What Do Airsoft Guns Shoot? A Complete Guide
What do airsoft guns shoot and how do these projectiles work? is a question that many newcomers to the world of airsoft frequently begin with. Comprehending the ammunition used in airsoft is crucial for safety, equipment maintenance, fair gameplay, and enhancing performance and accuracy. The ammunition used in airsoft weapons is specifically made for sport and safety, despite the fact that their size and shape may match those of actual firearms. Everything you need to know about airsoft gun projectiles, including their varieties, weights, materials, and how to select the best one for your particular setup, is explained in this article.
What Do Airsoft Guns Shoot? The Basics Airsoft guns shoot spherical plastic pellets commonly known as BBs. These BBs are typically 6mm in diameter, though some specialized models use 8mm BBs. Unlike metal BB guns or pellet guns, which shoot steel or lead projectiles, airsoft ammunition is intentionally lightweight and designed for recreational combat sports, training, and competitive play.
So when people ask, “what do airsoft gun shoot?” the simple answer is: They shoot lightweight plastic BBs designed for safe, controlled gameplay. But there is much more to understand about what these BBs are made of, how they work, and why players choose certain types.
Materials Used in Airsoft BBs Airsoft BBs come in several types of materials, each with specific uses and benefits. To fully understand what do airsoft gun shoot, we need to break down these materials.
1. Standard Plastic BBs These are the most common type. Made from non-biodegradable plastic, they’re durable and inexpensive. They are ideal for: ● Indoor arenas ● Target shooting ● Recreational backyard use However, because they are not biodegradable, many outdoor fields restrict or ban them.
2. Biodegradable BBs As outdoor airsoft fields became more environmentally conscious, bio BBs gained popularity. These are made from PLA (polylactic acid) or other plant-based materials. Pros: ● Break down naturally over time ● Required by most professional outdoor fields ● High-quality brands maintain excellent accuracy Cons: ● Slightly more expensive ● Can degrade in humidity if stored improperly If you're asking what do airsoft gun shoot in outdoor fields, the answer is almost always biodegradable BBs.
3. Tracer BBs Tracer BBs are coated with a phosphorescent material that glows when fired through a tracer unit.
Why use them? ● Great for night games ● Allows players to track shot paths ● Useful for training and accuracy practice These BBs are available in green or red glow, depending on the tracer unit used.
4. Marker BBs Less common, marker BBs are filled with colored powder or paint. When they hit a surface, they leave a small visible mark. Uses include: ● Law enforcement training ● Target practice ● Specialized simulation However, they are not often used in standard airsoft events because they can damage guns or leave residue.
BB Sizes: 6mm vs. 8mm For most players, the question “what do airsoft gun shoot?” refers to 6mm BBs, which are the global standard.
6mm BBs ● Most widely used ● Compatible with 99% of airsoft guns ● Accurate, lightweight, versatile
8mm BBs ● Heavier and larger ● Used in older or specialty airsoft guns ● Typically for collectors or mil-sim reenactors Unless specified, airsoft guns almost always use 6mm BBs.
BB Weight Options
One of the most important aspects of understanding what do airsoft gun shoot is learning how BB weight affects accuracy and performance. BB weights range from 0.12g up to 0.48g or higher.
0.12g BBs ● Very lightweight ● Used in low-power spring pistols and toy-grade guns ● Not recommended for serious gameplay
0.20g BBs ● Standard weight ● Used for chrono testing ● Great for beginner rifles and pistols
0.25g BBs ● Most commonly used in field play ● Better stability in wind ● Works in most AEGs and gas guns
0.28g – 0.32g BBs ● Used by upgraded AEGs and GBB rifles ● Better range and accuracy
0.36g – 0.48g BBs ● Designed for sniper rifles ● Heavy weight ensures straight flight paths Choosing the right weight dramatically enhances accuracy, and is a major part of properly understanding what airsoft guns are meant to shoot.
How BB Quality Affects Performance Not all BBs are created equal. Low-quality BBs may have: ● ● ● ●
Visible seams Imperfect, uneven shapes Air bubbles inside Cheap materials
These flaws can cause: ● ● ● ●
Gun jams Poor accuracy Damage to inner barrels Inconsistent FPS
High-quality BBs, on the other hand, are perfectly polished, seamless, and uniform in weight.
Why Airsoft Guns Use Plastic Instead of Metal Pellets Some beginners mistakenly believe airsoft guns shoot metal BBs, like BB guns. This is not true. Airsoft guns use plastic because: ● ● ● ●
Metal BBs would be dangerous for close-quarters combat Plastic BBs reduce the risk of serious injury Airsoft is designed as a sport, not a hunting tool Airsoft guns are engineered specifically for plastic ammunition
Understanding this distinction is key when answering what do airsoft gun shoot.
Where Airsoft BBs Should NOT Be Used Even though airsoft BBs are relatively safe, players must use them responsibly. They should never be shot at: ● ● ● ● ●
People without eye protection Animals Property at close range Vehicles Fragile surfaces
Eye protection is mandatory because even a lightweight BB can cause permanent damage.
What Do Airsoft Gun Shoot and Why It Matters What do airsoft guns shoot, then? Lightweight plastic BBs, typically 6 mm in size, are fired by airsoft guns and come in a variety of materials, weights, and varieties, including biodegradable, tracer, and normal BBs. These projectiles are made especially for training and safe, recreational combat sports. Selecting the appropriate BBs for your pistol is crucial for performance, accuracy, and safety, regardless of your level of experience.
