9 Crucial Things Parents Need to Know About Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns have grown in popularity in the last couple decades.

In particular, it is increasingly popular to play "war games" that are structured around team objectives.

Have you heard about airsoft guns but want to learn more?

Here are 9 crucial things parents should know about airsoft guns.

1. First Things First: What Is an Airsoft Gun?

Airsoft guns can look similar to traditional firearms. The difference is that they shoot nonlethal pellets made out of plastic. They are often used for military-style games or target practice.

Airsoft guns are sometimes also referred to as imitation firearms or non-powder guns. There are spring, gas, or electric airsoft guns.

2. There Are a Number of Safety Considerations to Keep in Mind

One of the first things most parents will wonder when considering getting themselves or their child an airsoft gun is whether or not it's safe.

Airsoft is, generally, a safe sport. However, it's necessary that rules are enforced to ensure that all involved are conducting themselves safely.

One of the most dangerous things that can happen when playing airsoft is that someone can get shot in the eye. The eye is the most vulnerable body part in an airsoft match.

This means that anyone using airsoft guns should have a full face mask. While some people may opt to wear only goggles, it is better to protect your entire face.

Depending on the strength of your airsoft gun, minimum engagement rules should be practices. This means that if you have guns that shoot at 400 fps or more than the minimum engagement distance should be at least about 100 feet. When using an airsoft gun that shoot 20-gram pellets, the engagement rule is 10 to 20 feet.

In order to stay safe while using airsoft guns, you always want to wear eye protection. You should also be sure to always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

You never want to look down the barrel of your airsoft gun. Don't take the safety off until you're ready to shoot. Similarly, don't ever have your finger on the trigger unless you are aiming at your target and about to shoot.

One of the best ways to avoid accidents with airsoft guns or any type of firearm is to always treat it like it's loaded. You should also always treat an airsoft gun as if it were a real gun.

3. Airsoft Has Been Around For Many Decades

Many people might not realize that airsoft guns are even older than paintball guns. Airsoft was invented in the early 1970s in Japan by Ichiro Nagata. While they were invented primarily to be used for target practice, it became popular in Japan to play what they called survival games.

4. They Look Similar to Real Guns

There is a federal law that requires that airsoft guns have an orange tip on its muzzle when they're sold. This is so it's easier to distinguish them from lethal firearms. However, not all states require that you keep the orange tip on after purchase.

5. You'll Want to Look Into Your Local Laws

While there are federal laws that pertain to airsoft guns, there also might be state, county, and city laws where you live. In some towns and cities across the country, it's illegal to discharge an airsoft gun or a BB gun. That means in some places you can't even target practice in your own backyard.

There also might be laws about transporting airsoft guns. Do you research for your area to find out whether or not you'll need a gun case for transporting your airsoft gun.

6. There Are Low Velocity and High-Velocity Airsoft Guns

It's important to know that there are differences between airsoft gun models.

When your son points of some cool airsoft guns he really wants, you'll want to look at the FPS of the guns. FPS stands for feet per second. This means it is a measure of how hard and fast the pellet is propelled from the gun once the trigger is pulled.

Some airsoft guns you buy from big-box stores, while they can still be good airsoft guns, can have a low FPS. If you go to a legitimate airsoft retailer, you'll find gun with a much higher FPS.

Guns with a higher FBS have the ability to cause much more damage than those with a low FPS. To be clear, though, damage from an airsoft gun typically means the potential for welts to form on the skin.

7. Playing Airsoft Can Teach Life Lessons

When your kids want to play airsoft, there are a number of life lessons it can teach them.

First, it teaches them how to play on a team. Much like any other team sport, playing airsoft games can teach your child skills that can be useful in other aspects of their life.

Second, it can also teach children to both be leaders and follow directions. When they first start out, they'll likely follow the direction of more experienced players. As they gain more skills and confidence, they can rise to a leadership position themselves.

8. They Encourage Your Kids to Play Outside and Get Exercise

It's all too easy for kids these days to want to sit around playing video games or watching YouTube videos. Playing with automatic airsoft guns can encourage them to get some fresh air and run around outside.

Also, airsoft guns are a great way for you to get in on the action, too! This is a great way to play with your kids and bond with them.

9. Airsoft Guns Are Fun!

While it's important to understand the safety protocols of airsoft guns, there's no way around the fact that they're just plain fun! It can be a great forum for your kids to make new friends when you visit airsoft fields. Whether you go to an airsoft field or target shoot in your backyard, there's a lot of fun to be had.

Are You Looking to Buy High Quality Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns are a great way for your kids to learn about responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. Plus, they're tons of fun!

If it's time for you to buy some high-quality airsoft guns, check out our store today!