If you’ve played airsoft for a while, you’ve probably heard of burning a patch. But what does it mean, and how do you do it? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your questions about burning a patch in airsoft and provide tips and techniques for doing it safely and efficiently. So, let’s get started!
What is Burning a Patch in Airsoft?
At its core, burning a patch is a technique used in airsoft to increase the range and accuracy of your shots. It involves using a patch of cloth or felt to cover the barrel of your gun. This patch helps to trap air and provide a better seal for the BBs, resulting in improved accuracy and range.
It’s important to note that burning a patch is not the same as barrel-blocking or barrel-bushing. In barrel-blocking, you use a piece of foam or plastic to cover the barrel and provide extra support for the BBs. Barrel-bushing is when you add a sleeve to the barrel to reduce the barrel’s diameter and air turbulence.
Burning a patch is a more advanced technique that requires you to use a patch of cloth or felt. This patch is designed to improve the air seal around the BBs and increase their range and accuracy.
The term “burning a patch” comes from the fact that the patch is sometimes heated before being applied to the barrel. This helps to improve the air seal and increase the range and accuracy of your shots.
Rules and Regulations Surrounding Burning a Patch
Before you start burning a patch, it’s essential to make sure you’re familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding this type of airsoft tactic. Most airsoft fields will not allow a heated patch, as it can be dangerous and lead to injury.
It’s also essential to ensure that the patch you use is made from a safe material for airsoft guns. Some materials, such as metal, can cause damage to the gun or the BBs. It’s best to use a patch made from cloth or felt.
Finally, you should always follow the rules and regulations of your airsoft field. Some fields may have specific rules about burning a patch, so checking with the field before you start is essential.
Common Misconceptions about Burning a Patch
When it comes to burning a patch, some common misconceptions can lead to confusion or even unsafe practices. It’s important to dispel these myths to ensure you’re using the proper techniques and safety measures when burning a patch.
First, some people believe that burning a patch will increase the power of their gun. This is not true. Burning a patch does not increase the power of your gun; it only increases the accuracy and range of your shots.
Second, some people believe the patch must be heated to be effective. This is also not true. While heating the patch can help to improve the air seal and increase the range and accuracy of your shots, it is not necessary.
Finally, some people believe that burning a patch is illegal in airsoft. This is false. As long as you follow the rules and regulations of your airsoft field, burning a patch is perfectly legal.
Benefits of Burning a Patch
Now that you know the basics of burning a patch, let’s take a look at the benefits it can provide. The most obvious benefit is an increase in range and accuracy. Burning a patch helps trap air around the BBs, reducing air turbulence and providing a more consistent flight path. This can result in increased accuracy and range.
Burning a patch can also help to reduce the spread of your shots. This can be especially helpful for snipers, as it can help increase their shots’ accuracy. This can also help to reduce the chance of injury, as the BBs won’t be flying all over the place.
Finally, burning a patch can help reduce your airsoft gun’s noise. The patch helps to trap air, which can muffle the sound of your shots. This can be beneficial if you’re trying to stay stealthy or playing in a quiet area.
Types of Patches Used for Burning
Now that you know the benefits of burning a patch, let’s look at the commonly used patch types. The most common type of patch is a cloth or felt patch. These types of patches are relatively cheap and easy to find. They are also safe to use on airsoft guns.
You can also find patches made from rubber or silicone. These patches are more expensive, but they can provide a better air seal and increase your shots’ range and accuracy.
Finally, some airsoft players opt to use a patch made from metal. While these patches are durable and provide a good air seal, they can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Tips for Burning a Patch Safely
Now that you know the types of patches that can be used for burning, let’s look at some tips for doing it safely. The first tip is to ensure you’re following your airsoft field’s rules and regulations. Some fields may have specific rules about burning a patch, so checking with the field before you start is essential.
It’s also essential to make sure you’re using the proper patch. As mentioned above, it’s best to use a patch made from cloth or felt. Avoid using patches made from metal, as they can be dangerous.
Finally, it’s essential to ensure you’re using the proper technique. Ensure you’re using the proper technique when burning a patch, as improper technique can lead to injury or damage to the gun.
Patch Burning Techniques
Now that you know the basics of burning a patch, let’s look at some patch-burning techniques. The most common technique is to heat the patch with a heat gun or blowtorch. This helps to improve the air seal and increase the range and accuracy of your shots.
You can also use a technique called “dampening.” This involves dampening the patch with water before placing it on the barrel. This helps to create a better air seal and improve the accuracy and range of your shots.
Finally, you can use a technique called “stretching.” This involves stretching the patch before placing it on the barrel. This helps to create a tighter air seal and improve the accuracy and range of your shots.
Patch Burning Accessories
In addition to the patch itself, a few accessories can help you burn a patch safely and efficiently. The first accessory is a heat gun or blowtorch. This can heat the patch before placing it on the barrel.
You can also use a dampening cloth to dampen the patch before placing it on the barrel. This helps to create a better air seal and improve the accuracy and range of your shots.
Finally, you can use a patch stretching tool to help you stretch the patch before placing it on the barrel. This helps to create a tighter air seal and improve the accuracy and range of your shots.
Burning a Patch vs. Other Airsoft Tactics
Now that you know the basics of burning a patch, let’s look at how it compares to other airsoft tactics. Burning a patch can help increase your shots’ accuracy and range, but it’s not the only way to improve your airsoft skills.
Barrel-blocking and barrel-bushing are other techniques that can help improve your shots’ accuracy and range. However, these techniques provide a different accuracy and range than burning a patch.
Finally, it’s important to remember that burning a patch is not the only way to stay stealthy on the airsoft field. You can also use camouflage and other tactics to stay hidden from your opponents.
Conclusion
Burning a patch is a popular technique used in airsoft to improve the accuracy and range of your shots. It involves using a patch of cloth or felt to cover the barrel and trap air around the BBs. The patch can be heated to improve the air seal and increase the range and accuracy of your shots.
It’s essential to ensure you’re familiar with the rules and regulations of your airsoft field before burning a patch. It’s also essential to make sure you’re using the appropriate patch and technique. Finally, it’s important to remember that burning a patch is not the only way to improve your airsoft skills.
If you’re looking to increase the accuracy and range of your shots, burning a patch is worth trying. You can significantly improve your airsoft skills with the correct technique and patch. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start burning a patch today!
I am Kaylor Louis, an airsoft enthusiast who has written about this topic on AirsoftGunning and is considered one of the leading authority on the subject. My articles cover a variety of airsoft-related topics, including weapons, gear and tactics, product reviews, and tips to stay safe while playing. I’ve been in the sport since 1999 and love to share my knowledge with new entrants.
