Airsoft Guns

While every airsoft game has different rules, there are some universal rules that apply when you pick up an airsoft gun. Here is your easy to follow guide on how to keep it legal, fun, and safe.




Keep it Legal:

• Check if it is legal to host an airsoft skirmish on the property prior to doing so. This is more than simply gaining the property owner’s permission (though this is critical)... it also means you should contact your local police unit and check local statutes.
• Laws vary from region to region, but many dictate a firepower limit for safety reasons (i.e. they don’t want BBs to break the skin or kill anyone.) This is usually around 300-450 FPS depending on the venue. Always safest to check this out prior to playing. Your local airsoft facility will also have this information.
• Never carry your airsoft weapon in public. Always transport your airsoft gun and equipment in a proper carrying case.
• Never remove your airsoft orange safety tip.

Don’t be a Nuisance:

• Call your hits. Many airsofters carry a red bandana and use it as a signal that they have been hit. It’s quick, easy and visual. It can also be used when leaving or reentering game play. For the record, there is nothing worse than an airsofter who refuses to recognize a hit. Trust us, after a few disputes, everyone will know who you are and they won’t want you to participate in future events.
• If you suspect someone is not calling their hits, keep firing at them until it is crazy indisputable that they have been hit. This is a more effective tactic than making a big scene on the field. Of course, you can always bring it up after the game… simply say, “You need to call your hits. I hit you maybe 10 times before you called it.” They may dispute your claim to save face, but it will put the offender on notice and they will be more likely to change that behavior in the future, even if just to prove you wrong.
• Dead men don’t talk. If you’ve been hit, you must stop relaying information to your team members. No signals, no code. You are essentially dead.
• Don’t deliberately try to hurt/annoying people. Shooting someone in the face on purpose is lame… and can be dangerous.
• Keep a level head. Airsoft is an adrenalin rush, for sure, but you shouldn’t get so amped that you try to fight other players. Remain cool and collected; that is the sign of a well-trained soldier, after all.

Just Generally Good Ideas:

• Wear protective airsoft eye goggles at all times. This is not negotiable.
• Establish a clear set of game rules before starting at the get-go. It will make for a much better skirmish.
• Be respectful of other player's equipment.
• Be cool to new players. Some long-time airsofters think its their right to haze the new guy. It's not... and it makes you look like a jerk. Offer tips and assistance without being condescending. After all, you were once a noob.
• If you’re playing with younger airsofters, watch your mouth.
• If you are playing with strangers, it’s a good idea to avoid touching people you don’t know, unless you are dragging an injured man off the field or something like that. That means avoiding things like “knife kills” and hand to hand combat. That guy could be psycho or get angry and want to fight. Long story short: these sorts of engagements rarely end well.

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 upgrades and parts. Visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs and the latest full metal airsoft sniper rifles for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft advice, airsoft etiquette, airsoft laws, airsoft rules, airsoft tips

Advanced players know that stealth is vital to winning an airsoft battle (and can make it a lot more fun for everyone involved). If you have ever been in an airsoft forum or asked friends for advice on how to conceal yourself during an airsoft game you may have noticed that other players are hesitant to reveal their maneuvers or tricks. Below you will find the 10 best airsoft concealment tips and tactics currently being used so you can have the advantage in your next game!

1. Wear a Ghillie Suit

Guillie suits are used in the military, by hunters, and for tactical stealth in games like airsoft and paintball. Ghillie suits are one piece suits, or multiple piece suits with rough camouflaged strips and fibers to disguise the wearer and allow for better head-to-toe concealment. For optimal concealment local materials should be stuck in and sound into the ghillie suit to provide a natural color and texture match.

2. Move Slowly

It might sound obvious, but nothing gives your position away faster than rushing around and running during the game. Quick abrupt movements will draw attention to you and compromise your position.

3. Be Quiet

Remaining quiet is key when trying to stay hidden, but this can be very difficult during dry conditions or in the autumn when dry leaves and twigs litter the ground. This is another reason why it’s important to move slowly. Moving too fast means that you can brush against or step on materials that will give away your movements.

4. Adjust Optics

If your gun is outfitted with airsoft tactical optics that have lens covers, leave the covers closed while you are getting into position and then open them while you are acquiring your target. This will help minimize the amount of time that the lenses of your airsoft gun’s optics are exposed, reducing the possibility that light will reflect off of them and signal your position to the opposing team.

5. Add a "Bird’s Nest"
A "bird’s nest" is a clump of grass, moss, or weeds that you can add to the front of your sight or scope if your optics do not have lens covers. Obviously you will want to position this in a way that does not impair your sight or impede the use of the optics attachment. "Bird’s nests" can also help your airsoft gun to blend in with the rest of your ghillie suit when you raise it up to aim and shoot.

6. Stay in the Prone Position/Crouch Down

When you’re trying to be stealthy staying low is very important. Moving in what is known as "the prone position" (a sort of combination between crawling and slithering) is a great way to stay low and go undetected. The prone position can be very difficult and tiring for beginners so if you’re unable to stay in the prone position at least try to crouch down as much as possible.

7. Use Obstacles

Hide behind obstacles like trees, bushes, and rocks as much as possible. This is especially important when there is limited vegetation to conceal yourself.

8. Don’t Be Flashy

Avoid wearing buttons, buckles or watches- anything that can reflect light. These flashy items can draw attention to you, and also prohibit you from moving smoothly in the prone position.

9. Soften Straight Edges

Hard straight edges on guns can be covered over with camouflage tape or dark colored fabric tape to make the shape of your gun blend in better with your overall surroundings and your ghillie suit. For your own safety, make sure that any taped parts are not interfering with the actual gun mechanisms.

10. Match your Camouflage

Be aware of what colors are included in your camouflage and make sure that you match them with your surroundings. First and foremost, make sure that your ghillie suit or other camouflage is suitable for the terrain (i.e. light browns, tans and reds for dessert conditions, and greens, browns, yellows, and grays for woodlands). Woodland settings often have more diversity in colors so be cognizant of what’s around you. If you have a camouflage that is a little too dark for your setting, stay low and try to blend into shadows.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing online 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 airsoft ammunition.

Labels: airsift tactics, airsoft advice, airsoft tips

Airsoft as a sport relies on realism, and serious airsofters invest significant amounts of time researching the various airsoft products and technical gear they purchase. Focused attention to detail is the norm, particularly when it comes to ‘MilSim’ (military simulation games) and players seem to enjoy this aspect nearly as much as they do engaging in airsoft combat. Their historic selection of custom unit patches and ‘call signs’, their dedicated study and employment of military tactics and strategies, their theater-specific attention to weaponry, uniforms and equipment and their often long-distance travel to airsoft facility ‘combat towns’... all serve to more closely mimic real-word combat. Without such, airsoft would be little more than a chaotic afternoon of airsofters running about scatter-shot, and if that were the case, I highly doubt that the sport of airsoft would be growing so popular.

To a large degree, airsoft relies on successfully creating the illusion of real-world combat – an illusion which unfortunately can easily be shattered, regardless of the time and money invested in the sport, by airsoft players who simply don’t call their hits.

Unlike paintball, airsoft is a sport of honor (there’s no greasy marker paint involved), and relies upon those engaging in the sport to call ‘hit!’ when they’ve been struck with an airsoft BB projectile. Simple failure to do so lessens the illusion of authenticity airsoft players strive to maintain, and indeed causes frustration and anger for the participants who approach the code of airsoft conduct seriously. Not unlike the youthful game of ‘Cowboys and Indians,’ airsoft requires one’s acknowledgment of being ‘killed,’ and for anyone who engaged in the former as a child, they can attest to the irritation they experienced following having an inarguable drop on a playmate, only to hear them reply, ‘Nuh-uh! You missed me!’ If recollection serves, such dishonest interaction immediately sapped all enjoyment from playing ‘Custer’s Last Stand’ as a boy, and the same can be said for the sport of airsoft.

If you are reading this, then more than likely you’ve engaged in the sport of airsoft, and have therefore either witnessed dishonesty in hit calling, or worse, have been the culprit. Unfortunately it seems that every airsoft field has one: a player who’s tarnished their reputation by consistently not upholding the honor code, and whose name has subsequently become analogous with dishonesty.

So please, call your hits.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO 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 calling shots, airsoft rules, airsoft tips, how to play airsoft

One of the most important roles on the airsoft field is that of Support Gunner. Also known as Gunners, Machine Gunners and Automatic Rifleman, a Support Gunner is responsible for providing rapid, high-power fire in both defensive and offensive tactical capacities on the airsoft field. Not only are Gunners a critical strategic element, but they also have the good fortune of operating high-powered, rapid fire, high capacity SAWs (Squad Automatic Weapons.) An effective Gunner understands his or her weapon, the objective, and how enemy forces tend to move. They need not be fast and maneuverable, like snipers and infantry, but they must control their weapon to hold key areas of the battlefield.

The following is a list a specific uses for a Support Gunner on the airsoft field.

• Offensive Ally Advancement. Perhaps the most traditional use of a Gunner is for ally advancement. The Gunner provides rapid, suppressive fire against enemy forces, which essentially forces the enemy into a protective stance, allowing allies to advance. There are two areas of risk to keep in mind with this strategy. The first is friendly fire. The Gunner needs to be aware of allied movement at all times and be able to separate the friend from foe on the field. The second is reloading. The enemy will naturally wait for a Gunner to run out of airsoft ammo and exploit that moment. For this reason, temper your rapid fire to include natural breaks. Army Gunners are trained to maintain a steady volume of shots, usually 7 or 8, with short breaks between. Not only does this prevent overheating, but it keeps your enemy guessing.


• Defensive Suppressive Fire. Just as a Support Gunner can allow allied movement, they can also prevent enemy advancement. This is especially useful in games where guarding a target is critical, such as capture the flag. With this strategy, again, reloading can become an opportunity for the enemy. Long-term continuous rapid fire that suddenly stops is a dead giveaway that a Gunner is reloading and grants the enemy the opportunity to advance on the target.


• Defensive Cover. Similar to defensive suppressive fire, defensive cover is useful during times of retreat or escape. The Gunner provides a wall of bullets to cover team members when they are pinned down or escaping, a popular scenario with games that involve evacuating hostages or prisoners. Gunners can also provide excellent defensive cover for medics who are helping a wounded player.

Since the main objectives of an effective Support Gunner are to suppress the enemy, provide cover, defend an area, or wipe out a large group of enemies, it is critical to choose an effective, rapid fire weapon. Once you have selected a powerful field weapon, train yourself. Being an effective Gunner is about more than spraying the field with bullets. It is an exhilarating experience that requires coordination, strength, training and discipline.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs and airsoft blowback pistols, and check out out wide selection of airsoft clips.

Labels: airsoft gunner, airsoft machine gunner, airsoft support gunner, airsoft tips

One of the biggest challenges with airsoft is actually finding the time to play. When you do get the opportunity to get out in field, if you’re like me, you want to make the most of it. The following is a list of tactics for minimizing downtime and making the most of your airsoft experience.

Plan
Whether you’re playing with a couple of friends, or several dozen enthusiasts, a little planning goes a long way. Decide the location and game(s) you will be playing ahead of time. Mix games up to keep things interesting. Then, plan your gear and camo accordingly.

Timing
I recommend having a set time limit for the matches. Games have been known to grow excessively long, which means a lot of bored dead men sitting on the sidelines. Give players 10 and 5 minute warnings before the game ends, which tends to kick up the intensity. I recommend scheduling in a few breaks between games to rehydrate, relax and exchange ideas. A structured time frame will keep things moving along and will make the most of the day.

Rules, rules, rules
Make sure the rules are clear before the games begin. A clear set of rules helps to eliminate ambiguity, keeps things fun and safe, and saves time as there are fewer game-time debates. There may be disagreements now and then, but if things get out of hand, you can ban obvious repeat offenders of the “honor system.” You really don’t want to waste game time out on the field arguing over a hit.

Gear
Time spent loading your firearm not only takes you out of the game, but it also leaves you vulnerable to attack. You can minimize loading time on the field by using high capacity airsoft magazines which can deliver anywhere from 200 to 5,000 rounds depending on the model.It is one of the cheapest, easiest up-grades you can make.

Medic!
Adding a medic to the game can increase playtime and add a whole new layer of strategy to the game. A medic can reactivate wounded players and everyone gets more field time.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, as well as airsoft clips and a large selection of high cap airsoft magazines.

Labels: airsoft aegs, airsoft clips, airsoft magazine, airsoft tips

Close Quarter Combat (CQC), is a military tactic made popular by Israeli and Russian soldiers that involves using close proximity, speed, and accuracy to violently overtake an enemy target made. In airsoft, CQC is one of the most exhilarating and realistic exercises you can engage in. In modern warfare fellow soldiers, enemy fighters, hostages and civilians are often closely intermingled, making long distance assaults less risky. Since the main objective is a rapid and violent takeover with minimal friendly fire and casualties, a strong CQC soldier must think fast on their feet and have a mastery of their weapon. Here are a few tips on being the best CQC player you can be:

• CQC is typically a side arm game... think airsoft AEGs such as pistols and hand guns. Machine guns and large rifles have their time and place, but in most close quarters combat scenarios, they are a disadvantage as they are bulky and less agile.


• CQC requires more compact, short range firearms which allow for a higher rate of fire and maneuverability. Once you have selected the right electric airsoft guns, practice, practice, practice. CQC is too high speed to risk inaccuracy.


• Most CQC games are played in smaller enclosed areas, often mimicking an urban warzone, though outdoor games are fun as well. Regardless of the location, CQC is fast paced and typically full of surprises, so it is best to know the terrain before-hand.


• CQC players are encouraged to wear extra padding. Direct and even ricochet hits can be very painful in this close proximity.


• It is recommended that you carry a multi-tool (for possible gun jams), duct tape (for Macgyver moments), water, extra mags, and whatever accessories fit the objective. Smoke grenades are a cool way to enhance a CQC exercise. Camouflage is also recommended for that added element of surprise.


• Eye protection is a MUST. At this close of a range you could potentially lose an eye.


• A strong CQC player is aware of enemy movements, uses cover effectively, and knows to watch their AEG's battery life.

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, airsoft games, airsoft tips, Close quarter combat, CQC

If you are new to the game of Airsoft or considering playing for the first time, congratulations! Airsoft is an exciting combat sport that is both physically and mentally challenging. Here are some basic tips to help Airsoft beginners acclimate as they get started in the sport:

Practice safety before shooting. Taking safety precautions is important for Airsoft players at all levels of experience. At minimum, protective eyewear such as goggles or a protective face mask should be worn at all times when playing Airsoft or when playing with Airsoft guns. Wearing a long sleeve shirt during play is typically advised to prevent direct hits on exposed skin. Protective vests, helmets, knee pads and other safety equipment are also available to give you optimal protection during play.

Read and adhere to the guidelines in all documentation that comes with your Airsoft gun. Each Airsoft gun is designed to be used, cleaned and cared for in specific ways. Some mistakes to avoid are using the wrong BBs, charging batteries improperly, loading BBs incorrectly and pumping a spring cocked gun too many times. Failure to comply with manufacturer recommendations can harm your gun and void your warranty.

Don’t wield your Airsoft gun in public areas. Since Airsoft guns are designed to look realistic, carrying one that is visible to others is a bad idea (and illegal). To avoid the threat of physical harm, panic or legal repercussions, be sure to keep your gun put away while you are in public.

Stay down and look around. As you gain some experience playing Airsoft, you will get used to some of the common tactics you can use to protect yourself from enemy fire. Anything you can do to give your opponent a smaller target will work in your favor. Some basic tactics to get started are staying low to the ground as much as possible and peeking around obstacles rather than over them, which will help minimize your exposure to opponents.

Have fun! Airsoft is an exciting sport that is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. The mental stimulation, physical challenge, camaraderie and adrenaline of the sport keep players of all ages coming back to play again and again.

If you are new to the sport, you may also find our Airsoft Terms and Abbreviations helpful for understanding some of the jargon you are likely to hear as you learn more about the sport of Airsoft.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an 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 beginner tips, airsoft beginners, airsoft tips, get started in airsoft