Looking for a Beginner Airsoft Gun? Here’s What You Should Know
Mar 22nd 2022
Thinking about getting into the sport of airsoft? This can be a highly enjoyable and rewarding pastime that will introduce you to new friends, hone your critical thinking skills, and just be a whole lot of fun.
But don’t think that you need to drop a grand into it to get started. You sure can - if you want - but there are high-quality beginner airsoft guns right here at MiR Tactical that will get you into the game for a few hundred at most.
Here’s what you should know before you pick out a beginner airsoft gun.
What You Should Look for in a Beginner Airsoft Gun
Most, but not all, players start with some sort of entry-level AEG, or automatic electric gun. Styled after popular sporting and infantry rifles like the M16, M4, and other rifles, AEGs offer high rates of fire, good reliability under a variety of competitive engagements, and can often be modded with airsoft parts and accessories to increase power, preserve the trigger contacts, and much more.
The most important qualities you need to be aware of when choosing a beginner airsoft gun are the price, quality of construction, the types of motor/internals, and the battery the airsoft gun takes. Many AEGs come without a battery and charger.
Both polymer materials and all-aluminum construction make for a dependable, durable beginner gun. You’ll also want to look for a gearbox that is upgradeable and contains metal bearings and gears, as plastic will shear, deform, crack or melt under high stress.
You can also get a quality beginner airsoft gun for anywhere between 200 to 500 dollars, although there are some sub-200 dollar offerings that make good beginner platforms. Check some of our top picks below.
Top Picks in Beginner Airsoft Guns
●Lancer Tactical LT-15T G2 M4
This gem from Lancer Tactical is priced below 200 dollars and comes with a battery and charger in addition to the AEG and mag. It also sports a durable polymer receiver, has plenty of rail space, 8mm bearings, and has a quick change spring system - a veritable steal for the price.
●Lancer Tactical Gen 3 M4 (10-inch, Keymod)
This Lancer Tactical Gen 3M4 AEG is styled after the M4 (like many beginner airsoft guns) and also has a ton of cool features.
It has an upgraded gearbox with a programmable ETU (Electronic Trigger Unit) for setting trigger response and fire control. It also has a 19k motor, a quick change spring, and metal-toothed pistons - tops for power and longevity.
Most attractive, however, is probably the price point, at just a shade over $200.
●Lancer Tactical LT-06 G2 M4A1
Want a classic Army M4A1 with a carry handle? The Lancer Tactical LT-06 G2 M4A1 is the AEG for you.
It offers a nylon polymer reinforced body, adjustable front and rear sights, a rotary hop-up unit, and a Version 2, fully upgradeable gearbox.
It also comes with a battery and charger, and at this price point, it’s no wonder it’s one of the top-selling AEGs in our collection, at less than $170.
●G&G CM16 Raider-L M4/M16
The G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider has been the focus of several of our past blog articles (see: Here’s What You’ll Love About a G&G Raider) and remains one of the most popular beginners’ AEGs.
It’s lightweight, compact, has tons of rail space, an adjustable stock, and can be endlessly customized. It also comes with a polymer receiver and high-quality internals, including a Version 2, full-metal, fully upgradeable gearbox.
This one also has an attractive price point - around $180 - just be aware that it does not come with a battery.
●Lancer Tactical Enforcer Blackbird
This one wins the content for coolest-looking, but it also has a lot of features that add value and are great for beginners.
The Lancer Tactical Enforcer Blackbird features really durable construction and high-quality internals including a V2 M4 gearbox. It also sports a unique, lightweight M-LOK rail (with plenty of space), an adjustable stock with magazine storage, an ETU for fire control, and a MOSFET to protect your trigger contacts. That’s a lot of value for under $300.
Also, it’s capable of delivering consistent shot strings of 20-25 RPS. It’s blazing fast and has undeniable swag.
●HK MP5 SD6 SMG
This beginner HK MP5 SD6 SMG AEG is a great option for someone who wants a no-frills, reliable, and most importantly, affordable option, as it’s one of the most cont-conscious here.
It doesn’t skimp on features though. It sports a high-density polymer body and hardware, a full-metal gearbox, and an adjustable hop-up, everything you need to effectively take on competitive airsoft.
It’s also lightweight and short - it can be adjusted down to 26” - making it ideal for CQB.
●KWA VM4 Ronin T6 AEG2.5+
Lightweight and compact, the KWA VM4 Ronin T6 AEG2.5+ is not short on features. It has a redesigned M-LOK handguard, upgraded stock, an ambidextrous charging handle, and is drop-in trigger ready, making it easier to replace triggers and install MOSFETs.
It’s also capable of delivering rates of fire around 18 RPS and features an adjustable hop-up system to improve accuracy and range.
It costs a little more than the other beginner airsoft guns mentioned here but the performance it offers - paired with its expandability and modularity - make it well worth the price.
Start with a Kit (And Why It’s Valuable)
If you’re looking for a prepackaged solution to getting into competitive airsoft, consider an airsoft starter kit instead of buying all of the essentials.
Why go with a starter kit when you can buy all of the included accessories yourself? Well, for one, they’re bundled to save you money.
Secondly, they include pretty much everything (or allow for you to tack them on) that you’ll need to play. For instance, the beginner starter kit you can find at the previous link contains:
●A Valken Mod M with a 1-year limited warranty.
●An H8$ Revolver.
●A 9.6V battery.
●A smart charger.
●A barrel safety cover.
●And CO2 cartridges.
You can also add on additional sidearms, optics, grips, protective goggles (which you’ll need for competition), a gun case, and airsoft ammo.
We thought of everything you’d need so you wouldn’t have to.
Questions? Contact Us
Not sure which beginner airsoft gun is right for you? Still have questions before you decide? We carry a wide range of airsoft rifles and pistols, from bolt-action sniper rifles to GBB Elite Force and Tokyo Marui airsoft pistols (in addition to the AEGs listed here). Get in touch with us at 800-581-6620 and we’ll help you pick out the best match to get you started playing airsoft.