Saturday, December 03, 2005

The allure of airsoft


I have to admit that I don't understand the obsession in airsoft. It can be a useful tactical tool for force-on-force training, combat simulations, and for teen-age fun. But these things and all their accessories are expensive. I've seen stores here in Japan import authentic tactical accessories (scopes, holsters, etc.) for their airsoft customers. I can almost understand spending $200+ for a reddot scope for a plastic BB gun since the Japanese cannot easily own their own fireamrs. But in America you can buy many of the same Airsoft models in their real forms. Yes, the real thing is 2-4 times more expensive, but they are the real thing. I realize how lucky I am to be an American gun-owning citizen.

M4A1 Carbine
M4 S-System
8.4V Battery Packs
G18C

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The "real thing" is much more expensive than 2-4 times, since a REAL (legal) full auto m-16 pattern rifle sells for upwards of $12,000. Airsoft is a lot of fun, but real full-auto is the "shizzy".

Anonymous said...

good point. i wasn't even thinking of "full auto" when i was referring to the "real thing". i wouldn't even know where to begin to pick up a class-three weapon. i'll be headed to guam soon and i've heard that they have some sweet ranges there that loan out M-16's, M-60's and some other sweeties. i'll get some pix up the day that happens.

so, do you have any airsoft replicas? what are they like? have you been out in any wargames (if that's what you call them)?

one of my students told me about heading out into the mountains every weekend here in japan. they have pick-up games for all ages. he even said that there are some chicks who get into the festivities.