Airsoft guns, equipment, and war

If you are not already familiar with airsoft guns and wars you may want to check out the excellent wikipedia articles:

What is Airsoft?

Airsoft is a combat sport similar to paintball in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting them with 6 mm (or occasionally 8 mm) plastic ball bearings launched from airsoft guns. These airsoft guns can be powered by CO2, Green Gas, air that is forced through a nozzle via a manually cocked spring piston, or mechanical boxes that use motors to pull back and release a spring piston. Participants typically use varying types of weapons designed as replicas of real firearms, tactical gear, and accessories used by military and police organizations.

What are Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns (also known as Soft Air Guns) are spring, electric, or gas powered air guns that fire small spherical plastic pellets of either 6 mm or 8 mm diameter (0.24 or 0.32 inches), although spring-operated "air guns" may be disputed as air guns altogether. Very cheap airsoft guns are normally underpowered and unsuitable for match play, but some Chinese manufacturers such as Jing Gong, A&K and BOYI/ D BOYS are now producing match-quality AEG's for under $100. The more expensive models by manufacturers such as Tokyo Marui, Classic Army, and G&G are preferred by professional players due to their reliability and accuracy.

Most airsoft guns are replicas of real firearms, in keeping with the realistic style of airsoft, but occasionally fictional firearms or body kits are available, such as the M41A Pulse Rifle from Aliens. Some very inexpensive airsoft guns are reduced scale models (such as the Boys models by some makers) or caricatures (such as the mini-electrics) of firearms. In addition, some designs are replicas of firearms that never even went into service or production, such as XM8 prototypes.

There are three types of airsoft gun: spring, gas, and electric. All work on the same principle of compressed gas expanding to force a pellet down the gun's barrel and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

What methods of play are involved with Airsoft?

CQB, otherwise known as Close Quarters Battle (or CQC, Close Quarters Combat), is a popular way of playing airsoft. The basic idea is for people to play in an enclosed arena at close quarters, resulting in fast action combat or multiple surprises. Often the arena may be set up as if it were in an urban war zone or in terrain filled with enclosing walls, gates, doorways, stair ways, tunnels, apertures, overhead openings, or below-ground approaches that enable one player to shoot at another from a distance of a certain amount of feet. CQB can also take place in night games or in dense vegetation such as tall grass, shrubbery, and closely packed trees. In these types of combat, the fps of the guns may have to be lower due to the closeness of the combat. Simulated grenades and booby traps are effective due to teams sticking together in such a small area. Players in CQB scenarios usually wear additional vests or protective clothing to avoid injury from close-in hits or ricochets. They also use smaller airsoft guns like the MP5 or auto pistols (gas or electric).

MilSim, short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. Several goals or missions are assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out of ammunition (6 millimeter pellets), rations, batteries, and other suitable equipment, such as short-range radios and head-sets.

The teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies, or other such circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days, for example the large BERGET event in Sweden lasts 6 days in a row, with no breaks. In larger scale MilSim operations players utilize vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. But in some cases, such as Operation Irene, real APCs and tanks will be used.

Airsoft games are not only limited to Milsim or CQB, however. There are many minor game scenarios.

What equipment is needed for Airsoft?

Airsoft equipment encompasses many types of equipment used in the sport of airsoft, including the airsoft gun used to shoot airsoft pellets at opponents, safety goggles, and all sorts of tactical gear including vests, equipment holders, and gun accessories.

To a new player choosing between airsoft and paintball, a beginning package for airsoft is much cheaper in terms of hardware, but for apparel they can be roughly equivalent. They both can range from $20 for a vest, to $180 (expensive version) for a ghillie suit. One major difference, however, can be seen in the cost of ammunition and upkeep of the packages - due to the type of ammunition used, airsoft guns are less prone to "jamming", and airsoft bbs (6mm) are considerably cheaper to purchase than paintballs.

Airsoft rifles and pistols are usually the most expensive piece of equipment. Low-quality electric guns, commonly called LPEGs (low priced/powered electric guns) can cost from $15-$90 USD depending on the quality, the MPEGs (medium priced/powered electric guns) can cost in the range of $80-$180 USD and are usually a clone of an AEG with lower quality materials (i.e. recent CYMA guns, A&K, etc.), while a higher quality AEG can be more than $200 USD. A paintball gun of equal level usually costs between $250-$350. The overall average for a high quality electric gun such as a "Classic Army", "KWA", "ICS", "Tokyo Marui", "Star", and "Systema" is around $200-$1400 USD (or much higher, if the user decides to purchase a pre-upgraded gun or a specialized gun, such as a sniper rifle or an LMG replica) depending on the model. Some custom guns can cost more than $2,000 USD.

In Mil-Sim games, where the main aspect of the play is realism, equipment is usually much more expensive. 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, with guns and gear sometimes totaling in excess of $1,000 USD.

You need to decide how large of a battle you arelooking for. Are you looking to be a part of a full scale war simulation?
Or do you just want to organize your own backyard style airsoft war?

There are many sites dedicated to full scale Airsoft war. Some of these sites are for organized Airsoft clubs and teams. People get together and simuate a ful scale war. In some cases reenactments of real wars of the past undergo. Depending on where you live, you too could be a part of these, or perhaps organize one for your region.

Check out these Airsoft War sites:

Hoffman Estates Airsoft Team (H.E.A.T.)

Cimmerians for Realistic Historic Combat

Airsoft Pacific Team Directory

Team Airsoft Dawsonville, GA

Spring-powered airsoft guns are single-shot devices that use potential energy stored in a spring to launch an airsoft pellet down the barrel of the gun. The user must cock a spring gun prior to each shot. This is typically achieved by pulling back the slide (pistols), bolt (rifles), or the grip on a shotgun, which in turn compresses the spring and makes the gun ready to fire. Because of this, these guns are by definition incapable of automatic or semi-automatic fire. Spring powered airsoft guns are typically not as powerful as gas and electric models, although this can vary by cost.

While most electric guns also use springs for propulsion of the airsoft pellet, they are not considered to be in the same category as the single-shot spring-powered guns. Low-end spring guns tend to be much cheaper than their electric-powered equivalents due to their simplicity and lack of electrical components (spring assembly, electric motor, battery, and battery charger) and thus are widely available. These guns are less suited for competition because they are at a disadvantage against automatic guns in close combat and do not provide enough accuracy and power for long-range use. There are some exceptions, however, as higher-end spring-powered airsoft rifles can be quite expensive; these guns are typically suited for "marksman" applications in airsoft matches and provide competitive muzzle velocities. Additionally, pump shotguns are sometimes used, especially in CQC (Close Quarters Combat). In colder weather, spring pistols are more reliable than gas-powered pistols and even the batteries on AEPs (Automatic Electric Pistols) both of which can be adversely affected by extreme cold.

These guns are typically the cheapest of the airsoft gun, rangin anywhere from as low as $20 to over $400.

Gamo CFX Combo with Air Venturi Ram Air Gas Spring

Includes a 4x32 scope.The CFX is a wonderful, lightweight, powerful air rifle. Adding an Air Venturi Ram Air gas spring delivers more benefits.The Gamo CFX is the ideal rifle for the shooter that wants power plus the accuracy of a fixed barrel. This underlever delivers 1000 fps in .177 (max velocity).Features a rifled steel barrel, rotary breech, TruGlo fiber optic sights, a rugged synthetic stock and a two-stage trigger. Very accurate and powerful. The durable, synthetic all-weather stock has a ventilated buttpad, twin cheekpieces and checkering on the forearm.Here are the benefits of getting a CFX with an Air Venturi Ram Air gas spring conversion:

• Smoother cockingSmoother shootingLess recoilNo spring torqueNo spring fatigue, even if you leave it cocked for hoursFunctions perfectly in cold weatherLasts longer than a metal spring


• Installed by Pyramyd Air's expert gunsmiths!

Airsoft Spring Pistol UHC 92

Military and Law Enforcement Issues - Precision 92 Heavy Weight The Hop Up feature on this airsoft gun creates a greater accuracy

Airsoft Mini Guns are fun too.

Gas-powered airsoft guns use pressurized gas to propel pellets. These guns are capable of automatic and semi-automatic operation. The most common gases used are "green gas" (which consists of a mixture of propane and a polysiloxane lubricant) and HFC-134a. Less commonly used gases include "red gas" (which is actually HCFC-22), CO2 and nitrogen/high pressure air. Red gas is usually avoided unless the airsoft gun has undergone modification, as its relatively high critical pressure can cause damage to the airsoft gun. CO2, nitrogen, and high pressure air are less common because they need to be stored at higher pressures than "green gas" or HFC-134a.

Walther P99 Airsoft Blow Back Gas Pistol

The Maruzen Walther P99 is a state of the art approach in evolutional technology as an airsoft sports gun. This pistol was specifically designed to meet the latest requirement. It's design incorporates to the requirements of practical us.Sight: The P99 features a windage adjustable micrometer rear sight, with contrast marking.Grip Backstrap: Accuracy in firing a handgun depends upon a proper grip and proper position on the shooting hand. The P99 is the first handgun designed for grip backstraps size adjustment to fit the individual user. Magazine Catch: The Magazine catch is designed to fit the contours of the grip. While easily operable by either the thumb or trigger finger, without loss of the handling. The magazine catch is designed to minimize the mistake.

Colt National Match Silver Gas Pistol

National Match Gas Blow Back Airsoft Gun Colt Fully licensed replica of the actual Colt gun. The internal spin-up system enhances accuracy, velocity and BB flight. Powered by gas. Blowback recoil. Constructed of several metal internal parts, it has an authentic solid feel. The metal magazine holds 12 rounds and provides for prolonged shooting. The grips are uniquely designed for a comfortable hold.

Electric-powered airsoft guns typically use a rechargeable battery to drive an electric motor, which cycles an internal piston/spring assembly in order to launch pellets. Automatic and semi-automatic operation is possible which gives these guns the popular name "automatic electric guns" or AEGs. These guns often attain muzzle velocities between 150 and 500 ft/s (60 to 150 m/s) and rates of fire of between 100 and 2000 rounds per minute. They are the most commonly used and widely available type of airsoft gun.

Jing Gong G36C Ver 3. Electric Airsoft Rifle

It is an exact replica of the famous assult rifle that is in use with the German army today. It comes with a folding stock that will further decrease the weapons length making this airsoft gun great for cqb. The working charging handle give this gun a realistic action. Also, it features a handguard rail that will allow for the mounting of flashlights and other accessories. Jing Gong AEGs are fully upgradeable and compatible with most aftermarket external and internal parts. This airsoft gun includes a 470rnd hi-capacity magazine and is also compatible with other major brands of standard and high capacity after market magazines. This gun is a must buy for those looking for a good priced G36. The version 3 G36c now comes with metal bushings.

• Metal gearboxMetal bushingsSteel gearsVery reliableTight sealing pistonFuturistic look featured in many popular video gamesLightweightHigh performance Side folding stock Ambidextrous selector levers10 inch weaver rail along the top


• 3.5 inch weaverrail under the foregrip

Walther P99 Clear Airsoft Electric Pistol

The Walther P99 Full / Semi Auto Firing Electric Airsoft Gun is a 1:1 full sized replica of the Walther P99. This is a truly awesome airsoft gun that shoots in both semi automatic mode and by switching the selector switch, you can shoot in fully automatic mode.

Below are the most common and basic of airsoft game variations. For more variations, see Other example game variations.

Team Deathmatch

Team deathmatch, or TDM is a basic way to play airsoft. Two teams play each other, and there if you get hit you go back to the spawn point (scroll down to Respawn.) You also need to keep track of all the kills you get. At the end of the match, players combine all of their kills, and which ever team has more kills wins.

Capture the Flag

Two teams play against each other and try to take the other team's flag back to their own base (or flag). The flag has to be carried so that it is clearly visible. This game can be played in two variants: "Live Flag" or "Dead Flag". In Live Flag the flag is dropped if the Flag carrier is shot, and another player can pick the flag up. In "Dead Flag" the Flag carrier has to return the Flag to the enemy's base upon elimination before the Flag can be taken again.

King of the Hill

A portion of the players barricade themselves on a hill or relatively open area and the rest of the players are the attackers. On the top of the hill is a flag, and the team that is closest to the flag when the time is out, wins.

Escort/President

One team has to escort an unarmed (or in some cases, a very lightly armed) person to a certain location or objective point to win. There is another team who tries to kill the escort or the whole team. Usually the attacking team hides while the escort team travels along a normal path. sujest playing Block-Block (city) or a wooded area with a path or paths

Speed, or CQB (close quarter battle)

Indoor versions of many games. Often played in a big house or in many houses. They also can be in a small wooded area. Handguns and low-end electrics are normally used.

1. Establish different positions with your teamates. (such as the Sniper, the machine gunner,etc.).


2. Make sure you develop handsignals and gestures,or get walkie talkies because if you have to talk in a close proximity to the enemy, it will give away your position.


3. Do not mantain the same position throughout the entire war! It will give time for the enemies to gain ground and figure out a plan.


4. Always listen to the captain's orders. He usually will only do what is best for the team.


5. Keep stealth as long as possible.


6. Take out the enemy in this order:Sniper, frontman, support gunner, and then rifleman.

• Only have the rifleman and the support gunner take out the other sniper at close range. Have the sniper attempt long range shots to machine gunners/riflemen.


• Make a good choice when choosing a captain. The captain shouldn't just be the person who is the best shot or has the best gun, but the one who has shown that he/she has an eye for tactics.


• Never wear something that contrasts your surrondings.


• The sniper is not usually determined at the time of the war. He/she usually knows that they will be the sniper.


• Always carry a sidearm and extra ammo for both of your guns, you will always need it.(extra meaning more than 2000 rounds. Depending on your gun, bring more.)


• Wear proper eyewear. Use a mask if you can. Also, use a mouthguard, and/or earwear.


• If you have more than 2 maching gunners it helps if you put 2 of them up in trees, just sit on branches and shoot. but beware, you'll want to have some sniper/s and at least 2 people with pistols gaurding you if your playing the three-hit-your-out game.

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