How Much Do Airsoft Guns Hurt?

Airsoft guns have been a popular pastime among people of all ages for many years. Despite their proliferation, there is still contention over how much airsoft guns can hurt the person they are fired at. To understand the full scope of airsoft guns, it's important to look into what exactly they are, how far the pellets travel, the types of airsoft guns, safety guidelines, and various injuries they can cause.

What are Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns are replica weapons that fire plastic pellets or BBs with compressed air, electricity, or a spring-driven piston. Many of these replicas look like real guns. Since they don't fire metal ammunition, they are often used by people around the world for recreational purposes, military simulations, or target practice.

Types of Airsoft Guns

When it comes to airsoft guns there are a few types that should be taken into consideration. Gas airsoft guns use a gas-filled magazine to propel the plastic pellets or BBs. Electric airsoft guns (AEGs) use a battery-powered gearbox to shoot out the plastic pellets. Spring-powered airsoft guns require the user to cock the airsoft gun before it can shoot out pellets. Lastly, another type of airsoft gun is the airsoft grenade. It is a powered grenade launcher with a gun-like shape that also shoots out plastic pellets or BBs that are dispersed in a wider range.

How Far Do the Pellets Travel?

The speed of an airsoft gun depends on the type of gun, the spring power, and the weight of the pellets. The average velocity of airsoft guns ranges from 125 to 400 feet per second, with most guns firing between 250 and 350 feet per second. The pellets travel a shorter distance than a bullet, usually reaching targets up to about 350 feet away.

Safety Guidelines

Airsoft guns can be dangerous and should be used with caution. In addition to standard safety measures such as wearing protective gear, it's important to obey local laws on airsoft gun usage. Many places require an orange tip be present at the end of the gun's barrel, which indicates that the gun is not a real weapon.

Injuries Caused by Airsoft Guns

Despite the measures taken, it is still possible to be injured by an airsoft gun. The most common injuries are those caused by the pellets themselves. The impact of a pellet can cause abrasions, contusions, lacerations and even bruises. Another type of injury caused by airsoft guns is eye injury. Blunt force trauma from a pellet can cause injury to the eyes or even blindness. Lastly, there are also internal injuries associated with airsoft guns, such as internal bleeding, broken bones, and organ damage.

Closing Remarks

Airsoft guns have been a popular pastime for many people around the world for a long time. It is important to understand their capability and safety guidelines that should be adopted when using them. Although rare, it is possible to be injured by an airsoft gun if used without proper care. To ensure the safe use of airsoft guns, local laws should be followed and safety measures should always be taken.