Airsoft Guns: Parents on the Front Line of a Risky Hobby

KIDS SHOULD KNOW

Always point an Airsoft gun in a safe direction.

Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Never point your Airsoft gun at another person or animal.

Always remove the magazine and/or disconnect the battery until you are ready to use the gun – simply turning on the safety is not enough.

When playing with Airsoft guns, you and everyone around you must be at least wearing eye protection – full face masks are highly recommended.

The orange tip does not protect you: most people do not know about Airsoft guns and they will assume that these are real guns.

Use Airsoft guns only in areas where it is not prohibited by law.

Do not use or display Airsoft guns in public places such as schools, parks, etc.

Always transport Airsoft guns inside a box or a bag.

When using Airsoft guns, make sure everyone within view of you understands what you are playing with and what you are doing.

If a law enforcement officer approaches you while you are using Airsoft guns, immediately stand still and put the gun down.

If a neighbor or nearby person asks you to stop playing with your Airsoft guns, immediately stop and store away your guns.

If you use your Airsoft guns to threaten another person or vandalize property, you will be charged with a committing a serious crime.

Source: Airsoft Extreme’s Airsoft Safety Guidelines, c. 2004

RESOURCES

Information about basic firearm safety is available at any firearms dealer. Or contact: The National Rifle Association’s Education and Training Department at 703-267-1430 or go to www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp
NRA-certified Northern California gun instructor John Geisness at 925-674-1920