Confused About Airsoft Guns

I have been trying to figure out what Airsoft guns are supposed to be used for. In some places, I have found information that says they should be used for target shooting only, while other sources of information state that Airsoft is actually a sport, very similar to regular paintball, except that the guns look more realistic. So which is it? Are there two different types of guns? Is there a company called Airsoft? I am so confused. I really loved my one experience playing paintball so I would like to purchase an Airsoft gun, but I don’t want to go around shooting at people with a gun that should only be shot at targets.

2 June 2008 | Sports