ironchefkorea

alright. I used to be big into paintball and airsoft was always intriguing to me. Now that I'm a bit older, I'm not so into speedball and I don't want to be spending all my money to play paintball. Since I'm in Southern California (Santa Clarita to be more specific), I figure there's got to be a few groups of airsoft players in the area.

Anyway, I'm seriously considering it, and I noticed there are a few players on the forum, so I was hoping you guys could answer some questions for me.

First of all, I'm thinking of an Tokyo Marui Mp5 A5 as my primary, whether I'm gonna get the all-metal or not, I'm not sure. Budget isn't too much of an issue, I'm just going to be saving up and taking my time. Is it a reliable gun? Range wise, will it do if I end up playing out in the desert? Because I saw the site for The Killing House, which is a CQB field in LA, and I know doing that with the Mp5 is no problem.

Second. If the Mp5 is short range, can I go for the fps upgrade to 350 and fix the range problem?

3...What is the deal with gear boxes? I'm looking at a site that's selling a TM Mp5a5, and it has a Version 2 gearbox...

4...If everything above works out and I decide to do it, what gear do I need to get started? I'm guessing...

- a paintball mask
- spare batteries and charger
- ammo (obviously)
- spare clips - hi-cap or regular? Is there a higher chance of jamming or all my BBs spraying out of my clip if I go with one or the other? Do I need one of those loaders?
- holsters, mag pouches, slings, etc.

That's about it. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out.

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If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

tritium

For starters, yes, the mp5 is a short range weapon but that's OK if its the role you desire to play on your airsoft team. As you will find, there are several primary "roles" your teammates have. There are snipers, marksmen, raiders and defenders, along with the hybrids of each. As you get in deeper with airsoft, you might purchase a variety of weapons so you can fill any of the aforementioned positions on an "as-needed" basis for your team.

As far as guns go, there really is only one company to consider -- TM. And since you are already heading in that direction, I won't belabor the point much further. No crappy alternatives, period. Just TM.

Gearboxes are exactly like you said, they push heavier springs back to fire and thus, increase muzzle velocity (via a heavier spring). Who is selling the mp5? I usually try to buy locally so I can put my hands on the gun prior to purchase (to avoid the shaft from customs and DOA risks).

Only buy TM ammo. .2g is fine. Get a decent mask. I'd get an airsoft mask, myself. Paintball masks are designed for paintballs that travel much slower and break on contact. BBs are a different bird entirely. They don't break, travel faster and generally impact on a smaller surface area. Spare clips? What do you plan on doing? Hi-cap is great and everything, but if you're sniping, then you might not actually *see* an enemny to fire upon, much less use up an entire clip. Are you clandestine and only fire a few shots when its absolutely necessary or are a Rambo? Get a sling for the mp5. No holsters.

While you're buying gear, get some serious clothing. Those BBs hurt like a mother. Canvas pants and boots are a must. Get an army surplus BDU if you can (I recommend it).

I have a TM PSG-1 and an G3-SG1 with Ghillie suit. Guess my job description? lol...

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Blah.

tritium

Hmmm ... rereading my post. Faster gearboxes get shots to your target quicker but do nothing to increase accuracy. You're still firing a smooth bore rifle (don't believe the backspin crap). What you wind up with is a faster curve ball ...

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Blah.

ironchefkorea

thanks a lot, man. I'm most likely going to be playing a CQB/assault role...I've got a year or two experience playing front man for a speedball team, so I know how to move my ass and find good cover on the fly. Getting in close is hardly a problem for me.

I've read the other airsoft thread via Search and I'm considering Redwolf Airsoft very seriously. It seems like a good thing for me, and from what I know, I just need to notify them that I'm in the states and that I need an orange tip and putty over the trademarks, which they claim to do for free.

I like the realism factor so I'll probably be buying regular cap clips, so I can change out pretty frequently. I'd most likely be shooting in 5-10 shot bursts...

And I was thinking basic drab grey or urban BDUs, and both airsoft and paintball goggles. Never know when one might be better than the other.

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If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

nanofever

I don't mean to be a smartass but how can a rifle have a smooth bore ?

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I'm leaving for the University of California: Santa Barbara in 5 hours, give me your best college advice - things I need, good ideas, bad ideas, nooky, ect.

Originally Posted by Norseman on another forum:
"Yeah, the problem with the world is the stupid people are all cocksure of themselves and the intellectuals are full of doubt."

tritium

Yeah yeah... oxymoron. Would you prefer "musket" ??

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Blah.

tritium

The prices look cheap on the website, but shipping costs an arm and a leg. I would seriously consider buying domestically to avoid shipping costs and customs time. You will be several weeks without your weapon, and if it is confiscated by customs, you won't get anything, EVER. If you buy domestically, you can avoid huge shipping costs and the risks at customs.

There are plenty of shops in the US that can sell you what you want.

It is *very* expensive to have those guns shipped. Caveat Emptor!

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Blah.

asdf4321

I read through this very quickly, so I apologize for mistakes, oversights.

http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk

It's a great resource. I personally have a standard TM FA-MAS F1 purchased from Hong Kong, delivered to Houston, TX. It came out to about 300 bucks with battery, charger, extra hi-cap (which runs out far too fast, for my tastes, even though it holds 300 bbs). It works fine, I just play with friends though, no formal Airsoft with leagues or anything. Hope that helps.

EDIT: Dentrinity promises no shipping seizure. I didn't use them, I got my Airsoft gun fine. It'll come with an orange tip and if it's an HK replica, it'll be puttied. Mine actually failed to come with the actual flashhider, after a brief e-mail exchange, it arrived in the mail.

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Rar-poop! Combination dinosaur noise and the sound of.. well, you know.

Mustis

Airsoft always looked really fun. Thing is, there are no real good places to get involved with it around my area. Not really the best place to be doing stuff like it, which is too bad. Just got into shooter paper instead. Heh

stannners

I help run a site over here in the UK and play routinely on other sites as well and have a great time doing so!

If you are interested in a few sites that would be of use try these two ones
UKAN

or

Airsoft Community


ANy questions should be answered on here - even if you are in the States and they are UK based, they are a good resource

As for the use of high caps - they are great if you are a beginner 'cos you don't have to reload so much and if in the states like over here, sites have an ammo limit per game a couple of high caps would get you started and save you money Once you get into it more then you can get some standards cos its alot more fun having to change when you are getting shot at!

Also, upgrading the gearbox can be an expensive thing to start with so maybe you could look into getting a tighter fit barrel cos that would make some range difference! There's no point spending shit loads of money just to find that you dont enjoy it

Oh yeah, is it true that you have to have an orange mark on your gun to show its an airsoft weapon and not a real one?

silent_jay

Air soft and paint ball are for kids for the same price you can get great real fire arms that last a lifetime not one drop... Any body who spends more then 50 bucks seriously has their head way far up their ass.. be a man and buy a real gun let kids play games and adults play sports ..ever heard of ispc combat shoots ...need a pistol a holster and 2 mags ...cheaper more fun..more practical and don't forget fake guns are for timid at heart just remember saftey with anything witha projectile(even the one in your pants)

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Absence makes the heart grow fonder

turbodriven

I don't get it? Sounds like a very good way to obtain an extremely realistic MP5

Airsoft full metal MP5 = $300
Actual real MP5 = $10,000 (I've only rarely seen them at gun shows)

silent_jay

but what is it good for?

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Absence makes the heart grow fonder

turbodriven

What's a real one good for? Going to go hunting with it?

MrFlux

Playing war games with...

Because last I heard, when you run around shooting people with BB's for fun, nobody dies and you don't have to serve a life sentence...

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flux (n.)
Medicine. The discharge of large quantities of fluid material from the body, especially the discharge of watery feces from the intestines.

silent_jay

I think combat target shooting (obstacle courses) are a much better past-time than running around the woods playing capture the flag, it's not always about hunting...is a discipline, a sport and a pastime.

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Absence makes the heart grow fonder

danthony12321

Yeah, but with target shooting, the targets don't shoot back.

supersix2

I've been playing airsoft for 2 years now and before that I played paintball. I definatley like airsoft way better than paintball because its much more realistic.
To answer your question about a gun, the MP5 is a good choice but you might want to consider a G36. The G36 is the same size as an MP5 but you can do more with it. For starters it has a rail system to attach a tactical light, red dot sight, and/or laser. Also, unlike the MP5 you can easily add and remove a silencer, the MP5 requires a full front reciever change. What is the purpose of a silencer you ask? Well its quite simple, when playing outdoors you will want a longer barrel for increased range and accuracy. The silencer will allow you to increase the barrel length if you run a new inner barrel through it. You'd probably be able to get a barrel the size of an M4 in a G36 then. The barrel will be about twice as long. If you know you are playing indoors just keep the normal barrel and don't use the silencer, if you know you will be outdoors its a simple swap that'll take about 5 minutes. Then again its up to you. You will definatley want to upgrade your gun to atleast 300 fps.
As far as BBs are concerned Xcel is a good brand to use as well as TM.

Now to respond to silent_jay...
I am 18 most of the people who I play airsoft with are in thier late 20's and early 30's some are even older than that. These people include police officers and ex-military. We don't play airsoft just to shoot the replica guns. We play because we enjoy military simulations. We don't just run around in the woods playing capture the flag. We actually have realistic missions that take place in the woods, a mock town, or inside real buildings.
I think your argument would be a little more credible if you stayed away from the insults too. Yes, airsoft is expensive. I've probably spent over 2000 on all my equipment and guns. Yes, I could have bought a real gun with that money. However, I am happy with my purchases. Last year I played airsoft atleast twice a month during the spring and summer. Its not just about the shooting its about moving carefully, using strategy and tactics, trying to complete a mission, and trying to not get shot. If you tried it I'm sure you would probably like it.

theguyondacouch

One thing I've always wondered about airsoft, how do they know when someone is hit? It's not like it leaves a mark like paintball.

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"Lick my frozen metal ass!"

supersix2

The honor system is used and if that breaks down you just shoot someone until they can't take the pain any more and they scream.

AlCap0wn

Says the Liberal Canadian. *rolls eyes* Go play some more LaZeR tAg and keep wishing you could buy real firearms.

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silent_jay

Shove your lazer tag, my political views have no bearing on my opinion on airsoft so that is really irrelavant whether I'm a Liberal or not.
The only thing I as a Canadian cannot purchase is silencers and AR-15's and AK-47's, the bullet sprayers of the firearms world. In Canada we specialize in pecision, I believe it was a Canadian in Afghanistan (JTF-2) who made the 2430 M shot in the mountains pretty impressive considering they saved Americans that were pinned down by Taliban forces. Any Canadian can purchase the TAC-.50 over the counter, so there.

Why in gods name would you pick lazer tag the retards in grade 4 play lazer tag at birthday parties.

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Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Lebell

Both of you please stop the political commentaries as well as the personal comments.

Thank you.

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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." – C. S. Lewis

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Rippley

All things flaming aside, I played airsoft, on an informal level, for about a year a while back. Owned an AK with uprated motor and 600 shot mag(which kept jamming...!!), as well as an mp5A5 that I still have lying around. It was a blast! We hijacked a local school on the nights between saturdays and sundays, split into 2 teams of 5-6 players, and just had at each other for a good 5 six hours. Soo much fun It is expensive thought. There's a 5 person team, here in Denmark, that has, at last count about 100K worth of gear...I think its a bit extreme, but then, they play on an international level.
The only inherent weakness in airsoft is, as supersix2 mentioned, the honor system. Every once in a while, someone won't play by the rules. It is self regulating though, because that someone will never be invited to play again...
my .02$, go, get gun, have fun!!

Edit: Was just surfing the Redwolf site. GET THE G3 SAS!!! Soooo cool looking....

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roadrazer - 300kgs, 300hp = pure fun.

Demiurge

I love airsoft! I own 2 guns and a Pistol

MP5 RIS (modded it myself)

PSG-SAS (I merged a PSG-1 with a G3SAS) looks wierd

I'll try to get pictures of my MP5RIS soon

madhatter

I have been wanting to move over from paintball and into airsoft. And since I recently move to a more airsoft dominated area, this seems to be a logical flow.

Most of the people I have talked to seem to like TM. So my question goes to the guys with the TM PSG-1, since I would prefer sniping and slight assault. How does the TM PSG-1 feel and perform? And what would be a reasonable price for it?

mofunk

The PSG-1 performs quite well. Fairly straight shooter, and it goes much further than any AK/M4, etc. It wasn't mine, so I don't know any cost issues.

I agree with supersix2. We play a very tactical game of airsoft. 10-20 people, no CTF or anything like that. And I'm the second youngest at 25. We have 1 ex-military, a couple reservists, and 2 cops, one trying to get on ERT. Tons of fun if you get the right group of people.

I only have money for one gun, which I stupid made a P90. An absolutely awesome performer, either as covering fire, and especially in CQB, but we do a lot of outdoors >30 m shooting and it just doesn't have the accuracy. The M4/AKs own me.


I don't know about anyone else, but I've never found them to sting that much, other than finger/throat shots.

Force 10

Wow, I was given an AirSoft a few weeks ago. It needs a battery, guess I'll buy one ;-) You guys sound like you're having too much fun!

Silent_jay...didn't your momma ever tell you 'if you have nothing nice to say about something, don't say it at all' Move along.

Pyke

Kind of off topic, but I met the sniper and spotter that made that shot. They told me the first shot was a bit high, the target did not even notice the shot hitting about 30 m away, second one was the hit. At that range, you need a damn good team, and they are!

mapleburner21

its just not worth it, i spent money i couldve used on things that would be much more fun, airsoft is just gay paintball

CamaroRS1967

Have you ever played airsoft?

farmer goo 2005

I played airsoft in Japan last week and the week before that and i think im going this weekend to a night scrimage I thougt it was really fun and would highly recomend it. At the last battle i got to use my friends L96A1 (or AWP to you CS buddies) plus it was tweaked to over 4J so when you shoot someone with it they drop to the ground and scream HEHE

Great_White

Despite that the threads old im still gonna throw in my words...

Anyways I bought an AUG SR version and I love it. Its such a great gun. I bought it from WGC for something like $360 including shipping, sling, Red Dot, Spare Hi-Cap. So its gonna run somewhere around the same domesitcally and over seas. Im ordering a few little objects, ill order over seas. But if i buy something heavy again it will be locally.

I also have a TM M92 Chrome GBB and its about average. Im in love with the looks, but the action could be more crisp and the mags are kinda iffy...

mkultra

Demiurge-

That custon is awesome. That's why I got into airsoft, the amount of custom that can be done is phenomenal. Again, kudos on the rifle that is one of the best combinations I've ever seen.

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In the words of Jello: "Punk ain't no religious cult,punk means thinking for yourself. You ain't hardcore cause you spike your hair, when a jock still lives inside your head."