Airsoft FAQ

CrazyRabbit

OK, don't jump all over me about the figures and little details. I know this is not 100% correct. That's why I posted it here....to get it perfect.

Please have a read through the below. Feel free to provide accurate figures, suggestions for improvements in grammar (not my strong point) or additional topics/questions.

Once done, it is something that can be sent out to radio stations/newspapers etc that have discussions or articles regarding airsoft.

================================================================================================
What are the differences between the different type of guns?
================================================================================================
Airsoft Gun: A low powered extreme sports device used in airsoft games and military simulations/re-enactments. Normally gas or electric powered, they are designed to be safe to fire at humans (who are wearing eye protection). Legally classed as a toy/sports equipment as they are limited to a maximum energy/power output of 1 joule.
Paintball Marker: A medium powered extreme sports device used in Paintball games. Normally gas powered, they are designed to be safe to fire at humans (who are wearing eye protection). Legally classed as a firearm as they have an energy/power output of 7-14 joules.
Airgun: A high powered gun used to shoot vermin and for target practice. Normally gas powered, they are potentially lethal to humans and most animals. Legally classed as a firearm as they have an energy/power output of 20+ joules.
Firearm: A high powered gun used to kill and for target practice. They are lethal to all humans and animals. They have an energy/power output of 50+ joules.

================================================================================================
What does 1 joule actually mean? And what exactly is being fired by these airsoft guns?
================================================================================================
For airsoft, it means that a 0.2 g BB will leave the airsoft gun at a speed of 328 feet per second. However, air resistance drastically slows the speed rapidly. At just 35-40 feet the speed will have been halved (approximate).
The BB's are 6mm spheres made from plastic or a biodegradable material. To give you some idea of the weight of the BB, 5000 BB's is 1 kg, or about the same weight as a bag of sugar. In other words, they are very light.

================================================================================================
What damage can an airsoft gun do to a human or animal?
================================================================================================
Airsoft guns are limited to an energy/power output of 1 joule which means that they are proven to be incapable of penetrating the human eye at point blank range.
A report created for the UK Parliament can be found here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmhaff/95/9504.htm
The relevant sections are:

---

DANGERS POSED BY FIREARMS

25. The Firearms Act 1968 defines a firearm "a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged".[51] In this context, a "lethal weapon" means a weapon capable of firing a projectile with sufficient force to inflict more than a trivial injury, i.e. with a force sufficient to puncture the skin.[52] The force with which a firearm is able to deliver a projectile is normally expressed in terms of the kinetic energy it generates at its muzzle—the "muzzle energy". This force is normally expressed in units of foot pounds (ft/lb) or joules (J).[53]

26. The Home Office and the Forensic Science Service considers that the lowest level of muzzle energy capable of inflicting a penetrating wound is one foot pound (or about 1.35 joules): below these power levels, weapons are "incapable of penetrating even vulnerable parts of the body, such as the eye".[54] However, more recent analysis by the Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland has indicated that a more reasonable assessment of the minimum muzzle energy required to inflict a penetrating wound lies between 2.2 and 3.0 ft/lb (3-4 J).[55] We will deal more fully with this discrepancy at paragraphs 123 to 130 below.

---

To put it plainly, airsoft guns cannot kill and are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to the eye, even from point blank range. In real world situations, it is likely you would be hit from several feet away, which greatly reduces the energy/power of the impact even further (approx 0.5 joules at 40 feet)
Small animals could be more seriously injured, especially birds and small mammals. There have been no scientific studies on this that I am aware of, so I cannot give any specific details.
Many other countries allow airsoft guns with a energy/power limit of 2 joules. And yet, airsoft continues to flourish in these countries with no significant issues.
================================================================================================
These airsoft guns look too real and could be used in robberies.
================================================================================================
If a criminal has the intent to break the law, then they will do so regardless of the existence or availability of airsoft guns. If they cannot use an airsoft gun, then could use something far more dangerous such as a knife, crowbar or even a real gun. There will always be people willing to commit armed robberies or other violent crimes. We cannot dictate what sports should/should not be allowed just because of these criminals willingness to use the sports equipment in a violent manner. It is obvious that we cannot ban Golf, Hurling, or Darts simply because their related sports equipment can be dangerous or even lethal in the wrong hands. The same goes for Airsoft. You cannot punish the masses because of the actions of a few criminals.
Another view on this is that I would rather be robbed by someone wielding an airsoft gun than someone wielding a knife. If I don't cooperate, or if they lose control, the worse that they can do is shoot a small plastic BB at me. It ain't gonna kill me!
One important thing to note. Under the current law if you threaten, even scare someone with an airsoft gun or shoot it at them without their consent, you will be charged as if it were a firearm. The moment an airsoft gun is used in a criminal manner, it is legally treated as if it were a real gun. Currently, this carries a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and I believe there is an effort to increase this to 10 years which the airsoft community greatly supports.
In some countries, airsoft guns are tipped with Orange paint. On the surface, this seems like a great idea. But the problem found in these countries is that criminals where putting orange tips on real guns and carrying them around in public. The public then mistakenly believed that these were airsoft guns and did not report it to the police. Also, the orange tips can be painted over, or removed. Overall, this is very ineffective and not something that we would recommend.
Please understand, that the realism of the airsoft guns is a part of what attracts us to airsoft. We like military simulations and re-enactments. Saying this, there are still significant differences between airsoft guns and real firearms. Most airsoft guns have plastic (ABS) outer components and have several non-working components (like a missing ejection port)
================================================================================================
These airsoft guns are being sold to children in markets and shops. This is dangerous!
================================================================================================
We would agree 100%. Airsoft guns are not toys and should not be sold to children. Older children can indeed safely use them under strict adult supervision though. We would be 100% in favour of a ban on the sale of airsoft guns to under 18's. If someone under 18 wishes to take part in the sport, then they can get their parents consent and the parents can buy the equipment for them. Airsoft guns can be purchased over the internet, but generally require a credit card or a bank account, so this should be enough to prevent most children for buying them in this manner.
================================================================================================
These airsoft guns can fire real bullets or can be converted/modified to fire real bullets.
================================================================================================
No. It is physically impossible for several reasons. Firstly, the barrel of an airsoft gun is 6mm in diameter. There are no 6mm bullets! Secondly, there is no way to feed the bullets into the gun. They only have a 6mm wide circular hole to feed BB's. And thirdly, if by some miracle you did manage to load a bullet and fire it, the gun would explode from the force. They are not capable of withstanding the force exerted by a real bullet as it is fired. No amount of modification will allow airsoft guns to fire real bullets.
================================================================================================
Why do people want to run around shooting each other in this sport? It seems childish.
================================================================================================
To each their own. I not particularly fond of skydiving, snowboarding or skateboarding, but I respect other people's right to participate in these activities. Airsoft is very exciting to many people. It also teaches team work, planning, coordination and a sense of fair play. The community is very close and there is a strong social aspect (team, clubs, nights out, bbq's etc). There is also the fact that it can be played by men and women of almost any age, weight or fitness. You can sit tight in one location and defend it, or you can go running across fields on the offensive. Basically, you can get as little or as much exercise from it as you want. Not many sports can boast this. It's also one of the very few sports that an entire family can take part of together (depending on the age of the children).
================================================================================================
I'm still not convinced that this whole airsoft thing is a good idea.
================================================================================================
Understandable. There is a lot to learn and many valid concerns. We are not asking you to become a champion of airsoft. All we ask if that you give it time to develop and to prove itself as a safe, fun sport. We are very much aware of the publics perception of airsoft and the concerns many people have. In fact, we share these concerns. We will do what we can to address these concerns and to pressure the government to bring in legislation that protects the public from the misuse of these airsoft guns, but without damaging our sport. We would invite anyone who has any concerns to come visit one of our airsoft skirmish sites. You can talk to the players, see and use the equipment and even take part in a game if you wish. You can even shoot us a few times so we can demonstrate how safe they are. Whatever you do, please don't make any assumptions about airsoft. Just ask us is you are unsure about anything. we have nothing to hide and will answer your question honestly as accurately as possible. We have many players including members of the Gardai Siochana who can answer any legal questions you have. In summary, please give our sport a chance and restrain from calling for a ban until you have all the facts. Thank you for reading and please feel free to contact us at :

Hivemind187

CrazyRabbit wrote:

OK, don't jump all over me about the figures and little details. I know this is not 100% correct. That's why I posted it here....to get it perfect.

Please have a read through the below. Feel free to provide accurate figures, suggestions for improvements in grammar (not my strong point) or additional topics/questions.

Once done, it is something that can be sent out to radio stations/newspapers etc that have discussions or articles regarding airsoft.

================================================================================================
What are the differences between the different type of guns?
================================================================================================
Airsoft Gun: A low powered extreme sports device used in airsoft games and military simulations/re-enactments. Normally gas or electric powered, they are designed to be safe to fire at humans (who are wearing eye protection). Legally classed as a toy/sports equipment as they are limited to a maximum energy/power output of 1 joule.
Paintball Marker: A medium powered extreme sports device used in Paintball games. Normally gas powered, they are designed to be safe to fire at humans (who are wearing eye protection). Legally classed as a firearm as they have an energy/power output of 7-14 joules.
Airgun: A high powered gun used to shoot vermin and for target practice. Normally gas powered, they are potentially lethal to humans and most animals. Legally classed as a firearm as they have an energy/power output of 20+ joules.
Firearm: A high powered gun used to kill and for target practice. They are lethal to all humans and animals. They have an energy/power output of 50+ joules.

================================================================================================
What does 1 joule actually mean? And what exactly is being fired by these airsoft guns?
================================================================================================
For airsoft, it means that a 0.2 g BB will leave the airsoft gun at a speed of 328 feet per second. However, air resistance drastically slows the speed rapidly. At just 35-40 feet the speed will have been halved (approximate).
The BB's are 6mm spheres made from plastic or a biodegradable material. To give you some idea of the weight of the BB, 5000 BB's is 1 kg, or about the same weight as a bag of sugar. In other words, they are very light.

================================================================================================
What damage can an airsoft gun do to a human or animal?
================================================================================================
Airsoft guns are limited to an energy/power output of 1 joule which means that they are proven to be incapable of penetrating the human eye at point blank range.
A report created for the UK Parliament can be found here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmhaff/95/9504.htm
The relevant sections are:

---

DANGERS POSED BY FIREARMS

25. The Firearms Act 1968 defines a firearm "a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged".[51] In this context, a "lethal weapon" means a weapon capable of firing a projectile with sufficient force to inflict more than a trivial injury, i.e. with a force sufficient to puncture the skin.[52] The force with which a firearm is able to deliver a projectile is normally expressed in terms of the kinetic energy it generates at its muzzle—the "muzzle energy". This force is normally expressed in units of foot pounds (ft/lb) or joules (J).[53]

26. The Home Office and the Forensic Science Service considers that the lowest level of muzzle energy capable of inflicting a penetrating wound is one foot pound (or about 1.35 joules): below these power levels, weapons are "incapable of penetrating even vulnerable parts of the body, such as the eye".[54] However, more recent analysis by the Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland has indicated that a more reasonable assessment of the minimum muzzle energy required to inflict a penetrating wound lies between 2.2 and 3.0 ft/lb (3-4 J).[55] We will deal more fully with this discrepancy at paragraphs 123 to 130 below.

---

To put it plainly, airsoft guns cannot kill and are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to the eye, even from point blank range. In real world situations, it is likely you would be hit from several feet away, which greatly reduces the energy/power of the impact even further (approx 0.5 joules at 40 feet)
Small animals could be more seriously injured, especially birds and small mammals. There have been no scientific studies on this that I am aware of, so I cannot give any specific details.
Many other countries allow airsoft guns with a energy/power limit of 2 joules. And yet, airsoft continues to flourish in these countries with no significant issues.
================================================================================================
These airsoft guns look too real and could be used in robberies.
================================================================================================
If a criminal has the intent to break the law, then they will do so regardless of the existence or availability of airsoft guns. If they cannot use an airsoft gun, then could use something far more dangerous such as a knife, crowbar or even a real gun. There will always be people willing to commit armed robberies or other violent crimes. We cannot dictate what sports should/should not be allowed just because of these criminals willingness to use the sports equipment in a violent manner. It is obvious that we cannot ban Golf, Hurling, or Darts simply because their related sports equipment can be dangerous or even lethal in the wrong hands. The same goes for Airsoft. You cannot punish the masses because of the actions of a few criminals.
Another view on this is that I would rather be robbed by someone wielding an airsoft gun than someone wielding a knife. If I don't cooperate, or if they lose control, the worse that they can do is shoot a small plastic BB at me. It ain't gonna kill me!
One important thing to note. Under the current law if you threaten, even scare someone with an airsoft gun or shoot it at them without their consent, you will be charged as if it were a firearm. The moment an airsoft gun is used in a criminal manner, it is legally treated as if it were a real gun. Currently, this carries a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and I believe there is an effort to increase this to 10 years which the airsoft community greatly supports.
In some countries, airsoft guns are tipped with Orange paint. On the surface, this seems like a great idea. But the problem found in these countries is that criminals where putting orange tips on real guns and carrying them around in public. The public then mistakenly believed that these were airsoft guns and did not report it to the police. Also, the orange tips can be painted over, or removed. Overall, this is very ineffective and not something that we would recommend.
Please understand, that the realism of the airsoft guns is a part of what attracts us to airsoft. We like military simulations and re-enactments. Saying this, there are still significant differences between airsoft guns and real firearms. Most airsoft guns have plastic (ABS) outer components and have several non-working components (like a missing ejection port)
================================================================================================
These airsoft guns are being sold to children in markets and shops. This is dangerous!
================================================================================================
We would agree 100%. Airsoft guns are not toys and should not be sold to children. Older children can indeed safely use them under strict adult supervision though. We would be 100% in favour of a ban on the sale of airsoft guns to under 18's. If someone under 18 wishes to take part in the sport, then they can get their parents consent and the parents can buy the equipment for them. Airsoft guns can be purchased over the internet, but generally require a credit card or a bank account, so this should be enough to prevent most children for buying them in this manner.
================================================================================================
These airsoft guns can fire real bullets or can be converted/modified to fire real bullets.
================================================================================================
No. It is physically impossible for several reasons. Firstly, the barrel of an airsoft gun is 6mm in diameter. There are no 6mm bullets! Secondly, there is no way to feed the bullets into the gun. They only have a 6mm wide circular hole to feed BB's. And thirdly, if by some miracle you did manage to load a bullet and fire it, the gun would explode from the force. They are not capable of withstanding the force exerted by a real bullet as it is fired. No amount of modification will allow airsoft guns to fire real bullets.
================================================================================================
Why do people want to run around shooting each other in this sport? It seems childish.
================================================================================================
To each their own. I not particularly fond of skydiving, snowboarding or skateboarding, but I respect other people's right to participate in these activities. Airsoft is very exciting to many people. It also teaches team work, planning, coordination and a sense of fair play. The community is very close and there is a strong social aspect (team, clubs, nights out, bbq's etc). There is also the fact that it can be played by men and women of almost any age, weight or fitness. You can sit tight in one location and defend it, or you can go running across fields on the offensive. Basically, you can get as little or as much exercise from it as you want. Not many sports can boast this. It's also one of the very few sports that an entire family can take part of together (depending on the age of the children).
================================================================================================
I'm still not convinced that this whole airsoft thing is a good idea.
================================================================================================
Understandable. There is a lot to learn and many valid concerns. We are not asking you to become a champion of airsoft. All we ask if that you give it time to develop and to prove itself as a safe, fun sport. We are very much aware of the publics perception of airsoft and the concerns many people have. In fact, we share these concerns. We will do what we can to address these concerns and to pressure the government to bring in legislation that protects the public from the misuse of these airsoft guns, but without damaging our sport. We would invite anyone who has any concerns to come visit one of our airsoft skirmish sites. You can talk to the players, see and use the equipment and even take part in a game if you wish. You can even shoot us a few times so we can demonstrate how safe they are. Whatever you do, please don't make any assumptions about airsoft. Just ask us is you are unsure about anything. we have nothing to hide and will answer your question honestly as accurately as possible. We have many players including members of the Gardai Siochana who can answer any legal questions you have. In summary, please give our sport a chance and restrain from calling for a ban until you have all the facts. Thank you for reading and please feel free to contact us at :

Please see the IAA press release.

CrazyRabbit

The press release that so few people, radio stations and newspapers seem to actually know about?

Where exactly is it? I had a quick look at the IAA website and couldn't find it. Not a good sign.

Hagakure_irl

stickied now.

CrazyRabbit

Hagakure_irl wrote:

stickied now.

Yup, just noticed. It should be plastered all over the IAA website to make it easy for any reporter/researcher to find.

o1s1n

I just asked Dave to add it to the IAA website. It's currently up in the news section.

May want to give it it's own section in the side bar so it's easier to see.