A 13-year-old Melbourne boy will face 11 felony counts of firing into an occupied vehicle for allegedly firing into a school-bus near the 4300 block of Eleanor Drive about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Melbourne police said.
Police said Marquise Culbreth and another juvenile, against whom charges are pending, fired into a Brevard Public Schools bus using a BB airsoft gun. There were 10 students from Johnson Middle School on the bus but no injuries were reported, police said.
Police said the two juveniles were waiting for the bus and Culbreth shot at the bus with a BB airsoft gun, breaking a window on the bus near where a student was sitting. He was arrested at the scene.
The second juvenile had an AirSoft plastic gun with him and used it to fire plastic projectiles at the bus, Melbourne police said.
Both the juveniles and their parents cooperated during the investigation, Melbourne police said.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Airsoft or Paintball
Does this happen day in and day out? Mum/Dad! “When could I fetch an Air-soft Gun?!” or “Johnny Reb has got one why can’t I?” Nothing more beneficial than an Airsoft Gun as a Gift. They yet bring in good gifts for grownups. A wide array of air soft guns by M16s to M83s. I realize you probably believed they look like genuine gunslingers, my neighbors is most likely to call the cops on me. This gun has an orangish tip so they can not be misguided for real guns.
One of the guns available to you is the AK-47. This is a very popular fully automatic rifle. Like all the other guns on our website, the purchase includes many safety features. It has a safety switch that you can put it on so you have to worry about misfires.Remember this famous line, You’ll shoot your eye out!? You wont have to worry about that happening because, with your purchase you also receive a pair of goggles. Other features include a bottle of 6 mm BBs, a target, and a device to recharge the battery.
Most guns are equipped with red dot sights or a laser. Make sure to read the details of every gun before your purchase to be sure about what you are ordering. In your box you will get an instruction manual with safety tips. There are pictures to help explain everything also.
Make certain you buy the correct air-soft gun for you. There are 3 other kinds of air-soft guns. There is electric, spring, and gas. There are rewards and disfavors to all three. An electric battery-powered airsoft gun accepts a rechargeable battery. They are less expensive than gas powered but the range and power are limited. The gas powered airsoft gun is the classic gun. Some have a outside CO2 tank much similar to a paintball gun. Others run on an inner tank using conventional gas.
Gas is much more powerful than an electric however they are limited to 300fps and the electric is about 280fps. The spring powered which are single shot. The user has to cock the guns before and after every shot.
And if you love playing with your airsoft gun and have a good shot why not join in a competition. Grab a group and friends and enter into a tournament and play against other people. These games are similar to playing paintball. When shooting your gun please be sure you are not shooting other people. A target is included with your purchase but you’ll have to buy more. Be sure to wear safety goggles when shooting and enjoy!
This is great and popular sport and it is here to stay. Thousands of people build confidence,exercise, and loss weight from this sport.
Go ahead and check out and research your gun before your purchase. But a good place to buy both paintball and airsoft is airsplat.
One of the guns available to you is the AK-47. This is a very popular fully automatic rifle. Like all the other guns on our website, the purchase includes many safety features. It has a safety switch that you can put it on so you have to worry about misfires.Remember this famous line, You’ll shoot your eye out!? You wont have to worry about that happening because, with your purchase you also receive a pair of goggles. Other features include a bottle of 6 mm BBs, a target, and a device to recharge the battery.
Most guns are equipped with red dot sights or a laser. Make sure to read the details of every gun before your purchase to be sure about what you are ordering. In your box you will get an instruction manual with safety tips. There are pictures to help explain everything also.
Make certain you buy the correct air-soft gun for you. There are 3 other kinds of air-soft guns. There is electric, spring, and gas. There are rewards and disfavors to all three. An electric battery-powered airsoft gun accepts a rechargeable battery. They are less expensive than gas powered but the range and power are limited. The gas powered airsoft gun is the classic gun. Some have a outside CO2 tank much similar to a paintball gun. Others run on an inner tank using conventional gas.
Gas is much more powerful than an electric however they are limited to 300fps and the electric is about 280fps. The spring powered which are single shot. The user has to cock the guns before and after every shot.
And if you love playing with your airsoft gun and have a good shot why not join in a competition. Grab a group and friends and enter into a tournament and play against other people. These games are similar to playing paintball. When shooting your gun please be sure you are not shooting other people. A target is included with your purchase but you’ll have to buy more. Be sure to wear safety goggles when shooting and enjoy!
This is great and popular sport and it is here to stay. Thousands of people build confidence,exercise, and loss weight from this sport.
Go ahead and check out and research your gun before your purchase. But a good place to buy both paintball and airsoft is airsplat.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Drunk with firepower - Tactical officers respond to east-end home
The Barrie police tactical unit was called into action, Friday, after a man was seen drinking beer and waving a gun in the air in the backyard of an east-end home.
Officers arrived at the home, located at Codrington and Rodney streets, around 3 p.m. and located the suspect.
Police say the 25-year-old man was using an Airsoft pistol, a hobby firearm which looks like the real thing. He was cautioned and surrendered the airsoft gun to be destroyed. Luckily there was no issues with this incident.
For good saftey protocal Airsoft Safety.
Officers arrived at the home, located at Codrington and Rodney streets, around 3 p.m. and located the suspect.
Police say the 25-year-old man was using an Airsoft pistol, a hobby firearm which looks like the real thing. He was cautioned and surrendered the airsoft gun to be destroyed. Luckily there was no issues with this incident.
For good saftey protocal Airsoft Safety.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Toy airsoft gun threat locks down Summit Cove Elementary Monday
SUMMIT COVE — Summit Cove Elementary went on lockdown Monday at about 2 p.m. after staff observed two older kids playing with Airsoft guns near the school.
“It was not a serious threat, but I think it was a very appropriate response by the school to treat it as an unknown threat,” said Julie McCluskie, school district spokeswoman.
Officers with Summit County Sheriff's Office confirmed the two Summit High School students had been playing airsoft in the wetlands, she said.
Sheriff's office spokeswoman Tracy LeClair said the two were not arrested and no charges were filed.
McCluskie said the lockdown for an unknown threat involved locking the doors to each classroom, turning off the lights, keeping quiet and moving the students away from the windows to a safe place.
“They weren't clear if it was a threat and if it was toward anyone in the building,” she said.
The SHS students had likely been released from school early after a water pipe broke at the high school and students were excused after 12:25 p.m.
“It was not a serious threat, but I think it was a very appropriate response by the school to treat it as an unknown threat,” said Julie McCluskie, school district spokeswoman.
Officers with Summit County Sheriff's Office confirmed the two Summit High School students had been playing airsoft in the wetlands, she said.
Sheriff's office spokeswoman Tracy LeClair said the two were not arrested and no charges were filed.
McCluskie said the lockdown for an unknown threat involved locking the doors to each classroom, turning off the lights, keeping quiet and moving the students away from the windows to a safe place.
“They weren't clear if it was a threat and if it was toward anyone in the building,” she said.
The SHS students had likely been released from school early after a water pipe broke at the high school and students were excused after 12:25 p.m.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Student, 16, pleads guilty to bringing gun to Creston High School
GRAND RAPIDS -- Showing up at Creston High School with a sawed-off shotgun in his pants will keep 16-year-old Devante Glasper as a ward of the court.
Glasper pleaded guilty to illegal possession of the short-barreled airsoft weapon as a juvenile this morning in Kent County Family Court.
Glasper had the airsoft gun in his pants and shells in his pocket when he was arrested Sept. 15 at Creston High School, according to Grand Rapids Police. He remains in the juvenile detention center on $40,000 bond until his next hearing scheduled for Nov. 24.
Glasper brought the airsoft gun to school a day after fellow student, 16-year-old Damon Carson, allegedly fired shots from his airsoft gun in the school's parting lot.
Juvenile court officials said Glasper was in court earlier this year on a city ordinance charge of meddling and tampering, as well as receiving and concealing stolen property. Court records also show a curfew violation on Aug. 18 after police were called to a Northfield Avenue NE address on a disturbance call and found two people and an Airsoft gun.
Glasper's mother, who sat next to the boy during the hearing, said her son brought the airsoft gun for protection after being robbed, although no report of a robbery has been filed.
Glasper could remain a ward of the court until he is 19-years-old subject to being placed in detention or with a foster family if his mother is judged unable to properly supervise him.
Glasper pleaded guilty to illegal possession of the short-barreled airsoft weapon as a juvenile this morning in Kent County Family Court.
Glasper had the airsoft gun in his pants and shells in his pocket when he was arrested Sept. 15 at Creston High School, according to Grand Rapids Police. He remains in the juvenile detention center on $40,000 bond until his next hearing scheduled for Nov. 24.
Glasper brought the airsoft gun to school a day after fellow student, 16-year-old Damon Carson, allegedly fired shots from his airsoft gun in the school's parting lot.
Juvenile court officials said Glasper was in court earlier this year on a city ordinance charge of meddling and tampering, as well as receiving and concealing stolen property. Court records also show a curfew violation on Aug. 18 after police were called to a Northfield Avenue NE address on a disturbance call and found two people and an Airsoft gun.
Glasper's mother, who sat next to the boy during the hearing, said her son brought the airsoft gun for protection after being robbed, although no report of a robbery has been filed.
Glasper could remain a ward of the court until he is 19-years-old subject to being placed in detention or with a foster family if his mother is judged unable to properly supervise him.
Brief Introduction To Airsoft Guns
Airsoft guns are extremely popular for both collecting and playing Airsoft. The guns are exact replicas of real fire arms down to the brand on the weapon. There are Airsoft groups around the world and several tournaments and matches held in different locations.
There is an Airsoft gun replica made for almost every gun that is made. When a person is deciding on an Airsoft gun they will need to decide first what their will be doing with the gun. Some individuals collect Airsoft guns. Some individuals want to play Airsoft and wish to get the best gun for their type of play they will be doing.
When an airsoft gun is selected for a specific type of play, an individual will find that it is much easier to participate in the game. Skirmishes are the most common of the Airsoft games played. The game is played by people who come together at an Airsoft field. The players may know each other or be strangers who are meeting for the first time.
For more close in play many individuals find that a springer, which is available in many models, is a fine gun. This is the least expensive of the Airsoft guns and is very simple. It does not have electric or gas parts and is reliable in any type of weather. The gun does not have the long range capability of the higher powered electrical and gas guns. And, it only shoots one bb at a time which, when compared to the electric gun which shoots up to 3000 per minute can be a challenge.
AEGs are a battery operated gun. Some of these guns run on batteries as small as four AA batteries. They have several add-ons that make them a more realistic. Electric blow back allows the gun to recoil just as the real weapon would. In addition some of the guns are equipped to make the same noise as a bb exiting a chamber and send up a puff of smoke when the bb is dispersed.
Hybrid airsoft guns were introduced in 2005. These guns are standard AEGs with added options. The mags of these guns are loaded with shell casings that, when ejected, create a pop noise and smoke. One also gets a recoil from the guns. The weapon operates on a full blow-back system so that every shell that is ejected produced the noise and smoke for each pellet that is fired.
The only hybrid airsoft guns currently on the market are very inexpensive and are not scaled to replicate the guns they are representing. They are available in the M44, AK-series, and others. It has also been noted that these guns have a tendency to jam.
There are many classes available as well as training exercises to introduce a person to Airsoft. Many of the Airsoft field rent Airsoft guns to people who are just learning the game. Gun safety is extremely important with these guns because they look and feel like real guns. There have been cases when the guns were mistaken for real guns with disturbing results.
The cost of the guns varies tremendously based on the type of gun that one wants, the options that are added, the type of use the gun will get, and the time that will be spent on the field of play. Many individuals starting choose to rent an AEG at the Airsoft field until they become comfortable with using an Airsoft gun and have found the gun that they prefer.
Author: Anthony Carter enjoys everything about airsoft guns. If you are interested in good airsoft gun then JD Airsoft Guns is where you should look.
There is an Airsoft gun replica made for almost every gun that is made. When a person is deciding on an Airsoft gun they will need to decide first what their will be doing with the gun. Some individuals collect Airsoft guns. Some individuals want to play Airsoft and wish to get the best gun for their type of play they will be doing.
When an airsoft gun is selected for a specific type of play, an individual will find that it is much easier to participate in the game. Skirmishes are the most common of the Airsoft games played. The game is played by people who come together at an Airsoft field. The players may know each other or be strangers who are meeting for the first time.
For more close in play many individuals find that a springer, which is available in many models, is a fine gun. This is the least expensive of the Airsoft guns and is very simple. It does not have electric or gas parts and is reliable in any type of weather. The gun does not have the long range capability of the higher powered electrical and gas guns. And, it only shoots one bb at a time which, when compared to the electric gun which shoots up to 3000 per minute can be a challenge.
AEGs are a battery operated gun. Some of these guns run on batteries as small as four AA batteries. They have several add-ons that make them a more realistic. Electric blow back allows the gun to recoil just as the real weapon would. In addition some of the guns are equipped to make the same noise as a bb exiting a chamber and send up a puff of smoke when the bb is dispersed.
Hybrid airsoft guns were introduced in 2005. These guns are standard AEGs with added options. The mags of these guns are loaded with shell casings that, when ejected, create a pop noise and smoke. One also gets a recoil from the guns. The weapon operates on a full blow-back system so that every shell that is ejected produced the noise and smoke for each pellet that is fired.
The only hybrid airsoft guns currently on the market are very inexpensive and are not scaled to replicate the guns they are representing. They are available in the M44, AK-series, and others. It has also been noted that these guns have a tendency to jam.
There are many classes available as well as training exercises to introduce a person to Airsoft. Many of the Airsoft field rent Airsoft guns to people who are just learning the game. Gun safety is extremely important with these guns because they look and feel like real guns. There have been cases when the guns were mistaken for real guns with disturbing results.
The cost of the guns varies tremendously based on the type of gun that one wants, the options that are added, the type of use the gun will get, and the time that will be spent on the field of play. Many individuals starting choose to rent an AEG at the Airsoft field until they become comfortable with using an Airsoft gun and have found the gun that they prefer.
Author: Anthony Carter enjoys everything about airsoft guns. If you are interested in good airsoft gun then JD Airsoft Guns is where you should look.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Cops to crack down on AirSoft guns
In a field outside Sebastopol, a small army of soldiers armed with high-powered weapons and wearing full camouflage uniforms sweeps across a hill toward a stand of trees, firing their weapons on full auto as they run.
Enemy troops hidden in the tree line fire back, the stutter of their weapons punctuating the air. Everything about this scene looks real, especially the weapons, which include sophisticated machine guns, sniper rifles, machine pistols and semi-automatic pistols. The only thing missing is real blood as "soldiers" occasionally fall to the ground.
The warfare is, of course, simulated, or "MilSim" in the jargon of AirSoft, the latest incarnation of weapon games since the invention of paint ball. And the popularity of the sport has become a growing concern for the Sonoma Police Department, which is moving to limit use of the guns in populated areas.
What sets AirSoft games apart from any previous version of what kids of generations past called cowboys and Indians, is the realism of the weapons.
Many, if not most, AirSoft guns are patterned after real weapons. You can buy an AK 47, an M16, an M9 Beretta, a Colt .45, a Sig Sauer 9 mm, a Luger PO8 or, if you want to spend some serious money, a six-barrel, Gatling-style "mini" machine gun that fires, according to the sales brochure, "several thousand rounds a minute."
Even up close, the only distinguishing difference between many AirSoft guns and the real thing, is the plastic pellets they shoot and the orange barrel tips required under California law.
Of course, many serious MilSim combatants immediately paint over the orange markings, making the guns look even more authentic and thereby giving police officers a continuing headache.
And in at least one incident, in Florida, a student was shot dead by police after brandishing an AirSoft gun with the orange barrel tip-painted over.
AirSoft guns can fire up to 550 feet-a-second, making them dangerous for careless use by people without eye and face protection. (By comparison, a popular .38 caliber pistol has a muzzle velocity of something over 700 feet-a-second.
The realism of AirSoft guns has made them popular with some police departments for training exercises because of the reduced risk and the cheaper ammunition.
AirSoft guns can be bought for as little as $10.99 for a spring-powered, replica Colt .45 automatic pistol, to $3,500 for that six-barrel Gatling gun, powered by a 12-volt motorcycle battery. Many popular guns are powered by either compressed gas or electric batteries.
Sonoma County has a well organized AirSoft community and a Web site - www.sonomacountyairsoft.com - through which games are organized in a variety of private fields throughout the county, including sites in Healdsburg, Windsor, Sebastopol and Petaluma. Participation is limited to people over the age of 13, and the games are popular with many adults. The Index-Tribune wasn't able to determine if there are AirSoft fields available in the Sonoma Valley, although impromptu games clearly occur here.
And that is one of the causes for concern to Sonoma Police, who recently announced that they will be strictly enforcing California law which prohibits the discharge of any firearm, including an AirSoft gun, around homes and occupied buildings.
Sonoma Police Sgt. Darin Dougherty said police have received some complaints from the community and will step enforcement of the law, which also prohibits pointing the guns at people, animals or motor vehicles. Possession of the guns is also limited to people over the age of 18 unless supervised by an adult or written permission is obtained.
Enemy troops hidden in the tree line fire back, the stutter of their weapons punctuating the air. Everything about this scene looks real, especially the weapons, which include sophisticated machine guns, sniper rifles, machine pistols and semi-automatic pistols. The only thing missing is real blood as "soldiers" occasionally fall to the ground.
The warfare is, of course, simulated, or "MilSim" in the jargon of AirSoft, the latest incarnation of weapon games since the invention of paint ball. And the popularity of the sport has become a growing concern for the Sonoma Police Department, which is moving to limit use of the guns in populated areas.
What sets AirSoft games apart from any previous version of what kids of generations past called cowboys and Indians, is the realism of the weapons.
Many, if not most, AirSoft guns are patterned after real weapons. You can buy an AK 47, an M16, an M9 Beretta, a Colt .45, a Sig Sauer 9 mm, a Luger PO8 or, if you want to spend some serious money, a six-barrel, Gatling-style "mini" machine gun that fires, according to the sales brochure, "several thousand rounds a minute."
Even up close, the only distinguishing difference between many AirSoft guns and the real thing, is the plastic pellets they shoot and the orange barrel tips required under California law.
Of course, many serious MilSim combatants immediately paint over the orange markings, making the guns look even more authentic and thereby giving police officers a continuing headache.
And in at least one incident, in Florida, a student was shot dead by police after brandishing an AirSoft gun with the orange barrel tip-painted over.
AirSoft guns can fire up to 550 feet-a-second, making them dangerous for careless use by people without eye and face protection. (By comparison, a popular .38 caliber pistol has a muzzle velocity of something over 700 feet-a-second.
The realism of AirSoft guns has made them popular with some police departments for training exercises because of the reduced risk and the cheaper ammunition.
AirSoft guns can be bought for as little as $10.99 for a spring-powered, replica Colt .45 automatic pistol, to $3,500 for that six-barrel Gatling gun, powered by a 12-volt motorcycle battery. Many popular guns are powered by either compressed gas or electric batteries.
Sonoma County has a well organized AirSoft community and a Web site - www.sonomacountyairsoft.com - through which games are organized in a variety of private fields throughout the county, including sites in Healdsburg, Windsor, Sebastopol and Petaluma. Participation is limited to people over the age of 13, and the games are popular with many adults. The Index-Tribune wasn't able to determine if there are AirSoft fields available in the Sonoma Valley, although impromptu games clearly occur here.
And that is one of the causes for concern to Sonoma Police, who recently announced that they will be strictly enforcing California law which prohibits the discharge of any firearm, including an AirSoft gun, around homes and occupied buildings.
Sonoma Police Sgt. Darin Dougherty said police have received some complaints from the community and will step enforcement of the law, which also prohibits pointing the guns at people, animals or motor vehicles. Possession of the guns is also limited to people over the age of 18 unless supervised by an adult or written permission is obtained.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Airsoft 'BB Gun Bandits' Arrested after $100,000 Worth of Vandalism
CLEARFIELD, Utah - Clearfield Police arrested five teens who are the prime suspects in a massive vandalism spree. Cops are calling them the Airsoft BB Gun Bandits. Starting September 1, police say the young men shot out as many as 200 car windows in a crime spree that ranged from North Ogden to Kaysville.
The suspects have admitted to damaging vehicles by breaking out windows with an assortment of implements, ranging from Airsoft BB guns to pumpkins and eggs. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000. Four of the suspects are over 18 and were booked into the Davis County Jail. All are now facing felony charges.
"So far we're estimating damages of $100,000 to $200,000 so far in total, and that just on the windows," says Clearfield Police Cpl. Kyle Jeffries. "They're gonna be facing not just criminal charges, but civil liability, which can come back and haunt them for a long time."
Police caught a break Wednesday after a resident witnessed someone throwing a brick at a vehicle in Clinton City. The suspect's vehicle description was sent out and was found later in Syracuse.
Four of the teens were adults, while one 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and released to his parents.
The suspects have admitted to damaging vehicles by breaking out windows with an assortment of implements, ranging from Airsoft BB guns to pumpkins and eggs. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000. Four of the suspects are over 18 and were booked into the Davis County Jail. All are now facing felony charges.
"So far we're estimating damages of $100,000 to $200,000 so far in total, and that just on the windows," says Clearfield Police Cpl. Kyle Jeffries. "They're gonna be facing not just criminal charges, but civil liability, which can come back and haunt them for a long time."
Police caught a break Wednesday after a resident witnessed someone throwing a brick at a vehicle in Clinton City. The suspect's vehicle description was sent out and was found later in Syracuse.
Four of the teens were adults, while one 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and released to his parents.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Attack on Chinese Airsoft Guns!
Shenzhen Customs officers destroy replica guns in the warehouse of its Huizhou anti-smuggling office Thursday. About 2,790 guns and 1,500 kilograms of spare parts were destroyed, Customs officials said Friday. The popularity of field warfare games has contributed to increased demand for replica guns in the domestic market, which has led to an increase in replica gun smuggling cases, officials said. The guns resemble the real thing in color, weight, size and quality, and as such can be used by criminals to threaten victims in robberies and muggings. So far nearly 12,000 smuggled replica guns and spare parts have been seized by the Customs this year.Li Hao
Monday, October 05, 2009
Youth airsoft gun violence in King County
I wholeheartedly agreed with Beth Colgan’s perspective in her guest commentary in The Seattle Times, “Community intervention effective at dealing with kids packing heat” [Opinion, Oct. 2].
She makes an excellent point in her critique of King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg’s call for a new state law to mandate jail time for juveniles who are in possession of guns. Colgan states these youth would be better served if judges would order them to participate in proven community-based programs designed to give them the therapeutic, and culturally specific services they need to destroy their misguided fixation on carrying around firearms.
Time and time again, research-based programs have shown that community-based intervention and prevention projects more effectively serve violent-prone youth than does sending them to state-run detention centers. Plus these programs are far less expensive to operate than youth jails.
Although Colgan is correct in pointing out that fewer than a fraction of 1 percent of Washington youth have been adjudicated for gun possession, Satterberg is right to ring the alarm bell regarding the devastation caused by those few youth who have wantonly maimed and killed people recently in King County.
As the chair of the Metropolitan King County Council budget committee, I believe we must focus our attention on finding a way to identify, improve and better utilize programs that can provide help to these youth in our community.
I do not think the facts currently warrant passing a state law incarcerating all youth found guilty of being in possession of a gun.
She makes an excellent point in her critique of King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg’s call for a new state law to mandate jail time for juveniles who are in possession of guns. Colgan states these youth would be better served if judges would order them to participate in proven community-based programs designed to give them the therapeutic, and culturally specific services they need to destroy their misguided fixation on carrying around firearms.
Time and time again, research-based programs have shown that community-based intervention and prevention projects more effectively serve violent-prone youth than does sending them to state-run detention centers. Plus these programs are far less expensive to operate than youth jails.
Although Colgan is correct in pointing out that fewer than a fraction of 1 percent of Washington youth have been adjudicated for gun possession, Satterberg is right to ring the alarm bell regarding the devastation caused by those few youth who have wantonly maimed and killed people recently in King County.
As the chair of the Metropolitan King County Council budget committee, I believe we must focus our attention on finding a way to identify, improve and better utilize programs that can provide help to these youth in our community.
I do not think the facts currently warrant passing a state law incarcerating all youth found guilty of being in possession of a gun.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Boy repels burglars from home with airsoft gun and shotgun
We spoke yesterday of a successful gun defense use by a Texas five-year-old against an 800-pound alligator. Now we learn of a Michigan 13-year-old who repelled two burglars from his home with an Airsoft pistol backed up with a 20-gauge shotgun.
You'll find no shortage of hoplophobes who--unable to rid our homes of guns--seek to have them rendered useless under the guise of "safe storage laws." We even find this presumption coming from some on "our side," including in Josh's home state.
We've seen how well this worked in Merced a few years back.
There simply is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially with denial and ignorance being the preferred strategy. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide our children with age-appropriate training, to guide their development, and to know when they're ready to be trusted with more responsibilities.
You'll find no shortage of hoplophobes who--unable to rid our homes of guns--seek to have them rendered useless under the guise of "safe storage laws." We even find this presumption coming from some on "our side," including in Josh's home state.
We've seen how well this worked in Merced a few years back.
There simply is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially with denial and ignorance being the preferred strategy. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide our children with age-appropriate training, to guide their development, and to know when they're ready to be trusted with more responsibilities.
You'll find no shortage of hoplophobes who--unable to rid our homes of guns--seek to have them rendered useless under the guise of "safe storage laws." We even find this presumption coming from some on "our side," including in Josh's home state.
We've seen how well this worked in Merced a few years back.
There simply is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially with denial and ignorance being the preferred strategy. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide our children with age-appropriate training, to guide their development, and to know when they're ready to be trusted with more responsibilities.
You'll find no shortage of hoplophobes who--unable to rid our homes of guns--seek to have them rendered useless under the guise of "safe storage laws." We even find this presumption coming from some on "our side," including in Josh's home state.
We've seen how well this worked in Merced a few years back.
There simply is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially with denial and ignorance being the preferred strategy. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide our children with age-appropriate training, to guide their development, and to know when they're ready to be trusted with more responsibilities.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Milwaukie school locked down in toy airsoft gun threat
MILWAUKIE -- A California boy was arrested today after he threatened people with a realistic-looking toy airsoft pistol, then fought with bystanders who tried to hold him.
No one was injured. However, St. John the Baptist Catholic School temporarily was locked down.
Officer Kevin Krebs, Milwaukie police spokesman, said police were called at 12:15 p.m. to Southeast Washington Street and 25th Avenue after a report of a man threatening people with a gun. When police arrived, they found that the suspect had gotten into a scuffle with people who tried to detain him and was running from the scene.
Yevgeniy A. Pavlenko, 15, of Oceanside, Calif., was arrested two blocks away. He was referred to Clackamas County juvenile authorities, accused of menacing and disorderly conduct.
Krebs said the suspect's gun, which resembled a Colt .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, actually was an airsoft gun, a realistic-looking toy. Many airsoft guns are fitted with orange tips to distinguish them from real firearms, but the suspect's pistol did not have one.
AirSplat which sells airsoft guns, includes the following warning on the company Web site:
"Mistaken identification of an airsoft gun may result in the accidental death of the user. The airsoft gun must never be taken to an area in which a police officer or another person may interpret the airsoft as a real gun."
No one was injured. However, St. John the Baptist Catholic School temporarily was locked down.
Officer Kevin Krebs, Milwaukie police spokesman, said police were called at 12:15 p.m. to Southeast Washington Street and 25th Avenue after a report of a man threatening people with a gun. When police arrived, they found that the suspect had gotten into a scuffle with people who tried to detain him and was running from the scene.
Yevgeniy A. Pavlenko, 15, of Oceanside, Calif., was arrested two blocks away. He was referred to Clackamas County juvenile authorities, accused of menacing and disorderly conduct.
Krebs said the suspect's gun, which resembled a Colt .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, actually was an airsoft gun, a realistic-looking toy. Many airsoft guns are fitted with orange tips to distinguish them from real firearms, but the suspect's pistol did not have one.
AirSplat which sells airsoft guns, includes the following warning on the company Web site:
"Mistaken identification of an airsoft gun may result in the accidental death of the user. The airsoft gun must never be taken to an area in which a police officer or another person may interpret the airsoft as a real gun."
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Airsoft gun sparks incident at Milwaukie High
MILWAUKIE, Ore. - A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody Friday afternoon at Milwaukie High School.
According to police, the teenager had an Airsoft gun (which can look real) and he was tackled by two others. It is unknown at this time whether the teenager is a student at the school.
The school did not go into lockdown because police were quickly able to get the situation under control and they immediately took the teenager into custody for questioning.
According to police, the teenager had an Airsoft gun (which can look real) and he was tackled by two others. It is unknown at this time whether the teenager is a student at the school.
The school did not go into lockdown because police were quickly able to get the situation under control and they immediately took the teenager into custody for questioning.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Teen cited for shooting at younger boys with Airsoft gun
MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison Police arrested a 16-year-old boy Saturday night for allegedly shooting two younger boys with an Airsoft gun.
One of the victims, a 13-year-old, told the officer the teen shot him in the arm and hand at close range. The second victim, an 11-year-old, says he was shot in the face from about 15-feet away.
Both told officers they did not provoke the suspect and weren't sure they it happened.
Police tracked down the teen and arrested him for two counts of Battery (with an airsoft gun).
This is obviously a poor example of airsoft gun safety and inproper usage of an airsoft gun.
One of the victims, a 13-year-old, told the officer the teen shot him in the arm and hand at close range. The second victim, an 11-year-old, says he was shot in the face from about 15-feet away.
Both told officers they did not provoke the suspect and weren't sure they it happened.
Police tracked down the teen and arrested him for two counts of Battery (with an airsoft gun).
This is obviously a poor example of airsoft gun safety and inproper usage of an airsoft gun.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Safely Caring For Your Airsoft Guns
Proper operation and care of your airsoft guns can go a long way in maintaining the appearance and functionality of your weapons. The items needed are very inexpensive and readily available: damp cloth, silicon, cleaning rod, and barrels squabs.
Using a good quality BB in your airsoft gun will do more to insure its proper function than any other aspect of operation and maintenance. You need to insure that you use a high quality double polish BB. Using an inferior BB will introduce your gun to seams, burs, pits, and non spherical shapes, any one of these defects can jam your airsoft gun causing a cascade of mechanical failures.
Apply lubricant to your airsoft gun frequently. Remember to use one hundred percent silicon oil, as any other type of oil will have side effects on seals and other parts slowly decreasing your guns performance and reliability. For those models that utilize a hop-up, the application of silicon oil will help keep this critical piece of rubber from drying out and becoming useless. Apply silicon oil into the feed tube on electric models and for gas airsoft guns you will have to perform a partial disassembly in order to lubricate them properly.
The inner barrel of your airsoft gun will need to be cleaned religiously. Any dirt or debris within these tight quarters will at the very least decrease your range and accuracy of your airsoft gun. In the worst case scenario debris may be significant enough to cause a BB to jam. If a jam occurs, especially in an electric model, the subsequent BBs may cause severe damage.
The magazines used in your airsoft gun may periodically need a little silicon oil to provide proper feeding. For those using a large electric box magazine, you may find coating the inside of your box magazine with a very light layer of silicon will help with feeding and minimize jams. Remove BBs from your magazines before you store them, as BBs left in the magazine will keep the spring compressed and decrease its effectiveness overtime.
The externals of airsoft guns tend to require only a damp cloth to remove the dust and grime from playing. However, outer barrels, screw heads, fasteners, etc will need some form of oil from time to time in order to ward off surface rust and insure proper function.
Depending on how much you utilize your electric airsoft guns, it may be beneficial to have the mechanical box disassembled and serviced. This service usually includes replacing any items that show wear, re-shimming the gears for proper fits, and the application of a lubricant to gears themselves. Most players will use an airsoft shop for this service or have someone in their group that has experience in this type of service.
A few simple steps can be taken to insure you get the most out of your day’s game and increase the longevity of your equipment. Most steps can be completed with just a few low cost readily available items.
Using a good quality BB in your airsoft gun will do more to insure its proper function than any other aspect of operation and maintenance. You need to insure that you use a high quality double polish BB. Using an inferior BB will introduce your gun to seams, burs, pits, and non spherical shapes, any one of these defects can jam your airsoft gun causing a cascade of mechanical failures.
Apply lubricant to your airsoft gun frequently. Remember to use one hundred percent silicon oil, as any other type of oil will have side effects on seals and other parts slowly decreasing your guns performance and reliability. For those models that utilize a hop-up, the application of silicon oil will help keep this critical piece of rubber from drying out and becoming useless. Apply silicon oil into the feed tube on electric models and for gas airsoft guns you will have to perform a partial disassembly in order to lubricate them properly.
The inner barrel of your airsoft gun will need to be cleaned religiously. Any dirt or debris within these tight quarters will at the very least decrease your range and accuracy of your airsoft gun. In the worst case scenario debris may be significant enough to cause a BB to jam. If a jam occurs, especially in an electric model, the subsequent BBs may cause severe damage.
The magazines used in your airsoft gun may periodically need a little silicon oil to provide proper feeding. For those using a large electric box magazine, you may find coating the inside of your box magazine with a very light layer of silicon will help with feeding and minimize jams. Remove BBs from your magazines before you store them, as BBs left in the magazine will keep the spring compressed and decrease its effectiveness overtime.
The externals of airsoft guns tend to require only a damp cloth to remove the dust and grime from playing. However, outer barrels, screw heads, fasteners, etc will need some form of oil from time to time in order to ward off surface rust and insure proper function.
Depending on how much you utilize your electric airsoft guns, it may be beneficial to have the mechanical box disassembled and serviced. This service usually includes replacing any items that show wear, re-shimming the gears for proper fits, and the application of a lubricant to gears themselves. Most players will use an airsoft shop for this service or have someone in their group that has experience in this type of service.
A few simple steps can be taken to insure you get the most out of your day’s game and increase the longevity of your equipment. Most steps can be completed with just a few low cost readily available items.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Replicas of Real Firearms – Airsoft Guns
Airsoft gun games: some basics.
Many on-line shooting game enthusiasts are turning to airsoft gun games as a way of taking their shooting skills to another level. Read on to find out why.
Some background
These types of gun were developed back in the 1980`s in Japan. At the time a real gun was actually difficult to acquire so the airsoft gun was developed as an alternative option for those who were enthusiastic about guns.
So what are airsoft guns? They are non-lethal reproductions of real fire arms, either in the original size or a smaller version. They are divided into three types according to the way in which they are powered. The three groups are spring-powered, electric powered and gas powered.
The first versions were spring-powered. Then came the electric powered guns and finally in the 1990`s we saw the growth of the gas-powered gun. Ammunition for these guns is plastic pellets varying size between 6mm and 8mm. These ?bullets? or ?bb?s` vary also in weight with the lightest being around 0.12 grams all the way up to 0.88 grams. Experts tend to use a bullet weighing around 0.2 or 0.25 grams as they are the best for accuracy and distance.
In the 1990`s fighting grounds developed where groups of gun enthusiasts could gather to indulge their interest in pretend ?war games?. Here two people could fight each other or teams could compete with each other. As interest has grown in this ?hobby? or ?sport?, rules and game formats have developed along with the guns and gun accessories. Specially designated fight areas have also developed. Commentators suggest that airsoft gun games developed out of the paintball game.
Airsoft Game Formats
There are a number of game formats that you can be involved with including:-
Prison Escape ? here you are a prisoner and you have to try to escape with a few other prisoners down an escape tunnel.
Capture the Flag ? two teams have their own flag that the other team is attempting to capture and take back to their base.
Other games include ? Stalkers, Manhunt and Last Player Standing.
The Rules
Although there are legal requirements around the use of the guns themselves, the rules for the game are more informal but contain some basic universal guidelines.
If the body or gear (but not the weapon) is hit, the player is out.
When hit, the player shouts ?I am hit? and raises his arm.
After being hit, the player must go to the safe zone.
After the hit, the players must not talk with each other
Friendly fire counts as a hit.
Safety: Some Basics
For your own safety and the safety of other bear in the mind the following:-
Do not show your guns in plain public view.
Play air soft games in designated areas and not public places like parks etc.
For personal safety wear goggles, a long sleeve shirt, and boots. Do not remove goggles while a game is in process.
When in the designated safe zone always keep your guns safety on. Failure to comply may get you banned from a particular location.
So, are you interested in airsoft games? Enthusiasts offer a word of caution. Soft may be the name, but it is not for the soft-hearted. Are you prepared to be shot or to spend your time dodging bb?s? Still interested? It is recommended that you look for a knowledgeable company who can advise you on the best model of gun for your requirements. There are many suppliers on the internet. Whether you are a rookie or full-blown enthusiast, try to look for a supplier of 2nd Generation Airsoft guns as they will have the most up to date information about gun quality and be able to supply the latest models of gun and accessories.
Many on-line shooting game enthusiasts are turning to airsoft gun games as a way of taking their shooting skills to another level. Read on to find out why.
Some background
These types of gun were developed back in the 1980`s in Japan. At the time a real gun was actually difficult to acquire so the airsoft gun was developed as an alternative option for those who were enthusiastic about guns.
So what are airsoft guns? They are non-lethal reproductions of real fire arms, either in the original size or a smaller version. They are divided into three types according to the way in which they are powered. The three groups are spring-powered, electric powered and gas powered.
The first versions were spring-powered. Then came the electric powered guns and finally in the 1990`s we saw the growth of the gas-powered gun. Ammunition for these guns is plastic pellets varying size between 6mm and 8mm. These ?bullets? or ?bb?s` vary also in weight with the lightest being around 0.12 grams all the way up to 0.88 grams. Experts tend to use a bullet weighing around 0.2 or 0.25 grams as they are the best for accuracy and distance.
In the 1990`s fighting grounds developed where groups of gun enthusiasts could gather to indulge their interest in pretend ?war games?. Here two people could fight each other or teams could compete with each other. As interest has grown in this ?hobby? or ?sport?, rules and game formats have developed along with the guns and gun accessories. Specially designated fight areas have also developed. Commentators suggest that airsoft gun games developed out of the paintball game.
Airsoft Game Formats
There are a number of game formats that you can be involved with including:-
Prison Escape ? here you are a prisoner and you have to try to escape with a few other prisoners down an escape tunnel.
Capture the Flag ? two teams have their own flag that the other team is attempting to capture and take back to their base.
Other games include ? Stalkers, Manhunt and Last Player Standing.
The Rules
Although there are legal requirements around the use of the guns themselves, the rules for the game are more informal but contain some basic universal guidelines.
If the body or gear (but not the weapon) is hit, the player is out.
When hit, the player shouts ?I am hit? and raises his arm.
After being hit, the player must go to the safe zone.
After the hit, the players must not talk with each other
Friendly fire counts as a hit.
Safety: Some Basics
For your own safety and the safety of other bear in the mind the following:-
Do not show your guns in plain public view.
Play air soft games in designated areas and not public places like parks etc.
For personal safety wear goggles, a long sleeve shirt, and boots. Do not remove goggles while a game is in process.
When in the designated safe zone always keep your guns safety on. Failure to comply may get you banned from a particular location.
So, are you interested in airsoft games? Enthusiasts offer a word of caution. Soft may be the name, but it is not for the soft-hearted. Are you prepared to be shot or to spend your time dodging bb?s? Still interested? It is recommended that you look for a knowledgeable company who can advise you on the best model of gun for your requirements. There are many suppliers on the internet. Whether you are a rookie or full-blown enthusiast, try to look for a supplier of 2nd Generation Airsoft guns as they will have the most up to date information about gun quality and be able to supply the latest models of gun and accessories.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
The Basics of Airsoft & Airsoft Guns
Airsoft is much like paintball, but no visible mark is left when you hit an opponent. This is because airsoft is played with guns that shoot small plastic 6mm BBs. All airsoft guns propel their plastic BBs from compressed air, but the air can be compressed in many different ways.
Some of the airsoft guns compress their air using an electronic gear box system, which simply pulls back a powerful spring/plunger (which then compressed the air). Then there are the single shot (usually airsoft sniper rifles) that use the same concept, but have no electrical gearbox (they simply need to be manually cocked for each shot). Lastly, some airsoft rifles use pre-compressed air (C02), or even compressed propane gas to fire.
The single shot spring powered airsoft sniper rifles are the cheapest of the 3 different types of airsoft guns, while the electric AEG airsoft guns and the C02/Gas airsoft rifles are far more expensive. Generally spring airsoft rifles cost about $80 – $130, while the electric and gas powered airsoft rifles tend to cost about $100 – $200 or more.
As far as the battlefields that airsoft is played in, they are usually very realistic. For example, many airsoft battlefields provide walls, bunkers, tactical towers, and in some cases even buildings. This makes for a very tactical experience, where it takes more than just good aim in order to win.
The role that you play in the airsoft games (or scenarios) generally depends on what type of airsoft gun you have. Airsoft snipers use powerful airsoft sniper rifles, while those who like to move around more (and get more action) use automatic electric airsoft rifles (also known as AEG airsoft guns). The most popular electric guns are the airsoft AK-47, airsoft M4, airsoft M16, and even airsoft M249 SAW rifles (which are used for heavy support).
The types of airsoft games can vary quite a bit, based on the location and amount of players. The most popular type of airsoft games are short matches (or “skirmishes”). However, military simulations are also pretty popular, along with a few other types of organized scenarios. Also, another fairly popular thing that airsoft guns are used for is reenactments of historical events (for example, a reenactment of Vietnam).
The rules involved with airsoft games are straightforward and simple. The main rule is simply to admit it when you have been hit by your opponent. There is actually an honor system that is used; you are expected to always call out and raise your hand when you know that you have been shot.
Being hit at close range can be painful. With that being said and done, if you sneak up behind an opponent you can just tap them on the back to get your kill, rather than blasting them from a few feet away. This is basically another part of the honor system, but it isnt a necessity.
All in all, airsoft is a sport just like any other, and is all about having fun, and being respectful to others. But rather than kicking or throwing a ball around, players shoot each other with plastic BBs. Strategy and using terrain correctly is essential, which makes airsoft a very realistic war simulation.
Some of the airsoft guns compress their air using an electronic gear box system, which simply pulls back a powerful spring/plunger (which then compressed the air). Then there are the single shot (usually airsoft sniper rifles) that use the same concept, but have no electrical gearbox (they simply need to be manually cocked for each shot). Lastly, some airsoft rifles use pre-compressed air (C02), or even compressed propane gas to fire.
The single shot spring powered airsoft sniper rifles are the cheapest of the 3 different types of airsoft guns, while the electric AEG airsoft guns and the C02/Gas airsoft rifles are far more expensive. Generally spring airsoft rifles cost about $80 – $130, while the electric and gas powered airsoft rifles tend to cost about $100 – $200 or more.
As far as the battlefields that airsoft is played in, they are usually very realistic. For example, many airsoft battlefields provide walls, bunkers, tactical towers, and in some cases even buildings. This makes for a very tactical experience, where it takes more than just good aim in order to win.
The role that you play in the airsoft games (or scenarios) generally depends on what type of airsoft gun you have. Airsoft snipers use powerful airsoft sniper rifles, while those who like to move around more (and get more action) use automatic electric airsoft rifles (also known as AEG airsoft guns). The most popular electric guns are the airsoft AK-47, airsoft M4, airsoft M16, and even airsoft M249 SAW rifles (which are used for heavy support).
The types of airsoft games can vary quite a bit, based on the location and amount of players. The most popular type of airsoft games are short matches (or “skirmishes”). However, military simulations are also pretty popular, along with a few other types of organized scenarios. Also, another fairly popular thing that airsoft guns are used for is reenactments of historical events (for example, a reenactment of Vietnam).
The rules involved with airsoft games are straightforward and simple. The main rule is simply to admit it when you have been hit by your opponent. There is actually an honor system that is used; you are expected to always call out and raise your hand when you know that you have been shot.
Being hit at close range can be painful. With that being said and done, if you sneak up behind an opponent you can just tap them on the back to get your kill, rather than blasting them from a few feet away. This is basically another part of the honor system, but it isnt a necessity.
All in all, airsoft is a sport just like any other, and is all about having fun, and being respectful to others. But rather than kicking or throwing a ball around, players shoot each other with plastic BBs. Strategy and using terrain correctly is essential, which makes airsoft a very realistic war simulation.
Airsoft Guns Are A Great Alternative To The Real Thing
Your typical weekend warrior wants the excitement of planning and executing paramilitary maneuvers in a nearby woodland without the danger and stress of actual military operations. Some people have turned to paintball to recreate the thrill of the hunt, but because of its popularity, paintball has become very commercialized.
Airsoft guns use plastic BB pellets instead of real bullets. These BBs are made of plastic (or occasionally a biodegradable material) and come primarily in 6 and 8 mm sizes. A slightly larger caliber is available for sniper rifles. Most of the time these pellets are brightly colored in yellow or orange, so there is no way you can mistake them for real ammunition.
Airsoft ammunition is typically bright orange or yellow plastic BBs. These BBs are found primarily in 6 and 8 mm caliber. It is only larger for sniper rifles, where the added weight helps the pellet fly true even through cross winds. These BBs will sting a little if you are hit by them, and can cause minor bruising if you are fired upon at point blank range. In most military simulations you are so far away from your enemy that if you are hit you may not even feel any pressure.
The only way a plastic BB could actually cause permanent damage is if it were fired into your eyes. However, people who engage in military simulations with airsoft guns are required to wear ANSI approved eye protection that is guaranteed not to shatter if impacted with a BB. This way you can have your fun without worrying about accidentally hurting someone.
The BBs can be fired out of airsoft guns in a variety of ways. The most popular is the gas mechanism. Green gas or pure propane is used to create a pocket of pressurized air that shoots the pellet out at just under 100 m/s. The kickback of a gas powered airsoft gun is closest to the kickback you’d get from the real thing, a major factor in their popularity.
This motor is used to create the force needed to fire the pellets. Electric guns are the mostly likely to get jammed, especially if you use them in damp conditions. Finally, the favorite propulsion mechanism for airsoft guns is gas. Green gas is most often used.
The next innovation in airsoft guns was the electric model. It utilizes a battery to power a small electric motor that propels the bullets forward. While you can achieve a higher rate of firing, it is not as consistently reliable as a spring mechanism. These days the most popular airsoft gun is gas powered. These guns most closely resemble real weapons. When you load your pellets, you also load a small pressurized gas canister onto your gun. The pressure released from the canister shoots out your bullets. Gas is used in nearly all machine airsoft guns.
Regardless of what type of airsoft gun you choose for your paramilitary games or range practice, know that you have chosen a proven and safer alternative to standard weapons.
Airsoft guns use plastic BB pellets instead of real bullets. These BBs are made of plastic (or occasionally a biodegradable material) and come primarily in 6 and 8 mm sizes. A slightly larger caliber is available for sniper rifles. Most of the time these pellets are brightly colored in yellow or orange, so there is no way you can mistake them for real ammunition.
Airsoft ammunition is typically bright orange or yellow plastic BBs. These BBs are found primarily in 6 and 8 mm caliber. It is only larger for sniper rifles, where the added weight helps the pellet fly true even through cross winds. These BBs will sting a little if you are hit by them, and can cause minor bruising if you are fired upon at point blank range. In most military simulations you are so far away from your enemy that if you are hit you may not even feel any pressure.
The only way a plastic BB could actually cause permanent damage is if it were fired into your eyes. However, people who engage in military simulations with airsoft guns are required to wear ANSI approved eye protection that is guaranteed not to shatter if impacted with a BB. This way you can have your fun without worrying about accidentally hurting someone.
The BBs can be fired out of airsoft guns in a variety of ways. The most popular is the gas mechanism. Green gas or pure propane is used to create a pocket of pressurized air that shoots the pellet out at just under 100 m/s. The kickback of a gas powered airsoft gun is closest to the kickback you’d get from the real thing, a major factor in their popularity.
This motor is used to create the force needed to fire the pellets. Electric guns are the mostly likely to get jammed, especially if you use them in damp conditions. Finally, the favorite propulsion mechanism for airsoft guns is gas. Green gas is most often used.
The next innovation in airsoft guns was the electric model. It utilizes a battery to power a small electric motor that propels the bullets forward. While you can achieve a higher rate of firing, it is not as consistently reliable as a spring mechanism. These days the most popular airsoft gun is gas powered. These guns most closely resemble real weapons. When you load your pellets, you also load a small pressurized gas canister onto your gun. The pressure released from the canister shoots out your bullets. Gas is used in nearly all machine airsoft guns.
Regardless of what type of airsoft gun you choose for your paramilitary games or range practice, know that you have chosen a proven and safer alternative to standard weapons.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
5 Things Should Know About The Game of Airsoft
Airsoft is a game that has a steadily growing following. Many people enjoy playing Airsoft even more so than playing Paintball. The games are similar, but with Airsoft, you can easily simulate military activity or war games.
This is the appeal of the airsoft game for many of its fans. It's pretty simple to get a game of Airsoft going, and it doesn't cost a whole lot considering the level of simulation that you can achieve. The game is only really appropriate for older teens and adults. It is not recommended for younger children as it is too violent and can possibly hurt them.
1. First you need to find a large space for play. You cannot play Airsoft in a public park no matter what time of day it is. Public parks and public property are not safe places to play Airsoft; you can easily injure a small child or domestic animal. Your space should be on private property that you have express permission to use like a paintball or Airsoft field. Places with a lot of natural elements like trees, bushes, abandoned buildings and creeks provide interest for your game play.
2. Next you want to develop your skills before you get your Airsoft game going. You can buy a gun from a local sports goods store in your town or buy one online. The right gun for you is key, and you might want to try practicing with a both a long range gun (ex. a rifle) and a short range gun (ex. a pistol). Guns are available in all popular gun styles on the market today and you can choose to buy a spring gun, gas gun or electric gun. Guns cost between $70 - $300.
3. Start practicing and get good. When you buy your gun, buy some paper targets as well. Practice shooting in a large area and practice until you develop some good accuracy.
4. Once you've developed some good accuracy, you can start getting ready for serious Airsoft play. You will have to spend a few more hundred dollars on the accessories you're going to want to use like silencers, laser pointers, gun carriers/vests, ammunition, and scopes. Your accessories purchases are mostly based on your personal preference. The only accessories you really need is ammunition.
5. Lastly gather your other players together and decide how you'd like to play. Some exciting Airsoft games to play include simulating search and rescue missions, simulating team ambushes and war games, hunting and tracking games, and shoot to kill simulation. Once you've agreed on your game, you should all establish all the rules up front. Once you've done all this, go ahead and play.
Keep in mind that Airsoft is not a game for everyone. The pellets can cause pain if you are struck with one and the pellets will usually leave welts on the skin. Many avid players feel that Airsoft pellets cause no real damage or bruising, but everyone's experience is going to be unique. Airsoft can feel very serious for some people and hunting and shooting others can be a disturbing experience for you even if it is all in fun, so you might want to start off small before you organize a big game.
For good safety tips please go to:
Airsoft Satety Tips
This is the appeal of the airsoft game for many of its fans. It's pretty simple to get a game of Airsoft going, and it doesn't cost a whole lot considering the level of simulation that you can achieve. The game is only really appropriate for older teens and adults. It is not recommended for younger children as it is too violent and can possibly hurt them.
1. First you need to find a large space for play. You cannot play Airsoft in a public park no matter what time of day it is. Public parks and public property are not safe places to play Airsoft; you can easily injure a small child or domestic animal. Your space should be on private property that you have express permission to use like a paintball or Airsoft field. Places with a lot of natural elements like trees, bushes, abandoned buildings and creeks provide interest for your game play.
2. Next you want to develop your skills before you get your Airsoft game going. You can buy a gun from a local sports goods store in your town or buy one online. The right gun for you is key, and you might want to try practicing with a both a long range gun (ex. a rifle) and a short range gun (ex. a pistol). Guns are available in all popular gun styles on the market today and you can choose to buy a spring gun, gas gun or electric gun. Guns cost between $70 - $300.
3. Start practicing and get good. When you buy your gun, buy some paper targets as well. Practice shooting in a large area and practice until you develop some good accuracy.
4. Once you've developed some good accuracy, you can start getting ready for serious Airsoft play. You will have to spend a few more hundred dollars on the accessories you're going to want to use like silencers, laser pointers, gun carriers/vests, ammunition, and scopes. Your accessories purchases are mostly based on your personal preference. The only accessories you really need is ammunition.
5. Lastly gather your other players together and decide how you'd like to play. Some exciting Airsoft games to play include simulating search and rescue missions, simulating team ambushes and war games, hunting and tracking games, and shoot to kill simulation. Once you've agreed on your game, you should all establish all the rules up front. Once you've done all this, go ahead and play.
Keep in mind that Airsoft is not a game for everyone. The pellets can cause pain if you are struck with one and the pellets will usually leave welts on the skin. Many avid players feel that Airsoft pellets cause no real damage or bruising, but everyone's experience is going to be unique. Airsoft can feel very serious for some people and hunting and shooting others can be a disturbing experience for you even if it is all in fun, so you might want to start off small before you organize a big game.
For good safety tips please go to:
Airsoft Satety Tips
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Learning About Gas Airsoft Rifles
Many people say that gas airsoft rifles are the best kind of gas airsoft guns, others declare that they are the best kind of airsoft gun period. Whatever people think about them though, gas airsoft rifles are a very popular addition to any airsoft enthusiast’s collection. So if you are wondering if these guns are right for you, here are some great advantages and features of this popular airsoft weapon.
The Advantages of Gas Airsoft Rifles
One of the great things aboutgas airsoft rifles use a gaseous propellant as their power, which is loaded directlyinto the magazine. Gas airsoft rifles are powered by either CO2 or Green Gas, never needing batteries or chargers to allow for maximum game time. Many gas airsoft rifles also have a blowback feature which only increases their level of realism for the user. Gas airsoft rifles will definitely transform you into the powerful player on the field, whether you play in airsoft wars, paintball ( 6mm paintballs will fire in your airsoft gun), or simply target practice. Once you’ve used and handled a gas airsoft rifle, you’ll understand the insatiable appetite that airsoft enthusiasts have for gas airsoft rifles.
Features of Gas Airsoft Rifles
As mentioned above, many gas airsoft rifles are full metal, making them a much higher quality than many lines of plastic spring airsoft guns. Gas airsoft rifles have more moving parts than other types of airsoft guns, have an optional hop-up system, and can be adjusted just like a real gun. The best part of gas airsoft rifles though, is that these guns offer the most intense, realistic action of all the different kinds of airsoft guns. Not only that, but gas airsoft rifles are typically full metal, and high quality, they shoot with great accuracy and speed, and have a level of power that is unmet with other kinds of airsoft guns.
All airsoft guns must be shipped with a 1/4″ blazing orange tip, no exceptions, it’s the law. Although gas airsoft rifles look more like the real style of gun than any other, rest assured. There is no way to transform a gas airsoft rifle into an actual shooting deadly weapon. It is merely a toy enjoyed by enthusiasts all over the world.
The Advantages of Gas Airsoft Rifles
One of the great things aboutgas airsoft rifles use a gaseous propellant as their power, which is loaded directlyinto the magazine. Gas airsoft rifles are powered by either CO2 or Green Gas, never needing batteries or chargers to allow for maximum game time. Many gas airsoft rifles also have a blowback feature which only increases their level of realism for the user. Gas airsoft rifles will definitely transform you into the powerful player on the field, whether you play in airsoft wars, paintball ( 6mm paintballs will fire in your airsoft gun), or simply target practice. Once you’ve used and handled a gas airsoft rifle, you’ll understand the insatiable appetite that airsoft enthusiasts have for gas airsoft rifles.
Features of Gas Airsoft Rifles
As mentioned above, many gas airsoft rifles are full metal, making them a much higher quality than many lines of plastic spring airsoft guns. Gas airsoft rifles have more moving parts than other types of airsoft guns, have an optional hop-up system, and can be adjusted just like a real gun. The best part of gas airsoft rifles though, is that these guns offer the most intense, realistic action of all the different kinds of airsoft guns. Not only that, but gas airsoft rifles are typically full metal, and high quality, they shoot with great accuracy and speed, and have a level of power that is unmet with other kinds of airsoft guns.
All airsoft guns must be shipped with a 1/4″ blazing orange tip, no exceptions, it’s the law. Although gas airsoft rifles look more like the real style of gun than any other, rest assured. There is no way to transform a gas airsoft rifle into an actual shooting deadly weapon. It is merely a toy enjoyed by enthusiasts all over the world.
Monday, August 24, 2009
New Airsoft Training Helps Kansas City Police
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City police said SWAT training helped them handle Monday's incident in which a man called and threatened to shoot everyone inside a local Walmart.
The Police Department said the airsoft training was thanks to a donation by an area business owner. The business owner, Brent Lambi, was given a certificate of appreciation. Thanks to a $10,000 donation, the department was able to purchase 36 Airsoft guns and 70 training weapons.
At a Police Board meeting on Tuesday morning, officials acknowledged how updated airsoft training helped them to better handle gunmen in heavily populated areas,
Situations like the Ward Parkway shooting spree in 2007 sparked the idea for the training. When an officer went outside of his normal training to stop a gunman at the Ward Parkway shooting, police said it changed the way they did things and sparked a new shooting course.
Officers said it paid off on Monday when there was the potential for another violent incident after a man threatened everyone inside the Northland Walmart. Police did not find a gunman at the store, but they were prepared becuase of the airsoft guns and training they had.
The Police Department said the airsoft training was thanks to a donation by an area business owner. The business owner, Brent Lambi, was given a certificate of appreciation. Thanks to a $10,000 donation, the department was able to purchase 36 Airsoft guns and 70 training weapons.
At a Police Board meeting on Tuesday morning, officials acknowledged how updated airsoft training helped them to better handle gunmen in heavily populated areas,
Situations like the Ward Parkway shooting spree in 2007 sparked the idea for the training. When an officer went outside of his normal training to stop a gunman at the Ward Parkway shooting, police said it changed the way they did things and sparked a new shooting course.
Officers said it paid off on Monday when there was the potential for another violent incident after a man threatened everyone inside the Northland Walmart. Police did not find a gunman at the store, but they were prepared becuase of the airsoft guns and training they had.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Soldiers test integration of popular civilian airsoft game into pre-deployment training
FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- What began as a popular form of civilian entertainment is being tested on Fort Jackson as a possible new way to train Soldiers preparing to head to a combat zone.
The 187th Ordnance Battalion is operating a pilot program designed to test the feasibility of using Airsoft weapons to train Soldiers to cope with real-world combat situations such as forward operating base operations and force protection.
Airsoft weapons are replicas of their military counterparts, but fire plastic pellets instead of bullets. Airsoft is widely used by civilians who enjoy organizing military simulations and historical reenactments.
Training cadre with the unit are finding that Airsoft is an ideal way to teach Soldiers valuable lessons about combat.
"It gives them more realistic, outcome-based training," said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Hunt, module chief for the battalion. "Now they know when they get hit during a training exercise."
The battalion has been using Airsoft weapons since the spring at its field training site where soldiers learn basic combat tactics in an urban environment. Like Hunt, all of the cadre at the FTX site are combat veterans. Hunt said the Airsoft weapons give the training another level of sophistication and realism that is hard to attain with other training tools such as the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, which has been in use for years.
Soldiers at the site practice reflexive fire and other tactical skills while armed with airsoft M4, M9 and M249, the airsoft guns weapons they most likely will use in combat. While practicing tactical movements, such as clearing rooms or exiting a vehicle in an ambush, the Soldiers come under fire from Airsoft guns weapons. The feedback is instant if a Soldier makes a mistake.
"I got hit and it stung a little bit," Pvt. Joshua Kolometz said after undergoing reflexive fire training. "This gives you a realistic feel of what combat will be like."
That's exactly what the Airsoft gun training program is intended to impart, said Company B's 1st Sgt. Chris Arnold. "This has a huge impact on training realism," Arnold said. "If you make a mistake during training, you know you've made a mistake."
Maj. Benjamin Kratz, the battalion's executive officer, said data is being collected on Fort Jackson's Airsoft gun pilot program so that it can be determined if it should be implemented Army wide.
Kratz said initial data shows that Airsoft ammunition is much cheaper to use in training than the traditional blank ammunition used with MILES or equipping weapons with specially-designed bolts to fire paintball rounds. Kratz said one blank M-16 round costs as much as 32 Airsoft rounds. The Airsoft rounds used on Fort Jackson are biodegradable, which is a benefit over using traditional blank rounds.
"We go through a lot of blank rounds here on Fort Jackson," Kratz said. "What the data doesn't show yet is how long the Airsoft weapons last and how much the replacement parts and other ongoing costs are."
Kratz said the Airsoft training so far has accomplished what was intended.
"This is the last stop before Soldiers go to their gaining units downrange," he said. "What they learn here will save lives."
The 187th Ordnance Battalion is operating a pilot program designed to test the feasibility of using Airsoft weapons to train Soldiers to cope with real-world combat situations such as forward operating base operations and force protection.
Airsoft weapons are replicas of their military counterparts, but fire plastic pellets instead of bullets. Airsoft is widely used by civilians who enjoy organizing military simulations and historical reenactments.
Training cadre with the unit are finding that Airsoft is an ideal way to teach Soldiers valuable lessons about combat.
"It gives them more realistic, outcome-based training," said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Hunt, module chief for the battalion. "Now they know when they get hit during a training exercise."
The battalion has been using Airsoft weapons since the spring at its field training site where soldiers learn basic combat tactics in an urban environment. Like Hunt, all of the cadre at the FTX site are combat veterans. Hunt said the Airsoft weapons give the training another level of sophistication and realism that is hard to attain with other training tools such as the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, which has been in use for years.
Soldiers at the site practice reflexive fire and other tactical skills while armed with airsoft M4, M9 and M249, the airsoft guns weapons they most likely will use in combat. While practicing tactical movements, such as clearing rooms or exiting a vehicle in an ambush, the Soldiers come under fire from Airsoft guns weapons. The feedback is instant if a Soldier makes a mistake.
"I got hit and it stung a little bit," Pvt. Joshua Kolometz said after undergoing reflexive fire training. "This gives you a realistic feel of what combat will be like."
That's exactly what the Airsoft gun training program is intended to impart, said Company B's 1st Sgt. Chris Arnold. "This has a huge impact on training realism," Arnold said. "If you make a mistake during training, you know you've made a mistake."
Maj. Benjamin Kratz, the battalion's executive officer, said data is being collected on Fort Jackson's Airsoft gun pilot program so that it can be determined if it should be implemented Army wide.
Kratz said initial data shows that Airsoft ammunition is much cheaper to use in training than the traditional blank ammunition used with MILES or equipping weapons with specially-designed bolts to fire paintball rounds. Kratz said one blank M-16 round costs as much as 32 Airsoft rounds. The Airsoft rounds used on Fort Jackson are biodegradable, which is a benefit over using traditional blank rounds.
"We go through a lot of blank rounds here on Fort Jackson," Kratz said. "What the data doesn't show yet is how long the Airsoft weapons last and how much the replacement parts and other ongoing costs are."
Kratz said the Airsoft training so far has accomplished what was intended.
"This is the last stop before Soldiers go to their gaining units downrange," he said. "What they learn here will save lives."
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Even a Child Can Understand the Value of Integrated Marketing and Airsoft Sniper Rifles
Jennifer Modarelli Is truly integrated marketing achievable? I'm happy to report that it is.
I was recently the target of a sophisticated, fully integrated one-to-one marketing campaign that lasted over five months and resulted in a successful sale. The marketer made full use of available channels to build a detailed case in a logical sequence. The benefits-driven messaging appeared in print (targeted mailers), digital (e-mail, text messaging) and community (which connected me to other potential buyers in the same consideration cycle and facilitated dialogue).
The marketer achieved all this despite some distinct disadvantages: a poor track record in past efforts; a historical lack of follow-through; and, most significantly, a recent, drastic reduction in his capacity for short-term memory. All of these disadvantages, I'm told, are common in adolescent boys.
Yes, my son's multichannel campaign to win me over to the cause of purchasing a UTG Shadow OPs Competition Airsoft Sniper Rifle for his birthday was ultimately successful. And, as in all such campaigns, success could not be attributed to any single channel, but rather to all of them working in concert, backed by an astonishing degree of motivation and his need for an Airsoft Sniper Rifle of course.
Now, I'm not claiming to be raising some kind of marketing prodigy who loves Airsoft Sniper Rifle's. On the contrary, I think my son implictly understood that channel integration was essential in the same way that we all understand it: The best campaigns fire on all cylinders. But unlike us poor adult marketers, he wasn't hampered by bureaucracy, multiple stakeholders, decreasing budgets, organizational constraints, or fear.
In the real world, these constraints often keep us from executing the perfectly obvious plan, and they steal time and energy away from achieving the task we have set out to do. We find ourselves spending 60% of our time managing the bureaucracy and managing the fear, leaving far too little time and investment to execute for success.
But I find hope in our continued commitment to our clients and our industry to bring out the value in what we intuitively know how to do. In this economic climate, trust and patience between and within organizations and agencies are fragile at best. As agencies, we will likely never get pushed harder to make 40 equal 100. But hey, let's keep trying.
And just as we create success for our customers, we can also create success and growth for ourselves. After all, if an adolescent can do it then so can we.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Airsoft and Videogames in the Olympics? Olympic Athletes Sound Off
NEW YORK — Many competitive airsoft enthusiasts and gamers have said that they’d like to one day see videogames added to the Olympics. But what do actual Olympic athletes have to say about it?
At a photo shoot in Manhattan for Sega’s upcoming game based on the 2010 winter games in Vancouver, Wired.com asked the four athletes that will appear on the game’s cover the same question: Should Airsoft and videogames become an Olympic sport?
The athletes were evenly divided between gamers and non-gamers: U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn loves her Nintendo DS, and Canadian snowboarder Matthew Morison is a self-professed “Xbox 360 fanboy.”
On the other hand, U.S. snowboarder Seth Wescott and Canadian speed skater Kristina Groves identified as “non-gamers.”
What were their takes on this proposal? Airsoft? Read on and find out.
Seth Wescott, 33, U.S. snowboarder:
“I’d have to disagree with (the idea that gaming should be an Olympic sport). I think that there are a ton of unique skills in gaming, just as there is with Airsoft guns, like the speed and hand-eye coordination and the dexterity of all the different controls and stuff. But I have a hard time of applying that to the real-life, actual physical efforts of sports.Matthew Morison, 22, Canadian snowboarder:
“(Gaming is) definitely a sport. I’ve watched a few of those gaming tournaments and the guys that are doing it are unreal. Once in a while, I’ll go online in Call of Duty, and I can’t stay alive for 10 seconds. Those guys are phenomenal gamers. The guys are so good at it, and you have to spend a lot of time training in the game to be that good.”
“But an Olympic sport? I’m a little iffy on that one. (Olympic) athletes can use brute force to make their way through to do their event, while in gaming you have to use hand-eye coordinate and strategy but it’s less physical. So I really don’t know.”
“It’s such a gray area, because so many sports inside the system do get turned down. If gaming made it into the Olympics, some people would say, ‘Then why not Airsoft? why not this? Why not that?’ Where does it stop? It’s out of my league! (laughs) It wouldn’t offend me if gaming became an Olympic sport. But I’ll stick to real snowboarding.”
Kristina Groves, 32, Canadian speed skater:
“I’m more of a speed skater; I’m not a big gamer. I would say that I don’t agree with (gaming being included in the Olympics) just because sport is a very physical domain. You can’t just imitate the sport; the whole idea of sport is doing it.”
“You can have gaming competitions but to be an Olympic sport is maybe a bit of a stretch. Gaming is still fun for people and it’s definitely entertaining, but as an actual sport like Airsoft, I don’t think so.”
Lindsey Vonn, 24, U.S. downhill skier:
“I think gaming should definitely be considered a competitive sport. It’s like anything else. If there are people that want to compete, there should be a sport. Whether it should be in the Olympics or not, I don’t know. Then that would be the question of what games should be an Olympic sport. There could be millions of games that could be an Olympic sport, like poker. That would open up a lot of cans of worms in that sense.”
“But that doesn’t necessarily rule (gaming) out. Maybe they can have their own Olympics; I’m sure they have their own world championships and stuff like that. Each sport has their own elite level of competition. I mean, if people are into it and there’s a lot of attention, then you never know how far it’s going to go.”
“If gaming was an Olympic sport and a skiing game or Airsoft was one of the events, I would definitely try to win an Olympic medal in virtual skiing. (laughs) That could be in one year, in five years or 10 years — you never know when that would happen. Maybe I’ll be done with real skiing by then so I’ll try to win an Olympic medal in gaming. I’d be into that.”
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Teens train for future with airsoft guns
CEDAR CITY - It was 8 a.m. when a group of determined teens began an intense workout in a back room of the Iron County Sheriff's Office and another group started defensive tactics training in the basement.
In less than an hour, the basement group of nine boys and four girls had learned basic handcuffing techniques, a skill most parents would not think their children would know at age 16.
But for the 25 students signed up for the ICSO Junior Deputy Academy, this is just the beginning of a three-week, full instruction program geared toward those wanting a future career in law enforcement.
"We're going to teach you everything our officers learn in training," deputy Nick Gibson told his defensive tactics class early Wednesday morning, three days into the academy. "Some of this stuff hurts, some of it doesn't feel good - be responsible."
The students learn arrest control, combat and ground tactics as part of the defense class, Gibson explained to the group as they warmed up.
Other classes during the academy teach physical training, ICSO structure and chain of command, ethics in law enforcement, constitutional law, Utah criminal law, investigations tactics, evidence collection, narcotics investigations, emergency vehicle operation and firearms using Airsoft guns.
The students and instructors, all ICSO employees, have a busy daily schedule from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., leading to a graduation ceremony July 31, but so far there are no student complaints. Especially not with the use of Airsoft.
"I thought they were going to run our butts off (the first day)," 13-year-old Jordan Maxwell of unincorporated Iron County said. "But it wasn't too bad."
Maxwell joined the academy with friend and neighbor, Michael Matheson, 15, both planning to join law enforcement after their formal education is complete.
Maxwell's grandfather works for ICSO and Matheson's uncle is an officer in California, the teen said, inspiring them to follow similar paths.
Kaneasha Hiertzler, 17, decided to join the academy for the same reason, her father being a deputy who specializes in gangs for ICSO.
"I want to do what my dad does," Hiertzler said, noting her interest when she visits her dad at work or asks to drive his truck with the siren, which she has so far not tried.
Hiertzler's 14-year-old sister Joni is also in the academy, joining more for the chance to do something different over the summer.
Even at a young age, Joni and Kaneasha say the physical aspects and often-grueling schedules are not bad.
"I'm a soccer player, so that helps," Joni said, along with several other academy students who also play sports regularly.
Deputy Aaron Pallesen, who teaches many of the law classes in the academy and helps with physical training in the morning, said this is the first year of the day camp with plans to expand next summer.
The academy is open to all high school students, with minimal cost, having only to purchase uniforms.Thursday, July 09, 2009
Police arrest teens suspected in multiple Longmont burglaries
LONGMONT — Three teenagers suspected of at least five burglaries or attempted burglaries were arrested by police early Wednesday.
According to Longmont police, Officer Cary Nickolls saw the three teens at about 1:40 a.m., approaching Sports Authority, 2251 Ken Pratt Boulevard. When he stopped the three, police said, Nickolls found one teen hiding a set of bolt cutters behind his leg and another hiding a “loot bag” under his jacket.
One boy ran from the scene but was caught by police. A truck the teens had driven to the area was found hidden several blocks away, police said.
Cmdr. Tim Lewis of the police department said they had a variety of other tools usable for break-ins, and that none of the adolescents had a prior record for burglary.
“These boys weren’t on the radar at all,” Lewis said. “Just a new summertime job for them — and not an appropriate use of their time.”
The boys — aged 15, 16 and 17 — face possible charges of attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools. In a report, Lewis said detectives also believe the boys are responsible for:
An attempted June 11 burglary at K-Mart, 2151 Main St.
A June 11 burglary at Tables and Tea Cups, 1420 Nelson Road.
A June 16 burglary at Sports Authority.
An attempted burglary on June 20 or 21 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 210 Ken Pratt Boulevard.
Lewis said several items from the previous burglaries had been recovered, including swords, knives, pellet guns, airsoft guns and bear spray.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Game Face And National Guard To Host Airsoft Skirmish At Watkins Glen International
ROCHESTER, New York - Game Face Airsoft has partnered with the United States National Guard to sponsor an airsoft skirmish event for National Guardsmen and women and interested members of the public at the Camping World Grand Prix at the Watkins Glen IndyCar Series over the July Fourth weekend. During the weekend, a variety of National Guard and open-to-the-public airsoft skirmishes will be held.
Game Face Airsoft will supply airsoft guns, ammunition and advisors for the skirmishes at the National Guard booth site at the Glen. According to Mark DeBoard, Director of Shooting Services at Crosman, “If you want to experience the excitement of an airsoft skirmish, come watch the National Guard soldiers in action, and then gear up with safety gear and try it yourself. This is the first skirmish to feature our Game Face AEG’s made by Classic Army using the new, Game Face Verdict Marking BB’s.” Verdict Marking BB’s leave a colored mark when they hit at velocities greater than 60 feet per second “verifying that players have actually hit their target,” said DeBoard. “We’ll be playing an ‘objective’ type game requiring teams to engage a mission focused on capturing each others’ team flags. For this airsoft skirmish event, five member teams must complete their mission and reach their objective, while preventing the other team from capturing their flag,” said DeBoard.
Major John Sandefur of the National Guard is handling the skirmish obstacle details at the Glen and will supply the site with military vehicles and battlefield props to lend authenticity to the event. “You’ll be able to watch Guard soldiers actually skirmishing and then test your own skill,” said Sandefur.
“This is not Crosman’s first experience at the Glen,” said DeBoard. “For the last three summers we’ve been at the Glen with our airguns and archery products during NASCAR race events, and found the race spectators really excited to have hands-on experience with our products. The chance to partner with the National Guard offers us a great opportunity to show race fans our new Game Face Airsoft line of high end Classic Army airsoft guns, and state-of- the-art Game Face Verdict Marking BB’s, while helping the National Guard with their recruiting efforts,” states DeBoard.
For members of the public to participate in the skirmish, they must be at least 18 years of age, and wear the eye protection provided by Game Face Airsoft. The National Guard site can be found along the East Midway between Richardson and Seagraves Roads at the Glen.
UPDATE! - Airsoft Gun Park Approved
The Collinsville City Council has approved zoning changes for The Break, a paintball and Airsoft gun facility on the western edge of the city.
The approval on Monday gives developers the go-ahead to set up and begin operating at 4604 Fairmont Ave.
The game area is planned for 48 acres between Fairmount Park Race Track, the Collinsville Waste Water Plant and Interstate 255. Developers were given a temporary placeholder permit lasting five years, allowing them to put up portable toilets, a hand washing station, concession building and large props along the game field.
The site is for airsoft guns practice and games.
The approval on Monday gives developers the go-ahead to set up and begin operating at 4604 Fairmont Ave.
The game area is planned for 48 acres between Fairmount Park Race Track, the Collinsville Waste Water Plant and Interstate 255. Developers were given a temporary placeholder permit lasting five years, allowing them to put up portable toilets, a hand washing station, concession building and large props along the game field.
The site is for airsoft guns practice and games.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
HK Hates Airsofters
Apparently Heckler and Koch is now suing every manufacturer of Airsoft guns for copyright infringement…
Oh, you have no idea the delicious irony of this moment. See, when I wrote my “HK, because you suck, and we hate you” rant a couple of years ago, I did it as somebody in the gun business who didn’t like the way they did business. As a store owner and NFA guy, HK was a pain in the rear to deal with. Since that time, that one rant has gotten more hits than anything that I’ve ever written, and I get constant hate mail from people who tell me I’m a big-stupid-mean-jerk-face for not worshipping at the altar of Teutonic superiority.
Ironically, most of that hate mail has come from Airsofters. My rant has shown up on every airsoft gun forum you can think of, including ones in German, French, and Slovokian (I think). I can always tell when those links get posted because then I then get fifty e-mails telling me how stupid and poor I am, and that I need to go play with my Rugers because I must be too poor to appreciate real guns.
Oh, wait, Ruger makes a piston AR now too… So how are you guys enjoying those HK 416s that you all swore to me would be available TWO YEARS ago? Oh, yes, I know, Delta Force uses the 416… It really is that awesome. I’m sure it is the finest killing machine ever forged by the hand of man or god, but you just can’t have one, because you still suck, and they still hate you.
One day I’m sure that HK will make 416s available for civilians for twice as much money as their competitors, and then I’ll get a couple thousand e-mails telling me how stupid and wrong I was several years after I posted the rant… The internet is timeless in its own way. So you guys just keep your fingers crossed, and I’m sure your 416 will be delivered by a magic leprechaun riding a pegasus, and it will only be years after every other gun company in the world has already been selling thousands of copies of whatever their assault rifle is in the US for less money.
Heck, I’m waiting for the Marlin Advanced Combat Rifle to come out the same time as the Perazzi forward-ejecting Battle Bullpup.
Oh, man, I’m laughing out loud as I type this. Because all those Airsofters who’ve given me crap are now getting sued by HK! Not only do they not want you to have their real guns, they don’t want you to own airsoft guns that look like their weapons. That’s a whole new level of hate.
Ironically, this is about the stupidest thing they could have done from a business perspective. So either the Airsoft manufacturers will pay them a tiny royalty, or more likely they will just alter the design enough not to be a trademark violation. If HK was a normal company, they would realize that they’re kicking their fan base and their stalwart internet defenders in the crotch, but you’ve got to remember that actually hating the people who purchase their products is standard operating procedure there.
It seems like every other gun company I’ve dealt with actually encourages Airsoft companies to make guns of theirs available to the public, because that just increases brand awareness. It is just like getting their gun put into a movie as a prop. It doesn’t hurt their overall sales. What… you were totally going to buy that USP .45, but went with the one that shot plastic BBs instead because of the cost?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
KSPR Confronts Convicted Killer Posing as ATF Agent with Airsoft Gun
KSPR confronted Mark "Maverick" Sager shortly after he posted bond on Tuesday. His neighbors at the Indian Point Marina say they were glad to see him go, but he surprised them by reappearing one day after he was arrested for impersonating an officer.
In the early months of 2009 an individual known as “Maverick” befriended several law enforcement officials in Stone County. “Maverick” lives on a boat at the Indian Point Marina and openly spoke about his past as a retired A.T.F. agent throughout the community.
“Maverick” had a retired police vehicle that he outfitted with lights, sirens and two way radio communications. He explained that although retired, he kept his car ready to assist where needed, and carried a firearm as protection from people he had dealt with in the past. He would also walk around the marina with an exposed airsoft gun, handcuffs, pager, phone and a spare airsoft gun magazine on his belt.
“Maverick” would “back up” law enforcement officers on different occasions by arriving on scene of a traffic stop or a call for service. As Stone County Deputies interacted with “Maverick” more frequently, they became suspicious and ran a criminal background check.
“Maverick” was identified as Mark Sager from the Platte County Area in Northern Kansas City. A criminal records check revealed that Mark Sager was arrested for Capital Murder in 1977 and was convicted of Manslaughter for the murder of a 14 year old girl when he was 17 years of age.
Mark Sager, white male 48 years of age, was arrested on June 22, 2009 at the Indian Point Marina. At the time of arrest he was wearing a makeshift duty belt as described earlier. It was determined that the weapon was an airsoft Glock Pistol.
Mark Sager has been charged with False Impersonation of a Law Enforcement Officer, a Class A Misdemeanor, and his bond has been set at $5,000 cash or surety. The investigation continues.
In the early months of 2009 an individual known as “Maverick” befriended several law enforcement officials in Stone County. “Maverick” lives on a boat at the Indian Point Marina and openly spoke about his past as a retired A.T.F. agent throughout the community.
“Maverick” had a retired police vehicle that he outfitted with lights, sirens and two way radio communications. He explained that although retired, he kept his car ready to assist where needed, and carried a firearm as protection from people he had dealt with in the past. He would also walk around the marina with an exposed airsoft gun, handcuffs, pager, phone and a spare airsoft gun magazine on his belt.
“Maverick” would “back up” law enforcement officers on different occasions by arriving on scene of a traffic stop or a call for service. As Stone County Deputies interacted with “Maverick” more frequently, they became suspicious and ran a criminal background check.
“Maverick” was identified as Mark Sager from the Platte County Area in Northern Kansas City. A criminal records check revealed that Mark Sager was arrested for Capital Murder in 1977 and was convicted of Manslaughter for the murder of a 14 year old girl when he was 17 years of age.
Mark Sager, white male 48 years of age, was arrested on June 22, 2009 at the Indian Point Marina. At the time of arrest he was wearing a makeshift duty belt as described earlier. It was determined that the weapon was an airsoft Glock Pistol.
Mark Sager has been charged with False Impersonation of a Law Enforcement Officer, a Class A Misdemeanor, and his bond has been set at $5,000 cash or surety. The investigation continues.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Airsoft gun fights coming to Collinsville?
A group of entrepreneurs wants to turn an empty Collinsville field into a major destination for airsoft gun games.
The City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a permit for The Break, a 48-acre course near Fairmount Park Race Track.
The park is planned on an empty parcel at 4604 Fairmont Ave. just west of the Collinsville Waste Water Plant and southeast of Interstate 255. Players on the course will use compressed air-powered guns for paintball and airsoft, which uses pellets.
The developer is Crossroads Development Group, the same company marketing a $573 million soccer stadium near interstates 255 and 55/70 in Collinsville.
The Planning Commission approved the plans earlier this month.
"It's a very unique project," said Assistant Community Development Director Mitch Bair. "They are planning to draw in airsoft gun national tournaments, which could be great business for local hotels and restaurants. It has the potential for great secondary impact."
The developers are seeking a temporary placeholder permit. The project will include a double row of nets, a gravel parking lot, portable toilets, a hand-washing station and a temporary storage building where they could sell equipment and concessions, according to plans.
Co-owner Jed Wilson said the fields will also include a 30-acre city scene where gamers can run around replica buildings, helicopters, airplanes, buses and trucks.
"Anything we can to resemble a real war-like setting," he said, adding that he's already received interest from law enforcement groups wanting to use the site to help with training.
The permit allows city officials to review the facility's operations and force changes if any problems pop up - such as needing more toilets, increasing setbacks or adding parking.
Although the semi-rural property is already zoned by the city for commercial use, the Planning Commission had issues with the best use of the land, Bair said. There were also concerns about gunshots scaring horses at nearby Fairmount Park, something the developers plan to address during construction.
"It's a difficult site," Bair said. "What do you put next to a sewer treatment plant?"
The project also received a letter of support from Fairmount Park President Brian Zander saying that he was working with owners on co-promotion ideas and parking arrangements.
Wilson said the group wants to make the facility more permanent in the future, with large airsoft fields and a target shooting range.
If approved Monday, Bair said, the owners are hoping to get the facility running in about 30 days to take advantage of the current recreational season. Once off the ground, it would remain open all year long.
Representatives from Crossroads Development did not return calls about the project.
The City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a permit for The Break, a 48-acre course near Fairmount Park Race Track.
The park is planned on an empty parcel at 4604 Fairmont Ave. just west of the Collinsville Waste Water Plant and southeast of Interstate 255. Players on the course will use compressed air-powered guns for paintball and airsoft, which uses pellets.
The developer is Crossroads Development Group, the same company marketing a $573 million soccer stadium near interstates 255 and 55/70 in Collinsville.
The Planning Commission approved the plans earlier this month.
"It's a very unique project," said Assistant Community Development Director Mitch Bair. "They are planning to draw in airsoft gun national tournaments, which could be great business for local hotels and restaurants. It has the potential for great secondary impact."
The developers are seeking a temporary placeholder permit. The project will include a double row of nets, a gravel parking lot, portable toilets, a hand-washing station and a temporary storage building where they could sell equipment and concessions, according to plans.
Co-owner Jed Wilson said the fields will also include a 30-acre city scene where gamers can run around replica buildings, helicopters, airplanes, buses and trucks.
"Anything we can to resemble a real war-like setting," he said, adding that he's already received interest from law enforcement groups wanting to use the site to help with training.
The permit allows city officials to review the facility's operations and force changes if any problems pop up - such as needing more toilets, increasing setbacks or adding parking.
Although the semi-rural property is already zoned by the city for commercial use, the Planning Commission had issues with the best use of the land, Bair said. There were also concerns about gunshots scaring horses at nearby Fairmount Park, something the developers plan to address during construction.
"It's a difficult site," Bair said. "What do you put next to a sewer treatment plant?"
The project also received a letter of support from Fairmount Park President Brian Zander saying that he was working with owners on co-promotion ideas and parking arrangements.
Wilson said the group wants to make the facility more permanent in the future, with large airsoft fields and a target shooting range.
If approved Monday, Bair said, the owners are hoping to get the facility running in about 30 days to take advantage of the current recreational season. Once off the ground, it would remain open all year long.
Representatives from Crossroads Development did not return calls about the project.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Hard Times for the Mil-Sim Market?
Heckler and Koch, manufacturers of military and civilian firearms has filed suit with several paintball and airsoft manufacturers citing trademark infringment. It’s impossible to say if these lawsuits will ultimately be successful, but it’s a troubling precendent during an economic downturn.
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. BT Paintball Designs, Inc.
Lawsuit Details
RFC Case Number: T-H09-689B
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00689-DFH-TAB
File Date: Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Brian J. McGinnis, Darlene R. Seymour of Continental Enterprises
Defendant: BT Paintball Designs, Inc.
Cause: 15:1125 Trademark Infringement (Lanham Act)
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge David Frank Hamilton
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker
__________________________________________________ _______________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Tippman Sports LLC et al
RFC Case Number: T-H09-560T
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00560-WTL-TAB
File Date: Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Brian J. McGinnis, Darlene R. Seymour of Continental Enterprises
Defendant: Tippman Sports LLC
Tigerstripe Paintball LLC
Cause: 15:1114 Trademark Infringement
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge William T. Lawrence
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker
__________________________________________________ _____________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Precision Airsoft, LLC
RFC Case Number: T-H09-485P
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00485-SEB-JMS
File Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Darlene R. Seymour - Attorney at Law
Defendant: Precision Airsoft, LLC
Cause: 28:1331 Fed. Question: Trademark
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge Sarah Evans Barker
Referred To: Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson
__________________________________________________ ___________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Professional Arms, LLC
RFC Case Number: T-H09-387P
Court Case Number: 3:09-cv-00387-AC
File Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Paul G. Dodds of Brownstein Rask Sweeney Kerr Grim
Defendant: Professional Arms, LLC
Cause: 15:1114 Trademark Infringement
Court: Oregon District Court
Judge: Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta
__________________________________________________ ____________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Coharie Arms, Inc.
RFC Case Number: T-H09-184C
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00184-RLY-JMS
File Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Darlene R. Seymour - Attorney at Law
Defendant: Coharie Arms, Inc.
Special Weapons, Inc.
Cause: 28:1441 Petition for Removal
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge Richard L. Young
Referred To: Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson
Notes: NOTICE OF REMOVAL from Hamilton County Superior Court, case number 29D02-0810-PL-1323.
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. BT Paintball Designs, Inc.
Lawsuit Details
RFC Case Number: T-H09-689B
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00689-DFH-TAB
File Date: Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Brian J. McGinnis, Darlene R. Seymour of Continental Enterprises
Defendant: BT Paintball Designs, Inc.
Cause: 15:1125 Trademark Infringement (Lanham Act)
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge David Frank Hamilton
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker
__________________________________________________ _______________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Tippman Sports LLC et al
RFC Case Number: T-H09-560T
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00560-WTL-TAB
File Date: Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Brian J. McGinnis, Darlene R. Seymour of Continental Enterprises
Defendant: Tippman Sports LLC
Tigerstripe Paintball LLC
Cause: 15:1114 Trademark Infringement
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge William T. Lawrence
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker
__________________________________________________ _____________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Precision Airsoft, LLC
RFC Case Number: T-H09-485P
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00485-SEB-JMS
File Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Darlene R. Seymour - Attorney at Law
Defendant: Precision Airsoft, LLC
Cause: 28:1331 Fed. Question: Trademark
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge Sarah Evans Barker
Referred To: Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson
__________________________________________________ ___________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Professional Arms, LLC
RFC Case Number: T-H09-387P
Court Case Number: 3:09-cv-00387-AC
File Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Paul G. Dodds of Brownstein Rask Sweeney Kerr Grim
Defendant: Professional Arms, LLC
Cause: 15:1114 Trademark Infringement
Court: Oregon District Court
Judge: Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta
__________________________________________________ ____________
Heckler & Koch, Inc. v. Coharie Arms, Inc.
RFC Case Number: T-H09-184C
Court Case Number: 1:09-cv-00184-RLY-JMS
File Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Plaintiff: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Darlene R. Seymour - Attorney at Law
Defendant: Coharie Arms, Inc.
Special Weapons, Inc.
Cause: 28:1441 Petition for Removal
Court: Indiana Southern District Court
Judge: Judge Richard L. Young
Referred To: Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson
Notes: NOTICE OF REMOVAL from Hamilton County Superior Court, case number 29D02-0810-PL-1323.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Realistic scenarios prepare officers for the worst
SPRINGFIELD — Four officers, guns drawn, formed a tight circle as they worked their way down the silent hall where an armed suspect had just shot a woman and fled to a classroom.
Though they knew the greatest danger they faced in the halls of the former South High School on Friday, June 5, were the small red welts left by the pellets loaded in the Airsoft guns, officers participating in the “reality-based” training acknowledged accelerated heart rates and other signs of stress.
Thanks to a grant that allowed the Springfield Police Division to purchase Airsoft guns — which look, sound and feel like the real thing, but shoot only small white pellets that leave a mark but don’t break the skin — a “cutting edge” technology that allows officers to simulate an active shooter scenario from start to finish, said Sgt. Joe Tedeschi.
“This makes it more real by way of force on force,” he said.
Springfield officers have done the training, and this week 46 officers from across Clark County participated in daylong sessions of classroom work and scenarios in the halls of South, he said.
Active shooters are commonly thought of as school shooters but in recent years, those shootings have happened in other gathering places within a community, such as churches or government offices, Tedeschi said.
Although the shootings aren’t common, departments have to be prepared, he said.
“We have to take precautions,” he said. “It could happen anywhere.”
In addition to playing out active shooter scenarios, the training sessions help officers develop other skills useful on the job every day, such as communication, assessing situations and searching a building, said Lt. Lee Graf.
“Even though we’re training for an active shooter, training for the worst-case scenario, it plays on all the fundamentals,” he said.
Though they knew the greatest danger they faced in the halls of the former South High School on Friday, June 5, were the small red welts left by the pellets loaded in the Airsoft guns, officers participating in the “reality-based” training acknowledged accelerated heart rates and other signs of stress.
Thanks to a grant that allowed the Springfield Police Division to purchase Airsoft guns — which look, sound and feel like the real thing, but shoot only small white pellets that leave a mark but don’t break the skin — a “cutting edge” technology that allows officers to simulate an active shooter scenario from start to finish, said Sgt. Joe Tedeschi.
“This makes it more real by way of force on force,” he said.
Springfield officers have done the training, and this week 46 officers from across Clark County participated in daylong sessions of classroom work and scenarios in the halls of South, he said.
Active shooters are commonly thought of as school shooters but in recent years, those shootings have happened in other gathering places within a community, such as churches or government offices, Tedeschi said.
Although the shootings aren’t common, departments have to be prepared, he said.
“We have to take precautions,” he said. “It could happen anywhere.”
In addition to playing out active shooter scenarios, the training sessions help officers develop other skills useful on the job every day, such as communication, assessing situations and searching a building, said Lt. Lee Graf.
“Even though we’re training for an active shooter, training for the worst-case scenario, it plays on all the fundamentals,” he said.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Ruling clears officer in death with airsoft gun
The Allen County prosecutor has determined a Fort Wayne police officer was justified in shooting and killing a suspect from an Avilla bank robbery in January who was using an airsoft gun.
Police believed Anthony Taylor, 37, of Bluffton was armed with a handgun and walking near businesses with people inside when officer Peter Mooney opened fire about 7:20 p.m. Jan. 14, Prosecutor Karen Richards said.
Taylor had gotten out of the taxi he was riding in after police pulled it over in the parking lot of Marathon Stop ‘N’ Go, 4233 N. Clinton St.
He ignored officers’ commands and was walking behind Aspen Dental, 720 Coliseum Blvd. E., and the adjacent Centennial Wireless store.
When Taylor turned toward police with what looked like a pistol in his hand, Mooney fired three shots from his 9 mm service pistol, striking Taylor once. Taylor died from his injuries at Parkview Hospital, police said.
When investigators examined Taylor’s weapon, they realized it was not a firearm but a realistic-looking Airsoft gun of a popular semiautomatic pistol.
But because Mooney believed the replica airsoft gun was a deadly weapon, he was acting to defend himself and his fellow officers, Richards said. The Airsoft pistol shoots small plastic projectiles at low velocities.
“From everyone’s vantage point, it was a real weapon,” she said.
As a result, no charges will be filed against Mooney, the prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.
Taylor served eight years in prison for the 1996 robbery of the Huggy Bear Quick Stop in Warren. During a police pursuit after that robbery, Taylor shot at a Markle deputy marshal.
That information was broadcast to police as they tracked Taylor in Fort Wayne in January.
Authorities believe Taylor robbed a bank in Avilla earlier in the day and carjacked a woman in the bank’s parking lot.
He then dumped the stolen van in LaOtto and forced his sister to drive him to Fort Wayne, where police eventually caught up with him, authorities said.
In March, prosecutors ruled that a police sniper’s fatal shooting of 59-year-old Stephen Thompson on Jan. 7 was justified.
Thompson walked outside of his Kenwood Avenue house with a shotgun and pointed it in the direction of officers after he threatened to harm police, kill himself and blow up the neighborhood, according to authorities.
Last month, an officer shot and wounded 22-year-old Carleon M. Ragsdale, who was armed with a loaded handgun and fleeing police, authorities said.
The prosecutor’s office has not received that case from police investigators, prosecutor’s spokeswoman Robyn Niedzwiecki said.
Police believed Anthony Taylor, 37, of Bluffton was armed with a handgun and walking near businesses with people inside when officer Peter Mooney opened fire about 7:20 p.m. Jan. 14, Prosecutor Karen Richards said.
Taylor had gotten out of the taxi he was riding in after police pulled it over in the parking lot of Marathon Stop ‘N’ Go, 4233 N. Clinton St.
He ignored officers’ commands and was walking behind Aspen Dental, 720 Coliseum Blvd. E., and the adjacent Centennial Wireless store.
When Taylor turned toward police with what looked like a pistol in his hand, Mooney fired three shots from his 9 mm service pistol, striking Taylor once. Taylor died from his injuries at Parkview Hospital, police said.
When investigators examined Taylor’s weapon, they realized it was not a firearm but a realistic-looking Airsoft gun of a popular semiautomatic pistol.
But because Mooney believed the replica airsoft gun was a deadly weapon, he was acting to defend himself and his fellow officers, Richards said. The Airsoft pistol shoots small plastic projectiles at low velocities.
“From everyone’s vantage point, it was a real weapon,” she said.
As a result, no charges will be filed against Mooney, the prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.
Taylor served eight years in prison for the 1996 robbery of the Huggy Bear Quick Stop in Warren. During a police pursuit after that robbery, Taylor shot at a Markle deputy marshal.
That information was broadcast to police as they tracked Taylor in Fort Wayne in January.
Authorities believe Taylor robbed a bank in Avilla earlier in the day and carjacked a woman in the bank’s parking lot.
He then dumped the stolen van in LaOtto and forced his sister to drive him to Fort Wayne, where police eventually caught up with him, authorities said.
In March, prosecutors ruled that a police sniper’s fatal shooting of 59-year-old Stephen Thompson on Jan. 7 was justified.
Thompson walked outside of his Kenwood Avenue house with a shotgun and pointed it in the direction of officers after he threatened to harm police, kill himself and blow up the neighborhood, according to authorities.
Last month, an officer shot and wounded 22-year-old Carleon M. Ragsdale, who was armed with a loaded handgun and fleeing police, authorities said.
The prosecutor’s office has not received that case from police investigators, prosecutor’s spokeswoman Robyn Niedzwiecki said.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Madison Police Crack Down On Fake Guns - Airsoft Guns
MADISON, Wis. -- Madison police said that they're seeing more incidents involving realistic-looking guns -- Airsoft or pellet guns -- in recent weeks and are taking steps to avert a potentially dangerous situation.
Officers said that some crooks are brazen enough to paint the black end of a real weapon orange to make it appear like a toy. Now, local police are launching their own assault on toy guns that look like the real thing.
"It's a recipe for disaster," said Officer Mike Hanson of the Madison Police Department.
The problem for law enforcement is that they often can't tell toy guns from the real deal. This puts police and those who bring the toy guns into the streets in a dangerous position -- even if the gun is just for play, WISC-TV reported.
"We have to assume every single gun is real until we prove otherwise," Hanson said. "We're very fortunate that nothing fatal has occurred due to a fake airsoft gun yet. But the way we're seeing them out there -- flashing them, using them, not obeying police commands to drop it -- it's frightening."
Middleton police said they're seeing the same thing.
"Works just like the real thing," said Middleton Police Sgt. Don Mueller, as he demonstrated the bolt-action on a pellet airsoft gun that one of his officers recently confiscated. The gun appears to be virtually identical to a sniper rifle.
"If somebody turned to me with this weapon, I'd shoot them without any compunction," Mueller said. "These are made to look as much as possible like a real weapon."
Officers said that the airsoft guns are often just for play, but sometimes they are a status symbol for children and young adults, both in and out of street gangs. They use the airsoft guns to intimidate peers or show the block who is boss, they said.
As a result, Madison police are starting to tell children as early as first grade that the fake airsoft guns are dangerous and put both the holder and officers in dangerous positions.
Several major retailers on Tuesday said that they don't sell toy guns. Dick's Sporting Goods, one carrier of Airsoft pellet guns, wouldn't comment, citing a policy not to talk about any gun sales. A BB gun at one local big-box retailer cost less than $30. The only requirement is that the purchaser is over the age of 16, and the clerk did ask to see identification.
Even colored guns are now a concern for police because most real weapons can now be purchased in almost any color -- including pink. That eliminates any possibility to distinguish between a fake and an actual firearm, WISC-TV reported.
"What we're trying to do is keep the neighborhood safe, so it's very frustrating this is going on throughout the city of Madison," Hanson said.
Officers said that some crooks are brazen enough to paint the black end of a real weapon orange to make it appear like a toy. Now, local police are launching their own assault on toy guns that look like the real thing.
"It's a recipe for disaster," said Officer Mike Hanson of the Madison Police Department.
The problem for law enforcement is that they often can't tell toy guns from the real deal. This puts police and those who bring the toy guns into the streets in a dangerous position -- even if the gun is just for play, WISC-TV reported.
"We have to assume every single gun is real until we prove otherwise," Hanson said. "We're very fortunate that nothing fatal has occurred due to a fake airsoft gun yet. But the way we're seeing them out there -- flashing them, using them, not obeying police commands to drop it -- it's frightening."
Middleton police said they're seeing the same thing.
"Works just like the real thing," said Middleton Police Sgt. Don Mueller, as he demonstrated the bolt-action on a pellet airsoft gun that one of his officers recently confiscated. The gun appears to be virtually identical to a sniper rifle.
"If somebody turned to me with this weapon, I'd shoot them without any compunction," Mueller said. "These are made to look as much as possible like a real weapon."
Officers said that the airsoft guns are often just for play, but sometimes they are a status symbol for children and young adults, both in and out of street gangs. They use the airsoft guns to intimidate peers or show the block who is boss, they said.
As a result, Madison police are starting to tell children as early as first grade that the fake airsoft guns are dangerous and put both the holder and officers in dangerous positions.
Several major retailers on Tuesday said that they don't sell toy guns. Dick's Sporting Goods, one carrier of Airsoft pellet guns, wouldn't comment, citing a policy not to talk about any gun sales. A BB gun at one local big-box retailer cost less than $30. The only requirement is that the purchaser is over the age of 16, and the clerk did ask to see identification.
Even colored guns are now a concern for police because most real weapons can now be purchased in almost any color -- including pink. That eliminates any possibility to distinguish between a fake and an actual firearm, WISC-TV reported.
"What we're trying to do is keep the neighborhood safe, so it's very frustrating this is going on throughout the city of Madison," Hanson said.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Hotel Guest Assaulted With Air soft Gun
Lafayette Police responded to a call at a hotel after a victim is shot with an airsoft pellet gun.
Officers responded to a call in the 100 block of Alcide Domingue and were advised by the victim that he was pepper sprayed and shot with an airsoft pellet gun.
The suspect, who was identified by the victim, was Troy Reed of Lafayette. According to the victim, after he was pepper sprayed he ran toward the hotel lobby. At this point the suspect began shooting him with the pellet gun. He was hit multiple times.
The victim entered the lobby and the manager on-duty began to help him. This was when the suspect began to shoot the manager. He chased the victim throughout the lobby and eating area. Reed fled the scene.
After the investigation, Reed turned himself into authorities. He was placed into custody and is being held at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. He is charged with Aggravated Battery. The case remains under investigation.
Officers responded to a call in the 100 block of Alcide Domingue and were advised by the victim that he was pepper sprayed and shot with an airsoft pellet gun.
The suspect, who was identified by the victim, was Troy Reed of Lafayette. According to the victim, after he was pepper sprayed he ran toward the hotel lobby. At this point the suspect began shooting him with the pellet gun. He was hit multiple times.
The victim entered the lobby and the manager on-duty began to help him. This was when the suspect began to shoot the manager. He chased the victim throughout the lobby and eating area. Reed fled the scene.
After the investigation, Reed turned himself into authorities. He was placed into custody and is being held at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. He is charged with Aggravated Battery. The case remains under investigation.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cedar Rapids tightens law on airsoft toy guns
Toy airsoft guns are being used in Cedar Rapids crimes, from criminal mischief to assault, and the city has changed an ordinance to control their use.
At the urging of police, the City Council has made it a misdemeanor offense to carry a loaded BB airsoft gun, air gun or pellet gun in the city limits. Juveniles cannot have the airsoft guns at all, loaded or unloaded, unless they are under adult supervision.
Police Capt. Bernie Walther said people have used the toy airsoft guns in hopes the victims will think they are real. It is easy for anyone, including a police officer, to mistake them for the real thing, he said.
"It makes no sense for anybody to be carrying one of things out in public, unless you're going to the range to do some shooting," Walther said. "That's all there is to it."
Three juveniles allegedly brandished an Airsoft gun, which uses compressed air to shoot plastic or metal pellets, when they robbed a 20-year-old man March 29. The robbery resulted in an assault causing very serious injuries to Officer Tim Davis, who responded to the call.
But most problems are with criminal mischief. Walther said damage to car windows during the past six years added up to about $1.4 million, at $200 per window. During one weekend in late February, BB guns were used to shoot out more than 150 car windows.
The ordinance was updated less than two weeks later, on March 11. There were fewer criminal mischief complaints during spring break this year than in the past, said Cedar Rapids police Chief Greg Graham.
The penalty for carrying any loaded weapon in the city, including the toy guns, airsoft included, is up to a $625 fine and as many as 30 days in jail. Six people have been cited since the ordinance was toughened.
Before the change, it was only illegal to discharge a BB gun, airsoft gun, or similar toy guns in the city — requiring officers to catch people in the act.
Uncle Stan's Military Surplus in Marion sells Airsoft guns. Employee Ben Kramer said the guns are very popular with kids "because they look very real."
At the urging of police, the City Council has made it a misdemeanor offense to carry a loaded BB airsoft gun, air gun or pellet gun in the city limits. Juveniles cannot have the airsoft guns at all, loaded or unloaded, unless they are under adult supervision.
Police Capt. Bernie Walther said people have used the toy airsoft guns in hopes the victims will think they are real. It is easy for anyone, including a police officer, to mistake them for the real thing, he said.
"It makes no sense for anybody to be carrying one of things out in public, unless you're going to the range to do some shooting," Walther said. "That's all there is to it."
Three juveniles allegedly brandished an Airsoft gun, which uses compressed air to shoot plastic or metal pellets, when they robbed a 20-year-old man March 29. The robbery resulted in an assault causing very serious injuries to Officer Tim Davis, who responded to the call.
But most problems are with criminal mischief. Walther said damage to car windows during the past six years added up to about $1.4 million, at $200 per window. During one weekend in late February, BB guns were used to shoot out more than 150 car windows.
The ordinance was updated less than two weeks later, on March 11. There were fewer criminal mischief complaints during spring break this year than in the past, said Cedar Rapids police Chief Greg Graham.
The penalty for carrying any loaded weapon in the city, including the toy guns, airsoft included, is up to a $625 fine and as many as 30 days in jail. Six people have been cited since the ordinance was toughened.
Before the change, it was only illegal to discharge a BB gun, airsoft gun, or similar toy guns in the city — requiring officers to catch people in the act.
Uncle Stan's Military Surplus in Marion sells Airsoft guns. Employee Ben Kramer said the guns are very popular with kids "because they look very real."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Accused car-jacker w/ airsoft gun to be arraigned Wednesday
Styles Johnson, arrested for car-jacking Friday night, will appear in Santa Clarita Superior Court at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to be arraigned.
Johnson, 19, of Los Angeles, was arrested after 10 p.m. Friday after he allegedly pointed an airsoft gun at a woman, who was driving her two teen children on Sandy Drive in Canyon Country, and robbed the mother of her car.
After a short pursuit on Highway 14, California High Patrol officers captured Johnson after he crashed into a median and tried to flee on foot.
The airsoft gun was later recovered and will be arraigned as if the airsoft gun was a real fire arm.
Johnson, 19, of Los Angeles, was arrested after 10 p.m. Friday after he allegedly pointed an airsoft gun at a woman, who was driving her two teen children on Sandy Drive in Canyon Country, and robbed the mother of her car.
After a short pursuit on Highway 14, California High Patrol officers captured Johnson after he crashed into a median and tried to flee on foot.
The airsoft gun was later recovered and will be arraigned as if the airsoft gun was a real fire arm.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mother Says D.C. Police Shot, Injured Boy Holding Toy Airsoft Gun
WASHINGTON - An outraged D.C. mother says her son was shot by D.C. police officers because, in part, he was playing with a airsoft toy gun.
The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Shepherd Street Northwest at around 6 p.m. May 4.
The 12-year-old boy and his dog Boss walk the streets of their neighborhood, but not without fear according to the child's mother, LaShawn English.
"I still can't believe that this happened to my son," she said.
English says the family's dog got out without his leash so her son chased after him down an alley, carrying a plastic Airsoft toy gun that shoots small pellets.
The toys are plastic, but from some online photos, they look quite real. The family suspects someone called the police when they saw what appeared to be someone armed in the alley.
Neighbor Lorena Marshall says she saw the child comply when the officer with his own gun drawn, ordered the child to drop the gun.
"I can hear him say, 'Get down, get down, get down,'" said Marshall. "And then when he cuffed him and I came over here I said, Can't you see it? It's a toy.'"
Police say the dog then charged the officer who shot and wounded the animal. Marshall, however, disputes that account. "No, the dog did not charge. The dog came over in a crouching position," she said.
English says a bullet fragment ricocheted and struck her son in the head. "I was floored. I was stunned. I was shocked," she said.
English says her son was treated and released from the hospital, but police say no injuries were reported to the officer.
The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Shepherd Street Northwest at around 6 p.m. May 4.
The 12-year-old boy and his dog Boss walk the streets of their neighborhood, but not without fear according to the child's mother, LaShawn English.
"I still can't believe that this happened to my son," she said.
English says the family's dog got out without his leash so her son chased after him down an alley, carrying a plastic Airsoft toy gun that shoots small pellets.
The toys are plastic, but from some online photos, they look quite real. The family suspects someone called the police when they saw what appeared to be someone armed in the alley.
Neighbor Lorena Marshall says she saw the child comply when the officer with his own gun drawn, ordered the child to drop the gun.
"I can hear him say, 'Get down, get down, get down,'" said Marshall. "And then when he cuffed him and I came over here I said, Can't you see it? It's a toy.'"
Police say the dog then charged the officer who shot and wounded the animal. Marshall, however, disputes that account. "No, the dog did not charge. The dog came over in a crouching position," she said.
English says a bullet fragment ricocheted and struck her son in the head. "I was floored. I was stunned. I was shocked," she said.
English says her son was treated and released from the hospital, but police say no injuries were reported to the officer.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Army Finds Recruits By Hosting Counterinsurgency Airsoft Games
War reenactors, especially those who don the Blue and the Gray on weekends for play-action Civil War battles, are ubiquitous in the summertime, especially in the eastern United States.
But an enterprising college journalism student recently discovered young men in New Jersey, including veterans of Iraq and Somalia, practicing for an advanced counterinsurgency airsoft war game on a U.S. Army base in Upstate New York - with the blessing of military officials who've found the contests a good recruiting tool.
The so-called "Airsoft" games -- "like paintball, but more extreme," according to Laura Nahmias, a graduate student at Columbia University's School of Journalism -- reenact battles like the U.S. Marines' bloody struggle with Sunni insurgents in Iraq's Ramadi and the fight for Mogadishu immortalized in "Blackhawk Down."
"Players use guns that are exact replicas of real ones but only shoot airoft pellets," Nahmias reported in "War Games," a story first streamed on the school's Uptown Radio web site on April 17.
The games include "sound effects of munitions and sirens," Nahmias reported, and even, where called for, "screaming civilians."
Some veterans think of the games as memorializing their fallen comrades.
Like retired Army Col. Danny McKnight, a battalion commander in Mogadishu, who told Nahmias that reenacting the 1993 battle of Mogadishu was his way of "making sure the battle and those men are not forgotten."
Army officials, McKnight also told Nahmias, allow the airsoft games to take place at their Mounted Urban Combat Training facilities at Fort Drum, N.Y., Fort Knox, Ky. and elsewhere, because it attracts young recruits.
"I think recruiting tool is the right word to use, and I'll put it in terms of this," McKnight says on the radio show.
"The support is there," he added, with the result that "there's probably been a dozen that I know of that have chosen to enlist in the military" after the airsoft games.
"There is ample evidence of military encouragement of the military training in the Airsoft games. The veterans talk to me about it openly and there are photographs of the reenactments taking place at Fort Drum and Fort Knox, Kentucky," Nahmias reported.
"But when I showed the photos to media affairs officers at those bases, they were incredulous. They said they were they shocked to hear that civilians were using the Urban training facilities during a time of war, and that National Guard recruiters were active at these events."
Nahmias added, "After confirming the training, New York military ... spokesman Eric Durr said his office plans to investigate the involvement of National Guard in these events."
One of this year's big events, at Fort Drum, N.Y., on Memorial Day weekend, is a fake counterinsurgency airsoft battle called "Pine Plains."
Why would these young men, especially veterans, want to recreate such bloody hell, even with just paint and pellets?
One reenactor, Brian Douglass, told Nahmias the astonishing story of Levi DiFranza.
"He played Airsoft before he joined the Army in 2005, He was shot in the head in one of the famous battles in Iraq, Ramadi in 2005. He survived. When he returned home, he quickly joined the Green Mountain Rangers to play Airsoft games again."
Getting shot in reality obviously didn't scare either man off.
"But playing with these guys -- the adrenaline you get?" Douglass said. "It's addicting."
But an enterprising college journalism student recently discovered young men in New Jersey, including veterans of Iraq and Somalia, practicing for an advanced counterinsurgency airsoft war game on a U.S. Army base in Upstate New York - with the blessing of military officials who've found the contests a good recruiting tool.
The so-called "Airsoft" games -- "like paintball, but more extreme," according to Laura Nahmias, a graduate student at Columbia University's School of Journalism -- reenact battles like the U.S. Marines' bloody struggle with Sunni insurgents in Iraq's Ramadi and the fight for Mogadishu immortalized in "Blackhawk Down."
"Players use guns that are exact replicas of real ones but only shoot airoft pellets," Nahmias reported in "War Games," a story first streamed on the school's Uptown Radio web site on April 17.
The games include "sound effects of munitions and sirens," Nahmias reported, and even, where called for, "screaming civilians."
Some veterans think of the games as memorializing their fallen comrades.
Like retired Army Col. Danny McKnight, a battalion commander in Mogadishu, who told Nahmias that reenacting the 1993 battle of Mogadishu was his way of "making sure the battle and those men are not forgotten."
Army officials, McKnight also told Nahmias, allow the airsoft games to take place at their Mounted Urban Combat Training facilities at Fort Drum, N.Y., Fort Knox, Ky. and elsewhere, because it attracts young recruits.
"I think recruiting tool is the right word to use, and I'll put it in terms of this," McKnight says on the radio show.
"The support is there," he added, with the result that "there's probably been a dozen that I know of that have chosen to enlist in the military" after the airsoft games.
"There is ample evidence of military encouragement of the military training in the Airsoft games. The veterans talk to me about it openly and there are photographs of the reenactments taking place at Fort Drum and Fort Knox, Kentucky," Nahmias reported.
"But when I showed the photos to media affairs officers at those bases, they were incredulous. They said they were they shocked to hear that civilians were using the Urban training facilities during a time of war, and that National Guard recruiters were active at these events."
Nahmias added, "After confirming the training, New York military ... spokesman Eric Durr said his office plans to investigate the involvement of National Guard in these events."
One of this year's big events, at Fort Drum, N.Y., on Memorial Day weekend, is a fake counterinsurgency airsoft battle called "Pine Plains."
Why would these young men, especially veterans, want to recreate such bloody hell, even with just paint and pellets?
One reenactor, Brian Douglass, told Nahmias the astonishing story of Levi DiFranza.
"He played Airsoft before he joined the Army in 2005, He was shot in the head in one of the famous battles in Iraq, Ramadi in 2005. He survived. When he returned home, he quickly joined the Green Mountain Rangers to play Airsoft games again."
Getting shot in reality obviously didn't scare either man off.
"But playing with these guys -- the adrenaline you get?" Douglass said. "It's addicting."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Japan Train commute with Airsoft Guns
Folks over here like to keep themselves occupied on the trains. Some school girls sit on the floor eating and having conversations with their classmates, some fidget with their mobile phone and then there are some who polish their rifles...
I usually pass the time by looking out the window at the scenery or use the time to do some spring cleaning in my brain. If I'm not doing that then I'm watching anime on the iPod. How do you pass time on your commute to school/work?
What a different world and culture results in such difference. A person in the US with an airsoft sniper rifle sitting in the middle of the train would result in a catastrophic shut down and the SWAT team.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Airsoft arena a new part of Southern California
Two brothers are making plans to expand their Airsoft Business in Southern California.
The store, operated by Kelly Monson and his brother Travis, currently sells airsoft guns, replacement parts, protective gear and airsoft accessories. The Monson brothers plan to expand their business by building a 12,000 square foot indoor battle arena in the warehouse behind their store.
Kelly Monson said the arena is to be built as an urban cityscape where groups of up to 24 people can engage in simulated warfare.
“We will provide all the guns and protective equipment at the arena for groups who want to come play,” Kelly said.
Kelly said that airsoft is similar to laser tag and paintball but there are definite advantages to airsoft that the other two do not provide.
“Airsoft guns shoot projectiles and are more realistic looking than laser and paintball guns,” he said.
Kelly said one of the other features of the airsoft business is that individuals can play, not just groups of people. Weapon Bender will provide employees to battle against individuals so people do not have to have a group on hand to participate.
Kelly said the airsoft arena is designed to provide college students with entertainment and could be an interesting date night activity.
“Our target audience [is] males ages 18-36, but definitely airsoft can provide entertainment for all ages and types of people,” Kelly said.
According to Kelly they are planning on having the arena open around the end of April or May. Arena hours are scheduled to be from 3 - 10 p.m.
Sean Cornwell, a junior in the engineering program, said he thinks the airsoft arena will be a great addition to the college entertainment found in the Provo and Orem area.
“I know lots of guys that have airsoft guns and to have a course to battle on would be great,” Cornwell said. “It would prevent me and my roommates from putting holes in our walls.”
Visit them at www.airsoftplayground.com
The store, operated by Kelly Monson and his brother Travis, currently sells airsoft guns, replacement parts, protective gear and airsoft accessories. The Monson brothers plan to expand their business by building a 12,000 square foot indoor battle arena in the warehouse behind their store.
Kelly Monson said the arena is to be built as an urban cityscape where groups of up to 24 people can engage in simulated warfare.
“We will provide all the guns and protective equipment at the arena for groups who want to come play,” Kelly said.
Kelly said that airsoft is similar to laser tag and paintball but there are definite advantages to airsoft that the other two do not provide.
“Airsoft guns shoot projectiles and are more realistic looking than laser and paintball guns,” he said.
Kelly said one of the other features of the airsoft business is that individuals can play, not just groups of people. Weapon Bender will provide employees to battle against individuals so people do not have to have a group on hand to participate.
Kelly said the airsoft arena is designed to provide college students with entertainment and could be an interesting date night activity.
“Our target audience [is] males ages 18-36, but definitely airsoft can provide entertainment for all ages and types of people,” Kelly said.
According to Kelly they are planning on having the arena open around the end of April or May. Arena hours are scheduled to be from 3 - 10 p.m.
Sean Cornwell, a junior in the engineering program, said he thinks the airsoft arena will be a great addition to the college entertainment found in the Provo and Orem area.
“I know lots of guys that have airsoft guns and to have a course to battle on would be great,” Cornwell said. “It would prevent me and my roommates from putting holes in our walls.”
Visit them at www.airsoftplayground.com
Monday, March 16, 2009
Teen toting air soft rifle in car gets arrested
Racine, WI – A teen, who had an air rifle with him in a car, was arrested after police and other drivers called in saying it looked real.
The boy’s actions also prompted several law enforcement agencies to respond to what they thought was a high-risk traffic stop Friday afternoon.
Michael Westmoreland, 17, was a passenger in the front seat of a burgundy Buick with two of his friends, Troy Stanley, 18, and Andrew Buchholz, 18, when he decided to bring his Airsoft rifle with him.
Airsoft guns use air to shoot plastic projectiles, but they look very much like real rifles.
The three teens were going to make a movie for a class project and after school at about 3:20 p.m. on Friday they thought they would stop at Westmoreland’s house to change clothes first, according to an incident report from the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.
But before they even got there, another driver saw the tip of the rifle sticking up and called 911.
Deputies with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department located the car on Highway 31 and Newman Road and didn’t think it was a toy gun because toy guns have an orange tip on the barrel of the gun, but Westmoreland had put tape over it.
The deputy called into dispatch that a high-risk traffic stop would be needed, which meant that squads from the Racine County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Racine and Mount Pleasant police departments responded.
The car was stopped on Washington at Lathrop avenues by seven squad cars, all of the traffic was stopped on Washington Avenue and the teens exited the car and taken into police custody without incident.
Westmoreland was arrested for disorderly conduct because he put black tape over the orange tip of the air rifle and riding in the car with it so that it was visible, “furthering the illusion of a real assault rifle,” wrote Scott Litwin, a deputy with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department. “This result(ed) in a very large disturbance, which involved numerous law enforcement officers from multiple agencies and disrupt(ed) the lives of numerous motorists in the area during a very high traffic time.”
Westmoreland told Litwin the gun was for the school project, but admitted that it was “very stupid” to take the toy gun in the car.
When Westmoreland was taken into custody, however, another toy gun, which also had the orange tip and decals removed, was found in his coat pocket.
A small amount of marijuana was also found inside the car; however, Stanley told police the marijuana was his. He was given a municipal citation for possession of marijuana.
Buchholz was not cited in the incident and was released from the scene.
The boy’s actions also prompted several law enforcement agencies to respond to what they thought was a high-risk traffic stop Friday afternoon.
Michael Westmoreland, 17, was a passenger in the front seat of a burgundy Buick with two of his friends, Troy Stanley, 18, and Andrew Buchholz, 18, when he decided to bring his Airsoft rifle with him.
Airsoft guns use air to shoot plastic projectiles, but they look very much like real rifles.
The three teens were going to make a movie for a class project and after school at about 3:20 p.m. on Friday they thought they would stop at Westmoreland’s house to change clothes first, according to an incident report from the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.
But before they even got there, another driver saw the tip of the rifle sticking up and called 911.
Deputies with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department located the car on Highway 31 and Newman Road and didn’t think it was a toy gun because toy guns have an orange tip on the barrel of the gun, but Westmoreland had put tape over it.
The deputy called into dispatch that a high-risk traffic stop would be needed, which meant that squads from the Racine County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Racine and Mount Pleasant police departments responded.
The car was stopped on Washington at Lathrop avenues by seven squad cars, all of the traffic was stopped on Washington Avenue and the teens exited the car and taken into police custody without incident.
Westmoreland was arrested for disorderly conduct because he put black tape over the orange tip of the air rifle and riding in the car with it so that it was visible, “furthering the illusion of a real assault rifle,” wrote Scott Litwin, a deputy with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department. “This result(ed) in a very large disturbance, which involved numerous law enforcement officers from multiple agencies and disrupt(ed) the lives of numerous motorists in the area during a very high traffic time.”
Westmoreland told Litwin the gun was for the school project, but admitted that it was “very stupid” to take the toy gun in the car.
When Westmoreland was taken into custody, however, another toy gun, which also had the orange tip and decals removed, was found in his coat pocket.
A small amount of marijuana was also found inside the car; however, Stanley told police the marijuana was his. He was given a municipal citation for possession of marijuana.
Buchholz was not cited in the incident and was released from the scene.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Central Nebraska town bans BB airsoft guns
Associated Press - March 11, 2009 11:25 AM ET
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - It's now illegal to carry a loaded BB gun, pellet gun , airsoft gun, or paintball gun in a car in Grand Island.
The Grand Island City Council, acting on a rash of windows being shot out in cars and homes, passed the change in city code Tuesday night.
Violators of the new ordinance would be subject to a $50 fine and confiscation of the gun for 60 days.
Grand Island Police Chief Steve Lamken says that in recent months, vandals armed with BB guns and airsoft have caused thousands of dollars in property damage to vehicles and buildings.
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - It's now illegal to carry a loaded BB gun, pellet gun , airsoft gun, or paintball gun in a car in Grand Island.
The Grand Island City Council, acting on a rash of windows being shot out in cars and homes, passed the change in city code Tuesday night.
Violators of the new ordinance would be subject to a $50 fine and confiscation of the gun for 60 days.
Grand Island Police Chief Steve Lamken says that in recent months, vandals armed with BB guns and airsoft have caused thousands of dollars in property damage to vehicles and buildings.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
No gun charges for SV students who brings airsoft gun
No charges will be filed against two Stillman Valley grade school students who had an airsoft pistol and an Airsoft gun at school or their parents.
Ogle County State's Attorney John B. Roe said Feb. 27 that after reviewing the case and applicable state statutes he has determined that no criminal charges, either adult or juvenile, are warranted.
"Neither student possessed either weapon with malicious intent, nor had the weapons been obtained or maintained in an illegal or reckless manner," Roe said.
Officials at Highland Grade School called the sheriff's department Feb. 20 when they found a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun in the student's locker.
School officials discovered the gun while they were investigating an incident that occurred that morning on a school bus.
A school bus driver had found a grade school student on the bus with an Airsoft gun, which shoots plastic pellets propelled by air.
During the follow up investigation of that incident school officials learned that another weapon might have been brought to school by another student, an eight-year-old boy.
The airsoft handgun was found in the second student’s book bag inside that his locker.
Ogle County Sheriff Greg Beitel said the handgun was not loaded. Its ammunition magazine was empty and was not in the gun, and a loose bullet was found in the book bag.
Beitel said both guns came from a locked gun case belonging to the eight-year-old's father.
The youngster apparently found the key to the gun case, took the weapons, and then gave the Airsoft gun to the other student, he said.
"Fortunately the gun was not loaded and the magazine was stored separately," Beitel said.
Ogle County State's Attorney John B. Roe said Feb. 27 that after reviewing the case and applicable state statutes he has determined that no criminal charges, either adult or juvenile, are warranted.
"Neither student possessed either weapon with malicious intent, nor had the weapons been obtained or maintained in an illegal or reckless manner," Roe said.
Officials at Highland Grade School called the sheriff's department Feb. 20 when they found a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun in the student's locker.
School officials discovered the gun while they were investigating an incident that occurred that morning on a school bus.
A school bus driver had found a grade school student on the bus with an Airsoft gun, which shoots plastic pellets propelled by air.
During the follow up investigation of that incident school officials learned that another weapon might have been brought to school by another student, an eight-year-old boy.
The airsoft handgun was found in the second student’s book bag inside that his locker.
Ogle County Sheriff Greg Beitel said the handgun was not loaded. Its ammunition magazine was empty and was not in the gun, and a loose bullet was found in the book bag.
Beitel said both guns came from a locked gun case belonging to the eight-year-old's father.
The youngster apparently found the key to the gun case, took the weapons, and then gave the Airsoft gun to the other student, he said.
"Fortunately the gun was not loaded and the magazine was stored separately," Beitel said.
Friday, February 27, 2009
airsoft guns dupe police, Marketplace tests find
Robberies, school lockdowns and police shootings are sometimes caused by sitdogy guns that look so real, even veteran police officers can't always tell the difference, an investigation by the CBC television program Marketplace has found.
In tests conducted by Marketplace, four Vancouver police officers could not distinguish between a real gun and airsoft gun 14 times out of 40. The officers had between six and 24 years' experience on the force.
Marketplace co-host Erica Johnson gave the officers five seconds to look at each gun and then asked them to decide whether the gun was real or airsoft. Five seconds is much more time than they would have to make that decision in a real life situation.
The airsoft guns look so much like the real thing because some manufacturers licence the look — and even the names — of actual weapons brands like Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Beretta. They’re available online for anywhere from $40 to $400.
Since trained police officers cannot always tell the difference, wielding an airsoft handgun can lead to deadly results.
At least four coroner's juries in Ontario have recommended that the current patchwork of regulations around fake handguns be streamlined. The coroner's inquests were looking into the deaths of Faraz Suleman in 1996, Scott Reinhard in 2000, Henri Masuka in 2000 and Michael Kolisnyk in 2005. All four men were shot and killed by police in incidents involving imitation handguns.
Just last month in London, Ont., Joseph Barnes, 26, suffered at least two gunshot wounds in a dispute with police. Barnes was carrying an airsoft gun.
Police forces want more legislation
The number of incidents involving airsoft handguns has police forces across the country requesting more regulations from the federal government.
There are three different types of guns in circulation in Canada: real ones, airsoft guns and BB guns.
Real guns can be purchased and owned only with a special licence. Real-looking airsoft guns aren’t legally sold in Canada, but they can be owned without any special licence.
BB guns are available just about anywhere and can be bought without a licence. There is no age requirement to buy a BB gun in any part of the country except Ontario, where a BB gun buyer must be at least 18 years old.
At a conference in 2000, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police called on the federal minister of justice to ban "the manufacture, sale, possession and importation of replica firearms."
"These replica firearms have been used to terrorize victims and compromise the safety of the Canadian public," the association said in a resolution on the issue. "There has been a regrettable need for police officers to resort to the use of deadly force in situations where they believe these replica firearms to be authentic, and … there is a concern amongst police that such use of deadly force will result in the preventable tragedies associated with persons who brandish replica firearms for the purpose of enticing police into shooting them."
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson declined an interview for the CBC Marketplace story.
Fake guns used in real robberies
In the last two years in Toronto, police said they have seized almost as many fake handguns as real ones.
Recent school lockdowns across the country have been caused by the use of replica guns as well.
Vancouver store owner Pat Johnson didn’t know the gun pointed at her head was fake when a robber walked into her antiques shop in December 2006.
"He pulls his gun and points it right at me and said, 'It’s a holdup,' … but then he drew alongside, and he grabbed me and put the gun to my head. And said, 'Give me your money, or I shoot her'," she said in an interview.
Johnson said as far as she was concerned, what the robber was holding to her head was a real gun.
"It terrified me so I did exactly what he wanted."
Other people in the store overpowered the man, and his gun fell to the floor in the scuffle. It wasn’t until later that Johnson found out it was a realistic-looking fake.
"They said it was a BB gun. And of course, you know, a gun’s a gun," said Johnson.
In tests conducted by Marketplace, four Vancouver police officers could not distinguish between a real gun and airsoft gun 14 times out of 40. The officers had between six and 24 years' experience on the force.
Marketplace co-host Erica Johnson gave the officers five seconds to look at each gun and then asked them to decide whether the gun was real or airsoft. Five seconds is much more time than they would have to make that decision in a real life situation.
The airsoft guns look so much like the real thing because some manufacturers licence the look — and even the names — of actual weapons brands like Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Beretta. They’re available online for anywhere from $40 to $400.
Since trained police officers cannot always tell the difference, wielding an airsoft handgun can lead to deadly results.
At least four coroner's juries in Ontario have recommended that the current patchwork of regulations around fake handguns be streamlined. The coroner's inquests were looking into the deaths of Faraz Suleman in 1996, Scott Reinhard in 2000, Henri Masuka in 2000 and Michael Kolisnyk in 2005. All four men were shot and killed by police in incidents involving imitation handguns.
Just last month in London, Ont., Joseph Barnes, 26, suffered at least two gunshot wounds in a dispute with police. Barnes was carrying an airsoft gun.
Police forces want more legislation
The number of incidents involving airsoft handguns has police forces across the country requesting more regulations from the federal government.
There are three different types of guns in circulation in Canada: real ones, airsoft guns and BB guns.
Real guns can be purchased and owned only with a special licence. Real-looking airsoft guns aren’t legally sold in Canada, but they can be owned without any special licence.
BB guns are available just about anywhere and can be bought without a licence. There is no age requirement to buy a BB gun in any part of the country except Ontario, where a BB gun buyer must be at least 18 years old.
At a conference in 2000, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police called on the federal minister of justice to ban "the manufacture, sale, possession and importation of replica firearms."
"These replica firearms have been used to terrorize victims and compromise the safety of the Canadian public," the association said in a resolution on the issue. "There has been a regrettable need for police officers to resort to the use of deadly force in situations where they believe these replica firearms to be authentic, and … there is a concern amongst police that such use of deadly force will result in the preventable tragedies associated with persons who brandish replica firearms for the purpose of enticing police into shooting them."
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson declined an interview for the CBC Marketplace story.
Fake guns used in real robberies
In the last two years in Toronto, police said they have seized almost as many fake handguns as real ones.
Recent school lockdowns across the country have been caused by the use of replica guns as well.
Vancouver store owner Pat Johnson didn’t know the gun pointed at her head was fake when a robber walked into her antiques shop in December 2006.
"He pulls his gun and points it right at me and said, 'It’s a holdup,' … but then he drew alongside, and he grabbed me and put the gun to my head. And said, 'Give me your money, or I shoot her'," she said in an interview.
Johnson said as far as she was concerned, what the robber was holding to her head was a real gun.
"It terrified me so I did exactly what he wanted."
Other people in the store overpowered the man, and his gun fell to the floor in the scuffle. It wasn’t until later that Johnson found out it was a realistic-looking fake.
"They said it was a BB gun. And of course, you know, a gun’s a gun," said Johnson.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)