Airsoft shotgun buying guide

Airsoft Shotguns vs. Electric Shotguns: Which One Should You Use?

Airsoft has become an incredibly popular hobby and sport over the past few decades. It allows you to simulate military and combat scenarios with replica weapons that shoot small plastic BBs. Of all the airsoft guns out there, shotguns hold a special place in many players’ hearts. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of storming a room with your trusty airsoft shotgun in hand.

But shotguns come in spring, electric, and gas-powered varieties, each with their own pros and cons. So how do you decide which type of airsoft shotgun is right for you and your style of play? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key differences between spring, electric, and gas airsoft shotguns. After learning about the unique benefits of each, you’ll be equipped to pick the perfect shotgun to dominate the battlefield. Let’s get started!

Spring Airsoft Shotguns

Spring powered airsoft guns operate on old-fashioned mechanical principles – no batteries or gas required! They work by using the potential energy stored in a coiled metal spring to drive a piston and compress air to fire the BB down the barrel. 

Shotguns that use spring power are pump action, meaning you need to manually pump or cock the gun to compress the spring before each shot. This is what gives spring shotguns their characteristic click-clack sound when firing. While this pumping requirement reduces their rate of fire, it also makes spring shotguns extremely reliable since they aren’t affected by rain, cold weather, or battery issues on the field.

The main benefits of spring airsoft shotguns are their affordability and simplicity. Since they don’t require any gas or batteries, you save money on operating costs. Spring shotguns are also often cheaper to purchase upfront compared to electric and gas powered alternatives. If you’re on a budget or new to the airsoft world, a spring shotgun is a great way to get started without breaking the bank.

However, the manual cocking does limit the rate of fire somewhat. You’ll be at a disadvantage in close quarters combat situations where fractionally faster firing speeds make a difference. The power of most spring shotguns also can’t match the velocity of their electric and gas cousins, reducing effective range. But for casually plinking in the backyard, spring shotguns pack plenty of punch.

Pros of Spring Airsoft Shotguns:

– Cheaper upfront cost – Price range of $75 to $200 makes spring shotguns accessible for beginners

– Reliable in all weather – Rain or cold doesn’t affect spring powered performance

– No batteries/gas required – Pure mechanical operation cuts down on operating costs

Cons of Spring Airsoft Shotguns: 

– Lower rate of fire – Manual cocking required for each shot reduces firing speed

– Less powerful – Velocity and range is lower than electric and gas shotguns

Electric Airsoft Shotguns 

The majority of airsoft shotguns you’ll see on the battlefield today are electric powered, also known as automatic electric guns (AEGs). Inside an electric shotgun is a battery-powered electric motor that automatically cocks each shot, eliminating the need for manual pumping. 

The motor drives a piston assembly that compresses air to fire BBs down the barrel at a much higher cyclic rate compared to spring shotguns. Electric shotguns can be semi or full auto for tactical flexibility. They also benefit from precision hop-up systems that apply backspin to the BB for enhanced range and accuracy.

When it comes to customization, electric airsoft shotguns shine. You can install upgraded inner barrels, high-torque motors, and tuned gearbox components to squeeze every ounce of performance possible out of your AEG shotgun. The ability to tweak and mod your electric shotgun over time is part of the fun!

Of course, the downside is that you need to keep your shotgun constantly supplied with charged batteries. As voltage drops during a long day of play, your rate of fire and power output will decrease as well. Keeping spare batteries in your gear bag is a must with any AEG.

Pros of Electric Airsoft Shotguns:

– High rate of fire – Electric motor enables fast semi/full auto firing

– Accuracy – Hop-up system applies backspin for stability over range  

– Customization – Aftermarket parts allow fine-tuning performance

Cons of Electric Airsoft Shotguns:

– Requires batteries – Need to recharge and swap out batteries 

– Performance decreases as battery dies – Voltage drop leads to slower firing

Gas Airsoft Shotguns

The third category of airsoft shotgun runs on compressed gas power. Both green gas (propane) and CO2 can be used to propel BBs downrange. When you pull the trigger on a gas shotgun, a valve releases a bursts gas that drives the BB out of the barrel. 

Gas shotguns really stand out for their realistic operation and recoil. Models with blowback actions will mimic the feeling of a real shotgun cycling after a shot with a satisfying rack. This lifelike blowback action makes playing with gas shotguns extra fun. The gas reservoir in the magazine also allows for semi and full auto capabilities.

In terms of performance, gas airsoft shotguns achieve the highest muzzle velocities and heaviest BB weights. The power of gas guns exceeds what AEGs can offer, delivering shots with tremendous kinetic impact force. Just be aware of your field’s FPS limits before cranking up that power.

The tradeoff with gas shotguns is the recurring cost of buying proprietary gas canisters. You’ll burn through ammo quickly thanks to the rapid firing, necessitating frequent gas refills. Gas shotguns also struggle in very cold weather once the compressed gas loses pressure and velocity.

Pros of Gas Airsoft Shotguns:

– Most powerful – Achieves highest muzzle velocities for maximum impact

– Realistic blowback – Mimics the racking feeling of real shotguns

– Gas operation – Allows for semi and full auto firing modes

Cons of Gas Airsoft Shotguns: 

– Buying gas adds up – Repeatedly refilling gas magazines gets expensive  

– Performance decreases as gas runs out – FPS drops as gas reservoir empties

– Unreliable in cold temperatures – Gas loses pressure in frigid conditions

Comparing Airsoft Shotgun Performance

Now that we’ve covered the characteristics of spring, electric, and gas powered airsoft shotguns, how do they stack up against each other in key performance areas? Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the different shotgun types:

Power – Gas shotguns are the clear winners when it comes to muzzle velocity and kinetic impact force, thanks to the compressed gas propellant. Electric shotguns come in second for power. Spring shotguns trail in last place in the power department.

Rate of Fire – Electric models with their auto firing capabilities achieve the fastest cyclic rates. Gas shotguns allow rapid firing too while the gas supply lasts. Spring shotguns inevitably come in last here due to the manual cocking limiting speed. 

Accuracy – Electric airsoft shotguns tend to be the most accurate thanks to having robust hop-up systems to stabilize BBs in flight. The power of gas guns helps accuracy over range too. Spring shotguns are least accurate.

Realism – No doubt about it, gas shotguns feel the most realistic to operate and shoot. The blowback action really mimics the racking of a real shotgun. Spring and electric shotguns can’t match this immersive recoil sensation. 

Reliability – Spring powered shotguns are most reliable since they aren’t affected by weather, batteries, or gas issues. Electric and gas shotguns can experience performance issues in certain conditions.

Airsoft Shotgun Roles and Recommended Uses

Determining whether to use your airsoft shotgun as a primary weapon or sidearm depends on the role you want to play. Here are some typical uses and recommended shotgun types for each:

Close Quarters CQB – For room clearing and indoor play, a gas or electric shotgun is ideal. Their semi/full auto functionality and blunt stopping power is perfect for quickly neutralizing opponents at short range.

Field Use – Outdoors in the woods or open areas, an AEG shotgun with upgraded range can allow you to reach out and touch enemies at a distance. Spring shotguns work for plinking but lack the power for long shots.

Sniping – Shotguns aren’t ideal for precision sniping. But if you insist, an upgraded spring shotgun with a longer inner barrel and heavy BBs can work for this niche role.

Sidearm – Equip a gas shotgun as a formidable backup weapon in case your primary gun runs dry. The gas reservoir in the magazine ensures you won’t be left defenseless. 

MilSim – To recreate real-world military scenarios, you want your shotgun behaving realistically. Gas powered shotguns fit the bill with their blowback operation and intimidating racking sounds.

Key Factors When Choosing an Airsoft Shotgun

As you narrow down your choice of an airsoft shotgun, keep these key factors in mind:

Budget – What’s your spending limit? Spring shotguns offer affordability while gas guns are pricier. Buying upgrades can also add cost over time.

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