Beginner Guides

So you're in the market for your first Airsoft replica! There's a lot to learn with any new hobby, and Airsoft is no different. Join us to learn more about what you should look for and avoid at all costs when choosing your first Airsoft replica!

There is a lot of confusion surrounding LiPo batteries, and to this day some Airsofters are still sceptical of them. We all have our own preferred power source, but we think LiPos are currently the best way to go for most Airsofters. Join us for info on LiPo batteries, their advantages, how to keep them healthy and the dos and don'ts of LiPo ownership! 

If you are as passionate about Airsoft as we are, we're sure you can't wait to get out skirmishing while the days are long and the sun is out. Our sport presents one of the best outdoor adventure activities for young and old alike and can be great for fitness and socialising, but the fun you have at an Airsoft skirmish is all underpinned by safety considerations, of which you must play your part. Read on for the Patrol Base Safety announcement, and detailed information on how to stay safe when skirmishing or shooting your Airsoft gun! 

If you are thinking of starting Airsoft, consider this your introduction! Airsoft is a quickly growing sport/hobby which can be as technical, adventurous, competitive, social and active as you make it, drawing in players from all walks of life with a variety of ability levels and the common goal of having fun in the great outdoors. 

Whether you seek a new sport to keep you fit and healthy, new friends to broaden your horizons or a new technical hobby to push your engineering talent to the next level, Airsoft could be your new passion! 

So, you have seen all the cool guys at the skirmish running tracer units and suppressors, and you want to join them? This guide will cover what you will need for all the most popular Airsoft AEG and GBB platforms to mount a tracer, suppressor or other threaded muzzle attachments. If you are looking for a thread adapter, but aren't sure which you need, give this guide a read to find out! 

Many of our most common questions relate to the "User Skill Level" field in our product descriptions, so we thought we could shed some light on this. The skill level we select for each gun generally depends on our assessment of what type of player would get the most out of the particular gun and its features. Join us as we go into a bit more detail about each of our "User Skill Level" options and what they mean! 

In Airsoft terms, a 'specific defence' for purchasing Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIF) is essentially a way of proving that you have a valid reason for purchase and that the law has been complied with. Join us as we cover UKARA, Two-tones, and the VCRA as it pertains to Airsoft guns!

There has been heated debate around the subject of Airsoft suppressors or silencers ever since the first one was released to the market. Do they actually work? Are they just for looks? 

This guide will discuss how Airsoft suppressors work for the various platforms available to Airsofters today, ranging from the ever-common AEG to GBB and NBB pistols, and bolt action Sniper rifles. Is it worth adding a suppressor to your Airsoft gun, or is it just extra weight and length? Read on to find out! 

If you are just getting into Airsoft and you are a bit overwhelmed when it comes to choosing your first gun this guide will help! 

Join us as we take a look at our Top 5 Beginner AEGs of the year and help you find the right one for you!

If you are equipped with a loadout of PTS EPM 1 magazines you probably already know this, but for future EPM 1 users, this is essential knowledge! To avoid difficulty loading your magazines and prevent feeding issues from occurring your magazines will need to be bedded in before their first use. Read on to find out how! 

You may be aware of the two most common types of battery connectors found on Airsoft AEGs, but do you know the difference? And is one better than the other? Read on for an overview of the Deans connector, and the Mini-Tamiya connector, and our conclusions on which is the superior connector!

You put your hand on the grippy bit, and your other hand on the other grippy bit, pointing the angry end towards the enemy. But is there more to it than that? Read on for our guide on how to properly handle your Airsoft rifle and pistol, and the various gripping methods that can give you an edge in an Airsoft skirmish. There isn't really a best way, other than the way that works for you!

If you keep getting hit during Airsoft skirmishes there may be some small things you can change in the way you play which will make all the difference. What does it take to be a good Airsoft skirmisher? Read on for a quick rundown on the things to avoid when skirmishing in a tactics context, and what will almost certainly have you returning to respawn during an Airsoft skirmish.  

So perhaps you have been wondering why an 8 Fields plate carrier costs around 1/10th of the price of the real thing? They look the same, have the same pouches, plate pockets and camouflage, but are there hidden differences between the two? Most of us already know the answer is a resounding "yes", but let's take a deeper look into Airsoft replica gear, the differences between it and the real stuff and why Airsoft gear is never an appropriate substitute for the real deal when your life is on the line. 

Interested in an SMG? First, allow us to clue you in on what an SMG is, the different types on the market and what type of Airsoft player they suit best. It can be tough choosing a gun, they all look cool, but nobody wants to buy something they will later regret. Read on for our breakdown on Airsoft SMGs, how they work and what type of Airsoft skirmisher suits them best! 

If you have bagged yourself one of the new Lancer Tactical Nebula ETU equipped AEGs or you have installed your own Zion Arms Nebula ETU in your gun this article will be of use! Inside you will find detailed instructions on how to set up the Nebula ETU for burst modes, binary trigger and semi auto only. 

In the market for an Airsoft M4? First you'll need to decide which kind! The M4/AR15 Airsoft platform is the most prolific style of Airsoft rifle in use today by a wide margin, but there are so many different types it can be a lot to take in for a new skirmisher. Allow us to make things easy and give you a brief rundown of the options available to a budding M4 user to help you decide which M4 rifle is right for you! 

The video features Patrol Base Pete, and Patrol Base Mike, and this is the first video in a long series of episodes which are targeted at dealing with issues that pertain to beginners in Airsoft.

What is an AK? We all know of the famous Avtomat Kalashnikova (Kalashnikov's Automatic [rifle]), but if you want one for Airsoft you will need to know the different types of AK out there, and which one is right for you! Read on to find out more about Airsoft AK types, how they work and what type of Airsoft skirmisher would enjoy them the most!

What is a Sniper? Strictly speaking, it should be "Who is a Sniper?", as the Sniper is the man behind the gun, not the gun itself. The answer? You, if you so choose!

Our Airsoft Basics guide on Airsoft Sniper rifles will answer how Sniper rifles work, give you the drop on the types of Sniper rifles out there, and the type of Airsofter will appreciate an Airsoft Sniper rifle. Check the wind, dial in your scope and steady your breathing as you ready yourself to find out more about the different types of Sniper rifles on the market before you take the shot!

Interested in a DMR? Who isn't? Reaching out and harassing the enemy team at range is one of the most unique aspects of our sport! If you have aspirations to run an Airsoft DMR rifle you will first need to get some intel on what a DMR is, the different types out there and why Airsofters choose to use DMR rifles. Let's get eyes on target and take a look at DMR rifles in Airsoft! 

So you want to get a scope for your Airsoft gun? We get it, they look awesome, and also give some major advantages when it comes to exchanging plastic with the enemy team! First things first you will need to narrow down what type of scope, aka optical sight, you want to use. Read on for a breakdown of different types of scopes and their best use on the Airsoft battlefield! 

If you have recently acquired an Airsoft Sniper Rifle and a Scope, getting that bad boy up and shooting should be a priority. 

If you need some hints and tips on the easiest way to install a scope onto your sniper rifle, this guide should get you zeroed in and on target!

Got your eyes on an Airsoft Glock? They look awesome, don't they? With so many different types of Glock available for Airsoft, choosing the right Glock for you can be a bit of a minefield. With this in mind, allow us to give you some intel on the Glock platform, what each type of Glock is best for and what type of skirmisher will appreciate an Airsoft Glock!

Hi-capas! Whether you are the tactical type, SPEEDQB hero or anything in between, there is an Airsoft Hi-capa GBB pistol to suit you. Packed with modern features but with classic 1911 layout and giant magazines, who doesn't want to own one of the most practical and tactical modern Airsoft sidearms available? Join us for more intel on the Hi-capa platform!

Looking for an Airsoft pistol but unsure which to choose? This guide should fill you in on the different types of Airsoft pistol available, and help you make the call on what to fill your holster with. From GBB to AEP, find the answers to your Airsoft pistol queries right here! 

What is an Airsoft shotgun? If you're on the hunt for an Airsoft shotgun, whether it is for target shooting in the backyard or getting up close and personal in a CQB Airsoft skirmish site you will first need to equip yourself with the knowledge to choose the right shotgun for you! From pump action tri-shot shotguns to electric shotguns with full auto capability, there are plenty of options out there, so let's take a look at the types of shotguns the Airsoft world has to offer! 

So you have heard of Green Gas, but what actually is it? Allow us to enlighten you on the subject of Airsoft Green Gas, what it is and the differences between different Airsoft gas types! 

You may have seen the term "Bullpup" used in relation to guns, be it Airsoft or real steel. But what is a Bullpup, and what are the advantages of using one over a conventional rifle like an M4? Read on to find out what the deal is with Bullpup rifles, and to check out a selection of our favourite bullpup Airsoft rifles available right now! Backwards rifles ARE cool, and we are here to prove it! 

Welcome to the latest video in the Patrol Base Airsoft Beginners' Guide collection, this time featuring Patrol Base Stu who is here to talk to us about a subject which will affect every single Airsoft player: Eye Protection.

One of the unfortunate things about a multi-faceted hobby such as Airsoft Skirmishing is the sheer volume of knowledge needed to make the right choices, both in purchasing gear and in the heat of battle! For a crash course, check out this Beginners' Guide on what you need to know, and only what you NEED to know to get started with Airsoft!

Just invested in a nice Gas-powered replica? If you want to keep it running for a lifetime, check out this article. With minimum effort and time, you can avoid many of the costly beginner mistakes and keep that box-fresh performance! 

Tired of all the disinformation and Airsoft 'experts' out there who chat pure rubbish? Been put off buying an AEG because someone said airsoft snipers shoot further? Allow us to set the record straight.

This latest new player video features Patrol Base Pete and Patrol Base Mike, who are here to discuss one of the most important topics to anyone who owns a Gas powered Airsoft replica: The differences between all the main Airsoft Gas Types.

What is the Gate Titan? The Gate Titan is a drop in MOSFET designed for Version 2 Gearbox, which are typically seen in M4 Variant Rifles. It adds a wide variety

If you are looking for ways to improve your trigger response and rate of fire, the Gate ASTER™ MOSFET can do both, and plenty more to boot! Join us as we discuss the Gate ASTER™ and its capabilities, and check out some AEGs with the ASTER™ pre-installed! 

Version this Version that, but what does it all mean? In this Beginners Guide we go through each of the most common gearbox versions, their parts compatibility, how they differ, and which AEG rifles they can be found inside. 

As things get chilly here in the UK many Airsofters will be taking out their CO2 mags or CO2-powered pistols to more effectively handle the colder temperatures of winter. CO2 is a great option for Airsofters at this time of year, but using CO2 without damaging your gun requires some careful maintenance and vigilance. Join us as we drop some tips on how to keep your CO2 powered Airsoft pistol healthy in the long term! 

Terminology in Airsoft presents a significant learning curve, leaving many new players struggling with what to call certain parts of their Airsoft AEG. In this series, we present a walkaround of the most common platforms Skirmishers choose to use and explain in plain English the function of each external part and the most prevalent terms for it. 

High Operation Power UP - That's its name, but how does it work? In this article we outline how a HOP unit works, the major parts it comprises of and how best to use this physics-defying miracle device to ensure your Airsoft gun is shooting its best! 

The M4 platform; The bread and butter of the Airsoft Skirmisher. Following on from our M4 Live Stream, this article will take you all through the M4 platform in the real world, Airsoft, and the selected M4 AEGs Stu showed off on the stream. Join us as we give you the low down on the most adaptable and modular platform available in the Airsoft world!

So you're new to Airsoft! You want to get stuck in but you're not sure were to begin? Not to worry! From your first rifle to your first Skirmish, we got you covered! 

First skirmish booked? Feeling that excitement and adrenaline already? Maybe you're nervous about what to expect? Have a quick skim through our guide to alleviate any concerns and remind you not to forget anything!

Gearbox, Motor, Piston, Cylinder!?  We get it, there's a whole bunch of jargon surrounding Electric Airsoft Guns, but we're here to help you understand what an AEG is and how to choose one that best suits you and your playstyle.

For those who prefer the old way, and are happy to continue using NiMH batteries in a LiPo dominated world, you may be wondering how long you need to charge your battery to have it topped up to the brim. Find the answer in this Beginners Guide from Patrol Base!

Airsoft Gas is usually a popular choice because of the blowback feature, adding an extra level of realism for the player. Gas comes in three main types, Green Gas, CO2 and Propane.

When buying Airsoft BBs it can get confusing, with lots of different weights of BBs it can seem like a mammoth task, but once it has been broken down will get a lot easier.

When handling an Airsoft Gun it is important to be as safe as possible. Even though an Airsoft Gun is non-lethal, it should be treated like a real gun and should always be treated as if it were loaded. Join us for some important safety tips related to handling, transporting, storing and using your Airsoft Gun!

It might seem like a minefield with the many types of Airsoft magazine, each with their own features, but don't worry, in this article we're going to dive into what really is simple to explain.