The 5 Best Airsoft Rifles: Reviews and Complete Buying Guide

Whether you’re looking for an airsoft rifle for your child’s sweet 16 or you want one for yourself to keep your yard rodent-free, there are a plethora of options for sale. If you’re not an expert, it can be hard to know which products are actually worth your money. I’ve done the research to find the five best airsoft rifles on the market right now. Let’s take a look at which products made the cut!

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…

1. Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal

Sale
Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle
  • caliber: 0.177
  • velocity: 1250.00 ft/sec
  • Spring-piston
  • Includes 4x32 scope & mount
  • Steel barrel with fluted polymer jacket

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Starting us off is the Gamo Varmint Air Rifle. This gun shoots bullets at over 1,200 feet per second. It’s perfect for target practice and getting raccoons out of the backyard. It comes with a 4×32 millimeter scope. This scope makes it easy to see small targets or far off objects.

One feature that makes this Gamo gun one of the best airsoft rifles on the market is the weather molded synthetic stock. It has a non-slip textured finish on the grip and forearm of the gun that gives you the most control possible. There is also a soft Monte Carlo cheek pad that is comfortable and helps to align your eye with the scope sight.

This gun has a recoil pad on the buttstock as well. This keeps the gun in place against your shoulder as you shoot it. We also love the modern safety feature that can be placed to automatic or used manually.

The Gamo Varmint airsoft rifle is spring-powered and comes with a break barrel. The magazine shoots one bullet per trigger pull. Gamo is well-known for making eco-friendly products and they recycle the majority of the water used in their facilities.

What We Like:

  • Grooved cylinder rail
  • 1,250 feet per second
  • Shockproof scope
  • Weatherproof
  • Comes with a warranty
  • Lightweight and portable

What We Don’t:

  • No noise-dampening features
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

2. Soft Air Kalishnikov Tactical AK47 Electric Powered Airsoft Rifle

KALASHNIKOV Soft Air AK47 Electric Powered Full Metal Airsoft Rifle with Adjustable Hop-Up, Black, (12930)
  • POWERFUL ELECTRIC: 495 FPS with .20 gram ammo via a 8.4v 1600mAh small stick type battery
  • READY TO PLAY: Shoots 6 millimeter ammo in full and semi-automatic. Features front rail system for tactical accessories, adjustable front and rear sights, tactical side-folding stock and vertical grip
  • Replica: Made with heavy duty polymer for a realistic feel. Weighs 1.3 pounds
  • EASY TO LOAD: Magazine holds 400 rounds. Works with Matrix, G&P, Tokyo Marui and other compatible AK Series Airsoft AEG Magazines
  • ADJUSTABLE HOP-UP: Creates a back-spin effect on ammo to provide longer shooting distance

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The next airsoft rifle to make the list is from Kalishnikov Tactical. This realistic AK-47 is a great addition to any arsenal. Like all of their products, this gun as the Kalashnikov logo just above the magazine. This gun has a high-capacity magazine that holds up to 550 rounds. There are built-in tactical rails that make it easy to add on accessories if needed.

The foregrip is removable and folds away when you won’t want it up. You’ll also find that this rifle has a foldable stock that is made out of nylon fiber. The muzzle has a top speed of 380 feet per second and shoots 330 feet per second on the slow end of things.

This gun has an adjustable spin-up shooting system that many users enjoy. It is battery powered and you can charge it by plugging it into the wall with the included charger. The gun itself weighs less than nine pounds, making it fairly lightweight. If you intend on playing short games here and there, you won’t experience any unwanted fatigue.

What We Like:

  • Solid weight
  • Packs a punch
  • Incredibly accurate
  • Comes with several accessories
  • Built-in adjustable sights

What We Don’t Like:

  • The magazine can become loose over time
  • The battery isn’t easily accessible
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

3. DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle

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DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle DSBR
  • FULL SIZE, REAL FEEL, DUAL ACTION - Durable synthetic design and up to 1400 rounds per minute
  • FUELED BY (2) 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGES - Delivers speeds up to 430 fps (CO2 cartridges not included)
  • ADJUSTABLE STOCK - 6 adjustable positions make the gun easy to handle and shoulder
  • 25-ROUND DROP OUT MAGAZINE - Compatible with traditional 4.5 mm steel BBs (BBs not included)
  • REMOVEABLE POP-UP SIGHT AND ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT - To stay on target

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Available in two different colors, the DPMS gun is another one of the best airsoft rifles online today. Weighing in at less than 6 ½ pounds, this is quite the lightweight airsoft gun. It looks like the real thing and feels like it too!

It’s made out of high-quality synthetic materials and is fueled by using two CO2 cartridges. It can fire off 1,400 rounds per minute and shoots at speeds over 420 feet per second. One of my favorite things about this gun is the adjustable stock. It has six different positions you can put it in, making it comfortable for just about every user.

With a convenient drop-out magazine that holds up to 25 rounds, you won’t have to worry about reloading every few minutes. If you’re wanting to improve your accuracy, you’ll enjoy the removable pop-up sight and the adjustable rear sight.

Because of the realistic sizing and weight, this is a great airsoft rifle for target practice. If you’re looking to develop your skill, you’ll like the blowback action this thing has! There is also a convenient quad rail forearm that makes it easy to add on mounted accessories.

What We Like:

  • Looks realistic
  • AR compatible pistol grip
  • Flip-up back up sight
  • Angle foregrip
  • Incredibly fast
  • Relatively lightweight

What We Don’t Like:

  • It’s loud
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

4. BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M62

BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle with Scope M62 - Bolt Action Powerful Spring Airsoft Gun, Extreme Powerful FPS with .20g 6mm BBS
  • POWERFUL SPRING LOADED - Highlt Detailed Airsoft Sniper Rifle and Shooting Powerfully with .2g BBs
  • HIGH QUALITY BUILT - Airsoft gun replicas with detailed finish and ABS polymer construction to reinforce platform
  • PRECISION MADE - Precision machine made shooting longer distance with added stability and precision
  • FAST LOADING - Airsoft guns using Clip for fast and simple reload for quick turn around
  • BOLT ACTION- Highly realistic bolt action to load and release on shooting with real feeling for authenticity

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The first BBTac rifle I’ll be covering today is the M62. This is a rifle that has all of the small details that you’d see in a real sniper rifle. Designed with ABS polymer, it is high-quality and incredibly durable. This rifle was made to improve the accuracy of the shooter’s shots. With the added stability, you shouldn’t have any issue hitting your target.

The clip is used for quick and easy reloads. You’ll spend less time reloading the magazine and more time playing the game. This BBTac rifle also has bolt-action to give the gun a feeling of authenticity. The built-in scope makes it easy to see your targets that are too small to see with the naked eye or are far off in the distance.

This is a battery-powered airsoft rifle that can be charged by using a wall charger. You can easily remove the battery if need it and find replacements online. This prevents waiting for the battery to charge in order to use the gun. If you’re just starting out, this is a great beginner airsoft rifle to try out.

What We Like:

  • Looks and feels realistic
  • Comes with a scope
  • 420 feet per second speed
  • Battery-powered
  • Bolt-action

What We Don’t Like:

  • Replacement parts are hard to find
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

5. BBTac Airsoft Gun AEG Electric Gun Rifle

BBTac Airsoft Gun AEG Electric Gun Rifle Full Auto Package with Battery and Charger
  • POWERFUL AIRSOFT GUNS - Included Airsoft Rifle with Electric Powered Spring, powerfully at 250 Fps with .12g BBs, Great Starter Airsoft Gun to Shoots
  • REALISTIC REPLICA - Airsoft gun replicas with detailed finish and plastic construction. Great starter guns for beginners , no assemble required
  • READY TO PLAY - Package included airsoft 6mm pellets ammo to start shooting right the way. Package of airsoft guns for perfect game play with beginners

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The last airsoft rifle to make the list for the best available is the BBTac AEG electric rifle. I wanted to add this one to the list because it’s a great option for kids to use. It has a lower speed of 250 feet per second. The bullets can still travel quite quickly, but safe enough for younger shooters to use.

This is a realistic replica, with extra attention to details. It is made out of plastic, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry for long periods of time. There isn’t any assembly required, making this airsoft rifle perfect for beginners.

This gun comes with pellets so that you can start practicing right away. It is fully-automatic, which comes in handy when trying to scare off that pesky rabbit that keeps eating up your garden. With the rechargeable battery, you won’t have to worry about spending a ton of money on CO2 cartridges to keep the gun powered.

The magazine clip is clear, making it easy to tell when you’ll need a refill before you’re completely out. There is also a bright light under the barrel to illuminate targets on cloudy days or in the evening. This rifle does have a built-in scope, along with a bright orange tip to show that it’s not a real gun.

What We Like:

  • Your choice between semi or fully automatic
  • A great option for kids
  • Battery-powered
  • Clear magazine
  • Lightweight and compact

What We Don’t Like:

  • Made entirely of plastic
  • The scope could use improvements
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Buyer’s Guide

Below are a handful of popular features to be aware of when shopping for one of the best airsoft rifles. Keep this buyer’s guide in mind and consider keeping this tab open when you’re comparing one gun to another.

Operating System

Airsoft guns get their power one of three ways:

  • Gas-powered
  • Spring-powered
  • Battery-powered

Each of these options comes with pros and cons. One may be better for someone, while you may prefer another operating system. Battery-powered airsoft guns are great because you can charge it and it’s ready to go! You won’t waste money on CO2 cartridges.

Spring-powered is best for those on a budget or if you’re just diving into the world of airsoft. They do have less of a kick than the other two operating systems but are amazing starter guns.

Lastly, gas-powered airsoft guns use CO2 cartridges to push out pellets. These are the most powerful airsoft guns available. While they aren’t the most cost-efficient, many love them for the power and durability factors that they bring to the table.

Accessories

Consider if you want to add any accessories to the gun. If you don’t want to when you buy the rifle, you may want to in the future. You’ll want to look out for rails that you can add accessories onto the rifle. These are usually scopes, sights, and lasers.

You may also want to look at whether or not the rifle that you’re interested in comes with any accessories. Some come with pellets, extra magazines, and scopes. Others come with just the airsoft rifle.

Out of all the accessories that you can buy, I suggest getting a high-quality scope. Rifles are designed to be used with scopes. Plus, it can come in handy no matter what you’re using the airsoft gun for in the first place!

Speed and Accuracy

The speed of the gun is measured by feet per second. The majority of airsoft guns fire between 250 and 1,000 feet per second. There are some that shoot faster or slower than that range. If you’re buying an airsoft gun to play with your friends, it’s smart to get one that shoots quicker.

Whether or not a gun is fully automatic will play a role in speed as well. When a gun is fully automatic, it shoots on pellet after pellet as long as the trigger is held down. If you’re using a semi-automatic airsoft rifle, one pull of the trigger will release a single pellet. You’ll need to pull the trigger each time you want to shoot.

The accuracy of a gun can be changed based upon the weight of the pellet. Let’s take a look at what exactly that means:

  • A .12 gram pellet will shoot straight at around 200 feet per second. 300 to 400 feet per second is too fast for a pellet that light.
  • A .20 gram pellet shoots the straightest when fired at 300 feet per second. 200 fps will shoot the pellet straight up and 400 will give an inaccurate shot.
  • When you have a .25 pellet going 200 feet per second, it will fall straight to the ground. 300 fps will also fall to the ground but after a bit of distance. 400 feet per second is ideal for .25 gram pellets.
  • A .30 gram pellet will work best at 400 feet per second and fall to the ground at both 200 and 300 fps.

Material

When you’re shopping around for an airsoft rifle, you’ll need to consider what it’s made out of. If you’re looking for something that’s heavy-duty, you may want a gun that’s made out of metal. While airsoft guns that are made of metal are heavier, they are often more durable and long-lasting.

Many airsoft rifles are made of plastic. These are more cost-efficient and much more lightweight. They’re easier to hold for long periods of time and won’t cause any fatigue on your body. With that being said, plastic airsoft rifles may not last as long as ones made out of higher-quality materials.

You may also want to keep an eye on smaller parts as well. You can find airsoft guns that are nearly entirely metal and for some reason, the company will use plastic hardware. Make sure that you’re looking at every detail to find the best product.

Best Airsoft Rifle Brands

Gamo

Founded in the late 1950s, Gamo is an airgun manufacturer out of Barcelona, Spain. It is the most popular airgun supplier in Europe and Game makes the most airgun pellets in the world.

BBTac

BBTac is an innovative and unique company that makes a variety of different airsoft products. BBTac is focused on making better airsoft products than any other company on the market.

DPMS

DPMS Panther Arms has headquarters located in Hunstville, Alabama. This company was created in Saint Cloud, Minnesota in 1985. DPMS makes a plethora of different military and civilian gear.

Kalishnikov Tactical

Authentic Russian firearms are produced from Kalishnikov Tactical. This company has been around for over 110 years. They are best known for the AK-47-like airsoft guns that they produce.

FAQ

Q: How are airsoft guns classified?

A: Airsoft rifles are usually classified by what powers them. This may be electricity, spring-powered, or gas.

Q: Will an airsoft rifle kill the birds in my yard?

A: While it’s not guaranteed, an airsoft rifle can definitely kill a bird or any other small animal that makes its way into your yard. Because of this, it’s important to try other humane removal methods before reaching for the airsoft gun. If you do choose to use your airsoft rifle, try avoiding hitting the animal’s head.

Q: Is it legal to kill animals with an airsoft gun?

A: This actually depends on where you live if you can kill animals using an airsoft gun. In one county it may be legal and in the next, you could get a ticket for it. It’s important to check local laws before firing.

Q: What are airsoft bullets made out of?

A: Often referred to as pellets, the bullet-like ammo used in airsoft guns is usually made out of hard plastic. They can weigh between .1 grams and .4 grams. Even though they’re plastic, airsoft pellets can still give bruises and welts to those who get hit by them.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Those are the five best airsoft rifles that money can buy! With a complete buyer’s guide, I hope that you found a new toy to use during games or for clearing your yard of pesky critters. Just like when you’re shopping for anything else you may not have a lot of experience with, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Consider the speed you’ll need to rifle to fire bullets. Do you need something to get rid of raccoons? You’ll need a gun with a speed of over 400 feet per second to get the job done. Material is something else to keep in mind! It can change a lot about the gun. Whichever option you choose, I hope it works well for you. Be sure to let us at Own The Yard know how you like your new airsoft rifle!