This question is bound to stir debate and controversy amongst the most ardent of airsoft or paintball fans.

Both airsoft and paintball are both hobbies based on replica firearms and wargames. Is this unhealthy? That depends moreso on the person themselves rather than the hobby. An interest in pursuing a hobby that involves weaponry only becomes unhealthy if taken to extremes - which is true of most things in life. Paintball and airsoft are not morbid hobbies and only run the risk of being dangerous when participated in by dangerous people.

Paintball itself is a more mobile sport. It requires a certain level of physical fitness, mobility and skill - if you paintball then you gotta be able to move fast. The weapons themselves are functional and are only designed to serve the purpose of the sport as opposed to looking good. Paintball rifles are designed to take a real beating when it comes to their use. Paintball fans fall into the ‘extreme sport’ category and enjoy the pure adrenaline of each paintball match and are driven by the desire to win.

Airsoft is a somewhat different sport. The guns used in airsoft are both conversation pieces and are also functional sports ‘weapons’. Airsoft rifles and pistols are capable of firing both small plastic pellets and paint filled pellets so are useful both in the sport itself and also for backyard target practice.

The major difference is the power of the guns themselves. Paintball guns are driven by high powered gas cylinders whereas airsoft guns fire projectiles either through springs, electronic firing mechanisms or with compressed gas. The issue is that most airsoft guns lack the range and accuracy of the larger paintball guns simply because they were never designed with long range fire in mind.

Conversely airsoft guns are available in a huge range of styles and models. Everything from a Glock handgun to a sniper rifle to a CAR15 assault rifle. Airsoft guns are equally at home hanging in your livingroom or at use on the airsoft playing field. You can even go as far as buying an airsoft minigun. Many airsoft fans simply collect the guns and never get involved in airsoft wargames at all. This is the much the same as many sword collectors - they display the weapons at home but don’t go running around waving them at people.

The truth is that neither airsoft nor paintball is superior. They’re both a case of personal preference. If you’re the extreme sports type then paintball will suit you more. If you’re more of a collector then airsoft will be more you thing.

Regardless of whether you’re a paintball fan or an airsoft fan it’s essential to take proper safety precautions when using these guns. Proper eye protection in the form of safety goggles should always be worn and suitable protective clothing to cover your neck and upper torso should also be worn. Even though some people see these as guns as toys they are capable of causing injury either through accident or even deliberate malice.

This article was written by Niall Roche and provided courtesy of Airsoft-Guns-Guide.com where you can find lots of information on air soft guns.

This accurate replica of the Italian SPAS 12 shotgun which is used by law enforcement agencies worldwide.Within the massive barrel is actually three independent barrels, one for each BB. All of the three barrels have their own hop-up unit. Ammunition is loaded via the shot-shell, which holds 30 rounds at maximum.

The SPAS 12 has featured in many successful hollywoods movies such as “Terminator”, “Snatch” and “The Matrix” no wonder when you take a closer look at this intimidating shotgun. Featuring a complementing ABS outer chasis. When fired the pellet velocity averages 90 m/sec.

The “magazine” is actually a replica shotgun shell, which holds 30 BB’s. The gun itself comes with 1 shell, but extra shells can be purchased separately for quick reloading in the field.

Other notable features of the airsoft shotgun include:

• 1:1 Scale High Performance Assembled Spring Powered Shotgun

• Marui Triple HOP UP chamber give all 3 shots up to 100 fts effective range

• Each cocking will load up 3 BB at a time, i.e. Shoot 3 BB per shot

Umarex Desert EagleFeatures: Calibre: 4.5mm (.177) Magazine Capacity: 8 Shots Length: 11.02″ (280mm) Weight: 38.80oz (1100g) Velocity: Up to 120m/s Barrel length: 5.7″ (144mm) Action: 12g (0.42oz) CO2 capsules Safety: Safety Lever, Anti-fall safety Size: .177 Air Pistol Weight: 1.2kg

Other Notable features:

• The Desert Eagle is the first CO2 pistol with a blow-back pellet system. For the individual mounting of optical sights, lasers, and lamps, Picatinny rails have been integrated in this unique design.

• The magazine is the familiar 8 shot drum-style magazine used on other Umarex air pistols

• The detailed body is built from durable ABS

• A wide variety of accessories and additional equipment can be fitted to the Desert Eagle, thanks to the factory standard Weaver rail.

This is what the umarex marketing team said about the gun “A name famous all over the world, and among gun connoisseurs it is the synonym for performance, power and dynamics. The Umarex company is the world´s largest manufacturer of gun replicas powered by CO2, and with this pistol it offers a new highlight in the premium class.

The Desert Eagle is the first CO2 pistol with a blow-back pellet system. For the individual mounting of optical sights, lasers, and lamps, Picatinny rails have been integrated in this unique design.”.The website also contains a pretty cool desert eagle flash presentation.

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