Airsoft Guns: Firearms Or Toys?

By Anthony Carter

Hearing the word guns makes you think of weapons and firearms. However, some guns are used for recreational purposes, collecting, sports, and battle. Surprisingly, some can even be used for fun. Airsoft guns are toy replicas of traditional firearms used for target practicing and fun. What exactly are airsoft guns you ask?

Airsoft guns are for recreational purposes only. They are designed after firearms however they do not shot regular bullets; they expel pellets usually made from a soft metal such as cooper or plastic. The pellets are driven from the gun by either a spring or compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or propane. Traditional firearms expel bullets which are usually made up of lead and some sort of explosive material which creates a fire or explosion propelling the bullet out of the barrel.

These toy guns are fun but they should be treated and used with care. Recreational facilities often require users to be age 18 but there are some that will allow users age 16 and older to use airsoft guns. Airsoft guns are great for teaching proper handling of firearms and for practicing shooting with. It is recommended that protective gear be used when playing with these guns. The plastic pellets will usually not penetrate the skin but there are cases where they can when used at certain distances and when the pellets are soft metal.

Manufactured in the 1970's in Japan, the airsoft guns were originally produced with springs. It was later on in the 1990's when compressed gas was used as the firing mechanism in these guns. The airsoft guns became popular in the United States after the compressed gas firing mechanism was introduced. Anyone selling or using an airsoft gun in the United States was required to have the tip painted blaze orange as a safety precaution.

Airsoft guns can come in many different models and some are true replicas of the actual firearms. When purchasing an airsoft gun you need to make sure that you are not purchasing on that does not have trademark rights, because some do not and are considered illegal.

As with most guns, airsoft guns also have additional accessories that can be purchased. Imitation clips, magazines, sites and spotlights are just some of the accessories available. They can be modeled after real gun accessories to allow for an exact copy of the real thing. Airsoft guns can range from cheap to very expensive depending on the upgrades for accuracy and velocity.

Airsoft guns can have their firing mechanism built inside or can be mounted outside much like a paintball gun. There are also older electric models which have batteries that are rechargeable. The most popular though are the spring and compressed gas airsoft guns.

Airsoft guns are very similar to the classic BB gun but with the similarities of real guns. They shot plastic pellets, are modeled after real guns and are used for recreational fun. This toy gun is apparently much safer than a real gun and can be utilized for training and fun. Airsoft guns make great additions for any one that loves guns and having fun with guns. - 31373

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