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 Their customer service is laughable (so I've heard, thankfully I've never had to find out) and the site is outdated and cluttered.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!