airsoft??

[tbreed725]

im thinking about getting into airsoft for a little extra trigger time especially with the cost of ammo lately does anyone on here mess with the airsoft guns? im looking for a m4 style rifle and a pistol that would be electronic and have a rechargable battery. i know nothing about airsoft but i know ill get what i pay for i just dont want to get somthing i shouldnt . so whats something good to start out with? metal body or plastic? good name brand? good source for guns/gear?

 

[mossberg]

I bought my air soft gun at wal-mart. It is a sig sauer p226 licensed replica. 315 fps, This thing will break the skin. You will likely be able to get an air soft gun that is shaped the same as some of your real firearms. Good practice.

 

[r8rfan121]

it depends on how much you are willing to spend, to get an actual quality exact replica it will cost around 350$. i would highly recomment shortyusa.com. without a doubt i would go with the metal body because of the fact plastic breaks way easier. for brand names i would go with classic army/ics. you do not want to get an electric pistol, they just suck, for realism i would go with a green gas gun. once again, shorty usa.com is my choice.

 

[AK103K]

I have a couple of P229 gas guns. They feel and work just like the real thing. They also fit in my P229''s holster.

I have an electric MP5. Its OK, but it would be nicer if it was gas operated and mag fed like the SIG's. I havent seen any gas operated gas guns, anyone know if there are any around?

 

[NeoSpud]

Go to NashvilleAirsoft.com and look at the Echo1 brand AEGs and the Classic Army Sportline. They're plastic bodied, but they're fantastic entry-level AEGs with great power. Their website doesn't have all the Echo1 stuff on it, so it would be best to give em a call. Echo1's are good because they come with battery and charger, which otherwise would add 60 bucks or so. I'm pretty sure they have still some Echo1 M4 RIS (which shoot over 400 fps, stock!). Definitely call them up, they're great guys (I hang around the store all the time), Josh and Jonathan. Definitely ask Jonathan to give you the scoop; he knows pretty much everything about airsoft that you could want to know and can explain it very clearly.

--edit--
Metal bodied AEGs are great if you want the realism factor, but the plastic ones are still pretty durable (unless you're in the habit of dropping and falling on your guns ). You can always upgrade later, of course.

 

[CZ 42]

Me and my friends just use red ryders. They're cheap, reliable, and hurt like hell. If you buy one though, spend some of the money you save on goooood goggles.

 

[weisse52]

Love my G18C airsoft. Great practice with my comp holster. And after I am done I can put on full auto and have some fun.

 

[SG Merc]

An important piece of backstory to airsoft for you to know is that the sport was developed in Asia (mainly Japan). The reason for it's development was, of course, the limited access to real firearms--but that's not why I'm mentioning it. The reason it's important to know this is because, since the sport took off there, that's also where all of the guns are manufactured.

One of the most highly regarded dealers in airsoft guns and equipment is Red Wolf Airsoft. They are a Hong Kong company, but most serious airsoft players/collectors know them well--and have probably purchased from them.

I recommend that you use their website for a resource to learn more.

To add my own personal two cents though, here's a rundown of brands of airsoft guns:

*QC = quality control

1. Tokyo Marui (Number one maker of airsoft, bar none. Plastic bodies can be upgraded to metal)
2. Classic Army (Trails Tokyo Marui, but they make nice guns that have metal bodies)
3. ICS (aka Airsoft Elite. QC problems in the past, but their all metal guns are now considered top grade).
4. Star (usually makes higher end niche guns like squad automatics. QC problems)

Anything you buy at retail in the U.S. is a cheap toy. These are sold under a multitude of brands including: CYMA, V8 Sport, Well, Desert Eagle.

 

[Shadow1198]

It really depends on how much money you are willing to spend and what type of stuff you are willing to put up with. If you don't mind the extra mass and cost, for ~$500-700 you could get yourself a decent gas rifle with an external regulated Co2 or Nitrogen (aka HPA, high pressure air) setup. The external air setup can be bulky, though there is some pretty cool stuff out there if you don't mind it. Here's some examples for you:

Escort Mp5a5 - External air, gas blowback. I have one and the blowback is impressive; more than some 22lr handguns. Full metal upper receiver and pretty much every component that should be is metal (some have plastic front sights). Lower receiver, butt of the stock (rails are metal), and foregrip are all a reinforced plastic.

Sun Project M4a1

Maruzen Mp5k - Internal gas, blowback, much simpler than an external gas setup and significantly cheaper (you can find these anywhere from $150-200 usually)


Just FYI, pretty much all of the electric airsoft handguns out there are incredibly weak, don't have much range, and are really useless if you are going to actually play airsoft. I would avoid them.

Here's a decent retailer from the US if you want to get a better idea of what type of stuff is available out there: Airsoft Extreme

There is a ton more stuff out there than that retailer has (and a ton more US retailers as well), and I'd really recommend browsing an overseas retailers website to get an idea on the crazy amount of airsoft stuff out there. Here's a couple:

Redwolf Airsoft

UN Company

There is a pretty insane number of airsoft guns and accessories out there, so pretty much any model of gun you might want a replica of, you will probably be able to find. I mean there are gas powered M1 Garands, M1 carbines, M2 carbine (yep it's full auto), winchester lever actions, pump action and semi auto shell fed shotguns, gas and/or electric M134 Vulcan mini guns (and they shoot 4000-6000 bbs a minute like the real thing)..........Oh yeah and I'm not even getting to the airsoft claymores, hand grenades, M72a2 LAWs, M203 attachments that shoot rubber/foam objects or have multiple barrels and fire bbs like a shotgun.

I've been playing since I was a kid, though some adults think it's a bit ridiculous, grown men running around a forest playing army and all. When I'm not shooting real steel stuff, I look at it as a cheaper hobby to keep me busy and physically active (especially considering the prices of 45acp lately). If anyone has any airsoft related questions, feel free to ask as I've been into it for ~9-10yrs now and like to think I'm fairly knowledgeable on the subject. Here's a pic of my Escort blowback Mp5a5 for sh*ts and giggles: Mp5a5

 

[enfield303]

+1 for Redwolf.

 

[Redtail]

I own a Tokyo Marui M773. It looks like an M4 but shorter. I've had for about 2.5 yrs. now and still work fine.

If you really want a good airsoft here's what I recommend:

1. Tokyo Marui - price starts at 250, very reliable when it comes to internal parts i.e. motors, electrical components. Mostly made of hard plastic. Made in Japan

2. Classic Army - most parts are made of metal. Less quality than Tokyo Marui, but some people said they are getting better. People buy this because majority of the parts are metal. Made in Taiwan. More for display than playing.

http://www.poweredgeusa.com/main.asp

 

[tbreed725]

thanks for all the info everyone i appreciate it ive got some research to do before i purchase one. or two

 

[fearless leader]

You'll shoot your eye out.

 

[Roswell 1847]

and a pistol that would be electronic

The electric Pistols are too under powered and finicky, get a Gas Gun, CO2 powered airsoft pistols shoot harder and generally last longer, plus CO2 cartridges are easier to find than airsoft gases. Gas guns offer a wider selection and better features than most CO2 types.

PS
Get yourself a UHC 1911 springer as well. They are dirt cheap and one of the most durable and accurate Airsoft pitols made. Its a Direct copy of the Tokyo Mariu 1911 springer made by a Korean company that makes Religious Icons among other things, their castings and plastic formulas are among the strongest and most precise.
No gas no batteries and I've fired around ten thousand rounds through mine without any problems even after I installed stronger springs for better performance.

 

[g.willikers]

tbreed725
I've been using one of these for many months and it's been quite good. It's available lots of places for under $100 - Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Pyramyd Air, 'etc.
The only problem with it was caused by the paint in the magazine pellet channel. Removing that cured the jamming problems. The CO2 power source is very convenient and the blowback is impressive. Accuracy is quite good, also.
I use it regularly to practice uspsa classifiers and such. It helps a lot.

http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/?filnavn=/reviews/kwc_co2_sigma/kwc_co2_sigma_review.htm

 

[Zedicus]

If you get into Airsoft, get a Decent gun & not an el-cheapo.

 

[AirplaneDoc]

I'd spend the money on the real thing and trigger time. Just my .02

 

[AK103K]

I'd spend the money on the real thing and trigger time. Just my .02

I think my force on force buddies would be a little pissed if I used my real P229.

My wife is mad enough as it is finding all them little white balls around the house. She'd REALLY be pissed if I stared putting holes in the walls and furniture.

 

[Roswell 1847]

You could try one of these.
http://www.dentrinity.com/ClarenceLai/Kitty.htm
The real "Hello Kitty" Airsoft pistol not the fake photoshop ones you'll see on the hoax sites.

The Airsoft Extreme Hello Kitty XM8 is more radical but I cant find a jpg of that one only short glimpses in videos.

 

[jrfoxx]

I have a cheap Beretta m9 replica I got for $20 at a gun show to play with, and I have to say, for a cheapo, its amazingly accurate up to like 50 feet, which is plenty in my townhouse.pretty nice for rainy days.Pretty powerful too, I made the mistake of wanting to test what getting shot with one feels like, as the wife and I were considering getting a couple more for some family fun.DO NOT shoot yourself in the foot with one.it REALLY hurts!

 

[woodybrighton]

my unit suffered more causalities from airsoft accidents than enemy action in iraq
including one idiot who tried to commit suicide with one for a funny video cue blood pouring out of mouth
surgeon who repaired injury's came over to have a word you guys are a bunch of XXXXX

 

[JoseM]

How accurate are airsoft's? I know I'm comparing apples and oranges, but you can see the paintballs from a paintball gun veered off left/right. And since airsoft is a plastic bb, didn't know if they veered off. (another question...is an airsoft barrel rifled?).

Obviously, I have zero experience with airsofts but this thread got me thinking about getting one for introduction to firearms for my boys.

Thank you,

 

[AK103K]

They are easily across the room accurate, and often farther. My 1911 spring version will shoot quarter sized groups at 15-20', my gas guns, fist sized groups at 25-30, and thats from the draw. Never really shot them for "accuracy", so I'll have to get back to you on that.

As far as longer range accuracy, All of mine, gas, spring or electric will hit a man sized target across the yard, 30-50 yards. My electric MP5 will put 7 or 8 out of 10 into the 1" holes in the side of my burn barrel at 25 yards. I've connsitantly hit 12" trees at 50 yards with it.

 

[I LIKE IT!]

Save your money and buy ammo by the bulk.

Airsoft is not cheap, and sure is hell is not as fun as Real Steel.

Personally I think it's lame, if you must go the paintball route(less lame).

Save your money!

My .02

 

[AK103K]

Save your money and buy ammo by the bulk.

Airsoft is not cheap, and sure is hell is not as fun as Real Steel.

Personally I think it's lame, if you must go the paintball route(less lame).

Save your money!

So how do you practice shooting each other? What paint ball guns will fit in your real guns holster? Can you practice anywhere with them?

How much feedback do you get from a paper or steel target that just stands there and lets you shoot it? If anything is lame, its believing that a high "games" score makes you an accomplished shooter. It doesnt. Now maybe if people on the sidelines were shooting at you with paint balls while you were trying to make that score, that might be interesting and a little more realistic. Probably not to safe for them though. Its amazing at how quickly your brain makes you shoot at whats trying to shoot you.