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Do Airsoft Guns Hurt?
If you’re an airsoft beginner or are looking to learn more, you might wonder whether airsoft guns actually hurt. This can be a common concern for newcomers.
Despite the fact that airsoft guns look a lot like real guns, the experience of being hit by one is not enough to spoil the enjoyment of airsoft.
We'll guide you through the sensation of being shot by an airsoft gun, the factors that influence the level of discomfort, and some strategies to alleviate pain.
What Does It Feel Like To Get Shot With an Airsoft Gun?
Getting hit by an airsoft BB isn't usually painful, but feelings can vary. If a BB hits bare skin, it's generally like a sharp flick or pinch.
However, the closer the range and the less clothing you wear, the more painful it is. For example, a hit to the neck from close range is quite uncomfortable.
There are a few key factors that impact the level of pain experienced:
- Distance: Closer shots hurt more.
- Clothing: More clothes reduce pain.
- Body Part: Sensitive areas like the neck or ribs feel more painful.
- BB Speed: Faster BBs hurt more.
Compared to other projectiles, airsoft BBs are typically regarded as less painful than paintballs, which are heavier and have more energy, measured in joules. Paintballs can leave bigger bruises or welts than airsoft BBs. That said, steel BBs from BB guns are much more painful due to their higher speed and weight.
When a plastic pellet hits, it usually bounces off without leaving a mark. However, in some cases, you might get welts or minor bruises. Wearing thick clothes can significantly reduce these effects and make getting hit feel mild, like a quick bee sting.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Projectile Type | Pain Level | Likely Injuries |
| Airsoft BB | Mild | Welts, slight bruises in some cases |
| Paintball | Moderate to high | Bruises, more noticeable welts |
| Steel BB (BB gun) | High | Deep bruises, potential wounds |
While getting shot with an air gun can sting, it’s usually manageable and less severe than other types, like a paintball gun. From our experience, wearing proper protective gear and thick clothes is the best way to minimize discomfort.
What Factors Can Influence the Pain Level in Airsoft?
The level of pain experienced when shot by an airsoft gun depends on a few main factors. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Type and Weight of the BB
The type and weight of the airsoft BB you choose can significantly impact the level of discomfort when you get hit.
Heavier BBs carry more force due to increased mass, resulting in a more painful impact. This is a basic physics principle: Force = Mass x Acceleration.
It’s pretty simple — the heavier the BB, the more it hurts. Select lighter BBs, and you can control the comfort level.
Distance from the Shooter
The distance from the shooter also affects the amount of pain. BBs slow down as they travel through the air.
For example, a shot from point-blank range will hurt more than a shot from a distance. That’s why most airsoft fields have a rule called the "bang-bang" rule. If a player is within touching distance of an opponent, they must call out "bang-bang" instead of firing.
This rule prevents close-range shots from causing too much pain, nasty welts, and bruises. So, the farther you are from the shooter, the less pain you’ll feel.
Where You Get Hit
Individual parts of the body react to pain much differently. Getting shot in the neck or groin will hurt more than getting hit in the arm or leg. The face is another sensitive area — that’s why many airsoft players wear full-face shields that provide full-face protection, including their eyes.
Gloves are also popular for protecting the fingers, which can be very painful to get shot. So, where you get hit on your body affects how much discomfort you’ll feel.
Protective Gear and Clothing
The type of clothing and protective gear you wear can significantly reduce the pain from getting hit by an airsoft BB. Bare skin is much more vulnerable, and getting shot on bare skin hurts a lot more than getting hit on an area covered by fabric.
Long-sleeve shirts, pants, helmets, goggles, and full-face shields can all help. Thicker clothing eliminates the pain so many players layer up. This reassures you about your safety and encourages you to invest in the right equipment. Be aware that if you're wearing so much gear that you don't feel hits, you might be asked to remove some to keep the game fair for everyone else.
So, if you’re gearing up, wear long sleeves, pants, and protective gear to minimize the pain.
How To Reduce Pain in Airsoft
Always start with eye protection. Getting hit in the eye by an airsoft BB can cause serious damage, so wearing goggles or a full face mask is a must. This will lower the risk of injury and keep you safe.
Now, let’s discuss airsoft clothing and airsoft protective gear. Covering as much skin as possible is key. Long sleeves, pants, and body armor can reduce the sting when hit. If it’s a hot day, try to find breathable yet thick materials that offer protection without overheating. A vest can also reinforce your chest area.
Fields with strict rules that enforce safety can make a big difference. Some fields limit the FPS (feet per second) of the guns allowed.
Other safety measures come in the form of rules, like the "bang-bang" rule, where you must shout "bang-bang" if you engage in close-quarters battle (CQB) or restrict full-auto fire indoors. These rules keep your airsoft game safe and fun, ensuring you can enjoy the experience without unnecessary pain or risk.
The Bottom Line
When we talk about airsoft guns hurting, it all comes down to a few things. First, the BBs' speed ranges from 200 to 500 feet per second (FPS). Naturally, higher FPS means more impact.
If you get hit within a certain distance, like under 30 feet, the high FPS can hurt and even cause welts.
Getting hit stings, but it’s part of the fun — think of it like a quick rubber band snap. Most of the time, it’s not that bad if you have the right gear. Check out our protective gear and airsoft guns to make your gameplay safe and fun.
Let’s be honest. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, so what’s slightly painful for one may be pretty painful for another. Playing safe is important, so suit up correctly and enjoy the game.
Sources:
Force, Mass & Acceleration: Newton's Second Law of Motion | Live Science
What Hurts More Airsoft or Paintball? | Velocity Paintball
