Sheesh, you ever visit OT?
Talked about pretty frequently. There are tons of variables with these things. Just keep one thing in mind the whole time, Japan. Never buy anything that isn't Japan made (with the exception of a couple of Taiwaineese (sp) companies like KJ Works).
Tokyo Marui (TM) is regarded as the best (consistant) manufacturer out there. Stay away from brands like Academy, UHC, STTI, Hudson, and a host of others. The only ones you should ever look at are TM, TOP, Maruzen, Tanaka, Western Arms, KSC, and Marushin.
The good brands are durable, the cheap ones are ok, but break easier. Build quality is not comparable to the nicer ones. Airsoft is huge in the East. Japan has games with thousands of people recreating things like Vietnam. Dress out jeeps, ambulances, the works, it's really incredible. You can play this stuff on the streets at night in Hong Kong, how cool would that be?
ASCS Pic
ASCS 2
ASCS Team
Hardcore
Anyway, most of these are plastic, especially the pistols. There are add-ons that let you have metal outter bodies. Like what everyone else said, a bee sting when you get hit. Can leave a mark, and can definately blind you or knock out a tooth. Eye protection is an absolute. They won't break glass, even the most high powered rifles won't (shouldn't). FPS is generally about 280fps for most guns. Some pistols get about 330. Max for automatic weapons is about 420, that's about the highest amount of pain anyone could play with (lots of places limit to 350fps). Some folks have a rule that bolt actions can go up to 550 (snipers).
You have spring guns where you have to "cock" it on every shot (really sucks). Generally cheap and can't play games at all with them.
Gas uses HFC134a and other gases. Gas is normally stored in a magazine, and released when you pull the trigger. Most gas guns have kickback functions, that make the gun cycle like the real weapon would. Pistols have the slide kick back and chamber another round. Sub machineguns (like the mp5) cycle the bolt. Very cool looking/sounding/feeling.
Electric uses batteries to turn gears which compresses air in a chamber and then fires a bb. Generally have extremely high fire rates (800-900 rpm isn't uncommon), but sound "whiney".
If it were me I'd completely skip spring guns. They are an absolute waste of cash. I would save up 100$ or so and get a TM M9. Spring just aren't any good
Indoors, the accuracy is great. Outdoors can get worse with wind. Stock guns are good out to 70 or 80 feet, but wind can make them a little goofy.
They make pretty much anything you can name. Want a Spetsnaz? No problem. M4-Socom? No problem. Just gotta have the $$$
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