Backyard plinking is airsoft in its simplest form: a few targets in the garden, a can on a fence and a gun that is cheap to run and easy to pick up. Most guns in this category are manual spring guns, where you rack the slide or charging handle before every shot – no gas or battery needed, so the gun is ready as soon as there are BBs in the magazine. There are also a couple of CO2 pistols and a complete electric rifle set for those who want to try a different system.
Most models come from Galaxy, whose metal pistols G13 (1911-style), G6 (Hi-Capa 5.1-style), G22 (Glock-style), G33 and P38 give a realistic weight in the hand. ASG has licensed spring models such as the CZ 75D Compact, STI M1911 Classic, CZ Scorpion Vz61 and a pump-action Tactical Shotgun, and Umarex supplies manual versions of the Walther PPQ, Walther PDP and H&K USP. Vigor Airsoft has both pistols and the manual rifles 8908 (M4-style) and 8902A (SCAR-style), and from HFC comes the M9IA. If you want to try CO2, there is the Rossi 24/7 and the Umarex Elite Force TXP, both NBB, and the CYMA CM023 is an electric rifle set with battery and charger.
What to look for
Power system: Manual spring guns are the simplest choice and are not affected by cold. The CO2 pistols Rossi 24/7 (2.25 J) and Elite Force TXP (up to 2.0 J) shoot considerably harder than the spring pistols, which typically sit around 0.5 J or 50–80 m/s, and they need 12 g CO2 capsules.
Pistol or rifle: A pistol is easy for most people to handle. The M41 K1 and M41 K2 rifles are complete sets with red dot sight, sling and shooting glasses, so all you need is BBs.
Metal or polymer: The full-metal Galaxy pistols weigh up to 660 g, while polymer models such as the STI M1911 Classic at 210 g are lighter for younger shooters.
Protection: Always wear shooting glasses – even when you are only watching. For target shooting we recommend at least a simple pair of clear glasses such as the Strike Systems clear glasses.
Who it suits
This category is for the beginner, for the family who wants to shoot at targets in the garden, and for anyone who wants to try airsoft without spending a lot. Low-velocity guns such as the M41 rifles at around 50 m/s are intended for target shooting, not for games on an airsoft site. For BBs we recommend Hank Tactical BIO.
Choose your airsoft gun, air rifle, air pistol or launcher, and we’ll show you which parts, ammo, sights and accessories fit it – across the whole shop.
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