Airsoft is a great hobby to get into but there’s a lot to learn as a beginner. From what gun to choose to what the actual rules are in a skirmish, get a head start on your airsoft training with our beginner’s guide.
How
to choose an airsoft gun
There are three
main types of airsoft gun; spring-powered, electric
(AEG), and gas-powered.
Our substantial range offers everything from entry-level firearms to
powerful premium weapons in all three categories, as well as
top-quality conversions and professional attachments.
Below we’ve collated some crucial pointers that’ll help you choose your ideal airsoft firearm.
Your
strength/body type
If
you’re on the smaller side, it’s little use investing in large
rifle and not being able to reach the trigger, while a weapon with a
full metal body may pose a problem due to its hefty weight.
For
example, 2-3kg may seem light to begin with, but it’s certainly not
the case after an hour or so of skirmishing. With time and
experience, you’ll acquire a knack for judging the best suited gun
to your airsoft role and physical abilities.
Battery
power
Midgame battery
changes are a common occurrence, so investing in a powerful battery
is a wise move. A larger, more powerful battery can drastically
improve both battery life and your firearm’s rate of fire (ROF).
Remember, the higher the maH rating, the more powerful the battery.
Location
If your chosen
skirmish site has thick foliage, then smaller, more nimble firearms
are ideal. Urban sites, on the other hand, better accommodate the use
of close-quarter firearms like SMGs and carbines, as well as shorter
barrelled sniper
rifles.
User
friendliness
While
right-handers can use just about any airsoft gun, left-handers
may require a fully ambidextrous model like an MP5 or AUG
Novices
should note that it’s worth purchasing a firearm that’s simple to
dismantle for repairs and upgrades, while a hop up that’s easy to
locate is also a great advantage.
Know
your role
For support gunners, long-barrelled
weapons - like the Double Eagle 555 and British Army issued
SA80 - featuring high FPS and ROF
ratios are ideal.
For
snipers and scouts, carbines are the go-to guns, while those
conducting recon missions will be best equipped with nimble handguns
that can be modified with a silencer.
How to fire an airsoft gun
Lock
and load
Firstly, ensure
your gun is loaded with a fully charged battery (AEGs) or gas
canister (gas powered airsoft guns). Load the pellets into the clip
and then insert it into the magazine slot on your airsoft gun
Next, set the
safety setting to fire. Note, the safety is usually a round button
located on the grip below the slide. However, if in doubt, consult
your weapon’s instruction manual.
Fire!
Step forward with
your non-dominant foot and position your dominant foot horizontally
behind you. Although there is no real recoil with airsoft guns, you
might find it natural to lean into the stock of the gun if you’re
using a rifle or lean back slightly if using a pistol.
Next, raise your
airsoft gun, with both arms fully extended toward your intended
target if you’re using a pistol and your non-dominant hand holding
the gun near about two thirds of the way to the barrel if you’re
using a rifle.
Make sure your
sight is lined up correctly. How sights work is different from gun to
gun, but most pistols will have raised notches, two at the back of
the slide and one near the barrel. Ensure that all three notches are
aligned at the same height, with the middle notch perfectly
positioned between the two rear notches
If you’re using
an attached scope, whether magnified or not, aiming might take a
little more getting used to. It might be worth doing some target
practice before engaging in your first skirmish.
What are the rules of airsoft?
Game types
There is a plethora of airsoft games to choose from, most of which are subdivided into niche game types and specific scenarios, from realistic military re-enactments to fantastical forays. The skirmish site, be it indoor or outdoor, will depend on the game type.
Object of the game
Participants use
airsoft guns to fire pellets at their opponents, and once you’re
hit, you’re out.
Some game modes
will have an additional objective outside of simply shooting each
other, whether that’s capturing a flag or defending an object.
As pellets do not
mark their target, the game relies on an honour system. This means
that if you get hit, you’ll need to call yourself out even if there
was no one around to witness it.
Etiquette
Before storming the battlefield, it’s good practice to acquaint yourself with the airsoft etiquette, of which there are two types: game-day etiquette and in-game etiquette.
Game day etiquette
- Ensure you read the site’s Rules of Engagement (ROE). While most sites have similar rules, there could be variations or special game day rules that you won’t be aware of without referring to the ROE. It is expected that all players are familiar with the rules of the game they’re participating in.
- Always be on time, or better still, early. All game preparation needs to be completed before the game commences, and no one appreciates waiting for late arrivals.
In-game etiquette
- Respect the set respawn time.
- Follow the ammo limits.
- Be mindful when shooting by considering how far away the target is, and then aim for an appropriate shot. A headshot at point blank range, for instance, is strongly discouraged, whereas a well-placed shot from distance is fine.
- Always remember that airsoft is a team game, and that you are not Rambo.
- Like referees, airsoft marshals are the decision makers. While not every decision will be a fair one, they reserve the right to the final call. Do not argue the toss.
- Always keep your gun stored in its bag when not in use.
Additional tips for beginners
- Carry a red bandana - These are used to indicate you’ve been hit, or when walking on and off the field.
- Respect - Gameplay can include a bit of banter. As long as everyone’s comfortable with it, that’s fine, but rein it in when off the field.
- Befriend an airsoft veteran and discuss tactics and strategies. You’ll make a new friend and acquire a raft of information to use to your advantage on the field.
- Lead by example - Whether it’s your first game or 100th skirmish, always follow rules, use common courtesy and offer help to those who need it.
- That person - Occasionally there’ll be a player who doesn’t follow the rules, and inevitably spoils it for everyone else. If you follow the rules and tips above, you won’t be that person.