For aspiring MilSim combatants just getting into the world of airsoft, it can be competitive, and it can be expensive.
Players spend (not infrequently) hundreds if not thousands of dollars on their airsoft AEGs, not only buying the basic platforms, but making customizations, modifications, and upgrades.
Choosing a gun is just the start, but remember, a good choice for beginners doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t break the bank.
Airsoft doesn’t have to be a sport that only kings can afford. You can engineer costs down while still getting quality by investing in one of the best starter airsoft guns out of the gate.
Here’s a primer on some quality electric airsoft guns for beginners.
What Makes the Best Starter Airsoft Guns?
When you’re shopping for the best beginner airsoft rifle, look for one that:
- Is in your price range
- Is made with durable external components (polymer, aluminum, steel, wood, etc.)
- Has an upgradeable, all-metal gearbox
- Has a tight-bore barrel
- Has a quick-change spring system
- Is li-po ready (lithium-polymer, or li-po batteries, offer more power and higher ROF than alternatives like NiMH batteries)
- Has KeyMod, M-LOK, or Picatinny rail space to expand with attachments
- Comes pre-configured with a MOSFET or ETU
Naturally, you don’t need to check all of these boxes, but the more you can square away, the better value you’ll get from the transaction, and the perfect airsoft rifle for beginners would have all of these features.
G&G Raider
The G&G Raider is a staple in the airsoft world, especially for beginners. This is because it’s not over-engineered but still offers great performance, and can easily be upgraded.
The G&G Raider features a durable polymer receiver and high-quality internals, along with a Version 2, full-metal, fully-upgradeable gearbox that has 8mm brass bearings.
It also features an adjustable stock, plenty of rail space, a long-type motor, extremely crisp trigger response, an adjustable hop-up, and a tight-bore barrel pre-installed.
On top of that, it’s compatible with other M4/M16-style airsoft magazines.
But the best thing about the G&G CM16 Raider is the price. At under $200, it definitely offers unbeatable value in its class.
Lancer Tactical LT-15T-G2 M4
Comparable to the G&G Raider in price, the Lancer Tactical LT-15T-G2 M4, offers a lot of similar value.
On the outside, it features a tough, nylon upper and lower, along with a quad rail that offers plenty of space for mounting airsoft attachments and accessories.
It also features a tight-bore inner barrel, a quick-change spring system (enabling you to boost power without removing or replacing the whole gearbox) and an adjustable rotary hop-up system.
Like the CM16 Raider, this one offers a lot of value, especially at this price point, as a beginner airsoft gun.
Arcturus X-C.A.T. AR-15
If you’re willing to shell out more to get one of the best starter airsoft guns out there, go with an Arcturus Airsoft X-C.A.T. AR-15.
They may cost nearly twice what the other two starter AEGs on this list cost, but you get that back in performance and features.
The Arcturus Airsoft X-C.A.T. features robust aluminum alloy and polymer construction, along with a Pic rail over the receiver and an M-LOK quad rail for a handguard.
It also features a folding stock, a threaded outer barrel, an upgradeable, all-metal gearbox with a quick-change spring system, and an adjustable hop-up system.
In addition to these, it is li-po ready (11.1V) and comes with a variable cap (30/130 round) airsoft mag that boosts realism, making it perfect for some MilSim airsoft events.
Explore These and Other Great Options at MiR Tactical
Any of these airsoft guns would make a great option for a beginner, but regardless of the one that appeals to you, the place to get it (and all of your airsoft gear) is MiR Tactical.
Online at MiRTactical.com (and in Buffalo Grove, Illinois) MiR Tactical offers a price match guarantee that delivers the best prices in the industry, no questions asked, and no code required.
Visit their website or contact them at 800-581-6620 for more details.
