Newb with general questions.

[montalban]

Hi,

I've been playing paintball since '98 and having a blast. For the past 2 years though, I have been wanting to get more into milsim type events. I've tried what's available in pb, but still haven't been satisfied. Last year I started reading and surfing about airsoft. I have read a few gun reviews (arniesairsoft), and visited some field websites (american though) and read a few FAQs about airsoft. But I don't know any airsoft owners personally and still have some questions.

With the PB season winding down, I thought I would give another try at getting to know more about airsoft. Here's what I would like to know;

( I have tried going through past threads on this site, when time permits, but forgive me if I repeat any old questions.)

First off, I live in the Montreal area, are there any official airsoft fields nearby or do alot of groups still use paintball fields?
Is there still a active field in the town of Rigaud? (can't recall the name)
Are there any groups that host events regularly in the montreal area?
I understand theres no nation wide rules for rentals, but how hard are they to come by?
How many ppl usually show up to these events?
Aside velocities and tech limits, what are the typical rules at airsoft events, are there referees or does it all depend on player honesty?
Do many fields allow you to bring your own BBs? if not, what are the typical prices?
And maybe a stupid question but...how does a plastic BB compare to a 68cal paintball. Distances, sting, etc..

I have a few more questions, but they concern the guns and internals, I'll save that for later.

P.S. Any teams in the Montreal area, please feel free to post or PM me your team's webpage.

Thanks in advance,

Monty :salute:

[Jackals]

before you get flamed, did you read the FAQ or just blindly post? Most people on here dont like hand feeding newbs.

his questions are decent

im not sure about fields near montreal, but i know there are alot fo players out there.

The sand pit field is Rawdon, its only like 30min from montreal

rules tend to be field specific

all fields allow you to bring BBs, if not, they usually run $20-$25


im sure your answers will arrive shortly

[montalban]

Originally Posted by Jackals

before you get flamed, did you read the FAQ or just blindly post? Most people on here dont like hand feeding newbs.

Not wanting to start a fight. I tried the FAQ option at the top of the page, but it just brings me to the FAQ about forum usage. I haven't tried every subtopic here, but didn't see anything I wanted under "Airsoft Canada > General" (except the Law sticky, which I found very helpfull) If there's another FAQ, please post me the link. I don't think my questions were too out of line.

Monty

[Rico]

There are no refs so calling hits is based on honour.
Generally, the effective range is a tad bit better than paintball, but don't expect crazy accuracy or range (as I did when I first started). Of course, this varies greatly depending on what kind of weapon you are using. ie. AEG, bolt action, or gas pistol.
The bb hits also hurt a lot LESS than paintball (IMO). The only welts that I got playing AS were from bare skin shots as opposed to the angry circular ones from PB.

Hope that helps.

[The Saint]

Originally Posted by montalban

Are there any groups that host events regularly in the montreal area?
I understand theres no nation wide rules for rentals, but how hard are they to come by?
How many ppl usually show up to these events?

I think all three questions above can be best answered by studying the Quebec Events subforum on ASC. Basically, read through posts on past event and look at the list of people who signed up, who ran them and if anyone offered or answered calls for rentals. That's your best bet.

Do many fields allow you to bring your own BBs? if not, what are the typical prices?

Unlike PB, airsoft is completely bring-your-own-ammo.

I have a few more questions, but they concern the guns and internals, I'll save that for later.

The general recommendation is to play with a stock gun for a while before you get any upgrades.

P.S. Any teams in the Montreal area, please feel free to post or PM me your team's webpage.

You can find Montreal based teams in the Quebec Teams subforum.

[montalban]

Actually I'm waay to new to ask about upgrades, but what is the typical maintenance routine on AEGs and how long do most of them last?

[montalban]

BTW, I did take your suggestion and I have asked in the Qc forums for any games I could go to see "hands on" and also get verified.

[666]

In general you don't really have to do a lot of maintenance to keep AEGs working. Except for some lubing after playing in the rain to keep the rust away and barrel cleaning. From what I know it is recomended to re-grease mechbox once a year. Some people don't even open them at all until something breaks inside. Gas guns require more maintenance, it's a good idea to keep them well lubed with silicon oil.
Stock AEG will last for years if you don't abuse it too much. Velocity will drop down over time but gearbox internals can work for a loooooong time with stock spring. Upgraded guns are different, once you start upgrades it will start causing problems...

[montalban]

Originally Posted by 666

In general you don't really have to do a lot of maintenance to keep AEGs working. Except for some lubing after playing in the rain to keep the rust away and barrel cleaning. From what I know it is recomended to re-grease mechbox once a year. Some people don't even open them at all until something breaks inside. Gas guns require more maintenance, it's a good idea to keep them well lubed with silicon oil.
Stock AEG will last for years if you don't abuse it too much. Velocity will drop down over time but gearbox internals can work for a loooooong time with stock spring. Upgraded guns are different, once you start upgrades it will start causing problems...

Thanks, kinda confirms what I thought.

How about rainy/winter weather? Do AEGs hold well or do they suffer as bad as PB gear? (total loss of accuracy, ammo gets damaged, rust, freezing up, fail to fire, etc)

[The Saint]

Originally Posted by montalban

BTW, I did take your suggestion and I have asked in the Qc forums for any games I could go to see "hands on" and also get verified.

Just so you know, most skirmish type events welcome newbies to observe and ask questions. Instead of making a new brand new thread and asking people to go there to answer, it's generally preferred if YOU read through the various event threads yourself, decide which event you're available for and post in the event's organizing thread about attending. It keeps the forum clatter to a minimum and shows that you've taken the initiative to do some comprehensive events, rather than having people come to you with the answers.

[666]

montalban, AEGs are fine, as long it's not -35C. Battery might not last long, but range and power stays the same. GBBs usually don't work well in cold weather. I haven't noticed any problem when playing in the rain. Maybe if you have open wiring in the mechbox or battery water will cause damage but if it's all secure nothing really happens. I try not to let water into the barrel to avoid getting internals flooded.
When it gets really cold grease will freeze and plastic/mechbox shell will most likely crack. AEGs also have different mechbox versions. Version 3 is most durable.

[montalban]

Thank again 666, mentioning mech versions got me checking around on the web and I found a nice page for newbs like me. http://www.all-science-fair-projects...opedia/Airsoft they might want to add this as a sticky. seems pretty thorough on the mechanics and internals of airsoft guns.

Mods should sticky that site....its great
http://www.all-science-fair-projects...opedia/Airsoft

[attack-beaver]

hloy crap yes. yeah one off topic question what is the mechbox on a G3-SG1.