Answers to COmmon QUESTIONS
Opening Times & PAYMENT
What Hours do you Open?
We are open 4 days a week.
Thursdays and Friday – 10am to 10pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 10am to 6pm
What Type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash and take all major credit/debit cards as well as PayPal payments, Apple, Android and Sumsung Pay.
PayPal payments should be sent to: paypal@hockley-airsoft-arena.com
WHAT TIMES AND WHEN ARE THE SKIRMISHES?
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 7pm-10pm
What is the cost of a skirmish and when do i pay?
Skirmishes can be paid for either online or over the phone.
Skirmishes are £25.00
Members: £20.00 (Please book by phone or in person)
why is my payment non-refundable?
Skirmishes are classed as events and require payment in advance. Under consumer rights laws we are entitled to refuse a refund if someone does not attend an event for whatever reason.
Places are limited and often our skirmish events are fully booked with a waiting list. If you cancel and we are able to fill you place then we may, at the discretion of the management, offer a refund.
We are happy for you to transfer your ticket to another player. It is up to you to arrange them paying you though.
We will refund if the event is cancelled by us.
WHAT TIME AND WHEN IS PRACTICAL PISTOL?
Practical pistol is on Thursday evenings 7pm-10pm.
WHAT TIMES AND WHEN DO THE TEAM MEET?
The team meets on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening. For further information please call 01702 202318 and ask to speak to either Ben or Albert.
DO YOU HAVE A SHOOTING RANGE?
Yes, we have a number of shooting points:
4 x 10 metre firing points – £10.00 1st person – £5.00 for second
1 x 20 metre firing points – £10.00 1st person – £5.00 for second
AIRSOFT
What is Airsoft?
Airsoft is similar to paintball but without the paint. Airsoft guns are more realistic, many are 1:1 replicas of the original real steel version. They shoot 6mm plastic or biodegradable balls called BBs. No paint means the sport requires honour and integrity. Call your shots when you’re hit and enjoy the games.
Airsoft is played all over the country and the world at many outdoor and indoor sites and enjoyed by thousands of regular players. It means different things to different people. Some take it extremely seriously, enjoying realistic military simulations and reenactments of historical battles. They dress in accurately copied, (sometimes genuine) clothing and use replica weapons from the period. They limit ammunition, supplies and games are restricted to be as true to the actual historical event as is possible. Others are serious about their weapons and kit trying to get the right authentic look. Some aren’t worried about dressing the part or what weapons they have, they just want to get out and have a blast.
Airsoft sites across the country have teams of staff working tirelessly to bring to you a huge variety of game scenarios and fun packed days. Enjoy playing and working as a team, whether you’re a sniper or up the front with you’re pistol and assault rifle, get out their, make friends and unwind.
Speedsoft is a newer type of airsoft, very popular with younger players, especially in the US.
Practical airsoft shooting and target shooting encompasses all ages young and the young at heart.
Airsoft is played indoors and outdoors, in woodland, fields, old buildings and bunkers. The variey and fun is endless and you’re never too old to give it a go.
WHAT IS A CQB SKIRMISH?
CQB is short for Close Quarters Battle. We have a purpose built indoor CQB area which, whilst not massive works amazingly well and is enjoyed and played by hundreds of players each year.
PRACTICAL PISTOL
What is PRACTICAL PISTOL?
Practical pistol shooting is a sport where the winner has the best time versus the highest accuracy of the other competitors. A course can be made up of static, moving and reactive target types which the competitor is required to engage in a set manner. The sport is still run with the highest possible standards of safety, even though we now use imitation firearms, namely gas blowback and Co2 pistols, we still treat this equipment as though it were the real thing. This allows our shooters to be capable of competing and shooting anywhere in the world as they already possess the safety abilities required.
Practical Pistol/ Rifle is held every Thursday 7pm-10pm and costs £20.00 per head.
We have a different course every month and a top 12 leader-board for everyone to try to get to the top of.
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Do I require any equipment to start practical Pistol?
When you first attend Practical Pistol there is no need to have any of your own equipment. You may hire a weapon for £5.00. Once you’ve been a few times and decided to commit to shooting, then we are happy to discuss and advise upon your first purchase.
Site INFo
What is the site fps?
All nights are now: 330fps.
All guns need to be chronographed before playing.
What happens if my gun Is over the fps?
Guns over the fps limit are not allowed in the arena.
WHAT ARE THE AGE RESTRICTIONS?
Skirmishes are 12 years and above. There is no maximum age.
The shooting range is 8 years and above
DO I HAVE TO SIGN A CONSENT FORM?
Yes. You will be require to sign a consent declaration form which details site rules, asks you to declare any medical information and that you are fit to play. You will also be required to agree to us retaining your information for insurance details and provide a next of kin, in case we need to contact someone.
Players under 18 need parental/guardian permission.
DO YOU HAVE A SHOP ON SITE?
There is a well stocked shop next to the CQB site run by MPA Enterprises Ltd. This is open Thursday and Fridays 10am-10pm Saturday and Sundays 10am-10pm.
Is there a Shooting range?
MPA Defence Industries Ltd run a shooting range next to the arena.
The age limit is 8 years and above.
To book a shooting lane please book here.
There are a variety of rifles and pistols available to hire. For further information please go to: MPA Defence Industries Ltd
iS THERE A FIRST AIDER AND FACILITIES ON SITE?
Yes. There is always someone first aid trained on site, with the facilities to treat minor injuries.
DO YOU HAVE A TECH ON SITE?
MPA Defence Industries Ltd provide all our technical support. Currently they are available for repairs Thursday & Friday 2pm-10pm & Saturday & Sunday 10m-10pm.
MPA Defence Industries Contact Number: 01702 930 169
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE SPECIFICALLY COVERING AIRSOFT GAMING?
We have full public liability and employers liability insurance.
DO you ALLOW FOOD AND DRINK & CAN I BUY ANY?
We allow food and drink in the reception area but not in the arena. No food and drink is allowed in the shop run by MPA Enterprises Ltd. We sell tea, coffee, soft drinks, crisps and chocolate. the Milkshakes are probably the best milkshakes in airsoft.
hOW MANY OF MY OWN GUNS can i bring and use?
As many as you wish. We have no restrictions on the number of guns a person brings. as long as they are a maximum of 330fps on all skirmishes.
ARE THERE ANY WEAPON YOU DON'T ALLOW?
Yes. Due to the ability to slam fire and the resulting damage and complaints this instigates from other players we have had to say no to gas shotguns and breachers.
We are not allowed anything which is pyro based as this is forbidden by the firebrigade as an unacceptable risk.
We do not allow the Airsoft Innovations 40 Mike.
WHAT GRENADES CAN I USE & where can i use them?
CO2 and gas grenades are accepted. Ones which emit a bang, either with or without BBs work the best. Grenades which just spray bbs tend not to work as well within the arena.
WHAT BBS DO YOU ALLOW?
We ask that people use biodegradable where possible please.
WHAT TYPE OF EYE PRO DO YOU ALLOW?
Eye pro is restricted under our insurance.
We only allow goggles which fit close to the face with no gaping to allow a bb to enter.
We do not allow shooting glasses for skirmishes as it is possible for bbs to get under the glasses and hit a players eye. (This has happened!!)
We do not allow mesh glasses as it is possible with the short distances in the arena bbs can shatter and go through the mesh. Mesh Goggles are permitted for over 18s, however we do not recommend using them.
I AM UNDER 18 CAN I WEAR MESH LOWER AND GOGGLES?
Under 18s must cover the whole of their face. As long as the goggles and mesh mask fit close together and a scarf and helmet is worn to cover the forehead and neck this is OK.
WHAT ARE THE RULES ON SHOOTING?
- No fully auto.
- Ricochets don’t count.
- Hits to guns do count.
- Do not deliberately aim at the back of someone’s head.
I CAn I have bare arms and legs?
If you are 18 or over you may sign a waiver form to enable you to play in bare arms and/or legs. Under 18 must cover arms and legs.
UKARA
WHO OR WHAT IS UKARA?
The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) was formed in response to the 2006 Violent Crime Reduction bill to enable a safe method of selling Realistic Imitation Firearms (RiF’s) to the UK Airsoft player market by confirming the eligibility of purchasers.
ARE YOU A REGISTERED UKARA SITE?
Yes.
IS THERE AN AIRSOFT LICENCE?
No.
Airsoft Licences DO NOT exist. You are required by law to have a legal defence to purchase a RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm). Having a membership to an airsoft club/site is a legal defence.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON THE UKARA DATABASE?
No. It is completely optional, although it does make purchasing RIFs online much easier from many different sites.
ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO UKARA?
Yes.
The British Airsoft Club (BAC)
ARE YOU A REGISTERED UKARA SITE?
Yes.
We are also a registered BAC site.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON THE UKARA DATABASE TO PLAY AIRSOFT?
No.
You do not need to be a member of any organization to play airsoft. You can book in and turn up to many different games at many different sites across the UK and abroad.
WHAT IS A RIF?
A RIF is a Realistic Imitation Firearm.
Section 38 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act provides the following definition:
38 Meaning of “realistic imitation firearm”
(1)In sections 36 and 37 “realistic imitation firearm” means an imitation firearm which—
(a)has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm; and
(b)is neither a de-activated firearm nor itself an antique.
(2)For the purposes of this section, an imitation firearm is not (except by virtue of subsection (3)(b)) to be regarded as distinguishable from a real firearm for any practical purpose if it could be so distinguished only—
(a)by an expert;
(b)on a close examination; or
(c)as a result of an attempt to load or to fire it.
AIRSOFT NEWBIES
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
You will need to bring all your own weapons and safety equipment. We advise people wear baggy clothing with long sleeves and long trousers and wear a pair of gloves as your hands are exposed.
DO I HAVE ANY FORMS TO SIGN?
Yes.
On your first visit you are required to sign a consent form. On this form you declare that you will abide by our rules and that you are fit to participate in airsoft skirmishes. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as hearing loss requiring aids, asthma and epilepsy which may be exacerbated by the game play please declare this to us.
I HAVE NO EQUIPMENT OR GEAR IS THAT OK?
Due to covid we are currently unable to hire any weapons
HOW MUCH IS GUN HIRE?
£10.00
WHAT GUN DO I GET WHEN I HIRE?
We currently hire M4 rifles
WHY CAN'T I HIRE A PISTOL FOR THE SKIRMISH?
Due to the excessive breakages we have experienced over the years we have sadly found that pistol hire for skirmishes is not cost effective.
HOW MUCH ARE EXTRA BBS?
You are required to provide your own BBs. These can be purchased in the shop.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HIT SOMEONE?
When you are hit you put your hand up. So hopefully, when you hit someone they will put their hand up. If you believe you are hitting someone and they are not taking their hits then please talk to one of our marshals who will have a chat with them.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM HIT BY A BB?
Airsoft is an honour based game. When you are hit you are expected to raise your hand to indicate that you are out of play.