Finding the best airsoft shotguns might be a challenge. But if you have a good idea of how they work and what they’re used for, then you’ll have an easier time finding one.
Airsoft shotguns are very fun to use, especially if you’re using one with excellent firing ability and the ability to go the distance. No matter what application it's used for, you’ll have a good time using one so long as you practice proper gun safety.
To help you find the best one for your use, we’ve taken the liberty of including a list of seven of the best airsoft shotguns that are currently on the market. Before we get to the list itself, we’ll talk about what the airsoft shotgun is best used for and how you can choose one for your use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Airsoft Shotguns
Comparison of the Best Airsoft Shotguns
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What Are The Best Uses For an Airsoft Shotgun?
You can probably think of a few uses for an airsoft shotgun. If you’re not too sure, then you’re not alone. Here are just a few of the best uses where an airsoft shotgun is appropriate:
Target Shooting
If you like shooting off rounds at paper targets or cans and bottles, odds are you’ll probably find an airsoft shotgun a lot more fitting for you. You can use it just to shoot at targets for fun or just a simple tune-up session that will be sharpened up for another application. What else is there to do other than target shooting? Let’s move on.
Varmint Control
Whether you live out in the country or the suburbs, the varmint problem will exist somehow. And when it does, it can wreak havoc on your property. The financial implications may be the last thing you’ll ever want to deal with. If your property, garden, or farm is important to you then you’ll need to protect it without having to resort to chemicals or other solutions that might hurt your property or even your health.
Competition Shooting
If you like competitions, well there’s good news for you. Even with airsoft guns, you can still compete in shooting competitions where the bullseyes (or the shots closest to it) will count. It’s best to find a shotgun that will give you quick shooting and a good deal of power so you can be able to hit your targets much faster and get a good edge on the competition.
How to Choose an Airsoft Shotgun
Knowing the characteristics and features of an airsoft shotgun will be key. This will allow you to distinguish between what is considered high-quality from what isn’t. You must invest in something that will last you a long time and will be worth the investment in the long run. Here are some of the characteristics and features that you need to know about:
Price
As a budget shopper, the price tag is going to matter to you a lot. Especially if you’re on a budget. But the biggest mistake you’ll ever make is investing in something low in quality because of a cheap price tag. To avoid that, find the best possible airsoft shotgun you can afford in terms of quality and performance. Even if it means spending a little more money, it’s much better than spending money on something that can easily break on you in a matter of weeks.
High-Quality Materials
It’s been said that the better quality of the materials made in these airsoft shotguns, the longer they will last. That is not a statement that we want to challenge, and neither should you. Consider high-quality materials like steel and polymer as your two best materials. They’re tough, impervious to impact and abuse, and make airsoft shotguns even tougher than ever.
Your Intended Purpose
While a handful of airsoft shotguns can be used for general purposes, some can excel in one purpose. As an example, a high-velocity airsoft shotgun will benefit you in the long run if you use it for hunting varmints. That’s because it can hit the target quickly. On top of that, high-velocity airsoft shotguns are typically more powerful than those that have lesser velocity.
Review of the Best Airsoft Shotguns
The following is a list of the seven best airsoft shotguns that are currently on the market. As you go through each one, you’ll need to note down all of the characteristics and features. This way, you’ll be able to find out which one is the closest match to the description of your ideal airsoft shotgun.
If you find one that’s close enough, then you may have just found a winner. Now, let’s take a look at the first choice on our list, the “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
UTG Multi-Shot Combat Tactical Shotgun Airsoft Gun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were quick to comment on the overall performance of this shotgun. They were happy with the velocity and had been able to quickly knock down targets that were situated from some 10 yards away. One user said his shooting groups were a lot tighter compared to some of the airsoft rifles that he uses for varmint hunting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
So far, the one major feature that stands out most is the ability to fire three rounds in one shot. Not too many airsoft shotguns will have that ability. Other than that, the pullback ability is nice and smooth, which makes loading the shotgun easier. Plus, jamming issues are few and far between. So that means you get a good deal of reliability out of it.
Who Will Use This Most
This airsoft shotgun can be useful for anyone who has either never used one before or have used airsoft guns in the past. Either way, it’s a great airsoft shotgun that can be used for target shooting, especially if you’re a newbie. It’s safe to use for almost any age, provided that they can practice proper gun safety.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One possible thing that would make this shotgun better is to make it out of something more durable. For the moment, it’s made from a plastic-like material. While it is durable for the most part, it may have the potential to break after short-term use. You want this thing to last you a while.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an airsoft shotgun that can pack some impressive shooting ability, then the UTG Multi-Shot Combat Tactical Shotgun will probably be the one to look for. It will give you the edge when you’re shooting targets or competing in friendly competition.
Runner-up:
BBTac Airsoft Pump Action Shotgun Rifle 400 FPS Police
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This shotgun was excellent for most users. The smooth-moving pump action makes the shotgun less likely to jam. According to most users, the velocity is quite impressive. Plus, it was good enough for them to use it for animal control on their property. Even better, it doesn’t make a lot of noise.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Pump-action shotguns are known to be reliable for their fast-loading ability. That alone has transferred into the airsoft version. You can move it back and forth no problem without any jamming issues. The shotgun is made from high-quality plastic that is durable and can take some bumps and impacts. Also, the inclusion of a sling makes it even better when it comes to the comfort and convenience of carrying it around for long periods.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be used by many who are among the target shooting faithful. It might also gain a following among those who want to get rid of some small invasive critters that have had a long reign of terror on a person’s property. And since it doesn’t make too much noise, it can be safe to use in suburban areas.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One possible improvement would be to make the pump-action consistently smooth rather than stiff after an extended time. Other than that, one other improvement would be to make this shotgun slightly more durable by using stronger materials. This way, it can last you quite a while and still be able to give you protection from impact and abuse.
Bottom Line
The BBTac Airsoft Pump Action Shotgun will work in either a varmint hunting or target shooting situation with a quick shooting ability that is hard to match. If you want something with a little bit of “oomph” that doesn’t make a lot of noise, this shotgun will be just what you need.
Best for the Money:
Mossberg Tactical Long Shotgun Kit with 2500 BB's
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were very impressed with this package deal. They got all kinds of paintballs and two airsoft guns to work with, a shotgun and a pistol. Most of them were able to have a lot of fun with these. Both guns were reliable and can shoot quite well at various distances. One user even said he uses his shotgun for primary use while using the pistol as a sidearm.
Why it Stands Out to Us
You have nearly 2500 rounds and two high-quality guns at your disposal. One of them will be used for primary paintballing while the other will work as a sidearm. Both are made from high-quality materials and stand out as two of the best airsoft guns for recreational purposes. This is a paintballer’s dream to get all this at a great price.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used by those who are avid paintballers. Especially if you’re a beginner to it, paintballing is the kind of activity that will provide hours of fun for you and your friends. The guns will have their uses in a recreational setting and a target shooting setting if you want to fire at targets or tune-up the guns themselves.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The canisters that power the guns should be a little bit tighter. This way, it will allow you to not deal with any misfirings or even dry firings. Both of these common incidents may be a detriment to the guns themselves.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a great airsoft package that will be affordable for most budgets, then you’ll love the Mossberg Tactical Long Shotgun Kit. With a lot of rounds and two of the best quality guns you can find, you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to give this a closer look.
Best Double Barrel Shotgun:
300 fps Hudson Metal Double Barrel Mad Max Sawed-Off Gas Shotgun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of recent buyers were impressed with this airsoft shotgun. They were happy with the fact that they could shoot two rounds in one go. One user said that it was his best airsoft gun that he could use for target shooting. After firing off a few test shots, he noticed that the shooting groups are quite tight and rival that of some of his other airsoft guns.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This shotgun is a double-barreled airsoft that is powerful and can be best used for both target shooting and varmint hunting. No matter how you use it, you’ll know right away that you’re using the right kind of shotgun. It’s got that classic shotgun look, reminiscent of the time when you had a toy gun of your own. For the kids, it’s a starter airsoft shotgun that can be used religiously and create a lot of memories.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used across many applications by users of most ages. If you want an airsoft shotgun that will work for just about any purpose and is reliable with no jamming or malfunctions to speak of, look no farther. The Hudson will give you the perks of how an airsoft shotgun should work.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While there are no major cons to point out, we can mention a suggestion. A nice sling should be included with this double-barrel shotgun. If you plan on using it for varmint hunting or target shooting and need to use your hands for something else, a good sling will allow you to carry your shotgun over your shoulder while you’re digging for more rounds or you need another accessory for your personal use.
Bottom Line
The Hudson airsoft shotgun has proven itself to be one of the best double-barrel airsoft shotguns in the business. If you want something that offers double the shooting power and double the fun, then you’re going to have a great time with this airsoft shotgun.
Best Shell Ejecting Airsoft Shotgun:
Evike APS CAM870 MKII Shotgun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with this shotgun for various reasons. One of them was the durability of the shotgun itself. It can handle a lot of bumps and bangs like nothing else. Other than that, you have some pretty good firing power (even when you’re firing two rounds at the same time).
Why it Stands Out to Us
This airsoft shotgun is among one of the few that can fire multiple shots in one. Even better, it makes your hit probability even greater, regardless of the application that it's used for. Depending on how far away the targets are, your shots will be closer together and accuracy will be much better compared to some other shotguns.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be used by beginner-level airsoft users. This will make a great starter shotgun for kids of various ages and even adults. Regardless, they’ll get a good deal of fun out of shooting an airsoft shotgun that packs a pretty good punch.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This shotgun has no major cons to point out. So once again, we can offer suggestions. For this shotgun, why not throw in some bonus ammunition, so that you can have more shots at your disposal. Especially when you want to have all kinds of fun using a shotgun like this, the more shots you got, the better.
Bottom Line
The Evike APS Shell Ejecting Tactical Pump Action Shotgun will be worth using if you want something that will stand out as one of the best general-purpose airsoft shotguns out there. If you want hours of fun (depending on how many rounds you’ve got), this is the one to go with.
Best Underbarrel Shotgun and Best Mossberg M590 Airsoft Shotgun:
Mossberg M590 Chainsaw
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This shotgun was a hit among many beginner-level paintballers. They were looking for a starter shotgun that would accept many paintball rounds. Sure enough, they got their wish. They were able to hit their targets accurately from various distances and were quite impressed with the velocity. One user said he calls it his new go-to paintballing rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This airsoft shotgun is a version of one of the most reliable shotguns in the world, the Mossberg 590. No doubt about it, the reliability is replicated in this airsoft, which can provide all kinds of shooting power when you’re in the heat of friendly competition. Plus, the velocity is just enough to give you a chance to quickly fire off any shots and hit your targets in a matter of seconds.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used by paintballers of many persuasions and skill levels, especially if you’re a rookie paintballer. No matter what your skill level is, you have a shotgun that will give you a great deal of firepower and all kinds of fun when you’re using it for target shooting or competition.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This could improve in some ways. To begin with, the durability should be a little better. That would mean manufacturing the rifle using a much tougher and more heavy-duty plastic. You’ll be using it in an activity where bumping and banging is usually the norm.
Bottom Line
The Mossberg M590 is the closest thing you can get to one of the most reliable shotguns in the world. In an airsoft shotgun, that reliability carries over. If you want something that will give you an edge on the competition and will rarely jam on you, this is the shotgun you’ll want.
Best Co2 Airsoft Shotgun:
Evike FABARM STF12
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers found this to be an impressive shotgun to use. They used it for target shooting and competition. They were able to get their shots off quickly and were able to have all kinds of fun with it. One user said that he was able to hit his targets (both moving and stationary) rather quickly compared to other airsoft guns in the past.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Typically, a lot of airsoft guns for paintballing are often powered by Co2 cartridges. This stands out as one of the best of its class because it cannot leak on you (and therefore lead to dry firing). Aside from that, it provides powerful and accurate firing that will give you an even better edge on the competition.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be a heavy favorite among beginner-level paintballers. Even some seasoned vets will find this useful for competition or target shooting purposes. If you’re looking for a Co2 shotgun that can be your best friend in the field of competition or at a makeshift shooting range, this is the one you’ll want to rely on.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Make sure that the Co2 cartridges are tightened enough to ensure that you don’t face any misfiring issues. Plus, a leaking Co2 cartridge can also lead to reliability issues. The manufacturer needs to make sure of this before these shotguns ever hit the shelves.
Bottom Line
If you’re a fan of Co2 airsoft guns, then you’ll love the Evike Pump Action Tri-Shot Airsoft Shotgun. This will be the one shotgun you’ll never want to put down after you’ve spent time firing off as many paintballs as possible. Whether you're firing at moving targets or paper targets, this is an excellent airsoft shotgun that will be reliable for years to come.
Why Should I Get a New Airsoft Shotgun?
There are a few reasons why you should get a new airsoft shotgun. You’d be surprised what you’ll get out of one should you choose to invest one for yourself. Here are a few reasons why you’ll need one:
Works For Animal Control
Varmints can be a problem. They will dig through your property and leave a good amount of damage. Some of them will go so far to chew up any outdoor wiring or even dig through your garbage. Airsoft guns will provide you a solution that will be a better alternative than live rounds, especially when you’re living in a suburban neighborhood.
Hours of Fun
No matter if you’re using it for paintballing or varmint control, if you got all kinds of rounds and plenty of targets then you’ll know that the fun will never stop. Just be sure to practice appropriate gun safety measures.
Excellent For All Ages
While some airsoft guns may not be suitable for younger children due to the amount of power they contain, these airsoft shotguns are by far one of the safest airsoft guns that can be used. This will also give kids a starting point on how they can properly use a real firearm once they get older. These shotguns will make a great training tool for them.
Conclusion
Once you find an airsoft shotgun that you like, you’ll know that it will be something that you’ll never get tired of using. No matter if you’re using it for recreational purposes or keeping the varmint nemesis at bay, you’ll have something reliable, accurate, and able to get the job done when you want it to.
