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.
