Mackrel829

Again, thanks so much for the time and effort you put into responding @Impulse, and to the other responses thus far! It definitely looks like the M14 set up as you described would be a good option for me. It suits my play style and fits my budget so that's currently the front runner. I've heard a lot of good things about the G&G CM16 so I think I'll do some research into that next and explore that as another possible option. It seems a bit more versatile than the M14 with the rails and adjustable stock and I think I could set it up to perform similarly with similar upgrades as described above and a scope on top. If anyone with experience of the CM16 has any advice, please feel free to offer it

Ah I see! I won't be ordering for a while so might be able to get hold of those bits if I do end up going this direction. A couple of quick questions about FPS and Joules: 1. I assume the weight of the BB will affect the performance of the gun in terms of accuracy and range - increasing the weight of the BB increases the accuracy but decreases the range and vice versa? How much of a difference does this make? What weight should I be looking at if I was to use the M14 at range? I assume I'd want a heavier BB to increase accuracy but how much range am I going to sacrifice? 2. My local Airsoft field doesn't have a BB weight limit (nor an FPS limit it seems) but it does have a Joules limit. This is from their website: 2.1 All weapons used will have to pass a chronograph test using the weight BB you intent to shoot and conform to the following limits: Full Auto weapons, Pistols & Shotguns MAX 1.15 joules Semi Auto Locked (DMR's) MAX 1.88 joules Bolt Action Rifles MAX 2.32 joules Does this mean that I could get the gun up to 380 FPS using .28 BBs and it would be legal? 3. Would the stock FPS be sufficient in terms of range for what I'm looking for or would I need to upgrade it somehow? What would it take to get the FPS up towards the 380-400 range? With such limited experience, I don't really know what FPS actually looks like in the field. It says the stock FPS is 340 for the M14 but I have no idea whether or not that's sufficient for a DMR style weapon. Isn't this what most full auto guns are and DMRs/snipers are around/above 400? Thanks again for the help so far and thanks again in advance!

I can get everything you recommended plus a scope and a strap for £255 on Patrol Base. The only thing is that they don't have the barrel you referred to, but you can get a MADBULL Python Ver. 2 for the same price - 499mm, 6.03, aluminium. I assume this would be almost identical? Also, I assume those upgraded parts would improve the accuracy? Would they make a big difference?

Thanks for such a detailed response! Is this the M14 you're referring to? https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/cyma-cm-032-m14-rifle I've also seen that G&G CM16 Combat Machines are pretty highly regarded for new players. Would this be similar to the M14 in terms of range?

I attended my first Airsoft skirmish today and found it pretty enjoyable! I rented the gear, which seemed to be pretty sub-par and inhibited my enjoyment somewhat, but I think it could be something that I could get into. Before I go spending money that I shouldn't on gear, I thought I better ask a few questions and get some advice. I mostly want to know at this stage what type of gun should I be looking for. I found long engagements more enjoyable than close quarters. I liked taking a different path from the rest of the team, finding some cover and engaging from a distance. Should I be looking to get a bolt action sniper rifle of some kind? It seems that many of these are weak out of the box. Or should I get a DMR? I'm not sure if these come ready built or if you have to modify a regular rifle to make it a DMR. Or are most simple assault rifles capable of what I'm after on semi auto? Also, I wouldn't want to spend much more than £250 since it would be my first gun and I'd still be working out whether Airsoft is something I want to commit a lot of time and money to. Is it better to get a gun in the £250 range or get a cheaper gun and spend the difference on upgrades? Basically, what would be the best way to get into Airsoft for about £250? I think I'd just like something that shoots far and straight and I don't really care what that is. (Note: if a good long range weapon isn't really viable for £250, I'd also be happy to take recommendations for good regular assault rifles. I love AUGs but it seems like they have a lot of issues?) Thanks in advance!