Airsoft guns are basically BB guns that fire plastic balls instead of metal ball bearings. They evolved in Asia from realistic children’s toys that operated with a pull-back spring. Although these cheap toys were popular, they often broke due to the force involved, and had poor muzzle velocities.

These cheap Asian stocking fillers were since recognised by clever manufacturers to be in demand by more adult military aficionados and so Airsoft guns were then refined with better materials and technology to supply the fastest-growing outdoor pursuit since 2001 – Airsoft.

There were many manufactures making hundreds of different sizes and systems. Since then, the BB calibre has been standardised to 6mm or 8mm. Also, the Airsoft gun system for shooting these pellets has evolved from a simple hand-cocked spring to the most common method (for larger guns): an electrically-operated motor that drives gears to automatically cock, pull back the spring bolt, and release the bolt to shoot the BB. The automatic firing mechanism is now called the AEG – Automatic Electric Gun.

An AEG is capable of attaining muzzle velocities of 200 to 500 feet per second (60 to 150 metres per second) and can fire from 300 to 2000 pellets per minute. How many you actually shoot depends on your magazine. These are usually classified as low cap: around 50 BBs, mid cap:around 120 BBs, or high-cap: 200-500+ BBs. These push the BBs into the chamber either using a spring, or manually-operated ratchet. You can even find guns with electrically-operated magazines that can hold up to 5000 pellets! However, if you are entering a military-simulation game, your magazine capacity may be restricted, to ensure you are a close to the real thing as possible.

Gas-powered Airsoft guns are also becoming more refined, and as a result, more popular. The main reason for their popularity is the more genuine-feeling recoil and sound. There are even some gas propellants that include a scent and silicone oil to heighten this feeling. These guns are powered more commonly by propane, which may also be recharged from a propane bottle used for camping. Gas-powered guns have a smaller firing mechanism than electric, and are therefore more common in pistols than battery power. The AEG type of gun has a longer range and duration of use than gas.

Airsoft guns are also getting better in terms of quality, with metal being used for many parts. Aluminium and alloys are taking the part of plastic in many of the moving parts, making them more durable and longer-lasting. However, most of the gun is still plastic. Some guns even have metal weights in them to make them feel like the real thing.

Bullet velocity is from 50 m/s (160 ft/s) to around 125 m/s (410 ft/s). With the right adaptations, muzzle velocity can be souped up to 180 m/s (590 ft/s). You may install a module to cause backspin on the BB. This increases the amount of lift on the BB by the air flow on the underside of the ball being offset by that on the top. Lift increased and so does range. This is called a hop-up unit. Although AEG range is usually up to 75 metres (250ft), the hop up unit can double this.

You can buy 6mm paintballs for your Airsoft gun, but these may explode inside your chamber, meaning a ruined gun.

Author: Anthony Carter loves everything about airsoft guns. If you want to find good airsoft gun then JD Airsoft Guns is where you should look.