Airsoft Action - October 2020 by Airsoft Action

ISSUE 118 - OCTOBER 2020 - FREE

PROUD TO SUPPORT PILGRIM BANDITS CHARITY

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ARMOURY: G&G TR16 SBR

ARMOURY: SPECNA SA-249

EVENT: GUNFIGHT AT THE FIREBALL CORALL

AA LEGION: RED CELL

ISSUE 118 - OCTOBER 2020 - FREE

PROUD TO SUPPORT PILGRIM BANDITS CHARITY

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

Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Upper Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6PL

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Tel: +44 (0) 1684 878 003 Web: www.airsoft-action.online ©Calibre Publishing Limited 2019 All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publisher in writing. The opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.

KIT & GEAR: PANDEMIC LOADOUT FIND US ON… facebook.com/AirsoftAction

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LETTER , IDEA OR QUESTION? Got something to say? A question for our experts? An article or article idea? Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the Editor: nige@airsoft-action.co.uk, write to us at the Calibre Publishing address above, or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook.

KIT & GEAR: RETAIL ROUNDUP

50 KIT & GEAR: HELIKON-TEX RANGE GEAR

56 FEATURE: LICENCING

Contents OCYOBER 2020

CON ONT TEN ENTS TS OCTOBER 2020 8 ARMOURY: G&G TR16 SBR 308 MK II G&G Armament have been busy whilst the rest of the world has been in “lockdown” and have continued to roll out new additions to their line, not only in the form of upgrades to existing models but also with some exciting all-new pistols, rifle and carbines too! Bill finally gets “hands on” with their latest addition to the TR16 line-up, in the form of the TR16 SBR 308 MK II! 14 ARMOURY: SPECNA ARMS SA-249 PARA CORE Everyone loves a support gun, right? Or is the thought of a support gun that really gets people going, as the reality is that unless they are used effectively you’re just humping a lot of extra weight around all day with no real gain! Bill does some “gruntwork” with one of the latest models from Specna Arms to see if this is still the case… 20 EVENT: WESTERN AIRSOFT Yeehaw pardners! Its time to saddle up and head out to the Wild West, as Chris Wray, aka “Captain Pringle”, reports from his latest foray into the world of six-shooters, chaps and coffee! 24 PHOTO SPECIAL We were so impressed with the photos taken by Peter Bates, from The Airsoft Project, to go with Chris Wray’s “Western Airsoft” article, we thought you might like to see some more. Many thanks Peter, for some great images!! 26 ARMOURY: ICS CXP-ARK Normal service (and some degree of sanity!) resumes at Airsoft Action, as Bill finally gets back to his true love, namely the “Avtomat Kalashnikova” platform and takes the new CXPARK from ICS Airsoft for a spin on the range! Does he, like Mikhail in the meme, disapprove of all this “modern stuff”, or will his head be turned by the newest kid on the block? 34 AA LEGION: RED CELL One of the most regular criticisms heard from the airsoft player community about AEG and GBB reviews, both in terms of magazine coverage and online blog/vlog articles, is that the focus is always on completely new models that are “shiny, fresh from the box” and that this process ignores “what happens next”. Red Cell is the answer. 38 FEATURE: IN SEARCH OF THE WEIRD If you want an AR- or AK-based airsoft gun you are spoilt for choice and whilst other styles are

plentiful, there are some that you simply cannot find for love or money. Over to Frenchie… 42 KIT & GEAR: PANDEMIC LOADOUT At last, we’re all heading out to games again in line with the new safety guidelines and it’s a good thing that we are, as some of the Airsoft Action crew have been going a bit “stir crazy”, with loadout ideas heading off in new and unusual directions! Taking the “pandemic” theme (possibly just a step to far), Bill and his mates have been putting together a couple of sets of gear inspired by the TV series “The Last Ship”! 46 KIT & GEAR: RETAIL ROUNDUP Another month goes by, and it doesn’t seem to be getting easier for either players or retailers, although we’re hearing very positive things from the community that “airsoft life” continues to thrive! We’ve kept our beady eyes on what’s “new and shiny” and as usual now bring you a few things that have really got our attention! 50 KIT & GEAR: RANGE GEAR TO GO The “light is right” mantra has been with us for some time now, and numerous manufacturers have swiftly jumped on the bandwagon with their takes on what gear the “tactical athlete” should be wearing this season! Helikon-Tex, however, have taken their time to perfect an entire new system and Bill takes a close look at a setup that’s bound to please airsoft shooters anywhere! 56 FEATURE: LICENCING Why are licenced products so important? Bill brings has an opinion based on his knowledge of both airsoft and the “real” firearms markets that may provide an answer… 60 THE CAGE: OLD FAVOURITES Amongst the Airsoft Action “family” we have a combined “airsoft age” that literally stacks up into a whole heap of playing years (more than some of the members would rightly like to admit) but one thing we all share is a love of the “KISS” principle and sometimes it’s true that the simplest things are the best, most useful and indeed, the most treasured! 64 LAST POST: MOVING FORWARDS… SLOWLY! Following a burst of activity when it seemed like UK airsoft was about to return, Frenchie ponders the result and how things are now moving forwards.

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

armoury G&G TR16 SBR 308 MKII

R 8 0 .3

! K O Z L U

G&G ARMAMENT HAVE BEEN BUSY WHILST THE REST OF THE WORLD HAS BEEN IN “LOCKDOWN” AND HAVE CONTINUED TO ROLL OUT NEW ADDITIONS TO THEIR LINE, NOT ONLY IN THE FORM OF UPGRADES TO EXISTING MODELS BUT ALSO WITH SOME EXCITING ALL-NEW PISTOLS, RIFLES AND CARBINES TOO! BILL FINALLY GETS “HANDS ON” WITH THEIR LATEST ADDITION TO THE TR16 LINE-UP, IN THE FORM OF THE TR16 SBR 308 MK II

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armoury G&G TR16 SBR 308 MKII

am, I will admit freely, an “airsofter of a certain has little overall bearing on how the airsoft version age” and although the bones are a bit creaky will perform on the field (i.e. the same as every other first thing on a cold morning and I certainly 6mm BB platform!) but there’s just something about don’t bounce as well as I used to, those that know that big old mag that sings to my heart. me personally know that I still like to get stuck in, At SHOT Show in January I first set eyes on the whether it be simply on the range, at a day skirmish, TR16 SBR 308 MK I and II models (they only differ in or indeed at a longer event! terms of inner and outer barrel length) on the G&G This means in real terms that I grew up in the Armament stand and that same heart of mine went all 1970’s and 1980’s when “7.62mm was King” and a-flutter, especially in relation to the shorter-barrelled I have to admit that I still have a taste for AEGs and MKII. This looked a similar length to my beloved GBBRs with those big old magazines! I grew up with MC51 but was oh, so modern in appearance that I the .303 SMLE and then the 7.62mm L1A1 SLR and, knew from that moment on that a MKII was in my to me, the latter future… is still one of the Just to clear things “I DO FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE TALKING up you might say most beautiful service rifles to “hang on, he’s been ABOUT AIRSOFT AND 6MM BBS HERE AND THAT have ever existed! blathering on about THE “LOOK” OF A LARGER CALIBRE RIFLE HAS Although the 7.62 and now he’s LITTLE OVERALL BEARING ON HOW THE AIRSOFT first AEG I ever talking about .308” VERSION WILL PERFORM ON THE FIELD (I.E. THE owned was a and you’d be right SAME AS EVERY OTHER 6MM BB PLATFORM!) BUT to say this. For those FAMAS, like many of you I started that aren’t shooters THERE’S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THAT BIG OLD my “journey of real firearms MAG THAT SINGS TO MY HEART.” proper” in airsoft I think that the with various guys over at www. MP5s and ARs. By the early 2000s I knew I was fully ammoland.com summed it up best (if you don’t check hooked and that airsoft was going to be a major part their articles out already you’re missing something of my life, so I decided it was high time that I had pretty special!): something “Gucci” and, after much deliberation, I “During the 1940s and early 1950s, military rocket decided that what I REALLY wanted was an “MC51 surgeons wanted to improve the effectiveness of SBS”, so I asked the guys at Fire Support to build me the M1 Garand rifle and its .30-06 cartridge. One an all-singing-and-dancing one and from memory, it contender, more suitable for higher capacity box cost me upwards of £600, with some big old “7.62” magazines was a modified .300 Savage design called magazines to go with it. This lovely AEG is still rocking the T65. While specs varied throughout development, to this day and was money well spent! it ended up as the earliest iteration of the 7.62x51mm As much as I also love the SLRs and FN FAL NATO. But, as usual, the commercial market was more AEGs that are still in my personal collection, I guess nimble, and Winchester launched the .308 Winchester this is what also drove me to become an AK user, in 1952. as “7.62x39” sits up there for me too! I do fully Technically speaking, in terms of specifications, understand that we are talking about airsoft and 6mm there are differences, but mainly in the chambers of BBs here and that the “look” of a larger calibre rifle rifles designed to fire each cartridge. 7.62 brass is a www.airsoftaction.net

armoury G&G TR16 SBR 308 MKII

bit thicker, and commercial .308 is sometimes loaded to slightly higher pressure, but other than that, the cartridges themselves are pretty much the same.” So, without going into severe pedantry “7.62 = .308”, with the first being military and the second largely civilian. I’ve noticed with my friends over the water in the USA that the .308 AR is a much revered beast and I have to admit that over the past few years I’ve built myself a number of what we refer to as “DMRs”, all restricted to semi-auto and kicking out a .20g BB iro 1.48 Joule/400fps. They are all “long rifles” with “7.62” magazines, usually fitted with a magnified optic and bipod and I adore them. However, when it comes to CQB or indoor airsoft they are all but useless given both on-site power restrictions and of course space to actually move!

SHORT AND SWEETER THAN A SWEET THING!

The all-round use and “space to move” thing has always had me searching for a more modern solution to working a “big bore” rifle than the MC51, and as soon as I laid eyes on the TR16 SBR 308 MK II I could see that my personal prayers might be answered. After much discussion with the guys at G&G about what this new model had going on, I walked away utterly convinced that this could be “The One” but (like all of you) I had to bide my time until production commenced. And has the wait been worth it? For me, most definitely, in all ways, it has been 100% worth it! When the MKII first got to me the box was a “regular AEG” size but it felt way light, almost like G&G had forgotten to put something inside! I’d forgotten that in January the lack of weight and bulk of the show sample had impressed me greatly and at just 2.39Kg this is most definitely a rifle you can carry easily all day - and manipulate easily to track targets. At 705mm long (stock compressed, 820mm fully open) it is also short enough to use in even the most confined of spaces, making it overall incredibly easy and nimble to use. External design is a very personal thing I know but to me it follows G&G’s design ethos that we’ve seen in the GTP-9 Pistol and SMC-9 SMG, has an absolutely beautiful, unique and modern aesthetic. The MKII is fully placed in the moment, with a thoroughly upto-the minute .308 style receiver, which is designed to mimic .308 style rifles commonly seen right now in the real world. There’s a modern 216mm M-LOK VIII railed handguard of G&Gs own design to allow great personalization with accessories. The top of 10

OCTOBER 2020

the handguard features a rail that mates perfectly receiver and allows for optics to be attached you get even more design flair the

contiguous 20mm with the upper a wide variety of securely. In addition, of G&G’s unique when it comes to

ergonomic pistol grip and the GOS-V8 sliding stock. The flash hider is also removable to reveal a 14mm CCW threaded outer, which allows for the attachment of a wide range of aftermarket silencers, suppressors and even tracer units. Add to all of the above that the MKII comes with a singlepoint sling plate, QD stud sling points (in the right places!), usable metal flip-up front and rear sights, an extended cocking lever and ambidextrous everything AS STANDARD and it’s quite the package to look at! Internally things also sing in harmony! G&G have confirmed that a LOT of work has gone into perfecting their V2 gearbox and this is just the start of things. The MKII features G&G’s ETU integrated MOSFET system and the ETU is designed to add

choice, as well as offering battery protection to prevent the rifle from firing when the voltage is too low, along with motor jam and spring compression detection to be totally on the safe side! The ETU also lets you reprogram the full auto mode,

armoury G&G TR16 SBR 308 MKII

so you can choose between three and five round burst modes easily, as you like. The ETU is also G&Gs latest version, smaller in size, but with all the same features as the original. Allied to the ETU is a new the new magazine design which allows for a superb “last round cutoff” feature; basically the MKII will not even turn over when the magazine is empty, or there is no magazine in the well! The new magazines feature a button on the rear upper left which extends when the magazine is empty and a nub extends from the BB tube so it can be detected by the system. We’ve seen these extended nubs before but, unlike some, G&G’s is designed to fold, preventing the nub from being snapped or damaged. Although it holds only 40 BBs the magazine is a “looker” and semi-transparent, so you can bask in the glory of the mock .308 rounds inside.

ONE FOR THE SHOOTER

Ultimately, the MKII looks a million dollars and feels brilliant in your hands! Given the extra metal in the lower receiver to house the bigger magazine the balance point is slightly to the rear but that means that properly shouldered its sits just perfectly and again, adds to the ease of manipulation. This is a “shooters rifle” out and out - and things get even better (if that’s possible!) when you actually start to shoot it! In house we take great note of consistency and, to date, our “record” has been held for some considerable time by the “Platinum Edition AKM” from E&L. The TR16 SBR 308 MK II, though, has taken that “record” and knocked it WAY out of the park! On .20g RZR BBs, the G&G rifle chrono’d at 1.06 Joule/339fps …and that’s it! NOT an average that gave 339fps but EVERY SINGLE SHOT chrono’d exactly the same, to the point that we brought in a second chrono to double check! Ten BBs, one reading… Now THAT is utterly remarkable and I believe that the MKII may well hold the record for some considerable time to come! And what of range and accuracy? Again, I was staggered on my 30m range just how good the MKII was as new, hitting our 200mm x 240mm VIRTUS SYSTEMS steels each and every time just using the “irons” on .25g RZRs. The flat, lo-profile bladed

trigger is snappy as hell so you can get follow-up shots away super-fast. I was actually so impressed that I took it to our first “Red Cell Shoot Day” to let the rest of the guys try it out and their thoughts were 100% the same as mine… the TR16 SBR 308 MK II ROCKS! We also had a chance to see how it was at longer distance and even with the power level as standard it ran super-sweetly and was reaching out past the 70m point… as standard… from the box! I, and we, believe that once the easy-to-adjust rotary hop is fully bedded the MKII has the potential to reach out further and this at 339fps from a short (200mm) standard inner barrel! So, essentially, you have a super-cool and modernlooking “.308” that’s light and sized to cover ground with uber-fast. Whilst it’s 100% legal for every site I play at, it also somehow has a “reach” that is potentially putting it into the “big magazine DMR” territory but still has a more than respectable ROF. It has some unique features that will not only protect the internals but ensure its longevity as a serviceable AEG, along with enough operating choices to keep any player happy. Although it comes with a nice but limited 40 BB magazine as standard I understand from G&G that existing Mid and Hi TR16 models will fit, so I’ve ordered some in to check this out. I rarely say this so bluntly but, in my personal opinion, there is only one final thing to say about the G&G TR16 SBR 308 MK II… JUST BUY ONE! My sincere thanks go to Rick at G&G Armament (www.guay2.com) for facilitating the early delivery of the model tested. AA

“IN HOUSE WE TAKE GREAT NOTE OF CONSISTENCY AND, TO DATE, OUR “RECORD” HAS BEEN HELD FOR SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME BY THE “PLATINUM EDITION AKM” FROM E&L. THE TR16 SBR 308 MK II, THOUGH, HAS TAKEN THAT “RECORD” AND KNOCKED IT WAY OUT OF THE PARK!” www.airsoftaction.net

armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-249 PARA CORE

M249 - POLISH STYLE!

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armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-249 PARA CORE

EVERYONE LOVES A SUPPORT GUN, RIGHT? OR IS THE THOUGHT OF A SUPPORT GUN THAT REALLY GETS PEOPLE GOING, AS THE REALITY IS THAT UNLESS THEY ARE USED EFFECTIVELY YOU’RE JUST HUMPING A LOT OF EXTRA WEIGHT AROUND ALL DAY WITH NO REAL GAIN! BILL DOES SOME “GRUNTWORK” WITH ONE OF THE LATEST MODELS FROM SPECNA ARMS TO SEE IF THIS IS STILL THE CASE…

n my opinion there are two “rites of passage” that every self-respecting airsofter should go through; the first is longing for an M14 EBR (because they look cool) but then having to hump it around site for a full game day and see if you still love it as much when the final “endex” is called. The second is very similar in that at some point during your “airsoft life”, you will undoubtedly hear the siren call of the support gun but is this ever going to be what you dream about, or will it just lumber you with extra bother for no material gain in firepower? The fact is, that these days it’s actually pretty easy to get even a basic AEG up to a ROF that’s going to

be “suppressive” and with numerous manufacturers providing not only Hi Cap magazines, but also boxes and drums for your “AR” or “AK”, if a high ROF combined with virtually unlimited ammo is your bag then go for it dear friend! More likely than not though - and from what I’m seeing “on field” these days - you won’t be making a lot of friends if you take this route… However, if you do decide that you want to run “full-auto and heavy” then a good support gun might be just the thing but, although you’ll undoubtedly have a big old box or drum with in excess of 2,500 BBs at your immediate disposal, don’t think for a moment that this is quite the

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armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-249 PARA CORE

panacea it might appear to be at the outset. Ultimately, your BB-spitting monster will be at the same power level, with the same range, as most AEGs out there and a well setup carbine could easily outrange you, let alone a DMR or bolty… Sometimes “more” is most definitely “less”! There is a time when you can have both the firepower AND be a valuable team player though and a decent support gunner, who knows what they’re about, will be the friend of every other player on their team! IF you are prepared to put in the “gruntwork”, both in terms of physically carrying a support gun AND properly learning the “gunner’s trade”, then you can be an invaluable force multiplier - both in attack and defence! The key word here of course is “support” and if you are using your “LMG” to effectively help the rest of your team to achieve objectives, to lay down accurate, effective and controlled suppressive fire whilst your teammates either advance, retreat or flank, then you’re doing the job right and you’ll be an asset that everyone wants to have play alongside them. A good gunner needs to securely park their ego in the safe zone and in play they need to get work done - and this is equally as true in a skirmish setting as it is during a MilSim. Of course, the other part of this until relatively recently was that a halfway decent support gun was in itself a hefty investment. I remember having my first, the old STAR M249 with the plastic gearbox that was actually surprisingly good (when it worked) and that cost me big bucks at the time. I mention there “when it worked” as the strain put upon any support gun is such that everything needs to be of reasonable quality and actually work together to get both durability and reliability and, sadly, although the parts in the STAR were all solid on their own, they rarely worked in harmony together for very long… That has now all changed and although support guns still have a reputation for being “finicky” that’s really a hangover from the old days, when well set up and well maintained the average modern “support AEG” is going to give you good service and, apart from certain Japanese models that cost an arm and leg, there are some very, very good models to choose from. You don’t have to take out a second mortgage to own one!

POLISH GRUNT

To illustrate the point that a solid support gun is now within the reach of most players, I point you

OCTOBER 2020

firmly towards the recent release of a series of M249 SAW AEGs from Specna Arms in Poland. It just goes to show that many of you like a good LMG as much as I do (my Stoner is still one of my faves to play with!) and at the price they came up at on the Gunfire website, the first production run soon sold out… In fact, they sold so quickly that we couldn’t get one direct from Specna Arms to evaluate, so I ended up borrowing one from my teammate Ian (“Sapper” to his friends), who was generous enough to loan it to me on the proviso that I treated it nicely… So, a few box mags later I bring you my thoughts… just don’t tell Sapper! To get this out of the way straight away, I will tell you that the SA-249 PARA (Specna Arms also offer “standard” 249s, MK 1 and 2) is from the Specna Arms CORE range and, as such, is aimed squarely to be in the reach of ALL players. As they are currently available at Gunfire for under UK£260, I am not at all surprised they’ve sold out of the first batch! CORE is designed to be an exceptional series of AEGs that introduces a new quality to the market, combined with (as Specna say themselves) “an attractive price in combination with good performance” that with “high-quality materials make this replica suitable for beginners and seasoned airsoft players alike” …and oh my, have they got it right with the SA-249! The CORE line makes good use of polymer, alloys and steel in combination to create a solid and durable AEG that, in the form of the PARA, weighs in at a not insubstantial 4,970g with the empty box in place. It feels superb when you first pick it up and although the main body is polymer, it doesn’t feel at all “plastic”. Some elements in the CORE LMG have been purposely made of polymer in order to reduce their weight and make them more “user friendly” and the polymer parts here include the receiver, top cover with a RIS rail, front sight with a base, stock, magazine and the pistol grip. On the flip side, alloy parts include the outer barrel, magazine well (which can at a push use a STANAG mag), buffer tube and the flash hider and several steel parts are in evidence in the form of the bipod, external barrel lock, stock support, trigger guard, transport handle as well as all pins and assembly elements. Internally the SA-249 benefits from Specna Arms’ excellent and truly usable ESA quick spring change system, which enables a rapid and quick adjustment of power without the need to access a workshop, or use special tools, so you can adjust your power

armoury SPECNA ARMS SA-249 PARA CORE

output to suit the requirements of different indoor (where they allow full-auto) and outdoor fields. Changing the spring takes literally seconds, as all that’s required is to take out a single pin, pull away the stock latch and take out the spring guide along with the spring through the opening in the gearbox frame. The replica is powered by a full-size, metal and heavy-duty M249 gearbox that is characteristic for its high durability and good reliability as stock. I’ve seen some comment that this is the exact same box that you’ll find in another popular brand and from my external observations, I’d have to say that it is VERY similar. That said, so many parts are coming these days from a select and finite number of factories in the Far East, if Specna have chosen their gearbox because it’s the best currently available at this time given the price, then in all honesty I’d have to tip my cap and say “well done”! Frankly, if they’ve put in a gearbox to their own specification that WORKS and will continue to work then personally, I don’t give a flying feck where they’ve sourced it! Please note, however, that I say “to their own specification” as they’ve openly stated that “the mechanism is prepared for further tuning and ready for stress connected to providing covering fire”, so I’m willing to bet they’ve done what they set out to do - and given the number of you that have bought an SA-249 to date, you have bet the same! What I can tell you, is that inside each SA-249 you get, as standard, an M120 main spring (easily changed for sites that require sub-350fps on a .20g as stated earlier), 8mm bearings, bearing spring guide, a set of steel gears and an easy to adjust (if a little stiff at first) rotary, metal hop chamber. There’s nothing earth-shattering here about the tech but it’s all solid, workmanlike and durable which I for one want in a support gun that’s going to spit BBs regularly and at pace. Of course, you also get a green polymer box magazine with a capacity of 2,500 BBs that allows you to keep the BBs coming and these are fed automatically thanks to an electric winding mechanism powered by two easy to source AA batteries (you’ll need to buy those ya tightwads!). The box can be filled from the top as per a regular magazine via a port, or you can simply pop the side of the box itself should you need to reload “fast and on the fly”.

put down to a new spring being fitted, the test sample chrono’d very nicely and pretty consistently, at 1.07 Joule/340fps on .20g RZRs (Sapper had already changed the spring before loaning it to me). I was very pleased to find that the box mag fed very evenly, as this can sometimes be a downfall of even the most expensive support AEGs. In terms of accuracy, I was actually more than happy just on the iron sights. This is supposed to be a “fullauto support-beast” and be able to spit out BBs consistently and give an area-dominating effect, rather than being nail-on-the head accurate but it’s no slouch in this respect, as at 30m prone I was easily able to put all my BBs on steels - and it was kicking them out past 70m without a problem too! “Walking” the SA-249 from target to target with controlled bursts gave me a good idea of what it’s capable of - and that’s a LOT when it comes down to suppressing your opponent’s fire and movement capability. At just 920mm long with the steady as a rock PARA stock extended (790mm with it stowed), this is a support gun you can manipulate easily but with the bipod down it gives a super-solid platform to help you get “rounds on” when you most need to. If you fancy going to check out the real M249 on the FN website, you’ll see they say “the M249 SAW is designed to be used on the front lines where it really matters, providing crucial support at the infantry squad/fire team level by providing highly accurate fire plus the maneuverability to take the objective”. They also say of the PARA that it is “optimized for airborne, armored infantry and close quarters combat (CQC) operations with a shorter barrel and collapsible buttstock” and I have to say that Specna Arms have done this description proud with what they’ve created! They have also stayed 100% true to their statement of intent, that CORE models should be in reach of ALL airsofters and the performance and price have lived up to that too! Having now had one in my hands and on the range, I believe I may well add a PARA to my own personal collection… just as soon as they come back into stock and if they don’t sell out again before I get one! My sincere thanks go again to Sapper who kindly loaned his own AEG (lucky blighter!) for testing and if you fancy an SA-249 for yourself then simply keep an eye on https://gunfire.com for restock alerts. AA

ROUNDS DOWN

After a couple of minor “hiccups”, which we’ll

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EVENT WESTERN AIRSOFT

GUNFIGHT AT THE FIREBALL CORRAL YEEHAW PARDNERS! ITS TIME TO SADDLE UP AND HEAD OUT TO THE WILD WEST, AS CHRIS WRAY, AKA “CAPTAIN PRINGLE”, REPORTS FROM HIS LATEST FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF SIX-SHOOTERS, CHAPS AND COFFEE!

PHOTOS BY PETER BATES FROM THE AIRSOFT PROJECT

t was a good job I was not driving as we drove through the NPF (National Paintball Fields Birmingham), as I would have taken the left turn and carried on through to Fireball Squadron Airsoft Club as normal - but not today! Today we take a right and head into the Wild West village of NPF, which we were playing with special permission. As I started to unload my kit there were a few more folks already doing the same, all dressed up in their Wild West Kit. Wild West airsoft has been around for a while but as the main games have swapped to blank fire and full-on LARP, folks around these parts have been crying out for an airsoft-based game again. This one was meant to give them that, with an amount of roleplay/larp and airsoft action as well.

I’M NOT GOING! …OK, I AM!

When I was told about this game eight weeks before, I was adamant that I was not going to do it - no more new load outs. Six weeks before I caved and said I would borrow some kit just to go and support it. Four weeks before and I totally caved and decided that I wanted to do US Cavalry with a team-mate! Luckily for me I contacted civilwarsutler.co.uk and after many questions, a lovely lady called Lisa managed to sort me a load out which was pretty close to what I wanted in a very short time. Then, as 20

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if by fate, the Winchester carbines came into stock at Airsoft World! I’m not going to lie, it was bit of a childhood dream to dress as US Cavalry when I was a small child playing “cowboys and Indians” with my “Britains” figures, I always liked the Union and US Cavalry figures the best. So, having moved my kit to the good guy’s starting location and got myself prepared, it was time for a brief from the main game organiser, Martin Ryley. After a thorough brief of the gameplay and game rules, it was explained that the day would start with just a friendly walk about town with no loaded weapons at all, while we had some photos taken by Peter Bates from the Airsoft Project. This was nice and relaxed and I got to chat and get to meet folks whom I had not met before. Next, it was eye pro on and guns were allowed to be loaded as the Mayor called an amnesty for the duration of the town fair. This allowed all to come into the town and join in the fun of the games and competitions that the town had laid on, with no fear of retribution …as long as everyone behaved! The town was soon full and as I sauntered through, the classic film quote came to mind … “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious!” and later on this proved to be correct! Luckily though, for now everyone had been paid, so we all had some cash to enter the various competitions and stands that were around town.

KIT &EVENT GEAR WESTERN AIRSOFT

Myself and my Lieutenant were meant to man the Gatling gun and show it off to passers-by as we tried to recruit for the Cavalry, so we let a few folks target shoot with it. But then we decided to look after the horseshoe throwing area and the “Tin Can Alley” game and while doing so charge the players to play. This went really well with an odd winner here and there but the cash was flowing. Recruitment might have been down but we were getting rich. The “Pip the Ace” game was proving very popular; if you could shoot through the middle of the ace and ring the bell you won an ace of spades bottle opener. Having heard the bell go a few times and some cheering, it was obvious a few were being won. I decided to mosey down to the saloon where we could get a selection of drinks for some coins (soft drinks) and decided to have a go on the roulette table. I went all in with all the cash I’d made from the horseshoe throwing and placed it on Red! Round and round the ball span ‘till it stopped on a black number! Easy come easy go, looks like the troops were going to be poor after all… Just as I lost all my cash, a Pony Express rider rode into town with letters for a few folks, myself included. I had been given orders from General Eastwood no less for me and my soldiers (all one of them) to help US Marshal, English John, arrest a dangerous troublemaker. We soon met up with English John and his trusted men and headed out…

AMNESTY OVER!

With this action the Mayor ended the amnesty and folks either hid or got out of town fast! Luckily for us we soon found and arrested “Big” John Shelley and got him to jail safely. He was second in command to the big boss around here, known only as “the Reaper”! We had just managed to get him to talk when we found out that the outlaws had amassed and entered the town and were after bringing their man back, dead or alive, before he could talk. Shots where coming from all over and a long firefight ensued. With the Mayor and Madam Emma helping to tend to the wounded, we slowly pushed the outlaws back but before we could rejoice we found that our prisoner had somehow got loose and escaped… Later, we found out that it was worse, as he had escaped with news that as there were so many outlaws in town and fearing a raid on the bank, the town’s payroll had been hidden in a storehouse which only the Marshal and the Mayor knew

about... The town was quiet for now and we managed to get the wounded back on their feet and pull back a little to reload our weapons. My trusty Winchester had run out of ammo and I had been down to my Umarex SAA pistol with about 3 shots left. Not long after, there were some small skirmishes as outlaws attempted to enter town looking for something. As it turned out, someone was sending them letters with information on the town and its resources…

BREAKTHROUGH!

We then got our breakthrough! Someone tipped us off with the location of The Reaper and that he only had a small guard with him as he was doing some business in the far end of town. We set out in force with just one mission, to bring this outlaw to justice! After a long firefight our numbers slowly whittled down the outlaws and we managed to capture The Reaper and take him to Jail alive to answer for his crimes. As an added bonus, the US Cavalry had been promised a $10 bonus for capture of any outlaws that were brought to face justice alive. With our capture of the Reaper we had a ring of law enforcement surround the jail and the routes into town but no bonus was paid for the capture of the outlaw and just as we protested this, the outlaws hit the town again. We knew what they were after but he was safe in jail with a lot of law enforcement and two of the finest from the 6th US Cavalry guarding him. We were managing to hold the outlaws back and then, out of the blue, I was shot in the in the back. As I fell wounded to the floor I saw English John get shot and wounded and The Reaper escape the jail cell …after paying off one of my men! I won’t name names but there was only one other! We soon got healed and back into the game but it was all too late. A moment of weakness and a quick bribe and all we had worked for had escaped but before I could court martial Lt. “Jimmy” Stewart, lunch was called… Lunch came as a nice break in the story and as the day was quite warm, or at least in a wool uniform it was a welcome break. Again, the break was a very social affair, with folks sharing large pots of pork & beans or cooked chicken while some folks were working with Peter Bates who was still taking photos and others just swapping stories from the morning. After lunch we set up for the final part of the day.

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EVENT WESTERN AIRSOFT

ORDERS & MISSIONS

Letters with orders/missions kept being delivered by Pony Express to various players, or groups and missions were carried out. We had to blow up a mine shaft to try and seal one of the outlaw escape routes but our dynamite must have got damp or something, as both charges failed to blow. We had great fun watching the long fuses slowly burn up to the charges, waiting for a large bang each time - that never came! As we stood around watching we were ambushed by a group of outlaws and had to withdraw, though we were still laughing at the “explosives…”! Our next mission was to try and get close to the enemy base and search for Reaper’s stash of gold. What we did find were outlaws hiding near a group of tepees and this was the “moment of the day” for me. As we were pinned down by the outlaws I managed to hit four out of six shots with the Winchester, which was my entire supply of luck for the day used up! After that, my shooting returned back to not so lucky. We managed to get to the tepees but we failed to spot the hidden gold we were looking for. The last two missions we did met with heavy outlaw resistance and again some cool fighting and trash talking between the two sides. On the bright side, during this English John sold out Lt. Stewart to The Reaper for his earlier betrayal and he got what was coming to him. When he was eventually returned to us, he did not look the same man, nor would he even talk about it. And then it was time for the final showdown of the day…

By the time the bells rang again the there was a heap of dead outlaws, while most of the good guys were still alive. Their lack of numbers on the final battle had let them down… Like all good endings, when we checked there was no sign of The Reaper and his number two, Big John Shelley… Somehow they seemed to have got out of town alive! Luck today was on their side after all…. And with that it was over, a great day of fun. Some folks started having pistol duels to settle scores and a last chance for photos and to swap war stories. People had travelled from all over the UK for this small friendly game in the small town of Fireball and I did not hear a single moan all day. In fact quite the opposite, it was all praise and even though I have to admit I was sceptical coming into the game as the roleplay element is not really my cup of tea, the balance was good and I enjoyed myself immensely. Maybe at the next one the Reaper won’t be so lucky and won’t be able to run away! AA

FINAL SHOWDOWN

The Reaper and Marshal English John had received letters arranging for a showdown. The “Good Guys” lined up in the town as the townsfolk hid. Music played throughout the town, giving it that “spaghetti western” feel. Slowly the outlaws came into town along two streets and lined up against us. They were outgunned but this did not stop them… The music continued and we just stared and twitched our gun hands… I could see the Reaper was looking at me and I stared back at him. The music stopped and the church bells rang… As soon as the bells started both sides drew and opened fire on the enemy. I took a hit straight to the knee from The Reaper and dropped to one knee while getting a couple of shots off at him, hitting him in the arm. www.airsoftaction.net

PHOTO SPECIAL GUNFIGHT AT THE FIREBALL CORRAL

We were so impressed with the photos taken by Peter Bates, from The Airsoft Project, to go with Chris Wrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article, we thought you might like to see some more. Many thanks Peter, for some great images!! 24

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PHOTO SPECIAL GUNFIGHT AT THE FIREBALL CORRAL

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armoury ICS CXP-ARK

ICS CXP-ARK: A MODERN CLASSIC

NORMAL SERVICE (AND SOME DEGREE OF SANITY!) RESUMES AT AIRSOFT ACTION, AS BILL FINALLY GETS BACK TO HIS TRUE LOVE, NAMELY THE “AVTOMAT KALASHNIKOVA” PLATFORM AND TAKES THE NEW CXP-ARK FROM ICS AIRSOFT FOR A SPIN ON THE RANGE! DOES HE, LIKE MIKHAIL IN THE MEME, DISAPPROVE OF ALL THIS “MODERN STUFF”, OR WILL HIS HEAD BE TURNED BY THE NEWEST KID ON THE BLOCK?

do love a good meme and one of my favourite “Kalashnikov” ones is the one that goes “this rifle is steel and wood, it don’t need any of your bubba shizz”, although I also love the one that simply states “Mikhail Approves”. There’s been a lot of talk in purist circles of late, on the theme of how the humble AK has been transformed into something more “tacticool” and is the poorer for it but I’m afraid, as much as I love a classic, I disagree. Recently I’ve been looking at a number of superb new “AR” models but as “the regs” will know, I do love a classic AK - that dark wood and steel mix does get me all of a-tingle, especially when it’s a solid old AKM or AKMS! But time, inexorably, moves on and the fact is that even the Russians themselves have updated the old campaigner into the AK-12, and I was reading just yesterday about the AK-15, which is chambered in the venerable 7.62×39mm cartridge. Both the AK-12 and AK-15 have been developed by the Kalashnikov Group under the “Ratnik” program and have been accepted into Russian military service, so it seems that even the “home team” have come to embrace the meld of that superb firearms design, updated with polymer parts. For me this is no bad thing, as new technologies 26

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and parts can put a shine back on something that’s been around for a while and the not-so-humble-after-all-AK is having a bit of a renaissance, in both real and replica terms - and this brings me great joy to say the least! I have a number of modern loadouts, some directly “Soviet” and some with a more generalised OPFOR feel that are incomplete without an AK. I am slowly working on my own “Ratnik” gear (with expert input and patient help from Taz) and now have an AK-12 for that, along with a whole heap of MidCap mags but outside of that, my much-laughed-about “Team Three Stripe”

armoury ICS CXP-ARK

setup is always ready for an update! I also have my GreenZone gear, which is thoroughly modern and if I’m honest, I’ve been waiting to find an AEG that really works with that. Finally, I believe I have - in the form of the latest “AK” model to come from ICS Airsoft, the CXP-ARK. I first saw the ARK “in the flesh” at SHOT in January and after giving it a good prodding at the show (and nodding approvingly at Nige), I quite honestly couldn’t wait to get my hands on one! Although there is a plain black version which looks very nice indeed, it was the black with green furniture that really grabbed me; I was taken with this initially as it reminded me of the black/green of the old Bundeswehr G3A1 which is a nice nod to the Cold War era but then I imagined how the new AEG would work with my gear and I was pretty much sold there and then, tactical tart that I am! Luckily Airsoft Action has an incredibly good and close relationship with ICS, so in my conversations with them I was constantly asking about when the CXP-ARK would be available and I think that after all my enthusiasm (read pestering!) they finally took pity on me and agreed to send a sample over for evaluation. I know that we’ve been incredibly lucky here, as the new models are not reaching Fire Support until late 2020 but it does mean I can give you a bit of a “heads up” on an AEG model that is, in my opinion, going to find many, many fans out there - and not just existing AK users!

NEW INSIDE AND OUT!

Historically, ICS have offered a few very serviceable “AK” variants in their AEG line and as technology went at the time they were right up there in terms of quality and performance. I once own a lovely IKS74N (AKS74) and it served me very well until I rather rashly sold it on, not knowing what a little gem I was getting rid of. To the best of my knowledge it’s still rocking along to this day! With the CXP-ARK though, ICS have not only updated their previous models but have in fact created something completely and utterly new, and

it is a beauty! Whilst the ARK retains the distinctive AK profile, even a quick glance will tell you that it’s a whole new beast! Externally, as with all ICS AEGs, the finish is absolutely impeccable, with all the metal parts finished in a deep satin black which counterpoints the new green (I would say almost “Ranger Green”) perfectly. The main body is out an out “AK” but that’s about the limit of “old skool”, as everything else is most thoroughly updated. Let me start with the metal parts, where everything that should be metal is, however, there are a few areas worthy of extra note. Using CNC milling and a now-universal 14mm CCW thread, the new–design steel flash hider gives the ARK a more modern profile straight from the get-go and this is continued through the front-sight block and even to the gas-tube mounting bracket where it meets the upper handguard. Moving back along the AEG, the new lift-up top cover comes with an AL6061 M1913 rail and a locking point design, which is stable and easier when it comes to mounting accessories and optics. This rail also incorporates a newly designed, easy-to-acquire rear sight. Finally there’s the “tacticool” fire-selector, which is unmistakeably AK again but designed and finished brilliantly with two finger-rest points to engage different modes of fire. This links internally to a new Fire Selector Plate, which not only has the standard fire control adjustment, it also comes with a spring tension release design for extending the service life of your spring! In terms of that lovely green furniture, the CXP-ARK is fitted as standard with newly designed 8.5-inch industrial-grade nylon fibre M-LOK tactical handguard, which not only has solid and ergonomic profile that improves the overall feel, but also keeps the weight down too, with the ARK coming in at 3,365g. At the lower front of the handguard is a short 8-slot rail section that is incorporated into the handguard itself, which is perfectly placed to mount a taclite, especially one on an offset mount. The ARK ErgoTech Tactical (Pistol) Grip is also designed with unique ergonomics too and an anti-slip texture, which not only fits to your hand but is also comfortable and

“WHILST THE ARK RETAINS THE DISTINCTIVE AK PROFILE, EVEN A QUICK GLANCE WILL TELL YOU THAT IT’S A WHOLE NEW BEAST! EXTERNALLY, AS WITH ALL ICS AEGS, THE FINISH IS ABSOLUTELY IMPECCABLE, WITH ALL THE METAL PARTS FINISHED IN A DEEP SATIN BLACK WHICH COUNTERPOINTS THE NEW GREEN (I WOULD SAY ALMOST “RANGER GREEN”) PERFECTLY.”

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armoury ICS CXP-ARK

“BOTH THE AK-12 AND AK-15 HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED BY THE KALASHNIKOV GROUP UNDER THE “RATNIK” PROGRAM AND HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO RUSSIAN MILITARY SERVICE, SO IT SEEMS THAT EVEN THE “HOME TEAM” HAVE COME TO EMBRACE THE MELD OF THAT SUPERB FIREARMS DESIGN, UPDATED WITH POLYMER PARTS.” sturdy. Last - but by no means least - is the SF1 Quick Response Foldable Stock, which is a little “Masadalike” but all the better for that! With six positions in length of pull, it’s intuitive and designed specifically for quick shouldering and rapid engagement. Swiftly and easily deployed, it also works well with the rear wiring of the ARK, giving access to a larger battery compartment. When the stock is folded to the right it does expose the wiring but a little bit of heat-wrap will soon sort that. With a length of 884mm with the stock fully extended (638mm with the stock closed and folded to the side), the ARK will suit players of all sizes and be comfortable to carry day-in, day-out. Internally I already mentioned the new Fire Selector Plate but there’s oh, so much more going on! The SSS version CXP-ARK is equipped with an AL6061 Metal Air Nozzle, Cylinder and Piston Head, Full Steel Tooth Piston, metal Hop-Up, and MIM Pinion and Bevel gears as the factory default setting, which provides you with performance-grade reinforced internals out of the box …without further upgrades! The

OCTOBER 2020

ARK comes with an 8mm bushing third-generation gearbox, and the excellent EVO I 35000 motor keeps everything rolling along effectively. ICS’ iconic QD Spring Guide design provides you with easy power adjustment, as you only need an Allen Key to change the spring and set everything to your local field requirements. As well as a MOSFET as standard, the SSS-System ARK also benefits from the newly developed Smart Trigger that is integrated with the original SSS E-trigger system; this can intelligently detect how the trigger has been pulled. In Full-Auto mode, you’ll fire continuously in full-auto if the trigger is held down and the ARK will fire three round bursts on semi if you give it a single tap once you have it set up. The Unique SSS Trigger system offers you the choice of four firing modes between Safe – Semi/ 3 Round Burst, and Full Auto through the fire selector and is controlled by a micro-chip in the trigger system. The Short Stroke Trigger that works with the pre-cocking feature of the SSS E-trigger can effectively reduce the

armoury ICS CXP-ARK

trigger travel distance, increase the rate of fire and greatly enhance responsiveness.

BBS ON TARGET!

It’s obvious, straight out of the box, that enormous thought and attention to detail has gone into the CXP-ARK and this shows on the range! Through the chrono the ARK came in at 0.92 Joule/315fps, which is obviously perfectly site friendly, on the my usual RZR .20g BBs. Once I was happy with the initial reading, I reset the hop and upped to .25g RZRs and the accuracy was great, sending the BBs consistently to target at the extent of the 30m range. I did also try the ARK at greater distances and it was quite happily sending a .25g out to 75m with a deadflat trajectory. After running through the supplied 540 BB “Tactical Hi Cap” (ICS also offer the same windowed polymer magazine style in a 30/50 BB “realcap” mag with a follower) a couple of times, the ARK was able to achieve a nice tight group and switching to full-auto delivered a line of BBs super-quick. The magazines fed perfectly and are a totally unique design, plus

(contrary to what some “chairborne rangers” online have said) they do fit in other brand AKs and indeed I had no problem with feeding from other AK mags I own into the AEG. In fact, I have to say that the ARK looks properly mean with AK-12 mags! Overall, the ICS CXP-ARK is one hell of a package! It’s beautifully put together and finished, the parts, although bang-up-to- the-moment with current technology, are completely bombproof and it shoots really, REALLY well. ICS have delivered a top-of-theline “tacticool” AK that looks brilliant, with everything you need to get in the game in the box and if you want my opinion, I feel very strongly that even Mikhail himself would look on this model with his full approval! My sincere thanks go to ICS Airsoft for kindly providing an early test model and please do be sure to visit www.icsbb.com to check out the other models from the brand and much, much more! I understand that both colour models should be landing with your favourite ICS retailer in Quarter 4 of 2020, so keep any eye on their updates for more information on this! AA

“ONCE I WAS HAPPY WITH THE INITIAL READING, I RESET THE HOP AND UPPED TO .25G RZRS AND THE ACCURACY WAS GREAT, SENDING THE BBS CONSISTENTLY TO TARGET AT THE EXTENT OF THE 30M RANGE. I DID ALSO TRY THE ARK AT GREATER DISTANCES AND IT WAS QUITE HAPPILY SENDING A .25G OUT TO 75M WITH A DEAD-FLAT TRAJECTORY.”

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REDRED CELL CELL AA LEGIONAARED LEGION CELL INTRODUCTION RED CELL INTRODUCTION

AT LAST, WE’RE ALL HEADING OUT TO GAMES AGAIN IN LINE WITH THE NEW SAFETY GUIDELINES AND IT’S A GOOD THING THAT WE ARE, AS SOME OF THE AIRSOFT ACTION CREW HAVE BEEN GOING A BIT “STIR CRAZY”, WITH LOADOUT IDEAS HEADING OFF IN NEW AND UNUSUAL DIRECTIONS! TAKING THE “PANDEMIC” THEME (POSSIBLY JUST A STEP TO FAR), BILL AND HIS MATES HAVE BEEN PUTTING TOGETHER A COUPLE OF SETS OF GEAR INSPIRED BY THE TV SERIES “THE LAST SHIP”!

OCTOBER 2020

REDRED CELLCELL AA LEGIONAARED LEGION CELL INTRODUCTION RED CELL INTRODUCTION

ack in 1984 a team of extraordinary individuals, lead by a former commander of SEAL Team Six, Richard Marcinko, was created to test the effectiveness (or otherwise) of US security measures, particularly those surrounding military bases and other sensitive areas. The name of this team was “Red Cell” and the aim of the team was to probe for weaknesses and demonstrate any vulnerabilities they found - and boy did they find them - all the while capturing everything on video to show those monitoring their “exercises” how they achieved their objectives and what Richard Marcinko weaknesses they found. So how does all this apply to airsoft and more specifically to the AEGs and GBBs we all use? One of the most regular criticisms heard from the airsoft player community about AEG and GBB reviews, both in terms of magazine coverage and online blog/ vlog articles, is that the focus is always on completely new models that are “shiny, fresh from the box” and that this process ignores “what happens next”. Also, at Airsoft Action we absolutely 100% HATE hearing and seeing online that “Brand X AEG/GBB is terrible” without hard evidence to back that up, or that a new, yet-to-be-released model will be “crap” before anyone actually has it in their hands, let alone on the range! Airsoft manufacturers in the main have a rich brand heritage and have spent many years building hard-won reputations for creating fabulous replicas and the AEGs/GBBs that players want and enjoy - and simply stating on social media that “this gun is bad”, without empirical evidence to support that statement, helps nobody. With this in mind, the Airsoft Action team have been working with numerous market-leading manufacturers over the past two years to create a program that takes testing and evaluation far beyond where it currently stands; to give players a far deeper understanding of their potential airsoft purchases with a spotlight on how models perform and continue to perform after they have been “used and abused”.

AIRSOFT ACTION LEGION RED CELL

Regular readers of AA may have noticed that we introduced a new program, “The Airsoft Action Legion” to better cover games, events and developments on a truly global basis and to realise the concept of the “Airsoft Action Red Cell”, named after that National Security Co-ordination Team (NSCT) of the 1980s (that allegedly in one year fired more rounds than the entire Marine Corps ammunition allowance!), we have created a “test and evaluation” group whose remit will be to: “test shoot groups of AEGs and GBBs with the aim of placing them under extreme stress from regular and continued use both in controlled range testing and in-game situations” This new group of experienced players and techs will be able to give more in-depth and exhaustive coverage of both existing and new AEG and GBB models, models that form the real “meat” of the regular player armoury. …even to the point of failure! We have agreed with those manufacturers currently involved in the program that reports will be created on what has failed and how simply the failure was rectified (where possible), at what cost and how that failure might be mitigated against in the future. We believe this information will be invaluable to players when they come to making a purchase decision, whilst not denigrating any manufacturer in the process. The approach is to test AEGs and GBBs extensively, using the same power sources and consumables to give parity. All usage (range criteria/game setting, environmental conditions, number of BBs shot, etc.) will be logged fully and will appear as a monthly data-led report by category in Airsoft Action, leading in time to a useful cataloguing of AEG and GBB performance. If a model reaches the point of failure, this will be investigated fully, along with how straightforward it was to remedy and at what cost to the user, and potentially how the failure could be avoided. This information will be shared with the manufacturer prior to publication for their comment, so that a rounded picture may be produced for players and purchasers; that said, we intend to pull no punches when it is warranted! Airsoft Action Red Cell is composed entirely of experienced and active players from different airsoft disciplines and airsoft technicians, ensuring that the models concerned may be tested in both a formal

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REDRED CELL CELL AA LEGIONAARED LEGION CELL INTRODUCTION RED CELL INTRODUCTION

range setting and in game situations (with their usage logged comprehensively) and any faults investigated fully and immediately.

CATEGORISATION

To best ascertain performance of “pool” models, they will be tested in a range of categories to give a clear picture for reporting. The initial categories are: • G-Series GBB Pistols • 1911/Hi Capa-Series GBB Pistols • Other Model GBB Pistols • SMG Models • Historical AR Models • PDW AR Models • Tactical AR Models • GBB AR Models • Historical AK Models • Tactical AK Models • Other Historical Models • DMR Models/Bolt Action Models • Support Models Whilst this will give a solid overview for models commonly used by players, an additional category will also exist for models that are not immediately “category specific” and a report generated periodically that brings focus upon these.

TESTING PROCEDURE

All testing will take place initially under range conditions and at engagement distances commensurate with the category being evaluated, with a minimum of 5m for pistols and a maximum of 100m for DMR/bolt-action rifles. Accuracy testing will be done using the same brand and weight of BBs, again commensurate with the category being tested and with the same brand/model of both battery or gas. All models will be tested using fixed “iron sights”, or the same model of optic where appropriate. The range has a maximum shoot-distance of 100m with a safe backstop. Targets for testing will include a mix of programmable reactive models from Attack Sense Smart Targets (which will help in gaining and evaluating statistical data), along with more traditional steel plates and paper targets, dependent on the platform(s) under evaluation. When a Red Cell team member signs out a model for “in-game” testing, the same power sources and BBs as used in range testing will be provided. The user will log any optics, accessories and different magazines used and provide a written report. These “in-game reports” will be brought together at year 36

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end in a comprehensive performance log to be published in Airsoft Action. In the same spirit as Richard Marcinko and the original Red Cell, Airsoft Action Red Cell is not about trying to embarrass or otherwise denigrate those models that that are being evaluated, nor any company, product, or individual and it is not about finding out “what is the best”, rather more what works and what is dependable, durable and worth the buyer’s money! Red Cell is about identifying and recording the performance of airsoft models in similar categories under controlled conditions and game conditions alike, whilst identifying any potential weaknesses and offering solutions to correct them - and that can only be good for airsoft players, retailers and manufacturers alike!

THE TEAM

As Content Director at Airsoft Action, Bill has been involved with airsoft for longer than he would care to mention, starting as a player, then running his own team and site and moving into the review side of things 13 years ago. Through his knowledge of models out there as a long-term reviewer and his own (sizeable!) collection of AEGs and GBBs he heads up the “Red Cell” team. Chris has owned Airsoft guns since 1994 and attended his first Skirmish in 1998 and has played monthly ever since. Chris focuses on replicating uniforms of various military units to re-enactor standard but can also appreciate a “throw together kit” for general skirmishes or playing OPFOR. Currently Team leader of RT Whitehorse, he always has time for new players and is always willing to guide them in the right direction with what to buy. Marcus sits in the category of “old and bold” when it comes to playing airsoft, with many years of skirmishing under his belt but is best known now due to his growing reputation as a “primo-tech” who is able to find solutions to internal problems even when the “big names” fail to do so! Marcus works in airsoft at is his Kent-based store, “All Ages Airsoft” and provides the team’s Attack Sense Smart Target system with a full-time, fully-accessible home in his basement range, where it’s available to ALL local airsofters to try their skills on! Jimmy (aka “Forest”) is relatively new to the airsoft world but not new to shooting. He comes from an airgun background and enjoyed HFT shooting for many years. Currently leading up operations within “The Expendabellies” airsoft team, he’s also a director of the newly formed Hellfire Corner site team in

REDRED CELLCELL AA LEGIONAARED LEGION CELL INTRODUCTION RED CELL INTRODUCTION

Kent. In such a short space of time he has proved himself to be quite the budding tech, and his (ever expanding!) personal collection of AEGs and GBBs is quite particular, leaning on the more modern side although does have a specific interest in the Falkands Campaign. He enjoys a good quality RIF and especially those equipped with the full-auto choice! Jon and Allyssa (aka “Mr and Mrs Darkwater Airsoft”) are no strangers to the Airsoft Scene. Sadly, Darkwater closed its doors in 2018 but the pair have kept their toes in the water behind the scenes. From contributing to Airsoft Action articles, advising a local Airsoft Store and playing their hearts out in their usual no-nonsense style, they are still very much involved in the community, looking damn gorgeous as they do so! Sadly, Allyssa couldn’t join us for our first range day due to work commitments but we’re sure she’ll more than make up for it on future shoots! Bill (no, not him, the other one!) has been in and out of airsoft for too many years! Currently Team leader of The Expendabellies airsoft team, he is also Managing Director of Hellfire Corner Airsoft Ltd. He has a RIF collection that is growing again in weird and wonderful directions and is no slouch when it comes to evaluating what’s good and what’s not. As a player he confesses to not being “a runner” but he’s a great leader, tactician and support gunner. He loves tactics, especially unconventional warfare - and a bacon buttie!! Having popped his airsoft cherry back in 2013, James has since became more involved in the sport, running local teams and helping set up and run games. More recently he’s been involved in product releases and promotion, including location scouting, photography, set design and building, with some shoots already featured in Airsoft Action. He’s very much looking forward to what the future brings, with a personal play style of being right upfront in the thick

of things very much looking forward to the SMG test day! Jase has been playing Airsoft for over 11 years and has worked with Airsoft Action in the past on a few projects, dabbled with running games and is always on the quest for the perfect Hop setup. You’ll often see Jase and his teammates at big MilSim games, although he has been seen in the wild at the odd skirmish or two as well! Interested in both the tech and the game side, Jase will always “keep it real”. Added to Red Cell for his knowledge of both tech and things that go “Big BADDA BOOM!!” is John, aka “Boycie”, who is the owner of JTac Custom and co-owner of Virtus Training Systems. He’ll be bringing things that go bang to give the program the ability to have pyro effects for photo shoots. Stu, co-director of Virtus Training Systems, has been airsofting since 2000 and before that had 10 years of competition archery! Lover of all 1911 variants, Glocks and AKs, along with a side order of M4s, he’s our resident fool/court jester/loony (but the specialists at the nice hospital tell us he’s getting better!) and resident PORG! With the starting lineup now firmly in place, the Red Cell team is now ready to roll and we’ll be bringing you the first full report on G-Series pistols in Issue 119 on the 15th October. Don’t miss our first Airsoft Action Red Cell article as it’s about to start setting new standards for testing and evaluation and we look forward to throwing some unexpected curveballs along the way! Our sincere thanks got to VIPER for supplying the Red Cell team gear, NUPROL for providing all the consumables to be used in testing and Attack Sense Smart Targets for supplying their system and working with us as a development partner. As always, we look forward to working with all our partners going forward. AA www.airsoftaction.net

feature IN SEARCH OF THE WEIRD

IN SEARCH OF THE WEIRD...

IF YOU WANT AN AR- OR AK-BASED AIRSOFT GUN YOU ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE AND WHILST OTHER STYLES ARE PLENTIFUL, THERE ARE SOME THAT YOU SIMPLY CANNOT FIND FOR LOVE OR MONEY. OVER TO FRENCHIE…

e’ve all done it. Whether it’s hanging in the safezone, chatting in airsoft shops, or bantering on forums and online, we have all fantasised about airsoft guns we would like to see. There are a few people out there with the tools and skills necessary to make their ideal guns, they crop up now and then and we all go “Ooh!” but generally you get what the manufacturers give you. The thing is, I’m not just talking about guns per se. What about El Mariachi’s guitar case full of guns? Personally, I’d like a nice Marini Henry straight from the sunbaked plains of Rorke’s Drift? Yup, movies are responsible for a lot of this speculation and wishful thinking …but not all of it! Some players would give an arm for a decent crew served weapon, a nice Browning M2 50 calibre

launchers until the advent of the TAG range, which at least were more than glorified shotguns. I once spent quite a while fitting an M203 launcher to one of my FAMASs, it was done by the French Army and I thought it was cool. The problem was that it was heavy and unwieldy and the launcher had significantly less range than the gun it was attached to. That mod lasted less than a full game day! There have been a few mortars offered, although they are probably collectors’ pieces now. Either sites refused to allow their use, or the dramatic flight of the bomb was inconveniently interrupted by something like a tree. In the space of seconds, what should have been the effective neutralization of an enemy base turned into the sort of scene you see in a windy park as Dad tries to retrieve an errant kite from the top of a poplar. Not cool, not cool at all!

SIMPLY IMPRACTICAL

perhaps? The problem, as ever, is that this would never be a popular gun, so there is no point for most manufacturers to produce one. There have been some attempts at serious machine guns; M60s which weighed as much as the real thing (not fun) and M1919A4s, but they are invariably seriously expensive and, in my experience, not very reliable. This is exacerbated by the fact their performance is usually the same as junior’s M4, which makes them even harder to justify. We have, or had, similar issues with grenade 38

OCTOBER 2020

Some of these ideas are just impractical, some never happen for want of either tools or skills. I was always convinced that you could make an excellent Martini Henry with a falling block and the spring/plunger assembly housed in the stock. Pulling the lever would open the breech and compress the piston. Simples! Yeah – so simple that I never did anything with it but if you’re inspired to try do let me know! Likewise, a Gatling gun – in theory it is possible but why on earth would you? Concealed weapons are always popular – a machine gun, or more likely submachine gun, that can fire from inside a violin case. Coool!! Well, yes, sort of… The problem with these ideas is not that they can’t be done, it’s that like the Gatling gun, I’m not sure they should be done. If your game scenario involves

feature IN SEARCH OF THE WEIRD

tuxedos, martinis (the drink) and a chamber orchestra, a Thompson in a violin case might make sense. In a forest, surrounded by MultiCam-clad players without even a tin whistle to be seen, it’s makes a lot less sense. Not to mention the fact that as a musician I can assure you that instrument cases have no sights and are a nightmare to aim! Certainly, there are a few weapons that have made it from the movies and which can be used in game – the M41A Pulse rifle for instance. Have you ever tried to play with one? Ah. You see, it was made for a movie which as we all appreciate is a fundamentally visual medium, so it must look good first and foremost. As a practical weapon though, it sucks! It’s poorly balanced, the stock is rubbish, it’s a real handful and the magwell is crap. The movie mags have these substantial caps on the end, on the airsoft gun this is a separate piece that is prime time losing kit. Even leaving that in the car, you are trying to load a Thompson mag into a long well. Thompson mags are fiddly at the best of times and they don’t, at least in my experience, get easier when trying to do it blind. I would love an M41A just ‘cos they are so super cool but I doubt I would ever voluntarily play a game with one.

Manga and Anime are another source of inspiration and there have been a couple of attempts. Anyone remember the Jing Gong “Thundermaul”?! That was so cool, even if it was basically an ultra-short M4 wearing party clothes. If my memory serves me, Akira featured variants (or variations) of the SA80 family, which is maybe less cool, although not a problem if you fancy going down that route.

Artillery! Tanks! Tactical airpower! Ok, that’s getting silly now but you can see why airsofters might want the option. I would also love an airsoft Oerlikon, although God alone knows what I would do with it, maybe just mount it in my office window for giggles… I wish I had the skills and the tools to do this sort of stuff myself but I don’t. Creating an inert replica of someone’s dream gun is one thing, actually making it work properly as an airsoft gun is a whole different kettle of fish. Like so much in life, if your pockets are deep enough, I’ll bet you can find someone to realise your passion. For the rest of us, however, I fear that dream airsoft guns will have to remain just that … dreams! AA

Star Wars blasters? It’s been done but airsoft Sterlings are rare and speaking personally, I’d rather have a decent Sterling SMG than one that has been through the hands of the “Pimp my ride” crew. See also Han Solo’s blaster. Speaking of Harrison Ford, a Blade Runner handgun, the LAPD 2019, would be seriously neat and it would be doable, although given that the “barrel” is a receiver from a Steyr rifle, I’m not sure it would work that well...

“THERE HAVE BEEN SOME ATTEMPTS AT SERIOUS MACHINE GUNS; M60S WHICH WEIGHED AS MUCH AS THE REAL THING (NOT FUN) AND M1919A4S, BUT THEY ARE INVARIABLY SERIOUSLY EXPENSIVE AND, IN MY EXPERIENCE, NOT VERY RELIABLE. THIS IS EXACERBATED BY THE FACT THEIR PERFORMANCE IS USUALLY THE SAME AS JUNIOR’S M4, WHICH MAKES THEM EVEN HARDER TO JUSTIFY.” www.airsoftaction.net

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

COVERT BOOT

BLACK / BROWN / TITANIUM / SRP: Â£49.95

KIT & GEAR PANDEMIC LOADOUT

LOADOUT SPECIAL

ooooo, alrighty then! We’ve been (and perhaps we still actually are) in the middle of a pandemic and we’re all stuck indoors, or at least very close to home and certainly not with access to the “usual suspects” that make up our airsoft friends. So what to do? Well, in my case it was to start a chat group where we discussed all things post-apocalypse! This encompassed friends from both airsoft and gaming worlds and one big topic of conversation was movies and TV series in that genre to watch while we had a little time. Of course all the “Post-Ap” “biggies” came up but, as my dear wife had given me Series 1 of “The Last Ship” on DVD a couple of years back and the fact that our streaming service had Series 1-5 available, I felt it was time to indulge in a little “box set binge” of my own - and very quickly I was immersed in the world of the “USS Nathan James (DDG-151)”, following Captain Tom Chandler and the crew on their adventures in a world gone mad… Whilst I’d read the book of the same name by William Brinkley (on which the TV series was based) some years ago, the show takes a different direction.

OCTOBER 2020

The original “USS Nathan James (DDG-80)” was left afloat in the wake of a nuclear holocaust, whilst the new version embarked on voyages initially to find the cure for “The Red Flu” but latterly as a beacon of hope for the tenuous democracy of the new, reemergent USA. Like the TV show owing a nod to the book, I thought about an airsoft loadout that would be “inspired” by what I saw on screen. Now luckily, on board DDG-151 was a SEAL team and the character of LT Danny Green (Travis Van Winkle) remains with the ship for the duration. As I already have both AOR1 and AOR2 in the “gear locker” it would have been easy to choose this path, but I’ve done this route before and fancied something new, a project that would keep me occupied during lockdown and give me something new to use for specific games in the future! The obvious option, which was a very different one that I hadn’t thought of before, was putting together a loadout based on the ship’s Security Alert Team (also known as SRT, Security Reaction Team). These are the sailors that are tasked with responding to any security

KIT & GEAR PANDEMIOC PANDEMIC LOADOUT

head ashore on their numerous missions. It struck me that these guys (well-trained undoubtedly but ultimately just normal sailors) were actually far more interesting than the SEAL uber-warriors; lightly armed with just a sidearm and a basic M4A1 they went into the shizz and got stuff done and this appealed to me greatly for a unique loadout!

NAVY BLUES

With my inspiration in hand, the fundamental building block of this loadout had to be the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) in the “blue” digital pattern, or more specifically the first NWU variant, known as the NWU Type I. This controversial uniform was designed in late 2004 and entered service in limited quantities beginning in late 2008. Online research tells me that the overall blue colour of the NWU Type I reflected the U.S. Navy’s heritage and connection to seaborne operations. Further research brought up another interesting factoid, in that the colours were also chosen to match the most commonly used paint colours aboard ship, extending the lifetime of the uniform on long deployments where uniforms often came into contact with freshly painted surfaces! By 2010 it had completely replaced most other “working” uniforms. Though the NWU Type I was breach or threatened attack in port and, as such, they are authorised to use deadly force to negate any security threat. Team members are most often drawn from Weapons Department personnel and they receive extensive firearms training and drills, often training in tandem with the MARDET, the ships Marine Detachment, if the ship has one. When an alert is sounded (in code so that only the team knows), the team members scramble to the ship’s armoury to be issued weapons (most commonly the M9 or M1911A1 pistol, and shotguns) before confronting the threat. Response time is critical, so many drills and scenarios are performed to maximise team efficiency. In the show these sailors are most memorably portrayed throughout by Jocko Sims as “Lt Carlton Burk” and Kevin Michael Martin as “Chief Gunner’s Mate Eric Miller” but they are joined by others along the way. They are also at the front when it comes to the action, forming the core of Captain Tom Chandler’s (Eric Dane) “Vulture Team” when they “IT STRUCK ME THAT THESE GUYS (WELL-TRAINED UNDOUBTEDLY BUT ULTIMATELY JUST NORMAL SAILORS) WERE ACTUALLY FAR MORE INTERESTING THAN THE SEAL UBER-WARRIORS; LIGHTLY ARMED WITH JUST A SIDEARM AND A BASIC M4A1 THEY WENT INTO THE SHIZZ AND GOT STUFF DONE AND THIS APPEALED TO ME GREATLY FOR A UNIQUE LOADOUT!”

www.airsoftaction.net

KIT & GEAR PANDEMIC LOADOUT

originally intended for shipboard use, it soon was dropped from that role because the fabrics used weren’t flame resistant and as fires are a serious threat to sailors aboard a warship, this was a major oversight and problem! Due to its lack of flame resistance making it unsuitable for shipboard use, the NWU Type I was retired from use in 2019, being replaced by the NWU Type III. As the Type I uniform has now passed from service I (rather naively as it turned out) thought that picking up a full set shouldn’t be a problem in this day and age, where virtually everything is available at the click of a mouse - but how wrong I was! If you search for the blue pattern online you’re going to come up pretty short-changed; goodness only knows where it’s all gone! The full uniform comprises the blouse, which is worn over a short-sleeved T-shirt, blue for the NWU Type I, and BDU-style trousers and it’s worn with black boots (usually black safety boots, identical to those worn by the U.S. Coast Guard with their Operational Dress Uniform) and a hat known as an eight-point cover. Although I wanted to pick up real, surplus gear to create a full set this proved impossible to find in my size and I eventually ended up with a passable set from the Far East, although I did need to order XXXL! The “repro” set also came with a fancier Army Combat Uniform (ACU) style blouse which although not 100% accurate to real life was actually kind of cool. Remember, I said “inspired by”… Watching the series and trawling my way through both real and on-screen reference pictures I soon noted an “out” for the blue T-Shirt and the issue cap. It seems common practice for crew to wear a black or dark navy blue ballcap with their ship’s name emblazoned on it proudly and I managed to find a “Nathan James” version on the “bay of evil” for not too much money. I also found someone online who was making a really good copy of the white-on-blue ship’s T-Shirt, quite commonly seen being worn by the actors in the series. So, with the addition of some plain black boots, that was me set!

GEARING UP

If you want to have a go at this loadout yourself then the remainder of the gear is actually very straightforward, as it’s quite minimal. The “Vulture Team” members on ops are most commonly seen in Series 1 and 2 with just plain black gear over the NWU and if you already have black gear (as many of us do) then you’re good to go! Again, this loadout is “inspired by” and not a direct replication, so I just use my black 8 FIELDS Buckle Up 44

OCTOBER 2020

Plate Carrier with a simple STANAG mag carrier on the front and an Assault Back Panel on the rear. My belt kit worn in the pictures is the new Helikon-Tex Comp gear (that you’ll also find featured in more depth in this issue) but equally, you could get away with a pistol belt and drop-leg holster as you’ll see in the series. I’ve added a bit more to the belt and put the back panel on the plate carrier as I want to be out in this gear for an entire game, so obviously I need some additional space for BBs, Bangs, and BS!

One thing that I did note, is that later on in the series you’ll see a number of the characters wearing First Tactical Lightweight Patrol Gloves which are a bit of a favourite with me anyway… SCORE! First Tactical has done a fabulous job with these gloves; although I initially found the closure a little bulky for such “low key” gloves I did find the cutaway for my wristwatch a great idea. I usually wear quite a sizeable dive or compass-watch and the gloves accommodated this with ease and caused no irritation by pushing back the watch strap. After much, much use there is virtually no sign of wear. The use of goat skin mixed with the stretch woven fabric is a winner as I can just toss them in the wash with my other

KIT & GEAR PANDEMIOC PANDEMIC LOADOUT

gear and they come out looking like new. These are absolutely perfect to round things out, especially as they actually feature in “The Last Ship”! I’m pretty happy with how things have come together and adding a “US NAVY” patch to the plate carrier (courtesy of Nic at Stitch Me Up) means that it’s almost complete. I just need to add name and “U.S. NAVY” tapes, also with the digital background pattern. FYI: gold-coloured lettering is for officers, CPOs and midshipmen, whilst all sailors with rates below CPO (E-7) wear silver-coloured name tapes. It is strange where inspiration comes from when

you want to create a new loadout and I’ve had huge fun gathering this together. The “Vulture Teams” use simple “M4” carbines with an EOTECH holo-sight so I’ve grabbed the Specna Arms SA-E03 to stand in for this in the pictures (with the magnifier as that’s how I’d use it in game). Later on the teams get access to some more righteous weaponry and equipment though and it becomes a bit of a “gun bunnies delight”. I did end up buying the shorter Specna Arms SA-E04 and that will make an appearance next month when we do Part II of “The Last Ship Loadout”, bringing you the “black kit” version! AA www.airsoftaction.net

KIT & GEAR RETAIL ROUNDUP

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!!

ANOTHER MONTH GOES BY, AND IT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE GETTING EASIER FOR EITHER PLAYERS OR RETAILERS, ALTHOUGH WE’RE HEARING VERY POSITIVE THINGS FROM THE COMMUNITY THAT “AIRSOFT LIFE” CONTINUES TO THRIVE! WE’VE KEPT OUR BEADY EYES ON WHAT’S “NEW AND SHINY” AND AS USUAL NOW BRING YOU A FEW THINGS THAT HAVE REALLY GOT OUR ATTENTION!

UF PRO

Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to test clothing from numerous manufacturers and many of them have become close and trusted friends and one brand that consistently impresses us immensely, largely due to their in-depth understanding of how to use the very best fabrics and components to ensure both comfort and performance, is UF PRO. The other thing we like about them is the fact that they are constantly upgrading models as new constituents become available and the latest model to receive this treatment is their excellent P-40 Pant!

OCTOBER 2020

The P-40 Classic Gen.2 Tactical Pants are built from the ground up for superb comfort without compromise, no compromise on functionality or durability, either. These reimagined pants feature a unique cut that allows for amazing freedom of movement. It also ensures that knee protectors stay in place (no more stopping to readjust). With seven spacious, function-driven pockets that allow you to pack an incredible amount of personal gear and compact hardware. Items you place in the zippered, large side-pocket can be extra well-secured by slipping them into one of the highly elastic interior pocketswithin-a-pocket and then folding down the exterior Velcro-backed cover flap, these tactical pants are specially constructed to take real punishment. Large backside stretch panels and a special anatomic fit work hand-in-hand to let you enjoy unprecedented freedom of movement and range of motion. Breathable, lightweight ripstop material plus ventilation zippers at the knees help you feel good all day or all night. The P-40 Classic Gen.2 Tactical Pants are cut to keep knee-protection components in place and render them barely noticeable. What you will notice instead is how great they work - always there when you kneel, always ready to deliver the right amount of protection. Best of all, no straps required to hold them in place and no adjustments necessary. The P-40 Classic Tactical Pants easily convert into thermal pants for wear in sub-zero temperatures so you can get the most from them year-round too. Designed to let you quickly zip a WINDSTOPPER liner into place, once the liner goes in, you’re ready to go

KIT & GEAR RETAIL ROUNDUP

out and comfortably greet harsh, freezing winds and extremely low temperatures that you may encounter on site in the winter months! As some of the Airsoft Action team already have the original P-40 in their personal “gear lockers” and depend on them daily, UF PRO seem to be one the tactical clothing brands that “just keep on giving”, and we love ’em for it!

FIRST TACTICAL

At Airsoft Action we’ve been following the rollout and growth of the First Tactical brand for a few years and their profile in the professional users market continues to expand based on fit, durability and 100% fitness for purpose! They take their time to introduce new models to their range but when they do, oh boy, it’s certainly worth waiting for. A couple of the Airsoft Action team have been using the excellent LIGHTWEIGHT PATROL GLOVE for a good while now and if you speak to them on site, no doubt they will have a pair in their gear bag for you to check out. If you’re looking for something more MIL though, then your prayers are just about to be answered as they’ve added a new model, the PRO KNUCKLE GLOVE and we’re REALLY liking the look of them. We’ve just received a pair in for testing and will report back in full soon!

KYDEX CUSTOMS

Kydex Customs Baofeng UV5R Radio Carriers have had a huge update, and their Baofeng UV5R Radio Carriers are an absolute game-changer for all radio users. Made as a twopiece construction for added rigidity, featuring adjustable retention through the use of an MRD and also featuring a “hot-mic” proof design so the user will never worry about accidentally

hitting buttons, these carriers are designed to keep your radio safe and protected while in use. These Radio Carriers also feature a large drainage hole along the bottom to allow for any excess water to drain out quickly and ensure the radio doesn’t suffer from water damage. To adjust the retention on the radio carriers you need to screw or unscrew the silver grub screw found on the side of the carrier with a 1/8” Allen key/ hex key. Features: • Made of 2mm Thick Kydex • Protective Design • Water Resistant • Adjustable Retention • Stops Accidental Button Pressing • Works With Mics/Headsets Plugged In Mounting: • Safariland QLS/ELS • G-Code RTI • Bladetech • Blackhawk/Serpa • Malice Clips

ACTIONSPORTGAMES

Moving onto hardware and accessories, ActionSportGames have now added two great-looking new chargers to their product line. Taking care of AEG batteries is an essential part of every player’s essential equipment maintenance routine, so you need to make sure any batteries are charged safely and efficiently with ASG’s new high quality chargers. At a price point to suit every pocket, these fantastic new high quality chargers are suitable for the novice player and the experienced veteran alike. The ASG A450 Charger is designed to suit the airsoft player, field or store on a budget; the A450 Multi Charger is an effective and cost-effective way of keeping all of your airsoft batteries in peak charge condition. The A450 is an economical, yet high-quality, 100-240V AC balance charger, designed for charging LiPo, LiFe and LiHV batteries from 2-4 cells in balance mode with a builtin automatic balancing module. For those using other battery chemistries the unit can also charge 6-8S NiMH batteries with ease. The ASG A680 Charger is their latest highwww.airsoftaction.net

KIT & GEAR RETAIL ROUNDUP

performance battery charger and is suitable for all airsoft needs. Packed full of great features designed to save you time, preserve the life of your batteries and ensure total safety, this high-quality charger is hard to beat. Fully programmable and able to store up to ten preset charging programs, the A680 features multiple charging to ensure peak performance. Sophisticated systems prevent over charging and the A680 is especially safe, utilising an internal independent battery balancer and adaptable to most lithium battery types such a LiPo, Lilon, LiFe and LiHV. The A680’s optimised operating software also boasts an AUTO function able to set the feeding current during the charging and discharging process, preventing potentially dangerous overcharging when using lithium batteries.

TAIWANGUN

We’re back to Taiwangun again this month for magazines, as they’ve just got stock of a couple of new models which we really like the look of! First up is the BATTLEAXE 220RD ENHANCED GRIP POLYMER MAGAZINE FOR AR-10/SR25. This magazine is compatible with the SR25/AR10 series and look to be at the very least an aesthetic upgrade on the old models we’ve been using successfully for a while in our DMRs. We also noticed the BATTLEAXE 110-ROUND POLYMER MAGAZINE AR-15/M4 short magazine is back in stock, in both Tan and Black. This magazine is compatible with the M4 series models and gives a very cool look to a “civilian” or PDW build. Both the new magazines are well priced, and from our experience both will perform well if they’re prepared properly in line with the initial loading guidance given on the TWG website.

LAYLAX

A short while back we posted on the AA website we posted about the new Prometheus EG Hard Gearbox V2 Shell from our friends at Laylax and we’re very pleased to see that Land Warrior Airsoft now have these beauties in stock! The all-new Prometheus EG Hard Gearbox V2 shell that they’ve designed and created has the simple goal of making our tech projects much, much easier. If you’ve teched the old standard Tokyo Marui V2 gearboxes, as innovative as they once were, it’s now a design over 20 years old and we all know it has a ton of flaws and annoying things that just cost you lots of unnecessary time when you’re working on a build. Laylax believe it is time we evolved airsoft a bit and they’ve found a cure to all, with a complete redesign of the classic Version 2 gearbox for AEGs. The EG Hard 48

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Gearbox Shell has been designed from the ground up to solve many of the issues of past designs. • New split panel design makes maintenance and custom builds much easier! • Quick change spring system and included ball bearing spring guide. • CNC Aluminium lower panel for the gear set. • Upper panel for the compression unit. • Aluminium alloy upper panel and main body. • Shimming is now faster and easier. • Labelled shell for quick reference of screw size and part orientation. • Pre-radiused front and rear. • Overlapping panels to keep your parts from shifting and maximising your shimming. • External wiring, no more pinion gear issues! • High strength, reinforced main shell passed our 100,000 round test under heavy loads. • Interior shell is Teflon coated for easier operation of your gears and compression parts. • The top portion of the gearbox is now a single piece vastly increasing the strength of the top of the gearbox where most version 2 gearboxes often crack.

GUNFIRE

Finishing off this month with some more cool new magazines, we noticed that GUNFIRE are also fully on this case with a great-looking new range from TORNADO. Available in Tan and Black there’s a LOT to choose from, with Lo-Mid-Hi options available for both SR25/ AR10 models and AR/M4 variants, along with a few models for both M14, MP5 and AK users. Prices look to be very keen and there’s a couple of models that will most definitely be on our shopping list, especially the 110rd short mid-cap magazine for AR/M4 at just over a fiver a pop! AA

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 RANGE GEAR TO GO

RANGE TO FIELD:

GOOD TO GO!

OCTOBER 2020

KIT & GEAR RANGE GEAR TO GO

THE “LIGHT IS RIGHT” MANTRA HAS BEEN WITH US FOR SOME TIME NOW, AND NUMEROUS MANUFACTURERS HAVE SWIFTLY JUMPED ON THE BANDWAGON WITH THEIR TAKES ON WHAT GEAR THE “TACTICAL ATHLETE” SHOULD BE WEARING THIS SEASON! HELIKON-TEX, HOWEVER, HAVE TAKEN THEIR TIME TO PERFECT AN ENTIRE NEW SYSTEM AND BILL TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT A SETUP THAT’S BOUND TO PLEASE AIRSOFT SHOOTERS ANYWHERE!

he “silent enemy” is still amongst us and from future. what I can see, its sadly showing no signs of The fact is that buying sub-standard gear based going away any time soon. People keep telling on low cost is not a good way forward. I’ve been me about the “new normal” but in many ways to guilty of this in the past myself but have learned the me, it seems to be the “old normal” with a mask on! error of my ways when packs straps have failed in the Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand that we mountains, or when cheap tarps have left me cold, must do the utmost, every day, to protect our families wet and uncomfortable - even in tropical rain forests! and the vulnerable amongst our communities and, Don’t buy cheap people, buy smart! by extension, those unenlightened souls that refuse to see sense. Do I wear a mask when I go to the NEW ETHOS, NEW SOLUTIONS! supermarket? Yup, I do… It’s not some weird uberThis, of course, brings me onto the main meat of this conspiracy that by wearing a mask we are somehow article and that’s to introduce some righteous new contributing to the subjugation of humanity, simply gear designed by shooters, for shooters, from our a mark of common decency that we actually give friends at Helikon-Tex over in Poland. a thought to the wider community around us and I’m not going to make a comment about their acknowledge the fact that brand and heritage as I’ve there is a “silent killer” on the done that here in Airsoft prowl. “BY MIXING AND MATCHING Action before but I will say Okay, rant over - but how STABILISED PLATFORMS that when the guys at “H-Tex” does this fit into talking WITH MULTIPLE MOUNTING introduce something new to about airsoft gear you may me, I will sit up and listen, as OPTIONS, ALL OF WHICH ARE rightly ask? To me it’s a simple I’ve used gear from them for 100% DESIGNED TO WORK jump; when playing we will many years and have come TOGETHER, YOU CAN TAILOR wear “eyes” (definitely) to rely on the functionality, YOUR RIG TO YOU, PLACING and “ears” (usually indoors durability and dependability ITEMS WHERE MUSCLE MEMORY when some big booms are that it delivers! WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD YOU TO about!) and that’s just part At SHOT Show in January, FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE IF YOU of our protective shizzle that I was delighted to see that PUT THE WORK IN!” we take for granted and, in Helikon-Tex had a great some instances, we may even stand and, along with their be wearing protective faceAmerican-based arm and coverings to play safely and effectively. Games are partners, that the guys had come all the way from thankfully opening up again around the globe and Poland to show off their wares to some of the most “Personal Protective Equipment” is something that discerning and knowledgeable shooter-buyers you will we, of anyone, should understand the value of and find anywhere on the planet. My eyes were drawn our demands on that equipment are second nature, or to a number of mannequins on show that were should be! obviously showcasing complete sets of new shooter We want to know that the equipment we wear is gear and whilst the “bigwigs” were mucky-mucking I going to be 100% fit for purpose and will stay that was giving everything a good poke! way for some considerable time. Unlike those that Chatting with some of the outstanding LE/Mil guys are issued their gear, we have many choices from a that Helikon-Tex use, both in their field-testing and dizzying array of suppliers out there; our gear is not product photoshoots, they told me that the new gear bought on the taxpayers dime, we pay for it ourselves was called the “Competition Multigun Set” and that and we need to spend our money wisely on kit that it “enables you to multiply your potential by precisely works and will continue working for the foreseeable adapting the equipment you carry to the task you plan www.airsoftaction.net

KIT & GEAR RANGE GREEN! GOING GEAR TO GO

to perform.” The set is based on the minimalist Competition Multigun Rig platform. 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. This will be greatly appreciated not only by sport shooters, but also by users who want reliable solutions with no fancy gimmicks. Competition shooting, especially MultiGun, is getting more and more popular. During any match success is based on many factors, as not only is your fitness important but also your weapon and, most importantly, your gear. This is why HelikonTex have created a “multigun” set of gear and to make it as versatile as possible, they’ve based it on the gun belt with an additional, modular belt sleeve and the micro chest rig. All are fully scalable and configurable, so that you can create the exact platform you need. Various pouches for .223 and .308 carbine magazines, numerous models of pistol magazine, dump pouch, first aid kit, they’ve got everything that can be useful on the range. 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 on your chosen primary platform. There are two front utility pockets, two pistol mag pouches on the front and it’s MOLLE/ PALS compatible. You also get a stable and adjustable H-Harness system, loops for hanging gloves and placing accessories and the rear is part-lined with 52

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velour for comfort and moisture management. The second “keystone” is the Competition Nautic Shooting Belt, which is a solid 45 mm wide range belt (H-Tex offer more belts in their line…). The 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. The belt is fastened with a genuine Cobra Nautic buckle; this buckle is not only resistant to salt, dust and debris but is also much flatter than other Cobra buckles, therefore much more comfortable, even during prolonged use. Whats more, the Nautic belt is a perfect choice for any modular belt sleeve, but Helikon-Tex have this covered with their own Modular Belt Sleeve. It was designed as an additional sleeve for the main 45 mm Nautic Shooting Belt, but will also work with any other gun belts up to 45 mm wide. The sleeve is fully padded with thick, durable EVA foam, so that you won’t feel any discomfort from your gun belt or sharp edges of the pouches. On the surface there are laser cut modular platforms compatible with MOLLE/PALS system and the platforms are divided into sections, so that you are able to set up your belt as you like it. On the sides there are two horizontal slits on the bottom for mounting hip holsters or drop leg panels. The sleeve is profiled and lined with mesh for comfort even during prolonged use and four low profile paracord loops will allow mounting of a harness/yoke if you wish. To add to your belt, either with the Sleeve or without, helicon-Tex offer a great range of new pouches to mount on it such as the Rapid Pistol Pouch, Rapid Carbine Pouch, Utility Pouch, Med Pouch and Competition Dump Pouch. All items are again made of tough-as-old-boots 500D Cordura,

KIT & GEAR RANGE GOING GEARGREEN! TO GO

so they’re going to stand up to range-abuse well! The pistol magazine pouch was designed to fit standard pistol magazines and is partially stiffened to help with re-indexing magazines. The carbine pouch was designed to fit standard carbine/rifle magazine, including AR15 and AK47 magazines and again is partially stiffened to help with re-indexing magazines. The utility pouch was designed to hang under the Competition MultiGun Rig but can also be used separately on the belt; this useful pouch has a large, zippered main compartment that will hold all your essentials, including ear and eye protection, multitool, and a small range first aid kit and a loop panel on the front gives space for nametags and the like. The Med kit pouch was designed mainly to work with the Competition Modular Belt Sleeve, but it can also be used separately on any modular platform or on the belt. The pouch has a two-part construction; part one is an external, ambidextrous pouch and part two is a lightweight insert for your whole medical kit. Internal elastic loops will hold your essentials in place, while a stiffened, anti-slip puller will help you deploy your kit within seconds. External shock cord can compress the pouch or can be used to carry a tourniquet. The Med Kit can be carried vertically or horizontally. The Dump Pouch does what it says on the can; it was made specifically for dynamic shooting and it will easily fit several carbine or pistol magazines. A stiffened, cord-adjustable collar makes it easy to place the magazines in stress situations. The mesh bottom prevents accumulation of the sand and dirt in the main body, and the pouch is large enough to be also used as an improvised utility pouch for your ear protection, gloves, and what-nots. All the pouches are mountable via MOLLE/PALS system or can be mounted directly onto any belt up to 50 mm wide.

MAKING THE MOST OF WORKSPACE!

For many of you a great belt setup will give you all you need but if you do find you need more versatility in your “main workspace” then the Competition Multigun Rig will provide exactly this! The basic rig gives you the two front utility pockets and two pistol magazine pouches on the front, but this is just the start of things! Inside the Rig is a dedicated “insert pocket” and this is where things get properly cool in my opinion! You buy your rig but then, dependant on your setup or needs, simply add the appropriate insert to “feed the beast” you’re working with! Inserts come as a Triple Carbine (magazine) Insert, a Two Gun Insert

(for the .308 fans out there) and a Competition Pistol (magazine) Insert - and if this isn’t enough, there’s even a neat little Pocket Pistol Insert! In addition to all of these options you can also add the Carbine Wings Set, which was designed to enlarge the MultiGun Rig capability to carry extra ammunition. The wings attach directly to the velour on the back of the rig and then the buckles from the rig go directly to the side webbing loops on the wings to make everything even more stable. The wings were designed to fit one carbine magazine each (will fit standard AR/AK magazine) and anti-slip interiors prevent mags from falling out. I’ve got to admit that I totally adore modular systems but to me Helikon-Tex have taken things to the next level by creating a complete suite of options to, quite literally, add to your “tactical toolbox”. By mixing and matching stabilised platforms with multiple mounting options, all of which are 100% designed to work together, you can tailor your rig to you, placing items where muscle memory will eventually lead you to flawless performance if you put the work in! Once again Helikon-Tex have moved ahead of the times, totally embracing the “light is right” ideal and by using the latest ideas, materials and construction techniques, have provided us with a set of gear that we can make our own and benefit from accordingly. I am so glad that games are on again, as I can’t wait to try this gear out in earnest and rest assured, when I have I’ll be back to report on how the gear stands up “in the field”! For more information on the new COMPETITION setup and a whole host of other fabulous tactical and backcountry products do pay a visit to www.helikontex.com AA

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feature LICENCING

LICENCED... WHY?

IN THE WIDE WORLD OF AIRSOFT YOU CAN PRETTY MUCH HAVE A REPLICA OF ANY MODEL YOU MIGHT WISH FOR, AS IF IT’S NOT MADE AS “STOCK” YOU CAN INVARIABLY FIND ALL THE RIGHT PARTS (IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO THROW AT THE PROJECT) AND ACCESS TO THE SKILLS TO BUILD IT. SO WHY THEN ARE LICENCED PRODUCTS SO IMPORTANT? BILL BRINGS HAS AN OPINION BASED ON HIS KNOWLEDGE OF BOTH AIRSOFT AND THE “REAL” FIREARMS MARKETS THAT MAY PROVIDE AN ANSWER…

or most of my life, i.e. from about age 6, I’ve been around firearms of some description, from the pistols owned by my father, through military models during my time in the cadets, to some “cutting edge” variants when I lived in the USA. For the last 26 years I’ve also been involved in the wonderful thing we know as “airsoft” and during that time I have never drawn a distinction between the two when it comes to safety, handling and maintenance. There, I said it… Many “real shooters” have commented in the past that airsoft AEGs and GBBs bear no real performance resemblance to the “real steel” models and with that I would agree wholeheartedly. For what we do each weekend we have no desire for lethality and indeed there are laws in place to ensure that this is not possible, yet we do all want airsoft replicas that are as close (in looks at least) to the “real deal” as possible and even go to extreme lengths and spend a LOT of money to ensure the right look for our BB-chucking monster… But do we all need the level of detail that goes all the way down to “armourer’s marks” to

actually play airsoft? Over the years it has been my great privilege to have access to some of the newest, shiniest airsoft creations that get made and I treat every single one with great respect, for after all they do launch a projectile that can do damage. I also treat them with respect for what they are, the culmination of huge amounts of R&D and “man hours”, of clever tinkering and fettling, that now incorporate intricate electrical mechanisms that when I started playing I could only dream about! Some are unique designs that work extremely well but designs nonetheless that still resemble a “real firearm” (and rightly so in my opinion!) but that are made, from drawing board onwards, to in-house specifications. There are those that are clones of “real” and indeed these days there are even “clones of clones” that take one airsoft manufacturer’s technology and incorporate it in something cheaper and less original. At the other end of this spectrum we have the “fully licenced” products that are true 1:1 replicas of the real deal.

“THERE ARE THOSE THAT ARE CLONES OF “REAL” AND INDEED THESE DAYS THERE ARE EVEN “CLONES OF CLONES” THAT TAKE ONE AIRSOFT MANUFACTURER’S TECHNOLOGY AND INCORPORATE IT IN SOMETHING CHEAPER AND LESS ORIGINAL. AT THE OTHER END OF THIS SPECTRUM WE HAVE THE “FULLY LICENCED” PRODUCTS THAT ARE TRUE 1:1 REPLICAS OF THE REAL DEAL.” 56

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feature LICENCING

These “licenced” replicas may sometimes cost a little more than the unbranded “clone” models (in some cases considerably more!) and to date we have, in all honesty, seen sub-par items made under licence - not all of them for sure but some. Again, it’s my opinion but if we are paying for something that is more expensive, surely we should be able to have an expectation too of at least solid performance! And if you’re going down this particular path you might well argue that there are some great models out there that come with all the “proper trades” as standard, even though they are not licenced with the original firearm manufacturer so again, why pay more? You can even buy an unbranded product and have the “trades” put onto it if you want to spend the coin to do so. You could also argue in fact that “licenced” models are no different from the “standard” models other than some fancy trademarks and, sadly, in some cases you’d be 100% right! But times are changing and it’s a change that I for one hope will bring great benefit to the airsoft community around the world!

TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS ARE PROTECTED, RIGHT?

The real answer to this is both yes and no. Almost every country has its own patent law and a person desiring a patent in a one country must apply for patent in that country, in accordance with the requirements of that country. Similarly, local laws apply to trademark, copyrights and other forms of intellectual property in different countries. If you want to delve into the mire of legalese surrounding trademarks then go no further than “The Madrid Agreement and Protocol”, which are international treaties designed to simplify the international trademark registration process. Using this process, those registering are able to complete a single application, in their home language, that can then be applied to over 90 member countries! Brilliant, all sorted, but alas… NO! The Madrid Agreement of 1891 (yup, you read that right, EIGHTEEN Ninety-One!) was originally intended to provide for an international registration system but there was (and still is) a lack of international acceptance. Many non-member countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Central American, South American and Asian countries such as Japan, were not adherents to the “agreement”, which undermined recognition of the system as a truly international one. I paraphrase here for simplicity but many of the countries that didn’t sign up to the original

“agreement” have now signed up to an amended “protocol”. The protocol has been in operation since 1996 and has some 100 members making it more popular than the agreement, which has been in operation for much longer and has just 55 members! Add to this other systems for trademark recognition and protection like “The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property” (an international treaty concerning the protection of intellectual property), the “European Union Trade Mark” (EUTM system which offers trademark owners a unified system of protection throughout the EU with the filing of a single application) and the “African Regional Intellectual Property Organization” and you can see immediately why so many lawyers make so much money out of trademark litigation! This goes some way to explaining why certain airsoft manufacturers run roughshod over the trademark issue (Tokyo Marui, I’m pointing at you!) as even when they have been challenged legally in their own country for infringement they are able to make cases as to why this infringement actually isn’t one at all: You can’t buy a real pistol in Japan, so TM putting the trademark on a “toy” has no bearing on the sales in that country achieved by the original firearms manufacturer… Thus, no case to answer!

GREAT, HOW DOES THIS AFFECT AIRSOFT?

Not so many years ago we saw Glock getting somewhat stroppy with the airsoft market to no REAL avail and indeed, the falling out between Cybergun and JAG Precison over the H&K brand at SHOT in 2014 resulted in Cybergun coming out of it badly within the industry, which ultimately did them no good at all. But surely those that create the real firearms, those that have Mil and LE contracts worth millions worldwide, aren’t going to worry too much about “airsoft toys” are they? Here I am afraid the answer is most likely to be a definite “Yes, actually they are”! The real firearms industry is properly “big business” and all businesses need to make money, that’s quite www.airsoftaction.net

feature LICENCING

literally the bottom line. What if someone told you that there was a “part of YOUR business” that was largely untouched, where you could have new customers around the world straight away? Customers that paid top-dollar investing in their pastime and that actually posed very little danger to YOUR business in terms of additional safety litigation? And let’s say, for instance, that with a tiny “rebrand” from “airsoft” to “6mm Training” you could also sell more to your existing firearm customers using your existing designs and all-important brand? If I were the CEO at Beretta or H&K I would be 100% all over this! So, whilst trademarks are open to abuse, why haven’t we seen more of the “real deal” guys jump on this particular money-spinning bandwagon? Oh, wait! We already have! Firearm manufacturers do what they do best - and that’s making, marketing and selling firearms. They are not known for making “airsoft guns” for good reason, it has not been their market …or has it? Yes, it has and the smart “early adopter” industry money has already gone down the licencing route: CZ, B&T, Accuracy International, STI and more with ActionSportGames. Noveske, Barrett, Falkor Defense, Black Rain Ordnance and the rest with EMG. Knights Armament Company with VFC, Glock with Umarex, Rock River Arms and now Daniel Defense with Specna Arms, Cobalt Kinetics with G&G… I could go on and on… For the first time though, we’ve seen a real firearms manufacturer, one of those “big names” actually holding both real and airsoft models on the self-same website! Just go to www.sigsauer.com and check it out for yourself. Whilst SIG are the first truly “big player” to do this so openly I’m telling you now, that there will be more to follow as for all of them, this is a largely untapped market with vast potential earnings on the table, especially if 100% accurately reproduced “airsoft replicas” are sold as “safe trainers”. I sincerely hope that what we will see is these “big names” rolling out some righteously good airsoft models under their own brand and, irrespective of whose system they use internally, providing us with some memorable new models to add to our skirmishing armouries. Let’s hope that the quality of what they produce in “6mm” will be as good as what they do in “9mm”, as dependable and as rugged and performing in their own way as well as the “real deal”. 58

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If the focus is to be on the “1:1 trainer” market than my belief is that they will have to make these as good as the real thing, so as not to have disappointed customers for their core firearm products and this, I hope, will ultimately benefit us as airsofters. Will it be worth in the future paying a little more from those “trades under licence”? I believe it will be and although I would most definitely be the first to rush to protect airsoft manufacturers like ICS, G&G and NUPROL, who are doing truly innovative and unique things using their own designs and under their very own “trades” and are rightly proud of this, my great desire is not to see “cloned product” continuing to appear on the market bearing the trademarks of businesses that have fought long and hard to have their name and their reputations forged in and under, fire. Clones will not go away and the trademark and IP laws around the world make it pretty much impossible for companies to mitigate against cloning in a meaningful fashion. I am not naive enough to think that someone will not make a GBB model that looks like a Glock, or a SIG, or a CZ and to be brutally honest I have no problem with this if they are unbranded and carry no trademarks. I do hope in the future though, that these models will stand on their own performance and quality, rather than relying on someone else’s good name and that firearms manufacturers will embrace airsoft as a true part of their market, so we don’t have to be content with something that’s “close to the real deal” but instead IS the real thing, in dedicated airsoft form. AA

THE CAGE OLD FAVOURITES

THE CAGE:

THE KISS PRINCIPLE

AMONGST THE AIRSOFT ACTION “FAMILY” WE HAVE A COMBINED “AIRSOFT AGE” THAT LITERALLY STACKS UP INTO A WHOLE HEAP OF PLAYING YEARS (MORE THAN SOME OF THE MEMBERS WOULD RIGHTLY LIKE TO ADMIT) BUT ONE THING WE ALL SHARE IS A LOVE OF THE “KISS” PRINCIPLE AND SOMETIMES IT’S TRUE THAT THE SIMPLEST THINGS ARE THE BEST, MOST USEFUL AND INDEED, THE MOST TREASURED!

o matter how long you’ve been playing airsoft, you’ll pretty quickly realise that alongside sound shooting skills and drills, keeping it simple and abiding by the “KISS” (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) principle can save you from an awful lot of heartache come game day! There’s an old joke in the “old and bold” community, that goes along the lines of “you can tell a veteran airsofter as they’ll be out playing with a knackered-looking AK, with just some basic belt kit, and a ChiCom chest rig” and there is some truth in that! When we start off we have the most basic of kit and we simply enjoy playing this wonderful game that lets us live out our dreams of adventure, laughing heartily with our friends about our mock heroics, whilst shooting them at every given opportunity! For many it’s a chance to throw off the shackles of a drudgeon working week and to get outdoors, run around and enjoy being in the woods. It’s the chance

to meet new people and enjoy their company over a brew and a bacon butty… and then shoot them whenever you can as they try to do the same to you! Okay, let’s play down the “shooty bit” for just a moment (although THIS is more than true!) and look at the aspects of airsoft we come to love at the very start. More often than not, at our first few games we are overwhelmed with the joy that we can have a “gun”, an AR/M4, an MP5, an AK, or even a dirty great support gun! We have a couple of “high capacity magazines” containing hundreds of BBs stuffed into the pockets of our cargo pants, some form of face/eye protection and if the stars align, some kind soul hands us a Thunderflash… and with that, come rain or shine, the day is complete! But - and it’s a HUGE BUT - then the “tacticool rot” sets in and we begin our descent into the circle of hell that may lead you to that most dreaded of places… that of becoming known as a “geardo”!

“FOR A WHILE YOU BASK IN THE INCANDESCENCE OF YOUR OWN GLORY AND REVEL IN YOUR “ALLYNESS” …BUT THEN ONE DAY YOU PLAY A GAME WHERE A NEWBIE WITH JUST A RENTAL G36 WITH A BROKEN STOCK, A FACEMASK, A WHOLE BUNDLE OF ENERGY AND A “CAN DO” ATTITUDE, BUZZES AROUND YOU LIKE A WASP, HANDING YOU YOUR OWN BACKSIDE EACH AND EVERY TIME AND YOU BEGIN TO WONDER “HOW ON EARTH DID I GET TO THIS POINT?””” 60

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THE CAGE OLD FAVOURITES

But it’s like an addiction, isn’t it? Once you’re hooked you just want more and better and where once you had a belt with a holster for that lovely GBB pistol you added to your ever-expanding, wallet-depleting armoury, you now have a modular system of pouches and doo-hickeys! Where once you had that (pick your national camo here) cheapo chest rig from the local surplus store (that actually served you excellently for carrying the extra mags you bought) you find yourself bedecked in the very latest JPC in “genuine multigrot”… For a while you bask in the incandescence of your own glory and revel in your “allyness” …but then one day you play a game where a newbie with just a rental G36 with a broken stock, a facemask, a whole bundle of energy and a “can do” attitude, buzzes around you like a wasp, handing you your own backside each and every time and you begin to wonder “How on earth did I get to this point?” Trust me, unless the “Way of the Geardo” holds you rapt, that day WILL come and you’ll find yourself reaching for that old cheapo chest rig and saying “Welcome back old friend!” All the accessories will gradually be taken off your AEG or GBB, other than perhaps a taclite and the “battle belt” will be swapped back to something far simpler. In truth it’s why you’ll see many older players like me embracing an OPFOR role, as we just can’t be arsed to hump all that extraneous kit around each and every time we go to play. Ultimately, we all enjoy our airsoft in different ways and the game is all the better for that. There is a place for everyone, no matter whether they’re dripping in the very latest tactical gear, or wearing an old combat jacket and jeans… But do watch out for the ones in the Adidas tracksuits carrying battered old AKs though, they’re bad news all day, every day and best avoided - unless you have a full bag of Haribo!!

insert!” Stewbacca: “The longest serving thing I use is probably my ESS eyepro, although much like Trigger’s broom from “Only Fools And Horses”, they’ve had their legs, straps and lenses all replaced by now, so I guess it ain’t the same pair in truth. Good eyepro is always my first recommendation for investing in long term. I have lost count of how many guns I’ve owned but I’ve still got the same pair of eyes, although one and a half teeth lost…” Phil: “My Magpul stock hook (stock installation key) for removing stocks easily from buffer tubes; I’ve had it well over a decade now, and I guard it very, very carefully. Many people have coveted my stock hook!!” James: “As simple as it sounds, one of the little canvas BB bags. I can carry all the ammo I need into the field without the giveaway rattle of a couple of thousand BBs bouncing around in a pouch.”

KEEPING IT SWEET!

With all of this in mind, I thought it would be fun to go to the wider Airsoft Action Crew and Legion and ask them a straightforward question, “Do you have a simple piece of airsoft gear that you have owned and used since you started playing and wouldn’t be without?” Scott: “A 12 year-old “Built For Battle” dump pouch. They used the same factory as A.N.Other wellknown brand but they made “Built for Battle” stop supplying them…” Christopher J W: “My Sawflys! I’ve had them 10+ years wear them all the time, though have 3 sets of lenses in clear, yellow and dark, so I just swap the

Jimmy: “My original MilTec plate carrier; I bought it from a private seller for £25, new and unused. A slight modification to make it fit properly but it has served me very well. It’s not the lightest but it certainly is a quality made vest. Its coyote so can be worn with www.airsoftaction.net

THE CAGE OLD FAVOURITES

a multitude of loadouts. I remember Jase pointing out that I had it set up backwards though!” Jase: “TM speedloader. It only broke last weekend but had lasted me ten years. Not bad really. It’s not a field item but my LiPo bag has been with me just as long and wouldn’t be without it.”

Chris: “SOE gear Dump pouch. I’ve had it for a very, very, very long time! One of those bits of gear I’ll never sell.” Bill W-R: “Kombat UK Medium Assault Pack in coyote. Lasted 1 divorce, airsoft games and as work bag for nearly 10 years. Although one zip has just started to break…” Boycie: “My sense of humour, a definite requirement in airsoft which a lot of people forget. After all we are grown-ups (allegedly), dressed up like soldiers and playing with toy guns.” Stuart H: “The banter, wit and sheer daftness of the ongoing chatter at an airsoft game!” I have to admit that when I asked the question initially, I hadn’t thought about the enormous part that a good sense of humour (equally allied to a good sense of fair play!) brings to any airsoft adventure! Over the years the ability to laugh at my own shortcomings has served me well but there’s also that dark part of my psyche that rejoices in the moment when calamity befalls one of my friends… Laughing with your mates on an airsoft day is all part of the game isn’t it and as long as you take it equally well when it’s dished back to you when you do something memorably, stupendously stupid (and we all do!), then it’s all good. For me there are two simple pieces of kit that always go into a pocket or a pouch, although one is usually worn all the time. In my pocket in the winter I always carry a pair of

“Thinny Gloves” from outdoor brand Extremities. I bought my first pair of these in my climbing days and they’ve saved my pinkies from getting frozen on

many an occasion I can tell you! The other item is my BUFF neck-wrap/headover and, in fact, I own a heap of these in different plain colours and camo patterns. It protects my neck from the cold and BB strikes and equally serves to soak up sweat in the hot months of the year when worn as an over-the-head-bandanna. It’s a cheap and versatile bit of gear that I quite literally don’t leave home without!

The bottom line is that if you have a bit of kit that you like, then use it. If it works for you then there is no better reason to carry it or wear it or have it in your gear! Sometimes it’s the simplest, cheapest bit of gear in the world that can make all the difference to you enjoying your day and I hope that in years to come you’ll be able to point to your favourite and say fondly of it, “That was with me when I first started playing airsoft!” AA

“IF IT WORKS FOR YOU THEN THERE IS NO BETTER REASON TO CARRY IT OR WEAR IT OR HAVE IT IN YOUR GEAR! SOMETIMES IT’S THE SIMPLEST, CHEAPEST BIT OF GEAR IN THE WORLD THAT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO YOU ENJOYING YOUR DAY AND I HOPE THAT IN YEARS TO COME YOU’LL BE ABLE TO POINT TO YOUR FAVOURITE AND SAY FONDLY OF IT, “THAT WAS WITH ME WHEN I FIRST STARTED PLAYING AIRSOFT!”” 62

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last post MOVING FORWARDS... SLOWLY!

MOVING FORWARDS... SLOWLY!

FOLLOWING A BURST OF ACTIVITY WHEN IT SEEMED LIKE UK AIRSOFT WAS ABOUT TO RETURN, FRENCHIE PONDERS THE RESULT AND HOW THINGS ARE NOW MOVING FORWARDS.

ow do you write about airsoft in a year largely without airsoft? With some difficulty I must confess. After a minor amount of “HooHah” in the UK airsoft scene, following attempts to reopen some sites early and to run national games on others – swiftly scotched in the face of vocally hostile opinion - it has all gone sensible. Site have reopened, slowly, trying to make the best of a poor situation. Some have taken the opportunity of forced closure to clean up and rebuild features. For example, I’m delighted to see that “Players of War” have resurrected their “Train Station”, a feature of their original site, lost when they were forced to move some years ago. I have some happy memories of fighting around that. I had a chat with Beth Hannigan, who along with her husband Ernie, have run the site in central Scotland for 12 years. I wanted to find out whether or not reopening had been problematic. Her short answer was “no, not really” but it quickly emerged that local and national authorities had been less than helpful. Whether that was a lack of information on their part, or whether no-one wanted to make a decision, I leave up to your preference for “cock-up versus conspiracy” world view. In the end, Beth felt she had to make her own decision and although she consulted with the local authority as she put it, “The Council didn’t disagree with my argument, so gave us the go-ahead to proceed, simply because they couldn’t say no either”. She had written to the Scottish Government in May and they finally deigned to reply a week ago, referring her to Sport Scotland who, of course, had no idea whatsoever about airsoft! It is difficult to work out the closest equivalent sport; rugby and football probably have more contact, golf, less. Surprisingly, numbers 64

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on site have been good, possibly better than before lockdown. Even though the site has been confident enough to raise the limit to 60 players, those places have consistently sold out within 24 hours of being made available, with a “wait list” running in case of cancellations. POW implemented all the measures you would expect:- pre-booking only, number initially restricted to 40 players, hand sanitiser available, no cash handling, social distancing in the safe-zone and car park. Since all players have to sign up online anyway, implementing a track and trace system wasn’t a problem. Beth has the impression that some players have used the whole exercise to re-evaluate how and where they play and are trying new sites. Given that the pandemic has given us all too much time (well, most of us) they have had the opportunity to work on the site, doing all the maintenance and building that you sometimes struggle to complete when you also have to work for a proper living. That has no doubt added to the

LAST POST MOVING FORWARDS... SLOWLY!

positive experience of both new and existing players. I don’t know how players deal with socially distanced cover and I suspect that they are left to be responsible for that themselves. I do know, because I asked, that POW have changed their medic rules so that they require no contact between players, being either a fallback rule, or a respawn. It’s just another of the myriad of considerations that have to be considered. From my brief conversations this year with Scott Allan of Landwarrior Airsoft and Airsoft Edinburgh (the site), it’s apparent that he has gone through many of the same hoops. Speak to authorities… speak to Health and Safety Executive… speak to the Scottish Government… get conflicting advice… try and work out where there might be room to operate safely again. His precautions are almost identical to Beth’s but that is hardly a surprise given that they are trying to deal with the same problems.

As far as I know (and these could be famous last words), there have been no instances of Covid transmission associated with sites reopening, indeed hanging out in other people’s homes and getting wasted down the pub would seem to pose a far greater risk, as if any of us could have guessed! Ultimately, airsoft sites will return to something much more akin to their pre-pandemic operation, if only because the rest of the world will have to as well. Whether we all benefit from a vaccine or Covid is something we all learn to live with, only time will tell. It’s been a slow process and given the reluctance shown by many to return to their “Covid secure” workplaces, we may well see a slow uptake of player spaces on site, although the experience at Players of War might suggest otherwise. That’s difficult to judge because with limited places available on sites, we might get a false sense of enthusiasm for getting back to gaming because those limits are being met quickly. We have no way of knowing whether there are lots of players who want to play but simply cannot get a place. Airsoft is as affected by the pandemic as all other aspects of life and it’ll be a while yet before we can

look back as say exactly how and what extent it has suffered as a result. Given the government’s series of screeching U-turns on extended restrictions I don’t think we will see a true return to pre-pandemic conditions for some time. On the upside, we can play should we choose to, albeit not as easily as we used to; that is something to be grateful for. Like the rest of 2020, airsoft feels like it’s existed in a state of suspended animation and the undoubted economic woes will have some knock-on effect. As a country I doubt we have seen the worst of the post-furlough job losses and these will probably feed back into the airsoft industry. We saw the results of the 2008 crash hit the retail side of airsoft about a year or so after it happened, there is no reason to think that something similar won’t happen after all of this. I’m really not trying to be depressing, although you might be forgiven for thinking otherwise! It’s not like this year has been one to fire anyone with great enthusiasm – at some point in the future I think we will all sort of wake up, look at the preceding year and collectively go “WTF?!” Airsoft is not immune to events in wider society, although its relatively modest size compared to other industries probably shields it from the worst effects. On a positive note, despite its churn rate of players, airsoft exists because players are nothing if not enthusiastic about their pastime and there’s nothing like a dose of enthusiasm for keeping things moving forward! I hope that the worst is behind us and while there will be bumps in the metaphorical road to be negotiated, we can all look forward to a future full of firefights of the absolute best kind! My thanks to Beth & Ernie of POW for the use of the images. AA

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