What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a sport that was developed by the Japanese in the late eighties to replace the popular sport of paintball, which had long been criticised for a lack of realism, high cost of the associated equipment (especially ammunition) and the potentially dangerous effects of the ammunition. Airsoft proposed an answer to all of these concerns:
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Airsoft replica weapons are legally described as ‘toys’ and have been manufactured to closely resemble their real counterparts, both in size and weight, with most of them working on both singe shot and fully automatic using a simple piston driven by a battery powered electric motor.
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The costs have been reduced dramatically by doing away with the complex air injected systems from C02 canisters, expensive pistons and seals that are used in paintball weapons to a mass produced, simple yet effective gearbox system. Paintballs can cost as much as £100 for 1,000 – whereas airsoft ammunition is mass produced and is considerably cheaper - e.g. 5,000 BB’s for £8.99
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Due to the forces required to fire a 1’ diameter paintball, bruising is hence a common side affect from the impact. Airsoft BB’s are only 0.20G in weight and therefore the force required to fire them is considerably less, hence the effects of impact are negligible (an Airsoft BB will not break human skin even at close range).
Is it Dangerous?
When airsoft replica weapons are used properly under supervised conditions the answer is quite simply no. Of course common sense precautions such as eye protection are highly recommended and indeed most well run sites enforce this vigorously.
Can an airsoft replica weapon be converted into a real weapon?
Absolutely NOT!
Although they look the same as their original counterparts, they are produced as toys from either hard ABS plastics or mild metal alloys. Internal parts are not even remotely the same as real weapons and original gun parts cannot be made to fit.
Do I need a licence?
Airsoft has no licence requirements for ownership or use, however the Airsoft Armoury operates a responsible sales policy and will not sell any airsoft replica weapons or accessories to anyone who cannot prove that they are over 18years old or is unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
Where can I play?
There are more than 50 established airsoft gaming sites across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and the number grows on a literally weekly basis.
For a full directory of gaming and skirmishing sites please look at the following link:
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/beta/html/nukebrowser.php?filnavn=~fbothamley/Map3.htm
What is the cost?
Airsoft is vastly less expensive than paintball and once you have bought the basic equipment the running costs are then relatively cheap. Most people can get started in the sport of Airsoft for less than £250.00. At the Airsoft Armoury we offer a ‘starter pack’ containing all the essential equipment and accessories needed to start – just add your choice of AEG from our extensive range and you’re ready to skirmish!
Where can I meet other skirmishers?
Many enthusiastic skirmishers of all kinds populate the world of airsoft; both men and women from widely differing backgrounds and age groups take part. Some play just occasionally and have a passing interest, other more passionate skirmishers become totally immersed in the sport and take their hobby very seriously. Most are very friendly and are more than willing to welcome new players and help with questions to which they have in turn sought answers.
You can take part in debates, share views, ask questions and receive lots of helpful information and the very latest news and reviews on the following link:
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/ Breaking news / views
http://www.ukairsoft.net/ Airsoft world discussion
What is the future for airsoft?
The future is bright:
- Airsoft is probably the fastest growing sport in the UK and Europe at this time, and the number of regular players is widely expected to quadruple in the next 2 years alone.
- As described above, airsoft replica guns are harmless and, when used properly, offer youngsters in particular a clean, healthy outdoor alternative to ‘video games’ and toys that require no physical input.
- There is no reason to suspect that the government will impose a ban or legislative restrictions on airsoft, the sport is well established and participants are in the main responsible and aware.
- With the help of retailers such as ourselves, airsoft will be taken from the slightly hidden community that it currently resides in, to a major presence within the non-shooting community and corporate entertainment arena’s.
