Written by Theodoros Kakardakos.
So, what is Airsoft, or otherwise known as Airsoft Shooting? In the early 1980s, in Japan,
firearms legislation prohibited the ownership of real weapons, leading people to turn to realistic replicas.
As a result, the acquisition of Airsoft guns developed rapidly and gained wide acceptance within society.
Thus, the first teams began to form and play this new game, in which players shoot at each other using
6mm plastic BBs.
At the same time, the popularity of Airsoft spread to other Asian countries with similar legislation,
such as Korea, Taiwan, and China.
America and Europe followed by the mid-1990s, while in Greece, Airsoft made its appearance in the early 2000s.
What makes the game incredibly addictive within the Greek community is the fact that the player does not
try to hit targets, but rather the opposing players themselves!
In general, Airsoft is a game–sport played mostly in outdoor environments, featuring elements of
simulated combat and tactical movement. Under no circumstances should it be confused with any form
of military training. Its core components are the replicas (rifles, shotguns, pistols, etc.), which are
faithful replicas of real firearms (only visually, not functionally), and which fire
plastic (or biodegradable, for environmental protection) 6mm BBs.
These replicas operate using gas, spring, or
electric power (battery-powered AEGs), providing a high level of realism
during player-versus-player games.
The safety measures applied, however, are extremely strict:
ballistic protective goggles, face masks, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads,
and many more are mandatory requirements for participation in each game. Great emphasis is placed
on safety rules (protective gear usage, engagement distances, safety zones, etc.) before every Airsoft
event, and a mandatory briefing always takes place to ensure that all players understand and respect
these measures, so everyone can enjoy the game safely and without issues.
Regardless of the location or scenario of the games, Airsoft is fundamentally based on honesty and
respect toward fellow players, as acknowledging a hit (HIT) is solely a matter
of personal judgment and ethics. For this reason, Airsoft is often described as a
“game of honor.”
Although Greek legislation regarding air guns is outdated, the sale and purchase of Airsoft replicas
is permitted in Greece. However, participation in games and the transportation
of equipment require registration with a state-recognized club, in order to issue a legally valid
membership ID. Efforts are already underway to legally reclassify Airsoft replicas from air guns
(which fire metal pellets) into a separate category of recreational weapons (Airsoft), which
do not cause fatal injury to humans.
In our city, although Airsoft communities and clubs already existed, the Larissa Airsoft Club
“PREDATORS” was created by individuals with extensive experience in Airsoft.
On selected Sundays throughout the year, members gather in
specially prepared locations (abandoned factories and warehouses,
old quarries, forest areas, etc.) and, following all required safety measures, organize
scenario-based games with assigned roles, inviting players from all over Greece
and entering the field with intense physical activity and adrenaline.
Recently, the club organized a nationwide game in Karditsa with the participation of teams and clubs
from Trikala, Kozani, Volos, Ioannina, Arta, Livadeia, Lamia, Giannitsa, and more, demonstrating that
the Airsoft community in Greece continues to grow and gain dedicated supporters. Anyone wishing to
explore the adventurous world of Airsoft (and who is, of course, over 18 years old) may contact the
club via email at airsoftlarisapredators@gmail.com and follow the club’s
Facebook page (Larissa Airsoft Club – “Predators” @LarissaairsoftteamPREDATORS).
We look forward to filling our Sundays with action and great company.
Read the article on Larissanet.gr
HERE