Airsoft for training???

[Stradawhovious]

After hearing about how much fun I had at the steel shoot, (even though I apparently didn't really come out and play until the man v man ) The lower half has decided that she would like to participate. The only issue that she has (outside of scheduling conflicts) is that she hasn't had any practice with drawing from a holster, and has had limited range time. I'm not worried about her shooting, you'll see why when she shows up, what I am worried about is that even if I get her to the range we can't draw from a holster (at least the range I go to) amd with limited "us "time without the kiddo, it's hard to get live ammo practice time. Brings me to my question..... has anyone used airsoft replicas for drawing and firing practice? They have very accurate gas powered replicas, that I believe are fully functional (safeties, slidelock, magazine release and blowback(after a round is fired, the slide comes back and racks another round in)) that could help simulate drawing and firing. Would this be a good in-home practice tool for those without lots of range time? or is it just a pipe dream?

[Pinnacle]

Excellent training tool!!!

Law enforcement uses Airsfot to practice some of the skills that they need to learn including force training. Remember - an airsoft is still a gun and the same rules apply.

Good fundamental trainer - draw - front sight - trigger control.... Go for it

[mnglocker]

AirSoft?? What are you a *****? Real men use 9mm for training.

[mnglocker]

Actually AirSoft sounds like a GREAT idea for training.

[justaguy]

an airsoft is still a gun

I dont want to destroy Strads post but this is a little out there. Thinking like this is how we get "gun" laws for airsoft.

I think Sig sells package deals with the real gun and an airsoft trainer.

[1911fan]

we know this is just a ploy for Stradie to show the Lower Half a reason for him to buy the toy, but its ok,


Actually, based on one experience I have heard about from a good friend. He went out one day, and in the process of the day ran into someone who was very aggressive and fairly obviously either demented or under some chemicals effects. The conflict was getting worse by the split second and my friend was just about to draw....When two cops walked out of the store they were in front of and managed to de-escalate the conflict and detained the bad guy. When my friend got home, he went to remove his gun and noticed it felt light.....It was his airsoft....he said his knees started shaking when he realized he almost had to draw a toy to defend his life....

[selurcspi]

Strad,

Any trigger time is good, air pistol, airsoft, dry fire, Live fire, anthing which builds the skills is a good thing. Don't forget to maintain all the same safety practices as live fire and double check the state of the weapon being used before during and after practice. Also, pay attention to the basics of marksmanship and don't get distracted by the "toy-iness" of the airsoft gun.

BTW, there are now two spots open for next Saturday's class if the "Lower Half" is interested, EAJuggalo might take one, but that would still leave one.

[The Lower Half]

BTW, there are now two spots open for next Saturday's class if the "Lower Half" is interested, EAJuggalo might take one, but that would still leave one.

wish I could, but I'm working

[Pred]

I have an airsoft pistol that replicates my Glock M23 to a T. I use the same holster as my real one. Absolutely without question it can be used to practice draw and fire. And what's more it can also be used in force on force training, the closest thing you can get to a real gunfight. I use empty cardboard boxes as a target. Seems to work pretty well in capturing the plastic bb's. That way you don't have to go around vacuuming them all up. The airsoft without a doubt will dent walls, so I pretty much stick to the garage.

[Keith]

If you really want to go all out you can get airsoft plate racks and poppers. They do work well.
http://www.m2tactical.com/m-47-drazy-metal-works.aspx

They are being made by Drazy's Metal Works but he's still working on his website.
http://www.drazymetalworks.com/

For the poppers I just bought the alumimum popper and made my own stands using door hinges and some 2x2's.

[EAJuggalo]

I've considered it before but what it always came down to for me was I couldn't bring myself to spend the money for a toy when I can work on my draw using an empty weapon. With an empty weapon I would draw line up the sights, pull the trigger then do a reload. Seemed to work well at the first steel shoot so maybe I should try practicing again before the next one.

[Stradawhovious]

I've considered it before but what it always came down to for me was I couldn't bring myself to spend the money for a toy when I can work on my draw using an empty weapon. With an empty weapon I would draw line up the sights, pull the trigger then do a reload. Seemed to work well at the first steel shoot so maybe I should try practicing again before the next one.

Makes sense to me, but my curiosity with the airsoft is that they are, to a great extent, accurate. Not only in function, but in the projectile. This means that we (myself and the lower half) can A. Practice from a holster, B. Utilize all safties and functions, and C. actually acquire and fire upon targets, all in the comfort of my living room. Getting the feedback of the shot on target, and the "blowback" of the slide is enough reason for me to make the $85 - $100 investment. Now to find one.....

[David]

Some couples have dinner, a little wine, and a movie on date night. I think I like your idea better!

[westberg]

Some couples have dinner, a little wine, and a movie on date night. I think I like your idea better!

The September mini 3-gun is on Dawn's Birthday, so I'm talking about this and the conflict I have with it being Dawn's B-day and she said I would rather go to the shoot and our new rifles can our b-day presents to each other. Man I love her.

They are being made by Drazy's Metal Works but he's still working on his website.
http://www.drazymetalworks.com/

I just picked one up, a STI 1911, I'm now trying to get it back from son Mike.

[David]

That's a hell of a woman you've got there, Ron! Good on you!