I’ve spent countless afternoons in the backyard, burning through dozens of CO2 cartridges with full-auto airguns, and I always hit the same two walls: the cost and the cooldown. The thrill of sending a stream of BBs downrange is fantastic, but the fun stops abruptly when the gas runs out or the pressure drops. I’ve always wished for a solution that offered the same exhilarating rate of fire but with the consistency, stamina, and cost-effectiveness of an electric system. The search for that perfect, hassle-free plinking machine is what led me to this very review.
- FULL AUTOMATIC - More than 100X cheaper to operate than a full auto CO2 air rifle. Built with a full CNC aluminum receiver and handguard.
- BATTERY Powered - Using a 3S (11.1V) LiPo battery you can expect over 1000 shots per battery charge! Spend your time actually shooting rather than fumbling...
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Air Rifle
Before diving into the world of battery-powered BB guns, it’s important to know who this technology is for. The ideal user for a rifle like the Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit is the enthusiast who prioritizes fun, convenience, and high-volume shooting over raw hunting power. You’re not looking for a pest control tool, but a high-quality, recreational plinker that feels substantial and delivers an unmatched shooting experience. Key factors to consider are build quality, battery life, rate of fire, and the all-in cost of operation. Unlike CO2 models that require a constant supply of disposable cartridges, an electric rifle’s main consumable is the BBs themselves, making it over 100 times cheaper to shoot in the long run. If you want the sensation of a tactical rifle with the ease of a rechargeable battery, you’re in the right place. For those ready to leave CO2 behind, the Barra 400e Gen 2 kit presents a compelling, all-inclusive package that gets you started right out of the box.
While the Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: Solid, Substantial, and Ready to Rip
Unboxing the Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit was an impressive experience. The first thing I noticed was the weight. At 7.5 pounds, this is no plastic toy. The full CNC aluminum receiver and handguard give it the heft and feel of a genuine firearm. It feels robust and durable in your hands. The kit comes with everything you need to get started: the rifle, a 50-round magazine, the crucial 11.1V LiPo battery, a charger, and a speed loader. As one user aptly put it, the first shot is “surprising as hell,” and switching to full-auto feels like jumping from a “beat up truck…into a Tesla.” The immediate response and consistent power delivery from the electric motor are a genuine game-changer for this category of airgun.
What We Like
- Full-Auto Fun Without CO2: The electric power source delivers consistent, thrilling full-auto fire at a fraction of the operating cost of CO2 guns.
- Excellent Build Quality: The full CNC aluminum receiver and handguard provide a realistic weight and durable feel.
- Outstanding Battery Life: We confirmed it’s capable of over 1000 shots on a single charge, offering extended shooting sessions.
- Impressive Accuracy: For a full-auto BB gun, it’s surprisingly accurate, capable of tight groupings at 10 yards.
What We Didn’t Like
- Frustrating Speed Loader: The included speed loader is the rifle’s biggest weakness, prone to jamming and difficult to use.
- Potential Quality Control Issues: Some units have arrived with cosmetic blemishes or loose components, requiring immediate inspection.
Performance Deep Dive: How the Barra 400e Gen 2 Handles
After spending extensive time on the range, we broke down the performance of the Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit feature by feature. This is where the rifle truly shows its strengths—and its one significant weakness.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The construction of the 400e Gen 2 is its standout feature. The CNC aluminum body feels fantastic and is built to last. It provides a stable platform for shooting and withstands rigorous use. However, our testing and user feedback suggest that quality control can be inconsistent. We’ve seen reports of rifles arriving with scratches or, in more severe cases, loose stocks and damaged battery wires right out of the box. We recommend a thorough inspection upon arrival to ensure all components are secure and undamaged. When you get a good one, the build quality is truly excellent for its class.
Power and Performance: The Electric Advantage
This is where the magic happens. Powered by an 11.1V LiPo battery, the rifle delivers a claimed velocity of 430-440 FPS. In our own chronograph testing, we registered closer to 378 FPS, which is plenty of power for plinking cans and paper targets, but not intended for pest control. The real story is the rate of fire. At 500-600 RPM, you can hold down the trigger for over five seconds of continuous fire, a feat that would leave most CO2 rifles sputtering. The lack of CO2 means no cooldown effect, so your first shot is just as powerful as your last. This level of consistent, on-demand performance makes the Barra 400e Gen 2 an incredibly satisfying rifle to shoot.
Accuracy and Sights
For a BB gun designed for full-auto fun, we were genuinely impressed with its accuracy. Using the integrated peep sights from a rested position at 10 yards, we were able to produce tight, consistent groupings. As another shooter discovered, with a simple scope added to the Picatinny rail, putting all 50 rounds in the bullseye is easily achievable. While it excels at spraying targets in full-auto, it’s comforting to know that it can also perform as a precise semi-automatic rifle when you want to slow things down.
The Magazine and Loading Process: The Achilles’ Heel
If the 400e Gen 2 has a flaw, this is it. While the 50-round magazine itself functions well, the included speed loader is a source of major frustration. We found it has a steep learning curve and is extremely prone to jamming, regardless of the BB type used. Several users echoed our experience, calling the process “ridiculous” and the loader “cheap plastic.” It can make reloading a tedious chore that interrupts the fun. Our advice is to be patient, and we strongly recommend purchasing a couple of extra magazines to load beforehand, maximizing your trigger time.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment from the user community is overwhelmingly positive, with a shared caveat. Shooters love the rifle itself, praising its “thru the roof” fun factor and solid build quality. The escape from CO2 dependency is a frequently cited advantage. However, nearly every positive review is tempered with criticism of the loading system. One user stated the gun is a “very good tool, but they really need to fix the loading.” Another noted that the loader can “get frustrating by jamming so often.” While some quality control issues were reported, most users agree that when you get a properly assembled unit, the Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit is an “outstanding big boy toy.”
How Does It Compare? The Barra 400e Gen 2 vs. The Alternatives
While the 400e Gen 2 is unique, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular air rifles in different categories.
1. Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10X GEN 2 Multi-Shot Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1300.00 ft/sec
The Gamo Swarm Maxxim is a gas-piston, break-barrel pellet rifle designed for quiet power and small-game hunting. Its key feature is the 10-shot rotary magazine, allowing for quick follow-up shots. Compared to the Barra 400e, the Gamo offers significantly more power and accuracy for pest control but completely lacks the full-auto capability. The choice here is simple: precision and power (Gamo) versus pure, high-volume fun (Barra).
2. Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal
- .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1300 fps with PBA Platinum
- The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) is a gas piston that replaces the spring delivering more terminal velocity (1300 fps), less vibration, more consistent power...
The Gamo Raptor Whisper is another powerful, single-shot break-barrel pellet rifle. It’s known for its noise-dampening technology, making it a great option for backyard shooting where noise is a concern. It’s a traditional, precise air rifle. The Barra 400e is its polar opposite: loud, fast, and built for shredding targets with a barrage of BBs rather than placing one perfect shot.
3. Barra Air Guns 1866 Cowboy Rifle BB Gun Kit
- SAFETY KIT FOR BEGINNERS - Auto-Safety feature engages after every shot to protect against accidental misfire and injury. Includes safety glasses and easy...
- NO CO2 CARTRIDGES NEEDED - Pumping is a breeze thanks to our long lever arm. You only need one pump to shoot. Dual ammunition capable, shooting either .177...
This alternative from Barra itself highlights a difference in style. The 1866 is a CO2-powered, lever-action replica of the classic cowboy rifle. It’s about a nostalgic, methodical shooting experience. The 400e Gen 2, on the other hand, is a modern, tactical rifle built for speed and aggression. Both are fantastic for plinking, but they cater to completely different shooting fantasies.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Full-Auto Fanatics
The Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit is a revolutionary product in the world of recreational airguns. It successfully eliminates the cost and inconvenience of CO2 cartridges while delivering an incredibly fun and satisfying full-auto experience. Its robust, metal construction gives it the feel of a serious piece of equipment. While the frustrating speed loader is a significant drawback, it’s a hurdle worth overcoming for the sheer joy this rifle provides. If you’re a backyard plinker looking for maximum trigger time and endless fun, this is the gun for you.
If you’ve decided the Barra Airguns 400e Gen 2 Full Auto BB Gun Kit is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API