Airsoft History

Do you know Airsoft History?

When firearms were banned in Japan in the 1970’s, gun enthusiast turned to replica guns like airsoft guns, which were legal. The guns shoot small pellets that are also known as BBs. They were used for target shooting when it began and later airsoft gun shooting developed into a sport. In addition to recreation use, airsoft guns are used to train military, police, and security personnel. It has come a long way from its origins as a replacement for banned firearms.

Airsoft Use and Banned Firearms

When firearms are banned, gun enthusiasts will look for alternatives. Airsoft satisfies that need in countries like Japan and China where firearms are banned. Even in countries where firearms are not banned, air soft guns have developed into a popular recreational activity and are used for various types of training. Airsoft guns are able to be owned and used without a permit or license in many countries like the United States.

Firearm History and Airsoft Guns

Some gun enthusiasts prefer historical guns but are not able to find them or afford them. Historical replica guns that are 1:1 scale are very popular. Historical airsoft guns include the following:

• Marushin Derringer Airsoft Pistol
• Thompson M1A1Military Airsoft Rifle
• Schmeisser MP40 Airsoft Gun
• M14 Airsoft Rifle MP008
• M14 Socom Special OPS Airsoft Rifle

Replica airsoft guns give shooters a chance to experience the past by shooting guns from various periods in history. Airsoft guns are often chosen for historical reenactments because they are so realistic.

Airsoft Popularity

There was a spring powered gun produced by Mattel in the 1960’s but it didn’t catch on. Daisy had a better response in the 1980's, but their guns didn’t experience success and become popular until the 1990’s when airsoft gun popularity grew in the United States. Airsoft guns first became popular in Japan in the 1970’s. During the 1980’s, the popularity of airsoft guns spread from Japan to neighboring countries like the following:

• Hong Kong
• Korea
• Taiwan
• Philippines

In the mid 1990’s not only did airsoft gun use spread to the United States, popularity also grew in North America and Europe.

Airsoft Competition History

What started out as casual games among airsoft gun enthusiasts has evolved into a sport with official competitions throughout the world. There are target shooting competitions and also competitive games. The games include the following:

• Role playing
• Simulations
• Capture the Flag

The number of games and types of games are only limited by the imagination of the players. There are indoor, outdoor, and wooded playing fields to shoot on. The fields can have natural, built, or blow up obstacles.

Currently there are a large number of local competitions and a growing number of national tournaments. International competition is also growing.

Airsoft Guns Manufacturers

Though Daisy may be the first airsoft gun you ever heard of, there are others that have become well known on airsoft gun fields over the years. Some of the well known airsoft gun manufacturers include A & K, AGM, Accuracy Pneumatics Systems, Javelin, Double Eagle, ICS, Unicorn Hobby Corp, and Tactical Airsoft Gear.

Airsoft guns have been around for a long time, it wasn’t until the ban of firearms in Japan that the popularity spread and evolved into a recreational sport and serious competition.