Spoiler alert: you don’t need any attachments to be an effective airsoft player. You should have “one mind, any weapon,” as they say. Strategic thinking and situational awareness are more important in any MilSim or airsoft match than any attachment.

All the same, if you’re really interested in what sorts of airsoft attachments can be useful, specifically for CQB, take a look at the following list.

Just don’t expect any curveballs. These are all pretty basic attachments. Nonetheless, we hand picked them before they are ideal for most CQB encounters.

1. Red Dot Sights

Traditional optics like airsoft scopes are not practical (for the most part) in CQB. When you’re in fast action in tight spaces, being able to keep both eyes open will both speed up target acquisition and keep you more aware of your surroundings.

With that said, there are optics that make sense for CQB, such as reflex sights, and, specifically, red dot sights. Red dot sights allow quicker target acquisition and faster follow up shots, and since there is just one “point” instead of a reticle, making reflexive shots is easier.

Red dot sights are also good in low-light, near dark conditions and are free from parallax distortions. You also don’t need specific eye relief, so you can sort of “shoot from the hip,” for lack of a better phrase.

Basically, red dot sights are much better at the close ranges at which CQB encounters typically take place.

2. Safety Glass

This is actually a sleeper pick among airsoft attachments for CQB but one of these little things can be a straight-up lifesaver if you airsoft gun’s optics ever take one for the team.

So take a look through some of our red dot sights. You know how we have some entries from Trijicon, Holosun and Bushnell that are like, literally almost $1,000? That’s a lot of money.

These are not just a lot of money. They are also fragile. Well, they’re not that fragile, but if you take a close range shot from a heavy airsoft BB at like 10 yards and it hits your red dot square in the glass, well, you might be leaving the airsoft field with several pieces of red dot sight instead of just one.

So get one of these safety glass airsoft attachments that mount right in front of your optics and can save them if they’re ever in the line of fire. For less than $15, you can install a sight protector which is the perfect insurance policy for your several-hundred dollar red dot sight.

3. Offset Iron Sights

One of the most practical and affordable airsoft attachments for CQB has got to be a set of offset iron sights.

Adding a pair of folding offset iron sights to your AEG, or adding an offset rail mount that enables you to add them, is a game changer.

One, it allows you to run your other optics without getting in the way, and enables you to have a battery-less backup that you can use if your red dot ever dies on you in a battle.

Remember, two is one and one is none, so being prepared with a second set of sights can make a huge difference.

4. Laser Sight

If your AEG has a quad rail (and whose doesn’t?) you should take advantage of some of that real estate and install a laser sight.

Some players don’t like them and you may never have a need to use it, but it is a good contingency if you ever find yourself in a dark CQB encounter and your red dot isn’t working.

An airsoft attachment like a pressure-activated laser sight can be an excellent tool for making reflexive shots at close ranges in the dark.

5. Weapon-Mounted Lights

After a red dot sight, a weapon-mounted light, or WML, is probably the most useful airsoft attachment for CQB.

These lights mount to your rail system and can be activated via pressure-switches as needed. They have a variety of uses.

One is engaging targets in dark, indoor spaces. A light can help you identify and engage a target, even in the dark

Another is that if you are the only player with a light, you will be at a distinct advantage in engagements, as it may be difficult for your opponents to engage you.

Finally, WMLs are perfect for multi-day matches, since they can be removed frm the airsoft gun and used for general utility.

6.Angled/Folding Foregrips

Many AEGs designed for CQB, like the G&G ARP9, are extremely short, even snub-nosed. While this makes them light, short, and maneuverable, it robs them of them of the ergonomics of longer AEGs.

Some of them benefit from the added control you’ll get from dropping a folding foregrip at the front of your handrail. Many airsoft players add on vert grips, specifically angled grips that improve handling and control. Some of these even feature folding designs which keeps the overall footprint of the AEG minimal.

Honorable Mention (Not Really an Airsoft Attachment) Speed Holsters

Another great airsoft accessory for airsoft players who expect to partake in CQB matches is a speed holster. Although these are not technically airsoft attachments, speed holsters like CTM speed holsters are made from tough nylon and completely expose the grip of your airsoft pistol while securing the trigger and guard to prevent negligent discharges.

These all make excellent airsoft attachments (or accessories) for CQB. If you have any questions or would like specific recommendations, feel free to get in touch with us at 800-581-6620.