Airsoft Guns

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

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