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Here’s the best directory of airsoft fields I could find.

Airsoft Station also has a good directory of airsoft fields.

You can also google “airsoft fields near me” and the closest one’s to you will pop up.

Yelp is hit or miss. YMMV.

Wondering where you can buy airsoft guns and gear? Here’s a quick list of the best e-commerce stores.

• Amazon Best Selling Airsoft Guns
• Airsoft Station
• EVIKE.COM
• Airsoft Atlanta
• Airsoft Megastore
• Fox AIrsoft
• Modern Airsoft
• Dick’s Sporting Goods

Coming Soon!

Competitive team shooting sports are often called modern martial arts.

Such sports focus on the use of weapons, mostly guns, for self-defense, military, and police use. It also focuses on various military tactics and the use of teamwork.

So, when most people think about military simulations, or team shooting sports, they think about paintball or airsoft. While there are similarities between the two, there are also some significant differences.

Most people heard about paintball, a competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with paintballs. Paintballs are spherical capsules made of gelatin and filled with dye, breaking upon impact. They are usually shot using a low-energy weapon, called a paintball marker that is powered by compressed gas.

When it comes to airsoft, many players don’t like comparing it to paintball, though paintball is the closes thing to it.

What is airsoft?

Well, similar to paintball, airsoft is also a competitive team shooting sport, but instead of using paintball, the participants shoot opponents with spherical plastic projectiles.

These pellets are launched via a replica air weapon, usually called an airsoft gun.

However, the key difference between airsoft and paintball is that airsoft is much more focused on military simulation and tactics. This also includes a much more realistic gear, like guns and clothing, and much more realistic game setting.

Airsoft originated in Japan in the early 1970s and expanded to the United States and the United Kingdom during the ’80s and the ’90s. It was meant to satisfy the needs of shooting enthusiasts while still conforming to Japan’s strict gun control.

The name airsoft, or “soft air,” referred to the compressed Freon-silicone oil mixture that was used as a propellent. This propellent was significantly weaker than the carbon dioxide used in regular airguns.

Later, this mixture was replaced by a propane-silicon oil mixture, known as “Green Gas”. The pellets were originally designed for target shooting, and being made of plastic meant that they could be shot at humans without causing injury.

Unlike paintball markers, which don’t always look like real guns, airsoft uses Realistic Imitation Firearms (or RIFs for short). These are modeled after genuine firearms, and in many cases, they are indistinguishable from the real gun.

Also, the players are more dedicated to realistic military dressing, including the use of vests, and helmets.

Why choose airsoft?

Airsoft offers many advantages over other competitive shooting sports since it’s more realistic, and much more affordable.

Often, the game sites have realistic scenarios that can be enjoyed by all, from professional shooters to gamers who like to indulge in some real-life first-person shooter action.

The range of weapons available is breathtaking since you can get almost any weapon you want. This includes assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, heavy machine guns, or silenced pistols. You can find just about any type of weapon that allows you to play the military character you always wanted to.

Cost is also significantly reduced when compared to other shooting sports. This is because the ammunition is a lot cheaper, and you roughly get 3000 airsoft pellets at about $12 (though prices may vary). The ammunition is usually included in the gear you hire, and 3000 pellets should last you through the day.

Airsoft offers several game scenarios, like team deathmatch, capture the flag, the last man standing, fortress, etc. These are all different types of games, with different sets of rules, and while some of them last from a couple of minutes, up to a couple of hours, some games can take days to complete.

Overall, airsoft is a lot of fun, no matter the age (still not recommended for kids), gender, or level of physical fitness. It’s a team sport, focusing on teamwork and effort, in which the players quickly learn that to win, they must work together.

Different types of airsoft games

Airsoft is a military simulation sport and offers different gameplay and match types. Gameplay styles range from short-term skirmishes, close-quarter battles, organized scenarios, and field battles. Most of these game types will be familiar to any FPS video game enthusiast.

Team deathmatch is a very basic way to play. The first team to have all their players eliminated by being struck by a BB pellet, losses. Naturally, the other team wins the deathmatch.

In King of the hill type of gameplay, you must be occupying a neutrally located hill longer than the enemy team. Basically, it’s fighting for the territory within a time-limit.

Bomb assault is when you deliver your “fake” bomb to the enemy base, set it up, and protect it while it “blows up”, without being eliminated.

Capture the flag is similar to bomb assault in certain aspects. But instead of setting up and activating the bomb, you must enter the enemy base, take their flag, and return it to your base. Keep in mind that the flag is only captured once you bring it to your base. If you’re hit, you automatically drop the flag, which can be picked up by one of your teammates, or someone from the opposing team.

Milsim games represent Military Simulation. They’re practically played just like any of the games mentioned above, with teams being highly organized, following a dedicated command hierarchy, and specific roles. These simulations last for a few hours, and sometimes, even days.

There are many more scenarios you can play in airsoft, like reenactments of historical battles, target shooting, speedsoft, etc.

What are the rules?

Gameplay may vary in style and composition, and so can gameplay-related rules. For example, in Capture the Flag, a player that has been hit, automatically drops the flag. Every scenario has a specific set of rules.

But there are some general rules for airsofting, which are set to optimize the airsoft experience, and as safety measures.

Firstly, the game relies heavily on a so-called “honor system”, in which a player who has been hit is responsible for calling themselves out. There’s really no other way about this because the pellets don’t leave marks, unlike paintballs. Hit players will often indicate that they’re hit by shouting “hit” and raising an arm or a hand.

Most games have a “medic”, or some sort of re-gen (regeneration) rule, which means you’re out of the game for a few minutes. After a few minutes, you’re allowed to re-enter the game. These rules ensure that you don’t have to sit out the rest of the game when hit. Thanks to the “honor system,” the airsoft community is very honest and friendly.

Secondly, if you saw someone cheating, immediately tell the marshal. Marshals are trained professionals that monitor the game, so it goes according to rules. They will promptly address any concern you as a player might have.

Prohibited Shots

It’s not recommended to shoot people within 10 feet, no matter how low-power your weapon may be. Instead, just shout “Bang!”. This is done to prevent any potential close-up injuries.

Although being shot from a close distance can’t cause any major injury, it can cause bruising and pain. In some cases, it can draw blood, but those situations are extremely rare.

Another rule is always to wear a provided safety gear like a helmet to protect your head and goggles to protect your eyes. Helmet and goggles will most certainly protect your head and eyes, but it’s somewhat a common rule to avoid headshots.

Also, you can’t climb trees or otherwise create unfair hiding advantages that aren’t part of the designed playfield. Airsoft is usually played in woodland areas, and while climbing a tree does seem like a good idea, it’s prohibited. You can use trees as hiding or cover if you’re on the ground.

How do airsoft guns work?

Airsoft guns are replica weapons used in airsoft sports. They are specially designed type of low-power smoothbore airguns made to shoot spherical projectiles often referred to as “BBs”.

Though that is their commonly known name, it’s also incorrect. The name caught on thanks to a Daisy BB gun company to market a newly created pellet rifle that used plastic projectiles, instead of metal ball bearing pellets.

Of course, these new plastic pellets, or BBs, were a lot safer to shoot the opponents with. Today, the pellets are made of (but not limited to) plastic or biodegradable resin materials.

Biodegradable pellets are often required by outdoor fields where sweeping isn’t possible. They are produced with all the characteristics of conventional pellets but are much safer for the environment.

As for replica weapons, airsoft guns are designed to resemble genuine guns in appearance, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. Still, even with the cosmetic resemblance, airsoft guns can’t be modified into real firearms, thanks to the differences in internal design and mechanics.

Depending on the design mechanism for pellet propulsion, there are two types of airsoft guns: mechanical or pneumatic.

Mechanical propulsion consists of a coil spring-loaded piston air pump, which is either manually cocked or cycled by an electric motor gearbox. Pneumatic propulsion operates by a valve-controlled release of a prefilled bottled gas, such as Green Gas or CO2.

Spring-powered air guns

Spring-powered air guns are single-shot guns that use the elastic energy of a coil spring to drive a piston air pump, which is released when you pull the trigger. In turn, the air inside a cylinder is rapidly pressurized, and “blows” the pellets down the gun barrel.

They are a simplified design of air guns and operate on the same principle. The shooter must manually recompress the spring before each shot, which cocks and readies the gun. Because of this, spring guns are incapable of automatic or semi-automatic firing.

Electrically powered guns

Electrically powered guns are just like spring guns, but instead of manual operation, they use the power of an internal electric motor. The electric motor compresses the pump spring through a gearbox, which propels and cyclically loads the pellets.

This provides for selective firing modes: automatic, 3-round bursts, and semi-automatic. Hence, these guns are known as “automatic electric guns” or “AEGs”.

Gas-powered

Gas-powered guns use the pneumatic potential energy stored within a compressed gas, which drives the shooting mechanism.

These guns have an internal canister, usually within the magazine, which releases pressurized gas through a series of valves to propel the pellet.

This also generates a blowback, simulating recoil, and loads the next shot. Gas-powered guns are capable of both automatic and semi-automatic operation.

Protective gear and safety measures

Keep in mind that your safety and health are extremely important. Due to the nature of the sport, and the speed at which the pellets are flying, all participants are required to wear eye protection at all times.

During matches, the participants in both teams are required to put on protective gear like helmets, goggles, or full-face masks. Gear also includes vests, gloves, uniforms, and other tactical gear and accessories.

Protective gear should be worn at all times. If, by any chance, you have some sort of gear malfunction or have to remove a piece of gear for medical reasons, talk to one of the marshals. They will signal to stop or pause the game, and help you with your problem.

Most airsoft fields have a fully trained and professional staff that will brief you at the start of the day. In-game marshals are there to ensure that the gear operates safely, and the game runs smoothly.

However, like with anything in life, protective gear is only useful and safe if you adhere to the rules, and respect them, and other players. Many fields require players to read and sign an insurance waiver fully.

Note to parents

If your child wants to go airsofting for the first time, it’s perfectly reasonable that you might hesitate to let them engage in such activity.

Still, airsoft is not too dissimilar to paintball. Due to the weight difference between an airsoft pellet and a paintball, getting shot with an airsoft pellet hurts significantly less.

However, airsoft is restricted to players over the age of 12, and game sites usually require signed parental consent for players between the ages of 12 – 18. Most fields require a parent to be present, for insurance and safety purposes.

Conclusion

Airsoft competitive shooting sport is a fun hobby that’s based on military simulations of tactics, honesty, friendship, and teamwork. It also helps in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and control under pressure.

Not to mention all the fitness training you receive through running around with 20lbs of protective gear on your back.

Everything about airsoft is fantastic from the sportsmanship and the adrenaline to the versatility of weapons and players. Each player is as different as the weapon he chooses.

Some people prefer pistols and close-range combat, while others like to hold a sniper and shoot their opponents from a greater distance.

It depends on what style of games and weapons you prefer. Rifles are the best If you’re playing out in the open. But in close-quarter battles, a handgun and a shotgun are two of your best friends.

Pistols are small and easy to carry. However, they do require a certain degree of accuracy. Shotguns, on the other hand, do not, since they fire several pellets at once, making it less challenging to miss a target at close distance.

So, if you’re interested in buying a shotgun for your airsoft activities, you’ll find that there are many options available on the market.

What To Look For in a shotgun

There are different types of shotguns based on their firing mechanism, the number of rounds they fire with each trigger pull, and their magazine type.

If you’re looking for a more authentic feel, consider getting yourself a shotgun that is gas-powered. They also have a larger magazine capacity. But if you don’t want to get caught unarmed while trying to refuel your propellent – opting for a spring-powered gun is a better idea.

Some shotguns can fire three, or even six rounds with each trigger pull, opposed to just one round. However, that’s not always effective. Tri-shot is ideal if you’re in a CQB skirmish because you don’t have to be as accurate to hit your target.

Single-shot shotguns have the ability to shoot further and with greater accuracy than the tri-shot, making them more reliable in situations when the range becomes a factor.

When it comes to magazine capacity, some manufacturers opted for an old-school massive storage magazine. But if you’re looking for a more authentic feel, some companies offer shell-loading. Usually, each shell is worth about 15-30 rounds, meaning you get 5-10 shots with tri-shot rounds.

You should choose the gun that suits your airsoft needs the best. If you’re a CQB enthusiast, go with the tri-shot shotguns. If you want more authenticity, opt for a gas-powered, or shell-loaded shotgun.

Best airsoft shotguns in 2020

We compiled a list of Best 10 Airsoft Shotguns to help you choose.

The guns on this list are powerful, fast, and reliable, satisfying the needs of every type of player.

1. Mossberg Tactical Full Stock Airsoft Shotgun Kit

This spring-loaded airsoft kit contains everything you need for airsoft fun on the field or a backyard battle.

It includes a spring-loaded shotgun, spring pistol .45, assorted airsoft pellets of various colors, and a gun holster.

The full stock shotgun allows you to shoot up to 65 yards at a velocity of 355 fps, while the pistol offers about 162 fps velocity. Shotgun magazine holds about 12 shots, with a reservoir capacity of 180 pellets.

Reloading is done by removing the magazine, activating its spring, and putting it back. The shotgun features a Weaver rail for easy accessory addition and an easy pump action with those 180 pellets in the mag.

The accompanying gun is extremely easy to reload and has a shooting range of 26 yards. It has a 70-round magazine, which allows for an extended play, in case your shotgun is empty.

Both guns are made of lightweight, durable plastic that’s easy to carry around. Also, they both feature a BAX shooting system for better accuracy.

Pros:

• Shotgun with a handgun
• Affordable

Cons:

• Won’t fire last three pellets from the mag

2. M56A Double Eagle Multi-Shot Airsoft Shotgun

M56A Double Eagle is a multi-shot spring replica of the famous Tokyo Marui M3 Shotgun, fed by a replica shell. This unique pump-action shotgun is capable of firing three pellets in a single shot.

This multi-shot capability is accomplished by a unique system of three internal barrels. The shells contain three pellets each, which are loaded into three separate barrels with every pump action.

This design is quite effective, as it’s the most accurate way to shoot multiple pellets simultaneously. The magazine looks just like a 12ga shotgun shell, which counts ten times three shots.

The shell capacity is 30 rounds, which are shot at 290-310 feet-per-seconds velocity. The gun is constructed out of heavy-duty ABS with metal components, meaning that it’s very solid.

This close-quarter battle weapon, though durable and sturdy, is quite lightweight and wieldable, allowing for an amazing amount of fun.

Pros:

• Effective Tri-Burst
• Realistic shell magazine clip
• Great quality

Cons:

• None at this price point

3. M56B Double Eagle Multi-Shot

This is a great and inexpensive product, aimed at those airsofters who’re looking for a CQB-style game primary weapon. Also, its multi-shot capabilities make it a viable contender against AEG guns.

The m56B Double Eagle is a realistic replica of Tokyo Marui M3 shotgun, made entirely of ABS plastic, with only a few metal parts.

Of course, this sturdy construction is coupled with a full-metal barrel cocking tube, creating a durable and reliable, heavyweight replica made to withstand any battle conditions.

This gun features a triple-barrel system, which allows you to shoot three pellets in a single shot, thanks to specifically designed shells.

The M56B is a spring-operated gun, which eliminates the need for gas or batteries, ensuring great performance in all weather conditions. The pellets are fired at 310 feet-per-second.

Pros:

• Good pump action
• Good grips feel nice in hands
• The pistol grip design is great for CQB games

Cons:

• Can be hard to pump, especially for younger players

4. UTG Multi-Shot Combat Commando

This is an elegant and easy to carry airsoft shotgun, featuring a multi-shot capability – an ability to fire three pellets simultaneously.

The UTG Combat Commando is made out of durable ABS plastic, with a matte-black non-glare finish. The spring-loaded pump action allows for a reliable firing, up to 280 feet-per-second, using .20g pellets.

It features a triple-barrel system, allowing you to fire three pellets in a single shot. Of course, it comes equipped with a shell which contains three pellets per shot, ten shots per shell. The spare shell, gun sling, and speed loader are also included.

Though some people noted that pump action might be a little hard, this gun is an absolute beast in CQB skirmishes. It’s a versatile weapon, offering the right combination of power and reliability.

Pros:

• Spring-loaded
• Durable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Hard to pump

5. M180C2 Tactical Pump Action Airsoft Shotgun

The M180C2 is a 1:1 scale, very realistic pump-action replica that feels and loads just like an actual shotgun.

It comes with four 14-shots shells, which are held by an accompanying ammo belt. The belt is rather convenient, as it holds the shells right there where you need them.

This is a spring-loaded rifle, which means it must be cocked for each shot. As it requires no batteries or gas, the gun is fast, clean, inexpensive, and, most importantly – durable. The spring allows for an amazing 320 fps firing rate.

The M180C2 comes equipped with a red-dot system, an adjustable hop-up, and a tactical light to make your shooting easier. If you’re looking for a reliable, good quality gun, give M180C2 a look. It’s worth it.

Pros:

• Comes with an ammo belt
• Adjustable hop-up

Cons:

• Some users say it’s prone to jamming

6. M180A2 Tactical Pump Action Airsoft Shotgun

Just like the M180C2, the M180A2 is made by the same manufacturer, featuring many similarities and several differences.

The gun is made out of the same high-quality ABS plastic as the previous model, though featuring a smoother pumping action than the M180C2 model. Still, it does come equipped with the same number of shells, counting the same number of shots.

It’s a spring-loaded gun, which means it has to be cocked before each shot, firing at up to 320 fps, with a range of 150ft. Being spring-operated also means less complicated and more affordable maintenance.

Though very similar to the M180C2 model, the M180A2 ships without a gunstock. This makes the gun easier to carry in more confined spaces, and more suitable for close-quarter battles. If you purchase a Deluxe kit, you also get a tactical light and a red-dot sight.

Pros:

• Smooth pump action
• Red-dot sight
• Ammo belt

Cons:

• Has a small chance of misfire

7. CYMA P799A Riot Control

The P799A is a pump-action shotgun made by CYMA, a Chinese manufacturer of spring-operated guns and AEGs. Recently, this manufacturer stepped up the quality of its products, and now produces some of the most popular airsoft rifles.

Unlike most recent CYMA products, which now have metal gearboxes, and metal bodies, the P799A has plastic construction. But don’t let that discourage you, the construction is pretty solid and durable.

This shotgun was meant to intimidate your opponents with its massive magazine capacity. The shell-less design means the pellets are poured directly into a reservoir in the receiver, and it can hold up to 50 pellets, at the time.

When cocked, a pellet loaded into a spring-powered chamber can be fired at about 300fps. The P799A comes equipped with a mock scope and functional laser light to help you spot your enemies easier.

The overall versatility and design of the P799A are so excellent, the gun itself should be a part of anyone’s collection.

Pros:

• Massive capacity
• Polymer construction
• Pump action firing at 300 fps

Cons:

• Single shot

8. ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Burst-Shot

This fully-licensed, spring-powered replica of Franchi SPAS-12 is a good combination of value and function, especially for those new to airsoft world.

It’s showcased in a countless number of movies, and video games, this shotgun is highly renowned and used by military forces around the world.

It functions off a high-quality spring power, which can easily exceed any performance needs you might have for close-quarter battles.

The specifically designed triple barrel system fires a burst of three rounds with each trigger pull. Just like it’s real steel counterpart, the SPAS-12 comes with real shell magazine, with each holding 30 rounds.

The shotgun is made out of high-grade ABS polymer, which reduces excess weight, but retains greed durability. The ergonomic pistol grip is made out of the same material and provides a non-slip surface for better control and stability.

Pros:

• 250 – 285 FPS
• Accepts similar shells from other manufacturers
• Sturdy and durable construction

Cons:

• Stiff pump action

9. JAG Arms Scattergun

JAG Arms Scattergun is, some would say, a Holy Grail among people who enjoy close-quarter battles, or just enjoy having a high-performance airsoft shotgun.

The manufacturer opted for a gas-powered mechanism, as the pump-action associated with this mechanism feels more like a real gun. Also, it gives a more realistic sound when fired. The internal green gas storage offers enough power for about 120+ rounds. Another great feature is the ability to toggle between 3-shot and 6-shot firing modes, thanks to the triple inner-barrel system.

The gun has “slam-fire” ability, meaning that it will fire everytime you cock it while holding down the trigger.

Unlike most airsoft weaponry on the market, the Scattergun is made entirely out of metal and feels incredibly solid. There are only several parts made out of polymer, like the pump or the pistol grip.

Overall, it’s an amazing shotgun, especially for those who enjoy gas-powered guns. It’s a highly recommended and sought-after gun in the airsoft community.

Pros:

• Fires at 300-370 FPS
• 120+ shots worth of propellent
• 3-shot and 6-shot burst firing mode
• High-quality construction

Cons:

• None at this price point

10. FABARM STF12 Pump Action Airsoft Shotgun

If you’re looking for an ideal shotgun for operating in CQB battlegrounds, you should check out the STF12 pump action airsoft shotgun.

FABARM fully licenses this replica, and it’s the most authentic representation possible.

The high-quality spring power source eliminates the need for CO_2, while still being able to stand up to some of the best gas-powered guns.

The STF12 has a specifically designed triple inner-barrel system that allows it to fire three rounds with each trigger pull. Just like the real version of the gun, the STF12 comes with a real shell that holds up to 30 rounds.

This shotgun is constructed from high-grade polymer plastic, making it lightweight, yet durable enough for all battle conditions. The polymer buttstock and an ergonomic pistol grip provide more stability and control, while the low weight reduces player fatigue.

Pros:

• Greatly detailed replica
• High-power spring
• 310FPS

Cons:

• Can be hard to pump

With airsoft becoming more and more popular, it’s no surprise that kids also want to play. Still, most parents are concerned about the safety of their children and rightly so.

As a parent, you should know a few things about how these guns work. It’s also crucial you’re informed about what’s the safest way to use the weapon. It’s your responsibility to pass the information to your child, so he/she learns how to use the gun safely.

Airsoft guns from the past

Interestingly, while some parents are concerned about whether these guns are safe for children, others remember they played with them in the past.

Airsoft guns were a thing back in the day and if you’re older than 25, you probably even had one of those spring-loaded pistols.

However, these things were equally as dangerous then as they are now. The main thing we were thought was not to shoot indoors or at any living creature.

Now, we’re talking about cheap, spring-loaded guns. Though even those could cause serious injuries, they weren’t even close to the modern airsoft replica guns we have today. For this reason, measures of safety and precautions must be taken more seriously.

Airsoft gaming fields

If you’ve been researching the topic for a while, you’ve probably heard that there are actual professional gaming fields for airsoft.

These are equipped in different ways but are always far more fun than playing airsoft in your backyard. More importantly, these are safer.

The thing is, kids will fire those BBs everywhere, and any can stray and hit a person that’s just walking by. You might end up with a broken window or an injured dog or cat.

To prevent this, ask around about the gaming field in your area. It’s a good idea especially if it’s illegal to discharge a gun in your state.

These fields usually also have some protective gear for rent so you won’t have to buy any additional equipment. However, do your research because not all fields will allow kids to play.

Continue reading to learn about the ten things you should know before buying an airsoft gun. Regardless of whether you had one before or not, you should pay close attention to these factors to ensure your child is as safe as possible.

10 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Buying an Airsoft Gun

If you’re considering letting your children play airsoft, or buy an airsofting gun here are some things you should know. This is a mixture of tips, warnings and just general knowledge that you might find useful.

1. Safety is the most important thing

As we mentioned, these guns can be dangerous if not handled properly. In general, airsoft is quite safe but only thanks to the strict rules that are enforced.

Yours and other children should be safe depending on how much they follow the rules of the game. If you have the smallest doubt that your kid won’t respect the rules, it’s best you don’t allow them to participate.

Eyes are the most vulnerable parts of the body in airsoft, so it’s usually what parents are mostly concerned about. Luckily, there are such things as full-face masks, and you should buy one right when you buy the gun as well.

Goggles would work too, but they would really only protect the eyes. A full-face mask protects your kid’s neck, forehead and other parts of the face.

Some engagement rules should also exist. Minimum engagement distance varies depending on the field you opt for. Check the airsoft sites in your area to see if they allow children to play and what are the fundamental rules for them.

Also, talk to your kid and explain the dangers of the weapon you’re about to buy. It’s important for a child to understand that though it’s a replica gun, it can still cause severe injuries and real-life tragedies.

2. Low-velocity vs. High velocity

Not all guns are the same as some shoot harder than others. You should keep this in mind when buying the first weapon for your child.

Check out the FPS (feet per second) of the gun. It refers to how fast the gun propels a BB when you pull the trigger.

Those cheap spring-loaded guns we mentioned earlier have quite low FPS and are considered toys rather than real airsoft guns. All safety measures should apply nonetheless. A child could hurt someone even with a toy like that.

If you want to step up the game and get a weapon from a legitimate airsoft retailer, know that those are more serious and can cause greater damage. These usually have higher FPS and will leave a stinging welt on the skin.

None of these guns can actually pierce through your child’s skin but can leave a mark visible enough. Still, both high and low-velocity weapons can hurt the face, so it should be covered regardless of the gun you opt for.

3. Advantages of airsoft

Let’s not look at cons only, but discuss some benefits of the game, too.

Airsoft forces you to run, bend, sprint, jump, flex and do all kinds of crazy stuff. It’s a full-body workout that will cause some sore muscles for sure.

Team playing is another benefit as the game teaches your child to play along with other kids in teams. It teaches your child very early on that it can survive only by sticking to the other team members. This type of teamwork is a great base for school projects and even professional careers later on.

4. It’s fun!

Though there are certain dangers to pay attention to, you shouldn’t forbid your child to play. Airsoft can be beneficial, and it’s a lot of fun for children of different age.

Target shooting on airsoft fields is a great thing to keep your child active. Kids learn about teamwork, accurate shooting, and different techniques.

Even your backyard can do the job if you try and turn it into an outdoor field. You’ll have kids close by so you can keep an eye on them if you wish.

These military simulations are lots of fun as you’ll notice if you watch the kids participate. Even if it happens in someone else’s backyard, your kid will most likely tell you about the great time they’ve had.

Indoor fields might not be the best choice but can serve the purpose if it’s your only option. Make sure the kids are dressed in many layers since they’ll probably shoot at shorter distance.

5. It’s not the same as paintball

People often confuse airsofting and paintballing, and the basics might appear similar, there are some key differences. First of all, there’s no paint involved in airsoft. This has to be the greatest thing that sets the two sports apart.

Second of all, the guns for airsoft are entirely different than those for paintball. Simply, since there’s no paint involved the guns also have to be different.

Airsoft uses BB weapons that are in no way similar to those that shoot paint. However, both types are serious weapons that can actually cause real injuries. Though the children won’t be covered in paint, they might end up with bruises as a result.

6. Talking to your kid is crucial

It’s your responsibility to understand what airsoft is, and pass that knowledge to your children. It’s crucial that you take this seriously because it’s the only way to ensure safety.

It’s up to you to explain to the child what this weapon is and how he/she should use it properly. It’s also important to teach kids how to take care of after the guns and carry them safely to and from the site.

You don’t want your kid to be seen carrying this gun, even though it’s not an actual firearm. These usually look very much like the real pistols and snipers, especially from afar. For this reason, explain to the kids why they should be careful about it.

Make sure the children understand the risks and can fully comprehend the consequences of improper use. Use your best judgment to tell if the kids take this seriously or not.

If you have the slightest doubt your child doesn’t think this is important, it’s best you don’t buy the gun at all.

7. The importance of supervision

Regardless of how old the kids are, there should always be an adult watching over them. So, before you go out and buy an airsoft gun for your child, talk to the parents of other kids that participate.

See what they think about the matter and if they’re willing to cooperate in supervising the airsoft games. It doesn’t always have to be the same person, so you all can take turns in watching them play.

This way, you can notice first hand if someone is not obeying the rules. Some kids tend to be mean and can even hurt others with the weapon if they don’t fully understand the dangers.

The only way to prevent this from happening is to keep a close eye on the children. Some airsoft fields have people supervising minors, but if the kids are playing in backyards, there should be an adult somewhere about.

8. Teaching the child to maintain the gun

Before you buy an airsoft gun, it’s critical that you understand how to use it as well as how to take proper care of it. Sometimes, people think that’s not important since it’s not them who are playing but their children.

However, this is wrong.

If you already want to put a replica gun into your child’s hands, then you might as well learn all you can about this gun. The thing is, kids usually don’t know the seriousness of these games and weapons right off the bat, so it’s up to you as a parent to tell them about it.

It’s up to you to teach your kid how to use the weapon and how to maintain it properly. Many things occur on airsoft fields, and guns get dropped and covered in dirt. All of this leads to build-up that eventually clogs the gun putting your kid in a dangerous situation.

Make sure your little one knows how to clean the gun and that he does it after each game.

9. Airsoft guns are replicas

We’ve said it before; these aren’t real firearms but authentic replicas.

Though it’s highly unlikely that the BBs can pierce through skin and actually hurt your child in that way, other things can occur.

If you buy a quality airsoft rifle, you have to know that it’s going to look just like the real deal. Unless you’re a trained professional, you won’t be able to tell the difference. More so, even professionals who deal with firearms on a regular basis cannot if it’s the real or a replica gun just by looking at it.

This puts your child in danger since other people could mistake his replica gun with a real firearm. There have been reports of actual tragedies occurring for this reason.

It’s true that it’s not a real weapon, but you can’t go wrong by treating it as such. Have a gun case to transport the airsoft weapon, make sure it’s always clean, charged and safe to play with.

10. Checking the laws is a must

Though airsoft is actually a game, some countries are quite strict about it. There are rules to follow that are more than just the rules of the game itself.

Remember the gun case we talked about? Well, in some states you’re required to have one, so your kid cannot just randomly wing the gun around the neighborhood.

Also, some states only allow children’s parents to give them an airsoft weapon. So, if you wanted to gift a replica sniper to your nephew, it’s best you don’t do that. Giving an airsoft gun to a child that’s not yours could get you into trouble.

Some countries forbid you from discharging weapons in public. It doesn’t only apply to real weapons, but to replicas just as well.

This means shooting in the backyard is illegal, but make sure to check what laws apply in your state before you let your kid play.

What seems like harmless fun of shooting in the backyard could end up being an actual crime just because you were misinformed.

What to do next?

If you’re thinking of getting into airsofting or buying your kid/s an airsoft gun, here are some useful posts for you to read: 

• How to be a better airsoft player: A guide on becoming a better player and playing within the rules. Read this and let your kids read this, before you turn up and start playing
• The best airsoft rifles: A comparison and explanation of the best airsofting rifles that you can find, along with where to get them online

Are you interested in playing airsoft for the first time or you’ve already done it before? Either way, you may still have some questions about the sport.

It takes time to get to know the game and its rules, but almost anyone can give you those answers. It’s important to know all the details so you can progress and improve your skills in the shortest time.

In the article below, you’ll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about airsoft. We’ll cover everything from questions about its rules, weapons, gear, BBs, weather conditions, safety and more.

What IS airsofting?

Airsoft is a realistic shooting game used for recreational purposes, as well as target shooting practices. Because it’s so realistic, it’s now used by armed forces and police, too.

The game involves replica guns powered by batteries, gas or springs. It’s played in a professional airsoft field where you’re expected to wear a specific type of protective gear.

It’s ideal as a form of workout, team building and bonding with your friends. Many people confuse it with paintball, and although it has some similarities, it also has some significant differences. The main differences are: 

• Paintball hurts more
• Airsofting is generally more expensive
• Paintball is more for ‘one time weekend warriors’
• Airsofting is more realistic
• Airsofting involves more tactics

Airsoft relies on an element of honesty too, since there aren’t any markers involved that could prove whether you’ve been hit or not. Unlike paintball, where it’s pretty obvious if you’ve been hit. 

Airsofting can be a really fun game and a day out for everyone, even children but it’s important to wear the right safety gear. It’s less painful in general than paintballing, but it can still hurt if you get shot in sensitive areas or on bare skin.

Who invented airsofting?

It was first invented in Japan in the 1980s when citizens were forbidden to own any real firearms. Still, replicas weren’t banned which resulted in these guns being everywhere around Japan.

The guns quickly became very popular, and Japan started exporting them to other countries. Countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, the UK, the Philippines, North America, and Europe were quick to follow the craze.

Now, most of the airsofting guns you can buy originally come from China or Japan but there are more and more factories springing up in Europe too. There’s also various laws and rules that have come in, which can vary depending on where you are in the world. Make sure you research and check the rules and laws of the place you’re playing airsoft in.

In some places, for example, you can actually get into trouble just for importing or ordering airsoft guns to arrive at your house. 

Who plays airsoft?

Airsoft is usually played by enthusiasts that are into shooting weapons and recreating battle scenarios. People who want to experience life like situations in which they could shoot and train are often found in airsoft fields.

It’s also very popular among gamers because it’s so realistic, and it’s a great escape from normal life. Most people who play like to go with a team of friends, but you can also turn up to random zones and just play on your own.

In fact, I’ve seen a lot of people especially snipers and lone wolf type players just turn up and vanish into the woods for the day, rarely appearing in the ‘dead zones’. 

However, SWAT teams, police, military, and other Special Forces recently began using airsoft as a form of training. It’s a great form of training because it’s almost exactly like real life, same guns, same tactics and roughly the same range (Maybe less).

What guns can I use?

Airsoft guns are special replicas that fire BBs at a certain speed. These are the only guns you’re allowed to use when playing the game on a professional field.

There’s a wide range of airsoft guns that vary in type and style. You can choose between handguns, rifles, snipers, and others.

The most significant difference between them is how they’re powered. Guns are typically powered by batteries, gas or springs, making them shoot at different FPS rate. In most cases, the gun you use significantly impacts the quality of the game.

How do they work?

All guns work by firing BBs through air compression. However, they can achieve the compression in different ways; by gas, batteries or a spring.

While most weapons are similar, they all have their benefits and setbacks. They work the same but offer different features to choose from. Most players like to stick to one or two types of guns, and just upgrade and modify that weapon.

A common choice is a decent assault rifle like a G36 or Mp5, or for snipers something like a bolt action that can be modified and upgraded. This is how airsofting can get expensive however, because the upgrades and extra parts you can get for your guns are limitless. 

You could have thousands of different variations and versions of your favourite gun, and each version might require maintenance and upgrading from time to time. The guns work by firing a BB pellet down the barrel, using either electric or gas power.

The electric rifles tend to be better, because they can fire at a rapid rate, while maintaining power. Gas tends to perform badly in the cold and the power you’ll get can vary too. Also you have to keep buying new gas canisters and refilling them, whereas electric you can just charge or bring spare batteries. 

Is airsofting legal?

Airsoft IS legal in most countries, but it’s up to you to check what’s the case in the area you live in.

Some countries like Australia only allow government agencies to use airsoft guns for training. Civilians are forbidden to use them. I’m not sure about the future legality of airsofting, and I think there will be more regulations bought in for places like Europe.

This is because it’s so easy to modify airsoft guns and make them super powerful. That, along with the fact that they look EXACTLY like the real guns make it a legal nightmare for governments to regulate. 

Countries like Canada and the United Kingdom allow you to play, but some restrictions apply. In both countries, you have to have a specific kind of weapon which is only one of the many rules you must follow.

Is airsoft dangerous?

BBs are made of plastic, and none of the guns can shoot them fast enough to penetrate human skin (well.. some can). Luckily, it’s pretty much impossible to kill someone with such a weapon.

However, a BB pellet to the eye can be quite dangerous, as it could permanently damage your sight. It can literally make you blind, which is why it’s SO important to always wear eye protection. If you shoot someone in the mouth, you might cut their lip or chip a tooth.

In fact in almost all airsoft centres, you HAVE to wear at least eye and mouth protection. Of course, it’s down to you if you take it off during the game and it’s very hard to enforce that you wear it, but think about it:

Why would you risk it? When you can get such good eye protection and gear nowadays, it’s absolutely stupid to go and play with no eye protection. You literally never know when a stary pellet will hit your eye, they could bounce off trees and things, and from certain distances it’s hard to aim for only the body.

I’ve played quite a few games and been hit in the eye MANY times (on my eye mask of course) and that just enforces how important eye protection is. Same goes for mouth protection. I’ve seen people lose teeth and cut their lips from getting hit by stray pellets.

It’s just not worth the risk. So yes if you don’t wear protection, it’s very dangerous but with proper eye and face protection, not really. In fact if you get hit on the face when you’re wearing an airsofting mask, you won’t really hurt at all. 

Bruises and red spots are mostly all that’s left after you get hit and even that depends on the type of clothing you wear.

What are the safety precautions?

Most fields have their own rules and safety precautions you have to follow in order to be allowed in. In general, you’re advised to wear a full mask, but that’s not a must if you’re older than 18.

Still, you’ll probably be required to use some kind of goggles to protect your eyes. Certain fields will also limit you as to what maximum velocity you’re allowed to use.

It’s best to check with the field of your choice what are their precise rules and regulations regarding safety precautions.

What should I wear?

This is mostly up to you as there aren’t any regulations that require you to wear a specific type of clothing. Most people like to stay authentic and wear military style clothes.

Whatever you opt for, make sure it’s protective and thick, but also comfortable. You’ll run and jump, so you want clothes that will allow you to do so. However, don’t go with anything too thin if you want to prevent a BB leaving a bruise on your skin.

Another few items you should consider are a neck protector, hat, and gloves. We have a post about the best airsofting gear for beginners if you want to learn more. 

Why do some of the guns have an orange tip?

Federal Law in America requires all airsoft guns to have a permanently orange tip. This makes it easier for people to tell that it’s a replica gun in your hand and not a real one. This is probably because in America the police have permission to shoot to KILL if they suspect you’re carrying a deadly weapon. 

The orange tip is a required mark on a replica gun that you must not remove. Anyone who alters, changes, removes or obliterates the required coloring and marking is violating the state or federal law.

In other words, this means you’re breaking law if you try to make your replica look more like a real firearm.

Can BBs break glass?

This mostly depends on the FPS of your gun, as well as the thickness of the glass. For example, a spring-loaded firearm that shoots at a low FPS probably won’t break thick glass, but it might do damage to a thin window. It might crack it for example.

However, a gun that shoots at 400 FPS or more will most likely break thicker glass, for sure. For this reason, be extra careful when shooting near any kind of glass because small pieces of it might fly all over the place and back at you.

For the most part, you shouldn’t be anywhere near glass when you’re playing airsoft. There’s always the chance though, that when you’re unloading and testing your weapons in the car park you’ll accidentally hit your car window.

Make sure you only load up and plug in an airsoft gun to the battery when you’re at the firing range or on the battlefield. I’ve seen a few people crack their car windows by accidentally popping a few shots off. 

What’s the difference between spring, gas, and electric powered guns?

Guns differ in accuracy, ammunition, performance, realism, and ease of use. Probably the most significant difference is in the way they’re powered, and you can choose between those powered by a spring, batteries, or gas.

A gas weapon has a gas propellant loaded in the magazine. The gas is released the moment you pull the trigger after which it launches the BB. These guns have a feature known as Blowback that gives the highest level of realism.

Beginners mostly use spring guns. Their slide must be cocked before every shot, so there’s quite a delay. These are the most durable since they have the least parts that could break. In most cases, they’re also quite cheap.

Electric guns work on batteries that power the motor. The most popular choice is AEG, a fully automatic gun. This type is simple to use and maintain, and it’s also easy to upgrade.

Which gun should I use?

The choice comes down to your skill level and budget. These weapons can be expensive, but you should also think about if they are for beginners, intermediates, or professionals.

If you’re a beginner, it’s best you go with a cheaper spring-loaded gun. People at the intermediate level can use gas-powered pistols that fire at higher FPS.

However, you are the only one that has the final say as there aren’t any regulations that determine what weapon you should use.

How are airsoft guns made?

The manufacturing process of most high-quality airsoft replicas can be quite complicated. The process usually involves making the actual gun before checking its quality. The guns then go for sub-assembly and then assembly.

Some brands assembly by hand while others use machines to do that. There are lots of ways of making an airsoft rifle or sniper. Most of them are made in similar factories in similar ways though. 

Can an airsoft rifle break?

Most can be broken, but it depends on their overall quality. If it’s a more durable material, it will be harder for the pistol to break upon falling. Cheaper models aren’t as resistant and might break easily.

To be honest, most things can break. Airsofting guns have a lot of moving parts.

It’s much more common that the internal electrics or things like the barrel/hop system will break. The actual framework of the gun (The bits made of solid metal) are very hard to break.

It’s super common for BB pellets to get jammed in the mechanism, or for cheaper BB pellets to smash in the barrel and cause tiny fragments of plastic to jam up the hop system and mechanism. This can easily be fixed though, and most airsoft guns come with long thin tubes to remove these types of blockages.

What’s the average range of an airsoft gun?

Most weapons have an effective range of about 55 yards. There’s a slight difference depending on the type of your weapon and its quality.

Spring-loaded rifles can shoot up to 40 yards while electric shoot up to 70 yards. Most gas-powered models shoot up to 60 yards. This can MASSIVELY cary depending on the weather, conditions of the spring or battery, the hop system and how it’s set up and much more.

Average ranges are about the same though. Also, if you use certain BB pellets, that can make a big difference. There’s a golden ratio between the power of the gun and the weight of the BB pellet which determines what can fire the longest distance.

What’s the difference between automatic and semi-automatic?

The difference is in the frequency that the gun fires the BBs.

A semi-automatic will fire only ONCE, after which you’ll have to pull the trigger again. When you pull a trigger of a fully automatic, it continues to shoot BBs until you release it. This means basically that you can ‘spray and pray’ with automatic, but with semis you’ll need to aim much more accurately.

Once you’ve fired once, you’ll have been heard by the other players and they’ll know roughly where you are. This means before you fire a semi automatic, you should be fairly confident that you know you’re going to hit the target, and that you won’t be seen by any other players.

I’ve seen MANY people take a shot with a sniper, MISS the shot and then get lit up by a couple of players with fully automatic weapons that the sniper hadn’t noticed, to their side. So be careful. A semi automatic weapon is harder to use in a game, for those reasons.

Another difference is that a semi automatic weapon USUALLY can reach further. This isn’t always the case, for example with pistols, but for snipers it’s certainly true. 

What are the numbers on my BBs?

These numbers tell you the weight of your BBs. All weight is measured in grams on all types of BBs and guns.

Every type of weapon uses a specific weight of BBs. Spring-loaded and other entry-level weapons use a .12g BB. It’s the lightest weight BB pellet available on the market.

Gas and electric guns use .20g BBs which is a medium weight. Only the highest grade electric and gas rifles use .25g BBs that are also the heaviest you could get. In general, the heavier the pellet, the further it will go, the more it will hurt, and the more powerful your gun needs to be.

Make sure to check the weight, and the weights that your gun is designed to handle. If you get it wrong, you could damage the gun, the BB pellets or both. 

What are the best weather conditions for airsoft?

In most cases, the weather shouldn’t impact your game if you want to keep things as realistic as possible. Dry weather conditions are of course the easiest to play in, so choose a sunny day for shooting if you’re a beginner.

However, rain shouldn’t stop you either, especially if you’re no longer a beginner. A little bit of rain creates different conditions and can be quite a challenge if you’re up for it. It’s also more exciting when there’s bad weather. Snow airsoft days are super interesting too!

The only time you should avoid playing is in lightning storms.

These are the times you shouldn’t be outside at all, let alone shooting guns on a field. For this reason, most professional fields close their doors when it’s lighting anyway.

But, essentially, it’s your own decision as there are no weather conditions that are good or bad for playing airsoft.

Can I play in my backyard?

Not usually. Firing airsoft weapons anywhere but in a professional field, is considered dangerous.

Not only you could break a window or a car, but you could also injure an animal or a person passing by. You just don’t know what could happen. A pellet could bounce off something, and hit something you weren’t even aiming at.

Or your pet could run into the line of fire. Or you could damage someones property etc. It’s not worth the risk unless you have a MASSIVE area like a field or something, with no other people or buildings around for a mile or so. 

It’s not safe, and it’s also not allowed in some countries. Most states forbid firing and discharging any type of firearm in public. This is only allowed when it’s supervised by the competent authority and done in a specially marked and certified place such as an airsoft field.

How to transport an airsoft gun legally?

Unsurprisingly, there are law regulations about this as well. In most countries, you have to carry your replica as if it was a REAL weapon.

It has to be out of sight, so the case you carry it in can’t be translucent. It also has to be protected from potentially firing if dropped or banged on a wall, for example.

You probably won’t have to own an actual gun safe, but you have to make sure that nobody can see or steal your replica. So essentially, you’ll need a black, NON see through carrying case with padding and ideally straps to secure it to something solid in your car.

It’s best you check the law in your country just so you’re sure what are the regulations you have to follow. This way, you’re sure that you’re not breaking any law when going to or from the field.

Can kids play airsoft?

Most fields allow children to play only if they’re older than ten years, in which case a parent or a legal guardian must sign a waiver before they can play. All kids younger than that aren’t allowed or recommended to participate in the game.

It’s also recommended for at least one parent or legal guardian to be present each time their kid is on the field, but that’s not always required.

Do make sure that your child carries the signed wavier at all times. It’s highly possible that people working in the field will want to look at it each time before the child checks in.

Learn more about airsofting

I’ve written a lot more posts about airsofting, which you should read if you’re thinking about getting into this action packed hobby: 

• How to be a better airsofter: 26+ pro tips and tricks to help you enjoy the game more and get more out of it
• Airsofting VS paintball: Some people are unsure of the difference between airsofting and paintballing. You might be much better suited to paintballing, so read that post!
• The best electric airsoft rifles: A comparison of the best airsoft rifles that you can buy online in 2019
• The best airsoft snipers: The best airsoft snipers compared, and explained, because it’s a bit more complicated buying a sniper (More things to consider)
• Mistakes airsofters keep making: Some common mistakes that airsofters often make, and how you can avoid them to enjoy the game more

Airsoft is NOT paintball. 

It’s a very common belief that airsoft is the same as paintball, or that you can do one and automatically do the other. That’s not the case.

There are some serious difference between airsofting and paintballing which you need to be aware of if you’re considering trying paintballing. This is written from the point of view of an airsofter, but it can be useful for anyone really.

Differences between airsofting and paintballing

We’ll get on to some more specific questions about the two later, but for now here are the main differences between the two sports. By the way, there are always exceptions to these rules, for example you might find that some airsofte guns AREN’T as accurate as paintball guns.

1: Airsofting is more accurate

In general, airsoft is FAR more accurate than paintball.

Airsoft guns and rifles are designed to fire BB pellets as FAR as possible at high power. The bullets themselves are smaller, more aerodynamic, and can travel further.

Paintball bullets are heavy, big, and easily arc downwards over distance. This means they travel FAR less distance than airsoft bullets. That being said though, airsoft bullets can travel various distances depending on their weight and the gun firing them.

But in most cases, an airsoft gun (even a pistol) will fire MUCH further than a paintball gun. 

2: Paintballing is more painful

This one again is fairly subjective but in general, paintballing hurts a LOT more. 

You’re fighting in close quarters, and the guns and the bullets they fire are bigger and heavier. That might be a lot of the reason they hurt more. You’re always really close to the people you’re taking fire from, whereas with airsofting, you might get shot from several hundred feet away.

You’ll always hear about how much paintballing hurts, and you’ll probably see peoples massive bruises the day after as well. Not so much with airsoft. The bullets are smaller, and you’re likely to deflect most of them with your clothing.

That being said, airsoft bullets DO hurt! If they’re fired at close range or the gun is super powerful, they’ll really hurt. I’ve seen people lose teeth, bleed and get cut up by airsoft bullets fired from the right gun at the right distance.

But in terms of pure power and force, paintball bullets are like little hammers. 

3: Paintballing attracts more beginners

Because paintballing is typically seen as more fun and ‘open to everyone’, it attracts more beginners. 

Airsofting tends to attract more professional and serious players who tend to own several of their own guns and play regularly. It even attracts lots of military/ex military guys and girls.

Paintballing however is very often used as a ‘one off’ weekend birthday party or something fun you do with your friends every now and then. Now of course, airsofting can and is also used in that way but I find paintballing tends to attract less SERIOUS players.

4: Airsofting is more realistic

This one you can’t really deny.

Airsofting is FAR more like real gun fighting than paintball. 

The range of the weapons, the clothing you wear (camo and tactical) and the game types are FAR more realistic and serious than paintballing. Paintballing you’ll often have giant colored inflatable obstacles and fun type things, whereas airsoft is much more like a real battlefield.

And I think that’s what makes them both such cool sports, that diversity. I personally perfer airsoft (hence this site) but both have their pros and cons. If you’re looking for a real simulation of a gun fight though, go to an airsoft site.

5: Airsofting CAN be more expensive

Again this is sort of dependant on who’s playing. I find that because airsoft attracts more serious players, they’ll often spend more on going to games regularly and buying nice gear. Paintball players tend to almost always hire their gear on the day.

This means airsofting can be a lot more expensive than paintballing in general. Often airsofters will invest heavily in gear once they’ve realised they enjoy the sport. Paintballers however can often just play one or two games a year and just hire everything on the day.

What hurts more, airsoft or paintball?

By far, paintballs hurt more than airsoft ammo. 

Paintballs are heavy, and displace more of your skin than airsoft bullets so they can actually leave big bruises on you. Airsoft bullets aren’t likely to bruise BUT they can cause you to bleed and even chip a tooth if it hits you hard enough, so be careful.

It’s ALWAYS worth wearing a full face airsoft mask if you can, to avoid losing teeth!

Airsoft vs paintball accuracy

Airsofting will always be more accurate than paintballing.

This is because the bullets are fired at a faster rate, the motors are more powerful and the bullets are smaller. This means they can travel through the air for longer before slowing down due to air resistance.

Airsoft guns usually fire at a rate of about 350-400 fps (feet per second) or 500 for a bolt action sniper rifle. Paintball guns however fire at about 100fps but you’ve got to remember their bullets are a LOT heavier and bigger.

So in terms of power and speed, airsoft guns win. But paintball bullets hurt more because they’re bigger and heavier, and often fired at close range too. 

Is paintball more dangerous than airsofting?

This again depends on who’s playing, and how. If you’re playing with sensible people then neither sport will be dangerous as such. They’ll both hurt, but they won’t be dangerous.

With airsofting, it’s probably easier for a loose BB bullet to clip you in the ear or something.

This is because airsofting doesn’t enforce the same full face and body protection that paintballing does. This means it’s easier for a BB bullet to clip you somewhere you don’t want it to.

Paintballing hurts more in general though and you’ll be bruised from most of the shots you take. I don’t think you can really say which one’s more dangerous because it really depends on how you play the game. I’ve played airsoft games where players take stupid risks like climbing really high trees or walls to get vantage points.

If they were to fall, it would be bad. But then again, that’s their choice and that doesn’t mean the whole game is dangerous, just their actions. So think about what you’re doing and what risks you’re taking when you play.

What’s more expensive, airsoft or paintball?

Paintball ammo is a lot more expensive than airsoft ammo by the way. Paintball ammo can cost about $40 for 1500-2000 rounds of ammo but airsofting costs only $10 (or LESS) for 5000+ rounds of ammo. 

It’s about the same price to hire guns but the ammo is really where the differences are apparent.

What’s better, airsoft or paintball?

That’s the ultimate question.

I don’t think you can say which ones BETTER, but it really depends on what you want fro the experience.

• If you’re after a realistic, long range experience, go airsofting.
• If you want a painful but very fun light hearted experience with some friends, go paintballing.

But if you don’t want to get hurt, don’t go paintballing. Especially if you don’t have much body fat or you bruise easily, be careful. You’ll get bruised VERY quickly and it will hurt a lot. Even if you wear lots of padding, it’s not enough.

Check out some other perspectives:

• David at Paintballer has an in-depth Paintballing vs Airsofting breakdown
• The difference explained by Paintball Prodigy
• The Quora thread on the topic is worth a read

How much do you know about gas blowback airsoft pistols?

They’re pretty cool, and you might have seen a couple of people using them in a recent game. You’ll know them when you see them because when they’re fired, the entire top of the gun physically moves backwards!

It’s the most popular type of airsoft weapon, because it provides the most life-like performance and experience.

Airsofting is a lot of fun and it relies on honor which is the most significant factor that sets it apart from paintball. That, and the fact that there’s no paint involved!

If you’re new to it, there are a few things you should know before you head out to shoot. Your gun is one of them.

While selecting gear is always fun and exciting, choosing a pistol comes with a few challenges. Still, it’s crucial that you know how your weapon works, especially if you opt for a gas blowback.

Though we know a thing or two about the sport and these guns, we also spent hours researching the matter anyway.  Continue reading as we discuss all about gas blowback guns, how they work, what makes them different and how to use them.

What is a gas blowback pistol?

As you know, there are several different types of guns most commonly used in airsoft games. Gas is the most popular due to its blowback, and overall ease of use. However, the main difference between these types is the THING that powers them.

Some guns work on batteries, while others work on springs. There are also hybrids that combine certain types into one pistol. Still, GAS is the one that most advanced players recommend.

• It’s more realistic
• It’s more fun
• It CAN be more powerful (not always)

Of course, every type of weapon has its pros and cons, so do those powered by gas.

Though they offer quite a realistic experience, they require special maintenance, and of course, refills. Other types also have their advantages and setbacks as most of them have to be refilled, charger or otherwise maintained.

History of Gas Blowback airsoft pistols

The first gas blowback system can be traced back to an old man in Japan, called Tanio Kobayashi. He was working for MGC on designing these guns.

The first principle was simple and very much different than what we have today. Once Western Arms created their version, it was clear that many of the critical things were improved. WA protected their intellectual property, so all other manufacturers need a license to copy the design.

Kobayashi continued to develop his system, and Tokyo Marui still uses his design in all their pistols. More so, many KSC models have a principle that looks very similar.

Why choose a gas pistol with blowback?

Gas pistols use the pneumatic potential energy within compressed gas to operate the shooting mechanism. The principle is entirely different than electric or spring powered guns.

Those that work on gas have something that others don’t, and that’s blowback. Gas blowback pistols, or GBB, use an internal canister that releases prefilled bottled gas. In the process, the gun generates blowback or recoil and loads the next shot.

Another advantage is that these can be automatic or semi-automatic. Plus, you can choose anything from handguns and pistols to rifles and snipers depending on your preference and role in the game.

Biggest benefits of gas blowback

Apart from blowback (looking awesome!) and substantial power, gas guns have several other benefits to bring to the game. First and foremost, they remove the need to reset the firing mechanism manually. This makes the gun more convenient and easier to work with.

This little detail increases the overall firing speed of your weapon.

Plus, most advanced players like that they have a choice between semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. Though most pistols operate in a semi-automatic mode, many models fire in automatic equally as well.

There are also a few gas options to choose from which allows you to customize the gun to your preferences and needs. All those gases have different lubricities qualities, power, and resistance to cold weather which means you can use them in several different guns.

Who should use gas blowback?

Gas blowback pistols are easy to use so there’s no limit to who can use them. You can find pistols as well as snipers which means that you can use them regardless of the role you play in the game.

They are suitable for anyone who wants a more realist experience. Police, military, armed forces, and other professionals use GBB for its precision, accuracy, and blowback. However, the guns are equally as suitable for civilians and anyone looking to enjoy the game.

Most people don’t recommend them to children, at least not without any adult supervision due to the power of the blowback.

All the components of gas blowback pistols

Magazine – it’s loaded with gas and airsoft pellets that are essential for the operation.

Knock valve – otherwise known as gas or firing valve, it’s actuated by the pistol’s hammer. When it’s opened, the valve pushes air through the vent port and into the nozzle to activate the system. It then closes by the spring’s return tension.

Hammer – is mounted in the frame and held under spring tension by a sear. The sear is released when you pull the trigger. Once you do that, the hammer strikes the knock valve forcing it to start the firing process.

Loaded BBs – airsoft BBs are the ammunition used and loaded into the magazine.

Chambered BBs – once you fire a cycle, another round will be loaded into the hop up. It’s prepared and waiting for you to start another firing process.

Nozzle – the air nozzle is a polymer assembly that channels air. It loads BBs from the magazine and into the hop up. It goes back and forth in the slide.

Slide – it’s a plastic or metal housing that contains different components. It shifts during the firing process.

Pistol assembly – it’s usually made of metal and mounted into the slide. It remains in its place without moving.

Piston head – the head assembly is usually made of plastic and with an o-ring that seals the back end of the nozzle off from the atmosphere during the firing process. It creates compression.

Rocket valve – it’s usually made of plastic though you might find a metal one as well. It closes off the front of the nozzle creating compression and blowback.

Rocket valve spring – it’s made of metal and servers to provide backward tension to the valve preventing it from staying in the closed position.

Hop up rubber – it’s contained in a pistol hop up unit and provides resistance keeping the chambered round in place. It applies hop to the round when you fire for the desired backspin.

Inner barrel – it’s in a pistol hop up unit and channels the air from the firing process to fire the BB out.

Nozzle return spring – it provides backward tension to the air nozzle allowing it to reset once compression is lost.

Slide catch – it’s a  spring-loaded bar pushed up to catch the slide when there’s no ammo remaining in the magazine.

How do gas blowback airsoft pistols work

This is what you’ve been waiting for.

It’s well-known that in order to operate the gun you should know how it works first. You can only use it well enough once you’re familiar with the firing process and you’re aware of everything that goes one within the weapon.

For this reason, you should know how your gas blowback pistol works before you go out in the field. This will help you develop your strategy and achieve better accuracy. Plus, knowing some of the basics enables you to understand how to maintain the gun in order to prolong its longevity.

You may like: Our post about the most common airsoft MISTAKES that loads of people keep making!

Firing

Gas-powered guns, much like any other, have a mechanism that triggers and hits the target. The difference here is that most of the magazine storage is actually dedicated to the gas. A very little portion of the magazine is for BBs.

In order to fire the pistol, you have to pull the trigger (of course). There’s a hammer inside the gun that pushes the valve in the magazine and releases the gas. The gas then propels BBs and they leave the barrel.

Blowback

Blowback or recoil is often the reason why people use gas guns in the first place. It offers a life-like experience that’s closest to firing a real weapon.

It happens when the rocket valve moves forward, and the remaining pressure in the nozzle pushes the assembly away from the nozzle and to the BACK of the gun.

The slide assembly moves into the rearward position, so the piston head loses its seal against the nozzle allowing all trapped air to vent out.

Once compression is lost, the nozzle spring resets the nozzle by pushing it to the back of the piston. This allows you to load the next round of BBs into the front of the nozzle. The entire process happens quickly, and although you might not be able to see it, you’ll definitely feel it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blowback pistol?

If you don’t have much experience with airsoft pistols or airsoft weapons in general, it might be a bit tricky for you to understand what blowback is. We’ve discussed the term earlier in this article, but to put it in simpler words, it’s a reaction to the BB firing out of the gun.

Once the BB is fired out the barrel, the remaining pressure creates blowback when returning the components in the starting position where they are ready to fire again.

It all happens so quickly, and although many guns that don’t have it still work very well, it’s a crucial part of your experience. If you were to compare the different types of weapons, you’d notice a clear difference between how gas-operated firearm feels. It’s all thanks to that recoil!

Are electric airsoft guns better than gas?

Well, this is a tricky question but it really depends on what style you have when in game. Lots of people stick to electric because it’s easier to just recharge a battery than to buy a new gas canister. You can’t always get gas canisters on site, and you might have to wait for them to arrive from an online store. As far as accuracy and power goes, they’re fairly similar.

Are co2 BB gun pistols accurate?

When you think about it, blowback always moves your hand and the firearm at least a millimeter. So, it’s only logical people wonder whether that can affect your precision and accuracy.

The answer is no. Although the movement happens, it happens very quickly. People conducted experiments to see and prove what exactly goes on during recoil. Using high-tech cameras that can record high-speed, it was confirmed that the BB is already well out of the gun when the blowback happens, so it’s not any less accurate.

Does temperature affect how the gas performs?

The colder it is, the less effective your gas blowback gun will be because the pressure is lower. This isn’t the end of the world though, and for MOST people playing airsoft, you won’t notice a HUGE difference. Of course if you’re playing somewhere really cold like Russia, you might notice it and want to think about electric guns instead.

Can a blowback pistol be upgraded?

Much like any mechanical system, these can also be upgraded. All of its parts and components can be replaced at any time if you wish to upgrade to something more durable and efficient. However, this is a tricky part, and you have to know the gun, and it’s ways very well.

Disassembling the weapon is a complex process, but putting the pieces back together might be even more complicated. For this reason, you should have a pro do it, or at least someone who’s well-familiar with how gas guns work.

There aren’t many variables, but the entire adventure requires experience, time and lots of patience for testing all the new parts. If you’re ready to do that, change one component at the time and stick with what you’re happy with.

Make sure to test the gun each time you upgrade a specific part just to see the kind of velocity, realism, blowback, and accuracy you got from the new component.

What gas can I use in the pistol?

One thing you have to keep in mind is that you cannot use just about ANY gas. These guns use either green gas or propane, for which you’d need an adapter.

Another option is HFC-134a especially if your gun has plastic sliders. A few others that are less commonly used are red gas and nitrogen.

Still, it’s against the law to use HCFC-22 or “red gas” in the USA because it’s a Class II ozone-depleting substance. It’s been banned since January 1994 under section 610(d) of the Clean Air Act.

Not only it unlawful to use it, but it’s also quite dangerous. Red gas has relatively high critical pressure that can damage the gun breaking its bolt or slide.