What Is Airsoft?

Airsoft is a game of military simulation, popular in many parts of the world. In a nutshell, it is a competitive sport which utilizes replica firearms to play a variety of team and individual shooting games. While the rules and equipment vary from country to country, the core concept is the same. Players are divided into two opposing teams and utilize replica guns and ammunition to reach the game's objectives.

The Origins

The sport of Airsoft originated in Japan, back in the early 1980s. It was initially envisioned as a safe and controlled form of competitive military simulation. By the 1990s, Airsoft had spread from Japan to other parts of Asia and eventually to Europe and the United States.

In the United States, Airsoft is regulated by the Airsoft Safety Foundation, a non-profit organization that develops standards for the safe operation of Airsoft games. It has been estimated that, as of 2016, there were over five million active Airsoft players in the world.

Present Day Airsoft

Modern Airsoft has developed significantly over the years. It is no longer limited to military simulation, though this variant still remains a popular pastime. Today, there are a wide variety of Airsoft games. Some of the most popular are Team Deathmatches, Capture the Flag, and King of the Hill.

The equipment used for Airsoft also varies depending on the game type. The most common type of replica firearm used is the electric-powered Automatic Electric Gun (AEG). Other weapons, such as the Spring-Powered Rifle, Gas-Powered pistol, and shotguns, are also commonly utilized. Ammunition is usually made up of 6-millimeter plastic pellets, which are designed to be safe to use.

Safety in Airsoft

As with any competitive sport, safety is of utmost importance in Airsoft. Players are required to wear full-face protection, such as a mask, goggles, or full-face helmet. While these pieces of equipment are mandatory, many players choose to wear additional protective gear, such as strong gloves and additional body armor.

All Airsoft sites and events must adhere to the Airsoft Safety Foundation's regulations, which include the following rules: Players are not allowed to remove their on-field protective gear during a game; any player that does so will be immediately disqualified. All weapons must be chronographed on site, and must not exceed the maximum speed limit set by the event's organizers. No real firearms are allowed on the premises, and all replica firearms must have an orange tip and must be transported in an appropriate case.

Brief Recap

Airsoft is a worldwide hobby and game of military simulation, with its origins in Japan in the early 1980s. In present day, the sport has developed significantly and is played in many countries across the world. Its popularity is attributed to its reliance on strategy and team work, as well as its low cost of entry and legallity. Players need protective gear and use modern replicas of firearms with 6-millimeter plastic pellets as ammunition. All airsoft events and sites are required to adhere to the Airsoft Safety Foundation's regulations, to ensure the safety of all players.