Post by JPOPC on Mar 25, 2006 0:46:23 GMT -5
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT AIRSOFT GUNS:
You need to remember the golden rule about airsoft replicas: Stock electric airsoft replicas are almost exactly the same in performance except for:
Inner barrel length: The longer the inner barrel, the more accurate a replica is. For example: the M16A2's inner barrel is 509mm, while the MP5SD6 only has a 229mm barrel, since the M16's barrel is over twice as long as the MP5's, the M16 is more accurate. However, it is also much longer and impractical for CQB use.
Battery capacity: Replicas with full stocks can hold a larger battery then other replicas. Batteries come in three styles: Mini, Large and Stick. Mini batteries are usually 8.4v and 600mAh while Large batteries are usually 8.4v 3000mAh or ever larger. Stick batteries are usually 8.4v 600mAh. When I started airsoft I learned that with a stock replica, a very rough guideline for how many shots you could take before your battery died is a 1:1 conversation. Meaning for ever mAh you have, you can fire one BB. Example, you have a 3000mAh battery, so you are generally going to be able to fire 3000 BBs before it needs to be recharged. As I stated, this a VERY rough guideline and is only really even that accurate on stock replicas, once things inside the mechbox start getting upgraded, the battery is forced to use more energy with each shot. For more information on batteries, please refer to the Battery FAQ. (Which I will provide a link to once it is posted).
Magazine capacity: Different replicas use different size magazines and therefore they hold more BBs per magazine. Standard magazines hold anywhere from 50 to 70 rounds, midcap magazines hold roughly 100 - 120, hicaps hold 200 to 600 and box magazines are known to hold up to 5000 BBs.
Except for those three major considerations, the last one is looks. Do you actually like how the replica looks? If not, then it probably isn't for you. 9/10 of airsoft is looking cool, so why run with something that you aren't happy with the looks of?
If you have looked through this post, and dug up information on the replicas you are still interested in, please feel free to post a question. There are a million little pieces of information about certain replicas that I will not post here, because it would make your eyes hurt just learning it all in one sitting. For example, the MP5A4 and -A5's are all known to be very weak between the back of the foregrip and the front of the upper receiver, and have been known to snap.
I posted this to save everyone on the forums a bunch of time and grief. Because if you do not read this, and you post a subject like, "What is better the MP5K or the M16?", you're going to get nailed with a bunch of negative comments or responses like, "Use Google". Please, use the resources that are available to you before asking very general questions like those on these message boards.
Also note that this new version of our forums has a Search feature built-in to it, and I highly suggest that you use it before asking any questions.
MANUFACTURERS:
In the last couple of years a number of new airsoft replica manufacturers have appeared on the market and given airsofters much more freedom over who they want to do business with. Here's a run-down:
Tokyo Marui (TM): Tokyo Marui is the standard by which everything else in the airsoft community is judged. They were the first company to really make the AEG concept work, and many of the older players have owned quite a few of them. Tokyo Marui make good quality replicas, with a decent price. They are reliable and because of the length of time that TM has been in the business, there are a lot of upgrade choices as well as types of replicas to choose from.
Classic Army (CA): Classic Army is based out of Hong Kong, and they strive to make excellent quality replicas. All CA AEGs come pre-upgraded (compared to TM standards, anyway) and shoot about 320 - 340fps out of the box. They all come with metal bodies (If the weapon it's modeled after is made of metal), and the internals also come with metal bushings as compared to TM's stock bushings which are plastic, this adds durability and life to the replica. They are about a hundred dollars more expensive then TM, but some of the airsoft players in Oregon have told me flat-out that they won't buy anything else.
I Chih Shivan (ICS): Their M16-series have a unique mechbox design that allows for easy break down, and remains compatible with TM mechbox parts and therefor 99% of aftermarket upgrades; their MP5's do not have this feature but do remain compatible with aftermarket parts. Like CA replicas, ICS AEGs come standard with metal bodies and slight upgrades, another unique feature is that the forward assist on their M16-series actually releases the spring, lessening the stress on the internals when the gun is not in use. As long as you get any of their replicas that are Version Two (this number has nothing to do with mechbox type) or later, they are very reliable.
Guay Guay Armament (G&G): The first company to come out with the M14, and they have a reputation for making high quality, durable replicas. Down side? They are fairly expensive.
G&P Laser Products (G&P): One of two companies to make a UMP, they are new to the market and not much is known about the quality of their stuff yet, though the first looks have been positive.
STAR: A company that has just now broken into the AEG market, not much is known about their replicas. If you want good, cheap magazines though, they're the company for you.
UTG: A Chinese company that is also just breaking into the US market; they make budget-level beginner AEGs that are compatible with TM mechboxes and after-market parts. A good buy if you're looking for a decent gun for a low price. Note: there is no hard and reliable information out at the moment about how they work with upgrades.
TOP: For a long, long time Top was the only airsoft manufacturer to create LMG (light machine-guns) replicas, and they are still the only company to get an M60 from. Their reputation is a bad one, and to make any of their replicas into viable skirmish replicas, you will need to spend lots of time and money on it as well as make sure it receives all the tender loving care you can provide. If you're looking for an M249, check out the Classic Army variant. For more information about upgrading M60's and other Top replicas, check out our article here on Airsoft Pacific: www.airsoftpacific.com/content.php?page=21
Systema: Considered by some to be the airsoft gun line. Systema has made each of their replicas to exacting standards: they are true one-to-one scale in every way, they have a unique and very reliable mechbox design, along with a host of other features. There are not many Systema replicas in general use right now because of their restrictive price; it'll cost you anywhere from $1200 to $1500 for a complete setup and an upgraded cylinder set. Speak to Troy ("-=OOHYA=-" is his username on the message board) for more information about Systema replicas.
Note: If I haven't mentioned the company here, you probably don't want to consider spending your money on them, because they are not good skirmish replicas. I will mention one other company, though:
CyberGun (CYMA): No matter how tempted you are, do not buy any of their replicas. Not only are they cheap and crappy, but the company itself was sue-happy for a while and tried to drive other airsoft manufacturers out of the United States so they could sell us garbage without a better alternative. They are bad for the airsofting community, and I have heard of, no joke, their replicas breaking only hours after being paid for. Stay away from CYMA!
Thank you for reading, welcome to the community, and happy airsofting!
ADDENDUMS:
The follow list of AEGs are replicas that have been found to be lacking by the majority of the local airsoft community and should be avoided for the reasons stated.
Tokyo Marui CAR-15 - Plastic, inferior parts and discontinued.
Tokyo Marui XM-177E2 - Plastic, inferior parts and discontinued.
Tokyo Marui M16A1 - Plastic, inferior parts.
Tokyo Marui M16VN - Plastic, inferior parts.
Tokyo Marui UZI - Plastic, inferior parts, even a plastic mechbox. Hicaps are known to continually jam.
Tokyo Marui FAMAS - Plastic, inferior parts. As TM's first AEG, it uses an out-dated mechbox and is just generally constructed poorly. Replacement and upgrade parts are hard to find and a pain to install.
Tokyo Marui SIG 551 - Plastic, inferior parts. Burst chip known to break often.
Tokyo Marui SIG 550 - Plastic, inferior parts. Burst chip known to break often.
Tokyo Marui M1A1 Thompson - Nothing more than a collectors piece, impractical, rare mechbox version. Hard to find magazine pouches.
Academy L85 - It's $100 and you get what you pay for. No quality control, poor parts and awful craftsmanship make this an airsoft replica to avoid.
You need to remember the golden rule about airsoft replicas: Stock electric airsoft replicas are almost exactly the same in performance except for:
Inner barrel length: The longer the inner barrel, the more accurate a replica is. For example: the M16A2's inner barrel is 509mm, while the MP5SD6 only has a 229mm barrel, since the M16's barrel is over twice as long as the MP5's, the M16 is more accurate. However, it is also much longer and impractical for CQB use.
Battery capacity: Replicas with full stocks can hold a larger battery then other replicas. Batteries come in three styles: Mini, Large and Stick. Mini batteries are usually 8.4v and 600mAh while Large batteries are usually 8.4v 3000mAh or ever larger. Stick batteries are usually 8.4v 600mAh. When I started airsoft I learned that with a stock replica, a very rough guideline for how many shots you could take before your battery died is a 1:1 conversation. Meaning for ever mAh you have, you can fire one BB. Example, you have a 3000mAh battery, so you are generally going to be able to fire 3000 BBs before it needs to be recharged. As I stated, this a VERY rough guideline and is only really even that accurate on stock replicas, once things inside the mechbox start getting upgraded, the battery is forced to use more energy with each shot. For more information on batteries, please refer to the Battery FAQ. (Which I will provide a link to once it is posted).
Magazine capacity: Different replicas use different size magazines and therefore they hold more BBs per magazine. Standard magazines hold anywhere from 50 to 70 rounds, midcap magazines hold roughly 100 - 120, hicaps hold 200 to 600 and box magazines are known to hold up to 5000 BBs.
Except for those three major considerations, the last one is looks. Do you actually like how the replica looks? If not, then it probably isn't for you. 9/10 of airsoft is looking cool, so why run with something that you aren't happy with the looks of?
If you have looked through this post, and dug up information on the replicas you are still interested in, please feel free to post a question. There are a million little pieces of information about certain replicas that I will not post here, because it would make your eyes hurt just learning it all in one sitting. For example, the MP5A4 and -A5's are all known to be very weak between the back of the foregrip and the front of the upper receiver, and have been known to snap.
I posted this to save everyone on the forums a bunch of time and grief. Because if you do not read this, and you post a subject like, "What is better the MP5K or the M16?", you're going to get nailed with a bunch of negative comments or responses like, "Use Google". Please, use the resources that are available to you before asking very general questions like those on these message boards.
Also note that this new version of our forums has a Search feature built-in to it, and I highly suggest that you use it before asking any questions.
MANUFACTURERS:
In the last couple of years a number of new airsoft replica manufacturers have appeared on the market and given airsofters much more freedom over who they want to do business with. Here's a run-down:
Tokyo Marui (TM): Tokyo Marui is the standard by which everything else in the airsoft community is judged. They were the first company to really make the AEG concept work, and many of the older players have owned quite a few of them. Tokyo Marui make good quality replicas, with a decent price. They are reliable and because of the length of time that TM has been in the business, there are a lot of upgrade choices as well as types of replicas to choose from.
Classic Army (CA): Classic Army is based out of Hong Kong, and they strive to make excellent quality replicas. All CA AEGs come pre-upgraded (compared to TM standards, anyway) and shoot about 320 - 340fps out of the box. They all come with metal bodies (If the weapon it's modeled after is made of metal), and the internals also come with metal bushings as compared to TM's stock bushings which are plastic, this adds durability and life to the replica. They are about a hundred dollars more expensive then TM, but some of the airsoft players in Oregon have told me flat-out that they won't buy anything else.
I Chih Shivan (ICS): Their M16-series have a unique mechbox design that allows for easy break down, and remains compatible with TM mechbox parts and therefor 99% of aftermarket upgrades; their MP5's do not have this feature but do remain compatible with aftermarket parts. Like CA replicas, ICS AEGs come standard with metal bodies and slight upgrades, another unique feature is that the forward assist on their M16-series actually releases the spring, lessening the stress on the internals when the gun is not in use. As long as you get any of their replicas that are Version Two (this number has nothing to do with mechbox type) or later, they are very reliable.
Guay Guay Armament (G&G): The first company to come out with the M14, and they have a reputation for making high quality, durable replicas. Down side? They are fairly expensive.
G&P Laser Products (G&P): One of two companies to make a UMP, they are new to the market and not much is known about the quality of their stuff yet, though the first looks have been positive.
STAR: A company that has just now broken into the AEG market, not much is known about their replicas. If you want good, cheap magazines though, they're the company for you.
UTG: A Chinese company that is also just breaking into the US market; they make budget-level beginner AEGs that are compatible with TM mechboxes and after-market parts. A good buy if you're looking for a decent gun for a low price. Note: there is no hard and reliable information out at the moment about how they work with upgrades.
TOP: For a long, long time Top was the only airsoft manufacturer to create LMG (light machine-guns) replicas, and they are still the only company to get an M60 from. Their reputation is a bad one, and to make any of their replicas into viable skirmish replicas, you will need to spend lots of time and money on it as well as make sure it receives all the tender loving care you can provide. If you're looking for an M249, check out the Classic Army variant. For more information about upgrading M60's and other Top replicas, check out our article here on Airsoft Pacific: www.airsoftpacific.com/content.php?page=21
Systema: Considered by some to be the airsoft gun line. Systema has made each of their replicas to exacting standards: they are true one-to-one scale in every way, they have a unique and very reliable mechbox design, along with a host of other features. There are not many Systema replicas in general use right now because of their restrictive price; it'll cost you anywhere from $1200 to $1500 for a complete setup and an upgraded cylinder set. Speak to Troy ("-=OOHYA=-" is his username on the message board) for more information about Systema replicas.
Note: If I haven't mentioned the company here, you probably don't want to consider spending your money on them, because they are not good skirmish replicas. I will mention one other company, though:
CyberGun (CYMA): No matter how tempted you are, do not buy any of their replicas. Not only are they cheap and crappy, but the company itself was sue-happy for a while and tried to drive other airsoft manufacturers out of the United States so they could sell us garbage without a better alternative. They are bad for the airsofting community, and I have heard of, no joke, their replicas breaking only hours after being paid for. Stay away from CYMA!
Thank you for reading, welcome to the community, and happy airsofting!
ADDENDUMS:
The follow list of AEGs are replicas that have been found to be lacking by the majority of the local airsoft community and should be avoided for the reasons stated.
Tokyo Marui CAR-15 - Plastic, inferior parts and discontinued.
Tokyo Marui XM-177E2 - Plastic, inferior parts and discontinued.
Tokyo Marui M16A1 - Plastic, inferior parts.
Tokyo Marui M16VN - Plastic, inferior parts.
Tokyo Marui UZI - Plastic, inferior parts, even a plastic mechbox. Hicaps are known to continually jam.
Tokyo Marui FAMAS - Plastic, inferior parts. As TM's first AEG, it uses an out-dated mechbox and is just generally constructed poorly. Replacement and upgrade parts are hard to find and a pain to install.
Tokyo Marui SIG 551 - Plastic, inferior parts. Burst chip known to break often.
Tokyo Marui SIG 550 - Plastic, inferior parts. Burst chip known to break often.
Tokyo Marui M1A1 Thompson - Nothing more than a collectors piece, impractical, rare mechbox version. Hard to find magazine pouches.
Academy L85 - It's $100 and you get what you pay for. No quality control, poor parts and awful craftsmanship make this an airsoft replica to avoid.
