Is Airsoft Actually Safe?

Thinking about getting into airsoft, but wondering if it’s really safe? You’re not alone—most people have the same question before stepping onto the field for the first time. The short answer is: yes.

When played responsibly and under the supervision of trained marshals, airsoft is one of the safest combat sports you can enjoy. The airsoft community has built a strong safety culture, and UK airsoft sites have strict rules to make sure everyone has a great time without unnecessary risk.

Let’s break down exactly why airsoft is so safe and how you can stay protected.

Protective Gear — The First Line of Safety

Eye protection is non-negotiable. During a game, you must keep your goggles or full-seal safety glasses on at all times. This prevents stray BBs from hitting your eyes, which could cause serious injury if unprotected. The good news is that quality airsoft eyewear is designed to withstand impact far beyond what an airsoft gun can deliver.

Many players also choose to wear face protection, such as mesh masks or lower-face guards, to protect their teeth and skin. It’s worth it—not because BBs are particularly dangerous, but because no one enjoys a chip in their smile!

Click here to view all face protection.

Marshals — Your On-Field Safety Team

Every legitimate UK airsoft site will have marshals patrolling the play zones. Their job isn’t just to enforce game rules, but also to watch for hazards like trip hazards, slippery ground, or unsafe behaviour. If someone falls or gets hurt, marshals are there to respond immediately and pause the game if needed.

They’re also the ones who ensure that all players are following the FPS limits and safety rules, keeping gameplay both fair and injury-free.

How Dangerous Are BBs, Really?

Airsoft BBs are lightweight plastic pellets. They cannot cause serious harm when used in a safe environment with the correct gear.

  • On bare skin, a BB might leave a small red mark—similar to a minor sting.

  • Compared to paintball, airsoft hits are far less painful and cause much less bruising.

The design of airsoft guns and the velocity limits set at UK sites keep BB impacts well within safe levels for players of all ages.

Other Essential Safety Measures

Safely Transporting Your Airsoft Gun

In the UK, transporting a RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) must be done responsibly—not just for your safety, but to protect the public and avoid serious legal trouble.

  • Use a hard or soft gun case with a zip or padlock
    A proper case prevents your gun from being mistaken for a real firearm by the public or police. A lockable case adds an extra layer of security, stopping unauthorised handling and keeping your gear safe in transit.

  • Never carry your airsoft gun in public without a case—it should only be taken directly to and from the site
    Walking around with an uncased airsoft gun can cause alarm, lead to police intervention, and even result in firearms offences. Keeping your transport direct avoids unnecessary risk and keeps you compliant with UK law.

⚠️ What Could Happen If You Don’t:
Police armed response units treat any realistic gun sighting as potentially life-threatening. An uncased RIF in public could lead to confiscation, prosecution, or even a dangerous misunderstanding.

Click here to view all gun cases. 

Safely Shooting Your Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns may fire harmless plastic BBs, but they can still cause injury if misused.

  • Always wear eye protection when firing
    A single BB to the eye could cause permanent damage. Quality goggles or glasses rated for airsoft impacts completely eliminate this risk.

  • Use face masks for close-quarter games
    In CQB (Close Quarters Battle) environments, engagement distances are much shorter. A mesh mask or lower-face guard protects your teeth, lips, and nose from painful impacts.

  • Never fire at someone outside of a game environment or without their consent
    Outside of an airsoft site, people may not be wearing protective gear, and BB impacts could cause injury. It’s also a legal and moral responsibility to never shoot at someone who hasn’t agreed to participate.

⚠️ What Could Happen If You Don’t:
Even a small BB can blind an unprotected eye or crack a tooth. Worse, firing at someone outside of an organised game can result in criminal charges for assault or misuse of an imitation firearm.

Safely Storing Your Airsoft Gun

Even unloaded, an airsoft gun can still be mistaken for a real firearm, so storage is as much about security as it is about safety.

  • Keep guns in a locked hard case or secure storage space
    This prevents accidental access by children or anyone unfamiliar with airsoft. It also stops your gear from being stolen or misused.

  • Remove magazines and clear chambers before storing
    This ensures there are no BBs left in the gun, reducing the chance of accidental discharge when handling it later.

⚠️ What Could Happen If You Don’t:
A curious child could pick up your airsoft gun and fire it, causing injury to themselves or others. In the wrong hands, it could also be taken outside and mistaken for a real firearm by the public or police.

Safely Clearing/Emptying Your Airsoft Gun

Before storing or transporting your gun, you should always make sure it’s completely safe. Different types of airsoft guns require different steps:

  • Snipers — Remove the magazine, cycle the bolt to eject any BB in the chamber, and fire a safe shot into the ground. This guarantees no BBs are left loaded, and the spring is not under tension.

  • RIFs & AEGs — Remove the magazine, fire a few blank shots to ensure no BBs remain, and switch the safety on. This prevents accidental firing if the trigger is pressed during transport or storage.

  • Pistols — Remove the magazine, rack the slide to clear the chamber, and store with the safety engaged. This makes the pistol completely safe and ready for secure storage.

⚠️ What Could Happen If You Don’t:
Failing to clear your gun properly can lead to an accidental shot indoors or during transport. This could break property, injure someone, or cause a dangerous situation if the gun is mistaken for a real weapon.

Battery & Charger Safety

LiPo batteries are common in airsoft but must be treated with care:

  • Store in LiPo-safe pouches.

  • Never overcharge—use a balance charger.

  • Keep away from extreme heat or direct sunlight.

Click here to view battery cases. 

Gas Bottle Safety

For gas-powered guns:

  • Store gas bottles in a cool, dark place.

  • Never expose to open flames or excessive heat.

  • Always check seals and valves before use.

Safe Zones & Barrel Plugs

Most UK airsoft sites have a safe zone—a clearly marked area where:

  • All guns must be magazine-free and safetied.

  • Barrel plugs or covers must be in place.

  • Eye protection is not required (but can still be worn).

These rules ensure that no one gets accidentally shot while taking a break.

A Final Word on Safety & Having Fun 

At first glance, all of these safety measures might make airsoft sound intimidating—even a little dangerous. But the reality is that with a bit of common sense and by following site rules, airsoft is one of the safest and most enjoyable hobbies you can pick up.

Think of it like driving a car: yes, there are risks if people ignore the rules, but when everyone respects the guidelines, it becomes a safe, controlled, and incredibly rewarding activity. Airsoft is no different.

By wearing proper protective gear, handling your equipment responsibly, and listening to marshals, you’re not just keeping yourself safe—you’re helping maintain the strong safety culture that makes airsoft welcoming for new players and veterans alike.

And once those safety basics become second nature, all that’s left is the fun: teamwork, tactics, the rush of adrenaline when you make a daring move, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing the field with like-minded players.

So don’t let the safety talk scare you off. Airsoft is completely safe when played responsibly—and once you give it a try, you might just find it becomes your new favourite pastime.