What is a 'Springer'?

What is a 'Springer'?

Before we begin here, it is important to note that there is more than one type of 'Springer' airsoft replica. For simplicity's sake, this is divided in to a low-end market (cheap pistols or rifles, low power) and a high-end market (spring powered sniper rifles, higher/adjustable power). This rating is focused on the former group, as the cheaper low-end market is by far the most popular use for the Springer mechanism.

Most Springers are either semi-automatic pistol, SMG or rifle replicas, but cannot shoot in semi-automatic mode. All Springers are single-shot. This means that after each shot is fired, the shooter must manually re-charge the spring in the gun before another shot can be taken. This is usually done, either by pulling back the top-side or the bolt.

What makes a Springer worth buying?

They're Cheap! Sometimes VERY cheap. A friend of mine bought one the other day for Ł2.95 from a local army surplus store, and this is not uncommon. Usual prices are around Ł20 > Ł30 for the pistol you want or about Ł50 > Ł80 for a rifle or SMG. Many of these rifles are not worth the money charged, but if you really want the replica and are not bothered about skirmishing, get it. It's cheaper than an AEG.

The main benefits of the humble Springer are...

Very Cheap!
The low cost of buying and running these models is the main reason why people buy them. No battery charging costs, no gas to buy - just put in the BBs, cock the gun and you're ready to shoot. They don't even require any maintenance!
Reliability
Cheap Springers tend not to be particularly reliable, although reliability seems to go up as the replicas become more expensive. I suppose you get what you pay for.
Accuracy
Springers are not noted for their accuracy (although the high-end spring powered sniper rifles can be VERY accurate). While they will put BB after BB in roughly the same direction, don't expect to be putting every shot through the same hole in the target, because it isn't going to happen unless you're an inch away from the target.
Very Compact Mechanism
This type of mechanism is very easy to adapt to a variety of different shapes and sizes and as such, it will fit in pretty much any replica body.
Light-Weight
Springers are known for their exceptionally light-weight. Most models have to have weights inserted inside the body to brig the weight up to a more acceptable level. This is still usually way too light, but this of course makes it easier to hold and use.

How does a Springer work?

The Springer has a very simple layout and is easy to operate...

1. The shooter charges the Springer
The shooter pulls the slide / bolt all the way back until a 'click' is heard and the spring inside is locked back. This pull can be quite tough, but is usually manageable by most people. When released, the slide / bolt will return to its forward position under its own power, picking up a BB from the magazine and pushing it in to the breech (the start of the barrel).

2. The shooter aims
Aim the Springer, ready to shoot.

3. The shooter pulls the trigger
As the trigger is pulled, the spring is released instantly. The Spring flies forward pushing a small piston down a cylinder (smaller, but similar to the way an AEG's piston/cylinder works when released by the gears). This creates a short burst of high air pressure behind the BB, and launches it down the barrel.

4. The trigger is released
Let go of the trigger and the Springer is now in the same state you started with, ready to be charged and shot again.

Most Springer replicas operate in this way, although some models may vary, according to requirements.

How good is it really?

Replica realism (look) :	Not good. They are toys. Some are very good replicas but these are few and far between. Generally, the cheaper the replica, the lower the quality. Not realistic enough to fool a shooter, but most will still fool an uninitiated member of the public.
Replica realism (feel) :	Not good. Far too light, plastic finish, weak structure - but it's cheap so what do you expect.
Replica realism (operation) :	Not too bad. There is no electrical whining, no gears whirring and no unconvincing moving parts. The Springer is the master of simplicity. Charge it, shoot it, charge it again, shoot it again, etc... Not very powerful, but great for younger shooters.
General build quality :	Generally below average. These are entry level replicas.
Cost effective?	Very cost effective. You don't need to charge catteries or buy gas. Most Springers will also take the much cheaper 0.12g BBs (Not recommended for other guns as the build quality of these BBs is below par and jamming is likely to result.
Upgradeable?	No. Springers were never designed to be modified. Some even have their bodies glued together in places, to stop modifications from being made. While it may be possible to insert a stronger main-spring in some models, this would undoubtedly destroy the mechanism of the model, as it was never designed to take an increased force. High-End spring powered sniper rifles are upgradeable (power, trigger, barrel, etc...)
Target shooting suitability :	Poor. While Springers are fun to play with indoors or in confined spaces, target shooting over distance will not be possible as the energy of the shot by the time it reaches the target is unlikely to be sufficient to pierce the paper.
Skirmish suitability :	Poor. Single-shot is a severe limitation on a skirmish field. The Springer is fine however for back-garden skirmishing under the supervision of an experienced adult.
Target audience :	New users who want a cheap gun to play with. Replica collectors who have found a particularly good looking Springer and want to mount it on their wall.