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Unleash Your Inner CQB Warrior: Top 6 Airsoft SMG Picks!

Published 2023-10-05 by Tyler J.

What are some of our top picks for Airsoft SMGs?

The sheer vigor and unbridled enthusiasm that Airsoft channels beckon the latent warrior nestled within each participant. It's not merely a game; it's an immersive battlefield where stratagem, dexterity, and resilience converge, propelling every player into a universe crafted of adrenaline and strategic warfare.

Where these emotions focalize most is the intense encounter; You turn a corner - Standing only 10 feet away from you lies a fresh elimination ready to be taken out. In the heat of the moment, you take your shot. Just a near miss! They take notice and quickly jolt for cover. You're not backing off though. You've set your sights on a target and refuse to let up. You dash forward. You slide. Catching your opponent before they can catch themselves, you round the next corner and take another shot. The elimination is yours!

And then you get taken out by their teammates for overextending your positioning...

But that's besides the point! That elimination gave you a taste of the sweet rush of a Close Quarter Battle (CQB) experience. Here, tight spaces and rapid-fire decision making become the perfect ingredients for spiking the adrenaline every airsofter craves. Here, every wall - every shadow becomes an ally or adversary, as players weave through the symphony of BBs bouncing off plywood, creating a ballet of bullets and strategy.

To give yourself the greatest edge in these heated encounters, you'll need a primary weapon perfect for the job. Arm yourself with too long of a rifle and you'll be banging the edge of your barrel on every wall you try to weave around. Arm yourself with something of too little fire-power and you'll be struggling to lay down proper pressure in the hail-fire bullet-hell environment CQB can create. If only there was a classification of gun that fit that bill perfectly...

Welcome to the world of Airsoft SMGs. In this list, we'll detail a list of some of our favorite compact BB blasters here at Evike.com to help you make the best decision for your new CQB primary!



G&G is a brand that values performance first and foremost over pure realism, merging form and function into a potent package that speaks to airsofters of all skill levels. Within the realm of airsoft where close-quarter battles demand nimbleness and agility, the G&G ARP9 3.0 – with its ultra compact design perfect for getting around corners – emerges as an easy top pick as the perfect tool for winding through tight hallways with ease.

Embrace the comfortable design of the G&G ARP9 3.0, which demonstrates a wise understanding of the player’s need for ergonomic synergy with their weapon. It marries convenience with combat capability, ensuring that every moment on the field is one where the player and weapon move as a singular, cohesive entity. Touting a reinforced yet lightweight polymer body, the G&G ARP9 3.0 stands as a beacon of resilience and effortless maneuverability, enabling you to navigate the battlefield with energy to spare for when it's needed most. Its perfect blend of durability and agility ensure that the player is neither weighed down nor compromised in the heat of battle.

Now, let’s delve into the technology that sets this PDW apart – an extremely fast trigger response for quick successive shots! The G&G Mosfet-Integrated Gearbox (MIG) is their latest iteration of their ever developing electronic trigger system, and is a testament to G&Gs understanding of what the player base wants. The MIG allows players to unleash a hailstorm of BBs upon adversaries with minimal semi-automatic delay, turning tight situations into opportunities for triumphant reversals. Speedy successive shots aren't all the ARP9 3.0 has going on for itself. This glorious SMG belies its stature with an accuracy that commands respect and awe from foes and allies alike. Despite its diminutive frame, it is rather accurate despite its small size, ensuring that each pull of the trigger is a potent statement of your intent.



Versatility is a characteristic that I feel often goes under-appreciated in the airsoft world. Having a rifle than can excel in just about any situation allows you to enjoy a wider variety of fields, games, and playstyles. Coming in second on our list, the EMG Helios Knight's Armament PDW M2 is just that and more. The Knights Armament PDW is not merely another airsoft SMG; it’s a chameleon, effortlessly adapting its performance capabilities to align with the dynamic, often frantic pace of CQB environments.

Further amplifying its appeal is the flexibility in structural composition. This SMG offers an option for a polymer body and metal body depending on player preferences, enabling a personalization aspect that doesn’t merely cater to aesthetic appeal but also modulates the weapon’s weight and handling according to the individual’s combat style and strategy. Offering models coming in 350 FPS or 400 FPS respectively, you'll be able to choose the perfect orientation for your field needs right from the get go.

Moreover, the ability to customize and enhance functionality through additional fixtures can’t be understated. Attachments are easily attached and look excellent on this replica, offering players the ability to upgrade their weaponry over time, all while enhancing utility and character of their personal primary in the process. And, as a staple of this SMGs modernity, it comes pre-equipped with a microswitch trigger that will keep your semi-automatic shots quick and consistent.



Sometimes the polymer receivers and potmetal just won't cut it. Sometimes you need a primary that looks and feels the real part, all while equipping you with the style and tactical performance you'll need to dominate those foreboding CQB hallways. For those of you who crave style, quality, and long term viability, we have the Evike.com Exclusive SIG SAUER ProForce MPX AEG.

A primary appeal of the ProForce MPX AEG is undeniably its authentic resonance with reality. ProForce has worked closely with Sig Sauer and VFC to produce the most realistic feeling AEG replica possible, translating into a substantially immersive in-game experience and providing a tangible connection to real-world tactical operations. Constructed with high quality CNC machined aluminum, it not only assures durability but also confers an accurate weight to the real SMG, striking a sweet balance between genuine feel and playability. An adjustable stock that neatly folds for extra compactness affords further versatility, giving you options whether you need to shrink it down for storage or really take advantage of a small profile for the tightest of corners.

Equipping the ProForce MPX AEG is the VFC Avalon Gearbox, a tried-and-true gearbox system endlessly compatible with aftermarket upgrades down the line. This anticipates future-proof utility, ensuring the MPX remains a relevant and powerful asset within one’s airsoft arsenal, perpetually adaptable to the evolutions of gameplay and personal skill enhancement. And, as the icing on the cake, the MPX offers an incredibly easy to use quick change spring system allowing for quick FPS adjustments as needed.



In the sea of samey-same looking AEGs, The KRISS Vector AEG sharply stands out. Not just as a weapon with a unique profile, but as a distinguished representation of innovative engineering in the airsoft industry. This renowned SMG not only encapsulates the aesthetics of its real-steel counterpart, but dives deep into its functionality as an airsoft gun, allowing it to stand out as a viable option despite its otherwise non-standard design.

Krytac's reputation can vary vastly depending on who you ask, but none will shy away from the fact that pure-reliability has always been their strong suit. Their KRISS Vector is no different, as it utilizes every bit of high end material and technological genius Krytac has at their disposal to bring this gem of a SMG to light. This replica takes advantage of Krytac’s Nautilus gearbox, which has been a time tested work of manufacturing genius. Its excellent air compression and quality metal give the Krytac KRISS Vector just what it needs to ensure this SMG can keep sending BBs flying down range for years to come. Though its unusual design begs a reimagined internal configuration, this Vector won’t leave you out of luck if you wish to upgrade it in the future. From With advanced electronics and hair triggers available aftermarket, this SMG platform might just have what it takes to be your versatile and stylish primary of choice.

Modernize your Krytac KRISS Vectors electronics with the Perun Low Resistance MOSFET for Krytac KRISS Vector AEG Gearboxes

An unconventional design doesn’t necessarily mean an uncomfortable playing experience either. Keeping the same ergonomic design that makes the real steel KRISS Vector so comfortable, the Krytac KRISS Vector is a pleasant joy to take to battle. Reloading the SMG is intuitive and easy to pick up the skill for, especially if you’re comfortable with M4 reloads. If the standard angled grip the rifle comes with isn’t your fancy, the rail space and aftermarket handguards offer a wide range of configurability to ensure this SMG platform can be suited up to meet your particular demands. Additionally, if you prefer slings to keep comfortable with your replica in between the fight, AIM Sports offers replacement receiver pins that double as QD sling loops to offer the most comfortable slung experience possible with this replica. If style, comfort, and versatility are at the top of your demands, the Krytac KRISS Vector might just find a perfect fit in your hands.

Sling your Vector comfortably with the AIM Sports KRISS Vector Style Quick Detach Sling Swivel Mount





It would be a crime to make a top airsoft SMGs list without mentioning the legendary ASG Scorpion EVO. Ever since its release, this polymer-bodied compact monster has been a capital standard of what out the box AEG performance can be. While most AEGs tend to fizzle into obscurity over the years with newer higher performing models taking the spotlight, the ASG Scorpion EVO has steadily and quietly improved its quality and design to keep it competitive in an ever evolving market.

A common complaint we often hear about the Scorpion EVO is "why is it so expensive for a polymer bodied platform?" First off, the ASG Scorpion EVO is actually designed with the same polymer used on its real steel counterpart, keeping the weight down and adding to the authenticity of the platform. Secondly, once you see how nicely this SMG can fling a BB down range, you'll understand where that price tag is coming from. This unique SMG is actually produced in the Netherlands, ensuring maximum quality-control and precision manufacturing go into every unit that leaves the factory.

Authentic polymer construction isn't the only thing adding to this SMGs realism. ASG equipped their Scorpion Evo with a functional bolt release and magazine cutoff, further simulating an authentic operation experience with your rifle. When the magazine is cleared of BBs, the motor will stop cycling, requiring a loaded magazine be inserted before pressing the bolt catch to resume operation. While this genuine action might slow down a speedier ‘softer, some find the extra interaction with their platform to add to the immersion and mastery their choice of weapon can bring to their game.

Though the ASG Scorpion EVO might demand a little extra attention when it comes to reloading, it more than makes up for that little hurdle with its impressive trigger response. The tactile microswitch this platform comes pre-equipped with arms this SMG with a semi-auto rate of fire that can put upgraded aftermarket M4s to shame. Its compact size excels in CQB, but most models will come out of the box shooting around 400 FPS. For the ASG Scorpion Evo, this is no problem, as folding in the stock will unveil the quick change spring system that can assist with bringing your platform’s velocity down in seconds.

Note: The battery space for the ASG Scorpion EVO can be a little tight! Here’s my recommended battery of choice for it: Matrix High Performance 11.1V Stick Type Airsoft LiPo Battery (Model: 1200mAh - 20C / Deans)



Finishing off this list, we have KWA's masterpiece of a SMG: The KWA KMP9. The fact that its the only gas blowback on this list speaks volumes for how highly I recommend it. The world of GBB airsoft guns can be restrictive, challenging, and maintenance heavy. But, so long as you've picked out a worthy candidate to be yours, it can offer a blast of a playing experience that could redefine how you enjoy airsoft as a hobby.

SMGs aside, The KWA KMP9 is one of KWAs best replicas to date. Without reference to aesthetics or brand reputation, the KMP9s benefits are firmly rooted in its operational prowess and player-friendly features. It’s important to note the gas efficient nature of this model, a trait that ensures sustained, reliable performance throughout your gaming sessions, offering a high degree of shot to shot consistency that is often sought but not always found with GBBs. So long as the bolt is properly maintained, every shot is fairly snappy. And, for those who fear the low ammo reserve typically accompanied by the GBB experience, the KMP9 offers a generous 48 BBs per mag to keep you laying down fire at the field.



In the fast-paced realm of airsoft CQB, your SMG of choice becomes a critical determinant of your battle practicality. Yet, ultimately, the true determinant of what SMG is best for you is the one you know you'll have the best time at the field with. In the chessboard of swift, intense CQB engagements, your weapon of choice won't just be what you point towards targets, but be an extension of your strategy, spirit, and character on the battlefield. Awaken your airsoft spirit with an SMG from Evike.com today!
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