My friends and I have been playing airsoft with cheap ass airsoft guns on the summer. We've decided to get some better guns, but we don't really know where to start.
I've got a $160 limit, and I'll get either a sniper rifle or shotgu.
For the shotgun I want something like the SPAS-12 Tokyo Marui makes that shoots three BBs at a time. Is Tokyo Marui's SPAS-12 generally the best in the category?
I'd also like a sniper rifle. What's the most powerful and accurate one at a sub $160 level?
Finally, what site should I purchase from?
Posts
For further information I would suggest posting something similar here http://www.airsoftretreat.com/forums/
http://www.airsoftretreat.com/forums/index.php?topic=706.0
That seems to be a good thread, in particular.
In terms of sniper rifles, this one is pretty much the only one you want to even be looking at at that price level:
http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/airsoft/Category?menu1=40
Don't get the Super 9 or whatever variant you come across. It's cheap-ass and there are more people who've had problems with it than not. The VSR is probably your best bet without spending a lot more.
Congratulations on finally playing airsoft how it should be played and not with walmart 15 dollar guns. Going to be honest with you here: Unless you are playing extreme closequarters, I suggest not getting a shotgun.
If you are playing extreme long distances (NOT backyard airsoft), then maybe a sniper rifle. To be honest, Sniper rifles can and do shoot as far as AEG's. The only real difference in some is the "look", which you will be screwed over since an AEG has full auto, a sniper rifle does not.
Sniper rifles can provide farther shooting accuracy, provided you are playing at safe limits. A 500 FPS and above is not necessary and can do more bad then good. If your heart is set at a sniper rifle:
TM VSR-10 Spring loaded Sniper Rifle
I would honestly take an AEG over anything because of two reasons:
1. Most AEG's you can play in any enviroment, where areas of a shotgun and sniper rifle you are limited and will be tougher for you.
2. Full Auto is well worth the purchases with a nice gun.
With that said, if price is a factor, I suggest saving up another $50 and getting:
TM MP5 A4
Reliable, shoots at good distances, full auto. Everything you would need to be a force to be reckoned with out at the field.
However, this is the one I want to buy after Christmas when I can actually work full time instead of worrying about school
http://www.evike.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=W&Product_Code=GR_KJW_M700&Category_Code=SNIPERRIFLES
Shotguns are kinda cool too, but they really aren't all that effective. But then again, I don't play to be effective, I play to have a good time. Jackin & Pumpin!
How much is gas and how often will I have to refill?
If you don't want to mess with that, a bottle of green gas is about $10, and you'll get 1000-2000 shots depending on the gun. It's not way more expensive in the short run, but if you're planning on playing a lot or are using a gun which eats gas like crazy (say you get a full auto gas gun as your main weapon) and it will be worth it.
On shotguns... My primary weapon in airsoft has been a TM Benelli M3 for ages. You can do fine with it (it is internally the same as the SPAS, and I like having the shoulder stock) in the woods, and can do OK in close quarters.
Just don't use it like a shotgun, think of it as more of a medium range scouting rifle. Flanking and movement tactics are more important than volume of fire. I'd hazard a guess and say 2/3 to 3/4s of my kills were mostly a result of my own stealthiness and woodcraft than anything. In one game, I got 5 kills in a single shell (each shell holds 10 shots of 3 BBs per pull). Of course, this is if you're playing against AEGs. If your friends just have cheap springers, you'll cream them.
$160 won't cut it for a SPAS or a Benelli unless you get them used.. You're looking at around $180-$200 for the gun, and an extra $15 for the shells. And you'll probably want two extra packs, not just one.
One thing I might suggest as a cheap upgrade are the 870 springers sold on Shortyusa.com. They're actually pretty nice for the price. Same with the UHC MP5 SD3.
I swear I saw the SPAS-12 for $150 online somewhere, I guess I was mistaken because I can't find it any more,
Read reviews of every gun you consider, and I'm talking about 3/4 reviews of every single one. You need to know EXACTLY what's wrong with each one.
Airsoft is cheaper than paintball, airsoft guns look better, behave more like a real gun, and your clothes don't get fucked up by paint. The two downsides is that it is not as popular as paintball (and this is changing) and you have to be able to trust the people your playing with to admit when they've been hit.
All of these things are true, however it all depends on what your going to be doing.
Paintball is excellent for situations where you need to know if someone is hit or not. It is very well suited for competitive play and tournaments. Airsoft is better suited for recreational play, against honest people. I know you can wipe a paintball break, but in all honesty, it's way harder than merely telling people you didn't get hit, and far more visible.
I would like to see those smaller caliber paintballs which have fairly realistic guns get more popular. You get more realism and less mess, without any real downside.
Still though, paintball is way too expensive for me. Airsoft is pushing it at times, and I'm a fairly barebones player - the only gear I have are guns, a holster, a stock shell holder, and a quick mag loader. Wear BDUs and boots and a set of goggles.