Exploring Everything You Need To Know About Airsoft

We've all either heard of or have played airsoft at least once in our lives. But how much is it to play airsoft and what do you need to consider before getting involved? In this article, I'll encompass 8-12 pivotal themes you should be aware of before playing airsoft and explore each of them in depth.

What is It?

Airsoft is a sport in which players compete in simulated military or law enforcement style combat. The sport is often compared and sometimes, confused with paintball due to their similar outlooks. Airsoft guns come in a range of shapes and sizes, typically use plastic BB's, and are made to look like real firearms.

History

The history of airsoft can be traced back to Oriental countries in the late 1970s, specifically in Japan where the game began to gain more popularity. There are various theories of how airsoft made it to Japan, however, the most popular one is that the owners of stores who sold American GI's surplus items imported the guns for collectors. At this time, the only way to own an actual gun in Japan was with an expensive hunting license, therefore, airsoft became an attractive alternative.

How Does Airsoft Work?

Generally, airsoft is played in two types of game modes; Skirmishes and Milsim (Military Simulation). Skirmishes are casual games that do not require any specific objectives while Milsim requires players to complete objectives in order to win. Weapons used in airsoft games include replica firearms that shoot plastic BBs. The ammunition varies in size, ranging from 0.12grams to 0.45grams depending on the marker being used.

Safety Considerations

Safety is key when it comes to playing airsoft, and all players should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others around them. All players are required to wear a pair of safety goggles to guard against any potential eye injuries caused by a BB pellet. In addition to this, players are encouraged to wear protective clothing such as gloves, masks, and boots to help protect against bruising and BB ricochet.

What clothing should players wear?

Clothing is an important component when it comes to airsoft safety, and players should consider the following elements: eye protection, face protection, gloves, boots, and helmets. Eye protection is, of course, the most important item of clothing, and players should avoid wearing baggy clothing that can get caught on the gun or interfere with the face mask. As an additional measure, players should also wear hats to prevent BBs from entering the hair line.

Legal Requirements

Since airsoft handguns and rifles fire plastic BBs, the action must meet legal requirements. For example, most countries have a legal limit for the muzzle velocity, which is measured in feet per second (FPS). The standard limit of airsoft equipment is 400 - 500 FPS, however, higher FPS may be allowed in some areas. In most countries, there are also restrictions about where you can play airsoft and what types of BBs can be used.

Practical Considerations

In any game of airsoft, it is essential to properly equip yourself and understand the rules and regulations. One of the most important aspects to consider is the type of gear you should have ready to make the game more enjoyable. This gear should include: appropriate airsoft gear, a BB gun, safety gear, a backpack and water, and the necessary maintenance items.

Appropriate Airsoft Gear

The type of airsoft gear you should look for which fits your field or tactical requirements. For example having a tactical vest to store gear, goggles to protect your eyes, and extra magazines for reloading.

BB Guns

A BB gun is a replica firearm which uses a form of air pressure or electrical power to fire small plastic pellets. BB guns come in a range of shapes and sizes, and can also be classified as either automatic (AEGs) or spring powered (Springers), with each type having its own benefits and drawbacks.

How Much Does Airsoft Cost?

Airsoft can be a relatively expensive activity depending on the type of gear used. To get started you may only need to invest around $50 for the initial gear and BBs, but the cost could add up after a few trips to the store. The most expensive part is usually the equipment such as AEGs or Springers, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more.

Cost Considerations

When budgeting for airsoft, it is important to consider the upfront cost of the equipment and BBs, as well as the continuing expenses of gear maintenance, trip fees, fuel costs, and more. Besides the hard costs, irresponsible airsoft players may end up with fines or fees imposed by field owners for reckless behavior.

Play for Free

If you are short on budget, there are a number of ways to play airsoft for free. One option is to join an informal airsoft group where you can partake in private games without incurring any costs. Additionally, some local fields and stores may occasionally offer free events or discounts. The key is to continually search for any free playing opportunities which may save your budget significantly.

Insights

Airsoft is a great activity to take part in, however, it is important to consider the various costs and safety requirements before taking part. The type of equipment used, such as AEGs and Springers, will influence the overall cost of the activity, and the safety considerations should never be overlooked. If you are on a budget, there are a number of free playing opportunities that can be found online.

Ultimately, whether you're a beginner or a veteran airsoft player there are plenty of how much is it to play airsoft information available that can help you make the most of this sport.

References:

1. https://www.tangodownairsoft.com/blog/entry/history-of-airsoft

2. https://www.military1st.co.uk/airsoft-gear-guide

3. https://www.webbairsoft.com/blog/how-much-does-airsoft-cost

4. https://www.hardairmagazine.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-airsoft