Airsoft is a popular sport enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. If you’re new to the game, you may be wondering what kind of gun is best for you.

For beginners, there are countless airsoft guns available. However, not all of them are created equal.

From features like varying FPS (feet-per-second when the gun is fired), reliability, build quality, and value, many factors play a part in choosing your first airsoft gun.

At Socom Tactical, we feel that an AEG (Automatic Electric Airsoft Gun) is the best place to start for new players. AEGs are battery-operated and semi-automatic, making them easy to use while still providing a challenge.

In this article, we’ll break down the 7 best beginner airsoft guns on the market today.

But first, we’ll discuss some important criteria that you should consider.

Shooting Performance

When it comes to choosing an airsoft gun, shooting performance is one of the most important factors. After all, the whole point of playing airsoft is to hit your targets!

There are a few things you should consider when looking at shooting performance:

FPS

The feet per second (FPS) is how fast the BB travels when it leaves the gun.

The higher the FPS, the faster the BB travels and the more energy it has behind it. A higher FPS results in a more powerful shot and a straighter trajectory.

For close-range encounters, a lower FPS may be more desirable so that you don’t end up hurting your opponents too much.

Range

The range is how far the BB can travel before it starts to lose accuracy.

A gun with a longer range will be more accurate at longer distances, while a gun with a shorter range may be more suitable for close-quarters combat.

A consistent muzzle velocity should be around 15 FPS when using .20 BBs. Any more than that, and it would suggest the air compression is off.

Hop-Up

The hop-up is a feature that adds spin to the BB as it leaves the barrel. This spin stabilises the BB in flight and increases accuracy and range.

Most AEGs have adjustable hop-ups, so you can fine-tune your shots to get the best performance out of your gun.

Adjustable hop-ups are important as they are key to a good flight path. Accuracy is a vital metric when selecting the best airsoft gun to use as a beginner.

Build Quality

Build quality is another important consideration when choosing an airsoft gun. After all, you want your gun to last!

There are a few things to look for when it comes to build quality:

Materials

The materials used in the construction of the gun can impact its durability. For example, a gun with a metal body will be more durable than one with a plastic body.

Weight

The weight of the gun can also be a factor in build quality. A heavier gun is usually more durable than a lighter gun.

External vs Internal Parts

Another thing to consider is whether the gun has external or internal parts. External parts are easier to replace if they break, but internal parts are usually of higher quality.

As you can see, the build quality of your beginner gun’s internal and external workings is important.

Keep an eye out on buckings, ensure a solid hop-up, and that all the rubber seals are solid because these will offer good gas efficiency as you fire.

Ease of Use

When you’re just starting out, you want an airsoft gun that is easy to use. You don’t want to be fumbling with your gun in the middle of a firefight!

Look out for these factors when deciding the gun’s ease of use:

Firing Modes

The firing mode is how the gun fires. For example, a semi-automatic gun will fire one pellet at a time, while a fully automatic gun will fire multiple pellets with each trigger pull.

Most AEGs have multiple firing modes, so you can choose how fast or slow you want to shoot.

Battery life

If you’re using an electric gun, you’ll need to consider the battery life. A gun with a longer battery life will be able to shoot more pellets before needing to be recharged.

Be sure to check what kind of battery your beginner airsoft gun uses and how long it will last. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of a battle with a dead gun!

Types of batteries include NiCad (nickel-cadmium), NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), and LiPo (lithium-ion polymer).

Rails

Rails are the raised part of the gun that runs along the top and sides. Rails are used to attach accessories like scopes and flashlights.

Some airsoft guns have rails, while others do not. If you think you might want to add accessories to your gun, look for one that has rails.

A tactical rail offers a lot of options for you to enhance your gameplay with different sights and other tools. A keymod rail is a newer option growing in popularity, offering a more versatile way to attach accessories.

Alternatively, a side rail mount can be easier to access and offer a more comfortable grip on your gun.

What About Airsoft Rifles & Pistols?

AEGs are beginner friendly for sure – but don’t rule out rifles and pistols if you feel like you want something different.

As an alternative to choosing from a range of airsoft guns for beginners, a pistol can be a great choice for a first gun.

Many pistols are semi-automatic, meaning you’ll have to cock the gun after each shot. This can be a good thing, as it will help you to control your shots and not waste ammo.

Pistols are also generally lighter than airsoft rifles, so they’re easier to carry around. And, if you decide to upgrade to a rifle later on, you can still use your pistol as a sidearm.

Rifles are a great choice for those who want a little more power and range than a pistol can offer! They generally have a higher rate of fire than pistols and can be fitted with a scope for long-range shooting.

Magazine Capacity

AEGs come with magazines that hold anywhere from 50 to 1000 rounds. The size of the magazine will impact how long you can play before needing to reload.

If you plan on playing for a long time, choose a gun with a large magazine capacity.

Other types of airsoft magazines include Mid-Capacity (100 – 130 rounds), Low-Capacity (40 – 50 rounds), and High-Capacity (200 – 400 rounds).

So, what is the best beginner airsoft gun? Let’s take a look!

Valken ASL Kilo M4 AEG

The Valken ASL Kilo M3 AEG is a great choice for beginners looking to get into Airsoft.

They are shorter and lighter, making them easier on the shoulder as well as being portable enough that you can take this anywhere!

The performance is top notch with this gun providing excellent accuracy at long range or close quarters battle settings – perfect if your playing style changes often like mine does 🙂

Furthermore, the Valken ASL Kilo M4 is a reasonable price!

SRC SR4-ST Delta Railed M4 AEG

Looking for a top-quality AEG that will give you an edge over the competition?

Check out the SRC SR4-ST Delta Railed M4 AEG! This gun is made with high-quality materials and features a metal gearbox for durability. It has a maximum muzzle velocity of 330 FPS and comes with a 300R magazine.

The inner barrel length is 379mm, making it ideal for long-range shots. Plus, the nylon fibre and steel construction give this AEG a realistic look and feel.

A great introductory AEG that beginners will have no problem getting to grips with!

King Arms PDW9mm SBR Long

This SBR-style Airsoft rifle features a 9mm lower receiver that can take MP5 mags but retains all of the same great qualities as an AR15.

It’s perfect for those who want to make the transition between platforms or CQB environments!

Beginners will enjoy features such as the 3-position stock and full-length top Picatinny rail, making it easy to add scopes or red dot sights.

The King Arms PDW9mm SBR Long is a great choice for those looking for an all-around versatile airsoft gun.

JG G36C With M4 Adaptors G608-6

If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable airsoft rifle that’s easy to manage and perfect for beginners or regular players alike, then look no further than our JG36 model!

The body of this G608 line piece is made from strong ABS plastic, which means it’ll hold up better than most metal castings on the market today.

With an M4 stock adapter included in addition to club stocks adjusting into six positions at your convenience, you’ll have full mobility to take this piece where you need it to go.

Battery and charger are NOT included with this airsoft rifle.

Final Thoughts: Best Airsoft Guns For New Players

In the ‘airsoft world’ of guns, there are a whole host of weapons a beginner can take a look at – but it isn’t just about looks.

AEGs are a fantastic starting point for new players. They’re easy to use, have a variety of features, and can be customised to fit your playing style.

Most are generally well-made, and we suggest picking a reputable airsoft brand.

Take your time to investigate internal and external parts, shooting performance, reliability and if the airsoft gun can be upgraded.

Most airsoft rifles will include a warranty, but make sure you check this before you purchase!

We hope our guide has helped you understand a little more about airsoft and the different types of airsoft guns available.

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