More and more people are getting into airsoft and with good reason - it's exciting, challenging, and it's very economical to get started. If you've decided it’s for you, here's your guide to getting the right airsoft guns for your needs.

Airsoft is a combat sport or recreational hobby developed in Japan a few decades ago. It involves firing pellets from replica firearms either at targets or in airsoft games which are organized situations and battles in which teams fight each other. It's easy and inexpensive to get started. All you need is a gun, some ammo and a place to shoot. So how do you get started?

One of the great things about airsoft is its scalability. You can start off with a basic, low cost gun and upgrade later if you wish. Some people are happy to do some target practice a few times a month, others live for elaborate airsoft games or skirmishes which last for hours and even days and require high-end guns along with a host of accessories such as uniforms, sights and protection equipment.

The choice is yours. But it's always best to start off small to see if this sport is for you. You can pick up a basic spring airsoft gun for around $50 and that together with a box of pellets is enough to get you started. You can set up your own shooting area with targets or you can go to a public firing range or gun club and take it from there.

These spring airsoft guns or 'springers' as they're known are easy to operate. You just cock the weapon before use. When buying a springer you have the choice of handguns or rifles.

The only drawback of springers is that they only fire single rounds. For automatic firing, you'll need to upgrade to a gas or electric powered gun.

Gas airsoft guns are more elaborate than the spring models and also more expensive both in purchase price and because you need to replace the gas canisters every so often. Gas guns are available with automatic and semi-automatic functions.

Gas guns come in two types - blowback and non-blowback. Blowbacks are more expensive and also more functional. After you fire a shot, the gas blows back to reset the mechanism thus making it ready for the next shot. In fact, they work in a way that's very similar to real firearms. One drawback of gas guns is that they don't work so well in cool climates.

The third major type of airsoft gun is the electric powered type. These guns are the most commonly use airsofts as they're very versatile and also very easy to use and maintain. Power from a battery works a gear and piston system to pump out the pellets. Operation can be semi or fully automatic.

If you plan to participate in games or skirmishes, you'll need to invest in a gas or electric powered gun.

Whatever type of gun you choose, you'll be able to get a perfect replica of any real gun both modern and historical. In fact, you can choose from a staggering range of weapons including handguns, rifles, assault rifles, carbines, sub machine guns, and shotguns.

When you start looking at airsoft guns online you may find yourself bewildered by a range of acronyms such as AEG and LPEG. AEG simply means automatic electric gun while LPEG means low price/power electric gun. Cheaper guns are made or plastic or plastic and metal, while higher end items are metal airsoft guns.

Now that you know all the fine details, it's time to look online for the best deals. Here are some tips. Firstly, be sure to buy from an specialist outlet and not a general vendor. Then you can be sure you’re buying from a firm run by enthusiasts who really know their stuff. These people live and breathe airsoft guns and choose only the best products to sell in their stores. This way you'll get the best buys and the best advice and guidance should you need it.

So whether you opt for cheap airsoft guns or high end gas airsoft guns with all the accessories, be sure to buy online from a reputable vendor. In this way you'll be able to get the best choice at the lowest prices.