Airsoft Guns: How Do They Work?

Airsoft guns have become increasingly popular over the past decade, from recreational use to more serious purposes like military simulation and private security. Airsoft guns are realistic and appealing transmissions of a real firearm without the physical danger associated with traditional firearms. But how do airsoft guns operate?

Power Sources

Airsoft guns can be powered by 3 distinct energy types. These include spring mechanisms, electric mechanisms, and compressed gas - often referred to as the "Green Gas."

Spring Mechanisms

Spring mechanism airsoft guns are spring-powered weapons and they are the most affordable of the 3 power sources. The mechanism is simple; when you cock the gun and fire, the spring replicates the action of a real firearm. This mechanism also requires the user to cock the gun each time it is fired.

Electric Mechanisms

Electric mechanism guns are powered by rechargeable batteries and operate as "automatic electric guns," or AEGs. When the trigger is pulled, the battery powers a gearbox mechanism which both moves the spring forward and fires the bb. Electric mechanism guns are usually more expensive than spring-powered guns, and they are usually more realistic looking with an appearance closer to a real firearm.

Compressed Gas

Compressed gas airsoft guns are powered by a gas such as propane, nitrogen, or CO2. The gas is collected and stored in an internal reservoir and runs through a valve. When the trigger is pulled, the gas expands and pushes an internal piston, causing the gun to fire.

Barrel and Inner Parts

Most airsoft guns contain a 6-12 inch internal barrel, which is the tube that guides the BB. The barrel can vary in size, but a 6mm plastic BB is the most typical. Typical airsoft guns operate at around 300-500 feet per second (FPS).

The inner parts of the gun also include the hop up, a device which creates back spin on the BB and affects the trajectory and range of the gun. The hop up can be adjusted to add back spin to the BB and allow it to travel further. The hop up can also be adjusted to make the BB curve downwards, making it easier to hit a target.

BBs and Other Components

Airsoft guns are typically powered by 6mm plastic BBs. The BBs are typically small and lightweight in order to achieve greater distance and accuracy.

The gun also contains a magazine, which is where the BBs are stored. Different magazine types can be used, such as metal or plastic, but the most common type is a fixed box magazine.

A hop-up unit is also present on some airsoft guns, and is what controls the back spin on the BB and affects the trajectory and range of the gun. Hop-ups can be adjusted for better accuracy.

Conclusion

Airsoft guns are replicas of real firearms and operate using distinct energy sources depending on the type of gun. With 6mm plastic BBs and adjustable hop-ups, airsoft guns can be used for personal, recreational and even military simulation purposes.

As they become increasingly popular, understanding the parts and mechanisms of an airsoft gun is important in order to ensure proper use and safety.

Whether you are looking to buy an airsoft gun for personal use or military simulation, understanding how they operate is an important factor to consider before you invest in one.