Every single person who has ever or will play airsoft needs equipment. It’s the definition of the game. Whether this is basic eye protection and a spring pistol or a high end AEG, mini gun, and grenade launcher is up to you.
Some of the more common things found on an airsoft battlefield are most obviously airsoft guns, but also: BB’s, tactical gear, speed loaders, gas canisters, extra batteries, and even smoke bombs.
Other items such as vehicles, rocket launchers, and even trip wire mines are really not for the casual airsofter. These are usually reserved for military simulation or mil-sim games.
Airsoft is really all about shoot your opponent so your weapon is the single most important thing you can research and buy (excluding proper eye wear of course.) There are literally thousands of different types of rifles, pistols, and grenade launchers that are available on the airsoft market today.
Classification of Airsoft Guns
Spring
While all airsoft guns (except gas) use a spring the term “spring rifle” or “spring pistol” refers to the fact that the spring is powered by physically pulling it back each time. Usually this is accomplished in pistols by sliding the top of the gun back until the spring is fully compressed and clicks in place. To release the spring you pull the trigger. In rifles however there are a variety of different types of levers to pull the spring back.
Another gun classified in the spring category are shotguns. Shotguns function exactly the same way but with the “pump” on the shotgun pulling back the spring. Shotguns are pretty much a class on their own because of the versatility provided by airsoft manugacturers making new types of shells. Multi-shot shells having the ability to spray multiple BB’s with a single spring pull is what sets shotguns apart.
Electric
Electric air soft guns are probably the most popular type of gun in use today. They are able to provide firing options such as semi-automatic, fully-automatic and three round burst. Electric guns work by using electricity held in a battery to power a motor. The motor then turns the gears with a lot of torque and speed to compress the spring.
The downside to the electric system is usually only visible when implemented into handguns. Magazine size is vital when putting a lot of BB's down range and pistols just aren't able to compete with larger rifles. Also often times when trying to cram all of the important functioning parts into pistol form manufacturers are unable to provide a reliable backup weapon. All too often I’ve heard the sick crunch of moving gears as someone whips out their electric pistol.
Gas
The third type of airsoft guns are gas. These are similar to Co2 pellet guns that many people are familiar with but in airsoft form. They also are able to provide the semi, full auto, and three round burst capabilities, but they do not have as many moving parts as electric rifles.
Gas pistols are the bread and butter so to speak for airsoft pistol manufacturers. When a sniper is being rushed by someone wielding an assault rifle they aren’t going to want to depend on an electric pistol. They’ll whip out a gas blowback Sig Sauer P226 and really lay down the law.
The downside of gas guns conversely is when applied to assault rifles. Gas run out relatively quickly when you’re laying down suppressive fire to the tune of 700 shots a minute and carrying around extra canisters for refills is a pain in the butt. While a battery is relatively small and lightweights a gas canister is similar to carrying Lysol around on the battlefield.
No comments:
Post a Comment