About Rules FAQs Skirmishing Which Gun?   Automatics Shotguns Handguns Others Explosives Accessories Pictures Movie Clips Links Which Gun To Buy?            Choosing what powers your first gun is probably one of the most important choices you will ever make with regard to airsoft. Both types of guns, gas and electric, are good choices for your first weapon. Some experienced players use both types of guns, so it just depends.            Unlike what I did, I would recommend staying away from spring powered guns, of course if that's all you can afford that's a whole different story. Spring guns do help the user to get used to the airsoft gun, it's parts and so forth without investing a great deal of money. If the spring gun your considering doesn't have Hop-Up, don't waist the money; Hop-Up is a necessity! You'll have to get used to cocking the gun manually each time before firing and you really won't stand a chance against other guys with full-auto AEGs unless you get a very nice and powerful gun. Many shotguns are spring and they are very good!            Like me, sooner or later you're going to end up wondering why you didn't invest in an electric or gas powered gun. After a while of constantly cocking my Beretta, I got a little tired of it and sought for an automatic. The gun still makes an adequate sidearm though. In making your desicion you should consider: 1. Where you are. - In some areas, gas guns and accessories are hard to come by. Owning a gun in the U.S. requires a lot of cash to constantly purchase gas off of the web if you don't have an airsoft store in your state yet. The last thing you want is to buy a gun and then find out you can't get the gas, battery, or other accesories that you need. 2. Where you play. - Some skirmish sites are setup with one type of gun available for play. The chances are that if you have play exclusively with an electric gun, you'll end up buying one. Some sites prefer gas-guns because they have fewer parts to go wrong and are more durable due to the type of construction. However, sometimes you'll get charged for more gas while you'll usually get lent a spare battery for nothing if you need one. (this implies to places that let you rent airsoft guns to play in a battle at their site.) 3. Wearing parts. - In general, an electric gun has a lot more that can go wrong with it. Batteries can eventually fail, gears can strip, and motors can burn out. Gas guns can loose their pressure due to worn seals or any cracks in the magazine or gun. On full auto, an electric gun can literally vibrate itself to bits over long periods of time. That's why it's worth checking and tighteneing any loose screws. A gas gun can wear out pretty quickly under sustained full auto since the effect of the freezing gas on the seals is often harmful. A lot depends on care and usage though. Eventually, bits of your gun will break or wear down and need replacing. This can be reduced by careful maintenance in accordance with the instructions that come with your gun. This applies as much to gas as it does to electric. 4. Pros & Cons. - Gas guns are rated high due to reliability (in the longer run) in power and durability. But what they gain in reliability they lack in hi-capacity magazines. Gas guns are very cheaper to upgrade, but the choice of models is limited. (unlike electric guns which come in a huge number of varieties and have excellent levels of detail)