Airsoft guns are basically BB guns that fire plastic balls instead of metal ball bearings. They evolved in Asia from realistic children's toys that operated with a pull-back spring. Although these cheap toys were popular, they often broke due to the force involved, and had poor muzzle velocities.
These cheap Asian stocking fillers were since recognised by clever manufacturers to be in demand by more adult military aficionados and so Airsoft guns were then refined with better materials and technology to supply the fastest-growing outdoor pursuit since 2001 - Airsoft.
There were many manufactures making hundreds of different sizes and systems. Since then, the BB calibre has been standardised to 6mm or 8mm. Also, the Airsoft gun system for shooting these pellets has evolved from a simple hand-cocked spring to the most common method (for larger guns): an electrically-operated motor that drives gears to automatically cock, pull back the spring bolt, and release the bolt to shoot the BB. The automatic firing mechanism is now called the AEG - Automatic Electric Gun.
A typical Airsoft gun can shoot the BBs at speeds of 200 to 500 feet per second (60 to 150 metres per second). Rates of fire range from 300 up to 2000 BBs per minute, depending on the capacity of the gun's magazine. Magazines are classed as the following: low cap: around 50 BBs, mid cap: around 120 BBs, or high-cap: 200-500+ BBs. Magazines include a spring, or manually-operated ratchet to help the BB into the chamber. There are also electrically-operated magazines available that may hold up to 5000 pellets. Military-simulation Airsoft games, however, may require you to have a more realistic magazine capacity to make the experience more genuine.
Smaller guns use gas as a propellant, although it is also becoming more in demand for the larger models, due to its less artificial feel and noise. Oil and fragrances are even added to the gas to heighten this sensation. A container on the gun that may be refilled from a propane camping gas bottle may be used. The Automatic Electric Gun has a further range than gas powered guns, though, and the batteries usually hold out for longer than the gas tank.
Although Airsoft guns used to be made almost entirely out of plastic, aluminium and alloys are now seeing their way into manufacture, for durability and increased power. Some AEGs, especially when used in military simulations, also contain lead weights to make them feel more like authentic weapons.
Muzzle velocity in AEGs may range anywhere from 50 m/s (160 ft/s) to around 125 m/s (410 ft/s). Modifications to the gun may allow velocity to be increased up 180 m/s (590 ft/s). There are also motorised units available called hop-up units which cause the bullet to backspin, increasing lift, and so range. Typical range can be 75 metres (250ft), which may be doubled by the unit.
When you play Airsoft, it may be difficult to know if you have been hit. You can buy 6mm paint balls for your gun, but these may break in the gun, meaning bye-bye gun. - 29951
These cheap Asian stocking fillers were since recognised by clever manufacturers to be in demand by more adult military aficionados and so Airsoft guns were then refined with better materials and technology to supply the fastest-growing outdoor pursuit since 2001 - Airsoft.
There were many manufactures making hundreds of different sizes and systems. Since then, the BB calibre has been standardised to 6mm or 8mm. Also, the Airsoft gun system for shooting these pellets has evolved from a simple hand-cocked spring to the most common method (for larger guns): an electrically-operated motor that drives gears to automatically cock, pull back the spring bolt, and release the bolt to shoot the BB. The automatic firing mechanism is now called the AEG - Automatic Electric Gun.
A typical Airsoft gun can shoot the BBs at speeds of 200 to 500 feet per second (60 to 150 metres per second). Rates of fire range from 300 up to 2000 BBs per minute, depending on the capacity of the gun's magazine. Magazines are classed as the following: low cap: around 50 BBs, mid cap: around 120 BBs, or high-cap: 200-500+ BBs. Magazines include a spring, or manually-operated ratchet to help the BB into the chamber. There are also electrically-operated magazines available that may hold up to 5000 pellets. Military-simulation Airsoft games, however, may require you to have a more realistic magazine capacity to make the experience more genuine.
Smaller guns use gas as a propellant, although it is also becoming more in demand for the larger models, due to its less artificial feel and noise. Oil and fragrances are even added to the gas to heighten this sensation. A container on the gun that may be refilled from a propane camping gas bottle may be used. The Automatic Electric Gun has a further range than gas powered guns, though, and the batteries usually hold out for longer than the gas tank.
Although Airsoft guns used to be made almost entirely out of plastic, aluminium and alloys are now seeing their way into manufacture, for durability and increased power. Some AEGs, especially when used in military simulations, also contain lead weights to make them feel more like authentic weapons.
Muzzle velocity in AEGs may range anywhere from 50 m/s (160 ft/s) to around 125 m/s (410 ft/s). Modifications to the gun may allow velocity to be increased up 180 m/s (590 ft/s). There are also motorised units available called hop-up units which cause the bullet to backspin, increasing lift, and so range. Typical range can be 75 metres (250ft), which may be doubled by the unit.
When you play Airsoft, it may be difficult to know if you have been hit. You can buy 6mm paint balls for your gun, but these may break in the gun, meaning bye-bye gun. - 29951
About the Author:
Author information: Anthony Carter loves everything about airsoft guns. If you are interested in a good airsoft gun then JD Airsoft Guns is where you should look.
