What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a modern combat simulation sport that has been around for more than 30 years. In airsoft, players eliminate opponents or practice hitting targets with spherical airsoft pellets that are launched from varying types of airsoft weapons. Airsoft weapons are usually designed to closely replicate the look of real firearms. Tactical gear and other accessories used by modern military and police organizations are also popular in this highly competitive and demanding sport.

Airsoft History
Laws against privately owning real firearms in Japan prompted gun enthusiasts to find a suitable alternative. Airsoft first started in Japan during the late 1970’s to provide this alternative. As a result, early airsoft gun manufacturers focused on producing highly detailed replicas of real firearms. Airsoft’s attention to detail and concentration on realism transpired into game play as well. Many airsoft players use actual military tactics and set up real military scenarios. Military simulation or MilSim events combine military tactics, scenarios, and role playing to replicate an actual battle scene as accurately as possible.

Airsoft spread quickly throughout East Asia while paintball was developing in the U.S. during the early 1980’s. While airsoft normally focuses on realism and MilSim the paintball industry usually avoids direct analogies to the military and war. Paintball game play is normally geared toward a more spectator friendly form of speedball. Airsoft’s popularity quickly spread into Europe and eventually the U.S. Today airsoft is rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. and has won over many paintball players seeking more realistic game play and weapons.

Is Airsoft Right For You?
Airsoft weapons are perfect for anyone who just wants to target practice or even simulate live military tactics. Airsoft guns are often used to train newcomers on firearm safety. The combination of realism, safety, flexibility, and low cost makes airsoft appealing to the average consumer who wants to practice steadying their eye and hand coordination while target shooting. Police and military units have been known to use airsoft guns during their training as safer and less expensive alternative to traditional training methods such as paint rounds and MILES gear.

Is Airsoft Safe?
Airsoft is generally a very safe sport. When compared to paintball, airsoft rounds deliver far less energy when striking a target. An airsoft round weighing .20 grams and traveling at 300 feet per second transfers about 1 joule of energy. A typical paintball round weighing 3.00 grams traveling 300 feet per second transfers about 12 joules. This typically means airsoft BBs cause far less damage. Although airsoft BBs can leave a small welt at close range they are much smaller and generally far less painful than their paintball counterparts.

Airsoft, like any other sport, is extremely safe when proper safety procedures are followed and safety equipment is worn. AirSOCOM recommends the use of an impact resistant full airsoft mask or at the very least airsoft grade safety goggles to protect the delicate tissues of the eyes. When played safely airsoft can be an exhilarating and enjoyable activity.

Laws & Regulation of Airsoft:
The U.S. Department of Trade has approved and specified regulations applicable to airsoft bb guns. The bright orange marking is a federal requirement in commerce: all reputable airsoft manufacturers and dealers must be in compliance with this ruling for legal sales. All airsoft products, foreign or domestic, must meet this regulation. Removal of the tip will also void all warranties and refunds. These regulations are a safety precaution and help avoid confusion of airsoft guns with real firearms.