Downloadable copy for distribution Link “mutton can you uploaded the sexy pdf, and link to it here at the top so people can downlaod and send it round the net.. 
Contents
Introduction
What is Airsoft?
Origins of Airsoft
Airsoft Law
The Law on Buying an Airsoft Weapon
Carrying Airsoft Weapons in Public
Getting Started in Airsoft
Game Site Weapon Hire
The Purchasing of an Airsoft Weapon
The Automatic Electric Gun (AEG)
Airsoft Apparel and Tactical Equipment
Apparel
Tactical Equipment
The Airsoft Games Zone
Basic Game Site Rules
Airsoft Safety
Game Play and Honour
The Airsoft Manual
This handbook is not Gospel…
This handbook is the views of experienced airsofters in an attempt to guide new and inexperienced players in the basics of Airsoft, its rules, game play, equipment and honour. It may also give other experienced airsofters a good laugh or maybe even a few ideas.
It is important to stress that the views expressed in this handbook are the views of Regular site players and not the views of Site owners or UKARA representatives and should be used as a guide only.
We hope you feel inspired by this little book, refer to it, maybe learn from it and even have a good laugh at it to.
Enjoy.
What is Airsoft
When people ask “what’s Airsoft”? A question that’s been thrown at me from time to time I always come up with the same answer.
“A bunch of guys running around with bb guns dressed like soldiers trying to shoot each other”
Obviously there’s a little more to it than that but the idea of Airsoft is quite simple, to strike an opponent with a bb fired from an Airsoft weapon to eliminate him or her from the game zone.
Again, there’s a little more to it than that and as we progress through this handbook we’ll look at the origins of Airsoft, Airsoft Law, Airsoft weaponry and kit and more importantly player safety and fair play. We don’t expect to cover every aspect of Airsoft and at the end of the day the best way to learn is to go out and play, and that’s something we can help with.
Origin’s of Airsoft
The idea of using a bb projectile first originated in America during the 1920’s when Air rifle owners were found to be salvaging scrap steel ball bearings as ammunition. Some of these bearings due to there greater size and being forced through a rifle barrel would result in split barrels requiring repair. It was the American Ball Company who hit on the novel idea of mass producing metal bbs for the Air rifle market under the name Bull’s Eye. Daisy, the largest supplier of Air rifle’s in America at that time realised the significance of this and redesigned its barrels to accommodate this cheaper and better performing projectile. Daisy acquired the American Ball Company in 1939 and is still one of America’s leading Air rifle (bb rifle) producers.
The idea of Airsoft that we play today originated in Japan and was first played in its current form in the late 1970’s. The idea was simple, realistic looking weaponry that fired non-lethal projectiles (plastic bb’s) for sporting and simulation purposes. It was Japanese toy companies that first produced bb weapons that could be safely shot at people in a similar way to which paintball weapons can. And after time it was agreed that a standard sized 6mm diameter bb would be cheaper and more efficient to produce and it is this ammunition we use today. In some cases a larger 8mm diameter bb is available for certain Airsoft weaponry.
Airsoft in the same way as paintball is not recognised as a sport despite tactical game play, teamwork and mental and physical endurance being a vital part of this hobby. Airsoft brings a wide range of people together to compete as equals in a safe environment where fair play and honestly is paramount.
Airsoft Law
It is important to note that the rules and regulations surrounding Airsoft in its current state are set by the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) in accordance with Home Office guidelines. In Home office legislation an Airsoft weapon was labelled an Un-licensed Air Gun as it used compressed air (see “The Automatic Electric Gun”) to discharge a projectile with a muzzle energy of 1 joule or less. They were not classed as firearms as they were not regarded as lethal barrelled weapons. In 2006 the Government introduced the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA):
“An Act to make provision for reducing and dealing with the abuse of alcohol;
to make provision about real and imitation firearms, about ammunition and
about knives and other weapons; to amend the Football Spectators Act 1989
and the Football (Disorder) Act 2000; to amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003
and section 8 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998; to amend section 23 of the
Children and Young Persons Act 1969; to amend the Mobile Telephones (Reprogramming) Act 2002; and for connected purposes”.
[8th November 2006]
Due to the wide use of Airsoft weapons and there potential use in violent crime The Government had no option but to review these types of “Air Gun” (in the VCRA labelled as imitation firearms) during the drawing up of the VCRA. In the explanatory memorandum to the VCRA (realistic imitation firearms) regulations 2007 (2007 No. 2606), which is available to view from the Office of Public Sector Information (see Appendix 1) the government accepts “realistic imitation firearms were an intrinsic part of Airsoft skirmishing”. In the guidelines set by the government in conjunction with the VCRA UKARA was formed to protect Airsoft Skirmishing as a recreational activity.
The current United Kingdom Airsoft Sites Governing Body (UKASGB) set Airsoft Weapon feet per second (fps) muzzle velocity limits for fully automatic AEG’s to 328fps with a 10% variance. Government guidelines as a result of the VCRA put the maximum fps of a fully automatic Airsoft weapon at 377. Any Airsoft weapon with the ability to fire fully automatic with an fps of over 377 is classed as a section 5 firearm under current UK law.
As we will discuss later some Airsofters use semi automatic and single action bolt rifles at game sites that have a greater fps than 328, these are generally Airsoft snipers. As these weapons only fire a single shot through a single trigger pull they are not classed as a section 5 firearm though the single action bolt rifle will fall under current Air Gun laws due to its high fps. It is up to the game sites themselves whether or not to allow these types of weapons on game days. If this is the case all participating airsofters must complete a site disclaimer before they are allowed out into the gaming area. Please check your game site rules regarding fps limits as these are set by the game site owners and not UKARA.
The Law on Buying an Airsoft Weapon
The government proposed in the VCRA to:
“Amend the firearms legislation to ban the sale, import and manufacture of realistic imitations and to prohibit the sale of imitation firearms to persons under the age of 18. Also to introduce tougher sentences for the possession of an imitation firearm in a public place without reasonable excuse.”
VCRA 2006 Regulations 2007 No.2606
Due to this legislation Airsoft looked to be heading for the scrapheap. With no means to buy and sell Airsoft weapons no new players could possibly become involved in Airsoft and those players already a part of it would be confined by the guidelines put forward by new government legislation. Thankfully an amendment was proposed to allow true Airsofters to own, buy, import and sell Airsoft weapons providing they could prove they were in fact Airsoft skirmishers. Once again UKARA provided a means to an end and set up the UKARA database so that its members (Retailers/Game Sites) could register its players. In order for your game site to register you as regular Airsoft skirmisher you must visit (play) Airsoft on 3 occasions in a time no less than a 2 month period, the maximum time period is 12 months. Once you have visited your site for the allotted period you will be asked to complete a UKARA Player Registration Form (see Appendix 1) and your game site will add you to the UKARA database and issue you with your UKARA number. Your name will remain on the database for 12 month until its renewal update by the player’s game site. Once your UKARA number has been issued any retailer who sells you an Airsoft weapon will ask for it before a sale is completed. This is also the case for international sales.
Carrying Airsoft Weapons in Public
If you are caught in public with an Airsoft weapon on display you are likely to get a prison sentence or at least a hefty fine. Airsoft weapons are labelled as Imitation Firearms for a reason so walking around any public place with one on display is a clear violation of the VCRA and may even result in the Armed Response Unit of the Police Force being called out to deal with the apparent threat. All Airsoft weapons when not being used on registered game sites should be stored out of sight of the public and in a secure weapon case such as a gun slip (rifle bag) or hard case. Airsoft weapons can be transported to and from game sites or sent through national and international post just as long as they are transported securely.
Getting Started in Airsoft
For a complete novice the idea of visiting an Airsoft site could be a daunting prospect, especially with so many experienced airsofters and all there kit on display. Its one thing to be a back yard skirmisher playing with your mates after school or work but the idea of progressing to an actual skirmish site may put people off. Chances are though you have been introduced to Airsoft through a friend who can show you around and introduce you to the site and its players without going it alone.
Either way most site’s will have an online forum where all its members can get together to swap advice, tell stories, review past games but more importantly welcome new players. All forums will have a “newbie” section where you can post to introduce yourself and ask around about playing, so don’t be shy we were all newbie’s once.
And if that doesn’t work there’s always the phone so you could arrange a visit to watch a game day before playing.
Once you’ve made first contact and the regulars have welcomed you with open arms all you need is a bit of kit and you’re off. In the next section we’ll discuss the hire and purchasing of Airsoft weapons and Kit.
Game Site Weapon Hire
All game sites will have a selection of Airsoft weapons for hire for you to use during the day if you do not already have your own, these weapons always vary and the cost of weapon hire will be found on either the game sites website or available through emailing or calling your local site direct. These hire weapons are generally on a first come first served basis so make sure you request a hire weapon when you book your place on the game date which can be done through the forum or contacting the site directly through email or phone. It is important to note that you may have to hire or in some cases borrow an Airsoft weapon during your first three visits to your Airsoft site as you will not be able to purchase some types of Airsoft weapon without being registered through UKARA which we have already discussed.
Before UKARA came into force anybody could walk into an Airsoft retailer or online store and buy an Airsoft weapon. Today the only Airsoft weapon you can buy without being a UKARA member is a two tone replica Airsoft weapon. These weapons are readily available from most Airsoft retailers and are governed by the same laws all airsofters adhere to.
The Purchasing of an Airsoft Weapon
Once you’ve been signed up and are added to the UKARA database you are legally allowed to buy any type of Airsoft weapon. The question you have to ask yourself now is what to buy, the choice is endless and with so many models and makes it may just give you a sore head thinking about it. At the end of the day different player’s play in different ways and suit different types of weapon and role, such as these four basic types of player:
- Rifleman
- Grenadier
- Support Gunner
- Sniper
Of course you may feel you don’t suit any of these and fancy yourself as a Counter Terrorist Expert or some Explosive’s Specialist but here we can show you the types of weapon that may suit you and the type of player that carry them.
The weapons mostly used in Airsoft are called AEG. This stands for Airsoft Electric Gun and further into this handbook you can discover how one actually works. The principle is the same for every AEG; it’s only the outside, the look of the weapon that’s really going to concern you. The AEG will closely imitate its real world counterpart in its functions; it will have a selector so that you can fire a single round, a burst of several rounds and also be able to safety the weapon. It may posses a RIS unit to attach accessories such as a laser site or torch and can be equipped with either standard steel sight or optic/telescopic scopes. All of the player types in this section will use an AEG of some form.
Rifleman
The mainstay of all game sites these airsofters will make up the majority of players. Based on actual real life infantrymen these players will be equipped with a primary rifle and in most cases a secondary weapon usually a pistol. Most Airsoft rifleman will imitate real world with there weapon choice but others will see a weapon they like and run with it. These are the current service rifles of several governments:
Of course there are many other countries that use other service weapons such as the Steyr Aug A1 (Austria), HK 416 (Norway) and the QBZ-95 (China) for example but these are less common on game sites. Most players use a weapon they like the look and feel of as it makes the experience that little more enjoyable.Like the rifleman the grenadier will be equipped with a primary weapon and in most cases a secondary weapon usually a pistol. In the case of most real world Grenadiers they will be equipped with the standard service weapon that has been converted to carry an under-slung grenade launcher (UGL). These are the current service rifles with an attached grenade launcher of several governments:
In Airsoft the type of grenade that can be “fired” from these types of weapon are 40mm BB shower grenades. These grenades do not leave the weapon as a projectile but instead fire a shower of 6mm BB’s at your opponent. Like the real world these grenades have a limited range compared to a BB fired from an AEG. The only advantage of using a 40mm BB grenade is the amount of BB’s that can be fired with a single trigger pull, in some cases a single BB grenade can fire over 200 BB’s at one time.
Support Gunner
The Airsoft support gunner in some ways only imitates his real world counterpart in looks and the amount of rounds he can fire during the day. Real world support gunners use belt fed light/medium machine guns that are used to suppress the enemy during attacks, defend areas where a lot of firepower is required and in some cases take out a large force quickly. Airsoft support weapons are still AEG’s but will not have a semi-automatic selector switch, its full auto or nothing with these weapons and are usually fed with a large box magazine capable of holding several thousand BB’s depending on its size. These are the current service support weapons of several governments:
In Airsoft these types of weapons are designed to produce large amounts of fire and when used correctly have a valuable part to play on the Airsoft game site.
Sniper
As a highly trained individual the sniper is a specialist long range marksman. As with the real world the Airsoft sniper must be skilled in the art of concealment. Using camouflage and stealth these individuals are used in reconnaissance and information gathering. As we have already read in Airsoft Law the Airsoft sniper may use a single action bolt rifle with a greater FPS than an AEG at game sites. During game play it is the Airsoft snipers ability as a concealed marksman rather than his speed and rate of fire which he/she uses to neutralise the opposing side. These are the current service sniper rifles of several governments:
The Airsoft sniper as we will see later in this handbook is confined to the same limitations as a real world sniper and whose role is not an easy one. It is common for Airsoft snipers to be very experienced players who have developed into the role rather than a novice player taking up the roll.
The Automatic Electric Gun (AEG)
An AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) is the main Airsoft weapon found at game sites. An AEG is a battery operated replica firearm that produces a burst of air to fire a plastic bb. The bb projectile is fired from the AEG by a burst of air produced by a series of events using many moving parts within it.
The main working parts of an AEG are housed within the gear box (casing) and each individual part is listed below with a brief description of its function. An AEG produces this burst of air utilizing all of these parts:
Switch block
This switch block is essentially the trigger mechanism. When the AEG is fired by pulling the trigger two metal contacts connect and form a circuit in your AEG beginning the entire process.
Motor
The motor is powered by the battery and is operated when the trigger contacts form a circuit. The motor fits into the gearbox (casing) through a small opening and has to be height aligned to come into contact with the gears and once operated cycles the gearbox.
Gears
The motor cycles the gears which in turn retract the piston to contract the firing spring. Within the gearbox (casing) there are 3 gears. The first is the bevel gear which comes into contact with the motor. The second is the spur gear which relays the power to the third gear called the sector gear which engages with the piston. The sector gear also controls the tappet plates operation and in essence controls the timing of the cycle.
Piston
The piston engages with the sector gear so that it can be retracted to contract the firing spring and to rapidly release it.
Piston head
This is attached to the end of the piston; this provides the air seal within the cylinder and is what impacts against the cylinder head.
Cylinder
The cylinder acts as a guide for the piston. As the piston and piston head are released they create air pressure which is forced into the cylinder and through the cylinder head.
Cylinder head
The cylinder head is situated at the end of the cylinder and it is this part which takes the impact of the piston and piston head at the end of each cycle. The burst of air created by the release of the firing spring passes through the cylinder head opening and through into the air nozzle.
Air nozzle
The air nozzle has two functions. The first is to allow the bb from the magazine to enter the breach (bb start point) and its second function is to align the bb inside the hop chamber to form a temporary seal with the hop rubber. A magazine will always feed bbs into the breach when it is locked into the magazine “well” due to the magazine spring pushing bbs up into it. The air nozzle controls the flow of bbs into the breach by blocking the bb until it is ready to be fired. This occurs when the gears cycle causing the air nozzle to retracts allowing a bb to rise into the breach. As the piston fires and the burst of air is produced the bb inside the hop unit is forced down the barrel and out of the AEG.
Tappet plate
The tappet plate and tappet plate spring are what operates the air nozzle which is placed at the end of the cylinder head. The tappet plate function is timed by the sector gear.
Spring guide
The spring guide is used to hold the firing spring it in place during the cycle.
Anti reverse latch
This anti reverse latch is situated touching the bevel gear and prevents the gears unwinding during the cycle when under pressure.
Bushings / bearings
A bushing provides a padding and stable surface between the metal casing and the gears. These come standard in most AEG’s as 6mm bushings. Bearings like bushings provide padding but a bearing provides slightly less resistance than a bushing but at reduced reliability.
Shims
Shims are tiny washers that are situated between the gears and bushings. These act as spacers to allow the gears to be aligned correctly in case of machining inaccuracies. Shims prevent movement in the gears which could cause potential internal damage.
Gearbox casing
The gear box casing holds all of the gearbox parts together and in place. It has positioning rails which hold the piston in place and has pre cut 6mm holes for bushings or bearings to be situated for the placement of the gears.
Outside the gearbox casing:
Barrel
The barrel is situated directly inside the hop unit with a hop rubber placed around the connecting end of the barrel. The standard size diameter of a barrel is 6.08mm and is usually made from brass
Hop unit and Rubber
The hop unit is effectively the breach and were the bb from the magazine enters the barrel. Inside the hop unit the hop rubber (bucking) which is attached around the end of barrel presses down on the bb as it passes through creating an adjustable amount of spin which determines the flight of the bb once it has left the barrel. The amount of spin depends on the setting of the hop rubber and can be adjusted manually from the outside.
Airsoft Apparel and Tactical Equipment
As we have discussed Airsoft players take notice of real world military guise and may try to recreate that particular look for Airsoft. This may be done by copying a certain countries infantry soldier, special operations member or perhaps a mercenary where Airsoft apparel would be mixed to form no comparisons to any country or organisation. With so much new and used Airsoft apparel being available and easy to obtain any look from any era can be recreated.
Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)
Battle Dress Uniforms may be plain in colour or be made up of a patterned camouflage. Each country around the world will have its own different type of camouflage pattern to help distinguish itself from its neighbour. Each country may also have different colour camouflage depending on there military’s area of deployment, such as Woodland or Desert. BDU’s comprise of a Long Sleeved Shirt and Trousers with the same colour or pattern. The Camouflage patterns of several countries are listed below:
- Britain: Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) / Soldier 95 Woodland & Desert
- United States: Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and Marine Pattern (MARPAT)
- Russia: Russian Digital Camouflage (RDC) & R87 FLORA Pattern
- Germany: Flecktarn Woodland & Desert
New and used BDU’s are easy to come by through internet retailers and army surplus stores along with other memorabilia.
“It is advisable to note however that these uniforms are and have been worn by members of the Armed Forces In current and past conflicts so please show respect by not wearing memorabilia that could cause offence”.
Along with BDU’s headwear such as helmets, boonie’s and patrol caps feature heavily in Airsoft and these too can be acquired with a camouflage pattern to match your BDU’s
Tactical Equipment
Load bearing
The modern Airsofter like his real world counterpart can sometimes resemble that of a pack horse. During game play an Airsofter may carry with him his weapon, spare ammunition in magazines, spare ammunition in other containers, pyrotechnics (bb grenades/smoke grenades), Food and water, communications equipment and other in game props. Webbing and Tactical Plate Carriers provide a way of carrying all these consumables during game play.
Webbing
Load bearing Webbing is a simple way of carrying all of your Airsoft consumables with you during game play. Webbing will consist of a duty belt, a yolk or harness and various pouches suited to different uses. Webbing generally comes in two man colours, olive drab and black or in the camouflage pattern of certain countries. Listed below for example is the standard issues webbing of Britain and the Webbing system formally used by the United States:
• Britain PLCE(Personal Load Carrying Equipment)
The standard issue PLCE is made up of the duty belt, yolk, two double ammunition pouches, water bottle pouch, utility pouch and bayonet frog. The PLCE has the ability to hold further pouches depending on personal requirements.
• United States ALICE(All-Purpose Lightweight Individual
Carrying Equipment) Made up of a duty belt, yolk, two triple ammunition pouches, entrenching tool carrier, water bottle pouch and first aid pouch. (Issued 1974)
Tactical Load Bearing Assault Vests
The assault vest was designed to carry essential consumables in a more secure rig than load bearing webbing. Webbing is designed to hold soldiers equipment around his waist with his shoulders bearing the weight. An assault vest consists of a typical waistcoat design with various pouches attached to it, either permanently fixed or removable (modular) using clips, buckles or Molle (see Personal Armour System). This system allows the weight to be distributed around the torso and gives the wearer greater access to carried consumables. Listed below is the current issue assault vest of Russia and Germany.
• Russia 6sh92 – Tactical Assault Vest
• Germany IdZ – (Infanterist der Zukunft)
Modular Assault Vest
Personal Armour System
Personal Body Armour is an item of clothing designed to protect the torso against the impact of gun-fired projectiles, shrapnel from the result of explosions and non ballistic weapons such as knifes. Personal Body Armour has the option of incorporating metal or ceramic plate inserts. These plates are positioned within the body armour to protect vital areas of the torso. These armoured vests, such as the Ranger Body Armour where designed to be worn under webbing such as the ALICE webbing system.
The next generation of personal body armour used by the military incorporated the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS). PALS is a grid of webbing invented and patented by United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Centre and is used to attach smaller equipment onto load bearing platforms, such as vests and backpacks. It is currently being used by the United States Military on there Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), Interceptor Body Armour, The United States Marine Corps Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) backpack and Modular Tactical Vest (MTV). The term MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is used to cover the current generation of load-bearing equipment and rucksacks currently being used by the United States Army.
The Osprey body armour currently worn by British Service Personal also features a modular system similar to that of the PALS.
The Airsoft Game Zone
Basic Game Site Rules
As members of the UKASGB, the majority of UK game sites will follow UKASGB guidelines, which can be found on the UKASGB website when drawing up site rules and regulations (R&R) although this is not compulsory and it is important to state that game sites govern themselves and that there R&R are not UK law. Before attending any game site it is advisable to research there own particular R&R as these may vary from site to site. Most game sites will publish there R&R on its own website or can be made available to you via Email.
As an example of game site rules please refer to appendix 2 under Game Site Rules. The rules stated in appendix 2 can be used as a general guideline but not as a site by site reference. Game site rules are in place to promote honest game play and above all player safety. The game site R&R will be read out before any days play so please make sure you adhere to them.
Compulsory Rules:
These rules must be followed by any player wishing to play at any game sites that adhere to UKASGB guidelines:
Eye Protection must be worn.
It is advisable for full face protection to be worn.
It is compulsory for all players to wear eye protection
It is compulsory for under 16’s to wear full face protection
Age Limits
The minimum Age for any person is 12.
FPS Limits
All game sites will chronograph (check fps) on all Airsoft weapons that will be used in any game play before use and must not exceed 328 fps (+10% variance).
It is up to the individual game site to provide separate insurance cover to allow the use of single action/semi auto weapons which do not adhere to the UKASGB guidelines.
For a full list of UKASGB guidelines (version 6) please refer to the UKASGB website (Appendix 1).
The guidelines set by the UKASGB should be followed without question. They have been put in place for the safety of players and the protection of game sites and the Airsoft community in general.
The game sites themselves, as we have read in the game sites rules (appendix 2) have to implement these rules as well as there own individual game site rules. The following rules are not set by the UKASGB but are found on most game sites, they are common sense rules aimed at preventing injury and promoting good honest play.
Overkill
Many game sites will implement a 3 second burst rule to prevent un-necessary overkill. With some Airsoft weapons having a high rate of fire (HROF) it is conceivable that a 1 second burst from an AEG will fire around 20 bb’s. A 3 second burst could have to potential to fire 60 bb’s. A single bb is all that is required to eliminate a player during game play.
Blind Fire
Blind fire is simply not looking where you are firing your Airsoft weapon. Whether it is round a corner of a building, round a large tree you are taking cover behind or into a bunker window it is dangerous and completely unnecessary.
Engagement Range
Any Airsoft weapon such as a single action/semi auto sniper rifle with an FPS greater than 350 should be used at a distance of no less than 20m. These weapons have a greater fps than standard AEG’s and could have the potential to cause injury if used at a distance less than 20m
The Bang Rule
It is conceivable that during game play you may find yourself in a position behind an opponent or opponents. The bang rule is in place to allow a player to call out “Bang” to neutralise a target without firing upon him/her. This rule can only be used when in close proximity to an opponent unaware of your position. Shouting “bang” at somebody across a field or building has no affect. When using the bang rule on multiple target’s a single call of “bang” will only neutralise a single player, multiple targets require multiple calls of “bang”.
Close proximity fire
A single bb is sufficient. It only takes a single bb strike to eliminate an opponent. At close proximity burst fire has the potential to cause injury and more than likely upset your opponent. At close proximity semi automatic fire (single shot) should always be used.
Airsoft Safety
As you will have read in the posted game site rule (Appendix 2) player safety is paramount and should be a player’s first concern. Not adhering to site rules could have the potential to cause injury. As we have seen in Airsoft law it is because we adhere to the guidelines set by the UKAGB and with the work of UKARA that Airsoft can still be played in its current form. It is the objective of Airsoft to strike an opponent with a bb fired from an Airsoft weapon. The bb’s fired from an Airsoft weapon travel at great speeds over distances exceeding 60 metres but not all game play is at this distance. Airsoft games can be up close, sometimes only a few metres away, perhaps the length of single room in a building or even an underground bunker. Every scenario is different but your views on safety should always be the same.
Game Play and Honour
Airsoft is a game of trust, a bb strike do’s not always leave a mark such as in paintball, it is down to the HIT player to recognise a bb strike either by the sensation or the distinct sound and to indicate he has been eliminated from the games zone. To be eliminated from the game zone a bb has to strike any part of your body or weapon, ricochets must also be taken as a HIT so that there is in no way any chance to confuse or debate a bb strike.
When HIT during game play the HIT player must call out loudly, “HIT”, and to clearly raise at least one of there hands into the air and stand up if not already doing so. This provides the player that has struck you with a bb an audible and visual signal that you have been HIT. It is important to provide both a visual and audible signal for a number of reasons:
Noise
During game play you may be surrounded my several players all firing there weapon and your call of HIT may not be audible through the surrounding noise so a visual signal is vital. It is also conceivable that the player that has struck you with a bb cannot hear your call of HIT over there own weapon noise if they are using the weapons burst facility, again a clear visual signal is important.
Player in cover
During game play your opponent may try and take cover behind hard or soft cover in an effort to evade your fire. As you no longer have a complete visual of your opponent it is important to be aware that you may have HIT or will HIT your opponent during the coming exchange in fire. Again a visual as well as an audible signal will allow an opponent the chance to come out of cover if HIT without you continuously firing into there position. Common courtesy should be extended to all players in the game zone.
Delay (time to target)
A bb fired from an AEG has the potential to fire at 330 fps during game play. It is conceivable that a bb strike could occur at a distance up to 70m with an AEG (depending on weapon). So it is conceivable that there is a half second delay between bb fired to bb strike. Added to that the time it takes a player to realise they have been struck with a bb, to call HIT and raise a hand could take 2-3 seconds. Always give your opponent the chance to signal they have been hit.
By following these simple common sense views the game will flow quickly and without incident. It is always possible that a bb strike may not be felt, it happens, especially with bb strikes not always hitting the body but hitting attached pouches and other kit worn by players. If you are ever unsure of a bb strike then always except it as a HIT. With the way Airsoft is played and run you will re-enter the game quickly after a simple respawn.
Respawn
The term “respawn” is used to re-introduce a HIT player back into the game scenario. Respawn rules are used to promote fair continuous play and to direct a game scenario in a certain direction depending on its potential outcome when two equal teams are opposing each other. During game play a player can respawn of designated respawn points or depending on the scenario off a LIVE player. In fast moving game scenario’s respawns of a live player are most common. When a HIT player has removed themselves from there current position so to not interfere with the ongoing skirmish he/she can move to a LIVE player to respawn. This is done by placing there raised hand (from being HIT) onto the shoulder of a live player and counting clearly to 10. In the fairness of game play it is prudent to allow a “respawed” player the chance to re-enter the game scenario before you try and eliminate them again. As for players who wish to respawn it is advisable you find a player who is not currently taking bb fire or a player who wishes to remain unnoticed to respawn from. Respawning at a designated respawn point is similar to that of respawning off of a live player. Find your respawn point as conferred to you before game play and call out your 10 count to respawn and re-enter the game zone. The number of times you can respawn during game play will be conferred to you before game play as this will depend on the individual game scenario.
During the time period in between you have been HIT and the time you respawn you are not allowed to talk except to that of a game marshal. The “dead men don’t talk rule” is there for a reason and should always be followed. Telling a team mate the location of an opposing player after they have eliminated you from the game zone is a violation of game site rules. It is also unfair to look for an opposing player after they have struck you with a bb during game play to locate them before you respawn back into the game.
Hit Taking
With the amount of players and the amount of bb’s fired in a skirmish day it is inevitable that you will at some point be struck with a bb. The majority of bb strike’s can generally be felt or heard but on occasion the odd bb can go unnoticed, it happens. However as we have discussed Airsoft is a game of trust and honour and the deliberate “not taking” of bb strikes (HITS) is a clear violation of Airsoft rules. It is dishonest and promotes ill temper towards opposing players. Players that do not take bb strikes when they are fully aware of it and the rules are cheating, and cheating is in no way acceptable in Airsoft. All players on game sites are bound by the same rules and regulations with no exceptions and unfair game play can result from expulsion from game sites for any length of time the game site owner feel’s is warranted. With the game scenario’s in place it is conceivable you can re-enter the game zone immediately so there is no need to not take bb strikes.
During game play if you feel that a player may not be taking his or her HITS it is not for you to begin hurling a tirade of verbal abuse at them, shouting out “take your hit” is not constructive. Any number of events could have the potential to disrupt a bb’s flight fired from your weapon. It is only when you are sure of the infraction that you can inform a game marshal who will monitor the player and if necessary re-state the rules on HIT taking. Game sites encourage fair play and cheating will not be tolerated in any form.
Airsoft Game Type
Each game site will in its own way try and provide every player with a unique Airsoft experience. Every game site is different and should be treated as such. Game sites will run scenarios dependent on there own individual location, gaming area and resources that they have available to them. All Airsoft scenarios will be part of different game types or experience. The following are game types (experience) regularly available at game sites:
Skirmish
Skirmish days provide the Airsoft player with short, objective based game scenarios that are generally against the clock. Each game can last from as little as 10 minutes to over an hour depending on objectives and team progress. These skirmish days are the most common form of game type at game sites.
Conflict Recreation
Based on historic events these conflict recreation games take the form of past Wars, battles and other past military events (hostage rescue etc). The most popular conflict themed recreations are World War II based scenarios.
Military Themed Simulation (Milsim)
Milsim events are designed to create a unique experience. These events simulate a work of fiction to create and entirely original game scenario. These may include possible future conflicts or the result of a change in history and its potential outcome.
Film Themed Simulation (Filmsim)
These game types recreate Film or Computer Game scenarios for the Airsoft game site. These themed events can not only be conflict based but also works of complete science fiction, past and present.
All themed Airsoft events combine realistic clothing, weapons and kit of the era to recreate a realistic and unique Airsoft experience.
All game sites will post themed events such as WWII on there website.
A Few Parting Words
The reasoning behind producing this Airsoft Service Manual was to promote fair play and to provide some form of literature for potential players wishing to get into Airsoft. We where all once the new guy, whether it be at a game site or as a backyard skirmisher playing with your mates and like everyone hadn’t a clue what to expect. During your time playing you will no doubt experience the ups and the downs of Airsoft, experience those moments that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, make your heart race and your hands shake. It is your desire to play the game that has put you in this position to experience these events.
As you gain experience in Airsoft, visit different sites and meet other players you will begin to create bonds with these people, discuss how and why you got in to Airsoft and your playing experiences. It is possible you may form your own team with players who share your views on how Airsoft should be played. We’re not going to force upon you are principles, our morality, our ethics. We play Airsoft because we love to, we play by the rules because they are the rules and we promote Airsoft because we want to share the experience with others.
We can’t teach you how to play Airsoft and God knows we wouldn’t want to but I hope we have told you how to go about it and to play fair, by the rules.
We’ll see you out there.
Acknowledgments
ADAM DYE, DALE MILES, DAVE RAMPLING, NICK DAVIS, SHAUN DERRY, DAVID GIRLING, JAMES KERRY for there input. Peter Rumble at Combat Action Games and for those other people who I’ve no doubt forgot to mention.
Cheers Guys.
Appendix 1
Useful Websites
Office of Public Sector Information – VCRA
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts2006/pdf/ukpga_20060038_en.pdf
Explanatory Memorandum To The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (Realistic Imitation Firearms) Regulations 2007 (2007 No. 2606)
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/em/uksiem_20072606_en.pdf
UKARA
UKARA Player Application
http://www.ukara.org.uk/node/2
UKAGB
UKAGB Guidelines Ver. 6
http://www.ukasgb.org.uk/ukasgb_guidelines_v3.pdf
Appendix 2
BASIC GAME SITE RULES
Used with permission by Combat Action Games Norfolk
http://www.combatactiongames.com
Site Rules:
1. The aim of Combat Action Games is to allow people of all ages to enjoy the sport of Airsoft and enable both the player and the sport to grow.
2. This is a game and we expect everyone to behave responsibly and honestly.
3. Abusive behaviour will not be tolerated at Combat Action Games; this includes verbal and physical abuse.
4. The owner and staff have the right to ask any player to leave the site immediately for abusive behaviour. They may also ask a player to not come back to combat action games for dishonest behaviour.
5. Combat action Games restrictions:
- Age. The minimum age for playing is 12 years old. There is no upper age limit but people may be refused entry on medical or health reasons.
- Sex. There are no restrictions on the bases of a player’s sex.
6. Should the owner or the staff need to use rule 4 then it will follow this set out path:
- A warning to stop what they are doing.
- A warning followed by a threat that they will be asked to leave the games or day.
- The person will be asked to leave the game or day with out refund of fees. This could be followed by a full ban from combat action games.
Any ban will be discussed with all the staff involved and can be withdrawn only by the owner or chief marshal.
7. Fees.
- These are set by the owner of combat action games and are down to the owner to review at any time.
8. Feet per second limits:
- Any full auto AEG’s 328
- Semi auto sniper rifles 425
- Bolt action sniper rifles 500
9. No sniper rifle is to be used at a range less than 20m. Combat action games reserve the right to take away any persons rifle that is found to be fired at a closer range than 20m. This will be returned at the end of the day.
10. Marshals are everywhere; some are even playing the game with you. To find a marshal all you need to do is call marshal or go to channel 8 on your personnel radio which is restricted for marshal use only. Can people using radios hand in the channels so we can contact them, please only use the main channels not the sub-channels.
11. Hits.
- Any body part or webbing including vest and large pouches counts as a kill. Team kills do count as hits.
12. Rebounds and gun hits do count as hits.
13. No player is to carry a knife into the playing field.
14. Pyrotechnics will only be sold to persons over 18 years old. Combat Action Games may ask that they are not used if the woods are too dry.
15. No one is to pick up a pyrotechnic once it has been thrown.
16. No one is to fire out of the gaming zones.
17. Goggles are to be kept on at all time when out of the safe zone.
18. No gun is to be brought into the safe zone with a magazine in. You must take these out before entering the safe zone including pistol magazines even if holstered.
19. When hit during game play put your hand up into the air shout hit and get out of the way ASAP. If you are standing in a dead zone please don’t fire your guns.
20. Do not climb the trees or on top of the bunkers or buildings.
All words by Benjamin J Tatt.
Technical Information researched by Richard Young.
Cover Design by Charlie Horn.
Hop Up Illustration by Adam Dye.
An Eagle 6 Airsoft Production ©
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