Airsoft FAQs - Play Paintball

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does it differ from Paintball ?
  

• Who can play at Operation Airsoft?
  

• Where can we play?
  

• Are there any safety issues with using Airsoft weapons?
  

• Can I use my own Airsoft equipment?
  

• Can I bring my own BBs?
  

• Are there any hidden costs?
  

• What should I wear?
  

• What happens on arrival?
  

• How do I book?
  

• Can we play Airsoft, Paintball, Archery and Laser Tag?
  

• What is UKARA?
  

• Can I purchase an Airsoft weapon?
  

How does it differ from Paintball ?

Airsoft is similar to paintball, with two teams attempting to complete various objectives (such as capture the flag, defend the base, etc.) which invariably ends up with them shooting each other.

The main difference is the equipment. Airsoft guns are more realistic than paintball markers or laser taggers and fire small plastic pellets called BBs. These pellets don’t leave a splat as with paintballs but you feel them hit you. The game relies on the players' honesty and players calling themselves “out".

We are often asked does it hurt - Generally speaking BBs hurt less than paintballs as they weigh a lot less. If you wear sensible clothing and the camouflague coverall we supply then they should not leave welts. We operate a strict shooting distance to prevent close in shots.
 

Who can play at Operation Airsoft?

Airsoft is suitable for both men and women of all ages.

• Special forces players must be 14 years old  (13 year old players who are in year 9 at school can attend a 14th birthday party)
  

• Airsoft target sessions players must be a minimum of 10 years old
  

Where can we play?

We only offer Airsoft sessions at our  Wakefield venue


Are there any safety issue when playing Airsoft?

Airsoft, like paintball and laser tag, is very safe if players adhere to the rules of the site.

It is mandatory for players who attend a "Special Forces Session" to wear full face masks including ear armour and a high impact lens NOT an Airsoft mesh mask. Players are welcome to wear their own masks, subject to a visual inspection by the staff, but they must have a high impact lens and not a mesh screen. Customers using the target range must wear basic eye protection but don't need to wear a full face mask.

Can I use my own Airsoft Equipment?

Subject to a visual inspect players may wear their own Airsoft masks if they contain a high impact lens and full face and ear protection.

Players can use their own Airsoft weapons subject to the following chronograph rules.

Site limit for all weapon types is 350fps with a 0.20mg 6mm BB, no exceptions

Random checks will be carried out during a session and if any player, shooting his or her own weapon, is found to be above these limits they will be asked to leave the venue with no refund of game fee.

Can I bring my own BBs?

We operate a very strict "site BB only" policy. All BBs used at Operation Airsoft must be purchased at the site. Any player found using their own BBs will be asked to leave with no refund being offered. At Operation Airsoft we use a specific brand of biodegradable BBs


Are there any hidden costs?

As paintball and laser tag operators we have always been open with our pricing policy and there are no hidden costs. Operation Airsoft operates the same policy. All packages include

• State of the art Airsoft Weapon
  

• A clean dry camouflage coverall
  

• Battlepack to carry ammunition
  

• A quanity of BB's included with the  package
  

The only additional costs are:

• Hot and cold drinks
  

• Chocolate and snacks
  

• Additional BBs which are £12 for a 3000 pod
  

• Armoured gloves £5/pair
  

• Occasionally we do have weapon upgrades at £5/gun
  

Adults can purchase smoke grenades for use on site to enhance games - under 18's are NOT allowed pyrotechnics.

What should I wear?

We supply a clean dry coverall to wear over your clothing. We would suggest you wear boots or sturdy footwear as all games are played in natural woodland or on a grassy field. If you have gloves it is suggested you wear them (we also sell gloves on site). In case of inclement weather a change of footwear and possibly clothing is advisable, you don't want mud in the car from muddy boots.

What happens on arrival?

When you arrive at the venue you will be asked to complete a game consent form. Players under 16 must have their consent form counter signed by an adult. You will then be issued with a camouflage coverall. There will then be a short safety and equipment familiarisation talk. Players under 16 years old must have a parent/organiser attend this talk.

After the talk you will then go to the target area where a weapon's familiarisation session will take place followed by several scenarios in our action packed playing zones..

At the end of the session you will have a de-brief and lunch if arranged. Parents are welcome to bring sandwiches and refreshments for birthday parties.

How do I book?

Contact the office on 0845 130 6258 and we can either take your booking over the telephone or send you an information pack and booking form. You can use the online enquiry form and we will contact you to confirm the booking

If you book over the phone you will need to give a credit card number to secure your booking - balance of payment can then be made on the day of the game

Payments on the day can be made with cash, cheque or most credit and debit cards.
 
Can we play Paintball, Laser Tag, Archery as well as Airsoft?

Yes we can arrange a full day event that includes two of the four activities we offer at our Wakefield venue. For further information please call the office on 0845 130 6258

What is UKARA?

United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) was formed as a response to the drafting of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill in 2006 which later became an Act of Parliament.

UKARA is an association of UK Airsoft Retailers brought together to protect themselves from prosecution and enable a safe method of selling Realistic Imitation Firearms ( RiF's ) to the largest of the permitted purchaser groups in the UK, Airsoft Players.

The onus is on the seller of a RiF to make sure they only sell to a legitimate purchaser, prosecution could result as a failure to do this.

Can I purchase an Airsoft Weapon?

You can only purchase a RiF airsoft weapon from a UKARA registered retailer and you have to be a member of UKARA

To become a UKARA registered airsoft player you are required to take part in three games in no less than two months at your local registered gamesite.
You must be over 18 years of age and able to provide some form of identification such as Passport, Driver's License or Bank Statement.

Please download and fill in the membership form, and present it when you play to be stamped with our UKARA verification stamp.

As soon as it has been completed you should then post it to your preferred UKARA retailer.

You will then be added to the database - once this has been done any future orders to a registered UKARA retailer can be checked for compliance to the VCR Act.

For more information about UKARA please click here

If you have your own Airsoft weapon you can use it at Operation Airsoft subject to strict chronograph rules.

Prices

The prices quoted on the website are correct on 1 February. We will try to ensure all prices quoted are current but reserve the right to change the prices and availability without notice

Availability

Please ensure you check session availability with the office prior to booking an event. The events diary page is not updated daily so sessions may be allocated without the session availability being removed from the website

Operation Airsoft is the ideal venue for birthday parties, junior events, corporate events, school activities, stag and hen parties,team building, young guns, incentives and great days out.

Target shooting range where players can shoot realistic imitation weapon, the type of weapon used in computer and video games.

Operation Airsoft is based at Powerplay Wakefeield which is ideally located for Wakefield, Barnsley, Leeds, Huddersfield, Sheffield and Rotherham. Within one hour's drive from Manchester, York, Bradford, Halifax and Nottingham

Operation Airsoft is a registred UKARA venue.