I don't think it's a good alternative. About the only thing an airsoft/pellet gun is good for is practicing trigger control, grip, stance, and CQC involving a pistol. About the only thing better for CQC is a simunitions converted pistol.
As far as using it in self-defense...Just about every carjacking scenario I'm familiar with involves a gun. I wouldn't want to bring a toy to a gunfight.
Also,depending on the state you live in, you might not be justified in brandishing a firearm unless the situation would also justify using the firearm. EXP: a punk thug is driving aggressivly, cutting you off, acting aggressive in every way, verbal and physical language, but hasn't shown you any weapon. You show him your airsoft gun to show him you mean business and for him to bug off. Now, he calls the cops on you. The cops arrive find an airsoft gun that looks real. I can see charges being filed. Not that they will, but it's not worth putting yourself in that position.
One of the caveats of concealed weapons training is that the gun is only drawn when a legitimate threat is present that would also justify the use of the firearm. You would be hard pressed to articulate to the courts why you felt justified in brandishing a firearm in that above-type situation. The factors to be considered would be articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe deadly force or the threat of deadly force is justified.
What fact, not feeling, could you articulate where deadly force would be justified? Not many. In most states driving like a jackass is not an offense punishable by death. So, the use or threat of use of deadly force would not be justified.
Something to consider. At least on the aftermath end of the deal.
Most laws regarding use of deadly force or the threat of deadly force also relate to possible punishments involving the suspected criminal act. IN some states using deadly force is not justified in defense of property. Now, there may be some justification for the threat of use, but the actual use is a not a supported defense. Most often justified use or threat of use of deadly force is directly related to part one person crimes. Assault, robbery, aggravated assault, rape, arson of an occupied building, things of this nature.
Use or threat of use outside incidents like those usually do not support the justification.
Now, on a different note...as someone stated pretty cleverly, I'll save my bluffing for the poker table. Perhaps the last thing you want is to draw an airsoft pistol down on someone in a justified scenario and then have that person react with intent to defend himself and/or carry out the intended criminal act with a REAL firearm. It should be remembered criminals are human too. Most will have a similar reaction to deadly force as you. Fear of personal injury. They're either going to fight, flight, posture, or submit. The sense of self-preservation is a powerful one (and rightly so, we should all strive to live as long as God allows).
So, your feeling of self-preservation is present. So will the criminal's upon being faced with a deadly weapon (at least, he'll think it is) And then you'll be at the psychological disadvantage of knowingly bringing an ineffective toy to a real fight.
Drawing a firearm is a serious responsibility. Even if you know your firearm is simply an airsoft gun. No one else does. Especially responding law enforcement. You might be too wrapped up in the incident to be aware of police arrival. When police arrive they don't know you from your attacker. Having what looks like a real gun in your hand and then possibly suffering from audio exclusion or tunnel vision might result in a bad thing for you.
Don't think it doesn't happen? I know of one recent incident in New York where an off-duty officer was shot by responding NYPD. He had been attacked by several thugs outside of a White Castle burger joint and had defended himself. When PD arrived he was still hinked up. He was trying to tell responding units he was a cop and they were trying to tell him to drop his weapon. Obviously, thinking as a cop, he didn't want to put his weapon down (really, who would, cop or not), but was shot at failing to obey officer's commands to drop the weapon. The responding officers did not know him, nor did they know he was a cop. They just saw a man with a gun.
Attempting intimidation by display of a firearm is a poor defense strategy. Preparing realistically for a deadly force encounter with tools that can save your life as well as potentially take the life of your attacker is a better strategy.
Just my thoughts.
WA
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