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Airsoft Safety

By: Rob The Citizen Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Airsoft Safety

The 4 Safety Rules of all Gun's

When it comes to safety, the same rules that apply to firearms also apply to Airsoft.

Rule 1 - Every gun is always loaded. Just because you "think" a gun is empty, doesn’t mean it is. You should always assume your gun is loaded, and treat it like it could fire at any time.

Rule 2 - Never point your gun at anything you don’t want to shoot. During a game or training scenario you may want to shoot an opposing player - so of course it’s okay to aim at them then but only then. You do not want to shoot anyone in their unprotected eye. Keep your gun or replica pointed in a safe direction at all times, no matter what you are doing. Assume the gun is always loaded, no matter what.

Rule 3 - Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and have decided to fire. 99% of all accidental discharges (ad's) of firearms happen because someone pulled the trigger when they didn’t intend to. You can prevent an accidental discharge by keeping your finger off the trigger (outside of the trigger guard) until you are ready to shoot.

Rule 4 - Be sure of your target and what it beyond it. What will you hit if you miss the target? A glass window? An unprotected bystander? A member of your own team? Before firing your gun, be sure to positively identify your target and consider what you might hit if you miss. If it’s risky, don’t take the shot.

Eye Protection

Full seal Goggles are the most essential item in your Airsoft inventory. Playing without full seal goggles is not allowed! If you are shot in the eye, you can count on losing your sight.

Goggles rated for paintball use are acceptable. In order for goggles to be suitable for Airsoft, they must meet the following standards:

1 - The impact standard for goggles is ANSI z.87.1.

2 - They must fully encompass the eyes, with no gaps.

3 - They must be fitted with a head strap to keep them from falling off during a game.

4 - The lens frame must be sturdy enough to keep the lens in place during play.

Some goggles and no glasses cut it! Goggles or glasses for logging/forestry work, swim goggles, laboratory goggles, shop glasses, and ski goggles are not suitable for Airsoft - they simply aren’t designed for it.

Other Safety Equipment

Full Face Mask - A full face mask protects your ears, mouth, teeth which do get shot out easily during cqb, nose, and other soft tissue from BB impact. People have broken their teeth when they were shot in the mouth! A full face mask to us is defined as one covering eyes, mouth, face and ears

We highly suggest you try on the mask you intend to use. Some masks are better suited to a full cheek weld which is essential for accurate shooting and training.

Gloves - One of the most painful places to take a hit is to the fingers. A direct hit from an AEG at close range can even break your finger! Paintball and tactical gloves can help ease the pain of such hits, and protect you from field hazards, such as splinters, loose screws, thorn bushes, barbed wire, etc.

Long Sleeve Shirts & Pants - Do to the nature of the spin on airsoft bb's, often close shots, at cqb, arena and such events, results in small bleeding nicks on bare skin, not to mention protection from stickers, thorns and possible splinters.

Long sleeve shirts and pants are always suggested.

Neck protectors - A cloth or foam padded collar which can provide you with some additional skin protection if you are hit. The neck is a nasty place to take a direct hit, especially at cqb ranges.

Balaclava- A cloth head mask, or balaclava, can provide you with some additional skin protection if you are hit.

Hat/Cover - A hat keeps the sun off, brush out of your hair, and provides limited shot protection.

Boots- Can give good ankle support during movement over rough ground. A military-style 8" combat boot is recommended.

Knee and elbow pads- Can protect your joints if you have to hit the deck in a hurry, are kneeling at corners a lot or while laying in the prone for an extended period of time.

Law Enforcement

Because Airsoft guns share characteristics of "air guns", "toy guns", and "Replica Firearms", they are subject to statutes covering all three definitions. Consider this: do you honestly believe that, in a court of law, you could convince a judge that your Airsoft gun was not a "Replica Firearm", "Air Gun" or "Toy Gun?" You are much better off working within the law, rather than trying to challenge it. You can save yourself and the sport a lot of hassle.

Storage and Transportation

When storing or transporting an airsoft replica, treat it as if it were a real firearm.

Always transport your airsoft replica in a sealed case or closed box.

Always remove any magazines and store them separately and empty away from the replica either in a different pocket or other bag, case or box.

Always transport the replica out of reach, in the trunk or backseat of your vehicle.

Always transport your replica with a Barrel cover over the muzzle.

NEVER DO THESE!!!

Never carry your replica or play Airsoft in a public area.

Never carry your replica concealed on your person while in public. Use a gun case to transport your replica, always.

Never brandish your replica in public. Treat your replica as if it were a real firearm.

Never attempt to use your Airsoft Gun for hunting or Self-Defense.

Never bring an Airsoft gun onto school grounds, even the parking lot. Whether or not school is in session, this is illegal.

If you are not taking it somewhere to be repaired, or on your way to/from a game, you have no business taking an Airsoft gun out of your house.

Always Remember: use good judgment when deciding where to play. Just because you are not breaking the law doesn’t mean you won’t attract unwanted attention.

Barrel Cover's

Although not a rule at all airsoft events, better is to error on the side of caution. Always place the barrel cover on before leaving the arena or field and after clearing and unloading your replica and always in transport.

Bystanders

When playing outdoors, occasionally, people will wander into the area you are playing in, for one reason or another.

Immediately Stop The Game and initiate a Blind Man call. Have an unarmed person approach the bystander in a non-threatening manner. Politely inform them you are playing a "Paintball" style game called airsoft, and find out what they are doing there. If a bystander refuses to leave the area, suspend the game and contact the property owner or local authorities. You are better off to cancel your game than to get into an altercation.

When to Load Your Airsoft Replica

An Airsoft gun is considered "loaded" when a magazine is inserted into the magazine well or any ammo is in the replica.

The donning of eye protection is mandatory prior to loading your weapon.

Replicas may only be loaded under the following circumstances:
The "Lock and Load" command is given by an authorized person. (Range commander, referee, instructor, ect) or When a player has entered an approved marked playing field (crossed the Ready Line and all participants have goggles/masks on).

When to Unload and Clear Your Airsoft Replica
You are free to unload your gun at any time, however you MUST unload it under these circumstances:
- Directed to do so by an authorized person.
- PRIOR to leaving the playing field.

Keep your eye protection on until your gun is unloaded.

Unloading and Clearing Procedures

Gun safety Rule #1 is: "Treat every gun as if it were loaded." While this certainly applies, it's important to understand how to properly unload your gun. A common cause of accidental discharges is the assumption that a gun was unloaded. To ensure you always unload your weapon properly, adhere to the following procedures:

Automatic Electric Guns (AEG)
1- Remove magazine and store in a pocket or magazine pouch.
2 - Set selector to "Semi-Auto."
3 - With the gun pointed in a safe direction and before leaving the field, fire 1-2 shots to ensure the chamber is clear and to relax the spring.
4 - Set selector to safe.

Gas-Blowback and Non-Blowback Gas Guns (GBB & NBB)
1 - Remove magazine and store in a pocket or magazine pouch. Or remove all BB's
2 - Check the chamber to make sure it's clear, and remove any BB's in the chamber.
3 - With the gun pointed in a safe direction,dry fire the gun to make sure it's empty.
4 - Set the safety and holster or case the gun.

Spring or manual-operated guns ("Springers", Sniper Rifles, Spring Shotguns)
1 - Remove magazine and store in a pocket or magazine pouch.
2 - With the gun pointed in a safe direction, dry fire the gun to make sure it's empty.
3 - Set the safety.

REMEMBER: Keep your eye protection on until your gun is unloaded.
Even when you think your gun is unloaded, be sure to practice safe gun handling.

© International Copyright 2008-2009 - http://airsoftdigest.com -
Airsoft Digest™ - All rights reserved

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Airsoft Digest Magazine - A free online airsoft magazine published in a weekly blog and monthly PDF format. htp://airsoftdigest.com Airsoft Digest Magazine would like to thank and acknowledge information resources including BRASS - Blue Ridge Air Soft Specialists, The Minnesota Airsoft Associations Safety Manual, Tactical Airsoft Arena, the Acme Airsoft Forum and all others who helped contribute to these safety rules and suggestions.