Airsoft Guns vs BB Guns vs Air Guns (Pellet Guns): Differences & More

From arena-ready Airsoft guns to bigger, beefier BBs and the granddaddy of them all, air guns, replica firearms offer entire arsenals at your disposal.

Knowing when to opt for Airsoft guns vs. BB guns vs. air guns prepares you and your firearm for the arena, range, or competition grounds.

Whether you plan on recreational gameplay, target practice, or plinking, here's how to choose the right gun for the right use.

What are Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns are replica firearms. They mimic real gun designs and are specifically crafted for recreational play, military simulation (MilSim), and training exercises.

Not only are Airsoft guns the most realistic-looking of the three styles explored here, but they're also the only kind that's safe for shooting at other players during organized games.

How Airsoft Guns Work

Airsoft guns fire six-millimeter (mm) plastic BBs that are designed to bounce away upon impact. Generally speaking:

• They don't shoot as fast or as far as other replica guns, typically topping out at around 250-400 Feet Per Second (FPS)
• They use backspin to increase projectile accuracy
• They include power sources like electricity for Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs), gas in the form of green gas or carbon dioxide (CO2), or spring mechanisms

The top Airsoft guns also offer added features similar to real guns. Fully automatic firing, for instance, helps you take down advancing squads while blowback mechanisms mimic real recoil. Selective firing modes also let you easily switch between a variety of modes, like safe (trigger locked; gun will not fire), semi-auto (one shot), binary (two shots), burst (usually 3-5 shots), and full-auto (you know this one).

Primary Uses for Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns are generally used for:

• Recreational MilSim or fast-paced Speedsoft games
• Team-based games like Capture the Flag
• Tactical and firearm handling training exercises
• Close-quarters Battle (CQB) skirmishes
• Realistic replica firearm collections

Here's where things can get a little confusing: Even though Airsoft guns fire BBs, they're not considered BB guns.

What are BB Guns?

BB guns occupy the no-man's land between Airsoft and air guns. They offer a healthy dose of force that's great for target shooting and plinking, but they fire metal BBs with serious impact force, making them too strong for person-to-person use.

How BB Guns Work

BB guns shoot round .177 caliber (4.5 mm) BBs made from steel or lead. They usually:

• Fire off BBs with a stopping power generally between 350-600 FPS
• Boast smoothbone barrels, which are more versatile but less accurate than other styles
• Run off power sources like CO2, green gas, pump-driven pneumatics, or spring mechanisms

While metal BBs offer more velocity and a satisfying ping, they can potentially ricochet off hard surfaces and hurt bystanders. As long as everyone clears the area and isn't at risk of getting hit, you can fire them to your heart's content.

Primary Uses for BB Guns

BB guns are often used for:

• Target shooting at the range or in your backyard
• Plinking (shooting random items like cans, balloons, or bottles)
• Cost-effective handgun training with realistic designs

Since BB guns ring in at a lower price point than more powerful air guns, they offer a more accessible, lower-cost intro to shooting sports and replica firearms.

What are Air Guns (Pellet Guns)?

Air guns bring more raw power to shooting sports than Airsoft or BB guns. They're made for precision target competitions where real money and glory are on the line. With aerodynamically-shaped pellets, rather than round BBs, air guns can achieve muzzle velocity similar to some real firearms.

How Air Guns Work

Air guns fire larger caliber projectiles. They start at .177 (4.5 mm) and work their way up to .25 inches (6.35 mm) and beyond.

They're also a lot more powerful than Airsoft or BB guns:

• Air guns fire at much higher velocities, offering up to 1,200+ FPS depending on the model and power source
• Most air guns use rifled barrels, particularly those designed for pellets, which increase shooting accuracy and extend range
• Air guns shoot heavier, more aerodynamic pellets, which better resist wind drift than light, round BBs

The force behind air guns comes from their power source. Compared to Airsoft and BB guns, they feature more (and stronger) ways to charge up pellets.

Air Gun Power Source Types

Air guns offer four different kinds of power sources:

• Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) - These fire with the most force and velocity, but need a tank or pump to operate properly.
• Spring and gas pistons - These single-shot cocking mechanisms are reliable and self-contained within the gun.
• Pump pneumatics - By pumping extra air and pressure into your gun, you can increase your stopping power and muzzle velocity beyond the potential of single-shot cocking mechanisms.
• CO2 - CO2-powered air guns offer a convenient, cartridge-based system, but don't produce as much energy as their PCP brethren.

As you can probably guess, air guns are far too powerful for person-to-person games. But they're essential in the competitive shooting community.

Primary Uses for Air Guns

Air guns are generally used for:

• Precision target shooting competitions
• Long-range accuracy practice

Airsoft vs BB Guns vs Air Guns: Key Differences

Knowing the differences between Airsoft, BB, and air guns means bringing the right gun to the arena, range, or firing competition.

Here's how they compare across their most critical factors:

Ammunition Comparison

When it comes to ammo:

• Airsoft guns - Shoot 6 mm plastic BBs that weigh about 0.2 grams
• BB guns - Fire .177 caliber (4.5 mm) round steel or lead BBs
• Air guns - Shoot .177 (4.5 mm) to .25+ (6.35 mm) precision-engineered, aerodynamic pellets

Plastic Airsoft BBs are designed to bounce away or break on contact, while metal projectiles are made to penetrate.

Power and Performance

Each gun type fires at different velocities:

• Airsoft guns - 250-400 FPS
• BB guns - 350-600 FPS
• Air guns - up to 1,200+ FPS

The higher the FPS, the longer a gun's range and the deeper it can penetrate into your target.

Accuracy and Range

In terms of accuracy and range:

• Airsoft - Best suited for short range and CQB accuracy
• BB guns - Accurate at mid-range (30-50 yards) but susceptible to wind
• Air guns - Highest accuracy and range (50+ yards)

The weight and aerodynamics of air gun pellets—plus the extra power of air guns themselves—allow them to shoot further and more accurately.

Barrel Type

There are two major kinds of barrels:

• Rifled barrels - Spin projectiles to increase accuracy.
• Smoothbone barrels - Less accurate, but more versatile than rifled barrels.

With close range and rapid firing in mind, BB and Airsoft gun operators usually go for smoothbone barrels. Since air guns are prized for their accuracy and range, they work best with more advanced, rifled barrels.

Safety Considerations

Whether you're handling an air gun, BB blaster, or Airsoft replica, treat all firearms as if they're the real deal and loaded with actual ammunition, and keep the 4 rules of gun safety in mind:

• Rule 1: Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
• Rule 2: Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
• Rule 3: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
• Rule 4: Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Airsoft Gun Safety

Airsoft guns are designed to shoot at other responsible, consenting players during organized games—as long as they're wearing proper protective equipment. Plastic, low-velocity projectiles minimize the risk of injuries, clearing Airsoft guns for skirmishes and CQB.

BB Gun Safety

BB guns are for target shooting, not person-to-person use. Their metal projectiles can ricochet unpredictably, making them dangerous to eyes, teeth, and other sensitive spots.

Always use a proper range setup with a safe backstop to prevent harmful bouncebacks.

Air Gun Safety

Air guns can cause serious injuries or even death. They require proper backstops and a controlled shooting environment, as they can ricochet even further and more unpredictably than BBs. Use eye and ear protection when shooting, and again, treat them with the same respect as real firearms.

Legal Status and Regulations

There's no overarching law controlling the use of replica firearms. Instead, regulations vary across states, counties, and even cities.

Make sure you understand the laws in your area before purchasing or using Airsoft, BB, or air guns.

Airsoft Gun Regulations

Airsoft guns aren't firearms under federal law. In terms of regulations, they:

• Need an orange tip (or similar marking) when sold in the US to distinguish them from real guns
• Are unregulated in some states while being strictly controlled in others
• Generally aren't sold to anyone under 18
• Shouldn't be shot in public without express permission from local authorities

While these general rules apply across the country, individual jurisdictions often enforce further regulations. Be sure to check out our guide to Airsoft gun laws by state before getting into the hobby.

BB Gun Regulations

Legally, BB guns are:

• Restricted to ages 18+ in most states
• Less strictly regulated than real firearms
• Subject to state-specific limitations on power or caliber

Not to mention, local laws often prohibit the firing of BBs within city limits.

Air Gun Regulations

The legal status of air guns varies by power output and state. Many regions treat them as firearms and require usage permits.

Cost Comparison

How do these replica firearms compare in terms of how they'll hit your wallet? Let's break down what you might pay for equipment and ammo.

Initial Equipment Costs

Your initial costs will vary by gun type:

• BB guns- $50-$200+ for basic models.
• Airsoft - $30-$500+ plus customization costs.
• Air guns - Anywhere from $100-$1,000+

Quality increases significantly alongside price for most Airsoft, BB, and air guns.

Ammunition Costs

The more advanced the ammo, the higher the price:

• Airsoft BBs - Thousands for a minimal investment.
• BBs - Generally inexpensive and widely available.
• Air gun pellets - Varies depending on quality and specialization.

Ultimately, Airsoft wins for inexpensive, high-volume shooting, while air gun pellets hit the bullseye when it comes to accuracy.

Which Should You Choose?

Your interests, intended usage, local regulations, and more will all impact your final decision of which gun to choose.

Why Choose an Airsoft Gun?

Airsoft guns are best for:

• Recreational gameplay with others
• Safe, organized skirmishes with friends
• Team-based tactical games and objectives
• MilSim
• Realistic replica training for real firearms
• People who appreciate realistic firearm aesthetics and operation

Basically, Airsoft is the right choice for social, person-to-person gaming.

Why Choose a BB Gun?

Choose a BB gun if you want:

• Affordable target practice
• Cost-effective handgun training
• A low-cost intro to shooting sports
• To target shoot on your own
• To practice in your safe backyard range

BB guns are the low-cost, high-fun path to recreational shooting.

Why Choose an Air Gun (Pellet Gun)?

Pick an air gun if you plan to:

• Compete in precision target shooting
• Shoot with high accuracy from a long distance
• Invest in high-quality equipment

Ultimately, air guns are the high-power choice for serious shooting.

Evike.com offers top-of-the-line air guns—plus the best Airsoft guns, parts, and accessories—for newcomers to the sport and seasoned veterans alike.

Choose from Airsoft Guns to Air Guns at Evike.com

Whether you're gearing up for your first Airsoft skirmish or looking for precision air guns for target shooting and plinking, Evike.com has the selection and expertise to help you find the perfect fit.

It's not always easy to decide between Airsoft guns, BB guns, or pellet guns. That's why we offer the guidance players need to make the best choice possible. Get in touch to start your shooting sports journey today.