Some background
These types of gun were developed back in the 1980's in Japan. At the time a real gun was actually difficult to acquire so the airsoft gun was developed as an alternative option for those who were enthusiastic about guns.
So what are airsoft guns? They are non-lethal reproductions of real fire arms, either in the original size or a smaller version. They are divided into three types according to the way in which they are powered. The three groups are spring-powered, electric powered and gas powered. The first versions were spring-powered. Then came the electric powered guns and finally in the 1990's we saw the growth of the gas-powered gun. Ammunition for these guns are plastic pellets varying size between 6mm and 8mm. These "bullets" or "bb's" vary also in weight with the lightest being around 0.12 grams all the way up to 0.88 grams. Experts tend to use a bullet weighing around 0.2 or 0.25 grams as they are the best for accuracy and distance.
In the 1990's fighting grounds developed where groups of gun enthusiasts could gather to indulge their interest in pretend "war games". Here two people could fight each other or teams could compete with each other. As interest has grown in this "hobby" or "sport", rules and game formats have developed along with the guns and gun accessories. Specially designated fight areas have also developed. Commentators suggest that airsoft gun games developed out of the paintball game.
Airsoft Game Formats
There are a number of game formats that you can be involved with including:
Prison Escape - here you are a prisoner and you have to try to escape with a few other prisoners down an escape tunnel.
Capture the Flag - two teams have their own flag that the other team is attempting to capture and take back to their base. Other games include - Stalkers, Manhunt and Last Player Standing.
The Rules
Although there are legal requirements around the use of the guns themselves, the rules for the game are more informal but contain some basic universal guidelines.
If the body or gear (but not the weapon) is hit, the player is out. When hit the player shouts "I'm hit" and raises his arm. After being hit the player must go to the safe zone. After the hit the players must not talk with each other Friendly fire counts as a hit.
Safety: Some Basics
For your own safety and the safety of other bear in the mind the following:
Do not show your guns in plain public view. Play air soft games in designated areas and not public places like parks etc. For personal safety wear goggles, a long sleeve shirt, and boots. Do not remove goggles while a game is in process. When in the designated safe zone always keep your guns safety on. Failure to comply may get you banned from a particular location.
So.... you are interested in airsoft games? Enthusiasts offer a word of caution. Soft maybe the name, but it is not for the soft-hearted. Are you prepared to be shot or to spend your time dodging bb's? Still interested? It is recommended that you look for a knowledgeable company who can advise you on the best model of gun for your requirements. There are many suppliers on the internet.
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