BEST AIRSOFT ASSAULT RIFLES THAT AREN’T A BORING M4

Let’s be honest — Airsoft is being oversaturated with M4s. I might even go as far as saying it’s ruining the game of airsoft as we know it. 

Ok, maybe I’m being a little bit dramatic. But before you write me off as some babbling lunatic, let me explain.

I agree 100% that airsoft M4s are a solid platform with a great selection of aftermarket parts. I even spent some time writing an article on finding the best airsoft M4 because I recognize the value in having one.

But they’re also boring as hell. Everyone seems to have one nowadays, and that’s making every skirmish……bland.

With a variety of airsoft guns to choose from, why wouldn’t you want to spice things up? Add a little fun to your game?

That’s why today I’ll show you some of the best airsoft assault rifles you can get that are just as good, if not better, than the M4.

The best part?

I’ll show you the price history for each airsoft gun so you know if you’ll be saving money or not.

Let’s get started!

Why Even Get An Airsoft Assault Rifle?

Every airsoft gun has its own role on the field, and the assault rifle is no different.

Assault rifles are unique because they have:

  • Solid range – Airsoft assault rifles can shoot just as far as a lower end airsoft sniper rifle. Upgrade some internals and that range will improve even more.
  • Rapid fire rate – Rifles have the ability to be semi-automatic and/or automatic, which means BBs will be firing out the nozzle of the rifle quickly. This makes it very forgiving for those who don’t have the best aim (I’m looking at you, stormtroopers).
  • Large magazine capacity – The larger the magazine, the less often you’ll have to reload and the more time you can spend trying to shoot down the enemy.

All these benefits are what makes assault rifles one of the most used airsoft guns in any match.

That being said, there are some unique types of airsoft assault rifles you can choose from.

Some of the types are:

  • The Bullpup -You’ll definitely want to check out these oddly-shaped airsoft guns. What they lack in aesthetics, they make up for in performance and maneuverability (although I personally LOVE how futuristic they look).
  • The G36
  • The Galil
  • The AK-47

Our picks of the Best Airsoft Assault Rifles (Updated List)

Although I’ll go into more detail on each airsoft assault rifle, I included a list of  all the ones I mention to make it easier to find. So here they are:

  1. ICS L85 – Best Airsoft Bullpup to Buy
  2. PTS MagPul PDR-C – Best Lightweight Airsoft Bullpup
  3. H&K G3GC – Best Airsoft G36
  4. ICS G33 – Best Airsoft G33
  5. CYMA SAR Galil – Best Budget Airsoft Galil
  6. ICS-92 Full Metal Galil – Best Airsoft Galil to Buy

The Airsoft Bullpup

First on our list is the beloved bullpup, which has been around for over 100 years. The bullpup rifle’s design turns heads due to its odd appearance. While magazines and firing mechanisms are traditionally located before the trigger guard, these are behind the trigger in a bullpup design. This makes this class of guns remarkably portable and compact, though the inner barrel remains the same length.

These are perfect choices for CQB and medium-range fighting. They retain the accuracy of larger weapons in a lighter form factor. Since more weight is concentrated towards the stock, bullpup rifles are easy to point and shoot. This helps reduce fatigue, keeping you in the fight longer.

Many players prefer the look of the bullpup design. Those who don’t still praise these guns for their incredible flexibility, something which elevates bullpup designs above others. However, owners may sacrifice some user friendliness when reloading or accessing controls near the gun’s rear.

Best Airsoft Bullpups

Some great choices for airsoft bullpups include the ICS L85A2 and the PTS MagPul PDR-C.

1. ICS L85A2

Length 770mm
Weight 8lbs
Inner Barrel 483mm
Magazine Capacity 450rd Hi-Capacity
Magazine Compatibility M4 / M16 Series Airsoft AEG Magazines
Muzzle Velocity 400~430 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Thread Direction 14mm Negative
Gearbox ICS L85 type (compatible with Ver.2 parts)
Motor Short Type
Fire Modes Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Battery 9.6v Small Butterfly Type (not included)
Hopup Yes, Adjustable

ICS did a great job of modeling the L85A2 after the SA80 assault rifle. It feels and works great out of the box, and at 8lbs, it weighs about the same as an empty SA80(No cartridge/attachments).

The L85A2 comes with a manual, which is available online, and a magazine. This AEG rifle uses M4/M16 Series magazines, although some magazines don’t work as well as others. From my experience, mid-cap magazines feed the best.

Internals can be easily upgraded (although it can be pricey), and adjusting the hop-up is super simple.

Just like the actual SA80, the L85A2 isn’t really ambidextrous since the ejection port would be right next to your face if you’re left-handed.

Data from Evike.com

In terms of price, you can see in the graph above that the price of the L85A2 has fluctuated over the years. If you’re looking to save money, make sure you buy it when it’s less than $370.

2. PTS MagPul PDR-C

Build Material Reinforced Polymer
Length 450mm-500mm
Weight 1600g
Inner Barrel 260mm
Magazine PMAG 20, 70 Rounds short magazine (included), compatible with all USGI-style magazines
Muzzle Velocity 350 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Thread Direction 14mm Negative
Gearbox Full Metal Custom Hybrid Gearbox
Motor Short Type
Fire Modes Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Package Includes Gun, Magazine, Manual
Battery 7.4V small type lipo battery (Battery not included)
Hopup Yes, Adjustable

The PDR-C is an AEG airsoft assault rifle modeled after the Magpul PDR, which came out in 2006.

At only 3 pounds, the PDR-C is a lighter and more compact airsoft assault rifle than the L85A2.

The PDR-C is best used for CQB, capable of reaching 350 FPS with .20g BBs. With some upgrades though, you could effectively use this on the airsoft field as well.

Speaking of upgrades, the stock motor that comes with this rifle isn’t very good, so upgrade that as soon as you can.

Data from Evike.com

The price of the PDR-C is declining, so now is a great time to buy.

$350 is a solid price for this airsoft assault rifle, and you’ll have an extra $30 to use towards any accessories you might want to get.

The PDR-C is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a rifle that’s ambidextrous, light, and ergonomic.

The Airsoft G36

Designed by Heckler & Koch as a versatile new class of assault rifle in the 1990s, the G36 is both lightweight and accurate. According to H&K, the motivation behind creating the G36 was clear:

“…it was suited for dismounted infantry operations. For optimal handling, weight, and rate of fire in close-quarters battle, and for rapid, accurate and penetrating single fire in long-range combat.”

With a unique-and-modern appearance, the gun truly stands out from its predecessors. These weapons almost resemble submachine guns due to their compact appearance. For this reason, the G36 bridges the gap between traditional assault-rifle designs and shorter bullpup models. Many players will love how they stand out and perform in a variety of conditions. The design is also quite customizable.

Best Airsoft G36

A couple of airsoft G36s that will provide the best experience possible are the Umarex H&K G36C and the ICS G33.

3. H&K G36C

Length 510mm / 695mm (Folded / Total)
Inner Barrel 247mm
Magazine Capacity 400rd Hi-Capacity. Compatible with Matrix, Tokyo Marui, G&G and other similar G36 Series Airsoft AEG Magazines
Muzzle Velocity 315~345 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Gearbox Ver 3 Full Metal Reinforced Gearbox. Fully Upgradeable
Motor Short Type
Fire Modes Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Battery 8.4v Small Type / 7.4v LiPo recommended
Hopup Yes, Adjustable
Package Includes Gun, Magazine

If you’re looking for the best airsoft G36, then start with the creators themselves.

The G36C is a light and accurate airsoft gun that’s under $200. When you buy this AEG rifle, you’ll also get a mag, battery, and charger.

What I love most about the G36 is how forgiving it is. This gun is pretty durable, and upgrading the internals are easy.

One issue I have is that the charging handle is easy to break if you use it alot, so be mindful of that.

Data from Evike.com

The price has only dropped a few cents since the G36C first came out, so don’t expect anything to change anytime soon.

If you need an airsoft gun for CQB and are tight on cash, this airsoft assault rifle is one of the best choices out there.

4. ICS G33

▸Product Details

Length 516mm / 746mm (Folded / Total)
Weight 2550g
Inner Barrel 263mm
Magazine Capacity 370rd Hi-Capacity. Works with Matrix, ICS, Tokyo Marui and other compatible M4 / M16 Series Airsoft AEG Magazines
Muzzle Velocity 370~400 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Thread Direction 14mm Negative
Gearbox Ver 3 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable
Motor Short Type
Fire Modes Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Package Includes Gun, Magazine, Manual
Battery 9.6v Small Butterfly Type recommended (Battery not included)
Hopup Yes, Adjustable

I know, I know. Although the ICS G33 looks very similar to the G36, it’s not actually a G36. That being said, this airsoft rifle is still worth mentioning.

The G33 comes with the standard gear (mag, manual, no battery included), and all for under $300.

What’s cool about this rifle is that there are a bunch of rails on the G33 for any accessories you may want to attach. On top of that, it looks great right out of the box.

Although it’s made from polymer, the airsoft gun is a bit heavy, weighing about 5.6 lbs.

Overall, the G33 is another airsoft assault rifle that’s cheap, solid right out of the box, and perfect for CQB.

Data from Evike.com

Just like the G36C, the price of the G33 has been consistent throughout the last 4 years.

The Airsoft Galil

Tracing its roots back to 1960s Israel, the Galil is a modern take on the AK-47 design. Bringing key improvements to the table, based on the Valmet Rk 62 platform, the Galil has an attractive design firmly rooted in Eurasian military history. It was designed by Yisrael Galil, to whom the gun owes its name.

The Galil commonly has a folding stock and adaptable externals. They are easy to wield and best used in short to medium distances. The compact form factor is CQB friendly, though the extended stock offers optimal support for a variety of situations. Galils aren’t quite considered bullpups, however, falling into their own unique category.

Best Airsoft Galil

When talking about Airsoft Galils, the CYMA SAR Galil and the ICS Galil both come to mind. These are two of the best airsoft assault rifles available on the market today.

5. CYMA SAR Galil

Length 33.5″ – 25″ (Total, Folded)
Inner Barrel 363mm
Thread Direction 14mm negative
Muzzle Velocity 360-420 FPS
Gearbox Metal, reinforced Version 3
Motor Short Type, High Torque
Fire Mode Full Auto / Semi Auto and Safety
Magazine Capacity 430 rounds high capacity magazine (Uses Galil Magazines)
Hopup Yes / Adjustable
Package Includes AEG, Magazine, Manual, Loader, Cleaning Rod

The CYMA SAR Galil is an airsoft gun modeled after the IMI (Israel Military Industries) Galil.

The rifle has a realistic weight to it, weighing roughly 8lbs.

One of the best features of the SAR is the side-folding stock, which gives the user a lot more mobility.

There are also two iron sights on the SAR, which is pretty interesting.

Aside from your standard iron sight for long range, there’s a 3 dot white sight. You can flip them up and down depending on which one you want to use.

Data from Evike.com

6. ICS-92 Full Metal Galil

Length 740mm / 990mm Folded / Total
Weight 3500g
Inner Barrel 445mm
Magazine Capacity 450rd Hi-Capacity. Works with ICS and other compatible Galil type magazines
Muzzle Velocity 330~360 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Thread Direction 14mm Negative
Gearbox Ver 3 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable
Motor Long Type
Fire Modes Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
Battery 9.6v Stick Type / 7.4v LiPo recommended (Battery not included. Wired to the top with small Tamiya connector)
Hopup Yes, Adjustable
Package Includes Gun, Magazine, Manual

The ICS Galil is another great airsoft assault rifle for those interested in a non-M4 AR.

Just like the SAR, this airsoft assault rifle has flip up night sights and a side-folding stock.

It is a bit pricier than the SAR, but it’s partly due to the full steel construction of the rifle. That means it’s much more durable and feels more realistic.

It’s surprisingly lighter than I thought a metal airsoft gun would be, weighing only 7.7 lbs.

Overall, this airsoft gun is very realistic and accurate right out of the box with solid internals.

Data from Evike.com

A consistent $349 price means anytime is the best time to buy this airsoft gun.

Best Airsoft Assault Rifle Brands

When it comes to making rifles, some brands do it better than others.

Knowing which airsoft brands you can buy from will determine whether or not the airsoft assault rifle you buy is high-quality.

Here are some airsoft brands you can’t go wrong with:

ICS – ICS has been around for over 30 years, and for good reason. Aside from the AK-47, ICS makes some of the best airsoft assault rifles out there.

Real Sword – Real Sword’s 97 Series is outstanding, and the only reason I didn’t include it in this article was because it’s difficult to buy. Every time I’ve looked, it has been out of stock.

G&G – G&G airsoft rifles are usually good value for the price, and they have a variety of models to choose from.

Tokyo Marui Tokyo Marui has won all kinds of awards for their airsoft guns, which says a lot about their quality. They can be pretty expensive though.

CYMA – This is another one of those companies that have a wide selection of inexpensive airsoft guns.

Now It’s Your Turn

So what do you think?

Did you agree with our best airsoft assault rifle list?

Or maybe you have a question.

Either way, leave a comment below right now.