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Airsoft is becoming an increasingly popular team activity. If you’ve heard about this fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping sport, and it piqued your interest, you’re in the right place. It can be challenging to learn more about airsoft for beginners, but we’ve put together all the information you need to get you started.

To learn more about airsoft, you need to know what the sport entails, the safety rules, and the required equipment. You will also need to know how to choose the right game style and weapons for your gameplay style. It would be best if you also took note of the etiquette involved with the game.

Keep reading to start your journey to becoming an airsoft player and also check out our guide to airsoft guns for beginners. 

Understanding Airsoft

In recent years, the sport of airsoft has grown in popularity. Airsoft is a popular sport with millions of fans across the world in which players eliminate one another by shooting each other with guns that fire spherical non-metallic pellets. Gas, electric gearboxes, and manually spring-loaded airsoft guns are all options.

Airsoft began in Japan and moved to the United Kingdom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A pellet does not mark its target and depends on an honor system as part of the sport. When a player is struck, even if no one else sees it, he is expected to call himself out.

People may play airsoft on either an indoor or outdoor field course. There are several game kinds and styles to choose from, each with its own set of circumstances.

You may utilize military tactics, tactical gear, and accessories modeled by those employed by current military and police enforcement organizations in combat techniques. Situations can range from simple to more sophisticated combat gameplay methods, from short-term skirmishes to extended scenarios.

New game kinds regularly emerge, although there are some well-known course and field games.

The sport of airsoft can be broken down into three main elements:

The people that take part in the sport

The apparatus, such as guns and safety equipment

The staging area, where the sport takes place

Almost everyone may enjoy airsoft. Regardless of age or gender, anyone can join as long as they follow the safety guidelines and enter the field with a positive mindset.

Why Do People Enjoy Airsoft?

You might be wondering what it is about airsoft that appeals to so many different individuals. Simply said, warfare has been a feature of human history from the dawn of time. The human obsession with battle has led to the development of war games and simulations over the millennia. Airsoft is a type of "war simulation" in which people use accurate copies of real-life weaponry to reenact military and police events. Keep in mind that when it is played in a proper location, airsoft is a fun and physically challenging activity (such as an airsoft field).   Some people, however, have chosen to brandish their guns as actual firearms and have been killed as a result. Under no circumstances should you take your weapon in public places.

Airsoft Safety

When it comes to airsoft, the word "safety" should be one of the first concerns that come to mind. There are several rules and standards in place to keep you as safe as possible while on the airsoft field. The sort of gear you carry onto the field is a significant element of airsoft safety.

It would be best if you keep the following things in mind in terms of safety:

Make sure you have at least safety glasses; however, a sealed set of safety airsoft goggles is highly suggested (and often essential) to eliminate the danger of a pellet getting in at the correct angle -or a burst of rounds dislodging the glasses and injuring your eye.

To protect your face, you should use a mask or wrap. The skin on your face (and around your lips) is delicate and should be preserved as much as possible. Reenactors or simulators frequently employ a scarf wrap and a military-style helmet to protect the entire head.

These places aren't always necessary to be covered, but you'll quickly regret it if you don't. Gloves, thick clothing, and scarf-like accessories can help keep you comfortable and safe while you play.

Elbow and knee protection will be extremely useful after lying prone on cement for more than 20 minutes.

Most Common Roles On An Airsoft Team

There are many roles to be filled when playing on a team. Below, we will evaluate some of the most commonly referenced roles.

Runner — A designated role assigned before gaming; however, a runner must complete the course without being struck.

Protector - Is highly armed to assist in the team's protection.

Soldier - Fully armed and ready to fight.

Sniper / Specialist - Snipers must be aware of their surroundings and proficient stalkers. Snipers must be masters of camouflage and possess quickness, patience, and subtlety to take down an adversary. A bolt-action spring rifle is the most popular weapon used by snipers, and some wear ghillie camouflage clothing.

Communicators (Squad Referees) — A narrator who relays opponent positions and hits the rest of the team.

Game Referee — The game referee's job is to guarantee that the players follow the game's rules.

Proper Airsoft Etiquette

If you're new to airsoft, there are specific basic respect etiquette standards to observe that may not seem evident at first. For the sake of avoiding any rookie blunders, it's crucial to understand the players' expectations ahead of time.

Game-day etiquette and in-game etiquette are the two basic categories of etiquette.

Game Day Etiquette

The preparation for stepping out onto the field to play is known as game-day etiquette. For the game, you intend to play, read the team's Rules of Engagement (ROE). While most teams have similar rules, there may be adjustments or additions to general regulations and particular game day rules for ordinary circumstances. It is expected of a player to know all of the rules. Be on time, if not early, to ensure that the game begins on schedule. No one will appreciate waiting for you to come or put the mags into your airsoft rifle if you haven't done your homework.

Gameplay Etiquette

It is critical to adhere to all the regulations set forth for the day's game.

There may be ammo limitations; if so, adhere to them. In order to keep the game balanced, load-out limitation restrictions have been implemented.

When snapping a picture, be nice. Consider how far away the goal is and aim for a suitable location. The best shot is a center mass shot, and headshots are generally avoided.

Keep in mind that airsoft is a team sport. Don't try to take on the entire opposing squad by yourself.

Be respectful if you're requested to handle a player's gun. It's not a suggestion that you pass it on to other gamers.

When you're not using your gun, please put it in its bag. Others may feel uneasy when a genuine gun is shown. Those unaware that you have a non-lethal and lawful airsoft gun may call the local law enforcement agency. This is not only a good habit, but it also preserves your equipment and is excellent manners.

Airsoft Equipment

Airsoft weapons mimic contemporary firearms down to the smallest detail, but they are low to moderately powered air guns that fire tiny plastic pellets or "BBs." While the guns may use a spring-loaded piston air pump (players may cycle these guns manually or mechanically) or CO2 canisters, they are all controlled to a PSI that permits them to be used safely.

Even the Olympics use air guns, although the weapons meant for that level of competition shoot at a far faster rate than ordinary ones. When considering the way and strength with which the airsoft gun discharges and the style in which it is held, customer variances emerge. For more information on types of loadouts check out this post on airsoft beginner loadouts.

Airsoft Guns And Gun Styles

There are many different types of airsoft guns on the market today. While people may use some of these terms to describe different qualities when referring to real firearms, these terms used in this context describe the style of various airsoft guns.

Airsoft Pistols

Players can operate these airsoft weapons with just one hand. They are the tiniest of airsoft weapons and typically come in single-shot configurations.

Airsoft Rifles

These are longer airsoft weapons that players must hold with both hands. Single-shot long-range objects (as in a sniper rifle construction) to automatic or selectable burst fire modes are all possibilities. Rifles have the largest variety, and most firearms belong under this category.

Specialized Airsoft Weapons

Airsoft weapons such as a Bullpup type rifle or a submachine gun are also prevalent, although they may not fit neatly under the rifle or pistol nomenclature. These are generally designed around a certain function or position. There are also crew-served machine guns, grenades, and other weapons. Depending on the organizer's regulations, airsoft versions of a wide range of military equipment are permissible. These specialized objects are frequently more costly and made in fewer quantities for more discriminating consumers who want a reproduction of a certain real-world counterpart.

Different Styles Of Airsoft Gun Firing Systems

While many different firing systems exist, most airsoft weapons will fall under one of the three categories discussed below.

Spring Firing System

A spring is used in spring-powered airsoft pistols to propel the BB toward the targeted individual. The pistol must be cocked back - frequently manually - to build up the energy in the spring. There are several electric-controlled alternatives, but these are significantly more costly and overlap with our following category. For first-time participators of the sport, manual spring-powered airsoft weapons are frequently advised. They are simple to operate and dependable. Spring airsoft weapons may range in price from the simplest to the most powerful sniper rifle designs.

Gas Firing System

In terms of realism, these are, in general, the higher-end kind of airsoft. Many gas-powered airsoft rifles have characteristics that mimic the recoil of a real gun. These are ideal for reenactors or anyone who want to recreate a more military-style experience. These airsoft weapons are often heavier and more sophisticated, making them less suitable for beginners. HPA, CO2, or other gas is used in gas-powered airsoft weapons.

Choosing The Right Airsoft Weapon

The airsoft gun that a first-time consumer wants will be different from the airsoft gun that a serious military simulator or even a government agency wants to employ. These are also very different from the Olympic-style airsoft weapons used by target shooters.

Spending some time playing the game is the best method to figure out which gun is ideal for you. Borrow one from a friend and see which play style and skill level with the many airsoft gun varieties suit you best.

Several game styles, rules, and exercises require you to take on various roles.

Close quarters battler (CQB) or long-range shots are the two shooting variants you must consider initially. Both shooting styles are distinct, and each lends itself to a particular airsoft pistol. When trying to clear a room, a long-range, single-shot high-powered spring-powered airsoft gun might not be the best option.

Conclusion

While airsoft seems relatively easy to learn and understand, there are many technicalities involved with the setup and gameplay of this sport. You will need to fully learn about all the rules and expectations of the game, both on and off the field.

Remember, not everyone will use the same weapons or safety equipment, but you need to find what works for you.

The post A Guide To Airsoft For Beginners appeared first on Airsoft Specialists.

Airsoft guns have vastly improved over the years, and there are many different varieties to choose from for the various game formats. To become skilled in the sport, you must understand how your equipment works. Field repairs are common practice, and battling to repair your rifle while the enemy is hunting you down can be deadly. So how do Airsoft rifles work? An Airsoft rifle uses compressed air or gas to propel a 6mm plastic ball bearing (BB) down a long thin barrel. There are four different methods for Airsoft guns to produce compressed air or gas, Airsoft Electric, Spring Powered, Gas Blowback, and high-pressure air. If you are getting into the Airsoft sport and would like to learn more about how an Airsoft rifle works, this article is for you. Read on to find out how these guns work and more.

How Do Airsoft Rifles Work

There are four types of Airsoft rifles in the market today. These are; the Airsoft Electric Gun (AEG), Spring Powered (Springer), Gas Blowback (GBB), and high-pressure air gun (HPA). Each of these types is mechanically different but has a lot of other similarities, as they all propel a plastic ball bearing (BB) down an inner barrel at high speed with air. Airsoft guns must generate their own pressurized air or have a supplementary air supply in the form of a pressure vessel. These differences are what categorize the different guns. Most Airsoft guns will have an inner barrel, hop-up chamber, and hop-up rubber. A BB is pre-loaded into the hop-up chamber from the magazine; when the trigger is depressed, the pressurized air is forced through the hop-up chamber. The air then moves the BB from the chamber and through the barrel.

The Spring Powered Airsoft Gun (Springer)

For a Springer to work, the user manually charges/cocks the rifle. To do this, the user will pull back on the slide on a pistol or pull back on a charging handle on a rifle. Pulling back on the slide compresses a spring with a piston connected to it inside the housing. When the trigger is depressed on the gun, the spring is released and forces the piston down a cylinder forcing the air into the narrow barrel. An easy way to perceive this is to think of a medical syringe. When the slide is pulled back, a guide in front of the nozzle moves back slightly to allow a BB to enter the chamber from the magazine; the guide then closes and seals the chamber. Once the gun has shot the BB out, the slide or charge handle must be pulled back again. Springer guns are usually used in sniper roles where accuracy is more important than speed. The Springer is the most cost-effective out of the four types of airsoft guns, and they work well in all weather conditions.

The Airsoft Electric Gun (AEG)

The AEG platform is the most common Airsoft gun used today.  It uses a battery-operated motor to spin a gearbox to charge the gun instead of manually cocking it.  The advantage of an AEG is the ability to shoot semi-auto or full auto at a fast rate.

An AEG has more moving parts than the Springer, but the spring assembly, piston, and cylinder function the same.  The significant difference lies in the way the AEG charges the spring; this is done with the aid of a gearbox. The following components are used to charge and shoot the gun:

Battery- The battery is housed inside the gun’s body, connected to the motor, and uses the trigger as a switch.

Motor with a pinion gear- The motor spins when the trigger is depressed; a pinion gear is connected to the motor’s shaft and is attached to the bevel gear and rotates it.

A Bevel Gear- The bevel gear will turn slower than the motor, thus creating more torque (power).  It connects to the spur gear and rotates it.

A Spur gear- the spur gear transfers the torque from the bevel gear to the selector gear by changing the gear ratio (RPM)

Selector gear- The selector gear serves many functions.  It moves the tappet plate to allow a BB to enter the hop-up chamber from the magazine.  It moves the piston back, compressing the spring (charging/cocking the gun).  When the selector gear has rotated roughly halfway, it releases the piston allowing the spring to force the piston forward into the cylinder, pushing the air down the barrel.  The selector gear also controls the semi-auto/ full auto function.

Selector clip- The user moves the selector clip, which is located on the side of the gun; depending on the selection, it will either connect a pin to the selector gear for semi-auto (stops after one-shot) or let it run free for full auto (continuous shot). The gearbox and motor are typically mounted in the gun’s handgrip, but this will depend on the gun model as certain guns have it in the main housing.  The battery can be internally or externally mounted on the AEG.

The AEG is favored amongst Airsoft players as many different modifications and upgrades can be done to the internal components.

Airsoft Gas Blowback Guns (GBB)

An Airsoft GBB gun is the most realistic type of gun used in Airsoft. Police and the Military are known for using these GBB guns for training as they operate similar to real firearms. A refillable gas reservoir is situated in the handgrip or stock of the gun. It is filled with a gas known as top gas/green gas and can be filled using a canister (spray can). The GBB must be cocked manually before the first shot to push a BB into the barrel from the magazine; this is done by pulling back the slide of a pistol or charge handle of a rifle (similar to a real firearm). When the trigger is depressed, a knocker pushes on the gas reservoir valve and releases a small amount of gas into the gun’s barrel. The gas then forces the BB down the barrel while the excess gas pushes back on the gun’s slide or charge handle and cocks the gun, making it ready to fire again. GBB guns come in semi-auto or full-auto, and the reservoirs can hold enough gas for 80 and 200 rounds before re-filling is required. The GBB guns do suffer from a cool-down effect from the cold gas caused by rapid shooting, which could cause the gun to lock up. For a more comprehensive comparison check out our post on gas vs electric airsoft guns.

How Accurate Are Airsoft Rifles

The accuracy of an Airsoft gun/rifle is between 120-150 feet, but this is only possible if the gun has the correct inner barrel length, constant air pressure, and a constant BB weight. Accuracy will depend on calibrating the gun, the hop-up rubber setting, and sights.

Airsoft Rifle Hop-Up Adjustment

When the BB is being pushed into the barrel, it brushes against the hop-up rubber; this causes the BB to incur a backspin as it travels down the barrel. The backspin causes the BB into a Magnus effect as it exits the barrel. The Magnus effect creates an opposing force to fight against gravity. It assists the BB in traveling a further distance before dipping downwards. The hop-up dial is situated under an Airsoft rifle's charge/cocking handle. Turning the dial clockwise will increase the hop, and anti-clockwise will decrease the hop effect. A hop-up setting that is too high will make the BB climb as it leaves the barrel, and a too low setting will make the BB dip into the ground. A perfect setting will get the BB to travel relatively straight for at least 75 feet before it dips.

Airsoft Rifle Barrel Length

A longer inner barrel does not necessarily mean better accuracy or a higher Foot-Per-Second (FPS) rating. Most barrels between 280mm – 300mm are perfect for achieving the max 350FPS Limit. A longer barrel might decrease the stability of the BB as it leaves the barrel. Most manufacturers will have a barrel length best suited to the type of rifle they produce. An airsoft rifle that has been vigorously upgraded to deliver more power will require a lot of testing to get the correct barrel length before utilizing the added power.

What Do The Airsoft Rifle Specifications Mean?

If you consider purchasing an Airsoft rifle, then a few specifications will allow you to compare the different rifles. The Specs will assist you in understanding the performance of the gun. The following are a few basic terms that you will find on the rifle; these are:

The Weight of the Rifle

The rifle’s weight is essential, as it will need to be carried throughout the game. A lighter rifle will be more maneuverable than a heavier one, but this will depend on how the gun is being used. The durability and strength of a gun will depend on the material it is constructed from; an all-metal housing is more durable but will weigh more than a plastic housing.

The Rifle Magazine Capacity

A higher capacity magazine will hold more BBs, resulting in less time reloading. Most Airsoft gun magazines are swappable so that most players will have two or three full magazines on them instead of re-filling.

The Airsoft Rifles Caliber

The caliber will be the size of the BB that the rifle can use. Most Airsoft rifles will use a 6mm BB and are available in different weights to suit specific rifles with higher joule ratings.

The Rifle’s Rate Of Fire

The rate of fire (ROF) is the amount of BBs that the rifle can shoot in a specific time frame. A typical measurement will be rounds shot per minute in a full-auto gun.

The Power Of An Airsoft Rifle

The speed that the BB leaves the barrel relates to the power of the Airsoft rifle. The speed is measured in feet per second (fps), and the energy at the end of the barrel is measured in joule. (1 joule is equivalent to 328fps)

Airsoft Rifle Accessories

Many accessories are available for airsoft rifles, including lasers, torches, and scopes. Below is a brief explanation of the common accessories.

Torches And Laser Sights For Airsoft Rifles

Most assault-style rifles will have attachment rails on them; most commonly will be the under-barrel rail. An under-barrel rail is perfect for attaching a torch to illuminate a target in the dark areas and making it easier to aim. Laser sights will display a small dot to show where the BB will go; if the laser is sighted correctly, it will significantly improve your aim.

Airsoft Scopes And Red Dot Sights

Most sniper rifles will have a rail on top of the gun for a scope. A scope will improve your accuracy over a long distance but is not helpful in a close combat situation. A red dot is similar to a scope but does not have the zoom ability. A red dot sight creates a larger aiming window than the standard sights. Many pistols can accept this accessory, speeding up aiming and improving accuracy.

Conclusion

An airsoft rifle propels a plastic ball bearing down a barrel towards a target by using pressurized air or gas. There a four common Airsoft gun types that use different methods to launch the BB down the barrel, they are: Airsoft Electric Gun (AEG), Spring Powered (Springer), Gas Blowback (GBB), and high-pressure air gun (HPA) Airsoft players can do numerous settings to their Airsoft rifles, such as improving accuracy and gaining more distance. With many accessories that can be added to your rifle, personalizing it to your specification is easy. It will improve your shot, so get out and enjoy the skirmish!

The post How Do Airsoft Rifles Work appeared first on Airsoft Specialists.