Airsoft can definitely be an expensive sport, especially if you get into modding and customizations. Then again, you can enjoy the sport on the cheap, if you start with a quality airsoft gun that has good internals and offers room to expand in the future.

This gives you more flexibility from the start. So let’s take a look at some quality airsoft rifles and pistols, from Glock airsoft guns to G&G airsoft AEGs.

Airsoft Pistols

Every airsoft player needs to carry a sidearm in a match in case your main AEG goes down, for whatever reason. A reliable airsoft pistol can save your skin.

Moreover, they are usually more affordable than AEGs, so let’s start with these.

Glock Airsoft Guns

Pretty much any Elite Force/Umarex Glock airsoft gun is a good invesment. They are affordable, reliable, easy to care for, and most of them are officially licensed by Glock.

Moreover, most Glock airsoft guns feature snappy actions and smooth cycling and are a joy to shoot. Like their real counterparts, most Glock replicas feature intuitive handling, too. Also, most replicas have a rail slot under the barrel for mounting lights, lasers, and other airsoft attachments.

Also, if you’re looking for a green gas airsoft gun, EF/Umarex offers both these and CO2 Glock replicas.

In a nutshell, go with a green gas airsoft gun if you want a smooth shooter, and a CO2 model if you need more power and like the realistic kick. One more note is that green gas airsoft guns usually require slightly less maintenance because the green gas is treated with a little bit of lubricant that limbers up the works.

19 11 Airsoft Pistols (Hi-Capas)

Most 19 11 airsoft pistols (popularly known as hi-capa airsoft pistols) are great, too, and there are a whole lot of good options.

There are a whole lot of brands that make quality 19 11 airsoft pistols, including but not limited to TTI, Tokyo Marui, and Lancer Tactical. Some great options are TTI Sand Vipers and Lancer Tactical Knightshades.

Another great thing about 19 11 airsoft pistols is that they are endlessly customizable. We carry hi-capa parts here that will enable smoother cycling, greater power, and a wide range of personalizations.

Check out our full collection of 19 11 airsoft pistols via the previous link.

Airsoft Revolvers

To be fair, no one carries an airsoft revolver because it is practical in a match. Other gas blowback airsoft pistols offer the same or better performance and usually much greater capacities.

But that does not mean you can’t have a blast with airsoft revolvers, and since you should ideally never have to draw your sidearm in a match, who honestly cares?

On top of that, there are so many great airsoft revolvers and replicas for you to choose from. If you’re looking for specific brands, check out ASG, Elite Force, H8er, and Chiappa. All of them make excellent airsoft revolvers.

Action Army AAP-01

We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend the Action Army AAP-01, which is without a doubt one of the most popular airsoft pistols on the market right now.

These snappy little things are capable of semi and full-auto modes of fire, and are blazing fast in full auto. So much so that the little mag that comes with them isn’t worth much. Worry not, though, they’re compatible with most airsoft magazines for Glock airsoft guns.

They’re a ton of fun to shoot, there are tons of accessories for them, and can be endlessly modded with our collection of Action Army AAP-01 parts. Also, some models, like the Shinobi, come with rails pre-installed above and below the barrel, making it easy to mount red dots, lights, lasers, and other airsoft accessories.

Airsoft Rifles

Now let’s pivot to airsoft rifles. Almost every player, even airsoft snipers, will need a good airsoft rifle for the field. And while there are great spring-powered airsoft sniper rifles, and some high-quality gas blowback models, we’re going to restrict these recommendations to top electric airsoft rifles for beginners. Here are some of the best brands and models.

G&G Airsoft

One of the brands in beginner airsoft AEGs that offers incredible value is G&G Airsoft. Makers of the G&G Raider and the ARP9, they produce high-quality airsoft rifles at insanely competitive prices.

The G&G Raider is a good place to start. It features a tough polymer receiver and an upgradeable all-metal gearbox, along with a collapsible stock, pre-installed tight-bore barrel, adjustable stock, quad rail handguard, and great out-of-the-box power, up to 400 FPS. It is upgradeable and the best part is the price. At under $200, this is a steal for a beginner.

Another great pick from G&G Airsoft is the ARP9. This snub-nosed airsoft carbine offers all of the best features of the G&G Raider, along with a pre-installed MOSFET and an ETU with an option for a 3-round burst. It’s also super compact, making it ideal for CQB. The ARP9 2.0 and 3.0 are great, too.

In addition to these, G&G Airsoft also offers a ton of other great AEGs, including but not limited to the L85 AFV, FAR, and ARP 5.56. For MilSim fans, G&G Airsoft even produces an M1 Garand replica that’s pretty legit.

Lancer Tactical

Lancer Tactical, like G&G Airsoft, is another manufacturer that makes high-quality AEGs at fairly competitive prices, which are moddable, ugpradeable, and which offer overall excellent value for beginners.

Some great options in Lancer Tactical airsoft rifles include but are not limited to the LT-15T-G2, LT-06-G2, Gen 3 M4, and Gen 3 Interceptor SBR.

Arcturus Airsoft

No list of great airsoft rifle producers would be complete without Arcturus Airsoft, which produces some of the finest airsoft AK47 rifles on the market.

Some great options in airsoft AK47 rifles include the Arcturus Airsoft AK12 (which has a pre-installed Perun MOSFET and solid steel and aluminum construction) and the PPK 20. The AK74U is another great option.

But they’re not just good for AK47 replicas. Arcturus Airsoft also produces high-quality AR-15 replicas like the X C.A.T., along with AEGs that are great for CQB, like the Karambit. For a full breakdown, check out our collection page.

One more note: in addition to Arcturus Airsoft, E&L Airsoft also makes really great airsoft AK47 replicas. Check them out if you’re interested.

Get the Best Prices on These Airsoft Guns Here

This is just a quick place to start your search for an airsoft gun that offers a good balance between value and performance, which you will still be able to upgrade later.

If you’re looking for one of these (or another) get it here. We offer a price match guarantee on all airsoft gear and guns, with no coupon required.

Get in touch with us at 800-581-6620 and we’ll help you pick the right model or offer personalized recommendations if necessary.