What Is an Airsoft Pistol?
Airsoft pistols are detailed replicas of guns. They can be used for training purposes or games. The airsoft pistols shoot plastic pellets with either a spring or with compressed gas.The pellets do not go fast enough to break the skin. The airsoft pistols look similar to real guns, so there are often regulations that require an orange tip on the pistol to distinguish it from a real firearm.
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Origins
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Airsoft pistols were first made in Japan in the 1980s because owning a real gun was illegal. The replica guns fire non-lethal pellets made of plastic. After success in Japan, the airsoft pistols spread to other Asian countries, including Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. They eventually spread to the United States, where their popularity as a safe sport gun grew.
Types
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Several types of airsoft pistols are manufactured. They are categorized based on how the pellets are propelled.
Spring airsoft guns are considered ideal for beginners. They are scale models of real firearms. They must be cocked before each shot but are not dependent on any other power source.
Electric airsoft guns are the most common type. They are powered by a battery. There are several types of electric guns, including automatics, low powered, blow-backs, minis and pistols.
Pressurized gas is used to power gas airsoft guns. They use either HFC-134a gas or Green Gas.
Hybrid airsoft guns are similar to electric guns, but use shell casings that are ejected.
M4 airsoft guns are advanced, having laser and scope aiming tools.
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Features
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A typical airsoft pistol will look very similar to a handgun. The pellet is released with a trigger. The handle has hand grips and an area to place the magazine in and a button to release the magazine. A gas muzzle is on the gas-powered pistols. There is also a hammer on the back and a rear sight aid. The barrel of the pistol will often have some neon orange plastic on the tip to signify that it is not a real pistol.
Safety
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Precautions are suggested while using airsoft pistols. Users are advised to treat the pistols if they are loaded, keep it pointed in a safe direction and to keep the trigger finger away from the trigger until they are ready to fire. Airsoft guns should not be left alone.
Because they look like real guns, they should not be shown in public. When using the airsoft pistol, wear goggles and heavyweight clothing to protect skin.
Games
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Airsoft pistols are used during games of mock warfare, similar to paintball games. The games should be played on private property so that the public or police do not stumble upon a game and think it is a real gunfight. Various scenarios are used during game play, such as teams, hostages and battles.
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References
- Photo Credit replica airsoft image by MelenaVerde from Fotolia.com
