GUIDE: The Basics - A Beginners Guide to Airsoft

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GUIDE: The Basics - A Beginners Guide to Airsoft

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A Beginner's Guide to Airsoft
by Moondog

This article is for the true noobie; somebody who doesn’t have friends that play airsoft or has never seen an airsoft game, much less participated in one. Here are the bare bones basics:

WHAT IS AIRSOFT?
• Airsoft is a live-action, combat simulation game/sport similar to paintball but utilizing toy guns which fire small plastic BBs instead of large paint capsules
• Airsoft guns were invented in Japan in the early 1980's and originally powered by compressed air tanks (like paintball)
• Airsoft BBs hurt less than paintballs but still requires protective gear to play safely
• Most contemporary airsoft guns are powered using built-in electrical motors or compressed propane
• Airsoft utilizes an honor based scoring system and requires a high degree of personal integrity and maturity


AIRSOFT GUNS
• There are three types: Spring (pump each shot), AEG (airsoft electric gun) or a GBB (gas blowback).
• Depending on the field/game requirements (check before you go) you will most likely use an AEG or GBB
• Springers are mostly used for plinking at home and rarely used in organized games except special weapons (ie. Sniper rifles or shotguns)
• Airsoft guns made by the same company may come in different bodies but they will have essentially similar internals and therefore the same performance. Unlike real guns, a JG made AEG version of the M4 will have the same performance as an AK47.
• The best quality guns are sold at airsoft stores or bought from online airsoft stores (ie. Evike, Airsplat, etc.)
• Many indoor airsoft fields rent guns
• Most outdoor airsoft fields do NOT rent guns
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=63


AIRSOFT GUN POWER SOURCE
• AEGs run off high voltage rechargeable batteries which run the electric motor
• AEG batteries are stored inside the gun's body, varying by gun type
• You should buy a spare battery when you buy your first gun. Most AEGs come with a battery and simple charger but most batteries only last 2-5hrs of game play (depending on gun use).
• GBB guns run off compressed propane with silicone oil (“green gas”) which is loaded under pressure into the guns magazine or reservoir tank
• Springers, such as bolt-action rifles and pump shotguns, are powered by the user cocking them
• Some custom airsoft guns run off compressed air tanks like paintball guns


FPS
• The power rating of a gun is measured in FPS (feet per second), the speed of the BB as it exits the barrel.
• Guns that have the same FPS generally have the same range/accuracy regardless of design/type
• Most FPS ratings are measured using 0.20g or 0.25g BBs
• Most outdoor fields ban guns that fire above 400fps (for safety)
• Most indoor fields ban guns that fire above 350fps (for safety)
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=55


AMMUNITION
• Airsoft guns use 6mm plastic BBs which come in various weights
• The most common BB weight used is 0.20g or 0.25g
• Guns that fire above 350fps should use 0.25g BBs for better accuracy
• 0.12g BBs are ONLY for use in for low power spring powered guns, and can break inside more powerful airsoft guns, damaging their loading mechanism or jamming the barrel.
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=47


MAGAZINES
• Most airsoft guns use removable ammunition magazines like a real gun
• The correct term is 'magazine'. A 'clip' is an obsolete term for a device that clips ammunition together.
• LowCap/RealCap magazines store BB’s in a spring loaded tube inside the magazine and have the same capacity (ie. 30rnds) as real steel versions of that airsoft gun. They are loaded through the mouth of the feed tube like real guns.
• MidCap (medium capacity) magazines are higher capacity versions of RealCaps, storing 60-150 rounds
• HiCap (high capacity) magazines store hundreds of BBs in single large hopper inside the magazine and feed the BBs using a winding mechanism
• HiCaps are loaded through a hatch at the top of the magazine and the BBs tend to shake and rattle in the large hopper
• Some games ban the use of HiCaps for greater realism


RANGE AND ACCURACY
• Heavier BBs are more accurate at longer range
• Heavier BBs can travel farther than lighter BBs because they both have the same air resistance but the heavier BB has more mass and inertia (read your high school physics)
• Most +350FPS airsoft guns firing 0.25g BBs can hit a stationary man sized target at over 100ft.
• Heavier BBs travel slower than lighter BBs at short and medium range
• The higher the FPS rating of a gun the heavier the BB it can fire
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=52


HOP-UP
• Hop-up is the mechanism/part inside a gun which imparts back spin to a BB
• Hop-up/backspin causes a BB to create a little bit of lift and therefore fly a little farther (similar to a golf ball)
• Adjustable Hop-ups allow adjustments for different weight BBs and adjust for a flatter (straighter) trajectory
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 198&p=3785


REQUIRED SAFETY GEAR
• Airsoft fields have different requirements for gear to play safely
• Airsoft hits are less painful than paintball but BBs can cause small bruises, blood blisters, or chip teeth
• Eye protection should always be worn when playing or firing an airsoft gun
• Organized games should list the gear they require such as:
- Eye protection that is ANSI rated for high impact, have foam padding and an adjustable elastic strap
- Face protection such as a mouth guard, plastic paintball mask, mesh face guard, balaclava or neoprene mask
• Gloves (BB hits to bare fingers and knuckles are very painful)
• Sturdy shoes (boots with ankle support are recommended for outdoor fields)
• Red or brightly colored cloth (“Dead Rag”) that can be waived or worn to identify a dead player and therefore should not be shot at
• Whistle for use as an emergency/injury signal device
• Two-Way Radio (FRS/GMRS type) for communication and emergency signal device
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=42


UNIFORMS
• Airsoft is a game of military simulation so players are expected to wear military type uniforms or military colored civilian clothing (ie. Kahki, olive drab green)
• Most outdoor games are organized into two large teams with players assigned by the color of their clothing; the most common games are tan team vs. green team
• Theme games often require players to wear specific camo types and players may only play on the team for which they are appropriately dressed.
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=42


TACTICAL GEAR
• Airsoft appeals to players who like military gear and they will attempt to wear as much simulated and real military gear as possible (aka “Gearwhores” or “Geardos”)
• Tactical vests, helmets and body armor plate carriers are worn mostly as fashion statements and secondarily to carry spare magazines, water, food and accessories
• Scopes, lasers, and other gun accessories are mostly fashion accessories
Read more here: http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=42


OUTDOOR VS INDOOR AIRSOFT GAMES
• Most airsoft games are played at outdoor fields comprised of woods and/or structures
• Some airsoft games are held at paintball fields either of alternate days or separated from paintball games
• Outdoor games are usually organized as full-day or half-day battles
• Indoor games are usually shorter 1-3hr game sessions
• Indoor or CQB (Close Quarters Battle) fields are smaller indoor fields with barriers, obstacles or mock rooms
• Most indoor games are played with small ad-hock teams that are organized using colored arm bands instead of by clothing color
• It is not uncommon to see wearing normal street clothes worn at indoor airsoft games


REGISTERING FOR A GAME
• Game info is often listed on regional airsoft boards such as this one, facebook groups, team boards, or website run by fields
• Thoroughness of game listings vary. If you don’t see the information you need, ask but most game organizers and players tend to assume you know the most common requirements and may tease you for your ignorance. Try not to be angry or intimidated if it comes off as rude.
• Prices to attend events varies by field, game type and organizer but usually includes field rental/use fees
• Fees are often paid at the field on game day
• Some events/organizers require deposits or pre-payments via PayPal
• Most large games do NOT allow walk-on players and players must be pre-registered to allow armies to be formed with pre-assigned positions


AT THE FIELD
• Players register with the game organizer who briefs players at the start of the day/session
• Attendees are expected to come with all of their gear, weapons and supplies ready to play (except when renting guns at indoor fields)
• Games are often run by experienced players/hobbyists who expect attendees to have some background basics of play
• Games/Fields have waivers, which must be filled out prior to play. Minors are required to get their parent’s signatures.
• Many outdoor fields do NOT sell ammunition or supplies for airsoft players
• Attend games that are listed with adequate information such as day, time, price and requirements for play
• Attend games in legitimate fields that are insured. Outlaw/Rogue games played on public land or abandoned property is illegal and risk law-enforcement action


AIRSOFT PLAY
• Airsoft game rules vary by field and by game, so it is important that a player ask what the rules are prior to playing.
• A game’s most common goal is to shoot and kill enemy players but other mission goals may take priority
• Airsoft requires that a player identify when they are hit by a BB, calling out “I’m hit!” and/or waiving their hands or a dead rag.
• The most common hit is anywhere on the body and may or may not include hits to their weapon
• If you do not call a hit to yourself, you are cheating (which is not acceptable behavior)
• When hit, a player is either dead and/or wounded
• Dead players return to their starting point and either wait for the next game or “respawn”
• In games with “Respawn Rules”, the players return to the ongoing game after a designated waiting time or a specific requirement is met (ie. After 3 players are in the respawn zone.)
• Accidentally shooting teammates counts as friendly-fire (there are no do-overs)
• Physical combat or contact is never allowed but may be simulated in some games


THINGS TO KNOW
• "Callsign" is the military term for nickname and should be quick and easy to say on the field
• Never use the term "war" for a battle, game, event, scenario or engagement



For additional articles on specific subsections of this guide, please see Airsoft 101 on NYCAirsoft.com http://nycairsoft.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16
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