Airsoft Information:
Airsoft guns are NOT real guns but are authentic looking
BB firing replicas called airsoft.
Airsoft BBs are plastic, and they are bigger than
the US standard metal BB's, but they are smaller than
paintballs in size.
Airsoft is different from the traditional "BB
guns" common in Europe and in the United States,
which often fire 0.177 caliber metal BBs (round or pellet
shaped) at speeds of 350fps to 1000fps. The power for
these is generated with CO2 cartridges or hand-cocking
air power.
Some BB guns resemble real weapons in their shape,
but are modified in the way their switches function.
They also do NOT carry the names of their real counterparts.
You can distinguish between a BB gun and a real gun
at closer inspection. BB guns can be used for sport
shooting or hunting, but are not suited for indoor shooting
or war-gaming due to their high power. These BB guns
are incapable of shooting full auto.
Airsoft is different
from paintball guns, which is designed
specifically for war-game purposes. These "guns"
do not resemble real weapons at all and are usually
quite simple in design. Power is by way of a compressed
air gas tank that is in its smallest form as big as
a coke bottle, that is mounted externally on the paintball
gun.
Paintball guns shoot plastic balls loaded with paint.
The paintballs break apart and explode all over an opponent's
body upon impact. The paintballs are quite large so
each shot has an arc as opposed to a straight line flight.
Paintballs can hurt quite a bit when you are hit at
close range, and they can even cause your body to bruise.
But in competition you always know if you hit your
opponent since it leaves a paintball mark on him/her.
The paintball guns have large containers used to store
the paintballs, and also have an external gas tank.
Paintball guns are mostly incapable of shooting full-auto.
There are many weights
and types of Airsoft BBs for different
powered guns - but all of them are plastic. They come
coated with metal, but not solid metal. 6mm paintballs
are not used much anymore since they can jam airsoft
guns.
Airsoft was invented in Japan and describes pistols
and rifles that look, feel, and operate exactly like
real firearms. Their design is true to form, and almost
all airsoft models are replicas of real world weapons.
Civilian gun ownership in Japan is illegal and airsoft
naturally found a large market of gun enthusiasts that
wanted to own and collect their favorite weapons but
were not ready to break the law for their hobby!
Authenticity is a major priority for airsoft guns and
most manufacturers have licensed agreements with the
real gun manufacturers to copy the real gun styles and
use their trademarks. In fact, in many cases you can
install real gun accessories onto airsoft guns due to
their similar dimensions and design.
At close range, it is extremely difficult to discern
an airsoft gun from real guns. That is why some countries,
such as the United States, requires all imported airsoft
guns to possess orange painted barrel tips. In fact,
airsoft guns are so authentic that many police and military
training programs across the world use airsoft products
for training purposes.
Airsoft products are
powered by different methods to propel
a 6mm plastic BB at distances of 50 to 200 feet at between
200fps to 600fps. Most airsoft guns are designed to
shoot plastic BBs weighing 0.2g to 0.25g.
Some of the mini guns and electric blowback guns are
happier shooting 0.15g BBs, and modified weapons are
capable of shooting over 0.3g.
Airsoft guns can be modified to deliver serious power,
though not life-threatening. Highly modified and powered-up
airsoft guns can break skin and cause bleeding, but
will never penetrate flesh or lodge itself under the
skin. That is why airsoft is perfect for recreational
skirmishing since they are non-deadly - unlike the metal
BB guns manufactured by companies like RWS (Europe),
Daisy (USA), and Crossman (USA).
Airsoft guns are legal in most countries without the
need for a license, including the United States (except
in a few States), England, France, Norway, Sweden, Argentina,
Russia, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and many other
places. Some countries such as the United States requires
that all imported airsoft guns have painted orange barrel
tips. Other countries like England and France require
nothing at all and airsoft guns can be imported in their
original state.
Note that on some airsoft guns, there is no flash hider,
or it is not removable. In those instances, we will
paint the tip orange. Removing the orange paint is possible
with paint thinner but again, we do not encourage it
for legal reasons.
How do Airsoft guns work?
Shooting can be performed in semi-auto, and full-auto
on selected models at approximately 10 to 14 rounds
per second. For example, Marui's electric MP5A5 machine
gun is capable of 12 rounds per second, while KSC's
M11 sub-machinegun is capable of delivering 1200 rounds
per minute (which is as fast as the real M11). Accuracy
varies depending on models but a 1-inch deviance at
20 feet is standard on stock, unmodified models. With
the proper modifications and upgraded parts, your airsoft
rifle can be deadly accurate and attain a deviance of
only 2 inches from 50 feet.
There are several types of airsoft guns and they are
categorized mainly by their propulsion mechanism.
Automatic Electric Guns
(AEG)
The H&K MP5 series from Tokyo Marui are very popular
and are powered by an electric motor that runs off of
a rechargeable battery similar to those used in radio
controlled cars. The motor powers a series of gears
which wind and compress a spring, which in turn is connected
to a piston and cylinder mechanism. When the spring
is completely compressed by the motor, it is released
and exerts force on the piston and cylinder mechanism.
This in turn forces compressed air through a nozzle
and onto a BB, which in turn is propelled out of the
gun. Stock AEGs can deliver BB speeds of 240fps to 285fps
using a standard 0.2g BB. Upgrading the spring, and
hence the supporting gears, can easily deliver BB speeds
of over 400fps or more.
To give you a sense of how much power that is, BBs
fired from factory AEGs cannot penetrate the side of
a soda can. However at close ranges (15-30 feet), they
can deliver a sting if hit on the human body. Closer
ranges such at 10 feet or under can cause a slight welt
if hit on bare skin. Stock guns are not designed to
break human skin and are therefore perfect for war-gaming
and other gaming purposes. They can, however, cause
blinding if the BB hits someone in the eye so care should
still be taken not to use airsoft guns irresponsibly.
In fact, AEGs are recommended for persons 18 years or
older.
Our line of full-auto electric airsoft rifles include,
but is not limited to, the popular H&K MP5 series,
the Colt M16 series including the M4A1, AK47's, Steyr
AUG series, and even the exotic FN P90. For sniper fans,
there is the semi-auto H&K PSG1. All these rifles
look EXACTLY like their real counterparts and all switches
and levers function in the same way as the real weapons.
BB's are loaded in metal removable magazines, of which
spares can be purchased from our accessories page. Different
capacities exist for magazines so if you don't want
to keep reloading or changing clips / magazines, then
get an optional Hi-Capacity magazines. For example,
the high capacity AK47 magazine can hold 600 rounds!
What do you need for
an AEG operation?
An AEG gun. A battery that suits the gun. These come
in different sizes for different guns and our site specifies
the size for each gun use list.
Large pack of 0.2g or 0.25g BBs. These go fast when
you're shooting full auto at 12 rounds per second, so
order plenty if you plan to play a lot.
A BB Bottle to make loading easier. A battery charger.
AEGs use rechargeable batteries which you need to charge.
Get a charger to do the job.
A discharger. Discharging semi-depleted batteries will
extend battery life. Some of our chargers have built-in
dischargers. Canister of silicone spray lubricant to
keep moving parts well lubricated for durability
That's the basics, though most enthusiasts gradually
move onto accessories like scopes, slings, combat gear,
etc.
Gas Powered Guns (Typically
referred to as GBBs)
Gas blowback guns are fun because they have recoil.
Pictured above: The M11A1 from KSC is very popular for
looks and power.
The power of choice for many airsoft pistols and sub-machineguns.
Gas types include HFC134a and HFC22, the latter being
higher pressure and thereby delivering more power. However
not all airsoft guns are designed to withstand the added
pressure of HFC22 and buyers should be careful to ensure
their selected model can handle HFC22 before using.
Gas is typically "charged" into the butt of
airsoft guns, right into the magazine which contains
a gas container. Blowback pistols cock just like real
pistols, and semi-automatics require you to cycle the
slide first in order to chamber the first round, and
cock the hammer.
When you pull the trigger, the hammer is released and
pushes on a pin which in turn applies pressure to a
valve on the magazine. This valve in turn releases a
pocket of charged gas from the gas container within
the magazine, and the gas is used to propel the BB out
of the gun.
This same pocket of gas is used to also cycle the slide
backward, thereby recocking the hammer and chambering
the next round. This action causes a recoil effect,
though it is relatively weak compared to a real gun.
Overall, the operation of airsoft blowback pistols is
exactly the same as a real gun. BB's are stored in the
clip and are reloadable just like in real pistols.
Most modern day real-world
pistols are represented in our line-up
of gas models, including the Beretta 92F, Glock 17,
Colt Government, and many more. Revolver fans will also
find a good selection made by Tanaka and Tokyo Marui.
Gas blowback sub-machine guns include the M11, Steyr
TMP, Micro-uzi, and more.
Gas guns typically deliver equivalent power to electric
powered guns as described above. Upgrades are also possible
to achieve very powerful results. In fact, the upgrade
potential for some gas rifles surpasses that of the
AEGs.
Note that gas rifles and most gas shotguns (except Maruzen's
Remington M1100) are not blowback but use essentially
the same mechanism described above but without the cycling
feature. Of course, using the entire pocket of gas on
the BB will generate higher power than when sharing
the pocket of gas with the slide cycling action.
Gas Gun information:
what do you need?
A gas powered gun. Large pack of 0.2g or 0.25g BBs.
Canister of propellant gas, either HFC134a or HFC22,
depending on the gun. The recommended type is specified
on our site, beside each gun.
A BB bottle is a good idea since it makes loading BBs
much easier (not pictured)
Hand-cocking spring - Entry Level & High End Bolt
Weapons
Hand-cocked pistols are entry level airsoft guns that
are quite affordable. They do not use any form of power
and requires you to pull the slide back in pre-tensioning
a spring within the gun. When the trigger is pulled,
the spring decompresses and forces air through a piston
onto the BB, which in turn is propelled out of the gun.
Hand-cocked pistols, frequently referred to as "spring
guns", are a good way for people new to the sport
to learn the basics of airsoft. While they are much
lighter, are less powerful, and are slightly less detailed
and refined in their finishing, they still retain the
authentic style and shape of the real gun, and also
possess the real trademarks as well. They are quite
accurate as well and allow for decent target practice
at ranges of 10 feet.
Some long bolt action
rifles are also hand-cocked but these
are not considered entry level and can deliver ample
power thanks to their long barrels.
Getting started on Spring Guns or Bolt Rifles
To start on hand-cocking spring guns or bolt rifles,
you will need the following:
A spring gun or bolt rifle. You can opt for an entry
level spring gun or a high end bolt rifle. Large pack
of 0.2g or 0.25g BBs.
Canister of silicone spray lubricant to keep moving
parts well lubricated for durability
A BB bottle is a good idea since it makes loading BBs
much easier
Electric Blowbacks: what
to know.
These are relatively new to the airsoft scene and
were introduced by one manufacturer in 2000. These entry-level
models are not very powerful but using 4 AAA batteries,
these guns use a motor to operate in much the same way
as an AEG. The added bonus is the motor also cycles
the slide on pistols. Electric blowbacks are designed
for those who want to experiment with airsoft and want
semi-auto functionality. However serious shooters and
airsoft fans should opt for gas blowback pistols, which
deliver far greater power, recoil, realism, accuracy
and range. These fire in semi-auto mode, and are very
light and basic on the details.
Getting started on Electric Blowback Guns (EBB)
To start on electric blowbacks, you will need the following:
An EBB gun. Large pack of 0.2g or 0.25g BBs
Canister of silicone spray lubricant to keep moving
parts well lubricated for durability
4 AAA alkaline batteries
Minis:
These are toy variants that are scaled down versions
of real guns. They use batteries and fire BBs out in
full auto. Power is very weak but they make great plinkers
at home and in the office. Serious airsoft fans should
opt for all above options.
To start on electric blowbacks, you'll need to obviously
get a gun, and 4 AAA batteries, and a pack of 0.2g BBs.
To enjoy the true spirit of airsoft, one must have
experience in shooting a full-auto AEG or a gas blowback
pistol. Words can hardly do justice to describe the
fun in spraying targets with 12 -15 rounds per second,
or the excitement of shooting a recoiling airsoft pistol.
Have you dreamt about
shooting an AK47, a silenced MP5 SD5,
or even the exotic FN P90? How about emptying a Glock
17 or a full auto Glock 18C at targets. What about the
hot high speed M11? How about taking out war-game opponents
from a hill with your H&K PSG1 rifle? What about
experiencing an all out simulations war-game with your
friends and be able to walk away from exciting and adrenaline
pumping battle at the end of the day with a smile (even
after being hit?).
Depending on what type of gun you would like, and how
many accessories and what types of power upgrades you
wish for, the cost can vary greatly.
A typical spring gun package will cost around USD$60
while a standard AEG package will run several hundred.
You can estimate your price by simply browsing our shop
pages to determine the total dollar amount of the products
you desire.
Disclaimer
We do NOT encourage using airsoft weapons in public
or displaying them in any manner to unknowing parties
who will believe they are real. Doing so will bring
yourself in danger with law enforcement authorities
and possibly cause severe injury or death.
There have been publicized cases where people have
brandished airsoft weapons publicly in an irresponsible
manner, and have been injured or killed by law enforcement
officers.
Please be safe when using airsoft products at all times.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND INFORMATION
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE
TO AIRSOFT BB GUNS: The U.S. government
has approved and specified regulations applicable to
AirSoft BB guns. The blaze orange marking at the tip
of the guns (you will see this featured in some photos
of the guns) is a federal requirement; all reputable
AirSoft manufacturers and dealers must be in compliance
with this ruling for legal use. This is for your protection
so that your AirSoft gun is not mistaken for a real
gun while being used. All AirSoft products, foreign
or domestic, must meet this safety regulation.
WARNING FOR PARENTS:
Airsoft products are NOT toys! These are NOT products
intended or designed for children. There is a real potential
danger this product has towards children in the fact
that they aren't real guns but look very much like a
real gun. Any "look a like" toy/BB gun in
a crime carries the full circumstances as that of a
real weapon. This product should be considered as dangerous
as a real loaded firearm.
SAFETY WARNING:
For your safety, ALWAYS wear eye protection while operating
AirSoft BB guns. Realism is the appealing factor of
these AirSoft BB guns. Users MUST treat them with the
same respect as with a real firearm. They are to be
purchased and used by adults 18 years of age or older.
Minors MUST have parental supervision when operating
these BB guns.
NEVER take or transport your AirSoft in open view.
NEVER brandish or use the AirSoft guns in public areas.
NEVER point or shoot at other people or animals. Check
with your local ordinance on ownership and usage. It
is the buyers responsibility, not Safety Gear Headquarters,
to know your laws before you purchase. |
