My first AEG

[Spectre]

Hey guys, this is my first post. I've been interested in airsoft for some time, but only recently became heavily interested. I own several spring pistols (old junk) and one GBB (G26 with metal barrel and slide), and now I want to move on to an AEG. I conceed that I know little to nothing of them, but I'm trying to do research.

I've narrowed it down to an MP5 (probably an SD6), but I don't know exactly what I need. There seem to be so many versions and the web stores aren't all that clear (like what is H&K, a company or model). I'm on a budget, but I want something that will last. I'd love to collect a ton of AEG's, but I don't have the money to experiment a lot and I just want one that will do the job well.

Of course my first thought was to go with an all metal version, but they cost a fortune and I'm having trouble finding a metal MP5 SD6. A place called www.icefireenterprises.com/HeavyMetal.html has a wonderful selection and a fantastic price on metal MP5's, but they won't be shipping anything till May and I don't even know if they are reputable. Do I really need it to be "all metal", or just the majority of the parts? Where can I find a good, solid MP5 SD6 that will last me?

Thanks in advance guys,

Spectre

[AustinWolv]

Spectre, welcome to the forums and the Texas Airsoft community.

I would suggest reading completely through this FAQ, as it will address many of your questions regarding AEG's (and cause you to have more questions): http://www.austinairsoft.com/modules.php?s=&name=FAQ

:)

By the way, H&K = HK = Heckler & Koch, which is a real firearms manufacturer, and a good one at that. http://www.hk-usa.com/

As for retailers, please look through the list of US-based and overseas retailers in our Web Links section. Most of them are very reputable. One thing to consider: US customs
Many of these replicas have the real firearm manuf's tradesmarks on them which is a no-no under US law, unless that trademark is licensed (which some Airsoft replicas indeed are). Consequently, customs may seize your overseas order if those trademarks aren't puttied over/destroyed. There is a risk there if you don't have the retailer do that. Now, if you order from the US, the gun is likely already in the States and you won't have an order seized, but you may lose the trademarks due to the US retailer having them destroyed when brought into the country.

Another thing to consider for a 1st-time AEG buyer and this is my personal recommendation, not fact or the end-all right way: Go with a Tokyo Marui AEG. They work out of the box and are dependable. You may not get the cosmetic bells and whistles of a metal body, but you know the internal parts are solid and will hold up. An AEG with a metal body is just a paperweight if the internals suck.

That being said, if you are dead-set on a metal body:
Take a look at the AE MP5's, as long as it is Ver3.5 or later (I believe). Earlier versions were inconsistent. Stay away from CA MP5's in general. Pretty nice, hefty metal bodies, but internals historically suck.
If you want a metal-bodied Colt variant, look into the CA M15 series ONLY. Not their other models. Good reports have been noted on the M15's on various boards, but I haven't had direct experience with them.

The new metal-bodied ICS M4's look good thus far from accounts I've read, but I haven't had direct experience with one myself and it is still too early to tell if they are durable.

Those above guns are even better values if you learn to work on your own AEG's, which will save you lots of money and open up options for you.

Reviews, reports, and opinions can be found all over the internet....on this very site and on other Airsoft forums.

That is a pretty high-level view and can be expanded on in great lengths, but should get you started.

[Spectre]

Thanks man. This is exactly what I needed. I guess I'll probably go with a Marui for now. I guess I could always put metal case on it later. Most of all, I just want something really dependable that I don't have to mess with much since I know very little of them right now. This is exactly what I needed to hear.

Thanks again,

Spectre

[AustinWolv]

Glad that helped some.

If you are looking to get into skirmishing, there are a number of players up in your area that can be tracked down at www.airsoftretreat.com

Of course, you can always feel free to visit here. :)

[Daigoro]

[Sort of off topic]
Hi! Where in Plano do you live? I live pretty close to Robinson Middle School (I go there), so maybe we will see each other sometime.

[mcoupe11]

This sort of communication can be carried out via Private Messages.

[Mouse]

I believe that most people here could agree with me when i say that a Marui AK47 is one of the most durable AEGs right out of the box. If you're interested in durability, you won't be disappointed with a Marui AK47. :)

[mcoupe11]

I don't believe you'll be disappointed with the spell-check button either. :p

[Spectre]

Thanks guys, I'll check all this out. It looks like I need to make a pilgrimage down to Austin some time. I just can't wait to actually start skirmishing.

[Spectre]

While looking for the others stated above I found a TM MP5-A5 which it says is all metal and the insides are Marui. Does anyone know if it's any good.

Thanks

[AustinWolv]

TM doesn't make MP5 metal bodies. Somebody took a CA or AE/ICS metal body and put TM internals inside of it. What exactly of the "insides" is TM parts? The gears? The mechbox shell?

Could be a reasonable AEG if they did the work correctly.

[Spectre]

That's what I was afraid of. I guess there's no way to tell off their website because they don't say. In fact there is no good description at all.

I think I found the AE's you spoke of but they only say Version 3, not 3.5. Who sells the 3.5s.

Sorry about all the questions, I've never spent this much on something like this before and I want to get the best one I can. I like metal just because it seems more durable, but if you guys just use the plastic ones, I guess they must be pretty good. Thanks for all your help.

[mcoupe11]

Metal bodies, as a general rule, aren't more durable than plastic bodies, just more rigid. Where a plastic body might bend, a metal body might crack. On the other hand, certain metal bodies have extra features which address specific weaknesses of plastic bodies. For example, Hurricane metal bodies for Armalites have redundant receiver tabs.

I don't know anything about the specific metal-bodied AEGs you're looking at, but I would not factor any notion of body strength into my decision; the metal used in most metal bodies is not of particularly high quality. Be assured, the purpose of the metal is primarily to impart the cold sensation and weight that one associates with a real firearm.

[AustinWolv]

I think I found the AE's you spoke of but they only say Version 3, not 3.5. Who sells the 3.5s.
Like I said, I may be mistaken on their most current version. However, I cruised over to AE's site: http://www.airsoftelite.com/products/ae5_bpag.html


I like metal just because it seems more durable, but if you guys just use the plastic ones, I guess they must be pretty good. Actually, I have mostly metal receivers on my AEG's. While mcoupe is correct for the most part, metal bodies do add some structure in that some plastic receivers have stress concentrations around places where screws engage or weight is cantilevered off the plastic. Metal bodies, being more rigid and stronger in terms of tensile strength, alleviate those issues. However, any thin section of material is prone to breaking, so a metal body can and will break in certain areas where a plastic body may just flex.
That probably confused you even more, but like everything, there are pros and cons to a product and/or upgrade.


Sorry about all the questions, I've never spent this much on something like this before and I want to get the best one I can Are you dead-set on a MP5?

[Spectre]

Dead set? No, I guess not. I'd just read in the AEG fag that most were the same and just to think about esthetics. MP5's are kind of nostalgic to me because I had a plastic cap gun version when I was a kid. It's not that important though, I'm fully open to suggestions.

Oh, and thanks for that link AustinWolf. I forgot you gave that to me before.

[Rayzor]

TM Ak47 is a kickass gun, if it suits your tastes. If you want to keep your gun shooting at the same FPS throughout the course of its entire life, then looks is the only thing you have to worry about. However, if you want to upgrade to 400 fps or something in the future, there are a few more factors to consider such as durability.

[thejackal69]

Seeing as you have never before purchased one of these weapons, I would recommend an Sr-16, M16, or m4 series. They are the most common and will be the most easily upgraded. Plus, they are just plain good rifles.

[jkool]

AK-47's are the most reliable weapons for airsoft that I've come in contact with. About the m4 series being easily upgraded, I think viper may beg to differ with you in that aspect. Good luck getting into airsoft, hope to shoot you sometime soon.

[AustinWolv]

About the m4 series being easily upgraded, I think viper may beg to differ with you in that aspect. Like he's the expert?
LOL!

Spectre, if you want a MP5, then it appears you have done your homework.

However, if you are open to other replicas, consider the AK47 and Thompson. The P90 is another underrated option as well.

[Spectre]

Thanks again guys, I'll check them all out. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found this place. I hope to see you all on the field one of these days (when I finally get on the field).

[Rayzor]

The P90 has a hellish rate of fire. Very cool gun.

Also, Spectre, you should come to one of our weekend games and you could rent a gun from someone. Most people charge $15 for renting a gun (usually comes with one or two hi-caps. Check the loaners page), and both field fees are $10. Unless you need to buy bbs, that's only $25 to have a fun-filled day of airsoft and familiarize yourself with AEGs.

That is if you can make the trip from Plano.

[cclark1985]

"The P90 has a hellish rate of fire. Very cool gun."

Any gun can have a hellish rate of fire with a quick swap of the battery.

[Dark]

Regarding the P90, I personally wouldn't get one for your first AEG. While the gun itself is very solid and is a good performer, the high cap magazines tend to be a little flaky. Mine repeatedly wound down after a few bursts, and atleast two other people I have talked to had the same experience. Eventually, the pin holding down one of the gears fell out and was lost. Another P90 user had the same experience today at the field. Others may have had different experiences, but I felt it was worth noting.