Airsoft replicas were invented in Japan in the 90s for a combat simulation game. Their intended use was to fire 6 mm plastic BBs at opposing players without causing significant injuries as long as the proper equipment was used and the minimum engagement distances were enforced. This meant that the danger posed by airsoft guns was limited to getting hit in exposed areas of the body, where the player would feel a slight sting. If you would like to know more about the pain levels associated with playing airsoft, this article covers the topic thoroughly.
Airsoft guns are dangerous if they are handled incorrectly and without the use of the required safety equipment. Using an airsoft replica for purposes other than those it was intended for, may cause severe injuries.
In the following paragraphs, I will go over the main dangers of using airsoft guns improperly and offer advice on how to ensure a safe operation. The main idea is that, even though the projectile is considerably lighter than a bullet and has a significantly lower velocity, BBs can potentially harm the human body. In addition, displaying an airsoft gun in public may be against the law and you are in danger of getting shot by police or concerned citizens.
Dangers Associated With Airsoft Guns
The list below covers some of the most dangerous situations where an airsoft gun might be involved. Aside from the obvious injuries that can occur while playing the game, there are others that can happen either at home or out in public. Here are some of the most common instances where an airsoft gun might be dangerous.
Shots to the Eyes
The most severe injury that can be caused by an airsoft replica is getting shot in the eye. This can lead to either complete or partial loss of vision, or even to the complete loss of the eye. That is why the most important protective equipment for airsoft is impact resistant glasses or goggles. These should be worn for the entire duration of your stay on the airsoft field and even in the staging areas.
Because the eyes are made up of soft, delicate tissue, they are particularly sensitive to direct hits by foreign objects. The most common occurrence in the case of being hit with a BB in the eye is called Hyphema, a condition where the blood starts to collect in the eye following a trauma. Sometimes the eye manages to heal on its own, but sometimes surgery is needed in order to relieve the pressure. In any case, the end result is some form of visual impairment.
To prevent such accidents, the best course of action is to always have eye-protective equipment on whenever you or somebody around you handles an airsoft gun. This includes instances where you are at home and are putting away your airsoft gear after a game day. Glasses should also be worn when performing repairs or upgrades to your replica, and even when unboxing a brand new gun. Some shops will perform a test firing of the airsoft gun before shipping it, and there is a chance that some BBs will remain in the hop unit or the barrel.
Shots to the Teeth or Mouth Area
Airsoft BBs have been known to chip teeth, cause bleeding of the gums or lips. A high power airsoft gun using heavier BBs has the potential to damage your teeth if you are not using face protection. While some fields require you to wear full-face protection, others allow players to use whatever pieces of equipment they deem necessary (eye protection is mandatory everywhere).
The danger of damaging your teeth while playing airsoft isn’t very high, but it can happen and you should consider investing in a cheap mesh mask. It will ensure that you won’t have to then spend thousands of dollars to fix or replace your teeth.
Most players use a mesh mask that protects the lower part of the face very efficiently, while also offering good breathability. Others prefer to wear a balaclava or other types of cloth covers as these allow you to get a good cheek weld while aiming down the sights of the gun. While these don’t offer as much protection as the metal mesh, they do still absorb some of the energy of the BB.
Shots to the Ears
While getting shot in the ear is a very uncommon occurrence, it can happen and it does hurt. If you are very unlucky, you might even get a BB stuck in your ear, potentially harming your eardrum. In all my years of playing, it has never happened to me or to any of the players I regularly skirmish with, but I have seen pictures online with people who have had ear injuries.
If you are concerned about this, you could get an extended mesh mask that also covers your ears, but these are very uncomfortable and make it hard to aim properly. Another more common option is to wear some sort of headset that allows you to communicate with your team. This will give you the advantage of always being informed of the enemy movements, while also keeping your ears safe from harm.
Cuts, Welts, and Bruises
Getting hit on an exposed bit of skin is always unpleasant. Depending on the impact area and the power of the airsoft gun that is being shot at you, the damage could feel like a sting or a strong poke. Either way, the BBs will leave a mark. It is not uncommon to have welts and bruises after a day of playing airsoft. If you are unlucky, some shots might even draw blood.
In all my days of playing, I have never received a hit that was unbearable and nor have I lost any blood. However, I have seen a player take a hit to his exposed knuckles which then began to bleed. A good pair of gloves should prevent these kinds of injuries and also protect your hand from cuts and scrapes caused by other environmental factors.
Airsoft Guns Are Dangerous If You Carry Them in Public Places
Most countries have laws that require you to transport your airsoft guns in special bags or cases. The idea is that you should never go walk around with your replica exposed as it may be mistaken for a real firearm. This can cause other people to panic and behave irresponsibly, or it might get your arrested, or even shot by law enforcement officers.
There are quite a few known cases of people being arrested or even shot by the police for carrying an airsoft gun in public. I would argue that this is possibly the most dangerous thing which you could do with an airsoft gun. Not only does it put you in danger, but it also poses a serious risk for the people around you.
Obviously, you don’t want to get fined, arrested, or shot just for having your airsoft gun in your hand in the wrong place. Just think of how many people got into trouble for using their replica as a prop for their Halloween costume. Another thing to consider is that you can’t predict how other people will react to seeing something that looks very much like a real gun. You might have some that panic and run away without paying attention to stuff like incoming traffic and they end up getting hit by a car. You might have people that will want to fight you or draw a real firearm (if they are carrying one).
All these situations can quickly escalate into something you want no part of and even endanger your life or that of others. Please make sure to always transport your airsoft replicas according to your local laws. Another thing to remember is that you should never use your airsoft gun as a means of intimidation.
AEGs and Their Batteries Can Pose a Fire Hazard
AEGs – electric airsoft guns – can catch fire because of their batteries. While older batteries like the NiMH were quite safe, almost everyone is using LiPo – LITHIUM POLYMER – batteries to power their replicas because their offer better performance. Unfortunately, LiPo batteries aren’t very stable and can self ignite even when stored. The main problem is that they burn very violently and can potentially set fire to other objects.
There have been cases where the batteries have caught fire while being inside a replica. You can see such an example in the YouTube video below. As you will see, the danger is real, so you should handle the batteries with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. If the battery is swollen or punctured, you should stop using it and make sure to dispose of it in an appropriate place.
When at home, your LiPo batteries should be stored in a special bag that is designed to minimize the effects of a fire. Keep in mind that a fire caused by a battery can quickly spiral out of control and cause lots of damage to your property.
Airsoft Guns Powered by Compressed Gases Can be Dangerous
If we are talking about gas guns, there are a few distinctions that need to be made. First of all, depending on the gas, there are some specific risks involved. However, the underlying risk for all gas guns is that the gas is stored under pressure. If the container that houses the pressured gas is damaged, there is a risk of injury.
The main problem with green gas guns is that one of its components is propane, a flammable gas (the other being silicone lubricant). When stored incorrectly, the canisters which are used to fill up the airsoft magazines can ignite and even explode.
HPA guns require the player to carry a tank filled with compressed air. The main risks associated with such a setup would be a tank exploding if it is overfilled. Another thing to consider is that storing a pressurized tank in your house is dangerous in case of a fire. That is why you should always empty your tank after you are done playing.
In the case of CO2 powered guns, there is no fire risk as carbon dioxide isn’t flammable.
Safety tips for airsoft
- Always wear eye protection on the airsoft field and in areas where people are handling replicas.
- Make sure that the glasses or goggles that you are wearing are designed to offer adequate protection against projectiles. Depending on your country, there are different standards for safety ratings.
- Wear some sort of face protection so you avoid any damage to your teeth.
- Do not show your airsoft guns in public places (other than dedicated venues).
- Transport your airsoft replicas according to your local laws.
- Don’t remove the orange tip if it is mandatory in your region.
- Store your LiPo batteries in a special bag to prevent fires.
- Follow common sense when handling pressurized gasses.
