How Do Electric Airsoft Guns Work?

Electric airsoft guns are a popular choice when it comes to recreational and military exploration and simulation games. Electric airsoft guns, also known as Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs), are incredibly customizable and versatile. In this article, we explore the principles of electric airsoft guns and the various technologies they use, from patents and creator insight to basic physics.

The History of Electric Airsoft Guns

Electric airsoft guns first emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, developed and patented by Tokyo Marui, a toy and model-making company from Japan. According to a patent from 1992, the first electric airsoft gun used an electric motor powered by a battery to drive pistons tofire airsoft pellets. Since then, the industry has grown to include a range of innovative technologies, effectively allowing players to build and customize airsoft guns to their own preferences.

Inventions and Patents

The first electric airsoft gun was patented in 1992 by Tokyo Marui, who also hold patents for reinforced plastic bodies, extra-long barrels, and all-electronic semi-auto and full-auto silencers. A few of the most popular improvements made by Tokyo Marui include an adjustable hop-up mechanism to increase accuracy and range, and cartridges for loading ammo instead of the standard magazine clips.

Contributed Improvements

It is worth noting that improvements on electric airsoft guns have been made by a wide range of people and companies since the early days. In 2002, a military simulation enthusiast named Rodney Tanaka made modifications to an existing electric airsoft gun so it could be operated with a trigger switch. Tanaka also developed a mechanism to fire, reliably and accurately, single pellets without jamming.

How Do Electric Airsoft Guns Work?

At its core, electric airsoft guns work by using a battery to power an electric motor which is used to drive pistons, causing them to push pellets forward. The electric motor in most electric airsoft guns is capable of spitting out a variety of pellets, from lightweight plastic to much heavier metal.

Battery Power

Electric airsoft guns draw power from a battery, which is usually made up of 9V or 6V batteries in combination. The batteries are usually rechargeable and may be powered by NiMH batteries. However, high-end electric airsoft guns may use LiPo batteries, which are smaller and more powerful.

Electric Motor

The electric motor is responsible for driving the pistons forward to send the pellets out. Usually, the electric motor is powered by a circuit board, which helps to moderate the speed and power of the motor. Most electric airsoft guns use a brushed motor, however, more powerful ones may use brushless motor technology.

Pistons

The pistons are a key component of the electric airsoft gun. They are responsible for the propulsion of the pellets. Usually, pistons are made of metal or reinforced plastic. The pistons get their propulsion from the electric motor and are responsible for the velocity and range of the

pellets.

Modern Electric Airsoft Gun Technology

With current technology, electric airsoft guns offer a range of features, from adjustable power output to adjustable hop-up mechanisms, which are responsible for increasing the accuracy and range of the pellets. Additionally, the airsoft guns may come with adjustable hop-up buckings, which are responsible for increasing the velocity of the pellets.

Power Output and Selectors

Power output and selectors are responsible for increasing or decreasing the rate of fire and power of the gun, allowing for greater control of the pellet velocity. Generally, modern airsoft guns offer a 3 or 5-round burst capability, allowing the user to adjust the rate of fire to their preference. Additionally, they are usually equipped with an adjustable power selector, which allows the user to adjust the power output and velocity of the pellets.

Hop-Up

Hop-up is a mechanism that is used to alter the trajectory of the pellet, increasing its range and accuracy. This is achieved by adding a small ridge on the pellet, which causes it to spin in the air. The hop-up mechanism may be adjustable, allowing the user to adjust the power of the pellet depending on their preference.

Electric Airsoft Gun Safety

Electric airsoft guns are powerful weapons and should be treated with caution. It is important to always wear protective gear when using one. Most people wear a face mask and eye protection, as well as appropriate clothing, when using an electric airsoft gun. Additionally, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and regulations when using an electric airsoft gun.

Rules and Regulations

Different countries, states, and cities have different regulations when it comes to electric airsoft guns. It is important to check local laws and regulations before using electric airsoft guns. The safest way to use an electric airsoft gun is in a controlled and supervised environment such as an airsoft field.

Maintenance

It is important to maintain and clean electric airsoft guns on regular basis. This ensures the gun is working properly and reduces the risk of mechanical malfunction. Additionally, it is important to check the power output and hop-up settings regularly to ensure they are working properly and safely.

Insights

Electric airsoft guns have a long history of innovation and invention. There have been a variety of patents and improvements made by a range of people and companies. This has led to an increase in the variety and customizability of electric airsoft guns. It is important to follow safety regulations and maintain the electric airsoft gun on a regular basis.