Airsoft is a type of combat sport we enjoy today. To some people like me, it is also a recreational hobby. Participants in the game get the feel of the ‘actor’ in the ‘action’ movie when they eliminate their opponents with spherical non-metallic pellets from compressed-air guns. These guns may be powered by gas, spring-loaded manually, or electrically powered.
Airsoft mimics military situations wherein players use realistic looking weapons and participate in mock skirmishes. Authentic military weapons such as the M4 and the AK-47 have their own counterparts in the world of airsoft. However, instead firing real bullets, airsoft guns propel BBs made from ABS plastic.
Airsoft Guns may be spring-driven, air powered or battery operated. The majority of the equipment used by the current generation of players requires the use of a battery to power a piston within the gun.
Although different scenarios and rules are used, the game is usually played with two opposing teams with an equal number of participants. Players from one team tries to eliminate players from the other team by using their weapons to fire off 6mm BBs. Players hit by these projectiles are then required to loudly call out “Hit!”. They then must hold their weapon above their heads and immediately walk out of the playing zone.
Battlefield Thrills
One of the great thrills of the game are the battlefield meetings organized by participants, either indoors or outdoors, to play lots of related games, some of which are short-term skirmishes, military simulations, organized scenarios or historical reenactments.
Imagine the use of several military tactics and strategies to win the game. These and many other things form combat situations on the battlefield. Participants use various types of weapons that look like the real firearms, tactical gear, and accessories used today by the modern military and defense organizations – even rubber knives can be allowed for close quarters attacks.
I read about the roots of Airsoft in the late-1950s in East Asia. According to the write-up, when some people passionate about warlike games found it difficult to obtain firearms, due to local laws; they simply replaced it with a legal alternative to enjoy their passion. Airsoft is still a very popular sport in several Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Macau, and Indonesia. Most guns and other accessories, as well as the upgrade parts are also being manufactured in these countries.
Pioneered in Japan
Japan pioneered the sport and the initial offerings of guns and other related products were almost exclusively from Japanese companies. With airsoft’s surge in popularity, particularly in Asia, many Chinese companies began to produce their own line of guns.
During the early years of China-made equipment, serious players often snubbed Chinese manufactured guns in favor of those made in Japan. Quality and reliability was often the issue. Recently though, China’s offerings have been outperforming their Japanese counterparts. The latest wave of Chinese made guns are even factory upgraded so they are able to fire BBs faster as well as have a higher rate of fire.
China-made equipment now goes head to head with Japanese guns. Even during competitions, most players are now impartial to where their equipment came from as long as it performed as well as expected during game play.
Airsoft games are games you can find interesting if you love the shooting combat and action stuff.
People all over the world today are developing a growing interest in the game: Us Brits, North Americans, and Europeans, Canadians, Irish, Germans, Austrians, Swiss, the French and the Spanish all love the game.
