Playing airsoft in close quarter combat scenarios is a great way to experience best of what airsoft offers for most people who are thirsty for action. Playing it outside may be fun, but playing it inside offers a variety of new possibilities and a completely new perspective into the game.
I will share some useful tips for CQB and will mention what gear you should bring to it. The gear and the guns differ from ones that you would use in outside play and there is a good reason why. Let’s mention what are the things that you should pay attention to, but first let me list the guns that have been proven to work best at CQB and explain why I have chosen them.
- Colt Soft Air CQBR-RIS rifle
- Lancer Tactical Airsoft LT-15T-G2 SD AEG
- Lancer Tactical Gen 2 SPR Interceptor LT-25
- MP5 SMG
- MP7 SMG
- P90 SMG
- ASRGTH GFSMG
- GF76 Short carbine rifle
- Cyma M870 3-round shotgun
- Tokyo Marui M870 Gas shotgun
- Elite Force 1911 Blowback
- Glock 19X GBB
Before we move to SMGs, shotguns and pistols, here we have a few great rifles that can be used for both indoors and outdoors game.
If you want to play both inside and outside then you should consider the following AEG rifles, bear in mind that you will have to pass the chrono test for your field, so consider using heavier BBs to take it down or apply some other FPS decrease technique.
Colt Soft Air CQBR-RIS rifle
You can check the price on Amazon here.
This is a great airsoft rifle that can be used for almost any purpose in airsoft and therefore a great pick, especially if you do not own an AEG rifle already.
I do not like such rifles for CQB because it has less magazine capacity and the fire rate is also weaker compared to SMGs, moving with it is not a difficulty, however the barrel is significantly longer.
You can get this gun if you like the design and what it offers, it definitely deserves to be on the list and as I already mentioned if you do not own an AEG rifle already, perhaps you should consider getting one before specializing for SMGs, pistols or shotguns for CQB.
Lancer Tactical Airsoft LT-15T-G2 SD AEG
You can check the price on Amazon here.
Great design, great power and accuracy in a extremely realistic replica that feels and looks amazing.
This AEG rifle is one of those guns that I could not hear a single bad thing about no matters how many people I heard talking about it or asked for opinion.
I guess that Lancer Tactical does a great job and there you have such amazing product.
You can use it for CQB and any other airsoft game because it is equipped with everything you may need and the only disadvantage for CQB would be smaller mags, longer barrel and the fact that some SMGs behave better in terms of the fire rate, but it is not such a big deal at all.
I am considering to buy this gun if I do not fall for another gas shotgun or blowback pistol.
Lancer Tactical Gen 2 SPR Interceptor LT-25
You can check the price on Amazon here.
The same story goes here, yet another greatly designed AEG rifle that has less magazine capacity and fire rate but offers more power and more of effective range for any other airsoft game beside CQB.
What stands out in this model is the variety of different versions that can be found in stores, therefore this is probably the highest quality gun on the list because there are models that have the entire inside built from metal, including motor and magazines.
The gun is also pretty heavy in hands and greatly mimics the realism of real guns, comes with rails for additional attachments and is overall a great pick.
MP5 SMG
You can check the price on Amazon here.
This is the favorite pick of many players and if it was not for MP7 and P90 it would be my favorite gun as well.
What is so cool about MP5 is that it is short, feels great in hands and shooting with it is so smooth, however I think that the popularity of this gun comes primary for reputation that it has in real world and due to its wonderful design.
I mean there are other great SMGs that will work just as great as MP5, so it is impossible to say that MP5 is better than other guns that follow it on the list.
As you will see MP5 shares similar fire rate (900 rounds per minute can be achieved) just like MP7 and P90, so if you are interested in some quick play with lots of rapid fire then you should start considering SMGs with MP5 on lead as a starting point.
All available MP5 I could find in the stores seem to be well built from high-quality polymer and other metal parts, but there are different models available, so some include a mock suppressor while others do not.
Suppressor is a cool addition, but mostly for aesthetics reasons due to the fact that suppressors work great on real guns but have the minimal function in airsoft.
Buy additional magazines with this one, but you will see that this is a good tip for almost any other gun on the list too.
MP7 SMG
You can check the price on Amazon here.
This is the epitome of a CQB gun.
I am praising SMGs for CQB play and this among with P90 is my favorite pick. This is due to the fact that the fire rate on this guns is just simply amazing, it can shoot like 900 rounds under a minute.
Everything from it’s compatible design that allows you to move quick from corners to corners to the aesthetics that these guns offer is amazing.
MP7 along with p90 can be used outdoors too and outshine some AEGs in terms of range and accuracy, so bear in mind that although you are purchasing an indoor type of a gun it does not limit you only for indoor use.
I recommend the gas blowback version of a MP7 that is made from reinforced polymer body combined with metal parts like the rails.
The feeling of a blowback is always a big plus if you care about realism and although it may use more gas to power it, the efficiency is still solid.
I checked this gun in multiple stores and I have found that it comes with a CQB bolt, but even in case that it did not you could simply buy the bolt alone and install it on the MP7.
What this CQB bolt allows you to do is the reason why these guns shine in CQB scenarios. A gun may have really high FPS and it is a matter with MP7, however the CQB bolt allows you to decrease it in order to pass the FPS limits on a chrono test. Whenever you play CQB you can just activate it and if you play skirmishes or any other mode outside you can disable it.
I could also mention tons of other great things about this gun, but I will yet mention that you can attach awesome devices on the rail like lights, scopes, lasers and combined with a tracer unit that makes your BBs shine in the dark it would certainly make this gun something straight out of special ops movies.
By the way, invest in extra magazines, this gun replica will certainly make you run multiple magazines with it and it is important to be quick handed in CQB.
P90 SMG
You can check the price on Amazon here.
Logically, P90 is second on the list although all guns on the list equally deserve to be on it, but in terms of awesomeness and uniqueness P90 stands out every time.
This is one of those guns that we could see implemented in almost every FPS game and in many films and with a good cause behind it.
P90 offers amazing fire rate just as MP7 does, so running out of magazines can be a problem if you shoot like 1000 rounds per minute, but who does it, right?
ASRGTH GFSMG
You can check the price on Amazon here.
Wait till you hear about this crazy boy.
There are so many good guns on the list and when I was creating it I had hard time ranking them, so I decided not to rank them but just to put them on the list claiming that they are all equally good.
Some have advantages that the other do not and vice versa, but this gun is something that you do not encounter everyday.
It is ideal for CQB due to its enormous magazine capacity that can hold 800 rounds, this fact alone dismantled me.
To use this gun you simply fill it once before the game, so additional magazines are not longer an issue and you can surely forget about reloading for a long time.
It easily passes chrono tests because it naturally has lower FPS, which is another great reason to use it for CQB.
In terms of fire power and quality it passes all tests and although it may not be as quick as some other SMG guns and it is quite robust for SMG designs, there is nothing bad to say in particular about this gun when it comes to CQB.
Tip: I like its design because it reminds me of a good old Tommy gun from the past, so wear a suit with a tie and rush into the rooms in the old Chicago style.
GF76 Short carbine rifle
You can check the price on Amazon here.
Here we have a solid short carbine rifle battle tested for CQB
Surprisingly not yet another SMG, this short carbine rifle is a great pick for CQB, although I think that there are better quality short carbine rifles out there (and there is always something better, especially when you upgrade it), this one comes with nice and affordable price for performance that it offers, and therefore deserves to be on the list.
What I like about this rifle is its magazine capacity of 400 rounds and surprisingly good fire rate (close to 700 rounds under a minute) that almost matches the fire rate of SMGs.
Its naturally lower FPS makes it a great pick for CQB, although there are the ways to reduce the FPS on other rifles that naturally have higher FPS, but it requires a bit more work to achieve.
In terms of the design I like it, but it should be you who has a final word.
Cyma M870 3-round shotgun
You can check the price on Amazon here.
This is the time for CQB shotgun introduction.
Shotguns are not often seen in skirmishes because the effective range is not that good as it is on most AEG rifles, however shotguns completely demolish players in any CQB situation.
One of reasons why I am so keen on shotguns is that they are extremely simple and come at very affordable prices. There are spring and gas shotguns and this one is a spring, pump action shotgun replica.
Being spring means that it does not only come at really cheap price for such a great performing gun because of lesser manufacturing costs, but also ends up being cheap in the long term because it does not use anything but your own kinetic energy.
We could assume that this gun is a one time investment that is by the way cheaper than any other gun and after that it is free while other guns continue to drain money for gas or electricity.
Tri-shot shotguns are my recommendation because they shoot three rounds instead of one like other shotguns and this provides you with greater pressure whenever you encounter enemies in a small room.
No one expects shotgun to be so terrifying before they encounter one at close range, just look at their faces.
Shotguns also naturally have lower FPS and shorter range and it is exactly what you need for CQB because there are no worries that you will not pass the chrono test.
Tokyo Marui M870 Gas shotgun
This is a superior version of the previous shotgun on the list, but it does not mean that you must immediately jump on this gun instead of on the previous pump action one.
This shotgun uses gas and that is a greater source of energy and you can expect better performance, but for CQB you do not necessarily need anything better than a previous spring shotgun.
If you want to use a shotgun for some outer play too, then a gas powered one will offer you better performance with higher velocity and effective range which is one of the requirements for outside games.
The grouping of shots is quite nice even on longer distances, so you will be able to hit targets at 100 feet without a problem.
Another feature of Tokyo Marui shotgun is that it can switch to 6 round shots, which is something rarely seen and the previous ones can shoot the max of 3 rounds per shot.
It surely drains more money out of pocket because it requires gas and this model is also more expensive, but definitely worth it if you are into shotguns.
Some players do not like the idea of shotguns and they do not realize it at first, then they buy something high-end like this and regret it, so first make it sure that you absolutely adore them!
Here is a game play with one of these, enjoy it!
Elite Force 1911 Blowback
You can check the price on Amazon here.
Dual wielding with these give it the special charm.
Here we have one of the best airsoft GBB pistols ever, this is the best pistol for that price and barely anything more expensive matches it in my opinion.
1911 is popular, beautifully designed hand gun that offers the amazing experience for both CQB and outside airsoft games. It is made out of full metal and this fact alone makes it great, in terms of durability it is second to none, you can drop it, grind it, put an elephant over it and I guess it would still survive it.
The only disadvantage that some people may experience is that it weighs more than most other guns, this is of course due to its full metal composition and I enjoy that realism, but some may rather go with something less, arm tiring.
If you dual wield these in CQB, you do not need any other weapon, although you can always bring a shotgun and place it somewhere on your back.
Dual wielding requires some experience and practice, so you should probably start in a regular way and perhaps keep one 1911 in a holster that is filled and ready to replace its brother in the field.
Magazines may be a disadvantage when you choose pistols over SMGs or rifles, but once you get used to quick loading and being quick with your hands, it is no longer a difficulty.
I am also sharing some tips how to upgrade your guns for CQB and how to improve skills, you can find it down below and it may be helpful.
Glock 19X GBB
You can check the price on Amazon here.
There are a couple pistols I trust and glock is one of them.
We all know that glocks are recognized as one of the most reliable and highest quality pistols in real world, but fully licensed by Glock guns managed to become a realistic replica of a glock gun in real life, even the details match it.
If you have a holster for a real G17 or G19 this gun is going to fit in just as it feels like one of these real guns.
Everything from accuracy, range, feeling in hands to the blowback mechanism works phenomenally.
You will surely need to run multiple magazines if you want to stay competitive and perhaps some other gun with it, but this is a great choice.
You can also dual wield it just like the previous 1911 if it makes sense to you and there is not much to say about this gun here, the reviews from other players and people back it up that this gun is just a wonderful piece worth money and attention.
Conclusion on guns on the list
The mentioned guns are the optimal pick for any CQB, however I must explain why did I include those guns on the list, so that you know what you get for the price and what you can do with them.
If you have already played a lot of CQB games, then you are probably aware of the stuff I am about to mention and you can skip to the reviews of the mention guns that you can find below.
There are certainly more great guns but I just could not fit them all in the list, so the guns that I mentioned managed to beat others on certain criteria and got on the list instead. I might also add some new guns to the list as the time passes by.
Factors that define CQB games
First and most importantly in CQB different rules apply, therefore most long rifles are not performing as good as they perform in the outer field. The FPS must fit the criteria of the field and all guns must pass the chrono test because of MED (Medium engagement distance).
The length of a gun should be shorter and you do not necessarily need scopes, therefore neither snipers find purpose in close quarter scenarios. SMGs , shotguns and pistols are smart picks and often outshine other guns that can be seen on outer fields.
I adore CQB and find it to be more entertaining than playing in the big field with lots of camping, strategizing and waiting and due to the nature of CQB games, most important factors are no longer accuracy and range but high rate of fire, consistency of shots and movement flexibility.
In CQB you got to move fast, check the rooms quick, move from corner to corner with agility and have the advantage of pulling the trigger before our enemies.
We must adapt to these conditions and that means that any rifle with long barrel would make it hard to enter at angles, any gun with low fire rate would fail us and any gun with low magazine capacity would make us struggle.
Preferably you want to be light on feet, try to be covered at all times and expose yourself only when you have the advantage to pull the trigger before them and be supported with the proper rate of fire that will take enemies down no matter where they stay.
The reason why accuracy and range do not matter is that with high rate of fire you are going to take anyone anyways at close distances and the effective range on any gun is good enough to fulfill this necessity.
One more thing is the magazine capacity and in that case you should not only choose a gun that is easy to reload and can handle big magazines but you should also carry lots of magazines and get better at changing them in the middle of the field.
SMGs are short, can handle the magazine capacity we need, are quite simple to reload and most importantly support the rate of fire that we prefer.
Shotguns (and I talk about Tri-Shot shotguns) offer great pressure with easy handling, maintenance and they are extremely affordable for anyone. Some people forget about these beauties but they quickly get reminded once someone start shooting at close distances at them with 3 BBs at the time.
Pistols are a common secondary gun for most people, but in CQB they have more purpose and can actually be used as a primary gun. I always liked pistols and the way they fit in the hand and if you decide to upgrade them, they can look enormously cool. Another thing that you can do once you get experience, is to dual wield with pistols, is there anything cooler than that?
Just ask John Wick if you are not convinced, he prefers mention weapons and fights at CQB range all the time.
Rifles still have place in CQB and there is no reason not to use them, so if you already have some rifles that you used for skirmishes you can comfortably use them in CQB, but make it sure that they are not too long, too slow and that you can easily manage the magazines and most importantly that they pass the chrono test, if they are too high on FPS, which is often a case, then you can forget about them.
Consider HPA systems for CQB
HPA makes everything better, they say. Well, you should consider upgrading your favorite CQB gun with HPA, it may be a smart investment because it really improves the gun’s potential and may also have other benefits. You should first make a further research by analyzing what you need and want to achieve, I have created a post on why you should consider HPA and you can start from there.
After all, it is a common thing to see players rocking HPA systems in CQB, especially speedsofters. The fire rate you can increase with this and overall power of your gun is literally crazy and sometimes obnoxious experience if players abuse it.
Extend the Magazines
Extended magazines are also a common thing that is included in HPA systems, so by researching HPA you may also deal with this and find a solution.
However, extended magazines are a good option for pistols because it is where the most of reloading is done and it requires you many magazines in a holster, on other guns like some SMGs or rifles, it is not required.
CQB Skills that you can practice at home
Once you equip yourself with the gear you need there is no point in waiting for the next game in the field to improve skills. Once you show up in the field, you should already be prepared. They say training is 80%, actual performance in competition is 20% and this is a valid saying for every sport.
Build home targets
This is the first and basic step that you should complete before getting into a training.
You can buy targets from stores or create your own targets. Hopefully, there are guides on the internet that will help you with this and I may also create one soon.
It is also a great opportunity to be creative because there are many ways to accomplish this. Currently I am trying to come up with a concept for moving targets, which may require a bit more skill to get done, but it is a possible task for sure.
Before moving targets that require some engineering skills, just stick to classic stuff and perhaps right now you can use that bottle of milk as an improvised target, drill a hole in it and put a box or a piece of cloth behind it to collect the BBs and there you go.
Train the movement
This is the first and most important skill that you can learn.
If you have walls or any bigger objects that can be used as a cover, use it.
It is not who is quicker on trigger or has a better and faster gun, but it is about who can move at the right angles and first sport the opportunity to shoot.
There are many useful techniques that explain how to minimize the wasted movement and how to more in formations, you can check that stuff out on youtube because I am sure that some military and tactical style channels explain this.
Train quick reloading and shooting
This is the second most important skill that you can learn. I am considering creating a post dedicated to this with a video, but there are such online training on the internet if you search for it.
All you need is a pistol and a rifle and bunch of magazines with a target in front.
You can practice these for different purposes and with different guns under different environment.
My favorite practice is with a handgun and it goes by keeping the gun in the holster untill I hear the beep sound on my mobile phone ( there is software for this on the internet), then I draw it and shoot at the target.
It is about training mind muscle connection, the trigger response and the overall haste at which you perform.
The same can be done with any other gun, so when I am bored I like doing some „unnecessary“ stuff like shoot and roll, switching for multiple guns and trying to score as many hits under different angles and so on.
I believe that any such training is not „unnecessary“ because although it may be the exaggeration it helps you find the balance, haste and most importantly fun!
Use Grenades to clear the rooms
Another great tip is to use Thunder B grenades to obliterate your enemies when appropriate,Thunder B is a great way to clear rooms full of people or to gain the tactical advantage.
You can find more about these in my post about flashbangs and airsoft.
Use Light and tracer units for dark times
If you play during a day, it may not be that useful to attach tracer units on your gun, however very often even during the day when played indoors, there is less light available and the tracer units may still be effective. In short words the darker, the better.
What is so cool about tracer units is their appearance because the special fluorescent BBs shine all the way from the point where they got ejected from a gun to the point where they hit the target.
This beside the awesome effect that almost makes it look like you are shooting a laser, does not have much functionalities, of course unless the area is pretty dark and it can be used for better judgement of where the BBs are landing compared to where the target is located.
Light attachments in other hand are only really useful in completely dark rooms and can be a fun and effective way to spot enemies, however I do not prefer them because you give up your position and most of the times you will rather compromise your own position.