Complete Newbie here.

Boston

I've read through the various stickies, and while there seems to be a lot of solid info, no "Intro to Airsoft" or what not, so thats what I'd like to get out of this thread. What exactly is this sport, how does one participate in it, what equipment is needed, where does one play. I played Paintball for years, but alas It grew very stale and boring, I remember looking into Airsoft some time ago but not too closely as it seemed to not be played in this part of the world at the time.

Joe.

o1s1n

I was going to write out a long list but then realized the airsoft wiki contains most of that info.

Here you go.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airsoft

I think I may have to steal that..

As far as where to play, there is HRTA in Swords which has been open a few months now. There's also another site on the verge of opening in Drogheda.

If you're willing to travel a bit, there's a 22 acre site up north called Predator which is really worth checking out too.

Due to the distance, most of us in here at the moment would frequent HRTA.

Boston

Ok, how do you find the honor system? Its seems like a very interesting sport, where would I go to start playing, and what are the basic equipment need? Gandalf pictures on another forum is what has sparked my interest.

o1s1n

Most players you meet will really make a point of taking their hits. I know I do. If you don't play with 100% honestly the game simply doesn't work. The odd time you'll get some idiot who thinks the rules don't apply to him. Players like that are weeded out quickly enough.

The only requirements to play are; eye protection (Or full face for close quarters games) and a gun. Most sites will rent you out one if you want to check it out before committing. Plus the majority of people will let you have a go of theirs if you ask nicely enough

Everything after that is up to you. Extra mags are pretty much a must have too.

Boston

ok, I guess the next questions are where to play and where to buy

1. www.eirsoft.ie
2. www.wgcshop.com
3. www.rsov.com
4. www.uncompany.com

Where listed on another thread, opinions? I wouldn't mind tagging along on of of the trips you guys seem to go on.

o1s1n

People play in HRTA Swords every Saturday and Sunday. Always welcome new players.

As far as stores. It all depends on how much you're willing to spend. At the moment there's a bit of a divide in the airsoft world between original brand guns and clones.

For years most of the guns came out of Japan and were made by high end brand companies such as Tokyo Marui and Classic Army etc. They usually retail for 300+, although you could get a 2nd hand one for 200+.

Chinese companies started taking these guns apart and making clone copies of them for which you can buy much cheaper. The quality isn't as good, but they're getting better.

www.Eirsoft.ie has a good selection of clones. You won't get cheaper prices than that. All of which would be perfectly fine to skirmish with.

If you want something from a brand company, check out www.ehobbyasia.com or www.uncompany.com.

Boston

hmm, and how many on average play out in swords?

o1s1n

On a good Saturday you'll get 20+. Last weekend there was 30. The amount of new people I see every time I go out is actually quite staggering. It would seem the Irish like to shoot at each other.

Boston

Well ok, since next weekend is the boards beers, the weekend after will see two newbie, doing the newbie thing.

Boston

Ok, looking at the Dboy M4 CQB model, people are talking baotu replacing grip and maginzes and batter, however as a compelte newbie, I'm uncertain as to what I should change them to. I see grips and rails (what do they do) here

Edit: What does the R mean in the rifle name? Also pistol recommendations?

I've noticed that the RSOV site seems to have very low prices, am I missing something here, like huge delivery costs and customs?

o1s1n

Boston wrote:

Ok, looking at the Dboy M4 CQB model, people are talking baotu replacing grip and maginzes and batter, however as a compelte newbie, I'm uncertain as to what I should change them to. I see grips and rails (what do they do) here

Edit: What does the R mean in the rifle name? Also pistol recommendations?

I've noticed that the RSOV site seems to have very low prices, am I missing something here, like huge delivery costs and customs?

RSOV is where the owner of Eirsoft.ie imports his stuff from. It's cheaper to buy from him than import from them. The postage really boosts up the price alright.

You want to replace the magazine with a brand one. Say Tokyo Marui. They have them on ehobbyasia.com. I think that dboys m4 take a mini battery. They have them on ehobby too.

As far as pistols go. Hmmm. Check out KJW (KJ WORKS). They do full metal for a really good price. Very nice Beretta m9 and Sig. Once again, go to ehobby for that.

Boston

'Firefox' 8.4v 1500mah Ni-MH mini battery ? Shipping seems to be free on ROSV with orders over a certain amouth. Myself and a mate are both buying gear so its about 400euro plus.

o1s1n

I have no idea what those batterys are like. Only have experience with Intellect ones.

RSOV give free postage? First I've heard of that. You may be stung with 21% customs too.

They're a great site to order from anyway. The owner, Keith is really helpful. Trying to organize a rifle from him myself.

What I'm doing though is buying the gun from him and then getting the battery, charger and extra mags from ehobby.

Boston

I'll drop him an email, this is what I'm buying. whats the ehobby shiping like

2 x A.C.M. drop-leg holster for MP7 in multicam pattern €50.77
2 x 'Firefox' 8.4v 1500mah Ni-MH mini battery €32.84
2 x A.C.M. M92 AEP (M84) €68.70
2 x 'Dboys' M4A1 RIS AEG (BI5181 - metal) €170.30
2 x A.C.M. knees protector (black) €14.91
2 x A.C.M. elbows protector (black) €11.92
2 x A.C.M. face mask with mesh goggles (black - full) €29.85
4 x A.C.M. 0.2g bb x 4000 €29.82
2 x (Lot of 2) x 'Dboys' M4 / M16 300 rds wind-up magazines €29.85
2 x A.C.M. 220v 3-pin charger power adaptor €2.06

Edit, do you happen to have his email? can't find it on site

o1s1n

If you're looking for something that's on Eirsoft.ie though, I'd really suggest buying from them. Support local retailers and all that.

Boston

Mate is keen on the ROSV site, also would rather buy from the one place to keep costs as low as possible. That said I've droped owner of Eirsoft a Pm.

o1s1n

Boston wrote:

I'll drop him an email, this is what I'm buying. whats the ehobby shiping like

2 x A.C.M. drop-leg holster for MP7 in multicam pattern €50.77
2 x 'Firefox' 8.4v 1500mah Ni-MH mini battery €32.84
2 x A.C.M. M92 AEP (M84) €68.70
2 x 'Dboys' M4A1 RIS AEG (BI5181 - metal) €170.30
2 x A.C.M. knees protector (black) €14.91
2 x A.C.M. elbows protector (black) €11.92
2 x A.C.M. face mask with mesh goggles (black - full) €29.85
4 x A.C.M. 0.2g bb x 4000 €29.82
2 x (Lot of 2) x 'Dboys' M4 / M16 300 rds wind-up magazines €29.85
2 x A.C.M. 220v 3-pin charger power adaptor €2.06

Edit, do you happen to have his email? can't find it on site

I havent fired that m9 aep. But to be honest, aeps are a bit dodgy at the moment. Especially clone ones.

Should really go with a full metal gas pistol instead.

Boston

How much hassle is Gas?

Hagakure_irl

Welcome to the Forums.

Couldn't agree anymore with o1s1n there about the gas pistols. I fired a few AEPs in Bulgaria last month, came home, and got my second gas pistol ( HFC M190 ) and it fires like a beaute.

For the gas itself, both me and Gandalf have got lucky with Fire-Support:

http://www.fire-support.co.uk/store/comersus_dynamicIndex.asp

Got the gas in 2 days.

EDIT: Ack didn't see o1s1ns post there, yea the propane adaptor is a good way to go!

o1s1n

On saying that, a year later and I still don't have a propane adapter myself.

I've ordered gas from firesupport Hagakure_irl, but it was horrible stuff! I think they've changed it since though.

There's always vipershop up in northern Ireland too. Cheapest I've seen green gas. Cheap postage too as it's not international.

The main problem really was their response time. Took forever.

Hagakure_irl

o1s1n wrote:

On saying that, a year later and I still don't have a propane adapter myself.

I've ordered gas from firesupport Hagakure_irl, but it was horrible stuff! I think they've changed it since though.

There's always vipershop up in northern Ireland too. Cheapest I've seen green gas. Cheap postage too as it's not international.

The main problem really was their response time. Took forever.

Ah yes i was having a look at the retailers thread a little while ago and saw the problem you had with them!

Hmmm the gas i got off firesupport was CyberGun, which used to be called American Eagle ( I think ), To be honest though i would say me and Gandalf just got lucky with those delivery times. And then in terms of prices you're definitely right about Vipershop!

o1s1n

Cybergun, evil incarnate that they are and all, still make some good gas.

That 2 day delivery was madness. I don't care what they say, it could NOT have been shipped that fast. Has to have been sent air.

Boston

I agree the gas guns looks superior, but this is just starting up, if I take to the sport I'll be investing in more equipment.

How do you lads but stuff off keith, is it just normal internet bank transfer?

o1s1n

I've only bought one pistol from him myself. Used paypal if I remember correctly.

gandalf

Boston I'd suggest you come along to HRTA some weekend before you buy. You can hire out a AEG for the day and then tbh there is nothing that everyone enjoys more than showing their gear off, so you'll get a great chance to see how the guns fell before you buy. Thats how I made my mind up on the AK74 I like the size and weight whereas Lemming doesn't like the balance in it and prefers his Aug.

Unfortunately I won't be out skirmishing again until September otherwise you could have come along with me. I'll have a chat with ya at the beers.

Boston

Do they supply masks and camo gear. If so great, thats what i'll do, other wise it might be difficult.

gandalf

They supply masks check out www.hrta.ie for prices etc. As for camo no they don't but alot of people use a hoodie and jeans on their first outing, but make sure you have decent boots or runners (and make sure they aren't your sunday best cause they will get mucky!!)

Boston

Ok, sounds fair enough, will go next saturday. What time is a good time?

gandalf

10.30 onwards, most tend to arrive from 11-11.30.

Jelly 292

Ok, looking at the Dboy M4 CQB model

Hi Boston,

If your intrested I have an ICS CQB M4 I am selling.

Check the adverts section here if you like

If yer coming to HRTA this weekend you can check it out :cool:

ambro25

[resurfacing in here after 2 weeks hols - cue appropriate ballast-chasing sounds]

Re the hi-cap spare mags.

I made the mistake of ordering an extra 2 from RSOV when I bought my DBoys M4 - and dearly wish I'd spent the money on mid caps instead by now.

You should really bear their rattling in mind (and ideally, as very rightly suggested by o1s1n, try it "all" out at HRTA first before ordering - e.g. wherein I learned after buying the gear that:
* knee pads can prove a PITA when doing a full day's skirmishing,
* red dots are all nice and good for looks but I'd rather have used my iron sights all the same,
* bonnie hats are a pain when moving fast in the bush, gimme a balaclava anyday...
...but hey, that's just me )

And if you still feel you need the extra ammo for fear of running out, I'll gladly sell you 2 full-metal M4 hicaps at cost (unfired/unskirmished)

o1s1n

I've never really felt the need to buy knee pads myself. Although, there has been the odd occasion where I've knelt in mud and though 'hmmm, I'll be buying them once I get home'

If I didn't have a sh1t load of hair I wouldn't bother with a boonie. Sick of it catching in trees and shrubbery though. It's more annoying than you'd think. Although, the boonie more or less does that too. So I'm a little undecided on that one. Might go the way of a helmet?

Never though I'd be swayed away from using highs but I think that's the way I'm headed. The rattle really does make you feel like you're carrying around a toy you just got from Santa for Christmas.

Yep...you really don't know what you need or suits you as a player until you actually start playing.

Oh and welcome back Ambro... that tan should help you blend in a bit better

NakedDex

o1s1n wrote:

that tan should help you blend in a bit better

You know that spray tan stuff they have in beauty places? Is that available in multi-cam?

o1s1n

NakedDex wrote:

You know that spray tan stuff they have in beauty places? Is that available in multi-cam?

No, but give me some cans of Krylon and you won't know the different

Might take a while to scrub off though.

NakedDex

Just don't turn me orange and you've got a deal

ambro25

Thx o1s1n, and LOL @ NakedDex.

Actually, I've sprinkled some round paper bits from the paper puncher on me face every day, so the built-in 'leopard' cammo is of the best effect

o1s1n wrote:

If I didn't have a sh1t load of hair I wouldn't bother with a boonie. Sick of it catching in trees and shrubbery though. It's more annoying than you'd think. Although, the boonie more or less does that too. So I'm a little undecided on that one. Might go the way of a helmet?

Just got a SpecOps helmet (skateboarder style) in OD from eHobby. Looks the part, with the bala' and XL goggles on. But I might have ordered undersized (...again! :mad: :rolleyes:) as it looks a bit high on my head... although it feels like it fits, so, mmm... go figure...

Guess I'll either look the part or look an @ss on Saturday afternoon - thk God the breaks'over and I can go skirmishing again

Dar

Headware really is a preferance thing. I for one prefer boonies to balaclavas. Don't seem to have much problem moving through brush, its not as clostraphobic as a balaclava and it breaks up the outline of the head nicely. I've tried playing with a helmet but I just find them a bit too cumbersome.

As regards Hi-Caps, personnally I think they're the tool of the devil. Constant winding & rattling is a pain. Plus it just looks cooler having 6 or 7 mags in your loadout instead of just 1 spare .

Boston

Ok so I guess mid caps are just medium capacity mags? The more you guys post the more I'm being convinced its a good idea to try before I buy.

Jelly I will be along on saturday this is me. I'm still waiting for Keith to get back to me about shipping, but yea I would be interested in firing of afew shots.

o1s1n

Mid caps are the highest amount of bbs you can get into a magazine without requiring a winding wheel like on high caps. Usually between 60 and 100, dependent on the gun.

So they're 'solid' in the magazine. Don't move around. Don't make noise.

High caps can hold up to 500 or even 600 in some cases. But only about 40 are wound forward and in place. The rest are all lose in a large well in the back of the mag. Once you start winding these bbs out and a bit of empty space opens up, the dreaded rattle starts.

NakedDex

And apart from how unappealing and detracting that sound is, it's also a big tactical disadvantage. When you run you may as well have an airhorn and stobe attached to your head.

gandalf

LOL shouldn't have ordered that 1000 Round High Cap for the AK74 then

Fallschirmjager

NakedDex wrote:

And apart from how unappealing and detracting that sound is, it's also a big tactical disadvantage. When you run you may as well have an airhorn and stobe attached to your head.

well i have some hi caps but absolutely despise them, i feel like a human size pepper mill running with them.

but they are handy...mid caps always run out when someone fills your sight...and is sitting..you pull the trigger, nada...and then of course you curse velcro , trying to get the mag out of your vest, slap it in, plonk it hits the ground, you didnt seat it properly...jeeze lost count of the times that happened to me...

oh and welcome back ambro

NakedDex

I've had that happen with hi-caps and even a box mag (you know there's something wrong when you drain a hi-cap and a box mag in one game). The one thing I will give them is that they're a metric ass-load easier to load when you need to do so in a hurry.

Jelly 292

Jelly I will be along on saturday this is me. I'm still waiting for Keith to get back to me about shipping, but yea I would be interested in firing of afew shots.

Cool mate, keep an eye on the adverts section:)