Explain Airsoft guns to me

I believe that they are intended to be used for training and combat like games similar to paintball?

I have been wondering the same thing. I don't know anything about airsoft.

Mike

So, why not just get a paint ball marker? I understand that they look and feel realistic but, if you shoot someone, how do you know without paint or blood?

"ztirffritz"I don't understand the appeal of airsoft guns, but I'll admit I'm also almost completely ignorant about their features and abilities, so it's possible I'm missing something that makes them attractive. As I understand it, they shoot biodegradable plastic BBs. They shoot fast but are so light that they have little or no accuracy. They will sting, but won't seriously hurt anyone or anything. Is that correct? So what is the attraction? You can't target shoot. You can't hunt. I guess you could use them for a modified version of paintball sans paintballs, but again, what's the point without the paint?

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It's fun to shoot people without getting them painted up I guess. Air soft offers the opportunity to simulate battle games. Tracking down people and shooting them without getting hurt. I haven't tried it but am sure it could be fun.

It is basically the exact same as paintball but takes a little more honestly and less money. I used to play lots of airsoft with my friends around the neighborhood. In my opinion it is better than paintball because it doesn't leave paint everywhere so you can play it in places where you don't want paint. The BBs are also way cheaper than paintballs. The appeal is the same as paintball you get that rush of simulated combat.
Airsoft rifles can be accurate if you buy the right ones or modify them and shoot quality BBs. There are videos of guys with scoped airsoft rifles shooting people at around 100yards. The guns are not made for hunting or target shooting just for playing the game with your friends. 
If you are a fan of paintball then you would like airsoft. Now that you brought them up I might have to blow the dust off my old guns and round up a group. 

My nephews are really into airsoft guns and I have to admit, playing war is a lot of fun. Setting up bunkers out in the trees and shooting at one another without the fear of anyone getting hurt is a lot of fun. I get shot up a lot because I'm too slow and fat to keep up with two teenage boys

I would have loved that when I was a kid I could see myself going full auto on my buddies.

Today's version of bb gun wars without the "lose an eye" part.

Nothing hurts worse when I'm talking to someone about my airgun obsession and some steps in and says yeah airsoft guns are cool. 

Another allure of air soft over paintball is the "realism" of the equipment. Buy a quality air soft pistol, and it is likely a clone for a popular powder burner. Holsters, slings, mag pouches, load bearing vests, optics and lights, and other accessories designed for the "real" version all work with the air soft version. So, for training they're great (air soft Sig Sauer P220 will fit my "real" 220 holster, etc). Mainly good for military units and law enforcement close quarters combat/room clearing/hostage rescue training. Can add a level of realism to a training scenario, and also helps builds muscle memory with the gear they carry...or a bunch of kids/adults can go shoot the heck out of each other for realistic fun.

barbarian and ztirffritz: I feel your pain at people who "don't get it" when it comes to our hobby calling out pellet guns "bb guns" or thinking they're the same as air soft. I for one would prefer a little ignorance in the "minimizing" direction (aaawww, isn't that cute: a grown man with his bb gun) versus the kind of ignorance that dictates the air gun regulations and laws of my state (my god, that man has a Benjamin Marauder! Arrest him before he assassinates someone with it!). I live in a state where my airguns are classified as "firearms," and it is illegal to "simply possess" (meaning: don't get caught in public with) ANY airgun that is moderated for noise (legally classified a "silenced firearm"...utter nonsense!). So I guess I'm just saying be thankful people where you live still think these are toys. Better that than the other end of the spectrum...

Mentolio where are you located that has those restrictions?

Just one more reason I wish they had a location by the members name on this site.

Couldn't have said it better ztirffritz my boss tells me I'm retarded for having such an expensive daisy red Ryder bob gun. I told him do you have a 22 rim fire. He said yeah, I told him there not a huge difference between the two plus I can order pellets anytime, no shortage like 22 ammo

Gundog: I live in New Jersey. I do not recommend it, even if only for a visit.

Ft Dix NJ I was there for boot camp I can't remember anything I liked about that.

I agree with most of the previous posters-if you ever played army, cops and robbers, or cowboys and Indians as a kid, you'll probably love airsoft (once you get past the fact you're an adult crawling around in camo trying to get the drop on your friends and relatives!) The guns are nifty and very realistic,most guns have a feature that puts a backspin on the bb so that they actually go flat, then up instead of down as the velocity falls off! Unloading on a bad guy in full auto mode is pretty exciting. Having said this I have been appalled by the gun handling practices of your typical teenage airsoft enthusiast, I guess the fact they're non lethal leads to careless handling practices. Definitely wear goggles if you decide to give this a try!

"Mentolio"Gundog: I live in New Jersey. I do not recommend it, even if only for a visit.

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Mentolio: Hate to talk bad about anyones' state, but I used to travel to a several different foreign countries for my work. Fortunately, the only third world place I went to was New Jersey.