Airsoft guns were first manufactured in Japan in the 1980s and have been increasingly popular in the U.S. since the mid-1990s. Although they are generally not accurate enough to allow for competitive target shooting, they are frequently used in military simulation and other live action role-playing games. As with any type of sporting equipment, particularly something that fires a projectile, there is the potential for harm if the equipment is misused, but if you follow certain safety precautions you should be able to enjoy shooting airsoft guns without running the risk of injury.
Basic Gun Safety
Before you begin shooting your airsoft gun, you should familiarize yourself with basic safety precautions that apply to all guns, whether real or toy. Never point your gun at anything you are not prepared to shoot. Although the point of most airsoft games is to shoot at other players, do not fire your airsoft gun at people (or pets) who have not agreed to participate in your game or are not properly prepared and equipped to play. You should also never put your finger on the trigger until you have aimed and are ready to fire your airsoft gun. Finally, do not aim for anyone's head. A shot in the center of the body from a small plastic pellet will do very little harm, but these pellets have the ability to damage eyes, ears or teeth, particularly if discharged at close range.
Protective Gear
If you are going out to engage in an airsoft "war," make sure you are properly equipped. At the very least, you'll probably want to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, preferably in a heavier fabric such as denim. You may purchase a protective vest if you really wish to avoid the sting. Whatever you do, never go out to play airsoft games without protective goggles. Ski, shop or dust goggles are not sufficient to protect you from airsoft pellets fired at high speed--instead, choose a paintball mask or shooting goggles.
Familiarity with Airsoft Types and Models
Be aware of the types of airsoft guns and try to find out what kinds your fellow airsoft "warriors" will be using before you engage in combat. Spring-loaded guns, on the whole, do not fire at such a high rate of speed at CO2-powered guns and will thus do less damage. Although most unmodified airsoft guns will shoot pellets anywhere from 250 to 350 feet per second, some shooters like to modify their airsoft guns so they can fire upward of 400 feet per second. Such guns can be a hazard in the hands of inexperienced shooters.
Resemblance to Real Firearms
Perhaps the biggest danger that comes from airsoft guns is their resemblance to real weapons, particularly at a distance. One of the perceived dangers lies in the fact that, should you be seen carrying an airsoft gun, it could be mistaken for a real gun by a police officer, who might then attempt to apprehend, or even to shoot you. Although a 2003 report by the General Accounting Office noted the proportion of cases involving toy guns being mistaken for the real thing is small, such incidents are nonetheless tragic, particularly when they involve children. In 1989 Public Law No: 100-615 went into effect in the United States, requiring all toy or imitation firearms to have to have blaze orange plugs inserted into their barrels. Airsoft guns still have these orange plugs, and it is a violation of this law to remove or alter them in any way.
Transporting Your Airsoft
If you will be traveling to a range, outdoor shooting venue or even a friend's house to shoot your airsoft guns, the best and safest way to transport them is in a closed rifle or pistol case. Not only will this keep your airsoft guns from being damaged in transport, but it will also reduce your chance of being mistaken for someone carrying firearms with criminal intent.
