Functions

• Airsoft pistols are usually implemented for either personal use, like target practice and friendly shooting games, or for professional training exercises (police and military). Despite being relatively safe, protective eyewear should always be worn when firing airsoft guns.
  
  

History

• Developed in Asia, airsoft pistols were introduced to the United States in the 1980s. Some manufacturers considered these guns too realistic looking and initially passed on selling them for liability reasons. However, the US government has specific regulations when marking airsoft pistols, most prominent of which is the orange tip of the guns' barrels. Thus, the toy weapons are perfectly legal. Spurring sales in the US has been the emergence of war simulation games.
  
  

Airsoft Leagues

• Airsoft Scene image by DanielC from Fotolia.com
  
  The airsoft pistol community has organized itself and some of its members join leagues where teams compete in simulation war games. Heading out into designated fields on the weekend, these enthusiasts follow strict safety regulations and partake in games like "Expanding Empires" and "Zombie Panic."