[Raith]

Its in reference to firearms.  Personally, I don't like the term. I would imagine its probably in reference to the fact that airsoft guns are generally plastic, whereas firearms are "real steel."

[leakingpen]

i was pretty sure, but not positive.  thanks.  personally, i dont like the term either then, as it lends a very toy-like connotation to the firearm.  not teh right attitude, imo

[Harley]

I'm not sure who coined the phrase.  Personally I don't care much for it as well, but it seems to be a common way of describing them on this board and has been that way now for quite some time.

[Paco]

I don't like it either, but it's used generally in airsoft (the term has migrated to these boards from other boards) to denote that you're talking about real guns now.

When discussing airsoft, you can't really refer to the generic term of "guns" simply because airsoft is compared to real firearms all the time, and no one will take the time to use "airsoft guns" when referring to airsoft and "guns" when referring to the real thing.  "Real firearms" is too long for most (and apparently too complicated for some), so "real steel" has sprung out and is a slang term.  Again, I don't like it, but there are a lot of slang terms I hate that the kiddies use in forums and online chat now.

[leakingpen]

my god, harley and i agreed on something!  lol.  

paco, what about firearm?  the word firearm really wouldnt refer to airsoft (which would be an airarm.)  not that it'll change, just asking.

[leakingpen]

from looking at discussions where the term is used, im not quite sure on the term.  just double checking.  does it refer to regular firearms, or to a certain type of airsoft.  the way its used, i could see either.
thanks.