What is airsoft? A detailed in-depth explanation of the sport

Airsoft is a rapidly expanding sport that uses plastic BB-firing imitation weapons to imitate military combat situations. Airsoft has developed over time from simple backyard games to intense competitions drawing players from all over the globe.

Whilst many players do not like comparing airsoft to paintball, it is the closest thing that can be reached. Airsoft is similar to paintball in that teams of people group into organized teams at a dedicated and insured field and shoot small projectiles at each other for fun and sport.

What is the origin of airsoft?

Airsoft guns originated in Japan post-WWII, as it was illegal for citizens to own a firearm, as it still is today. In Japan, replica firearms, known as airsoft guns today, are sold on shelves as it is legal.

In the 1980s, someone devised a unique innovation with replica guns. One day, a factory started creating replica guns that could project pellets using the kinetic energy stored in the spring. The popularity of these guns grew as time passed, and more Japanese companies started to produce them on a grand scale.

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These airsoft guns spread to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines. What these countries have in common are equally strict gun laws. Airsoft guns were primarily used for target practice, but in time, they were used on each other in “simulated warfare”.

What is an airsoft gun?

Airsoft guns are replica guns that shoot spherical plastic projectile balls instead of bullets. These pellets are typically 6mm BBs. However, although they use BB ammunition, Airsoft guns differ from BB guns.

Airsoft Guns are typically used for competitive gameplay such as skirmishing, perfecting your target shooting and historical reenactments. There are countless types of Airsoft guns on the market, from smaller secondaries you will need for those tight corners to massive support weapons that can lay siege to any enemy.

What are the rules of airsoft?

1. Always wear eye protection in and around the arena
2. Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger
3. Fighting will not be tolerated. Physical or verbal
4. Aim for a centre of mass and avoid the head of the face
5. Do not shoot lights, speakers, signs, cameras, or fire safety equipment
6. Do not shoot at the props, fog machines, laser light machines or other game enhancers. They are there to give you a better experience, not as targets
7. Do not climb on the walls, windows, scaffolding or bannisters
8. Never walk into the field while games are in play
9. Take the magazine out of your gun when not within the field walls
10. Respect your referee and other players
11. Do not shoot other players within the 10ft surrender distance
12. Referee staff hold the right to separate players into whatever team designation they deem appropriate and necessary for the given session in play for any reason

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How to play airsoft

Playing airsoft involves several steps, from acquiring the necessary equipment to understanding safety rules and participating in games. Here is a general guide on how to play airsoft:

1. Acquire the right equipment

• Choose a gun that suits your preferences and gameplay style. There are various types, such as spring-powered, gas-powered, and electric (AEG) guns. Make sure to buy from reputable manufacturers and retailers.
• Purchase high-quality BB pellets appropriate for your gun's calibre and power source. Biodegradable BBs are often preferred, especially for outdoor play.
• Invest in essential safety gear, including full-face masks or goggles and ear and mouth protection. Ensure your equipment meets safety standards and provides adequate protection from BBs.
• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that covers your body to protect against BB hits and environmental elements.
• Consider additional gear such as vests, holsters, magazines, and extra batteries for AEGs, depending on your preferences.

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2. Learn the rules and safety guidelines

• Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your local airsoft field or event organizer. These rules may vary, so be sure to check and follow them.
• Understand the safety guidelines, including safely handling airsoft guns, maintaining a safe muzzle direction, and keeping your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.
• Locate a suitable place to play airsoft. Many cities have dedicated airsoft fields or arenas where you can join games and meet other players.
• Alternatively, you can play on private property with the owner's permission, but be mindful of local laws and safety considerations.

3. Join games or form teams

• Participate in organized airsoft games by finding events at your local field or online forums. Some games may require pre-registration.
• Consider joining a team or forming one with friends for a more coordinated gameplay experience.
• Follow the specific rules and objectives of each game or scenario.
• Communicate with your teammates using hand signals or radios to coordinate movements and tactics.
• Maintain good sportsmanship, respect other players, and adhere to the honour system when acknowledging hits. When hit, call yourself out and follow the field's rules for respawning or exiting the game zone.

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4. Tactical play

• Learn and employ tactical strategies such as cover and concealment, teamwork, and communication to gain an advantage over the opposing team.
• Study the field layout and use it to plan your movements and engagements.
• After the game concludes, clean and store your equipment correctly to ensure it functions well for future matches.
• Reflect on your gameplay and strategize for improvement in subsequent games.

What is Airsoft Paintball?

Paintball is another recreational shooting sport that differs from airsoft in several ways. In paintball, players use markers (paintball guns) to shoot paint-filled capsules at airsoft. Paintball is known for its colourful, visible features and distinct game styles, including speedball, woodsball, and scenario play.

What is Airsoft Ammo made of?

Most airsoft ammunition is plastic and often called BBs (ball bearings). Polystyrene or related biodegradable material is often used when making airsoft BBs.

Standard airsoft bullets are composed of polystyrene, a strong and light plastic. Because polystyrene BBs are not biodegradable, they may linger in the environment if not cleaned up and do not decompose naturally over time.

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What is airsoft? It is a leisure shooting activity that mimics tactical and military situations. Participant imitation guns that fire plastic BB pellets are used in this activity. Although they resemble genuine weapons in appearance and operation, these replicas are usually non-lethal and fire lightweight plastic pellets at a slow speed.

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