New Shop Aims at Growing Popularity of Airsoft Sport

Most new retail businesses seek high-visibility locations, where customers can easily spot them—but the new In My Sights Airsoft and Tactical Supply opening in the back of Mt. Bethel Village intentionally chose a more out-of-the-way location.

"Some people aren't comfortable with this, so we don't want to put it in their face," owner Jimmy Morgan said of his shop's inventory: electric-powered assault-style guns that fire plastic and bio-degradable pellets.

He and his brother Matt are launching the business after spending about a decade as afficianados of the sport, starting out with paintball and moving into the more structured and organized world of Airsoft guns.

As the business' name suggests, the shop includes many items for the tactical supply side of the business, which Jimmy says goes far beyond the "You shoot me, I shoot you" mentality of paintball.

Instead, every aspect of Airsoft simulates military equipment and needs—from the guns themselves to the heavy, camoflauged attire to the scopes and goggles the store stocks.

Why the focus on realism? Because most practitioners of the sport are veterans—and they're not out to relive battles but to retain vital skills received while serving in the military.

For example, the brothers recently participated in week-end long exercise in Scranton, Pa., that included exercises in located and rescuing kidnap victims and stashes of stolen ammunition. The program was organized by Operation Lion's Claw which specializes in creating involved, realistic military operations.

The sport has been growing in popularity since the introduction of the guns in the 1980s from Asia, where they were developed as an alternative to real but illegal firearms.

Jimmy notes several advantages of Airsoft over paintball, including the cost of the pellets and the focus on consistent safety—particpants in exercises wear protective masks and goggles at all times.

In My Sights carries the major brands of equipment, including KWA and G&G guns, and ESS goggles, and military-grade packs, boots, jackets and pants.    

The store, located in the rear of Mt. Bethel Village, will have a grand opening Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with food and refreshments, and drawings for giveaways.