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Photo: Petr Kadlec / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
01 // LEARN
#01
What is Airsoft?
Understanding this shooting discipline
Airsoft is a sport using replica firearms that shoot 6mm plastic BBs. Unlike paintball, hits are honor-based (players call their own hits). The sport appeals to those interested in military simulation, realistic gear, and tactical gameplay.
Milsim (military simulation) events emphasize realism, tactics, and immersion. Speedsoft prioritizes fast-paced gameplay similar to speedball. Casual skirmishes fall between these extremes. Many players enjoy collecting and customizing realistic replicas.
Types & Variations
Milsim (military simulation, multi-day events)
Speedsoft (fast-paced, tournament style)
CQB (close quarters battle, indoor)
Outdoor Skirmish (casual games)
Historical/Period (WWII, Vietnam reenactment)
02 // START
#02
Getting Started with Airsoft
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into airsoft doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
1Airsoft gun (AEG recommended for beginners)
2Battery and charger (for AEG)
3Full seal eye protection (ANSI Z87.1+ rated)
4Face protection (lower face mesh or full mask)
5BBs (quality 0.20g-0.28g)
6Extra magazines
7Appropriate clothing and boots
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
1Call your hits honestly (honor system)
2Full seal eye protection required at all times
3FPS limits vary by field (typically 350-400 fps)
4Minimum engagement distances for high-powered guns
5No blind firing
6Barrel cover or magazine out in safe zones
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
Start with an AEG from a reputable brand (G&G, CYMA, Specna Arms)
Good eye protection is not negotiable; buy quality
Heavier BBs (0.25g+) improve accuracy outdoors
Dress for the environment; you will be crawling and sliding
Honesty about hits matters; cheaters get banned
What Does Airsoft Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
Getting Started
$150-300
Basic equipment to begin
Competitive Setup
$500-1,500+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Per event/match:$20-40 entry, BBs vary
Ammo per session:$10-30 (5000 rounds)
Hidden costs to consider: A reliable AEG ($150-250), quality eye protection ($30-60), and face protection ($20-40) are the essentials.
Airsoft Gun Types
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| AEG (Electric) Battery-powered, reliable, consistent. Most popular choice. | Beginners and most players; best all-around option |
| Gas Blowback Realistic recoil and operation. Temperature sensitive. | Realism enthusiasts, training applications |
| Spring/Bolt Action Manual cock each shot. Snipers and shotguns. | Sniper roles, budget entry, backup guns |
03 // ASK
#03
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about airsoft
New to airsoft? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about airsoft. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
Airsoft uses smaller 6mm plastic BBs and relies on honor (players call their own hits). Paintball uses larger paint-filled balls that leave visible marks. Airsoft guns are typically more realistic replicas.
Automatic Electric Gun. Battery-powered, uses a motor and gearbox to compress air. Most popular type due to reliability, cost, and ease of use.
Gas guns (GBB) offer realistic blowback and feel. AEGs are more consistent, especially in cold weather. Most beginners start with AEG, add gas guns later.
BBs sting, especially at close range or on bare skin. Less impact than paintball typically. Appropriate clothing provides adequate protection.
Most fields limit rifles to 350-400 FPS with 0.20g BBs. DMRs and snipers may be allowed higher with minimum engagement distances. Check your local field rules.
04 // FIND
#04
Upcoming Events
Find airsoft events near you
View details
JUN
2
Intro to Action Pistol
Competition
This course will introduce new shooters to the world of Action Shooting Competition by providing them with an understanding of the safety rules, scoring rules and fundamental action shooting skills. The course is designed to provide you with everything you need to safely and successfully complete your first action shooting match. Why do you want to compete in action shooting? Improve your shooting skills Have Fun Compete for prizes and awards Equipment Checklist Eye and Ear Protection Safe a
Tuesday, June 2, 2026• 18:00:00
The Range at lake NormanThe Range at lake Norman, Cornelius, NC
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JUN
2
Conservation/Recreation Tuesday
Competition
Use of the IWLA Frederick #1 Chapter property on Tuesdays for conservation and outdoors recreation will have priority over use of the gun range. The gun range may be used on Tuesday if the property is not currently being used for conservation or outdoor recreational use, but the gun range must be closed when members wish to use the property for conservation or outdoor recreational purposes.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Frederick Chapter #1 - Izaak Walton LeagueFrederick Chapter #1 - Izaak Walton League, Frederick, MD
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JUN
2
Sporting Clays
Shotgun Sports
Sporting Clays
Sporting clays is a dynamic shotgun event where you move through a course shooting at clay targets that mimic real game bird flight patterns. It's the thinking person's clays game—every station presents different angles, distances, and presentations to keep you honest. You'll walk a course shooting 50-100 targets per round across varied terrain. Each station throws targets differently, so you're adapting your setup and reading birds constantly instead of repeating the same shot. Brings out weaknesses in your technique fast.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Brooklyn Sportsman's ClubBrooklyn Sportsman's Club, Brooklyn, MI
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JUN
2
High School Trap
Competition
Trap
Trap Fields and Clubhouse For more information please contact Sean Grundon
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Siuslaw Rod & Gun ClubSiuslaw Rod & Gun Club, Florence, OR
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JUN
2
Bi-Monthly Board Meeting
Competition
Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/ztp-gfwo-mew Or dial: (US) +1 781-514-9234 PIN: 808584469# More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ztp-gfwo-mew?pin=6796480617048&hs=7 Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Golden High Country ArchersGolden High Country Archers, Golden, CO
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JUN
2
Intro to magazine fed shotguns
Training
Instructor
Have a new magazine fed shotgun? We now offer a class to help you set up and get started on using your new magazine fed shotgun. Start off in the class with one of our NRA certified instructors. Then head out to The Range for some live fire practice. Did we mention this is for magazine fed shotguns only? If you have a tube feed shotgun we have a class for you. Items: At least one extra magazine A way to hold or carry extra magazines 50 shot shells (Buckshot or slug only) A magazine fed shotgun
Tuesday, June 2, 2026• 18:00:00
The Range at Ballantyne, IncThe Range at Ballantyne, Inc, Indian Land, SC
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline