Issue 17 - Xmas 2012 by Airsoft Action

ACTION

THE Airsoft Magazine

AIRSOFT ACTION

SRC SR-33

TOKAREV RUSSIAN CLASSIC

REVIEWED

XMAS GIFT GUIDE

W IN R

CHRISTMAS 2012

TWELVE GUNS OF CHRISTMAS A dozen guns worthy of your Christmas cash

MEDAL OF HONOR

We review EA's latest and Gunman's MoH event

£130!

REDWOLF PISTOLS

Redwolf and Nighthawk join forces to make stunning guns

Skyfall premiere ❱ Shock and awe airsoft ❱ G&P SR25 Ltd ed ❱ G&G Cm16 GBB

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CHRISTMAS 2012 - £4.25

WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON OUR XMAS LIST...

EDWOLF PISTOL WORTH O S VER

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CONTENTS AIRSOFT ACTION – CHRISTMAS 2012

6 9 12 Editor: Nigel Streeter Assistant editor: Anthony Platt Graphic Design: Steve Dawson Art director: Chris Sweeney Ad design: Anna Makwana Advertising: Toni Cole Group production editor: Colin Fallon Operations director: James Folkard Assistant publisher: Ruth Burgess Publisher: Wesley Stanton

Full UK 12-issue subscription rate: £59.40 For overseas prices visit: www.airsoftactionmagazine.com Cover photograph: H Photography

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Tel: 07979 912146 W: www.hphotography.me.uk Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street Leamington Spa.Warwickshire. CV32 5SZ Tel: 01926 339808 Fax: 01926 470400 E: info@blazepublishing.co.uk

READERS’ GALLERY ARE YOU IN THIS MONTH’S GALLERY? AIRSOFT NEWS BRITISH AIRSOFT SHOW, NEW SHOPS AND SITES AND MORE

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REVIEW: SRC SR-33 JAY SLATER GETS FIRST LOOK AT THE NEWEST TOKAREV TT33 REPLICA

MILSIM: TIER 1 NIGE CATCHES THE ACTION AT TIER 1’S LATEST MILSIM OPERATION

ARMOURY AT XMAS MICHAEL JONES ROUNDS UP 12 TOP RIFLES TO SPLURGE ON THIS XMAS

SHOCK AND AWE RON MAHONEY VISITS SHOCK AND AWE AIRSOFT MEDIA REVIEW ALEX WHARTON TACKLES MEDAL OF HONOR WARFIGHTER…

COMPETITION …AND YOU CAN TOO! WIN A COPY OF MOH:W FOR PC OR XBOX 360 XMAS GIFT GUIDE YOU’LL FIND SOMETHING THAT TICKLES YOUR FANCY ON OUR VERY OWN XMAS LIST COMPETITION GOSH, WE DO SPOIL YOU – WIN YOUR CHOICE OF TWO FANTASTIC NEW PISTOLS! EVENT: MEDAL OF HONOR GUNMAN AIRSOFT SHOWED THE TEAM AT EA WHAT A REAL FPS GAME IS LIKE! REVIEW: G&P SR25 SCOTT ALLAN GETS TO GRIPS WITH G&P’S SR25 MAGPUL LIMITED EDITION COLD WAR WARRIORS LOOKING FOR A CHEAP COLD WAR LOAD-OUT? GADGE’S GOT ANOTHER ONE!

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.

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64 69 72 76 80 84 88

BILLY BASICS ARE YOU SURE YOU’VE DOUBLECHECKED IT?

REVIEW: G&G CM16 LITTLE CAN MATCH THE G&G CM16 RAIDER’S VALUE FOR MONEY – SCOTT A HAS THE DETAILS

REVIEW: RW/NHC PISTOL RATTY CHECKS OUT REDWOLF’S ENTRY INTO WEAPON MANUFACTURE JAMES BOND: SKYFALL WE’RE NOT AT ALL JEALOUS THAT KEVIN BURDOCK GOT TO GO TO THE ROYAL PREMIERE OF SKYFALL… HUMPH MEDIA REVIEW IS BORDERLANDS 2 THE MUSTHAVE GAME THIS CHRISTMAS? SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE NEXT WEEKEND (EVEN IF IT’S SNOWING, YA PANSY!) BOOK SHOP FIND A GOOD BOOK TO CURL UP WITH THIS CHRISTMAS…

know it’s only November but, due to the way magazines are published... Welcome to the Christmas 2012 Issue of Airsoft Action! We like to get in nice and early to give you plenty of time to drop all those not-so-subtle hints about what you want the Big Fat Fella to bring you for Crimbo! If you’re not sure, take a look through our Christmas Gift Guide starting on page 38. There’s loads of stuff there to suit all sizes of pocket – and maybe you’ll spot something you’ve just got to have (even though you didn’t know you needed it!). As always we’ve got masses of variety for you, with gun and pistol reviews, events and competitions, all the regulars and even a report directly from the red carpet at Skyfall – just how shaken and stirred do you want your favourite airsoft mag to be! Normally, as we get towards the end of the year things start to slow down a little, but not in airsoft. There is so much starting to happen and so many new things on the horizon that already I’m wondering how we’re going to fit it all in next year, but I promise you we’ll try. First up is the British Airsoft Show at the beginning of February (if you’ve not heard about it, where’ve you been? Check out page 9 for more info) which is shaping up to be a ‘don’t miss at any cost’ event. Loads of exhibitors, masses of gear and the opportunity to drool over tons of realsteel not a stone’s throw away – I think I’m getting all ‘unnecessary’ already... Seriously though, this really is the first big opportunity that airsoft as a whole has to really showcase what the game is all about, and I’ll be writing more about that in future issues. Until then play well, play safe, play fair. 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!

Marchy of the OAPs at Combat South Woodland!

an Assault Chris Gray sent in this pic of him at Urb

Thanks to Connor McLoone for this one!

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Tom Kane with his M249 at Shock an d Awe Airsoft, review ed this issue!

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AIRSOFT | NEWS

AIRSOFT NEWS BRITISH AIRSOFT SHOW UPDATE February 2013 might sound a long way away but, believe me, it’ll be here before you know it. If you’ve not already booked your tickets for the British Airsoft Show then you should put this down and do it right now! Two years ago at the British Shooting Show one of the star attractions was Ratty and his airsoft range. Show visitors couldn’t get enough of it and they ran out of ammo by Sunday lunchtime! Earlier this year the British Shooting Show included a number of airsoft retailers and a small demo area operated by Stirling Airsoft. It was such a success that the Show’s organiser decided it was time that airsoft had a ‘proper show of its own’ – and the British Airsoft Show was born. The British Airsoft Show takes place 9-10 February 2013, alongside the British Shooting Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, in more than 24,000 square feet of indoor space. The list of who will be filling that space already

reads a bit like a ‘Who’s Who of UK airsoft’ – here are just a few: Armex Airsoft Edgar Brothers RedWolf Airsoft JD Airsoft Pro Airsoft Supplies Enola Gaye Just BB Guns Airsoft World Airsoft Action will be there in force. You’ll find us right between the AIPSC range and Redwolf Airsoft – which is pretty handy as Clarence Lai, the Airsoft Surgeon himself, is scheduled to be at the show and will be spending time with us as well as giving talks and demonstrations. I don’t want to give too much away right now but we’ve got one or two other rather special guests lined up, who will be with us during the course of the show (so keep an eye on our FB page as the show gets closer).

Matt and the Stirling crew will be keeping their normal low profile, quietly blowing things up and kicking down (padded?) doors in a mahoosive demonstration area – broadcast around the event via live video feeds. Whatever Stirling does, you can be sure it will be spectacular – just like the rest of the show. Don’t forget, should you have a complete brainfart and for no particular reason decide you want to see something other than airsoft, there is always the matter of the UK’s biggest and best shooting show going on right in the next hall. Advance adult ticket prices are £15.50 for one day and £28 for a two day ticket; child (8-15 years) tickets are £6.50 and £12 (under 8s free). These are well-discounted from the on-the-door prices, so book early and you’ll have more money to spend on that shiny new AEG you’ve been saving for! I look forward to seeing you there. Nige.

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FIRST AND ONLY RETAIL OUTLET OPEN First and Only Airsoft has opened its first dedicated airsoft shop, in Manchester. While First and Only has operated an online shop and sold various kit at its airsoft sites, the new shop is the first dedicated retail operation by First and Only. It carries a full range of weaponry, consumables kit and clothing, and experienced staff are on hand to answer all your questions. If you’re local you can even order online and pick up your items from the shop (and have a browse and a chat while

you’re at it). There’s also a full gun maintenance and repair service offered in-house, as well as a 25m range for testing your shiny new toys. The shop is located at: Invar House, Wardley Industrial Estate, Swindon, Manchester M27 9PN. Contact First and Only for more details: www.firstandonlyevents.co.uk

CANNABIS FARM BECOMES CQB VENUE It’s a good month for Manchester airsofters – Gunman Airsoft North West has announced it will be opening a new site in Newton Heath, Manchester. The new CQB venue is a derelict Victorian office block over three floors (shown ont he picture by the red box). It is set to open in mid to late December 2012. Gunman said: “The site is in a derelict condition and all windows are boarded up. Small holes in the windows and air bricks in the walls allow a low level of light into the building – torches, tac-lights and NVGs would work well in here. “The property was left derelict after a ground floor tenant punched through to the upper levels and made the place in

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to a huge cannabis farm. This has since been destroyed and lots of equipment removed, but there is lots of scope for rebuilding the site in to a very difficult tactical situation.” Due to the amount of old wood floors

only BFGs are allowed to reduce fire risk. Gunman plans to run game days on two Sundays each month alongside one Saturday night game a month. For details visit: www.gunmanforum.com.

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AIRSOFT | NEWS

JD AND CELCIUS JOIN FORCES FOR LAUNCH The newest release from Celcius Technologies will be launched exclusively at JD Airsoft on 15-16 December. The CTW MX-Professional Kit will be unveiled for the first time and customers will have the chance to test fire it on JD Airsoft’s range. The rest of the CTW weapon family will also be on show, including the MX-3, Team Alpha II and MX-Ghost. Based on the extremely popular MX-3 platform, the MX-Professional Kit is a selfassembly training weapon that allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of the system and to customise your CTW in the build process to suit your own style of combat. The MX-Professional Kit incorporates over £250+ of additional parts within the standard kit which makes it the best value for money TW on the market to date. There will be exclusive pre-order discounts available through JD Airsoft, and a variety of special promotions over the launch weekend which should not be missed – there may even be a mince pie or two! For more information on the CTW range visit www.celcius–ctw.co.uk. For more info on the launch event contact JD Airsoft: 01543 466356, www.jdairsoft. net.

REDWOLF RELEASES OWN PISTOLS Major retailer Redwolf Airsoft has moved into manufacturing with its RW Nighthawk Custom Talon and Recon pistols. For an exclusive full review of the Talon head to page 72. The pistol is Redwolf’s first own-brand offering, fully licensed by US manufacturer Nighthawk Custom. The finish is excellent and the pistol features accurate Nighthawk laser marks. It is compatible with TM 1911 mags and can run on propane. The Talon, aimed more at the practical pistol market, costs $697, while the Recon, loosely based on KWC’s 1911, clocks in at a more affordable $129. We’ve got one RW/NHC Recon to giveaway this issue – flick to page 47 for details. For more details visit: www.redwolfairsoft.com

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FROM WITH LOVE Jay Slater gets a first look at SRC’s new replica of the Tokarev TT-33, Stalin’s sidearm of choice for devilish deeds

oseph Stalin was a no-nonsense chap. In the Bolshevik Revolution he was fisticuffing for the Motherland. When he wore his dictator boots in 1930s Moscow he executed thousands – anyone he feared would betray him – in The Great Purge. Despite the mass slaughter Uncle Joe was unsatisfied. He turned his attention to the Red Army and had a great number of his most loyal generals – the cream of his national defence and offense – shot. Not

his best move, it has to be said. On 22 June 1941, Hitler ordered the invasion of Russia with Operation Barbarossa. Not Hitler’s best move, it has to be said. While the Nazis demanded perfection and über-Germanic weaponry, Stalin wanted simplicity and efficiency, mass build that did its job – the IKEA of warfare. As the German forces struggled with the feared but unreliable Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger, or Tiger tank, a hideously expensive and

complex beast, the Russians came up with the T-34. It was no beauty: it was cheap, did its job and made mincemeat of the opposition by swarming them with sheer numbers. Even Hitler admired it. This summed up Russian thinking for military hardware at the time – copy the proven designs of others, make it cheap and uncomplicated, and churn out millions. And when Stalin became one the most murderous dictators in modern history, the TT-33 was his firearm of choice when he wanted someone eliminated.

Tsar Wars The TT-33 was an improved version of the Soviet 7.62x25 Tokarev TT-30, a semiautomatic pistol developed in the early 1930s by Fedor Tokarev. It was designed as a service pistol for the Soviet military to replace the Nagant M1895 revolver that had been in use since the Tsarist times. Tokarev, with that wise Russian tactic of stealing ideas, drew inspiration from several Browning-made pistols including the muchloved M1911. Tokarev made some Russki alterations to

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THE ARMOURY | SRC SR-33

the design, including a simplified hammer assembly, but the 7.62x25 bullet lacked the penetration ability of the M1911’s .45 ACP or 9mm round. It was to be produced in the Eastern Bloc and supportive powers such as Poland, Yugoslavia, Romania and China. To this day it is manufactured in Pakistan. The Russian Tokarev TT-33 versus the US M1911 was the pistol heavyweight championship of the 20th century. Over two million M1911s were manufactured, compared to 1.7 million TT-33s. To be fair, Tokarev did not knock off the M1911 as his inspiration, but gleaned much from Browning’s FN Model 1903. Having fired both the real-steel TT-33 and M1911A1, it is a matter of personal preference. The M1911 is larger and heavier but packs a more impressive man-stopping round. The TT-33, meanwhile, is far from lightweight and its iron sights are very favourable with its prominent and thin front post: ideal for comfortable aiming and pinpoint accuracy. Both guns feel snug and are easy to operate and maintain. On a personal note, the M1911’s grip is slightly more suited to the hand whereas the TT-33 is compact and somewhat curtailed in this department. The M1911 feels… perfect. Due to Soviet mass-production and lack

of durability for long-term use, viewpoints differ on the TT-33’s reliability. One of Stalin’s executioners, Vasili Blokhin, who shot around 10,000 enemies of the state with a pistol shot to the back of the head, considered the TT-33 less than perfect. Blokhin preferred German pistols such as the Luger P08, which he believed to be far more suitable for the mass use he intended. Then again, the Nazis were so impressed with the TT-33 that they issued captured

examples for field use. They also ripped off the Sten in the final months of 1945. ‘Vorsprung durch technik’, as they say.

SRC SR-33 Thanks to those kind people at SRC, Airsoft Action was the first to see and operate their new gas-powered TT-33. Packaging is immediately impressive – SRC has gone that extra mile for presentation. After all, first impressions count (or so the girls tell

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THE ARMOURY | SRC SR-33

me). The pistol comes in a limited edition heavy-duty carry case limited to 600 pieces. Within the case you’ll find the pistol, an 11-round magazine, a Russian police-type metal badge and postcard manual. Each pistol is also engraved with a unique serial number. The 11-round mag is waffle-thin so the gas reservoir is limited in its capacity. Reports suggest that a total of 17 shots can be fired from a single charge, but we found that once the 11 rounds were exhausted the gas reservoir was running near empty. Loading the magazine is child’s play: slide down a small lever on the side and pop in the BBs into the single-stack chamber. True to the real-steel there is a metal attachment on the base of the magazine to secure a lanyard. Due to its limited gas and ammo capacity, extra magazines are highly recommended –

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expect to pay around £15 each for those. The SRC TT-33 is totally authentic and is manufactured from metal parts. Confirming the Soviet stance for efficient and productive manufacturing, the assembly pin on the righthand side of the pistol consists of a thin metal strip. Moving this back will allow the disassembly of the TT-33. Its method is similar to the M1911 but lacks sophistication; however, this is faithful to the real-steel and reeks of USSR cheap mass build for a fistful of roubles. That said, SRC’s TT-33 is good quality. It feels part of the hand in use, from the weight to its centre of gravity. The finish is beautiful compared to the KWA version – field expectations are similar – and the sound of cocking and firing is devilishly delightful. In all, its cycle and operation are secure and without criticism. This TT-33 will not let you down. The crisp gas blowback is sharp and resonates power and delivery with bombastic glee. The cocking of the weapon is highly impressive and is close to the metal clack of the real gun. It packs quite a wallop at around 290fps or more as standard, not at all bad for a sidearm.

It is similar in power and range to the Tokyo Marui M1911A1, another cherished favourite despite its plastic build. The recoil is brutally strong and the firing loud, making this an extremely gratifying Tokarev to shoot. The poor man’s chronograph was a VHS tape of an old German ‘woman in prison’ movie. At a range of 60ft-70ft, firing was consistent and near or on target. Impressive. Plastic was penetrated through both sides, its outer shell shattered and devastated. Make no mistake: this TT-33 will do its murderous work on the airsoft killing fields. Comrades, this is the TT-33 you have been waiting for. It might even convert the M1911 purists to join Mother Russia. Za rodinu! Za stalina! (‘For Motherland! For Stalin!).

SRC SR-33 CONSTRUCTION: Metal WEIGHT: ~1,150g POWER SOURCE: Green gas SHOOTING MODE: Semi-auto only MAGAZINE: 11 rounds VELOCITY: ~290fps PRICE: Around £100 Many thanks to Charlie at SRC for generously supplying pistol for review SRC: www.starrainbow.com.tw

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OPERATION

WHITE KNIGHT T

he soldier’s eyes flicked from side to side, trying to observe his surroundings as the man approached him along the street. Every instinct was telling him something wasn’t right - and yet he managed to keep his index finger extended along the edge of his weapon’s receiver. He knew that if he allowed it to curl around the trigger it would be taken as a sign of aggression and all hell could break loose. Sweat rolled down his face as the man drew closer. His hands were visible but there appeared to be something solid under his loose-fitting garb. The soldier slowly moved his weapon towards the man, not threatening him but letting him

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know he was being watched. He could feel the tension building as he drew alongside. “Salaam alaikum,” the man said as he passed. The soldier offered the traditional response of “Alaikum salaam,” but continued to watch the man until he turned off the street into an alleyway between two buildings. With the moment over the soldier returned his attention forwards and continued scanning his arc. The soldier saw the signal to move and the patrol continued. Out of sight in the alleyway, the man was speaking hurriedly into his mobile phone, reporting what he had seen and

letting his Commander know the infidels were alert and looked well-prepared to fight. One more thing – they appeared to have a civilian photographer with them; maybe he could be useful. The photographer had also been watching the man’s approach. This was not his first experience of this particular war and he knew what to expect – and that was almost always the unexpected! On this occasion though, things had passed without incident and although his gut was telling him otherwise, he was pleased to be moving on. As he walked he recalled what had brought him back to this hot, dusty, dangerous place called Asadabad, Afghanistan.

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FILMSIM | GUNMAN MILSIMAIRSOFT | TIER 1 Background A few months back Task Force 76 had been very active in the area and managed to capture or kill two members of Al Qaeda’s command structure in the region, effectively crippling further AQ and Taliban (AQT) operations. With AQT gone, small groups of the local civilian population felt safe enough to return and start rebuilding their lives and businesses. To ensure their safety, Joint Special Operations Command decided to send in a small SF element to help the incumbent US Rangers to capture or kill any AQT commanders trying to infiltrate the district. The emphasis was on stabilising the district so that a fullscale ‘Hearts and Minds’ operation could be conducted. It hadn’t been lost on the photographer that in an election year, nothing boosts poll ratings better than pictures back home of locals and US soldiers living in safe, peaceful harmony – although he doubted there would be many like that on this assignment. The crack of rifle fire and the sound of something pinging off the wall behind his head snapped him out of his reverie and dust and dirt flew up into his face as he dived to the ground. “Bastards!” he thought. “That was aimed at me!” He’d heard that journalists and photographers had been targeted and always assumed it was just the ‘fog of war’ but that was just too damn close to be a coincidence. He’ll have to really watch himself. The patrol had heard it too and a sniper had been spotted in a building a

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few hundred yards up the street. Four soldiers were already moving towards it and the sound of shots and grenade explosions soon echoed back towards him. They had found a couple of guys armed to the teeth and willing to fight to the death – they weren’t disappointed! With the patrol complete they made their way back to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) for a few hours’ break and the chance to get some sleep before heading out again later that night. Spotting the CO, the photographer took the opportunity to see if he could get any new information. Having met on a previous assignment, the CO was happy to talk to him and soon brought him up to speed on the plan for the next few days. It was simply a matter of conducting regular patrols with the minimum show of force, to engage with the local population and let them know that they were here to protect them, while ‘encouraging’ any insurgent groups to stay away. Meanwhile the SF guys would be ‘out doing what they do best’, whatever that might be...

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Hearts and minds As part of the Hearts and Minds mission, the CO had set up a meeting with Mohammed, a local Elder and owner of the town’s only cafe. The CO had met Mohammed during an earlier mission and built a relationship that led to dialogue and trust between the two men. If anyone knew what was happening in town it would be Mohammed, and so a Shura had been arranged to discuss future plans (and of course to gain whatever intelligence might be available, particularly with regard to the location of certain ‘Persons of Interest’ to the US Government). The photographer accompanied the CO to the Shura, and did not miss the subtle change of atmosphere in town. The people seemed reluctant to engage in conversation, and where previously there had been smiles there was only furtive glances and shouts of “Go home Yankees!” It was as though the locals

were playing up to an unseen audience and the soldiers became more alert as tensions rose. The Shura took place in the video shop, sitting among copies of such gems as Rambo, 24 and The X-Files boxsets. Mohammed was there, along with other local Elders and, although late, even a member of the local Afghan police managed to make an appearance – apparently he’d been delayed as he had to put a parking ticket on the CO’s Land Rover, which was parked outside. The photographer couldn’t help smiling at that but his smiles turned to frowns as noises and shouts from outside filtered through the doorway, followed closely by the CO’s 2IC with a whispered message. Although his face remained passive, the photographer could see the message was very important. As soon as the required pleasantries had been exchanged at the end of the Shura the CO made his way into an adjoining room for a full update. It turned out that while the Shura was taking place, soldiers stationed in

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MILSIM | TIER 1 the building next door recognised one of the local men in there as being their High Value Target and immediately arrested him. This seemed to provoke outrage among the other men and the situation was rapidly deteriorating. The best course of action was to get him out of there as quickly as possible and so a vehicle was called up, the man was bundled into the back and it sped off back to the FOB. This seemed to incense the rapidly gathering crowd and they pushed forwards to make their anger known. Realising the situation could rapidly escalate out of control, the patrol gathered and made to move away. A man came out of the cafe and while shouting and gesticulating wildly, made his way towards the soldiers. One of the men noticed something strange about the man; the front of his robes looked strangely flat, as though he had something underneath. It was then he saw what the man had in his right hand and he brought his rifle up, but he was a second too late. The man pressed the

button he was holding and the bomb strapped to his chest exploded.

Collateral damage The noise was deafening and as the photographer picked himself up it took a couple of seconds for his senses to register the carnage around him. Dead and dying soldiers and civilians were scattered about like rag dolls. Others were shaking their heads and trying to stand. Mohammed and a couple of other locals ran across the street and started to tend the wounded. The photographer’s instincts took over and his camera was soon capturing images he would rather forget. Vehicles screamed in, the wounded and dead loaded up and raced back to the FOB, to where the remainder of the patrol returned shortly afterwards. The Hearts and Minds mission had taken a deadly turn and this would lead to another tragic event. The CO made the decision to come off the back foot and issued orders for continual ‘aggressive patrols’, to

COPEHILL DOWN VILLAGE Copehill Down Village is a purpose-built MOD Training Area constructed in 1988 to train troops during the Cold War and for operations in the Balkans and Northern Ireland. More recently it has been expanded and adapted to offer training for operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Copehill Down makes an amazing airsoft venue but, as it’s an active MOD Training Area, access is strictly controlled and limited to those who have the proper authorisation. Airsoft Action is pleased to be the first airsoft magazine licensed to photograph an event at Copehill Down for national publication and would like to thank all those at Landmarc who made this possible.

“Out of sight in the alleyway, the man was speaking hurriedly into his mobile phone, reporting what he had seen and letting his Commander know the infidels were alert and looked well-prepared to fight” www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

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MILSIM | TIER 1

take the fight back to the enemy that had obviously moved back into the town – the first of which was to move out ASAP. The Rangers were itching to get some payback and it was with set jaws and stern faces that they moved out of the FOB towards the town centre – straight into an ambush! Taliban fighters had occupied just about every building on either side of the street and fire rained down on the patrol from every window and open doorway. Casualties quickly mounted but with grim determination and a shed-load of grenades and other explosives, the Rangers slowly pushed through, clearing every room in every building as they went. The fighting was particularly intense over near the cafe. Seeing two Taliban duck in through the doorway, a soldier lobbed a grenade through each of the two open windows. The explosion killed not only the two Taliban fighters, but also the 17 civilians hiding inside – and any chance of the Hearts and Mind mission being a success.

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In the wake of this disaster and in the failing light, it was decided to withdraw all patrols to the FOB for the night and let the dust settle for a while. At some point in the evening an angry mob gathered outside the main gate as the funeral procession for those that had been killed made its way past. Demands for compensation were delivered to the CO. Needless to say, the Taliban did not waste time taking advantage of the halt in operations and throughout the night they bombarded the FOB with mortar fire and grenades lobbed over the outer walls. The photographer woke with a start at about 3am, as the sound of a series of huge explosions died away in the distance. Not knowing the source, and still being alive, he slumped back down onto his doss-bag and shut his eyes again until the noise of activity around him forced them open again. Was it really 8am? He was sure he had closed them just five minutes ago! The mission for today was simple: clear all Taliban and Al Qaeda from

the town – street by street, building by building, room by room. They were all to be either all killed or captured. Just to complicate matters further, NordOil (one of the many government contractors employed to help rebuild the shattered infrastructure) would be working in town today and were rumoured to have employed an army of South African mercenaries to protect their workers – nothing was ever simple in Afghanistan! Patrols moved out in all directions just after 8:30 and it was not long before the sound of vicious fighting could be heard from all sectors. The staccato chatter of heavy machine gun fire was interspersed with the high-pitched whistle of small calibre rounds and the crump of exploding grenades as the battle ebbed and flowed around the town. Slowly, one by one, compounds fell to the US Rangers until only the main shopping area remained – a single row of buildings containing a total of 90 rooms, all connected by corridors and stairs. This is a CQB nightmare that took an age to clear, but eventually even that was empty and the shooting stopped just before 11:30. The silence took the photographer by surprise. It happened so suddenly and so completely, as though someone had pressed the ‘off’ button! As it set in that the fighting had finished, locals started to appear (where the hell they hid during the fighting we’ll never know) and with much shaking of hands and offers of coffee, thanked the Rangers for once again ridding their town of the Taliban (although there was still the matter of compensation for those killed in the cafe to be resolved). Such is the way in war – and particularly war in Afghanistan...

TIER 1 MILITARY SIMULATION MilSim events at a number of locations throughout the year. Visit Tier 1’s website for details of upcoming operations CONTACT: 07967 225739, www.tier1militarysimulation.com

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THE ARMOURY | XMAS SPECIAL

Christmas 12 GUNS OF

Michael Jones gives a run-down of 12 top AEGs for new players to spend their Xmas cash on

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is the season to be jolly, and nothing says ‘Merry Christmas’ like a shiny new gun. So you’ve played a few games, caught the bug and decided that it may be time to invest in your own rifle. After all, that Christmas cash isn’t going to spend itself! In this article we’ll look at some of the more popular rifles new players choose, along with some less common options. Each rifle will have a mini-review, with a focus on what sort of player each might suit – and remember this is all subjective,

based on my own knowledge and experience.If you’re CQB crazy, take a look at the ICS MP5, the Classic Army M15 CQB and the ASG Mac 10. They might be eeny-weeny but still pack a punch. For the WWII warrior there’s the King Arms Thompson M1A1. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to be into WWII to admire it – these rifles are not uncommon on a standard skirmish field. Veterans might tell you that getting a sniper for your first weapon is a bad move, and in some ways they have a

point. But there’s nothing stopping you having your cake and eating it in the form of a full-auto that performs like a sniper. This section contains the Classic Army M14 Match and the King Arms Blackwater BW. If none of those has you excited, or you already know where you fit in, don’t despair: we’ve got a collection of general purpose rifles to suit almost anyone – G&G’s CM16, the ASG G36C, Cyma AK47, ICS Sig 552, G&G FN2000 and finally Magpul Masada.

ICS MX5 SPORTLINE

CLASSIC ARMY M15A4 CQB

ICS’ MP5 replica is great for CQB, with lots of potential for customisation. Pictured is the MX5-A4, but all four variants in the Sportline MX5 range (with different foregrip and stock configurations) cost the same. They also come with two 230-round magazines, which is ideal for new players – though you will need a large 8.4v battery. It’s a part of ICS’ Sportline range so I wouldn’t recommend giving it a beating due to the plastic body, but if you look after her then she’ll look after you. Don’t let the ‘plastic’ part put you off – inside it’s identical to the metal versions, including gold barrel and strong gearbox. For the price it’s a corking deal and given its weight and size it will suit pretty much any player.

What do you get if you mix one part Classic Army Sportline with one part Classic Army premium model? The CA Premium Sportline! The ‘Premium’ bit doesn’t just mean metal receivers – internal quality is excellent, including a quality gearbox with 7mm bearings, reinforced gears and piston head and metal hop unit. This CQB M4 has a metal receiver, top quality internals and all the goodies you find with a Sportline while still hanging on the price tag. If you’re on a budget but want that little bit more take a closer look, you won’t be disappointed.

SPECS: ~2kg, 680mm, 2x 230-round, ~290fps

SPECS: ~2.5kg, 760mm, 1x 300-round, ~300fps

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CLASSIC ARMY M14 MATCH

KING ARMS THOMPSON M1A1

The M14 Match is a great starter gun for anyone who plays at woodland sites. At its heart is a gearbox that will last with minimal maintenance, something not to be taken for granted. This rifle sports a large battery and mag – and due to its weight, a large player too. She’s a bit of a beast for lighter hands but without doubt a very good rifle. The match variant is quite long but that shouldn’t stop you charging through the brambles if you wanted to. Most importantly, range and accuracy are both very, very impressive. For the money it’s a solid option, and something a bit different to boot.

SPECS: ~4kg, 990mm, 1x 470-round, ~310fps

If you want a WWII weapon that a collector would be proud of then the King Arms Thompson is for you. Full metal, real wood and near perfect trades make this great for the historical circuit. Its design is both functional and beautiful – not to mention more than a match for the modern models on the skirmish field. The selection of magazine capacity – mid-cap and hi-cap stick mags, along with a hi-cap drum mag for the authentic gangster look – gives

the old ‘Tommy’ a new lease of life. On top of that, out of the box performance doesn’t leave you wanting.

SPECS: ~3kg, 805mm, 1x 420-round, ~340fps

ASG MAC 10 A couple of different manufacturers have tried to clone Tokyo Marui’s Mac 10 with little success. Fortunately ASG has had a solid go at it with its recent MAC 10 replica, officially licensed by Cobray. In the box you’ll find practically everything you need, including battery, charger and a 480-round mag! As it’s a TM clone the parts are interchangeable – but ASG still got its thinking caps out with this one and hidden at the end of the outer barrel is a 14mm CCW thread. This means that if you don’t want to use the supplied mock suppressor you could fit, well, anything. Made from metal this gun has that instant smile factor that only a SMG can give. The velocity is lower than most rifles here, and some new players will baulk at that, but when it comes to CQB it’s absolutely deadly – and at the price, duel wielding has never been easier.

SPECS: ~1.6kg, 295mm-550mm, 1x 480-round, 7.4v 500mAh included, ~200fps

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THE ARMOURY | XMAS SPECIAL KING ARMS BLACKWATER BW15

ASG G36C

The Blackwater is a DMR-type rifle, reviewed in the May 2012 issue of Airsoft Action. It sports a V2 gearbox, takes M4 mags and has plenty of scope for customisation. With its low-profile shell it fits nicely in both hand and shoulder, and its weight is comfortable for its size. These rifles may look imposing but that’s not the main attraction – out-the-box performance is phenomenal with exceptional range and accuracy. This thing shoots for miles.

A great little rifle, although ABS (like the real deal) the ASG G36C is a sturdy bit of kit with good range. The folding stock makes it suitable for tight CQB play, and there’s plenty of RIS for any accessories you wish to mount. With various magazine capacities available, easily obtained upgrades and the reliable V3 gearbox on board, the 36C is a great all-rounder. It’s slightly more expensive than G&G’s CM16 but still more than worth it.

SPECS: ~3.7kg, 990mm-1,015mm, 1x 360-round, ~360fps

SPECS: ~2.9kg, 720mm, 1x 470-round, ~320fps

CYMA AK47 The trusty Cyma AK47, forged in the fires of hell, has been around the Bloc for ages. These chunks of metal are both rugged and (almost) as indestructible as their real-steel counterparts. Range and accuracy aren’t the best but let’s be reasonable – it’s an AK after all. While most rifles’ hi-caps hold around 300 rounds, AK hi-caps usually hold 600+ so it’s perfect for the beginner who doesn’t want to break the bank on a stockpile of magazines. Price-wise it’s a step up from the CM16 and G36C, but as it’s metal it will take abuse all day long and just smile back.

SPECS: ~3.7kg, 895mm, 1x 600-round, ~340fps

G&G CM16 G&G’s Combat Machine range features quality internals with an economy exterior. Although these rifles have a very large plastic content they’re still well up to the task of the skirmish field. The G&G gearbox will undoubtedly soldier on, but while the plastic is strong there’s only so much it can take. If you’re heavy handed it might therefore be worth investing in upgrades, but for the price there really isn’t much that can match this. A superb, cost-effective first rifle.

SPECS: ~2.6kg, 785mm-880mm, 1x 420-round, ~310fps

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THE ARMOURY | XMAS SPECIAL ICS SIG 522 COMMANDO At first glance I was a little put off with the ICS Sig 522 Commando – the gold-coloured foregrip/ RIS just wasn’t my cup of tea. That opinion, however, soon changed when I got it in my hands. Sometimes you can almost feel the quality of a rifle, and this was one of those times. Firstly, it’s a tank – no wobble whatsoever. The foregrip that I didn’t like so much is now one of my favourite bits, with precision CNC alloy construction that just feels the beans. The ergonomic grip, folding stock, licenced trades and adjustable cheekrest all add to the appeal. To be honest I’m very tempted myself.

MAGPUL MASADA The Masada is the cream of the crop. Everything about this AEG oozes quality. Don’t get me wrong, you certainly pay for it, but when you consider what you’re getting I think its good value for money. There are options as to what magazine type you would like to use, along with colour. The really neat stuff is all on the inside though – lots of time (and probably money) has been spent on making it as good as it is. Strip down is quick and simple; you can change the spring or barrel in five minutes or less. Performance-wise, well, if you see one in the field, watch the owner’s face as they use it. There’s a reason it’s expensive – if you want the best, be prepared to pay for it.

SPECS: ~2.6kg, 470mm-730mm, 2x 300-round, ~330fps

G&G FN2000 OK, some of you may be thinking ‘he’s had one too many brandy butters’ but have you ever seen the performance these little gems kick out? Get past the looks, which I know will have a bit of a ‘Marmite’ effect, and let’s focus on what’s inside. G&G’s standard quality is riddled all through this rifle and, combined with the excellent accuracy, balance and robustness, this is definitely one to consider. The bullpup design ensures you still get a long barrel while keeping its footprint small. It’s chunky, odd and reasonably expensive, but if you want something a bit different and have plenty of Crimbo cash to splurge, don’t discount this.

SPECS: ~2.8kg, 790mm-870mm, 1x 300-round, ~360fps

SPECS: 3.6kg, 680mm, 1x 450-round, ~340fps

Best of the best

So there you have it: 12 shooters that we think are worth your Christmas cash. But where does each really shine? Scores in each category are from 1-3, with three being the best, but keep an eye on the price too – you might be surprised!

Metal

Range

Accuracy CQB

Weight

Total

Price

MP5

£140

M15 CQB

£170

Mac 10

£90

Tompson

£200 ≈

M14

£230

Blackwater 3

£350 ≈

CM16

£120 ≈

G36C

£150

AK47

£200

Sig 522

£300 ≈

FN2000

£325 ≈

Masada

£450-499

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JD AIRSOFT Special thanks go to the chaps at JD Airsoft who kindly let me poke my nose, and camera, around their shop. Almost all the rifles featured (and a gazillion others) are available from JD’s impressive showroom. It’s well worth a visit if you are able, with friendly and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer all your difficult questions. SHOP ADDRESS: Unit 5 Virage Park, Cannock, Staffs WS11 0NH JD AIRSOFT: 01543 466356 www.jdairsoft.net

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13/11/12 09:40:22

Site review | Shock and Awe

SHOCK AND awe In his quest to report from all six sites in the North West Airsoft Alliance, Ron Mahoney introduces Shock and Awe Airsoft

ast month we introduced the North West Airsoft Alliance, a consortium of six airsoft sites. So far I’ve reported from half of the Alliance sites (The Ex-Site, Mold; SWAT Area 51, Shotton; and MOA, Wigan). In the spirit of fairness and to spread the news I’ll review the other three over the next few months – starting this issue with Shock and Awe Airsoft in Abergeley. The NWAA gives players an opportunity to experience different terrains – from open, rolling hillside to close quarter urban, dense woodland ‘jungle’ to the wild forestry of Shock and Awe. By that I mean it is the opposite of the regimented commercial pine forestry (rows of trees, fire breaks and logging points). Yes, you are still playing in mainly pine forest, but it’s broken up by large deciduous trees, bushes, shrubs and grassland. Now before you think this has turned all Gardener’s World, I’m telling you this because many forestry sites don’t offer a great deal of ground cover and you can find yourself using shadows and dead ground to try to gain a tactical advantage. At Shock and Awe it is much easier to use the available cover to move around undetected.

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“They tried valiantly to gain some momentum, but the extended burst of BBs headed in their general direction subdued them quickly”

Now I might have got slightly ahead of myself – the first thing to say about this site is that if you can’t find it then it’s time to pack it in and take up something less taxing on your brain cells. The site is right next to the main A55 north Wales coastal road. As soon as you leave the carriageway turn left, and then left again where the huge sign on the metal gates says Adventure Company; from there, just follow the forest track about 1,000 yards. Adventure Company has been running paintball and quad biking activities for several years and sports an impressive set-up with covered eating area, proper toilets and hardstanding car park – it’s for stag groups and corporate team-building days so mod cons have to be in place. Shock and Awe Airsoft has managed to secure use of the facility, allowing a fledgling company to look very professional in a short period of time – the team formed at the beginning of 2012 with one of those crazy pub conversations between mates. You know the one: ‘We should set up an airsoft site!’

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Site review | Shock and Awe communications tower – a 6m-high scaffolding system covered with old satellite dishes, so you can’t really miss it. I settled into the pit of an uprooted tree to cover one of the likely approach routes with my M60 E4. Tucking myself down into the cover I saw the fleeting shapes of a couple of the attacking team moving between the trees a few hundred yards ahead. At my 9 o’clock, one of our patrols came back after harassing the enemy; hand signals were arranged and they set up a snap ambush to cover left arc. I figured out where I wanted the attackers to be before I opened up with the M60 and let them patrol a little nearer. The lads on my left started to contact the advancing enemy and my little group started to respond to the resulting noise and moved closer in; time to let the first 50-odd BBs go in a three second burst. It’s funny, seeing players’ reactions to an ambush, especially those who haven’t been trained in contact drills. Often players just stand there like rabbits in headlights wondering what the hell just happened; some seem to lose all sense of coordination as they run away, limbs flailing, like a demented chicken. Occasionally, though, you meet players who switch straight on and start brassingup the contact direction. Well this time

But Westy and the team didn’t wake up the next morning thinking ‘What a load of bubbles I was chatting last night’; they started looking for a venue to use. With Adventure Company’s established set up not a million miles away, they went for a chat about running a site and were offered use of the facilities during downtimes. In effect they were ‘fast tracked’ about four years from how a site would develop from scratch. So in a few short months Shock and Awe has developed into a fully fledged airsoft venue – and what a great venue it is.

Game on The first warm-up games were a couple of attack and defence scenarios. As defenders on the first game we had to protect a

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I had the latter, and to be fair they tried valiantly to gain some momentum, but the extended burst of BBs headed in their general direction subdued them quickly and weapons were raised in the air. That was the highlight of my defence, as not long after I felt and heard the tell tale ‘tap, tap, tap’ into my Camelbak that meant one of the attackers had made a sneakybeaky through our position. I put my hand up, turned round to see a happy attacker and gave him a thumbs-up.

Explosive action In the next game our team was tasked with taking out a compound and a mobile missile launcher. I wondered just how good the ‘missile launcher’ would look – I’ve seen a few props at various sites that look a bit Blue Peter, with lots of sticky-back plastic and toilet roll tubes. At first sight, as far as I could make out, it looked like a 1960s ‘Honest John’ style missile launcher hidden away in the enemy compound – but I didn’t have much time to concentrate on this as rounds started coming at me from various buildings.

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Once again I was in the SAW support gun role and managed to keep the compound occupied while our forces peeled off for a pincer movement. There was plenty of smoke going in, lots of bangs (Shock and Awe likes bangs) and too much action to follow. I watched as one of our team, pistol in hand, crawled up to the fence surrounding the compound. I put plenty of plastic towards the enemy to keep them occupied and saw him get into position to throw a couple of grenades into the compound. The enemy saw the grenades come over the fence and darted into cover – unfortunately a grenade was following them. ‘Nice one’, I thought, but I was a bit disappointed not to hear one shout of ‘hit’ or see somebody walk out, weapon raised. It made me once again question the use of airsoft grenades as a way to take someone out. At least the lad who’d got forward followed up with his pistol, so a few of them were taken out rapidly after the explosion – so maybe it had worked, if only as a distraction device. The compound was now in a pincer movement and once BBs were coming

in from all sides it fell rapidly. Everyone trooped back to the Safe Zone for lunch, provided in a covered picnic area with plenty of seating. You don’t get that everywhere. Afternoon games at Shock and Awe play until last light – that can mean a late finish in the summer if you are up for it. Unfortunately I had torn my ankle, so I hobbled off to cries of ‘man up’ from the infamous Taffy West, owner of The Ex-Site, who was down with some players for the North West Airsoft Alliance. In short, with the ease of access, longestablished features and great onsite facilities, Shock and Awe will no doubt go from strength to strength. It has that one vital ingredient all good venues have: it’s an airsoft site run by airsoft players.

Shock And Awe Airsoft Kinmel Woods, Conwy, LL22 9BU Prices Walk-on: £25 Rifle hire: £20 Contact: 07981 443152, www.shockandaweairsoft.co.uk

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MEDAL OF HONOR: WARFIGHTER Alex W cuts through the hype to find out if Medal of Honor: Warfighter is up to scratch

couldn’t decide if I was excited about the new Medal of Honor: Warfighter or not. I loved the previous MoH and have approved of the direction EA has pushed its modern shooters in with Battlefield 3, but I was worried EA would go all over the top with this, as per recent Call of Duty games. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. The game opens in a dockyard, all wind and rain. Lights glimmer off every slick surface as you dash from shadow to shadow, carefully dropping a couple of guards before the proverbial hits the fan. Strangely, this first section is probably one of the most over the top sections – the rest of the game follows a relatively realistic path and is well paced.

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The story centres around a terrorist cleric and the pretty powerful explosives in his possession. Throughout the game you chase down his supply routes and track his soldiers in an attempt to get to him and prevent the deadly PETN explosives being used in an attack. It is a linear game, but the story does a good job of balancing big fights with slow, stealthy sections that were impressively engaging. Both the settings and what happens in them seem as though it could’ve actually happened. At lot of the media for the game has really pushed the idea that all the different Special Forces around the world are represented. I was worried that it would make for a confused story, with the player forever unsure who he’s controlling. However I’m

glad to say that the story returns to following the soldiers of the US Navy SEALs. All the favourites from the previous game are back and this time in a much more human role. The cut-scenes – and the story itself – will probably seem familiar to anyone who’s seen Act of Valor, and generally the game looks great. The few that with everyone in their gear look awesome but it’s the sections with the family at home that look best. These parts really show the human side of the story, the sacrifices the soldiers go through to do their duty. This does highlight that the story is nothing groundbreaking, but then it has been a good while since a popular shoot-emup had any real depth. The game is particularly linear, but there are some added touches that

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break up the gameplay. There are some driving sections, one of which – an entire level that sees not one round fired – has you chasing another car around a city, dodging traffic and attempting to close the gap. It seems to go on and on until you finally catch him – I was chasing the chap for a good 10 minutes as I just couldn’t close the gap! In another driving section you have to play cat and mouse with enemy security forces while you

attempt to get out of the city. There are also the usual helicopter, sniping and driving a little remote controlled turret sections – all of which are fun, but nothing new. One major difference between this and similar titles is the way weapons are used. Taking a loaded weapon from opponents you have dropped has been a staple of games for as long as I can remember, but since many games implemented a two gun system you

would have to choose to drop one of the weapons you start the level with. For games trying to put you in the shoes of a real world soldier shoes this is unforgivable; a soldier doesn’t leave their weapon, it is part of them. MoHW gets around this in an innovative way that I truly hope other games adopt. If you grab an AK47 you sling your main rifle – changing weapons then just drops the AK and pulls out your main. This system means you never have to decide to drop an awesome weapon because it’s out of ammo. One of the main criticisms levelled at modern first-person-shooters is the longevity of the single player campaign. This is no different: it’s short and straightforward, so don’t expect it to keep you occupied long. If all you want this game for is the single player mode then I suggest you consider renting it instead. This is, of course, because multiplayer is a much bigger concern for most players. It’s here that all of the various Special Forces make their appearance. Each Nation has a different main weapon and, having picked your favourite, as you level up

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you unlock new Nations for each of the six classes. Each class has different abilities and fights differently – Assault class has access to a grenade launcher, Support and Sniper are pretty selfexplanatory, and the Pointman can equip some heavy rounds that do more damage, and he moves quickly. There’s also Spec Ops; these guys are built for CQB and carry carbines and SMGs. Finally, Demolition class can drop a blast shield which slows you down but allows you to absorb a huge amount of damage. When you unlock a Nation you get the gun that that Nation uses, and as you use each weapon more you unlock new attachments and configurations for it. They have truly gone to town on this. There are hundreds of things to unlock giving you massive amounts of customisability – some of it is purely aesthetic, some functional. You can take one rifle, pop on the long front, solid stock and a scope for range, or go completely the other way with a stubby front, micro Aimpoint and silencer.

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Instead of Squads there are now ‘Fireteams’. Each Fireteam is a pair of players. If you die you can spawn on your partner if they are safe; if one of you is hurt or low on ammo you can resupply and heal each other. This functionality forces players to cooperate (at least a little bit) with the person they are paired with. While the squad systems from Battlefield work well they wouldn’t fare quite so well in the close-quarters battles of MoHW –and this Fireteam system works perfectly. However, the multiplayer is not perfect. I found that it takes an age to load the new levels for me to join. Sure it could be my machine, but I can run the game on top graphics and don’t struggle to run anything else. I also suffered from a lot of lag and stuttering while playing. My internet is awful but I don’t have anywhere near this trouble in other games. Unfortunately that tends to mean poor net code on the game’s behalf, which is a shame considering

games with much lower profile manage to get it right. Other bugs have been reported, even after the day-one patch, but will hopefully be fixed in time. Despite these niggles I enjoyed MoHW. It gives me exactly what I play airsoft for – to feel as though I’m Special Forces. The gear and guns add to this feeling along with the gameplay. You are never far from a teammate and it makes you feel like an integral part of that team. Certainly one for the Christmas list!

MEDAL OF HONOR: WARFIGHTER DEVELOPED BY: Danger Close PUBLISHED BY: Electronic Arts PLATFORMS: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Expected to be released for Wii U PRICE: Around £25-£40 depending on platform

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WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN... THE ARMOURY | M2000 SNIPER RIFLE

MEDAL OF HONOR: T

WARFIGHTER

wo lucky readers stand to earn themselves an early Xmas prezzie in the shape of the new Medal of Honor: Warfighter, courtesy of the team at Electronic Arts. We’ve one copy for Xbox and one for PC (sorry PS3 users!). With the Limited Edition copy you get all the standard goodness, plus unlocked multiplayer content the Navy SEAL Sniper and Tac-300 Sniper Rifle! Oh, there’s also a key to access the exclusive Battlefield 4 beta which is set to open autumn 2013 – so there’s even something to look forward to! If you haven’t read the review yet, go back a few pages and start again. Then come back, answer the following question, fill in your details – including whether you want the Xbox or PC version – and send it off to us at the usual address. Please note – as the game is rated PEGI 16 we cannot accept any entries from under-16s this time.

WORTH £45!

QUESTION: Which of the following nations is not represented in Medal of Honor: Warfighter?

A United Kingdom B Brazil C Soth Korea D Norway

■ ■ ■ ■

Name ______________________________________ Address_____________________________________ Postcode ____________________________________ Telephone ___________________________________ Email ______________________________________ Specify platform (Xbox or PC) _____________________

Post your entry to: Medal of Honor competition, Airsoft Action, Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5SZ. Or, email your entries to competition@blazepublishing.co.uk, quoting ‘Medal of Honor competition’ in the headline. Entries received after 13 December will not be valid. One entry per household. Winner will be first correct entry pulled from the editor's hat. Blaze Publishing would like to keep you informed of other offers and publications. Please tick here if you would NOT like to be contacted by post or email

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Christmas OUR

Here’s the goodies we’ve got our eye on – feel free to leave the mag lying open on the right page to give your significant other a hint…

STOCKING STUFFERS

LIST

ABBEY ANTI FOG SPRAY

COAST MULTITOOL

Avoid unnecessary hits thanks to misted-up lenses with Abbey Solutions’ Anti Fog. This super effective spray-on solution, which comes in a 150ml pump action bottle, resists the build up of condensation and keeps your vision crystal clear all day long. Just spray on a lens cloth and wipe over the misting surface, making sure to remove any excess liquid, and hey presto – now you can wear your favourite eye pro without worrying if you’ll be left blind when it matters most.

This nifty multitool has more than a dozen handy tools including high-quality knife blade and spring loaded pliers. On top of that it also features an inbuilt LED light, designed to direct the beam to where it’s needed – the cutting line of the blade or head of the pliers – making it perfect for working in dark or confined spaces. Backed by a five-year warranty and complete with belt holster, this practical tool is a steal for the price.

PRICE: £11 DISTRIBUTED BY ABBEY SOLUTIONS: www. abbeysolutions.co.uk Available from all good retailers

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PRICE: £20 DISTRIBUTED BY BBB INVESTMENTS: 01858 410551, www.bbb.gb.com

MP9 UNIVERSAL BARREL ADAPTER Fancy making your KWA MP9 a bit meaner? Try this drop-in barrel adaptor replacement for the KWA MP9, with standard 14mm threads for attaching your favourite accessory, from flash hiders to tracer units. CNCd from durable 6061 aluminium the adaptor is easy to install – it just takes a small flathead screwdriver, pin punch and a small hammer.

PRICE: £23.50 AIRSOFT SNIPER PARTS UK: www.airsoftsniperparts.com

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KIT BAG | XMAS SPECIAL PAO 1X30 RED/GREEN DOT SIGHT

G&G M84 REPLICA

Professional Airgun Optics (PAO) produces rifle scopes, rangefinders, night vision optics – and, of course, the 1x30 red/green dot sight featured here! This 1x magnification dot sight allows the user to choose between a red or green dot, and will fit any 20mm weaver rail system. Provides for five brightness levels in both red and green settings. Made of aircraft-grade aluminium, this is a robust, well-priced optic suitable for both pistols and rifles.

Are you trying to build an authentic-looking load-out but feel something’s missing? Give this a go and blow your friends away with G&G’s replica M84 stun grenade. It’s nonfunctional, of course, but that doesn’t stop it looking awesome! Stick one in a pouch to make your kit look that little bit more realistic.

PRICE: £40 SURPLUS STORE: 01293 525880, www.surplusstore.co.uk

PRICE: £18 LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

MECHANIX M-PACT GLOVE

SUREFIRE LITHIUM BATTERIES

The Mechanix M-Pact are the ultimate in affordable, all-purpose military gloves. Redesigned with an anatomically-engineered direct sonic welded rubber top and EVA foam palm pads for improved protection – they take the brunt so your hands don’t have to. They’ve got a secure, comfortable fit, an elastic cuff with hook and loop closure, knuckle guard and two-way stretch Spandex padded back. Plus they look great – available in black, coyote and woodland (pictured).

What good Christmas is complete without batteries? Improve your torch’s performance by using SureFire’s inexpensive, yet high-performance, 123A lithium batteries (and rechargeable lithium-phosphate batteries, too). SureFire pioneered the use of compact, energy-dense 123A lithium batteries because of their many advantages over alkalines, such as higher power density, superior voltage maintenance, lower weight, wider temperature tolerance, 10-year shelf-life, and built-in heat/fault protection. And we all know there’s nothing worse than getting a new toy and not having the batteries to play with it…

PRICE: £30 JD AIRSOFT: 01543 466356, www.jdairsoft.net

PRICE: From £12 DISTRIBUTED BY EDGAR BROTHERS: www.edgar-brothers.co.uk

ABBEY PREDATOR 144A GUN GAS 144A Some lighter guns, particularly those constructed mainly of plastic, require lower powered gases to avoid being over-stressed. Not only that, indoor skirmishes in particular call for lower velocities than you might find on open or woodland sites. Abbey Predator 144a gas is designed to give consistent and accurate results at lower velocities, and won’t overstress your beloved gun.

PRICE: £13 DISTRIBUTED BY ABBEY SOLUTIONS: www.abbeysolutions.co.uk Available from all good retailers

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CHAMELEON THREE-COLOUR COMPACT

MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL TIN

BCB is the current supplier of three-colour compact camo cream to the UK MOD and many other NATO forces, so you can be sure you’re getting the real deal with this. Supplied in a strong ABS plastic case with integral acrylic mirror, BCB’s Chameleon Camo Cream is nonirritant and infrared reflective – and if it’s good enough for Our Boys it’s good enough for the airsoft field!

Take advantage of the Christmas spirit with this special offer from Goodkit – get the compact Mountain Survival Tin for just £27 before 17 December! Packed with indispensible survival essentials to help you out when it’s most needed – including water purification tablets, wire saw, distress whistle and flint and striker. The sort of thing every adventurous airsofter should have stashed in his kit bag!

PRICE: Around £6 GOOD KIT: www.goodkit.co.uk

PRICE: Special Offer £27 until 17 December GOOD KIT: www.goodkit.co.uk

LOADOUT MASTER ULTIMATE GOGGLES Not sure if you want a standard lens goggle or prefer a mesh goggle? Have the best of both worlds with the Loadout Master Goggles, which comes with both a standard clear lens and a mesh lens too. Look good and stay protected with this affordable, flexible eye pro. Available in black, green or tan frames.

PRICE: £18 LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

PERFECT PREZZIES HELIKON PATRIOT FLEECE

TAB STANDARD SLING

Warm, comfortable and sturdy, this heavy fleece jacket features quality double superfine fleece, a high collar integrated with a hood and a strong full-front zipper, which can be fastened to the neck, as well as reinforced Cordura material on backs of the sleeves. It doesn’t leave you short on pocket space either, with two upper pockets on each sleeve, one lower pocket on the left sleeve and a large pocket on the lower back. What’s more, it has Velcro plates on each arm, armpit ventilation zippers, adjustable Velcro wrist cuffs and drawstring waistband with cord lock. Available in black, olive, coyote and foliage, size S-3XL.

It’s not cheap, as airsoft slings go, but it’s often attached to rifles costing several thousand pounds, so by that standard it’s not all that expensive either! Constructed of industrialgrade nylon webbing with Nexus Fastex buckles the TAB sling is solid as a tank and built to withstand years of real use. It can be used as both a carry and shooting sling, is easily adjusted and features a 5in-thick triple-ply section of stitched webbing that can be used as rear support if needed.

PRICE: £50 SPORTING SERVICES: 01342 716427, www.sportingservices.co.uk

PRICE: £50 MILITARY 1ST: www.military1st.co.uk

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KIT BAG | XMAS SPECIAL FLYYE MOLLE RRV VEST

VSR EZ TRIGGER AND 90 DEGREE ADV PISTON

Based on the Rhodesian recon vest, this MOLLE vest offers serious bang for your buck. The shoulders have MSBB attachment points and can be positioned straight over or can be crossed in the back for a more secure fit. Made to military specifications you can rely on this lasting a long time and the modular platforms means you can have as many pouches as you want – go crazy!

A durable and reliable trigger mechanism is the backbone of a successful upgraded sniper rifle. The stock trigger mechanism is sufficient for basic springs but using stronger springs significantly increases the possibility of damage. Only steel machined mechanisms can ensure the greatest durability – so let us introduce ASPUK’s new CNC metal trigger mechanism for JG BAR10 and TM VSR (it should also fit ASG Covert Ops and HFC VSR-11). The body is made from a light, durable aluminium alloy with the piston catch, lever and spring guide made of steel. Effective with springs up to M190 – but note that it doesn’t allow use of the safety lever and may require some minor modifications when installing.

PRICE: £68 LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

SPECIAL XMAS OFFER: Buy the trigger and piston for £80

and get a steel spring guide and M150 spring for free, saving more than £30!

PRICE: £80 AIRSOFT SNIPER PARTS UK: www.airsoftsniperparts.com

AIRSOFT INNOVATIONS TORNADO IMPACT GRENADE Airsoft Innovations’ propane-powered grenade sends 200 BBs flying in a 260° arc – perfect for getting out of those tricky situations! It explodes on contact with any hard surface, from as little as a 1in drop, and its rugged rubber construction makes it one tough beast – ours hasn’t failed us yet! Plus, as a Special Offer only for Christmas, buy the Tornado and get a free Airsoft Innovations GasCan and GunGas kit which will fill the Tornado 10 times – bargain!

ASG BP9CC ASG’s fully licensed replica of the BERSA BP9CC is lightweight, compact and ultra thin, with an ergonomic design that improves line of sight. Featuring integrated picatinny rail for mounting laser or other accessories, this non-blowback CO2-powered gun is another fantastic, authentic replica from ASG. Both grip and metal slide carry realistic BERSA markings and each gun has its own unique serial number. While CO2 may make it a little ‘hot’ this is undoubtedly a stunning replica of the Argentinean classic.

DISTRIBUTED BY ASG: www.actionsportgames.com Available from all good retailers

PRICE: Around £70 (plus free GunGas kit worth £40+!) AIRSOFT INNOVATIONS: www.airsoft-innovations.com

RLUX CUSTOM MASKS Landwarrior Airsoft is the UK exclusive dealer for RLUX Custom Masks. These movie-quality masks are made of tough fibre glass, and if you’ve ever seen one in the field you can attest to how intimidating they are when bearing down upon you. Coupled with a fivepoint harness they should stay in place during gaming. While they’re factory tested to withstand BBs at 500fps+ we always recommend wearing a polycarbonate protective layer with any mask. Available in a whole host of designs to suit your tastes – perhaps the Iron Man mask takes your fancy – RLUX Custom Masks are one way to stand out on the field.

PRICE: £70 LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

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B&T ROTEX BARREL EXTENSION

GERBER DIESEL IN MOSSY OAK

ASG’s replica of the B&T ROTEX III silencer, made specifically for airsofters, is without doubt one of the best looking metal mock-suppressors for airsoft use. It has excellent quality and finish and features a plunger type lock with a ratchet mechanism for a tight fit on the included flash hider, and allows a quick attachment to 14mm CWW threads – no fiddling about for hours with this one. Note that due to legal reasons, this is a mock suppressor – don’t expect much actual sound reduction from it!

Gerber’s Diesel is a multitool built to last. Featuring Gerber’s patented one-handed opening system, a flick of the wrist unveils no less than 13 components, including several sizes of screwdriver, pliers, wire cutter and partially-serrated blade. This isn’t cheap, but then it’s not your run of the mill multitool – with a closed length of almost 13cm this is one big, tough bit of kit. Drop it into your bag before heading for the skirmish field – but please remember not to take it into the game! Realism has its limits – actual knife kills fall just outside those limits. Just. Please note, pictured here is the Diesel in Mossy Oak pattern – but this isn’t available from UK retailers, who stock it in silver and black only.

PRICE: £50 DISTRIBUTED BY ASG: www.actionsportgames.com Available from all good retailers

PRICE: Around £70 GERBER: www.gerbergear.co.uk

THE

BIG ONE

TACTICAL WINDPROOF COMBAT SMOCK Tested in combat by demanding UK units, Level Peaks’ Tactical Windproof Combat Smock is one of the most advanced combat smocks available. It is wind, sand and water resistant, lightweight and comfortable and customised for combat by one of the world’s leading SF units.

PRICE: £160 LEVEL PEAKS: 01432 341686, www. levelpeaks.com

MAGNUM SPIDER 8.1 DESERT MULTICAM We’ve done a full review of these boots in the last 12 months (AA July 2012) but they deserve another mention (it’s Christmas after all). If you are pretty demanding when it comes to footwear these are a solid choice, with a state-of-the-art lining material designed for maximum comfort, and a special footbed that gives superior support and shock absorption. Although a ‘desert’ spec boot these are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity – and with the Multicam pattern could be just what your load-out needs!

PRICE: £152 MILITARY 1ST: www.military1st.co.uk

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KIT BAG | XMAS SPECIAL NITE HAWK

FORCE ONE PHOTON KIT

Available exclusively from Nite Watches, the new Nite Hawk’s carbon fibre reinforced polycarbonate case means it will stand up to the rigours of airsoft, and at 64g it’s incredibly lightweight. It’s also just as good at night without needing a torch, thanks to Nite’s own GTLS technology which gives excellent clarity in all light conditions. Combining a rugged, durable feel with a stylish look the Nite Hawk may look like just a pretty face but it can take on the toughest adventurers.

Save the hassle of shopping around this Christmas with Armex’s Force One Photon Kit! Get all the kit you need in one go, including the officially-licensed H&K MP5A3 with two spare mags and two spare batteries, Hammerli S26 with two mags, and 500 BBs to get you started. Phew! If you’re looking for an affordable entry to airsoft then you’ve found it, the perfect gift for the novice ‘softer.

PRICE: £275 NITE WATCHES: 01202 487757, www.nitewatches.co.uk

DISTRIBUTED BY ARMEX: www.armex.co.uk

ASG AW .338 If you’re looking for a spring sniper rifle then look no further – ASG’s AW .338 is a stunning airsoft rifle with highly realistic handling, and is fully licensed by Accuracy International. The body is made of nylon fibre which helps keep the weight down, and while the power out-the-box isn’t mega it is very consistent, and plenty of upgrade parts are available if you want it hitting a bit harder. Features top rail, ergonomic folding stock, adjustable cheekpiece and front/rear sling mounts. Exceptional quality and a very detailed replica.

PRICE: Around £300 DISTRIBUTED BY ASG: www.actionsportgames.com Available from all good retailers

5.11 COVRT18 BACKPACK Lightweight and practical, the COVRT18 has all the high-quality you expect of 5.11 products. Designed with the military or law enforcement personnel in mind it features a hidden ambidextrous weapons pocket, concealed RAC. (Roll-down Assault Compartment) with web platform and 5.11 back-up belt system compatibility. There’s also open mesh pockets on the sides and compression straps to keep everything tight. In the back is a padded computer compartment sleeve with hook and loop retaining strap, external attachment points, sternum strap, a carry handle integrated into a yoke shoulder system, hydration compartment, internal, easy-access flex cuff channel and shoulder straps designed to work with future QuickTact accessories. In short, a lot of kit for the price. Available in asphalt (pictured) and navy.

CONVERSE MULTICAM BOOT Converse’s C8891 Multicam Military Boots are built with an athletic fit to allow maximum mobility and flexibility. Featuring full grain Coyote Rough Out leather and Cordura multicam nylon panels for durability and breathability. A favourite among US soldiers, giving superior fit, comfort and flexibility than issue boots.

PRICE: £100 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE: 01490 412225, www.sofmilitary.co.uk

PRICE: £100 MILITARY 1ST: www.military1st.co.uk

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KIT BAG | XMAS SPECIAL LCT AIM CARBINE NV

DANNER MELEE MULTICAM

LCT makes arguably the finest AKs available in the airsoft world. Constructed of metal and real wood, its stubby Carbine NV is no exception. With an overall length of just 582mm this is definitely a baby AK, but at 3.2kg it’s still a beast. The funky real wood foregrip won’t appeal to everyone but somehow this made it to the top of our Christmas list – and for the price, given the LCT quality, it’s a steal. Velocity out the box is perfect for skirmishing and it comes with one 600-round mag.

The Melee exemplifies Danner’s approach to innovative, technical design for tactical footwear. Stripped down to be a highly agile boot for optimal maneuverability, while maintaining support and durability, the Melee is a versatile, superior performing boot for quick offensive operations. Danner is well-known for its high-quality footwear and the Melee is no exception, the lightest and most flexible combat boot in the range – now in Multicam!

PRICE: £250 JD AIRSOFT: 01543 466356, www.jdairsoft.net

PRICE: £190 DANNER: www.danner.com

G&G PM5A4 RTB The MP5 was one of the first firearm designs for which an airsoft replica was made. That hasn’t stopped G&G innovating on the classic though, with its PM5A4. The ingenious battery configuration is, now the niggles have been cleared up, a great design – and you get two in the box, which is always a bonus. The rifle feels great, looks great and shoots great outthe-box, and comes with the peace of mind that G&G’s tech support is pretty good.

PRICE: Around £320 G&G ARMAMENT: www.guay2.com

DEFCON 5 MOLLE RECON CHEST RIG Defcon 5 rigs are about the best an airsofter can ask for in terms of load carriage. Extremely well-constructed and rugged, the chest rig is comfortable and can be configured to suit the user. Both shoulder and chest straps can be fixed in various ways to give the best load distribution and ensure comfortable carry. The MOLLEcovered chest allows you to place pouches where you need them most – and, as we all know, airsoft is about looking just so, and there’s nothing better for it.

G&P 551 EOTECH DOT Looking for something other than a simple red-dot sight? Try G&P’s 551 EoTech replica. This very highquality, well-constructed replica has an extremely clear and well-defined sight picture and reticle, with variable brightness and both windage/elevation adjustments. No excuses for those misses now!

PRICE: £100 LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

PRICE: £135 JD AIRSOFT: 01543 466356, www. jdairsoft.net

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B&T ROTEX BARREL EXTENSION

GERBER DIESEL IN MOSSY OAK

PRICE: £50 DISTRIBUTED BY ASG: www.actionsportgames.com Available from all good retailers

PRICE: Around £70 GERBER: www.gerbergear.co.uk

THE

BIG ONE

PRICE: £160 LEVEL PEAKS: 01432 341686, www. levelpeaks.com

PRICE: £152 MILITARY 1ST: www.military1st.co.uk

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WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN... THE ARMOURY | M2000 SNIPER RIFLE

MARUZEN PPK/S 007 AND

RWL NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM RECON! A

s it’s Christmas we’ve got something a little special to giveaway courtesy of Redwolf Airsoft – your choice of Maruzen’s PPK/S, made famous by the James Bond movies, or the Redwolf Nighthawk Custom Recon! Both pistols are up for grabs – just let us know which you’d prefer and we’ll draw one name for each pistol from all correct entries.

MARUZEN PPK/S 007

QUESTION: The PPK/S was NOT seen in which

of the following films? A RoboCop 3 B Dr No C Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery D Iron Man 2

n n n n

Flick to page 72 for our review of the Redwolf Nighthawk Talon, big brother to the Recon and a truly exceptional pistol. Maruzen’s limited GBB PPK/S features 007 engravings and is exclusive to Redwolf Airsoft – this is your chance to get an early pressie that’s something a little special! Answer the following question, fill in your details and send off to the usual address in the front of the mag!

RWL NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM RECON

Post your entry to: Xmas pistol competition, Airsoft Action, Blaze Publishing, Lawrence House, Morrell Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5SZ. Or, email your entries to competition@blazepublishing.co.uk, quoting ‘Xmas pistol competition’ in the headline. Entries received after 13 December will not be valid. One entry per household. Winner will be first correct entry pulled from the editor's hat. Blaze Publishing would like to keep you informed of other offers and publications. Please tick here if you would NOT like to be contacted by post or email

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MEDAL OF HONOR: WARFIGHTER

GUNMAN STYLE The EA crew got to try out MoH Warfighter in the forests of Eversley and Nige went along to witness the action

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EVENT FILMSIM REPORT | MEDAL | RESIDENT OF HONOR EVIL

hen it comes to FilmSim and LARP airsoft events, the name most people think of ﬁrst is Gunman Airsoft. Gunman’s Josh Smith has been inventing (and reinventing) ‘Sim’ games since before most of us would care to remember, so it came as no surprise that when EA Games wanted someone to stage a game based on Medal of Honor Warfighter, its latest blockbusting release, they contacted him. EA wanted to give some of the people involved in the game, along with a number of invited guests, the opportunity to get out from in front of a screen and experience the game ‘for real’. Fast forward to mid-October and when a group of players pitched up at Eversley. If you’ve ever been to a Gunman game you’ll know that Josh never scrimps on detail; the players’ coach was met at the gate by ‘Navy SEALs’

and escorted to the Base Camp, walking past an immaculate GMC truck sporting a wicked ring-mounted .30cal above the cab. All of Josh’s games are scenariobased and today would certainly be no exception, with five different fighting forces represented: Spetsnaz, KSK, SEALs, SFOD-D and CIA. The scenario revolved around the capture of a laptop containing details of a secret location where a huge pile of intelligence could be acquired. Of course it also involved the blowing up of buildings, kicking down of doors, lots of pyrotechnics and huge amounts of adrenalin – and as if that wasn’t enough the afternoon would feature an all-out Death Match. To round the day off, EA had brought along a dozen machines which they networked together (ain’t modern technology wonderful – a gaming network, in a tent, in the

middle of a forest) for four-man team gaming.

Game on Some of the forces were being played by Josh’s marshals and Site Team Order 66. While the rest were being kitted out in a selection of desert and green I took the opportunity to chat to some of them, and find out what they expected from the day. None of those I spoke to had played airsoft before – although they had heard of it – and were really looking forwards to getting their hands on the guns. Without exception, they all told me how blown away they were by the realism. Some had played paintball before and thought it would be along the same lines, with realism supplied by the imagination rather than by holding what looked and felt like a real weapon. So with kit and

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“With the .30cal out of action it wasn’t too long before the desertclad figures swarmed out of the smoke and cleared the area, and the CIA moved in”

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weapons issued, target practice done and briefing given, ‘the Deserts’ moved out onto the site and made ready to fend off the attacking Spetsnaz forces and prevent them from capturing the laptop. The Spetsnaz climbed into a Snatch Land Rover and ex-Soviet BDRM and were driven towards the target area, until they were hit by defensive mortar fire and forced to halt. Piling out of the vehicles (and guided by Josh’s experienced player-marshals) they very quickly got into the swing of things and started attacking the location en-masse. Perhaps it was down to playing teambased computer games, or maybe they were just good communicators, but for new players they seemed to get to grips with coordinated movement and working together very quickly. After about 20 minutes of a pretty intense firefight the defenders were whittled down and pushed back with both grenade and rifle fire. As the last defenders were taken down a player made it

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into the base and, having located and secured the laptop, started a 10 minute timer connected to explosives that would destroy the location – but the mission wasn’t over yet. Now they had to defend the area until the last second before bugging out – if they left too quickly the base would be reoccupied and the device deactivated. They had to tough it out and not leave until a 10-second warning sounded. With grim determination they defended, fighting off numerous attacks, and it was with no small amount of relief that they heard the final countdown start and could leg it out of there – sorry, I mean tactically withdraw!

Final push With a loud explosion the mission was successfully completed. Now it was time for the SEALs and CIA to get involved and reclaim ‘their’ property – after a short coffee break of course! Refreshed and rearmed, it was the turn of ‘the Greens’ to move out and set up a defensive perimeter around a different location. The laptop had been placed inside a secure building and any attackers would have to (literally) blow

the doors off to get inside, and tackle the internal defenders once they had done so. I decided to place myself right in the centre of the action and was once again surprised at how well organised and coordinated the attack, when it came, actually was. The Spetsnaz defenders were hit from all sides at once, proceeded by a bombardment of grenades and clouds of smoke, making it difficult to see where the attack was coming from. They weren’t going to give up easily though, and with the truck-mounted .30cal running on full-chat the SEALS were paying dearly. In fact it almost turned them back – until a sniper found a position from which he could take out anyone who tried to man the machine gun. With the .30cal out of action it wasn’t too long before the desert-clad figures swarmed out of the smoke and cleared the area, and the CIA moved in. Explosive charges were used to blow the doors off the building and kill the occupants. The laptop was recaptured, along with armfuls of additional intelligence gathered from files scattered about the place and taken down from

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FILMSIM | MEDAL OF HONOR the walls. The CIA and SEALs then made good their ex-fil. It struck this observer that, short of a couple of helicopters and the time of day, there was a passing resemblance to a real-life action that took place not so long ago in Pakistan.... Back in the Safe Zone the buzz and chatter was all about how things had gone – ‘who-shot-who’ and ‘did-yousee-me-do-xyz’ – pretty much like at every other airsoft game I have ever had the pleasure of attending. I still believe it is this that makes our game just so damn good! Later on I watched the same players sat in front of their respective screens playing EA’s Medal of Honor Warfighter. I can appreciate the technical skill of the programmers and the state-of-the-art graphics and what have you, but there was none of the excitement or achievement that I had sensed earlier. None of the shouting, air-punching, high-fiving, firing-guns-in-the-air, adrenalin-fuelled atmosphere that emanated from these same people just a short while before. In fact, it all seemed rather tame by comparison. But I might just be a little bit biased…

MEDAL OF HONOR WARFIGHTERS AVAILABLE NOW ON: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows Prices vary according to platform. RATED: PEGI 16

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G&P SR25 MAGPUL The G&P SR25 has long been one of the most popular DMR rifle types. Scott Allan takes a look at G&P’s latest version, the SR25 Magpul Limited Edition

&P rarely puts a foot wrong these days. Its goods are aimed at the mid to high-end market, and G&P is often the only company making copies of real-steel parts for the airsoft market. For many years it only made quality upgrade parts for Tokyo Marui, metal bodies and rail systems. Then the company took the last step, fitted gearboxes and offered complete rifles – since then there has been a steady increase in the quality of all of its parts. So what is an SR25? The SR25, or ‘Stoner’ Rifle 25, is effectively a semiauto 7.62mm version of the M4 platform. It has all the ease and flexibility of the M4 platform, but with the DMR look this Magpul-smothered version tickles my tastebuds on many levels. While similar in design it is not the L119 that everyone in the UK is lusting after. Rolled out in the 1990s by the US Navy it is said to have first seen action in Somalia (insert generic Black Hawk Down reference here) and, as a 7.62mm rifle, it has a much bigger punch at a longer range than your standard 5.56mm. Obviously it is bulkier than the M4 but this type of

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platform is now seeing more action in theatres such as Afghanistan due to the longer engagement distances. Like all the M4-type platforms it comes in a variety of barrel lengths and stock configurations to suit every eventuality. With this kind of versatility these rifles will really never be obsolete. The rifle just oozes character and tasteful design all over. If you are one of those ‘Magpul haters’ you should probably stop reading now. Magpul parts work! They are well-conceived by people in the know, designed to be lightweight and tough, and while they are not the cheapest

parts they are some of the best available today. Now, on with the show!

Overview As I said, this is a large rifle and pretty heavy, weighing in at 5.2kg. Size-wise, the adjustable butt can take it up from 1000mm to 1150mm. This will not be much good for indoor or tight sites but is well suited to woodland or open area sites.

“It has all the ease and flexibility of the M4 platform, but with the DMR look this Magpul-smothered version tickles my tastebuds on many levels”

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THE ARMOURY | G&P SR25 MAGPUL

Running front to rear on the rifle each point is stunningly finished. The 20in barrel has no compensator or flash eliminator but can accept the QD SR25 silencer which is available separately. A quick-detach bipod will allow those well-aimed steady shots and the long CNC aluminium RIS unit sports two rail covers and a Magpul Angled Fore Grip 2 (AFG). This amount of RIS will cover any and every situation you can hope for.

Good optics are always important on a rifle such as this and this one does not disappoint, sporting a 3.5-10x40 replica M3 scope on a quick-lock mount that makes storage quick and easy. The metal receiver has nice SR25 markings, as you would expect from G&P, coupled with a Magpul MOE pistol grip for maximum comfort. The magazine is the 20 LR PMAG, the 7.62mm version of the PMAG. The stock is one of my favourite parts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Magpul PRS stock

is a beastly piece of kit. Fully adjustable, as it should be, it has a rising cheekpiece and adjustable length. The only downside I find with the PRS is they are really heavy which can make the whole system a little rear heavy. The power out-of-the-box is not to be sniffed at, around 360fps. Many players will choose to up this to around 450fps500fps, which is relatively easy to do given the 8mm gearbox, the main gearbox

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THE ARMOURY | G&P SR25 MAGPUL

design for all G&P rifles. It is worth bearing in mind that some game sites do not allow semi-auto snipers or have strict rules on them, so best check with wherever you play before undertaking this type of enhancement.

Worth the money? It’s a very handsome package, but then you look at the price – £650 – and baulk a little. But bear in mind that the standard version of this G&P rifle was just over £500, and the PRS stock alone retails around the £150 mark. The scope set with the mount is probably worth another £100, so you can quickly see that you are actually doing pretty well for the price. The build quality of G&P and Magpul PTS is always second to none; these are the companies that set the bar. Okay, Tokyo Marui is the most innovative by far, but even its newer releases are extremely expensive given the plastic body work and 300fps. G&P rifles come with a standard brass 6.08mm inner barrel. Personally I would swap that out immediately for a Laylax or Ultimate Upgrade 6.03mm, regardless of the power I choose for it.

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Should you upgrade to sniper-level velocity? It is a tough choice. From the design you would think yes, but personally I have never been overly-impressed with the performance against a standard – and much cheaper – spring sniper rifle. Yes you can play and tweak to get it just right but I would personally opt for something close to the site limit as possible with a rifle like this. I would not want to put it over that and have it locked to single-shot. This way you don’t have your minimum engagement distance of 20m-25 m which can be much handier than what you do lose at the far end of your range. I suppose you have to judge it for yourself and your own site. I have used a variety of big rifles in the field: M14, EBR, M240B, M16 with M203 and so on. This isn’t too big in my opinion, although I did ditch the bipod (but then I have never liked them). I have used dozens of G&P rifles and they never let me down. The only thing I did find is I would definitely fit a tightbore without question (but then I always do!). If you are fan of the electric DMR then you cannot go far wrong with the G&P version. It is a solid platform aimed at

the higher-end of the market due to the pricing. It comes with a host of great parts and features. It is possible to upgrade them as far as you like pretty much, which really is a personal choice. If you want a hulking great big chunk of intimidation and something that is a little less common this may be just what you need on your Christmas list.

G&P SR25 MAGPUL CONSTRUCTION: Metal/ABS WEIGHT: 5,200g LENGTH: 1000mm-1,150mm INNER BARREL LENGTH: 508mm GEARBOX: 8mm MOTOR: G&P M120 High-speed MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 140-round PMAG included INCLUDED: 3.5-10x40 scope, rail covers, bipod, PMAG Magpul AFG2, Magpul PRS Stock, Magpul MOE Grip PRICE: Around £650 AVAILABLE FROM LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www.landwarriorairsoft.com

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THE ARMOURY | G&P SR25 MAGPUL

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COLD WAR WARRIOR | VIET CONG

VIET CONG GUERRILLA FIGHTER Few armies take on the might of a world superpower and bring them to their knees – especially a lightly-armed guerrilla force! Gadge investigates the Viet Cong guerrilla load-out

n the nightmarish jungle battles of the Vietnam War, time and again the Viet Cong guerrillas fought US troops to a standstill despite being poorly-equipped, hastily-trained and lacking in heavy weapons or battlefield mobility The Viet Cong are perhaps history’s most successful guerrilla army ever, with a long history of armed struggle against technologically and numerically superior foes. The struggle of the Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh to gain control of his country’s independence dates back to WWII. Ho Chi Minh helped allied forces kick the Japanese out of Vietnam and had been tacitly promised independence for his nation after the war. However Vietnam had been a French colonial power before WWII and the French were keen to retake the land once the Japanese had surrendered. While Ho Chi Minh had adopted a US-style constitution and declaration of independence he was sorely disappointed when his former US allies turned their backs on him and allowed the French to ‘reclaim’ Vietnam. Betrayed by the west Ho Chi Minh looked to the only other superpowers that could help supply him with the arms and equipment to wrest his nation from the French – the communist Warsaw pact nations and China. Ho Chi Minh and his guerrilla force, then called the Viet Minh, fought an impressive insurgent campaign against the French, eventually

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winning a crushing victory at Dien Bien Phu. This victory, weeks before a UN debate on the future of Vietnam, seemingly guaranteed Hi Chi Minh a strong position at the meeting. To his dismay, though, he saw Vietnam divided into a communist North and an American-backed South – a temporary measure until full elections were held. Ho was confident he could win these elections but the US-backed leader of the South, Ngo Ding Diem, used US and French money and military aid to establish a ‘democracy’ in the South and hunt down and all but destroy the Viet Minh. Elections in the South were cancelled and there was an awkward peace for three years until in 1959 – the politburo of North Vietnam authorised an armed insurrection in the South that would eventually lead to a communist victory almost 15 years later!

Farmers by day, soldiers by night Our cold war warrior this month is a member of the feared ‘Viet Cong’, or to give them their correct title the Peoples Liberation Armed Forces (PLAF), a guerrilla branch of the People’s Army of Vietnam. Viet Cong fighting groups were organised much like their Viet Minh predecessors (many of whom formed the initial cadre of soldiers) – there was a

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semi-professional and well-equipped ‘main force’ supported by local cells of insurgent fighters who would be farmers by day and fighters by night. In fact the VC’s skill in night combat led many US soldiers to believe that ‘Charlie owns the night’ (US forces referred to Viet Cong units as ‘Victor Charles’ or ‘Charlie’ using the US phonetic alphabet). Our Warrior is one such fighter – a lightly-equipped raider who could launch lightning strikes against the American forces in the dead of night before quietly slipping back to his village, hiding his weapon and webbing and disappearing into the native population. As the famous guerrilla leader Mao Tse-tung said: “The guerrilla must move among the people as a fish swims in the sea.” Out warrior’s attire reflects this.

The ‘classic’ Viet Cong uniform was the lightweight and practical peasant ‘pyjamas’ that constituted an almost national dress in the rural regions. While one of the more traditional colours was black it was not unknown to find PALF/Viet Cong forces in khaki, olive drab or captured US camouflage fatigues. Military styles were more prevalent among main-force units while those guerrillas pretending to be peaceable peasants in their villages by day would often fight in the clothes they had farmed the paddy fields in hours earlier. As our model, Trane Pham from Hanoi in Vietnam pointed out to us, this ‘uniform’ was only suitable in the hot south of the country. It would have been entirely unsuitable for use in the North. The difference in clothing styles and temperature become more of note when we take into account that towards the end of the war in Vietnam many ‘Viet Cong’ guerrillas in the South were actually more politically reliable PAVN troops sent from the North to bolster weak units. These men must have found assimilation into the villages of the South particularly difficult. Suitable footwear for the jungles of Vietnam was always a problem. While PAVN regular units from the North were issued a lightweight combat boot, for the Southern irregular sandals

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COLD WAR WARRIOR | VIET CONG

make from vehicle tyre and inner tube became almost standard – clearly it would be somewhat dangerous to airsoft in such improvised footwear and so Trane wears a generic military leather boot that could have been of French, South Vietnamese or American origin. Our guerrilla fighter wears a bush hat of French or Eastern European origin when in combat, although when carrying out reconnaissance and masquerading as a villager the traditional south-east Asian ‘coolie’ hat was often worn.

Classic rig Webbing and load-carrying equipment is light and consists entirely of the classic ‘Chi Com’ (Chinese communist) chest rig, found among guerrillas fighters from Afghanistan to Vietnam. This easy-to-manufacture yet practical chest rig can comfortably carry six magazines for our VC’s AK47 assault rifle and has additional pockets for a cleaning kit, loose ammo or grenades. More heavily-

equipped guerrillas may have supplemented this chest rig with a webbing belt and military ammo pouches or canteen carriers. Often these would be East German or Czechoslovakian; while the Soviet Union was careful to limit its overt support of the Viet Cong (to avoid escalating the conflict to a world war) it did send significant amounts of webbing, uniforms, helmets and small arms via communist satellite states. Lastly our fighter is armed with the venerable AK47 assault rifle. This selective fire, rugged and hard hitting weapon was considered by most people (including many Americans) vastly superior to the US M16 at the time. Notably, its magazine carried more rounds and in the early days of the war Communist forces carried more magazines than US grunts, allowing them to dominate short range firefights. Many of these firefights utilised the strength of the guerrilla with an assault rifle against a much superior foe. By engaging at short range – within 100m – the Viet Cong

were able to prevent American forces from calling in airstrikes and artillery for fear of hitting their own men. As one Viet Cong commander stated: “To fight the Americans we had to hang on to their belts, never breaking close contact so that their artillery was useless!” With most Cold War Warriors load-outs a basic impression is usually very cheap to put together and it’s the extra trimmings that end up making any real dent in your wallet, but as with our earlier Mujahidin impression this one is a real ‘budget buy’. As VC kit was so minimal it’s possible to get almost all of the load-out pictured here on eBay for less than £60 (excluding the AEG) so you can quickly get stuck into Vietnam airsoft straight away. We’ll leave you with one warning though – unless you’re planning on playing solely in summer it’s worth investing in a thermal underwear base layer – those PJs are really thin! Our thanks to Trane Phan of NTUSAS for agreeing to model for this issue’s CWW!

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There is no substitute for experience and Billy B has a few words of wisdom that work as well for airsoft as in the military

CHECK, TEST... CHECK, TEST... A s the title suggests these four words mean a lot to me. I would say it’s a process that goes on in my head over and over as any given day goes by, be that a military endeavour (great word that, I would have had it as one of my daughter’s middle names but the Long Haired COS was having none of it) or something in civvy street. So in this month’s bimble down ‘Pull up a sandbag lane’ we’ll have a look at how we can prevent things from going pear-shaped because, as we know, kit prep and tactics are as important in airsoft as in Helmand. Mother Nature is not the benevolent presence you might think she is. She will lull you into a false sense of security, sunshine smiling and then, when you’re feeling all fuzzy and safe, she’ll plunge the knife in when you’re least expecting it – and usually when you’re not prepared. So ‘always prepare for the worst’ might sound like doom-laden advice but the whole idea is prepare so it

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just passes you by and catches the poor sap down the line who hasn’t. One way we can do this is to check and test, then do it again. I first properly adopted this concept when I was on an arctic warfare course up north inside the Arctic Circle some years ago. It was, as you can imagine, bloody cold (-30° or so) and I was on stag for an hour. I had a commanding view of the front and being attacked at night in the Arctic in those kinds of conditions is unlikely because everyone out there with you (enemy, friendly or beasty) is preoccupied with not freezing to death. So it’s pretty safe to assume that everyone is in their doss bag and I was reasonably happy that I could fidget about a bit within the position and not give myself away. To keep myself warm and to prevent my body and my mind from freezing I slowly went through everything that I was wearing or carrying, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I checked my hat was

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SKILLS ROOM | BILLY BASICS

“’Always prepare for the worst’ might sound like doom-laden advice, but the whole idea is prepare so it just passes you by and catches the poor sap down the line who hasn’t” on correctly, that my hood was correctly positioned to prevent snow and the cold from leaching heat away from me. I ensured my inner and outer gloves were on correctly, that the fasteners were done up, that the sleeves of my long sleeve top met my gloves. I checked the laces on my boots (a couple of times in the last 25 years my laces have come undone and I have been left cursing while either the enemy catches up or the rest of the pack/platoon leave me standing). All the time I was doing this I ensured I was in a position where I could see the area to my front and my weapon was on my lap. I would occasionally look down at what I was doing but on the whole watched my front. The other thing I was doing almost constantly was wiggling toes and fingers to keep the blood moving. Then I turned my attention to my kit. Slowly and painstakingly I checked the weapon from butt plate to barrel, ensuring there were no blockages in the barrel, the

dust cover was correctly positioned, the sight brackets were all tight (I have seen a few lads’ sights fall off their weapons during training, which is really embarrassing for

them and led to at least one RTU for repeat offenders). I opened my pouches to check the mags were up the right way and facing the right way, ensuring there was nothing else in the pouches (like a stray battery or notebook – you may laugh but I have found some strange things in lads’ mag pouches before). I think you get the picture – because I had time on my hands I spent it wisely. The alternative was to sit there and squander that time by pondering ‘what the hell am I doing here anyway?’ and other negative thoughts that creep in when the going gets tough. And let’s be honest stag is pretty dull, there’s nothing else to do so use it wisely.

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SKILLS ROOM | BILLY BASICS

Practice makes perfect Now that we know what Check, Test, Check, Test means let’s wind the clock back a bit and see how we can put it into practice. Picture yourself in a kit shop, spending your hard-earned dosh on some new kit; a new assault vest for example. They all look good but they’re not all designed well, so when you’re out in the field make a mental note of what you like and dislike about your load carriage system. Have a look at other peoples’ rigs too (I hate having any pouches on my right front shoulder area because it gets in the way of the butt, for example) and don’t forget that an assault vest is for assault, so you don’t need pouches covering every inch of it. Mag pouches need particular attention: you need to able to open them completely and access the mag right at the back of the pouch, so if the maker had slapped a pouch directly above it then move on, don’t buy it, or if everything else about it screams ‘buy me now’ then remember to just put two mags in that one. Take a few mags along with you and see if they fit or not. Be robust with the zips and buckles as well; if you’re carrying heavy kit

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then there will be some strain on the buckles and you don’t want them breaking when you’re out operating. I once tabbed for about 15km with a bergen with one shoulder strap because the left one snapped; it really bloody hurt and massively slowed me down (but I was tewwibly bwave). When you’ve packed your kit for a task in the living room/locker room, make a mental note of where everything is then go into the garden and get it all out again, item by item, when you’re kneeling on the deck or even in the prone. It’ll be easy to locate them when you’ve rehearsed it a few times you might think ‘do I even need this?’ If you don’t, stow it in your bergen or leave it at home. Is it easy to get to with the rig on or do you have to take it off to get to important items? Are the items you really need to get to quickly right at the bottom? An example of this is med kit. Chances are that your med kit might be used by somebody else if they are nearer to the casualty than you are, so you may need to bung it across to them. That’s going to be a pain in the bum if it’s all loose in your pouch, so stick it all in a pouch with a drawstring - you might even

want to mark that pouch with a red cross so that if you’re the casualty the Medic will know where your kit is. Some guys have a habit of binding everything together with sniper tape, shell dressings and crepe and bandages for example – this is unnecessary and a real pain when you have to use either item. See where I’m going with this? Think of your kit as the layers of an onion. The things you need straight away and regularly, like your mags, torch and compass, need to be soundlessly accessible. Next layer in might be your snacks and water, spare batteries, med kit and so on, which can all be a little better packed and don’t need to be instantly accessible and so on and so on. The principle of check, test, check, test can be applied to everything – from practising covert drop-offs in a car at night (remembering to disengage the internal lights… D’oh!) to preparing to defend a position with a small patrol. It requires that little bit extra determination and imagination, because the enemy is like Mother Nature – she will find your weak points, exploit them and then make you pay for it. Take care all and stay sharp. Billy out.

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THE ARMOURY | G&G CM16 GBB

G&G COMBAT MACHINE

Is it possible to get quality and value from a budget gas blowback rifle? Scott Allan takes a look at G&G’s sub-£200 offering

ometimes it is all about the realism. G&G is one of my favourite manufacturers. It has a no-nonsense approach to airsoft, churning out new and innovative models every few months, and it has one thing under its belt that is tough to beat: second-to-none customer service. Now G&G is spearheading innovation with a budget gas blowback M4. The electric G&G Combat Machine Raider has been around for a while. Essentially it is an entry-level electric rifle that’s very useable with good all round performance, but doesn’t break the bank. Now, cleverly, G&G has taken that external platform and added a gas blowback gearbox inside. The plastic exterior should not put anyone off the G&G Combat Machine range. It is lightweight and very durable. Saving material costs by using ABS plastics and polymer rather than die casting might seem bad, but consider whether you would rather have a high-quality plastic or polymer or a low-quality cast with a cheap alloy? From experience I can tell you that

that metal airsoft rifles are not always stronger than plastic – most are cast alloy and it can literally just crumble apart! Take the Magpul PMAG or EMAG magazines for example (or Steyr or G36 magazines for that matter) – they are not metal and yet are now widely used all over the world. Why? Simply because they are lighter, cheaper and often stronger. The overall design of the rifle itself is fairly standard – an M4 RIS design with adjustable stock. It is also comes in two barrel lengths, a CQB and a M4 Carbine length, which is a nice touch – and if that was not enough it is also available in black or tan. Spoiled for choice really!

Innovative design Due to cool down problems, gas rifles sadly do not always cut it in the UK. The G&G is not vastly different to any other system but it uses a semi-closed bolt system, which puts more gas down the barrel than an open-bolt system. People love the open-bolt system because it looks more

realistic but how realistic is it when a rifle locks halfway and pisses all the gas out the ejection port? I think there has to be reality check on the balance between function and realism: you buy something to work reliably, so trust G&G designers to come up with a useable design. Inside is a standard G&G V2 gearbox; the gas blowback unit is contained within the gearbox case so there is no buffer tube spring. This means you can swap out stocks as you wish, just like with your AEG. The hop unit is a bespoke design for this rifle, like a Madbull hop over a standard M4. On the plus side it does use standard AEG barrels and hop rubbers, so at least that is an easy upgrade. The pistol grip is also a standard AEG type so you can easily swap those over for one of the different types available. Operation of the rifle is simple. Magazine in, charge the cocking handle and you are ready. The safety catch will not apply until the rifle is cocked but this is also true of the real-steel version. When

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THE ARMOURY | G&G CM16 GBB

G&G COMBAT MACHINE

Is it possible to get quality and value from a budget gas blowback rifle? Scott Allan takes a look at G&G’s sub-£200 offering

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“This is what I really love about this rifle – the pricetag. It costs less than some pistols I have seen and is certainly one of the cheapest GBB rifles ever”

empty it does not lock back fully, which is a bit of a shame, but the bolt doesn’t travel all the way forward and it does stop it cycling again. The cycle action is stopped by the magazine – a large ‘follower’ from the magazine feeds the last BBs and then simply blocks the process. During testing with Abbey Brut Sniper gas we had a fairly reliable 350fps on a 0.2g Blaster BB. Accuracy was not earth-shattering, but then I would not expect that given the price.

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This is what I really love about this rifle – the pricetag. It costs less than some pistols I have seen and is certainly one of the cheapest GBB rifles ever, at just a sniff under £150 overall. Bear in mind the WE range is upwards of £200 and the standard M4 RIS is around £250-300; this is going to be a strong contender. Now the one question everyone asks: what about the magazines? How would £35 a magazine sound? That is some 25 per cent cheaper than the WE version. It is perhaps little powerful for some indoor sites but that is something that can be addressed later. The WE mags hold 50 rounds instead

of the G&G 30 rounds, but would you rather finish your 30 rounds or get to 40 and find your rifle isn’t cycling properly?

Electric vs gas For me, gas blowbacks are about the experience and realism. If ammunition count is your thing then go for an electric rifle. I was never a huge fan of the WE system though; it was better than what was available at first, namely the Western Arms M4 at £500. The WE system always felt a little hit and miss and I struggled to receive the back-up required when things broke, as they do. I have used this indoors on a cold day and it cycled well – it did start to struggle a bit by the end but we are talking less than

THE ARMOURY | G&G CM16 GBB

10° so I could not complain. Fully automatic was as I expected: it creates too much cool down to be of any real use. I found that I had a more effective rate of fire using a rapid single-shot than the full-auto function anyway. The magazine filler valve is on the spine of the magazine just below the main valve, which in my opinion sticks out too far. There may be instances of it being pressed when stored in pouches – I could be wrong but it would not surprise me if it happened. Luckily for us we have an inflatable CQB kit that we can use in an empty warehouse, and we already had a pistol evening lined up. First I gave all the staff a shot, then the customers who were there to play that evening. Not a single person thought it was bad value for money and all agreed that for £150, if you were going to buy a GBB rifle, you would be mad not to consider the Combat Machine Raider series. They packed a punch throughout the evening and as the games got faster and more furious the triggers worked faster and every rifle kept sending rounds toward their targets. If you are a new guy buying your first rifle please do yourself a favour – ignore everything you have read in this review and buy

an electric rifle! I still maintain that a GBB rifle is an ‘as well as’ rifle, not an ‘instead of’ rifle. Have it for sunny days or indoor games but do not expect to use it week in, week out, all year round – especially in the UK. You will only end up out-gunned and disheartened. There are those rare players who do use them all year round – hats off to you, but you are the minority and often well versed in dealing with GBB rifles. At £150 it’s not only cheaper than some pistols but well worth the money; £35 on top for a spare magazine is perfectly reasonable. Take all of these factors and couple them with the knowledge that anything you buy from G&G has a good support system with spare parts available quite readily. In short, if you are looking to dip your toe in the GBB pond then head on to your local G&G dealer and pick up one of the Combat Machine Raiders. If you are disappointed with the value I will eat my sheep-poocovered boot!

G&G CM16 RAIDER CONSTRUCTION: Full plastic WEIGHT: 2,300g LENGTH: 776mm POWER SOURCE: Gas blowback MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 30-round VELOCITY: 350fps PRICE: £150 AVAILABLE FROM LANDWARRIOR AIRSOFT: 0131 654 2452, www. landwarriorairsoft.com

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As a long-time 1911 fan, Ratty couldn’t wait to get his hands on Redwolf’s first foray into pistol manufacturing – and CO2 at that. They said it would be good… But is it?

custom co2 pistol A

s we all know, CO2 is more consistent all year round than regular gas. It can be used on hot or cold days without much fluctuation in power and reliability. However, CO2 airsoft pistols and rifles have played second fiddle to their green gas counterparts for a long time. Models have been few and far between and as such have usually been based on lesser-known real-steel counterparts. There have been a few exceptions (the CO2 Walther PPK/S springs to mind) but they usually have an unsightly valve key sticking out the base of the handgrip. Many skirmish sites would not allow CO2-based airsoft weapons on their playing areas, as the power levels were

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generally way over the site velocity limit – but things are a changing. KJ Works and Umarex now offer good quality CO2 models that are UK site safe, firing around 330fps. The Umarex M96, which looks like an M92, is one such, as is the Racegun reviewed this issue and designed for the practical pistol fraternity. Likewise, KJ’s KP05 and KP06 are both available in dual power options, coming with a normal GBB as well as a CO2 magazine, giving the end user more options. CO2 magazines are fairly readily available too. Redwolf is known as one of the largest airsoft retailers in the world and carries a good stock and wide range of quality products, so for it to break away from retail

and get involved in manufacturing is a big leap of faith (and a bit of a gamble). Linked to Nighthawk Custom, neither party is going to want to be associated with a new pistol that is of sub-standard manufacturing quality. Paul Chu from Redwolf Airsoft, which holds the worldwide exclusive license for Nighthawk Custom, explains the association: “Nighthawk wanted to enter the airsoft market with these two models and will look to diversify into other models in the future. “Redwolf Airsoft’s core values are very much aligned with Nighthawk’s religious pursuit of quality and craftsmanship and we look forward to releasing more premium grade Nighthawk products for airsoft in the future.”

The Armoury | pistol

“It was throwing out a solid 320fps, which was promising – until I realised I was testing it on .28s. That means this will punch out .20s at 378fps” Custom 1911s. Fast, precise, and reliable, Nighthawk Custom 1911s are precision tools in the hands of a surgical operator.

Initial impressions and handling

So let’s see if this CO2 pistol is worthy of its markings and if Redwolf has hit the nail on the head with its first offering.

Real-steel In the real world of firearms there are many, many variants based on the iconic Colt 1911. Based in the Ozark Mountains, Berryville in Arkansas USA, Nighthawk Custom is world famous for its high quality custom 1911 pistols which are the market leader for high performance and competition shooters alike. From September 2012 it began solely using parts it had developed, which are fully machined from solid billet. This includes

hard-to-machine parts such as the beavertail grip safety, thumb safety (single side and ambidextrous), magazine release, slide stop and hammers. Other companies will make you pay a premium to have fully machined parts throughout but they are now standard on every model of 1911 produced by Nighthawk. All frames are cut on site from solid forgings. To say that Nighthawk Custom has a good following and is well-respected is a bit of an understatement. Chris Costa of Magpul and Travis Haley both use Nighthawk Custom pistols in their 1911 shooting classes, which says a lot about the quality and performance of Nighthawk

The box looks like a professional job and immediately I had high expectations. The moulded polystyrene inner protects the pistol in transit and there is a small trademarked box containing the complementary BBs. An unnecessary expense, but a nice touch all the same. Also included is the hex-headed key required to change the CO2 capsule. The magazine is a slim type, so the CO2 bottles are slightly wider and sit proudly on the magazine sides. This means they sit nicely in Warrior mag pouches as they are not slim all the way down their length – bonus! It is a heavyweight gun and looks all business, sporting a matt black finish with subdued white/silver trademarks. The left of the slide has the Nighthawk Custom trades while the right of the slide is unmarked. The left of the frame has a very subtle ‘CAL 6MM’ just above the attachment rail and a serial number and the ‘AUL’ trade just above the trigger on the right hand side. Those who know me will know that I only own two types of pistol – 1911s and Sigs. The looks, weight and overall feel of this Nighthawk will please fanatical 1911 lovers as well as those who aren’t particularly big 1911 fans.

Results It was throwing out a pretty solid 320fps which was promising – until I realised I was testing it on .28s. In a rough order of maths that means this will punch out .20s at around 378fps – this may need a little bedding-in before being skirmishable! Clearly I could not field this gun against the public, so I brought in my human target… Bill has played for a number of

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years and isn’t (wasn’t) afraid of getting shot, but judging by his reactions this thing really does pack a punch! To even the odds we had one each, donned our full-face protection and played hide-and-seek around the shop and surrounding buildings. We could not agree on who was the better tactician or player but what we did agree on was the fun factor of this gun. It is loud, it kicks hard and there was no question of not hit taking! Bill and I are not strangers to RS pistol shooting and we were very impressed with the recoil and muzzle climb with each shot fired. I am not suggesting it is in the area of a real .45 but I have never used an airsoft pistol that felt quite as good as this. The slide strips down like many other 1911 variants, by holding the slide in the correct position and removing the holding open catch. From there the hop-up can be adjusted from under the left side of the top slide. This was hopping .28s with ease. When we stared out testing the pistols it was a nice sunny morning, with an average

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of 10°C but by the time we finished in the early evening, the temperature had dropped to around 3°C. At no time throughout testing/playing did the pistols show any sign of slowing or suffering from power loss due to the dreaded ‘cooling down’ monster, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use one all year round in all temperatures. Another nice touch is that this has the correct dimensions to fit in a Blackhawk SERPA – which means I no longer have one of the guns in the shop, as it left in Bill’s gun bag!

Summary Everything about this gun screams quality. It feels great, sounds great, looks great, fires great and even comes in a great box… in short, it’s pretty great. The only downside I can see is the excessive fps out of the box meaning this gun is limited to target shooting or private games among like-minded individuals. I need to see if there will be reduced flow gas valves available as spares in the future because if this can be made into an ‘everyday’ gun,

one would most definitely find its way into my personal arsenal. The question I asked at the beginning was ‘Has RedWolf, in conjunction with Nighthawk Custom, managed to make a quality, reliable and usable-all-year-round CO2 pistol?’ The answer is a big yes, and personally I can’t wait to see what else is in the Redwolf pipeline.

Redwolf Nighthawk Custom Talon Construction: Metal (CNC aluminium) Weight: 800g Length: 220mm Power source: CO2 GBB Magazine: 26-round Velocity: ~380fps Price: Around $700 Huge thanks to Redwolf for supplying pistol for review Contact: www.redwolfairsoft.com

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Kevin Burdock of Q-Branch was lucky enough to attend the royal premiere of Skyfall, the latest in the James Bond franchise

et me introduce myself: my name is Kevin Burdock. I have been involved in airsoft for more than 18 years, thanks mainly to my best friend Mr Ian Armitage (or Ratty as he’s known in these pages). I met Ratty back in the days of Airsoft Adventures and the game sites at Greenham Common, and he went on to successfully manage some of best known airsoft shops in the UK – Wolf Armouries, Airsoft Armoury and BadgerTac. It was during this time that he encouraged me to turn my hobby of ‘all things James Bond’ into a modestly-successful company that is still going strong 18 years later. Q-Branch is a small, unique company that specialises in James Bond memorabilia, including custom items that have been seen or used in the films from

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Dr No to Skyfall. Most of the gadgets that Q-Branch has issued to 007 over the years have either been archived or are now in the hands of the world’s most serious Bond collectors. We reproduce exact screen-accurate collectors’ items, from homing devices to the weapons used in the films (such as the Piton gun used in the opening sequence of Goldeneye and the Aston Martin DB5 gun tray from Goldfinger). We have even been commissioned to convert a £180,000 Aston Martin Vanquish so it was exact to the one used in Die Another Day. Thanks to Andy, a customer and fellow collector, I was lucky enough to attend the premier of the 23rd film in the franchise about the greatest, most suave and sophisticated spy of all time… Bond… James Bond.

Tuesday morning started like any other day: up and into work at silly o’clock so I could finish at 2pm. Time dragged on and on but finally it was time to go home for a quick shower and put the tuxedo on – Brioni, midnight blue-black – and as I tied the bow tie and adjusted my cufflinks a grin appeared on my face that only got bigger and bigger as the day went on.

The premiere From the moment we stepped out of the limo we were blinded by a sea of flash guns and screaming, hardcore Bond fans that had queued all day to get a glimpse of their favourite celebrities. It is extremely hard to believe that so many press photographers could be in one place, willing to waste good film on four very non-famous chaps who just happened to

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PREMIERE | SKYFALL

get out of the Playboy limo, which we had been lucky enough to borrow for the event! My RAF friends Andy and Gareth both said it was similar to skydiving and used the phrase ‘sensory overload’. I had to take their word for it as I smiled and just kept walking, not able to see a thing. We went around the screened-off area and started to walk the red carpet. The amount of celebrities was overwhelming. Past and present Bond girls and villains were there along with a host of other famous people – Bear Grylls, Chris Evans, Samantha Bond, Jordan, Christopher Lee, the lads from Top Gear, the X-Factor contestants, Tulisa, Nicole Scherzinger, Michel Parkinson , Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, Brit Ekland and her two stunning daughters, and Dame Judy Dench are just a few names that we walked along the carpet with. Just as we approached the most famous car in the world, the Goldfinger Aston Martin DB 5, we came face to face with the man himself... 007 James Bond, Mr Daniel Craig, who was being interviewed by David Walliams. We stopped to take a few photographs and the security and close protection guys stepped in and politely guided the crowds toward the entrance of the Royal Albert Hall. We stopped again a few minutes later to take another few photos at the promotional Skyfall backdrop, and again the

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PREMIERE | SKYFALL

man himself stood three-feet away, signing autographs for a group of disabled children and taking time to talk to all of them. We were shown to our seats directly in front of the screen, approximately 25ft away from the Royal Box. An announcement was made that the amount

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of programmes sold raised over £300,000 and that the proceeds were going to the British Security Services and GCHQ welfare charities, which I thought was a wonderful touch in this 50th anniversary year. This was the moment we were waiting for: the premiere of the 23rd official James Bond movie. I am not going to give away any spoilers to those of you who have not seen the film yet. All I will say is that Bond is back! In my opinion this film is as good, if not better, than any other Bond film I have seen. It has everything you would expect to see in a Bond film: an amazing opening sequence, a very well-written story that keeps you entertained all the way through and an outstanding ending. During the film you are treated to amazing stunts, beautiful cars, exotic locations, stunning girls and one or two cool gadgets – plus superb villains and, as always, fantastic one-liners that only James Bond could get away with. It also features a few cool firearms that will keep the airsoft collectors saving up

for Christmas, including the return of the Walther PPK/S, now in 9mm short with unique rubber grips that are coded to 007’s palm print. Also featured are Glock 17 and Glock 18C, both with standard and 50-round extended magazines and even an 18C with a drum mag. The H&K 416 assault rifle puts in an appearance along with an Anderson Wheeler Double Rifle chambered in .500 Nitro Express, plus several stunning shotguns and weapons, and a certain gadget-packed Aston Martin DB5. As we made our way out it didn’t take long to retrieve our cameras and phones which had been handed over at the entrance and it was off to the Tate Modern, to enjoy a few more drinks at the exclusive afterparty. And so ended a marvellous evening spent in great company, great entertainment and memories to last a lifetime. We finally ended our evening back where it all started at the Playboy Club for a quick coffee at 3am before it was time to head home and back to reality – shaken and stirred! 

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Unless you’ve been in stasis for the last six months, you’ll know about Borderlands 2 – but does it live up to the hype? Alex W investigates…

picked up Borderlands 2, by Gearbox Software, the other week. After playing the first and loving it I knew what to expect, and thankfully I wasn’t let down. This game is awesome! The game centres around a backwater planet called Pandora. You play a vault hunter who has come to the planet seeking fame and fortune. The Vaults are legendary alien artefacts, left by whatever race used to live on Pandora. Besides the hunters is Handsome Jack, the CEO of Hyperion Corporation, who wants The Vault for himself and has made it his job to stop any vault hunters from getting there first. First things first: Borderlands 2 is huge. Much like in the first game, you can play for hours and think you are nearly done when a new landscape just unfolds in front of you. Some areas alone will take you hours to finish, and there’s area after area to travel through. Quite often the quests you undertake will have you running all over the place as well, from snowy mountain ranges,

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scrapyards in the desert, lush green plains and even a super-modern city. Throughout the story you get to meet to some great characters. Marcus, the gun dealer, will sell to anyone and shoot someone before giving them a refund; Moxxi, the local bar owner who takes no crap from her patrons; even the player characters from the first game turn up. The first time you meet Mordecai (the sniper class from Borderlands 1) he sits up on a tower and shoots at everything that gets near you! Then there’s ClapTrap, a robot that is supposedly there to help you, but really just gets in the way and generally abuses you – even deciding to call you ‘Minion’. There’s loads of character dialogue and all of it will have you giggling. Borderlands definitely doesn’t take itself seriously, and goes out of its way to have a laugh. Every once in a while Handsome Jack will come on the radio just to hurl some abuse your way. At one point he winds up with a horse made of diamonds, and names it after

you. Unfortunately I can’t really print the name here but it’s become the insult of choice for me and mates to yell at each other across the airsoft battlefield! There are four classes you can choose to play. The soldier is the purely combat-oriented class, with the ability to drop a turret when it counts. The Siren can use her powers to hold an enemy up in the air, pulling them out of combat and leaving them vulnerable. The Gunzerker’s powers rely on levelling vast quantities of lead at enemies; his special power summons a second rifle and regenerates ammunition, meaning you can just hold down the trigger. And finally, the Assassin can summon a spectre and move around invisibly while enemies focus on the spectre before striking from the shadows for huge damage bonuses. One of the game’s selling points is the quantity of weapons in the game. Gearbox has created a system whereby the game generates each gun randomly – so there are thousands if not millions

MEDIA REVIEW | BOARDERLANDS 2

of potential guns in the game. You can come across a weapon that suits the way you play perfectly, and no one else might have it. Of course each gun falls into a different category and have similar behaviour to others (pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles and rocket launchers).

The quests are pretty varied – anything from ‘kill a load of whatever’ to ‘steal something’ or ‘infiltrate this’ and everything in between. There was one where I had to steal all of the volleyballs from a bandit’s camp, before setting their net on fire! For the most part you can almost always count on there being a boss fight though, or at least something to kill. The game is full of some really nice touches, demonstrating that little extra attention to detail. For example if a character gives you an item for a quest, they pull it out and hold it there in their hand – you then have to look at the hand and take it from them. It’s a small thing, but I like it a lot.

Cooperative play is the other big seller, with up to four players – the more that jump in the harder the enemies that spawn are, yet the better the loot. Playing with friends is most definitely the best way to play this game; tearing around the landscape in a couple of bandit trucks, racing through gorges before attacking a base and covering each other’s backsides just makes the game so much better. They have created a very quick and easy system for it as well – as long as we are online with the game we can jump in and out of each other’s games with just a click or two. If you want realism, this isn’t the game for you. However if you want a truly fun shooter that will have you laughing as much as troubling over challenges, then you can’t go wrong than Borderlands 2. If you missed the first, don’t worry, it isn’t really a continuation of the story so you’ll be able to follow along, and you will most likely find yourself heading out and getting the first after a bit anyway!

BORDERLANDS 2 DEVELOPED BY: Gearbox Software PUBLISHED BY: 2K Games FOR: Windows, PS3 Xbox 360 PRICE: £25-£35 depending on platform

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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

ATROOP AIRSOFT

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

ABSOLUTE AIRSOFT

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

ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES Penkridge, ST19 5RE 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk

ACE COMBAT

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

AIRBORNE 101 AIRSOFT CLUB Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 07718 032541 robinsonm24@btinternet.com

AIRSOFT ASYLUM

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

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AIRSOFT COMMANDOS Sutton, near Ferrybridge 07723 061386 andyace@ntlworld.com

AIRSOFT KGB

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

AIRSOFT SKIRMISH

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

AIRSOFT SKIRMISH CQB

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

AIRSOFT XCALIBRE

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

ALL ARMS AIRSOFT

Near Trawden, BB8 8SN 07909 683464 www.allarmsairsoft.co.uk

ALPHA ELITE GAMING

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

AMBUSH ADVENTURES – SOUTHAMPTON

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

AMAZON EVENTS

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

AMBUSH ADVENTURES – CHOBHAM

Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8SL 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

AIRSOFT SITES | DIRECTORY Huge thanks to our friends at Airbana (www.airsoftmap.net) for supplying data! AWA HERTS

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

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - RIVOCK EDGE

Keighley, BD20 0LS 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

BARNSLEY AIRSOFT

Shafton, Barnsley, S72 8RE 07779 236166 www.barnsleypaintball.co.uk

BATTLETEC AIRSOFT

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

BETTER BATTLES

Ravenshead, Notts, NG15 9DH 07967 940043 www.better-battles.com

BRAVO 2-2 AIRSOFT

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

CERBERUS AIRSOFT SHEFFIELD WOODLAND

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

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

DOGS OF WAR

FINMERE AIRSOFT

DRAGON’S LAIR

FIREBALL SQUADRON

DRAGON VALLEY AIRSOFT

FIRST AND ONLY – ANZIO CAMP

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

Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA 07703 530189 www.dragonslairairsoft.co.uk

Caerwent Training Area, South Wales, NP26 5XL 07921 336360 www.dragonvalley.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS AIRSOFT COMBAT ACTION GAMES

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

COMBAT SOUTH URBAN

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

ELITE ACTION GAMES – DORKING

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

Dorking, Surrey, RH5 5AB 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com

COMBAT SOUTH WOODLAND

ELITE ACTION GAMES – EPSOM

BRISTOL AIRSOFT

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

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

BRIT-TAC AIRSOFT

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

CONTACT! FIGHT SCHOOL

Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, CM14 5 01438 368177 www.thefightschool.demon.co.uk

BUNKER 51

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

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - THE COMPLEX

Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RP 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT - THE SANDPIT

Bradford, BD2 1BQ 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

ELITE ACTION GAMES – WORTHING

Worthing, BN13 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com

COOL UNDER FIRE

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

C3 TACTICAL

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

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

CORNWALL AIRSOFT ASSAULT

Truro, Cornwall, TR2 07837 475012 www.cornwallairsoftassault.co.uk

DELTA TEAM 3

Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 8UT 07986 053076 www.deltateam3.co.uk

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

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

Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 5SA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – KHE SANH WOODS

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

FIRST AND ONLY – MANCHESTER WOODLAND Bolton, BL7 9TS 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

ELITE BATTLEZONE

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

EXPERIENCE AIRSOFT

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

CUMBRIA AIRSOFT

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

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

FIREFIGHT COMBAT SIMULATIONS

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

FIFE WARGAMES

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

FIRST AND ONLY – ASYLUM Kidderminster, DY10 3PT 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST AND ONLY – THE EMBASSY

Leicester, LE2 6EA 07862 288359 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

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

GROUND ZERO WOODLAND

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

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SITE DIRECTORY Find somewhere to be this weekend… LAC SITE 3

Saxillby, LN1 2JW 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 5

Kirton Rd, North Lincs, DN16 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LINDSEY AIRSOFT

Manby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8HE 07955 487983 www.lindsey-airsoft.co.uk

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, Bucks, HP10 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk

GASS AIRSOFT – PIDDINGTON

Piddington, Oxfordshire, OX25 1 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk

HIGHLAND TACTICAL AIRSOFT IV25 3PY 07702 846090 www.highlandtacticalairsoft.co.uk

HILTON PARK AIRSOFT

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

GREENZONE COMBAT

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

Spanby, Lincs, NG34 0AT 07971 560249 facebook.com/HomelandTacticalAirsoft

INVICTA AIRSOFT – RAINDEN WOODS

Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7AY 01227 763335 www.invictaairsoft.co.uz

ISLAND RECON AIRSOFT COMBAT

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

LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT GUN HO AIRSOFT

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

Gorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4LG 0131 654 2452 www.airsoftedinburgh.co.uk

LAC SITE 1 GUNMAN AIRSOFT – CAMBRIDGE

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

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

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

MAW

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

MIA

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

NSC AIRSOFT

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

NTAC

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

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

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

Former RAF Camp Sopley/ Merryfield Park, Hants, BH23 02380 899369

PHOENIX AIRSOFT MILITARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Wrightington, WN6 9PL 01942 514724 www.*militaryoutdooradventure. co.uk

MILSIM UK

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

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

PLATOON 1HQ

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

PLAYERS OF WAR

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

NCIS AIRSOFT

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

Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

NOMAD AIRSOFT

LAC SITE 2

NORTHERN ALLIANCE AIRSOFT

Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

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

PATHFINDER GROUP AIRSOFT MILITARY SIMULATION

HOMELAND TACTICAL AIRSOFT

GRANGE FARM AIRSOFT

Leicester, LE9 9FP www.gingerliberationfront.com

MATLOCK COMBAT GAMES

NORTHFLEET CQB

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

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

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

RAVEN’S NEST

Suffolk, IP8 4 01473 831563 www.ravensairsoft.co.uk

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

AIRSOFT SITES | DIRECTORY Huge thanks to our friends at Airbana (www.airsoftmap.net) for supplying data! RIFT AIRSOFT COM’S SITE 3 Chipping Warden, OX17 1LZ 07751 586781 www.riftairsoft.com

07766 770830 www.southdownairsoft.com

TA EVENTS

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

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – BLOXWORTH RIFT AIRSOFT (COTTENHAM) Cambridge, CB24 8RL 07751 586781 www.riftairsoft.com

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

TACTICAL WALES AIRSOFT

Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AS 01792 473336 www.tacticalwales.co.uk

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – THE ROCK SECTION 8 AIRSOFT

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

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

UCAP GREEN OPS

Linch, West Sussex, GU30 7 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

UCAP SANDPIT

Bean, Kent, DA2 8 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – FAWKHAM

TASK FORCE SKIRMISH

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – LIMPSFIELD

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

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

STIRLING AIRSOFT SECTION 8 AIRSOFT

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

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

Cowbridge, S Glamorgan, CF71 02920 593900 www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk

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

STORMFORCE AIRSOFT SG1 COMBAT GAMES

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

SKIRMISH AIRSOFT BILLERICAY

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

SKIRMISH EXETER

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

SOUTHDOWN AIRSOFT

Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LR

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

SUSSEX AIRSOFT

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

SW WAR GAMES – SCRAESDON FORT

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

SW WAR GAMES – TREGANTLE FORT

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

THE DESERTERS AIRSOFT

URBAN6AIRSOFT – ZONE 13

THE EX SITE

URBAN6AIRSOFT – IVYWOOD

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

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

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

Elmhurst, Lichfield WS13 8EU www.urban6airsoft.com

URBAN6AIRSOFT THE WARGAMES CENTRE

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

UCAP AIRSOFT

Portsmouth, Hants, PO17 6AR 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0QN www.urban6airsoft.com

URBAN ASSAULT

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

VIKING AIRSOFT

Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0UN www.vikingairsoft.co.uk

WARMINSTER AIRSOFT

Warminster, BA12 7RZ www.warminsterairsoft.co.uk

XSITE AIRSOFT OUTPOST Dunstable, LU6 2EE 01494 881430 www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk

XSITE AIRSOFT – LANE END High Wycombe, HP14 3NP 01494 881430

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

www.airsoftactionmagazine.com

087

AIRSOFT

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Christmas 2012

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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

Elite:160 World War II Infantry Assault Tactics - SRP £11.99

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AA Price £7.50

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AA Price £8.50

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