How Do Airsoft Guns Work in 2023
How Do Airsoft Guns Work? Airsoft guns are not new; they have been here since the 1970s, and these are like toy guns in working, but in aesthetics, they look like real firearms. However, they underwent many changes with time, and now there are four types of air guns based on the power source. Each gun works differently. Also, there are many misconceptions about these guns. In this article, I will share how do airsoft guns work and clarify some misconceptions. To learn about airsoft guns, keep reading this article.
Features Of An Airsoft Gun and How it Works?
Every airsoft gun has specific features depending on things like grade, technology, and extra upgrades. You can find basic airsoft guns with the least features and expensive ones with many features to improve the battle experience. The upgraded features include full-auto firing mode and empty magazine detection. The full-auto firing mode allows you to keep firing with one press till the magazine gets empty. At the same time, the empty magazine detection feature stops the gun response and indicates that the gun needs refill.
However, airsoft guns use different power sources for operation. With all differences, there are some common attributes that airsoft guns of all sizes and power sources share. All these attributes make them fun to enjoy with friends and family.
- Appearance: Airsoft guns look like real firearms, and a quality product makes you confused because of their real-looking appearance.
- Shoot Long Distances: With these guns, you can conveniently shoot distant enemies like in a real war scene.
- Good Accuracy: Even with the long-distance shooting power, these guns offer accuracy to boost the spirit of gun.
How Different Type of Airsoft Guns Work?
Generally, all airsoft guns have the same basic parts, including a hop-up chamber/ unit, inner barrel, and hop-up rubber. When it comes to how do airsoft guns work, they use pre-loaded BB in the unit. To shoot, you have to press the trigger, and the pressurized air pushes the BB to leave the hop-up chamber and enter the nub. The nub gives the backspin to the BB to create the Magnus effect. The Magnus effect provides a small opposing force and results in the shoot.
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However, the process varies based on the nature of the power a gun uses. Here is the shooting process of each platform.
1. How do Spring Airsoft Guns Work
Let’s start with the working mechanism of spring airsoft guns. To use this gun, you have to cock the piston manually by pushing it back. The gun will shoot the BB by releasing the locked stopper when you press the trigger. Sniper rifles often come with this mechanism because the springers are a durable and strong option. Also, you can use airsoft guns with this mechanism in all weather conditions. However, it lacks speed, so you cannot use it while facing big teams.
Pros
- Simple design
- Affordable option
- Work in all weather conditions
- No external power source
- Easy repair
Cons
- Slow shooting speed
- Not for team war
2. How do Electric Airsoft Guns Work
While operating with the AEG platform, you don’t have to cock the piston manually; instead, a motor and a set of gears do this for you. It comes with a battery to power up the automatic system. When you have to shoot, press the available trigger, and the motor connects with gears that pull the piston backward. With this mechanism, you can enjoy fast and fully automatic shots without waiting time in manual piston cocking. This design also comes with many upgrades; this is the most famous platform among all four.
Pros
- Fast shooting capacity
- Fully automatic
- User friendly
- Higher magazine capacity
- Work for team war
- Upgrading options for a better experience
Cons
- Require technician help for repair
- Loud gear sound
- Get damaged under the rain
- Lacks quick repair
3. How do Gas Airsoft Guns Work
The GBB airsoft guns are also famous, and you can call GBB the most realistic platform. To use these guns, you have to handle them like real firearms. Due to this feature, law enforcement and military agencies prefer them as training tools. These guns use a gas reservoir to store pressurized gas, i.e., top gas or green gun.
When you press the trigger, it connects with the valve of the gas reservoir to release the required pressure in the GBB platform. This gas helps to push the BB out of the unit in the form of a shoot. At the same time, the gas allows the rifle’s bolt to move back to keep it ready for the subsequent fire. Overall, these are the most used platforms; however, you cannot use them in winter. Cold weather reduces the fps and the efficiency of its shots.
Pros
- Realistic appearance
- Easier to field strip
- On-the-field repair
Cons
- Fails in winters
- Lacks consistent FPS output
4. How do High Pressure Air Airsoft Guns Work
Using the HPA platform offers multiple benefits like it reduces the chances of quick temperature drops during a fire. Also, it works effectively in winter, which makes it a better option than gas airsoft guns. Moreover, it falls under the category of consistent and stable platforms. However, it requires a large gas reservoir for efficient work and is a bit expensive compared to other options.
The gas reservoir of HPA airsoft guns has high pressurized gas, i.e., 3000 psi. If you accidentally release the gas, you will end up with a broken weapon. To avoid this situation, you have to use a regulator to keep the pressure in control and provide the required pressure during the fire. Also, it reduces the psi of the stored gas. Overall, this platform is the favorite of all with top features.
Pros
- Extremely consistent shots
- Low chances of failure
- No noise
- Work in all weather conditions
- Fast response
Cons
- No real-like appearance
- A little expensive
- Requires assistance for installation
Can Airsoft Guns Be Deadly?
If you read the above-shared answer about how do airsoft guns work, you must have understood the myth about the deadly nature of airsoft guns. These guns fire the BB with great speed; however, the nature of BB and the controlled pressure keeps them safe. Also, the BBs use plastic as a construction material that only causes brushes, not bleeding. Due to their lightweight body, they must leave the gun at a specific speed to ensure accuracy. Otherwise, the weapon fails to provide accuracy.
Furthermore, the high speed shatters the BBs inside the barrel, ultimately destroying the purpose. Even if a person tries to increase the speed to make the airsoft gun leather, the BB will automatically destroy inside the gun before getting into human contact. Simply put, the plastic material with controlled speed is safe for human skin. All these reasons prove that an airsoft gun can’t be deadly.
FAQs
Do airsoft bullets hurt?
The airsoft bullets are safe and cause no damage. However, if you hit delicate body parts, like eyes, with the same bullets, these can hurt you. Therefore, it is vital to wear safety kits to avoid any damage during their use. Also, suppose you are intolerant to even the slightest pain. In that case, the airsoft gunshot might cause a tingling sensation but not severe pain.
What is the point of airsoft?
This sport uses a military simulation style where players use airsoft guns to enjoy military tactics and the feel of war. These guns use 6mm round BBs and fire them with high pressure to make the game like an authentic warzone.
Is it illegal to walk around with an airsoft gun?
The answer depends on the location because it is legal in some places, while it is against the law in some areas. The reason behind this issue is their similar appearance to firearms. Therefore, it is recommended not to walk around with these guns to stay on the safer side.
How accurate are airsoft guns?
The BBs in airsoft guns leave the inner barrel with backspin which is different from the real weapon. Therefore, airsoft guns are not as accurate as real ones. However, they still offer 40 to 50 meters accuracy depending on the FPS limit.
How powerful is an airsoft gun?
The semi-automatic or fully automatic airsoft guns are fast and accurate. With these guns, you can fire at a speed of 400 FPS. On the other hand, with gas rifles, you can go up to 500 FPS. However, even with this power limit, these guns are safe.
The Bottom Line
All airsoft guns look the same, but the working mechanism makes them different in efficiency, speed, cost, and upgrade level. You can choose the right airsoft gun for you based on your preference, as now you know how do airsoft guns work. For example, go with the springer platform if you want something simple.
However, if you are looking for a plug-and-play platform, choose AEG. In contrast, if you love real-looking guns, pick the GBB platform. On top of that, if you are the one who prefers performance over looks, HPA is what you should select. To find a suitable airsoft gun, define your preferences and pick the one with all those features.