Post by zero_sector™ on Jun 29, 2008 11:08:15 GMT 8
The Beginners (Rookie) Guide to Airsoft will better help you choose which guns, equipment, or accessories will best suit you and your taste.
Pricing and costs is the first of many decisions you might make when buying airsoft equipment. Be logical and intelligent about this, don?t go and break the bank to buy the latest and greatest gun. Get equipment you can afford.
Ability is a very important factor to consider. It is best to not overestimate your ability level. If you are new, accept the fact and move on. Let's face it, everyone was new at one time or another. We all had to learn somehow and someway. Airsoft is a sport in which ability and skill comes with time and experience.
Types of Airsoft Guns you can buy. To cut straight to the point, the type of gun you want is strictly limited by the style you want to have. Performance is factor that must be considered and is very important. A particular weapons range, accuracy, rate of fire, and FPS (feet per second) determine the capability of that weapon.
i. Spring Guns - These guns are powered by a spring and must be reloaded or "thingyed" after each shot. Spring guns come in a variety of styles and shapes and are ideal for new players due to their ease of use and low cost.
ii. Gas Guns - These guns are powered by compressed gas and can often fire full magazines of ammunition before reloading becomes necessary. Gas guns are a good choice for any airsoft player; beginner or experienced. Gas powered rifles provide good suppression fire and long range. Gas pistols come in two styles, non-blowback and blowback. Non-blowback only use internal movements. This style is more conservative on the use of gas, but does not provide the feel of the weapon being fired. Blowback is the movement of the slide or rack that accurately represents real guns. This style provides the recoil feel of a real weapon, but uses up gas faster. Gas guns tend to be more costly than spring guns. Gas is also needed to fire the guns and must be purchased separately.
iii. Automatic Electric Guns - These guns are powered by a battery and small internal motor. These guns can often be fired in semi-automatic or full-automatic modes. They often have high capacity magazines and high rates of fire. Automatic Electric guns are the most expensive type of airsoft gun available. The battery for use in this type of airsoft gun is rechargeable and can sometimes be cheaper than buying gas.
iv. Low-Power Electric Guns - Similar in nature to Automatic Electric Gun's, but far less powerful. These guns also run off of a rechargeable battery, typically Ni-Cad. However, the power of these guns is around that of a spring pistol. The range is also equivalent to a spring pistol.
v. Special Weapons - These are not as much airsoft guns as secondary weapons. These consist of mines, grenades, and tripwire devices. They can be gas, spring, or electric in terms of power source.
Styles of Airsoft Guns. The style of gun you want might reflect the position you choose. Such as a rifleman, scout, or sniper. Different styles of airsoft guns might function better in different situations than others.
i. Handguns - These tend to work better in close range engagements. They are small, compact, and easy to carry and manipulate. Long-range shots can be performed; however aiming at long range can sometimes be difficult. Handguns are generally carried as a backup weapon by airsoft players. It provides a light and compact platform where long rifles are to awkward or uncomfortable to use.
ii. Submachine Guns - These guns provide automatic capability and moderate accuracy in a compact package. The submachine gun also tends to be the ideal weapon in close quarters situations.
iii. Assault Rifles - Assault rifles are ideal for long-range shots and accuracy. They tend to be a bit cumbersome in close quarters combat due to increased size. Assault rifles generally have both semi-automatic and automatic firing capability. Some rifles such as the M-16 and G36 have shorter or carbine variants that allow for a different look and greater mobility.
iv. Sniper Rifles - The sniper rifle is a rifle specifically designed for long range. The Sniper Rifle benefits most from having a functioning scope. Some airsoft guns come with faux scopes, if you want a sniper rifle, be sure the scope is real, or buy one and mount it yourself. Sniper rifles may use either gas or spring power. This platform is ideal for heavyweight (.3gram or heavier) BB's as they have high FPS and long barrels which allow for great accuracy at long ranges.
v. Shotguns - The shotgun or broom-broom works well in close quarters or medium range shots. The pump action is ideal for rapid fire, as the pump makes for quick reloads.
vi. Heavy Weapons (Grenade Launchers, Heavy Machine Guns, etc) - These are large airsoft guns. They are more used in specific roles such as supporting fire, room clearing, or destroying special targets. Grenade launchers typically might provide a type of shotgun type spread pattern. Machine guns function similar to an AEG but have greater ammo capacity and rate of fire.
BB?s and Ammunition - Airsoft guns fire a 6mm (or 8mm, mostly 6mm) plastic BB's. The most common BB is .12 gram. These work fairly well, but tend to veer after leaving the barrel. .2 g BB?s work better and are a little more accurate. These are the lightest and most commonly used BB for AEG's. These BB's are also used as a chronograph standard to measure the FPS (feet per second). The accuracy however, is traded off for decreased range. So basically, BB?s with greater weight comes with greater accuracy and lesser range.
Gas and Batteries - Gas guns and electric automatic guns use gas and batteries to operate. Obviously, you would need the corresponding item to play. Gas can come in many forms ranging from Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to HFC134a (Similar in Composition to Propane). The most common types are Green Gas which comes in a pre-filled container, and CO2 which can be bought in .12 gram bomblets that are inserted into the magazine. Batteries can come in forms from large size, rechargeable batteries to, your basic disposable battery available at any local store. All of the AEG's we sell have a battery included in its package, and will usually specify the type, voltage, and MaH.
Camouflage - Never underestimate the power of camo. Buy camouflage to reflect the environment that you play in. Camouflage also adds an aura around you and adds a lot to ascetic value. Blending into your surrounding environment is a great ability; it might provide you that extra few seconds of time so your opponent does not see you. The most commonly found color schemes are U.S. Woodland and SWAT Black. However since airsofters sometimes use real uniforms, generally any real color scheme can be used. At some games or events, separate teams are assigned separate camouflage patterns. When attending an event, make sure you wear or bring the correct camouflage set.
Holsters - are great for holding your handgun when moving or for storage. Holsters have three basic types: shoulder, tactical thigh, and hip mounted. Holsters are great for holding your secondary or primary weapon when moving. It frees your hands for other activity. Holster types are made for general types of handguns and some compact SMG's such as the MAC 11. Also, some holsters are made to fit a particular camouflage scheme such as Woodland or ACU.
Tactical Vests - are an excellent and economical way to carry a large number of items at one time. Tactical vests also called "Tac-Vests" come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Pick one that works best for you and your playing environment.
Canteens - are one of the best ways to carry your most valued bodily possession with you on the battlefield; water. During the warmer months and even during the colder ones, it's best to keep water very close by, if not on you at all times. Dehydration is your enemy, and may seriously impede your ability to hunt, fix, and destroy your other target.
Insect Repellent - is treated like gold to many airsofters. Outdoor events and games, mainly during the summer are overrun with insects of all types. Take some with you to keep them away. Trust us, it's worth it...
Flash Lights - are great equipment for night events or games. Not only can you see the enemy, but if you are killed (out) you are visible to the other players and have a reduced risk of getting shot again. In addition to the obvious safety benefits, they are just handy to have.
Radios - are commonplace in airsoft games. Not only to keep in touch with your team, but for safety. Radios are not a necessity, but are strongly suggested; especially for events or games taking place on large acreage plots.
Goggles - Goggles are necessary for all airsoft games. Goggles are something that you do not want to go cheap on. Your eyes are at stake, don't mess around. Goggles come in several different styles and forms; ranging from full face masks, to light, shatter-resistance plastic.
Rules - Rules often differ per game or with the people that you play with. Always obey the rules. A general rule is no head shots. Head shots pose a huge risk to your safety and to the future of airsoft.
Law Enforcement - Obey the law, always. Carrying airsoft guns in public is not wise. You will probably get arrested, not to mention come close to getting shot with a real gun. If you have to travel to a skirmish, always carry your gun in your trunk. If by the off chance you get pulled over by a police officer, notify him immediately of the airsoft gun in your trunk. Do not, for any reason carry an airsoft gun in your car or on your person while driving. Do not for any reason take an airsoft gun to school. They will expel you, as guns or gun look-a-likes are illegal in schools. Always check with your local laws concerning airsoft guns. Airsoft guns are not legal in Washtenaw county, Michigan, or the five boughs of New York. Certain countries also have laws pertaining to airsoft, please check for your local laws and regulations.
Airsoft Etiquette - All American so some stuff does not apply but lots of useful & sensible information.
Part 3: What Not to Do in Airsoft
Enjoy Yourself! - Airsoft is a sport yes, so enjoy yourself. Be safe, obey the rules and you will have a great time. Good luck airsofting! Now you're ready to Play!