The terms airgun and airsoft are often used interchangeably. While all airsoft guns are technically airguns, BB guns, and Pellet guns should not be confused or misidentified as airsoft. Let’s examine some of the key similarities and differences between these two very popular products.
Similarities of Airguns (BB Guns, Pellet Guns) and Airsoft Guns
Both types of guns operate from compressed air or gas, propelling something down range. It’s easy to understand why some get them mixed up. It’s common when talking to new airgunners that they don’t know there’s a distinction.
Airsoft guns are often replicas of actual firearms and shoot 6mm plastic BBs. Many will have the same weight, feel, and functionality as the actual firearm, which is why they are so popular for skirmishing and training. There are a lot of BB and Pellet guns that are also close replicas to actual firearms, but they shoot steel BBs and lead or lead-free pellets. Most replica airguns are chambered for .177 or .22 and operate on CO2 or high-pressure air. Airguns should never be used for skirmishing but can excel for training.
There are similarities to how airguns and airsoft guns generate their energy as well. There is AEG, which stands for “automatic electric gun,” and then there is compressed gas. Popular options would be high-pressure air, CO2, or a propane-like gas called “Green Gas.” Environmental conditions, especially cold weather, impact the performance and efficiency of CO2 and green gas. AEG guns are more convenient and less impacted by temperature. Most airsoft guns are AEG class, with a lesser percentage opting to run on green gas. BB and Pellet guns mostly use high-pressure air or CO2. Currently, there is one model of a steel BB shooting AEG, and it’s the Barra 400e. It’s a bit of an engineering marvel and is a lot of fun to shoot.
Differences
While BB guns, pellet guns, and airsoft guns are all airguns, they have some critical differences. The most important is the energy they generate. Airsoft guns are regularly used in force-on-force skirmishes, in which teams gear up and shoot at each other in ranges and scenarios like you’d find in most first-person shooter games. The protective gear is designed to keep players safe, and the guns, which shoot plastic bbs, are tuned to not deliver significant energy. Their range and accuracy are also very limited as compared to steel BB and pellet guns.
BB guns are much closer to airsoft guns in their use, with the exception of force-on-force engagements. You should never fire any BB or Pellet gun at another person. BB guns are ideal for close-range target practice, plinking, training, and having fun.
Pellet guns are a totally different discussion. They have the least in common with airsoft. Pellet guns shoot lead or lead-free projects that can kill small to large game and can be lethal if used improperly. They are much closer to firearms than airsoft.
Where airsoft airguns shoot 6mm plastic BBs, pellet guns shoot pellets and slugs ranging from .177 to 20ga. They are ideal for long-range shooting, out to 100 yards and beyond, target practice, and competitive shooting. Additionally, many states have recognized pellet guns as an adequate means of taking pests, varmints, hogs, and game animals like deer and even bears.
Final Notes
We hope this helps folks understand the differences between airguns and airsoft. What’s most important is that folks treat all guns with the care and respect they warrant. Safety, regardless if you are shooting 6mm airsoft bbs or a .50 cal slug from the Umarex Hammer, is critically important. So please take all guns seriously and be safe!
If you have more questions about airguns vs airsoft guns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always here to help.
