Just trying to get a taste of the hobby...

[WinnipegDragon]

A couple of friends and I got interested in some super cheap airsoft guns from www.backyardartillery.com and quickly discovered the import regulations into Canada.

Needless to say, once I started reading this forum and other sites, I found myself getting hooked. The issue is my wife is on mat leave with our 4 month old so cash is in short supply.

I know I'll get ripped for this, but we just want to try it out. We want to go into a field with a couple of cheap plastic guns, and get a taste for the hobby before investing $1k or more on gear.

Is there anywhere in Canada that I could find similar $40-$70 baby airsoft guns, either online or in Manitoba, to get a taste of the hobby? I've seen the simple guns at CT but I'd rather have something that isn't transparent or baby blue...

Much obliged, and thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

[BloodSport]

Not really, but since your in Winnipeg and you want a taste, why not go to Xtreme Tactics and rent on their indoor field for a taste?

www.xtreme-tactics.com

[ValkXB70]

Using the cheap plastic guns in a field will not give you a taste for this hobby. For around 45 bucks you can go to Xtreme Tactics as Wise Owl suggested, play a game and have some fun. Take a look at their website and join their forums. Also you might want to check out the MAA at MAA Forums if outdoor play is more your style.

[Nocturnal]

OR go try paintball.. if you like the rush you get from playing paintball then you will certainly like playing airsoft.

Airsoft is similar to paintball. You do not need to worry about being marked by paint, you do not have to wear full masks (although some people prefer to and advise it), you have a wide range of different rifles, submachineguns, pistols, shotguns, sniperrifles to suit your preference.

If you cannot get yourself to one of the organize airsoft games in winnipeg then you are better off trying paintball instead of spending money on cheap airsoft guns (this will not give you any feel of the game).

cheers

[WinnipegDragon]

Great, I hadn't seen that site before. I've emailed them and I'll try setting up a game for us in the near future.

I'll check out MAA as well. I wasn't sure how they were with handling rookies though. I doubt I could invest in that kind of gear for a year or so.

Regardless, thanks for the responses. I appreciate the advice!

[Greylocks]

Your best bet is a local game, and renting something decent. Then you can decide what you prefer to do. The odds are pretty high that you will be hooked.

At the very least you will have tried the game with something that is not total crap.

[tsuru]

Speaking from personal experience it's best to call XT if you have any questions or better yet just drop by :roll: . The staff there is a great bunch of guys and can answer most of questions.
If you want to see some of the hardware there will be a gun display show this Saturday (Feb 11th, 2006) between 2PM and 7PM. A game will more than likely follow the show and I imagine there will be a number of new players at that game so if you can make it out it would be a good introduction to the sport.

[Gryphon]

Don't worry about the $1K expenditure.

It'll get a LOT larger than that.

[WinnipegDragon]

Originally Posted by W.K.Shuridys

Don't worry about the $1K expenditure.

It'll get a LOT larger than that.

Hmm... Are you TRYING to scare me off, or...

[appache]

Not to scare you.... But you will for sure want more and more....

[666]

Originally Posted by WinnipegDragon

Hmm... Are you TRYING to scare me off, or...

No, he's just telling you the truth :lol: Most people think they will be able to fit everyting within that $1k, but than it becomes $2k, $3k and so on

[BloodSport]

$3k... kinda an understatement dont you think?

[supersized]

Yeah I started off this hobby thinking I'd only buy an AEG and one side arm to goof around with......then you realise that you wouldn't mind other pieces to your small growing collection and next thing I knew....BLAMO... I've got 15 pieces in my collection and it hasn't been a year yet!!!

[666]

Originally Posted by wiseowl

$3k... kinda an understatement dont you think?

You are probably right I guess that was said about airsofters with reasonable spending habbits :lol:

[Skruface]

Originally Posted by WinnipegDragon

Great, I hadn't seen that site before. I've emailed them and I'll try setting up a game for us in the near future.

I'll check out MAA as well. I wasn't sure how they were with handling rookies though. I doubt I could invest in that kind of gear for a year or so.

Regardless, thanks for the responses. I appreciate the advice!

If you can come down to XT on Saturday between 2 and 7 pm, the local XT and MAA players are holding a "gun show" of sorts for new players. Might give you an idea about what you like, and what you want. You'll likely be able to do some target shooting and such as well, and it'll give you a much better idea about quality, prices, etc.

Hope to see you there!