One of the most important pieces of equipment in airsoft is your gun, and an airsoft shotgun can be a really powerful part of your arsenal.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the tactical shotgun for your airsoft battles?
In this guide, we will cover topics such as barrel length, ammo capacity, and price, as well as some of our favourite tactical shotgun models, to help you decide which shotgun is best for you.
So, let's get into it!
What’s the Difference Between a Tactical Shotgun and a Regular Airsoft Shotgun?
You should recognise that a tactical shotgun is not the same as a regular shotgun for airsoft.
| Tactical Shotgun | Regular Shotgun |
| Shorter barrels | Longer barrels |
| Higher ammo capacity | Lower ammo capacity |
| Good for CQB environments | Good for CQB environments |
| Lots of power | Lots of power |
Tactical shotguns are designed to be used in close-quarters combat, emphasising manoeuvrability.
They tend to have shorter barrels than regular shotguns, allowing you to move more quickly and accurately.
They also have higher ammo capacities than regular shotguns, so you can fire multiple rounds rapidly. On top of that, tactical shotguns usually have additional features, such as rail systems for attaching accessories like scopes and laser sights.
Especially when playing airsoft, a tactical shotgun is your best bet if you’re looking for a gun that can handle close-quarters engagements.
You'll find them lightweight and manoeuvrable while offering enough firepower to take out opponents quickly.
What Type of Player is Best Suited for a Tactical Shotgun?
Before investing in a tactical shotgun, you should understand what type of airsoft player you are.
Having different types of players on the field helps to achieve a more balanced game.
Tactical shotguns are perfect for active players who enjoy fast-paced skirmishes.
| What is a Tactical Shotgun Good For? |
| Speed, manoeuvrability & high firepower |
| Fantastic for CQB (close-quarter combat) environments |
| Good for fast-paced airsoft games |
They offer the speed and manoeuvrability of an assault rifle but with more firepower than their smaller counterparts. This makes them ideal for close-quarter combat situations where accuracy and power are key.
If you enjoy rushing around the battlefield, then a tactical shotgun will give you an edge. The manoeuvrability and firepower of the shotgun combined with your speed make for an unbeatable combination.
A tactical shotgun might not be the best option if you're a more methodical player who prefers to take their time and plan each move. A regular shotgun or sniper rifle might be better suited to these situations.
If you're also a beginner airsoft player, you might find it difficult to handle them. It takes practice and experience to get used to how these guns handle, so it's best to start with a less powerful option like an assault rifle.
What to Look for When Buying a Tactical Shotgun for Airsoft
If you've been searching for a tactical shotgun for your airsoft loadout, you will know that various shotguns are available.
So, what should you look for when choosing the right one?
Shotgun Barrel Length
The barrel length of a shotgun is an important factor to consider when making your purchase. Shorter barrels are more manoeuvrable and easier to handle in close quarters.
For airsoft, you'll want to choose a shorter barrel length, usually between 18 and 24 inches.
Long shotgun barrels can provide more accuracy and range, but they can also be unwieldy in airsoft skirmishes. A short barrel is the better option if you're playing in a wooded area or other tight spaces.
Shotgun Shells & Ammo Capacity
Another important factor is the ammo capacity of your tactical shotgun. You'll want to ensure you have enough rounds to get through your skirmish without having to stop and reload too often.
For airsoft, you should look for a shotgun with a high-capacity magazine and a good selection of shells, including slug, buckshot, and birdshot.
Shotgun Price
Of course, you'll likely have a budget in mind when looking for a tactical shotgun. With any type of airsoft gun, it's important to remember that you get what you pay for.
Cheaper shotguns tend to be made from lower-quality materials and are less reliable, while more expensive models tend to offer better performance.
Always choose a reputable airsoft gun seller, like Socom Tactical, to ensure you get a quality gun.
Different Types of Tactical Shotguns for Airsoft
It's important to recognise that there isn't just one standard type of airsoft gun.
Different types of tactical shotguns can be used in airsoft battles, including pump-action and semi-automatic, and it's important to know the differences between how these tactical shotgun types work.
Pump Action Guns
Pump-action guns are the most common type of airsoft shotgun. This gun requires you to manually pump the slide after every shot to chamber the next round.
It's a rather simple design, but it can be slow to reload and can potentially lead to misfires.
A pump shotgun is generally more reliable than a semi-automatic shotgun, but it can be slower to fire, so it may not be the ideal choice for fast-paced airsoft battles.
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
A semi-automatic shotgun fires one round each time you pull the trigger. It's faster than a pump-action gun and can be reloaded quickly.
However, semi-auto shotguns can be more prone to jamming and misfires due to the complex design of the gun.
That being said, a well-maintained semi-automatic shotgun can be just as reliable and accurate as a pump-action gun.
Electric Shotguns
Electric shotguns are becoming increasingly popular in airsoft circles. These guns use an electric motor to propel the BBs and can fire them much faster than other types of shotguns.
Airsoft players can reload them quickly, and they tend to be more accurate as well.
The downside is that these guns tend to be more expensive than other types of shotguns.
Gas Shotguns
Gas-powered shotguns use a compressed air system to fire BBs. This gas gun is reliable and accurate, but it can also be noisy and expensive.
Compressed gas, typically green gas or propane, is used to power the gun. This fuel can be expensive and needs to be replenished frequently, so it may not be the best option for an airsoft shotgun.
The Best Tactical Shotguns on the Market Today
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a tactical shotgun, you'll want to go ahead and start looking at the best models on the market.
Here are some of our top picks:
1. Tokyo Marui M3 Spring Shotgun Shorty
The Tokyo Marui M3 Spring Shotgun Shorty is a great choice for those on a budget. This shotgun has an 18-inch barrel and can hold up to 30 rounds in its internal magazine. It also offers a good range and accuracy for an affordable price.
This tactical shotgun fires at around 270-290 FPS, making it perfect for CQB environments.
It's a great all-around choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable shotgun.
2. DE m56A Shotgun
The Double Eagle M56A Shotgun is a high-performance airsoft gun that is perfect for intense airsoft skirmishes. This shotgun is made of high-quality materials, and it is built to last.
The Double Eagle M56A Shotgun fires three rounds with each pull of the trigger, and it has a magazine capacity of 30 rounds.
This shotgun also features a muzzle velocity of 290 fps, making it an ideal choice for airsoft enthusiasts looking for a powerful and reliable weapon.
3. Cyma CM352M Shotgun
The Cyma CM352M Shotgun is a great choice for airsoft players who are looking for an edge in the field.
This shotgun has three inner barrels, which allows you to fire three BBs at once, giving you a greater advantage over your opponents, as you can take them out more quickly.
The shotgun is also very realistic, thanks to the shell design that holds up to 30 BBs at a time.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right Tactical Shotgun for Your Airsoft Games
Choosing the right tactical shotgun is an important decision for any airsoft player. In this guide, we have discussed everything you need to know about choosing the best gun for your needs.
We have covered barrel length, ammo capacity, and price topics. By considering all of these factors, you will be sure to find the perfect shotgun for your next airsoft game!
Take a look at Socom's selection of tactical shotguns and find the perfect one for you today. From pump action to electric, Socom has the perfect gun for everyone.
Shop now and get ready for your next airsoft skirmish!
