What is Airsoft
Airsoft is a competitive team shooting sport in which participants shoot opponents with spherical 6 mm resin projectiles launched via air weapons called airsoft guns. Airsoft is commonly compared to paintball, which is a recreational shooting sport similar in concept but with some key differences. Unlike paintballs, airsoft projectiles do not typically mark their target, and hits are not always visibly apparent. Though the pellets can leave red marks or "welts" on exposed skin, the game relies heavily on a honor system in which it is the ethical duty of the person who has been hit to call themselves out, regardless of whether or not anyone saw it happen. Another difference to paintball is that all airsoft guns are magazine-fed from the bottom, with some (especially pistols) having replaceable compressed gas (e.g. propane, 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane/"green gas" or CO2) canisters. Many airsoft guns also have mounting platforms compatible with genuine firearm accessories, and tend to more closely resemble real steel guns. This makes them more popular for military simulation and historical reenactments.
Game play varies in style and composition, but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, close quarters battle, field, military simulations (MilSim) or historical reenactments. They are played in indoor courses and outdoor fields. Combat situations on the battlefield may involve the use of military tactics to achieve objectives set in each game. Participants may attempt to emulate the tactical equipment and accessories used by modern military and police organizations. A game is normally kept safe by trained professionals and the equipment is usually powered by gas or various types of batteries. Before game play, an airsoft gun's muzzle velocity is usually checked through a chronograph and usually measured in feet per second (FPS). Different game sites allow a different amount of FPS, but different countries may also have a set FPS restriction (*Canada - 366 to 500 FPS), and a gun shooting over the required FPS can be confiscated or not allowed to be used on airsoft sites; for instance, a sniper rifle would usually have a higher FPS than a sub-machine gun, since a sniper needs a minimum engagement range to reduce the danger of players being hit at close range from a powerful piece of equipment.
*In Canada, there are laws pertaining to airsoft importing. All airsoft guns that are bought in Canada are legal, but when importing it, the gun has to have between 366 Feet Per Second and 500 Feet Per Second to pass inspection at customs, otherwise the gun will be shipped back or destroyed
