Airsoft is a recreational sport where participants use strategic game-play to take-out components. Players use replica firearms with non-metallic pellets. Airsoft guns can be designed to mimic modern military weapons, historical weapons or fictional weapons and the game-play often re-creates or emulates battles.

Airsoft began in Japan in the 1980s, when developers discovered that they could project the spherical pellets at higher velocities and better precision accuracy than BB guns by using a green gas canister. These new and improved airsoft guns and rifles became popularly used for target practice in Japan where gun control laws prevent sales of actual weapons. It wasn’t until later that the airsoft sport was envisioned. The sport eventually spread to Hong Kong and China before reaching Europe and America in the 1990s.

Today Airsoft gaming is more popular than paintball, overall less expensive, less realistic and even less dangerous. Out of the 59 Airsoft reported eye injuries, only one of them was wearing a type of eye covering and those were sun glasses, however, none of the eye injuries reportedly resulted in vision loss. However, Dr. Kyle J. Alliman of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine claims that the eye injuries in paintball gaming are devastating and often cause permanent vision loss. Because Airsoft doesn’t use paint filled balls there is not a risk of paint getting in the eyes, nose or mouths of the players making for an overall safer and more comfortable game. Still it is important to always wear protective eye coverings and protective gear when playing with any high velocity replica guns.

Airsoft appeals to people for the realistic quality of strategic battle, and thus Airsoft rifles and guns come in a vast variety, from M16 rifle replicas to Halo styled guns there is truly something for everyone.“ I love airsoft because it’s like playing a video game outside and in real time. The best part is all of your friends get to be there with you, it’s pretty cool,” Angela, an airsoft player said about the sport. Today gas powered, or soft air powered projection guns are on the rise in popularity. There is no better way to “get outside and play.”