Gel blasters are becoming an increasingly popular hobby for people of all ages. These toy guns are similar in appearance to real firearms, but instead of using bullets, they shoot small, water-filled gel balls. In this article, we will provide a beginner’s guide to gel blasters, explaining what they are, how they work, and their history.
What are Gel Blasters?
Gel blasters are a type of toy gun that shoot gel balls. These balls are typically made from a water-absorbent polymer that expands when soaked in water. When fired from a gel blaster, the balls travel at a low velocity and disintegrate on impact, making them a safe alternative to traditional BB guns or airsoft guns.
How do Gel Blasters Work?
Gel blasters operate using a spring-loaded or electric motor mechanism to shoot gel balls. In spring-loaded models, the user must manually cock the gun before each shot. In electric models, a battery-operated motor powers the gun’s firing mechanism, allowing for more rapid and consistent firing.
To load a gel blaster, the user first soaks the gel balls in water for several hours until they have expanded to their maximum size. The user then loads the gel balls into the gun’s magazine, which is typically located in the grip of the gun. After loading the magazine, the user can fire the gun by pulling the trigger.
History of Gel Blasters
The history of gel blasters can be traced back to Japan in the early 1990s. In response to strict firearm laws, Japanese companies began developing toy guns that looked and felt like real firearms but fired non-lethal ammunition. These early models used compressed air to shoot foam darts or plastic pellets.
In recent years, the popularity of gel blasters has surged in Australia, where they are legal to own and use without a license. Australian companies have developed their own unique gel blaster designs, which have become increasingly realistic and sophisticated over time. Today, gel blasters are also popular in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe.
Conclusion
Gel blasters are a fun and safe alternative to traditional airsoft or BB guns. They shoot water-filled gel balls and are typically powered by a spring-loaded or electric motor mechanism. Gel blasters have a relatively short history, with their origins in Japan in the 1990s. However, they have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in Australia. If you are interested in gel blasters, there are many online communities and forums where you can learn more about this exciting hobby.