Spring-powered weapons are often cheaper than electric or gas powered weapons. They are also more readily available in most department stores. Because of their price and availability, spring guns tend to act as "training guns" to bring new players to airsoft games and are considered the primary weapon of "backyard skirmishes". Almost all airsoft players at some point owned a spring weapon, whether for its actual use in the sport or for the replica value since some airsoft weapons are only available as spring versions. However, some airsoft players still rely on sniper-rifle type spring guns as a primary arm due to the reliability, accuracy, and low noise, as well as their ease of repair and modification compared to electric powered guns.