Airsoft target shooting is a supervised activity where you fire airsoft replicas at targets rather than at other people. At Shooters Range, the indoor version takes place on private lanes with Attacksense electronic smart targets, which detect every hit in real time and score it automatically across 14 game modes.
It is not a muddy woodland battle and it is not plinking at tin cans in the garden. You turn up, a trained range officer gives you a full safety briefing, all the equipment is provided, and you spend an hour competing against the targets, the clock and your friends. No experience is needed.
This guide explains what airsoft target shooting is, how it differs from skirmish airsoft and home practice, the equipment you use, how smart targets and game modes work, and who it suits. Shooters Range runs it at three venues: Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield.
At a glance
- What it is: indoor airsoft target shooting on lanes, at electronic targets, never at other people.
- Targets: Attacksense smart targets that detect hits in real time and score automatically.
- Game modes: 14, from timed challenges to tactical scenarios, solo or head to head.
- Equipment: premium airsoft replicas, including the electric M4 rifle, an HPA pistol and the Tokyo Marui MP7. All provided.
- Session: 1 hour on the range, from £25 per person.
- Ages: 11 and over. Ages 11 to 16 need a responsible adult (18+) who stays for the whole session.
- Capacity: 4 lanes per venue, up to 3 shooters per lane.
- Experience: none needed. Trained range officers supervise every session.
What is airsoft target shooting?
Airsoft target shooting is the practice of shooting airsoft replicas, which fire small plastic BBs, at targets in a controlled space. The aim is accuracy, speed and score, not tagging an opponent. Indoor airsoft target shooting moves that into a dedicated range with lanes, supervision and electronic scoring.
Think of it as the shooting equivalent of a bowling lane rather than a battlefield. You stand at your lane, the targets are in front of you, and the system tracks how you do. Because you only ever shoot at targets, nobody in your group gets hit.
Airsoft, defined
Airsoft is the umbrella term for replica guns that fire small, lightweight plastic BBs, and for the activities built around them. Those activities split broadly into two kinds: skirmish games, where players shoot at each other, and target shooting, where everyone shoots at targets. Shooters Range is target shooting only.
How is it different from skirmish airsoft and home practice?
Indoor target shooting differs from skirmish airsoft because you shoot at targets, not people, and it differs from home practice because the equipment, supervision and scoring are all done for you. The table compares the three.
| Indoor target shooting (Shooters Range) | Skirmish airsoft | Home practice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What you shoot at | Electronic smart targets | Other players | Paper, card or simple targets |
| Do you get hit? | No | Yes, being hit is part of the game | No |
| Kit needed | None; everything is provided | Usually your own or hired gear and protection | Your own replica, BBs, targets and a safe backstop |
| Scoring | Automatic, in real time | Usually players call their own hits | You check by eye |
| Supervision | Trained range officers every session | Site marshals | Self-managed |
| Time | 1 hour on the range | Often a half or full day | Whenever you like |
| Weather | Indoors, runs whatever the weather | Many sites are outdoors | Depends on your space |
| Experience | None needed | Helpful, plus a reasonable level of fitness | Up to you |
Indoor target shooting vs skirmish airsoft
Skirmish airsoft is a team game. Players move around a site, take cover and shoot at each other, and it usually involves running, protective gear and a longer time commitment. It is a great hobby, but it is a different activity. Indoor target shooting keeps the shooting and drops the getting-hit, the running and the kit list. Plenty of people who enjoy target shooting have no interest in skirmishing, and that is fine.
Indoor target shooting vs home practice
Home practice means owning a replica, buying BBs, setting up a safe space and judging your own results. It gives you very little feedback beyond hit or miss. At an indoor range the equipment is provided, a range officer runs the session, and smart targets record every hit, so you can see exactly how you did and compare it with everyone else.
What equipment do you use?
At Shooters Range you use premium airsoft replicas, including the electric M4 rifle, an HPA pistol and the Tokyo Marui MP7, together with BBs and full safety equipment, including eye protection. All of it is provided, and personal guns and BBs are not allowed: only our equipment is used on the range.
Which replica you shoot depends on the package you book. Every package is a 1-hour session and includes your weapon or weapons, BBs, full safety equipment and the safety briefing.
| Package | Price per person | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle Experience | £25 | Great for casual or first-time shooters |
| Pistol Experience | £30 | 1-hour session with pistol |
| MP7 Experience | £35 | 1-hour session with the MP7 |
| Dual Firearm Experience | £40 | 1-hour session with two weapons |
| Elite Experience | £60 | Our top 1-hour package |
Add-ons are available too: extra 500 BBs for £4, an Arcturus full metal pistol with 500 BBs for £15, or an MP7 gas blowback with 1,000 BBs for £20.
What are smart targets?
Smart targets are electronic targets that detect hits, react instantly and keep score for you. Shooters Range uses Attacksense electronic smart targets on every lane. They detect hits in real time, score automatically and run the 14 game modes, so you never have to walk down the range to check a paper target.
That changes the experience completely. Instead of shooting and squinting, you get instant feedback on every shot, a running score and a clear winner at the end of each game. It is what turns target shooting from a quiet test of accuracy into something genuinely competitive and social.
What game modes can you play?
The Attacksense system runs 14 game modes, ranging from timed challenges to tactical scenarios. Some are played solo against the targets and the clock; others put 2 or 3 players head to head on the same lane. The modes on our scoring system include:
| Game mode | Solo | Head to head (2 or 3 players) |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Yes | Yes |
| Clear the Board | Yes | Yes |
| Target Practice | Yes | |
| Shooting Gallery | Yes | |
| Sudden Ambush | Yes | |
| Rhythm | Yes | |
| Blitz | Yes | |
| Streak | Yes | |
| Draw | Yes |
Solo modes are a good way to get comfortable with your replica. Head-to-head modes are where groups get loud, because the scoring is automatic and nobody can dispute the result.
National leaderboards
Every score from every venue goes onto live national leaderboards, so a session in Sheffield can be compared directly with one in Leicester or Nottingham. Endurance is the headline board, and recent scores show live on the site. You can check where you rank on the national leaderboards after your session.
Who is airsoft target shooting for?
Airsoft target shooting suits anyone aged 11 or over who fancies something competitive, whatever their experience. Complete beginners are welcome, and experienced shooters get just as much out of chasing a better score. Because everyone uses the same equipment, the playing field is level.
- First-timers: the briefing and supervision mean you need no prior knowledge. Our guide to what to expect on your first visit walks through it step by step.
- Groups of friends: up to 3 per lane and up to 12 shooting at once per venue, with groups of 13 or more able to contact us for a tailored package.
- Families: children aged 11 to 16 can take part with a responsible adult who stays for the whole session. See how old you have to be to do airsoft.
- Stag, hen and work groups: short, competitive and easy to plan around a wider day out.
- Experienced airsofters: real-time scoring and national leaderboards give you something to beat.
- Gift buyers: gift cards from £10 to £250 are emailed instantly, valid for 12 months and usable at any venue.
Is airsoft target shooting safe?
Yes, indoor airsoft target shooting is run with safety at its centre. Trained range officers supervise every session and give a full safety briefing before anyone shoots. Full safety equipment, including eye protection, is provided, closed-toe shoes are required, and only our equipment is used on the range.
Because you shoot at targets, not at each other, the stinging hits people associate with skirmish games are not part of it. You can read more on our safety page and in our guide, is airsoft safe?
Where can you try it?
Shooters Range runs indoor airsoft target shooting at three venues, each with 4 lanes and the same Attacksense smart target system. You can book online or walk in subject to availability, though weekends and school holidays sell out.
- Shooters Range Leicester: 65D Bedford Street South, Leicester LE1 3JR, in the city centre.
- Shooters Range Nottingham: 20 Norfolk Place, Nottingham NG1 2AA, in the city centre. Enter from Upper Parliament Street.
- Shooters Range Sheffield: 163 Rutland Road, Sheffield S3 9PT, a short walk from Kelham Island. Our newest venue.
All three are open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays; check the venue page for the latest times. To pick a venue and a time, choose your location and book.
Frequently asked questions
Is airsoft target shooting the same as paintball?
No. Paintball is usually a team game where players shoot paint-filled balls at each other, often outdoors. Indoor airsoft target shooting at Shooters Range is played on lanes, indoors, and you only ever shoot at Attacksense electronic smart targets, so nobody gets hit and there is no paint. Our airsoft vs paintball comparison covers the differences in detail.
Do I need experience or my own equipment?
Neither. No experience is needed, and complete beginners are welcome alongside experienced shooters. Every package includes your weapon or weapons, BBs, full safety equipment including eye protection, and a full safety briefing from a trained range officer. Personal guns and BBs are not allowed, so you could not bring your own even if you wanted to.
Does airsoft target shooting hurt?
No, because nobody is shooting at you. At Shooters Range you shoot at electronic smart targets down your lane, never at other people, so there are none of the stinging hits associated with skirmish airsoft or paintball. You wear full safety equipment, including eye protection, and a trained range officer supervises the whole session.
How long does a session last?
Every package is a 1-hour session on the range. You should arrive 10 minutes early to check in at reception, have your safety briefing and get kitted out, so plan for a little over an hour in total. That short format makes it easy to fit into an evening, a weekend afternoon or a bigger day out.
What age do you have to be?
The minimum age at Shooters Range is 11, and there is no upper age limit. Anyone aged 11 to 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over, who stays and supervises for the whole session. That makes airsoft target shooting suitable for families with older children as well as adult groups.
How much does airsoft target shooting cost?
Packages start at £25 per person for the Rifle Experience. The Pistol Experience is £30, the MP7 Experience £35, the Dual Firearm Experience £40 and the Elite Experience £60. Each is a 1-hour session that includes your weapon or weapons, BBs, full safety equipment and the safety briefing. Extra 500 BBs cost £4.