When you first get into airsoft, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your weapon. It’s more than just picking a cool-looking replica — the type of airsoft gun you carry affects your playstyle, maintenance routine, upgrade path, and even your performance on the field. With a huge range of choices available, it can be a bit overwhelming to understand what’s out there. Although there a little to no airsoft guns in australia his guide breaks down the major types of airsoft weapons so you can find the one that suits you best.
Spring-Powered Airsoft Guns
Simple, reliable, and beginner-friendly.
Spring-powered airsoft guns operate using a basic mechanical principle: pull back the spring, and when you fire, it releases air to push the BB forward. They don’t require batteries or gas, making them ideal for beginners or players looking for low-maintenance options.
Common Use:
Spring guns are often used in sniper rifles and shotguns, where a slow, deliberate shot makes sense. Spring pistols exist too, but they’re usually just for fun or practice
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to maintain
- No need for batteries or gas
- Great for backyard plinking or casual use
Cons:
- Manual cocking required for every shot
- Slow rate of fire
- Not ideal for competitive games
Electric Airsoft Guns (AEGs)
The most popular choice for serious players.
Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs) use a battery-powered motor to cycle a spring and piston, which compresses air to fire each BB. Most AEGs can fire in semi-auto and full-auto modes, making them versatile and highly effective in skirmish scenarios.
Common Use:
AEGs dominate airsoft fields. Most M4s, AKs, MP5s, and other popular military-style replicas are AEGs. They’re a go-to for mid-range combat and all-around performance.
Pros:
- High rate of fire
- Widely available in rifle and SMG styles
- Easily upgradable and customizable
- Rechargeable battery-powered
Cons:
- Requires battery charging and management
- Can be affected by water/weather
- Gearbox wear over time
Gas-Powered Airsoft Guns
For realism and performance, nothing beats them.
Gas guns use compressed gas (usually green gas, propane, or CO₂) to propel BBs. These guns often have blowback features that mimic real firearm recoil, adding to the realism.
Types of Gas Guns: Gas Blowback (GBB): Realistic recoil and slide action. Popular in pistols and some rifles.
Non-Blowback (NBB): Quieter and more gas-efficient, but less realistic.
CO₂ Guns: Use disposable CO₂ cartridges, usually offering stronger power and performance in cold weather.
Common Use:
Gas pistols are the standard sidearm in airsoft. Some players also use gas-powered rifles and shotguns, particularly in milsim (military simulation) games where realism matters.
Pros:
- Realistic feel and operation
- Strong recoil (in GBBs)
- Often better performance out of the box
Cons:
- More expensive to run (gas refills or cartridges)
- Can be temperamental in cold weather
- Requires more maintenance
High-Pressure Air (HPA) Guns
Pro-level gear for players who want absolute performance.
HPA guns use compressed air stored in an external tank (usually carried in a backpack) and regulated through hoses to deliver consistent, tunable air pressure to fire BBs. The internals are often controlled by an electronic trigger board, offering incredible control over rate of fire, burst settings, and trigger response.
Common Use:
HPA is the choice for serious competitive players or speedsofters. It’s also used in high-end builds where precision and reliability matter most. You’ll mostly see HPA in custom rifles or converted AEG bodies.
Pros:
- Extremely consistent FPS
- Adjustable power and fire modes
- Near-zero trigger delay
- Very quiet (depending on setup)
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Requires tank refills and hoses
- More complex to set up and carry
Airsoft Shotguns
Close-range power with a satisfying feel.
Airsoft shotguns come in spring, gas, or even electric varieties. They often shoot multiple BBs per trigger pull (usually 3 or 6), mimicking a real shotgun spread. Some use shells that load into the gun for extra realism.
Common Use:
Shotguns are a favorite in CQB (close quarters battle) environments or as secondary weapons for players with aggressive, breaching-style play.
Pros:
- Great for close quarters
- Unique style of play
- Multiple BBs per shot
Cons:
- Short range
- Limited ammo capacity
- Slower reloads
Airsoft Sniper Rifles
Precision over volume.
Most airsoft sniper rifles are spring-powered bolt-actions, although gas versions also exist. They’re designed for long-range, single-shot precision, often used by dedicated players who don’t mind upgrading internals for better accuracy and range.
Common Use:
For players who prefer patience, positioning, and precision, sniper rifles are the natural fit. Expect lots of tinkering, upgrading, and scope adjustment to get the most out of them.
Pros:
- High accuracy potential
- Long-range engagement
- Stealthy
Cons:
- Requires heavy upgrades to be competitive
- Very slow rate of fire
- Not for impatient players
Support Weapons / LMGs
Lay down heavy fire and control the field.
Light machine guns (LMGs) in airsoft are typically AEG-based and modeled after real-world support weapons like the M249 or RPK. They feature high-capacity box magazines and are built for sustained fire.
Common Use:
Support gunners are key in objective-based games and large-scale events. These players hold lanes, pin enemies down, and provide cover fire for teammates to move in.
Pros:
- Suppressive firepower
- High-capacity mags (often 1000+ rounds)
- Team role utility
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier
- Consumes BBs and battery quickly
- Less mobile
