How Much Do Airsoft Guns Hurt? A Comprehensive Guide

Airsoft guns inflict a minimal amount of pain depending on several variables. While the level of physical pain inflicted is moderate to low, many participants feel a psychological sense of intimidation when being targeted with plastic or metal BBs at close range. If you're considering playing Airsoft, this guide will help you decipher how much Airsoft guns hurt and essential safety precautions to take during play.

How Painful are Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns inflict minimal pain, relative to other outdoor sports. Typically, airsoft guns shoot 6 millimetre (0.23 inches) diameter projectiles, which are frequently made of a hard plastic and range in weight from 0.12 to 0.50 grams (0.0044 to 0.018 ounces). The fps (feet per second) rating of most airsoft guns range from 200 to 600 feet per second, with an average impact power of two to three joules. Generally, a typical airsoft gun hit feels much like a 'snap shot' - a fast, sudden, snapping of the skin. Furthermore, the type of clothing chosen will also determine how much pain is felt, as clothing can alleviate some of the impact. However, depending on the location of the hit, some players may feel more pain than others.

Safety Tips for Airsoft Guns

Since airsoft guns are projectile devices that shoot BBs at high speeds, safety considerations are essential for a successful and enjoyable experience.

Eye & Face Protection

Eye and face protection is essential during Airsoft play. This is due to BBs travelling at high speeds, as the risk of the projectile penetrating the skin or eyes is very real. Approporiate eye and face protection is required for all Airsoft play, with almost full face coverage and a lens rating of ANSI Z87.1.

Barrel Chargers

Barrel blockers or barrel chargers are an important safety element to consider when playing airsoft. Most Airsoft Guns fire BBs with a velocity of at least 160 fps. Additionally, almost all Airsoft Guns, with the exception of those with no muzzle velocity, will require the use of a barrel charger. This prevents accidental discharge of BBs when the gun is not in use and generally increases the accuracy of shots.

Dress Appropriately

Appropriate clothing for airsoft play should be comfortable and durable. As a basic standard, Aim High Sports state that all players should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and, if desired, accessories such as a hat, scarf, or bandana. Additionally, though some airsoft guns have minimal impact and little to no pain associated with them, layering clothing can lessen the sting of some higher powered airsoft guns.

Types of Airsoft Guns

The type of airsoft gun used will also determine how painful thegun is. In general, airsoft guns have five different types: springs, electric, gas, and single and multi-shot pistols.

Spring

A spring airsoft gun is a plain, easy, and affordable option. This type of gun is typically powered by a metal spring to automatically shoot the BBs when trigger is pulled. Additionally, these guns have minimal recoil and a useful feature that allows them to shoot continually.

Electric

Electric airsoft guns are more advanced than spring guns as they require a battery to power them. These guns generally have greater fps than that of the spring gun, but vary depending on the quality of the battery and motor in the gun.

Gas

Gas-powered airsoft guns are the strongest airsoft guns. They are generally used for professional or tournament play and are typically powered by small amounts of green gas, propane, or CO2. Gas-powered guns feel the most like a real gun, with higher recoil and a 'kick'. However, as they use more power and accuracy, they can be more painful and may require more pricey spare parts.

Brief Recap

Overall, how much airsoft guns hurt depends on several factors, such as the type of gun, how fast it is shooting, and what clothing is being worn. Generally, airsoft guns inflict only a minimal amount of pain. However, regardless of the type of airsoft gun being used, it is always important to take safety precautions, such as wearing face and eye protection, using a barrel charger, and wearing appropriate clothing. By following these guidelines, participants can enjoy a safe and successful airsoft experience.