How Airsoft Guns Work

Airsoft guns can have a myriad of uses from recreational to the tactical training of military personnel. Despite the variance in usage, Airsoft guns do have some fundamental inner workings that make them interchangeable and thus usable for all mentioned activities. It's important to understand what Airsoft guns are, what fuels them, and how their mechanics work to make them a viable tool to ignitde your blasting needs.

What is an Airsoft Gun?

An Airsoft gun is a replica type of weapon used for firing projectile BBs. Commonly these types of guns utilize gas or electric power for propulsion and are frequently styled to resemble an existing real-world firearm. Though they are not the exact same as the real-world pistol they imitate, airsoft guns can still have some of the same features and controls, such as a magazine, a safety, and a hop-up unit.

Fueling an Airsoft Gun

Gas-powered Airsoft pistols are the most popular type of airsoft gun, using either CO2 or green gas. The gas is stored in the magazine which can then be released, driving a piston that propels the BB out of the chamber. Electric guns typically use small removable batteries that power the gun's gearing which move an electric current to fire a projectile.

Mechanics of an Airsoft Gun

When the airsoft gun is pulled back i.e., cocked, for gas guns, the hammer compresses the piston onto the gas reservoir. This creates a compression of gas in the cylinder on one side and atmospheric pressure on the other. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer releases the piston, causing the gas to be released and propel the BB out of the gun. For electric guns, when the trigger is pulled, the electric motor propels the piston forward and compresses the air that is stored in the chamber, driving the BB forward.

Hop-up and Accuracy of Airsoft Guns

No airsoft gun is perfect, which is why nearly all models have a hop-up unit. This allows the shooter to adjust the accuracy of the gun by creating back-spin on the BB before it is released. The back-spin causes the BB to become more aerodynamic and increases the projectile's range and accuracy.

Safety and Regulations

The use of Airsoft guns is heavily regulated in many states and countries. It is important to understand that even though Airsoft guns are considered a toy gun, most laws that impact guns with real ammunition still apply to airsoft guns. Some of the precautions one should take when playing with an Airsoft gun includes: wearing proper safety goggles, avoiding aiming an Airsoft gun towards another person, and avoiding using it in public or private places where it is not allowed.

In Summary

Airsoft guns are becoming increasingly popular, so it is important to understand how they work and to know the regulations and safety procedures to ensure a safe play experience. Airsoft guns are awesome replicas of existing firearms and the mechanics behind them vary depending on whether they are gas-powered or electric. Gas-powered Airsoft pistols use either CO2 or green gas to be propelled and electric guns use a battery that is connected to an electric motor. The hop-up unit allows the shooter to adjust the accuracy of the gun, making it more aerodynamic and increasing its range. Ultimately, safely playing with airsoft guns involves understanding the regulations and precautions to maintain an enjoyable play experience.

References

S of Top Gun Supply, "Components of Airsoft Guns & their Functions Explained", Top Gun Supply, September 14th, 2018, http://blog.topgunsupply.com/airsoft-guns-components-and-functions/

Airsoftology, "Airsoft 101 How Do Airsoft Guns Work?", YouTube, April 22nd, 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?vzOr4-EKJdYQ