In this part of the review I test the HK G36 KV AEG Rifle using my Chronograph to see what the 5 shot feet per second average is using fully charged batteries. I got pretty much right bang on to the factory claimed 450 fps using .20 gram 6mm plastic Airsoft BB's and consistency was within a few fps for each shot.
I also take the Umarex HK G36 KV AEG Blowback (EBB) Airsoft Rifle back 30 feet and shoot it at a target using a semi rested position (sand bag up front, standing in the back) and shoot in both semi auto and full auto, there really was no real difference in accuracy using both selections, I think the built in magnified scope helped out here to get a very tight 1.5 inch group shooting in semi and full auto.
So far out of all my AEG rifles I would have to say the Umarex HK G36 KV (EBB) performed the best getting very consistent and high fps and tight groupings in both semi and full auto even using light weight .20 gram BB's.
Watch my Field Test Shooting Vimeo Video Review for the Umarex HK G36 KV AEG Blowback Airsoft Rifle:
It would not be the end of another year without another Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Gun Collection video for you. This year I'm not showing all my guns, I started to take them out and quickly realized there where just way too many and this years video would have been several hours long and would have taken most of the week for me to shoot and edit...
So this year I have hand picked some of my top favorites and most notable replica Airgun, Airsoft Gun and Blank Guns. They may not all be the best made or hardest shooters or even all that accurate but each one has some significants to me.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex HK G36 KVis fairly short and light as it is essentially just an electrical on off switch for the internal electronic components. You can shoot the G36 very quickly in semi auto mode, and in full auto it cycles very quickly giving a high rate of fire.
Accuracy: In my brief pre-testing without any sighting in, the Umarex Heckler & Koch G36 KV shot just a bit off center to the right from a 30 foot semi rested position and produced a nice 2 inch grouping. In full auto the grouping opened up a bit but still punched a nice 1.5 inch hole in the target with most of the BB hitting there.
Build Quality: The Umarex HK G36 KV is very well made, yes it has lots of polymer but so does the real version and the plastic seems very durable, the fit and finish looked great and there is a lot of metal in and around the G36 where it would be on the real steel gun and where it is really required to be. Like the trigger, top rail, pins, selector switch, barrel, gearbox and gears.
Realism: Similar to my WE G39C reviewed earlier, I bet if you had a real Heckler & Koch G36 sitting beside the Umarex HK G36 KV, you would be hard pressed to tell them apart? The Umarex is also fully HK licensed and trademark throughout even including the 5.56mm NATO markings.
Excellent attention to detail with lots of working parts.
All metal internals and metal external mechanical parts.
Semi auto & full auto selectable.
Full HK licensing and markings.
Accurate 2 inch 10 shot group from 30 feet out.
Nice high 450+ FPS.
Full ambidextrous, even the charging handle can be switched side to side.
High capacity magazine (400 rounds)
Built in 3x optical sight with ability to add a Red Dot for close quarter shooting.
4 position adjustable folding stock.
Easy access to hop up system.
Cons:
Does not come with a battery or charger.
Came with the orange tip, you may want to replace it or paint it black?
May be too powerful for close quarter skirmishes without some detuning.
Comments:
This is my first Umarex Airsoft rifle product review and I have to say it really seems good so far, I have not had a lot of hands on time shooting the Umarex HK G36 KV but right out of the box I was getting very good results, nice high 450+ fps and good groupings even out at further range. The fit and finish are all very good and the realism is as good, if not better than other Airsoft AEG I have reviewed. I like the built in 3x Optical Scope and the addition of an upper rail to accommodate a Red Dot, this gives you the ability to acquire quick close up shot placements using a Red Dot while also being able to focus in on further out targets using the magnified optical scope. I look forward to my official Field Test shooting review.
This Update video addresses the similarities between the KWC and Cybergun product lines, specifically the KWC Model 1911 vs. the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 and the KWC Taurus PT99 vs. the Cybergun GSG 92. In a nutshell, they are all made by KWC and are exactly the same with the exception of some of the licensing and branding that goes on the slides. Cybergun simply contracts KWC to make the guns for them and add some slight different printing. All parts are interchangeable.
I also show you the Silver Finish Blowback Airsoft KWC Desert Eagle and mention again that the licensing on this one is kind of hit and miss depending on what KWC sends us. So when you order one there is an additional surprise waiting for you when you open the box :)
Lastly, I show for the first time a G&G Airsoft product, the G&G Xtreme 45 Blowback that looks an awful lot like the Umarex Colt Special Combat chambered in 4.5mm Steel BB. The main differences are that the Colt Special Combat is a BB gun and the Xtreme 45 is an Airsoft gun. The G&G has blowback where as the Colt Special Combat does not have blowback.
Make sure to checkout my Vimeo video of this product update for even more info!
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Bolt Airsoft B4A1 is fairly short and light as it is essentially just an on off switch for the internal electronic components. You can shoot this gun very quickly in semi auto mode, and of course in full auto when full auto position is selected. As is with all AEG rifles there is a bit of a delay while the spring is retracted and released, this is not as noticeable in full auto.
Accuracy: I tested the B4A1 Airsoft rifle by putting around 10 rounds into a target from 30 feet with .36 gram Airsoft 6mm BB's while using a semi rested position (sand bag in the front - standing in the rear). I used a non-magnified red dot scope for this test rather than using the built in iron sights. I got very good result in semi auto and even with the recoil making my sights jump around a bit in full auto still stayed well centered on target and got about a 1.5 inch group in both semi and full auto. My chronograph testing with lighter .20 gram BB's resulted in a 421 fps 5 shot average.
Build Quality: The Bolt Airsoft B4A1 Metal AEG Carbine is very well made with a full Metal upper and lower receiver, along with metal and polymer parts exactly where they would be on the real steel version of an actual Colt M4. The only plastic or nylon components are the stocks and the grips and perhaps some internal parts. I found the adjustable stock and magazine tolerance to be tighter than my King Arms M4A1 I previously reviewed which showed the Bolt B4A1 had a bit higher quality in the workmanship, for the most part the fit and finish was very good!
Realism: As with many Airsoft guns, there is great attention to realism and the Bolt Airsoft BRSS B4A1 Carbine is another great example of an Airsoft Carbine based on the Colt M4 platform. It is an AEG but because of the BRSS (Bolt Recoil Shock System) you get a very nice compromise between a conventional AEG and a GBB (Gas Blow Back Airsoft) gun. In other words, like a standard AEG I get that endless stream of consistent BB's flying down range on target but unlike a true Gas Blow Back Airsoft gun, I don't get that drop off in power and limitation to about 30 usable rounds per magazine . What I do get similar to a GBB is that recoil action that helps make the shooting experience so much more believable! Even the sound from the Bolt B4A1 is much snapper than a standard AEG and more like a GBB. I also like the fact that the charging handle and forward assist work similarly to a real M4 and also the dust cover cleverly exposes the bolt and internal hop-up for easy adjustment along with the bolt cycling just like a GBB rifle would cycle which is similar to a real steel M4.
Great attention to detail with lots of working parts.
All Metal upper and lower receiver, lots of metal parts throughout.
Semi auto & full auto selectable.
High capacity 300+ round magazine.
Removable carry handle with Weaver/Picatinny rail underneath.
Nice high 420 real FPS.
Extremely accurate for plastic BB's.
Fully adjustable sights with two position Peep sights.
6 position adjustable stock.
Easy access to internal hop-up system.
Realistic Blowback Recoil system (BRSS) for a very believable shooting experience!
Cons:
May not get off as many shots per battery charge as a traditional AEG because of the Bolt Recoil Shock System.
Does not come with battery or charger but most higher end AEG's also do not.
Not yet readily available in Canada, maybe we can change that :)
Comments:
The Bolt Airsoft B4A1 Blowback Airsoft Carbine is a great compromise for the avid Airsofter looking for a practical skirmish weapon, but also craving the realistic experience of having blowback with recoil which up until now was really only provided by Gas Blow Back systems. I really like this concept and find it great fun to shoot even if its just for plinking in the yard. The overall quality is very good and you just have to love the M4 platform it's based on. If you're into customizing you can mix and match many external and internal parts with other existing Airsoft mechanical parts and I would imagine real steel accessories. I like mine as is with my addition of a riser and Red Dot and if I every get a chance to get out for a skirmish this will be my weapon of choice for sure!
I got a few sample products I wanted to quickly share with everyone :) First off Bolt Airsoft, a Taiwanese based company, sent me one of their B4A1 (M4A1 Copy) AEG Airsoft rifles featuring BRSS - (Bolt Recoil Shock System) which has Blowback with simulated recoil.
The Bolt B4A1 is designed after the M4A1 and looks and works like most AEG Airsoft rifles giving you sustained performance and the use of high capacity magazines but Bolt has added their BRSS - (Bolt Recoil Shock System) which gives you the feedback and recoil you would normally only get with a true GBB (Gas Blow Back) Airsoft gun.
I will be doing a full review very shortly so watch for it!
I also received from ASG (Action Sport Games) a few Mock Airsoft Suppressors, all of them are B&T (Brügger & Thomet) derivatives. It was nice that they sent me the version (MP9 QD) that fits perfectly on my ASG/KWA MP9. The other tow are the ROTEX-IIIA and ROTEX-IIIA Compact that fit perfectly on to a standard flash hider and even include one with them.
Check out my Vimeo Preview Video of these Review items from Bolt Airsoft and ASG:
I've had lots of requests to review the Daisy Winchester Model 11 and to give my opinion how it stacks up with the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911. I will be doing a full review of the Daisy Winchester Model 11 Colt 45 1911 replica shortly but wanted to kick things off with my comparison portion.
Your best off to simply watch my Vimeo Video Comparison of the Tanfoglio Witness 1911 and Winchester Model 11 but here are my thoughts on some of similarities, strengths and weaknesses for both 1911 syled airguns.
Similarities:
Both are good replicas of the classic Colt 45 1911 semi auto pistol.
Both shoot 4.5mm Steel BB's and use standard 12 gram CO2.
Both are mostly metal and weigh close to 2 pounds with the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness weighing about 40 grams more.
Both come in a nice cardboard box.
Both have blowback operation with slides that lock back after the last shot.
Both have true 1911 styled single action only triggers.
Strengths:
The Winchester Model 11 has the higher feet per second rating and gets more shots per CO2 (410fps vs 320fps).
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 has a full size drop out metal magazine that holds the BB's and CO2.
The Winchester Model 11 is more economical to buy and shoot.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 has a more realistic "full" blowback operation.
The Winchester Model 11 has less intrusive warning markings on the slide.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 has a working Grip Safety.
The Winchester Model 11 is made in Japan.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 can be field stripped similar to a real 1911.
Both have fairly high capacity magazines (16 BB's for the Winchester and 18 BB's for the Tanfoglio).
Weaknesses:
The Winchester Model 11 has a funky extra button on the thumb safety?
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 tends to use a lot of CO2 with less average fps.
The Winchester Model 11 has more free-play (wiggle) in the slide.
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 magazine are more expensive and can be hard to find at times.
All in all I really like both guns, and what really counts is how they feel and shoot and after a quick outside testing with the Daisy Winchester Model 11, it seemed to shoot and work pretty good for me. Realists may prefer the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911 because it is more realistic in terms of how it's built and how it functions but as a daily shooting gun, the Daisy Winchester Model 11 hits harder and gets more shots per CO2, all while still giving the shooter a very realistic 1911 styled shooting experience.
Watch my Vimeo video Comparison of the Daisy Winchester Model 11 vs the Cybergun Tanfoglio Witness 1911:
Take aim and fire with "The gun that helped to change the world". The Thompson Military M1A1 AEG is a battlefield weapon with a serious attitude. This beautiful gun is a fully licensed 1:1 scale replica of a real Tommy gun, and features a full metal body with artificial wood grain finish, a 60 Rd plastic magazine, and a shot velocity of 500 fps (using .20g BBs). The M1A1 also features an adjustable BAXS System for increased power and shooting accuracy. Airsoft enthusiasts will love the stunning classic era looks and awesome semi/fully automatic firepower of the Thompson Military M1A1 AEG. Do not miss this gun! Recommended for use with high quality .25g BBs.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the WE G39C is about what you would expect from a Single action only Semi Auto rifle, it has a very slight take up and then about a 4 pound trigger pull that is crisp and smooth.
Accuracy: Out of the Box the WE G39C shot great up close and farther out, the hop-up seemed to be already dialed in, and even though I was using only .20 gram BB's which is a bit light for this gun, I still found they tracked well and stayed on target both near and far. My 30 foot semi rested testing produced a nice 2 inch grouping. Shooting the barrel out on the tactical range I did have to aim just a bit higher when back out at 60 or more feet away. Maybe a slight bit more hop-up would do the trick.
Build Quality: The WE G39C is very well made, yes it has lots of polymer but so does the real version and the plastic seems very durable, The fit and finish looked great and there is a lot of metal in and around the G39C where it would be on the real steel gun and where it is really required to be. Like the trigger, flash hider, rails, pins, switches, rear sight, magazine and most internal parts also.
Realism: I bet if you had the real G36C sitting beside the WE G39C you would be hard pressed to tell them apart? WE did a great job making this Airsoft version very believable not just in appearance but also when field stripping it and shooting it with it's heavy bolt and felt blowback recoil.
Amazing attention to detail, just like the real H&K G36C.
All metal internals and metal external mechanical parts.
Semi auto & full auto selectable.
Awesome blowback kick really hits you in the shoulder.
Field strips just like the real steal version.
Nice high 400 FPS and good accuracy near and far.
Full ambidextrous, even the charging handle can be switched side to side.
Can get up to three magazines per propane fill up.
Very well priced for how awesome it really is.
Cons:
Some people may not like that it is a polymer built gun externally but it is what it is!
And that's it!
Comments:
So far I have been impressed with We an Airsoft company, they really know how to make very realistic and high quality products. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the mostly polymer external build on this gun but the sheer quality and solid build took away any ideas that tis Airsoft gun would be anything like a toy. The WE G39C is one of the best performing GBB Airsoft guns I have tried out getting up to 90 shots per gas fill on a magazine which is very impressive. We was also able to keep the price down which means more people can get into one of the G39C's. If you've been thinking about adding one of these to your arsenal I don't see any reason why not to!
Just thought you'd like to know we've added the classic Daisy 1938 Red Ryder BB Rifle to the Canadian Replica Airguns Store.
The legendary Red Ryder! Who hasn't wanted one of these? Daisy's 1938 Red Ryder model is still a favorite of boys and girls (and men and women). Suitable for shooters 10 and older (with adult supervision), this lever-action spring rifle is lightweight, easy to cock and durable. The solid wood forearm and engraved wood stock are just the right length for young shooters.
With a capacity of 650 BBs (Never shoot BBs at hard objects!), you'll be shooting all day long! The rifle comes with a blade and ramp front sight and an adjustable open rear sight. It has a stamped metal receiver.
Christmas Story Red Ryder. Ralphie was enjoying his BB gun, should your kids or grandkids enjoy it too? Experience the Christmas Story at home!
My first Airgun Silent Auction! I came into some used Airguns as part of an "Airgun - Blank Gun" package and since I already had these models I did not need them for my personal collection so I'm putting them up as a Three Airgun Silent Auction package.
These three Airguns are all made by Umarex and use 12 gram CO2 cartridges, the MP5K PDW shoots 4.5mm steel BB's and has blowback operation. The Beretta Elite II loads 4.5mm steel BB's into it's all metal drop out magazine and is know for it's very good combination of high FPS and accuracy. The CPSport uses a rotary 8 round magazine that hold 8 lead pellets, it has a full size drop out magazine that holds the CO2 making it very realistic and also easy to load CO2.
In order to won these fine Umarex Preowned Airguns, you will need to send in your highest bid to mike@replicaairguns.com before August 27th midnight. At the conclusion of this Silent Auction I will notify the winner. This Airgun Silent Auction is open to both my Canada and US customers, Canadian Customers will pay an additional $17.99 for Shipping/Handling plus their local provincial sales Tax. US Customers will pay $29.99 International Canada to US Shipping & Handling but will not pay any sales tax.
Of course you can also buy these guns new in my Canada & US Replica Airguns Stores
Last update for the day, I am happy to announce that I have added two Gas Blowback Airsoft Rifles from WE to the Canada Replica Airguns Store. They are both fantastic guns that are the spitting image of their real steel counterparts and both have awesome blowback action and feel. Both rifles shoot in semi and full auto which is exhilarating!
I am super happy to announce a bunch of new Canada Store Products coming very soon. I have sourced out some Blowback Airsoft pistols and also a couple of GBB We Airsoft Rifles. (KJWorks: Elite 1A, KP-07, KP-02) (KWC: DE .50, SW40F) (RAM P99) (WE: G39C, M4 CQBR).
I am also adding some airgun pistols that I have not been able to find a supplier for here in Canada up until now, and I will also be adding them to the Canada Store shortly. (Umarex: Browning Buck Mark URX, XBG, Beretta 90two).
And of course the addition of some new accessories that I have been wanting to have listed in the Canada Store for some time now. (Daisy Zinc Coated BB's, Umarex CP99 - PPK - Rotary Magazines, Body Guard Mace Spray, Schrade Hand Cuffs)
So if your interested in any of these items then keep checking back, I will be adding them to the Canada Store as quick as I can - time permitting!
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Umarex Beretta 90two is respectable in both single and double action, I found the 90two to be good shooting in both actions but preferred the feel of single action for more precise shooting. In double action you fire off a lot of shots quickly but the trigger is fairly long so you need to use a full pull or you may miss a shot here or there.
Accuracy: The results I got shooting my 8 round group from 20 feet out where excellent, coming in at just under a 1 inch group which is about as good as you can expect from a BB pistol of any quality. I also got well over the factory claimed 375 fps at an average of closer to 400 feet per second.
Build Quality: The Umarex Beretta 90two does use both plastic and metal in its build with an all metal slide and feels solid in the hands but I feel it would of felt even better if it had a another half pound to it or so. I had no problems with it in terms of function and the fit and finish where very good but there is always that feeling you get when you hold something with some weight to it in your hands. I do have to credit Umarex for working in a moveable slide and full size drop out magazine.
Realism: The Umarex Beretta 90 two is very realistic and includes Beretta licensing and markings throughout. As mentioned before, the moveable slide and full size drop out magazine along with the recessed barrel makes this air pistol version look very close to the real steel Beretta 90two. The only real giveaways are the exposed CO2 tab on the bottom of the magazine and the somewhat out of place safety switch on the right side of the gun.
Full size drop out magazine that holds BB's and CO2.
Full Beretta Licensing and markings.
Single and double action trigger.
Rail for adding accessories.
Above claimed fps with good usage of CO2 and excellent accuracy.
Cons:
Gun could be a bit heavier for added realism.
Non adjustable sights.
CO2 tab is plastic and exposed.
Comments:
Right off the bat I have to say the Umarex Beretta 90two is a step up from the Elite II, not that there is anything wrong with the Elite II, but given the choice I would go with the Beretta 90two as it's simply a more realistic version of the Beretta 92 with its working metal slide and full size drop out magazine that holds both the BB's and CO2 in it. On the performance side of things, the Umarex Beretta 90two also met or exceeded my expectations so the 90 two is not just built for show. If your a beretta fan looking for a realistic Beretta styled air gun and don't want to spend the big bucks for the all metal German made Umarex version, then the Beretta 90two is an excellent option to consider adding to your collection or even as a first time BB gun purchaser!
The video is just a quick preview but you get to see the guns up nice and close and at the end I also show off my 9mm bullet Casing Ear Bud Headphones and talk a bit about what I like about them.
Without further ado here is My YouTube video featuring the Thompson M1928 Submachine Gun, ICS SIG SG-551 SWAT and 9mm Bullet Digital Stereo Earbuds:
The Thompson M1928 Chicago Style 1928 Submachine Gun with Drum Magazine is an awesome weapon that delivers semi & fully automatic fire at outstanding velocities in the battlefield. This gun has a polished full metal body that recreates the awesome look and feel of a real Tommy gun. The gun features a metal gear box & steel bushings, a high-capacity 450 rd drum magazine and a shot velocity of 390-450 fps (using .20g BBs).
The front charging handle allows you to control the gun and an adjustable BAXS shooting system improves the accuracy of the gun when shooting from long distances. Own your enemies and order today! This rifle also Includes: 8.4 V 2000 mAh Ni-CD battery, 300 mah charger (6.5 hrs charge time), cleaning rod & manual.
We just got in a new Field ready Airsoft AEG rifle, the Cybergun ISC SG-551 SWAT version. Get in on our introductory sale price!
The Cybergun ICS SIG SG-551 SWAT offers hardcore performance in a lightweight and compact package. Manufactured in Taiwan under licensed from Cybergun this rifle features full SIG trademarks engraved into its receiver.
With a stamped aluminum upper receiver and cast lower, the SG-551 weighs over a pound less than a KWA M4 while retaining the same strength and rigidity. Complete with a fiber composite handguard and pistol grip you can feel the quality of this rifle as soon as you pick it up. Its side folding skeleton stock locks firmly into open and closed positions making this rifle highly versatile in both indoor and outdoor scenarios. It features a centrally located magazine release and ambidextrous selector levers allowing for left or right handed use. One cool thing about these ICS SIG series rifle is the functioning bolt catch. Pull the bolt back all of the way and it will lock open allowing you to easily adjust the rifle hop-up without needing a third hand to keep the bolt back. Once you are done just flip the bolt release and the bolt flies forward with a nice metallic ring. Other features include a folding trigger guard for use with thick gloves, adjustable front sight complete with hood and changeable long/close range sight post, rotary rear sight with four adjustable apertures as well as windage and elevation adjustments.
Its battery is housed in the handguard which has enough room to hold an 8.4v or 9.6v AK Stick Type battery.
This Article is not intended to explain which type of gun is better or worse, it is only to point out what makes each gun different and how these differences can effect their performance and usage. I personally like all types of guns and respect other peoples choices in which guns they prefer to use. If you have a strong opinion about one type of gun being the "only gun" for everyone, then keep it to yourself please or it will be deleted!
For those "Special People" out there that like to call other people names for their interest in BB and Airsoft guns, here's an idea… go take your 9mm and shoot off a full magazine in your residential backyard and then see what happens? Also take note of how much money that magazine of 9mm ammo cost compared to the $5 that 2400 BB cost.
And please don't tell me to get a real gun because I probably have more real guns than you do! Like I said I appreciate and respect all types of guns.
What is the difference between a BB gun and an Airsoft gun?
In short BB guns (airguns that shoot a steel or lead BB) have been around for a long time so they get to keep the name of being called a "BB gun", even though many people refer to Airsoft guns as "BB guns". And yes Airsoft guns shoot a plastic BB but they do not inherit the name as it is reserved for the long standing… well BB gun!
BB guns generally shoot a 4.5mm or .177 caliber steel BB but some can also shoot lead BB's.
BB guns are most often used for target practice and training, some high power BB guns can also be used for pest control.
Airsoft guns generally shoot 6mm plastic BB's ranging in weights depending on what they are being used for. There are also larger caliber Airsoft guns available but they are not the norm.
Airsoft guns are most commonly used for tactical simulation games but can also be used for target practice and training, there are also Airsoft leagues that conduct IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) competitions.
Both BB and Airsoft guns can use Springs, Air, Gas or CO2 as a means of propulsion.
Both BB and Airsoft guns can be made out of a variety of materials depending on the grade and use of the gun.
Realism
I would have to give the edge to the Airsoft guns in this category, the entire hobby is bases on how real the gun looks and functions. Most Airsoft guns are near impossible to tell apart from the real steel versions, even on close inspection.
That is not to say that there aren't any highly realistic BB guns available, there most certainly are but the focus with BB guns is not always on realism. It is often more on performance and so compromises are made that can effect realism.
Power!
BB guns generally have more power (energy) and carry that energy out further down range, but both BB and Airsoft can shoot up into the 500+ fps ranges.
BB guns have a smaller but denser and harder ammo so they tend to penetrate deeper into objects which can be good or bad depending on what you want to do with the gun. (War Games vs target and Pest control)
Accuracy
Both BB and Airsoft guns can be very accurate and this surprised me when I started reviewing and testing Airsoft guns. I had the impression that Airsoft guns would not be nearly as accurate as a BB gun but I was impressed with the results I got from a well made and tuned Airsoft gun.
With that said I still feel that a BB gun takes this category, not so much for close up shooting, but when shooting out at range a BB is less susceptible to the elements and will be more accurate further down range.
One advantage Airsoft guns generally have over BB guns is the hop up that gives the BB some backspin and allows it to keep a more level trajectory which can help with long rang shots. (Kind of like the backspin a tennis player uses to make the ball float deeper into the court.)
Shooting Environment
Because of the material and energy levels of both projectiles, BB and Airsoft guns are best used for different shooting situations and with different levels of safety implemented. Always use eye protection with either gun but be aware that a steel BB will cause more damage when it hits an object and that object could be you. BB guns require a heavier backstop and will also ricochet off of objects with much more force than an Airsoft plastic BB would so you need to be careful around windows and breakable objects.
Airsoft gun can be a better solution for indoor shooting or even sometimes when doing some backyard shooting where you may live close to buildings.
Airsoft guns are obviously the better choice when being used in war games as the plastic BB's are designed to hit but not harm, keep in mind that proper clothing and protection is required and limits to the FPS are often employed to keep everyone safe.
Do not even think about using a standard Steel BB gun for war games unless you want to make a trip to your local emergency for BB removal.
Hunting
I rarely recommend BB or Airsoft guns for pest control, I prefer larger caliber pellet guns that shoot at as high a velocity as you can obtain in your area. This is the most humane way to take care of small varmint if this is required, or for hunting to put meat on the table.
There are a few exceptions, some furry critters that do not like to stay still like squirrels and chipmunks can be alleviated with a high powered BB machine gun. A customized full auto Drozd can pump out 1200 rounds per minute with velocity up into the 800 fps range.
I would not consider an Airsoft gun for pest control or hunting period! If you want to scare off your neighbors cat, well that's another issue.
Cost
Both BB guns and Airsoft Guns can range dramatically in cost and so comparing quality to quality they are about the same to buy and also the cost of use is about the same as ammo is fairly close in price, perhaps steel BB's are a bit cheaper but not by that much.
Some BB guns can get up there in price, I have spent as much as $1000 on my full customized Drozd Blackbird with all the bells and whistles. A high end competition Airsoft gun can also cost well over $1000 to even $2000 or more when all is said and done.
So I hope this Video helps you understand the differences and practical uses of both BB Guns and Airsoft Guns and wether you deiced to get one or the other or maybe some of each. Just remember to use them with respect and always shoot safely and you will have a great time doing so!
I have been hinting about an even bigger Canada sale on the King Arms Colt M4A1 Metal AEG Airsoft Rifle and here it is - now $100 OFF the regular price (Canada Store Only) so don't wait as I'm not sure how long this sale will last...
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ASG AW .308 Sniper Rifle is very nice, there is very little play, once the trigger safety is flush the release is almost instant and the pull is very light but not so light that you would accidentally shoot it.
Accuracy: Being an Airsoft Rifle and a Sniper rifle in one made me wonder if you could actually get a tight grouping at longer distances? I'm sure hitting a human target at 60 feet shouldn't be too hard but what about a pop can consistently? With a bit of fine tuning I was able to get a 2 inch grouping at 60 feet out using a rested position. And with the Hop-up dialed in, my aim point was the same at 30 feet as it was at 60 feet as a result of the backspin keeping the trajectory even all the way out.
Build Quality:The ASG AW .308 is not over the top price wise so I was not expecting it to be built like a Sherman tank. It is however solid enough but also light enough to use in the field without having to lug around too much extra weight. Most of the parts that you want to be metal are metal including the barrel, bolt & receiver, trigger, magazine, strap rings and rial system. The stock is of course plastic with some added rubber and seems to be hollow in parts which I am assuming is what keeps this rifle on the lean side.
Realism: Without actually having handled a real AW .308 Accuracy International England Sniper Rifle, it's hard to say how spot on it is but it does look very similar to the photos I found online with the exception of the magazine being further forward on the stock. It is a nice touch that the actual Accuracy International England licensing is also on the ASG AW .308.
Extremely fun to shoot (Even though it's not a semi or full auto gun).
No CO2 or batteries required, ready when you are.
Excellent accuracy at most ranges.
Very nice trigger.
Good power.
Good use of metal parts.
Will not break the bank.
Cons:
Does not come with a sighting system so you need to buy something to shoot it.
Light Airsoft BB's will not give you good results, use high end heavy Airsoft BB's for best results.
Stock looks adjustable but is not, was not a problem, everything felt good!
Some things are not explained in the manual?
Comments:
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this Airsoft rifle, you would think that a full auto gun would be so much more fun to shoot and don't get me wrong they are fun to shoot, but there is something to be said about setting up a target well down range, getting into position to take the shot and slowly squeezing off one well placed round! And of course hitting the target. I really like the fact that all you need is a bunch of Airsoft BB's and you're ready to go, no CO2, no dead batteries to deal with. Every time a do another Airsoft review I am impressed with how well these guns shoot and how accurate they are! The ASG AW .308 took this to an even higher level and also showed me that an Airsoft BB can pack some real punch to it. All in all it was a good day and I have a feeling when I get the urge to fire off some well placed rounds just for fun, this rifle is going to get picked more often than not.