AIROSFT

Airsoft is primarily a recreational activity where replica firearms shooting plastic rounds are used for personal collection, gaming (similar to Paintball), or professional training purposes (Military Simulations, a.k.a. MilSim, and Police training exercises). A primary difference between airsoft firearms and BB guns is that airsoft uses 6mm or 8mm plastic pellets and have muzzle velocities of typically less than 180 metres per second (600 feet), which is generally considered safe when used in a controlled environment, whereas a BB gun utilizes metal ammunition and shoots at higher velocities (120-365+ MPS) (400-1200 feet), making them unsuitable for gaming and training purposes. Another distinguishing factor between BB guns and airsoft guns is that the latter generally uses hop-up (back-spin on the BB) to increase their effective range, since the lower muzzle velocity of these guns shortens their shooting distance.

In the 1980s, Japan made it illegal to own a firearm, though there was a large interest in them. Because of this interest, manufacturers started to produce spring-powered replicas of real guns. These guns fired several calibers of plastic or rubber BBs, but were eventually standardized into 6mm and 8mm sizes. The early spring powered weapons then morphed into gas and battery powered ones, using a variety of systems. The hobby then migrated to North America in the mid 1990s. This is due in large part to the addition of many new AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) manufacturers in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as many others.

Airsoft has also been adopted for training purposes for both military and police units (more often police units).

ORIGINAL PAGE: WIKIPEDIA