General information about AirSoft replica firearms:

Introduction:

Produced and distributed mainly in Japan, AirSoft (also known as SoftAir) is a general term for replica firearms that fire 6mm plastic bb's. The quality and price of these replicas varies greatly according to the manufacturer. Firing mechanisms range from gas powered to spring powered to electric motor driven. These replicas have been finding their way to our shores for quite a while now and have become much more popular and widely available in the last couple of years. It is important to keep in mind that these replicas are not toys, and that their distribution and use is somewhat regulated.

Manufacturers:

Most AirSoft replicas are produced in Japan and China. Two of the most prominent manufacturers of AirSoft replicas are Marui and Western Arms. With the widest range of available models, quality, firing mechanisms, and price levels, Marui is the premiere manufacturer of AirSoft replicas. Western Arms specializes in pistols and produces some of the finest quality replicas available, with the level of realism extended to even the weight of the pistol. Other manufacturers include Academy, ACX, FTC, KSC, Marushin, Maruzen, and Shoei. In addition to these, there are many new companies popping up that make limited-run custom replicas, such as Killer Studio and Q-Project.

Quality:

The quality of AirSoft replicas can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some manufacturers even offer varying levels of quality within their own lines. Unlike most products, the biggest quality difference in AirSoft replicas tends to be in the realism of the finished piece over the quality of construction. The manufacturers with the most realistic replicas also tend to be the ones with the highest quality of construction. A number of factors can affect the realism of an AirSoft replica. Although there are a few "caricaturized" pieces available, most AirSoft replicas are full-size and match the dimensions of the original very closely. Many AirSoft replicas even mimic the loading characteristics of the original. This includes shotgun and revolver replicas that use multi-fire reusable shells. Some can even be field stripped in much the same way as their counterparts. In general, though, the main factors that affect the realism of a replica are the construction materials, finish, and weight.

The two main construction materials of AirSoft replicas are plastic and metal. Most replicas have at least some metal parts, and the number of metal parts greatly affects the realism of the replica (more metal = more realism). This can affect both the finish and weight of the replica. Since it is almost impossible to make plastic look just like metal, plastic replicas automatically lose a certain amount of realism in this area. Although they may not look quite like something from Toys "R" Us, there will be a noticeable difference between the appearance of a plastic replica and a metal one. The weight of the replica is also something to consider. Plastic replicas cannot match the weight of metal ones without the addition of ballast which, even when added to the replica, tends not to feel the same because the is not properly replicated. In addition, plastic replicas tend not to fit together as well as metal ones, sometimes leaving noticeable gaps between pieces.

The finish is also a very important consideration in the realism of an AirSoft replica. Although people who just want something that they can "plink" with don't care much about this, the collector does. Even if you manage to get a replica that's mostly metal, it still won't have the correct finish to give it that extra touch of realism. The finish of both the metal and the plastic of a lower-end replica will be glossy. Although the finish can be fixed with some sanding, filling, or painting, the higher-end replicas will already have that done for you.

Although not as important to the apparent realism of the replica as other factors, its weight can go a long way in finalizing its realism. There is nothing more disconcerting than reaching to pick up something that looks like it should weigh 5-10 pounds, and it weighs less than two. This becomes especially important to one of the first and largest users of AirSoft replicas: law enforcement and the military. These groups have been known to use AirSoft replicas for training purpose due to their cost-effectiveness and greater safety, rather than use their cartridge firing counterparts. However, if the weight of the replica is completely different from the weight of the firearm it was modeled on, the other advantages of the replica are inconsequential.

Pricing:

The pricing of AirSoft replicas is affected most by the quality of the replica. Spring powered, mostly plastic, pistols start at around $40 and run up to $350 for some of the better quality spring powered rifles and shotguns. Gas powered replicas, usually pistols, start at around $125 and run up to $500. The electric powered replicas, mostly rifles and easily the most popular, start at around $300 and run up to $2000 for some of the more elaborate replicas like the M134 Vulcan Minigun. Other factors that can affect price are the costs incurred by the importers, including shipping and customs fees.

Although getting into AirSoft initially can be a bit steep, staying in it can be relatively inexpensive. You can expect to pay $5 - $10 for 1,000 bb's. Most electric replicas come with rechargeable battery packs and chargers. Gas powered replicas tend to have the highest overhead, because gas is a resource that must be replaced on a regular basis.

Mechanisms:

There are three basic firing mechanisms used for AirSoft replicas: spring, gas, and electric.

Spring powered replicas work by manually cocking an internal spring mechanism. With most pistols, this is accomplished by racking the slide. With most rifles, this is accomplished by pulling on the cocking lever. Usually the least expensive to purchase and maintain, this type of replica tends to be the least realistic in terms of materials, finish, and weight.

Gas powered replicas employ CO2, which is commonly referred to by the manufacturers as Green Gas. Gas powered replicas operate in much the same way as normal CO2 pellet and bb guns and tend to be more expensive overall, but pistol replicas are usually much more realistic in appearance and functionality. Gas powered replicas usually feature a blowback slide mechanism much like a real firearm. Some AirSoft shotgun replicas even use this feature to allow shells to cycle through the receiver and eject after being spent.

Electric powered replicas tend to be the most common propulsion mechanism and the most popular. They are operated by an electric motor and gear set that is powered by a rechargeable battery pack. The motor is usually housed in the grip, and the battery pack is usually housed in the foregrip, upper receiver section, or buttstock. Electric powered replicas are relatively cheap to maintain. They tend to range in realism from all plastic to almost all metal with varying finishes and weight. Most come with multiple firing options, including single shot, and full automatic. Some will also include an option for a three round burst.

Popularity:

AirSoft replicas have been gaining steadily in popularity for a while now and are beginning to encroach on the paintball market. They are much cheaper to operate and maintain, much cleaner and less cumbersome to use, and sometimes even cheaper to purchase than their paintball counterparts. It is also possible to have longer war games with AirSoft replicas. Since they are not as large or as heavy as paintball, it is easier to carry more than one weapon, more propellant (in the case of electric models), and more ammunition. They are also moving up in popularity with those who like guns, but do not wish to own real firearms. One of the largest draws in this are is the ability to own replicas of firearms that would be impossible to own legally otherwise. AirSoft replicas also tend to cost a fraction of the price of real firearms, while still allowing the owner to actually shoot them, if even in a limited manner.

Availability:

AirSoft replicas are rapidly becoming easier and cheaper to obtain. A market that two years ago had only two major dealers now has several dozen, and this number is growing steadily. Many paintball vendors are beginning to sell AirSoft replicas, and replicas are also beginning to show up at gun shows. This competition has helped to lower prices and increase the selection available to the buyer.

Safety:

It is very important to remember that AirSoft replicas are not toys; their ownership and use do carry consequences. AirSoft replicas fire at high rates of speed; even the spring powered models can cause serious injury at close range. They should not be fired at anyone not wearing protective clothing, and they should never be fired at a person's face.

Regulations

Legal ownership of AirSoft replicas, in states where they are allowed, is limited to people over the age of 18. Anyone considering purchasing an AirSoft replica should find out if there are any special regulations regarding ownership in their home state. Regardless of where you are, use of an AirSoft replica in the commission of a crime, and even brandishing them in public, carries the same penalties as an actual firearm.