What is Airsoft?
AirSoft has a relatively long history. It was first designed and marketed in the United States about 30 years ago by a major gun company. Airsoft was conceptualized as a new approach in BB gun applications. In place of the utilitarian air gun designed for hunting, Airsoft was created with a purely recreational application in mind; for people who enjoy target practice or indoor plinking with friends who are not concerned about the high power hunting application of a BB or pellet gun, and just want to have fun. This is exactly where Airsoft fits in. The design of Airsoft centers on a unique propulsion system utilizing a small amount of air to accurately shoot a lightweight BB. It produces a lower impact energy with a less damaging projectile that is accurate enough to be FUN, but without the in inherent lethal capabilities of traditional BB Guns! As Airsoft has evolved, manufacturers added another important feature which drew hobbyists and collectors alike, to the sport. By modeling Airsoft after world famous pistols and rifles, an entire line of replicas were created. With further development, major Asian Airsoft manufacturers such as Tokyo Marui, TSD, ICS, SRC, KWC, KWA, HFC, WE, Western Arms, UHC, CYMA, JG, WELL and many other Chinese manufacturers, have experienced phenomenal growth in Europe, Japan, and other countries worldwide.

How realistic are Airsoft guns?
Highly realistic! Even law enforcement officers are unable to distinguish Airsoft from the real thing, and use it themselves for training. IMPORTANT! Always transport Airsoft guns in enclosed containers such as gun cases. Never take an Airsoft gun out in public! Mistaken identification of an Airsoft gun may result in accidental death or injury. NEVER Brandish an airsoft gun in public! Be mature! Be careful! Be safe!

What is the difference between Spring, Gas and Electric Airsoft guns?
Spring guns are the perfect entry level gun. The slide must be cocked for each shot. This increases firing time, but significantly lowers the cost of the gun, as well as maintenance. Cocking the gun compresses a spring attached to a piston. When the trigger is pulled, the piston flies forward, compressing the air in the cylinder and firing the BB. These are the most durable of all airsoft guns because they have the least number of parts that can break.

Gas guns use a gaseous propellant (ie. Green Gas/Propane or CO2) as power, loaded into the bottom of the magazine. Upon pulling the trigger, gas is released, propelling the BB. Most gas guns have a function called "Blowback". What blowback does is it adds another level of realism to the gun by simulating the actual fire (kick) of a real gun (i.e. a gas blowback gun's slide will actually fly backwards and load another BB, just like the real deal). Non-Blowback guns are generally more economical on gas usage, as it does not require the extra gas to activate any Blowback Action.

Electric guns use batteries as their power source. A motor runs a gear that compresses a cylinder compressing air. Most electric guns are fully automatic, and are referred to as AEG's. AEG's are very popular because of their power, they're low maintenance and are easy to upgrade, the choice among Airsoft Gamers and Afficianados.

What are the differences between Entry Level, High Grade Entry Level and High Grade AEG's?

Entry Level AEG's: These are generally the beginner AEG's. The advantages are, they are very inexpensive, come with many cool accessories and customers get a "feel" for what it's like to own and operate a full-sized automatic airsoft rifle. The disadvantages are, they usually will only work well with .12g BB's, and don't look for super accuracy. They are usually plastic construction and they have enclosed bodies and gearboxes, that make upgrading difficult and not feesable. For the price though, these are a bargain!

Mid-Level AEG's: These are generally a Mid-Grade AEG but because of lowering costs to make and increasing quality in China, these have become the best bargains in airsoft. The advantages are, they are still inexpensive, some still come with cool accessories and customers also get a "feel" for what it's like to own and operate a full-sized automatic airsoft rifle. But the big advantages are, these AEG's, for the most part are upgradeable. Internal gearboxes are usually metal, and the construction and plastics used are similar, or the same, as in the high end rifles and perform as well (or in some cases), better than the High Grade versions. Many are "interchangeable" in parts, with the higher grade AEG's. And, these Mid-level AEG's are usually geared towards use with heavier .20g BB's (which is the common BB's for high end users) and .25g BB's). These can be used in head-to-head comparisons and confrontations with the high end guns, or, can be easily upgraded at a fraction of the high end gun's costs!

High Grade AEG's: These are generally the Top of The Line AEG's. The advantages are reliability, upgradeability, availability of parts and for most, some sort of Manufacturer's Warranty. Internal gearboxes are always metal, and the construction and plastics used are the best. Many come already "upgraded" with Full Metal Bodies. Many are "interchangeable" in parts, with the other high grade AEG's and in some cases, real steel parts. As far as upgrading and accessorizing, the sky's the limit. And, these usually are geared towards use with .20g -.25g BB's (which is the common BB's for high end users).

What is FPS?
FPS means Feet Per Second, ie. how fast (or velocity) the BB travels, in this case, when fired from an airsoft gun. When checking or comparing FPS, remember to compare apples to apples. Airsoft guns are made to work at their optimum, with the Manufacturer's BB weight recomendations for that particular gun (ie. .12g, .20g, .25g, etc...). For example, if a gun says it fires 300 FPS with .12g BB's and another gun says it fires 300 with .20g BB's, the FPS is with different weight BB's. The one firing at 300 FPS with the heavier .20g BB's is probably a better performing gun.

What is Hop-Up?
The basic theory of Hop-Up is a spin theory. When the BB bullet is shot, there is a friction put on the upper side of the BB bullet. The BB bullet spins upwards. The power of the spin can offset the effects of gravity, wind, and air friction, thereby pushing the BB bullet to go a further distance.

What is the range of AirSoft guns?
Airsoft guns are very accurate and have a maximum-effective range of about 70 yards. Spring airsoft guns (approx. depending on FPS) shoot accurately up to 40 yards, Gas airsoft guns up to 60 yards and full-size electric rifles up to 70 yards. High powered CO2 gas Guns and Spring Sniper Rifles fire even well beyond these ranges and at a harder FPS...

What do the numbers mean on the BB's?
The numbers refer to the weight of the BB in grams. Every gun is designed around a specific weight of BB. Refer to this recommended BB weight for your specified gun when loading, or purchasing replacement BB's. (.12g is the lightest weight, and most often recommended for spring pistols and rifles and entry level electric rifles). .20g is a medium weight BB and is most often recommended for Gas Pistols and Electric AEG Rifles. .25g is the heavy weight and is most often recommended for high grade Gas guns and Electric AEG rifles).

Can I use a heavier BB then the recommended weight?
You can, but if the airsoft gun is not strong enough to support the use of heavier BB's, you will notice an extreme drop in FPS (velocity) and distance. If you experience this, then please go back to the manufacturer's recommended weight. If an airsoft gun is strong enough to handle heavier BB's (Gas Pistols, Mid - High Grade AEG's, Spring Sniper Rifles), then heavier BB's will not be a problem. Do not use .12g BB's with higher grade guns as you will get no accuracy at all with these lightweight BB's.

What type of BB's should I buy?
DO NOT USE CHEAP BB'S! All of Blazing Toy's guns that have Warranties, will only honor those Warranties if High Grade BB's are used (regardless of weight). It is tempting to buy and use cheap BB's (like those in chain stores) because of their low costs. But in the end, you pay with frequent BB jams, inaccuracy, fluctuating FPS and possible major damage to your airsoft gun! Cheap BB's are generally not fully round, fluctuate greatly in shape from one BB to another, have nibs on them from the manufactring process and are cheap in material. The nibs, or BB's themselves can break inside your gun causing Jams and gearbox damage. Look for BB's that are polished, smooth and round (like our TSD line of BB's).

Can I use standard .177 pellets or 4.5mm copper BB's?
Absolutely not! This type of ammo will not work with Airsoft guns and may cause damage to the gun itself and may void the warranty.

What gun(s) should I purchase first?
Many people purchase spring guns first because they are very affordable, and then upgrade (move up) to electrics and gas later. Currently, the costs have gone down so much on entry level electric rifles and some gas pistols, that any choice is very affordable. Most Airsoft guns are made of durable ABS plastic (similar to motorcycle helmets, etc...) so they tend to be lighter than real guns. HEAVY WEIGHT guns are either weighted or made with heavier materials to simulate the feel of a real gun. If you're looking for a highly realistic feel to your Airsoft experience, then either a Heavy Weight spring or more likely, gas gun is the way to go. make sure you know if you want to cock the gun for each fire (Spring Guns), perfer Semi-Auto (fires a shot with each trigger pull, ie. gas guns and AEG's) or you're looking for rapid fire (Full Auto) try the electrics or select full auto gas pistols). Whichever way you go, you can't go wrong!

What kind of protection do I need to play Airsoft?
In All Airsoft sporting activities, full face protection is required. All players should be equipped with eye protection when playing Airsoft at all times. Even if just target shooting or plinking, safety glasses should be worn by the user and anyone in the area where Airsoft guns are being used, because serious eye damage may occur from flying BB's.

What is the law?
The United States Federal Government has specified regulations applicable to Airsoft products. Airsoft is a category of air guns subject to all distribution and usage restrictions. Consumers must be at least 18 years of age to purchase an Airsoft gun and full-time parental supervision is required when used by younger persons. A permanent blaze orange marking at the front end of all Airsoft products is a federal requirement for product distinction. All consumer applications MUST have and retain this specified marking with the exception of movie and theatrical applications. Distribution and marketing of Airsoft products are to follow these consumer applications with age restrictions, federal and local air gun regulations:

1. Airsoft Sport Games - Promoting well regulated sporting events and competitions. Provide up to date information to consumers.
2. Movies and Theatricals - Props sold to certified movie studios or stage productions.
3. Firearms Training - Provided to consumer, firearm training facilities, law enforcement officers, and agencies for firearm safety and handling training.
4. Collectors/Displays - Non firing, framed display of historical or collectable imitation firearms.

The blaze orange marking is a federal requirement; all reputable Airsoft manufacturers and dealers must be in compliance with this ruling for legal use. All Airsoft products, foreign and domestic, must meet this safety regulation. DO NOT REMOVE THE ORANGE MARKING AT THE TIP OF THE BARREL! This is violation of Federal Law and will void the warranty!

Are AirSoft guns legal to own and operate?
Airsoft guns are legal to own in most of the United States, with the exception of certain cities like New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, among others. We do not ship to these cities/states. This is not a complete list - you should always review all local and state laws/ordinances regarding BB, replica and paintball guns before purchasing. It is the buyer's responsibility to be aware of their own local laws and ordinances. Blazing Toys is not responsible for knowing if your local area has laws or ordinances regarding airsoft.

What is the minimum age?
According to the United States federal government regulations, ALL Airsoft Buyers must be at least 18 years of age. We do not sell to anyone under 18 years of age! Purchasing from this site declares that you are stating you are 18 years of age, or older! To own and play, varies from State to State and in most cases, minors are only allowed to use with the permission and in the presence of parents, or authorized adults.

For more technical information regarding Airsoft, see our "Technical Corner".