I need some buying Advice: First SEG

[Vlahn]

Hi All,

I'm starting to consider signing on for the sport of Airsoft now that I've purchased my first full metal GBB pistol. The realism and detail possible today seem to go a long way towards creating the experience - an experience I think looks like a load of fun. ^_^

So I will need to consider purchasing an SEG rifle for use in Airsoft games and the sheer amount of brands/replicas can seem quite overwhelming. My essential question is: When starting out is it better to buy a super cheap 'package' deal that may end up on the junk heap after a year of heavy use, or to buy a quality gun body with heaps of upgrade potential and durability?

Models I'm interested in: ICS CXP, MP5 SD6, G36c, M4

There are some really cheap AimTop G36c's available with an ABS body from TradeMe (New), similarly the ICS CXP can be had in ABS for a few hundred as well (sans battery and charger).

I like the shorter model gun variants because I'm only 5'4" tall and I want a gun that can handle CQB as well as field work. I also have a real love of full metal bodies on guns (which obviously costs much more). I can't seem to find anywhere selling Jing gong anymore, which used to do metal bodies for a good price.

So honestly, what does your experience tell you when it comes to ABS vs Metal, is plastic durable enough to survive the long term mauling it would get? I know its subjective, but which brands produce quality for value?

Thanks for your time, one and all. ^_^

[Nematode]

Better quality will always give you less problems longer term, basically buy the best you can afford. ABS is solid enough for airsoft, especially the G36 variants.

BUT, don't buy anything until you have been out to a game and had a look at and a feel of a range of guns.

Also be very wary of anything on Trademe, there is a lot of real crap gets flogged off on there.

[nz mad dog]

Better quality will always give you less problems longer term, basically buy the best you can afford. ABS is solid enough for airsoft, especially the G36 variants.

BUT, don't buy anything until you have been out to a game and had a look at and a feel of a range of guns.

Also be very wary of anything on Trademe, there is a lot of real crap gets flogged off on there.

like Nem said go out to a game and if you see someone with a type of gun you think you would like ask if you can have a go with it on the range the worst they can is no and ask a lot of qustions the more info you can get the batter.

On the trademe side of things do not buy any thing on there in less you can have a go with it before you buy it. That is caming from a bad expreens I had.

[Vlahn]

Thanks very much for the advice Nematode and Mad Dog.

I plan to head out to the TAG field when you have your next full game (Sunday after next?) and hopefully can get hands on with a few weapons.

Regarding TradeMe, I think I've had my first burn on there regarding the pistol I recently bought. /sigh

Lesson Learned.

[Spawn]

Good on ya dude . take a bit of time b4 you buy your first gun there are heaps of people at tag that can help you out. My first seg was a good brand and its still going strong!

[Zero]

Life is one big learning lesson. Some people learn by their mistakes, and some don't.