Airsoft is a recreational game and collector's hobby.
Airsoft guns are highly detailed replicas of authentic firearms. They are exact in every detail to their real counterparts. They use electric, spring, or gas power to shoot 6mm bb's.
They have an effective range of up to 200' and most are fully automatic. The bb's they shoot weigh only .20 gram so they do not hurt nearly as much as paintball. The bb's leave no mark and calling yourself out is on the honor system. Airsoft is a game of honor.
These realistic looking guns are combined with authentic looking uniforms and scenarios to play live wargames.
Similiar to paintball, players compete in mock combat but with much more attention to theatrics and roleplaying. Airsoft players focus on the fantasy aspect of the game as opposed to the purely competive sport of paintball. Effectively, airsoft players like to 'play army' in a safe and friendly environment.
This exotic hobby is in no way 'militant' except for the looks of the guns and gear. Realistic looking guns and uniforms add to the gaming experience. Just as with video games or war movies, players enjoy the thrill of mock combat to challenging their teamwork and fieldcraft skills. In addition, playing airsoft is great way to excercise, enjoy the outdoors, and camaraderie with fellow players.
Our Picture Gallery is a great place to view the different locations we have played.
The "scenario events" last all weekend and are based on camping. However, you may also stay in town and play during the day. You must make the Friday night briefing! The locations vary and can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 1-2 hours from the nearest hotel.
Lots of players interested in airsoft gaming and role playing. Contests, prizes, awards, raffles, military objectives, props, vehicles -the list goes on and on! Browse through our Picture Galleries and read some of the after action reports. This should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Our videos are an excellent way to preview some of the fun we have doing this.
The games differ in that some are more complex than others. Weekend scenario events, for example, are much more sophisticated than day events and CQB tournaments are something entirely different as well. Read up on each event to see what it offers and what you should expect.
Safety Gear
Paintball-approved goggles with paintball mask are required for all events. This is an insurance requirement so please do not e-mail for exceptions.
Safety glasses, tactical glasses, military dust goggles, etc. are UNACCEPTABLE. JT, Scott, and other types of paintball-approved goggles w/mask ARE acceptable. Thermal lenses are a must or your goggles will fog up during play.
Again, the only acceptable goggles are paintball goggles. These are readily available from sporting goods stores, department stores, and paintball retailers. This is due to insurance requirements and will not change. Please do not e-mail for exceptions as they will be ignored.
Uniform
The minimum dress requirement is a set of military pattern pants and shirt. (aka BDU's or Battle Dress Uniform.)
Most games require certain patterns. Woodland is the most common but most players have more than one set:
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Boots are optional, but highly encouraged. Headgear and other garments should be in subdued colors. You do NOT want to stand out on the battlefield!
Your uniform is just as important as your airsoft gun for the looks of the game. We do not allow civilian wear and care should be taken to accure a proper uniform. Start with pants and a shirt then focus on your accessories such as headgear, webgear, gloves, etc. A pair of good boots is a wise investment for their longevity and comfort on the field.
Honor and Sportsmanship
Honor and sportsmanship is expected at all times.
Airsoft is a game of honor. This goes for velocity limits, ammo rules, calling yourself out on the field, etc. Cheating is grounds for immediate ejection from the game and ban from the field.
Sportsmanship is expected both on and off the field. Players are expected to behave like gentlemen and there is no tolerance for attitude or belligerence.
Your actions on the field is a reflection of your character. We have developed a fun and friendly environment and expect to keep it that way. Any other behaviour jeopordizes your ability to participate and you simply will not be invited back.
Outdoor: 400 fps (ft/sec) or less with .20g ammunition.All guns will be checked with a chronograph and tagged before they are allowed on the field. This is done to ensure safety.
Indoor: 320 fps (ft/sec) or less with .20g ammunition.
Airsoft guns can fluxuate and we allow +/-8 fps.
We issue our own heavy weapons that have a burst or anti-vehicular effect in order to keep the game balanced. You are welcome to use any bb device you like with regular hit rules.
Family and significant others are the only exception should they wish to stay off field during an event.
Camera operators distract players from their game and we do not allow them to stand around. Participating players may take combat photographs, only. Please do not e-mail for exceptions.
However, sometimes we can use volunteers to play 'non-combatants' as part of the scenario such as a POWs, hostages, correspondants, etc. It's a great way to see some action and we provide the neccessary gear so contact Dave if you're interested.
If you're concerned about getting wet, just wear a poncho and boonie hat. The poncho will keep you and your gun dry and the boonie hat will keep water off your goggles.
Safety glasses, tactical glasses, military dust goggles, etc. are UNACCEPTABLE. JT, Scott, and other types of paintball-approved goggles w/mask ARE acceptable. Thermal lenses are a must or your goggles will fog up during play.
Again, the only acceptable goggles are paintball goggles with mask. These are readily available from sporting goods stores, department stores, and paintball retailers. This is due to insurance requirements and will not change.
Please do not e-mail for exceptions as they will be ignored.
Reminder! Guns must be 400fps or less with .20g ammo. NO EXCEPTIONS!
I&I Sports in San Jose and Los Gatos is good so you can go in and try some out.
Note! Always get 'thermal' lenses. Never touch them inside -it's sticky and you'll smudge them. Get the microfiber cloth they sell, too, or just plain hot water and shake them dry if you even have to touch them at all.
Check your local yellow pages under 'surplus', look for posters or ads for upcoming gun shows in your neighborhood, or go online to Sportsmans Guide, US Cavalry, Cheaper Than Dirt!, Brigade Quartermaster, Cabela's, Georgia Outfitters, or other suppliers as listed on our links page.
On the Peninsula, there is a surplus store in San Mateo called R.E.D. and Redwood Trading Post in Redwood City.
In the South Bay, Mtn View Surplus in Mtn View is very good. So is The Mountain View in Campbell. Steven's Creek Surplus in San Jose is another one.
In the East Bay, try Military Surplus in Berkeley.
There's a surplus store on Hwy 1 in Moss Landing, too.
In the central valley, try Crescent Surplus Supply in Modesto.
They are becoming crucial on the battlefield and everyone quickly realizes how important it is to have one. This is an important investment so be sure to get a good model with full channel capabilities, LCD screen, battery meter, and other advanced features. They come with many accessories and most use the ear bud w/PTT or the headset with boom mike. Talkabouts can be purchased at most department stores and the internet so search around for the best deal.
The following is a fairly comprehensive to help start building your collection:
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Combat Enterprises sponsors airsoft clubs and teams throughout the nation. E-mail Dave with your references for more info!
Airsoft does not work without honor. To disregard a hit and play on defeats the fundamental purpose of the game: to shoot your opponent out. If you cannot respect this, you have no business being on the field; you ruin it for the others and yourself, too.
We have a no tolerance policy about this and all the rules for that matter. Cheating is grounds for ejection from the games and chances are you won't be invited back. This would be a real shame considering what you would be missing. Fortunately, we've had very few problems with this and can give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Our games tend to consist of huge, intense firefights and rifles significantly outrange any pistol or submachinegun. This means you need the range, power, and high capacity mags of an AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) or risk being severely outgunned. Gas guns are typically seen as sidearms or at the CQB games we occasionally stage where pistols and submachineguns are more prevelant.
Reminder! Guns must be 400 fps or less with .20g ammo. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Our admission prices are far less what our competitors charge and we hope to keep them that way with your support. Selling field ammo is the only way we can keep your ticket prices down.
Note! There is a myth that somehow 100% bio ammo is inferior. This is not true. This ammunition is high performance and we have been using it for over 5 years with no problems whatsoever.
Modesto Airsoft and San Diego Airsoft are currently open to minors, too. Waivers are sent out ahead of time so you can bring them with you.
CA law requires firearms/bb gun owners to be 18 or over. Only adults may own firearms and minors may only use them with adult supervision.
The spring types or 'springers' are seldom seen on the battlefield because they only fire one shot at a time before having to cock the spring again for the next shot, like a bolt-action rifle, and that's not very effective against full auto AEG's.
Gas powered guns are fed by magazines that contain both the ammo and the gas. They are filled up by squirting the canned gas into the magazine similar to filling a butane lighter and the bb's are spring fed. They have better power than the spring guns, but run out of gas too quickly to be of much use on the battlefield. They are very fun to use, though, since they have some kick and the actions slide back and forth every shot like their real counterparts. Many airsoft pistols are gas powered and most players use gas pistols as sidearms for both the good looks and as emergency back up.
Airsoft Electic Guns, or 'AEG's are the most common type of airsoft delivery system due to their superior range, power, and longevity on the battlefield. They use 8.4 volt RC car type of rechargeable batteries and are fully automatic firing at 800+/rpm. They are fed by 'hi capacity' magazines that hold a resevour of bb's that are fed up into the gun by winding up a little crank similiar to winding a watch. The tension on this spring keeps the bb's feeding into the gun and it has to be wound up periodically. After a while, it becomes second nature.
Combat Enterprises uses a unique set or rules that will challenge your abilities as a sniper with stealth, fire control, and target aquisition. The equipment is not nearly as important as your fieldcraft. High power guns will make no difference the way we have devised the rules. This is by design for safety reasons.
Our rules focus on target aquisition, camoflauge, marksmanship, and patience. It's the player, not the gun that matters most.
Green lasers are not allowed at all!
An upgraded spring guide, different types of pistons and cylinders, tight bore barrels, etc. and combinations of the above can affect velocity as well. Upgrades are designed for both improved performance and more durability but never required to play in our games. In fact, most players use stock guns and you can always upgrade later on.
A company called Systema makes the majority of the internal upgrade parts. KM produces the TN tightbore barrel.
Barrel: A tight bore barrel will increase velocity and accuracy. Velocity increase depends greatly on the length of the barrell (5-10 fps for 'short' barrells up to 35-45 fps for 'long' barrels.) Accuracy is significantly improved and makes for tighter groupings.
The downside is that you must use high quality ammo and clean the barrel often to prevent jamming. Clean your TN barrell after every game and dry swab it with your cleaning rod until the patches come out clean.
Spring: A more powerful spring will increase your fps (foot per second) velocity. The downside is increase wear and tear on your gears and piston teeth. High power springs can strip gears, crack gear boxes, nozzles, etc. Durability is the trade off for more power.
Gears: Upgraded gears are more durable and depending on the spring and gear ratio, can increase your rate of fire (ROF). Upgraded gears are recommended when using any spring higher than an M100.
Cylinder, cylinder head: Different types of cylinders have differnet sizes of ports that affect the air pressure and thus the velocity as well.
Piston, piston head: More durability.
Motor: Higher ROF [rate of fire]
The EG 700 is an older style moter usually found in the older style guns with an older style mechbox. The ak-47 is an example of this.
The EG 1000 is the new model. This motor is usually found in the newer airsoft guns. M4, G36 both have this motor.
The EG 1000, due to a higher torque rating can fire faster when using a modified spring, aka putting your gun up to 400 fps. With stock guns, there is not much difference between them.
A faster motor usually allows for a faster rate of fire, however which battery you use with your gun also drasticly affects rate of fire.
In addition to performance upgrades, there is also a variety of aftermarket parts and kits for the guns. Shop around through the various airsoft distributors on our links page for tons of accessories and other goodies.
Our games tend to consist of huge, intense firefights and rifles significantly outrange any pistol or submachinegun. This means you need the range, power, and high capacity mags of an AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) or risk being severely outgunned. Gas guns are typically seen as sidearms or at the CQB games we occasionally stage where pistols and submachineguns are more prevelant.
Aftermarket parts are desgined for Marui as well and they're not interchangable with some of the others. Tokyo Marui is the most common AEG.
There are many different pistol manufacturers and most of them have excellent quality including KSC and Western Arms.
Below are range results for a typical airsoft gun:
As you can see, the guns are very effective. At 90' (or 30 yds), you can still hit a very small target on the first shot at least half the time and every time on full auto.
At 150', which is 50 yds or half a football field, they are still accurate enough to take out a larger target 8 out of 10 times and even at 180' full auto still does the trick!
Upgrades, scopes, etc. will improve the performance as well.
Barrel cleaning is crucial as is keeping the dust and dirt out. Aside from that, a little silicon spray in the receiver every once and a while and good cleanings should last you quite a while. Upgraded guns are harder on the internals and can require additional maintenance.
Batteries in AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns) are not your off the shelf Duracells or Energizers. They are re-chargeable batteries based on Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) technology. They come in several cell sizes, but the 2 main ones we need are the Sub-C (large cell) or the smaller cell. Both come in a variety of shapes to suit different guns.
The size of the battery used depends largely on the gun you have or want. The general rule is the larger the gun the larger the battery that can be used. For stock (un-modified) AEGs there are 3 main battery shapes however they not universally usable across the TM (Tokyo Marui) range.
Quick note on connector types, the Tamiya connectors are larger than the Kyosho ones and are more readily available in the UK and US. Kyosho connector are rarely available in the US and UK.
| Large Packs | Small Packs (Mini) | Stick Packs (AK) |
| M16A1 M16VN M16A2 MP5 SD5 G3 A3 G3 SG/1 AK-47 FAMAS F1 FAMAS SV |
CAR15 XM-177 E2 M4A1 MP5 A5 MP5 SD6 G3 A4 MC-51 AUG Military AUG Civillian PSG-1 |
MP5 K MP5 PDW AK-47S Uzi SIG 550 SIG 551 SWAT PSG-1 |
Tip! If Kyosho connectors are hard to come-by swap them over to Tamiya connectors, but remember to replace the ones on your AEG as well.
Voltage
The magic number 8.4 volts (V) all you need if you are starting off with a stock AEG. All stock batteries provide this voltage.
Each cell outputs 1.2V, so an 8.4V battery uses 7 cells. This provides you with good Rate of fire (RoF) on a stock or lightly modified gun. If you plan to use 7.2V batteries you are going to be disappointed, they significantly decrease the RoF and in some cases just won't turn the motor, so stick to 8.4V. If you want a higher RoF or have a modified gun with a stronger spring you will need a battery that will supply a higher voltage 9.6V. You can use 8.4, 9.6, 10.8, and 12V batteries with AEG's. But the latter, 10.8 and 12V, should only be used on highly-modified guns least you want to vaporise your nice reliable AEG by burning out the motor or stripping your gears.
Specifically 10.8V and 12V batteries should only be used with highly modified guns. But be warned a higher voltage will increase wear and tear significantly on un-modified guns.
Tip! Increase in voltage will increase your rate of fire and wear on your AEG
Amperage/Capacity
mAh stands for milli Amp hours or how long the cell will supply a specified current for (1 hour). E.g. a 1400 mAh battery will supply 1400 mA for 1 hour. The higher the number the longer the durability. The capacity ranges from 600 to 3000mAh (higher is some rare cases), but it depends on the cell size. Larger cells have a higher capacity simple.
Buying a battery with a higher capacity has no adverse effects on your AEG it will just power it for longer.
General rule is a large battery will last for a day's play (if it's not too intense), while a smaller pack will last half a day of non-intense action. So as a general rule take 2 large batteries into the field, or if using smaller packs take at least 3 into the field.
Materials/Batteries
Current batteries are based on several different technologies Lithium Ion, NiCad, NiMH. The only one of real significance to airsofters at the moment is NiCads. The majority of all batteries that are compatible with AEG's use NiCad cells (98%), since it delivers a steady current for most of the batteries capacity and then current quickly falls off. NiMH batteries are more recent and offer a higher peak current, but as they discharge the current continually decreases, so your RoF will continually decrease. Basically, stick with NiCads since they are what AEG's are designed to operate with and anything else could harm the gun or just not work.
Tip! Go for good quality NiCad batteries
Most airsofters currently use batteries produced by 2 companies: Sanyo and Panasonic. Overall, there appears to be no real difference.
Custom Batteries
In certain scenarios a standard 8.4V battery pack will not suffice:
The main question people seem to ask is about fitting 9.6V batteries in M4 hand guards, with a normal straight 8 cell, 2-line pack you can't ACCEPT IT. But you can get a custom U-shaped battery that fits perfectly, as long as you remove the fuse plate and no it won't work with an M203. Similar batteries can be found for the AUG. But for some guns custom work is needed to fit larger batteries or extra cells.
Alternatively you can buy accessories to put the battery pack in, like the First MP5/MC51 hand guard it will hold a large cell 8.4V battery. Or you can get dummy LAMs (Laser Aiming Modules) that will hold them. For the really small AEGs battery bags are available to hold the battery on the outside of the gun but this detracts from the realism.
Generally any battery over 8.4V can be considered a custom battery since you should up rate the fuse, and possibly the wiring to cope with the increase in voltage. Some people have asked about removing fuses from the circuit, generally this is a BAD idea, since it will increase the likelihood of a motor burn out after long automatic bursts. If you want to build your own battery all you need are the cells, connectors, cell connectors, wire, heat shrink tubing, soldering iron and solder. All of which can be bought at your local RC car or electronics store. But make sure that the batteries are all of the same capacity and size, since if some of the batteries have a different rating then the discharge will be un-even.
General Tips
Trickle chargers recharge the battery slowly over a minimum of 12 hours and give the battery a good charge. Fast chargers are the most common and can charge a regular, 1200mah 8.4v battery in only 15 minutes or a 2000mah in 20 minutes which is great for on the field. Chargers are available from airsoft distributors and hobby shops such as towerhobbies.com.
Make sure your charger can be hooked up to your car (12v dc) for use at the field, too.
Word of mouth is the best!
Then, stress conduct such as sportsmanship and honor, safety and always abide by the gun laws/rules in your area. Try to be friendly and honorable; someone easy to approach. The 'militant' image is hard enough to shake as it is so do everything you can to make good impressions.
Otherwise, have fun with it and create different scenarios and props for variety. Start a mailing list for your area. Get yourself a website and list yourself and your club with the others.
In California, it is legal to use airguns in National Forests, BLM land, or private land outside of city limits with permission. You are NEVER allowed to shoot in National Monuments, State Parks or Beaches, City or County Parks or Beaches!
The Rangers are sesitive to our presence and there are many other rules for being on public land. Be sure to research this, first, before you go up there and create an issue. Of course, you must use biodegradable ammo on public land for be fined for littering.
NOTE! IT IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED THAT YOU GO WITH AN EXPERIENCED PERSON WHEN VENTURING INTO PUBLIC LAND. THERE ARE VARIOUS FIREARMS RULES AND ETIQUETTE YOU MUST FOLLOW OR RISK BEING FINED, IMPRISONED, OR BOTH.
Since airsoft guns are airguns, they must be purchased by an adult and are certainly not toys. Airsoft continues to thrive in California along with its Crossman, Daisy, and other lookalike bb gun counterparts which are still available for purchase in any sporting goods or department store.
Note! In light of increased security measures as of Sep 11th, please consult your airline with respect to transporting FIREARMS. It is perfectly legal as long as you follow all of their regulations and have an orange muzzle in compliance with the D.O.T.
OUR EVENTS ARE FIELD AMMO ONLY SO PLAN TO PURCHASE YOUR AMMO AT THE EVENT.
These games are not about 'winning.' That is secondary to having fun. It's not who wins or loses, but how you play the game. If you're one of those 'serious' airsoft players that focus on competition, this is not the venue for you.
We strive to have fun. Our uniforms are 'costumes' and we dress up to 'play army.' We focus on the fantasy aspect of the game, not the competition. Our events are composed of fun loving people that like to enjoy the game in a safe and friendly environment.
This is not the place for attitude, belligerence, or ego any of which will get you ejected from the games and blacklisted from future events. Combat Enterprises is about having fun and we will not tolerate poor sportsmanship, attitudes, egomaniacs, cheaters, or the like. We expect you to behave in a gentlemanly manner and nothing less will be tolerated.
Note! Invest in a good model. Be sure it has the full primary and secondary channel range (38 primary, 14 secondary.) This is an investment for your future so get a good radio. It will pay off of the field!
Keep your eyes open on the field. Be alert. Move quietly. Stay fluid. Be aggressive and don't get tunnel vision -keep scanning your surroundings at all times.
Find someone that knows what they're doing and watch them. You'll be fine!
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