Airsoft is a thrilling pastime enjoyed by people all over the world.  Airsoft uses replica guns that fire 6mm plastic BBs and are designed for recreational shooting, survival games, military simulation, reenactments, or just plain old collecting.  Airsoft Guns are available in a wide range of styles and models, including airsoft rifles, airsoft pistols, airsoft revolvers, airsoft sniper, airsoft shotguns, airsoft grenade launchers, and airsoft machineguns.  Many airsoft guns can shoot a combination of full-auto, semi-auto, and burst modes.  Many popular models from the actual gun world are represented in airsoft, including Glock, Sig Sauer, H&K, Colt, Kalashnikov, Smith & Wesson, FN, and many more.  Airsoft also encompasses a wide variety of airsoft gear and airsoft accessories including airsoft grenades, airsoft masks, airsoft goggles, airsoft suppressors, and much more.   For you as the player, equipment might include a tactical vest, helmet, pistol holster, magazine pouches, and much more.  All these help to simulate real-life combat in a way that is as realistic as possible while still being completely safe. If you're new to airsoft, read our article that explains what is airsoft or what is an airsoft gun.

Airsoft is designed for players to shoot at each other in simulated combat, so they are not designed to injure.  But they can hurt from a little to a lot depending on the power of the Airsoft gun, and how close you get shot from.  The best way to describe how it feels to get hit by an airsoft gun is to imagine getting stung by a stretched rubber band that is released at point-blank range to your arm.  The pain is skin-deep and is more like a sting, although some higher-power guns may leave a bruise, and even break skin if shot from close range.  Airsoft guns are sometimes confused with Airguns or BB Guns.  These guns shoot 4.5mm, or .177 Caliber metal BBs or diablo pellets, which are not intended for shooting at players.  Read more about Airsoft Guns Vs BB Guns.  If you are familiar with Paintball, then read about Airsoft Vs Paintball.  Airsoft Guns are toys that are not designed to injure.  Similar to paintball or other shooting sports, we recommend players use appropriate protective equipment including an airsoft goggle, airsoft mask, airsoft helmet, airsoft vest, airsoft gloves, and clothing that covers your extremities from being hit directly by BBs.  Read more on Do Airsoft Guns Hurt.

Airsoft is enjoyed by people of all ages, with a range of Airsoft guns that cater to different roles and player abilities.   Twelve  years old is usually the minimum age to play at airsoft fields, but children can start earlier with proper adult supervision, or if they can understand and adhere to muzzle discipline and avoid pointing an airsoft gun at anybody without their consent.  Many younger players graduate from playing Nerf once they can handle more range and accuracy.  Airsoft is quite safe when played properly with the correct protective equipment, most importantly for the eyes.  A full face mask is recommended to protect against chipping teeth should a BB inadvertently hit someone in the mouth.  Read more about How old to play airsoft: a guide for parents and kids.

Yes, Airsoft guns are legal in most countries but the laws regulating them can vary.   Airsoft is outright banned in a few countries including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and China for example.  In New Zealand, you need a permit to import.  In the UK, you need to be a member of the UKARA association to own a replica in its original form, or else you need to have it 50% painted in bright bold colors.  It is completely legal in most countries within the EU and the United States, although the US and Italy require a permanently affixed orange to differentiate them from real guns.

California residents require additional blue tape affixed to a combination of the grip, trigger guard, stock and magazine.  Many countries also impose maximum power limits on airsoft guns, including Japan and Korea where they are completely legal but heavily regulated.  US residents can read our article on Airsoft gun Laws by State.

Congratulations on discovering Airsoft, a lifelong hobby and pastime you can enjoy.  If you’re interested in airsoft, read about what to wear for airsoft, airsoft equipment, recommended airsoft loadout, and the airsoft rules and games.  If you can meet other like-minded players or get your friends to start, learn how to start an airsoft team and challenging yourselves to different airsoft game types.  Or take a trip back in time and read about the history of airsoft.  We recommend you explore our library of resources in our airsoft blogs, where you will learn how airsoft guns work, are airsoft guns accurate, how far can airsoft guns shoot, and what is airsoft plinking.

If you are ready to get your first airsoft gun, then some good places to start reading include how much does airsoft cost, or browse our list of Best Airsoft Guns, Best Airsoft Guns for Beginners, What Is an AEG: A Guide to Electric Airsoft Guns, and What Is An Airsoft Hop-Up And Why You Need It.  Don’t forget to watch our vast library of airsoft videos on RedWolf TV, voted best Video Podcast and Youtube Channel by the publicly voted Player’s Choice Awards.

If you’re starting out on a budget, then check out our airsoft deals.  Or find the airsoft gun you want by gun model, where you can find popular styles like an airsoft Glock pistol, 1911 airsoft pistol, airsoft Desert Eagle pistol, airsoft AR 15 rifle, and airsoft AK47 rifle.

Since 1998, we are the biggest airsoft online store in the world and ship to the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, New Zealand, and more.  So start your journey right here and we'll do our best to guide you along as you discover the world of Airsoft.