One of the downsides to the sport/hobby of airsoft  is that if you are under 18 you can’t purchase an airsoft gun yourself.  Well technically you can’t because Airsoft guns are required by law to be purchased only by adults (we all know your local hobby shop will probably sell you one).  Since Christmas is coming up we thought we’d make a helpful post for you ‘teens giving you some  talking points to help convince Santa (aka your parents) to get you an Airsoft gun as a gift.  These talking points can also apply to seasons other than Christmas as it’s always a good time to get a new Airsoft rifle!

Talking Points (feel free to print this for handy reference)

1.  They’re just toys.  Yes even though we call them guns, rifles and pistols these replicas are simply toys and not even close to the real thing.  They’re legal pretty much everywhere and cannot be modified to shoot real ammo.

2.  They’re safer than BB guns.  Traditional BB guns shoot heavy metal BB’s which can not only hurt a person seriously (penetrate skin) but can also travel long distances.  Airsoft BB’s are plastic and usually shoot 1/2 or 1/3 the speed of BB’s from a BB Gun.

3.  They hurt less than paintballs.  This is probably the best comparison you can make, as paintball is widely considered to be a legit sport/hobby and generally safe.  Paintballs are much heavier and pack quite a punch when hit typically leaving huge welts and sometimes drawing blood.  Airsoft BB’s are extremely light and while they may sting, the only real danger is eye damage.

4.  Promise to wear eye protection.  In fact, recommend along with your airsoft rifles that Santa also get you eye protection which you’ll wear at all times.

5.  Promise to not ransack the neighborhood with your exact metal replica AK-47.  The reality is that all airsoft guns look almost exactly like their real life counter parts and you need to assure your parents that you will not be running around the block sticking up motorists and invading homes.  Talk about the orange tips, and decide on a safe place to play (away from traffic and nosy neighbors).

6.  It’s better than smoking crack.  In all seriousness, having a hobby like Airsoft is a good/healthy activity to keep you busy and away from things that may corrupt your fragile mind (like girls and drugs).

7.  It  gets you outside.  You could play airsoft in your 10 x12 room, but most likely you’ll be running around the yard/woods and that’s a good thing.  Fresh air and you’re out of your parent’s hair for a couple hours.

8.  The hobby promotes teamwork and friendship.  Most airsoft skirmish’s are team based, and you’ll learn to work with your teammates to achieve a common goal.  This is a good lesson for life and will benefit you in college/the workforce.

9.  You will maintain your rifle and learn somthing.  Along with playing with an airsoft rifle you need to maintain it.  Tell your parents about how you’ll not only be using the gun, but also cleaning it (responsibility), upgrading it and learning how it works.  This will help you in science and other engineering tasks.

10.  It’s better than sitting in front of the Xbox 360/WoW.  This sort of goes hand in hand with #7 but I’m sure if you have a PS3 or 360 that your parents hate all the time you spend on it.  Tell them that this is not only cheaper (games are $60 these days) but again, it gets you outside and off the TV/Computer.

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That’s it.  Print this list, learn it and know it well before you approach your parents.  If you remain cool, calm and collected and express your side/argument well I’m sure you’ll be a happy boy/girl on Christmass morning.

The last advice I can give you is to shop for your airsoft guns first, and be ready for your parents to say “yes” so you can give them some wise (inexpensive) rifles choices to purchase.

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