|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 3, 2015 20:43:01 GMT -5
Hello everyone, this is my first time actually registering for the forum. I occasionally came here when looking at gun reviews, etc. I would like to begin with the fact that i'm heavily interested in World War 2 Airsoft, as the modern weapons, and gear do not strike my fancy. But alas I do not know where to begin my adventure into this part. I am from Wyoming, small populated town that is near Cheyenne. The games that are usually held here are not MilSim, and if they are they are heavily relaxed in terms of gear. So before I got into a list i've compiled, I would like to state that: Where I live there is no such thing as a World War 2 air soft group (if there is, it is definitely not around here.) Everyone has either: Springer Sniper Rifles, Modern rifle AEG's. There is no one with the same taste (that i've found) in my area. But even knowing that I may be outclassed by fully automatic AEG's I wish to continue my roll, pursuing a Sniper. My first list is of a German Sniper. My family fought in World War II on the American side, and German (family split) The German side (from what we're told) was a sniper, who survived till the end of the war. I would like to follow in the footsteps of my ancestor and go with this roll: www.hessenantique.com/SS_Enlisted_M43_Field_cap_Insignia_Applied_p/r18135200-ss.htmwww.hessenantique.com/M44_Dot_Camo_HBT_Trousers_p/2122402.htmwww.hessenantique.com/SS_M40_Plain_Tree_Camouflage_Smock_p/2121440.htmwww.evike.com/products/38585/ (G&G KAR98) Questions about this loadout: I've watched videos of the KAR98 where people were forced to drill a hole in the gas canisters to get them out of the mags. Has this been fixed? Or was it a 'lemon'? Another question I have is the bolt, I've heard that the bolt is made of pot-metal, or another cheap metal. I've heard that G&G provided steel bolts for free. Does the model now come with that already installed? In the package? Or do I need to contact G&G? How do I get a hold of them reliably? Other Load out: This loadout is American, it is only encompassing the gun, as I have not found a reliable source to get manufactured period correct clothing. www.evike.com/products/51085/Questions: Reliable places to obtain period correct clothing, and gear? Any reviews of the gun yet? If so: Is it reliable? Sturdy? FPS? If you guys could help me that'd be great. Thanks, Gibson
|
|
|
Post by brownien on Feb 3, 2015 21:07:33 GMT -5
For US gear and uniforms: Hessen antique has them At the front Emc militaria specializes in US.
I'm sure you know plenty about the US guns out there, but may I suggest. Going for a standard rifleman with a M1 garand can be very versatile on the field. Upgrade the barrel to a tightbore, and an upgraded hopup rubber and upgrade the spring to get a fps you prefer (400 with .20g-.25g) and you can have a VERY accurate semi auto rifle that will give regular Aeg users a run for their money!
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 3, 2015 21:55:50 GMT -5
For US gear and uniforms: Hessen antique has them At the front Emc militaria specializes in US. I'm sure you know plenty about the US guns out there, but may I suggest. Going for a standard rifleman with a M1 garand can be very versatile on the field. Upgrade the barrel to a tightbore, and an upgraded hopup rubber and upgrade the spring to get a fps you prefer (400 with .20g-.25g) and you can have a VERY accurate semi auto rifle that will give regular Aeg users a run for their money! Thanks for the info, I've been looking at the m1 garand loadout. And looking at Hessen Antique I can easily acquire a full set of starting gear. Also, what tightbore (if any at all) will work with the m1 garand I linked? Or is the ICS m1 garand not as iffy as others point out? thanks,
|
|
|
Post by brownien on Feb 3, 2015 22:16:27 GMT -5
I would imagine the Ics M1 uses a standard aeg barrel. Just get the correct length barrel. Not sure about hop rubber though, may be proprietary. I personally love my homebuilt M1's. All built from Cyma M14's with wood handguards and Realsteel gas assemblies. Just apreference of mine, as there are plenty of m14 upgrades currently on the market. Plus the modded shotgun mags I use in my M1 fit great in the individual cartriage belt pockets!
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 3, 2015 23:35:25 GMT -5
I think you would find the ICS or just out GnG Garand competitive and reliable enough for consistent play against modern spray and pray types. A US impression will probably go over better amongst a group of regular airsofters (and their parents) but either way you will draw some attention and no doubt some like minded folks. The folks up in Idaho Combat Sport Supply have the GnG Garand in stock where IVIKE is still waiting on their initial shipment. They are great folks there and let me examine and experience the GnG. i have an ICS Garand and like it a lot but the GnG is definitely more authentic in appearance.
Both are great looking replicas. The ICS Shoots harder out of the box and they come with two clips which hold more rounds (32 each) where the GnG holds 20. Given that you will be facing modern set ups the ICS may be the better choice. A bolt action rifle is going to leave you severely challenged at a modern game. There is some fun in that of course but it can get old in a hurry as well. If I went German I would go with an MP44
The M14 to M1 conversions are a great way to go as well.
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 3, 2015 23:51:51 GMT -5
I think you would find the ICS or just out GnG Garand competitive and reliable enough for consistent play against modern spray and pray types. A US impression will probably go over better amongst a group of regular airsofters (and their parents) but either way you will draw some attention and no doubt some like minded folks. The folks up in Idaho Combat Sport Supply have the GnG Garand in stock where IVIKE is still waiting on their initial shipment. They are great folks there and let me examine and experience the GnG. i have an ICS Garand and like it a lot but the GnG is definitely more authentic in appearance. Both are great looking replicas. The ICS Shoots harder out of the box and they come with two clips which hold more rounds (32 each) where the GnG holds 20. Given that you will be facing modern set ups the ICS may be the better choice. A bolt action rifle is going to leave you severely challenged at a modern game. There is some fun in that of course but it can get old in a hurry as well. If I went German I would go with an MP44 The M14 to M1 conversions are a great way to go as well. Hmm..I've heard that the ICS had problems with the trigger. If you don't press it down correctly it would go automatic. I'm guessing you haven't experienced this issue? I was looking at the ICS garand along with the G&G, but the issues people have stated makes me a little skeptical.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 4, 2015 0:25:23 GMT -5
I have had no problems whatsoever with my ICS and I got one of the very first ones. A couple people on this site HAVE had issues with them however. In looking around at other posts and comments the reviews have been almost universally positive. With mine I see no need whatsoever for a tightbore barrel or upgraded spring as it is both powerful and wonderfully accurate (for an airsoft gun.)
|
|
|
Post by Sgt. Squid on Feb 4, 2015 2:41:42 GMT -5
I just picked up an ICS garand from airsoftgi.com for 270 + tax. It is an awesome gun right out of the box. It delivers the range an accuracy needed to keep up with and even out preform most stock aegs. I highly recommend it.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 4, 2015 15:32:15 GMT -5
Wow! that is an extremely impressive price on the ICS Garand. Was it new in the box or a returned/ refurbished gun?
|
|
Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
|
Post by Dracul on Feb 4, 2015 16:56:02 GMT -5
Yeah, right now its at 360, which is damn good, but how did you get it down to 270?
|
|
shiftysgarand
Corporal
BangbangbangbangbangbangbangbangPING
Posts: 1,165
|
Post by shiftysgarand on Feb 4, 2015 18:32:56 GMT -5
Perhaps another promo code? That's pretty unlikely though, as retailers generally don't let you use codes when things are on sale.
|
|
|
Post by Sgt. Squid on Feb 5, 2015 6:09:19 GMT -5
Brand new, Promo code 2015
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 5, 2015 18:58:28 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Sgt. Squid on Feb 5, 2015 19:09:24 GMT -5
As badass as the BAR is I wouldn't recommend it. i have the matrix one and it has been somewhat problematic. Mine had feeding problems and hop up issues from the get-go. The fact that it has no midcap mags is also a bummer. On the flip side though it has good range and definitely has a cool factor.
|
|
shiftysgarand
Corporal
BangbangbangbangbangbangbangbangPING
Posts: 1,165
|
Post by shiftysgarand on Feb 5, 2015 21:29:32 GMT -5
I would agree with Sgt Squid. The Echo1 BAR is a great rifle, it's just let down by terrible mags. My friend who owns a BAR has bought 6 mags and every one of them has since failed( he bought them about a year ago). If you're willing to convert mags to midcaps and deal with the weight and awkwardness, the BAR is a great choice.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 5, 2015 21:40:32 GMT -5
The BAR takes the limiting challenges of the Garands weight and length and carrys it to an even greater extreme. Although neither are as heavy as their real steel counterpart both are awkward and difficult to weild but the BAR is especially so. If you're playing against modern equipped players the BAR creates an even greater gap for you.
|
|
stuka
Sergeant
The one and only
Posts: 1,205
|
Post by stuka on Feb 5, 2015 22:03:17 GMT -5
Bar is a bit closer against full auto's then the m1 with less ammo
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 10, 2015 18:19:26 GMT -5
Well taking your guy's opinions in mind, I purchased an ICS m1 garand. It'll be here next week!
|
|
|
Post by Sgt. Squid on Feb 11, 2015 3:00:58 GMT -5
Right on! Let us know what you think about it.
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 13, 2015 20:14:28 GMT -5
Test fired it tonight after getting it. The gun on the outside looks pretty damned good, and I love how big it is. Interally no problems what so ever, No Double Feeding, etc. Mag only holds 25-30 BB's (Which is better than the GG's 20) and the last three do not shoot (Of course it's a common issue from what i'm told.)
Overall for a lower price (402$) I love it, and can't wait to use it.!
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 13, 2015 21:43:53 GMT -5
Also can I use a regular speed loader? the Speed loader I got is a little iffy to use.
|
|
|
Post by Sgt. Squid on Feb 13, 2015 22:04:39 GMT -5
Awesome!and yeah I use a regular speed loader. The one it comes with is just dumb.
|
|
|
Post by Sgt. Squid on Feb 13, 2015 22:09:00 GMT -5
What impression are you going to do with it? If you are doing airborne I highly recommend the m1 rigger pouches for the mags, they are a lot easier to use then the bandolier. Although if you are doing any other impression then they would be wrong. Alternatively I know some of the cheapo cartridge belts will hold the mags, but from what I've heard the nicer ones won't fit them. I'm using a bandolier since I usually do marine impression, it's difficult to use but doable with some practice.
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on Feb 14, 2015 8:54:28 GMT -5
Too bad that airsoft gun designers don't take simple details into consideration when creating these guns. I wonder how hard it would have been for G&G or ICS to make the mags fit a ww2 US cartridge belt if they just tried? I think they are stupidly not checking with their target audience who will use the gun with the appropriate gear. Come on don't they play WW2 airsoft in Asia? Well I shouldn't complain I suppose, at least we have a couple Garands to chose from! Good luck with your new gun, and have fun, play safe!
|
|
|
Post by gibson0319 on Feb 14, 2015 12:42:19 GMT -5
What impression are you going to do with it? If you are doing airborne I highly recommend the m1 rigger pouches for the mags, they are a lot easier to use then the bandolier. Although if you are doing any other impression then they would be wrong. Alternatively I know some of the cheapo cartridge belts will hold the mags, but from what I've heard the nicer ones won't fit them. I'm using a bandolier since I usually do marine impression, it's difficult to use but doable with some practice. I'm going with a marine impression Already looking at hessen antique and a few other places for gear, etc. After using a regular speed loader I was able to get 35-38 BB's into the mag, so 35 basically.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 14, 2015 15:58:19 GMT -5
That was my experience with the mags. The Challenge with the clips fitting in the Garand pouches is the clip (for ICS and GnG) includes the stock base which of course was not part of an enblock clip. It completes the look visually on the ICS and GnG Garands when compared to the M14 to M1 conversions using the shotty shells. If you want the overall more finished looks it is the trade off you must accept.
I keep my spare ICS clips in pockets or bandoleers and am fine with that. For the onversions you can slide a clip (or even two if you want to cram them in) in the Garand pouches.
|
|
|
Post by insterburger on Feb 14, 2015 20:31:08 GMT -5
Too bad that airsoft gun designers don't take simple details into consideration when creating these guns. I wonder how hard it would have been for G&G or ICS to make the mags fit a ww2 US cartridge belt if they just tried? I think they are stupidly not checking with their target audience who will use the gun with the appropriate gear. Come on don't they play WW2 airsoft in Asia? Well I shouldn't complain I suppose, at least we have a couple Garands to chose from! Good luck with your new gun, and have fun, play safe! Good observation, but it begs a question looking at the problem from the opposite end: Why don't the Chinese equipment manufacturers make runs of pouches specifically designed to fit airsoft cartidges? It should be a simple enough process to cut from slightly modified templates, and they must know that a significant portion of their market comes from people who would desire such a product. Or maybe they don't. I wonder what would come of contacting a supplier such as Hikishop and running the idea past them. If they can be shown how it would make them money, I can't imagine why they wouldn't be on board.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 16, 2015 14:31:11 GMT -5
The Actual Garand belt pouches would require very little tweaking to be made large enough to accomodate the ICS or GnG airsoft clips in fact if your soak the canvas and stretch them yourself they can be made to work. Use hot water and stuff them with wedged wood carefully pounding it in to stretch the canvas. Leave them over night and they will accomdate the oversized clips. I have not tried this with actual belts as frankly I was fearful of ruining real ammo belts but I did them with a couple reproductions and they can be made to work.
The clips are tough to get in and out so for gaming I probably will still count on pockets and bandoleers. The reload process for either of these Garands is challenging enough as it is and in spite of lots of practice it still takes me a little lnger than reloading an enblock clip in a Garand. The good news of course is that the capacity per clip is greater.
|
|
Jerry-ADK
Private 1st Class
Unteroffizier, Heeresgruppe Nord-Ost
Posts: 418
|
Post by Jerry-ADK on Feb 16, 2015 19:26:25 GMT -5
thanks, Thats good to know, I'll try that someday, I will prolly get repro cartridge belts anyway. I dont think I would feel good about modding an original that way either.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 16, 2015 19:35:51 GMT -5
The stretching process is a bit tedious and the somewhat less robust nature of the reproduction canvas weave contributes to it being possible. They look a bit oversized when stuffed with the ICS Clips and are still fairly awkward to work with. The clips snag and do not slide in and out like i'd like them to.
|
|