Airsoft guns as we know them today began in Japan during the 1980s. Public citizen ownership of guns was banned and residents wanted legal replicas that fired realistically rather than the pistols and rifles that they could no longer possess. To meet this need, Airsoft was born.
Airsoft guns are powered by compressed air, giving the shooter an experience very similar to shooting a gun with traditional ammunition. These weapons became quite popular and shooter competitions began.
Airsoft guns are relatively low powered so they are safe to use in tight spaces. This was perfect for the Japanese market, as space is at a premium there. These weapons were also designed to be affordable, flexible, and highly realistic. Ammunition was also quite affordable, so sport shooting was something anyone could afford to do on a regular basis.
Airsoft is still popular in Japan and many other Asian countries, but other countries around the world have discovered these weapons that can be used in training and skirmishes safely and today, the United States and Europe are fast becoming big fans of Airsoft. airsoft guns.
Police and military training is frequently done with Airsoft guns. The realism of an encounter is second to none, but personal safety, always a top priority, is far higher than with any previously used training tool.
Paintball was quite popular in the past among amateur shooters, but that practice is rapidly being superseded by Airsoft. The feel of the battle is much more realistic and the feel and weight of the weapons are much more like the real thing. Paintball guns are bulky and cumbersome, and feel very unnatural to the combatant.
Airsoft gun practice is quite popular. These guns are much safer to use in any situation involving sport or hobby shooting. These weapons are not made to kill or hurt anyone or anything. They are simply to learn the art and science of shooting accurately, hitting the target, competing against other experienced shooters and having fun.
Airsoft guns are quite affordable. Most people who love to shoot for target practice or in mock battles, or even in airsoft competitions, can afford to own several of these guns. Unlike pistols or rifles that fire dangerous powder ammunition, the small rubber pellets that Airsoft guns fire are inexpensive and anyone can afford to send out a day shooting without worrying about the cost of ammunition.
