AIRSOFT GUIDE: Airsoft?
Airsoft is a game in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with spherical non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms called airsoft guns. Airsoft is commonly compared to paintball, with some key differences being:
- Unlike paintballs, airsoft pellets do not always mark their target and hits are not always visibly apparent; therefore airsoft relies on an honor system in which it is the duty of the person who has been hit to call themselves out regardless of whether or not anyone saw it happen.
- Most airsoft guns are article-fed with no air tank, and tend to much more closely replicate real guns. This makes them more popular especially for military simulation and historical reenactments.
- For casual players airsoft is much cheaper to try than paintball, with manual-cocking pistols costing as little as $5 a piece and airsoft pellets costing as little as .2 cents per round.
Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, C.Q.B. (Close Quarters Battle), field, military simulations (MilSim) or historical reenactments. They are played in some indoor courses, and outdoor (fields).Combat situations on the battlefield may involve the use of military tactics to achieve objectives set in each game. Participants may attempt to emulate the tactical equipment and accessories used by modern military and police organizations.
A game is normally kept safe by a trained professional and the weapons are usually powered by gas or various types of batteries. A gun's power is checked through a chronograph and usually measured in feet per second. Different game sites allow a different amount of FPS; for instance, a sniper would usually have a higher FPS than a submachine gun, since a sniper needs a minimum engagement range to reduce the danger from being hit at close range by a powerful weapon.
Airsoft and military training
Airsoft technology is used in military and law enforcement training. Due to airsofts realism, relatively safe projectiles, and economical ammunition, it is well-suited to war games and scenarios to train troops. Multiple airsoft inventions were developed originally for military and law enforcement use.
Marking rounds were invented by Kerry T. Bowden to allow trainees to see where each projectile landed. Much like paintball and Simunitions, these marking round BBs would break upon impact, marking the target with luminescent liquid. Unlike traditional plastic BBs, marking rounds are heavier to ensure breakage of the shell on impact. The weight can be adjusted by adding heavier liquid. Marking rounds are critical for trainees because they allow the shooter to see exactly where they hit the target. This allows them to extrapolate their mistakes and improve their aim.
Reusable grenades were improved by Scott Frank to emulate the fragmentation of a real grenade in war games and scenarios. The grenade can be loaded with paint or BBs. It uses a quick release of highly pressurized gas to break the shell and quickly disperse BB s or paint in all directions. Franks grenade, although not the first, aimed to be as realistic and predictable as an actual grenade. He developed a more accurate timing mechanism and secondary safety mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge. Both marking rounds and reusable grenades gave airsoft the edge it needed to enter into military and law enforcement training grounds.
The airsoft guns used for training differ from civilian models. Guns manufactured for professional training are made to replicate the weight, feel and sound of its real steel counterpart. In general, professional training airsoft guns are GBB models and enhanced with a weighted blow back mechanism to increase the force of the kick. Although some are AEGs and are built with a blowback mechanism. They are also outfitted with muzzle protectors that amplify the sound to a decibel level comparable to that of a real firearm. The average FPS for a professional training airsoft guns is higher than civilian models. Economically, airsoft is cheaper than Simunition training. Maj. Benjamin Kratz, Fort Jacksons battalion executive officer, said that one blank M16 round can cost as much as 32 airsoft rounds. And with decreasing military and law enforcement budgets, airsoft adds a number of necessary practice hours.