What is Softgun?

The Ultimate Softgun Guide 101!

What are Softgun, BB Gun and Airsoft? Beloved child has many names! In this guide you will find everything you need to know! Here is a small one introduction to what Softgun is, rules and concepts.

What is Softgun/Airsoft?

Airsoft/Softgun – A type of gun that shoots 6mm plastic bullets (BBs). Also referred to as softgun pistols. Most airsoft guns are made to look like real guns and are often used for training purposes. Airsoft games are held all over the world and the sport is becoming increasingly popular.

Rules for Softgun in Norway

In Norway, you must be over 18 to buy a softgun. If someone under the age of 18 is to use the softgun replica, this must be done under the supervision of people over the age of 18. The weapon must only be used in a suitable area and must not be carried in public under any circumstances.

Important Concepts

If you want to become a real Airsoft expert, we recommend that you learn these terms:

AEG – Auto Electric Gun or Automatic Electric Weapon.

BBs – 6mm softgun bullets (BBs) are used as ammunition for airsoft/softgun weapons. They come in several different qualities that are separated by weight. 0.12 g BBs weigh 0.12 grams per bullet. 0.20g BBs weigh 0.20 grams per bullet and so on. Heavier bullets are usually only used for more powerful weapons.

Blowback – A feature on many softgun pistols (and some rifles) that causes the slide to be pushed back when a shot is fired. This is to get increased realism that makes you feel a "kick" as if you were shooting a real weapon.

GBB/GNB - Commonly used on pistols. GBB stands for Gas with Blowback and GNB stands for Gas No Blowback.

High Capacity (Hi Cap) Magazine - A type of magazine for airsoft weapons that holds a large number of bullets. One can turn a small wheel on the underside of the magazine to force more BBs into the chamber of the rifle. This type of magazine allows the user to fire many shots from only one magazine. The disadvantage is that you have to turn the wheel on the magazine every 30-70 shots."Flash" magazines have a string that you pull to wind up the magazine, this is a more time-efficient variant of the Hi-Cap.

CQB - Stands for "Close Quarters Battle" and is a type of game where you play at very short distances. In airsoft, this term refers to airsoft weapons intended for airsoft play at limited distances. Typically these weapons have a high rate of fire and are shorter to give you better maneuverability. Most CQB games have an output velocity limit of around 350 FPS with a 0.20g bullet, so if you plan to play CQB this is an important factor to keep in mind.

Gearbox/Gearbox – The sequence of gears connected to the motor of an electric softgun. They take the rotational energy from the motor and transfer it to the spring mechanism that ejects the balls. This is an integral part of every single AEG, the higher the quality of the gearbox, the higher the quality and price of the rifle.

Hop-Up - A function that exists in most airsoft guns that allow the user to adjust the rearward rotation of the bullet as it exits the barrel. The rotation allows the balls to fly straighter and further. You can therefore influence the trajectory of the ball by simply setting it to Hop-Up. Hop-up can also be "fixed", which means that it is fixed in a certain position and cannot be adjusted.

FPS – Stands for “Feet per second” and is the speed of the bullet when it leaves the barrel. FPS refers to how powerful an airsoft gun is. The higher the FPS a gun has, the more energy the bullet has when it exits the barrel. To keep it simple, FPS is usually measured with a 0.20g bullet. This makes it easier to compare FPS with different types of weapons. Heavier bullets will lower FPS but usually increase accuracy.

MPS - Same as FPS, but now stated in "Meters per second"

Pump-Action - Refers to a softgun that looks like a shotgun where the handle is pumped back and forth to charge the spring and prepare the weapon to fire. The weapon must be pumped before each shot.

RICE – Rail Integration System. Airsoft rifles with RIS have a system of rails mounted on the front of the rifle. These rails allow you to mount a variety of different accessories. These accessories include products such as scopes, lasers, grenade launchers, red dot sights and much more. Is normally 21mm and all accessories that have a 21mm attachment can be fitted.

MLoc , Keymod, 21mm Rail – Mounting on weapons is normal and these usually come in the form of a 21mm rail (mounting rail), but sometimes MLok and Keymod are also available. With these mounting options, you can attach various equipment such as lights, laser optics, grips and much more to the weapon.

What ammo does the softgun use?

Ammunition for softguns is 6 mm BB bullets. These are completely round balls that come in several weight classes. Heavier BBs are often used for more powerful rifles. BIO balls are BBs that are made from environmentally friendly and naturally degradable material. In the Norwegian climate, it can take several years for the balls to completely break down, but they are not harmful to the environment. Tracer bullets are luminescent BBs. Often used in conjunction with a Tracer silencer.

Accessories for Airsoft - Necessary and practical products

There are lots of accessories for airsoft, some more necessary and others for fun. You MUST have this: Be sure to wear proper protective equipment, wear safety glasses at all times when handling softguns, even outside of "active play". Softgun mask is recommended and for certain clubs and games it is required. You will find masks and glasses here . Paintball masks can be used for airsoft. They cover the entire face and side of the head while being dew-free. You can find paintball masks here !