BB airsoft guns are perfect for practice in shooting of targets. It can also be ideal for challenging combat games. All in the spirit of fun and sportsmanship because airsoft is a sport of pretend armed combat. This kind of gun is perfect for indoor as well as outdoor shooting training. As long as it is played in a safe environment that affords all the advantages of firearm practice nothing can go wrong.
Airsoft guns are almost always available whether you are a veteran or a complete newbie you can have a choice. Whatever is appropriate for your requirements quality airsoft products abound. Look for a good buy. BB guns that will not get jammed otherwise it will break. Get a good one that is not of inferior quality. Airsoft bb guns normally use 6mm spherical pellet made naturally with injection-molded kind of plastic.
You might want to try the amazing translucent plastic Taurus P92. With its transparent casing, you can have a view of all the inside mechanism of this fantastic airsoft gun. If you want a handy pocket spring type, the CS45 model will just fit snuggly in your hands. Then shoot that dastardly target you have in mind. Smooth and easy.
Go for a Beretta. It looks as if you can use it for real. Make believe combat tussle will feel like you are a soldier in your own dreams. Target practice with this airsoft bb gun will bring out the confidence and motivation in you. Whatever is your choice be sure it is the one you are comfortable with. Not regretting the buying and the practicing.
The famous Colt has a broad selection of bb guns. This can be another fine choice. Some types of Colt bb guns have a range of 44 yards and can be accurate as they come. Another type of Colt bb gun the Colt Double Eagle with target comes in a pretty good price for a pretty good target. All are fully licensed by Colt. Smith and Wesson has also a say. This is another legendary name when it comes to airsoft bb guns.
Check out internet sites because with the appealing price comes a package of special offers. Ammos and free delivery and other freebies are especially attractive. Price lowered but not the quality of the make. It is still secured and protection is still the same. Guarantees of superior quality are assured and promised.
The popularity of airsoft bb guns has soared. Even replicas are proliferating. The game it provides makes for an excitement and thrilling encounter. Furthermore it has become a favorite with enthusiasts and gun collectors. These airsoft bb guns are lately being used in firearms training, making of movies and films, police and military training.
Airsoft bb guns provide the holder, the practice shooter as well as the collector an amalgam of practicality, security and adaptability. What more the airsoft guns being cheap and affordable have even make it more attractive to the average consumer. The chance and opportunity to merely hone the person’s eye/hand coordination in a perfectly protected environment is all the more appealing.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Airsoft Guns Top of Christmas Wish Lists!
AS THE U.S. HOLIDAY RETAIL season shifts into fifth gear, the Nintendo Wii continues to be the top searched-for product this holiday season, Hitwise reported Thursday.
Searches for the Wii have increased a whopping 274% for the week ending Dec. 8 versus the previous week. That's based on the average percent of searches among a portfolio of terms for the Nintendo Wii that included "wii", "nintendo wii", "wii console", "nintendo wii console" and "wii game system," according to New York-based Hitwise.
Meanwhile, comScore, Inc. on Thursday released an update of holiday season e-commerce spending for the first 41 days (November 1-December 11) of the November-December 2007 holiday season. More than $20 billion has been spent online during the season-to-date, marking a 19% gain versus the corresponding days last year. "Green Monday"--a term recently coined by eBay to describe the second Monday in December as the heaviest online spending day of the season--may well live up to its lofty billing as U.S. online retail spending on Dec. 10 reached $881 million (up 33% versus last year), setting a record as the heaviest online spending day in history.
Amazon.com was the most-visited Web site within the Hitwise U.S. Retail 100 Index last week, receiving 12% of U.S. visits. Walmart.com received the second-most visits with 8%, and Amazon.com was the biggest gainer for the week, with Web site traffic increasing 11% compared to the previous week. But overall visits to the Web sites within the Index were down 2% for the week ending Dec. 8, 2007 versus the week ending Dec. 1. However, traffic was 10% compared to the same week in 2006.
Uggs and Apple's iPod products are among the top product searches this season, New York-based Hitwise reports. Other hot products searched for from the electronics category include digital picture frames, the Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 and Sony PSP. Within the toys and hobbies category, the hot products searched for this past week are traditional favorites like Barbie, Build a Bear, and Legos along with Transformers, Airsoft Guns and Hot Wheelz. The top searches from a custom category of 65 luxury retail Web sites included Uggs, Coach purses, Coach handbags and True Religion jeans.
"In addition to the Wii and other video game consoles, consumers are seeking out devices for displaying and listening to digital media formats--digital photo frames and iPods, and other mp3 players," said Heather Dougherty, director of research at the New York-based Hitwise, in a statement. "Special consoles designed for children are also popular this year, with increased searches for products like the Leapfrog Leapster TV system and the Radica IM Me Wireless Text Messaging device."
Search engines are responsible for 29% of retail Web site visits for the week ending Dec. 8. Google was the leading search engine sending visits to Retail Index Web sites, accounting for 17.49% of upstream visits for the week, followed by Yahoo Search at 6.25% and MSN Search at 1.78%.
Traffic to alternative payment Web sites such as Google Checkout and Bill Me Later is up 17% for the week ending Dec. 8 versus last year. Traffic to Coupon Web sites is up 36%, and searches for "gift cards" are up 29%. Traffic to social shopping Web sites such as Kaboodle, ThisNext, and StyleHive is up 683% for the week versus last year.
Searches for the Wii have increased a whopping 274% for the week ending Dec. 8 versus the previous week. That's based on the average percent of searches among a portfolio of terms for the Nintendo Wii that included "wii", "nintendo wii", "wii console", "nintendo wii console" and "wii game system," according to New York-based Hitwise.
Meanwhile, comScore, Inc. on Thursday released an update of holiday season e-commerce spending for the first 41 days (November 1-December 11) of the November-December 2007 holiday season. More than $20 billion has been spent online during the season-to-date, marking a 19% gain versus the corresponding days last year. "Green Monday"--a term recently coined by eBay to describe the second Monday in December as the heaviest online spending day of the season--may well live up to its lofty billing as U.S. online retail spending on Dec. 10 reached $881 million (up 33% versus last year), setting a record as the heaviest online spending day in history.
Amazon.com was the most-visited Web site within the Hitwise U.S. Retail 100 Index last week, receiving 12% of U.S. visits. Walmart.com received the second-most visits with 8%, and Amazon.com was the biggest gainer for the week, with Web site traffic increasing 11% compared to the previous week. But overall visits to the Web sites within the Index were down 2% for the week ending Dec. 8, 2007 versus the week ending Dec. 1. However, traffic was 10% compared to the same week in 2006.
Uggs and Apple's iPod products are among the top product searches this season, New York-based Hitwise reports. Other hot products searched for from the electronics category include digital picture frames, the Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 and Sony PSP. Within the toys and hobbies category, the hot products searched for this past week are traditional favorites like Barbie, Build a Bear, and Legos along with Transformers, Airsoft Guns and Hot Wheelz. The top searches from a custom category of 65 luxury retail Web sites included Uggs, Coach purses, Coach handbags and True Religion jeans.
"In addition to the Wii and other video game consoles, consumers are seeking out devices for displaying and listening to digital media formats--digital photo frames and iPods, and other mp3 players," said Heather Dougherty, director of research at the New York-based Hitwise, in a statement. "Special consoles designed for children are also popular this year, with increased searches for products like the Leapfrog Leapster TV system and the Radica IM Me Wireless Text Messaging device."
Search engines are responsible for 29% of retail Web site visits for the week ending Dec. 8. Google was the leading search engine sending visits to Retail Index Web sites, accounting for 17.49% of upstream visits for the week, followed by Yahoo Search at 6.25% and MSN Search at 1.78%.
Traffic to alternative payment Web sites such as Google Checkout and Bill Me Later is up 17% for the week ending Dec. 8 versus last year. Traffic to Coupon Web sites is up 36%, and searches for "gift cards" are up 29%. Traffic to social shopping Web sites such as Kaboodle, ThisNext, and StyleHive is up 683% for the week versus last year.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Using Airsoft to Teach Your Son about Gun Safety
Real guns are very dangerous, and a lot of people die every year in America due to gun accidents, usually involving kids playing with their father's guns. But all of this can be avoided if your kids no about the danger of guns, and have knowledge of the safety devices and techniques that will protect them from danger.
Using Airsoft as a Precursor That is where getting an airsoft pistol or rifle for your son can come in very handy. Especially if you purchase a higher end airsoft gun, you will get the look and feel of the real pistol in an airsoft, and you can show your son how the internal and external safety features work, how to keep the weapon pointed away from people, pointed down at the ground when moving, and ensuring that the weapon isn't loaded when in storage. These are all great tips that the youngster must learn before touching a real gun.
Airsoft guns also feature the unmistakable blaze orange tip that will enable you to easily tell the difference between the airsoft gun, and the real gun. Also, you will be able to teach your son how to shoot accurately, timely, and know exactly how to load and unload the weapon quickly. The more knowledge they have, the better the chances are of avoiding a catastrophe.
Be sure to always keep your guns locked away, especially while the kids are home alone and you aren't there to make sure they stay out of your gun closet. A combination lock on a vault that is bolted to the floor provides very difficult access along with protection from being moved or tipped over. But even with the best teaching, accidents can still happen, and you don't want to face the consequences of such accidents. Take all the precautions possible.
About the Author
Jeffry Evans, owner of MyAirPistols.com, specializing in electric air pistols, gas air pistols, and other air pistols, is a fan of the intelligence that the sport has to offer. Team play combined with leadership separate it from many other games.
Using Airsoft as a Precursor That is where getting an airsoft pistol or rifle for your son can come in very handy. Especially if you purchase a higher end airsoft gun, you will get the look and feel of the real pistol in an airsoft, and you can show your son how the internal and external safety features work, how to keep the weapon pointed away from people, pointed down at the ground when moving, and ensuring that the weapon isn't loaded when in storage. These are all great tips that the youngster must learn before touching a real gun.
Airsoft guns also feature the unmistakable blaze orange tip that will enable you to easily tell the difference between the airsoft gun, and the real gun. Also, you will be able to teach your son how to shoot accurately, timely, and know exactly how to load and unload the weapon quickly. The more knowledge they have, the better the chances are of avoiding a catastrophe.
Be sure to always keep your guns locked away, especially while the kids are home alone and you aren't there to make sure they stay out of your gun closet. A combination lock on a vault that is bolted to the floor provides very difficult access along with protection from being moved or tipped over. But even with the best teaching, accidents can still happen, and you don't want to face the consequences of such accidents. Take all the precautions possible.
About the Author
Jeffry Evans, owner of MyAirPistols.com, specializing in electric air pistols, gas air pistols, and other air pistols, is a fan of the intelligence that the sport has to offer. Team play combined with leadership separate it from many other games.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Practice with Airsoft Guns makes perfect for trainees in Police Training Institute
Editor's note: This is the first in a three-part series of articles profiling the University of Illinois Police Training Institute, which trains recruits from departments across the state through classroom instruction and created simulations.
Newly hired officers from counties around the state of Illinois arrived in full uniform at the University Police Training Institute's training base at Willard Airport for patrol operations training Nov. 27.
By retrofitting the old airport hangar machine shops, the institute has created its own apartment complex to train recruits to analyze scenarios and take in debriefings. On this particularly brisk day of class, a group of rookie officers was tested in situations involving high-risk arrests, domestic disturbances - ranging from suicidal persons, a murder-suicide and a verbal domestic disturbance - and a building search.
"Our training is as close as we can replicate to real situations," said W. Michael Miller, associate director of the institute. "We don't have unwinnable scenarios, as long as proper tactics and strategies are used in each one."
Founded in 1956 by a state statute, the institute strives to give recruits the best possible basic training in a rapid 12-week, 480-hour course.
During these scenario-based classes, role players are armed with paintball guns to give recruits, suited in Kevlar jackets, an idea of the realistic impact being shot causes. Recruits are armed with radios and airsoft guns, which fire and react as the real weapons would.
"We have volunteer role players and we instruct them to do very specific things," said Ken Zimny, associate police training specialist. "We never control the officers and their responses, but we do control the role players."
Zimny spent the session observing how recruits dealt with domestic disturbances. By controlling the role players' actions, he and other instructors can put recruits in specific situations while realistically reconstructing conflicts often seen by professional officers, he said.
A debriefing session followed recruits' completion of each scenario. The students discuss what happened during the practice and what they can improve upon with their instructor and each other.
Newly hired officers from counties around the state of Illinois arrived in full uniform at the University Police Training Institute's training base at Willard Airport for patrol operations training Nov. 27.
By retrofitting the old airport hangar machine shops, the institute has created its own apartment complex to train recruits to analyze scenarios and take in debriefings. On this particularly brisk day of class, a group of rookie officers was tested in situations involving high-risk arrests, domestic disturbances - ranging from suicidal persons, a murder-suicide and a verbal domestic disturbance - and a building search.
"Our training is as close as we can replicate to real situations," said W. Michael Miller, associate director of the institute. "We don't have unwinnable scenarios, as long as proper tactics and strategies are used in each one."
Founded in 1956 by a state statute, the institute strives to give recruits the best possible basic training in a rapid 12-week, 480-hour course.
During these scenario-based classes, role players are armed with paintball guns to give recruits, suited in Kevlar jackets, an idea of the realistic impact being shot causes. Recruits are armed with radios and airsoft guns, which fire and react as the real weapons would.
"We have volunteer role players and we instruct them to do very specific things," said Ken Zimny, associate police training specialist. "We never control the officers and their responses, but we do control the role players."
Zimny spent the session observing how recruits dealt with domestic disturbances. By controlling the role players' actions, he and other instructors can put recruits in specific situations while realistically reconstructing conflicts often seen by professional officers, he said.
A debriefing session followed recruits' completion of each scenario. The students discuss what happened during the practice and what they can improve upon with their instructor and each other.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Practice makes perfect for trainees in Police Training Institute
Editor's note: This is the first in a three-part series of articles profiling the University of Illinois Police Training Institute, which trains recruits from departments across the state through classroom instruction and created simulations.
Newly hired officers from counties around the state of Illinois arrived in full uniform at the University Police Training Institute's training base at Willard Airport for patrol operations training Nov. 27.
By retrofitting the old airport hangar machine shops, the institute has created its own apartment complex to train recruits to analyze scenarios and take in debriefings. On this particularly brisk day of class, a group of rookie officers was tested in situations involving high-risk arrests, domestic disturbances - ranging from suicidal persons, a murder-suicide and a verbal domestic disturbance - and a building search.
"Our training is as close as we can replicate to real situations," said W. Michael Miller, associate director of the institute. "We don't have unwinnable scenarios, as long as proper tactics and strategies are used in each one."
Founded in 1956 by a state statute, the institute strives to give recruits the best possible basic training in a rapid 12-week, 480-hour course.
During these scenario-based classes, role players are armed with paintball guns to give recruits, suited in Kevlar jackets, an idea of the realistic impact being shot causes. Recruits are armed with radios and airsoft guns, which fire and react as the real weapons would.
"We have volunteer role players and we instruct them to do very specific things," said Ken Zimny, associate police training specialist. "We never control the officers and their responses, but we do control the role players."
Zimny spent the session observing how recruits dealt with domestic disturbances. By controlling the role players' actions, he and other instructors can put recruits in specific situations while realistically reconstructing conflicts often seen by professional officers, he said.
A debriefing session followed recruits' completion of each scenario. The students discuss what happened during the practice and what they can improve upon with their instructor and each other.
Newly hired officers from counties around the state of Illinois arrived in full uniform at the University Police Training Institute's training base at Willard Airport for patrol operations training Nov. 27.
By retrofitting the old airport hangar machine shops, the institute has created its own apartment complex to train recruits to analyze scenarios and take in debriefings. On this particularly brisk day of class, a group of rookie officers was tested in situations involving high-risk arrests, domestic disturbances - ranging from suicidal persons, a murder-suicide and a verbal domestic disturbance - and a building search.
"Our training is as close as we can replicate to real situations," said W. Michael Miller, associate director of the institute. "We don't have unwinnable scenarios, as long as proper tactics and strategies are used in each one."
Founded in 1956 by a state statute, the institute strives to give recruits the best possible basic training in a rapid 12-week, 480-hour course.
During these scenario-based classes, role players are armed with paintball guns to give recruits, suited in Kevlar jackets, an idea of the realistic impact being shot causes. Recruits are armed with radios and airsoft guns, which fire and react as the real weapons would.
"We have volunteer role players and we instruct them to do very specific things," said Ken Zimny, associate police training specialist. "We never control the officers and their responses, but we do control the role players."
Zimny spent the session observing how recruits dealt with domestic disturbances. By controlling the role players' actions, he and other instructors can put recruits in specific situations while realistically reconstructing conflicts often seen by professional officers, he said.
A debriefing session followed recruits' completion of each scenario. The students discuss what happened during the practice and what they can improve upon with their instructor and each other.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
AirSoft Guns – Harmless?
It looks like a sub-machine gun, but it's not.
It's an "AirSoft" gun.
The plastic B.B.s it fires are practically harmless. In fact, no one has ever been killed by one.
But people have been killed holding AirSoft guns, because police officers can't tell the difference – even up close.
SWAT team member: "We're clear to go."
The Kenton County SWAT team moves in, ready to storm a Ft. Mitchell bank where masked men have taken hostages.
SWAT team member: "We've got movement in that window."
But this bank robbery isn't real, and neither are the weapons.
The SWAT team is now training with very realistic AirSoft guns.
"We train with these weapons because they are so realistic, they perform a lot of the same functions as the weapons we use in real missions," said Sergeant John Lonaker, of the Ft. Mitchell police.
One of these pistols is a real firearm, shooting .40 cal bullets.
The other is an AirSoft pistol, shooting plastic BBs.
Can you tell which of these is the deadly weapon?
Now imagine you're a police officer, and you have a split-second to decide whether or not to take a life.
"I was behind a car and I kept noticing a handgun being stuck out the passenger window," said Sgt. Lonaker.
Sgt. Lonaker had no idea the teenager was waving an AirSoft gun.
The plastic BBs they fire are far safer than the traditional metal BBs they've replaced.
But, the guns are also far more realistic – indistinguishable from the real firearms they mimic – until you pull the magazine to reveal bbs instead of bullets.
"It turned out to be an airsoft pistol," said Sgt. Lonaker. "However, in the dark, at that distance it looked very real."
And it had an orange tip, like these AirSoft pistols, as required by federal import law.
But there's nothing to stop the customer from removing the orange tip or painting it black.
When Sgt. Lonaker was asked, "Had you not seen the orange tip on that pistol, you would have killed a teenager?," he replied, "Correct, if he had picked up that weapon and pointed it in my direction, at any time I was coming in contact with him, I would have shot him."
[2]Brad morris - Airsoft Arms Inc. "The AirSoft BBs transfer typically about one-eighth the amount of energy compared to an average paintball gun," said Brad Morris, of AirSoft Arms, Inc.
Morris owns AirSoft Arms in Milford, a supplier of high-end AirSoft guns for use in sophisticated gun play.
These weekend warriors square off in mock battles, using M-4 AirSoft rifles so close to the military weapon, many of the parts are interchangeable.
"Use some common sense as far as where you're going to play," Morris advised.
The disciplined sportsmen follow rigid safety protocols – a far cry from reckless teenagers brandishing AirSoft guns in public.
"They go out and they shoot one of the kids on the school bus, that makes the news," said Aaron Thomas, an AirSoft player. "It gives a very bad image to our sport. And I say sport, not 'hobby,' because we take it very seriously."
"I take it just as seriously as the guy who plays basketball for college, or the guy who plays football in his backyard with his buddies on Labor Day," added Marshall Howard, another AirSoft player.
"They're safe to play with if you use them correctly, but they're very dangerous when you just have them out in public," said Sgt. Lonaker.
Remember Sgt. Lonaker, the SWAT commander who almost shot a 17-year-old with an AirSoft gun in Ft. Mitchell?
He doesn't just train his own officers with AirSoft guns, he trains his own family with them, too.
"My eight-year-old actually does have an AirSoft gun and he practices guns safety with it," said Sgt. Lonaker.
No question AirSoft guns are safer than the real thing.
But the more realistic they get, the more care and responsibility they demand.
Bottom line? They're no longer toys – and must be treated with the same respect as real firearms.
It's an "AirSoft" gun.
The plastic B.B.s it fires are practically harmless. In fact, no one has ever been killed by one.
But people have been killed holding AirSoft guns, because police officers can't tell the difference – even up close.
SWAT team member: "We're clear to go."
The Kenton County SWAT team moves in, ready to storm a Ft. Mitchell bank where masked men have taken hostages.
SWAT team member: "We've got movement in that window."
But this bank robbery isn't real, and neither are the weapons.
The SWAT team is now training with very realistic AirSoft guns.
"We train with these weapons because they are so realistic, they perform a lot of the same functions as the weapons we use in real missions," said Sergeant John Lonaker, of the Ft. Mitchell police.
One of these pistols is a real firearm, shooting .40 cal bullets.
The other is an AirSoft pistol, shooting plastic BBs.
Can you tell which of these is the deadly weapon?
Now imagine you're a police officer, and you have a split-second to decide whether or not to take a life.
"I was behind a car and I kept noticing a handgun being stuck out the passenger window," said Sgt. Lonaker.
Sgt. Lonaker had no idea the teenager was waving an AirSoft gun.
The plastic BBs they fire are far safer than the traditional metal BBs they've replaced.
But, the guns are also far more realistic – indistinguishable from the real firearms they mimic – until you pull the magazine to reveal bbs instead of bullets.
"It turned out to be an airsoft pistol," said Sgt. Lonaker. "However, in the dark, at that distance it looked very real."
And it had an orange tip, like these AirSoft pistols, as required by federal import law.
But there's nothing to stop the customer from removing the orange tip or painting it black.
When Sgt. Lonaker was asked, "Had you not seen the orange tip on that pistol, you would have killed a teenager?," he replied, "Correct, if he had picked up that weapon and pointed it in my direction, at any time I was coming in contact with him, I would have shot him."
[2]Brad morris - Airsoft Arms Inc. "The AirSoft BBs transfer typically about one-eighth the amount of energy compared to an average paintball gun," said Brad Morris, of AirSoft Arms, Inc.
Morris owns AirSoft Arms in Milford, a supplier of high-end AirSoft guns for use in sophisticated gun play.
These weekend warriors square off in mock battles, using M-4 AirSoft rifles so close to the military weapon, many of the parts are interchangeable.
"Use some common sense as far as where you're going to play," Morris advised.
The disciplined sportsmen follow rigid safety protocols – a far cry from reckless teenagers brandishing AirSoft guns in public.
"They go out and they shoot one of the kids on the school bus, that makes the news," said Aaron Thomas, an AirSoft player. "It gives a very bad image to our sport. And I say sport, not 'hobby,' because we take it very seriously."
"I take it just as seriously as the guy who plays basketball for college, or the guy who plays football in his backyard with his buddies on Labor Day," added Marshall Howard, another AirSoft player.
"They're safe to play with if you use them correctly, but they're very dangerous when you just have them out in public," said Sgt. Lonaker.
Remember Sgt. Lonaker, the SWAT commander who almost shot a 17-year-old with an AirSoft gun in Ft. Mitchell?
He doesn't just train his own officers with AirSoft guns, he trains his own family with them, too.
"My eight-year-old actually does have an AirSoft gun and he practices guns safety with it," said Sgt. Lonaker.
No question AirSoft guns are safer than the real thing.
But the more realistic they get, the more care and responsibility they demand.
Bottom line? They're no longer toys – and must be treated with the same respect as real firearms.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Airsoft simulated guns and equipment is the world's newest and fastest growing combat sport from Japan.
Tempe, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/19/2007 --
Christmas 2007 promises a bumper crop of Ralphie Parkers whose Christmas wish for "…an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and 'this thing' which tells time," will be magnified into thousands of "Airsoft" simulated guns and equipment used in the world's newest and fastest growing combat sport from Japan.
The sport hinges on the development of authentic re-creations of firearms using electricity, gas or springs to shoot a plastic pellet shaped like the familiar BB, ranging in weight from 0.12 to 0.88 grams, the most popular around 0.20 to 0.25 for most applications with heavier pellets used for longer distance "sniping."
Generally divided into MilSim (military simulation,) and police games, Airsoft games are wildly popular throughout the Far East, and have caught on in Europe to the point where normally stringent firearms rules in countries like the U. K. have been relaxed to allow importation of Airsoft simulated firearms. Just beginning to catch on in the United States, Airsoft is gradually replacing paintball games as a combat sport, and the importation of Airsoft guns and gear is becoming a rapidly growing market in those states whose laws allow it.
Nearly as important as the guns themselves is the gear used in the sport. Military and police gear necessary to re-create battles/and swat team action in different eras and terrain is nearly as important to the sport as the Airsoft guns.
Japanese manufacturers such as Tokyo Marui, Tanaka Works, Marushin and Inokatsu tend to be the high-end of the field, though lower cost replicas are beginning to be produced in other areas of East Asia. The emphasis is on authenticity, to the point where games are often limited to weapons and gear from a certain era.
Rinkya, the Japanese auction service, is helping to bring the Airsoft phenomenon to the world through access to the Japanese auction market where many of the best examples of Airsoft guns and gear find their way out of the Japanese and East Asian market.
Though still restricted in many countries and in some U. S. states, Airsoft is increasingly being seen as a safer and more intriguing combat sport than paintball, combining, as it does, military re-creation with the actuality of simulated combat.
The latest innovations in Airsoft which includes such things as Airsoft grenades and increasingly accurate uniforms and gear, successfully combine the combat sport with the sport of military and police re-creations and simulations.
"This year, one of Rinkya's goals is to see that all the budding Ralphie Parkers out there get the 2007 version of "…an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and 'this thing' which tells time," says Rinkya CEO Heather Russell, "Watch your eyes, guys."
Christmas 2007 promises a bumper crop of Ralphie Parkers whose Christmas wish for "…an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and 'this thing' which tells time," will be magnified into thousands of "Airsoft" simulated guns and equipment used in the world's newest and fastest growing combat sport from Japan.
The sport hinges on the development of authentic re-creations of firearms using electricity, gas or springs to shoot a plastic pellet shaped like the familiar BB, ranging in weight from 0.12 to 0.88 grams, the most popular around 0.20 to 0.25 for most applications with heavier pellets used for longer distance "sniping."
Generally divided into MilSim (military simulation,) and police games, Airsoft games are wildly popular throughout the Far East, and have caught on in Europe to the point where normally stringent firearms rules in countries like the U. K. have been relaxed to allow importation of Airsoft simulated firearms. Just beginning to catch on in the United States, Airsoft is gradually replacing paintball games as a combat sport, and the importation of Airsoft guns and gear is becoming a rapidly growing market in those states whose laws allow it.
Nearly as important as the guns themselves is the gear used in the sport. Military and police gear necessary to re-create battles/and swat team action in different eras and terrain is nearly as important to the sport as the Airsoft guns.
Japanese manufacturers such as Tokyo Marui, Tanaka Works, Marushin and Inokatsu tend to be the high-end of the field, though lower cost replicas are beginning to be produced in other areas of East Asia. The emphasis is on authenticity, to the point where games are often limited to weapons and gear from a certain era.
Rinkya, the Japanese auction service, is helping to bring the Airsoft phenomenon to the world through access to the Japanese auction market where many of the best examples of Airsoft guns and gear find their way out of the Japanese and East Asian market.
Though still restricted in many countries and in some U. S. states, Airsoft is increasingly being seen as a safer and more intriguing combat sport than paintball, combining, as it does, military re-creation with the actuality of simulated combat.
The latest innovations in Airsoft which includes such things as Airsoft grenades and increasingly accurate uniforms and gear, successfully combine the combat sport with the sport of military and police re-creations and simulations.
"This year, one of Rinkya's goals is to see that all the budding Ralphie Parkers out there get the 2007 version of "…an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and 'this thing' which tells time," says Rinkya CEO Heather Russell, "Watch your eyes, guys."
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Teen flashes replica gun, ends up in handcuffs
A prank involving an Airsoft replica gun backfired on a 17-year-old Roseville boy Monday when he was stopped by police in the parking lot at Woodcreek High School, ordered to the ground and then handcuffed.
The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. when an off-duty officer for the California Highway Patrol spotted a young man driving a Saturn sedan stop at a traffic light on Trailee Drive and Woodcreek Oaks Boulevard, said police spokeswoman Dee Dee Gunther.
The off-duty officer said the driver pointed what appeared to be a pistol at the car behind him and then fire a shot at it, Gunther said.
The Saturn continued and the CHP officer followed it, keeping a Roseville police dispatcher aware of its movements by use of a cell phone, Gunther said.
When the Saturn pulled into the high school parking lot, police vehicles swarmed into the lot and two 17-year-old occupants of the Saturn were ordered to the ground, where they were handcuffed, she said.
A search of their vehicle yielded the Airsoft replica gun, she said. The Saturn's driver was cited for brandishing an imitation firearm, she said. The other boy was not cited.
Because of the Veterans Day holiday, school was not in session Monday, Gunther said.
However, she urged students not to be playing with guns in public, even if they are imitation weapons.
"This is yet another example of why it is extremely foolish and dangerous to play around with replica firearms in public," she said. "If a prankster pointed a replica firearm at a police officer or another person armed with a real firearm, the results could be tragic."
The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. when an off-duty officer for the California Highway Patrol spotted a young man driving a Saturn sedan stop at a traffic light on Trailee Drive and Woodcreek Oaks Boulevard, said police spokeswoman Dee Dee Gunther.
The off-duty officer said the driver pointed what appeared to be a pistol at the car behind him and then fire a shot at it, Gunther said.
The Saturn continued and the CHP officer followed it, keeping a Roseville police dispatcher aware of its movements by use of a cell phone, Gunther said.
When the Saturn pulled into the high school parking lot, police vehicles swarmed into the lot and two 17-year-old occupants of the Saturn were ordered to the ground, where they were handcuffed, she said.
A search of their vehicle yielded the Airsoft replica gun, she said. The Saturn's driver was cited for brandishing an imitation firearm, she said. The other boy was not cited.
Because of the Veterans Day holiday, school was not in session Monday, Gunther said.
However, she urged students not to be playing with guns in public, even if they are imitation weapons.
"This is yet another example of why it is extremely foolish and dangerous to play around with replica firearms in public," she said. "If a prankster pointed a replica firearm at a police officer or another person armed with a real firearm, the results could be tragic."
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Airsoft players have fun, help fund home
For $10 a head, fans of airsoft - a game like paintball but with more forgiving, less messy pellets - engaged in simulated warfare Saturday on the eight acres behind Healing Ground, a transitional housing facility in Wellford.
Some were cadets and college students from Clemson University, Wofford College and Lander University in Greenwood. Others were older and in the working world, or drove from North Carolina and Georgia to take advantage of the "CQB," or "close quarter battles," offered by the landscape and buildings perched upon it.
"It's a lot better than running through the hills," said Neil Hoggard, who led the group on Saturday and represented the S.C. Airsoft Association. "They love CQB."
Hoggard, an associate producer for a TV network in Fort Mill, was just one of dozens dressed in fatigues and wielding weapons that ranged from sniper rifles with scopes and tripods to pistols. The prices of the weapons range from about $100 up to $800, Kyle Chanko said.
"Last time we played here, a guy from Alabama drove up to play," Chanko said. "The property owners are really generous. ... This offers a facility to play indoors and around buildings. It's a lot more intense than just playing out in the woods."
Laurie Mugavero, who runs Healing Ground, said the airsoft crowd comes through about once a month.
The money raised helps pay the mortgage on the prop-
erty, which she purchased
in tandem with the house she has transformed into a transitional shelter for homeless individuals and veterans, and those with mental health needs.
"I want this to be a magnet. ..." she said. "It's so cool to see life, isn't it? I just love to see them play."
A couple of airsoft players showed up on Friday night, camping out overnight on the Healing Ground property.
By 10 a.m. on Saturday, a line of cars and trucks filed down the lawn next to the driveway. The games started and lasted throughout the day, with several short breaks so sweaty players could cool down and grab some food.
Alex Meinzer said a few friends turned him on to airsoft about eight years ago.
Interest has taken off in the past couple of years and the airsoft association's membership has grown, Chanko added.
"We're always looking for new players who want to come out and have fun," he said.
Some were cadets and college students from Clemson University, Wofford College and Lander University in Greenwood. Others were older and in the working world, or drove from North Carolina and Georgia to take advantage of the "CQB," or "close quarter battles," offered by the landscape and buildings perched upon it.
"It's a lot better than running through the hills," said Neil Hoggard, who led the group on Saturday and represented the S.C. Airsoft Association. "They love CQB."
Hoggard, an associate producer for a TV network in Fort Mill, was just one of dozens dressed in fatigues and wielding weapons that ranged from sniper rifles with scopes and tripods to pistols. The prices of the weapons range from about $100 up to $800, Kyle Chanko said.
"Last time we played here, a guy from Alabama drove up to play," Chanko said. "The property owners are really generous. ... This offers a facility to play indoors and around buildings. It's a lot more intense than just playing out in the woods."
Laurie Mugavero, who runs Healing Ground, said the airsoft crowd comes through about once a month.
The money raised helps pay the mortgage on the prop-
erty, which she purchased
in tandem with the house she has transformed into a transitional shelter for homeless individuals and veterans, and those with mental health needs.
"I want this to be a magnet. ..." she said. "It's so cool to see life, isn't it? I just love to see them play."
A couple of airsoft players showed up on Friday night, camping out overnight on the Healing Ground property.
By 10 a.m. on Saturday, a line of cars and trucks filed down the lawn next to the driveway. The games started and lasted throughout the day, with several short breaks so sweaty players could cool down and grab some food.
Alex Meinzer said a few friends turned him on to airsoft about eight years ago.
Interest has taken off in the past couple of years and the airsoft association's membership has grown, Chanko added.
"We're always looking for new players who want to come out and have fun," he said.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Classic Army CA53 Airsoft Gun Review
Classic Army CA53 is an outstanding airsoft fire arm. It has been sold for a while now, and customers appear to be very content with them. They are known to be very dependable. As with most full size airsoft arms, they design like their real life counter pieces. While the Classic Army CA53 is not the most affordable product on the market, the price is really worth it. You will get your money’s worth found in quality, and opposite customers’s acknowledgment for your good taste. At 2552.0g , it is light enough for most people to carry onto the playing field. The starting speed of the ammo at 85-105 m/sce is where most of the other maunfacturers set their merchandise.
Care of the Classic Army CA53 is adequately straight forward. The only thing that you will need to do to keep this airsoft gun going is to restrain the hop-up assembley lubed with silicone spray and and the barrel clean. The disassembly of the weapon is uncomplicated, but taking apart the gearbox is not advised unless you are really sure what you are up to.
Specifications of the Classic Army CA53 :
The Classic Army CA53 weighs 2552.0g . The length of the barrel on this genuine looking airsoft rifle is 220mm . The inner diameter, or as most commonly known, the caliber of the barrel of the weapon is 6.08mm . The clip holds a at the most of 450 Roud rounds found in it when it is filled up. For some guns, larger capacity round holders are , in addition, available, even ones that hold literally thousands ammo and have an electric motor located in them to push the rounds inside the fire arm. The size of the ammo is the usual 6mm Ammunition . The starting speed of the ammunition is 85-105 m/sce as it exits the barrel. For most arms, upgrades are facilely available, if not directly from the manufacturer, from your local airsoft shop for a fee. The pack of batteries size mandated for this product is a Mini Type (8.4V) battery pack. The Classic Army CA53 is also known as AEG operated airsoft fire arm.
Features of the Classic Army CA53 :
Metal Body. Metal Front Set. Metal Hop Up Chamber. Steel Flash Hider. 450 Rd Hi-Cap Magazine. Spring- Loaded, Retractable Factory. One-piece Forgrip. A3 Lower Receiver.
General information On airsoft:
The overall average for a high quality electric weapon such as a Classic Army or Tokyo Marui, is about $200-$500 USD, depending on the model. Many airsoft guns, especially AEGs, come with little red plastic barrel blockers that fit over the muzzle, but these can be shot off the fire arm, and don’t provide the quick visual check that a barrel bag does. Airsoft participants organize meetings, either indoors or outdoors, at dedicated airsoft battlefields to play a variety of games ranging from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, armed service simulations, or historical reenactments. A hop-up unit, if present, puts backspin on the pellet giving a slight upward arc. Some players even wear military-style helmets, such as the kevlar MICH helmet, or hydration systems, such as those manufactured by Camelbak.
Some words about airsoft safety:
Although there is a considerable difference between airsoft and paintball energy levels (1 joule verses 12 joules), the type of collisions that occur (elastic airsoft vs. In many jurisdictions, using an imitation firearm to commit a crime (which often includes the generic term of “brandishing”) carries the same penalty as if a actual firearm were utilized because of the intent to kill. Eye protection not created specifically for employ with airsoft or paintball guns may break or shatter upon being struck, causing eye damage (although rare and uncomplicatedly prevented). There have been a few highly isolated cases of airsoft arms becoming mistaken for actual firearms, and some cases where armed law enforcement units have responded to tips of unlawful firearm operate.
Airsoft accessories:
There are also little paintball pellets available for airsoft arms;they are prone to breaking found in the gun, jamming in the fire arm, not breaking when hitting the target, and damaging pieces of the rifle which will need repairs to function correctly. 50, for a container of about 2000, to approximately $16 USD, for a large tub of on 10,000. Most of these “pyro” devices are powered by a gas.
Airsoft is very big on real life like cenerios. Here are a few thoughts on that:
Many Mil-Sim players choose to wear real gear (not an airsoft replica) and found in some cases, real life ballistic protective armor. Some common game variations include Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Close Quarters Battle (that attempts to simulate real life Close Quarters Battle). CQB situations include close range confrontations such as “house entry” where maneuvrability is more important than length or power.
Available at www.airsplat.com/Items/ERA-CA-CA53.htm
Care of the Classic Army CA53 is adequately straight forward. The only thing that you will need to do to keep this airsoft gun going is to restrain the hop-up assembley lubed with silicone spray and and the barrel clean. The disassembly of the weapon is uncomplicated, but taking apart the gearbox is not advised unless you are really sure what you are up to.
Specifications of the Classic Army CA53 :
The Classic Army CA53 weighs 2552.0g . The length of the barrel on this genuine looking airsoft rifle is 220mm . The inner diameter, or as most commonly known, the caliber of the barrel of the weapon is 6.08mm . The clip holds a at the most of 450 Roud rounds found in it when it is filled up. For some guns, larger capacity round holders are , in addition, available, even ones that hold literally thousands ammo and have an electric motor located in them to push the rounds inside the fire arm. The size of the ammo is the usual 6mm Ammunition . The starting speed of the ammunition is 85-105 m/sce as it exits the barrel. For most arms, upgrades are facilely available, if not directly from the manufacturer, from your local airsoft shop for a fee. The pack of batteries size mandated for this product is a Mini Type (8.4V) battery pack. The Classic Army CA53 is also known as AEG operated airsoft fire arm.
Features of the Classic Army CA53 :
Metal Body. Metal Front Set. Metal Hop Up Chamber. Steel Flash Hider. 450 Rd Hi-Cap Magazine. Spring- Loaded, Retractable Factory. One-piece Forgrip. A3 Lower Receiver.
General information On airsoft:
The overall average for a high quality electric weapon such as a Classic Army or Tokyo Marui, is about $200-$500 USD, depending on the model. Many airsoft guns, especially AEGs, come with little red plastic barrel blockers that fit over the muzzle, but these can be shot off the fire arm, and don’t provide the quick visual check that a barrel bag does. Airsoft participants organize meetings, either indoors or outdoors, at dedicated airsoft battlefields to play a variety of games ranging from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, armed service simulations, or historical reenactments. A hop-up unit, if present, puts backspin on the pellet giving a slight upward arc. Some players even wear military-style helmets, such as the kevlar MICH helmet, or hydration systems, such as those manufactured by Camelbak.
Some words about airsoft safety:
Although there is a considerable difference between airsoft and paintball energy levels (1 joule verses 12 joules), the type of collisions that occur (elastic airsoft vs. In many jurisdictions, using an imitation firearm to commit a crime (which often includes the generic term of “brandishing”) carries the same penalty as if a actual firearm were utilized because of the intent to kill. Eye protection not created specifically for employ with airsoft or paintball guns may break or shatter upon being struck, causing eye damage (although rare and uncomplicatedly prevented). There have been a few highly isolated cases of airsoft arms becoming mistaken for actual firearms, and some cases where armed law enforcement units have responded to tips of unlawful firearm operate.
Airsoft accessories:
There are also little paintball pellets available for airsoft arms;they are prone to breaking found in the gun, jamming in the fire arm, not breaking when hitting the target, and damaging pieces of the rifle which will need repairs to function correctly. 50, for a container of about 2000, to approximately $16 USD, for a large tub of on 10,000. Most of these “pyro” devices are powered by a gas.
Airsoft is very big on real life like cenerios. Here are a few thoughts on that:
Many Mil-Sim players choose to wear real gear (not an airsoft replica) and found in some cases, real life ballistic protective armor. Some common game variations include Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Close Quarters Battle (that attempts to simulate real life Close Quarters Battle). CQB situations include close range confrontations such as “house entry” where maneuvrability is more important than length or power.
Available at www.airsplat.com/Items/ERA-CA-CA53.htm
Toy airsoft gun lands men in trouble
Two men from Chicago were arrested Monday after one of them entered a dorm room with a toy gun and the other one hid it during a police investigation.
Fayette police were called to Upper Iowa University for a report of a man with a gun. The student who reported it said the man had a black pistol in his waistband. Authorities secured the area and later identified Sheldon McCullough as the man who had the gun.
McCullough was arrested, along with his roommate Mitchel Smith, who police said concealed the gun after the incident. Police later realized the gun was an Airsoft pistol. It looked nearly identical to a real gun, aside from an orange tip on the barrel.
At this time, no further information about the incident is available.
Fayette police were called to Upper Iowa University for a report of a man with a gun. The student who reported it said the man had a black pistol in his waistband. Authorities secured the area and later identified Sheldon McCullough as the man who had the gun.
McCullough was arrested, along with his roommate Mitchel Smith, who police said concealed the gun after the incident. Police later realized the gun was an Airsoft pistol. It looked nearly identical to a real gun, aside from an orange tip on the barrel.
At this time, no further information about the incident is available.
THIS BOY'S LIFE: Storey of a mistaken boy with airsoft gun violations
Decked out in a shirt and tie last Wednesday, Garden City High School sophomore football player Jace Banner handed a typewritten statement to the officials at his expulsion hearing.
The statement apologized for the negative attention two separate AirSoft pellet gun incidents on school property involving Banner had brought upon his school, team and the community. Banner read aloud the numerous letters of recommendation sent in on his behalf.
He sat and watched as the parents of a student that accused him of shooting her in the forehead with the gun testified on his behalf. He watched as his football coach, Mike Smith, came and testified as a character witness.
A few hours after the hearing ended, Banner, also a standout wrestler, was handed a long letter detailing the board's decision -- the final few words of which sealed his fate.
"They took a break after I presented my case," Banner said. "Then they came back to me with a letter, and the last sentence told me I was being expelled for 186 days."
Banner registered 38 tackles in four games for the Buffaloes this season, and took fourth place in the 189-pound division at the Class 6A state wrestling tournament as a freshman.
His school-year length expulsion comes in response to incidents involving an AirSoft pellet gun, one on Sept. 6 and another on Sept. 11. On Sept. 6, Banner, along with teammates Brodrick Smith, Banner's half-brother, and Brad Hoggatt were spotted with an AirSoft pellet gun on school property. On Sept. 11, Banner allegedly discharged an AirSoft gun and struck an unnamed female student in the forehead.
While Banner admits to playing with the AirSoft gun, he firmly maintains that he never intentionally fired at another person.
Finney County attorney John Wheeler said this morning that his office has charged Banner with three juvenile counts of battery and one juvenile count of assault in reference to the Sept. 11 incident.
The battery counts stem from incidents in which Banner is alleged to have shot individuals with the AirSoft gun, and the assault count stems from an incident in which Banner is said to have allegedly threatened someone with the gun.
"I didn't shoot anyone," Banner said. "I'm not going to change my story because I was expelled or anything. I'm going to stick with it."
According to Banner, he, Hoggatt and Smith were brought into the office of athletic director Bill Weatherly on Sept. 6 and were asked to retrieve the gun from Hoggatt's car and bring it back to Weatherly's office. According to Banner, Weatherly then test-fired the gun in his office, and the students left after a lengthy discussion of the incident. Banner said the three were told they would find out about their punishment at a later date.
The three played in a football game the next day, a 29-7 Garden City win over Ulysses, and were given one day of in-school-suspension the following Monday, Sept. 10.
Weatherly did not return phone calls seeking comment for this article, but did talk about the incident with The Telegram earlier this month.
"They didn't get held out of the game because they did not violate any rules that would result in a suspension," Weatherly said at the time.
Four weeks later, Banner was called into the office of associate principal Brad Springston, who confronted him with accusations that he had shot a female student on Sept. 11.
"He basically said 'A girl said you shot her in the forehead,'" Banner said. "I was like, 'What are you talking about?' He basically was telling me how it was. He was telling me that I did this and that. It was kind of an argument."
Banner later spoke with associate principal Tracy Newell, and according to Banner the conversation went much the same as with Springston. After the two interviews, Banner still played against Wichita Northwest on Oct. 5 before being suspended from school for 10 days on Oct. 12.
According to both Banner and his mother, Janell Banner, Newell seemed adamant about making the eventual punishment as stiff as possible.
"Tracy Newell has been the most negative," Janell Banner said. "I just felt like he was the one that wanted to push the harshest punishment. He was always polite, but I didn't feel like he was looking out for Jace's best interest. He wanted to push his authority the farthest."
Calls to Newell, Springston, and all other Garden City administrators were forwarded to USD 457's Director of Public Information Roy Cessna.
When contacted, Cessna declined comment, citing the incident as a "student discipline issue." Cessna also refused to name the members of Banner's expulsion board, citing district policy.
According to both Banner and Coach Mike Smith, the use of AirSoft guns among the student body has been widespread recently.
"I'll say this, (the guns) were being used by hundreds of kids all this summer at the parks and different places," Coach Smith said. "It just so happens that Jace got caught. Sometimes things happen, and I hope Jace comes out of this a better person."
In response to the AirSoft incidents, USD 457 recently modified its policies to classify the AirSoft guns as weapons rather than toys.
Although Banner plans on filing an appeal with the district, he currently is exploring a move to another school district.
On Monday, Banner was visiting Lee's Summitt High School in suburban Kansas City, Mo. The sophomore also is considering transferring to Dodge City High School.
When asked about the details of the appeals process after an expulsion, Cessna indicated that he was not familiar with the procedure and could not give a comment.
Although the 186-day expulsion would last an entire school year, the terms of the expulsion dictate it is possible that Banner could return to school on Jan. 8 on a probationary basis. While on probation, Banner would be required to maintain a certain grade point average, attend and not be late for class, and would not be allowed to participate in sports.
Mike Smith hopes the 16-year-old standout sticks around that long.
"I just hope that Jace will come back to school and we don't lose him," Smith said. "Jace is a good team player. Athletically he can help us, but he's got a lot of people in his corner. When he's an influence, he's a positive one. He's one of the better athletes, and he's very good to the kids who don't get as much playing time. It's not all about Jace being the star."
Per USD 457 regulation, Banner has 10 days from his hearing date of Oct. 24 to file his appeal in the form of a handwritten note to the board explaining his case.
"Jace has always been respectful of authority," Janell Banner said. "He could always do better in his classes, but he's never been disrespectful. Even at the hearing, he bent over backwards to please the board. We feel like he's been tried in the newspaper, ridiculed in the school newspaper. Even on his MySpace page, almost daily, he'll receive comments ridiculing him. He feels like the community thinks of him as a criminal.
"This thing with the AirSoft guns goes on with half the football team, and other players have been doing this for years. He's not going to name any names, but it's just amazing that he's the one."
The statement apologized for the negative attention two separate AirSoft pellet gun incidents on school property involving Banner had brought upon his school, team and the community. Banner read aloud the numerous letters of recommendation sent in on his behalf.
He sat and watched as the parents of a student that accused him of shooting her in the forehead with the gun testified on his behalf. He watched as his football coach, Mike Smith, came and testified as a character witness.
A few hours after the hearing ended, Banner, also a standout wrestler, was handed a long letter detailing the board's decision -- the final few words of which sealed his fate.
"They took a break after I presented my case," Banner said. "Then they came back to me with a letter, and the last sentence told me I was being expelled for 186 days."
Banner registered 38 tackles in four games for the Buffaloes this season, and took fourth place in the 189-pound division at the Class 6A state wrestling tournament as a freshman.
His school-year length expulsion comes in response to incidents involving an AirSoft pellet gun, one on Sept. 6 and another on Sept. 11. On Sept. 6, Banner, along with teammates Brodrick Smith, Banner's half-brother, and Brad Hoggatt were spotted with an AirSoft pellet gun on school property. On Sept. 11, Banner allegedly discharged an AirSoft gun and struck an unnamed female student in the forehead.
While Banner admits to playing with the AirSoft gun, he firmly maintains that he never intentionally fired at another person.
Finney County attorney John Wheeler said this morning that his office has charged Banner with three juvenile counts of battery and one juvenile count of assault in reference to the Sept. 11 incident.
The battery counts stem from incidents in which Banner is alleged to have shot individuals with the AirSoft gun, and the assault count stems from an incident in which Banner is said to have allegedly threatened someone with the gun.
"I didn't shoot anyone," Banner said. "I'm not going to change my story because I was expelled or anything. I'm going to stick with it."
According to Banner, he, Hoggatt and Smith were brought into the office of athletic director Bill Weatherly on Sept. 6 and were asked to retrieve the gun from Hoggatt's car and bring it back to Weatherly's office. According to Banner, Weatherly then test-fired the gun in his office, and the students left after a lengthy discussion of the incident. Banner said the three were told they would find out about their punishment at a later date.
The three played in a football game the next day, a 29-7 Garden City win over Ulysses, and were given one day of in-school-suspension the following Monday, Sept. 10.
Weatherly did not return phone calls seeking comment for this article, but did talk about the incident with The Telegram earlier this month.
"They didn't get held out of the game because they did not violate any rules that would result in a suspension," Weatherly said at the time.
Four weeks later, Banner was called into the office of associate principal Brad Springston, who confronted him with accusations that he had shot a female student on Sept. 11.
"He basically said 'A girl said you shot her in the forehead,'" Banner said. "I was like, 'What are you talking about?' He basically was telling me how it was. He was telling me that I did this and that. It was kind of an argument."
Banner later spoke with associate principal Tracy Newell, and according to Banner the conversation went much the same as with Springston. After the two interviews, Banner still played against Wichita Northwest on Oct. 5 before being suspended from school for 10 days on Oct. 12.
According to both Banner and his mother, Janell Banner, Newell seemed adamant about making the eventual punishment as stiff as possible.
"Tracy Newell has been the most negative," Janell Banner said. "I just felt like he was the one that wanted to push the harshest punishment. He was always polite, but I didn't feel like he was looking out for Jace's best interest. He wanted to push his authority the farthest."
Calls to Newell, Springston, and all other Garden City administrators were forwarded to USD 457's Director of Public Information Roy Cessna.
When contacted, Cessna declined comment, citing the incident as a "student discipline issue." Cessna also refused to name the members of Banner's expulsion board, citing district policy.
According to both Banner and Coach Mike Smith, the use of AirSoft guns among the student body has been widespread recently.
"I'll say this, (the guns) were being used by hundreds of kids all this summer at the parks and different places," Coach Smith said. "It just so happens that Jace got caught. Sometimes things happen, and I hope Jace comes out of this a better person."
In response to the AirSoft incidents, USD 457 recently modified its policies to classify the AirSoft guns as weapons rather than toys.
Although Banner plans on filing an appeal with the district, he currently is exploring a move to another school district.
On Monday, Banner was visiting Lee's Summitt High School in suburban Kansas City, Mo. The sophomore also is considering transferring to Dodge City High School.
When asked about the details of the appeals process after an expulsion, Cessna indicated that he was not familiar with the procedure and could not give a comment.
Although the 186-day expulsion would last an entire school year, the terms of the expulsion dictate it is possible that Banner could return to school on Jan. 8 on a probationary basis. While on probation, Banner would be required to maintain a certain grade point average, attend and not be late for class, and would not be allowed to participate in sports.
Mike Smith hopes the 16-year-old standout sticks around that long.
"I just hope that Jace will come back to school and we don't lose him," Smith said. "Jace is a good team player. Athletically he can help us, but he's got a lot of people in his corner. When he's an influence, he's a positive one. He's one of the better athletes, and he's very good to the kids who don't get as much playing time. It's not all about Jace being the star."
Per USD 457 regulation, Banner has 10 days from his hearing date of Oct. 24 to file his appeal in the form of a handwritten note to the board explaining his case.
"Jace has always been respectful of authority," Janell Banner said. "He could always do better in his classes, but he's never been disrespectful. Even at the hearing, he bent over backwards to please the board. We feel like he's been tried in the newspaper, ridiculed in the school newspaper. Even on his MySpace page, almost daily, he'll receive comments ridiculing him. He feels like the community thinks of him as a criminal.
"This thing with the AirSoft guns goes on with half the football team, and other players have been doing this for years. He's not going to name any names, but it's just amazing that he's the one."
Friday, November 02, 2007
Games big boys play
THE fighting was intense as the main body of a group called Masa confronted heavily armed terrorists trying to blow up a bridge in the middle of the forest. One group tried to maneuver around the well-entrenched terrorists, but they incurred heavy losses to snipers overlooking their line of attack.
Left flank team leader and Masa tactician Francis “Raptor” Vargas ordered his men to provide cover fire for the advancing troops. They were met by sporadic barrage of gunfire coming from every direction. As the situation escalated, they soon realized that they were pinned down, outgunned and getting short on ammunition.
But something has to be done to defuse the bomb! In a last-ditch effort, Mark “Rampage” Duclayan ordered his remaining troops to push forward through the enemy lines.
With overwhelming force and guns blazing—reinforcements led by Jennie Lontoc, a.k.a. Aero, finally came to the rescue.
The terrorists were finally forced to abandon their siege and hastily retreat.
These scenes may sound like battle encounters in the jungles of Mindanao or in some far-flung regions of the Philippines—but it’s not! It’s just one of the many scenarios that the Masa Airsoft Club (of which this writer is a member) plays out during one of its weekend Airsoft war games.
Majority of Masa or the Magiting Airsoft Alliance members are employees of TDK Fujitsu Philippines. Other Masa members include active police personnel, businessmen and medical practitioners.
Airsoft skirmishes are mostly held at the 15-hectare Magna Rubber Corp. compound in Loma, Biñan, Laguna, owned by the family of Paulo Garcia, an avid airsofter.
The area was chosen as the home site of Masa because of its proximity to the group’s place of work and the versatility of the site itself.
Old buildings are used for Close Quarters Battle and Military Operations on Urban Terrain, while the heavily wooded areas provide an excellent venue for guerrilla-type battles and large-scale skirmishes are played out on wide grassy areas.
According to Christopher Iñigo, who goes by the call sign Cobra, Masa was created to bring out the weekend warrior. It is a gratifying activity as a way to reminisce their childhood days when they used to play baril-barilan with friends.
The only difference now are the toys, mainly because they are quite expensive.
An Automatic Electric Gun will set one back around P6,000 for a stock China-made gun and P18,000 for the high-end brands. A set of Battle Dress Uniform is around P3,000. Practitioners even go to extreme lengths, like traveling to different historic war sites, just to get a feel of how it was like.
In the group’s most recent journey, it visited the historic capital town of Lingayen in Pangasinan.
Primarily, the Masa plays war games to have fun and strengthen its camaraderie as this is important, especially in its line of work.
They work as a team to achieve their target. Also, the group learns rules of gun safety and planning for combat strategies.
The group’s president, Rannie Samson, who goes by the call sign DKing, said: “Players’ safety comes first.”
All airsoft war games are well organized as safety checks are done to ensure everything is in order. FPS limits are strictly enforced and BDU and safety goggles are required.
Masa is a brotherhood of disciplined men, who knows the boundaries between a war game and the perils of real encounters. Every member has high regards for lawmen and soldiers, who risk their lives to protect the country. In short, airsoft is just a game played by the big boys!
Left flank team leader and Masa tactician Francis “Raptor” Vargas ordered his men to provide cover fire for the advancing troops. They were met by sporadic barrage of gunfire coming from every direction. As the situation escalated, they soon realized that they were pinned down, outgunned and getting short on ammunition.
But something has to be done to defuse the bomb! In a last-ditch effort, Mark “Rampage” Duclayan ordered his remaining troops to push forward through the enemy lines.
With overwhelming force and guns blazing—reinforcements led by Jennie Lontoc, a.k.a. Aero, finally came to the rescue.
The terrorists were finally forced to abandon their siege and hastily retreat.
These scenes may sound like battle encounters in the jungles of Mindanao or in some far-flung regions of the Philippines—but it’s not! It’s just one of the many scenarios that the Masa Airsoft Club (of which this writer is a member) plays out during one of its weekend Airsoft war games.
Majority of Masa or the Magiting Airsoft Alliance members are employees of TDK Fujitsu Philippines. Other Masa members include active police personnel, businessmen and medical practitioners.
Airsoft skirmishes are mostly held at the 15-hectare Magna Rubber Corp. compound in Loma, Biñan, Laguna, owned by the family of Paulo Garcia, an avid airsofter.
The area was chosen as the home site of Masa because of its proximity to the group’s place of work and the versatility of the site itself.
Old buildings are used for Close Quarters Battle and Military Operations on Urban Terrain, while the heavily wooded areas provide an excellent venue for guerrilla-type battles and large-scale skirmishes are played out on wide grassy areas.
According to Christopher Iñigo, who goes by the call sign Cobra, Masa was created to bring out the weekend warrior. It is a gratifying activity as a way to reminisce their childhood days when they used to play baril-barilan with friends.
The only difference now are the toys, mainly because they are quite expensive.
An Automatic Electric Gun will set one back around P6,000 for a stock China-made gun and P18,000 for the high-end brands. A set of Battle Dress Uniform is around P3,000. Practitioners even go to extreme lengths, like traveling to different historic war sites, just to get a feel of how it was like.
In the group’s most recent journey, it visited the historic capital town of Lingayen in Pangasinan.
Primarily, the Masa plays war games to have fun and strengthen its camaraderie as this is important, especially in its line of work.
They work as a team to achieve their target. Also, the group learns rules of gun safety and planning for combat strategies.
The group’s president, Rannie Samson, who goes by the call sign DKing, said: “Players’ safety comes first.”
All airsoft war games are well organized as safety checks are done to ensure everything is in order. FPS limits are strictly enforced and BDU and safety goggles are required.
Masa is a brotherhood of disciplined men, who knows the boundaries between a war game and the perils of real encounters. Every member has high regards for lawmen and soldiers, who risk their lives to protect the country. In short, airsoft is just a game played by the big boys!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Airsoft Club Lobbies USG For Practice Area
The Airsoft Club's proposal to acquire a playing field and funding for the student organization 'A Completely Different Note' were debated at last night's USG meeting.
Airsoft guns are similar to BB guns except instead of the metal BBs, theyuse small, plastic pellets.
Kevin Evringham, a 5th-semester international relations major who is the Airsoft Club's spokesperson as well as a commuter senator, told the Senate the club does not currently have a place to play on campus. He stressed that if land were obtained, student involvement in the club would increase. Presently, the club travels off campus to a field, which is expensive.
Evringham is looking to obtain a 2-acre piece of land behind Horsebarn Hill. The Airsoft Club will post signs to warn people of the activity that would take place in the woods, as well as use caution tape to post boundaries of where the club would practice on Sundays.
"Safety is a big concern of ours," Evringham said.
UConn Police would be informed every time the Airsoft Club practices, for safety reasons. In addition, members of the club would be required to wear safety goggles, which the group hopes USG will fund.
Another funding topic debated funding for a cappella group, A Different Note. This would allow the club to produce a CD that was debated for a second week.
Discussed were liability issues, including intellectual property rights that would arise after the group made the CD, as well as the large amount of funding - $9,500 - that the group was asking for.
USG decided to postpone the funding decision until further information regarding the legal liability and legal rights of the CD were discussed.
USG President Ryan McHardy said he was impressed with the Safety Walk that took place last week with President Hogan.
The event was a success and was the best response that USG has had for a safety walk on campus, according to Senator Meghan Perrone.
Six new Senate members were sworn in Wednesday. Two new committees were also discussed: the University Signage Committee, which deals with the signs around campus, and the University Security Committee, responsible for cameras and other security measures on campus.
In addition, the Senate approved funding for 28 student organizations on campus, for a total of $59,667.78.
Airsoft guns are similar to BB guns except instead of the metal BBs, theyuse small, plastic pellets.
Kevin Evringham, a 5th-semester international relations major who is the Airsoft Club's spokesperson as well as a commuter senator, told the Senate the club does not currently have a place to play on campus. He stressed that if land were obtained, student involvement in the club would increase. Presently, the club travels off campus to a field, which is expensive.
Evringham is looking to obtain a 2-acre piece of land behind Horsebarn Hill. The Airsoft Club will post signs to warn people of the activity that would take place in the woods, as well as use caution tape to post boundaries of where the club would practice on Sundays.
"Safety is a big concern of ours," Evringham said.
UConn Police would be informed every time the Airsoft Club practices, for safety reasons. In addition, members of the club would be required to wear safety goggles, which the group hopes USG will fund.
Another funding topic debated funding for a cappella group, A Different Note. This would allow the club to produce a CD that was debated for a second week.
Discussed were liability issues, including intellectual property rights that would arise after the group made the CD, as well as the large amount of funding - $9,500 - that the group was asking for.
USG decided to postpone the funding decision until further information regarding the legal liability and legal rights of the CD were discussed.
USG President Ryan McHardy said he was impressed with the Safety Walk that took place last week with President Hogan.
The event was a success and was the best response that USG has had for a safety walk on campus, according to Senator Meghan Perrone.
Six new Senate members were sworn in Wednesday. Two new committees were also discussed: the University Signage Committee, which deals with the signs around campus, and the University Security Committee, responsible for cameras and other security measures on campus.
In addition, the Senate approved funding for 28 student organizations on campus, for a total of $59,667.78.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Airsoft Safety Glasses - How Valuable Is Your Eyesight
The collecting and use of airsoft guns is becoming a more popular hobby each and every day. These guns offer a high speed extreme hobby that’s enjoyed by thousands of people all over the world - with more getting hooked all the time. You can take part in backyard target shooting (also known as plinking) using old tin cans or even custom made airsoft targets. You’re not just limited to firing airsoft plastic bbs however. Your airsoft gun can also be filled with airsoft paintball pellets so you can take paintball to the next level - going full auto with replica assault rifles and handguns.One note of warning - never get involved in any type of airsoft wargame unless you’re wearing proper eye protection. This is true of paintball and equally true of airsoft.An airsoft gun fires a plastic bb at speeds of anywhere from 180 feet per second to well over 300 feet per second. The actual speed will depend on the type of firing system your gun has; with gas and spring generally being the most powerful. Being hit by one of these bbs on exposed skin at these speeds definitely hurts and at close enough range can be powerful enough to leave quite a nasty bruise. I’ve been shot with a gas powered Desert Eagle from a range of about 25 feet. The pellet hit me in the upper body through a t-shirt but still left a large bruise and it really, really hurt when it hit me. If that same bb had hit me in the eye there’s a strong chance it would have blinded me. The lack of care and protection in this situation could have cost me part of my eyesight.Airsoft guns are classed as toys but the speed they fire bbs at puts them in the category of toys requiring supervision and caution. Even if you’re firing your airsoft gun indoors you still need to take proper precautions and wear protective glasses. BBs can ricochet around a room very quickly and you’ll never see them coming back at you until it’s too late.Does wearing safety glasses or a protective mask take away from the freedom people see in airsoft as a hobby? Some people feel it does. If you look at it another way by wearing proper protective eyewear you can engage in the most intense airsoft battles imaginable without having to worry about any serious injury.So how much does protecting your eyesight cost? From as little as $10 you can make sure you can enjoy airsoft to the full. Surely your eyesight is worth $10? Right?AirsoftDude provided this article for your reading pleasure. If you want to know more about airsoft safety eyewear and glasses and cheap airsoft guns.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
DBOYS AKS-74U AEG Airsoft Gun Review
I had me a beautiful red box… And I know my AK is in there. I opened the box and AKS-74U was in front of me! I love this gun!! The gun is not too reflective; as what I have read in the forums. I put the gun in the chrono and… I got 390 - 393 FPS, which is great!
Externals
This is a really beautiful AK. The weight is just right, the receivers seem very sturdy, the wood handguard is great bonus, and the folding stock is really solid as well. One of the best thing that I loved about this gun is the quality of the externals. It’s awesome! Zero wobbling, completely rock solid construction, and still is not overly heavy.
Internals
The gear box uses 7mm metal bushings. The first thing I saw in the gear box was the 7mm nylon bushings, and an ALUMINUM PISTON HEAD.
I had a small problem with the HOP chamber, whenever I fire BB's are going everywhere!! Grouping was horible! I replaced the HOP Up rubber, and the problem wouldn’t go away. I then realized that the HOP Chamber is too tight for the hop rubber, so I just sand-papered the inner part of the chamber and put it all together again; it worked like a charm. Other than the HOP Chamber problem, everything else is fine.
Symptoms of the hop chamber problem:
1.) Inconsistent FPS
2.) The sound is too loud when you fire (air leaks)
3.) Very very weak FPS combined with straying bbs.
Accuracy:
THIS IS A VERY VERY ACURATE GUN with respect to the barrel length. I can hit the center of a power post in over 50 meters, time after time. I am confident that I could still hit it in about 70 meters. I was amazed because it’s even more accurate than my old JG Spetz with a 6.03 x 270 tight barrel. It’s more accurate than my old JG G36c as well.
Magazine compatibility
I have a cyma slr mag and it works perfectly in my aksu. I just shaved a milimeter or two on the tab where the mag locks on with the mag catch.
Conclusion:
This gun is well worth my money. It’s well worth your money as well!!! This is my 5th gun since I started playing airsoft last february, and I could say that this is a really really beautiful gun. The externals are made from STAMPED STEEL, it’s obviously more durable than cast alloy. I was planning to get the cyma last week, but when I saw the dboys aksu on the market I quickly grabbed one.
Chrono: 390 - 393 fps
Accuracy: Very accurate
Feeding: Good
Magazine: Good
Externals: Excellent
Internals: Good (except for the hop chamber)
Price/Performance: 10/10
Stock Gun overall: 9/10 (the hop chamber let it down, you can fix it anyway)
Externals
This is a really beautiful AK. The weight is just right, the receivers seem very sturdy, the wood handguard is great bonus, and the folding stock is really solid as well. One of the best thing that I loved about this gun is the quality of the externals. It’s awesome! Zero wobbling, completely rock solid construction, and still is not overly heavy.
Internals
The gear box uses 7mm metal bushings. The first thing I saw in the gear box was the 7mm nylon bushings, and an ALUMINUM PISTON HEAD.
I had a small problem with the HOP chamber, whenever I fire BB's are going everywhere!! Grouping was horible! I replaced the HOP Up rubber, and the problem wouldn’t go away. I then realized that the HOP Chamber is too tight for the hop rubber, so I just sand-papered the inner part of the chamber and put it all together again; it worked like a charm. Other than the HOP Chamber problem, everything else is fine.
Symptoms of the hop chamber problem:
1.) Inconsistent FPS
2.) The sound is too loud when you fire (air leaks)
3.) Very very weak FPS combined with straying bbs.
Accuracy:
THIS IS A VERY VERY ACURATE GUN with respect to the barrel length. I can hit the center of a power post in over 50 meters, time after time. I am confident that I could still hit it in about 70 meters. I was amazed because it’s even more accurate than my old JG Spetz with a 6.03 x 270 tight barrel. It’s more accurate than my old JG G36c as well.
Magazine compatibility
I have a cyma slr mag and it works perfectly in my aksu. I just shaved a milimeter or two on the tab where the mag locks on with the mag catch.
Conclusion:
This gun is well worth my money. It’s well worth your money as well!!! This is my 5th gun since I started playing airsoft last february, and I could say that this is a really really beautiful gun. The externals are made from STAMPED STEEL, it’s obviously more durable than cast alloy. I was planning to get the cyma last week, but when I saw the dboys aksu on the market I quickly grabbed one.
Chrono: 390 - 393 fps
Accuracy: Very accurate
Feeding: Good
Magazine: Good
Externals: Excellent
Internals: Good (except for the hop chamber)
Price/Performance: 10/10
Stock Gun overall: 9/10 (the hop chamber let it down, you can fix it anyway)
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Airsoft takes military games to new level
If you ever saw a South Carolina Airsoft Association game without knowing it was a game, you might think you’d been planted in the middle of a combat zone. The fact is, you really are � but the bullets are actually 6mm BBs.
Airsoft is a combat sport in which players use replica firearms and police or military equipment to satisfy certain missions and eliminate each other from games. BBs are used for ammunition, providing participants with an outlet to essentially shoot each other without serious, or really much injury at all.
Much like paintball, airsoft thrives on the ability to engage in live combat. According to Kyle Chanko, a representative with the S.C. Airsoft Association and Lander student, the sport got its start in Japan, where the residents are mostly unable to purchase firearms.
And while people in Japan were firing BBs, America was catching on to paintball.
But not all Americans desired a paintball gun in their hand. Some, like those in the S.C. Airsoft Association, wanted the feel of a real weapon.
The South Carolina Airsoft Association started in 2005 with only a handful of members. Today the group has between 450 and 500 active members, said representative Mark Wagner, who has prior military experience.
Chanko said the sport was mostly unknown in South Carolina until two years ago. However, after meeting with a Clemson student, Chanko and other interested persons put a game together in Woodruff in 2005.
Chanko said about 14 people showed up, which was a huge turnout for the group.
“From there it just grew,” he said of the organization that now has about two games a month. “It has grown fast. On average there’s about 40 new members a month.”
Those members come because of the nature of the game, which can be quite exhilarating.
“It’s fast paced, there is a lot of action going on,” Wagner said. “Most people come to it from having some experience from paintball. There’s a very different atmosphere, which is not as competitive, and guns that look like real weapons.”
Representative Jonathan Hamrick, who is active duty military, said the appeal for him is working with a team.
“I like the teamwork aspect. That’s probably the most unique thing about it. In airsoft it really takes a team effort.”
Sometimes that team effort can be quite a challenge. This isn’t necessarily your five-on-five game.
“It’s not unusual, if well publicized, for 125 people to show up,” Wagner said. “We need a big chunk of territory. We’re going to use the whole thing.”
Most times, that “whole thing” will consist of 40 to 60 acres, where the game can be played legally and the public won’t see a group of armed men aiming rifles at each other.
But how do you organize a game across that many acres on challenging terrain?
Chanko said an 8:30 to 9 a.m. safety and rules briefing occurs before the game begins. Depending on certain scenarios, games may last an hour, two hours or even longer. Hamrick said combat may even take all day, as it did one day when members gathered to play for 10 hours.
“It was very tiring,” he said. “We set aside 12 hours to play and called it early after 10.”
During these longer games, pellets that do make contact with players don’t necessarily end their game.
Wagner said depending on the game type, players can be healed by a medic a specified number of times or report back into the game as reinforcement.
And, because BBs are shot as ammo, players don’t need a real medic at all.
“It depends where you get hit, but on average getting hit with a paintball hurts much worse,” Chanko said. “The game is on an honor system because you are hit by a BB that doesn’t leave a mark like a paintball. It requires a more mature player base.”
And even though it might hurt less than paintball, rules are in place to ensure safety is a prime factor.
“It stings, but we have engagement distances and limits on how fast they can be shot,” Wagner said.
“A brand-new gun, upgraded shooting can be around 280 feet per second to 350 feet per second,” said Hamrick, who usually carries a rifle and a pistol during the game. “You can see where the BB is firing. At distances set for safety you can hear it rather than feel it. There are guns that are upgraded to shoot a lot harder. That gives you increased accuracy.”
Hamrick said eye goggles are mandatory in the state when playing, but a full mask is not. If anything gets hurt, Hamrick said it won’t necessarily be an injury to the body.
“I think some pride might get hurt out there,” Hamrick said.
Representatives also said players’ checkbooks won’t take as much of a hit as in paintball because BBs are cheaper than paintballs.
“The initial cost is similar, but the ongoing cost is paint, verses BBs that are dirt cheap,” Wagner said.
“The buy-in’s generally more expensive than paintball, but the overall cost is a whole lot less, which is really appealing for new players,” Chanko said.
Apparently the sport has appealed to people of all ages and vocations.
“We have players (male and female) as young as 6 playing with their fathers, two people in their 50s playing, ex-military, law enforcement, active duty military, school teachers, college students, high school students � really anyone who likes to get out there and have fun,” Chanko said.
To get more people to events, Chanko said the sport is being advertised more and more through word of mouth, as well as the Web site scairsoft.com
“A lot of the younger kids, they see airsoft online, and they get involved and want to take that feel to a real world setting. It takes one person who has played airsoft to make that contribution,” Hamrick said.
“They’ll get on the Web site, see it’s professionally put together and that we have a good player base, they’ll come to a game and they’ll get hooked,” Chanko said.
Once hooked, players can participate in games all across the state, with four to five serious teams in the association.
Chanko said he expects the game to continue to catch on as more people engage in combat.
It’s fun; it’s mentally challenging; it’s definitely exercise; you get people out of the house, and it’s a good way to meet people that you wouldn’t normally meet. As long as that stays true and we do our job, I think it should keep growing.”
“We’re always looking for new members to come out and have fun,” Chanko said. “It doesn’t matter really how old you are. It goes by maturity level. “
Airsoft is a combat sport in which players use replica firearms and police or military equipment to satisfy certain missions and eliminate each other from games. BBs are used for ammunition, providing participants with an outlet to essentially shoot each other without serious, or really much injury at all.
Much like paintball, airsoft thrives on the ability to engage in live combat. According to Kyle Chanko, a representative with the S.C. Airsoft Association and Lander student, the sport got its start in Japan, where the residents are mostly unable to purchase firearms.
And while people in Japan were firing BBs, America was catching on to paintball.
But not all Americans desired a paintball gun in their hand. Some, like those in the S.C. Airsoft Association, wanted the feel of a real weapon.
The South Carolina Airsoft Association started in 2005 with only a handful of members. Today the group has between 450 and 500 active members, said representative Mark Wagner, who has prior military experience.
Chanko said the sport was mostly unknown in South Carolina until two years ago. However, after meeting with a Clemson student, Chanko and other interested persons put a game together in Woodruff in 2005.
Chanko said about 14 people showed up, which was a huge turnout for the group.
“From there it just grew,” he said of the organization that now has about two games a month. “It has grown fast. On average there’s about 40 new members a month.”
Those members come because of the nature of the game, which can be quite exhilarating.
“It’s fast paced, there is a lot of action going on,” Wagner said. “Most people come to it from having some experience from paintball. There’s a very different atmosphere, which is not as competitive, and guns that look like real weapons.”
Representative Jonathan Hamrick, who is active duty military, said the appeal for him is working with a team.
“I like the teamwork aspect. That’s probably the most unique thing about it. In airsoft it really takes a team effort.”
Sometimes that team effort can be quite a challenge. This isn’t necessarily your five-on-five game.
“It’s not unusual, if well publicized, for 125 people to show up,” Wagner said. “We need a big chunk of territory. We’re going to use the whole thing.”
Most times, that “whole thing” will consist of 40 to 60 acres, where the game can be played legally and the public won’t see a group of armed men aiming rifles at each other.
But how do you organize a game across that many acres on challenging terrain?
Chanko said an 8:30 to 9 a.m. safety and rules briefing occurs before the game begins. Depending on certain scenarios, games may last an hour, two hours or even longer. Hamrick said combat may even take all day, as it did one day when members gathered to play for 10 hours.
“It was very tiring,” he said. “We set aside 12 hours to play and called it early after 10.”
During these longer games, pellets that do make contact with players don’t necessarily end their game.
Wagner said depending on the game type, players can be healed by a medic a specified number of times or report back into the game as reinforcement.
And, because BBs are shot as ammo, players don’t need a real medic at all.
“It depends where you get hit, but on average getting hit with a paintball hurts much worse,” Chanko said. “The game is on an honor system because you are hit by a BB that doesn’t leave a mark like a paintball. It requires a more mature player base.”
And even though it might hurt less than paintball, rules are in place to ensure safety is a prime factor.
“It stings, but we have engagement distances and limits on how fast they can be shot,” Wagner said.
“A brand-new gun, upgraded shooting can be around 280 feet per second to 350 feet per second,” said Hamrick, who usually carries a rifle and a pistol during the game. “You can see where the BB is firing. At distances set for safety you can hear it rather than feel it. There are guns that are upgraded to shoot a lot harder. That gives you increased accuracy.”
Hamrick said eye goggles are mandatory in the state when playing, but a full mask is not. If anything gets hurt, Hamrick said it won’t necessarily be an injury to the body.
“I think some pride might get hurt out there,” Hamrick said.
Representatives also said players’ checkbooks won’t take as much of a hit as in paintball because BBs are cheaper than paintballs.
“The initial cost is similar, but the ongoing cost is paint, verses BBs that are dirt cheap,” Wagner said.
“The buy-in’s generally more expensive than paintball, but the overall cost is a whole lot less, which is really appealing for new players,” Chanko said.
Apparently the sport has appealed to people of all ages and vocations.
“We have players (male and female) as young as 6 playing with their fathers, two people in their 50s playing, ex-military, law enforcement, active duty military, school teachers, college students, high school students � really anyone who likes to get out there and have fun,” Chanko said.
To get more people to events, Chanko said the sport is being advertised more and more through word of mouth, as well as the Web site scairsoft.com
“A lot of the younger kids, they see airsoft online, and they get involved and want to take that feel to a real world setting. It takes one person who has played airsoft to make that contribution,” Hamrick said.
“They’ll get on the Web site, see it’s professionally put together and that we have a good player base, they’ll come to a game and they’ll get hooked,” Chanko said.
Once hooked, players can participate in games all across the state, with four to five serious teams in the association.
Chanko said he expects the game to continue to catch on as more people engage in combat.
It’s fun; it’s mentally challenging; it’s definitely exercise; you get people out of the house, and it’s a good way to meet people that you wouldn’t normally meet. As long as that stays true and we do our job, I think it should keep growing.”
“We’re always looking for new members to come out and have fun,” Chanko said. “It doesn’t matter really how old you are. It goes by maturity level. “
Look-alike guns called airsoft guns getting real attention
MASON CITY — Police dispatchers sent officers to Prairie Playground at East Park recently after receiving a report that several young people had gathered and some were carrying guns.
When police arrived, they found older teens, shooting at each other with Airsoft guns.
Mason City code prevents the firing of weapons, or look-alikes that project a bullet or missile. Owning them is legal, shooting them isn’t.
“Basically, it was a harmless game,” said Capt. Mike McKelvey. “It happens occasionally. We inform them that there is a city code against shooting the look-alikes.”
The look-alikes are getting a lot of attention from both law enforcement and people in the court system.
Cerro Gordo County Attorney Carlyle Dalen said the guns present “risky and dangerous” situations, even though they’re legal to own.
“Officers find them under car seats, or involved in incidents where they’re used to intimidate others,” Dalen said. “And they’re taking it very seriously.”
Neither McKelvey nor Dalen could say if one of the look alikes has been used in the commission of a crime.
“If officers, or people being intimidated, believe you’re using deadly force,” Dalen said, “they’re going to respond accordingly.”
When police arrived, they found older teens, shooting at each other with Airsoft guns.
Mason City code prevents the firing of weapons, or look-alikes that project a bullet or missile. Owning them is legal, shooting them isn’t.
“Basically, it was a harmless game,” said Capt. Mike McKelvey. “It happens occasionally. We inform them that there is a city code against shooting the look-alikes.”
The look-alikes are getting a lot of attention from both law enforcement and people in the court system.
Cerro Gordo County Attorney Carlyle Dalen said the guns present “risky and dangerous” situations, even though they’re legal to own.
“Officers find them under car seats, or involved in incidents where they’re used to intimidate others,” Dalen said. “And they’re taking it very seriously.”
Neither McKelvey nor Dalen could say if one of the look alikes has been used in the commission of a crime.
“If officers, or people being intimidated, believe you’re using deadly force,” Dalen said, “they’re going to respond accordingly.”
Expelled high school student for airsoft guns permitted to return for final year in Bethel Park
The family of Tyler Stay has reached an agreement with the Bethel Park School District that will allow him to finish his senior year at the high school.
Tyler had been suspended, then expelled, as the result of an incident last April. After some magnesium tape went missing from a school lab, he was singled out and a search of his car on school property yielded two unassembled Airsoft pistols that shoot plastic pellets in sporting games, plus a saw used for cutting drywall.
Another student reportedly confessed to the tape theft later.
Bethel Park has a zero-tolerance policy concerning students possessing items deemed harmful.
The Stay family was granted a motion by the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas that allowed their son to attend school when classes began Sept. 4.
"Tyler is, and has been, a student at Bethel Park, enjoying all the entitlements all students have, since the first day of school," said Bill Clifford, attorney for the Stay family.
Michael Brungo, school solicitor, did not return phone calls.
Tyler had been suspended, then expelled, as the result of an incident last April. After some magnesium tape went missing from a school lab, he was singled out and a search of his car on school property yielded two unassembled Airsoft pistols that shoot plastic pellets in sporting games, plus a saw used for cutting drywall.
Another student reportedly confessed to the tape theft later.
Bethel Park has a zero-tolerance policy concerning students possessing items deemed harmful.
The Stay family was granted a motion by the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas that allowed their son to attend school when classes began Sept. 4.
"Tyler is, and has been, a student at Bethel Park, enjoying all the entitlements all students have, since the first day of school," said Bill Clifford, attorney for the Stay family.
Michael Brungo, school solicitor, did not return phone calls.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Campus police train for shootings with Airsoft Guns
It was 1:30 a.m. and a shot had just been fired somewhere in OSH. Four officers from the U Police Department loaded their firearms and in tight formation, headed down the stairs closest to the auditorium.
Quickly, yet carefully, the officers stepped down the staircase, closely watching for any movement or sound.
They did not know where the shot had been fired, who had fired it, and even worse -- whether the shooter would fire again.
All they knew is that they had to move fast because, more than likely, someone was already dead.
"Let's pluck this chicken," police officer John Thompson said.
Rounding the corner, the officers turned, sped up and headed toward a hallway with half a dozen classrooms on either side.
Suddenly, another shot was fired.
But, this time, it wasn't followed by silence. A man dressed in black walked out of one classroom and carelessly strolled past the officers with a gun in his hand.
The officers ordered the suspect to put his weapon down. The man declined and kept walking, whispering expletives under his breath.
Police tried to disarm the man again, who turned around and pointed his gun directly at them. Officers started firing. During the shoot-out, an officer backed into a door and sent the glass window flying in pieces.
The man fell to the ground.
But, after a short time, he stood up and complimented the officers.
"That was good. I felt like I was really being hunted," said the mock shooter, who was actually Lt. Brent Marchant with the U Police Department.
Police officers trained in OSH on Thursday night, using mock scenarios to train themselves how to respond to a potential campus shooting. Using Airsoft guns and rifles, officers practiced techniques to help them better disable a shooter.
The practice session was held at night after classes had already been dismissed and lasted through the early morning. Staff and faculty in surrounding buildings had been previously warned about the gunshot noise.
Marchant said several additional training sessions will be held in the upcoming year.
Throughout the mock session, police officers were told to keep in mind that a real shooting would be different because the building would probably be packed with students.
"We wanted this session to have a large part of realism and effectiveness," Marchant said. "We wanted training to be without injury, but have the officers face reality."
Quickly, yet carefully, the officers stepped down the staircase, closely watching for any movement or sound.
They did not know where the shot had been fired, who had fired it, and even worse -- whether the shooter would fire again.
All they knew is that they had to move fast because, more than likely, someone was already dead.
"Let's pluck this chicken," police officer John Thompson said.
Rounding the corner, the officers turned, sped up and headed toward a hallway with half a dozen classrooms on either side.
Suddenly, another shot was fired.
But, this time, it wasn't followed by silence. A man dressed in black walked out of one classroom and carelessly strolled past the officers with a gun in his hand.
The officers ordered the suspect to put his weapon down. The man declined and kept walking, whispering expletives under his breath.
Police tried to disarm the man again, who turned around and pointed his gun directly at them. Officers started firing. During the shoot-out, an officer backed into a door and sent the glass window flying in pieces.
The man fell to the ground.
But, after a short time, he stood up and complimented the officers.
"That was good. I felt like I was really being hunted," said the mock shooter, who was actually Lt. Brent Marchant with the U Police Department.
Police officers trained in OSH on Thursday night, using mock scenarios to train themselves how to respond to a potential campus shooting. Using Airsoft guns and rifles, officers practiced techniques to help them better disable a shooter.
The practice session was held at night after classes had already been dismissed and lasted through the early morning. Staff and faculty in surrounding buildings had been previously warned about the gunshot noise.
Marchant said several additional training sessions will be held in the upcoming year.
Throughout the mock session, police officers were told to keep in mind that a real shooting would be different because the building would probably be packed with students.
"We wanted this session to have a large part of realism and effectiveness," Marchant said. "We wanted training to be without injury, but have the officers face reality."
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Pittsford soldier stable after shooting with confusion of airsoft gun
(September 20, 2007) — A U.S. Army private from Pittsford is in serious but stable condition in a Maryland hospital after being shot multiple times in a confrontation with a police officer.
Pvt. Evan Parker, 22, was shot in the abdomen, leg and upper chest Monday at 11:20 a.m. by Sgt. James McGarvey at a motel in Aberdeen, Md.
Parker was carrying an airsoft gun similar to a BB gun and he "raised the weapon to a threatening position" at McGarvey, said Sgt. Fred Budnick, a spokesman with the Aberdeen Police Department. McGarvey then fired several shots at Parker.
"You can't tell the difference between that (airsoft gun) and the one I'm carrying right now," Budnick said.
Parker had been absent without leave from the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground since August and seems to have been at the motel with a relative, Budnick said.
Parker was taken to the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland for treatment. Budnick said Parker told officers and medical personnel he wanted to be shot by a police officer.
Police were called to the motel Sunday responding to a disturbance, but Budnick said it's unclear whether Parker was involved.
Police were called back to the motel Monday after guests complained that Parker was knocking on motel doors.
"There's an indication he (Parker) may have been looking for the relative," Budnick said. "Things kind of went downhill from there."
No charges have been filed yet against Parker, but he could face an assault charge for brandishing a weapon and possibly a trespassing charge for the motel disturbance. The case is being investigated by the Harford County State's Attorney Office.
Budnick said McGarvey was initially placed on administrative leave, but has returned to active duty.
Neither the police nor the Aberdeen Proving Ground could confirm whether Parker's parents had been notified, and no explanation was offered about why he was AWOL.
Pvt. Evan Parker, 22, was shot in the abdomen, leg and upper chest Monday at 11:20 a.m. by Sgt. James McGarvey at a motel in Aberdeen, Md.
Parker was carrying an airsoft gun similar to a BB gun and he "raised the weapon to a threatening position" at McGarvey, said Sgt. Fred Budnick, a spokesman with the Aberdeen Police Department. McGarvey then fired several shots at Parker.
"You can't tell the difference between that (airsoft gun) and the one I'm carrying right now," Budnick said.
Parker had been absent without leave from the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground since August and seems to have been at the motel with a relative, Budnick said.
Parker was taken to the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland for treatment. Budnick said Parker told officers and medical personnel he wanted to be shot by a police officer.
Police were called to the motel Sunday responding to a disturbance, but Budnick said it's unclear whether Parker was involved.
Police were called back to the motel Monday after guests complained that Parker was knocking on motel doors.
"There's an indication he (Parker) may have been looking for the relative," Budnick said. "Things kind of went downhill from there."
No charges have been filed yet against Parker, but he could face an assault charge for brandishing a weapon and possibly a trespassing charge for the motel disturbance. The case is being investigated by the Harford County State's Attorney Office.
Budnick said McGarvey was initially placed on administrative leave, but has returned to active duty.
Neither the police nor the Aberdeen Proving Ground could confirm whether Parker's parents had been notified, and no explanation was offered about why he was AWOL.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
No prison time for teen who killed stepbrother
SEATTLE -- The courtroom was silent as a judge prepared to read the sentence for a 16-year-old boy who fatally shot his brother last year while handling a gun.
But King County Superior Court Judge Harry McCarthy said justice needed to be tempered with mercy, and sighs and sobs ripped through the room as Jordan Tautua-Jantoc learned he won't serve time in prison, but rather will spend two years on electronic home monitoring.
Jordan rushed to has family after the sentence was handed down and was embraced in strong hugs from family and friends.
"I want to say thank you for my family for always being there for me. I love you guys a lot and thank you for being there for me - for everybody," Jordan said following the sentencing.
"Just wanted to thank God," said his mother, Lena Jantoc. "It was in his hands and it came out in our favor."
Jordan pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement in the shooting death of 15-year-old Michael Miller.
Court documents say the Jordan and Michael were playing with an Airsoft pellet gun last September when Jordan pulled out a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun from underneath his bed. He obtained that gun from a friend at school in exchange for his stepfather's gun and a promise of $100.
The two teens were handling the gun when it fired, striking Miller in the chest.
Jordan and his family have maintained that the shooting was accidental.
"A lot of people are going to think that he got off, but he didn't," said Michael's father, Tim Miller. "And being at home, I have to tell you, is in a lot of ways harder than being in jail. Because, as I said to the judge, he (Jordan) can see our misery. As emotionally as how you saw (me reacting) today, I'm that way every day."
Judge McCarthy also ordered Jordan to spend time in the community teaching other young people about the danger of playing with guns.
But King County Superior Court Judge Harry McCarthy said justice needed to be tempered with mercy, and sighs and sobs ripped through the room as Jordan Tautua-Jantoc learned he won't serve time in prison, but rather will spend two years on electronic home monitoring.
Jordan rushed to has family after the sentence was handed down and was embraced in strong hugs from family and friends.
"I want to say thank you for my family for always being there for me. I love you guys a lot and thank you for being there for me - for everybody," Jordan said following the sentencing.
"Just wanted to thank God," said his mother, Lena Jantoc. "It was in his hands and it came out in our favor."
Jordan pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement in the shooting death of 15-year-old Michael Miller.
Court documents say the Jordan and Michael were playing with an Airsoft pellet gun last September when Jordan pulled out a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun from underneath his bed. He obtained that gun from a friend at school in exchange for his stepfather's gun and a promise of $100.
The two teens were handling the gun when it fired, striking Miller in the chest.
Jordan and his family have maintained that the shooting was accidental.
"A lot of people are going to think that he got off, but he didn't," said Michael's father, Tim Miller. "And being at home, I have to tell you, is in a lot of ways harder than being in jail. Because, as I said to the judge, he (Jordan) can see our misery. As emotionally as how you saw (me reacting) today, I'm that way every day."
Judge McCarthy also ordered Jordan to spend time in the community teaching other young people about the danger of playing with guns.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Military Simulations or MilSim with Airsoft GUns
If you have never heard of MilSim, it is simply an abbreviation of military simulation. In paintball and airsoft, a popular method of play is MilSim. On a more important level, the military often trains by conducting military simulations, often incorporating airsoft guns into their activities. While MilSim is sometimes played in a paintball scenario, it is most popular in airsoft, due to the realism of airsoft guns.
MilSim often involves the reenactment of wars or even individual battles of the past. For example, many MilSim games recreate popular World War II, Vietnam, and even Iraq war battles. To increase the realism of the simulations, players are encouraged to wear apparel and use airsoft gun models of the time. Some players even go as far as to use magazines that hold realistic ammunition capacities. Depending on where the simulation takes place, a game can last from a few hours to a few days. Longer games usually take place in a designated airsoft field and have considerable planning put into them, while shorter games can be relatively impulsive and spontaneous.
Due to the fact that MilSim is so popular, many airsoft guns are made as replicas of real guns. Airsoft companies know that airsoft players enjoy participating in MilSim games, and they have manufactured guns to suit that need. Some popular models used in MilSim games include M16s, AK-47s, and Steyr Augs.
A type of game similar to MilSim is law-enforcement simulation. In this kind of game, close quarter combat airsoft guns are more heavily used than in MilSim, and the clothing and tactical gear worn is also different. While MilSim players might utilize actual airsoft grenades, law-enforcement players may favor smoke grenades more. Although the differences may sound subtle, in practice gameplay is very different.
In summary, the key characteristics of MilSim include the employment of replica airsoft guns, time-specific apparel and tactical gear, longer-than-usual game times, and advanced preparation. Also, one team may assume the role of the "good guys", while the other team would play as the "bad guys" (in regular airsoft games, there is usually no designation of teams).
MilSim often involves the reenactment of wars or even individual battles of the past. For example, many MilSim games recreate popular World War II, Vietnam, and even Iraq war battles. To increase the realism of the simulations, players are encouraged to wear apparel and use airsoft gun models of the time. Some players even go as far as to use magazines that hold realistic ammunition capacities. Depending on where the simulation takes place, a game can last from a few hours to a few days. Longer games usually take place in a designated airsoft field and have considerable planning put into them, while shorter games can be relatively impulsive and spontaneous.
Due to the fact that MilSim is so popular, many airsoft guns are made as replicas of real guns. Airsoft companies know that airsoft players enjoy participating in MilSim games, and they have manufactured guns to suit that need. Some popular models used in MilSim games include M16s, AK-47s, and Steyr Augs.
A type of game similar to MilSim is law-enforcement simulation. In this kind of game, close quarter combat airsoft guns are more heavily used than in MilSim, and the clothing and tactical gear worn is also different. While MilSim players might utilize actual airsoft grenades, law-enforcement players may favor smoke grenades more. Although the differences may sound subtle, in practice gameplay is very different.
In summary, the key characteristics of MilSim include the employment of replica airsoft guns, time-specific apparel and tactical gear, longer-than-usual game times, and advanced preparation. Also, one team may assume the role of the "good guys", while the other team would play as the "bad guys" (in regular airsoft games, there is usually no designation of teams).
Thursday, September 06, 2007
BSH wrestler pleads in airsoft gun shooting
A Broomfield High School champion wrestler accused of shooting an off-duty police officer with an airsoft gun could face up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty Wednesday to third-degree assault.
Cory Casady pleaded guilty to the Class 1 misdemeanor as part of plea agreement reached after nearly three months of negotiations with prosecutors. In return for the plea, the original charges of reckless endangerment and felony menacing will be dropped.
The charges stem from an April 9 incident in which 18-year-old Casady shot Thornton police officer Shawn Walsh twice in the head with an airsoft gun, according to court records.
Walsh was driving on Eagle Way, near Broomfield High, when a car driven by Casady passed him, according to police accounts. Casady allegedly slowed down, yelled at the officer, brandished a weapon and fired twice. Walsh, who was struck in the temple but uninjured, followed the vehicle until it was stopped by Broomfield officers.
Casady was arrested and held in Broomfield County jail overnight before being released on $5,000 bond, which was later reduced to $1,000.
Three juvenile passengers in the car, who were questioned by police but cleared of wrongdoing, said Casady mistook the officer for a friend and was "just playing around."
Broomfield District Attorney Jim Colgan asked that Casady be sentenced at a later time so Walsh could be present, adding the conditions of Casady's bond had elements to "keep him in line" until then.
The court previously ordered the teen, now a senior at Broomfield High, could only drive to and from school and school events and couldn't carry minor passengers, with the exception of his younger brother.
Colgan said he won't decide what sentence he'll seek in the case until receiving reports from Broomfield High and Casady's psychologist and talking more with Walsh.
In addition to that sentencing information, Judge Amy Bockman asked prosecutors for more information on the type of gun used in the incident.
"It's somewhere between an air gun and a BB gun," Colgan said, adding it would be difficult to cause physical damage with the weapon unless a victim was struck in the eye.
The guns vary in style, from the clear, spring-loaded variety lobbing hollow BB-like pellets to gas- and Co2-powered models that fire with higher velocity and can look realistic.
The specific airsoft gun used in the incident was a clear, handgun-style weapon with an orange tip, said Casady's attorney Craig Johnson. Walsh told officers at the time of the shooting he thought he had been hit with a real gun, saying "I've just been shot and I don't feel any pain," according to the arrest affidavit.
Casady's sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 10. His bond was continued.
Cory Casady pleaded guilty to the Class 1 misdemeanor as part of plea agreement reached after nearly three months of negotiations with prosecutors. In return for the plea, the original charges of reckless endangerment and felony menacing will be dropped.
The charges stem from an April 9 incident in which 18-year-old Casady shot Thornton police officer Shawn Walsh twice in the head with an airsoft gun, according to court records.
Walsh was driving on Eagle Way, near Broomfield High, when a car driven by Casady passed him, according to police accounts. Casady allegedly slowed down, yelled at the officer, brandished a weapon and fired twice. Walsh, who was struck in the temple but uninjured, followed the vehicle until it was stopped by Broomfield officers.
Casady was arrested and held in Broomfield County jail overnight before being released on $5,000 bond, which was later reduced to $1,000.
Three juvenile passengers in the car, who were questioned by police but cleared of wrongdoing, said Casady mistook the officer for a friend and was "just playing around."
Broomfield District Attorney Jim Colgan asked that Casady be sentenced at a later time so Walsh could be present, adding the conditions of Casady's bond had elements to "keep him in line" until then.
The court previously ordered the teen, now a senior at Broomfield High, could only drive to and from school and school events and couldn't carry minor passengers, with the exception of his younger brother.
Colgan said he won't decide what sentence he'll seek in the case until receiving reports from Broomfield High and Casady's psychologist and talking more with Walsh.
In addition to that sentencing information, Judge Amy Bockman asked prosecutors for more information on the type of gun used in the incident.
"It's somewhere between an air gun and a BB gun," Colgan said, adding it would be difficult to cause physical damage with the weapon unless a victim was struck in the eye.
The guns vary in style, from the clear, spring-loaded variety lobbing hollow BB-like pellets to gas- and Co2-powered models that fire with higher velocity and can look realistic.
The specific airsoft gun used in the incident was a clear, handgun-style weapon with an orange tip, said Casady's attorney Craig Johnson. Walsh told officers at the time of the shooting he thought he had been hit with a real gun, saying "I've just been shot and I don't feel any pain," according to the arrest affidavit.
Casady's sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 10. His bond was continued.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
The Importance of Airsoft Gun Safety
Before you even think about getting into the sport of airsoft, it is crucial that you understand airsoft gun safety. The airsoft gun is a gun which looks just like an actual firearm but shoots soft pellets rather than bullets. Because these guns do look like the real thing, they are required to have blaze orange tips in the United States. There have been unfortunate incidents of robberies being conducted with airsoft guns and police mistaking these guns for actual firearms, which you can imagine could end in tragedy. Not only that, but airsoft pellets can cause harm although they are unlikely to cause life threatening injuries. They can certainly take out your eye -- which brings us to the first and most important safety precaution -- eye protection.
Regular glasses or sunglasses are simply not enough to protect your eyes from injury due to airsoft pellets or paintballs. You will need to wear special safety goggles designed for airsoft use. You can find helmets which have eye protection attached. You should be comfortable and able to see clearly, but you should also be totally protected. In addition to eye protection, you may want to wear protective chest and neck padding as well. Airsoft pellets may not always break the skin but they can hurt and leave substantial bruising. You can often purchase a tactical vest which not only offers protection for your skin but room to carry your accessories.
You should always treat your airsoft gun like it is a real gun that fires real bullets. Never point it at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot. Keep it in a protective case when transporting it from one place to another. When you play in airsoft tournaments or on fields, make sure you follow all the rules and regulations. There may be rules regarding safety gear, feet per second limits and types of guns used. Airsoft can be a fun and safe sport if these rules are followed and enforced.
Airsoft, like paintball, makes many parents nervous. However, by following airsoft gun safety rules you can ensure that participation in this sport is safe. By understanding and adhering to safety rules teens who play airsoft learn respect and responsibility while enjoying an exciting hobby. Older children, teenagers and adults can all have a great time playing airsoft if they do so on a legitimate field and follow all safety regulations to the letter. Safety gear can be purchased most anywhere that sells or rents airsoft guns and accessories.
Copyright 2007 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved
Airsoft Guns News: Airsoft Guns
airsoft, guns, airsoft guns...
Airsoft Guns - Air soft Guns
What are airsoft guns ? Airsoft guns are realistic-looking toy guns that fire small plastic BBs to ranges of 25 to 45m at speeds of around 75 - 100 meters per second. Airsoft game is a paintball-like team game thats originally come out ...
Discount Airsoft Warehouse Website Launches, Dedicated to Making Shooting Your Friends Fun (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
Discount Airsoft Warehouse proudly announces the launching of their new website. Dedicated to top quality products and industry leading service, DAW believes they are positioned to appeal to a larger segment of the Sirsoft community...
5 Tips To Keep In Mind When Shopping For Airsoft Guns
For one reason or another, gun enthusiasts around the world are turning to airsoft as an alternative to paintball and BB guns. It all began in Japan, where owning any type of gun is illegal. To keep the gun enthusiasts in Japan ...
Bethel Park board skirts expulsion vote - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Bethel Park board skirts expulsion vote
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Jul 25, 2007
Airsoft guns look like real guns but shoot a plastic BB. Weapons of any kind, even look-alikes, are prohibited from campus. About a dozen students and Ty's ...
Student files suit to return to school in Bethel Park (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
A Bethel Park High School student who was expelled for having two Airsoft guns in the trunk of his car filed a lawsuit against the school district Friday in an effort to overturn the decision and return for his senior year...
Expelled Bethel Park student reinstated until hearing (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
A Bethel Park High School senior who was expelled this month will be allowed to attend classes -- for now....
Bethel Park student will return to class (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
A Bethel Park High School student who was expelled because air guns were found in the trunk of his car will be allowed to begin classes with the rest of his senior class, an Allegheny County judge ruled Monday...
Student files suit to return to school in Bethel Park - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Student files suit to return to school in Bethel Park
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Aug 17, 2007
By The Tribune-Review A Bethel Park High School student who was expelled for having two Airsoft guns in the trunk of his car filed a lawsuit against the ...
Tuesday's Blotter: Ice-cream man seen selling Airsoft guns to kids - Orange County Register
Tuesday's Blotter: Ice-cream man seen selling Airsoft guns to kids
Orange County Register, CA - Aug 2, 2007
Police received a call that someone in a white and green ice cream truck was selling Airsoft guns to children Tuesday. The incident occurred at 6:34 pm in ...
Allegheny judge overturns expulsion for air guns - for now (WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg)
An Allegheny County judge says a Bethel Park High School student expelled for having two air guns in the trunk of his car can begin his senior year with his...
Discount Airsoft Warehouse Website Launches, Dedicated to Making . - PR Web (press release)
Discount Airsoft Warehouse Website Launches, Dedicated to Making .
PR Web (press release), WA - Aug 19, 2007
This business is aimed at bringing airsoft guns to a new segment of the population. Says Phil Clark of Discount Airsoft Warehouse, "Every site we found in ...
Airsoft Gun Pellets
The range for high-end airsoft guns can reach 550 FPS. Anything beyond this would need a major upgrade of internal components. This internal modification can also increase the ROF (rate of fire) drastically. ...
Technorati Tags: Airsoft Guns, Airsoft Gun Safety
Regular glasses or sunglasses are simply not enough to protect your eyes from injury due to airsoft pellets or paintballs. You will need to wear special safety goggles designed for airsoft use. You can find helmets which have eye protection attached. You should be comfortable and able to see clearly, but you should also be totally protected. In addition to eye protection, you may want to wear protective chest and neck padding as well. Airsoft pellets may not always break the skin but they can hurt and leave substantial bruising. You can often purchase a tactical vest which not only offers protection for your skin but room to carry your accessories.
You should always treat your airsoft gun like it is a real gun that fires real bullets. Never point it at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot. Keep it in a protective case when transporting it from one place to another. When you play in airsoft tournaments or on fields, make sure you follow all the rules and regulations. There may be rules regarding safety gear, feet per second limits and types of guns used. Airsoft can be a fun and safe sport if these rules are followed and enforced.
Airsoft, like paintball, makes many parents nervous. However, by following airsoft gun safety rules you can ensure that participation in this sport is safe. By understanding and adhering to safety rules teens who play airsoft learn respect and responsibility while enjoying an exciting hobby. Older children, teenagers and adults can all have a great time playing airsoft if they do so on a legitimate field and follow all safety regulations to the letter. Safety gear can be purchased most anywhere that sells or rents airsoft guns and accessories.
Copyright 2007 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved
Airsoft Guns News: Airsoft Guns
airsoft, guns, airsoft guns...
Airsoft Guns - Air soft Guns
What are airsoft guns ? Airsoft guns are realistic-looking toy guns that fire small plastic BBs to ranges of 25 to 45m at speeds of around 75 - 100 meters per second. Airsoft game is a paintball-like team game thats originally come out ...
Discount Airsoft Warehouse Website Launches, Dedicated to Making Shooting Your Friends Fun (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
Discount Airsoft Warehouse proudly announces the launching of their new website. Dedicated to top quality products and industry leading service, DAW believes they are positioned to appeal to a larger segment of the Sirsoft community...
5 Tips To Keep In Mind When Shopping For Airsoft Guns
For one reason or another, gun enthusiasts around the world are turning to airsoft as an alternative to paintball and BB guns. It all began in Japan, where owning any type of gun is illegal. To keep the gun enthusiasts in Japan ...
Bethel Park board skirts expulsion vote - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Bethel Park board skirts expulsion vote
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Jul 25, 2007
Airsoft guns look like real guns but shoot a plastic BB. Weapons of any kind, even look-alikes, are prohibited from campus. About a dozen students and Ty's ...
Student files suit to return to school in Bethel Park (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
A Bethel Park High School student who was expelled for having two Airsoft guns in the trunk of his car filed a lawsuit against the school district Friday in an effort to overturn the decision and return for his senior year...
Expelled Bethel Park student reinstated until hearing (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
A Bethel Park High School senior who was expelled this month will be allowed to attend classes -- for now....
Bethel Park student will return to class (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
A Bethel Park High School student who was expelled because air guns were found in the trunk of his car will be allowed to begin classes with the rest of his senior class, an Allegheny County judge ruled Monday...
Student files suit to return to school in Bethel Park - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Student files suit to return to school in Bethel Park
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Aug 17, 2007
By The Tribune-Review A Bethel Park High School student who was expelled for having two Airsoft guns in the trunk of his car filed a lawsuit against the ...
Tuesday's Blotter: Ice-cream man seen selling Airsoft guns to kids - Orange County Register
Tuesday's Blotter: Ice-cream man seen selling Airsoft guns to kids
Orange County Register, CA - Aug 2, 2007
Police received a call that someone in a white and green ice cream truck was selling Airsoft guns to children Tuesday. The incident occurred at 6:34 pm in ...
Allegheny judge overturns expulsion for air guns - for now (WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg)
An Allegheny County judge says a Bethel Park High School student expelled for having two air guns in the trunk of his car can begin his senior year with his...
Discount Airsoft Warehouse Website Launches, Dedicated to Making . - PR Web (press release)
Discount Airsoft Warehouse Website Launches, Dedicated to Making .
PR Web (press release), WA - Aug 19, 2007
This business is aimed at bringing airsoft guns to a new segment of the population. Says Phil Clark of Discount Airsoft Warehouse, "Every site we found in ...
Airsoft Gun Pellets
The range for high-end airsoft guns can reach 550 FPS. Anything beyond this would need a major upgrade of internal components. This internal modification can also increase the ROF (rate of fire) drastically. ...
Technorati Tags: Airsoft Guns, Airsoft Gun Safety
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Science of Airsoft
Airsoft, like any other sport, involves many scientific principles that go relatively unnoticed. In the heat of battle, one rarely worries about something like the transfer of kinetic energy. While knowing airsoft physics will not realistically help you in a game, the principles are good to know. Knowledge of pellet ballistics, on the other hand, can help you with your game.
Pellets transfer very small amounts of kinetic energy mainly because of their size. The transfer of energy is basically the power of impact. Airsoft and paintball energy transfers have been compared, and paintball transfers substantially more energy. Energy transfers are measured in joules, the SI derived unit of energy. A standard .20g BB traveling at 300ft/s transfers .8 joules, while a standard paintball traveling at the same speed transfers almost 12 joules. Energy transfer can actually be calculated using a mathematical formula; E = 1/2mv2, where E is joules, m is mass in kilograms, and v is velocity in meters per second. Since paintballs transfer more kinetic energy, they could be considered more damaging than airsoft pellets.
The weight of airsoft pellets significantly affects their speed and trajectory. The lighter a pellet is, the faster it will travel, but it will also be less accurate due to the fact it will be more susceptible to environmental factors like wind. Heavier pellets have straighter trajectories, so they are favorable to lighter pellets, but in many cases heavier pellets cannot be used because the airsoft gun utilizing them is not strong enough to propel the pellets at a fast rate. Therefore, players that wish to use pellets heavier than .25g usually need to upgrade their gun. Another benefit of heavy pellets is that they decelerate slowly, unlike light pellets, which start fast but quickly lose speed. Airsoft snipers usually use .30g pellets because of their high stability, but sniper weights can reach as high as .43g (although very expensive upgrades are required to use this grade of pellet). The heaviest pellet is .88g, which is never used in airsoft because it is incredibly slow, not to mention very dangerous, as it is usually made of steel.
Pellet velocity is determined primarily by the tension of the spring being used to propel the pellet, or in the case of gas airsoft guns, the type of gas being used. Energy transfer is relative to the speed of the pellet, and speed is also heavily affected by weight. For example, a .12g pellet using .800J (the common energy rate of airsoft) of energy will initially travel 375fps. However, a .20g pellet utilizing the same amount of energy only travels about 280fps, and a .45g pellet will travel at about 200fps. For a .45g pellet to reach the velocity of a 375fps .12g pellet, it would need to utilize more than 2.50J of energy.
Bernoulli’s principle is the method through which pellets fly. It is, interestingly, also the principle through which airplanes attain lift. Bernoulli’s principle states that the velocities of fluids increase with a decrease in pressure. In relation to airsoft, there is a fluid (air) above the pellet at a relatively high velocity, which means the pressure above the airsoft pellet is lower than the pressure under it, as there is a smaller amount of air flowing under the pellet as there is above it. Therefore, the pressure under the airsoft pellet pushes up and lifts the pellet, allowing it to fly for a long period of time. Hop-up systems in airsoft guns apply backspin to pellets, making air travel faster along the top of the pellet and creating a larger difference in pressure between the top and bottom.
Pellets transfer very small amounts of kinetic energy mainly because of their size. The transfer of energy is basically the power of impact. Airsoft and paintball energy transfers have been compared, and paintball transfers substantially more energy. Energy transfers are measured in joules, the SI derived unit of energy. A standard .20g BB traveling at 300ft/s transfers .8 joules, while a standard paintball traveling at the same speed transfers almost 12 joules. Energy transfer can actually be calculated using a mathematical formula; E = 1/2mv2, where E is joules, m is mass in kilograms, and v is velocity in meters per second. Since paintballs transfer more kinetic energy, they could be considered more damaging than airsoft pellets.
The weight of airsoft pellets significantly affects their speed and trajectory. The lighter a pellet is, the faster it will travel, but it will also be less accurate due to the fact it will be more susceptible to environmental factors like wind. Heavier pellets have straighter trajectories, so they are favorable to lighter pellets, but in many cases heavier pellets cannot be used because the airsoft gun utilizing them is not strong enough to propel the pellets at a fast rate. Therefore, players that wish to use pellets heavier than .25g usually need to upgrade their gun. Another benefit of heavy pellets is that they decelerate slowly, unlike light pellets, which start fast but quickly lose speed. Airsoft snipers usually use .30g pellets because of their high stability, but sniper weights can reach as high as .43g (although very expensive upgrades are required to use this grade of pellet). The heaviest pellet is .88g, which is never used in airsoft because it is incredibly slow, not to mention very dangerous, as it is usually made of steel.
Pellet velocity is determined primarily by the tension of the spring being used to propel the pellet, or in the case of gas airsoft guns, the type of gas being used. Energy transfer is relative to the speed of the pellet, and speed is also heavily affected by weight. For example, a .12g pellet using .800J (the common energy rate of airsoft) of energy will initially travel 375fps. However, a .20g pellet utilizing the same amount of energy only travels about 280fps, and a .45g pellet will travel at about 200fps. For a .45g pellet to reach the velocity of a 375fps .12g pellet, it would need to utilize more than 2.50J of energy.
Bernoulli’s principle is the method through which pellets fly. It is, interestingly, also the principle through which airplanes attain lift. Bernoulli’s principle states that the velocities of fluids increase with a decrease in pressure. In relation to airsoft, there is a fluid (air) above the pellet at a relatively high velocity, which means the pressure above the airsoft pellet is lower than the pressure under it, as there is a smaller amount of air flowing under the pellet as there is above it. Therefore, the pressure under the airsoft pellet pushes up and lifts the pellet, allowing it to fly for a long period of time. Hop-up systems in airsoft guns apply backspin to pellets, making air travel faster along the top of the pellet and creating a larger difference in pressure between the top and bottom.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Why Ksc Airsoft Pistols Belong In A Tactical Vest
Airsoft has become very popular to kids and adults alike. Because it is a simulation of different military situations, the thrill of playing this game can be very addictive. Better yet, getting into this game involves getting a replica of the weapons and equipment used by military and police organizations. Carrying a Steyr and walking through the game area in full gear will definitely give anyone the feel of being in a dangerous mission. The good thing about this is that nobody really gets killed. In such controlled situations, a person can release his aggression and relieve his stress. It is also a game that develops awareness. No wonder it is so addictive.
Complete The Get Up
When playing airsoft, wearing the proper gear is very important. Tactical vests, for example, protect the players from the hit that they receive during the game. Even though plastic pellets are used, these tiny balls can make anyone bleed at 400 feet per second. These tactical belts have a lot of pouches for your mags and other paraphernalia. Most of them even come with holsters that can hold airsoft pistols. It would be a shame not to complete the get up by adding two airsoft pistols for back up.
Getting a new KSC airsoft pistol to fill up one of the pouches is a great idea. KSC airsoft pistols has received a lot of good reviews because of their quality and performance. Another great thing is that KSC airsoft gun are also known for their low prices. A KSC airsoft pistol costs around $150 to $180 online. One of the disadvantages of getting these pistols is the need to maintain your supply of gas which costs $20 a canister. Another disadvantage is the fact that gas pistols don’t work well in cold weathers.
The KSC Glock 18c Gas Blowback has a metal slide and has the capability to fire semi and full automatic rounds at 350 fps. In order to change the mode of fire of the gun, you just need to slide the switch to the corresponding mode. Because of its polymer finish, this gun is very lightweight and easy to carry. The problem with this gun is that the trigger is extremely light and can be quite dangerous if you're not careful. So, remember to keep your trigger finger out if you have no intentions of firing yet. Unlike a real Glock, this gun has a safety. Aside from that detail, this gun looks absolutely realistic and is well-loved by experts.
The Advantages of Getting A Side Arm
Of course, side arms are not purchased just for looking great. These will definitely come in handy when a player loses his AEG rifle during the game. Sometimes, AEG rifles do misfire or get jammed during the game. Having a side arm in hand can definitely save your behind when this happens. A pistol can also be useful in close quarters battles (CQB). In slightly narrow areas, carrying a huge rifle will definitely slow a person down.
Complete The Get Up
When playing airsoft, wearing the proper gear is very important. Tactical vests, for example, protect the players from the hit that they receive during the game. Even though plastic pellets are used, these tiny balls can make anyone bleed at 400 feet per second. These tactical belts have a lot of pouches for your mags and other paraphernalia. Most of them even come with holsters that can hold airsoft pistols. It would be a shame not to complete the get up by adding two airsoft pistols for back up.
Getting a new KSC airsoft pistol to fill up one of the pouches is a great idea. KSC airsoft pistols has received a lot of good reviews because of their quality and performance. Another great thing is that KSC airsoft gun are also known for their low prices. A KSC airsoft pistol costs around $150 to $180 online. One of the disadvantages of getting these pistols is the need to maintain your supply of gas which costs $20 a canister. Another disadvantage is the fact that gas pistols don’t work well in cold weathers.
The KSC Glock 18c Gas Blowback has a metal slide and has the capability to fire semi and full automatic rounds at 350 fps. In order to change the mode of fire of the gun, you just need to slide the switch to the corresponding mode. Because of its polymer finish, this gun is very lightweight and easy to carry. The problem with this gun is that the trigger is extremely light and can be quite dangerous if you're not careful. So, remember to keep your trigger finger out if you have no intentions of firing yet. Unlike a real Glock, this gun has a safety. Aside from that detail, this gun looks absolutely realistic and is well-loved by experts.
The Advantages of Getting A Side Arm
Of course, side arms are not purchased just for looking great. These will definitely come in handy when a player loses his AEG rifle during the game. Sometimes, AEG rifles do misfire or get jammed during the game. Having a side arm in hand can definitely save your behind when this happens. A pistol can also be useful in close quarters battles (CQB). In slightly narrow areas, carrying a huge rifle will definitely slow a person down.
Airsoft Sniper Rifles - Hitting From a Distance
During airsoft games, participants acquire a feel of the existent deal. Using replications of unrecorded arms that are used in police force and military operations, they can put aims or regulations that would let them to have got a taste sensation of the epinephrine haste and exchanges that go on during a mission. Instead of using unrecorded ammunition, small, non-metallic pellets are used. These are expelled from realistic arms with the usage of a battery-powered gearbox, a springtime or some compressed gas.
Not only make airsoft games let its participants to have got a attempt at police force and military missions, these games can also construct teamwork and supply an amazing recreational activity that could be played by anyone. Regardless of size, tallness or gender, these airsoft games can be played by anyone. The sniper place is perfect for people who are not very agile. They don't necessitate to travel around too much. They just necessitate to pick a perfect topographic point for making their kills. Of course, having steady custody as well as an ability to remain motionless and unseeable tin also be a plus.
Airsoft Snipers
Snipers are a very good improver to any airsoft team. From an unseen position, they have got a good position of the battleground and can open fire at valuable marks before disappearing into thin air. These cats are like shadows that guard their chap participants as they travel towards their objective. This function necessitates intense concentration.
Although being a sniper in an airsoft game can be a cool and empowering experience, finding a gun that would accommodate you can be a spot difficult. Unlike other rifles that frequent forums and different retailers, airsoft sniper rifles are quite rare. They are also a spot expensive. Worse, these guns can be useless when it come ups to skirmishes. For these reasons, this function necessitates a batch of commitment. Although airsoft sniper rifles can be very attractive to newcomers, they should see whether they should take this place or not. Otherwise, they would stop up having to purchase two guns – a sniper rifle and another 1 that they could utilize for skirmishes.
Making the Most of Airsoft Sniper Rifles
After having committed to this role, one should cognize how to do the most of his sniper rifle. When purchasing airsoft sniper rifles, take a rifle that is over 350 fps. Anything less than that would be useless in a game. Airsoft sniper rifles can be upgraded. By replacing some parts, these rifles can be hardwired to open fire pellets that volition move at a velocity of 400 fps and above. This volition definitely set an border to a player's game.
Choosing the right ammo is very important. The weight of the pellets will definitely have got an consequence on the public presentation of a weapon. Airsoft pellets with a weight of 0.2 grammes are commonly used. This tin be used with 300 to 350 fps rifles. Rifles that tin fire pellets at a speed of 400 fps and above should take pellets that weigh 0.2 to 0.3 grams. Otherwise, the truth of the gun at long scope will be greatly affected.
Not only make airsoft games let its participants to have got a attempt at police force and military missions, these games can also construct teamwork and supply an amazing recreational activity that could be played by anyone. Regardless of size, tallness or gender, these airsoft games can be played by anyone. The sniper place is perfect for people who are not very agile. They don't necessitate to travel around too much. They just necessitate to pick a perfect topographic point for making their kills. Of course, having steady custody as well as an ability to remain motionless and unseeable tin also be a plus.
Airsoft Snipers
Snipers are a very good improver to any airsoft team. From an unseen position, they have got a good position of the battleground and can open fire at valuable marks before disappearing into thin air. These cats are like shadows that guard their chap participants as they travel towards their objective. This function necessitates intense concentration.
Although being a sniper in an airsoft game can be a cool and empowering experience, finding a gun that would accommodate you can be a spot difficult. Unlike other rifles that frequent forums and different retailers, airsoft sniper rifles are quite rare. They are also a spot expensive. Worse, these guns can be useless when it come ups to skirmishes. For these reasons, this function necessitates a batch of commitment. Although airsoft sniper rifles can be very attractive to newcomers, they should see whether they should take this place or not. Otherwise, they would stop up having to purchase two guns – a sniper rifle and another 1 that they could utilize for skirmishes.
Making the Most of Airsoft Sniper Rifles
After having committed to this role, one should cognize how to do the most of his sniper rifle. When purchasing airsoft sniper rifles, take a rifle that is over 350 fps. Anything less than that would be useless in a game. Airsoft sniper rifles can be upgraded. By replacing some parts, these rifles can be hardwired to open fire pellets that volition move at a velocity of 400 fps and above. This volition definitely set an border to a player's game.
Choosing the right ammo is very important. The weight of the pellets will definitely have got an consequence on the public presentation of a weapon. Airsoft pellets with a weight of 0.2 grammes are commonly used. This tin be used with 300 to 350 fps rifles. Rifles that tin fire pellets at a speed of 400 fps and above should take pellets that weigh 0.2 to 0.3 grams. Otherwise, the truth of the gun at long scope will be greatly affected.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Why Should You Go for A Non-Explosive Airsoft Grenade?
This Is For Real
The realism of the popular Airsoft warfare games played by the large male children is catching on. Everything they utilize is so realistic –from the sounds of the guns to their protective gear. The game is played in a predetermined country where there is enough room for a warfare stage. In this game there are two squads vying for the most hits, and the gaining control of the flag.
Explosives may or may not be allowed, depending on the airsoft site; in the warfare games using explosives, the participants utilize grenades that tongue out pellets similar to existent shrapnel. They also utilize flashbangs that emit loud sounds and very bright lights, to deflect and disorient the enemy. A favourite device is the airsoft grenade.
Toxic Gas?
The non-explosive airsoft grenade spews paintballs, water, or pellets instead of producing earsplitting explosions. The first airsoft grenade had flaws with the ring pulling fuses, and could not be thrown very far. It also used gas, which was toxic.
The promotions of the newer airsoft grenade include better peal pulling fuses. These tin be thrown much further. Players can now utilize the stick type grenades for more than realism. In addition, the airsoft grenade utilizes less toxic smoke; this is a batch better than the naval deliverance fume grenade, which was not intended for inhalation.
The Safer Airsoft Grenade
The newer airsoft grenade is tougher and biodegradable. Instead of filling the grenades with paint balls, the new grenade is filled with dry peas. It also gives a painful sting with a direct hit, so it works just as mulct as pellets-filled grenades.
The plaything soldiers prefer the greenish fume powered grenades because it provided good screen during an encounter. To cut down the toxicity of the greenish smoke, a chilling chemical mechanism was incorporated into the airsoft grenade. This assists get rid of a higher per centum of toxic smoke. Still this should be a concern the frequence of exposure to the smoke.
There are safer options to the fume grenade. Players can utilize the airsoft grenade launchers. These are usually made of 100% metal. To utilize the launcher, a grenade lavish of 18 or 120 unit of measurement of ammunition mock shells, or shell froth bullet is attached to the unit. The newest airsoft grenade rocket launcher is modeled after the M922A1, which is used to develop gunners.
Have Safe Fun
Young male children can utilize the newer and safer airsoft grenade. This tin be thrown additional without the usage of a grenade launcher. Adding an airsoft grenade and rocket launcher to their arsenal, they can add assortment to their warfare games, and have got an border over their opponents.
They can also utilize the airsoft grenade rocket launchers like the M203 to rain down pellets or fog the country with greenish gas. There are respective versions of the grenade launchers; one theoretical account can spew 1,224 units of ammunition of 6mm pellets with amazing speeds, about 3 seconds.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Parents should be careful about giving their children airsoft grenade rocket rocket launchers and other warfare game toys. These expression like the existent thing, and can be used irresponsibly. If children are given the privilege to have got these toys, they must be oriented on their proper use.
Players should follow precautions. They should never hit at oppositions without protective goggles; and instead of fume grenades, they should travel for pellet grenades to avoid the toxic fumes.
In this game, the mark is to win, not to be bad 1 day.
The realism of the popular Airsoft warfare games played by the large male children is catching on. Everything they utilize is so realistic –from the sounds of the guns to their protective gear. The game is played in a predetermined country where there is enough room for a warfare stage. In this game there are two squads vying for the most hits, and the gaining control of the flag.
Explosives may or may not be allowed, depending on the airsoft site; in the warfare games using explosives, the participants utilize grenades that tongue out pellets similar to existent shrapnel. They also utilize flashbangs that emit loud sounds and very bright lights, to deflect and disorient the enemy. A favourite device is the airsoft grenade.
Toxic Gas?
The non-explosive airsoft grenade spews paintballs, water, or pellets instead of producing earsplitting explosions. The first airsoft grenade had flaws with the ring pulling fuses, and could not be thrown very far. It also used gas, which was toxic.
The promotions of the newer airsoft grenade include better peal pulling fuses. These tin be thrown much further. Players can now utilize the stick type grenades for more than realism. In addition, the airsoft grenade utilizes less toxic smoke; this is a batch better than the naval deliverance fume grenade, which was not intended for inhalation.
The Safer Airsoft Grenade
The newer airsoft grenade is tougher and biodegradable. Instead of filling the grenades with paint balls, the new grenade is filled with dry peas. It also gives a painful sting with a direct hit, so it works just as mulct as pellets-filled grenades.
The plaything soldiers prefer the greenish fume powered grenades because it provided good screen during an encounter. To cut down the toxicity of the greenish smoke, a chilling chemical mechanism was incorporated into the airsoft grenade. This assists get rid of a higher per centum of toxic smoke. Still this should be a concern the frequence of exposure to the smoke.
There are safer options to the fume grenade. Players can utilize the airsoft grenade launchers. These are usually made of 100% metal. To utilize the launcher, a grenade lavish of 18 or 120 unit of measurement of ammunition mock shells, or shell froth bullet is attached to the unit. The newest airsoft grenade rocket launcher is modeled after the M922A1, which is used to develop gunners.
Have Safe Fun
Young male children can utilize the newer and safer airsoft grenade. This tin be thrown additional without the usage of a grenade launcher. Adding an airsoft grenade and rocket launcher to their arsenal, they can add assortment to their warfare games, and have got an border over their opponents.
They can also utilize the airsoft grenade rocket launchers like the M203 to rain down pellets or fog the country with greenish gas. There are respective versions of the grenade launchers; one theoretical account can spew 1,224 units of ammunition of 6mm pellets with amazing speeds, about 3 seconds.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Parents should be careful about giving their children airsoft grenade rocket rocket launchers and other warfare game toys. These expression like the existent thing, and can be used irresponsibly. If children are given the privilege to have got these toys, they must be oriented on their proper use.
Players should follow precautions. They should never hit at oppositions without protective goggles; and instead of fume grenades, they should travel for pellet grenades to avoid the toxic fumes.
In this game, the mark is to win, not to be bad 1 day.
Monday, July 30, 2007
JLS FN2000 AEG Airsoft Gun Review
Airsplat was kind enough to send me the new JLS FN2000 for review. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to get my hands on a JLS AEG, and was eager to tear into the gearbox and am excited to share what I’ve found. Grab yourself a chair and some popcorn, as this is going to be an in depth review that no other airsoft review site can rival.
Package
The AEG comes packaged in a plain brown covered box with a styrofoam bottom half. Upon opening the box, I was a bit shocked to see that the gun was in two parts. Now, it’s not supposed to come this way, but mine had actually field stripped itself to some extent during shipping. This gun is so easy to field strip, that I’m not totally surprised that this happened. Included in the package are the AEG, a small bag of bb’s, 9.6v NIMH battery, manual, charger, and a high capacity magazine. The packaging leaves something to be desired, but face it, you’re not buying it for the box are you?
Materials / Construction
The JLS FN2000 is a 1:1 scale replica constructed in plastic and metal. Metal parts include the RIS rail, front sling eyelets, cocking lever, magazine, outer barrel, selector switch and sights. The main body of the gun, trigger, hop up cover, mag release lever, safety lever, and flash hider are plastic. All the external plastic parts seem to be durable and well able to take a bit of a beating (I’ll cover that more in a minute). The metal parts are decent, but not to the quality you’d see in a Classic Army or ICS, but then again, this gun is only a mid-level electric gun. The finish on the metal components is a bit weak and the black color on the RIS seems to rub off on your hands if you swipe them along the side. There are imperfections in the RIS rail along the whole length. This will not keep you from attaching anything, but cosmetically it is not as finished as a higher end AEG would be. The rubber butt plate allows easy installation and removal of the battery, and snugly fits the included 9.6 volt battery. The butt plate snaps on and off, and is held in place by friction.
The outer barrel attaches to a bright orange plastic flash hider that is securely attached and cannot be removed without damage. That being said. Let’s all play nice and keep our orange tips as that’s just one way of keeping you safe while playing airsoft. We don’t need people afraid that you’re running around with a real firearm, and needless to say that could end badly for you if you were to remove the blaze orange tip.
Looking at the internals we’ll start with the inner barrel. The inner barrel is 363mm long (same length as the m4 inner barrel), and appears to be constructed out of brass. I do not have the ability to accurately measure the inside diameter of the barrel, so unfortunately I do not have that information to give. In the event someone out there can give me solid proof of the inside diameter, I’ll add it to this review.
The inner barrel connects to the hop up chamber which is constructed out of plastic. Personally I’d like to see a metal one, but at this price point, a plastic one is a given. The gears are also constructed out of plastic as well.
The battery connects via a mini tamiya connector to the gearbox through a 20 amp 250V fuse. The fuse container is a bit large, but fits easily in the space allocated for it in the butt stock. The wiring, while not amazing in quality, is much better than I expected after having looked in the gearbox of an Echo 1. Healthy 16-18 gauge wire that seems fairly flexible (read decent strand count), runs from the battery straight to the trigger mechanism and motor.
The gearbox (a modified version 2) is constructed of metal, and contains metal gears, cut off lever, trigger actuator, cylinder (brass), anti-reverse lever, and springs. I expected to see this. The spring guide (with washer), selector plate, tappet plate, and air seal nozzle are all plastic. I was quite surprised at the apparent poor quality of the plastic parts. The tappet plate and selector plate seemed overly flexible and the air seal nozzle didn’t seem to be held tightly in place. I would have liked to see some more ridged plastic in the selector plate and the tappet plate with a reinforced plastic or metal spring guide. I must say that I am impressed with the piston and piston head. The plastic appeared to be of good quality, the piston head ported, and a great fat o-ring that should seal well for a long time to come. The gearbox, as most are, came covered in the usual oil spill of lubricant. The motor seemed to be decent quality, and the wires are soldered directly to it. I would like to point out that the soldering job done on the wiring was not the best quality. I have very good soldering skills, but the quality of this was truly novice. No, I don’t expect the wires to break free of the terminals anytime soon, but I would expect less blobs of solder especially when they are that close to the gearbox shell (a possible short circuit contact point).
Features
The FN2000 is a no fills get the job done gun, not a multifunction “Leatherman” tool. The gun has what you need to get the job done. The sight rail features an integrated flip up sight in addition to the RIS rail that allows you to attach optics.
At the rear of the RIS rail is a flip up door that allows easy access to the hop up adjustment.
The gun features a tool free field striping procedure that is easy and straight forward. With a simple push of a button, you can field strip the gun and have the inner barrel and hop up in your hands in seconds.
Performance
Face it, no one buys an AEG without consideration of its performance. When I first opened the box, I quickly plugged in a battery from one of my other AEG’s (an 8.4v NiMH) and filled the included high-cap mag with the included bag of bb’s. Out to the backyard I headed eager to squeeze off some shots while the included battery (a 9.6 NiMH) was charging. Firing the gun on semi-auto I quickly noticed that the hop up was way to low. I opened the hop adjustment cover and gave it a bit of a turn and fired again, repeating till maximum range was reached without causing the bb to fly wildly like a toddler on a bag of pixie sticks. The maximum useable range seems to be about the limit of my yard at about 100 feet; beyond that accuracy began to diminish and the bb’s began to drop quickly. Like every testosterone filled male, I quickly switched over to full auto and fired off a quick burst. It wasn’t all that I had expected… then it dawned on me… the battery that was included was a 9.6 volt and here I am feeling melancholy about this gun while it has a 8.4 volt battery in it. I repressed the desire to empty mag after mag of bb’s while waiting for the battery to finish charging. If you’re going to buy one accessory with this gun, might I suggest an intelligent rapid charger so you don’t have to wait for your batteries to charge forever and lower the risk of killing your battery.
About 30 minutes later I’m back outside with the 9.6 volt battery installed and a magazine of bb’s. WOW. I had never had an airsoft gun that I felt needed a 9.6 volt battery, but this was down right amazing. The rate of fire is pretty impressive for a gun shooting 350 fps without bearings and on standard gears. Due to the bullpup design with the magazine in the back of the gun the gearbox is located at the back of the stock. This makes for an interesting sensation as the close proximity to your head makes the noise very loud and the vibration much greater than a metal body gun with a mid body gearbox. To some this might be a turnoff, to others a reason to plunk down some money.
Next I took a look at the consistency of the AEG over 3 different target ranges. The target consisted of a sheet of cardboard with a 1″ grid marked on it. Shots were taken at 30 feet, 60 feet, and 80 feet after making sure the hop up was adjusted for best overall performance. At each of these distances I observed groupings of about 2.5 inches. I found it odd that the groupings did not end up closer as I approached the target, nor did they appear to spread as I moved away from the target. All shots were taken unsupported from a standing position in dry conditions with a slight (less than 1mph) occasional breeze to the left from the shooter’s vantage point. I rule the consistency test to be inconclusive as the gun did not exhibit increased groupings at longer ranges. I would guess that due to using an unsupported shooting position, the accuracy test was thrown off. I will say that at 100 feet I had no problem hitting a chest sized target consistently.
I did find that switching from semi-auto to full auto took some getting used to as it is not easily accessed by your trigger finger. I also found the safety switch to be counter intuitive, but both of these observations can be easily remedied by practicing.
The trigger itself takes a bit of getting used to. After taking apart the gun, I was better able to understand why the trigger is not a crisp as the trigger on other AEGs I’ve used (such as the mp5 or m4). The trigger is held out with a stiff spring. The top of the trigger is connected to a plate in the gearbox by a long metal rod. This rod pushes the plate in the gearbox to make contact with the trigger contacts in the gearbox. This long rod must flex slightly, or have a bit of spring where it is bent at 90 degree angles to interface with the trigger and contact plate. I would say that I cannot fire nearly as fast in semi-auto with this AEG as I can with other designs, but that’s where using short bursts in full-auto come into play so it’s a bit of a moot point.
The rear flip up sight was a bit of an oddity. Maybe I just don’t know how to use it, or what my sight picture should look like, but looking through it at the front post would always cause my shots to land high. In order to accurately shoot with it, I had to aim with the front post just below the opening in the sight window. I personally didn’t find using the flip up rear sight to be of much use, as it was no better than the standard sight (which was faster for me to acquire).
One point to bring up is the magazine. The high cap included worked flawlessly. Never any issues with feeding or the spring unwinding prematurely. I did notice that my Classic Army high cap magazine did NOT work in this gun due to slight differences in the thickness of the protrusion above the cutout on the side near the top of the magazine, but others have not had a problem. There have been problems noted with ICS mags as well.
Conclusion
Typically you compromise price for performance and build quality and durability when you buy an AEG. The JLS FN2000 shows us that you can get a gun with high fps and good ROF without breaking the bank. I’d recommend this gun to players looking to just get in the game and would like an all in one package with a battery and charger to get them going, or someone who’s looking to start a new project gun and likes getting their hands dirty. If you like the bullpup configuration, but don’t want to go the P90 or AUG route, this is a good alternative at a great price point. Please check my “Tech Info” section @ http://infectedairsoft.wordpress.com for a full review of the gearbox itself and suggestions for those of you looking to make this a project gun. Again, I’d like to thank AirSplat for making this review happen and keep your eyes open for more reviews to come!
Package
The AEG comes packaged in a plain brown covered box with a styrofoam bottom half. Upon opening the box, I was a bit shocked to see that the gun was in two parts. Now, it’s not supposed to come this way, but mine had actually field stripped itself to some extent during shipping. This gun is so easy to field strip, that I’m not totally surprised that this happened. Included in the package are the AEG, a small bag of bb’s, 9.6v NIMH battery, manual, charger, and a high capacity magazine. The packaging leaves something to be desired, but face it, you’re not buying it for the box are you?
Materials / Construction
The JLS FN2000 is a 1:1 scale replica constructed in plastic and metal. Metal parts include the RIS rail, front sling eyelets, cocking lever, magazine, outer barrel, selector switch and sights. The main body of the gun, trigger, hop up cover, mag release lever, safety lever, and flash hider are plastic. All the external plastic parts seem to be durable and well able to take a bit of a beating (I’ll cover that more in a minute). The metal parts are decent, but not to the quality you’d see in a Classic Army or ICS, but then again, this gun is only a mid-level electric gun. The finish on the metal components is a bit weak and the black color on the RIS seems to rub off on your hands if you swipe them along the side. There are imperfections in the RIS rail along the whole length. This will not keep you from attaching anything, but cosmetically it is not as finished as a higher end AEG would be. The rubber butt plate allows easy installation and removal of the battery, and snugly fits the included 9.6 volt battery. The butt plate snaps on and off, and is held in place by friction.
The outer barrel attaches to a bright orange plastic flash hider that is securely attached and cannot be removed without damage. That being said. Let’s all play nice and keep our orange tips as that’s just one way of keeping you safe while playing airsoft. We don’t need people afraid that you’re running around with a real firearm, and needless to say that could end badly for you if you were to remove the blaze orange tip.
Looking at the internals we’ll start with the inner barrel. The inner barrel is 363mm long (same length as the m4 inner barrel), and appears to be constructed out of brass. I do not have the ability to accurately measure the inside diameter of the barrel, so unfortunately I do not have that information to give. In the event someone out there can give me solid proof of the inside diameter, I’ll add it to this review.
The inner barrel connects to the hop up chamber which is constructed out of plastic. Personally I’d like to see a metal one, but at this price point, a plastic one is a given. The gears are also constructed out of plastic as well.
The battery connects via a mini tamiya connector to the gearbox through a 20 amp 250V fuse. The fuse container is a bit large, but fits easily in the space allocated for it in the butt stock. The wiring, while not amazing in quality, is much better than I expected after having looked in the gearbox of an Echo 1. Healthy 16-18 gauge wire that seems fairly flexible (read decent strand count), runs from the battery straight to the trigger mechanism and motor.
The gearbox (a modified version 2) is constructed of metal, and contains metal gears, cut off lever, trigger actuator, cylinder (brass), anti-reverse lever, and springs. I expected to see this. The spring guide (with washer), selector plate, tappet plate, and air seal nozzle are all plastic. I was quite surprised at the apparent poor quality of the plastic parts. The tappet plate and selector plate seemed overly flexible and the air seal nozzle didn’t seem to be held tightly in place. I would have liked to see some more ridged plastic in the selector plate and the tappet plate with a reinforced plastic or metal spring guide. I must say that I am impressed with the piston and piston head. The plastic appeared to be of good quality, the piston head ported, and a great fat o-ring that should seal well for a long time to come. The gearbox, as most are, came covered in the usual oil spill of lubricant. The motor seemed to be decent quality, and the wires are soldered directly to it. I would like to point out that the soldering job done on the wiring was not the best quality. I have very good soldering skills, but the quality of this was truly novice. No, I don’t expect the wires to break free of the terminals anytime soon, but I would expect less blobs of solder especially when they are that close to the gearbox shell (a possible short circuit contact point).
Features
The FN2000 is a no fills get the job done gun, not a multifunction “Leatherman” tool. The gun has what you need to get the job done. The sight rail features an integrated flip up sight in addition to the RIS rail that allows you to attach optics.
At the rear of the RIS rail is a flip up door that allows easy access to the hop up adjustment.
The gun features a tool free field striping procedure that is easy and straight forward. With a simple push of a button, you can field strip the gun and have the inner barrel and hop up in your hands in seconds.
Performance
Face it, no one buys an AEG without consideration of its performance. When I first opened the box, I quickly plugged in a battery from one of my other AEG’s (an 8.4v NiMH) and filled the included high-cap mag with the included bag of bb’s. Out to the backyard I headed eager to squeeze off some shots while the included battery (a 9.6 NiMH) was charging. Firing the gun on semi-auto I quickly noticed that the hop up was way to low. I opened the hop adjustment cover and gave it a bit of a turn and fired again, repeating till maximum range was reached without causing the bb to fly wildly like a toddler on a bag of pixie sticks. The maximum useable range seems to be about the limit of my yard at about 100 feet; beyond that accuracy began to diminish and the bb’s began to drop quickly. Like every testosterone filled male, I quickly switched over to full auto and fired off a quick burst. It wasn’t all that I had expected… then it dawned on me… the battery that was included was a 9.6 volt and here I am feeling melancholy about this gun while it has a 8.4 volt battery in it. I repressed the desire to empty mag after mag of bb’s while waiting for the battery to finish charging. If you’re going to buy one accessory with this gun, might I suggest an intelligent rapid charger so you don’t have to wait for your batteries to charge forever and lower the risk of killing your battery.
About 30 minutes later I’m back outside with the 9.6 volt battery installed and a magazine of bb’s. WOW. I had never had an airsoft gun that I felt needed a 9.6 volt battery, but this was down right amazing. The rate of fire is pretty impressive for a gun shooting 350 fps without bearings and on standard gears. Due to the bullpup design with the magazine in the back of the gun the gearbox is located at the back of the stock. This makes for an interesting sensation as the close proximity to your head makes the noise very loud and the vibration much greater than a metal body gun with a mid body gearbox. To some this might be a turnoff, to others a reason to plunk down some money.
Next I took a look at the consistency of the AEG over 3 different target ranges. The target consisted of a sheet of cardboard with a 1″ grid marked on it. Shots were taken at 30 feet, 60 feet, and 80 feet after making sure the hop up was adjusted for best overall performance. At each of these distances I observed groupings of about 2.5 inches. I found it odd that the groupings did not end up closer as I approached the target, nor did they appear to spread as I moved away from the target. All shots were taken unsupported from a standing position in dry conditions with a slight (less than 1mph) occasional breeze to the left from the shooter’s vantage point. I rule the consistency test to be inconclusive as the gun did not exhibit increased groupings at longer ranges. I would guess that due to using an unsupported shooting position, the accuracy test was thrown off. I will say that at 100 feet I had no problem hitting a chest sized target consistently.
I did find that switching from semi-auto to full auto took some getting used to as it is not easily accessed by your trigger finger. I also found the safety switch to be counter intuitive, but both of these observations can be easily remedied by practicing.
The trigger itself takes a bit of getting used to. After taking apart the gun, I was better able to understand why the trigger is not a crisp as the trigger on other AEGs I’ve used (such as the mp5 or m4). The trigger is held out with a stiff spring. The top of the trigger is connected to a plate in the gearbox by a long metal rod. This rod pushes the plate in the gearbox to make contact with the trigger contacts in the gearbox. This long rod must flex slightly, or have a bit of spring where it is bent at 90 degree angles to interface with the trigger and contact plate. I would say that I cannot fire nearly as fast in semi-auto with this AEG as I can with other designs, but that’s where using short bursts in full-auto come into play so it’s a bit of a moot point.
The rear flip up sight was a bit of an oddity. Maybe I just don’t know how to use it, or what my sight picture should look like, but looking through it at the front post would always cause my shots to land high. In order to accurately shoot with it, I had to aim with the front post just below the opening in the sight window. I personally didn’t find using the flip up rear sight to be of much use, as it was no better than the standard sight (which was faster for me to acquire).
One point to bring up is the magazine. The high cap included worked flawlessly. Never any issues with feeding or the spring unwinding prematurely. I did notice that my Classic Army high cap magazine did NOT work in this gun due to slight differences in the thickness of the protrusion above the cutout on the side near the top of the magazine, but others have not had a problem. There have been problems noted with ICS mags as well.
Conclusion
Typically you compromise price for performance and build quality and durability when you buy an AEG. The JLS FN2000 shows us that you can get a gun with high fps and good ROF without breaking the bank. I’d recommend this gun to players looking to just get in the game and would like an all in one package with a battery and charger to get them going, or someone who’s looking to start a new project gun and likes getting their hands dirty. If you like the bullpup configuration, but don’t want to go the P90 or AUG route, this is a good alternative at a great price point. Please check my “Tech Info” section @ http://infectedairsoft.wordpress.com for a full review of the gearbox itself and suggestions for those of you looking to make this a project gun. Again, I’d like to thank AirSplat for making this review happen and keep your eyes open for more reviews to come!
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