Discovering Airsoft - A Noob Story
 

So I finally decided to take the plunge and with a little help from a mutual friend of ours, myself and another buddy of mine ordered our first airsoft guns. Before I go any further, a little background, both of us are avid computer gamers, we've moved through various video games over the years trying to find something that's close to 'realistic'. So far the best we've come up with is a game known as "True Combat" (www.truecombat.com). We've known about paintball for awhile, neither of us enjoy it very much due to the non-realism aspects of the game (at least airsoft gets a bit closer to the real thing by having guns that look real) and getting covered in paint. Those 'speedball' games look like a bunch of people from startrek or some other sci-fi show firing goo-guns at each other. :-D

I still remember the day when I saw a G3A4 airsoft gun over a year ago now and vowed that one day when the cash was there I was going to get it. Unfortunately when that time finally came (just recently) I was informed that not only do none of the stores in Canada have any in stock but they apparantly aren't being manufactured anymore. :( I settled for the next best thing (in my mind) the G3 SG1 (which I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival) and given it's 1m+ length picked up a G3 SAS too (yay for interchangable mags) for something that's more applicable to CQB.

My friend ordered himself a CA SAR M41FS (offizer), which was in stock at the time (very envious that he didn't have to wait more than a week, you bastard!). We don't really have anywhere to go to fire the thing off as we live in a pretty built up town, as such we've only been able to try it out at my friends work (won't say where but it's safe from public scrutiny!). Having never actually fired an airsoft gun before (only ever had Crappy Tire bb guns) it was a treat I must say. We took great pleasure in reducing a few pop cans to tin foil, then took some shots at each other to see what we were in for. When I realized that these things actually cause noticable pain I was strangely pleased :-D

Even before placing our orders we've been working ourselves into shape by running a lot and excercising. If you're a bit of a fatass like me who works in the data communication/IT field it's probably a good idea to start beating yourself into shape well before you're being fired at. I know that my 40+ hours a week sitting at a console doesn't exactly build those leg muscles.

One issue that we have (as mentioned we live in a built up area) is locations to play. So far TTAC and EOTEC are the only well-established local airsoft-only operations that I can find in the GTA. I guess we could check out some of the paintball fields on their airsoft nights but the idea of an airsoft-only field is highly appealing :) At this time we're just trying to find more places we can safely use our guns in the local area. Toronto is a bit of a drive, but will definately be worth it. I know there's a list of locations in the Ontario Games and Events Schedule section (thanks!), all of which had websites I checked out (anyone know if Deadlands/Dragon ops is still in operation? assuming no as the status would have probably been updated). My friends and I are in the process right now of talking with all our trusted acquaintences to see if we can find anyone who owns land that isn't going to get the wrong idea about airsoft. After all, don't feel like getting shot/arrested/being responsible for ruining fun for anyone else!

One thing that still surprises me is just how much gear (camo, tac gear, guns, etc.) some people have. Now I understand those statements such as 'this is the most expensive addiciton you'll have' and have a better idea of how you can easily blow thousands on this sport. Going to check out some surplus stores in Toronto tomorrow hopefully to see what I can find for myself. Thank you ASC for providing a list of suitable stores/websites to acquire camo and tac. gear from.

So far the forums have been an excellent resource of information, in fact I've spent almost my entire Saturday just reading ASC today to 'do my homework' so to speak. I must say that if it wasn't for this website I doubt any of this would have happened, or at least been so easy. That 'search' function has helped greatly (remember it fellow newbs!). Either way I'd like to give a big thanks everyone that's contributed to this website as I would have been lost/ripped-off no doubt without it. Both myself and my friends are looking forward to getting involved in the community and attending some games, even though we'll get our assess handed to ourselves at first I can't wait to start the real learning process. :)

hmm thats pretty cool. i think everyone can appreciate your story and remember how they got their start.

i use to play tournament paintball. i didnt like it cuz it changed from tourny ball to "xball" and is now was dominated by cheaters. it didnt matter how good a player you were, how fast you ran, how quick you could fire balls out, what gun you had - all these had been affected by cheaters. it was how well you could wipe, and what kinda cheater board you had in the gun. i longed to go play senerio ball, but that is nonexsistant here. also i couldnt justify spending $300+ at a tourny and have nothing but memories to show for it. i longed to play rainbow six or ghost recon (which is surprisingly good practice on your down time!) style paintball, i wanted to buy a RAP4 mp5 for the realism as i only played recball in the end, but getting those is ghey expensive and next to impossible to get, so i was going to build an m4 out of a tipman and hid the 9oz tank underslung to simulate an m203, but doing that was going to cost 700$+... not really worth it and you still have that hella ghey hopper on the top of the gun. i remember my buddy got into airsoft waaaayback in 98 or so and we shot the shit out of his house (drywall and blinds... lightbulbs and pictures....) it was fun, and i loved how cool the guns looked.

so i tracked him down and asked about it. we was extatic to finally have someone who was interested in it (there was NO airsoft community nor players aside from him here) so i came over to his house (after we hadnt spoken for 2 years+) he showed me his stuff, i did the typical noob drooling. he had an m16 that was in pieces... right down to the mechbox. he gave that to me along with 2 springer (whick were stripped as well) and said if i could get them back together, i could have them.

it took me.. oooooh about 4 hours to completley assemble the m16 sans delta ring and hand guards (that was trickey for a guy who had no instructions, no previous gun experience, nothing to aid) and about 3 days to find diagrams on how to reassemble the usp, and couger. then a few days later we tracked down his old famas, i bought that as well.

then we started playing... jsut the two of us. hide and seek/ stalk and kill/ seek anmd destroy.... ooo the variations at the paintball course i worked at. occasionally we had a few friends that would come out and play but for the most part for 1 year it was just us, then latter on that year a buddy from work joined... then a year later, 6 other guys joined and we got the opportunity to use a farm as our field, then more people joined, now we have a group of 10+ that is still growing. i also bought mondo amounts of gear and guns, dont deny it, your going to buy lots of "outfits" and "vests" one word of advice... dont be the kid that shows up to school wearin saan store clothing, hunting vests and clothing are not acceptable as airsoft gear... go to an army surplus store!

right now were trying to for a club (if anyone has advice i could use it). as it stands im the host and game organizer and i guess head hinch, though i wish that would change a bit, it seems as though having a free field to play at every week isnt enough to stop people from whinning and bitching, ruining it for themselves and others then blaming the game organizer because theyre not having fun, instead of trying to help organize games and contributing, but what can you do?

thats my story.

I can't wait. Tomorrow I'm heading down to Creative Outdoor to check out some of their gear. Probably going to try and find some CADPAT stuff as that seems fairly standard, either that or the british BDU stuff perhaps.

I was checking out some of that 3d camo that the hunting websites have. Some of those things look like they could make a nice base for a gillie suit. Either way much more reading and learning to do. :)

That's what I need to do, find someone who owns a farm or a big field somewhere. Just isn't easy when pretty much everyone you know lives in suburbia :(

you can also check with other asc members that live in the area that you do and pm them if there any indoor games around town

You can get a lot of the gears you need/want from the forums here. There's quite a few sellers here that carry a very wide range of selection. Just prepare to spend the $$$.

In Ontario, we are already very lucky to have so many fields, TTAC3, EOTECH like you mentioned, there are also Wasaga (up by Barrie/Wasaga Beach area), Flag Raiders west in Cambridge (they got 2 fields there, new + old). I believe someone still plays a few games at Sgt Splatters, but numbers have drastically dropped there. Airsoft isn't exactly like a movie theatres, you won't find much fields (if any other than TTAC3) in urban centres.

You might want to get yourself verified and open up yourself to our awesome classified sections.

Well I just picked up some gear from Creative Outdoor in Richmond Hill. Nice store owners there. They were friendly and quite helpful, they're also pretty airsoft inclined and had some various mags and ammo on sale (woohoo a local supply within a 20 minute drive). ~$330 got me a pair of pants, jacket, boonie hat (all CADPAT stuff), a vest, JT googles and some water bladder deal for the vest. Not sure how that fares compared to prices at other stores but they had a pretty decent selection even though the store itself is rather small.

Don't buy your vests or web gear at surplus stores unless you don't mind 20 year old crap, or Asian made crap. Check out Blackhawk, HSGI, Tactical Tailor etc. or you will be sorry when you see that you are wearing replicrap, but, again it is all relative, to your financial situation. I find these forums and EBAY are a great place to buy gear. Just don't rush out buying a ghillie suit or other such "leet" items till you actually get to a game and see what people actually wear. Creative Outdoors prices on mags and bb's are fucking outrageous, you can get them here for 1/3 the price.

Ack! Replicrap, doesn't sound good :(

Well, I guess I'll see if I've been owned when I get out to my first game and have a chance to compare ;)

Fortunately I didn't pick up any mags or bb's whilst there at least. Hopefully this influences other noobs before they buy a bunch of crap thinking it's all good. Ah the learning process, hammer that knowledge in! :smack:

yeah those along with tiger tactical are great suppliers i have seen for gear, but i know that after using it i look at the stuff they sell at the surplus shops and see how it really is not as nice... it does of course come down to the individual financial situation but if you can get those really good brands it can be worth it.

True Combat rules!

"Enermy flag returned!" ;)

Stay away from Tiger Tactical

Hey, i live in the GTA and have a couple of friends that live around aurora. I notice that there are a lot of forests in peoples backyards. For example, my friend pretty much has a forest in his back yard, perhaps you can just rent out some guys backyard or something and play there. Not sure if its the bet idea, but before i got into actual airsofting, thats pretty much all i did to prepare myself with some other friends. Anyways, I've been told its a stupid ideo, but i think why not use a perfect piece of land if theres no one around. This is IMO.

It is a stupid idea, you'll keep getting told about it, so STOP suggesting it.

Airsoft is a sport to be played in a controlled environment AWAY from public's view. Unless he lives in the middle of nowhere and have 0% chance of anyone seeing them, then you can play given you have notify and authorized by the right authorities that you are playing with airsoft (guns that looks REAL).

replicrap isnt a bad investment. i didnt know the diff when i started so i got one, they just fine for a noob even moderatley experienced player who still hasnt found the weapon and load out they want. buy the cheap stuff untill you know what gun your for sure 100% going to use; you may think you like a gun and when you get it that its going to be THE GUN, but after you play a while, you realise said gun lacks in certian areas, or doesnt quite fit you - your body - youyr playing style - ect EVERYONE buys the gun they think LOOKS the best as their first gun, the gun you end up with when you reach the novice experience WILL be different. but when that day comes, rejoice, cuz now you can start buying hi grade stuff (not that you wouldnt have been dumping large amounts of $$ on gear already) no doubt about it, there is a WORLD of difference between the 350$+ vests at seals action command, Blackhawk, HSGI, Tactical Tailor from those in the classifieds and surplus shops, but holy frick is it worth it. but ya, i would say dont buy a vest till you reach "that level" everyone here can attest to going through 3-4 vest before they found the one they liked
atleast 3-4 outfits before they found one they like/ suits theyre play
ATLEAST 3-4 guns before they found the gun they like (most still havent!)
but keep in mind you dont want to buy uber cheap shit, youll just ruin it for yourself, there is a happy medium.

Well in my opinion i got my webbing from a surplus store in DT montreal, and it's great, prolly replica, and it's old but in good nick....like i said it's good for me, but to each his own, get what suits you best, try things out, who know what you might end up with. Personally i'm not bothered if it's the latest swish fancy crap that costs half a grand, if it does the job, and stays together then it's all good.

I don't remember how i came across airsoft, i think i was on utube or something like that and there was a vid of some guys in portugal or spain playing. I was instantly interested, so google was my next stop, and then asc was right there...spent a good year and a bit just reading before i got out to a game, man that was back in the days of the Rigaud field just outside of mtl...good few games up there.

Anywhoo just my 2c

I can picture the SWAT team and the RCMP comming already hehe

What is a matter with Tiger Tactical? I find their gear to be good quality...

I've got two people right now I'm waiting for a response from RE field use. I basically gave them both the info about airsoft and then directed them to some websites, did a brief rundown of the safety issues and the 18+ age restriction rules. Just waiting to see what they have to say about it at this point.

I've also been checking out information about insurance for a field. Lawfully is this required even if you are just running a private operation? The few people I know locally who would be attending with me are all trustworthy friends so we've got no fears of sueing each other or anything like that. As a LAN event organizer I've looked at event insurance before, but I have a feeling that's going to be rather different compared to an insurance policy for an airsoft field.

Bottom line, I've got two potential locations I'm working on right now. If the owner(s) are ok with their use I want to make sure that I'm also taking care of any legal requirements while it's a private field. One day in the future provided the field owner is OK with it and that the cost of insurance isn't astronomical I'd definately be interested in openning up something for local use by people from the ASC community too (got a lot to learn before that's going to be possible though).

For now though it looks like I've got to "bite the steering wheel" so to speak and make a 2 hour drive to the closest nearby fields if I want to do anything seriously. Hopefully I'll be able to get my feet wet this coming weekend at TTAC3, then I was thinking about checking out the games at FR on the August 5th/6th weekend.

*Some* of their gear is good quality. *Some* of it falls apart. It's a question of quality control, it seems. I believe the original comment is based on pesonal experience, a modular assault vest that basicaly self-destructed after using with combat loads. Considering it's supposed to be built for real-world operations, it just didn't cut it.

We've got places to play out your way.

Just to clear things up, he owns the forest, and there is 0% that the public can see becuase its 10 acres+ of forest that he owns. Sorry for posting this, if there was any misunderstanding. Don't try this, its stupid. :salute:

That, legally, does not matter at all. Unless you get all the right permits, insurance, etc.
Insurance is the killer.

Woo, looks like if all goes well I'll be at FR August 6th, possibly 5th too (not sure if my noob ass is ready for a night op as my first real game :P).

As for field stuff, from what I gather whether it's a public or private field you pretty much need insurance to play there legally. Is there anything else (you mentioned permits Greylocks) that one requires? I'm just looking to get an idea of what it costs to have your own place to play, whenever you like with no costs attached and without the risk of horrible legal issues. As far as I can understand here I basically have to go to an insured field to even fire an airsoft gun outside.

well the local field way out here in boondock land gets charged about $15/day/person from his insurance company, and thats before he has to fiqure out employee costs, taxes, improvements and the all important profit. And one little incident and that all can go bye bye, so hence the reason some fields are super strict about what you can or can not do.

I'd imaging costs would be higher out in Ontario.

So unless you have a couple hundred acres of land that you already own and are looking to do something other then raising piglets and cows with the odd chicken or two running around. It's best to just go to established fields.

The last time I was told of insurance costs by a field owner, they were around $600 per month.
You may face municipal bylaws too, and those bite.

Yeah right now I don't own any kind of land myself, however one of my friends has a relative who's willing to allow us to use their land to play on. Large forrested area and and also some open field.

We're not looking to set up a pay-for-use field, but just more something for some local friends to go do target shooting and practice. As mentioned the land owner is willing to let us use the field at no cost as long as it doesn't cause him any grief.

Would a private field like this still require insurance or any other kind of official permit? I'm wondering more if it's required to have it if in case someone trespasses and gets shot accidently for example.

As compared to LAN events, when I host an event at my house I don't need any insurance, permits or anything (then again this is a LAN tournament and not some guys firing off airsoft guns), however when running the larger public events insurance is pretty much mandatory, otherwise if some kid sustained an injury from just tripping over a step or falling off his chair we could be sued. :(

Although $600 a month is a lot it's not too unreasonable if you divide it up between 5 `or 6 people (about $30 or $25 a week to have somewhere within a 15 minute drive to game whenever you like).

Ah bylaws :) The research continues...

In a nutshell, a good example is what it takes to have a real gun range on your land. It's pretty much as complicated.

Remember that Joe Public only sees terrorists with machine guns, and that the laws and permits required have to cover that eventuality.

If you cant shoot machine guns, or even normal real guns, on your land, then you most likely cant shoot airsoft either.

I know, it's an extreme example, but it's pretty much true and the consequences you face are about the same.

The BEST thing you can do is to go play at local fields (or as local as possible) for a good year. Then you'll probably know what it takes and if it's worth it.

Well, the land isn't going anywhere anytime soon so no rush. That and I think it's going to be a lot more entertaining anyways to go to a larger field with props and lots of other people as compared to some empty field/forrest with 5 other friends. Too bad I didn't live in Cambridge or something, least the drive wouldn't be so annoying then. :)

Zong, sorry to tell you so late, but cheaperthandirt had collapsing G3 stocks in a while ago. Since yours has batteries, it would probably ruin your gun, but just an FYI.

Right on man. No worries :)

Definately sounds cool. Will have to see what I can do, but the gun I've ordered has a large battery so it'll probably be difficult. I was thinking one day I might find a folding stock and could stuff a battery in there. Might have some kind of wire lameness hanging out the back of the gun though when it's folded up then though.

They still have them, but they're a little hardcore. Price would be right if mounting on a real G3, but since the Liberals know what's best for us they're banned, by name, because we're not trustworthy citizens.

http://cheaperthandirt.com/MGR283-45051-1821.html
http://cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_image...od/MGR-283.jpg

*drools*

One day I'll have to figure out how to slap one of those on my G3 :)

Hey I'm a noob too!! But i've been into airsoft for around 2 years, and I'm gonna use this opportunity to ask what i need to ask because i just foud out about this sight recently. Right now i have a Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB. It pretty decked out, well kinda, but I wanted to get myself ready for when i was finally ready to go airsofting!

I just turned 16 like a month ago, and according to my research, people are allowed to go airsofting when they turn 16, and buy when they turn 18 (my parents are from hongkong so i've been really familiar with airsoft throughout my life, becuase over there airsoft is like the main thing, and thats why i already have a gun). I was actually double checking to see if i am 100% allowed to go airsofting now at my current age.

Today i pretty much spent my whole day reading all the forums and everything, it was pretty cool. For my first game i want to be ready, I am a very big noob, probably the biggest noob right now. I want to know what i need for my first and future games. I already have a gun, i know i need an outfit but what else?

I've been reading forums, and to my current knowledge flagraiders is one of the best airsofting areas in Ontario, and is probably going to be where i play my first airsoft games. My next question is: In the games schedule section, are the flagraiders games open to everyone, cuz i notice people just saying they want to go and they're added to the list, is there any additional RSVP?? And also, is it ok if i go myself (seeing that I am 16)?? But i'll probably be going with my big bro. Just want to know so when i get my G2 and i am still underage, i can go myself.

I really want to airsoft, and i hope that the time finally has come. Please help me answer my questions and help me turn myself from a super noob to a regualar noob! lol

Thank You guys in advance! :salute:

hehe man its so easy just cut off the guide rod and slap on the stock with the pins and ta-da its it. but then you have to wire the gear box to the front and buy a new mini battery and your set.

I can't believe this didn't get raped by now...

You obviously didn't read the most important sticky with respect to age.

18 to play, unless mommy or daddy are constantly watching.

NO DICE!!!

Kacey, you badly need to read the Newbie Guide, the Information section, and the FAQ.
And as I said elsewhere, if you want to know the rules at a field, just email the folks who run the games there.

noooobie
 

im a noob to serious airsoft events, after being told off too much for brandishing a firearm in public, and shooting holes in my mother's flower baskets, me and the guys decided to find events to go to, but i need to find myself the biggest baddest scary ass gun anyone has ever seen, what does anyone know about the aeg minigun? it fires 50 rounds a second ive been told, and that it costs 9000 dollars u.s.?
that works out to like £4000 sterling, which i could afford when i come back home from alberta in november.
what is a cool gun?
Heavy support, anything with a high fire rate?

Wow... I seriously doubt you'll find any help here, though someone may appreciate that you're trying to 'come clean.'

The age your allowed to play airsoft is totally up to the host, if it is at a feild with insurance and a wavier system (not private feilds). 14 year olds have played at games. The 18 rule only really applys to buying airsoft guns, In which case most underage players just get there parents to buy them.

You sir, are a tool. :smack:

I don't know about you fellas, but that story sure brought a tear to me eye it did.

PS - muzzer your about as smart as a bag of rocks ... the not too bright type of rocks.

A small bag of rocks. Perhaps mud-like.

Glock18, you forget a few things in your statement of what is allowed under which circumstances. But I'll let you search for it.

Cruel, aint I?

Is it even possible to lug a minigun around? I wonder how many BBs can one minigun hose out in a game. lol

If you are rich enough to get a minigun and all it entails, you are rich enough to have a pintel mount on the Rolls.

I try... hehe.

I intend to update my little tale of fun after the upcoming games at FR so I can convey to the other nubs the joys of being pelleted into annihilation ;)

Definitely not quartz or diamond material here, maybe granite :-D

--

Just an update story-wize. I have now been messing with my G3 SAS (still waiting for the SG1) for some time now at a location safe from public eyes. I HAVE NOT taken my gun out into public to become the latest "Airsoft Delinquint" or anything of that nature (don't do it noobs it not worth the hassle)! Also Vice and I unloaded our guns at each other on full auto to see what damage it could actually do, man that was comical (and yes we wore our goggles).

We've now got all the gear we should need to be ready (I hope) for the night game (vice actually convinced his wife to let him leave the house for more than 24 hours HELL YEAH!) and the day game coming up at flagraiders this weekend and are both as giddy as school girls looking forward to participate. Yet more and more reading has occurred (currently checking out the various anti-goggle-fogging recommendations on the forums) and also a bit of forward planning as to what to bring (tent, sleeping bag, other crap).

Also been doing some other forward planning, anyone ever checked out Jungle Hammock's before?: http://www.mosquitohammock.com/

And maybe one day in the future when I buy some nerf footballs: http://www.milsimlabs.com/airsoft%20...20launcher.htm

The journey continues :)

K FIRST THING IS WHY THE **** DOES THE AIRSOFT COMUNITY HATE TEENS?