List of Airsoft Manufacturers

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There is a great divide between airsoft companies. The majority of quality manufacturers can be found on the internet, but have little to no street presence, except at specialty shops. However, small street airsoft stores can be found in many areas. Airsoft guns are also prevalent at swap meets, which usually carry Chinese-made non-branded airsoft guns that have low-grade plastic bodies. It is important to note that while the factories listed below manufacture the guns, consumers will have very little success in regards to support after the sale if they purchase items in a factory box. In the United States, Companies like Crosman, Cybergun, Daisy, and Palco Sports are considered manufacturers even though the product is actually made at one of the many factories listed below. Like most companies that have products made abroad, the actual factory is relevant only for their reputation of quality, while the "manufacturer" is considered by the consumer to be the company that brings the product to market. For example: Nike has most of it's products made outside of the USA, yet they do not own the factories. These factory names are irrelevant to the consumer. In the same case, Airsoft companies like the aforementioned pay the factories to produce products for them to their specifications. Because Airsoft was introduced as an import product first, the factories themselves gained reputations for quality. The advent of 'rebranding' in most cases allows the consumer a resource for service after the sale.

Contents 1 High-end Manufacturers 2 Middle-range companies 2.1 Taiwanese Factories 2.2 Chinese Factories 3 OTHERS 4 Entry level factories 5 Manufacturers, Importers, Dealers and Gurus 6 Airsoft Ammo (BB) Manufacturers 7 Former Airsoft Factories/manufacturers

[edit] High-end Manufacturers

Hudson

- Reenactment grade, shell-ejecting, gas-operated airsoft guns, mainly on WWII replicas.

• Sheriff who assemble full metal custom pistols using Western Arms based components, as well as building Maruzen based bolt action rifles. Sheriff also made gas airsoft rifles for a time, including the now discontinued Highlander Magnum
• Sunproject, Known for their M203s and c02 driven Gas Blow Back M-16s.
• Airsoft Elite, A separate company that imports and domestically pre-upgrades ICS guns. They also make high quality bbs.
• BroJames' Shop and Bistro - A distributor in the Philippines that imports and domestically pre-upgrade high-end aegs (Classic Army and Tokyo Marui).
• G&G (Gauy Gauy Gunshop), specializes in internal and external upgrades and accessories. G&G has recently released higher end guns such as the RK103, UMG, and M-14. Arguably one of the best airsoft manufacturers due to quality guns and high customer service skills. www.guay2.com
• G&P, specializes in aftermarket upgrades and external accessories, also make a variety of high quality AR-15 series AEG's along with an M249.
• ICS (I Chih Shivan), ICS is considered by some as one of the "big 3" most popular gun manufacturers (including Classic Army and Tokyo Marui). Their guns usually come with metal bodies and trademarks. They manufacture Armalites, MP5s, and an AK-74M replica. Their MP5 series feature quick takedown bodies. They also came out with the split gearbox design in which the upper gearbox (which includes the cylinder and spring assembly), disconnects from the lower gearbox (which has the gears) for easier repair and upgrade. They have recently updated their entire line to make them more reliable.
• Inokatsu, famous for their Full metal M60 Machine Guns and AK47/74.
• KSC/KWA, largely a pistol manufacturing company, though endeavors to rifles have been made.
• Mad Bull, makers of many types of Airsoft grenades, grenade launchers, tight-bore barrels, triggers, mines, and various other parts.
• Marushin, known for some of their guns to use an 8mm bb instead of a 6mm, http://www.marushin-kk.co.jp/
• Maruzen, one of the first airsoft companies that came out, known for its P99 nonblowback
• Olympic Arms, These guns are basically ICS Armalites with licensed trademarks.
• Star, specializing in more expensive, highly realistic, easy-to-disassemble airsoft guns. There are doubts over the reliability of their AEGs, such as gearbox problems in their SA80 series.
• Systema Engineering, which specializes in high-end training weapons but also internal and external upgrades. They are priced on the edge of affordability for the average airsoft enthusiast, but are renound for some of the most flawless guns on the planet.
• Tanaka, which specializes in high-powered gas gun revolvers and rifles.
• Tokyo Marui, the very pinnacle of airsoft technology and durability (while kept stock), created the first automatic electric gun (aeg), the FAMAS F1, and the invention of the 'HopUp'. They have manufactured almost every model of AEG and several AEPs. However, their decision to manufacture only ABS plastic guns has put them in tight competition with CA. As an investment they last for many more years than cheaper models and are a solid platform for which to build amazing custom AEGs.
• Classic Army - A chinese company that tried hard to challenge the likes of MARUI during 2003. Was an instant hit because of its metal body during that time. however their products lacked the quality of other AEGs with metal bodies such as ICS and G&G. CA has some minor issues such as their wiring. The wiring is not a major issue because not every CA gun will have this problem.
• TOP, specializes with manufacturing light and heavy machine gun airsoft replicas.
• Western Arms, largely specializing on the 1911 .45 and its derivatives as well as Beretta, S&W and SV.
• VFC/GB TECH (Vega Force Company), Recently began production of Rare and Unique AEGs
• WE Taiwan (Wei E Tech) produce a small range of metal hi-capa's (based on tactical STI 1911 .45 series)

[edit] Middle-range companies

Produce lower budget alternatives to higher priced guns. Usually fire at a lower power, use cheaper materials and have less detail.

• BroJames' Shop and Distro - A distributor in the Philippines that imports and domestically pre-upgrade mid-range aegs (SRC, Kuan Ju Works, STTI, Y&P, and non-branded Chinese AEGs).

[edit] Taiwanese Factories

• KWC (Kien Well Corporation) - Taiwanese manufacturer known for its CO2 powered Mini UZI, classic M16 gas rifles and spring-power guns retaining fully licenced trademarks.
• KJW (Kuan Ju Works) - Taiwanese manufacturer of high powered metal-constructed replicas. (Takes 'top' green gas right out of box) Most KJW guns do not carry replicated trademarks, so the accuracy of the replicas is limited. Some of KJW products are sold under the brand "Y&P" in the United States.
• AIM - AEG series manufactured by ICS but lacking the full metal bodies.
• TECHPRO - A japanese owned company in Taiwan, specializes in manufacturing innovative parts to give your AEGs more power. very limited parts produced so far. Most popular products is the double O-ring piston head.
• SRC/STTI - Taiwanese company manufacturing M4/M16 and AK47 replicas, copied from Tokyo Marui designs. They now release full metal versions in addition ABS plastic versions that fires around 300-330 fps out of the box. Their first gun, an M4A1, had reliability issues and broke after a few thousand shots. Their newer guns are said to be far better, and they currently produce the only RPK on the market, as well as the only marui-compatible XM8, which also is the only XM8 with a sight.

[edit] Chinese Factories

• CYMA - Earlier models include the CM027 MP5J and CM028S AK47. Their release for 2006 includes the CM031 which is externally a CA LR -105 clone but internally similar to its version of the AK47 with a different hop up chamber and inner barrel. They also recently released a TM clone G18c AEP, however their products lack the quality and precision of higher end brands. They also manufacture LPEG's, which prove to be quite popular among beginners.
• JIEKE/WELL - The Chinese company to revolutionize the MPEG market with its release of the R5 MP5 and R6 M4A1 in mid 2005. Its gearbox and motor proved to be surprisingly durable although these 2 guns suffer from air compression problems. They later released the R7 or M4A1 with full stock and R8 G3SAS which surprised many people with its robustness and accuracy. Their later release for 2006 includes the R5E which is merely the R5 with tactical foregrip and fixed butt and the R6E.
• Double Eagle (DE) - The company that revolutionized LPEGs or with its still famous M83. Their version of the AK47 and Spetsnaz were met with lukewarm enthusiasm as most other Chinese companies, many unknown, were able to come up with better performing aegs. Their M50 springer rifle was quite popular ad easily "upgradable" to 400fps with simply wrapping the inner barrel and hop up chamber area with teflon tape to seal air leaks.
• Both Elephant (BE) - Manufactures the AUG, XM8, G36, and the SL8 sniper rifle. However they are light weight and lack the finish and trademarks.
• Jing Gong (JG)- Famous for making the Beta Spetsnaz AK, a MPEG with many metal parts and shoots 310fps stock. Recently, JG released their G36C aeg with a reported muzzle velocity of 390 fps and upgraded with a M120 spring out of the box . Other recent releases are their versions of M4A1, M16 and MP5SD6. Experienced players and gunsmiths commented that JG produces exact clones of TM aegs. In english Jing Gong means Golden Bow(the same Golden Bow company that produces MP5 series with plastic mechboxes).

Note: Some people sometimes mention that CYMA, Double Eagle, and/or WELL are the same company but this is inaccurate. They are separate companies and in fact are only brand names and not company names. They are the big 3 in China and it is believed that some of the owners or co-owners have close blood relations. What is sure is that they have close business ties and sometimes coordinate their product development efforts. Also important to note is the prolific pirating of Chinese products within China. Many smaller factories duplicate the larger factory's product in exact detail, copying even the factory marks (WELL for example). Consumers and retailers must be aware that purchasing factory-direct (non-branded) product does not mean that the product is legitimately from that factory.

• A&K/Kart - brands said to belong to the same company. It's s-system with metal SIR (rail interface) made its model 7799 a big winner in a market saturated with M4A1s. Ruggedly handsome, although head heavy, even high-end players embrace the s-system even if only for its front assembly and rail system. It also released the first Chinese M14 with stock gears.
• AGM - a latecomer that surprised the market with its surprising accurate and powerful springer rifle, the MP001 aka VSR (since it is a replica of the TM VSR10). While its MP004/s Ak47 version did not gain popularity mainly due to the headstart gained by CYMA and the AGM offering nothing new, its MP008 or M14 surprised the market with its use of the version 3 spring guide and stock gears.
• Golden Bow - This is the company that tried to revolutionize the LPEG market but its long delayed released of a version 2 metal gearbox proved to be its waterloo. Playing catch up with its M5 series of MP5s, its now strange looking version 2 metal gearbox with a motor clamp, failed to win hearts in a market now crazy with the words "TM compatible". Its old plasticky externals also proved to be a poor management decision. Poor performance and durability, compared to competitors, is also its undoing. However, Golden Bow was able to make a strong comeback in late 2006 with a series of aegs marketed under its Chinese name - Jing Gong. It released an amazingly wide rage of aegs from the Kinkov, Beita Spetz, MP5A4, MP5A5, MP5-SD5, MP5SD6, AK47S, AK47, M733, M4A1, M16A2, M16A4, M4 S-System, Steyr AUG civilian version, Dragunov SVD, etc. In late 2006 it became the first Chinese company to release aegs with stock velocity in the range of 360-380fps. Around February of 2007 it released the M4 s-system registering 420fps out of the box. According to BroJames, a distributor in the Philippines, new releases comes standard with teflon-coated cylinders, metal bushings, piston head with bearings. Performance is so excellent especially when compared to its price and players have been referring to Jing Gong as Tokyo Marui of Chinese aegs.
• BOYI/DBOYS - aegs are released under the brand BOYI and their M4A1 and M4 s-system are among the best aegs China has to offer. Parts and accesories are released under the name DBOYS which is probably the first Chinese producer of aftgermarket parts and accessories.

[edit] OTHERS

• UHC - Offering very reliable, yet economical alternatives to higher-end companies. Have produced a variety of well known spring guns including the MP5 SD3, the M1911A1, M92FS, as well as the Super 9. Also have released gas pistols including the H&K USP.
• HFC (Ho Feng Company) - Taiwanese manufacturer of spring- and gas-powered guns, mainly KSC and Tokyo Marui copies
• KHC - Famous for their Maverick Bullpup shotgun and spring pistols.
• Omega - Famous for their Beretta 93R.
• Academy - South Korean company best known for their DPMS Kittycat, L85, and A-15 rifles.

[edit] Entry level factories

Mainly produce springers and low powered electric guns with total lack of trademarks and toy like finish:

• BOYS A category of airsoft guns designed specifically for younger children which shoot at a lower FPS and therefore are often cheaper.
• Double Eagle (Double Eagle Airsoft) - manufacturers of the UTG Warhawk AK47 replica and the M324 Master Sniper bolt action rifle
• WELL (Although they recently released higher-end AEG's, the R-series).
• Double Eagle. Manufactured some of the best springers in the market and is the company credited with pioneering the LPEG boom with its famous M83 M4 LPEG.
• JLS - Primarily a manufacture of Low End Electric Blowback Pistols

[edit] Manufacturers, Importers, Dealers and Gurus

These companies purchase product directly from the factories for distribution to retailers. In the United States, the better companies will repackage the products with English instructions and may include warranty cards. Generally, the larger the company, the more leverage they have with the factory, which leads to better quality control and distribution. These 'importers' are considered manufacturers because the contract with the factories to make products specifically for them.:

• AIRSOFT ARMORY - Major Philippine importer and distributor of airsoft guns, accesories, parts and uniforms from HK, Japan, China and Taiwan. Carries brands such as inokatsu, JBU, ICS, G&G, Guarder, TechPro and China made AEGs

• BROJAMES - a new and upcoming importer and distributor of aegs and accessories in the Philippines.

• TUKS SHOP - One of Philippines High Quality ACM AEGs and Springer Distributor.

• ECHO1, rebrands JG aeg's, They test then repackage. An American company. Known for their M4 line and the G36c. This statement is not 100% correct even though JG's guns are highly similar to Echo1 USA. Echo1 does import their replicas from China where they test and do their upgrades where they later redistribute with a 30 day factory warranty.
• Crosman, offering mainly low-quality Chinese entry-level electric rifles and pistols.
• CSI - Distributers of many LPEGs and MPEGs.
• Cybergun - offers an enormous selection of licensed products.
• FIREPOWER (Palco Sports)- The company that actually offers a warranty on their product.
• STTi (SpringTime Taiwan Inc.) - Parent company of KJW and SRC
• Tippmann (Spring, CUCOK, and electric guns)
• Umarex, operating mainly in Germany and selling various replicas of Walther, Beretta, Desert Eagle, Smith and Wesson, and Heckler and Koch guns - produced by KJW, KWC, HFC and WELL

• Almighty Philippine best Airsoft Guru
• UTG / Neonfire - Two subdivisions of Leapers that Basically rebrand higher-end Chinese-made guns from WELL, CYMA, and Double Eagle. Usually packs them with extra accessories like an extra battery, magazine, or sling.
• UKARMS, a new company who imports mostly pistols.

Some of these companies' placements may be disputable, but are based on overall quality of all their products.

[edit] Airsoft Ammo (BB) Manufacturers

• Airsoft Elite (0.2g, 0.23g, 0.25g BB Pellets) - High quality white and black BB Pellets
• Excel (0.2g, 0.23g, 0.25g Biodegradable BB Pellets) Highest quality Bio-Degradable BB Pellet's Manufactured in Japan
• Goldfire (0.2g, 0.25g BB Pellets) - Taiwanese BB pellets, widely considered to be comparable to Excel and Tokyo Marui pellets.
• Systema (0.2g Pellets) - High quality 0.2g 6mm BBs
• ICS (0.2g BB Pellets) - Taiwan-made BB Pellets by I Chih Shivan Enterprise
• Maruzen (0.2g BB Pellets) - High precision Japanese manufactured BB Pellets, claimed to be within +/- 0.01 mm. Rate 4.5/5 on the universal BB grading system.
• KSC (0.2g, 0.25g BB Pellets) - Good quality Taiwanese manufactured BB Pellets for OEM in Japan. Rate 4/5 on the universal BB grading system.
• HFC (0.12g, 0.2g BB Pellets) - Regular quality BB Pellets for lower to middle end guns
• ECO BB (0.20g) - A relative newcomer. These BB's are the first BB to meet the ASTM standards for a true biodegradable BB. These BB's disolve in hours when submersed in water. Rate 3/5 on the universal BB grading system.
• Fidragon (0.12g., 0.2g, 0.25g Biodegradable BB Pellets) High quality white and black BB Pellets
• Flying Colors (0.12g., 0.2g, 0.25g) - Good grade 6mm BBs for all-around use. They have the widest variety of colors available. Rate 2.5/5 on the universal BB grading system.
• 6MMZ (.20g BB Pellets) High quality Black BB Pellets
• Cybergun (.12, .2, .23, .25) - Their standard BBs are rated as poor, but their "Special Selection" line of BBs are said to be very high quality.
• 1st Target (0.12g,0.18g,0.20g,0.23g,0.25g,0.28g,0.30g,0.33g Non Bio - 0.20g,0.23g,0.25g,0.28g,0.30g Bio) High quality 6 mm BBs
• CYMA (.12, .2) Generally poor quality despite advertising as High grade pellets, to be avoided in most cases.
• Xtreme Precision (0.12g, 0.20g, 0.23g, 0.25g, 0.28g 0.30g) - Extremely high quality BB's, The company does not primarily deal in airsoft BB's but rather professionally makes ball bearings.

[edit] Former Airsoft Factories/manufacturers

Along with the named companies, a few companies who were prominent in the earlier history of airsoft, but have since gone out of business, include:

• Asahi
• Falcon Toy Corp./Hudson
• JAC
• Kokusai
• LS
• Marukoshi
• MGC Bondshop of Japan
• Yonezawa
• YE- Youth Engineering

Some guns from these manufactures can be found on eBay or Endoshoji.com