Airsoft Guns

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

Part of what makes airsoft guns so popular is their authenticity and preparation for airsoft skirmishes is just as realistic. Getting ready for an airsoft skirmish is exciting, nerve-wracking and strategic – and we want to make sure you don’t miss a beat before heading out to the battle field. Here’s a quick checklist to double (or triple) check before each airsoft battle.

• Airsoft gun(s)



It’s pretty obvious, but you don’t want to forget your airsoft gun on a battle day. Many airsoft fanatics like to clean their gun the night before or morning of, an airsoft skirmish so they can ensure its functionality; if your gun has any kinks, you want to find out before you’re on the battlefield with limited supplies and options. If you have one, stow away your airsoft gun in an airsoft gun bag for safe and easy transport. The airsoft bags are big enough to fit your other gear as well as your gun, so if you pack it all in there, you only have to grab one bag as you walk out the door to the skirmish.



• Airsoft ammo



Next to your airsoft gun, bringing along ample airsoft ammo is crucial to your ability to outlast on the battlefield. Eject your magazine and load it up pre-skirmish with quality airsoft bbs. Make sure that you choose quality airsoft ammo that won’t jam up your airsoft gun or pistol during game play. Even if you don’t have a high capacity magazine, as long as you bring extra bbs you can outlast the competition. Toss a bag of extra ammunition into your airsoft gun bag and you’ll be ready to engage without worrying about running out of airsoft bbs.


• Airsoft safety goggles & face protection



Just like real the deal, in a milsim game like airsoft, safety and protective gear is vital. The small, dense airsoft bbs are a huge safety concern; therefore, make sure you have impact resistant airsoft goggles. Another recommendation for safety is to protect yourself with a mesh full-face mask.



• Ghillies or other camouflaged gear/attire



Talk with your team to discuss a uniform to wear on battle day. Typically airsoft players will individually equip themselves in camouflaged gear to match the battlefield. Be sure to think about the area where you’ll be playing airsoft: is it more green-hued like a forest or woods or is it more neutral like open plains or a desert? Wear gear that reflects the environment in which you’ll play. If you have a particularly competitive or intense skirmish, be sure to think about a head-to-toe tactical ghillie suit.



• Random supplies to fix guns and parts



Come prepared for your skirmish with tools to fix a simple gun error: electric tape, oil, cleaning patches, multi-head screwdriver and a rod to fix ammo jams. Don’t allow for surprises on the field and over-plan for problems you may encounter.



• Nourishment



Skirmishes will get your heart rate up, so avoid sugar crashes or low energy when you’re playing on the field by packing granola bars, trail mix, water bottles and electrolyte-packed drinks. Bring more nourishment than you think you’ll need in case a fellow team member is running low.



• Review strategy



What kind of airsoft role do you have in skirmishes? Review milsim strategy with fellow airsoft enthusiasts before a big game and talk tactics. If you know the opposing players, your team can discuss their strengths and weakness and possible areas for domination. Check out our airsoft resource center for a number of helpful field strategies.



• Additional supplies



Depending on your gun and your type of game-play, you may need to toss a few extra supplies into your airsoft gun bag. If you plan on battling with an airsoft electric gun, bring an extra battery or two. If you’re playing the sniper role, think about bringing binoculars or an airsoft rifle with a scope for a higher shooting range. You may want to bring along some green gas if you have a gas or CO2 gun. Once again, you can never be too prepared for an airsoft battle.

If you have a special pre-airsoft skirmish ritual, make sure to add that to this checklist. Head out early to the battle, get a map of the territory to learn the battlefield (if you can) and talk strategy with your team. You are now fully equipped to dominate in an airsoft skirmish.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, a growing online Airsoft retailer that carries airsoft guns and airsoft tatical gear. Airsoft Megastore offers a 125% low price guarantee on all new airsoft guns and airsoft ammunition.

Labels: airsoft battle checklist, airsoft bbs, airsoft gun bbs, airsoft shotguns, pump airsoft shotgun

Any airsoft fanatic knows that the truly best military simulation sport out there is airsoft; however, some paintballers and non-players remain unaware of the benefits and advantages airsoft has over paintball. Here are the top 10 ways in which airsoft skirmishes trump paintball games:

1. Airsoft game play is more realistic than paintball play

Airsoft guns look like real guns, so much so that legally airsoft manufacturers must include a 6mm orange tip at the end of the barrel to identify it as an airsoft gun and not a firearm. Airsoft guns resemble real firearms in many aspects: their barrels, machinery, magazines and accessories more closely mirror firearms than paintball guns.

2. Shooting airsoft ammo allows for better accuracy than shooting with paintball ammo:

Airsoft bbs are smaller than paintball pellets, so they experience less wind resistance and therefore, are more accurate. Airsoft bbs are less visible to the opponent because of their smaller size, which adds to their accuracy. Also, when playing paintball, players may see the larger paintball pellet flying toward them and can take cover accordingly, which decreases your hit percentage.

3. Airsoft skirmishes are more tactical than paintball games

With the realism of the airsoft guns, tactics play a large part in airsoft battles. Players really feel as though they are on the battle field and must act strategically and intelligently to win a skirmish. With the ability to release large rounds of airsoft ammo quickly, bum rushing opponents and sloppy strategy will lead to a quick defeat; therefore, designating a chain of command (see reason #7) is vital. The highly tactical aspect of airsoft battle helps transcend the sport into a milsim reality.

4. Buying a quality airsoft gun is cheaper than getting a paintball gun

A quality electric starter airsoft gun costs around $22.95 and airsoft ammo is extremely cheap, too - $11.95 for a round of 4000 airsoft bbs. Paintball guns and ammo cost significantly more for comparable quality, around $79.95 for a beginner paintball gun. Paintball pellets also carry a bigger price tag at $59.98 for 4000 rounds of paintball ammunition.

5. Airsoft guns have greater usability than paintball guns

Airsoft guns vary in weight, ranging from as light as 2 pounds to heavier than 6 pounds. The airsoft ammo can be sized at .12 grams or as hefty as .28 grams; however, .20 gram airsoft bbs are the most common size. On the other hand, the average paintball gun on the light end weighs about 5 pounds and can reach more than 15 pounds for nicer, heavier-duty models. Maneuvering a paintball gun becomes clumsier and less agile than handling a lighter airsoft gun. Due to the lighter gun and airsoft bb weight, airsoft guns are easier to carry around, which increases their usability.

6. Rounding up a pickup game with airsoft guns is easier and less messy than assembling a paintball gathering

This airsoft skirmish advantage is pretty uncontested in the paintball verse airsoft world – it is much easier to get together an airsoft game than a paintball game. First, when playing airsoft, the location has fewer restrictions than when playing paintball. Playing airsoft is legal on private property, so you and a friend could easily have a one-on-one battle in someone’s big backyard or land. Second, airsoft play is much cheaper so it can be easier to rally people to play. Paintball play– because of the paint splatter – is much more restricted.

7. In airsoft games, having defined roles is important and commonly used

Airsoft skirmishes typically divide into two teams, with detailed and strategized roles for each player on the team. The main roles for airsoft battle include a team leader, tactical officer, rifleman, recon, sniper and heavy infantry; however, there are additional roles that can be designated to aid in the order on the field.

Paintball play sometimes involves a chain of command, but the structure is much more flexible and open to interpretation than in airsoft. Paintball teams normally just separate into three classes: frontmen, mid-players and back players.

Airsoft is a more realistic milsim game which explains why tactics, strategy and a defined hierarchical chain of command are used more frequently than in paintball games.

8. There are more options to upgrade your gun in airsoft

As discussed in reason #1, quality airsoft guns are cheaper than paintball guns; therefore, it is easier (and less expensive) to update and upgrade your airsoft gun than a paintball gun. Beyond the lower cost of tricking out your airsoft gun, more options for upgrades exist. External upgrades like fore grips, scopes, sights and switches are available at affordable prices as well as internal upgrades to boost performance like nozzles, fuses and gearboxes.

The best part about the low prices for airsoft parts and accessories is that you can get into the sport as a beginner without having to front a lot of money. Then, when you become more advanced, upgrading is easy and affordable.

9. Airsoft bbs shoot faster than paintball pellets

Airsoft bbs fly at speeds of 150 to 600 feet per second (fps), with an average speed of over 300 fps, whereas paintball pellets only achieve speeds of 200 to 300 fps on average.

10. The military practices with airsoft guns and ammo for training

Military personnel and police officers use airsoft guns during training before transitioning to real artillery. Just this month, officers in Dane County, Wisconsin used airsoft guns and rifles for their basic training at a closed-down public school.

We think these are the top 10 reasons why airsoft is better than paintball, but we’re sure you airsoft aficionados know many more!

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 ammo, airsoft and paintball, airsoft bbs, airsoft guns, airsoft shotguns

Considering the exorbitant amount of time airsoft enthusiasts spend in selecting their airsoft weapon... not to mention the amount of time they spend endlessly discussing the varying spring tensile strengths, gearbox upgrades and batteries available... I’ve always found it rather interesting how little focus many avid airsoft players place on the quality of airsoft BBs they employ with their hardware.

To put it simply, the choice of airsoft BB used is as important as the airsoft gun a player selects. Ammunition-grade influences everything from effective range and impact to the very mechanics of their airsoft gun... all things crucial to not only a player’s field survival, but also to their pocket-book. So if you will, let’s take a moment to address the positive impacts of using high-grade airsoft ammunition, what it is, and how the varying weights of BBs will affect one’s game-play.

Airsoft guns fire 6mm precision-polished, seamless, plastic pellets made expressly for airsoft guns, so the next time you are at your local sporting goods store, stay away from that old box of bronze BB ammo. It won’t work with your airsoft gun. In fact, those bbs will damage your firearm, as will most of the low-grade airsoft BBs sold by these distributors. Unfortunately, most of the airsoft ammunition you’ll find at these stores simply won’t cut it. These low grade BBs lack the spherical density and consistency needed to not only lend your gun 'effect on target', they also have the unfortunate tendency to jam your gun, or - even worse - shatter and damage the internals of your gun. So please take the time, as you did in the selection of your airsoft weapon, in your choice of airsoft ammo. Visit a specialized airsoft retailer, whether online or otherwise, and purchase high-quality airsoft ammo. I personally use GoldenBall ProSlick .20 gram BBs in conjunction with my current AEG (a JG M4 S-System), and I have been more than happy with the results.

With that, as we’ve now touched on the impact of the manufacturing-grade of the airsoft BB on your gun, let’s briefly address the varying weights of airsoft ammunition, and how they may affect your target shooting and/or combat operations, the two main sports airsoft players engage in.

Airsoft pellets range in weight from very light 0.12 gram BBs (used most often in starter spring/electric air guns) to 0.25 gram BBs (airsoft snipers prefer the heavier pellets for accuracy), and their varying performances are dependent not only the previously-discussed and quite important quality of manufacture, but also of course on Newton’s First Law of Motion, which is, ‘Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.’

In this case, the external force will be gravity, which unsurprisingly affects the flight of every airsoft BB, as do external weather factors (wind, rain, etc.). Simply put, the lighter the airsoft BB the further it will fly, although it will have less effective range the further it travels (meaning it’ll eventually begin to stray from its flight path). The heavier the airsoft BB, the less distance it will fly, although the effective range of a heavier airsoft BB is greater than its lighter counterparts (the additional weight provides flight stability), which lends itself to an increase in accuracy and impact energy. (For airsoft enthusiasts that play CQC, this also means that the heavier BB hurts a lot more).

Choose the weight and grade of your airsoft BB wisely. Both will affect not only your tactical operations and battle-field longevity, but also the life-expectancy of your beloved airsoft gun.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing of all airsoft stores in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in cheap AEG airsoft guns and looking to find airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

Labels: airsoft ammo, airsoft ammunition, airsoft bbs, airsoft pellets

Airsoft enthusiasts spend hours debating the weaponry and accessories currently available, all in an effort to not only improve their game, but more importantly their ‘life-expectancy’ in a skirmish. From feet per second to rate of fire, from metal gearboxes to upgraded springs, from red dot versus optical zoom scopes and red versus green lasers and more, it’s all about speeding target acquisition and ‘time on target.’ All understandable, but what about the one component inherent to the entire process: the airsoft pellet itself?

As anyone who’s ever operated an actual semi-automatic firearm can tell you, all the bells and whistles simply won't matter if low-grade ammunition is used. An enjoyable afternoon of target practice can become an exercise in frustration, with stove-pipe jams and misfires galore. This writer used to own an old Charter Arms AR-7, and I can attest to this. Low-grade ammunition did not make for a happy fire-arm, or a happy shooter.

The same can be said for the sport of airsoft, and for those new to the game, let me clarify: these aren’t your grandfather’s BB guns. Firstly, airsoft electric air guns, as well as most airsoft guns (whether they be spring or gas-operated), are not built to fire those old copper BBs you are most likely familiar with. In fact, they’ll cause irreparable damage to your airsoft gun. Also will low-grade plastic BBs. What are low-grade BBs? Here’s a bit of a primer on quality:

Unfortunately most BBs marketed by most sporting goods and ‘big box’ stores are of an inferior grade and should not be used with high performance Airsoft guns, although the packaging won’t tell you that. They may even list them as ‘Seamless Airsoft Gun BBs’ but in most cases, they simply aren’t. They lack the high density and spherical consistency needed for dependable operation of an airsoft gun, and will most often have a tendency to shatter during use, which will only serve to yield the costly repair of your airsoft weapon. I know this from personal experience. Upon my initial purchase of an AEG, I fed my gun low-grade airsoft pellets and came away with a not only a missed skirmish, but also with a cracked piston and a gearbox full of plastic shrapnel. Needless to say, I learned my lesson.

The majority of airsoft guns fire 6mm, seamless, polished BBs, and most sporting goods stores simply don’t carry the quality brands rated for use in airsoft guns. Most airsoft specialty retailers and airsoft websites do, however. It's easiest to make it a habit to purchase a few of these bags in addition to your latest acquisition of weaponry or accessory. What brands you may ask? I personally use ‘GoldenBall ProSlicks” for regular skirmishing, and GoldenBall MaxSlicks for competition and bigger OPs where I need every advantage I can get. I choose these after years of trial and error, and so far like them for their accuracy, as due to their construction there seems to be little to zero flight deviance when fired. Simply put, if my sighting is dead-on, so is the BB. Purchasing the right airsoft ammo will serve to keep you in the game, instead of sitting one out while waiting for your order of a replacement gearbox or gun to arrive.

The bottom line is this: the use of high-grade, seamless, polished and spherically dense airsoft BBs will not only ensure the life of your airsoft gun, but will also increase your ‘time on target.’ Your choice of airsoft pellets is as important as the gun itself.

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 including airsoft sniper rifles and spring airsoft shotguns.

Labels: airsoft ammo, airsoft bbs, airsoft gun bbs, airsoft pellets

You’re now the proud owner of a new Airsoft gun. You picked the Bolt Action Kar 98 "98K" Mauser Carbine WWII Rifle or the M9 MEU Tactical Semi Automatic Gas Blowback Pistol - you’re ready to play! Except for one thing: which ammunition should you get?

Each gun has its own specifications and arenas of usage – sniper rifles are not used for close range combat and hand guns are no good for long range shooting. Ammunition can seriously impact how your gun functions and the types of game play in which you can participate.

Airsoft bbs come in different shapes, sizes and weights. Most airsoft pellets, also known as BBs (ball bearing) are normally 6mm spherical plastics. They typically run from 5.93-5.98mm in diameter, but don’t be fooled by these small numbers! Even a small, plastic pellet can do damage if protective gear and correct game play are not enforced. Some guns can even use bullets up to 8mm in diameter!

BB pellets are measured in hundredths of grams and are available in different weights ranging from .12g to .43g.

A different, newer option for Airsoft guns are the starch-based biodegradable bb pellets. Oftentimes, these pellets are required in outdoor game play where sweeping up is not an option. They eliminate having to try to locate the minuscule bbs, without causing harm to the environment!

How do diameter, weight and material affect game play?

Velocity: lighter pellets achieve higher velocity; therefore selecting a .12g bb will result in faster speeds. However, this lighter Airsoft ammo is subject to external factors like wind. Additionally, heavier bbs will retain velocity faster than their lighter counterparts – that is, less heavy bbs will start of fast, but slow down quickly.

Trajectory: trajectory is the curved path a projectile takes; lighter pellets have more markedly curved projectiles.

Weight: Heavier pellets cause more damage to its target, especially at close ranges; additionally, they may only be used with more powerful Airsoft guns.

Why is it so important to select one or the other? Having the wrong size, type or even weight bb pellet could damage your gun.

• .12g are usually used for gas and spring-load weapons, not for high-end AEGs (automatic electric guns).


• .23g is a heavy weight for AEGs and .25g is the heaviest weight a standard AEG, blowback or spring gun can manage.
  
• .30g-.36 are standard to heavy pellets for sniper rifles; 0.43 g is for highest levels of upgrades sniper rifles.

Airsoft gun bbs may not damage the skin but are extremely dangerous to the eyes, so goggles or other protective gear must be worn at all times while playing Airsoft sports.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing of all airsoft stores in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in cheap AEG airsoft guns and looking to find airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

Labels: airsoft ammo, airsoft BB, airsoft bbs, airsoft gun bbs, airsoft pellets