In Japan, in the early 1980s, the production of innovative — for that era — air-powered shooting guns began. These guns used “green gas” to propel the projectiles they fired. Over time, new plastic BBs were developed that could be fired from these guns without causing injury in the event of contact with the human body. This marked the birth of Airsoft.

     Air-powered guns of this type are now used for organized games and competitions, where each player no longer aims at fixed targets, but at opposing players. Initially spreading at a slow pace, the sport began to gain popularity in countries surrounding Japan, and later in America and Europe, where it received a warm reception. As a result, from the mid-1990s onward, Airsoft has become one of the most popular recreational activities for thousands of players worldwide.

     In Greece, although with some delay, the first organized teams began to appear in the early 2000s. Since then, its popularity has grown rapidly, counting today thousands of passionate supporters who eagerly await each weekend’s game.

The practice of Airsoft is a safe sport as long as safety rules are strictly followed and the use of protective equipment is applied as defined by regulations. This means that no player should ever use an air gun in uncontrolled areas such as apartment balconies, neighborhoods, or residential areas, as this may result in injury to unsuspecting pedestrians, as well as material damage or property destruction, such as broken windows or damage to vehicles, etc.

       Additionally, it is strictly prohibited to use air guns against animals, wild or domestic. Owners who fail to comply with the above rules are subject to penalties as defined by law.
       The use of air guns must take place strictly in a controlled environment, in locations selected by local Airsoft clubs and associations. These areas must not be accessible to pedestrians, such as isolated parks or areas far from residential zones, etc.

       On an individual level, owners of airsoft-type air guns* (as is the case with sporting weapons) are required to transport them inside their case and disassembled, with the magazine and battery (for AEG replicas) removed, or with the gas completely emptied (for gas-powered replicas). Care must be taken to ensure that no BBs remain in the chamber, in accordance with transport regulations defined by law.

       As provided by law, airsoft replicas may be possessed and transported exclusively to and from the place of play. In cases of transportation to and from repair, contact details of the technician (or shop) should be available. Likewise, in the case of resale, all relevant accompanying documentation must be present.

       During potential police inspections, the owner must additionally carry personal identification as well as a valid club membership ID
of the association to which they belong.

       * Scopes, red dots, and other similar aiming devices are not permitted by law.

       Although Airsoft is a game, the replicas used are realistic replicas of actual firearms. For this reason, IT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED for players to display them in public spaces, as such actions may easily cause serious problems.