Airsoft Safety - The most important part of the sport
75- Article By: www.OnTargetAirsoft.com
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Is Airsoft Safe, Yes or No?
Airsoft has enjoyed a huge increase in popularity recently. Along with the rise, Airsoft has also gotten a lot of press as to whether the guns are safe or not. So are they? The answer is Yes and No; here's why.
Before we go any further it is important to understand that Airsoft guns are not toys. They are highly detailed firearm simulations that fire plastic 6mm BBs at muzzle velocities of 100-400FPS. Like paintball guns, they are designed for use under controlled, private environments, and should be treated like a real fiream. Used correctly, airsoft is a fun way participate in paintball-like competitions and/or to enhance military simulations/training. Use of airsoft guns also develops the proper handling and respect for firearms. Parents should ensure that children under 18 should be supervised by an adult when using airsoft guns.
From a lethal stand-point Airsoft Gnus are safe. The plastic Airsoft Ammo that it shoots is too slow and light to penetrate the skin, and cause damage to internal organs. So, your not going to kill anyone using an airsoft gun.That said, don't get to relaxed around airsoft guns because that what cannot kill you can still injure you.
A flying plastic 6mm BB, moving at airsoft velocities can break bare skin and worse damage the eyes and/or cause blindness. That is the number one danger from airsoft guns. Because of this it is important that everyone uses eye protection when shooting airsoft guns. Even when shooting at targets, a chance ricochet can cause eye injury. Read this letter from a local Atlanta Doctor to get the idea into your head.
Eye and face protection ranges from ballistic rated safety goggles to full face masks. Whatever your choice, the eye protection used should wrap around the side of the eyes to protect from side-shots. Loose or baggy clothing that covers all exposed skin should be worn, to protect from the BBs impact. Bare skin or tight clothing can result in welts or broken skin when struck by an airsoft BB. Keep in mind that based on overall Emergency Room Visits there are more dangerous outdoor sports.
Another Airsoft safety concern for airsoft is preception of the gun as real firearms. If brandished in public places it may be mistaken by citizens or law enforcement as the real thing. In an age of mall and school shootings every perceived threat is taken seriously. Public use of Airsoft guns could result in your arrest or worse deadly force used against you. These Wisconsin Teens found out the hard way how serious the repercussions can be (click here for the story). Restrict your use to your private property or clubs designated for Airsoft or paintball use.
A few other smart tips and guidelines for safe airsoft play....
Never remove or paint over the orange tip on your airsoft gun. Not only is it a federal offense to do so, it shows others that the gun is not real. It's there for your safety and the safety of others. Also, never shoot anyone without their permission. You could wind up in jail for assault. Finally, never shoot pets or animals. They didn't do anything to you so why harm them with an airsoft shot.
We suggest you read more on Firearm safety before picking up an airsoft gun. you can find additional literature here (NRA). These are the basic rules to follow for safe Airsoft/firearm use:
BASIC FIREARM HANDLING RULES
- Treat Every Gun as if it is loaded
- Always point guns in a safe direction
- Know your Target and Beyond
- Do not shoot at anything you do not intend to kill or destroy
- Never use a firearm if you have been drinking or using drugs.
With responsible handling, safety equipment and use location airsoft can be a very safe and fun sport!
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Share your Airsoft Safety tips with us
900FPS! That doesn't sound like an airsoft gun...more like a pellet gun or getting close to a .22 cal muzzle speeds. I'd be careful shooting anyone or thing with those muzzle velocities. I'd spring for some high-end ballistic goggles like the Wiley-X brands.
SEE! I told you AIRHARD would catch on.
does anyone know where I can get an ak for under 50 dollars
I too play airsoft and made a horrible mistake, a BB bounced into my eye and i turned around and shot 2 welts on his leg. This was not the real mistake it was none of us 3 guys were wearing eye protection
Me and my friend airsoft alot and i always wear a paintball mask. Some of the masks made for airsofting arent relieable because the wire mesh and plastic can break. If a paintball wont break it, air airsoft bb wont.
MY FRIEND SHOT ME WITH A AIRSOFT GUN FROM 5 FEET AWAY. AIRSOFTS CAN'T BREAK SKIN RIGHT?
Yes they can. It depends on: Muzzle velocity, how close to the target, and protective gear. Bare skin from 5 feet with a 350FPS gun may result in some blood. You should always wear the proper protective geer and eye protection with conducting airsoft skrimishes. Be sure to wear long sleeved garments and vests when possible.
i have been shot from two feet with my 300 fps airsoft by my dad because he didnt know what it was and it left a small mark but that was it
My son was accidentally shot in the eye with an airsoft rifle (350 fps). He now has 2 permanent tears to his iris, glaucoma, cataract and an epiretinal membrane.
Thanks for posting, sorry aobut your sons injury. This reinforces the importance of eye protection!!!
All of the neighbor boys on the block have Airsoft weapons and play war. 50% of the boys don't wear eye protection. I'm affraid for my boys safety because they can't go out in there own yard play because these boys are firing every where. Why do I have to put safety glasses on my boys just so they can go outside. I see the way these boys treat these guns like toys not like a weapon. They repeatly fire at each other in close ranch when they think the weapon is empty. The parents are nowhere to be found. This is dangerous!
"Backyard" Airsoft gives the sport a bad rap. I totally agree with your concern. Airsoft is really made for use on sanctioned playfeilds or large/secluded areas of private land (like a farm, or woods). They should never be used in a high-density neighboorhood area. Firearms rules for your city or county apply to airsoft guns too (i.e. rules for discharging a firearm). I recommend finding the parents and talking to them or inviting to the police out to talk with them.
How can i get my parants to allow me to play they dont like the idea of shooting bbs at each othe since my dadis such an old timer saying "Why would you want to shoot each other, and saying arent BBS dangerous" my freinds have a place to play and i dont want to be left behind saying i dont have a gun so hoe can i convince them.
Before I recommend anything just remember that your parents have the final say in decisions concerning what you can and cannot participate in, until you hit the ripe old age of 18. Respect their decision no matter how much it may suck....life is going to be full of great and bad decisions, get used to it now. Suck it up and go on living. That said, to have any chance of success....
Let your parents know you are serious about wanting to play airsoft, and you're serious about safety. First, ask your dad (or mom) to take a local hunters/Firearms safety course with you. This will reinforce your commitment to safety and you'll learn a lot about safe firearm handling. you can find local classes at www.NRA.org
Next, ask your dad/mom to take you to a sanctioned airsoft feild or arena and play. They'll see how safe it is when the proper safety equipment is used. your parents can also talk to the managment about airsoft gun selection and consideration. Finally, discuss the areas you and your friends are going play airsoft. Make sure you emphasize all the safety procedures your going to put into play (face/eye protection, no close shots, no head shots, gun safety procedures). Then ask your parents to consider your request. Remember, to respect their decision, it is final. If they say no, take it like a man. No whining, arguing, or crying. A calm, professional reaction may cause them to change their minds down the road. fighting their decision will only make things worse.
also, it wouldn't hurt to have all your teammates take the gun safety course too. Sometimes it's the other guy you have to worry about.
Good Luck!
Both Classic Army and Jing Gong are great guns. If your mainly playing CQB/Indoors I would go with the lower FPS Classic Army. Glad to hear you are making Eye protection a priority. All Airsoft Guns, regardless of FPS can damage the eyes....even on a ricochet.
wearing T-shirts does come with the hazard of broken skin and nasty welts (300 or 350 FPS)...but it won't kill you. Overheating and dehydration are worse. Although, some of the camo clothing out today is very comfortable, when used with moisture wick undergarments (like underarmor) they make operations in hot weather easier (JUST STAY HYDRATED!)
I have glasses, does this mean I cant play airsoft?
John, Of course you can play. You'll just have to find a mask that fits over your glasses. I wear glasses and do not have any problems. I like the metal mesh masks as they don't fog up.
i really want to play airsoft and Im very serious about playing and safety. however my mom is somewhat a little over protective. I try to explain to her that its safe and she says "ill thing abou it" or "we'll see" and the closest iv gotten to a straight answer is "until i hear your argument its a no" i think it would be really fun and if she says yes im not sure where i could play due to the fact i live in a small town and in the subarbs so that = no backyard airsoft, no closed of arena or area. however there is a paintball place around im not sure if they would let me get a group of friends ogether and play airsoft. i suspect no due to the fact its a paintball place. but i still REALLY want to play. and also if you could suggest a good airsoft gun to me from either wal mart k mart target or just a decent gun in general where as theres a flea market that would be great. I really appreciate it sincerely,
WishIcouldPlay
im try im to convince my parent s to let me get an air soft gun but my dad is ok but my mom thats another story what are some things i could do to take her to the dark side ?
thx :)
Before I recommend anything just remember that your parents have the final say in decisions concerning what you can and cannot participate in, until you hit the ripe old age of 18. Respect their decision no matter how much it may suck....life is going to be full of great and bad decisions, get used to it now. Suck it up and go on living. That said, to have any chance of success.... Let your parents know you are serious about wanting to play airsoft, and you're serious about safety. First, ask your dad (or mom) to take a local hunters/Firearms safety course with you. This will reinforce your commitment to safety and you'll learn a lot about safe firearm handling. you can find local classes at www.NRA.org Next, ask your dad/mom to take you to a sanctioned airsoft feild or arena and play. They'll see how safe it is when the proper safety equipment is used. your parents can also talk to the managment about airsoft gun selection and consideration. Finally, discuss the areas you and your friends are going play airsoft. Make sure you emphasize all the safety procedures your going to put into play (face/eye protection, no close shots, no head shots, gun safety procedures). Then ask your parents to consider your request. Remember, to respect their decision, it is final. If they say no, take it like a man. No whining, arguing, or crying. A calm, professional reaction may cause them to change their minds down the road. fighting their decision will only make things worse. also, it wouldn't hurt to have all your teammates take the gun safety course too. Sometimes it's the other guy you have to worry about. Good Luck!
i am serious about playin airsoft too but my dad is over protective ??
I think we have beat the parents topic do death. see previous posts, that's all I've got.
My 9 year old just got two chipped teeth from older kids shooting airsoft. They are permanent teeth not baby teeth. He peeked out the window and caught a pellet. This game seems pretty stupid to be doing around people's houses.
Sad Dad,
Totally agree with you. Airsoft is not made for backyard play. likewise, most people don't paintball or shoot real firearms in their backyards. Backyard airsoft is unsafe and it gives the sport a bad rap. Airsoft play should always be limited to sanctioned playfeilds or large tracts of private land. Safety gear should always be used. A mask that covers the mouth and ears is the best bet.
Thank you for your comment!
is an StG44 airsoft gun good
T4ey2,
yes it is a great gun. If you can get one, they are in short supply. We won't have them until October.
Channy says:
16 months ago
it helps to know the safety.. i too play airsoft... and safety comes first.. by the way.. what are some good quality googles?? that can withstand a force of 900fps... better safe than sorry