Best Airsoft Shotguns UK (2026): Our Picks

Airsoft shotguns are cheap to run, great fun and brilliant in CQB. Most fire three BBs at once. Here are our picks, all in stock now.

What to look for

• Spring pump-action shotguns are the cheapest way into airsoft: no gas or battery needed.
• Gas shotguns hit harder and use shell-shaped magazines for extra realism.
• Electric shotguns like the SGR-12 fire bursts with no pumping at all.

Our picks at a glance

• Cyma M870 Tactical Operator: a budget pump-action that just works
• Cyma M1014 Tri-Barrel: three-shot spring shotgun with a fixed stock
• Cyma CM357 short shotgun: compact and perfect for CQB
• Golden Eagle M870 AR Gas Pump: gas-powered tri-shot with shells
• EMG SGR-12 AEG: an electric shotgun, no pumping needed
• Strike Industries M870 (EMG/Golden Eagle): a premium licensed M870

Spring, gas or electric: which type of shotgun?

Spring pump-action shotguns are the cheapest way into airsoft. You pump before every shot, so there’s no gas or battery to buy, and most fire three BBs at once. Perfect for CQB and for anyone on a budget.

Gas shotguns use green gas stored in shell-shaped magazines. They hit harder and feel more realistic, especially when you load shells, but they prefer warmer weather.

Electric shotguns such as the EMG SGR-12 run on a battery and fire a burst of BBs with each trigger pull, with no pumping at all.

Our picks in more detail

Cyma M870 Tactical Operator: best budget shotgun

A spring pump-action that simply works. At £61.95 it’s one of the cheapest ways to get playing.

Cyma M1014 Tri-Barrel: best for spread

A three-shot spring shotgun with a fixed stock, giving a wide spread of BBs that’s ideal at close range.

Cyma CM357 Short Shotgun: best for CQB

Short, light and quick to handle in corridors and buildings, with a modern-style pump.

Golden Eagle M870 AR Tri-Shot Gas: best gas shotgun

A gas-powered three-shot pump-action that uses shells, for a much more realistic feel than a spring shotgun.

EMG SGR-12 AEG: best electric shotgun

Fires three BBs per trigger pull with no pumping. Ideal if you want shotgun firepower with the ease of an electric gun.

Strike Industries M870 by EMG/Golden Eagle: best premium shotgun

An officially licensed, high-end M870 with distinctive Strike Industries styling.

Also worth a look: the FABARM STF12 Short gas pump shotgun, a compact gas pump shotgun, available in OD and tan, that’s ideal for close-quarters games.

What else you’ll need

• BBs: shotguns get through BBs quickly, so buy a bigger bag. 0.20g to 0.25g bio BBs suit most. Browse BBs
• Gas (gas shotguns): Browse gas
• Full-face protection: strongly recommended for CQB. See our eye and face protection guide
• A sidearm: a pistol is a great backup for when you need to reload. See our best airsoft pistols guide

Questions we get asked

Are airsoft shotguns any good? Yes, especially indoors. They’re cheap to run and a great choice for a first replica.

Do spring shotguns need gas? No. Just pump and fire. You only need BBs and eye protection.

Can I buy these? Yes, if you’re 18 or over and play airsoft. UKARA isn’t needed. Just confirm at checkout and we’ll give you a quick call before we send it. Not a player yet? We’ll spray any replica two-tone for free (adds 24 hours). Read our UKARA and two-tone guide.

What range does an airsoft shotgun have? Shotguns are built for close range. Expect them to be most effective at around 20 to 30 metres, which is why they shine indoors.

Are shotguns allowed at every site? Most sites allow them, and many CQB sites love them. A few have rules on multi-shot replicas, so check with your site first.

Is a shotgun a good first airsoft gun? For CQB, yes: it’s cheap, simple and great fun. For woodland, an electric rifle or SMG is usually a better main gun.

Free click & collect from our shop at 20 Castle Street, Thetford, or UK delivery from £3.95 (free over £50). Want to try before you buy? Test it on our indoor range, or call us on 01842 683567.

More buying guides: pistols · sniper rifles · SMGs · shotguns · under £100 · under £200 · masks & eye protection · for beginners · starter kits