Guide to Extending The Life of Your AEG

Airsoft guns can be expensive and are used in rugged environments the following tips will help keep your AEG in top shape.

1. Use Quality BBs – Most guns come with a pack of free BBs, toss them out, they are normally not of good quality and can cause major headaches. If you have a Metal gearbox or gas gun use .20g or heavier. Also, make sure your BBs are seamless and polished. TSD, PForce, Bioval and Elite Force are all excellent BB’s for a fair price. Using Low-Grade BBs can destroy your barrel or worst case your Gearbox. Furthermore, never re-use BBs (this is super important). Once they are fired they become chipped, grooved, and covered in dirt. All things that can damage your guns internals.
2. Avoid Long Firing on Automatic – While it may be fun to Rambo style hold the trigger and sweep the field it can cause additional premature wear and tear on the gun. Just like anything mechanical the more stress you put on it the faster it wears down. It is recommended to shoot in 3 to 5 second bursts which will not only save your gearbox but also save you money and make you more accurate overall.
3. Remove Spring Tension after Use - After using the item in full auto the spring may be partially compressed. This will cause unneeded spring wear and cause the gun to fail sooner if it is not properly dealt with. After using the gun in full auto before putting it away make sure you fire a few shots in semi auto as it will make sure the spring is uncompressed.
4. Proper Lubrication – Airsoft guns require some basic maintenance and care such as lubrication. Lubricating the gun will extend the life of it greatly. When lubricating only use Silicone lubricant, not WD-40 or other lubricants. Silicone lubricant can be found at almost every hobby shop or online, if your gun does not have a cleaning rod you may also want to pick up a .22 caliber cleaning rod. Swab the Airsoft Barrel with a cleaning cloth soaked with silicone lubricant, wrapped around the cleaning rod. Spray a small amount of lubricant in the Hop-up, into the gear box and the BB feed point. Use the Silicone lube sparingly as it attracts dust and dirt which can cause problems. Lubricate the gun every 3000-4000 rounds. Wipe off any excess lubricate.
5. Expensive doesn’t mean indestructible - Airsoft guns while durable still need to be treated with respect, even the most high end metal guns will most likely not survive being dropped. These are not real guns; they are designed for skirmishing and not for the abuse that a real gun is designed for. Treating the gun with some respect will go a long way.

Things to Know about Airsoft Guns Brands

Deciding on an airsoft gun that is right for you will all depend on the purpose of the gun. There are a number of reasons for acquiring an airsoft gun; to use it for hitting targets in order to improve eye and hand co-ordination, coaching beginners on firearm safety or to join in a combat game. The police and military utilize airsoft guns during their training as it is safer and a more economical method than using real guns. Airsoft guns and Spring Airsoft guns are popular as many of them are accurately modelled on the real thing. They also have a higher level of safety, flexibility and cost less to buy; all of which adds to their appeal for the airsoft enthusiast.

There are a number of airsoft gun manufacturers. Some of the better known brands include Tokyo Marui, Classic Army, ICS, Crosman, Jing Gong and Cybergun. Whether you go for the higher quality leading brands or the economical versions, how much you are willing to pay will be a major deciding factor. This article aims to direct you towards a few things you should be aware of before deciding upon a brand of airsoft gun.

The leading manufacturer of high quality airsoft guns is Tokyo Marui. They are the largest international manufacturer worldwide and their guns have a reputation for being consistently reliable and hard-wearing. Tokyo Marui produces an excellent range of AEGs, AEPs and gas and spring powered guns. Leading the way in designing and improving airsoft products, many other brands replicate their models. As a manufacturer, they are well received by airsoft enthusiasts due to their intricate designs and detail and ability for highly accurate firing. In Japan, all metal body AEG's are banned so their guns are made using a durable ABS plastic and parts are reinforced with metal.

ICS has a highly respected standing in the airsoft community for making reliable quality guns. With a history that goes back twenty years, they use only the highest quality materials, extending to the internal workings of the gun, such as metal gearboxes, steel gears, and silicon steel bushings. Their guns have an outstanding durability and are popular with experienced airsoft players.

Classic Army are based in Hong Kong and manufacture high quality AEGs with metal bodies. Their models are particularly realistic-looking and durable. Most popular are their metal rifles with metal gears and gearboxes, precision barrels and high performance electric motors. Rifles made by Classic Army are also suited to upgrades and accessorising.

Jing Gong can also be known as JG, Golden Bow and Echo1 and manufacture high quality airsoft guns or AEG's in the low to mid price range. They are popular with experienced game players who are on a budget but still demand quality. Their guns are close duplications of the higher quality airsoft guns produced by Tokyo Marui. JG focuses more on the durability of the internal components of the guns by the addition of extra parts such as metal gears and gearboxes. A new improved version of the AEG recently introduced can shoot over 400fps and has improved internals produced in metal.

CYMA are best recognised for making low-priced and fairly low durability airsoft guns, most suitable for beginners. Recently, however, they have unveiled a new series of full metal and wood AEGs with the focus on high quality, reliability and performance. Many of their newer models are replicas of AEGs from Tokyo Mauri. Due to their updated models, CYMA are gaining popularity with softgun enthusiasts as manufacturers of quality guns at affordable prices.

Crosman are a well known America manufacturer and distributor of airsoft guns and BB guns. Their guns are known as being reliable and dependable with a reputation for durability. Their range extends from entry level airguns for beginners to high powered adult airguns. Crosman are a reasonably priced brand and well built, attracting the youthful end of the market.

Cybergun is a name you will hear amongst other brands of airsoft guns, although they don’t actually manufacture guns themselves. They work together with manufacturers such as Jing Gong, CYMA and KWC to produce officially licensed highly detailed replicas with full branding of popular gun makers including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Thompson, SIG SAUER, Desert Eagle, UZI, Kalashnikov, FAMAS, and more.

These are just a few of the brand names that manufacture and distribute airsoft guns. Whether you require a gun for fun or a more serious reason you will find a large selection of companies, guns and airsoft types to suit all levels of skill and experience.

Sniper Rifles and Tactics

Airsoft gun games are the most exciting ways to enjoy and explore the use of guns in a safe and secure environment. If organized well they can provide all the thrills and the adrenalin rush of a real battle situation without the fatalities.

Participants play in a variety of simulated situations. Players can engage in short term skirmishes, organized situations with a number of players involved, military simulations and even historical re-enactments. Airsoft gun games using both pistols and Airsoft rifles can be played during daylight hours or the heat can be turned up by playing in night time conditions. Each situation calls for some guidelines on how to achieve the aims of winning. We are here into a discussion of tactics. In its broadest sense, tactics are about finding the right actions to take to achieve a particular set of aims. In the context of airsoft gun games we are talking about establishing a military strategy where strategy is the larger-scale framework of direction and control and it follows that military tactics include specific offensives or maneuvers in the presence of battle. This is not a game for woosies!

Despite having the overall aim of taking down the enemy, different guns with their respective features are used in different ways to achieve this goal. And each player using their particular weapon will have a different role in the overall strategy of the game.

Below are some of the basics of tactics in Airsoft gun military strategy:

Positions for carrying your gun – these include tactical carry, alert carry, guard positions and threat positions.

Basic Gun Marksmanship – including shooting position essentials, correct body support, trigger squeeze and firing positions.

Firing during combat – including rapid semi-auto firing, rapid reload and quick firing.

Target Detection – this includes search techniques, target indicators, target marking and use of the ‘Map Method’.

Other strategies include covering and concealing personnel, co-coordinating the team, guidelines for tactical movements and night –time fighting.

While everybody can join in the game, one of the most popular roles is the ‘Airsoft Sniper’ sometimes known as the Lone Wolf or ‘Rogue of Airsofting’. This seems to be because of the marksmanship of the role such as the stealth involved, the power of the sniper rifle, and for many the sheer ‘coolness’ of being the sniper. His main tactical aim is to set up the perfect ambush and take out the enemy with a combination of cunning, speed and precision.

What would the sniper choose as his weapon? This Airsoft warrior plays with a Sniper Airsoft Rifle, designed for accurate, long range shooting with high velocity.

In a snap shot, here’s how to be an effective ‘sniper’.

In order to become an effective sniper or marksman, here are a few tips:

• Know the features of your gun. This is basic for all airsoft players alike, but crucial for the airsoft sniper. Knowing the shooting range of your gun and the best way to hit your target.

• Travel light. Whether you are a mobile sharpshooter or a stationary sniper, try to travel light. The Sniper Airsoft Rifle allows you to fire quietly, that’s its advantage, but moving quickly is aided by traveling as light as possible.

• Choose your BB’s well. Heavier BBs allow for better accuracy but you may lose on the ability to cover a longer distance.

• Be patient. Patience and stealth is the hallmark of a good sniper. Don’t just fire the first time you see your target. You do not want to be detected a missed shot could mean your position is compromised.

• Stay cool. Being nervous means your hands will shake, your goggles mist over and you lose sight of your target. Stay cool and wait for the best shot.

• Work with a spotter. As in the military, most snipers do not actually work alone. Your spotter is there to support you if things are not right for you to snipe effectively.

• Fine tune your skills. While it might be the most exciting role in the game for some, it is also one of the most skilled. The more you know your Sniper Airsoft Rifles and its capabilities, how to use different cocking positions and accessories like a bipod and shoulder strap the easier it will be to find the best sniping maneuvers that ensure success in the game.

There are many types of Sniper Airsoft Rifle available. A good, quality internet stockist will be able to provide you with the most appropriate model for your level of skill and ability and of course provide you with an upgraded model as you hone your sniping skills.

CYMA Desert Eagle Review

Cost: $50-80

Package contents: AEP, magazine, Battery/charger, syringe loader, rail, English instructions

FPS: 205 (.2g BB)

This is going to be one of the Black Sheep of the airsoft market. Its made by one of the companies with (formerly) the worst reputation of any of the airsoft manufacturers, but its priced well and performs well.

The Desert Eagle AEP is powered by a 7.2v custom type battery. The battery is stored underneath the barrel in the replica. Compared to other AEPs, the Desert Eagle has a TON of room in the body, and swapping batteries and adjusting the hopup is a breeze.

The slide (which is metal) comes off by pulling back on the hammer and lifting it off, very simple. This is how you access the battery and hopup mechanism.

The Desert Eagle performs very well considering it has a low FPS. The hopup is very consistent and you can easily hit a target at 60-80 feet. The low FPS though may mean that they can’t feel it.

Included in the package is a m1913 rail that fits underneath the barrel. You can mount fairly largelaser or lights on it because of how big it is. On top of the barrel is another rail, which you could mount an Aimpoint or Cmore to.

Pros:
-Price
-Accuracy/range
-Cool factor of using a freaking huge pistol
-Large rail
-Semi/Auto fire
-You can use it in cold weather unlike GBBs

Cons:
-The trigger mechanism is faulty on a few production runs. This can be fixed if you know your way around a dremel
-There is a pin below the safety that can break off if you play with it. Leave the safety alone
-This gun is WAY too big to fit in most holsters
-Low FPS
-Delay on the trigger (unlike GBBs)
-Long term durability (I’m worried about the trigger)

Top Tech M4 Carbine AEG

Top Tech M4 Carbine AEG

G&G's Top Tech line of airsoft guns bring a revolutionary new addition to the hobby: reliable blowback in an AEG. Previous attempts involved using springs to imitate real life bolt actions but they caused excessive wear and broke down regularly. Top Tech's new system system involves pneumatic blow back with a piston driven gas operated mechanism. Compressed air is moved into the bolt which creates the blow back and keeps the stress out of the gearbox.

Official Specs:
Material: AL6061/Aluminum Alloy/Nylon/Fiber/Steel/Zine/Plastic
Overall Length: 780mm
Weight: 2700g
Inner Barrel Length: 357mm
Muzzle velocity: 90-100m/sec with 0.2g BB
Motor: 25000 rpm Hi-torque
Spring Guide: Ball Bearing
Magazine: 450 Rounds

Okay, so I get the marketing hype, what does this mean in real life. Hands down, a much more authentic replication. This feature is a subtle change during an actual skirmish but it is just one piece of the pie that makes up the realistic military replicas that airsofters enjoy. It's actually shocking that other retailers haven't zeroed in on features like this.

If the blow back is pneumatic, does that mean I am going to loose FPS? Nope! You can lock the bolt back and prevent it from blowing back and the recorded FPS was only 2-3 fps less indicating no impact. We observed the following average FPS:

.20 BB: 342fps
.25 BB: 305fps

G&G has not only made a unique addition to AEGs they have done so at an affordable price. You should expect to find the Top Tech M4 Carbine in the $400 range when first launched.

So, they've changed AEG internals. How does this affect upgrades? AS-R didn't have a chance to upgrade the gun during our hands-on time but we did check in with G&G and get the scoop. They were quick to point out that traditional types of AEG upgrades such as bigger springs to increase FPS could be added with no problems since their blowback piston is external to the main functionality of the gearbox. Any upgrade that can be used on a standard G&G carbine can be used on the Top Tech.

So do I want this gun just because of the blow back? I'm glad you asked! While the pneumatic blow back system is an excellent upgrade on the gun, what good would it be if it wasn't supported by a solid and well built gun? The full metal body and excellent construction is very noticeable the first time you pick the gun up. It feels very hefty and also features licensed markings.

Another feature I haven't seen in other AEGs is the working safety indicator on the back of the safety lever. As you cycle through safe - semi - full you can observe what state you are in on the reverse side. Accurate! The gun also features a working forward assist that when pushed releases the tension on the spring for storage.

Overall, this Top Tech M4 Carbine is an excellent weapon that has proven reliable and a top performer in skirmishing. It's solid fell, strong construction and realistic performing parts escalate this above other AEGs on the market and make it worth a serious look.