Does Airsoft Hurt? An Extensive Perspective

Have you ever considered playing airsoft but hesitated to do so because of your perception of the pain levels? Fear not, because in this extensive exploration, we'll unpack the myths around airsoft and investigate the factors that may influence how much it does, or doesn't hurt.

What is Airsoft?

Airsoft is an activity reminiscent of paintball but uses air guns that shoot small round pellets instead of paintballs. It is a way of simulating actual gunfights or, in other words, playing war games without using any actual firearms, or ammunition. It is becoming increasingly popular because of the added realism and firepower of replicas that look like actual firearms and because most fields provide a variety of missions that make the gaming experience more immersive.

What Factors Determine How Much Airsoft Hurts?

The answer to this question will differ from person to person, but there are some common factors that influence pain levels of airsoft. These factors include the distance between the gun and the target, the weight of the pellets, the velocity at which the pellets travel, and the impact surface.

Distance

Distance is one of the keys factors which determines how much airsoft guns hurt. The farther the distance, the less likely the pellets are to cause pain on impact. The rule of thumb is to shoot at the target from a distance of 20 to 30 feet or more and to wear face and eye protection.

Weight and Velocity

The weight of the pellets and the velocity of the pellets coming out of the gun are other significant factors pertaining to airsoft pain. Generally, lighter pellets fired at a low velocity causes less pain than heavy pellets fired at a higher velocity. The accepted velocity at most airsoft fields today is 400 feet per second (FPS) or lower.

Impact Surface

The impact surface can also affect how much airsoft hurts. Generally, soft fabrics such as clothing may cushion the impact whereas hard surfaces such as someone's bare skin won't. Therefore, it is important to wear protective gear such as masks, gloves, helmets, and vests.

How Much Should the Distance & FPS Settings be?

The appropriate distance and velocity settings are determined primarily by the local airsoft field, however, they should always adhere to the guidelines set forth by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). Generally, the standard minimum and maximum ranges should be:

• Minimum distance of 20 feet
• Maximum velocity of 400 FPS

Some fields may have stricter limits depending on the guns allowed to be used. For fields open to the public, the gun's muzzle velocity should not exceed 350 FPS (feet per second) when measured with a 0.20 gram BB.

Protective Gear Needed for Airsoft

It is always important to wear the proper protective gear suitable for airsoft, no matter what distance and velocity your gun is set at. Commonly needed protective gear includes:

• Full face/head mask
• Protective gloves
• Goggles/shooting glasses

Additional protective gear tires, as well as mesh goggles and face masks, may also be beneficial, especially in fields where heavy fire may occur.

Insights

Overall, the main determining factors as to how painful airsoft can be depends on the distance, velocities, weight, and impact surface of airsoft pellets. It is important to understand these factors and to always observe any safety measures set forth by the local airsoft field. Furthermore, wearing the right protective gear is essential to minimize injuries and ensure a more enjoyable airsoft experience.