Have you been eyeing up a cheap airsoft gun, umm-ing and ahh-ing over whether it's going to give you trouble later on down the road? Are you just better off buying a more expensive airsoft gun?
At Socom Tactical, we've heard many of our customers tell us they've had problems with bad quality guns in the past from other retailers, choosing the low price over quality. But are all cheap airsoft guns bad?
The truth of the matter is, depending on what you're looking for, you can find some great bargains in the airsoft gun market. It's all about doing your research and knowing what to look out for.
To help you out, our airsoft experts have put together all their advice on what to look out for when buying cheap airsoft guns, so you can make sure you get the best deal and don't lose out on quality.
Read on for all our expert advice on what to look out for when buying cheap airsoft guns.
Why Are Airsoft Guns So Expensive?
Right off the bat, one of the first things you might be asking yourself on your search for your next gun is, 'why are these things so expensive?'. It's a valid question to ask, and the answer is multi-faceted.
Some of the reasons we're expected to splash out a little more cash for our airsoft guns are as follows:
1. Quality Manufacturing
Airsoft guns require a certain level of manufacturing quality in order to work properly and produce accurate shots. If a gun is made with poor material or put together badly with little care, it won't perform as you need or want it to.
The factories where airsoft guns are made use complex machines and complicated techniques to ensure the guns are made within tight tolerances. This means that more expensive airsoft guns tend to last longer and perform better because extra attention has been paid during manufacturing.
2. High-Quality Materials
You'll find that airsoft guns can be made with various materials, from different types of metals to wood, plastics and rubbers. Generally, the more expensive and better quality guns will be made with high-end materials, like aluminium and steel.
These materials are, of course, more expensive, but they also make the gun more durable and reliable in the long term.
That being said, there are still some good-performing and durable guns made from plastics, so don't discount them out of hand.
3. Complex Designs
There's a lot of physics that goes into making a good airsoft gun. The design of the gun affects everything from accuracy to rate of fire, and you'll find that more expensive guns tend to have more complex designs, which help them to shoot better.
The complexity of the design also affects the cost of putting together the gun in the first place, which results in higher prices. Things like adjustable hop-up and other internal components add to the complexity of the design, as well as the cost.
Should I Buy Cheap Airsoft Guns?
We hate to be that person, but the answer to this question really does depend on what you're looking for and exactly what it is you're buying. You might find a great retailer who deals in cheaper gun models, and the quality is fantastic!
But, on the other hand, there are some shops out there that will sell you guns for cheaper but without the accuracy or performance that you'd expect.
If you're an intermittent airsoft player and need a gun that'll do the job for practice or short-term use, then buying cheap guns might be acceptable. The same goes for beginners. If you're just starting out and you want to get a feel of the game, then buying cheaper guns is definitely an option for your first.
They're actually quite a good way to get into the game and the industry if you've never owned a gun before. You might save some cash on the cost of buying more expensive models, which you can use to kit yourself out with everything else you need.
Cheap airsoft guns will generally do the job, but they won't last as long, and the performance might not be up to par with more expensive guns. Therefore, for players who go out every weekend or like to take the game more seriously, cheaper options might not be the best long-term option.
That being said, there are definitely times when you can catch yourself a bargain – if you know what to look for to make sure you're getting quality.
How to Recognise a Quality Airsoft Gun
There are some key features and aspects you can keep your eye out for when you're hunting for cheap airsoft guns for sale.
1. Examine the Construction and Design
Checking the quality of the construction and design is obviously a really important part of determining whether or not a gun is worth its price. This might seem a bit tricky when you're shopping online, but the retailer or manufacturer should list the materials the gun is made from. If not, get in touch with them!
Look out for high-quality materials like steel and aluminium, as these will make the gun more durable and reliable.
2. Check for Reviews from Players
One of the best ways to determine whether the model is any good or not is to read reviews from players who have actually used the gun and can tell you how it performs. Don't just go off the opinion of one person – you want to get a good idea of what the overall consensus is.
Similarly, you'll want to check the retailer's reviews, too. It'll give you a good indication of the quality of the products they offer. If there is a lot of positive feedback – great! But if you notice a common theme of people being unhappy with the product or customer service, steer clear!
3. Research the Brand
There are so many different airsoft brands that manufacture guns, and there are most certainly some that you should stay away from! Research the brand of the gun you're looking at and see what others are saying about them.
You should be looking for brands that have a good reputation amongst airsoft players as this will generally tell you that these BB guns can be trusted.
At Socom, we stock some of the very best brands in the business, such as Airsoft Pro, CYMA, Tokyo Mauri and Valken. Take a look at our full list of brands here.
New Airsoft Guns vs Used Airsoft Guns
Another consideration is whether to buy new or used. Now, it goes without saying that buying new will be more expensive as you're getting a brand-new item that's fresh out of the box and – hopefully – unused. You can be pretty confident that the gun won't have any issues or problems.
But many people swear by buying second-hand airsoft guns. They're usually cheaper than buying new guns, and as long as you do your research and check the gun over thoroughly, they can be just as good!
When you're buying used airsoft guns, you'll want to check the marketplace you're buying from. A good marketplace will review the items before they're put up for sale, so you know that the gun is in good condition and will perform as it should.
Where Can I Find Good Quality, Cheap Airsoft Guns?
At Socom, we have our very own pre-loved and second-hand airsoft guns section where passionate players can sell their used guns and buyers can snap up a bargain! We make sure that everything is checked over (to the best of our ability) so you don't get snubbed with something that isn't up to scratch.
Not only that, but we offer some pretty incredible prices on all of our new guns and accessories, too, providing you with some of the best bargains on the market. We have all the gear you need to get started, and everything is guaranteed to be high-quality. We have the best airsoft guns for every budget.
Whether you're after gas-powered airsoft guns, sniper rifles, realistic imitation firearms and beyond, we have a massive range for you to choose from.
Final Thoughts: Are Cheap Airsoft Guns Worth It?
So, to answer the question of whether cheap airsoft guns are worth it or not – yes, they are! But only if you're really cautious with where you're buying from and what you're buying.
High-end guns will last longer and perform better and with more accuracy, but if you're just starting out or need something for short-term use, buying cheaper guns might be the right option for you.
You can find brand-new and used airsoft guns right here at Socom Tactical, and be confident that every item is quality-checked and up to par with the standards of our store. Shop with us today!
