Why Do Airsoft Guns Have Orange Tips?

Airsoft guns are increasingly commonly being used for sports, entertainment, and training. Though they may appear just like real firearms from afar, they should not be taken lightly. This is why they have an orange tip, as mandated by the US Law. To better understand why airsoft guns have orange tips, let's take a look at 8 key points.

1. Visual Differentiation of Airsoft Guns from Real Firearms

One of the most significant reasons why airsoft guns are required to have orange tips is to easily distinguish them from real firearms. This helps avoid accidents involving firearms and airsoft guns and avert any threat or fear that public may have towards toy guns that may be mistaken for real ones.

2. Airsoft Guns are Non-Lethal

Airsoft guns are usually non-lethal and used during recreational activities or skirmishes in the field. This creates the need to clearly differentiate them from firearms, which are obviously extremely lethal and require more caution and regulatory standards to use.

3. Orange Tips Make it Clear That The Weapon is Not Real

The orange tip on an airsoft gun is a universal sign recognized around the world that the gun is not real. An orange tip sends a powerful message that the gun is a toy, not a real firearm - and people should not worry, panic, or take action if they see an airsoft gun in their vicinity.

4. A Regulatory Move to Enforce Safety

Most countries have statutory regulations that govern the selling, buying, and usage of firearms. The orange tip on an airsoft gun is often used to denote that the gun it a toy and as such, its requirements should not exceed the extent of any ordinary toy or gadget. This is to ensure that the average public are not misled into believing that airsoft guns are real firearms and are subjected to similar regulatory protocols.

5. Orange Tips Give The Users a Heads-Up

Even though orange tips are required on airsoft guns, they also serve as a useful addition for users. This is because airsoft gun owners often require quick access to their weapons when taking part in skirmishes. In fact, the orange tip can demonstrate which weapons are safe for playing and which ones should be handled more carefully.

6. Not All Countries Require Orange Tips

The US Law requires all airsoft guns to have an orange tip, but other countries may not agree with the same restrictions. This means that many countries allow airsoft guns to be acquired without an orange tip. It is still important to exercise caution when travelling across different countries and securely store any airsoft guns you may possess.

7. Some Airsoft Guns Have Flash Hiders Instead

In some cases, airsoft guns also feature a flash hider instead of the standard orange tip. This flash hider makes the user look like they're using a real firearm, which is why it is primarily used in skirmishes or simulated training sessions.

8. Airsoft Gun Tips Can Be Changed and Replaced

Not only can an orange tip be replaced with a flash hider, but the orange tip itself is not hardwired into the airsoft gun. It needs to be assembled or installed manually. Not all guns are the same, so it is important to read the instructions of your airsoft gun before attempting to install the orange tip.

In Summary

Airsoft guns are extremely popular, but they can also be mistaken for real firearms. This is why countries like the US have mandated the usage of an orange tip on all airsoft guns to distinguish them from real firearms. This orange tip also serves to remind users that they're playing with a non-lethal device and also to act responsibly when using these guns. While most countries require that airsoft guns have orange tips, some require flash hiders instead, while others may not impose any restrictions at all. It is important to be aware of the differences in regulations when travelling with airsoft guns across different countries.

To further understand why airsoft guns have to have orange tips, explore the rules and regulations set up within your own country. Airsoft guns, such as designated by US Law, have to feature built-in and visible orange tips so that they can be prohibited from being mistaken for real firearms. Each airsoft gun is different, so many decide to replace the orange tip with flash hiders for a more realistic look. Ultimately, orange tips on guns serve as a precautionary measure rather than a stylistic addition.

References:

• Jersky, Z. (2020). WHY DO AIRSOFT GUN HAVE ORANGE TIPS? Retrieved from https://www.epicairsoft.com/why-do-airsoft-guns-have-orange-tips
• Acosta, J. (2020). Airsoft Orange Tips: Rules, Regulations, & Requirements. Retrieved from https://blog.foxairsoft.com/airsoft-orange-tips-rules-regulations-requirements/