The term "Airsoft" is used to describe both a type of weapon system as well as a type of activity. In this article, we will endeavor to explain both.

Airsoft guns are a sub-set of the BB gun. Like BB guns, they use small round balls as projectiles that are propelled by air or some other form of gas, usually a CO2 cartridge and they are also called BBs. There are also models that are battery powered. Unlike BB guns, the BBs are made of plastic or a biodegradable material, whereas traditional BBs are made of lead, steel, bismuth or tungsten. They are also a little bit larger size than metal BBs. Airsoft BBs can also be paintballs as well, although there are some differing opinions about this that we’ll talk about in a moment.

Most Airsoft guns are styled after their "real life" counterparts. So you can find a pistol or rifle that is nearly identical to those used by the military or police departments, but that shoot Airsoft BBs. The reason for this is because a good portion of those who purchase Airsoft guns are doing so to play some type of Airsoft game.

Airsoft as a game is a type of live action role play game, or LARP. There are a number of groups in many countries throughout the world. Depending upon the group they could be playing out any number of scenarios including military simulations, historical re-enactments, or fantasy/science fiction. Military simulations are similar to military exercises but without live ammunition. In these types of games, emphasis is placed on tactics and players often wear real military uniforms and equipment. Another type of Airsoft LARP that is very popular is the historical re-enactment. History buffs particularly like this type of game, and will often spend a lot of money to have historically correct uniforms, equipment and Airsoft guns. With this type of game, emphasis is placed on being historically accurate in the battle. Another game that is quite popular is the fantasy LARP. Often those that play this type of Airsoft game will create very elaborate scenarios from zombie battles to post-apocalyptic survival.

The advantage to Airsoft BB guns in role playing games is that they look very much like real guns. So if you are a fan of a Sig Sauer P226, a very popular weapon with the American military, you can have an Airsoft version for a fraction of the price and the Airsoft version is much less lethal and legal in most places. There are also Airsoft shotguns and rifles as well.

Airsoft shotguns, pistols and rifles are able to shoot a type of Airsoft BB that is also a paintball. This allows Airsoft players to know when they’ve "killed" the enemy, but opponents to them say that it can also damage the barrels of the weapon should a ball burst.

One thing is certain, Airsoft guns are a lot of fun and they are here to stay.