FAQ
Many questions are general in nature
Question: What is Airsoft?
Answer: Airsoft is the label given to the sport and / or hobby of collecting 1:1 replicas of real firearms.
Question: What is An Airsoft Gun?
Answer: Airsoft guns are considered non-lethal because the airsoft gun ammunition consists of soft BBs or pellets; typically larger than the BB’s sold in many local sporting goods stores.
Question: Are Airsoft Guns different from Real Guns?
Answer: Yes and No. Real guns fire a deadly propellant via a form of firing pin against an explosive. Airsoft guns fire a non-lethal propellant via a burst of air. However, airsoft guns can be mistaken for real guns if they are handled in a wrong fashion, displayed inappropriately, & / or the Orange Tip removed or painted. History shows that airsoft gun users have been killed by authorities; when the airsoft gun is handled incorrectly. Legal penalties regarding real guns have applied to the users of airsoft guns.
Question: What are the different types of Airsoft Guns?
Answer: The method used to generate that burst of air distinguishes airsoft gun operations [i.e. spring, gas or electric]. Follow the link to our informational pages discussing the different types.
Question: Why was Airsoft Guns invented?
Answer: Airsoft gun history began in Japan around 1970. Possessing any type of firearm was illegal and punishable by Japan law. Yet, shooting a firearm was a personal urge.
The economic principle of ‘supply and demand’ surfaced in that where a demand exists, a supply will follow. Manufacturers introduced the airsoft guns that addressed the Japan demand for firearm usage, but without the lethal effects that Japanese law addressed.
Question: When and Why did Airsoft come to the United States?
Answer: [Review the above question & answer, then continue with this answer] By the early 1990’s that supply reached the United States addressing our variation of demand. We wanted firearm usage, but without the expense and lethal affects that the real gun characterized. The Airsoft Gun industry gave Japan a boost in their economy and even a greater boost when those products reached export levels that included United States.
Question: What are the laws concerning airsoft?
Answer: We are not lawyers nor we put ourselves in a position of giving legal advice. Yet, our internet research gave us the following information. Please consult with you own legal advisors relative to the following and more information they will give you.
Import restrictions: All Airsoft guns shipped to the USA must remove copyrighted words when they go through customs. Barrel markings: Due to extreme similarity between these replicas and real firearms, combined with lobbying efforts from U.S. BB gun manufacturers, some U.S. states and local regulations may prohibit the ownership or use of Airsoft guns. Federal importation laws require all Airsoft gun barrels to be painted with a minimum 6mm wide blaze orange stripe, as must all "toy guns". This measure is intended to avoid confusion with actual firearms.
Airsoft Guns - Laws and Regulations
The risks and consequences of Airsoft gun use have not gone unnoticed by the law. Airsoft is considered illegal in various countries such as Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, and some countries like Canada prohibit the importation of "replica" Airsoft guns. However, federal importation laws in the United States simply require that all Airsoft guns transported within or imported into the country have barrels with a minimum 6mm wide blaze orange tip, so as to avoid confusion with real firearms. Most retailers of Airsoft guns have disclaimers stating that their Airsoft guns are sold with an orange tip, and that it is illegal to remove the orange tip.
Furthermore, individuals in the U.S. must be 18 years of age or older to purchase an Airsoft gun. On the other hand, Airsoft guns are not classified as firearms and are legal for use by all ages under federal law. However, some municipalities and states place restrictions on Airsoft guns. New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and parts of Michigan outlaw Airsoft guns entirely.
Some countries have specific restrictions on Airsoft guns, such as maximum muzzle velocity standards, restrictions on use of trademarks of real firearms, and required use of 'unrealistic' coloring to distinguish Airsoft guns from actual firearms.
Finally, states such as California have laws that make it a crime to brandish a look-alike gun in public. Furthermore, individuals using an Airsoft or replica gun to commit crimes will invariably be treated as though they had used an actual firearm.
Airsoft Guns - the Bottom Line
Extreme care should be used at all times with Airsoft guns, and it is best to treat Airsoft guns as a real firearm while handling and transporting them. As noted above, reckless handling of these guns can lead to various ranges of criminal consequences, and worse, physical injury or death. If minors are to be involved with Airsoft gun use, adult supervision and protective gear are an absolute necessity. Finally, Airsoft guns should not be used in unenclosed, public areas.
From a legal standpoint, before anyone purchases an Airsoft gun they should first look into their local and state laws governing the ownership and use of the guns. Knowledgeable and reputable local dealers of the guns will provide this information, but it is important for the consumer to always double check with their local law enforcement agencies and/or a local consumer products attorney. {Copyright © 2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters business. All rights reserved}
Question: What is a skirmish?
Answer: A skirmish is the label given to the team to team combat performed on the field of battle among the friends and family members to play airsoft. Skirmishes can be based in various scenarios stemming from SWAT, Navy Seals, Capture the Flag, and more.
Some Questions focus on Safety, Legal and Protection issues.
Question: What about protection?
Answer: Yes, by all means wear protection for the face, head, body, neck mouth, teeth and more. This will probably include appropriate clothing, face mask, helmet, vest, and more.
Question: Why an Orange Tip
Answer: The required bright 6mm orange tip found on all airsoft guns is required by US law and regulated by local state, county, city ordinances. You should talk to you state, county, and local law enforcement departments to gain greater detail.
Some Questions focus on Airsoft Gun Operation
Question: What is a Joule?
Answer: Joule is the measurement used to calculate the power of the gun. It is more accurate than using Feet Per Second. The measurement is a formula combining the weight and velocity of the projectile resulting in the force it will hit the target with. Therefore, the higher the Joule number the more powerful the gun will be.
Question: What does FPS stand for?
Answer: FPS means feet per second when measuring the velocity of the BB as it leaves the barrel. Airsoft rules can be consulted so as to be sure your velocity is within the game regulation limits.
Question: What does Fully Automatic mean?
Answer: Fully Automatic means when the trigger is depressed and held the gun will continue to fire until the trigger is released.
Question: What does Semi-Auto mean?
Answer: Semi Automatic means the gun will fire once with each pull the trigger.
Question: What does Blowback mean?
Answer: Blowback action on a Gas or Electric gun means the slide (or receiver) of the gun will recoil (slide back and forth) when the gun is fired like a real firearm.
Question: What is Hip-Hop & Spinup mean?
Answer: Hop-Up or Spinup system adds an upwards spin on the BB as the propulsion pushes it down barrel which then reduces the affects of gravity. Due to this gravity reduction the flight time and range of the BB will increase...
Some Questions focus on our store operations
