The Ultimate Guide to Airsoft Terminology

Whether you're buying your first airsoft gun up for your first skirmish or you're a seasoned MilSim veteran, mastering the language of airsoft is crucial. In this definitive glossary, we break down the jargon, acronyms, and essential terms every airsoft player should know. Consider this your tactical dictionary.

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A – Airsoft Essentials

Action
The internal mechanism responsible for loading and firing a BB.

ASG (Action Sports Games)
A prominent Danish manufacturer and distributor of airsoft guns and accessories.

ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle)
Modular rifle platform allowing caliber swaps, barrel changes, and role adaptability.

ACU (Army Combat Uniform)
Modern U.S. military uniform pattern, available in various camo designs.

AEG (Automatic Electric Gun)
Battery-powered airsoft rifles known for reliability, high fire rate, and versatility.

AEP (Automatic Electric Pistol)
Compact electric pistols developed for consistent performance in CQB scenarios.

Accuracy
The degree to which a BB hits the intended target. Affected by factors like barrel quality, hop-up setting, BB weight, and external conditions.

Adapter
An accessory or connector used to fit different types of magazines, silencers, or external battery/gas inputs.

Aggressor
In MilSim or skirmish scenarios, this refers to the team or role tasked with initiating offensive actions or attacks.

Air Nozzle
A component in the gearbox that directs air from the piston to the BB. Plays a critical role in feeding and FPS consistency.

Anti-Reversal Latch
Part of the gearbox that prevents the gears from spinning backward, maintaining spring tension and protecting internal components.

AO (Area of Operations)
The designated field or battlefield space where airsoft gameplay or objectives are carried out.

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B – Ballistics & Battle Gear

Backspin
Rearward rotation applied to BBs via the Hop-Up system to increase range.

Barrel
The metal tube guiding BBs from breech to muzzle.

BBs (BB Pellets)
Plastic projectiles in 6mm or 8mm sizes used in airsoft guns.

BDU (Battle Dress Uniform)
Classic U.S. military uniform; often used in airsoft for authenticity.

BFG (Blank Firing Grenade)
Reusable training grenades that emit loud bangs using blanks or shotgun shells.

Blowback
Realistic recoil simulation found in gas or electric blowback systems.

Battery
The power source used in AEGs and AEPs. Common types include NiMH, LiPo, and Li-ion, each affecting performance and maintenance.

Bevel Gear
Part of the gear set inside an AEG gearbox. Works with the motor pinion gear to transfer energy through the gear train.

BB Weight
Measured in grams (e.g., 0.20g, 0.25g), the weight of BBs affects accuracy, range, and how a gun's hop-up must be adjusted.

Bleed Valve
A safety feature found on gas magazines or tanks to prevent over-pressurization.

Buffer Tube
The cylindrical tube on the rear of M4-style rifles that holds the stock and often the battery in AEGs.

Burst Fire
Already in your list, but can be expanded: A firing mode that shoots a preset number of BBs per trigger pull, usually 2–3 rounds.

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C – Close Quarters & Configurations

Carbine
A compact, lightweight rifle variant, ideal for fast-paced play.

Clip
Informal term for a magazine; holds BBs before chambering.

CQB/CQC (Close Quarters Battle/Combat)
Engagement scenarios under 70ft, emphasizing speed and precision.

Coyote Brown (CB)
Tactical gear color favored by U.S. Marines and Special Forces.

Charging Handle
A component used to manually cycle the bolt or simulate charging in AEGs and gas blowback rifles. Often functional in GBBRs, cosmetic in AEGs.

Chronograph (Chrono)
A device used to measure the velocity (FPS) and energy (Joules) of BBs. Essential for ensuring field compliance.

Cylinder
Part of the AEG gearbox that compresses air to propel BBs. Paired with the piston and cylinder head.

Cylinder Head
Located at the front of the cylinder, it helps direct airflow into the air nozzle for efficient power transfer.

Camouflage
Clothing or patterns designed to blend into surroundings and reduce visibility — includes Multicam, DPM, Woodland, etc.

Combat Rig
A modular harness or vest system used to carry magazines, gear, and hydration — often MOLLE-compatible.

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D – Declarations & Duty Kit

Dead Man Walking
Term for a hit player exiting the field without engaging.

DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material)
Classic British Army camouflage.

Duty Weapon
Primary firearm issued to law enforcement or military personnel.

Dragunov (SVD)
A Russian-designated marksman rifle often replicated in airsoft for long-range engagements. Known for its iconic profile and fixed scope.

Double Eagle
An airsoft brand known for producing budget-friendly replicas, popular with beginners and casual players.

Dust Cover
A metal or plastic flap on the receiver that covers the ejection port or gearbox. In GBBRs, it mimics real firearm functionality.

Disconnector
An internal trigger component that resets the trigger mechanism — critical for semi-auto functionality.

Dummy Plate
Non-functional ballistic plates used in plate carriers for aesthetic or training purposes.

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E – Electric Ops

EBB (Electric Blowback)
Entry-level blowback effect using small electric motors.

Effective Range
Max distance a player can consistently hit a target.

Energy (Joules)
The amount of kinetic energy a BB has when leaving the barrel, used to measure power more precisely than FPS.

End Cap
Found at the rear of certain spring shotguns or rifles. Can be aesthetic or functional, sometimes used for sling attachment or access to internals.

Expansion Chamber
A feature in some gas systems (mainly GBBs) that allows gas to expand before firing, helping regulate pressure and increase consistency.

External Gas
Refers to setups where gas is stored in an external tank (like HPA rigs) and fed into the airsoft gun via a hose.

Electric Trigger Unit (ETU)
An electronic module used in some AEGs that enhances trigger response, controls firing modes, and protects internals.

Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
An advanced variant of an ETU that allows full digital fire control, programmable burst, pre-cocking, and diagnostics.

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F – Firepower Metrics

FPS (Feet Per Second)
Measurement of BB velocity — key to understanding gun performance.

FPE (Foot Pounds of Energy)
Energy measurement at muzzle — minimal impact in airsoft.

Field Gaming
Outdoor play in natural terrain — higher FPS limits allowed.

Flash Hider
Device at the barrel tip designed to resemble real firearm flash suppressors.

Full Auto
Gun mode that fires continuously while the trigger is held.

Fire Selector
A switch on select-fire airsoft guns used to change between safe, semi-auto, burst, and full-auto firing modes.

Foregrip
A vertical or angled grip mounted to a rail system, used for improved weapon stability and control.

Flat-Hop
An advanced Hop-Up modification that replaces the standard nub with a flat surface, improving range and accuracy.

Fuse
Electrical safety component in AEGs that prevents damage from power surges or short circuits.

Feeding Issues
A common problem where BBs fail to chamber properly due to magazine misalignment, dirty hop-up, or worn parts.

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G – Gas & Gear

G&G (Guay Guay)
Leading airsoft manufacturer known for high-quality replicas.

GBB (Gas Blowback)
Gas-powered mechanism simulating firearm recoil.

Gear Up
Pre-game routine of equipping protective and tactical gear.

Green Gas
Propellant mix of propane and silicone used in GBBs.

Gearbox
The internal housing unit in AEGs that contains the gears, motor, piston, and other firing components. Also called a mechbox.

Gear Set
The trio of gears (bevel, spur, and sector) inside the gearbox that cycle the piston and control rate of fire.

Ghillie Suit
A heavily camouflaged suit designed to break up the wearer’s silhouette — commonly used by airsoft snipers.

Gas Route Seal
A rubber or silicone part inside gas magazines that ensures efficient air transfer to the nozzle.

Grips
Refers to pistol grips or vertical/angled grips mounted to the rail system for improved handling and ergonomics.

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H – Hop-Up & Honor Code

HFC-143
Gas propellant also used in refrigerators — less common today.

High-Cap Magazine
Mags holding 300–5,000 BBs; noisy but high capacity.

Honor System
Core airsoft rule: players call their own hits.

Hop-Up
Mechanism applying backspin to extend BB flight range.

Hard Cover
Solid objects like walls, barriers, or structures that fully block incoming fire — used strategically for defense or advancing.

Helmet
Protective headgear worn during games, often tactical in design and compatible with mounts for cameras, NVGs, or comms.

Hybrid Rifle
Airsoft guns that combine mechanical and electrical systems, such as electric recoil units in AEGs or GBBR-hybrids.

Hop-Up Nub
The small rubber piece inside the Hop-Up chamber that presses down on the BB to create backspin.

Heavyweight BBs
BBs heavier than standard 0.20g — such as 0.28g, 0.30g, or higher — used for stability in long-range or high-powered rifles.

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I – Impressions & Imports

ICS
Taiwanese manufacturer of high-performance AEGs.

IF (Imitation Firearm)
Two-tone airsoft guns legal for UK residents over 18 without UKARA.

Inner Barrel
The precision tube inside the outer barrel where the BB travels. Length and quality directly impact accuracy.

Iron Sights
Standard non-optical aiming system found on most rifles and pistols. Often adjustable for elevation and windage.

Impact Grenade
A type of airsoft grenade that detonates upon physical impact, dispersing BBs or powder.

In-Line MOSFET
An electronic switch installed in AEGs to enhance trigger response and prevent contact burning.

Injection Moulded
Manufacturing process used to produce plastic airsoft components — offers consistency and durability.

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L – Loadouts & Lasers

Laser Sight
Accessory projecting a laser beam for faster target acquisition.

Low-Cap Magazine
Mags under 100 rounds — ideal for realism-focused MilSim events.

LPEG (Low Power Electric Gun)
Entry-level AEGs with reduced power and affordability.

LiPo Battery (Lithium Polymer)
A popular battery type used in AEGs. Offers high discharge rates and compact size but requires careful charging and storage.

Loadout
The combination of weapons, magazines, gear, and tactical accessories a player brings into a game.

Loop Sling Mount
Attachment point for slings on rifles, often found at the rear of the receiver or buffer tube.

Locking Tabs
Features on some magazines or hop-up units that secure components in place during use or reloads.

Lens Protector
A transparent guard placed in front of optics to prevent BB damage during gameplay.

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M – MilSim & Mechanics

Magazine
Container that holds and feeds BBs into an airsoft gun.

Mainspring
Coiled spring powering a gun’s piston mechanism.

Mechbox (Gearbox)
Core of every AEG — compresses air to propel BBs.

Mid-Cap Magazine
Mags holding 100–200 rounds; silent and ideal for MilSim.

MilSim (Military Simulation)
Realistic gameplay modeled after military operations.

MPEG (Mid Power Electric Gun)
Cost-effective, mid-tier AEGs.

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment)
Tactical attachment system for gear customization.

MWS (Modular Weapon System)
Flexible weapons platform for various attachments and configurations.

Multicam (MC)
Versatile camouflage pattern adopted by modern forces.

MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor)
An electronic component used in AEGs to regulate current flow, improve trigger response, and protect contacts from arcing.

Motor Grip
The handle on an AEG that houses the electric motor. Available in different angles and ergonomics.

Motor Height Adjustment
A screw mechanism at the base of the motor grip that aligns the motor gear with the bevel gear to reduce noise and wear.

Mock Suppressor
Non-functional barrel attachments that simulate the appearance of a real silencer. Sometimes used to hide extended inner barrels.

Mesh Mask
Lower-face protection made from steel mesh. Offers breathability while shielding against BB impacts.

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N – Non-Blowback & Neutral Tones

NBB (Non-Blowback)
Gas pistols without slide movement — quieter, more efficient.

NiMH Battery (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
An older but still common rechargeable battery type for AEGs. Easier to maintain than LiPo but bulkier and with slower discharge rates.

Nozzle
The gearbox component that directs compressed air from the cylinder to the BB. Essential for feeding and FPS stability.

Night Vision
Optical gear that allows visibility in low-light conditions. Rare in casual games but popular in high-level MilSim operations.

Negative Space
Tactical term referring to areas between cover where players are most exposed. Knowing how to use or avoid it can be a tactical advantage.

Non-Lethal Engagement
Airsoft is a non-lethal simulation sport. This term is used to distinguish it from real combat in training or scenario contexts.

NanoAAB / MOSFET
Common electronic trigger units like the Gate NanoAAB that help regulate current, protect trigger contacts, and allow features like burst fire or pre-cocking.

Nades
Slang for grenades — can refer to BB shower shells, sound grenades (like Thunder Bs), or foam "dummy" grenades used in MilSim.

Non-Marking Hit
A hit that doesn’t leave a visible mark or sound, making it harder to confirm. Often used in the context of players missing their hits or unintentionally not calling them.

Nylon Gearbox
A lightweight gearbox casing made from reinforced polymer instead of metal. Found mostly in budget AEGs; not suited for high-stress builds.

Nods (Night Observation Devices)
Military slang for night vision goggles or monoculars. Popular term in high-end MilSim circles.

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O – Olive & Ops Lingo

Olive Drab (OD)
Traditional military green used in uniforms and gear.

Own/Owned
Slang for dominating opponents in a match.

Optics
General term for aiming devices like red dot sights, scopes, and magnifiers used to enhance target acquisition.

Outer Barrel
The external barrel housing that supports the inner barrel and sometimes accessories like suppressors or RIS systems.

O-Ring
Rubber seal used in gas systems and gearboxes to ensure air-tightness and efficient airflow.

Over-Hop
A condition where too much hop-up is applied, causing the BB to curve upward excessively and lose accuracy.

Operator
Military-style term for a tactical player — often used humorously in airsoft to refer to heavily geared-up players.

On-Semi / On-Full
Slang referring to the fire selector mode — on-semi for semi-automatic fire, on-full for full-automatic. Often used casually during gameplay or safety briefings.

Open Bolt
A firing system (mainly in GBB or HPA platforms) where the bolt is open before firing, offering faster cycling but less realism compared to closed-bolt systems.

Overkill
When a player is hit multiple times unnecessarily after clearly being eliminated. Usually frowned upon in most airsoft communities.

Orange Tip
A brightly colored muzzle marking (often required in the U.S.) to indicate a replica firearm is non-lethal. Typically removed or painted over for realism on private fields (check local rules).

Offset Sight
A backup sight mounted at an angle, allowing quick switching between optics and iron sights without removing attachments.

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P – Precision & Pain

Pain Penalty
Informal term for how much a hit stings — varies by range and FPS.

Plinking
Recreational target shooting.

POA (Point of Aim)
Where your sights are aimed.

POI (Point of Impact)
Where the BB actually hits.

Piston
Component inside the gearbox that compresses air in the cylinder and propels the BB.

Piston Head
Attached to the piston, it helps create an airtight seal within the cylinder for consistent compression.

Polymer
Durable plastic material used in many airsoft externals — lighter than metal but strong enough for most field conditions.

Patch
Embroidered or PVC insignia worn on uniforms or plate carriers for identification, rank, or team designation.

Pre-Cocking
An electronic gearbox function that keeps the piston partially compressed after each shot, resulting in faster follow-up shots.

Propane Adapter
A metal or plastic tool used to fill green gas magazines using standard propane canisters.

Pinion Gear
A small gear attached to the motor shaft that meshes with the bevel gear inside the gearbox. Critical for power transfer in AEGs.

Pressure Pad
A soft switch used to activate lights or lasers mounted on a replica, often placed along the rail or grip for quick access.

PTW (Professional Training Weapon)
A high-end, realistic airsoft platform (often made by Systema) designed for military and law enforcement training — prized for realism and performance, but expensive.

Pouch
Any equipment-carrying pocket attached to a vest or plate carrier, used for storing magazines, grenades, radios, or utilities.

PolarStar
A brand known for manufacturing HPA engines and accessories, often used as a generic term for HPA-converted rifles.

Peq Box
A replica of a laser/illuminator module (e.g., AN/PEQ-15) often used to store a battery or for aesthetics.

Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)
A rifle-style replica chambered for pistol magazines, like airsoft versions of the AR-9 or MP5 platform.

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R – Rails & Realism

RAS (Rail Adapter System)
Modular accessory interface.

RIS (Rail Interface System)
Standardized rail system for optics and attachments.

RIF (Replica Imitation Firearm)
Full-colour replica requiring UKARA or valid defence in the UK.

Real Steel
The real firearm equivalent of an airsoft replica.

Rechargeable Battery
Power source for most AEGs.

Receiver
Main body of the airsoft gun that houses internal components.

Rise
BB trajectory increase due to Hop-Up spin.

ROF/RPM/RPS
Rate of Fire metrics: per minute (RPM) or per second (RPS).

Red Dot Sight
A non-magnified optic that projects a red (or green) aiming dot onto a lens for quick target acquisition.

Rail System
General term encompassing RIS, RAS, M-LOK, and KeyMod — used for mounting tactical accessories on rifles and SMGs.

Rangefinder
A tool or scope feature that helps estimate distance to a target — sometimes integrated into optics or used independently.

Real-Cap Magazine
Short for “Real Capacity,” these mags hold a realistic number of BBs (e.g., 30 rounds) to simulate actual firearm limitations.

R-Hop
An advanced hop-up modification involving a custom patch that increases BB spin, range, and accuracy beyond standard setups.

Radiused Gearbox
A modified gearbox shell with curved corners to reduce stress fractures and improve durability — often done before high-stress upgrades.

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S – Sights, Skirmishes, and Springs

Scope
Magnified sighting device for long-range targeting.

Semi Auto
Fires one round per trigger pull.

SIG
Swiss arms manufacturer known for precision weapons.

Skirmish
Small-scale tactical engagement.

Slide
Moving part of an automatic pistol.

Smooth Bore
Barrel without rifling — relies on Hop-Up for spin.

SOC (State of Charge)
Remaining battery power in an AEG.

Speedloader
Tool for fast BB reloading.

Spin-Up
Synonym for backspin from the Hop-Up system.

Springer
Spring-powered, single-shot airsoft gun.

Stock
Part of the gun braced against the shoulder.

Sector Gear
Primary gear in an AEG gearbox that cycles the piston.

Suppressor
Also known as a “silencer” in airsoft, this attachment is used to reduce noise or disguise an extended inner barrel. Typically cosmetic.

Selector Plate
A sliding piece on the side of an AEG gearbox that controls firing modes in coordination with the fire selector.

Shim
Tiny washer-like spacers used in AEG gearboxes to align gears correctly, reduce wear, and optimize performance.

Spring Guide
A component that keeps the mainspring aligned inside the gearbox. Some versions include ball bearings for smoother compression.

Sniper Role
A specialized position in airsoft requiring high-accuracy rifles and stealth tactics. Often limited by MED and FPS rules.

Safety Catch
A mechanical switch or lever that prevents accidental firing when engaged. Essential for safety off the field.

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T – Tactical Tech

TCU (Tactical Combat Uniform)
Combat-ready uniform designed for functionality and durability.

Trajectory
The BB's flight path from muzzle to target.

Tappet Plate
Plastic piece in the gearbox that controls the air nozzle movement.

Tracer Unit
A muzzle device or magazine system that lights up special tracer BBs using UV light, making them visible in low-light conditions.

Tracer BBs
Glow-in-the-dark BBs activated by tracer units — excellent for night games and target tracking.

Tactical Vest
Load-bearing vest with MOLLE/PALS webbing, used to carry mags, grenades, radios, and other field gear.

Thumbhole Stock
A rifle stock design that includes a hole through which the user places their thumb, offering improved ergonomics.

Trigger Response
The speed at which a gun fires after the trigger is pulled. Enhanced by MOSFETs and ETUs in upgraded AEGs.

Tool-less Disassembly
Feature found on some guns that allows for field-stripping or part swaps without requiring tools — excellent for quick maintenance.

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U – UK Compliance

UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern)
Digital camo pattern blending greens, greys, and tans.

UKARA
Verification system for legal airsoft RIF purchases in the UK.

Upgradability
The potential for mechanical or performance enhancements.

Under Barrel Launcher
A grenade launcher mounted beneath a rifle, typically used with 40mm-style airsoft shells. Adds versatility and realism.

Urban Camo
A grey and black patterned camouflage used for urban environments. More aesthetic in airsoft but popular for CQB loadouts.

Upper Receiver
The top half of an airsoft rifle’s body — houses the barrel, hop-up, and often the charging handle. Interchangeable in modular platforms like M4s.

Uniform
Tactical clothing worn for team identification, protection, and gear integration. Varies by camo pattern and field type.

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V – Legal Matters

VCRA (Violent Crime Reduction Act)
UK law regulating airsoft gun sales and usage.

Vertical Foregrip
A grip mounted vertically on the front rail system to improve control, stability, and weapon handling during rapid fire.

Velocity Reducer
An external or internal device used to lower a gun’s FPS to meet field limits, especially for import or CQB use.

Vest (Tactical Vest)
Protective gear designed to hold magazines, hydration, radios, and other field equipment — often MOLLE-compatible.

V2 Gearbox
One of the most common AEG gearbox versions, found in most M4/M16 platforms. Known for upgrade potential and aftermarket support.

V3 Gearbox
Another standard gearbox design used in AKs, G36s, and some SMGs. Slightly different layout but similarly upgradable.

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W – Weapon Mounts

Weaver Rail
Older standard for firearm attachments, similar to RIS.

Waffle Magazine

A style of magazine with a textured, waffle-like grid pattern. Originally seen on real-steel rifles (like the G36), it's also used in airsoft for better grip and aesthetic appeal.

Wired to Rear / Front / Deans / Tamiya

Refers to the configuration and type of electrical connectors in AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns).

• Wired to rear: The battery connector is at the back of the gun, typically for full stocks.

• Wired to front: Battery connector is in the handguard or front part of the gun.

• Deans: A popular high-performance battery connector.

• Tamiya: A common connector, usually stock on many AEGs.

Winding Magazine / High-Cap (Hi-Cap)

A type of airsoft magazine that holds a large number of BBs and requires winding via a wheel or pull cord to feed BBs into the gun.

Wobble

A term used to describe loose or shaky parts on an airsoft gun, often referring to stock, handguard, or magazine movement. Can affect realism or accuracy depending on severity.

Wolverine Airsoft

A brand known for high-end HPA (High-Pressure Air) systems. They manufacture drop-in HPA engines for AEGs, offering programmable features and consistent performance.

X – Ring

X-ring
A type of rubber seal similar to an O-ring but with a different cross-section. Sometimes used in airsoft upgrades for better air seal in cylinders or valves.

X-ray Vision
Slang or joking term used in airsoft to refer to players who always seem to know where you are, often implying they're using unfair means or just have great awareness.

X-Factor
A general term used to describe a player's unique skill or gear advantage that makes them stand out in a match.

XP (Experience Points)
Sometimes used in airsoft RPG-style games or events where players earn points for actions, kills, or objectives completed.

X – Zeroing

Zeroing
The process of adjusting sights or optics so that the point of aim matches the point of impact at a specific distance.

Z Tactical
A popular brand known for airsoft communication gear such as headsets, PTT (push-to-talk) units, and replica military comms equipment.

Zombie Game
A themed airsoft game mode where one team (or players) act as "zombies" with limited abilities, and others must survive or complete objectives. Popular in casual or Halloween events.

Ziptie Kill / Ziptie Mechanic
A game mechanic in some milsim events where players can “capture” others using zip ties to simulate restraints.

From the field to the forum, understanding the lingo keeps you sharp, safe, and one step ahead. Study up, stay dialled in, and we'll see you on the battlefield.