Airsoft guns are generally replica firearms that use compressed air to propel non-metallic pellets at high speeds. They are also known as BB guns because the pellets used as ammunition are generally known as BBs.
Although not lethal, some airsoft guns can propel pellets at high enough speeds that safety is an issue - especially in close quarters. Over the years, these guns have been used in a variety of games that simulate warfare.
Traditionally, airsoft guns compress air via a spring mechanism that needs to be cocked back before every shot. This prevents automatic fire because in between shots the spring mechanism needs to be cocked back manually.
But with the rise of electric airsoft guns (or AEGs) that is no longer the case.
Electric airsoft guns are basically the electric versions of regular firearms and they use batteries to improve their operation. These batteries are used to reload the spring in between shots automatically, and that means that there is the possibility of sustained automatic fire!
Some of the better guns out there have muzzle velocities of up to 650 feet per second, and up to a 1,500 rounds per minute rate of fire.
Of course, there are many different types of guns out there though, and some of the more common ones include:
- Automatic Electric Guns
These are the high-powered guns that are most popular and generally mimic the M16 rifle, M4 carbine or AK47 - though some other replicas do exist too. By allowing automatic fire at high nozzle velocities, they are definitely among the most popular in simulated warfare.
- Low and Medium Powered Electric Guns
Full-fledged automatic guns can be expensive, which is why over the years some manufacturers have come with low or medium powered versions that people can use.
Generally these have lower nozzle velocities and their batteries don't last as long either before being depleted.
- Electric Blowbacks
In the interest of realism, some of these guns have a blowback feature that is meant to simulate the effect of actually firing a conventional weapon. Although this feature is nice, the fact that it consumes battery charge so quickly has made it unpopular among most fans of airsoft guns.
There are other variations of these guns out there too - but most are similar to the types listed above.
Some are merely modified weapons that are reinforced in various ways. For example, the plastic chassis may be replaced with real aluminum or other metals to make it feel more like a real weapon.
Frankly speaking, you'll find that the selection of electric airsoft guns and modifications are nothing short of comprehensive. Whether you're looking for something cheap to get started with, or an impressive weapon that will make you the envy of your friends - you should definitely be able to find something that suits your needs.
Some electric airsoft guns may be expensive, but that is a price that most people will willingly pay!
