Issue 01 - Oct 2011

ACTION

THE Airsoft Magazine

OCTOBER 2011 - £3.95

MASADA UPDATE SITE REVIEWS BIG BOYZ TOYZ

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ZERO WEEKENDER LAUNCH EDITION

top Tactical tips ■ special operations ■ essential kit ■ game reports ■ dangerous stuff!

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AIRSOFT ACTION - OCTOBER 2011

CONTENTS 7 10 15 18 22 26 28 30 33 36 42

AIRSOFT NEWS IF IT’S NEWS IT’S HERE RIFLE OVERVIEW DONSANG’S KTW RANGE SNIPERS EYE VIEW IT’S NOT ALL HOLLYWOOD GROUND ZERO WOODLAND WALK-ON DAY STIRLING AIRSOFT ALL OUT WAR SINCE 2005!

MAGPUL PTS MASADA UPDATE – AKM UKAPU/UKARA UK ORGANISATIONS NEWS EDGAR BROTHERS INSIDE EB’S AIRSOFT DIVISION YOUNG GUNS AIRSOFT IS NOT JUST FOR ADULTS ENTER THE DRAGON’S LAIR A NEW SITE OPENS IN ESSEX TIER 1 IS THIS THE ULTIMATE MILSIM?

SEE PAGE 79 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR MONTHLY CAMOFLAGUE COMPETITION

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45 50 54 57 62 67 70 71 74 76 79 81 83 84 86 90

GROUND ZERO WEEKENDER EVENT GUIDE AND RULES TAKING THE PISTOL A PISTOL WHO’S WHO IS IT REAL OR IS IT AIRSOFT? HOW TO LOOK THE PART

Editor: Nigel Streeter Assistant editor: Anthony Platt Design: Chris Sweeney Ad design: Ryan Dixon Advertising: Hannah Benson

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Operations director: James Folkard Assistant publisher: Ruth Burgess Editorial director: James Marchington

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Publisher: Wesley Stanton

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W: www.blazepublishing.co.uk © Blaze Publishing Limited, 2011 Distribution: Distributed to the newstrade by Comag Magazine Marketing, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE T: 01895 433 800 Copyright © Blaze Publishing Limited 2011. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publishers in writing. The opinions of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.

If you have an idea for an article, our team will be pleased to hear from you.

Contributions are always welcomed, and should be sent by email to nigels@blazepublishing.co.uk

Welcome… …to the first Issue of Airsoft Action: The Airsoft Magazine.

Back at the beginning of June I had a phone call asking if I’d be interested in becoming editor of a new airsoft magazine – and I think I broke the world record for the shortest thinking time before saying “Yes!” Just three months later and here we are: prepared, printed and published!

I’ve got to say that there were times I wondered if it would be possible to go from zero to published in three months but the support we have received, from all sectors of the airsoft community, has been absolutely superb and for that, I say a huge Thank You! So what are you going to find here?

Simple answer: everything that has anything to do with airsoft, or is connected to airsoft in any way.

Of course there will be reviews of sites, guns and equipment, but I want to be clear about what an Airsoft Action review is all about.

A review is one person’s thoughts

on a particular subject, at a particular time and is completely subjective. So you will not find stars or marks out of ten in any of our reviews – but you will find an open, honest opinion and, if it interests you, go try it for yourself. Just remember: One man’s meat is another man’s poison.

Whenever possible, equipment reviews will be conducted in the conditions for which the item being reviewed was designed. For example, in this issue we take a look at a couple of pairs of desert boots, so the reviewer took them out to the Arizona Desert to see how they performed.

Airsoft Action tests will be different though. A test is where comparable pieces of equipment will be put through their paces in controlled conditions and the results given for comparison. No grey areas, just total objectivity.

What else?

How about a ‘Young Guns’ column, written by a 16-year-old player who has been playing since he was 11, or ‘Big Boyz Toyz’ (because we all get a kick out of big metal and there’s loads of it on airsoft sites across the country).

All Airsoft Action features are written by people with direct experience of their subject: our ‘Sniper’ article was written by a former sniper, our article on hand signals was written by personnel that have used them for real – and so on.

We’ll cover games and events of every shape, size and variety and we’ll also be casting an eye towards Europe, to see what’s happening over there too.

Bottom line is, if it’s got anything to do with airsoft then Airsoft Action wants to know about it.

One final thing before I sign off…

I have a simple belief. The most important people in airsoft are not me, site owners, manufacturers or retailers – it is YOU the players. Without you there would be no airsoft, nor Airsoft Action, so we will do our utmost to support and promote airsoft at every opportunity and at every level.

I hope you enjoy this first issue of Airsoft Action and hope to see you out there soon (I’ll be the one with the camera!).

Keep safe,

Nige www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

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AIRSOFT

AIRSOFT NEWS

NEWS SSAFA FORCES HELP

RIDE OF BRITAIN Will you challenge yourself for SSAFA this summer and support the first Ride of Britain cycle?

SSAFA is the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. They provide support for those who serve in our Armed Forces and those who used to serve – even if it was only for a single day – and care for the families of both.

Like all registered charities they organise a number of events during the year to help raise much-needed funds.

The Ride of Britain takes place from 20-25 September and covers the 470 miles from Edinburgh to London, by bike, hand-bike, or tandem.

The route covers countryside through Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales, the flat land of Lincolnshire and quaint villages of Cambridgeshire. On the final day, you’ll peddle through the buzzing atmosphere of London, finishing at the iconic Horse Guard’s Parade.

Leading the way by hand-bike and tandem will be Rifleman Michael Swain, who lost both his legs, and Rifleman Paul Jacobs who was blinded in Afghanistan in 2009 in a separate explosion.

Michael says, “I hope we can inspire the public to sign up to support SSAFA, as well as servicemen and women who are receiving rehabilitation at Headley Court. SSAFA helps so many families and I’m proud to be able to give something back.”

Paul, who will be guided on a tandem bike by his brother, is appealing to more of his fellow servicemen and women to take part.

“We need members of the Army, Navy and Air Force to sign up to represent their service and support this amazing charity”.

If you would like more information, or to sign up and take part, contact either Laurena at SSAFA, on 020 7463 9297, or Challenge Event Organisers, Across the Divide, on 01460 30456 (yes, it is a short number!).

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HEROES Being there: that’s the only way to truly understand what our forefathers endured on the field of battle. The anticipation, the fear, the camaraderie – we can but imagine it, but to those who fought and died it was as real as it gets.

There is a saying: “A battlefield without a guide is just a field.”

If you want a really unique insight into the workings and horrors of war, you need to be right where it actually happened.

Matt Limb served in both Bosnia and Iraq and was awarded an OBE in the Operational Honours list in October 2003.

Matt now runs Matt Limb Battlefield Tours and will take you step-by-step across the most famous fields of conflict – from the mud-filled tranches of The Somme, to the tank tracks of Normandy and beyond. You’ll experience first-hand how campaigns were won, or lost, and what it must have been like to grapple with the enemy at close quarters.

Matt will take you right to the battlefield, not the memorials and museums of battle.

If you are interested in joining Matt as he walks in the footsteps of heroes, he can be contacted via his website – www.mlbft.co.uk – or by phone on: 01476 560645 and if you mention that you’ve seen this article, he might even give you a discount!

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KEEPERS OF THE GATEWAY TO HELL – SIMON CHAMBERS Pathfinder Publishing has just released Keepers of the Gateway to Hell, its first book by Simon Chambers, an Iraq War veteran and former British Para.

After 22 years of military service Simon Chambers wasn’t ready to retire into civilian life. He had served in four wars and the thought of driving trucks for the rest of his days was not an appealing prospect. Simon needed to find somewhere he could use the skills he had gained from being in the Paras.

Iraq seemed like the right answer, but he was soon to learn that he had got more than he bargained for.

Simon explains the problems of initially getting the job, the cap badge rivalry and the backstabbing between the companies. The book highlights the negligence and ineptitude of some and the sheer bravery and heroics of others. He tells of the dangers and pitfalls within the Theatre of Operation.

This should serve as an eye-opener for others contemplating going into this line of work. In Iraq, gunfights, sandstorms, dangerous driving, IEDs, friendly fire and suicide bombers are just another day.

Keepers of the Gateway to Hell is available as a Kindle download from online retailer Amazon; just visit www.amazon.co.uk and search for either ‘Simon Chambers’, ‘Keepers of the gateway to hell’ or the ASIN number ‘B0056U9PNM’.

AIRSOFT ARMS FAIR – 8-9 OCTOBER 2011

The Airsoft Arms Fair is the UK trade and retail show for the airsoft industry, attracting a mix of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, game sites, airsoft media, private sellers and (of course) airsofters in large numbers.

The event happens twice a year – May and October – and is hosted at The Grange, a combative sports and events centre in the Midlands.

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AAF4, which is running over the weekend of 8-9 October, is set to be the biggest show so far.

With new product launches, prizes galore (£3,000 in prizes given away by different sponsors last time) and the all-important opportunity to see and handle guns and gear, rather than just viewing them on the web, it’s no wonder the event is growing so rapidly.

Back in May, AAF3 had 18 different distributors and retailers showing their latest offerings to the airsofting masses. AAF4 is already on target for 30 distributors and retailers to be in attendance and around 1,000 airsofters over the two days.

There will also be the opportunity to try out the sport of Airsoft IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation), possibly for the first time. The old ‘live-fire, precisionshooting’ tournaments have been resurrected thanks to the popularity of airsoft and are already taking Asia and the Philippines by storm.

Tickets for the Show are on sale now and it has a track record of selling out, so don’t wait too long to book your place.

Visit www.airsoftarmsfair.com for bookings, event updates and news. regular updates are also available through their Facebook page.

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DONGSAN KTW RANGE OVERVIEW Dongsan is a new name to UK airsoft, so we asked Ratty to give us an overview of its KTW range.

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hen a large package arrived in my office, I rubbed my hands together with anticipation as to what it could be. Seeing that it had come from Blaze Publishing, a smile spread across my face – I knew then it was a load of rifles to review. I opened up the parcel and saw ‘Dongsan, product of Korea’ written on the first

box. My initial response (and that of several others in the office that day), was ‘Who?’ Korean airsoft guns – who’d have thought it?

Getting everything out of the box, I was presented with a range of airsoft shotguns, rifles and even a pistol, spanning a 200-year time period. From a replica of George Washington’s flint lock pistol, through to Winchester lever actions, Vietnam-era rifles and

shotguns up to the modern day.

‘Wow!’ I thought, ‘There’s something here for everyone’.

So, rather than going into each model massively in depth, what follows is a general overview on the build quality and how well each one functions. All testing was done using Blaster Devil 0.20g BB’s, and readings taken from a Madbull V2 chronograph.

Here we go…

George Washington’s Flint Lock On first inspection this pistol is very well-presented and comes with a simple instruction manual that is in surprisingly good English. Constructed out of wood effect plastic with bronze effect barrel – but with metal work markings – it weighs in at 738g. The hammer and frizzen are metal and both need to be cocked to be able to fire. Loading is simple enough and the magazine holds 12 BBs. There is a safety selector located to the rear of the hammer which was occasionally difficult to engage. It has adjustable hop-up which makes this a skirmishable pistol. On test I was achieving results of between 180-220fps. For those of you that are looking for something different, or are playing a pirate-themed skirmish, this is ideal for you. It certainly put a huge smile on my face!

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DONGSAN REVIEW M70 Black Shadow Rifle This is based on the pre-64 model and thus would be ideal for Vietnam and later themed loadouts. Feeling nice and chunky, weighing in at 2.8kg, finished in black ABS furniture with metal barrel and working parts, it’s a very sleek looking rifle. It also comes with scope mount and rings as well as a 22 BB magazine. Again, the instruction manual is informative and easy to follow. Cocking action is very smooth and the safety selector is conveniently located on the bolt itself. The hop up is easily adjustable and I was getting consistent results of between 289-295fps. At this time, I am not sure as to what upgrades are available or if other manufacturer’s parts are compatible, but with a little tweaking this has all the potential of making a really good skirmishable sniper rifle.

Spas 12 Custom More up to date is this airsoft version of the ever-popular Spas 12. This is the full stock version and majority of it is of ABS construction. Picking it up, you realise how light it is, weighing in at 1.8kg. The magazine for this holds 60 BBs, plus nine can be held in the chamber. The great thing about all the Dongsan shotgun range is the selectable one- or two-shot firing mechanism. On the Spas, the selector is located on the top of the receiver and is a simple slide back and forwards to select the option you require. The pump action is easy enough to do, but you must ensure that the grip goes all the way forward before firing. Velocity results were not disappointing at all, with a respectable 275-290fps on single shot. Overall, I was really impressed with the quality of the Spas, and how easy it was to use.

Winchester M1873 Carbine and Randall Feeling a little bit out of my comfort zone in saying that I think these two models are awesome, the 1,873 Carbine weighs in at 2kg, which is about half of what the real thing weighs. It has a 37 BB mag capacity and comes with a spare mag in the box as well. Safety selector is located on the underside of the stock. The furniture is good old wood effect ABS, but the barrel, working parts and lever mechanism are zinc diecast. The official blurb says that this surface has been specially treated so that the more you use it the more it will look like the real thing. Cocking the weapon using the lever mechanism, takes some oomph, so only real cowboys can operate. The look and feel of this made me want to go home and watch the original True Grit all over again!

As for the Randall, what can you say? This is such an iconic model after being used by Steve McQueen in the long running TV Western Wanted Dead or Alive between 1958 to 1961. Built to the same standard as the Carbine, your sacrifice is a much smaller mag capacity (14 BBs) and no stock to speak of. Saying that, this makes it ideal either as a secondary weapon or something completely different for CQB. As Josh Randall would say, “If they got a price on their head, I’ve got an empty pocket.”

Both of these exceeded my expectations and returned readings of between 260-290fps.

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Ithaca M37 Shotgun Range There are four models in this particular range: M37 Feather Light, Riot, Police and Sawed Off. As with the Spas 12, all of these models have selectable one- or two-shot capability and adjustable hop-up. All have the same mag capacity of 46 plus six in the chamber, and the mags are easy enough to change in the field. The Riot, Police and Sawed Off make excellent CQB/backup weapons. Results on single-shot were between 275-299fps, while on two-shot they were achieving between 240-255fps.

The M37 Feather Light is your full size, full stock version, weighing in at 1.5kg. The stock and pump grip are wood effect ABS, as is the majority of the externals.

The M37 Riot is a more modern looking version, weighing in slightly less than the Feather Light. With a full stock in black polymer, but with cut down barrel, this really looks the business.

The M37 Police is bang up to date with cut down barrel and a pistol grip. All black in colour and again made of ABS, it weighs in at 1kg.

Last, but by no means least, is the M37 Sawed Off. This, as the name says, has a cut down barrel and no stock. What furniture there is, is wood effect ABS. For those of you who followed Tour of Duty, you will recognise this shotgun as it was used by Zeek Anderson, making it ideal for Vietnam loadouts. Weighing in at 950g, this is the lightest model in the range.

Overall, I was very taken by the range and the quality available from Dongsan. After years of ‘Chinglish’ instruction manuals, the ones provided are easy to follow and the diagrams are better than average. It’s always hard for a new brand to establish themselves in the UK marketplace. With this cross-section of recognisable and some famous models, there is no reason why Dongsan will not do well with UK airsofters. Although throughout this article I have been careful not to mention any pricing for these, the range is sensibly priced and I do believe that they represent good value for the money. Look out for the long-term reviews on the Winchester Randall and the M37 Sawed Off, which may well have found their way into my collection!

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FEATURE

EYE VIEW Currently with a specialised unit in the British Armed Forces, the author of this article has served in countries such as Sierra Leone, Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland and has two years’ experience as a sniper in the field

L

et me start by saying that this article is not going to teach you how to be a brilliant sniper. This is more an overview of the crossover that exists between real world tactics and equipment and the airsoft world.

Many people seem to believe that the life of a sniper is just like a Hollywood portrayal: Get in… take your shot… get out! However, what a lot of people don’t realise is more often than not you have to stalk to the target, ranging anywhere from 400m to 2,000m, depending on terrain. You will be on

your belt buckle, crawling through everything that stands between you and the target. Then, once you have reached your final firing position it may be days until you can take your shot.

This means living on hard routine: no cooking, going to the toilet where you lie and generally living a very

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type of game you play, whether it be a weekend skirmish or a full-on mil-sim.

I have seen many people don a ghille suit, pick up a bolt-action rifle and go out and play as a sniper – crashing through bushes and very rarely crawling to a target. This is no fault of their own, it is the nature of the game and the fact that everyone wants to be a part of the action. However, a major part of being a sniper is patience.

I am not saying that I’ve never met airsoft snipers with patience – of course I have. But these people are very rare specimens, and have usually decided to take the role of sniper very seriously – from their equipment all the way to their tactics and general gameplay. These players are generally very good at stalking targets and getting close to the enemy, sometimes within 30m without being seen. They choose to play as snipers because they enjoy it, and often they are very good at it. However, without meaning to demean these guys’ achievements, this is very easy to do having had a full English in the morning and knowing that you are going back to your bed in the next 24 hours. When you are sat in your firing position for days on end, eating cold rations, using a plastic bag as a toilet, and are cold, wet and miserable, things are rather different.

A real sniper must be able to endure these conditions and still be able to stalk and engage the enemy.

“When lying prone it’s not so clever to be all ghilledup if somebody’s standing behind you, the big black sole of your boot staring back at them” uncomfortable life. After you’ve taken your shot, you do not (as in Hollywood) jump up and call in the helo to swoop in and pick you up; you turn around take everything with you (and I do mean everything) and crawl back to your cache. You recover your kit and yomp back out to a suitable helicopter landing zone or pickup point.

Obviously there are many differences between sniping in the real world and airsoft. In airsoft the type of sniper you are is primarily dictated by the

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FEATURE

Another difference between the two worlds is probably the most obvious one: the weapons, and the ability of these weapons. An airsoft sniper will spend hundreds of pounds upgrading their rifle so at a push they may accurately engage a man-size target out to around 100m. A real sniper would be actively looking to engage targets anywhere from 400m – and the longest recorded shot ever, which was made by a British sniper, is 2,475m.

Now I know these differences are very obvious – no one’s expecting you to use a spring-powered airsoft rifle to take out a target at 2,000m. But although the differences in ranges are massive, the tactics and equipment employed to get into a firing position, whether airsoft or real, should be the same. Slow and methodical, allowing you to approach your target without being seen, heard, or generally letting the enemy know that you are even there, till you decide to reveal your position by taking your shot.

I have seen many would-be airsoft snipers let down by their equipment.

By this I mean the type of webbing they are wearing, their ghille suits, their boots and even their basic camouflage and concealment. I could write an entire book on just these four points, but I will restrain myself and briefly explain a few of them.

A sniper spends most of his life on his belt buckle, so things like plate carriers and any type of webbing or vest that has pouches mounted on the chest are a massive no. Ghille suits

are personal to the individual and time should be taken to build one yourself.

Here’s a little tip for you: there is nothing in nature that is pure black – meaning if you wear black leather boots they need to be painted, paying special

attention to the sole. When lying prone it’s not so clever to be all ghilled-up if somebody’s standing behind you, the big black sole of your boot staring back at them. As for basic cam and con, use camouflage paint on hands, face, ears (inside and out), back of the neck and anywhere else that skin may be exposed when stalking a target.

This article is a very brief insight to a snipers’ world. I have done this job for real and understand that, although there is a crossover, sometimes these two worlds are very far apart. But despite all this I enjoyed my job and was good at it. If you believe this is a role for you then take some time, do some research and speak to people.

You will be amazed at what you can learn and achieve as a sniper with a few simple questions.

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GROUND ZERO WOODLAND WALK-ON DAY

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Ground Zero is a very popular site, just outside Ringwood in Hampshire – but as this was Father’s Day it was surely going to be a quiet one. How wrong can you be?

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ailstones! That’s what it sounded like - millions of them hammering on the roof and walls around me. A staccato barrage of sound assaulting my senses, pounding my eardrums and muffling all other noise as I tried to squeeze myself even further into the corner of the hut…

Welcome to a Ground Zero walk-on day!

For those of you who don’t know Ground Zero Woodland, the site is about a mile off the main road, down a well-maintained gravel track leading to the car park, a large open area which, despite the rain from previous days, was dry and firm. Bounded on one side by a firing range and with a camping area set further back, they are obviously used to running big games here and this was confirmed when we met up with Neal and Dan Collins, the father and son team that own Zero One Airsoft and operate Ground Zero.

“About 150,” was Neal’s estimate for the number of expected players, although as it was Father’s Day it could be less but, being the kind of people they are, they had brought enough supplies for considerably more, just in case…

Also in evidence was a good number of hi-vis-jacketed marshals, who were already busy getting the site prepared, the on-site shop stocked and (most importantly) the catering van fired up.

Headed up by H, the site manager, it is easy to see why the marshals know what they’ve got to do. H’s enthusiasm and passion for the game is obvious.

“There is a right way and a wrong way to do things” he said, “and we haven’t been doing what we do, for as long as we have been doing it, by doing it the wrong way.”

As the clock ticked past 10:00 the car park looked much fuller and, as

SITE REVIEW

players were called together for the safety briefing and team division, the head-count was over 200 (it eventually reached 215 – good job Neal and Dan were well-prepared!).

There were to be two teams for the day (Bravo and Delta), with a rolling scenario that started with a VIP snatch and evolved into the acquisition of a number of strategically placed parts that were required to construct a bomb. The day would end in a full-scale assault, with the eventual winners being the team in occupation of the village at the centre of the site at game-end.

As the players gathered we were struck by the sheer variety of load-outs, camouflage and kit on display and also by the players themselves. There were veterans of the game, completely comfortable with their weapons and kit, alongside first-timers nervously fiddling with their rifles, shifting from foot to foot and dressed in jeans and tees. There were also quite a few youngsters and one or two ladies. After the main briefing was completed, the first-timers and youngsters were called together for a separate briefing, and given a chance to ask any questions they might have hesitated about asking in front of a large crowd – a very nice touch indeed!

While the teams headed out to their starting positions we were joined by one of the marshals, Rob, who had volunteered to give us a guided tour of the playing area, so we could gain a good overview of the various locations.

I have to say that I am really glad he did because, even though we had maps of the site, he was able to show us

features that I doubt we would have found for ourselves.

So, what’s here?

It would probably be easier to ask “What isn’t?” as the many years of development have created a playing area that is loaded with features and yet, due to its size is not cramped or overcrowded. There are also plenty of Dead Zones, so regen is kept to a minimum and players can get back into the game in the shortest possible time.

It took us over an hour to walk round the site and Rob showed us evocatively named locations such as ‘Checkpoint Charlie’, ‘The Prison Camp’, ‘The Village’, ‘The Nest’ and ‘Heartbreak Ridge’.

Heartbreak Ridge is an example of something else that Ground Zero enjoys; great topography! Running up the slope to Heartbreak Ridge is tough enough with just a camera (I know, I did it!), so pushing up under fire from well-entrenched defenders with the advantage of height and range must be quite a challenge!

There are two other features that really stood out for me, one natural and the other man-made.

If you know your way around Ground Zero it is possible to move using a system of natural ‘tunnels’, concealed in the bushes and foliage.

Using this natural feature players can move, unseen by watchful eyes, from one location to another and hit the opposition where (and when) they least expect it.

Rob led us into the tunnels at the centre of the site and we popped out again just a few yards

from the car park (but don’t ask me how we got there!).

The other feature was still under construction but, when complete will be sphincter-muscle-testing in the extreme!

Rising from the bushes is the ground floor of a “Killing House”. Looking like something that Wimpey or Stalin would

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be proud of, this two-storey, block and concrete structure is one huge maze of corridors, rooms and hides that will test the skill and nerve of even the most experienced CQB exponent.

Speaking to Dan later on, he told us that they had tarpaulined the ground floor to try it out and it was everything they hoped it would be – and more!

One thing I really liked about this site is that it lends itself very well to continual play. Its size means there is always something new that you can try and, speaking to players who play here regularly (of which there were

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many), they said the sheer variety of possibilities is one of the factors that keeps them coming back.

As with most site visits there is always something, or someone, that sticks in your mind and for me the “something” and “someone” were (quite literally) harnessed together…

We had been moving forward with one team and decided to push ahead, to see how the defenders were preparing for the inevitable assault on their position. Moving along the road we were greeted by members of the advancing team, moving rapidly in the opposite direction. Our polite enquiries as to why this was were met with a one-word answer: ‘Rampage!’ (those of you that know what ‘Rampage’ is, will know what’s coming!!).

‘Rampage’ isn’t a ‘what’, he’s a 6ft stick insect, sporting a ZZ-Top goatee and toting an evil-looking, 50 rounds per second, six-barrelled mini-gun!

With firepower like that coming at you, a rapid tactical withdrawal is probably the best (and certainly the least painful) option!

The day came to a close with an all-out assault on the Village, which the defenders managed to survive and hang onto, to win the game but, you know what? It didn’t seem to matter who won or lost. Everyone we spoke to said they’d had a fabulous day – from the first timer in jeans and tee-shirt, sporting a site AK and the hugest of smiles, to the guys who had travelled over 100 miles to get there and even the lady player, who’d taken a round to her left-forehead from close range (which must have stung a bit) was grinning from ear to ear!

So a good day was had by all. Sure, there were odd moments when the adrenaline was pumping and things got heated but the professionalism of the marshals ensured these were quickly defused and things never got out of hand.

I think it safe to say that everyone left happy but before I close, a few congratulations are in order…

To Neal, Dan, H, the marshals and everyone else involved in Ground Zero for putting together an awesome site and a great day.

To the guy who shot the lady player on her left forehead for going over to apologise and make sure she was OK immediately afterwards.

To Rob for showing us around but, most of all to the players, for making the day what it was and for playing with honour and integrity – nice one!

Just one last thing: It took us over an hour to walk around it but what we saw was just half of the total playing area. Ground Zero deliberately don’t use the whole site for every game. This helps to keep the wear and tear down and the site fresh even if you play it regularly.

Elsewhere in this issue you’ll find a preview of The National Airsoft Event which, if you are reading this article before 1 September, is where you are now. All I can say is that you’ve got a great weekend ahead! Keep safe and enjoy it.

www.groundzerowoodland.com

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STIRLING AIRSOFT ++ .43 6 1 2(-"$ All Out War is Stirling Airsoft’s on-going storyline for its themed events – and has been running continuously since 2005 Set in countries across the world, from South-East Asia to Europe, from Russia to Africa, All Out War (AOW) has seen constantly evolving scenarios, the outcome of which is not pre-determined and depends solely on the results of each event.

More recently, Stirling Airsoft introduced AOW – Tour of Duty, which concentrates on an individual operational theatre for six months at a time.

The current Operation is scheduled to be completed this Autumn.

The story so far‌.

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British Private Military Contractor (PMC), Strategic Solutions, is one of ďŹ ve International PMCs to secure contracts in African countries including Nigeria and The Congo. Violence escalates as armed militia attack protected locations and local population.

Conference attended by heads of state for African nations attacked by terror group and siege only ended after intervention by self-proclaimed General, Ubadi Azear.

Azear calls for African leaders to unite with him and bring Africa together for Africans, under African rule.

Formation of The Union of Southern Africa (USOA), The Central African Nations Group (CANG), The Northern Alliance and Western States, followed

by The Eastern Alliance leads to control of most of Africa by Azear.

Azear calls for the destruction of ‘Western invaders’.

UK Special Forces reported to have captured and then lost Azear in Kazakhstan. Reports denied by MoD. Intelligence suggests The International Revolutionary Council (IRC) has been created to control and promote terrorist activity on a global scale. Azear’s name features in many of the reports along with other known terrorists.

Violence escalates in Chad as capital city N’Djamena attacked and captured by rebels. UK and US launch Operation Condor to secure the city and ďŹ nd and detain General Azear in the process.

Rebel forces ee Chad.

Civil unrest grows as free elections take place in Chad. Henry Tuwkani wins election but is accused of being a Western puppet.

Following escalation of violence between Tuwkani’s supporters and Azear’s hard-line followers, Tuwkani is kidnapped and tortured by new guerrilla group Devine Brotherhood of Roy (DBR), before being rescued by UK/US Special Forces.

DBR seize control of N’Djamena.

MILSIM

General Azear found guilty of war crimes by Haig judges and sentenced to death by hanging, with sentence to be carried out in Chad on 18 August.

The announcement triggers violence across Chad and in Ugandan capital of Kampala.

Under a power-sharing deal with hardliners the Kanem Guera Brotherhood (KGB), DBR forces withdraw from Chad.

Car bomb explosions in Tenerife, Paris and London are claimed to be the work of The Knights of Azear (KOA), as part of their terror campaign.

UK offers Sudan’s King Jubba Jubba Chuffa protection and stabilisation troops in return for allowing ISAT bases to be built along Chad-Sudan border.

King Chuffa assassinated by his bastard son, Bobitin Chuffa, who seizes power and allies himself with the IRC. Bobitin Chuffa overthrown by rightful heir to the throne, Nubbi Nubbi Chuffa, who allows construction of ISAT bases to be completed.

UK and US governments create Alexander Battle Group, with intention to locate, identify and eliminate DBR violence across Chad, in preparation for the Election.

Heavy DBR resistance is met in Nema Nemasso, Northern Chad while Operation:Kingsman is launched to clear Mousorro of DBR forces, which also meets heavy resistance.

Intelligence suggests that KOA member Rasheed Sedeeki was responsible for attacks on ISAT forces but has evaded capture multiple times and is now one of top ďŹ ve World’s Most Wanted.

Victor Aluma elected President after landslide victory against Otto Jobre of the DBR and Pascal Tombalaye of the Chadian National Party.

Fighting breaks out and Otto Jobre is killed as he attempts to assassinate Aluma.

Following request from President Aluma, ISAT forces withdraw from Chad – even though DBR retains control in many remote regions of the country.

President Tuwkani of Chad is killed after fresh violence breaks out in N’Djamena.

Task Force Black raid N’Djamena’s bank to seize IRC’s total assets of £24m, leaving IRC unable to continue Global terror campaign.

KGB leader, Victor Aluma, assumes control of country until new elections can be held.

UK and US forces begin Operation Alexander 2, with multi-national SF task forces working alongside the KGBNA to clear Chad of DBR threat.

Following successes by joint forces, the Chad National Army faces largescale counter-offensive and a task force is sent to restore order and rescue captives taken during offensive.

During Operation: Storm King, UK/ US Special Forces rescue last remaining hostage while other units secure areas known to be housing DBR ďŹ ghters.

Operation Alexander 2 concludes this Autumn.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Chad, its President and its people.

To be continued‌.

For more information on AOW and Stirling Airsoft, visit the website at: www.stirlingairsoft.com

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MAGPUL PTS

MASADA

UPDATE The Masada AKM is Magpul’s latest rifle and Scott Allan, from Land Warrior Airsoft, puts it through its paces

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M

asada, isn’t So the Romans didn’t use that a curry? an assault rifle?

The Masada is named after the site where Sicarii rebels refused to bow to a powerful Roman Empire.

The Romans encamped an entire Legion in the hostile desert and spent months constructing a ramp up to the inaccessible fort. The Sicarii, rather than bend to Roman rule, made the ultimate act of defiance and organised a mass suicide. It was this defiance in the face of oppression that inspired the name for the rifle.

The real rifle was described as caveman simple, a fully modular battle rifle that could be suited to every mission and end-user. The multi-calibre system which allows fast changing barrels, receivers, stocks and handguards, is everything and anything you want it to be.

The Airsoft version There are currently two airsoft versions, an M4 and AKM version. The AKM is the second variant released and has several improvements over the last.

THE ARMOURY

On the outside Externally the materials are nearly the same as the real version: the unloaded weight is pretty much spot on and, comparing both at the Shot Show, I was astounded that this replica could look so similar. Coming in two colours (black or flat dark earth), the AKM has an 11.5in barrel, a 150-round AK PMAG magazine and takes a NiMH Mini or LiPo battery.

The front handguard is polymer, as is the lower receiver and fully-adjustable stock. The upper receiver and top 20mm RIS rail are metal. It comes with a MBUS removable rear sight and an integrated flip-up front sight. The fire selector, magazine release and bolt catch release are all ambidextrous. The cocking handle can be quickly changed from one side to another in about 30 seconds. The whole package comes in at around 2.9kg compared to 3.1kg for the real counterpart – pretty damn close!

Getting into the guts The Internals are similar to many airsoft rifles, although one of the key differences is a micro-switch trigger rather than a straight trigger contact. This gives a better trigger response and provides a more reliable firing system all in all. The barrel set is a quick-release type, true to the real version, which allows new barrel lengths to be quickly attached. The hop adjustment is a fairly standard and looks similar to the G36/AUG type. The gearbox is an 8mm type, as is common in highend design at the moment.

The AKM has a new motor type which

gives better trigger response and rate of fire compared to the previously-released M4. The only issue I’ve seen is that some cheaper or rebranded BB’s may cause feed issues – but if you use cheap ammo then that is to be expected.

Performance An airsoft gun is just that: it’s designed for skirmishing against other players.

It’s never going to knock a buffalo down at 300 yards but, at 320fps (using a Blaster 0.20g BB) it is very respectable for use all over the UK. One thing that can really count with an airsoft rifle is the quality of the inner barrel and hop unit – these are almost as important as the overall power of the rifle. This rifle can easily place shots 20m further than a standard airsoft rifle, even some that are considerably more powerful. I was happily putting shots out to 60m with a reasonably tight grouping of around 50cm – plenty tight enough to hit an opposing player.

In the field I’ve used mine for a couple of months now and I’ve enjoyed everything about it. It’s lightweight, compact and, most important of all, reliable. It can easily hit targets out as far as 60m, which is surprising given the 320fps reading on the chronograph.

One other thing I quite like is the smooth sounding gearbox, without the grinding, smashing noises I’ve experienced with some other rifles.

This all sounds like a finely tuned car.

For all the body work is polymer I’ve never felt like it would fail me. I treat my gear as an accessory – it’s there to do a job and it bloody well better do it!

The Masada AKM does certainly not disappoint.

Summary Keeping ahead of the game is tough but it seems that Magpul, having embraced the airsoft market as an equally important part of its business as the real steel side, is set to succeed with the Masada range. It’s not a budget item, but in airsoft you get what you pay for.

DATA: Velocity: 320 Feet Per Second (with a Blaster 0.20g BB) Rate of Fire: 900 Rounds Per Minute (11.1v 1200mah LiPo Battery) Weight: 2.9 Kg / 6.4Lbs Magazine: AKM 150 Round PMAG only

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NEWS

H

ello and welcome to UKAPU news – a new output for the UKAPU Committee to reach members of the airsoft skirmishing community.

As a special treat we have two new announcements for you all.

Firstly, airsoft operator Op Tactical UK – www.op-tac.co.uk – has announced that it will give £3 off game fees to UKAPU members at all four of its UK sites, including The Stan CQB site in Sheffield. To be able to claim the discount you simply need to show up with your official UKAPU membership card.

With annual membership to UKAPU

costing only £5...Well, we’ll let you do the maths.

Secondly, UKAPU is now offering one year’s free membership to everyone who signed up to the now-disbanded Association of British Airsoft (AoBA).

UKAPU would like to help out those who signed up to the defunct scheme and ensure their investment was not in vain. UKAPU feel it was unfair of the AoBA to take monies and then disappear without providing any information to any current or potential future members.

We would also like to remind members that the AGM will occur on 19th November and the venue should be finalised soon. Updates will be

posted on the UKAPU forum, so please do keep checking for updates if you wish to attend. All members will be issued with a postal voting form prior to the AGM so that their vote will be counted regardless of attendance. If you want to be involved then remember to sign up as a member soon.

If you have joined UKAPU already, then thank you! Annual membership to UKAPU is available for only £5 from www.ukapu.org.uk. Existing members can renew membership online. It only takes seconds to renew so be sure not to miss out.

Chris Neill, United Kingdom Airsoft Players Union

UKARA

NEWS

4* 1 M=B?G? ?R=??>M JF;S?LM

The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers’ Association – UKARA – was formed in 2005 in response to the Violent Crime Reduction Act and the threat it posed to airsoft.

UKARA STATS ■ The UKARA database has been going strong for four years now ■ Currently 42 retailers have signed up to the scheme ■ Almost all sites – more than 150 – have registered, and provide entries onto the database ■ More than 14,500 players registered on the database ■ Players signing up to UKARA at a rate of 20 a day

UKARA FOR PLAYERS Players do not need to pay to be registered with the UKARA database.

They must visit the same UKARAregistered site at least three times in

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no less than two months – so if you play once a month that’s plenty enough.

Once you are registered with UKARA, buying RiFs is a whole lot easier.

Membership must be renewed each year, so you must continue to play.

UKARA FOR SITES It is free for insured sites to register with UKARA. They get free access to their own player data.

UKARA FOR RETAILERS Joining the UKARA scheme allows retailers to quickly and simply ensure their customers are legally allowed to buy RiFs. There is a low annual cost, which is used to cover maintenance of the database and admin tasks.

VIOLATORS OF THE VCRA If you are aware of a shop or market trader selling RiFs without checking their customers’ eligibility, please report them. Traders flaunting the VCRA put the survival of our sport at risk – we fought hard to gain the exemption, don’t allow them to ruin it for all.

To report a trader call: Crime Stoppers, 0800 555 111 Consumer Direct, 08454 040506 www.ukara.org.uk

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AIRSOFT DIVISON Edgar Brothers has been supplying police and military departments for over 60 years – more recently it has moved into the airsoft market. Lisa Riley, Edgar Brothers’ Marketing & Sales Manager, gives us the lowdown

E

dgar Brothers is a familyowned firearms and ammunition wholesale business, founded in 1947 by John J Edgar and his brother Roy. Ian Edgar MBE and Allan Edgar built the business up in the second generation. Derek Edgar now runs the company and it has continued to go from strength to strength supplying both private and public sector organisations.

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EB’s customers include sporting goods retailers, the Ministry of Defence and UK Police Constabularies, which all require high-quality, high-performance products.

The company has been involved in the airsoft market since 1995 and has become experts in the field with a reputation for delivering value, choice and availability across specialist product ranges. These include torches and weapon lights, performance clothing and now airsoft weapons and accessories.

Edgar Brothers

has seen substantial growth in this division in the past 18 months because players, sites and dealers are demanding higher quality, recognisable and well-respected brands, and EB is perfectly positioned to develop this opportunity and add a new level of service to the industry.

Carl Miller joined Edgar Brothers in 2009, as Airsoft Business Manager, and spearheads the airsoft division.

A professional skier and windsurfer competing at international level, Carl’s background was in the extreme sports market. He quickly embraced the airsoft culture, becoming heavily involved in gaming and promoting the sport through Edgar Brothers.

Carl recognised that there was an opportunity for tier one products aimed at the airsoft market in the UK and was responsible for the launch (and subsequent product management) of Magpul PTS. Carl says, “We see more airsoft sites appearing almost weekly and there is a noticeable transition from paintball to airsoft. This growth is due in part to the gaming market influence, with games like Call of Duty having a big impact

on a player’s perception of guns and the military. Both players and sites are embracing all aspects of the military and gaming market, trying to make the experience as realistic as possible.

“The Edgar Brothers Airsoft Team has the ability to target specific customer requirements, with merchandising and training to support our portfolio of wellrespected brands including BlackHawk and Vertx performance gear, HWI and Line of Fire gloves, SureFire torches and weapon lights, Danner Boots and ESS eyewear to name but a few. The airsoft community love these tried and tested products because they are used by military forces globally and meet the aspirational need to be as realistic as possible.”

INSIDE AIRSOFT

EDGAR BROTHERS AIRSOFT DIVISION - THE HOME OF MAGPUL PTS Edgar Brothers has a long-standing relationship with Magpul, so it was a natural progression for the company to work with Magpul PTS. In April 2010 we signed an exclusive distribution deal with Magpul PTS, investing heavily into the full line of guns and accessories and working closely with RoHS to ensure that all products were UK compliant.

Derek Edgar explains, “In September 2010 the Magpul PTS Masada launched in the UK. The most important thing was making sure we had great availability while still providing our retailers with sales and product knowledge support. Our Airsoft Team travels the country supporting retailers and meeting end users, getting valuable feedback which we pass back to retailers and, most importantly, the manufacturers.”

Edgar Brothers has a network of retailers stocking the full line of Magpul PTS. These are Airsoft Centre Ireland, Combat South, Dingo Dogs Airsoft, First & Only, Land Warrior Airsoft, Patrol Base, Platoon Stores, Rules of Engagement, Swindon Airsoft and Wolf Armories. All these retailers have a dedicated tech expert in store for Magpul PTS. EB also has standard retailers that stock a smaller line of products – Airsoft Armoury, Airsoft Skirmish, Combat Action Games, Red 1 Airsoft, Special Airsoft Supplies and Xsite Airsoft.

Edgar Brothers recently hosted an airsoft open day to give retailers direct access to the manufacturers, with Alex Ko and Sam Lam from Magpul PTS in attendance.

Carl explains, “It’s the first time that an airsoft manufacturer has visited the UK and taken a workshop aimed at training the retailers on all the Magpul PTS products available. Over 50 retailers attended the day, from all corners of the UK, including registered firearms dealers. The event was rounded off with an evening airsoft skirmish at the brilliant Anzio Camp in Leek, co-ordinated by First & Only Airsoft. I want to take this opportunity to pass on a big thanks to all the retailers that attended, everyone joined in and made the event a day to remember”.

Edgar Brothers plans to expand its product line in 2011/12 with Magpul PTS, including the new M4, which is currently due out before the end of this year. The gun features a new barrel system that incorporates the hop-up unit in one complete barrel unit and is similar to the barrel on the Masada. Edgar Brothers will also launch a new pistol line, as well as products from King Arms including BBs and batteries.

Airsofters who live and love the extreme should watch this space for future developments.

For more information or to open a trade account with our Airsoft Division please contact: Carl Miller, 01625 660664 Or email airsoft@edgarborthers.com

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YOUNG

GUNS

FEATURE Hello fellow Airsofters!

You might be looking at this page and thinking “What on earth is ‘Young Guns Airsoft?’”, well here’s the explanation…

A

irsoft attracts both older and younger players – you probably call the younger ones ‘noobs’, ‘newbies’ or even ‘target practice’!

I am probably a more experienced airsoft player than most of the people I play with. I am a young gun airsofter and this is all about youths’ opinion on airsoft. I’ll also be writing reviews of different sites and many things which some older players didn’t realise us ‘youngens’ have an opinion about.

So, keep reading every issue and there will be many different views and stories from me about many different things.

But how rude of me! I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Jeremy Blume (though I prefer to be called Jezz). I’m 16 years old and have been airsofting since I was 11. In the five years I’ve been playing I have been to a lot of popular sites across the UK and have played internationally many times, probably more than most players.

I recently led my local team from Ground Zero, named Delta, to victory against very determined opposition. So you could say I am a trueborn airsofter.

How did I get into airsoft? Five years ago my dad (Neill Blume) mentioned that he had been told about a sport just like paintball but apparently more realistic. So my dad being my dad, he went to his first airsoft game, which I think was at either Combat South or Ground Zero. When he got back he told me how awesome it was, how it

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moment I fell in love… with airsoft!

So that’s how I got into airsoft, and I continue to love it to this very day.

For anyone who’s reading this and has a son or daughter who would be interested, I’m telling you now – take them with you. It’s an instant bond between father and son or daughter.

But while playing airsoft as a young player is brilliant, don’t be surprised if older players sometimes don’t respect you just because of your age. Don’t let me put you off because, frankly, I am bracing you for the truth: some people simply won’t listen to a ‘child’.

Some players don’t seem to care about your experience or ability – they just won’t treat you the same as they would an adult. This can sometimes make playing as a young player very demeaning and demanding, but if you just ignore it, push through and keep playing how you want to play, you can still enjoy yourself to the absolute max, and improve too.

“When you are young playing airsoft is just like a videogame.

You know, playing as if you were Rodriguez from Call of Duty is awesome – and the enthusiasm it inspires is great too!” was just like playing a video game – except you’re in it!

He said that he had asked the owner of the site if I could come and he had agreed, but only if I accompanied my dad at all times. I don’t think I cared.

You can imagine my fragile 11-yearold mind was buzzing at the thought that I could be one of the Rainbow Six or something. I remember dreaming about it every day until we finally went to my first game, at Ground Zero.

I don’t remember much of the game itself, but I remember getting my first kill and the resulting buzz of excitement. Adrenaline pumped through my body and from that very

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But playing as a young player isn’t all bad – you can fit into the little holes that the older players can’t and ambush them, if you don’t giggle in the bush that is, or have a bright orange/green/blue two-tone gun. When you are younger, you approach playing airsoft as if it’s a videogame. You know, playing as if you’re Rodriguez from Call of Duty is awesome – it gets a lot of younger players into airsoft in the first place, and the enthusiasm it inspires is great too.

I was like that once, every young airsofter was, or is like that, and if you keep playing you will quickly learn from your mistakes, and as you get more experienced you will become very good players. In my experience, it is better to come into airsoft at a young age – I started when I was 11 and now, after five years of playing, I can really feel how much I’ve improved.

So my opinion on airsoft as a young player is simple: stick with it, keep playing and over time you will be just as experienced as the older players, if not more. Don’t be put off if some people don’t look past your age – you are faster and more mobile than them, and you should use that to your advantage. After a few years of playing your game will be much stronger, you will learn from your mistakes and teach yourself to be a true master of the AEG, or whatever suits your style of play.

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ENTER THE DRAGON’S

LAIR Dragon’s Lair has been a paintball site for over 20 years but now its owner, Ray Cain, believes the future lies in airsoft

I

t started quietly, with just a single posting on Arnie’s saying ‘New Airsoft Site – FREE Open Day’ but this was the beginning of something really special…

How often have you heard a site operator say “Come and play on my site for free and all I want in return is for you tell me how I can make it better for you to play on”? My guess is probably not too often – but that is exactly what Ray

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Cain did when he decided to open up his paintball site to airsoft.

Ray, his wife Jean and their son (also called Ray) have been involved in paintball for over 25 years and their site, “Dragon’s Lair”, was one of the first independent paintball sites to open.

Over those 25 years Ray has continually worked to improve the site, making it one of the best-loved sites in the UK – and one of the safest! He has seen

paintball at its best but recently had become disillusioned with the antics of certain companies who, he felt, were more interested in making money than looking after customers and, in Ray’s book, the customer is paramount.

Ray and I have been friends for a long time, having worked on rival paintball publications, so when I was asked to be editor of Airsoft Action and was looking for site reviewers Ray was one of the first people I called. He accompanied me to Ground Zero where I was meeting Neal and Dan to finalise the magazine launch arrangements and cover their walk-on day.

To say that Ray was bitten by the airsoft bug would probably be putting it mildly.

On the journey back to Essex we talked of little else, other than the possibility of turning Dragon’s Lair into an airsoft site. He needed to speak to someone with more experience and so I arranged for him to meet up with Ratty, from BadgerTac. The meeting confirmed what Ray already felt and he decided to see if he could make it work – which lead to the posting on Arnie’s and 26 players turning up on 3 July, including a

SITE REVIEW

a bunch of guys from Essex-based team, Bad Company.

Dragon’s Lair is dead easy to find – just head for Brentwood and follow the signs to The Secret Nuclear Bunker (still makes me grin). Unfortunately the bunker is not part of the site, which is in 35 acres of woodland adjacent to it.

Puggy had already been in touch with Ray and went down to check out the site the previous Saturday. He had written a couple of scenarios that he felt would play well – and he wasn’t wrong!

Ray has gone to great pains to develop Dragon’s Lair for Paintball Tournaments and this has resulted in the entire site being populated with features that make you think before you move. There is very little ground cover, although there are some sneaky little paths and ditches (plus a small lake, for the more adventurous!), so he has added strategically-placed bunkers, barricades, buildings and bridges. This promotes team play and encourages communication because, without those two things, you will quickly realise that this Dragon bites!

The day kicked off with a short

acclimatiser, followed by a number of simple attack and defend scenarios. The closeness of the Dead Zones kept regen time down to a minimum and objectives were being achieved within the allotted time-spans.

My favourite moment of the morning had to be when Red Team was attacking the Fort and one of the players (Steve, from Billericay Skirmish) got himself underneath it. Noticing

there was a space between the walls and floor, he drew his dagger, crawled slowly the full length of the structure and took out two of the opposition by stabbing them through the gap! His grin was huge – nice one Steve!

Later in the afternoon, we were to witness two of the funniest moments I have seen on any field but the next scenario was going to test both sides to the max.

Running through the site is a small stream, across which Ray has built two bridges. The objective was simple; get one live player across each bridge.

The stream lies at the bottom of a small valley, both sides of which are fortified with barricades and loads of cover. Snipers come into play here and, although the shots are not simple, they are extremely effective and very satisfying.

Needless to say, this made for an interesting fire-fight and the realisation that when you thunder across a seemingly undefended bridge, you should look out for hidden booby-traps!

At 35 acres, Dragon’s Lair is not especially large but, due to clever use of space and the layout, it plays (and feels) like a much bigger site. To keep play going, rather than having to continually go back to the Safe Zone Ray had brought along a wheeled trolley, in which

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SITE REVIEW

The sight of players running away from a screaming, axewielding maniac as he tried to smite them with his hammer was superb players could put water, ammo and extra guns and take it with them. A very simple idea that worked perfectly.

By 3 o’clock the scenarios had been completed in both directions but the players had not yet had enough, so Puggy came up with two sparks of genius. The first was called Thor’s Hammer, and involved the use of a rubber axe that gave the player who held it 10 seconds’ invulnerability. During that time any player he hit with the hammer was killed but, if he held it for longer than 10 seconds he would die.

The sight of players running away from

a screaming, axe-wielding maniac as he tried to smite them with his hammer was superb.

By the way, the hammer-wielder might be invulnerable but that doesn’t mean they can’t be shot, just that they won’t die. Maybe that’s why it’s called Thor’s Hammer – because afterwards you don’t half feel thore!

The final scenario also brought the biggest laughs.

Take a briefcase full of cash, a box full of drugs and two gangs agreeing to do a deal in the middle of a bridge and you have a perfect recipe for total mayhem – and that is exactly what we got!

Things seemed to be going well until the leader of one of the gangs drew a pistol, pointed it at the chest of his opposite number and pulled the trigger – but in the excitement he’d forgotten to take off the safety! After the initial shock all hell broke loose, with bodies bleeding out everywhere as there were no medics left alive. However, it seemed that all was forgiven and the rival factions decided to try and do the deal again.

This time they didn’t get as far as the centre of the bridge! The moment they faced each other across the stream, both sides exploded into a barrage of fire that had everyone dead in seconds – except for one player who managed to grab the drugs and leg it back up the valley to safety!

Not MilSim but huge fun and hysterically funny!

The day ended with Ray holding a feedback session, where players gave their opinion of the site and discussed how it might be improved. To be honest, along with a couple of excellent ideas, the general consensus was ‘leave it alone, it’s great as it is’ – a fact borne out by later comments on both Arnie’s and ZeroIn. Based on this, Ray and Jean have opened Dragon’s Lair Airsoft for walkons, on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Ratty will also be there with his mobile BadgerTac Shop and will be happy to bring kit along for you to collect.

Thanks to everyone for making it such a cracking day, for playing with honour and for putting one of the biggest smiles on Ray’s face that I have ever seen!

One last thing…

Ray asked me to put in print his thanks and appreciation to you all and especially to Puggy, who kept things moving along and did a superb job.

Puggy, you’ll never have to pay to play at Dragon’s Lair!

Dragon’s Lair runs airsoft games every second and fourth Sunday of the month.

For more details contact Ray on 07703 530189 or visit the website at: www.dragonslair-paintball.com

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TIER 1 AS REAL AS IT GETS! Tier 1 Military Simulation is a military simulation training company owned and managed by two formerRoyal Marine Commando Non-Commissioned Officers, with over 35 years’ regular service

E

d Denson doesn’t waste words. “At Tier 1 we are totally and entirely dedicated to providing a 100 per cent as-real-as-itgets-outside-the-military experience.

We only conduct military simulation games and military simulation training events. We do not run skirmish type airsoft events.”

“The aim is to quickly and totally immerse you in a very realistic and demanding modern military operational scenario and maintain that level of realism throughout, giving the participant a genuine sense of achievement on completion. Our Tier 1 Combat Operations are aimed at giving you a snapshot of what it is like to be a highly-trained and motivated soldier or an elite/special forces operator in current operational conflict zones, such as Afghanistan.”

“During the event you will experience everything a modern soldier has to be capable of dealing with in order to carry out his or her mission. The duration will generally be between 30-36 hours, beginning on a Friday evening and concluding on a Sunday afternoon. Prior to upcoming Combat Operations, players will have the option to attend a series of structured and progressive training days that will prepare them for their role in the forthcoming exercise and enable them to get a much deeper experience from it.”

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“Depending on the theme of the upcoming Combat Operation, training days are available on a large number of subjects and techniques, covering every aspect of what a serving soldier might require while on operations.”

Operation Rolling Thunder is the next Tier 1 Combat Operation and will take place over the weekend of 16-18 September, on a disused

SOME OF THE MANY COURSES TIER 1 OFFER: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Weapon handling drills Using military radios and correct voice procedure Marksmanship training Close quarter battle (CQB) Planning military operations (including understanding, writing and delivering written orders) Patrolling urban and rural areas Area search (locating an enemy position in order to report on or assault it) Fieldcraft (patrol hand signals, methods of movement, night movement, noise and light discipline) Camouflage and concealment Stalking (covert approach and engagement of an identified enemy target) Surveillance including Close Target Reconnaissance Observation posts (planning, selection, construction and routine) in both urban and rural areas.

Covert insertion techniques (vehicle and foot-borne) Preparation of personal equipment (packing your bergan, webbing/assault vest) Map reading and land navigation (theory and practical) Contact drills (offensive and defensive) Section and platoon battle drills (assaulting a fixed position) Lying Up Position (LUP) procedures Platoon harbouring drills RV procedure Camp-craft (cooking, eating, sleeping in the field. Construction of shelters etc)

MILSIM what a modern soldier or elite forces’ operator does – and has to go through – in today’s current operational climate. The key word in that last sentence is learning. Learning is what Tier 1 is all about. Period!”

“If you want to aimlessly run around a piece of woodland somewhere, clad from head to foot in any load-out, regardless of the tactical environment and expend industrial amounts of bb’s… Do not sign up!”

“We have real-world operational experience of much of the above and we want to give you a snapshot of what it is really like, both mentally and physically. If this is what you really want to gain from playing airsoft military simulation games, then dare to be tested, dare to be challenged and dare to come to Tier 1!”

As I said, Ed doesn’t waste words!

missile testing site at Westcott, near Aylesbury. This 600-odd acre site contains around 100 compounds along with green zones, irrigation ditches, disused aircraft hangers, a disused railway track and several large woodland areas.

Operation Rolling Thunder is the third instalment of Tier 1’s ongoing storyline.The operation sees the TIER 1 Special Operations Forces Task Force Viper, made up of operators from both the UK and the US, push deeper into Pakistan chasing the High Value Target (HVT) Mullah Kazim Numair (aka Panther) and his group of fearless Al Qaeda fighters. The group have also linked up with a large group of Pakistani Taliban on the outskirts of a large township.

Reconnaissance teams from the UKSF Special Boat Squadron and US Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta will deploy in front of the main task force in order to identify likely target buildings housing potential HVT’s. Four sections from

Seal Team 6 will then assault the targets at first light after being rapidly deployed and inserted via helicopter, directly onto their targets.

Members of the UKSF Special Forces Support Group and Rangers from 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, will deploy during the early hours in order to establish inner and outer cordons around the target buildings.

Thereafter they are to provide the main overt footprint on the ground when pushing deeper into the suburbs as the task force advances to contact, and attempts to clear the multitude of compounds and bunkers in order to kill or capture Panther, his associates and the Taliban fighters.

And if that description of the operation isn’t enough to make you want to be a part of it, Tier 1 probably doesn’t want you anyway – this is for folks who are serious about Mil-Sim. Ed again: “If you are still reading this then you are hopefully genuinely interested in learning something about

For more information on Operation Rolling Thunder and Tier 1 Military Simulation, visit the website at: www.tier1militarysimulation.com or email ed@tier1militarysimulation.com

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WEEKENDER

GROUND

ZERO WEEKENDER The Ground Zero Weekender is the biggest airsoft event in the UK. As the venue for the launch of Airsoft Action, we reckon it might be useful to give you all a handy guide to what to expect at this year’s event

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WEEKEND SCHEDULE 0930 hrs Sat Players should congregate at the Landing Zone for the main brief

1000 hrs Teams start to move off to bases for game start

1700 hrs Main games ends

1900 hrs Scores and raffle start by main Zero One tent

2100 hrs Night games start

0000 hrs Sun Night games end

1030 hrs Main game continues

1600 hrs Main game ends

FPS LIMITS

(all calculated with .2g bbs) ■ 350fps with a fully-automatic gun or a gun that has a fully-auto feature ■ 425fps with a semi-automatic (with a four second pause between shots to simulate cocking) ■ 500fps with a bolt action rifle

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WEEKENDER

■ Anyone using a gun over 350fps must not fire at a target less than 30m away ■ If you do not know what velocity your gun is firing at – or if you have borrowed a friend’s – then please ask a marshal or member of staff to check it before the game starts.

Ignorance is not an excuse ■ To be classed as semi-automatic a gun must either have no full-auto function or have had the ability to switch it to full-auto permanently deactivated. We cannot chrono every gun before the game starts, but marshals will be stopping players and doing random checks ■ No magazines in guns, under any circumstances, in the safe zone. If you want to test your guns then please use the firing range provided. Remember to remove your magazine and clear the chamber of your gun by shooting it into the air before you cross into the safe zone ■ Eye protection must be worn at all times when you are not in the safe zone. Dead zones are not safe zones and you are still at risk if you take your eye protection off there ■ Ground Zero recommends full face protection; if you want to wear safety glasses then please do not get upset if you lose a tooth or get shot in the face from close range, even from your own team

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Abuse Physical or verbal abuse is not tolerated at any time and will result in you being removed from the game and asked to leave the site immediately

Cheating If you see a player deliberately cheating, even if they are on your side, the correct thing to do is inform a marshal and let him know the cheater’s tag numbers. All players accused will be informed of the accusation and if their number keeps appearing, they will be removed from the game. Anyone caught deliberately cheating will be removed from site without warning

Pyros No hot burning pyros are allowed on site; 9mm blank firing grenades (no 12 gauge shells), gas-operated grenades, spring-operated gadgets and bi-carbonate grenades are fine.

If in doubt, have them checked by a marshal. Heavy grenades should be thrown lightly and under arm in a lobbing motion please. Throwing them like a baseball will cause serious injury if they hit someone

First Aid A lot of our marshals and site staff are qualified first aiders, and there are two paramedics on site this year.

For minor scrapes and cuts there is a first aid tent in the safe zone, but if you are seriously hurt, have bad pain or are with someone who does, please do not move them until a qualified first aider is on the scene

When you are HIT! “Hit Delta”, “Hit Bravo” or “Hit Others” must be called loud and clear when you are shot, not only so people can stop shooting at you, but also so that the attacker knows you have taken the hits. Shooting a player on your own team means both players (the shooter and target) must do the dead time on show at the nearest dead zone. You are asked to use common sense when re-spawning from any dead zone

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TAKING THE PISTOL BUT WHICH ONE? Airsofters are spoilt for choice when it comes to pistols. Scott Allan, of Land Warrior Airsoft, shares his personal thoughts on the subject

Prices ahoy!

That Glock cost me £135 back in the day. Bugger all I thought, but these days I see people baulk at the cost of a full-metal 1911 for £95.

It’s a beginners market just now – cheaper pricing has opened up airsoft to a whole new price bracket of player.

So what’s in it for me?

A

pistol was the first thing I ever bought for Airsoft.

My first purchase was a KWA G26c, compact and nicely finished with single-shot and full-auto options – I could hardly put it down! It would sit on my desk at home (in its box) and I would get it out just to look at it and feel the replica power in my hand – smitten doesn’t quite cover it.

I’ve always liked shooting, and the bigger the better in my eyes. When I first stumbled into the airsoft market it was a wet dream of easily available gear that looked as good to me as the real thing.

Pistols are often what people want the most but use the least. Whether it is for decoration, to fit in with a specific look or just because you truly believe you are the coolest cat on the planet, pistols are plentiful on the field. The market is packed with replicas that are well-built in terms of both looks and function. In this overview I have listed what I believe are the main reliable brands.

There are a few decent Chinese clones appearing on the market these days, but in my experience poor performance and leaky seals (and sometimes no seals at all) reign supreme in the clone market. When there are good, fairly-priced entry level brands there is no need, in my opinion, to buy even cheaper – after all you are simply eating into the quality of the goods you are buying.

WE & Socom Gear WE (or WE-Tech) is a Taiwanese manufacturer that didn’t really do anything special until a few years ago. These days its pistols are good all-rounders: their full-metal construction makes them popular with newer players, yet they still occupy the budget end of the market. They don’t deliever the best performance – but then you aren’t paying top dollar. After releasing some innvoative designs, in particular a Browning High Power, WE grew in popularity; more designs are being released every month. Most of the pistols remain faithful to the 1911 and high-capa design, although the Berettas and full-metal Luger in various lengths are worth a mention.

■ Expect to pay around £90 Socom Gear is effectively a tuning company that produces licensed, higher-quality versions of WE pistols.

Its licenses such names as Novak, Gemtech and Daniel Defense, and the company releases more reliable and better performing versions of WE pistols – complete with upgraded valves and seals as standard.

■ Expect to pay around £130-150 for a Socom Gear pistol set

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PISTOL PREVIEW Tokyo Mauri The biggest name in airsoft, TM pretty much started the whole affair as we know it. The pistols are very good, designed for the Japanese market. They are normally plastic in construction so they work well all year round. Genuinely seen as the original and best by many players, you can’t go wrong with a Tokyo Marui pistol.

There are a large number of TM pistols available, from 1911s and Glocks to more modern efforts such as the PX4 and Five Seven.

■ Expect to pay £130-150

KJ Works Another of the Taiwanese manufacturers, and with similar focus on the budget, full-metal market. Again like WE there is certainly nothing wrong with these pistols, but there are of course better performing systems out there. Though KJ Works produces many types of well-known pistol they tend to have their own names for them – for example the Sig 226 is known as the KP-01.

■ Expect to pay around £110-120

Western Arms One of the original IPSC favourites, largely based on the highcapa/1911 design, Western Arms’ offerings are nice and expensive.

While they work well with their full plastic design, magazines can be crippilingly expensive at around £50 each. Some of the most outrageously-cool custom jobs are done on WA pistols. They are often thought of as the connoisseurs’ pistol choice.

■ Expect to pay around £200

Maruzen Maruzen produce a handful of pistols, primarily for the Japanese market – in particular the Walther P38 and P99. Its gas blow-back pistols are not the most earth-shattering, but they are nice pieces and often not made by any other manufacturer. The non-blow-back P99 is a personal favourite of mine for all-year-round use, as it doesn’t suffer any major issues with outside tempreture.

■ Expect to pay around £110

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Marushin Marushin only produces a handful of pistols; many are 8mm format and quite unique. It produces a limited number of shell ejection BB pistols such as the CZ75 which, although not easily skirmishable (imagine having to pick up your shells all day), are a nice feature on an already cramped market.

■ Expect to pay around £110

KSC/KWA KWA (Taiwan) is the OEM manfacturer for KSC (Japan). Although the pistols are effectively the same there are subtle differences. KSC pistols are designed for the Japanese market only, so they have real trademarks (they do not recognise the US trademark laws, so use them regardless). They don’t have a metal top slide though, and they cannot produce over 1 Joule of muzzle energy.

KWA is, in my opinion, at the forefront of gas pistol performance at the moment. The company utilises a system called System 7 (or NS2 – same thing, two names) which is, in short, brilliant.

Quite possibly the most effective gas pistols in terms of performance are made by KWA. Almost all are accurately produced with weight, metal and polymer parts made up correctly. Many KWA pistols are rebranded with trademarks by ASG or Umarex so that they come with authentic B&T or H&K markings.

■ Expect to pay around £100-150

Gas Blow-Back / Non-Blow-Back

IPSC pistols

Part of the love of pistols in airsoft is their realistic cycling action, so why would you ever consider a non-blow-back?

Ever wonder why most airsoft rifles are electric and not gas? Gas isn’t the most reliable system in the world. As it changes from a liquid (in the magazine) to a gas it cools the mechanism around it. Each shot lowers the tempreture of the gas – and the pressure drops accordingly. So a shot on a hot day is different from a shot on a cold day. Now, imagine firing off 15 shots quickly; the cooling effect lowers the power, your pistol will cycle slower and the shot will travel a shorter distance.

This is the same from all gases available, though different gas types can make a difference to some degree. The non-blow-back benefits because it does not rely on power to cycle, so all the gas power goes straight down the barrel. Less cooling takes place and overall they perform with greater stability in cooler conditions.

The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) is the governing body for a sport based around the concept of practical pistol shooting.

Many pistols are specifically geared for IPSC – these offerings tend to be larger, compensated, red-dot loaded and generally ostentatious. Many of these pistols are custom built to near perfection. One of the largest names in this scene is Clarence Lai. He made his name by building pistols and taking part in competitions, and by working with Red Wolf Airsoft he has remained a key industry celebrity for the sport.

So the topic of pistols is clearly quite long-winded, and like almost anything airsoft depends hugely on personal experiences. This overview is designed simply to give you a brief insight into what’s available, the differing qualities out there, and what to expect from specific companies. There are many, many other factors and opinions – as there always are – and we could go on forever on the subject. But we won’t – it’s time to take the trusty Glock out of its box and marvel at it once again...

Maintenance Like anything that has moving parts airsoft pistols must be kept within an operating specification. They will wear and, eventually, break. A good pistol will last years with regular maintenance however. Silicone is the lubricant of choice for most airsoft items as it prevents degrading seals and rubber. The slide and frame interact across a runner which will need the occasional clean and re-lubing. Most pistol maintenance shouldn’t take anymore than 15 minutes. Literally just slide off, give a liberal spraying with silicone and wipe down with a cloth to lift out all the skirmish dirt. Once the dirt is out apply a silicone grease along the runner area, apply a quick silicone spray and it is done.

The magazine seals are a slightly different matter. Leaking magazines are common, and the repair is a short, simple affair that anyone can do. The most susceptible area for leaking is the base of the magazine. Each magazine is slightly different but the base is always removable. Around this base is a rubber seal which needs a liberal coating of grease and, if youlike,PTFE tape.

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REAL LOADOUTS

IN AN AIRSOFT

WORLD Charles Colton said: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” Getting the look right is very important in airsoft, so in this occasional series we compare the real deal with items that are readily available to airsoft players and see how close we can get.

In this issue we take a look at one of the favourites: British Army Desert.

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FEATURE 3 2

5

1

4

1 Rie WE GasBlowBack L85 A2 (SA-80)

2 Shirt British Desert DPM UBACS

3 Vest British Desert DPM Assault Vest MOLLE

4 Trousers British Desert DPM

5 Belt Blackhawk Riggers Belt

6 Boots Danner Desert Arcadia

6

Thanks to the guys at BadgerTac for supplying the gear to put the airsoft version together.

Contact BadgerTac: Phone: 01296 658600 Web: www.badgertac.com.

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October 2011

FEATURE

BIG BOYZ TOYZ WAR & PEACE 2011 Those of you that know Ratty, from BadgerTac, will also know he is one of the few people to get a Challenger airborne, so who better to let loose on a series of articles entitled Big Boyz Toyz?

S

ome of you may be asking yourselves what relevance, if any, this series of articles has to airsoft? The answer, in reality, is fairly simple: we all love kit! Let’s face it, we all lust after equipment of all shapes and sizes, whether it be the latest airsoft rifle or pistol, a new camo pattern or even a new style of pouch. Big Boyz Toyz is essentially the next step in the procurement process.

As a small boy I, like many others, was fixated with military hardware I had seen in films and on TV. Who can forget Oddball’s Shermans in Kelly’s Heroes, or the Hueys from Apocolypse Now? Some years later I was sat in the Army Careers Office watching a film of trades available. As soon as I saw a 60-tonne giant tearing up the battlefield, it was obvious that was where I wanted to end up. During many years’ service in a tank regiment I was, still am and forever will be fascinated by military machines, whether they be on land, in the air or on the sea.

When I first got into airsoft, back in the mid-90s, with my then-business Airsoft Adventures, I managed to convince my business partner that what we really needed for our game site at Greenham Common was a military vehicle. We picked up our NI spec Humber Pig from

a car dealer in Buckinghamshire. It was in a bit of a sorry state after being used in a film, but it ran and drove well. After

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much elbow grease and olive-drap paint we were ferrying players around and using it in scenario-based games.

Since then many airsoft sites and skirmish companies have bought and are running all kinds of military hardware, all adding to the experience that airsoft players strive for. Why walk into battle when you can be chauffeured in the back of a 432 APC?

So, Thinking of Buying a Military Vehicle?

You don’t have to be a business to be able to afford and run former military vehicles. There are plenty on the market to suit all purse sizes. If you have a team you could all club in and acquire your own vehicle to go skirmishing in, as well as completing the look that you’re all after. Case example is the Dog Squad who had Winston, a very nice Saracen that used to be based at Sopley Camp. A look around on the internet soon threw up some interesting items, from ex-MoD Land Rover Defenders from £2,750 through to a late mark Chieftain for just over £10,000.

Events like the War & Peace Show throw up all manner of vehicles for sale, not just British – there’s oodles of US, German, French and Soviet stuff too.

Obviously, when looking, you must make sure that you have the correct licence to drive your chosen vehicle on Her

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“I even found a WWII British torpedo boat that had been converted into a house” Majesty’s highways. Beyond that it’s much like purchasing any other vehicle: gather as much info as possible so you know what you’re looking at and any possible pitfalls involved. You don’t, after all, want to end up with a right lemon or money pit.

Joining an appropriate club or society is also a big help. The Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) is probably the biggest of these associations in the UK, but it is not specific to one type or style of vehicle. Again, researching the particular vehicle you are interested in will no doubt throw up a specialist club or society you can join. These are invaluable, both for helping you during purchase and the long-term running and preservation.

Insurance can vary but, with membership to an organisation like the MVT, that this can be heavily discounted. Running costs will depend on how much you use it and how mechanically-minded you and your friends are.

What Else is Out There?

So, what if vehicles don’t float your boat, so to speak? Or perhaps you have just rummaged down the back of the sofa and found a massive pile of cash

you didn’t know you had (well, we can all dream can’t we?).

I was amazed, while researching for this article, at the number of boats and Naval ships that are available to buy. The choice is in no way limited – everything from a ridged Raider (around £5,000) up to a former Swedish Navy mine layer (€125,000) is up for grabs.

I even managed to find a WWII British torpedo boat that had been converted into a house, yet retaining all its period external features.

As for planes and helicopters – well, where to start? After countless hours of searching on the internet it became quite apparent that the sky – if you’ll forgive the phrase – is the limit. There are classic P51D Mustangs, DC3 Dakotas, even Mig 15s and recentlydecommissioned Harriers – and it’s all for sale (if, that is, you did find a huge wad of cash stuffed down the sofa).

Helicopters are much the same story.

Everything from early Wasps through to Gazelles, Lynx and even a Hind ‘D’ are up for grabs. A few years ago a good friend of mine bought a Bell Long Ranger, an ex-Saudi gunship. It still had the rocket/gun selector and fire switch on the stick!

Over the next few months I hope to bring you more in-depth features on all manner of military hardware that is for sale. So, in the meantime, start checking those piggybanks and get ready as I show you traditional as well as more off-beat vehicles, aircraft and boats that could complete your armoury.

Now, where did I put that lottery ticket?

FEATURE

Airsoft was well-represented at this year’s War & Peace Show and it was a great excuse to get up close and personal to some pretty awesome hardware.

Many of the vehicles at The Largest Military Vehicle Spectacular in the World looked in prime condition and had obviously had a lot of time (and money) spent on them.

There were a number of airsoft companies present including Airsoft Skirmish, Airsoft World, All About Airsoft, BadgerTac, GASS Airsoft, Gunman and The Grange. Although probably not quite as busy overall as they would have hoped, many of the companies said they were more than pleased with the outcome (except Josh from Gunman, who was nursing a monumental hangover!).

The Shooting Range at BadgerTac seemed to be quite a draw, along with a large display of weapons and kit, while Jim (The Grange) saw both A-TACS and his range of new guns flying out the door (well, tent-flap actually). Even our friends at Airsoft International seemed to be doing a good trade.

Next year’s War & Peace Show will mark the show’s 30th Anniversary; it takes place 18-22 July.

For more information visit www.warandpeaceshow.com or ring 01304 813945.

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THE OUTPOST WITHOUT NAZI ZOMBIES! The Safe Zone at The Outpost has got to be the safest Safe Zone on any airsoft site, buried as it is in an ex-Nuclear Bunker, under a hill in the Staffordshire countryside!

F

irst & Only Airsoft is wellknown for the variety of sites it offers around the UK. None, however, is more unusual than The Outpost.

The Outpost is situated in (and on) The Drakelow Tunnels, a former underground complex built during the Second World War to manufacture aeroplane engines and then upgraded in the 1980s to become a Regional Government HQ. The tunnels were fairly recently (1993) decommissioned and sold into private ownership and, although they were not sealed for a while and were subject to a measure of vandalism, the result is an atmosphere of cold, quiet, dark desolation.

Four parallel tunnels make up the main playing area, separated by a series of inter-connecting crosstunnels and rooms. Some of these rooms still contain equipment used by the former incumbents, such as the kitchens, an old BT exchange and a complete BBC broadcast studio.

Transcripts pinned to the studio wall make chilling reading, containing details of the required broadcasts in the event of war. To further enhance the experience, rat-runs and crawl holes have been knocked through some of the internal brick walls (great for ‘sneaky-beaky’ stuff).

The sandstone tunnels run for around three and a half miles and where there are no lights it is not just dark, it is can’tsee-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face dark.

Torches are a must – along with a good sense of direction.

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Today was a walk-on day and to be honest, I was glad to be underground and out of the rain. I guess about 50 others thought the same, as the Safe Zone slowly got busy with players readying kit and preparing themselves for some pretty intense, close combat.

The site is run by Felix, ably assisted by an above-average number of marshals. I thought there were plenty of marshals but Felix told me he was actually a couple down on the usual number, due to other commitments.

Once out in the tunnels it soon becomes obvious why so many marshals are needed. Luckily we had a bit of time before play would start and so one of the marshals, Gaz, took me on a tour of the facility. I am glad he showed me round as I reckon it wouldn’t take much to become completely disorientated and lost down here.

After a very good safety briefing play kicked off with a game of three, 20-minute phases, designed to familiarise the players with the site.

Some players had been here before but there were also a good number of first-timers.

As play got underway, it didn’t take long to realise just how good the tunnels are. The layout means you have to get off your butts and move to be successful – you can’t just sit and wait because, if you do, someone will find a way round behind you and you won’t even see them coming!

Due to the CQB nature of the place a site limit of 350fps is strictly enforced and full-auto is forbidden, although certain pyros are allowed (actually, I should write that as ‘all loud’ – a Thunderflash going off down here reverberates like sticking your

SITE REVIEW

head in a bucket and having someone beat it repeatedly with a baseball bat).

Due to the lack of ventilation smoke grenades are banned, but the smoke from other whiz-bangs is enough to fill the tunnels with an eerie fog through which shadowy figures can occasionally be glimpsed.

Every player is given a light-stick, which is held aloft to signify a ‘dead man walking’ and is certainly needed in the smoky darkness.

“The layout means you have to get off your butts and move to be successful – you can’t just sit and wait”

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SITE REVIEW

Regen, re-spawn and medic rules are kept simple and play tended to ebb and flow as first one, then the other team got the upper hand. As always there were objectives to achieve and points were awarded for completing these and other tasks.

An excellent touch was that lunch – of freshly-cooked sausage and chips – was brought in hot from a local pub; hey, no one expects soldiers to fight hungry! It was washed down with a much-appreciated can of Pepsi, and all included in the walk-on fee.

Over lunch I got to chatting with a team called The Special Zombie Squad, a bunch of guys who take their airsoft seriously but their fun even more so. I really liked their attitudes and decided to make them the subject of our first Team Profile, which you can find on page 71.

My colleague Matt Limb had joined me for the day and, as he is a professional photographer, he took (I think you will agree) a great photo of the team.

The afternoon was all about different scenarios that made best use of the tunnels, the closeness, the atmosphere, the noise and the enthusiasm of all the players to get up and fight and, at the end of the day, the smiles said it all.

During the afternoon Felix took the opportunity to show Matt and I around unused areas of the site, and also up top, out into the woodland site that sits above the tunnels. I am not going to say too much about this here (as I want to make it the subject of a future review) but I think it is probably quite challenging and players with some experience (as opposed to none) would really enjoy it.

As it came to a close, I asked a number of players what they thought of day and of The Outpost in general.

All said the same: A great site and a great day.

Personally, I really like this type of gameplay and think The Outpost is a site that you really should check out for yourselves. Felix doesn’t just run MilSim games – the site lends itself brilliantly to all sorts of scenarios, including post-Apocalyptic and film reenactments.

If you have seen the film The Outpost, you may have an idea as to why this site is named what it is. Thankfully, no Nazi zombies were lurking in the tunnels while we were there.

Or were they..?

CONTACT DETAILS: First & Only Airsoft: 07786 075129 Felix at The Outpost: 07779 157440 Or visit the website at: www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

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UKARA LISTING APPROVED UKARA RETAILERS As an irsoft player or retailer it is your sport, or living, which the VCR Act threatened to extinguish. It is our joint responsibility to make sure we do not cause the exception we gained to be removed by foolish acts which, although perhaps not technically breaking the law, might lead to a threat to the concessions we worked so hard to gain.

An example is the purchase and gift of a realistic imitation firearm (RIF). This may be quite legal but, to do this with intent to supply a non-registered person would not be if, in reality, it was just a ‘back-door’ sale.

AMBUSH ADVENTURES

LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT

01252 315225 / 07595 948760 www.ambushadventures.co.uk

0131 654 2452 www.landwarriorairsoft.com

BLACK VIPER

MAD BADGER AIRSOFT

Tel: 01978 853033 www.bbgunsuk.co.uk

07956 030255 www.madbadgerairsoft.com

BULLSEYE COUNTRY SPORT

MILSPEC SOLUTIONS

02837 569908 www.bullseyecountrysport. co.uk

01257 453689 www.milspecsolutions.com

MMG TRADING CRAWLEY SURPLUS STORE

FOUNDING MEMBERS AIRSOFT ARMOURY 3 Chalfont House Chalfont Station Road Little Chalfont Buckinghamshire HP7 9PS 01494 766373 www.airsoftarmoury.co.uk

AIRSOFT WORLD 4 Main Street, Crossgates Cowdenbeath Fife KY4 8AJ 08453 700433 www.airsoftworld.net

FIRESUPPORT The Court Yard Conquest Drove Farcet Peterborough PE7 3DH UK 01733 247171 www.fire-support.co.uk

IRONFOOT INDUSTRIES Hollygrove Morwenstow Bude EX23 9JL UK 01288 331748 www.ironfoot.co.uk

REDWOLF AIRSOFT UK Unit C1, Northway Trading Estate Northway Lane Tewkesbury Gloucs GL20 8JH

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Wholesale Only 01684 273070 www.redwolfairsoft.com

WOLF ARMOURIES 203 Royal College St. Camden Town London NW1 0SG England, UK 0870 754 9653 or 0207 284 0001 www.wolfarmouries.co.uk

ZERO ONE AIRSOFT Unit 9, Branksome Business Park Bourne Valley Road Poole Dorset BH12 1DW United Kingdom 01202 769614 www.zerooneairsoft.com

MEMBERS ACTION GAMERS UK 08456 190020 www.actiongamers.co.uk

ACTION HOBBIES (TITAN IMPORTS) 01908 376556 www.actionhobbies.co.uk

AIRSOFT DIRECT 07757 368767 www.airsoft-direct.co.uk

AIRSOFT HUT Telephone not listed www.airsofthut.co.uk

ALL ABOUT AIRSOFT 01353 860171 www.allaboutairsoft.co.uk

01293 525880 www.surplusstore.co.uk

Telephone not listed www.military1st.co.uk

PATROL BASE D&B MILITARIA 01342 312716 / 07782 188138 www.dandbmilitaria.com

01484 644709 www.patrolbase.co.uk

PET PET PET DINGODOGS AIRSOFT 08448 462826 www.dingodogsairsoft.co.uk

01273 884949 www.getairgun.co.uk

PLATOON STORES ELITE AIRSOFT ESSEX (RULES OF ENGAGEMENT)

01634 829063 www.platoonstores.co.uk

01702 554503 www.eliteessex.co.uk

RED1 AIRSOFT

ELITE SHOOTING CENTRE

01727 846069 / 07837 424565 www.red1airsoft.co.uk

07816 992417 www.eliteshootingcentre.co.uk

SG1 COMBAT STORES

FIRESTORM UK

02825 658761 www: Not Listed

01262 469904 www.airsoftaps.co.uk

SWINDON AIRSOFT SUPPLIES

FROGMORE GRANGE (SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF)

01793 435999 www.swindonairsoft.co.uk

01676 532384 www.suspensionofdisbelief. co.uk

TACTICAL AIRSOFT

G1098 TACTICAL

TACTICAL QUARTERMASTER

0845 269 9473 www.g1098tactical.com

0208 665 4646 www.tacticalquartermaster. co.uk

020 8665 1299 www.tacticalairsoft.co.uk

GONE FISHIN & AIRSOFT Telephone not listed www.gonefishin.carboncookie. com

TOY SOLDIERS AIRSOFT (NI)

GREEN ZONE COMBAT

TRIGGER HAPPY

07772 919974 www.greenzonecombat.com

07561 561331 www.triggerhappyfun.com

JD AIRSOFT

XSITE AIRSOFT

01543 466356 www.jdairsoft.net

01494 881430 www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk

02890 297398 www.toysoldiersairsoft.com

COMMUNICATE

SKILLS ROOM

IN SILENCE TACTICAL HAND SIGNALS “Oi! Bert! He’s over there! Next to the big tree with the blue flowers in front of it! If you go round to ‘is right you can get ‘im from there easy!”

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ellowed at full volume, the above will probably give the guy behind the tree a clue that he’s been spotted!

What you need is a way of imparting the same information without the intended target being any the wiser – and for that you might need to communicate in silence. Over to the guys from Airbourne Airsoft…

Most military forces worldwide use some form of tactical communication. These methods covertly communicate information in situations where tactical awareness dictates that discretion is the better part of valour – ideal if you are attempting a ‘sneaky beaky’ mission, or to achieve a crucial objective without the situation going unnecessarily loud and all hell breaking loose!

There are a huge variety, but we are going to focus on the 10 most basic hand signals, relevant to airsoft, as used by the British army. By these you can quietly and significantly increase the chances of your team winning games and outwitting your opponents.

in sight, or near 2Enemy

1All clear, no enemy in sight.

This is probably the most instantly recognisable signal for things being good and is a simple ‘thumbs up’ (clenched fist with a raised thumb pointing upwards), held away from the body to aid sight in low light conditions. This indicates the current tactical situation is good, or ‘clear’.

Naturally following on from the thumbs up, ‘thumbs down’ – meaning danger or caution – is typically used when enemy are seen. This is a clenched fist with the thumb extended and pointing downwards, again away from the body to aid sight.

This signal is often accompanied by a number of extended fingers pointing upwards from the fist to indicate number of enemy, followed by distance to target in tens of metres (by holding fingers out to the side), followed by an open hand pointing in the direction of the enemy, completing the sequence. Such a sequence indicates enemy seen, in what numbers, how far away and in what direction and is an excellent way of gaining a tactical advantage on an enemy unaware of your presence.

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5 Listen 3 Form on me, come here This is a basic and very obvious hand signal used to indicate to one of your team that you require them to move to your position.

The sign, in its most basic form, is placing the palm of your hand onto the top of your head, arching the fingers slightly.

In the military it would be accompanied with other signals indicating rank or squad position required to attend. For airsoft purposes a simple point at the target of the signal followed by the ‘on me’ sign would suffice to get one of your team to join you for a snap briefing.

Internationally recognisable, the signal for ‘listen’ is placing your cupped hand up towards your ear.

The side placed can indicate a rough direction, or can be followed up with a point of direction.

If given when moving and it’s tactically appropriate, drop to one knee when stopping to listen.

7 Recce, look

This signal represents looking through binoculars and is indicated by holding both hands up to the eyes with the tips of fingers and thumbs touching across the brow and nose respectively – as you would if you had hold of a pair of binoculars. It is used when you want one of your team to move forward and perform a close target reconnaissance of an objective (usually indicated by a simple pointing gesture).

6 Get down, take cover

4 Halt, stop

This sign is simply created by raising your open hand to just above shoulder height, away from the body to aid sight in lowlight conditions.

If indicating to someone in front of you to halt the palm will be towards the target and open. If indicating to someone behind you the palm will face away but the gesture still has the same meaning.

In an experienced patrol this would usually be accompanied by all patrol members adopting the kneeling position in an all-round defence, covering all arcs of fire.

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This signal can be used if on the move and you need your team to quickly take cover, for instance if you stumble across the enemy but haven’t been seen. It will allow you to maintain your tactical advantage, lower the risk of detection and to give further signals from a position of cover.

It is signalled by placing an open hand with outstretched fingers palm down, parallel to the ground and waving the hand slowly downwards towards the ground. Anyone stopping should adopt a position of all-round defence, where arcs of fire are covered.

get into attack positions 8 Deploy, This signal is indicated by a sweeping motion with an open hand and outstretched fingers, usually following the direction of the area you want your team to deploy to prior to attack.

It is used, after you have briefed your team, when you are preparing to move into your attack positions and while the enemy is still unaware of your presence.

SKILLS ROOM

ambush, quick ambush 9 Snap The signal is indicated by holding a fist, with four outstretched fingers, up in front of the face.

You would use this signal in situations where, for example, your patrol has encountered an unaware enemy patrol advancing along the same axis. It indicates to your team that you want them to deploy in a similar manner to the previous signal but also to be ready to ambush the incoming enemy patrol.

In this situation, once the team is in position and the enemy has

strayed within the ambush area, the signaller fires the first shot to initiate the ambush and to save any further need for discussion or signals.

10 Attack

This is indicated by using an open hand with fingers outstretched in a chopping motion up and down, with the arm bending at the elbow, in the direction of the intended attack. It is an aggressive and decisive movement and there should be no misunderstanding in the team that you are ordering an attack.

Hand signals will always work, whatever the terrain or conditions and if you take the time to practise them, both you and your team will benefit immensely.

Airborne Airsoft offer Training Courses to Teams in the use of basic Military hand signals. Significant improvements have been noted in the tactics of Teams who communicate in silence.

The guys have over 40 years’ military experience between them, and eight years’ with Police SO19. This article is based on their joint knowledge and experience, gained in the military and police and as airsofters.

If you would like more information about their courses, contact Airbourne Airsoft via the website: www.airbourne-airsoft.co.uk

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EAA NEWS

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he truly remarkable thing about airsoft players from across Europe is that they have so much in common. Whether from Portugal, Norway or Turkey, we all share the same excitement over new gun releases, the same apprehension about opportunistic politicians and misguided media attacks on our hobby, and love an interesting airsoft site (and the odd beer, of course).

In short, Europe is full of brothers in arms who love to play airsoft.

In this spirit, people from across the continent are founding the European Airsoft Association (EAA), the world’s first pan-continental airsoft organisation. As the decades

EUROPEAN AIRSOFT ASSOCIATION Dedicated to the advocation of airsoft in Europe, the EAA lobbies on behalf of the sport at EU level

go by more of our laws are dictated by directives from the European parliament, so the traditional approach of lobbying state Governments to protect airsoft from restrictive legislation may not remain effective in the future.

The European Airsoft Association (EAA) intends to represent the interests of European skirmishers by talking directly to the relevant bodies of the EU, while legislation and directives are still in the draft stages.

In addition the EAA will provide recognition and guidance to properlyrun national associations, which will form our membership. Among other projects, we will do our best to help players from across the continent

join together and enjoy airsoft games abroad. If people are willing to commit time to the project then the possibilities for the EAA are endless.

During the next year we are going to formalise the association by creating a constitution, enrolling the appropriate national associations. We are also looking towards holding a formal meeting in Brussels.

A list of countries, and their respective associations, that actively participate in the EAA: ■ Portugal (FPA)

■ Germany

■ Sweden (Sverok)

■ United Kingdom (UKAPU)

■ Spain (FEA)

■ Croatia (CAF)

■ Belgium (AAB)

■ Turkey (TAC)

■ Ukraine (UAF)

■ The Netherlands (NABV)

■ Switserland (ASVD)

■ Ireland (IAA)

■ Italy (ASNWG, CSEN, GAS)

Hopefully France, Austria and Poland will also soon be joining us.

Please keep an eye on our progress via www.europeanairsoftassociation.eu You can also follow our twitter feed @europeanairsoft and like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/europeanairsoft

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SPECIAL ZOMBIE SQUAD There is only one thing these guys take more seriously than their airsoft – and that’s the fun they have playing the game!

F

ollowing an idea by two founder members and zombie enthusiasts, Sam and Mark, the Special Zombie Squad (SZS) formed six years ago, after their first skirmish at Fireball.

Derived from the SAS, they are a crack team of anti-zombie combat specialists, waiting to be called upon by the MoD in times of crisis. Over the intervening years they have taken on board new players, all of whom long for a Zompocalypse.

All members of the SZS enjoy more of a MilSim style of gameplay, although without the hardcore military structure.The members play for fun, which is something they feel some other airsofters can forget at times. The team can normally be found in one of two places: the site’s safe zone having a brew, or the front line leading the attack! Amateur dramatics are a big part of the SZS-style, as there is nothing better

than acting out your ‘wound’ to give a sense of realism.

Though SZS have played at many sites over their career, ranging from woodland through to urban, they have settled on First And Only sites in the Midlands as they prefer the environments. Their regular site is The Outpost in Kidderminster.

They have attended several large Mil-Sim events, including Uprising 1 and

TEAM PROFILE

If you would like your team featured in a future issue of Airsoft Action, please email a good quality, hi-res picture, along with your profile to nigels@blazepublishing.co.uk

Uprising 2, as they found these suited their playing style and allowed them to incorporate the back story of the team.

Ed’s note: I recently met these guys, when I was up at The Outpost doing a site review (see page 62 in this issue of Airsoft Action). They are a really nice bunch of blokes who played with both skill and honour but, above all, had fun while doing it. Smiles all round, all day!

REGULAR TEAM MEMBERS ARE: Sam Beckett – Callsign: Seadog Jon Talbot – Callsign: Commando Mark Simpkins – Callsign: Bum Fluff Simon Bailey – Callsign: Simo Matthew Bailey – Callsign: Macca Piers Gilmore – Callsign: Happy

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PREVIEW

Battlefield 3 is the latest in the Battlefield series, and a welcome return to the slightly more realistic side of the franchise. Alex Wharton takes a sneaky look-see

T

his game is going to be epic… ‘Nuff said!

Made by Dice and published by Electronic Arts (EA), Battlefield 3 will be available in the UK from 28 October. EA’s crosshairs are firmly on the Call of Duty franchise with this title – the company even claimed that it intends to wipe its closest competitor from the face of the earth.

So this is serious business then – let’s get to it...

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Jumping out of your APC you are greeted with the most realistic looking MiddleEastern city to date. Sunlight streams down through windows as you patrol through buildings; dust shakes from the ceiling as heavy vehicles roll by. Slowly you realise that your team is not alone in the city – the insurgents are here, and they want your blood…

A sniper drops your squad mate and the action begins in earnest!

The combat is frantic: grenades fly over walls and cars while enemy

combatants circle around to try and trap you, displaying some incredibly advanced AI. Men appear in windows and on balconies with RPGs and machine guns. Nowhere is safe, even brick walls are chipped away as bullets smash into them.

More impressive than the visuals themselves, though, is that from the very beginning this is in-game, not a rendered video. The surroundings look incredible and the environment feels more alive than ever as you move through it. Tank

treads throw up dust, as does popping holes in a wall with your M4 – and when vehicles go down and things start to burn, everything is blanked out in dark smoky clouds. I think we are all going to spend a lot of time blasting at shadows in the smoke!

Dice has updated its Frostbite engine to V2 and it’s looking better than ever.

Buildings collapse left and right and, if you need to get into a building from the back, you can simply blast a hole in the wall and hop right through. It doesn’t appear that building size is limited – hell, if a sniper’s terrorising your squad you can take down a whole hotel just to take him out.

Vehicle capability has also been updated, with planes making a grand return. Pilots better dig out their old joysticks – it’s going to get savage up there.

Multiplayer classes have also been tweaked, and rearranged a little since Bad Company 2.

‘Engineer’ is the only class that remains untouched. ‘Assault’ class can no longer dish out ammo, though it can use paddles to resurrect teammates and dish out med-packs. The idea behind these changes are that they are on the

MEDIA REVIEW frontline, and therefore closest to the shooting. ‘Support’ class has taken over control of the ammo, hefts the big gun and can now also deploy a bipod to massively increase accuracy and reduce recoil – at the cost of mobility.

‘Recon’ is the new name for what was previously the ‘Sniper’ class. Dice has shifted the emphasis of this class from long-range kills to more of a scout role. You are still armed with a rifle but there’s no more quick scoping – for long, accurate shots players are going to have to hold their breath. Playing as this class is therefore now more about locating the enemy and guiding the other classes in and around obstacles.

Overall, Battlefield 3 is shaping up to be a very worthy next chapter in the Battlefield saga. But is it seriously about to knock Call of Duty off the throne? Only time will tell.

I’ll see you on the Battlefield... 3.

Created by Dice Published by Electronic Arts Due date: 28th October

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THE ORIGIN OF MILITARY CAMOUFLAGE UNIFORMS DPM, ACU, A-TACS, Woodland, Desert and even Scrambled Egg – the sheer variety of camouflage patterns is mind-boggling - and all down to a portable hunting blind developed by Scottish gamekeepers

W

e all (well, most of us) wear it when we are playing and probably don’t give a second thought to where it came from, but the origin of camouflage uniforms is quite surprising. I am no camo expert – but I know a man who is. Eric Larson is an expert, and a member of the International Camouflage Uniform Society, so he knows a thing or two about it.

It is possible to trace the origin of modern camouflage uniforms back over a century. During the Boer War, the British pioneered the use of personal camouflage by a professional army.

Officers and NCOs of the Lovat Scouts, familiar with the concept of the ghillie suit (from the Gaelic word

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gille, meaning servant), introduced the design for wear by snipers and scouts serving in Southern Africa. Originally a hooded jacket or cape to which loose strips of multi-colored cloth, twine or burlap were fastened, to create a foliage-like appearance.

These overgarments had first appeared in the 19th century and were worn by Scottish gamekeepers in their native Highlands.

During the First World War the camouflage suit concept was expanded upon by British designers, who took boiler suits or jackets and trousers and similarly covered them with bits of fabric or burlap. These suits were also primarily worn by scouts and sharpshooters.The best-known of these was the Symien sniper suit.

The French Army organised a Section de Camouflage under Eugene Corbin in 1914, which experimented with its own concept of personal camouflage.

Likewise, American University engineers tested various designs that were used by snipers and observers in Europe. Several cape and oversuit designs appeared during this era, most of which were hand-printed in a variety of blotch, spot and stripe patterns. Although they did not see widespread usage, these were certainly the very first printed camouflage uniforms to by used by a professional army. It was not until the 1930s that the idea of printed

camouflage took hold and blossomed.

The very first mass-produced camouflage design was the Italian M1929 telo mimetico, a wavy three-color design printed initially on light canvas shelter halves. Around 1930, the British Army introduced the No. 1 Camouflage antigas cape, a long smock-like garment printed in a blotchy two-color scheme that would later be employed as a type of desert camouflage by members of the SAS and LRDG units during WW2. Germany also produced an early camouflage design for shelter halves in 1931, the splittermuster (splinter pattern).

In addition to their function as part of a

shelter or tent, these early tarpaulins also functioned as a poncho, thus providing the individual soldier with a rudimentary means of camouflaging himself while still maintaining his mobility.

By the end of the 1930s the concept of personal camouflage had been taken a step further by Russian and German engineers, who produced full uniforms to be worn by individual soldiers. In 1938, the Soviets introduced the first mass-produced camouflage uniform, the makirovochnyi kamuflirovannyi kostium.

It was printed in a simple design with large dark amoebic shapes on a khaki background. By the end of WW2 several other Russian designs had been fielded, including a summer camouflage of contrasting detailed leaf and twig shapes with a light background, and the first of the ‘stair step’ camouflage patterns. The stair step pattern (known by the Russians as solnechnye zaychiki, or sunshine rays) remains in use with many former Soviet nations.

By far the most prolific and influential innovators of early camouflage design were the German engineers of the Third Reich. Although entering this arena later than many competitors, German camouflage designs of the WW2 era would incorporate some of the most intricate and sophisticated methods of production to date. These patterns were also among the most influential on contemporary camouflage design.

A detailed history and descrption of early German designs deserves its own series of articles, but it is worth noting that many contemporary camouflage families (including rain, splinter, flecktarn and Swiss alpenflage designs) can trace their origins to WW2 era German design concepts found in sumpfmuster,

splittermuster, erbsenmuster, and leibermuster.

Although by no means as innovative as German designers, British camoufleurs can be credited with creating another hugely influential camouflage design. The brushstroke concept, developed around 1940-41, is a simple enough pattern, originally produced using large rolls of heavy khaki cotton twill to which were applied circular disruptive shapes in darker green and brown dyes using large mops or brushes – hence the name.

This design concept was later simplified using printer-roller mass production techniques, and would continue to be used by some British units well into the 1960s. Ultimately it influenced the development of the British DPM pattern.

The brushstroke concept also gave birth to the French tenue du leopard, or lizard pattern, as well as the full range of ‘tiger stripe’ patterns and a host of brushstroke derivatives that are still used by many armies today.

Despite their WW1 origins, American camouflage designs are relative latecomers on the international scene.

The earliest mass-produced American pattern was the M1942 spot. Designed by a civilian horticulturist it was worn primarily by US Marines and elite units operating in the Pacific Theater during WW2. Incorporating green and earth tone dapple-spots on a khaki background, the pattern would later reach popularity with civilian hunting enthusiasts and earn the nickname duck hunter camouflage.

It was copied widely for both military and civilian use from the 1960s onward. Developed in 1948 by army engineers, the ERDL (Engineer Research and Development Laboratory) pattern – also called leaf pattern – did not enter widespread production for military usage until the early part of the Vietnam War. The design itself was never officially adopted for universal issue by the

CAMOUFLAGE US Armed Forces, although it has been copied internationally by dozens of nations and is considered one of the major families of camouflage patterns. ERDL is also the predecessor of the M1981 woodland camouflage design, which essentially uses the same drawings enlarged by 60 per cent and incorporating a standardised series of dyes. Universally copied by many nations, woodland is probably the most common and widely encountered camouflage design in the world.

Camouflage uniforms remained the exclusive province of ‘elite’ units until 1970s, when it gradually became accepted that regular ground personnel should be provided with a practical means of hiding themselves under combat conditions. Today, virtually every nation that fields a professional army employs the camouflage unform as part of its standard kit for ground troops. Yet, from its origins as a means of disappearing among foliage or other natural formations, camouflage patterns have also become a means of identifying soldiers, or at least the political and historical ties that their governments may have.

Although technology now allows camouflage designers to envision and produce some truly sophisticated patterns, one wonders if the concept of national identification may eventually overtake the practical features of camouflage, leading us back to the 18th century when armed forces entered the field of battle wearing uniforms that would instantly identify their political ties.

Author: Eric H Larson International Camouflage Uniform Society (ICUS): www.camouflagesociety.org All images are reproduced with the kind permission of ICUS/Eric H Larson

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WIN...WIN...WIN...

COMPETITION

AIRSOFT ACTION’S CAMOUFLAGE COMPETITION Everyone wears it and every player probably knows at least half a dozen patterns, but just how good is your knowledge of camouflage?

If it is good enough you can win a HUGE prize!

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elcome to the first part of our Camouflage Competition.

Yes, that does say ‘first part’, because this competition is going to be a long one – a whole year to be precise - and you’re going to have to buy, beg, or borrow a copy of the next 12 issues if you want to enter.

So, how does it work and just what do you get for all that effort (assuming you win, of course)?

It works like this: On the Contents page you will find a box containing a camouflage pattern.

Each of the first 12 issues will have a

different pattern and this is what you have to identify. Each pattern is real and has been verified by the International Camouflage Uniform Society.

In issue 13 we will print an Entry Form, for you to return with a list of what you think the 12 different patterns are.

Some of the patterns will be fairly straightforward to identify but some will be a little tricky – after all, we don’t want to make it too easy!

And this is what you’ll win: Because this is a tough competition it is only fair that the prize matches the challenge and so, in this issue

we are starting a ‘Prize Pot’. In each subsequent issue we will add another prize to the pot and by the end of the competition there will be at least 12 prizes that will go to the Winner. There will also be prizes for the second and third place entries, and I am sure we’ll manage to come up with a Special Offer for everyone who enters.

To get the ball rolling the first item into the Prize Pot is a set of A-TACS, kindly donated by Gunman Airsoft Midlands.

Keep an eye out for next month’s pattern – and more importantly what’s going into the pot!

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Countryside Matches for those who love to share the rural life

LOVE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE www.countrysidematches.com

See your ad here Call Hannah on 01926 339808 80

October 2011

FEATURE So you’re doing a reenactment and need a few hundred WWII uniforms?

There’s only one place to go: Angels the Costumiers

YOU’VE GOT THE LOOK ANGELS THE COSTUMIERS

E

ver been into your local fancy dress shop and marvelled at the amount of stuff they seem to have?

Well double it, then double it again, and perhaps a few more times just for good measure, and you might just be getting halfway towards the number of outfits that Angels has on its eight miles of hanging rails!

Angels has been in business for nearly 170 years and owns the

largest collection of costumes and accessories anywhere in the world but, unfortunately, it doesn’t sell to individual members of the public, it rents to the film and theatre industries.

Its list of credits reads like a Who’s Who of film and TV – Defiance, Foyles War, Iron Man, Shutter Island, The Kings Speech, Bram Stoker’s Dracula – and the company has 26 Oscars for Best Achievement in Costume Design going back to 1948.

I came across Angels while looking for a very specific military costume and, while its only connection to airsoft might be re-enactment groups, I was so blown away by what I saw I thought I’d share it with you.

Angels is not open to the public but does run tours of its collection.

If you’d like more information, contact Angels via the website: www.angels. uk.com or, to arrange a tour, call Mark on 020 8202 2244.

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AIRSOFT

ACTION BOOKSHOP Visit www.virtualnewsagent.com for these fantastic offers. Either fill in the form below – don’t forget to put a tick by the books you’re ordering – and post/fax to us, or call us on the number at the bottom

Title

Code

Price

Elite:160 World War II Infantry Assault Tactics

1011-001

£10.00

Elite:168 World War II Street Fighting Tactics

1011-002

£10.00

Raid:11 Pegasus Bridge – Benouville D-Day

1011-003

£10.00

Weapon:7 The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger

1011-004

£8.50

Soldier I – The Story of an SAS Hero

1011-005

£7.50

Elite:163 Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan

1011-006

£8.50

Elite:170 Special Operations Forces in Iraq

1011-009

£8.50

Weapon:2 The Rocket Propelled Grenade

1011-010

£8.50

Weapon:7 The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger

1011-011

£8.50

Total + £4 P&P (free on orders over £30)

£

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Elite:160 World War II Infantry Assault Tactics AA Price £10

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Soldier I – The Story of an SAS Hero AA Price £7.50

Elite:170 Special Operations Forces in Iraq AA Price £8.50

Raid:11 Pegasus Bridge – Benouville D-Day 1944 AA Price £10

Elite:163 Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan AA Price £8.50

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Now fax or post this form to: Blaze Publishing Limited, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5SZ England T: 01926 339808 F: 01926 470400 E: info@blazepublishing.co.uk

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WIN...WIN...WIN...

COMPETITION

£500 WORTH OF G1098 KIT

G1098 Tactical manufactures high-quality tactical equipment, including MOLLE vests, pouches and rigs.

If you fancy walking away with £500 of G1098 kit of your choosing, just answer the following question correctly:

“In British Military terms, what is a G1098?”

Answer: Hint: It is not a watch!

Name Address

Postcode Country Telephone Email

Post your entry to: G1098 Competition, Airsoft Action, Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5SZ. Or, email your entries to competition@blazepublishing.co.uk, quoting ‘Airsoft Action G1098 Competition’ in the headline – please make sure to include your full name and address.

Photocopied entry forms will be accepted. The first name we pull out of the editor’s hat will win; entries received after 28 September will not be valid.

One entry per household only. Prize must be collected from G1098 Supplies, Kent, and must consist of G1098 kit ONLY. Blaze Publishing would like to keep you informed of other offers and publications. Please tick here if you would NOT like to be contacted by post or email

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DESERT BOOTS ALT-BERG & LOWA Alt-Berg Desert Microlite MkII I have worn many pairs of desert boots in my time. When I was asked to test out the Alt-Berg desert boots I was very happy to take on the task. I have been aware of Alt-Berg for many years and have owned several pairs but, for those that haven’t, the boot manufacturer is based in the North of England and all of its boots are handmade in the factory right here in the UK. For me to test these boots thoroughly I took them on a recent trip to Arizona, where the temperatures reached 49°C. I have to say, the boots were extremely comfortable and the ventilation system worked very well, keeping my feet cool and dry. Another feature of the boot that I liked was the speed lacing system, which allowed me to take the boots off in a hurry, yet also felt secure and tight when laced. I was also pleased that the tongue was stitched into the side of the boot, which means sand and other foreign objects would be kept out of the boot.

As always, Alt-Berg has produced a great boot that is tough enough to withstand anything the world has to throw at it – whether it be in the deserts of Afghanistan on operations, or on a hiking trip in the USA.

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At Airsoft Action we like to do things for real, so we asked one of our contributors to take along Lowa’s Zephyr and Alt-Berg’s Desert Microlite boots and check them out while he was exercising in the Arizona desert. Here are his thoughts

KIT REVIEW

Lowa Zephyr Mid TF ‘Desert’ On first impressions these boots have a very modern look about them, and look like they could come from the high street. Don’t be fooled however, they were designed with service personnel in mind.

Having worn these boots for a few days I was surprised at how cool they kept my feet, which I would attribute to the amount of ventilation panels. These boots are also very lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear.

As a boot for everyday general wear, be it around camp or around town, the Lowa boots are great. In Lowa’s own words, though, they have primarily been designed for drivers, aircrew and general cutting around camp, and are not recommended to be used as a combat boot in any way, shape or form – though don’t let that put you off for airsoft use!

I was impressed by these boots and I believe they meet their intended purpose very well. Lowa boots are a very popular choice with service personnel and I don’t think the Zephyr would disappoint.

The Alt-Berg boots were kindly supplied direct from Alt-Berg, in North Yorkshire, and the Lowa boots by Aaron Distribution.

We thank both companies for their generosity in supplying the boots.

For more information and prices, Alt-Berg can be contacted via the website: www.altberg.co.uk Aaron Distribution can be found at: www.aarondistribution.co.uk

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SITE DIRECTORY Find somewhere to be this weekend…

1HQ

AIRSOFT SKIRMISH CQB STUDLEY

ARENA AIRSOFT

Rochester, ME1 1HQ 01634 829063 www.platoonstores.co.uk

Studley, B80 7LY 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk

Grimsby, DN31 3JD 07752 404060 www.arenaairsoft.com

ATROOP AIRSOFT

AIRSOFT XCALIBRE

AWA HERTS

Clocaenog Forest, LL16 4SP 07967 394976 www.atroop.co.uk

Macclesfield, SK10 4SZ 07921 837658 www.airsoft-xcalibre.co.uk

Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM23 4BJ 07732 184957 www.awaherts.com

ABSOLUTE AIRSOFT

ALL ARMS AIRSOFT

BARNSLEY AIRSOFT

Maidenhead, SL6 3SS 07871 314951 www.absolute-airsoft.co.uk

Near Trawden, BB8 8SN 07957 888392 www.allarmsairsoft.co.uk

Shafton, Barnsley, S72 8RE 07771 332930 www.barnsleypaintball.co.uk

ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES

ALPHA 5-5 HALKYN WOOD

BATTLEFIELD SPORTS NI

Stoke on Trent, ST1 2JS 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk

Flintshire, CH8 8DF 0845 257 6937 www.alpha55.co.uk

Belfast, BT16 1XT 028 9048 5462 www.battlefieldsportsni.com

ACE COMBAT

ALPHA 5-5 TONG WOOD

BATTLETEC AIRSOFT

Kent, TN12 7DG 01303 814803 www.acecombat.co.uk

Near Shifnal, TF11 8PN 0845 257 6937 www.alpha55.co.uk

La Couture, Guernsey, GY1 2 07781 104068 www.battletec.co.uk

AIRBORNE 101 AIRSOFT CLUB

ALPHA ELITE GAMING

BETTER BATTLES

Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 07718 032541 robinsonm24@btinternet.com

Le Mont de Rozel, Jersey, JE3 5 01534 733697 www.aegairsoft.je

Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 3BJ 07967 940043 www.better-battles.co.uk

AIRSOFT ASYLUM

AMAZON EVENTS

BRAVO 2-2 AIRSOFT – SOUTHPORT

North Lanarksire, ML7 5 www.airsoftasylum.webs.com ayrsoft@gmail.com

Hellingly, East Sussex, BN27 4HL 0844 2570433 www.amazonoutdoorevents.co.uk

Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, PR46JX 07790 715059 www.bravo22airsoft.com

AIRSOFT COMMANDOS

AMBUSH ADVENTURES – CHOBHAM

BRISTOL AIRSOFT

Sutton, near Ferrybridge 07723 061386 andyace@ntlworld.com

Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8SL 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk

Bristol, BS1 2HQ 07776 288826 www.bristolairsoft.com

AIRSOFT KGB

AMBUSH ADVENTURES – SOUTHAMPTON

BRIT-TAC AIRSOFT

Porkellis Moor near Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0 Chef1322@hotmail.com www.kgbairsoft.com.

New Forest National Park, SP5 2DW 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk

Sheffield, S2 5TR 07795 631331 www.brittacairsoft.com

BUNKER 51 AIRSOFT SKIRMISH

APOCALYPSE AIRSOFT

Stoulton, WR7 4QW 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk

Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7QP 07872 348 576 www.apocalypseairsoft.com

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October 2011

Charlton, SE7 8NJ 0870 7549653 www.wolfarmouries.co.uk

C3 TACTICAL

DRAGON’S LAIR

Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH 07597 938011 www.c3tactical.co.uk

Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA 07889 571553 www.dragonslair-paintball.com

CERBERUS AIRSOFT

EAST MIDLANDS AIRSOFT – SABRE FORCE

AIRSOFT SITES FIRST AND ONLY – BATTLE LAKES

Sheffield, S6 6JE 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

Earlswood, B94 6SF 0844 870 9785 www.sabreforce.co.uk

CLOSE ACTION AIRSOFT Corby, NN17 3BB 07740 165787 www.close-action.co.uk

ELITE ACTION GAMES – DORKING Dorking, Surrey, RH5 5AB 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com

COMBAT ACTION GAMES Maryland, Norfolk, NR10 4 01328 711867 www.combatactiongames.co.uk

Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9AP 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – BUNKER WOOD Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 5SA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

ELITE ACTION GAMES – EPSOM

FIRST AND ONLY – KHE SANH WOODS

Epsom, Surrey, KT18 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com

Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 2NA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

ELITE ACTION GAMES – WORTHING

FIRST AND ONLY – MANCHESTER WOODLAND

COMBAT NORTH AIRSOFT Halkirk, KW14 01847 895111 combatnorth@groups.facebook.com

Worthing, BN13 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com

COMBAT SOUTH URBAN Portsmouth, PO6 3LS 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk

ELITE BATTLEZONE Bexley, Greater London, DA5 1NX 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk

COMBAT SOUTH WOODLAND Fareham, PO17 5ND 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk

Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 0AN 01380 728982 www.experienceairsoft.co.uk

Lewisham, SE13 5SU 07973 240177 www.firefight.co.uk

St Andrews, KY10 3XL info@fifewargames.co.uk www.fifewargames.com

FINMERE AIRSOFT Buckingham, MK18 4JT 07976 184897 www.finmereairsoft.com

CUMBRIA AIRSOFT Dumfries, DG12 cumbria.airsoft@virgin.net www.cumbria-airsoft.com

FIREBALL SQUADRON Sutton Coldfield, B75 5SA 07582 684533 www.fireballsquadron.com

DOGS OF WAR Houston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7BP 07853 195290 www.dow-airsoft.co.uk

FIRST AND ONLY – THE EMBASSY Leicester, LE2 6EA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – THE MALL Reading, RG1 1NR 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIFE WARGAMES

CORNWALL AIRSOFT ASSAULT Truro, Cornwall, TR2 07837 475012 www.cornwallairsoftassault.co.uk

Kidderminster, DY10 3PT 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIREFIGHT COMBAT SIMULATIONS

COOL UNDER FIRE Doddington, Kent, ME9 0JS 07960 532613 www.coolunderfire.co.uk

FIRST AND ONLY – THE ASYLUM

EXPERIENCE AIRSOFT

CONTACT! FIGHT SCHOOL Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, CM14 5 01438 368177 www.thefightschool.demon.co.uk

Bolton, BL7 9TS 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – ANZIO CAMP Leek, ST13 8 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – HUDDERSFIELD WOODLAND Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 6QR 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FOXTROT 58 AIRSOFT Island Magee, Larne, BT40 3 07951 858650 www.foxtrot58airsoft.com

FREE FIRE ZONE Farcet, Peterborough, PE7 3DH 01733 247171 www.freefirezone.co.uk

FRV AIRSOFT Annacloy, Downpatrick, BT30 8JJ 07730 586926 www.frvairsoft.com

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087

GASS AIRSOFT – PENN Penn Bottom, Buckinghamshire, HP10 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk

INVICTA AIRSOFT – RAINDEN WOODS Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7AY 01227 763335 www.invictaairsoft.co.uk

GASS AIRSOFT – PIDDINGTON Piddington, Oxfordshire, OX25 1 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk

Near Shorwell, Isle of Wight, PO30 07964 751047 www.islandrecon.co.uk

Northfleet, Kent, DA11 9AA 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk

NSC AIRSOFT LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT Gorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4LG 0131 654 2452 www.airsoftedinburgh.co.uk

GREENZONE COMBAT Hamiltonsbawn, Co. Armagh, BT60 1NE 07772 919974 www.greenzonecombat.com

Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3LQ 01845 565465 www.northernallianceairsoft.co.uk

NORTHFLEET CQB ISLAND RECON AIRSOFT COMBAT

GRANGE FARM AIRSOFT Leicester, LE9 9FP enquires@grangefarmairsoft.co.uk www.gingerliberationfront.com

NORTHERN ALLIANCE AIRSOFT

Hetton, Sunderland, DH5 0 07983 333521 www.nscairsoft.co.uk

NTAC LINCOLNSHIRE AIRSOFT CLUB Saxillby, LN1 2JW 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

GROUND ZERO AIRSOFT – WOODLAND

LINDSEY AIRSOFT

Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2DF 01329 849818 www.groundzerowoodland.com

Manby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8 07895 011206 www.lindsey-airsoft.co.uk

GROUND ZERO AIRSOFT – URBAN

MATLOCK COMBAT GAMES

Bransgore, Dorset, BH23 8AU 01329 849818 www.groundzerourban.com

Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FW 07974 507166 www.matlockcombatgames.com

GUN HO AIRSOFT

MAW

Guisborough, TS7 0PG 07525 435696 www.gunhoairsoft.co.uk

Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3RS 07562 479966 maw.airsoft@hotmail.com

Durham, DL4 2ER 01642 281220 www.ntac.co.uk

OBAN AIRSOFT – HILL ARGYLL Argyll and Bute, PA37 1 07967 710185 www.argyllsurplus.com

OP-TACTICAL UK – TEAN-OPS Tean, Staffordshire, ST10 4JT 07964 990831 www.op-tac.co.uk

PHOENIX AIRSOFT

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – CAMBRIDGE Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6SE 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

MIA Cornwall, EX23 9JL 01288 331748 www.airsoftsouthwest.co.uk

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – NORWICH Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

MILITARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Wrightington, WN6 9PL 01942 514724 www.militaryoutdooradventure.co.uk

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – MIDLANDS Balsall Common, West Mids, CV7 7FP 01676 532384 www.suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk

MILSIM UK Checkley, Staffordshire, ST10 4NS 07523 916607 www.milsimuk.co.uk

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – MIDLANDS RAF HONILEY

NCIS AIRSOFT

Kenilworth, CV8 1NR 01676 532384 www.suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk

Edinburgh, EH14 4 nick@ncis-airsoft.co.uk www.ncis-airsoft.co.uk

HILTON PARK AIRSOFT

NOMAD AIRSOFT

Wolverhampton, WV10 7HU 08000 354490 www.paintballuk.com

Fenwick, Ayrshire, KA3 6AY 07904 998250 www.nomadairsoft.com

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October 2011

Budby, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9FG 01623 812483 www.phoenix-airsoft.co.uk

PLATOON 1HQ Rochester, Kent, ME1 1 HQ 01634 829063 www.ptt-1hq.co.uk

PLAYERS OF WAR High Bonnybridge, FK1 3AD 07767 203979 www.playersofwar.co.uk

PREDATOR COMBAT GAMES Ballynahinch, BT24 8NF 028 4377 0566 www.predatorcombat.com

RAVEN’S NEST Suffolk, IP8 4 01473 831563 www.ravensairsoft.co.uk

RAW WAR AIRSOFT CUMBRIA Wigton, Cumbria CA7 3SZ 01900 85645 www.airsoftcumbria.co.uk

SWAT AIRSOFT

STEALTH TACTICAL AIRSOFT

Neston, Merseyside, CH64 3TB 07703 177756 www.swatairsoft.eu

Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4HP 07863 745191 www.stealthtacticalairsoft.co.uk

SWAT AIRSOFT – URBAN

STIRLING AIRSOFT

Chester, CH3 5UE 07703 177756 www.swaturban.com

Coventry, CV3 6NX 07831 429407 www.stirlingairsoft.com

SECTION 8 AIRSOFT

STORMFORCE AIRSOFT

Shotts, North Lanarkshire, ML7 5AB 07974 026517 www.s8airsoft.com

Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4LD 07515 937633 www.stormforcepaintball.co.uk

SG1 COMBAT GAMES

SUSSEX AIRSOFT

Co. Londonderry, BT45 8NA 07713 273102 www.sg1combatgames.co.uk

Slinfold, RH12 020 8150 9284 www.sussexairsoft.co.uk

SHADOWOPZ

TA EVENTS

Dover, Kent CT17 9PS 07707 632855 www.shadowopzairsoft.co.uk

Hemel Hemstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7QB 07894 059794 www.ta-events.co.uk

AIRSOFT SITES UCAP GREEN OPS Linch, West Sussex, GU30 7 07590 818881 web.mac.com/crackingday

UCAP VIRUS

SOUTH WEST WAR GAMES – SCRAESDON FORT Antony, Cornwall, PL11 3AB 08456 345011 www.swwargames.co.uk

Bean, Kent, DA2 8 07590 818881 web.mac.com/crackingday

ULTIMATE AIRSOFT Tortworth, GL12 8 01179 353388 www.ultimateairsoft.co.uk

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – FAWKHAM

TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9PL 020 8665 1299 www.tacticalwarfare.co.uk

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – LIMPSFIELD

TASK FORCE SKIRMISH

Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0RH 01268 796130 www.ultimatewargames.co.uk

SKIRMISH EXETER Exeter, Devon, EX4 5 01548 580025 www.airsoftexeter.co.uk

UCAP SANDPIT

Fawkham, Kent, DA3 8NY 01268 796130 www.ultimatewargames.co.uk

SKIRMISH AIRSOFT BILLERICAY Billericay, Essex, CM11 2TX 01277 657777 www.airsoft-billericay.co.uk

Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0BL 07590 818881 web.mac.com/crackingday

Cowbridge, South Glamorgan, CF71 7RQ 02920 593900 www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk

TECH BRIGADE Hertford, SG13 8NH 01438 235249 www.techbrigade.org

SOUTH WEST WAR GAMES – TREGANTLE FORT

THE DESERTERS AIRSOFT

Antony, Cornwall, PL11 3AZ 08456 345011 www.swwargames.co.uk

Redford, DD11 07751 878175 www.thedeserters.co.uk

SOUTHDOWN AIRSOFT

THE EX SITE

Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LR 07766 770830 www.southdownairsoft.com

Mold, CH7 4 07840 001975 www.theexsitewales.co.uk

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – BLOXWORTH

THE WARGAMES CENTRE

Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7EU 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk

Stevenston, Ayrshire, KA20 3LN 08456 434326 www.scottishadventurecentre.co.uk

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – THE ROCK

UCAP AIRSOFT

Portland, Dorset, DT5 2EG 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk

Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO17 6AR 07590 818881 web.mac.com/crackingday

URBAN ASSAULT Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 1 01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk

URBAN6AIRSOFT Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0QN 07432 291729 www.urban6airsoft.com

VIKING AIRSOFT Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0UN contactus@vikingairsoft.co.uk www.vikingairsoft.co.uk

WARMINSTER AIRSOFT Warminster, BA12 7RZ 01985 211774 www.warminsterairsoft.co.uk

XSITE High Wycombe, HP14 3NP 01494 881430 www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk

Email anthonyp@blazepublishing.co.uk to add or change a site listing

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