Need some help choosing a gun

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by Boris the Blade

You can't go wrong with an AK. the weight is a sign of reliability. I've been using my dboys AK-74 and I've been nothing but impressed with it. Simple, easy to maintain, easy to get good mags, accurate, and solid as a rock. At $400 I think it's pretty damn good.

Having it being relaible is the quality im looking for most as well as a realistic size and weight/feel. Second would be power and accuracy, third being easy to obtain parts, add-ons etc. The ak seems to fit that. Does the reliablity of the real ak carry over to the airsoft versions?

[Frankie]

Seconded on the AK. Much easier to find a reliable, full metal/wood AK than any other type. For 300-400$, you'll get a rifle that does the job, a V3 mechbox that'll live through puddles, marshes and snow banks and has loads of accessories. Do a search for images of tactical AK's if you're into the Western look (with rails and optics, etc.).

Your budget for getting into your first airsoft game next season, when you turn 18, should be a minimum of 800$. Some corners you can cut, some you absolutely cannot. *indicates where being cheap won't hurt anything but looks/comfort.

- 450 for a reliable full metal/wood Chinese AK, mags, sling, battery & BBs (try high quality Bio BB's - gone off the face of the Earth in 90 days vs. 3+ years. What? Might as well start off with good habits)
- 40 for a pair of low-end ballistic goggles (the ones you bought at Walmart probably won't protect your eyes from 400FPS at point blank from .28's, don't take that chance)
*- 80 for a good pair of waterproof combat boots with ankle support (you'll thank them more often than any other piece of gear)
- 50 for a usable radio (you'll need it if you're serious about milsim, which is the direction you seem to be headed with the BDUs and militaria fascination)
*- 100 for a low-end load bearing vest to carry all of that + hydration (you'll find yourself quickly running out of pockets)
*- 200 for 2 sets of BDUs that won't fade after the first wash (one tan, one green so you can join 95% of games - Propper is a good brand if you can't find issue)
- 80 for odds and ends on your first game, field fee + gas + way too much jerky, energy drinks, dried fruit and trail mix bars + pizza afterwards.

Optional but as a fellow newb, I'd recommend them : flashlight, compass, gloves, shemagh and bug juice. Lots and lots of bug juice. Don't forget a change of clothes, a first aid kit, 2 extra pairs of socks and PLENTY of water.

Oh, and brush your teeth. Stay in school, eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Mark the calendar days until you turn 18, and welcome to ASC!

/maternal instinct


Now get off my lawn!

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Seconded on the AK. Much easier to find a reliable, full metal/wood AK than any other type. For 300-400$, you'll get a rifle that does the job, a V3 mechbox that'll live through puddles, marshes and snow banks and has loads of accessories. Do a search for images of tactical AK's if you're into the Western look (with rails and optics, etc.).

Your budget for getting into your first airsoft game next season, when you turn 18, should be a minimum of 800$. Some corners you can cut, some you absolutely cannot. *indicates where being cheap won't hurt anything but looks/comfort.

- 450 for a reliable full metal/wood Chinese AK, mags, sling, battery & BBs (try high quality Bio BB's - gone off the face of the Earth in 90 days vs. 3+ years. What? Might as well start off with good habits)
- 40 for a pair of low-end ballistic goggles (the ones you bought at Walmart probably won't protect your eyes from 400FPS at point blank from .28's, don't take that chance)
*- 80 for a good pair of waterproof combat boots with ankle support (you'll thank them more often than any other piece of gear)
- 50 for a usable radio (you'll need it if you're serious about milsim, which is the direction you seem to be headed with the BDUs and militaria fascination)
*- 100 for a low-end load bearing vest to carry all of that + hydration (you'll find yourself quickly running out of pockets)
*- 200 for 2 sets of BDUs that won't fade after the first wash (one tan, one green so you can join 95% of games - Propper is a good brand if you can't find issue)
- 80 for odds and ends on your first game, field fee + gas + way too much jerky, energy drinks, dried fruit and trail mix bars + pizza afterwards.

Optional but as a fellow newb, I'd recommend them : flashlight, compass, gloves, shemagh and bug juice. Lots and lots of bug juice. Don't forget a change of clothes, a first aid kit, 2 extra pairs of socks and PLENTY of water.

Oh, and brush your teeth. Stay in school, eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Mark the calendar days until you turn 18, and welcome to ASC!

/maternal instinct


Now get off my lawn!

Alright, sounds good to me! I appreciate your advice! I already have some of things you've listed above. I have a paintball mask (very good quality), a extra set of goggles (old, good quality snowboarding goggles), I have 1 BDU jacket(US woodland), and 3 pairs of pants (ACU, US Desert Tri-Colour, Woodland Capats which are from the base near where I live), and lastly I have, well will be getting any day now a set of desert combat boots I ordered from ebay which I paid only $43.00 for :P They are high quality, military issue and brand new! I also have a boonie hat bought from ebay for just $10.00!

As soon as I get more money, I plan on buying a vest which I can get for $30.00 off ebay and possibly two sets of tiger stripe bdu's, one desert and one woodland. Its either that or might just buy us woodland pants to go with the jacket I currently own, and a desert jacket to go with the pants I own.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by Cyklops

Alright, sounds good to me! I appreciate your advice! I already have some of things you've listed above. I have a paintball mask (very good quality), a extra set of goggles (old, good quality snowboarding goggles)

Goggles suitable for airsoft will be rated ANSI Z87.1. Snowboarding goggles might protect you from your current softair, but the likelihood of them shattering from a real AEG is a risk you don't wanna take. Teeth can be repaired, skin mends easily, but eyes... eyes are forever broken. Most fields (if not all) won't let you play with them anyways.

Paintball mask will protect you, but paintballers don't... how to put that nicely... eff it, paintballers don't aim much. The mask will get between you and your sights and impede your ability to aim quite drastically. That's a personal choice though, they're safe. Just not practical in any way.

Still, you're off to a good start with gear!

[doc_pathfinders]

Originally Posted by Boris the Blade

the weight is a sign of reliability

you've been waiting for that line for far, far too long my friend..



should i change my name to bullet-tooth tony i wonder..

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Goggles suitable for airsoft will be rated ANSI Z87.1. Snowboarding goggles might protect you from your current softair, but the likelihood of them shattering from a real AEG is a risk you don't wanna take. Teeth can be repaired, skin mends easily, but eyes... eyes are forever broken. Most fields (if not all) won't let you play with them anyways.

Paintball mask will protect you, but paintballers don't... how to put that nicely... eff it, paintballers don't aim much. The mask will get between you and your sights and impede your ability to aim quite drastically. That's a personal choice though, they're safe. Just not practical in any way.

Still, you're off to a good start with gear!

Yeah, I was planning on getting new goggles anyways because the lens is tinted orange (easier to see when snowboarding) and its alright in the day time, but when it starts to get dark I can't see a thing out. As for the paintball mask, the neck part on mine is longer than most so it is even harder to aim with. Also it loves to fog up on me at the worst times.

I'm thinking an army of two mask possibly? Whats your opinion on these? Ive heard positive and negative response but I think it would look awesome with my gear as well as the boonie I ordered!

[R.I.T.Z]

Originally Posted by Cyklops

Yeah, I was planning on getting new goggles anyways because the lens is tinted orange (easier to see when snowboarding) and its alright in the day time, but when it starts to get dark I can't see a thing out. As for the paintball mask, the neck part on mine is longer than most so it is even harder to aim with. Also it loves to fog up on me at the worst times.

I'm thinking an army of two mask possibly? Whats your opinion on these? Ive heard positive and negative response but I think it would look awesome with my gear as well as the boonie I ordered!

the AO2 masks are cool, and dont fog up, but you run into the same issue bad cheek weld, also an issue is that some fields dont allow mesh goggles.
I run a pair of ESS clones, never fog up clear and look good.

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by R.I.T.Z

the AO2 masks are cool, and dont fog up, but you run into the same issue bad cheek weld, also an issue is that some fields dont allow mesh goggles.
I run a pair of ESS clones, never fog up clear and look good.

Yeah, I guess ill make a decision in the coming days....nothing is more important in airsoft than proper eyewear! Im going to check out a few prices and whatnot and hopefully I can make some sorts of a decision !

[Boris the Blade]

Additional points about AKs. The mechbox can withstand winter conditions, the dboys AK is built in such a way that there aren't many screws, just pins, so taking the mechbox out can be done in 10-20 seconds. Not that you'll have to do it often, but it's a nice feature if you are doing your own mods, and need to make adjustments.
As for attachments, if you can't tape 'em on, they dont belong there. Simplicity is king in my opinion. Do you really wanna be the guy with 10 lbs of tactical bullshit on your gun? Besides a flashlight and possibly optics for night ops, you shouldn't require any attachments. If you reaaaaaaally want accessories, you can get the front end with rails on it.
I've had M416s, SCARs, MP5Ks, UMPs, G36s, AUGs, TMPs, and about 3 kinds of AKs, and I've always gone back to the AK platform. Looks badass, feels comfortable, works great, and is easy to mod/maintain.

And yes I have been waiting to throw that in pathfinder

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by Boris the Blade

Additional points about AKs. The mechbox can withstand winter conditions, the dboys AK is built in such a way that there aren't many screws, just pins, so taking the mechbox out can be done in 10-20 seconds. Not that you'll have to do it often, but it's a nice feature if you are doing your own mods, and need to make adjustments.
As for attachments, if you can't tape 'em on, they dont belong there. Simplicity is king in my opinion. Do you really wanna be the guy with 10 lbs of tactical bullshit on your gun? Besides a flashlight and possibly optics for night ops, you shouldn't require any attachments. If you reaaaaaaally want accessories, you can get the front end with rails on it.
I've had M416s, SCARs, MP5Ks, UMPs, G36s, AUGs, TMPs, and about 3 kinds of AKs, and I've always gone back to the AK platform. Looks badass, feels comfortable, works great, and is easy to mod/maintain.

And yes I have been waiting to throw that in pathfinder

Ive always loved the Ak, from video games to real life there is just something about it. My friend on the other hand love the m4/m16 so were always butting heads on the age old discussion of which of the two is better. I love all russian stuff though :P. My ancestors were prisoners in siberia, that may have something to do with it hahaa and the fact I just bought a 5ftx3ft soviet russia flag the other day lol

[Boris the Blade]

I'm from Moscow myself.
I had an AO2 mask, it was alright. Bio bb's and cheap bb's shatter and hit you in the eyes occaisonally, and I've seen another guy get the eyepiece shot out by a shotgun, so I don't recommend them. Get a DYE i4 mask, or a JT Spectra. They are the best masks on the market.
Also I'd recommend a AK-74 varient, because they are more modern, with scope mounts and interchangable furniture.

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by Boris the Blade

I'm from Moscow myself.
I had an AO2 mask, it was alright. Bio bb's and cheap bb's shatter and hit you in the eyes occaisonally, and I've seen another guy get the eyepiece shot out by a shotgun, so I don't recommend them. Get a DYE i4 mask, or a JT Spectra. They are the best masks on the market.
Also I'd recommend a AK-74 varient, because they are more modern, with scope mounts and interchangable furniture.

Should probably stay away from the ao2 masks than afterall! And personally id rather the classic ak with the wood stock and whatnot

[Boris the Blade]

You can get the wood furniture version of the AK-74 from dboys. I have one, the only issue I have with it is that the sealant on the wood wears off after about 6 months of gaming. Not a big deal, but it's something to note. Other than that it still looks great

[Cyklops]

Originally Posted by Boris the Blade

You can get the wood furniture version of the AK-74 from dboys. I have one, the only issue I have with it is that the sealant on the wood wears off after about 6 months of gaming. Not a big deal, but it's something to note. Other than that it still looks great

I will certainly note it.