Airsoft. It’s the latest reboot of a classic outdoor game called capture the flag. During the 90s, it had morphed into paintball – which is still fairly popular, but extremely messy. The idea is that teams work in a military assault fashion and pelt their opponents with paintballs that hurt like hell, but don’t kill or mame you. Airsoft is the next logical extension but uses air chamber like plastic pellet guns which look more realistic, meaning the experience is more real. Back when I was a kid, we were insane enough to try using BB Guns to do something similar, but with metal pellets, there’s way too much risk of serious injury. So Airsoft is a great spin off. And the guns you can get are whole hog real. Cheaper than paintball guns too.
There’s sniper rifles, machine guns, pistols. And what’s really cool is that there are airsoft guns for just about any budget. Airsoft guns are very similar to the real thing, but under federal law, require an orange tip to show them to be play guns and not the real thing. And it’s illegal to remove the tip. And since they’re classified more as play toys and not firearms, they can be used by all ages according to federal law – although some states are placing ridiculous restrictions on them due to paranoia.
Basic rules are similar to paintball. Army’s start on opposite sides, then engage the enemy. When shot two or three times, you’re considered “dead” until the next round. Rubber knife kills are considered instant and automatic.
So what do you need to play Airsoft? That depends on how much you’re into it. You start with your firearms and face goggles. The goggles are vital since they protect your vision. Rubber/wooden knives. Airsoft ammunition, which consists of plastic bbs’. And you can even get airsoft “grenades!”
In the end, Airsoft is a ton of fun, but you don’t want to go out and play it with your little brother or, if you are the little brother those older than you as it can get quite intense. Even though Airsoft guns can be used by all ages, little ones are better off playing water fights near the pool.
Realistically for ages 13 and up.
Hat Tip – Instructables
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
this is exactly how children get into airsoft. they buy cheap guns thinking they are cool and wear jeans and t-shirts. airsoft is NOT for children under 13 (its not for all ages). and airsoft is for realism players only (meaning 2 or 3 shots is ridiculous and never played simply because sniper rifles have a low rof and if someone gets hit 1 time they are out). also you should change that picture of the children in jeans and t-shirts with crossmans and have realism players with acu and classic armies. so please either play realistically with real gear and high grade guns or dont play at all. AND QUIT PLAYING BACKYARD AIRSOFT.
Thanks for your comments. We certainly don’t condone any cheap equipment which may do more harm than good, but considering as kids, we played army with 2x4s and water balloons, this is quite a step up.