The airsoft game is not just a great way to pass time with friends and people of a similar mindset, but also a chance to move around outside and learn lots of interesting new skills. Besides the fact that you’ll learn how to aim and hit a moving target, you’ll also learn a bit about strategy, leadership, and teamwork.
All these skills have practical applications in daily life, especially in the highly competitive corporate world. After all, many companies use airsoft or paintball as a team building exercise, to ease the collaboration between members and allow everyone to get to know the others in a different environment.
So if you’re tempted to try it but don’t know where to start, here are the basics that every beginner needs to know:
Choose the Right Airsoft Gun(s)
While chances are you’ll find some airsoft weapons to borrow at the location of the game (especially if it’s a company-organized event), if you really want to test things out, it’s best to get a gun of your own.
Plus, it’s quite easy to find one online. Sites like Airsoft Pal even have a selection of cheap airsoft guns that aren’t low-quality and fit beginners. You just need to know what to look for.
In a nutshell, you’ll find three main types of airsoft weapons:
#1: Spring-powered
These are truly cheap airsoft guns that don’t need an energy source or fuel to work. All you have to do is cock the weapon after every shot in order to tense the spring that ejects the BB out of the barrel.
These airsoft guns are slow to shoot (no semi-auto or auto rapid fire), but they’re also some of the most reliable and easy to use. They work well for beginners who want to get a taste of the game because they’re cheap. Plus, you can use them as a backup if you get caught by the game and want more.
On the other hand, spring-powered airsoft guns can provide other essential advantages. For instance, they’re lightweight, powerful, and effective when used by skilled players. They don’t depend on external power sources and aren’t affected by extreme weather conditions. Lastly, they can be upgraded to become more efficient in combat.
#2: Gas-powered
If you like to feel a bit of kickback from your airsoft gun, then it’s best to get a gas-powered rifle or pistol. Most run on green gas or CO2 and can be quite powerful, with a serious blowback action (still, not like a real steel gun).
Gas-powered airsoft guns are often considered one of the best-performing and most astonishing types. They’re perfect for intermediate players who want a more realistic shooting experience. They also have high accuracy and range when shooting targets and can be fully or semi-automatic.
However, gas-powered airsoft weapons can be a bit unreliable in cold/hot weather and you need to be ready to reload your gas supply (it runs out kind of fast).
#3: Electric Airsoft Guns (AEGs)
These are usually the most accurate and you’ll find a wide range of AEG rifles and pistols out there. Plus, the price range is wide enough so anyone can find a good AEG that suits their needs.
Moreover, electric airsoft guns are easy to use, especially for beginners. They don’t need manual cocking, so they provide the players with a more authentic experience. They’re also perfect for stealth since they don’t produce any noise when used.
Lastly, AEGs work on battery and can shoot in semi-auto and automatic rapid fires sequences. Rifles (and some pistols) can be equipped with large-capacity magazines and a battery should last around three to five hours. Still, the battery’s efficiency will be influenced by cold weather, so keep this in mind as well.
Overall, I recommend starting with a spring-powered rifle and, if you want to continue playing, keep it as a backup and get an AEG. You’ll find a wide range of rifle designs, but the best ones for beginners are the ones with plastic bodies. The plastic is high-quality and resists all sorts of shocks and scratches (sometimes a lot better than metallic housings).
Get Your Protective Gear
Next on the list is protective gear. While most fields make it mandatory to wear eye protection, it’s best to get a mask and helmet as well. I recommend a full-face mask since a stray BB can easily make some damage to your face if it’s not entirely protected.
Also, a BB that hits sensitive areas like the ear, nose, eye, cheek, or even the eye hurts a lot worse than if it would hit you in the back. When you wear protective gear, you can enjoy the game without worrying about a cracked tooth or a blemished eye.
Next on the list should be gloves (to protect the hands) and a lightweight vest with some storage options (pockets, hooks, velcro straps, and so on). The vest serves to protect you from getting any bruises, but it’s also a great way to store magazines, cleaning tools, batteries, and other items you may need during the airsoft game.
It would also help to get a pair of tactical pants made from a flexible but durable material. This way, if you have to crawl, crouch, hide, or run you won’t be restricted by the fabric and won’t destroy your jeans.
Lastly, if you are going to play in an outdoor scenario, it’s best to get a pair of tactical boots as well. Regardless of the scenario (sand, forest, urban, and so on), the boots will protect you from the elements and against any stray BBs. If your footwear doesn’t have any protective qualities, you run the chance of feeling the BBs directly on your skin.
Optics or Aim Assistance Accessories
Now that you have your airsoft gun and protection gear, it’s time to think about accessories. The offer is also incredibly diverse from high-quality optics to red dot sights and aftermarket spare parts.
As a beginner, it’s best to get a reliable entry-level scope that lets you zoom in on the target and fixate on it. These work well with AEG rifles, but you’ll also find models designed for spring- and gas-powered airsoft guns as well (even some pistols!).
If you don’t want a scope, you can do just as well with a red dot sight or a laser. Just make sure to choose an accessory that has a similar mounting system to what’s on your rifle. Otherwise, you may not be able to mount it properly.
On the other hand, when it comes to mounting your weapons, a good-quality gun wall mount can be an excellent option. It can be an effective way to keep your airsoft guns safe.
Using a wall mount for your gun collection can keep these items out of the reach of unauthorized persons, including children. It can also prevent damaging your weapons and make cleaning much easier and faster since you only need to remove the gun from the mount without moving everything in the gun safe.
Hence, choose a suitable gun wall mount if you need proper storage for your airsoft gun collection. Check product websites and other online resources for more information about this storage solution.
Lastly, you may want to add a few health gadgets (like a fitness band) to monitor your progress while you’re playing. After all, the airsoft game is quite physically demanding and it can help you get in better shape.
In Summary
Every airsoft beginner can have a lot of fun with a reliable airsoft gun with backup, the right protection gear, and the accessories they need. As a beginner, it’s best to start with the must-have arsenal and build from there, if you want more.
