Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns are highly realistic toys that shoot harmless plastic 6mm BBs for gaming and recreational shooting.  While they work similarly to airguns, they are designed to look identical to real guns, and to shoot with much lower power so that you can shoot at friends without injuring them.  Getting shot by an airsoft gun will sting temporarily but will not cause serious or permanent injury.  They can be upgraded in power and range, but even then, they are not lethal.  If you want to learn more about this amazing hobby, start by reading our blog What Is An Airsoft Gun: The Definitive Guide.

Airsoft is enjoyed by people of all ages, with a range of Airsoft guns that cater to different roles and player abilities.   Twelve  years old is usually the minimum age to play at airsoft fields, but children can start earlier with proper adult supervision, or if they can understand and adhere to muzzle discipline and avoid pointing an airsoft gun at anybody without their consent.  Many younger players graduate from playing Nerf once they can handle more range and accuracy.  Airsoft is quite safe when played properly with the correct protective equipment, most importantly for the eyes.  A full face mask is recommended to protect against chipping teeth should a BB inadvertently hit someone in the mouth.  Read more aboutHow old to play airsoft: a guide for parents and kids.

Airsoft guns shoot 6mm round plastic BBs.  They are very light and range from 0.2g to 0.5g in weight.  Lower power airsoft guns generally shoot 0.2g or 0.25g BBs, while more power and upgraded airsoft guns can shoot heavier weights over 0.3g.  Heavier BBs will be less affected by wind, and will be more accurate.  Airsoft BBs are available in regular plastic, bio-degradable materials, and a special glow-in-the-dark material called tracer BBs.  Tracer BBs must be used together with a tracer unit, that resembles a suppressor.  It is screwed onto the threaded barrel of an airsoft gun, and exposes any BB traveling through it to a strong flash of light.  Tracer BBs will absorb this light and glow in the dark as they leave the barrel and fly towards the target.  When fired in full auto, tracer BBs can look like a laser beam.

Airsoft BBs should never be reused since they may deform or crack after being fired once.  Reusing an old BB may cause damage to your airsoft gun.  Airsoft BBs also come in many different quality grades.  Don’t be tempted to buy cheap BBs because they may not be balanced due to manufacturing defects and quality control issues.  This leads to inaccuracies or even barrel jams that can be very costly and even destroy your airsoft gun.  High quality BBs will help you enjoy the maximum performance that your airsoft gun can offer, while giving you peace of mind that you won’t jam your gun and destroy internal components.

Yes, Airsoft guns are legal in most countries but the laws regulating them can vary.   Airsoft is outright banned in a few countries including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and China for example.  In New Zealand, you need a permit to import.  In the UK, you need to be a member of the UKARA association to own a replica in its original form, or else you need to have it 50% painted in bright bold colors.  It is completely legal in most countries within the EU and the United States, although the US and Italy require a permanently affixed orange to differentiate them from real guns.

California residents require additional blue tape affixed to a combination of the grip, trigger guard, stock and magazine.  Many countries also impose maximum power limits on airsoft guns, including Japan and Korea where they are completely legal but heavily regulated.  US residents can read our article on Airsoft gun Laws by State.

Yes, airsoft is legal in most countries without legal age restrictions, but with some exceptions including China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.  Read our blogs on airsoft legality in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom.  If you are shopping for kids, then read about Things Every Parent Needs To Know About Airsoft.  Thankfully airsoft is legal, or at least loosely regulated, so they can be enjoyed in most parts of the world.  If you are in doubt, chat with us to check.  Regardless of whether they are legal in your country, you should be careful never to brandish an airsoft gun in public or point one at anybody outside of a gaming environment.  The mere act of using an airsoft pistol or rifle in a threatening manner is often considered a criminal act and could even get you shot by police.  You can also read this article about airsoft legality globally.