Airsoft, a sport that combines the thrill of tactical gameplay with the joy of marksmanship, requires not just skill and strategy but also the right equipment. For beginners, the journey into airsoft begins with choosing the right BB gun, which can be both exciting and daunting. This guide is designed to help novices navigate through the myriad options available, ensuring they start their airsoft adventures with the best possible gear.

What is a BB Gun?

A BB gun is a type of air gun designed to shoot metallic ball projectiles called BBs — small, round pellets typically made of steel with a copper or zinc plating. Unlike traditional airsoft guns that shoot plastic pellets, BB guns are used for a variety of purposes including backyard plinking and target shooting.

Types of BB Guns

Spring-powered BB guns: These guns are often the simplest and most reliable option for beginners. They require manual cocking before each shot, making them less suitable for rapid firing scenarios.

Electric BB guns (AEGs): Perfect for beginners and experienced players alike, electric BB guns offer ease of use and a higher rate of fire, making them suitable for competitive scenarios.

Gas-powered BB guns: Known for their power and accuracy, gas-powered models provide a more realistic shooting experience but may require more maintenance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a BB Gun

Purpose and Use Consider what you’ll primarily use the BB gun for. If it’s for casual backyard target practice, a simple spring-powered model might suffice. However, if you’re planning to participate in competitive shooting or scenario-based games, an electric or gas-powered BB gun would be more appropriate.
Performance Specifications Power source and firing mechanism: Your choice affects not just the gun’s performance but also its maintenance and care. Electric models, for example, require batteries and regular motor checks, whereas spring guns are more straightforward.
Muzzle velocity and range: These factors determine how far and how fast the BB will travel. A higher velocity is generally preferred for outdoor use.
Accuracy and reliability: Essential for competitive shooting, these factors can be influenced by the gun’s build quality and the user’s skill level.

Essential Features of a BB Gun

Safety Features Safety should never be compromised. Good BB guns come equipped with robust safety features like trigger locks and magazine safeties to prevent accidental discharges.
Durability and Build Quality The materials used in the gun’s construction, such as metal or high-quality polymers, play a crucial role in its durability. Brands like Daisy, Crosman, and Gamo are known for their reliable build quality.

Beginner-Friendly BB Gun Models

For beginners, pistols like the Daisy Powerline 340 BB gun Pistol offer ease of use, affordability, and decent performance. Another excellent model is the Crosman PSM45, known for its sturdy build and smooth action.

BB Gun Holsters: A good bb gun holster is not just about carrying your weapon; it’s about quick access, safety, and protecting your gun from the elements. Leather and nylon are common materials, offering durability and functionality.
Maintenance and Care: Regular maintenance extends the life of your BB gun. Simple steps like oiling the moving parts and storing the gun in a cool, dry place can prevent rust and wear.
Accessories and Upgrades: Starting out, you might want to invest in safety goggles, extra BBs, and perhaps a carrying case. As you grow in the sport, upgrading your barrel or scope can enhance your shooting accuracy.

Additional tips for beginners

Bring a Red Bandana: Use it to show others when you’ve been hit or when you’re just walking around. It helps everyone understand what’s happening.

Play Nice: It’s okay to joke around during the game if everyone is okay with it. Just remember to keep it respectful once the game is over.

Learn from Experienced Players: Making friends with someone who knows the game well is a great idea. They can teach you tricks and strategies that will help you play better.

Follow the Rules: No matter if it’s your first game or your hundredth, always stick to the rules, be polite, and help others when they need it.
Be a Good Player: Sometimes, you might meet players who don’t follow the rules and ruin the fun for others. Make sure you’re not one of them by sticking to these tips.

Airsoft Gun vs. BB Gun – What’s the Difference?

If you’re like a lot of people, you probably think Airsoft guns and BB guns are one in the same. Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are significant differences between the two. The confusion usually revolves around the fact that Airsoft guns are often mistaken as BB guns. However, as mentioned earlier, they are not the same thing.

Let’s jump into a brief history lesson to help us better understand the differences between Airsoft guns and BB guns.

History of the BB gun

In 1886, the first BB gun was born. It was a revolutionary spring-piston gun that was made of maple wood and a bit of metal here and there. The first BBs were actual shotgun pellets. These pellets were 0.18 inches in diameter. George W. Sage, the man who is believed to have created this new air gun, simply chose one of the most common projectiles at the time that could fit inside of his gun.

The following year Clarence Hamilton took things up a notch by inventing an all-metal spring-piston airgun. It too could shoot lead BB projectiles. After showing off his invention to savvy businessman Lewis Cass Hough, it was inevitable that the gun would be mass produced and sold.

Production began in 1888 and from that day forth Hamilton’s BB guns began selling like hotcakes. The name of the business, Daisy Manufacturing Company, was taken from Hough’s comment during the original demonstration of the gun: “Boy, that’s a daisy.” Daisy Manufacturing Company is still in operation today under the same name.

History of the Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns can trace its origins to Japan during the early 1970s. Airsoft guns were created by shooting enthusiasts who wished to conform to Japan’s strict gun control laws, yet still enjoy their favorite hobby. The term “Air-Soft” or “Soft-Air” referred to the green gas that was used as a propellant to fire the gun.

At first, Airsoft guns were used for target practice, but after it was discovered that humans could be shot without significant injury, Airsoft guns were then used for war games. From there, Airsoft guns traveled overseas to the United Kingdom during the late 1980s. From that point onward, Airsoft guns were manufactured with recreation in mind and are often designed to resemble real steel firearms.

The differences between BB guns and Airsoft guns

One of the primary differences between BB guns and Airsoft guns is the type of ammunition they fire. BB guns fire small metal or lead BBs which make them potentially deadly depending on the strength of the gun. On the other hand, Airsoft guns fire a plastic projectile making them far safer for recreational use.

How they are used

For the most part, BB guns tend to be used for either training or target practice. Some of the more powerful BB guns can be used for pest control purposes and even hunting small game. Airsoft guns are mostly used in Mil-Sim games where players are placed in a tactical simulation where they must eliminate the opposite team and/or complete various objectives. Airsoft guns are also commonly used by SWAT teams and military units for training purposes.

Realism

Regarding realism, Airsoft guns are most certainly unmatched. It can be challenging to distinguish an Airsoft gun from an actual firearm, especially if the orange flash hider is removed. Airsoft guns tend to focus heavily on aesthetics in an attempt to resemble their real steel counterparts as closely as possible. BB guns can also look very similar to firearms, but the primary function of a BB gun tends to lean more towards performance rather than aesthetics. They’re not the most realistic looking guns out there, but where they fall short in appearances, they make up greatly in performance.

Performance/Power

As previously mentioned, BB guns were built for performance. However, that doesn’t mean Airsoft guns are outperformed in that regard. High-performance Airsoft guns can shoot up to and beyond 500 FPS allowing them to shoot on par and sometimes beyond that of high-performance BB guns.

Performance and power play a significant role due to the type of ammunition used between Airsoft guns and BB guns. Metal BBs are smaller in size and far denser than plastic Airsoft ammo. This ultimately means they can penetrate a target far more effectively. This is the reason that BB guns are great for pest control purposes but terrible for shooting at other people.

Pest control

Generally speaking, if you had to choose between a BB gun or an Airsoft gun to take care of small critters who might be running amok on your property, BB guns are definitely the way to go. They’re far more humane than Airsoft guns because they can put the little critter out of its misery faster. Airsoft guns that can fire at a high FPS, such as 800 – 1000 FPS, can also be used to do a bit of pest control, but honestly, there’s a good chance you might end up torturing the poor thing before you outright kill it. Just stick with BB guns when you’re out hunting for mice in your backyard.

Accuracy

Concerning accuracy, both BB guns and high-quality Airsoft guns can accurately hit targets from downrange. However, BB guns tend to be a bit more on the accurate side. One reason BB guns tend to be more accurate is the ammunition. Steel and lead tend to be less susceptible to the wind and other elements that might knock a lighter plastic ball off course. BB guns tend to dominate regarding long-range shooting, but they’re not quite as good up close and personal. Short range shooting is undoubtedly where Airsoft guns shine.

Also, Airsoft guns have a hop up system that puts a bit of a spin on the BB, allowing it to shoot straighter for longer distances. This greatly increases accuracy for long distance shooting. As any Airsoft player will tell you, sometimes it can take a bit of time to get your hop up tuned just right, but once you get it locked in you’ll be good to go.

Cost

The price of an Airsoft gun vs. a BB gun can vary wildly. If you are looking to purchase cheap airsoft guns from Wal-Mart or any local airsoft shop, it will probably cost you around $12.99 to $50. However, if you’re buying a professional Airsoft gun from one of the best airsoft websites with all of the bells and whistles, it can cost you as much as $1,000 to $2,000 and beyond.

The cost for airsoft guns will vary depending on:

Firing mechanism (electric, gas, spring)
Internal components
Extra features (hop-up units, realistic blowback, trademark on body)

Those airsoft guns for sale with high-quality body and internal parts (like metal) definitely cost higher than plastic counterparts.

BB guns are the same. You can go to your local sporting goods store and find a BB gun as cheap as $12.99. If you go online or to a specialty dealer, you can find BB guns as expensive as $3,000 and beyond.

The cost for air guns will vary depending on:

Gun power (feet per second)
Ammunition (lead or steel)

Powerful steel-made BBs cost higher than other BB counterparts. However, you won’t see high prices for trademark and licensing agreements, unlike airsoft guns.

The ammo goes about the same between Airsoft guns and BB guns, though steel BBs tend to be a bit on the cheaper side, but only by a small amount.

Environment

Due to the differences between the two, Airsoft guns and BB guns may excel or suffer in different environments. For example, you can use an Airsoft gun up close and personal on an individual and not worry too much about injury if you’re practicing the proper safety procedures. Even if the ammunition ricochets, you should be fine.

Additionally, the type of ammunition used can have environmental implications. Both air soft gun and BB gun offer eco friendly options. Traditional airsoft bbs are made of lead or steel. These metals can leach into the soil and water if not disposed of properly. They harm wildlife and ecosystems. But, air soft gun types are made of biodegradable plastic. So, they easily break down over time and do not leave any environmental impact.

However, using a BB gun up close and personal can be potentially dangerous because ricocheting ammunition can lead to great personal injury. With that being said, be careful of your backstop when using a BB gun. Your backstop needs to be capable of stopping a steel or lead BB.

No matter what type of gun you’re using, always wear eye protection. If you’re shot in the eye with a BB, you’re going to have a very bad day.

For those seeking an eco-friendly option, electric airsoft guns tick all the boxes. Unlike traditional gas-powered airsoft guns, they don’t require compressed air canisters. FYI, compressed air canisters are non-recyclable and leave manufacturing waste. Additionally, electric guns operate in silence. You will love them for noise-sensitive environments.

Airsoft guns will almost always be the better choice for indoor shooting due to their effectiveness at close range. Airsoft should also be considered for backyard shooting if you don’t have a decent backstop, such as your neighbor’s house. Children should always be supervised around BB guns and Airsoft guns, as they can both cause injury.

With that being said you should never shoot a BB gun at another human being. If you’re looking to go to war with your friends, Airsoft guns that fire plastic BBs should be your go-to choice. Otherwise, prepare to take your friend, or yourself for that matter, to the hospital. Even though they are safer than BB guns you must always make sure that the other participants are aware of the game and are wearing proper safety equipment.

Legal information

Under federal law, airsoft guns and BB guns are not classified as firearms and are legal for all ages, so a person of any age may use one (and with the permission of their parents, for anyone under 18). However, in some major cities, the definition of a firearm within their respective ordinances includes spring powered or compressed air weapons, making airsoft subject to applicable laws. For example, all BB guns and airsoft guns for sale in California require the buyer to be of the age of 18 or above. However, there are no laws that define the age requirement to sell airsoft guns. Generally speaking, toys and imitation firearms must have an orange tip during shipping and transportation. All of our Airsoft guns are shipped with the orange tip.

Recognize the differences

You should now have a good idea of the differences between Airsoft guns vs. BB guns. The point of this article wasn’t to determine which one is better, but merely to outline their differences. No matter which gun you choose, use them with the utmost safety and don’t forget to have fun!

Where to Buy Your BB Gun

If you’re looking to buy your first BB gun, Airsoft Station is a great place to start. They have a wide range of BB guns suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The staff are friendly and can help you choose the perfect gun that fits your budget. Plus, you can shop online at Airsoft Station, where you’ll find plenty of details and reviews to help you make a good choice. Whether you visit the store or buy from their website, Airsoft Station makes it easy and convenient to get your ideal BB gun. Whether online or in a local sporting goods store, ensure you purchase from reputable dealers.