We aren’t going to sugarcoat this. Our airsoft store gets a lot of, shall we say, interesting questions and requests for information.

The internet is full of even more peculiar queries.

Just type in “airsoft gunm” and you will see some of these.

Or maybe your question is one of these that follows.

Either way, we compiled a bunch of them and will be answering them here.

See if yours made the list. If not, call us at 800-581-6620 or visit us at our airsoft store in Buffalo Grove.

1.  What airsoft gun hurts the most?

Not possible to answer because it will depend on the power of the battery/motor (for AEGs) the spring (for spring-powered airsoft guns) or how the gas system works (for gas airsoft guns).

It also depends on the weight of the BB, but here’s how it works: the faster the muzzle velocity, and the heavier the BB, the more it will hurt.

2.  How much does airsoft hurt?

It stings quite a bit up close, and at close ranges, airsoft ammo can injure your eyes or even chip a tooth. Heavier ammo and more powerful airsoft guns hurt the most, with spring-powered airsoft sniper rifles being some of the most powerful (and therefore painful) of all.

However, when wearing heavy, appropriately-padded clothing and gear, it really doesn’t hurt all that much. Just wear the right safety gear (including goggles or a full face mask) and you’ll be fine.

3.  Which airsoft battery should I use?

Good question. That depends. Most importantly, use a battery of the recommended type and voltage, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The basic types of airsoft batteries are as follows:

• NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries: The most common type, and fairly affordable. They have a high-discharge rate (they last a while) but are not the most powerful.
• NiMH (Nickel-Metal-Hydride) batteries: Also fairly affordable and with a high-discharge rate, and they tend to be more powerful and require less maintenance than NiCad batteries.
• LiPo (Lithium-Polymer) and Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) batteries: Lighter, smaller, more durable, and more powerful than other types of batteries. They can also deliver a higher rate of fire. However, they are also more expensive and can be dangerous if punctured, as they can start fires.

4.  How does an AEG work?

In as basic a nutshell as possible, when you pull the trigger on an AEG, it engages the a switch that activates the motor, which draws the piston back via the gears, compressing the spring. When the piston reaches a certain point, the gears release the spring, which sends the piston forward, compressing air and forcing the BB forward, out of the barrel.

5.  Can airsoft break glass?

It really depends on what you are shooting, how powerful the platform is, how heavy the BBs are, how cheap and thin the glass is, and how close you are to it.

Powerful AEGs and other guns shooting heavy BBs, up close, can break glass, but it’s still not likely. Our suggestion: don’t try.

6.  Which airsoft ammo is the best?

Impossible to answer without knowing what you’re shooting. The general rule is this: the more powerful the platform, the heavier ammo you should shoot. We wrote a comprehensive airsoft ammo guide, check that out for more details.

7.  Will airsoft kill a rat?

It’s possible but you need to be close, be shooting a powerful spring sniper rifle or AEG with heavy ammo, and hit it in the right place. Don’t try it. You’re just going to hurt or scare the rat, and even if you do land a lethal shot, it will probably run off and die somewhere in your house, which you also don’t want.

We also wrote about this as well as “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Squirrels?”

Check that post out for more information.

But, the TL;DR answer to both is, probably not, don’t try it.

8.  Is airsoft OK for kids?

It can be, and many airsoft arenas will allow minors to play (with some additional rules and stipulations). As the parent, you need to decide if your child is mature enough to safely handle airsoft guns or take part in airsoft events.

We also covered this and similar topics in a recent blog.

9.  How does an airsoft tracer work?

Tracers require two things: a muzzle tracer unit and the right ammo.

Tracer ammo is fluorescent, which means it glows when you shine UV light on it.

That’s the other part of the puzzle: tracer units blast the BBs with UV light as they exit the barrel, which makes them glow.

That’s how they work.

10. Which airsoft brand is the best?

There isn’t one single “best” airsoft gun brands, but there are a lot of good ones.

Some of the best/most popular are:

• Tokyo Marui
• Elite Force
• Umarex
• Action Army
• Umbrella Armory
• KWA Airsoft
• G&G Armament
• E&L
• Arcturus Airsoft
• Lancer Tactical
• Classic Army
• ICS
• ASG

You can learn more about these and other brands through our complete brand collection page.

11. How does an airsoft grenade work?

Airsoft grenades are filled with compressed gas. When the pin is removed and the grenade contacts a hard surface, it releases all of this gas at once, spraying BBs.

A similar type is a timed or “countdown” grenade, which will explode after a short preset time.

12. How far can an airsoft gun shoot?

The max effective range of most airsoft guns is between 100 to 200 feet, although most can shoot BBs farther than this, just not accurately. At ranges greater than this, most platforms are very inaccurate. This will, again, vary according to how powerful the platform is, how heavy the ammo is, and how well the hop-up system is adjusted.

13. Why is airsoft a good sport?

It’s great sport for many reasons. It encourages problem-solving, strategic and critical thinking, and planning, and can teach outdoor skills like orienteering and camping. It’s also a great way to meet friends and work on communication and collaboration skills.

And, on top of that, it’s fun. We covered this in greater detail in one of our posts, Seven Reasons to Try Out MilSim.

Come Visit Us in Our Airsoft Store

Now, granted, some of these FAQs are a bit odder than others. Some are just misguided.

Hopefully, we answered your question, but if not, come visit us and we’ll answer it the best we can.

Also, we offer a price match guarantee on everything, including our wide range of airsoft gear. That’s another good reason to visit.