A newbie's perspective : guide for beginngers(and those who don't want to learn much)

[ProbeJax]

As stated in the title, this is a guide written by myself, a relative airsoft beginner, for those who are either too damn lazy to read all the other numerous, informative (and better) guides that we have sitting around, or just don't care to get too specific. Keep in mind that this is likely plauged with generalizations and mistakes, but I make no attempt to advert these. Places I might require help in, I wrote (info) or something similar. Constructive critisim welcome.

[ProbeJax]

I know there are already a bunch of things people can read in the FAQ section about various topics, but I figured I could add some information here, from a beginner’s perspective. I’ll outline the things I’ve (kind of: P) learned since I started following airsoft in mid ’06.


Airsoft

Airsoft is a hobby or sport (whichever you prefer) where people shoot at each other with imitation guns known as airsoft guns. The sport is similar to paintball. The difference between the two is that many more airsoft players strive for more realism and simulate somewhat realistic combat situations, as opposed to running around launching as much paint into the other guy as possible.

Airsoft Guns

Gas

An older form of airsoft, “classic” airsoft guns used to use gas, as far as I can tell. Large, rifle and SMG styled airsoft guns faded into the backward when the popular AEGs took over the market, and gas is mainly now used for sidearms, though there are a limited number of SMGs, shotguns and sniper rifles that use gas to operate.

In modern gas guns, the most common types of gas used are green gas (which is propane), and HFC 134. A stronger form of gas, known as Red Gas, is used mainly only when the airsoft gun has been modified to withstand the higher pressure. Finally, some companies release CO2 versions of their gas guns, though these often have massive magazines and don’t look as realistic as their green gas or propane counter parts.
HFC134A is recommended for most plastic slided pistols, as the ones from Tokyo Marui and Western Arms. Note that these guns can be fitted with aftermarket metal slides. Propane is recommended for guns with metal slides, as the propane is more powerful and is more easily available/cheaper. Gas guns are not powered with gas directly being poured into the gun itself, but rather the magazines that go into the guns. Gas is filled into a magazine by lining up the bottle with the magazine with the bottle and filling the magazine anywhere from 2-4 seconds. It is important to wear gloves while doing this, as some gas can cause some nasty burns. After filling a magazine, please let it warm for a few minutes before using. After firing, ensure that there is a small amount of gas left inside the magazine for storage. Gas guns that simulate recoil with blowback are known as GBBs, which stand for Gas Blow Back. GBBs can be fitted with a number of aftermarket parts, including metal bodies, slides, triggers, hammers and sights.

Electric Guns

Airsoft guns powered by electricity are divided into three sub categories; AEGs, EBBs and AEPs. AEGs are probably the most common form of airsoft guns out there, and stands for Automatic Electric Gun. The name pretty much explains it all. These guns are able to fire in fully automatic, as opposed to most gas guns, which can only fire in semi automatic mode. These guns use electricity to power their internals and propel a BB forward out of the barrel. The electricity comes from a rechargeable battery hidden inside the gun before use. (More on this in the batteries section later). Most AEGs are replicas of assault rifles, submachine guns, and light machine guns, though they are not limited to these. AEGs use mechboxes inside, and these are divided in different categories, usually according to the model that the AEG is based on. One of the first AEGs, the Tokyo Marui FA-MASs, uses the Version 1 mechbox. MP5s, M4s, G3s and the Classic Army G33 use Version 2 mechboxes. These are the most popular, due to the models that use this mechbox. The next mechbox is Version 3, which is used by AK47s, AUGs, G36s and SIG series. These are considered slightly more durable then Version 2 mechboxes. The only gun to use the Version 4 mechbox (as for as I know) is the Tokyo Marui PSG-1. The Version 5 Mechbox is used by the Uzi, and the Version 6 mechbox is used by the Thompson SMG and the P90. Version 6 is considered by some to be one of the most durable mechboxes ever, being extremely hard to crack. Version 7 is used by M14 rifles, and the Version 8 is used by the TM Type 89 rifle. ICS has their own mechbox designs, but I have no experience with their stuff. (Info, anyone?)

EBB stands for electronic blow back. These are electric pistols that simulate the blow back action of gas guns, but using electricity instead of gas. These gas are made by Tokyo Marui and CYMA, and take 4 double A battereies. EBBs are usually not favoured by hardcore airsofters because of the slow speed and low power of the gun, as well as them eating batteries like no tomorrow. EBBs are usually dismissed as plinking guns or toys.

AEPs are essential AEGs scaled down to fit inside a pistol frame and slide. As you’ve probably guessed, AEP stands for Automatic Electric Pistol. Like AEGs, AEP are powered by a set of removable rechargeable batteries hidden inside the slide. However, unlike EBBs, they do not simulate blow back recoil. Also unlike EBBs, the battery used is a 7.2V recharging stick battery.

Spring Guns

Spring powered airsoft guns are among the most simple designs for airsoft. Spring powered airsoft guns appear to be known within the community as “Springers”. Before I continue, I’d like to clear up that when I’m talking about springers, I’m not talking about clearsoft Wal Mart pieces of crap. I’m talking about things like the CA24 and the SPAS-12. Spring powered guns have the main advantage of not needing either a battery or gas to power itself. All that’s needed is some human strength to operate a pump or a bolt. Springers are also single shot, in that the slide/pump/bolt must be operated before another BB is able to exit the gun. Some guns, such as the TM SPAS-12 or M3 Super 90, fire 3 BBs per pump, but this is a unique case. While it may seem that spring powered weapons are obsolete on the modern airsoft field, there are some distinct advantages to bringing a springer into battle. Spring powered weapons are often much quieter then a gas gun or an electric gun, which is perfect if you are the type to remain as stealthy as possible. Spring guns can also be operated in both extreme cold and hot temperatures, something gas guns have a problem doing.

Companies

So now you know about the different types of airsoft guns. What are the companies that manufacture them? (Keep inside this might not be a complete list)

Tokyo Marui ( TM )

From what I can tell, the original inventors of the AEG. Manufacteurs plastic bodied guns (with the exception of the new Type 89) with decent internals. Many people buy TMs to use as upgrade platforms for their AEGs. Recent China companies like Jing Gong have relied extensively on copying TM designs. TM now produces a small but reliable line of GBBs, most notably the Hi-Capa series, based on the 2011 design. The Hi Capa design has now been copied extensively.

Classic Army (CA)

A Hong Kong manufacturer that appears to be in direct competition with TM. Classic Army’s range of products is nowhere near as large as TMs, but have made many different versions of the MP5 and AR15 lines of weapons. Classic Army is known for their metal bodies, something that TM has never really provided it’s market. Internals on CA guns are considered pretty decent, requiring just a little bit of work. Their most well known product is perhaps their M15 line, which is a series of M16s and M4s.

ICS

Produces a line of mostly Mp5 and M16/M4 based AEGs with their own motor, known as “Turbo”. Not too much information about this company, as I don’t have that much experience with them. Apparently use a lot of metal, though. (Info plug)

VFC (Vega Force Company)

Makes high quality productions of somewhat more rare weapons, VFC is what I would consider to be good quality. They make beautiful AEGs with extreme detail in bodies. No word yet on internal quality. (Info, please)

King Arms

Makes FAL and AR type AEGs. This company is mainly known for making parts, but not so much for it’s AEGs. (Need some info)

STAR

While the quality of their products is debated, STAR makes some very expensive and very detailed AEGs, of recent note, their SCAR line. STAR also makes some more rare models, such as the UMP and the SL 9 sniper rifle.

Guay Guay (G G)

A company from Taiwan that makes a number of products, but again, mostly produces MP5s and M16s/M4s. Their quality is debatable, though the price of their products is higher then Classic Army.

SRC

Makes M4s, XM8s, and a large variety of AK related weapons. Reasonably priced, though their quality isn’t top notch.

A & K

Makes cheap M249s and M4 AEGs. Surprisingly, as far as I know, doesn’t make any AK rifles.

Systema

Known for making excellent internal parts for replacements on guns made my other companies, Systema also makes the PTW line of weapons, in both M4 and MP5 format. These are thousand dollar AEGs designed for aiding in the training of police and military personnel, and considered excellent quality for some airsofters, while others appear to scoff at spending 2 grand in Canadian for a stock AEG.

CYMA

Considered a “crapsoft” company by most, CYMA has proven themselves by making a very select few quality AEGs, including their AK. CYMA has also recently made an AEP Desert Eagle with blowback, something not even TM has done, though they are the original creators of the AEP. In general however, CYMA still has a lot of issues to work out in their products, and should not be considered up to par with the other companies on this list.

Jing Gong (JG)

A new China company who seems to specialize in copying designs and reproducing them for the market at a much cheaper price. Mainly copying TM designs, Jing Gong is now considered at least reasonable quality and excellent value for it’s money. While it’s guns have a tendeancy to shoot at high FPS for some game restrictions, this can easily be remedied. As of late, JG’s weapons have gone up in quality.

JLS

Another Chinasoft company, though this one is famous pretty much only because of it’s FN F2000 AEG, something no other company has made.

G and P

Similar to G and G, makes a small range of Armalite products.

TOP

Apparently makes a whole bunch of light machine guns such as M60s and M249s. They also have a gas named after them. : D

Western Arms (WA)

Best known for their Magna blowback system and their literally truck load of M1911 variant GBBs. Considered to be fine makers of gas guns with extreme attention to detail, and some excellent finishes on their plastic guns. Mostly recently released an M4A1 rifle GBB, which takes gas into the mags like most GBB pistols.

KSC

Looking for a Glock? A picture of a Glock should probably define KSC. Appears to only back GBB pistols, they have a large selection of them, some for high prices, while others are economically based. Appears not to have changed their gas gun internal systems in a very long time.

KJ Works (KJW)

Called workhouse guns by many, KJ makes a number of gas guns, most with two versions, one that is fully plastic, the other that is either equipped with a metal slide, or is interally metal itself. Their metal is of a reasonable quality, though it certainly isn’t the best. While there are some minor problems with a few of their models, KJ guns are considered excellent for their prices and can be relied on for a long time.

WE

Similar to KJ Works in the idea that they make many “clone” gas gun equipped with mostly metal, but WE’s quality is lower then that of KJ’s. The metal they use is much lower quality, resulting in prices that make even KJ owners cringe. As far as I know, made the 3.8 Baby Hi Capa based on the TM Hi Capa design.

HFC

Makes a large number of Beretta 92 related guns, as well as a few other guns. Not a popular company. (Info need) Is also responsible for the Dark Hawk line of products, kind of a bastard child between a Glock and an 92.

Maurzen

Literally makes only a P99, an M1911, and a few others as gas gun products, although it produces some cheap options for shotguns. Not to be confused with Marushin.

Marushin

Along with making a few prop guns, makes a large number of GBB handguns. Some of their products fire 8mm BBs, which is very uncommon. Makes a large variety of uncommon and unusal handguns that probably aren’t even considered by the other companies. Also makes a variety of gas shotguns, which are often the basis for upgrades gas shotguns.

Craft Apple Works (CAW)

Makes the Benelli M1014 shotgun in three variant, all of which are spring, as well as a variety of grenade launchers such as the M79.

Next section to come: Gear, clothing, and batteries.

[Gigaknight]

Hmm, not bad... though it's a shame that new guys don't use the search feature, heh heh.

I got most of my info from reading the forum and wikipedia gives a pretty detailed guide differentiating between high, mid and low end guns.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._Manufacturers

[ProbeJax]

I tried my best not to rely on other sources. I just wrote down what I thought about (most) of the things there.

[AngelusNex]

still too much reading for new lazy ass noobs. However you can now use this as your source for copy/paste answers.

[ProbeJax]

I actually think I might cover accessories after batteries. Not looking foward to doing clothing because there's so much of it. Have batteries halfway now.

[Brit ter]

you missed the Tactical Force series AEG,s

[ProbeJax]

Originally Posted by Brit ter

you missed the Tactical Force series AEG,s

I left out TF, Tanaka and Kalash. I don't know enough about all three.

[Brit ter]

Originally Posted by ProbeJax

I left out TF, Tanaka and Kalash. I don't know enough about all three.

Also AA R85 series , these aegs should also be mentioned as they are also on the market the Tactical force MP7 is a Tm clone and works great!

[BBS]

Originally Posted by Brit ter

Also AA R85 series , these aegs should also be mentioned as they are also on the market the Tactical force MP7 is a Tm clone and works great!

basically, 90% of the clones are based on TM. If you were to list all the clone companies, the list would just go on and on. Come to think of it, KJW is just a really established company which clones TM GBBs. JG/echo-1 and a few others aren't far behind.

[Skladfin]

CYMA aren't crapsofts... their stuff are insanly good nowadays, just cuz its from china it doesn't mean it's bad.

Have you even played airsoft yourself before? And why does it seem that 99% of the info can be found on wikipedia!?

[ProbeJax]

Originally Posted by Skladfin

CYMA aren't crapsofts... their stuff are insanly good nowadays, just cuz its from china it doesn't mean it's bad.

Have you even played airsoft yourself before? And why does it seem that 99% of the info can be found on wikipedia!?

CYMA have some pretty crappy guns, man. I know there are a few good ones, but in general they're just not up to par to a CA or a TM. Wikipedia is a information repository for anyone who can type, so I'm sure that you can find repeated information on any topic when comparing two different sources on just about anything.

[Skladfin]

FEW good ones? I have had their oldest AEG, the CM027J, which was a TM clone of the MP5J, and it worked very well and consistantly. It was matching my TM M4 at the time, both in accuracy and power. When I had opened up the gearbox, I was surprised to see that there were actually metal bushings as well.

I've also owned their Newer Full metal AK series and it's shot like a lazer out of the box.

If you have no first hand experience, please don't speculate anything, I know it's titled a "Noob's perspective", but who needs information from a source which LACKS in information?

[ProbeJax]

Have you tried their shotguns and pistols? I've seen a CYMA crack in half down the pump. I'ver never seen anything else do that.

[Skladfin]

Originally Posted by ProbeJax

Have you tried their shotguns and pistols? I've seen a CYMA crack in half down the pump. I'ver never seen anything else do that.

that's their LPEG line up. They shoot about 200FPS and their all springers for casual fun. We don't even consider those airsoft. They are built for casual fun for 5 year olds, just the same quality as those canadian tire and walmart stuff.

You think they'd even TRY making those good? I don't even know how you got your hands on one of those, don't tell me you are one of the 10 year olds who play with 200FPS springers.

And when you say pistols, are you talking about the springer ones? They are crap, I agree. In fact, ALL Springer pistols are crap. But have you seen their new AEP line up? The CYMA Glock,M93R and USP? They are great stuff, really reliable and I've been shot by it like every other TM stuff.

When you say "CYMA", you are saying that to represent the WHOLE brand of "CYMA", If you want to bitch and moan about the CHEAPEST line up that's been built for 5 year olds, then this guide is 100% useless already.

We have enough noobies asking us questions, we don't need one telling us what's good and wrong.