Barrel The tube that guides the ammunition towards the target. The barrel holds the pellet straight and gives the gun its accuracy. The barrels of Airsoft guns are not rifled like most real fire arms, but they are smooth inside.

BB An acronym for ball bearing. The plastic ball bearing is the ammunition used by Airsoft guns. These small plastic spheres weigh less than a half gram each, roughly around .20 grams. The Airsoft BB pellets are usually 6mm in diameter, although 8mm BBs are also available for some airsoft guns.

BDU Is the name given to the clothing worn by Airsoft players during simulated military combat games. The traditional BDU is usually a green DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material), jacket, helmet, trousers, and boots.

Bearings Very similar to bushings, but contain moving parts. Bearings are usually used to replace the standard nylon bushings in the gearbox of an AEG (Automatic Electric Gun). As compared to the bushing which it replaces, the bearing will provide less friction and resistance causing more speed to take place in the gearbox.

Beretta Pietro Beretta (Italy). Manufacturer of pistols.

Blacks Type of BDU (Battle Dress Uniform). Blacks are usually worn for urban and night time skirmishing, being far less noticeable than regular green DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) clothing. Although the term “Blacks” is used to describe these BDUs, they are actually a dark shade of blue-grey.

BLK Acronym for Blowback

Bolt The handle that cocks, charges and reloads a gun. The bolt is part of most Airsoft rifles and SMGs (Sub-Machine Guns). The bolt is used to pull back the slide which is hidden inside the gun in order to load a fresh BB. The bolt is unnecessary on Airsoft guns when the slide is readily accessible such as on semi automatic pistols. Although AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns) have a bolt, they are entirely cosmetic in all but a few cases.