Different types of softgun

Spring driven / Springer

Spring-powered guns / springers, are loaded by hand and fire one shot at a time. They have few moving parts making them very durable and reliable. The disadvantage is that they have a low rate of fire, which means that you have to reload between each shot when you shoot. Spinger/Spring operated weapons are generally the least expensive type. Most powerful airsoft sniper rifles are also spring-operated, they are usually operated by charging the bolt like on an old Mauser, which simultaneously charges the spring and charges the next BB bullet (Bolt action)

Electric Rifles/AEG

AEGs (Auto Electric Guns) are battery operated and usually have both semi and full auto functions. An electric motor gives speed to a series of gears in a gearbox which in turn drives the piston mechanism. With a charged battery in full auto mode, an AEG will fire bullets as long as you hold the trigger. (It is not recommended to hold the trigger for more than 4.5 seconds at a time). In semi-auto mode, it will fire one shot for each time you pull the trigger. You don't need to recharge every time. Most of the airsoft rifles used in Norway are AEGs as they withstand colder climates much better than gas-powered rifles. Proline rifles generally refer to AEGs with a full metal gearbox. The less expensive versions with plastic gears are usually referred to as Sportline. These are a less expensive beginner rifle.

Gas Powered Softguns - Gas / Co2

Softgun gas and CO2 are the most popular propellants for pistols, but there are also many gas and CO2 powered rifles on the market. Softgun gas is a form of compressed propane gas that is filled into the gun. Normally put into the magazine as you do when you fill a lighter. When the trigger is pressed, a gas jet is released that fires each shot. Most softgungas gas pistols are only semi-automatic, but some also come as full- and semi-auto. CO2 airsoft guns work in the same way, but use pre-filled 12g co2 cartridges that contain compressed CO2 instead. Most more expensive gas pistols have a function called "blowback". Blowback pistols have a slide that moves back and forth when the pistol is fired, just like a real semi-automatic pistol. The blowback feature adds a small amount of recoil that adds to the realism of these guns.