Noob Q.

[toastie]

Sounds good. Guess I'm sort of adopted now :-) Gee, can't wait to get shot for the first time :-P

Yeah, Jinx, that would be great if you could share your $.02

Also, I somehow have myself convinced that I need to get a 400fps gun. Is that really necessary? I mean, obviously 400 is better than 350, but is 350 really that bad?

Also, if this gun has not been upgraded properly, is it still a good deal, even if I have to downgrade a bit? Would that be hard to do?


T.

[sandman]

I.A.A. Skirmish rules

Weapons Classification:
1. Support Weapons: Any weapon that can fire full auto and/or has multiple Hi-Caps (High Capacity Magazines) or Box magazines. Maximum of 2000 BBs. The weapon HAS to be based on a real support weapon. Maximum 399 fps w/ .2 g. (1.48 J).
2. Sniper or Marksmen Rifles: Any weapon that is either a semi or bolt action rifle. Full auto and high-caps not permitted. Maximum energy allowed is 2.32J or 500 FPS.
3. Standard Weapons: Maximum energy is 1.5J (400 fps w/ .2 g), and the bb’s weight can't be heavier than 0.25g. Ammo limits may be specified by the organizers.
4. Launchers: Grenade launchers are not limited to the number of rounds that can be carried.
5. GBB pistols are limited to 350 fps with .2's , as they are intended as backup at closer ranges. There is a 5 mag limit for GBB's. (Includes NBB's also).
6. Claymore: Spring loaded claymores can be used with consent of organizers.
7. Grenades: The only "grenade" allowed is a hard-rubber replica. NOT to be thrown directly at opponents. 10 ft kill radius. If other “safe grenades” are found and approved by organizers, they can be used as well.

The following engagement rules must be obeyed at all times (FPS measured with 0.2 gram BBs):
0-350fps (1.14 joules): Full Auto, no minimum engagement distance.
350-399fps (1.48 joules): Full Auto, 25' minimum engagement distance.
400-449fps (1.87 joules): Semi Auto only, 50' minimum engagement distance.
450-500fps (2.32 joules): Semi Auto only, 75' minimum engagement distance.

[JiNX]

The gun sounds like it's a M4 with a collapasable stock (hence the larger outer battery jargan).

Any gun no matter how old can be upgraded internally to work like brand new so age has no effect whatsoever. What should matter is the outer condition (cracks-especially Marui and even more with the M4) Other than that, the price seems pretty reasonable for the "package deal".

He didn't say what condition the batteries were in or how old they were so there's no telling what their worth is. Like Cheez has said Marui makes Quality guns but with lower FPS(Japan has laws stating at sale gun can be no higher than said FPS). Other companys like Classic Army have full metal outer bodies but tend to be like your domestic cars internally.

KWA is the only gun that I've bought that was superior inside and out.

[EasyCheez]

as for the 350 fps... If you have a gun firing 350 fps versus a gun firing 400 fps I find, personally, a big difference in reliability. An M4 firing 340, for example, is only going to see a marginally shorter range then an M4 upgraded to 400fps (if they have the same inner barrel bore diameter). However, that 400 fps AEG could tend to get torn up rather badly internally, which is why when I upgrade an AEG I try to keep it below 375 or so, max.

Plus, at 400fps you can not shoot anyone within 50 feet of you. During a game that is a major, major, major pain in the ass. if you MUST get an upgraded gun (or upgrade a gun) I highly recommend aiming for 385 fps or so at max. When you go to chrono you can see a flex in fps of anywhere from 10-15 fps. At every game we have one guy that SWEARS his gun usually chronos at 395, he has no idea how it chrono'd at 410 today. If you aim a HAIR low you'll never be faced with that BS.

if you MUST get a 400fps AEG, do yourself another favor... Make sure that the gun is upgraded with high torque internals instead of high speed. A lot of guys in different states don't have the same restrictions we do so they'll upgrade their M4 to 425 fps and they use internals that keep the ROF high. If you're not going to be allowed to use it in full auto you might as well throw your ROF to the wind and get a high-torque set up.

[toastie]

What type of BBs should I get?

What weight?

What brand?

Which ones go fastest?

If my gun is too fast, is it common to get a heavier BB to slow it down? or vice versa?

Are certain guns made for certain weights?

Any other tips?


p.s. anyone know how to speed up time so March comes around sooner ;-P

[sandman]

*All AEG's* . These types of guns require a high quality BB in order for it to perform as intended by the manufacturer. The quality of a BB is most closely related to it's manufacturer. Examples of good BB manufacturers are KSC, G&G, PHX, Airsoft Elite, Excel, and P Force. These brand BBs can be found at any airsoft specific retailer. Bad quality BBs, such as Crossman, can be found at sporting goods stores like Big 5, Sport Chalet, Dick's Sporting Goods, K Mart and Wal Mart. ANY BBs purchased at ANY sporting goods store should not be used an ANY airsoft gun. Using high quality BBs is crucial to the health of your gun, don't risk hundreds of dollars in repairs over a fifteen dollar bag of BBs. Also, the weight of the BB is not relevant to it's quality, you may find 0.20g BBs at sporting goods stores, these BBs should be avoided as well.

[sandman]

hey check this website out.
i actually has very scientific data on bb weight.
the pros and cons of .20 and .25 gram bbs
www.airsoftretreat.com/features/articles/fpsweight/

[Stash]

I am an airsoft elite fan. In my gun I shoot .25g. I do this because I shoot in the 370fps range at around 22rps. If I shoot .20g I find that they tend to fly up and become anti aircraft rounds. Now that is just with my gun. Once you get your gun you might want to experiment with different weights to find what works for you. I agree with sandman. walmart or sporting goods store bb's suck. They will break in your barrel and can cause alot of problems. With a heavier bb you do give up some fps but the accuracy may out weight the speed. Just my $.02

[psyus]

Airsoft Elite FTW! I think that they are the best bang for your buck. As far as weight and color; I use .20, .23, and .25 both black and white. Usually I have certain mags with certain weights in them so I know what is what. I also like to use 85% black with 15% white scattered in there for 'tracers'.

[toastie]

Well would ya look at that, I got a promotion and I haven't even fired a shot. Must be the son a a favorite general or something ;-)

Do you guys know of an Airsoft retailer in the South Bend area where I can go handle a few guns or purchase BBs?

[JiNX]

sorry, no retailers in Indiana with store fronts yet.

Empireairsoft.com has a store front in Kalamazoo, MI

Other than that Online sales make up 99.9% of our purchases.

[toastie]

Any recommended online retailers or just best price+review?

[psyus]

I usually use AirsoftGI.com or Airsplat.com if I have to. Airsoft GI is more reliable, while Airsplat is usually the cheapest online. eBay is also a great place to get stuff, though it is better if you are after something specific. If you want to handle guns your best bet is to get out to an event or practice, airsofters are usually friendly. BB's are one of the tricky areas of airsoft, I try to buy BB's everytime I order something to cut down on shipping. Another thing you can do is buy BB's in bulk, most retailers now have the option of buying them 10 bags at a time.

[toastie]

When spring hits what days do you guys usually play most on? The reason I ask is that Saturdays are out for me. Sundays are the best (and any other day if you're hardcore).

[sandman]

hitguns.com is a great site ive had friends who have ordered from there
and they pretty cheap on somethings