When pinned down by enemy fire during an Airsoft skirmish, there's nothing quite as frustrating as feeling limited by your gun's capabilities. Having to manually cock your gun before every shot can give opponents the time they need to close in and eliminate you from the game. It's therefore no surprise that Airsoft automatic guns are among the most popular products sold in the sport.

There are two main types of Airsoft automatic guns. The first is powered by compressed gas. Traditionally, the gases used are either propane or what is known as "green gas." Both offer excellent results, although "green gas" is usually a little more affordable. Nevertheless, as powerful as these types of automatic guns may be, experienced players tend to select a different type of technology for competitive play: electricity.

Automatic electric guns, or AEGs, use a battery-powered motor to create the necessary pressure on the spring in the gun. The motor is engaged every time the trigger is pressed, providing real semi-automatic fire (a shot each time the trigger is pulled with no manual cocking). Furthermore, if the trigger is held down continuously, the motor continues to run, firing until the magazine is empty. Such fully automatic capability makes these guns devastating on the field of play.

The Olympic Arms CAR-97 M44 by TSD has an all-metal body, which adds incredible realism to this already detailed 1:1 replica. Capable of shooting 400 rounds per minute with a magazine that holds 450 BBs, you don't want to be on the other end of this gun's spray. Easily upgradeable, this gun is extremely popular with competitive players who like to customize their weapons.