As a beginner in airsoft, finding the perfect first airsoft gun can be challenging, especially when there are so many to choose from. Beginners tend to question how much they should spend, the best type of gun to buy, and which brands are the best.
If you enjoy airsoft as much as we do, you can expect to get through many guns in your time, so don’t worry too much about getting your first purchase perfect. One thing we would recommend is trialling and borrowing various styles first to see what types, sizes and weights suit you best.
If you’ve tried a few guns out and have a rough idea of what you need, here is some advice from us before you splash the cash.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Airsoft Gun
With so many different airsoft guns on the market, how should you start whittling down the options? There will be different approaches depending on individual tastes, but these are the main points we’d focus on:
- Price (and Value)
- Gun Type
- Size and Weight
Price (and Value)
For most airsoft players, the first consideration is budget. How much can you spend, and how much are you willing to spend?
If you’re new to airsoft, make sure you also have the budget for other bits of equipment. There’s no point in buying a fancy airsoft rifle if you don’t have money for BBs!
You also want to make sure you get good value from your airsoft gun. That £40 rifle you’ve seen online might feel like a steal, but not if it starts breaking down before the end of your first game.
Right now, you should be able to find a good, reliable beginner’s airsoft gun in the region of £80 to £200.
Gun Type
There are so many different styles of airsoft guns from which to choose. Not only do you need to choose based on playstyle – pistol, rifle, airsoft sniper, etc. – but just as important is your firing mechanism, which also has a lot of options:
- Automatic Electric Gun (AEG)
- Gas Blowback (GBB)
- Electric Blow Back (EBB)
- Spring Powered
- High-Pressure Air (HPA)
The style of gun you choose will come down to personal preference, but if you’re unsure, we’d always recommend either an assault rifle or an SMG if you prefer something lighter. Rifles are the ultimate all-rounder, useful in both CQB and outdoor skirmishes. Pistols are good but can be limited in larger outdoor games, while other styles like snipers often require specific skills and are less versatile.
In terms of the mechanism, we’d often recommend electric airsoft rifles (or AEGs) for beginners. These are the simplest to operate, relatively straightforward to maintain and less temperamental than alternatives. However, if you’ve spent all your time playing with another style, such as CO2-powered guns, you might be more comfortable with that.
Size and Weight
It can be easy to overlook, but the size and weight of your airsoft gun will also make a big impact, so it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable.
Always make sure you’ve trialled similar guns for yourself before choosing your first airsoft gun to make sure you’re happy with its feel. If you pick a gun because you’ve seen others using it, but then it feels large and clunky in your hands, that will ultimately impact your ability and enjoyment out on the field.
The Best Airsoft Guns for Beginners
As we’ve mentioned, much of the decision around your first airsoft gun will come down to personal preference, mainly influenced by what you’ve been handed up to now.
That being said, here are some of our favourite cheap but reliable airsoft guns that make for great first purchases. These are easy to use, deliver decent performance and offer some customisation options so you can tweak them as you improve.
G&G Combat Machine
G&G’s Combat Machine range has, for many years, set the standard when it comes to entry-level airsoft rifles. This no-nonsense AEG has a robust polymer build which not only feels great but is also much lighter than a full metal body.
One of the great things about the Combat Machine range is that it works great straight out of the box (although you’ll need to buy a battery and charger) and yet still has plenty of room for upgrades if you get to that point in your airsoft journey.
Specna Arms Flex
A relatively new arrival on the beginner’s guns scene, the Specna Arms Flex range is explicitly designed with simplicity in mind.
Similar to G&G’s Combat Machine, Flex has a polymer build and shorter sizes, which favour lightness and manoeuvrability. Despite a cheap price point, some versions of the Flex still come with advanced features, including their HAL electronic trigger unit.
CYMA Platinum
CYMA has long been regarded as one of the best airsoft brands for beginners, with a great balance between quality and price. The Platinum is a great range straight out of the box, which is another plus point for those new to the game.
CYMA Platinum tends to come with a few more advanced features than the standard beginner’s rifle, which raises its price slightly above budget weapons. However, if your money can stretch, this is a piece of kit that doesn’t look out of place even amongst experienced players.
JG T3 SAS
JG Works is another very reliable beginner brand, and the T3 SAS is one of their most popular short CQB rifles.
A true no-nonsense AEG, this pocket rocket is a polymer and metal construction that balances durability and lightness. This is also an incredibly short rifle, perfect not just for CQB but also shorter players who may find the length of traditional assault rifles a little tricky.
Tokyo Marui Beretta GBB Pistol
If you want to start your airsoft journey with a pistol (and have considered what we said earlier), then you can’t go much wrong with Tokyo Marui.
Because airsoft pistols tend to be cheaper than rifles, you can usually get a very good standard while remaining in budget. Tokyo Marui is widely regarded as one of the best airsoft brands for consistent quality, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pistol of theirs that lets you down.
One of their most popular models is the Beretta replicas. This classic design looks and feels great with incredible detailing. Being gas-powered, it also delivers a realistic kick for a truly authentic experience.
We hope we’ve inspired you to purchase your first airsoft gun! Our diverse range of airsoft rifles and pistols here at Surplus Store offers a variety of guns and equipment, providing something for every beginner.
Browse now to see what’s currently in stock, and feel free to reach out to our experienced in-store team if you have any questions – we’re always happy to help new players starting their journey!