Airsoft Guns

On its surface, Airsoft may appear to be dangerous. It is, after all, a high energy sport that involves powerful gun replicas and adrenaline. But if you follow some basic safety precautions, airsoft is in fact a very safe activity.

Protective Eye Coverings
This is one of the most important necessities for engaging in Airsoft activities as the eyes are some of the body’s most vulnerable points. People should never aim their Airsofts directly at another person’s eyes, but accidents do happen. In order to prevent serious, permanent damage to the eyes, Airsoft participants should purchase protective glasses or goggles from a reputable Airsoft accessories dealer. Eye-protecting accessories range in cover from protective shades to full protective facemasks, so Airsoft participants have a wide variety of protective eye covering choices.

Protective Facemasks

Some facemasks come equipped with goggles, but others are designed to be used in tandem with eye protection. Facemasks protect other vulnerable facial areas such as the nose and the teeth; taking an Airsoft BB to the teeth can cause serious dental damage. Airsoft facemasks also protect soft-tissue areas like the cheeks, the chin, and the forehead.

Protective Helmets
While BBs fired from Airsoft guns are unlikely to penetrate the skull, a direct hit to head can still sting greatly and cause a bump or a cut. Wearing a protective helmet will prevent such things from happening and will, of course, make Airsoft battle participants look cooler than they would without helmets. Protective helmets often come in replica form in typical uniform colors.

Protective Clothing
Wearing a protective safety vest is a sound idea since getting hit with a BB in the torso stings. While Airsoft ammo is not likely to penetrate the skin, getting shot at close range anywhere is quite painful. Many protective vests also have convenient places for storing additional weapons and ammo, so the benefits go beyond safety. Wearing loose clothing all over the body is more important than wearing a protective vest because the baggy clothes will protect all the places it covers from the sting and cut of the BBs. Protective long sleeves and pants come in everything from basic baggy to ghillie-style sniper camouflage.

Protective Gloves
Wearing gloves to protect the hands is a good idea because getting hit with a pellet on the fingers or the back of the hand is rather painful. Good gloves will also help the Airsoft participant better hold onto the gun and other weapons, increasing the Airsoft wielder’s grip. Gloves also look really cool; no Airsoft outfit that includes all the other protective clothing should be without gloves.

Gun Box
Protecting the Airsoft gun is important for both the gun and the gun wielder. An Airsoft gun should not just be left lying around in the garage or the closet; a gun box will keep the gun from getting the wear and tear that anything can get from sitting out with no protection. A gun box can also protect the gun carrier when out in public since even an Airsoft gun could be mistaken for a real gun if viewed from a certain angle.

Other Safety Tips
All Airsoft weapons come with the orange tip that tells everyone who sees it that it is not a real weapon. Removing, painting over, or otherwise concealing this tip is a federal offense as well as a bad idea. Given the amount of high-profile shootings people have seen on the news over the past several years, the public is particularly sensitive to the appearance of people carrying anything that looks like a firearm in public.

Only participate in Airsoft in the proper type of area. Airsoft is best enjoyed from an Airsoft park or on secluded, private property; people should not do Airsoft in crowded neighborhoods.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering spring, gas and electric powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, BBs, and protective airsoft gear.

Labels: airsoft protective gear, airsoft safety, airsoft safety gear

It has been a while since we blogged on airsoft safety – so it’s time for a refresher course! Like any firearm-related hobby, there are certain risks you take when participating in airsoft, but you can easily mitigate these risks with the right equipment and behavior. If you are new to airsoft, it is important you take the appropriate measures to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you are an experienced airsofter, it never hurts to brush up on the best practices.

Airsoft Safety Gear

The right gear will reduce the sting you feel when hit and decrease the likelihood of serious injury. Here is a quick check list of the most effective airsoft safety gear:

• Safety Goggles are Critical. If you enjoy being able to see, invest in a solid pair of shatter-proof safety goggles. Don't remove the goggles when you are on the playing field or out the firing range. If for any reason you lose your goggles on the field or spy someone who is unprotected, shout out “blind man” so that others know to stop firing.


• Cover Up Exposed Skin. Full-coverage clothes like long-sleeve shirts and pants will take the sting out of hits and reduce the degree of welting you experience. Though not required, a tactical airsoft vest will add a layer of protection to the chest. (It also makes carrying secondary hand guns, magazines and other supplies much more convenient.) We also recommend donning a protective face mask when playing competitively. This will not only shield the face, but it can prevent painful broken teeth. If you take an airsoft BB traveling at 450 FPS in the teeth, you will probably end up looking like jack-o-lantern.


• Get a Brain Bucket. If you plan on playing competitively, we strongly recommend investing in a hard helmet for the field. A helmet prevents direct hits to the head during play, which as any experienced airsoft players can tell you, hurts like hell.

Handling Your Airsoft Gun

When handling your piece, use common sense and always assume the piece is loaded. Here are a few more helpful recommendations to keep in mind when handling your airsoft weapon:

• Know Your Weapon. Thoroughly read your weapon’s owner manuals with special attention to safety guidelines specific to your piece.


• Point Away. When off the field, always points it away from people.


• Don’t Mess with the Trigger. Do not touch or jiggle the trigger unless you explicitly intend to shoot the gun.


• Clear Your Weapon. When your gun is not in use, remove your magazine, clear your weapon and switch your gun to safety.


• Put it Up. Be sure to keep all Airsoft guns and/or equipment out of children's reach, even when unloaded.

The Biggest Safety Issue of All - Taking Your Gun Public

Every so often I come across an airsoft news story that makes me cringe. Usually these stories revolve around someone brandishing an airsoft gun in public for “fun”, shock value or even to commit a crime. Doing this is insanely irresponsible and stupid. Airsoft guns are hyper realistic and nearly indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts. If you wield a hyper realistic firearm in public, you frighten bystanders and may even get shot by law enforcement. With this in mind, the following guidelines will help keep you safe – and alive:

• Assume Real Gun Behavior. Always be aware that the vast majority of bystanders do not know you are carrying an airsoft gun – they will assume it is the real deal. Do not brandish your Airsoft gun in public – it’s illegal to do so in most places and you may cause a panic or get yourself shot by a real firearm.


• Keep the Tip. Do not remove the orange tip on the gun… again, it’s illegal and can increase confusion.


• Bag It. Always transport your gun in a case.

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 (Airsoft AEGs) including airsoft sniper rifles and spring airsoft shotguns.

Labels: airsoft gun safety, airsoft safety, airsoft safety gear

If you’ve seen the iconic movie A Christmas Story you’ve heard the phrase "You’ll shoot your eye out." For those of you who haven’t seen the movie, here’s a quick recap. Nine year old Ralphie wants a Red Ryder bb gun for Christmas, but his overprotective mother, school teacher, and even the mall Santa Clause keep denying him his prized bb gun by saying "You’ll shoot your eye out."

While this story is clearly fictional, if you’ve ever read airsoft forums you know this is still a common dilemma. There are plenty of kids out there whose parents won’t let them get their airsoft gun or airsoft sniper rifle because they have misconceptions about airsoft in general. If you’re one of those airsoft enthusiasts, here are 10 tips to help you get the airsoft gun you want this holiday season:

1. Airsoft is Not Dangerous

Airsoft is less dangerous than paintball. Airsoft bb’s are shot at a much lower velocity than paintballs, and their mass is a lot lower so they are less dangerous when they hit you. Standard bb’s can’t penetrate skin or damage internal organs.



Tip: Explain to parents that an airsoft skirmish is actually safer than doing common chores like cutting the grass.



2. Wide Range of Airsoft Safety Gear

Faces (especially eyes) are the one place that are susceptible to injury when playing airsoft, but there is a lot of airsoft safety gear out there to choose from to protect yourself. If you hit a sale you can get airsoft safety glasses for under $10, and goggles or full face masks for under $20. But it doesn’t stop there. Basically, if you name it they make it for airsoft players- everything from helmets to gloves to knee pads to vests. For more information on staying safe, check out our airsoft safety articles or the Airsoft Megastore TV Channel.



Tip: Make a list of the airsoft safety gear that you’ll need to play and include that on your holiday wish list so your parents know you’re taking the sport seriously.



3. Orange Safety Tips on Airsoft Guns

If your parents have heard news stories about people with airsoft guns being mistaken for criminals with real guns and being shot by law enforcement officers remind them that in all of these cases the person with an airsoft gun was either committing a criminal act, did not obey law enforcement officers when he/she was told to put the gun down, or had removed the orange safety tip that distinguishes it from a real gun.



Tip: Promise your parents that you will leave the orange tip on to ensure your safety.

4. Responsible Airsoft Play

For whatever reason moms seem to think that giving an otherwise good kid a bb gun will suddenly lead to them shooting cars, animals, and unarmed people- getting them in trouble with the law.



Tip: Remind your parents that you will only fire your gun in suitable areas and only shoot at airsoft targets and other outfitted players.



5. Airsoft is Very Affordable

A lot of parents assume that airsoft guns and ammo are expensive, but they really aren’t anymore. Depending on what kind of gun you want to carry, and how much safety equipment you’ll be wearing you can get started for as little as $200. For a full rundown of what to expect in the way of price when getting started read the full article "What does it Cost to Start Playing Airsoft?"



Tip: Instead of just asking your parents for any airsoft gun, consider researching an individual discount airsoft gun and asking for that gun to illustrate how affordable airsoft can be (plus, then you stand a better chance of getting the exact gun you want).



6. Airsoft is Mess Free

Some parents don’t know the difference between airsoft and paintball guns so they might assume you’ll come home covered in wet paint splotches or that the backyard will be riddled with bright paint when you’re done.
Tip: Tell your parents to rest assured that you won’t ruin your clothes or the make a mess in the house with paint.

7. Airsoft is Legal in All States

Airsoft guns are legal in the U.S. so they don’t have to worry about you getting in trouble for owning one.



Tip: Some states have special laws banning the discharge of airsoft guns within city limits or requiring that guns be a special color so check your local laws to make sure you are abiding by all regulations. The more informed you are the easier it will be to convince your parents that you can be responsible with an airsoft gun.



8. Airsoft Guns Aren’t Real Guns

Because airsoft guns are used by the military and police forces for training operations, parents may think that the guns are more realistic than they are.



Tip: Show them that the guns are not real guns and that they are not firing large dangerous projectiles. This may seem silly but sometimes parents just need to see it with their own eyes. If you have a friend with an airsoft gun ask him/her to help you demonstrate this to your parents.



9. Airsoft Friends & Teammates

Sometimes parents imagine their child getting an airsoft gun and running around alone shooting things and wreaking havoc.



Tip: Remind your parents that all over the country there are people of all ages getting together for airsoft skirmishes so you’ll be making new friends and maybe even developing long-term teammates. If your parents routinely tell you to stop playing video games and go outdoors and play you can remind them that an airsoft gun will help you to be more active playing outside with other kids.



10. Airsoft can be a Rite of Passage

At the end of A Christmas Story Ralphie finally gets a bb gun for Christmas because his father had one when he was Ralphie’s age. While 9 years old may be a little young for a rite of passage it’s common for 13-16 year olds to get something like an airsoft gun to signal that they are growing up.



Tip: If you think you can work this in your favor, try positioning your request as a rite of passage into manhood. Your dad just might cave.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering a huge selection of affordable airsoft guns, including high-powered airsoft sniper rifles. Please 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: about airsoft guns, airsoft 101, airsoft christmas, airsoft safety

As many of you know, being shot by an Airsoft gun can hurt - especially if you are pinged in the face or neck. Don't let the "soft" part of the name fool you. Airsoft guns have a high FPS and can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. With adequate protective gear, however, you can play without the fear of unexpected injury or undue pain.

The single most important article of protective equipment is eye protection. Having sufficient eye protection is essential when playing Airsoft, because even a light weight plastic bb can do severe, permanent damage to the eyes. Most leagues require eye protection and many official fields will remove you from play if at any time you take off your eye protection during an ongoing game. Keep your eye protection on whenever you are on the field or have your airsoft gun in hand.

When it comes to Airsoft eye protection you typically have three options.

The first option is to wear impact resistant protective glasses. Protective glasses are a popular option, because they are extremely lightweight and let’s be honest, they look pretty cool. However, protective glasses do not provide the best eye protection, because even though they wrap around the face there is still the possibility that an Airsoft BB could hit your eyes if shot at just the right angle. Another downside of protective glasses is that they may fall off or become askew during an intense match requiring you to drop out of play.

Your second option when playing Airsoft is to wear protective goggles. Airsoft protective goggles are a great choice because they provide comprehensive coverage to the eyes. Goggles really don’t have any of the downsides associated with glasses, because they are held tight to the face with a strap which eliminates the possibility of an Airsoft BB hitting your eyes. Nevertheless, there are some downsides associated with protective goggles. For example, cheaper goggles tend to fog up and may limit your field of vision. Thankfully, many manufacturers are starting to produce Airsoft goggles that feature tactical mesh in place of traditional lenses which alleviates any fogging issues.

Your third and safest option is to wear a full face tactical mask. Airsoft tactical face masks are an excellent choice, because not only are your eyes well protected, but your face is fully protected too. This helps to prevent getting hit in the face which almost always stings like crazy and leaves a visible welt. Many tactical face masks also feature a visor shading your eyes from harmful rays and increasing your overall visibility. Airsoft face masks are typically more expensive, may restrict head movement due to their size and may impede some peripheral vision.

Whatever eye protection option you choose to use, be sure that it’s from a reputable manufacturer, because a protection device using low quality plastics may not be able to withstand the impact of an Airsoft BB at a high velocity. If you have any questions about Airsoft protective gear visit our online store at http://www.airsoftmegastore.com.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please 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 face mask, airsoft goggles, airsoft gun safety, airsoft safety

Airsoft popularity is on the rise, but with that comes more airsoft injuries. There were more than 17,800 airsoft-related injuries last year, up from 16,800 in 2008. With more people injuring themselves, it is important to remember that while airsoft guns can be used for entertainment, they are certainly not toys. As airsoft technology advances, guns become more powerful and safety protocols becomes more important than ever.

Protect Your Face

With airsoft guns shooting at speeds in excess of 400 feet per second, eye injury and tooth chipping are serious concerns. Always wear eye protection such as shatterproof goggles, and consider using a mouth guard or a full face mask.

Protect Fellow Airsofters

Do not shoot anyone at close range. Always aim for the torso or chest, rather than the face or limbs. Never shoot at someone who is not wearing the proper eye/face protection.

Cover Your Limbs

It is best to wear long sleeves and pants when playing airsoft as the material will help protect bare skin from the sting of pellets. While operating with 10 times less velocity than a real gun, airsoft pellets have still been known to penetrate skin.

Use an Airsoft Gun Case

When transporting your gun, be sure to use an appropriate airsoft gun case to protect from accidental firing.

Keep the Orange Tip

The orange tip is required by federal law and will allow others to identify the gun as a replication rather than the real-deal.

Don’t "Joke Around" With Civilians

We’ve all heard the stories. There was an 18 year old in Missouri that shot his grandmother repeatedly with his airsoft gun as “a joke”. There was also the Ohio University men’s basketball player who shot at random strangers from a moving car as “a joke”. Not only can these jokes result in prosecution, but they can seriously injure someone.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for spring airsoft shotguns and high quality airsoft ammo for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft safety, airsoft safety tips, new airsoft safety tips

While 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.

Labels: airsoft backyard, airsoft gun laws, airsoft gun safety, airsoft in backyard, airsoft laws, airsoft safety, backyard airsoft war

Airsoft is a fun and adrenaline charged sport, but also one that demands proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others from injury. Practicing safety with Airsoft guns is important both on and off the field.

As with any type of gun, it is critical to always point the gun in a safe direction away from people, and never touch the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Even if you are simply transporting or cleaning an Airsoft gun, concern for the safety of yourself and others should guide your behavior. Keeping the safety engaged any time that the gun is not in use is advised.

Another important safety precaution is to keep your Airsoft gun empty when not in use, and even so, treat every Airsoft gun as if it were loaded. Be sure to keep all Airsoft guns and equipment out of children’s reach, even when unloaded.

Always be aware that most people do not know that your Airsoft gun is a replica. Do not brandish your Airsoft gun in public, or anywhere that it is visible to others who may mistake it for a real firearm. Not only is carrying an unconcealed Airsoft gun illegal in many areas, the realistic appearance of the gun can lead others to think you are carrying a deadly weapon. Even with an orange tip visible, a law enforcement officer is not going to take any chances after seeing you carrying what appears to be a dangerous firearm. Transporting your gun in a case where it is not visible to the public can prevent panic and keep you from getting hurt or killed.

The Airsoft safety tips we have presented are essential for any Airsoft player, but do not account for every possible scenario. Always take extra precautions and exercise common sense when handling Airsoft guns and playing the game. Thoroughly read the user manuals that come with all of your equipment, where additional safety guidelines specific to your equipment should be provided.

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.

Labels: airsoft gun rules, airsoft gun safety, airsoft safety, airsoft safety tips