Have you ever thought that your sports hobbies like baseball, basketball, or football are too common? Why don't you try something new? If you're a type of person that seeks a pure adrenaline rush, mind blowing suspense action, strategy, and tactics, Airsoft is right for you!
Airsoft is a game where you use Guns, not the real ones, but the Airsoft Gun that is powered by compressed air, manual spring or bolt action, or electrically powered gearbox. They are replicas of the real fire arms like the M16 Armalite, AK47, and PSG 1 sniper, but even they are replicas, they feels like real! Especially those of full metal types where the body of the Gun is mostly made of metal. In the game, you play as a team in a particular battlefield, the goal of the game is to eliminate the opposing players by hitting them by your gun with plastic pellets (commonly called BB's) usually at .20 grams measuring 6mm in diameter, yes! It's plastic because metallic ones can cause severe injury when it hits a person. Airsoft players can organize meetings and game in specialized battlefields adapted to feature bunkers, walls, providing realistic battle scenarios. When in combat in the field, it often involves common military tactics, applying appropriate strategy with the aid of useful battle gears. Back in 1970's, Airsoft started in Japan, they started to manufacture non- lethal gun replicas that fires calibers of plastic or rubber BB's. It was at first all spring powered but improved into gas- powered ones.
How you play the game usually employs an "Honor System" where the players rely on each other's honesty admitting if self is hit. The indication of being hit is when a player truly feels the impact of the velocity from the BB that is fired by another opposing player, in some cases there are friendly fire, meaning your team mate accidentally hits you, but it is not counted or considered a "Hit" to make you out of the game. The thrill of Airsoft is supported by Military simulations or "Mil-sims." It is actually a mind blowing situation where it depicts the real military fights including reduced amount of ammunition or BB's to re-enact the real Gun's low capacity magazines ranging from only 20 rounds to a maximum of 100 rounds. One example is the M4 and M16 series which only have 30 rounds. There is also a mission here and it can last up to days unlike the ordinary skirmishes that the only goal is to eliminate all opposing players lasting for less than an hour. Missions are supplied by explosives, pyrotechnics, Communication devices like radios, and BB's.
Here are tips for you to get started:
First you have to decide which Type of Airsoft gun to use. These types are AEG's or Airsoft Electric Guns that are battery operated, Blowbacks - Gas powered, and Bolt action that are spring powered. Go to an Airsoft shop and you'll see lots of Airsoft guns to choose from and the store keeper is the right person to consult. Spring types needed to be cocked, it seems to be a hassle but this is very powerful, it is often seen in sniper rifles. Gas powered (Blowbacks) are also powerful but it is very costly for you need to buy Gases, and the durability of the Airsoft gun is at stake. For battery operated, I prefer this one better than the others I mentioned because of practicality reasons. First is because of cheap maintenance in which you will no need to buy Green gas or CO2 bottles to power those blowbacks (Gas powers). Second is that it has a fully automatic mode in which spring types cannot do. I recommend examples of Guns for you to search for are the M4 series, AK47 series, Sniper rifles Bar10 or L96, and Steyr Aug. I've recommended this the best Airsoft guns for all purpose situations based on my experience being a Pro Airsoft player. In the usual markets, it is common to have different brands of these Airsoft guns. These are Jing Gong {JG), Tokyo Marui, Desert eagle, D-boys, AGM, A&K, and Cyma. I recommend using JG's because of its affordability or cheapness, fire power, stability, and durability. A usual JG quality lasts for about 100+ battles before you can see a slight damage in its function or externals, unlike other brands that only last for 20+ battles and you can see lots of quality downfalls.
For ammunition you will use lots of .20g plastic BB's, for this weight is the standard weight used in competitions.
When you finally decided for which gun to buy, you need battle gear for protection. As being hit by an Airsoft gun without protection can hurt you badly. The primary protection you need is for your eyes, you'll need goggles. Second is a face mask to cover your face, a pair of gloves, a helmet, battle outfit like camouflage, Tactical vest, Knee pads, elbow pads, and finally a pair of combat boots.
Now that you're ready to rumble, you need to find a place where Airsoft battles are offered. In here you can join a team, don't forget to be friendly for here in Airsoft, camaraderie and, brotherhood and friendships are being made.
At your first battle it is common to feel nervousness, it's very normal and as you join more battles you will get used to it and finally enjoy it! I hope you find this article interesting and useful regarding the Airsoft hobby. Good luck and enjoy the thrill of the fight.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melrick_Paul_Gogorza
Tips For the Airsoft Beginner
If you are new to the game of Airsoft or considering playing for the first time, congratulations! Airsoft is an exciting combat sport that is both physically and mentally challenging. Here are some basic tips to help Airsoft beginners acclimate as they get started in the sport:
Practice safety before shooting. Taking safety precautions is important for Airsoft players at all levels of experience. At minimum, protective eyewear such as goggles or a protective face mask should be worn at all times when playing Airsoft or when playing with Airsoft guns. Wearing a long sleeve shirt during play is typically advised to prevent direct hits on exposed skin. Protective vests, helmets, knee pads and other safety equipment are also available to give you optimal protection during play.
Read and adhere to the guidelines in all documentation that comes with your Airsoft gun. Each Airsoft gun is designed to be used, cleaned and cared for in specific ways. Some mistakes to avoid are using the wrong BBs, charging batteries improperly, loading BBs incorrectly and pumping a spring cocked gun too many times. Failure to comply with manufacturer recommendations can harm your gun and void your warranty.
Don't wield your Airsoft gun in public areas. Since Airsoft guns are designed to look realistic, carrying one that is visible to others is a bad idea (and illegal). To avoid the threat of physical harm, panic or legal repercussions, be sure to keep your gun put away while you are in public.
Stay down and look around. As you gain some experience playing Airsoft, you will get used to some of the common tactics you can use to protect yourself from enemy fire. Anything you can do to give your opponent a smaller target will work in your favor. Some basic tactics to get started are staying low to the ground as much as possible and peeking around obstacles rather than over them, which will help minimize your exposure to opponents.
Have fun! Airsoft is an exciting sport that is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. The mental stimulation, physical challenge, camaraderie and adrenaline of the sport keep players of all ages coming back to play again and again.
Practice safety before shooting. Taking safety precautions is important for Airsoft players at all levels of experience. At minimum, protective eyewear such as goggles or a protective face mask should be worn at all times when playing Airsoft or when playing with Airsoft guns. Wearing a long sleeve shirt during play is typically advised to prevent direct hits on exposed skin. Protective vests, helmets, knee pads and other safety equipment are also available to give you optimal protection during play.
Read and adhere to the guidelines in all documentation that comes with your Airsoft gun. Each Airsoft gun is designed to be used, cleaned and cared for in specific ways. Some mistakes to avoid are using the wrong BBs, charging batteries improperly, loading BBs incorrectly and pumping a spring cocked gun too many times. Failure to comply with manufacturer recommendations can harm your gun and void your warranty.
Don't wield your Airsoft gun in public areas. Since Airsoft guns are designed to look realistic, carrying one that is visible to others is a bad idea (and illegal). To avoid the threat of physical harm, panic or legal repercussions, be sure to keep your gun put away while you are in public.
Stay down and look around. As you gain some experience playing Airsoft, you will get used to some of the common tactics you can use to protect yourself from enemy fire. Anything you can do to give your opponent a smaller target will work in your favor. Some basic tactics to get started are staying low to the ground as much as possible and peeking around obstacles rather than over them, which will help minimize your exposure to opponents.
Have fun! Airsoft is an exciting sport that is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. The mental stimulation, physical challenge, camaraderie and adrenaline of the sport keep players of all ages coming back to play again and again.
How to Win at Airsoft Games
What follows is a complete guide to help you with airsoft games. Using this guide, you can purchase airsoft equipment, as well as prepare and learn how to battle. These are the steps:
First, you need to find your dominant eye that you used for aiming. Here's how. With your palms facing away from you, put one hand over the other so that you form a triangle with your palms. Holding your arms fully outstretched, focus on something in the distance through the triangle. Now, slowly bring your hands back toward your eyes. You will have moved either to the right or left; that side is your dominant eye. That is the eye you will have open when you aim.
Purchase your weapons. You will need a sidearm (a pistol) and a larger weapon (an airsoft shotgun, rifle, or submachine gun).
Check out reviews online; don't just go by the pictures and ads. Remember, FPS (feet per second) is just a basic indicator, nothing more. Some high-quality guns have low FPS ratings. FPS can be increased with upgrades.
Learn the rules of battle and some strategy (guides can be found online). Then, the role you choose in battle will determine your selection of weapon. For instance, a field person would use a longer barrel gun such as a sniper rifle or M16. For CQB (close quarters battle), you will need a short barrel such as a airsoft shotgun or carbine.
If you want a rifle, it's best to go with an AEG (airsoft electric gun) because they or fully automatic so you won't need to cock them constantly. Spring guns will do just fine for sniper rifles. There are AEG and even gas rifles but they are more expensive than not recommended.
Use green gas guns for pistols. Buy extra magazines for all guns, but especially gas guns, to save time reloading.
Pistols will run $75 and up, AEG rifles $100 and up, while good sniper rifles go for $110 and up. Buy only batteries that are recommended for your gun.
Use only high grade BB's because cheaper ones can break in the barrel and Jim. Use silicone oil for cleaning your guns.
With your guns selected, next you need to put together a team. Get your friends together and test their shooting abilities. Then give them positions and roles accordingly. For instance, those with better aim will make good snipers, and those with poor aim will be better with shotguns or in CQB. Most will need training in basic field tactics. There are some really good books you can find on warfare tactics. This will cover things like stealth, spy, open field and close quarters tactics.
Have your team members by their own equipment, if possible. That way, they'll take better care of it. And they will be happier with what they bought.
Don't be afraid to get shot when in battle (this is something everyone has to learn), because you will be shot many times regardless of how good you are. You'll get used to it, it doesn't hurt that much.
Make good use of cover and camouflage. It can make the difference in winning and losing.
Using your weapons means something will eventually break. It's not necessary to bring spare parts into the field, but it is good to have backup weapons to anticipate this. No use ruining your day because of a broken part. If you find one particular part seems to break repeatedly, consider replacing it with a better part than the original. If you go online, you will find a number of replacement parts made by third parties, just like auto parts. Spending some time online researching the companies that make these parts will give you a good feel for who provides the best value for the dollar. In other words you may regret that couple of bucks that you saved when your gun jams in the battle.
One more point about maintenance: when guns start to shoot at a lower FPS or velocity, the gun's spring has probably weakened and needs to be replaced. (Of course, make sure the battery is fully charged and all of the gun's internals are lubricated and in good working order.) The best way to check springs is to chrono them, that is, use an instrument to measure the FPS.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Y_Boyle
First, you need to find your dominant eye that you used for aiming. Here's how. With your palms facing away from you, put one hand over the other so that you form a triangle with your palms. Holding your arms fully outstretched, focus on something in the distance through the triangle. Now, slowly bring your hands back toward your eyes. You will have moved either to the right or left; that side is your dominant eye. That is the eye you will have open when you aim.
Purchase your weapons. You will need a sidearm (a pistol) and a larger weapon (an airsoft shotgun, rifle, or submachine gun).
Check out reviews online; don't just go by the pictures and ads. Remember, FPS (feet per second) is just a basic indicator, nothing more. Some high-quality guns have low FPS ratings. FPS can be increased with upgrades.
Learn the rules of battle and some strategy (guides can be found online). Then, the role you choose in battle will determine your selection of weapon. For instance, a field person would use a longer barrel gun such as a sniper rifle or M16. For CQB (close quarters battle), you will need a short barrel such as a airsoft shotgun or carbine.
If you want a rifle, it's best to go with an AEG (airsoft electric gun) because they or fully automatic so you won't need to cock them constantly. Spring guns will do just fine for sniper rifles. There are AEG and even gas rifles but they are more expensive than not recommended.
Use green gas guns for pistols. Buy extra magazines for all guns, but especially gas guns, to save time reloading.
Pistols will run $75 and up, AEG rifles $100 and up, while good sniper rifles go for $110 and up. Buy only batteries that are recommended for your gun.
Use only high grade BB's because cheaper ones can break in the barrel and Jim. Use silicone oil for cleaning your guns.
With your guns selected, next you need to put together a team. Get your friends together and test their shooting abilities. Then give them positions and roles accordingly. For instance, those with better aim will make good snipers, and those with poor aim will be better with shotguns or in CQB. Most will need training in basic field tactics. There are some really good books you can find on warfare tactics. This will cover things like stealth, spy, open field and close quarters tactics.
Have your team members by their own equipment, if possible. That way, they'll take better care of it. And they will be happier with what they bought.
Don't be afraid to get shot when in battle (this is something everyone has to learn), because you will be shot many times regardless of how good you are. You'll get used to it, it doesn't hurt that much.
Make good use of cover and camouflage. It can make the difference in winning and losing.
Using your weapons means something will eventually break. It's not necessary to bring spare parts into the field, but it is good to have backup weapons to anticipate this. No use ruining your day because of a broken part. If you find one particular part seems to break repeatedly, consider replacing it with a better part than the original. If you go online, you will find a number of replacement parts made by third parties, just like auto parts. Spending some time online researching the companies that make these parts will give you a good feel for who provides the best value for the dollar. In other words you may regret that couple of bucks that you saved when your gun jams in the battle.
One more point about maintenance: when guns start to shoot at a lower FPS or velocity, the gun's spring has probably weakened and needs to be replaced. (Of course, make sure the battery is fully charged and all of the gun's internals are lubricated and in good working order.) The best way to check springs is to chrono them, that is, use an instrument to measure the FPS.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Y_Boyle
Great Tactics in Airsoft SWAT
Play the Smart SWAT in air soft. Not very many air soft players how importance stealth is when returning from an air soft ware mission. There is nothing like a safe zone in air soft. The situation of the game is a hostile one, and should be treated as such. If you are a sniper, the best shot is taken when the enemy units are returning to their home base. This is two way things anyway. You don't want to be an easy target on your way home, but you want to shoot the patrols as they return.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_Sobchack
- How about buying a powerful air soft suit set. It may take a while to make, but you'll like it.
- Watch your step when in the field. Avoid stepping on dry leaves or twigs. They may break, making some indicting noise! Instead, use the packed dirt or large rocks.
- You are not in a pageant, so don't be afraid of getting soiled. Crouch on a leaved low hanging branch or lay on your belly under a bush or with lots of leaves. Let your gun be poked out of the bush.
- You need some extra magazines. Also, get a holster for your pistol.
- How about a spotter in the battle? He will help you in the firefight, but most importantly in spotting possible targets.
- Use gloves to protect yourself from knuckle-shots.
- Observe, calculate and shoot. These are the key sniping skills.
- Know the enemy's tactics, it'll help you learn how to counter it. Read stuffs about air soft sniping tactic, and use the information there to counter it in the real world. You can actually learn as much or even more from an enemy than you can from a friend.
- You need a good cover and an escape route. It is a good characteristic for a sniper never to gets spotted, but it's better to know how not to get caught.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_Sobchack
Airsoft Tactics for Individuals
Considering the realism involved in airsoft, it's no surprise that airsoft tactics are much like the tactics one would use in a real battlefield. After all, the objective is about the same - protect yourself from enemy airsoft fire while flushing out and eliminating your opponents. Many airsoft tactics are common sense and follow basic combat skills taught by the military. Let's take a look at some easy to use airsoft tactics:
Obstacles
A good airsoft tactic for an obstacle (like a fence or a barrier) is never look over it; look around it. Looking over it exposes more of your body to your opponent, and they are probably expecting you to look over the object. By looking around it, you keep yourself compact and out of sight. The less of your body you expose, the less of a target you present.
Stay Down!
Another common airsoft tactic is to keep yourself on the ground as low as possible. While this seems easy enough, players often get caught up in the adrenalin of the game and start running, which makes them an easy target. Consider that when you are upright you present the biggest, easiest target. Make sure you keep your airsoft gun out of the water or mud when low to the ground.
3-5 Second Buddy Rushes
When assaulting an airsoft objective with a teammate, use the buddy rush method. You may need to practice this a few times before the skirmish to get it right. You and your teammate alternate rushes for 3-5 seconds towards the target, while one of you puts suppressive fire on the objective. Utilize cover and concealment along the attack route, ensuring your rush ends at a spot that will protect you from enemy fire (a tree, log, rock, etc). Use hand signals to indicate when you are ready to move or lay down suppressive fire. Your stream of airsoft ammo will keep you opponent down while your buddy moves forward.
Fool your opponent
If an airsoft player continues to shoot at an enemy, it usually means that they have a good angle on their target. If someone is shooting at you continuously, you need to change position as soon as possible. However, if you have a good position on your opponent, you may want to consider hesitating with your shots, making them think that they're safe. This can draw them out in the open making them an easy target. This is a time tested airsoft tactic
Quick Glances
When you're on the airsoft skirmish field, take quick peeks rather than long gazes, even if you don't see anything or anyone. The goal should always be to minimize your exposure as an airsoft target. Remember that your opponents are practicing their airsoft tactics too, which may mean they're just being patient, waiting for you to expose yourself long enough for them to get off a shot.
While these airsoft tactics employ basic and good common sense, they can easily be forgotten when you have your mind on your objective and forget to exercise patience on the field. If you remember that the game is just as mental as it is physical, you'll be a much better player. Keep these Airsoft tactics fresh in you mind and you'll have the advantage.
Source: OnTarget Airsoft
Obstacles
A good airsoft tactic for an obstacle (like a fence or a barrier) is never look over it; look around it. Looking over it exposes more of your body to your opponent, and they are probably expecting you to look over the object. By looking around it, you keep yourself compact and out of sight. The less of your body you expose, the less of a target you present.
Stay Down!
Another common airsoft tactic is to keep yourself on the ground as low as possible. While this seems easy enough, players often get caught up in the adrenalin of the game and start running, which makes them an easy target. Consider that when you are upright you present the biggest, easiest target. Make sure you keep your airsoft gun out of the water or mud when low to the ground.
3-5 Second Buddy Rushes
When assaulting an airsoft objective with a teammate, use the buddy rush method. You may need to practice this a few times before the skirmish to get it right. You and your teammate alternate rushes for 3-5 seconds towards the target, while one of you puts suppressive fire on the objective. Utilize cover and concealment along the attack route, ensuring your rush ends at a spot that will protect you from enemy fire (a tree, log, rock, etc). Use hand signals to indicate when you are ready to move or lay down suppressive fire. Your stream of airsoft ammo will keep you opponent down while your buddy moves forward.
Fool your opponent
If an airsoft player continues to shoot at an enemy, it usually means that they have a good angle on their target. If someone is shooting at you continuously, you need to change position as soon as possible. However, if you have a good position on your opponent, you may want to consider hesitating with your shots, making them think that they're safe. This can draw them out in the open making them an easy target. This is a time tested airsoft tactic
Quick Glances
When you're on the airsoft skirmish field, take quick peeks rather than long gazes, even if you don't see anything or anyone. The goal should always be to minimize your exposure as an airsoft target. Remember that your opponents are practicing their airsoft tactics too, which may mean they're just being patient, waiting for you to expose yourself long enough for them to get off a shot.
While these airsoft tactics employ basic and good common sense, they can easily be forgotten when you have your mind on your objective and forget to exercise patience on the field. If you remember that the game is just as mental as it is physical, you'll be a much better player. Keep these Airsoft tactics fresh in you mind and you'll have the advantage.
Source: OnTarget Airsoft
Searching for Discounted Airsoft...Go to DiscountAirsoftProducts.com
Do you know where you can find discounted airsoft items? If you are in US, check DiscountAirsoftProducts
DiscountAirsoftProducts.com is the finest and most extensive site on the web for Airsoft Guns! They sell Spring Action Airsoft guns, Gas Powered Airsoft guns, the highly popular Automatic Electric Airsoft guns (AEG's), and Airsoft Sniper Rifles from the finest manufacturers all over the world. We offer you products of leading brands like Crosman, Walther, Tokyo Marui, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, ICS, Classic Army, and many others. You will find BB's, accessories and everything else you need to enjoy the fast growing sport of Airsoft!
DiscountAirsoftProducts.com is the finest and most extensive site on the web for Airsoft Guns! They sell Spring Action Airsoft guns, Gas Powered Airsoft guns, the highly popular Automatic Electric Airsoft guns (AEG's), and Airsoft Sniper Rifles from the finest manufacturers all over the world. We offer you products of leading brands like Crosman, Walther, Tokyo Marui, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, ICS, Classic Army, and many others. You will find BB's, accessories and everything else you need to enjoy the fast growing sport of Airsoft!
Airsoft Tactics
If you are seriously interested in playing a good game of Airsoft, then there are some tactics that you need to know about. Some of these tactics are very basic things that every player should know. They include:
- Cover fire involves sending a hail of bbs in the general direction of your enemy so that your teammates can move. This usually works quite well.
- Make sure that you communicate with your other teammates. This is an essential part of the game and can be done via radio transmissions (the best way to communicate), hand signals or verbal dialog. Herein lies your opportunity to ensure that everyone knows about enemy positions, remaining enemies, eliminated enemies and any other valuable information.
- You need to be very patient whenever you play this game. This way you are able to learn everything that there is to know about your friends and foes, as well as everything else that you can conceivably be aware of, such as wind, smell, noise and shapes. All of this can either kill you or keep you alive.
- It is important that you keep moving. Staying in one spot, regardless of how good the cover is, will cause you to be flanked and shot. Speaking of which, whenever you have a good shot, take your time and make it count since good shots do not come along too often. You may have to seek out such a shot. This is another reason why you need to keep moving: to create the perfect situation. Whenever you are moving, make sure that you are not predictable though.
- Whenever you are on patrol you need to make sure that you pay attention to the littlest of details. These are the things that can easily give away your enemies' details. For instance, if you see an animal running away from somewhere, then more than likely someone frightened it and thus you should be on your guard. Of course, you do not want to over-interpret various natural signs but if you do happen to see something that blatantly signifies the presence of an enemy, then you should definitely be on the lookout.
- If it is possible, you should always watch your enemies' head whenever you are engaging in a fire-fight. More than likely he will give away his movement so that you will be able to tell where the next place that he will take cover is. This is done by the looks that he keeps giving in that general direction. Once you pick up on this, proceed to aim there, then when he gets there you can shoot him in the shoulder quite easily.
Roles of the Game
Assault- The main element of any fighting force. The assault role is versatile, and depending on the situation can be broken up into groups, attacking, defending, ambushing, just about anything.
Jobs:
-Suppressing
-Flanking
-Attacking/Defending
Recon- The recon role and assault role often mix. The recon role advances ahead of the assault, and gathers information on the enemy. Occasionally a recon member will engage in small firefights if confronted, but the objective is to get intel, and get back to your own force. Once they are back, they are assimilated back into the assault element.
Jobs:
-Suppressing
-Flanking
-Attacking/Defending
-Scouting
-Information gathering
Sniper/Spotter- A sniper is a player that uses a semi-automatic or bolt action rifle to engage targets from a distance, usually from cover and concealment. A sniper usually works in a team of two, a sniper and spotter. The spotter’s role is to identify targets and call out ranges and to protect the sniper. A sniper team will also gather intel if need be. The team also works closely with the assault element, and often takes orders directly from the top.
Jobs:
-Information gathering
-Eliminate specific targets
-Long range suppression
-Concealment/stealth
Designated Marksman- Also known as a “DM,” A DM uses a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) to engage and use accurate fire to suppress the enemy at medium to long ranges. The DM works closely with the assault force, either by supporting the flanks or assisting in suppressing. Teams of DMs are highly effective.
Jobs:
-Accurate suppression
-Flanking
-Attacking/Defending
-Support
Jobs:
-Suppressing
-Flanking
-Attacking/Defending
Recon- The recon role and assault role often mix. The recon role advances ahead of the assault, and gathers information on the enemy. Occasionally a recon member will engage in small firefights if confronted, but the objective is to get intel, and get back to your own force. Once they are back, they are assimilated back into the assault element.
Jobs:
-Suppressing
-Flanking
-Attacking/Defending
-Scouting
-Information gathering
Sniper/Spotter- A sniper is a player that uses a semi-automatic or bolt action rifle to engage targets from a distance, usually from cover and concealment. A sniper usually works in a team of two, a sniper and spotter. The spotter’s role is to identify targets and call out ranges and to protect the sniper. A sniper team will also gather intel if need be. The team also works closely with the assault element, and often takes orders directly from the top.
Jobs:
-Information gathering
-Eliminate specific targets
-Long range suppression
-Concealment/stealth
Designated Marksman- Also known as a “DM,” A DM uses a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) to engage and use accurate fire to suppress the enemy at medium to long ranges. The DM works closely with the assault force, either by supporting the flanks or assisting in suppressing. Teams of DMs are highly effective.
Jobs:
-Accurate suppression
-Flanking
-Attacking/Defending
-Support
Airsoft Gun Toys Could Turn Deadly: Please Beware!
I found this article from seacoastonline.com (an article from Shir Haberman), and this is relevant for those fellow shooters out there. Police find it difficulty in telling when weapon is real or an airsoft gun....
Please continue reading....
NORTH HAMPTON — Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, local police received a call from a resident of the Shel-Al mobile home park indicating two young men were roaming the grounds armed with high-powered rifles and wearing flak jackets.
When officers arrived, one of the two 17-year-olds fled. An officer pursued him in a cruiser and caught up with the subject. Seeing what appeared to be an AR-15 assault rifle, the officer then drew his gun and ordered the man to drop the weapon, which he did. It was determined at that point the rifle was really an airsoft pellet gun and not a deadly assault weapon.
The young man explained he and his friend were shooting at each other with the relatively harmless pellets and were not out to harm anyone. However, police Chief Brian Page said if the young man had swung around and pointed the rifle toward the officer, the incident could have ended in disaster.
"The officer used deadly force by drawing his pistol," Page said. "This could have been a very sobering incident."
Page said he is telling this story to educate parents and youngsters about the dangers of walking around with realistic-looking firearms.
"I don't want to take the fun away from the kids or tell parents not to buy these guns, but don't take them out in the street after dark, and use good judgment," the chief said.
Trinity Airsoft, of Wise, Va., manufactures and sells a range of pellet firearms and combat gear that so closely resemble the real thing that police are having a tough time telling them apart, Page said. Couple this with companies that will decorate real assault weapons in ways that make them look like toys, and law enforcement officials have to consider any weapon potentially dangerous, North Hampton Police Lt. John Scippa said.
"For an officer to respond (to an incident) and have to decide whether the weapon is real or a toy, clearly puts the officer at a disadvantage," Scippa said. "Law enforcement can't discount the dangers here."
Last Sunday's incident is the second toy gun event that has occurred in this town of 4,500 residents.
At about 8:15 p.m. on May 10, an employee at Al's Seafood on Lafayette Road called police about an individual dressed in a dark, hooded sweatshirt behind the store holding a pistol. When employees approached the suspect, he fled into the woods. Restaurant employees called the police and gave officers the suspect's license plate number.
t turned out the suspect was part of a game called assassin being played by Exeter High School's senior class and that he was in North Hampton because one of his "targets" worked at Al's. More importantly, the gun seen turned out to be a toy pistol that had been painted to resemble a real firearm. Page said he was glad things turned out the way they did rather than having an officer confront the subject in the woods and being unable to distinguish the pistol as a toy.
"That would have been tragic for everyone," Scippa said.
The police are not the only ones who could be involved in making a tragic error by failing to determine that a weapon is really a toy. The chief noted many people are now carrying firearms for various reasons. Should one of those people feel they are in danger, they are less qualified to determine the reality of the weapon being pointed at them than a police officer, something that could have tragic consequences.
Page suggested several things parents and youngsters could do to lessen the possibility of a pellet, BB or toy gun being mistaken for the real thing. They include:
* Notifying the police when a realistic-looking non-lethal gun is purchased,
* Notifying neighbors that such a gun is in your household,
* Not using the gun outside the confines of your property, and
* Not using the gun after dark.
The chief also recommended the use of safety glasses and protective gear to prevent self-inflicted injuries.
Please continue reading....
NORTH HAMPTON — Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, local police received a call from a resident of the Shel-Al mobile home park indicating two young men were roaming the grounds armed with high-powered rifles and wearing flak jackets.
When officers arrived, one of the two 17-year-olds fled. An officer pursued him in a cruiser and caught up with the subject. Seeing what appeared to be an AR-15 assault rifle, the officer then drew his gun and ordered the man to drop the weapon, which he did. It was determined at that point the rifle was really an airsoft pellet gun and not a deadly assault weapon.
The young man explained he and his friend were shooting at each other with the relatively harmless pellets and were not out to harm anyone. However, police Chief Brian Page said if the young man had swung around and pointed the rifle toward the officer, the incident could have ended in disaster.
"The officer used deadly force by drawing his pistol," Page said. "This could have been a very sobering incident."
Page said he is telling this story to educate parents and youngsters about the dangers of walking around with realistic-looking firearms.
"I don't want to take the fun away from the kids or tell parents not to buy these guns, but don't take them out in the street after dark, and use good judgment," the chief said.
Trinity Airsoft, of Wise, Va., manufactures and sells a range of pellet firearms and combat gear that so closely resemble the real thing that police are having a tough time telling them apart, Page said. Couple this with companies that will decorate real assault weapons in ways that make them look like toys, and law enforcement officials have to consider any weapon potentially dangerous, North Hampton Police Lt. John Scippa said.
"For an officer to respond (to an incident) and have to decide whether the weapon is real or a toy, clearly puts the officer at a disadvantage," Scippa said. "Law enforcement can't discount the dangers here."
Last Sunday's incident is the second toy gun event that has occurred in this town of 4,500 residents.
At about 8:15 p.m. on May 10, an employee at Al's Seafood on Lafayette Road called police about an individual dressed in a dark, hooded sweatshirt behind the store holding a pistol. When employees approached the suspect, he fled into the woods. Restaurant employees called the police and gave officers the suspect's license plate number.
t turned out the suspect was part of a game called assassin being played by Exeter High School's senior class and that he was in North Hampton because one of his "targets" worked at Al's. More importantly, the gun seen turned out to be a toy pistol that had been painted to resemble a real firearm. Page said he was glad things turned out the way they did rather than having an officer confront the subject in the woods and being unable to distinguish the pistol as a toy.
"That would have been tragic for everyone," Scippa said.
The police are not the only ones who could be involved in making a tragic error by failing to determine that a weapon is really a toy. The chief noted many people are now carrying firearms for various reasons. Should one of those people feel they are in danger, they are less qualified to determine the reality of the weapon being pointed at them than a police officer, something that could have tragic consequences.
Page suggested several things parents and youngsters could do to lessen the possibility of a pellet, BB or toy gun being mistaken for the real thing. They include:
* Notifying the police when a realistic-looking non-lethal gun is purchased,
* Notifying neighbors that such a gun is in your household,
* Not using the gun outside the confines of your property, and
* Not using the gun after dark.
The chief also recommended the use of safety glasses and protective gear to prevent self-inflicted injuries.
Airsoft Sniper Rifle Vs Automatic Electric Airsoft Rifles
It seems that many people have trouble deciding whether they want to buy a single shot bolt action airsoft sniper rifle, or an electric (AEG) semi/fully automatic airsoft rifle, such as the popular airsoft M4 Rifle. This sometimes can be a tough decision to make, but it usually boils down to this: what type of airsoft scenarios will you be using the gun for, for the most part? Of course, there is also the price to consider, but generally speaking, the cost of a good airsoft sniper rifle is usually about the same as the cost of a good airsoft M4 rifle, so this really shouldn't be much of a factor.
For those who mostly compete in QCB (close quarters battle) airsoft games, then the choice is simple: get yourself a good airsoft M4 rifle (or similar - such as an airsoft M16 or an airsoft AK-47 rifle). The reason for this is because you will need the airsoft rifle to be capable of firing in fully automatic mode, which NO true airsoft sniper rifle can do. Fully automatic airsoft rifles are without a doubt, the king of close quarters battles. Also, another plus to an automatic electric airsoft rifle is the fact that not only is it a fully automatic weapon, it can also be used in semi automatic mode as well, which makes it fairly good for sniping people from a fair distance away (you definitely wont get the range of a true airsoft sniper rifle though).
As far as those who like to use the art of stealth, and that like playing the sniper role (we are talking non-cqb airsoft scenarios here), then the choice is also very simple: buy yourself a true airsoft sniper rifle. The main reason that you will want a true sniper rifle airsoft gun is because of the fact that they shoot much further than any automatic electric AEG airsoft rifle, and they are more accurate as well. Also, another thing to consider is the fact that airsoft sniper rifles are way more quiet than automatic electric airsoft rifles.
When deciding on which airsoft sniper rifle to buy, keep in mind that you will want one that is high velocity, and that comes with a decent scope. Another option that you may want to consider is getting a tri-pod for your airsoft sniper rifle, but that isn't as importing as having a good scope on it. Lastly, you may want to also purchase a sling for your sniper rifle, as this can really make carrying the gun alot easier, and will save your arms from getting tired when carrying the gun around.
Hopefully this information will help those who are debating whether they want a single shot bolt action (true) airsoft sniper rifle, or an automatic electric (AEG) airsoft Rifle, such as the extremely popular airsoft M4 machine gun. But regardless of what type of gun you choose to go with, I would highly recommend that you at least get one that is of medium quality (IE: not made completely out of plastic), and that has good velocity and accuracy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Betourney
Green Gas Airsoft Guns For Air Soft Games
When you look at the most popular options on the market, airsoft gas guns are some of the biggest sellers. And that makes good sense because the guns have plenty of benefits, including being affordable and fairly powerful. As you might imagine, they also need to have their gas containers replaced after you expend a specific number of shots. Most use a gas known as HFC134a, but you could sometimes opt for airsoft green gas instead.
Details of the UHC Green Gas
The best explanation is that green airsoft gas is more powerful than the more traditional type of gas that is used. Usually, the gas is made from propane with silicone included and this combination can provide a boost to many of the guns on the market. Of course, you'll have to pay a little extra for that boost but the cost may be worth the results. One point that is important to remember is that this type of gas is not more environmentally friendly than the other options. Some consumers make that mistake because of the "green" in its name.
Advantages of the Airsoft Gas Guns
HFC22, as this green type of gas is sometimes called, will give you more excitement for your investment. The biggest advantage, of course, is that this extra power is going to be a great asset to you on the Airsoft field.
Of course, you'll have some other advantages as well. One of the weaknesses of the gas gun models in general is that they can't perform as well in very cold conditions. That's because the traditional gas used in most of the models just can't stand up to that type of weather. As a result, you could be in the middle of a match or of target practice then have your gas pistol just stop working as it should. That's not going to be a problem if you're using the HFC22. However, you do have to be worried about the opposite problem: the green variety of gas can't withstand high temperatures. In some climates, therefore, you might need to use both types and switch between seasons.
Air soft Guns Green Gas Issues
Of course, you don't want to start purchasing airsoft green gas until you know a few other facts. First, you can't use this product with every type of airsoft gas gun on the market. The Japanese models, in particular, just were not designed for this stronger gas. You really need to stick with the HFC134a variety with them. Otherwise, you could do some major damage to the equipment. The best way to find out if it's safe or not is to read your instruction manual or to ask a knowledgeable customer service representative.
Now there are some airsoft firearms on the market that were actually created for use with airsoft green gas. If you really want to use this product, those are going to be a good choice, although they usually do cost more than your average airsoft gas guns. Remember that they can still be damaged if you use them and this type of gas in very hot conditions. You may still need to switch back and forth between the two types to meet the needs of your climate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Porter
16 Airsoft Teams All Geared up for Championsip Round
SIXTEEN teams go for all the marbles when they compete in the championship round of the 4th Gov. gwen Garcia Airsoft Cup slated July 25 and 26 at the Prime Orion Property at the Mandaue North Reclamation Area.
The championships was officially launched yesterday in a press conference held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Attending the meeting were Cebuano airsoft enthusiasts headed by Paulo Garcia, the Chief Executive officer of the Governor’s Cup operations and Deo Cerna, the tournament’s chairman and the Airsoft Games Club Incorporated (ASG) president.
Prior to the championships, the tournament already had five legs played at different municipalities of the province of Cebu. These are Balamban, Moalboal, San Remegio and Argao.
After the five legs, 16 teams managed to qualify for the championships. The 16 are the:
- Philippine Airsoft Club of Mactan (PACMAN),
- Team X-age,
- Team Tango Down of Busay,
- Team SAAT,
- Team Mizrach of Labangon,
- Team Hammerhead of Lapu-Lapu,
- Globus Petron Alliance of Lahug,
- West Rasmussen Team of Talisay,
- the Southern Airsoft Recon also from Talisay,
- Toledo Airsoft,
- TASC Incorporated of the San Carlos City,
- the ABS Commando,
- Bogo Team Cobra,
- Argao Airsoft Team,
- Crack Legion and the
- powerhouse Guadalupe Airsoft Team
which topped three of the five previous legs. The tournament is organized by the Airsoft Federation of Cebu (AFOC), Airsoft Games Club Incorporated (ASG) and the Governor Gwen Garcia Airsoft Open./CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL
Airsoft Gun: UHC MP5 A5 Mini Electric
Brand: MP5 Airsoft Rifle
Manufacturer: UHC (Unicorn Hobby Corp)
Model: MP5 Mini Eletric Airsoft
Description
- Fully Automatic Mini Size Airsoft Gun
- MP5 AirSoft Electric Mini Machine Gun
- 1:3 Scale
- Requires 4 AA Batteries (not included)
- Spring Safety Switch
- 150 FPS (0.12 g BB) / 15-40 Feet
- Fires 0.12 g BB's
- Capacity: 100 Rounds
- Made in Taiwan
I found this from airsplat.com . Price of only $15.99. This is very useful for CQB competition.
Manufacturer: UHC (Unicorn Hobby Corp)
Model: MP5 Mini Eletric Airsoft
Description
- Fully Automatic Mini Size Airsoft Gun
- MP5 AirSoft Electric Mini Machine Gun
- 1:3 Scale
- Requires 4 AA Batteries (not included)
- Spring Safety Switch
- 150 FPS (0.12 g BB) / 15-40 Feet
- Fires 0.12 g BB's
- Capacity: 100 Rounds
- Made in Taiwan
I found this from airsplat.com . Price of only $15.99. This is very useful for CQB competition.
Cheaper Airsoft Gun: Spring G3 Rifle FPS-340 Laser, Flashing Lights ($19.50!)
I was searching a cheaper gun on the internet, and i found this Spring G3 Rifle FPS-340 with Laser and Flashing Lights. It's only $19.50, approximately Php936.oo. Wow, this is cheap, right? Please keep reading for some description...
Introducing the Spring G3 Rifle Airsoft Gun. This Fantastic airsoft gun is spring powered and is made out of sturdy plastic so you don't have to worry about it breaking so easily. The G3 comes with everything you need to get started including faux scope with flashing green and blue lights, gun strap, safety glasses, and a sample bag of BBs. The G3 features R.I.S. so you can customize the gun to your liking with any attachment. So what are you waiting for? Get yours today and join the action!
This is a Spring Airsoft Rifle, which means it's powered by a spring and must be cocked for each shot. It's fast, clean, inexpensive and easily maintained; it requires no gas or batteries to operate. Also, Spring Airsoft Guns are the toughest, most durable of all Airsoft Guns, because they're made with few breakable pieces. If you're looking for a fun, reliable Airsoft Rifle that'll look great and perform even better, you've come to the right place. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase this Airsoft gun.
Features:
* Spring Powered
* Plastic Construction
* R.I.S.
* Flashing Lights
* Faux Scope
* Detachable Stock
* Working Safety
Includes:
* Spring G3 Rifle Airsoft Gun
* Faux Scope/Flashing Lights
* Gun Strap
* Safety Glasses
* Sample Bag of BBs
Specifications:
* FPS: 340
* Magazine Capacity: 300
* Size: 27 Inches
You can visit for the actual price: http://www.hobbytron.com
Airsoft Gun: Checkout HobbyTron.com
For those who are new to airsoft, these guns shoot 6mm round pellets commonly known as "BBs." They travel at speeds much lower than real bullets and although a bit painful when hit
by one of these pellets, they cannot kill someone nor cause heavy-bleeding injuries unlike real guns. Even though airsoft is considered a toy gun, safety precautions should still be taken into account when playing with these replicasAs mentioned most airsoft are the exact copies of the actual guns. Some manufacturers even use real mold of the originals in order to create the look, feel and even weight of their real-steel counterpart. Automatic Electric Guns can only cause welts. It is still painful however when the BB pellets hit the skin, since they travel at high speeds. That is why during "skirmishes," protective gears must be worn to avoid serious injuries, especially around the eyes. Also, thick protective outfits are also recommended to be worn. There are special camouflages similar to those used by cadets that can be worn. Sweatshirts and thick pants can also protect the skin from being directly hit.
Airsoft guns can be categorized into 3 types. They are:
1. Automatic Electric Guns (AEG)
2. Gas-Powered
3. Spring-Powered
The Automatic Electric Guns (AEG) is among the most popular, although the most expensive, gun out of the three. Ranging an average of about $300, these guns are not anywhere cheap. Tokyo Marui is by far the most popular manufacturer of these guns. AEG's are powered by the Nickel Cadmium battery. It operates the motors that run the three gears inside the gun. These gears, in turn, compress and release the piston creating a blast of air that propels the BB pellets out of the gun barrel. The system allows the gun to function efficiently with its fully-automatic features in compare to most AEG's resulting in a realistic Rate-of-Fire. It can reach anywhere from 600 to 900 Rounds-per-Minute replicating the capabilities of the real-steel gun. For those who are advanced in the field, these are the guns of choice because even though pricey, they are worth it.
The next most popular gun is the gas-powered ones. Designed for those who are intermediate to the field of airsoft guns, they are less expensive than the AEG's. There are several types of gas-powered guns. The most popular one is the Gas-Blowback; also know as GBB's. They operate using 134a green gas (a form of propane) to compress the air used to propel the BB's out of the barrel. The same gas is used to cycle back the slide, creating recoil by cycling the slide back and forth. The gas is either stored in the magazine or on-board. Similar to AEG's, the Gas-Blowbacks allow realistic semi-automatic firing. The gun allows the ease of magazine reload and making it very appealing to its users
Now let's talk about the spring-powered Airsoft gun. Spring-cocking guns are true to their name in that you cock the spring first, and then fire. Cock spring, fire, cock, fire, cock, fire, etc. These guns are usually magazine fed and semi-automatic, but they must be hand-cocked after every shot. This system is very cost-effective, and the guns are surprisingly sturdy. Every Airsofter, in his lifetime, has owned at least one spring-powered gun, either a pistol or a rifle. Due to its relatively cheap price-range, this is usually the gun of choice for the person just starting to play airsoft. A spring-powered handgun can be purchased for as little as $20.
Determining which gun would work for your purpose
This is a very commonly asked question. To determine the type of gun you are going to need during combat is definitely a key factor in your days victory over a day of defeat. Think of it this way you definitely would not want a gun suited for Close Quarter Combat when you are playing in an open woodland type environment. The range is going to be about half of the assault rifles, this would put you at a major disadvantage over your opponents. CQB battles do not need long range where most of the engagements are within 50ft to100ft. With this being said the CQB guns fire at a lower FPS than the normal assault rifles, however since the engagement is so close a person would not want to be using a 400 to 450 Fps velocity.
The most common style of CQB weapon is the MP5 series. These guns range in price and quality from $20 up to $450 on occasion they could run even more. When it comes to out door engagements the weapons of choice are mainly the M16/ M4 series rifles. Of course other good weapons to use in the out door environment would be the M14, and the G36 rifles.
Many people wonder if it would be an advantage to carry a pistol with them, personally I feel that a person is at an advantage to carry a pistol on their body. If you are running low on ammo for your rifle and you need a quick burst of fire to take down your enemy, you do not want to be caught loading in the middle of a firefight. With a pistol this can be an advantage, you could definitely surprise your enemy as he thinks he is going to finish you off, with a burst of 3-5 shots from your pistol.
Source: HobbyTron.com
Airsoft Teams: Open Directory for US, CA and UK shooters
I found it from dmoz.org, please see some of the airsoft teams in the US, California, and UK.
- Abbotsford Airsoft - The home site of Abbotsford Airsoft, or Team AA.
- AGA: Airsoft-Paintball Gamers Alliance - Airsoft and Paintball Group located north of California Bay Area , mostly from San Jose.
- Airsoft Arsenal - A team website based out of York, PA. This site is completely dedicated to the sport of airsoft.
- Bravo Leader Airsoft Team - Airsoft team in Gwinnett County, GA.
- CFC Airsoft Team - CFC airsoft team is a team based out of Stillwater, OK that is looking to become a major role in the world of airsoft. We plan to go to major ops as well as host our own. Please join the forums and come on down and play.
- Cimmerians - A northern California recreational Airsoft military re-enactment club dedicated to honor and sportsmanship.
- Colorado AirHeads - This is an airsoft team that runs out of Frederick Colorado. We currently have 6 members (as of August 08), and host many events for airsofters in Northern Colorado.
- Colorado Springs team Suicide Kings central intel site - Colorado Springs Airsoft team, Suicide Kings Official site sponsored by US SURPLUS, team info and gear
- Eel River Airsoft - Airsoft league in the Redwood Country of Northern California. Beautiful 6+ acre wooded site overlooking the Eel River. We welcome visitors. Check us out on the web or better yet get in touch with us and visit.
- Falmouth Airsoft Coalition - Airsoft team based out of Falmouth, ME.
- Fox Airsoft Club - Fox Airsoft club hosts weekly airsoft games in Parker, Colorado. We also have an on site shop.
- Frontline Command Airsoft Team - Utah based team of airsoft professionals that often collaborates with teams from NUAC for milsim games. Guests and new members are always welcome.
- The Generals of Destruction - News and reports on this Central Illinois airsoft group. Group is based in Champaign and surrounding areas.
- Green Mountain Rangers - The Green Mountain Rangers (GMR) is an airsoft unit based out of the North Eastern Airsoft Group. They are an international airsoft unit that plays in events all across the globe.
- Hoffman Estates Airsoft Team (H.E.A.T.) - Group of players interested in the sport of airsoft and military simulation. Located in Hoffman Estates, a Chicago, Illinois suburb. Offers roster, photo gallery, game list, and forums.
- Kashistan.org - Oklahoma Airsoft Community. - Kashistan.org Oklahoma airsoft news and information.
- Military Air Lift Command - Photos, information, and bios from this Delaware airsoft team.
- MN Airsoft Group - We are an MN airsoft team. We are looking for a basic sponsorship.
- Nassau County Fire Fighters Airsoft Squad - Nassau County Fire Fighters Airsoft Squad is composed of firefighters in Nassau County, Long Island, New York
- 2nd Support Command Airsoft Team - Airsoft Team in Hareford County, Northern Maryland.
- North Texas Airsoft - An airsoft forum with unbiased management. We are bringing North Texas airsofters together.
- North West Indiana Airsoft - A North West Indiana based airsoft team that's looking to recruit new players in the area. Includes details about the team and contact information.
- NSAT Airsoft SOG - Located on the central coast of California. They host free MilSim events in San Luis Obispo. History, rules, protocols, and membership application.
- Paso Airsoft - We are one of the many airsoft teams located on California's central coast hosting good fun ops.
- Quincy Regional Airsoft Team - Offers details of members, gallery, forum, and events.
- 83rd Spetsnaz Brigade - The Home of 83 Spetsnaz airsoft team. Includes information for the team like needed gear, allowed weapons, airsoft gear and guns retailers, and history of the 83rd Spetsnaz brigade.
- Red Devils - Russian airsoft team basing its tactics on American Airborn manuals.
- The Rifles - We are an airsoft team from the Czech Republic. We are a British Army simulation team
- Roughneck Airsoft Detachment - A group of airsoft enthusiasts that operate airsoft games in and around Southern California.
- Scorched Earth Mercenaries Airsoft Team - Website for Scorched Earth Mercenaries Airsoft Team in Naples, Florida. This airsoft team is a little over a year old, and has already been featured in Airsoft Xtreme International Magazine.
- Scorched Earth Mercenaries Airsoft Team - Scorched Earth Mercenaries is an airsoft team based in Naples, Florida. We are constantly playing and growing in the airsoft community.
- Section45 - Airsoft in Worcester - Section 45 is the online HQ of a group of airsofters from various different backgrounds and two different teams based in the Worcester area.
- Shadow Force Ops Airsoft Team - Shadow Force Ops is a disciplined, well trained airsoft team located in the Nashville area. We are quickly becoming the youngest team of our caliber.
- ShadowStep Airsoft Team - This site shows information on our team, times, places and our rules.
- Sigma Company Airsoft Team - Sigma Company is a local airsoft team based in Minnesota. We are a tactical and elite team with military style play. We play scenarios, scrimmages and more.
- The Silent Knights - Information, tactics, scenarios, and photos of Houston's first Airsoft Team.
- S.N.A.G Airsoft - Southern California airsoft team and sponsored by Airsoft HQ. Team information, members listing, arsenal and equipment, message forum and team schedules.
- SP.R.A.W.L. Airsoft Team - Airsoft team based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
- 1st Georgia Airsoft Legion - Team page for 1st Georgia ASL located in Athens GA.
- Stockton Airsoft: TigerStrikeTeam - Stockton, California based airsoft team's web page with team information and forums for all interested in the sport. Affiliated with the National Airsoft Association.
- Swamp Fox 12 Airsoft Team - Swamp Fox 12 is a Colorado based professional airsoft team.
- Task Force 16: Atlantic Lightning - An airsoft team based out of the Triad (Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point) area of North Carolina. Task Force 16 (TF16) is a member of the North Carolina Airsoft Organization (NCAO).
- Team Darkterranz - It's an airsoft crew website. Used for getting known to companies.
- Team Echo - North Texas airsoft group Team Echo.
- Team F.O.G - Mil/sim airsoft team located in Austin, TX, with photos, information, and roster.
- Team Hero Airsoft - We are an airsoft team located in Newton, KS. We recently got organized from a loose group of friends to getting new players every weekend.
- Team OpForce - Detailing airsoft team from Bowling Green, KY, with information, news, and photos.
- Team SG4 Wolf Squad - United Kingdom based, science fiction team dedicated to Star Gate. Includes member list, team history, photos, and equipment summary.
- Team S.P.A.N.K - Dedicated to a Kalamazoo, Michigan based airsoft team.
- 10th Special Operations Airsoft Regiment - This site is the official home of Sigma 6, Team Kushed, and the main unit 10th S.O.A.R. They deal in milsim, skirmish, and almost any historical reenactment of military history.
- Timberwolves Airsoft - The home page of the Northwestern Connecticut Timberwolves. News, rules and regulations, members, pictures, videos, guns and a calendar of events.
- Unit 7-53 Airsoft Team - A site to promote our airsoft team, and provide our team members with updated information.
- Up in Smoke Airsoft Group - Based in Augusta, Georgia. Includes news, rules, player profiles, and related links.
- Utah Tactical Airsoft Unit - Contains information about springers, gas guns, and AEGs. Also includes information about members of the team and photo gallery.
- [UTF] United Task Force - A non-profit team dedicated to recreational pursuits as a cohesive unit near Reno Nevada and its surrounding areas.
- Vancouver Island Airsoft - Vancouver Island Airsoft information, news and game day sign ups.
- Victoria Milsim - A airsoft team in Victoria, Texas with scenarios simulating special operations forces in Central America.
- Viper Tactical - Viper Tactical is a military simulation group enjoying the study of military and law enforcement tactics, and applying them to Airsoft combat. Its members draw their experience from prior military, law enforcement and emergency services training.
- Wolf Pack - UK Airsoft Team - Founded in January of 2007 Based in the UK, Staffordshire.
Airsoft Guide For Dummies
Airsoft is a game in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with 6mm or 8mm plastic bb bullets fired from a compressed-air gun (or airsoft gun) powered by propane, compressed air, manual spring-action, or an electrically powered gearbox.
Airsoft participants organize meetings at dedicated airsoft battlefields often adapted to provide walls, bunkers, trenches, buildings, towers, and other similar man-made field enhancements to offer realism analogous to real combat environments.
Airsoft games vary greatly in style and composition depending on location, budget, and the quantity of participants but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, or historical reenactments.
Combat situations on the battlefield often involve the use of common military tactics to achieve the objectives set in each game. Participants typically use varying types of non-lethal weaponry designed as replicas of real firearms, tactical gear, and accessories used by modern military and police organizations.
History
In the 1970s Japan made it illegal to own a firearm, though there was a large interest in them. Because of this interest, manufacturers started to produce realistic looking spring-powered guns. These guns fired several calibers of plastic or rubber BBs, but were eventually standardized into 6 mm and 8 mm sizes. The early spring powered weapons then morphed into gas and battery powered ones, using a variety of systems. The hobby then migrated to North America in the mid 1990s. This is due in large part to the addition of many new AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) manufacturers in Japan, China, Taiwan, as well as many others. Though the origin of the actual game is unknown, it is easy to see that now airsoft has exploded in popularity and has had the highest rise in popularity from 2001 to present time than any other outdoor sport in the world.
Methods of play: MilSim
"MilSim", short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. This type of play may be considered "hard core" by many players because of the heightened amount of involvement required. Several goals or missions may be assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out (i.e., supply) of ammunition, rations, explosives, and radios.
A key element in MilSim games is the use of low-capacity magazines, replicating the actual magazine capactity of the 'real-steel' firearm the airsoft gun is replicating. Examples of these include the 30 round STANAG magazines of the M4, M16, Type 89, SCAR-L and several others.
Teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies and for other special circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days. For example, the large Berget annual event in Sweden lasts for six days with no breaks. In large scale MilSim operations, players often use vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. In some cases, such as Operation Irene (an annual MilSim held in the midwest U.S.), real APCs and tanks are used. Such large scale events can take place in MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) facilities.
True MilSim requires players to adhere to an agreed level of uniform authenticity and to play as part of a team. Open days or skirmishes where sides are nominally identified by colored armbands but where players dress in a variety of military or paramilitary impressions is not MilSim. These events are sometimes known as SISK (Skirmish In Silly Kit).
Airsoft games are not limited to MilSim or "skirmish" modes. There is great versatility and flexibility in play syles.
Honor system
Airsoft play employs an honor system whereby the players rely on each others' honesty to admit to being hit, because unlike paintballs, airsoft pellets do not leave visible marks on clothing. However, there are 6mm paintballs, but most airsofters prefer not to use them as they can ruin an airsoft gun and void most warranties.
The effect of a marking bb on the honor system is an addition to the game but does not remove "honor" from the game as it still remains with the player to choose whether or not to call his or her hits. Instead, it simply allows for verification when the need arises. For instance, depending on the muzzle velocity of the gun and distance from the shooter, the targeted player may not feel the impact.
Players are discouraged from calling out hits on an opponent - instead players are expected to signal a marshal to judge how effectively they have hit their opponent. Simulated 'knife kills' can, at the venue's discretion, be recognized when a player touches or taps an unaware opponent. This prevents the player being forced to shoot him or her at point-blank range. Similarly, a 'courtesy kill' occurs when a player refrains from shooting an opponent at close range while enforcing that opponent's surrender, instead of risking injury. Players are usually prohibited from firing blindly when not able to see their target, especially around corners. In some instances, players don't call out hits they have sustained as a result of this "blind fire". Players are expected to avoid the shooting of an opponent who has already admitted to being hit. Harsh language and forceful physical contact between players is strongly discouraged and even penalized. Players are expected to resolve disputes politely and with proper decorum.
All airsoft players are expected to acknowledge being hit, even if they are in doubt, by shouting "I'm hit" loudly, and raising their hand or gun high and/or displaying a 'hit indicator' while walking back to the safe zone. Paintball style "speedball" games may include the aforementioned hit markers. A hit indicator can be either a bright-colored cloth during daytime or a blinker or mini-flashlight when in dim light or darkness.
Teams
There are many organized teams, of varying sizes, all over the USA and in various countries. Some prominent teams have 50 or more players, and are able to send delegations to regional or national events. In the Philippines, there are many amorphous groups of airsoft players loosely organized into "teams" of varying sizes. There have been attempts to create large nationwide organizations of airsofters but these have neither succeeded nor persisted in the past, although regional organizations have been able to sustain a significant membership.
Ballistics and speed
Kinetic energy is the energy that is transferred from the pellet to its target upon impact. One joule of energy will be transferred by a 0.20 g BB at 100 metres per second (330 ft/s).[4] A typical set of limits on guns might be 100 m/s (330 ft/s) for CQB, 125 m/s (410 ft/s) for outdoors, and 175 m/s (570 ft/s) for bolt action sniper rifles, all measured with a 0.20 g BB. The amount of kinetic energy depends on the weight of the BB and how fast the gun can propel it. Certain places play "no velocity limit" games.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the energy limit for Airsoft guns is usually one joule (100 m/s with a 0.20 g, 6 mm BB) regardless of the type of game play. Though semi automatic weapons only are allowed up to 400fps and single action are allowed up to 500.
Most Airsoft guns are capable of shooting from 50 m/s (160 ft/s) to 125 m/s (410 ft/s), though it is also possible to purchase upgraded internals for some Airsoft guns that will enable up to 180 m/s (590 ft/s) projectile velocities.
A hop-up unit, if present, puts backspin on the BB, generating lift and giving it a greater effective range. The range of any Airsoft gun depends on both the muzzle velocity and the amount of hop applied. Airsoft guns can have a range of 75 metres (250 ft) or more with the right combination of power, barrel, and ammunition as well as a good hop-up unit. A good hop-up unit can sometimes double the range.
The longest recorded hit on a man sized target with an Airsoft gun was 400 feet (120 m) from a bolt action sniper rifle shooting 7.5 joules. The gun was shooting at a velocity of 637 feet per second (194 m/s) with a .4 g BB, equivelent to 901 feet per second (275 m/s) with a .2 g BB.
Safety: Eye and face protection
The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of impact-rated goggles or shooting glasses to protect participants' eyes. Traditional prescription glasses and sunglasses, or goggles not designed specifically for use with airsoft or paintball guns may break or shatter upon being struck, causing damage to the eye.
Many airsoft groups and fields require that eye protection fully seals the area around the eyes, and also meets or exceeds ANSI's Z87.1-2003 goggle standard for eye protection, namely, the ability to absorb 3 joules of impact energy without damage. Some players instead opt for paintball goggles, which are held to a higher impact rating standard, ASTM's F1776.
The best overall protection is offered by paintball masks. These masks protect the face, teeth, and ears. Some airsoft masks are made with mesh screens, though there is debate that fragments from lower quality or bio-degradeable BBs may pass through the mesh and enter the eye, although there have been no recorded incidents of such an occurrence.[8] While masks offer superior protection, they can interfere with the use of scopes and in cheaper masks, condensation inside the goggles can reduce visibility.
Safety: Unprotected players or bystanders
At most airsoft sites, any player or observer is required to keep their face mask, goggles, or shooting glasses on at all times. All players must immediately stop shooting when a person without eye protection is encountered in the playing area. One common practice is for players to shout words such as "Cease-fire, Blind Man!" Any player hearing the words must stop and repeat the alarm, alerting the whole game. If a player is hit and is wearing their death rag so that they can go to the respawn point and spawn, he will often say "Dead man walking!". This indicates to the opposing team that the person is not a threat.
Safety: Community safety precautions
Some other rules such as a maximum BB velocity and distance guidelines are used by different groups. Some organizations have created common safety rules and guidelines.When not actively playing, some fields require "barrel bags," also known as barrel stoppers, which were first introduced in paintball. The magazine is usually removed as well, and the gun fired to clear the chamber. Most fields also require players to leave their guns set to the safety position when they are not shooting, a practice common when using real firearms. In certain countries, such as the Philippines, additional special rules have been adopted.
All "real steel" firearms, explosives, and bladed weapons are banned at any airsoft battlefield to prevent harmful accidents or confusion between real and simulated weapons. Players are expected to be discreet in transporting their gear and uniforms so as not to alarm the public or police. Pyrotechnic devices may be allowed, but are rarely employed, because of the added danger. When they are allowed there are usually legal limits on the effect of the device, e.g. amount of smoke, volume of sound or brightness of flash.
Legal issues
Airsoft guns and playing airsoft is legal in most parts of the world. Some countries have specific restrictions such as maximum muzzle velocity, aka FPS (feet per second), rules against using the trademarks of real firearms, and 'unrealistic' coloring to distinguish them from actual firearms. They are legal throughout the U.S, but restrictions exist in certain cities such as Camden, Newark, NJ, Chicago, IL, New York City and Detroit, MI. The states of New Jersey,
New York and Michigan, however, do not allow airsoft guns to be used and handled publicly, because of the resemblance to real firearms, although Federal and State laws generally regard airsoft guns as toys and in the United States the muzzle tip must be orange.
Classic Army M15A4 Automatic Electric Gun.
In the United Kingdom, airsoft replicas are classified as realistic imitation firearms or RIFs. The sale, manufacture or importation of RIFs are restricted to activities that are exempted or have been granted a defense by the Home Office under the Violent Criminal Reduction Act. Airsoft has been granted a defense and a skirmisher as defined under British law is allowed to purchase, manufacture or import airsoft replicas. Usually, the only accepted method of proving entitlement is to be a member of a site that holds public liability insurance. A scheme set up by UK retailers, called UKARA, recommends that an airsoft site only give membership to a player who has played at least three games over a period of no less than two months but you can also get a reenactors membership meaning you never actually have to play airsoft.[citation needed] The right to own a RIF is still reserved to over 18's. Many retailers will only sell airsoft replicas to UKARA registered players. Also, the use or possession of any kind of replica weapon, loaded or otherwise in a public place is an offense under UK law and can carry heavy penalties.
Some airsoft players inform local police where and when airsoft games will take place, so that misunderstandings can be avoided.
Due to a steady entry of lower-cost airsoft guns from abroad, the Philippine National Police issued in December 2007 its Circular 11 (Airsoft Implementing Rules and Regulations),[14] regulating the ownership of airsoft guns by Filipino citizens. Only airsoft guns with a muzzle velocity of 550 feet (170 m) per second (ft/s) or less using 0.2-g BBs can be registered. The PNP AIRR also regulates the operation of airsoft playing fields, teams, and the standardized rules and codes of conduct among airsoft players.
Airsoft guns
The guns used in airsoft are typically replicas of real firearms, except that they have a mechanism for pushing out projectiles 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter.
Airsoft guns are classified according to their operating principle which can be either: spring, electric, or gas-powered. An airsoft gun is selected according to the level of performance (battery life, range, rate of fire, accuracy, reliability, customization, magazine capacity, size, and weight) or realism the player requires. Early-generation airsoft guns were mostly "springers." Single action airsoft guns fire only a single bb before having to be re-cocked for the next shot. Second-generation airsoft guns had gas-powered mechanisms that required either an internal "Flon" (CFC) gas reservoir or an external high-pressure CO2 chamber. AEGs (automatic electric guns, such as assault rifles) are now the most commonly used and have high-capacity rechargeable batteries to operate gearboxes that displace air to propel the BBs.
Most airsoft pistols which are gas-powered use environmentally safe "green gas". Green gas is propane gas with a hint of perfume and sometimes silicon lubricant and produces a realistic blowback recoil effect when fired. Recently Airsoft manufacturers have begun producing propane adapters that screw directly onto camping grade propane tanks, allowing players to power their gas guns on pure propane, as a cheaper alternative to "green gas". Each pistol magazine contains a small storage gas cylinder with enough power to propel the 30+ BB projectiles also housed in the magazine. Thus a player can realistically load, fire, and unload an airsoft pistol with similar realism as a "real steel" semi-automatic pistol. A few early-production AEPs (Airsoft Electric Pistols) have been released but these suffer from weaker BB velocities because of the difficulty of fitting a small-enough motor in the housing of a pistol, although the range is sometimes greater than a gas pistol. AEP's often have a higher rate of fire than their gas counterparts.
Most early airsoft guns were completely made of ABS plastic except for some internal moving parts. Newer guns, especially those made in Japan, have metal external parts. A typical airsoft gun is noticeably lighter than its "real steel" counterpart due to the use of aluminium, alloy, and plastic, though some have weights in them for a more realistic feel. There are smoke caps available for certain airsoft guns for added realism.
Gas hand gun magazines are usually 10-20 in a standard capacity magazine, however some are hi cap magazines which have a winder and can hold 50 rounds or more. In the case of AEG rifles magazines come in either standard (equivalent to the capacity of its real steel counterpart), low-capacity (low caps: 30-80 BBs), mid-capacity (mid caps: 80-150 BBs), or high-capacity (high caps: 200-500+ BBs). These magazines are spring loaded; the high-cap magazines often have a ratchet wheel that can be wound up periodically to force BBs up from the holding chamber of the magazine to the feed chute, due to loose BBs in the reservoir they often make a rattling noise when running or walking. Some airsoft guns have electric-powered box or drum magazines that hold thousands of BBs (up to 5000).
Clothing
Some players, especially those participating in MilSims, wear military clothing consisting of various forms of camouflage. Some players will go as far as to use a ghillie suit, which breaks up the human outline by having sticks, leaves, and similar items in the fabric/netting, as well as its own camouflage leafing material all over it. Aside from the advantage of camouflage, some participants aim to faithfully replicate a specific combat unit such as the SAS, Spetsnaz, or police, particularly in games such as MilSim.
In some countries, such as the Philippines, airsofters are not legally able to wear official uniforms. In Sweden, for example, it is illegal to wear both rank insignia and Swedish flags on civilian uniforms at the same time. It has become popular among civilians and airsoft players to wear only the upper garment or the pants, but not both.
When not wearing full paintball-type face masks, many players wear neck armor such as a balaclava, scarves and Shemaghs, and military-style helmets. Players generally wear combat or hiking boots (not just ordinary athletic shoes) for safety in harsh terrain. They also wear padded gloves, elbow pads, knee pads (not to protect the body from pain of getting hit by pellets, but to prevent pain and injury from performing physical actions, such as crawling and kneeling) and protective vests for additional protection, realism, and for conventional reasons such as holding magazines of ammo.
In some cases, rules are adopted that allow only casual clothes in an effort to encourage realism because players will more actively avoid being hit.
Tactical gear
Players wear tactical clothing and accessories for the added realism and for the practical needs similar to that of a real soldier. The most common are holsters, load bearing vests, and modular rigs. Many players also use a hydration system. Equipment for real world soldiers is also often used in airsoft games, such as are sights, red-dot scopes, flashlights, picatinny rails, and mock silencers.
Many Mil-Sim players choose to wear real gear (not an airsoft replica) and in some cases, real ballistic protective armor - this can raise the price of the game considerably.
Game variants
Elimination — Generally the most common variant of airsoft played, and again mostly among new-comers to the sport. Elimination rules can be played by two or more teams. Essentially, teams engaging in combat until there is only one team left still in play, or as in FFA (Free For All), one player left.
Surrender - Same as elimination, but when a player is hit he/she is not out, instead they are out when they surrender. Most of the time airsoft fields do not allow this, so this is not a game played by veterans, most of the time. This can applyed to almost any game type.
Capture the Flag (CTF) — While the primary objective in Elimination is to eliminate as many enemy players as possible, the primary objective in Capture the Flag (sometimes abbreviated to CTF) is to capture the enemy flag instead. This is a very popular game type, second only to Elimination itself..Often in CTF, there are two flags - one for each team. Each flag would ideally be situated in a base, bunker or some other such defendable position, which is then called the 'flag station'. The enemy team must find the opposition's flag station, seize the flag, and return it to their own flag station. Once the enemy flag is in one's own flag station and one's own flag is still there, then victory may be claimed. A one-flag variant has one flag situated in a mutually agreed upon position, and each team attempts to bring it back to their base, or the opponent's base.
Assault, or Siege — Assault is a fairly common game variant where the players are divided into two equal teams. One team — the 'defenders' — must hold a fixed location on the field. The other team — the 'attackers' — must attempt to completely eliminate the defenders, while the defenders must elininate the attackers.
Protect the President - Protect the President is a completely unique form of airsoft. Although not very popular due to being a mostly unknown form of playing, it gives each game a prominent objective; making the game extremely fun. The objective of the game is to protect the president (hence the title). At least two teams are formed. Each team chooses a President. From this point on, each team may devise their own strategy, but the objective is always constant. Kill the enemy president while being sure to protect your own. If the president on either team is eliminated, the game is over. Another form of Protect the President is to divide into two teams, a Secret Service and Terrorist Factions. The Secret Service team has an unarmed president or lightly armed, and the terrorist's job is to kill that one person. The Secret Service is to either eliminate the Terrorists or move to a certain safe-zone or Landing Zone on the map.
The Infected- There are two teams, Humans and infected. Anyone the infected eliminates become infected, while if the infected is eliminated, he is out for the round. Game ends when either team is completely eliminated
Commando Raid- There are two teams: Commandos and Rebels. The Commandos must bring three or more items back to the extraction zone, while the rebels must stop them. Anyone who is hit is down for the game. The commandos must have half of their guns ammo capacity and a spring pistol, while the Rebels can use as much ammo as they want.
Forts- There are two teams and six or more small forts scatterd in the field. the goal is for each team to capture all the forts. if someone is hit, they go to their respawn point well away from the forts. The first team to capture all the forts or has the most forts after 20 minutes, that team wins.
Enemy Territory- This is best played on a huge field. there are two teams, each team with their own commander in their teams base. The goal for each team is to place three of their flags in the enemy's post about 20 feet from the enemy base and then eliminate the enemy commander. The commander can only be armed with a spring or gas pistol. Two people can stay with the commander, but can only use shotguns. There is also a medic or two with the infantry to bring them back into play. Once the medic is out, than players are out for the round if they get shot. When infantry players on one team eliminates the enemy infantry, then the commanders guards must attempt to finish the job. If all guards are eliminated then it's sudden death. This is when both commanders engage each other untill one of them is out. then the other commander must place his team flag in the enemy base. The game ends when one team eliminates the enemy commander and takes the base. The commander may use a walkie to notify the infantry on his team if he and his guards are under fire.
Tag Out- This can be played on almost any terrain. It is most commonly played in the sense that, if you get hit you stand still for however many seconds was agreed on. while you are still, if you are tagged by anyone else your are out for the game. if nobody tags you, you can resume fire after your time of stillness is up.
Source: wikipedia
Airsoft participants organize meetings at dedicated airsoft battlefields often adapted to provide walls, bunkers, trenches, buildings, towers, and other similar man-made field enhancements to offer realism analogous to real combat environments.
Airsoft games vary greatly in style and composition depending on location, budget, and the quantity of participants but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, or historical reenactments.
Combat situations on the battlefield often involve the use of common military tactics to achieve the objectives set in each game. Participants typically use varying types of non-lethal weaponry designed as replicas of real firearms, tactical gear, and accessories used by modern military and police organizations.
History
In the 1970s Japan made it illegal to own a firearm, though there was a large interest in them. Because of this interest, manufacturers started to produce realistic looking spring-powered guns. These guns fired several calibers of plastic or rubber BBs, but were eventually standardized into 6 mm and 8 mm sizes. The early spring powered weapons then morphed into gas and battery powered ones, using a variety of systems. The hobby then migrated to North America in the mid 1990s. This is due in large part to the addition of many new AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) manufacturers in Japan, China, Taiwan, as well as many others. Though the origin of the actual game is unknown, it is easy to see that now airsoft has exploded in popularity and has had the highest rise in popularity from 2001 to present time than any other outdoor sport in the world.
Methods of play: MilSim
"MilSim", short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. This type of play may be considered "hard core" by many players because of the heightened amount of involvement required. Several goals or missions may be assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out (i.e., supply) of ammunition, rations, explosives, and radios.
A key element in MilSim games is the use of low-capacity magazines, replicating the actual magazine capactity of the 'real-steel' firearm the airsoft gun is replicating. Examples of these include the 30 round STANAG magazines of the M4, M16, Type 89, SCAR-L and several others.
Teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies and for other special circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days. For example, the large Berget annual event in Sweden lasts for six days with no breaks. In large scale MilSim operations, players often use vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. In some cases, such as Operation Irene (an annual MilSim held in the midwest U.S.), real APCs and tanks are used. Such large scale events can take place in MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) facilities.
True MilSim requires players to adhere to an agreed level of uniform authenticity and to play as part of a team. Open days or skirmishes where sides are nominally identified by colored armbands but where players dress in a variety of military or paramilitary impressions is not MilSim. These events are sometimes known as SISK (Skirmish In Silly Kit).
Airsoft games are not limited to MilSim or "skirmish" modes. There is great versatility and flexibility in play syles.
Honor system
Airsoft play employs an honor system whereby the players rely on each others' honesty to admit to being hit, because unlike paintballs, airsoft pellets do not leave visible marks on clothing. However, there are 6mm paintballs, but most airsofters prefer not to use them as they can ruin an airsoft gun and void most warranties.
The effect of a marking bb on the honor system is an addition to the game but does not remove "honor" from the game as it still remains with the player to choose whether or not to call his or her hits. Instead, it simply allows for verification when the need arises. For instance, depending on the muzzle velocity of the gun and distance from the shooter, the targeted player may not feel the impact.
Players are discouraged from calling out hits on an opponent - instead players are expected to signal a marshal to judge how effectively they have hit their opponent. Simulated 'knife kills' can, at the venue's discretion, be recognized when a player touches or taps an unaware opponent. This prevents the player being forced to shoot him or her at point-blank range. Similarly, a 'courtesy kill' occurs when a player refrains from shooting an opponent at close range while enforcing that opponent's surrender, instead of risking injury. Players are usually prohibited from firing blindly when not able to see their target, especially around corners. In some instances, players don't call out hits they have sustained as a result of this "blind fire". Players are expected to avoid the shooting of an opponent who has already admitted to being hit. Harsh language and forceful physical contact between players is strongly discouraged and even penalized. Players are expected to resolve disputes politely and with proper decorum.
All airsoft players are expected to acknowledge being hit, even if they are in doubt, by shouting "I'm hit" loudly, and raising their hand or gun high and/or displaying a 'hit indicator' while walking back to the safe zone. Paintball style "speedball" games may include the aforementioned hit markers. A hit indicator can be either a bright-colored cloth during daytime or a blinker or mini-flashlight when in dim light or darkness.
Teams
There are many organized teams, of varying sizes, all over the USA and in various countries. Some prominent teams have 50 or more players, and are able to send delegations to regional or national events. In the Philippines, there are many amorphous groups of airsoft players loosely organized into "teams" of varying sizes. There have been attempts to create large nationwide organizations of airsofters but these have neither succeeded nor persisted in the past, although regional organizations have been able to sustain a significant membership.
Ballistics and speed
Kinetic energy is the energy that is transferred from the pellet to its target upon impact. One joule of energy will be transferred by a 0.20 g BB at 100 metres per second (330 ft/s).[4] A typical set of limits on guns might be 100 m/s (330 ft/s) for CQB, 125 m/s (410 ft/s) for outdoors, and 175 m/s (570 ft/s) for bolt action sniper rifles, all measured with a 0.20 g BB. The amount of kinetic energy depends on the weight of the BB and how fast the gun can propel it. Certain places play "no velocity limit" games.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the energy limit for Airsoft guns is usually one joule (100 m/s with a 0.20 g, 6 mm BB) regardless of the type of game play. Though semi automatic weapons only are allowed up to 400fps and single action are allowed up to 500.
Most Airsoft guns are capable of shooting from 50 m/s (160 ft/s) to 125 m/s (410 ft/s), though it is also possible to purchase upgraded internals for some Airsoft guns that will enable up to 180 m/s (590 ft/s) projectile velocities.
A hop-up unit, if present, puts backspin on the BB, generating lift and giving it a greater effective range. The range of any Airsoft gun depends on both the muzzle velocity and the amount of hop applied. Airsoft guns can have a range of 75 metres (250 ft) or more with the right combination of power, barrel, and ammunition as well as a good hop-up unit. A good hop-up unit can sometimes double the range.
The longest recorded hit on a man sized target with an Airsoft gun was 400 feet (120 m) from a bolt action sniper rifle shooting 7.5 joules. The gun was shooting at a velocity of 637 feet per second (194 m/s) with a .4 g BB, equivelent to 901 feet per second (275 m/s) with a .2 g BB.
Safety: Eye and face protection
The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of impact-rated goggles or shooting glasses to protect participants' eyes. Traditional prescription glasses and sunglasses, or goggles not designed specifically for use with airsoft or paintball guns may break or shatter upon being struck, causing damage to the eye.
Many airsoft groups and fields require that eye protection fully seals the area around the eyes, and also meets or exceeds ANSI's Z87.1-2003 goggle standard for eye protection, namely, the ability to absorb 3 joules of impact energy without damage. Some players instead opt for paintball goggles, which are held to a higher impact rating standard, ASTM's F1776.
The best overall protection is offered by paintball masks. These masks protect the face, teeth, and ears. Some airsoft masks are made with mesh screens, though there is debate that fragments from lower quality or bio-degradeable BBs may pass through the mesh and enter the eye, although there have been no recorded incidents of such an occurrence.[8] While masks offer superior protection, they can interfere with the use of scopes and in cheaper masks, condensation inside the goggles can reduce visibility.
Safety: Unprotected players or bystanders
At most airsoft sites, any player or observer is required to keep their face mask, goggles, or shooting glasses on at all times. All players must immediately stop shooting when a person without eye protection is encountered in the playing area. One common practice is for players to shout words such as "Cease-fire, Blind Man!" Any player hearing the words must stop and repeat the alarm, alerting the whole game. If a player is hit and is wearing their death rag so that they can go to the respawn point and spawn, he will often say "Dead man walking!". This indicates to the opposing team that the person is not a threat.
Safety: Community safety precautions
Some other rules such as a maximum BB velocity and distance guidelines are used by different groups. Some organizations have created common safety rules and guidelines.When not actively playing, some fields require "barrel bags," also known as barrel stoppers, which were first introduced in paintball. The magazine is usually removed as well, and the gun fired to clear the chamber. Most fields also require players to leave their guns set to the safety position when they are not shooting, a practice common when using real firearms. In certain countries, such as the Philippines, additional special rules have been adopted.
All "real steel" firearms, explosives, and bladed weapons are banned at any airsoft battlefield to prevent harmful accidents or confusion between real and simulated weapons. Players are expected to be discreet in transporting their gear and uniforms so as not to alarm the public or police. Pyrotechnic devices may be allowed, but are rarely employed, because of the added danger. When they are allowed there are usually legal limits on the effect of the device, e.g. amount of smoke, volume of sound or brightness of flash.
Legal issues
Airsoft guns and playing airsoft is legal in most parts of the world. Some countries have specific restrictions such as maximum muzzle velocity, aka FPS (feet per second), rules against using the trademarks of real firearms, and 'unrealistic' coloring to distinguish them from actual firearms. They are legal throughout the U.S, but restrictions exist in certain cities such as Camden, Newark, NJ, Chicago, IL, New York City and Detroit, MI. The states of New Jersey,
New York and Michigan, however, do not allow airsoft guns to be used and handled publicly, because of the resemblance to real firearms, although Federal and State laws generally regard airsoft guns as toys and in the United States the muzzle tip must be orange.
Classic Army M15A4 Automatic Electric Gun.
In the United Kingdom, airsoft replicas are classified as realistic imitation firearms or RIFs. The sale, manufacture or importation of RIFs are restricted to activities that are exempted or have been granted a defense by the Home Office under the Violent Criminal Reduction Act. Airsoft has been granted a defense and a skirmisher as defined under British law is allowed to purchase, manufacture or import airsoft replicas. Usually, the only accepted method of proving entitlement is to be a member of a site that holds public liability insurance. A scheme set up by UK retailers, called UKARA, recommends that an airsoft site only give membership to a player who has played at least three games over a period of no less than two months but you can also get a reenactors membership meaning you never actually have to play airsoft.[citation needed] The right to own a RIF is still reserved to over 18's. Many retailers will only sell airsoft replicas to UKARA registered players. Also, the use or possession of any kind of replica weapon, loaded or otherwise in a public place is an offense under UK law and can carry heavy penalties.
Some airsoft players inform local police where and when airsoft games will take place, so that misunderstandings can be avoided.
Due to a steady entry of lower-cost airsoft guns from abroad, the Philippine National Police issued in December 2007 its Circular 11 (Airsoft Implementing Rules and Regulations),[14] regulating the ownership of airsoft guns by Filipino citizens. Only airsoft guns with a muzzle velocity of 550 feet (170 m) per second (ft/s) or less using 0.2-g BBs can be registered. The PNP AIRR also regulates the operation of airsoft playing fields, teams, and the standardized rules and codes of conduct among airsoft players.
Airsoft guns
The guns used in airsoft are typically replicas of real firearms, except that they have a mechanism for pushing out projectiles 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter.
Airsoft guns are classified according to their operating principle which can be either: spring, electric, or gas-powered. An airsoft gun is selected according to the level of performance (battery life, range, rate of fire, accuracy, reliability, customization, magazine capacity, size, and weight) or realism the player requires. Early-generation airsoft guns were mostly "springers." Single action airsoft guns fire only a single bb before having to be re-cocked for the next shot. Second-generation airsoft guns had gas-powered mechanisms that required either an internal "Flon" (CFC) gas reservoir or an external high-pressure CO2 chamber. AEGs (automatic electric guns, such as assault rifles) are now the most commonly used and have high-capacity rechargeable batteries to operate gearboxes that displace air to propel the BBs.
Most airsoft pistols which are gas-powered use environmentally safe "green gas". Green gas is propane gas with a hint of perfume and sometimes silicon lubricant and produces a realistic blowback recoil effect when fired. Recently Airsoft manufacturers have begun producing propane adapters that screw directly onto camping grade propane tanks, allowing players to power their gas guns on pure propane, as a cheaper alternative to "green gas". Each pistol magazine contains a small storage gas cylinder with enough power to propel the 30+ BB projectiles also housed in the magazine. Thus a player can realistically load, fire, and unload an airsoft pistol with similar realism as a "real steel" semi-automatic pistol. A few early-production AEPs (Airsoft Electric Pistols) have been released but these suffer from weaker BB velocities because of the difficulty of fitting a small-enough motor in the housing of a pistol, although the range is sometimes greater than a gas pistol. AEP's often have a higher rate of fire than their gas counterparts.
Most early airsoft guns were completely made of ABS plastic except for some internal moving parts. Newer guns, especially those made in Japan, have metal external parts. A typical airsoft gun is noticeably lighter than its "real steel" counterpart due to the use of aluminium, alloy, and plastic, though some have weights in them for a more realistic feel. There are smoke caps available for certain airsoft guns for added realism.
Gas hand gun magazines are usually 10-20 in a standard capacity magazine, however some are hi cap magazines which have a winder and can hold 50 rounds or more. In the case of AEG rifles magazines come in either standard (equivalent to the capacity of its real steel counterpart), low-capacity (low caps: 30-80 BBs), mid-capacity (mid caps: 80-150 BBs), or high-capacity (high caps: 200-500+ BBs). These magazines are spring loaded; the high-cap magazines often have a ratchet wheel that can be wound up periodically to force BBs up from the holding chamber of the magazine to the feed chute, due to loose BBs in the reservoir they often make a rattling noise when running or walking. Some airsoft guns have electric-powered box or drum magazines that hold thousands of BBs (up to 5000).
Clothing
Some players, especially those participating in MilSims, wear military clothing consisting of various forms of camouflage. Some players will go as far as to use a ghillie suit, which breaks up the human outline by having sticks, leaves, and similar items in the fabric/netting, as well as its own camouflage leafing material all over it. Aside from the advantage of camouflage, some participants aim to faithfully replicate a specific combat unit such as the SAS, Spetsnaz, or police, particularly in games such as MilSim.
In some countries, such as the Philippines, airsofters are not legally able to wear official uniforms. In Sweden, for example, it is illegal to wear both rank insignia and Swedish flags on civilian uniforms at the same time. It has become popular among civilians and airsoft players to wear only the upper garment or the pants, but not both.
When not wearing full paintball-type face masks, many players wear neck armor such as a balaclava, scarves and Shemaghs, and military-style helmets. Players generally wear combat or hiking boots (not just ordinary athletic shoes) for safety in harsh terrain. They also wear padded gloves, elbow pads, knee pads (not to protect the body from pain of getting hit by pellets, but to prevent pain and injury from performing physical actions, such as crawling and kneeling) and protective vests for additional protection, realism, and for conventional reasons such as holding magazines of ammo.
In some cases, rules are adopted that allow only casual clothes in an effort to encourage realism because players will more actively avoid being hit.
Tactical gear
Players wear tactical clothing and accessories for the added realism and for the practical needs similar to that of a real soldier. The most common are holsters, load bearing vests, and modular rigs. Many players also use a hydration system. Equipment for real world soldiers is also often used in airsoft games, such as are sights, red-dot scopes, flashlights, picatinny rails, and mock silencers.
Many Mil-Sim players choose to wear real gear (not an airsoft replica) and in some cases, real ballistic protective armor - this can raise the price of the game considerably.
Game variants
Elimination — Generally the most common variant of airsoft played, and again mostly among new-comers to the sport. Elimination rules can be played by two or more teams. Essentially, teams engaging in combat until there is only one team left still in play, or as in FFA (Free For All), one player left.
Surrender - Same as elimination, but when a player is hit he/she is not out, instead they are out when they surrender. Most of the time airsoft fields do not allow this, so this is not a game played by veterans, most of the time. This can applyed to almost any game type.
Capture the Flag (CTF) — While the primary objective in Elimination is to eliminate as many enemy players as possible, the primary objective in Capture the Flag (sometimes abbreviated to CTF) is to capture the enemy flag instead. This is a very popular game type, second only to Elimination itself..Often in CTF, there are two flags - one for each team. Each flag would ideally be situated in a base, bunker or some other such defendable position, which is then called the 'flag station'. The enemy team must find the opposition's flag station, seize the flag, and return it to their own flag station. Once the enemy flag is in one's own flag station and one's own flag is still there, then victory may be claimed. A one-flag variant has one flag situated in a mutually agreed upon position, and each team attempts to bring it back to their base, or the opponent's base.
Assault, or Siege — Assault is a fairly common game variant where the players are divided into two equal teams. One team — the 'defenders' — must hold a fixed location on the field. The other team — the 'attackers' — must attempt to completely eliminate the defenders, while the defenders must elininate the attackers.
Protect the President - Protect the President is a completely unique form of airsoft. Although not very popular due to being a mostly unknown form of playing, it gives each game a prominent objective; making the game extremely fun. The objective of the game is to protect the president (hence the title). At least two teams are formed. Each team chooses a President. From this point on, each team may devise their own strategy, but the objective is always constant. Kill the enemy president while being sure to protect your own. If the president on either team is eliminated, the game is over. Another form of Protect the President is to divide into two teams, a Secret Service and Terrorist Factions. The Secret Service team has an unarmed president or lightly armed, and the terrorist's job is to kill that one person. The Secret Service is to either eliminate the Terrorists or move to a certain safe-zone or Landing Zone on the map.
The Infected- There are two teams, Humans and infected. Anyone the infected eliminates become infected, while if the infected is eliminated, he is out for the round. Game ends when either team is completely eliminated
Commando Raid- There are two teams: Commandos and Rebels. The Commandos must bring three or more items back to the extraction zone, while the rebels must stop them. Anyone who is hit is down for the game. The commandos must have half of their guns ammo capacity and a spring pistol, while the Rebels can use as much ammo as they want.
Forts- There are two teams and six or more small forts scatterd in the field. the goal is for each team to capture all the forts. if someone is hit, they go to their respawn point well away from the forts. The first team to capture all the forts or has the most forts after 20 minutes, that team wins.
Enemy Territory- This is best played on a huge field. there are two teams, each team with their own commander in their teams base. The goal for each team is to place three of their flags in the enemy's post about 20 feet from the enemy base and then eliminate the enemy commander. The commander can only be armed with a spring or gas pistol. Two people can stay with the commander, but can only use shotguns. There is also a medic or two with the infantry
Tag Out- This can be played on almost any terrain. It is most commonly played in the sense that, if you get hit you stand still for however many seconds was agreed on. while you are still, if you are tagged by anyone else your are out for the game. if nobody tags you, you can resume fire after your time of stillness is up.
Source: wikipedia
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