Airsoft on Pixibot

A military or law enforcement simulation sport in which players participate in mock combat with military-style mock weapons and tactics,
1:1 scale models of real firearms, with a typical example firing 6mm or 8mm spherical, solid plastic BBs of usually .12, .20, or .25 grams, with propulsion for the projectile provided by manually compressed springs, electric motors, or compessed gas.

This article covers both the sport and the weapons.

The sport is extremely popular in eastern Asia, in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where real arms are difficult or impossible to obtain because of local laws. For this reason the vast majority of airsoft guns, accessories, and aftermarket upgrade parts are made in Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea. Airsoft is rumored to have been made illegal in Mainland China, but is actually very legal and popular (the Hong Kong SAR, Macao, and others being legal as well). There is currently a growing interest in the West again, especially in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, Italy, Belgium (where the dutch players also go, since in The Netherlands it is illegal) and Denmark, bolstered by an active and expanding internet scene.

Airsoft Airsoft Gun

Early history

Airsoft began in Japan during the mid-1970s where real guns are prohibited by Japanese law. It can trace it roots to 1:1 scale plastic model kits of popular real firearms. From that point on it went into three separate directions; air-driven pellet guns, cap-type guns, and pellets driven by a spring.

The guns which had bullets driven by a spring had a spring in each shell. The bullet was forced into the shell and held by two small locks. Placing the loaded cartridge into the chamber, and firing the gun, would force the cartridge forward and releasing the locks on the bullet. The spring would propel the bullet forward. Pulling back the slide would cycle the next cartridge. The drawback with this design was that this bullet would have a maximum range of 20 feet (6 m).

The cap-type guns used a powerful explosive cap to make the noise of the gun and in later versions, to actually eject the spent cartridge from the gun. More sophisticated versions included the MAC-11, and CAR15 with a fully loaded magazine, can fire fully automatic. These guns were good alternate movie-prop guns. But since these guns did only cycle the action and make a bang, the popularity of these cap-type guns never really caught on because no projectile was fired from it.

Early Japanese air-driven pellet guns had a soft plastic bullet shaped like a pointed mushroom, which was then inserted into a hollow cylindrical plastic shell, which approximated the size of a real gun cartridge and had the look of one. These guns were based from semi-auto pistols, and the plastic cartridges were loaded into a magazine which was then inserted into the gun. The number of cartridges loaded into the magazine would be similar to a real firearm magazine. The gun was spring-powered normally by pushing the slide forward to strip the cartridge off of the magazine, loading it into the chamber to fire, and simultaneously cocking back the spring air piston. Pulling the trigger of the gun released the spring piston, the air went through the rear of the hollow cartridge and expelled the plastic pellet through the barrel. By continuing pulling back the trigger, the locking mechanism for the slide would release, the slide moving rearward and the empty plastic shell would be ejected. By repeating this process, another pellet can be fired until the magazine was empty.

Unfortunately, this process had some drawbacks. The shells were easy to lose, and the pellets were few and expensive. The next evolutionary design step was to replace the plastic bullet with a round BB. The shell was kept and the BB was inserted into the shell to make a cartridge. A rubber O-ring in the lip of the hollow shell held the BB in place. BBs were plentiful and easier to manufacture compared to the plastic pellet. Eventually, the plastic shell was altogether removed from the design to evolve into the airsoft guns we know of today.

The American toy company Mattel had a product in the 1950's called Shootin' Shells, which was identical to the spring-loaded shells described above. A plastic bullet was pushed into a brass spring-loaded shell, and held by two small locks on the bullet. It could be fired from a number of toy guns, including rifles, revolvers, and even a Remington-Derringer hidden in a belt buckle. Mattel also marketed Greenie Stik-M-Caps for use with these toys Airsoft . These were circular paper caps with adhesive on the back which could be attached to the rear of the Shootin' Shells to make a bang when fired. The caps were only used for noise, not propulsion.

Airsoft in American culture began with several abortive attempts in the 1980s by the Daisy BB gun company of the USA to market a BB gun that could be safely shot by opposing players at each other. It was known then as "Replisoft" and "SoftAir," a name which airsoft is now rarely known by. These spring guns used the plastic shell and BB design. The products did not prove popular in the U.S. market. However the sport continued to prosper in Asia and gained significant popularity. Most modern airsoft technology developments were created in 20 years of expanding interest in Japan.

Growth in the West

Starting with early 2003, Daisy has once again begun marketing airsoft guns for sale in the US, under their "Powerstrike" brand name. This and other models have begun appearing en mass in major brick and mortar distributors, expanding what in the US was traditionally a generally Internet based operation. US-based manufacturers of tactical gear and equipment have also begun to recognize the sport, some marketing products specifically for use in airsoft. On the Internet, the online auction site eBay has noticed airsoft as well, and has created several categories specifically for the thousands of listings of airsoft gear and guns.

Methods and Structures of Play

There are several different rule sets in a given Airsoft game. A rule present in most game types is that if a player is hit, they are "dead" and are out for the round or must respawn to reenter game. The "dead" players are either required to leave the field or are free to roam (the latter being true in more casual games in more open spaces). Several common game modes are as follows:

Deathmatch / Free For All

In this mode, all players are set against each other; there are no teams and alliances between players are usually frowned upon. This mode is usually the most frentic because players have only themselves to rely on.

Examples: Last man standing (Ultimos homo statans)

Team Deathmatch / Teams

In this mode, teams are formed between several players. Usually the teams are balanced (no team has more players than the other). The members of a given team have to work together to eliminate all the other players in the game. When all of the players on a team are out, that team is eliminated. This continues until all teams are eliminated. Airsoft Rifle

Examples: Last team standing

Capture the Flag

The classic kid's game with a twist: (usually) 2 "bases are set up" with a flag (or similar objective) in each one. The players are divided into teams and have to steal the flag from the other team's base and return it to their own. Usually, if a player is "killed," they can return to their base and start again.

Examples: Traitors (each team has one player that is a traitor)

Center Flag

Similar to capture the flag but only one flag that is placed in the middle of the two teams bases. First goal: capture the Flag. Second goal: take the flag to enemy base. When the flag reaches the enemy base, the enemy loses. If the flag carrier is eliminated anyone can pick up the flag. For extra long games multiple flags can be used.

Examples: Capture explosives (1st goal) Commando raid (2nd goal)

Siege or King of the hill

In this game type, there are two teams: Attackers and Defenders. The Defender team is given a usually fortified position while the Attacking team has to kill all of the Defenders in order to win.

Examples: hostage rescue (SWAT team)

Carry the flag

One flag and one team carrying it. Objective is to take the flag from point A (normally team base) to point B. The interception team objective is to prevent the flag from reaching point B. There are two variants of this game type, one for long games and another for short games. Games can be longer if anyone can be flag carrier or shorter if only one flag carrier exists. The game ends when no more players to carry flag (long version) or when flag carrier is killed (short version).

Examples: president rescure/walk (single flag carrier), Drag the doll (multiple flag carriers)

Grab the flag

Cheap Airsoft Gun

One flag is placed in a location away from all teams. The objective is to be the first to reach the flag. The player/team that first reaches (grabs) the flag alive wins.

Examples: Manhunt (one player tries to reach flag - escape), prisoners escape (multiple players trying to reach flag - escape)

Not all players have such structure in their games and are simply there to have fun, not to compete. This is obviously not a complete list; many more game modes may be invented every time a few friends get together to play.

and the games listed above are not mil-sim and about 60% of serious airsofters today play other games that more realistically replicate a combat zone, they wear camo and play scenario based games with squads, objectives, and realistic missions.

Airsoft guns Airsoft Atlanta

The guns used in airsoft are typically replicas of real firearms. Airsoft guns can be divided into three groups by what powers them: spring powered, electric powered, and gas-powered.

Spring powered

Spring-powered airsoft guns (often called "springers" or "spring guns") are single-shot devices that use potential energy stored in a spring to launch an airsoft pellet down the barrel of the gun. The user must cock a spring gun prior to each shot much like you would a real shotgun or bolt-action rifle. This is typically achieved by pulling back the slide (pistols) or bolt (rifles), which in turn compresses the spring and makes the gun ready to fire. Because of this these guns are incapable of automatic or semi-automatic fire.

While most electric guns also use springs for this they are not considered to be in the same category as the single-shot spring-powered guns. Low-end spring guns tend to be much cheaper than their electric-powered equivalents due to their simplicity and cost of components (spring assembly , electric motor, battery, and battery charger) and thus are widely available. These guns are less suited for competition because they are at a disadvantage against automatic guns in close combat and don't provide enough accuracy and power for long-range uses. Higher-end spring-powered airsoft rifles can be quite expensive; these guns are typically suited for "sniper" applications in airsoft matches and can provide competitive muzzle velocities.

Gas powered An example of a Gas Blowback pistol.

Gas-powered airsoft guns use pressurized gas to propel pellets. These guns are capable of automatic and semi-automatic operation. The most common gases used are propane (usually referred to as "green gas" by airsoft players) and HFC134a refrigerant. Less commonly used gases include CO2 and nitrogen.

Gas power tends to be used in airsoft pistols where size constraints make electric-powered mechanisms impractical. Other instances where gas is favored are where adjustable velocities are required or where a blow-back feature is desired. A blow-back feature is a mechanism which cycles a slide or bolt to better simulate a real firearm's operation. Because of the mechanical complexities involved with distributing and regulating gas these guns have largely given way to electric guns for less specialized applications.

Electric powered Tokyo Marui MP5-SD5 AEG

Electric-powered airsoft guns typically use a bank of rechargeable batteries to drive an electric motor, which cycles an internal piston/spring assembly in order to launch pellets. Automatic and semi-automatic operation is possible which gives these guns the popular name "automatic electric guns" or AEG's. These guns often attain muzzle velocities of 200 to 300 feet per second (60 to 90 m/s) and fire rates of 300 to 700 rounds per minute and are by far the most common and widely available airsoft guns in serious competition use today.

An MP5 replica AEG partially disassembled, showing battery pack concealed in foregrip

These guns were originally developed in Japan, and the Japanese model giant Tokyo Marui dominates the market today with many quality models. In a Marui AEG, the motor drives a series of 3 gears mounted inside a gearbox. The gears then compress a piston assembly against a spring. Once the piston is released, the spring drives it forward through the cylinder to push a pellet into the chamber, through the barrel, and forward from the muzzle. Many manufacturers have now more or less replicated this basic model, adding reinforced parts or minor improvements.

External modifications, such as metal bodies and reinforced plastics, that make AEG's look and feel even more realistic have become very popular. AEG manufacturers such as Classic Army (Yick Fung) produce replicas that are nearly indetical to their real counterparts. Most AEG's produced as of late are designed to be as realistic as possible.

LPEG's Airsoft Pistol

Becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the Japanese Tokyo Marui guns are the Chinese airsoft guns, made by manufacturers such as CYMA and WELL. Though technically these guns are AEG's by definition, the are often referred to as "LPEG's", or "Low Price/Power Electric Guns". This distinction is made because of the large gap in quality and performance when compared with "true" AEG's. While these are much less expensive than the high-end Tokyo Marui guns and come with all sorts of bells and whistles (laser sights, silencers, etc.) they are of much lower quality and are not well suited for competitive use like their Japanese counterparts. They are often an attractive option for newcomers who are looking for a fully automatic rifle but do not want to pay the high prices for the top quality models. Since spring action guns that can notably outperform LPEGâ€™s can be found at comparable prices, it is generally accepted that the spring guns are a better choice.

Click here to read a review of the Tokyo Marui MP5-SD5 at HellasAirsoft.com >>>

Components

The various internal components of airsoft guns can usually be replaced or upgraded. The following is a short list of commonly referred to parts. Not all of these parts apply to all airsoft types (spring and gas-powered guns don't use batteries, for example).

Barrel - Serves the same purpose as in real firearms: guides the pellet and also maintains the stream of pressure behind it.
Battery - Powers the motor that moves the spring assembly. These are typically NiCad rechargeable batteries but may also be NiMH.
Gearbox - Typically a metal housing that contains a gear assembly that transfers the electric motor's drive to the air piston assembly.
Hop-up - A small detente that applies a backspin to the pellets to improve ballistics. The level of hop-up is adjustable on many models of airsoft guns.
Electric motor - Used to provide energy to cock the springs in AEG's.
Nozzle - A plastic or metal piece that connects the hop-up assembly to the air piston.
Spring - Spring and electric guns both use springs to propel the pellets. The stronger the springs generally the more powerful the gun will be.

Airsoft pellets Airsoft Bb Gun

Some 6mm plastic airsoft pellets

Airsoft pellets (often referred to as "BB's", short for "ball bearing" or "big ball" in reference to smaller shotgun shot) are typically made of plastic and are almost always 6mm spheres. Pellets of a given size come in different weights ranging from 0.12 to 0.43 g. In addition to standard plastic pellets, starch-based biodegradable, metal coated, graphite coated (often used by snipers), and steel pellets are also available. Pellets other than 6 mm, 0.12 g, 0.20 g, or 0.25 g plastic or biodegradable pellets are not commonly used outside of Japan.

Glow-in-the-dark tracer pellets are also used in conjunction with a special device that charges the pellets up by flashing it with a quick burst of UV light prior to firing so that they remain luminescent in flight for use during nocturnal operations/games.

There have also been guns made that shoot aspherical pellets. The best known of these is the Asahi "Blade Bullet", which are now extremely difficult to find and quite expensive to buy. These were designed to be shot from the short-lived Asahi M700 and M40 premium grade rifles, which were produced in 1993. Compatibility with other airsoft guns is highly limited, especially due to their inability to be used with hop-up features.

Paint pellets are available but are incompatible with guns with hop-up features as the hop-up will break the pellet in the gun. Paint is very unpopular with airsofters because it tends to stain gear and clothes.

6 mm pellet weights and their usage

0.12 g - Used by some gas and spring weapons. High velocity and low stability.
0.15 g - Same uses as 0.12 g. Uncommon.
0.20 g - Standard weight for most weapons. AEG's uses these or slightly heavier pellets.
0.23 g - Heavier pellets for AEG's. Blends speed of 0.20g with range and accuracy of 0.25g.
0.25 g - Heaviest weight for standard AEG's, blowback and spring guns. Tokyo Marui standard pellets for AEG's.
0.30 g - Standard weight for most sniper rifles. Western Arms pellets for their gas blowback pistol series. Uncommon.
0.36 g - Heavier pellets for sniper rifles. Very slow but high stability.
0.43 g - For the highest level of upgrades in spring and gas sniper rifles. Graphite coated.

8 mm pellet weights and their usage

0.34 g - Low weight for 8mm sniper rifles.
0.45 g - Standard weight for 8m sniper rifles.
0.60 g - Heaviest weight for 8m sniper rifles.

NOTE: All BB weights are in grams (g)

Pellet ballistics

Pellet velocity, energy and weight

The pellet velocity of automatic electric guns is determined in large part by the tension of their main spring and so there tends to be a stratification of values. The most common airsoft velocity limits are between 300 to 400 ft/s (90 to 120 m/s) for AEGs and 400 to 500 ft/s (120 to 150 m/s) for single shot guns (sniper rifles). Here are some common levels of airsoft gun pellet velocity.

Unit equivalents

Airsoft Sniper Rifle

Pellet velocity 76 84 85 91 100 107 115 122 137 152 168 Electric Airsoft Gun (m/s)

250 275 280 300 328 350 377 400 450 500 550 (ft/s)

Weight

6 mm pellets

0,12 g 0,35 0,42 0,44 0,50 0,60 0,68 0,79 0,89 1,13 1,39 1,69

0,15 g 0,44 0,53 0,55 0,63 0,75 0,85 0,99 1,11 1,41 1,74 2,11

0,20 g 0,58 0,70 0,73 0,84 1,00 1,14 1,32 1,49 1,88 2,32 2,81 6mm Crony

0,23 g 0,67 0,81 0,84 0,96 1,15 1,31 1,52 1,71 2,16 2,67 3,23

0,25 g 0,73 0,88 0,91 1,05 1,25 1,42 1,65 1,86 2,35 2,90 3,51

0,30 g 0,87 1,05 1,09 1,25 1,50 1,71 1,98 2,23 2,82 3,48 4,22 Energy

0,36 g 1,05 1,26 1,31 1,51 1,80 2,05 2,38 2,68 3,39 4,18 5,06 (joules)

0,43 g 1,25 1,51 1,57 1,80 2,15 2,45 2,84 3,20 4,04 4,99 6,04

8 mm pellets

0,34 g 0,99 1,19 1,24 1,42 1,70 1,93 2,24 2,53 3,20 3,95 4,78

0,45 g 1,31 1,58 1,64 1,88 2,25 2,56 2,97 3,34 4,23 5,23 6,32 8mm Crony

0,60 g 1,74 2,11 2,19 2,51 3,00 3,41 3,96 4,46 5,64 6,97 8,43

Paintball pellets

3,00 g 8,71 10,54 10,93 12,54 14,99

notes:

FPS vs Energy chart for 0,20 g and 0,45 g Airsoft pellets.

3.00 g is the typical weight for a paintball pellet. This weight is for comparison purposes only and is not used on Airsoft. Higher energy but different collisions read Elastic collisions (airsoft) and Inelastic collision (paintball) topics for further information.

Red lines are the usual Crony (cronograph) weights for 6mm - 0,20 g and 8mm - 0,45 g.

Based on the Firearms Act 1968, the 3 J limit is indicated by Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland as the lower limit to inflict a lethal(paragraph 123)/penetrating(paragraph 26) wound. On another document also regarding firearms, "The Eleventh Annual Report of the Firearms Consultative Committee", the penetration levels lies between 2 and 3 Joules based on a research for US Army and DiMaio's work in "Minimal Velocities Necessary for Perforation of Skin by Air Pellets and Bullets, Journal of Forensic Sciences".

Airsoft Extreme

Dangers to humans

Airsoft pellets typically leave small welts on human targets. While mildly painful, pellets aren't especially damaging to the skin. Eye protection is universally required to prevent damage to eyes. It is also often recommended that face masks be used during airsoft matches to protect the players' teeth as on very rare occasions players have had teeth chipped or knocked out by a well-placed pellet. The pellets can easily punch through a soda-can.

The following excerpts are from the United Kingdom Parliament's "Principles of firearms control", Home Affairs Select Committee Second Report, 6th April 2000, expound on the level of danger involved with low-energy projectiles:

"25. The Firearms Act 1968 defines a firearm "a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other :missile can be discharged".[51] In this context, a "lethal weapon" means a weapon capable of firing a projectile with sufficient :force to inflict more than a trivial injury, i.e. with a force sufficient to puncture the skin.[52] The force with which a firearm :is able to deliver a projectile is normally expressed in terms of the kinetic energy it generates at its muzzleâ€”the "muzzle energy". :This force is normally expressed in units of foot-pounds (ftÂ·lbf) or joules (J).[53]

"26. The Home Office and the Forensic Science Service considers that the lowest level of muzzle energy capable of inflicting a penetrating wound is one foot pound force (1.35 J): below these power levels, weapons are "incapable of penetrating even vulnerable parts of the body, such as the eye".[54] However, more recent analysis by the Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland has indicated that a more reasonable assessment of the minimum muzzle energy required to inflict a penetrating wound lies between 2.2 and 3.0 ftÂ·lbf (3 to 4 J).[55] We will deal more fully with this discrepancy at paragraphs 123 to 130 below.

"123. The power level at and above which an air weapon is considered a firearm in law is presently set at 1 ftÂ·lbf. However, we note above that the Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland has more recently assessed the power level at which a barrelled weapon is capable of inflicting a lethal wound as between 2.2 and 3 ftÂ·lbf, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has proposed that the law relating to firearms in Northern Ireland be amended to take this into account.[201]"

Performance

Airsoft guns shoot 0.2 g BBs at velocities from 100 ft/s (30 m/s) for a low-end spring pistol, to 550 ft/s (170 m/s) and beyond for heavily-upgraded customized sniper rifles. Most non-upgraded AEG's using the Tokyo Marui system are in the middle, producing velocities from 270 to 300 ft/s (80 to 90 m/s), but upgrades to the internal components can increase the pellet velocity significantly. However, many structural reinforcements are necessary in order to upgrade AEG's without damaging the internal components of the gun.

Hop-up & Bernoulli's principle

Bernoulli's principle as applied to an airsoft pellet is as follows. As a spinless spherical pellet flies along its trajectory through the air (the air being the "fluid" in this case) the pressures on all sides of the pellet are equal because the air is traveling the same velocity relative to the surface of the pellet Red Wolf Airsoft . If a spin is applied to the pellet about an axis perpendicular to the velocity vector (e.g, a backspin) the air will be rushing faster (relative to the pellet surface) on the side that is spinning away from the velocity vector and slower on the side that is spinning towards the velocity vector. Bernoulli's principle says this difference in fluid velocity implies a difference in pressures, which is a force that will cause the pellet to move in a direction perpendicular to the velocity vector.

Airsoft hop-up devices apply a backspin to the pellet so that the pressure force acts on the pellet opposite the direction that gravity is pulling it. This causes the pellet to fall less over a given distance than it would without the spin applied to it.

In airsoft guns this is often implemented as a rubber piece at the rear of the barrel that is thicker at the top of the barrel than the bottom. As the pellet moves past this piece it tends to roll, inducing a backspin. This is usually adjustable so that the effect can be tuned.

Airsoft vs Paintball Airsoft Shotgun

Airsofters (those who play the game) normally argue with paintballers, the former expounding on airsoft's numerous advantages over paintball. It should be noted that while airsofters and paintballers are serious about their sport, the debate between them is often not. Both sports offer pluses.

There are a number of reasons why some prefer airsoft over paintball. Paintball guns are often awkward and do not offer a firing experience as realistic (to a live-fire weapon) as an airsoft weapon. Further, airsoft rounds are a lesser threat to players, as they do not leave as much bruising as paintball rounds, and are therefore less painful than paintball rounds. Paintball rounds contain more mass and therefore carry more kinetic energy than airsoft rounds. Airsoft rounds, on the other hand, are smaller and hence have less kinetic energy, but are also affected by the wind considerably.

Many people ask how players know they are hitting their target. Unlike paintball, which would leave paint on impact, airsofters can take a shot to the chest and, with enough layers of clothing, may not even feel the hit. The honor system is used, and surprisingly works. Oddly, the low popularity of the sport allows for the effectiveness of the honor system. Those that gather to play in skirmishes normally know each other, making the games more fun and relaxed. The ever-rising popularity of the sport - no doubt to be accompanied by heightened competitiveness - will test the continuing effectiveness of the honor system. When the honor system fails, there is still one solution. Keep shooting the other player until you hit them in the right spot.

Legal issues Spring Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns and playing airsoft is legal in many parts of the world, but not all. Some countries have specific restrictions such as maximum muzzle energy, rules against using the trademarks of real firearms, and special marking requirements (such as brightly colored barrel tips).

Within the United States, some areas like New York City have a total ban on airsoft guns, while other regions such as Michigan restrict the purchase of these guns so that they may only be purchased from a licensed retailer. Under Federal Law, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms but orange tips be present on the barrel ends and that the gun's trademarks and factory markings be removed. In addition, the similarity between genuine firearms and airsoft replicas is close enough to provoke interaction with law enforcement personnel if an airsoft gun is mistaken for its real counterpart. Furthermore, if someone were to, for example, attempt a robbery with an airsoft gun, they would be punished as if the airsoft gun were a real weapon.

In Austria, airsoft guns and pistols are allowed up to 0.08 Joules. All users that are at least 14 years old, do not need their parents permission. Airsoft guns and pistols more than 0.08 Joules can be purchased in specialised weapon shops only, all users has to be at least 18 years old

In the Czech Republic, airsoft guns have the same status as real weapons. Trade with them is regulated under the weapon law and all airsoft guns must be authorized by the Czech Gun and Ammunition Testing House before usage. The use of Airsoft guns is allowed for players that are least 18 years old. If children of at least 15 years want to play, an adult must supervise the game. Air Soft Guns may not have an energy higher than 16 Joules. The use of laser sights is forbidden as well as the usage and open caring of air soft guns in public places.

In Denmark, airsoft guns are mentioned in the Danish "VÃ¥benlov" (Arms control legislation). You have to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over, possess and use Air Soft Guns. A firearms certificate is not required.

In Estonia, the use of Airsoft guns is not regulated by law.

In Germany, the following limits must be obeyed: Airsoft guns under 0.5 Joules can be freely sold to and used by persons of at least 14 years of age. All Airsoft guns above 0.5 Joules must be semiautomatic only and can only be sold to people 18 years or older. Sales of guns of more than 0.5 Joules are allowed only in weapon shops. Guns must be marked with the trader's weapon abbreviation and a F-pentagon as well as the airsoft Gun caliber such as 6mm. Laser sights as well as flashlights are not allowed.

In Luxembourg, all Air Soft Guns are treated under the national weapon law and demand a personal user certificate.

According to the Norwegian "VÃ¥penforskrift" (Arms control legislation) you have to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over, possess and use Air Soft Guns in Norway. A firearms certificate is not required.

In Slovenia one has to be at least 18 years to buy airsoft guns. If the velocity of an airsoft gun is below 328 feet per second (equal to 1 Joule), it is considered to be a toy. If the velocity is higher than 328 Fps, the Air Soft Gun is classified as a section D weapon in the Firearms control legislation of Slovenia. Air Soft Clubs and National Shooters Association in Slovenia recommend that Air Soft Gun velocities should not be above 328 Feet per second (1 Joule).

Airsoft Guns are regarded as low power weapons in Spain and AEGs must have: - Semiautomatic rifles and pistols: under 24.4 Joules of energy - Other automatic electric guns: Under 1.00 Joules of energy and local police validation.

In Sweden, one must be at least 18 years old to buy Air Soft Guns.

In Switzerland airsoft guns are not considered as subject to the weapon legislation, no permission is necessary. Please note that all kind of laser sights are forbidden.

Within Japan, legal requirements are set on airsoft model manufacturers to prevent any possibility of a replica weapon being converted into an actual firearm. Standards include (but are not limited to) use of low-melting point metals and non-ballistic plastics in structural components and incompatability of mechanical components with actual firearm components and mechanisms. The overall litmus test used by the Japanese National Police Authority is whether the replica weapon can be made to chamber and fire an actual round of ammunition. These standards have proven successful within Japan, as it has been found that criminal elements discovered that it is significantly easier to purchase an actual illegal weapon in comparison to modifying a comparitively fragile replica into a functional firearm Airsoft Core . Due to this reality, most crimes involving a threat of physical violence are often perpetrated with edged weapons, as firearms seen in public are (by default) believed to be toys by the public at large.

Within the UK, the Violent Crime Reduction Bill which may prohibit the sale, manufacture and import of any replica weapon, including those used for Airsoft, the secondary effect of this being the eventual end of the sport in the UK as guns break and cannot be legally replaced. The Airsoft community in the UK and other countries have started a public campaign in order to try and save Airsoft there.

Airsoft variants

Paintball is a sport similar to Airsoft, but uses a different type of projectile and gun.

Lasertag is a sport very similar to Airsoft, but no projectiles using IR beams to hit a sensor on your oponents body, sometimes known as Quasar.

This firearms-related article is a stub. You can help by expanding it.

External link

Save Airsoft - HQ for saving the Sport in the United Kingdom
21st Century Airsoft - Airsoft Products, Reviews, Manuals, and Upgrade Videos
Airsoft United - Articles, Reviews, Forum and Chat
Mission Viejo Airsoft Confederacy. Airsoft team based out of South Orange County, California.
Redwolf Airsoft - Popular Airsoft Site
Airsoft Players - Useful Airsoft Info and Reviews
United Kingdom Airsoft Community - Popular information/forum site
Arnie's Airsoft - lots of useful Airsoft info and articles
Planet Airsoft - Airsoft site, full of articles and reviews
Airsoft Atlanta - retail shop of Airsoft products in North America
WGC Shop - Hong Kong retailer with high-quality product pictures and information
Voyager Enterprises Airsoft Supply- Western New York retailer with high-quality product pictures and information
Shorty USA[1]Lowpriced, highquality airsoft retailer

References

[1] Ronny "Thinker" Ohlsson, Airsoft for rookies - A short handbook on the subject of Airsoft, 1998.
[2] - Home Affairs, Second Report - Principles of firearms control, Home Affairs Committee Publications, 2000.
[3] UK government - Home Office, Controls on firearms - A consultation paper, 2004.
[4] Firearms Consultative Committee, Eleventh Annual Report of the Gas Airsoft Gun