Getting Started in Airsoft
From North Texas Airsoft Wiki
Contents |
What you will need and how much it will cost
a guide to getting your feet wet and making good initial purchasing decisions
I started playing airsoft in 2003. Over the last 7 years I have bought, sold, shot, handled and / or fixed probably close to 100 airsoft guns including springers, AEGs, and gas pistols. I generally own between 15 and 20 AEGs at time (not including my sons collection) and several pistols. I have been asked numerous times “how much it will cost” to get into airsoft and “what should I buy”.
For a new player, I changed my opinion somewhat over the past year.
RULE NUMBER 1: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AIRSOFT DEALERS
Try to buy all of you initial gear locally. This gives you someone to explain how the guns work, and a place to go to if things go wrong. You can also try items on and make sure they fit, and try items out to make sure they work. I can’t tell you how many items I have bought online only to be immediately unhappy with them upon seeing them in person.
Ask about the store’s warranty and return policy. Some guns carry a warrant and some do not. If you use the proper bbs you will probably be fine, but be aware that your gun will break, it’s only a matter of time and rounds put through it. Most local dealers offer repair services and there are other individuals on the website that do the same.
Getting Started / Essential Gear:
Mask / eye / Face protection: I have lost a tooth to airsoft and think everyone should where a full mask or something protecting your teeth as well as your eyes. Don’t skimp here – it should be the first purchase you make. Make sure when you buy a full-face mask or paintball mask that it has “thermal lenses” not “fog resistant lenses.” You can buy a product called “cat crap” from REI locally or over the Internet to also reduce fogging. For the most part though, thermal lenses will work well. I personally cut the mask down and remove the portion above the goggles and over the ears but that is personal preference. Cost: $40 and up for a paintball mask with thermal lenses available at Wal-Mart, Academy, Sports Authority, etc. You can also check out a Texas Company http://www.savephace.com for a good selection of full-face masks. Always make sure that lenses are ANSI Rated. Another good cheap and quality option is a rocket mask combined with Arena Flakjak goggles.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZRW118-1.html (Their retail store is in north Fort Worth)
http://www.northtexasairsoft.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=8498&hilit=rocketmask
BBs: Always but quality bbs. The crossman ones sold at Wal-Mart might work fine, but why take a chance. Deformed bbs can ruin your gun. Do not buy bbs from a chain store. I would recommend buying Bio bbs as you will need them if you play at DFWAP. You can obtain quality bbs from almost all of the local retailers and even some fields such as DFWAP.
Battery and Charger: Cheap batteries, batteries with a low discharge rate, or improperly charged batteries can all fail to provide the power needed to cycle an AEG properly. The batteries that come with a gun as well as the trickle chargers that come with a gun will provide a minimum starting point. Trickle chargers will effectively charge a gun – but they take a long time and require your supervision. They are good for charging batteries that have been so completely drained that a smart charger won’t charge them. Some Chinese guns come with decent batteries and the quality seems to be improving. Cyma in the past liked to include Nicd batteries with their guns. When buying an after market battery, Intellect is a safe brand to choose and is readily available in configurations to fit most guns. LIPOS are an option but probably should be a second one unless you are already comfortable with batteries. Check out the battery section of this forum for an extensive discussion of LIPOs.
Cost: Some free with gun. Smart Chargers run $40+ Intellect Batteries run $20 +
Water: Every time you play you need to bring water – at least a liter of it, and some way to carry it. If you don’t have money for a camelback or canteen, bring a couple of bottles of water.
Cost: Free if you fill it from the faucet and recycle some bottles.
Boots: Get a pair of quality boots with ankle support. Coyote Brown is a more universal color than black. Unless you are freak like me (size 15), quality boots can be had at very affordable price. Check the clearance sections at:
http://www.botachtactical.com/fc.html
http://www.lapolicegear.com/closeouts.html
http://www.afmo.com (here locally)
Cost: $20 - $40 for a decent pair on clearance (avoid jungle boots unless you are into Vietnam games).
BDUs: You will eventually need / want a green and tan set. Regular woodland and 3-color desert can be found at local surplus stores for reasonable prices. Try Mike Green’s Army Store, Omahas in Fort Worth, and the Army Navy store at Valwood and I-35, Heroes at Grapevine Mills Mall, or AFMO.
Cost: $20 to $75 for a set of BDUs.
Total cost for essential gear: Around $100+ for the above if you play your cards right
Getting started / Airsoft Guns:
Your first gun purchase needs to be an AEG. Since it will break at some point, you second purchase should be a second AEG so you will hopefully always have one that works. Once you have two AEGs you can look into a sidearm.
First AEG: I recommend you start with a sportline version, Echo 1, or newer Chinese clone for the following reasons:
- They cost less
- They come with a battery and charger that will work to get you started.
- Replacement parts are cheaper and often-complete replacement gearboxes are available.
- Extra mags are available for cheaper prices
- In many instances they function as well as a high-end gun for a fraction of the cost.
Cost: Expect to pay $150 to $200 for a gun, battery, and highcap.
Don’t get too exotic in choosing your initial gun. Stick within the following gun families so you can be assured the availability of parts and mags.
AK family: stick with Echo1 or Cyma’s newer guns. Dboys have great bodies but the motors aren’t strong enough. Cyma’s older guns (manufactured over 2-3 years ago) will not have as reliable of internals as all of their current offerings. Many of the Palco Aks available locally are Cyma rebrands and very reliable. The CM028 is the oldest and cheapest version but almost bulletproof internally. Beware as some Cymas shoot over 400 fps. If possible ask the retailer to chrono the gun you are buying.
M4 / Armalite Family: You have several options here. Echo1, Classic Army Sportline models, G& G combat machine based guns are all good starter options. Chinese made clones such as AGM and JG may look better but will be more likely to fail. AGMs also run hot and if over 400 fps won’t be allowed.
G36 family: Stick with Echo1 here. Their G36s are very probably the best beginner guns. The stock mag holds 470 rounds and it comes with a decent battery. Performance is very good.
M14: Stick with Cyma or Echo1 here. Their M14s are excellent weapons. Be carefull of Kart and UTG as they are not 100% TM compatible and have questionable internals.
MP5s: Stick with Classic Army and G&G sportline models or Echo1. Avoid the UTG MP5.
Thompson M1A1: I love these guns. They have great range and are pretty reliable. However, they tend to break where the barrel enters the receiver. If they do break there, they are easy to fix. I have had very good luck with the Cyma Thompson and refurbished ones are available for a good price at http://www.kapowwe.com (not exactly local but still Texas based. They also warrant their refurbished guns- check their website for more information). King Arms also makes very good midcaps for these.
Avoid P90s, L85s, MP40s, Sigs, and other obscure guns. You want to make sure that replacement parts and mags are readily available.
Second AEG: After you have played a while with your clone of choice and hopefully test fired some fellow players weapons, you will be better able to make an informed choice for you next weapon. You may choose another clone but you will probably come to the conclusion that there is a benefit to buying a high-end gun. I used to prefer KWA but their current wiring is not very good if used with an 11.1 lip. For this purchase do you homework and go with what you like.
Sidearm: These are good to have. There will be times when your AEG stops working or you need to shoot someone closer than you should with an AEG. I have had 2 KWA M9s that were purchased five years ago. They still work fine. I have also had good luck with HFC guns (except the M11) and the KJW 1911. The new KJW Sig P226 and P229 are also very nice. Beware of CO2 Non blow back guns sold at Wal-Mart, academy, and sports authority. They tend to shoot to hard to be safe for less than AEG distances. Guns also require gas unless you buy an automatic electric pistol. I would recommend going with a Chinese clone if you go with an AEP and that you probably stick with a G18. Avoid revolvers if you want the gun to be skirmishable. Several local retailers carry an inexpensive non-blowback gas 1911 made by HFC.
Cost: $40+
Secondary Gear (not essential but things you want to work toward)
Headgear: Helmets, boonies, ball caps, watch caps, etc. Hydration Carrier: canteens with pouches, nalgene bottle with pouch, camelback, etc. Vest / Plate carrier – coyote brown is the most universal color Mag pouches – again coyote brown is universal Radio and headset Holster – don’t skimp here as this is what keeps you from loosing your $100+ handgun. I prefer blackhawk serpas, level 2 or 3. If you have a gun with rails you need to check and see if it will fit the holster you are planning on buying.
Local Retailers:
Crankysmurf on the NTA forums. PM him and he can get you most items you would want for a very competitive price. He doesn’t have a store front but he is at almost every game.
The Army Store
Mike Green’s Store 10606 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, (214) 328-1341. Mike probably as the largest and most complete selection. If you are just getting started, this would be the first place to go, even if just to window shop and see what all is out there.
Airsoft DFW
170 West Main, Lewisville, TX 75057, 972-436-5826. I frequent this store the most. They seem to keep a good stock of bbs and often have the odd part that I am looking for. They also offer repair services.
AFMO
111 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080 (972) 235-9781.
Heroes
Grapevine Mills Mall. They have BDUs and a large assortment of AEGs as well as pistols and other items. Not all the staff are knowledgeable though so beware.
RC Zone
in Frisco: 7151 Preston Rd. #123, Frisco, Texas 75034, 214-705-0330 Phone (Homerj from the NTA forums works there and is very knowledgeable about airsoft)
Kastway Airsoft
(Although they don’t have a local storefront, Rick Kastner lives in Fort Worth and is a member of UAL, a local team. Their warehouse is in OK. I have been dealing with Rick since 2004 and can say he is A+++ and truly dedicated to our sport)
Websites I trust:
BDUS http://www.bdu.com
Boots and some other gear: http://www.sportsmansguide.com http://www.lapolicegear.com (they are often out of stock on items that their site shows to be in stock) http://www.botachtactical.com
Airsoft (guns, bbs, gear) http://www.airsoftgi.com http://www.weaponblender.com http://www.kapowwe.com
