Airsoft replica for inexpensive training tool?

[0150r]

I saw a thread over in the Rimfire section talking about people shooting air rifles for fun or cheaper shooting and it lead me thinking about other inexpensive options. Has anyone tried using airsoft replicas for training? I was looking at the KSC G26 for some indoor practice at home. I've read a few reviews that say it's very close to a real G26 (weight, size, last shot hold open, etc) and even licensed by Glock. I practice trigger control with dry firing, but some reactive target feedback would be nice too. What are your thoughts?

[Tri750]

I was tempted to buy a high end Glock replica airsoft a couple of years ago. Once I figured in the pistol, cans of propellent, spare "mag", and bb's, vs. the cost of ammo for my .22 pistol and Glocks that I already own, I decided against it.
Granted, this was pre crazy times when ammo was plentiful and reasonably priced. Also, regarding a place to shoot, I already belonged to the FRPC and the Peace Officers Association range.
The two best shooters I know, who competed across the US, didn't use airsoft as a training tool and didn't think much of the idea. So, factoring all this in, I decided not to do it.
I think if a shooter doesn't have a .22 pistol to practice with and doesn't have an annual membership to a range and has to pay each outing, or maybe has a young shooter at home to train and practice with, then an airsoft can work out. Let us know what you decide and post a pic of your new baby if you get it!

[mif_slim]

It works. I use it as a tool. The best shooters dont need to use airsoft becuase they can shoot just about as much ammo as they want. Us normal joes dont have sponsors and/or deep pockets to do that so I went with airsoft as a practice tool when I'm not out at the range.

[Xinogage]

I bought my P30L after handling and shooting the hk p30 co2 pistol. They are nearly identical in ergonomics.

Really helps with my trigger pull control, and general shooting procedures.

[Varg Vikernes]

Don't people just dryfire a lot??

[MrExel17]

Went the same route with air-soft, with the same build as reel steel your right it is a good cheap way to practice. Not sure what county your in but in San Mateo is a no-no. You can fire it your home (garage/maybe backyard which I do). But the only problem I run into is the Gas & Co2 make a pretty loud sound, to somewhat mi-mick the real steel. Now looking into electric.

[mikeinla]

Who makes an Airsoft that is like a Glock 17 or 34??? I called a local airsoft store and they said they use to sell one but Glock sued the company that made it and are no longer allowed to produce it.

[mif_slim]

The KWA ATP is the one that came out after the Glock disconinuted. Its suppose to be similar or as close to Glock as possible without getting sued.

[Bodh1]

Who makes an Airsoft that is like a Glock 17 or 34??? I called a local airsoft store and they said they use to sell one but Glock sued the company that made it and are no longer allowed to produce it.

Try KSC. I doubt you'll find a 34, but you'll probably find a 17.

http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/airsoft/Gas_Pistols_SMGs_Tokyo_Marui_Tokyo_Marui_G17_3rd_Generation.htm

Yes, that website is legit.

The licensing for airsoft pistols is hit or miss.

I have an airsoft USP, but it has no USP/HK trades on it, instead the airsoft gun is called a KWA KP45. But it appears that KWA has gotten the licensing for the HK pistols.

[emsalex]

There was a thread about this awhile ago, there is a competition shooter in china or japan who can't own a gun who trains with airsoft at home and comes here and wins, someone should come along with correct details.

If you can do it with out getting any bad training scars, why not?

[Tri750]

Yes, sponsored shooters get free ammo but I don't. For me factoring in the price of airsoft etc, and making a neighbor nervous with the sound, I'm good practicing with my .22 . But to each is own, I don't think there is a "right" answer to the question. Both techniques work.

[0150r]

I would love to practice with a .22LR (I'm a big fan of .22's), but I'm looking for something that still feels like my Glock. I've seen the conversion kits, but they are really hard to find, pretty expensive, and from the reviews I've seen, quite picky on ammo. The going rate for .22LR is also a concern...

[lolkopter]

I ran accross the same thing. Ammo is not only too too expensive. You also can't legally shoot people with real guns like airsoft or get full auto

[INFAMOUS762X39]

If you are looking into a Airsoft pistol, get a KWA bar none.

I am a Professional Paintball Airsmith and I get to fondle with tons of Airsoft platforms. KWA makes some top notch products.

[elsolo]

There was a thread about this awhile ago, there is a competition shooter in china or japan who can't own a gun who trains with airsoft at home and comes here and wins, someone should come along with correct details.

If you can do it with out getting any bad training scars, why not?

Tatsuya Sakai of Japan, he won the Steel Challenge in 2004
(then DQ'd the next two years)


When I used to shoot steel and IPSC every weekend, I setup a 1/3 scale steel challenge practice at home range for airsoft.
Used a KWA Glock 19 replica and .250" thick aluminum plates that rang like a bell.

It really did help to learn exactly how much of a sight picture I really to confirm for the different types of shots. Steel challenge is deceiving in it looks like a speed shoot, but some of those targets are small and out there, and you NEED to shoot clean without misses to score worth a darn.

It makes a huge mess, the BB's break into pieces and fly everywhere. Hang a tarp in the garage to catch the misses so they don't dent the walls, and expect to do a full sweep up after any range session.

Somewhere in the garage I have some homemade 1/4 scale pepper poppers made of .250" alum plate, calibrated to work with airsoft, they have a stainless base and adjuster bolt up front like real poppers.