What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a sport similar to paintball in that players aim to eliminate other players in either team or individual based games. The players aim to do this by firing 6mm plastic BBs (Ball Bearings) or sometimes 8mm plastic BBs at each other.
Airsoft as a sport is based more on realism as the weapons that you use are 1:1 replicas of real world weapons such as M4s, AK47s and M14s. Following on from this, players like to match their kit to their weapons and often spend money getting the perfect 'Load Out' to match the weapon that they have. Most players just enjoy wearing some camo and having a weapon that they like the look of and others play purely for the pleasure of it.
The weapons come in several different varieties. The first and most common is the AEG. (Automatic Electric Gun) This is your standard weapon that most airsofters own. Just about any weapon you can think of, there is an airsoft version to match. The AEGs come with three firing modes: Safe, Semi Auto (One trigger pull, one shot) and Full Automatic (hold the trigger down and the AEG keeps firing until you run out of ammo). AEGs fire at relatively low speeds, fast enough to be felt, but slow enough not to hurt unless on bare skin. Some Chinese made AEGs may need a downgrade to be allowed to be used on UK sites.
The second type of weapon is the bolt action weapon. These are most commonly sniper rifles. With these weapons you have to cock the rifle using a bolt that is connected to a spring. At the same time the bolt loads the next BB to be fired. You pull the trigger to shoot and then repeat the process for another shot. These fire at higher speeds than AEGs, but also have to adhere to an engagement range of around 30 feet to ensure that no injury is caused to anyone.
The third type of weapon is bolt action again, but these work on Gas. By using gas they are easier to cock and fire as there is no spring to lock into a firing position. The disadvantage here is that they are sometimes unreliable in the winter, and can be too powerful in the summer due to gas expanding in heat. This type of weapon is commonly more expensive than standard bolt action weapons.
Other weapons include pistols and shotguns, these also come in many varieties which are worth researching. Players will usually adopt a role which they enjoy whether it is assault, grenadier, support gunner, sniper etc.
The games that are played in airsoft are based more so in reality than in paintball, as a scenario is often given to the gaming day that adds realism and objectives to the games. Unlike paintball, in each game you play the entire playing area is allowed to be used and not sectioned off into gaming 'arenas'. This also helps to add to the realism of the day.
Airsoft is based on a long standing honour system. All players must accept their hits and make all players aware of this as BBs do not leave any paint, residue or lasting marks. Airsoft by nature is more realistic, tactical and allows for extreme enjoyment and complete absorption into the scenario. Airsoft is a team sport with a loyal following of players, sites and manufacturers that will continue to evolve as time goes on. The games are bound by rules in every circumstance, so stick to them.
Airsoft is meant to be enjoyed, give it a go. You might just love it!
Airsoft as a sport is based more on realism as the weapons that you use are 1:1 replicas of real world weapons such as M4s, AK47s and M14s. Following on from this, players like to match their kit to their weapons and often spend money getting the perfect 'Load Out' to match the weapon that they have. Most players just enjoy wearing some camo and having a weapon that they like the look of and others play purely for the pleasure of it.
The weapons come in several different varieties. The first and most common is the AEG. (Automatic Electric Gun) This is your standard weapon that most airsofters own. Just about any weapon you can think of, there is an airsoft version to match. The AEGs come with three firing modes: Safe, Semi Auto (One trigger pull, one shot) and Full Automatic (hold the trigger down and the AEG keeps firing until you run out of ammo). AEGs fire at relatively low speeds, fast enough to be felt, but slow enough not to hurt unless on bare skin. Some Chinese made AEGs may need a downgrade to be allowed to be used on UK sites.
The second type of weapon is the bolt action weapon. These are most commonly sniper rifles. With these weapons you have to cock the rifle using a bolt that is connected to a spring. At the same time the bolt loads the next BB to be fired. You pull the trigger to shoot and then repeat the process for another shot. These fire at higher speeds than AEGs, but also have to adhere to an engagement range of around 30 feet to ensure that no injury is caused to anyone.
The third type of weapon is bolt action again, but these work on Gas. By using gas they are easier to cock and fire as there is no spring to lock into a firing position. The disadvantage here is that they are sometimes unreliable in the winter, and can be too powerful in the summer due to gas expanding in heat. This type of weapon is commonly more expensive than standard bolt action weapons.
Other weapons include pistols and shotguns, these also come in many varieties which are worth researching. Players will usually adopt a role which they enjoy whether it is assault, grenadier, support gunner, sniper etc.
The games that are played in airsoft are based more so in reality than in paintball, as a scenario is often given to the gaming day that adds realism and objectives to the games. Unlike paintball, in each game you play the entire playing area is allowed to be used and not sectioned off into gaming 'arenas'. This also helps to add to the realism of the day.
Airsoft is based on a long standing honour system. All players must accept their hits and make all players aware of this as BBs do not leave any paint, residue or lasting marks. Airsoft by nature is more realistic, tactical and allows for extreme enjoyment and complete absorption into the scenario. Airsoft is a team sport with a loyal following of players, sites and manufacturers that will continue to evolve as time goes on. The games are bound by rules in every circumstance, so stick to them.
Airsoft is meant to be enjoyed, give it a go. You might just love it!