Category: Beginner

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Average Budgets for Airsoft (Beginner, Casual, and Pro)

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Average Budgets for Airsoft | AirsoftWarrior.net
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This post is brought to you by OutdoorEmpire.com. Your One-Stop Destination for Outdoor Gear Talk.

With all of the fantastic gear, guns, and equipment you can get for airsoft, it can be difficult to figure out what a good budget is for your level of airsoft experience. There are a lot of things out there that the beginner or casual player doesn’t need to consider purchasing because they won’t be necessary for the average amount of time they play. In this post, we are going to dive into some easy breakdowns of what a good budget looks like and what you need to buy, no matter how often you play airsoft.

 

Beginner Airsoft Budget:

Beginner airsoft players are players who have almost no time invested in the sport of airsoft yet. They may have played in a few games and borrowed gear from friends for those games. When beginner players decide they want to start playing more regularly, there are some basic items they are going to need. Most of the items listed below are the bare minimum you need in order to figure out if you actually like the sport while also having a safe, fun time on the field.

Paintball Full Face Mask ($20-$30)
Gun ($20-$50)
Quality BBs (4000 rounds for $15-$20)

Total = $55-$100

In Depth:

For a gun, just a basic springer or CO2 pistol will be fine. No need to spend any more money than you have to at this stage. I recommend a Crosman P311 or Air Mag C11. If you want to spend a little extra, check out the Umarex H&K USP. Keep in mind that I recommend investing in the metal mag for it due to the plastic ones having a high failure rate (You can see my review for the H&K USP HERE). If you want to see more reviews on some of the best airsoft guns, no matter your budget, check out Outdoor Empire’s post on finding the best airsoft gun HERE.

A paintball mask is easy to find and will give you the protection you need to keep your eyes, teeth, and face safe in battle. For BBs, I recommend finding some quality ones at an official airsoft shop, or buying them online. Cheap BBs are known to shatter on impact, creating plastic shrapnel that can be dangerous. Also, many fields have rules preventing you from playing if you use cheap BBs. I use inexpensive, quality Lancer Tactical 0.20g Bio BBs and they work great!

You may notice that I did not list any specific kind of clothing. As a beginner airsofter, there is no need to play dress up on the field (not yet anyway 😉 ). I use a uniform for blending into my environment and for team recognition. If you have some good pants, boots or light hiking shoes for stability and protection, and a shirt that isn’t neon yellow, you can play airsoft just fine. There is no need to invest in a set of BDUs at this stage. Save your money for when you know you really enjoy airsoft and want to play more.

Casual Airsoft Budget:

At this point in your airsoft career, you know you enjoy the sport and want to play it more often. Maybe you host games for your friends on a regular basis and want to start playing at official fields. In addition to the beginner airsofter budget, here is what I recommend you invest in:

Good Primary Weapon ($100-$150)
Extra Battery for Primary Weapon ($20)
Smart Charger for Battery ($20)
Set of BDUs (Pants and Top for $50-$75)
Cyclone Mike Fan ($35)
Half Finger Gloves ($15)

Total = $240-$265

In Depth:

Since you are playing airsoft more often, you will need a gun that not only performs better, but will last longer. Guns like the CYMA AK47 and G&G Combat Machine have excellent durability and performance for this budget level and can last for 2+ years of regular games with no problem. They perform well in CQB (Close Quarters Battles) and outdoor fields, and will keep you effective in battle. When shopping around, keep in mind that many of the fancy cosmetic features like intricate rail systems, and blow back slides will just cost you more and have almost no positive effect on performance.

At this stage, I recommend getting some form of BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform) for games. Most fields will have a tan and green camo system for teams, and a set of BDUs will allow you to be easily identified so you don’t get shot at by your own team. The half finger gloves will provide you with additional protection, especially at CQB games. Half finger gloves are also allow you to have full dexterity compared to full finger.

I recommend the Cyclone Mike for a casual airsofter’s budget because it does a fantastic job of keeping your goggles or facemask from fogging during a game. Nothing is worse in airsoft than not being able to see what is going on because your goggles are fogged over. The Cyclone Mike is super versatile and works with almost any eye protection system you can buy (You can see my full review of the Cyclone Mike HERE).

Pro Airsoft Budget | AirsoftWarrior.net

Pro Airsoft Budget:

By the time you reach this point in airsoft, you probably don’t need a whole lot of help deciding what you need to add to your airsoft loadout. You have been in many battles, tested out gear, and probably even know a bit about upgrading your own airsoft guns. Here are a few things I would recommend for your budget if you don’t have them already:

Helmet or Other System for Protection and Camera Mounting ($50-$75)
Action Camera ($100-$400)
High Quality Primary and Backup Gun ($500+)
Extra Batteries and Tactical Accessories for Guns ($100+)
MOLLE Chest Harness or Plate Carrier ($100-$200)
Gear to Complete Your Loadout’s “Look” ($100+)

Total= $1000+

In Depth:

At this stage, you treat airsoft as a hobby or sport and you should want to invest in it. The items on this list do not need to be acquired all at once, and cost will change based on your personal airsoft style and gear needs.

I recommend getting some kind of system for recording your games. Even if you don’t post footage to YouTube, the ability to see how you play is invaluable in making you a better player. By watching footage after a game, you can figure out exactly what went right or wrong, and use that to become a better player. If you are unsure of which camera to get, I recommend the SJ4000. It is budget friendly and one of the best in its price range. Make sure you check out my review, and do your research so you don’t get one of the low quality knockoffs.

A backup gun is a great idea just in case your primary malfunctions. Having an extra gun also allows you to loan it out to friends so they can come to games and play with you. There are so many great brands and weapons out there in the $250+ range that will serve you well and are great for competitive gameplay.

At the pro level, you’ll need a way to carry extra mags, airsoft grenades, and other necessary items for long airsoft games. A good harness or plate carrier with customized MOLLE pouches will allow you to create a system that fits your needs.

You may also want to complete a certain “look” for a loadout. Maybe you are into a “blackout” look and need all black gear. Perhaps you want to replicate a specific military unit or country with your gear. Make sure to budget in the funds to make that a reality so you can look the part on the field.

 

A special thank you to OutdoorEmpire.com for collaborating with me to produce today’s post. Be sure to check out their website for posts with tips and information on airsoft and outdoor gear. They have a great, in-depth article on how to pick a quality airsoft gun that will fit your needs and combat style that I recommend checking out HERE. If you have any questions about airsoft budgets or recommendations for gear that really helped you in your airsoft career, post them down in the comments!

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Recognizing a Good Airsoft Leader

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Recognizing A Good Airsoft Leader | AirsoftWarrior.net
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Airsoft is a team game.  Due to the nature of airsoft, airsofters often end up on a team with a wide variety of players with different levels of experience, tactical and field knowledge, and leadership skills.  You may end up on a team of 10 players where nobody has ever played at the field before and is trying airsoft for the first time.  On the other extreme, you may get mixed in with a team where everyone thinks they are SEAL Team 6 material and their sole mission is to beat the other team into the ground.

No matter what kind of team you end up on, often there is a dominant leader that other players on the team look up to for directions and guidance before the game begins.  Sometimes a leader rises through having played at the specific field more than anyone else or having more tactical knowledge.  Sometimes a leader comes to power by having a lot of good friends on the team or knowing how to find the best spots on the field to hold down the enemy offensive.  No matter how a leader is chosen, the amount of success you have on the field and the fun you have while you’re there, is often determined by how well a leader is able to do their job.  Here are some questions that you can ask to determine if the leader at your next airsoft event is good at what they do, as well as pick up some good tips for the next time you command a team!

 

Is The Leader There To Have Fun?

This is the biggest question to ask when deciding if someone is a good airsoft leader.  Airsoft is a game, not a talent and gear show.  It isn’t about decimating the enemy team all day long, having the highest kill streak, or laughing at the enemy team while they get mowed down by a bunch of over-serious players.  Airsoft at its core is about FUN!!!  A good airsoft leader will be willing to have fun no matter how the game is going.  Usually they will crack a few jokes when things are going rough, as well as be the first to congratulate a player when they push the objective and secure a win.  If the team isn’t having fun, or at least having a good laugh now and then, it is a clear sign that the leader is being too serious or isn’t doing enough to keep up team moral.

 

Is The Leader Including Everyone?

A clear sign of a good leader is the ability to get everyone involved in the game.  No matter the experience level or amount of gear someone owns, everyone and anyone can play airsoft and be a part of a team.  Every player needs to be included in the execution of a mission, and also the planning of that mission if possible.  Granted there are always a few players that don’t have a team mentality when playing airsoft (you know “that guy” on the field).  Don’t expect a leader to get those kinds of players involved every round, but they should at least be making an effort to keep the team working together.

(Interested in getting new or young players involved during a game? Than THIS post is for you!)

Is The Leader Knowledgable And Able To Communicate Well?

This is an excellent question to ask about a leader after seeing them command for a few rounds of a game.  A knowledgeable leader will be able to identify issues in the team’s gameplay and strategy and be able to communicate his plan for fixing those issues in upcoming battles.  The good leader will also be able to find the spots on a field that are the best to defend at, as well as the best places to attack from.  Being a knowledgable leader with good communication skills doesn’t mean that they are a walking dictionary of tactics, or are able to shout out orders like a Drill Sergeant.  A real leader will have the common sense to make decisions and get their point across to everyone quickly and clearly before and during a battle.

(If you want to learn more about good communication in airsoft, check out “The 3 E’s of Communication”.  If you are needing some good radios to help enhance communication on the field, HERE is the pair I use on the field.)

 

These are some great guidelines to use to improve your own leadership skills in airsoft.  Use these questions during a game to discover what other leaders do well, or struggle with.  Armed with the knowledge these questions will provide,  you can become a stronger leader and command the field in a way that keeps airsoft fun and exciting for every player!

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How To Go From Backyard Airsoft To Field Games

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How To Go From Backyard Airsoft To Field Games | AirsoftWarrior.net

One of the places many airsofters first get to experience a game is in a backyard.  A couple of spring pistol battles later and their hooked.  After awhile, they want to expand beyond those small battles on the lawn and check out what the rest of the airsoft world has to offer, namely dedicated airsoft field games!  But the transition from the casual backyard games to the highly competitive and structured field scenarios can be a harsh one.  If you want to learn more about how to make this transition better and help other players too, you’ve come to the right place!

(Note:  Backyard games must be safe and comply with local laws at all times.  Be sure to do your research and require full seal eye protection as well as proper face protection at all the game you host or play in.  The backyard is not a time to slack off or stop using common sense.  Respect your neighbors and notify them if you plan on playing.  If you think you shouldn’t play, DON’T!  The airsoft community thanks you for keeping the sport honorable and safer for everyone.)

 

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

The biggest thing to remember when you’re going to your first field game is to be prepared (in case the title of this section didn’t get your attention).  Preparedness requires that you hone your skills on more than just the tactical level (although you’ll want to spend a lot of time on that too!).

The first way you can prepare for a field game is mentally.  Understand that field games aren’t really like a backyard game.  There will be a lot of people you don’t know and they will all have a different style of airsoft.  Some of them will have a lot more experience and understand how to “play” the field better.  Don’t let that concern you.  You just have to mentally accept the fact that not everything is going to go right and you may be sitting in respawn a bit more than usual for the first few rounds.

Research is another valuable tool to use when you are preparing.  Look up the rules of the field and the layout if possible.  Use a program like Google Earth to see a satellite view of an outdoor field, or ask players that have visited the field before to give you some tips or draw a simple map.  If you understand the dynamics of the field, you can prepare for the most likely scenarios that will occur.

 

Train for the Field

If you have prepared properly and understand as much as possible about the field itself, then you should take some time to implement that knowledge.  Go out and practice running scenarios specifically for the field.  Implement proper tactics and shooting principles to enhance your skills.  The muscle memory you build, and your better understanding of tactics, will boost your confidence when you show up at the field.

Here are some training ideas:

  • Watch videos from the field and analyze the tactics used.
  • Practice the different shooting positions (standing, kneeling, prone, etc.).  Both supported and unsupported.
  • Have a backyard game and try out some squad tactics.
  • Practice using different communication skills to relay battle information.

 

Gear

Proper gear is a vital to making the transition from backyard to field games easier.  Make sure you have the basic gear you need for the field you are visiting (right BB weight and number of BBs, batteries, hydration, kill rags, eye and face protection, etc.).  Don’t worry about having the best gear or most tacticool load out.  This is your first field game.  Just bring what you NEED and use the game to learn what you WANT in the future.

HERE is a link to my Basic Gear List to give you some ideas of what you may need to bring to your first field game.  Check the field’s website or give them a call if you want further information on recommended gear.

 

Extra Tips:

Here are a few ways to make your field experience better:

  • Arrive earlier than you think you need to if possible.  You’ll have more time to set up your gear and get settled in.
  • Fill out your field safety waiver before hand (most fields post them on their website).
  • Organize your gear and know where everything is so you can find it quickly in between games.
  • BRING WATER!
  • Bring a small repair kit or tool box for minor fixes on both guns and gear.
  • Remind yourself that you are there to have FUN!

 

Thank you for reading this post.  If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I would be happy to answer them.  Also, let me know any tips you have for making backyard to field game transitions better!

 

 

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10 Rules of Airsoft Safety

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10 Rules Of Airsoft Safety | AirsoftWarrior.net
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I’ve seen a lot of airsoft players who don’t understand the meaning of “muzzle control” or think it’s OK to not wear lower face protection at longer games.  They can make the game less safe for themselves and others by following less-than-safe practices while on the field.  To keep you from being “one of those guys”, here are 10 rules to make your airsoft games safer (these are adapted from the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s “Firearm Safety — 10 rules of Safe Gun Handling”).

 

Only Point Your Muzzle At What You Intend To Shoot:

Practicing good muzzle control will prevent others from being injured and will lower the amount of friendly fire.

 

Keep Your Airsoft Gun Unloaded When Not In-Game:

Wait until you’re on the field and everyone has eye pro on before loading your gun.  When you leave the field (even just to go grab something from the staging area), eject the magazine and fire several shots at the ground to clear the gun.

 

Don’t Rely On The “Safety”:

Airsoft guns use a series of safety systems (both mechanical and electrical) to prevent accidental firing.  But they are in no way fool proof.  Always treat your airsoft gun as if it is loaded and ready to fire.  Be sure to practice Rule 1 at all times when your gun is loaded or unloaded.

 

Be Sure Of Your Target And Beyond:

This is one of the most repeated gun safety rules you’ll hear.  Identify what is beyond your target every time you fire.  This will prevent friendly fire and allow you to have better battlefield awareness.

 

Use Good BBs:

Cheap BBs have been known to shatter on impact, resulting in plastic shrapnel flying in all directions.  Using quality BBs is safer for you, your teammates, and your gun.

 

If Your Gun Fails To Fire, Take Precautions:

If your airsoft gun fails to function as it should and you can’t correct the issue in-game, unload the mag, try to clear the gun (or unplug the battery), and use a secondary weapon.  If you don’t have a secondary, you can still support your team by being a spotter and doing recon.  After the game, take the gun back to staging, unplug the battery, and attempt repairs in a safe place.

 

Always Wear Eye Pro and Face Pro:

If you aren’t doing this, don’t play airsoft.  Eye and Face Pro are vital to keeping you safe during games.  Eyes, teeth, and BB-clogged ear canals aren’t easy to fix.  Buy a pair of inexpensive goggles for $15 and a $10 metal mesh face mask and you’re good to go.

(Note:  Metal mesh masks may need some custom modification to fit properly with your goggles.  Check out this video for tips on how to do this.)

 

Clear and Clean Your Airsoft Barrel:

After each scenario at a game, clear your airsoft gun by firing at the ground a few times with the mag out to clear any BBs still in the hop up.  This prevents a suprise BB from flying around after you’re in the staging area.  When you get home, clean the inner barrel.  This will prevent jams, and increase accuracy so you hit what you aim at.  HERE is my inner barrel cleaning guide to get you started.

 

Don’t Alter Airsoft Guns Without Tech Experience:

If you try to upgrade your airsoft gun without proper experience, you not only risk breaking the gun, you also may make it a part spewing, overpowered death machine (that was not meant to sound cool in any way).  Spend the time to learn how to upgrade airsoft guns properly and talk to professional airsoft techs to figure out what the best upgrades are.  (Check out my “To Tech Or Not To Tech Post” to determine whether tech work is for you.)

 

Learn How Airsoft Guns Work And Why:

Learning how airsoft guns work allows you to understand the reason things go wrong with your gun, and direct you to make informed decisions about upgrading.  It will also keep you safer on the field because you’ll have the knowledge to correct issues and prevent them in the future.  HERE is a great Version 2 (M4, M16, etc.) gearbox guide that will also give you the basics of Version 3 (AK, G36C, etc.) operation.

 

If you have more thoughts on airsoft safety, let me know in the comments.  Be sure to share this post if you’re a fan of airsoft safety and AirsoftWarrior.net!

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New Players: Introducing Them To Airsoft

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New Players: Introducing Them To Airsoft | AirsoftWarrior.net
(Note: Some people prefer to call people who are new to airsoft, “newbies”.  I personally think that term is a little derogatory.  I am referring to them as “new players” because that is what they are.  Making someone feel dignified and proud of being an airsofter from the start, is one of the best ways to make them a supporter of the game.)

I am sure that you know a few new (or potential) players. They are your friends, family, and acquaintances that don’t play airsoft or don’t have a working knowledge of how to be effective in a battle.

Introducing a new player to airsoft can be a difficult process.  You, as the experienced player, already have some tactical abilities and have invested your time (and money) into the sport of airsoft.  A new player, with their untacticalness and not-so-advanced weapons, may seem to be extra baggage when you get in a game.

But, they are the next wave of airsofters.  They are the ones that can carry the sport to their friends and family and grow the airsoft community.  It is vital that we, the responsible airsofters that care for the sport, help these potential airsofters learn the sport in a way that makes them keep coming back for more.

Here are 3 tips to introduce a new player to airsoft so they’ll have a good first experience.  If they have a bad introduction to airsoft, you will have lost a potential player.  Don’t let that happen.

1. Tell them what to expect
Try to give the new player an idea of what is going to happen in a game.  Start with the good things.  Tell them about the awesome game play they will have; and the team spirit that defines airsoft.

After you have given them a good foundation of what airsoft is, then move on to dispelling their fears of airsofting.  One of the biggest fears is getting hit.  Be honest with them.  Tell them that BBs hurt but the pain is only temporary.  Let them know that the important thing is for them to get back up, get back in the game, and start dishing out the punishment on the enemy team.

2. Give them knowledge
Show them how their weapon works and how far it can shoot accurately.  Let them test fire it and get a feel for it.

Help them understand some basic tactics and commands so they can be more tactical.  Explain why the tactics are important; and why they work.

Make sure they understand that they need to communicate with you.  Keep hand signals and code words to the basics.  Over complicating airsofing is one of the worst things you can do to a new player.

3. Give them support
Keep them on your team with people they trust so they’ll feel more at ease.

Give them tasks they can handle (i.e. “hold this point” or “follow me and watch for enemies sneaking up behind us”); and support them by encouragement and keeping them involved in the battle.

As they play, up the level of difficulty to give them a challenge (i.e. “go secure that bunker” or “outflank the enemy from the left”).  Don’t give them a task that seems unimportant or doesn’t make sense to them (i.e. “stay back and hold the respawn area” or “stay here while the rest of us get the job done”) even if it makes sense to you.  Remember, a new player needs to see the reason behind what they are doing to stay interested.

I hope that you can introduce many new players to the sport.  It is vital that we grow and train the community so that airsoft continues to grow and be an honorable sport.  Thank you for doing your part.

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Which Airsofting Animal Are You?

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Which Airsofting Animal are You? | AirsoftWarrior.netHere is a list of animals that represent some of the airsofters you will encounter on the battlefield.  Look at the descriptions below, then find which one best fits you, and which one you want to be most like.  Discuss with your battle buddies what animal you thought best represented you and then have them tell you which one they think you are most like.  This will help you to develop into a better airsofter and to increase your understanding of your abilities.  Be honest with yourself, and have fun!

Which Airsofting Animal are You?-Wolf | AirsoftWarrior.net
Wolf
The wolf airsofter likes to work in a team and coordinate his attacks with his buddies.  He relies on strength, cunning, and teamwork to bring down his enemies.  Even without his team the wolf is still a formidable foe and deserves respect.  His best buddy is the fox due to his leadership skills .  He is weak against the cheetah if he gets into a one on one battle with him .

Which Airsofting Animal are You?-Fox | AirsoftWarrior.net
Fox
The fox airsofter is the most cunning and thoughtful airsofter.  He likes to think things through and determine a plan of action before going into battle.  He prefers to work in a team and tries not to go off on his own.  It is difficult for the fox to understand airsofters that don’t like to operate in a team or develop elaborate plans before going into battle .  His best battle buddies are the vulture and wolf due to their willingness to be lead by him and support his plans.  His worst foe is the monkey because of his unpredictability and disregard for leadership.

Which Airsofting Animal are You?-Cheetah | AirsoftWarrior.net
Cheetah
The cheetah relies on his speed and airsofting skill to carry him through a battle.  He has little regard for weaponry and tends to look down on the elephant’s pride in his weaponry.  He is a very effective lone warrior and sometimes has trouble working in a team.  His best buddy is the wolf because of his skill level.  He is weak against a tough elephant or a strong team of wolves.

Which Airsofting Animal are You?-Elephant | AirsoftWarrior.net
Elephant
The elephant doesn’t have the skills or tactics to be effective, so he uses his weapons.  He likes to collect guns and have the best of everything on the battlefield.  His worst enemy is the cheetah because the elephant can’t figure out how he can fight without the most amazing guns and gear .  His best friend is a fellow elephant although they sometimes get into arguments over who has the best gear.

Which Airsofting Animal are You?-Vulture | AirsoftWarrior.net
Vulture
The vulture likes to work in a team so he can use the good ideas and leadership of others to accomplish his mission.  He doesn’t have the most kills but he is the best team player.  He loves to learn from other players.  His partner is fox due to his skill and cunning use of tactics that the vulture can copy and learn from in his missions.  His arch enemy is monkey because the vulture has nothing to gain from working with him.

Which Airsofting Animal are You?-Monkey | AirsoftWarrior.net
Monkey
The monkey may have skills and guns but he doesn’t use them.  He prefers to rush into battle and hope for the best.  He rarely listens to or obeys orders.  He occasionally comes out on top due to his aggressiveness but this is often an exception.  Not many other airsofters care for his company and purposely send him on his own “special” missions.  He has no special friends; and it is difficult to put a finger on his worst enemy because of the various “styles” of fighting he uses.

I hope this list helps you to better examine yourself and your airsofting style so you can improve.  Have fun and work towards your goal animal and help your buddies achieve theirs.

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Basic Airsoft Tactics

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Airsoft Basic Tactics | Airsoftwarrior.netGood tactics are key to becoming a good airsofter.  Great tactics can make up for the enemy’s greater numbers or better weapons.  A great example of superior tactics winning a battle can be seen in Germany’s invasion of France in 1940.  Germany employed a new tactic, the Blitzkrieg, a combination of fast movement, concentrated tanks, and close air support, to defeat the strong French army in just a few months.  Here are a few tactics that will allow you to up your game and understand what makes a tactic effective.

Stealth is a key factor in good tactics.  Being quiet allows you to sneak into a strong position unnoticed and then hammer down on the confused and vulnerable enemy.  One time I slid quietly along a ravine staying low and avoiding sticks and leaves that would alert the enemy to my position.  I then determined the location of my enemy,  just one unsuspecting sentry focusing on the rest of my team.  I hopped up and hammered down with my automatic.  He never knew what happened until it was too late.  I was then in a good position that the enemy never expected me to be in.  Stealth is key!

Team Coordination is very important to good tactics.  Let your team know what the plan is and what you are going to do and how they can help.  I ask my teammates to lay down covering fire to keep the enemy down while I move up.  Work with the rest of your team and coordinate attacks whenever possible to make everyone more effective in their mission.

Communication can not be stressed enough.  Talk to your team members!  Silence and stealth are important, but there is a time to talk.  Try hanging back in a battle and giving your stealthy teammates information on the enemy’s location and strength so they can be more effective.  Don’t be afraid to call for help if you are in a sticky situation.

I hope these tactics help you advance your game to a new level.  Try to incorporate them as often as you can; and adapt them to your situation or tactic.  Let me know how you incorporated one of the basic tactics, stealth, team coordination, or communication into one of your airsoft battles.

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Spring, Electric, or Gas, which is right for you?

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Spring, Electric, or Gas | Airsoftwarrior.netWith the large assortment of airsoft weaponry available, it can be confusing even to some experienced airsoft users to determine what firing system they need in a gun.

I have used the three basic types of airsoft firing systems,spring, electric, and gas in my airsoft battles and in my arsenal.  Here is a basic rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Spring

Spring guns are known for their reliability. They use the tension of a spring to drive air forward to launch BBs. They are accurate and often higher powered than their counterparts.  Spring guns are single shot and have to be cocked each time after firing; therefore they have a low rate of fire.  Spring guns are cheaper than gas or electric and are often lighter.

Electric

Electric guns have a high rate of fire and are often automatic.  Electric guns use a gearbox that rotates using an electric motor to shoot BBs at high rates of fire.  Electric operated guns may have a lower power than their spring or gas conterparts and are often more expensive than spring weapons.  Electric guns also have to be recharged occasionally.

Gas

Gas guns are extremely powerful, but they are also the most expensive.  They use compressed gas to blast BBs at high speeds.  They are very accurate and are heavier than most electric and spring guns giving them a realistic feel.  The gas has to be changed out or refilled occasionally for the gun to continue shooting.

I really like my gas powered HK USP made by Umarex.  I whipped it out in a round and made a headshot on a  guy hiding behind a barrier as he popped his head out.  A gas gun’s accuracy can be amazing!

Whichever gun and firing system you choose remember to do your research and, after getting your weapon, to test it and put it through its paces so that you and it can be at maximum efficiency.  What do you think is the best airsoft power system? Spring, Electric, or Gas?

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Airsoft Basic Gear List

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Basic Airsoft Gear List | Airsoftwarrior.netI go into battle with my gear and trust it to not fail me.  That’s because I wear it, shoot with it, read about it, and learn as much as I can about my gear before I go into combat.  If you expect victory, take the time before the battle to fully understand your gear.  Here is a basic list of what you should bring and wear to an airsoft war.

Basic Airsoft Gear List

Gun:  A rifle, shotgun, and even a pistol will fulfill this need.  You can be effective with any weapon as long as you understand its abilities and how it works.

Light Jacket or Long Sleeve Shirt:  You will need protection for your arms and upper body as this will be the spot the enemy will have the best chance of hitting you.  Get a shirt or jacket with good ventilation so it will wick moisture and keep you dry.

Mask:  A paintball mask is great.  A full face mask will keep your ears and your mouth from damage.  A single bb in the wrong place can ruin your day so opt for maximum protection.

Shoes:  Regular shoes will work in most battles.  Duct tape the laces to keep them from coming untied and to keep dirt and debris from sticking to them.

Pants:  You can use any pants you don’t mind getting ripped and dirty.

Socks:  Hiking socks are a good choice.  They are comfortable enough to wear all day long, they keep dirt out of your shoes, and most are moisture wicking.

Note: Camouflage clothing is recommended for your basic gear loadout .  Blending in with your surroundings is an important strategy in any battle.

Optional Airsoft Gear

Holster/Sling:  Holsters are great for pistols, and a one or two point sling is a very effective carrying system for a shotgun or rifle.  You will get tired carrying a gun through the brush all day long; a holster or sling is the answer.

Tactical Vest:  A vest with lots of pockets and good ventilation is great for carrying extra magazines, water, extra ammo, and more.

Extra Magazines:  Extra Magazines will keep you from having to reload at a critical time in the battle.  It is especially nice to have extra magazines for your pistols because of their lower ammo capacity.

Every soldier owes it to his team to be prepared and starting with the right gear is a great way to show your team you care.  Let me know what other gear you bring to a fight!

 

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The Reason I Airsoft

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The Reason I Airsoft | Airsoftwarrior.net

I immensely enjoy airsoft.  I am able to use tactics that even warriors used thousands of years ago and that are still used today.  I have great times with my band of brothers in my own backyard.  So what is airsoft and why should you do it?

Airsoft is a military/combat simulation that involves weapons called airsoft guns.  Airsoft guns fire small plastic BBs at non-lethal speed under the power of electricity, springs, and/or compressed gas.

My top reasons to airsoft:

It’s realistic:  Airsoft gives you a combat style battle with all the tactics , gun styles, and strategies that you experience in real combat.

It’s inexpensive:  Guns start at less than $10, allowing you to battle on a budget.

It’s cool:  Using airsoft guns allows you to fire M16s, AKs, and other classic gun styles, some are even fully automatic.

It’s social:  Getting together with friends is a great way to play airsoft; and anyone can get in on the action.

It’s historic:  Airsoft allows you to recreate battles from history, using the same tactics, and you are able experience a taste of what it is like to be in combat and under fire.

Airsoft is an excellent sport that is both fun and purposeful.  Experience it for yourself!  Let me know why you airsoft!

Band of Brothers quote | Airsoftwarrior.net

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