Do you return home in the evening, slump into an easy chair, pour yourself a stiff one and watch TV all night? If so, you may have the feeling that there's something missing in your life and you may well be right. If you want to bring a sense of challenge and touch of excitement back into your life in a way that's safe and inexpensive, the answer is airsoft guns. Here's your complete guide to these wonderful items.

Airsofts are life-size replicas of real firearms including revolvers, pistols, snipers and rifles. Generally made of plastic, or plastic and metal, and you can also get metal airsoft guns. They fire small plastic pellets or BBs. Guns come in three types according to the type of firing mechanism - spring, gas and electricity.

Spring airsoft guns are the most basic and use a mechanical system. You need to cock them before firing just as you would with a real shotgun or bolt action rifle. Cocking the gun compresses a spring which is attached to a piston. Then when you pull a trigger, the piston shoots forward compressing the air in the cylinder firing the pellet. Because of the mechanism, they're single shot weapons. Spring operated models are perfect for entry level users looking for cheap airsoft guns to test the waters.

Gas fired guns are more advanced. They use gas, usually green gas or carbon dioxide, to fire the pellets. The gas comes in canisters which load into the bottom of the magazine. Gas airsoft guns come in blowback and non-blowback types. The former are more functional as after firing, the gas blows back to reset the mechanism ready for the next shot. This feature also makes the airsoft feel more like a real gun.

The main advantage they offer over spring guns is the ability for rapid fire which is useful in the tumultuous environment of airsoft games. You can fire your gas gun as quickly as you can pull the trigger as the reloading mechanism is very efficient. In fact, they work in a way that's very similar to real firearms.

Electric powered guns are now the most commonly used. Electric airsoft guns use electrical power from a battery to work a gear and piston system. Operation is usually semi and sometimes fully automatic. The latter are known as AEG (automatic electric gun) airsoft guns.

Now you know all about the different types of guns, let's look at how you can use them.

The simplest way and the best way to start off is simply target practice. When you're adept with your airsoft gun, it's time to start thinking about joining in an airsoft game or skirmish. These are organized events that allow you to become a marine or FBI agent for an hour or a day, and use your skills to achieve an objective. It could be hostage rescue or the re-enactment of a historic battle.

Participating in an airsoft game permits you to live out a fantasy and escape from your daily routine for a while. It also allows you to test your mettle and weapons skills against your peers.

Providing a few simple rules and guidelines are followed, airsoft guns are extremely safe. Essentially you just need to use them in the right environment - firing range or organized game field, clean and maintain them regularly, and always wear protective gear.

Another great thing is that using these guns is very inexpensive. Other than buying new pellets, your expenses are minimal. With spring airsoft guns, you don't need a propellant as everything works manually. For gas guns you'll need to top up you gas canisters every so often. Likewise with electric guns, you just have to charge them regularly and replace the batteries every now and again. Other expenses include paying fees at the firing range and for the airsoft games.

Airsoft guns can bring a world of pleasure and satisfaction into your life so check them out today. You can browse the web sites of online vendors and view the wide range available. Placing your order is a snap and your new firearm will be delivered in a few days. Remember they're illegal in a few states and you have to be over 21 to buy one.