Airsoft & BB Guns for Sale

A Buyer’s Guide to Airsoft and BB Guns

The world of Airsoft is vast, ranging from cheap garden "plinkers" to high-end military simulation tools used for training. Unlike standard air rifles, these guns fire 6mm plastic BBs at lower velocities, making them safe for competitive sport (skirmishing) when wearing appropriate protective gear.

Choosing Your Power Platform

Airsoft guns are defined by what drives the motor. Choosing the right one depends on how you plan to play:

• AEG (Automatic Electric Gun): The most popular choice for skirmishers. Powered by a rechargeable battery, these rifles offer full-auto and semi-auto fire capabilities. They are reliable, work well in all weather, and are the standard for assault rifle replicas (like M4s or AK47s).
• Gas Blowback (GBB): The choice for realism. These guns use compressed gas (Green Gas or CO2) to cycle the slide or bolt, giving you a "kick" of recoil with every shot. They are incredibly fun and realistic but require more maintenance and can be affected by cold weather.
• Spring Powered: You must manually cock the gun for every shot. While cheap spring pistols are great for garden fun, high-end spring Sniper Rifles are prized in the sport for their consistency, silence, and lack of reliance on batteries or gas.

Crucial UK Legal Info: Two-Tone vs. RIF

Buying Airsoft guns in the UK is subject to the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA). It is vital to understand the difference between the two types of guns available:

• Two-Tone: These guns are painted at least 51% in a bright, non-military colour (usually bright blue, green, or orange). Anyone aged 18+ can buy a Two-Tone airsoft gun. No special licence or membership is needed.
• RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm): These look exactly like real firearms (black, tan, or camo). To buy one, you must have a "Valid Defence." The most common defence is being a registered member of an Airsoft site (often tracked via the UKARA database). Sellers on Gunstar will ask for your membership number before shipping a RIF.

Safety First: 6mm Plastic vs. 4.5mm Steel

It is common to confuse "Airsoft" with "BB Guns."

• Airsoft (6mm Plastic): Designed for skirmishing at other players provided everyone is wearing approved eye protection.
• Steel BBs (4.5mm): Often found in our Air Pistols category. These are for targets only. Never shoot steel BBs at people or animals, as they are much harder and can cause serious injury.

Top Brands on Gunstar

For beginners, brands like G&G Combat Machine or CYMA offer incredible value and reliability. For those seeking high-performance realism, look for listings from Tokyo Marui, Krytac, VFC, and WE Europe.

Whether you are entering the sport for the first time or are a veteran looking for a rare piece, Gunstar connects you with the UK’s active Airsoft community.