Friday, August 21, 2009

Will just any BBs work in my Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft BBsYou may have noticed that some discount retailers and big box sporting goods stores sell BBs, and perhaps wondered if purchasing them for your airsoft guns would be a good bargain. More than likely, the BBs you find in retailers that are not airsoft stores do not meet the recommended specifications for use in airsoft guns. High powered airsoft guns can be permanently damaged and their warranties voided if used with incorrect or low quality BBs.

The quality of BBs used in an airsoft gun actually makes a big difference in performance. Seamless, precision high-grade BBs are recommended for optimal performance and to prevent damage to the gun. Often BBs labeled ‘seamless’ at big box retailers are not manufactured to the same strict specifications as are those offered by airsoft providers, and do not meet the recommended standard for use in most airsoft guns. Low quality BBs used in an airsoft gun can shatter, causing the gun to jam and potentially damaging internal components irreparably. If you use the wrong BBs and your gun is damaged, the warranty will be voided and you will be left with a broken gun.

The quality BBs that are recommended for airsoft guns will allow for better performance and protect the gun from unnecessary damage. Precision high-grade seamless BBS are manufactured to strict standards regarding density and spherical consistency and have higher quality craftsmanship, resulting in better performance and higher feet per second (FPS) than their cheaper counterparts.

The importance of using quality BBs is a lesson that too many new airsoft players learn the hard way. Remember that it is also important to use the correct BB size and weight recommended for each of your guns. To learn more precautions you can take to protect the warranty on your airsoft gun, please see Protect your Airsoft Gun and its Warranty.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers the latest airsoft guns and gear as well as a 125% low price guarantee on all new Airsoft guns and gear.

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Protecting the Integrity of Airsoft is the Responsibility of Every Player

police officerWhile the vast majority of airsoft players take pride in preserving the integrity of airsoft, a handful of others act irresponsibly with airsoft guns and give the sport a bad rap. It is in the news regularly - airsoft guns being used to intimidate, to take out aggression and even to commit robberies. The realistic look of airsoft guns contributes to the fun of the game, but also causes the average person to perceive airsoft guns as real guns. For good reason, carrying an unconcealed airsoft gun is illegal in many areas.

When transporting or handling airsoft guns away from the field, you should always keep them packed away and out of public view. Aside from the legal repercussions, brandishing an airsoft gun in public can have extreme, even deadly consequences. Just imagine the horror you (or your mother, or grandmother) would feel if someone was walking through the neighborhood with a sniper rifle in hand. It is not uncommon for concerned citizens to call the police upon encountering someone carrying or shooting an airsoft gun, unaware that it is a replica. Police officers will also assume that an airsoft gun is a real gun, and will treat the situation as such. If you do not want officers pointing real guns at you, or worse, shooting you, keep your airsoft gun out of sight at all times when in public.

A related issue that tarnishes the reputation of the sport is taking part in what is widely known as 'backyard airsoft.' Most players agree that backyard airsoft, or playing in close proximity to homes or other buildings, should be avoided. The possibility of injuring someone or causing damage to a home is only the beginning. Playing with airsoft guns in view of neighbors or passersby can cause public fear, and law enforcement officers are likely to get involved. Airsoft should always be played in areas that are out of sight of others and distant from buildings and other structures. Communicating with law enforcement about what you are doing is also a good idea.

Though many airsofters do not heed this advice, keep the orange tip intact on your airsoft guns. This could possibly prevent the above situations, and may also be required by law. The orange tip is in many cases the only visible indicator that an airsoft gun is not a real weapon.

Although airsoft has been growing in popularity, a majority of people are unfamiliar with the sport and the realistic replica guns used to play. If you are carrying an airsoft gun, most people will assume it is a real gun. There are already people who are determined to make replicas of real guns illegal, and causing problems with an airsoft gun is not going to help the case for responsible players who love to play airsoft. Being responsible with airsoft guns not only protects your safety and that of people around you, it protects the integrity of the sport.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including electric airsoft guns and airsoft sniper rifles.

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