An Introduction to Airsoft Terminology...

by SiteInsights Airsoft Staff

Every hobby/sport has it's own lingo - words and acronyms specific to itself which participants and insiders are well versed in but which newcomers or the general public may not be. Airsoft is no different and has more than it's fair share of TLA's (Three Letter Acronyms) and Airsoft specific words which can be overwhelming, if not downright intimidating to a "newbie".

Trying Airsoft for the first time is challenging enough without the added anxiety of not being able to understand what you're team mates are saying to you! No one wants to look like an idiot on the field or off, so a quick primer on essential Airsoft terminology is probably a good idea before you attend your first skirmish.

With that in mind below you will find an alphabetical list of some of the more common Airsoft terms along with a short definition of their meanings.

• Airsoft - A game in which players participate in the simulation of military or law enforcement combat with replica military firearms and military-style tactics, or a replica firearm of metal or plastic.
• AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) - Auto Electric Guns are battery-operated airsoft guns that allows for both fully automatic firing and semi-automatic firing. The user can select between the two functions by a switch. Within every Auto Electric Gun is a high-powered motor which allows for instantaneous firing as soon as the trigger is pulled.
• Barrel - The tube that the BB travels through. It holds the BB straight as it gains speed and ensures that it leaves the gun still travelling in the same direction. Airsoft barrels are also smooth inside and are not rifled like most firearms.
• BB (Ball Bearing) - Usually 6mm in diameter, these small plastic balls weighing less than half a gram each are the ammunition used by Airsoft guns.
• BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) - The name given to the clothing worn by a participant during combat. The traditional BDU used in the west is the green DPM jacket, helmet, trousers and boots.
• Caliber - A measure of the diameter of a bullet, pellet or BB. Airsoft replicas typically use 6mm caliber BBs.
• Carbine - A rifle with a Shortened (usually tougher) barrel than longer versions of the same rifle. The Carbine is useful as it weighs less and is shorter than most other rifles, making it tactically suitable for a wider range of roles.
• Covert Action - Performed secretively. Military maneuvers behind enemy lines are often covert actions, so that the enemy will not detect any forces in the area.
• CQC (Close Quarters Combat) - As the name suggests, CQC is the name given to the tactics and methodologies used while fighting at close range. The tactics used are very different to those employed on open ground, and rely more on speed and aggression to be successful.
• Fire Selector Switch - A switch that allows the shooter to change between modes of fire. The fire selector switch is only present on guns that allow multiple modes of fire.
• FPS (Feet Per Second) - The speed of BBs during flight is often measured in feet per second.
• HOP-UP - A device installed in most airsoft guns to increase range. A small piece of rubber is pushed inside the back end of the barrel through a hole in the top. When the gun is fired, the rubber grips the top surface of the BB, putting back-spin on it. As the BB leaves the barrel. The top surface has less drag, but the lower surface has greater drag, causing the BB to stay in the air longer and travel a noticeably farther distance.
• LARP (Live Action Role Play) - A type of game where players really immerse themselves in the game and the story behind it. Role play games often last for a long time and the focus is more on authenticity of the genre, than accuracy of your shooting.
• Magazine - The magazine is a detachable part of the gun that holds the ammunition ready for shooting.
• Muzzle - The muzzle is the very front of the gun, the tip of the barrel.
• Muzzle Velocity - Speed of a BB as it leaves the muzzle of the weapon.
• Newbie - A person new to the sport of Airsoft
• RIS (Rail Interface System) - A RIS rail is a flat hexagonal slatted rail that is attached to a strong-point on some Airsoft guns. There are many accessories available that attach directly to this rail in seconds, making a set of RIS rails an almost essential add-on.
• ROF (Rate of Fire) - The rate of fire is measured for each gun by counting how many shots can be fired in 1 minute in fully automatic mode or in RPM.
• Round - Another name for a bullet or BB.
• RPM (Rounds Per Minute) - The number of shots which can be fired in 1 minute in fully automatic mode.
• SF (Sustained Fire) - Another name for fully-automatic fire.
• Skirmishing - Playing wargames with Airsoft or Paintball guns.
• Springer - A gun powered by a manually cocked spring.

The list of terms and acronyms above is by no means complete, but should be enough to get you by until you have mastered the terminology as well as the tactics of this wonderful hobby/sport!

Thanks for reading...
SiteInsights Airsoft

About the Author

SiteInsights Airsoft offers the highest quality Airsoft guns, pistols, rifles and accessories, at the most affordable prices.

http://www.paintballgunsource.com

Basic Paintball Gear Needed

by John Purdy

The biggest concern while playing paintball is the safety and security of the players. Wearing the proper paintball gear will help to ensure that nobody will become injured while playing this fast-paced sport. Without a doubt, the use of air-pressured guns can be very dangerous if a person is not wearing appropriate safety gear.

There is a variety of paintball gear required when playing this sport, not just the paintball gun or marker. To help ensure you have all the proper equipment for this action-packed sport, below is a list of gears each person must have before he or she plays the sport.

1. The paintball mask is an essential piece of equipment that will protect your face. Since most serious injuries incurred are in the face, you are not allowed to play if you do not wear a protective mask.

2. Eye protection is another important piece of protection. Investing in a good set of goggles will prevent any splat of paint for getting into your eyes.

3. Each person must have a paintball gun. The gun is used to eliminate your opponent, and thus is a critical piece in your arsenal. Remember to thoroughly research the different types of guns available before making your selection.

4. Of course, you must also have paintballs to shoot at your opponents. You should try to conserve your paintballs while playing and only shoot when you have the target in site.

5. The hopper is another piece of paintball gear you can't do without. The hopper is where your paintballs are placed. Standard hoppers will load your gun at a rate of 12bps or less. For faster guns, you will want an electronic hopper.

6. The barrel is used to guide the paintball towards the intended target. Brass barrels are relatively inexpensive and allow you to shoot in a straight path and at higher speeds because there is reduced friction.

7. Having air supply is essential and is used in both guns and pistols. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are available. The carbon dioxide is less expensive, but nitrogen is better.

There are other optional accessories such as belt packs, scopes and kits that can give you an even greater advantage over your opponent. Some accessories are also needed to keep your paintball in good working condition. These include oil for lubing your gun, a squeegee for cleaning the barrel, and extra rings and seals.

The paintball gear that we listed above can be used as a basic checklist for beginners as you research the sport and before you begin making any purchases. Playing paintball is great fun, but the costs can run up quickly.

If you do not have the extra money, start with the basic gear first, then purchase additional options as time goes on. Keep in mind you must be fully protected when playing paintball, so proper clothing and safety gear should be a top priority.

About the Author

John Purdy operates online paintball stores, a website offering resources to discount supplies, articles and other paintball information. Visit his site today at: http://www.online-paintball-stores.com

Essential Paintball Supplies

by Carl Walker

After you've bought the basic paintball equipment such as the paintball marker, mask, and safety devices, there are some important paintball supplies you need to consider before you really start playing a game of paintball. These little accessories and supplies can come in quite handy if you want to put yourself in an advantageous position when playing with other opponents.

Paintball Gun Oil:

Paintball markers/guns tend to weather after constant use. In order to prevent this or slow down the progress, use paintball gun oil. The oil also helps operate your gun smoothly which is a prerequisite if you want to win in a game of paintball. However, remember to buy good quality oil from a dealer, which might or might not be specified by the manufacturer.

Spare Batteries:

If you use a paintball gun that a hopper that runs on batteries, remember to always double check if you have extras with you before the game starts. It can be very inconvenient if you run out of fuel while out at the field. Buy high quality batteries that will last for a few good hours.

Gun Manual and Allen Wrenches:

You're going to need to disassemble your paintball marker once in a while, in order to clean or fix it. You should always have the gun manual and an Allen wrench with you so that if, in an emergency, you need to take apart your gun, there shouldn't be any hassles of not having a diagram, or a tool to help you work faster.

Replacement Mask Lens:

You can get yourself into big trouble if the lens of your paintball mask lens crack and you don't a replacement. This is because most tournament organizers will not allow you to play without proper safety equipment. It is also unsafe, so always have extra lens handy in case of emergencies. Also remember to never use masks with lens that's been overused, or is wearing out.

Squeegees:

The barrel or breach of the paintball gun may collect dust or paintball debris. Use squeegees to clean these out. A clean and well-lubed barrel is essential for the smooth operation of the marker so, it'd be a great idea if you could carry an extra squeegee before joining a game.

Barrel covers:

Barrel covers such as barrel plugs and barrel socks prevents accidentally fired paintballs to cause any harm by blocking exit. A barrel sock is more effective in reducing the possibility of the safety equipment being detached from the marker/gun barrel. Always carry one to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Extra Parts such as O-rings & Cupseals:

Paintball guns can malfunction due to small, seemingly unimportant but vital parts such as the O-rings and Cupseals, which may become defective in the middle of a game. Do not let your game suffer because you forget to extra parts.

About the Author

Paintballing HQ offers articles and tips about paintballing from beginner to expert.

http://www.paintballgunsource.com