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View Full Version : Why are rubber training guns so stupid expensive?



Esq.
09-06-19, 09:08
I'm wanting to buy a "blue gun", rifle, for training. I have several "handguns". Cheapest full size "blue gun" rifle I have found is over $150! That seems stupid expensive to me. I can buy REAL guns for that kind of money. What I may end up doing is putting together an AR out of out of spec parts, shot out barrel and I bet I can do it for less than that.....Thoughts or leads appreciated!

mack7.62
09-06-19, 09:23
I suspect due to low demand and that most are sold to .gov agencies who don't care how many taxpayer $ they spend.

223to45
09-06-19, 09:30
Then quit complaining, buy a real run for that price, and paint it blue.

Problem solved.

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Esq.
09-06-19, 10:03
Then quit complaining, buy a real run for that price, and paint it blue.

Problem solved.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I've considered it for a long time but I'd need to DeWat the gun etc.....Too, the choices aren't as good. I can buy a Mossberg 500 for that money of course pretty much any day of the week. Really rather have an AR/AK type weapon....

I have a pretty good collection of "junk" AR parts including a couple of shot out barrels. I have an upper that cracked for example, I have a receiver that is out of spec....Milspec furniture is practically throw away these days...It would be a fun project...

ST911
09-06-19, 11:46
Molded rubber guns ensure that they remain "safe" for the training task. They are universally understood as such, and acceptable in risk management. Quality units like the Ring's blue guns are molded to correct dims and are compatible with related equipment. They have a mostly infinite lifespan, require no PM, and lifecycle costs are negligle. Some are formulated to resist paint adhesion to prevent hijinx and misidentification.

Obsolete guns and excess parts can be converted but prompt doubt. I've seen a number of allegedly inert guns that were capable of firing.

Diamondback
09-06-19, 11:49
This is why I used to buy cheapo springer airsoft for "trainers." Bust the Four Rules and you get a nice painful little welt to remind you, but nothing dangerous. (And let me tell you, it DOES teach very well--my one ND was shooting myself in the ass with one while practicing the butt-forward Cavalry Draw, and I've been assiduous about "boogerhook off bangswitch" ever since!)

Arik
09-06-19, 12:03
Cheap replica/toy gun! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/008c8b516e7e9d355d4bdc6a294dd0ed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/892ca61afbf54660ba4a03009e73d9cb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/68791a664856c3b5f18059ffd40632df.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/1790dbcd3e6a591bf7e486d993142d51.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/775ca131b0c88a2c13b88064e7dd39a3.jpg

Esq.
09-06-19, 13:16
I have several rubber trainer pistols and knives etc...and they are very reasonably priced I thought but the long guns are pretty spendy for what they are I've always felt.

I do understand though the value of "certainty" that you are not dealing with a live weapon for training and there is definite value there.

What I'm going to do is build an AR out of the junk parts that I have. To ensure that it never fires I will tig weld the chamber shut and since I'm not putting a bolt in it- no reason to, I will probably fill the upper with Acraglas, MarineTex or similar. No way to chamber a round and no way to even put a bolt in the upper should take care of any concerns of it ever accidentally firing a round.

26 Inf
09-06-19, 13:49
If you've ever hefted a blue (Rings)/red (ASP) training rifle or shotgun, you will find they are inordinately heavy. Primary uses for us were in DT when teaching weapon retention. I really can't see why you would want one for practice.

As several have mentioned buy an airsoft rifle.

What I'm going to do is build an AR out of the junk parts that I have. To ensure that it never fires I will tig weld the chamber shut and since I'm not putting a bolt in it- no reason to, I will probably fill the upper with Acraglas, MarineTex or similar. No way to chamber a round and no way to even put a bolt in the upper should take care of any concerns of it ever accidentally firing a round.

Aside from mounting, sight picture, position and sling work what good is this rifle going to be? Actually, now that I wrote it out that is quite a bit but you are limiting your dry fire opportunity. Take the barrel, remove the extension, weld the chamber, reinstall the extension, and build your upper. Now you have an inert upper you can use with any lower. Impossible to chamber a round and with modified mags you can practice the complete manual of arms.

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Safety-Training-Remington-Magazine/dp/B07CNGGQ7R

Esq.
09-06-19, 13:56
If you've ever hefted a blue (Rings)/red (ASP) training rifle or shotgun, you will find they are inordinately heavy. Primary uses for us were in DT when teaching weapon retention. I really can't see why you would want one for practice.

As several have mentioned buy an airsoft rifle.

What I'm going to do is build an AR out of the junk parts that I have. To ensure that it never fires I will tig weld the chamber shut and since I'm not putting a bolt in it- no reason to, I will probably fill the upper with Acraglas, MarineTex or similar. No way to chamber a round and no way to even put a bolt in the upper should take care of any concerns of it ever accidentally firing a round.

Aside from mounting, sight picture, position and sling work what good is this rifle going to be? Actually, now that I wrote it out that is quite a bit but you are limiting your dry fire opportunity. Take the barrel, remove the extension, weld the chamber, reinstall the extension, and build your upper. Now you have an inert upper you can use with any lower. Impossible to chamber a round and with modified mags you can practice the complete manual of arms.

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Safety-Training-Remington-Magazine/dp/B07CNGGQ7R

Now everyone should know why I posted this here! That is what I will do! I was looking for feedback and suggestions and yours wins the Cigar! The primary purpose was going to be CQB work- disarms etc....but if I can do manipulations etc...with the rifle that makes it even more useful. Thanks!

Clint
09-06-19, 19:38
Not sure why there's a need to fill the upper.

It may be useful to have a working BCG for maintenance training.

Welding the chamber may not be required either.

The barrel could be cross drilled just in front of the extension and a pin driven in.

This would positively prevent a round from being chambered.

jsbhike
09-06-19, 20:19
I am drawing a blank on the product name, but don't one of the Israeli companies make a gadget that drops in the barrel, can take something like 4 or 5? 5.56 rounds, and has a bright colored part sticking out the muzzle to indicate plugged/neutered status?

SteyrAUG
09-06-19, 22:33
I'm wanting to buy a "blue gun", rifle, for training. I have several "handguns". Cheapest full size "blue gun" rifle I have found is over $150! That seems stupid expensive to me. I can buy REAL guns for that kind of money. What I may end up doing is putting together an AR out of out of spec parts, shot out barrel and I bet I can do it for less than that.....Thoughts or leads appreciated!

Buy airsoft, then you can do force on force.

26 Inf
09-07-19, 00:21
Now everyone should know why I posted this here! That is what I will do! I was looking for feedback and suggestions and yours wins the Cigar! The primary purpose was going to be CQB work- disarms etc....but if I can do manipulations etc...with the rifle that makes it even more useful. Thanks!

Thank you right back, at least one useful thing I did for the day!