New to the hobby!...

Post by Navymid2011

Hello all,

I'm just starting to get interested in this hobby, and am glad I stumbled upon this forum; finally somewhere to get accurate information on these models. Seeing as my background is all real weapons, and a couple of airsoft guns which left a sour taste in my mouth, I am curious as to what I am looking for.

I need a durable, well made gun that is capable of chambering dummy rounds (or "snap-caps" if you will) and ejecting them, field stripping, and having a working action. Firing is of no consequence. I just want something that won't break after cycling the action manually quite a few times, as I don't have the resources to be constantly buying parts and shipping them from Japan or HK. Basically I'm looking for a deactivated gun of sorts in the USA. Metal is definately a plus, but more so I just want a durable gun that has a working action and looks pretty realistic. Below are the types I'd be looking for, but I'm not locked into them by any means. What kind of guns am I looking for? What do you guys think is best for me?

Types interested;

5" Model 1911A1
Commander 1911
SIG P228
SIG P226

Thanks for all your help.

Very respectfully,
Navymid
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Very respectfully,
Navymid2011

Welcome to the forum NavyMid !

If your looking for realism, then I would certainly go for ModelGuns rather than Airsoft (which you've already found ain't realistic ) Blank Firers or some of the other replicas like Denix eg.

Even if a modelgun is manufactured in ABS, Heavy Weight ABS, or Zinc Alloys it'll be a 100% faithful representation of the real thing.

They all have full working action, field strip and function as per the real deal.

Although they're designed to be fired using brass cartridges loaded with caps, you can still fill a magazine with empty brass cartridges and manually cycle the gun without any problems

Dry firing without any form of cartridge is not recommended and can cause damage (Probably just like a real one!) so it's a good idea to load your cartridges with dead caps that have been prefired rather than have the internals floating about.

There is a HUGE range of modelguns available, you shouldn't have any problem finding some you like. Forum members Francky and shazhib can source guns and spares without any difficulties.

Check out the Review section here, that'll give you an idea what these models are like.

I'm certain that if you decide on a particular gun, just ask the members here for their opinion of it, one of them will have one for sure

Cerwyn
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Hobby collector of mainly WW2 era uniforms, headgear, field equipment and replica weapons.

Post by Mark

Welcome to the forums Nayymid2011,

As Cerwyn has already alluded to the fact that modelguns that you are looking into are produced in many types and configurations. Some variants are hard to find due to their low production and others, are hard to find due to their popularity. The realism of modelguns interested me back in the 1970's and i have collected them ever since. (When i could afford them!)

As for the average modelguns strength potential, it depends on its usage and its care when handling. As per Japanese law, modelguns have to be made out of fairly soft zinc as well as ABS plastic to ensure that they are not converted into a live firearm. This fact does create problems to some, as they tend to treat even the real firearms rather roughly..I tend to treat my modelguns with care and i try to never drop or otherwise abuse them like letting the slides "slam" closed on an empty chamber. The issue with dry firing the modelguns can be fixed via the use of the Japanese made, dummy cartridges that have spring loaded primers to deaden the firing pins blow http://www.dentrinityshop.com/pl_collector2.jsp?cid=COL&bid=MGUNA

This is an interesting hobby and it can be expensive as well (what hobby isn't?) I strongly suggest trying to import these modelguns from forum members like Shazhib and Francky and from here http://www.dentrinityshop.com/pl_collector.jsp
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Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by Spencerman

Welcome to the Forum Navymid. Everything they said, and also to say that you should have no trouble finding a 1911, there are hundereds of them about, the question is just which one, it depends on what you want most, you will see a few different models covered here, but there are many variants with different markings, different makes etc. and some do vary on quality, again depending what sort of things bother you most. Unfortunately you will not find a 228, which is really a shame as I like that model myself, but you can get two different versions of the 226 made by a company called Tanaka, the earlier one is the normal version, which I personally prefer, and the newer version is the rail framed version with the updated slide and slide release and the newer style grips. I am sure that you will end up buying loads of different models anyway once you start as they are pretty addictive, as mentioned, whether they are plastic or metal, although I do also like the feel of the metal models myself, for some reason they feel more sturdy (probably the complete opposite of the truth though!) and you will struggle to beat a nice .44 Automag.
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Post by Navymid2011

Thanks for the replies guys! To be honest, all I'm looking for is a gun that can chamber/eject realistic looking cartridges. They don't have to fire at all.

What are the most durable/heavy guns? I'm looking at the keystone armory 1911, but it can't chamber/eject rounds. Is there a similar gun that can? That is heavy and metal or built solidly?
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Very respectfully,
Navymid2011

Post by Mark

Try here http://www.dentrinityshop.com/pr_list.jsp?cid=COL_MS&bid=FS

These are all zinc modelguns that i think will fit the bill. Now, the only issues with these, is:

1. Availability.

2. Not quite accurate markings.

But, for the most part, they are very good modelguns.
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Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by Spencerman

I have one of those and it has to be the most reliable one of all my models for firing. It is great. A really nice model, and real accessories fit on with the most minimal modifications, such as grips only need a very slight elongating of one or two of the holes. It has a flat black finish as opposed to a nice shiney deep lustrous blue, but you cant have everything!
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Post by Navymid2011

Great thanks! I'm looking around and have some $ to spare, I'm going to take the plunge, I'll let you guys know what I've come up with.

The goal is to get a Tanaka P226 non rail HW, but I'll wait for that...I want a good 1911 first

Thanks for you help! I'll be back shortly with a gun
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Very respectfully,
Navymid2011