(copied from the ASGI website)
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AEG
I’m looking for a primary airsoft gun; what is the difference between a SMG and an assault rifle design?
SMGs are usually much more compact than rifle designs. They are forced to have a smaller battery compartment that sacrifices battery life. Although, they give you better mobility in close quarter combat, they also have a shorter range. Assault rifle designs range from commando size M4s like the TM M733 which is near SMG size, to full size M16 designs. These rifles usually hold bigger batteries than SMGs and have slightly better accuracy at longer ranges. However, you sacrifice some mobility since they are bulky.
Why should I get an AEG?
There are numerous advantages to having an AEG. Compared to gas guns aeg are able to have a more consistent rate of fire. Also, they are able to fire fully automatic, where as spring guns need to be cocked back for every shot.
What is a good AEG brand?
Tokyo Marui is an excellent starting brand. Their internals are unmatched compared to many other manufactures, their only down side is that they do not come stock with metal bodies and steel gears. Classic Army is a good brand for those that want to have a high stock FPS and even comes with a metal body. Despite the higher FPS, the internals are not as well built as TM and may need repair faster if mistreated. G&G is a good brand for those that strive for a “real” feeling, G&G makes their externals look and feel just right, and have an internals structure much like CA’s. ICS is another good choice for starter AEGs, their internals match their externals and are really a bang for their price, they usually include extras that players welcome, must other brands do not include with the gun.
What is the difference in quality when it comes to higher end brands like Classic Army and ICS?
These brands come with full metal bodies right out of the box, which will save you money in the long run. Also, some come with stock steel gears which will save you money when you decide to upgrade. These brands are more durable all around for field play.
What are the differences in battery sizes and cells?
Most AEGs start out with 8.4 volt 1100mah or 8.4 volt 1700mah, the higher the voltage the faster the rate of fire on an AEG; the higher the mah, the longer the battery will last. Most stock AEGs can take 8.4 volt and 9.6 volt batteries, any higher voltage would require for your AEG to be upgraded as the higher rates of fire would take a toll on stock parts.
What are the differences in magazine sizes?
Real cap – Holds the real steel equivalent in bullets/BBs. Example: M4/M16 magazines hold 30 rounds. Good for players that want to play airsoft as close to real steel as possible, allows for more reloading. Good brands are MAG and Star magazines. Low cap – Hold 50 – 60 rounds, comes standard with most AEGs. Mid cap – Hold 100-150 rounds, they are favorites among veteran and beginner players alike, they do not hold as many rounds as high caps, but do not require winding and do not rattle unlike high caps. We recommend G&P mid caps. High cap – Hold 300-600 rounds, comes standard on some AEGs, generally for the player that doesn’t like to reload, down sides to high caps are that they require winding to feed BBs and because of the large internal reservoir, BB rattle causes a lot of noise.
What is a RAS/RIS?
RAS stands for Rail Accessory System and RIS stands for Rail Interface System. These gun-mounted rails allow for multiple accessories to be mounted on your airsoft AEG to provide more flexibility in the environment you’re playing in. RAS and RIS rails on your airsoft AEG allows mounting of accessories such as scopes, flashlights, lasers, grenade launchers, etc.