Monday, February 21, 2011

Airsoft Games: Manhunt

There are plenty of games that airsoft enthusiasts can play for practice and entertainment. Earlier we have mentioned games such as Paratroupers, Capture the Flag, Medic, Team Deathmatch, and King of the Hill. Today we would like to talk about lesser known game - Manhunt.


I like to think of Manhunt as airsoft meets The Fugitive. It's (usually) one man against everyone else, which makes it pretty intense. Basically, one individual - armed with an airsoft pistol - is hunted down by the rest of the players. The hunters can use whatever weapons they like, airsoft shotguns and rifles are popular picks. The person being hunted is given a five-minute head start to go wherever they want within a given space. After five minutes, often marked by a signal such as a whistle or blow-horn, the hunters start the manhunt. Obviously, the goal of the hunters is to shoot the hunted man within a specific time limit. Conversely, the hunted man wants to pick off the hunters or at least remain "alive" throughout the designated time limit. Hunters are not allowed to deliberately shoot other hunters. If they do, they are eliminated. If anyone is hit by an airsoft bb accidentally, they must sit out on the side until the next game begins.


There are two possible ways to win the game. If you are the prey, you win the game by surviving and/or shooting all the hunters within the time limit. (Not an easy feat!) If you are a hunter, your team wins by having one person shoot the prey. Of course, like all airsoft games, rules can be altered to fit your needs. For example, you can have two people being hunted... or even have two separate conflicting teams doing hunting. The increased complexity often adds more excitement to the game.


About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the U.S. Airsoft Megastore offers a full selection of gas and electric Airsoft guns including airsoft sniper rifles and spring airsoft shotguns.

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Friday, February 18, 2011

Airsoft Ammunition: BB Weight

When it comes to airsoft gun performance, most people have a tendency to focus primarily on gun models, barrel FPS and gearbox type (ie. full metal versus plastic). However, an airsoft gun’s performance is only as good as the ammunition it fires. There are many different options when it comes to choosing the type of ammunition to use in your airsoft gun. Airsoft BBs come in a variety of colors and include an assortment of features, but the single most important differentiating factor is BB weight.


Almost all airsoft gun BBs are 6mm in diameter, but this constancy ends when it comes to weight. Airsoft BBs start as light as .12 grams per BB and can go as heavy as .40+ grams per BB. As a general rule, .12 gram airsoft BBs should be used in spring pistols or lower end plastic airsoft guns. It’s recommended to avoid using these lighter and usually cheaper BB’s in higher end airsoft guns, because they can potentially damage the gearbox and may even void your airsoft gun’s warranty. Not only will these BBs potentially damage you airsoft gun, but they may also greatly reduce your range and accuracy.


When it comes to using heavier airsoft BBs, it’s really up to your personal preference. As a general rule, an airsoft gun that can shoot anywhere between 250 and 300 FPS is best served with .20 gram airsoft BBs. On the other hand, any airsoft gun capable of shooting in excess of 300 FPS may perform better with a BB weight that is slightly heavier than .20 grams.


In high end airsoft guns, heavier BBs may provide better accuracy at greater ranges, but reduced velocity. For example, if you’re using an airsoft sniper rifle you may want to consider using an airsoft BB around .28 grams in weight. For standard field engagements you should stick with BBs that weigh anywhere between .23-.25 grams, because these BBs are well balanced in regards to speed, range and accuracy. However, if you anticipate that you might encounter significant close quarter combat, .20 gram airsoft BBs may work best due to their increased velocity.


As you can see, airsoft BB selection is more than just simply buying the cheapest BBs available. It’s important that you consider your airsoft gun’s capabilities and your designated team role when choosing the most appropriate type of ammunition for your airsoft gun.


About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing of all airsoft stores in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in cheap AEG airsoft guns and looking to find airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

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Monday, February 7, 2011

Protecting Your Airsoft Arsenal: Rust Prevention

Full metal Airsoft guns are the latest trend to hit the Airsoft market. In an attempt to increase reliability, longevity, power and realism many Airsoft manufacturers and enthusiast alike are opting for full metal Airsoft guns in place of their plastic counterparts, especially among Airsoft shotguns and Airsoft sniper rifles. While there are many benefits associated with metal Airsoft guns, there is one main disadvantage— the threat of rust. As with any metal gun, rust is always a possible danger. Rust is not only unsightly, but if left alone it can corrode the barrel or internal mechanisms and ruin the overall performance of your Airsoft gun. Below are a few different methods for keeping your Airsoft gun rust free.


Rust Prevention Products

Investing in a high quality rust prevention product is a great and easy way to protect your metal Airsoft gun. There are hundreds of rust prevention products on the market that provide various levels of protection. Rust prevention products typically come in a liquid or an aerosol spray form. It’s also important to note that not all rust prevention products are lubricants. If you plan on using a rust preventative on any moving parts you should consider using a rust preventative that also acts like as a lubricant.


Desiccants

Desiccants are the small packages of silica gel commonly found in new clothing and other various products. Desiccants prevent rust by absorbing water and preventing excessive humidity. You can purchase desiccants from your local hardware store or simply find them in new product packaging. However, it’s important to note that desiccants only remove humidity in their local vicinity and in order to properly utilize them, your Airsoft guns must be in a case, gun safe or any other type of sealed storage container.


Temperature-Controlled Gun Safes

While certainly the most expensive option, temperature-controlled gun safes not only allow you to set your humidity and temperature levels, but they also provide the security of having a lockable storage location for your Airsoft arsenal. You can also save money by purchasing a standard gun safe and installing your own humidity control system.


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

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