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The Game Definition Airsoft is the collecting of and skirmishing with realistic, non-harmful, firearm replicas that fire plastic 6mm and occaisonally 8mm spherical projectiles usually called BBs. History Airsoft started in Japan sometime in the 1980's. "Real steel" firearms as they are often called, were outlawed in Japan; however, they seemed to be very popular. Companies started to manufacture firearm replicas that became known as airsoft. Some of the early guns were gas models made by Shoei, Kokusai, Asahi, JAC, and Tokyo Marui. Many of these models were low-powered and completely plastic. The coolest thing in my opinion is the fact that many of them used shells that held the BBs, and then ejected them as the BBs were fired. Most of these classic guns are quite endangered and are no longer made. Classic Airsoft is a great resource for information on these types of guns. Airsoft of Today These days there are three basic types of guns. They are Spring, Gas, and Electric. -Spring The first and most basic type of airsoft gun is spring powered. When the slide or charging handle is pulled, a piston head is moved back against a spring and locked into position. At the same time, a magazine is pushing BBs into the chamber. When the slide or charging handle is moved foward a BB is removed from the magazine. Once you pull the trigger, the piston flies foward under the power of the spring and releases a burst of air onto the BB. The BB is then projected out of the barrel. Spring guns are the best bet for beginners for many reasons. They are affordable, have very low maintenance, and can be found at many US sporting goods stores. The only maintenance that is required is a quick blast of silicone spray on the moving parts. There are also higher quality spring guns that are usually modeled after sniper rifles. They operate using the same basic principle as lower quality springers, but are much more powerful. -Gas Most gas guns are powered by HFC 134a(Duster gas), HFC 22(Green gas), and a select few guns also have the ability to use Red gas which is illegal in the US because it contains CFCs. Most gas guns will break when Red gas is used anyway so it really doesn't matter. The first step in the operation of gas guns is commonly called charging. You turn the can of gas upside down and insert it into the bottom of the magazine. One charge typically lasts for 2-3 magazines filled with BBs. Contrary to the fears of some, gas is actually quite affordable and one can will last for quite a while. When you insert the magazine you then have to pull back the slide to load a BB into the chamber. When you pull the trigger gas from the magazine is expelled onto the BB. Although most gas guns are replicas of pistols, some are also modeled after SMGs which shoot at very fast speeds. In Gas Blow Back models, additional gas is used to automatically propel the slide backwards. Non Blow Back on the other hand are also semi-automatic; however, the slide doesn't move. Gas guns are a little higher maintenance than spring guns, but it's nothing too serious. You basically lube the inside of the barrel and all other moving parts. -Electric Realistically electric guns can be subdivided into three catagories. Automatic Electric Guns, Electric Blow Backs, and Mini Electrics. EBBs and Minis are pretty much $20.00 paperweights, but can be fun for plinking or indoor battles. EBBs are semi automatic pistols powered by either AAs or AAAs and a small motor. Mini electrics are usually full auto, 1/3 size assualt rifles or sub machine guns that are also powered by small batteries and motors, but nothing blows back. Alright, now down to the real electric guns. The AEGs. Somewhere in the gun is a battery that is hooked up to a motor. When the trigger is pulled, the motor draws power from the battery. The motor spins a series of gears which eventually lead to a piston. The piston moves back and forth against the spring and repeatedly propels bursts of air onto BBs that are dropped into the chamber. When fired on full auto, most AEGs can have a RoF from 700-1000 rounds per minute. Electric guns also include a high amount of maintenance that includes, silicone spraying moving parts, the BB loading port, and the barrel. The barrel also needs to be cleaned with a tool that is included with most guns. Skirmishes When simply colecting airsoft guns isn't enough, and it usually isn't, people resort to skirmishing. I hate to compare airsoft to paintball, but if you're new to the sport, that might be the best way to explain it. Where paintballers usually play fast paced, speed ball type games, airsofters usually try to play in a manner that realistically represents a war conflict. Most players will wear full Battle Dress Uniforms and other gear like in the military.