What Are Airsoft Shotguns?
Crosman Stinger S32P Spring Airsoft Shotgun Black
Airsoft shotguns are full-size replicas of real shotguns, but instead of firing real shotgun shells, they fire small plastic pellets using springs or compressed air.
These pellets are called BBs, short for ball bearings or big ball. Airsoft weapons are often made to look very much like the real things, except that the firing mechanisms are different.
They can be made of metal or plastic, with metal often being more costly. Airsoft shotguns are different from other air soft guns in that they can fire more than one BB at one time.
The Airsoft Shotgun - Classes and Operation
Spring Multi-Shot M56 Riot Shotgun FPS-320 Collapsible Stock Airsoft Gun
There are three basic classifications of airsoft weapons: spring, electric, and gas. These refer to the operational mechanisms involved in firing the pellets.
Airsoft spring guns use the potential energy stored in a compressed spring to push a BB out through the barrel using a piston that compresses air. The spring must be reset after every round fired, meaning that the user has to pull back the slide, bolt, or pump, depending on the type of airsoft weapon.
Electric airsoft guns use an electric motor and internal power source to reposition the spring into a "cocked" position after every shot. While operating on the same basic principle as a spring shotgun, they are advantageous in that multiple shots can be taken without cocking the gun.
Gas airsoft guns use compressed air to fire the BBs. The air is usually supplied via small tanks attached to the weapon. In some models, the tanks may be small enough to hide within the weapon housing, while in others it may be attached externally.
Airsoft Shotgun Models
Remington Wingmaster Airsoft Soft Air Shotgun
Airsoft shotguns can range from models that fire 1 BB to models that fire 5 BBs at a time. They are mostly spring powered, since anything else that would not require pulling the pump would not feel like a real shotgun!
The BBs are loaded into a holding chamber at the near end of the barrel before being forced out in a not-exactly-lethal spray.
Realism is key in airsoft, so in keeping with the reality of shotguns, pumping is kept a vital part of the experience.
Gas-powered airsoft shotguns are also available, though not as popular. Electric airsoft shotguns are rare, and not very popular, currently.
Airsoft Shotguns and Usage
Airsoft shotguns are used in target practice, yard play, and military simulations.
The newest models are accurate enough to simulate the real weapons, so they are suitable for target practice.
While yard play and military simulation with any airsoft weapon is possible, participants are encouraged to wear protective clothing, especially on sensitive areas like the face, neck, crotch, et cetera.
Eye protection is indispensable. These BBs are limited to velocities of 100 to 500 feet per second, but even then they can sting and leave bruises.
Spring Full Metal M47 Shotgun FPS-460 Full Stock Airsoft Gun
Shotgun Brands in Airsoft
The top 5 brands in the airsoft world are generally held to be Tokyo Marui, Classic Army, I Chin Shivan or ICS, Jing Gong, and CyberGun.
These companies are valued for different aspects like level of detail, strength of construction, and reliability in use, and pricing.
Shotgun Replica Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Pump action for realism
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Wide bullet spread (for models firing more than one BB)
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Sturdy due to solid construction
Cons:
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Inaccurate at medium and long range
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Heavy
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Slow firing rate
Airsoft Shotguns - Pricing
This huge range in prices is due to the market saturation and customer demand for balances between quality, realism, and reliability.
Summary
Airsoft shotguns are great for display and target practice, but most enthusiasts prefer airsoft assault rifles, sniper rifles, and even pistols over these.
Airsoft shotguns are often relegated to a secondary weapon by military simulation enthusiasts. They are, on the other hand, relatively cheaper than other large airsoft guns.
![airsoft shotguns photo of riot gun, I think spring powered with pump action. Gun is all black with an orange tip at the end of the barrell or muzzle](<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BS5NXE?ie=UTF8&tag=airsoftdome-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BS5NXE"><img border="0" src="21wFtpmM6FL._SL160_.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=airsoftdome-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BS5NXE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />)
