| y the most functional and exciting form of a replica | | | | the ability to upgrade these wonderful Airsoft products. |
| gun ever made, the Airsoft automatic electric gun is | | | | Along with Tokyo Marui, there are several other |
| characterized by its exquisite replication and | | | | high-end companies producing dozens of different |
| outstanding craftsmanship. Although the sport of | | | | automatic electric Airsoft models with a full line of |
| Airsoft had its beginnings in the early 1980s, the sports | | | | accessories and upgrades. The AEG is the most |
| popularity began to take off in the early 90s when the | | | | customizable of all the Airsoft guns, giving its owners |
| first automatic electric guns (AEG) were developed | | | | the sense of designing their own unique weapon. |
| and produced. | | | | The performance of an AEG is often measured by its |
| The premier manufacturer of the AEG is a Japanese | | | | accuracy, shot velocity, distance, its operating time, and |
| company known as the Godfather of Airsoft | | | | perhaps most importantly, its rate of fire (ROF). To |
| called Tokyo Marui. With its primary market obviously | | | | enhance these elements, there are upgrades available |
| in Japan, its high quality products are sold worldwide | | | | for most of the critical parts of the AEG. This would |
| through a number of third party retailers. TM originally | | | | include several different types of batteries that |
| manufactured radio controlled hobby cars, and was a | | | | produce more power and upgrades to the AEGs |
| leading player in the model car industry before turning | | | | internal mechanisms such as motors, gearboxes, |
| their attention to designing and manufacturing Airsoft | | | | bushings, and gears. External upgrades include |
| guns. | | | | enhancements to the scopes, barrels, stocks, and |
| TM is highly regarded as the industry standard in terms | | | | sights. |
| of quality and craftsmanship when it comes to the | | | | Perhaps the only prohibitive characteristic of the AEG |
| AEG. Their products are recognized for several | | | | is their overall price. Before adding upgrades, the base |
| well-known characteristics. TM AEGs are the high | | | | price of a new AEG is roughly between 200-400 U.S. |
| water mark for very realistic replicated looks. If not for | | | | dollars, depending on the model. Upgrades can be |
| their orange tips, these guns would be hard to | | | | somewhat pricy, possibly costing several hundred |
| differentiate from their real life counterparts such as | | | | dollars as well. Batteries alone can run around 45 to 50 |
| the AK-47, the M-16, and the FAMAS F-1. These | | | | U.S. dollars not including the charger that is needed. |
| AEGs primarily have an ABS plastic body and are | | | | There are several different types of Airsoft guns that |
| especially noted for their high quality construction. | | | | are less expensive than the AEG. A low-end spring |
| Batteries that are rechargeable, and which when | | | | gun can be purchased for as little as 20 dollars. |
| drained can easily be replaced by a recharged unit | | | | Although there are less expensive Airsoft guns, |
| power them. All the TM AEGs are fitted with their | | | | interested buyers should keep this perspective in mind: |
| patented metal mech-box and known for their great | | | | No other product can match the exhilarating |
| reliability. | | | | excitement and thrill of owning one of these fabulous |
| One of the most exciting features of the TM AEG is | | | | automatic electric Airsoft guns! |