I am getting my first airsoft gun in a couple of days...?

A new sniper, I assume? ;) Spring is the way to go for it. Be sure to use heavy BBs if you are going to snipe.

1) Spring rifles are generally the most rounded and dependable, especially for long range sniping. As your first airsoft gun, this was a good idea for you to have gotten. HOWEVER, at 400fps, it sounds like you got a UTG or a Well. These will not last long, as the components cannot handle the high FPS they're preset to put out. Clone quality is bad quality - People who are serious with airsoft and get these wind up paying $50-100 more just to make them viable - look into PDI parts for that.

2) Don't let yourself get caught out in the open, Don't move without surveying your surroundings well. Stay low. if you're a sniper, you might want to make a ghillie suit, and otherwise, just be sure to wear some breathable-yet-covering clothes. Don't go out without shatterproof goggles - Motorcycle goggles are a good way to go.

3) People easily break 700fps+ but you NEVER want to go past 500fps. 500 in itself can be pretty dangerous, believe it or not. 300-400 isn't so bad. 500 and up can cause some serious welts. FPS isn't everything, though, please remember that. A lot of people get suckered into bad airsoft guns over the FPS. It's better to have an accurate 300 fps gun than a 500 with random grouping.

1. Compared to AEG's and GBB's, spring rifles are much less prone to breakage, simply because they are simpler. Less moving parts, less breakage.

2. Well since I'm going to assume that your spring rifle is a sniper rifle, I would definitely recommend you don't run charging at people. Since your going to be able to only get one shot off in the time it takes an AEG to get off 20+. Just lay down stay in cover, and shoot from a concealed place.

3. Well FPS is not everything in airsoft, but the highest I have ever seen came from a Systema PTW, with the red cylinder in (which is a M150), I believe it clocked at 525fps, with .2g bb's. But I know that there are higher springs out there, like the M170 I just have never seen anyone use it.

it depends what kind of spring gun and where you get it at dont evan bother Wal-mart there guns will break in a couple of days! Save up for a Metal of AEG gun aegs run on battery's. also you can have 500+ with FPS. and woodlands area only play in YOUR land or get permission of the owners land and tell any body that will be in the area when you have your airsoft guns that they are AIRSOFT GUNS. cause if you dont the cops will be out there in a matter of mintunes with REAL guns. hope this helps!

Well, I can't answer many of your questions, but I can recommend a gun. The UHC M1911A1 spring pistol. It's a perfect first gun. I'm out.

Dont waist your money buy a REAL gun