I'm considering getting an airsoft pistol to practice when I can't get to the range. Anyone have any suggestions on what to get?

 

I was looking at the WE CQB Master Alpha: http://www.evike.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_45_252&products_id=31322

 

or the KWA PTP MK 3: http://www.evike.com/product_info.php?products_id=32938

That's a lot of money just to 'practice'. It all depends on what you're practicing. And why can't you use a real gun?

 

I had my gf practice with a cheap spring pistol for drawing, but that was really it. So there was no need to spend more than 20 bucks on an airsoft pistol.

 

But if you feel you want the real deal, a gas blowback is the way to go.

The way I look at it is that I can go to a range and shoot a few hundred rounds at paper and that would cost around $40-50 for each session. If I want to do any real action shooting, I would have to go to specific events which usually eats up several hours of my time and are only on weekends.

 

I was thinking that I can setup some targets in the backyard or garage and practice whenever I want for as long/little as I want. While it's not the real thing, I'm guessing it's better than just dryfiring (will continue to do that as well).

 

I just don't want to buy junk that I won't use as well as not have to spend several hundred on a airsoft pistol.

I had a $200.blowback grn gas that only shot 50 rds before needing more gas..recently I bought a c02 1911 non-bb version from airsplat shoots @ 400 fps..it shoots over 100 rds per cartridge..... gun was less than $60..c02 was .50ct a cylnder...couldnt be happier....for less than a $100 I got 2000k bb's, gun, and fuel..

The way I look at it is that I can go to a range and shoot a few hundred rounds at paper and that would cost around $40-50 for each session. If I want to do any real action shooting, I would have to go to specific events which usually eats up several hours of my time and are only on weekends.

 

I was thinking that I can setup some targets in the backyard or garage and practice whenever I want for as long/little as I want. While it's not the real thing, I'm guessing it's better than just dryfiring (will continue to do that as well).

 

I just don't want to buy junk that I won't use as well as not have to spend several hundred on a airsoft pistol.

 

Yeah I know what you mean. In that case, getting one would probably be a benefit to you..not only practicing shooting a replica of your pistol but also for fun.

I've been looking for the same thing. Just started shopping for a gas blowback M9. I've had poor luck with the quality of airsoft guns in the past, though, so I'm taking my time researching.

If you get one that takes "green gas" you can use those propane tanks they sell in the camping section of DIck's, etc and save yourself a bundle vs. CO2 cartridges.

In my brief experience with airsoft, I know that KWA is a great brand. IIRC they use a lot of proprietary parts so upgrading can be a bit difficult, but they're good enough that you wouldn't really need too. I have a KWA rifle that I'm considering getting rid of and it's a pretty decent piece of machinery.

 

They're like the Apple of airsoft which, now that I said that, makes me wonder if I should like them, because I don't like Apple. I will need to rest on this paradox.

Z71 - which one did you get and how's the quality and accuracy?

 

AndyB - If I get a non-CO2, I was planning on getting a propane adapter instead of using green gas...it does save a lot. However, I have about 40 C02 cartriges already so I'm open either way. I'm concerned about the quality as well. Just want to make sure I don't buy junk that would break in a month.

Z71 - which one did you get and how's the quality and accuracy?

 

AndyB - If I get a non-CO2, I was planning on getting a propane adapter instead of using green gas...it does save a lot. However, I have about 40 C02 cartriges already so I'm open either way. I'm concerned about the quality as well. Just want to make sure I don't buy junk that would break in a month.

Co2 is nice. I have two non blow back Taurus 24/7's and they shoot like a dream. I can tear paper up from 30 feet no problem with either. As far as quality, generally the higher the price, the better the quality. But not always so.

 

Just some examples of stuff I'd get:

http://www.airsoftgi...roducts_id=6636

http://www.airsoftgi...roducts_id=5573

http://www.airsoftgi...roducts_id=7648

http://www.airsoftgi...roducts_id=9502

 

This next set of links is in a Company based in the UK or Hong Kong (can't remember, they moved warehouses)

http://www.redwolfai...CO2_Version.htm

http://www.redwolfai...CO2_Version.htm

http://www.redwolfai...E_WE_17_GBB.htm

http://www.redwolfai...Metal_Slide.htm

 

I tried to give you a cross section of affordable airsoft guns, that are good quality. Most are metal and will feel really close to the real thing. IMO, for practice these are gonna be pretty good. But it doesn't beat the real thing.

Airsoft gets expensive really quick, I still have 5 Airsoft guns left and I already sold 8 of them within the last few months. I have 3 kwa's left m16, Mac 11 and an m9 ptp, a TM glock and a echo 1 platinum m4.

 

I never even thought of using an Airsoft gun to practice with, YES I know that's what they are for(training)!! I know they have the exact replicas but to me it's just the mental factor, because it's in my head always thinking "it only shoots plastic bbs"

 

If I wanted to practice with my pistol I would use that laser bore sight with the laser target system. I can't recall the exact name for it but if you search online I'm sure you'll find it. For every different caliber of rifles and pistols you only have to buy a different size laser ammo.

I think if you have the space it's worth it. I wanted to do it myself, but just don't have the space for it.

It does get expensive, but I think it's worth it if you end up using it a lot.

 

Everyone I've talked to who does use it says it does help them in matches.

 

If I wanted to practice with my pistol I would use that laser bore sight with the laser target system. I can't recall the exact name for it but if you search online I'm sure you'll find it. For every different caliber of rifles and pistols you only have to buy a different size laser ammo.

 

I believe this is what you are referring to: http://www.laserlyte.com/collections/lts

 

I use that for practice, as well as an Airsoft gun that's a pretty close replica of my Glocks. I believe it's this one:

http://www.amazon.com/KWA-ATP-GBB-Airsoft-Pistol/dp/B005F7YJBO

 

For some good info on dry-fire and Airsoft training, this is a great little manual:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_15?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=tactical+firearms+training+secrets&sprefix=tactical+firear%2Cstripbooks%2C304

I got the TSD 1911 304 series $39.99.....dicks sells spare mags for it ... c02 at dicks is cheap...

has a nice wieght and balance..can definetly reach out to 100 ft...

 

 

I believe this is what you are referring to: http://www.laserlyte.com/collections/lts

 

 

BINGO!!! Exactly thank you

WE's not the greatest of brands in terms of reliability but it will work ok.

 

Gas blowback pistols do require a bit more maintenance, however they are more realistic.

 

I've done a side-by-side comparison of my Tokyo Marui Px4 vs my Beretta Px4 - there's not a lot of difference.

I started with a ksc glock 19 gas blowback. Still got it / love it. The gass did get expensive so I learned I could get one of

 

http://www.airsplat.com/Items/GG-AI-PROP-ADAP.htm

 

And put it on Colman propane at 2 for 5 bucks ( green gass is propane with oil andbscent in it)

 

http://www.target.com/s/coleman+propane+cylinder?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&CPNG=rtcs+grills+%26+fireplaces&adgroup=rtcs++propane+cylinder+coleman&LNM=Coleman%20propane%20cylinder&MT=broad&LID=33p2302929&KID=61a6517b-8d47-f8e8-5bde-00006937e1c2

 

And shoot all month on them.

 

They look and feel real. Here is an airsoft toy

 

 

And my we baby 3.8 is still going strong at about 10 years old. My opinion is we's are like hipoint pistols. They work well but it's the name is why people don't like them

WE's not the greatest of brands in terms of reliability but it will work ok.

 

Gas blowback pistols do require a bit more maintenance, however they are more realistic.

 

I've done a side-by-side comparison of my Tokyo Marui Px4 vs my Beretta Px4 - there's not a lot of difference.

 

IMO, WE has gotten a bit better than what they were. But I don't have experience with them so its a moot point with me.

 

I have noticed how ever that they appear to be about the only company making Glock replicas. Or at least currently.

Currently, yes. You can however find Glock airsoft guns. KJW makes some.

 

You currently have to buy them in "parts" though (Frame & Slide):

Frame

http://www.evike.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_45_241&products_id=33760

Slide:

http://www.evike.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_45_241&products_id=33773

 

 

KWA's "ATP" (Advanced Training Pistol) is essentially a glock with some small cosmetic changes.

It will fit glock holsters from what I've heard

http://www.evike.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_45_242&products_id=35937

From what I've been researching, it seems that KWA is superior to the WE in terms of quality, accuracy and gas efficiency. I was ready to get the WE CQB Master Alpha as a platform to upgrade to an open airsoft gun, but am second guessing it and may go with one the KWA 1911 PTP models...too bad they don't make a 2011 style PTP.

I use my sti gas to practice and for muscle memory