Airsoft Safety & Regulations -- Tips to Play it Safe

It is imperative to follow safety rules and regulations while playing with Airsoft guns and rifles. Even as only a hobby, the dangers if Airsoft guns are manifold. It is best to be on guard and take necessary precautions before using these guns. Manufacturers provide strict instructions which need to be adhered to for safe playing.

Safety Equipment

- Ballistic goggles or glasses -- This eye-protection equipment is usually made of thick, transparent polycarbonate material which conforms to ANSI specifications. A full face mask or helmet may also be worn to avoid injury to other parts of the head and face.

- Thick-soled shoes -- Shoes should be thick-soled and of the proper size to avoid sprains and injuries. Combat boots or hiking shoes may also be used.
Proper uniform -- Foam-padded vests or one-piece clothing need to be worn under the uniform for protection. Long sleeved tops and long pants also decrease the chances of injury.

- Guards -- Guards for shoulder, elbow, hip, forearm, knee and shin are absolute necessities.

- Heavy leather gloves -- The hands should be protected by gloves, yet the grip should be good and comfortable.

Safety Rules

- Treat the gun like a loaded one -- The gun should be checked personally to see if it is unloaded. Even after the magazine has been taken out, the gun should be fired at a safe place to discharge all the loaded chambers. Then the battery source should be disconnected.

- Never put your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to fire -- The finger should not be wrapped around the trigger when you are not firing. Otherwise, you may accidentally pull the trigger and hit an unsuspecting target or injure others.

- Never aim at a target you do not want to destroy -- The gun should always be aimed in a safe direction when not firing. It always pays to be careful while unloading the gun also. Unless you want to destroy the target, never aim at it as accidents have a way of happening at the most unforeseen moments.

- Determine what lies beyond before shooting -- Sometimes you may miss or over-penetrate your target. This may lead to injuring an unsuspecting target or someone without proper safety equipment. So know what lies beyond before taking aim.

- Never consume alcohol before handling a gun -- Alcohol, drugs or sedatives can influence your action and could lead to accidents. So they should be avoided during gameplay.

- Keep your gun under lock and key -- Protect your gun and store it in a safe place away from ammunition as well as theft. The gun should also be protected while being transported from one place to another.

Laws and Regulations

- Not classified as firearms -- In most places, Airsoft guns are not considered to be firearms. However, these guns need to be registered in some places.

- Over 18 years of age -- Technically, you need to be over 18 years of age to own or play with an Airsoft gun.

- Orange tip -- An orange tip must be present on the muzzle for identification. Most places specify that the orange tip must remain installed on the gun.

By respecting the laws and regulations and adhering to the safety measures, we can make Airsoft guns safe and play positively in the spirit of the game.

Airsoft Gun Reviewer (www.airsoftgunreviewer.com) provides unbiased and independent Airsoft Gun Reviews. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

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