Beginner's Guide to Airsoft


Everything you need to know to get started and enjoy a fun experience with a competitive edge.

What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a game/sport where participants use replicas of real, non-lethal weapons and camouflage equipment.
In short, it simulates a conflict or various military scenarios, implementing tactics in a controlled and organized setting. Each player’s goal is to eliminate individuals from the opposing team.

What kind of ammunition is used in airsoft?
Airsoft replicas are equipped with 6 mm inner barrels and are compatible with 6 mm plastic BBs 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 models suitable for those under 18, but parental consent is required for purchase. Entry age into an airsoft team depends on each team’s rules.

What do I need to play Airsoft?
You need airsoft replicas and protective gear.

What replica is suitable for playing airsoft?
Depending on each team’s rules, replicas must meet specific power-speed parameters.
To understand what type of replica suits you best, you need to know how it works.
Based on their mechanism, replicas are divided into three categories:

Electric Replicas (AEG)
Electric-powered replicas use a motor driven by a battery.
All internal components are operated through an electric system.
They are preferred in airsoft games due to their tactical and realistic design and their semi and full-auto shooting performance.

Types of electric replicas: assault rifles such as M4, AK, G36, MP5, etc., and electric pistols.
Depending on brand, internal components, and extra features, prices vary.
Standard speed for electric replicas:

  • Pistols: 60-70 m/s

  • Assault rifles: 110-120 m/s

Gas-powered Replicas (Green Gas and CO2)
Gas replicas feature a simple system where BBs are propelled by gas pressure.
There are two categories:

  • Green Gas: uses specially formulated gas for airsoft replicas.
    Gas replicas are more sensitive to temperature changes; their pressure and power decrease below 10°C.

  • CO2 capsules: 12 g carbon dioxide cartridges inserted in the magazine.
    These have higher pressure and result in greater velocity.

Some gas replicas have blowback, providing a realistic shooting sensation. Others don’t, making them more economical.
They are suitable for target shooting, sports shooting, and airsoft games—only if within team rules.

Replica types: pistols, some sniper models, grenade launchers.
Standard speed for gas replicas: 70 m/s to 150 m/s.

Spring-powered Replicas
Spring or manual replicas work on a simple mechanism—compressing a spring when cocked, and releasing it when the trigger is pulled.
That pressure propels the BB.
These replicas must be cocked before each shot.
They are preferred by players who like the sniper role or enjoy target practice.

Replica types: sniper rifles, sniper pistols.
Standard speed: 60 m/s to 170 m/s. Some models can be upgraded.

What protective gear do I need to use an airsoft replica?

  • Goggles – the minimum requirement to participate in airsoft games or even simple target shooting, as the eyes are the most sensitive area.

  • Mask – full face or half face designs protect the face and teeth.

  • Clothing – Wear military-style clothing that also offers protection. Regardless of outside temperature, your body needs protection from direct BB impact, which can cause bruises or small injuries.

Other useful accessories:
• Helmets
• Gloves
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads
• Tactical vests

When choosing your replica and protective gear, consider the total weight. Being overloaded will slow you down, make you tired faster, and reduce mobility.

Safety Measures
Airsoft replicas are non-lethal but can still cause injury if safety rules aren’t followed.
The purpose is to have fun without harming yourself or others.

Important recommendations:
• Don’t look into the barrel of a replica.
• Always point the replica in a safe direction.
• Always treat the replica as if it’s loaded.
• Store the replica properly (without BBs or battery).

Where can I play airsoft?
Airsoft can be played indoors or outdoors.
Whether organized games or target shooting, the space must be private, controlled, and inaccessible to the public.
Organized teams play in various locations: abandoned factories, forests, or rented fields.

How do I choose the right replica?
It’s important to choose a replica suitable for you in both design and performance.
Check what types of replicas are available and ask yourself:
• In what context will I use it? Target shooting or organized games?
• What is my budget? (for both purchase and operation – BBs, gas, etc.)
• Is this a casual hobby or a serious passion?
• Do I want standard performance or plan to upgrade?

Airsoft Players' Code of Honor
Airsoft is based on fair play.

To keep things running smoothly, all participants must follow a set of rules:
• Every player confirms when they’re hit.
• Every player respects their team’s dress code and rules.
• Every player complies with technical requirements: replica power, BB weight, firing mode.
• Every player gives opponents a chance to respond—don't expose just the replica from behind cover.
• Lasers and flashlights are for aiming only—not to blind others.
• Maintain polite behavior and avoid verbal or physical aggression during games.

Is it legal to own airsoft replicas?
Owning airsoft replicas does not require police authorization. They are legally classified as devices for entertainment and sport.

To comply with the law, consult Romanian Law 295/2004 on weapons and ammunition, amended by Law 117/2011.

Recommendations:
• Store your replica safely and unloaded.
• Keep it out of children’s reach.
• Transport only in bags or cases.
• Do not display in public—it may be mistaken for a real weapon.
• Do not use it for self-defense.
• Use it in designated, private areas.
• Only use recommended BBs and consumables.

Glossary of Terms

Airsoft Replica Types
A.E.G. - Automatic Electric Gun
A.E.P. - Automatic Electric Pistol
G.B.B. - Gas Blowback
G.N.B. - Gas Non Blowback
G.B.B.R. - Gas Blowback Rifle
S.M.G. - Short Machine Gun
S.A.W. - Squad Automatic Weapon
L.M.G. - Large Machine Gun
H.P.A. - High Pressure Air system

Game Types
CQB – Close Quarters Battle (indoor) with low-power replicas
Woodland – Outdoor, requires at least 20 participants, applies military strategy
Urban – Mix of CQB and Woodland, played inside and outside buildings

Technical Terms
Hop-Up – Backspin on the BB for better range and accuracy
Blowback – Slide movement mimicking recoil
Ni-Cd – Nickel-Cadmium batteries
Ni-MH – Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries
Li-Po – Lithium Polymer batteries

General Terms
M.E.D. – Minimal Engagement Distance
Mil-Sim – Military Simulation
L.A.R.P. – Live Action Role-Playing
Respawn – Re-entry location for players