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shooting-sports/airsoft

Airsoft

Airsoft is a sport using replica firearms that shoot 6mm plastic BBs. Unlike paintball, hits are honor-based (players call their own hits).

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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

TypeBest 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
OCT
2

Sig Match

Competition

Sig Match at Timberline Firearms & Training: Shooting Range, Rentals, and ... in AZ. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.

Friday, October 2, 2026
Timberline Firearms & Training: Shooting Range, Rentals, and ...Timberline Firearms & Training: Shooting Range, Rentals, and ..., Unknown, AZ
View details
OCT
2

👥LIMITED MEMBERS 8AM TILL 4PM

Competition

Annual dues $130.00 for 1 year. No range fee. Guests must still pay $10.00 each visit and must fill out waiver with each visit. (digital waivers can also be kept on file and on the guest's person as a means of compliance.) Limited Members can shoot at Main Range with RSO Staff present. Limited Members can shoot at shogun range when open with RSO Staff present. Limited Members can shoot any WEGC match. RANGE IS OPEN FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY. 8am-4pm except on Major Holidays/Mother's Day, when they fall on Fri, Sat, Sun. If the weather is threatening, the range masters will close early. Closures for weather, fire, etc. will be posted. REMEMBER - ONLY 2 guests can come with you each time.

Friday, October 2, 2026
W.E.G.C. (West End Gun Club)W.E.G.C. (West End Gun Club), Devore, CA
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OCT
2

Junior Precision Smallbore: Clubhouse & Indoor Range

Training
Youth

Cascade Junior Smallbore Team classroom sessions and shooting

Friday, October 2, 2026
RangesRanges, North Bend, WA
View details
OCT
2

Sporting Clay Event

Competition

Sporting Clay Event at Sporting Clay Course Closed due to this event in Boulder City, NV. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.

Friday, October 2, 2026• 00:00:00
Sporting Clay Course Closed due to this eventSporting Clay Course Closed due to this event, Boulder City, NV
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OCT
2

Board Meeting

Training

The Range Board Meeting is open to all members. Board meetings are held in the classroom.

Friday, October 2, 2026• 12:00:00
Red Cliffs RifleRed Cliffs Rifle, Hurricane, UT
View details
OCT
2

Shotgun/Archery Hours are 9am to 5pm

Training

An archery event that may include target archery, 3D archery, field archery, or open shooting. Most clubs welcome compound, recurve, and traditional bows unless a specific discipline is noted. Target archery -- Fixed distances at paper or electronic targets 3D archery -- Walk-through course with life-size foam animal targets Field archery -- Roving course with marked or unmarked distances Bow (compound, recurve, or traditional per event rules) Arrows (6-12 minimum for most events) Release aid, arm guard, finger tab as needed Binoculars or spotting scope (for longer distances) Contact Renton Fish & Game Club for the specific format, distance, and any pre-registration requirements.

Friday, October 2, 2026
Renton Fish & Game ClubRenton Fish & Game Club, Renton, WA