What is the difference between airsoft and pellet guns

But I was when I was a kid. Not only can you have a replica, but you have some fantastic Nerf guns, Airsoft guns and of course Airguns.

We kind of skipped the airsoft bit and went straight to airguns. But what is the difference between an airsoft gun and an airgun?

The difference between an airsoft gun and an airgun is primarily that an airgun delivers a more massive projectile at a higher velocity over a greater distance than an airsoft gun. An airsoft gun is a real-looking weapon that can be used for sport. They have quite a low power output and shoot non-metallic balls bearings BBs through a smooth bore. These BBs are usually made of plastic, but some other materials can be used.

They are considered generally safe for use by the general public, assuming protective gear is worn. Although airsoft guns can be made to look like real weapons they are always identified by an orange tip which is a requirement in most areas. It is not possible to modify an airsoft gun to shoot lethal ammunition. An airgun is also a real-looking weapon that can be used for sport and recreational use.

They have a lower power-output than lethal weapons but a higher output than airsoft guns. Airguns have been around for over years, it is not a new invention. An airgun typically fires pellets or BBs using compressed air or carbon dioxide that is pressurized without a chemical reaction, this is one way that airguns differ from firearms.

This is not a question that can be answered easily as it depends totally on where you are. Looking at the US though, you need to be 18 years of age to purchase an airsoft gun although again, this depends on where you are as laws vary between states.

Unsurprisingly, the laws on airguns are about as straightforward as those for an airsoft gun somewhat complex.

So, as you can see from the above. The laws relating to either airsoft or airguns are far from clear.

Personally, I would recommend you to have a chat with your local police department regarding your local laws. Not only can they vary between countries.

Within the United States, they vary between states and also between cities. Although both airsoft and airguns use BBs, they are not the same. They are usually made out of plastic and can come in different weights. However, as mentioned earlier, they are not the same thing. Let's jump into a brief history lesson to help us better understand the differences between Airsoft guns and BB guns. In , the first BB gun was born. It was a revolutionary spring-piston gun that was made of maple wood and a bit of metal here and there.

The first BBs were actual shotgun pellets. These pellets were 0. George W. Sage, the man who is believed to have created this new air gun, simply chose one of the most common projectiles at the time that could fit inside of his gun. The following year Clarence Hamilton took things up a notch by inventing an all-metal spring-piston airgun.

It too could shoot lead BB projectiles. After showing off his invention to savvy businessman Lewis Cass Hough, it was inevitable that the gun would be mass produced and sold. Production began in and from that day forth Hamilton's BB guns began selling like hotcakes. The name of the business, Daisy Manufacturing Company, was taken from Hough's comment during the original demonstration of the gun: "Boy, that's a daisy.

Airsoft guns can trace its origins to Japan during the early s. Airsoft guns were created by shooting enthusiasts who wished to conform to Japan's strict gun control laws, yet still enjoy their favorite hobby. The term "Air-Soft" or "Soft-Air" referred to the green gas that was used as a propellant to fire the gun. At first, Airsoft guns were used for target practice, but after it was discovered that humans could be shot without significant injury, Airsoft guns were then used for war games.

From there, Airsoft guns traveled overseas to the United Kingdom during the late s. From that point onward, Airsoft guns were manufactured with recreation in mind and are often designed to resemble real steel firearms. One of the primary differences between BB guns and Airsoft guns is the type of ammunition they fire. BB guns fire small metal or lead BBs which make them potentially deadly depending on the strength of the gun.

On the other hand, Airsoft guns fire a plastic projectile making them far safer for recreational use. For the most part, BB guns tend to be used for either training or target practice.

Some of the more powerful BB guns can be used for pest control purposes and even hunting small game. Airsoft guns are also commonly used by SWAT teams and military units for training purposes. Regarding realism, Airsoft guns are most certainly unmatched. It can be challenging to distinguish an Airsoft gun from an actual firearm, especially if the orange flash hider is removed. He first discovered paintball in high school, but quickly switched to the world of airsoft when he found out how much less it stung.

He still loves a pickup game in the backyard, but these days, you'll usually find him at airsoft LARP events. Your email address will not be published. Skip to content.

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