Anyone using Airsoft for practice?

craigp

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May 14, 2012
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Just wondering who may be using Airsoft for practice when you can't get to the range? I picked up a KWA, HK UPS Compact for some "off the range" time. Being the gas blowback style it cycles like a regular semi-auto. Of course it doesn't have the recoil of the 9mm, recoil is a little less than my Ruger 22/45. The overal weight and feel is identical to my 9mm. This is no plastic toy gun that you get in Walmart. 2000 BBs and a can of Green Gas goes for around $40. So far I've shot probably 200+ "rounds" through it.
 
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They definitely can help shooting skills, that's for sure. Unlike most firing ranges, using airsoft weaponry allows you to be able to fire while moving. Setting up a range for that is pretty easy since you have no conventional ballistics involved. Sure there is still a degree of safety required, but the margins are far greater between. Kind of like using a small caliber simulator, so to speak.
 
I believe the Chinese have used airsoft in the past to train for the Olympics. They get used to not having to deal with recoil, which somehow improves accuracy.
 
Parhams0508 said:
I believe the Chinese have used airsoft in the past to train for the Olympics. They get used to not having to deal with recoil, which somehow improves accuracy.

I think it's because if you practice with a 300 Win Mag (e.g.), you tend to concentrate on not getting a black eye instead of on hitting the target. Sorta like practicing with a 22. Not a bad idea. I may look into AS myself.
 
I have a couple of fun airsoft rifles I brought back from Japan, but mostly I used them for squirrel dissuasion in the garden. We had HUGE airsoft wars in the dorms over there, it was insane.

Recently (March or thereabouts) I picked up a gas blowback P226 to teach a friend how to shoot. It works pretty darn well to teach fundamentals, even if it doesn't quite kick like a real gun and the slide release is actually a safety.

Look into getting a green gas adapter (Maybe $10 on ebay) for common propane cylinders. Green gas is propane + tiny amount of oil; if you get the proper oil with the adapter you're set and it is MUCH cheaper. I've probably run through two 2000 round cans of ammo on one propane cylinder (the coleman lantern size). Only problem is the mercaptan stink, and I tell folks that's to keep them from flinching at the cordite smell of the real thing :)
 
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