Airsoft Shotguns - Good, Bad or Stupid?

[Old School Punk]

Hi guys, I am wondering what the general consensus is on airsoft shotguns? Are they any good for actual game play, or are they just a gimmick?

I see that a lot of them are springers, but I believe that I have seen at least one that is gas model. Does anyone have any advice or opinions on these different systems?

Also does anyone know of an airsoft shotgun that ejects the spent shells when you pump the gun?

Lastly if a person was going to buy one, which one would you recommend?

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my post.

Gordo

[Styrak]

TM style burst 3-shot shotguns can be used in a game effectively.

[Assault Pioneer]

it all depends really, the gun doesn't make the user, I've seen all different guns in all different hands and sometime the shittiest shotty will work like a fireing squad in the hands of the right guy

you really get what you pay for more so when it comes to shotguns.

the two most used models are the TM M3 shorty and the Crosman s34p a M3 clone. both are spring powered and are ok, great for cqb and are spring powered easiet to get ahold of, no shell eject though.

gas powered shotguns are expensive, especially shell ejecting ones but their pure awesome. but you gotta go around and pick those expensive shells up after the game, you'll often loose one or two per game and that tolls up avantually

shotguns come in all different systems, single shot (one bb fired only) tri shot spread (3 bb's fired) gas powered non shell ejecting, gas powered shell ejecting, just spring (these ones usually hold more rounds than the gas powered)

the Maruzen CA870 shotguns are pretty beasty and can be changed around a thousand ways from full size/stock to a shorty defender to a masterkey. but the parts to do such are becoming few and far between.
you don't want any ACM shotguns their money pits and often break on the first run, always need fixing.

I just sourced a Spas 12 with folding stock it's on it's way to me I'll post what I think about it when I get it in the mail.

[R.I.T.Z]

Originally Posted by Styrak

TM style burst 3-shot shotguns can be used in a game effectively.

yup, the grouping and range is quite effective too i was surprised when i borrowed one

[Crunchmeister]

Originally Posted by R.I.T.Z

yup, the grouping and range is quite effective too i was surprised when i borrowed one

Your best bet for CQB with a 3-shot shotty is to use a mixture of different BB weights. Mix some .2, .25 and .28 randomly and load those into your shells. The different weights means the fixed hopups of each barrel will have different effects on each BB, giving you a wider spread. This gives you a far more "shotgun" effect at CQB ranges. This, however, tends to be less effective if using the shotty at longer ranges.

But to answer the OP's question, they are good guns, spring or not. They tend to be quite reliable due to their simple spring mechanisms, and are extremely effective for CQB. I've seen people essentially 'sniping' with single-shot shotguns outdoors, although the effectiveness is somewhat reduced.

[Kokanee]

I purchased a KTW Ithaca M37 sawed off shotgun (spring, 2 shots at a time or single) just for a "zombies" themed game. It was one of the best times I've ever had playing airsoft; but of course I matched the weapon to the scenario...

[VooDooPeteK]

There are many shotguns at our games and everyone seems to have fun with them.

But like others said you need to take a look at what you want it to do. Are you going to take it in the woods and play? If so forget it as you will be out ranged and just not have fun.

but for CQB or pistols/shotty only matches they are a blast

Also keep in mind your budget for the shotty and how often you are going to use it. If you don't want to spend a ton on one and don' think its going to get a huge amount of play then just get the crossman one from CT when they go on sale for $75-$100 bucks.

[TaroBear]

Goddamn it Assault, so you're the one who snatched up that SPAS-12. Bastard.

[Assault Pioneer]

Originally Posted by TaroBear

Goddamn it Assault, so you're the one who snatched up that SPAS-12. Bastard.

buhahahah! you think with my thread on them one would "magically" appear and I would NOT be the first to get it?

lol if something ever happens and I have to make a quick buck you'll be the first to know if I ever sell it

[Kos-Mos]

I had the AMC M500 clone before.

I can tell you, if you get one NEW, and change the cocking levers right away, it is a BEAST.

The only draw back is that the gas reservoir is a bit small. While the "magasine" can hold 50 BB in each tube (3 tubes, shoots 5 BB per shot, all from the same barrel so you get a very nice spread), you can't always shoot 30 shots from it.

It can however be modded to an external air rig, and when used with a sling system, both the pistol grip and full stock version can be used VERY effectively.

I might buy one in the near future and convert it like that... I liked the M500 for a CQB shotgun... You can't really miss someone in a corridor... and since the action does not pull a spring, it is smooth and efficient. Hell I even 1-hand-cocked the gun multiple times ala Terminator and it held very well.

[selimsrm]

I picked up a Marusin m500 a while ago. One of the most fun guns I have.
It's a different play style than using an AEG. You have limited ammo (and gas) and have to work at getting somone close enough to hit with one shot.

Seeing those giant 8mm bbs flying at you has a nice mental impact on some players.


As with sniper, shotgun isn't for everyone; but does make a nice backup if you can carry it.

[Cilantro]

Ever since finding out about this beauty right here 3 - 4 years ago, I've always felt that this would be the best way to go to induce the pants-sh*tting effect that a real shotgun might have. Keep your 3 - 5 bbs, I'll go for a full house, thanks. :P

[shiftsup]

I have a few shotty. A couple of springers and a couple of gas ones. One of the gas ones is shell ejecting. Quite fun to shoot. Shottys are great for indoor games with pistols; even the shell ejecting ones. You just have have a good supply of shells and pick them up after indoor game. You'll probably be the only one with shells on the floor so their won't be any confusion on who owns them.

[Evil_yd]

what are our shotgun options in canada, whats legal ?

[Assault Pioneer]

Originally Posted by Evil_yd

what are our shotgun options in canada, whats legal ?

well for you specifically, not being AV'd, whatever you can get at canadian tire or canadian online stores,