Airsoft is a team game which participants eliminate opposing team players with Airsoft guns which fire a small 6mm in diameter plastic ball referred to as a "BB". The activity is very similar to Paintball in its concept and gameplay however that is where the similarities end. In Airsoft the projectiles are solid and do not leave any marking behind like paintball. Due to this the hobby is honour based and upon being struck with a BB you are expected to call "Hit" and take yourself to a respawn area or await a medic depending on the game rules. Protective gear is essential and full face protection is highly recommended by all sites although the bare minimum is eye protection.

Airsoft Guns are Replicas

With Airsoft the replica guns used are extremely more realistic when compared to paintball. Because of this the laws in the UK are very clear but can sometimes be misunderstood. You must be over 18 to purchase and the guns are sold as "two tone" where half of the gun is painted a bright colour (Usually blue,red or green) to signify it being a replica and not real. That being said you can gain an exemption from this ruling by either being a member of a local Airsoft site or attending a number of times and gaining a recognised number like a UKARA number. There are many different defences one can acquire. Once this defence has been acquired you can purchase the guns in their original colour but not before you gain this defence.

Airsoft Strategies

Airsoft gameplay varies massively depending on the Airsoft site or event being attended to. Most sites run day events multiple times a month with some also doing 24 hour events to full weekends where you start on a Friday and finish on a Sunday. The scenarios can be quick games like capture the flag, team deathmatch, attack and defend and fallback scenarios to indepth military simulation with more complex rules and objectives.

Before you Start

Before the game starts if you are using your own gear and not hiring the equipment the guns velocity or "FPS" (Feet Per Second) will be checked to make sure the gun is safe for use on the site. THis is done by firing a few rounds through a device called a chronograph which checks the speed the BB is travelling at in feet per second (FPS). That being said some sites now check the guns joule output instead of FPS as it is a more accurate way of measuring the guns power. Those using higher powered guns like bolt action snipers or semi auto only DMR's (Designated Marksman Rifle) usually have a minimum engagement distance due to the increased power output they usually have. This is usually 20-30 metres but can differ from site to site.

Airsoft Replicas

The replicas used can be powered in many different ways. The most common would be battery powered airsoft guns referred to as AEG (Automatic Electric Gun). Other power sources are gas powered guns which use a propane mixture more commonly called "green gas", Spring powered which are usually bolt action snipers and HPA (High Pressure Air) where they are powered by a compressed air tank similar to paintball.

What are Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns are not to be confused with "Airguns" which fire metal projectiles for hunting and target shooting at much higher velocities. Airsoft guns should be treated like real guns from a safety aspect to minimise accidental and negligent discharges. They should also not be shown or used in a public place due to their realistic appearance and being mistaken for a real firearm. If an airsoft gun is used in a proper environment with the appropriate protective gear they are perfectly safe to use and many youngsters and adults enjoy the activity safely up and down the UK every week.