Are you wondering what gun to start with when starting with airsoft? Or have you started already yet looking for a gun to collect and use during your airsoft games with friends? If your answer to the questions is yes, then this article is for you.
Before we proceed, let’s discuss first what you need to consider when buying a gun for you.
Table of Contents
Getting Started
When starting with airsoft gaming, you need a well-performing and affordable rifle or pistol. There are several gun replicas now that are made specifically for gaming.
While it may be overwhelming, you can start with recommendations from airsoft enthusiasts. You should also think of what type of airsoft gun you’d want to use. There are several models and even manufacturers to choose from and ones that fit your budget.
In selecting, you should also consider the muzzle velocity, grip, and material. Buying an airsoft gun can be a bit pricey. It’s best to use one that won’t easily break, easy to carry, and easy to use. We’ll go more in-depth on these considerations in another blog. For now, we have collected a familiar type of gun where you can start with.
Meet Thompson
If you’ve seen mobster and gangster movies before or historical dramas set during the 2nd World War, then you may have seen the types of guns Thompson designed.
Thompson Auto-Ordinance is a company that produces the most iconic weapons in US history. It was founded in 1916 and since then has become known for its Machine Guns– a weapon which soared during the 1920s when it was used on films.
During the 2nd World War, the Thompson guns became a weapon known to be used by both gangsters and law officials. Today, Thompson has produced versions of their machine guns for collectors and airsoft enthusiasts alike.
While there are several beginners gun we can start recommending, we saw it best to get started with what’s more familiar. These are Thompson airsoft guns that are highly recommended by airsoft enthusiasts like you. We’ve collected and summarized their inputs to help you decide for yourself whether this airsoft gun is for you or not.
Top Recommended Thompson Airsoft Gun
1. Licensed Thompson Airsoft Chicago Typewriter Cybergun AEG Rifle
Remember the guns used by mobsters in the movies? The classic Thompson Model 1928 gun also known as the “Tommy Gun” or “Chicago Typewriter, has risen to fame after being favored by mobsters during the 1900s with its firepower and portability. This Thompson airsoft gun replica is no exception as it stays true to its original with its signature Cutt Compressor, foregrip, and finned barrel.
The Chicago Typewriter Airsoft Gun features a metal upper receiver with a polymer lower receiver. It also has Marui compatible systems and aftermarket upgrade parts. The metal body also looks authentic and realistic including its weight and has a simulated wood finish.
This Thompson Airsoft replica has an easy-to-load drum magazine and can shoot very far whether it’s on semi or fully automatic mode. It also features the following:
Muzzle Velocity: 400-450 FPS
Energy: 1 Joule
Modes: semi-automatic, fully automatic, and safety
Magazine Capacity: 450 round drum mag
Adjustable hopup, 2-way adjustable rear sight.
Weight: 7 lbs
Dimension: 32 inches
Rate of fire: 600~7b / min
2. Licensed Thompson M1A1 Airsoft AEG Rifle Cybergun
The Thompson M1A1, the Thompson Machine Gun, was considered as one of the most iconic weapons in the US history. It was founded in 1916 and was shown in films during the 1920s and since then became widely spread especially during the 2nd World War. This includes its submachine guns which were also, later on, became a gun widely used by both lawmen and gangsters.
Today, the sub-machine gun has a civilian version. This Airsoft replica features a full metal receiver, Kings Arms steel gear, and a polished full metal body for a more authentic look. It also has the realistic weight of an original sub-machine gun. The orange tip of this airsoft replica can be split into 2 halves.
Here are some of the features the submachine gun airsoft rifle features:
Muzzle Velocity: ~360 FPS
Magazine: 450 round hi-cap magazine
Battery: 8.4v small type / 7.4v LiPo recommended
BB: 0.20g high grade or heavier BB high-grade bbs recommended
Weight: ~7.2 lbs / 3200g
Dimension: 31.69 inches
Rate of fire: 600~700 bb / min
Hopup: Yes / Adjustable
Mode: Full Auto, Semi-Auto, and safety.
Package includes: Gun, Magazine, Battery, Charger
3. Matrix Limited Edition Custom Alien Pulse Rifle Airsoft AEG
From the name itself, you’ll know this is for all the SciFi fans who have watched movies like Alien. To be honest, this is the gun model used in the Alien movie, and now airsoft enthusiast has more access to this gun than ever before.
Years ago, this Thompson Gun was limited. It was customized and impossible to find since it was produced as a limited edition. Now it’s more available. The Alien Pulse Rifle features a futuristic look, retractable stock, customizable integrated shotgun compartment, and carrying handle.
The Alien Pulse is solid. It has an aggressive look and feels, with the hi-cap magazine, a working LCD Ammo Counter (counting from 95 to 0), a retractable metal lock, a one-touch button, and more. This is definitely like what you saw in the movie. To know more, here are its other features.
Muzzle Velocity: 360~380 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Motor: Hi-Torque Short Type
Fire Modes: Semi/Full-Auto, Safe
Battery: 8.4v 1600mAh Small Stick Type / 7.4v LiPo Recommended
Adjustable Hopup
Caliber / BB: 6mm. Best with 0.23g or
4. Thompson Licensed M1A1 Tactical Airsoft Rifle w/ Integrated RIS
Another high-quality replica of the machine gun. This Softair licensed Thompson M1A1 Tactical Airsoft Rifle is used for a movie prop or backyard recreational games.
The M1A1 Tactical Rifle has spring-powered operations that require no batteries or gas. It features full metal construction and a realistic look and action. It has a drop-free magazine (like every favorite action movie scene), and a removable magazine. Here are its other features:
FPS Range: 320-380
Length: 31.2″
Weight: 5.7 lbs
Magazine Capacity: 250 round hi-cap magazine. Compatible with AEG Thompson magazines
Muzzle Velocity: 380 FPS (Measured with 0.12g BBs)
Fire Modes: Single Shot, Safety
Hopup: No
Package Includes: Gun, Magazine
5. Matrix / CYMA Sport M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun Full Metal Gearbox Airsoft AEG
You might have noticed by now that the M1A1 is a favorite by many airsoft enthusiasts with its many varieties. This time we introduce the Sports M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun.
The M1A1, as mentioned earlier, has become an infamous one among both law enforcement and gangsters. Other than its alternative names we mentioned earlier when we first introduced an M1A1 gun, this is also known as the “Annihilator”, “Chicago Piano”, “Trench Broom” and “The Chopper”. But if there’s one name that’s still a common name for this gun, it’s none other than “The Thompson”.
This M1A1 replica has a superior external finish and high performance internal. If you’re looking for a rifle that lasts, this is one. It’s a classic with realistic fire control, adjustable hopup, full metal receiver, and high-capacity magazine. Here are other features of the Sport M1A1 Rifle.
Muzzle Velocity: 370~400 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Length: 31.2 inches
Weight: ~7.2 lbs / 3200g
Dimension: 31.69 inches.
Inner Barrel: ~315mm
Magazine Capacity: 450rd Hi-Capacity.
Rate of fire: 600~700 bb / min
Mode: Full Auto, Semi-Auto, and safety.
Battery: 9.6v Small Type / 7.4V lipo
Adjustable Hopup
6. Cybergun Licensed Thompson “Chicago Typewriter” M1928 Pattern Airsoft AEG Rifle w/ MOSFET
From one “Chicago Typewriter” to the next. this is the M1928 Pattern Airsoft AEG Rifle.
Like any Chicago typewriter airsoft gun, this is a replica of the original 1928 Chicago typewriter which was favored by gangsters and law enforcement alike. You can see these also in movies.
This model comes with a complete foregrip, finned barrel, and signature Cutt Compensator. Here are its other features to help you check if this is the rifle for you.
FPS Range: 340-380
Specifications:
Length: 810mm
Weight: 4355g
Inner Barrel: 315mm
Magazine Capacity: 450rd High-Cap Drum Mag.
Battery: 7.4v LiPo recommended
Hopup: Yes, Adjustable
Motor: Short Type
Fire Modes: Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Package Includes: Gun, Magazine, Manual
7. Thompson M1A1 Military Ultra Grade Plated Special Edition Airsoft AEG Rifle
Another realistic replica of the M1A1. The Ultra Grade M1A1 features a realistic weight with its metal receiver and barrel. The handgrip and stock are made from finished real wood for a more realistic appeal. Here are more features this gun has.
FPS Range: 380-450
Length: 805mm
Weight: 2930g
Inner Barrel: 315mm
Magazine Capacity: 100rd Mid-capacity.
Gearbox: Ver 6 Metal w/ Steel Gears
Battery: 7.4v Stick Type LiPo recommended
Hopup: Yes, Adjustable
Motor: Long Type
Fire Modes: Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Package Includes: Gun, Magazine, Manual
Final Thoughts
There are several airsoft guns for beginners which are also based on classic designs like what we mentioned. These are but Thompson guns which are shown to be highly rated and recommended by other airsoft gaming enthusiasts.
For now, we hope that what we shared can help you select one that’s perfect for you.
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