Airsoft Guns

A lot of people ask me for advice on selecting an airsoft rifle. Here's a quick check list for finding the right rifle for your needs:

• Spring or electric (AEG)? Electric airsoft rifles are the most popular choice because they shoot at a higher velocity and have longer range. Spring rifles, on the other hand, have slower speeds and thus shorter range, but they are less expensive. Spring airsoft rifles are appropriate for less experienced gunmen and younger players. I generally recommend electric airsoft rifles for experienced airsoft enthusiasts and anyone considering sniping. Look for an electric airsoft rifle with a velocity of at least 285 feet per second (FPS). If you plan to focus on sniping, it's best to look for Bolt Action sniper rifles with 400+ FPS.


• Metal or plastic composition? Metal is very durable and has a nice, real-life feel, but it is also heavier and may cause fatigue in long games with a lot of maneuvering. AEGs that feature plastic receivers or bodies are made of a composite polymer-ABS. The plastic has been engineered to have a high stress tolerance, making it resistant to shock or drop. In many cases these arms are just as durable as metal bodies, but a lot lighter. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and which "feel" suits you best.


• Gearbox or no gearbox? If the rifle you select has a gearbox, make sure the parts are metal. Other materials can break or warp much more quickly, damage gears, and will ultimately lead to an inoperable weapon.


• Scope or no scope? If you want to add optics to your airsoft rifle, you will need a rifle with railed sight mounts. Airsoft sniper rifles, for example, are intended to be highly accurate at long ranges, so a scope is really a must. Some rifles come with these sight mounts already in place; on others you can add them. You'll also want to check how the rifle mounts to bipods and other accessories.


• How much ammo can it hold? Ammo capacity varies. Some players prefer a high ammo capacity so that the need to reload is minimized. Others, however, are will to sacrifice ammo capacity for a more compact gun that is easy to maneuver. Choosing an ammo storage size really just depends on how you want to use your gun.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing of all airsoft stores in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in cheap AEG airsoft guns and looking to find airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft beginners, airsoft rifle, rifles

If you are considering giving airsoft gifts this holiday season (maybe even to yourself), you are in luck. During the holiday season, airsoft dealers often bundle top products at a significant discount into airsoft gift packages. These are typically some of the best airsoft deals of the year. There are packages geared for just about everyone, from airsoft beginners to advanced players, categorized by needs (airsoft electric gun, airsoft green gas gun, spring gun, or even a combo package) and by different price levels. All you will have to do is decide which package is the right fit.

But how do you decide? You will need to do a little recon on the airsoft enthusiast if this is a gift. If you don't want to spoil the surprise, talk to a knowledgeable friend or team members. The list is simple but will help you make the best choices on which airsoft gift package will work best. Of course, if you still feel a bit confused by all the options, there is always a gift certificate from a trustworthy airsoft website. Or better yet, give us, Airsoft Megastore, a call at 1-800-288-9631. We will be more than happy to help you find the best airsoft gift for your particular needs.

• What kind of budget are you working with? If the packages are outside of your budget, consider accessories and tactical gear, or a gift certificate from a reputable airsoft website.


• What is your airsoft enthusiast's skill level? Beginner or advanced? Beginner level airsoft gift packages will often be clearly labeled as starter packages.


• What role do they play on the field? Do they consider themselves a sniper or field player? Or maybe they're a field player who is interested in trying out a sniper position? This will dictate the kind of the guns and gear they will use. Snipers need a high degree of accuracy, while field players require durability and agility.


• Where do they plan to do most of their playing? Indoors or out? Large or tight spaces? What will be more important... range or maneuverability? Choose an airsoft gift package that will compliment that terrain.


• What kind of gear do they currently use if any? With this information you'll be able to identify holes in their selection or upgrade opportunities for their current airsoft gear.


• Lastly, do they have anything on their wish list? Granted, the element of surprise is part of the fun, but if your airsoft enthusiast has some gear on their wish list, it's always good to know.

Airsoft has a lot of variety, so it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but pre-selected holiday gift packages really help cut through the noise and give you the most bang for your buck. Don't worry, if you are still feeling a little apprehensive about which airsoft gifts to buy, give Airsoft Megastore a call at 1-800-288-9631. We are experts and can help counsel you on selecting the perfect gift.

Happy Holidays!

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, electric airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

In past posts I have discussed strategies for improving your team's effectiveness as a whole. Since we have all heard the old adage that a team is only as strong as its weakest player, I thought it would be valuable to address ways in which you can improve as an independent player. Strong players do, after all, enhance the team.

Know your weapon and gear. Do some basic training, including some ground work, such as running and crawling. Get familiar with the weight and maneuvering limitations of your gear. Learn what works well with your equipment dimensions.

Improve Your Accuracy. Some people think the quickest way to become a better player is to upgrade your weapon. Upgrades are awesome, don't get me wrong, but they are not a quick fix for a bad shot. The truth is if you want to improve your form and accuracy, you have to practice. The good news is... practicing is really fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when working on your accuracy:

• Always aim for a small, specific area on the target... not the target as a whole. Keep your eye on that small area rather than glancing around.


• Grip high on the gun so that your middle finger is high on the trigger guard. A higher grip will give you more control regardless of the weapon. It will improve your aim and ease recoil.


• Use your fingerprint area to slowly squeeze down on the trigger. This will limit jerking and allow for more control over the gun. Try to make this a fluid movement; this is especially important if you are using a sniper rifle or pistol.


• The farther away you are, the higher you will have to aim to hit your target. Practice different ranges and learn what works best for you and your weapon(s).


• Be sure to practice shooting while moving around.


• Different guns will have a different feel, be they gas, spring or electric airsoft guns. The more you use it, the more instinctual your weapon will be to you.

Know the Terminology. Be sure to research the different war terms that you may encounter on the field. If you are told an enemy fighter is at your 6 o'clock, it's better to instinctively know what that means than to mentally calculate it on the field. There are a number of airsoft glossaries out there worth reviewing. You don't need to know every term, but a solid understanding will help you.

Know the strategies. Most wargames are broken up into teams that are either offense-oriented or defense-oriented. Defense-oriented teams tend to be grounded in a specific area, while offense-oriented teams are on active attack, trying to gain ground. A good strategy if you are on the defense is to find a position that provides both cover and access to enemy targets. The more hidden you are, the better. If the enemy cannot figure out where the shots are coming from, you have the chance to do more damage. If you are on the offense, your main two objectives are determining where harmful fire is coming from, and removing the origin of that fire, thus allowing you to gain ground. It is surprisingly difficult to find a tactically hidden defensive player. Offensive players should try to engage the enemy with minimal movement or noise. Surprise is really the best weapon on the field.

Be fit. You will need to be able to run, crawl, and dive... all with heavy gear. The more physically fit you are, the better you will be on the field.

Be safe and have fun. Wear the right protective gear, use good judgment, and the more you play, the better you will be.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft beginners, airsoft player, better airsoft, improve airsoft

The holiday season is right around the corner, and you may have already begun to wonder what the perfect gift would be for the airsoft player on your gift shopping list. Even if you do not play the sport yourself, you can find just the right gift for the airsoft player in your life with help from these tips:

• Talk to your loved one's friends who play airsoft. Airsoft players love to talk airsoft, so there's a good chance you can find out exactly what airsoft gear your loved one has been wanting to add to his or her collection.


• Find out what equipment he or she already owns, and call an airsoft retailer like Airsoft Megastore for ideas on upgrades or gear to compliment those items. Speaking with a representative for a reputable airsoft provider can give you insight into what gear would complement the equipment your loved one already owns. This could be an upgrade for a current gun such as a scope, a missing piece of safety gear or a different type of gun. Or, it could be a higher quality replacement for a lower end gun the player owns. Many airsoft players purchase low end equipment when they get started in the sport with the hopes of replacing it with better gear later. The holiday season presents the perfect opportunity to surprise your loved one with the quality gear he or she has been wanting all along.


• Purchase only from reputable airsoft retailers. Some sporting goods stores and big box retailers offer a small selection of airsoft products, but you will find a wider selection and higher quality products at airsoft websites or stores that specialize in the sport. This is especially important for BBs, the quality of which have a large impact on gun performance.


• Have the player create a wish list on a site such as airsoftmegastore.com. While having your loved one fill out an airsoft wish list does not keep secret what type of gift you are planning to give, it ensures that the recipient will be ecstatic with your gift in the end. A wish list created by the player will tell you exactly what airsoft equipment will complement his or her existing arsenal.


• Give a gift certificate and allow the player to choose. If you prefer not to select airsoft guns or gear yourself, you can easily give the player an airsoft gift certificate and allow him or her to choose the perfect gift.

If you would like guidance on giving a great gift to the airsoft enthusiast in your life, please give Airsoft Megastore a call at 800-288-9631. We offer a 125% lowest price guarantee and are committed to a high level of customer service.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft christmas, airsoft gifts, airsoft holiday guide

If you are a recent airsoft convert, it is important to gather information so you can improve your experience. In this article, I will review the more social and nuanced aspects of the sport. Having the right gear and knowledge is 50% of the experience... but it's the thrill of the game itself that really makes the sport so addictive. Here is how to make the experience even better.

• Find the right team for you. It's easy to get excited about all the cool airsoft products out there, but having the right gear is only a part of the fun. Having a good airsoft team network is invaluable. How do you find that network? Popular resources include friends and family, forums, airsoft stores, meet-up groups, local extreme sports venues, and even Facebook. Once you have a team, you may decide to play against other teams or break off into smaller groups. Make sure each smaller team is evenly matched. Consider factors like number of players, fire power, skill/athleticism, and how long the players have been involved in airsoft.


• Find the right place or places to play. Outdoor areas are favored and a wooded area is ideal. A large field can work but if there is nowhere to hide or maneuver, it will be less engaging. Obstacles always add to the excitement. Check with your local military or law enforcement. They may have training fields that are open to the public or available for rent. Ask around at you your local sporting store and network with other airsoft enthusiasts online through airsoft websites.


• Explore different games. Most people play a variation of a two team elimination game, but there are other exciting options. You can split the group into three or more teams or consider other airsoft games like Zombie Hunt, King of The Hill, Last Player Standing, Capture The Flag, and variations on a hostage rescue theme.


• Set clear rules. No matter which game you play, set clear rules of play and boundaries. Define how many hits is an out. Clearly define the areas (safe zone, hospital, jails etc.) On a side note, don't be a cheater. Everyone hates them because they ruin the game's integrity. If you cheat (typically refusing to recognize a hit) you will likely earn a bad reputation which could end up alienating you from the team. New players joining an existing team should do their best to honor the rules that are set forth by the team.


• Become your own expert. The more you know about the sport, the more fun it can be. Get to understand the equipment you are using. Learn and use common hand signals; they crank up the team work and authenticity of the game.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing airsoft retailer in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers the latest airsoft guns and gear as well as a 125% low price guarantee on all new airsoft guns and gear.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft experience, airsoft team, better airsoft

Choosing the right weapon will enhance your airsoft sporting experience. Follow these steps when selecting your first firearm.

Determine how you will be using your airsoft gun.

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before deciding on an airsoft gun: What kind of playing situation will you be most frequently participating in? Military re-enactment or sport genres? Does historical accuracy matter? What role will you play on your team? Do you want to be in the heat of battle, or a peripheral sniper? A Rifleman (an excellent position for a newbie) makes up the bulk of the team and participates in a variety of positions and fire ranges. A CQC (Close Quarters Combat) soldier will need more durability and a firearm that is maneuverable. A Support Gunner pins down the enemy with heavy fire so that other team members can advance. A sniper or marksman needs a high degree of accuracy. Know what role you want to play. Select the gun style that suits your role. Determine which length, weight, degree of accuracy, rate of fire, and the upgrade potential you desire.

Decide which type and style of airsoft gun will work for your playing needs.

There are three types of airsoft guns to choose from: spring-action, electric and gas. Each has certain advantages. Spring-action guns are inexpensive and very durable but lack the power of gas and electric guns. Gas guns may suffer reduced performance in extreme cold while electric guns require a battery and charger. The most popular guns are arguably airsoft AEGs (airsoft automatic electric guns)which are always a good place to start for beginners. Guns also come in 5 different styles: handgun, rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle, and machine gun. Your role in the game will determine which style makes the most sense.

Consider your airsoft gun and accessory budget.

What kind of budget will you be working within? Will you be playing competitively or just for fun? How much are you willing to spend on this new endeavor? Keep in mind that along with your gun(s), you may also want airsoft accessories (BBs, green gas, lasers and sights/scopes/optics), and tactical gear/accessories (tactical vests, masks/face & eye protection, camouflage suits, holsters, and military-style backpacks).

Test drive some guns.

If you have friends with airsoft guns, borrow their weapons and see what feels right to you. Most airsoft players have more than one type of gun to use in different scenarios… test out as many as you can. There are fantastic airsoft gun deals online which will help you stretch your budget. If you are just starting out, keep in mind there are lots of airsoft gun starter packages that can help jump start you airsoft experience by getting you all the extras you need for cheap.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of Airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft gun, choose your first airsoft gun, first airsoft gun

Because airsoft relies on the honor system, a fair skirmish requires that players call themselves out when they have been hit. Players must also avoid firing at any player who has been hit but has not yet exited the playing field. A player is eliminated when he or she is hit on any part of the body, including on gear such as goggles and vests. In most cases, eliminated players are supposed to exit the field of play until a new round starts or they are permitted to reenter the game. An exception is when the game is being played with a medic. In this case, hit players typically remain down in place until the player designated as the medic arrives and "revives" them. When a medic is not part of the scenario, hit players are usually required to leave the playing field and return to the staging area, or 'safe zone,' where they remain until the skirmish ends or they are permitted to reenter the game. "Dead man walking" is a widely known expression used in airsoft to signify that a player has been eliminated and should not be a target for enemy fire.

While the "dead man walking" signal is pretty widely known, different fields have their own specific rules for what a player should do after being hit. Some organizations stipulate that hit players should carry their airsoft guns high above their heads while returning to the safe zone. Some say to both hold your weapon high while shouting "dead man walking." Being aware of what these signals mean is important not just so that you can communicate to other players when you are hit, but also so that you will not fire on another player that has been hit. Because of the variations in rules from field to field, learning the guidelines put forth for a particular event is critical to having a fun and fair skirmish.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of Airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: Airsoft, Airsoft Dead Man Walking, Airsoft FAQ, Airsoft Lingo, airsoft rules