Airsoft Gun Review

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There is a great divide between airsoft companies. The majority of quality manufacturers can be found on the internet, but have little to no street presence, except at specialty shops. However, small street airsoft stores can be found in many areas. Airsoft guns are also prevalent at swap meets, which usually carry Chinese-made non-branded airsoft guns that have low-grade plastic bodies. It is important to note that while the factories listed below manufacture the guns, consumers will have very little success in regards to support after the sale if they purchase items in a factory box. In the United States, Companies like Crosman, Cybergun, Daisy, and Palco Sports are considered manufacturers even though the product is actually made at one of the many factories listed below. Like most companies that have products made abroad, the actual factory is relevant only for their reputation of quality, while the “manufacturer” is considered by the consumer to be the company that brings the product to market. For example: Nike has most of it’s products made outside of the USA, yet they do not own the factories. These factory names are irrelevant to the consumer. In the same case, Airsoft companies like the aforementioned pay the factories to produce products for them to their specifications. Because Airsoft was introduced as an import product first, the factories themselves gained reputations for quality. The advent of ‘rebranding’ in most cases allows the consumer a resource for service after the sale.

High-end Manufacturers

• Classic Army (CA), an emerging rival to Tokyo Marui with metal bodies, upgraded internals and some Marui components (i.e. the motor). They have released some sub-par AEG’s in the past but seem to be redeeming themselves with the later models.
• Tokyo Marui, the very pinnacle of airsoft technology and durability (while kept stock), created the first automatic electric gun (aeg), the FAMAS F1, and the invention of the ‘HopUp’. They have manufactured almost every model of AEG and several AEPs. However, their decision to manufacture only ABS plastic guns has put them in tight competition with CA. As an investment they last for many more years than cheaper models and are a solid platform for which to build amazing custom AEGs.
• ICS (I Chih Shivan), ICS is considered by some as one of the “big 3″ most popular gun manufacturers (including Classic Army and Tokyo Marui). Their guns usually come with metal bodies and trademarks. They manufacture Armalites, MP5s, and an AK-74M replica. Their MP5 series feature quick takedown bodies. They also came out with the split gearbox design in which the upper gearbox (which includes the cylinder and spring assembly), disconnects from the lower gearbox (which has the gears) for easier repair and upgrade. They have recently updated their entire line to make them more reliable.
• Marushin, known for some of their guns to use an 8mm bb instead of a 6mm, http://www.marushin-kk.co.jp/
• Maruzen, one of the first airsoft companies that came out, known for its P99 nonblowback
• G&G (Guay Guay Gunshop), specializes in internal and external upgrades and accessories. G&G has recently released higher end guns such as the RK103, UMG, and M-14. Arguably one of the best airsoft manufacturers due to quality guns and high customer service skills. www.guay2.com
• G&P, specializes in aftermarket upgrades and external accessories, also make a variety of high quality AR-15 series AEG’s along with an M249.
• Sheriff who assemble full metal custom pistols using Western Arms based components, as well as building Maruzen based bolt action rifles. Sheriff also made gas airsoft rifles for a time, including the now discontinued Highlander Magnum
• Sunproject, Known for their M203s and c02 driven Gas Blow Back M-16s.
• Hudson - Reenactment grade, shell-ejecting, gas-operated airsoft guns, mainly on WWII replicas.
• Airsoft Elite, A separate company that imports and domestically pre-upgrades ICS guns. They also make high quality bbs.
• Inokatsu, famous for there Full metal M60 Machine Guns and AK47/74.
• KSC/KWA, largely a pistol manufacturing company, though endeavors to rifles have been made.
• Mad Bull, makers of many types of Airsoft grenades, grenade launchers, tight-bore barrels, triggers, mines, and various other parts.
• Olympic Arms, These guns are basically ICS Armalites with licensed trademarks.
• Star, specializing in more expensive, highly realistic, easy-to-disassemble airsoft guns. There are doubts over the reliability of their AEGs, such as gearbox problems in their SA80 series.
• Systema Engineering, which specializes in high-end training weapons but also internal and external upgrades. They are priced on the edge of affordability for the average airsoft enthusiast, but are renound for some of the most flawless guns on the planet.
• Tanaka, which specializes in high-powered gas gun revolvers and rifles.
• TOP, specializes with manufacturing light and heavy machine gun airsoft replicas.
• Western Arms, largely specializing on the 1911 .45 and its derivatives as well as Beretta, S&W and SV.
• VFC/GB TECH (Vega Force Company), Recently began production of Rare and Unique AEGs
• WE Taiwan (Wei E Tech) produce a small range of metal hi-capa’s (based on tactical STI 1911 .45 series)

Taiwanese Factories

• SRC/STTI - Taiwanese company manufacturing M4/M16 and AK47 replicas, copied from Tokyo Marui designs. They now release full metal versions in addition ABS plastic versions that fires around 300-330 fps out of the box. Their first gun, an M4A1, had reliability issues and broke after a few thousand shots. Their newer guns are said to be far better, and they currently produce the only RPK on the market, as well as the only marui-compatible XM8, which also is the only XM8 with a sight.
• KWC (Kien Well Corporation) - Taiwanese manufacturer known for its CO2 powered Mini UZI, classic M16 gas rifles and spring-power guns retaining fully licenced trademarks.
• KJW (Kuan Ju Works) - Taiwanese manufacturer of high powered metal-constructed replicas. (Takes ‘top’ green gas right out of box) Most KJW guns do not carry replicated trademarks, so the accuracy of the replicas is limited. Some of KJW products are sold under the brand “Y&P” in the United States.
• AIM - AEG series manufactured by ICS but lacking the full metal bodies.

Chinese Factories

• Double Eagle (DE) - The company that revolutionized LPEGs or with its still famous M83. Their version of the AK47 and Spetsnaz were met with lukewarm enthusiasm as most other Chinese companies, many unknown, were able to come up with better performing aegs. Their M50 springer rifle was quite popular ad easily “upgradable” to 400fps with simply wrapping the inner barrel and hop up chamber area with teflon tape to seal air leaks.
• CYMA - Earlier models include the CM027 MP5J and CM028S AK47. Their release for 2006 includes the CM031 which is externally a CA LR -105 clone but internally similar to its version of the AK47 with a different hop up chamber and inner barrel. They also recently released a TM clone G18c AEP, however their products lack the quality and precision of higher end brands. They also manufacture LPEG’s, which prove to be quite popular among beginners.
• Both Elephant (BE) - Manufactures the AUG, XM8, G36, and the SL8 sniper rifle. However they are light weight and lack the finish and trademarks.
• JIEKE/WELL - The Chinese company to revolutionize the MPEG market with its release of the R5 MP5 and R6 M4A1 in mid 2005. Its gearbox and motor proved to be surprisingly durable although these 2 guns suffer from air compression problems. They later released the R7 or M4A1 with full stock and R8 G3SAS which surprised many people with its robustness and accuracy. Their later release for 2006 includes the R5E which is merely the R5 with tactical foregrip and fixed butt and the R6E.
• Jing Gong (JG)- Famous for making the Beta Spetsnaz AK, a MPEG with many metal parts and shoots 310fps stock. Recently, JG released their G36C aeg with a reported muzzle velocity of 390 fps and upgraded with a M120 spring out of the box . Other recent releases are their versions of M4A1, M16 and MP5SD6. Experienced players and gunsmiths commented that JG produces exact clones of TM aegs. In english Jing Gong means Golden Bow(the same Golden Bow company that produces MP5 series with plastic mechboxes).

Note: Some people sometimes mention that CYMA, Double Eagle, and/or WELL are the same company but this is inaccurate. They are separate companies and in fact are only brand names and not company names. They are the big 3 in China and it is believed that some of the owners or co-owners have close blood relations. What is sure is that they have close business ties and sometimes coordinate their product development efforts. Also important to note is the prolific pirating of Chinese products within China. Many smaller factories duplicate the larger factory’s product in exact detail, copying even the factory marks (WELL for example). Consumers and retailers must be aware that purchasing factory-direct (non-branded) product does not mean that the product is legitimately from that factory.

• BOYI/DBOYS - aegs are released under the brand BOYI and their M4A1 and M4 s-system are among the best aegs China has to offer. Parts and accesories are released under the name DBOYS which is probably the first Chinese producer of aftgermarket parts and accessories.
• A&K/Kart - brands said to belong to the same company. It’s s-system with metal SIR (rail interface) made its model 7799 a big winner in a market saturated with M4A1s. Ruggedly handsome, although head heavy, even high-end players embrace the s-system even if only for its front assembly and rail system. It also released the first Chinese M14 with stock gears.
• AGM - a latecomer that surprised the market with its surprising accurate and powerful springer rifle, the MP001 aka VSR (since it is a replica of the TM VSR10). While its MP004/s Ak47 version did not gain popularity mainly due to the headstart gained by CYMA and the AGM offering nothing new, its MP008 or M14 surprised the market with its use of the version 3 spring guide and stock gears.

OTHERS

• Golden Bow - This is the company that tried to revolutionize the LPEG market but its long delayed released of a version 2 metal gearbox proved to be its waterloo. Playing catch up with its M5 series of MP5s, its now strange looking version 2 metal gearbox with a motor clamp, failed to win hearts in a market now crazy with the words “TM compatible”. Its old plasticky externals also proved to be a poor management decision. Poor performance and durability, compared to competitors, is also its undoing. However, Golden Bow was able to make a strong comeback in late 2006 with a series of aegs marketed under its Chinese name - Jing Gong. It released an amazingly wide rage of aegs from the Kinkov, Beita Spetz, MP5A4, MP5A5, MP5-SD5, MP5SD6, AK47S, AK47, M733, M4A1, M16A2, M16A4, M4 S-System, Steyr AUG civilian version, Dragunov SVD, etc. In late 2006 it became the first Chinese company to release aegs with stock velocity in the range of 360-380fps. Around February of 2007 it released the M4 s-system registering 420fps out of the box. According to BroJames, a distributor in the Philippines, new releases comes standard with teflon coated cylinders, metal bushings, piston head with bearings, establishing itself as the Tokyo Marui of Chinese aegs.
• KHC - Famous for their Maverick Bullpup shotgun and spring pistols.
• UHC - Offering very reliable, yet economical alternatives to higher-end companies. Have produced a variety of well known spring guns including the MP5 SD3, the M1911A1, M92FS, as well as the Super 9. Also have released gas pistols including the H&K USP.
• Academy - South Korean company best known for their DPMS Kittycat, L85, and A-15 rifles.
• HFC (Ho Feng Company) - Taiwanese manufacturer of spring- and gas-powered guns, mainly KSC and Tokyo Marui copies
• Omega - Famous for their Beretta 93R.

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Airsoft Gun Velocity Safety

Another safety issue to discuss is the velocity or speed in which the BB’s are fired from the gun, measured in feet (FPS) or meters (MPS) per second. The speed at which airsoft BB’s leave the barrel of the airsoft guns is much slower than the speed that BB’s are shot out of a traditional BB gun. Generally speaking, this slower speed allows people to shoot at each other with airsoft guns safely, under most conditions. The safe range of speeds for airsoft guns is between 200 and 400 FPS. Make sure that anyone firing an airsoft gun over 400 feet per second is experienced, can accurately judge distance, and does not engage targets at close range. Also remember that the firing speed of airsoft guns are measured using 0.2g BB’S. Higher weight BB’s will have a lower FPS, but can still carry the same inertia and can cause an equal amount of damage. Therefore, when using this heavier grade BB, a different FPS scale should be used.

Airsoft Shooting Safety

Anytime that you are using your airsoft gun, there are four rules that must be strictly adhered to. The first is to treat your gun as if it was always loaded and assume that it could fire at any time. The second rule is to never point your weapon at anything you don’t intend to shoot. By keeping your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times, the chance of injuries can be greatly diminished. The third rule of airsoft shooting safety is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to shoot. You can prevent an accidental discharge by keeping your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. The fourth and final rule is to be sure of your intended target and what is behind them. Before firing your gun, be aware of what you may hit if you miss your intended target.

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Airsoft is a sport or recreational pastime in which players participate in the simulation of military combat also called MilSim or law enforcement-style combat using smoothboreairsoft guns(or “twist” barrels) designed as replicas of real firearms.

Methods and structures of play

Fundamentally, airsoft is a game played within a reasonably large predetermined area where the objective is to hit the adversary. It generally does not leave any visible marks on clothing, but it can sometimes cause welts on the skin. This, however, is not a practical or reliable method of judging hits (there are, nevertheless, paintballs made specifically for AirSoft guns).It is generally accepted that when a player is hit, they will declare it, usually by raising their gun in the air, shouting something like “Hit!”. They will then leave the area and go to a set “regeneration point” or sit/lie down, “dead in place”, depending on the specific rules of the match. Depending on the rules, players may remain “dead” until another player tags them.

Re-enactment

On occasion, airsoft games will be played in which the structure and/or conditions are designed to emulate a specific real-world battle as a form of historical or modern reenactment, depending on the historical period. This type of play can vary from a simple skirmish emulating a small-scale battle (like that of Pegasus Bridge) to a full reenactment of the Battle of Mogadishu^[1] or the Battle of the Bulge.

MilSim

MilSim generally combines airsoft play with some military live action role-playing elements. Several goals or missions are assigned to each team as a foundation for confrontation in firefights and other quarters, maintaining perimeter security and the like are added to the experience.

Another aspect of MilSim-style airsoft gaming that ties into the live action element is the global desire for players to look and feel the part they are playing. Hence, MilSim-style games may have uniform or clothing requirements specific to the scenario

Respawn

Respawn is usually used to allow players who have been hit to return to their starting position and re-enter the game. Usually this rule is used if there is a large amount of people, or if the scenario is planned to last for a long time. There can be modifications to this rule, such as the “medic spawn”. “Medic spawn” negates the player from having to spawn in their base and instead can respawn at the nearest medic. This modifier is often used when the playing area is very large. If respawning is implemented, the event organizers must be careful not to produce a scenario in which spawn camping can occur.

Game modifiers

It is often the case that specialized rules are implemented to introduce certain tactical or strategic elements to gameplay. These can vary widely from game to game.

Examples of popular game rule modifiers include:

Medics

Selected players are able to “revive” “dead” team mates, who must usually stay “dead” in place until they are “healed”. Dead players may be allowed to crawl for a certain amount of time to a medic if they were shot in the leg.

Weapon hits

Sometimes players are required to switch to their side arm if they take a hit to their primary weapon. (in contrast to normal play, where a hit to a player’s equipment is the same as a hit to their body)

Ammo limits

Restrictions are made on the amount of ammo available per each team, player, base or round of play.

Immortals

Specific players are chosen who cannot “die” or die only under special conditions. Another term for these immortals are “gods.”

Mercy rules

Players who sneak up on opponents, or have come within a certain distance of the opposing player (a close-range shot with many airsoft weapons will deliver a very painful hit), are given the option of eliminating them without firing by simply calling out, “surrender” or “mercy.”

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Airsoft guns (also known as Soft Air guns by some manufacturers, are spring, electric, or gas powered air guns that fire small spherical plastic pellets of either 6 mm or 8 mm diameter (0.24 or 0.32 inches). Inexpensive airsoft guns are often used as toys, while more expensive models may be used for firearms training or in the sport of Airsoft, which is similar in concept to Paintball.

Types

Spring powered

Spring-powered airsoft guns are single-shot devices that use potential energy stored in a spring to launch an airsoft pellet down the barrel of the gun. The user must cock a spring gun prior to each shot. This is typically achieved by pulling back the slide (pistols), bolt (rifles), or the grip on a shotgun, which in turn compresses the spring and makes the gun ready to fire. Because of this, these guns are by definition incapable of automatic or semi-automatic fire

Gas powered

Gas-powered airsoft guns use pressurized gas to propel pellets. These guns are capable of automatic and semi-automatic operation. The most common gases used are “green gas” (which consists of a mixture of propane and a polysiloxane lubricant) and HFC-134a. Less commonly used gases include “red gas” (which is actually HCFC-22), CO₂ and nitrogen/high pressure air. Red gas is usually avoided unless the airsoft gun has undergone modification, as its relatively high critical pressure can cause damage to the airsoft gun. CO₂, nitrogen, and high pressure air are less common because they need to be stored at higher pressures than “green gas” or HFC-134a.

Automatic Electric Guns

Electric-powered airsoft guns typically use a rechargeable battery to drive an electric motor, which cycles an internal piston/spring assembly in order to launch pellets. Automatic and semi-automatic operation is possible which gives these guns the popular name “automatic electric guns” or AEGs. These guns often attain muzzle velocities of 200 to 400 ft/s (60 to 120 m/s) and rates of fire of between 300 and 1100 rounds per minute. They are the most commonly used and widely available type of airsoft gun.

These type of guns were developed in Japan and the Japanese company Tokyo Marui dominates the market. In a Tokyo Marui AEG, the motor drives a series of 3 gears mounted inside a gearbox. The gears then compress a piston assembly against a spring. Once the piston is released, the spring drives it forward through the cylinder to push a pellet into the chamber, through the barrel, and forward from the muzzle. Many manufacturers have now more or less replicated this basic model, adding reinforced parts or minor improvements.

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Welcome to Airsoft Gun Review

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