My first ever airsoft game was a half-day CQB at Battle Stations, Snetterton last Saturday.
For about three weeks before that I’ve become obsessed over airsoft guns, and made an impulse purchase of a two-tone WE G17 gen4 (which has a pretty nice blue slide, the quality of these GBB pistols seemed to have improved since earlier reviews in 2018/19).
About a week later after visiting a few airsoft shops, I purchased the Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQBR BLOCK1 rifle from firesupport (they still have those 3 extra mag offers). Also got the Dynamic Precision nozzle set, and NPAS, so that I could swap them for use with green gas, and make sure to be within power limit (the rifle worked fine with stock springs on the day with 0.28 gram BBs and within joule limit).
Got to plinker them at home for a little before visiting family, and while I was away, made a spreadsheet documenting all the parts inside of my M4A1 CQB, which was valuable in understanding some of it’s functionality. One of the main reasons for getting the Marui MWS was the parts availability (and documentation, being an engineer, this is not to be underestimated). Did the same with the WE G17 (although gen4 different from Marui gen4, the parts are mostly interchangeable).
Also before getting to this CQB match, I found a good deal on used airsoft gear, so had a vest, sling, and a bunch of other stuff (although I only used what I needed).
Absolutely make sure to bring water! Even 15min games (this site has two 15min games, and you don’t get to go back to safe zone) you’ll probably start getting tired. Now I’m crazy for getting a GBBR as my first gun, which means mags weigh more as well, but even if you just have a rental AEG, expect to be more active, and bring a small bottle of water, either in a backpack, or a MOLLE pouch for a vest or belt etc.
My MWS M4A1 jammed a few times during the game, but I think that might’ve been user error. Often I misjudged when filling gas, and didn’t put enough.
I suggest for those starting not to make the mistake of rushing in and purchasing airsoft guns, but to start with rentals and see how it goes. AEGs tend to be much more forgiving and not caring too much about lack of maintenance. Yesterday I replaced the nozzle springs, and noticed there was already a little bit of gunk on the bolt and lower receiver.
For me however, the point of getting a gas blowback was to learn about gun maintenance and get used to the routine of cleaning. As for upgrading MWS, I don’t care too much about fancy furniture, the base gun is perfectly fine (even the normal nozzle springs, but bear in mind in Japan they use a lower powered gas, so the main nozzle spring will eventually fail with green gas).
Some of the highlights of the game, got hit in the forehead (was wearing goggles and lower mask, next time will try balaklava). On one of the rounds I took my hoodie off and only had t-shirt and vest (which protected my vitals), and got hit on my left elbow). BBs can still hurt pretty badly, especially at short CQB distances, but it’s not too bad (other than eye pro, it’s best to also protect the teeth). This site also has mandatory surrender (so you don’t get a bunch of bruising from BBs), and I was able to get an opposing member to surrender near the end of the last match.
Because of dehydration I was slow in the last round, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Checking my guns, thinking about the ammo count, practicing tactics, learning from team mates. On the day I also so pretty good sportsmanship all round.