Michigan Tactical AirSoft Center

History

In the 1970s Japan made it illegal to own a firearm, though there was a large interest in them. Because of this interest, manufacturers started to produce realistic looking spring-powered guns. These guns fired several calibers of plastic or rubber BBs, but were eventually standardized into 6 mm and 8 mm sizes. The early spring powered weapons then morphed into gas and battery powered ones, using a variety of systems. The hobby then migrated to North America in the mid 1990s. This is due in large part to the addition of many new AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) manufacturers in Japan, China, Taiwan, as well as many others. Though the origin of the actual game is unknown, it is easy to see that now airsoft has exploded in popularity and has had the highest rise in popularity from 2001 to present time than any other outdoor sport in the world. 

Airsoft is a game in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with 6mm or 8mm plastic bb bullets fired from a compressed-air gun (or airsoft gun) powered by propane, compressed air, manual spring-action, or an electrically powered gearbox. [1]

Airsoft participants organize meetings at dedicated airsoft battlefields often adapted to provide walls, bunkers, trenches, buildings, towers, and other similar man-made field enhancements to offer realism analogous to real combat environments.

Airsoft games vary greatly in style and composition depending on location, budget, and the quantity of participants but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, or historical reenactments.

Combat situations on the battlefield often involve the use of common military tactics to achieve the objectives set in each game. Participants typically use varying types of non-lethal weaponry designed as replicas of real firearms, tactical gear, and accessories used by modern military and police organizations. 

MilSim 

An airsoft/MILSIM player operating in a sniper role and wearing a ghillie suit as camouflage.

"MilSim", short for Military Simulation, generally combines airsoft play with some military live-action role-playing elements. This type of play may be considered "hard core" by many players because of the heightened amount of involvement required. Several goals or missions may be assigned to each team, along with a basic load-out (i.e., supply) of ammunition, rations, explosives, and radios.

A key element in MilSim games is the use of low-capacity magazines, replicating the actual magazine capactity of the 'real-steel' firearm the airsoft gun is replicating. Examples of these include the 30 round STANAG magazines of the M4, M16, Type 89, SCAR-L and several others.

Teams will remain in the field for the duration of play, only returning to a staging area or "safe zone" for medical emergencies and for other special circumstances. Military simulation games often last several days. For example, the large Berget annual event in Sweden lasts for six days with no breaks. In large scale MilSim operations, players often use vehicles such as painted vans and trucks. In some cases, such as Operation Irene (an annual MilSim held in the midwest U.S.), real APCs and tanks are used [2]. Such large scale events can take place in MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) facilities.

True MilSim requires players to adhere to an agreed level of uniform authenticity and to play as part of a team. Open days or skirmishes where sides are nominally identified by colored armbands but where players dress in a variety of military or paramilitary impressions is not MilSim. These events are sometimes known as SISK (Skirmish In Silly Kit).

Airsoft games are not limited to MilSim or "skirmish" modes. There is great versatility and flexibility in play styles. 

Honor system

Airsoft play employs an honor system whereby the players rely on each others' honesty to admit to being hit, because unlike paintballs, airsoft pellets do not leave visible marks on clothing. However, there are 6mm paintballs, but most airsofters prefer not to use them as they can ruin an airsoft gun and void most warranties.

The effect of a marking bb on the honor system is an addition to the game but does not remove "honor" from the game as it still remains with the player to choose whether or not to call his or her hits. Instead, it simply allows for verification when the need arises. For instance, depending on the muzzle velocity of the gun and distance from the shooter, the targeted player may not feel the impact.

Players are discouraged from calling out hits on an opponent - instead players are expected to signal a marshal to judge how effectively they have hit their opponent. Simulated 'knife kills' can, at the venue's discretion, be recognized when a player touches or taps an unaware opponent. This prevents the player being forced to shoot him or her at point-blank range. Similarly, a 'courtesy kill' occurs when a player refrains from shooting an opponent at close range while enforcing that opponent's surrender, instead of risking injury. Players are usually prohibited from firing blindly when not able to see their target, especially around corners. In some instances, players don't call out hits they have sustained as a result of this "blind fire". Players are expected to avoid the shooting of an opponent who has already admitted to being hit. Harsh language and forceful physical contact between players is strongly discouraged and even penalized. Players are expected to resolve disputes politely and with proper decorum.

All airsoft players are expected to acknowledge being hit, even if they are in doubt, by shouting "I'm hit" loudly, and raising their hand or gun high and/or displaying a 'hit indicator' while walking back to the safe zone. Paintball style "speedball" games may include the aforementioned hit markers. A hit indicator can be either a bright-colored cloth during daytime or a blinker or mini-flashlight when in dim light or darkness. 

Airsoft guns

Main article: Airsoft gun 

An example of a gas blowback airsoft pistol, in this case a replica of a SIG-Sauer P226

The guns used in airsoft are typically replicas of real firearms, except that they have a mechanism for pushing out projectiles 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter.

Airsoft guns are classified according to their operating principle which can be either: spring, electric, or gas-powered. An airsoft gun is selected according to the level of performance (battery life, range, rate of fire, accuracy, reliability, customization, magazine capacity, size, and weight) or realism the player requires. Early-generation airsoft guns were mostly "springers." Single action airsoft guns fire only a single bb before having to be manually re-cocked for the next shot. Second-generation airsoft guns had gas-powered mechanisms that required either an internal "Flon" (CFC) gas reservoir or an external high-pressure CO2 chamber. AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns) are now the most commonly used. AEGs have high-capacity rechargeable batteries used to operate gearboxes that displace air and propel the BBs. However, gas powered long guns are becoming increasingly popular, as the increased realism of these guns are now more accessible due to their increasing quality.

Most airsoft pistols which are gas-powered use environmentally safe "green gas". Green gas is propane gas with small amounts of perfume and silicon lubricant that produces a realistic blowback recoil effect when fired. Recently Airsoft manufacturers have begun producing propane adapters that screw directly onto camping grade propane tanks, allowing players to power their gas guns on pure propane, as a cheaper alternative to "green gas". Each pistol magazine contains a small storage gas cylinder with enough power to propel the 30+ BB projectiles also housed in the magazine. Thus a player can realistically load, fire, and unload an airsoft pistol in a similar manner as compared to a "real steel" semi-automatic pistol. A few early-production AEPs (Airsoft Electric Pistols) have been released but these suffer from weaker BB velocities because of the difficulty of fitting a small-enough motor in the housing of a pistol, although the range is sometimes greater than a gas pistol. AEP's often have a higher rate of fire than their gas counterparts.

Most early airsoft guns were completely made of ABS plastic except for some internal moving parts. Newer guns, especially those made in Japan, have metal external parts. A typical airsoft gun is noticeably lighter than its "real steel" counterpart due to the use of aluminium, alloy, and plastic, though some have weights in them for a more realistic feel. Smoke caps are available for certain airsoft guns to add realism.

Gas hand gun magazines are usually 10-20 in a standard capacity magazine, however some are hi cap magazines which have a winder and can hold 50 rounds or more. In the case of AEG rifles magazines come in either standard (equivalent to the capacity of its real steel counterpart), low-capacity (low caps: 30-80 BBs), mid-capacity (mid caps: 80-150 BBs), or high-capacity (high caps: 200-500+ BBs). These magazines are spring loaded; the high-cap magazines often have a ratchet wheel that can be wound up periodically to force BBs up from the holding chamber of the magazine to the feed chute, due to loose BBs in the reservoir they often make a rattling noise when running or walking. Some airsoft guns have an electric-powered box or drum magazines that hold thousands of BBs (up to 5000). 

Airsoft projectiles 

6mm plastic BBs (0.12 g). A sample of inexpensive BBs. Note visible seams.

Most airsoft guns fire spherical plastic pellets ranging from 0.12 to 0.88 grams in weight, though the most popular weights for AEGs are between .20 and .28 grams. Heavier rounds (.30-.48 grams) are typically used for long range and sniper use, as they are more stable in flight and less easily deflected by wind, so are more accurate. They usually come in packages of: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and even as high as 30000.

To increase range some airsoft weapons are fitted with 'hop-up' systems which cause BBs to fly level, and straighter for a longer period. The hop-up effect is caused by back spin on the BB, which minimizes the drop experienced by the BB, and increases the flying distance, by increasing its lift according to the Bernoulli principle.

Pellets are typically 6 mm in diameter, though 8 mm varieties exist for specialty guns. Pellet quality is important, as malformed ones can damage the Airsofts guns parts. Malformed, soiled, or low-grade pellets with seams can also be much more inaccurate - even a small deformity will throw the pellet off course.

Paintball pellets are also available for airsoft guns but are unpopular due to the incompatibility with hop up systems as well as the damage they can cause when a pellet bursts inside a gun. Paintball rounds allow hits to be objectively verified, these pellets leave a clear paint mark on the player showing that they have indeed been hit.

Most airsoft pellets are made of plastic but biodegradable airsoft pellets are also available. Commercial fields usually only allow biodegradable pellets to avoid the buildup of plastic pellets littered across their field, it also has less of an impact on the environment because regular pellets take too long to break down when biodegradable pellets only take from four months to two years depending on the conditions and brand. 

Special varieties of pellets

Although the majority of pellets bought and used are simple spherical projectiles made of plastic, these special varieties can be used to give a player an advantage: 

Biodegradable

Biodegradable pellets are available, and are often required by outdoor fields where sweeping up is not an option. Conventional pellets are a pollutant of the environment - most ordinary pellets have a mineral or petroleum-based center coated non-biodegradable plastics, ensuring they will stay in the environment for several hundred years if not collected. Biodegradable pellets are made of various types of resin, often developed for the agricultural industry, and better makes are certified as compostable.

There is a mixture of degradable processes being used, such as soil microbes and photosensitive degradation. Biodegradable pellet development is now producing ammo with all the characteristics of the best of the conventional, with homogeneous resin construction.

Various EEC countries now only permit biodegradable pellet ammunition to be used, and many land agents are also insisting on their use on rented land. Airsoft worldwide is very late in coming to universal usage of biodegradable products which paintball has long achieved with its munitions. 

Tracers

Glow-in-the-dark pellets, known colloquially as tracer pellets, can be used in conjunction with a device that "charges" the pellets by flashing them with a burst of visible light on leaving the barrel, so that they remain luminescent in flight for use during nocturnal games/operations. This tracer unit is usually hidden from view, often disguised as a suppressor (silencer), or is included inside the magazine. There are also biodegradable Glow-in-the-dark pellets available. 

Paintballs

Paint-filled pellets are also available, called markerballs, which are very similar to those used by paintball. Airsoft models equipped with the hop-up projectile stabilizing system are not able to use these, as the thin shells are liable to break in the barrel, soiling it with paint. These special pellets are also incompatible with Airsoft models using mechanized feed systems, such as high capacity magazines, for the same reason. Paintballs generally are bad for the gun and often cause jams or other internal problems. With some companies, the use of paintballs voids the airsoft gun's warranty. 

Pellet weights

Pellet weight is an important factor when choosing pellets. The pellet's weight influences several aspects of pellet performance:

Velocity

Lighter pellets achieve higher velocities, but are more prone to influence from external factors like wind. Lighter pellets also decelerate (lose velocity) faster than heavier pellets.

Trajectory

The curvature of a projectile (trajectory) determines its range and heavier pellets tend to have slower velocities which result in much more curved trajectories. This can be negated in part by the use of a hop-up.

Hardware

Heavier pellets may require a more powerful airsoft gun and often necessitates upgraded springs and other gun parts.

A player's choice of pellet weight is governed by their gaming style, airsoft gun (internals), game location (in/outdoor), high/low range and ft/s regulations. 

6 mm pellet weights and their usage

• 0.11 g - Manufactured by HFC, same use as .12 gram. Uncommon.
• 0.12 g - Used by all low grade weapons such as some spring pistols (which can use .20) and mini electrics. High velocity and low stability. Not to be used in high end AEGs such as Tokyo Marui and Classic Army. These pellets usually have a small air pocket in them.
• 0.135 g - Same uses s 0.12 g. Extremely Uncommon. MFI standard. Not to be used in high end guns.
• 0.15 g - Same uses as 0.12 g. Uncommon. Not to be used in high end Automatic Electric Guns (A.E.G.s) such as Tokyo Marui and Classic Army
• 0.16 g - Essentially the same as the 0.15 g pellets. Very uncommon.
• 0.20 g - Standard weight for most weapons. AEGs use these or slightly heavier pellets. These pellets are usually white.
• 0.22 g - Apparently no longer in production. Used to be available from KWC and Western Arms.
• 0.23 g - Heavier pellets for AEGs. Blends speed of 0.20 g with range and accuracy of 0.25 g. Made popular by Tsunami Airsoft
• 0.24 g - An oddity. Only known manufacturers are Airstrike (a subsidiary of Daisy) and Crosman
• 0.25 g - Heaviest weight for standard AEGs, blowback and spring guns. Tokyo Marui standard AEG, gas, and spring guns are set at the factory for 0.25 gram BB's, and they usually include a package of 200 of these with the gun.
• 0.27 g - Bioval BBBMAX, the highest quality BB available on the market. Their tolerances allows them to be used by high fps sniper rifles more effectively then higher weight BBs to a point. They are of the same grade, if not higher then the Maruzen SGM, while being significantly less expensive.
• 0.28 g - For upgraded AEGs or sniper rifles. Significantly cheaper than 0.30 g but yields similar performance
• 0.29 g - Maruzen Super Grandmaster BBs, designed for their Air Precision Shooting series of guns. One of the most precisely ground and accurate BBs available[verification needed], but cost more than other alternatives.
• 0.30 g - Standard weight for most sniper rifles. Western Arms pellets for their gas blowback pistol series. Uncommon.
• 0.32 g - Also standard for sniper rifles. Offer best balance of velocity and stability for most spring and gas sniper rifles.
• 0.36 g - Heavier pellets for sniper rifles. Very slow but have high stability.
• 0.40 g - Heavy pellets for airsoft sniper rifles. Mad Bull is a known producer. Even slower than 0.36g but even more stable and maintains kinetic energy better.
• 0.43 g - For the highest level of upgrades in spring and gas sniper rifles. Usually graphite coated.
• 0.88 g - Possibly the heaviest type of BB available. Usually made of steel and comes with a polished finish. Rarely used and often hard to find.

 

8 mm pellet weights

• 0.27 g - Low weight
• 0.34 g (Normal)- Standard weight
• 0.35 g (Biodegradable)- Standard weight
• 0.4 g
• 0.45 g - Heaviest weight

 

Pellet ballistics 

Pellet speed, energy and weight

The pellet speed of automatic electric guns is determined in large part by the tension of their main spring and so there tends to be a stratification of values. The most common airsoft speed limits are between 300 and 400 ft/s (91 and 120 m/s) for AEGs and 400–550 ft/s (120–170 m/s) for single shot guns (sniper rifles). Below are some common speeds of airsoft pellets. 

Velocity vs. energy chart for 6 mm Airsoft pellets.

• As for comparison purposes, 3.00 g is the typical weight for a paintball pellet. At this weight a pellet flying at 100 metres per second (330 ft/s) results in 15 J. Such energy levels and weight are not used on Airsoft, but comparing them with airsoft energy levels is useful to show the presence of different collisions in these sports. Higher energy but different collisions read Elastic collisions (paintball) and Inelastic collisions (airsoft) topics for further information.
• Red line in speed vs energy image is the usual Crony (chronograph) weight for 6 mm (0.20 g).

 

Dangers to humans

Airsoft pellets typically leave small wheals (welts) on human targets. While mildly painful, pellets are not especially damaging to the skin. Eye protection is universally required to prevent damage to eyes. It is also often recommended that full face masks and body protection be used during airsoft matches to protect the players' teeth and ears.

Although there have been no documented cases in airsoft, there is a possible hazard when dealing with graphite-coated pellets. In the early days of paintball some players would coat their rounds with graphite so that they would feed into the gun better. Players started to find that if any rounds broke the skin, the wound would not properly heal, leaving a scar. Players and field owners should be aware that this problem may exist in the realm of airsoft as well.

The following excerpts are from the United Kingdom Parliament's "Principles of firearms control", Home Affairs Select Committee Second Report, 6 April 2000, expound on the level of danger involved with low-energy projectiles:

"25. The Firearms Act 1968 defines a firearm "a lethal barreled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other :missile can be discharged".[51] In this context, a "lethal weapon" means a weapon capable of firing a projectile with sufficient :force to inflict more than a trivial injury, i.e. with a force sufficient to puncture the skin.[52] The force with which a firearm :is able to deliver a projectile is normally expressed in terms of the kinetic energy it generates at its muzzle—the "muzzle energy". :This energy is normally expressed in units of foot-pounds (ft·lbf) or joules (J).[53] "26. The Home Office and the Forensic Science Service considers that the lowest level of muzzle energy capable of inflicting a penetrating wound is one foot pound force (1.35 J): below these power levels, weapons are "incapable of penetrating even vulnerable parts of the body, such as the eye".[54] However, more recent analysis by the Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland has indicated that a more reasonable assessment of the minimum muzzle energy required to inflict a penetrating wound lies between 2.2 and 3.0 ft·lbf (3 to 4 J).[55] We will deal more fully with this discrepancy at paragraphs 123 to 130 below." "123. The power level at and above which an air weapon is considered a firearm in law is presently set at 1 ft·lbf. However, we note above that the Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland has more recently assessed the power level at which a barreled weapon is capable of inflicting a lethal wound as between 2.2 and 3 ft·lbf, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has proposed that the law relating to firearms in Northern Ireland be amended to take this into account.[201]"

On another document also regarding firearms, "The Eleventh Annual Report of the Firearms Consultative Committee", the penetration levels lies between 2 and 3 J based on a research for US Army and DiMaio's work in "Minimal Velocities Necessary for Perforation of Skin by Air Pellets and Bullets, Journal of Forensic Sciences". 

Magazines 

KSC GLOCK magazines for their gas blowback models. Interesting features: the valve up top which releases gas when depressed by the hammer, and the lack of GLOCK logo on the right-hand magazine, as it came with a KWA GLOCK

Magazines are usually realistic looking replicas of real firearms' magazines and as such are made of the same materials like stamped metal or high impact plastic. They occasionally feature markings and/or engravings that match or mimic their real counterparts.

Gas blowback magazines are usually made out of thicker metal, since they contain compressed gas to power the guns as well as the pellets. The magazines usually have a valve on the bottom that is used to charge its internal cylinder with gas. They are designed to be similar in weight to a fully loaded magazine from a real firearm.

Airsoft magazines are divided into the following classes according to the number of pellets they hold: 

Standard

These type of magazines aren't classified according to their capacity (in some cases up to 500 rounds), but by the fact that they are the standard unmodified magazines originally included with the weapon itself. They are normally loaded by inserting pellets down a shaft, compressing a spring held inside that will later feed the pellets into the gun.

Standard magazines offer quiet operation (no rattle or manual winding of high-capacity magazines) and are sometimes the only option available for certain airsoft gun models. They are also useful to help players limit their ammunition consumption.

Standard magazines almost only come with Tokyo Marui guns whereas some companies like Classic Army or ICS supply high-capacity magazines with their guns. However, most magazines will not feed every single pellet, leaving 2-3 pellets at the end of the magazine or in the feed tube of the hop-up chamber (some players may circumvent this problem by inverting the gun to allow gravity to feed the pellets instead).  

Low capacity (Low-Cap)

Low cap mags hold no more than 100 rounds for AEGs. Low caps are used for players who are interested in a more realistic way than a player who uses mid or high caps. These mags can be used with all AEGS & other electric rifles, and are the only magazines available for pistols. They come standard with guns manufactured by companies such as Tokyo Marui. They are also standard with spring guns.

A low-cap mag uses a regular spring to push the bbs to the extraction point and they need to be manually fed 1 bb at a time to full capacity for all pistols and some rifles. For rifles, a speed loader is typically used which loads about 4-10 bbs per plunge. 

Medium capacity (Mid-Cap)

This is a loose category used to describe a type of magazine that has been modified to hold more rounds - usually between 100 and 200.

Traditionally, they still function like a standard/locap magazine and as such keep the advantage of quiet operation over high-capacity magazines (that require a winding mechanism), but minimize the disadvantage of a standard magazine's lower number of rounds. Increasingly, however, winding magazines are being released to the market and can be placed into this category due to their 200 rounds or less capacity. 

High capacity (High-cap)

High-cap mags hold more shots then a mid-cap (about 200-1000), but a wheel has to be wound every 50-70 shots. High-caps are loaded by pouring bbs into the tank and either winding up the wheel on the bottom of the mag until it clicks or operating the mag electrically. 

Real capacity (Real-Cap)

Real-Caps are identical in operation compared to standard magazines, but they carry the same amount of ammunition that the real version of the magazine can carry, which is often much less than the standard magazine, e.g. an M-16 Real-Cap will hold 30 rounds instead of the 68 of a standard magazine. Some ultra-realistic groups require the magazines to be weighted to actual real steel specs, also. [4]

These tend to be used solely by those wanting the most realistic MILSIM ("MILitary SIMulation") games. Again they offer the stealth of no rattling rounds, but their main use is for the realistic qualities. 

Performance

Airsoft guns shoot plastic pellets at velocities from 100 ft/s (30 m/s) for a low-end spring pistol, to 500 ft/s and beyond for heavily-upgraded customized sniper rifles. Most non-upgraded AEGs using the Tokyo Marui system are in the middle, producing velocities from 270 to 300 ft/s (80 to 90 m/s) with the exception of companies such as G&G, G&P, Cybergun, Aftermath Airsoft, D-boys, Cyma and Jing Gong which manufacture guns that produce velocities of over 328 ft/s (or 1J with a .2g pellet) stock. The internal components of most guns can be upgraded which can increase the pellet velocity significantly. Using heavier pellets (.25g, .3g, etc.) will significantly reduce the gun's muzzle velocity, but can increase accuracy at range and reduce susceptibility to wind drift. Conversely, lighter pellets may travel further but are less accurate. High-velocity AEGs often employ heavier pellets, as the velocity penalty does not affect them as much, while the accuracy benefits remain. Most high-end AEGs, such as Classic Army and Tokyo Marui, should not be loaded with anything lighter than 0.2 g pellets, as the lighter pellets (0.12 g, 0.15 g) are typically made for low-end guns, and are not built to the same quality (such as surface smoothness). The stresses the pellets go under upon firing could shatter lighter or poorly made pellets as they leave the barrel, potentially damaging both the weapon and the target.

Airsoft guns are modified to increase one or more of the following properties: pellet velocity, rate of fire, or reliability. For an electric airsoft gun, the pellet velocity can be increased by simply upgrading the mainspring. Doing this will increase the air pressure subjected to the pellet produced during operation. But due to the higher forces at play, it is advised that other parts should be upgraded together with the mainspring in order to maintain a high level of reliability. The rate of fire is increased by using a battery with a higher voltage, high speed ratio gears and/or a high speed motor. Rates of fire can be increased to over 20 rounds per second with very few upgrades, but with careful selection and extreme modification of gearbox components, rates of fire in excess of 50 rounds per second are not unheard of. In the case of gas guns, a higher pellet velocity can be achieved through the use of different types of gases and/or changing the valve. It must be noted that some gases have detrimental effects to some plastic components inside the airsoft gun.

Airsoft guns can commonly come with mounts or rails on which you can add external accessories. Some common customisations added are flashlights, scopes, lasers, etc. Since some airsoft guns have the exact external frame as real guns you can use these external parts meant for real guns, but the opposite does not apply. In no way can an airsoft rifle be modified to shoot real ammunition. In most cases, scopes and flash lights have little effect on the performance of the airsoft gun itself, rather the user's ability to use their gun effectively in different situations. In most cases, add-ons are more for aesthetics rather than performance. However, some scopes must have scope rings (which are not usually included in airsoft gun packages) that are used to mount the higher end scopes to a default rail mount. 

Manufacturers

Airsoft Surgeon: Sells external and internal modifications for airsoft weapons

ACTION: Hong Kong Based company, manufacturer of many airsoft accessories including but not limited to complete gearboxes, optics, rail systems and a manufacturer of high end full metal guns, namely AK-47 variants.

Classic Army: A Hong Kong company that is often seen to rival Tokyo Marui. Manufactures high-end AEGs featuring all metal bodies, which Tokyo Marui do not have. However, they are now considered to be made of lower quality parts - oftentimes leading to unreliability.

Echo 1 USA: Echo 1 is a US-Based re-brander of Chinese clone airsoft guns. They maintain higher quality control standards than the direct manufacturer and replace defective parts before shipping. Most Echo 1 guns are re-branded JG guns, although some Echo 1 AEGs come from Galaxy, Well, BE, and others. Echo 1 also has a fully electric airsoft minigun offered at a reasonable price.

Escort: Highly realistic gas blowback rifles such as their M4 and MP5 series, usually hard to find and available mostly in Asia.

G&G (Guay Guay Gunshop)]: Specializes in internal and external upgrades and accessories. G&G manufactures high end guns as well as a mid-range "sportline". G&G is also the first high-end AEG manufacturer that created a line of airsoft guns for the Canadian airsoft market. These AEGs have a transparent lower receiver made of polycarbonate which able them to be legally sold in Canada.

G&P: A Hong Kong-based company that specializes in aftermarket upgrades and external accessories, they also make a variety of high quality AR-15 series AEGs along with M14 variants, support weapons such as the M249, and others such as their Gas-blowback Dragonuv Sniper Rifle . The AR-15 Series is viewed as one of the highest quality series of AEG on the market in terms of external details, though their earlier generations had less than flattering internal rumors.

Hudson: Produces high-end, theater quality, gas-operated airsoft guns; mostly World War II replicas.

Inokatsu: High-end manufacturer known for Full Metal M60 Machine guns and AK-series guns.

ICS (I Chih Shivan): Manufactures M4 Carbines, MP5s and an AK-74M replica. In addition they have also come out with the split gearbox design for their M4 series in which the upper gearbox (which includes the cylinder and spring assembly) disconnects from the lower gearbox (which houses the gear assembly) for easier repair and upgrades.

Deep Fire: Known for their Titanium pistons for AEG rifles, grenade launcher (M72A2 LAW), and distraction devices.

King Arms: Known for their variety of optics and scopes and their highly realistic FN FAL series and brand new L1A1 SLR.

KSC: Located in Japan; specializing in handguns. Their gas blowback pistols are of high reliability and accuracy, having gained themselves a reputation for 'practical' skirmishing sidearms. KSC manufactures an HK33 AEG line that features manual cocking in the event of a dead battery however is quite hard to find and usually is only available in Asia and upgrade parts for it are very uncommon. Their popular Glock gas pistol series has recently been discontinued because of legal troubles from Glock.

KWA: One of the OEM manufacturers for KSC's Gas Blowback pistols, KWA AEGs are widely regarded as some of the best "stock" AEG's available capable of 400 ft/s (120 m/s) out of the box. KWA manufactures M16, and M4 variants as well as a G36c. Their AEGs are becoming popular for their strong internals and Li-Poly ready capabilities. KWA is also known for their high end Gas-Blowback pistols which provide high quality and reliability, although they are not compatible with Tokyo Marui Gas-Blowback parts.

Mad Bull Airsoft: Makers of a variety of Airsoft grenades, grenade launchers, tight-bore barrels, triggers, mines, BB, Tracer BB, handguard rails and famous for licensed accessories. They are also elected to be the most innovative company in 2007 and 2008.

Marushin: Known for their 8 mm BB-firing guns as well as their extremely realistic M1 Garand.

Maruzen: One of the very first airsoft companies, Maruzen is well known for its APS series of sniper rifles. The APS-2 and APS-2 Type 96 are among the most popular and best-selling airsoft sniper rifles on the market.

Olympic Arms: Manufactures ICS replicas with trademarks.

SOCOMGEAR: Brother company of MadBull. Famous for its Li-Po Battery, rifle and pistol lines. Their licensed Barrett M82 is currently released.

STAR: Specializes in more expensive, highly realistic, easy-to-disassemble airsoft guns, but they discourage beginners because of their complex internals. Also the designer of the new polycarbonate gearbox, used in STAR's L85 series, which is claimed to be more durable and reliable than a full metal gearbox.

Sheriff: Full Metal custom pistols using Western Arms-based components as well as Maruzen-based bolt action rifles. Manufacturer of the discontinued Highlander Magnum.

Sunproject: Known for their M203s and gas blowback M16s.

Supercell Development, Inc.: Creators of the spring-powered airsoft claymore.

Systema Engineering: Specializes in high-end professional training weapons (PTWs) that are very close to the real steel, nearly indistinguishable between real or fake, as well as internal and external upgrades that are known for their high quality and durability. Systema makes six different PTWs: The M4 Carbine, M4A1, the M4A1 CQB, the M16A2, the M16A3 and the MP5. Their PTWs use color-coded cylinders that can be swaped quickly for ft/s change. The red cylinder is the strongest, allowing the gun shoot around 500 ft/s (150 m/s), and the black cylinder, the weakest, shoots at around 270 ft/s (82 m/s).

Top Tech: Works very close with G&G producing rifles that are fitted with a blowback system that is not operated by gas, but by electricity and are modified to have the bolt and piston attached together so they move when the gun is being fired. Not available in many places since they have recently started production. Prototypes have been made and will be released soon.

Tanaka Works: Specializes in high-powered gas gun revolvers and rifles. Known for having high end gas shotguns and revolvers.

Tanio Koba: Produces high-end gas-powered pistols that are made in Japan.

Tokyo Marui: Most commonly renowned as the very pinnacle of airsoft technology, reliability, and durability. Created the first automatic electric gun (AEG) - the FAMAS F1 - and was responsible for the invention of the 'Hop Up' System (which, by means of an adjustable rubber pad in the barrel, creates a spin on the fired BB, greatly increasing range). Marui has manufactured a wide variety of AEGs, smaller AEPs (Automatic Electric Pistols), along with gas and spring powered weapons. They have also been responsible for other great advancements in airsoft. Tokyo Marui is the largest airsoft manufacturer worldwide, and is seen as the Airsoft "standard" for which nearly all after market products are tailored.

RealSword: A Hong Kong-based company manufacturing replicas of Chinese assault rifles, their guns are highly realistic and very close to the real steel; however, their guns aren't the best for beginners because of their high cost and gearboxes that are not Tokyo Mauri compatible.

TOP: Specializes with manufacturing light and heavy machine gun airsoft replicas.

Western Arms: Largely specializing on the 1911 .45 and its derivatives as well as Beretta, S&W and SV. High-end pistols without customization. They have also released a M4A1 that is gas powered with a blowback function.

VFC/GB TECH (Vega Force Company): Recently began production of unique AEGs. Highly realistic replica but have reputations for breaking down and they will require constant maintenance and repair to keep them in fully working condition. Not commonly used by beginners because of their unique internals and they are usually hard to get to. The guns also have realistic field stripping that takes a while to get used to. Some parts are usually harder to find so when problems exists it may take a while to get it repaired. Their first batch of AEGs, the HK416 is the one with the most problems and many people avoid buying them, but their second version of the HK416 is said to be improved. So far the only guns that this company manufacturers are the HK416 series, the AK series, BARs, Squad Automatic Weapons (SAWs), SCAR series, and a few sniper rifles including the Barret M82. 

China Specific

Gamma: Known for their clone of the Supercell-developed airsoft claymore mine.

Unicorn: Chinese maker, primary products the AK-74 series, full steel and wood AEGs and conversion kits.

CYMA: Earlier models include the CM027 MP5J and CM028 AK47. Their release for 2006 includes the CM031 which is externally a CA SLR-105 clone but internally similar to its version of the AK47 with a different hop up chamber and inner barrel. Until the CM027, CYMA were known for making inexpensive and relatively low durability airsoft guns. Their latest model is the CM0121 which is a full auto Desert Eagle AEP. In 2008 CYMA launched a new range of full metal and wood AEGs and have improved their overall quality, reliability and performance. Some Cyma models are nearly equal manufactures of high-end AEGs. Among the more notable releases of CYMA are the M14, M1A1 Thompson and series of AK rifles with steel bodies and wooden furniture. Oddly enough, CYMA does not produce any AR variant clones.

WELL/WELLFIRE: A low-end airsoft manufacturer. Its gearbox and motor proved to be surprisingly durable although guns suffer from air compression problems. They later released the R7 or M4A1 with full stock and R8(G3 SAS) which surprised many with its robustness and accuracy. WELL is the first company to release the TM clone of MP7(R-4) and Vz.61 Skorpion(R-2).

Double Eagle (DE): The company that revolutionized LPEGs with its famous M83. Double Eagle has been proven to make exact copies of Tokyo Marui's weapons. Their version of the AK47 and Spetsnaz were met with lukewarm enthusiasm as most other Chinese companies were able to produce better performing AEGs. Their M50 spring rifle was quite popular and easily "upgradeable" to 400 ft/s (120 m/s) by simply wrapping the inner barrel and hop up chamber area with teflon tape to seal air leaks. In early 2007, Double Eagle released a version of M4 S-System (the M88) and G&G-based UMP (the M89). Their latest release is a copy of Tokyo Marui "tri-barrel" Benelli M3 shotgun.

Both Elephant (BE): BE's early releases (the XM8, Steyr AUG, G36K and SL8) were available in two variants each, with plastic and metal gearbox. Later releases include MP7 PDW, Howa Type 89 rifle (copied from Tokyo Marui design) and gas-driven shotguns available in both 6 mm and 8 mm caliber BBs. In late 2008, some of Both Elephant's products were introduced under the brand name "Tercel".

Jing Gong (JG, also known as Golden Bow): Manufactures good quality, low to mid priced airsoft guns. They usually have ABS bodies, but some are now made with metal. They are the prime choice for players with less experience because they require low amounts of maintenance. In 2008, JG released new and improved AEGs, most of the new 2008 upgrade version shoot well over 350 ft/s (110 m/s) with improved internals. Current new models are a full metal SVD, full metal and wood AK47s and the HK416 in 3 variants. JG models are almost equal to high-end AEG. In addition of making AEG guns, JG released a full metal Gas Blowback Glock 18C, which is an exact clone of the KSC Glock 18C. JG is best known for cloning Tokyo Marui guns like the M4A1 and BAR 10 (VSR 10).

A&K: AEGs of A&K came into the market with big hits such as the M4 S-System with metal RIS (rail interface system) and have become great winners in a market saturated with Armalites. The S-System was followed by other rifles from the M16 family: M16A4, M4, M933 and M4A1 CQB, and an M249 clone was released in mid August 2007. The A&K M249 clone is far cheaper than the original CA Version; It retails in the United States for $300–400USD and retains nearly all of the high quality and features offered by the CA version, including the PGC 8 mm-bearing gearbox capable of quick swap springs. Their new releases for 2008 includes the M16A4, SPR MOD 1, SPR MOD 0, SR25, SR-25K and the LR300, all of whom retails up to and over $200. A&K's place as one of the best Chinese airsoft companies was further cemented in late 2008, when first photos of its M60 and MK-43 replicas were published in airsoft media. Most professional airsofters say it is better looking, durable and more reliable than Galaxy and AGM.

Kart/New Star: This low-end/economy-priced company, commonly linked to A&K, has débuted with releasing an M14 copy soon after the Tokyo Marui model appeared. Other models include the M14 SOCOM rifle, M40 and Steyr AUG (although the last one was discontinued due to poor build).

AGM: Entered the market with its surprising accurate and powerful springer rifle, the MP001 a.k.a. VSR (since it is a visual replica of the TM VSR10). Their MP007 (MP40) was an instant hit as an alternative to other expensive and fault-prone rifles; featured a Version 3 all-metal gearbox and reinforced gears and piston. They have recently released several metal-bodied M4s, including the HK416. In addition, they have recently released a line of Gas Blow Back rifles

BOYI/D-Boys: They gained their fame when they manufactured their first AR-15 line(BIM4). Their latest line is branded as KALASH, manufacturing AK-74s and AKS-74Us. Many of their MPEGs consist of many metal parts, and metal bodies most MPEGs do not have. Also, the majority of their internals are metal. They also made a cheap but fair quality World War II rifle the KAR98K which features ejecting shells.

RealSword: Although having offices in Hong Kong, RealSword is a Chinese-based company. Their releases, Type 56 and Type 97 rifle replicas, are built to real-steel dimensions, with gearboxes specially designed to fit the shape and dimensions of real gun. Contrary to most other Chinese manufacturers, RealSword maintains an official website for their products, complete with information about new releases.

Galaxy: Known for their PDWs (MP5K, MP5 PDW and MP7A1), Galaxy produces good-quality compact AEGs at an affordable price.

JLS: producer of the airsoft SCAR, two full-metal HK33 variants(copied from relatively obscure KSC hybrid AEG/springer design) and the first FN F2000 replica. Also the biggest producer of the "cheap" EBB's (Electric Blow Back) pistols, which have a high failure rate but one of best sellers for their fun.

BELL: Released a G3SG1 replica, which was unsuccessful for its low velocity and quality. Also the first Chinese manufacturer to release a quite good quality gas pistol replicas: a full-metal Beretta M9 model based on the semi-only version of HFC's M190 pistol, a M10 shell-loaded revolver and a Colt M1911 replica based on Tokyo Marui design, with full trademarks and unique serial numbers (available both in plastic and full-metal version).

Meister: A new company from Hong Kong and just entered airsoft market in 2007/2008. Their famous model is Glock 17(third version, with illuminated front and rear sights). Meister Glock 17 is an exact clone to Tokyo Marui Glock 17 but comes with metal slide (Tokyo Marui Glock 17 comes with ABS slide). Many airsoft professionals say that its parts are 99% similar to Tokyo Marui. Its parts are even exchangeable to Tokyo Marui. Many airsoft players buy Meister Glock 17 just to take its spare parts (especially for its metal slide or magazine) for their Tokyo Marui Glock 17. Many users also say that Meister Glock 17 is very sturdy and reliable. It can fall down nine feet to the ground, slide for fifteen feet on a concrete, and although its body suffers a lot of scratches, it can still be used without any problem. It have a good and constant performance (up to 320 fps with 0.2 gram BB and green gas), even if it already has been used for two years of intensive use. Meister Glock 17 bears a complete and well-made Glock marking. Meister Glock 17 also comes with two variants, black and two tone (polished metal slide and black ABS lower frame). 

Taiwan Specific

AIM: Manufactures ICS AEGs without the metal bodies.

HFC(Ho Feng Corporation): Manufacturer of spring and gas-powered guns; made famous for their semi-automatic HFC M190 gas blowback model, a replica of the Beretta 92FS with the addition of an RIS system.

ICS (I Chih Shivan): Manufactures M4 Carbines, MP5s and an AK-74M replica. In addition they have also come out with the split gearbox design for their M4 series in which the upper gearbox (which includes the cylinder and spring assembly) disconnects from the lower gearbox (which houses the gear assembly) for easier repair and upgrades.

KWC(Kien Well Corporation): Known for its CO2-powered Mini UZI, M16 gas rifles and spring-powered guns retaining fully licensed trademarks.

KJW(Kuan Ju Works):Manufacturer of high-powered metal-constructed replicas. Their most popular model is the replica Beretta 92FS pistol.

Mad Bull Airsoft: MadBull is based in Taiwan and USA. Makers of a variety of Airsoft grenades, grenade launchers, tight-bore barrels, triggers, mines, BB, Tracer BB, handguard rails and famous for licensed accessories. They are also elected to be the most innovative company in 2007 and 2008.

Modify: Specializes in designing and manufacturing internal airsoft upgrade parts.

TECHPRO: Specializes in manufacturing innovative parts to give AEGs more power.

SRC (Star Rainbow Company): Manufactures M-Series, G36 series, and AK-47 replicas including full metal versions that shoot over 400 feet per second (120 m/s). Also the original manufacturer of the XM8 and manufacturer of the HK416 in 3 barrel lengths.

WE Taiwan(Wei-E Tech): Known for their range of fullsize metal-bodied Colt M1911; Luger, Beretta and Hi-Capa pistols 

United States Specific

Echo 1: Airsoft company based in the US. Carry wide range of Airsoft toys. Their Minigun (Made in Japan) is currently the strongest fire power in the airsoft world.

GTI (Grudge Tactical Inc.): Located in Kansas and just starting out in the field of airsoft, designing and manufacturing entirely within the United States. Their first product launch is scheduled the first week of November 2008 with Blammo Kill-Marker. A first in airsoft, Blammos are a marker bb designed exclusively for airsoft and featuring a unique "coating" of pigment mixed with a system for dry lubrication. Beta testing ran from mid-April to August and showed the product to be quite promising in the field of airsoft. Future products include further expansion of the Blammo market with higher weights and biodegradables, an upgrade kit called Assembly H and a rumored gear box set for 2009 that will will be a clean break from the current engineering designs on the market.

Mad Bull Airsoft: MadBull is based in Taiwan and USA (California). Makers of a variety of Airsoft grenades, grenade launchers, tight-bore barrels, triggers, mines, BB, Tracer BB, handguard rails and famous for licensed accessories. They are also elected to be the most innovative company in 2007 and 2008.

Crosman primarily an airgun manufacturer but, also has made a few airsoft guns 

Others

Unicorn Hobby Company(UHC): Offering very reliable, yet economical alternatives to higher-end companies including the MP5 SD3, the M1911A1, M92FS, as well as the Super 9.

KHC: Famous for their Maverick Bullpup and spring pistols.

Omega: Famous for their Beretta 93R.

Academy: South Korean company best known for their DPMS Kittycat, L85, and A-15 rifles.

AZR Machine & Tool Co.: Customized builders of airsoft accessories, replica wood rifle stocks for the M1 Garand, Thompson, Mauser 98k, FAL, and AKM. Also manufactures drop-in gearboxes for AEGs and conversion kits for Rifles. This company offers a wide range of customized services for their clients that wish to have their own designs to their replica rifles.

UTG(Under The Gun): UTG is a brand by Leapers, Inc. which manufactures scopes and red-dot sights.

Aftermath: This airsoft company is located in Miami, Florida, in the United States. Rebrander of Chinese-produced replicas. They exclusivley sell powerful AEG guns and other airsoft gear. It claims to be the "Adult Airsoft Solution".

Stunt Studios: A separate division of the Aftermath company, products are endorsed by famous stuntman Kyle Woods.