How Airsoft Gun Works Exploring Mechanics

Introduction

From CSGO to Call of Duty, airsoft guns are widely popular in the gun enthusiast circles. Airsoft guns are spring-powered, which means they use compressed air to fire their projectiles, most commonly 6 mm plastic BBs. Whether you're a beginner or a pro in this field, it's crucial to understand how airsoft guns work so that you keep yourself and your fellow players safe. This article will introduce and dive deep into 8-12 most relevant topics about the basic mechanism of airsoft guns.

Basic Parts of an Airsoft Gun

The most basic components of an airsoft gun are the cells, receiver, stock, barrel, hop up, and other external components. Every airsoft gun functions differently, yet the external parts usually keep the same. So in this topic, we will discuss what these components are and how they work together to form a functioning gun.

Cell

The cell is the engine of the airsoft gun. It provides the energy required to shoot the bbs. It gets its power from two sources, either AEG (automated electric gun) or gas-powered sources. AEGs use a motor to pump compression and to propel the bb. On the other hand, the gas sources use C02 or HPA for propulsion. These cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all of which determine the speed of the bb shots and the rate of fire.

Receiver

The receiver is the housing unit for the inner parts of the gun. It's the main body where the stock, barrel, and other external components attach to. Reinforced polymer or metal are some of the commonly seen materials used for the receiver. It commonly comes as an upper and lower receiver parts, depending on the type of gun. Also, it has the trigger and trigger guard installed.

Stock

The stock is the part of the gun where the cell and receiver attach. This is where you will usually put the battery or other gas sources for the gun to function. It houses the wiring and internals for the shooters to be able to fire the gun. Depending on the type of gun, stocks come with varying capacity and adjustability, while keeping the gun sturdy and comfortable for operation.

Barrel

The barrel of the gun is responsible for shooting the bb and is also considered as where the accuracy comes from. It's a long cylindrical part usually made of metal and connected to the receiver. It often comes in various lengths, so you can pick one according to your range preferences. For understanding the firing mechanism of the barrel, there are specific topics that need detailed discussion.

Hop-up

The hop-up system is one of the most important parts on an airsoft gun. This part is responsible for the bb's backspin and accuracy. It creates a backspin by pushing on the softer plastic bbs, which in turn keeps them stable in the air while increasing their range and accuracy. Hop-ups come in several varieties, each designed to work with a specific type of bb.

External Components

External components of airsoft guns are mostly used to customize the gun's performance. Some of these components are sights, scope, barrel extensions, and other accessories. Sights help players to better their aiming accuracy, while scopes improve the shooter's zoom capabilities. On the other hand, barrel extensions are great for improving accuracy and range.

Upper And Lower Pistons

Upper and lower pistons are more internal components that form the basis of an airsoft gun. These pistons contain a spring that applies pressure to the BB when the trigger is pulled. After the BB is fired, the piston gets reset in its original position only to start the process again.

The Working Process of an Airsoft Gun

Understanding the working process of an airsoft gun is the key to maintaining safety and getting the most out of each shot. This process is based on three main principles:

1. Air Compression

2. Hardening

3. Shooting

Air Compression

Compressing the air is an essential part of the working process. Without the air compression, the gun won't be able to shoot. To do this, either a C02 or HPA is used as the power source. Diversion valves direct and release the compressed air to the lower piston, propelling the BB in the process.

Hardening

Think of hardness like a gun's safety. It's important that the BB is hard enough, so it doesn't break when shot from the gun. When a gun is cocked, the pressure from the lower piston pushes the BB against a hard surface, giving it the needed hardness. This hardness, in turn, gives the BB accuracy and range.

Shooting

Once the BB is cocked and given hardness, it's ready to be shot out of the barrel. When the trigger is pulled, the lower piston is released, compressing the air from the source and propelling the BB out of the gun.

Accessories

When it comes to airsoft guns, accessories and upgrades are one of the best ways to customize and improve the performance of your gun. Some of the most common upgrades and accessories are scopes, bipods, suppressors, stocks, slings, and batteries.

Safety Protocols

Lastly, there are certain safety protocols that every airsoft shooter must follow to ensure a safe game. This includes wearing the proper protective gear, abiding by the rules of the game, and never pointing your airsoft gun at someone you're not sure is an active participant in the game.

Conclusion

Understanding how airsoft guns work is essential to keeping everyone safe in the game. In this article, we've taken a look at eight of the most important topics related to airsoft guns. We discussed the basic parts of a gun, the working process, the upgrades, and the safety protocols. With this basic knowledge under your belt, you're ready to get out there and play.