Tuesday, 22 September 2009

What Is An Airsoft Gun?

By Anthony Carter

Airsoft guns are very popular for recreational use and becoming even more popular today as the market evolves for these detailed replicas of the real thing. Just what exactly is an airsoft gun though?

In simple terms, an airsoft gun is an exact copy of the real thing. The exception is that they fire plastic pellets, not bullets and use compressed gas. CO2 cartridges are the most commonly used form of compressed gas, but some gun models operate using electrical motors or springs. 6mm plastic pellets travel through this toy with a muzzle velocity of somewhere between 30 to 250 meters per second.

Don't let these recreational toys fool you though, in cases where heavy projectiles are used they can and will penetrate the skin causing severe damage. If plastic pellets are used as recommended though, airsoft guns are relatively safe for play. The are recommended for ages 16 and up, but in some select areas you must be 18 to participate in any type of tournament. This is for safety reasons of course and children under 16 should never attempt to use one.

Airsoft guns have an interesting history to go along with them that starts in Japan around the 1970's. You see, during that time it was illegal to have a firearm, but because people were still interested in them these replicas were invented. These earliest version were powered by springs themselves and fired rubber pellets. The standard 6mm to 8mm size we see today came later. They did evolve quickly in to gas powered guns however.

Around the mid 90's these amazing creations found their way into North America and quickly became a popular hobby for many. The airsoft gun evolved in to what is known today at this point and North American's have been having fun ever since. Many say its even a great stress reliever too!

As with any great product, cheap knock offs eventually began to pop up forcing the United States to place restrictions on the sale and import. Today all airsoft guns must have a regulation orange tip in order to be allowed in to the country for sale.

Some airsoft gun models are so life like in fact that there have been a few Japan based companies that have encountered problems with intellectual property laws several times through the years. The United States battles this by restricting certain models from being imported in to the country for sale.

Just reading the description of airsoft guns makes it sound so fun, which it is. It is a great outdoor recreational activity that many enjoy. It has quite the following and tournaments take place on a regular bases in almost every state. If you are looking for a little excitement without to much risk and danger then this sport would be one that you might want to look in to. Entire families sometimes get involved and it's a great way to spend family time together.

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