The internet is awash with questions for parents (and presumably, from kids looking for answers to questions their parents have) about airsoft, airsoft guns, and airsoft events, as well as age-related questions.

Let’s try to crack some of these nuts.

At what age should a child start playing airsoft?

Only you as a parent can answer that question. Airsoft guns are not toys and if you do not feel that your child is responsible or mature enough to handle and use an airsoft gun, you shouldn’t let your child use one. It’s that simple.

However, if you feel your child is both mature and responsible enough to learn to shoot an airsoft gun (and it is legal where you live) you may be able to give one.

Just be sure to teach them all the rules of responsible airsoft gun ownership, including that all airsoft guns should be treated as if they are loaded, they should never be pointed at anyone or anything (including animals) and that your trigger finger should be kept off the trigger until ready to fire.

What is the minimum age for airsoft?

There is no minimum age for airsoft, although some airsoft arenas may have specific rules and regulations related to age.

For instance, some airsoft events have regulations requiring children under a certain age to be protected by a full facemask, instead of just goggles.

What is the best age to start playing airsoft?

There is no single set age considered the best for playing airsoft, but a good benchmark is 13.

Again, this is just a guide. There is no hard or fast rule here. Some children will be mature enough at age 13, and others will not.

But you don’t necessarily need to wait until you are 18 to start playing, either.

Are airsoft guns OK for kids?

Once again, the depends on the child. Airsoft guns are not toys and can be potentially dangerous. However, if your child is responsible and you teach him or her the rules of safe airsoft gun ownership, they can be considered OK for kids.

What are some good airsoft guns for a 10-year-old?

What airsoft guns are good for 10 year old children will depend on what your goals are. Are you getting an airsoft gun for a 10 year old to teach him or her how to use it, or are you getting a quality airosft gun for a match?

There are many different types of airsoft guns, but In general, spring airsoft guns are best for beginners, if only to learn on them. This is because spring-powered airsoft guns are simple in operation and easy to learn how to use. They also must be physically cocked before each shot, making it harder to “accidentally” shoot one.

However, spring airsoft guns are not usually suitable in airsoft events (with the exception of spring-action airsoft sniper rifles and spring-powered pump-action airsoft shotguns for sale). If you’re getting a quality airsoft gun for a child to take into a match, gas blowback (GBB) airsoft pistols and rifles or automatic electric guns (AEGs) are better, especially high-quality electric airsoft guns.

What are some good airsoft guns for a 12-13-year-old?

The same rules apply here as apply to 10 year olds. But, some good choices in AEG airsoft rifles are:

• Lancer Tactical LT-06-G2
• Lancer Tactical LT-15B-G2
• Lancer Tactical Gen3 M4
• G&G Combat Machine Raider
• G&G ARP9
• G&G ARP9 2.0
• KWA VM4 Ronin T6

Airsoft players (all ages) should also carry a second airsoft gun (an airsoft pistol) as a backup sidearm.

Some great choices in GBB airsoft pistols are:

• Elite Force/Umarex Glock airsoft pistols
• Hi-Cape airsoft pistols (multiple brands)
• Action Army AAP-01 pistols
• We Galaxy G-Series airsoft pistols
• ASG CZ-P09 airsoft pistols

What safety equipment should a kid wear when playing airsoft?

When playing airsoft, you absolutely must, at a bare minimum, wear protective eyewear, such as goggles.

Most airsoft fields encourage the use of full facemasks, as these protect the entire face, including the teeth (airsoft ammo can chip a tooth at close ranges).

However, this is the bare minimum. Some players wear a wide range of other protective gear such as padded gloves, heavy jackets, tactical pants, or thick denim jeans.

Are there airsoft events that allow kids to participate?

Yes, there are airsoft events that allow kids to participate, but each administrator may set different rules, so contact them beforehand if you have questions about registration and minor participation.

What is the difference between airsoft and BB guns?

Airsoft and BB guns are not the same. Both use compressed air in some format (compressed through a spring manually, or electrically, or compressed gas like CO2 or green gas, for airsoft guns) but BB guns are much more powerful.

Most airsoft guns fire plastic airsoft ammo at lower muzzle velocities, commonly between 250 and 400 FPS.

Air guns or BB guns fire metal projectiles that are much denser and at higher velocities, often above 600 FPS.

Airsoft guns can be used to play airsoft games. Air guns and BB guns are far too powerful, potentially dangerous, and cannot be.

Does airsoft hurt?

An airsoft pellet will sting if it contacts bare skin, especially at close ranges. It can also chip a tooth and cause serious injury to the eyes, which is why goggles or a face mask are required.

However, if you wear the proper protective gear, like heavy clothing and eye protection, it takes basically all of the sting out of a shot.

What different types of airsoft events are there?

There are all sorts of airsoft events, including but not limited to:

• Death match: Teams play until all players on one team have been eliminated, or until a set number of “kills” has been reached.
• Capture the flag: Players attempt to recover and remove the opposing team’s flag.
• Hostage rescue: Players on one team attempt to recover “hostages” held by another team.
• MilSim: Another type of airsoft event is known as MilSim or “military simulation.” MilSim matches are intended to closely simulate combat situations for the purpose of paramilitary or law enforcement training. Some reenactments are also MilSim matches.

What should you bring to an airsoft event?

What you should bring to an airsoft event will be determined by how serious you are and what your level of experience is.

However, in general, you should bring:

• Your airsoft gun and sidearm
• Spare ammo, green gas or CO2 cartridges, and charged batteries (and a charger)
• Spare mags and speedloaders
• A tactical vest to store your airsoft gear
• Protective clothing and gloves
• Goggles or a facemask
• Kill rags
• An appropriate uniform if necessary
• Supportive footwear
• A change of clothing
• Snacks and water
• Some spare cash

That’s a very basic list but it covers the essentials. For most airsoft events, if you bring at least these, you’ll be ready to participate.

Of course, you should always read the airsoft arena rules and regulations and contact the event administrator if you have any specific questions.