What is Airsoft and how do I get started?
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Guide to selecting an airsoft gun
What the heck is this "Airsoft" craze? I get that a lot, even from my wife when I started my airsoft Gun Business. Being in the military we get exposed to firearms and firearm training quite a bit. From the real thing to Paintball and even Laser tag combat, Airsoft is no different. Airsoft Guns are realistic Mil-Sim guns that fire plastic BBs. The guns can be Electric, Gas-powered or Spring loaded. The thing that sets Airsoft apart from Paintball is the realistic look and feel that these guns present. Airsoft guns are so realistic in fact, that the Federal Government requires them to have a permanent blaze orange tip attached for safety and identification as a toy. Airsoft players get very serious in their sport sometimes wearing authentic military uniforms and/or recreating various battles (WWII, Vietnam, Etc). Law enforcement and the military also use airsoft guns as effective training aids. Airsoft is a booming sport that you'll be hearing more about in the future.
So how does one get started? Easy..."Johnny get your gun"! That's right go out and buy yourself and Airsoft Gun, Airsoft BBs and safety equipment. Although firearm safetyand handling knowledge is a must, no special permits are required to purchase an Airsoft gun. How does one select the right Airsoft Gun and what is available? We'll help you with this easy to follow guide.
Airsoft Gun Selection Criteria
TYPE- You have three choices: Electric, Gas or Spring powered. Electric and Gas powered guns are usually medium to higher end fully-automatic guns that are preferred for tournament play and or combat training. For a good tournament gun Electric or Gas is the best choice. For basic target practice, or if your looking for a good pistol, Spring guns are the way to go. Electric guns use rechargeable batteries to power a gearbox, piston, and spring. Gas Guns use pressurized gas to propel the BBs. Spring guns require the user to manually cock the gun for each shot, using an internal spring. Out of all the Airsoft Gun types available, electric powered are the most popular.
COST- How much do you want to spend on an airsoft gun? Basic starter guns (sometimes called Cheapsoft) start around $9.99. The construction is mostly plastic and their accuracy is so/so. They don't have punch that most of the higher end guns have so they are good for using around the house (called Backyard Airsoft) or just getting started. Next you have the medium priced guns. These make up the bulk of airsoft gun sales. Companies like Jing Gong, Dboys, Galaxy, AGM and Well make guns that start around $50 and go up to $200. Medium priced airsoft guns usually have metal gearboxes, metal or heavy-grade plastic bodies, and greater accuracy/range. This is probably the best place to start if you are looking do any airsoft skirmishes. a lot of the Medium priced guns can be modified or repaired with over the counter parts. Finally, there are the high end guns like Tokyo Marui, Classic Army, SRC, ICS, and Systema brands. These guns start at $150 and can go as high as $1000. They are built with the strictest of quality controls and excellent materials. Most Airsoft Guns are designed after these manufacturers (especially Tokyo Marui and Classic Army).
GUN MODEL- Ok, so what do you like? Airsoft gnus are styled after most real rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Most popular are the MP5, M4, and G36 assault rifles. Are you going to be a sniper, is it close quarters battle, or are you manning a machine gun nest? Maybe your just looking for a great all-around gun. There are so many choices, I'll probably have to write an Airsoft Gun "USAGE GUIDE" sometime in the near future. If you are fluent in real firearms, you'll be able to determine which gun model is best for you. Otherwise, until I write my firearm usage guide, it's best to ask fellow airsoft players or check out some of the various airsoft forums out there.
That is really all there is to it. Money, Personal preference and usage. I'll work on penning a Airsoft Firearm usage guide (i.e what gun is good for what task). In the meantime, check out our selection of quality airsoft guns at:
Visit our Complete store at: www.OnTargetAirsoft.com
- Article By: www.OnTargetAirsoft.com
Airsoft Electric Guns...Tested, Chronographed, Guaranteed!
Have additional questions about airsoft?Loading...
Hi great hub somethiing I am lookinng into at the moment paintaball
When you pen that usage task remember, to include the FPS. that makes all the difference. My jg's technically by nature should be CQB and MOUT, but they both shoot at 430+ fps. you don't want to be shot at 5 meters by either one. lol
Josh is correct.
Have you ever heard of Innotech...well over $1000.
ya that's true
What is the price range of electric guns because i want to buy a Galaxy MP5K PDW G5 Airsoft Electric Gun AEG because i have used it and its pretty good.
Cost depends on quality and build materials. Most of your plastic internal guns are going to be in the under $60 range. once you get into the metal gearbox guns you are looking at $90 - $200, depending on the gun style and how much metal is on the exterior. The higher end airsoft guns are in the $200 and up range. That is just a good rule of thumb as there are so many variables that can effect a guns price (brand name, gearbox components, accessories, etc).
One of my friends asked me to join their team and I'm trying to think of how to tell my parents without having to say the words "Fake guns" and "shooting each other for fun!" If anyone can make this seem ok for worried parents please post!!
Use phrases like, "Similar to Paintball", "outdoor activity", "capture the flag", "Skirimish"
DUDE EASY JUST USE YOUR FRIENDS AND PROVE TO YOUR PARENTS that u are responsible and unless they're pacifists or hippies they will most likily get u one
Josh 3 years ago
Most airsoft guns don't go anywhere near $1000 the only gun that does that is Systema.