An Introduction to Airsoft for Begginer's

An introduction to Airsoft for Beginner's

To all the beginner's that have taken up an interest in airsoft, welcome to the sport and the community. You guys may not be sure on what to get for equipment and guns, what the rules of the sport are, what to expect from the sport, and what equipment to use. Don't worry Indian Rider and everyone in this community is here to help you guys out. So lets break everything down from a fundamental standpoint. 

The Basic Rules of Airsoft

• Wear eye protection when entering the battlefield
• Keep you gun pointed down range and on safe whenever you in the staging area and before the battle starts
  
• Always semi automatic at a distance of 20ft. or greater
  
• No point blank fire (up close and personal with another player) 
• No blind fire into buildings 
• Call your hits (even if you don't think your hit but someone says other wise)
• No deliberate physical contact in battle (No hand to hand fighting)
  
• Be a good sport whenever win or lose a battle
• Try not to cuss whenever younger players are around
• Be kind to everyone playing 
  
• Have fun 
  

These rules are typically the rules that are used at every battlefield around the Continental US and over seas. These can be modified and changed based on the battlefield and what game style that is being played that day. Some battlefields have rules that require a certain FPS (Feet Per Second) airsoft gun(s) in order to play, and the rules relating to the game style being played. These rules listed are the core of every battlefield and some game styles. 

The Equipment that is required for Protection and easy reloading

• Gloves (with plastic knuckle protection)
• Helmet 
• Tactical vest or plate carrier (to hold magazines on the chest)
• Eye Protection 
• Face mask (metal mesh is proffered for easy breathability and comfort)
• Camouflage or some kind of uniform (DO NOT TRY TO COPY MILTARY UNIFORMS, this is stolen valor and is illegal across the US)
• Boots or tennis shoes
• Dump pouch for empty magazines

These are just the building blocks for your kit and it differs for each player. With the camouflage and/or a uniform for airsoft, making it your own depending if your on a team or just by yourself is what sets you apart from everybody in airsoft. Making you own uniform that doesn't resemble a military uniform of the US military (ranks, unit insignias, and any other military piece of identification.) is considered stolen valor. Using old and retired Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marine camouflage is completely fine just make sure it doesn't have a rank, unit insignia, or names on it. Just be careful on the uniform you create for yourself. 

Expectations for Airsoft

Expect a lot of short distance sprinting and running with about 15 pounds of gear on and a 3 or 5 pound gun in your hands. It's a very physical intensive sport and you are going to get tired, hot, and be exhausted after a day of playing airsoft. Bring tons of water and have some kind of sport drink on hand. I suggest carrying a canteen or camel back as part of your Airsoft Kit so you can stay hydrated while on the battlefield. The comradery between new and veteran players is amazing. When you play in your first airsoft battle, you are going to be nervous and maybe a little scared, but the veteran player(s) will take you under their wing and help teach you the sport while experiencing first hand the intensity of an airsoft battle. Expect cheating from other players, they don't call their hits typically. Cheaters are either newer players who just started playing and aren't familiar with the rules, but most of the times it's veteran players who are just cheats and poor sports. Not all veteran players are cheats but veteran players do cheat from time to time. Cheaters sometimes don't know that are cheating, sometimes a player doesn't feel a hit, but there are players who deliberately cheat in airsoft. In the sport of airsoft, players are usually friendly and encouraging to new players. 

What to look for when purchasing your first airsoft gun

When purchasing your first airsoft gun look for what powers the gun (Green gas, CO2, or battery), the style of gun (whether it resemble a gun from WWII or Vietnam are the most common ones), the size of the gun (in reference to your body), and the thickness of the gun. Airsoft guns are either really beefy looking or are really sleek and skinny. I suggest a sleek and skinny looking gun. I run a G&G Armament CM16 AEG (Battery operated) unmodified shoots I think 354 FPS (Feet Per Second). That's just my personal preference an a certain airsoft Company and their gun. There are multiple high quality airsoft guns and manufacturers like G&G, Elite Force, Lance Tactical, Berretta, and Krytech just to name a few. Pick a style that best fits you and your loadout/kit, this is all personal preference with the style of airsoft gun. The next to look for when buying an airsoft gun is the size of the gun itself. You don't want to too short or too long of a gun because that will be uncomfortable and awkward to operate. I suggest getting a gun with an adjustable stuck and waist height. Finally what powers the airsoft gun to fire; is it green gas (propane but not as dangerous), CO2, or AEG (Battery operated). I suggest battery operated for you first airsoft primary, because you can buy new and better batteries a long the way and can you buy multiple and carry them in your kit. CO2 and Green Gas airsoft primary guns tend to be a little bit more expensive than the battery powered primary weapons. Battery powered primary guns tend to run $200- about $500 depending on the brand, features, and other functions. For example my G&G CM16 was about $250 came with the battery, magazine, and a bag of BBs. All AEG airsoft combat rifles come with a battery (most commonly purchased), magazine and BBs. AEG airsoft primary guns are one the most common and popular guns to purchase. Take note of the weight and size of the BBs that come with the gun, and keep the owners manual, warranty, and any other paper work that was given to you with the purchase or inside the box. Using the correct size and weight of Airsoft BBs will keep the gun in working condition and will be more accurate when fired. If you use the incorrect size and weight of BBs, your gun will jam, magazines won't feed into the gun properly, and you could cause irreparable damage to the gun and the internal mechanism of the gun. In short, do your research first, figure the style and size of the gun you want, and find an Airsoft company you like. If you do not have a local airsoft retail store, always go to AirsoftGi.com, Evike, or Airsplat, these are some great airsoft websites to browse for guns, accessories, and parts. These website also have a return policy as well, of you don't like the gun send it back and pick out a new one. Most of the time, players who order their first airsoft from one these site they get what asked for and are very pleased with it. 

Closing

I hope this little introduction article has helped you newcomers and maybe some veteran players as well. Please comment, constructive criticism is always welcome, and a follow if greatly appreciated. I will try to post article frequently, and keep you guys up to date with anything and everything airsoft. As always Indian Rider, riding on for now.