Airsoft guns are modeled after real firearms. Manufacturers go to great lengths to achieve this realistic look and feel, from the gun dimensions to its external markings. The spring-powered and single-shot M16 rifle is the most common in airsoft gaming, having a simple design and is very affordable. Some of its advantages are a light build, accuracy, versatility and the option to add modifications such as various mounting uppers.

Airsoft guns can be separated into three groups, determined simply by how they are powered. Gas, electric and spring powered weapons are the most common and all have their unique advantages and disadvantages.

Spring powered rifles are usually made of plastic and must be cocked for each shot. It's fast, clean, inexpensive and easily maintained; it requires no gas or batteries to operate. It can fire from 150 to 350 fps depending on the spring design and the BB weight. Additionally, spring airsoft guns are the toughest, most durable of all airsoft guns, because they're made with few breakable pieces.

Gas airsoft guns are often used only once a round and are usually saved as a side arm or secondary weapon. The gas or C02 usually only lasts the duration of the clip and a lot of the time your shots will not be consistent.

Electric rifles have higher BB capacity and have the ability to go full-auto. AEG rifles use batteries are power source. Unlike spring-powered guns, electric rifles allow users to just point and shoot. Just hold down the trigger and pellets will shoot out in a straight, swift line.

The M16 has been reproduced into several variations, each having its own exceptional characteristics.

M16A1 is essentially the same as the original M16, with the addition of forward assist. But after extensive use in the field, it became apparent that re-design is necessary.

M16A2 is the result of the new modification, adopted by the US military during the 1980s. Full-auto fire was changed into 3-round burst to conserve ammunition and improve accuracy.

M16A3 is basically A2 upper receivers that have been joined with A1 lower receivers. It can fire in semi-auto or full-auto mode instead of the 3-round burst of A2.

M16A4 is similar to the A2 rifle with the exception for its flat top upper receiver and removable carrying handle, which when removed the flat top upper receiver rail system can be used to mount optical devices to the weapon. It is now the standard issue for frontline US Marine Corps and some US army units.

Airsoft guns are modeled after real firearms. Manufacturers go to great lengths to achieve this realistic look and feel, from the gun dimensions to its external markings. Other manufacturers, such as Colt, which owns the rights to the M4 carbine, do not allow airsoft companies to use their name or markings. Airsoft guns can be divided into three distinct groups that are determined simply by how they are powered.

Spring models are airsoft guns that require you to pump or cock the weapon every time you fire it. The spring version is usually made of plastic and can fire from 150 to 350 fps depending on the spring design and the BB weight.

Gas airsoft guns are often used only once a round and are usually saved as a side arm or secondary weapon. The gas or C02 usually only lasts the duration of the clip and a lot of the time your shots will not be consistent.

Electric airsoft guns are more powerful and usually the most accurate. Many electric guns come with a hop up system that allows you to lay down a consistent accurate line of fire until your clip runs out. These high-grade AEG's are usually made of metal, can fire upward of 450 FPS and are designed to perform under harsh conditions.

US Special Forces groups and the US Army Ranger Regiment use a carbine version of the M16A2 known as the M4 Carbine. The M4 has a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock for a noticeably more compact profile.

The M4A1 is a compact lightweight version of the M4 Carbine that features a detachable carry handle and flat top rail system for mounting accessories. The M4A1 Carbine is capable of full-auto fire.

The M4A2 is similar to the M4A1 but has a fixed carrying handle and is capable of safe/semi-auto/3-round-burst firing modes.

M4 MWS (Modular Weapon System). Colt Model 925 carbines were tested fitted with the Knight's Armament Corporation (KAC) M4 RAS under the designation M4E2, but this designation appears to have been scrapped in favour of mounting this system to existing carbines without changing the designation.

The M4A4 is almost identical to the M4A1 except it utilizes a safe/semi-auto/3-round-burst firing mode instead of the A1's safe/semi-auto/full-auto.

The RIS in the M4RIS stands for Rail Interface System and is used to accommodate the SOPMOD Kit (Special Operations Peculiar Modification). The SOPMOD kit consists of a 4 X Day Scope, a Reflex Sight, a Visible Laser, an Infrared Pointer / Illuminator, a Visible Light, Backup Iron Sights, and a Forward Hand Grip.

Airsoft is a modern combat-type of sport or recreational activity in which the primary objective is to eliminate an adversary by hitting a non-metallic pellet using a compressed-air gun within a specific area, either indoors or outdoors, which serves as the game's battlefield. The game has many variations, ranging from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations or historical dramatizations. Using weapons modelled after real firearms (such as hand guns, rifles and shotguns), common military tactics and other tactical gears, participants must overcome any combat situation to achieve their primary objective.

To determine who has been hit, honour system is used, since unlike in paintball, there are no visible markings are left. When a player is hit, he calls out "I'm hit" with his arms raised up high. The player must then head towards the safe zone, and is not allowed to converse with the others still playing. Marshalls and referees are important in the game, as there are instances (such as when distracted or moving) a player may be unaware that he has been hit.

Players are allowed to bring their own airsoft guns, magazines and protective gears and other game essentials, but there are game types when the equipments to be used are already provided. The guns used fire non-metallic bullets either through spring power, compressed gas or electric means.

The realistic gun makes, battle strategies, and the setting make the game too "real" for many people. Safety measures must be strictly followed before proceeding with the game. Here are some useful tips before hosting an airsoft game.

Make sure that the game setting or battlefield is not public property. You may be arrested, and may cause injuries to other people in the area. Look for a commercial airsoft field in your area, and if you decide to play in a private property, make sure to obtain the permission of the landowner first.

Never allow children to flaunt airsoft guns in public. Because of how real they look, other people may be alarmed and cause dispute against local police, especially in countries where firearms are prohibited.

Having proper eye protection is most important. Never wear shop goggles, military sun/dust/wind goggles, or ski goggles. These will possibly break when hit at close range. Many users prefer to use paintball masks for eyewear.

The most basic rule is to treat your airsoft guns as you would a real one: with extreme care and responsibility. An unintentional discharge, especially at close range, can leave you or the other players injured.

Airsoft is not a perilous sport, if correct safety precautions are firmly and dutifully followed. If every participant of the airsoft battle understands this, then you'll have a thrilling yet safe gaming experience.