Practice with airsoft or bb guns?

mgmorden · December 10, 2012, 01:29 PM

Quick question guys - just wondering, but do any of you do any practice with a BB pistol or airsoft? I try to dry-fire a good bit, but I can't get out to the actual range a lot to shoot.

I live far enough in the woods that I can shoot airsoft or bb guns in the back yard, so I was thinking that would be a dirt-cheap and convenient way to practice while actually making some holes in paper

.

Any thoughts?

rcmodel · December 10, 2012, 01:39 PM

Well, some Japanese kid won the Bianchi cup or USPCA Action Pistol Match or something a few years ago. (I don't remember the exact match or shooting discipline.)

And all he had ever practiced with or shot was Air-Soft because they can't have real handguns in Japan.
He shot his first centerfire pistol (loaned to him) after he came to the U.S. to shoot in the match.

So I guess it is way better practice then nothing!

rc

**9mmepiphany** · December 10, 2012, 02:34 PM

That was Tatsuya Sakai, who won the Steel Challenge in 2004 (speed shooting match) who beat speed shooting legend KC Eusobio by .59 secs. To give you an idea of how large a margin that is, KC beat the 3rd place shooter J.J. Racaza (yes, the one from Top Shot) by only .05 secs (that is a factor of almost 12). He had the fastest time shooting his Open gun and placed 12th with his Limited one

Practice with airsoft can be very helpful to get down the mechanics of draw, presentation and target transitions. However, Dry Fire practice, with your real gun, is really the route to mastering trigger management and seeing your sights

highorder · December 10, 2012, 05:47 PM

I have a S&W M&P9 that I love.

I almost bought a M&P22 to go with it until I saw this BB gun at a big box store. Bought it for $39.99 not expecting much. I was wrong! It's a great BB repeater! Accurate, decent trigger, extra mags are less than $10. Even fits is all my holsters.

Magoo · December 10, 2012, 06:07 PM

I've got one of the KWA brand 1911s. The quality is pretty impressive for the money. The overall weight is right on, but of course that weight is not distributed the same as a "real" 1911 (light slide, super heavy mag). The controls are all pretty nice and have a good feel. The most annoying thing to me is the accuracy. It's great for many types of practice, but an accurate plinker it aint. At longer distances I just ignore the sights and aim follow up shots on the observed flight path of the last BB.

Definitely wear eye protection. Those little BBs can get to richocheting all over the place, and they've got enough power to at least enter and get trapped in an aluminum can from ~20 feet.

rodinal220 · December 16, 2012, 08:59 AM

I use Air soft guns for certain training scenarios.The ones that are metal construction(Zamak)and operate with "green gas"(propane) have the heft and feel of a real firearm.Good for CQB/force on force scenarios,especially with those new to firearms.

I also have been a longtime adult air gun user.I prefer quality adult air guns from makers in England/Germany.Beeman(the old one) opened my eyes to quality air guns.They are inexpensive to shoot,you can shoot in your basement(anywhere really).Great for practicing sight alignment and trigger control.

Pete D. · December 18, 2012, 04:07 PM

I have an old Daisy lever operated BB rifle. I ground the front sight off, made a longer stock to fit me out of a pine board and strapped enough lead on the thing to bring its weight up to six pounds. I use it to practice shotgun shooting - point shooting/Churchill style. Works just fine for that.
Pete

Deer_Freak · December 20, 2012, 11:26 AM

I have a Crosman Phantom pellet rifle for practice. It's pretty accurate and it will take small game. The Phantom has fired thousands of pellets without a hiccup.

hq · December 23, 2012, 04:50 AM

I still have a Walther LP2 for indoor (and backyard) practice. Far more accurate than I am. I used to have a Crosman "Python" revolver back in the 80's for the same purpose, but gave up on it because of 1" groups at 10 yards. A reasonable accurate repeating BB gun is great for that purpose; I can shoot .22 in my basement, the only problem being insufficient ventilation, which makes airguns a viable alternative.

jaguarxk120 · December 23, 2012, 09:42 AM

Take a look at www.pyramydiar.com or www.airgunsofarizona.com they both carry high quality air guns that you can practice with.

WALKERs210 · December 24, 2012, 04:37 PM

A relative new comer to the market is Inginte Black Ops that makes a 1911 that is CO2 operated with functioning slide action, recoil and has the weight that makes it feel close to the real deal. Shoots the 6mm plastic bb's and it is very accurate and hard shooting.

showmebob · December 26, 2012, 06:57 PM

I have the same gun as highorder does. It fits my holster perfectly. I use it for drills from the holster. The trigger on mine is very heavy so it really helps with trigger control when shooting the real thing.
Also, I've loaned it out to a new shooter I'm instructing for practice before moving up to real guns.

d2wing · December 26, 2012, 07:08 PM

4-H shooting sports starts new shooters on BB guns and the Army quick kill uses BB rifles without sights. I still have one I used to teach shotgun. They are very good for training and practice. I use a Daisy 953 target pro for rifle practice along with a QB78. Spring air doesn't help much for practice. The hold and recoil is too different for me.

Jaag · December 26, 2012, 08:39 PM

I used a Daisy 880 Powerline for many years and it definitely was a plus for practice. The new ones aren't quite the same but still worth buying.
A simple 4x scope and good pellets made the thing shoot amazingly well. My practice was mainly offhand just shooting pine cones or whatever I could but it helped me stay in good shooting form. Occasionally I'd set up a paper target at 50 yds and tested myself off of a rest. Its still the same mechanics as any centerfire and will definitely improve your ability for a lot less money and noise.

Jenrick · December 26, 2012, 10:14 PM

I've run a business providing low cost training to LEO and civ's for a little over a year now. Airsoft works extremely well to provide reactive trigger time to shooters. You can use it to punch paper, knock bottle caps over etc, just the same way a real pistol will break clays and ring steel. Reactive targets are one of the best ways to hone your marksmanship ability as you have a tangible result to equate with your actions.

-Jenrick

Mauser lover · December 27, 2012, 12:35 AM

I don't do airsoft or bb guns to practice, since I can shoot quite a bit... Not as much as I like, but...

If it is for a revolver, you can use plastic bullets and a magnum pistol primer to practice and actually use your own gun.

If it is for an auto... Well... um... I don't know. Maybe a good quality CO2 blowback clone of your gun...

bssonline · April 11, 2013, 02:10 PM

just got my firearms licence in 2012 at age 48. Had only shot airguns up till then. Joined a club and have been out shooting whatever firearms I can borrow, I out-shoot almost everyone with their own guns (rifle or pistol) out to 100 yards. The only difference is the Kick and Noise, good technique is good technique. oh... and the ammo is much more affordable and plentiful with airguns.

waktasz · April 11, 2013, 07:48 PM

I'd rather use my SIRT than an airsoft.

LegallyArmedAmerica · April 21, 2013, 05:22 PM

Here's a quick vid we put together to show some targets we put together to practice with airsoft in our backyard.

(We aren't USPSA, IPSC, or airsoft experts. Just average guys trying to get some practice in in the best and most affordable way we can.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45WR09OoqKg

December 10, 2012, 01:29 PM	#1
mgmorden Member Join Date: May 22, 2009 Location: Charleston, South Carolina Posts: 3,171	Practice with airsoft or bb guns? Quick question guys - just wondering, but do any of you do any practice with a BB pistol or airsoft? I try to dry-fire a good bit, but I can't get out to the actual range a lot to shoot. I live far enough in the woods that I can shoot airsoft or bb guns in the back yard, so I was thinking that would be a dirt-cheap and convenient way to practice while actually making some holes in paper . Any thoughts? __________________ "What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving." - Adrian Rogers

December 10, 2012, 01:39 PM	#2
rcmodel Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Eastern KS Posts: 41,191	Well, some Japanese kid won the Bianchi cup or USPCA Action Pistol Match or something a few years ago. (I don't remember the exact match or shooting discipline.) And all he had ever practiced with or shot was Air-Soft because they can't have real handguns in Japan. He shot his first centerfire pistol (loaned to him) after he came to the U.S. to shoot in the match. So I guess it is way better practice then nothing! rc __________________ Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Or all your primers in a glass jar! Last edited by rcmodel; December 10, 2012 at 02:29 PM.

December 10, 2012, 02:34 PM	#3
9mmepiphany Moderator Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: northern california Posts: 12,471	That was Tatsuya Sakai, who won the Steel Challenge in 2004 (speed shooting match) who beat speed shooting legend KC Eusobio by .59 secs. To give you an idea of how large a margin that is, KC beat the 3rd place shooter J.J. Racaza (yes, the one from Top Shot) by only .05 secs (that is a factor of almost 12). He had the fastest time shooting his Open gun and placed 12th with his Limited one Practice with airsoft can be very helpful to get down the mechanics of draw, presentation and target transitions. However, Dry Fire practice, with your real gun, is really the route to mastering trigger management and seeing your sights __________________ Because the journey is the worthier part...The Shepherd's Tale Correct Grip DA Trigger Management How to Dryfire and Hit Stuff *Forum Rules* Choosing your first 1911 A 1911 for duty use What 1911 reliability means

December 10, 2012, 05:47 PM	#4
highorder Member Join Date: October 7, 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 4,256	I have a S&W M&P9 that I love. I almost bought a M&P22 to go with it until I saw this BB gun at a big box store. Bought it for $39.99 not expecting much. I was wrong! It's a great BB repeater! Accurate, decent trigger, extra mags are less than $10. Even fits is all my holsters. __________________ "If I said it, I must have meant it; so I owe him an apology, or nothing at all." -Hunter S Thompson

December 10, 2012, 06:07 PM	#5
Magoo Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: TN Posts: 669	I've got one of the KWA brand 1911s. The quality is pretty impressive for the money. The overall weight is right on, but of course that weight is not distributed the same as a "real" 1911 (light slide, super heavy mag). The controls are all pretty nice and have a good feel. The most annoying thing to me is the accuracy. It's great for many types of practice, but an accurate plinker it aint. At longer distances I just ignore the sights and aim follow up shots on the observed flight path of the last BB. Definitely wear eye protection. Those little BBs can get to richocheting all over the place, and they've got enough power to at least enter and get trapped in an aluminum can from ~20 feet. __________________ A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man

December 16, 2012, 08:59 AM	#6
rodinal220 Member Join Date: July 9, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 730	I use Air soft guns for certain training scenarios.The ones that are metal construction(Zamak)and operate with "green gas"(propane) have the heft and feel of a real firearm.Good for CQB/force on force scenarios,especially with those new to firearms. I also have been a longtime adult air gun user.I prefer quality adult air guns from makers in England/Germany.Beeman(the old one) opened my eyes to quality air guns.They are inexpensive to shoot,you can shoot in your basement(anywhere really).Great for practicing sight alignment and trigger control.

December 18, 2012, 04:07 PM	#7
Pete D. Member Join Date: September 13, 2010 Posts: 1,247	I have an old Daisy lever operated BB rifle. I ground the front sight off, made a longer stock to fit me out of a pine board and strapped enough lead on the thing to bring its weight up to six pounds. I use it to practice shotgun shooting - point shooting/Churchill style. Works just fine for that. Pete

December 20, 2012, 11:26 AM	#8
Deer_Freak Member Join Date: December 20, 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 389	I have a Crosman Phantom pellet rifle for practice. It's pretty accurate and it will take small game. The Phantom has fired thousands of pellets without a hiccup.

December 23, 2012, 04:50 AM	#9
hq Member Join Date: May 24, 2011 Location: Finland Posts: 447	I still have a Walther LP2 for indoor (and backyard) practice. Far more accurate than I am. I used to have a Crosman "Python" revolver back in the 80's for the same purpose, but gave up on it because of 1" groups at 10 yards. A reasonable accurate repeating BB gun is great for that purpose; I can shoot .22 in my basement, the only problem being insufficient ventilation, which makes airguns a viable alternative.

December 23, 2012, 09:42 AM	#10
jaguarxk120 Member Join Date: December 30, 2011 Posts: 243	Take a look at www.pyramydiar.com or www.airgunsofarizona.com they both carry high quality air guns that you can practice with.

December 24, 2012, 04:37 PM	#11
WALKERs210 Member Join Date: November 26, 2009 Location: Heart of Dixie - Alabama Posts: 956	A relative new comer to the market is Inginte Black Ops that makes a 1911 that is CO2 operated with functioning slide action, recoil and has the weight that makes it feel close to the real deal. Shoots the 6mm plastic bb's and it is very accurate and hard shooting.

December 26, 2012, 06:57 PM	#12
showmebob Member Join Date: February 1, 2009 Location: Salida, CO Posts: 270	I have the same gun as highorder does. It fits my holster perfectly. I use it for drills from the holster. The trigger on mine is very heavy so it really helps with trigger control when shooting the real thing. Also, I've loaned it out to a new shooter I'm instructing for practice before moving up to real guns.

December 26, 2012, 07:08 PM	#13
d2wing Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Posts: 1,351	4-H shooting sports starts new shooters on BB guns and the Army quick kill uses BB rifles without sights. I still have one I used to teach shotgun. They are very good for training and practice. I use a Daisy 953 target pro for rifle practice along with a QB78. Spring air doesn't help much for practice. The hold and recoil is too different for me.

December 26, 2012, 08:39 PM	#14
Jaag Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: NW WI Posts: 18	I used a Daisy 880 Powerline for many years and it definitely was a plus for practice. The new ones aren't quite the same but still worth buying. A simple 4x scope and good pellets made the thing shoot amazingly well. My practice was mainly offhand just shooting pine cones or whatever I could but it helped me stay in good shooting form. Occasionally I'd set up a paper target at 50 yds and tested myself off of a rest. Its still the same mechanics as any centerfire and will definitely improve your ability for a lot less money and noise.

December 26, 2012, 10:14 PM	#15
Jenrick Member Join Date: March 17, 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,235	I've run a business providing low cost training to LEO and civ's for a little over a year now. Airsoft works extremely well to provide reactive trigger time to shooters. You can use it to punch paper, knock bottle caps over etc, just the same way a real pistol will break clays and ring steel. Reactive targets are one of the best ways to hone your marksmanship ability as you have a tangible result to equate with your actions. -Jenrick

December 27, 2012, 12:35 AM	#16
Mauser lover Member Join Date: July 13, 2011 Location: SD! Posts: 521	I don't do airsoft or bb guns to practice, since I can shoot quite a bit... Not as much as I like, but... If it is for a revolver, you can use plastic bullets and a magnum pistol primer to practice and actually use your own gun. If it is for an auto... Well... um... I don't know. Maybe a good quality CO2 blowback clone of your gun... __________________ Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 (KJV) If you take away my second amendment, you are messing with my first amendment. Not dead, just at college.

April 11, 2013, 02:10 PM	#17
bssonline Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 1	just got my firearms licence in 2012 at age 48. Had only shot airguns up till then. Joined a club and have been out shooting whatever firearms I can borrow, I out-shoot almost everyone with their own guns (rifle or pistol) out to 100 yards. The only difference is the Kick and Noise, good technique is good technique. oh... and the ammo is much more affordable and plentiful with airguns.

April 11, 2013, 07:48 PM	#18
waktasz Member Join Date: October 30, 2003 Location: SE PA Posts: 601	I'd rather use my SIRT than an airsoft. __________________ www.Super-Tactical.com www.youtube.com/waktasz

April 21, 2013, 05:22 PM	#19
LegallyArmedAmerica Member Join Date: March 4, 2013 Posts: 4	Here's a quick vid we put together to show some targets we put together to practice with airsoft in our backyard. (We aren't USPSA, IPSC, or airsoft experts. Just average guys trying to get some practice in in the best and most affordable way we can.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45WR09OoqKg