Glossary of common Airsoft terminology

What follows is a short list of the most common jargon you will encounter in Airsoft.

Joule or 1j
A measurement of energy often used when discussing Airsoft or a reference to the law in Ireland indicating that Airsoft Devices with a muzzle velocity of less than 1 joule are not considered firearms.

AEG
Abbreviation of Automatic Electric Gun.

AEP
Abbreviation of Automatic Electric Pistol.

Airsoft
Generalised connotation for the sport of Airsoft.

Airsoft Device
Refers to any device designed to be used in the game of Airsoft that propels a BB.

Airsofter
An enthusiast or player of Airsoft games, may also refer to collectors.

Airsofting
Engaging in an Airsoft related activity, usually a Skirmish.

Ammo/Rounds
Shorthand for ammunition, the load fired by an Airsoft Device

Bang Kill/Bang Rule
Refers to the rule whereby a player may declare another playere "Hit" should they be close enough, without needing to fire. This is observed for both safety and sportsmanship purposes.

BB
The round fired by an Airsoft Device, refers to a 6mm plastic Ball Bearing weighing between .12g and .3g

Camo
A shorthand for camoflage referring to the patterns on many Airsofters uniform or costume.

Clone
Refers to the cheaper Airsoft Devices which use the same dimensions and designs as the more expensive manufactureres.

CQB/CQC
Abbreviation for Close Quarters Battle or Close Quarters Combat, a style of gameplay focussing on rapid action in enclosed spaces.

Gas
Refrers to the gas used in many GBB Airsoft Devices. Red Gas, Green Gas, Porpane or HFC are all substitutions for this (though have different actual meanings).

GBB
Abbreviation of Gas-Blow Back, a firing mechanism.

Gun
A shorthand for Airsoft Tagger or Airsoft Device, frowned upon by some players because of its "real" meaning.

Hit
A declaration of having been tagged by an Airsoft BB.

Honor System
The system used in Airsoft to determine whether a player has been sucessfully tagged or not.

HRTA
Abbreviation for the Hit & Run Tactical Airsoft skirmishing site based in Swords.

IAA
Abbreivation for the Irish Airsoft Association.

ICS
Abbreviation of the manufacturer I Chih Shivan.

Mag/Clip
Short hand for the magazine of an Airsoft Device in which the BB rounds are contained.

Mechbox/Gearbox
An internal compartment of an Airsoft Device, often comprising the firing mechanism.

MilSim
Shorthand for a style of game play involving tactical simulation and Military Simulation.

Muzzle Velocity
Refers to the energy with which a BB leaves the barrel of an airsoft device.

'Nade
Shorthand for "Grenade" - specifically referring to BB grenades or smoke grenades, may also refer to BB Showers designed to be used with launchers e.g. M203, M79.

NBB
Abbreviation of Non-Blow Back a firing mechanism.

Noob/Newb/Newbie
A term for new players or people new to Airsoft, often derisory and may be used as an insult e.g. "You total Noob!"

Plinker
An Airsoft Device or a cheap springer that is used to "plink" at a target, also a term for people who "Plink" rather than "skirmish".

Plinking
The act of firing an Airsoft Device (or more likely a cheap springer) at a stationary target - from the sound made by shot hitting the metal backplate of the target box "Plink!"

'Pyro
A shorthand for "Pyrotechnic" in Airsoft meaning any device which uses an explosive charge or smoke producing effect.

ROF
Abbreviation for Rate Of Fire.

Skirmish
Refers to any organised Airsoft activity wherein players attempt to tag one another using the devices.

Springer
Refers to Airsoft Devices which use a spring as their sole manner of firing, often used derisively towards cheap toys.

Tagger
A shorthand for an Airsoft Device, from the objective of the Airsoft game "to tag" the enemy.

TM
Abbreviation for the manufacturer Tokyo Marui.

Woodsball/Woodland
Refers specifically to the woodland

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