Airsoft

The Airsoft Discipline promotes the Airsoft sport in our community and manages the Airsoft Range on our property.  Airsoft appeals to a multi-generational audience ~ it is highly enjoyed by young players as well as the young at heart.  Our players currently range in age from 9 to 65+ years old.

The sport involves 2 or more teams competing for an objective to “win the battle”.  Opponents are knocked out of the round after being “tagged” by an Airsoft BB which is fired from by an Airsoft marker which is often referred to as an Airsoft gun.  Airsoft markers look extremely similar to standard firearms but are air powered and project very small (6mm) biodegradable plastic balls (aka BBs).  The inexpensive BBs do not leave any paint or other residue making them environment and clothing friendly.

To add to the immersion, participants generally wear military style camouflage clothing and equipment which looks very close to their real world counterparts.  Common competition scenarios include team elimination, capture the flag, escape & evasion, king of the hill and prisoner rescue.  Time limits for each competition vary depending on the scenario.

The Airsoft Range is located on the 751 Trans-Canada Highway property.  The entrance is to the immediate left after you exit the highway. The Airsoft parking lot is in front of the pond on the right hand side just before you reach the Airsoft club house.

The majority of players are adults.  We recommend players trying the sport have reached at least 12 years of age but have also found some younger players take to it quite well so all ages are invited to come out and give it a try.

Anyone entering the club’s property must complete the VFGPA waiver form. This includes spectators as well as participants.  There are two versions of the form: one for adults and one for youth (under 19 years of age in BC). Participants under the age of 19 must also have a parent or legal guardian complete & sign the waiver with them. Waiver forms are available at the field or can be downloaded here if you’d like to complete them in advance.

Organized Airsoft events are posted in the VFGPA Calendar and are usually run every other Sunday. We also have a Facebook page which you can join to socialize with other Airsoft players, ask questions and receive notices of upcoming events:  VFGPA Airsoft Community Page

What do you need to play?

Eye Protection:

Eye protection is THE mandatory piece of equipment. You can’t go out on the field without it.  Goggles or glasses designed for playing Airsoft with an ANSI rating of Z87.1 or higher are required.

Most standard shooting glasses are not suitable for Airsoft activities because they leave too much of a gap around the eyes. That gap can allow a 6mm BB to get by during an odd angled shot or a ricochet. Standard sun glasses are completely unsafe for Airsofting.  We highly recommend full seal googles but will accept glasses providing they sufficiently seal the eye sockets of the player.

An Airsoft Marker:

You will need an Airsoft marker which is capable of semi-automatic or single shot fire & falls within our “Green” Class: i.e. it shoots with 1.49 joules of muzzle energy or less.  The marker can also shoot fully automatically as long as semi-automatic mode can be selected as required.  Please see the latest Airsoft Range Rules for a more detailed run down on what equipment is or isn’t allowed.

Muzzle Cover:

All Airsoft markers must have an Airsoft grade muzzle cover (aka muzzle sock) attached over the end of the barrel when ever they are out of their carrying case or holster.

Carrying Cases:

All Airsoft markers must be transported to and from the range in a carrying case.  This is a provincial regulation in BC. Our markers look very realistic so public safety and concern must be carefully regarded at all times.

Biodegradable BB Ammunition:

We only permit biodegradable BB ammunition on the field. Please ensure the packaging says “Biodegradable” before you buy your BBs.

A “Kill” Rag:

A square piece of bright red cloth large enough to be seen by the other players ~ usually 12″ x 12″ in size. The rag is dawned after you’ve been tagged to let other players know they should stop shooting at you.

In addition to the required equipment above, we strongly recommend the following:

Face Protection:

A wire mesh mask, or at a minimum a thick scarf / bandana, which covers the mouth area to protect your teeth. Larger mesh masks can also offer ear protection.

Hand Protection:

Mechanics gloves or tactical gloves help reduce the “sting” of a BB impacting the thin skin on your fingers without impairing the ability to operate your marker.

Thick or Layered Clothing:

Even in hot weather you should consider layers of clothing or thicker clothing as well as tactical gloves. BBs can sting and leave welts if they hit bare skin even when fired from a distance. Nothing serious but the extra padding is often a welcome trade off against the extra heat.

Sturdy Footwear:

The terrain on the field is very rough in places and there is a creek which runs through part of the field too. Standard runners are not up to the task of protecting your feet and ankles under these conditions. Therefore, sturdy boots with good ankle support are highly recommended.

Can I Rent Airsoft Equipment?

If you do not have your own Airsoft equipment, we have a limited number of rental packages available during our organized game days. Renting for your first time out is a great way to try Airsoft without making a big investment up front.  Our rental package includes a G&G CM 16 Raider 2.0 A.E.G. (Airsoft Electric Gun), a 9.6v NiMH battery, a muzzle sock, a set of ESS Tactical XT goggles, a Gear Stock mesh face mask, a kill rag, a backpack and a bag of Goldenball Premium Biodegradable 0.25g BBs (3000 count). Any unused BBs are yours to keep for another day.  For further information, or to reserve a rental package, send email to airsoft@vfgpa.org or post a message on our Facebook page.

Where Can I Buy Airsoft Equipment?

There are two stores in Victoria which cater specifically to the Airsoft Community offering Airsoft guns, parts, accessories and field equipment:

Camouflage Victoria
1407 Government Street
(250) 380-0774

Dragon Impact
640 Yates Street
(250) 590-8880

Another local store offers a wide variety of tactical equipment and is open to the public as well as law enforcement and security services:

MDC
Unit E, 2200 Keating Cross Road
Victoria, BC
(250) 652-5266

For used equipment, visit our Trading Post.  It’s an online bulletin board style forum where community members can offer to buy, sell or trade their Airsoft equipment.