Airsoft Guns

In past posts I have discussed strategies for improving your team's effectiveness as a whole. Since we have all heard the old adage that a team is only as strong as its weakest player, I thought it would be valuable to address ways in which you can improve as an independent player. Strong players do, after all, enhance the team.

Know your weapon and gear. Do some basic training, including some ground work, such as running and crawling. Get familiar with the weight and maneuvering limitations of your gear. Learn what works well with your equipment dimensions.

Improve Your Accuracy. Some people think the quickest way to become a better player is to upgrade your weapon. Upgrades are awesome, don't get me wrong, but they are not a quick fix for a bad shot. The truth is if you want to improve your form and accuracy, you have to practice. The good news is... practicing is really fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when working on your accuracy:

• Always aim for a small, specific area on the target... not the target as a whole. Keep your eye on that small area rather than glancing around.


• Grip high on the gun so that your middle finger is high on the trigger guard. A higher grip will give you more control regardless of the weapon. It will improve your aim and ease recoil.


• Use your fingerprint area to slowly squeeze down on the trigger. This will limit jerking and allow for more control over the gun. Try to make this a fluid movement; this is especially important if you are using a sniper rifle or pistol.


• The farther away you are, the higher you will have to aim to hit your target. Practice different ranges and learn what works best for you and your weapon(s).


• Be sure to practice shooting while moving around.


• Different guns will have a different feel, be they gas, spring or electric airsoft guns. The more you use it, the more instinctual your weapon will be to you.

Know the Terminology. Be sure to research the different war terms that you may encounter on the field. If you are told an enemy fighter is at your 6 o'clock, it's better to instinctively know what that means than to mentally calculate it on the field. There are a number of airsoft glossaries out there worth reviewing. You don't need to know every term, but a solid understanding will help you.

Know the strategies. Most wargames are broken up into teams that are either offense-oriented or defense-oriented. Defense-oriented teams tend to be grounded in a specific area, while offense-oriented teams are on active attack, trying to gain ground. A good strategy if you are on the defense is to find a position that provides both cover and access to enemy targets. The more hidden you are, the better. If the enemy cannot figure out where the shots are coming from, you have the chance to do more damage. If you are on the offense, your main two objectives are determining where harmful fire is coming from, and removing the origin of that fire, thus allowing you to gain ground. It is surprisingly difficult to find a tactically hidden defensive player. Offensive players should try to engage the enemy with minimal movement or noise. Surprise is really the best weapon on the field.

Be fit. You will need to be able to run, crawl, and dive... all with heavy gear. The more physically fit you are, the better you will be on the field.

Be safe and have fun. Wear the right protective gear, use good judgment, and the more you play, the better you will be.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft beginners, airsoft player, better airsoft, improve airsoft

If you are a recent airsoft convert, it is important to gather information so you can improve your experience. In this article, I will review the more social and nuanced aspects of the sport. Having the right gear and knowledge is 50% of the experience... but it's the thrill of the game itself that really makes the sport so addictive. Here is how to make the experience even better.

• Find the right team for you. It's easy to get excited about all the cool airsoft products out there, but having the right gear is only a part of the fun. Having a good airsoft team network is invaluable. How do you find that network? Popular resources include friends and family, forums, airsoft stores, meet-up groups, local extreme sports venues, and even Facebook. Once you have a team, you may decide to play against other teams or break off into smaller groups. Make sure each smaller team is evenly matched. Consider factors like number of players, fire power, skill/athleticism, and how long the players have been involved in airsoft.


• Find the right place or places to play. Outdoor areas are favored and a wooded area is ideal. A large field can work but if there is nowhere to hide or maneuver, it will be less engaging. Obstacles always add to the excitement. Check with your local military or law enforcement. They may have training fields that are open to the public or available for rent. Ask around at you your local sporting store and network with other airsoft enthusiasts online through airsoft websites.


• Explore different games. Most people play a variation of a two team elimination game, but there are other exciting options. You can split the group into three or more teams or consider other airsoft games like Zombie Hunt, King of The Hill, Last Player Standing, Capture The Flag, and variations on a hostage rescue theme.


• Set clear rules. No matter which game you play, set clear rules of play and boundaries. Define how many hits is an out. Clearly define the areas (safe zone, hospital, jails etc.) On a side note, don't be a cheater. Everyone hates them because they ruin the game's integrity. If you cheat (typically refusing to recognize a hit) you will likely earn a bad reputation which could end up alienating you from the team. New players joining an existing team should do their best to honor the rules that are set forth by the team.


• Become your own expert. The more you know about the sport, the more fun it can be. Get to understand the equipment you are using. Learn and use common hand signals; they crank up the team work and authenticity of the game.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing airsoft retailer in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers the latest airsoft guns and gear as well as a 125% low price guarantee on all new airsoft guns and gear.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft experience, airsoft team, better airsoft