Best brands and stores for Airsoft equipment. Help choosing gun.

[Metalloid]

Ok everyone I am new to the world of Airsoft, so please bare with me. What are the best brands to look for? I have heard that Tokyo Marui is by far the best, but it is also expensive. I have also heard that KSC, UHC, and HFC are good. Correct me if I am wrong, and please name some other brands to seek/avoid. Also, what online store is the cheapest, highest quality, and has the best selection? I am going to get a pistol for my first gun, mainly because I havent played yet and want to see if it is nearly as much fun as paintball. I was thinking that GBB was a much better way to go than spring, but then I saw that Tokyo Marui has some EBB pistols that run on AAA batteries. Does anyone have any opinions on these? Do they shoot well? How many shots do I get per set of batteries? Are they high quality? Any feedback that you can give me on any subject regarding Airsoft is much appreciated.

 

[mrCide]

stay away from hfc and uhc.. there will probably be a few people to come around and suggest some stores. i'd stick to something imported.

if you're serious about playing you'll have to get an AEG/rifle, because gbb's just don't cut it in a real game (ammo/gas runs out quick, slow fire)

stay away from EBB, and stay away from spring guns.. that's just MO though..

 

[Metalloid]

I will only be buying a GBB for testing purposes. If me and my paintball buddies like it then I will probably buy something nicer, but I wont need a wonderful competition gun or anything. Is KSC ok?

 

[jlee]

I would strongly recommend a Kuan Ju Works M9 GBB (gas blowback) - $75 from InfinityAirsoft. I paid $75 for the gun, $30 for an extra mag, $10 for a can of gas, and $6 for silicon lubricant.

I'm very happy with this gun - crisp blowback, great rate of fire (up from $25 UHC spring handguns), and I shot through both sides of a Cheerios box (as well as blowing a CD apart with one shot, range approximately five feet), so it isn't lacking too much in power.

I also have a Tokyo Marui Benelli Super 90 shotgun. It's heavily modified, but the internals are stock (can't really upgrade the Marui shotguns much, aside from tightbore barrels). I bought it used, yet it's still accurate to 80+ feet..even with .25g BBs.

It seems as AT airsofters diss UHC, but they actually make good budget spring guns - my first airsoft guns were a USP and M9 HW (both UHC). Shortly thereafter I purchased a UHC MP5SD3 - a solid little spring rifle. The Super 9 is generally regarded as garbage, though.

You may want to check some airsoft forums - here are a few to get you started:


Airsoftzone - but be careful of stupid people spouting nonsense...

AirsoftPlayers

Airsoft Retreat

This is what I own - not a whole lot, as I'm not as "financially gifted" as some..

2x UHC M9 HW, one extra mag
UHC USP
UHC Glock 17 w/2 extra mags
UHC MP5SD3
KJW M9 GBB w/1 extra mag

Tokyo Marui Benelli, with the following modifications:

Shortened barrel
Streamlight Scorpion tactical light
Sling
Receiver-mounted six shell holder w/six extra shells
Wilson Combat Trijicon Ghost Rings night sights
Real Benelli stock
Pics here.

I'm probably selling both UHC M9s, the Glock, and the MP5...

For dealers, check into Infinity (link above), PlyconsArmory, AirsoftToys, and AirsoftAtlanta.

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for...the KJW M9 could be considered the Lite-On of GBBs, though

 

[RGN]

CadetLee, sorry man, but you KJ is a POS. I've been into airsoft for 2 and a half years. Recently, several of my frinds bought KJ guns. One bought the plactic M9, and the others each bought 2 Metal ones.

The back half of the plastic M9's slide broke off. Like the back left quarter of the gun is gone. It happened during a skirmish, so the piece was never found. It was not dropped.

All four of the metal one guns safety's have broken. It break inside requiring the slide to be dissembled and the safety mechanism breaks off(the switch on the outside) busts off, too.

I own a couple Tokyo Marui M9's, and I've had them ever since I came into airsoft(my first guns). I've put close to EIGHT THOUSAND rounds through each of them...at least. One moreso than the other(about ten thousand)...and the only thing that happened was the safety loosened up and FELL off(it didn't break, it just loosened to the point that it fell off in the field). Other than that, they're almost as good as new. I haven't even replaced any mags.

Also, I own a KJ Glock 27 and USP. Amazingly enough, these guns are great - with the exception of the USP's mag, which leaks gas like hell even after getting a new one). They both have some of the best blowbacks I've ever felt(I upgraded the USP with a metal slide, and plan to do the same with the Glock). Still, they, especially the USP, are not machined as precise as the Marui's. There is most definitely room for osme improvement.

As a summary, you get what you pay for, as usual. If you buy a cheap gun, it's going to be a CHEAP gun, more than likely, and won't last as long as if you had put another 20% or so into a quality made gun.

 

[LordMaul]

Hey Cadett...nice gun, but the only thing that you did to it that could be considered a mod would be the stock or barrel, and barely that. The rest are just accessories...Now, if you upgraded the springs, played with the internals...OK.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: LordMaul
Hey Cadett...nice gun, but the only thing that you did to it that could be considered a mod would be the stock or barrel, and barely that. The rest are just accessories...Now, if you upgraded the springs, played with the internals...OK.

The stock is from an authentic Benelli shotgun...that's not a mod? You cannot upgrade the spring/internals on TM shotguns, as they're not exactly strong inside. The sidesaddle shell holder was modified to fit the TM shells as well...and I'm using $90-100 Wilcon Combat trijicon night sights.

 

[LordMaul]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: LordMaul
Hey Cadett...nice gun, but the only thing that you did to it that could be considered a mod would be the stock or barrel, and barely that. The rest are just accessories...Now, if you upgraded the springs, played with the internals...OK.

The stock is from an authentic Benelli shotgun...that's not a mod? You cannot upgrade the spring/internals on TM shotguns, as they're not exactly strong inside. The sidesaddle shell holder was modified to fit the TM shells as well...and I'm using $90-100 Wilcon Combat trijicon night sights.

Weeeelll...STRICTLY speaking, considering that "mod" = "modification", you aren't really changing the actual gun or workings itself. The barrel, yes, that is a mod if you shortened it. The stock...well...that pushing it. The sights, yes, those are a mod in a way.

I'm just being an asshole, though, so you might as well ignore me.

Now me, I have a metal slid kit(barrel+slide) for one of my Marui Berettas. To me, it's not really a MOD, but more of an 'add-on' or something of the like. If I got, say, upgraded trigger, stronger spring, reinforced some internals...thems would be mods to me.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: RGN
CadetLee, sorry man, but you KJ is a POS. I've been into airsoft for 2 and a half years. Recently, several of my frinds bought KJ guns. One bought the plactic M9, and the others each bought 2 Metal ones.

The back half of the plastic M9's slide broke off. Like the back left quarter of the gun is gone. It happened during a skirmish, so the piece was never found. It was not dropped.

All four of the metal one guns safety's have broken. It break inside requiring the slide to be dissembled and the safety mechanism breaks off(the switch on the outside) busts off, too.

I own a couple Tokyo Marui M9's, and I've had them ever since I came into airsoft(my first guns). I've put close to EIGHT THOUSAND rounds through each of them...at least. One moreso than the other(about ten thousand)...and the only thing that happened was the safety loosened up and FELL off(it didn't break, it just loosened to the point that it fell off in the field). Other than that, they're almost as good as new. I haven't even replaced any mags.

Also, I own a KJ Glock 27 and USP. Amazingly enough, these guns are great - with the exception of the USP's mag, which leaks gas like hell even after getting a new one). They both have some of the best blowbacks I've ever felt(I upgraded the USP with a metal slide, and plan to do the same with the Glock). Still, they, especially the USP, are not machined as precise as the Marui's. There is most definitely room for osme improvement.

As a summary, you get what you pay for, as usual. If you buy a cheap gun, it's going to be a CHEAP gun, more than likely, and won't last as long as if you had put another 20% or so into a quality made gun.

Say what you like, but this is the first time I've heard anything bad about the KJW M9. Oh..expect your KJW USP trigger to break any time (replacable with a real H&K USP trigger, so it's not a big deal). They have a tendency to do so, and yes..the mags also tend to leak. The M9, on the other hand...usually doesn't. There's room for improvement, sure - but if you can find a better GBB for $75, be sure to let me know..because I seriously doubt you will.

Did it occur that maybe your friends' guns were POS's? Maybe they got a bad batch or something... Several hundred rounds through mine so far, and I haven't had any problems. I didn't just go buy the cheapest gun on the market - I did a bit of research first.

 

[Metalloid]

How is this?

I have seen that desert eagle for $120-130 at other stores. It is supposed to be really nice. Anyone used it before?

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: Metalloid15
How is this?

That's actually a pretty good price.

 

[wiredspider]

Anyone know where I can buy some cheap BBs for my airsoft gun(total POS...), would metal pellets 6mm in size work in my airsoft gun? Thanks.

 

[wiredspider]

Also, aren't all fake guns suppose to have an orange or red tip? Mine doesn't, could I get in trouble for it?

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

You don't want to fire Metal BBs in your airsoft. That'll really F it up.

Make sure you don't get the Tokyo Marui EBB with the Taurus EBB pistols. Taurus is probably the only other company that makes EBB. Apparantly their version 1.0 EBBs weren't that great (sold for $16 at Atlanta Airsoft), but maybe the newer version 2.0 is better ($30 at Atlanta Airsoft). Either way, I *highly* doubt you'll get the same power as a GBB with an EBB. KJ is considered to be the worst GBB out there (no offense to KJ owners, but a lot of people have problems).

 

[Joony]

don't freaking get a EBB, go for GBBs, the best GBBs are made by Westerm Arms, Tokyo Marui, Maruzen, KSC.

KJ Works is decent, they are almost an exact copy of Tokyo Marui's M9 and KSC Glocks, cept the USP which is their own design, the bad things about KJ works is that they do not have the proper trademarks. Western Arms actually pays to use trademarks unlike KSC, Tokyo Marui and Maruzen that steal trademarks.

Here are my AEGs, M16A2 and a P90

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: wiredspider
Also, aren't all fake guns suppose to have an orange or red tip? Mine doesn't, could I get in trouble for it?

Other than the small chance that you might get gunned down by a cop, i don't think so. Besides, if you went around with a gun without a tip, and got caught, you'd be arrested for brandishing. But if it was in your car, I don't think so. They might take it away though.

 

[LordMaul]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: RGN
CadetLee, sorry man, but you KJ is a POS. I've been into airsoft for 2 and a half years. Recently, several of my frinds bought KJ guns. One bought the plactic M9, and the others each bought 2 Metal ones.

The back half of the plastic M9's slide broke off. Like the back left quarter of the gun is gone. It happened during a skirmish, so the piece was never found. It was not dropped.

All four of the metal one guns safety's have broken. It break inside requiring the slide to be dissembled and the safety mechanism breaks off(the switch on the outside) busts off, too.

I own a couple Tokyo Marui M9's, and I've had them ever since I came into airsoft(my first guns). I've put close to EIGHT THOUSAND rounds through each of them...at least. One moreso than the other(about ten thousand)...and the only thing that happened was the safety loosened up and FELL off(it didn't break, it just loosened to the point that it fell off in the field). Other than that, they're almost as good as new. I haven't even replaced any mags.

Also, I own a KJ Glock 27 and USP. Amazingly enough, these guns are great - with the exception of the USP's mag, which leaks gas like hell even after getting a new one). They both have some of the best blowbacks I've ever felt(I upgraded the USP with a metal slide, and plan to do the same with the Glock). Still, they, especially the USP, are not machined as precise as the Marui's. There is most definitely room for osme improvement.

As a summary, you get what you pay for, as usual. If you buy a cheap gun, it's going to be a CHEAP gun, more than likely, and won't last as long as if you had put another 20% or so into a quality made gun.

Say what you like, but this is the first time I've heard anything bad about the KJW M9. Oh..expect your KJW USP trigger to break any time (replacable with a real H&K USP trigger, so it's not a big deal). They have a tendency to do so, and yes..the mags also tend to leak. The M9, on the other hand...usually doesn't. There's room for improvement, sure - but if you can find a better GBB for $75, be sure to let me know..because I seriously doubt you will.

Did it occur that maybe your friends' guns were POS's? Maybe they got a bad batch or something... Several hundred rounds through mine so far, and I haven't had any problems. I didn't just go buy the cheapest gun on the market - I did a bit of research first.

Mmmmmno. We've(he's my brother, so we have had 'experience' with each of our guns) put a LOT of rounds through this gun, and had it for...hmm...well, we bought it New Years before-last. So it's been a bit over 2 years since we've had it, and no problems except the mag.

As far as research...well...He's seen 4 of these guns, and all 4 were basically crap...at least compared to the Marui's.

BTW, Tokyo Marui is not "by far the best". They are probably best for electrics(the full size, not AA plinkers. ), but other brands (KSC and Western Arms) are often better for gas guns.

One way to go could be a KSC M11. They're cheap ($130 at Airsoft Atlanta) and the rate of fire is incredible. I can empty my 40+ round mag in aboot 2 seconds. :Q You WILL need extra mags, even though you can shoot it semi-auto as well. It's a really nice gun for the price.

 

[LordMaul]

Originally posted by: wiredspider
Anyone know where I can buy some cheap BBs for my airsoft gun(total POS...), would metal pellets 6mm in size work in my airsoft gun? Thanks.

I'm not sure if they actually are bad for the gun, but head over to ShortyUSA and go to the BBs/Gas section of the site - they sell airsoft grade/BB's made specifically for airsoft guns made out of aluminum.

 

[datalink7]

Hey CadetLee, I was really thinking about getting a shotty (just started airsoft and only have a pistol now, though it is a nice Desert Eagle GBB one ), but wasn't sure how good they actually are in combat. Are they effective? Are they fun? Cause they look badass but maybe a AEG is just better?

If you could let me know that would be great My birthday is in a month and a new Airsoft gun is probably what I am going to request from my parents (probably have to help with some of the cost).

 

[JonnyDuke]

Cool another convert

I personally don't see anything wrong with KJ or UHC as long as you don't expect to get more than you pay for. I own a few of their springers and they work fine... but they're just single shots, can't comment about their gbbs yet. Some friends have the ebb's and they work fine...just not very powerful, better suited for indoor CQB or close range skirmishes. Get rechargable batteries though, you could easily go through a set in a couple of hours of intense combat.
Go to Redwolf and browse a little there, they have the some of the best prices I've come across and a huge selection. Personally I would recommend the Para-Ordnance P-14 from Western Arms. The price is a little high for someone just starting but you get a WHOLE LOT of gun for the money... just check out the fps it's rated at and compare it to the more spendy 1911 copies.

And apparently mrCide has not seen the Maruzen MP5K gbb...

Have fun!

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: datalink7
Hey CadetLee, I was really thinking about getting a shotty (just started airsoft and only have a pistol now, though it is a nice Desert Eagle GBB one ), but wasn't sure how good they actually are in combat. Are they effective? Are they fun? Cause they look badass but maybe a AEG is just better?

If you could let me know that would be great My birthday is in a month and a new Airsoft gun is probably what I am going to request from my parents (probably have to help with some of the cost).

Everybody in my area is too cheap to buy an AEG, so I've only used it against springers..lol I have a huge advantage - I outrange them by a rather large margin. You can play against AEGs, but you need a different playing style. I'm short on time now, but I think there's a website on shotgun vs AEG..I'll try to find it for you.

 

[Metalloid]

Is the KJW M9 Tactical any better than just the M9? It seems to have a lot of metal parts. $89 from redwolfairsoft.com

So far here is what I am looking at:

That Desert Eagle from plyconsarmory.com that was $89.99, is now $59.99. It is looking like my cheapest option.
M9 Tactical for $89 at redwolf.
KSC MAC-11 for $130 at airsoftatlanta.com

The M9 Tactical has more metal than the Desert Eagle. But which one shoots better?

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Ah! I was wrong in my original post. It's actually the Y&P GBBs you want to avoid. I'm not sure about the KJWs. I keep getting all these brands confused.

 

[alphatarget1]

GBB=Western Arms
AEG=Tokyo Marui

My mp5a4 with m120 spring owns you!!!

nothing wrong with EBBs, they just have a short range and less power. GBBs aren't the most reliable guns around, you cannot guarantee its firing but with a springer it should last for a long time

stick with japanese guns... a lot better than taiwanese guns IMO

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: PowerMac4Ever
Ah! I was wrong in my original post. It's actually the Y&P GBBs you want to avoid. I'm not sure about the KJWs. I keep getting all these brands confused.

Yeah...stay away from Y&P in general. They also make a ~$160 FAMAS AEG, but it's crappy.

I managed to get a few comments on KJW guns..link. You have to register to view it, though..