This thing called Airsoft?
Airsoft is a game in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with 6mm or 8mm plastic bb bullets fired from a compressed-air gun (or airsoft gun) powered by propane, compressed air, manual spring-action, or an electrically powered gearbox.
Airsoft participants organize meetings at dedicated airsoft battlefields often adapted to provide walls, bunkers, trenches, buildings, towers, and other similar man-made field enhancements to offer realism analogous to real combat environments.
Airsoft games vary greatly in style and composition depending on location, budget, and the quantity of participants but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, or historical reenactments.
History
In the 1970s Japan made it illegal to own a firearm, though there was a large interest in them. Because of this interest, manufacturers started to produce realistic looking spring-powered guns. These guns fired several calibers of plastic or rubber BBs, but were eventually standardized into 6 mm and 8 mm sizes. The early spring powered weapons then morphed into gas and battery powered ones, using a variety of systems. The hobby then migrated to North America in the mid 1990s. This is due in large part to the addition of many new AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) manufacturers in Japan, China, Taiwan, as well as many others.
Methods of play
MilSim
"MilSim", short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. Several goals or missions may be assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out (i.e., supply) of ammunition, rations, and radios.
Skirmishes
Open days or games where sides are nominally identified by colored armbands but where players dress in a variety of military or paramilitary impressions.
Honor system
Airsoft play employs an honor system whereby the players rely on each others' honesty to admit to being hit, because unlike paintballs, airsoft pellets do not leave visible marks on clothing. However, there are 6mm paintballs, but most airsofters prefer not to use them as they can ruin an airsoft gun and void most warranties.
Teams
There are many organized teams, of varying sizes, in various countries. Some prominent teams have 50 or more players, and are able to send delegations to regional or national events.
Safety
Eye and face protection:
The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of impact-rated goggles or shooting glasses to protect participants' eyes. Many airsoft groups and fields require that eye protection fully seals the area around the eyes. The best overall protection is offered by paintball masks. These masks protect the face, teeth, and ears. Some airsoft masks are made with mesh screens.
Do NOT:
Point your Airsoft weapon at anyone not involved in a game. Do not point your Airsoft weapon at police officers, unless you really enjoy becoming one of the next cast members of "Cops", do not carry or flash the Airsoft weapon in public, always transport it in a bag or case.
Airsoft is about respect, character, honor, safety and most of all: FUN!
