Are Airsoft Guns Dangerous? Airsoft, also known as paintball guns, is a sport that has been gaining popularity in the last decade. With airsoft guns being used for combat training by armed forces around the world, and due to it growing in popularity within the general public, both children and adults are becoming more and more interested in playing this game. Unlike paintball guns, however, there are no set rules or regulations in place when it comes to how airsoft guns should be used.
This being said, many people believe that they are not dangerous or powerful enough to cause serious injury or death. However, this may not be entirely accurate.
What are airsoft guns? – Are Airsoft Guns Dangerous
Airsoft guns are replica firearms that shoot non-metallic projectiles made from compressed air. They are used for recreational combat games played with airsoft guns and similar replica firearms, like laser tag. Airsoft guns are used for training military and law enforcement groups for close-quarters battles. Airsoft guns are also used for recreational purposes, like paintball.
HOW AIRSOFT GUNS ARE DANGEROUS – Are Airsoft Guns Dangerous
The foremost danger associated with playing with airsoft guns is injury or death. The implications of any direct injury or death are extreme, and the repetition of such injuries or deaths is almost inevitable. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) created a list of 10 rules for safe airsoft play, and the legal playing environment should adhere strictly to those rules:
- Keep your head up.
- Keep your arms behind your back.
- Aim low.
- Keep your feet on the ground; avoid rolling on the ground (this takes pressure off your joints).
- Use your hands to control your shoot.
- Do not shoot from the waist (this puts too much pressure on your lower back).
- Avoid shots in the torso or neck.
- Do not shoot in an upward position.
- Avoid stepping on, or near, any sharp-edged surfaces.
- Avoid splash damage.
- Avoid playing outdoors.
To limit the risk of injury, the ACSM advises airsoft players to avoid playing with carbon dioxide guns, as the gases from these guns may irritate the eyes and cause eye irritation. Also, the risk of injury is significantly reduced when playing on concrete.
After experiencing a traumatic injury associated with operating a carbon dioxide gun, one plaintiff sued the manufacturer, claiming the carbon dioxide gun “caused his injuries and will continue to cause his injuries” and “is merely a device designed to increase the intensity of play through fear and intimidation.”
The plaintiff also stated that “it was not reasonable for [Plaintiff] to expect that when the plaintiff pushed the trigger, the carbon dioxide gun would stop.
Are airsoft guns dangerous?
Airsoft guns are fun to use and harmless to people. They don’t use bullets. They use air pressure to fire pellets at high speeds. Airsoft guns are used in military and police training, as well as in recreational activities. Normal airsoft guns can fire at velocities up to 300 feet per second.
They are commonly used on fields, parks, and playing fields. One of the main advantages of airsoft guns has always been the low barrier to entry due to the fact that you can simply purchase the gun used for training and practice.
All you need to do is purchase the gun, find the right field or area (which can be public or private) to play, and you are good to go! The only downside to airsoft shooting is that they don’t allow you to put a silencer on the gun.
Note: As of this writing, there are two main manufacturers of airsoft guns: Tokyo Marui and Century Sales. This article will discuss different types of airsoft guns and their pros and cons in a factual manner.
We documented how a brand new airsoft gun performs when compared to other airsoft guns. As of writing this, we are not aware of any studies that compare the performance of over 200 different airsoft guns.
We will discuss performance differences when comparing different brands and models of airsoft guns, but will not compare shoots with live targets.
Are airsoft guns legal? – Are Airsoft Guns Dangerous
Airsoft guns are legal in the majority of countries like Canada, the US, the UK, and others. In the US, airsoft guns are legal in all states except New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. In Canada, airsoft guns are legal in all provinces except Quebec. Airsoft guns are legal in the UK and you can buy them online. Benefits of Playing Airsoft
In addition to the health and safety reasons listed above, playing airsoft can be quite fun too. This is due to the fact that airsoft guns emulate actual guns in terms of size and recoil which is similar to a full-sized hunting gun with a smooth trigger. This makes the game incredibly accessible to casual and competitive users alike and there are games that mix up the rules and allow you to play with a friend.
Compared to paintball guns, airsoft guns have a smaller recoil, making the game more controllable. A downside that comes with playing with an airsoft gun is that you don’t get to shoot accurately with it because there aren’t any guns specifically designated for that game, unlike paintball guns which are considered assault guns in America.
Compared to other sports, airsoft has been very well received by the World Health Organization and Player players have even received the Silver Pigeon award for the best sporting performance. Professional teams exist so that airsoft teams and tournaments can be safely held. There are even clinics and educational classes to help you learn to shoot with airsoft guns. The range of about 200 meters makes it safe even against golf, dodgeball, or rugby.
How to Choose an Airsoft Gun for Different Games
When choosing the right airsoft gun for you, it’s much more than machine guns, assault rifles, and silencers. For example, a cheap Airsoft gun may not be cutting it in a game like a paintball where the distance is much further and there are close-quarters engagements. Beyond the features and statistics, it’s important to look at comfort and return on investment.
Oliver has been a paintball enthusiast since he first stepped on the field at just 11. He quickly joined clubs and teams all throughout New Hampshire! He started Paintball Hive to share his passion and knowledge with other paintball heads out there!
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