Crackdown on AirSoft in Sonoma, California

john — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:49:38 +0000

As with many areas in the United States, AirSoft is a touchy and often controversial subject for the residents and authority figures. There have been numerous cases of confusion for real firearms and false alarms with witnesses and observers of AirSoft Milsims, or military simulations. One of the main reasons for this is the orange safety cap that comes on all airSoft guns; many times, the more serious enthusiasts will paint over the safety cap to enhance the intensity and realness of the simulation. Obviously, the guns then appear to be the real thing...which isn't exactly the smartest thing to do. The police department of Sonoma county has recently announced that they will begin to strictly enforce the California law that prohibits the discharge of any firearm around homes and occupied buildings...so for all you airSoft heads out there on the West Coast, better make sure you take your games to specified AirSoft fields. For the full article, check it out here.

Airsoft Guns: Some Basic Safety Guidelines

john — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:54:27 +0000

Airsoft guns are non-lethal replicas of real firearms and used generally within a game format at designated places. Despite their quite safe-sounding name, airsoft guns although not lethal can be very dangerous. However, with the right air soft gun safety equipment and an adherence to some basic safety guidelines, you can shoot without fear of unexpectedly injuring yourself or someone else. Read on for some basic guidelines for the use of airsoft guns.

1) Always treat airsoft guns as if they are loaded and handle them with care.
2) Do not shoot your gun at anything other than an official safety target. Only put your finger on the trigger if you are ready to fire your gun. Accidental firing particularly at close range can result in damaged eyes or lost teeth.
3) Do not brandish an airsoft gun in a public place. They should be used in designated areas for airsoft gun use.
4) A note to parents of children using airsoft guns. If your child brings an airsoft gun to school or uses it in any other public place they run the risk of being suspended or even arrested. In the worst case scenario they risk being shot by a police officer as airsoft guns are often excellent copies of real firearms and can quite easily be mistaken for the real thing.
5) To minimize the potential for unexpected injury, always be aware of what is behind, beyond and either side of your target before you fire your gun at your target.
6) Airsoft guns shoot plastic pellets at a slower rate than that of a real firearm. Therefore airsoft guns can be used to shoot at human targets without injury but under certain conditions. The most important condition is eyewear. Never shoot at someone who is not wearing proper protective eyewear. Recommended eyewear are eye goggles rated at least ANSI Z87.1 or goggles used for paintball. Always wear eye goggles yourself when you are using airsoft guns.
7) Other recommended safety accessories are a thick jumper or eve a bullet proof vest if possible, plastic hip guards and forearm guards, knee protection and shin guards, steel toe combat boots and leather gloves. Cover all skin areas as much as possible.
When transporting your gun to and from a game carry it in a gun case. The gun case is safe, protects your gun and can be used to store Airsoft pistols, accessories and spare magazines. Remember in some places using a case is the only legal way to carry your gun. Respect the laws of the area in which you are carrying your gun.
9) Airsoft guns can not be bought by children under 18 and can only be used by children under 18 if supervised correctly.
10) Be aware of all local and federal laws governing the buying, carrying and use of airsoft guns. Contact your local police department for more information.

Airsoft guns can provide a great deal of fun. Misuse of these types of replica gun can bring unnecessary injury or harm to users and innocent bystanders alike. Having rules should not put you off playing airsoft gun games. Having guidelines helps everybody to get the best out of the use of the guns and keeps everybody safe. Remember to purchase the right gun for your particular need and level of ability. A whole range of cheap and more expensive models can be purchased from quality retailers selling Airsoft guns and self defense products. Choose your gun wisely, follow the safety guidelines and have lots of fun.

-Charles Bernardi
Mr. Bernardi is the founder of Strike Back Now and has provided online Airsoft Guns and Self Defense Products since 2003.