Airsoft is an entertaining and dynamic team game. But, when played inappropriately, Airsoft can turn into a dangerous sport that can cause different injuries.

In Airsoft, it can very quickly happen that a bullet from a weapon knocks out a tooth. Just imagine a 6mm and 0.30g bullet traveling at 300 feet per second can cause serious injuries. That is why protection in the form of protective equipment for the mouth, teeth, eyes, and other body parts is essential.

Let’s check the major Airsoft injuries and the ways to prevent them!

What are the Airsoft injuries?

Some minor injuries are part of airsoft gameplay, and they can quickly fade, but what about more severe injuries? Generally, most injuries happen because safety equipment wasn’t worn effectively.

Although goggles and other protective equipment use are mandatory, accidents still occur and cause severe injuries. Airsoft guns can pose a particular safety risk to the eyes and face. Most injuries result from falls or damages to the unprotected eye, mouth, or ear. The biggest danger in airsoft is human irresponsibility.

Injuries from airsoft weapons can be caused by direct hits or by ammunition ricocheting off nearby objects or surfaces such as buildings, trees, and rocks. Some of the most severe injuries associated with airsoft are shots to the eyes.

Bullets from an airsoft gun can also cause skin damage due to the velocity of the pellets (they can reach over 200 MP), permanent scarring, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and in some cases, even fatal injuries, mainly when used at close range. If you’re shot directly in the eye with an airsoft rifle, you can become either temporarily or permanently blind or even lose your eye.

In addition to eye injuries, adapted bullets can get caught in the skin and have to be surgically removed. If used improperly or recklessly, a severe injury can become the reality.

Another danger posed by airsoft guns is the use of graphite bullets. Players began coating their bullets with graphite to increase speed and launch velocity. The problem is that the graphite balls often injure the skin and leave players with scars.

Top 5 worst Airsoft injuries

Here is the video (warning: graphic content) to get a bigger picture and check the real Airsoft injuries.

Aiming for safety

Don’t just rely on “safety”. Airsoft guns use safe mechanical and electrical systems to prevent accidental firing. But they’re by no means foolproof. Always be extra careful and treat your airsoft gun as if it were loaded and ready to fire. There are many steps you can take to prevent injuries and stay safe while playing Airsoft.

• Always wear masks and goggles to protect your eyes.
• Always wear other quality and proper safety equipment to prevent any potential injuries.
• Properly maintain your weapon and learn how it works.
• Do not practice in places where the game could disturb the environment. Make sure you practice on private estates and with permission.
• Green gas is a mixture of propane and silicone tested in the laboratory. Pay attention to how and where you load gas rifles and avoid carrying them near flames or other ignition sources.
• Keep your Airsoft gun or BB gun unloaded when not playing.
• Never aim or shoot at anyone who is not wearing eye protection or playing.
• Don’t alter Airsoft guns without technical training.
• Keep the safety locks on until the game starts, and leave your finger off the trigger until the gun targets what you want to hit.
• If you have an AEG (automatic electric gun), don’t shoot too much with it without a projectile, as you could end up breaking the internal parts.

Don’t underestimate the dangers of Airsoft guns. Airsoft weapons must be treated as actual weapons. Take care of yourself and others and stay safe while having fun!