Airsoft
in association with
Team Rebels

What is Airsoft

Airsoft was originally invented as a hobby and sport in Japan. It quickly spread through Asia, and on to Europe. In these countries, real guns are banned. The only alternative was low powered air guns, that resembled the real thing. Airsoft has recently been introduced to the USA and U.K. from these countries. The applications have ranged from games, film prop use, to official police training.

The guns shoot plastic (biodegradable are available) 6mm sized BBs. They do not shoot metal BBs or paintballs. Even though they are available, they are not recommended. With airsoft you cannot locate where you have been hit. But, you can easily feel or hear the shots hit you.

Here are some quick facts about airsoft:

1:1 scale guns resemble the real thing, and fit the same holsters, equipment
Airsoft guns shoot 6mm (.20 or .25 gram) sized plastic BBs
BBs are very safe. Many times less lethal than 'other' types of Simulation projectiles.
Equipment costs 10-20 times LESS than other training methods
Minimal safety protection is needed (Eyes and face)

Does not leave paint marks or messes in training area
Projectiles do not break glass, or damage most surfaces
Realistic engagement ranges of firefights. 0-50 feet CQB range. Up to 150 feet in rifle range.

Guns are not real, nor can ever shoot real bullets.
Airsoft has many advantages over other types of training aides. Mainly the cost is significantly less! Many police agencies across the nation have used airsoft in their firearms training. Most use them for force-on-force training. SWAT teams and special operations can use these for safe CQB battles, in realistic settings. No more use of kill-houses, or specially designed buildings needed.

Team Building events

 

The day creates:

Lateral thinking
Ability to plan and execute complex tasks
Effective decision making whilst under pressure
Effective and timely communication
Identifying common goals
Working under severe time restraints
Confronting and resolving team conflicts
Team morale
Total determination to succeed

Equipment

There are three different types of guns.

Spring guns
o Cheap cost (£10-30 range for pistols), but you have the manually pull the slide back for each shot. Very accurate up to 50 feet. Realistic, and fun! But, not semiautomatic like gas or electric guns. The cost of these can get you introduced to realistic training, for a fraction of other training costs. Rifles, shotguns, and SMGs also exist in spring gun version.

Gas guns
o Moderate cost on the gun, but very low cost to keep them up. The cost ranges from £50 - £200+. Most good guns are in the £99 range. Cost of gas is around £15 per bottle, which will last around 1500 shots. They are powered by a Freon (HFC134a) gas propellant that is ozone friendly, but still a green house gas. It releases a CO2 like gas. The gas loads into the magazine well, like a butane lighter would work. Everything is self contained in the magazine! It holds the gas and BBs. You can also load up many magazines before a fight, and save them for later. You can load them up in mag pouches, and use them during training. The guns resemble the real thing, and often use many metal parts (slide/barrel). They range from semiautomatic to full automatic depending on the type of gun. You pull the trigger, and they fire. Safeties, slide locks (on last shot), hammers, triggers, etc all function like the real guns. These are great training aides, and highly recommended.

Electric rifles
o These are more expensive but much more fun. They range from MP5, UZI, M16, SIG, AK47, etc. You name it, its probably made. They run on NiCad rechargeable batteries and require little maintenance if looked after. The guns fire up to 150 feet effectively. The cost initially is around £200 + for the gun, and the proper accessories (battery, charger, etc). They are full automatic and a blast to shoot!. They are made out of plastic and metal and some are all metal just like the real thing.. They are an electrical device.

Safety is a big concern. FULL wraparound eye protection is required. Airsoft is very safe, but it may damage eyes if you receive a hit. Bolle tactical goggles, ANSI or impact goggles will work just fine. Shooting glasses are okay, but do not have full protection. Goggles are required for airsoft. Anything that works for paintball, will also work for airsoft. Masks with full face protection are recommended for CQB or close fighting.

 

Clothing and Uniforms