Airsoft Guns

Determining whether or not a gas powered airsoft gun is right for you will depend on how you plan to use your gun. If you are new to airsoft, it may not be clear how an airsoft gas guns may be a better or worse fit than spring or electric options. This article will help clear things up.

First, ask yourself “what can I spend?” If you have a limited funds (say less than $50), a gas gun is probably not your best bet. You would be better off looking at inexpensive spring guns which – no doubt - will make less of a dent on your wallet. You can find a decent spring gun for as low as $15. If you are ok with spending anywhere from $50 to $250 for your airsoft weapon, then the gas gun option is still on the table. Gas airsoft guns will start around $50 and can go over $200 for a gas powered airsoft rifle and even as high as $400 for some of the more high quality options. This is obviously more than a spring gun, but also less than an electric airsoft gun or AEG which start closer to $100 mark, making gas guns a nice mid-priced option.

If gas guns are within your budget, next consider these benefits and drawbacks:

Gas guns are powerful, providing superior accuracy and range. Of the three power types – electric, gas and spring - gas offers the highest velocity and range, making it a favorite on the airsoft field. This makes gas powered guns especially great for target practice and sniping roles.

Gas pistols have the most realistic look and feel. One of the coolest benefits to gas guns is their authentic look and feel, especially when it comes to pistols. Hand guns tend to be too small to accommodate electric motor components required for an AEG. Likewise, spring guns are single fire, meaning spring guns cannot support automatic fire. Gas guns provide a very authentic experience. Not only do gas guns come in metal varieties, providing the right weight and feel, but they deliver “blowback.” This means that after a shot is fired, the gas forces the slide back to load the next airsoft BB providing a kick-back sensation similar to recoil. These features make gas gun feel very much like a real firearm. They are probably the most authentic feeling of these three power varieties.

Gas guns can support semi and full automatic fire. If you require rapid automatic fire, AEGs or gas guns are your only options. Spring powered guns are not able to provide this.

You will need to carry replacement cartridges when participating in skirmishes. When set to semi or fully automatic, gas guns can be – well – gas guzzlers. The blowback feature, while authentic, will go through more gas and you will need to carry replacement canisters on the field. This can become bulky, inconvenient, and the cost eventually adds up. This tips the scales in electric guns’ favor when it comes to airsoft skirmishes unless you plan to be a sniper.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft store offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for spring airsoft rifles and competition grade airsoft ammo for players of any experience level.

Labels: benefits of gas powered airsoft guns, gas airsoft guns, gas airsoft pistols, gas airsoft shotguns

The best snipers not only have the skill, stealth, and patience to effectively pick off opponents one by one, but they come to the field prepared. The sniping role is one that is easily compromised, so preparedness is vital to keeping under the opponents’ radar. When selecting gear, you should always consider the convenience of using the gear and, more importantly, the noise factor. Does the gear require you to make excessive movement to access it? Does it reflect light? While direct sunshine end up broadcasting your position like a mirror? Does the gear make noise or utilize materials that rattles or rustles. Noisy gear is a rooky mistake that will undoubtedly compromise your position.

Before you head out, consider the terrain you will be traversing, the weather, and carefully consider what you might encounter on the field. Do not overload with gear that you have little foreseen use for. Carefully decide what will serve a purpose on the field and make you a better sniper. The gear that you decide is important should be secured tight against your body with straps or duct tape.

The following is a summary of gear a sniper should consider when preparing for battle.

• Dress the Part – Check weather forecasts and make sure that you dress appropriately. It is best to wear fitted clothes that won’t snag on plants or terrain. Pockets are always a good feature.
• Tactical Holster or Tactical Vest – Pockets galore and a place for everything, the tactical holster or vest is your best friend when you need something.
• Ghillie Suit – Depending on the terrain a ghillie suit may help conceal your location.
• Your Primary Weapon and Side Arm – Obviously you will need your airsoft sniper rifle, but you should also bring a side arm in case you must engage in hand-to-hand combat.
• Airsoft Ammo – Keep 2 or 3 spare mags on hand to take you through the day.
• Safety Goggles or Glasses – This is a given whenever you participate in airsoft.
• Camel Back or Canteen – I favor camel backs because they minimize the amount of movement required to hydrate – wear it under your ghillie suit - but if you prefer a canteen, secure it tightly against your body.
• Provisions –Many airsofters don’t realize it, but milsim skirmishes are a serious workout, even for snipers. You must carry heavy equipment, making slow calculated movements that keep muscles flexed for prolonged periods of time. It can be exhausting and chances are you will get hungry. Keeping your blood sugar stable will also help your steadiness, shot accuracy, and critical decision making.
• Knife or Scissors – You never know when you will need to cut tape, branches or whatever gets in your way.
• Hand Radio – If you are not in an environment where hand signals will suffice, a radio will keep your team strategically aligned.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing airsoft store in the nation, specializing in airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: airsoft sniper, airsoft sniper check list, airsoft sniper tips

Summer is a huge season for airsoft. Warmer weather is gearbox and gas gun friendly, and summer vacations mean more time to hit the field. This year we have selected 5 amazing airsoft guns and accessories that are the must-haves this season. If you plan on airsofting like crazy this summer, check these out...

JG airsoft AK47 Tactical RIS AEG

The newest version of the JG airsoft AK47 Tactical RIS AEG sports a built in RIS system is a versatile firearm that brings it all - power, accuracy, reliability and value. This airsoft AK47 makes an awesome primary weapon. It has a reinforced full-metal gearbox, internals, and an upgraded high torque motor. It blasts out more than 800 rounds a minute and features adjustable hop up, adjustable sights, and a solid rear stock for maximum performance and comfort. When it comes to airsoft AEGs, a gun doesn’t pack more value than this.

DBoys Custom M4 RIS Fully Automatic AEG Rifle Package

When it comes to rifles under $100, the DBoys custom M4 RIS fully automatic AEG rifle package cannot be beat. This 12-piece package comes equipped with a bunch of add-ons and accessories and features a high-speed motor pre-installed from DBoys, along with a high-power polymer gearbox. For under $100 you get an AEG that fires 650-700+ rounds per minute at 260-312 FPS.

JG Airsoft Full Metal Gearbox AK47 Airsoft AEG Rifle

JG really is one of the best manufacturers in the airsoft game, and this airsoft AEG is no exception. We just received the newest 2012 edition of this AK47, and JG has beefed up the internal and improved the build quality, for a solid gun that is durable as hell. The gun features a precision polished tight bore barrel, adjustable hop up, adjustable sights, and a solid rear stock for battery storage. This piece is fully compatible with Tokyo Marui parts as well as many other aftermarket upgrade parts, making this JG AK47 super easy to upgrade. It is difficult to convey how great this gun is... you just have to see and feel it for yourself.

Tenergy Universal Premium Battery Smart Charger

If you ask me, chargers don’t get enough love. A smart charger is crucial to prolonging the life of a battery and influences the overall durability of your airsoft gun. A standard wall charger will not stop charging when fully charged and must be unplugged. This smart charger is – just that- smart… it uses a dynamic Intelli-IC chip to monitor and control the charge going into your battery pack so you don’t kill your battery. When your battery pack is full, it automatically stops the current, delivering a perfect charge every time.

Airsoft Megastore Armory AMR-4 MK1 Electric Blowback AEG

This gun is from our collection of electric blowback, factory upgraded, and MOSFET enhanced AEGs. It delivers hyper realism with superior accuracy, power, and range at a fantastic price point. Backed with a 60 day limited warranty, the AMR-4 MK1 features many of the same industry leading performance enhancements as the metal body AMA M4 AEGs, for under $150. The AMR-4 MK1 features durable polymer construction with a full metal outer barrel and buffer tube, full metal gearbox, active braking MOSFET, removable carry handle with adjustable rear sight and integrated optics rail.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns, as well as airsoft parts, upgrades and accessories. Visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft summer deals, best airsoft guns of summer, new airsoft guns and gear

Airsoft players have several choices when it comes to the type of airsoft gun they choose to use on the field. From manual spring loaded pistols to fully automatic, full metal sniper rifles, there is an amazing array of gun choices out there… and for new airsoft players, all that choice can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.

Simply put, airsoft guns fall into four categories: spring, gas / cO2, electric and hybrid. This article deals with the most common type of airsoft gun – electric battery powered airsoft guns.

So what is an AEG?
AEG stands for Airsoft Electric Gun. They were first developed in Japan by Tokyo Mauri, but are now produced by nearly every major airsoft gun manufacturer. AEGs used to be quite expensive, but recent manufacturing innovations have resulted in a wide range of price points. An electric airsoft gun uses an electric motor with a rechargeable battery to power an internal piston or spring to fire airsoft BBs. They feature both automatic or semi-automatic capabilities and fire anywhere between 100 and 1500 rounds per minute. In fact, all AEGs have selective fire modes, so you can go from fully automatic to semi automatic firing with the simple flip of a switch.

These style of airsoft firearm are the most common weapon of choice for airsofters, largely because of their power, performance and realistic look and feel. Airsoft AEGs fire at velocities between 150 and 650 FPS (feet per second), making them the most powerful airsoft guns on the field. They are also highly customizable with a variety of upgrades and accessories, making them highly attractive to active airsofters looking to optimize their performance. When it comes to batteries, the general rule of thumb is the higher the mAh, the longer the battery life and the greater the voltage, the higher the Rate of Fire (RoF).

Then what are EBBs?
EBB is short for electric blowback airsoft gun, or electric blowbacks. These are high end AEGs – typically rifles – that utilize a rechargeable 9.6 volt battery. These pieces have a very authentic blowback but less of a kick. In general , they are fun guns to operate, but battery life can deplete quickly and the blowback itself can wear on internals which can lead to a shorter gearbox lifespan.

And what is an AEP?
AEP is short for Automatic Electric Pistols, which are electric powered, fully automatic pistols. If you plan on participating in outdoor skirmishes in cold weather, you should consider investing in an AEP as your cold weather sidearm. C02 and gas powered guns require heat to fire, while AEP’s work in colder temperatures. The majority of AEPs are constructed almost entirely of plastic, making them less realistic in feel than other, metal based pistols.

Still have questions about AEGs? Contact us on the Airsoft Megastore Facebook page. New to airsoft? Visit the Airsoft Megastore Resource Center or check out our Youtube Channel - AMS TV - for informative and entertaining videos on different all things airsoft.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft store offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for spring airsoft shotguns and high quality airsoft ammo for players of any experience level.

Labels: aeg airsoft guns, What is an AEG, what is an aep, what is an ebb

The sniper role is easily one of the most coveted roles on the airsoft field. An effective sniper is highly valued because they not only actively eliminate opponents, but they also act as a communication hub for the team.

If you are interested in transitioning into the sniper role in upcoming skirmishes, here are a few tips to help you succeed on the battlefield.

Be stealthy.

Cunning is one of the most important qualities a sniper can have… maybe even more valuable than shot accuracy. Stealth alone can make a sniper a success. A stealthy sniper understands how to position themselves so that they can observe the field without being seen and how to keep their movements slight. They are adept to traversing the environment undetected – be it wooded or field. They also understand how to retreat from a compromised position efficiently, in near silence.

Be disciplined & patient.

As a sniper, you risk discovery whenever you take a shot. For this reason, you must ensure that the shot you are taking is worth the risk. Is the target within range? Is it attainable at your skill level? If you are fairly confident the odds are against you, it is better to lay low and remain undetected. In fact, many real-life snipers stalk a target for days before making a kill shot. Patience and discipline are key… and only shoot when the target is attainable and worth the risk.

Be decisive.

Ironically, even though patience and discipline are paramount to sniping success, you are also required to take decisive action when the time is right. The opportunity to take your kill shot may only last a few seconds, so you must calmly take action… line up the shot, and pull the trigger.

Be a partner.

In many cases, having a spotter or second shooter will help keep you alert at all moments and will increase the likelihood of a decisive kill. It is difficult to use binoculars or airsoft rifle scopes or optics for more than 20 minutes at a time and having a skilled partner will allow you to break up the task and increase efficiencies.

Be chill.

The sniper role is not a good fit for people with hot tempers. If you are quick to anger, it is likely you will make irrational or careless choices. Anger elevates the pulse, quickening the heartbeat, and resulting in fight or flight behavior. This is the exact opposite of what makes a good sniper. A good sniper is level headed, patient, calm and able to make rational choices – even under stress.

Be your sniper rifle.

Ideally a sniper’s rifle is second nature, but this will take time and practice. Use your airsoft sniper rifle as much as possible. Get an in-depth understanding of the rifle’s dimensions, capabilities and limitations. Target practice is critical. Practice firing low on the ground and in hiding. Work on long distance accuracy and maneuvering your rifle in silence.

A successful sniper needs to be stealthy, even tempered, patient, disciplined, decisive and accurate. Taking accurate shots, maneuvering stealthily and partnering with a skilled spotter or fellow sniper will help set the stage for success as an airsoft sniper.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and green gas & CO2 powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft sniper tactics, airsoft sniper tips, how to be an airosft sniper

It has been a while since we blogged on airsoft safety – so it’s time for a refresher course! Like any firearm-related hobby, there are certain risks you take when participating in airsoft, but you can easily mitigate these risks with the right equipment and behavior. If you are new to airsoft, it is important you take the appropriate measures to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you are an experienced airsofter, it never hurts to brush up on the best practices.

Airsoft Safety Gear

The right gear will reduce the sting you feel when hit and decrease the likelihood of serious injury. Here is a quick check list of the most effective airsoft safety gear:

• Safety Goggles are Critical. If you enjoy being able to see, invest in a solid pair of shatter-proof safety goggles. Don't remove the goggles when you are on the playing field or out the firing range. If for any reason you lose your goggles on the field or spy someone who is unprotected, shout out “blind man” so that others know to stop firing.


• Cover Up Exposed Skin. Full-coverage clothes like long-sleeve shirts and pants will take the sting out of hits and reduce the degree of welting you experience. Though not required, a tactical airsoft vest will add a layer of protection to the chest. (It also makes carrying secondary hand guns, magazines and other supplies much more convenient.) We also recommend donning a protective face mask when playing competitively. This will not only shield the face, but it can prevent painful broken teeth. If you take an airsoft BB traveling at 450 FPS in the teeth, you will probably end up looking like jack-o-lantern.


• Get a Brain Bucket. If you plan on playing competitively, we strongly recommend investing in a hard helmet for the field. A helmet prevents direct hits to the head during play, which as any experienced airsoft players can tell you, hurts like hell.

Handling Your Airsoft Gun

When handling your piece, use common sense and always assume the piece is loaded. Here are a few more helpful recommendations to keep in mind when handling your airsoft weapon:

• Know Your Weapon. Thoroughly read your weapon’s owner manuals with special attention to safety guidelines specific to your piece.


• Point Away. When off the field, always points it away from people.


• Don’t Mess with the Trigger. Do not touch or jiggle the trigger unless you explicitly intend to shoot the gun.


• Clear Your Weapon. When your gun is not in use, remove your magazine, clear your weapon and switch your gun to safety.


• Put it Up. Be sure to keep all Airsoft guns and/or equipment out of children's reach, even when unloaded.

The Biggest Safety Issue of All - Taking Your Gun Public

Every so often I come across an airsoft news story that makes me cringe. Usually these stories revolve around someone brandishing an airsoft gun in public for “fun”, shock value or even to commit a crime. Doing this is insanely irresponsible and stupid. Airsoft guns are hyper realistic and nearly indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts. If you wield a hyper realistic firearm in public, you frighten bystanders and may even get shot by law enforcement. With this in mind, the following guidelines will help keep you safe – and alive:

• Assume Real Gun Behavior. Always be aware that the vast majority of bystanders do not know you are carrying an airsoft gun – they will assume it is the real deal. Do not brandish your Airsoft gun in public – it’s illegal to do so in most places and you may cause a panic or get yourself shot by a real firearm.


• Keep the Tip. Do not remove the orange tip on the gun… again, it’s illegal and can increase confusion.


• Bag It. Always transport your gun in a case.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the U.S. Airsoft Megastore offers a full selection of gas and electric Airsoft guns (Airsoft AEGs) including airsoft sniper rifles and spring airsoft shotguns.

Labels: airsoft gun safety, airsoft safety, airsoft safety gear

Experienced airsofters know that the right BB makes all the difference in the world and they look for seamless, perfectly spherical BBs that will not shatter upon launch. Not only will these BBs improve your accuracy and overall performance, but they keep your gun’s internals debris free.

The same cannot be said for cheap-o BBs. Cheap BBs, like those you fine at Walmart and sporting goods stores, cause irreparable damage to a gun’s gearbox, stripping the pistons and clogging the internals with BB shrapnel. The result is jamming and, ultimately, a broken gun. Many crappy BBs claim to be seamless, but don’t be fooled. These BBs have seams – they have simply been polished away. The seam still exists within the BB body. The result is inconsistencies in shape and structural vulnerability, both of which greatly increase the likelihood of shattering.

If you haven’t watched yet, I recommend checking out Vince’s video where he takes a hammer to some of these craptastic BBs. They shatter to pieces… while a high quality airsoft BB simply flattens out.

At Airsoft Megastore, we only carry the best BBs because we understand the vital role BB quality plays in the longevity of an airsoft gun. There are 5 big names in the quality airsoft BB arena: GoldenBall, Elite Force, G&G, King Arms, and TSD.

GoldenBall

The entire Airsoft Megastore team is pretty much obsessed with Goldenball Proslick BBs. These are the best of the best when it comes to airsoft BBs. GoldenBall manufactures top-of-the-line, ultra-seamless, competition-grade airsoft 6mm BBs. Compared to the average BB out on the market, these pellets sport a 40% improvement in density and spherical consistency. The result is an average FPS gain of 8-15 FPS on a standard metal gearbox AEG. You get all the power and none of the annoying jamming. Trust me when I say, try these once and you’ll be hooked.

Elite Force

Elite Force BBs are superior airsoft BBs packaged in a unique and insanely convenient water-bottle-style container with screw top. These are probably the easiest BBs to store, carry and load, making them a real advantage on the field. Elite Force BBs have been quality tested in a variety of mid and hi-cap magazines to prevent against misfires and jamming. This and the consistency of the BB shape and size make these extremely competitive precision BBs.

G&G

G&G is probably best known for their high grade full metal gearbox AEGs, but they manufacturer some pretty impressive airsoft BBs as well. Airsoft Megastore can say with confidence that these are some of the most reliable precision grade airsoft BB's currently available. G&G PSBP (Perfect Spherical Ball Pellet) BBs are flawless, uniform in both weight and size, seamless, non-toxic BBs. Load these up, and you’ll experience greater accuracy and shot consistency. No jamming, magazine fail, or mucked up internals. Just clear, long shots with greater consistency and power. Airsoft Megastore has a distribution deal that allows us to carrying these killer BBs, at the lowest price you’ll find online.

King Arms

King Arms recently launch their all-new Platinum-Series of high precision competition-grade Airsoft 6mm, and we are here to confirm, these are simply the best airsoft BBs to come out of Taiwan to date. If you are looking for a high grade airsoft BB at an affordable price, look no further. King Arms’ ultra-high quality, sniper grade BBs will give your airsoft game an edge and make you rethink what it costs to stock a high value airsoft BB.

TSD

TSD BBs are another highly respected, high-value, precision airsoft BB line. With biodegradable airsoft BB options, they also make sense for the more eco-conscious airsofters out there. These slick, competition-grade BBs reduce barrel jam and gear stripping. Buy in bulk for extra savings; TSD tactical BBs come in packages of up to 15,000 rounds.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft bbs, precision airsoft bbs, quality airsoft bbs