Hi,
long time ago I started with airsoft and didn’t knew what’s important and not so important. Here are some hints (steps) that I would like to give to airsoft beginners so that they don’t make the mistakes that I have made :)
--Go to an airsoft field and play + take a look at the local airsoft community--
Before you buy your own equipment I would recommend you to go to a local airsoft field so that you can test it. Most fields or club organized matches offer a rental service where you get an airsoft gun, some BB’s, eye protection and sometimes also some gear like vests, camouflage cloth,…
It’s important that you do that, because trust me, airsoft is not always the same like you can see it in the videos from Novritsch, Silo and others, because they just show you the action parts ;-)
When you go to test matches, also talk with the players there to get more information about the local community, because especially in Europe airsoft is not so “accepted” in the society and therefore there won’t be many fields and organized games (e.g in my area there is just one club that is organizing matches).
--local regulations / laws--
When the test match was fun to play and you want to regularly go to airsoft events with your own equipment, make sure to check the laws in your country and the regulations on your local airsoft fields!
-how many fps/j are allowed?
-full auto allowed?
-am I allowed to attach flashlights/lasers/…?
-age restriction?
-how do I have to transport my airsoft rifle?
-…
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_issues_in_airsoft
Especially when you buy your airsoft gun outside of your own country it’s important to check the laws, because there are shops that don’t take care of such things and just send you the gun which can lead into consequences.
--Your first gun--
Don’t start with an airsoft sniper rifle!! (exception – a expensive one that is already upgraded)
Many new airsoft players are starting with a sniper rifle, because they are cheap, you can see them in many videos and they are powerful, but after some time they realize that they will have to upgrade the gun to get an acceptable accuracy and that they won’t be able to shoot further than the AEG’s on the field. Moreover you need a sidearm like a pistol to play on the field. This also costs some money and with that extra expenses you can easily buy a decent AEG with a good range and rate of fire.
So which gun is perfect for an airsoft beginner?
I personally recommend a mid-priced AEG (<160€) with decent internals. A metal gearbox, adjustable hop up, a good look, full auto (when allowed in your country) and on the top limit of the fps/j that are allowed on the fields (but keep in mind that more power does not mean that it will shoot further!).
Don’t want do any promotion but…In my opinion the airsoft guns from CYMA are awesome for beginners because they are really cheap but also pretty accurate and they will live for a long time (my M4 from CYMA is already 2 years old + shot many BB’s + was used in awful weather conditions -> it’s still working like a charm ^^)
Also in the beginning make sure that you have at least one High Cap magazine for you gun, because then you don’t have to carry many magazines (you don’t need any vests or pouches) and you won’t have any big feeding issues.
Which shop?
When you need more information or hints about airsoft guns, you can go to your local airsoft store or weapon dealer. There they will give you some advises but in most of the cases you will also pay more for your gun (but supporting the local shops is always good ^^).
Otherwise buy your airsoft guns online. You will find many online shops on the web so make sure to compare the prices and conditions (shipping fee,…). Also before you buy a replica take a look at some reviews on the web or talk to some guys on the local airsoft field.
When you are aiming for the lowest prices, buy your stuff from a “direct” retailer. In Europe “taiwangun” or “gunfire” are such retailers with own brands and products.
--Eye and Face Protection--
Wearing eye protection is a must in airsoft! This is important when you buy a protection goggle:
-it should be solid and shouldn’t get damaged even when you hit them from 1 meter (or closer) with the highest fps rate on the field. Before I use a new goggle I always test them with my own airsoft guns so that I’m 100% sure that they are solid. Of course some goggles will break when you test them, but it’s better when they break during a test rather than when you are wearing them!
-they should complete cover the eyes and should lay on the skin without any gaps.
-they should be comfortable especially when you go to milsim events
-they should have an anit-fog function so that they won’t fog when you are playing
In some cases you won’t find a good goggle that won’t fog. When that’s the case, you can use “mesh” goggles which have a metal net instead of a glass. Those wont fog anymore, but you have to keep in mind that in some cases BB shrapnel’s or paint from the goggle might reach your eye! (never happened to me, but it is possible and might end badly!)
In addition I also recommend wearing a face mask (either full or just a mouth protection), because especially in physically demanding situations your mouth might be open and therefore a teeth could be shot by a BB. Moreover a direct hit on your lips will hurt a lot. :P
--getting more equipment--
After you have played some matches I would recommend you to get some more equipment. Especially vests, camo cloth and good shoes are important and very useful.
Many beginners don’t know which camo pattern they should use. Either decide by personal preferences or take a look at the army of your country and use their patterns.
You can get those cloth in every airsoft shop (shops mentioned above) and also as a second hand product from army resellers.
--search for a club or group--
Having a small group of friends that are playing with you is always pretty good as it’s more fun to play and you can also act as a tactical group (e.g with radio and tactics). Moreover you get technical help and you can go to large milsim events as a group instead of alone.
--Enjoy and might upgrade your gear--
Those are the steps that I would do when I would start with airsoft again. :)
Hopefully someone found this post helpful.
Cheers
kevlaton