About airsoft
What is Airsoft?
Airsoft has a relative long history. Designed and marketed in the United States about 30 years ago by a major BB gun manufacturer. AirSoft was conceptualized as a new approach in BB gun application. In place of the utilitarian air gun designed for hunting, the AirSoft BB gun was created with a pure recreational application in mind. It was created for people who enjoy target practicing or indoor plinking with friends. Individuals who are not concerned about the high power hunting application of a BB or pellet gun but just wanted to have Fun. This is exactly where AirSoft BB guns fit in.
The design of the AirSoft BB gun centers on a unique propulsion system utilizing a small amount of air to accurately shoot lightweight plastic BB pellets. This design philosophy resulted in a BB gun, which generates a much less damaging projectile that is still accurate enough to be FUN. As the AirSoft product matured, manufacturers added another feature, which drew hobbyist and collectors alike to AirSoft. By modeling AirSoft BB guns after world famous pistols and rifles, an entire line of Replica AirSoft products were created. This created a huge splash not only here in the United States, but it also brought this hobby to the rest of the world. Italy, Japan and many Asian countries caught the craze and took the development of AirSoft to new heights.
Over several generations of development and constant improvement, AirSoft BB guns are now returning to the United States with newer and better designs. The highly matured plastic polymer technology industry in Asia has created a new generation of AirSoft BB guns with amazing durability and detail. Adding to its hobby collector market, the new AirSoft BB guns have created new uses in firearm safety training, movie productions, replica collecting, and recreational sport. Partly due to our history, the attraction and availability to firearms and its associated shooting sports run deep in the United States. AirSoft guns offer a potential alternative for the hobbyist, collector, and shooter. The combination of realism, safety, flexibility, and low cost makes AirSoft more appealing to the average consumer who would like to exercise his or her steady eye/hand coordination without the inherent dangers. (Safety glasses must still be worn for protection)
Technical Information
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Technical Information
Er is vandaag de dag een hele selectie airsoft replica wapens beschikbaar. Van de colt en de AK tot Steyr AUG en Desert Eagle. Maar hoe deze guns nu te gebruiken? Er zijn drie verschillende soorten pistolen: electriciteit,gas en een handmatig vuur systeem. Het meganisme werkt eigenlijk heel simpel. Je spant de veer, deze veer haakt als hij volledig gespannen is. Bij het overhalen van de trekker schiet deze veer met een grote kracht langs een zuiger. De zuiger zorgt voor luchtdruk die de BB met een grote vaart wegschiet. De exacte configuratie is natuurlijk afhankelijk van elk soort geweer. Airsoft replica wapens schieten vrijwel allemaal standaard van af +- 276 voet per seconde, wat ongeveer neerkomt op +- 95 meter per seconde. Met electriciteit en gas mechanismen kan je ongeveer 30 tot 50 meter nauwkeurig schieten. Met een enkel een veer systeem ligt dat anders. Verder dan 15 meter kom je niet met een veer, en na zo´n 8 tot 10 meter wordt deze erg inaccuraat. Veel fabrikanten is het gelukt om onder licensie deze wapens na te mogen maken volgens 100% identiek design, inclusief logo's, trademarks etc. Meestal passen er ook veel echte onderelen en accesoires op (kijkers, standaarden etc.). Tevens kun je op onze website enkele blueprints vinden waar alle onderdelen in beschreven staan en hoe ze in elkaar te zetten.
Spring
Stylized after all of the world’s famous firearms: automatics, competition/race guns, submachine pistol, carbines, bull pups, and sniper rifles are readily available in spring air powered category. A large selection of these spring/air AirSoft BB guns are available from us. They are true to scale and some are true to weight and easy to operate. Excellent for collecting and recreational use. Because of their maintenance free design and their affordability, these are excellent entry level AirSoft guns to promote and cultivate new hobby enthusiasts. This class of AirSoft products is very durable and have extremely low failure rate.
How do they work...Just pull back the slide which is at the top of the gun for each shot.With the aid of simple manpower, a piston head within a cylinder moves rearward to draw air into the cylinder and compresses the spring behind the piston. At the end of the piston head’s travel, a hook or "sear" engages the piston and holds it in place with the spring at full compression. When the trigger is pulled, the sear releases the piston, allowing it to travel forward from the energy released by the compressed spring. The air pressure generated inside the cylinder creates a jet of air that propels the BB and sends it on it’s way through the barrel and outward to the target. A simple process as this, earns the simple designation of "Air" or "Spring" gun classification in AirSoft. Sizes and materials of cylinders, pistons, and springs will vary depending on the gun configuration.
Gas
Truly the most effective in AirSoft gun performance runs on a gas driven mechanism. Models utilizing such a compact operation include a large line of automatics, revolvers, and rifles. All are manufactured to a high degree of surface detail and dimension. Sub-categories of gas powered AirSoft guns include "Non-Blowback" and Blowback" models. Function and realism is experienced much better with the action of "Blowback" gas guns that are not only more powerful, but heavier in weight. However the Non-Blowback is a great entry in the gas guns because of less moving parts and less to break down.
Low-temperature carbon dioxide (CO2), Freon, and "green gas" are the most popular of gases used. The gas is either injected into a reservoir chamber within the gun or magazine or attached to an exterior assembly containing the gas canister and an expansion tank. Activated by the trigger, gas is released at a valve atop the reservoir or from the expansion tank, depending on the design. The small amount of cold gas reacts with the warmer atmosphere, expands instantly, and is channeled through a directed nozzle at the BB. The resulting pressure launches the BB out of the barrel toward its intended target. The label "Gas Gun" will be used to address any gun with this type of design mechanism in the AirSoft category.
The latest AirSoft gas operation incorporates the "Blowback" effect; a simulation of the slide action in actual gun firing. Essentially, the Blowback effect is created by directing the gas to an interior chamber within the slide of the AirSoft gun, causing it to move rearwards from the expanding gas, hence the "Blowback" action. The slide compresses a metal spring, which forces it to move forward as the gas escapes. In its movement, a BB is collected from the magazine and placed into the barrel, and readies the gun for the next trigger pull. Being a highly modified Gas Gun, this class of AirSoft gun will be identified as a "Gas Blowback" AirSoft Gun. All gas guns that do not incorporate this type of gas actuated slide mechanism will be labeled simply "Gas Gun" or "Gas Non-Blowback" AirSoft Gun.
To load gas hold both Green gas canister and AirSoft gas magazine upside down, insert canister nozzle into the gas charging port on the bottom plate of the gas magazine. Make sure valves match and is aligned. Press down on the gas canister in 3 short jabbing motions. This should adequately charge the gas reservoir inside the magazine. Each charge should be good for 2 - 3 fills of BB’s. Pressurized gas is cold, keep hands away from the immediate surrounding of the gas port when charging. Do not continuously recharge the magazine when it gets too cold. Rotate magazines or let the magazine warm up before recharge. Leak could occur if seals are frozen or cracked.
Electrics (AEG/AEP)
The highest popularity with AirSoft variant guns are termed "Air Electric" guns. The electric powered mechanisms are usually encased in a large gun with a high capacity magazine along the scale of a submachine gun or rifle configuration. Most are finely detailed while some are equipped with functional accessories and components. Other unique selections in this category are the science fiction guns from popular movies and the cute, compressed "Mini AirSoft" guns, which are basically stubby and exaggerated copies of actual rifles and submachine guns. The Mini's are a great start for getting into Airsoft.
The Electric AirSoft BB Guns incorporate a battery powered motor, transmission gearing, and circuit board onto the air piston assembly. Instead of manually cocking the piston head for every shot, the motor and gears perform the cocking action and release of the piston at the moment of trigger pull. The speed at which the motor and gears perform the entire action is within a fraction of a second, allowing for near instantaneous firing response. The circuit board is hooked up directly to the trigger pull for each shot. A constant pull on the trigger with the selector dial at full allows for a constant electrical stream from the battery to the motor, keeping the entire firing system in continuous motion until pressure is let off of the trigger. Recent advances in Air Electric design even allows for the user to control the number of shots fired during burst mode by adjusting the circuit board setting.
Hop-Up
The basic theory of Hop-Up is spin theory. When the BB bullet is shot, there is a friction put on the upper side of BB Bullet, the BB bullet spins up-ward. The power of spin can offset the affection of gravity, wind power, air friction.... and push the BB bullet fly to farther distances.
Beginners guide Beginners Informations
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Beginners Information
Start with an AEG
Duidelijk is dat je eerst een keus moet maken uit het grote aantal AEG's dat in de markt is. Dit varieerd van de M16 series tot de P90. Hier een checklist wat er verder nog allemaal bij komt kijken:
* Een AEG gun.
* Een batterij die past in je geweer. Deze zijn er in verschillende maten en verschillende vermogens.
* Een groot aantal 0.2g of 0.25g BBs. Het gaat namelijk erg snel met de BBs als je met 12 kogels per seconde schiet.
* Een BB fles, dit maakt het laden een stuk makkelijker. Ideaal is een automatische lader.
* Een batterij oplader. AEGs gebruiken oplaadbare batterijen die opgeladen moeten worden om de zoveel tijd.
* Een ontlader. Ontladen is van groot belang om de capaciteit van je batterij te behouden. Sommige laders hebben beide functties!
* Wat smeer middel zoals silicone spray. Dit om het wapen in goede conditie te houden.
* En je hebt uiteraard bescherming nodig, minimaal goede oogbescherming in de vorm van een veiligheidsbril of een paintball masker.
Dit zijn de standaard onderdelen die je nodig zal hebben. de meeste fanatiekelingen upgraden het wapen ook nog eens met scopes, slings, combat gear etc. Het voordeel van een AEG wapen is dat het geen ectra benodigdheden gebruikt zoals gas bijvoorbeeld. Daar en tegen zijn de aanschafkosten wel hoger. Onderandere omdat je ook een aantal batterijen nodig hebt met oplader. Een goede AEG kost ongeveer 300 euro. De totale set komt dan op minsten 400 euro neer! Gelukkig word bij verenigingen ook de optie geboden om een AEG te huren.
Start with a Gas Gun
Uiteraard heb je een gas gun nodig. Enkele zeer goede merken zijn Tokyo Marui, Western Arms en KSC. Hier een checklist:
* Een goede Gas Gun.
* Aardig wat 0.2g of 0.25g BBs
* Een fles met gas, HFC134a of HFC22 (dit hangt of van je gun).
* Een BB fles helpt weer bij het laden van je magazijn.
* En je hebt uiteraard bescherming nodig, minimaal goede oogbescherming in de vorm van een veiligheidsbril of een paintball masker.
Het voordeel van een gas gun is dat het toch aardig wat power levert en toch vrij compact is. Nadelig is wel dat het gas verbruik aardig kan oplopen! Overigens is het ook aan te raden om een aantal extra magazijnen te nemen in verband met het vullen van gas. EEn goede gas gun kost ongeveer 150 euro. Een totale set rond de 200 euro.
Start with a Spring Gun
Als je start met een spring gun heb je het volgende nodig:
* Uiteraard een spring gun.
* Een aantal 0.2g of 0.25g BBs.
* Een BB fles, dit maakt het laden een stuk makkelijker. Ideaal is een automatische lader.
* Wat smeer middel zoals silicone spray. Dit om het wapen in goede conditie te houden.
* En je hebt uiteraard bescherming nodig, minimaal goede oogbescherming in de vorm van een veiligheidsbril of een paintball masker.
Een spring gun is de goedkoopste manier om te airsoften. Het gebruik is zeer eenvoudig en onderhoud is laag. Maar vergeet niet dat deze guns veel inder power hebben en maximaal maar 15 meter schieten! Toch kun je er veel fun mee hebben. Een goede springer kost ongeveer 50 euro. Met de 70 euro ben je ongeveer wel klaar. Airsoft gaming rules
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Airsoft gaming rules
Obviously there are several rules so the game will remain fun to play....
General Rules- Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
- All operators must use hard lens type goggle or glasses that have a tight seal around the face.
- Dead men do not talk! When being hit go to the safetyzone as soon as possible.
- Max FPS is 350 for AEG's and 500 for sniper and semi-automatic replica's.
- Transport your weapon in a case, do not use your replica in public because it looks very realistic.
- Do not threaten anybody with your replica.
- Only aim at people that participate in-game.
- Before you buy a replica, please ensure airsoft is legal in your country and importing it is also legal.
- Airsoft has nothing to do with terrorism, para-military groups or what so ever. We consider this as a sport and have no political reasons.
Between games- Don't fire your replica when not neccesary.
- Do not damage or steal other mans property.
- Play honest! Airsoft is a gentleman game. Cheaters will not be tolerated!
- Marshals decisions are final.
- Use only Airsoft replica, all other arms are refuse.
How the games is played
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How the game is played
Airsoft is a game played within a reasonably large predetermined area where the target is to take out your oponents by "hitting" them with a BB. Airsoft games usually function on an "honor system" since the BBs do not mark your oponents when hit. This because an airsoft BB is made of plastic and generally do not leave any visible marks on clothing. It is generally accepted that when a player is hit, they will declare it, usually by raising their hand, shouting something like "HIT!", and then leaving the area. Airosft can be played in a lot of different games types. Some just play for fun, others play very serious mission-based games. Every player has his own preferences. Find here some games that are played quite often during Airsoft.
Role-playing Game
A role-playing game (also known as RPG) is a type of game in which the participants assume the roles of characters and collaboratively create stories. Participants determine the actions of their characters based on their characterization, and the actions succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines. Within the rules, they may improvise freely; their choices shape the direction and outcome of the games.
Re-enactment
On occasion, airsoft games will be played in which the structure and/or conditions are designed re-play a specific real-world battle as a form of historical or modern reenactment, depending on the historical period. This type of play can vary from a simple skirmish emulating a small-scale battle to a full reenactment of for example the Battle of the Bulge. For earlier historical eras such as that of World War II, equipment restrictions may be imposed on players for some historical accuracy. How closely the historically-based airsoft game replicates the historical battle is up to the game organizer. Sometimes a historic battle will merely be inspiration for the structure of a standard skirmish, while sometimes the players may be actual reenactors seeking another way to enjoy their hobby.br>
Mil Sim
Military Simulation generally combines airsoft play with some military live action elements. Several goals or missions are assigned to each team as a foundation for confrontation in firefights and other simulated military-style combat. In contrast to a standard skirmish, which can be played in under an hour and repeated several times per day, MilSim games put less emphasis on speed and more emphasis on military tactics, such as scouting, land navigation, patrolling, and movement to contact. As a result, MilSim games are usually scheduled to last between 3 and 6 hours (or longer) and can often run over an entire weekend. Another aspect of MilSim-style airsoft gaming that ties into the live action element is the global desire for players to look and feel the part they are playing. Hence, MilSim-style games may have uniform or clothing requirements specific to the scenario being played.
Mission Based
A mission objective based game is a game with a mission included in the game. For example finding materials, finding hostages, blowing up bridges etc. etc.
Enduring
Enduring game are games that are played over a long time period, often more than 24 hours. You need to load yourself complete to be fully operational the whole game. Missions during the game may be played and there might be some ammo limits. Play airsoft the diehard way...
Speedball/Capture the flag
There are two teams. Each team has their own base with a flag that the other team is trying to retrieve and take back to their own base. The flag must be carried clearly visible.
Close Quarters Combat (CQC)/ Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
Close quarters battle (CQB) or close quarters combat (CQC) is characterized by rapid offensive action and the precise application of lethal force in very close proximity to the targets. Because of the close proximity of the targets (threats) during assault operations, operators must make split-second decisions and take appropriate actions in order to save lives and limit collateral damage. Airsoft is ideal to play these kind of games, the only problem often is to find an appropriate location where to play. An old fatory or industry area seems to be ideal.
Hostage Rescue
Two separated teams. The first team is divided into “Hostages” and “Rescuers” while the second team is “Guards”. The hostages are spread to different locations. The rescuers can hold additional airsoft weapons to supply the hostages. At lease 50% of the hostages must survive for the first team to win. Legal Issues
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Legal issues
Airsoft is in most parts in Europe legal or just not regulated. However there are some strict rules in the western part of Europe. In Germany and England there are some strict regulations. Unfortunately in The Netherlands airsoft is totally illegal, most of the players have to play in Belgium or Germany! Find below an overview of Europe with the status of Airsoft. For most up-to-date information and details find this page on WikiPedia.
Legenda:
= Legal
= Illegal
= Limits
= Unknown Airsoft Manufacturers
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Airsoft manufacturers
Airsoft replica's are made by really a lot of manufacturers. Airsoft becomes more and more popular so a lot of companies try to enter the market. A lot of new and companies who copy replica's appear online. Some well known high quality airsoft manufacturers are Tokyo Marui, ICS, Classic Army and SYSTEMA. A big advantage of all these traditional and new companies are that there is some more competition and much more airsoft models are made. Nearly all real steal weapons can be found as airsoft replica. For example from Colt Firearms, Heckler & Koch, Fabrique National, Benelli, Baretta and many more. Most weapons are made of ABS plastic with some metal parts. Very popular these days are the full metal replica's with metal barrels and metal bodies which make it even more realistic. Offcourse there is also a whole after market of airsoft accesoires and clothing made by a lot of manufacturers.