Some other rules such as a maximum BB velocity and distance guidelines are used in different ways by groups depending on their location. Various locations often offer similar safety rules with slight variations. In order to encourage the mixing of segmented communities into a larger community that can more easily engage each other, certain organizations have created safety rules and guidelines for players to share the field under common understanding and to band together in safe environments
When not actively playing, some fields require "barrel bags," also known as barrel covers, which were first introduced in paintball. Many airsoft guns, especially AEGs, come with small red plastic barrel blockers that fit over the muzzle. The magazine is usually removed as well, and the gun fired to clear the chamber. Many fields also require players to leave their guns set to the safety position when they are not shooting, even during active game play. This is a practice taken from real firearms training, in which one never puts a finger on the trigger or takes the weapon off safe until ready to fire.
In certain countries such as the Philippines where large numbers of players often play every weekend in commercial airsoft venues, additional special rules have been adopted to increase safety and avoid unnecessary injury. All "real steel" firearms, explosives, and bladed weapons are banned at any airsoft battlefield to prevent harmful accidents or misunderstandings and confusion between real and simulated weapons. Players are also expected to be discreet in transporting or carrying their gear and combat-style uniforms so as not to unduly alarm the general public and force the law enforcement agencies to investigate an incident involving airsoft guns. Pyrotechnic devices and effects may be allowed under special circumstances, but are rarely employed, because of the added danger to property or to the participants from fire and explosions.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Unprotected Players or Bystanders
A player and any observer near an airsoft game site is required to keep his or her face mask, goggles, or shooting glasses on at all times. This is a standard safety requirement upon an airsoft site and this rule is always enforced by the marshal in charge to ensure that all players and observers remain safe and no accidents occur during the gameplay.
All players must immediately stop shooting when a person without eye protection is encountered in the playing area. One commonly adopted practice is for players to shout the words "Cease-fire, Blind Man!," "Heads up, Pedestrian!," "Noncombatant!," or "Walker!" and halt an ongoing game if a player or bystander is seen in the designated game play area without proper eye protection: goggles and a helmet. Any player hearing the words must, in turn, stop and also shout the words, resulting in a chain reaction which halts and alerts the whole game.
Once the situation is resolved by properly removing the unprotected person from harm, the game is usually resumed at the same point at which it was stopped. It may be smart to move to a different area after a safety call so you don't give away your location.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
All players must immediately stop shooting when a person without eye protection is encountered in the playing area. One commonly adopted practice is for players to shout the words "Cease-fire, Blind Man!," "Heads up, Pedestrian!," "Noncombatant!," or "Walker!" and halt an ongoing game if a player or bystander is seen in the designated game play area without proper eye protection: goggles and a helmet. Any player hearing the words must, in turn, stop and also shout the words, resulting in a chain reaction which halts and alerts the whole game.
Once the situation is resolved by properly removing the unprotected person from harm, the game is usually resumed at the same point at which it was stopped. It may be smart to move to a different area after a safety call so you don't give away your location.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eye and Face Protection
A standard of safety guidelines and equipment has evolved in the airsoft community to protect the eyes and face. The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of fully-sealing impact-rated goggles to protect the eyes of the participants. Traditional prescription glasses and sunglasses are almost never accepted as they will not prevent serious injury. Goggles not designed specifically for use with airsoft or paintball guns may break or shatter upon being struck, causing eye damage.
For this reason many organized groups of airsoft players and fields require that eye protection fully seals the area around the eyes, and also meets or exceeds ANSI's Z87.1-2003 goggle standard for eye protection: the ability to resist 3 joules of impact energy without damage. Some players instead opt for paintball goggles, which are held to higher impact rating standards, ASTM's F1776.
According to ANSI publications as of June 2006, The ASTM is currently developing a more specific standard for airsoft - ASTM Z1535Z - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports.The best overall protection is currently offered by paintball masks. These masks provide an additional level of protection by covering the face, teeth, and ears, greatly reducing the risk of injury to these body parts and the chipping of teeth. The lens is a solid piece of impact resistant plastic. Some airsoft masks are made with mesh screens, though these screens do not offer protection from cheaper or bio-degradable BBs that sometimes fragment upon impact on hard objects.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For this reason many organized groups of airsoft players and fields require that eye protection fully seals the area around the eyes, and also meets or exceeds ANSI's Z87.1-2003 goggle standard for eye protection: the ability to resist 3 joules of impact energy without damage. Some players instead opt for paintball goggles, which are held to higher impact rating standards, ASTM's F1776.
According to ANSI publications as of June 2006, The ASTM is currently developing a more specific standard for airsoft - ASTM Z1535Z - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports.The best overall protection is currently offered by paintball masks. These masks provide an additional level of protection by covering the face, teeth, and ears, greatly reducing the risk of injury to these body parts and the chipping of teeth. The lens is a solid piece of impact resistant plastic. Some airsoft masks are made with mesh screens, though these screens do not offer protection from cheaper or bio-degradable BBs that sometimes fragment upon impact on hard objects.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Damage Effects on Human Flesh
A very close-range shot from an airsoft BB on bare skin from a gun with a velocity over 400 FPS will usually break the skin and cause minor bleeding. Shots from over 100 feet will not cause bleeding, but will possibly leave a small bruise, depending on the power of the gun.
A BB can easily cause severe injury to the eye of a person not wearing eye protection. Eye protection must be worn at all times and must never be taken off in the playing field.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A BB can easily cause severe injury to the eye of a person not wearing eye protection. Eye protection must be worn at all times and must never be taken off in the playing field.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kinetic Energy
Although there is a considerable difference between Airsoft and paintball energy levels, the type of collisions that occur (elastic airsoft vs. inelastic paintball) must also be considered (refer to Airsoft Pellets Ballistics).
Kinetic energy is the energy that is transferred from the pellet to its target upon impact. One joule of energy will be transferred at an fps of 330 with a BB at the weight of .20g. Most fields limit guns to 330fps for CQB, 400fps for outdoors, and 550fps for bolt action sniper rifles, all measured with a .20g BB. The level of kinetic energy goes up and down depending on the weight of your BB and how fast your gun can propel that weight of the BB. There are certain places that play no fps limit games, the most famous being ASH BASH in Hawaii.
In the United Kingdom, the energy limit for all Airsoft is usually 1 Joule (328fps with a 0.2 gram 6 mm BB) regardless of the type of game play.
Most Airsoft guns are capable of shooting from 150fps to 400fps, though it is also possible to purchase upgraded springs for some Airsoft guns that will enable 400 to 600 FPS projectile velocities.
A hop-up unit, if present, puts backspin on the BB. This backspin generates lift and gives the BB a further effective range. Too much applied hop and the BB will ark skywards, too little and the BB will fall to earth prematurely.
The range of any Airsoft gun depends on both the fps at the muzzle, and the amount of HOP applied. Airsoft guns can have a range of 250 feet or more with enough power, the right barrel, and ammunition as well as a good hop-up unit. The hop-up rubber or bucking is also what retains the BB in the barrel until firing.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kinetic energy is the energy that is transferred from the pellet to its target upon impact. One joule of energy will be transferred at an fps of 330 with a BB at the weight of .20g. Most fields limit guns to 330fps for CQB, 400fps for outdoors, and 550fps for bolt action sniper rifles, all measured with a .20g BB. The level of kinetic energy goes up and down depending on the weight of your BB and how fast your gun can propel that weight of the BB. There are certain places that play no fps limit games, the most famous being ASH BASH in Hawaii.
In the United Kingdom, the energy limit for all Airsoft is usually 1 Joule (328fps with a 0.2 gram 6 mm BB) regardless of the type of game play.
Most Airsoft guns are capable of shooting from 150fps to 400fps, though it is also possible to purchase upgraded springs for some Airsoft guns that will enable 400 to 600 FPS projectile velocities.
A hop-up unit, if present, puts backspin on the BB. This backspin generates lift and gives the BB a further effective range. Too much applied hop and the BB will ark skywards, too little and the BB will fall to earth prematurely.
The range of any Airsoft gun depends on both the fps at the muzzle, and the amount of HOP applied. Airsoft guns can have a range of 250 feet or more with enough power, the right barrel, and ammunition as well as a good hop-up unit. The hop-up rubber or bucking is also what retains the BB in the barrel until firing.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wildlife and Terrain Hazards
Because airsoft games are most often played in natural surroundings, animals can often interfere with these games and potentially be hazardous. In the Southwestern United States, snakes offer one of the most significant threats, especially the potentially deadly Diamondback rattlesnake.
Many games in California institute a "snake call", whereby players have to yell "snake" when one is encountered to mark the location and warn other players. After a snake has been identified, that section of the field may be marked as out-of-bounds and or the marshall will be called to relocate the snake.
As always, ticks and other biting insects are also present. It is also important to watch out for poison ivy and other plants which typically cause allergies.
Whether in natural or built-up urban terrain, airsoft players can be subject to injury from terrain features such as slippery surfaces, steep slopes or heights, falls or trips, collisions with unseen obstructions, snags and sharpened objects, and even noxious substances (animal droppings, etc.).
Scratches, cuts, bruises, concussions, and sprains, plus a few broken bones can easily occur in this type of activity. This is another reason for the need for military-style protective gear such as head and neck armor, all-terrain boots, thickened gloves, knee and elbow pads, and full-length rugged attire. Airsoft players must be careful when running rapidly as well as moving hastily in the dark to avoid injury from such hazards.
Airsoft isn't particularly dangerous unless the weapon fires around 750fps. In the UK a limit of 370fps (for AEGs) has been determined by the Home Office.
Anything over this is then classed as an Air Gun, and as such is ILLEGAL to use against another person as this then constitutes Assault. At normal power levels (c. 328-350fps) the hit will only sting for a while. Airsoft can be a very dangerous sport if you are not wearing the right equipment.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Many games in California institute a "snake call", whereby players have to yell "snake" when one is encountered to mark the location and warn other players. After a snake has been identified, that section of the field may be marked as out-of-bounds and or the marshall will be called to relocate the snake.
As always, ticks and other biting insects are also present. It is also important to watch out for poison ivy and other plants which typically cause allergies.
Whether in natural or built-up urban terrain, airsoft players can be subject to injury from terrain features such as slippery surfaces, steep slopes or heights, falls or trips, collisions with unseen obstructions, snags and sharpened objects, and even noxious substances (animal droppings, etc.).
Scratches, cuts, bruises, concussions, and sprains, plus a few broken bones can easily occur in this type of activity. This is another reason for the need for military-style protective gear such as head and neck armor, all-terrain boots, thickened gloves, knee and elbow pads, and full-length rugged attire. Airsoft players must be careful when running rapidly as well as moving hastily in the dark to avoid injury from such hazards.
Airsoft isn't particularly dangerous unless the weapon fires around 750fps. In the UK a limit of 370fps (for AEGs) has been determined by the Home Office.
Anything over this is then classed as an Air Gun, and as such is ILLEGAL to use against another person as this then constitutes Assault. At normal power levels (c. 328-350fps) the hit will only sting for a while. Airsoft can be a very dangerous sport if you are not wearing the right equipment.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Safety
While airsoft guns are safer than a real firearm, they are by no means safe. Airsoft weapons should be treated the same as a real firearm; some of the safety precautions that anyone who is handling or shooting an airsoft rifle should follow are: to wear protective lenses or goggles, to keep their finger off of the trigger until ready to fire, and only point the gun in a safe direction. Shooters are advised to never point their weapons at animals, nor at unprotected or non-playing people. There are more safety precautions that are included in the user manuals for airsoft weaponry. The power source of the airsoft gun, be it gas, a manual cocking spring, or an electric motor does not affect how safe or unsafe the gun is.
The majority of airsoft guns are operated by an electric motor and powered by a battery. While usually safe when unmodified, any work done to the electrical system can pose an inexperienced airsofer a shock or fire hazard. This is normally only an issue when the airsoft gun is used with a power source it is not rated for, i.e. a Gas Blow-Back Glock 17 rated for 134A gas used with Propane, or a low end electric.
In the United States of America, representing an airsoft weapon as a real firearm is a federal felony; for this and safety concerns, all airsoft weapons in the United States are required to have the front quarter inch of their muzzle(s) painted blaze orange.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The majority of airsoft guns are operated by an electric motor and powered by a battery. While usually safe when unmodified, any work done to the electrical system can pose an inexperienced airsofer a shock or fire hazard. This is normally only an issue when the airsoft gun is used with a power source it is not rated for, i.e. a Gas Blow-Back Glock 17 rated for 134A gas used with Propane, or a low end electric.
In the United States of America, representing an airsoft weapon as a real firearm is a federal felony; for this and safety concerns, all airsoft weapons in the United States are required to have the front quarter inch of their muzzle(s) painted blaze orange.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Game management
Airsoft games can be run by the players themselves using agreed upon rules. However, games become more realistic and usually thought to be more fun for the participants if a game marshal controls the flow of play and provides on-the-spot impartial rulings. Airsoft game scenarios can vary widely according to mission type, number of teams, number of players per team, in-game objectives or victory conditions, and game durations. Popular game scenarios include center-flag capture or recovery, team flag delivery, hostage-rescue, ambuscades, raids or assaults, and death-match (all-out elimination) skirmishes.
It is the marshal's task to segregate the players into teams, determine the game scenario and its victory conditions, assign game objectives to various teams, brief the participants, delimit playing boundaries, and set the game duration. By means of whistles, flags, megaphones, and walkie-talkie radios, a group of marshals can handle dozens to hundreds of players in a series of episodes or nonstop play. Depending on the game scenario, players may be eliminated with a single hit, taken out of and returned to action with the aid of "medics," or allowed to "respawn" (re-enter the game) at certain places or times. A good game marshal strives to maintain a high level of excitement and activity for all the players involved while maintaining safety, impartiality, and "in-game realism."
Furthermore, those intending to operate game sites or hold game events should coordinate with local public authorities, designate safe zones and boundaries, invite the players to the site, and supply players and guests with adequate parking facilities, toilet facilities, water and electrical supply, as well as sell food, ammo, or other provisions needed (especially if the game site is relatively inaccessible to commercial establishments).
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It is the marshal's task to segregate the players into teams, determine the game scenario and its victory conditions, assign game objectives to various teams, brief the participants, delimit playing boundaries, and set the game duration. By means of whistles, flags, megaphones, and walkie-talkie radios, a group of marshals can handle dozens to hundreds of players in a series of episodes or nonstop play. Depending on the game scenario, players may be eliminated with a single hit, taken out of and returned to action with the aid of "medics," or allowed to "respawn" (re-enter the game) at certain places or times. A good game marshal strives to maintain a high level of excitement and activity for all the players involved while maintaining safety, impartiality, and "in-game realism."
Furthermore, those intending to operate game sites or hold game events should coordinate with local public authorities, designate safe zones and boundaries, invite the players to the site, and supply players and guests with adequate parking facilities, toilet facilities, water and electrical supply, as well as sell food, ammo, or other provisions needed (especially if the game site is relatively inaccessible to commercial establishments).
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Honor system
The "honor system" is employed whereby the players rely on each others' honesty to admit to being hit, because unlike paintball, the plastic pellets do not leave a surface mark distinguishable at a distance.
Depending on the muzzle velocity of the gun and distance from which a person is shooting, the person on the receiving end of the shot will usually feel the impact, but the pellets may sometimes not be felt by a player at very long ranges, when distracted, or when running strenuously, hence the importance of marshals or referees. However, honest admission of hits is still required because no one can monitor what happens to every player on the playing field.
To avoid unnecessary disputes that disrupt the game, players are discouraged from calling out hits on their opponent but are expected to signal a marshal to judge how effectively they can hit their opponents. Simulated "knife kills" can be performed when a player touches or taps an unaware opponent instead of shooting him or her at point-blank range. A "courtesy kill" occurs when a player refrains from shooting an opponent at close range while enforcing that opponent's surrender. Players are prohibited from firing blindly when not able to see their target, especially around corners. Players should avoid excessive shooting of an opponent who has already admitted being hit, known as "overkill". Harsh language and forceful physical contact between players is strongly discouraged and even penalized. Players are expected to resolve disputes politely and with proper decorum.
All airsoft players are required and expected to acknowledge being hit even if they are in doubt. Those who acknowledge being hit are expected to do the following: (1) shout "I'm hit" loudly; (2) Raise their hand or gun high; and display a "hit indicator" while walking back to the safe zone. A hit indicator can be either a bright-colored cloth during daytime -- called a "dead man's rag" -- or a blinker or mini-flashlight when in dim light or darkness. Dishonest players who fail to follow the rules or acknowledge their hits run the risk of being labeled and ostracized as "zombies" or "the undead" by the local airsoft community. They will from then on be observed more carefully by the marshals or possibly be even banned from playing in the area.
Another form of cheating occurs when an active player gains an unfair advantage by pretending to be an already-hit player, known as "playing possum", in order to avoid being shot. During night games, active players have been known to turn on their blinker lights to move casually and then to turn them off for combat. Cheating also takes place when an eliminated player becomes a "mummy" by reactivating himself within the same game without permission from a marshal.
Some players also gain unfair advantage as "golems" by spontaneously joining a game (without authorization) some time long after the game had already started, therefore being in fresh condition and in a position to surprise their opponents.
Due to the nature of the Honor System, airsoft requires high moral values and gentlemanly ethics to play well, without the need for distinguishing hit marks or strict marshal's calls. This, however, is a matter of personal preference.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Depending on the muzzle velocity of the gun and distance from which a person is shooting, the person on the receiving end of the shot will usually feel the impact, but the pellets may sometimes not be felt by a player at very long ranges, when distracted, or when running strenuously, hence the importance of marshals or referees. However, honest admission of hits is still required because no one can monitor what happens to every player on the playing field.
To avoid unnecessary disputes that disrupt the game, players are discouraged from calling out hits on their opponent but are expected to signal a marshal to judge how effectively they can hit their opponents. Simulated "knife kills" can be performed when a player touches or taps an unaware opponent instead of shooting him or her at point-blank range. A "courtesy kill" occurs when a player refrains from shooting an opponent at close range while enforcing that opponent's surrender. Players are prohibited from firing blindly when not able to see their target, especially around corners. Players should avoid excessive shooting of an opponent who has already admitted being hit, known as "overkill". Harsh language and forceful physical contact between players is strongly discouraged and even penalized. Players are expected to resolve disputes politely and with proper decorum.
All airsoft players are required and expected to acknowledge being hit even if they are in doubt. Those who acknowledge being hit are expected to do the following: (1) shout "I'm hit" loudly; (2) Raise their hand or gun high; and display a "hit indicator" while walking back to the safe zone. A hit indicator can be either a bright-colored cloth during daytime -- called a "dead man's rag" -- or a blinker or mini-flashlight when in dim light or darkness. Dishonest players who fail to follow the rules or acknowledge their hits run the risk of being labeled and ostracized as "zombies" or "the undead" by the local airsoft community. They will from then on be observed more carefully by the marshals or possibly be even banned from playing in the area.
Another form of cheating occurs when an active player gains an unfair advantage by pretending to be an already-hit player, known as "playing possum", in order to avoid being shot. During night games, active players have been known to turn on their blinker lights to move casually and then to turn them off for combat. Cheating also takes place when an eliminated player becomes a "mummy" by reactivating himself within the same game without permission from a marshal.
Some players also gain unfair advantage as "golems" by spontaneously joining a game (without authorization) some time long after the game had already started, therefore being in fresh condition and in a position to surprise their opponents.
Due to the nature of the Honor System, airsoft requires high moral values and gentlemanly ethics to play well, without the need for distinguishing hit marks or strict marshal's calls. This, however, is a matter of personal preference.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Airsoft for combat training
Many law enforcement departments, military units, and protective security companies are turning to airsoft for an effective, low cost, anti-inflammatory, and safe means of force-on-force training.The low-impact projectiles allow military/law-enforcement/protection agencies to train anywhere - schools, businesses, airplanes, etc. Training in real-life environments conditions allows them to deal with real life situations and improve their skills. The most common airsoft gun law enforcement departments, military units, and protective security companies use would be the Systema Professional Training Rifle. The inexpensive ammo lets military/police train more frequently and repeat drills dozens of time in each session with minimal budgetary impact, to the relief of taxpayers. Since minimal protective equipment is required, this allows them to train with their actual duty gear and equipment. Using airsoft guns for training minimizes liability to both trainees, instructors and by-standers, as well as property owners.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MilSim
An airsoft/MILSIM player operating in a sniper role and wearing a realistic ghillie suit as camouflage.
MilSim, short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. Several goals or missions are assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out of ammunition (6 millimeter pellets), rations, batteries, and other suitable equipment, such as short-range radios and head-sets.
The teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies, or other such circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days, for example the large BERGET event in Sweden lasts 6 days in a row, with no breaks. In larger scale MilSim operations players utilize vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. But in some cases, such as Operation Irene, real APCs and tanks will be used.
Airsoft games are not only limited to Milsim or CQB, however. There are many minor game scenarios.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MilSim, short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. Several goals or missions are assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out of ammunition (6 millimeter pellets), rations, batteries, and other suitable equipment, such as short-range radios and head-sets.
The teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies, or other such circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days, for example the large BERGET event in Sweden lasts 6 days in a row, with no breaks. In larger scale MilSim operations players utilize vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. But in some cases, such as Operation Irene, real APCs and tanks will be used.
Airsoft games are not only limited to Milsim or CQB, however. There are many minor game scenarios.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
