Airsoft Action - September 2020 by Airsoft Action

ISSUE 117 - SEPTEMBER 2020 - FREE

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ARMOURY: EMG/KRYTAC BARRETT REC7

COMMS: THE END OF UHF?

ARMOURY EXCLUSIVE: LCT LK33

INSIDE AIRSOFT EXCLUSIVE: G&G ARMAMENT

ISSUE 117 - SEPTEMBER 2020 - FREE

PROUD TO SUPPORT PILGRIM BANDITS CHARITY

Editor: Nigel Streeter Graphic Design: Calibre Publishing Ad Design: Deadshot Design Publisher: Nigel Streeter

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FEATURE: THE FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE

42 INSIDE AIRSOFT: NORTHEAST AIRSOFT

57 VORSK DIARY: EU-18

CON ONT TEN ENTS TS

Contents SEPTEMBER 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

8 ARMOURY EXCLUSIVE: LCT LK33 At Airsoft Action we are extremely proud of the relationships that we have built up over the years, and every so often we get the opportunity to bring in a report on a new AEG model that has come direct to us from the manufacturer. We also know the right people to reach out to when it comes to unusual models and this month we’re joined by our friend Lawrence from strikehold.net to introduce LCT’s latest creation! 12 ARMOURY: EMG/KRYTAC BARRETT REC7 The march towards licensing in the airsoft world continues unabated and although there are some great designs out there, when you want something to look as close to “the real” as possible then it’s licensed models that will do it every time - right down to the smallest detail. Bill continues his adventures into the world of the “licensed AEG” this month with the all-new Barrett REC7 DI Carbine. 16 INSIDE AIRSOFT EXCLUSIVE: G&G ARMAMENT As our reputation for truly international coverage continues to grow, we are delighted to report from the heart of one of airsoft’s best-known companies, G&G Armament. Our man on the ground in Taiwan, Stu “Stewbacca” Mortimer, was invited to have a good look round and talk exclusively to the people behind this hugely successful airsoft business. 22 COMMS: THE END OF UHF RADIOS? As airsoft events continue to grow in popularity and attendance, more people are using radios for communications. Players are beginning to see the challenges that come along with that growth; limited frequencies, low-quality gear and open networks result in congestion, weak signals, and communications security (COMSEC) issues. Our “Legionnaire” Sean, from Blackline Simulations in Canada, looks a potential alternative - using your smartphone! 28 KIT & GEAR: MODERN RATNIK With the introduction of so many varieties of AK12 and RPK16, more and more airsofters are looking to Russia for inspiration for kit. Ian “Taz” Stokes tells all… 32 ARMOURY: SPECNA ARMS SA-S03 Sometimes you just need the simplest of things and a classic “M4/AR” is high on the list for most players. As he’s been working on a project for a while that requires a pretty straightforward “M4style” carbine, Bill found himself taking a look at the SA-E03 model from Specna Arms - and now reports on getting back to basics!

36 FEATURE: THE FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE? It is a well-worn descriptor, often used by shooters the world over to identify a type of gun but just where did the term “assault rifle” come from and what was the first one? Frenchie explains… 38 THE CAGE: BETTER DAYS AHEAD At last, we are seeing a return to airsoft games around the globe and although guidelines vary in specifics from country to country, it seems like we’re getting back to business as usual… with a mask on! Bill’s been watching the rollout of site re-openings and has even been out to a game but asks the question: “Will things go back to the way they were?” 42 INSIDE AIRSOFT: NORTHEAST AIRSOFT As he continues his airsoft journeys in Taiwan, Stu “Stewbacca” Mortimer visits Northeast Airsoft and chats to the guys behind their iconic GBB STEN. 45 FEATURE: SWISS RATIONS We’ve all heard of the iconic “Swiss Army Knife” but Military Historian, Will Fowler, discovered an important part of any Swiss soldier’s rations… chocolate! 46 KIT & GEAR: RETAIL ROUNDUP Games are starting again and shops are reopening for many of us! This can only be fabulous news for all players so we thought we’d keep an eye on what has caught the attention of members of the Airsoft Action team and The Legion when it comes to new products from retailers around the world! 50 FEATURE: STG 44 KRUMMLAUF Military historian, Will Fowler, takes a closer look at the rifle mentioned in Frenchie’s article, the StG 44, which claimed to be the “World’s first assault rifle”, along with a very unusual development. 51 FEATURE: TERMINOLOGY It is easy to use words that give the wrong impression, however, when it comes to “guns” and “weapons” we have to get it right, as Calibre Shooting’s Andy Nightingale explains… 57 VORSK DIARY: EU-18 Airsoft Action are lucky enough to have unparalleled access to the VORSK pistol models from day one and we’re still putting some of those original models through their paces! We’re firm believers that our review process shouldn’t concentrate on just “shiny new” models when they arrive, so this time Bill looks at our EU-18 model to see how it’s standing up to some proper use and abuse! 58 LAST POST: A KIND OF BLUE Having spotted a piece on Sky News, Frenchie explores the questions it raised in the UK.

ULTIMA JACKET BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: Â£89.95

armoury LCT AIRSOFT LK-33

HECKLER & KOCH HK33

AT AIRSOFT ACTION WE ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WE HAVE BUILT UP OVER THE YEARS, AND EVERY SO OFTEN WE GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING IN A REPORT ON A NEW AEG MODEL THAT HAS COME DIRECT TO US FROM THE MANUFACTURER. WE ALSO KNOW THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO REACH OUT TO WHEN IT COMES TO UNUSUAL MODELS, SO THIS MONTH WE’RE JOINED BY OUR FRIEND LAWRENCE FROM STRIKEHOLD.NET TO INTRODUCE LCT’S LATEST CREATION!

oogle up a photo of an HK33 with a slim-line handguard and 40-round magazine and you immediately notice its classic “Sturmgewehr” look. However, the lineage of the HK33 isn’t related to the wellknown StG-44, but rather to the lesser-known Mauserdeveloped StG-45.

The war ended before the StG-45 could enter production and the Mauser factory came under the jurisdiction of the French Occupation Forces. The StG-45 team, under Wilhelm Staehle and Ludwig Vorgrimler, was sent to work for the French at the Centre d’Etudes et d’Armement de Mulhouse (CEAM). There they developed a roller-locked, .30 caliber assault rifle, however, the French Army chose to go with a more traditional rifle design. Ludwig Vorgrimler resigned from CEAM in 1951 and moved to Spain to work for the state-owned CETME (Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales). He continued to work with the roller-locked, delayed-blowback system and created the 7.92x41mm caliber CETME “Modelo 2” rifle in 1953. The Modelo 2 caught the eye of both the newly-formed Bundesgrenzschutz (West German Border Guards) and Bundeswehr (West German Army) but they wanted it in the new 7.6x51mm NATO cartridge. CETME adapted the Modelo 2 to this more powerful cartridge and it was adopted by the Spanish Army as the Modelo 1958. In the meantime though, the Bundesgrenzschutz and the Bundeswehr had purchased quantities of the Belgian 7.62x51mm FN FAL in 1956, which they called the G1. The Belgian government, however, refused to allow Germany to license manufacture the rifle locally, so the Bundeswehr went back to CETME for a German version of the Modelo 58. CETME delivered and this rifle was officially adopted by the Bundeswehr in January 1959 as the G3. And then came Heckler & Koch…

Image Credit: Wikimedia

“THE 5.56X45MM HECKLER & KOCH HK33 ASSAULT RIFLE IS NOT AS WELL-KNOWN AS THE 7.62MM NATO G3, BUT IN A WORLD FULL OF AK AND M4 CLONES, THE HK33 STANDS OUT.” 8

SEPTEMBER 2020

armoury LCT AIRSOFT LK-33

HECKLER & KOCH

Three other Mauser engineers had also started a new company in Germany in 1948 - Heckler & Koch GmbH. Initially, the company began manufacturing machine tools, gauges and bicycle and sewing machine parts. Their attentions soon turned again to firearms and when the G3 was adopted in 1959, the company received a contract to manufacture it. Heckler and Koch also began developing new firearms for military and police use and in 1968 introduced the 5.56mm HK33 assault rifle series. Essentially a re-scaled G3, the HK33 was produced in several different variations including a fixed stock (A2) and retractable stock (A3) rifle, a carbine (HK33K) with either a fixed stock (A2) or retractable stock (A3) and a “Scharfschutzen Gewehr” (sharpshooter rifle) with a bipod, precision trigger and telescopic sight known as the HK33SG/1. A licensed US-made copy by Harrington and Richardson, called the T223, was tested in combat by the US Navy SEALS during the Vietnam War and the HK33 was also extensively (and favorably) tested by the French Army in the 1970s. Mostly for political reasons, the French Army adopted the homegrown FA-MAS instead of the HK33 and the Bundeswehr also showed no interest in changing from the 7.62mm G3 they’d invested heavily in. Nonetheless, the HK33 did very well internationally for H&K. The rifle was adopted by the Brazilian Air Force, the Chilean and Ecuadoran Marine Corps, the Thai, Turkish and Malaysian armed forces, as well as law enforcement and military units in more than 40 other countries including the US and the UK. Standard magazines for the HK33 series were 25and 40-rounders made of pressed steel. Lighter-weight 30-round polymer magazines are now available from 3rd party manufacturers such as MKE and ProMag.

ALONG COMES AIRSOFT…

Airsoft replicas of the HK33 have been produced before – by KSC of Japan, Classic Army of Hong Kong, and Begadi of Germany. Begadi’s is the overall best (in my opinion) for build quality and performance but it is actually a semi-auto only replica of the Schwaben Arms M41/43 sport rifle and it is only available within Germany. With their new LK33 series, LCT Airsoft of Taiwan seem to have taken things to a whole new level and straight out of the box the LCT LK33 is very impressive. I had seen the teaser photos and videos on LCT’s social media channels but that didn’t really prepare me for getting hands-on with it. The LK33 is probably as close as you’ll ever get to realsteel-levels of quality in a mass-produced airsoft replica.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

LCT are offering 2 versions of the LK33, a fixed stock A2 and a collapsible stock A3, as well as different forearm and magazine options, plus a light folding bipod. My LK33A2 arrived in a good-quality, nicely illustrated box, with the AEG and its accessories nestled into a formfitting plastic tray. Also included were a well-written operating manual (which is actually worth reading) and a chronograph test report (mine showed an average velocity of 124.6 m/s and a muzzle energy of 1.55 joule with .2g BBs) that was stamped and signed by the factory manager. I’ve never seen that with an airsoft gun before! Lifting it of the box I was immediately struck by three things: 1. The rock-solid build quality 2. The flawless, deep, matte finish 3. The realistic heft and weight Let’s look closer at each of those areas and then see how it stacks up in the user experience category. BUILD QUALITY: The LK33 is made from high-quality materials and it feels absolutely rock solid. Picking up a magnet I verified that all of the metal parts are indeed made of steel – pressed and welded just like the real thing. The polymer parts look good and are very sturdy as well. FINISH: As one would expect from such a high level of build quality, the finish is excellent. I’m sure that some parts which see a lot of use will show some wear over the long term, but the out-of-the-box level of finish is certainly excellent for an airsoft gun. There is also no flashing around the edges on the molded parts and there are no gaps, wobbles or jiggles anywhere either. REALISM: With its realistic heft and weight (4.08kg), the LK33 scores high in this category. There are also loads of nice realistic details like the strong cocking handle spring

“…TEASER PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON LCT’S SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS DIDN’T REALLY PREPARE ME FOR GETTING HANDS-ON WITH IT. THE LK33 IS PROBABLY AS CLOSE AS YOU’LL EVER GET TO REAL-STEEL-LEVELS OF QUALITY IN A MASS-PRODUCED AIRSOFT REPLICA.” www.airsoftaction.net

armoury LCT AIRSOFT LK-33

that permits a proper “HK slap”, the sturdy handguard with aluminum heat shield built-in and even the inclusion of the wire-cutter notch in the flash-hider. One thing that made me scratch my head though was the pistol grip. When I compared it to real HK33 photos – and other replicas – it was clear that the LK33’s grip is a bit shorter and not as filled out and curvy as it should be. How LCT managed to get everything else so perfect but not get this 100% right is a real mystery to me. USER EXPERIENCE: With a charged battery and loaded magazine in place, it was time to “go hot” and get some experience behind the trigger. Now this is where it pays to have read the user manual before charging ahead – especially if all you’re only familiar with the M4!

MAGAZINES

Magazines for the LK33 have to be inserted in a manner very similar to an AK… The front has to go in first with a tab slotting into a notch and then the magazine rocked back and up firmly in order to get properly seated. Having made sure the magazine was properly seated, I rotated the selector switch to full-auto and let rip. And here’s another nice detail, unlike the mushy and uncertain selectors on a lot of airsoft guns, this one clicks firmly into each position of S, E and F (S = Safe, E = sEmi-auto, and F = Full auto). I had both the 25-round style 130-BB mid-cap and the 40-round style 150-BB mid-cap magazines to hand. The 25-rounder fed flawlessly but the 40-rounder needed to have a drop of silicon oil worked into the mechanism to get it running smoothly. Once that was sorted, the LK33 was happily hammering BBs downrange. Our thanks got to the team at LCT Airsoft for sending us the samples of their new AEG for testing and evaluation and to Lawrence for this article. Next month Bill will report back on how the LK33 performs on the range! AA

“THERE ARE ALSO LOADS OF NICE REALISTIC DETAILS LIKE THE STRONG COCKING HANDLE SPRING THAT PERMITS A PROPER “HK SLAP”, THE STURDY HANDGUARD WITH ALUMINUM HEAT SHIELD BUILT-IN AND EVEN THE INCLUSION OF THE WIRECUTTER NOTCH IN THE FLASH-HIDER.” 10

SEPTEMBER 2020

armoury EMG/KRYTAC BARRETT REC7

LICENSED TO ROCK YOUR WORLD!

THE MARCH TOWARDS LICENSING IN THE AIRSOFT WORLD CONTINUES UNABATED AND ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME GREAT DESIGNS OUT THERE, WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING TO LOOK AS CLOSE TO “THE REAL” AS POSSIBLE THEN IT’S LICENSED MODELS THAT WILL DO IT EVERY TIME - RIGHT DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL. BILL CONTINUES HIS ADVENTURES INTO THE WORLD OF THE “LICENSED AEG” THIS MONTH WITH THE ALL-NEW BARRETT REC7 DI CARBINE.

t seems to me, that for many out there the phrase reproduced “replicas” of the real thing, a market that (to “under licence” brings out a lot of hate and when a date) has been relatively untouched by them! new model is made “under license”, that somehow is Between acceptance as “training tools” and the desire ripping airsoft players off by forcing them to pay more for to broach new markets, the “big guys” are looking closely something just because it carries the name of a prestigious again at the airsoft market and rightly so in my opinion! firearms company on it. Whilst, on the flip-side, those Whilst we will never see the end of “clones” due to wildly self-same players are happily paying through the nose for differing laws on patents, trademarks and IP around the custom engraving of “trades”! Go figure… globe, I believe we are entering a cycle where those same Fact is, you can’t have it both “big names” will not only be ways muchachos and there’s tolerating airsoft but will finally some real danger inherent in accept it as a valid part of their cutting out the real firearms portfolio… and they’re going to “I BELIEVE WE ARE ENTERING industry from a loop that they need existing airsoft companies A CYCLE WHERE THOSE SAME should be wholly involved in! to help them along the way! When we buy an AEG or GBB Whilst there are many “BIG NAMES” WILL NOT ONLY BE what are we actually buying companies out there making TOLERATING AIRSOFT BUT WILL into? Is it a tool that spits BBs, “something that looks like XYZ” FINALLY ACCEPT IT AS A VALID or is it something far more than and will continue to do so, it PART OF THEIR PORTFOLIO… AND strikes me that another trend I’ve that? Are we actually buying into an image or “lifestyle” that THEY’RE GOING TO NEED EXISTING been following for some time, we wish we could have in our that of truly unique “in house” AIRSOFT COMPANIES TO HELP choices of “guns n’ gear”? airsoft design, will continue THEM ALONG THE WAY!” Since I visited SHOT in January to thrive. We’ve been on the I’ve been involved in a lot of cup of having an airsoft design online conversations (and indeed being turned in “real steel” video meetings) with members for some time now and I can of the firearms community that are quite high up the see that sooner rather than later, when one of those “big shooting “food chain” and, once again, it’s pretty clear that names” will create something real (albeit with different airsoft, or “6mm Training” is appearing on their agendas characteristics, a different operating system, and different thankfully this time in a really positive way. We’ve already materials) from an airsoft drawing board. seen moves by firearm manufacturers such as SIG to bring At this stage it’s still total conjecture though but what their models “in house” and this is a trend that we’re going IS becoming more apparent is airsoft companies banding to see more of. Airsoft companies are forging alliances together, gaining licenses and building some pretty darn through Licensing Agreements with “real steel” companies fine airsoft pistols, carbines, and rifles. Not so long ago I and these days the “big gun names” are actually taking had the pleasure of testing one of the then-new licensed this seriously, as in a fairly level sales field extra revenue NOVESKE replicas from EMG, and that single replica 100% can be generated from those that want 100% accurately rekindled my love for the “AR” platform in airsoft form.

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armoury EMG/KRYTAC BARRETT REC7

EMG have totally embraced the “licensed” route with a number of US-based firearm companies and I hope that what I saw in Vegas in January for once won’t be staying there and the latest of the EMG models that I’ve got my grubby mitts on, is inspired by none other than the mighty BARRETT!

BIG BOOM STICKS!

Now of course Barrett are best known for the big guns - and by this I’m referring to the mighty beast that is the M82! Barrett is a leader in large calibre, long-range precision rifles for the most demanding shooters on earth! With “HQ” in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Barrett products are used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 73 approved countries across the world. The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, integrated ballistics computers and accessories and to provide training for those systems. However, Barrett is still a family-owned and operated company who have a self-confessed, never-ending mission. More than thirty years ago, Ronnie Barrett built something no one thought possible, a shoulder-fired .50 calibre rifle so innovative that the US Army would sing its praises. From sketching his designs at the dining room table to working with a local tool and die maker to create parts that didn’t yet exist, every millimetre of the Model 82 was a direct result of Ronnie’s passion for the ultimate firearm. That obsession still fuels the company today, and in their own words “There’s always a better way.” With a nod to Eugene Stoner and his direct impingement

design, the REC7 DI is a lightweight, modular AR that features a lengthened gas system for reliability, with or without a suppressor. Barrett use the finest accessories, including Magpul furniture, custom Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle, Geissele or ALG Defense trigger and extended slimline Barrett hand guard with Magpul M-LOK accessory mounting slots. For the “real deal” the upper and lower receiver are machined from 7075- T6 alloy, with all aluminium components coated in Type 3 Class 2 hardcoat anodizing, then finished with Cerakote for a perfect colour match. The lightweight, free float handguard features a full-length M1913 Picatinny top rail with Magpul M-LOK accessory mounting slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions and Barrett also use the Magpul BUIS as standard. It’s a beauty of a firearm, elegant and efficient and how I wish I could shoot the real thing!

LICENSED TO ROCK YOUR WORLD

In airsoft form, the new REC7 has brought together great minds from both EMG and KRYTAC and this appears in all ways to be a blessed union! The EMG (Evike Manufacturing Group) vision is to manufacture products the world has never seen before and, somewhat like Barrett, their product offering has spawned from the realization that if you want something done exactly the way you want it, you need to do it yourself - and they continue to do just that! KRYTAC, established in Southern California in 2013, of course is a cutting-edge product development team of the Swiss firearms manufacturer, KRISS Group, comprised of highly experienced professionals who have come together for one common goal, to elevate performance, value, and

“COMING IN AT A MEAN OF 1.13 JOULE/349FPS (AND WHEN I SAY “MEAN” THE SPREAD ACROSS SETS OF 10 BBS WAS FROM 348.8 TO 351.1), WHILST THIS IS NOT THE MOST CONSISTENT AEG I’VE EVER CHRONO’D IT CERTAINLY RANKS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE BEST!” www.airsoftaction.net

armoury EMG/KRYTAC BARRETT REC7

service. I have to say that I’ve tested both EMG and KRYTAC models in the past, so the coming together of these two brands to create a superior replica based on a unique model from a renowned real-world gun maker kind of excited me from the outset! In terms of “tech”, the airsoft REC7 has the popular KRYTAC “CRANE-esque” stock that gives fantastic battery space but stays really comfortable and easy to use. By compressing the tabs on the sides of the butt pad you can quickly and easily access the T-Plug/Deans connector inside; a Deans to Mini Tamiya adapter is included for those that have existing batteries they wish to use. Clearly noted when you open the box to reveal the REC7 is “9.6v MiMH or 7.4v LiPo is recommended for optimal performance”. Internally, you get the now tried and tested Nautilus gearbox with 8mm bearings (with anti-corrosion coating), padded cylinder head, integrated MOSFET system and “easy spring access”, although this not quite as “easy” as other designs on the market as you still need to remove the gearbox. Pulling back the charging handle pops open the dust cover to reveal an easy to adjust rotary hop adjuster. Externally the REC7 is an absolute stunning lovely! The model I received for testing is finished a spotless “Tungsten Grey” which really is for once 100% colourmatched throughout, with the operating and “polymer” parts finished in flat back. You get a “Barrett” logoed/Stars and Bars M-LOK handguard which can be used to install M-LOK compatible accessories and there’s even a section of rail included if you already have a rail-mounted foregrip you want to use, for instance. Up top the carbine has a full-length contiguous rail which is ready for PEQs, taclites, optics or any other “party clothes” you might wish to add. The receivers are beautifully finished, the lower having full “Barrett Trades”, and the controls are typically “AR”, albeit ambidextrous, so for you lefties this is ready to roll! At the rear of the receiver is a pre-installed singlepoint sling plate, although the KRYTAC stock also has QD points for studs if you want to run something more “trad”. The muzzle brake is on the nose “Barrett” too, mimicking the suppressor-ready MRAD style very nicely, although complete purists would probably want to fit a 3-Prong to the 14mm CCW muzzle-end. With an overall length of 844mm/33.2” (926mm/36.5” with the stock fully extended) the DI Carbine is by no means a small gun, but boy it feels nice and the 416mm/6.05mm inner barrel is a bonus. The weight of 2.8kg/6.17lbs makes it a model you could happily carry all day, although if you want shorter and lighter the REC7 SBR might be more up your street! The flip-up sights that come fitted as standard are more than adequate and are sturdily made, so the REC7 is ready

to shoot straight from the box just by adding a battery and some BBs! I fitted a TITAN 3000mAh 7.4V battery (which actually could have been made for this AEG as it fits perfectly in the buffer tube!) and loaded up the super 150BB KRYTAC Mid-Cap with .20g RZRs expecting great things and oh boy, it certainly didn’t disappoint! Coming in at a mean of 1.13 Joule/349fps (and when I say “mean” the spread across sets of 10 BBs was from 348.8 to 351.1), whilst this is not the MOST consistent AEG I’ve ever chrono’d it certainly ranks right up there with the best! Moving up to my usual .25g “game RZR BBs” and with the hop adjusted, at 30m unsupported it was easy to get hits on a dinner-plate target with each BB flying straight and true. I also took the REC7 down to our 10m indoor range where we have the Attack Sense Target System set up and the rifle performed superbly even on the highest, fastest “ambush” setting. I have to say that the EMG/KRYTAC REC7 DI AR15 Carbine has pushed my love for the AR back up there and, just like the EMG Noveske and Falkor Defence Blitz, has indicated just how cool properly licensed AEGs can be! Even though this is a little more expensive than the Noveske I still believe that it gives a massive amount of quality and performance for the money. It looks bitchin’, feels just right, and shoots perfectly from the box, so in my mind that “blessed union” has given birth to something that may just indicate how “stock” licensed AEGs should be in the future, without the need for a second mortgage to buy one. If this is the future of “licensed AEGs” then bring it the hell ON!! My thanks go to www.landwarriorairsoft.com for supplying the test sample. You’ll find the REC7 models on their regularly updated website, available now! AA

“IT LOOKS BITCHIN’, FEELS JUST RIGHT, AND SHOOTS PERFECTLY FROM THE BOX, SO IN MY MIND THAT “BLESSED UNION” HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO SOMETHING THAT MAY JUST INDICATE HOW “STOCK” LICENSED AEGS SHOULD BE IN THE FUTURE, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR A SECOND MORTGAGE TO BUY ONE.” 14

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INSIDE AIRSOFT AA EXCLUSIVE REPORT - G&G ARMAMENT

DARING TO BE DIFFERENT AS OUR REPUTATION FOR TRULY INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE CONTINUES TO GROW, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO REPORT FROM THE HEART OF ONE OF AIRSOFT’S BEST-KNOWN COMPANIES, G&G ARMAMENT. OUR MAN ON THE GROUND IN TAIWAN, STU “STEWBACCA” MORTIMER, WAS INVITED TO HAVE A GOOD LOOK ROUND AND TALK EXCLUSIVELY TO THE PEOPLE BEHIND THIS HUGELY SUCCESSFUL AIRSOFT BUSINESS.

estled in Shengang township, just on the outskirts west of Taichung (Taiwan’s central city and major manufacturing base), Guay & Guay Armament moved to their current facility a decade ago, following a need to expand their operations as they grew their own product lines and shifted focus toward final assembly and front-end research and development of airsoft replicas to meet a growing market, both domestically and abroad. Originally “G&G” (as they are known) began trading in 1986 not far from their current location, starting out with importation of Japanese goods, such as toys or stationery. They soon diversified into supplying Tokyo Marui guns to the Taiwanese market, as airsoft began growing in popularity in Asia and further afield. Frustrated with the apparent lack of responsiveness or availability of spare parts to satisfy their customer’s service needs,

STRANGE/DIFFERENT

James Liao, the founding father of the company, decided first to attempt an M14 replica. Having served in the Republic of China Marines special forces himself, a certain desire to make their first replica one of his trusted service rifle was inevitable. Originally derived from the components and gearboxes of others, Mr Liao was soon developing homegrown designs and subsystems, coining the name of the company “Guay & Guay” (which translates to “strange/different”) as an ethos for the burgeoning airsoft manufacturer and its ethos… daring to be different, rather than following everyone else’s products and not afraid to take risks in the market, not just with new or odd aesthetics but also developing new internal operating mechanisms and components without fear of failure.

“JAMES LIAO, THE FOUNDING FATHER OF THE COMPANY, DECIDED FIRST TO ATTEMPT AN M14 REPLICA. HAVING SERVED IN THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA MARINES SPECIAL FORCES HIMSELF, A CERTAIN DESIRE TO MAKE THEIR FIRST REPLICA ONE OF HIS TRUSTED SERVICE RIFLE WAS INEVITABLE.” G&G eventually derived the ability to reverse engineer their own components to serve as spares in the Taiwanese market. Evidently, they soon acquired sufficient stock and variety of components to produce their own guns entirely - and so the modern form of the business was born!

SEPTEMBER 2020

With the progression of the business and growing product range, their first milestone in terms of a brand new operating system came in the form of their pneumatic blowback system - a first of its kind for AEGs which does not require the recoil simulation assembly to be mechanically connected to the gear

INSIDE AIRSOFT AA EXCLUSIVE REPORT - G&G ARMAMENT

system, as with other earlier competitor’s offerings. The range of guns offered continued to grow with various themes or replications of real steel counterparts; with some direct partnerships with more permissive manufacturers such as Knights Armament Company and Fabrique Nationale in the past, or deriving thematic replicas similar to other real weapons where the licensing arrangements of less permissive manufacturers become too much of an encumbrance to deal with. Many of G&G’s more recent product lines are derived from a blend of real steel guns and their pertinent features, especially true of their latest gas blow back pistol offering in the form of their GTP9, a mix of Glock and HK geometries and controls to form a very ergonomic and easily operated gun (as reviewed by Bill in the last issue).

INNOVATION ABOUNDS

Further innovation internally has been developed in terms of reinforced and upgraded gearboxes based off of original version 2 and 3 designs, with improved durability and upscaled wiring to allow for greater current transmission in tandem with increasingly complex on board electronics as seems to be the trend in recent years. G&G’s MOSFET offerings now incorporate optical sensor technology to improve their sensitivity and ability to adjust the sensitivity of their trigger response. Furthermore, their recent Japanese Type 64 assault rifle model is the first of their products to incorporate a remote control, handset operated, programmable MOSFET unit. Instead of juggling the standard controls such as the trigger and selector switch in various sequences to select fire modes or other programming options, G&G’s latest system is entirely controlled by a convenient remote allowing the switching of fire modes, burst capabilities, sensitivity of trigger response, rate of fire and other such programmable controls, all with the convenience of a specifically designed separate controller unit. All of this

is safeguarded from abuse or safety concerns as only with the magazine removed can it be operated to adjust the guns functionality, thus eliminating the opportunity for inadvertent live firing. This system will be rolled out in the future to become commonplace in their upcoming products. Within the next year their fourth generation MOSFET system should be released, with even greater functionality for the convenience of the end user, as well as improved gearbox systems which should be exhibited at IWA 2021 - on the proviso it goes ahead. Having only (relatively) recently entered the gas blowback market in the past few years, G&G haven’t wasted any time innovating in this theatre either, developing split slide models for improved accuracy and gas efficiency, as well as a very innovative muzzle adjustable hop unit system (a rotating outer sheath between the inner barrel and outer barrel allows for a specialist tool, stored in the backstrap of their GTP9 models, or a realistic fake 9mm round on a keyring supplied with their new Piranha pistols) to be inserted into a hexagonal cutout in the front of the muzzle and adjust the hop unit without any need for stripping the pistol. A very ingenious solution to improve the end user’s life by eliminating hop tuning woes! Functional improvements over gas guns have been introduced with the advent of their spiral flow gas nozzle system, which deliberately arrests the flow of the gas into the gun upon release from the magazine reservoir into the expansion chamber and piston system in the top slide, thus slowing it down and preventing inconsistent gas pressure or flow rates during firing and improving the overall gas efficiency of the guns, while simultaneously avoiding cool down issues commonly associated with rapid firing of gas guns. Aesthetically, their new Piranha pistol also features a standard grip frame which can accommodate extended upper and lower slide units to give different overall barrel lengths and outer aesthetics built off the same basic components, while the rear slides even include a false rotating bolt head similar www.airsoftaction.net

INSIDE AIRSOFT AA EXCLUSIVE REPORT - G&G ARMAMENT

design and rapid prototyping to assure quality and suitability for the end user prior to final release of designs to their suppliers. Supplying up to a hundred and twenty thousand units in total a year if working to maximum capacity, their best-selling Combat Machine Raider lines account for nearly half of all that capacity, moving around fifty thousand guns annually in that range. All of their products are made to order in batches tailored to every end stockist’s local legal requirements, producing a range of gearbox assemblies to suit the likes of US, South American, European, Korean or Japanese power output restrictions, as well as consideration for the likes of orange tipped muzzles, or two tone colour schemes for some markets, all of which are shipped to nearly 60 countries that G&G service worldwide.

POSITIVE PUBLIC OPINION

to the styling of a Desert Eagle. They have also developed a first of its kind gas pistol extended magazine which includes fake plastic rounds that can be seen through the translucent outer magazine shell, wrapped around the gas reservoir. In a similar vein, they have redesigned their AEG Armalite magazines to incorporate translucent outer shells and markings built into the translucent inner cassette that holds the BBs, allowing the user to quickly check the amount of pellets remaining in their magazine. These new magazines are also being used in their latest diversification product range, the speedsoft-oriented SSG1, featuring a unique external styling and functional features tailored specifically towards speedsoft gameplay. These include an extended trigger blade and trigger guard, smooth oversized outer barrel, threaded muzzle device that allows the integration of their proprietary tracer units, as well as a rear telescopic stock, which can also be angled down from its attachment point to allow for a better cheek weld and use of sights even with a larger DYE style full face masks usually more associated with SpeedQB players.

FUTURE RELEASES

With regards to their future releases, Rick and Apple were good enough to share with me some of their latest models in their very own “Grey Room” during my visit. Following their previous ARP9 Gold Limited Edition release selling out all 1,000 units in short order and a market demand clearly existing for the striking colour scheme, they are releasing a further gold accented non-limited ARP9 Gold “Stealth” edition which includes a redesigned suppressor system that actually silences the distinct muzzle report of the platform, giving a very visually striking aesthetic appearance but in a package less easily detected by its sound. In terms of their company structure and reach, their current facility homes their hundred or so employees dealing with management, international sales, research & development, design and final assembly. Since their move in the early 2010’s they have changed their production model to outsourcing all of their components to subcontractors, focusing solely on assembly and testing in-house, as well as front end

SEPTEMBER 2020

In line with Mr Liao’s desire to spread education and a positive public opinion of airsoft as far and wide as possible, many of these countries are also invited to field national teams in the ever-growing G&G Armament World Cup shooting competition. Many countries have already attended over the last four years events, giving ever greater international recognition to airsoft as a legitimate, active, healthy, focused and team building hobby which can hopefully overcome its (apparently) ever-present negative connotations or media perception. In Taiwan, as in the UK and no doubt elsewhere, there is a predominantly anti-gun sentiment in many people who see anything remotely firearms related as having criminal connections, or otherwise raising very negative press or public reactions. Alongside the world cup events, G&G actively engages with national military, law enforcement, government and educational establishments to spread a positive message about the benefits of responsible shooting cultures. G&G even produced aesthetically accurate and real weight replicas of the Republic of China armed forces’ standard T91 weapons platform, to aid in training of services personnel in force on force situations, or general range work and weapons handling prior to progressing to live fire

INSIDE AIRSOFT AA EXCLUSIVE REPORT - G&G ARMAMENT

weapons. In conjunction with these efforts G&G, have also produced a variety of multi-functional electronic targeting systems that react to BB strikes and change lighting colour, or allow an array of targets to be programmed for time attack trials or other shooting range games to test user’s marksmanship and reaction times. Some of these are set up on their facility’s top floor in their conference facilities, where they welcome various regional and international guests and allow them to try their hand in situ myself included! I managed to clear the courses using their T91 AEG and GTP9 GBB pistol, which were great fun to use.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Regarding new products, the company tend to look closely at market trends, in both airsoft and real steel arenas and take great interest in generating links to their consumer base and developing their existing and future products to best suit the end user in terms of function, reliability, longevity and, of course, ease of use and enjoyment of their airsoft guns. New types of gun are decided upon based upon such feedback and, as with many manufacturers, there is a trend toward pistol calibre carbines or handier submachine gun/compact Armalite platforms which mirror the US civilian market’s shift towards such systems being used for competition shooting and home defence. Further developments in progress include a Lee Enfield No.4 rifle with a unique new charger feeding mechanism that mimics stripper clips in use, to give a more realistic bolt action rifle operating experience. There is also a desire to move into the likes

of PPSh 41, or Mosin Nagant replicas to address the gaps in their own product lines and the market in general in the longer term. The delivery of these new products can vary from six months (in the case of a generic variant of an existing product where there are common parts in their inventory), a year for more involved internal redesigns (such as the new version gearboxes due next year), or as much as two or more years for entirely novel operating systems (such as the Enfield stripper clip fed rifle) which obviously require a much more intense research and development cycle to design and manufacture a rigorously tested user ready product. Looking to the future, G&G has a wide user base already and has done a great deal of product development and brought to market a myriad of spring action, AEG, GBB pistols and looks to spread its market further. However, they are also aware of the competitiveness of the current market and the increasing demands of end users who desire ever more functionality at lower prices, as well as newcomers to the market having a plethora of modern shortcut technologies such as rapid prototyping/3D printing, which allows them to quickly and economically produce innovative new replica guns. This is something which G&G also try and keep abreast of in their own research and development, to ensure they can continue to provide an ever-growing wealth of increasingly functional and fun replica firearms to the community. In closing, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Liao, Rick and Apple for their time and kind attention and for making my trip to G&G Armament so thoroughly enjoyable and informative. I consider it a privilege to have been invited and look forward to the continual growth of the relationship we have established. AA

www.airsoftaction.net

COMMS POC - THE END OF UHF RADIOS?

PUSH TO TALK OVER CELLULAR: THE END OF UHF RADIOS?

AS AIRSOFT EVENTS CONTINUE TO GROW IN POPULARITY AND ATTENDANCE, MORE PEOPLE ARE USING RADIOS FOR COMMUNICATIONS. PLAYERS ARE BEGINNING TO SEE THE CHALLENGES THAT COME ALONG WITH THAT GROWTH; LIMITED FREQUENCIES, LOW-QUALITY GEAR AND OPEN NETWORKS RESULT IN CONGESTION, WEAK SIGNALS, AND COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY (COMSEC) ISSUES. OUR “LEGIONNAIRE” SEAN, FROM BLACKLINE SIMULATIONS IN CANADA, LOOKS A POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE - USING YOUR SMARTPHONE!

here are multiple solutions to these problems and airsoft players are trying them all. Licensing more frequencies or radio tower networks can make more space on the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band. Some teams stand up private mesh communications networks. These are both useful solutions but they can be expensive and may not address the COMSEC challenges. Alternatively, some groups now push their comms to chat programs like Facebook or Whatsapp. Others use Discord for voice or chat. While secure, these channels don’t offer radio-like ease of use and can require you to pull out your phone to send a message. However, there is another option that leverages the supercomputer you keep in your pocket and blends it with military hardware to get a secure and global tactical communications network. It’s something that is about to give UHF some stiff competition, and it’s something you can have running before you finish this article.

PTTOC

What is Push-to-Talk-over-Cellular? Push-to-Talk-over-Cellular technology (often abbreviated to PoC or PTToC) turns your cell phone into a two-way radio. Standard UHF radios deployed at MilSim and skirmish events rely upon a line-of-sight connection to both parties. The constraints on radio range are due to the terrain and power output of the device used. In contrast, PoC uses your connection to a mobile or WiFi network and leverages the internet to deliver your message. The everexpanding cellular network overcomes the distance and terrain challenges faced by traditional radio technology. At the same time, software applications provide private team channels controlled by you.

SEPTEMBER 2020

There are a variety of PoC applications available but Zello (https://zello.com) is one of the most popular. It owes its success to offering a large number of features in a freeto-use package and operating on devices running iOS and Android. Zello also supports a wide range of accessories, such as military push-to-talks (PTTs) and covert comms gear. For those willing to pay for additional features, a Zellowork account adds more versatility with location tracking, channel and user management, as well as message history.

THE PROS AND CONS

Zello and PoC technology have a lot of benefits that make it an ideal communications tool - but it does come with a few drawbacks. On the plus side, if you need a secure and managed communications network, PoC is hard to beat. You and your team have total control over who can join the network and who can speak on it. You can enable live location views of your team and have a full record of your communications.

COMMS POC - THE END OF UHF RADIOS?

PoC is also a global tool. If a location has internet access through the cellular or WiFi networks, PoC can connect your teammates no matter how far apart they are. Another advantage is that the startup costs are virtually zero. You likely own a cellphone and a set of earbuds, which is the bare minimum equipment you’ll need to get going. Low-cost accessories such as wired or Bluetooth PTTs are all that is required to give Zello a more tactical look. Meanwhile, advanced features like location tracking and message history make a big difference in situational awareness. These benefits give PoC an edge over UHF. Still, PoC isn’t perfect. Up until recently, many of the accessories for PoC were of low quality. They weren’t tactical in appearance, nor were they built to withstand the environment of extreme MilSim events. More importantly, PoC’s greatest strength is also one of its most significant challenges. The downside of PoC is that long-range communications capability requires a network connection to operate. Even though mobile networks are expanding all the time, not every field or site has cellular service. If signals are weak, there can also be a small lag in message delivery.

Stone Mountain has worked closely with Zello to make sure the device is compatible with both the iOS and Android applications. It meets the IP68 and MIL-STD-810G standards, which means it’s capable of handling most of the moisture, temperature and vibration stresses you might throw at it. On the exterior, you’ll find a 3.5mm listen-only earpiece port, rugged PTT button, high/low volume toggle and a durable belt clip. Our testing revealed pretty flawless operation across multiple users (even in the pouring rain) but one had to change some Zello settings on their phone. Also, note that the belt clip is substantial and won’t fit through MOLLE loops, so ensure you have an appropriate place to mount it.

DEPLOYMENT

The easiest way to get started with Push-to-Talk-overCellular is to download Zello from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create an account and then create a channel. Settings for your channel can include passwords, image and location sharing and the ability to interrupt users if they’re holding down their PTT by accident (“hot-micing”). Once you share the channel with your teammates, you have a secure communications network for your operations. At Blackline Simulations, we’ve been using Zello for a few years now and have developed a consistent strategy for deploying this new technology. We find it works very well for centralised command and control, where a few players in each unit connect to the commander or tactical operations centre with Zello. It allows us to reach them from anywhere to gather critical intelligence or provide mission updates in a completely secure way. With Zello covering our command and control comms, we set up our operations teams in one of two ways: we either create private Zello channels for each unit, or we push them to a team UHF channel. At the small team level, the terrain and range limitations of UHF disappear, but only if the team sticks together.

Bluetooth Revo NC2 - Bluetooth speaker microphone from OTTO Communications (https://www.otto-comm. com/products/speakermicrophones/speakermicrophones/ bluetooth-revo-nc2) OTTO is pretty well known for their comms gear, so it’s not a surprise they produced a product for PoC radios. The Bluetooth Revo NC2 is a standard sized speaker microphone, but it has a more ergonomic shape. The PTT has a 3.5mm jack for a listen-only earpiece, on-board volume controls, as well as an emergency call button. The MIL-STD-810G rating ensures high durability for military simulations. OTTO claims a 12-hour battery life and our tests confirm that’s probably true. It operates while charging, so you might want to pick up a 90º micro USB cable to support the device during longer events. Currently, the Bluetooth Revo NC2 only works with Android devices,

ACCESSORIES

Major communications brands are now branching into the PoC accessory market and that has made a real difference in the quality of tools available. We’ve pulled together a list of gear that we’ve been using that is both functional and tactical. Phoenix Elite PoC RSM - Wired speaker microphone from Stone Mountain Ltd. (https://stonemountainltd. com/product/phoenix-elite-poc-rsm-series) For a wired option, the Phoenix Elite is a solid choice. www.airsoftaction.net

COMMS POC - THE END OF UHF RADIOS?

however, the iOS upgrades are in development. PICO Surveillance PTT - Covert PTT from Pryme Radio Accessories (https://www.pryme.com/index. php?l=product_detail&p=2590) Pryme is one of the brands that’s been in the PoC space for some time. They’ve produced many Bluetooth speaker microphones and buttons but they also have some wired covert options. The PICO is a small PTT and microphone that connects to your phone using USB-C, Lightning, or 3.5mm jack and then has a separate cable running to an earpiece of your choice. The 3.5mm version uses a small replaceable battery to power the hardware, which Pryme says lasts about a year. Our experience with their other PTTs suggests that’s true. In contrast, the phone powers the Lightning and USB-C versions. The PICO uses snaplock connectors, which are pretty standard on covert communications gear. Still, if you don’t want to pick up specific covert earpieces, you

can look to their NANO model, which accepts your existing phone earbuds or other 3.5mm connections. 360 Earpieces - Discrete covert earpieces from N-ear (https://marketing.n-ear.com/blackline) One of the other pieces of kit we’ve been trying out with all of these accessories is the 360 covert earpiece from a company called N-ear. Many players use standard acoustic tube earpieces plugged into their speaker microphones but

those block sound. That isn’t ideal for situational awareness in forested sites. The N-ear 360 comes with a small perforated ear cup (along with a regular one), and in our tests, we found that the perforations allowed in all of the ambient sounds. The other advantage of these earpieces is that they’re tiny and hard to see, making them excellent for low profile operations. Every tester is in disbelief when they see how small the 360 is. Multiple people have also noted the earpieces are almost unnoticeable inside the ear, with people double-checking to ensure they had not fallen out! One of the noticeable drawbacks is that because ambient sound does come through so clearly, you may have trouble hearing communications in higher noise environments. N59 - Dedicated PoC Radio from Talkpod (http://www. talkpod.cn/en/Network.html) If you’re not interested in taking your cellphone into an airsoft event and are comfortable investing a bit more in the PoC infrastructure, several companies offer dedicated Zello

radios. Talkpod has the N59. The device has the form factor of a small UHF radio but runs the Android 9.0 operating system, which makes it simple to set up Zello. Bring the device online by adding a SIM card with a data plan or connect to a WiFi network. Use your Google account to download the Zello app from the Play store and connect to the channel of your choice. Once running, the Kenwood 2-pin connector allows you to connect any of your existing Kenwood 2-pin accessories. We found this made for an excellent dual comm setup using an Invisio X50 attached to a UV5R and the N59 and we’re excited to try it out with some more analog PTTs. The IP56 rating means you don’t have to worry about getting it wet or dirty. It’s important to note you’ll need that data connection to use Zello on the device, so make sure the sim or WiFi network can connect you to the internet. We also had a bit of trouble using our fingers to type on the tiny screen, so we’d recommend a stylus of some sort to make the sign-in process easier. S900B - Dedicated PoC Radio from Boxchip (https:// boxchiptt.com/collections/network-radio) If you’re looking to go all out on a dedicated Zello solution, Boxchip offers a pair of devices to consider.

SEPTEMBER 2020

COMMS POC - THE END OF UHF RADIOS?

The S900B is a hefty full-featured device that is about the same size as a phone but approximately twice as thick. Most of that depth comes from a replaceable 4500mAh battery on the rear. The S900B departs from other devices here in that it uses the Motorola M5 connector enabling a range of accessories. We were most excited by the potential to power some mil-spec PTTs with this connector but we haven’t been able to test that yet. Like other devices running the Android OS, you simply add a SIM card or connect to WiFi and download Zello onto the device. Once there, the setup process is the same as it

would be on your device. Boxchip offers a less expensive option (the Sentinel A1) but we couldn’t get our hands on one for testing. Blackline continues to maintain a list of reliable Zello

accessories and is always updating the list with performance notes and observations. You can read more about the items above and see the latest information here: https://www. blacklinesimulations.com/post/zello-accessories-for-airsoftmilitary-simulations.

IS UHF ON ITS WAY OUT?

That depends. Today, some sites and rural areas do not have reliable mobile service. It’s hard to sell PoC radio as an alternative to UHF radios when you have zero bars of service. On the other hand, massive telecom companies are continually working to bring cell service to any location people live, work, or play. That infrastructure investment pairs well with PoC app and accessory developers as they improve their software and hardware. PoC will only become more relevant as time goes on. For urban operations or surveillance simulations in cities, Zello is hard to beat, especially when paired with covert comms gear. Push-to-talk-over-cellular also does an excellent job as a command and control network as it’s able to broadcast mission updates securely. Pairing this C2 network with UHF radios for squad communications is a dual-comm solution that benefits from the best of both tools. If you want to be successful, you need to take advantage of every opportunity you see. Airsoft and milsim communications are no exception. If you aren’t considering PoC as part of your communications plan, you’re ignoring the billions of dollars of high-tech communication infrastructure connected to the device in your pocket. AA

www.airsoftaction.net

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KIT & GEAR MODERN RATNIK

RATNIK: WAY OF THE WARRIOR WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SO MANY VARIETIES OF AK12 AND RPK16, MORE AND MORE AIRSOFTERS ARE LOOKING TO RUSSIA FOR INSPIRATION FOR KIT. IAN “TAZ” STOKES TELLS ALL…

n Russia they developed the “Ratnik” system, incorporating the AK12 and RPK16 for their troops to use, so following on from that we thought we would introduce the general airsoft community to the generic style of kit that is “Ratnik”. Whether you’re looking for cheaper recon style or full-blown immersion it’s all there under one banner. With an overburdened logistics chain and dozens of outdated items on the inventory, the Russian Federation needed to modernise and simplify the fighting equipment of their troops. Known as “Ratnik”, this new system is a full package of combat equipment, small arms and electronic aids to bring the Russian soldier into the modern era. So, just what is “Ratnik”? Translating directly as “Warrior”, Ratnik is a modernisation program aimed at providing new equipment to Russian ground forces, naval infantry and VDV. The system can be compared to the UK’s Virtus system, although it is more widely-ranging. Ratnik is aimed at regular Russian Federation military units as well as infantry, including military police, engineers and essentially any other role which is not deemed to require specialist equipment. In addition to bringing the Russian infantryman closer in line with his western counterpart by making night vision, communications and

weapon optics available, one of the key objectives of Ratnik is to reduce the amount of irregular equipment supplied to troops and simplifying Russia’s notorious supply system. This erratic supply system, however, has led to certain inconsistencies in how the system is issued, which are aggravated by the constant changes to the exact contents of the Ratnik package. Ratnik is not co-dependent, however, meaning that component parts can be used individually, without compromising their effectiveness.

DEVELOPMENT

Despite being officially adopted as of 2014, Ratnik has been developed progressively for some time. The 76th VDV received early versions of the set in 2011 and 45th VDV had trialled an early version of the 6sh112 load-bearing vest as far back as 2008, with 42nd GRU also using some for antipiracy duties in 2011. Contrary to popular opinion, “Digi Flora” was introduced prior to Ratnik, with it being trialled by GRU in 2008 and official adoption with the rest of the armed forces around 2010. Some earlier parts of Ratnik which have been altered are the 6sh112 vest, being supplanted by 116 for a short time before 117 took over. The 6B43 body armour system was also replaced by 6B45. One change that had to be made is a switch to “mogotex“ fabric, as earlier Ratnik items were

“TRANSLATING DIRECTLY AS “WARRIOR”, RATNIK IS A MODERNISATION PROGRAM AIMED AT PROVIDING NEW EQUIPMENT TO RUSSIAN GROUND FORCES, NAVAL INFANTRY AND VDV. THE SYSTEM CAN BE COMPARED TO THE UK’S VIRTUS SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH IT IS MORE WIDELY-RANGING.”

SEPTEMBER 2020

KIT & GEAR MODERN RATNIK

not properly IR treated and allowed the wearer to be easily seen using night vision equipment. The replacement of the AK74M was also a major goal of the Ratnik program but this has taken a long time to take effect, with the AK-12 trials only concluding in 2018. However, many units are now getting hold of the successful AK-12 rifle. As well as supplying the rifle itself there is also a push for optics to be supplied, with the 1p63 combat optic being seen on the AK74M while AK12s are more likely to be outfitted with the 1p87.

colouration, it is double sided with one side being a greener “spring” side and the other being a browner “arid” side. This is worn over the VKPO system with armour and LBE over the top.

COMMON RATNIK GEAR

When it comes to common Ratnik gear, you can look at it as a bit of a “takeaway menu”. There’s the “set meal”, where you just get what you order in one go and then there’s the morsels you REALLY like that you can add. Please understand though, that we’re only scratching the surface of the VKBO Ratnik system as it has complexity at its core! To start with a very basic set of kit for airsoft, some basic “set meal” ingredients would be: • VKPO, the basic clothing adopted with the new ratnik system. VKPO is a layered clothing system, designed to give a Russian soldier the capability to operate in all climates. It is based on the VKPO system and essentially is just a slight reconfiguration of VKBO. • 6B47, the new helmet. Although less protective than 6b7-1m, only having a level 1 GOST rating, the 6B47 is a far lighter helmet designed to be worn with modern communications gear and pre-fitted with a NV mounting shroud. • 6B45+ “granit” plates, the new body armour. 6b45 is a modern plate carrier able to take pouches via MOLLE webbing. It has an aramid liner and is designed to take the 6A rated “granit” plate which resembles a taller swimmer cut plate. Unlike the earlier 6B43 it does not have a dorsal plate and the aramid liner is not removable, the 6b45 also has an olive drab trim to reinforce the front and rear “plate bags”. • 6SH117, the load bearing system. Intended to be worn as LBE over the 6b45, the base vest bears a slight resemblance to the US FLC vest. It also includes a pouch set which varies depending on time and manufacturer but always includes magazine and grenade pouches and a butt pack. The regular 25 litre backpack is also part of the same set. 6SH117 differs from the earlier 112 and 116 due to having a set of internal pockets, an extended molle belt and back and better padding. • 6SH122, the reversible over suit. A loose cut over suit that uses a form of Digi Flora with an altered

It is, however, only fair to mention some failed Ratnik items! • 6B46, combined body armour and load bearing systems. Possibly the most notorious Ratnik component, they were designed as a lightweight alternative to 6b43 but was almost entirely rejected due to not being “jumpable” and distributing weight poorly, making it uncomfortable under combat situations. A few have made it out for use in niche scenarios, however. • GSSH-01/6M2, an electronic hearing headset, some versions also have comms capability. Early versions of these performed poorly but later (6M2) variants perform better. They have a relatively unique

“WHEN IT COMES TO COMMON RATNIK GEAR, YOU CAN LOOK AT IT AS A BIT OF A “TAKEAWAY MENU”. THERE’S THE “SET MEAL”, WHERE YOU JUST GET WHAT YOU ORDER IN ONE GO AND THEN THERE’S THE MORSELS YOU REALLY LIKE THAT YOU CAN ADD.”

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KIT & GEAR MODERN GOING GREEN! RATNIK

•

“headset” instead of a more typical headband or neckband. They can often be seen during training exercises and on ranges. From the information we have access to, they do not seem anywhere near common operationally. Geolocational system. This system was shown during an exercise with 4th Guards Tank division, consisting of a sensor on both shoulders it was meant to feed data on the location of each wearer back to commanders. No field deployments or large-scale rollouts appear to have occurred. Alternate 6sh122 colouration. During some of the larger Ratnik test exercises an over suit was seen which shared many of the design features of the 122 suits but appeared to mix the colouration of both sides of the current suit. -6b43/45 up armour kits. Early Ratnik demonstrations showed shoulder and groin attachments which contained soft armour. They do not appear to have seen any significant deployment to frontline units, likely due to being cumbersome and having little protective value.

Irregular Ratnik colourations do exist! Except for 6sh122 and the 6sh119 all items of Ratnik are produced primarily in standard Digi Flora, however, variations exist for certain items to adapt to different environments. For the 6b47 different covers are available including a white snow cover, tan and desert-EMR as well as a tan version of the

base helmet. The same is broadly true for all “technikom” products, including the 6b45, 6sh117 and pouches for both. A white version of body armour and LBE is not available, although 6SH119 can be worn over body armour. A version of the 6sh122 is also produced in a more tancentric pattern than the other EMR-desert items available.

AIRSOFT AVAILABILITY

The recce loadout is three basic items and can be worn over existing kit. 6sh117, 6sh122 and Digi Flora panama gets you there! 6b51 knee and elbow pads complement the loadout but as stated earlier, are not always used. The full loadout is as detailed earlier but here’s the rub… some items are not legally for sale in Russia although available. There are commercial copies of some items or training versions which are not restricted. Although slightly different from the issue items, you need to be up close to see the variation. So, whether you use legit kit (stolen for some parts, so please be aware of this before you buy!) or replace with commercial items, they are still all easily available. The kit itself is fit for purpose and I have run this gear for several years without any issues regarding quality, durability or effectiveness. Availability has never been an issue either. Credit must go to Prizraki, Northern Pact community page and a plethora of others for helping to research this information. If you’re interested in creating your first Ratnik loadout then a good place to start is https://grey-shop.ru AA

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armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-E03

MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED THE SIMPLEST OF THINGS AND A CLASSIC “M4/AR” IS HIGH ON THE LIST FOR MOST PLAYERS. AS HE’S BEEN WORKING ON A PROJECT FOR A WHILE THAT REQUIRES A PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD “M4-STYLE” CARBINE, BILL FOUND HIMSELF TAKING A LOOK AT THE SA-E03 MODEL FROM SPECNA ARMS - AND NOW REPORTS ON GETTING BACK TO BASICS!

t’s true! “Mr Mutant AK” has gone all westernised this month! Sometimes when you’re working on a loadout project (all will become clear next month) you find yourself in need of a very specific model and for me, this has been in the shape of a “militarystyle” 14.5 inch barrel “M4”. As much as I do love my AKs, sometimes you just have to go with the flow to get the right feel to a loadout and, in this case, it had to be a classic American carbine! After much looking around the interwebz, gorging myself on the sheer myriad of possible models that would (if you’ll pardon the completely unintentional pun) fit the bill, I came back to one of my original starting points for the project - and that was not to break the bank! What I needed was a well-priced, yet solid and dependable AEG that fitted the inspiration I

SEPTEMBER 2020

had… simple, black, classic “M4-style”. A while back I had a close look at some of the entrylevel CORE ARs from Specna Arms and liked them a lot, especially considering their price. Then I went on to look at the E21 PDW from the EDGE line and came away impressed not only by the design, but by the performance on the range. I’ve now had the chance to push it’s edges a bit and it’s still surprising me in the best possible way! With this in mind, I decided to have a look to see if there was anything in the Specna Arms line-up that would suit and, sure enough, their EDGE RRA SA-E03 caught my attention. Whilst this is not an out and out “military M4” carbine, it certainly looked great and fulfilled my requirements pretty much exactly. As I happens, the fact that it was a Rock River Arms licensed model also took my fancy for another reason completely. Some years ago, a friend of mine in the firearms industry worked closely with the Illinois-based family firm and always spoke very highly of their ethos, professionalism and the quality of their products and suddenly everything clicked into place nicely! The company was founded back in 1996 by the Larson brothers, in cooperation with Les Baer and is based in Colona, Illinois. RRA supplies under contract AR-15 carbines to the DEA, FBI and US Marshals. As these days I usually put airsoft ARs together to create what I personally like, it’s actually been a while since I wanted one in “vanilla” form. Although I like to keep my AEGS pretty stock from the box internally, I usually take a base model and fettle it to my own tastes externally but when the E03 arrived, I knew I had very little to do as it was pretty much good to go.

BOOM FOR BUCK

As I discovered when I looked at the E21 PDW, the Specna Arms EDGE is a range of AEGs that combines an array of solutions and technologies hard to find as standard in other replicas on the market, although it seems to me that

armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-E03

others are trying very hard to play “catch up”. It’s a range that puts the focus on great craftsmanship and top-grade materials, along with solutions that improve the versatility of the replica, prolong its lifetime, simplify the diagnostics of a malfunction and ease the process of upgrading… not that they need upgrading! Straight out of the box you get an AEG that will work well on the field and, apart from possibly a spring change to place the power where you want it for your chosen game site or country (Specna Arms even throw in a “CQB Spring” as part of the deal!), you’ll fit a battery, fill up the TWO magazines that also come as standard with your choice of BBs and you are all set! The replica comes with some very usable flip up sights at the rear end, so, quite literally, you have everything you might need for a game straight away. The E03 also features complete, licensed markings for Rock River Arms, which is superb to see at this price point!

Every part of the carbine has been made and fitted with the utmost care and attention to detail and the satinblack finish of the parts also features a Nano Coating that prevents scratches, so “your” E03 will stay looking great over time. The body also bears deeply engraved markings, as well as an individual serial number further authenticated by an additional hologram. You’ll probably remove this hologram as I have but if you lift it carefully it may be stored safely with the instruction manual. As well as having a really great finish to the receivers and other metal parts, the E03 is equipped with a classic drop-in rail system that offers 150mm of rail space at 3, 6, 9 and 12 0’clock, so you can mount all your favourite tactical accessories such as flashlights, grips, lasers and optics. Another nice touch is that the package contains one of Specna’s own “in house” foregrips, a design that suits me well and is simple to fit onto the rail system. The outer barrel has a 14 mm CCW thread with a classic “birdcage” flash hider, so you can easily swap that out for a suppressor or tracer unit… to me it absolutely begs an “old skool” KAC can! The top RIS rail features those flip-up sights and everything is finished off nicely with a singlepoint sling plate and CRANE-style stock. The E03 benefits from the Specna Arms QD ergonomic

pistol grip that provides easy and rapid access to the motor without having to use tools and features their ESA Quick Spring Exchange System. It’s actually possible to rapidly adapt the power of the replica to the conditions expected on the playing field - without the necessity to have the access to a workshop or a set of special tools. All you need to do, is remove the buffer tube in order to gain access to the spring so that it can be removed without having to pull out or disassemble the gearbox. The ESA system allows you to change the main spring super-fast and, as I said earlier, inside the box along with the E03 itself, you’ll find a spare M90 main spring that is excellent for CQB/CQC sites. Inside, the E03 features an precision 6.03 inner barrel that provides accuracy from the get go, both on first and follow-up shots. This barrel works in tandem with a new type of a Hop-Up rotary chamber that allows for very precise adjustment of the BB spin. The carbine also features a factory-fitted Gen 4 MOSFET X-ASR module GATE. In an an unprecedented cooperation between manufacturer and a factory known for its airsoft replicas, the high-quality MOSFET X-ASR looks after the internal components,

improves the trigger reaction and extends the lifetime of electronics and the battery. It will also help you to diagnose basic malfunctions inside the AEG thanks to integrated status diodes. At the heart of the E03 you will find the ORION gearbox, which is based on a reinforced frame and equipped with a main spring release and is rated to work

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armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-E03

with springs up to M140. As well as the gearbox itself, you’ll find a reinforced polymer piston with steel teeth, aluminium air-sealed nozzle, aluminium double air-sealed cylinder head, aluminium double air-sealed piston head with bearings, a set of steel gears and 8.mm bearings.

GETTING INTO “POTATO RANGE”!

So, all the internal parts of the E03 are 100% of the standard I would expect now from Specna Arms and they are assembled with great care and attention to detail, into a robust and durable collection of outer parts - but is the E03 just the sum of its parts, or is it something more? The battery is housed inside the buffer tube and CRANE stock (a decent stick LiPo will fit easily into the buffer tube if you’re careful which means you can choose a slimmer stock if you wish) and I fitted an 11.1V LiPo, which is a little bit of a squeeze given the diameter of the tube and the fact that the MOSFET lives in that space too but once in and the stock refitted, the battery disappears from sight. The E03 comes with a pair of Mid-Cap 125BB S-MAG magazines which have an unusual but visually appealing look, as they feature an amalgam of the Specna

use on my gas SR-16 carbine, so I guess I just need to keep working on that “muscle memory”. It is, however, a sweet little carbine to work with, with great ergonomics and texture on the pistol grip and foregrip. Once the rotary hop was set, an easy control to adjust, the E03 was hitting targets out to the end of the 30m range at 1.36 Joule/384fps but after a (very) quick spring change, that came down to a completely site friendly 0.99 Joule/328fps average on a .20g RZR BB. The trigger, as with the other Specna’s I’ve tried, is light yet positive, with very little lag so it’s easy to get consistently accurate shots away time after time. It is strange when, after years of working with pretty heavily tricked-out Ars, you go back to one with a more basic “Mil-style” configuration but that just shows how spoilt we’ve all got! One upon a time I would have killed for a decent, basic “M4” and, in truth, in many ways although it may look similar, the RRA SA-E03 is actually quite a way removed from that basic model, even if it looks like one at first glance! Now I’ve had a chance to get “in game” with the E03, I can tell you it’s a proper little tack-driver once you get it set up right on .25g and I’m currently thinking VERY seriously about buying the shorter-barrelled SA-E04 for a “MK18style with Surefire can” build for my personal use. If you are looking for a great “first AR”, or indeed a platform to “project”, then the E-03 is certainly most worth a very close look before you part with your money! It’s a great looking replica, performs superbly out of the box, feels spot-on, and at under £170 at the time of writing (thanks to the 10% off deal at Gunfire on these models right now) it’s an absolute steal! Many thanks indeed to Gunfire who kindly provided me with the AEG sample for this review. You can check out more details on the EDGE RRA SA-E03 Carbine and the rest of the extensive range of Specna Arms models by simply visiting https:// gunfire.com AA

Arms logos! This actually makes them very tactile though and the S-MAGs are designed for smooth and uninterrupted feeding of BBs, even with a high ROF. I did, as usual, try other “AR” mags though and all of them worked perfectly. It’s been a while since I worked a “standard configuration AR” and I have to admit that it did feel a little odd having the foregrip closer to the magwell than I’m used to now. That said, it’s the same configuration I

“…ALL THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE E03 ARE 100% OF THE STANDARD I WOULD EXPECT NOW FROM SPECNA ARMS AND THEY ARE ASSEMBLED WITH GREAT CARE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, INTO A ROBUST AND DURABLE COLLECTION OF OUTER PARTS - BUT IS THE E03 JUST THE SUM OF ITS PARTS, OR IS IT SOMETHING MORE?” www.airsoftaction.net

feature THE FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE

FEDEROV AVTOMAT: THE FIRST “ASSAULT RIFLE”? IT IS A WELL-WORN DESCRIPTOR, OFTEN USED BY SHOOTERS THE WORLD OVER TO IDENTIFY A TYPE OF GUN BUT JUST WHERE DID THE TERM “ASSAULT RIFLE” COME FROM AND WHAT WAS THE FIRST ONE? FRENCHIE EXPLAINS…

t is a demonstrable fact that the vast majority of airsofters play using some variant of an “assault rifle” - a dreadful term only used pejoratively these days by members of the media. The term, as most of you probably know, traces its origins back to a certain Herr Hitler, who coined the term for a gun which he had initially expressly rejected and then embraced; the MP43/44 – the SturmGewehr. The Stg44 defined the modern battle rifle but was it actually the first assault rifle? The answer depends upon how you define an “assault rifle”. The generally accepted definition is that they fire an intermediate cartridge, are selective fire and are fed from a detachable magazine and there is a rifle that predates the StG44 by at least 30 years which (sort of) did all of that, the Federov M1916. The design of the Federov was started in 1906 by Vladimir Fyodorov, assisted by Vasily Alekseyevich Degtyaryov. By 1911, the rifle had been submitted to the Rifle Commission of the Russian army for trials, doing sufficiently well for an order for a further 150 to be placed for further testing. At the time, the Federov was chambered for a 6.5mm round of 36

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Fyodorov’s own design, which was less powerful than the currently fielded 7.62x54mm Russian round. The rifle had a fixed magazine and was fed by stripper clip. At this point in its design, it was only capable of semi-automatic fire.

NOT IMPRESSED

In 1915, Fyodorov was posted to France as an observer and was impressed by the widespread use of the Chauchat light machine gun. He was less impressed by its weight and clumsy handling and, upon his return to Russia, determined to redesign the Federov to fill the gap he perceived between the light machine gun and the infantry rifle. He conceived a weapon that would deliver the firepower of a light machine gun but with the mobility of a rifle. In this he was far closer to the concept of an assault rifle than was the Browning Automatic Rifle, or the Chauchat, neither of which can be truly described as having the mobility of a rifle and both of which would be used as light machine guns with bipods, despite all the talk of “walking fire” that surrounded them. His original design had a fire selector added and the fixed magazine was replaced with a removable, twentyfive round box magazine. Since putting Fyodorov’s 6.5mm round into production was simply impractical, the gun was re-chambered for the Japanese 6.5x50mm Arisaka round, of which the Russian army had somewhere around 400 million in stock, having been extensively supplied with Arisaka rifles. With these changes made, the Russian army

feature THE FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE

in 1916 ordered 25,000 M1916 Federovs to be built. The collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, in the face of the revolution and continuing German military aggression, put an end to Federov production. The initial order had been reduced to 5,000 in early 1917 and in the end only some 100 were produced. Production was restarted in 1920 but by the end of production in 1925, only 3,200 rifles had been produced in total. The M1916 would see more use during the Russian Civil war than it ever did during the First World war but by 1925 the remaining rifles were put into storage and would only see action once more, during the Winter war with Finland.

MIXED REPUTATION

The Federov Avtomat, as it became known, has acquired a mixed reputation in service. Although never widely issued, some troops had been trained in its use and issued with the rifle. It was found to perform adequately but required too much care and maintenance to be considered for wholesale adoption, had that ever been possible. It is possible that, over time, several of the issues that plagued the weapon would have been resolved but time was never on its side. Ten rifles were used by the Russian Naval aviation service, where they were reported to by preferred to the Chauchats then in service. Mechanically, the Federov used the short-recoil system, with the barrel and bolt recoiling for a short distance, approximately 10mm, before the bolt was unlocked allowing the barrel to return and the bolt to eject the fired round and chamber a fresh one. The gun was hammer fired and locking was achieved using symmetrical plates on either side of the chamber. Ian McCollum of “Forgotten Weapons” has done an excellent video on the Federov and goes into the mechanical workings of the gun in detail, if (like me) you find this stuff endlessly fascinating! Unlike the BAR and the Chauchat, the Federov was not a light machine gun masquerading as a rifle. In conception and use it was far closer to the Stg 44, a weapon intended to be widely issued and used predominantly in semiautomatic mode but with the ability to deliver a much higher level of firepower if required. That firepower would have to be carefully judged as the Federov was prone to

overheat sufficiently after approximately 300 rounds in full auto as to cause it to jam. Reports of its service vary but, overall, it appears to have performed well in the hands of troops who were appropriately trained in both the use and care of the rifle.

THE FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE

Was it the first assault rifle? Opinions vary and the stumbling block for many is the use of the 6.5x50mm Arisaka round. This round was a full-powered rifle round even though it was noticeably less powerful that the standard Russian 7.62x54 round. Fyodorov had clearly recognised the need for a lighter round when he designed his own 6.5mm round for the rifle, but none of these can truly be described as intermediate. Given the prevailing military doctrines at the start of the 20th century, the idea of any major army adopting what might have seemed to them to be a glorified pistol cartridge were extremely remote, with the emphasis on disciplined, long range shooting. It would take the lessons from two global conflicts before most nations would accept that the days of large, heavy rifle rounds were numbered. It took the US army a deal longer than the rest of the world to reach this conclusion, thereby saddling NATO with a 30.06 equivalent when it should have adopted a far more appropriate intermediate round. That, however, is another story! So, the Federov fails the “assault rifle” definition on its ammunition but Fyodorov’s intention was clearly to produce a weapon that would have fulfilled the role ascribed to the assault rifle since the introduction of the Stg-44. His gun was not a light machine gun and while there is no evidence to suggest he ever thought that it might equip the majority of soldiers in an army, that is for me, the logical endpoint, had development continued and manufacture been simplified. Despite his foresight, it wouldn’t be until 1943 that the world got a glimpse of the future of military rifles, although it is maybe fitting that the epitome of “assault rifles”, the Soviet AK, should ultimately come to define the genre. AA

“IN CONCEPTION AND USE IT WAS FAR CLOSER TO THE STG 44, A WEAPON INTENDED TO BE WIDELY ISSUED AND USED PREDOMINANTLY IN SEMI-AUTOMATIC MODE BUT WITH THE ABILITY TO DELIVER A MUCH HIGHER LEVEL OF FIREPOWER IF REQUIRED.” www.airsoftaction.net

THE CAGE BETTER DAYS AHEAD

THE CAGE:

BETTER DAYS AHEAD!

AT LAST, WE ARE SEEING A RETURN TO AIRSOFT GAMES AROUND THE GLOBE AND ALTHOUGH GUIDELINES VARY IN SPECIFICS FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY, IT SEEMS LIKE WE’RE GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL… WITH A MASK ON! BILL’S BEEN WATCHING THE ROLLOUT OF SITE RE-OPENINGS AND HAS EVEN BEEN OUT TO A GAME BUT ASKS THE QUESTION: “WILL THINGS GO BACK TO THE WAY THEY WERE?”

eez! I know it was only the end of February but it seems SO long ago now that I last got my game on and I know many others that feel exactly the same! After many years of attending multiple airsoft events each month and getting out to play once or twice a month too, the fact that I’ve not picked up my AEGs and GBBs in earnest for nearly FIVE MONTHS is completely alien to me and has been a bitter pill to swallow indeed! Luckily I’ve sustained myself with range and target shooting at home during the lockdown but I realise that some of you haven’t been as lucky as I have. Being confined to a flat or apartment in the city must have been mind-numbing for some of you and I sincerely hope that everyone has made it through - both sane and happy! I’ve also enjoyed the great company of those online who have continued to create great content and generally just carried on being involved with the community; for those that offered help and a virtual shoulder to some of our brothers and sisters in arms that weren’t faring so well, I salute you! As always though, time moves on and although we are by no means out of the woods in relation to Covid-19 (and

we must all be mindful that things could change again in the near future), many of us have been lucky enough to dust off our “guns n’ gear” and get back out on site at last and, in truth, once again my hat comes off to the Site Operators who have bent over backwards to accommodate us and give us a safe playing environment.

“AFTER MANY YEARS OF ATTENDING MULTIPLE AIRSOFT EVENTS EACH MONTH AND GETTING OUT TO PLAY ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH TOO, THE FACT THAT I’VE NOT PICKED UP MY AEGS AND GBBS IN EARNEST FOR NEARLY FIVE MONTHS IS COMPLETELY ALIEN TO ME AND HAS BEEN A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW INDEED!”

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THE CAGE BETTER DAYS AHEAD

REAPER OPS

My personal experience at my local site, Reaper Ops (https:// reaperops.com), was a thoroughly pleasant experience, with a professional approach to player safety shown from the outset. If you pay a visit to their website you’ll see on the homepage this statement: “COVID-19 RESPONSE: Reaper Operations Limited and all attending individuals are responsible for limiting the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Until information on the subject becomes more clear we will endeavour to ensure measures are set to maintain social distancing. As a result there will be changes to our regular practices and restrictions put in place. We advise “At Risk” customers not to attend.” What this meant in reality, was a system of pre-booking so that they knew from the outset how many players would be attending and could tailor the numbers to ensure that social distancing could be credibly put into effect, both in the Safe Zone and at the morning safety brief. On site, they turned their car park into the safe zone which meant that everyone could operate from the safety of their own vehicle and, in many ways, this brought back fond memories to me of the “old days” when such a practice was the norm. It also meant that at lunchtime we could all have a kind of “tailgate party” with everyone sitting under their own hatchbacks, out of direct sun and still chat to one another from a couple of metres away. Face coverings and masks were mandatory everywhere apart from “in game” and full credit to the players for making sure that this worked perfectly. It seems that when it comes to having a game or not, that rules can be followed to the letter! Before entering “The Fort” all players were asked to have their temperature taken as a “last safety buffer” and hand sanitizer was available. Reaper Ops usually put on coffee and cakes for all players but sadly (though understandably) this was a “casualty” of the guidelines, although soft drinks and water were available with contactless payment accepted. The onsite shop run by Platoon Stores (https:// platoonstores.co.uk) was a mere shadow of its usual self (although you could pre-pay for items to be collected on the day) but everything you could need in terms of consumables was available and the shop ran outdoors in the fresh air, rather than indoors, on a “one customer at a time” basis, again with contactless payment. Once inside “The Fort” though, it was all business as usual and a great day of airsoft was had by everyone! The sun was out in force, the BBs flew straight and true and even though I took a couple of “bleeders”, I finally (FINALLY!) pulled off a “junkyard prone” kill, so my

“ONCE INSIDE “THE FORT” THOUGH, IT WAS ALL BUSINESS AS USUAL AND A GREAT DAY OF AIRSOFT WAS HAD BY EVERYONE! THE SUN WAS OUT IN FORCE, THE BBS FLEW STRAIGHT AND TRUE AND EVEN THOUGH I TOOK A COUPLE OF “BLEEDERS”, I FINALLY (FINALLY!) PULLED OFF A “JUNKYARD PRONE” KILL, SO MY PERSONAL DAY WAS COMPLETE!”

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THE CAGE BETTER DAYS AHEAD

personal day was complete! Speaking to my friends and team-mates in the “Expendabellies” group after the game, everyone was full of praise for Dan, Jim and the team at Reaper Ops and everyone had thoroughly enjoyed their game. At the end of the day, with all the restrictions in place, we played airsoft in the sun and had a brilliant day, socially-distanced but together again and that is what it’s all about, isn’t it?

AND THE BEAT GOES ON!

Of course, my personal experience is just one of many, so I reached out to the AA team as usual to find out what they thought. Overseas games have recommenced too, with similar restrictions to the ones I encountered; in some countries players are still awaiting their “day in the sun” but airsoft at least seems to be a fast-recovering patient! Sean: “We’re back at it over in Canada but Events have changed a bit in order to prevent potential COVID-19 transmission. Events at indoor venues have stopped for the time being. Outdoor venues have lower player caps and some are requiring you to pre-register. Health attestation and contact tracing forms are common now but it’s just another waiver to fill out. We ran our first decent sized event (full AAR at www.blacklinesimulations.com) with just under 30 people, 24 hours on some of the hottest days of the year. People were pretty good at distancing and slept apart from each other. Outdoors seems to be the lowest risk, so we’re embracing it!” Jon: “I played on the first weekend of re-opening at Zed Adventures - Battle Lakes (www.zedadventures.co.uk). Pre-payment was done online with game spaces reduced by 50% to a total of 40 Players on the 5th July. Toilets were marked as use/do not use to maintain social distancing and markers on the floor when entering the building (to access shop) were at 2m apart, with only one player in the shop at any one time. Face coverings were worn when in the queue and shop, same while waiting for chrono. At chrono players fired their AEGs and GBBs, not the marshal as per previous visits. The Safe Zone was not used and players worked out of their cars, essentially creating a larger safe zone. Face coverings and eye protection were on all day in safe areas to reduce transmission risk. No “site lunches” were available but refreshments and snacks were available for purchase. “In game there was no medic rule to maintain social distancing, instead it was return to spawn. Melee/Knife kills weren’t allowed to maintain social distancing, with a mandatory minimum of one metre distance between players when on the field. Players were not to retrieve another player’s dropped mags/weapons/kit/whatever but to inform the player of the dropped item. “It was a great day, even with heavy restrictions in place. The return to spawn on hit was great as it forced players to be more considered when shooting as it was a hell of a walk back! There was very little “spray and pray” as a result. Zed Adventures did a great job of following guidance, relaying that to the players and enforcing it without spoiling the enjoyment of the day. 10/10!”

Phil: “I’ve recently played at West Midlands Airsoft: The FOB and Stormforce. Both sites had good social distancing policies and systems in place to ensure maximum safety for the players and staff alike. “West Midlands Airsoft (www.wmairsoft.co.uk) had plenty of hand sanitizer available and the toilets were cleaned every time the players were in game. They also limited the number of people in the toilets blocking off stalls to ensure it was adhered to. Some items were available for sale in the shop but no fresh food. 2 metre lines were painted on the ground for the shop queue to ensure spacings with only one person in the shop at a time and contactless payment as the preferred option with perspex screens where appropriate. A marshal showed you to your booth in the safe zone and checked that players were in bubbles if from different households. There was also a one-way system in place for entering and leaving the game zone and the chrono so no players crossed paths. In game players did their best and I saw some even go “we’re about to get out of this fox hole if you guys want it?” Nice touch. Medic rules as well as knife kills were also out of play at the moment. “Stormforce (www.stormforceairsoft.com) was very similar but they also had one way systems! Players used their cars to bomb up unless there were groups in a bubble and they were given a spot in the safe zone which had been partitioned off to ensure safe distances between groups. Game briefs were posted on their Facebook page prior to avoid having to group everyone together several times a day as well. “Personally I think both sites did as much as was physically possible to ensure COVID-19 measures were there and adhered to as well.”

SOME THINGS CHANGE

Some things change, but some things stay the same! As well as speaking to the team about their experiences (which largely gelled with my own) and gave a great picture of Site Operators really going the extra mile to give us a gameday, I also listened in to some Site Ops sharing information on how best to run a great day whilst keeping their players even safer than usual! What struck me most was the willingness of the Site Operators, the people that sometimes get the harshest criticism from the “keyboard warriors” out there, to really push the boat out to ensure that everything was done not just to the letter of the law but way beyond that! I was also moved by a number of Site Ops that said “actually, we like the whole pre-booking thing as we know exact numbers in advance and it lets us plan the day better, and that gives the player a better game experience, so we think we’ll probably carry on with this in the future”. To me, this indicates that although the pandemic has put a huge gap in the playing year for 2020, airsoft will come out the other side in somewhat better shape than it went in; changed indeed, but potentially better for it! AA

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INSIDE AIRSOFT AA EXCLUSIVE REPORT - NE AIRSOFT

THE MEN BEHIND THE STEN

hile researching for my other article about the situation regarding legal changes to the Taiwanese firearms legislation and its previous perceived impact upon airsoft (which, hopefully, should no longer be a concern), I visited Northeast Airsoft, one of the newest additions to the plethora of manufacturers in Taiwan. While I was there we also discussed their company’s beginnings, current and future products and philosophy behind their work. Stephen Kuo has been working in the airsoft industry for quite some time, previously representing the Taiwan based arm of the design and manufacturing department of another well-known Hong Kong boutique and custom gas gun manufacturer, with experience in design and management with regards to machined components for airsoft guns. Following his national service in the air force, he re-entered the airsoft scene with a fresh idea to put his previous skills and experience to work. At one of the airsoft shows he attended, he began canvassing for opinions regarding the viability for producing a gas blowback version of the STEN gun. Already produced by other companies in AEG format in the past, the classic British submachine gun holds a place in the hearts of many reenactors and collectors.

AS HE CONTINUES HIS AIRSOFT JOURNEYS IN TAIWAN, STU “STEWBACCA” MORTIMER VISITS NORTHEAST AIRSOFT AND CHATS TO THE GUYS BEHIND THEIR ICONIC GBB STEN.

Sebastian Shen was one of the more enthusiastic respondents to his call for interest, having owned some of the previous AEG versions produced by other manufacturers. With a lilt towards collecting equipment and British themed loadouts and related guns, he was no doubt best suited to take on the challenge. Himself a veteran of sales work in the local airsoft industry, having worked for domestic retailers and again represented well known larger Hong Kong based concerns in Taiwan after that, he also returned from his compulsory military service with an appetite to once again become involved in the industry. With their combined skills and experience in dealing with the industrial design, manufacture, assembly, sales, distribution and customer relations the stage was set for a fresh start and entering the market with something a little different to set the tone of their efforts. So many companies appear to release derivatives of the same platforms that appeal to the mass market, in terms of Armalite or AK based models, which allows an array of follow on variants to be produced using the same receivers, other main components or key tooling and just altering the aesthetics or length of certain sub-assemblies to emulate the myriad developments which occurred in the real firearms throughout history. While this serves its purpose in the marketplace and gives a widespread availability of different varieties or historical periods of such guns, it can become difficult to compete or stand out from the crowd taking the safer or more mass marketable approach.

NEW COMPANY – NEW IDEA

Thus, Northeast Airsoft - as it was officially registered in 2018 after a few years of development efforts following the initial STEN design idea 5 years ago - came to the table with a totally new outlook in terms of manufacture and product placement. Jumping straight into gas blowback guns from a background of just option parts manufacture, they took a bit of a risk in terms of skipping the typical story arc of many companies that follows the same kind of progression: parts manufacturer single action air cocking guns - automatic electric guns and then finally the more complicated and temperamental gas blowback gun arena. No doubt a bold move and one that underscores their desire and philosophy to do things differently. Working from a relatively small facility (compared with many of the major players or more established competitors), Northeast Airsoft are focused on a more “boutique” or “niche” approach to airsoft

SEPTEMBER 2020

INSIDE AIRSOFT AA EXCLUSIVE REPORT - NE AIRSOFT

guns. By producing highly realistic replicas of late world war or cold war era guns, using stamped or rolled steel receivers and machined components, they seek to emulate the no frills but good reliability and performance of the real gun manufacturers they emulate. With a small team of personnel who can “change hats” relatively easily and take on work from each other’s roles to ensure a smooth workflow and attention to detail and quality, Northeast Airsoft perform all of the design and final assembly (usually with hand fitting and finishing akin to real steel high end M1911 manufacturers) to ensure that what goes out the door to the customer has been given due care and attention.

WHY THE STEN?

So, why the STEN? For the same reasons the real one was fielded! It represents a utilitarian approach to firearms design, ease of manufacture and design simplicity; something which is simultaneously iconic in its service and robust in its design and development despite its less glamorous appearance or salesmanship than the likes of a Heckler & Koch. The choice of a STEN also allows Northeast Airsoft to retain control over the production process, as only their stamped components require any influence from OEM/specialists. With all other components being subcontracted or produced and hand finished in house, they are able to operate a lot more independently and work with smaller batches of the different variants of the STEN they continue to add to their product line. Again, using the same basic internal and receiver components, they can represent the complete evolution of the STEN submachine gun. I managed to get hands on with their latest model, the “Mark 5”, Britain’s answer to the “Chicago Typewriter” Thompson SMG. The STEN Mk5 sports a wooden vertical foregrip for greater control, as well as a solid wood butt stock in place of the more spartan wire frame folding stock of other models.

Further to their diligence in manufacturing their products, they also make them a labour of love in terms of accuracy and background research, working from a copy of a specialist STEN book and acquiring as many of the legally obtainable components as they could in order to better reverse engineer them. Due to a myriad of conflicting engineering drawings being available from various resources, it’s far better to get hold of the real parts you can and work back from them.

Alongside their latest finished product they showed me the real Mk5 parts they had to work with …the solid wood buttstock, wooden pistol grip, magazine body, magazine housing, cocking handle, barrel and front sight assembly, and even a period correct (albeit blunted) bayonet and sleeve which could be attached to their reproduction. Their resulting gun radiates authenticity and a robust feeling, with a sharp and heavy recoil action and sturdy construction. They did, however, intentionally alter some of the minor details of pin locations to prevent live components being substituted into their replicas, again very much bearing in mind the legal changes I visited to discuss and wanting to avoid related issues.

THE FUTURE

With their first offering finding a great deal of desirability and praise from aficionados and those with a focus on British weapons, and developing the full range of variants off their initial components to satisfy collectors or the needs of those wanting to reenact specific periods, they want to maintain the same business model in the foreseeable future. That is simply to keep the circle small and highly adaptable and turn out high quality but utilitarian and economically produced replicas. With the same mindset they are eyeing a variety of cold war era weapons, already having made a pre-production sample solid stock Uzi variant, they will hopefully bring to market an updated version with the more iconic collapsing metal stock at some point in 2021. Having announced the new product at the previous MOA2019 show alongside their already available STEN line up, unfortunately as with so many things this year, COVID has stalled the development and release of their Uzi offering. In the longer term they are looking to take on the open bolt gun market, with the experience gained from developing the STEN and Uzi platforms, they want to take on an array of similar guns, such as the M3 grease gun and its variants, the PPSh 41 (no doubt of great interest to many Russian reenactors), the Sterling and even the legendary Carl Gustav M/45! With their attention to detail, enthusiasm for unusual or niche products and desire to fulfil the markets of those seeking to field a less typical but nonetheless iconic weapon or loadout, the first few steps of Northeast Airsoft seem to have been taken confidently and in the right direction. I look forward to seeing what else they bring to the table in future. AA

www.airsoftaction.net

STRETCH PANTS BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: Â£69.95

feature FOOD IN THE FIELD

A LITTLE LUXURY: SWISS ARMY CHOCOLATE!

HAVING HAD TO ENJOY (ENDURE) FIELD RATIONS IN THE PAST, WILL FOWLER KNOWS WHAT HE LIKES WHEN IT COMES TO STAYING FED IN THE FIELD! HERE HE TELLS US ABOUT SWISS ARMY CHOCOLATE!

lmost everyone knows the reputation of multifunction Victorinox Swiss Army knives. Beautifully crafted, they can be very simple with a couple of blades, or a real multi-tool that would allow you to thrive and survive in some pretty hostile environments. However, it was only recently that I came upon Swiss Army chocolate! You will find chocolate in many European military 24 Hour ration packs, it is a “comfort food” and energy boost. Normally it is a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Since Switzerland has always been a neutral country, its superbly well equipped armed forces do not deploy outside the country, so there is less requirement for 24 Hour rations as food can be locally sourced when troops are out in the country on exercise. There are, however, a couple of items that are issued to soldiers – biscuits and chocolate and as Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, you will not be surprised to learn that the soldiers get some very nice stuff! The original military chocolate was designated “emergency rations” or (in the three main languages spoken in Switzerland) Notportion orration de secours, or razione di soccorso, or raziun da reserva . It was a dark confection packed in two white cardboard boxes, about the size of a cigarette packet and covered with a clear plastic film. The two boxes were connected but could easily be separated by snapping along a perforation. This chocolate was manufactured by several companies, including VillarsMaitre-Chocolatier and Chocolat Stella. For decades the military chocolate has been part of the basic rations for Swiss soldiers. In addition to the biscuits it was popular for school children who receive them from soldiers when they were on exercise and so, in Swiss school playgrounds military chocolate achieved a something of a cult status! A 50gram milk slab in a red paper package was introduced and proved more popular than the emergency portions but initially was not available in quantity and, soldiers being soldiers, word circulated among the boys that this chocolate was for officers only - and so it got the unofficial designation “Offiziersschokolade”! This milk chocolate replaced the dark emergency ration and subsequently emergency rations were no longer part of

the official military rations and from May 1, 2005, Stella’s earlier black chocolate was no longer issued. However, Ticino-based Stella continues to produce them in the original recipe and sells them to civilian customers. Current military chocolate also contains small amounts of breakfast cereal that gives it a crunchy texture. The Swiss army obtains their chocolate from various manufacturers who are UTZ certified, ensuring their cocoa is sustainably sourced. Manufacturers include Chocolat Stella and Chocolat Frey. I obtained three bars of Stella Military chocolate for £8.99 from eBay. Like a lot of Swiss milk chocolate, it is perhaps a little too sweet for some tastes but is a novel snack and energy boost, delivering 519kcallories and with 64mg of caffeine extract per 100grams, keeps you on the move! If you can find some, I highly recommend you try it – you don’t have to wait to be “out in the field” to do so! AA

www.airsoftaction.net

KIT & GEAR RETAIL ROUNDUP

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!!

GAMES ARE STARTING AGAIN AND SHOPS ARE RE-OPENING FOR MANY OF US! THIS CAN ONLY BE FABULOUS NEWS FOR ALL PLAYERS SO WE THOUGHT WE’D KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT HAS CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF MEMBERS OF THE AIRSOFT ACTION TEAM AND THE LEGION WHEN IT COMES TO NEW PRODUCTS FROM RETAILERS AROUND THE WORLD!

verything seems to be kicking into top gear again at the moment and there are a whole host of great new items that are hitting the stores right now.

CLAWGEAR

First up is clothing and gear and our friends at Clawgear have just sent us over a pair of their latest MK.II OPERATOR COMBAT PANT to check out - and already we’re liking what we see! The Mk.II Operator Combat Pant is the result of a close co-operation with various SOF operators and sets the focus on its fit and versatility. The addition of stretchable elements massively exceeds the mobility of the operator and makes movements incredibly smooth. The trousers have many proven features such as a waist-adjust system and the sophisticated knee section with internal height adjustment, but also many newly developed features such as the integrated stretch areas, an improved pocket concept and a completely new tailoring. The pants are made from a combination of cutting-edge fabrics, such as NIR NYCO blend (50% polyamide, 50% cotton) according to US MILDTL-44436B and NIR stretch elements (93% polyamide, 7% polyurethane), with YKK zippers and Amann sewing threads. The lining in the knee area is made of stretchable and durable water repellent performance fabric (87% polyamide, 13% elastane). The pants offer excellent wear 42

SEPTEMBER 2020

comfort and great freedom of movement due to stretch elements and innovative cut, they are optimized for safety and rigger belts use and have adjustable knee-height and integrated knee pad compartments (knee pads are available optionally). In addition, they have triple stitched main seams and even offer a reduced infrared signature!

VIPER TACTICAL

VIPER have been quietly busy during the “lockdown” period and have a few new items worthy of note that have crept onto their website with little fanfare! Their new STORM and ARMOUR Hoodies are both made from a new VIPER fabric which looks like it will wear well, basically a 300gms polyester bonded Ribtech fleece with a polyester brushed lining. The Armour Hoodie is a great choice for those who are looking for a versatile sweatshirt and it works really great when worn on its own or as a under layer when the weather is less forgiving. The hood can be adjusted using a drawstring and the front pocket is a handy storage. To keep you warm and cosy the hoodie is lined with 300gms polyester bonded Ribtech fleece. The adjustable elasticated cuffs with thumbholes will help with temperature control. You can create a personalised look using heat treated hook and loop patches on both shoulders. The STORM hoody is a

KIT & GEAR RETAIL ROUNDUP

different beast, with the addition of polyester 5od peached contrast fabric in key areas. With a full zip this has a far more “technical” fit than the ARMOUR and is the perfect mid-layer garment for wearing beneath a shell jacket when the weather turns really bad! Our much-loved VIPER ELITE trousers have also had a facelift, making then even better than ever! Made from tough ripstop polycotton, with their multiple adjustment features these trousers can be modified to the user’s own fitting for comfort and feel. The removable ABS knee pads also offer comfort and durability in an active situation. Using V-stretch material allows for sport-like feel and additional comfort. The trousers are FULL of features, with two deep bellow cargo pockets with inner felt lined utility compartments, two hand warmer pockets, two rear pockets and two front thigh admin pockets that conceal the adjustment cords for the knee pads. There’s V-Stretch material panels located around knee and seat for better movement, a padded waistline panel for added comfort, Velcro retention for knee and cuff and a YKK Zip fly with Velcro waist closure. VIPER have also added classic US Woodland to the patterns available which sits very, VERY well with us! Sticking with VIPER and moving onto gear, they’ve also finally closed the circle on their “VX Buckle Up” loadcarrying system, with the release of the VX Buckle Up Carrier GEN2! Available in multiple colours, the VX Buckle Up Carrier Gen2 is a modular design that will host a variety of VX System and MOLLE compatible accessories. With quick release buckles throughout, as well as multiple hook and loop panels, you can create a unique set up that fits your needs. Fully adjustable mesh vented sides with quick release clips and removable shoulder pads make this vest comfortable and easy to adjust. The shoulder pads also feature bladder/comms retention. On the inside they have added padded front and back panels to extend the comfort of the vest. The front of the Gen2 features a zipped admin pouch and hook and loop ID panel. Additionally, you can customise the front

using the removable lazer cut MOLLE panel included with the product. On the back you will find a MOLLE panel allowing you to attach any MOLLE compatible hydration pack or Viper VX Charger Pack. The carrier comes with two removable EVA dummy plates and is fully VX buckle up system compatible.

ONE TIGRIS

Talking of plate carriers, we also got into the office the very latest items from the guys over at ONE TIGRIS - and we’re really liking the look of their new SPARTAN! This is really going to appeal to the minimalist in need of a vest and hard/ ballistic plate carrier, featuring rugged 1000D nylon that’s extra durable and dirt/ water/abrasion resistant, removing all non-essential functions while keeping it highly functional. It’s one size to fit most body types with full adjustability and elasticity to enhance mobility during use, UTX-Duraflex quick-release buckles are used for accelerated efficiency and you also have 6 rows of MOLLE/PALS style webbing with built in matching loop material, giving three rows for the option of patch or ID panel attachment. There’s a drag handle at the top with removable anti-slip padded shoulder pads with hook and loop guides. ONE TIGRIS were also kind enough to send us the latest iteration of their popular T’Farge Comfort Airsoft Mask. Already a popular choice for players, the new model is an exclusively authorized and approved version of the T’Farge Comfort, with a slight addition of ear protection covers, offering a better fit. Featuring TPU material and tested 380FPS impact resistant, with mesh breathability lining on the padded cheek sides gives ultimate comfort, and licensed MultiCam patterns are now available for both original and ear pro versions. We’ll return to this mask in a future issue once we’ve had it out on the field! For those of you who don’t know already, Division S.I.X. was started with the vision of providing Airsoft and Mil-Sim players with a new style of lower face mask that will not only protect your mouth and teeth from CQB range BB hits but will also give the cheek-weld required for a great sight picture every time. Its founder, Nikira Garcia, is a British gear designer who plays airsoft himself.

HELIKON-TEX

At SHOT Show in January, Nige and Bill were introduced to the new COMPETITION MULTIGUN SET from Helikon-Tex and were very impressed with what they saw. www.airsoftaction.net

Helikon-Tex®

MCDU® Combat Shirt Unmatched Comfort on a Mission

• Two zippered bicep pockets • Sleeves made of NYCO® fabric • Torso made of TopCool® fabric

#Journey to Perfection

KIT & GEAR RETAIL ROUNDUP

The set is based on the minimalist Competition Multigun Rig platform and its numerous velcro panels, additional loops and compatibility with the MOLLE/PAS system will allow you to easily adjust the number and the character of the inserts used. The Competition Multigun Rig platform, which is one of the “keystones” of the system, is made of hard-wearing Cordura 500D and is compatible with magazine inserts dependant of your chosen primary platform. There are two front utility pockets, two pistol mag pouches on the front and it is MOLLE/PALS compatible. You also get a stable and adjustable H-Harness system, loops for hanging gloves and placing accessories and the rear is partlined with velour for comfort and moisture management.

The second “keystone” is the Competition Nautic Shooting Belt, which is a solid 45mm wide range belt (H-Tex offer more belts in their line). A partially stiffened construction allows stable carry of a holster with a pistol, as well as additional magazine pouches, med kits and admin pouches and a loop lining allows you to combine the belt with an inner belt for stability during use. All the elements of the entire system are now available and we’ll be having a full shakedown of the system in next month’s issue of Airsoft Action!

some superb parts for both the MPX and the Benelli shotgun, so if the “black suit look” is for you then you’re really going to want to check these out as they look dropdead gorgeous!

FIRE SUPPORT

We all need more mags don’t we? Great news from Fire Support is that they’ve just stocked up on Iron Airsoft MWS Block1 GBBR black magazines (39 BB) and these are sure to delight the “TM Fanboyz” out there!

TAIWANGUN

Last month Bill had a VERY close look at the latest Arcturus AK-12 and liked what he saw a lot, however, getting the right mags for this beastie has been a bit of a problem to date - but no longer as Taiwangun now have some super DMAG AK12/AK74 30/130RDS VARIABLE-CAP magazines in stock and they’re very well-priced too! These are compatible with most AK AEGs on the market, giving 30 BB Real-Cap & 135 BB Mid-Cap modes. A button easy switch function from mid-cap to real magazine capacity is incredibly easy to use and the one-piece magazine shell provides durability. Made of fibre-reinforced polymer they even have the transparent “window” of the real deal and a special design of follower makes sure that no BBs left after the final shot. We’ve already tried these “in game” and they feed perfectly and look great! To conclude this month we’ll stay with Taiwangun, as we noticed that they have a new range of optics from VECTOR. The range includes both CQB red dots and longer range magnified optics and we’re told that Vector Optics is a company that has been making a wide range of innovative and high-quality riflescopes, red dot sights, laser sights, rangefinders, rail systems, flashlights and mounts for over 10 years across the world. These have been designed for real firearms, so we’re sure they’ll stand up to airsoft abuse but we’ll look at the range in greater depth as soon as we can. AA

EVIKE

Moving onto “hardware” we see that the “run the gun” fraternity is being well looked after with the introduction of some excellent looking licensed products from Taran Tactical Innovations over at EVIKE! For those that want the “Full Wick”, EVIKE are now offering accessory parts such as a Magwell for Sig Sauer MPX, Competition Magwell for STI 2011, extended +1/2 Base Pad for Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm/.40 S&W Mags, and even a proper Taran Tactical Innovations Compensator for AR15 Rifles! In addition, they also have

“GUNFIRE MADE THE BOLD DECISION TO USE STATE OF THE ART FABRIC TECHNOLOGIES AND MATERIALS SUCH AS KEVLAR, NOMEX, DYNEEMA, SHOELLER KEPROTEC AND THINSULATE TO CREATE VERY, VERY FOCUSED DESIGNS.”

www.airsoftaction.net

feature STG 44 KRUMMLAUF

STG 44 KRUMMLAUF: SHOOTING ROUND CORNERS MILITARY HISTORIAN, WILL FOWLER, TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RIFLE MENTIONED IN FRENCHIE’S ARTICLE, THE STG 44, WHICH CLAIMED TO BE THE “WORLD’S FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE”, ALONG WITH A VERY UNUSUAL DEVELOPMENT.

uring re-armament in the 1930s in Germany, research had shown that many infantry engagement ranges were no further than 300 metres and often closer – only snipers and marksmen engaged targets at longer ranges. What was needed was a compact round more powerful than the standard 9 mm pistol and SMG round. There were some developments in 7 mm and 7.75 mm calibre but Heereswaffenamt (HWaA, or Army Weapons Department) decided to retain the existing rifle calibre of 7.92 mm, to save money on new machinery that would otherwise be required to produce bullets and barrels of a non-standard type. The result was the 7.92 Kurz (short) round – a design that after the war would influence modern assault rifles in the East and West. In 1939 HWaA issued a contract for the development of a “Maschinenkarabiner”, or machine carbine (MKb for short), chambered for the new Kurz cartridge. The contract went to the company of C. G. Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik. The weapon that was built for this round was finally designated the StG 44 Sturmgewehr, or Assault Rifle (there were stories that Hitler had chosen this name) in development it was also known as the MP-43 and MP-44 Schmeisser. It would become known as the World’s first assault rifle and had numerous innovative features. It had the automatic capability of a submachine gun, the close-

range hitting power of a rifle and a big 30 round magazine. Captured weapons were evaluated by the Allies and though the British were critical and a late-war U.S. assessment derided the StG 44 as “mediocre”, “bulky” and “unhandy” incapable of sustained automatic fire and prone to jamming, the report accepted that its accuracy was “excellent for a weapon of its type”. The German small arms design team looked at ways of speeding up production and other innovations. The muzzle of the Stg 44 was threaded to accept a cup-like grenade launcher; a special muzzle nut usually covered the threads but perhaps the most unusual, was the curved barrel, or Krummlauf version of the StG 44 that allowed the gun to be fired “around the corner”, or from inside an AFV or in house to house fighting!

Several types of these attachments were developed but only one, the 30-degree “Krummlauf Vorsatz J”, was manufactured in any significant numbers. This device had a special mirror (or periscope) sighting adapter and reduced the bullet velocity down to a mere 300 meters per second due to the high friction in the curved barrel extension. This also accounted for the short life-span of the device – only 300 shots. The rounds were distorted by passing through the curve and this did not improve accuracy, however, since the device and the weapon were intended for short range engagements, so this was less important. AA

SEPTEMBER 2020

feature TERMINOLOGY

WRONG WORD – WRONG IMPRESSION! IT IS EASY TO USE WORDS THAT GIVE THE WRONG IMPRESSION, HOWEVER, WHEN IT COMES TO “GUNS” AND “WEAPONS” WE HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT, AS CALIBRE SHOOTING’S ANDY NIGHTINGALE EXPLAINS…

few weeks back I was sitting with a friend (who isn’t a shooter) and was listening into a conversation by two young chaps about shooting, who were talking about shooting their airguns (I know Airsoft Action is all about airsoft and not airguns but bear with me on this one), in their back gardens. I asked my friend to eavesdrop on the conversation too, as I wanted his opinion on the subject. As we all know, shooting is a double-edged sword when it comes to being accepted in society. People either accept it or refuse to recognise it as anything else but dangerous or a criminal activity, for example. For those that have accepted our magnificent pastime, I’m truly blessed to be a part of the family but I think we, as a community, can do a lot more than be a part of the taboo subject of the few. As a firearms instructor for the best part of 30 years, both military and civilian, I have come to notice that much of the problem, of those that shun shooting, is down to a lack of education. This, I feel, is where we can all step up to the mark and change people’s opinions on shooting as a whole. I do a lot of research on all things shooting and have come across many professional instructors that, simply by changing some of the terminology they use, can make a big difference. Let me kick off by stating: The use of the word “weapon” is very much acceptable for use by the airsoft community - so long as it is used (and left) on the skirmish field. Let me explain...

WEAPON... NO. GUN... YES!

A weapon is a tool that is designed to kill. So, in the defence of the airsoft skirmisher and any other military type activity, the term “weapon” is, to a degree, acceptable. As for any other type of shooting, such as IPSC or IPAS for example, the word “weapon” is not acceptable and can, to those opposed to shooting, give the wrong impression. I feel that if we can learn to use the right terminology in the right environment then we can, slowly, start to educate the few and maybe even convert them. It can be done… I know as I’ve done it! I spoke to a woman at one of the public events that I attend with my group Calibre Shooting who was very anti-shooting in all areas. I explained to her that shooting has a wide community that covers a wide range of disciplines however, she was adamant that all weapons were dangerous - even air weapons and airsoft. That’s where I got her to listen and change her mind; the word “weapon”. A weapon, as I said before, is designed to kill. I no longer serve in the military, so I no longer use a weapon. I shoot targets and run tactical applications of fire at my range but I don’t kill anyone or anything, so I no longer shoot “a weapon” but “a gun”. I explained that I drive a car every day safely but if I used my vehicle to purposely kill someone, then I have used that very same vehicle as a weapon. As I don’t intend to use my vehicle to kill anyone, so I can safely say that I drive my “car” to work and not drive my “weapon” to work. She was now on the ropes

“A WEAPON, AS I SAID BEFORE, IS DESIGNED TO KILL. I NO LONGER SERVE IN THE MILITARY, SO I NO LONGER USE A WEAPON. I SHOOT TARGETS AND RUN TACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF FIRE AT MY RANGE BUT I DON’T KILL ANYONE OR ANYTHING, SO I NO LONGER SHOOT “A WEAPON” BUT “A GUN”. ” www.airsoftaction.net

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WWW.AIRSOFT-MILSIM-NEWS.COM

If you have any old kit or gear tucked away in a cupboard, garage or shed that you have thought about sticking on eBay, or a forum to get rid of it, then why not donate it to the Pilgrim Bandits instead and Tez will make sure any money raised from its sale will go towards helping even more people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and you can be sure of the undying gratitude and thanks of those who it helps to live again. Please contact Tez on either his mobile: 07748 800 981 or email: terry.arnett@pilgrimbandits.org

feature TERMINOLOGY

and I could see the cogs moving in her mind and having further explained the different types of shooting and how we have very supported communities, along with choosing my words carefully, she actually signed up to one of my gun safety courses. She now shoots airguns with her husband and children. One down many to go! Back to where this article started, I asked my friend what he honestly thought of the conversation by the two young lads. He responded as I expected. “They sound like a couple of two-bit gangsters!”, he said. I knew what he meant but I also knew what the two lads were on about. As a “non-shooter”, the overhead conversation didn’t sound great and I think that’s where we can all help our great pastime, by helping ourselves to help educate others and not give the wrong impression. By changing a few words and phrases we can help make others understand that we are not all “gun foo fighters” but a safe and considerate community that want to expand and, with others, enjoy something that brings us all together. The use of words like “clip” instead of “magazine”, “weapon” instead of “gun”, “slugs” instead of “ammunition” can - and do - give the wrong impression when heard by the uneducated. It is going to be a very big uphill struggle but let’s try to make that difference between acceptable and non-acceptable a possibility by changing the way we talk about shooting. Stay safe and happy shooting. AA

www.airsoftaction.net

COVERT BOOT

BLACK / BROWN / TITANIUM / SRP: Â£49.95

VORSK DIARY ABUSING THE EU-18

ABUSING THE EU-18!

AIRSOFT ACTION ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE HAD UNPARALLELED ACCESS TO THE VORSK PISTOL MODELS FROM DAY ONE AND WE’RE STILL PUTTING SOME OF THOSE ORIGINAL MODELS THROUGH THEIR PACES! WE’RE FIRM BELIEVERS THAT OUR REVIEW PROCESS SHOULDN’T CONCENTRATE ON JUST “SHINY NEW” MODELS WHEN THEY ARRIVE, SO THIS TIME BILL LOOKS AT OUR EU-18 MODEL TO SEE HOW IT’S STANDING UP TO SOME PROPER USE AND ABUSE!

hilst the VORSK EU-18 still hasn’t been fielded in a game due to our enforced “hiatus”, I have been giving it some proper stick on the range at home! In fact I’m shooting my pistols on a daily basis at the moment, using training aids such as the Laser Ammo System (www.laser-ammo.com), the Attack Sense Target System (www.attacksense.com) and the latest Mantis X10 Elite Shooting Performance System (www.mantisx. com), plus the new “hanging steels” from Virtus Training Systems (www.facebook.com/VirtusTrainingSystems). This has allowed me to use my pistols effectively to keep my standards up whilst the “game guys” are safely locked away in the man cave, lubed and protected and ready for when I can go “live” on a more regular basis again. The EU-18, which of course has a select-fire function, has been well-used over this period, especially when I want a big grin on my face! Popping in an extended 50BB magazine in place of the 22BB standard and switching that selector over to full chat certainly relieves stress and any lingering negative feelings I can tell you! I’ve been running the EU-18 on the suggested NUPROL 2.0 “green bottle gas” and to date I’ve had no major issues with consistency of power and the magazines are really standing up to being hammered on a regular basis, with no leaks apparent. The action of the pistol has been lubed after each range session and retains the smoothness that it had when it first arrive with me; in fact, if anything the action cycles even more efficiently now than it did as new - and it was pretty smooth in the first place! It just goes to prove that even the very best airsoft guns need a little time and some use to “bed in”. Externally, the finish is standing up well to going in and out of my Kydex Customs holster and although there’s some very slight wear on the muzzle end and around the ejection port this is to be expected as Kydex is pretty unforgiving to finishes, plus the blocky slide of the EU-18 is not exactly “rounded”!

In terms of continued performance, I’ve now logged in excess of 3,000 RZR. 20g and .25g BBs through the pistol. Thus far this “long-termer” is still performing as new at 10m on steels and on the Attack Sense Smart Target System, with solid accuracy at that distance (the distance I would usually expect to use a “secondary” at in game). The EU-18 has registered highest at 0.78 Joule/290fps on a .20g RZR, settling in at 272fps and staying there. I’ve found that now it has settled in it does like .25g RZRs as its regular fodder and again, this is most certainly the weight I would use in game for it. Once again, this VORSK pistol is proving to be a real “keeper” and even the original battery in the RDS is still going! If you’re looking for a long-term, dependable airsoft “friend” with that extra full-auto “giggle factor”, then the EU-18 should most definitely be on your list to try! Thanks again go to the guys at VORSK for providing this pistol for long-term evaluation and please do keep an eye on their website www.vorskairsoft.com and social media for details of this ever-expanding range of top-quality GBB pistols! AA

www.airsoftaction.net

last post A KIND OF BLUE

AIRSOFT ARREST: A KIND OF BLUE

HAVING SPOTTED A PIECE ON SKY NEWS, REGARDING THE ARREST OF A YOUNG BOY SEEN PLAYING WITH A TWOTONE PISTOL, FRENCHIE EXPLORES THE QUESTIONS IT RAISED IN THE UK.

he following comes from Sky News and raises a few interesting questions in the UK, where “two-tone” airsoft guns are completely legal... “A Metropolitan Police commander has defended the arrest of a 12-year-old boy who was playing with a toy gun. Kai Agyepong was arrested by officers who stormed his home with sniffer dogs in Camden, north London, on Thursday 17 July after a member of the public reported seeing a firearm being held by a black male. But it was actually a BB pellet gun, which the Met said had been fitted with a blue slider (sic) to distinguish it from the real thing. Kai’s mother Alice Agyepong criticised the force’s response to the incident, adding that she felt her son was racially profiled and her family had been “utterly violated”.

Image: This was the toy gun that was being played with by Kai Agyepong.

SEPTEMBER 2020

On Sunday, commander Kyle Gordon published a statement saying that - after reviewing the footage from body cams worn by his officers - he was “content” with their actions. He added: “Officers attending reports such as this must treat them as genuine until they can verify whether or not an actual firearm is present. “Based on the information at hand, the officers acted in line with their training and my expectations - enabling the incident to be concluded as quickly and safely as possible.” He added: “I have personally watched body worn video of the incident and whilst I can understand concerns in terms of how the incident has been reported in some quarters, I am content from what I have seen that the officers were professional throughout and took time to explain to the residents what was happening and why. “The reporting member of the public was right to call us and we would encourage others who see similar weapons to do the same. We are committed to bearing down on violence and we rely on our communities to help us do this.” Officers dearrested the youngster when they realised the gun was a toy, but Ms Agyepong said her son had been left traumatised by the incident. Ms Agyepong, who also has two daughters at home aged 16 and 23, said Kai has since become anxious if she even leaves him just to go to the shops. She added: “In my mind there was no question they were going to shoot us. Their

LAST POST A KIND OF BLUE

guns were drawn in such a way they were aiming their rifles at me and my kids. “It was very, very humiliating but more than that, for me and my kids it was terrifying.” It comes after a series of incidents which have led to the force being criticised about how it treats black people.”

BE POLITE, CALM AND HELPFUL

This is not the place to discuss the accusations of profiling, but the incident and the reaction of the Met Police should be of interest to airsofters. To anyone immediately questioning why a 12-year-old owned a two-tone Glock, it’s worth remembering that anyone over the age of 18 can buy these quite legally and, if gifted, there is no lower age for owning one. Some of you might feel that a 12-year-old is too young to have such a thing but all of my kids played with my airsoft guns when they were younger, albeit under my supervision, so I don’t judge. There is also nothing to suggest that Kai was behaving illegally or inappropriately – the report to the police simple seems to have stated that a black male was seen holding what appeared to be a firearm. There’s the rub: “...appeared to be a firearm”. Our laws (where they relate to firearms) are often vague as to what constitutes a firearm, at least where the public are concerned. It is generally sufficient for a member of the public to believe that what they have seen is a firearm for an offence to be potentially committed. The outcome will often depend on the circumstances. If someone were reported for brandishing a ‘firearm’ in public with a clear intent to intimidate members of the public, you can safely assume that the armed response units would take them down rapidly and assuming that they survived the encounter, I would expect criminal charges to be brought. In the instance above, this was not the case and I would

hazard a guess that the responding officers realised this very shortly after entering the property. I am not sure that this represents any kind of “sad state of affairs”. Police services are obliged to respond quickly to any situation that might involve firearms or a threat to the public and until the facts are established, you can expect them to act as if the threat was real and immediate. This is something that all airsofters should be well aware of, as most of us are unlikely to be either 12 years old or in possession of a gun the Met described as a “toy”. It’s not really a case of “with great power comes great responsibility”, but I think most airsofters understand that it is foolish to brandish our replicas anywhere other than on site. While instances of airsofters receiving a sudden visit from the police are still relatively rare, it has and does happen, quite often in circumstances like those above. Someone sees what they believe to be a weapon and reports it to the police. From that point, the response in almost automatic and all you can do is to be polite, calm and helpful until the Police are satisfied that you are not a terror suspect - and that is quite a sobering thought when you type it out. This is why it is so important to properly cover your guns when travelling to and from games. It is an offence under the Firearms Act and the Antisocial Behaviour Act to have an uncovered firearm in public and, as above, the police will treat your airsoft guns as firearms until the facts prove otherwise. Regardless, if you were ever foolhardy enough to test how far you could go with this, I would prepare yourself to face charges. Are we being picked on? Was Kai in the story above, picked on? As I stated above, I’m not getting into the profiling and racial bias issues here, they are too complex to treat properly in the space available. Given the UK’s schizophrenic relationship with firearms – we love them in movies and seem to hate them in real life – I don’t think so. The reaction by the Met Police was consistent with their experience of violent crime in London, and elsewhere the potentially serious nature of any firearm offence will garner a response. I know players who have had “visits” arising from similar circumstances and while we all know that our guns are more or less harmless, the vast majority of players are smart enough to appreciate that sight of them may not be appreciated by other members of the public. My only wish is that we, as a nation, had a more rational approach to any gun-shaped object and to the various shooting sports in general, however, I sadly don’t see that happening at all, never mind any time soon. AA

“POLICE SERVICES ARE OBLIGED TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO ANY SITUATION THAT MIGHT INVOLVE FIREARMS OR A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC AND UNTIL THE FACTS ARE ESTABLISHED, YOU CAN EXPECT THEM TO ACT AS IF THE THREAT WAS REAL AND IMMEDIATE. ”

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