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Let’s be honest — the airsoft community is oversaturated with M4s.

Sure, M4s are a solid platform with a great selection of aftermarket parts.

But they’re also boring as hell.

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

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 coming out the nozzle of the rifle quickly. This makes it very forgiving for those who don’t have the best aim.
• 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 airsoft rifles one of the most used guns in any airsoft match.

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

Some of the types are:

• The Bullpup
• The G36
• The Galil
• The AK-47

The Airsoft Bullpup

First on the list is the beloved bullpup, which has been around for more than 100 years.

What you’ll probably notice first about the bullpup is how weird it looks.

That’s because the action and magazine are behind the trigger group instead of in front of it.

This design is great for maneuverability purposes because it allows the assault rifle to be both shorter and lighter than an M4 while still maintaining the same barrel length.

Prioritizing efficiency over aesthetics means you’ll be able to move faster and be more comfortable on the battlefield.

Best Airsoft Bullpups

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

1. ICS L85A2

▸Product Details

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

▸Product Details

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

The G36 is an assault rifle designed by Heckler & Koch in the 1990s.

According to H&K, “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.”

In other words, it was intended to be a modern all-purpose assault rifle that was versatile, light, and accurate.

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

▸Product Details

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

Last but not least is the airsoft Galil. The Galil traces its root back to Israel in the 1960s, where it was first designed by Yisrael Galil.

The Galil is essentially a modified version of an AK-47, albeit slightly better.

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

▸Product Details

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

▸Product Details

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.