Post by CAC001 on Dec 22, 2006 1:05:02 GMT -7
Here's some text from cheyenneairsoftcombat.bravehost.com/aboutas.html explaining the basics of airsoft-
Airsoft is a sport in which players participate in the simulation of military- or law enforcement-style combat using replicas of real firearms, called airsoft guns.
The sport has its roots in late 1970s Asia, where firearms were difficult or impossible to obtain due to local laws and gun hobbyists sought a legal alternative for enjoying their passion. It is therefore obvious that airsoft is still today most popular in several Asian regions. The vast majority of airsoft guns, accessories, and aftermarket upgrade parts are also manufactured in these countries.
Airsoft guns use spring (manual), gas (green/red gas or CO2), or electric (a variety of batteries) power to propel a plastic (or sometimes aluminum) 6mm bb at speeds from 150-500 feet per second (fps). Most stock automatic electric guns (AEGs) fire around 260-290 fps, and most lower-quality airsoft guns fire around 190-250 fps. Here is a page listing common airsoft terms and abbreviations- www.cheyenneairsoft.proboards74.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1137437890. Almost all airsoft guns are built to a 1:1 scale of the real steel weapon they're replicating. In fact, airsoft guns are so realistic that many police departments and military units use these weapons for combat training, as airsoft is cheap, realistic, and simple. Overall, airsoft is a sport with similarities to laser tag and paintball, but on a much more milsim (military simulation) level.