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Post by cblackthorne on Jun 29, 2014 9:04:07 GMT -5
Hello,
We have a WW2 Re-enacting unit in central Missouri. Until now we have been a blank-fire group, but we recently met some friends from the Michigan/Wisconsin area who also do airsoft and it got us interested.
So, are there any airsoft individuals or units in Missouri that would like to start planning some events? There are dozens of great locations in Missouri for such events.
Our unit is WW2 German. So if we could find some allies to work with we could definitely get something going on a regular basis.
Regards, Chris 29th Panzergrenadier Regiment
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 10:18:36 GMT -5
Hey, I thought people that did blank fire looked down upon us Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 10:19:08 GMT -5
But seriously, welcome to the group. It's a great and fun one too
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Post by cblackthorne on Jun 29, 2014 11:54:01 GMT -5
Joe,
Thank you for the welcome. I have a different perspective on WWII re-enacting than most. I don't see blank fire and airsoft really being much different at its core. I see them as interchangeable. One group can add to the other. Our unit has re-enactors from various backgrounds including medieval, civil war, etc. We have learned lessons from those groups. What worked. What didn't. We are a bit more open minded than most.
Both groups have pros and cons, but I believe that if they worked together to help blur the lines a little bit, everyone comes out ahead. Rather than airsoft groups and blank fire groups being separate, I would rather see units that do both.
The living history groups need to be more open and sharing with their knowledge and less stuck up. They need to stop looking down on airsoft and accept them as a different flavor of the same hobby. I have seen a trend with newer groups being much more open minded.
The airsoft groups need to stop cutting corners and invest in better uniforms and equipment. Invest not just in a good air rifle, but invest some time in research and ask questions. I have seen a few airsoft groups that really kick ass in that area.
I see a lot of good potential in both groups becoming one hobby. Central Missouri is a pretty clean slate. There are only 2 WWII Re-enacting groups (we are one of them) in the area and it looks like little to no airsoft. So, that means it can build from scratch with no pre-conceived ideas one way or the other.
Regards, Chris
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 15:16:32 GMT -5
I think part of the reason that airsoft is seen by some as a "Flaggrantly Wrong hobby" is the fact that there are so many youngsters in it (I being one of them--16 years old I am) but there are also players as young as 12, and a lot of times they feel they don't have the time and resources to put together a good impression like a lot of the older guys; not necessarily true however. I agree with you. If we can keep the tactical aspect of the hobby and add in a bit more accuracy, there is no problem with that. And there are many people on this group that maintain an accurate kit as you'll see here. After all, airsoft is a great recruiting pool for blank fire units.
Me personally, I haven't really gone to a WWII airsoft game as it isn't very common on the West Coast. But I do airsoft a lot in my WWII impression at public games and do try to maintain an accurate impression.
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Post by aldrich on Jun 29, 2014 21:15:20 GMT -5
I can't agree with you more cblackthorne! As someone who both airsoft and blankfire reenacts regularly, they really are two sides of the same coin. While each has aspects that the other lacks, it is still the same coin. I think that both hobbies can learn much from one another. Hopefully us up here in central Wisconsin will be able to coordinate with you in the future and get some events going. On a side note, I find it amusing how "f-a-r-b-y" is auto-corrected to "Flagrantly Wrong" when you make a post.
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 23:23:33 GMT -5
I just noticed lol
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 23:23:43 GMT -5
Farb
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 23:23:50 GMT -5
Flaggrantly Wrong
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Post by ssgjoe on Jun 29, 2014 23:24:01 GMT -5
It doesn't do it to farb
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Jun 30, 2014 0:39:17 GMT -5
Blank-fire has maturity going for it and of course, more resources. Airsoft has the adrenaline factor for tactical battles. Airsoft is not performed for the public so the pressure to be in perfect kit is not there. Authenticity standards are enforced by event organizers with the understanding that you'll lose dedicated players at the expense of allowing those not so willing to increase their kit standards. There is a balance there that will not approach blank-fire standards in my opinion. So the choice is to have a more realistic battle and overlook the authenticity or have the authentic trappings but for the tactical aspects long for some excitement. That's why some do both. Another reason some blank-fire folks steer clear of airsoft is that airsoft is simply too physically taxing for your average middle-aged overweight outta-shape reenactor. I include myself, but I try because I like the excitement. Good luck Chris in raising a group in St. Louis area and keep us in mind for your road trips.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 30, 2014 13:58:47 GMT -5
Ersatz events are worth the trip. Great planning, fabulous props and mature cadre.
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Post by kat1918 on Aug 24, 2014 0:41:38 GMT -5
Central Missouri, tell me more...
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Post by volkssturm on Aug 24, 2014 12:45:44 GMT -5
"... airsoft is simply too physically taxing for your average middle-aged overweight outta-shape reenactor..." Hey ! I resemble that remark!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Aug 24, 2014 13:16:31 GMT -5
I have to agree as I no longer feel I can effectively participate as anything but a cadre member, event sponsor or role player but having done so in both BF and airsoft events and as a former combat Infantry officer I have to say (for me) the airsoft skirmishes make for far more excitable and entertaining "war stories" while the BF events do a fabulous job creating a more emmersive "Suspension of belief" time travel experience. What we try to do and what I am seeing more and more atairsoft events is a marriage of the two.
signage, camp sites,vehicles, proper mission briefs, tactics, unit integrity, mail call, wound treatment etc. the hobby has a long way to go but it is making great progress. The are many long time blankfire reenactors who waded through those early phases of maturity within their hobby who frankly feel like they are going back to square one when they attend airsoft events and simply don't want to walk back through that minefield again.
In many ways I can't say I blame them. I often see posts here that try my patience and I am sure there are many with the same reactions. Hopefully visitors to the site recognize that each individual post or individual posters (myself included) do NOT represent the whole community.
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Post by kat1918 on Aug 24, 2014 13:18:08 GMT -5
I don't know, there are a few of us on the wrong side of 35 who can still tie there boots without running out of breath, even in the Show me State If anyone in the Jefferson City/ Columbia area is interested in getting something started, count me in.
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