Airsoft: how replicas work

The role you wish to play within an airsoft game will influence your decision in choosing the replica. Each has a very specific function as well as different performance levels.

We will therefore present the three main types of airsoft replicas so that you can best guide yourself in your choice.

Summary:

• AEG Replicas
• Gas and CO2 Replicas
• SPRING Replicas

AEG replicas, mainly installed on assault rifles, use an integrated electric motor to propel BBs. They are powered by rechargeable batteries.

With each trigger pull (1), the battery provides the necessary energy to power the electric motor. The latter drives a gear assembly that pushes a spring/piston assembly (2). When a gear rotation cycle is completed, the piston is released (3). A volume of compressed air is thus ejected toward the replica's barrel, to push the previously chambered BB.

Electric replicas have good autonomy, more or less long, depending on the power of the replica and the battery. Generally, those with this mechanism have an affordable price and require very little maintenance.

Furthermore, be careful with batteries intended for AEG replicas, which can have malfunctions, mainly when temperatures are too low. Another negative aspect, some AEG replicas lack realism and have very little recoil, some brands have corrected this problem like BOLT or BO Manufacture. 

These replicas operate with gas or CO2 cartridges. With each trigger pull (1), the replica's hammer is released (2). The latter strikes the magazine's firing valve to open it and allow a certain amount of gas to escape. The ejected gas volume will thus help expel the BB from the barrel (3), but also move the bolt and hammer to prepare the next shot. It's up to you to choose the firing mode, there are "full auto" replicas that require a single trigger pull allowing ammunition to be released until the end of this action. Additionally, semi-automatic replicas also exist and will require one pull per round, it's up to you to choose the one that best meets your expectations.

Most operate with the blowback system which simulates the bolt return and produces a certain recoil, which provides deeper immersion for its user.

Mainly used for pistol replicas and rarely in assault replicas and sniper rifles, this system offers great realistic sensations. Be careful, they require more attention than their AEG counterparts and also cost more, as they require regular gas purchases as well as lubricant. Moreover, long replicas are also particularly sensitive to low temperatures.

A Spring replica propels BBs through pressure exerted by a volume of air compressed very quickly by a piston. Cocking a spring replica is done manually. This means that before each shot, you need to compress a spring and its piston. You'll need to cock the slide for a pistol replica and the pump or cocking lever for a long replica. Once the piston is cocked, the BB positioned in the barrel, all that remains is to pull the trigger (1) to violently release the spring and thus eject the BB from the barrel (2). The operation must be repeated between each shot.

The Spring type is often used by sniper rifle and shotgun type replicas. This type of replica has significant power and is generally among the most powerful replicas. They require little maintenance and will accompany you for many years. 

To conclude, the choice of your replica mainly depends on the role you want to occupy during your games, a spring replica for a sniper player or shotgun, a gas replica for pistol replicas and some assault rifles, an AEG replica for assault rifle players. Each type of replica has its advantages and disadvantages that you must adapt to your play style.

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