How to Choose Your First Airsoft Gun | Beginner’s Guide Canada

How to Choose Your First Airsoft Gun (Beginner’s Guide for Canadian Players)

Getting started in airsoft can be exciting — but also a little overwhelming. With so many gun styles, brands, and field rules to navigate, new Canadian players often aren’t sure where to begin.

This guide will help you choose your first airsoft gun confidently and avoid common beginner mistakes.

We’ll also explain key differences in Canadian airsoft laws — because what works in other countries often doesn’t apply here.

The most important takeaway? Shop with trusted Canadian retailers like Badlands to ensure your airsoft gun is legal, field-ready, and supported here in Canada.

Understanding the Different Types of Airsoft Guns

When you start researching airsoft guns, you’ll see four main types. Each has its pros and cons depending on how you want to play — and what’s legal and practical in Canada.

AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns)

AEGs are by far the most popular choice for beginners. These battery-powered rifles offer semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes, are easy to maintain, and work well in all weather conditions.

Pros:

• Reliable and consistent performance
• Wide variety of models
• Easy to upgrade over time
• Great for both indoor and outdoor fields

Cons:

• Requires charging and maintaining batteries

Gas-Powered Guns

Gas-powered airsoft guns use either green gas or CO2 to propel the BBs. These are often seen in pistols but also exist in some rifles.

Pros:

• Realistic recoil and operation (especially pistols)
• Great for players looking for realism

Cons:

• The vast majority of green gas-powered guns do not meet Canadian legal velocity requirements — always check specs carefully
• CO2-powered pistols are more likely to meet legal FPS, but performance can still vary with temperature
• Higher ongoing cost (you need to purchase gas)

Spring-Powered Guns

Spring guns must be manually cocked before each shot. These are simple and affordable, but are usually limited to certain roles, like sniping.

Pros:

• Simple design
• No batteries or gas needed

Cons:

• Very slow rate of fire
• Not suitable for most beginner players or game styles

HPA (High-Pressure Air) Guns

HPA guns use an external air tank connected via a hose. They deliver excellent performance and are highly tunable — making them popular with experienced players.

Though they may sound intimidating, HPA systems are often simpler internally than AEGs, since they don’t rely on complex gearboxes. However, they do require external air equipment and tuning knowledge.

Pros:

• Extremely consistent and tunable performance
• Mechanically simpler than AEG gearboxes

Cons:

• Higher initial investment
• Requires external air tank and regulator
• Not ideal for first-time players due to potential field restrictions and the extra setup required

Choosing Based on Play Style

Indoor CQB Fields

Indoor or close-quarters battle (CQB) fields tend to be smaller, with lots of tight spaces and short engagement distances.

Most Canadian CQB fields impose lower field limits on velocity — these limits are best enforced through chronograph testing with heavier BBs to control joules, not by modifying the gun to fire below legal velocity.

Important: In Canada, airsoft guns must legally shoot 366 FPS or higher with a 0.20g BB. Guns shooting under 366 FPS with a 0.20g BB are considered prohibited replicas under Canadian law.

Best choices:

• Compact AEG carbines or SMGs
• Lightweight, maneuverable rifles
• Mid- or short-length barrels

Outdoor Fields

Outdoor fields offer more space, longer sightlines, and engagements at greater distances. You’ll want a gun with good range, accuracy, and a stable rate of fire.

Best choices:

• Mid-length or full-length AEG rifles
• Adjustable hop-up is important for outdoor accuracy
• Consider using .25g, .28g, or heavier BBs for better performance outdoors

Hybrid Play (Both Indoor & Outdoor)

If you plan to play both indoor and outdoor, versatility is key. A mid-length AEG with modular features (adjustable stock, removable rails, etc.) gives you flexibility across different fields.

Best choices:

• Specna FLEX series
• Specna CORE series
• Lancer Tactical Gen 3 or Gen 2 carbines

What Should You Budget For?

First Airsoft Gun Budget

A good starting budget for a beginner-friendly airsoft gun is $200–$400 CAD.

In this range, you’ll find reliable, modern AEGs like:

• Specna Arms FLEX series
• Specna Arms CORE series
• Lancer Tactical Gen 3 series
• Lancer Tactical Gen 2 series (includes battery and charger — offering strong value in this price range, particularly when compared to G&G Raider CM16)

Essential Extras to Budget For

• Battery + Smart Charger
  • For most AEGs — choose a quality battery and a proper charger with safety features
  • Note: Lancer Tactical Gen 2 AEGs include a basic battery and charger
• Extra Magazines
  • One or two spare mid-cap or hi-cap magazines
• Eye, Face, and Ear Protection
  • Proper eye protection is a must. Full-seal ANSI-rated goggles are required
  • Ear protection is strongly recommended
  • Many players also use mesh or lower-face masks for additional protection
• BBs
  • Biodegradable BBs are required at many Canadian outdoor fields
  • Most indoor fields do not require BIO BBs — always check local field rules
  • Use high-quality seamless BBs
• Gun Case or Transport Bag
  • Required in many provinces and a best practice for safe transport
• Barrel Blocking Device (Barrel Sock)
  • A barrel blocking device is a required safety tool at most Canadian fields
  • It prevents accidental discharge while off-field and is often mandatory for chronograph stations and staging areas

Other Recommended Extras

• BB Speed Loader
  • Makes reloading mid-cap magazines faster and easier.
• Red Dot Sight
  • Improves target acquisition — a very popular upgrade for both indoor and outdoor play.
• Vest or Belt with Magazine Pouches
  • Allows you to carry extra magazines and small accessories comfortably on the field.

What Features Should You Look For in Your First Airsoft Gun?

When choosing your first airsoft gun, there are a few key features that make a big difference in performance, reliability, and long-term satisfaction — especially for beginners.

1. Build Quality & Durability

Polymer vs. full-metal receivers — what matters for your first gun:

Canadian-legal AEGs from reputable brands like Specna Arms and Lancer Tactical offer a choice of receiver materials — either reinforced nylon polymer, full-metal builds, or combination of reinforced polymer and metal.

Reinforced nylon polymer guns (such as Specna FLEX and CORE, and Lancer Gen 2 / Gen 3) are lighter, more affordable, and highly durable. For many beginners, this makes them an excellent first choice — easier to handle and carry through a full day of play, while still offering field-ready durability.

Full-metal guns (such as Specna PRIME) provide maximum realism, strength, and premium feel — but also come at a higher price point and weight. Many new players choose to start with a quality polymer gun and move to full-metal once they’ve developed their style of play.

In all cases, quality AEGs in Canada feature reinforced gearboxes — this is a key point for long-term reliability. All the AEG offered by Specna Arms come with reinforced V2 gearboxes and are built for real field use.

2. Adjustable Hop-Up

An adjustable hop-up allows you to fine-tune your gun’s accuracy — essential for outdoor play and improving range.

All the beginner guns we recommend — Specna FLEX, CORE, Lancer Gen 3, Gen 2 — feature adjustable hop-ups. Cheaper or outdated designs often lack this, which severely limits performance.

3. MOSFET and Trigger Response

Why MOSFET helps beginners:

• Protects your trigger contacts
• Improves trigger response (faster shot-to-shot feel)
• Allows safe use of LiPo batteries

Many cheaper or older guns lack a MOSFET — and that can lead to electrical problems (with use of a LiPo battery) or sluggish trigger feel.

Example: Specna FLEX series comes equipped with a quality MOSFET — either a GATE X-ASR or HAL MOSFET, depending on model — giving you improved trigger feel, better battery compatibility, and added electrical protection right out of the box.

4. Magazine Type

Many beginners don’t realize how much magazine choice affects gameplay — and field experience.

Why modern mags matter:

• Mid-cap magazines (standard for experienced players) feed smoothly, with no rattling, and offer more realistic capacity
• Polymer mags are lighter and more durable than dated metal hi-cap mags
• Hi-cap magazines (common on many starter guns, including Specna FLEX) hold more rounds but can be noisy and prone to misfeeds under heavy use

Example: Many beginner guns — including Specna FLEX — ship with a hi-cap magazine to keep starter cost down. While perfectly usable for learning the game, most players choose to upgrade to mid-cap polymer magazines as they progress, for better feeding and game realism.

In contrast, older designs like the G&G Raider still ship with dated metal hi-cap M16-style magazines, which many players replace early on.

Now that you know what features to look for, here are some of the best beginner airsoft guns available in Canada — all fully legal, field-ready, and supported through Badlands.

Recommended Beginner Airsoft Guns in Canada

Choosing your first airsoft gun is about finding the right balance of performance, reliability, and value — while making sure it’s fully legal for use in Canada.

The following AEG rifles are excellent first choices for Canadian players and are fully supported through Badlands.

Specna Arms FLEX Series

• Nylon fibre reinforced polymer receiver and handguard (lightest option)
• MOSFET-equipped
• Excellent for maneuverability and fast handling

Specna Arms CORE Series

• Nylon fibre reinforced polymer receiver with full metal handguard
• MOSFET-equipped
• Great for players who want a more solid front end and modular rail system

Lancer Tactical Gen 3 Series

• Modern features, programmable MOSFET
• Great out-of-the-box performance

Lancer Tactical Gen 2 Series

• Simple, reliable, includes battery and charger
• Very budget-friendly
• Comparable in performance and features to G&G CM16 Raider rifles

About G&G CM16 Raider Rifles

Many new players will hear about G&G CM16 Raider rifles — they’ve long been popular among entry-level players.

However, G&G CM16 Raiders are considered dated compared to Specna Arms FLEX and CORE series, and are more comparable in features and performance to Lancer Tactical Gen 2 rifles.

For Canadian players, Specna Arms and Lancer Tactical rifles offer more current options, with Canadian availability and support through Badlands — making them excellent first choices.

Want a deeper comparison? See our full Specna Arms vs. G&G Raider Buyer’s Guide.

Need Help Choosing?

Ask for Advice

Badlands staff are always happy to help new players choose their first gun. If you tell them:

• Where you plan to play (indoor, outdoor, or both)
• Your budget
• What kind of play style you’re interested in

…they can guide you to a gun that will fit your needs and meet Canadian legal requirements.

How to Future-Proof Your First Gun

Not every new player approaches airsoft the same way — and your first gun should match your goals and mindset.

For Players on a Budget — or Those Who Want to Upgrade Over Time:

If you’re looking to start with a solid, proven rifle and upgrade as you go, you have several excellent options:

• Specna Arms FLEX series
• Specna Arms CORE series
• Lancer Tactical Gen 3 series
• Lancer Tactical Gen 2 series

These rifles give you a strong starting platform, whether you want to upgrade over time or focus on learning the game.

For Players Who Want a Long-Term, One-and-Done Investment:

If you prefer to buy a top-tier gun up front — something you won’t need to tinker with or upgrade — a Specna Arms PRIME series rifle is hard to beat.

For just a few hundred dollars more, you’ll get:

• A fully equipped, competition-ready airsoft gun
• Premium internals and externals
• Advanced features and performance out of the box
• A platform that’s ready for serious indoor or outdoor play — no upgrades required

PRIME is the ideal choice for players who want to make a smart, long-term investment from day one.

FAQ: Choosing Your First Airsoft Gun

Are Specna FLEX or CORE better for beginners?

Both are excellent first choices.

Specna FLEX is lighter and more maneuverable, with a nylon fibre receiver and handguard — great for players who value fast handling.

Specna CORE offers a more solid feel up front with a metal handguard, while keeping the same MOSFET-equipped internals.

If you’re unsure, think about your style of play — FLEX for speed and agility, CORE for stability and modularity.

How does Lancer Tactical compare to Specna Arms?

Lancer Tactical Gen 3 rifles offer excellent value — with modern internals, programmable MOSFETs, and updated hop-ups.

However, Specna Arms FLEX and CORE series generally offer more bang for the buck — with more refined construction, smoother operation, and features that compete with higher-tier rifles at a similar price point.

For players looking for longer-term performance or one-and-done quality, Specna PRIME sits at the top of the ladder.

What is the legal FPS limit for airsoft guns in Canada?

To be legally classified as an airsoft gun in Canada, your gun must shoot:

366 FPS or higher with a 0.20g BB, and below 500 FPS.

Guns shooting under 366 FPS with a 0.20g BB are classified as prohibited replicas under Canadian law — and are illegal to import, sell, or own.

Can I use a LiPo battery in my airsoft gun?

Beginners should always use the battery type recommended for their specific gun build.

Many modern AEGs — including Specna FLEX, CORE, PRIME and Lancer Gen 3/Gen 2 — are compatible with LiPo batteries.

In many cases, a 7.4v LiPo battery can be used in guns that would normally run a NiMH battery — as long as you use the correct LiPo charger.

Important:

• Always match the connector type (Tamiya or Deans)
• Always use a proper LiPo charger if using LiPo batteries
• 11.1v LiPo is only recommended for builds that are specifically designed to handle higher voltage

For detailed advice, see our Airsoft Battery Safety Guide.

Do I need biodegradable BBs?

Biodegradable BBs are required at many Canadian outdoor fields.

Most indoor fields do not require BIO BBs — but always check local field rules. In all cases, use high-quality seamless BBs to protect your gun and maintain accuracy.

Should I start with a rifle or a pistol?

For most new players, starting with a rifle (AEG) is the best choice.

Rifles offer:

• Better range and accuracy
• Higher ammo capacity
• Easier to learn on for field play

Pistols are often used as a secondary or backup — but for your first gun, a rifle will give you more versatility and enjoyment on the field.

What BB weight should I use for my first airsoft gun?

Most beginner AEGs perform well with 0.25g BBs — this is a great all-around weight for both indoor and outdoor play.

• 0.20g is typically only used for chrono testing in Canada (legal velocity checks).
• 0.25g or 0.28g offers more accuracy and consistency during gameplay.
• Heavier BBs (0.28g, 0.30g) are better for upgraded guns or outdoor play at longer distances.

Can I use my airsoft gun year-round in Canada?

AEGs are the most reliable choice for year-round play in Canada — they perform well in cold temperatures, unlike many gas-powered guns, which lose power in cold weather.

If you plan to play outdoor games in spring, fall, or winter, an AEG is the best choice for consistent performance.

Final Tips: Choosing Your First Airsoft Gun

Getting started in airsoft is exciting — and choosing the right first gun makes all the difference.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

• Start with a Canadian-legal AEG — reliable, easy to maintain, and great for year-round play
• Choose a gun that fits your style and goals:
  • Specna FLEX or CORE → for players who want room to upgrade or a solid starter platform
  • Lancer Tactical Gen 3 / Gen 2 → great budget-friendly options with modern features
  • Specna PRIME → for players who want a premium, long-term, one-and-done choice
• Buy from a trusted Canadian retailer like Badlands — to ensure your airsoft gun is legal, supported, and ready to go.

Shop Beginner-Friendly Airsoft Guns at Badlands

Learn more:

• Airsoft Battery Safety Guide
• Specna Arms vs. G&G Raider Buyer’s Guide
• 8 Beginner Airsoft Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Final tip: If you’re not sure which model is right for you, talk to the team at Badlands — they’ll help you choose the best first airsoft gun for your needs, budget, and local fields.