Before getting into a beginners it is important to know something about airsoft weapons, their history and the enjoyment they bring to hobby aficionados of what is often termed friendly-fire battle.
An excellent place to begin learning about them, especially for U.S., airsoft enthusiasts, is by visiting Air Shooter. This website is most frequently visited and favored by U.S., airsoft fans because of the wealth of easy to understand information about the sport itself, not to mention the fantastic photos and explanations relative to guns, gear and all things airsoft.
Airsoft weapons are guns that emit small Bbs or plastic pellets via spring, gas or electric empowerment versus paintball guns that have larger ammo and require a Co2 power source, similar to a Co2 Cylinder but smaller. According to data available at Air Gun Depot, airsoft weapons were first introduced to the world in East Asia. Early models of these weapons were very akin to those used by military and law enforcement personnel in real-life situations. The object of a friendly-fire battle is to shoot your opponent before he shoots you. Many fans of this sport find it very interesting that the evidence of being struck is not readily obvious as it is in paintball gaming and therefore requires usage of an honor system or pre-set rules formulated by the gamers prior to commencing battle. Range of fire statistics average 100-150 feet unless a sniper weapon is employed that averages approximately a 200-foot range. The only time an actual target mechanism is used is during personal practice sessions.
A top source for airsoft information is this beginners guide to airosft. There are 3 basic styles of guns.
1. Spring power guns are the least expensive and are considered to be ideal for entry level gamers. The suggested retail price for spring weapons is under $50 and may include some of the basic operating accessories.
Spring-power guns must be cleaned using the same guidelines necessitated by EAG, electric airsoft guns. Since spring weapons must be pumped or cocked prior to each use, they have a somewhat limited firing range. Mid-priced ultra grade spring models last longer than their lower priced counterparts but weigh more.
2. Gas powered guns are powered by green gas which some gamers deem offensive for obvious reasons related to odor even though it is considered to be environmentally-friendly. Gas powered weapons are available in pistol, shotgun and sniper rifle style. If a gas-powered weapon uses Co2, the weapon has a tendency to freeze-up or seize which often occurs in the height of battle and must be allowed to warm-up or re-adjust. Another drawback involves the fact that gas powered models require frequent magazine reloading which is a time consumer. Gas airsoft guns are not highly favored because only one ammo clip can be loaded at a time and because of their random ammo dispersal.
3. Electric powered guns are the most popular and the most frequently selected style because they are easy to use and to control despite the fact that their initial expenditure ranges from $30 to $1,000 or more. Although highly prized for their accuracy and target practice capability, battery empowerment is estimated to be five to eight hours with recharging taking from three to five hours to complete. Top brand choice for electric models is the Tokyo Marui, an early market leader that currently features a 500 round model.
Decisions regarding gear and apparel are generally left to the participant’s discretion; however, camo or desert colored or a combination of the aforementioned are the design of choice. The use of at least one armband that is blaze orange or some other vibrant color is strongly advised.
Newbies are urged to visit a gun store or the sporting goods section of one of the major big box stores to seek advice from a qualified expert. Consumers are reminded to bear in mind that making a sale is this salesperson’s main goal. When considering ammo options, while biodegradable pellets are more expensive than plastic ones, and while there is not cleanup policing required; biodegradable pellets are not always available at all purchase venues.
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