Questions for Putting Together a Kit
 

I'm putting together a kit for myself and a friend and I've got a pretty good idea of the gear we're getting, but I still have a few questions about the AEG we're looking at. Please only respond if you own or have played with the items in question. I've read plenty of threads about peoples theories, but I'd like some firsthand info if I can get it.
Top of the list is a G36C replica. I haven't decided between CA or TM, but from the reviews I've read, I'm leaning more towards the CA. What I'm really interested in is, if this gets dropped on a rock, will it still function? Durability is a big factor.
Are the upgrades for longer barrels worth it? A 36C looks like it'd make for a nice CQB weapon, but if we're playing out in the woods, and there's a shot that may require a *bit* more range or accuracy for, would a longer barrel do the trick(not to mention an upgrade on the inner-workings)? The word I'm getting from a few seasoned players is: Not Much. Of course, we could discuss specifics of velocity and barrel design all night. I imagine the end result would be sacraficing range for accuracy and vice-versa.
Another question would be a side-arm. There are plenty of pistols out there, I was just curious about whether there was a specific model that people have found to be sturdy and reliable.
The only other concern I have is buying blindly. If there's anyone in Toronto that owns either a CA36C or a TM36C and isn't opposed to the idea of two complete strangers shooting your gun, then PM me. Or if there's a game happening and you don't mind two spectators tagging along, shoot me a PM.

The CA36K is a better choice for combat at medium range, and it's still short enough to be a passable CQB weapon. No point in upgrading a '36C with a longer barrel if you can just buy one that comes pre-assembled, cheaper to boot.

A great review of the CA36k

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=22724

Hope you're not 56k modem

Oh that stock is a add-on, it not the one that come with the rifle

That was a great review. Thanks for the link, SHaKaL.

Agreed. I just want to know which one will put up the most fight. For example, if I drop a TM plastic rifle on a rock, how will it compare to the CA Fiberglass rifle I dropped on the same rock. Which one is sturdier, basically. I'm not saying my way of testing this will be to take the gun out and throw it at the first bigass rock I can find and then see which parts are still working(although, if I had the cash...), I'm just interested to know which one gives more bang for the buck.

Again, I'm in full agreement, but the upcoming games I saw posted aren't held in Toronto and/or don't allow free spectators("chairsofters", right?). I'm not sure how people would react to a random forum-goon PMing them and asking if I can drop by and shoot their rifle a bit. I suppose my only option would be to wait until a game pops up that I'd be able to get to(no vehicle, I rely on the TTC for my day-to-day needs). Although, who knows. The airsoft community, so far as I've seen it, is peopled with mature fans of the sport who are most often more-than-happy to welcome newcomers. There may yet be hope! ~_^

Thanks for all the input, guys. It's all been really helpful.

You could always sling it. Can't comment on the studiness though.

Yeah, I was planning on getting a sling for mine. Basically, I was just aiming for sort of a worst-case-scenario that could happen at any time while out for a game. Obviously I'm going to do what I can to prevent dropping it on rocks, but I'm just saying if it *did* happen, how extensive do you think the damage would be from one drop? Say, would a solid knock to the side loosen a bunch of screws and destroy the inner workings, or would it hold up for a bit longer until I had a chance to open it up and do some maintenance. The best possible protection I could offer my gun is to simply not use it, but as I plan on taking it out, that opens up a variety of gruesome ends for it. ^_^ I'm just trying to get an idea for how durable these rifles are.

I've fielded my buddies TM G36c a bunch, and have banged it around probably more than you should and have had no problems with it at all. I think they have above average sturdiness as far as an all plastic gun goes.

I agree that this would be a short to medium range gun though. Range is, for the most part, reliant on length of barrel. So if you have a shorter gun, expect ashorter effective range.

Man, if you're in Toronto, go to TTAC3, cool facility, awesome people, and he has rentals so you can play a bit too and see if it's up your alley to stay in the sport.

groovy, I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the head's up!