UHC ASG Action Slide Gas Series Pistol is a low-cost gun and perfect for beginner players! When you first think about buying it you may wonder about what kind of airsoft is that cheap. The price and the quality of this airsoft is what makes this gun, a gun for beginners. This gun has been around for quite some time but I wrote this article to help all the beginners.

This gun is strong and is a very realistic looking airsoft that offers an accuracy fixed barrel system like a real gun. This gun has an excellent gas system that shoots BB’s at an astonishing rate and with accuracy. It fires BB’s at about 300 feet per second. This gun is full-size and feels heavy. It is made from high in quality ABS plastic. This gun uses CO2 or Green gas as its propellant.

There are three main types of airsoft guns – spring powered, gas powered, and electric-powered (or automatic electric guns). Spring powered guns differ from the other two, because they cannot be automatic or semi-automatic. They are spring-cocked, meaning that the user has to cock the spring by pulling back the slide or bolt before firing each shot. Spring powered airsoft guns are inexpensive and readily available. Though they may not be very suitable for close combat competitions, they are widely used for “sniper” and “marksman” functions. Pressurized gases like propane and HFC134 a refrigerant are commonly used to propel BBs by gas-powered guns.

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen may also be used aren’t as popular. Advantages to gas powered guns include adjustable velocities and blowback features. Onboard or magazine stored gas storage systems are used in gas blowback guns or GBBs, using the same compressed air that propels the pellet to pull back the slide. Hence, this feature in BBGs makes them capable of automatic or semi-automatic fire.Originally developed in Japan during the late 1990s, an automatic electric gun uses electrical power from an onboard battery to drive a motor that turns gears inside the gun to compress and release a piston. This piston creates a blast of air that propels the BB. These airsoft guns are capable of firing 600-900 rounds per minute. AEGs are widely used in competitions today.

Electric Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more.

The spring airsoft gun is ideal for beginners because it’s cheap, durable and widely available, and because it is easy to use, almost every airsoft gun enthusiast has started out with a Spring airsoft gun.The MP5 SD3 is the most popular spring rifle, well known for its CQB (Close Quarters Battle) applications and mainly used by tactical groups. It features a metal retractable stock and mock silencer, and the scale magazine can hold 20 rounds. The Hop-Up model has increased range and accuracy for skirmishing. The model is mainly constructed of ABS plastic, with some internal metal components. It weighs 2.89 Pounds and shoots several hundred feet at a rate of 270 feet per second.As for spring handguns, the M9 seems to be the most widely used and has a 22 Round Magazine, opening ejection port, functional trigger & amp and hammer.

The model is mainly constructed of ABS plastic like the MP5 SD3, with some internal metal components. Optional all metal mock screws on silencers are available. The M9 weighs 1.25 lbs — has a muzzle velocity of 275 FPS, and is effective up to 90 Feet. The model comes in single, two-tone and silver color. Electric Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more.

Gas-powered guns have a few advantages, which include adjustable velocities and blowback features. In the blowback mechanism, onboard or magazine-stored gas storage system is used to propel the pellets. The same compressed air that propels the pellet is used to pull back the slide. These airsoft guns are known as gas blowback guns or GBBs. Because of this blowback feature, BBGs are capable of automatic or semi-automatic fire. This means that the magazine can be emptied as fast as the trigger is squeezed, and be easily reloaded by inserting a new magazine.Green gas, normally a mixture of propane and silicone oil, is the recommended and most commonly used propellant in gas-powered Airsoft guns. HFC134a refrigerant is also widely used but is less powerful and not suitable for colder climates, where the gas may become insufficient to operate the guns. However, excessive use of Green gas may be harmful to guns that cannot handle the exceptional power. Electric Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more.

6mm pellets, 0.12 g are used by gas and spring weapons but not for high-end AEGs. The same goes for 0.15 g. 0.20 g standard weights and used by AEGs. 0.23 g is heavy weight for AEGs and 0.25 g is the heaviest weight for standard AEGs, blowback and spring guns. 0.30 g is the standard and 0.36 g are heavier pellets for sniper rifles. 0.43 g is for highest levels of upgrades sniper rifles. As for 8mm pellets, 0.34 g is low weight, 0.45 g is standard weight and 0.60 g is the heaviest weight for 8mm sniper rifles.

For automatic electric guns (AEGs), the velocity limits range between 300-400 FPS (feet per second). For single shot guns, it is 400 to 500 FPS. The tension of the main spring determines the pellet velocity of automatic electric guns (AEGs), so there tends to be a stratification of values. Low-end spring pistols can shoot 0.2 g BBs at velocities from 100 FPS. The range for high-end airsoft guns can reach 550 FPS.

Anything beyond this would need a major upgrade of internal components. This internal modification can also increase the ROF (rate of fire) drastically.Airsoft pellets may not damage the skin but are extremely dangerous to the eyes, so goggles or other protective gear must be worn at all times while playing airsoft sports.

Electric Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more.

Airsoft weapons are powered with compressed air, providing the shooter an experience so much like shooting a gun with traditional ammunition. These weapons became quite popular and sharp shooter competitions began.

Airsoft guns have relatively low power so that they are safe to use in confined spaces. This was perfect for the Japanese market since space is at a premium there. These weapons were also designed to be affordable, flexible and very realistic. The ammunition was also quite affordable, making sports shooting something anyone could afford to do on a regular basis.

Airsoft remains popular in Japan and many other Asian countries but other countries around the world have discovered these guns that can be used in training and skirmishes safely and today the United States and Europe are quickly becoming great fans of Airsoft weapons.

Written by Tienda Airsoft

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.

High end companies, which mostly manufacture AEGs and Gas Blowbacks, include:

* Tokyo Marui, the very pinnacle of airsoft technology and durability (while kept stock)
* G&G (Guay Guay Gunshop), specializes in internal and external upgrades and accessories. G&G have also launched their own line of high-quality AEGs as of late.
* Western Arms, largely specializing on the 1911 .45 and its derivatives
* Tanaka, which specializes in high-powered gas gun revolvers and rifles
* Classic Army, an emerging rival to Tokyo Marui with metal bodies and some Marui components (ie the motor).
* TOP, specializes in manufacture of light and heavy machine gun airsoft replicas
* Star, specializing in more expensive, highly realistic, easy-to-disassemble airsoft guns
* Systema, which specializes in high end training weapons and internal and external upgrades and accessories
* G&P, specializes in aftermarket upgrades and external accessories
* KSC/KWA, largely a pistol manufacturing company, though endeavors to rifles have been made
* Maruzen
* Marushin
* KJW (Kuan Ju Works), manufactures medium quality handguns. These guns are popular due to their low price, and availability of low-priced, metal-constructed replicas. KJW guns do not carry replicated trademarks, so the accuracy of the replicas is limited.
* ICS(I Chih Shivan), ICS is considered by some as one of the “big 3″ most popular gun manufacturers(also including Classic Army and Tokyo Marui). Their guns typically come with Metal bodies without trademarks. They make Armalites, MP5s, and one AK-47 replica. Their MP5 feature quick takedown bodies. They also came out with the split gearbox in which the cylinder module disconnects from the lower gearbox for easier repair and upgrade.
* Olympic Arms, These guns are basically ICS Armalites with licensed trademarks.
* Airsoft Elite, A separate company that imports and domestically pre-upgrades ICS guns.

Middle-range companies, which produce lower budget alternatives to higher priced guns with the tradeoff that they have a slightly lower velocity (depending on the brand), include:

* FIREPOWER (Palco Sports)
* UTG
* SRC
* SoftAir USA (CyberGun)
* Both Elephant (Manufacturer)
* UHC
* HFC (Ho Feng Company)
* MATRIX
* WELL (R series): A higher grade of the WELL/CYMA guns
* JG

(Select FIREPOWER, UTG and SRC guns have proven to be Tokyo Marui compatible, and upgradeable, although you are still better off getting a higher quality replica if possible.)

Entry level companies, which mainly produce springers and low powered electric guns (LPEG), include:

* CYMA/WELL (non R-Series)
* Double Eagle
* JLS
* CSI
* Neonfire
* BOYI

Some of these companies’ placements may be disputable, but are based on overall quality of all their products.

Along with the named companies, a few companies who were prominent in the earlier stages of airsoft include:

* Tokyo Marui
* Yonezawa
* LS
* Falcon/Hudson
* MGC Bondshop of Japan
* Marushin
* Maruzen
* Marukoshi
* Kokusai
* JAC
* Asahi

Airsoft guns and playing airsoft is legal in many parts of the world, but not all. Some countries have specific restrictions such as maximum muzzle energy, rules against using the trademarks of real firearms, and special marking requirements (such as brightly colored barrel tips).

* In Australia airsoft is illegal for most practical purposes. Australian law classes the replica weapons as firearms, and acquiring a licence to possess (e.g.) a pistol requires a rigorous and laborious process of police background checks and fingerprinting. Anyone found in Australia possessing an unlicensed airsoft pistol faces the same charge as a person who unlawfully possesses an actual firearm.

* In Austria following regulations apply:
o Airsoft guns and pistols are allowed up to 0.08 joule.
o All users that are at least 14 years old do not need their parent’s permission.
o Airsoft guns and pistols more than 0.8 joule can be purchased in specialised weapon shops only and all users have to be at least 18 years old

* In Belgium following regulations apply:
o Airsoft guns and pistols can only be bought at officially licensed dealers, who carry a government permit to import and sell firearms.
* In Canada following regulations apply:
o A gun is classified as a firearm, if its velocity is high enough for a fired projectile to penetrate the eye of a pig (grievous bodily harm). Using this test, it has been determined by the RCMP, that Airsoft guns firing under 407 ft/s (124 m/s) are not firearms.
o However, Airsoft guns that closely resemble Real firearms are classified as Replica firearms and can only be imported by companies possessing a Business Firearms License. It is unlawfull to sell or transfer Replica Firearms without this license.
o Airsoft guns firing between 407 ft/s and 500 ft/s (124 to 152 m/s), are classified as Uncontrolled Firearms and do not require licensing. Above 500 ft/s and 5.7 joules, Airsoft guns are considered Controlled Firearms and must be registered.
o Airsoft used to commit a crime is treated as if you had the real gun, assault weapons carry an extra mandatory sentence in addition to the regular punishment for the crime committed.
o In Ontario the minimum age to purchase airsoft is 18.

* In the Czech Republic following regulations apply:
o Trade with them is regulated under the weapon law and all airsoft guns must be authorized by the Czech Gun and Ammunition Testing House before usage.
o Airsoft guns have the same status as real weapons, described as sport weapons.
o The use of airsoft guns is allowed for players that are least 18 years old. If children of at least 15 years want to play, an adult must supervise the game.
o Airsoft guns may not have an energy greater than 16 joules.
o The use of laser sights and illunimators is forbidden.
o Usage and open carrying of air soft guns in public places.

* In Denmark airsoft guns are mentioned in the Danish “Våbenlov” (Arms control legislation).
o You have to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over, possess and use airsoft guns.
o A firearms certificate is not required.

* In Finland following regulations apply:
o Visible transportation of replica firearms in public areas is forbidden. All replica firearms must be covered with something, for example, a weapon case.
o Land owner’s permission is needed to play airsoft in any area.
o Minors (under the age of 18) are able to purchase airsoft guns only with written permission from their parents.

This has caused children even as young as 11-12 years old to get airsoft guns. There has been some problems with kids playing with a “toy” that can be somewhat dangerous. No big incidents have occured, but this is very annoying to the real airsoft players who want to get airsoft’s rather bad reputation higher than it currently is in Finland.

* In Germany following regulations apply:
o Airsoft guns under 0.5 joule can be freely sold to and used by persons of at least 14 years of age.
o All airsoft guns above 0.5 joule must be semiautomatic only and can only be sold to people 18 years or older.
o Sales of guns of more than 0.5 joule are allowed only in weapon shops.
o Guns must be marked with the trader’s weapon abbreviation and a F-pentagon as well as the airsoft gun caliber such as 6 mm.
o Laser sights as well as flashlights are not allowed.

* In Indonesia, there are no strict rules about it, and still under consideration by the government as if to classify airsoft guns as “toys” or almost equal to real guns. However, airsoft were first brought to Indonesia circa 2000 – 2001, and the biggest retailer being Toy Saurus at Senayan Trade Centre 2nd floor, Asia Afrika Street – Central Jakarta. Fortunately, the founders of Indonesian airsoft communities put some restrictions on this game. For example, airsoft players are prohibited to upgrade their gun to above 100m/s, or they’ll be rejected from the community. And the one who wants to buy airsoftgun, must be at least 19 years old and know the regulation and rules about the airsoft gun. The biggest airsoft community base are on Jakarta ([Bravo Brigade]), Bandung (Vertex Squad), and Jogjakarta (Ground Zero).

* In Israel, airsoft guns are classified as “dangerous toys” whose import, manufacture, sale and possession are banned. This law is not very well enforced, however, and it is possible to find retailers who import entry level Airsoft guns. Legal issues notwithstanding, the sale of Airsoft guns in Israel obey the rules of demand and supply.

* In Italy, airsoft guns and pistols are allowed a velocity below 100 m/s (328 ft/s) i.e. equivalent to 1 joule: under the law, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms. You can buy and sell it both from stores and from another private citizen.
o Orange tips must be present on the barrel ends of the airsoft gun when they are imported and sold by a store. Once you own the airsoft gun, you may remove the orange tip; however, the similarity between genuine firearms and airsoft replicas is close enough to provoke interaction with law enforcement personnel if an airsoft gun is mistaken for its real counterpart. Airsoft used to commit a crime is treated as if you had the real gun, assault weapons carry an extra mandatory sentence in addition to the regular punishment for the crime committed.
o The minimum age to purchase airsoft and/or use it during a regular match is 18, or 14 if accompanied by a parent or legal tutor.
o Usage and open carrying of air soft guns in public places is forbidden. You can play in a private property away from public sight, or in a well-delimited private or state property after having asked the local authorities for a limited-time permit (usually from 6 to 48 hours), and having alerted the local police command, to avoid alarmed citizens calling for emergency.

* In Japan following regulations apply:
o Legal requirements are set on airsoft model manufacturers to prevent any possibility of a replica weapon being converted into an actual firearm.
o Standards include (but are not limited to) use of low-melting point metals and non-ballistic plastics in structural components and incompatibility of mechanical components with actual firearm components and mechanisms.
o The overall litmus test used by the Japanese National Police Authority is whether the replica weapon can be made to chamber and fire an actual round of ammunition.
o These standards have proven successful within Japan, as it has been found that criminal elements discovered that it is significantly easier to purchase an actual illegal weapon in comparison to modifying a comparatively fragile replica into a functional firearm.
o Due to this reality, most crimes involving a threat of physical violence are often perpetrated with edged weapons, as firearms seen in public are (by default) believed to be toys by the public at large.

* In Luxembourg all airsoft guns are treated under the national weapon law and demand a personal user certificate.

* In The Netherlands the law places full restrictions on Airsoft Weapons, rendering possession illegal. Even when issued a permit to own firearms, airsoft weapons are still illegal, with no exception possible. Dutch Airsoft players therefore frequently visit Belgium, where they also store their guns.

* The Norwegian Arms control legislation (VÃ¥penforskrift) requires:
o One to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over, possess and use airsoft guns.
o A firearms certificate is not required.

* In Philippines, organized airsoft started in 1985. Interest in the hobby had gone up, and down, several times over the past 20 years. The airsoft gaming community is highly secretive and underground, but has seen a tremendous surge of newbies in the last 2 years, owing to the the advent of cheap China-made airsoft. Airsoft teams are often very clannish, with a number of groups claiming representation, to a certain extent, of the local airsoft community, organizing and coordinating between local teams, especially during big events (like Kalis, Megaball and North vs South) where hundreds of players from teams all over the country converge on selected venues for friendly tournaments. Letter of Instruction 1264, signed in 1982, bans the importation, sale and public display of gun replicas, but purchase of airsoft guns and the movement of airsoft players are largely untouched by the government, with a few confiscated shipments only marring that record. No direct regulations have been placed on the airsoft community, and players of all ages are welcomed to play.

* In Romania, law nr. 295 from 2004 (Regimul Armelor si Munitiilor) regulates all use of weapons and associated ammunition:
o The law is quite unclear (in what concerns airfsoft weapons) as to whether this kind of weapon clasifies as “non-lethal weapon” or “toy”.
o The law regulates the use of air-powered weapons (e.g. sport/competition use, that use a metal projectile) under “non-lethal” cathegory and solely requires that you (1) are at least 18 years old and (2) register your weapon at the police precinct nearest from your location.
o The law specifies that usage of night vision (infrared) or laser aiming devices designed for military use is completely restricted to members of the army and associated entities even if the aiming device is used on a lower-restriction cathegory weapon (e.g. such as on an airsoft gun). The law, however, does not restrict in any way the use of aiming devices not designed for military use.
o The law specifies that, should you attempt to use a non-lethal or replica gun to perform (or attempt to perform) armed robbery, you shall be prosecuted as if a real gun was used.

* In Slovenia following regulations apply:
o One has to be at least 18 years to buy airsoft guns.
o If the velocity of an airsoft gun is below 100 m/s (328 ft/s) i.e. equivalent to 1 joule, it is considered to be a toy.
o If the velocity is higher than 100 m/s (328 ft/s), the airsoft gun is classified as a section D weapon in the Firearms control legislation of Slovenia. Additionaly Air Soft Clubs and National Shooters Association in Slovenia recommend that airsoft gun velocities should not be above 100 m/s (1 J).

* In Spain airsoft guns are regarded as low power weapons and AEGs must have:
o Semiautomatic rifles and pistols: less than 24.4 joules
o Other automatic electric guns: less than 1.00 joules and local police validation.

* In Sweden, one must be at least 18 years old to buy airsoft guns. Players in Sweden are often very protective about this, and do not like players under 18.

* In Switzerland the following regulations apply:
o Airsoft guns are not considered as subject to the weapon legislation and no permission is necessary.
o Please note that all kind of laser sights are forbidden.

* In the United Kingdom there are currently certain restrictions on the possession of airsoft replicas, which came in with the introduction of the ASBA (Anti-Social Behaviour Act) Amendments, which prohibit the possession of any firearms replica in a public place without good cause. The prohibition of self-contained gas cartridge weapons similar to that made by Brocock can arguably apply to Moscarts and BB-Shower grenade systems, however a formal case precedent has yet to be set. The Violent Crime Reduction Bill, now under debate, may prohibit the sale, manufacture and import of any replica weapon, including those used for Airsoft. This would mean the eventual end of the sport in the UK, as guns break and could not be legally replaced. The Airsoft community in the UK and other countries have started a public campaign in order to try and save Airsoft there. Due to the VCR bill, British Airsoft players, retailers and sites have had to look to the future by forming associations, the first and prior to VCR was UK Airsoft Sites Governing Body UKASGB, followed by the retailers UK Airsoft Retailers Association UKARA, with the first official players body for the South West region UKSAPA, latest to be formed is the Association of British Airsoft ABA which is currently along with UKASGB in talks with the Government with regards to gaining an exemption for the sport. The ABA are asking people to show their support by filling in a Supporters Form [1] and those people who are a part of the sport to register at the site in case membership is required by the government in the future to enable Airsofters to take part in their sport.

* In the United States, different localities have their own regulations:
o Under Federal Law,
+ Airsoft guns are not classified as firearms subject to the Gun Control Act.
+ A 6mm minimum orange tip must be present on the barrel end of the airsoft gun for any commercial sales or transport. Once you own the airsoft gun, you may remove the orange tip in most areas, but local and state laws do vary.
+ Airsoft guns’ trademarks must be removed where the manufacturer does not have an existing license agreement with the “Real Steel” gun’s manufacturer in the US. (Example: Classic Army has a licensing agreement with Arsenal Arms, so the trademarks can stay on imported replicas of Arsenal’s SLR 105 A1. In practice enforcement is hit or miss. You might get an “unlicensed” gun through customs with Trademarks intact, while a Licensed gun might be held in Customs by an “underinformed” customs agent.)
+ In addition, the similarity between genuine firearms and airsoft replicas is close enough to provoke interaction with local law enforcement personnel if an airsoft gun is carried openly in public.
+ If someone were to, for example, attempt a robbery with an airsoft gun, they would be charged as if the airsoft gun were a real firearm.
o New York City requires that all realistic toy or imitation firearm be made of clear or brightly colored plastics; furthermore, New York City makes possession of any air pistol or air rifle or similar instrument in which the propelling force is a spring or air, unlawful without a license. See New York City Administrative Code § 10-131(b) and New York City Administrative Code § 10-131(g)(1)(a). This has the effect of creating a total ban on airsoft guns since few manufacturers make such guns, and fewer players desire them. The rest of New York State is unaffected by these laws, and there are no state regulations limiting or prohibiting airsoft.
o Michigan restricts the purchase of these guns so that they may only be purchased from a licensed retailer.

Airsoft rounds are a lesser threat to players, they do not leave as much bruising as paintball rounds, and are less painful than paintball rounds. Paintball rounds contain more mass and therefore carry more kinetic energy than airsoft rounds. Airsoft rounds, on the other hand, are smaller and hence have less kinetic energy, are also affected by the wind considerably but have longer range and a flatter trajectory. Airsoft BBs are much less expensive than paintballs.

Airsoft can also be played in indoor areas that are more confined because the only thing needed to clean up after an airsoft match is a good vacuum cleaner. Generally, airsoft is inherently much cleaner than paintball.

Airsoft is somewhat easier to introduce new players to. This is because at an airsoft playing field, players who use rental guns are not at as much of a disadvantage as paintball players who use rental guns. This is because AEGs are generally manufactured to the same specifications. While high end paintball guns costing in excess of $1,000 give paintball players significant playing advantages, the same can not be said of airsoft guns. Often the advantages of expensive airsoft guns are mostly aesthetic only perhaps representing a rare firearm model.

Style of play also greatly differs between airsoft and paintball. Airsoft players often wear camouflage and military gear to more closely replicate a soldier of a certain period while many paintballers wear brightly colored sport clothing. Many paintball games are played as speedball games on designated paintball fields. Airsoft is often scenario based and played in large areas of wooded land and abandoned complexes for CQB. However, this is not the rule. Many airsoft games are played on paintball fields and many airsoft games are scenario based.

Many people ask how players know they hit their target or have been hit by an opponent. Unlike paintball, which would leave paint on impact, (and depending upon shot distance) it is possible that airsofters take a hit to the chest and because of their apparrel or gear, are not able to feel the BB strike. Other methods like the audible sound of a hit or seeing a BB bounce off are also clear tell-tale indications. But in all cases, an honor system is required to be used among players which (when properly enforced) is known to work very well.

THE CHALLENGE being for the player to recognize the hit and in the spririt of the scenario, rise above the need to win and remove themselves from the action as an eliminated opponent. Most Airsofters that gather regularly to play in skirmishes have known each other for some time, making the games more fun and relaxed.

Technological developments such as seamless 6 mm paintballs could counter the potential problem of the breakdown of the honor system since these paintballs have a potential to work reliably in AEGs. But, the higher cost of this ammunition has proven to deter this type of ammunition across the Airsoft community.

Perhaps the biggest advantage paintball has over airsoft in the United States is playing locations. Commercial paintball fields are common in nearly all parts of the country while airsoft gaming is almost exclusively limited to private property. The reason for this is a combination of profitability (paintball fields derive large amounts of money selling paintballs while 2,000 airsoft BBs can be purchased for about $5 at Walmart) as well as insurance issues.

Despite the competitive status between the two hobbies, Airsoft continues to grow in popularity both in the United States and around the world.