I remember when I started in Airsoft. I was handed this cheap Glock Blow back pistol at the Police Department. It had semi auto and full auto, and shot all off about ten feet. It was our training weapons we used for learning Room Clearing. And I thought it was the coolest thing known to man!
And that was my kick off. I sold all my Paintball gear and purchased my First Airsoft Weapon. I still have it today, a Tokyo Mauri M4A1 starter kit from Redwolf Airsoft for 350 dollars. It came with everything I needed to start playing that day. Just charge up the battery and away we go.
Well I got looking at it before I purchased it and not sure what I was doing I ordered the Upgrade put in that brought it from 200 FPS to 375 FPS. Now that was a sure bit of luck on my part. Over all its been a steady companion on my Airsoft adventures.
But not every one can afford 350 dollars right out of the gate on something they arent sure they will enjoy. So today Class we are going to look at some Common Weapons systems commonly referred to as the “Starter Setup”.
With the every growing amount of “Chinese Clone’s ” on the market we’ve seen an over abudance of “Starter” systems crop up. Now with this little bit of information I’m going to put this in here.
“These weapons and companies I talk about are ones I’ve had personal experience with. Not all will work as well for others as they have for me. Much of this information is my opinion and it is to be considered as such. As with all things in Airsoft you have to go with what your comfortable, and there are always risks in purchasing a weapon. Investigate, search, and read as much as possible before purchasing your first weapon system.”
There has always been contriversy surrounding Echo 1. “Is it a Chinese Company? Do they rebrand other companies weapons. ” Frankly WHO CARES!
Echo 1 has provided a very stable and cost effective weapon system for many new members to the Airsoft Community. Most of Echo 1’s weapon systems are under the 150 Price range. Shooting at or around 350 FPS right out of the box. This translates to little money spent on a skirmish effective weapon system. In the US Echo 1 provides a very good Warranty with their weapons. Which many other companies do not offer.
Echo 1’s line up has everything from the New E90
Which one of my teammates has and uses profusely and swears by this little weapon system against all others.
To a variety of M4 series, AK47/74 series, 614 Series, M14 Series, Mp5 Series etc. Echo 1 probably has what your exactly looking for. Another good point on Echo 1 systems are that most of them are compatible with external and internal upgrades with most Major Airsoft Manufacturers.
Most Echo 1 weapons systems have Metal Gear box’s and a very good build as far as body stability and fit.
JG (Jin Gong)
Again this is another company that is right up there with Echo 1 in controversy and Conspiracy. yet again.. WHO CARES!
JG has and does provide some very capable Airsoft Skirmishing weapon systems. Much like Echo 1. the Major difference is JG doesnt provide as good as warranty with their weapon systems as Echo 1 does. JG’s variety mirrors that of Echo 1.
Most JG weapons out of the box shoot 350 FPS. Providing a stable and excellent skirmish weapon. Their builds are to par with many of the major airsoft brands. Metal Gear box’s, ABS Bodies with little to no shake in the barrel and stock area’s.
As I previously noted these are two starter weapon system companies that provide skirmish worthy weapons at relatively excellent prices. And ladies and gents they come with everything you need to go out and skirmish! No need to purchase a battery, charger, magazines, etc.
As in all things you want to do a bit of research when you go to purchase your first weapon system. Not every one will be able to use a M16 Full size, and not every one is meant to use a M4 system. Its all about personal choice. But here are a few pointers when picking your first weapon.
1. Your Physical Size. a M4 is a light weight compact weapon system that is usuable just about by any and every one. One thing that throws many people off who are taller in stature is that its a small weapon. Even with the adjustable stock it can still be slightly uncomfortable for those of a taller frame to shoot and use.
2. Play Style. Do you like to assault? are you a defender? Sometimes you wont know these things until you play your first couple of skirmishes. But think this out in advance as much as possible. Many new airsofters have picked up a weapon on the “cool looks” factor alone then ended up shelving it for something else.
3. Looks. Do you like how it looks? This is a big factor its like purchasing a new car. If its not pleasing to the eye, then you are less likely to enjoy using it. This should not by your most deciding factor in picking a weapon system.
4. Age. Age actually plays a factor in purchasing an airsoft weapon. between weight, length, usuablity. You want to pick a weapon that fits your age group.
Lets look at that last one a moment. Age can factor greatly in how you use your weapon system and whats comfortable for you.
Here’s a little cheat sheet to use when considering purchasing a weapon compared to Age
12-16 = M4, AK47 With Folding Stock, Mp5, Smaller Compact rifle systems.
17-20= M4 Ak47 standard, Mp5, M16, L96, Larger Framed Weapons
21-30+ = M249, M4, M16, AK47, Larger Heavier framed weapons.
You’ll also notice that with age goes responsibilty. Some weapons need to be run by a more responsible oeprator due to Fire power and maintenance requirments.
But as with everything this is a suggestion and guide. Pick whats comfortable to you, whats pleasing and what you want to use!
Keep that finger straight and off the trigger until your ready to send bb’s down range!
Until then S/F And Carry on!
[...] Operation Airsoft To a variety of M4 series, AK47/74 series, 614 Series, M14 Series, Mp5 Series etc. Echo 1 probably has what your exactly looking for. [...]