Getting Started

[Leg1on]

Mellow greetings!</Demolition Man>

I'm looking at getting a decently-priced, but still good airsoft gun to get going
Don't think I'll be playing it too frequently (Me = student), so getting a gas-powered or high-end electric might not be such a good idea. I'm thinking maybe a decent spring/electric pistol/SMG/rifle to get things started.
Any recommendations?

I know "Clearsoft" guns aren't too kindly looked upon here, but would they at least be a starting point until I can get my hands on an actual Airsoft gun, just to get the feel of things?
I live in Burlington, ON and the only place I might know that sells Airsoft is a surplus store in Oakville, and they don't have a ton - not even sure what they charge. Can't think of any actual airsoft dealers in my area.

Thanks, and peace.
\m/

[L473ncy]

Go to Costco and get a palate of KD (or Mr. Noodle, whichever is cheaper) first....

Go to the regional section of this forum and see if there are any games being held in your area. Ask if you can rent/borrow a gun for a day or spectate and go to a game. While at the game ask really nicely if you can touch/shoot some of the other players guns (ask first, you don't want to be grabbing someones $5000 gun and them getting angry).

The Aftermath Kraken and Broxa are pretty good starter platforms.... They go for around $120 and $180 respectively. They aren't GREAT guns but should be fieldable after some preventative maintenance on some cheap parts.

DO NOT GO TO CANADIAN TIRE AND GET THE "CRAPSOFT". Those are the ones we don't look too kindly upon. Anything else is pretty much good (eg. the G&G "Cansoft" line with clear lowers (or as I like to call them "active camo") .

If you are willing to step it up a bit then the G&G cansoft guns are where "it's at". There are G&G Combat Machine and regular G&G lines out in Canada with smoked and clear receivers respectively. The combat machine line is made of cheaper materials and goes for around $300-400 depending on the model while the regular G&G go for between 450-550 IIRC.

If you're looking at getting "black" guns (metal receivers) then get AV'ed. It's as simple as meeting with a local AV rep and showing some ID (proving you're 18+). Read the Age Verification FAQ for more info and to get a list of local area reps. After that you'll get access to the classifieds section of the forum and it is literally like a candy shop. You can get used guns, upgraded guns, and pretty much anything you want if you have the money and patience to wait for something you like to pop up.

[bpbcc1]

This is depends a lot on your budget. If you have to stay in the 200 dollar limit there are quite a few options and yes I mean clearsoft as well. Just like the real things, there are no bad airsoft guns, just bad people who use them. You can expect to get what you paid for so buying the cheapest thing and expecting it to perform without flaw is not a realistic expectation. There are some good on line options around that price range. I'm not telling you what to buy, but rather suggesting you buy what you want and can afford and don't worry about what other people say. I've been hit by a 7 grand PTW and a 50 dollar Palco springer and to be honest, they both hurt about the same. If you're good, your'e good and spending a lot of money won't make a big difference. Be advised the real money goes out to gear and mags and all kinds of other crap.

[pilotguy]

Originally Posted by Leg1on

Mellow greetings!</Demolition Man>

I'm looking at getting a decently-priced, but still good airsoft gun to get going
Don't think I'll be playing it too frequently (Me = student), so getting a gas-powered or high-end electric might not be such a good idea. I'm thinking maybe a decent spring/electric pistol/SMG/rifle to get things started.
Any recommendations?

Hey Leg1on

I agree that getting a gas powered gun to start off with, especially with infrequent play anyway, is a good plan. GBBs cost alot generally and in my opinion, and only my opinion I think someone starting off should keep it a bit more basic until they find out what style of gun and play they are most interested in. The cost of a AEG to purchase, repair, and/or upgrade is cheaper too, in my experience. If you can, as it has been suggested to people before try and get out to a local airsoft field, meet some folks, get talking, play a game or two and start deciding from there. Depending on where you go you can rent or some players will even let you try there guns out. Regardless, it's a good way to feel your way around. Beside that, as I'm sure you are most aware, get verified. Good grief if I had been verified sooner than I was I could have saved myself a lot of headaches. There are plenty of options in the classified sections for all types/levels of play.

I know "Clearsoft" guns aren't too kindly looked upon here, but would they at least be a starting point until I can get my hands on an actual Airsoft gun, just to get the feel of things?
I live in Burlington, ON and the only place I might know that sells Airsoft is a surplus store in Oakville, and they don't have a ton - not even sure what they charge. Can't think of any actual airsoft dealers in my area.

I may not get a lot of fanmail for saying this - but regardless of peoples thoughts on here about AEGs with clear plastic receivers (keep in mind I'm not talking about CT brand stuff) they are great guns out of the box for starting out with, have comparable internals, and given the right kind of TLC will last you at the very least, long enough until you are ready to upgrade to something else. I own two CanSoft guns (both M4s) from G&G and I'm very happy with them. I also own an AK47 (not cansoft) which I completely ripped apart, upgraded and did a lot of "learning" with too. So I have both types and I would gladly field one of my G&Gs any day along side someone with an all metal or non clear plastic counterpart. To add to that, I think the big issue for many is the fact that the authenticity just isn't there with a clear receiver - granted it doesn't match a full metal version in looks but they still shoot great and are fairly accurate. Case and point - my G&G CQB-R chronos out at 363 on average and shoots straight. That's out of the box untouched. I didn't even need to tweak my hop-up. Anyway I'm starting to go too in-depth on this. I don't know what your price range is, but for example the G&G m4s I keep ranting on about cost between $308.00 - $374.00. Depending on who you know, that price is with taxes. Now if you can afford more than that, I may lean towards getting verified and looking through the classifieds thoroughly.

As for dealers - there are a few that come to mind right away...

Mach1 Airsoft
007 Airsoft

... both carry the cansoft guns at reasonable prices.

Anyway do your research and take your time. If you have any questions this is the place to ask and get answers. Tons of knowledgeable people here with tons know-how and experience.

Good luck.