Airsoft ???

I was wondering if anybody here was using an "airsoft" pistol for training?

I have one that is the spittin' image of my G-26, complete with blowback, slide-lock, mag release ...
I find it a good tool to practice the draw sequence with target acquisition and first shot placement - I double-tap just to keep the pattern, even though the recoil is "slim to none"
I also practice tac-load ad slide-lock reload.
You can practice trigger reset just like the real deal.
And it is fun !!!

I can practice as often as I want in my patio, at practically no cost, and I figure it helps keep the "muscle memory".

However, in no way am I trying to say that it replaces real fire training, preferably with your carry loads.

It is also interesting to train with a partner (my wife) to see if you can grab the gun without getting hit. Always wear adequate protective equipment for that; that little plastic ball will draw blood and you certainly do not want to get hit in the eye.

I like to use it to train beginners to the motions of a semi-auto and actually shooting, in a easier environment.

I've heard of younger shooters doing just as you suggest, foir the same reasons. Seems logical to me. I am currently looking for an XD version.

What really prompted me was the fact that all my students that have "Airsoft' history tend to have much accelerated learning curve with very good triger control.

I'm a fan now! :congrats:

What are the good airsoft guns? I saw that Sig Sauer has genuine Sig Airsoft but they are $350 each. Any recommendations for a sturdy airsoft pistol? What kind are best; electric, Co2, Propane, Spring?

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Originally Posted by Siafu

What are the good airsoft guns? I saw that Sig Sauer has genuine Sig Airsoft but they are $350 each. Any recommendations for a sturdy airsoft pistol? What kind are best; electric, Co2, Propane, Spring?

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I prefer the blowback (green) gas or propane; the others AFAIK don't have the slide coming back and therefore are not a good simulation for SL reload and general operation.
Tokyo Marui and KJW are good brands; you should expect to pay $90 to $150 depending on the quality; the metal slides are more expensive.
Try a Google on "airsoft sig".
Good luck ....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jfl

I prefer the blowback (green) gas or propane; the others AFAIK don't have the slide coming back and therefore are not a good simulation for SL reload and general operation.
Tokyo Marui and KJW are good brands; you should expect to pay $90 to $150 depending on the quality; the metal slides are more expensive.
Try a Google on "airsoft sig".
Good luck ....

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What is the best online retailer for airsoft? I want to get some airsoft for my nephews as gifts.

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Originally Posted by Siafu

What is the best online retailer for airsoft? I want to get some airsoft for my nephews as gifts.

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The ones I've dealt with are

Airsoft Guns, Free Shipping on rifles, pistols, spring, electric, Soft Air Gun - Airsplat
Airsoft GI - airsoft specialists - welcome to the ultimate airsoft

Good service with both.

I think airsoft guns are a great tool for those of us who are too financially challenged to go to the range and blow through hundreds of rounds of ammo on a regular basis. Plus, you can try new techniques and experiment with different scenarios on your own or run low budget force-on-force.

I have a fully funtional replica of my USP Compact by KWA, right down to metal slide, 100% functional controls, and even identical field stripping. The weight is pretty close with a full magazine, the internal parts are very similar to the real gun, and some are even interchangable with slight modification.

The only issues I've had with it have been the recoil spring and safety detent plate. The stock spring was so weak, if I held the gun muzzle up, it would not drive the slide home. I replaced it with a cut-to-length 9lb 1911 spring. It's not quite as strong as the real HK, but close enough, and the gun runs a lot better.

After a while, I noticed that the safety had a longer travel than it used to, and the gun would fire with the safety engaged. After some poking around, I found that many airsoft guns use non-heat-treated steel, especially for small parts, and in my case, the safety detent plate was very soft and had deformed under normal use. I replaced it with a factory HK detent plate (with a little fitting), and that took care of that problem.

I also have a WE full-metal 1911 (a clone of my GI 1911), and a KWA full-metal M4 AEG. Both are fully functional replicas of the real thing, with the exception that the M4 doesn't require you to operating the charging handle or bolt release during a magazine change. But both controls still work, and it makes up for it by having a happy switch. :smile:

Whatever you buy, research it completely. Lots of people do youtube reviews of airsoft guns and there are as many forums devoted to them as to real guns. A lot of times, you can turn up chronic issues with a particular model along with ways to fix them.

i tend to use airsoft to teach some of the guys in my unit room cllearing and such. its cheaper and safer than real shooting for begginers without being too unrealistic. good training is good training. now if only i could find an M4 that doesn't require that fake peq-2 to hold the battery.

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Originally Posted by bobcat35

now if only i could find an M4 that doesn't require that fake peq-2 to hold the battery.

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Most of the airsoft M4's I've seen use either a stick or chuck style battery under the handguards. No attachments needed. I know mine is that way.

I have a G19, and I do use mine also for training. I have also used it with my girlfriend to get her used to the basics of safe handling, etc... I think they are great, and if you want to do some target practice, you can at any time.