Starting Out with Airsoft (How Old You Need to Be, Plus Some Great Starter Airsoft Guns)
Feb 14th 2023
Thinking about getting into airsoft? It can be a great way to make friends, meet people with similar interests, challenge your critical thinking, build outdoor skills, and most importantly, have a great time.
We often hear people ask questions about age - so we’re here to field them, and offer you some advice on great beginner airsoft guns to help you get started.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Play Airsoft?
There is no minimum age to play airsoft (even in California!). Players of any age can play - although specific individual airsoft events might have their own rules.
For instance, some MilSim and airsoft events require players under a certain age to play with a full facemask instead of just goggles.
If you have any questions about age or regulations, visit our airsoft event page and check the rules for each event, or get in touch with us.
What Sort of Airsoft Gun Will You Need?
Unless you’re filling a niche role, like an airsoft sniper or a LMG gunner, you’re going to want to play with an AEG and a sidearm.
AEG, which means “automatic electric gun” is basically the airsoft version of a light infantry rifle. They are fairly powerful, offer high rates of fire, decent performance, are highly expandable, and many of them can be modded. You’ll also want a sidearm (most players carry gas blowback airsoft pistols) as a backup.
That said, we carry LMG replicas, airsoft sniper rifles, and even airsoft shotguns for sale - but for most beginners, an AEG/GBB airsoft pistol combo is the way to go.
Some Good Starter AEGs
We offer a wide range of electric airsoft guns (AEGs) on our website, many of which make affordable, excellent beginner airsoft guns. Some of the best of these are listed below.
● G&G Raider
The G&G Raider is everyman’s AEG. It has a ton of nice features, is highly expandable and easily upgradeable, and offers pretty good out-of-the-box performance at a price you just can’t match.
It features durable polymer construction and high-quality internals, including a long-type motor, a Version 2 upgradeable gearbox with 8mm brass bearings, and a 6.03mm tight-bore barrel.
It’s capable of 370-400 FPS with .2g airsoft ammo, is highly adjustable thanks to its 6-position crane-style stock, and due to its quad rail system, it has plenty of room for airsoft attachments.
The best part? It’s under $200, so it won’t break the bank.
● G&G ARP9
The G&G ARP9 is the G&G Raider’s smaller cousin and the perfect AEG for CQB. It’s extremely compact and lightweight and only tips the scales at 4.4lbs.
It also features the same durability as the G&G Raider. The ARP9 features a polymer receiver and a hard anodized rail that somehow still maintains plenty of space for mounting accessories.
It also offers great performance while remaining remarkably upgradeable, thanks to its Version 2 gearbox. Another thing you’ll love about this airsoft gun is the fact that the ARP9 comes with an ETU that is programmable for 3-round burst fire.
●Lancer Tactical Gen3 M4 Carbine (10” KeyMod)
Like G&G, Lancer Tactical has made a number of quality AEGs, some of which are priced affordably and offer decent performance as beginner airsoft guns.
This one offers nylon polymer upper and lower receivers and a 10” KeyMod handguard with plenty of space for mounting attachments like optics, lights, and lasers.
It also features a quick-change spring, a rotary hop-up, and durable 8mm bushings. It’s tough, expandable, and upgradeable, and like the G&G AEGs mentioned above, has a very attractive price point.
Good Starter Airsoft Pistols
You’ll also need a reliable sidearm - and these are some of the top choices in gas-powered airsoft guns that are perfect for the role.
● Action Army AAP-01
Far and away, the Action Army AAP-01 is one of the most popular GBB airsoft pistols in the game right now. It has a ton of features that airsoft players love, and is one of our best-selling airsoft pistols.
It has excellent ergs, a tough polymer frame, and a threaded outer barrel so you can mount muzzle devices. It also features holes along the body so you can mount a Pic rail adapter and tack on necessary accessories.
This crisp, snappy little airsoft gun also offers a ludicrously high rate of fire in full auto mode, which is just another feature to love.
Another feature airsoft players appreciate is the fact that these airsoft pistols accept Glock mags with the same specs - which is a bonus, because it’s easier than we’d like to admit to dump the 22-rd mag it comes with on full-auto fire.
● Glock Airsoft Guns
There are too many official Glock airsoft guns on our website to pick just one that should be your favorite.
They feature similar handling and ergonomics and many are officially licensed Glock airsoft guns with crisp, snappy gas blowback action.
Some of them come with extended magazines and feature rail sections under the barrel so you can mount lights, lasers, and other airsoft accessories.
● Hi-Capa Airsoft Pistols
Last but not least, HI-Capa pistols, which are modeled after 1911 pistols and are offered by some reputable producers including Lancer Tactical and Tokyo Marui, are some of the most popular airsoft pistols in the game.
Aside from their proven ergonomics and handling, Hi-Capa pistols are endlessly customizable and expandable. Many of them feature sections of rail under their slides, and companies such as Maple Leaf and COWCOW make a wide range of Hi-Capa parts that you can use to mod or upgrade your airsoft pistols.
Contact Us to Get Started!
Not sure which type of airsoft gun is best for you? Have questions about the airsoft events on our website? Get in touch with us!
You’re guaranteed the best prices here thanks to our price match guarantee (no airsoft coupon code required!) and we offer low flat-rate shipping and free shipping on orders over $99.
We also offer top-tier customer service. If you have any questions regarding our selection of airsoft guns for sale, get in touch with us at 800-581-6620.