Airsoft Glossary of Terms

Airsoft Glossary: Essential Terms for New and Experienced Players

Whether you're new to the game or brushing up your tactical lingo, this glossary breaks down common airsoft terms used across sites, shops, and forums in the UK and beyond.

A

• AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) – Battery-powered airsoft rifles with internal gearboxes. Most common airsoft gun type.
• AEP (Automatic Electric Pistol) – Smaller, battery-operated pistol version of an AEG. Great for CQB.
• Ammo – Plastic 6mm BBs, usually in weights from 0.20g to 0.30g or heavier for snipers.

B

• BB (Ball Bearing) – The plastic projectiles used in airsoft guns.
• Bolt Action – A type of sniper rifle where each shot is manually cocked.

C

• CQB (Close Quarters Battle) – Fast-paced gameplay in tight indoor spaces. Lower FPS limits usually apply.
• Camo – Camouflage clothing or gear to blend into surroundings.
• Chrono / Chronograph – Device used to measure the FPS (Feet Per Second) of a gun to check site limits.

D

• DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) – Semi-auto rifle with higher FPS for mid- to long-range roles, often with stricter rules.
• Dead Man Walking – Phrase for a hit player exiting the field, usually with hand or gun held up.

F

• FPS (Feet Per Second) – Speed at which a BB travels. Most sites have FPS limits depending on gun type.
• Flashbang / Pyro – Non-lethal grenades used for sound distraction in CQB and MilSim games.

G

• GBB (Gas Blowback) – Gas-powered gun with realistic recoil action.
• Green Gas – Common gas propellant used in airsoft guns, often propane-based with added lubricant.

H

• Hop-Up – System that adds backspin to BBs for increased range and accuracy.
• HPA (High-Pressure Air) – System using air tanks and regulators for consistent performance and tunable FPS.

L

• LPEG (Low-Powered Electric Gun) – Budget electric gun, usually for beginners. Lower quality than standard AEGs.
• Low-Cap Magazine – Holds 30–50 BBs, often used in MilSim for realism.

M

• Mid-Cap Magazine – Holds around 100–200 BBs, no winding needed, quieter than Hi-Caps.
• MilSim (Military Simulation) – Immersive, mission-based events that simulate military operations.
• MOSFET – A microchip that improves trigger response and protects internal electronics in AEGs.
• MOLLE – Modular webbing on tactical gear that allows for attaching pouches and accessories.
• Multicam – Versatile camo pattern effective in various terrains.

P

• PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) – Compact rifles or SMGs ideal for close quarters.
• Plinking – Casual target shooting for fun or practice.
• Pistol Lanyard – Tethered cord that keeps sidearms from being lost in the field.

R

• RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) – Replica gun that closely resembles a real firearm. Regulated under UK law.
• Rate of Fire (RoF) – How fast a gun can shoot BBs per second or minute.

S

• Sniper – Player using a bolt-action rifle, usually playing from distance. Requires patience and stealth.
• Speedloader – Tool used to quickly refill magazines with BBs.

T

• Tactical Vest / Plate Carrier – Gear worn to carry magazines, radios, hydration, and more.
• Tracer BBs – Glow-in-the-dark BBs used with a tracer unit for night games.

U

• UKARA (UK Airsoft Retailers Association) – Registration system allowing eligible players to legally purchase RIFs in the UK.
• Upgrade – Replacing stock parts in your gun for better performance, accuracy, or reliability.

V

• VCRA (Violent Crime Reduction Act) – UK law regulating the sale of RIFs. Requires UKARA or valid defense to purchase.