Ever since the first firearms were invented, kids of all ages have loved to play with toy army guns. Today’s airsoft guns are a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. They’re a great way to teach your children about firearms safety, and can help your child learn to shoot a target without exposing him or her to the same risks as shooting conventional firearms.
Airsoft guns, BB guns and pellet guns should never be shot at a person or animal, since they can cause pain and injury. If your child plays with toy guns that do not expel any projectiles, be sure to explain the difference between these guns and other types of toy! Supervise your child, especially when the gun is new, to be sure that it’s not being used in an unsafe manner. Now is the time to teach your child to point guns only at objects that are there to be fired at.
Choosing an Airsoft Gun
Some airsofts are designed to look like the real thing, and some are weighted so that they feel more like a real gun. If your family likes to shoot targets, it’s a great idea to get the most realistic ones you can – some of the best are modeled after historic weapons and others look a lot like real modern handguns and rifles. Some are so realistic that they’ve got colored identifiers to distinguish them from real weapons.
Prices range from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on the type of airsoft gun you want. Although some retailers do carry this type of gun, the greatest selection can be found online. Check to see what type of shot the gun you like uses – plastic projectiles are safest, and least expensive.
Airsoft Gun Safety
Make or buy targets and shoot at those, exclusively.
Teach your kids never to point this type of toy army gun at anyone! If you plan to teach your children how to shoot real handguns and rifles in the future, this is an extremely important lesson. Teach kids how to handle firearms safely, and teach them how to keep their toy army guns clean and well maintained. Last but not least, show your children how to store their guns properly. Small children who have not learned about the dangers of using firearms could accidentally discharge an airsoft gun, and although the damage that could be caused is probably much less than the damage a real gun would cause, it’s still a real possibility.