Airsoft, tool or toy?

[Manco]

They're expensive toys. There are places that will take your money for force on force training using them though.

For most people Airsoft is the only practical way to train for some essential aspects of defensive shooting. It is useful as long as one takes its limitations into account, and takes the most realistic approach possible while training (simulation starts in the mind). It's better than simply going to a local range and shooting at a sheet of paper every 30 seconds--that can be useful, too, and practice with a real firearm is crucial, but most people don't do much more and for the most part cannot with a real firearm (unless they spend hundreds of dollars a pop for limited amounts of professional training).

As for expense, while Airsoft may be somewhat pricey for a toy, in the long run it's a relatively cheap way to get in a lot of practice shooting at multiple targets (helps with shooting speed in addition to accuracy), for example, for those who are not fortunate enough to have their own private range (most public ranges have pretty strict rules).

However, using a toy is not a substitute for actually being under fire.

Nothing is, but when used appropriately it can help make one far better prepared for the first (and maybe only) time that one is under fire.

 

[mortablunt]

I think airsoft is a wonderful training tool. I however, do not approve of tacticools who spend thousands of dollars on airsoft stuff. It's ridiculous and pretty dang sad.

 

[gathert]

But in places like Japan where they cant own actual firearms, airsoft is a great thing. They can still get their fun on with guns. Thats why most of the companies that make the things are over there.

 

[ranburr]

Great training tool for FOF. Blue guns are great but try buying Simunitions as a civilian. Also, Simunitions can go bad on the shelf.

 

[mortablunt]

I use it as a highly valuable, safer alternative to real guns for when I'm training. It also lets me do a lot of practice in the subdivision without worrying about injuries and legal trouble.

 

[NMGonzo]

buddy of mine loaned me a 1911 bb gun

Working pretty good for draw and shoot

 

[ripp]

they are superb for learning fast draw (safely) as well as use of a flashlight, hitting movers, hitting while moving, using cover, firing as fall backwards, dodge a weapon, fire from awkward postions, etc. All done in yard, garage, attick or basement, no long, expensive trip to the range, no upset neighbors. it's a fantastic training aid, if you know what you are doing.

 

[ripp]

so if you get to cover, no WAY he can outflank that cover, right? you don't need a gun to prevent that? what a laugh! always think in terms of diving, running for cover, if it is at all possible. use of cover has easily saved 10x more lives than good shooting has.

 

[Girodin]

A very valuable tool. However, like most tools you have to know how to use it to benefit from having it.