Airsoft Guns

The majority of the country is experiencing extreme heat this summer, which makes participating in airsoft outside skirmishes a threat. Not only is running around in temperatures over 100 degrees uncomfortable, but these dangerously high temperatures can result in dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Being prepared for the heat by taking the necessary precautions can help you enjoy your favorite sport without the associated risks.

The following recommendations will help you to feel and perform your best on the airsoft course this summer.

1. Hydrate before, during and after the event.

If you know you will be playing in high temperatures or high humidity this weekend, be sure to drink a substantial amount of water each day leading up to the event. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration. Continue to drink water the whole time you are playing and consider wearing a camelback so that your water is easily accessible at all times. When you are finished playing you will need to replace all the liquids that you sweated out, so consume plenty of water as well as sports drinks to replace the lost electrolytes.


2. Take breaks in the shade

Continuously take breaks in the shade throughout the game. Allowing your body some time to cool down out of the sun will help it recuperate. Direct sunlight can be draining on your body and these timeouts will help balance the amount of time spent directly in the sun. Consider bringing a small battery powered fan to use during your breaks.


3. Invest in goggles with tinted lenses

It is imperative that you invest in high quality goggles or they will steam up in the heat and humidity. It is also a great idea to choice a pair of goggles that have tinted lenses to protect your eyes from the powerful sun. Look for a pair of goggles that offers both UVA and UVB protection.


4. Dress appropriately

Wear light colored clothing because dark colors absorb heat and can increase the chance of heat stress. Cotton clothing will also keep you cooler than many synthetics. Dressing appropriately also includes being smart about the airsoft gear that you wear. For example, ditch the plate carrier for a chest rig and your body will vent the heat much more efficiently.


5. Wear plenty of sunscreen

Apply waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF generously. Spending all day in the sun without proper SPF application will quickly result in skin damage. Plus, getting sunburn is a sure way to have to sit out the next airsoft game!


6. Carry a Handheld Radio

Carry a handheld radio or cell phone and know what channels the field staff is on in case of emergencies. Being able to get help as soon as you notice symptoms of a heat related illness is crucial.


7. Watch for Signs of Heat Casualty

Dizziness, vomiting, cramps, headaches, nausea, rapid pulse, lack of sweat are all signs of a heat related illness. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms you must seek medical attention.

In addition to protecting your health, it is vital to take care of your airsoft gun and account for differences in its functionality due to the heat. Each kind of airsoft gun may have specific requirements for exceptionally high or low temperatures. For example, the gas airsoft guns general rule is don’t use green gas in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Many agree that CO2 has the best temperature range for gas airsoft guns. It is recommended that you research your particular gun to find out what adjustments may need to be made before playing in extreme weather.

If you have any additional questions about which guns function best in high temperatures you may contact our experts at 818-495-6502.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns, as well as airsoft parts, upgrades and accessories. Visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft eyewear, airsoft gas guns, airsoft googles, gas airsoft guns

A common tool in airsoft combat is the hand grenade. When detonated properly and with the right equipment, an airsoft hand grenade will give an edge to a player of any skill level, strategy, terrain of play, or number of opponents.

This article outlines the use of airsoft hand grenades in airsoft combat. It reports how to operate the hand grenade as well as when to to use them and the types available.

Steps for Using an Airsoft Hand Grenade

Hand grenades have two important steps.

1. Setting up an airsoft hand grenade

You will need to unscrew the detonator (top part) of the grenade. You will then need to fill the body of the grenade with ¾ tap water and add about 100 BBs. The size of the BBs you use will depend on the grenade you are using. Then you will need to open the bottom end of the grenade and fill it as directed with citric acid. Make sure the top and bottom are tightly secured.

2. Detonating an airsoft hand grenade:

When you are ready to activate your airsoft hand grenade, you simply need to pull the pin from the bottom of the hand grenade. This releases the citric acid into the main body of the grenade. Shake the grenade for a quick second to mix the two ingredients that will create a chemical reaction leading to pressure build-up in the grenade. Throw the grenade as soon as possible. The pressure will build in the grenade and quickly explode releasing the BBs with a great deal of force. Grenades can and should be reused for multiple uses.

When to Use an Airsoft Hand Grenade

Airsoft hand grenades are a great way to simulate real combat and intensify a variety of scenarios. Hand grenades are for perfect for long distances that don’t require the aim or precision of shooting. Hand grenades, though, do require proper timing. They are ideal for throwing in bunkers, ditches, and buildings to eliminate players.

Types of Airsoft Hand Grenades


There are a variety of hand grenades that range in quality and price. A gas-powered hand grenade provides players a grenade that is easy to use and effective. It uses green gas or propane as a propellant and has adjustable timing and easy to adjust screws.

Another option is to use a grenade shower cartridge that is also gas powered, but has a different expulsion type. It has an 18 round BB capacity.

One tool that grenade users find very helpful is the grenade launcher This tool is very helpful when you need o get further reach with your hand grenade. Hand grenade launchers built into an airsoft gun is one option. Others are simply grenade launchers with or without the mount and adapter.




Whatever airsoft hand grenade you select, proper implementation of this weapon will put you one step ahead of the competition and a true strategic airsoft player.




About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an Airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns, airsoft grenades, and airsoft parts.

Labels: Airsoft grenade launchers, airsoft grenades, airsoft hand grenades, gas-powered airsoft grenades, using airsoft grenades

There are a variety of factors that make an airsoft gun a great choice for a beginner. These factors include price, build quality, accuracy, power and battery life. The key is understanding what is important to you and your pricing constraints.

The 5 top choices for airsoft starter guns to for 2011 are as follows:

1. JG M4 S-System AEG Rifle
   
   The number one choice for an airsoft starter gun is the JG M4 S-System. This electric airsoft gun is a full metal gearbox AEG Rifle with integrated RIS and one-piece high bore barrel. It is the newest enhanced model and one of the highest-rated AEGs that Airsoft Megastore has ever carried. The JG M4 S-System is powerful, accurate, versatile and reliable. It is the quintessential starter gun because it comes with everything an airsoft player may need and nothing that they will not. The JG M4 S-System gun can be easily customized and upgraded if you would like to upgrade parts in the future.



2. KWA M4A1 AEG Rifle
   
   The KWA Airsoft full metal M4A1 carbine AEG Rifle with metal gearbox is our second pick for best starter gun. Although this gun is a little bit more money than the JG M4 S-System, it is known for its exceptional build quality. The KWA M4A1 comes with a 45 day product warranty, fiber reinforced handguard with battery compartment, removable carry handle, flat top receiver and full metal alloy receivers. A diamond tactical premium-grade tactical sling is also included with any KWA rifle.



3. 400 FPS CYMA AK47 Full Metal Gearbox AEG Rifle
   
   The least expensive of the five options, the CYMA AK47 AEG rifle with metallic body and full metal gearbox delivers both value and power. The full rear stock allows for large battery storage capabilities, which increases the amount of time you can spend using the CYMA AK47. This airsoft gun has adjustable sights that help beginners increase accuracy. The CYMA AK47 is the enhanced model with an ultra high torque AK47 motor which delivers robust shots.



4. JG R36C Tactical AEG Rifle
   
   The JG R36C is another exceptional value option for beginning airsoft players. This newly enhanced model is more powerful, more accurate and more durable than earlier JG guns. The high-torque motor can deliver over 800 rounds per minute on full auto at upwards of 350-400 FPS. The barrel of the gun has been re-designed to be tighter, which has increased power and accuracy.



5. SWS MilForce X28 Sniper Rifle
   
   This Airsoft X28 Milforce bolt action sniper rifle gun with adjustable rear stock and precision machined sniper barrel is another great option for beginner airsoft players. The SWS Milforce X28 Sniper is a high-performance rifle with a high muzzle velocity and an extremely accurate shot. This rifle has long effective range over 240 feet and effectively outperforms competition when it comes to both power and accuracy.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an Airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns, including elecritic airsoft rifles and AEGs. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for full metal Airsoft shotguns and shotguns or Airsoft gun bbs for players of any experience level.

Labels: cheap airsoft guns, good starter airsoft guns, starter airsoft guns

Creating your own airsoft course is a fun and affordable alternative to paying to use a commercial airsoft facility. With your own personal airsoft course, you can get a true understanding of the land, play at any hour and save money. The most important thing to remember when building your own airsoft course is to be creative.

Using Shields

Ask friends and family members if they have any old furniture, boards or structures that could be used as shields. Anything from old couches to plastic trashcans can act as defense against opponents’ shots or aid in a tactical offensive maneuvering. Sandbags can create solid, man-made hills in the flattest of terrains. Objects like old grills are great because they are large and sturdy.

Building Structures

A quick trip to the hardware store and a bit of carpentry will equip you with some great airsoft structures. Using plywood is superior to cardboard as the airsoft BBs (link) will not penetrate plywood. With plywood, you can craft bunkers, sniper towers and other defense structures. Make some holes in the structures so you can spot opponents and shoot through.

Bunkers are perfect in any airsoft game and can be made as simple or complex as you want. Ideally you can position the bunker in a trench or ditch to make exit and entry less noticeable to opponents. The bunkers can be used as a protective refuge from fire, a fort that needs to be defended (as in King of the Hill), a prison for hostages, or a reloading station.

Sniper towers are great structures to have on your airsoft course. This is slightly more complicated and you will want to make sure it is stable enough for climbing and standing on. Incorporating trees allows greater stability and less material.

A wall for defense can also be made with logs. You can dig holes and prop up 4 or 6 logs in a rectangular shape. Then tie a rope around the logs to contain the perimeter and stabilize the structure. Then just fill the perimeter with other logs, sticks, wood or scraps. This will create a perfect wall for defense.

Using Natural Elements

Using the natural elements of the course is the simplest and cheapest technique when building your airsoft course. You can hide behind or even in trees or bushes on the course. Hiding in trees is perfect for airsoft snipers. You can also hang targets from trees and incorporate airsoft target shots in the game as an advancement requirement.

Hiding in ditches is a great strategy to avoid being detected. Placing structures like plywood boards or shields by ditches creates even higher walls.

Finding the Right Area

Before creating an airsoft course you must be certain that the area you are considering is safe and legal. Be sure that the area is free of pedestrians, bikers, children or anybody that may cross the area. Make certain that there doesn’t exist a great deal of dangerous wildlife in the area like snakes or boars. Even though you are in a private airsoft course, you should always wear the proper safety gear like airsoft face masks and airsoft safety goggles.

You should not create an airsoft course without the permission of the landowner. Whether the property belongs to your parents, friends, the government, the city or private owners, you need to acquire consent to use the land for airsoft gun purposes and you should understand the parameters for which you are using the field. If you alter or destroy the property in any way, you should notify the property owner immediately.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft online store in the U.S. Airsoft Megastore offers a full selection of gas and electric Airsoft guns.

Labels: airsoft playing field, create an airsoft course, how to make an airsoft course, ideas for an airsoft course