Airsoft Like a Pro

If at first you're wondering what airsoft is, that's fine. Airsoft is a semi-competitive team-based game played using replica guns that shoot 6mm plastic bb's using battery, gas, or spring. In general, airsofters play against each other.

Steps

  1. Buy goggles. It doesn't matter how good your gun is when you don't have goggles. Many serious airsofters invest in ESS goggles, which the US ARMY uses. These goggles can cost up to $100 depending on what they come with. The basic model is generally $60. Popular alternatives include Bug-Eyez, which use a metal mesh instead of plastic polymer.
    • Mesh goggles do not fog; however in certain lighting conditions they can be very hard to see through. Lower quality bbs also break and the pieces can penetrate mesh. You can also use a paintball mask. Only use safety or shooting glasses for target shooting, as there is a gap between the eyes and the glasses where a BB could go in to and enter the eyes by deflection. These are available at any hardware or sporting goods store. They are lightweight and don't look much different from sunglasses, but are much safer.
    • Note: Many "Army Surplus" type stores sell (used) issue ESS goggles for reasonable prices. If ESS goggles are not available, another great alternative are the older-issue 'Sand, Wind & Dust' goggles.
  2. Consider your options. It's not always possible to spend upwards of $1000 on the best gun ever. The majority of airsofters buy guns in the $200-$600 range. High-end companies such as Tokyo Marui and Classic Army make guns at this price. However, if your budget is tight, clone companies such as ECHO 1/ Jing Gong (JG) and A&K produce clones of high-end guns at reduced prices.
  3. Consider your own desires. Do you want to be more up close with your enemy, or would you rather sit back and take shots at your leisure? Many airsoft leagues disallow sniper rifles as many have an unreasonably high FPS (feet-per-second). Depending on your location, it might be smart to buy a CQB (close-quarters battle) gun. Nearly every major airsoft manufacturer makes CQB guns such as the M4A1 and the MP5. However, the choice is yours.
  4. Get gear. While most fields do not require specific uniforms or equipment, you will find yourself a bit of a misfit with nothing but sneakers, jeans, and a t-shirt on most serious airsoft fields. For those on the cheap, surplus Woodland BDU's are available at many army surplus stores and online. If you are looking for something unique, consider foreign camouflage patterns. For those with a bigger budget, the Multicam Pattern is popular. One thing many airsofters forget is a good pair of boots. Military combat boots can be expensive, in the $100-$200 range, but a simple pair of water-proof boots from Walmart will do the trick. Yours truly wears a $40 pair of boots from Walmart. Depending on your choice in weaponry, you may want to invest in a chest rig or vest. Many websites such as CheaperThanDirt.com sell chest rigs inexpensively. Chest rigs allow you to buy pouches according to your needs and place them where they make you feel comfortable. Chest rigs can go anywhere from $20 to $100, however higher-end CIRAS vests can fetch prices of up to $700.
  5. Okay, so now you've got your gun, your gear, and you're ready to play. Now what? If you already know of a local league or group in your area, great. If not, think about recruiting some of your friends. Whatever you do, do NOT play in backyards (Unless you get permission from the owner and make sure not to hit anything breakable like windows) or public areas. The risk of being spotted and arrested is too great, and will only damage the public reputation of Airsoft. Many leagues have private fields available for play.

Tips

  • When airsofting, don't be afraid to charge or rush. 6mm plastic bb's won't kill you, and will leave you with a small welt at most. Unless, of course, the opposing team has guns with unreasonable FPS, i.e. 450+ FPS. Rushing is not usually employed, but can work and catch the enemy off guard.
  • If you are part of a team or have been assigned to one, remember to listen to your commander. Many an airsoft commander has given up in frustration after explaining an order several times in a row only to get blank stares. Your team commander should know what he is doing, and his orders are meant to protect you and your teammates. Follow them.
  • Don't spend your money on useless tac-gear. Don't buy a grenade launcher if you don't plan on using it. Don't buy a drum-mag if you only take a few shots per game. Don't bother with a scope if your games are mostly CQB.
  • Even if you like the up close in-your-face balls-to-the-walls style of play, a little stealth can never hurt. Being able to sneak up on your enemy is a great skill to have.
  • Remember to conserve as many BBs as you can. BBs can be costly when added up and continuous firing towards "the enemy" is useless. Also, if you hit a target, do not shoot additional BBs. The player may be trying to get out of the arena and may take off their goggles.
  • Also, a team members gear and uniform is important. Although some professional, high-quality BDU's and armor may be costly, cheap vests and boots are always affordable and intimidation is a great quality when it comes to airsoft.
  • Although this is a personal opinion and you aren't obligated to follow it, don't use RealTree. Sure it will work, but you'll look terribly unprofessional with RealTree. Remember it will not make you invisible.
  • Remember, it is your skill that matters, not the gear and weapons that you have. It is much better to have a see-through $10 spring pistol and really know how to play than to have a $2000 machine gun and be a complete n00b.
  • Even the guys with the best guns can be beaten with superior tactics. Think about what you're doing. If your enemy is holed up in a building with no way of getting them out, sit back and wait for them to get bored. Set yourself up in a good position and take them out when they venture out of their hidey-hole.
  • Many veteran airsofters will look down on you if you use a Hi-cap magazine or a drum on a non-support type gun. Invest in some midcaps, they teach you to conserve ammo, use what you have more effectively, and to aim not spray. Using lo-caps midcaps will also allow you to go to large MILSIM Ops. and more professional fields. They also do not rattle and do not need to be wound.

Warnings

  • Call your hits. Other players will find out, and they'll just keep shooting you until you start crying if you don't call your hits. Some teams may even ask you not to come back due to dishonesty during the game.
  • ALWAYS wear your goggles. Even when there is no firing going on, if there are airsoft guns out, wear your goggles. If you DO get shot in the eye, (that is, without goggles or a mask) it might become blind or even explode if there is enough speed. Even with low speeds, your eye will suffer some damage.
  • Avoid blind-firing. Blind-firing is the act of firing your airsoft gun without looking at what your shooting. This is everything from holding your gun around a corner to closing your eyes during a kamikaze charge. You never know who may be just a few inches in front of your gun when you fire, and it's the best way to really hurt someone.
  • Like mentioned before, NEVER play on public areas or in backyards. Only places, that are officially meant for airsofting may be used. However, if you get a giant urge to shoot some BB's in public places, (parks etc.) be warned. It's the quickest way to get the police to come out with their real guns and gear.
  • After a few direct hits on mesh goggles, the bb can penetrate or break the mesh and hit you in your eye.

Things You'll Need

  • Decent gun. This is everything from A&K clones to Systema PTWs.
  • Goggles or a mask. ANSI z.87 is the best rating for polymer goggles.
  • Gear: Uniform, boots, tac-gear.

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