BANG BANG Rules

Today’s video is a discussion about the bang bang rule airsoft. Your local airsoft fields might have this rule implemented, but some do not. Every field owner has their own opinion, and the player base has their own opinion. As a disclaimer, we take no opinion on whether the rule is right or wrong and merely want to present information to you. Every field in America will be different, so consider this a house rule. 

The bang-bang rule allows you to score a kill at point-blank range to avoid shooting people too close for comfort. The idea is to keep things safe, especially when playing CQB, where point-blank engagements are a fact of life, and also to prevent tempers from getting out of control.

Depending on how your field implements this, this could create as many problems as it tries to solve. Some creative players "game" the rules and manipulate them in their favor. They are still operating within the rules, but some can view it as cheesy. One example was when I played CQB, I encountered very fast players running through buildings, yelling bang bang, and getting a bunch of kills just seconds after the round started. Though on paper, there is nothing wrong with that on that player’s part, but at some point, it becomes a little out of hand with players not even having a functioning airsoft gun or BB's getting kills or just team wiping by sprinting and playing like it's a speedball Call of Duty game mode.

At the same time, I’ve been surprised a few times by players peeking where I was not ready, and the opposing player was gracious enough to Bang Bang me and spared me from getting lit up, so that’s the positive side. Getting shot at point-blank stings quite a bit more, and when it's a reflexive shot, you might get hit on some very sensitive parts of your body.

An alternative to this rule is a surrender rule. I don't see this implemented too much, but it's out there. If you have the drop on someone and you have them dead to rights, you can tell them to surrender. Surrender is optional in some places, so you might have to shoot them if they still look like they have some fight in them. Some people are too slow to surrender and get annoyed when they get shot, but that's what you signed up for—just the same. If you are asked to surrender, you certainly don't have to take it, but your actions will have consequences.

Sometimes, the rule is that if you both get surprised by each other, rather than allow you to shoot each other and potentially cause bad vibes, fields may ask you to do something called a Parlay. That's when the both of you call each other out and avoid conflict.

Most experienced players are good-natured about it regardless of the house rules. Sometimes, they give a player a chance to surrender, but the other player shoots them anyway. That might be annoying, but remember, it's just a game, and some people do it out of panic, so don't invest too much emotion into it. If they want to win that bad, let them have it and be the better person. That is a good example to follow and will ensure less tension at an airsoft game, which can happen over many trivial things.

And that's another thing: regardless of how much the rules might try to help mitigate salty behavior, it's just ingrained in some people. Or, you may encounter a new player who thinks it's all about winning, so they get madder over nothing. This is one of those things where your conduct is more important than the actual scenario. This would make for a much more pleasant experience if people worked on their temperament.

As of this video, we do not have a bang-bang rule in our local field. We play with 1.5-joule guns, and we have a 10ft MED for full auto and in addition, the pure CQB field that we play at is semi-auto only.

In my encounters with other players, most players are gracious enough not to wreck the other person with some point-blank shooting. The newbies might react, turn around, shoot back, and get the nice guy out as a result. If you have someone dead to rights in our games, you can just go for it (but don’t overshoot them). But if you want to be nice, it’s 50/50 if they accept it, so don’t be mad.

What are your local field rules for point-blank shooting? What do you think? Do they work for you and the people around you or create more drama? This isn’t a topic where we seek a wrong or right answer but to see what we all think.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic rules of airsoft?

The basic rules of airsoft are designed to ensure safety and fair play. Key rules include always wearing proper eye protection to prevent injury, calling your hits honestly when struck by a BB, and following the specific guidelines and rules of the airsoft field you are playing at. Players should avoid blind firing, which means shooting without aiming, as this can be dangerous. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance when engaging other players and respecting the "bang bang" rule, where you call out "bang bang" instead of shooting when you are within close range, are essential for safe gameplay.

What is the number one rule in airsoft?

The number one rule in airsoft is safety first. This means always wearing proper eye protection, never removing your goggles or mask while on the field, and handling your airsoft gun responsibly. Ensuring the safety of yourself and others is paramount to enjoying the game and preventing injuries.

What FPS is not allowed in airsoft?

The allowable FPS (feet per second) limits in airsoft vary by field, but generally, airsoft guns shooting over 400 FPS for automatic rifles and 500 FPS for sniper rifles are not allowed. Many fields have specific FPS limits for different types of guns to ensure safety and fair play. Always check the specific rules of the airsoft field you are playing at to ensure your gun complies with their FPS limits.

Is it okay to shoot airsoft guns in your backyard?

Shooting airsoft guns in your backyard can be okay, but it depends on local laws and regulations. It is important to ensure that your backyard is a safe and appropriate environment for airsoft, with a secure perimeter to prevent BBs from leaving the property. Always inform your neighbors and ensure that everyone in the vicinity is aware and comfortable with the activity. Additionally, wearing proper safety gear is crucial, even in a private setting.

Is it legal to walk around with an airsoft gun?

Walking around with an airsoft gun in public is generally not recommended and may be illegal in many areas. Airsoft guns closely resemble real firearms and can cause panic or confusion if seen in public. Most jurisdictions require airsoft guns to have an orange tip to distinguish them from real firearms, but even with this, carrying an airsoft gun in public can lead to serious legal consequences. It is best to transport airsoft guns in a case or bag and use them only in designated areas.

What is the mercy rule in airsoft?

The mercy rule in airsoft is a safety measure where a player can call "mercy" or "bang bang" when they are within close range of another player, typically within 10 feet. This rule allows the player to avoid shooting at close range, which can be painful and potentially dangerous. The opposing player is expected to accept the call and consider themselves "hit" to maintain safety and sportsmanship.

Is hand to hand combat allowed in airsoft?

Hand-to-hand combat is generally not allowed in airsoft. The sport emphasizes safety and the use of replica firearms to simulate combat scenarios. Physical contact beyond accidental bumps or taps is discouraged to prevent injuries. Players should rely on their airsoft guns and strategic movements rather than engaging in physical altercations. Maintaining a respectful and safe environment is key to enjoying the game.