What is an Airsoft Shotgun?

Airsoft shotguns are generally replicas of real shotguns and are designed to shoot 6mm plastic BBs for military simulation or survival wargames. Unlike airsoft pistols and rifles that shoot 1 BB at a time, airsoft shotguns are designed to more than one BB simultaneously to create a spread pattern to hit multiple targets at once. Tokyo Marui gas airsoft shotguns can shoot 3-6 BBs simultaneously while their electric airsoft shotguns can shoot in full auto at 3 BBs simultaneously for massive coverage. Airsoft shotguns are not designed to shoot very far, and are designed for indoor or close-quarters use, especially spring powered airsoft shotguns.

There are many styles of airsoft shotguns including airsoft double barrel shotguns, sawed off airsoft shotguns, tactical airsoft shotguns, CQB airsoft shotguns, pump action shotguns, semi auto shotguns, break action airsoft shotguns, futuristic airsoft shotguns, airsoft winchester shotguns, M870 airsoft shotguns, and even mini airsoft shotguns made by Showguns that also act as mini grenade launchers.

Airsoft shotguns come in many different flavors and the most basic type is pump-action spring-powered, where you pump the foregrip to cock a spring inside the gun and pull the trigger to shoot. A removable magazine or internal BB reservoir feeds the gun as you pump and shoot away. The most popular example of this kind of shotgun is the Tokyo Marui SPAS 12, with three individual barrels to shoot three BBs on each trigger pull. The downside to a spring-powered shotgun is they are slow and can only shoot as fast as you can pump it, which when faced against a full auto rifle or semi auto pistol becomes quite challenging in a face-to-face encounter.

Moving up a notch is the airsoft gas shotgun, which also generally require you to pump and cock to shoot each time but because they are gas powered, you are no longer compressing an internal spring as you rack the foregrip. This means that the cocking motion is lighter and therefore much easier and faster to do, allowing you to shoot off successive shots more quickly. For even faster shots, consider a semi auto shotgun that shoots as fast as you can pull the trigger. Most popular example of this is the Marushin M1100 semi auto shotgun, which is a real treat to shoot. For a little bit more grunt, choose a co2 airsoft shotgun since co2 has higher pressure than green gas, and can operate more efficiently in cold weather.

For ultimate room clearing power, consider a full auto airsoft electric shotgun like the AA 12 Tokyo Marui shotgun which can keep pumping out 3 BBs simulatenously and repeatedly as you hold the trigger down.

If firepower aline is not your utlimate goal and you are looking for something more realistic to shoot, then consider a shell ejecting airsoft gas shotgun. BBs are loaded into individual 12 guage shotgun shells, which are then loaded into the airsoft shotgun just like a real shotgun. As you cock the gun, each shell is chambered just like the real thing. Shells are also ejected onto the floor after shooting, although you need to remember to pick up the spent shells afterwards since they are reusable. The shells themselves are usually plastic encasings that simply have a straight through tunnel inside. You load the BBs into the rear part of the shell, and the shotgun will push air into the shell and shoot the BB out.

What to look for in an Airsoft Shotgun?

Depending on whether you plan on using your airsoft shotgun as a primary or backup weapon, this will sway your choice of model. As a primary weapon, you should choose a longer model that delivers higher power for greater range. You should also choose a shotgun that has reasonable BB capacity so you do not have to keep reloading. Shell ejecting models are probably not right for you since picking up shells during a firefight is probably going to distract you. You can choose between an electric, gas or spring-powered airsoft shotgun depending on your budget.

If you are selecting an airsoft shotgun as a backup weapon, then opt for something light and small that you can carry in your backpack or on a sling. Assuming you want to use it for taking out several targets at once, or just want to make sure you hit a critical target, opt for a gun that shoots 3 BBs or more simultaneously with decent range. In this case, a good quality spring powered airsoft shotgun may suit your needs.

How to maintain your Airsoft Shotgun?

Maintaining an airsoft shotgun is quite straight forward. You should lubricate the valves on gas airsoft shotguns, hop-up bucking and and other moving parts regularly with silicone spray. The inner barrel should also be cleaned regularly to ensure it is free of oil, dust and other debris that can scratch the inner barrel when the BB travels through it. A clean inner barrel will also ensure greater accuracy and power. On many shotguns, there are multiple inner barrels so make sure all of them are cleaned.

The externals of the airsoft shotgun should also be wiped down to remove any corrosive chemicals that may blemish the surface of the gun when left uncleaned for long periods of time. You should never leave your shotgun cocked in storage since that may weaken internal springs. Make sure to decock your airsoft shotgun after each game. It's also a good idea to unload BBs completely so that the magazine follower spring can be fully extended. Store the shotgun in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight that may cause plastic components to crack and become brittle. For best protection, get a shotgun bag to keep your prized piece safe.

In the case of gas-powered shotguns, it may be tempting to leave them fully charged so they are ready to shoot the instant you pick them up, but restrain the urge to do so. The high pressures on the internal o-ring components will eventually lead to fatigue and failure, causing your shotgun to leak prematurely. If you are not going to be using your airsoft shotgun for some time, it's a good idea to only put a little silicone laced green gas in them to keep a small amount of pressure on the valve. But make sure it's only a very small amount.

Keeping your airsoft shotgun properly maintained can keep them running reliably for many years.