Airsoft: Viable Training Tool?

Average Joe

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Life happens and makes it impossible to get to the range sometimes. Thinking about adding Airsoft to my training on the days I can’t get to the range.

Going for a simple setup. A few metal targets and distances around 7-10 yards. Practicing draws, quick target acquisitions, multiple threats, and fast follow up shots.

My EDC is Sig 365 with a red dot. I’ve found a few Airsoft pistols modeled after the 365. However, they don’t have a red dot or slide to mount a red dot.

So what say ye?
 


Father Plaid says “Go forth, and train with air”. Probably. I have not watched the video.
 
barf said:


Father Plaid says “Go forth, and train with air”. Probably. I have not watched the video.
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The video is battle field combat. Doesn’t really apply in my application.
 
noway2 said:
As long as you don’t practice and reinforce bad habits, I’d say it’s good practice.
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This is what I worry about. And another reason it is important for the pistol to have a red dot.
 
Dale Gribble said:
I have a G19 Airsoft pistol and usually get in 3-4 hours per week with it.
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Where did you purchase yours? Have you noticed any training scars when you go back to the range for live fire?
 
Average Joe said:
Where did you purchase yours? Have you noticed any training scars when you go back to the range for live fire?
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Used to be an airsoft shop here in Clemmons…that’s where I got it.

If anything, practicing with it has made my live fire time at the range better.
 
Average Joe said:
The video is battle field combat. Doesn’t really apply in my application.
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I take everything he does with a grain of salt, but that video does show applicable airsoft can be as long as you use good skills in airsoft.
 
I don't know about shooting an airsoft pistol but I can tell you that I LOVE my airsoft rifle.. Mine looks like an M4 and has the same controls and its a hoot to shoot. I use mine to shoot at squirrels up in the trees that are dropping pecans on my roof. I dont shoot to hit them because I don't to actually hurt them so I aim at their tails as they run from branch to branch. Is it good practice for a match, I guess so if I have to transition from target to target quickly. Another thing I noticed about airsoft is the quality of the ammo. I use the .25 gram BB's and look for a Japan manufacture for competition use. Cheap ammo has a lot of fliers that sail off one way or another.. I can tell that the weight is going to be lighter then a metal pistol, the trigger pull is going to suck and if you can beyond all that ?? Its fun for cheap.
 
Are there any specific Airsoft manufactures that y’all would recommend or stay away from?
 
Average Joe said:
Are there any specific Airsoft manufactures that y’all would recommend or stay away from?
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I really don’t have a lot of experience with all the different companies. Umarex manufactured the Glock 19 I have and so far, I have no complaints.
 
Dale Gribble said:
I really don’t have a lot of experience with all the different companies. Umarex manufactured the Glock 19 I have and so far, I have no complaints.
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I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews on Umarex.
 
Me. said:
I have the Sig P365 airsoft. If you want to try it out, come on by.

(I assume you live near me, because I am also “here”) ;)


If I really really wanted a P365 airsoft with a red dot to match my carry gun, I’d mill the slide and glue a plate on with JB weld.

I guess I’d duct-tape some weight up there first. Don’t know if the CO2 will cycle a RDS.


I find in my sessions I almost never see my front sight. I get very target-focused at in-the-garage range.
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That was my fear that adding the extra weight to the slide would cause to malfunction. But you are right, at the distances and speeds I will be using this for a training tool, sight alignment and sight picture aren’t a major concern. With the proper practicing my draws with the red dot, I could overcome any issues.
 
Me. said:
Here’s my target stand setup. I hope the pics make sense.

PVC pipe. Wrap a sheet as shown in the drawing. You’re making a kangaroo-pouch at the bottom. Tape the sides of the porch to keep it open only on the top.

View attachment 568372View attachment 568371


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Slap a piece of cardboard or paper on the front and start blasting.

Airsoft BBs will generally punch through the cardboard. They hit the sheet, drop into the pouch and stay off your floor.

They can be reused until you lose them. Hundreds of times. Even the biodegradable ones.


No pics of my P365 handy, but here’s my AR:





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That is a genius idea for the target stand and ammo collector! I have my weekend project now!!!
 
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It’s a Holosun 507k X2. According to their website it weighs 1 oz.
 
@Me. Thanks for conducting the testing with weights. Very informative, defiantly can see the reduced slide speed with the weight added. I still think that I can make this work without the red dot. Going to Lowe’s in a few minutes to get supplies for the target stand. Thanks for that great idea as well.
 
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