What airsoft gun should I get?

I want to use an airsoft gun for target practice in a backyard setting in a populated area.  I want to get a good quality airsoft gun.  What brands and models are recommended for this purpose?

• I am completely new to airsoft.  I only want to use the airsoft gun for target practice (e.g. plinking or shooting at paper targets).  My main concern is getting something that will be as accurate and powerful as possible for this purpose, but that will not pose an undue danger if a person or pet walks into the backyard.  I have no need for something that looks like a real military weapon.

• Answer:

  There's really no specific brands that are made for solely plinking, so if you spend a decent amount of money on a high quality gun then it will almost always be able to be brought onto a field for a game. Most airsoft guns are built after some sort of real-world counterpart, and as a part of the game they are built to be very realistic, if not indistinguishable. In the UK they sell bright-bodied guns as a requirement, but in the US you only need a small orange tip. You could always look in to buying from the UK if you don't mind paying shipping. In response to the part about accidentally shooting a person or pet, it's important to treat an airsoft gun like a real gun in this respect. No matter what they can do serious permanent damage to an eye, even though it's unlikely that specifically would be hit. If you do take all the precautions then you won't have to worry about injuring anyone!