A Beginners Guide To Airsoft Guns

Airsoft was originally developed in Eastern Asia. Local and International laws made it nearly impossible to obtain a firearm but there were still hobbyists who wanted to participate in the sport. Airsoft guns were created with realistic looking weapons in mind so that players could participate in military or police scenarios without risk of getting seriously injured.

Airsoft is a game played within a reasonably large predetermined area where the objective is to "hit" or "tag" other players with the projectile fired from an airsoft gun. Unlike paintball or laser tag it is hard to determine whether someone has or has not been hit so airsoft relies on an honor system when playing.

Airsoft guns can be divided into three distinct groups that are determined simply by how they are powered. Gas, electric and spring powered weapons are the most common and all have their advantages and disadvantages. When a first time buyer is wondering what kind of gun to get I would stick to the spring models because they are cheaper but taking care of them requires the same basic steps as taking care of an expensive electric airsoft gun.

Spring Airsoft Guns

Spring models are airsoft guns that require you to pump or cock the weapon every time you fire it. They are very reliable during close quartered games. You will have a slower rate of fire but you won't find yourself reloading as often. I would suggest using a spring model as a primary or a back up weapon. Springs are the most reliable weapons available. While they may be weaker, and not have the range that other guns do they are the easiest to handle and play with. First time buyers should seriously consider a spring model. There are many full size spring airsoft rifles available as well as spring airsoft pistols that are affordable and a good way to get into airsoft. If you want to spend a little more money you can go with a ultra grade spring airsoft pistol which are heavier and a bit more durable.

Gas Airsoft Guns

Gas airsoft guns are often used only once a round and are usually saved as a side arm or secondary weapon. The gas or C02 usually only lasts the duration of the clip and a lot of the time your shots will not be consistent. Automatic gas guns tend to be "pellet hoses" in which ammunition is sprayed all over the place with out any accuracy or consistency. I would only buy a gas or C02 powered gun to use as a side arm or as a last resort. While they are powerful they are not reliable enough to use as a primary weapon but can make a very effective secondary weapon.PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE VERY POWERFUL

Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs)

Electric airsoft guns are more powerful and usually the most accurate. Many electric guns come with a hop up system that allows you to lay down a consistent accurate line of fire until your clip runs out. Batteries usually take 5 to 8 hours to charge the first time but any time after 3 to 5 hours would suffice. Batteries would usually slow down as they lose their power and eventually shooting the weapon on semi-automatic rather than automatic is better. If you want to be a competitive player but are new to the field I would suggest buying an electric airsoft rifle of some sort. One of the best brands for automatic airsoft guns is Tokyo Marui. They were one of the first companies to introduce electric airsoft guns to the market and the quality of their rifles is top notch.

Airsoft Tips Based On My Field Experience

• Airsoft guns are a lot of times said to be fragile and easy to break down internally. This is not true. If you clean and maintain the gun after every time you use it the gun will last much longer than expected. It's really that simple. If you get dirt in the barrel blow it out. A lot of people don't seem to realize that Airsoft guns do require cleaning. Even though it doesn't require a thorough cleaning like a paintball gun or a pellet gun it does need to be maintained if you want it to last. -Springs do wear out. It's inevitable. 
  
• C02 powered guns tend to seize with excessive use. Just let the gun warm up and it'll be fine. 
  
• All Airsoft guns should be lubricated before a game. WD-40 is perfect and one quick spray inside the chamber is all you need to make sure your gun operates properly. 
  
• Safety goggles are always a good idea. 
  
• 
  

What is Hop Up?

Airsoft hop-up devices apply a backspin to the pellet so that the pressure force acts on the pellet opposite to 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. The hop up can usually be adjusted, as heavier pellets made of denser plastic require more of a backspin in order to counter gravity. If hop up is adjusted accurately, it can ensure a completely straight trajectory for the pellet. This increases range and accuracy significantly, and most airsoft weapons come with this feature as standard.

Safety

Simple rules need to be followed when dealing with airsoft guns. Protective eye gear should always be warn and all guns should always be treated as if they were loaded.

Conclusion

So basically when buying a airsoft gun accuracy, durability, power, and look were the biggest factors. Many of my friends believe that a fully automatic M-16 with a LED light and a scope and laser is really cool but the price is out of the question. So they have become very good with cheaper spring models that aren't automatic but get the job done. If you can afford an AEG go for it. They are really fun to shoot and can destroy an opponent with the shear volume of airsoft bb's you are able to fire. If an AEG isn't in the budget go with a good spring airsoft rifle and pistol and then build your way up to an AEG.