Airsoft Submachine Guns
At Pyramyd Air, you'll find top manufacturers, so you can find the best airsoft SMG you're looking for, starting with very basic spring-loaded versions with low muzzle power all the way up to elite rifles and airsoft AEGs (automatic electric guns) with step-up action and incredible speeds.
What is an Airsoft Machinegun?
An airsoft machine gun is a fully automatic replica firearm that fires 6mm plastic BBs using an electric or gas-powered system. These guns are designed to replicate real-world LMGs (light machine guns), SMGs (submachine guns), and HMGs (heavy machine guns), providing rapid fire and high-capacity support on the airsoft field.
Common types include:
- Airsoft Light Machine Guns (LMGs): Designed for continuous fire, often with bipods and box magazines for support roles.
- Airsoft Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs): Larger, crew-style weapons for base defense or mounted use.
- Airsoft Submachine Guns (SMGs): Compact, high-rate-of-fire weapons ideal for close-quarters engagements.
- Airsoft Tommy Guns / Thompson Airsoft Guns: Iconic submachine guns modeled after the WWII-era design, great for reenactments or themed play.
These full-auto platforms give players a distinct advantage when mobility and volume of fire are critical.
How Airsoft Machineguns Work
Most airsoft machine guns are powered by AEG (automatic electric gun) systems. These use a battery to drive an internal gearbox that fires BBs rapidly in semi or full-auto mode. Some airsoft SMGs and LMGs use gas or HPA, but electric models are the most common due to their reliability and ease of use.
Key features of electric airsoft SMGs and LMGs include:
- High-capacity magazines or drum mags for sustained fire
- Full-auto and burst fire modes
- Adjustable hop-up systems for accuracy
- Quick-change springs or gearboxes for FPS tuning
Models like the Thompson airsoft or airsoft Tommy gun feature classic designs with full-auto capability, making them a favorite for historical loadouts and collectors.
Choosing the Right Airsoft Machinegun
When choosing your airsoft machinegun, consider the following:
- Role & Play Style: If you're in a support role, go for an airsoft light machine gun with a box mag and bipod. For CQB, a compact airsoft SMG or an electric airsoft SMG gives you speed and control.
- Design & Theme: Looking for WWII flair? The airsoft Tommy gun (aka Thompson airsoft) delivers iconic looks and full-auto action.
- Power Source: AEGs are the most reliable and user-friendly. For realism and recoil, some players prefer gas-powered SMGs.
- Magazine Capacity: Choose high-cap or drum mags for suppressive fire. Keep extra mags or batteries on hand for long games.
- Upgrade Potential: Some platforms offer internal upgrades for rate of fire, FPS, or improved trigger response.
Whether you're building a milsim loadout or just want to dominate the field, airsoft machine guns offer power, presence, and tactical flexibility.
See the differences between them
Airgun Academy Episode 37 - Fill PCP airguns from tank
This video shows you the process of filling an airgun from a compressed air tank. Finding your way through the maze of PCP accessories and figuring out the right adapters to use for your specific setup can be tricky. If you need professional advice on which airgun adapters to get, don't hesitate to call Pyramyd's airgun experts.