Original posted on February 20th 2008.
Where to start? Well, . . . the main weapon you carry, needs to fit your style of play. What this means is, that you may prefer a Match M14 sniper rifle that looks really cool, but if your crashing through brush, or if you are into spray and pray, its just not your weapon. If your into spray and pray this is also not your sport.
Lets start with the small guns. With an MP5, M4 SOCOM, or any Para-type sub-machine gun, you had better be ready to take the fight to the enemy. These weapons have barrel lengths of around 229mm, and even with upgrades you will find yourself out ranged. The up side is that they are easily maneuvered through terrain and in tight quarters, making them quick reaction weapons.
The next step up is the best all around weapon you can buy. If you are just starting out, and unsure what to get, take a look at the M15-A4 Carbine. The barrel lengths are around 363mm, and they are greatly customizable. Able to out-range the small guns and pistols, but more maneuverable and usually lighter than the rifles, this weapon is the workhorse of the Airsoft world. AK’s have a version of this as well.
At the top of the list is the rifles. This includes all weapons with the barrel length of 510 or greater, that are not a support weapon. M15 and M16’s, AUG’s, SAR’s, and even the Match M14. These long range weapons do a great majority of the killing on an Airsoft field, but the user must be more patient, and able to find lines of fire so as to take advantage of his range. Learn your range, know it, and use it!
S.A.W. or Squad Automatic Weapon. These weapons are not typically brought to the field except in a support role. Slapping a box mag on your AEG does not make you a SAW. Although SAWs have the barrel length of the rifles, and put out their fair share of BB’s, they are large and more awkward to use. To have one on your team is nice. They can cover an advance, or set up in a prepared position as defense. They also carry a substantial physiological threat to your opponent.
Lastly, I will include pistols and Shower Shell Weapons. As for pistols, have one. Make it a blow back model for sake of cleaning and maintenance. And Shell Weapons, well they have their uses, mostly physiological like the support weapons above, but with the close quarters benefit of the small guns. I say, if you can kill your enemy with one round why fire 100? Because its fun! Ka-Boom.
Whichever weapon you choose, make it match your style, or you will find yourself dead, and even worse, frustrated. It’s my suggestion to rent or borrow a weapon and find out what you like.
See you armed and on the field.