Reasons to start airsoft

Conran

Hi boards!
This is my first post and I am hoping to start airsoft in the near future but I have one problem. My Mum.
She is not totally against the idea but I am hoping for you, my fellow board members, to give me reasons which I can use to convince her
Thank you for all the replies in advance.

(if this is the wrong section please tell me)
Conran

hangedhitman

thats its good craic itll keep you fit and it will get you out of the house:D

swiftblade

• If you don't already play sports, well it gets you playing a sport. Great for excercise

• Can make new friends.

• Gives you something to do.

• Mention how safe it is. eg the laws regarding muzzle velocity.

• Tell her to come with you an airsoft site so she can ask questions.

What age are you?

Conran

15

swiftblade

Conran wrote: »

15

That's not a bad age to start. Read around the forum. Get to know the in's and out's.

gerrowadat

Get a new ma.

SimpleOrder

16 would be a good age

Bernie Mac

It really doesn't matter what age you are, and by that I do mean within the confines of site insurance policies and what have you.

I can't give you, your reasons for starting the hobby, but some of mine are,

• it gets me out of the house on the weekends
• I have made some great friends
• I get to travel around the country to play with new people
• its better then sitting inside rotting away twiddling your thumbs on an xbox/play/station/nintendo controller.

It really is great craic and I haven't found anybody who was interested and didn't enjoy themselves when they played.

The only really thing that is going to stand in your way is the fact that you won't be able to buy your own AEG's, GBB's, etc. because you are not 18. But your best bet is to get out to a site and bring your mother along and get her to start asking questions from lads who will know best how to answer them.

Hope that helps

kieranfitz

You get to meet interesting people and shoot them.

WhiskeyGoblin

You'll learn the value of money. Not all of these guys gear comes cheap. You'll learn to appreciate the things you buy.
You get to shoot people.
Meet new people.
Travel.
I too am interested in joining. Not sure if i can afford too though :L

Arkslippy

The only reason you need is because you have an interest in giving it a try. You don't need to offer reasons like exercise ect, any parent with any sense will see straight through that nonsense.

Sit them down and explain carefully and respectfully that you'd like to try the sport out, be open and honest about it and see what happens.

cobra 08

It will make you want to get out and a part time job as soon as you can to pay for all the gear you'll have your eye on;)

Inari

Arkslippy wrote: »

The only reason you need is because you have an interest in giving it a try. You don't need to offer reasons like exercise ect, any parent with any sense will see straight through that nonsense.

Sit them down and explain carefully and respectfully that you'd like to try the sport out, be open and honest about it and see what happens.

I would agree, but some parents have legitimate concerns about what this sport/hobby encourages. By legitimate I mean unfounded fears based on perceptions of gun-shaped things. People by nature are illogical and irrational. You are best off sitting down your parents, as Arkslippy said, but having some universal benefits to the activity can help. They are not reasons for you personally trying it, but reasons for parents/naysayers to reconsider their position.

At the end of the day though, these things are not your reasons, and it is your reasons for wanting to take up the sport/hobby that matter...so your time should instead be devoted to being able to state your case, and defend your point of view.

Arkslippy

Speaking as a parent and as an avid airsofter, I agree with anari but with the following addition.

Your current standing with your folks with regards to their view on your level of maturity and their trust in you will dictate how these things go.

I wouldn't dwell on the guns aspect of it, that imho is a problem endemic within the airsoft community that feeds perceived paranoia. If your pitch is based on trying to get approval to "own a replica firearm to go shooting with your buddies " its different than looking "for approval to take part in a social pursuit with likeminded people, with adult organised sites, which are fully insured, its no different than paintball but safer. I'd also put on the table from the start a show of responsibility by identifying that if they might have an issue with the aeg, that they would have full control of it, no blinking on your own in the garden, aeg kept in a proper bag, locked if they want , kept in their attic if they want."

I assume at your age that you would need a.lift or public transport to site, so.the aeg would only be in your possesion once in the confines of the site.

Also, and I'd stress this, if you are planning on showing them info on aeg, I'd stay away from pistols and ak47 type ones as most people if you say "gun" will immediately think of criminals with guns wearing hoodies, and terrorists , ira ect wielding aks.

At the end of the day, most parents would have played with guns or action man in their youth and might be ok if they believe you are looking to participate in a game which is based on on a military type thing which is honor based and well run.

But the main thing is to pitch in as constructive way as possible without trying to be clever.

I'd ask your dad if he'd bring you to redbarn on a Sunday morning to see the players gathering in uniform at the start without the intention of taking part and see what he thinks of the setup. He might even agree to going for a rental day with you or a half day.

Give your parents their due for keeping you on a good path up until now and trust that if your record is good that they will let you try it.

Conran

Thanks for all the help guys!

MonkeyGuy

Would agree with everything that's been said. Especially the part about teaching you money management. My Ma wasn't too keen on me getting any sort of gun but the way I got around it was, "If I'm spending €150 on a gun why would I want to give you a reason to take it off me?" It worked. And to be honest it's up to you to show that you're mature enough.

TerrenceAnth

Tell her what i tell my mum when she nags about it.#
"Im getting ready for the zombie apocalypse and when it comes i will be able to save the world and become king of the whole universe then i will make everyone eat cake"

After you tell her this airsofting will be the last of her worrys!!!

If this does not work just go for the normal fitness friends and stuff :P

MonkeyGuy

TerrenceAnth wrote: »

Tell her what i tell my mum when she nags about it.#
"Im getting ready for the zombie apocalypse and when it comes i will be able to save the world and become king of the whole universe then i will make everyone eat cake"

I mentioned the zombie thing once or twice as well, I then added "It's either an airsoft gun or a machete, you decide." She decided very quickly

LawlessBoy

Even bring her to a retailer worked for me brought my mum to MIA and think it was Gary ran her through the inns and outs of it.... like everything from legal limits to good sites and different eye protection.

Sealcon

I remember me starting about a year ago at the age of 16, just went in with my dad one day to "have a look" came out with a €250 M4.

Came home "hey mam look what I got"

now a year later i'm up to my eyes in AEG's and no-body in my house cares

Conran

My mom has been looking at this replies and she says she feels more confident about me trying it out. But I will definitely take all the advice given in this thread.

P.S. The zombie apocalypse is coming! Prepare I say! Prepare!!!! :pac:

TerrenceAnth

Conran wrote: »

My mom has been looking at this replies and she says she feels more confident about me trying it out. But I will definitely take all the advice given in this thread.

P.S. The zombie apocalypse is coming! Prepare I say! Prepare!!!! :pac:

The airsofters will be ready after all the zombie games fingal and other sites hold during the year!!

LawlessBoy

dont mean to go off topic... but what areZombie games? overnight stays is it?

TerrenceAnth

LawlessBoy wrote: »

dont mean to go off topic... but what areZombie games? overnight stays is it?

Zombie games are weekend long games normaly held at night to scare you more. And there are two teams and half way through the night they let out guys playing as zombies to hunt all the players down and infect them.

They are soooooooo much fun fingal airsoft normaly has them a few times a year they are super fun!

DoBhrionn

I agree with all that's said above and before, and to add to it....
I believe airsoft teaches people about the proper use and respect for an airsoft gun (maybe any fire-arm in general) in a safe, controlled and well marshalled environment.


...and the zombies at Fingal...I must get there! Being part-time worker, I don't think it'll be anytime soon ...maybe nearer to Hallowe'en

Tommyboy71

Hey Conran,
If your mother wants any other information regarding the whole airsoft thing i.e. laws, sites, retailers you could tell her to contact the Irish Airsoft Association http://www.irishairsoft.ie . We are the national governing body for the sport. She can email us at info@irishairsoft.ie. We would be happy to put to rest any fears she has.

Hope to see you on the field soon,
Tom

Conran

I will definitely pass on your information tommyboy.

Conran

Just to let everyone now that due to this thread and these replies my mum allowed me to go to rathbeggan airsoft on saturday for a half a day and it was AWSOME!! I just want to thank everyone for convincing my mum to let me try it.:);)

P.S. Hi to anyone who was at rathbeggan on saturday. I was the teen with the ak47 spetnaz and the leinster hoody on.

Tommyboy71

Hey Conran,Nice to see you got out to game. The problem now is that you are in for life. We will never let you go. Mwuaha ha ha ha.Tom

LawlessBoy

See me there Marpat camo Talking to marchalls probley :L M14 ( M4 is in getting serviced) have to say man last sat at rathbeggan wasnt one of the ebst days gaming ive had there..... still fun tho

Conran

Yeah I do remember you lawlessboy!
It was still good craic though.

LawlessBoy

Yeh Always is could be the worst weather/day ever and youll still have a good time