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Table of Content iii
Table of Content
Table of Content ............................................................................................................................ iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1: Guns .............................................................................................................................. 3
Weapon Classifications ............................................................................................................... 3
Weapon Types ............................................................................................................................ 4
Ammo ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Price Ranges (Ammo and Guns) ................................................................................................. 6
Chapter 2: Gear ............................................................................................................................. 11
Eye Protection ........................................................................................................................... 11
Footwear ................................................................................................................................... 11
Water ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Gloves ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Clothing..................................................................................................................................... 12
Vest ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Holster(s)................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 3: Gun Usage ................................................................................................................... 15
Loading ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Shooting .................................................................................................................................... 16
Safety/Legality .......................................................................................................................... 16
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 18
Chapter 4: Games and Etiquette ................................................................................................... 21
Game Types .............................................................................................................................. 21
Park Etiquette ............................................................................................................................ 22
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Glossary ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Introduction v
Introduction
Everyone has a hobby. Some people knit, or collect stamps. Some people, really awesome
people, like to buy guns and shoot each other. Not real guns, of course. A majority of fake-gun
enthusiasts prefer either Paint Ball or Airsoft. Airsoft Guns are electric and gas powered guns ,
usually made of plastic or metal, which use air to propel plastic BB’s. They are easily identified
by the orange ring around the tip of the barrel, but other than that, appear exactly like a real gun
would. They are almost always modeled after the real version of a specific gun, and come in just
as many weights, sizes and classifications as a real gun would. The difference between the two
is, when you shoot an airsoft gun at your buddy, the most damage he’ll take is a very small
bruise or red spot, and when you shoot a real gun at your buddy, you are probably going to go to
jail.
Airsoft guns are typically used for playing gun-games. These games are usually things like tag,
or capture the flag, only geared towards the usage of airsoft guns. Men and Women of any age or
size will get their airsoft guns, and their protective gear, and gather at a park to play these games
against each other.
There are many very important things to take into consideration when starting your journey into
the world of Airsoft Guns. How much money should I spend on an airsoft gun? What type of gun
should I buy? What kind of clothing, or gear, do I need? What does the law say about airsoft
guns? How can I use them safely? In this manual for beginning players, we will answer these
questions and much more. By the time you’re done reading, you will be absolutely prepared for
your new hobby.
For any terminology you don’t understand (though it should be few and far between) please
reference the glossary and index located at the end of the manual.
Chapter 1 3
Chapter 1: Guns
Weapon Classifications
Weapon classifications describe how a weapon works, how fast it shoots, and what it looks like.
Weapon Classifications can vary greatly between fields and regions of the country, but the
accepted standard by the North Texas Airsoft group (NTA) is as follows.
Pistols/Sidearm Class
A Pistol, or Sidearm, is a weapon that resembles a typical (real) pistol. It is fired
with one hand, and is required to shoot at under 350 fps. It has no minimum
engagement distance. Pistols are typically used as a secondary weapon, when
your larger gun is out of ammo, or when you are not allowed to continue using
your larger weapon.
Rifle Class
Rifle Class airsoft guns are rifles that fire below 400 fps. They can be used semi-
automatic indoors, and fully automatic outdoors on most fields. They have a 20ft
minimum engagement distance.
CQB Class
A CQB (Close Quarters Battle) Class gun is a rifle that fires below 300 fps. It can
be used at full auto indoors, and has no minimum engagement distance. Not many
playing fields allow CQB class, because of potential confusion between CQB and
Rifle class due to how similar the weapons are in appearance. Some fields may
host CQB and pistol only matches, but this is rare.
DMR Class
DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) class rifles are rifles that fire below 450 fps.
In order to use these on an airsoft field, you must have full auto permanently
disabled, allowing players to only use semi-automatic shooting. They have a 50ft
minimum engagement distance and are not to be fired indoors unless they are
being fired out of a window.
4 Playing with Airsoft Guns: A Beginner’s Manual
Support Gunner Class
Support Gunner Class weapons are any Airsoft weapons that are considered to be
support weapons by the airsoft field or park you are playing at. They must have
fire at a speed of less than 450 fps, with a minimum of 50ft engagement distance.
Usage of support weapons is not allowed indoors unless they are being fired out
of windows.
Sniper Class
Sniper Class guns are essentially like an actual sniper rifle, and they work about
the same way. The only criteria is that they must look like a sniper rifle, with a
maximum speed of 550 fps.
We recommend the rifle class for a new and inexperienced player. It is the most versatile class
on the field, and is the most budget friendly.
Weapon Types
Airsoft weapon types are defined by the way a weapon works and what powers it. In this manual,
we will describe two different types of airsoft guns, AEG and GBB.
AEG
AEG stands for Automatic Electric Gun, which means that the airsoft weapon is
powered by a battery. Battery sizes are usually 8.6, 9.5, or 11.1 volts. Batteries are
typically rechargeable, and the amount of time they last depends entirely on the
size of the battery.
Pros:
AEG weapons require relatively low maintenance
AEG weapons are very reliable in terms of repair and upkeep
AEG weapons are very consistent in speed and distance of firing.
Cons: AEG weapons are not as realistic as GBB’s (defined below)
GBB
GBB stands for Gas Blow Back, which means that the airsoft weapon is powered
by propane gas.
Pros:
Realism: GBB guns behave very similarly to a real gun. The slide blows
back, just as the real version would, and the sound is more realistic, etc.
GBB is the standard pistol variant. Very few AEG pistols exist on the
market of Airsoft guns.
Chapter 1 5
Cons:
Magazines for GBB guns are more expensive than magazines for AEG
weapons.
The propane you have to use has a foul odor
GBB guns require more maintenance than AEG’s
The ammo capacity is very low because the propane gas only lasts a
certain amount of time.
The power of GBB weapons is effected by temperature. As the gas heats
up, it expands and gains pressure.
Our recommendation to you, as a new player, is to buy yourself an AEG. While learning how to
use airsoft guns, AEG are more reliable and easier to maintain.
Ammo
There are several things to take into account when purchasing ammo for your airsoft gun. In this
section, we will cover various sizes, weights and types of ammo. The kind of plastic BB’s you
should purchase depend entirely on your weapon, your pocketbook, and the standard rules of the
airsoft field or park you intend to play at.
Size
The standard, accepted size of BB’s is 6mm for airsoft guns. For some types of guns,
8mm bb’s are made, but this is relatively rare and should not be expected.
Weight
.12g
This weight should be avoided. It is the lightest, cheapest BB class, but because of
its light weight, it is adversely affected by wind and other elements of the
weather. Most brands of .12g BB’s have imperfections that can damage guns.
.20g
This weight of BB is the standard for most weapons. It is generally well suited for
average AEG’s and GBB weapons up to 350-375 fps in speed. It has very few
imperfections, and is only mildly affected by wind and weather.
.25g-.27g
This weight of ammo is used for weapons between 375 and 450 fps. It’s a little bit
more expensive than .20g weight BB’s but it is also less effected by wind and
other elements of the weather than .20g BB’s.
.30g and above
6 Playing with Airsoft Guns: A Beginner’s Manual
This is the most expensive ammo class allowed on airsoft fields and parks. It is
exclusively used for DMR and sniper class weapons shooting above 450 fps. It
takes very little effect from wind, and is extremely consistent in quality.
Exotic/Specialty (metal, paintball, glass)
Metal, paintball and glass ammo are not allowed on any airsoft field or park
because they are not safe to fire at humans. These types of ammo could have the
actual effect of a real gun, causing permanent damage to the person they were
fired at.
Bio/Non-Bio
Bio-degradable ammo is made out of materials that will degrade over time, making them
more environmentally friendly than non-bio-degradable ammo. Some airsoft parks and
fields will require that you use bio-degradable BB’s on their fields, so you will have to
check the rules of the park you intend to go to before you arrive. Biodegradable BB’s
generally cost about twice as much as regular non-biodegradable BB’s, though this
depends largely on the brand of the BB’s and the retailer.
Price Ranges (Ammo and Guns)
Price ranges of ammo and guns vary greatly, and some guns and ammo may or may not be worth
that expensive tag. In this section we will cover what is worth spending money on, and what
would be a waste of your time.
Ammo price ranges
The general trend with BB’s is that you get what you pay for. In other words, the more
money you spend on them, the more you’ll get out of your ammo. BB’s are very much a
personal preference, so before you buy a whole lot of one weight or brand, try out several
different combinations of the two in order to find what works best for you. Avoid
Crossman® and Matrix® brand BB’s, as they have a bad reputation of poor quality.
AEG price ranges
Low-Range ($80-$200)
Low range AEG’s make very good starter guns. They aren’t the best, but they’ll
be able to compete in the field fairly well. You’re likely to run into internal
problems in the future, such as part’s breaking, and it’s not a very good long-term
investment. Good brands to purchase are Dboys®, Boyi® and CYMA®.
Mid-Range ($260-$350)
These are decent starter guns as well, with a good blend between reliability,
durability and price. Good brands to purchase are G&G® and Echo1®
Chapter 1 7
High-Range ($275-$600)
These are good guns for experienced players that are looking for an upgrade. For
a beginner, we do not recommend them. The good brands to purchase depend
entirely upon what it is that you want the most out of your gun. KWA® brand is
known for their durable internal parts, and solid metal exterior. However, because
of modifications to the design to improve durability, they are not compatible with
several replacement parts. Like KWA®, Classic Army® brand is known for both
durable internals, and metal externals, however it’s compatible with most
replacement parts. G&P® is really just an overall step-up in quality from G&G®.
Tokyo Marui® brand has a weaker plastic body, and is slightly lower powered
than most other guns in this price range, but makes up for it with superior build
quality and extremely good accuracy and consistency.
Top of the Line ($1000-$1600)
Top of the line brands are primarily used for training purposes in law enforcement
and the armed services. They are very realistic, extremely durable and high
quality. A good brand to buy is Systema®. In order to play with them on the field,
however, you would need to replace their spring because the stock version of a
Systema® gun fires at about 500+ fps, making them illegal on most airsoft fields.
Chapter 2 11
Chapter 2: Gear
Gear is extremely important for Airsoft Gun-Play. It is everything you wear that isn’t a gun.
Without proper gear, you could get injured or very ill. Gear is your safety – It protects all of your
vitals and keeps airsoft from being a very painful experience. Make sure that Gear is the one
thing you don’t save expenses on; it could save your game.
Eye Protection
Eye protection is the single most important piece of gear for airsoft. NTA rules require a
full face mask for players under the age of eighteen.
A full face mask covers your entire face, including
your eyes and mouth. After the age of eighteen, it is
still very highly recommended that you continue to
wear full-facial protection because your teeth have
the potential to be shot out. All eye wear must meet,
or exceed Z87.1-2003 qualifications. All eye wear
must seal to your face, which means that shooting
glasses which do not completely adhere to your face
are not allowed. Fogging can often be an issue,
depending on the weather and how much you sweat.
Because of this, some goggles come with built in fans or vents to increase airflow.
Footwear
It is a good rule of thumb to always wear closed-toe shoes while playing games with
airsoft guns, in order to protect the soft tissues of your feet from debris. Some airsoft
fields will require that you wear boots.
Water
Water is extremely important to carry with you when you are in places that are high in
heat, like Texas. The risk of dehydration and heat stroke is very high. You can either
carry water bottles with you, or purchase something called a camelback. Camelbacks are
water pouches that you wear on your back like a backpack, with a tube running around to
the front that you can drink from.
12 Playing with Airsoft Guns: A Beginner’s Manual
Gloves
Gloves are not typically required, but they are always a good idea for protecting your
hands against debris and BB impacts. A good set of gloves with thick material across
your knuckles is recommended, just keep in mind that your fingers need to remain
flexible in order to operate your weapons.
Clothing
When selecting your clothing for playing with airsoft guns, keep in mind that you are
being shot at. While plastic BB’s won’t break your skin (typically) or do permanent
damage, they still hurt quite a bit, and will hurt a lot more if your skin is exposed. Try to
cover as much as you can without being uncomfortable in heat. Most airsoft fields
hosting weekend games will have the games set up as green team vs. tan team. Try to
wear distinctly tan or green clothing. Some games will require specific camouflage
patterns, so check the rules before you go.
(Photo copyrighted by: David Bixter,
Featuring Chris Smith)
Vest
Vests are extremely useful for carrying magazines, Speedloaders, BB’s, water and other
gear. While they are not required by any airsoft fields, it is a very good idea to have one.
Holster(s)
If you’re using a pistol along with another gun, you will need a holster to put your pistol
in when it is not in use. If the game you are playing requires the use of a pistol, make sure
that you invest in a good holster before you go.
Chapter 3 15
Chapter 3: Gun Usage
Using your Airsoft gun can be tricky business – All kinds of things could go wrong, and some of
them may not even be your fault. In this section, we will teach you how to load, shoot and fix
your gun, and we will teach you how to do it safely.
Loading
Loading Pistol (GBB)
Step 1: Take
Magazine in your hand.
Step 2: Release propane into
valve on the bottom of the
magazine
Step 3:
Pull back
Spring
In the side
Of the
Magazine Step Five: Tighten
Spring
Step Four: Fill with BB’s
From top hole
Step Six: Put Magazine back into the
Pistol
16 Playing with Airsoft Guns: A Beginner’s Manual
Loading Rifle (AEG)
5) Put Magazine Back in Gun
Shooting
Shooting Pistol (GBB)
First, when you are ready to use the gun, turn the safety switch at the back off. Second, Position
yourself and aim carefully. Lastly, Place your finger on the trigger and pull it.
1) Open Magazine
Door
2) Pour BB's Inside 3) Close Magazine
Door 4) Tighten Crank at
Magazine Bottom
Chapter 3 17
Shooting Rifle (AEG)
First, Place the stock of the gun firmly against the inside curve of your shoulder. Then, when you
are ready to use the gun, turn the safety switch off. (Located at the back) Aim carefully, place
your finger on the trigger, and pull it.
Safety/Legality
Safety while using airsoft guns is extremely important, which is why we covered so many
aspects of gear and safety equipment in the last chapter. Right now, we’re going to take a brief
look at many safety precautions you should take, and many things you should watch out for.
We’ll also mention a few things regarding the legality of airsoft guns, and how to avoid trouble
with the law.
Laws Regarding Airsoft Guns:
Always play on a legal airsoft field. Brandishing an airsoft gun in public is against the
law because it can be mistaken for a real weapon. This can confuse citizens as well as
law enforcement, so airsoft weapons must remain concealed at all times unless you are at
a legal airsoft field. Always carry your airsoft guns in a gun bag, not visible to the public.
When driving, store airsoft guns and gear in the trunk, out of view of civilians who may
see it and panic.
Safety Precautions
BB’s can easily take out an eye or a tooth if someone not wearing facial protection is
nearby and you are not careful. Always exercise trigger and muzzle discipline. This
means that you should only aim at what you want to shoot, and don’t put a finger on the
trigger unless you intend on shooting it. Although it is rare, airsoft guns (specifically
AEG’s) can malfunction and misfire. Keep the safety switch on whenever you are not
purposefully shooting at something. Always remove magazines and clear the chamber
between rounds or when entering a safe area to reduce the chance of gun breakage or
malfunction.
18 Playing with Airsoft Guns: A Beginner’s Manual
Troubleshooting
Problem Solution(s)
No response when trigger is pulled
Is the battery charged?
Check the fuse on the battery
Try using a different battery
High-pitched, muffled, whine sound when
trigger is pulled
The gear box is locked up, or an internal
gearbox part has broken. Do not pull the
trigger until the weapon is fixed. Take the
gun either to the manufacturer, a professional
gun repairman, or experienced player to fix.
Grinding sound when the trigger is pulled
Try adjusting the motor placement by twisting
the screw on the bottom of the handgrip. *SEE
PICTURE BELOW*
Gear or piston may be shredded, if first
solution doesn’t work. Take the gun to the
manufacturer, a professional gun repairman, or
experienced player to fix.
Chapter 4 21
Chapter 4: Games and Etiquette
In this final section of the book, we will teach you the most enjoyable part of playing with airsoft
guns – How to play games with them.
Game Types
There are an infinite number of games you can play with airsoft guns, because you can make
them up right as you go along. Keep in mind that while these are the typical game types and
typical game rules, it is up to the discretion of the players and the airsoft field to decide on the
actual parameters of the game; keep your ears and eyes open for different game variations of
what this section teaches you.
*Please note that in this context, “respawn”, or the ability to continue playing as a new “life”
after you have been shot down or “killed”, refers to the number of times a player can be “killed”
or shot down before they are out of the game. When a player “respawns” or comes back to life,
they must walk back to their “spawn” or team base and resume play again from that location in
the field.
Elimination
In the game “Elimination” both teams battle against each other until every member of one
of the teams has been “Eliminated” or shot down per the rules of the playing field. There
is no respawn in elimination, a player only receives one “life”.
VIP
In the game “VIP”, one team defends a person, or “VIP”, as they move throughout the
field completing pre-ordained objectives. The opposing team has to eliminate the “VIP”.
The game ends when either the “VIP” is eliminated, or the “VIP” completes his pre-
ordained objectives. Examples of pre-ordained objectives include capturing an object, or
making it to the other side of the field. Respawn rules on this game vary, but usually it is
a combination of unlimited respawns for all non “VIP” players and medic teams (healing
teams)
Attack/Defend
In the game “Attack/Defend”, you have two teams. One is the “defend” team and one is
the “attack” team. The “defend” team has to defend a specific objective, like a building,
for a specified amount of time. The “attack” team has to eliminate all the “defend”ing
team members and occupy the building, or objective. The game ends when the “attack”
team gains control of the objective, or the time runs out. The “defend” team has no
respawns, the “attack” team has unlimited respawns.
Capture the Flag (CTF)
22 Playing with Airsoft Guns: A Beginner’s Manual
There are two different versions of capture the flag, or CTF. It depends on the number of
flags present in the game.
1 Flag CTF
An objective, or “Flag”, is placed somewhere near the middle of the field or park.
This objective may be a crate, or a rubber chicken for all it matters. An unlimited
number of teams fight against each other to capture the objective and take it back
to their spawn point, or base. When playing 1 Flag CTF, you receive an unlimited
number of respawns with medic (healing) teams.
2 Flag CTF
An objective, or “Flag”, is placed somewhere near the spawn (base) of each (2)
team. Both teams fight to capture the opposing teams objective and bring it back
to their own spawn (base) without losing their own objective, or “Flag”. When
playing 2 Flag CTF, you receive an unlimited number of respawns with medic
(healing) teams.
Park Etiquette
In order to play with airsoft guns at all of your favorite airsoft parks, you must be very careful to
always exercise player and park etiquette. Offending the other players and the park
referees/owners is not a good way to be invited back again.
Always remember that each field has varying rule-sets, so be sure to check the website of the
field (park) before heading out so that you don’t get turned away. Most fields in North Texas
follow the standard NTA rule set, but there are some exceptions. Some fields may also have
additional rules, such as specific footwear or uniforms. Also be sure to check the cost of entry to
the park, as most good airsoft playing parks are not free to use.
Most fields use zip ties to label guns as chronographed. Chronographed means that they measure
the speed of the gun in feet per second, and label it according to how fast and hard your gun
fires. Do not remove zip ties during the game, or during the day, and do not use weapons that
have not been chronographed as this may result in your ejection from the park without a refund
or re-entry.
Index 23
Index
1 Flag CTF, 20
2 Flag CTF, 20
AEG, 4
Airsoft Guns, v
Ammo, 5
Attack/Defend, 19
Automatic Electric Gun, 4
Bio-degradable ammo, 6
camelback, 11
capture the flag, 20
Chronographed, 20
clothing, 11
CQB Class, 3
CTF, 20
DMR Class, 3
Eye protection, 11
Footwear, 11
games, 19
Gas Blow Back, 4
GBB, 4
Gear, 11
Gloves, 11
green team vs. tan team, 11
holster, 12
Laws, 15
Loading, 15
medic, 20
objectives, 19
park etiquette, 20
Pistol, 3
respawn, 19
Rifle Class, 3
Safety, 15
secondary weapon, 3
Shooting, 15
Sidearm, 3
Sniper Class, 4
spawn, 19
Support Gunner Class, 3
Troubleshooting, 15
Vests, 12
VIP, 19
Water, 11
Weapon classifications, 3
zip tie, 20
Glossary 25
Glossary
Airsoft Field (Airsoft Park) – A park or
field where people go to play with airsoft
guns – typically privately owned, indoors
and outdoors.
Airsoft Guns- Guns made of metal or
plastic that fire plastic BB’s
Ammo- What you shoot out of a gun. In the
context of this manual, it is a plastic BB.
BB’s - Small, round balls made of various
materials and shot out of BB guns and
Airsoft Guns
FPS – Feet Per Second. Refers to the speed
at which an airsoft gun shoots a BB
Full Auto - This is when your gun shoots
fully automatically. You can hold the trigger
and BB’s will not stop coming out until your
magazine is empty.
Gun-Games – Games that you can play
with airsoft guns. See Chapter 4
Magazines – This is a clip-on part to your
gun that holds all of your ammo as it feeds
into the gun. Before beginning a game, fill
extra magazines with ammo for easy reload.
Medic (Healing) Teams – These are teams
who run around during Airsoft games and
are allowed to “pick up” or “bring back to
life” players that have been shot down or
“killed” so that the shot down players can
resume game play.
Minimum Engagement Distance –
Minimum distance a player can be from
their opponent when firing their weapon
North Texas Airsoft group (NTA) – They
write all of the standard rules for playing
with Airsoft guns. Their mission is to make
the game as honorable and safe as possible.
Paint Ball – Paintball is very similar to
airsoft, but instead of shooting plastic BB’s,
you should soft plastic balls full of paint to
tag your enemies.
Pistol – A small hand gun which usually
holes about six to eight shots, sometimes
less. Usually a secondary weapon.
Propane Gas - A byproduct of natural gas
after it has been processed. Typically used to
power gas stoves and grills.
Secondary Weapon – A weapon that you
use when you are not allowed to use your
primary, or larger, weapon. Usually a small
gun, like a pistol.
Semi Auto – This is when your gun shoots
semi-automatically. You can only fire BB’s
in bursts, so holding the trigger will not let
out a blast of ammo all at once.
Sidearm – See Secondary Weapon
Sniper Rifle - A weapon used to shoot, or
“snipe” things from a very long distance.
Usually has a long barrel and a strong scope.
Speedloaders – A device that allows you to
quickly reload your magazines with BB’s
Support Weapons – A support weapon is
any kind weapon that can support advanced
weapons/soldiers in the field. (heavy and
light machine guns, etc.)