Airsoft to practice pistol caliber carbine drills

boss281 said:

I'm considering training for pistol caliber carbines in IDPA/IPSC as well as defensive rifle using an M16A1/A2 replica (carry handle with integrated front sight). A few articles found through Google indicate several organizations use the platform for formal operator training, so I thought it would be helpful for managing stance, readiness, reflexes, shooting around hides, etc. I have 3 acres of home property to set up competition targets.

Any thoughts on a model to choose to get started? I am thinking electric, simulated recoil, semi auto mode, upgradable battery, and ideally a carry handle with the hole in the top for mounting a low profile red dot.

A few reviews like this Lancer model: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E1LDMQI/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3EMEP9FAJWWPN&colid=2489WLYEZYH5G

Any thoughts on this?

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boss281 said:

I havent found a metal one with the carry handle sights yet. Thanks for responding...

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Gambler said:

How about this? It has great reviews.

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boss281 said:

Yeah it does, and I like the detachable carry handle for practicing with and without red dot/iron sights. This is my first foray into Airsoft, and this can get killer expensive quick...

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Gambler said:

As with most things in this hobby... FYI, the FDE version is only $199.

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Nottherealfranco said:

You're not going to get the recoil impulse from any electric rifle that comes remotely close to a real AR. The only thing that in my experience that does is the Gas Blow Back rifles. KWA made them, WE makes one (or did), as well as a handful of other mfg's. My GBB rifle weighs about the same as my real one, and the recoil is about half of a real rifle. However I would not recommend buying one as it's more a novelty than anything else. The only reason I have mine is because I purchased it very cheaply off a friend who was looking for some quick cash for other hobbies.

That being said airsoft's good for practicing movement/ cqc tactics/ force on force training. If you're looking to increase accuracy and weapons manipulation for 3 gun i'd recommend sticking to the real thing. There's just too many differences between the two that I don't see it being very valuable in that regard.

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boss281 said:

It may just be worth buying one of the less expensive plastic ones for around $100, run some drills with targets set up, and see if I get anything out of it. If I do, I can sell it or give it to my grandson, and buy a metal one with more heft and feel. I'm not worried about recoil, more about movement and getting my eye on target quickly and into muscle memory, and include the trigger pull with SOME feedback on accuracy at short distances. We'll see if it pays off, I'm still watching videos with LEOs and service training. it seems valuable to them...

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