Are all types of BB Gun safe for Airsoft?
There are many types of BB gun available, and it's important to understand the distinction between each one. People get confused between which type of BB gun to buy, and since Airsoft BB guns are designed to be shot at each other in an Airsoft Game similar to paintball, buying a BB gun which shoots metal pellets can spell disaster.
If you hear someone talking about a BB gun, they're not always talking about Airsoft guns, here are the main types of BB Gun commonly referred to by people outside the sport or in the media:
- 6mm BB Gun / Airsoft Replica
This is the type of gun used in almost all Airsoft skirmishes. Universally accepted as safe under certain power limits these types of guns are designed to shoot plastic pellets and be used in Airsoft Games, known as Action Sport Games in some countries. If you've seen a video on YouTube of someone playing with an Airsoft Gun, they will be firing this type of gun. - 8mm BB Gun
This type of gun is very rarely seen nowadays, in-fact, there were only a hand-full of Airsoft weapons which used this type of ammunition. If you're getting into Airsoft its best to avoid this calibre, as the weapons which use them are usually complicated, almost vintage, and certainly not something you would want to skirmish with. - .177 BB Gun
These types of BB Guns usually fire metal pellets, and are designed for pest control or target practice. Avoid at all costs for Airsoft games! These types of pistols can cause serious damage, some are even used for pest control! Not only are the BB metal which can break player's face protection and eye protection if shot directly, but these weapons usually fire at much higher power limits than Airsoft guns!