When Did Airsoft Start

When Did Airsoft Start: An Introduction and Overview

Airsoft is a sport that continues to grow in popularity in the United States and worldwide. But what is Airsoft and when did it start? Airsoft is a recreational activity and sport where participants use Airsoft guns to shoot plastic BB pellets at others participating in the game. Airsoft has a fascinating history that has its roots in military simulation gun drills.

What is Airsoft?

Airsoft was started as an alternative to paintball with air guns shooting non-metallic BBs of various sizes and materials.Airsoft guns are powered by several methods including airsoft spring guns, electric motor guns, and gas guns powered by CO2 and green gas. Airsoft guns come in a variety of models and shapes of real firearms, but they are non-lethal, so they are often used as props in movies, TV shows, gaming, and recreation.

The History of Airsoft

Airsoft was first developed in Japan in the 1970s as a form of recreational gun simulation. The sport was so popular in Japan, that it spread to the US in the 1980s. In the US it quickly gained popularity as an alternative to paintball, because of its relatively low cost and the low impact nature of the pellets.

How Is Airsoft Played?

Airsoft games range from close quarters Skirmishes to large scale Milsim (Military Simulation) games, with a variety of rules and objectives. Some of the most popular variants of Airsoft games include Capture the Flag, Bomb Ball (Bomb defusal), and King of the Hill. Airsoft games are often played in outdoor fields or indoor Airsoft parks.

Airsoft Guns and Equipment

Airsoft guns are powered by various methods, including spring, gas, and electric. Spring guns are powered by an internal spring that must be manually cocked after each shot. Gas guns are powered by gas and often reusable magazines that holds 6mm BBs. Electric guns are motor powered by an internal battery and select fire to allow for semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. Airsoft guns are categorized as replica weapons in most states, and require proper identification and access to fields and skirmishes.

Airsoft Safety

Safety is the most important aspect of Airsoft, and players are required to adhere to safety regulations while playing. Safety includes the proper usage of Airsoft guns and safety equipment, including eye masks, extra face and neck protection, and body armor.

In Summary

Airsoft is a popular sport and recreational activity where players use Airsoft guns to shoot at each other in a simulated battle. The sport was first created in Japan, and quickly spread to the United States in the 1980s. Airsoft is a relatively low cost and low impact recreational activity and is played by people of all ages. Airsoft games are often played in fields or indoor Airsoft parks, and safety is of the utmost importance.