Airsoft Shotguns

How airsoft shotguns work

Most airsoft shotguns are spring powered and pump action: each stroke of the fore-end compresses the spring and loads BBs from a shell. Single-shot models fire one BB per pump, while tri-shot and multi-shot designs launch three to six BBs at once for a genuine spread. Gas shotguns use a green gas or CO2 reservoir in the stock or shell and fire the same volley without the pump effort, often with a louder report and a blowback feel. Electric shotguns exist but are rare; the propulsion and fire-mode filters sort the types quickly.

Shells, spread and playing style

Airsoft shells are not single cartridges but small magazines that hold around 30 BBs; a tri-shot loads from the shell on every pump, so a handful of shells lasts a full game. Buy spare shells in magazines and keep them in a shell pouch. Shotguns shine indoors and in dense woodland where engagement distances are short and a spread of 0.20 g BBs makes hitting easier than aiming a single shot. The M870 is the most replicated platform, which also means the widest choice of stocks and rails.

Legal class and energy

Airsoft shotguns are for adults (18+) only. Because they fire more than one projectile per pull, UK sites and the 1.3 J automatic limit are usually applied to multi-shot models, while single-shot pumps fall under the 2.5 J limit; a UKARA defence is required for a realistic imitation, or you can order a two-tone version. Energy limits in other countries, such as 0.5 J for free sale in Germany and 2 J in France, are applied at the checkout based on your delivery address.