Airsoft Hits Rexburg Harder Than Swine Flu

Ever wish to settle a rivalry or get back at your roommates?  I mean it’s not like you can shoot them.  Or can you?  However, that may not be what was on Jace Harmer’s mind when he opened his store last fall.  Next door to the bike shop on main, is a store called Weapon Blender.  What do they sell?  Airsoft.  It’s like paintball, but more realistic.

Back in the 70’s when it was illegal to own a gun in Japan, They made realistic toy guns that fired plastic rounds, and by the 90’s, the toys hit the USA.  Primitive in construction, and weak compared to BB guns, they didn’t sell.  Thanks to lower prices and new tech by the 2,000’s, sales exploded in the US, and a new sport was created, 

Not only do airsoft guns look real, but they are now more accurate, and less expensive than paintball.  Most of them are electric, and run on metal gear boxes.  Surprisingly, they shoot faster than your standard gas paintball gun of similar price.  One of the highlights of the sport is that airsoft BBs won’t hurt near as much as paintballs do. 

There are also unlimited grades and possibilities for almost every rifle.  I have a full metal M4 with grades that allow it to shoot 15 rounds per second, and nail a target at over 150 feet.  There are also gas pistols for as low as $60 that feature blowback, giving a nice hard kick every time you fire, and the best part is, none of these have to be cocked for each shot.

Every Saturday, people meet at weapon blender, and then carpool to one of three disclosed locations.  They play games like capture the flag, snowball and a slew of other games for a few hours.  I started playing with them this January, and only a dozen people would show.  Today, that number has more than doubled, and as many as 45 people have played.  Many players go all out.  They wear camo, and carry all types of gear, including 2 way radios for communication.  To help coordinate times, a facebook gro called “those who hang out at weapon blender in Rexburg” was created.  You can also stop in the store and ask.

To get started, you can get an automatic rifle that’s strong enough to penetrate an empty soda can at 15 feet, fires 9 rounds a second, get 4,000 rounds of BBs, and eye protection, all for less than $130 bucks.

So if you’re looking for some mil-sim games, a way to settle a score, just have some plain old fun, or maybe you just feel like trying something new, you have the sport of at least 25 locals to play with.  Don’t have money for a gun?  Rent one for 10 bucks and play anyways.  Be careful though, you might get hooked.

If you own a gun and you keep it in your apartment, shame on you.  However,  Weapon Blender may have a place to store your guns.  Weapon Blender is owned and operated by Jace Harmer, and Alan Clawson, also assisted by Ben Seare.  They are located on Main Street across the street from the plasma center, right next to sticks and stones.

Jared Smith

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