AEG loadout and Tactica

[Palm-Tree]

Hello again!

First I'd like to thank you all for the warm welcome. As stated in my previous post, I have a couple of questions which I'm a bit fuzzy about.

But before I ask the actual questions, I feel it appropriate to shortly discuss my mindset when in a "combat" Situation:

I like sniping, and yes I know what that means. I have a keen eye, I am very observant (Almost an OCD attention to detail), and have an ungodly amount of patience. I can and have sat or laid in a spot for hours on end and I enjoy doing so. I'm fascinated with the biology behind the human eye, and how our cones and rods react to shapes, patterns, and light. I deeply intrigued with the art of camouflage and am aware of and have mildly practiced SSSSMC (Shadow, Shape, Shine, Sound, Movement and Color) techniques. I'm also not a bad shot.

However, as logical being, I am aware of basic physics and the practicality of such a play style in paintball, airsoft, and every video game that has bastardized the art of "sniping". I am aware that the fps is sometimes less than half of a 9mm, and I am also aware that the mass of the projectiles being fired is significantly less than of a 9mm as well.

So during my short research of the airsoft sport and guns, I realize (and correct me if I am wrong) that most of the differences in weapons are purely cosmetic. However, things such as barrel length, and gearbox really do make difference. Whether it's a longer effective distance, consistency of shots, or adding a backspin to your BB. Then of course we have the general construction of the AEG.

Where this is going: I'd like to be able to have a flexible play style (Well rounded) and a load out to match that play style.

I've constructed a load out which I believe will match these conditions:

As for the make of my weapons, I've had the words "Tokyo Marui" shoved down my throat ever since I brought up the subject so:

TM M14 Carbine - Good barrel length, full automatic function, and solid construction will allow me to still be able to take those "long" shots and be able to switch to full auto if necessary.

TM Glock 17 GBB (3rd Gen) - Green Gas ( Meh :/ ), but since the M14 doesn't lend itself to CQC very well, I find this in conjunction with a TAC light will do the trick.

Now I've done some googling and random forum searching, but haven't really gotten a straight answer to my questions which are:

Would some of you experienced players find this load out viable and logical given my above mentioned play style? (If not, why, and what would you suggest be done differently?)

Are the above 2 gun models and makes quality (I have seen some pages that list guns that have some consistent problems, I haven't found either of these two guns on any of those lists, does anyone have personal input)?

Does it matter where I buy them from and if so why and what would you suggest?


Thanks again for your time.

Palm / Pete

[Bklipp91]

Originally Posted by Palm-Tree

However, as logical being, I am aware of basic physics and the practicality of such a play style in paintball, airsoft, and every video game that has bastardized the art of "sniping".

THANK YOU! You've just passed many of the non-newbs on this forum in my eyes.

On topic, I'd like to say that you can not go wrong with Tokyo Marui. It's nice to see that you've taken the time to do the research and you are pretty up to speed.

One thing I'd like to remind you of that if you wish to dabble with the internals or your M14, you must keep the velocity below 401 feet per second (Not that I doubt you are familiar our rules).

The thing you should be most worried about is your GBB. The temperatures in this area fluctuate a lot, and tend to get too cold for a GBB to work consistently. Many members here would recommend you look towards finding an AEP, which I can vouch for. Also, if you plan on playing on our fields, a TAC light would not be necessary, unless you want it for the looks.

/Just my $.02

[l96ninja]

I've heard excellent things about the M14, and because of the design of the hopup, many people find that they don't even need to stick a tightbore barrel or new bucking into the gun to get the performance they require.

If you don't want to use a gun which requires green gas, Tokyo Marui does make an excellent line of AEPs (automatic electric pistols). These are great because they run off a rechargeable battery, so you can use them all year long. Another thing is that if you use green gas in your G17, it may shoot too hot to be used as a close-quarters weapon. In that case, you could just use duster gas.

Good luck!

[Bracket]

You've got it right that most airsoft guns differ purely cosmetically. Any gun can be made laser accurate with a tightbore barrel, a good bucking, and quality BBs.

Tokyo Marui is the gold standard of airsoft guns. Their stuff is high quality, low maintenance, accurate and consistent. If you're looking for performance, but don't care so much about the aesthetics, I would recommend the AUG. It has an extremely long barrel, (509mm, same as a m16a2), a reliable version 3 mechbox, and remains compact in size. I use mine as a backup gun, mostly because my other's keep failing, but it is definitely the most accurate of them all. The only thing you have to worry about is the scarcity of magazines, compared to AK and M16 magazines, and other accessories. Also, they only accept a few batteries, either an 8.4v mini, or a properly stacked 7-cell block battery.

As far as your sidearm, they really aren't that necessary. You may find few occasions where you'll need it, so I'd suggest you get to the field and play some games first before settling down on one.

Really, your play style is typical of nearly every airsofter. "I want an accurate, long range gun that I can also fire full auto." If there was an easy answer to this question, you'd have it immediately.

[Palm-Tree]

Thank you all for your responses.

Bracket: I have actively looked into the Aug, and my main gripe is with the aesthetic. Normally I'm all about function over form; however the Aug is a real eye soar to me. The Barrel difference between the m14 and AUG is something like 10mm (correct? Don’t remember off the top of my head). How much performance will I loose with that 10mm? Yes I figured that the indicated play style is common, and I realize the answer to the question will be difficult. But thank you anyway :)

Ninja and Klipp: After a little more creative searching, I have come to the realization that you are correct in the fact that an AEP might be a better choice due to the consistency of shots and fps limitations. Also the TAC light (strobe) idea was mainly CQC based, and after looking at the Poco Loco field I realize that it may indeed not be necessary. Again the only way I will know whether or not to even purchase a sidearm will be some on the ground experience. Thank you both for your input.

Palm / Pete

[P7hk9]

I think your choices are fine, though I would suggest installing a tight-bore barrel in any rifle immediately after purchase.

Don't discount the need for a sidearm. There are many times that your AEG may be firing too hot for a given engagement distance, and dropping to a low powered sidearm will keep you in the fight. Leave the light off for later. For how we typically play, it will only get lost or in the way.

[Bklipp91]

Pete, we are all more than happy to help you in your quest for airsoft goodness.

I will have to agree with Lou, it is a good idea to have a sidearm, however, you may not want to start out with a shiny new (and expensive) Tokyo Marui pistol.

What I had done, before buying my friend's used Glock GBB, was carried a spring pistol just as a last resort. Again, LAST resort although I have had a couple confirmed "kills" with spring pistols in the past.

Although I don't have time now, I would like to help you further if you have more questions.

[Jeep]

I started playing airsoft with this group with a TM M14 and a KWA Glock 17 GBB.

I like the KWA Glock 17 because it can use Green gas or propane as a fuel gas, Most TM GBBs are designed for '134 or duster gas with a comparable drop in power to meet Japanese velocity standards. You may have problems finding a KWA G17 now due to hk trademark infringement a year ago or so. A alternative that I use is a TM USP AEP, there is a review in the review forum with many users chiming in.

Overall, from experience, you choices are excellent. As Lou, mentioned any AEG can benefit from a tightbore barrel, However, My TM M14 is still using its stock barrel, I get the performance I felt necessary with the stock hop up bucking and .25gram BBs. It has been good enough that I have spent money on other replicas that needed more help. The Glock is handy when the long length of the TM would get in the way while crawling through brush. Since you have a interest in the role of sniper the TM M14 is a good choice to take the role of spotter, this will allow you to try out the role with out the significant expense of building a bolt action sniper rifle and be mentored in field craft necessary to be effective on the field in those roles. Search sniper on this forum there is a lot of good information on it.

There are reviews of 4 different M14 manufactures in the review forum. There is a lack of information on the CA M14 and TM M14 only because the TM is so good that I don't use my CA (and I can't find magazines for a CA M14) and the TM has had so little issue with it that I have had not reason to open it up. There is also a CYMA and G&G review as well for comparison.

A couple of suggestions:

A GOOD radio (motorola talkabouts with a headset and PTT button)

Do NOT skimp on eye protection, C3 requires ANSI rated full seal goggles. I use ESS turbofans, They are pricey, but they have uses out side of airsoft and the expense is worth saving your eye sight. They also have the ability to take a spectacle kit. The ESS eye shield allows the use of the spectacle kit outside of airsoft.

Buy and use only good quality BBs, look for .20 for the chrono, I keep a mixture of .20, .23 , .25 for AEGs and .29s and .43 for my spring sniper rifles. Heavier BBs can gain you a higher level of consistent accuracy at range. For my TM M14 I generally use .23s for normal use, keeping a couple of low caps of .25s for a target at longer ranges or in heavy brush.

[Palm-Tree]

Eyewear is where I was planning to go all out; I'm big on being able to see!

Also since I did play paintball for a long while, including 2-3 day events (e.g. d day at skirmish) I am already in possession of a quality Motorola handset. ;)

Thanks!

[GTAMOBSTER]

Personally, my favorite rifle to use is my M16A1. It's just naturally comfortable to me since it's not too different from a rifle which you'd use for hunting.

Tokyo Marui's will no doubt have the lowest maintenance (though I HEAR Real Swords do the same very well). Depending on what you're like, TM may not be the best option for you. Me personally, I think TM's make great back ups, but for primary, I rather use a different base gun such as CA. I like having a somewhat more realistic and sturdy feeling gun. I also like having an upwards fps close to 390ish for outdoors as combining that with good hop up, will give me more range than a 290 fps gun with a good hop up.

Again though, it depends if you like "collecting" the guns, playing, or both. For someone who doesn't care as much and wants to treat it somewhat like paintball, I'd suggest a Tokyo Marui.

Long tight bores and good hop up are two things that are really important though.

If you like the M14, the TM M14 is a great gun and one of the most accurate TM guns, so I hear.

[Silentshot91]

Originally Posted by Palm-Tree

I like sniping, and yes I know what that means. I have a keen eye, I am very observant (Almost an OCD attention to detail), and have an ungodly amount of patience. I can and have sat or laid in a spot for hours on end and I enjoy doing so. I'm fascinated with the biology behind the human eye, and how our cones and rods react to shapes, patterns, and light. I deeply intrigued with the art of camouflage and am aware of and have mildly practiced SSSSMC (Shadow, Shape, Shine, Sound, Movement and Color) techniques. I'm also not a bad shot.

However, as logical being, I am aware of basic physics and the practicality of such a play style in paintball, airsoft, and every video game that has bastardized the art of "sniping". I am aware that the fps is sometimes less than half of a 9mm, and I am also aware that the mass of the projectiles being fired is significantly less than of a 9mm as well.


Where this is going: I'd like to be able to have a flexible play style (Well rounded) and a load out to match that play style.

I know the feeling you are having. I am deeply intrigued with snipers and the whole art of sniping. Sadly, airsoft snipers are no where near their real steel counter parts.

So, it sounds like a Designated Marskman Rifle (DMR) would be the best path for you. Designated Marksmen stay with squads to provide long range, accurate fire when need be, but they also retain the ability to engage in medium distance fire fights.

The M14 is a great idea for this kind of setup. Some other suggestions would be; M16, G3, G36KE (i think thats the bigger one).

With an accurate, longer range gun, you will be able to still provide that long range precision fire mixed with observation and recon. But if necessary, you can switch over to full auto or your secondary and engage closer targets.

Search around for Designated Marksmen and DMRs. There are plenty of loadout recommendations and tactics out on the web for you to view.
Hope this helps.