Airsoft guns are essentially a replica of real firearms. They are small plastic or metal guns that shoot 6mm, .20g, or .26g airsoft BBs and can be powered by an external energy source, such as batteries or recoilless rifle magazines. Unlike their real-world counterparts, these weapons cannot discharge any kind of projectile without the intervention of an external power source. It is legal to possess them in public in most countries. 

Most stores that sell these items also provide various safety precautions and tips on when they would be appropriate to use with other members of society. The primary feature of the gun is the powder chamber that holds the BB. This gun can then be loaded and fired by pushing the firing trigger or released when a pull on the trigger is given by pulling back on a bolt or firing pin.

These guns cannot fire any projectile or cause damage like their real counterparts. As part of the toy classification, these guns are designed to shoot plastic pellets with sharp edges that would not cause injury in real life and limit any risk to human health.

How are Airsoft Guns Constructed?

An airsoft firearm is a toy weapon with its muzzle attached to a soft rubber tube and a power source such as an electric battery. Originally the guns were made of materials such as wood, but more recently they are composed of plastic, metal, or polymer. For smooth operation of the bolt, it is placed within the back end of the carbine which can reduce noise in some models. 

Airsoft weapons fire pellets and spherical plastic ball bearings called BBs at low velocities that are less than 400 feet per second (130 meters per second) and less than 6 mm (.236 in) in diameter. The guns are designed to replicate real firearms and are often modeled on popular designs such as the M4 carbine, the M14, AK-47, FN P90, and the Glock pistol. Sometimes they will also include realistic imitation suppressors or scopes for added authenticity.

Airsoft guns use various types of projectiles. The most common are solid spherical plastic pellets called BBs (0.08 in/2.0 mm in diameter), which are usually sold in bags containing thousands of rounds. Other kinds of BBs include glow-in-the-dark "glow-in-the-dark" (GID) balls and biodegradable bbs made from starch (corn). Some players use paintballs, which are solid spherical projectiles that are typically made of plastic and fired from a paintball marker's muzzle. 

There is also a new pellet called green BBs, which are colored in ways that are more visible to night vision goggles. Airsoft guns for kids come with both types of BBs; all of the pellets are needed for sports play, as well as extra pellets to replace those used in games or practice. Pellets smaller than 3 mm (.12 in) and paintballs are generally not recommended for new players because they may jam the gun or break the outer barrel.

Types of Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each model offering a unique set of benefits as well as drawbacks. 

  • Airsoft Rifle

One popular type of airsoft firearm is the replica rifle. These are typically modeled after real-world weapons to give users a more authentic experience than with regular pistols or battle rifles. However, there are downsides related to recoil: these models can deliver a force that's not just felt by the arm but also in other parts of the body such as your chest or back. 


As you might expect, this makes replicas of assault rifles or other similar weapons rather dangerous to use. Airsoft sniper rifles are also quite heavy – the average replica weighs 3 pounds – making them difficult to handle and maneuver in tight spaces. These models also tend to be extremely loud and produce a lot of stress upon firing, which is why most retailers require users to wear ear protection when using these guns in populated areas. 

Another drawback is that these types of airsoft guns are typically marginal on range due to their recoil, meaning that they're not very accurate. However, the right airsoft rifle can be effective at long distances if you take care in your movements and breathing technique.

  • Airsoft Pistol

Another type is an airsoft pistol. These are commonly used in different types of airsoft games. They're also a great way to start off with airsoft. Airsoft pistols offer a non-lethal and non-painful way for players to engage in mock firefights because of their low power levels. 


However, don't let the "non-lethal" part fool you into thinking these are harmless: people have been hurt by these types of guns during accidents or by not following proper safety precautions. These guns can come in both single and double-action varieties, with single-action pistols requiring the user to cock the hammer back before firing each shot.

  • Electric Airsoft Guns


One type is an airsoft electric gun. These are very similar to AEGs in terms of design, but they're converted electric airsoft guns that have had the spring mechanism on them replaced with a battery to provide continuous power. This type of gun is typically more consistent when it comes to hitting performance, with muzzle velocity not being dependent on the construction or quality of ammunition.

  • Gas Blowback Guns

Another type is a gas blowback gun. These models operate by using high-pressure gasses inside a sealed chamber that then ejects the pellet out of the gun. In general, they are considered pretty cheap alternatives to AEGs without much loss in quality or performance. 

These guns using gas blowback technology are primarily designed for more tactical gaming applications and they're also commonly used by law enforcement agencies worldwide since they provide a much more authentic experience than the standard basic pistols. However, this type of gun tends to be rather loud, making it difficult for users to sneak up on targets and fire shots quietly.

You'll see that each airsoft firearm is unique in its own way; however, you still need to know the different aspects that make these firearms tick. Besides their types/models and qualities, you also need to know what each weapon can do in terms of firing power, shooting range, and accuracy.

Benefits of Airsoft Guns

What are the benefits of airsoft guns? To answer that, let's break down some information about airsoft guns – and why kids might benefit from them.

One of the most notable benefits of these guns is that they provide a unique opportunity for children to interact with others in a safe environment (similar to paintball). They can learn sportsmanship, team building, and even how to promote energy conservation by taking turns with their toy gun! Airsoft provides a fun, safe place for children and adults alike to spend time together outside no matter what age they might be.

Another benefit of these guns is the opportunity to learn real-life skills, such as hand-eye coordination, focus, and target practice. In some cases, they might even learn to use a firearm - which can provide a level of respect for real firearms that they may not have otherwise had. Adults should always supervise or monitor children when they play with their guns. 

This oversight can lead to an opportunity for discussion about how to handle firearms responsibly in real life - so that kids don't accidentally injure themselves or others with their toy guns. Children who play with airsoft guns can also develop an appreciation for history and culture by learning about the weapons that were used in the past (and some still are today).

Drawbacks of Airsoft Guns

If you’re a recreational airsoft player of airsoft, you may have wondered about the drawbacks of using an airsoft gun. Is there anything that should make me want to choose another type of gun? The answer is yes! Airsoft guns are made from plastic and usually fire at lower velocities than other types of guns, like BB or pellet guns. 

They also don’t shoot rounds as far as other types of guns. These are just a few potential issues with owning an airsoft firearm. There are more drawbacks than benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the things you may be worried about and brace yourself against!

  • Background Noise

Airsoft guns can make a lot of noise, especially when the bullets whistle through the air. This can distract people living near you. You may have to have ear protection to shoot well because of this. Personally, I wouldn’t want to be in the middle of a field when someone is firing an airsoft bb gun! 

  • Bullet Velocity

Most airsoft guns fire at around 350 fps (feet per second). The higher velocities are typically used for milsim or sniper setups. The lower velocity is usually intended for CQB, training, and target practice. Personally, I prefer a higher velocity and some realism in my gun.

  • Not Real Guns

This is the big one! Airsoft guns are toys. They’re designed with fun in mind. They are not intended to replicate actual firearms or deal with any type of scenario you would expect from a real firearm. It’s best to compare it to paintball - another form of entertainment that gives the same adrenaline rush as airsoft but limits you with rules and player safety measures.