I want to start this thread with a disclaimer: I am NOT trying to become a sniper. Did it once, hated it, I'll stick to shotgunner/crazy kamikaze/meat shield. This is strictly a "for fun" project, maybe skirmishing once or twice with friends.
I have a good friend who does competition military rifle shooting, specifically WW2 surplus rifles like the enfield and Garand. We were at a church retreat and he brought up the idea of using airsoft guns to practice shooting stance, sight picture, etc. I thought it sounded awesome, and we're about to start a dual project on it.
Like I said above, this is not going to be a skirmish gun. I don't like being a sniper. What I want to do with this one is have fun, maybe learn a bit, see how different parts effect what happens with the shots, etc. Now here comes the question I know EVERYONE hates: "What can I get for x amount of money?"
Gas guns are sort of out of the picture. I've had bad experiences with them in the past with my former team, and they're just not what I need. So spring it is. I read KA-BAR's thread on cheap sniper rifles and the noob v.2 (awesome post by the way, thank you sir!) and it really intrigued me.
After looking at various sites, I've decided on a budget of $120 for the base gun, up to $60 for a scope, and...well, not too much for upgrades. This is going to be a very time-dependant project, so I don't intend to slam $200 worth of parts into the gun the first day.
Here are the big questions:
1.) What would be a reliable, relatively well-performing, affordable spring rifle? I was thinking Echo 1, JG, TSD, Well, along those lines.
2.) Optics. I can't afford a $120 hunting scope (although I would LOVE to!) so a budget optic is my best option. Any specific recommendations?
3.) What upgrades should I look at? The first thing I'm going to be getting is a tightbore, for sure. Maybe a spring/piston after that, I'll see where it goes.
4.) I've heard good things about the Madbull and Bioval BB's, what are some of your experiences with these brands?
Yay, another huge wall of text. Anyway, any help/constructive criticism is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance for reading my miniature novel of a post.
