What are Airsoft guns?

Airsoft guns are what Airsoft players use when carrying out the activity. They are used as a way to eliminate players on the opposing team and come in many variants and types.

What do Airsoft guns shoot?

Airsoft guns shoot BB's. Small plastic ball bearings. 6 mm in diameter, spherical projectiles that are solid in construction and do not burst on impact.

Is Airsoft Legal?

Airsoft guns are legal in many parts of the world, including the UK, however there are some restrictions. If you are aged over 18, it is possible to buy an Airsoft gun, however if you are unregistered it must have two colour tones, which will distinguish it from a real firearm. For those looking for a single tone gun, you will need to be registered with a skirmish site, as realistic imitation firearms can only be sold to registered Airsoft skirmishers or other approved groups.

Is Airsoft Safe?

Of course Airsoft is an enjoyable and safe sport and there are strict rules in place which ensure player safety and to avoid any potential risks. The most significant risk is the possibility of being shot in a damaging place, like the eyes or teeth. Full face protection is always recommended, however when using Airsoft guns in any manner the bare minimum you should have is eye protection like shooting glasses that are rated for ballistic protection. As long as it is enjoyed responsibly, Airsoft is no more dangerous than other hobby or sport.

Can Children Play Airsoft?

Although you need to be 18 to purchase an Airsoft gun, and it is an offence for a person younger than 18 to purchase one, having a parent or guardian purchase one for younger players to use is not. Most Airsoft sites will have a minimum age, but this can differ from site to site. Some sites will be 18 and over where others will allow from 12 or 14 and some will allow younger under supervision. It is extremely important that younger players are taught how to safely handle and operate Airsoft equipment and the importance of protective equipment. We recommend younger individuals are supervised, even if using at home.

What is UKARA?

UKARA or The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association is a database that retailers can access to check the defence of Airsoft players once they have gained membership at a local site. UKARA is not a licence, and there is no such thing as a licence for Airsoft related purchases. Your site membership is the defence required, and the UKARA database is a quick way for retailers to check and verify players.

What Is A Two Tone Gun?

Two-tone Airsoft guns are available for those who are not registered at an Airsoft club or site. These guns are usually painted before shipping, unless they are manufactured as two-tone from the factory. The principal colour should be significantly different from a real firearm. Typically, 50% of the gun should be painted and could be a range of colours like blue, red, bright green, purple and gold. The colour has to be a bright colour. It is worth noting that it is a criminal offence to alter an imitation firearm, so that it seems more realistic. This means that two-tone guns cannot be repainted until gaining your local site membership.

What Is FPS?

FPS is the abbreviation of "Feet Per Second" which is the measurement used to record the velocity of a BB. It is the most common way to measure an Airsoft gun's power, however some sites now chrono guns using joules instead as it is a more accurate way to measure a gun's power. That being said, most FPS readouts on websites will have a figure that has been measured with a 0.2g BB. The usual power limits for Airsoft sites are approximately 350fps for electric guns or guns that can fire full auto, approximately 400-450fps for any semi auto only rifles and 500fps for bolt action sniper rifles.

What Is ROF?

The term ROF is used to describe the rate of fire and measures the number of rounds a gun can fire either in a second which is RPS "Rounds Per Second" or in a minute which is RPM "Rounds Per Minute".

What Is A Hop-up?

A Hop-up is a system fitted into most but not all Airsoft guns to apply backspin to the BB as it leaves the barrel. This creates what is called the Magnus effect. It reduces the effects of gravity to increase flight time and range of the BB. It also allows you to adjust the amount for heavier or lighter BB's.

What are the most common Airsoft BB weights?

There are many common weights but the most common are 0.20g, 0.25g, 0.30g, 0.4g & 0.5g with many weights in between and many types also.

What Airsoft BB weight is used for chronoing at Airsoft sites?

The standard 0.20g BB is what is most commonly used, however most Airsoft sites are changing how they measure an Airsoft gun's power and chronoing in joules with the weight the player uses and using a chart to determine safe limits.

How is Airsoft gun muzzle velocity calculated?

The muzzle velocity of an Airsoft gun involves kinetic energy and uses a physics formula of Ek = 1/2mv2. (Ek) is kinetic energy. (m) is the mass in kilograms of the Airsoft BB. (v) is the velocity in meters per second. The velocity is squared. The mass times velocity squared is divided by one half.

How is kinetic energy converted to Joules for Airsoft guns

The kinetic energy of Airsoft guns is usually measured in units of Joules (J) where one Joule of energy is equal to 1kgm2/s2.

What is Joule creep?

Joule creep is where an Airsoft gun shoots a lighter 0.20g BB at around 1 joule for example but then when a heavier BB is introduced like a 0.30g BB the joule output is increased. This is joule creep, as the Joule output is creeping up with heavier ammo.

What types of Airsoft guns have Joule creep?

Airsoft guns which are capable of Joule creep typically have an excess of air or propellant compared to the volume of air in the barrel. Because of this, gas guns, Electric guns with over volumed cylinders, Bolt action snipers and HPA systems are all susceptible to experiencing Joule creep.

Why does Joule creep matter?

Joule creep can increase the range of Airsoft guns creating unfair and dangerous gameplay as the gun may pass chrono on a lighter weight but on the higher weights being used it will be over the field limit and quite possibly over the legal limit. This has led to Airsoft sites now testing the guns using Joules instead of FPS as it is a far more accurate and safer way to check the guns being used in Airsoft games.