Zero to NVG: Airsoft 101
What is airsoft?
Airsoft is a game of simulated gun combat that is played worldwide by people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, etc in which the objective is to eliminate their opponents using 6mm plastic BBs. It originated in Japan in the 1970’s as a safe and legal alternative to real firearms due to gun legislation.
Airsoft is very similar to paintball (as much as we, airsofters may like to protest!), in the way that people team up at dedicated, insured sites to shoot at and be shot by each other for fun and sport. Where airsoft differs, however, is that airsoft is intended to be more realistic than paintball, in the clothes that we wear and the replicas that we use. Whilst paintball markers typically don’t look like “real” guns (unless you are playing Magfed), airsoft RIFs (Realistic Imitation Firearms) are, 99% of the time, modelled after genuine firearms and are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. The players, depending on their style of airsoft are also more likely to wear realistic military gear, including plate carriers, chest rigs, helmets, etc to look more ‘realistic’.
As there is no paint, or any identifiable way to know you’ve been hit, airsoft relies on an honour system.
There are different styles of airsoft as not everyone wants to dress realistically or even wants to shoot at/be shot at by other players, so let’s chat about the different types of airsoft:
Skirmish
(Photo credit @samwise.tacticaluk)
Primarily there’s skirmishing. An airsoft skirmish (otherwise known as a game day/walk on/pick-up game) typically consists of two teams, shooting at each other whilst in a combat scenario - these scenarios can simply be a team deathmatch or have more complicated objectives such as capturing a flag. This is how most players get started in the sport.
MilSim
Photo credit @theairsoftcorrespondent)
‘MilSim’ is similar to a skirmish but it is more focused on the Military Simulation aspect. During a MilSim, players will be organised into teams, that have command structures and they will be given taskings/objectives to complete. MilSims are usually longer, running anywhere from 24 hours to 72 hours of continuous play. You eat, sleep and shit in game so make sure you wear your eye pro when you sleep and lock those portaloo doors.
BattleSim
Battlesims are essentially shorter Milsims, think all-day events that are usually played for 8 to 12 continuous hours, although they can be longer.
AIPSC
AIPSC is a target shooting sport. AIPSC shooters use airsoft guns to shoot at paper and metal targets whilst being timed/scored according to particular rules. There are shooting clubs around the world that compete in AIPSC competitions.
Speedsoft
Photo credit @theairsoftcorrespondent)
Speedsoft is the airsoft equivalent of paintball’s speedball. A fast-paced tournament-like game that disregards the military aspect and instead focuses on fast shooting, fast movement in “arenas”. Whilst this style of airsoft is relatively young, it has exploded in popularity over the last few years. I don't have any speedsoft pictures, so here's a pic of me in a paintball mask.
General Rules & Safety
Safety is the number one priority when playing airsoft. All players over 18 must wear at a MINIMUM a pair of high-impact rated eye protection. If a player is under the age of 18, a site’s insurance will usually dictate that they need to wear full face protection such as a paintball mask. It is recommended that everyone wears lower face protection - BBs can and have shattered teeth!
(Photo credit @samwise.tacticaluk)
It’s recommended at most sites that you wear good footwear with ankle protection such as hiking boots, especially if you’re playing outdoors - uneven ground and holes like rabbit warrens can be pesky for those ankles!
All airsoft guns need to be tested with a chronograph before each game by site staff to ensure they are under the legal limits, as we have restrictions on their power in the UK. Most sites in the UK operate a site limit of 350 FPS (feet per second) for pistols and AEGs, up to 500 FPS for bolt action sniper rifles, although these can differ depending on what site you’re at so always check their website!
Although different sites/game modes have different rules, some rules are universal such as ‘dead players don’t talk’ meaning that if you’ve been eliminated, you can’t give away another player’s position to a live player, and no blind firing meaning you must be able to see where your BB is traveling to.
First Hits
What does getting hit feel like? It entirely depends on where you’re hit and if you’re wearing any protection on that part of the body. If you’re hit in the chest whilst wearing a plate carrier - you may feel a thud and hear an impact, if you got shot on your thighs whilst wearing a pair of trousers you may feel a small sting and if you get shot on your bare knuckles you would probably feel a fair bit of pain.
Airsoft is a game of honour so when you’ve been hit by another player, there won’t be a visible mark, it’s down to you as the player to call yourself out by raising your hand and shouting ‘HIT’ loud enough for the person shooting at you to hear. Top tip: move out of the way quickly to avoid being overshot by active players!
Not calling a hit is classed as cheating. Although hits can be missed if you haven’t felt or heard them, that isn’t an excuse to not take a hit. If in doubt, take the hit as respawn is only ever a short walk away!
Join me for our next Zero to NVG instalment: Site Expectations, Costs and Beginner Day Checklist!
