Softguns are often not the same as sharp weapons, but they can still do damage and at least airguns can! We must therefore familiarize ourselves with normal procedures for handling a weapon and consider the most important safety measures we can take. Since softguns (also called airsoft) shoot plastic bullets, is it possible to play against each other and under controlled conditions. Then it's important to know how you can prevent injury, because it's supposed to be fun!
The first thing you have to think about when handling either a softgun or an airgun is glasses. You don't want to hurt your or your friends' eyes! And by that we don't mean regular glasses, "fast" glasses or sunglasses, but protective glasses! Look for the certification ANSI Z87.1 which is the American standard or CE EN166/170 which is the European standard.
Safety glasses
The second is the output speed. The higher the exit velocity the more damage a bb bullet can do. Most airsoft environments and clubs have a maximum limit of around 300-350 fps with standard aeg. Are higher output speeds allowed, it is often practiced good safety distance. We have a couple of articles you can read if you are not sure what balls to get to the softgun and output speed which you can find here:
Are you unsure what the output speed is on either your softgun or your air weapon? Then it might be a good idea to invest in a chronograph that measures speed, energy and shots per minute.
Chronograph
If you are going to take airsoft or air weapons out with you, you must always transport/store them in a safe way and never play/shoot in a public place. The best is to buy a case to keep them in. This way you both protect the weapon from others as well as protecting the weapon from damage. Both softguns and airguns can look completely identical to a real one weapon. That is why it's illegal to show them in public and you get a hefty fine. But it can also be very frightening for other people to see.
Storage
Safety rules and tips
- Always have the replica/weapon pointed in a safe direction if you are not playing or are going to shoot on sight
- Always treat it as if it is charged and the fuse is off
- Always wear goggles to protect your eyes
- Do not put bullets in it or leave it charged if you are not going to use it
- Always wear the fuse
- Never have your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire
- If you are going to shoot at flashes, make sure that you have something that stops the bullet behind if you miss or that you know that it is completely safe to shoot past the flash
- If you receive the weapon/replica from another person, check that the safety is on and that it is not loaded
- Always read the manual before use
- Always store the softgun or airgun in a safe place
For more inspiration read also:
- What do you need for air rifles and air pistols?
- Purchase of coarse caliber air weapon
- Tips and maintenance of airsoft/air pistols - Gas/Co2
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