What is Airsoft and how to play it – Common questions answered

Let’s start with what exatly is Airsoft?

Airsoft is a simulation game of Japanese origin that is gaining more and more followers every day, no doubt due to the extraordinary combination of physical activity and mental strategy that it requires.

It is also a team game in which each player’s skills can be crucial at some point. The ability to sacrifice, sportsmanship, and adaptation to circumstances are essential.

This military game can be practiced in two types of scenarios: in closed spaces (CQB mode), be it abandoned ships, buildings, or rooms specifically designed for the development of Airsoft; or in open spaces (MILSIM mode), fields that allow playing over long distances.

The characteristics of each type of space determine great differences in opting for one type of game or another, let us see below what they consist of.

What is an Airsoft gun?

An Airsoft weapon is a replica used in this sport and is essential to enter a game.

The choices you can make as a player in this section vary greatly and will depend on the role you have chosen to play.

Replicas can be divided into two groups:

  • Long weapons: main weapon of the game and the most chosen by beginners
  • Short weapons: secondary or support weapons.

The most widely used models are the M4 and AK47.

We can describe them within these two groups by their drive system, be they spring, electric, or gas.

The spring weapons are the cheapest for their low rate of fire; to play, they are not the most indicated since they are clearly at a disadvantage compared to gas or electric ones. However, for snipers, whose firing frequency is lower, this type of weapon can be used, it is even one of the best since it has greater precision than gas or electric weapons.

Gas weapons are hybrids, that is, they are electric automatic replicas that have a gas-powered blowback. They are the best but also the most expensive in airsoft gun stores.

The most common are electric weapons. Its mechanism works using a gearbox motor to drive the piston and release it, which is powered by a battery.

An electric weapon has a cadence that can reach up to 100 BBS per second, although for the market, it is usually between 12 and 18. Its chargers have a capacity that usually ranges from 300 to 400 balls. You can also decide if you want semi-automatic or automatic shooting.

Keys differences against Paintball (Airsoft vs. Paintball)

You loved activities have one thing in common, and that is that they need facial protection. They have the same origin, but then they have nothing to do with it.

The clearest differences differ in the instruments they use (weapons). Airsoft uses 11mm caliber replicas, while the weapons used in Paintball are called “markers” and are 68 calibers.

Airsoft’s ammunition is normally plastic pellets and is powered by CO2, while Paintball uses gelatine filled with paints.

In Airsoft uniforms and military-style accessories are used with their due protection, while in Paintball, the suits are of the same type, as long as they have the necessary protection.

These are the main differences between the two activities since, in the game, it has certain similarities. It is true that Airsoft is more tactical and realistic, while Paintball has a sportier part, although the strategy is also important.

Which is more painful: Airsoft or Paintball?

Saying that Airsoft or Paintball hurts more will depend on the protections you have equipped.

Both in Airsoft and Paintball, it is recommended to wear helmets and goggles, jackets, shoulder pads, and gloves. We also recommend using a vest that protects you against the impacts you may receive on the torso.

Once you are well equipped, you should bear in mind that the paintball balls are larger and come out at a higher speed, so their impacts are usually more painful, especially if you are very close, being able to get injured or leave the Marked body.

Not forgetting that, if you receive an Airsoft beacon from your opponent, too close, it can also be very painful.

How far can an Airsoft gun shoot?

A BB can travel up to 30 meters away once fired. There is a possibility that she will travel more, but that distance is recommended for aiming shots.

Measuring the FPS or knowing for sure the power of a weapon before buying is one of the main rules for those starting this hobby, the reason why an expert’s guidance becomes so important.

There are different FPS chronographs on the market that an Airsoft player should have in their power to measure from time to time what power their replica is firing since only the change in temperature can affect the power.

How to play Airsoft?

The first thing to do is find out about how Airsoft games work, read the rules, what type of replica is most recommended for inexperienced people, what is the most recommended role for someone who is starting, or where to go to start.

Today the Internet is a great source of information, and there are many forums, websites, YouTube channels, or podcasts that will help you get an idea of what you need. It is not necessary to focus on one but to see as much diverse information as possible.

To start playing, the most recommended is to contact an Airsoft team already created in your area and show them your desire to participate in a game with them or simply go to a field and sign up for a game that is already organized.

Although the law allows Airsoft weapons to be carried from the age of 14, the fields are usually quite restrictive with age. They don’t usually stop playing unless they are of legal age since some players usually refuse to do so out of fear.

It only remains to equip yourself with your replica, eye protection, some chargers, and Airsoft balls.

If you are not sure or don’t want to make a large investment, if you contact a team, they can lend you some material, or the same field can rent the minimum material to play.

Conclusion

Airsoft is the best sport because it is much more than that, it is much more than a game, it is a passion.

It is a game that perfectly combines physical exercise with mental strategy. A game that requires all the skills of the players to be able to win.

To win this game, you need a cold mind, strategy development, quick ability to choose and decide, skillful with your hands, strong with your arms, having depth, and quick reflexes.

To be intelligent and have a good capacity to adapt to the different environments in which you fight, you need to hold your breath and maintain silence. You have to know how to work as a team and have a capacity for sacrifice.

All the values and emotions of a warlike confrontation, without any negative aspect of it.

Do you dare to play it?