Best Airsoft Guns Under $500 Used By Experts (Apr 2024 Guide)

If you are already been playing airsoft for quite a long time then it’s time to upgrade your skills with a better more powerful rifle. It’s very important that you get a well-reputed premium quality rifle. Don’t worry! we took the charge to present the most premium airsoft gun lineup to you that has been trusted by thousands of veteran airsoft players around the globe. This guide features the best airsoft guns under $500 that have been carefully chosen based on various parameters like such as muzzle velocity, weight, budget, popularity, and many more.

Things to get before getting an AEG

AEGs can be pretty powerful and can shoot BBs with a muzzle velocity of around 350-450 FPS which has the capacity to give a strong painful hit.

This hit can be more painful if you don’t have the correct protective gear. Therefore, it is very important to look at what do you wear for airsoft. Let’s see some of the basic yet most important protective gear that you should get:-

1. Goggles:-Probably the most important protective gear is the durable airsoft goggles due to the size of airsoft BBs that are used. The small-sized BBs can easily damage your eyes and if it is shot from a small distance you might end up losing your vision.

2. Face mask:-Facial skin is very soft and sensitive and can easily be impacted by a super-fast BB. There have been cases when the BB made a hole inside the face. Therefore, a good face mask is important. If you opt for a full face mask, you don’t need to get a google as they will protect your eyes as well as your face.

3. Bump helmet:- There are always possibilities of falling during the airsoft game. It can happen due to any reason such as chasing an opponent or maybe due to an uneven outdoor field. A durable airsoft helmet will protect your head from sudden falls.

3. Protective gloves:- We have the instinct of using our hands as support naturally whenever we face any sudden fall or drop. Therefore, to protect the hand from scratches it’s important to invest in good tactical gloves. Not only this, tactical gloves have knuckle pads that give complete protection to your knuckles.

1.G&G CM16 SR-ARP9 Carbine airsoft gun

Budget-Friendly AEG

Best AEG Under $250

• 340 FPS (0.20g BB)
• Magazine: 300rds Hi-Cap
• 11.1v LiPO Stick Battery (NOT INCLUDED)
• Weight: 5.1lbs
• Adjustable Iron Sights
• Adjustable Hop-up
• Pre-installed MOSFET
• Safe / Semi / Full Auto (Burst Option)
• Ambidextrous Controls

One of the most unique-looking airsoft guns on the market is G & G CM16. The SR-ARP9 is a part of the series  G&G CM16. This AEG has all the features that an airsoft player wants in its gun.

This gun is extremely durable as it is composed of high-quality polymer. Due to its construction material, the AEG is super lightweight and compact thus very easy to carry to your preferred location for any airsoft face-off.

The most amazing thing about this rifle is that it can be used for CQB situations as well as for long-range shots. Due to the gun’s short inner barrel, it is a great choice for short encounters.

This AEG is powerful and accurate enough to hit long-range targets. This gun makes use of an 11.1v LiPO battery (Not Included) battery that is stored in the retractable PDW-style stock at the rear end of the gun.

This rifle can be used by any player irrespective of their stature. You can attach any tactical accessories of your choice with the help of a 5” Milspec MLOK rail that is attached to the front end of the rifle.

With the help of the RIS top rail, you can customize the CM16 SR-ARP9 Carbine with your favorite optic accessory.

The target can be easily set to zero with the help of integrated adjustable flip-up iron sights. These iron sights can be slide down in order to attach accessories of your choice.

You can anytime change from auto to three-round burst with the help of pre-programmed MOSFET. The trigger response is instant with the help of the Electronic Trigger Unit.

This rifle is equipped with a full metal G2 gearbox. The maintenance of this rifle is the least as the gearbox has an 8mm bearing and bushing set that helps in super-smooth gear change. There are absolutely no chances of battery explosion with this rifle.

2.ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 Carbine AEG Airsoft Gun

Best airsoft guns under $500

• 446 FPS with 0.20g BBs
•  Nylon-fiber and metal construction
• Ambidextrous Bolt/Charging Handle
• Pre-installed ASG MOSFET
• Quick-Change Spring system
• High-Torque Motor
• Foldable, length-adjustable stock
• Picatinny/Weaver rails

One of the toughest and most advanced airsoft rifle in the market is ASG CZ Scorpion. The features that this rifle provides are almost very difficult to spot in other airsoft guns and that’s what made it to our list of best airsoft guns under $500.

One such feature is that once the magazine gets over, the firing automatically stops. Therefore, once the magazine is full, you have to activate the bolt catch in order to simulate chambering a round.

The carbine variant of the EVO 3 is equipped with an outer barrel assembly and extended handguard.

This rifle can provide an FPS of 446 along with 0.20g BBs and it can easily be extended with the help of a quick-change spring system.

The rifle has one of the toughest and most durable construction as it is composed of  Nylon-fiber and metal. The reloading is super fast and easy due to flared Magazine.

This rifle works on a LiPO battery with the help of a deans connector. You can attach any accessory of your choice with the help of Picatinny/Weaver rails. You can attach the sling to the rifle.

The stock can easily be foldable which can help in changing the length of the rifle. The trigger response of this rifle is unmatched due to its pre-installed  ASG MOSFET Fire control Unit.

The rifle offers a quick-change spring system that doesn’t require you to disassemble the rifle for changing the power or fire rate.

The spring works at the maximum capacity due to the pre-installed ASG ULTIMATE high-torque motor. This rifle comes along with a 75 BB Mid-Capacity Magazine.

3.VFC H&K MP7 SMG AEG Airsoft Gun

Best CQB AEG

• 360 FPS (0.20g BB)
• Weight: 4.1lbs
• Magazine: 180rds
• 11.1v Small LiPO Battery (NOT INCLUDED)
• 20mm Picatinny Top Rail
• High-Torque Motor
• Integrated MOSFET
• Adjustable Rotary Hop-up
• Flip-up Front & Rear Sights
• Quick Change Spring System

One of the most compact rifles on our list is the VFC H&K MP7 airsoft rifle. Along with a great assault rifle, VFC MP7 AEG is an amazing training rifle that many players and professionals prefer.

This rifle has the ability to tolerate one of the toughest warzone conditions as it is made up of a durable heavy-duty full metal. The players can rapidly zero in on the targets without using extra optics as the rifle has flip-up front and rear sights.

The rifle stays in complete control even while rapidly changing position due to its integrated vertical grip. The rifle can further be made compact due to its foldable grip.

The rate of fire can easily be altered with the help of a quick spring change system. The rifle is equipped with a VFC Avalon gearbox that has upgraded low friction steel bearings that helps in smooth gear change and has powerful high torque motors.

According to your comfort, you can change the length of the stock which can also help in easy transportation. The rifle provides ultimate stability during aiming due to its rubberized slip-resistant buttpad.

With the help of a full metal RIS top rail, you can attach the optic of your choice. A high-energy LiPo Battery is used to run the rifle.

VFC MP7 is a perfect blend of power and accuracy and that is what makes it one of the best airsoft guns under $500.

4. ICS ProLine CXP-YAK R SR Electric Blowback AEG Airsoft Rifle

• 395 FPS (0.20g BB)
• Weight: 8.1lbs
• Magazine: 300rd
• 9.6v Small Butterfly Battery (NOT INCLUDED)
• Full Length 20mm Picatinny Top Rail
• Simulated Blowback
• Quick-Change Spring System
• Flip-up Front and Rear Sights
• Inline Trigger MOSFET

ICS is one of the most reputed and well-known brands that is specialized in high-grade AEG. The BBs can be seen from outside its 300-round high-capacity magazine without taking off the magazine.

The rifle stock is made up of durable polymer and the frame and receiver are made up of full steel which makes it very lightweight. The stability of this gun is unmatched due to the pistol grip that provides maximum grip.

Due to the textured finger groove on the grip, you can easily and comfortably hold the rifle for long durations without any pain or fatigue in your hands.

The UKSR sniper stock is equipped with a rubberized butt plate and adaptable cheek rest. A 9.6v battery power source resides in the stock and it coordinates with the rifle with the help of small Tamiya plugs.

The zero-in of the target is super convenient due to its metal flip-up front and rear sights. The CXP-YAK R SR  operates on an improved version 2 split gearbox.

To give the rifle a realistic feel, this gearbox provides blowback action whenever you pull the trigger. The gear transition is very smooth and rapid due to the premium quality bearings and bushings.

This even improves the fire rate. The longevity of this rifle is considerably high due to its integrated inline MOSFET.

Both right and left-hand users can easily operate this rifle due to its ambidextrous magazine. Players can fix an extra  Picatinny rail to attach the accessories.

5.Krytac War Sport LVOA-C AEG Airsoft Gun

• The velocity with 0.20g BB:122 MPS / 400 FPS
• Integrated MOSFET
• Locking Bolt and Bolt release
• Aluminum Alloy Receivers
• The easy-change spring system
• Adjustable Rotary Hop-up
• 8mm ball bearing bushings
• Receiver Material: Aluminum allow

Krytac LVOA-C AEG is one of the most demanding and famous AEG among airsoft players due to its wide range of features that fits the needs and wants of every player.

This powerful AEG is equipped with a 16″ free-floating rail system using which you can mount any of your favorite accessories like a laser, lights, cameras, grips, etc.

The rifle is rugged as the upper and lower receivers are composed of strong and durable aluminum alloy. The lower receiver is compatible with most of the M4 magazines.

Both right-hand and left-hand users can easily use the rifle due to its ambidextrous fire selectors. The hop-up system can be adjusted with the help of a functional bolt catch.

KRYTAC has done great improvements to the stock and it has the capacity to hold 2 batteries simultaneously so that you are ever ready for a war game. The side tubes can accumulate NiMH nunchuck batteries and 3-stick LiPO batteries.

Between the buttstock and buttpad, a tiny  LiPO brick battery can be inserted. Buffer tubes can also hold one small stick battery.

The rifle has a combined MOSFET  that stops premature trigger contact thus increasing the battery life span. You don’t have to disassemble the whole gearbox to change the spring due to its quick-change spring system.

The gearbox of this rifle is composed of  8mm ball bearings that help in smooth gear change.

The motor of this rifle can achieve 30,000 RPM and is able to provide an amazing fire rate and that’s what makes it one of the best airsoft guns under $500.

How to purchase the best airsoft AEG?

Budget

It is super important to set a limit for your spending. You should spend money depending on your level in the game. If you are already an expert then you can think of purchasing an upgraded and better AEG.

Usually, a decent AEG can range any way between $350 to $500. This price range covers the most reputed and well-known brands in airsoft such as Krytac, ICS, VFC, G&G, Tokyo Murai, and many more.

These AEGs are well equipped with some of the latest features with excellent internals that fit the needs of most players.

Playing style

Your playing style greatly influences the type of AEG you want to get. In broader terms, there are 2 types of playing styles or types. They are CQB (close-quarters battle) and field.

If you are more involved in CQB, a short barrel with a foldable stock gun can be a great choice. If you get into the field situation, then a long barrel AEG is a great choice due to its great accuracy.

Though a long barrel gun can be used for CQB a short barrel gun is more convenient and it’s easier to carry it to the field.

Weight of the gun

While purchasing a brand new AEG, players forget to look at the weight of the gun. It’s always cool to scare your opponent with a light machine gun but the weight of these guns is way too much to be effective that is around 21 lbs.

You will need great upper body strength in order to deal with such guns and most importantly shoot accurately with them. Therefore, always keep an eye on the gun’s weight.

Rate of fire

The rate of fire is defined as the number of pellets or BBs, that can be fired in a particular time span that is why it is also known as rounds per minute.

When it comes to automatic mode, the rifle will keep firing as long as you press the trigger. You have to press the trigger in order to fire in a semi-automatic rifle.

Sometimes you have to cock the gun after each use and such guns come under single-shot weapons.

Specific features

The choice of your AEG may vary depending upon the additional features that you want in your gun. For example, if you want a rifle with slider iron sights then you can go with G & G airsoft AEG.

In order to reduce the downtime to a minimum, you might want a rifle that can have maximum battery capacity and for this purpose, you might want to go with Krytac LVOA-C AEG which can house more than 5 airsoft batteries at a time.

If you want a rifle that is ambidextrous you might go with ICS proline AEG, if you want a rifle with foldable stock then you can go with VFC MP7 AEG, and so on.

Make sure to make a rough picture of the rifle along with the desired features that you want in your rifle before you start looking for it.

How to maintain airsoft AEG ?

Like any other machine, your rifle needs proper cleaning and maintenance to work at its top capacity. Here are some simple steps that you can follow to give your gun proper care:-

Cleaning the Barrel

The gun barrel needs regular care at regular intervals of time. If the BBs are changing the directions vertically then it’s time to clean the barrel. You just need a cleaning rod and a clean paper towel.Then you have to follow the following steps:-

• Place the strip of the paper towel ( 3 inches long by ½ inch wide) in order to clean the barrel.
• The strip should contain a small amount of silicone oil.
• Place the cleaning rod inside the barrel along with the strip.
• Slowly shake and spin the cleaning rod along the length of the barrel to clean it.

Lubricate the gun

Lubrication is very essential to prevent the jamming of the gun. The gearbox or the hop-up has to be lubricated all the time. To lubricate you have to remove the magazine and empty the hop-up by firing BBs at semi-auto mode for few times.

Now after reversing the rifle, slowly add silicone oil over the hop-up for few times. Make sure that the oil doesn’t overflow.

In order to lubricate the gearbox, the first step is to take the motor out. Once you have done removing the motor, you will spot a small hole at the lower side of the gearbox.

Through that hole, you can drop some silicon oil. Keep the gun in an upside-down position for a few minutes so that the oil reached the gearbox.

Magazine care

Depending upon the type of gun you are using, the care of the magazine can vary. If you own a spring gun or AEG then once you use the rifle make sure to empty the BBs.This will help in conserving the strength of the spring.

The magazine has to be kept under pressure if you own a gas gun. This will help in keeping all the gun components in their place. Make sure to lubricate the internals properly in case your gas doesn’t contain silicone lubricant.

Who Makes the Best airsoft guns under $500?

If your budget is around $500 then you don’t have to worry about the quality of the rifle as various well-reputed companies are there that build top-quality rifles at that range. Here are some of those companies:-

• G & G
• Krytac
• ICS airsoft
• VFC
• ASG
• KWA

Conclusion

Here we come at the end of our guide that features the best airsoft guns under $500.These are the rifles that are preferred and trusted by most of the experienced airsoft players out there. If you are confused then you can anytime go with ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 without any second thought. This rifle is super durable as it has a full metal internal system. You can expect an FPS of  425 due to its electronically controlled metal gearbox and the weight of this rifle is just appropriate. If you have any doubts, the comment section is always open. Thanks for visiting leanoutdoor.com.