Benefits of Airsoft to Enhance Firearms Skills

I ran across this article, today, and thought it was interesting. I am now planning on buying at least a couple Airsoft weapons to train more at home, when I don't feel like blowing a lot of money on real ammo.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/06/26/airsoft-its-not-just-for-kids-using-airsoft-in-your-firearms-training/

That is a fantastic article!!!  One of the goals of RTO in addition to holding games, is to do training using airsoft.  As the article mentions you can get replicas that behave the same or similar to the real deal, for a lot less money.  Some departments are moving towards them because they are a lot cheaper than even blanks, with similar levels of realism.  I think we should explore this avenue, could be a big hit!

For sure! Even sitting at home, plunking away at targets, just practicing draw, aim and shoot, re-holster. Invaluable! I have been using my red gun to practice sight acquisition. I focus on a potential target in the room, close my eyes, draw and try to get on target before I open my eyes again. You really get on target, a lot faster!

Yeah exactly, it helps build the muscle memory by running through the mechanics. The other cool thing about airsoft is that most realistic guns cost about the same as a red gun, but actually shoot BB's rather than being solid hunks of plastic. lol

I also agree that air soft can be used for training. About a month ago i got together with about 5 other guys and we spent the whole day with all metal blow back co2 1911s, with 14 rounds in the magazine. That was some of the best airsofting i have ever done and while it was not exactly life like, we got a lot of practice clearing corners and bringing up a bead on your target quickly while shooting accurately because of limited rounds. I also know that you can get real sim mags that only allow a realistic number of rounds. But i do think that airsofting has a lot of training potential, especially for urban warfare where you don't necessarily need to shoot long distances.

That would be very cool! Yeah what you are talking about are Sim Cap magazines, holding the correct number of BB's as a really magazine would bullets. They are great for training and definitely reinforce good habits and ammo conservation since you run out very quick! They also make gas-blowback "training guns" that behave similarly to real firearms, with functioning features like a forward-assist. They care kind of spendy and working with gas is finicky, but as far as realism that is the best way to go since it reinforces good habits.

Check out this article that PoliceOne did! http://www.policeone.com/police-products/training/products/articles/8531893-Spotlight-AirRattle-provides-top-quality-airsoft-guns-accessories-and-tactical-gear/