Airsoft vs. Paintball?

[Andy A.]

Just goes to show- The 4 golden rules of firearm safety apply to just about anything with a barrel and trigger.

1. All guns are always loaded. Always. The exception is after you have visually inspected the chamber and magazine and both are clear. Rule one applies again the moment the gun leaves your hands.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you aren't willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.

4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Never fire at movement, sounds or shadows. Never fire unless you know where the bullet will end up.

The kid with the paint ball gun was breaking all four rules. Not surprisingly, he got hurt. If he didn't loose an eye he is a very, very lucky kid.

I don't really like either. Paintball because it's painful, and airsoft because I think it engenders a lack of respect for firearm safety and a false sense of security. I've seen a few kids showing up at my local range with their first gun and little or no safe handling habits. But they all seem to be able to discuss the fine points of airsoft and 'tactics'. Mostly they just muzzle sweep the line and miss the backstop. It's kind of scary.

I prefer 'the real thing'. If nothing else, it's a heck of a lot louder.

-Andy A.