ASTM F2679-15(2023)
(Specification)Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the general requirements and characteristics, minimum warning information, and package labeling details for 6 mm projectiles used with low energy air guns to help define whether such projectile is suitable for use in the sport commonly called airsoft, air soft, or soft air.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes requirements and characteristics of airsoft gun projectiles which help define whether an airsoft gun is suitable for use in the sport commonly called airsoft, air soft, or soft air. Furthermore, the specification establishes minimum warning and package labeling to help ensure that the low energy airgun projectiles are used in a safe manner and that the risk of injury is reduced.
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the following categories of projectiles: Projectiles covered by Consumer Safety Specification F590 (non-powder guns projectiles), Specification F1979 (paintballs), Specification F2573, and Specification F2574; liquid filled or metallic projectiles, toy products, and non-recreational projectiles such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2023
- Technical Committee
- F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
- Drafting Committee
- F08.27 - Airsoft
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Refers
ASTM F590-12 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Gun Projectiles and Propellants - Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2009
Overview
ASTM F2679-15(2023) sets forth the recognized requirements for 6 mm projectiles designated for use with airsoft guns, sometimes referred to as air soft or soft air guns. Published by ASTM International, this standard targets manufacturers, distributors, and regulatory bodies concerned with the safety, consistency, and proper labeling of airsoft BBs used in recreational, sport, and leisure activities. By specifying minimum characteristics and essential labeling guidelines, the standard supports safer use and product clarity in the growing global airsoft sports market.
Key Topics
1. Projectile Requirements
- Only spherical, non-metallic, and non-liquid filled projectiles with a 6 mm caliber are covered.
- Acceptable diameter range: 5.8 mm to 6.0 mm when measured at two perpendicular axes.
- Weight tolerance is set at +5% and -10% of declared mass.
2. Safety and Warning Information
- Packaging must include the signal word "WARNING" printed conspicuously.
- Caution that airsoft guns are not toys and that misuse can cause serious injury, particularly to the eyes.
- Requirement for specialized eye protection to be worn by users and bystanders.
3. Product Labeling
- Clear indication of manufacturer or distributor’s name and address.
- Explicit specification of projectile caliber (in millimeters) and weight (in grams).
- Instructions confirming intended use with airsoft guns only, and recommendation to follow all relevant safety rules.
4. Scope Limitations
- Excludes projectiles covered under other ASTM standards, such as F590, F1979 (paintballs), F2573, and F2574.
- Does not address metallic, liquid-filled projectiles, toy projectiles, or non-recreational ammunition used for law enforcement, scientific, or military applications.
Applications
ASTM F2679-15(2023) is primarily used by:
- Manufacturers and importers ensuring their 6 mm airsoft BBs meet international quality and safety benchmarks.
- Retailers and distributors who must verify packaging and labeling compliance for legal and practical sale.
- Product developers designing airsoft projectiles or BBs for commercial recreation.
- Consumers seeking reassurance of safety, compatibility, and proper use.
- Regulatory bodies conducting audits or overseeing compliance in the sporting goods sector.
Benefits of adherence to this standard include ensuring user safety, reducing injury risk, aiding product differentiation, and streamlining regulatory approvals in both domestic and international markets.
Related Standards
Several ASTM documents relate closely to ASTM F2679-15(2023), establishing a broader framework for airgun safety and product performance:
- ASTM F590 - Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Gun Projectiles and Propellants
- ASTM F1979 - Specification for Projectiles Used in the Sport of Paintball
- ASTM F2654 - Specification for Airsoft Gun Warnings
- ASTM F2748 - Specification for Airsoft Guns
- ASTM F2573 and F2574 - Address resilient material projectiles and projectile markers
Adopting these standards helps maintain industry best practices for safe, reliable, and clearly identified recreational shooting products.
Keywords: airsoft, airsoft BB, 6 mm projectile, ASTM, airsoft gun, safety, labeling, packaging, soft air, sporting goods, airgun standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F2679-15(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification establishes the general requirements and characteristics, minimum warning information, and package labeling details for 6 mm projectiles used with low energy air guns to help define whether such projectile is suitable for use in the sport commonly called airsoft, air soft, or soft air. SCOPE 1.1 This specification establishes requirements and characteristics of airsoft gun projectiles which help define whether an airsoft gun is suitable for use in the sport commonly called airsoft, air soft, or soft air. Furthermore, the specification establishes minimum warning and package labeling to help ensure that the low energy airgun projectiles are used in a safe manner and that the risk of injury is reduced. 1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the following categories of projectiles: Projectiles covered by Consumer Safety Specification F590 (non-powder guns projectiles), Specification F1979 (paintballs), Specification F2573, and Specification F2574; liquid filled or metallic projectiles, toy products, and non-recreational projectiles such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification establishes the general requirements and characteristics, minimum warning information, and package labeling details for 6 mm projectiles used with low energy air guns to help define whether such projectile is suitable for use in the sport commonly called airsoft, air soft, or soft air. SCOPE 1.1 This specification establishes requirements and characteristics of airsoft gun projectiles which help define whether an airsoft gun is suitable for use in the sport commonly called airsoft, air soft, or soft air. Furthermore, the specification establishes minimum warning and package labeling to help ensure that the low energy airgun projectiles are used in a safe manner and that the risk of injury is reduced. 1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the following categories of projectiles: Projectiles covered by Consumer Safety Specification F590 (non-powder guns projectiles), Specification F1979 (paintballs), Specification F2573, and Specification F2574; liquid filled or metallic projectiles, toy products, and non-recreational projectiles such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM F2679-15(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 95.060 - Weapons. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F2679-15(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F2748-19, ASTM F2748-15(2019), ASTM F2654-16, ASTM F2654-15, ASTM F2748-15, ASTM F2573-06(2014), ASTM F2654-14, ASTM F1979-10(2014), ASTM F2748-14, ASTM F2574-06(2014), ASTM F590-12, ASTM F2573-06(2010), ASTM F2574-06(2010), ASTM F1979-10, ASTM F1979-09. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F2679-15(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2679 − 15 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2679; 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.
1. Scope F590 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Gun
Projectiles and Propellants
1.1 This specification establishes requirements and charac-
F1979 Specification for Projectiles Used in the Sport of
teristics of airsoft gun projectiles which help define whether an
Paintball
airsoft gun is suitable for use in the sport commonly called
F2573 Specification for Low Velocity Resilient Material
airsoft, air soft, or soft air. Furthermore, the specification
Projectile
establishes minimum warning and package labeling to help
F2574 Specification for Low Velocity Projectile Marker
ensure that the low energy airgun projectiles are used in a safe
F2654 Specification for Airsoft Gun Warnings
manner and that the risk of injury is reduced.
F2748 Specification for Airsoft Guns
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the fol-
3. Terminology
lowing categories of projectiles: Projectiles covered by Con-
sumer Safety Specification F590 (non-powder guns
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
projectiles), Specification F1979 (paintballs), Specification
3.1.1 airsoft gun—commonly referred to as airsoft gun, air
F2573, and Specification F2574; liquid filled or metallic
soft gun, or soft air gun, or any combination thereof, or a low
projectiles, toy products, and non-recreational projectiles such
energy air gun (LEAG), refers to a device specifically designed
as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military
to expel a projectile as described in this standard, by the release
agencies.
of energy by compressed air, compressed gas, mechanical
springs, battery, or a combination thereof, that complies with
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Specification F2654 and Specification F2748.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. 3.1.2 airsoft gun projectile—is spherical, of 6 mm (.24 cal)
diameter, non-metallic and non-liquid filled projectile to be
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
used in an airsoft gun.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2.1 Discussion—These are also referred to as airsoft
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
BB’s.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. General Requirements
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 Size (Diameter of Airsoft Gun Projectile)—The diameter
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of the airsoft gun projectile labeled 6 mm shall measure
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
between 5.8 mm (0.228 in.) and 6.0 mm (0.236 in.), as
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
measured at two perpendicular axes.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2 Weight—The airsoft gun projectiles shall weigh within
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
+5 % and −10 % of the indicated weight. Example the
2. Referenced Documents
projectile labeled 0.12 g shall weigh between 0.108 and 0.126
g.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Product Packaging
5.1 General
...
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