Thursday, May 31, 2012

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pump Action Airsoft Shotguns

Pump Action Shotgun Q&A

What are pump action shotguns?
Pump action shotguns are different than semi-automatic shotguns or lever-action shotguns in the way that the gun removes used shells and reinserts new ones. The pump resides below the barrel, and is a sliding for-end that, when cocked, moves the bb shells from the magazine into the cartridge. The trigger can then be pulled to eject the airsoft bbs.

Other aliases?
These awesome airsoft guns are also known as slide action shotguns, slide action repeating shotguns

What are the pros to using a pump action shotgun? 
a. Powerful – can shoot up to 450 feet per second
b. More flexibility of airsoft ammo
c. More reliable
d. Great price point
e. Realistic

Beyond providing excellent power at a better price point, many airsoft aficionados enjoy shooting with a pump airsoft shotgun because of the realistic militia feel to the gun. No energy is lost when loading the ammo into the cartridges, unlike semi-automatic guns, which means better power. The reliability is enhanced with these slide action airsoft guns as they withstand harsh climate and environmental factors better than other guns. Pump action shotguns are the most common guns employed by the military and in hunting, which make them a favorite for airsoft players engaged in mil-sim or tactical battles.

What are the cons to using a pump action shotgun?
Can be slower b. Pump required for each shot Despite excellent power and flexibility, the need to actively pump to power the airsoft shotgun is the main disadvantage to the machine. In a high paced and intense airsoft battle, having a semi-automatic airsoft pistol or completely automatic AEGs allow you to shoot more ammo quicker and easier which can be a huge advantage.

What are the best airsoft shotguns around?
It depends on who you ask, but the DE M3 Multi-Shot Triple Burst Airsoft Tactical Shotgun - Sawed Off Terminator is one of our most popular models. It features 3 barrels for maximum power - 3 BBs launch at 330+ FPS for every pump. It is certainly one of the most versatile and effective airsoft shotguns you can purchase for under $150.

The 390 FPS AGM Airsoft M500 Tactical Full Stock Pump Action Spring Shotgun is another popular choice among airsoft aficionados. This shotgun features an integrated adjustable Hop-Up system and a reinforced barrel making it a truly efficiant weapon in both close quarter and long-range skirmishes.

Last but not least, the Tactical M581 SWAT "Sawed Off" Pistol Grip Spring Shotgun is a monster gun for the price. It features a "Sawed Off" Stock version of the SWAT shotgun for tactical purposes and CQB maneuverability and it's one of the best value for a great price.

What positions are best served by airsoft shotguns?
Any position in airsoft battle that demands power and needs the capacity to hit multiple targets should look to an airsoft shotgun as their tool for play. Because the shotguns are held and fired from the shoulder, the accuracy and scope is improved – this is why shotguns are the preferred gun for hunting and the militia. If you’re worried about the ease-of-use of the airsoft shotguns, look to the sawn-off airsoft shotguns; these have a shortened barrel, which increases mobility significantly.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs and airsoft blowback pistols, and check out out wide selection of airsoft clips.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Why Choose a Gas Powered Airsoft Gun?

Determining whether or not a gas powered airsoft gun is right for you will depend on how you plan to use your gun. If you are new to airsoft, it may not be clear how an airsoft gas guns may be a better or worse fit than spring or electric options. This article will help clear things up.

First, ask yourself “what can I spend?” If you have a limited funds (say less than $50), a gas gun is probably not your best bet. You would be better off looking at inexpensive spring guns which – no doubt - will make less of a dent on your wallet. You can find a decent spring gun for as low as $15. If you are ok with spending anywhere from $50 to $250 for your airsoft weapon, then the gas gun option is still on the table. Gas airsoft guns will start around $50 and can go over $200 for a gas powered airsoft rifle and even as high as $400 for some of the more high quality options. This is obviously more than a spring gun, but also less than an electric airsoft gun or AEG which start closer to $100 mark, making gas guns a nice mid-priced option.

If gas guns are within your budget, next consider these benefits and drawbacks:

Gas guns are powerful, providing superior accuracy and range. Of the three power types – electric, gas and spring - gas offers the highest velocity and range, making it a favorite on the airsoft field. This makes gas powered guns especially great for target practice and sniping roles.

Gas pistols have the most realistic look and feel. One of the coolest benefits to gas guns is their authentic look and feel, especially when it comes to pistols. Hand guns tend to be too small to accommodate electric motor components required for an AEG. Likewise, spring guns are single fire, meaning spring guns cannot support automatic fire. Gas guns provide a very authentic experience. Not only do gas guns come in metal varieties, providing the right weight and feel, but they deliver “blowback.” This means that after a shot is fired, the gas forces the slide back to load the next airsoft BB providing a kick-back sensation similar to recoil. These features make gas gun feel very much like a real firearm. They are probably the most authentic feeling of these three power varieties.

Gas guns can support semi and full automatic fire. If you require rapid automatic fire, AEGs or gas guns are your only options. Spring powered guns are not able to provide this.

You will need to carry replacement cartridges when participating in skirmishes. When set to semi or fully automatic, gas guns can be – well – gas guzzlers. The blowback feature, while authentic, will go through more gas and you will need to carry replacement canisters on the field. This can become bulky, inconvenient, and the cost eventually adds up. This tips the scales in electric guns’ favor when it comes to airsoft skirmishes unless you plan to be a sniper.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft store offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for spring airsoft rifles and competition grade airsoft ammo for players of any experience level.

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