Airsoft Guns vs. BB Guns – Are They The Same?

If you are interested in using either airsoft guns or BB guns for recreational purposes, it's essential that you understand how they work and what makes them different. In fact, many people confuse one for the other and are unaware that airsoft guns and BB guns are two different kinds of replica guns. If you thought that an airsoft gun was merely another type of BB gun, read on.

What is a BB Gun?

Let's start by clarifying how a BB gun actually works. BB guns and Airsoft guns are similar in that they are both types of replica guns. However, BB guns work by firing small metal or lead BBs, unlike airsoft guns. They were created in 1886 by George W. Sage. At the time, the spring-piston design was revolutionary, and it quickly took off worldwide. Originally, real shotgun pellets were used, but lead pellets have since become increasingly popular.

What is an Airsoft Gun?

Airsoft guns are a much more recent invention. First used in Japan in the 1970s, airsoft guns were created to bypass Japan's strict gun control laws. Airsoft technology works with a green gas that propels the pellets from the gun. In the beginning, these guns were mainly used for target practice. However, when it was discovered that airsoft guns pose no threat of serious injury, they quickly became popular globally as a way to play simulated war games. Since then, they have been primarily designed for recreational purposes.

The difference between them

Understanding the differences between these two types of guns will help you to identify them and will help you decide which one is best for your purposes. The main difference between the BB gun and the airsoft gun is the type of ammunition used. Because BB guns use small metal or lead pellets, they are potentially lethal if fired at close range. Airsoft guns are a much safer alternative, as they work with plastic pellets. If you are planning on using your replica gun for recreation, you will definitely want to get an airsoft gun.

Another significant difference is the realism of the look and feel of the gun. Airsoft guns are commonly used in training simulations because of their lifelike qualities. Nowadays, it is possible to find airsoft rifle replicas that are almost identical matches to their genuine counterparts. Depending on the model, you can even get the same recoil upon shooting the gun. BB guns, on the other hand, tend to look less realistic.

Which type of gun you choose to buy ultimately depends on what it will be used for. For instance, for pest control or target practice, BB guns are probably the best choice for you. However, if you are planning to shoot the gun at people for recreational purposes, you should always go with an airsoft gun. You can buy Airsoft guns from one of the UK's largest suppliers at Only BB Guns. These replicas are lifelike, affordable, and high-quality.