Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Airsoft Guns

There are a lot of misconceptions and myths floating around about airsoft guns, especially on the internet.

This post is designed to debunk some of the most common ones. Although some of these myths (specialized tech details mostly) are spread by experienced players, this post is intended for beginners, parents, and the general public.

MYTH: An Airsoft Gun Is Some Kind of Toy

You hear this one all the time in one form or another, usually from people who have never actually used an airsoft gun. They think airsoft guns are like the little plastic jobs you played cops and robbers with as a kid. This idea is false and possibly dangerous.

Here’s the truth. An airsoft gun is a replica weapon, not a toy or a BB gun. Yes, they’re used for recreational purposes, but operating an airsoft gun properly requires training, knowledge, and protection. They’re used for competitive sports that require a high level of skill and they’re about as much like a toy as a pair of boxing gloves.

And if none of that convinces you that airsoft guns aren’t toys, maybe this will. Back in 2012, state and federal officials in the U.S. started using an airsoft technology called gas blowback (GBB) for training purposes. They use GBB technology to train national guard troops and police officers all over the country. They use airsoft technology because it’s safe, cheap, and just powerful enough for real-world training. Does that sound like something a toy could do?

MYTH: Your Backyard is a Great Place to Play Airsoft Sports

There are several reasons that playing airsoft sports in the backyard is a bad idea. First, there’s no real pleasure or challenge in it. True airsoft fun requires a sense of realism, competition, and adventure. You won’t find these things in your grandma’s backyard, no matter how big it is. The best action is always found at sites that are specifically designed for airsoft events.

Besides, what will the neighbors think? Not to mention the folks in law enforcement. Do you think they might object to people running around their housing addition with very realistic looking guns? Backyard airsoft can be scary for residents and participants alike, so stick with dedicated sites.

MYTH: Airsoft Guns Are Very Dangerous to Use

This is the other end of the ignorance spectrum: the myth that airsoft guns are incredibly dangerous, even lethal. To hear some of these people talk (or read their internet posts), you’d think that thousands of people die on the airsoft battlefields every year.

Sure, if you’re not wearing the proper protection or get shot from two feet away, an airsoft pellet can do some damage. But to say that they’re extremely dangerous or lethal is just ridiculous. With proper training, protection, and supervision, a ten-year- old could handle an airsoft gun safely.

MYTH: You Can Somehow Modify an Airsoft Gun to Fire Real Bullets

Here’s the worst myth of all about how dangerous airsoft guns are. A lot of people think they can be modified to fire real ammunition. This one is completely false too. Among other things, the casing of an airsoft gun is way too flimsy to withstand the heat, power, and speed of an actual bullet.

There are plenty of other silly myths floating around out there, but these should give you a decent idea of what airsoft lovers are up against. It’s frustrating when you keep hearing one false rumor after another, especially when all you want to do is have fun, compete, and bond with your friends in your free time. Keep this and other myth-busting facts top-of- mind when you talk about the sport, and the rest of the world may yet come around!

William Taylor is the content writer over at www.onlybbguns.co.uk. He loves airsoft and is to be found skirmishing every other weekend.