Sunday, January 31, 2010

Airsoft Guns Are Becoming More And More Popular

By Anthony Carter

What are airsoft guns and what do you do with them? Well picture yourself out in the woods with a bunch of your friends. You are all carrying authentic looking weapons and you are dressed in military uniforms. You are partaking in an increasingly more popular pastime. Military Simulation or MilSim as it is commonly known is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise.

These weekend warriors are not the National Guard nor are they Military reserves; these guys aren't even in the real military. What these guys and gals are doing is playing what is known as MilSim or military simulation. These grown-up versions of kiddie games are anything but child's play. Military simulation is exactly what it sounds like. MilSim is a game play that involves some sort of weapon and teams of warriors ready for action.

There are a variety of play in MilSim and while some may involve groups of players playing via the internet or Xbox Live, most of these games take place outdoors in the woods and fields all across the country. There are two categories of weapons involved. There are those players that use paintball guns and there are those that prefer airsoft guns.

These military firearm replicas are becoming more and more popular. These firearms originated in China, as a result of real firearms being outlawed and a desire existing for replicas of auto and semi automatic weapons.

The basic difference from paint ball guns and airsoft guns is that paintball guns use pellets that splatter paint when they hit a target. Airsoft guns pellets are not paint filled and do not leave a mark when they strike a target. This difference requires players to be honest when they are hit since it is not obvious as it is with paintball guns.

For the weekend MilSim warrior authenticity is often important and this is why airsoft guns are the preferred type of weapon. These guns look and feel like the real thing. However in the United States they are required to have a distinctive orange marking on them so they can be distinguished from the real thing. Players tend to take their play seriously and play in uniforms and use military style walkie-talkies and may even carry rations.

Many skirmishes are planned for all weekend play and in many cases the players will camp out all weekend in the playing field and will not leave unless they suffer an injury that requires medical attention.

Airsoft guns are now available through a variety of retail outlets such as flea markets. These authentic looking weapons can also be found at MilSim swap meets and possibly even at retail centers in local malls. Since they are becoming more and more popular airsoft guns can now be found in some sporting goods stores. The internet is also a good source for these firearms.

If you are looking for a new hobby that will help you relieve some stress and provide you with some great exercise outside, you may want to inquire with friends and coworkers about teams in your areas. You may also want to check out the closest retailer of airsoft guns in your area. Who knows you may even find out that your boss plays MilSim; wouldn't it be great to be able to shoot at the boss on the weekend?

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