It has been a little while since we blogged on airsoft safety - so it will be time for the refresher course! Like any firearm-related hobby, there are specific risks you're taking when doing airsoft, however you can easily mitigate these risks using the right equipment and behavior. If you happen to be not used to airsoft, it is important you are taking the appropriate measures to make sure your safety along with the safety of those near you. If you're an experienced airsofter, it never hurts to brush up on the best practices.
Shooting Range Lessons For Kids will lessen the sting you really feel when hit and decrease the likelihood of serious injury. Here is a quick check list of the very effective airsoft safety gear:
Safety Goggles are Critical. If you enjoy being able to see, buy solid couple of shatter-proof safety goggles. Don't remove the goggles when you're for the arena or the firing range. If unconditionally you lose your goggles around the field or spy someone who is unprotected, shout out "blind man" to ensure others know to prevent firing.
Cover Up Exposed Skin. Full-coverage clothes like long-sleeve shirts and pants will need the sting beyond hits and slow up the degree of welting you go through. Though not essential, a tactical airsoft vest will add a layer of protection for the chest. (It also makes carrying secondary hand guns, magazines and other supplies far easier.) We also recommend donning a protective face mask when playing competitively. This will not just shield the face, but it can prevent painful broken teeth. If you adopt an airsoft BB traveling at 450 FPS within the teeth, you will probably end up appearing like jack-o-lantern.
Get a Brain Bucket. If you plan on playing competitively, we strongly recommend purchasing a hard helmet to the field. A helmet prevents direct hits towards the head during play, which as any experienced airsoft players can let you know, hurts like hell.
Handling
Obscured Weapons Permit - Arizona When handling your piece, use common sense and try to assume the piece is loaded. Here are a few more helpful recommendations to bear in mind when handling your airsoft weapon:
Know Your Weapon. Thoroughly read your weapon's owner manuals with special awareness of safety guidelines specific to your piece.
Point Away. When off of the field, always points it faraway from people.
Inside Versus Outdoor Shooting Ranges with all the Trigger. Do not touch or jiggle the trigger if you do not explicitly want to shoot the gun.
Clear Your Weapon. When your gun just isn't used, remove your magazine, clear your weapon and switch your gun to safety.
Put it Up. Be sure to keep all Airsoft guns and/or equipment away from children's reach, even if unloaded.
The Biggest Safety Issue of All - Taking Your Gun Public
Every usually I come across an airsoft news story that makes me cringe. Usually these stories revolve around someone brandishing an airsoft gun in public for "fun", shock value or perhaps to commit a criminal offense. Doing this is insanely irresponsible and stupid. Airsoft guns are hyper realistic and nearly indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts. If you wield a hyper realistic firearm in public areas, you frighten bystanders and might get shot for legal reasons enforcement. With this in mind, the next guidelines will help make you stay safe - and alive:
Assume Real Gun Behavior. Always be conscious of the vast majority of bystanders don't know you're carrying an airsoft gun - they are going to assume it does not take real thing. Do not brandish your Airsoft gun in public places - it's illegal for this for most places and you will create a panic or grab yourself shot by the real firearm.
Keep the Tip. Do not take away the orange tip for the gun... again, it's illegal which enable it to increase confusion.
Bag It. Always transport your gun in the case.