Air soft for training?

[Tom-ADC]

Have a couple of grandkids that would like to try shooting. Now this will be the first time they have handled and shot the real thing so before we do that I was thinking there must be a air soft handgun that would make a good backyard training aid for they before we venture out to the range.
What would you recommend? BTW Im going to start them on 22's.

[billrd]

Have a couple of grandkids that would like to try shooting. Now this will be the first time they have handled and shot the real thing so before we do that I was thinking there must be a air soft handgun that would make a good backyard training aid for they before we venture out to the range.
What would you recommend? BTW Im going to start them on 22's.

Really big in Japan as they can't have handguns in their homes.

[Tom-ADC]

I actually lived in Japan for three years couldn't agree more, but that doesn't help me in picking out a air soft to get these kids up to speed before we go to the range. Looking for something i can shoot in the backyard and they will be capable hitting a target.

[09cs]

You can get almost anything in an airsoft varient. I have a Sig 226 that is about the same size and probably about the same weight and is a "blow back" like a real thing. Or you can get an AR type one etc. I think it's a great idea for cheap training, and have seen 3-gunners use them for "in home" training

[Tom-ADC]

That's what I was looking for, any brand over another?

[FLZ_Boy]

Most gas blow back pistols will feel close to a 22LR. There are electric ones, but they won't have the same level of feel or kick.

Most gbb (gas blow back) will use green gas/propane to fill the mags. There are C02 gbb pistols that have a stronger kick.

The 1911 models are the most popular and seem to have the most support for both aftermarket and replacement parts. If your looking for quality Tokyo Mauri and KWA are a good start. If you have no plans to modify them, I would prefer KWA. Other lesser ones that will do well are Elite Force 1911 Tac and KJ Hi-Capa.

There are just too many pistols in the Airsoft market to name that are also good alternatives.

[lt05deluxe]

Check airsplat.com they actually might have a replica of the 22 you're going to use with them.

[09cs]

I used to use air splat all the time

Carefull with the green gas, can burn you if sprayed on you etc, so may not want the young ones using it

[Jimmybacon43]

I would recommend KWA for realistic handling pistols. The gas blowback models are produced in replicas of most modern handguns and they operate realistically in terms of loading and unloading, also good for learning gun safety and handling. KJW also makes decent replicas, WE not so much. Tokyo Marui is overpriced plastic for airsoft aficionado's who want to trick out their fancy airsoft toys, they run $200 or so for GBB pistols while most KWA's are $130-160 and KJW are right around $125. Extra mags are gonna be $30-40, green gas is like $12-15 a bottle and your .20 g bb's are like $10 for 2000 rounds. Don't use the cheap yellow and green colored bbs, they will break the gun. Don't reuse bb's, don't take the orange tips off.

[Tom-ADC]

My main concern is teaching safe gun handling, good sight picture, don'y=t care about recoil my 22's are a Browning Challenger & S&W recoil will be zip. Just want them to be able to show safe handling and good sight picture. For rifle I'm just going to use a Daisy Red Rider then move them into the Henry.

[Darklyte27]

http://www.airsoftextreme.com they have a few locations, 1 in San Diego too

I bought a m4 way back when, as for handguns I bought a gas blow back glock way back when too. most of the weight is in the magazine.

airsoft is def the way to start before real guns. you can shoot soda cans, paper targets into some cardboard.

Tokyo Mauri was the brand I bought but there are many others like KWA

goto a local shop and check them out. Much different from big 5 or walmart 30$ clear plastic guns.

[Call Me Karen]

I have a complete set up everything you need if you are looking. let me know. here is a picture of everything. bought all of this when ammo prices went sky high and never got into it really

[brassburnz]

I have a pair of KWA ATP airsoft pistols that emulate a Glock 17. They are gas blow back and use green gas/propane. The magazines are weighted to give the ATP the overall feel and balance of a Glock 17.

I have a range set up in my backyard with different reactive targets I bought on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BB-Airsoft-T...item3f46aa87ba

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BB-Airsoft-Pellet-Target-Spinning-Reactive-Shooting-Range-Metal-/271768520620?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f46aa87ac

The red metal targets "ring" when hit with an airsoft bb. The blue and yellow targets are made from a lighter metal and dent when struck.

I also have a Texas Star that is a real challenge for me. It was 100 bucks, but I don't think I could have made something this nice myself.



Make sure everyone, not just the shooters are wearing safety glasses. The airsoft BB's ricochet all over the place.

DON'T BUY these. They work for a while, but aren't built robust enough to last. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Airsoft-Comp...item3cc8de6c46

These are OK, but they are a pain to re-set. Also, they don't have the nice "ping" that the red metal targets have. http://www.ebay.com/itm/China-Made-A...item4ae293ecb4

If you don't want airsoft BB's flying all over the place, these traps work OK, but you need to replace the targets. I make targets on my color laser printer. The plastic frame tilts forward and down so you can insert a piece of paper. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Airsoft-...item4ae1ff1d15

[BLACK LION]

Have a couple of grandkids that would like to try shooting. Now this will be the first time they have handled and shot the real thing so before we do that I was thinking there must be a air soft handgun that would make a good backyard training aid for they before we venture out to the range.
What would you recommend? BTW Im going to start them on 22's.

Look at KWA or WEtechs pistol offerings. They are gas or co2 operated and have the same functionality of the real thing so they will get a good recoil impulse and slide lock on an empty mag.
WEtech makes a G19 wich should fit their mitts.
I see AEX mentioned, I would utilize them only as a means to fit the kids with the right gun and get some ideas...then I would buy them elsewhere.
I think WEtechs G19 would be perfect for a kid and you can save money by using propane with silicone oil instead of green gas.

[mt4design]

I discovered evike.com recently online.

They also have a storefront in Alhambra but I know that is a distance from you.

I usually go to AEX in Torrance. Nice guys and very good customer service.