Weapons

AEG – electric airsoft guns

Electric models (AEG) are among the most versatile systems. A battery powers a motor that tensions and releases the piston spring via a gearbox. It sounds simple, but the precision mechanics involved are astonishingly complex. A good AEG delivers stable firing cycles, consistent energy output and, depending on the model, a decent rate of fire. You can fire clean single shots in semi-automatic mode, and if your model is below 0.5 joules, you can also fire continuously.

The advantage is clearly consistency: temperature hardly plays a role. As long as the battery provides enough voltage and the gears run smoothly, performance remains predictable. The Achilles' heel is cheap gearboxes, poorly shimmed gears, and batteries with insufficient load capacity. If something rattles, gets hot, or makes strange noises, you should take it seriously – AEGs rarely give you “a little” warning before they start having problems. On the other hand, they are extremely easy to upgrade: different motors, different springs, MOSFETs, better batteries, different barrel setups – the list is long.

Gas – green gas or propane

Gas-powered airsoft guns rely on moving slides or bolts, which results in a much more realistic shooting experience. Blowback gives you a feeling that is closer to the original than any AEG, but it also requires more maintenance. The gas is stored directly in the magazine, which means that performance depends on temperature and fill level. If the outside temperature drops, the gas pressure also drops – that's pure physics.

If you use a gas model, you have to think ahead: oil the valves, maintain the seals, don't overfill in summer and, if possible, don't reload outside in the cold in winter. In return, you get a system that provides clean mechanical feedback when shooting, with fast response and a slide action that is simply fun. When properly adjusted and maintained, gas models shoot very accurately. If you neglect maintenance, they will quickly respond with leaks or inconsistent shot patterns.

CO₂ – cartridges for consistent performance

CO₂ guns use 12g capsules, which generally perform more consistently than green gas – especially at low temperatures. This is exactly what makes them attractive in fall and winter. The pressure is high and remains relatively stable over several magazines until the capsule is empty. This results in crisp recoil and noticeable slide behavior, but also in higher material stress. Seals are under greater strain and need to be maintained accordingly.

A typical problem: the performance of some models is so close to the legal upper limit that even small temperature differences can cause slight fluctuations. In addition, a certain amount of dispersion must be expected towards the end of the CO₂ capsule. On the other hand, these weapons continue to function even when gas models have long since given up. If you are looking for a robust, weather-independent variant and are willing to accept slightly higher wear and tear, CO₂ is a good choice.

Spring pressure – the simple, honest mechanic

Spring pressure weapons are technically the most purist solution: no cartridge, no battery, no gas, just a spring that is tensioned by hand. Cocking takes time, but there are virtually no moving components that could leak or discharge. A spring-powered pistol is as reliable as a screwdriver – as long as you don't handle it roughly, it will simply shoot.

However, these models are always single-shot. They are only suitable for fast-paced game situations to a limited extent. On the other hand, they score points for their minimal maintenance requirements. Many spare parts are simple in design, magazine prices are low, and the mechanics are so straightforward that even newbies can understand what's going on inside after a short time. Spring-powered guns are often the relaxed choice, especially for younger players or users who don't want to constantly charge batteries or refill gas.

What really matters in everyday life

No matter which type of propulsion you choose, in the end it's less about “the best weapon” and more about what suits your playing style. Do you often play outdoors? Then CO₂ will be more reliable than gas in winter. Are you looking for realistic shooting behavior and want a slide that works properly? Then there's hardly anything better than gas or CO₂. Do you want a workhorse that just works, regardless of whether you remembered to load or fill it yesterday? Then spring pressure will cause you the least trouble. And if you value a high rate of fire and technical fine-tuning, the AEG is a system you can really get your teeth into – with everything that goes with it.

Legal requirements

In Germany, the rules are clear: Airsoft guns with a power of 0.5 joules or more and marked with an “F in a pentagon” are freely available for sale to persons aged 18 and over. Models with a power of less than 0.5 joules are not considered firearms and may also be fully automatic. Some spring-powered or low-power models are available from the age of 14. You will find this information clearly sorted in the shop so that there are no misunderstandings.