Frequently Asked Questions

Airsoft is similar to paintball but without the paint. Airsoft guns are more realistic, many are 1:1 replicas of the original real steel version. They shoot 6mm plastic or biodegradable balls called BBs. No paint means the sport requires honour and integrity. Call your shots when you’re hit and enjoy the games.

Airsoft is played all over the country and the world at many outdoor and indoor sites and enjoyed by thousands of regular players. It means different things to different people. Some take it extremely seriously, enjoying realistic military simulations and reenactments of historical battles. They dress in accurately copied, (sometimes genuine) clothing and use replica weapons from the period. They limit ammunition, supplies and games are restricted to be as true to the actual historical event as is possible. Others are serious about their weapons and kit trying to get the right authentic look. Some aren’t worried about dressing the part or what weapons they have, they just want to get out and have a blast. 

Airsoft sites across the country have teams of staff working tirelessly to bring to you a huge variety of game scenarios and fun-packed days. Enjoy playing and working as a team, whether you’re a sniper or up the front with you’re pistol and assault rifle, get out their, make friends and unwind.

Speedsoft is a newer type of airsoft, very popular with younger players, especially in the US.

Practical airsoft shooting and target shooting encompasses all ages young and the young at heart. 

Airsoft is played indoors and outdoors, in woodland, fields, old buildings and bunkers. The variety and fun is endless and you’re never too old to give it a go.

A RIF is a Realistic Imitation Firearm. Airsoft weapons are replicas of real weapons. Those that are brightly colour are not classed as realistic, tan, camouflage and black weapons are all RIFs.

18. This applies to two-tone weapons as well.

The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) was formed in response to the 2006 Violent Crime Reduction Bill to enable a safe method of selling Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) to the UK Airsoft player market. 

UKARA registration is only available to Airsoft Players over 18 years of age.

To apply for registration, you must join a UKARA approved Skirmish Site and you must have fulfilled their membership criteria before you can be registered as a member of their site on our database. MPA Enterprises Ltd runs a UKARA registered airsoft site: Hockley Airsoft Arena and is also a UKARA registered retailer.

To gain full membership to our club you are required to play a minimum of three times over a period of two months. Once you have a full membership to the club you are entitled to apply to be added to the UKARA register. Please complete the paper form or online document and Amanda will register you. You will be required to present two forms of ID one has to be photographic and must have your current address.

This is the minimum requirement under the Violent Crimes Reduction Act.