Airsoft is a popular, modern, military-style shooting game in which players participate in games that simulate mock combat scenarios. In most countries, it’s legal to own airsoft guns, but there are some restrictions against them in certain parts of the world. In addition, there are safety regulations that have to be followed, one of which is that there’s no full-auto allowed.
Here are 5 reasons why full-auto isn’t allowed in airsoft:
- Fully automatic weapons are difficult to control.
- Full-auto hinders accuracy with the amount of recoil.
- Full-auto wastes ammunition as most don’t hit the target.
- Full-auto at a short distance can cause serious injury.
- Full-auto hits hurt more as they come faster.
This article will cover five of the reasons full-auto isn’t allowed in airsoft. We’ll then discuss the difference between full-auto and semi-auto, when full-auto is allowed in airsoft, as well as the best airsoft rifles in 2023.
1. Fully Automatic Weapons Are Difficult To Control
When airsoft guns are on full-auto, they tend to be more dangerous to the people who use them and those nearby, especially if they’re not mounted somewhere.
The reason is, fully automatic weapons are tough to control, especially on long bursts of fire. This difficulty is one of the reasons why full-auto isn’t allowed in airsoft.
In airsoft, the semi-auto mode is the preference, and it’s also more accurate and effective.
Using full-auto in buildings is dangerous since the volume of uncontrolled projectiles fired in a very short amount of time increases the chances of a serious injury.
2. Full-Auto Hinders Accuracy With the Amount of Recoil
The first shots might be accurate depending on the preparation of the shooter. But barrel rise and the forces of recoil caused by full auto will affect the following rounds.
The amount of recoil from a weapon is shown when the gun drives back into the shooter’s shoulder, along with a rise in the barrel’s muzzle.
The muzzle rise is what interferes with the accuracy and it’s why a shooter will generally be off-target. The muzzle jump is more pronounced by how light the airsoft gun is and how powerful the cartridge is.
Firing in bursts helps control the muzzle rise. It also saves ammunition plus prevents overheating of the barrel.
3. Full Auto Wastes Ammunition As Most Don’t Hit the Target
Full-auto might seem fun to shoot, but is it really effective?
Firing a weapon in full-auto happens really fast, and a lot of ammo does not hit the target and therefore goes to waste. As a result, it’ll lead to running out of ammunition in the middle of a fight.
That’s one of the worst things that can happen.
Full-auto isn’t considered viable for airsoft. That’s why a semi-auto rifle is more practical. It maintains a finite amount of ammunition, purposely designed to increase the degree of shooting accuracy.
4. Full Auto at Short Distance Can Cause Serious Injury
Full-auto in buildings isn’t allowed in airsoft because there’s a shorter engagement distance compared to that which takes place outdoors.
When someone is pelted by fast BBs multiple times up close, it can cause a lot of pain and possibly lead to more injuries. So, due to safety and insurance issues, full-auto is not allowed indoors.
Plus, most people don’t enjoy getting shot in close-range combat that is more likely to occur indoors.
In full-auto mode, many rounds are delivered each second, and all of them have nearly equivalent energy. That causes a lot of intense pain when someone is shot in close range. The rule of “no full-auto in buildings” is intended to make people utilize the semi-auto mode since it’s much slower and safer.
Also, anyone who makes their gun cycle quick is abusing the semi-auto-only rule. It’s not technically illegal but often viewed as not being within the spirit of the game.
Indoors it’s much easier to hit someone, so there’s no need for full-auto. When outdoors, there’s a longer distance and with full-auto on a moving target means someone might only be hit with 1 in 3 BBs.
The main aim of this particular rule is to compensate for the fact that it’s not hard to miss outdoors.
5. Full-Auto Hits Hurt More As They Come Faster
No one wants to play a game and get hurt; pain isn’t fun. And a lot of people get concerned about how painful airsoft might be. Full-auto causes a lot of pain, though typically does not lead to a critical injury.
The amount of pain experienced depends on a lot of different factors, such as:
- Distance from the target
- The power of the airsoft gun
- The weight of the BBs
- The clothing of the person who is shot.
The pain is usually subjective, and it depends on an individual’s pain threshold. What might not be intense for some people is a complete nightmare for others.
It hurts less when someone gets shot in the back, but it’s excruciating when shot in the knuckles. Full-auto can bring about a lot of pain, but in case it happens, sensitive parts such as the face, throat, and hands are supposed to be protected.
When Full-Auto Is Accepted in Autosoft
In the overwhelming majority of cases, full-auto isn’t accepted for use in airsoft. However, there are instances when full-auto is allowed.
As mentioned, full-auto is not allowed in buildings. However, if you are inside and shooting outside, full-auto is permissible. However, that’s only true, provided the barrel of your weapon is beyond the building itself.
By that I mean, it should be visible to anyone outside, such as over a pane of glass or outside a door.
When preparing to enter a building, remember to always switch to semi-auto and keep in mind that the rules about full-auto inside buildings stand even to those entering. When far enough away from a building, firing full-auto into a door is allowed.
So, just remember that in order to use full-auto, the muzzle of the gun always needs to be outside.
Full-Auto vs. Semi-Auto
Despite knowing why full-auto isn’t allowed in airsoft, the difference between full-auto and semi-auto might still be confusing to some people.
In fact, the two types of firearms are very different from each other. Here’s how:
- Semi-auto means that when a round is in the firing chamber, it’ll fire when the trigger is pulled. That process is called “semi-automatic.” The name references the next round automatically cycling into the chamber either from an internal or external magazine.
- Fully-automatic means once a round loads into the chamber, the firearm continuously fires when the trigger is pulled and held. It doesn’t stop until the ammunition ends or the trigger is released. Full-auto firearms are also referred to as machine guns.
Of course, spring airsoft guns, which require the shooter to cock the weapon or set the bolt action in place, do not have full-automatic settings.
Some gas airsoft guns have full-auto settings, but they’re mostly only semi-auto.
That just leaves electric airsoft guns. Since these use rechargeable batteries, they can be switched from semi-auto to full-auto easily.
There are several practical uses of both types of firing, and understanding each helps with selecting the fire mode for AEGs (automatic electric guns).
Firing With Automatic Electric Guns
Generally, AEGs are considered superior due to the fact they hold more BBs than other types of guns. In both mid-capacity or high-capacity forms, they can hold more than gas magazines, meaning you can play for longer.
An AEG can shoot 1000+ shots on a single battery charge, compared to a gas gun that’s usually good for around 50 shots only. They’re also known to be more accurate thanks to the lack of recoil.
Of course, accuracy will depend on the shooter. For example, the airsoft gun needs to be held in a way that’s steady as the trigger is pulled. Even a slight movement can affect the accuracy.
Almost all AEGs have both semi and full-auto capabilities; LMGs (Light Machine Guns), on the other hand, tend to be full-auto only; hence there may be different rules for them.
The best time to use full-auto is:
- To suppress enemies
- To get hits in a crowded area
- To cover teammates or movements such as advance or retreat
For everything else, semi-auto is best because it will prevent you from burning through ammunition quickly.
Top Airsoft Rifles 2023
Since fully automatic rifles aren’t allowed in airsoft, it’s helpful to know the top rifles often used in airsoft. If you’re looking for something you can use in all settings, I suggest you opt for an electric airsoft rifle with semi and full-auto capabilities.
That way, your weapon will last longer, hold more ammunition, and you’ll easily be able to switch between indoor and outdoor shooting.
A beginner? Here are some of the top airsoft guns for beginners in 2023.
Interested in the best overall airsoft rifles? Read below:
SoftAir Kalishnikov Tactical AK47 Electric Powered Airsoft Rifle
This outstanding rifle has a lot of great features:
- Easy to load. The magazine holds 400 rounds and works with Matrix, Tokyo Marui, G&P, as well other AK Series Airsoft AEG magazines.
- High velocity shooting: This weapon will shoot 600 rounds per minute at up to 475 feet per second. That speed should allow for better accuracy.
- Contains powerful electrics: 20 grams ammo through an 8.4v 1600mAh small stick battery.
- The replica is made of heavy-duty polymer. It offers a realistic feel and weighs 1.3 pounds (0.59 kg).
- The hop-up is adjustable. This feature creates a back-spin effect on the ammunition to provide a longer shooting distance
- It’s ready to play. It shoots 6mm ammunition in both full and semi-automatic. It contains a tactical side-folding stock, rail system for the tactical accessories, vertical grip, as well as adjustable front and rear sights
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC: 390-430 FPS with .20 gram ammo via a 8.4v 1600mAh small stick type battery
- READY TO PLAY: Shoots 6 millimeter ammo in full and semi-automatic. Features front rail system for tactical accessories, adjustable front and rear sights, tactical side-folding stock and vertical grip
- Replica: Made with heavy duty polymer for a realistic feel. Weighs 1.3 pounds
- EASY TO LOAD: Magazine holds 400 rounds. Works with Matrix, G&P, Tokyo Marui and other compatible AK Series Airsoft AEG Magazines
- ADJUSTABLE HOP-UP: Creates a back-spin effect on ammo to provide longer shooting distance
DPMS Full-Auto SBR Air Rifle With Dual Action Capability
This weapon is the second best-selling airsoft gun. It’s licensed and stamped, so you know you’re getting something of high quality.
The rifle is fueled by two 12-gram CO₂ cartridges which are housed in the 25-round magazine.
This gun has the following features:
- Adjustable stock. Six adjustable positions make the gun easy to handle as well as shoulder.
- Dual-action: The dual-action selector allows users to quickly jump between semi and full-auto modes.
- Removable pop-up. It also features an adjustable rear sight to help stay on target.
- Dual-action, full size, and an authentic feel. The design is durable and synthetic. It’s also been made to look realistic and can shoot up to 1400 rounds per minute.
- 25 round drop-out magazine. It’s compatible with 4.5mm steel BBs.
- Fueled by (2) 12-gram co2 cartridges. The airsoft gun can deliver speeds up to 430 fps.
- FULL SIZE, REAL FEEL, DUAL ACTION - Durable synthetic design and up to 1400 rounds per minute
- FUELED BY (2) 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGES - Delivers speeds up to 430 fps (CO2 cartridges not included)
- ADJUSTABLE STOCK - 6 adjustable positions make the gun easy to handle and shoulder
- 25-ROUND DROP OUT MAGAZINE - Compatible with traditional 4.5 mm steel BBs (BBs not included)
- REMOVEABLE POP-UP SIGHT AND ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT - To stay on tar
Lancer Tactical M4 SD GEN 2 Polymer AEG Airsoft Rifle
This airsoft weapon is an excellent rifle for when someone’s out in the field and wants to enjoy a rifle that’s mock suppressor equipped and has a tight bore barrel.
It’s a durable M4 and fires using a nylon polymer. That means it’s both powerful and lightweight despite the fact it features a 300 round AEG metal magazine containing a nylon polymer winding wheel.
Some other great features include:
- Stable stock: Fully adjustable retractable stock that offers more stability.
- Excellent sight options: Rear sights plus a flip-up front with locking clamps.
- Easy upgrades: This rifle uses standard M4 parts. So, when the time comes, you won’t have any issues finding replacements.
HK Heckler & Koch HK416 AEG Rifle Airsoft Gun
The H&K 416 AEG has a legendary design, making it very competitive. You’ll find one rechargeable battery in the adjustable stock, flip-up sights, and an integrated tactical railing to offer a customizable and comfortable shooting experience.
Other features of this airsoft rifle include:
- High capacity magazine. This airsoft gun features a high-capacity magazine that can hold up to 250 rounds of 6mm plastic BBs.
High-quality design. It’s made with a full metal inner gearbox and a high-quality polymer body. It also features rear sights, integrated Picatinny rails, and a flip-up front.
- AEG powered airsoft rifle
- Semi-auto and full-auto shooting
- High capacity 250-round mag capacity
- Shoots 6mm plastic airsoft BBs at up to 340 fps
- Flip-up front and rear sights; Includes battery and char