Airsoft Enthusiast

[Storm]

Hey guys, just got back onto the boards and trying to work out stuff at home with moving and the wedding stuff, but I noticed there was a podcast on one of my FAVORITE hobbies - Airsoft. I've been playing for about 10 years, been through the first steps of noobdom and worked my way up. I'd love to help anyone out who has questions. I've headed up several teams, played with serving and former military and LEOs and have had a ton of fun doing it. I'm looking into talking to the local PD and see if they'd like us local guys to work with them as an OPFOR unit.

If you're going to get into the sport, the most important thing I can tell you is this: BE CAREFUL. For those of who love the sport, nothing is more important. Don't underestimate any replica you use. I've seen eyes and teeth go. Wear your goggles and face protection. And for God's sakes, don't let a LEO you haven't made aware of, see your replica. If anything, alert your local PD if you'll be shooting or playing anywhere where people can see you. If you want to remove your orange tips, do so out of sight and replace them or an orange plug for transport. I've got no issue doing more on the topic if requested.

On to the good stuff.





My TM (Tokyo Marui) 1911 Colt .45 gas blowback (GBB) acts as my main sidearm. The CYMA Glock 18c secondary electric non-blowback with standard and extended magazine was a dubious purchase for me as CYMAs original products were poorly made and not up to par. This has, for the most part, been reversed and they have increased their quality control substantially.




This is my Jing Jong (JG) M733, smaller than a normal M4. The Glock and Colt are there to look pretty and for size comparison. The magazine is taped to denote 30 rounds, and this weapon is normally carried by my medic.




Here is my main rifle, an Echo1 DMR/M16. The barrel sports a Marui Pro Knights Mock Suppressor, not necessarily for aesthetics, it adds some length to the barrels overall length, adding accuracy, but is a beat to move around with. The internals of this rifle have been upgraded to meet the needs of more range and power, so much in fact none of my current batteries can turn the gears and test shots from the friend who did the work annihilated the target, so once operational care will be a priority. The mounted optic is a red dot ACOG replica for quick target acquisition. Blue tape denotes 100 rounds and is accompanied by a Magpul magazine pull to allow me to remove it quickly from my vest as a normal combat load for me is about 16 magazines. And of course, my ghetto sling.




Here they are together.


Currently I also have in my collection:

Several TM Famas'.
Classic Army (CA) G36c.
ICS M4.
JG MP5.
UTG Tri-shot Shogun.
Numerous Springers.

I'll try to have some pics of those up tomorrow if possible, along with current gear. Additionally, I can post reviews on any of this equipment or answer inquiries pertaining to questions form anyone looking to get into the sport feet first or just to dip a toe in the water and help you avoid all the mistakes newcomers normally make.

Have a good night all, and enjoy.

[DeltaEchoVictor]

Those are cool.  I've got a few cheapies laying around including a couple of springer Glocks I use for cat deterence (outside ferals).

I just have a hard time processing how much some of the "toys" go for.  I used to work with a guy that was big time into Airsoft.  He had all kinds of cool stuff, full metal M60, a SAW, gas blow back Mack 10 & H&K MP5.  The Mack 10 was seriously impressive, it would literally empty a full mag in the blink of an eye.   I could hit one of the guys at work across the parking (around 40 yards) with the HK & it would leave a welt.

[MikeMartin]

Really nice, one of those things I just haven't parted with the money yet for but plan to.

[Storm]

Thanks.

Indeed, money is important to the sport, and almost every single person wishes they'd spent more or less once they spend it. I've had dozens of replicas and made mistakes before too. However, if anyone has any questions wondering what might work best for them and for a budget, let me know and I can give you lots and lots of info.

I'll try to get a few more pictures up before I leave for the weekend, but no promises. Might have to wait for next week.

[mwh]

Storm,
I've been wanting to get a Ai rsoft Glock  For force on force training and to practice in home.
I can't seem to find any other than the spring operated ones.

Can you Point me in the right direction?

Also What is you opinion on using air soft to teach basic marksmanship to Kids or even adults who have zero experience with firearms?
I've been toying with the idea of implementing that as part of my training classes for youth.

And do you do any force on force training?

[Darklen]

There's several of gas powered (gas blow back or GGB, where the slide actually moves when the gun is fired, just like a real one) and some electric ones (AEP or Auto Electric Pistol). There are several models of Glock replicated by various manufacturers, but not all models are available. The GBB guns are more realistic as the mags are close to the same as the real ones and will fit into the same pouches if you want to do mag changing drills. GGB's use 134A gas (aka computer duster. Tetraflouraethane type only though, diflouroethane will damage the plastic and rubber seals) or "Green Gas". AEP's run on a electrically driven gear box. These are a bit better to use in cold weather, but the mags are not realistic at all. I won't get into AEP's as in Canada, most of the ones available are Chinese clones of good quality ones and are real junk for the most part.

Tokyo Mauri (TM) make perhaps one of the best, most reliable and accurate GBB Glock 17's, but the slide is made of ABS plastic. Onces the mag is in it (it's metal and stores the gas) it's pretty close to real weight. The slide can be replaced, or upgraded, with an aftermarket metal one. TM also make a 26 (compact) variant. They also make the 26 Advance, which is a modified 26 but be advised, this Glock does not exist in the real world. It's from a Japanese anime "Ghost in the Shell". Great gun, accurate as heel for gaming, but unreal as all get out. these all have plastic slides as well, but have aftermarket metal ones available.

HFC make a "clone" of the TM but with a metal slide. From what I understand, most if not all parts are interchangeable. Same for "ARMY" brand. These are low cost clones from China.

KWA/KSC make a decent Glock and I've heard good things of them. They make a 17, 18C, 19 and 23F.


There's probably a few more, but these are the ones I see up here in the Great White North.

[Storm]

Sorry for the delay Duct Tape, had some RL things that drew my attention for a few days.

Darklen is right for the most part. Gas replicas, GBBs are numerous and there are a a bunch of companies that make them. KWA and KSC are probably the ones with the largest line of GBBs. I do not own a pistol from either, though I have heard good things of both, but only from specific models. Some though, are gas hogs, and use way too much. I use Green Gas in my 1911, which is basically just propane with silicone oil. 134a is another much used gas but can result in a gas replica shooting too hot and is much more susceptible to climate changes, so I stick to Green Gas. HFC makes a lot of clone gas pistols, but I personally know nothing about that line.

As Darklen said, the TM Glock has an ABS slide. A lot of people go nuts ove rABs and hate it, as TM uses  ABS in most of their replicas (one reason some people prefer CA as they use pot metal for more realistic weight), but as for durability, ABS will only break if you run over it with a tank. For a guy my size I'm fairly active and have bashed, dropped, thrown and slammed my stuff against pavement, trees and other people and never had anything break, so don't let ABS worry you.

As for AEPs, like my CYMA Glock, there are mixed feelings. Darklen doesn't like them it seems and I don't blame him. Many of them just don't feel right using and GBB feel more realistic, but if you're on a budget, or don't think you'll be using a sidearm much, I would suggest an AEP. CYMA and other Chinese manufacturers have increased their quality control as of late and have been manufacturing better replicas at competitive prices that some people choose over the brand names.

However, first I'll point you to the guys who I've done almost all my business with for the last 3 years. They just added (18 months ago or so), after popular demand) the lines of various clone companies for those players on a budget. And don't let the word 'clone' scare you or anyone away, it no longer holds a derogatory nature. Technically, I consider all companies, for the most part and with few exceptions, clone companies of TM as they did most of the R&D for years and years for the sport.

www.trinityairsoft.com

Hopefully I'll have some more pics up soon along with a few more posts to supplement stuff from Jack.

As for force on force I have, for 10 years or so, 'played' Airsoft with others. If you want to think of it as playing guns or whatnot, that's fine and not uncommon, but every group I headed up treated it with respect and seriousness. Something else I'll post on later I think.

I've gone to ACQB in VA and played with LEOs and current/former military personnel and would like to begin working with local PDs, not only because they need the help and experience but because airsoft has a dubious present and future and as a player I feel it's a duty to make it possible to keep the sport alive and healthy for later, and so good must be done to outweigh bad.

Hope that answers some questions, and sorry for the delay again.