Editing Airsoft (section)

== Safety ==
[[File:Safezone.jpg|thumb|left|Players in the 'offgame' or 'safe zone' between games]]
Airsoft guns are not to be confused with [[BB gun]]s, which are [[airgun]]s that shoot {{cvt|.177|in|1|order=flip}} [[shot (pellet)|metallic spherical pellet]]s, unlike the plastic pellets shot by airsoft guns.

Many manufacturers and retailers suggest treating an airsoft gun like a real gun at all times. This will help alleviate safety issues resulting in an [[accidental discharge|accidental]]/[[negligent discharge]], or prevent a [[social panic|public panic]] due to a carelessly displayed airsoft gun being mistaken for a real firearm.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airrattle.com/category-s/95.htm |title=AirRattle.com: Airsoft Safety Tips |access-date=5 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208194120/https://www.airrattle.com/category-s/95.htm |archive-date=8 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Most manufacturers include an orange tip on the [[muzzle (firearms)|muzzle]] of the airsoft gun for signaling and safety purposes, and most retailers urge consumers not to remove the orange tip as it is used to help distinguish them from a real firearm. The orange tip serves many purposes, one of them being for law enforcement to help discern airsoft guns from real firearms and thus prevent unnecessary [[excessive force]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.airsoftprep.com/airsoft-safety/ |title=Airsoftprep.com |website=airsoftprep.com |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018030241/http://www.airsoftprep.com/airsoft-safety/ |archive-date=18 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of [[American National Standards Institute|ANSI]] Z87.1 [[eye protection]], preferably a fully sealed [[Authorized Protective Eyewear List|APEL]]-rated [[ballistic eyewear]]. Traditional [[prescription glasses]] and [[sunglasses]], or [[goggle]]s not rated sufficiently for [[impact (mechanics)|impact]]-resistance, may shatter and/or be [[penetration (weaponry)|perforate]]d upon being struck when used for airsoft or [[paintball]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Paintball Vs Airsoft|url=https://goodpaintballguns.com/paintball-vs-airsoft|language=en-US}|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515155143/https://goodpaintballguns.com/paintball-vs-airsoft/|archive-date=May 15, 2022}}</ref> causing injury to the [[eye]]. [[Mask]]s, [[face shield]]s and other types of full-face coverings such as [[balaclava (clothing)|balaclava]]s are recommended at most airsoft fields.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Airsoft Masks and Face Protection|url=https://highspeedbbs.com/best-airsoft-masks-and-face-protection/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=High Speed BBs|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Community safety precautions ===
[[File:AirsoftG36.jpg|thumb|Airsoft replica of an H&K [[G36C]]. This replica is not in use on a field, and has the magazine removed, the chamber cleared, and a barrel bag placed over the muzzle.]]
Rules such as a maximum muzzle velocity and engagement distance guidelines are used by different groups. Some organizations have created common safety rules and guidelines. Most minimum engagement distances are {{convert|10|feet}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texasairsoft.org |title=Texas Airsoft Organization |publisher=Texasairsoft.org |access-date=13 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104141437/http://www.texasairsoft.org/ |archive-date=4 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

When not actively playing, some fields require "barrel bags", also known as barrel socks, barrel condoms, barrel blockers, or barrel sleeves, to be placed over the muzzle of the gun. The magazine is usually removed as well, and the gun fired to clear the chamber.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ari |title=Airsoft Rules |url=https://ssairsoft.com/rules/ |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=SS Airsoft |language=en-US}}</ref> Most fields also require players to leave their guns set to the safety position when they are not shooting, a practice common when using real firearms. In certain countries, such as the [[Philippines]], additional special rules have been adopted.<ref>Filipino Airsoft Players (FAP) Standard Rules and Regulations: {{cite web |url=http://www.filairsoft.com/forum/showthread.php?t=821 |title=FAP Standard Rules and Regulations - Filipino Airsoft (FAS) |access-date=28 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326174242/http://www.filairsoft.com/forum/showthread.php?t=821 |archive-date=26 March 2008}}</ref>