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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
MAY
13
F.S.A. 2026 Handicap Pistol League
Competition
F.S.A. Handicap Pistol League (Larry Long) [email protected] 513-617-4160 a. Schedule April 1, 2026 –Week 1 September 30, 2026 Week 26 (Last day)* b. Fees $4.00 Member $5.00 Non-Member c. Starting Time A.M. Range Open 9am, start 10:00 am—end by 1:00 pm P.M. Range open 4:00pm—end by 7:00 pm d. To qualify for Awards you must fire a minimum of 13 matches e. In case of range closure you will be notified by email as soon as possible f. Format same as 2025 Handicap Pistol Lea
Wednesday, May 13, 2026• 09:00:00
Pistol Left SidePistol Left Side, Harrison, OH
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MAY
13
Urban Rifle Course, - - 75% Deposit
Competition
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0273/5063/0470/files/DSC02634dcca670-88cf-4919-9386-9be026f22f89.jpg?v=1702525109 https://rogersshootingschool.com/products/advanced-pistol-with-optional-combat-shotgun-class-may-17-may-22-2026-75-deposit 2026-01-19T20:41:13-05:00
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Rogers Shooting SchoolRogers Shooting School, Unknown, GA
View details
MAY
13
Trap Fields Open
Shotgun Sports
Trap
Trap is one of the three major clay target disciplines. Shooters stand at five stations arranged in a semicircle behind a single trap house and fire at targets launched away from them at varying angles. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Targets per round | 25 (5 per station) | | Gauge | 12 ga. most common; sub-gauge events exist | | Skill level | All levels welcome | Shotgun (12, 20, or 28 gauge) Ammunition (target loads, typically 7.5 or 8 shot) Eye and ear protection (required) Hat or visor recommended Contact Millvale Sportmen's Club directly for current fees, start times, and any pre-registration requirements.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026• 18:30:00
Millvale Sportmen's ClubMillvale Sportmen's Club, Glenshaw, PA
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MAY
13
Corporate Medical Training
Competition
Corporate Medical Training at Independence Training in AZ. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026• 00:00:00
Independence TrainingIndependence Training, Unknown, AZ
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MAY
13
Ladies Only - Bear Safety Foundations - Anchorage B.O.W
Competition
Ladies
Instructor
Becoming an Outdoors Woman – Ladies Only Event! Registration opens 1 month prior, details are linked here. Limited seats available! Learn to Safely Enjoy the Alaskan Wilderness! An engaging multi-media presentation is brought to you by knowledgeable instructors who have spent a lifetime in the backcountry gaining personal experience from (literally) hundreds of positive AND negative bear encounters. We bring you this class not as a book-based curriculum but from experience. We want nothing mo
Wednesday, May 13, 2026• 17:30:00
Rabbit Creek Shooting ParkRabbit Creek Shooting Park, Anchorage, AK
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MAY
13
Open Trap starts at Noon
Shotgun Sports
Trap
Open Trap is open to the public Club contact: [email protected]
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Foundation (CCSSEF)Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Foundation (CCSSEF), Keene, NH
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline