ASTM F2748-08
(Specification)Standard Specification for Low Energy Air Guns (Less Than 1 Joule)
Standard Specification for Low Energy Air Guns (Less Than 1 Joule)
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers low energy air guns which propel a projectile by means of 1 joule or less of energy released by compressed air, compressed CO2, mechanical springs, battery or a combination thereof, used in the sport commonly called airsoft or air soft, and is to be used in conjunction with Specification F 2654.
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the following types of products: Non-powder guns as specifically defined in Consumer Safety Specification F 589 and which are commonly referred to as BB or pellet guns; paintball markers as specifically defined in Specification F 2272; low energy air guns which propel a projectile by energy of over 1 joule or use gas propulsion other than CO2; toy products; and non-recreational air guns, for example, those used by law enforcement, scientific, military, industrial, or theatrical entities.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation:F2748 −08 AnAmerican National Standard
Standard Specification for
Low Energy Air Guns (Less Than 1 Joule)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2748; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
To perform as intended, a low energy air gun requires a level of power which, if misused, can cause
serious injury. This specification is intended to reduce the hazards associated with low energy air gun
use. This specification cannot control careless use or eliminate all hazards of misuse. Terminology is
standardized in this specification, so that conforming products will be identified in the same manner,
and critical dimensions are standardized to assure safe interchangeability of projectiles in all
conforming low energy air guns. Product performance hazards are identified and requirements are
established to minimize these hazards. This specification is written within the current state-of-the-art
of low energy air gun technology. The intent is to revise this specification whenever substantive
information becomes available which justifies revising existing requirements or adding new
requirements.
1. Scope priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This specification covers low energy air guns which
propel a projectile by means of 1 joule or less of energy
2. Referenced Documents
released by compressed air, compressed CO , mechanical
2.1 ASTM Standards:
springs, battery or a combination thereof, used in the sport
F589 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Guns
commonly called airsoft or air soft, and is to be used in
F2272 Specification for Paintball Markers
conjunction with Specification F2654.
F2654 SpecificationforLowEnergyAirGun(LEAG)Warn-
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the fol-
ings
lowing types of products: Non-powder guns as specifically
F2679 Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Low
defined in Consumer Safety Specification F589 and which are
Energy Air Guns
commonly referred to as BB or pellet guns; paintball markers
2.2 Code of Federal Regulations:
as specifically defined in Specification F2272; low energy air
15 CFR 1150 Marking of Toy, Look-Alike and Imitation
guns which propel a projectile by energy of over 1 joule or use
Firearms
gas propulsion other than CO ; toy products; and non-
recreational air guns, for example, those used by law
3. Terminology
enforcement, scientific, military, industrial, or theatrical enti-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ties.
3.1.1 backstop, n—object intended to stop a low energy air
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
gun projectile.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.2 barrel, n—thatportionofalowenergyairgunthrough
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
which the projectile is discharged.
and are not considered standard.
3.1.3 cocking, v—action that allows the user to store manual
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
energy.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F08 on Sports Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of the ASTM website.
Subcommittee F08.27 on Airsoft. AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. DOI: 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
10.1520/F2748-08. www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2748−08
3.1.4 hammer, n—device which, when released, discharges 3.1.18 standard ambient temperature and pressure (SATP),
the stored energy. n—used to describe a substance at the pressure of 1 bar
(1.01325 atmospheres, 750 mm Hg, 14.5 psi, 100 kPa) and a
3.1.5 hop-up, n—devicethatchangesthespinonaprojectile
temperature of 25°C (77°F).
to affect its trajectory.
3.1.19 target, n—object at which the low energy air gun is
3.1.6 low energy air gun (LEAG), n—commonly referred to
discharged.
as airsoft gun or air soft gun, a device specifically designed to
3.1.20 trigger, n—device operated by the user to discharge a
expel a low energy air gun projectile, by the release of energy
by compressed air, compressed CO , mechanical springs, low energy air gun.
battery, or a combination thereof, at an energy level at 1.0 joule
3.1.21 trigger guard, n—rigid, firmly attached component
or lower.
that must totally enclose the trigger area and be wider than the
trigger.
3.1.7 magazine, n—device used in a low energy air gun to
store projectiles. 3.1.21.1 Discussion—There can be no more than 38 mm
(1.5 in.)ofspacefromanypointonthefaceofthetriggertothe
3.1.8 projectile (LEAG projectile), n—spherical, commonly
trigger guard, and no more than 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the
6 mm (.24 cal), non-metallic and non-liquid filled projectile to
lowest point of the trigger to the trigger guard. All measure-
be used in a low energy air gun, as specifically referred to in
ments under this rule are to be taken after excluding any
Specification F2679.
removable attachments to the trigger.
3.1.9 propulsion system, combination, n—propulsion sys-
3.1.22 trigger pull, n—force required to move the trigger
tem in which a combination of spring, spring-piston,
from its start or recycle/reset position to a position that
pneumatic, or gas systems can be used to provide the energy to
discharges the low energy air gun.
propel the projectile.
4. Significance and Use
3.1.10 propulsion system, electronic, n—propulsion system
in which an electronic system is used to provide the energy to
4.1 This specification establishes performance requirements
propel the projectile.
and test methods for low energy air guns.
3.1.11 propulsion system, gas, n—propulsion system in
5. Conformance
which a gas system, including CO , is used to provide the
energytopropeltheprojectile.CO propulsionsystemisatype
5.1 Low energy air guns shall not, either by label or other
of gas propulsion system.
means, indicate conformance with this specification unless, at
the time of manufacture, they conform with all applicable
3.1.12 propulsion system, spring-piston (also known as
requirements contained herein.
spring-air), n—propulsion system in which the projectile is
propelled by air pressure that is created by a piston moved by
6. General Requirements
a spring.
6.1 Literature—Each low energy air gun shall include the
3.1.13 propulsion system, pneumatic, n—propulsion system
product literature as specified in Specification F2654.
in which compressed air is stored under pressure and, when
6.2 Packaging—The packaging of each low energy air gun
released, provides the energy to propel the projectile.
shall comply, as applicable, with Specification F2654.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—A pneumatic low energy air gun nor-
mally has a pump system to provide the compressed air.
6.3 Product Marking—Low energy air guns shall be marked
in accordance with Specification F2654.
3.1.14 propulsion system, pre-charged pneumatic,
n—propulsion system in which the energy is provided by
6.4 Finish—The exposed edges of all low energy air guns
compressed gas, normally compressed air, stored in a refillable
shall be smooth and free of sharp edges, burrs, and splinters.
cylinder charged by an external source.
6.5 Shipping:
3.1.14.1 Discussion—The release of the compressed gas
6.5.1 Each low energy air gun shall be shipped in an
provides the energy to propel the projectile.
unloaded, uncharged, and uncocked condition.
3.1.15 pumping mechanism (pneumatic gun),
6.5.2 All low energy air guns must shoot at an energy level
n—mechanical device used to compress air.
under 1.0 joules at the time of shipment at SATP.
3.1.16 range, n—maximumdistancetowhichanobjectmay
6.6 Design:
be propelled, whether limited by energy or an obstacle.
6.6.1 All low energy air guns with an exposed trigger shall
3.1.17 safety device, n—device which, when activated, dis- have a trigger guard.
ables a part of the low energy air gun, usually the trigger, to
6.6.2 It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to deter-
prevent unintentional discharges and must be released to allow mine whether federal markings are required on its low energy
thelowenergyairguntobedischargedbythemovementofthe
air guns and to follow all applicable regulations (see 15 CFR
trigger. 1150).
3.1.17.1 Discussion—Thedeviceissometimesreferredtoas
7. Performance Requirements
the “safety,” “safety button,” or “safety lever.” An electronic
on/off switch is considered a safety device when placing it in 7.1 Low Energy Air Gun Function—Cocking, pumping,
the “off” position renders the low energy air gun inoperable. loading, or charging of a low energy air gun shall not cause the
F2748−08
low energy air gun to discharge except in accordance with the 8.2.2.2 Projectiles conforming to Specification F2679 and
manufacturer’s instructions. This does not limit the use of manufacturer’s recommended propellants.
“auto-triggers.”
8.2.2.3 Appropriate back stop.
8.2.3 Test Specimen—The test specimen shall consist of a
7.2 Safety Device—Safety devices shall be provided on all
new low energy air gun, selected in accordance with the
low energy air guns and all such devices can be activated
manufacturer’s usual quality assurance practices.
whether or not the low energy air gun is cocked. All such
8.2.4 Procedure:
devicesshallbeclearlymarkedtoindicatethe“safe”and“fire”
8.2.4.1 Conductthetestatroomtemperature(60to80°F(16
or “on” and “off” positions, or an indicator on the safety device
to 27°C)).
which exposes both a red color and a groove when the low
8.2.4.2 Insert the manufacturer’s recommended propellant
energy air gun is in the “fire position.” All such devices shall
(if required) and load the projectile magazine or chamber of a
be capable of preventing the low energy air guns from being
low energy air gun to capacity.
discharged when a weight of 9.1 kg (20 lb) is applied to the
8.2.4.3 Operate the low energy air gun in accordance with
trigger. Tests shall be conducted in accordance with 8.3.
themanufacturer’sinstructions.Testfirethelowenergyairgun
7.3 Accidental Discharge—Low energy air guns should not
until all the projectiles have been discharged. Reload the low
accidentally discharge when exposed to a drop in accordance
energy air gun, if required, and continue to fire until a
with 8.4.
minimum of 100 projectiles have been discharged.
7.4 Trigger Mechanism—The weight applied to the trigger
8.2.4.4 If a low energy air gun has variable functions
necessary to fire a low energy air gun shall be more than 1 6
(power, hop-up, mode, etc.) test the low energy air gun with at
0.05 lb (0.45 6 0.09 kg) weight and less than 16 6 0.20 lb (7.3
least10projectilesforeachofthepossiblecombinationofsuch
6 0.09 kg). Tests shall be conducted in accordance with 8.5.
variables.
8.2.4.5 The low energy air gun passes the test if no
7.5 Barrel Diameter Size—The barrel diameter (excluding
discharge of a projectile occurred except in accordance with
hop-up mechanism) of a low energy air gun must be no less
manufacturer’s instructions.
than the maximum size of projectile designed for that low
energy air gun (for example, 6 mm for a low energy air gun
8.3 Safety Device Test:
which will shoot 6 mm projectiles).
8.3.1 Significance—This method determines if the safety
device will withstand a 9.1 kg (20 lb) applied weight without
7.6 Structural Integrity Requirement for Low Energy Air
failure, causing the low energy air gun to discharge.
Guns Using CO Propulsion Systems—Low energy air guns
8.3.2 Apparatus—A trigger weight system having a 9.1 6
using CO propulsion systems shall be constructed to prevent
0.02 kg (20 6 0.05 lb) weight. Arrange the weight system so
the full or partially filled CO cylinder from being propelled
that the weight can be picked up by the trigger of the low
from the gun while the cylinder is being emptied, installed, or
energy air gun with the low energy air gun in a vertical
removed.
position, muzzle up. (Aspring gauge, capable of measuring the
7.7 Temperature Test for Low Energy Air Guns Using CO
trigger force, can be used instead of weight system.)
Propulsion Systems—Low energy air guns using CO gas
8.3.3 Test Specimen—The test specimen shall consist of a
propulsion systems shall be capable of retaining the CO and
new low energy air gun, selected in accordance with the
the cylinder in a pierced state when both are heated to a
manufacturer’s usual quality assurance practices.
temperature of 160 6 5°F (71 6 2.7°C) and maintained for ⁄2
8.3.4 Procedure:
h without structural failure of the low energy air gun. Tests
8.3.4.1 Conduct the test at SATP.
shallbeconductedinaccordancewith8.6.Sealfailurebetween
8.3.4.2 Conduct all tests without projectiles in the low
the low energy air gun and cylinder is acceptable.
energy air gun.
7.8 Muzzle Energy—Low energy air guns shall have a
8.3.4.3 Place safety device in “safe” position or the elec-
muzzle energy of 1.0 joule or less. Tests shall be conducted in
tronic switch in the “off” position.
accordance with 8.8.
8.3.4.4 Apply a 9.1 kg (20 lb) load at the center point of the
trigger for 20 s with the load applied to the center of the face
8. Test Methods
of the trigger and remove the load.
8.1 No precision statement on any of the following test 8.3.4.5 Put safety device in the “fire” position or the
methods is available at this time.
electronic switch in the “on” position. The low energy air gun
must not discharge as the safety is disengaged.
8.2 Low Energy Air Gun Function Test:
8.3.4.6 Test the low energy air gun for proper trigger and
8.2.1 Significance—This method is performed to ensure that
safety device action.
the low energy air gun, when operated in accordance with the
8.3.4.7 The low energy air gun passes the test if it with-
manufacturer’s operating instructions, will not discharge ex-
stands the load applied without causing it to discharge during
cept in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions during
the application of the load and does not di
...
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