When you're out there in the field, you need to be confident the airsoft gun you're carrying is the best in the business. The team at Socom Tactical know this all too well as regular airsoft players who travel all over the UK!
While moving to our new warehouse, three members of the team went through our extensive in-store and online range of airsoft guns and voted on a top 7 list to help you pick the perfect gun for your playing style.
Jump straight to the top 7 rated list and buy directly in our online store with free UK delivery on orders over £100.
Our Expert Reviewers & Airsoft Players
Before we jump into our review of the best airsoft guns on the market, let's meet the airsoft players and members of the SoCom team that contributed to our review and voting on and rating the guns in our store.
Name: D.Treasure
Job Title: Warehouse Manager
Current Airsoft Gun: Tokyo Marui HK 416
Favourite Airsoft Field: Camp Bravo, Gunman Airsoft, Eversley
Years Playing Airsoft: 4
Name: Matthew Stanton
Job Title: Arms Dealer
Current Airsoft Gun: Arthurian Airsoft Excalibur Mordred Sandstone
Favourite Airsoft Field: Camp Bravo, Gunman Airsoft, Eversley
Years Playing Airsoft: 2
Name: Joshua
Job Title: Customer Service Assistant
Current Airsoft Gun: Silver Back SRS Sport 16
Favourite Airsoft Field: Ambush Airsoft
Years Playing Airsoft: 6
Name: David Halstead
Job Title: Technician
Current Airsoft Gun: Tokyo Marui HK 416
Favourite Airsoft Field: Camp Bravo, Gunman Airsoft, Eversley
Years Playing Airsoft: 7
How We Scored Each Airsoft Gun
To determine which weapons made our 'top 7 best airsoft guns' list, we asked the Socom team to grade the guns on 5 different criteria out of 10, based on: design, realism, ease of use, accuracy and power.
We considered these 5 criteria to be the most important when choosing an airsoft gun, so it made sense to base our scoring system on them.
Design of the Airsoft Gun
When we look at the design of the airsoft gun, we mean how aesthetically pleasing it is and how the quality of the materials.
The higher the score out of 10, the better quality of the gun's design.
Realistic Feel of the Gun
Realism is another really important fact when it comes to choosing an airsoft gun. We look at how realistic the gun looks and feels when you're holding it.
The recoil and sound also come into play here, as these are things that can really make the gun feel more realistic. The higher the score out of 10, the more realistic the gun!
Weapon's Ease of Use
Ease of use might be one of the most important criteria on our list - every player wants a gun that feels good to use.
We based ease of use on how comfortable the gun was when held, its weight, and other factors, such as how easy it is to reload or operate. The higher the score out of 10, the easier the gun is to use.
Gun's Shooting Accuracy
The accuracy of the weapon is another key factor when choosing an airsoft gun. We look at how accurate it shoots, and the consistency of its accuracy over time.
We also look at the range of the weapon. The higher the score out of 10, the more accurate and reliable the gun is.
Power of the Airsoft Gun
A powerful airsoft gun makes a good airsoft gun, so of course, we pay attention to the muzzle velocity of each model. The higher the number, the more powerful the gun is and can shoot further distances. There are so many other factors you can grade on, but these are the 5 most important that we think really determines the difference between a good gun and the best gun.
Best Airsoft Pistol: WE Berretta M92
| Criteria | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 8 |
| Realistic Feel | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
| Accuracy | 8 |
| Power | 8 |
The WE Beretta M92 is a fantastic GBB (gas blowback) airsoft gun that’s great for beginners and pros as a sidearm. It has a semi-auto firing function with FPS up to 350.
It also comes with an adjustable hop-up system that increases the accuracy of your shots, making for a satisfying shooting experience. There are plenty of customisable options on this gun, including the ability to switch out the slide, pistol grip, and springs.
“Great looking and great solid feel! Also very consistent shooting”
Matthew Stanton
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Close replication of the real Beretta M92 closely, providing users with an authentic shooting experience. | May not be as precise as some other high-end airsoft pistols. While adequate for most skirmishes, some players seeking maximum precision may find it lacking. |
| The semi-auto firing function and gas blowback system are suitable for both beginners and experienced players. | The FPS rating of the pistol is up to 350, which is decent for most airsoft games. However, some players might desire higher FPS for longer-range engagements or competitive play. |
| The pistol offers various customisation options, including the ability to switch out the slide, pistol grip, and springs. | Gas consumption may require frequent refills during extended play sessions, especially in colder weather conditions. |
Best Airsoft Rifle: Arthurian Airsoft Excalibur Mordred (2023 V.)
| Criteria | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 10 |
| Realistic Feel | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Accuracy | 10 |
| Power | 8 |
For all you snipes on the field, this Silverback Airsoft sniper rifle is seriously something. It's a licensed version of the iconic Desert Tech Scout Recon Stealth A2 bullpup and the latest SRS line model.
The monolithic receiver is made using aeronautical-grade aluminium, offering incredible accuracy and power in a stealthy package. On top of that, it features parts made from steel, aluminium and fibreglass-reinforced nylon, so you can expect it to last and perform well.
The power behind this sniper rifle is second-to-none, so it had to make it onto our best 7 airsoft guns list.
“It's just a beast!”
Joshua
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The use of aeronautical-grade aluminium, steel, aluminium, and fibreglass-reinforced nylon parts, contributes to its sleek appearance and durability. | Given the use of aeronautical-grade aluminium and steel components, the Silverback SRS Sport 16 may be on the heavier side, especially when compared to lighter sniper rifles. |
| With a perfect score in accuracy, the SRS Sport 16 proves itself as a highly precise airsoft sniper rifle. | May come with a higher price tag compared to entry-level or mid-range options.. |
| Its bullpup configuration may contribute to better manoeuvrability, and the overall design ensures smooth operation, even for extended periods. |
Best Electric Airsoft Gun: Tokyo Marui NGRS URG-I
| Criteria | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 9 |
| Realistic Feel | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 8 |
| Accuracy | 8 |
| Power | 5 |
When it comes to the best gas-powered airsoft gun, our team went with the Tokyo Marui M870 Breacher - a fantastic-looking shotgun with great accuracy and ease of use. It’s a compact and lightweight model that packs a punch on the field.
Simultaneous BBs can be launched out of this gun, making for a lethal firearm. It also has the ability to fire successively, making it easier to shoot targets in quick succession. Aside from its performance, the M870 is very real-looking, so it’s certainly a good option if you like a realistic or replica weapon.
“A compact and lightweight shotgun that packs a punch on the field with great accuracy and ease of use”
James
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Boasts a realistic and authentic appearance, making it a visually appealing and immersive option. | More limited effective range compared to some AEGs or sniper rifles. |
| Loosely replicates the handling and ergonomics of its real steel counterpart, enhancing the overall shooting experience. | Limited ammo capacity. |
| Reliable shot groupings make it an effective and precise option on the field. | Not great for beginner players. |
Best Spring Powered Airsoft Gun: JG Bar-10 Sniper with Scope
| Criteria | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 8 |
| Realistic Feel | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 7 |
| Accuracy | 10 |
| Power | 10 |
There are lots of fantastic spring-powered airsoft guns out there, but the one that takes our spot is the Jing Gong (JG) VSR 10/Bar-10 Sniper. This gun has compatibility with tons of upgrades on the market, so you can really make it your own and improve the power even more.
It has a 400FPS straight out the box. What makes it even better is the ergonomic and comfortable grip and handling of the weapon. You’ll receive a 3-9x40 scope and scope rings with the rifle, providing you with crisp, clear sight.
“Only stock part is the receiver and that's been modified, very proud of the result, can probably outshoot most snipers in terms of range.A compact and lightweight shotgun that packs a punch on the field with great accuracy and ease of use”
David Halstead
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers compatibility with a wide range of upgrades available. | Might require some additional effort or knowledge to optimize its performance through upgrades and mods. |
| Provides exceptional shot consistency and precision. | Players seeking the best possible optics may prefer to invest in a separate scope. |
| Delivers impressive power. |
Note: pros and cons mentioned are based on the criteria and scores provided, as well as the user testimonial. Additionally, individual preferences and requirements may vary, so it's advisable to consider these factors when selecting an airsoft gun.
