What Is An Airsoft Gun?

. Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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By Anthony Carter

If you're reading this then you have thought it yourself, just what is it? Airsoft guns are becoming increasingly popular in North America but many still don't know exactly what they are.

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.

You shouldn't let the talk of plastic pellets fool you though, copper and other metal pellets have been known to be used in these guns and these will cause damage to the skin. If the proper supplies are used however, airsoft guns can be a pretty safe method of entertainment. The recommended age for use is 16 and up so children younger then this should never use them especially not unsupervised. Some states even require you to be at least 18 before being able to enter a tournament.

The history of airsoft guns is a unique one, dating back to the 70's in Japan where owning firearms was illegal. People still had an interest in weaponry so they found a loop hole around this law and began to manufacture fakes that looked like the real thing but fired plastic and rubber balls. The 6mm and 8mm size ammunition later became standard. These older models were all spring powered but later became gas powered.

Sometime in the mid 1990's this Japanese creation found it's way over to North America and things here just haven't been the same since. North American's helped to evolved airsoft guns in to what they are today.

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.

Because some of these models are so accurate to their real life counter parts, intellectual property laws have became a problem from some of the manufacturing companies. Most of these companies are Japanese based and the United States restricts imports of certain models they feel are too life like for use here.

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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