If you looking for a pastime that combines excitement, skill and a sense of adventure, then airsoft guns may well be for you. As one of the country's fastest growing recreational sports, airsoft guns give you all the excitement of shooting a real gun without the expense, fuss or danger. You can use them for everything from target practice to war games. You have a wide range of airsoft guns to choose from such as the spring airsoft gun and the electric airsoft gun along with airsoft rifles. Here's your guide this exciting activity.

First, let's look at exactly what airsoft guns are. Airsoft guns are models of actual firearms but fire plastic bullets or pellets (BBs) which are some 6-8 millimeters in circumference. They're made from plastic or metal or a combination of both. The great thing about these items is that they give you the experience of shooting real guns without the risk or expense. You can use them for target practice, shooting competitions or recreational shooting just like the real thing by with the confidence that you're in no danger.

Airsoft guns were originally developed in Japan in the 1980s where there was a passion for guns but strict laws against their ownership. The solution was to develop a spring powered gun that was a replica of an existing weapon. Airsoft guns later became popular in the United States and newer types of greater sophistication have since been developed using gas and electricity for propulsion. Here's a look at the different types of airsoft gun.

The original spring airsoft guns or 'springer' as they’re known to aficionados are still in use and are now the entry level weapons of choice for both handguns and rifles. The springer is a single action weapon that fires a single BB before you need to manually re-cock it before the next shot. One great benefit is that they need no power source such as gas or electricity so they're cheaper to use and they won’t run out of power.

The second generation of airsoft guns featured gas-powered mechanisms using propane, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. These types can be semi-automatic or fully automatic and they're lighter and more compact then the electric powered guns. Gas airsoft guns are fine for target practice but not really suitable for games. They also work better in warmer climates.

AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns) are now the most popular airsoft weapons. They use rechargeable high-capacity rechargeable batteries for power. They come in both automatic and semi-automatic models so you can continuously fire without having to pull the slide, bolt, or other mechanism. This makes them more suitable for competition than spring airsoft guns, for example.

Among recent innovations is a Hybrid airsoft. These are highly realistic as they use encased ammunition so a metal casing will be ejected during each shot just like in the movies.

One of the major pleasures of airsoft guns is their realistic appearance. You can get them in a huge range of types. For example, there are shotguns with real pump action as well as replicas of hunting rifles. Some of the most popular models are replicas of military weapons. Nostalgia buffs will be delighted to find models weapons used in the Wild West and on the battlefields of yesteryear, while the more technically minded can acquire items such as sniper rifles used in today's conflicts around the globe.

If you've decided to investigate the world of airsoft guns, here are a few things you should bear in mind.

First, it's important to remember that airsoft guns are not toys. Though they're perfectly safe when used responsibly, you need to keep them away from children.

Next, you need to choose the right type for your needs. It’s best to buy a basic type to start to see if they are for you. If you spend some time on target practice and get hooked, then you can upgrade to a more sophisticated model.

To get the best deals, you can visit one of the reputable online vendors of airsoft guns and browse their illustrated catalogues. Choose the model that appeals, place your order, and your item will be delivered by courier. Buying online is safe, simple and economical. Remember you have to be at least 18 years old and that it is not legal to own airsoft guns in New York City (all 5 boroughs) and Michigan.

So if the idea of organizing your own war games appeals to you or you, or you just want some target practice or try your hand on a rifle range, check out airsoft guns for the ultimate in thrills and realism.