Airsoft was created in Japan where the real steal guns are illegal to own but there is a great interest in replicas. Mix that with the accuracy and realistic feel and look of Airsoft guns and you have a craze. Airsoft in the US is usually played as a Mil-Sim game using full military gear and Airsoft guns. The sport has grown tremendously over the past few years with the Movie industry importing the guns because of the low cost they fork out for exotic guns. Today the sport has drawn many internet dealers to the US importing the guns for gaming purposes. In the past year, in WA state we started with two players and now have over 30 and growing in the area playing on a regular basis.
What about the Guns? Well This is what gets them going and keeps them coming back.
Yes this is a picture of an Airsoft PSG-1! What would the real steel cost you to buy if you could find one? First let me tell you a bit about it, its a semi automatic sniper rifle almost as tall as I am. This gun would cost you thousands of dollars if you could find anyone who would be willing to sell it to you. The Airsoft version would only run a few hundred dollars and you still get an semi automatic weapon.
Airsoft in general are Air guns using either spring, gas, or eclectic to power them. They shoot 6mm BBs at appx 260fps in standard guns but can be modified to 500fps or more. Most of the guns like the M4, AUG, SG1 and others will fire at just about the same rate of fire ROF that the real steal will. The also come in several different versions from Pistols, SMGs, Shotguns and just about anything else you can think of. Below Ill list the differences between the Spring, Gas and Electrics.
Spring guns: Springers are manual guns that need to be cocked to fire one round at a time. They tend to make great backup pistols or small games where everyone has a spring. If you find yourself in the heat of battle with just a spring against all Electrics keep your head down.
Gas guns: These come in two versions a blowback and non blowback version. The blowback versions have a system that makes the slide cycle through the actions just like the real steel. The non blowback versions use the same system but the slide doesnt cycle.
Automatic Electric Guns AEGs: The newest and most common guns on the market today use 8.4v to 12v battery to power a motor that turn gears that pull back a piston to shoot a bb. This system allows for a full automatic firing of the gun. This is what has made the sport grow in the past years to a point where paintball players are looking at Airsoft to fill the voids paintball cant fill.
1. These rules are followed by all members of the Raiders.
2. You must be 21 years of age to be a memeber of the Raiders. We hold our meetings in bars.
3. Eye protection must be worn at all times and must create a full seal to the face. A full-face mask is recommended but not required. User takes his own risk if a facemask is not worn. Goggles must be worn at all times on the field and can only be removed once you have returned to the staging/safety area. A face mask may be required depending on the game or by the field. Mesh goggles are allowed but subject to a point blank test prior to game play. No shooting or safety glasses.
4. MAX FPS for AEG is 400 FPS measured with .25 bbs. Note that this is aproximately 410 FPS with .20bbs. Sniper rifles max FPS is 500 FPS with .36 bbs, and must be single shot only. Guests or any member who has upgraded their AEG must chrono before taking the field.
5. Any upgraded guns must be called out to the group prior to play.
6. Surrender rule - you must call and accept all surrender calls on the field. This is not negotiable after all this is just a game and no one wants to hurt anyone else. The surrender rule can be called when you are within 20ft of another player. It must be yelled loudly and cannot be whispered. You can only surrender another player if you have them dead to rights and could have taken the shot but for the minimum 20 foot safety distance.
7. Shots to any part of the body are considered hits and count as an elimination. This includes any web gear, tac vest, backbacks, holstered side arms or slung AEG. Any hits to the gun in hand are not considered eliminations and shots bounced off objects are not considered eliminations.
8. When you get hit call "HIT" repeatedly and put your hands above your head. Place a red "deadman's rag" on your head if possible and imediately walk off the field to the staging area/dead pool. There is absolutely no shooting at the starting area from dead players. Also if you are in the line of fire you are responsible for your own protection. No talking or sharing equipment once dead. Remember, dead men tell no tales!
9. Intruders on the field, any time non-players enter the field of play you must call out a seize fire and lay down your firearms. Explain the game to the visitor if needed and let them pass.
10. Faking being dead and shooting other players, talking to players after being eliminated or giving away their position is DISSHONERABLE and will not be tolerated. You will be removed from the field and asked not to return.
11. Guns being lent to you should be treated as if they were your own or better yet your mothers fine china! We have a you break it you buy it policy, respect others property as you would want yours respected.
12. While not on the playing field magazines must be removed from the gun and barrel covers must be used. Paintball barrel condoms or TM red covers are acceptable. A gym sock will work if it's all you have as well.
13. No arguing or fighting at any time. No calling other players hits during play. Call your own hits and those of your team, but not your opponent. If there is a dispute on the field, find a Raiders team member AFTER the game and they will address the issue. If any arguments occur during play, both players will be ejected from the game by for dishonerable conduct.
