Western Themed Airsoft, RDR

[Troutzor]

I can’t be the only one thoroughly enjoying Red Dead Redemption 2.

It’s definitely made me think about picking up a EF Smoke Wagon, a WG Schofield, or an old school lever action rifle. I’ve been thinking that in reality it wouldn’t be super difficult to build a period loadout, as the style could be easily emulated using modern clothing, boots, hats, etc.

The next question would be, is there any interest in running events or LARP in this time period, say 1860 to 1900? I recall seeing an event in the past that was themed around Rum Runners in a prohibition era setting. I was curious to find out what the interest was in that event.

Ideas I had:

Partly Story Driven:
Rival gangs fighting over territory control, a whisky still, and bad blood. On field resources would be available, additional ammo, dynamite (thunder-b), healing items, and other commodities.

Teams/gangs/law enforcement are differentiated by colored scarves or bandanas (or badges)

Weapons Allowed:
-Revolvers, all types (any period)
-Shotguns (low cap mags only)
-Bolt action replicas, (period preferred, but all types allowed)MEDs would be very important here. Low power bolt action replicas may be viable options.
-Lever action
-Semi auto pistols, period only(ie Mauser, Luger, etc.)

Starting ammo is limited for each gang but additional can be gathered on field as resources and rewards for completing objectives.

I feel like this could be a blast. Nerdy? Of course! Airsoft already is, but something different than Tan vs Green.

[Centurion]

I'd go to this game in a heartbeat. Just need some more people to pick up revolvers.

[Troutzor]

While it’s not really a period piece the EF H8R is a super affordable and reliable piece just about anyone could pick up for a game like this. It would certainly be serviceable for a scenario like this.

[luke213]

I think the biggest problem is the guns, there is so much focus on modern firearms replicas that most of the period correct guns aren't really nearly as functional. No reason they couldn't be but they never get the development or evolutions of design to make a better gun from them.

Not to be a downer, but I think that's the problem with it. I dig the idea, I'd do it if I had the guns in that niche but I don't, and I wouldn't gear up just for that scenario either.

Now that said if you're looking for a fun time that doesn't seem to have an issue collecting people maybe try cowboy action shooting. Since there are clubs doing that around most areas, it's not airsoft but it is in that same vein of concept in gun games that involve the timeframe with some LARPing built in.

Take care!

Luke

[Troutzor]

That’s probably true. It’s niche for sure, but so is WW2. Yet, there seems to be an interest there. I think more players would be likely to qualify for a western style theme without any sort of significant investment in gear. Any one of us can grab a flannel shirt, their favorite jeans and be more than halfway there. Most guys have a bolt action replica, decent springer, or can spare $60 for a basic Co2 revolver. Guys who want to really build a period loadout can definitely do so.

Funny thing is, as I write this it, it takes me back to the old school backyard Airsoft games we used to have. Maybe that’s the charm of it?

[Brush]

I just saw a western style larp/milsim game come up on my facebook feed within the last few days.  I can't access it from this computer but if i remember i'll post a link later.  I personally think these types of games are only going to become more popular.  To me it seems the post apocalyptic larp games are on the rise along with non modern load outs.  Since QueenBee and I both have some history with fantasy larping its just a matter of time before we start getting into these types of airsoft games.  Over the last few days I've been thinking about the weapons I might purchase for the post apocalyptic style games.  My thought process on those style of games is your weapons should be some of the most popular ones for that time/location in the most popular calibers.  Of course you could use an AR for a post apocalyptic game, but i already have plenty of those.  I was mostly looking into hunting style weapons, or ones that might be more of a family heirloom pieces.  This post got me thinking that if I thought more about my selection then it could fill multiple roles.  Picking up a lever action rifle and/or wood stock shotgun would meet requirements for both styles of games, the same could be done with pistols as well.  I don't have a problem buying/ building a weapon to be used for a single game per year but I can understand others do.

[Troutzor]

I think that there is a growing appeal for LARP gaming of all types. Dagohir and it’s variants have never been more popular, I’d dare say there are almost as many contact LARPers these days as Airsofters.

As far as interesting heirloom style pieces there’s that Umarex Legends Cowboy Repeater... CO2, shell ejecting fun.
http://m.redwolfairsoft.com/item_detail/217620-Umarex+Legends+Cowboy+M1894+Lever+Action+Rifle+%286mm+Version%29

[Gimpalong]

I'd be all about a western themed event, but, yeah, good luck getting people to purchase the guns.

Probably the easiest thing to do is set up a western themed springers/pistols/shotguns game and don't put any restrictions on the type of springer/pistols/shotguns being used.

[T6e9a]

Not sure if anyone saw this yet, but definitely some source material and other ideas to think about.

[Troutzor]

That is really cool. I dunno about the all the role play aspects that they are going to try to do, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for videos from the event. Its pretty much what I was envisioning, I would not be as tight on the weapon restrictions though. I'd prefer if it was easier on players to get involved. Leave it to Ballahack to put on something like that. Too bad its not closer. I may have to make my way out to Virginia some day to attend an event. Their games always look fun. Zombies looks like a blast.

Thanks for sharing the video!