Making the jump into buying your very own airsoft gun provides the possibility of finally getting to play with your favorite gun, whether it is from a beloved video game or an action movie.
There is also the bonus of not needing to worry about rental fees at your local field. The first question one faces when considering airsoft is likely, "how much do these airsoft guns cost?"
The cost of the airsoft gun will vary wildly on quality and performance, but popular entry-level rifles cost between $125 and $250. Guns that are modeled after rarer real firearms or those with higher quality and performance can cost $700 to $1800.
If you are interested in getting into airsoft, it is highly recommended you get the standard M4 or AK style rifles. The AK-style rifles and M4s offer plenty of options at varying price points, which is perfect for a person beginning their airsoft hobby.
Not only that, but there is a larger selection for aftermarket parts and equipment that allow for maintenance, upgrading the performance, and customization of your gun.
The two biggest rifle platforms available in airsoft are the AK platform and the M4 platform. Because of this, there are some great options for guns priced for beginners while also offering reliability, support for aftermarket parts, and the ability to customize.
The first platform, the AK, has many variants, offering options such as the length of the rifle, if it has a side-folding stock or a full-stock, or if it has real wood, fake wood, or plastic furniture.
The most popular brand for these AKs is CYMA. This company offers two series of AKs, one being modeled after the design of another company, Tokyo Marui.
These include rifles that have either plastic bodies or metal bodies. Although some may think the plastic bodies are worse, the gun saves on weight and that makes a noticeable difference after running around for 3 to 6 hours.
CYMA also offers another series that is modeled after VFC where the rifles use better quality externals, such as stamped steel receivers. A few examples of what CYMA offers, their average prices, as well as the models they replicate are:
The other common platform for beginners is the M4 rifles. Some examples of popular brands that offer fantastic options for beginners include G&G, Classic Army, and ICS. Most of these entry-level guns use polymer bodies to balance cost and strength.
Be wary of rifles that maintain their low cost whilst using metal bodies as there are often issues with the receivers being weaker.
Although there are not as many variations in bodies as there are with AKs, there are still plenty of choices in overall length, types of stocks, and types of handguards.
Some examples of these models and their price range based on what features the body has are:
Although M4s and AKs are generally recommended for beginners, there are plenty of options to suit different needs. Airsoft guns replicate weapons throughout history, from muskets to WW2 weaponry to recently released firearms.
Additionally, not all guns are marketed to beginners. Therefore, some utilize higher quality externals, achieve further range, allow for customizable performance settings, and can achieve high rates of fire.
The various roles that guns are designed to fill often come with their separate price ranges, with rarity, quality, and size all being factors.
Pistols and shotguns come as either gas-powered or spring-powered, although there are a handful of electric models that exist. While spring pistols are not viable for skirmishes, spring shotguns are. Some of the most popular brands for spring shotguns are CYMA, AGM, and Tokyo Marui.
Gas shotguns share the same price range as gas pistols. For shotguns, the two most common brands are Tokyo Marui and JAG.
For pistols, the 3 most common brands are WE Tech, KJW, and Tokyo Marui.
This category is a favorite for indoor fields as their compact size is great for maneuverability. The prices will vary not only on quality but also if it is electric or gas-powered.
For gas-powered guns SMGs, KWA, WE Tech, and HFC are some of the most popular brands.
Electric offers a wider selection from even more brands ranging in quality. Electric SMGs can range from $180 Umarex Competition series guns to $500 Vectors.
Rifles are within a large category in airsoft and offer great possibilities between models, quality, and how it is powered.
Electric rifles vary in price, from beginner rifles costing over $125 to higher-end replicas at $500.
Gas-powered is more limited in brands but the quality is held to a higher standard to meet the demanding needs of gas-blowback. For gas-powered, GHK, WE Tech, and Tokyo Marui are popular brands to choose from.
AEGs are extremely common in airsoft, from the beginner guns listed above to higher-end options available. The jump from entry-level rifles to rifles with better internals, externals, and features, brands such as E&L, G&G, G&P, ICS, Krytac, LCT, Real Sword, Tokyo Marui, and VFC all remain highly competitive.
DMRs and Snipers are an interesting category as they are not considered top-performers out-of-the-box but instead are expected to be customized and tuned by their users.
Support weapons can vary largely in their weight, quality, and especially price.
Finally, guns that have been customized to include HPA engines and highly tuned electric guns are both capable of achieving amazing range, reliability, and rates of fire fall within the most expensive category.
It is also worth looking into the additional costs associated with airsoft guns. Some retailers offer these guns in bundles that include other essential items for playing.
If a gun is purchased without any bundles, you will want to factor in the cost of batteries, a charger, BBs, and a mask. Depending on preference and budget, some may want to also include external accessories such as sights, grips, extra mags, or slings.
Some may also want to buy clothes specifically for fields, such as shoes that are appropriate for running and carrying the extra gear, headwear, or camouflage.
Additional costs may seem like an afterthought, but sometimes they can be just as important as which model of airsoft gun you choose!
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