Airsoft Fields
When you think of the word, field, you may think of wildflowers blooming or farm animals grazing. Add the word, airsoft gun, and there will be a completely different image that will pop up.
Before you can decide if an airsoft field will meet your needs, you will need to find the airsoft fields in your area. Depending where you live, there may be a variety of airsoft fields to choose from or your choices may be limited. You may need to find out when local military or law enforcement training fields may be open to the public or be able to be rented by the public. To find the fields available in your area, use the following resources:
- Hobby store that sells airsoft guns
- Airsoft gun enthusiasts
- Internet search for airsoft fields
- Airsoft gun forums
- Phone book (paper and on line)
- Military and law enforcement personnel
Airsoft gun fields will have a list of guideline, rules, or regulations that will need to be followed. All fields will require a release form to be signed to avoid being sued. Before heading out to a field ready to shoot, find out what the requirements are to shoot your airsoft gun on the field. The requirements for shooting on an airsoft field are a combination of what insurance requires, what is necessary to make a profit, and what will keep everyone safe so they can come back another day to shoot again. Whining and complaining about rules won’t change them, you will need to learn to comply with them.
In some areas there is a choice between indoor and outdoor fields. Indoor fields are great when weather conditions prohibit outdoor play. Many airsoft gun shooters enjoy the rain or snow because of the added challenges and realism it adds to a scenario. There are times when it isn’t safe to be outside playing airsoft gun games, which can include the following:
- Extreme heat or cold
- Storm with lightening
- Flooding
- Excessively deep snow
- Field has unsafe or unstable structures
Outdoor fields are often preferred because it provides a more realistic environment. It is also a great place for items that may end up in the dump to be recycled as course obstacles and structures. When shooting outside, environmentally friendly ammunition should be used to avoid build up on the outdoor airsoft field. Weather conditions may cause an outdoor field to be closed and unavailable.
Indoor fields can be utilized no matter what the weather. The indoor fields also may be more accessible for airsoft gun enthusiasts who may have special needs due to a developmental, physical, or mental disability. Indoor airsoft fields are often unpainted plywood boards that have windows and doors cut out of them or may be solid. They are of varied heights to challenge using them to shield the shooter from view and hits.
Research is the best way to find the airsoft field that will best match your airsoft gun shooting interests.
