Airsoft Safety

using these rules to prevent unnecessary injures.

Rules | Laws | Minimum Age | Velocity Limit

Whenever we hear someone say, "Time to go over the airsoft safety rules!" we attain a deaf-ear and begin thinking BORING! We should remember it doesn't have to be like that because the safety in these games is rather straightforward and easy to remember. It can't be that boring because the ref can explain the necessary safety rules at most fields. We can use these rules to prevent unnecessary injures.

Here's the deal: Safety rules should be followed at all times while handling or being around airsoft guns.

Rules

The safety rules are not all that different from other firearm safety rules. One of the greatest risks of airsoft guns is when it is mistaken for a real gun and law enforcement or others use a real gun because they feel they must defend themselves against a deadly threat.

Safety should always include keeping the orange tip on the gun when transporting or when used where it could be mistaken for a real gun.

Want to know the best part? When safety rules are followed, airsoft guns are a safe for children and adults.

10 Basic Rules

One of the safety rules that will prevent most accidents and injuries is always treat an airsoft gun as though it is loaded and cocked. Following this simple rule is very important because once you follow that rule; the other rules will naturally be followed. These are some basic safety rules you will want to follow:

Never point a airsoft gun at anything you don't want to shoot
Unload the airsoft gun when not in use
Keep the orange tip on the airsoft gun
Don't look directly down the muzzle
Follow directions when cleaning
Disconnect electronics when not in use
Use only recommended pellets
Keep out of the reach of children
Supervise children who use airsoft guns
Wear safety gear

Airsoft guns don't shoot by themselves; people pull the trigger to fire them, so it is the responsibility of the person who shoots the guns to keep themselves and those around them safe. Like any sport or recreational pastime, accidents and injuries do occur while using airsoft guns but by following these safety rules you can reduce and often eliminate the risks.

Blind Man

One of our favorite safety features applied in airsoft games that prevent unnecessary injury is the “Blind Man” rule. Almost every field follows this basic safety rule to keep this sport safe for their players. We’ve been trying to find the statistics on this but have had no luck so far but by personal experience the rules like “Blind Man” has kept the danger on the field to a minimum.

Most players know the number one rule on fields is wearing proper protection on the face; regulation goggles or glasses. However the “Blind Man” would come in handy when this number one rule is tampered with.

What is it?

One of the simpler rules any player can perform when necessary. An player can yell the words, "Blind Man" if he or she sees another player or bystander on the field without the proper eye protection on. For example would be if a player's facemask or glasses has fallen off putting them in danger of getting severely injured. Then having another player noticing this and yelling, “Blind Man”, which will cause the game to immediately stop and all players must cease from shooting until the circumstances is resolved. Every player must remember that these words or only used in emergency situations and gun problems are not considered as an emergency.

Laws

Under federal law airsoft guns are not considered firearms and are legal; however, in a few main cities a firearm definition includes anything, which is powered by compressed air or a spring. This definition makes airsoft guns be considered real firearms, consequently causing an issue to legal federal laws. Local laws are different in every state so contacting a law enforcer or lawyer is your best option to get specific laws for your area.

By State

Not all states are included but it will be in the future.

Arizona - are legal to own and purchase
New York - has no State guidelines prohibiting or limiting airsoft guns; however, New York City requests all to be built with clear or bright colored plastic.
Michigan - has restrictions when purchasing only allowing licensed retailers to sell them.
Texas - has only one law, which is the requirement that discharged of an airsoft gun must be outside of city limits.
Illinois - has considered transporting or selling airsoft guns illegal.

Specific Requirements

Orange tip on barrel

in the United States, all airsoft guns must have a 6mm orange or red tip at the end of the barrel to help citizens and law enforcers to identify it as toy guns. In countries like France and England require nothing at all. The orange barrel tip law in other countries is unknown so checking the local laws are recommended before use.

Public Places

Airsoft guns are replicas of real guns. They look identical to real riffles and shotguns. Even with a bright orange safety tip, care must be taken when you have one in a public place.

A public place is defined as-an indoor or outdoor area, whether privately or publicly owned, to which the public have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, whether by payment of money or not, but not a place when used exclusively by one or more individuals for a private gathering or other personal purpose. This definition covers a large number of places that you may take an airsoft gun.

Guidelines

When you have an airsoft gun in public places follow the basic safety guidelines:

Keep all safety equipment on the gun
Never point the gun (loaded or unloaded) at anything you don’t want to shoot, especially people.
When not in use, store the gun in a case
Follow local and federal laws and regulations

Inappropriate Places

In most public places it will be inappropriate to carry an airsoft gun. Some of the places that one should not be taken:

Public schools
Churches
Malls
Department stores
Park
Amusement parks

The following are appropriate public places:

Airsoft and Paintball Fields
Gun Shops
Airsoft Competitions
Military Training Location

Locations that allow airsoft guns often have guidelines and rules that must be followed to maintain safety.

If you live in a town that there are immature airsoft gun owners and there are a lot of problems with the law in public places, be prepared for the laws to be tightened up. On the other hand you can also help promote a favorable image of airsoft gun users by following safety guidelines, the law, and using some common sense.

Minimum Age

The federal law requires a person of 18 years or older to purchase an airsoft gun; however, a child is allowed to possess one at any age but normally restricted by the parents. This is true in most places in the United States, excluding Minnesota which the minimum age for a child to possess one is 14 years old. It is highly recommended for parents to carefully consider if their child is mature enough to own one because they appear so similar to a real firearm. Citizens or the police can mistake it as a threat (real gun) and a misfortune can occur.

Most countries have age limits of 18 years old. Even though in some countries these guns are considered to be firearms they do come with the dangers of hurting someone and when you are 18 and younger sometimes you cannot be responsible enough to handle that kind of responsibility.

United States

Any Airsoft gun that is entering the United States is considered at best to be a toy gun and for legal purpose they must have a orange tip on the barrel during sale and transportation. The Federal Law requires it. A few states allow the tip to be removed while others do not.

Japan

In Japan the age limit is 18 years old as well. In August 2006, Japan airsoft guns were declared legal but these guns are not allowed to be shot with a muzzle energy that exceeds .98.

Canada

In Canada the age limit is also 18 years old. Airsoft guns are considered to be replicas by the Canadian Customs Department. But if you are trying to bring one into the country the Customs will take it away. In Canada the only way to get one is by local retailers who themselves need a special license in order to import them. The price is then doubled because they have to be brought in.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom airsoft guns cannot be purchased until 18 years of age like most countries but if you are 14 years old you may fire them only in the company of an adult. They are not classified as firearms but they are still age restricted. In the United Kingdom it is also illegal to change or modify any part of the weapon or even the ammo and you are not allowed to carry them in public places.

Velocity Limit

What do you think would happen if airsoft fields don’t have a maximum velocity safety rule? It would be chaos because more players would be injured with the danger of pellets puncturing into the skin. Most players know any velocity over 400fps can harm someone close up. That is why most field owners will require the airsoft gun to be de-tuned that are over the approved velocity before allowing the player to use it on the field. Each field has different rules for the maximum velocity acceptable.

Every official airsoft fields will have different maximum velocity safety rules based on the event. For example indoor and CQB velocity requirements will be different compared to outdoor environments.

If you're a player not knowing the requirements for the field, you should be fine by following the fundamental know limits but of course if possible check with the field to confirm the requirements.

Specific Rules

Indoors Games

Normally, indoor events have the maximum velocity limit of 300fps for gas, electric, and spring airsoft guns to shot full auto or burst capability. Sometimes single firing pistols are allowed to have a maximum of 350fps.

Outdoors Games

Through outdoor events otherwise specified by the field rules, the maximum velocity is usually 400fps with a 20 feet distance rule so this means that any player that is closer then 20 feet must shout, “surrender” and not open fire. In the event the opposing player wont surrender, the player that is shooting is in general allowed to use their approved sidearm. These approved sidearms are typically have a maximum velocity of 250fps or lower.

Sniper Rifles

In outdoor events, snipers are allowed to have a higher maximum velocity because of the distance. The normal maximum velocity limit is 550fps but can only be used at a distance of 100ft or more. Most fields require snipers to carry a secondary airsoft gun that meets the outdoor limits for any engagements under the 100 feet rule. Another usual rule is that the sniper rifle must be a bolt action or semi automatic any rifle that has the capability to switch to full automatic cannot be considered a sniper weapon.

All in all if a player follows these maximum velocity rules, they should be fine at any field however some fields are stricter than others. As stated above a player needs to confirm the requirements with the field rules and limitations before entering any game.

In the End

Even if we know all of our basic safety rules like the back of our hand, we still need to realize that at our airsoft fields, they might have additional rules we must follow.

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