What is Airsoft?

Airsoft is one of the newest and fastest growing sports in the U.S.  It is somewhat similar to paintball in that your primary goal is to shoot your opponent with an air-powered weapon but that is where the similarities end.  Most paintballers play in small field with brightly colored flashy uniforms.  Airsofter's on the other hand prefer MilSim (Military Simulation).  You will find that most Airsofter's like to dress-up the part of a military soldier to engage in simulated combat and/or reenactment.

Airsoft guns are toy BB gun that for the most part are exact copies of real firearms.  You can find almost any airsoft version of a real firearm from as snub nose revolver to a 6 barreled Gatling gun!  Some Sci-Fi and fantasy airsoft guns can also be found.  Although it's realistic looks are what attract many players.  They can easily be mistaken for real firearms to those who are unfamiliar with it.  Extreme care should be used at all times and should be treated as a real firearm when handling and transporting them.   Reckless handling of these guns especially in public can lead to confiscation of your airgun, fines, jail time or even death.  The latter, although very rare, was the result of individuals brandishing an airsoft gun in the presence of Law Enforcement. (No one has ever been killed by an airsoft gun).  However, used properly and treated with respect.  You'll find airsoft to be an exciting hobby and superior to paint ball, at least in our opinion.

As a safety precaution, airsoft guns are designed in such a way that they are impossible to convert them to real firearms or be modified to the point where they are lethal.

Please keep in mind that there are Federal, State and Local laws that regulate the use of airsoft guns.  So, before you buy your first airsoft gun. We highly recommend that you research the laws in you area first in order to avoid any unwanted encounters with Law Enforcements.  The best way to find out about these is to contact your local airsoft store, fields, teams, forums and police department.

Most airsoft guns fire a 6mm (.25 caliber) light weight plastic or biodegradable BBs.  Some newer guns shoot 8mm BBs.  The most common type of ammo used is a 6mm 0.20 gram (1/2 ounce) weight BBs.  This is considered the standard weight.  However, BB weights can range from 0.12 gram to 0.43 grams but most places restrict BBs to a maximum weight of 0.25g for safety reason.  You'll also find that BBs come in many different colors.  In most cases color has no real significant effect on the BBs performance.  Some manufactures, such as Excel, do use color to help distinguish different BB weight (Ex. 0.20g-cream, 0.23g-light green, 0.25g-light blue).

Airsoft guns are powered by a variety of methods such as spring (hand cocked), compressed air, gas (CO2, Nitrogen and Freon 134a) and electric air pumps.  The most popular versions are called AEG's (Air Electric Gun).  These gun have an built in internal air pump, known as a “Gear Box”, that is powered by a rechargeable RC batteries similar to those used by remote control cars.  The standard battery that usually comes with a new airgun is an 8.4 volt.  Upgraded airguns usually require a 9.6v but you can find players using up to 12v.

Airsoft guns can cause minor injuries (nick, welts, BB size bruises and so on).  In the most sever case one can loose an eye.  So when you play, it is strongly recommended that you wear the proper safety goggles.  It is also highly recommended that a face guard or mouth guard be used as well.  BBs have been known to chip teeth. 

With that in mind, one of the most common questions asked is how much does it hurts?  The pain of being shot can vary depending on the range.  Long range will feel like a tap but close range shots can give a nasty sting.  One of the best explanations we heard is that it feels like someone snapping you with a rubber band.

If you are interested in buying an airsoft gun for the purpose of playing with the Cimmerians we recommend the following as a minimum.

AEG made by Marui

(Recently the quality of Classic Army gun have improved considerably but minor quality issue still exist)

2 batteries

Battery charger

2 bags of Bio-Degradable BB's

If you wish to know more, simply type “airsoft” on your search engine or if you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.