we want to keep it that way.

Another thing to consider is getting eye protection that is anti-fog. Being able to keep your eyes from getting shot out is a big deal. At the same time, you still have to be able to see where you’re running. You don’t want to twist an ankle or take a bad fall. Having the ability to see will always improve your overall playing experience. You can confirm if you hit someone, track your BB’s, and distinguish friend from foe. If you’re stuck attempting to de-fog your mask you’re putting yourself in a very risky situation. In the event you’re taking cover behind a tree, attempting to de-fog. Another player may not notice what you’re doing and shoot in your direction.

 

When selecting your eye protection, consider how comfortable it is for you. Is it something you can wear for extended periods of time? Will you get tired of it after 10 minutes? An hour? Three hours? Longer? If the Milsim scene catches your attention, why not invest in a good pair of eye protection that will be ready when you are? If you can wear that set of goggles for 40 hours, surely you could run them for a 40-minute walk on game. Remember, you only get one set of eyes. Protect them.

 

After eye protection comes a lower facemask. They’re easier to select because there’s only a handful of different types available. Find one that fits well to your goggles. It’s ideal for your lower face mask to sit right up against your eye protection and keeps any gaps from being exposed. Next consider the material the mask is made of. After extended periods of having a steel mask rubbing on your face it can get uncomfortable. Consider the part mesh, part fabric masks to help with comfort in longer scenarios.

 

Having good eye and face protection are the key to staying safe in Airsoft. Getting shot isn’t going to cause a life-threatening injury in any way. The primary focus should be protecting your eyes and teeth. Getting shot in the torso, arms, legs, is something you’ll get used to. After playing for 9 years, painful shots really isn’t a thing for me anymore.

Scrolling through the inter-webs, scanning through everything Airsoft related on YouTube, and you catch something consistently recurring. GBB Pistol, GBB Rifle, GBB only game, GBB this, GBB that. “WHAT IS GBB!??!?!” Well that’s what we’re here to find out! GBB is short for Gas Blow Back and in Airsoft terms that can be a pistol, rifle, sub machine gun, or even a light machine gun depending on how you look at it. Today we’re going to tell you all about GBB Airsoft. Prepare yourself for the journey into the GBB Master Race!

 

GBB Pistols are the most common form of Gas Blow Back you’ll find in Airsoft. At an affordable price and a lot of reliable options, pistols are the easiest way to get into GBB Airsoft. They make a great back up to your primary and are a lot of fun to operate. GBB Pistols also come in several different shapes and sizes. You have 1911’s, M9’s, 226’s, Glocks, M&P’s, revolvers. The majority of pistols that are available in the real firearm world have an Airsoft counterpart.

 

GBB Rifles had a big surge in popularity a couple of years ago. You’d walk into most SoCal local fields and find a lot of gas rifles being used. Outside of that, they come out of the woodwork during the Summer. With the advantage of weather on their side, you’ll achieve optimal performance and efficiency. Users typically get a lot of respect due to the ammo restrictions inherent to the platform. Gas rifles in the past were unicorns and would require a lot of money to be able to have a playable set up. Now-a-days you can get an entire rifle set up for a much more affordable price. Use Affirm on our website for easy monthly payments!

 

GBB LMG’s are the real unicorns of recoil guns. Only a handful of systems have ever existed. They are all powered by an external air tank. It’s still a gas-powered mechanism so I’m throwing it in. In the past nine years that I have been playing, I have only come across this style of gun once. It was a Classic Army M249 that had been modified with a Daytona Engine kit. It featured a full travel bolt and recoil. The gentleman who owned it was nice enough to let me shoot it. It was a truly memorable experience. Even with the weight of the gun, it still had more recoil than any other gas rifle I have fired to this day. It was incredibly loud and got everyone’s attention, and the performance was fantastic. At 200 ft, I could still easily hit a man-sized target.

• The gun shown is not the Daytona 249 mentioned in the blog but it was built exactly the same way     

 

 

The primary drawbacks of GBB’s are weight, rate of fire, and cooldown. The majority of gas rifle mags weigh more than a real, fully loaded 30rd magazine. Having to carry multiple mags, which do not lose weight as you use them, is a big turn off for many users. Rate of fire isn’t of huge concern for a lot of players, because fields are switching to Semi-Auto rules anyways. The handful of people that have to have full auto may look elsewhere. Having a bolt carrier which must move back and forth will limit rate of fire. Using full auto also brings about the next issue with GBB Airsoft guns: cooldown. Propellants like Propane and CO2 are liquid inside of the magazine. When the gun fires, the liquid expands rapidly into gas. As the gas within the magazine expands, it cools. As the gas becomes cooler, more gas remains liquid, producing no energy, leaving insufficient amount of pressure to cycle your gun. This is the reason that GBB Airsoft Guns are much more prominent in the Summer. When it is hotter outside, more propellant expands and you’re less likely to run into cool down issues.

 

GBB Airsoft is a ton of fun and something that the majority of Airsofters will get into at one point or another. Whether you want to go all out and get that Daytona 249, become a GBB Rifleman, or you have a reliable GBB pistol. GBB’s add an amazing degree of realism to the hobby.

 

 

We’ve told you what we think you should get for affordable, high end, mid-tier, but now how much does it truly cost to get into Airsoft? The answer to that might surprise you. If you are going for barebones, gun, mask, BB’s. It’s very affordable and cheap to get into it. If you want the full 9 yards as far as Kit, BDU’s, and Gear that will affect your end budget.

If you’re the type of person that doesn’t care about how you look, and let’s be honest I personally don’t care from time to time, you can get into the lovely hobby of Airsoft for as cheap as $140. That’s the gun, battery, charger, BB’s, and a mask. Now, that is absolutely barebones and we would recommend a little more but if you absolutely had to you can do it for $140. Now if you go the starter route we recommend you’re looking around $180 for our Best Airsoft Starter Package. It comes with the gun, battery, charger, mask, BB’s, spare magazines, and a vest!

If you’re the type to go all in on something then the sky is literally the limit for what you can put into an Airsoft Kit. Personally, I can’t calculate the amount of money I’ve put into my Kit over the years because so many things change and your play style is always evolving. In addition to your play style always changing, your taste in gear, much like in your change in clothes, may change as time goes on. Right now, you might like a straight tan/flat dark earth look but a year from now you light want an M81 loadout, or a Woodland Marpat, or Multicam. It’s always changing.

Similar to gear and kit your taste in guns may always be changing. You can start with an M4. Put a few accessories on it, maybe swap the barrel, just a few simple upgrades that enhance its performance at a smaller price in upgrades. Then one day while you’re at the field, you see a guy dressed in full Russian Spectre Camo rocking a pimped-out AK. After seeing that you think to yourself, “Damn, I need an AK” and before you know it, you got UPS knocking on your door with your newest AK.

Your taste is always changing and it’s incredibly rare to not wanting something new. While a lot of people are happy with their gun setups and kit setups, there is always a new project along the horizon.