This wont hurt, I promise!!

That’s what the latest craze in combat simulation is described as being. Military Simulation, or MilSim, as it is commonly referred is making paintball enthusiasts run for cover, becoming the leading live-action, role-playing combat game in the United States.

Similar to Paintball, in which players eliminate foes by hitting them with non-lethal projectiles, MilSim players use Airsoft guns which propel plastic BBs.

“A lot of 14, 15 and 16 year old kids are getting into the airsoft. These are kids who have already shot guns with their dads and have experience with guns. People who are into the airsoft guns are more into the tactical side of the games. A lot of the players are former military too,” said Matt Garza, employee of the Green Beret in McAllen.

While paintball has gained more notoriety in recent past in the United States, in parts of Europe airsoft is king of the MilSim world.

“About a year ago is when we noticed that airsoft was becoming more popular in the Valley. We actually thought airsoft was going to hit and paintball was going to disappear. We have been noticing a trend towards airsoft though,” added Garza.

So which is better airsoft or paintball?