Hailed by some as the “last great war,” World War II continues to inspire more books, movies, and games than any other conflict in the history of the world. It also inspires guns. With the advent of airsoft in the 1980s, World War II style airsoft guns weren’t long in arriving on the scene. Pistols, rifles, submachine guns and heavy machine guns from the 1930s and 1940s are available in spring, gas, and electric forms.

By far the most famous World War II style airsoft gun is the equally iconic weapon of U.S. forces, the Thompson M1A1, and its brother firearm, the M1921. While the airsoft version accurately portrays the weight of the Thompson, it outstrips its capacity by 400% (go figure). It can shoot up to 465 FPS (feet per second).

Harder to find but equally fun is the airsoft rendition of the M1 Garand rifle. Another weapon used by the U.S. army in World War II, the airsoft version fires at 240 FPS, and most models hold eight rounds, mirroring the real-life Garand.

German weapons are prized as well, like the infamous MG42, firing at 450 FPS, and the P-38 pistol, the standard side arm of the Wermacht, which utilizes green gas and has a magazine capacity of 12 rounds, again mirroring real-life standards. Realistic features, such as the lower round count, are important to players who wish to get as close to “the real thing” as possible.

Last, but not least, are the World War II era Japanese firearms. Airsoft was born in the land of the Rising Sun, and it is only fitting that the Empire’s weaponry be reborn with the airsoft version of the standard issue Tanaka Type 99 Rifle.

Airsoft appeals to many as a safe way to reenact famous battles of old, and to gain a better appreciation of the history that goes along with them. Replica airsoft guns are one way to do that, and re-live the conflict of the greatest generation.