Airsoft 101: What is Airsoft?

Airsoft is a team shooting sport similar to paintball (but less painful and less messy), where the players use replica toy guns that shoot 6mm plastic BBs. Airsoft guns are mainly used for recreational shooting sports, but also for military simulation and training purposes by many law enforcement agencies around the world In addition to being a fun, community-based sport, airsoft has been proven to be an excellent method of building skills needed for real-life situations such as combat or self-defense situations. But mostly, we just play is because it's fun as heck!

The history of airsoft began in Japan in the early 1970s, when manufacturers started creating "soft air guns," designed to meet the needs of the firearm community but still followed Japan's strict weapons control laws. These soft air guns were designed to shoot plastic BBs and therefore were deemed to be a safe way for enthusiasts to continue their hobby.

In the late 1980s, airsoft guns began spreading throughout Europe and North America; and by 1990, they became available worldwide. Since then, airsoft has been adapted for recreational use and training purposes —and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The sport continues to grow and evolve and is now being recognized more, and even being shown in well-known shows like SouthPark! (if you havent seen the episode, we highly recommend it, SouthPark really did a great job capturing the fun we have)

Airsoft is a replica firearm that shoots 6mm plastic BB using air pressure using different methods. Airsoft guns come in a variety of different models including airsoft pistols, airsoft rifles, airsoft SMGs, airsoft shotguns, airsoft LMGs and airsoft snipers. They also come in different platforms.

Here are the most popular types of airoft platforms:

Gas: Some airsoft guns run off of Green Gas (prefilled compressed air mixed with silicone oil) or Co2. This type of airsoft gun is also called a GBB gun or GBBR (Gas Blowback Rifle). When shot the blowback mimics recoil, creating an authentic feel. GBB and GBBR are widely used in airsoft and training purposes because of their authentic feel.

Electric (Battery powered): An electric airsoft gun is known as an AEG, or Automatic Electric Gun. An AEG is a battery-powered airsoft gun that typically uses lithium polymer batteries (LiPo) to power the firing mechanism. AEGs are the most popular type of airsoft gun on the market because of their cost and the number of available options.

High Pressure Air: High-Pressure Air, more commonly known as HPA airsoft guns, run using air tank, line, and regulator alongside an HPA Unit or HPA adaptor to power the airsoft gun. They are more expensive but are known for being reliable.
Read our Guide to HPA Units Here

Spring: Spring-powered guns, or springers, use a contained coiled spring that propels the BB.

There are many different types of airsoft gameplay all ranging from casusial weekend games, speed tournaments and 72 hour fully emersive events.

Here are a few of the different airsoft gameplay styles:

• Milsim (Military Simulation), which is when players simulate real or fictional wars by using military tactics, strict camo requirements, and event-specific ruleset or TACSOP. Some events are more laid back while others can be days of non-stop intense gameplay like Milsim West. MSW is one of the largest events in the country with thousands of players each year! These events are sometimes held at real military training facilities, incorporate helicopters and other technicals, and use blank rounds for increased realism. Events like MSW require lots of preparation. In other words, is extreme larping.
• Speedsoft games are quick, fast-paced games where firepower is key. Speedsoft is usually played with two teams that consist of 3-5 players each, that try to gain points by eliminating the opposing team. Most events, like SpeedQB, consist of matches with 3 60-second rounds and each team competes and will move on to different stages. Speedsoft teams are organized and usually train to compete based on the tournament rules.
• Skirmish or Open Play can either be indoor or outdoor. Indoor open play usually incorporates a lot of close-quarter combat, or CQB, playstyle while outdoor allows for more varied gameplay. Both indoor and outdoor will have different rules, as will the field you play at. Gameplay sessions usually last a few hours max with breaks between rounds so everyone gets downtime to rest and reload before starting again!
• AIPSC, which stands for Action International Precision Shooting Confederation, is based on a firearms-based sport that uses airsoft guns that fire BBs to shoot targets and are scored by accuracy and time. Methods and styles are similar to IPSC matches.

As a new player, you'll probably want to know the basic rules and best practices of airsoft before you and your friends head out to play.

Here are some basic airsoft guidelines:

• Firstly, make sure you listen to the safety brief at the field or event you go to. Each field has different rules.
• You must use 6mm PLASTIC BBs. There are different weights (we recommend .20-.25 for indoor and .28+ for outdoor gameplay) METAL BBs ARE DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM.
• Do NOT shoot any animals or wildlife. They don't call their hits and its cruel.
• You must wear GOOD eye protection while playing airsoft. (full face protection is highly recommended)
• If you are hit anywhere during gameplay immediately yell "HIT!" and raise your arm with your weapon in the air. Most fields have an exception for gun hits—you must yell "GUN HIT!" immediately but can continue playing.
• When in staging, make sure your magazines are out of the airsoft gun and your weapon is cleared. Some fields require a barrel sock cover.
• You must wear eye protection while playing airsoft. Full face protection is recommended (and sometimes required for those under 18)
• Never "blind fire” and always aim down sight. For example, you can not hold your airsoft gun over a wall and shoot or shoot through a hole. If you aren't aiming by looking down sight you are doing it wrong.
• Most Milsims or outdoor play require the use of a dead rag or dead light to put on when you are out.
• READ THE RULE SET OR TACSOP
• But most importantly, be honest, call your hits, and have fun (remember, we are out here playing with toy guns)

If you're new to airsoft, the first thing that you'll want to know is.. where can I play? If your local area doesn't have an airsoft field nearby or if you're looking for something with more variety than backyard plinking, look online for airsoft fields near you. There are many online resources, including airsoft forums and groups for finding places near you to play airsoft. And you might even find people to play with. The airsoft community is known for being very welcoming to new airsofters.

If you're new to airsoft, the first thing that you'll want to know is.. where can I play? If your local area doesn't have an airsoft field nearby or if you're looking for something with more variety than backyard plinking, look online for airsoft fields near you. There are many online resources, including airsoft forums and groups for finding places near you to play airsoft. And you might even find people to play with. The airsoft community is known for being very welcoming to new airsofters.

If you're new to airsoft, we hope this article has helped you understand the game better and how to start playing. If you have any questions about airsoft or want more information on how to play, don't hesitate to contact us! We are here for all your airsoft needs and concerns. Welcome to the airsoft community. Have fun out there!