[Noob] Best airsoft gun on a tight budget

[anthraxcp]

Hey, this is my first post on this forum. I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to join up. I live in Toronto, ON and was just wondering what the best airsoft gun for about $100-200 would be. I know, tight budget comparing to expensive guns like Tokyo Marui and Systema but It's just to use for playing with a couple of friends.

I would prefer a semi-auto or fully-auto assault rifle, but if there's something better than that's ok.

I don't care if it's Co2 or electric, which ever is better at this price range. All I've tried are typical Walmart/Canadian tire guns and none of them are that great. Though I would much prefer a fully automatic gun, accuracy and reliability > spraying.

And since I made this thread, are there actually any advantages to getting age verified. Because you don't actually need it to buy guns from stores. All you need is to be 18+ with ID so I don't see a point to it.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: Ah I just realized I might be playing during winter so green gas/Co2 is a no go. Strictly AEG's then.

[BGrail25]

Being age verified grants you access to the classifieds, particularly to buy airsoft guns. There's another thread on this (well, actually hundereds...) in this section, check it out.

[anthraxcp]

Yes, but I'm only buying one to play with friends. We're not even going to wear proper protection (except for eye wear of course!) so we don't want to be shooting powerful guns.

Are there any retail stores in the GTA or online Canadian retailers that have good prices, because from what I've seen, Canadian airsoft prices are much higher than in USA.

And for the record, a friend of mine has a 3 year old m4 from wal-mart ($100) that still works perfectly.

[Guerrilla]

well I mean if youre just going to run around with your friends get yourself a cheap CYMA gun. Their AK I think is the more reliable of their weapons.

On the other hand a lot of low quality companies also have bad quality control. So you could spend $120 getting a cheap gun, and be buying another one 3 days later.

Be smart, Check out G&P and King Arms for AEG's on a $215 budget (American dollars sorry)

They are reliable and well made. You don't want to be three guns in having spend $300 and going "Why didn't I just get something I would only have to pay for once"

[anthraxcp]

Ok, thanks for the input. And if I do stretch my budget a bit more, where are the best retail or online stores to be looking at?

[Gunny_McSmith]

FYI, you cant buy from the US....it will get seized by the CBSA = reason why airsoft guns prices are much higher in canada :S

I would suggest you to take a look at the "aftermath Kraken (ak-47)" they are cheap, and the best bang for your buck you could get in tat price range

Also, check CapitalAirsoft, TorontoAirsoft, ...

[ThunderCactus]

The kraken AK's can be pretty decent for $200
But if you plan on keeping it for a long while, and want a reliable, tough (internally) gun that is compatible with upgrade/replacement parts. Get age verified (need to be 18+), and look for a tokyo marui starter kit in the classifieds here.
TM's hold their value real well, they're guaranteed to be compatible with all internal upgrade parts, despite being plastic guns, it's tough plastic. You can usually find a set of everything you need (mags, gun, battery) for around $500 (which is less than the cost of a new gun). And if kept stock inside, they last forever.

[BGrail25]

The main point of being reliable is not just being able to last many years, but also to prevent breakage or other problems while you play. Even though your buddy's Wally M4 lasted a few years, that doesn't mean it's not going to break. Chances are its end is near.
When you're in a game, you really don't want some kind of problem like a jam or gearbox failure. Having a gun that's even a bit reliable will be much better than some piece of junk time bomb just waiting to screw up.

[Gunny_McSmith]

well, the Kraken... all it needs is a mechbox cleanup, shim job and voila, most of them only need that to last forever!

[DEATH2000]

You mention that your just going to be playing with friends. I assume your probably going to be playing in a field near your house or your back yard. If this is the case, don't bother wasting your money on anything better then a walmart gun. When someone see's you and calls the Police they are just going to confiscate it anyway.

[kalnaren]

Originally Posted by Gunny_McSmith

well, the Kraken... all it needs is a mechbox cleanup, shim job and voila, most of them only need that to last forever!

As well as a new hop-up and inner barrel.

Frankly for a budget beginner gun, I wouldn't drop below a JG. Krakens are just too hit-and-miss for quality control.

[anthraxcp]

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

You mention that your just going to be playing with friends. I assume your probably going to be playing in a field near your house or your back yard. If this is the case, don't bother wasting your money on anything better then a walmart gun. When someone see's you and calls the Police they are just going to confiscate it anyway.

Exactly my point. Although I've played airsoft a bunch of times already and nobody's ever said a thing. We get odd stares but that's it.

It seems I can get a VCF m4 for $200 though. Is that any good?

[surebet]

At that price it's out of country, so no. Avoid out of country site advertising being able to ship to Canada, it's a scam.

[ThunderCactus]

Originally Posted by BGrail25

The main point of being reliable is not just being able to last many years, but also to prevent breakage or other problems while you play. Even though your buddy's Wally M4 lasted a few years, that doesn't mean it's not going to break. Chances are its end is near.
When you're in a game, you really don't want some kind of problem like a jam or gearbox failure. Having a gun that's even a bit reliable will be much better than some piece of junk time bomb just waiting to screw up.

Mostly agreed. The major issue is that most airsoft companies (like car companies) suffer from QC problems and defects.
The best example is classic army. Back 2-3 years ago, they'd have cycling of crap and good guns. for 3 months they'd produce awesome internals that would last for a year or more, but after they re-established their customer base, their QC would bomb and their guns would come in broken from factory or only last 2-3 games. Then the cycle would repeat itself.
Same with G&P, they make amazing externals, but their internals are always hit and miss. I've seen a stock G&P last 3 years through VERY heavy gaming, and I've seen one last a few hours before a gear broke.

Luck IS a factor when buying an AEG. However tokyo marui has always been #1 for quality. They've got the lowest breakdown rate of any company I know of (above even systema).
If you want the most reliable AEG on the market, pick up a tokyo marui and keep it stock internally.

[anthraxcp]

Originally Posted by surebet

At that price it's out of country, so no. Avoid out of country site advertising being able to ship to Canada, it's a scam.

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No. It's a friend of a friend on facebook. I would take a look at it before buying.