Using Airsoft as an Effective Training Tool

With regard to training tools and techniques, there are a plethora of options available today. From simunitions and MILES gear, to inert training guns, there exists something to fit every need. Choosing the right tool for the job can sometimes be a daunting task. Expense as well as education become a prime factor in determining what may work best for your particular situation and needs. Here we will examine some of the prime advantages that Airsoft can bring to your training.

Cost

Initial startup costs are fairly low in comparison to other types of training aids. Ammunition costs are a primary consideration for many individuals and this is one area where Airsoft can really outshine the competition. Most quality Airsoft ammunition can be purchased for as little as $0.003 cents per round. BB's are typically sold in bags of 1000 - 5000 rounds per bag, with larger bulk quantities, such as case lots or "rice sacks" being available too. In comparison to other forms of training, such as paintball, simunitions, or live rounds, Airsoft is among the most inexpensive to invest in - especially with regard to ammunition. Moreover, it is among the safest for Force-on-Force training.

As of 2023, the BATFE has banned the importation of Simunition rounds. Consequently, manufacturers of Sim rounds have ceased all sales to civilians. Therefore, you can assume Sim's are no longer a practical acquisition for the average user. I have elected to leave the cost comparison in place for historical purposes.

Here are a few comparison examples:

What about future costs?

Future costs for Airsoft are also very low as maintenance is fairly minimal and resupplying your inventory of ammunition will also not cost you very much. Airsoft is bolstered by a massive aftermarket, and repair and upgraded parts are readily available for most popular models from a plethora of US-based and overseas resellers. There is little need for ancillary support equipment, an on-site armorer, nor is a dedicated training facility required. In comparison to real firearms, Airsoft is the least likely of the two to face strict regulation or prohibitive use from political or legal rulings. This is also why Airsoft has seen very widespread use in countries where firearm ownership is prohibitive or banned altogether.

Safety and Realism

With regard to Airsoft, it is absolutely required that one have current ANSI rated eye protection that completely encompasses the eyes. A dedicated paintball mask can also be used if you desire full face protection, but it is not wholly necessary. While not explicitly required, mouth protection is also recommended to avoid dental injuries. In contrast, paintball training aids require dedicated full face masks as the risk for eye, ear, and mouth injury is greatly amplified. If a paintball hits within 1" of your eye, you can suffer permanent blindness - this is due to the mass, velocity, and size of the paintball projectile. Simunitions also carry greater mass and velocity and user feedback is that they are by and large "painful" to be on the receiving end of. Additionally, the higher FPS simunitions, such as 5.56mm rounds, require the use of full facial protection, and groin, chest, and neck protectors are advised - all of which will have a cost to be factored into your training budget. Real firearms obviously cannot be used whatsoever for Force-on-Force training as the risk of injury or death is extreme.

What about effective range?

Most "stock" Airsoft guns are easily capable of engaging targets within CQB ranges - that is to say 50 yards or less. A well tuned Airsoft gun is capable of attaining 100+ yard effective range. Pistols typically have an effective range of 25 yards or so - although with careful tuning, one may extend that range significantly further. Within room-sized CQB environments, it is recommend that your Airsoft replicas shoot 350 FPS or less. Whereas in an outdoor environment you can safely shoot up to 400 FPS, with dedicated sniper rifles typically shooting up to 550 - 600 FPS with a provision for minimum engagement distance.

Simunition rounds from a pistol have reasonable accuracy out to 15 - 20 yards, while rifle rounds perform best within 30 - 40 yards. Beyond these ranges, accuracy tends to degrade dramatically.

Paintball guns (AKA "Markers") unfortunately suffer many long range drawbacks - due in part to ballistic limitations within the paintball projectile design itself as well as safety considerations (it is generally not recommended to shoot beyond 300 FPS.) Most paintball guns are useful within 25 - 30 yards at best. Beyond that, accuracy degrades considerably and you are having to significantly "mortar" the gun to extend its range.

Compatibility

If you presently own support and tactical gear for your real firearms, then this is fully compatible with Airsoft replicas. Unlike paintball, for example, you will not have to purchase dedicated load-bearing equipment to be able to effectively use your Airsoft replica. Additionally, the 1:1 ratio and realistic controls, recoil, and handling characteristics mean you can gain increased familiarity and proficiency with your real weapon which is beneficial from a training standpoint. From a logistical standpoint, the choice is obvious.

Low maintenance

When properly configured, only minor occasional cleaning is required, as opposed to heavier cleaning needed for Simunition or paintball based training aids. Overall, Airsoft is relatively maintenance free provided you don't go out of your way to abuse it and purchase quality items upfront. This goes the same for any other training tool, actually.