New to AP, and airsoft

[Alacon]

Hello Everyone,

I've recently decided to get into airsoft. It seems like it would be a great hobby, and looks to have a decent following in the area. A little about myself, I'm 27, Prior Navy, and now work in as a Defense Communications contractor. I moved to Portland about 2 years ago, so I'm still getting to know the place.

Airsoft looks like a great active hobby to be involved with I'm just having a bit of trouble deciding on the setup, and finding people to play with when I'm home (That's why I'm here.)

Here's what I'm looking at getting for my starter setup.

Polarstar M4 (and all required accessories)
- I'm pretty much set on this option I think, I used to play paintball quite a bit so I'm fairly familiar with carrying a tank.
- The only question I have about this is IRT swapping barrels, what I would like to do is have a shorter CQB barrel, and a longer Mid-Long range barrel (~455mm inner). It appears that these have the ability to screw off and the from of the upper receiver, is this correct, or would it be easier to have 2 complete uppers similar to a real rifle?

Sidearm
- This is the one major question I have what is a reasonable amount to spend for a sidearm? most of them seem to be around the $100-$150 range, will this range be upgrade-able and dependable ?

My aplogies for the questions, I'll be trying to do as much of the leg work as possible, but there seems to be almost too many opinions available online, and I want to make sure I make the correct decisions.


-Cody

[ThunderKissNW]

Welcome!

[ClownBaby]

Welcome

Just my two cents: stay away from the polarstar, KWA for the pistol.

again welcome

[Alacon]

Thanks for the welcomes guys!

Any reason to stay away from the polarstar?
from what I read they are quire reliable.

Lets take the rifle(s) I'm looking at here.
http://www.evike.com/products/43159/
and
http://www.evike.com/products/45356/

this http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=13289 and and R-hop from https://sites.google.com/site/hsarmory/home/products-and-services

and probably more, this would provide 2 completely functional replicas in multiple configurations correct ?

[Hawkeye [F.O.A.D.]]

Welcome,

If it were me I would hold out for the tippman m4 comeing out later in may, more relability and half the price.
just my 2cents

[Shortbu]

Welcome! We do have a pretty solid community here, and I agree you will get a ton of varying opinions as everybody has their own preferences. But Jesse,Aaron, and Andrew at Airsoft Outlet in Cornelius,are very knowledgeable, and always willing to help out. Also Thunderkiss NW in Vancouver is another reputable resource.
My opinion, if I were looking to purchase another replica, my choice would be the KWA RM4. Has it's own mags that are adjustable to 30rd, or 60rd, and they lock the gun out when empty. It will also work with any standard M4 mags, but you won't have the lock out function. They have the most realistic electric recoil I've seen, and KWA is a highly reputable company. My preference is AEG over Polarstar, simply because they're hassle free. Charge the battery,put it in, and go. No tanks, hoses, regulators, etc...
As far as a sidearm goes, it kind of depends on whether or not you want green gas, or c02, and if you want to play year round. Green gas sucks in the cold, but it's a cheap fill when using propane. Plus mags have tendency to leak. C02 is much more consistant in the colder weather. If looking at green gas- I'd suggest something from KWA. They pretty much set the benchmark on GBB pistols. If looking into c02, I would suggest the Elite Force 1911. I have two of them, and have been VERY pleased, and the kick from them is pretty nifty. I also have 3 green gas pistols, and I enjoy all of them as well.
Wish you best of luck in your choices, and hope to see you out there!
Shortbus OUT!

[Jmonday]

Hello Everyone,

I've recently decided to get into airsoft. It seems like it would be a great hobby, and looks to have a decent following in the area. A little about myself, I'm 27, Prior Navy, and now work in as a Defense Communications contractor. I moved to Portland about 2 years ago, so I'm still getting to know the place.

Airsoft looks like a great active hobby to be involved with I'm just having a bit of trouble deciding on the setup, and finding people to play with when I'm home (That's why I'm here.)

Here's what I'm looking at getting for my starter setup.

Polarstar M4 (and all required accessories)
- I'm pretty much set on this option I think, I used to play paintball quite a bit so I'm fairly familiar with carrying a tank.
- The only question I have about this is IRT swapping barrels, what I would like to do is have a shorter CQB barrel, and a longer Mid-Long range barrel (~455mm inner). It appears that these have the ability to screw off and the from of the upper receiver, is this correct, or would it be easier to have 2 complete uppers similar to a real rifle?

Sidearm
- This is the one major question I have what is a reasonable amount to spend for a sidearm? most of them seem to be around the $100-$150 range, will this range be upgrade-able and dependable ?

My aplogies for the questions, I'll be trying to do as much of the leg work as possible, but there seems to be almost too many opinions available online, and I want to make sure I make the correct decisions.


-Cody

Welcome to AP!

Firstly, speaking from experience, don't get a Polar Star, they aren't well liked, and I'm speaking from experience, when I lived down in Cali, I used to have a PR-15 Carbine, and I'd always go down to Hollywood Sports Park and Tac-City. And I was NOT well liked(leading to the official ban of Polar's), being that I had a gun that shot at a higher ROF than all the other guns. Polar Stars are nice, but you don't want to be that one person who's known for using a Polar Star. Just stick with either an AEG, or a GBB-R. Honestly, it's not fun playing with people that have Polar Stars. They are kinda have an unfair advantage towards others. Especially if your new to airsoft. You'll also have to get a special lock that goes on your Polar Star to keep you from changing your barrel out. like..

Green - 325fps
Gold - 366fps
Blue - 405fps
Black -455fps
Silver - 494fps
Red - 550fps

But if refs find out you've changed barrels(they'll check) you'll immediately be ejected from the game. And possibly banned for a certain amount of days. My cousin bought a Polar Star Ak-47, he changed mid-game, and one of the refs came up, and asked to see the barrel, he was using a Black barrel in a Green-Gold barrel only. He immediately got ejected, and told not to comeback for 80 days(or something like that).

But hey,
if you want to, go for it. But don't complain when people don't like you.

Buy a $300 KWA LM4, a good pistol, and a working loadout. If you want to play paint-ball, buy a marker and play paintball, but keep airsoft and paintball separate.

P.S.

Half the fields you'll play on will are banning the Polar Star rifles, so I'd check what the gun rules are before dropping $$$ on something. Enjoy it. Because, I don't think you want to get triple tapped across the field with a 440 FPS gun. I guess anyone with cash to blow can spend it on a $1,000 gun that will be far superior right out of the box, than a fully customized rifle that costed more than a Polar Star. Be wise with your purchase, look around, talk, and attend places.

About the pistol thing, your not going to be able to snipe with it. This is Oregon, Green and Propane hell. Buy a decent KWA ATP, or some Hi-cappa 1911. You'll have time to upgrade it, but don't get too carried away, just play, and over-time slowly upgrade your weapons. Kinda funny seeing people attend their first games decked out in stuff that they just bought.

I have a reliable Echo 1 Timberwolf, I replaced the outter barrel, hop-up, inner barrel and tapped a rail ontop to fit a low-profile reflex sight. Really good gun, handles itself great, especially with a 50 round pistol mag.

[Jmonday]

Hello Everyone,

I've recently decided to get into airsoft. It seems like it would be a great hobby, and looks to have a decent following in the area. A little about myself, I'm 27, Prior Navy, and now work in as a Defense Communications contractor. I moved to Portland about 2 years ago, so I'm still getting to know the place.

Airsoft looks like a great active hobby to be involved with I'm just having a bit of trouble deciding on the setup, and finding people to play with when I'm home (That's why I'm here.)

Here's what I'm looking at getting for my starter setup.

Polarstar M4 (and all required accessories)
- I'm pretty much set on this option I think, I used to play paintball quite a bit so I'm fairly familiar with carrying a tank.
- The only question I have about this is IRT swapping barrels, what I would like to do is have a shorter CQB barrel, and a longer Mid-Long range barrel (~455mm inner). It appears that these have the ability to screw off and the from of the upper receiver, is this correct, or would it be easier to have 2 complete uppers similar to a real rifle?

Sidearm
- This is the one major question I have what is a reasonable amount to spend for a sidearm? most of them seem to be around the $100-$150 range, will this range be upgrade-able and dependable ?

My aplogies for the questions, I'll be trying to do as much of the leg work as possible, but there seems to be almost too many opinions available online, and I want to make sure I make the correct decisions.


-Cody

Welcome to AP!

Firstly, speaking from experience, don't get a Polar Star, they aren't well liked, and I'm speaking from experience, when I lived down in Cali, I used to have a PR-15 Carbine, and I'd always go down to Hollywood Sports Park and Tac-City. And I was NOT well liked(leading to the official ban of Polar's), being that I had a gun that shot at a higher ROF than all the other guns. Polar Stars are nice, but you don't want to be that one person who's known for using a Polar Star. Just stick with either an AEG, or a GBB-R. Honestly, it's not fun playing with people that have Polar Stars. They are kinda have an unfair advantage towards others. Especially if your new to airsoft. You'll also have to get a special lock that goes on your Polar Star to keep you from changing your barrel out. like..

Green - 325fps
Gold - 366fps
Blue - 405fps
Black -455fps
Silver - 494fps
Red - 550fps

But if refs find out you've changed barrels(they'll check) you'll immediately be ejected from the game. And possibly banned for a certain amount of days. My cousin bought a Polar Star Ak-47, he changed mid-game, and one of the refs came up, and asked to see the barrel, he was using a Black barrel in a Green-Gold barrel only. He immediately got ejected, and told not to comeback for 80 days(or something like that).

But hey,
if you want to, go for it. But don't complain when people don't like you.

Buy a $300 KWA LM4, a good pistol, and a working loadout. If you want to play paint-ball, buy a marker and play paintball, but keep airsoft and paintball separate.

P.S.

Half the fields you'll play on will are banning the Polar Star rifles, so I'd check what the gun rules are before dropping $$$ on something. Enjoy it. Because, I don't think you want to get triple tapped across the field with a 440 FPS gun. I guess anyone with cash to blow can spend it on a $1,000 gun that will be far superior right out of the box, than a fully customized rifle that costed more than a Polar Star. Be wise with your purchase, look around, talk, and attend places.

About the pistol thing, your not going to be able to snipe with it. This is Oregon, Green and Propane hell. Buy a decent KWA ATP, or some Hi-cappa 1911. You'll have time to upgrade it, but don't get too carried away, just play, and over-time slowly upgrade your weapons. Kinda funny seeing people attend their first games decked out in stuff that they just bought.

I have a reliable Echo 1 Timberwolf, I replaced the outter barrel, hop-up, inner barrel and tapped a rail ontop to fit a low-profile reflex sight. Really good gun, handles itself great, especially with a 50 round pistol mag.

To add-on from what I was saying, your pretty new to airsoft, so don't get carried away, just because you have money to blow, doesn't mean you an expert. You should brush-up on learning how to clean an AEG or GBB. My HPA required alot of maintenance, cussing and stopping in the middle of games to fix.

>Buy AEG, intermediate, buy pistol, buy tac-vest, buy uniform ( I like the Emerson A-TACS set), buy Emerson Fast helmet, and a few flash mags, or mid-caps and call it even.

[ClownBaby]

Wow jmonday! For someone who ran a P* those statements are right on the money. I commend you.

Theirs been several P* abuse cases in the last year, one in particular that comes to mind....
They make great squad guns (if their in a lmg body) or a really fancy sniper rifle that's so rad you have to be super far away (which isn't a bad thing, necessarily?)
Other than that you will get grief on the field because of all the cheating that goes along with that gun. Unfortunately the (some, not all) people that field these guns also just CHEAT, REPEATEDLY!!! Meaning tactically, and not calling their hits, EVER. Sorry if we're pooping on your dreams, and if that's what you want,go for it. I was thinking about doing a sniper one, but was informed (by Jesse) "it's gonna break 3 times more, and gonna cost 3 times more." Stop right there, you got me. HIT!
You can still do the two uppers with AEG (and maybe gas, I'm not sure) in an AR body, which is what was suggested to me.

As far as the pistol, I too run a co2. APS 601, it's VERY HAPPY in cold weather. It's also very loud, and a real "kick" to shoot! Figured if you had the money for a P* I'd just suggest the place people always seem to end up.

[Alacon]

Thanks for the great input, it really helps to get different views on things outside of the specific items you are searching for.

I won't be buying anything until I come back to the states in august, so I have time to make my decision. I'm still leaning on the polarstar just for the capability, that being said I'm even more leaning towards a full AEG as a backup. that way I can still interchange pieces, and have to fully capable replicas.

For my backups I'll probably be looking at
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_25_814&products_id=8233
or
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_25_63&products_id=7931

I'm leaning for the compact because of size, but with the 226 I can get kit for it easy.

on the discussion of kit, are there any differences between replica kit and real kit, from what I see it looks the same, is the replica stuff any lighter and or more comfortable?
I'm just trying to see what I need to buy and what I don't need to buy.


As far as guides on what to look for, does anyone know of some good sites, I've found a ton of forums with what seem to be good (at least to me) information.

also is this
http://www.wikihow.com/Upgrade-an-Airsoft-AEG
fairly accurate, it has decent pictures.

Thanks again, Cody

[Jmonday]

Thanks for the great input, it really helps to get different views on things outside of the specific items you are searching for.

I won't be buying anything until I come back to the states in august, so I have time to make my decision. I'm still leaning on the polarstar just for the capability, that being said I'm even more leaning towards a full AEG as a backup. that way I can still interchange pieces, and have to fully capable replicas.

For my backups I'll probably be looking at
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_25_814&products_id=8233
or
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_25_63&products_id=7931

I'm leaning for the compact because of size, but with the 226 I can get kit for it easy.

on the discussion of kit, are there any differences between replica kit and real kit, from what I see it looks the same, is the replica stuff any lighter and or more comfortable?
I'm just trying to see what I need to buy and what I don't need to buy.


As far as guides on what to look for, does anyone know of some good sites, I've found a ton of forums with what seem to be good (at least to me) information.

also is this
http://www.wikihow.com/Upgrade-an-Airsoft-AEG
fairly accurate, it has decent pictures.

Thanks again, Cody

I personally don't like H & K pistols. Their M416 is amazing. What are you planning on doing? CQB, field? If your planning on fielding, I'd go with a DMR set-up, with CQB, I'd go with a pointman type loadout. Something that'll get the job done. Low drag, hi-speed.

I wouldn't wiki how to clean an AEG or GBB, I'd watch YouTube videos, or go to Airsoft Outlet NW, and talk with them. I thought, when I saved up my summers pay, I'd buy the best rifle, pistol and gear on the market. But what I figured out in time, is that it is better to slowly start out, and build up to your preferences. It's pretty safe to say that your a n00b when it comes to airsoft. Remember, guns don't buy skillz.(okay maybe they do)

I'm still adding to my current load-out, and it's a work in progress. Anyone can tell a greenie when it comes to airsoft, so don't over-do it! Or just buy a $2,000 LMG with extra box mags and camp a small house. Atleast, when I started, I used a M249, and what a joy it was camping a wall, and mowing down people with 7 bags of BBs sitting next to me.

[Jewish Ninja]

For my backups I'll probably be looking at
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_25_814&products_id=8233
or
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_25_63&products_id=7931

I'm leaning for the compact because of size, but with the 226 I can get kit for it easy.

on the discussion of kit, are there any differences between replica kit and real kit, from what I see it looks the same, is the replica stuff any lighter and or more comfortable?
I'm just trying to see what I need to buy and what I don't need to buy.

The USPc is a good choice. KWA makes a fine H&K clone. The HK45 is a better pistol since it's a newer design ( both from H&K and KWA) but some people are not a fan of the size. The PTP 226 is the worst pistol to be made. If you want a 226, a KJW is a much better choice. It's TM based so parts are easy to find. If money is no object, a TM 226 with a metal body kit is the best choice. I had one (sold it to fund a different pistol) and it was built very well. Never let me down.

Replica kit is hit and miss. My teammates and I have the Emerson AOR2 combat set. The knee pad on the left blew out after 2 games, but the rest of the team hasn't had any issues. I've had good replica pouches, and meh ones. I would personally suggest investing in real kit because: A. you'll get more of your money out of it if you choose to sell it (replica stuff usually loses 40% of it's value after a use, where real stuff tends to lose 15% or so) B. you're much more likely to have a warranty and good CS if everything goes pear shaped. Generally, clone kit fits the same as the real thing, but it varies from item to item and even company to company (the Allwin AOR2 pants fit differently than the Emerson pants for example).

There are some items where it makes sense to get clone kit, such as helmets and rails.

I'm a bit surprised no one suggested that you come out to a game and see what everyone is running before sinking money into a brand new kit. Coming out to an event/ skirmish is a great way to get first hand info on kit and guns. 90% of airsofters are more than happy to talk about there kit, and most will let you try out their guns. You may up wanting a F2000 instead of an M4

[Alacon]

I would love to come out to a game to a game sometime, the unfortunate part is that I'm in Afghanistan, and have been so for almost the past year, I'll be back for a month-ish in august. I'd like to attend something around then. It would be much easier to figure everything out if I was back in the states, but all I have is internet resources.

As far as kit, I have a plate carrier already, but would plan on getting new stuff. I've worn full vests plenty of times in real environments, and I have no desire to carry more kit than I have to. The upside to that is I already have a majority of pouches and other things that I need. I'm going to try to get uniforms and a chest rig before I leave here so that helps out a ton. I really don't care if I look green or not, I'm a bit past that stage. I'm a comms guy it's what I do, but it will be fun to play shooter for a bit.

I plan on playing both CQB and field play, I would really prefer field play, just from relating it to my paintball experience it tends to draw a more professional level of player. That was where I'm going with having 2 full replica rifles. some things are expensive, I have the money to spend, that being said I won't spend if foolishly. I know myself and once I get started I will keep going, I would love to be a part of a team eventually every day I learn more about operations, and why decisions are made the way they are in a real environment. I may be able to relate some of that over and help out. That and I can make radios work. (I have a pretty solid plan about using a local VPN to create a small tactical network for voice/data comms, it could also be used for track data of GPS and video devices.)

Really what I'm getting at is my days right now are spent on research. I have enough free time to look things up and to try to find the best solutions to what I'll use.

I'm pretty much stuck on getting the M4 platform just because I know the ins and outs and I've trained on it, and its very interchangeable. that being said I may get another AEG in the future. I really dig the HK416, hell if they weren't so expensive I'd probably have a real one.\
http://www.ampedairsoft.com/HK_M416C_Custom_PolarStar_Pre_Order_p/amped-ps-416c.htm
I mean seriously, look at that lil guy

Since everyone here seems pretty awesome and is giving great advice I'd like to keep it going.

It was mentioned in a previous post about what type of play, and what positon. What is the thought on M4 styled LMGs (basically an M4 with a box mag) played as a support role, is this accepted ?

The term Replica, I'm assuming it's proper to use this term to differentiate between airsoft and real weapons ? I'm trying to use it as much as possible preemptively.

Again, you all have been great.

-Cody

[Shortbu]

Using a box mag in anything other than an LMG is usually frowned upon, as a large part of the community tries to simulate real military(hence the term milsim). Also, most games have mag restrictions, and a box mag on an M4 platform doesn't fit within the designated restrictions.
You are correct, the term replica is the proper term for an airsoft "weapon". Its just a good habit to get into calling it a replica, rather than a gun, at least in in public. I'm not very PC, but talking about "guns" and talking about airsoft "replicas" in public, gets completely different reactions. Sometimes I just don't feel like getting into a debate with some asshat, sticking their nose in my business about how evil guns are.
Being that you aren't stateside, and can't go to any games to check things out, youtube has a plethora of airsoft battles to watch. So does this site. The ones on this site will also show you some of the fields you'll be playing on when you get here.
THANK YOU for your service! I know it's a term that gets said a lot, but know you ARE appreciated. I'd love to get together, and talk about comms questions I have,and try to help you out with any questions you have, when you get stateside.
Stay safe- Shortbus OUT!

[Hawkeye [F.O.A.D.]]

Using a box mag in anything other than an LMG is usually frowned upon, as a large part of the community tries to simulate real military(hence the term milsim). Also, most games have mag restrictions, and a box mag on an M4 platform doesn't fit within the designated restrictions.
You are correct, the term replica is the proper term for an airsoft "weapon". Its just a good habit to get into calling it a replica, rather than a gun, at least in in public. I'm not very PC, but talking about "guns" and talking about airsoft "replicas" in public, gets completely different reactions. Sometimes I just don't feel like getting into a debate with some asshat, sticking their nose in my business about how evil guns are.
Being that you aren't stateside, and can't go to any games to check things out, youtube has a plethora of airsoft battles to watch. So does this site. The ones on this site will also show you some of the fields you'll be playing on when you get here.
THANK YOU for your service! I know it's a term that gets said a lot, but know you ARE appreciated. I'd love to get together, and talk about comms questions I have,and try to help you out with any questions you have, when you get stateside.
Stay safe- Shortbus OUT!

What he said.... (as much as it pains me to say )

Also Thank YOU for doing what I cant. I will forever be grateful.
look forward to meeting you in person and playing on the field