In keeping with the theme of the airsoft sport, airsoft shotguns offer a particular attention to detail. These shotguns are made to look like the real thing, and with higher end full metal airsoft shotguns, they will pretty well handle in a very similar fashion to the real models they were inspired by. Of course, with airsoft, the difference is that they fire airsoft BBs, and have different internal mechanisms to accommodate the difference in ammunition.
The attractiveness of the airsoft shotguns is the fact that the operation of a normal shotgun (aka the “cocking” of the gun through a pump action system) is easily transferable to airsoft play. More specifically, the cost of airsoft shotguns can remain low because they can be spring powered, and still offer the realistic pump action, making them very believable in a military simulation or police training scenario. But, there are higher cost gas powered shotguns, if you really want to pack the punch. And airsoft shotguns do fire a spread, just like a real shotgun. However, most of the time the spread is only 1-5 BBs. This is still very adequate for airsoft players, and with some shotguns holding as few as 10-20 BBs in a magazine, all the way up to 100, 200 or even more BBs.
There are many different models of shotguns offered in airsoft. You will have your pick of police models, military models, even double barrel shotguns are offered. And accessories – the sky is the limit. Equip your airsoft shotgun with anything you can think of, from optical scopes, laser dot scopes, flashlights, goggles, speed loaders, whatever you need. Often some of these are offered as a packaged deal with the airsoft shotgun itself.
Bottom line – having a shotgun on your shoulder, and a sidearm on your belt, makes a fantastic one-two punch versus any airsoft enemy you might encounter. Combined with the simplicity of the spring powered systems many of these airsoft guns use, they are easily utilized by youth and adults alike. Also, these guns can be purchased for about the same, or slightly less than airsoft pistols.
