Airsoft Sniping: Awesome or Impractical

You peer at your enemy through the cross-hairs in your scope. Your fingers grasp the bolt of your rifle as you carefully pull it back towards yourself, then gently slide it forward, placing a round in the chamber. Gauge your distance to target, adjust for windage and drop. Slow, breathe slow. Feel every beat of your heart. Place your finger on the trigger and squeeze slowly.

Anyone who has ever fired a bolt action rifle, Airsoft or real steel, knows the awesome feeling of power it gives you. The highly tuned skills of the sniper make them seem almost supernatural, and this perception of power and invincibility causes many in the Airsoft community to gravitate towards the sniper role. However, before you go and buy yourself a cool bolt-action, there are some aspects you ought to consider.

In theory, there are two basic advantages to a bolt action sniper rifle; Consistency (the FPS output per shot), which translates into accuracy, and the fact that since there are few moving parts they are pretty quiet when fired. There is no motor or gear noise like and AEG, just the piston releasing and the air exiting the barrel.

There are three main types of bolt action Airsoft snipers on the market: HPA, gas and spring powered.

HPA snipers are the newest kid on the block. Technically it's an add on system, but I'm throwing it in anyway. They are quiet, consistent and powerful. However, they require pre-compressed air. Okay, I kind of made that term up: Unlike a spring powered rifle that compresses it's own air when fired and unlike gas rifles, which actually use a compressed gas like propane or C02, HPA is regular air just highly compressed. That air has to be transferred from some sort of high pressure tank into the firing mechanism. Unless the air tank is integrated into the stock, that generally means you have to carry one in a backpack on your back with an airline attached to the gun. Not the greatest for a role where your gear should be lightweight and minimalistic. Not to mention the probability of the hose getting snagged on things as you try to maneuver stealthily.

Gas snipers tend to be more powerful out of the box than their spring counterparts, but being gas, their performance can be affected by weather conditions. Also, gas guns tend to be less consistent which really hurts for a role like the sniper, where consistency is key. The largest advantage to gas rifles is that you don't have to struggle with pulling back a stiff spring like you do with the spring powered rifles.

Spring snipers are usually fairly cheap and offer pretty good consistency stock, although many of the cheaper ones do not have a very strong design internally, which means they are likely to break if you try to install a stronger spring. The advantage to spring powered snipers is a low purchase cost and the ready availability of upgrade parts. 

Any of these types will typically be quieter than a standard AEG, meaning you are less likely to give away your position when you take a shot.

However, the fact of the matter is that most stock Airsoft sniper rifles are not much, if at all, better than a typical AEG. Many Airsoft players, especially the new or inexperienced ones, think that owning a sniper rifle will somehow magically enhance their skills and get them a ton of kills, but this is simply not the case. Your gun will not help you any if you don't know how to use it.

The role of the sniper is all about providing pinpoint accurate fire from a concealed position. Much of the advantage to the bolt action sniper rifle is a higher, consistent FPS output and the use of heavy bbs - generally .32g to .43g. To often those new to sniping are using only .20 or .25g bbs and have not spent the time learning the quirks of their rifle. For instance, maybe the hop up is a little off and you have to compensate up, down or side to side. Making sure your scope is properly sighted is also very important.

Many times I see bolt action toting players try to engage directly with the opposing force. This is simply going to get you killed. Even if your range and accuracy is better than your enemy, it's not that much better. They can close the distance fast and spit out more plastic than you. Trying to take them head on is not a good idea. At it's core, sniping is about CONCEALMENT. If the enemy knows where you are, you are dead sooner or later. 

You must remember that in Airsoft, there is only a certain amount of range and accuracy that can be achieved, not matter how much money you are willing to shell out.

The best advice I can give is this: Try before you buy. Seriously. Find something the same or similar as the platform you want and test it out first.

Also, if you have an AEG with an FPS of 350 or higher, try some high grade .28g or .30g bbs and see how it performs. You may need to make some hop-up upgrades to handle the heavier bbs, but most likely you will see a jump in accuracy and even effective range.

I feel like 90% of those who get into sniping burn out quick. But who knows, maybe you'll try it and love it despite its limitations. If so, fantastic! Airsoft is about having fun, so find out what your style of play is and run with it.

Until next time, thanks for reading and always airsoft responsibly!

- Stryker

Upgrades & Repairs: DIY or Pay Someone Else?

If you have been playing Airsoft for any amount of time, you have probably had one or two guns stop working or you just want your gun to shoot farther, faster, harder or more accurately.
The question is, should you take on the task of achieving your goals, or leave it to someone else to fulfill your dreams?

Well in life, definitely the former - but this is Airsoft.

Generally speaking there are two camps: The "git 'er done" DIY crew and the "let someone else handle it" group. Sometimes people start out in one camp and migrate to the other, the general factors in either case being time, cost and results.

Lets get into some more detail.

TIME:

Teching takes time, especially when you are trying to crank out every last drop of efficiency. Minor repairs can most likely be done pretty quickly and you won't have to wait on a shop; However, some repairs - and most upgrades - will take a significant chuck of time. Some people get a lot of enjoyment from "tinkering" and figuring out how things work and how to make it better. For them, time is a worthwhile expenditure. Others would rather be doing something else.

COST:

On paper, handling your own repairs and upgrades is cheaper because all you have to do is supply the parts. Right? Well, yes and no.

Firstly, let's not overlook that we are dealing with miniature engines here. There is a real risk of injury. That can be mitigated by doing your research before attempting a repair or upgrade, but it remains none the less. An urgent care bill can quickly erase any money you would have saved going the DIY route.

Secondly, while most airsoft guns work off the same basic model, most manufacturers like to engineer their parts slightly differently. The result is a jungle of parts with varying designs and tolerances which may or may not work together. This is why those with the experience recommend sticking to one manufacturer when buying parts; especially when dealing with gears and air-seal components.

Phrases like "high speed" and "high torque" opens up a whole other can of worms which I won't get in to right now. Probably another post by itself.

Keep in mind that at the very least you will need access to basic tools, and in some cases more expensive or specialty tools are required.

The point here is not to discourage you from teching, but to help you realize the reality of it. You may find that you actually spend more money fixing mistakes and figuring out what works than if you had paid someone who already had the know how.


RESULTS:

As I have already tried to convey, the DIY route can be frustrating, especially when you spend a lot of time and money and still don't end up with the results you'd hoped for. As the same time, it is incredibly rewarding when you achieve success. Even a relatively simple repair like replacing a piston can bring a great feeling of accomplishment.

If you don't like to "tinker" or just have other things you'd rather do, you will avoid a lot of frustration and save a lot of time (and maybe money) trusting your repairs and upgrades to an experienced tech. Your results are likely to be better too assuming you have not spent the time honing your own skills.


SUMMARY:

If you want to avoid stress and save time, just take your project to your local shop. You may spend more money up front, but in the end its probably worth it for you.

If you are mechanically inclined and love messing about with stuff, DIY is right up your alley. You may save some money, but I wouldn't make that your primary reason. I also suggest though that your project gun be something other than your primary, just in case. Ebay or retailer "boneyards" are great places to find a project gun.


Hopefully you found this post to be interesting and maybe even helpful :)

Until next time, thanks for reading and always airsoft responsibly!

- The Airsoft Mechanic

Play Responsibly

We've all heard the stories on the news of some idiot brandishing an Airsoft gun in public, or taking one to school, or even worse, pointing one at cops. Unfortunately there are those in this world that lack common sense, and that paired with a growing public fear and misunderstanding of firearms causes some major problems. In this article I will not only discuss proper safety precautions, but also how to have the correct mindset to play responsibly.

SAFETY FIRST, SAFETY ALWAYS 

I can preach all day long about weapon safety and how to properly handle a firearm, but if it never goes farther than your ears, it's pointless. Safety is a mindset. Actions are simply the outward signs of what is inside your mind, and believe it or not, how you treat Airsoft says a lot about your personal character. If you think of Airsoft as "just a game" that is going to come out in your actions. You are much more likely to carelessly handle your weapon, disregard rules and treat others badly. On the other hand, if you see Airsoft as a serious activity and an opportunity to learn, you are much more likely to observe correct safety procedures, listen to - and follow - rules carefully, and treat others with dignity.

Airsoft weapons can inflict substantial injury if used irresponsibly and thus should always be treated with the same caution as a real firearm. If you haven't yet, I would encourage you to take a firearms safety course and spend some time firing real weapons. This will help to instill a serious outlook on weapons handling and how a firearm is to be treated.

Here are some basic firearm safety rules which should ALWAYS be observed:
1. Mag out, safety on and finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
2. Do not point the weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot (including yourself). Always treat the weapon as a loaded firearm, whether it is or not.
3. When you are done firing the weapon, remove the magazine and point the weapon in a safe direction, then fire several shots on semi-auto to clear the chamber of any bbs. Return the selector switch to the safety position and leave the magazine out.

I constantly see these basic fundamentals ignored (unfortunately that includes myself sometimes) and this leads to potentially dangerous situations. Another big problem I've noticed is people shooting off their weapons randomly before game time or in between sessions. If you have to test your weapon or sight it in, use the test range. If there is no specified test range, check with the field owner/Marshall and ask them if there is a safe place where you can test your weapon.

A few additional rules are as follows:
1. NEVER display your Airsoft gun in public. In fact, don't even have it in public.
2. If you have to transport your weapon, place it in a gun bag of some sort. Make sure the magazine and battery is out of the gun so it can in no way fire accidentally.
3. If you are transporting the weapon in a vehicle, place it in the trunk. If for some reason you can't put it in the trunk, keep it on the back seat. Never hold it or place it right next to you while riding or driving in a vehicle.
4. If you are ever confronted by Law Enforcement, immediately put down the gun and follow their instructions. Remember, they treat anything that looks like a weapon as a real weapon until they know differently. Don't try to argue with them.
5. Depending on where you live, laws regarding replica firearms may vary, so familiarize yourself with the laws in your state. If you happen to be traveling to another state, look up their laws or talk to someone who already knows.

Always remember that rules are in place to keep you safe. Therefore it is to your advantage to follow them.

Play hard, have fun and be safe.

NOTE TO PARENTS:

If your child is into Airsoft, or interested in it, I strongly recommend that you take a weapons safety course with them. Not only is this a great opportunity for parent-child bonding, but it will also help to enforce the seriousness of handling a weapon. I would also strongly encourage you not to buy your child's gear for them. If they know it didn't cost them anything, they have little to no incentive to take care of it. If they had to work to earn the money for it, however, they've experienced first hand the effort that was put into earning the money for the item, and they are much more likely to take good care of it and use it responsibly.
Airsoft is a great sport and a great opportunity for your child to learn responsibility, but for both their safety and yours, please make sure that they never handle an Airsoft weapon without close adult supervision.

Review: JG G36K

It's time to talk about one of my favorite weapon platforms, the G36. Designed by Heckler & Koch in the 1990's, the real steel version was adopted by the German military in 1997 to replace the bulkier G3. The G36 shoots a 5.56 caliber round and has the capability to hold 30 rounds in it's box magazine. It's futuristic design makes it stand out from other popular battle rifles such as the M4 and AK-47.

The Airsoft version is available from multiple manufacturers including KWA, SRC, H&K, Classic Army, Jing Gong and more. Personally, I lean towards the JG version due to it's lower cost and sturdy design - and since the JG version is what I own, that's what I will be discussing. 

DISCLAIMER: Unlike most reviews, I am not reviewing a brand new weapon. I have owned a G36 for several years, so you are getting the "veteran" review. As such, I won't be going over things such as "first impressions" or how the box looks etc. After all, lasting impressions and long term performance are much more important topics to discuss.

My G36's:

The first is the "sniper" version of the G36K (a recent acquisition from ebay), while the second is the basic original G36K which I have owned for several years. (The custom PVC flash-hider and front side rails are my addition). There is also a shorter version, the G36C, which is a smaller platform geared towards CQB use.

STATISTICS:

FPS:

Most retailers advertise the weapon somewhere from 360-400 FPS. I'm not sure what mine was shooting new, as I did not have a chrono at the time, but I would estimate 370-380. Once the spring settles in it will most likely be around the 350-360 FPS mark, which is still plenty decent for woodland use. 

Range:

I would classify the G36 as a medium range weapon. 100 feet is an easy distance, 150 feet probably being about the maximum effective range. Anything over that and you are just lobbing.

Magazine Capacity:
470 rounds.

Externals:

With the exception of the sights, gearbox, trigger, selector switch, pins, lower rail and dust cover, everything is polymer, but very sturdy. The polymer build stays true to the real steel version, which is also constructed mainly of synthetic material. Even after several years, the gun still feels very solid and the only somewhat serious damage has been on vulnerable areas where a bb impacted just right:

Gearbox:

The G36 features the sturdy and superior design of the version 3 gearbox. JG is especially good at making tough internals that can handle heavier loads. I know several people who had to have their stock piston replaced, but mine still has the original piston and seems to be holding up fine. Granted, I have carefully tuned my gearbox, but it's still running stock parts except for the spring, spring guide and bushings, all of which were changed out of preference, not necessity. I did have to replace the selector plate, but only because I broke it being careless. 

BASIC FEATURES:

Iron Sights

The iron sights are pretty basic, and work something like this:

The rear sight has two posts, presumably one for close range and one for longer range. It can be adjusted for windage and elevation by turning the hex head adjustment screws. I accidentally broke the thinner post after the gun took a tumble (onto concrete if I recall correctly), but I never really noticed a difference between the two anyways.

 Windage Adjustment (And yes, I name my guns...)

Elevation Adjustment

Battery Compartment:

The battery compartment is very easy to get to, just pull out the pin and slide the hand-guard off the front of the weapon.

(The gun comes with a metal pin to hold the front hand-guard on, but over time it gets loose and likes to fall out, which is what happened here. I just use a wooden dowel now, but replacement pins are available.)

The battery space is not that large, but I can fit a mini-type 1600 mAh 9.6v battery in, though just barely. Many people complain about it and say it's a pain to put the battery in, but if you know what you're doing it really isn't complicated. 

As you can see, on my gun I have redone the wiring and attached a deans connector to increase the electrical efficiency.

Hop-Up Adjustment:

The hop-up is a typical "drum" type and is accessed by pulling back on the ambidextrous cocking handle.

Sling Mounts:

There are three sling mount options: one on either side at the bottom front of the forward hand-guard, one on the receiver above and to the right of the selector switch, and one one the stock.

Folding Stock:

The G36's handy folding stock allows for greater maneuverability in tight situations. Simply press the button and fold. 

The stock will latch onto a small post sticking out of the receiver. To unfold, apply gentle upward force to the stock and fold it back out.

Stack-able Magazines:

G36 mags are designed to be clipped together, like so.

   

This feature allows you to carry a ton of ammo without having to buy expensive drum magazines

Additional Available Features

Conversion Magwell:

This special magwell allows the G36 to take standard M4 magazines*

*Unfortunately, newer versions of the G36 have a redesigned hop-up unit which is not compatible with the conversion magwell. (Below is a photo of the compatible original hop-up design)

Side Rails:

The G36K comes stock with a large top rail and a sufficient bottom rail. However, if you find yourself needing more room for a flashlight, laser, etc, additional side rails are available for $10-$20.

PROBLEMS:

The list is very short here. 

1. The pins that hold the front hand guard and stock in place have a tendency to loosen and fall out over time.

2. The prongs on the plastic flash-hider that comes with the gun can be deformed, causing the bb to hit them and fly off at weird angles. This can be fixed by removing the flash-hider or cutting the prongs shorter.

3. Battery space is somewhat limited.

SUMMARY:

Overall the JG G36K is a fantastic weapons platform. It's sturdy build and reliability makes it a great choice, especially for new players, or those who tend to be hard on equipment. In addition, upgrade/replacement parts are easy to find. I would definitely recommend this gun (and in fact I have many times) to both new and experienced players.

All content Copyright 2014 by Andrew Derr. All rights reserved.

Best Places to Shop Airsoft

After playing Airsoft for over 3 years, I have made many purchases and bought from a varied selection of online retailers. Some good, some not so good.

So, here is a list of retailers I've used and my experience.

AirsoftMegastore.com: By far my favorite large online retailer. While their selection is not as large as some competitors, it is growing and their prices are almost always lower than other retailers. I have found their website one of the easiest to navigate, with plenty of options to narrow down a search if you so choose. The ONLY downside I have encountered so far is they don't carry some of the more specialized parts and gear, but for the most part they are very adequate. I only ever had an issue once when ordering a boneyard item, but they were very patient while we sorted it out and the issue was resolved.

AirsoftGI.com: Their pricing seems a bit high on some items, but they do carry a lot of parts and accessories, including those which can be hard to find elsewhere. I will warn you though; the website search bar is a pain to use, and really only works if you know the exact title of the item your looking for.

TrinityAirsoft.com: A lesser known site, this is another option I use when looking for parts. They have pretty quick shipping to my area and carry a good many replacement parts. Their selection is not that great due to the fact that many items are out of stock or discontinued, but what they have is pretty competitively priced for the most part. The site layout is a bit complicated, but not too bad once you get the hang of it.

ShortyUSA: The site is a PAIN to use and their prices aren't great (actually worse than GI for most of the guns), but the trade off is they are one of very few retailers on the east coast, so for me shipping is fast - only 2-3 days for standard shipping.

Airsplat.com: Where all the noobs go... Their customer service is laughable (so I've heard, thankfully I've never had to find out) and the site is outdated and cluttered. You may find some good deals if you shop around, but for the most part I try to stay away from them simply to play it safe. I recently ordered a JG G36K from them because they were the only ones I could find who still had the basic style in stock. After it arrived I discovered that it was really just a G36c (so short barrel) with the G36k front hand guard slapped onto it. Not a HUGE deal (not enough to go through the hassle of returning it at least), but disappointing.

Now we come to two sites that most people don't know about; Clandestineairsoft.com and BrillArmory.com. These sites specialize in parts and offer them at dirt-cheap prices. Granted the selection is limited, but you'll save so much that you won't care.

That concludes my list. There are more sites out there, but I either haven't used them, or, in my opinion, they just aren't worth it.

Hopefully you found this info helpful - be sure to check out my other articles!

Prepping For A CQB Game

Ah, time for another post. My last article was focused on what you need to prepare for a large airsoft game. In this article, we will take a look at what you need to play a CQB match.

First off, find a place to play. If you or a friend already have an adequate space, good for you. If not, you'll have to locate a local airsoft CQB arena. If you are playing at a public arena, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Most, if not all, public arena's will require you to sign a release waiver (if you are a minor, your parent or guardian must sign it for you). If possible, print this off ahead of time and have it signed so you won't have to deal with paperwork once you arrive on site. Also be sure to familiarize yourself with any rules.

2. Use a gun case/bag, tote bag, etc. to carry your weapons to and from your vehicle into the arena.
3. Bring cash. There will be an entrance fee and if you need to rent gear you'll need money for that as well. Most arena's also have a store section, so it's always a good idea to bring extra cash in case you need/want something.

4. Wear proper protection! At the least this usually means a full-face protection. Again, be sure to read the rules so you know what is required. Other necessary protection may include long sleeves and pants, gloves, etc.

5. FPS limits are usually 330-350 FPS depending on the field.

General Tips:

CQB is all about speed, maneuverability and close encounters. Here are some pointers:

1. Minimize exposed skin. Engagements will be close, and even with FPS limits, it's still going to sting. A lot. Long sleeved shirts and pants are highly recommended, as well as gloves, vests, helmets, etc.

2. Use a small, compact weapon. Space is limited, so the smaller the weapon the better. Weapons with a folding or collapsing stock are a great idea.

3. Have plenty of ammo readily accessible. The best option is to have multiple pre-loaded magazines stored in a vest or belt. Another option is to use  a plastic bottle with a narrow mouth that will allow you to quickly pour bbs into a magazine. If you are using low or mid cap mags, speed loaders are a must.

4. Keep a backup weapon on you at all times. If your main weapon goes down or runs out of ammo and you don't have time to reload, a back-up weapon is a life saver (use a sling on your main weapon so you can quickly transition to your backup).

5. Carry extra batteries. The last thing you need is for your gun to become a useless prop. 

6. Don't use any type of optics unless you have a protective lens or shield to protect it. If you ignore this warning, chances are quite high that you'll end up with a shattered lens.

7. Bring any tools you may need to repair your weapon(s). By the way, don't try to do repairs in game - you'll be a sitting duck and most likely and tripping hazard. Wait until a break or sit out a game and work on it then. 

8. If you are using a gas weapon at an indoor arena, be sure to use green gas as propane is not allowed. 

So there you go: A few tips for your next CQB match. 

As always, have fun, be safe and play hard!

Prepping for a Big Airsoft Game

Hopefully you'll have the privilege of attending a large game at least once in your Airsofting experience. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the game.

1. Test your Airsoft weapon(s) ahead of time. This is especially important if it's been sitting unused in your closet for months. Put a magazine through it and make sure it is still performing well.
2. Read the event details THOROUGHLY before the game! This includes information such as starting times, rules, etc. If there is a printable online waiver, make sure you print and sign it (and take it with you to the game of course).
3. Don't rely on others for gear! Take anything you are going to need to last you through several solid hours of game play. This will include things like:
- Eye protection. Depending on the field rules, this can range from safety glasses to masks that cover the entire face. Note that prescription glasses WILL NOT protect your eyes.
- Food & Water
- Extra batteries for your gun and any battery powered accessories (and make sure they are new/charged!)
- Two-way radios. Communication is key.
- First Aid. Airsoft is a very active sport, and it is likely you will sustain at least a small injury. Make sure you have band aids and antiseptic readily available.
- Duct tape or electrical tape. Great for almost everything - not an accessory you'll want to be without.
- Plenty of BB's.
- Something easily portable to carry it all in. This can be a vest, backpack, etc.
- A back-up weapon if possible. In the unfortunate event that your primary is taken out of action, you don't want to find yourself empty handed.
- Tools. You may find yourself in a situation where you need to perform repairs on the battle field. Make sure you have any tools you may find necessary.
- Extra clothing. As I mentioned before, Airsoft is an active sport - your cloths may get ripped, wet, muddy ect, so having an extra set or two of clothes is a very good idea.
- Boots. Boots support and protect your feet much better than sneakers.
4. Have your weapon(s) maintained. You'll want your weapon in tip-top shape, so have an experienced technician give it a once over. At the least you should make sure your barrel is clean for maximum accuracy and to prevent jams.
5. If possible, get familiar with the playing grounds before the big game. This will help you know the lay of the land and possible ambush/defense spots.

Follow this advice and you will have a lot more fun - and keep from looking like a newbie :)

Have fun, be safe, and play hard!