Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian McIlmoyle
Ok, I was wrong... and I admit it.
I thought that the proliferation of inexpensive clear receiver guns would result in an expansion of this activity and a revitalization of the community.
I was wrong... What has happened is a "dumbing down" The bar to entry to this activity has been lowered so low at this point that pretty much anyone with $100 can get into the game.
Now we see retailers selling dollar store junk as "airsoft guns" at $60 and $80 to people who then will undoubtedly show up at the next game .. and subsequently whine about the "elite assholes" who looked down on them.
Instead of growing the community it has divided it between " Kraken toting mag ticklers" and those who invest in "real airsoft"
"real" airsoft has been pretty much marginalized as the purview of the affluent few.. with connections, submerged under a sea of Cheap clear guns.
Many people have withdrawn from the public community because of this.. retreating to enclaves of "serious players" who have written off for the most part the wider community.
Lots of guys called it right when the last of the large public retailers of "real airsoft" guns folded ... the writting was on the wall... but now its large enough for all to see.
The "barbarian Invasion" of "Kraken Toting Mag Ticklers "(KTMTs) is proceeding inexorably to the final conclusion .... when the back yard clear softers will inherit ASC.
The "serious" collectors and players are still out there.. and many still lurk here .. and granted many KTMTs graduate to real guns in time and make the transition to Real guns and committment to the activity. it's the ratio of "wheat to chaff" that I bemoan.
Call me Elitist if you want... because I am
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If someone wants to play airsoft and doesn't have much $$ then they should be allowed. I've had a hell of a time playing with a friend's crossman shotgun (the one that uses shells) I personally would never buy clearsoft but it's not my place to say where people that do get to play. I'm sure they'll learn quickly that clear soft so called junk has it's place in airsoft but must accept the limitations of those budget guns. Don't expect a $120 gun to shoot like a $600 gun, doesn't happen. I've had a stroke of luck lately, purchasing a M15CQB armalite all metal from CA for $150, it needed less than $30 of spare parts. Mind you that's rare but it's possible and just because someone's spent several $100's or $1000's on gear doesn't make them any better nor should their voice be heard any more than someone who's new and on a tight budget. New players should be encouraged no matter the budget or skill level, besides after 6 six or so if they're still really into it they'll probably trade in their clear soft and upgrade but we shouldn't, as airsoft players, discourage people from playing. Frankly I believe the only reason people still buy clearsoft is 'cause we get absolutely hosed in Canada on airsoft gear. Guns up here go for 3-4 times what they go for in the states, not right at all. We should all be ambassadors for airsoft and look into have similar laws to the states, hell I'd even get an FAC if it meant I can buy any airsoft gun I want regardless of make or composition.
That's just me 2 cents..play on.