ACTION
THE Airsoft Magazine
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FIRST-LOOK AT A-TACS FG IN EUROPE!
UMAREX H&K G36K
WORTH M ORE THAN £30 0
OPERATION
WENDIGO EVOLUTION AIRSOFT
FIRST AND ONLY FITTING AN THE ACADEMY ASCU
New author Matty P reviews Ever fancied playing airsoft Your guide to the ultimate Evolution's Lone Star Rancher in a school? Yeah, we did too! upgrade for your AEG
G&G improvements ❱ CYMA AK REVIEW ❱ budget boots ❱ shooting show news
APRIL 2012 - £4.25
MILSIM IN SWEDEN
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April 2012
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CONTENTS AIRSOFT ACTION - APRIL 2012
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READERS’ GALLERY YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR FACE IN THE MAGAZINE!
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A-TACS FG FIRST HANDS-ON LOOK AT THE NEW A-TACS FG CAMO
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AIRSOFT NEWS CONTROVERSIAL EVENT FROM ASIA, G&G NEWS, MORE
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RIFLE REVIEW: CYMA AK74 BAZ COLLINS ASKS WHETHER CYMA HAS TURNED A CORNER
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RIFLE REVIEW: G36K IS EBB ACTION WORTHWHILE? RATTY TELLS ALL...
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THE ACADEMY ANT PLATT ESCAPES THE OFFICE AND GOES TO SCHOOL
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OPERATION: WENDIGO DANNY P BRAVES TIER 1’S SCANDINAVIAN MILSIM
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SKILLS ROOM PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT – BILLY BASICS EXPLAINS
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TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT JAY SLATER MANAGES TO REVIEW MORE THAN THE HOTDOG SELLERS AT TWA
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FALLOUT UK GARETH ‘GADGE’ HARVEY MIXES AIRSOFT WITH LARP WITH COMPUTER GAMES...
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BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW OUR REPORT FROM THE BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW 2012
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HEAD TO HEAD: TORCHES TWO QUALITY TORCHES CLASH – BUT WHICH IS BEST
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YOUNG GUNS SOME PARENTS DON’T LIKE AIRSOFT – BUT WHY, ASKS JEZZ
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RIFLE REVIEW: LONE STAR EVOLUTION AIRSOFT IS A NEW NAME ON THE SCENE
Editor: Nigel Streeter Assistant editor: Anthony Platt Art director: Chris Sweeney Ad design: Ryan Dixon, Steve Dawson Advertising: Hannah Benson Operations director: James Folkard Assistant publisher: Ruth Burgess Editorial director: James Marchington Publisher: Wesley Stanton Cover photograph courtesy of Barry Collins
Full UK 12-issue subscription rate: £59.40 For overseas prices visit: www.airsoftactionmagazine.com Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street Leamington Spa.Warwickshire. CV32 5SZ Tel: 01926 339808 Fax: 01926 470400 E: info@blazepublishing.co.uk W: www.blazepublishing.co.uk © Blaze Publishing Limited, 2012 Distribution: Distributed to the newstrade by Comag Magazine Marketing, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE T: 01895 433 800 Copyright © Blaze Publishing Limited 2012. 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.
RECOGNISE THIS PATTERN? TAKE A NOTE! YOU’LL NEED THE PATTERNS FROM ISSUES 1 - 12 TO ENTER OUR CAMO COMPETITION!
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ASCU BANZAI TALKS US THROUGH HOW TO FIT AN ASCU
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COLD WAR WARRIOR GADGE HARVEY LOOKS THIS TIME AT A MERCENARY OF THE AFRICAN BUSH WARS
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BIG BOYZ TOYZ RATTY TELLS US MORE ABOUT THE MILITARY VEHICLE TRUST
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THE EX-SITE RON MAHONEY ‘MANS UP’ TO VISIT THE EX-SITE IN MOLD
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KIT TEST: BUDGET BOOTS WE TRIED A WHOLE BUNCH OF CHEAP BOOTS TO FIND OUR FAVE
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COMPETITION FANCY YOUR OWN UMAREX H&K G36K? COURSE YOU DO!
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RIFLE REVIEW: M240B SCOTT ALLAN LOOKS AT THIS BEASTLY SUPPORT WEAPON
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MEDIA REVIEW ALEX WHARTON EXPLORES THE KINGDOMS OF AMALUR
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INSIDE AIRSOFT MEET PLATOON STORES! KIT TEST: HARNESSES DANNY P’S FINAL TOUR OF THE WORLD OF WEBBING
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nother month, another show! In January we had SHOT, in February the British Shooting Show (more about that on p25) and this month will see us head out to Germany for the IWA trade show. Unfortunately this issue of Airsoft Action goes to press just a few days before the show starts so you’ll have to wait until next month to see the exclusives we’ve got lined up for you. But what both the other two shows proved is that airsoft is growing – and growing fast! The IWA exhibitor list reads like a veritable who’s who of companies, with airsoft well-represented by the likes of RedWolf, KWA, Real Sword, G&G and Leapers (to name just a very few). With over a thousand exhibitors, it is/was another one of those ‘kid in a candy store’ moments. Anyway, I’ll save that for next issue. I want, just for a moment, to go back to what I said above: “Airsoft is growing – and growing fast!” For it to continue to grow we need to get some things straight and one of those is our old friend, the VCR Act 2006. Based on what I saw and heard at the British Shooting Show (and from many other discussions and conversations) there is still an awful lot of misunderstanding and confusion when it comes to this piece of legislation. It is my belief that the requirements of the Act are very straightforward but we (that is, airsoft in general) have ended up by over-complicating it, losing sight of what the Act was intended to do and actually preventing growth and causing stagnation. If we are not careful we could end up destroying the game we love, simply because nobody has been prepared to stand up and say, “That can’t be right!” So, what (if anything) needs to change? Is it the law itself? Is it the way it’s enforced? Is it the way in which we interpret it? I would love to know your thoughts and opinions, so write to me at Blaze, or send me an email: nigels@blazepublishing.co.uk. In the meantime, have a great month and I’ll see you out there! Nige
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Letter, idea or question? Got something to say? A question for our experts? Or an article, or article idea? Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the assistant editor (anthonyp@blazepublishing. co.uk), send us a letter at the Blaze Publishing address on the previous page – or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook.
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READERS’ GALLERY Send your pics into anthonyp@blazepublishing.co.uk and see yourself in the mag – the more the merrier!
Matt Bostock sent in thi at a game last summer s pic, taken
The OAPs ft (Offensive Airso Players) at Combat South
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Rusty sent in this awesome pic of his Borneo impression
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AIRSOFT AIR A AI IIR RSO RSO RS SOFT SOF OFT O FT FT
AIRSOFT NEWS
NEWS NE N E EW W WS S RISE OF TERRORISIM
We’ve seen MilSim, PirateSim and CowboySim – and the world of airsoft reenactment is being taken a notch further. An airsoft organisation in the Phillipines has begun recruiting marshals for its highlight of 2012 – TerroriSim 12: The Rise and Fall of Libgypt. The game is schedculed to take place in late-September 2012 and several hurdles have been overcome by the organiser, the Prail Loof Society, in its desire to run the scenario.
Airsoft Action can exclusively reveal details for the Prail Loof Society’s plans for its controversial TerroriSim event. To avoid offence the Society has set its 48hr game scenario in the fictitious country of Libgypt, where civil unrest against a tyrannical religious dictator has reached breaking point. Team A, capped at 100 players, is broken into two factions: the national army (30 players) of Libgypt supported by ill-equipped but enthusiastic rebels (70 players). The Army is to wear any desert-based camouflage, while rebels are free to wear whatever they have. Team B, capped at 350 players, will be composed of state-supported terrorists
(300 players, with 50 players adopting administrative support roles). Terrorists must enter the game wearing civilian clothing, shemaghs and sandals; weapons are limited to AK variants, weapons of WWII and Vietnam War vintage, pistols and shotguns. Site limits of 600fps are standard; TerroriSim is imposing 600fps limits for Team A, while Team B’s weapons will not be chronographed to ensure organic play. Team A has limited access to ‘airstrikes’ simulated with pyrotechnics, and vehicular transport. Team B, conversely, is expected to implement homemade pyrotechnics, technical vehicles and extensive use of rubber knives, bayonets, rocks and other non-ballistic missiles. The basic storyline will see Team B attempting to quell an uprising, ostensibly started by the rebels of Team A, while the national army of Libgypt attempts to find and eliminate Team B’s administrative support. The Prail Loof Society has confirmed the game is expected to run for 48hr, with a social on the Sunday evening, but has admitted such events have occasionally exceeded their
stated timeframe by several weeks. The Commander of Team B, along with four bodyguards, will be required to spend the event (from Friday night to Sunday evening) lodged in a pipe somewhere on the game site. While ticket prices have not yet been confirmed the Society has told Airsoft Action that these five players will pay double the ticket price for the privilege of such a crucial role in the scenario. If the event runs to plan the five enpiped players will be ‘discovered’ shortly before end-ex, dragged through the streets by rebel players of Team A and shot in the head on the steps of the administration’s building. The Prail Loof Society has strongly warned against any attempts to sodomise the Commander with a bayonet, airsoft safe or otherwise. The event, if held as planned, has strong implications for the TerroriSim scene in the UK. Several similar, albeit far smaller, games have been run in the UK, to much community backlash. However the running of TerroriSim events could be considered a fully legal act given the terms of the 2007 Regulations to the 2006 Violent Crime Reduction Act (where permitted activites is deemed ‘the reenactment of military and police scenarios for recreation’) and should the Prail Loof Society’s TerroriSim event succeed we may see many more such events in the UK. When deciding whether such events are morally justifiable, one must bear in mind the tagline of the Prail Loof Society: ‘If the police or military have done it anywhere in the real world, even just once, we will recreate it with toy guns for our own amusement.’ For details: bit.ly/TerroriSim2012
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XCR WINNER In our January issue we ran a competition to give away a VFC/Robinson Arms XCR. All correct entries were stuffed into Nige’s facemask and the first name pulled out was: Jane Schofield, Kent. Well done Jane, enjoy your shiny new rifle! The disheartened should flick to page 85 for another exclusive chance to win a cracking AEG!
EUROPEAN AEG PROTOTYPE Airsoft Systems has announced it is developing its own AEG, featuring ‘new mechanical and electronic solutions.’ The prototype has been designated ‘ASAR’. It is believed it will be the first AEG developed start-to-finish in Europe. Admittedly the gun doesn’t look all that exciting from the first released pictures – but take a look at the tech specs (as per Airsoft Systems): ■ Completely new split gearbox, four times stronger than V2 ■ A new trigger mechanism for reproducing the mechanical sense and reset when shot and released ■ A new tappet plate providing improved feeding and better air sealing of nozzle with hop-up rubber ■ New electronics that fit entirely in the gearbox, so the stock tube is free to take a 1300 mAh battery ■ Changing the spring takes just seconds, without the necessity of another cylinder ■ When magazine is empty the gun stops shooting ■ Functional bolt-catch – must be pressed after changing the magazine ■ Uses standard: motor, gears, springs, piston, cylinder head, cylinder and nozzle, which means vast availability of parts and cheap and upgrades Airsoft Systems, Bulgarian manufacturer of the popular ASCU trigger mechanism, has stated this is not a PTW and will be priced around US$400-450 in European markets. Is this a ‘Systema-beater’ in the making? Airsoft Systems: www.airsoftsystems.com
CORRECTION It has been brought to our attention we printed the wrong price on our review of the Socom Gear Cheytac M200 last issue. The price of this fine rifle is in fact £1,120. We fired two sub-editors and a tea-maker when we discovered this mistake (even though it was my fault). Our sincerest apologies to Redwolf Airsoft (www.redwolfairsoft.com) and all of the readers who fainted when they saw the price and thought they could afford it. You cannot. You have bills to pay.
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AIRSOFT NEWS
G&G PM5-A4 IMPROVED G&G has improved its new PM5-A4 RTB. Along with minor aesthetic changes the Taiwanese manufacturer has improved the charger for the weapon’s handguard battery pack. The updated version is available now. Some users had complained that the new PM5-A4 – reviewed in the January issue of Airsoft Action – did not charge properly, or did not hold its charge. G&G has confirmed it has acted on this feedback and concentrated its updates on the charger unit, raising the metal contacts a little. It has also made a minor adjustment to the dimensions of the charger unit to allow the battery pack to fit more snugly. G&G has confirmed this has solved the major issues surrounding charging the handguard battery packs, which previously either did not hold charge at all or charged intermittently. Other small details have been amended to make the gun “perfect”, but G&G did not elaborate. Find your nearest G&G dealer at www.guay2.com.
TIER 1 MILSIM EVENTS TIER 1 EVENT CALENDAR TIER 1 Military Simulation has given Airsoft Action a calendar of its events for 2012. For more information on any of its events contact Ed Denson: ed@ tier1militarysimulation.com. If you have an events calendar for 2012 and want us to publicise it in the magazine then please send us a list of confirmed dates, including where, when and event type, and email it to: anthonyp@blazepublishing.co.uk. Alternatively you can post it to the address in the front of the magazine marked for the attention of Airsoft Action.
MARCH 30-1 April 36hr OBUA Combat Operation, STANTA, Eastmere
AUGUST 3-5 36hr OBUA Combat Operation, STANTA, Bridge Carr Rural
SEPTEMBER
APRIL
14-16 36hr Rural Combat Operation, N Wales
10hr Light MilSim, The Mall, Reading
OCTOBER
MAY
12-14 36hr OBUA Combat Operation, SPTA, Copehill Down Village
36hr Rural Combat Operation, Denbigh, N Wales
JUNE 29-1 July 36hr OBUA Combat Operation, SPTA, Copehill Down Village
JULY 36hr Rural Combat Operation, Battle Lakes, Kent
NOVEMBER 16-18 36hr Rural Combat Operation, Battle Lakes, Kent
DECEMBER N/A TIER 1 Team Surveillance Serials, Invite Only www.tier1militarysimulation.com
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UMAREX H&K The H&K G36 is favoured by armed units around the world. Ratty finds out if Umarex’s airsoft equivalent can match the reputation of its real-steel big brother Introduction As we all know, Umarex hold the worldwide licence for Heckler & Koch replicas, whether they be airsoft, CO2 or accessories. It seems that not a month goes by without another item being added to the Umarex airsoft range. Products range from the more economic end going through mid and all the way up to high-end airsoft rifles and pistols. The versions picked by Umarex to represent H&K come from a variety of different manufacturers including VFC and KWA. At the high-end of AEGs is this particular rifle, made by Ares. Although not a brand new release the electric blowback mechanism still causes debate as to whether it adds more realism to your airsoft shooting experience or is just a gimmick that chews up your batteries quicker. While testing this G36K EBB (K is for ‘Kurz’, German for short; EBB means electric blowback), I want to find the answers to a few questions. How reliable is the EBB system? Is it a regular skirmish weapon, does it add or detract from your day? And most important of all – is it good value for money?
Real-steel history The H&K G3 assault rifle had already been in service for many years when work started on a replacement in the mid-1970s. The G3 was in service during the same time period as the FN FAL (or L1A1 in the UK) and M14 and was chambered to take the 7.62mm round. First
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efforts culminated in the G11 assault rifle, which was calibered to 4.73mm and utilised caseless ammunition. It was greatly tipped that this weapon would replace the G3 and any further development of 5.56mm weapon systems was halted. In the meantime, H&K produced the G33 assault rifle (which was basically a rechambered G3). However, the G11 project came to an abrupt end when, due to defence budget cuts after the unification of East and West Germany, the Bundeswehr cancelled its procurement. Germany still needed a replacement for the G3 though, and it now had to be chambered for the standard NATO 5.56x45mm cartridge. Initially H&K offered the existing G41 assault rifle – which was rejected. In 1991 Heckler & Koch was acquired by British Aerospace Royal Ordnance Division, now known as BAE Systems. Design work started for a modern 5.56 assault rifle, given the designation ‘Project 50’ or HK50. The prototype on trial performed very well and was betterrated than the Austrian Steyr AUG system. It was no surprise that an initial order for 33,000 rifles (with an option for a further 17,000) was placed. The Bundeswehr designated its new rifle the Gewehr 36. First deliveries were made in the third quarter of 1997 and went to the Bundeswehr’s NATO Quick Reaction force. In July 1998 the G36 was selected as the standard rifle for the Spanish
Armed Forces. These rifles are built under licence in Spain and are also locally produced, under licence, in Saudi Arabia.
Real-steel overview The G36 is a selective fire 5.56mm assault rifle system and fires from a closed rotary bolt. Although of a conventional layout, the G36 is a modular component design. Common among all the variants of the G36 family are the receiver, butt stock assembly and bolt carrier group. The receiver contains the free floating barrel, carry handle with integrated sights, trigger group and pistol grip, handguard and magazine well. The weapon can be stripped and reassembled without tools using a system of cross pins, similar to other H&K designs. The fire selector switch is ambidextrous and of a standard three-position format : Safe, E (semi-auto) and F (full-auto) – although a semi-automatic trigger group is available. The G36 family is constructed of a number of lightweight, corrosive-resistant synthetic materials, while the receiver housing, stock, trigger group, magazine well, handguard and carry handle are all made of a carbon-fibrereinforced polyamide. The G36 series magazine holds 30 rounds, loaded in staggered formation, and is made
G36K EBB
THE ARMOURY
WIN
WANT ONE ? THEN FLICK TO PA GE 85 TO FIND OUT H OW YOU COULD WIN THE H&K G36K WE B ORROWED FOR TESTIN G!
from a moulded high-strength translucent polymer. They can be clipped together using built-in coupling studs located on the side. This allows a maximum of up to five magazines to be clipped together on a rifle for rapid magazine changes. The G36 in standard format cannot accept the NATO standard STANAG magazines though, so a magazine adaptor was introduced. They can accept the Beta C mag drum magazine with a 100-round capacity. For sighting, the standard German Army version uses a ZF 3x4 dual optical sight that combines a 3x magnified telescopic sight (the main reticule set for 200m and drop compensation markings for 400m, 600m and 800m) and an unmagnified reflex sight (calibrated for firing at 200m). Export versions have a single 1.5x telescopic sight. The rifle can also be fitted with an AG36 under-barrel
grenade launcher. Due to the amount left over from the East German stocks, the rifle has a lug to accept an AK-74 blade bayonet. The G36 series is still in production today, testament to its design, reliability and popularity after first being produced in 1996. It is in service with over 20 countries and has seen service all around the globe including in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and the recent Libyan civil war. It is also used by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. On top of that, the G36 series – and the G36K in particular – has found fame in films, TV shows and computer games. On the big screen you will see the G36 in films including: The A Team, Iron Man, Shooter, Mission Impossible 3, Matrix Reloaded, Die Another Day, Underworld and Ghosts of Mars to name a few. Fans of Doctor Who and various Stargate series’ and spin offs will also recognise the G36K. Many computer games have used
the G36 including Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell and Call of Duty.
Umarex G36K Electric Blowback Any airsoft RIF that is branded H&K has to be pretty special. Ares, apart from the odd exception in the early days, has always manufactured good quality, robust and reliable airsoft AEGs, so it came as no real surprise that Umarex uses the Ares G36K EBB model as the basis of this licensed H&K product. As with all Umarex H&K products the box is plain black with the H&K logos and ‘NO COMPROMISE’ stamped across it. The gun is well packaged inside; included with the rifle is a high-capacity magazine and a fairly comprehensive owner’s manual. Taking the rifle out of the box you can feel the quality of the materials used to replicate the real thing.
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SPECIFICATIONS Umarex H&K G36K EBB Manufactured by Ares Weight: 3,300g Length: 870mm (stock extended); 610mm (stock folded) Width: 62mm Height: 290mm Battery: 8.4v mini-type; or 7.4v LiPo Battery Action: Electric blowback Maga capacity: 470-round Velocity: 396fps-417fps (hop off) Price: Expect to pay around £315 Huge thanks to Armex for supplying the rifle on test: www.armexltd.co.uk Armex is the exclusive UK distributor for Umarex products and does not sell to end users – check with your airsoft retailer for availability The skeleton stock is sturdy, both in the open position as well as collapsed, locked around the right-hand-side of the receiver. The receiver itself is made of a synthetic fibre and has an ambidextrous fire selector switch. The mag release, located just forward of the trigger guard catch on the underside is, again, rather sturdy and requires a proper push to release the mag – it is reassuring when fitting a magazine to hear it click into place, as you know it is not going to drop out. On the left-hand-side of the receiver just forward of the fire selector switch is the H&K logo and the weapon’s unique serial number (which should match the serial number that on the box). Pulling back the cocking lever allows you access to the hop adjustor. The lever is made of a synthetic fibre/plastic combo and could be a weak point if constantly yanked back. A really nice feature on this G36K is the 3.5x magnified sight that comes fitted in the carry handle. It even has the same style reticule as the real version. Moving forward the handguard is made of the same synthetic fibre as the receiver and by removing one body pin it slides off easily enough to allow access to fit your 8.4v mini-type battery. The flash suppressor is metal and fitted on a 14mm
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clockwise thread. Overall it feels a really nice bit of kit. If it performs as well as it feels then this should be an awesome gun. I fitted a fully-charged 8.4v mini-type which was a tight fit in the handguard, to the extent that I had to push up on the grip to allow the body pin to fit back through. I know that it will run on a 7.4v LiPo which will solve the problem as it’s much smaller. After a quick squirt of silicone in the appropriate places, with battery in situ and the hi-cap mag filled with Blaster Devil 0.20g it was off outside to give this AEG a good going over to see how effective the EBB system is. The selector, like everything else on this rifle, is sturdy – and unlike the selector on other G36’s it doesn’t feel floppy or loose. Clicking it off safe to semi and pulling trigger, the gun let off a distinctive crack and the cocking lever flew back and forward. I was quite stunned at how crisp the action was, so I did a few more single shots and then some double taps. On every trigger pull the action was quick and gave a good impression of a real bolt going back and forth. So with a flick of the thumb I moved the selector onto full-auto and let off a short burst. “Oh yeah!” I’m liking this – three BBs flew out the end and I had to stop myself from watching the action and remember to watch where the BBs were going. Doh! After firing off the rest of the mag I refilled it and grabbed some more that I had spare. I loaded up a further five mags and set up some targets. It was time to have a proper play. Ok, here we go as I set about moving
around my little course. The gun, although solid, is remarkably manoeuvrable even in a CQB environment. I was having a real good time – and then the battery started to slow, quite apparent from the speed at which the lever was moving. In total that was about 5.5 mags, so around 2,500 rounds. Not bad considering it was a mix of semi and full-auto. I can’t be sure if it was less than normal due to the EBB system. After fitting another battery I headed back out, time armed with a chrono. With the hop off I was getting a reading of between 396417fps. Ouch! Now this review is just of one rifle so others coming into the UK could be made site usable before getting to the retailer. But just in case, it’s worth chronoing after bedding in just to make sure.
Summary What Umarex has here is real quality product, which looks and feels fantastic. Though not a massive G36 fan myself I was taken aback by how nice it is. To be honest I am still not certain if the EBB system shortens the battery life – logically it should, but if it’s only by a marginal amount then who cares? What you do get with the EBB system is a more realistic operating system, which although not as good as a gas blowback is more useable all year round. With the chrono readings what they were then buy yours from a reputable airsoft retailer, one that offers a warranty, just in case it’s hot. Am I G36 EBB convert? Thumbs up should give you my answer… ■
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OPERATION: WENDIGO,
Danny P travelled with Tier 1 Military Simulation to Sweden for Operation: Wendigo
T
ier 1 Military Simulation and Pandion Airsoft put on a 48 hour MilSim event in Sweden, about three hours outside of Gothenburg. I was lucky enough to be invited along – not just as a reporter but also to take part. The trip started with an early morning flight from an airport in the UK to Sweden. We were picked up by coach, transported to the game area and the operation started with kit preparation, ready for the following day’s insertion by parachute (this operation didn’t actually involve a live parachute drop). After a good night’s sleep we were all called together for the final briefing before insertion into the Area of Operations (AO). I was asked to join one of the sections for the jump and we boarded the vehicles.
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I would like to stress right off that we were all carrying everything we needed into the field. For me this meant my weapon, webbing system and a bergen weighing in at 50kg – and some of the guys were carrying more! Having ‘jumped’ into the AO we immediately knew something was wrong. Once on the ground a quick map check by the Section Commanders discovered we were a good 2km from our drop zone rendezvous (RV) and other sections had been scattered all over the AO. As we were now in hostile territory it was decided we’d move out as soon as possible, make our way to the RV at the edge of the drop zone and await the other members of the patrol. After an hour or so all sections were at the RV and we had to find a harbour area for the night.
We moved out and after patrolling for a couple of hours a suitable area was found. The patrol moved in and started to set up bashas and get some scran on before a stag system was sorted for the night. All sections were stood-to at last light and there were at least three members of the patrol on stag at any one time. After sleeping in the woods under a star-filled sky we were stood-to at first light. It was a very quiet night but after an intelligence update it became apparent that the enemy had been looking for our patrol all night without success. Following an early morning briefing from the Troop Commander the decision was made to move the harbour area in case we had been compromised. Everything was collapsed, put into bergens and we moved off. Having found an alternative suitable area
SWEDEN
EVENT REPORT
“While en-route we were compromised on a road by an enemy vehicle; we were outgunned but the vehicle was quickly overrun and its occupants killed” a quick briefing was held; two patrols were assembled and briefed on their different objectives. I was to accompany one of these patrols on their reconnaissance mission to find and possibly destroy an enemy surfaceto-air-missile (SAM) battery. After prepping equipment and making sure everyone was fed and watered we moved out. Having covered a fair bit of ground we encountered an enemy patrol. Due to our Standing Orders we decided to avoid them and work around the position. We reached the area where the SAM battery was suspected to be and managed to get eyes on the target from a distance, so the patrol Commander asked for two guys to go forward and ascertain enemy strengths and see if it would be possible to mount an attack on the site. I was chosen to go forward with another member of the patrol. After spending some time observing the location we were able to confirm
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that although the enemy forces looked to be regular military they were not very disciplined or alert. We would mount an assault to destroy the SAM battery. The Troop Commander gathered his forces and a plan was put in motion to attack the site. As a patrol we moved forward and once a baseline was achieved close enough to engage the enemy a countdown was initiated and the first shot fired. The fire-fight was intense but short-lived and the enemy really didn’t know what had hit them. The patrol I was with was very professional and capable in their attack; the enemy forces were quickly overrun and the position secured. The SAM battery was destroyed and the guys also managed to destroy an IED that had been left. Following
“The enemy forces were pushed back – but we had also taken casualties and it was decided we would pull back to our extraction point and await pick up” the attack the patrol was ordered back to the Harbour area to wait for the other patrol’s return. Back at the Harbour area it was time to build our bashas for the night. The other patrol returned not long after. There was a quick debrief for the Commanders and we learned that the other guys had a very interesting day as well. They managed to make contact with the resistance and called in an airstrike on a SAM battery to destroy it (Pandion had set up huge speakers, played an F18 flying in and then had an explosion with pyro to simulate an airstrike). Following another intelligence update a four-man patrol was put together to go out in the night and make contact with more resistance members. They were also to do a close-target reconnaissance on a farm complex. They managed to complete all their objectives by the following morning.
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EVENT REPORT
The same routine was followed as the previous night and we were all stood-to in the morning. After eating and packing away all equipment another intelligence briefing was convened and our role was changed from reconnaissance to a fighting patrol, with orders to engage the enemy. We were tasked to move to an area near a quarry where a large enemy force had been spotted, so as a whole we moved out and started to patrol towards the area. While en-route we were compromised on a road by an enemy vehicle; we were
outgunned but the vehicle was quickly overrun and its occupants killed. While securing this area an enemy quadbike with six personnel onboard managed to ride into a hastily put-together snap ambush and, after a very brief fire-fight, they lay dead too. After searching the bodies for intel we moved off on our previous tasking and towards the quarry where we were immediately engaged by enemy forces, including technicals with heavy machine guns. During the hour-long fire-fight the enemy forces were pushed back – but we
had also taken casualties and it was decided we would pull back to our extraction point and await pick up. I have written this as a (sort of) ‘After Action Report’ of the events that took place in Sweden with Tier 1 – but to give you some idea of what was achieved, not only by Tier 1 but by all the guys that took part… The temperature ranged from -3° in the daytime all the way down to -15° at night. Every member of the Tier 1 group covered around 50km on foot, carrying everything required for them to be able to operate for 48 hours in the field. Some players travelled up to 60km. The ground was covered in around 12in of snow in most places and up to 36in in others, and walking with a heavy bergen in those conditions is a feat in itself – let alone playing an airsoft MilSim. Tier 1’s tagline is ‘Dare to be tested!’ I can certainly say I was tested – and I have done this for real! ■
If this sounds like your cup of tea then check out the Tier 1 event calendar on page 11 or visit: www.tier1militarysimulation.com The next event in the UK is at the end of March, at STANTA .
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TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT
Jay Slater visits Tactical Warfare Airsoft’s woodland venue in Surrey to find out more about the up and coming skirmish operator. Mouth guard at the ready…
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ock ‘n’ load, people: there’s a new airsoft skirmishing company in town. It’s hardcore and means serious business. With a woodland site based in Croydon, Surrey, and a fast and furious urban battleground in Anerley, Kent, Tactical Warfare Airsoft (TWA) enters the arena fighting fit, muscles flexed, teeth clenched. With a carefully balanced approach to marshalling that encourages fair play and tactics as well as fun, these sites offer challenging scenarios for both veteran and
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newcomer. Be they sniper or those who prefer the machine gun cha-cha-cha, TWA offers games with stealth, teamplay and hell for leather elements that the Marquis de Sade would have bottled at. And they have attractive eye candy serving hotdogs with smiles. And fried onions. I was sold. “I started playing over five years ago with friends,” says owner Simon Savyell as he oversees a game in full fight. “One of my friends invited me to a stag party where we were introduced to an airsoft skirmish site and the rest was history.”
Seriously bitten with the airsoft bug, Savyell set up shop with a store based at a local site and his passion for the sport evolved from there. What makes TWA unique to gaming is that it offers a safe and pleasurable community for players. People keep coming back week after week and the community grows stronger for it. “Both are compact sites but there is more to them than you would think,” Savyell says of his woodland and urban shoots. “We have a variety of different games which we rotate over the weeks. Naturally, woodland is more for players who prefer sniping and not as up close and personal as the urban site.” With an average of 40-50 players per game day, Savyell takes pride from gamers’ frequent return – especially when they bring friends! Players here enjoy bantering with the staff and simply love to shoot. Another attraction to TWA is that players are encouraged to introduce themselves on the forum and be involved within the community and the development of rules that constantly evolve. One such woodland amendment: there is no rule against shooting an enemy at close range. “The rule was suggested by players as they prefer this to the ‘bang rule’,” Savyell confirms. “So far so good. There was only one person who was injured due this rule, but our first aid dealt with it efficiently.”
SITE REVIEW
Indeed, I was that one casualty. On clearing a village I surprised an over-excited youngster in a doorway packing an AK47 full-auto wallop and was shot in the face at less than six-foot range. Oh, the hilarity of it as claret poured down my chops knowing full well that I was on a date that evening. Full face mask for next game: check. Bar the no ‘bang rule’ – and to be fair, single shot at close range is now encouraged after I was lit up once more on a second
visit – safety is key. Every game day is judged by four to five marshals who are airsoft fanatics and respect the sport and their role with professional gusto. Fun and enjoyment is a priority but those who cheat or endanger others will get short shrift from the gentlemen in orange. “We banned two people so far,” Savyell sighs with an air of reluctance. “One was abusive to the marshals and the other was a constant non-hit taker. As you know from the rules we don’t accept abuse and we ban non-hit takers after three warnings. It’s that simple.”
It was the calm before the storm. Battered defenders hugged behind pockmarked battlements that had been peppered by thousands of BBs. The occasional head would rise above to scout where and when the assault would begin, wary of the crack of a sniper’s aim. Magazines were locked into place. An eerie silence fell – and shattered as the attackers charged the defences, spraying the hapless besieged, the camp lit and rocked by grenade explosions and smoke.
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The circular camp game gets the adrenalin rushing for both sides, especially the attackers who enjoy suppression fire and bolt-action razzmatazz. As for the defenders, shot to buggery by the advancing foe, a support weapon and a fistful of grenades are seriously recommended. This particular scenario gives a good idea as to what it must have been like for those unfortunate defending Rourke’s Drift or Berlin against the might of the Red Army. Just ask Adolf when he went bust in ’45. TWA prides itself on running varied, diverse gaming scenarios that differ from site to site. Savyell adds: “We mainly use head-on games at the urban site that require both strategic thinking and teamwork. At the woodland we use a variety of attack and defend games where camouflage can be applied effectively.” Other challenging games include the VIP hostage and secure sector where the attackers have to defend a number of respawn areas. Once a respawn is lost the defenders retreat to the next zone until only one is left. Then it’s a mash-up. The final bloodbath is usually set in a village in open ground or a building area set far below ground level. Defenders can enjoy the rough ground, concrete debris and barrels as cover. On a recent game I ran through a gauntlet of fire and flanked their defence to climb high above them on their unprotected side. It was one of those beautiful airsoft moments: looking down I could see that the enemy, who were huddled within the building, did not enjoy the luxury of a roof. Squeeze trigger on fullauto. Game. Set. Match.
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Savyell believes that the sport has a bright future so long as players obey the rules. TWA is very strict on fps readings, with 328fps the limit for AEGs and higher for snipers. I have witnessed sites across the country that do not give a fig for legal recommendations and allow imported weapons to be used on their sites without even a cursory chrono. This terrifies me. “We follow UKASGB rules for insurance purposes,” Savyell confirms. “There is no real reason for an AEG to be pumping out unnecessary fps, especially not when we have younger players at our game site.” So I was impressed, on my first visit, when my A&K M60 MK43 was refused entry as its stock power was well over the limit. Savyell called an engineer the same day to have the spring degraded for a corker of a deal.
He is also keen to add that TWA will develop further and hopefully become one of the more well-known and liked game sites in the country with a fun atmosphere. And there is no reason why TWA should not grow and be recognised. Its conduct is positive and highly professional, and the same old faces return with cheer, showing off their new weapons and encouraging others to use them on the day. Also, youngsters are treated with respect in an effort to teach them the skills of the sport, safety and in turn respect, which will only help attract new blood. It is imperative that sites do what they can to keep younger players enthused. “Enjoy airsoft, play fairly and respect each other when playing,” Saveyell finishes. And if that does not convince you, the pretty eye candy and hotdogs certainly will. ■
TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT (WOODLAND) Featherbed Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR0 9AS Prices Walk-on: £10 (half-day) / £20 (full day) Rifle hire: £40 (includes green fee, rifle, camo suit, facemask, one full hi-cap and lunch) Contact www.tacticalwarfare.co.uk, 0208 665 11299, 07957 000984
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SHOW TIME Nige, Ant and the rest of the AA crew headed off to the Newark Showground to see how airsoft is growing in the ‘Hunting, Shooting, Fishing’ community
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udging by the crowds surrounding the airsoft retailers’ stands at this year’s British Shooting Show airsoft is making a big impact on the UK’s shooting community. In 2011 airsoft made its first appearance at the show and based upon the reaction then, the organisers decided to create a specific Airsoft Arena for the 2012 Show. It was definitely the right decision – although not without its frustrations (more about that later). Almost from the moment the doors opened at 8am on the Saturday right up until just a couple of hours before the show closed the next day, Lincolnshire/Arena Airsoft, JD Airsoft, BadgerTac and The Shop at the Grange were surrounded by a crowd three or four people
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“Stirling Airsoft had brought along an inflatable (I kid you not!) ‘Afghan Village’ – and lots of flash-bangs to go with it!” deep at times. Edgar Brothers was also displaying a selection of weapons, including the new KWA Electric Recoil Guns that I saw at SHOT last month. BadgerTac and BadgerTac2 shared a stand and had a very large range of pistols on display (seemed as though everybody wanted to pick one up and take a closer look), along with a large range of rifles, scopes and accessories. Over at JD Airsoft, Phil had really gone to town
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and I reckon between them and the BadgerTac boys there couldn’t have been much stock left anywhere in the UK! Pride of place on the JD Airsoft stand had been given to the new Ashbury Precision Ordnance ASW338LM sniper rifle. Although it was just a prototype on display it drew a huge amount of interest (and we’ve been promised that as soon as one is available Airsoft Action will have it for an exclusive review). Next to
JD, Lincolnshire/Arena Airsoft displayed a good range of both black and two-tone weaponry while over at the Shop at The Grange racks of A-TACS were tempting shooters to open their wallets. The Grange had also set up an AIPSC (Airsoft Practical Pistol) range and was inviting people to try their hand at combining the speed and accuracy this discipline requires to be successful. If they wanted something that didn’t require quite so much speed (and probably a little less accuracy) – but was definitely much louder – then Stirling Airsoft had brought along an inflatable (I kid you not!) ‘Afghan Village’ and lots of flash-bangs to go with it! Stirling’s Matt and Ben had borrowed the inflatable village from Battlefield Live in Norwich and were running demos of a patrol doing building clearance. So that people could see what was going on, exterior windows had been covered with Perspex and crowds gathered to watch every time a demo was running. Visitors were then invited to try it for themselves and experience a small taster of
SHOW TIME
airsoft magazine in the Arena) we were both amazed and delighted by the number of airsofters at the show and want to say thanks to all of you for taking the time to come by and have a chat. It was great to meet you (some not for the first time) and hear what you had to say about the magazine. Special mention to teams Recon6 and FFZ Rats for coming down and keeping us entertained (and nicking our mugs!). In a (very rare) quiet moment I took the opportunity to wander round the rest of the show. It was far bigger than I expected it to be, and though I didn’t really have any
preconceptions about the size of the show or the number of people that would be there, to say that it was just busy would be a huge understatement. Names such as Browning, Brocock, Winchester and Edgar Brothers were familiar to me, while dozens of others were completely new but all had stands full of people. I don’t know how much was being sold but plenty of visitors were laden with bags of new goodies – I saw a number of ICS GLMs being carried away from the airsoft arena, and spoke to a tiny girl carrying her first and brand new Yildiz .410 shotgun. If just a small percentage of
The Recon6 boys with editor Nige Streeter – when they finally tracked him down!
Airsoft Action’s lovely mannequin Juan, displaying some of the awesome kit we’ve got to give away in our Show competition. Unfortunately we’ve not yet been able to contact the winner – watch this space for the results!
what makes our game so bloody good (actually, it was more like moths to a flame when the bangs started going off!). Note to self: Next time you are crouched in the corner of a room and a grenade lands at your feet, don’t carry on taking photos – get the hell out of there! Over on the Airsoft Action stand (the only
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Big thanks to the FFZ Rats – (in no particular order) Paul Overend, Diane Overend, Owen Farrow, Paul Newby, Michael Drakard, Norman Haggar and Ben Cooke – for stealing our mugs, stalking me between stands and generally keeping spirits up. Welcome back anytime!
‘lookers’ were also ‘buyers’ then I guess there must have been a few happy retailers as well as happy customers by the end of the show – and that brings me back to airsoft and one of the issues that dogs us all the time: the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. We all know the obstacles this piece of legislation puts in our way and the hoops we have to jump through when purchasing a realistic imitation firearm (which almost all non-two-tone airsoft guns are). But when you have to turn round to someone who holds a Section 1 Firearms Licence, standing in front of you with a handful of cash wanting to buy a toy gun, and say, “I’m sorry, it’s not legal for me to sell you that!” it is frustrating in the extreme – especially when you have to say it over and over and over again! The British Shooting Show really drove home the argument that the VCR Act is severely restricting trade in the UK. Not only that, what do you think the reaction was when someone who can go and buy a lethal weapon (and probably has a completely legal collection of them at home) is told they cannot buy a gun that fires 6mm plastic pellets? Some of the comments I heard began with the letters f, c and w – and were aimed, not at the Government, but as personal insults towards the people who refused to sell. I spoke to all the airsoft retailers and the consensus was that the Show was good but sales were (unsurprisingly) disappointing. None
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of those exhibiting would commit to returning next year if the show remains in its current form. And this is a real shame. The Show is a brilliant advert for airsoft, and judging by the response from the vast majority we spoke to we made many new friends and quite a few converts too. But it’s all for nought if those converts, or those interested in the sport, are actively prevented from taking that interest further. One thing is clear: shooting sports are thriving in the UK. Everywhere throughout the show were excited youngsters eager to get
on the ranges, try out a new air rifle or get a shotgun of their very own so they could go shooting with daddy. This is important, and this enthusiasm must be nurtured. But when it is easier for these youngsters – the future of any sport – to own an air rifle and hunt pigeons than it is for them to own an airsoft gun and skirmish with friends we are in a dangerous position. Will we be back next year? Truthfully, we don’t know. Certainly it is worthwhile – but in its current state the British Shooting Show can only do so much for airsofters, and it is the airsofters’ nature to want more! ■
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G N YOU
Jezz Blume asks why some parents would stop their child playing airsoft
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hy do a lot of parents not like the idea of their kids playing airsoft? Well, for a start a lot of parents don’t like guns or weapons in general. That their child is using weapons that are replicas of killing machines disturbs most parents. The fact that their child is learning how to handle and use them really gets to them. But the way I see it, it teaches ‘Youngens’ that weapons are not toys. Airsoft guns are toys, but they can still be dangerous and proper safety and discipline when it comes to weapon handling is one thing most sites are
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GUNS strict on. There are engagement distance rules for powerful rifles and different shooting rules depending on the power of your airsoft gun. I say teach kids how to use a weapon and teach them that the responsibility for safety lies, first and foremost, with them. As fun as it may be shooting at people it’s important to instill the fact that these guns – all guns – are potentially dangerous, before they learn for themselves. Most parents are against guns, but what kid (ok, boy perhaps) doesn’t like guns? After all it’s only a bit of fun! Some people may see airsoft as glorified violence – and it may be, but at the end of the day it is just a game and nothing more.
Another point parents will raise is that it’s dangerous. Yet they will happily let their children go paintballing, which is actually a lot more painful considering that paintballs leave lovely purple bruises. BBs may every now and then leave you with a little blood, a tiny cut, but most of the time they just sting. That’s about as dangerous as it gets – a little sting from a plastic 6mm BB. Safety is strongly enforced, the only potentially seriously dangerous part is if the BB hits you in the eye. This is why you’re not allowed out on the battlefield without eye protection and why people under age 18 are required to wear a full facemask. So your child is 99 per cent safe from the off. The other 1 per cent is made up of stupid
yet to come for me, since at least two of my own guns break every game. But not everyone is as unlucky as I am. Keeping your gun wiped down and clean is essential and if I were to compare it to something I’d say it’s like tuning a guitar. You can’t play unless your guitar sounds perfect. Well it’s the same with airsoft, you can’t play unless your gun is in full working condition, and the simplest way to maintain that is to clean it after every game. This takes no time at all and barely any equipment. You’ll need some silicone oil and a linen cloth along with a barrel cleaning rod. Simply spray on the silicone, give the outer gun a good clean, then cut a bit of cloth (linen cloth is best for this) apply silicone oil after putting it on your cleaning rod and give the barrel a good scrub. You’ll know why this is essential when you’ve done it, as the cloth will come out black and grubby. Alongside simple gun maintenance there’s gun modification. This isn’t exactly required but if your gun has broken or just isn’t up to standards this is something you want to look into.
YOUNG GUNS Outer modification is for looks – we all love a cool looking gun or to have a grenade launcher there to give someone a huge fright! But outer modification is just a matter of personal preference – it’s internal modification that really matters. I’m not going to go into detail of internal modification, as it would take far more words than I have to work with, so here it is simply. If your motor breaks why not modify it or upgrade it instead of just repairing it? If your hop system has broken you can modify or upgrade it, and so on. Outer modification is about personal preference and the looks of your gun. Internal modification is not just personal preference but can also be required to play airsoft to the capacity you want to play at, or just to have a half-decent gun that won’t get out-shot by everything else out there. This is WarWolf signing out until next time. ■
accidents such as falling down a hill or something, and through negligence and stupidity. Accidents happen wherever you are, that’s life; and it would be down to you to ensure your child is taught to respect the fact guns can injure and that ultimate responsibility for their wellbeing rests with them. Gun safety isn’t innate: people need to be taught the rules if they’re to have any chance of following them. Besides, what parent doesn’t want their child learning team skills that are unique and not found doing anything else? The teamwork required for airsoft is off the scales. And every parent loves seeing their child learn new skills – plus it’s great exercise! The amount of running and walking (with all that gear on) you do is unbelievable, I’ve used a step counter once and in one day did about 12 miles. It’s tiring but brilliant exercise, and what parent doesn’t want their child keeping fit huh? But airsoft isn’t just about running around the woods shooting people… When not playing there are many things you have to do to make sure you can play again. Mainly this means gun maintenance; I’m sure we’ve all dropped, dived and sometimes even thrown our gun into or on dirt. Keeping your gun clean and in good shape is necessary if you want to play airsoft games without any problems. This day has
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A-TACS FG 034
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CAMO TEST
Thanks to our friends at Propper International, Airsoft Action brings you an exclusive first look at the brand new A-TACS FG
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he Advanced Tactical Concealment System (better known as A-TACS) is a relatively new camouflage pattern. Developed by Digital Concealment Systems in response to the requirement for a better and more effective camouflage system for personnel in branches of the United States military and law enforcement, it is designed as a universal pattern to be used in a wide range of environments. A surprising number of digital camouflage patterns currently in use by armed forces across the globe have issues in the way they are designed. Using square pixels to create the distortion effect does not reproduce the shapes, forms and shadows of the natural environment, something that is particularly obvious when viewed through a scope or other optic. There are no straight lines in nature so 90° angles, coupled with limited use of natural colours can, in many cases, make detection easier (ACU is probably the best example). Digital Concealment Systems has created a unique camouflage pattern that uses
more natural shapes and colour patterns to help distort the wearer. What it has done is create small shapes, which help create larger shapes, which are organised into a distinct pattern with no horizontal or vertical orientation. This ‘pattern within a pattern’ means that A-TACS is more effective at breaking up the human shape at distance as well as at close range, without the ‘clumping’ effect that some other patterns suffer from. DCS has also come up with its own unique mathematical algorithm that produces the organically shaped pixels you see in A-TACS and, while the pattern is still digital, it has a more organic appearance than the more commonly seen square pixels of other camouflage patterns. A-TACS first become available in the UK back in 2011 and became an instant hit within the airsoft market. First came the uniforms, and pretty soon everything else from boots to tactical equipment started to become available from a range of manufacturers. Although it has been a hit within the airsoft community we mustn’t forget that this pattern was designed for real world use. To give you some idea how seriously
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manufacturers are taking this pattern, an American boot manufacturer has even made a boot in this camouflage pattern in case you want that ‘all in one’ look. Up until now A-TACS has only been available in a colour scheme based on a neutral tan (originally designed for use in open, rocky or arid environments) but, scheduled for release about the same time as this issue of Airsoft Action, A-TACS FG is about to change everything. In case you didn’t know, FG stands for Foliage Green and this is the first time it has been seen in the UK. Unfortunately we’ve had to keep it a bit under wraps, so haven’t been able to test it out on-site… yet! So, does it work? Well, what can I say? As you can see from the pictures, even without much foliage on the trees the pattern works very well indeed. These pictures were taken in winter in a European environment but the wearer was still able to blend in with their surroundings without too much trouble. Another thing that you may have picked up
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from the pictures is that, if the wearer’s face and hands were covered (or painted) he would be very difficult to see at all. So I have to agree with DCS that it does distort the human outline very well. One thing I would like to mention, however, is that the uniform is perhaps a little too baggy. What I mean by this is that the cut of the trousers is very big and there is a lot of material flapping around, which could become a bit of a nuisance to some people – myself included. I do know this was one of the complaints when A-TACS first appeared last year. Other than that, with the amount of items available in A-TACS AU and now with this new pattern, I think we will be seeing a lot more A-TACS on the skirmish field and, who knows, maybe even in use in the real world soon. I hope to try out A-TACS FG at a game in the very near future, so if a BB strikes you in the middle of your chest (followed by a low chuckle) and you can’t see where it came from… ■
At the British Shooting Show we spoke to Jim from The Shop at The Grange, who sells A-TACS AU from Propper. Jim has told AA that he expects stocks of the new A-TACS FG in the near future. By the time you get to read this The Grange may already have it for sale. Call them to find out: 01676 532384, www.suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk
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CYMA AK-74N Baz Collins has been using Cyma’s CM.048 (AK-74 clone) for more than a month and it’s still going strong – has Chinese manufacturer Cyma turned a corner?
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ack when this airsofter started the Chinese clones (or cheapsoft) guns were all the rage – the affordable prices meant people could play from the off. But as most people who played then will remember the clone guns were just that – clones! The quality was often dire, with the worst kind of pot-metal/alloy imaginable, very poor plastics and faux wood on just about anything that was meant to have some real tree attached. When the Chinese government effectively shut down the export of clone guns the door was opened for the big brands to start releasing their own budget guns. Most of the
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clone manufacturers have since dissapeared (at least here in the UK) though there are still two showing face. One is Cyma. Cyma’s return has heralded a new era of manufacturing; the bar has been raised in terms of production and quality control. Though you can still buy the cheaper lines it now has its high-end series. Cyma Mark guns a bit strange though. Most of the guns under the CM.040 series are of cheaper build quality, cloned from the lines of TM and such. Those above that have been cloned from VFCs, though, and they are something else. The review gun is Cyma’s clone of the VFC AK-74N, which I have to say I was stumped with. Yes the metal is lower
quality than VFC’s, as is the wood and nearly all the internals (which is debatable – my VFC experiences are not good!) but they cost less than half the price of a VFC and are absolutely bombproof. The gun weighs in around the 3.5kg mark, comes with a 500-round hi-cap magazine, cleaning rod, battery and charger. Sadly the battery and charger are still low quality and I personally wouldn’t touch them. The gun is finished in a matt black paint which will scrape off, but can take quite a beating. The wood is real wood and as you can see from the pictures it’s fairly decent (the lacquer finish could be better but it is easy to sand down and redo yourself!).
THE ARMOURY
“Has Cyma finally realised the world doesn’t need guns coming out the box firing at 1,000,000fps? Of course not: it chronoed at 440fps”
Internally the gun is running a standard V3 gearbox with a 6.08mm barrel, metal hop unit and decent gauge wiring. When I went to chrono the gun I hoped – prayed – that Cyma has finally realised the world doesn’t need guns coming out the box firing at 1,000,000fps, that a nice sensible 350fps would suffice, so what do you think the result was? Of course: 440fps! They’re still sending them out to all regions at high fps ratings, though this was on loan from Monkey Aisoft and pretty much came right off the boat to me so the store never got a chance to downgrade it to site-friendly limits. Usually all guns are checked and downgraded if necessary before being shipped.
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After I had chronoed it I contacted Monkey Airsoft and got permission to downgrade it myself. This allowed me to see the internals of the gun. As said it’s a standard V3 gearbox and the internals aren’t too much different from the Cymas of old. You’re still getting steel gears, metal bushings, polymer piston and piston head – the usual. One thing that was nice to see is there’s not a half-ton of dodgy-looking grease gunging up the gearbox so the whole thing performs a lot nicer as I found later on. After the downgrade I had the gun sitting at a nice 320fps and I put on a deans connecter (supplied with a standard mini-Tamiya) to run LiPo batteries. As this is a VFC clone it comes complete with the real takedown system. VFC uses
body pins rather than screws or grub screws, which is apparently like the real AK but as I’ve never taken one down I can’t be sure. After owning nearly every type of AK on the market though I can say that the real takedown feature is second to none, and the Cymas have replicated this with meticulous detail. They’re easy to disassemble and, when out on the field, one of the most solid guns I have ever used. After running the gun for a full day I was gob-smacked. The range on this thing is brutal, easily out to 60m, with a rate of fire around 800-900rpm and very tight groupings (around 6-8in at 30m). With a decent LiPo (high mAH and ‘C’ rating) the trigger response was snappy and crisp. I tried a host of magazines including Cyma, MAG and G&P
mid-caps and all fed flawlessly, a testament to the Cyma hop unit. I’ve used this gun for more than a month now and not had any problems with it at all. The gun still fires to the same range it did, has the same snappy trigger response and the rof hasn’t budged. Three full game days so far – and nothing to report besides total satisfaction. These guns are immense when you factor in the price – around the £200 mark – so much so that I have sold all my other AK brands (including VFC and even the mighty LCT) and bought Cyma’s new 40 series (three in total), as these guns are the best bang for your buck – period! ■
SPECIFICATIONS Cyma CM.048 Weight: 3,220g Length: 963mm Build: Real wood furniture and full-metal construction Barrel length: 495mm Gearbox: V3 Velocity: 440fps Price: £220 Huge thanks to Andy at Monkey Airsoft for supplying gun on test. Andy has a good range of the new Cymas – check out full selection at www.monkeyairsoft.co.uk
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THE ACADEMY I
knelt in the shadows, rifle up and aimed at the double doors at the end of the corridor. In a darkened toilet to my left stood a teammate, all but invisible, silently waiting; behind me another leaned around a doorframe to site his red-dot firmly on the blacked out doors that we knew the enemy would try and assail. We were relying on others in the atrium behind us to hold the staircase and defend the open space. Hold your breath… Light moving behind the door betrayed them before they could open it, and we were ready – the right hand door was flung open, I counted three opposing as we rattled single fire at the gap. A satisfied smile crept across my face as the door slowly closed amid the cries of ‘hit!’ The first wave may have been easy, but this battle was far from over… On the floor above a small group had dug in at the science labs, using the big wooden benches as fixed cover, aware they could be flanked if the ground floor defence collapsed. They too had been playing a waiting game, listening to the sounds of combat as the enemy forced their way up the far stairs and through the corridor to the science labs. The wait was over. “Contact doorway!” the shout was raised from the back of the room as a player picked up movement. Rifles came to ready and single shots whizzed into the shadows – but nothing could
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Quiet down at the back: Ant Platt’s been back to school for his first CQB game, at First and Only Midlands’ newest site The Academy have prepared them for the BFG that rolled halfway into the room. Though they scrambled to the back of the room they were too slow to escape before the dull boom resounded. “Four dead!” marshal Bagpuss confirmed and the opposing forces swept through the lab and down the stairs they had so far failed to assault. From two sides they attacked the
forces defending the staircase and atrium, driving their enemies back to cover. Having repelled barrage after barrage from the doors I had been defending I took a gun hit from behind. The atrium was lost. Game over. And as we trooped back to the Safe Zone in the gymnasium to fill mags, take on liquids and kit up for the next game, I concluded
SITE REVIEW feedback and marshals’ observations it has been clear from the start that this is a venue with incredible potential. So far it has been hailed by players as one of the best CQB sites around – and we really do mean close quarters. The layout of the main building dictates that a lot of the firefights take place on and around the two staircases, while certain darkened, barricaded rooms provide a constant threat in otherwise sterile areas of the site. Outside access routes provide for flanking attacks on more open areas which are often accessible from two or three entrances as well as from above. The upper floors are composed of classrooms, some interconnected. Little of the action took place here (and when it did was usually ended by a well-placed grenade) but it is easy to see how this site lends itself to hostage rescue scenarios and similar themed games. One scenario played on the day involved marshal Treebeard as a VIP to be protected or captured, depending on your team, with a run time of 20 minutes. After securing Treebeard in the corner of a pitch black room off the atrium we held the opposing forces off for 14 minutes before being overrun and losing our VIP. When the scenario was reversed our team, attacking this time, took about 16 minutes to get to the same position – and realised
“If you’re not on form here you stand no chance (and if your CQB skill set is as dire as mine is then that equates to a lot of trips back to regen!)” that this is how airsoft should be played. As an introduction to CQB airsoft it was more a headbutt than a handshake – climbing those stairs knowing you will most probably join the crew of guys sporting a BB-sized gash on their forehead was daunting to say the least. This was all new to me and it got my heart pounding when I realised that no amount of Rainbow Six was an apt substitute for having actual experience of this kind of combat.
This is First and Only Midlands’ newest venture – The Academy, situated in North Leamington School’s abandoned lower school building. Like most urban venues the land will eventually be redeveloped, but for the foreseeable future it will exist as an airsoft site. This was the third skirmish day hosted at The Academy, and while some aspects are being continually revised as per players’
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The Silent Ghosts travelled from Bristol to play at The Academy
Treebeard was no longer hidden in the dark corner. A few short minutes’ frantic search commenced as five or six of us cleared one last corridor – but it had been an exercise in poor room clearance, as Felix pointed out once end-ex had been called: we’d passed Treebeard, unguarded, sat disconsolately on a toilet in a dark washroom we’d passed by in the final minutes. If you’re not on form here you stand no chance (and if your CQB skill set is as dire as mine is then that equates to a lot of trips back to regen!). Night games will be intense as there is no power at all to the building. During the day skirmish most areas were reasonably well lit naturally, though some were deliberately blacked out to improve the playability of certain areas. But at night the whole place will be pitch black, and identifying where threats are will be a daunting (read: terrifying) task given the thousands of doorways, cupboards, hidey-holes and dark corners. The entire site is single-shot only, limited to 350fps with a 0.2g BB (with absolutely
no allowance for guns shooting higher). All non-rental weapons are chronoed before play begins. As it’s so close to residential areas the only pyros allowed are 9mm BFGs and thermobaric grenades (TLSFx only) – though sometimes boomingly loud they detonate at a lower pitch, so the sound doesn’t travel as far. Player numbers for a day’s skirmish are capped at around 40 players. Head marshal Felix explained: “When you add another 10 bodies certain games play out too slowly – you get groups of players waiting to go up stairs and such and games just don’t move fast enough.” The skill and experience of Felix’s team is impressive. First and Only is a professional venture and you expect things to be spot on as far as standard elements go (briefing, rules and the like). But it was the dynamic marshalling that stood out for me – case in point being a simple change to a game’s rules that immediately changed a standstill scenario into a furious firefight by forcing both teams to rethink their strategy. By deeming a
single door on the first floor as out of bounds the defenders lost their foothold and had to reconsider while the attackers were forced to find new routes of entry that would ultimately prove more effective. Felix and his team have some exciting plans for the venue too. Zombie night games are already in the works – the first will take place 17 March – and based more on the principal of survival horror than emptying hi-caps into unarmed opponents. Ammo will be severely limited – that is, you start with perhaps 10 rounds and must find the rest scattered about the building. While being hunted by the undead. In a pitch black school. Spare pants are probably a good idea. Other ideas include CQB training sessions, with a principal focus on hostage rescue missions as The Academy is just perfectly suited to it, and multi-venue skirmishes touring three First and Only Midlands sites across a weekend. On the day we attended the final scores tallied at seven to six, in the opposing team’s favour. But as ever the scores barely mattered; some 35 players had experienced The Academy for the first time and most, if not all – including the team that had endured a 200-mile round trip from Bristol – said they would be back again. That, ultimately, is what counts to the players, the marshals and First and Only as a whole. The Academy is the essence of CQB airsoft. It gives upfront, in your face action that demands both patience and risks, skill and strategy. While there was often a glut of players in bottleneck locations (stairs, anyone?) this was often due to players not wanting to step into the line of fire, or inexperience with such intensely close-quarters battle. Sometimes the only way to advance here is to take one for the team – as marshal Bagpuss so eloquently roared, “Come on you pussies, they can’t hit us all!” ■
FIRST AND ONLY: THE ACADEMY Old Lower School, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 6QF Prices Walk-on members: £25 Walk-on non-members: £30 Price includes lunch (vegetarian option available) Rifle hire: £15 (includes G36C, hi-cap magazine and face protection) Contact: 07779 157440, www.firstandonlyevents.co.uk
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REHEARSALS
AND ACTIONS ON
The old adage ‘practice makes perfect’ is just as relevant to airsoft as it is to the military. Billy Basics explains why practice is vital to success
T
he term ‘rehearsals’, in the context of military matters, has nothing to do with putting on an amateur dramatics production in your local Town Hall! Rehearsals play a crucial part in the success of any manoeuvre, especially if you’re doing something new, trying out some new equipment or have a few new team members. Rehearsals are an important part of practising. If you look at pretty much any sport where one team is pitted against another, the tactics they use consist of set-piece movements that involve the whole team. They have to be rehearsed over and over again or it could all go to rats. So when you’re waiting for your turn to go through a scenario or onto the range, rather than sitting whingeing about how long the others are taking or thinking how cool you must look with your new drop leg holster, have a chat with yourself instead: get your team together, get them motivated, focussed and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
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If you’re the Team Leader/Squad Commander/Village Elder, whatever title you chose for yourself, then grip your guys – once they’ve done it a few times they’ll start to feel the benefits and get into it big time. You can bet your bottom dollar that the groups sat around smirking and poking fun at you will soon be slinking off to find a quiet spot to practise. You can congratulate yourselves on how good you look when you’ve smashed the opposition and ground their smug faces into the ground with your slick drills! My sister once asked me, “What exactly do you do in these exercises that you go on all the time?” I paused for a second and replied: “We practise aspects of our soldiering skills,” to which she responded: “Blimey, you’ve been in for 16 years, if you haven’t got it by now I’d sack it if I were you!” Yeah, but what does she know eh? ‘Practice makes perfect’ as they say – and whoever they were, they were bang on! All professional armies throughout history have practised their drills. Our army still places big emphasis on drills, even in today’s hi-tech world.
SKILLS ROOM there will be plenty even with a simple mission – so you can go through them slow time, as a form of moving discussion group, so that everyone is clear on their role and responsibilities.
Noisy day We keep the talking to a minimum – so no unnecessary chit chat – and go through it, stopping periodically to clear up any mistakes, then re-cock and go again and again and again, and keep on going back until you’re all moving as one and able to cover all the bases while reacting to every situation that might arise.
Quiet day Should speak for itself (or not (definitely no pun intended there!)). You’re now slick at the drill and don’t need to talk to one another, apart from when it goes noisy and the bangs start
Marching up and down the square isn’t just to look good for Royal Weddings or your Pass Out parade (although it is jolly nice to watch). Drill was a way of moving large formations quickly around the battlefield, as well as practising the troops to respond instantly to commands in times of battle – if they’d been given the option they’d have legged it! So why do we need to rehearse? Why can’t we just smash into it? After all we did it last time and it was gleaming. Well that’s all very well, but we humans are funny so and sos and we forget stuff, we get distracted, we don’t listen or take things onboard, and we screw up (sometimes royally!). There are different types of rehearsals, and they each do exactly what they say on the tin.
“You can congratulate yourselves on how good you look when you’ve smashed the opposition and ground their smug faces into the ground with your slick drills!”
Walk through – Talk through. You can tether the team around a small model on the ground (use your imagination here, with notebooks or mags for buildings and whatnot), or a blackboard, or chalk on the side of a building. Mark out an area on the ground with white mine tape and move through your imaginary objective. While you are doing this discuss issues that might arise – and
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going off. But don’t forget, even if it has gone noisy it’s not the time to start hollering just for the sheer joy of it, because if the enemy can’t hear or see you he’s still guessing. Don’t confirm your position to him: stay low, quiet and move fast. Speed-aggression-surprise.
Night rehearsals When done in night time, these rehearsals are called noisy night and quiet night instead. The things most likely to give you away at night are light and noise, such as
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tripping, scraping and rattling – so sort your bits and bobs out during your day rehearsals so that you’re like a ninja when the sun goes to bed.
Full rehearsal This should be a confirmatory run through of everything you have practised, with no talking and (hopefully) no mistakes, just a fluid-slick movement with a quick debrief at the end. Then it’s show time! When Captain David Stirling, a young Scots Guards Officer, thought up and formed the SAS
during WWII, one of the tenets he built the Regiment on was ‘The unrelenting pursuit of excellence’. Rehearsals would have played a hugely important part of their training before a mission, and they still do today. Don’t listen to the likes of Dave Lee Roth, who once remarked: “It don’t matter whether you win or lose, so long as you look good,” because it does matter! Winning is a great feeling and we should all strive to be the best at what we do, in all walks of life and disciplines. Billy out. ■
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FALLOUT UK
LAND OF HOPE
AND GLORY
Computer gaming meets airsoft at the end of the world? Best we send Gadge Harvey and his crew to check it out!
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ake one post-apocalyptic ‘end of the world’ computer game scenario, find an old disused airbase, add airsoft guns, loads of pyro and a smidgen of roleplaying and what do you get? One hell of an airsoft weekend! I’m sure most of you are familiar with the Fallout series of games – but if not then imagine a world devastated by a nuclear war between the USA and China. A world in which some of the survivors emerge from underground ‘vault’ shelters to find a land populated by bands of roaming
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marauders, mutated radioactive animals and giant insects. A land where every day is a struggle to scavenge enough food, water and ammunition to survive – a grim prospect indeed (unless you’re from Bradford and used to it) but boy does it make for a great airsoft game setting! Not wanting a legal battle on their hands the Gunman Airsoft boys have loosely based their event in a similar universe to the Fallout games. In a clever twist, however, they decided to
place the games in a UK setting – Britain is frozen in a desperate dystopian 1980s setting at the time the bombs began to fall. So with this background in mind I checked the details on Gunman’s forum and found
EVENT REPORT player needed to be in possession of at least one bottle of water and one tin of food each day or risk starving to death! So the hunt began: players warily weighed each other up from across the wasteland but fingers stayed off triggers as the game’s economic system made weapons – and more importantly ammunition – very expensive. If you were going to get into a fight you’d better hope you had more ammo than the next guy and, when a ‘healthy supply’ of ammo was less than 100 BBs, every shot counted. To further complicate matters there was a semblance of law. The Warlords of the City of Norwich policed the zone with ‘provosts’, who were quick to settle any dispute with a blast from a shotgun or a blow from a truncheon. As an aside the provosts were a neat game mechanic in that they were heavily armed and armoured marshals, who could direct the event without detracting from the feel of it. As the first day wore on alliances began to form. Some players came across the vital missile components while scavenging for food and other items they could trade for weapons and ammo at the Trading Post. These players began to barter with the tribes, attempting to get a good price for the technology. As we were all settling into a sense of security all hell broke loose as a band of raiders, set on destruction, attacked the village from over the hills. Gathering that this wasn’t going to be a stand up airsoft fight. It was more like a live role-playing game that used airsoft technology to settle the gunfights (and a fair helping of realisticlooking foam swords, clubs and axes to handle the close combat). To add to the feel of the game the players were asked before the event to sign up as either a ‘Warrior’ (allowed to use all weapons and armour), a ‘Healer’ (with medical skills but limited equipment), or a ‘Ghoul’ (able to survive in irradiated areas). To make matters more interesting you could either choose to be a free agent or a member of one of the area’s warring tribes, which had a complex and uneasy alliance. It all sounded very exciting and it seemed an age before the weekend of the event arrived. It was a crisp, cold and generally bright winter weekend (fitting, as the UK in
the story was just coming out of a nuclear winter) and after checking in and being given our starting medic packs, anti-radiation equipment and close combat weapons we were sent out into the radioactive wastelands. The plot for the weekend was thus: a surviving nuclear missile and the launch components had been discovered in the missile base area, and each of the warring tribes wanted to be in possession of it in order to dominate the land. Before we could even go about getting the parts to complete the missile’s launch computer and warhead, though, we needed to get the essentials to survive! This meant a scavenger hunt to find food, water and ‘atomic’ cola. The organisers had hidden tins of food, bottles of water and cola and other supplies around the site – each
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together a posse of townsfolk, wasteland wanderers and tribesmen, the provosts managed to beat off the initial attack – but periodic forays were made into the village through the event and more than one player fell to a raider assault. As night fell on the settlement of The Tudd, players made their way into their faction houses and settlement encampments. The organisers had warned everyone that the real bad guys came out at night. As part of the game’s storyline we’d found out through recovered dossiers that experiments into genetically engineered stealth soldiers – Green Men – had been conducted during he war in the area of the village, and the descendants of these chameleon-like mutants came out after sundown. Despite the fact it was guys in ghillie suits with night vision stalking us it was still a bit terrifying when we had to venture out into the woods at night to recover a special type of glow bug. Every rustle of a bush or the wind through the long grass brought on a slight heart palpitation. Eventually we found enough samples of glow bugs for the resident scientist and settled down to the safety of the cantina. Here, with music playing, candles burning and a game of cards underway everyone felt much safer… which meant the unexpected
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attack by a rogue war-droid from out of the wastes was even more frightening! Eventually the Terminator-esque droid was driven off with severely damaged circuits, but it was some time before we felt secure again. Soon the marshals called an end to the first day of the adventure. The next day began at the break of dawn. With the alliances pretty firmly sealed over
discussions in the cantina the night before, both factions and their mercenary allies began in earnest to try and assemble the missile parts. Much to-ing and fro-ing was the order of the day; by mid afternoon the ragged descendents of the pre-war garrison, The Tallion, had wrested all the missile parts from the peace-loving nomadic tribe of the People’s Armed Kollective. The plot was
EVENT REPORT
“If you were going to get into a fight you’d better hope you had more ammo than the next guy and, when a ‘healthy supply’ of ammo was less than 100 BBs, every shot counted” concluded with the Tallion deciding to launch their missile against the Chinese. The tribe gathered around the launch console, punched in the codes and waited as the countdown boomed out of the PA system and emergency lights flashed. With the Tallion the victors of the hour the organisers whetted our appetite for future events: at two minutes to midnight the Doomsday Clock froze and the Tallion were told the tale of a technician able to fix their damaged hardware, lost in the depths of the wasteland… but that’s an adventure for another day.
Gunman’s Wastelander weekend was an ambitious mix of live role-playing and airsoft combat. At times it worked seamlessly and at others I felt certain elements might have been better executed. It certainly wasn’t an event for the trigger-happy, as the scavenging nature of the game meant that ammunition was scarce. For those used to emptying hi-cap after hi-cap at each other, being reduced to trading cans of food for a handful of BBs was frustrating – but it was a brave and promising start to what looks to be a fantastic series of games. The chaps at
Gunman have told us they intend to revise the rules in light of player feedback and hope to run the second instalment in August 2012. Gunman is one of the few airsoft companies offering these diverse scenarios that appeal to people outside of the airsoft community, namely live role-players. I’ll be going back for more, and if you’re a fan of dystopian post apocalyptic games and films you probably wouldn’t be disappointed – but it’s definitely not an event for beginners to either airsoft or live role-playing. ■
GUNMAN AIRSOFT Gunman Airsoft runs a range of FilmSim and MilSim events, operates two airsoft sites in the midlands and runs weekly practical pistol sessions. Contact: 07854 277264, www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk
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HEAD TO HEAD We got two high-quality flashlights that cost roughly the same and asked Matty Phillipson which is best. He couldn’t decide – can you?
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he initial idea was to do a comparative test of two torches – the Crelant 7G2-C and the Klarus NT20. Both fall into a similar price bracket and the plan was to find out if one is better than the other. The problem with that idea, though, is that we had no idea just how good these little flashlights are. So in an act of defiance against my brief I’ve written this instead, an article highlighting the two torches together. The reason is that, ultimately, the pictures do the talking – as with so much in airsoft, it all boils down to which you prefer the look and feel of. Both come with a nifty pouch that can be stuck on your belt for easy carrying. Before we go any further I’ll chuck the technical data at
you – notice there really isn’t an awful lot between them. The main difference is the existence of a ‘super low’ lighting mode on the Klarus, giving 2 lumen output for 200 hours (according to the official data). In contrast the lowest setting on the Crelant is
TECH SPEC CRELANT 7G2-C Length: 13.7cm Weight: 138g (with CR123a batteries fitted) Modes: Three light levels, one flash mode Lumen output: Minimum 15 lumen; maximum 320 lumen Runtime: 27 hours (15 lumen); 1.5 hours (320 lumen) Battery: 3v CR123a (2x) or 18650 Li-ion (1x) Price: £69.95 Many thanks to Innovatech for supplying the Crelant torch test: 020 8220 8000, www.inovatech.co.uk
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the low mode – giving 15 lumen output for a runtime of 27 hours (again according to spec sheet). However, the Crelant can be powered by a single 18650 Li-ion battery, which will increase runtimes across the board by about 35 per cent. Using an 18650 the 15 lumen output mode will give about 36 hours’ use before the battery gives out.
So the Klarus is lighter, shorter (and thinner, by the way) and has the bonus ‘super low’ mode; the Crelant is chunkier and a bit bigger, and has a higher maximum lumen output. As I said there’s not an awful lot between the two, and on test it proved impossible to mark one out as better than the other.
Operation Both are operated differently. The Crelant only has a tail cap pressure switch. Used normally this turns the torch on to high-output mode, and turns it off again. To access other light levels and strobe functions the bezel (head) of the torch must be turned slightly counter-clockwise. Halfpressing the end cap switch then scrolls through the various lighting modes available. This requires two hands – though if it’s firmly attached to your weapon it can be done one-handed. The Klarus meanwhile has both end cap pressure switch and side pressure switch (just below the head). The tail cap is solely used for turning the torch on and off. When the torch is on the side switch is used to switch between three lighting modes – low, medium and high. Holding it down gives high-output strobe mode – but accessing the other strobe modes requires turning the bezel ever so slightly. With bezel turned the side switch scrolls
between super low output, SOS strobe and beacon strobe (both relatively useless). Personally I found it easier to operate the Crelant, thanks to my clumsy man hands, but I still prefer the Klarus’ operation system. Using the tail cap solely for on/ off function makes it more useful when attached to the front of your weapon. And if you’re wondering, cable ties and electrical tape are both ideal mounting solutions!
KIT TEST
Conclusion I couldn’t decide whether the lack of a side switch was a disadvantage of the Crelant or not. If you don’t want to fanny around with various light levels or strobe modes then it works brilliantly – just move your hand forward a bit and you can turn it straight on to the highest light level when you need to. But using the other modes can be a bit fiddly and is pretty difficult with gloves on.
Another upside to the Klarus’ side switch is that it can remember which light level you used last. The Crelant, having one button only, can’t do this – it just turns off and on, or on to the next mode in the cycle (depending on whether the bezel is turned). This isn’t a major point, but I’m finding it hard poking holes in either of these products. The fact is that both torches are stonking bits of kit. There, I said it – I don’t know which I prefer. Maybe the Klarus for its slimmer design – but then again, the Crelant’s chunkier body is better suited to my hands. If you’re in the market for a flashlight and willing to spend a decent chunk on making sure it will last as long as you need it then both of these are worthy contenders for your money. A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words – so which picture’s talking loudest? ■
TECH SPEC KLARUS NT20 Length: 12.5cm Weight: 93g (with CR123a batteries fitted) Modes: Four light levels, three flash modes Lumen output: Minimum 2 lumen; maximum 280 lumen Runtime: 200 hours (2 lumen); 1.5 hours (280 lumen) Battery: 3v CR123a (2x) Price: £56.95 And thanks to Heinnie Haynes for supplying the Klarus torch on test: 033 0300 0400, www.heinnie.com
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EVOLUTION AIRSOFT
LONE STAR RANCHER F
irst things first: yes, it’s an M4 and yes, we’ve all seen one before. While some of you will immediately be put off by that fact I know others are hanging on until they find out those other all-important details: price and quality. To save you skipping to the end I’ll tell you now: for a full-metal M4 carbine with decent internals this carries a pricetag that’s hard to beat. Official RRP is £250, but there’s stock in the UK right now going for less than £170 a pop. At that price it’s a rival to equivalent rifles from the likes of ICS and Classic Army – but does it perform as well? The Evolution Airsoft rifle we had on test is a replica of Lone Star Tactical Supply’s
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Evolution Airsoft initially just distributed guns – now it’s making them. Matty Phillipson gets to grips with its licensed Lone Star Rancher
real-steel Lone Star Rancher. Evolution International has the exclusive worldwide rights to produce Lone Star Tactical rifles under licence, and the airsoft counterparts feature exactly the same markings as the real-steel versions. These rifles are manufactured by King Arms and the one difference is the inclusion of the words ‘Evolution Airsoft’ on the right-hand-side of the lower receiver, just behind the mag release button.
First impressions While many airsoft rifles come in fairly plain boxes, this isn’t the case with the Lone Star Rancher. A red, white and blue colour scheme screams ‘AMERICAN’ (just ignore the bit where it says ‘Made in Hong Kong’) while the huge letters ‘Hard Core Series’ mark this out as one for the big boys. Inside it’s good to see a liberal use of foam keeping everything secure. Peel them all away and there she is, in all her glory. Take her out and you’ll find the rifle has a nice comfortable weight to it, and the accurate markings – including calibre marking – are a very nice touch, as is the individual serial number on the lower receiver. They’re not engraved though, so will wear off eventually. Also in the box is a 300-round hi-cap mag, manual and obligatory cleaning rod. The Rancher has an ABS fixed stock. This is easily removed to stick a battery in there but one thing that irked me is that the connecting cable has a big Tamiya connector at the business end, though a mini-Tamiya connects it to the internals. Thankfully I picked up an 8.4v 3000mAh NiMh battery from Airsoft Armoury which has a large Tamiya connector. I was expecting I’d have to use a 1500mAh battery so the rate of fire was better than hoped for. The rifle features a carry handle complete with adjustable rear sight. The whole lot is easily removed to reveal a short top rail for
THE ARMOURY
“To be honest, this is an M4 – true it’s a nice one, but still, an M4 all the same. It is up to task, it took its knocks and battled through and I notched up a decent number of kills” mounting a sight system of your choice. The adjustable front sight is made of metal; a standard flashhider rounds off the package. You’ll need a tiny Allen key to remove it, and note that it’s on a clockwise thread which is unusual. The delta ring holding the plastic handguard in place is good and firm, and it requires some considerable pressure to release the handguard which is a comfort. The hop up is located in the usual place – pull the cocking handle to lock the dummy bolt open and reveal the gear. The working bolt catch lever releases the bolt again and the dust cover can be closed too. The fire selector – safe, semi, auto – is on the left of the receiver only; it moves fluidly and adjusts with an audible click. One last thing to note is the included hi-cap mag. It’s metal and the winding wheel is very easy to manipulate but the whole thing feels lightweight and flimsy, completely at odds with the solid feel of the rest of the rifle.
On test With battery charged and fitted, mag filled and a cursory spray of silicone on the important bits I took the Rancher out to see what she can do. First thing I noticed is that the supplied hi-cap fits the magwell badly, wobbling a lot and causing a few misfeeds. This is a real shame considering the feel of the rifle itself. Personally I’d rather use another brand than make minor modifications to the magwell to get this thing to sit right. Eventually I gave up with the ‘official’ mag and stuck a VFC mid-cap M4 mag in instead – and this worked wonders. It’s only maybe 0.5mm wider but fits much more snugly. With the 8.4v 3000mAh battery in the rate of fire was impressive, and using ASG Goldfire 0.2g BBs I was hitting a 10in target at 100ft. It’s capable of reaching out to 140ft but the accuracy dropped significantly at that range – you’ll probably still get your hits but will inevitably expend more ammo doing it.
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After I’d put a few hundred rounds through it was time to chrono the Rancher. I turned the hop back off and put it through a Madbull V2 chrono – three shots averaged out to a reading of 336fps. This isn’t mega, but given the standard velocity limits on most sites is 330fps it’s nothing to be disappointed by either. Once I’d set the hop properly it achieved an average reading of 318fps. Considering it’s an out-the-box rifle with nothing done to it, I’d be more than happy with that. I’m lucky enough to have access to some disused farm buildings on private land, and the owner had no issues with me and a few mates skulking about with assault rifles so I had a chance to see how this thing performed. The land isn’t ideal but can be used to replicate most any situation you might encounter on a day’s skirmish. To be honest, this is an M4 – true it’s a nice one, but still, it’s an M4 all the same. It is up to task, it took its knocks and battled through, and I notched up a decent number of kills at mid-ranges with this, as well as one exquisite long-range shot that took both victim and marksman by surprise. There’s some weight to the rifle but it’s not uncomfortable. In short she done good, and though it was an admittedly short test (two hours or so) no immediate problems surfaced – that’s a lot more than I can say for some guns I’ve used for two hours!
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Summary I’d not used a King Arms rifle before this. Having found a few threads on various forums before I got my hands on it I’d developed a few preconceptions – and most turned out to be true. This is without a doubt a well built rifle. From what I’ve seen the construction is on a par with the likes of VFC and ICS – though I didn’t get into the gearbox so can’t give you a definitive ‘yay or nay’ on that. I do know, though, that it has steel gears, metal hop-up chamber and 7mm bearings, so at least you can be sure it’s not completely full of shit. I’d take off the rear sight assembly and stick a nice red-dot sight on instead, and some of you will probably stick in a tightbore barrel as standard. Grab yourself a box of M4 mags from a decent manufacturer – VFC worked well for me – and you’re good to go. Now, back to that first and most important point: the price. Despite its professional feel and performance I’d denote this an entrylevel AEG in the price respect – that it’s available now for under £170 is incredible, and if you want a well-made, reliable M4, perhaps as your first AEG, don’t miss your chance (Google is your friend!). At £250 it’s more similarly-priced to its competitors’ offerings. I don’t own an M4 myself, though I’ve had a couple of cheapy ones along the way. But if I wanted to add one to my arsenal
permanently this would probably top my list – it’s nice to shoot, it’s full-metal but has a comfortable, usable weight and has a solid fixed stock. It’s capable of putting accurate rounds out to the furthest distances you’d expect an M4 to engage. If you want professional feel and build with realistic markings and a pricetag that won’t scare you, consider the Lone Star Rancher as an alternative to more well-known varieties. ■
SPECIFICATIONS Evolution Airsoft Lone Star Rancher Manufactured by King Arms Weight: 2,750g Length: 870mm Construction: Full metal with ABS in the usual places Inner barrel length: 363mm Gearbox: Version2 Motor: Evolution High-Torque Battery: 8.4v/9.6v NiMh Velocity: 318fps-336fps Price: £250 Big thanks to Evolution International for supplying rifle on test: www.evolution-airsoft.com Check with local retailers for availability
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ASCU An ASCU won’t turn your AEG into a Systema – but just how good is it? We let Banzai loose on a V2 gearbox to find out just how easy it is
H
i guys and girls, welcome to the second of my reports on upgrades, gadgets and gizmos for your airsoft AEG. In this report I am looking at Airsoft Systems’ Airsoft Smart Control Unit (ASCU) Model 2011. The ASCU is a replacement for the trigger system in a V2 gearbox. It allows a control and sensor unit to drastically improve the way your weapon works. It does this by monitoring it and ensuring a full cycle is always completed. This means the piston always stops in the fully forward position, leaving the spring in its most relaxed state. The control unit side of the unit is programmable and can be set to fire single shot, three-round-burst or full-auto. I will explain later how this is done but for now let’s get onto fitting the ASCU. First we need to remove the gearbox from your AEG following the standard procedure for your particular weapon. Now the work really begins! Open the gearbox by removing the four screws across the spine of the box,
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then start removing the remaining screws from the main body of the gearbox. Start at the rear of the gearbox and work forward towards the air nozzle. Once all the screws are removed you can open the gearbox, taking care that the return spring and guide don’t come out of the gearbox as you do so. You can now remove the spring, its guide, the piston, cylinder and tappet plate. Next remove the anti-reversal latch and the gears and then remove the old trigger system and the trigger itself. You can now remove the trigger safety lever as this is not needed with the new ASCU. At this point you can service your gearbox by cleaning the gears and the inside of the box.
Fitting the ASCU Install the ASCU sensor unit where the old trigger system was, reusing the screw which held the original in place. Be sure that the cut-off lever is under the lever of the cut-off sensor. Run the flat data wire along the usual cable route, making sure you are clear of the hole the body pin
WORKSHOP
passes through. The other end of this cable must be connected to the control unit. Run the red and black cables along the usual route to the motor – with one slight difference on the black wire. This needs to run past the exit hole and up towards the sensor unit, then bend over itself and back to the exit hole towards the motor as per the picture above. This will secure the flat data cable in place. Next, replace the gears without the antireversal latch (as this is no longer required) with the new ASCU. Once the gears are in place give them a turn by hand, making sure the cut-off lever is operating the cutoff sensor. Now replace the cylinder and the tappet plate, reconnecting the tappet plate spring as you do so. Insert piston, return spring and spring guide. Replace the trigger and close the box.
“The ASCU comes pre-programmed to work as ‘Safe’, ‘Single Shot’ and ‘Combined Three-Round Burst and Full-Auto’” www.airsoftactionmagazine.com
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Programming the ASCU
Selector plate before modification
Modified selector plate
Now we’ve rebuilt the weapon the fun can start. The ASCU is programmable and comes pre-programmed to work as ‘Safe’, ‘Single Shot’ and ‘Combined Three-RoundBurst and Full-Auto’. If you’re wondering what the last one means, it does is this: if you pull and release the trigger with full-auto selected it will only fire a three-round burst – but if you pull and hold the trigger it will fire fullauto. Simple! It has three further settings which can be programmed: ■ Mode Two: Safe – Single – Full-Auto
At this point we have a bit of a fiddly job to contend with. You need to remove the selector plate (which must be a metal plate type or it won’t work with the new ASCU) and remember to watch out for the very small spring that operates against the cut-off lever. Once removed you need to cut off 5mm of the selector plate as in the picture above. I found it easier to file off with a fine file as opposed to trying to cut it. Replace the selector plate, remembering to replace the small spring, and your gearbox is ready to be replaced into your weapon.
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■ Mode Three: Safe – Single – ThreeRound-Burst ■ Mode Four: Safe – Single To select a mode: set the selector to Safe, connect the battery then immediately (within two seconds) turn the selector to Auto and pull the trigger. A long beep indicates the unit is in ‘Program Mode’ and will now beep in sequence: one beep for Mode One, two beeps for Mode Two and so on. When you hear the number of beeps for the mode you want set you simply pull the trigger. A single beep indicates that the unit has set the mode you selected and that the AEG is ready to use.
The ASCU will remember the last mode selected so when you disconnect and reconnect your battery you don’t have to reprogramme it every time.
Using the ASCU I took the upgraded weapon out and put it through a number of vigorous tests and found it worked flawlessly in each of the four modes. One thing I have noticed since fitting the ASCU is that my rate of fire has increased, thanks to the built in mosfet in the control unit. Also, the unit can be used in conjunction with LiPo batteries for even better performance. In short, the ASCU is one simple drop-in upgrade part you should definitely consider if you want ultimate control of your rate of fire, and is well worth the money. ■
Thanks to RedWolf Airsoft for supplying the test ASCU: www.redwolfairsoft.com The ASCU should not be installed on an ICS M4 as it will disable the safety. Airsoft Systems is developing a new unit for use with the ICS gearbox: www.airsoftsystems.com Price: £99.99
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DOGS
COLD WAR WARRIOR
OF WAR 4 COMMANDO
MERCENARY The African republic of Biafra existed for three brutal years and was engaged in civil war the entire time. Gadge Harvey recreates the 4 Commando mercenary, soldiers who fought alongside native Biafrans for profit
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he chaotic aftermath of WWII saw many former colonies begin new lives as independent nations. These new states and countries were often plagued by civil disorder and war as tribal loyalties, held in check by imperialistic brute force, came once again to the fore. As Britain, France and Belgium, among others, began to grant independence to their colonies the fledging governments often found themselves unable to cope with the complexities of governing a whole country. To make matters worse the former overlords had often divided the occupied countries into arbitrary territories – convenient for the western powers but oblivious to tribal, racial, cultural and linguistic differences between the peoples within them. With strong and ancient
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tribal loyalties emerging alongside new and inevitably inexperienced governments, it was not long before many African states descended into the inevitable series of coups, rebellions and civil war that plagued the continent throughout the 1960s and 70s. These multitudinous ‘bush wars’ dragged countless Africans into senseless and bloody conflicts. But like all wars before them they also attracted the parasitic warriors from overseas in the form of legions of white mercenaries – eager to sell their services and souls for profit and glory.
Wars of liberation Superficially it is tricky to see where these African wars for independence fit in with the Cold War. Previously we’ve concentrated on the NATO and Warsaw Pact units geared up for a showdown in Europe – but both East and West knew there was a lot to be gained (or lost) in backing the right side in the territorial wars of Africa, be it in oil, diamonds or ideology. The Soviet Union perhaps had the most to gain. Russia had never shown any real interest in colonising Africa (unlike most of the NATO powers) but saw that by supplying arms and equipment to the indigenous peoples in the African ‘wars of liberation’ against their western ‘masters’, they could potentially be supporting a rise in Communism in Africa as well as indirectly bloodying the nose of the west. This issue we’ll look at a white mercenary soldier of the notorious ‘4 Commando Brigade’ of the Nigerian/Biafran civil war of 1967-1970.
Biafran Civil War In 1960 Nigeria had gained independence from Britain and maintained good relations. Many of Nigeria’s soldiers and officers were in fact British trained, and Britain continued to supply a large amount of equipment to the new nation. Shortly after independence a military coup was staged; the government was overthrown and the whole country thrown into chaos. It would take the entirety of this magazine to explain why the civil war occurred – the important result was that the south eastern region of Nigeria, which was largely populated by the Christian Igbo tribes, seceded and formed the autonomous state of the Republic of Biafra.
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Reacting swiftly the Nigerian Government launched a ‘police action’ to recover the breakaway state – and so began one of the most awful and bloody wars in African history. While rebel forces in any conflict are usually weaker in military terms, the new Biafran Republic gave a good account of itself. By 1968 the war had reached a stalemate – the Nigerian government resorted to blockading the Biafrans, causing massive civilian suffering. In order to break the stalemate Nigeria recruited foreign mercenaries. In return the Biafran Republic also took on ‘dogs of war’, the most famous of which were ‘4 Commando’ led by the German Rolf Steiner and Welshman Major Taffy Williams.
Dogs of war Britain largely supported its former colony throughout the war, while the Soviet Union surreptitiously supported the Biafrans by importing small arms, fighter aircraft and trained ‘advisors’ through its member states including Czechoslovakia. Our soldier here shows a mix of the influences from both sides in the conflict. Our mercenary is clothed largely in combat gear of British origin, but spanning a good three decades! The jungle green combat fatigues are of WWII vintage (stocks of the WWII issue ‘jungle greens’ were used by British soldiers well into the 1960s, as the 1950 pattern ones were unpopular with the troops). Our commando’s shirt is a civilian hunting shirt of unknown origin but of a type common enough in central Africa. His boots may look odd by today’s standards but they are 1950s jungle
boots of the Malayan War era. Very similar to extended basketball boots, these green high-leg canvas and rubber boots were more bearable in hot climates than the regular leather ammo boot, but were far less durable and prone to rot. Consequently few examples survive to this day. Headwear in mercenary units varies and represents a mixed bag of comfort and personal pride. Many mercenary soldiers continued to wear the berets and capbadges of their previous units as a mark of professionalism or simply as a boast – there was no way of knowing if the individual ever served in the unit so proudly displayed. Other popular headwear included British, Soviet or local origin bush hats and the ubiquitous bandana or sweat rag. While former professional soldiers may well have been clean shaven in their previous units it was not uncommon for mercenaries to sport exaggerated facial hair in the form of moustaches and full beards.
COLD WAR WARRIOR
The ubiquitous AK47 Load bearing equipment is relatively up to date for the period and consists of a mixture of British Army 58 and 44 pattern webbing (and a US M56 water bottle carrier) which had no doubt been obtained, as with most of his kit, from Nigerian government sources. Most mercenary forces wore similar if not identical uniforms to the local troops, as individuals flying with suitcases full of combat gear into a country in turmoil tend to attract unwanted attention at both the airport of origin and destination! Supply in the field from the employer’s quartermasters was very much the norm, although many mercenaries would attempt to take their own combat boots with them as few relished the idea of breaking in a new pair in a tumultuous warzone. Lastly, our warrior is equipped with the ubiquitous AK47 assault rifle which has no doubt been supplied by the Russians to aid the Biafrans in their struggle against their imperialist Nigerian oppressors.
“Like all wars before them, the bush wars attracted legions of white mercenaries eager to sell their services and souls for profit and glory”
The majority of soviet-supplied small arms were actually Czech Ceska Zbrojovka vz.58 assault rifles; while these look very similar they feature a different bolt operating system and the Czech rifle sports a shorter barrel – however at the time of going to press attempts to source an authentic Czech rifle were drawing a blank so we settled for the AK47 – less common in Biafra perhaps, but much easier to find in the UK. A common addition here – and frequently seen in conflicts throughout Africa – is the taped-together magazines to facilitate rapid reloads in the field. You’ll note we’ve taped a real AK47 mag to the airsoft mag, merely to give the weapon a more ‘African’ look, but in reality it’s a double edged sword… while it is easier to change the magazines quickly it severely over-balances the weapon and increases the risk of stoppages as dirt and dust can enter the spare mag. But if you want to look the part, it’s pretty much given! In the end the Biafrans lost the civil war, due to strategic and logistical issues rather than tactical battlefield defeats – but the mercenaries of ‘4 Commando Brigade’ were among the last to leave the warzone. ■ Next issue: Soviet Special Forces c.1980s
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BIG BOYZ TOYZ
If you are thinking of owning an ex-military vehicle, you need to speak to The Military Vehicle Trust. Ratty explains what it is and what it can do for you
THE MILITARY VEHICLE TRUST
S
ince I began writing the Big Boyz Toyz articles for Airsoft Action, one name I keep mentioning for potential owners and enthusiasts to contact (and join) is The Military Vehicle Trust (commonly referred to as the MVT). So for this feature I thought it would be great to tell you a little more about the MVT, what it is, what it does and why. More importantly, though, I’ll explain the benefits it can offer.
Background Way back in 1968 (that’s older than me!) a small group of military vehicle enthusiasts along the South coast got together and formed the Military Vehicle Conservation Trust. Over a period of time this small band of brothers (and sisters) grew until, in 1987, it became the Military Vehicle Trust, a charitable organisation with over 7,000 members worldwide. The organisation is volunteer-run by military vehicle owners and enthusiasts.
In the early days members were mainly restoring vehicles from WWII. These vehicles, after their military lives, found a second career with farmers for agricultural use or commercially for haulage and the like. Once their ‘second lives’ came to an end most were abandoned or went to scrapyards – where they were found, bought and restored to their former glory by an enthusiast. The Trust has changed over the years and now members own a much wider cross-
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“One of the most interesting points for us airsofters, perhaps, is that the MVT is classed as a ‘living history organisation’ so falls into the re-enactment society bracket of the VCR Act” section of military vehicles, dating from pre-WWI all the way through the ages and conflicts up to present day. The types of vehicles owned varies too, with everything from foldable bicycles to tanks from just about every manufacturing country around the world. Some owners are quite content to run an already restored vehicle while others spend years researching, finding then buying and restoring a particular vehicle. Owners take pride in their vehicles and, like us with our AEGs and pistols, they love to show them off. The MVT is often approached as a resource by film and TV companies with requests for owners’ vehicles to be used in the latest blockbuster or period drama.
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There are 52 regional area clubs (including one in British Forces Germany) all of whom have regular informal monthly meets, where enthusiast or owners can catch up with other owners or like-minded enthusiasts. If you are thinking of buying a particular vehicle you can discuss pros and cons, pitfalls and what to look for when buying. If you own one already it’s always great to pick another owners’ brains when it comes to restoration and what’s right for your vehicle. All in all it’s a great resource for information and part finding too! Most regional areas organise social events, trips out and participate in local shows. Many members are ex-servicemen with ties to other ex-servicemen organisations. Quite
often you will find an MVT member’s vehicle at British Legion’s Poppy Appeal Collection Points. Around the UK, throughout 2012, the MVT is holding 15 major events as well as participating in many, many more.
What can the MVT do for me? The MVT is a many-faceted organisation. Besides everything I have already mentioned, if you are interested in military vehicles and want to learn more and meet people then it is an invaluable source of information. If you are really serious about buying something then it has a military vehicle verification scheme with DVLA authorisation. If you own one already there are discounted insurance schemes for
being an MVT member. On the other side of the coin, if the unthinkable happens it has a theft register too, where you can log your stolen vehicle’s detailed description and pictures of it so it can hopefully be recognised and recovered. One of the most interesting points for us airsofters, perhaps, is that the MVT is classed as a ‘living history organisation’ so falls into the re-enactment society bracket of the VCR Act.
How do I join? So you’ve always had an interest in WWII American half-tracks since watching Kelly’s Heroes and want to know more about them in general? Maybe you want to buy a Bren gun carrier because your grandad drove one and you want to find one for sale and want to know how you go about working on one. Maybe you’ve bought a Land Rover Defender to go back and forth to work but fancy doing more with it. Then the MVT wants you! Joining is simple. The Trust’s website (www.mvt.org.uk) will give you the lowdown. You can join online or do it the old fashioned way via post. Alternatively check the info box at the end of this aticle for the club membership secretary’s contact number. Please remember that all MVT council members are volunteers and as such should
BIG BOYZ TOYZ be contacted during social hours wherever possible. Joining initially is a £30 fee and memberships are renewable yearly. For that you get your membership card with your own number, a year’s subscription to quarterly magazine Windscreen and bi-monthly newsletter Greensheet, free entry to MVT shows as well as your discounted military vehicle insurance and the other benefits.
My membership I joined the MVT a number of years ago. It has proved a great help when it comes to sourcing parts for project vehicles as well as for finding information about those particular vehicles. Its help on a Humber Pig (Pig Headed), Alvis Saracen (Winston), Alvis Stalwart, Land Rover SIII and more recently a Leyland DAF 4 Tonner has been invaluable – many of these would not have seen the road or been able to stay serviceable without the trust and other owners’ help. With the discounted insurance schemes available on your pride and joy the £30 outlay soon pales away.
Summary The trust goes from strength to strength ensuring that these mobile pieces of history keep on trucking, allowing this and future generations to see up close what has been used to win and lose battles and wars. Given what’s happening in the world right now then new members and new vehicles will be added for years to come. If you would like to know more then go to the website and see if it’s something that you would like to join. Like airsoft, it needs people who are passionate about their hobby to step up to the mark and get involved at any level. The more the merrier. I look forward to seeing some new members and vehicles at my local regional meet soon. ■
THE MILITARY VEHICLE TRUST Visit the MVT website to find your local regional meet: www.mvt.org.uk The Club membership secretary, Gary Anstee, can be contacted directly: 0845 475 1941 I would like to personally thank both Terry Till (Vice Chairman) and Simon Bromley (General Secretary) for their help and support in putting this feature together
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THE
EX-SITE
Hail, ice and the lure of a warm bed didn’t stop Ron Mahoney heading off to North Wales – or was it being told to ‘man up’ by the site owner that did it?
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t was one of those early morning starts when you start to question your sanity. Waves of hailstones beat rhythmically at the window, making it even harder to drag my sorry carcase out of my nice warm bed in the pitch black. Opening the curtains confirmed my worst fears: freezing fog, horizontal hail and the fields that surround me covered in an icy blanket. “If it’s like this in God’s little acre of St Helens, what the heck is it going to be like in the wilds of Mold and the tracks of the Clwyd Forest?” But while I had my doubts about whether I’d get there, the words of The Ex-Site’s owner ‘Taffy’ John West, when I had asked whether he thought there would be a game on came ringing back to me. “We play in all conditions here butty, bit of snow
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on the ground never troubled us – you need to man-up!” So any doubts that I would be representing the mardy English if I didn’t show spurned me on to defrost the latch on the gate, de-ice the garage lock and pack the car. Slowly creeping along the M56 towards North Wales I kept trying to focus on the positives: the hail had stopped, and I could just make out the steam rising from the power plant at the Stanlow Oil Terminal pretty much vertically. “Good for sniping!” I thought – and then it happened… Like something out of a Steven King novel I exited the wall of freezing fog, the temperature gauge rose from -3° to a balmy 5°, the sun was high in the sky and there wasn’t a hint of wind. This looked promising – very promising! I was aiming for Mold Town Centre, as the procedure is that new players and those unfamiliar with the site can meet at the McDonalds restaurant and follow other players up to the site about a 10 minute drive from the centre. With pleasantries exchanged (which for Taffy goes along the lines of, “Made it then did you? Why are you sitting in that restaurant you anti-social
git!”), I teamed up with Ex-Site regular and resident armourer Mike Kay and followed him out of town to the site proper. From here I got my first glimpse of the terrain The Ex-Site covers and I must say that as a former infantryman the rolling hillside, numerous sheep and rocky escarpments looked very familiar indeed! If you’ve ever been on exercise in the Brecon Beacons or at Sennybridge then you’ll know exactly what I mean. Pointing towards the highest point on the hillside, Taffy said to me: “Now see that rocky outcrop up there?” As I craned my
eyes to the skyline right up at the top Taffy said, “Well that’s not the top. It keeps going past a quarry and then on into the distance, and that’s our boundary.” This was the first time I’d played on such an open expanse of land and I was interested to see how the games panned out. Generally the gameplay falls along the lines of a few warm-up attack and defence skirmishes before returning to the Safe Zone, quick brew, ammo up and then out for a longer rolling mission game that take you through to lunch. The warm-up games got underway and even on this small area of the site you had time to scout the enemy position and formulate a plan of attack before any BBs started flying. I was using my trusty L115 sniper rifle with Viper 4-16x50 glass. I was able to lie in the cover of a streambed and, while perfectly protected, keep the enemy heads down at the
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objective. One of the things I like about the sniper role is being able to watch the gameplay unfold rather than being a bit blinkered as you inevitably are when you’re assaulting (it’s also useful for getting a better picture of how the site plays). The objective for the warm-up was an old porta-cabin with a few fortifications around the outside. It was pretty easy to defend (initially) but once the range was established by the attackers you didn’t want to be in there – especially when some rather loud bangs encouraged you to leave!
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After three or four attack/defence phases we trooped back to the Safe Zone to prepare for the main game before lunch. Over a brew Taffy described how he had become involved in airsoft – from a dad taking his son to events, to getting involved himself, eventually running games and then The Ex-Site itself. It would be fair to describe him as a ‘player’s player’. Now I don’t know whether it was because of my age (undisclosed) or because I had turned up with my L115A3 set-up but Taffy decided to take me and a couple of other
players up the hill in his Suzuki Mastiff allterrain vehicle. Before you start Googling that it’s a bog-standard Suzuki Jeep – the one favoured by hairdressers and holiday reps, and nobody has ever told this particular vehicle that it shouldn’t be achieving the feats of cross-country, mud-trenched, 45° climbing that it does! We were soon at one of the plateaus on the site with a good view back down the track where the enemy would emerge from. There were only three of us against about 15 attackers, but they were fighting uphill. I picked a bit of a tree near where they would appear and started to fire a few ranging shots. There was a bit of wind blowing on top and I was aiming about 2ft to the left of the tree to keep the target in my scope, but after a few rounds I had it. My teammate Chris also had a sniper set-up and we had a P90-toting support player. This would be all about keeping the attackers at bay. As soon as they emerged on the track we were able to pick off the first group of three without revealing our position as we fired virtually simultaneously. We couldn’t have planned it better if we’d tried! There was a bit of a Mexican standoff then – watching through the scope I could see gun barrels and hand gestures pointing in our general direction but (thankfully) not right at us. After a few moments they had made a plan and a small group ran across the track and out of sight. We knew they were trying to flank us and hopefully our P90 support could keep his hit count low enough to protect us.
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While Chris tried picking off some of the flankers as they moved through the woodland below, I kept them busy on the track – but a skirmishing charge forward soon had our P90 support heading off to the Suzuki, our respawn point. Now it was just a case of when I got hit, not if, and sure enough the BBs started pinging off the tree branches around me. I ducked for cover below a gorse bush but was unfortunately raked through the undergrowth. Chris held on for a while longer before the weight of the attackers had taken our position. I was reasonably happy that we had managed to hold on for a good 20 minutes with only the three of us and it was testament to how hard fighting uphill really is. Chris and I were then whisked away by the Suzuki Mastiff along the site to a new bunker feature and again we were charged with holding this position as long as we could. I took up a position near a break in the drywall and under a gorse bush that gave a view out across open ground that the attackers would have to cross. Now it was a constant game on so I was quite surprised to see that the attackers were crossing the ground somewhat casually. However that wasn’t for long as what has to be my shot of 2012 (so far) caught them out in no man’s land. The player was an excellent sport and took the hit, from what must have been the last bit of energy a .30g BB can give at 100 yards! They scurried for cover with shouts of “That sniper must be close, he can’t be over there,” and I was delighted that it took another 15 minutes to be finally located and hit with a few bemused queries of, “You been here all the time?” The next phase was my favourite of the day. Now Chris was on the opposing team and we had some epic long-range engagements. I was bedded down and well-protected, shooting through a drystone wall while Chris was more open and moving around a group of gorse bushes. It was a
slow-paced, steady game with the attackers sensibly sitting back and letting the snipers take each other out. The game continued with a rolling defence back to the Safe Zone and lunch. On this occasion unfortunately it was hotdogs and beans and wasn’t one of Taffy’s legendary pheasant casseroles (yes that’s right folks – you very often get quality game fare for lunch at the Ex-Site). There was loads of food, all for a small donation to support the Ex-Site’s local children’s hospice charity Hope House. After lunch we had a downed pilot scenario; I was tasked with protecting the pilot Mike while two opposing hunter teams tried to find either of us and run into contact with the enemy. We were driven off to the area we were to operate in and given our boundaries. Once again it was great to be able to watch both hunter forces as they slowly converged on our position. With the Ex-Site running on such a large site we could have hidden out for ages, so Taffy decided to give the hunters a bit of a clue as to where they should be heading and a number of crow scarers were strategically lobbed in our general area. As the hunters started to zone in on us we managed to get a few shots off before it was time to bug-out as Mike and I headed into a thicket of gorse bushes. The two opposing forces now came into contact and a pretty relentless fire-fight went on for about 15 minutes. From my position I could see my sniper buddy turned nemesis, Chris, aiming at the enemy. Unfortunately all that was in sight was the side of his head and even with my scope set to 4x I could see his left ear intimately, so it was too close for a shot. After what seemed an eternity the final players on both teams fell; they re-org’d on the Suzuki and formed a single team to hunt us down. Although they had a good idea where we had gone it took them a further
20 minutes to locate me, and Mike stayed safe until end-ex – they had missed him lying about 10ft from where I was found. We finished the day with a simple advance to take given positions in the site’s woodland area. This area would probably make a small site in itself with numerous log piles, sniper towers, streambeds and wooded terrain – much more CQB than the open expanses of the rest of the site. After end-ex was called we all trooped back to the Safe Zone for a final brew before the drive back home. The sun was setting and casting a warm glow across the rolling hills of the site and it echoed the warm glow that I felt inside, from both the brew and the satisfaction of a great day’s play. If you enjoy long, rolling tactical games amid beautiful scenery then you need to get yourself down to Mold pronto. ■
THE EX-SITE Mold, North Wales, CH7 4 Price Walk-on members: £20 Walk-on non-members: £25 Rifle hire: From £25 Contact John ‘Taffy’ West: 07840 001975; www.theexsitewales.co.uk
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BUDGET BOOTS Want to keep your feet warm and dry but don’t want to spend a fortune doing it? We tested a range of boots – but there was one clear favourite (well, two)
MIL-COM ALL LEATHER PATROL BOOT PRICE: £34.72
R
ight-o, as these are so similar I will tackle them both together. The Mil-Com Patrol Boots are identical to the All Leather boot except for the inclusion of 1100D canvas siding. They look smart and feature the same Thinsulate lining and leather exterior. Stick them on and you’ll find they’re lightweight, warm and have a good fit – for the price you can’t really ask for more. As an obvious point I expected the All Leather boots to outpace the canvas sided pair outdoors, with results reversed for indoor games. Both pairs have single stitched uppers which suggests they will let in water if the weather turns nasty or the ground is wet and boggy.
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Indoors These were both test-driven indoors first at a day skirmish. Frankly there’s not an awful lot to say: for the price you still couldn’t ask for more. After six hours they were still comfortable on, and proved up to task as far as robustness goes. They will inevitably wear after a while – no real sign of it yet but personally I feel the uppers will start to come away from the soles after a fair bit of use. However, back to facts – in a day’s skirmish I noticed bugger all difference between the full-leather and canvas-sided models. There was no overheating issue with the All Leather boots, and conversely the canvas sided ones didn’t seem to be that much more
breathable. With more scientific testing we might’ve found some small variations, but that’s not the point of this test – we want this to be relevant to the use you’ll put the boots through. And to that end, we took both pairs down to a woodland venue for a day skirmish too, to see if one might outpace the other there.
Woodland It was damned cold during testing so it was hard to tell if the canvas-sided boots really made much difference in terms of aeration and heat retention outdoors either – and again the All Leather boots were absolutely fine.
Thanks to Patrol Base and Zero One Airsoft for supplying the Mil-Com boots we tested!
KIT REVIEW
Patrol Base: www.patrolbase.co.uk, 01484 644709 Zero One: www.zerooneairsoft.com, 01202 769614
MIL-COM PATROL BOOT PRICE: £29.95 The canvas-sided boots didn’t cope so well with submersion. In 2in standing water they were fine; 3in-4in made things very uncomfortable. You would seriously want to avoid puddles if you’re hoping to do two consecutive days in these. We did a little unscientific testing to prove it: after 10 minutes’ submersion in 4in water they were left to dry beside an open, outdoor fire (as you might do yourself on the campsite or, if you’re hardcore, outside your bivvi on a MilSim event). In the morning they were much drier for it, but still squelched day-old water into my socks. Not nice, and anyone who’s done much trekking will tell you that wet feet translates to bad day.
On the other hand the All Leather boots had no such problems, though they did let a bit in around the soles thanks to the single stitching. It wasn’t enough to cause problems the next day but is something to be aware of. I’d recommend getting a decent set of boot laces as standard with either pair.
Summary In all we tested a half-dozen pairs of boots in the £25-£50 price range (I told you we were on a budget!). While not an awful lot separated the Mil-Coms from, say, the Viper Tactical Boots and Pro-Force Omegas in terms of performance, the Mil-Com boots are almost half the price and that’s a big part of
why I like them so much. This was a budget boot test – and to that end the Mil-Coms were far and away the best we found. I would be happy to use the All Leather boots, as I do a lot outdoors besides running around with guns, and I’d be more confident that the All Leathers won’t flood my feet (even if they are a fiver more expensive). I’ve said it too often already but you can’t go wrong – I’d rather buy these, and risk having to replace them after 12 months, than spend £200 on a pair of top-end boots. My firm favourite, perfect for the occasional boot wearer yet still recommended regardless the purpose you’ll put them to. Oh, and they’re available in desert style too. Score.
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Thanks to UKMC Pro for supplying boots on test UKMC Pro: www.ukmcpro.co.uk, 02392 838800
THE WILDCARD: MIL-TEC GERMAN PARA BOOTS PRICE: £49.99 First impressions Just sticking my feet into these heavy, chunky boots made me want to go and give someone a good kicking. With steel-capped toes, thick sole and all-leather construction they would be ideal for it. I refrained, though, took them back off and gave them the once over. They look well-made boots, incredibly solid all round, and I was pleased to see the uppers are double-stitched to the soles. On again, and they’re not the most comfortable boots around. German engineering for you, that.
Woodland These first saw action at a woodland venue the day after the snow visited, so had their work cut out. As often happens in airsoft I was soon caught up with the adrenaline of it all and essentially forgot about the comfort issues, so they can’t be all bad. It wasn’t until the trudge back to the Safe Zone at the end of the day that I felt the sizable blister on my
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heel – should definitely have worn heel pads with these. At one point I found a nice bit of boggy water and stood in it for a good five minutes, with the water rising up above the join of the sole. A later check showed water had seeped in but I didn’t notice at the time. If you’re not in standing water for any extended period of time I don’t think it would cause problems.
Indoors Things were a bit different once I’d given them a good scrub, buffed them back to a shine and taken them indoors for a run round. The very thing that made these such good performers outdoors was half the reason I struggled with them indoors. Fortunately I’d remembered heel pads this time so comfort was no issue to begin with. Once game on had been called and I’d ran with the rest of my team along a corridor and up a set of stairs I knew this still might not work out great though. They’re too heavy, clumpy and ungainly for this sort of thing.
Summary This whole review has ignored one of the biggest selling points of the German Para Boots – that is, they are German Para boots. If you’re putting together a WWII ‘baddies’ impression you pretty much have no option – but it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself in for, eh? I’d happily wear these on a woodland skirmish again. I’d even take them on a longer outdoors event if I was well-prepared and it wasn’t too wet (they take a good while to dry out, far longer than the Mil-Coms). But if the majority of your airsoft is done indoors I wouldn’t recommend these, unless you’re more likely to spend an hour hiding in a corner than chasing around corridors and staircases. In terms of construction they are pretty hard to fault. The laces started to shred after an hour of use but that’s pretty common with cheaper boots. Get yourself a set of sturdy laces and heel pads and these German beasts are ready to rock.
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ECHO 1 M240 BRAVO
The M240B is the US infantry medium machine gun of choice, so what are you missing out on? A sore back, a lighter wallet and a whole lot of laughs! Scott Allan explains
D
espite the issues they had at the Shot Show with Cybergun, Echo 1 does seem to have a keen eye on the airsoft market. Based in the US it is fairly heavy on rebranding rifles but occasionally something very special appears which it has commissioned – something that does not exist anywhere else and that everyone wants! If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful support gun to use occasionally
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then stop reading now and go buy the evercommon A&K M249. You don’t want the M240B, because the M240B is big, heavy, tough and expensive – and like its real counterpart, very good at its job. The M240B is, on paper, a betterperforming support weapon than the M60. The key difference? It’s heavier and it was not in Vietnam. It shares the design and looks of the British GPMG in almost every way; the flash hider is the most
noticeable difference. As a 7.62mm NATO support weapon it is a tough beast to beat, unless you have to carry it for a long time – weighing over 12kg empty it is not the friendliest weapon for the modern soldier on patrol. This is just as true on the game field too. The Echo 1 version weighs in at 8kg which is much more manageable yet still at the top end of ease of use for me personally. Making up for this is a host of impressive features – full-metal construction with a CNC body, realistic
THE ARMOURY
bipod, nice big box magazine and RIS rails all add up to a big package that should help subdue any enemy assault… permanently! Internally the rifle is top of its game with micro switch triggers, a mosfet, silverplated wire and a tightbore inner barrel as standard. This produces a fine white laser of plastic death that’ll destroy anyone unlucky enough to get into your sights. The box magazine is a replica of the genuine US version and is made of cardboard – this is a dreadful mistake. Airsoft takes place in all weathers and after a few games in the rain the box magazine definitely needs attention. We found that plastic card inserts and some electrical tape sorted 99 per cent of the issues once the card has started to lose strength. Fitting the battery seems more complicated than it needs to be too: the stock needs to be removed entirely. Once you have fitted it there is nothing to stop you having a ton of fun though. On the field this is a tough gun to use. It has no single shot (as per the real version) and the weight and length means it is almost entirely ruled out for indoor games. Set up in a static position is where it will prove its worth. The bipod allows lateral movement, unlike the M60 and M249, which is much more suited to airsoft games. The rate of fire is high, as is the velocity, around 370fps with a 0.20g Blaster churning out around 1,000rpm. One possible use I envisage for the M240B is mounted onto vehicles for big games and special events. But again, while this can look great it is still difficult to get the drop on someone when they are hiding in a hedge and you are on a road four feet off the ground!
A proper sling should be considered when you use one of these. Using it properly, as a squad weapon supported by a few standard rifles and perhaps a DMR or sniper, should really increase the flexibility of your team. This is what this rifle was designed for in real life and it does it well, and in airsoft it is precisely the same. Your lone-wolf mad machinegunner players are going to love this but it is nearly impossible to move and aim, never mind running and gunning! The grouping at extreme range was impressive and the only time I ever got into trouble was at close range where I either could not turn quick enough to hit opposing players or I was closer than I would like to use full-auto. For me, the M240B falls into the category of ‘having it for the sake of it’. While not totally useless it is difficult to use – I certainly would recommend that smaller players look at an M249 instead. It looks the part, is better than most large weapons available in airsoft and will always raise an eyebrow on the site (normally alongside comments of “What the hell are you going to do with that?”). Mean as they come and with the price tag to match, it is one of the less common
support platforms in the UK. If you want something that makes you work and gives results or if you just really love big guns then this is worth consideration. ■
SPECIFICATIONS Echo 1 M240B Weight: 8,165g Length: 1,250mm Inner barrel length: 550mm Build: Full-metal construction, tightbore barrel and mosfet trigger as standard Magazine: 4,000-round box mag Velocity: 370fps Firing mode: Full-auto only Price: £725
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Billed as ‘One of the most anticipated games of 2012’, Alex Wharton puts Skyrim down for a few minutes to find out if this RPG lives up to the hype
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n the dead period for game releases, just after Christmas, I turned to pretty much the only new game around: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning – a game promising ‘hundreds of hours of gameplay in a vibrant world’. But with everyone still playing Skyrim four months after its release, is there room in the market for a game of such size? KOA:R starts out with your character dying and being promptly brought back to life by a special machine called The Well. Amalur is a world driven by fate and destinies. People know their place and some even know how they will meet their end. Many have accepted this as simply a part of the natural order – but as your fate was to die you are now a fate-less being, able to choose your own path and, more importantly, change the paths of others (by hacking bits of them off!). Some do not see this as a good thing – sometimes it may be necessary, in the great scheme of things, for a monster to rampage through a city to stop something even worse occurring. Of course while you’re busy changing the path of everything you touch there’s a big bad guy with a huge army invading the lands and generally being a bit of a pain.
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The KOA:R world is very stylised and cartoonish. If you’ve played the Fable series of games you will notice a great deal of similarities. Characters have bold features, stocky short bodies and huge eyes. Monsters are big and detailed, with over-the-top animations that show when they are about to attack. The game also draws from World of Warcraft’s graphics for the weapons and armour and it’s usual to find yourself wielding a hammer or sword the size of a small car. The lands you explore are detailed, pretty and expansive – Amalur is huge, no lie there! Creatures spawn all over the place so you won’t be wanting for a fight wherever you go. Combat is based around timing attacks with the left click and using magic with the right. It’s a simple system and allows you to swap between firing arrows or smashing with a hammer and throwing bolts of lightning extremely quickly. You can perform different moves with the weapons by adding pauses between attacks, or holding down at certain moments. The game doesn’t penalise you for just spamming the attack button like other games with similar fighting systems though, so many fights just involve clicking until everything around you is dead. Not necessarily a bad thing, but tedious at times.
My favourite weapon is the Chakrams, a pair of magical disks that you throw out to medium range and boomerang back, dealing damage both on the way out and the way in. They allowed me to take on pretty much anything with ease and are fast enough that they would be back before a counter-attack, allowing me to dodge. Plus with them flying around you can hit everything at once – but the Chakrams are classed as a magical weapon, so fall under the Sorcery skill tree (the others being Might and Finesse). One of the game’s principle selling points is this dual class system. Already half-mage and half-warrior, by selecting a Fate Card more new perks were added. For example I could unlock one called Adventurer which might give me 10 per cent more melee damage, 10 per cent more range damage and 10 per cent less mana cost for spells. As you place more points in each tree, new cards are unlocked allowing you new abilities and bonuses. While the Fate Cards are a nice touch, having points in two different skills is hardly new and it seems strange that it was such a big selling point for the game. Finding loot is possibly the easiest it’s ever been – even the hidden stashes are helpfully marked on your mini-map. Everything else
GAME REVIEW
that’s lootable glows like a small sun. You can’t go more than 10 paces without seeing a plant or something else that you should pick up. For gamers with an impulsion to pick everything up this is your worst nightmare! The inventory system does not help with the loot overdose either. It does an OK job with armour and weapons, sorting them out into types and making it relatively easy to see what’s better or worse than other items. But it falls over with all of the extra little bits of tat that you pick up. Your limited inventory very quickly fills up with small items that you just don’t know if you need or not. You also end up carrying a vast quantity of crafting items. Browsing for a specific item can be slow as you have to navigate between different pages. For example, selecting weapons from the
inventory page will give you another menu with ‘Primary’ or ‘Secondary’. Weapons aren’t primary or secondary specific, it’s just to show you can set weapons to swap between them on the fly. So why not just have all weapons and the ability to set them to either slot from the same screen? The one thing that truly annoyed me about this game is such a simple thing, and surely I can’t have been the only person to get annoyed with it – it is of course the camera, or more specifically its placement and behaviour. When running around it’s just too close to get a nice view of the area, meaning that your avatar is too large on the screen and obscuring the world even more. It also seems to do its own thing when the combat starts. It does sometimes choose to zoom out to allow a better field of view but then it’ll decide to
follow the left side of the fight, as something attacks from the right. With combat so open and free-flowing you need to be able to see everything that’s going on around you and the camera just prevents this. It’s not a game breaker, but it can’t be so hard to set the zoom level a little further back or restrict the camera in certain situations. I enjoyed KOA:R; it’s by no means groundbreaking and draws heavily on massively multiplayer games for quest setup and style. It has some flaws and some things that do work well – which generally aren’t things that KOA:R has created but ideas borrowed from other sources. The total package is still a decent game that will keep you going for hours and hours. Just the main quest line is 20 hours’ game or so. Add in all the side action and there is as much as 200 hours of gameplay. If you’re still going through Skyrim then you probably won’t have the spare time for all of it, but during this dead period while we wait for Mass Effect 3 you can do worse than pick this one up. ■
Available now for Windows, PS3 and Xbox 360 Developers 38 Studios, Big Huge Games Publishers 38 Studios, EA Games Price: £35-£50 depending on platform
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April 2012
PLATOON
INSIDE AIRSOFT
STORES Halfway down Rochester’s High Street is one of Kent’s best-known airsoft shops – but airsoft is far from the whole story, as the guys explain…
T
he question most often asked at Platoon Stores is: “Are you an airsoft shop?” The reply is always: “Yes, we are – but we are also so
much more.” Some airsofters who visit the shop are confused not to see a bank of shiny AEGs hanging from the wall as soon as they cross the threshold, instead being greeted by a warm, friendly environment of easy to see, easy to shop clothing and equipment. Set up in 2006, Platoon Stores is a ‘kit first’ shop for military, police and outdoorsmen, stocking a choice range of high quality and affordable kit recommended by end users or tested by the staff themselves. A UKARA registered retailer supporting the airsoft industry, Platoon Stores is also a Registered Firearms Dealer and a trade member of BASC, which gives
it a unique perspective on the shooting sports world. Peter Everitt explained: “We sometimes see ourselves as a conduit for real-steel shooters to dip their toe into the world of combat games, and also helping experienced skirmishers branch out into the world of competition and recreational sport and game shooting. This gives our shop a friendly and ‘different’ atmosphere.” Step into the ‘Happy Room’ and you will see a modest range of high-quality, popular airsoft rifles and pistols, along with air rifles, air pistols and firearms. Why do the guys at Platoon Stores call it the Happy Room? Because everyone walks out with a smile! With the expansion of rapidly evolving brands – Blackhawk, 5.11, Lowa, Magnum, Viper and Cybergun to name a few – it soon came time for a bigger boat. In 2009 Platoon Stores took on new larger premises, just 100 yards away from its old
doors in Rochester High Street. With it followed more high-end kit, and becoming an official Magpul PTS retailer. The Platoon Stores ethos of ‘quality kit first’ still remains – after all what’s the point of shelling out for a high-priced AEG if you don’t have the kit to back it up? Pete continues: “But we haven’t forgot why we
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“The guys at Platoon Stores understand that not everyone in the sport can afford to go out and spend hundreds if not thousands on their kit, and they cater to any budget” started, helping to meet the requirements of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces at the local barracks of the Royal Engineers and across the country, as well as to various specific emergency services teams in Kent.
“Our work with real-steel shooters and military and police personnel gives us a different perspective on what to stock and what we look for in a product for it to make it to our shelves. Much of our professional military equipment is in use in theatre
and built to suffer the rigors of daily life in those environments. “Everyone reading this will know someone – unless it’s themselves – who wants a pouch for everything, balancing MOLLE pouch on MOLLE pouch and making sure every inch of their kit is covered. Bless! Our policy is keep it simple: what do you need versus what else can I fit on it (which we apply to the guns too). Also, if you buy it cheap expect to buy it twice, which is why you won’t find some of the less-than-satisfactory brands that have uneven stitched MOLLE straps, bits that fall off as standard and exciting boxes of spare parts that pass for AEGs cluttering our shelves. Likewise, cheap knock-offs of quality brands such as Magpul PTS don’t make it through the door!” The guys at Platoon Stores understand that not everyone in the sport can afford to go out and spend hundreds if not thousands on their kit, and they cater to any budget. Fans of the ASG Sportline series of AEGs as much as they are fans of the high end stuff, Platoon Stores ensures the affordable but quality kit carries through its entire range including boots, bags, gloves, hats and clothing. For those too far away to make the journey to the shop, Platoon Stores delivers the same level of high quality service via its smartphone-friendly online shop. “We are committed to competitive delivery prices and quick dispatch, as we only have products online which we regularly stock,” says Pete. “We don’t keep you hanging on for four to six weeks while waiting for stock to arrive. Like any shop we can only stock what our space will allow and if you can’t find it we will try and hunt it down for you.” You can also find Pete, Jim and Jason at the mobile Platoon Stores, bringing a taste of the shop to airsoft sites they work closely with in Kent and selected trade fairs, which are regularly advertised on the company’s Twitter feed and Facebook page. Plans for this year include getting more product review videos online as well as other special projects. Like Pete says: “Yes we are an airsoft shop – but we are also so much more.” ■
PLATOON STORES 62 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1JY. Contact: 01634 829063, www.platoonstores.co.uk
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HARNESSES Straps… harnesses… clips… belts… Danny P continues his exploration of the world of webbing
T
his time I am looking at the other end of the webbing market. I have tested three sets of webbing from three different manufacturers, each with its own place in the military and airsoft market and each of which has been put through its paces on various events and exercises. Without further ado…
BLACKHAWK LRAK RIFLEMAN KIT
If you have been involved in airsoft for more than five minutes you should have heard the name Blackhawk. It is a very well-known manufacturer of tactical equipment supplied to military and police units around the world, and is already used by many airsofters. The rig I looked at is an H Harness set-up with a MOLLE belt. The harness is very well padded and comes with loops of MOLLE. The belt that comes with the harness is separated into three parts, with two panels on each side and one at the rear. This means you can tailor the size of the rig depending on your personal preferences. The belt has a small amount of padding on the panels, giving some comfort when wearing it for extended periods. There is a lot of real estate on the belt panels so you can carry a lot of equipment in a variety of pouches. I had two 5.56mm pouches on each side, two double M203 grenade pouches and two water bottle pouches just on the side panels. I then had a long range patrol pack on the rear panel and one smoke and one frag grenade pouch on the H harness.
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The only downfall with this much space, in airsoft terms, is that you tend to overfill and carry more equipment than you need. I guess this is all down to common sense and knowing your limits! I have used this rig on a number of real-world jobs as well as in airsoft and found it a very comfortable and versatile rig. It distributes weight well and I had no issues with rubbing or what have you. Given my own and others’ experiences, however, I would only use this rig on extended operations and not for a day’s skirmish as, although it can be configured for many roles, the size of the rig and the snagging hazards could be an issue in certain situations – particularly in an urban environment.
PRICE Expect to pay around £200 Big thanks to Edgar Brothers for supplying kit on test: 01625 430330, www.edgarbrothers.com
SOLO INTERNATIONAL X MAN HARNESS AND LONG RANGE PATROL BELT
Solo international is based in Hereford and has a wealth of experience in the military world. Having been involved in the development of military equipment (including the new Osprey Body Armour System used by the British military) it is very well known within the military community. The X Man harness is a low profile harness designed to be worn comfortably under your body armour and increase your load carriage capabilities. It won’t, despite its name, give you mutant superpowers. The design of the harness dates back to the early days of webbing. As the name suggests it is an X shape, rather than the more common H harness or yoke. The reasoning is that it allows for greater weight distribution while using smaller straps, so the
KIT REVIEW
harness can be used in conjunction with either body armour or another type of vest or chest webbing. The harness is available with a Long Range Patrol Belt, also designed for comfort with internal neoprene padding which (according to Solo’s blurb) ‘enhances extreme comfort when wearing for long periods’. The belt comes with three MOLLE loops for attaching various pouches, depending on your role and weapon. Solo has said that all of the equipment it designs is multi-role, and this rig is certainly capable of variety – be it a standard infantry loadout carrying 5.56mm mags or a sniper load-out carrying .338 mags, or anything in between. The only limitation is the type of pouches you have. The harness and belt are designed for real world use and as such the belt is capable of taking Level Three soft armour inserts, for added protection from blasts or fragmentation. I used the belt and harness with some of my own pouches over a weekend and found it very comfortable to wear. Although I was worried the straps might cut into my shoulders I had no issues whatsoever. There was no rubbing from the belt and, to be honest, it felt like I wasn’t wearing a rig at all. As I have already said, the great thing about this type of rig is that it is totally customisable to your needs, so when you change roles you just swap out your pouches and away you go.
PRICE Patrol Belt and X Man Harness: £127 Harness only: From £22 Big thanks to Solo International for supplying kit on test: 01432 360222, www.soloint.co.uk
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DRAGON SUPPLIES MINIMI COMMANDERS WEBBING AND PATROL YOKE
Dragon Supplies is a tactical gear manufacturer based in Colchester, Essex. It has been around for a few years now and has grown into a large and well-respected provider of unique and custom-made webbing sets, bergens and everything in between. All the rigs and bags are designed and built in-house in the UK. The webbing I looked at is a Minimi Commanders webbing which, as the title suggests, is for use by someone carrying a Minimi light machinegun. Don’t let this put you off though, as the webbing is also designed to be used with a standard assault rifle. The magazine pouches can be used with Minimi box magazines or, by using dividers, can be adapted to carry up to 12 5.56mm magazines.
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The webbing comes with a built-in hip pad, providing padding to the hips and waist. Attached to the hip pad are a good number of pouches: two magazine pouches with smoke and frag grenade pouch at the front and two knife/compass pouches to the rear; then three or four water bottle/utility pouches depending on your waist size. The yoke is another bit of kit designed by Dragon and adds even more versatility to this rig. It is fully adjustable and has MOLLE loops and two internal pockets for maps and any other kit that you need to hand. I really like this rig because everything about its design has clearly been well-thought-out; even the flaps on the ammo pouches have pull-down lids with a clear plastic cover for carrying things like call signs and radio frequencies. I used this rig on a very physically-intensive MilSim game and was incredibly impressed with the whole set-up. I had no issues carrying everything I needed for a 48-hour game and, as far as comfort goes, I covered a lot of miles and pretty much forgot I was wearing it sometimes. This is a fixed built rig (the pouches cannot be moved) but don’t let that upset you as Dragon has a variety of set-ups – and if you don’t see what you want, Steve at Dragon has told me “If you can draw it we can build it!” Now that’s what I call service!
PRICE Minimi Commanders Webbing: £235 Patrol Yoke: £80 (£65 when bought with webbing) Big thanks to Dragon Supplies for supplying kit on test: 01206 854354, www.dragonsupplies.co.uk
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098
April 2012
AIRSOFT
ACTION
BOOKSHOP Total War - SRP £25.00
The Retreat - SRP £10.99
AA Price £21.00
AA Price £9.00
Tank Men - SRP £8.99
Never Surrender - SRP £8.99
SAS Operation Storm - SRP £25.00
Kill Switch - SRP £6.99
AA Price £7.50
AA Price £7.50
AA Price £21.00
AA Price £6.00
The Kill Zone (hdbk) - SRP £18.99
The Kill Zone (pbk) - SRP £6.99
AA Price £6.00
Killing for the Company (hdbk) SRP £18.99 AA Price £16.00
Soldiers Pocket Book - SRP £10.00
AA Price £16.00
Cadet Pocket Book - SRP £8.00
Air Cadet Pocket Book - SRP £8.00
Army Cadet’s Log Book - SRP £4.00
Skill at Arms - SRP £6.50
AA Price £7.50
AA Price £7.50
AA Price £3.50
AA Price £5.00
AA Price £9.00
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099
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
Author
Category
SRP
AA price
Tank Men
Robert Kershaw
Non-fiction 0412-001
Code
£8.99
£7.50
Never Surrender
Robert Kershaw
Non-fiction 0412-002
£8.99
£7.50
Total War
Michael Jones
Non-fiction 0412-003
£25.00
£21.00
The Retreat
Michael Jones
Non-fiction 0412-004
£10.99
£9.00
Roger Cole & Richard Belfield
Non-fiction 0412-005
£18.99
£16.00
Elite:160 World War II Infantry Assault Tactics - SRP £11.99
Elite:168 World War II Street Fighting Tactics SRP £11.99
SAS Operation Storm
AA Price £10
AA Price £10
Kill Switch
Bill Shaw
Non-fiction 0412-006
£6.99
£6.00
The Kill Zone
Chris Ryan
Fiction
0412-007
£18.99
£16.00
The Kill Zone
Chris Ryan
Fiction
0412-008
£6.99
£6.00
Killing for the Company
Chris Ryan
Fiction
0412-009
£18.99
£16.00
Soldiers Pocket Book
Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd), Rupert Godeson and John H Harris
Non-fiction 0412-010
£10.00
£9.00
Cadet’s Pocket Book
Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd)
Non-fiction 0412-011
£8.00
£7.50
Air Cadet Pocket Book
Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd)
Non-fiction 0412-012
£8.00
£7.50
Army Cadet Log Book
Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd)
Non-fiction 0412-013
£4.00
£3.50
Skill at Arms And Shooting
Maj John Hobbis Harris(retd)
Non-fiction 0412-014
£6.50
£5.00
World War II StreetFighting Tactics
Stephen Bull
Non-fiction
0412-015
£11.99
£10.00
World War II Infantry Assault Tactics
Gordon L Rottman
Non-fiction
0412-016
£11.99
£10.00
Soldier I – The Story of an SAS Hero - SRP £8.99
Elite:170 Special Operations Forces in Iraq - SRP £11.99
Pegasus Bridge Benouville 1944
Will Fowler
Non-fiction
0412-017
£11.99
£10.00
AA Price £7.50
AA Price £8.50
Soldier I – the Story of an SAS Hero
Pete Winner
Non-fiction
0412-018
£8.99
£7.50
Special Operations Forces in Iraq
Leigh Neville
Non-fiction
0412-019
£11.99
£8.50
Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan
Leigh Neville
Non-fiction
0412-020
£11.99
£8.50
Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger
Leroy Thompson
Non-Fiction 0412-021
£9.99
£8.50
The Rocket Propelled Grenade
Gordon L Rottman
Non-Fiction 0412-022
£9.99
£8.50
Total
Raid:11 Pegasus Bridge – Benouville D-Day 1944 - SRP £11.99
Elite:163 Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan - SRP £11.99
AA Price £10
AA Price £8.50
Name ........................................................................................................................... Address ....................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... Postcode/Zip Code ........................................................................................................ Country ........................................................................................................................ Telephone ................................................................................................................... Email............................................................................................................................ Signature ...................................................................................................................... Date .............................................................................................................................. I enclose a cheque for ______ payable to Blaze Publishing Ltd. Please debit my Switch/VISA/Mastercard/Maestro for _____ (No Electron or Amex please)
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Weapon:2 The Rocket Propelled Grenade - SRP £9.99
Weapon:7 The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger - SRP £9.99
AA Price £8.50
AA Price £8.50
100
April 2012
CVV No. (Last 3 digits on reverse of card) Your credit card statement will read Blaze Publishing Ltd. Please call +44 1926 339 808 for international postage costs. 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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SITE DIRECTORY Find somewhere to be this weekend… SYMBOL KEY Is it woodland or urban? Check the key! UKARA
UKARA MEMBER UKASGB MEMBER WOODLAND
£
SHOP ONSITE BATTERY CHARGING URBAN PYROS ALLOWED REPAIR SERVICE
DESERT
AIRBORNE AIRSOFT
AIRSOFT ASYLUM
ALL ARMS AIRSOFT
Longmoor Army Camp, Hampshire 07938 620635 www.airborne-airsoft.co.uk
North Lanarksire, ML7 5 www.airsoftasylum.webs.com ayrsoft@gmail.com
Near Trawden, BB8 8SN 07957 888392 www.allarmsairsoft.co.uk
AIRSOFT COMMANDOS
ALPHA 5-5 HALKYN WOOD
Sutton, near Ferrybridge 07723 061386 andyace@ntlworld.com
Flintshire, CH8 8DF 0845 257 6937 www.alpha55.co.uk
AIRSOFT KGB
ALPHA 5-5 TONG WOOD
Maidenhead, SL6 3SS 07871 314951 www.absolute-airsoft.co.uk
Porkellis Moor near Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0 Chef1322@hotmail.com www.kgbairsoft.com.
Near Shifnal, TF11 8PN 0845 257 6937 www.alpha55.co.uk
ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES
AIRSOFT SKIRMISH
Stoke on Trent, ST1 2JS 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk
Stoulton, WR7 4QW 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk
ACE COMBAT
AIRSOFT SKIRMISH CQB
Kent, TN12 7DG 01303 814803 www.acecombat.co.uk
Studley, B80 7LY 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk
AIRBORNE 101 AIRSOFT CLUB
AIRSOFT XCALIBRE
Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 07718 032541 robinsonm24@btinternet.com
Macclesfield, SK10 4SZ 07921 837658 www.airsoft-xcalibre.co.uk
ATROOP AIRSOFT Clocaenog Forest, LL16 4SP 07967 394976 www.atroop.co.uk
ABSOLUTE AIRSOFT
102
April 2012
AMBUSH ADVENTURES – SOUTHAMPTON New Forest National Park, SP5 2DW 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk
APOCALYPSE AIRSOFT Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7QP 07872 348 576 www.apocalypseairsoft.com
ARENA AIRSOFT Grimsby, DN31 3JD 07752 404060 www.arenaairsoft.com
ALPHA ELITE GAMING Le Mont de Rozel, Jersey, JE3 5 01534 733697 www.aegairsoft.je
AWA HERTS Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM23 4BJ 07732 184957 www.awaherts.com
AMAZON EVENTS Hellingly, East Sussex, BN27 4HL 0844 2570433 www.amazonoutdoorevents.co.uk
BARNSLEY AIRSOFT Shafton, Barnsley, S72 8RE 07779 236166 www.barnsleypaintball.co.uk
AMBUSH ADVENTURES – CHOBHAM
BATTLEFIELD SPORTS NI
Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8SL 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk
Belfast, BT16 1XT 028 9048 5462 www.battlefieldsportsni.com
Huge thanks to our friends at Airbana (www.airsoftmap.net) for supplying data! C3 TACTICAL
COOL UNDER FIRE
Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH 07597 938011 www.c3tactical.co.uk
Doddington, Kent, ME9 0JS 07960 532613 www.coolunderfire.co.uk
AIRSOFT SITES EXPERIENCE AIRSOFT
CERBERUS AIRSOFT - THE COMPLEX
CORNWALL AIRSOFT ASSAULT
Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RP 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
Truro, Cornwall, TR2 07837 475012 www.cornwallairsoftassault.co.uk
CERBERUS AIRSOFT - THE SANDPIT
CUMBRIA AIRSOFT
Bradford, BD2 1BQ 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
Dumfries, DG12 cumbria.airsoft@virgin.net www.cumbria-airsoft.com
Keighley, BD20 0LS 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 8UT 07986 053076 www.deltateam3.co.uk
Sheffield, S6 6JE 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
BATTLETEC AIRSOFT
CLOSE ACTION AIRSOFT
La Couture, Guernsey, GY1 2 07781 104068 www.battletec.co.uk
Corby, NN17 3BB 07740 165787 www.close-action.co.uk
BETTER BATTLES
COMBAT ACTION GAMES
Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 3BJ 07967 940043 www.better-battles.co.uk
Maryland, Norfolk, NR10 4 01328 711867 www.combatactiongames.co.uk
BRAVO 2-2 AIRSOFT
COMBAT NORTH AIRSOFT
Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, Southport. PR46JX 07790 715059 www.bravo22airsoft.com
Halkirk, KW14 01847 895111 combatnorth@groups.facebook. com
BRISTOL AIRSOFT
COMBAT SOUTH URBAN
Bristol, BS1 2HQ 07776 288826 www.bristolairsoft.com
Portsmouth, PO6 3LS 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.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
DOGS OF WAR CERBERUS AIRSOFT SHEFFIELD WOODLAND
FIREFIGHT COMBAT SIMULATIONS
FIFE WARGAMES DELTA TEAM 3
CERBERUS AIRSOFT - RIVOCK EDGE
Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 0AN 01380 728982 www.experienceairsoft.co.uk
Houston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7BP 07853 195290 www.dow-airsoft.co.uk
FIREBALL SQUADRON Sutton Coldfield, B75 5SA 07582 684533 www.fireballsquadron.com
DRAGON’S LAIR Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA 07703 530189 www.dragonslairairsoft.co.uk
EAST MIDLANDS AIRSOFT Earlswood, B94 6SF 0844 870 9785 www.sabreforce.co.uk
ELITE ACTION GAMES – DORKING Dorking, Surrey, RH5 5AB 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com
ELITE ACTION GAMES – EPSOM
FIRST AND ONLY – ANZIO CAMP Leek, ST13 8 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
FIRST AND ONLY – BATTLE LAKES Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9AP 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
FIRST AND ONLY – BUNKER WOOD
Epsom, Surrey, KT18 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com
Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 5SA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
ELITE ACTION GAMES – WORTHING
FIRST AND ONLY – KHE SANH WOODS
BRIT-TAC AIRSOFT
COMBAT SOUTH WOODLAND
Sheffield, S2 5TR 07795 631331 www.brittacairsoft.com
Fareham, PO17 5ND 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk
Worthing, BN13 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com
Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 2NA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
BUNKER 51
CONTACT! FIGHT SCHOOL
ELITE BATTLEZONE
Charlton, SE7 8NJ 0870 7549653 www.wolfarmouries.co.uk
Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, CM14 5 01438 368177 www.thefightschool.demon.co.uk
FIRST AND ONLY – MANCHESTER WOODLAND
Bexley, Greater London, DA5 1NX 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk
Bolton, BL7 9TS 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
www.airsoftactionmagazine.com
103
SITE DIRECTORY Find somewhere to be this weekend… GUNMAN AIRSOFT – MIDLANDS RAF HONILEY
FIRST AND ONLY – THE ASYLUM
GREENZONE COMBAT
Kidderminster, DY10 3PT 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
Hamiltonsbawn, Co. Armagh, BT60 1NE 07772 919974 www.greenzonecombat.com
FIRST AND ONLY – THE EMBASSY
GROUND ZERO AIRSOFT – WOODLAND
Leicester, LE2 6EA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2DF 01329 849818 www.groundzerowoodland.com
FIRST AND ONLY – THE MALL
GROUND ZERO AIRSOFT – URBAN
Reading, RG1 1NR 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.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
GASS AIRSOFT – PENN Penn Bottom, Buckinghamshire, HP10 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk ww.frvairsoft.com
GASS AIRSOFT – PIDDINGTON Piddington, Oxfordshire, OX25 1 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk
GRANGE FARM AIRSOFT Leicester, LE9 9FP enquires@grangefarmairsoft.co.uk www.gingerliberationfront.com
104
April 2012
Bransgore, Dorset, BH23 8AU 01329 849818 www.groundzerourban.com
GUN HO AIRSOFT Guisborough, TS7 0PG 07525 435696 www.gunhoairsoft.co.uk
GUNMAN AIRSOFT – CAMBRIDGE Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6SE 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk
MAW
Kenilworth, CV8 1NR 01676 532384 www.suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 07562 479966 maw.airsoft@hotmail.com
HILTON PARK AIRSOFT
MIA
Wolverhampton, WV10 7HU 08000 354490 www.paintballuk.com
Cornwall, EX23 9JL 01288 331748 www.airsoftsouthwest.co.uk
INVICTA AIRSOFT – RAINDEN WOODS
MILITARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7AY 01227 763335 www.invictaairsoft.co.uz
Wrightington, WN6 9PL 01942 514724 www.militaryoutdooradventure. co.uk
ISLAND RECON AIRSOFT COMBAT
MILSIM UK
Near Shorwell, Isle of Wight, PO30 07964 751047 www.islandrecon.co.uk
LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT Gorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4LG 0131 654 2452 www.airsoftedinburgh.co.uk
LAC SITE 1 Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
LAC SITE 2 Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
Checkley, Staffordshire, ST10 4NS 07523 916607 www.milsimuk.co.uk
NCIS AIRSOFT Edinburgh, EH14 4 nick@ncis-airsoft.co.uk www.ncis-airsoft.co.uk
NOMAD AIRSOFT Fenwick, Ayrshire, KA3 6AY 07904 998250 www.nomadairsoft.com
NORTHERN ALLIANCE AIRSOFT Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3LQ 01845 565465 www.northernallianceairsoft.co.uk
NORTHFLEET CQB LAC SITE 3 Saxillby, LN1 2JW 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
Northfleet, Kent, DA11 9AA 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk
NSC AIRSOFT GUNMAN AIRSOFT – NORWICH Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk
LAC SITE 5 Kirton Rd, North Lincs, DN16 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
NTAC LINDSEY AIRSOFT
GUNMAN AIRSOFT – MIDLANDS Balsall Common, West Mids, CV7 7FP 01676 532384 www.suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk
Hetton, Sunderland, DH5 0 07983 333521 www.nscairsoft.co.uk
Manby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8HE 07955 487983 www.lindsey-airsoft.co.uk
Durham, DL4 2ER 01642 281220 www.ntac.co.uk
OBAN AIRSOFT – HILL ARGYLL MATLOCK COMBAT GAMES Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FW 07974 507166 www.matlockcombatgames.com
Argyll and Bute, PA37 1 07967 710185 www.argyllsurplus.com
Huge thanks to our friends at Airbana (www.airsoftmap.net) for supplying data! OP-TACTICAL UK – TEAN-OPS
SG1 COMBAT GAMES
Tean, Staffordshire, ST10 4JT 07964 990831 www.op-tac.co.uk
Co. Londonderry, BT45 8NA 07713 273102 www.sg1combatgames.co.uk
PATHFINDER GROUP AIRSOFT MILITARY SIMULATION
SHADOWOPZ
Former RAF Camp Sopley/ Merryfield Park, Hampshire, BH23 02380 899369
PHOENIX AIRSOFT Budby, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9FG 01623 812483 www.phoenix-airsoft.co.uk
Dover, Kent CT17 9PS 07707 632855 www.shadowopzairsoft.co.uk
SKIRMISH AIRSOFT BILLERICAY Billericay, Essex, CM11 2TX 01277 657777 www.airsoft-billericay.co.uk
AIRSOFT SITES
SW WAR GAMES – TREGANTLE FORT Antony, Cornwall, PL11 3AZ 08456 345011 www.swwargames.co.uk
ULTIMATE AIRSOFT
TA EVENTS
ULTIMATE WARGAMES – FAWKHAM
Hemel Hemstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7QB 07894 059794 www.ta-events.co.uk
TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9PL 020 8665 1299 www.tacticalwarfare.co.uk
SKIRMISH EXETER PLATOON 1HQ Rochester, Kent, ME1 1 HQ 01634 829063 www.ptt-1hq.co.uk
Exeter, Devon, EX4 5 01548 580025 www.airsoftexeter.co.uk
SOUTHDOWN AIRSOFT 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
Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LR 07766 770830 www.southdownairsoft.com
SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – BLOXWORTH Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7EU 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk
SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – THE ROCK Portland, Dorset, DT5 2EG 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk
STIRLING AIRSOFT Coventry, CV3 6NX 07831 429407 www.stirlingairsoft.com
STORMFORCE AIRSOFT
Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4LD 07515 937633 www.stormforcepaintball.co.uk
SWAT AIRSOFT – URBAN Chester, CH3 5UE 07703 177756 www.swaturban.com
SUSSEX AIRSOFT Slinfold, RH12 020 8150 9284 www.sussexairsoft.co.uk
SECTION 8 AIRSOFT Shotts, North Lanarkshire, ML7 5AB 07974 026517 www.s8airsoft.com
Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0RH 01268 796130 www.ultimatewargames.co.uk
URBAN6AIRSOFT – ZONE 13
TECH BRIGADE
URBAN6AIRSOFT – IVYWOOD
Hertford, SG13 8NH 01438 235249 www.techbrigade.org
Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0QN 07432 291729 www.urban6airsoft.com
Wood End Lane, Elmhurst, Lichfield WS13 8EU 07432 291729 www.urban6airsoft.com
THE DESERTERS AIRSOFT Redford, DD11 07751 878175 www.thedeserters.co.uk
URBAN6AIRSOFT Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0QN 07432 291729 www.urban6airsoft.com
THE EX SITE Mold, CH7 4 07840 001975 www.theexsitewales.co.uk
URBAN ASSAULT Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 1 01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk
THE WARGAMES CENTRE Stevenston, Ayrshire, KA20 3LN 08456 434326 www.scottishadventurecentre.co.uk
SWAT AIRSOFT Neston, Merseyside, CH64 3TB 07703 177756 www.swatairsoft.eu
ULTIMATE WARGAMES – LIMPSFIELD
Cowbridge, South Glamorgan, CF71 7RQ 02920 593900 www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk
RAW WAR AIRSOFT CUMBRIA Wigton, Cumbria CA7 3SZ 01900 85645 www.airsoftcumbria.co.uk
Fawkham, Kent, DA3 8NY 01268 796130 www.ultimatewargames.co.uk
TASK FORCE SKIRMISH
RAVEN’S NEST Suffolk, IP8 4 01473 831563 www.ravensairsoft.co.uk
Tortworth, GL12 8 01179 353388 www.ultimateairsoft.co.uk
VIKING AIRSOFT Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0UN contactus@vikingairsoft.co.uk www.vikingairsoft.co.uk
UCAP AIRSOFT Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO17 6AR 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk
WARMINSTER AIRSOFT
UCAP GREEN OPS
XSITE AIRSOFT OUTPOST
Linch, West Sussex, GU30 7 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk
Warminster, BA12 7RZ 01985 211774 www.warminsterairsoft.co.uk
Dunstable, LU6 2EE
XSITE AIRSOFT – LANE END SW WAR GAMES – SCRAESDON FORT Antony, Cornwall, PL11 3AB 08456 345011 www.swwargames.co.uk
UCAP SANDPIT
High Wycombe, HP14 3NP
Bean, Kent, DA2 8 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk
Email anthonyp@ blazepublishing.co.uk to add or change a site listing
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