Many people take their long Airsoft rifles on public transport to get to and from games held all over the country. The journey itself is not as important as the preparation prior to travel. A soft looking bag, unclear operator policies and forgotten check-in processes can cause so much stress before the first game briefing. Try to view your transport, storage and arrival at a game in one whole operation. Try to protect your replica and hide it from view. Confirm with the games field operators what processes they have in place for check-in. And, just to be sure, check the latest travel information before you set off.
Start with the journey, not the rifle
By choosing to go to a long airsoft rifle game by public transport you create for yourself a number of potential problems when traveling with your airsoft replica. Identifying these potential problems when planning your journey helps you choose the correct case. Are you traveling through a town center, do you change trains on the way? Are there a number of steps, do you have to cross busy platforms, are there long walks over rough surfaces.
The need to carry the long airsoft rifle, perhaps in an awkward case, through busy town centers, on and off crowded public transport, up and down stairs, may be the worst part of the journey for some players. Similarly, the risk of damage to the rifle, especially the exposed muzzle, scope, hop-up unit and stock, is increased by the need to open the case at busy stations etc. If you must open the case, try to do so in a safe and considerate manner and avoid drawing attention to yourself or your airsoft rifle.
Understand transport rules before traveling! Transport rules are often operator- or location-specific, and change from time to time. Before traveling, check the latest rules on items like replica firearms, luggage, concealation, and access. If in doubt about the wording of a rule or policy, ask the operator for clarification rather than relying on a message board post or other's methods.
Choose a case that stays discreet and protective
It should look like normal sports-equipment-luggage. So it needs to be tough enough to hold a fully-assembled airsoft replica for transport without it getting damaged. The best cases for this type of transport are made with protective padding inside the case to stop movement of the replica within the bag. Zipped closed securely when fully shut to stop things falling out when standing upright or on the floor.
Also make sure that the length of your long platform-style rifle is adequate to fit into the length of your softcase. The length of the stock, optic, bipod and other accessories that are fitted to the airsoft rifle can add up unexpectedly. This means that a long softcase that can only be closed by forcing the rifle into the case may result in damage to scopes, hop-up units, or stock parts on your airsoft rifle during transit.
Items such as batteries, tools, magazines and cleaning equipment can also be lost in transport and must be stowed safely in their case to prevent damage. To prevent such items from coming into contact with each other and causing damage it is also a good idea to use internal compartments or separate pouches within your softcase for such items.
Prepare the replica before it leaves home
Clear the rifle for transport. Make sure all mags are removed from the rifle and that the chamber and feed path are clear in accordance with normal usage of the rifle. Secure the safety in the off position where applicable. Storage of loose ammunition within the case can lead to accidents as it could leak or be damaged within the case.
Even the most durable of accessories can be damaged easily. Make sure to store delicate parts such as scopes, mock suppressors and bipods in padded storage within the case, where possible. This will ensure that in the unlikely event that the case is stood up or placed on the floor, such parts will not come to any harm.
Same with your eye protection. Ensure it is approved full-seal or your local field accepts it in a packed hard-sided or very padded section of your case to stop lens scratching. Consider bringing a spare strap or even some clothes to secure this but it is not necessary. Make sure the lenses are clean for your arrival check.
Confirm the field check-in process before travel day
The field's check-in rules are separate to transport rules. Make sure to read the latest player information for the event before you travel. You should find out where you will be unloading your equipment, whether it will be left cased in certain areas and what form of identification etc you will need to produce at the check-in desk. Remember that these rules can change so make sure to check with the latest information from the venue/organiser.
This message can save you from having to drag a large airsoft rifle with a closed case to somewhere where there is no obvious place to go. It is also wise to confirm the opening time for check-in as well as the payment/method of booking for the field. You should also find out if they have a designated area for storage of equipment for players before the field opens.
Follow the instructions given by the staff on arrival at the venue. Ensure that the equipment is still in good order and that the replica is still secured. The worst that can happen is that you are asked to remove part of the equipment but it is better to ask first and be shown to the safe area to break it up.
Make the public-transport leg uneventful
Make sure your case is shut and you have full control of it at all times on public transport. Avoid placing your case where people could trip over it and try to avoid leaving it unattended whilst purchasing tickets etc. If you have to put your case down ensure the handle/strap is within reach at all times and don't place it in a position where it could block an aisle, door etc.
Wear normal airsoft clothing instead of putting up a 'tactical' appearance. Make sure that any accessories such as magazines, tools etc. are stowed away inside the case instead of being left loose on the outside of it. Try to avoid drawing attention to yourself and other airsofters by avoiding anything that may look suspicious to non-airsofters.
Remember, even though you have the right to take your airsoft equipment on public transport, it is your responsibility to ensure that other members of the public are not unduly distressed or alarmed by your presence. If asked by a member of staff or authority about your case, advise them and act accordingly. If the journey becomes impractical due to a rule or a problem with your case, then it is better to seek advice and cancel your journey than to take a risk and potentially cause offense or an incident.
Use check-in as the final safety gate
At the field make sure the case is closed until you reach the field's check-in/safe handling area. Let staff know what you have in the case and follow their instructions as to what documents they require to verify your equipment. Remember that each field has its own list of rules to follow for things such as chronograph checks, the use of safe zones, magazines and eye protection. Make sure you follow the current briefing for your equipment.
Make sure that your eye protection is in good condition before entering the play area. This means that it should fit well, not have any cracks in it and that your field accepts the type of eye protection that you have chosen. Wear it at all times when playing airsoft and around other replicas that other players may be using. Do not test-fire, dry-fire or make any adjustments to your rifle in public approaches, car parks or on public transport stops.
Equipping yourself with a simple and discreet case, checking the route in advance and following the required check-in process at the airsoft field all contribute to a smooth journey for you and your replica air rifle.
