How Much Do Airsoft Guns Hurt?

Airsoft guns may look like traditional firearms, but they aren't deadly weapons. That being said, it's a good idea to understand the damage these guns can do when shot at someone. Generally speaking, Airsoft guns do hurt but the extent of the pain is relative to the kind of Airsoft gun and the age and physical condition of the person being shot.

The Basics About Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns are designed to be non-lethal, so their ammunition small plastic pellets called BBs are generally bigger and softer than those found in traditional firearms. Airsoft guns are usually powered by one of three sources:

Spring-Powered

Spring-powered Airsoft guns are the most basic type, and use mechanical energy. To fire each round, the user has to cock the gun's mechanism. This type is usually the cheapest, and is most commonly found in CQB (close quarter combat) and single-shot styles of Airsoft guns.

Electric

Most electric Airsoft guns are powered by a battery, and don't require the kind of manual effort found with a spring-powered gun. An electric gun typically comes with a long-lasting battery, and is known for its speed when shooting. This type is probably the most popular among Airsoft gun owners.

Gas

This type of Airsoft gun uses compressed nitrogen to fire each round. Gas-powered Airsoft guns are usually larger than electric and spring-powered guns, and can deliver the most power and accuracy. They work similarly to real firearms, and are often found in more expensive Airsoft guns.

How Hard Will it Hurt?

Getting hit by an Airsoft gun can hurt, but the degree of pain can depend on several factors. The weight of the pellet is a big one; heavier projectiles will obviously hurt more than lighter ones. Generally, pellets range from 0.12 to 0.43 grams.

The distance at which the pellet is fired is also a factor. Most Airsoft guns are designed to stay accurate up to a certain range usually around 70 or 80 feet but accuracy and power decreases as the rounds travel further. The most accurate and powerful shots will come from a gun that's between 10 and 20 feet away from its target.

Physical fitness is also a major factor. A quality, well-fitting vest with substantial padding can soften the impact, as can wearing extra layers of clothing or protective materials that can absorb the blow. But a child or elderly person may not have the same response to being hit with an Airsoft pellet as someone who is in the prime of life.

All in all, it's fair to say that the pain of an Airsoft gun can range from a mild itch or sting to something that's more painful. Whether an Airsoft gun is used in a safe, supervised environment or not, it's important to be aware of these pain levels and take proper precautions when playing.

Brief Recap

To recap, an Airsoft gun is a non-lethal weapon designed to launch plastic pellets. It's common to feel some type of pain when shot with such a gun, but the extent of the pain will depend on a variety of factors. The type of gun, the weight of the pellet, the shooter's distance from the target, and the target's physical condition are all factors in how much an Airsoft gun will hurt. It's important to take safety into consideration when using an Airsoft gun and ensure it's used in a supervised, responsible environment.