There are basically three different operating methods for Airsoft/Softair guns:
- Spring-powered
- Electric
- Gas-powered
Which of these is the best is difficult to say - all have their pros and cons - and their own fan bases.
Spring-powered Airsoft guns
Airsoft guns that operate on a spring mechanism are also referred to as Spring Airsoft guns. “Spring” is the English term for "coil spring". The shooter must manually cock the gun. When the trigger is pulled, the spring is released, driving a piston that compresses air. The air pressure propels the BB through the barrel and out of the gun towards the target. Spring-powered guns must be re-cocked after each shot, which is a cumbersome loading method. Semi-automatic Airsoft guns cannot operate on this principle either. This method is the least popular among passionate Airsoft players and is rarely used on the field. Exception: Airsoft sniper rifles that are designed based on the authentic principle of a bolt-action rifle.
Electric Airsoft guns
Electric Airsoft guns are equipped with a small motor powered by a battery. This motor cocks the spring when the trigger is pulled, which is then released immediately. This spring then accelerates a piston forward, which compresses air and propels the BB. Aside from the manual cocking, the operating principle is similar to that of Airsoft guns in the first category. However, electric Airsoft guns can be further subdivided:
Automatic Electronic Gun
In a fully automatic Airsoft gun, the firing process repeats automatically as long as the trigger is held down. However, in Germany, all fully automatic firearms with a muzzle energy of 0.5 Joules or more fall under the War Weapons Control Act. Airsoft guns with a muzzle energy of up to 0.5 Joules are considered toys. Due to their inferior firing performance, they are not usable on the field.
Semi-Automatic Electric Gun (SAEG)
SAEGs are semi-automatic Airsoft guns. When the trigger is pulled, a BB is fired. If the shooter wants to fire multiple BBs, they must pull the trigger as many times individually. SAEGs are among the most common weapons on the Airsoft field because they offer the shooter tactical advantages.
Electric Blow Back (EBB)
Electric Blow Back (EBB) guns have additional components and springs that simulate a blowback - that is, the slide's recoil during firing. The blowback is by no means as strong as that of a real gun, but it feels very realistic. EBB guns are also semi-automatics.
Gas-powered Airsoft guns
The most commonly used category: Airsoft guns powered by a gas cartridge. The following gases are used:
- Propane, also known as Green Gas in the context of Softair guns
- Red Gas, which generates even more pressure than Green Gas
- Carbon dioxide
- High air pressure
- Co2 capsules
The gas supply in these Softair guns is located in a gas magazine, which must be refilled with an external gas bottle. Alternatively, a Co2 capsule can be inserted into the gun. A subcategory of gas Airsoft guns are the Gas Blow Back Airsoft guns (GBB), which, like the EBBs, imitate the slide's recoil. These guns have a recoil and feel very realistic.
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