New, looking for first airsoft rifle

[Kanuk]

Hi,

I’m new into the world of airsoft and I’m looking to buy by first rifle. Before you say it, yes I am already in the process to get age verified. I had in mind an initial budget of $400 (could go to $500 if worth it). I am really starting from scratch and have to buy everything (eye and face protection, gloves, camo pants, vest, batteries, charger, extra mags, BBs, speedloader, etc.).

I did a lot of research on this and have kind of settle with a model from G&G. I heard a lot of good things on this brand and that it’s perfect for a first AEG. I was looking at the CM16 in particular but am still fully decided between these 2 options:

1. G&G CM16 carbine (or raider I am still not sure)
Affordable at $160 (for the carbine version), it would allow me to invest a bit more on my gear. Good first gun, it would allow me to get started and get some experience before I look to replace it by a high-end rifle. After it would become my second rifle that I can lend to a friend or as a backup.

2. G&G TR16 Top Tech
More expensive at $350 (for the carbine version), it would take a large chunk of my initial budget and I would probably be less equipped. However it would be my main rifle for years to come and would be a platform that I can upgrade in the future. Already pretty solid stock with better internal parts as the CM16, metal body, and the blowback which add a tacticool touch to it.

Of course I know it might not go according to the plan (you’re never safe from an early failure or anything else) but I like the idea of starting with a more basic rifle that will become my backup in 1 or 2 years. So in conclusion, even if I have already read a lot of reviews and that I have a good idea of what I would like, I am still curious to hear what experiences airsofters think!

So I guess my question is: If you had to do everything again today, starting with a small budget, would you go to a decent quality affordable rifle and equip yourself properly or would you spend extra bucks for a high end rifle and cheap on the tactical gear?



Thanks a lot for your help!

[Red Dot]

Route 1, see if you like the hobby first before blowing a ton of money at it. Get the best eye protection and boots you can buy and go from there.

[Hectic]

There is a sticky about choosing your first rifle. Definitely don't buy a bottom end gun. Your first gun with some mags and a battery should run you about 500 bucks. Regardless what brand you buy, (within reason) if you buy a G & G top tech and a cpl extra mags and factor in the tax you'll be in the 500 range.
say you like AK's you can grab an LCT and some mags for about the same cost.
You could get a G &P or vfc all in and around that 500 mark (keeping it bare bones obviously, you start looking at a VFC 417 and mags it starts to add up)
If you like the g and g guns (or that's what you can find close to you) tthey are decent guns, if you go top tech. Also (as with most stock guns) you'll likely want to upgrade the hop rubber and inner barrel right away, not sure about the gearbox as I haven't looked inside a gandg yet but I'm sure someone will know if they have a weak point that should be adressed also AFAIK most folks disable the "blow back" on these guns, not sure if 8th a reliability thing or and efficiency thing tho.
that being said if you are on a tight budget all you need to play is good boots, and good eyepro (both can be had for 200 bucks or so) and a gun with a high cap mag.
With these three things you can test the waters and then plung later when you have funding.
Tho I would still suggest anything besides the low end gandg even if you look at say a JG/Echo1 you can get a dent gun for 250 bucks or so. Beter than the base gandg.
and again any gun you get I really suggest hop rubber and inner barrel. Those are going to be the big 2 for range and accuracy (along with quality heavy ish bb's) then if it shoots good only some of the shots that a consistency issue (like air seal problems someplace) and that can be hit or miss on the cheaper guns as well, parts aren't too steep but if your not handy labour can be.

[naminator]

G&G Is a decent first choice.

Spring for full metal. Also these things are like cars, the devalue as SOON as they leave the lot. Buy a lightly used gun from someone on the classifieds before brand new. If you go the used route, avoid "upgraded" guns unless it has been done by someone who knows that they are doing. Someone stuffing a 400FPS spring in a stock gun, running a couple thousand rounds through it then selling it as like-new/upgraded happens.

Take your time selecting a gun. I would also recommend you show up at a game/go to a store and fondle a few different guns. Going to a store won't give you an idea of how much you will want to play with the gun, but it will let you know pretty quick if you don't want to use it. Personally I was really interested in bullpup rifles (specifically the L85/AUG) until I held both of them. The weren't comfortable or ergonomic for me. Just a personal observation.

[Kanuk]

Thanks for the advices! I already went to two different shops to talk and feel the rifles they had (one was the CM16 and the other one was the Top Tech TR16). I'm already planning to play once or twice somewhere where you can rent some equipment.

Anyone has experience with the cheap G&G, good or bad? Or everyone is saying to stay away from those?

[naminator]

Just go full metal. My first gun was a "canada legal" M16 from G&G. It had a smoked polymer lower. It was a decent enough gun, but honestly, if I could have done it again today I would go full metal. I ditched the plastic and picked up a couple different metal guns. Best decision ever. They just feel right.

Unless weight saving is a concern. Then get a light plastic gun. Honestly if weapons manufacturers could produce cheap, incredibly light but strong plastic assault weapons, armed forces all over the world would be picking them up like 2 dollar blowjobs during shore leave.

[-Shade]

If you're limited to just those two, I would go with the combat machine over the top tech. It's a very reliable little gun and easy to upgrade if you feel like it. There are a lot of options for them now if I recall in terms of looks. It's pretty perfect for starting out to see if you like the sport.

I will echo the comments above and tell you invest in good eye protection and comfortable boots. Consider something to protect your teeth too. Stuff like this should be a priority.

[Kanuk]

Originally Posted by -Shade

If you're limited to just those two, I would go with the combat machine over the top tech. It's a very reliable little gun and easy to upgrade if you feel like it. There are a lot of options for them now if I recall in terms of looks. It's pretty perfect for starting out to see if you like the sport.

I will echo the comments above and tell you invest in good eye protection and comfortable boots. Consider something to protect your teeth too. Stuff like this should be a priority.

I'm not limited to just those two and could go to a different brand. Why the G&G? Just because when I first started looking I went to the cheapest half decent rifle (Combat Machine from G&G). Now that I have read more on this forum I am starting to look at higher quality as it seems that people here recommend to go with a 300 bucks rifle minimum as a first rifle. Top Tech are the first one I looked at because I was already looking at the G&G catalog because of the Combat Machine.

I already ordered my goggles and neck protection. I'll probably buy a mesh mask when I purchase my rifle. For the boots, I'll stick with my good hiking shoes as they are comfortable. Maybe not as good as some good tactical boots, but it will come with time.

Originally Posted by naminator

Just go full metal. My first gun was a "canada legal" M16 from G&G. It had a smoked polymer lower. It was a decent enough gun, but honestly, if I could have done it again today I would go full metal. I ditched the plastic and picked up a couple different metal guns. Best decision ever. They just feel right.

Unless weight saving is a concern. Then get a light plastic gun. Honestly if weapons manufacturers could produce cheap, incredibly light but strong plastic assault weapons, armed forces all over the world would be picking them up like 2 dollar blowjobs during shore leave.

Obviously good metal will win over good plastic so I see why it's important for the externals. What about the internals? I didn't a lot of information on the G&G internal parts. Is it important or I'll want to upgrade them before long?

Thanks a lot guys I really appreciate all your comments!

[naminator]

G&G is a great first gun. The higher level G&G's are basically "shoot till it breaks". First upgrades will be a good battery, good barrel and good bucking. Those are going to be huge factors in consistency in shots at range. Accuracy is your responsibility after all.

After the barrel/bucking/hopup, you will probably move on to internals but it gets pricey. Your best bet is to wait for age verification and try to buy a gun that has a better bucking/barrel already installed. You will generally pay the same for a gun with barrel upgrades as a new one from a store.


I can tell you right now, there are SEVERAL excellent guns in the sub 300$ range on the classifieds. If you where patient, you could snag quality eye protection for 60-80$. Boots if you can find good used ones can be had for sub 100$.

Gear wise, a pair of tan cargo pants, a good belt and a shirt can run you 60$. That leaves about 250 for gun and charger. Most guns, used or new will come with a hicap. That is 300 rounds, should be sufficient. I got 2 7.4v Lipos and a charger for 60$. Batteries are relatively cheap to get. Some guns will even come with a decent battery.

So 500$ is doable, but it will be tight. Save up some scratch and get more mags or upgrade your barrel. Sometimes you can find used parts that where for a build that was stopped. I got 50$ worth of parts for 30$. That 40% off brand new in box parts.

Thats about it. Things you will want eventually:

Gun upgrades
Extra mags
Radio
Camo
Vest/chest rig
Sidearm
More batteries and gear
Another sidearm
Another gun

[Chillyrabbit]

Originally Posted by Kanuk

Obviously good metal will win over good plastic so I see why it's important for the externals. What about the internals? I didn't a lot of information on the G&G internal parts. Is it important or I'll want to upgrade them before long?

Thanks a lot guys I really appreciate all your comments!

Would this video still be relevant? it was made 2 years ago and compares the Combat machine and the top tech. Might be worth taking a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLyGP330M_k

[Kanuk]

Just found someone selling his stock G&G TR16 top tech R4 commando for $240. That's a good drop compared to price for a new one. As far as I know yet it hasn't been upgraded, it's still in excellent condition (according to the seller), and it has been used 4 time. Reason of the sale is that the seller is switching to paintball. It comes with a battery, full metal mag, sling, and the front grip. As I am not yet age verified I can't compare the pricing to what they are usually sold for. Good deal or not?

By the way thanks Naminator for the great info! I have to say that it's been quite informative.

Originally Posted by Chillyrabbit

Would this video still be relevant? it was made 2 years ago and compares the Combat machine and the top tech. Might be worth taking a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLyGP330M_k

Wow great find there! I have looked for a video like this but couldn't find anything that useful on the internals. I guess I should have search for the full name (combat machine vs top tech) instead of the model numbers (CM16 vs TR16).

So in conclusion not a lot of big changes but many small details and improvement that will make a difference in the long run?

[Datawraith]

Damn, if that TopTech is actually in good condition, that's a pretty hot price. 200 is about Combat Machine pricing, not TopTech which usually is 300-400. Make sure it actually is a TopTech (not a CM) that is in decent condition with no problems.

TopTechs are actually quite a step up from Combat Machines. The build quality of the TopTechs are also supposed to be better than the Combat Machines. I don't remember if the blowback is pneumatic or mechanical, but if it is mechanical (I think it is pneumatic though), you may want to disable it to extend the life of the rifle.

On top of that, follow naminator's good advice.

[Slodin]

people recommend G&G even if you didn't mention it because you are new..
so might as well buy a working cheap gun and play some rounds to see how you react to the sport. Then you can dump all the money you want if you want to keep on playing.

and tbh, check used. I got a KA full metal for $100. I thought it had problems when I bought it and tested with seller's battery and was going to tear down the gearbox. Then I had the thought that I should try my own batteries. Turned out the semi don't cycle with the seller's battery, mine works fine. I know I sorta got lucky there, but you can find cheaper guns. Just need to check prices before you buy them, people like to price them even higher than a new one sometimes..of course, buying new gives you warranty, although I don't trust any warranty cause I had NEVER had a good warranty service with ANYTHING. (I remember I RMAed my motherboard and they wanted me to pay shipping and $50 repair, that's 70% of a new one)

most of your money probably goes to gear. $50-$100 eye protection, $100 boots, $40-$150 plate carrier, $20 knee pads, $50 3-5 mid caps, $20-50 mag & other pouches...

those are just must have gears. Camo and helmet is another $150 - $200 dollars for the cheap stuff..

[naminator]

Honestly 240 is right around there. I spent 220 on my King Arms M4A1 with an aftermarket rail, magpull accessories, folding grip, cheap red dot and hicap.

Just make sure the battery is in good shape, make sure the gun isnt trashed ect. If the gun is in bad shape cosmetically after 4 games, I couldn't imagine the internal condition. Also try to find out how many rounds he has put through it. One game I only put about 600 rounds through my M4, but a different game I put in the neighborhood of 4000 rounds through it (hopup was broken so I had 0 range and had to lob everything).

As a counter point, on the classifieds right now, there is a full starter kit (gun, mags, battery, case, optic, accessories, camo, vest, helmet and charger) for sale for only 300$. It isn't the best quality gun but it is alright. Deals like this are frequent.

In fact, there is one guy selling a Classic Army M4, with a ton of upgrades and extras plus a full set of gear for a total of 700$. However, I bet you could negotiate him down to less.

Go ahead and buy local if you want, but if you take anything from my post, it is to wait until you are age verified. You will find a fantastic deal here. I would look for someone getting out of the sport or that needs money and low ball them. Just don't get upset if they say no and be reasonable.


EDIT:

Slodin is right about gear costing a lot. But don't get too hung up on that right away. Unless you have $1000 plus to blow on airsoft gear can be had cheap. A vest/plate carrier is completely unnecessary when you first start out. Knee pads can also be dropped until you decide you need them. Most used vest/carriers come with mag pouches so I wouldn't worry about that. I spent 200$ on my goggles, 180$ on my boots, 200$ on my camo and another 100$ on my vest/pouches/holster. In my armory, I have a 150$ revolver, 300$ hicapa, 300$ G18C by Cyma, a 700$ GBBR and a 350$ AEG. That was all purchased this year. So as it stands, I am in for about 2300$. Thats just one season and I am not done. I want to replace my vest, get new camo, get a good radio, upgrade my GBBR/G18C and a few other odds and ends. This isn't a cheap hobby.

That isn't to say you can't get into it cheap of course.

[Gato]

Route 2, G&G is trash...... buy something half decent, these days, VFC are in a fairly cheap price range.

As suggested though, try the game first before you go buying anything.