Airsoft Guns Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Product (Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzle Loading), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global airsoft guns market size was valued at USD 1,929.3 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030. Growing millennials’ interest in adventurous sports as a key tool for reducing stress from hectic work is expected to remain a key factor for market growth. Additionally, the increasing importance of leisure activities including target shooting or shooting sports as a result of their increased inclusion in various places including family entertainment centers is projected to promote market growth next few years. However, people are becoming more conscious of the damage caused by the abuse of these gadgets, which is restraining the growth of the market.

Airsoft guns are imitations of the original firearm manufactured to discharge non-metallic projectiles. These guns discharge projectiles either using an electric motor, spring force, or gas tank. Airsoft gun are mainly used in sports, police, and military training. Airsoft guns owners and enthusiasts in several countries are required to belong to an official group or federation. With the increased use of airsoft guns, various countries have laid down standards and regulations for use of airsoft guns.

The market is competitive in nature with the presence of many private-level brands. A high concentration of recreational users in North America and Europe is expected to play a crucial role in keeping the strategic business units in the vicinity over the next few tears. Additionally, the industry participants are expected to launch the products through cross-border e-commerce platforms in order to cater to the growing demand from millennials in developing economies of Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Product Insights

The rifle segment is projected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 8.4% in the forecast period. It is a convenient powerful product, which attracts adventure sports enthusiasts. This airsoft gun has a longer range and improved accuracy for targeting. The majority of game experts advise players to use these rifles as they help in providing improved overall shooting accuracy. Thus, it is expected that the rifle segment will grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

Handgun segment held the largest market share of above 40% in 2022 and is expected to maintain dominance over the forecast period. Consumers prefer to purchase this product due to its lightweight features and ability to fire from one hand. Magazines are not necessary for this product, which makes it easier to use among beginners. Furthermore, the demand for this airsoft gun is high among kids due to its lightweight features. Therefore, it is largely used all over the world and generated large revenue in 2022.

Distribution Channel Insights

The online segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.2% in the forecast period. Promotional offers provided to the buyers are a major factor contributing to the segment’s growth. It has been observed that key manufacturers provide discounts, member benefits, and cashback facilities in their online portals. The airsoft guns market seems to drive its accessibility majorly among the young population who prefer ongoing trends. Airsoft shooting sports culture is developing among the millennials of developing countries including China, India, Brazil, and Mexico, where the smartphone adoption rate is also high. Therefore, it is expected that the segment will grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

The offline segment is projected to register a CAGR of 7.7% in the forecast period. Consumers prefer to purchase from these offline stores as they provide physical verification of the products. For instance, buyers can go for a trial prior to purchasing the airsoft guns. The growing popularity of leisure activities in developed economies of North America and Europe has played a key role in increasing the penetration of specialty stores. Thus, the segment generated large revenue in 2022.

Regional Insights

The Middle East and Africa are anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period. Changing consumer behavior towards adventure sports activity, coupled with growing disposable income, especially among the youth working population, in countries including Saudi Arabia and UAE, is expected to boost the market growth in the region. The average number of airsoft events is increasing at a faster pace in South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Thus, the region is likely to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

North America accounted for the highest market share of around 38.4% in 2022. The majority of the population across the country prefers to spend their leisure time in adventurous sports activities including target shooting and hunting. An airsoft gun is the best alternative to air guns while practicing. People prefer to use airsoft guns to avoid fatal incidents at the time of shooting practice. Key manufacturers are arranging different sports events to increase their customer reach. By understanding the market demand, few companies are providing fields and airsoft guns for rent, where anyone can enjoy the adventure activity. For instance, U.S.-based company, AirsoftC3, LLC is one of the key hosts of indoor and outdoor airsoft games that provides field, airsoft guns, bb guns, and protective gear for rent.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The development of hybrid airsoft guns is rapidly gaining prominence, as manufacturers of airsoft guns are taking a customer-centric approach and thus emphasizing custom-manufacturing capabilities. Moreover, a growing fondness for real shooting simulation sports is attracting a wide range of baby boomers and the generation X population to actively participate in this sports activity. Companies are using this opportunity to increase their revenue. For instance, The U.K.-based company, “Ace Group” also conducts adventurous airsoft gunfights every month. Some of the initiatives taken are:

• In May 2022, Tokyo Marui Co. Ltd. announced new products at the shizuoka hobby show 2022.

• In January 2022, Umarex USA Announced the latest air archery rifle AirJavelin Pro Arrow Gun. The super lightweight Umarex AirJavelin Pro is an exciting, sleek, and modern PCP rifle regulated at 1,500 psi delivering up to 25 arrows on target at 370 feet per second.

Some of the key players operating in the global airsoft guns market include:

• VALKEN SPORTS

• Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC

• ICS Airsoft, Inc.

• Crosman Corporation

• Lancer Tactical Inc.

• Kriss USA

• G&G ARMAMENT TAIWAN LTD.

• Ballistic Breakthru Gunnery Corporation

• A&K Airsoft

• Tokyo Marui

Airsoft Guns Market Report Scope

Global Airsoft Guns Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segment from 2017 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the airsoft guns market on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Handgun

  • Rifle

  • Shotgun

  • Muzzle Loading

• Distribution channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • New Zealand

    • Thailand

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa