Help purchasing my first AEG.

[unklj]

Hey everyone, I'm a new user and this is my first post. I just need some help deciding on which direction I should go in regards to purchasing my first real AEG.

I've been looking at the Classic Army B&T MP5SD5 and the G&G PM5A4. Based on reviews and posts I've read on a couple different forums, the CA MP5 is regarded as the best MP5 you can buy on the market right now, with the G&G trailing a bit behind.

What I'm looking for in my first AEG is a reliability, durability and good performence out of the box, but also a gun that is easy to upgrade and with easily available parts when I do decide to improve my gun.

While browsing http://mach1airsoft.com, I found that they sold G&G products and that the A4 was listed at $350.00CDN. When clicking on "More Info", I noticed that it also came with a battery, a charger, glasses, BBs and a rail. Is this standard for G&G or is this a mach1 thing?

Full metal isn't extremely important to me, unless it drastically reduces the gun's durability, so I don't mind a clear soft gun. Now as far as I know CA doesn't have a clear soft line, so will the price of a full metal gun be a lot higher just because it's full metal?

From the sites I've browsed, I've seen the CA listed at around $260 - $280USD. Once my age verification goes through (Side question, how long does it usually take to get verified?), what amount will I have to spend on the CA?

If it's a lot more than $350, say around $500, is the price difference worth it based on my above criteria? Does it come with a battery and a charger? Based on posts, the recommended battery to buy is a Intellect or Sanyo 8.4v 3300m, is this right?

Does either gun have a shoddy part or parts that need replacing as soon as I take it out of the box?

Is there something else I have to do when I take it out of the box? I've seen some posts on greasing the gun, but I haven't found any kind of guide on what to do with your new gun.

If these questions have already been answered, I'm sorry for repeating them. I did search for both of these guns, but I may have missed some threads for some reason.

Is there anything else I should know about either gun?

Thanks for your help.

[zone 69]

If your looking for reliability, durability and good performence out of the box. Go with a TM AK47 full stock. They are plastic not full metal.
Easy to upgrade and lots of available parts.
Has v3 mechbox so it can handle a stronger main power spring.
Uses large type battery that will last the day no problems.
Not a thing needs to be done to it just take it out of the box and play.

Im sure there are other brands of AK47s that are just as good or better but TM is what I know so there you go.

[jesster202]

G and G is a reliable maker. But its strongly suggested that you get aged viarfyed, and then you can also make your desison upon what you like as their is tonn of reatilers and private sales in the aeg restricted section. So that would problay be the best route to wait a a few weeks do some more reserch and get av'ed you will be happy you did it.

[Schlyder]

Welcome to ASC, and the world of airsoft in Canada.

I can't believe it Knives must be asleep, here is the list he usally gives out,

newbie buying guide
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=58784
general newbie guide
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=29
picking your first aeg
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=253
importing airsoft
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=40318
airsoft canada forum rules
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=53249
a big ol airsoft Q&A
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=51609
how to get age verified
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=11474
game and events section (from here pick your region to find a game in your area)
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22
WHERE CAN I BUY A GUN!?
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=11961
underage airsoft and YOU!
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=61532



__________________

[TokyoSeven]

Welcome new user.

What I'm looking for in my first AEG is a reliability, durability and good performance out of the box, but also a gun that is easy to upgrade and with easily available parts when I do decide to improve my gun.

These days brands associated with quality and reliability would definitely be TM, G&P, King Arms, Classic Army and even Jing Gong to a lesser extend. Easy upgrades is something of a wide varying opinion. For the most part of it, version 2 and version 3 mechbox do share alot of similar parts, so part availability should not be a worry. However you were not entirely clear with your question, did you mean internal or external upgrade? Anyways....I have a little more light reading for your consideration before your first purchase!

Today’s airsoft guns are nothing more than a motor driven gear set that cranks back a piston which is then released to push and compress air in a cylinder which is then directed out the nozzle to propel the BB down the barrel. How you want it to look is up to you.

As an addendum to that statement you may wish to consider a few of the following points.

1. Cost, is the airsoft gun you desire in your price range? Is it in your price range in the future if you save? Is it the brand you want? Its not just about the looks of the gun, each and every company has their own little take and twist. An example of this is that ICS M4 have a different threading on the upper receiver than that of say a Classic Army M4. Taking that into consideration you would be limited to front ends made specifically for ICS guns if you choose to change out your front end eventually. Unless however you choose to purchase a rethreading tool to change the threading of your upper receiver.

This brings me to my next point.

2. Cost + availability or parts and your own ability to do upgrades. So you have chosen your airsoft gun. Now you want to do some modifications and upgrades. Do you know what you’re looking for in terms of compatible parts? Do you know where to acquire them easily and do you have the know how to do the work yourself or are in a situation where you know someone who can do it for you. If your not mechanically inclined and do not have access to an airsoft gun doc, I would recommend that you purchase something that has already been pre upgraded or at least something that has already had the standard preventative maintenance performed on it be it used or new. Preventative upgrades are simple upgrades that will keep the airsoft gun running longer (maybe not forever but defiantly longer). Most airsoft guns come with nylon bushings; the bushings are what help hold the gears in the mechbox. Most people believe that under heavy stress they bushings can melt and warp, it is recommended that they be replaced with metal bushings. Another example of a preventative maintenance upgrade would be a spring guide. A tokyo marui M4 comes with its stock plastic TM V2 spring guide, while this maybe all fine and dandy for the time being with its stock spring, attempting to run a spring with to high a strength rating may cause that spring guide to break. Over time even with its stock spring the spring guide can weaken. It is suggested that this be an item that you do replace if performing preventative maintenance, usually with something along the lines of a bearing spring guide.

3. Is it available in Canada through one of our retailers. It’s a well known fact that attempting to import an airsoft gun from outside of Canada is equal to that of tossing your money in the toilet, lighting the toilet on fire and then pushing it out of the back of a moving school bus. It maybe have seemed like a good idea at the time, but now you are out a bunch of money and you also ruined a perfectly good toilet.

4. Magazines, you have your airsoft gun and you only have one magazine well that’s all fine and dandy but I’m certain there may come a day where you will require more than one magazine. You may wish to look into the different brands and manufactures out there to see what is compatible with what and how much it costs.

5. Other. You may wish to consider cost and availability of other items you may want in the future and their availability. For example lets say you bought some form of armalite variant and wanted to go the SR 47 look. Well unfortunately at this time do the Canadian law you would be unable to bring the parts in required since they are prohibited, even if it were possible it is en extremely rare mod to find and even more expensive to buy. Another example would be an under barrel grenade launcher. Hope you can someone in Canada because importing is a no no. Other things you may wish to consider are the cost of a sling, maybe some gear and optics.

While browsing http://mach1airsoft.com, I found that they sold G&G products and that the A4 was listed at $350.00CDN. When clicking on "More Info", I noticed that it also came with a battery, a charger, glasses, BBs and a rail. Is this standard for G&G or is this a mach1 thing?

Unfortunately I am not certain myself, the best course of action would be to contact the retailer directly through their website and ask the just to be certain.

Full metal isn't extremely important to me, unless it drastically reduces the gun's durability, so I don't mind a clear soft gun. Now as far as I know CA doesn't have a clear soft line, so will the price of a full metal gun be a lot higher just because it's full metal?

Classic Army does not have a clear body line up but what they do have is there "sport" line up. Essentially its all the same Classic Army internals with plastic body in place of the usual metal body associated with Classic Army. When it comes to price, unfortunetly I cannot speak for the retailers out there but here at ASC in the classified sections full metal guns can be found for as low as $300 Canadian.

From the sites I've browsed, I've seen the CA listed at around $260 - $280USD. Once my age verification goes through (Side question, how long does it usually take to get verified?), what amount will I have to spend on the CA?

Age verification can vary from person to person. Usually the process is completed in a few days, however Im not going to lie, there have been instances where a few weeks and beyond have come up, but personally just between you and I, if a week has gone by and you still haven’t received your verification status. Contact your verifier and check up on them to make sure they have submitted the info. Of course its understandable that everyone has their own life and sometimes things get busy and people forget, so a friendly reminder and a dropping a line to check in never hurts.

As for the amount you will have to spend. That’s entirely up to you; the best I can do is provide you a quick ball park for current CA costs. Remember this is just a ball park quote but at least its something for you to consider. On average, in country, brand new in box, depending on model they can range anywhere between $450-$700 Canadian.

If it's a lot more than $350, say around $500, is the price difference worth it based on my above criteria? Does it come with a battery and a charger? Based on posts, the recommended battery to buy is a Intellect or Sanyo 8.4v 3300m, is this right?

Well as it stands you seem to have your heart set on the classic army brand atleast it seems that way, I could be entirely wrong for all I know... anyways what you should be asking yourself is if you feel if it is worth it. Best recommendation I can suggest is hit up a local game if you can, meet some new players, handle some of the hardware that day and see what you like and what your willing to commit. There is no need to rush, leaping in head first maybe good for something’s, but when it comes to a somewhat expensive hobby like airsoft, its not really advised.

As for batteries, opinions vary from person to person. Its like cars, some like Ford, some like GM, some like Nissan, some like BMW. However what I can tell you is that when it does come to batteries, it is fairly crucial you get something reliable. Intellect cells have been known to be reliable and of decent quality, however I have to play the devils advocate and say I have had intellect packs that were absolutely terrible. On two separate occasions with brand new packs I found that they both did not hold their charge very well. I have never had an issue with any sanyo cell based pack, but that is not to say I will not someday. Before I overwhelm you with information, I'll just give you the plain straight and simple basics. More MAH = more juice, more juice and the longer your airsoft gun will run. Its also been stated that MAH can up the rate of fire a little bit as well, but not a huge amount. As for what the best recommended battery is, that depends on what model airsoft gun you will be getting, as pack set up is different for many airsoft guns. I will tell you this though, the boys over at cheap battery packs.com can and will take care of all your battery needs if your interested.
http://www.cheapbatterypacks.com/?sid=1381371
Over all, many members of this community do purchase from this website and Im fairly certain few, if any have ever had issues with the quality and customer service they receive.

Does either gun have a shoddy part or parts that need replacing as soon as I take it out of the box?

As with many airsoft guns these day, preventative maintenance is always recommended for a new airsoft gun. I personally call it preventative maintenance instead of upgrading because I feel these upgrades are what most guns need to run smoothly for a long long long time, and the cost is very small. If the airsoft gun in question you purchase does not already come with some form of metal bushing ( the parts that hold the gears in the mechbox) it is recommended that you replace the standard nylon bushings with metal ones somewhere done the road after you get it. The same goes for the spring guide. The spring guide is exactly what the name says, it is a small piece of plastic in most guns that holds the spring in position in the mechbox, for the most part this part can have alot of force exerted onto it during use so it is recommended that it be replaced with a reinforced metal one. Aside from those two simple upgrades another thing I recommend is proper gear shimming. Essentially what that means is that the gears are house in the mechbox by sitting in bushings, however small metal disks called shims are used to space the gears apart appropriately to stop rubbing and friction against the mechbox and the other gears. What this does is it ensures smooth operation for your gears which means less resistance and less draw of power from your motor to you batteries.

Is there something else I have to do when I take it out of the box? I've seen some posts on greasing the gun, but I haven't found any kind of guide on what to do with your new gun

Well, the best thing I can say is once you recieve your first AEG, is plug in the battery for its first charge and resist the urge to disconnect the battery early to play with your new toy. Wait till the charge is complete. Be happy, be smart and be safe and enjoy your new purchase in the safety and comfort of your home. When you are done make sure to disconnect your battery and put your airsoft gun away safely in a case or its box and make sure it is out of the reach of children and out of the view of the public.

Is there anything else I should know about either gun?

Perhaps there is, but for today I think I have provided you with enough information for you to read and think about for at least the next day or so. Let it all sink in, airsoft is not going anywhere in Canada, and a person can not learn everything they need to know all at once. When people try to learn it all at once they miss vital bits of information or fall prelude to misconceptions and misinformation.

Take some time, read what I have written, relax and wait for your verification to go through, you will learn everything you need to know in the time to come. However if anything I have posted today is unclear, by all means please feel free to enquire. I am more than willing to assist if you have any questions in regards to my post, seriously though if you have any questions please dont be afraid to ask. This entire post is nearly 2300 words if not over. Im sure I may not have been entirely clear all the way through.

[TCLP]

Having just purchased a G&G GR16 R4 Carbine Light(M4 CQBR) I can help answer a few things myself.

The package was about the same cost as the mp5a4 you are looking at and included a battery, rail, charger, glasses and bb's. I would recommend that you don't use the charger unless you are patient and like to keep an eye on it or the battery will get overcharged and be useless. The glasses are also really only good for basement plinking.

The gearbox is also a v2 just like an mp5. The gearbox had metal bushings and I couldn't find anything wrong from the quick inspection.

The gun had a lot of metal even with a plastic body. It weighs 5lbs without the battery the mag or the tactical rail on it. There is no creaking when you wiggle the grips. Its a very solid gun.

Not to steer you away from the mp5(it was my first AEG to) but have you considered the M4 or Ak. Those platforms have the most as far as external moddification goes and replacement parts are super easy to find. Everyone and there dog may have them but its because of what you can do to them that makes them unique and customized to you.

Also have you thought bout mags? I know the AEG comes with a high cap. But when you get more wear are you gonna hold them? Most vests that have pouches that don't come off have there pouches made for m4's or ak's. Yes you can fit 3 mp5 mags in one m4 mag pouche. But is that fine with you. It was for me when I started. If not you are gonna need a vest that allows for modular pouches. This could be a Ciras, RAV, or a FSBE. As long as the vest has molle, and same w/ the pouches it comes down to what do you like. Personally I'd say get a vest with the pouches that are already attached. Its less expensive(generally) it already has an assortment of pouches and gives you a baseline of what you need.

Hope this helps.