Have Questions? We have answers (hopefully)!

Knowing where to start with airsoft can be confusing. We have put together this FAQ based on questions that we get, and hope that it will be of use. Check out the sections below, and if your question is not answered, please get in touch with us, and we will be happy to help.

Airsoft Legality

The legalities of airsoft differ drastically by region. Hobby Airsoft is based in the Republic of Ireland, and our rules, regulations, and laws are different to many other regions around the world. For jurisdictions outside of the Republic of Ireland, please refer to your local airsoft legislation.

Is Airsoft Legal in Ireland?

In the Republic of Ireland, airsoft guns are classified as Realistic Imitation Firearms, and are legal provided they fire at less than 1 Joule of energy. If that sounds confusing, don't worry - it just means that all guns are limited to the same power. If you're buying Irish, there's nothing to worry about, however if you're buying from abroad, just make sure that it fires at less than 328fps (feet per second) with a 0.20g BB (otherwise it is deemed a firearm - the gun can be siezed, and you could be prosecuted for importing a firearm).

The classification of RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) mentioned earlier marks them as distinct from toys, so they cannot be used in public. In other words you have to be on Private Property (outside of public site, with permission of owner) e.g. back garden, or on a dedicated Airsoft Gaming Site.

Back to Top

What age do you have to be to have an Airsoft Gun?

In the Republic of Ireland, there is no restriction on ownership of an airsoft gun. There are, however, restrictions on whom can purchase an airsoft gun. In law, you must be over the age of 16 (Sixteen), however some store policies may impose a different limit e.g. you must be over 18 (Eighteen) to purchase an airsoft gun from our store.

A parent or guardian may purchase an airsoft device and gift it to someone below the age of 18. All other restrictions still apply e.g. must be outside of public sight, and power must be below 1 Joule.

This may be different in other jurisdictions outside of the Republic of Ireland.

Back to Top

What is the Power Limit

By law, all airsoft guns must fire below 1 Joule of energy, or they are classified as illegal firearms. Joule is a measure of energy, not speed, and causes a lot of confusion.

To measure the power, an airsoft gun is Chrono'd - BB's of known weight are fired through a Chronograph, and the speed is measured in order to calculate its energy. This is where the "328 FPS with a 0.20g BB" comes from. If you use a heavier BB, the energy remains the same, however the speed (FPS) will change (lower).

Generally speaking, airsoft guns in Ireland will fire between 280-310fps (with a 0.20g BB), and reach a distance of circa 40 meters.

It is not enough to break skin, however it is still advised to always use eye & face protection when using an airsoft gun.

Back to Top

Can you get more powerful guns?

Unfortunately not. The Irish power limit is a hard limit, and there is no grey area - all airsoft guns MUST fire below 1 Joule. Otherwise they are considered illegal firearms.

Other jurisdictions can have different power limits, so it is important to ensure that any airsoft gun you purchase complies with your local airsoft laws & regulations.

All airsoft guns purchased within the Republic of Ireland will fire between 280-310fps (with a 0.20g BB).

Back to Top

Do I need a License?

In the Republic of Ireland there are no licenses required to purchase or own an airsoft gun. Instead the restrictions are placed on the power of the airsoft device, and where they can be used.

References to "licenses" in airsoft for the Republic of Ireland usually means Trademarks i.e. official replicas, which are licensed by the real-steel manufacturer, giving them additional authenticity. It can be a little confusing, but the key takeaway is no, you do not need a license to own (or use) an airsoft gun in the Republic of Ireland. Other jurisdictions may vary, so check with your local legislation.

Back to Top

Can I bring my airsoft gun on Holidays?

It's natural to become attached to something as cool as your airsoft gun, and you may even start to suffer separation anxiety - we understand, we've been there! You may like to bring your airsoft gun abroad with you, but there are a couple of things to note.

Airsoft is not necessarily legal in all countries - it is imperative to ensure that it is legal in the area you're travelling to, and that your gun meets the requirements (e.g. Power, Colour, Fire mode restrictions etc). You also need to check with the carrier (airline, ferry company etc) to ensure that they will take RIF's (realistic imitation firearms) and adhere to their criteria i.e. you may need to have them in a dedicated lockable case, unloaded & partially disasembled.

Back to Top

Transporting Airsoft Guns

When travelling with an airsoft gun (domestically), there are a few things to keep in mind. They must be unloaded, in a state where they cannot fire e.g. battery removed, outside of public sight (e.g. in a gun bag), and not on your person (i.e. when travelling in the car, they should be in the boot). You need to have a valid reason for having the airsoft gun with you e.g. going to/from an airsoft store, or to/from an airsoft site.

It is important to remember that not everyone knows what airsoft is - to the general public, if they see a gun, they will assume it is a firearm. Take the necessary precautions, and ensure they are always kept outside of public sight (at all times).

Back to Top

Getting Started in Airsoft

Where can I buy an Airsoft gun?

You've come to the right place - you can purchase an airsoft gun from our retail store, or online via this website. Our walk-in retail store is open 7 days a week, and only closed 2 days a year (Christmas Day & New Years Day...we're not monsters)!

There are, of course, other places to purhcase airsoft guns, however we're (obviously) a little biased!

Back to Top

What gun should I get?

The million (dollar) euro question - this is something we get asked day in and day out, and it's difficult to answer. However, we will do our best!

First things first, you have to consider what the airsoft gun is for - you could be going gaming, or shooting targets etc. You may have something in mind already, so this just helps narrow things down, and hone in on something that will work for you.

View Recommendations

Generally speaking, we would recommend starting with an M4 or AK type rifle. There are plenty of spare parts available, allowing you to keep it up & running for as long as possible. The M4 is the most popular design (by far), and offers un-matched customisation options.

There are many different ones to choose, and it depends on what you're looking for. If you want increased realism, you will want a full metal replica which is closest to the real steel weight. However, for all-day gaming, we would recommend something with a Nylon Fibre body. Similarly, we'd recommend keeping to a mid-length barrel for greatest adaptability.

Pistols are one of the most fun types of airsoft gun. Seen in film & TV as the action hero's choice for tackling the bad-guys, it exudes cool. But what one do you choose? If you value realism, and want that cool factor, you will want a blowback pistol (simulates recoil). If you just wanta a reliable sidearm that does the job without the bells & whistles, then you will want a non-blowback pistol. If you're just shooting targets out the back garden, and don't want to worry about gas/co2, then you will want a spring powered pistol.

We have gathered our best sellers, one for each type, to help you choose

Sniper Rifles are the entry point for many in airsoft. The bolt action, the precision, and the image of getting your target in your crosshairs is undeniably attractive.

Snipers are not recommended for gaming, due to the power limit in Ireland. You have no advantage, as Electric Rifles will hit the same distance, however for target shooting they're ideal. Similarly, they're ideal for people who don't care about the disadvantages on the skirmish field, and just want to become an airsoft sniper.

Back to Top

What is the Warranty?

All airsoft guns from our store have a warranty of three months from date of purchase. The warranty is against manufacturing defects, and does not cover normal wear and tear, or physical damage...so if you decide to use your new sniper rifle as a golf club, you're out of luck.

Manufacturing defects are usually uncovered in the first one or two uses - if you've used your airsoft gun a few times without issue, you're likely in the clear. However, in the event that something does go wrong, get in touch and we will be happy to assist.

If your airsoft gun is outside of warranty, and has broken or been damaged, we have a full repair and upgrade service in-house. Get in touch and we can assist in getting you back up and running, and onto the gaming field.

Back to Top

Why has the packaging of my airsoft gun has been opened?

Due to the Irish power limit, airsoft guns must be tested to ensure compliance. Any airsoft gun firing over 1 joule is considered a firearm, so to ensure compliance, the power is tested prior to sale. In order to facilitate this testing, the packaging needs to be opened.

Back to Top

Do all guns include Battery/Charger?

In short, no. The vast majority of airsoft guns do not include battery or charger. The rule of thumb is that if it doesn't explicitly specify that battery & charger are included, that it doesn't come with them.

Using high quality batteries and chargers improve the lifespan and user experience of your gun. Most airsofters do not stop at one gun, and their batteries will often work with other guns, especially Lipo Batteries & Chargers.

Back to Top

How long do I charge my Battery for?

Unfortunately this is very much a "How long is a piece of string?" question, and the only answer is "until it's fully charged". It all depends on what battery and charger you have. Any battery/charger that comes free with a rifle are quite basic, typically only 1100mAh batteries and chargers without automatic cut-off - these typically take between 3 and 5 hours, however you need to time them as the charger does not stop automatically.

It is important to never leave a charging battery unattended, as they can go on fire. Keep your eyes on it, and if your battery starts to get hot, get it off the charger immediately.

With a smart charger (i.e. one with delta peak detection, or automatic cut off) it takes less time, but also means you can leave it charging safe in the knowledge that once the battery is full, the charger turns off.

Back to Top

Using your Airsoft Gun

Where can I play Airsoft?

Airsoft guns are not toys, and as such can only be used on Private Property (outside of public site, with permission from the owner) e.g. your back garden, or on dedicated Airsoft Gaming Sites. For the best experience, we recommend going to a gaming site.

There are many sites to choose from, and which one you go to will largely depend on your location. Some of our favourites are:

Back to Top

Does getting shot with a BB hurt?

Everyone's definition of pain differs, so yes & no. Getting hit stings, but it doesn't last long. The power limit in Ireland was set at 1 joule because of its safety - it's not enough to break skin, or cause an injury etc, but is just enough to let you know you've been hit.

In fact a lot of the time you won't even feel it, but rather will hear the noise and know you've been hit, particularly in the outdoor arenas. The BB's get lost in the fabric of your clothes, or hit the tac-vest/chest rig etc.

Please remember that Eye/Face protection must be worn at all times when handling/using an airsoft device.

Back to Top

What Ammo/Gas/Battery do I need?

Using the right consumables with your gun is essential to an enjoyable experience. It can be difficult to discern, however that's what we're here for.

Ammo / BB's:

As a rule, you want to use the highest possible quality of BB's in your airsoft gun for the best experience. It is often overlooked, however given that this is what you're firing, it has one of the largest impacts on performance. Similarly, using poor quality BB's can damage/break your replica (due to jamming etc). Never re-use BB's, as they deform slightly when fired, and pick up dirt/grit which can damage and break your hop up rubber, increasing the likelihood of jamming.

We recommend using polished high quality BB's; 5.95mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.5% for best results.

What weight ammo should I use?

Virtually all airsoft BB's are 6mm (all the ones in our store are 6mm), and the differentiating factor is their weight. A heavier BB will travel slower, however its flight path will be more consistent, and as a result your accuracy improves. Choosing weight is a case of balancing BB flight time with distance.

Can you get Metal Pellets?

Airsoft guns are designed to fire plastic/Biodegradable BB's, and are not suitable for metal BB's. Generally when people are referring to metal pellets, they are thinking of airguns which are licensed firearms in the Republic of Ireland. They are also smaller (4.5mm).

Airsoft guns generally have plastic nozzles, so use with metal pellets will damage/break your replica.

What gas should I use?

There are two primary categories of gas; Co2, and Green Gas. Co2 are the small disposable canisters, which you insert into your gun/magazine. Virtually all airsoft Co2 canisters are 12g unthreaded, however you can buy Co2 that includes lubricant to help keep your gun in tip-top shape. Otherwise all Co2 are the same pressure, and give the same performance. Over the years we have found Swiss Arms to be the most consistent.

In terms of Green Gas, these are the large bottles of gas that you refill a magazine from. They are propane-based, and come in several different strengths/pressures. You can also choose to have them with or without silicone oil. The primary difference being that with the added silicone oil, there is less maintenance required.

One of the best methods of determining what gas to use in your replica is to move up the pressures only when the current bottle is not working as intended i.e. if 120 PSI (Standard Green Gas) is a bit lackluster, it might be time to switch to 130 PSI.

What battery do I need?

Your replica will determine what battery you need. This is down to two primary factors: what battery will physically fit, and the power requirements of your replica. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend 7.4v Lipo batteries for the best performance, whilst improving the overall lifespan of your replica. Lipo batteries must be used with a Lipo charger, or else you risk the battery catching fire.

Some replicas require 11.1v Lipo to function e.g. G&G ETU series (Predator, ARP-9, etc).

You can also use the older NiMh type - these are more stable than Lipo batteries, however offer inferior performance to their Lipo counterparts.

Back to Top

What Magazines fit my gun?

Although there is some cross-compatibility, generally speaking only magazines for your specific gun type will fit. This is especially true for gas powered guns; only the specific magazines for your replica (brand, model, etc) will function, regardless of what they look like. Parts can be slightly different in specification (e.g. output valve, feed lips shape etc).

If you are unsure as to what magazine you need, the best thing to do is call into the shop with your replica and we can assist you in finding a magazine that will work. If you cannot get into the store, please contact us and we will do our best to assist. Please note that it is more complicated over email/phone, as if you're in the store with your replica, we can physically compare and try out magazines to find a suitable one for your needs. As such, over email/phone, we cannot guarantee a perfect fit.

Back to Top

Ordering & Delivery

How can I pay?

If you are ordering online, you can pay with credit/debit card using our secure online payment gateways. You can also pay with your PayPal balance.

We also accept One4All gift cards, however please note that they are limited to €50 increments online (and splitting payment among multiple cards is not possible). To make a purchase using your One4All card/cards, we recommend purchasing gift vouchers in €50 increments. These will be auto-emailed to you, and you can use these gift vouchers during checkout.

Although there is no checkout option for Bank Transfer, or Cheque, we can accept these payments, however the order must be processed manually. In both cases, the goods will only leave once payment has cleared in our account, which can take some time.

We also accept cash, however this is only available in-store.

Back to Top

OK, I've ordered - how long does delivery take?

Once payment has been processed and cleared, your order will be packed up, and collected by the couriers. This process usually takes 1 working day. Delivery from the couriers is 2-3 working days (Republic of Ireland).

Delivery to other regions can vary considerably - delivery to mainland Europe takes approximately 5-7 working days, and further afield longer than that.

Back to Top

Ordering from the UK

It is the responsibility of the purchaser (you) to obey local laws with regard to your purchase, which means you will need a valid defence for the VCRA i.e. UKARA number. You must provide your UKARA number during checkout, else we will be unable to ship your order.

Since Brexit, deliveries to the UK have proven challenging due to the increased customs delays. All orders to the UK are dispatched with AnPost, and will be delivered via Royal Mail. Expected delivery times are 2-14 working days, depending on customs.

Back to Top

Cooling off Period

For all EU residents (including the Republic of Ireland) you have a 14 day cooling off period, which means you can cancel your order for any reason. There are some provisos - the goods must be unused, and returned in their original packaging. You are responsible for the goods until they are returned to Hobby Airsoft, including the cost of getting them back to us (postage & packing). As such, we strongly advise using a registered/traceable delivery service.

Back to Top

Delivery is Unavailable for my Country

Unfortunately we cannot ship to all regions, due to different legislation/restrictions. If there are no shipping options available, then unfortunately you cannot proceed with your order.

If you feel this is in error, please contact us, and we will investigate.

Back to Top

Caring for your Airsoft Gun

How do I clean/maintain my airsoft gun?

There are two primary schools of thought when it comes to maintenance; preventative and reparative. For preventative, you are carrying out routine maintenance to ensure a small unkown problem does not fester and become something more costly. For reparative, you are fixing problems as they occur. In airsoft, both have the same cost, howeve the advantage of preventative maintenance is that you know your replica is in good working order, whereas with reparative you can be left waiting for the inevitible catastrophy.

Full services are recommended every 6 months to keep your replica in tip-top shape. This involves stripping your replica down, cleaning out dried up/old grease, re-greasing, inspecting parts for wear etc.

There are things you can do to eliminate majority of issues. The first is to keep your barrel clean. Most replicas include a barrel cleaning rod (also referred to as an unjamming rod); turn your hop up off, remove your magazine, and feed a cleaning cloth down the barrel to remove dirt/grit. This will improve your shot to shot consistency. Similarly, for pistols, you can keep them oiled to ensure smooth operation. Oiling a pistol requires partial disassembly.

Back to Top

Can airsoft guns be fixed?

If you have a problem with your airsoft gun, the first port of call is to get it checked over by a Tech to investigate the problem. In many cases, airsoft guns can be repaired. The primary consideration is cost.

We have a full repair and upgrade service in-house, and can fix most issues. Get in touch with us today, and see if your airsoft gun can be given a new lease of life.

Please note: some guns cannot be repaired. Budget Spring Powered pistols/rifles, AEP (Auto-Electric Pistols), Tri-Shot Shotguns etc.

Back to Top

Can I make my gun better?

Airsoft guns are made up of parts, and many of these parts can be changed to affect greater performance. The primary deciding factors are whether parts are produced for your replica. For example, AEG's can change virtually every part, however gas powered guns have a much more limited availability.

The typical upgrades are to achieve a faster rate of fire, improve the trigger response, increase range & accuracy, or to improve durability/reliability. Each of these upgrade paths have different parts requirements, however there is some cross over.

To improve range and accuracy, you will typically change the hop up rubber, barrel, and hop up chamber. For rate of fire improvements, you may change the gears, motor, piston, and battery. For trigger response, you will likely look at the addition of a MOSFET/Trigger Unit, as well as a Neodymium High Torque Motor, and low ratio gears etc.

If you are looking to get more out of your airsoft gun, get in touch with us today, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. We have a full repair and upgrade service in-house.

Back to Top