There are litterally hundreds of different airsoft guns to choose from, from many different makes and manufacturers. If you don't know what to look for chances are you will have a hard time finding the gun that's right for you. The first thing you need to ask yourself is what you will be using the gun for. Decide whether you are serious about airsoft and need an awesome gun which will allow you to be competitive on the airsoft battle field or if you are just getting it to shoot some cans in the back yard. If you're serious about your airsoft game then don't skimp. If you get cheap gun you will not survive long when facing someone with a top of the line gun. The last tihng you want is an airsoft gun that jams repeatedly and doesn't shoot straight. You will experience more frustration then anything. It's no fun loosing at a game and leaving with the though "if only my gun hadn't jammed..."
On the other hand, if you're not a serious airsoft player then a less expensive gun will probably do the job. Top of the line equipment can cost hundreds of dollars which might not be worth the investment if you don't plan on using it frequently. In that case you can be safe to get a lower priced gun.
The types of airsoft guns:
Airsoft rifles and pistols come in three different types: spring, gas, and electric. The types refer to the firing mechanism of the guns. Electric guns are battery powered. Spring guns are cocked manually before each shot. Gas guns use pressurized gas to propell the BBs. You can find more information about each type by following the links to the left.