To Tech or Not to Tech

If you have been in airsoft for awhile you have probably heard of airsoft techs or airsmithers as well as seen the endless internal and external parts available for almost every $100+ airsoft gun.  If you have done some research into teching you probably have watched one or more of the many videos on how to do it.

Some of you may think that the prices ($40-$100) charged by airsoft companies like AirsoftGI.com, AirRattle.com, and Evike.com are too much considering that you could do it yourself.  Some of you may think that tech work is daunting and are more than ready to send in your airsoft gun to the professionals.  And the rest of you don’t understand why you would want to have an airsoft gun messed with when it works just fine.  This post is for all of you.

I recently had quite an adventure in teching.  I will be telling you guys about that experience in an upcoming series.

I learned a lot during my adventure into the world of teching.  I gained invaluable experience and now have a better grasp on how airsoft guns work and how to help others when their guns malfunction.  You don’t learn if you don’t try.  Below are the three main options you have when it comes to teching your gun and the benefits and downfalls of each.

Tech it yourself
Teching your airsoft gun is an awesome and trying experience.  You can learn a ton and improve your gun as well as others.  You can also shorten the life of you airsoft gun and break it.  So how do you tell if you should do it yourself?  If you have the time, want to learn about airsoft gearboxes, and have the drive to do it, then go for it.  Get some good videos, figure out the tools you need, and go to work.  It may be best to wait until your airsoft gun malfunctions before opening it so you know that you started with a broken gun and have nothing to lose.  Do not tech if you are prone to carelessness or don’t understand what you are getting into.  You can only hurt your gun and yourself.

Send it into a Professional
The case for a professional is obvious.  They have lots of experience, know how to fine tune everything, and often warranty their service.  They charge for their service and that is only right considering what they provide.  If you are unsure about what you need done to your airsoft gun or are wanting serious upgrades done to it then send your airsoft gun in to a reputable tech service.  If you own a low quality airsoft gun or don’t have any reason to send it in then check it out for yourself or leave it alone.

Don’t Tech At All
This option is the most inexpensive (to start with) and easiest of the three.  All you do is leave your airsoft gun alone, wait till it breaks, then buy a new one.  This may be the best option for you if you have a low quality airsoft gun, don’t want to get into teching, or are willing to spend a chunk of change down the road for a new gun.  If you own a high dollar gun then your gun should work fine with out any teching.  A well cared for (don’t run any Lipo batteries, don’t drop it, etc.), high quality (KWA, G&G Top Tech, etc.) gun should last you several years depending on how often you play.  On the other hand, if you want to transform the gun to a CQB from a field weapon or vis versa, want to add power or accuracy, or want the gun to last longer than it might in its stock form then the other two options are for you.

I hope this post helps you to determine what the best option is for you.  Don’t be afraid to try new things but understand your limitations.