Author Topic: Frequently Asked Questions  (Read 7540 times)

Offline Eightball

  • AHB Associate
  • Posts: 2877
Frequently Asked Questions
« on: May 17, 2010, 05:32:30 pm »
Our Frequently Asked Questions are also published on the main page

What is Airsoft?
The sport of Airsoft started in Japan during the early 1980s. Where it is illegal to own most firearms. There was a significant interest in firearms, so a company started producing spring-powered replicas that fired 6mm, plastic BBs. During the latter part of the 1980s the sport migrated to neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Airsoft started appearing in North America and Europe during the middle of the 1990's. Today there is some form of airsoft in most countries apart from those who unfortunately have had restrictions place upon them

Airsoft is the hobby of collecting realistic, non-lethal, shooting firearms, either for display or for the purposes of skirmishing in friendly competition.

Airsoft guns are 1:1 scale replicas of actual firearms that fire 6mm, round, plastic bullets commonly called "BBs". These are propelled out of an airsoft gun using compressed air at approximately 1 joule of energy. This is very low. As an example a Paintball requires about 10x the energy to fly at the same velocity. It is impossible to modify an Airsoft replica to fire real ammunition.

How old must I be, before I can play?
In accordance with New Zealand Law, players must be at least 16+ with a Firearms Licence, or 18+ without, to use an Airsoft Weapon unsupervised.

What do I need to start playing?
1. Eye/Face Protection - Without certified eye protection you cannot play, period. Full face protection is also recommended.
2. Sturdy Footwear - Preferrably with good ankle support, since we generally play over rough and uneven ground.
3. Sturdy Clothing - Generally in subdued colours, and sturdy enough to handle crawling through thick bush. Dress for the weather.
4. An Airsoft Gun - Either a Gas or Electric automatic airsoft gun. All airsoft guns must comply with club field limit regulations.

(Please note, we can provide some loan equipment to new players at our games, for a minimal 'maintenance' fee. Please ensure you let us know what you need well in advance, so we can reserve something for you)

How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on how involved in the sport you become. The starter items you need to be competitive are:
1. Eye Protection: $20 to $60
2. New automatic Electric Gun $350 to $600
3. Battery: $40 to $50

Total: $410 - $710

(Always get a club armourer's advice before you buy an airsoft weapon)

Note: There is usually a nominal field fee payable each time you play, usually $5.
« Last Edit: February 02, 2018, 01:29:24 pm by Torak »
"War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler it is the sooner it will be over." - General William T. Sherman