WHAT IS THE BEST AIRSOFT SHOTGUN?
Airsoft shotguns are the most sought after weapon on the field due to their uses in recent video games and movies. What kind are you going to get and will it be good enough for you? Lets take a quick look at some of the current models that are tried and true on the field for the players. These shotguns will be useful in a range of places like a close quarter battles at VIP Airsoft all the way out to field games for Milsim West.
The three pumps on the right side will be the Gas powered shotguns. With the gas powered shotguns you will have more power and realism but a higher cost to account for the additional parts.
The gas shotguns are similar to a regular gas blow back pistol. The fill valve and main parts but just larger for more gas volume. With proper care the gas shotgun will work great over the years.
Another great feature of the gas shotguns would be some have a shell option to load and fire using mock shells. For example this APS shotgun uses the mock shells making it great for loading and practicing but for skirmishing and getting the expensive shells after each shot will be a troublesome task and costly each month. Finding a good gas shotgun with parts is tricky now days it seems. They may look good at first just like the JAG Scattergun gas series.
Related Blog: JAG Arms Scattergun Failure
The latest development in the Airsoft Shotgun world would be the AA12 which is an electric powered shotgun. Tokyo Marui has always been the front runner in the Airsoft world and amazed the world with the AA12.
The Tokyo Marui AA12 is just like three AEG’s in one large shotgun body. You will have three barrels and each with their own adjustable hop up unit. The system is very complex and new with little to no aftermarket parts yet but the AA12 will be around for a long time.
The classic shotgun in the Airsoft world will be the springer shotgun which is spring or pump powered. Most people think of a cheap ‘toy’ but there are several out on the market at one point in time that are actually skirmish worthy. The springer shotguns all have the same pump and shoot option in various shotgun models to suite your needs. With the spring powered shotguns you will find some that fire a single bb or three and they all range in an affordable price range making them a great back up weapon for the weekend player or even the milsim player.
Comparing the various spring powered shotguns you will see the differences such as the magazine or “shell” they use to supply the bbs. Taking note of this is important for the springers and the other shotguns when you are buying and you need to make sure spare magazines or shells are available to increase your play and use time. The some what standardize shotgun would be the Leapers UTG which is based off the Tokyo Marui design and uses the same type of mock shells.
The best all around Airsoft shotgun would be from the spring line up just due to the fact they are cost effective and no maintenance needed. You can just use them and count on them to work for several thousand rounds or more depending on the build. A spring shotgun might seem outdated but they are still being released even to this day, case in point Valken Airsoft in 2018 and their Triple Threat Shotgun which is similar to the shotguns above.
From casual to extreme training you can find something that is just right for you in the Airsoft Shotgun world. Just take in account your budget and care needed to keep the shotgun up and running and you will have a fun time.
