Airsoft Guns: What Are They?

By Anthony Carter

Fascination with guns has always been a favored past time of many people. Guns are usually associated with military weapons and firearms. There are people that collect guns, use them for recreational purposes, sporting and for fun. Airsoft guns are recreational toy guns used for training, target practicing and just plain fun.

Molded after real guns, the airsoft guns are much safer than traditional firearms. The airsoft guns shot pellets unlike a real gun that shots bullets. Pellets are usually made from plastic but can be produced from soft metals such as aluminum. Bullets on the other had are comprised of a lead casing filled with an explosive material. Firing of the airsoft guns is generally produced by springs or compressed gas, whereas; bullets are fired from a traditional gun by creating an explosion.

Plastic pellets are rarely known to pierce the skin but when fired from certain distance it is possible to puncture the skin. A pellet made of a soft metal fired at a certain distance and velocity has been known to pierce the skin. Protective gear is always recommended when playing with airsoft guns. Recreational facilities are known to impose age requirements of 16 or 18 on any airsoft gun users.

Japan was the first to manufacture the airsoft guns in the 1970's. The original airsoft guns were produced with springs for expelling the pellets. The shooting mechanisms were later improved to allow for more velocity and accuracy by using compressed gas to expel the pellets. Airsoft guns that are used and sold in the United States have a signature blaze orange tip.

Airsoft guns come in many shapes and sizes with many being toy reproductions of actual firearms. Trademark rights are required for anyone creating any reproduction of an already existing real firearm. If you purchase an airsoft gun that is a replica be sure the manufacturer has trademark rights or the toy will be illegal.

Airsoft guns can have additional accessories added to them, much like the true firearms. There are even replicas of sites, magazines and spotlights. You can spend a lot of money having an exact replica of your favorite gun made into an airsoft version. The airsoft version can also be upgraded to allow for better velocity and accuracy. It is all in what you want to spend.

Airsoft guns can have their firing mechanism built inside or can be mounted outside much like a paintball gun. There are also older electric models which have batteries that are rechargeable. The most popular though are the spring and compressed gas airsoft guns.

The classic BB gun and airsoft guns are very similar; however; airsoft guns can be modeled after traditional firearms as long as the manufacture has trademark rights. Airsoft guns are exceptional for training purposes and for recreational fun. As with any guns, airsoft guns should be handled properly and with care. Many gun lovers can find joy in these toy reproductions without the concern of real danger. - 31409

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