Airsoft rifles are airsoft replicas of real rifles and carbines. For serious airsoft players, a rifle is a necessity since it helps you carry more ammo, shoot farther, and shoot more accurately. Like other airsoft guns, airsoft rifles fire small 6mm plastic pellets and generally fall into two different categories: gas airsoft rifles and automatic electric guns (AEGs). 

AEG Airsoft rifles are the most popular type of airsoft rifle and are powered by a battery that connects to an electric gear box. These airsoft guns are popular because of the higher rates of fire than can be achieved without the need to carry additional gas cartridges. Many AEGs are also upgradable and can be customized with different optics and attachments to fit your playing style.

Gas airsoft rifles are a favorite among many scenario players because they give the most realistic sensation because of the gas blowback feature. Gas airsoft rifles also tend to shoot straighter, farther, and faster, and deal better with heavy BBs than AEGs do. However, they do come with the downside of not being able to shoot as many rounds per cartridge (or tank fill) as one would get out of a fully charged battery. Most airsoft players would agree that gas airsoft rifles are probably the most fun and engaging to shoot and play with.