Baz JJ

The other thing to consider is that the very basic G&G rifles are polymer plastic although its very good quality. The rifles are substantially lighter than the real thing which might lack realism but is a blessing when you have to carry it around all day. Personally Im a masochist so like heavy, metal rifles. The main diffrentiator for me is that the bolt catch doesnt work on the cheaper models.
 
On dearer rifles, the mechanism locks back on the last round and you have to change mags, release the bolt catch and let the bolt return home (which would chamber the first round on a fresh mag) on the real thing.
 
Although these are all toy guns, some work more realistically than others.
 
I also like the blowback action available on some makes as you get some feedback when firing.

This is my G&G SCAR
 

First rule: Everybody is biased. Trust no one individual. Many retailers are heavily biased.
Ive never had an ICS so Im heavily biased against them, but I've handled a couple and not been overly impressed.
I have a lot of G&G and have been impressed, so I would recommend their starter gun range.
I wouldnt recommend ARES based on what Ive read on this forum.
Read the comments on here - there are some good newbie articles and once you have a gun in mind, watch all the You Tube reviews on it. YT has taught me some interesting things about airsoft rifles I was considering.
 
 

First rule: Everybody is biased. Trust no one individual. Many retailers are heavily biased.
Ive never had an ICS so Im heavily biased against them, but I've handled a couple and not been overly impressed.
I have a lot of G&G and have been impressed, so I would recommend their starter gun range.
I wouldnt recommend ARES based on what Ive read on this forum.
Read the comments on here - there are some good newbie articles and once you have a gun in mind, watch all the You Tube reviews on it. YT has taught me some interesting things about airsoft rifles I was considering.
 
 

The site limits are only a maximum for safety/insurance purposes. Some sites wont let you use the weapon if its just a little over, so its good to have a little headroom for ambiguities.

Having done some research since rather than swop sarcasm and put downs, Ive discovered for myself that Krytac is part of KRISS and that there is some plan to bring out a Krytac airsoft version of the .45 ACP vector.
Ive also found that the PDW looks very similar to the LWRC IC-PDW.
 
Live and learn.
 
I shall probably get one now. :-p

Having done some research since rather than swop sarcasm and put downs, Ive discovered for myself that Krytac is part of KRISS and that there is some plan to bring out a Krytac airsoft version of the .45 ACP vector.
Ive also found that the PDW looks very similar to the LWRC IC-PDW.
 
Live and learn.
 
I shall probably get one now. :-p

Having done some research since rather than swop sarcasm and put downs, Ive discovered for myself that Krytac is part of KRISS and that there is some plan to bring out a Krytac airsoft version of the .45 ACP vector.
Ive also found that the PDW looks very similar to the LWRC IC-PDW.
 
Live and learn.
 
I shall probably get one now. :-p

I'm sorry. Something about Krytac not based on the real gun?!
 

 
Oh wait...it's the real gun based on the Krytac.

FWIW I think some people take it far too seriously.
 
Im an old bastard and have seen a lot of forums in my time. The thing they all have in common is that people get wound up about the silliest things and in the end, it doesnt make a slight bit of difference to the price of fish. Inevitably, you get about half a dozen people who are always "on".
 
Sometimes their experience in a given subject can enrich a forum and sometimes that can turn to ego and arrogance and the need to comment on just about everything and it can put people off.
 
As I saw somewhere today, dont take life too seriously. Its not as if any of us are getting out alive.
 
IMHO forums are like lucky dips - best dip in quickly and occasionally. Stay too long or too often and your fingers get covered in sherbet.
 
The acid test is: does it answer your question when you need advice and guidance.

FWIW I think some people take it far too seriously.
 
Im an old bastard and have seen a lot of forums in my time. The thing they all have in common is that people get wound up about the silliest things and in the end, it doesnt make a slight bit of difference to the price of fish. Inevitably, you get about half a dozen people who are always "on".
 
Sometimes their experience in a given subject can enrich a forum and sometimes that can turn to ego and arrogance and the need to comment on just about everything and it can put people off.
 
As I saw somewhere today, dont take life too seriously. Its not as if any of us are getting out alive.
 
IMHO forums are like lucky dips - best dip in quickly and occasionally. Stay too long or too often and your fingers get covered in sherbet.
 
The acid test is: does it answer your question when you need advice and guidance.

FWIW I think some people take it far too seriously.
 
Im an old bastard and have seen a lot of forums in my time. The thing they all have in common is that people get wound up about the silliest things and in the end, it doesnt make a slight bit of difference to the price of fish. Inevitably, you get about half a dozen people who are always "on".
 
Sometimes their experience in a given subject can enrich a forum and sometimes that can turn to ego and arrogance and the need to comment on just about everything and it can put people off.
 
As I saw somewhere today, dont take life too seriously. Its not as if any of us are getting out alive.
 
IMHO forums are like lucky dips - best dip in quickly and occasionally. Stay too long or too often and your fingers get covered in sherbet.
 
The acid test is: does it answer your question when you need advice and guidance.

Hi LewisAirsofter
 
Let start with some basic facts:
Your 15
You have someone in your family over 18 (your dad) who may be interested in Airsoft as well (great stuff)
You want a black gun, cool no problem really
You want to use it at Skirmish sites, ok
Also I am a police officer
 
So basically you want to get into airsoft at the age of 15 years old and you want a black gun.
 
Firstly i would recommend that you and your dad go to a proper Airsoft site and rent the guns first time, see if you really like it and if its something you would like to do in the long run especially if your gonna drop a ton of cash into the sport, (trust me its always one more gun and accessory).
 
Ok so you have played and loved every second of it, so does your dad and you guys want to do it again, yay!
 
You have two options now, buy gun NOW! or buy gun LATER.
 
Buy gun NOW! (not recommended)
Ok so you cant wait, you want to get your hands on the very best Airsoft gun your budget can stretch to, well your dad will be stuck to buying two tone guns.
 
So he gets you a two one BB gun, depending on what model or type of gun you have a few options ranging from totally legal to questionable/grey area/are of "What if's"
You can:
Tape method: Buy black duck tape or fabric camo tape and tape up the parts that are two tone, this is totally legal as the tape is considered a temporary colour and so does not count.
Stripping the paint or spray painting over the two tone: I would not recommend this as it will make you gun look tacky and could be considered contrary to the VCRA, if you are set on doing this i would recommend you strip rather than paint over, i cant tell you how to strip the paint but there are previously mentioned ways.
Upgrade: Depending on the model,style and what's been painted as two tone you could probably replace those parts, i had a friend who had a two tone AEG with a bright green stock, pistol grip and non RIS handguard. The stock and pistol grip were replaced with cheap after market parts to make them black again, the front handguard was totally replaced from a non RIS handguard to a picatinny rail system, essentially his AEG was made totally not two tone.
 
Buy gun LATER! (recommended)
Your dad now has to play 2 further games (remember you have already played one above) over a period of more than 2 months, so don't bunch it all in there quick, play a few games spread over a 3 months period, ideally at the same site to ensure continuity.
 
So your dad gets a UKARA number and is now entitled to buy black guns, he and you go to a airsoft store be it in person or online, select a gun for you, he hands over the cash, UKARA is checked, and is fine, you walk out of the shop and he turns and says "here you go son, your gift", you will reply "thanks dad" and leave it at that. As soon as you give any service or money to him for the gun, he not you, will break the VCRA law as he has technically given you the gun for monetary gain.
 
Rather than pay your dad (which you shouldn't do) why not ask him to gift it to you now as a late/early birthday present so that he does not have to remember getting something for you later.
 
You can now attend any site now with your black, freely gifted gun and exchange plastic pleasantries with other airsofters.
 
Points to note:
You mention "I've been playing down at the woods near by with a mate for 2-3 months but we want to get into skirmishes and milsim", by this do you mean a public place or a registered Airsoft site? Because if this is a public place where any member of the public can waltz on into then be very careful, even if you say its somewhere that no one is ever likely to come across then think about it, i said any member of public, what are you? a Member of public so if your there then it's somewhere the public can go and you have therefore technically committed an offence of being in possession of an imitation firearm in a public place. If its at an Airsoft site then please carry on playing
 
As other have pointed out, never show your Airsoft gun in public, somethings are best left hidden from an already scared and jumpy public post Paris, Ivory Coast terrorist attacks etc keep the guns in bags or cases going from home to airsoft and back again. The general UK public cant tell the difference between a real gun and obvious toy gun let alone the very realistic Airsoft guns we play with, even police officers will have a hard time telling real guns from airsoft ones, i have even seen a registered airsoft players entire armoury seized by police because half my colleagues cant tell the difference between airsoft guns and real ones even after i asked why they spent the last 3 hours seizing, bagging and tagging every gun, magazine etc when i pointed out that he was legally allowed to own Airsoft guns, her reply was "but they are guns", I sighed and left.
 
As for gun you should get, someone mentioned the G&G Combat Machine range, very good and reliable guns they are and you should start on the M4 platform as it has a myriad of options to upgrade and accessories. Dont forget essentials like EYE PROTECTION, combat vests, clothing, gloves, hats, boots, extra mags and batteries.

No not really if you want to skirmish it rather than plinking in the garden.
 
Have a read of this:
 
http://www.airsoft-forums.co.uk/index.php/topic/17294-ians-guide-to-noobism-on-a-tight-budget/

I busted my 228 loading nozzle (my pistols blowback mechanism is identical) by loading a full mag with the slide forward, since then, I've always inserted full mags with the slide locked back so the top BB never has to be pushed down the mag by the nozzle nub.
 
How do you load/reload yours? I've not had an issue with mine since adjusting my technique, despite playing many times in temperatures approaching freezing when the plastic becomes brittle

I have the ICS one on my 416. They are simple devices.

I have a set of sawfly's for okto, because the games are a lot less all angles than your typical skirmish and the players are often pretty experienced and sensible with their fire. But in a skirmish its full seal for me regardless. But it does make me a little nervous as I know those wings are going to catch BBs coming from the rear, although its going to be a very small window given the boonie as well.

Personally, I think this topic smacks of a lynching posse.
 
The OP has made a post. You might not agree with whats been said and irrespective of whether you decide to join up or ignore the offer, is it fair to snarl, snap and gang-up ?
 
I don't use another Airsoft forum because if you ever say something that isn't liked by the like minded clique that dominate the forum, they gang up and turn on you. Lets not get the same on here.

You know, it really doesnt matter as long as you are having fun.
I find a lot of people in airsoft worry what others think. How do I look, is my loadout okay ? etc The benefit of airsoft rather than being in the real military is that you can dress how you want and shoot what you want. If you want to dress like a tree Dads Army style, do it.
Approaching sniperism with caution is a sound idea.
 
The problem with airsoft sniper rifles is one of range, accuracy and the inability to predict where a bb will fall with the control that you can a real rifle. However, the fun is in the waiting/stalking I suspect.
 
Just enjoy it, experiment progressively and do what comes intuitively.
 

I think it wont make the slightest bit of difference, Also, new blood can be good - stirs the pool.
Those that use it to sell guns instead of FB will just post adverts I suspect. The inane stuff will still go on the larger FB groups.
 
Personally, I filter all the adverts out on here as Im personally not interested in buying or trading RIFs, so you only have to see them if you want to.
 
A lot of people are over-reacting to this FB restriction because they havent read properly.
Its only affecting secondhand sales and trades and FB havent banned airsoft. Sometimes their bots get a bit overenthusiastic and ban somebody because it misunderstands the post. There are some very good groups on FB, not just airsoft related ones.
Groups and forums are about people. FB is just a medium, a carrier, for peoples thoughts.

You know, it really doesnt matter as long as you are having fun.
I find a lot of people in airsoft worry what others think. How do I look, is my loadout okay ? etc The benefit of airsoft rather than being in the real military is that you can dress how you want and shoot what you want. If you want to dress like a tree Dads Army style, do it.
Approaching sniperism with caution is a sound idea.
 
The problem with airsoft sniper rifles is one of range, accuracy and the inability to predict where a bb will fall with the control that you can a real rifle. However, the fun is in the waiting/stalking I suspect.
 
Just enjoy it, experiment progressively and do what comes intuitively.
 

http://www.groundzeroairsoft.com/nae/booking/main.php

http://www.groundzeroairsoft.com/nae/booking/main.php

I'd like to start off this thread by saying that the pistols, rifles and shotguns that I recommend are, and always will be, from my own experience of using them and by popular opinion from regular users on here, other forums and other reputable sources. This thread will also be updated over time.
 
The amount of threads I keep seeing about this subject literally popping up every other week is getting a tad bit annoying, so, I figured I'd create this thread to save people from repeating themselves.
 
So, you're a new player looking for a decent gun hmm? You have a set budget for a gun that will be suitable for skirmishing and won't break anytime soon.
 
If you have a budget of £20 - £60, these guns will do just fine. Primarily gas and spring.
 
- Any Double Eagle/AGM single-shot shotgun: These things have good range with .25g BB's and don't shoot above site limits, for around £30 you can't go wrong. Bison shotguns are a good option if you prefer a different look.
 
- Any Double Eagle tri-shot shotgun: Like the single-shot shotguns, these also have good range but cost slightly more (around £50.) Do not purchase the Marui tri-shots new because, personally, the quality is on par with the Double Eagle tri-shots, not worth above £100. Cyma make metal tri-shot shotguns with folding stocks, full stocks, stockless and all metal or polymer for under or a bit over £100 depending on the model. G&P shotguns are outdated and overpriced, avoid.
 
- ASG, KJWorks, HFC MK23: Absolutely the best gas pistol for under £70, very efficient, accurate and cheap to buy. The included 'silencer' will increase the FPS, try to find the Marui silencer to make it deadly silent.
 
- Cyma AEP's: Like the MK23, these AEPs are excellent for the money, reliable gearboxes, some upgrade options out there on sites such as Eagle6 and Firesupport, magazines are very cheap, LiPo kits are also available and are a worthy upgrade.
 
- HFC gas pistols: These are OK for around £30, average accuracy and gas efficiency, plastics used aren't great BUT the pistols are rugged enough for skirmishing, but they won't stand up to long-term use, consider saving up for the MK23.
 
If you have a budget of £60 - £100, this is an ok budget for a gun.
 
- KJWorks P226, Glocks, M9s and 1911s: These guns are absolutely solid, will last a long time if taken care of. Good kick, average gas efficiency due to metal construction, fully Marui compatible. These are capable of using Co2, but is strongly advised due to inconsistent FPS. Magazines are poor quality and WILL leak during your ownership, replacing them with Marui magazines is advised. The paint that is used is very easily chipped.
 
- WE Glocks, P226, M9s, XDMs and PX4's: Like KJWorks pistols, these pistols are very solid performers and are reliable, average gas efficiency and good range. Avoid purchasing second hand, these pistols are usually very well used in their lifetime, check the condition of the pistol before considering purchasing. The Glocks are slightly fatter than the real thing, so as such, they do not fit most plasic holsters, either trim the holster or purchase an adjustable cloth holster. The paint on the pistols is slightly better than the KJWorks, but will still easily be scratched off.
 
- ASG Dan Wesson revolvers: These guns are reliable, but have no hop up, so they lack range. Only capable of holding 6 rounds, these are not suitable for skirmishing due to the lack of range and the inconsistent FPS. Good, realistic backyard plinkers for collectors.
 
- JG Skorpion, Mac 10: These are very reliable and rugged AEP's, clones of the Marui so plenty of upgrade options and magazines online from sites such as Eagle6. You will be outgunned by regular AEG's such as Combat Machines however due to the small gearbox and weak motor. Will make a decent side arm if using a high-capacity magazine.
 
- Well R4 & R2: Decent AEP's, on par with JG. Clones of the Marui, so upgrade options are available. The plastic Well use for the AEPs are very poor, and will shatter under heavy use. The R4's magazine release will snap if used a lot, so take care. Please consider the JG over the Well if possible.
 
If you have a set budget from £100 - £200, the options are essentially endless. This is the budget you need for a good reliable gun. Spring guns aren't included on this list as you'll end up spending more than you'll realise when you end up upgrading them.
 
AEGS:
 
- Any: G&G Combat Machines/GC16, Cyma AK's/Mp5's/M14's, JG G36/AUG/AK's/G3s, ICS M4's/Mp5's(Sportline)/AK's/G33/Sigs/Mx5's, Classic Army Mp5's/M4's/AK's/P90, SRC G36's, ASG Sten-gun/MP40/MP44/AUGs(JG)/M14(Cyma), APS AK's, King Arms P90 and D-Boys KAC/AK's.
 
Pistols:
 
- Any: Tokyo Marui gbb pistols! Their Hi-capas, Glocks, M9's and 1911's have the most after market parts. KWA/KSC pistols are also very good, the Glocks are extremely robust apart from the full auto versions due to their weak fire selector. Marui pistols will work fine on propane/green gas, though I wouldn't recommend using propane/green gas in them on warm days, stick to HFC gas instead. KWA/KSC gbb's have inferior hop up designs, as the 'nub' that is used to apply pressure is just a tiny ball bearing, whereas in the Marui pistols, they use VSR buckings and regular nubs.
 
"Why aren't sniper rifles/DMR's included?" . Spring guns aren't included on this list as you'll end up spending more than you realise when you start upgrading them to 'outperform everyone on the field'. DMR's are just AEG's; put an oversized scope on an unweildy rifle and you've got a DMR.
 
If you have a set budget above £200 to £300, any AEG will do. Consider Krytac AEG's as they're very well shimmed and have excellent air compression. If you like realism, try gas blowback rifles such as WE/GHK/KJWorks, the WE's will definitely require upgrading for long-term use, also consider HPA use for consistency (or Tippman M4's). If you don't like the idea of buying gas but still want the realism, consider the Marui recoil shock series or CTW's.
 
Hope this helps!

I got a bit fed up of people trying to work out what milsim games are coming from the different UK organisers and a couple of established forums and FB pages telling me it's all too difficult.
 
So I've started a Facebook group called Milsim UK to act as a repository for an event calendar and general milsim questions, gossip and news.
 
The calendar lives on the Internet rather than FB and is nothing fancy but does its job. Its open for any milsim organiser to use, so hopefully the spread of games it contains will grow (after all its free advertising for them).
 
The calendar lives here:
 
 
https://www.brownbearsw.com/cal/uk_milsim_events