Airsoft is a military based team sport which sees combatants aim to complete objectives while attempting to defeat the opposing team using replica weapons, or ‚ Airsoft guns. To defeat or kill an enemy, a player must successfully shoot them with a plastic BB fired from their Airsoft gun. To win the game, a team can either kill all enemy players or complete certain objectives, decided on before the game. Objectives may vary depending on the playing field and conditions.

Airsoft arenas can include urban or rural combat situations. Games can be held in forests, fields or makeshift towns and buildings. Depending on the playing field available, game modes will vary from being a simple skirmish, where players aim to eliminate only, to a realistic combat situation re-enactment with objectives and aims. The guns used in an Airsoft game can be one of three types. Spring-loaded weapons use compressed air as an engine. They are mostly seen in the form of bolt action weapons such as sniper rifles, or pump action shotguns. Gas powered guns include pistols and some small submachine guns, such as the UZI. The most common form of weapon, however, is the AEG. The Automatic Electric Gun uses a gearbox operated by a motor to fire, and is powered by a battery. These weapons are not the only tools used in a game of Airsoft. Other tactical equipment can include grenades and grenade launchers, flash and smoke grenades, landmines, flashlights, scopes and laser sights, headsets, silencers, night vision goggles and scopes, maps etc. Military clothing is ideal for enhancing play, and combatants often use camouflaged jackets and trousers, vests for storing spare clips or batteries etc, holsters for their side-arms, boots for rough terrain and any other garments that may aid their survival.

Airsoft is a perfectly safe sport to play, but is so because of the precautions that must be taken. When using an Airsoft gun, players must always wear protective goggles. Fingers should be kept off the trigger until ready to fire, and the weapon should be pointed in a safe direction. It is considered an offence to point an Airsoft gun at a person who is not participating in the game, and assault if that person feels threatened.

Other protective gear is available, but only the goggles are compulsory. However, knee and elbow pads may help with crawling through the undergrowth! The ammunition used is not dangerous in any way. The BBs can come in various weights, from heavy for accuracy or light for distance, and are usually 6mm in size but can come in 8mm. Biodegradable BBs are available, and are encouraged by DCU Airsoft!

Some countries have bans or restrictions on Airsoft due to its realism. The sport was illegal in Ireland until August 23, 2006, when the Criminal Justices Act made it legal for persons over the age of 18 to purchase and use Airsoft guns in the country, but only up to the power of 328fps (feet per second). Such restrictions on the power of the weapons are placed in many countries, and some laws, such as in the United Kingdom, also require the guns to be made up of 50% bright colours so as to distinguish them as toys and make them look less realistic. More in depth information on Airsoft and anything related can be found in the various other pages on this website. Visit the equipment section to learn more about the guns used, such as the price, where to buy them and how to maintain them. Our links page will offer a wide range of websites where you can learn more or purchase equipment. Feel free to use the forums to ask any questions you may have.