Training Tip

Training Tip #1

Airsoft: From Sport to Training Tool

Airsoft was born in Japan during the late 1970s as a hobbyist's solution to the Japanese nationwide civilian firearms ban. Aesthetically designed to emulate real guns, these replicas shoot a plastic 6mm pellet propelled by gas or compressed air. Airsoft today is now used not only for the recreational market of hobbyists, sporting events, and in military simulation, but also considered by some in the Law Enforcement and Military communities as a viable training option.

In comparison to Simunitions and UTMs, Airsoft equipment and ammunition are relatively inexpensive and far safer (though ANSI-rated full seal eye protection should still be used at all times), providing users many more training evolutions than have traditionally been made available.

Airsoft can be a training tool, but it is not a final solution. As technologies develop and airsoft evolves, it may one day be everything that we require of it as an all-encompassing training aid. It is also not designed to replace Simunitions and UTMs, as they clearly have their own essential role in force-on-force training. However, airsoft can be used to supplement training on both a one-way and two-way range. Whether it is used for practicing the fundamentals of marksmanship, weapons manipulation, or force-on-force training, the key to extracting the most out of airsoft as a training aid is to recognize it as a tool, not a toy. One must also understand the limitations of airsoft as a tool, as well as leveraging its advantages. When employed appropriately, airsoft can provide additional practice and learning experiences which can be added to a shooter's mental toolbox for future use.

« Back to Training Tips