[SheridanB]

Can you train with airsoft pistols and if so which is the best one to get?

 

[BLS33]

I wouldn't train with airsoft guns. It creates an unrealistic enviroment because the gun acts so much differently then an actual firearm. You have zero recoil as well as low noise and much different velocity which affects aiming.

 

[SabreArms]

I disagree BLS33. While waiting for my FFL I stumbled into the airsoft world thinking what the hell. I like many other firearms owners scoffed at the idea and absurdity of airsoft. But when I got my hands on a real one (not the cheap pieces of crap they sell in the minimarts, but a $200+ one) I was extremely impressed and let me tell you why

Example:
M4 (M16/AR15 etc..) Pick a model. Same weight, same size, same sights, same functions (for the most part). You do not charge it nor is the bolt release functional but other than that it is very similar. You have safe, single and full auto. As far as training goes it teaches you fire control and weapon location. Basically you are firing a live weapon minus the loud noise and recoil. You still have to switch mags when empty (if you use the thirty rounders) and still have to point the weapon in a safe direction. Standard velocity is around 330fps with .2g BB's and they have no problem shredding cans.

I use it to teach my daughter gun safety as well as firing techniques in my garage any time I want.

Did I mention the ammo is about $15 for 5000 rds?

Range is not that great (150ft) but it is not an issue for close quarters. I am more than happy to invite anyone interested to come on out and play a game. Find a local team and go watch them train or join in. Its the ultimate cowboys and indians.

Hope that brings a little light on the subject.

 

[GhostWolf7017]

They do make airsoft pistols with blow back, so the gun will give a recoil. These actually feel and weigh like the real thing. Of course the recoil is nothing close to what a ral handgun is, but the slide is forced back (hence blowback) to give a simulated recoil.

 

[matt g]

Simunitions is a much better training aide.

http://www.simunition.com/index_en.php

 

[jeepcreep927]

I see no difference in simmunitions and airsoft except cost. Provided the airsoft model is a quality one, I prefer them to simmunitions. More models available, much cheaper, and still offers the instant notification that you've been hit.

 

[matt g]

I see no difference in simmunitions and airsoft except cost. Provided the airsoft model is a quality one, I prefer them to simmunitions. More models available, much cheaper, and still offers the instant notification that you've been hit.

With Simunitions, you're using an actual firearm that functions as it should, which is a much better training aide than a toy that fires plastic BBs.

 

[jeepcreep927]

I know how they function, I have used both before. I am simply stating that airsoft models are available in model specific guns, as I am sure you know. If you're buying one for yourself, for whatever reason, as a training aid, I would absolutely buy the airsoft. Projectiles are cheaper and so is the gun (I don't mean the wal mart plastic ones however). I have used Sig 226's converted to fire simms and they were crap requiring manual cycling of the slide a majority of the time. The simmunition specific blue frame Glock firearms worked fine but they should for the money they cost. If an agency is footing the bill and you can get a model the same as your duty weapon, go for it. But for acceptable training aids, on your dime, airsoft works well. That's all I was getting at.

 

[JuSteven]

Hello!

Hey everyone, is there a specific section I can post about my site on here? I'd just like some opinions if the community has some time. Just wanted to ask before posting it. Thanks!

 

[WDB]

Hey everyone, is there a specific section I can post about my site on here? I'd just like some opinions if the community has some time. Just wanted to ask before posting it. Thanks!

Start with the introduction/new members thread

 

[WDB]

I've shot some high end air soft and will say there is no honest training value offered. No/little recoil and little noise. My rub with these toys is many look like real firearms so now LOE's have to wonder if it's real or airsoft? I expect it has already happened where a LEO shot someone using these toys while conducting a criminal act. Toy firearms should be just that and look like toys. There is no value to these toys with the exception they look like real firearms and give the person who can't own a real firearm a toy that looks real. If you want the expereince with out the cost of shooting a real firearm try paint ball....then again those guns don't look like real firearms. There is no one that can say with a straight face an air soft AR or AK gives the feel of the real thing. It's a BB gun shooting plasic bb's dressed up to look like a real firearm.

 

[SGT-MILLER]

Train as you fight.

Think of it this way. When a person wants to run a 5K, does he train by running or walking?

If you want to become more proficient with real firearms, you MUST practice with a real firearm. Practicing with an Airsoft will only give you false confidence in your skills.

These days some firearms are cheaper than higher end Airsoft BB guns anyway.

If you can, train with a real firearm. Along with that, get professional instruction if possible.

 

[matt g]

Train as you fight.

Think of it this way. When a person wants to run a 5K, does he train by running or walking?

If you want to become more proficient with real firearms, you MUST practice with a real firearm. Practicing with an Airsoft will only give you false confidence in your skills.

These days some firearms are cheaper than higher end Airsoft BB guns anyway.

If you can, train with a real firearm. Along with that, get professional instruction if possible.

You guys use MILES much?

 

[SGT-MILLER]

Yeah. We are finally using the new stuff that is alot tougher, and less prone to f**ing up in the field.

I remember some of the older gear, you could get to "fire" off by just hitting the butt of your rifle with enough force (instant silent kills...lol).

 

[Ubergopher]

Yeah. We are finally using the new stuff that is alot tougher, and less prone to f**ing up in the field.

I remember some of the older gear, you could get to "fire" off by just hitting the butt of your rifle with enough force (instant silent kills...lol).

I did Eagle Flag up at Ft Dix and one of the guys from my squadron brought his Nintendo DS with him and the wireless signal kept getting him killed. Funny stuff.

 

[matt g]

Yeah. We are finally using the new stuff that is alot tougher, and less prone to f**ing up in the field.

I remember some of the older gear, you could get to "fire" off by just hitting the butt of your rifle with enough force (instant silent kills...lol).

We used to crank the sensitivity of the fire sensor way down, then just bump it with our fingers.

 

[IGETEVEN]

Train as you fight.

Think of it this way. When a person wants to run a 5K, does he train by running or walking?

If you want to become more proficient with real firearms, you MUST practice with a real firearm. Practicing with an Airsoft will only give you false confidence in your skills.

These days some firearms are cheaper than higher end Airsoft BB guns anyway.

If you can, train with a real firearm. Along with that, get professional instruction if possible.

Got a "go" here, ain't nothing like the real thing and trigger pull is much different with Airsoft. Hell, you just as well put a laser site on your gun and site target with it. Poor man's Miles.

 

[SGT-MILLER]

Here's a good training setup:

One of my on-duty tools.

 

[fixdeluxe1]

If you want the ultimate realistic experiece get a full sized 1:1 scale metal gas blowback shell ejection rifle/pistol.You can even get airsoft shotguns(spreadshot) and rocket/missile launchers.

Me and my close freinds always spend then weekend simulating warfare with airsoft weapons.CTF,Patrol,offence,defence,ambushes,wilderness survival,escape etc.Learn good skills and install good mindsets.But if you mix it will actuall firearms training just as intense against fake targets you get the best of both world.But you must always have a marshal in airsoft because people always cheat.My old trick was no armour,so people actually felt it and it hurts with 450fps or more.Plus airsoft splatter grenades are fun too.So instead of surrendering and going to safe spot you lie there calling for a medic who can also be hit.Always simulate medical care(real) as well could come in handy.Adding karts,hovercrafts,motorbikes,vehicles and even helicopters/plance/aircraft would make it more realistic and fun,but expensive.

 

[easterner123]

well, maybe for squad and tactical maneuvers airsoft can be beneficial. If you use the 30 round mags instead of the 600 round mags that would be even more helpful. Don't drop hundreds on a gun, anyone will do. Sure, a gun with blanks and a judge like a reenactment would be even more helpful, but also more expensive and harder to do in say, a more suburban area.

For actual shooting and tactical shooting drills, real firearms are good. Airsoft will only help with some tactics