Airsoft is an ever-growing sport that is only gaining popularity. There are many people that are just getting started with airsoft and want to know why airsoft guns can be so expensive.
The truth is, there are many factors that contribute to the cost of an airsoft gun. Depending on the type of airsoft gun you want, prices can range from a dozens of dollars for a basic and simple gun, hundreds of dollars for a mid-class gun and all the way up to thousands for premium models.
In this article, we will talk about if airsoft guns are really that expensive and what contributes to their cost.
Are Airsoft Guns Really That Expensive?
Well, expensive is a really relative term. It all depends on what you consider to be expensive.
But the answer to how much airsoft guns cost and how expensive they are depends on what type of Airsoft gun you’re looking for. There is a wide range of prices for airsoft guns depending on the manufacturer and model.
On the lower end, entry-level spring-powered airsoft guns can be found for as low as $30-$40 USD while beginner electric-powered models may cost anywhere from $80 – $200 USD depending on features and brand name. These beginner airsoft guns offer fun and affordable access to the sport, but they also tend to lack in accuracy and power compared to higher-priced models.
For mid-range options, models tend to cost between $150 – $400 USD. Some of these mid-range models even come with high-end features such as full metal construction or pre-upgraded parts installed from the factory which adds to their overall value.
And high-end gas or electric-powered AEGs (automatic electric guns) can range from around $400 -$800 USD depending on what type of gun it is and any accessories included with it. High-end AEGs are usually made from CNC machined aluminum with tight tolerances making them extremely durable and reliable weapons capable of performing in competition-level games at a professional level.
So while there are definitely some inexpensive options available, investing in a good quality airsoft gun can be costly. However, this investment may well pay off if you plan on playing competitively or playing often as these higher-quality weapons will last longer under heavy use over time.
What Makes Airsoft Guns So Expensive?
So we have established that airsoft guns can range from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive depending on the type of gun and its features. But what actually makes them so costly?
1. Licensing and Royalty Fees
Certain airsoft gun designs are licensed by real-world weapons makers and require royalties to be paid for the use of their trademarks and designs. This adds considerably to the cost of these replicas.
2. Quality Materials
High-end airsoft guns are made from CNC machined aluminum and other quality materials that add to their cost. The better the material, the more durable and reliable the gun will be in the long run.
3. Level of Detail and Realism
High-end airsoft guns are designed to be as realistic and detailed as possible. This means things like full metal bodies, adjustable stocks, realistic blowback actions, high-power motors, etc. that all add to the cost of a gun.
3. A Really Limited Market
Airsoft guns are a niche market with manufacturers producing much smaller numbers of weapons than many traditional firearms makers. This means that the cost to produce these guns is often much higher as there is no economy of scale in play like there would be for more mainstream products.
4. Brand Reputation
Airsoft brands such as Tokyo Marui, Classic Army and G&G Armament have established reputations for making reliable and high-performance airsoft guns that are often priced accordingly. Quality comes at a price and these brands know it so they charge higher prices to reflect their good reputations in the industry.
5. Complex Manufacturing Process
Airsoft guns have many different components that must be machined and assembled together with precision in order for the gun to work reliably. This is a very complex process that requires a lot of skill and time, adding to the overall cost of these guns.
FAQ
In Conclusion
- There are airsoft guns in a variety of price ranges, from affordable starter guns to high-end professional models.
- Airsoft guns can cost anywhere from 20 dollars to upwards a 1000 dollars depending on their construction, level of realism, and components.
- Airsoft guns can be expensive because of the required materials, complex manufacturing process, limited market, licensing fees, and brand reputation.
All-in-all, not all airsoft guns are expensive, but if you plan on playing competitively or playing often, then investing in a good quality airsoft gun may be worth it in the long run.
It is important to do your research and understand the factors that contribute to airsoft guns’ cost before purchasing one. This will help ensure that you get the best bang for your buck and that you get an airsoft gun that meets your needs.
