The Basics of Airsoft Games and How Airsoft Guns Work

Airsoft is a game where the players shoot each other with guns that shoot plastic airsoft BBs (it is a lot like paintball, but the plastic BBs leave no visible paint mark on opponents). The airsoft guns that are used all propel their plastic airsoft BBs using compressed air, but the method in which the air is compressed varies, depending on the type of airsoft gun. For example, the automatic electric airsoft guns (also known as AEG guns) compress their air using an electric powered gearbox, which pulls back a spring plunger. Then there is the airsoft sniper rifles, which are single shot spring airsoft guns (they need to be manually cocked for each shot). Lastly, some airsoft rifles are powered by compressed C02 and or propane gas.

The single shot spring powered airsoft sniper rifles are the cheapest of the 3 different types of airsoft guns, while the electric AEG airsoft guns and the C02/Gas airsoft rifles are far more expensive. Generally spring airsoft rifles cost about $85 - $140, while the electric and gas powered airsoft rifles tend to cost about $100 - $220 or more. The places where the airsoft battles take place usually feature tactical things like bunkers, buildings, towers, trenches, and more. This is much like the types areas that the military uses for their training and simulations. Due to this fact, strategy plays a critical role in being a good airsoft player.

The type of gun that a player brings to the battlefield usually dictates the role that they will play. If you see someone with a long, bolt action airsoft sniper rifle, then it is safe to say that they will be playing a sniper role. People that you see carrying around airsoft ak-47 assault rifles, or airsoft M4's, and so on, are definitely looking for up-close, non-stop action. The type of airsoft scenario that is played greatly depends on 2 things: the location, and the amount of players. For example, if you don't have very many players, then the type of games that are played are usually quick, fast paced "skirmishes". If you have a good amount of players, along with the right location, then many different types of scenarios can be played out.

The rules of airsoft are pretty simple and straightforward. Much like paintball, if you get hit, you are expected to yell out the phrase "I'm hit" (and raise your gun up in the air). Also, since the plastic airsoft BBs leave no visible marks, it is expected that players follow an honor system, and admit to being hit. Even if you are certain that you have hit your opponent, calling out the fact that you have hit the opponent is generally frowned upon. Also, while airsoft BBs don't leave any visible marks (at least when they hit clothing that is), they are still rather painful to be hit by, especially at close range. For this reason, it is acceptable to simply tap an opponent (rather than shooting them at point blank range) to get a "kill". This is commonly done when a player sneaks up behind an opponent who is unaware of their presence (this is also known as a "knife kill"). All in all, airsoft is a sport just like any other, and is all about having fun, while always being respectful to others.