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Airsoft Guns Overview Made Easy

Airsoft Guns Overview Made Easy

The airsoft gun was created in Japan as an answer for the country’s banishment on firearms. The imitation firearm hit the market in the late 1970’s and took the country’s curiosity by storm. Marketed towards kids, companies first produced the replica as a toy. The earliest airsoft guns were spring loaded and fired a single shot requiring a pump with each discharge.
As the popularity soared innovation hit the market. Gas powered replicas took form, and airsoft electric guns shortly thereafter. The airsoft electric gun soon took the form of the most common and best airsoft guns. Observing the popularity overseas, American companies began to import the replica guns to sell in the United States. 
Airsoft guns are replica firearms similar to paintball and BB guns, however, they differ in how they look, how they shoot, and how they are used. The best airsoft guns fire projectiles or BBs at a rate of 500 feet per second. A plastic pellet at this speed cannot break glass and often times does not penetrate skin.
A BB gun however fires pellets at 1300 feet per second-a level that most certainly can inflict some damage on a human being. An airsoft electric gun almost identically replicates a real firearm. Based on the model, the best airsoft guns will be the identical weight, carry the same amount of bullets, and have the same color patterns as a real firearm.
If seen in public, the average person would not be able to differentiate between which is the replica and which is real. Paintball guns on the other hand look like imitation guns. They have a skinny barrel and usually a large container attached somewhere where the paint balls are stored. Airsoft guns are also unique because of their versatility, and ability to customize.
Airsoft guns run on 3 different forms of power. Gas fueled airsoft guns are powered through green gases or pressurized HFC-134a, and can mostly be found in pistols or shotguns. The airsoft electric gun is the most common form of replica. It runs on a rechargeable battery and can accommodate any pace of firing. The older models are usually spring operated and require a pump with each discharge. Lastly, the best airsoft guns are custom made, meaning the individual can mix accessories together to full personalize his own gun. 
Dissimilar to most replica guns, an airsoft electric gun is fully customizable and has limitless potential to personalize. Scopes, laser sensors, holsters, shoulder straps, and even grenade launcher attachments are all possible with airsoft guns. Mostly every firearm has been replicated and available for purchase as an airsoft electric gun. Modifications can also be made to the parts of the gun, enabling it shoot more accurately or faster. 
The airsoft industry has been growing in popularity since its inception in the United states in the mid 90s. Because the replicas are used in Hollywood, for military and law enforcement training, and as a means for recreational use, the popularity doesn’t seem to be dissipating any time soon. 

All You Need to Know About Airsoft Gun Laws

All You Need to Know About Airsoft Gun Laws

Like all potentially dangerous devices airsoft guns are
mandated by federal law in the United States. Though generally considered safe,
(airsoft pellets are softer and travel at slower speeds than BB guns) airgun
use still faces regulations imposed by the government. Airsoft gun laws vary
based on country-use or possession is considered illegal in countries such as
South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Canada’s airsoft gun law
prohibits the importation of any “replica” guns. The United States
has more complex airsoft gun laws, which vary based on state, and focus
primarily on importation, distinction from a real firearm, and possession.
  
Federal airsoft gun laws are more lenient in regards to importation than our
neighbor’s to the north. The only law in terms of importation in the United
States requires that all airsoft guns transported within or imported into the
country have barrels with a minimum 6mm wide blaze orange tip. Local airsoft
gun laws will vary based on whether or not the orange tip can be removed. A
primary concern with airsoft guns is their uncanny resemblance to real
firearms. This particular airsoft gun law has been implemented to avoid such
confusion. 
  
To further elaborate on airsoft gun laws as they pertain to similarity with
real firearms, criminal convictions can be placed on an individual if he
attempts a crime with an airsoft gun. Depending on the look of the gun and the
intent, an individual may find himself in troubled waters if a crime was
committed using a replica. For instance, if a man robs a bank using an airsoft
gun he will be convicted as if it were a real firearm. Possession of airsoft
guns can get the attention of local law enforcement, regardless if airsoft gun
laws allow concealment or carrying privileges.
  
Airsoft gun laws as they pertain to individual use and possession in the United
States vary from state to state. The federal law states that an individual must
be at least 18 years of age to purchase an airsoft gun. That being said,
airsoft guns are not considered to be firearms, so use is legal for all ages. The
distinction between use and purchase is necessary to understand. 
  Airsoft gun law greatly varies based on
city and state. Some of the specific provisions found in the United States
include:



     New York City: All realistic or imitation firearms must be made clear with
brightly coated plastics or colors. Brandishing airsoft guns, or any unlawful
motions are considered illegal. 

     Washington DC: All replica guns are considered illegal under Washington DC
airsoft gun law

     Chicago: All replica guns are considered illegal under Chicago
airsoft gun laws

     San Francisco: All replica guns are considered illegal
under San Francisco airsoft gun laws

     Michigan: The purchase of airsoft guns is legal, but all replicas must
contain an orange tip on the barrel.

     Texas: Allows airsoft guns to be purchased, but most cities permit
discharge outside city limits.

     Minnesota: Airsoft gun laws state that it is illegal for any child under
the age of 14 to use. In Minneapolis, it is illegal to carry an airsoft gun
unless the replica is brightly colored or has an orange tip. It is also illegal
to fire an airsoft gun within city limits. Any airsoft gun with a laser
attachment is considered unlawful to carry. Transporting airsoft guns must be
done in a concealed and unloaded manner.

     Arkansas: Recently outlawed use and possession of all airsoft guns.

 

What You Don’t Know About The Danger Of Airsoft Gun

What You Don't Know About The Danger Of Airsoft Gun

Although not as dangerous as other imitation firearms, an airsoft gun is still a cause for concern for physical, as well as social damage. Depending on upgrades and customization, the electric airsoft gun pellet flies between 160 feet per second to 550 feet per second.
Sounds fast, but when shot the pellets rarely break a humans skin. The mark left by an airsoft gun is typically a small welt or abrasion. Because the pellets are often plastic or rubber the pain inflicted for an airsoft gun is minor.
The most serious injury associated with air soft gun use are shots to the eyes. Although provisions have made goggle use mandatory, accidents still occur which can result in very serious eye damage.
If an individual is shot directly in the eye, temporary or permanent blindness could ensue. Along with eye injuries, customized pellets have been known to get caught in skin requiring surgery to remove. Airsoft guns do not inflict that much damage, but if used improperly or recklessly, serious injuries can be a reality.
Another danger associated with air soft guns comes from the use of graphite pellets. Players began coating their pellets with graphite to increase speed and firing rates. The problem that surfaced was that graphite pellets often times broke skin, and invariably left scars on players.
Physical danger aside, the greatest damage that airguns have inflicted is through fear and concern over public safety. Electric air soft guns are almost an exact replica of a real firearm; they have the same weight, often times the same length, carry the same amount of bullets, and can be colored the same. Part of their popularity comes from how real they look. It would be nearly impossible for an ordinary citizen to differentiate between an electric air soft gun and its real counterpart.
American cities have adopted varying laws revolving around carrying and possessing airsoft guns in public because of the panic they can inflict. Electric airsoft guns require orange tips on the barrel, or trademarks documenting its spuriousness to be considered legal. Brandishing or imitating violent acts with an airsoft gun can be considered illegal depending on location.
There have been numerous incidents where police have come to a scene thinking there is a crazed gunmen only to find a youth joking around with an airsoft gun. This may seem harmless but mounting opportunity costs in the form of unnecessary police involvement can greatly impose costs on a society.

Knowing the Purpose of Airsoft Guns

Knowing the Purpose of Airsoft Guns

Throughout Europe and North America, the airsoft market continues to grow because of the product’s versatility.  The airsoft gun has 3 principle uses which encompass recreational, educational, and training purposes.  Due to its realistic look, non-violent nature, and relatively cheap cost, the replicas are extremely efficient for the purposes below.


Recreational Use
   
Like Paintball, airsoft guns have become a popular means for fun and competitive shooting games.  Different levels of competition exist, from multi-day tournaments which resemble strategic military missions, to friendly games among friends.  Games for beginners include manhunt, capture the flag, hostage rescue, king of the hill, and team death matches.  Like paintball, contestants can either buy an airsoft gun or rent to compete.  The games have grown considerably in popularity due to its competitive, tactical, honest (contestants must yell out when they are hit), and violent nature.  They are essentially real life situations with non-violent consequences. 


Rules for Common Games 
Manhunt: Players are split up into two teams-hunters and the hunted.  The “prey” is given a head start and must reach a certain safe zone before they are shot by the hunters.  Both teams are given airsoft pistols.
Capture the Flag: Each team has a base with a flag;the objective is to bring the flag back to your individual base.
Hostage rescue: A team of hostages and rescuers must work together to outsmart a team of guards.
King of the Hill: A group of individuals barricade themselves in a hill or a bunker.  A melee ensues, and the last man standing wins.
   
In addition to games, airsoft guns can also be used for target practice or shooting competitions.

Law Enforcement and Military Simulations
Perhaps the airsoft gun’s most efficient means, many law enforcement agencies and military units have adopted the replica as a tool for simulation. Unlike simulations that use real firearms, airsoft guns do not cause accidental deaths or serious injuries.  The replicas are a great tool for simulation because of their uncanny feel, weight, and look to that of real guns.  Airsoft guns have an assortment of models including M16s, m4s, grenade launchers, and AK-47s.  All of the models hold the same amount of ammunition as their real counterparts and require similar loading techniques as well.  Another advantage of airsoft simulation is the cost involved; real firearms are often double the cost necessary to buy airsoft guns.        
Hollywood and Instructional Use  

Because airsoft guns are so authentic in look and feel, they are commonly used in movies, educational teachings about guns, and re-enactments of famous wars.  Airsoft guns first hit Hollywood in the mid 90’s, following the accidental death of actor Brandon Lee.  Tragic events such as Lee’s death are now avoidable with the use of airsoft accessories. 
   
Airsoft guns are commonly used for educational purposes as well.  Demonstrating the proper loading, handling, and firing techniques is infinitely safer with a replica gun than it is with a real firearm.
Airsoft guns have essentially replaced live firearms in regards to all simulation matters.  Whether it be movies, war simulations, training procedures, or recreational use, the airsoft gun has greatly reduced the number of accidental deaths throughout the world.
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