Airsoft

[sobrique]

Airsoft really is a pricey hobby.
I guess, once you have your foot in the door (as in own an AEG and stuff) then it stays fairly cheap. Repair costs aren't typically too bad, and provided you're fairly careful of maintenance. (And site fees are about a tenner if you aren't hiring)

I think I'm going to have to wait a paycheque or two before picking up an AEG. The problem is, your _basic_ AEG is about 200 quid. And then you need (at least) a battery (£30), charger (£10 or £40 depending on how good), high capacity magazine (£25) and facemask (£35) to get going. (or more than one battery if you've chosen one of the AEGs that take small or mini types)

And then, of course, comes the 'extra' parts that just make you go 'ooh'.
Scope (£70 for cheapest incuding mounts), silencer (£60), foregrip for a larger battery (when relevant), metal body, (£200 for the lot, but in sections)
oh not forgetting a storage/carry case. (£40)

Not forgetting the other gear you need if you're going 'softing, such as camo clothing, webbing etc. (£55 for hat, shirt, trousers and sniper veil)

(And of course, once you know a bit more, it's possible that you'll be wanting to start upgrading the power and internals too)

This is all assuming that you've decided which AEG you actually want.
I'm still thinking along the lines that a 'sniper style' G3 SG/1 would be very cool. Then again, so would an awful lot of alternatives...

Sigh.

My dilemma is the age old one, that I'm not convinced it's a good idea to spend the sum of money I'm thinking of. Since it's not guaranteed that airsofting will be more than a short term enthusiasm. Oh, I can always fob it off as 'props for sinergy' that I know I'm going to stick with, but £500 is a big prop ;p. I might just have to go for an AEG that I'm not going to want to upgrade to buggery right away, like a G36, AK47 of something of that ilk.

The quote I hear repeated is that all TM AEGs are more or less the same, and so go with one you like the look of. We shall see.

This is always assuming I get beyond the enthusiasm, and actually end up going airsofting regularly. Which I figure is quite good exercise overall.

Of course, all the above probably won't happen. I have two suppliers for parts, so I figure that I'll probably end up getting the AEG 'real soon' with battery, hicap and charger, and order the rest a little nearer 'warm weather'. Resale value on airsoft kit that's in good nick is pretty good...


Speaking of which, I know Paul is interested and keen, but are there any other possible takers of a day running around in a wood with an assault rifle? (and possibly doing so regularly - once or twice a month)