How to Get into Airsoft in the UK - A Beginner's Guide

What is airsoft, and how does it work?

Airsoft is a fast-growing sport in the UK, with more and more people looking to get involved in the action. Whether you're an experienced airsoft shooter or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone in the world of airsoft. airsoft games are simuler to paintball but its cheaper to play for the guns and the ammo, also the guns are a lot more realistic, However, getting started can be a little daunting, so we've compiled a beginner's guide to help you get into airsoft in the UK.

Understand the Basics of Airsoft

Airsoft is a tactical combat simulation Team game that is played with realistic imitation replica firearms "airsoft guns" that shoot small plastic BB pellets. It is a very popular hobby and sport not only in the UK but around the world, with many dedicated airsoft game sites; in fact, there is probably a site near you that you didn't even know about.

To get started in airsoft as a hobby, it is important to understand the basics of the game and the equipment used. First, players will need obviously need to purchase an airsoft gun, which can range from a basic spring pistol, gas-powered gun, and sniper rifle to a more advanced AEG Rifle. It is also important to purchase the appropriate safety gear, such as goggles or a full face mask, to protect yourself from the bb pellets.

In addition to the equipment, players should also familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the game. This includes understanding the different types of game modes, such as Milsim (Military Simulation) and CQB (Close Quarters Battle), as well as the rules for handling and transporting airsoft guns in public.

It is also important to understand the concept of "safe engagement distance" and "hit calling," which is a way of signalling that you have been hit and need to leave the field.

Finally, players should seek out local airsoft communities and teams to learn more about the sport and to find others to play with. Joining a team or club can be a great way to learn more about airsoft and to meet other players.

Overall, getting into airsoft in the UK requires a solid understanding of the equipment, rules, and safety regulations of the sport. It also involves finding a community and team to play with and being dedicated to continuous learning and improvement in the sport.

Find the Right Airsoft Gun

Finding the right First airsoft gun as a beginner can be a daunting task, as there are many different types and models to choose from, but if you use good airsoft retailers like bbguns4less :) and you let us know what type of game you want to play or what you want to use your bb gun for; we should always be able to point you in the right direction. as we just said, the first step in finding the right airsoft replica is to ask you self what you will be using it for. Are you planning on playing in backyard battles with friends? Or are you looking to compete in organized airsoft games?

Once you have chosen the purpose of your airsoft gun, you can start to narrow down your options. If you are planning on playing in backyard battles, a spring-powered gun or a low-end AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) would be a good choice. These types of BB guns are cheap and easy to use. However, if you are looking to compete in organized airsoft sites, you may want to invest in a higher-end AEG, or even a gas-powered or bolt-action rifle,

The most important thing may be finding the right airsoft gun in your budget. Airsoft guns can range in price from under £5 to over £1000. It's important to set a budget and stick to it when shopping for airsoft weapons. For an Airsoft Electric Gun or AEG that is good enough to play airsoft as a skirmish site, you need to be paying around a min of £100; we would recommend the Cyma M4 5 Series as a good airsoft weapon for a beginner.

But finding the right airsoft gun is a personal decision that will depend on your needs. Take the time to research different types of BB airsoft guns, read reviews, and talk to other airsoft players to help make your final decision. With the right airsoft gun, you'll be well on your way to enjoying this exciting and challenging sport.

For more info, click on the links to see our buying guides for airsoft pistols and airsoft rifles.

What Colour Airsoft gun can I buy?

Most airsoft beginners, or if you are under 18 years old, are more than likely going to have to be looking for a two-tone bb gun. to buy a black airsoft gun or RIF (realistic imitation firearm), according to the violent crime reduction act (VCAR) you will need to have some kind of valid defence and be over 18 years old as there are tight rules on realistic replica weapons.

Some people think a two-tone airsoft gun is not as good as the same gun in black, but they will perform precisely the same; the only difference is the colour.

This is quite a long subject, and if you want to know more about the rules and law regarding buying airsoft replicas, click here

Join a Local Airsoft Team

Joining a local airsoft team is a great way to take your airsoft gaming experience to the next level. Here are a few tips to help you find and join a local team:

Look online for local airsoft teams in your area; you could try posting on Facebook or Reddit, or sometimes teams may have websites and social media pages that you can check out to learn more about them.

Also, Airsoft events are a great way to meet other players in the airsoft community and potentially find a team. Look for local events near you and attend them to meet other players.

When at an event or at your local airsoft store, talk to other airsoft players or workers. They may know of a team that is looking for new members.

Contact the team directly via email or social media to express your interest in joining. Be sure to include information about you, your airsoft guns, and why you would like to join the team; if they don't want you, they may still be able to point you in the right direction.

Some teams may ask you to try out before being accepted into the team. Be prepared to showcase your tactical airsoft skills during the tryout.

joining a local airsoft team is a great way to improve your tactics, make new friends, and have a great time.

Get the Right Airsoft Gear

Airsoft is a tactical sport and a team game that requires players to have the right tactical airsoft equipment in order to participate safely and effectively. In addition to an airsoft gun, players must have and wear a set of protective goggles or an airsoft mask, a quality pair of sturdy boots, especially in times of rain, and a maybe a durable and comfortable set of BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) or tactical clothing. Other bits of gear include a good quality holster or drop leg platform to hold extra magazines, a tactical belt and/or chest rig to hold magazines and other essentials like battery or bb pellets, and some hydration, at least a bottle of water to hydrate during sunny long games (this is normally available at skirmish sites. A tactical vest, knee and elbow pads, and gloves are also can be used for added protection. Lastly, when you are on an airsoft team and want to take your game to the next leave, a good quality radio or communication device so players can stay in contact with their team during games is awesome.

Basic Airsoft Game Rules

Airsoft is based on honest principles. When you get shot in airsoft skirmishes to record your "death" You have to shout “HIT!” raise your arms and come back to the spawn point where you can return to the game. If you don't call your hits, you will most likely keep being shot at until you do! Sometimes, you'll have to wait until a new match is playing again to come back on the field, but it depends on what game is being played.

Put your hands up, lower your weapon and shout loudly so others can see your voice. A hit will take away your game status.

Safety is Always a Priority

Airsoft safety is crucial to guarantee that not only beginner airsoft players are protected from harm but anyone playing airsoft and that the sport can be enjoyed by all. Safety measures include wearing eye protection (Essential), such as goggles or a full-face mask, and ensuring that guns are used responsibly and in designated areas. Airsoft Players should also be aware of their surroundings. It's also important to follow the rules and regulations of the airsoft skirmish site, such as using the correct type and weight of BBs and only using guns within the FPS limits. Also, new airsoft players should be familiar with the safety rules of the airsoft site or field they are playing in. you should always prioritize safety over winning.

Also, you should always keep your two-tone gun or Realistic Imitation Firearms in a case and never carry it publicly in an urban setting. For more info, see our article "Are bb guns dangerous." also check out gun bags and cases.

Costs

If you just want to do some garden target practice, you could buy some spring-powered replicas. for something that works decent, you could get either a spring-powered pistol for around £15 to £20 or a spring-powered rifle for around £25 upwards. for an electric rifle for backyard shooting, expect to pay £35 to £80. if you want to go to a proper skirmish game site and compete against other airsofters, most players will start with an Assault Rifle AEG (airsoft electric gun), to get a good gun firing around a site limit of 350 fps, expect to pay around £100 in our opinion the cm5xx range from CYMA are the perfect starter aeg for your first skirmish. They are super reliable, come set to 350fps, are available in black or a factory two-tone blue, come with a battery pack and charger, and take standard M4 Mags, so if you need to borrow a mag from someone, there's a good chance it will fit. regarding the price to play airsoft at a site, its probably going to cost around £25 for a day if you have your own gun, but if you don't have an airsoft gun, it will probably be around £40 to hire one for the day, so if you intend to go more then once its best to buy one. if you want more info on buying a rifle, click here, or for a pistol-buying guide, click here.

What bb pellets do i need?

What bb pellets you need depends on many factors, and too many to list here, but for a quick bb pellet 101 we will have a little go. if your going to get a cheap spring pistol 0.12g or 0.15g will work fine, with some more powerfull pistols like GBB you can use 0.20g. for most assault rifles use 0.20g to 0.25g. for sniper rifles its probably best to use 0.30g. dessiding on wither to use biodegradable or standard pellets is mostly your own personal preference, some outdoor airsoft sites will require you to use bio pellets, and won't have any preference, so its best to check before you go. for a full breakdown and bb pellet buying guide click here for a full rundown.

Can an airsoft gun be modified to fire live ammo?

The great thing about Airsoft guns is the range of accessories that you can use to make your gun individual to yourself and to suit your styles of play, such as magazines or silencers. A common misconception is that Airsoft guns can be modified to use live ammunition. This is completely false, and Airsoft rifles will only ever fire plastic ammunition!

FAQ's - How to Get into Airsoft

Is Airsoft Safe?

Yes, Airsoft is a safe activity when proper safety equipment is used and the rules of the game are followed.

What Equipment Do I Need to Play Airsoft?

You will need an airsoft gun (unless you hire one from the skirmish site), a face mask and a mask to cover your face and neck. It's also best to wear some long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a decent pair of boots.

Where Can I Find a Local Airsoft Field in the UK?

Airsoft fields are located throughout the UK, But they don't open every day, but most will have websites. Just do a quick google search online for "airsoft sites near me", or ask for recommendations at your local dedicated airsoft retailers.

What is the Minimum Age to Play Airsoft in the UK?

The minimum recommended age to play airsoft in the UK, In our opinion, would be about 14 years old with parental permission and supervision and also playing at a site with other underage players.

Can I Use My Own Airsoft Guns at a Local Field?

Yes, you can use your airsoft gun, but it must meet the site's velocity limits. Most sites will also let you hire, but this can get pricey.

we hope you enjoyed this beginner's guide to airsoft, and we hope to see you at your first game at your local airsoft skirmish site doing some at-home target shooting.

we hope you enjoyed this Beginners Guide to Airsoft, and if you think something is missing, hit us up and let us know.

play safe!