Airsoft

You can be forgiven if you’ve never heard of Airsoft, but if you think that it’s a new sport then you’d be wrong. It’s been around since the 1970′s and although the concept was designed in Japan it has been promoted in the West since the 1980′s.

So what is Airsoft?

Airsoft is a primarily recreational sport using replica air or spring powered firearms that propel plastic pellets called BBs. These BBs are non lethal but can provide quit a sting when hit.

Airsoft is in many ways is similar to paintball. The things that set it apart are the realism involved, due to the varied assortment of replica guns available, and the fact that it may not always be obvious that you have been hit. There’s no hiding a big red splat of paint on your clothing in paintball but with airsoft it mainly relies on the honesty and integrity of the players. The BBs can be coated with a powder that does give an indication of hits but it can also affect the accuracy of the shots.

The sport has also been adopted for professional training purposes such as Military Simulations and Police training exercises. This is because of the replica firearms that are available making the game very realistic.

Depending on the mechanism driving the pellet, an airsoft gun can be operated manually or cycled by either compressed gas such as Green Gas (propane), CO₂, a spring or an electric motor, but all are ultimately fired from a piston compressing a pocket of air. The power levels used are way below those of traditional airguns.

BBs normally come in two sizes, 6mm and 8mm. Unlike paintball, these leave no mark (unless you’re shot from a very close range) and the game relies on personal honour in order to keep things running.

Airsoft vs Paintball

There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy both and every player has their preferences.

Airsoft is cheaper than paintball. You can get approximately 10 times the amount of airsoft ammo for the same price as paintball rounds. For around $15 you get 1000 rounds of paintballs as opposed to 10,000 BBs.

Airsoft uses replica guns. You can therefore recreate your own battle scenarios.

There is a wide range of airsoft hardware available not just pistols and rifles but shotguns, grenades, rocket launchers and landmines. A veritable array of weaponry.

Typically, when a participant is shot with an airsoft pellet, he or she is expected to voluntarily declare themselves to be dead and thus out of the game. With Paintball it’s a little more obvious.

Prepare for Battle

Airsoft enthusiasts tend to organize clubs, that are referred to as meetings, and often structure their games along military lines. There are, however, airsoft meetings that specialize in historical reenactments of famous battles.

But what should I wear? Are Speedos OK?

Most users dress in military style clothing and camouflage. If you are involved in a re-enactment then you are going to wear period clothing. But above all you have to remember that this can also be a dangerous sport and you must wear proper eye protection as a minimum.

So show me the Airsoft weaponary

Airsoft Guns

There are numerous different choices when it comes to guns. First there is the choice of firing mechanics such as manual (spring) or electric or gas (CO2, propane etc..).  Then you have the model and make of the replica, how about an AK47 or a Smith & Wesson 1911PD. You can even have a choice as to whether you want a metal body or a plastic one. So make your choice; rifles, shotguns, machine guns,  pistols or sniper rifles to name a few.

Note to Self: If someone starts taking about AEG it doesn’t mean Angry Elephant Gas it is actually an Automatic Electric Gun, some of the most popular type around.

Airsoft Grenades

There are a variety of grenades and accessories available, some reusable and some not, these include;

• smoke grenades
• hand grenades
• bazooka or grenade launchers
• landmines

Airsoft Sniper Rifles

Maybe you’re not one for running about working up a sweat and prefer a little more refined way to take out the enemy. You’re lucky because there are a range of airsoft sniper rifles available. You can choose from electric or gas sniper rifles fitted with your favorite scope.

Airsoft Gear

Now that you have all your weapons it would be a shame turning up to a battle dressed as a clown. So don’t embarrass yourself, get some professional airsoft clothing such as airsoft tactical gear, airsoft vests, airsoft helmets or a mask.

Classic Army is one of the most respected brands in airsoft.

Classic Army is the high end of Chinese made AEG and has quickly become one of the best selling AEG manufacturers on the market. Classsic Army has built a reputation for quality at an affordable price. They were one of the first airsoft manufacturers to offer AEG with a metal body and now most of their AEG’s boast full metal bodies.

Airsoft Accessories

Looking for something extra? How about gun scopes and gun scope mounts or gun carrying cases. There’s something for everybody with this game.

Airsoft Games

If you like airsoft then you probably enjoy playing first-person shooter video games. Why not take it one step further and design you battles around your favorite game. How about Call of Duty or Medal of Honour ? Use replicas of the weapons used in the games and create a battle based on the game.

Airsoft Reviews

Check out some of our reviews on the best airsoft equipment before you buy. Add you comments so that other users can benefit from it.

Need more information

If you need some more information then first have a browse around this site. If you still don’t find what you are looking for then there are several Airsoft forums on the internet that advertise upcoming battles in your area. Just do a Google search for ‘airsoft forum’.