Foreign noob needs your help!

[chosenone]

Greetings from Russia!
My name is Alex and I need your help. I would appreciate, if you would spend some time to read the whole message. I live in Saint Petersburg and I will probably move to USA, Maryland (yes, I know it's not MD forum) for constant living soon. My problem is: I almost do know nothing about life in USA! And I wish you could help me with getting things about airsoft right.
The first question: Is airsoft popular in the United States? I'm asking because I've experienced troubles finding American airsoft forums. (I didn't find any MD forums, that's why I'm posting my questions here.) So it seems to be not very popular activity in the US so far.

Next question is - what's legal age to play airsoft in the US? I'm just 18 and I wonder if I can play on airsoft events. I've been searching the web for this question and some websites says you have to be 21 years old to buy airsoft weapons.

The third question: I've never played airsoft before. I am not a total noob because airsoft is very popular in russia and I've read tons of articles about it on russian airsoft forums. I just don't have any "on the field" experience. So I'm wondering if it is hard to find a team that will spend time teaching you game basics etc. I'm also afraid that noone will spend his time to teach a newbie from Russia ;-)

Next question is about term "airsoft". My english is not very good, so I'm not sure if I understand this word correctly. Does word "airsoft" mean just weapons that you use in game? Or "airsoft" is actually the name of the game with its set of rules, like paintball or soccer? For example, in Russia we rarely use word "airsoft", but we have the game "страйкбол" (pronounced "strikeball") that uses airsoft weapons. It has its own rules, its own organisations, etc. So in Russia, if we say "airsoft", we mean "strikeball". And I'm wondering if American airsoft has official set of rules.

The question about buying AEGs: in russia, one firstly chooses a team to join, and then buys a weapon (equipment) that suits this team. It's usually not allowed to have weapons or equipment that differs from your team's. So do you have the same situation in the United States?

Next question (sixth, I guess): orange tip. Is it necessary to always have this ugly orange tip on your airsoft weapon? Or is it only for transportation? Nobody has this orange tip in Russia. ;-) Personally, I think that this tip ruins atmosphere of real military actions, you know... BTW, I guess if I buy an AEG in Saint Petersburg, I'll have to put this tip so I can take my AEG to the plane, right?

And last (but not least) question: Is it hard to find airsoft stores in the US? I heard that all Americans use online markets to buy almost everything. Online shoping isn't popular in russia at all. So I would appreciate, if you guide me through popular airsoft online (or retail) shops.

Well.. I've posted all question I had so far. I would REALLY appreciate, if you'll help me with those. Sorry if I made grammatical mistakes and thanks in advance. ;-)

[Ghast]

#1 Airsoft isn't as popular here as it is in some countries, no. However it IS gaining traction in the US and should become mroe popular in the near future.

#2 I'm not sure how MD operates but being 18, you should be able to attend almost ANY game here in Michigan.

#3 Go to a few games alone, get a feel for the situation. Normally I wouldnt recommend joining a team right away, but being that you're not from here, joining a team might actually facilitate your immersion in US culture.

#4 Airsoft is the name of the collective game. (you say strikeball, we say airsoft) American airsoft isn't as unified as Russia's, rules vary by state, but there's a LOT of similarities between them all.

#5 No, here we prefer you get a weapon FIRST, then worry about joining a team.

#6 Also no, after you've purchased the replica, you may remove the orange at your leisure. Orange is only required at the time of sale.

#7 You're pretty close to the mark here, a large majority of us do buy our stuff online. Retail stores exist, but a few and far between.

For being foreign, your English is better than a lot of people's that come through here. Don't worry about it.

[Legionnaire]

First off, welcome!

Airsoft popularity really will vary from state to state. Like you said, you could not find a forum in Maryland. Generally, if a state is into airsoft there will be a forum dedicated to it. Here in Michigan I'd say airsoft is quite popular.

There is no established age restriction for airsoft here. However, you generally have to be 18 to purchase an airsoft gun in store (this varies by state law).

Most people (at least here in Michigan) are more than willing to help out a newer player. I for one would be glad to help out a fellow airsofter, even if he/she is Russian .

The word airsoft in English serves the same purpose as it does in Russia it seems. When someone says airsoft, they are referring to the actual game. The term airsoft gun refers to the airsoft replica. I don't know what its like in Russia, but here we have many game types, such as capture the flag, king of the hill, etc. Each game with its own set of rules.

Buying an AEG here really depends on what team you join (if you decide to join one). Depending on your teams set of rules, you can then go and decide what AEG to get. Some teams are more strict than others and will require matching gear and guns. Other teams will allow you to purchase whatever works for you.

An orange tip is only required the sale of the replica. Some people will recommend that you have it for transportation though. Other than that, it is up to the owner of the AEG to decide whether they want to keep it on there or not.

It is true that most airsoft'ers here use online as their primary way of purchasing AEG's and parts. However, depending on where your located, there may be an airsoft store or military surplus.

[X]

Hi Alex!

First off the word Airsoft is used as the name of the hobby. So for example I can say "Bye mom! I'm going to play Airsoft with my friends" So It would seem based on your definition of "strikeball" that the two words are synonymous, or they mean the same thing.

Airsoft is not as popular as paintball is in the US, but I would think you shouldn't have too hard of a time finding some games over in MD. In fact I found a team for you using google. I searched "Maryland Airsoft" in case you were wondering.

Teams:
www.somdairsoftteam.com/

Forums:
www.maapr.com/forum/
www.eastcoastairsoft.com/forum/

Field:
www.tacticalairsoftarena.com/

Other:
www.airsplat.com/maryland.htm
^(I don't recommend purchasing from this retailer)^

Now I would bet that MD is not that different from how we play things. So with that assumption I will tell you how things work in Michigan. At the age of 18 you shouldn't have any problem purchasing guns or playing at events. In the US 18 is the age at which you are considered an adult so with a few exceptions you only need to be 21 in order to drink alcohol.

Now in Michigan we generally organize teams based on camouflage patterns. Usually green based vs tan based patterns. So joining a team is not really necessary so long as you have a set of camouflage. In fact, some members will advise you to go to at least a few games before joining a team. You won't be worried about lack of experience and you will get the feel for what teams are out there before deciding to join one or start your own.

Orange Tips:
Federal Law (meaning the entire US) states that the Orange tip must be present for shipping and sale. However, there may be a state law (Maryland Law) which further requires it to be on at all times. I would suggest looking for a MD forum or attending an MD game to find out what that states requirements are. I would absolutely recommend purchasing the gun from america unless you have a very good reason not too. Getting the gun through customs/immigration could be a nightmare. If you must take it on the plane I would research how to do this, but my guess is that A: you must have a permanently affixed blaze orange tip. and B: Not have any trademarks which could infringe upon copyright laws.

Airsoft Stores:
You will get a lot of recommendations but here are a couple of the most popular US retailers.

www.AirsoftGI.com
www.Evike.Com

EDIT: Wow three posts in about 5 min.

[Gunny87]

Привет Alex!

Welcome to MIA first off! We seem to be getting blessed with fellow airsofters from the Motherland!

Answer #1: Airsoft isn't as nearly as popular as it is in Russia, Europe, or other parts of the world however it has been gaining in popularity over the last couple decades. In terms there not being any Maryland airsoft forums, try searching "New England" airsoft or even try looking up airsoft forums in surrounding states, like Virginia, Pennsylvania, or New York, as they all should have local airsoft communities. And they aren't very far from MD.

Answer #2: There's no legal minimum age in the U.S. to play airsoft however in most states the minimum legal age to purchase an airsoft gun is 18. So you are safe. It could be 21 in other states but that I'm not positive on.

Answer #3: Try my answer to your first question and if you can find a neighboring state that has an airsoft community and games. Register on their forums and drive out to some events and meet people. I know if you were coming here half of our community would be fighting over you because we'd all want a Ruskie on our team!

Answer #4: Yup the term "airsoft" is terminology for what is otherwise known as "strikeball" in your country. American Airsoft doesn't really have an official set of rules, however most rules are pretty universal across state borders when it comes to using eye protection, which in the U.S. most sanctioned airsoft events require the use of Full Seal googles that meet certain safety standards. Most airsoft games won't allow you to play in shooting glasses. And for good reason right? Who wants to lose an eye?

To answer your other question very few teams require the use of the same type of camo or tactical gear, if anything the same kind of gun. A lot of airsoft teams will try to portray a certain type of organization (i.e Spetsnaz, Delta, U.S. Marines, Navy Seals, U.S. Army, etc)

However most teams usually don't restrict their members to all have the exact same guns, camo and tactical gear. But some do.

Question #6: This law also varies by State. When importing a gun into the U.S, U.S Customs requires that all airsoft guns come with a permanent orange tip. Some states may require it for transportation, but once you have it on the field you usually don't have to keep it on.

Another word of advice if you can is just to ship your airsoft gun (with an orange tip) in advance of your flight so you don't have to deal with U.S Customs. That is if you have a friend, or relative, or sponsor that you can ship it to before you fly to the U.S

Last question. Most airsoft retailers are going to be online. However most states may have local retailers as well. They won't be as common as they are in Russia but most states will have a limited # of retail locations that sell airsoft guns.

[X]

I have edited my above post to include some forums and at least one field that I found for you.

[Mles]

I love how this guy's grammar and punctuation is far better than most of the noob's on MIA. +1 dude and enjoy your stay!

[chosenone]

Thanks for your answers! I didn't manage to get so many of them. Appreciate it.

#3 You adviced me to visit a few games alone first and then join the team. But that is a little confusing - in Russia you can't play airsoft without a team. Or do you mean just visit them without playing? In that case, it makes sense for me

#5 In Russia, it is allowed to have any weapon you want only if you play in mercenaries team. Because of that most players firstly choose a team to join and then buy guns. In russian airsoft there's no "tan camo vs green camo" games. Your team HAS TO portray one of currently existing organisation.
And if someone uses set of equipment that does not exist in real armys (for example, AKs and USMC camos, or flektarn camo and M4s), other teams make fun of him ;-) We call such guys "pokemons".

X, thank you for links! Nice nickname, BTW ;-)

P.s. I've studied English in high school, so thanks, I'm really glad if you can understand everything I wrote. :-)

P.p.s. If someone's interested, I can post all strikeball's official rules.

[Legionnaire]

From the sound of it, Russia seems much more strict in their play style. Here, being a team is not required and is mere choice of the individual. You are allowed to play at events/games without being on a team. A lot of people do actually.

If you call those who don't try and imitate/look like an existing organization, "Pokemons", then you will definitely be seeing quite a few "Pokemons" running around when you get here.