Saturday, December 27, 2008

What does it cost to play Airsoft?

By Alexander Malroy

Airsoft guns have its roots embedded in Japan, its country of origin. A gun enthusiast out of firm restriction by the government invented it, and the rest was history. The game spread like wildfire among the neighboring nations of Southeast Asia, as tournaments and coop games were being held simultaneously in each country. As of today, the popularity and the followers of airsoft guns extended in the United States and Europe. However, other European countries such as the Netherlands ban the game in their shore; Dutch enthusiasts find a way of traveling to neighboring countries only to enjoy the game.

There are typically three types if airsoft games; skirmishing, also known as close quarters battle, is the most common. There are also military simulations and historical re-enactments. These games usually require a referee, or Marshall, of some type as it is generally difficult to tell when a player has been hit.

It is imperative that adequate safety measures be taken while playing with Airsoft guns. The players should always make it a point to wear protective lenses. When used from a short distance airsoft guns can wound the skin. The airsoft guns that are available are generally operated with the help of a motor that runs on electric that has been powered by a battery. A cocking ring that is operated manually or gas is used for the other type of air soft guns.

Airsoft guns are relatively cheaper than its predecessor, the paintball. An airsoft gun could cost roughly $15 to $90 USD while the expensive hi-end ones could cost $200 to $500 USD. On a military simulation or historical re-enactment games, where the adherence to a more realistic-looking weapons are sought after, the cost of guns can rise significantly. Custom-made airsoft guns can reach up to $2,000 USD while realistic blowback guns in gas-powered fashion could reach $150 to $500 USD.

Airsoft guns are usually made to resemble real firearms. Airsoft pistols and other guns are chosen based on such factors as battery life, range, rate of fire and other factors. Realism is another big factor for airsoft players when choosing their weapons. Automatic electric guns, such as assault rifles, are the most popular and commonly produced type of airsoft gun used today. These guns usually have high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

The realistic blow back effect of other gun models using propane gas mounted directly onto the propane tanks make it popular too. Manufacturers oftentimes create minor tweaks depending on the need of the player. Grenades and grenade launchers are also being simulated in the game using compressed gas that creates minor explosion when thrown. This and more adds up to the excitement of being in a realistic scenario of a battle.

Airsoft guns use pellets that are known as BBs. These generally measure around 6mm in width. However for special weapons these can be 8mm in width. The pellets used are low grade and can be obtained for $3.50 for 5,000 pellets. These cheap pellets are however imperfect and do not promise very good performance. These might cause damage to airsoft guns. The high grade pellets are available at $15 USD for 5,000.

Maintaining the performance of your guns as well as purchasing the necessary protective equipments may take toll on your pocket, as in every sport activities therein. However, enjoying the game with your friends and getting the hang of joining a battle without the risk of casualty is always worth the cost. - 16463

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