Beginner's Guide to Airsoft
Everything You Need to Know to Begin for a Pleasant Experience and a Competitive Edge.
What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a game/sport in which participants use replicas of real, non-lethal firearms and camouflage equipment.
In short, it simulates a conflict or different military scenarios, applying military tactics in a controlled, organized setting, with the goal of each player being to eliminate individuals from the opposing team.
What kind of ammunition is used in airsoft?
Airsoft replicas are equipped with internal barrels of 6 mm and are compatible with 6 mm plastic pellets weighing between 0.20 g and 0.50 g.
What is the minimum age to play airsoft?
You can purchase airsoft replicas starting from 18 years old. There are also replica models designed for those under 18, but parental consent is required for purchase. The age to join an airsoft team remains at the discretion of each team.
What do I need to play Airsoft?
You need airsoft replicas and protective equipment.
What replica is suitable for playing airsoft?
Depending on the rules of each team, replicas must meet certain power-speed parameters. To better understand which replica suits you, you need to know how they work. Depending on the mechanism they're based on, replicas are divided into three categories:
Electric replicas are based on a motor driven by a battery. All internal components are powered by an electrical system. They are preferred for airsoft games due to their tactical, realistic design, and semi-automatic and automatic firing capabilities.
Types of electric replicas: assault rifles like M4, AK, G36, MP5, etc., as well as electric pistols.
Depending on the brand, internal components, and other extra options, the price of replicas varies. The standard speed of electric replicas ranges from 60-70 m/s for pistols to 110-120 m/s for assault rifles.
Gas-powered replicas (Green Gas and CO2)
Gas-powered replicas use a simple system where the propulsion of the pellet is based on the pressure of the gas. Gas systems are divided into two categories:
Green Gas, operating based on a special gas designed for airsoft replicas. Gas replicas are more sensitive to temperature changes; their pressure and power decrease at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
CO2 capsules, 12 g carbon dioxide, inserted into the replicas' magazines. These have higher pressure, imparting higher speed to the replicas.
Some gas replicas feature blowback, offering a more realistic sensation. Others lack this option, making them more economical.
They are suitable for target shooting, sports shooting, and airsoft games, but only if they comply with the team's regulations.
Types of replicas: pistols, some sniper models, grenade launchers. The standard speed of gas-powered replicas ranges from 70 m/s to 150 m/s.
Spring-powered replicas
Spring-powered or manual replicas operate on a simple mechanism where an spring is compressed upon cocking and decompressed upon trigger action. That pressure propels the pellet with a certain force. Replicas need to be cocked before each shot. They are preferred in airsoft games by those who prefer the role of a sniper or for target shooting.
Types of replicas: sniper rifles, sniper rifles, as well as pistol replicas.
The standard speed of spring-powered replicas ranges from 60 m/s to 170 m/s. Some models can be upgraded.
What protective equipment do I need to use an airsoft replica?
Goggles - represent a minimum requirement to participate in an airsoft game or simple target shooting, as they protect the most sensitive part of the face.
Mask - with a full-face or half-face design, it's an important accessory because the face and teeth are exposed in airsoft games.
Clothing - To participate in airsoft games, you need a uniform that matches military activity but also protects you. Regardless of the outside temperature, the body must be protected from direct impact with pellets because the ratio of speed to distance can cause minor injuries and bruising.
Other accessories that will protect you in airsoft games include:
- helmets
- gloves
- knee pads
- elbow pads
- tactical vests
When choosing your replicas and protective equipment, consider the weight of the entire ensemble; if you're too loaded, you'll move more slowly on the field, tire more quickly, and lose mobility.
Safety Measures
Airsoft replicas are not lethal, but they can cause injuries if certain rules are not followed. The goal of the game is to have fun without getting hurt or hurting anyone.
Consider the following recommendations:
- Do not look into the barrel of a replica.
- Always keep the replica pointed in a safe direction.
- Always treat the replica as if it were loaded.
- Store the replica properly (without pellets, battery).
Where can I play airsoft?
Airsoft is practiced in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether it's an organized game or target shooting, the space must be private, controlled, and inaccessible to the public. Organized teams play in various locations such as abandoned factory ruins, forests, or specially arranged and rented bases.
How do I choose the right replica?
It's very important to choose a replica that suits you, both in design and performance. See what types of replicas are available on the market and answer the following questions:
- In what context will I use it? For target shooting or to participate in organized games?
- What budget do I have available? Both for purchase and for operation (consumables, pellets, gas)
- Do I want to take my passion to a pro level or consider it an occasional recreational activity?
- Do I prefer standard performance or do I want to upgrade it?
Code of Honor for Airsoft Players
Airsoft is based on fair play. For things to go smoothly, all participants need to follow a set of rules:
- Each player confirms every time they are hit.
- Each player respects the outfit and rules of the team they belong to.
- Each player will respect the technical requirements related to the replica's power, pellet weight, firing mode.
- Each player will give the other a chance to retaliate, so they will not only expose the replica (from behind corners, walls, or other objects within the action frame).
- Each player will use the laser or flashlight strictly to aim better, not to direct them towards another player's eyes.
- Each player will have a polite behavior and language that does not incite verbal or physical violence during the game.
Is it legal to own airsoft replicas?
Owning airsoft replicas does not require authorization from the Police, as they are classified by law as devices intended for entertainment and sport.
To comply with current laws, consult Law 295/2004 on arms and ammunition supplemented by Law No. 117 of 15.06.2011 ( for Romania - we suggest to look it. Depending on the country your in, the law might differ ).
If you own an airsoft replica, here are some recommendations to follow to avoid legal problems:
- Store the replica in a safe place, unloaded.
- Do not leave the replica within reach of children.
- Transport the replica only in cases or transport boxes.
- Do not display it in public places, as they can be mistaken for real weapons.
- Do not use the airsoft replica as a means of self-defense.
- Use the replica in specially arranged spaces
Dictionary of Terms
Types of Airsoft Replicas:
- A.E.G. - Automatic Electric Gun: Electric automatic firearm.
- A.E.P. - Automatic Electric Pistol: Electric automatic pistol.
- G.B.B. - Gas Blowback: Gas-operated firearm with recoil.
- G.N.B. - Gas Non Blowback: Gas-operated firearm without recoil.
- G.B.B.R. - Gas Blowback Rifle: Gas-operated assault rifle with recoil.
- S.M.G. - Short Machine Gun: Small-sized automatic firearm.
- S.A.W. - Squad Automatic Weapon: Automatic firearm for squad use.
- L.M.G. - Large Automatic Gun: Large-sized automatic firearm.
- H.P.A. - High Pressure Air system: Reference for certain replicas operating on compressed air.
Types of Games:
- CQB (Close Quarters Battle): Played indoors, with replicas whose power is limited.
- Woodland: Requires a minimum of 20 participants; played in open spaces - forests, fields, hills - with the application of military strategies.
- Urban: A mix of CQB and Woodland. Large number of participants; played both indoors and outdoors.
Technical Terms:
- Hop-Up: Effect of spinning the pellet which helps it travel a longer distance with better accuracy.
- Blow-back: Or recoil, that front-back movement of the slide.
- Ni-Cd: Nickel-Cadmium batteries.
- Ni-MH: Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.
- Li-Po: Lithium Polymer batteries.
General Terms:
- M.E.D. - Minimal Engagement Distance: The minimum distance for engagement.
- Mil-Sim - Simulation as accurately as possible of actions undertaken by military personnel.
- L.A.R.P. - Live action role-playing game.
- Respawn - Location where the player re-enters the field.
Until next time, the Oqtagon Airsoft team wishes you good luck with airsoft!
Translation is automatic and may contain errors.
