Airsoft is a combat sport or recreational hobby developed in Japan a few decades ago. It involves firing pellets from replica firearms either at targets or in airsoft games which are organized situations and battles in which teams fight each other. It’s easy and inexpensive to get started. All you need is a gun, some ammo and a place to shoot. So how do you get started?
One of the great things about airsoft is its scalability. You can start off with a basic, low cost gun and upgrade later if you wish. Some people are happy to do some target practice a few times a month, others live for elaborate airsoft games or skirmishes which last for hours and even days and require high-end guns along with a host of accessories such as uniforms, sights and protection equipment.
The choice is yours. But it’s always best to start off small to see if this sport is for you. You can pick up a basic spring airsoft gun for around $50 and that together with a box of pellets is enough to get you started. You can set up your own shooting area with targets or you can go to a public firing range or gun club and take it from there.
These spring airsoft guns or ‘springers’ as they’re known are easy to operate. You just cock the weapon before use. When buying a springer you have the choice of handguns or rifles.
The only drawback of springers is that they only fire single rounds. For automatic firing, you’ll need to upgrade to a gas or electric powered gun.