FIRST-TIMER
spotty, virginal 20-somethings trying
to project a macho image they can’t
attain in any other medium. Which
is a bit like saying all butchers are
sadistic cannibals who take pleasure
in eviscerating helpless animals. Not
only is it a vast sweeping prejudice,
it’s ridiculous. Airsoft is a hobby like
any other. Some people like to dress
up in super-tight Lycra for a few hours’
chafing on a bicycle, others like to
dress up in camo for a few hours’
battle in a forest in Dorset. What’s the
difference?
I will admit, though, that I had been
a little worried about what the other
players would be like. Part of me was
expecting a group of super-serious
guys who act like they really are at
war, like this truly is a game of life-ordeath. I needn’t have bothered, though
– while there surely are airsofters like
that, the group I played with were
just regular dudes, many with their
younger sons, out to enjoy a sunny
Saturday afternoon. It was reassuring,
and I felt more level-pegged than I
probably should have.
As it was an under-18s event I’d
estimate that half of the players were
younger than that. Gunman Midlands
can take children as young as 11, and
didn’t like about paintball – the silly
guns and ninja-style outfits, one-hitand-out death rules, and huge cost of
ammunition – which only serves to
increase the realism and, ultimately,
the rush it gives you. From the first
wobbly-legged moments on the field
to successfully leading a four-man
team against entrenched defenders in
the oil depot, airsoft was something
else. It is an unforgettable adrenalinefuelled experience.
And I am ecstatic to announce that
my airsoft virginity has now been well
and truly busted. I’ve experienced the
game firsthand, and enjoyed it a lot
more than I’d expected to. Not only did
I learn a lot about airsoft itself I took
pride in my accomplishments (meagre
as they may be to experienced
skirmishers) and felt like I’d bloody
well earned my pint afterwards. My
legs were more knackered after a day’s
airsofting than they have been in years.
So I did what I came to do – I tried
it. And I know for sure that I’ll be going
back for more.
WHERE AND WHEN
to be perfectly honest I can’t think of a
better way to get kids outside, active
and doing something. Most of them
spend uncountable hours playing war
on their Xbox anyway – I’d bet my last
quid they’d jump at the chance to try
airsoft if they but knew what it was.
It’s just a shame the cost is prohibitive
– it’s not something I could afford to
do every week – whether you’re hiring
kit or buying it.
Besides the cost there is nothing I
can criticise, though (and that’s not a
criticism of Gunman Midlands, more
the sport in general). I’ve played a few
games of paintball in my time, as most
people have; I loved it, as it provided
a rush you couldn’t get anywhere
else (or so I thought). But airsoft
trumps it. Airsoft fixes everything I
Gunman Airsoft Midlands, Under-18s
event, Saturday 6 August
Cost: £20 walk-on, £20 hire kit (camo
jacket/trousers, facemask, vest, AEG
with two mags), £10 for 5,000 BBs.
Gunman seems an ideal place
for beginners. It’s not a sprawling
metropolis of a site and we covered
most all of it during the day, but it has
plenty of features to keep a player
interested, including some nifty little
CQB areas.
The marshals were faultless,
amiable and helpful chaps who didn’t
once seem to mind the newbie asking
silly questions (or misplacing the top
receiver of his gun…).
The onsite shop has a range of
weapons to drool over, as well as
protective gear, tactical kit, pyros,
camo clothing to suit all pockets and,
curiously, fencing swords.
Contact Gunman Airsoft Midlands:
01676 532384,
www.suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk
www.airsoftactionmagazine.com
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