Funny how they rolled “compressed air” into that one, when the internals of a compressed air airsoft gun aren’t one bit related to the internals of a gas or CO2 airsoft gun. Mine is an all-electric M4A1 that shoots at a mere fraction of the joules and FPS of a real gun, and would fore sure blow to smithereens if it was modified to fire a real explosive bullet.
It’s more about what a previous poster said, kids getting tactical experience. I don’t see them going after paintball guns like this. Perhaps it’s because paintball is more “motocross flashy” and airsoft is more tactical mil-sim.
Some truth to this
My son, a former 0311 (Grunt, one each) ‘plays’ on an airsoft team - 2 0311s, several 11Bs and a couple of NG guys whith UNK MOS.
They seem to ‘win’ a lot.
BTW, all are Iraq combat vets with multiple tours. Son tells me he enjoys the exercise and friendship with the team.
I understand this is not uncomon in other areas of the US.