29 minute read
ARMOURY: SOPMOD
PROGRAM-BASED E R F E C T I O N
OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS AIRSOFT ACTION HAS COVERED SOME OF THE BEST AEG AND GBBR RELEASES TO HAVE ARRIVED ON THE MARKET, BUT IT IS BEYOND DOUBT THAT THE “AR/M4-STYLE” IS THE BIGGEST WINNER AMONGST PLAYERS. TO CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY THOUGH, BILL BRINGS IN A SPECIAL REPORT THAT LOOKS BOTH BACK - AND FORWARD - TO TALK ABOUT THE SOPMOD PROGRAM THAT HAS TURNED THE BASIC M4A1 INTO A WEAPONS SYSTEM FOR THE ELITE WARFIGHTER!
For more than ten years my job has been airsoft - and I live and breathe it every day! In that time I’ve written reviews on new AEGs and GBBs every month and EVERY SINGLE MONTH I seem to see a new “M4” hit the market! Now, in truth, the M4A1 is a very specific beast and although there are now some very good replicas of the military carbine, most “M4s” that I see are actually not, they are models based on the “AR” system. Yes, most have been amazing AEGs and GBBRs but they are NOT an M4A1!
However, virtually every airsoft manufacturer on the planet produces a “replica” based on the Colt carbine - and some are actually very accurate replications. If you take a look at some airsoft manufacturers, not only do they offer one “M4 style” but, in some cases, they have an entire range of them. It’s no wonder then, that if you visit any airsoft site anywhere in the world you’ll find the majority of players using some kind of “M4”, even if it is an “AR” rather than a true M4. Indeed, my very first replica was a “springer M4”, which was consigned to the great armourer in the sky many, many moons ago!
I’ve personally always been into replicas of different and unusual models of firearm but, even so, there have been “M4s” that have come and gone within my armoury. For specific loadouts the M4 is the only carbine which is appropriate, but I have to admit that having fired the real 5.56mm M4 and its .223 semi-auto civilian siblings (on many occasions), it’s often been a replica that I have shied away from as the AEG versions have left me wanting more.
With gas itself becoming more stable and efficient though, many manufacturers have been looking more seriously at gas blowback replicas, with a number of different “open bolt” gas-powered rifles and carbines available and, these days, reliable. This year I’ve been taking a very close look at these models and have come away being very impressed with just how far the gas replicas have moved on since I first encountered them; gone are the magazines that vent as soon as the temperature drops a degree or two and in have come features that make them as close to the “real deal” as they can possibly be. However, to put things in perspective (before I get into “SOPMOD”), we first need to look at why the M4 has become so popular.
Following the adoption of the M16 rifle during the Vietnam War, it soon became apparent that a shorter, carbine length version would be useful for vehicle and helicopter crews, and for special operations units. Although there were forerunners, the Colt Model 607 was the first attempt to produce a proper carbine which had both a reduced barrel length and, in this case, a somewhat intricate collapsible stock. However, these carbines had design issues; as the barrel length was drastically reduced so too was range and accuracy. The short barrel also led to a massive muzzle flash and blast, so that an oversized flash suppressor had to be fitted.
The Mod 607 was the very first “Colt Commando”, although it was very quickly followed by the improved Model 609 (the Model 608 was a specifically designed survival carbine for aviators) or “XM177E1” to give it the correct military designation. The Model 609 went into production in late 1966 and continued production until early 1967. The 10-inch barrel on the Model 609 would prove to have reliability and accuracy problems too and it was later phased
out and replaced by the Colt Model 629 (XM177E2). This was basically the same carbine with an 11.5 inch barrel and an improved flash hider, which would allow a grenade launcher or “Masterkey” shotgun package to be installed (possibly the earliest incarnation of a modular system of accessories for a basic military carbine… more on that later!).
This 1960s’ veteran stayed in service with special units of the US military for a considerable time and in fact, if you look at some of the images of the guys in the Personal Security Detail for General “Stormin” Norman Schwarzkopf during “Desert Shield” and “Desert Storm”, you’ll see that they still carry XMs’!
By 1988 Colt had already begun work on a new carbine design called the XM4, combining the best features of the Colt Commando and M16A2 rifles. The XM4 was given a longer 14.5-inch barrel with the M16A2’s 1:7inch rifle twist in order to use the heavier 62-grain M855 rounds. The extended barrel improved the XM4’s ballistics and reduced muzzle blast even further. The XM4 was also given the M16A2’s improved rear sight and cartridge deflector. In 1994 the U.S. military officially accepted the XM4 into service as the M4 carbine, to replace M16A2s in certain roles. M4s were fielded by troops in positions where a full-length rifle would be too bulky, including vehicle operators and squad leaders.
Designed specifically for lightweight mobility, speed of target acquisition and potent firepower capability, the M4 delivered on all counts. It could be comfortably carried yet be instantly available to provide the level of firepower, dependability and accuracy of a 5.56mm rifle. Proven in military combat operations all over the world, it is in a class by itself as a first-rate combat weapon system. The Colt M4 Carbine serves as the United States Armed Forces’ weapon of choice and the weapon of the 21st century warfighter worldwide.
In April 2012, the U.S. Army announced its intention to buy over 120,000 M4A1 carbines in addition to their initial order of 37,000, to start reequipping frontline units from the original M4 to the new, even further improved M4A1 version. In October 2015, Commandant Robert Neller formally approved of making the M4 carbine the primary weapon for all infantry battalions, security forces and supporting schools in the U.S. Marine Corps. The switch began in early 2016 and today the M4 is used by the entire US Armed Forces!
SOPMOD
By the time those original M4 carbines started being issued to regular line units, of course it had been in the hands of the “Spec Ops” community for FAR longer! You can easily find most of the information online these days in open source but if you’re looking at the M4 specifically, then the Special Operations Peculiar MODification (SOPMOD) program to provide the elite warfighter with a truly modular weapons platform “dates back to September 1989, when the Special Operations Special Technology (SOST) Modular Close Combat Carbine Project was founded. The Material Need Statement (MNS) was signed on May 1992, and by September 1993, the Operational Requirements Document (ORD) for the program was validated. Responsibility for the program was then assigned to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division.”
For those that know only of the “SOPMOD or CRANE” stock fitted to many AEGS, it may interest you to know that the Naval Support Activity Crane (NSA Crane) is, amongst other things, the home of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). NSA Crane was originally established in 1941 under the Bureau of Ordnance as the Naval Ammunition Depot for production, testing, and storage of ordnance under the first supplemental Defense Appropriation Act. The base is actually the third largest naval installation in the world by geographic area and employs approximately 3,300 people!
Whilst personnel at NSA Crane do a lot of “interesting jobs”, it’s the work done there on the SOPMOD program that most interests me - and us - as Crane produced (what would essentially become) the “blueprint” for what we now refer to as the “Blocks”: 1, 2, and now 3 (or I, II, and III if you prefer)! In original documents now in the public domain that date back to the early 2000’s, it is clearly stated by those clever people at Crane that:
“The SOPMOD Program Management Office (PMO) at NSWC Crane, IN, will provide standardized, versatile weapons accessories to meet needs across SOF mission scenarios. These accessories will increase operator survivability and lethality by enhanced
weapon performance, target acquisition, signature suppression, and fire control. SOPMOD PMO will provide these accessories when they are operationally suitable, affordable, sustainable, and funded.”
Under “SOPMOD ORD 5 - Core Small Arms” it was stated that the main program core recipients would be the M4A1 and the M203 grenade launcher but it went on to encompass (as “annexes”) models such as the SCAR, CQBR (Mark 18), MK46 LMG/ M249 SAW Machineguns, MK48/ M240-N/M240/ M240-B Machineguns, M14 and Mark 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, Mk-19 40mm Launcher, M2-HB .50 Cal Machinegun, M72 LAAW, AT4-CS, MAAWS, MK11, MK12, MK13, & MK15 Sniper Rifles, M-24 Sniper Rifle - and even the AK-47/AK74 Series Assault Rifle!
BLOCK 1
Crane analysed the “capabilities” needed, especially those required by dedicated Special Operations and Special Forces units operating in small teams and documented that these “capabilities” needed to encompass a family of modular weapons accessories that could be added to the basic M4 and M4A1 and would enable even a small team of highly trained operators to REALLY punch above their weight!
To achieve this, the first “BLOCK” or group of modular enhancements to the basic infantry “M4” was born, with the stated aim of creating “Platform Mods and Phased Replacements”. The components for this (the list is now also easily available in the public domain if you look for it!) included all of the following: • Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) Rail Interface System (RIS) forearm • KAC’s vertical foregrip • KAC’s backup iron sight (BUIS) • Trijicon’s Model TA01NSN 4x32mm Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) • ECOS-N optical sight (a variant of the Aimpoint CompM2) • Tactical Ordnance and Equipment Improved combat sling which allows for secure cross body/patrol carry. • PRI Bracket mount for AN/PVS-14 night vision • In addition to these elements the “BLOCK 1 KIT” also included (in limited issue numbers): • Insight Technology’s AN/PEQ-2 Infrared Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser (ITPIAL) • Insight Technology’s Visible Light Illuminator (VLI) • Trijicon’s Model RX01M4A1 reflex sight • KAC’s quick-detach sound suppressor (QDSS) • KAC’s quick-attach M203 grenade launcher mount • Quick-attach sight for use with the M203 • M203 with a 9-inch barrel • Insight Technology’s AN/PEQ-5 visible laser sight • AN/PVS-17A mini-night vision sight • AN/PSQ-18A M203 night sight
Although this provides a great list to work from if you want to create a really good “early model SOPMOD M4”, it is by no means exhaustive. As an ongoing program, even within the “BLOCK 1” auspices, there have been numerous changes, additions and enhancements seen in the wild, such as the EoTech 551 and 552 optics, the Crane (Sloping Cheekweld) Stock , the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System and the M320 grenade launcher (remember
what I said
about that Nam era “Masterkey”!). Basically, the SOPMOD kit allows for the
attachment of any rail-compatible accessory so, within reason, anything goes but for a proper “BLOCK1” build I’d stick reasonably closely to the list above!
BLOCK “1.5” and 2
Staying with the Crane documentation, the next part of the program entered new territory and could be described as “BLOCK 1.5” (as they were really a continuation of the original) or, as Crane puts it, “Block II - New and Combined Capabilities”. These continuations and “phased replacements” included upgrades and modifications that, for the first time, saw the program deviate from “drop-in” rail solutions in favour of the Daniel Defense M4A1 RIS II and RIS II FSP, full-length handguards using a gas block without a front sight. They also included the Insight Technology M3X Tactical Illuminator (SU-233/PVS), Insight Technology M6X Tactical Laser Illuminator (SU238/PVS), EOTech 553 HOLO Weapon Sight (SU-231/ PVS), Trijicon ACOG TA01 ECOS 4x Scope (SU-237/ PVS), AN/PVS-17 Product Improvement Kit and BUIS II “irons”.
As things moved forward to full-blown “BLOCK 2”, then once again a pretty definitive list became apparent and once again this is easily found online but I’ll add it here for ease. • The “BLOCK 2” kit includes: • Insight Technology LA-5/PEQ • Insight Technology CNVD-T Thermal Sight (SU-232/PAS) • L3EOTech 553 (SU231/ PEQ) • L3EOTech XPS3-0 (FDE) Holographic Sight • L3-EOTech G33 (Tan Anodized/FDE) Magnifier • Raytheon Company Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x Scope (SU-230/PVS) • Trijicon ACOG + Docter RDS (SU-237/PVS Sight Unit) • AN/PVS-24 Night Vision Device • Daniel Defense RIS II Series (FSP/Non FSP/GL, FDE) • Insight M3X Light (SU-233/PVS Gun Light) • Insight WMX200 Gun Light • WSC (Weapon shot counter) • LMT® SOPMOD Gen 1/2 Stock (The Gen1 buttstock does not have the QD sling connector, so slings were attached through the slats in the back and tied on; Later, LMT introduced the Gen 2 stock that had the connector.) • KAC Front Sight • KAC Micro Rear BUIS • Tango Down VFG • KAC “Broomhandle” VFG
“I’VE BEEN… …VERY IMPRESSED WITH JUST HOW FAR THE GAS REPLICAS HAVE MOVED ON SINCE I FIRST ENCOUNTERED THEM; GONE ARE THE MAGAZINES THAT VENT AS SOON AS THE TEMPERATURE
DROPS A DEGREE OR TWO AND IN HAVE COME FEATURES THAT MAKE THEM AS CLOSE TO THE “REAL DEAL” AS THEY CAN POSSIBLY BE.”
The “Weapons Shot Counter” is an interesting development in this list, as this actually dates back to the Crane “overview” of 2006. This pistol-griplocated-device enables unit armourers to determine the number of rounds fired through an individual platform which, in turn, minimizes catastrophic parts failures and malfunctions in combat, leading to greater reliability… or as Crane so delicately put it:
“If His (the operators) Gun Fails in Combat, He and His Companions May Die or Lose the Fight. Worst Failure is a Catastrophic Breakage of Parts That Could Have Been Replaced, such as a Bolt, Leading to a Jammed Weapon That Is Not Repairable During a Firefight. Second Worse Failure Is a Burned Out Barrel, Making a Hit on His Enemy Unlikely”
Of course, this last is not really very useful for airsoft purposes but it certainly gives an insight into what efforts are made to keep a real operator’s personal weapon fit for the fight!
You could go into gathering all the parts you need to build a “BLOCK 2” model for airsoft but the fact is that you can now buy something VERY similar straight off the shelf at your local store, and one great
example of this is the BOLT B4 SOPMOD Block 2.
This model, from one of my favourite AEG manufacturers, is based off their excellent MK18 platform but with the 12” rail system and is built to an exceptionally high standard that really captures the essence of an “operator’s rifle”. Externally everything looks fabulous with the outer barrel, rail system, receivers, buffer tube and controls put together using a combo of high-grade alloys and steel which gives a great weight and “heft”. Nylon Fibre has been used where you’d find polymer the very highest standard with first rate materials, but with the tried and tested BRSS recoil system gives you a nice bit of “felt recoil” too! If this is something that you like without following the GBBR route, then the BOLT is going to really tick all your boxes when it comes to a great looking “BLOCK 2 AR” that’s good to go from the box, plus, as BOLT collaborate with EMG in U.S.A. to obtain the authorization for the original Daniel Defense body and rail, you even get all the cool “trades”… totally legit!
MK18 BLOCKS
I’d be remiss here if I didn’t look at the Mk18 as this too is really a part of the Crane
Program of “M4 enhancements”. I’ve said it before, but I believe the Mk18 was, and is, the “unsung hero” of the Naval Special Warfare program! Even shorter-barrelled than the M4A1 SOPMOD carbines with a 10.3 in (262 mm) barrel, the upper receiver was designated the Close Quarters Battle Receiver (CQBR), while the entire weapon system was designated the Mk 18 by the United States Navy and became a common sight amongst the USN VBSS units, NCIS, and USN SEALs.
The purpose of the original Mod 0 CQBR was to provide operators with a weapon of compact size, but one still capable of firing a rifle cartridge, intended for urban warfare and other close quarters battle (CQB) situations. However, as one of two proposed “special mission receivers” that were planned for inclusion into the SOPMOD Block II kit, the CQBR proved incredibly popular amongst its users. The CQBR has been pretty much owned by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division following the CQBR’s removal from the SOPMOD program and the complete CQBR-equipped carbine was type-classified as the “M4A1 CQB/R Block II”.
The Mk18 Mod 1 differs from the earlier Mk 18 Mod 0, in that it again utilizes the Daniel Defense RIS II free-float rail system, often with a low-profile gas block. As with the M4/M4A1 Block II, the Mark
on
the real
deal, namely the
pistol
grip and sliding stock and this is also of great quality, adding to the overall “feel” of the replica. Internally things are rear-wired but, as the BRSS recoil system takes up most of the buffer tube space, the battery needs to sit alongside in the stock itself and I’ve found that a stick LiPo works best for this; no more trying to juggle bloody wires with a “Crane Nunchuk Battery” these days! To fit a battery all you need to do is pull backwards on the stock pad until it comes out and push it back into place when your battery is fitted. The tidy VLTOR Style Stock also features a QD socket for a quick release sling and a sling plate is included as standard. Underneath the steel flash hider is a 14mm CCW thread so you can easily fit a nice Surefire suppressor should you wish.
This is a cracking replica which is not only built to
18 Mod 1 was a product of the SOPMOD Block II program which had its own parts list and again I quote from information in the public domain: • Insight Technology LA-5/PEQ, L3-EOTech 553 (SU-231/PEQ) • L3-EOTech XPS3-0 (FDE) Holographic Sight • L3-EOTech G33 (Tan Anodized/FDE) Magnifier • Raytheon Company Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x Scope (SU-230/PVS) • Trijicon Acog + Docter RDS (SU-237/PVS Sight Unit) • AN/PVS-24 Night Vision Device • Insight M3X Light (SU-233/PVS Gun Light) • Insight WMX200 Gun Light • LMT SOPMOD Gen 1/2 Stock • KAC Front and rear sights • Tango Down and KAC Foregrips
There’s a little confusion though, as, for some reason, Daniel Defense also made the decision to call the RIS II the “Mk18”! It’s beyond doubt that the RIS II was designed at the request of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for the Block II program, as they had a specific requirement for a free float M203 solution and Daniel Defense responded, designing a revolutionary product to meet the government’s and user’s need. However, this does cloud the entire “Mk18” story a little and that’s why I’ve spent some time here explaining things!
If you fancy an “off the shelf” Mk18 then, as I’ve covered relatively recently, you’ve got GREAT choices for both AEG and GBBR. If you love the gas route, then go no further than the VFC Mk18 MOD1 GBBR, as it’s a fabulous thing! Essentially the VFC is as close to the real deal as you’ll find in airsoft form and everything is nailed down to look and feel exactly as it would on the real thing, including the operating system. Internally the gun runs the latest VFC GBBR system, making it extremely efficient, while the internal construction also ensures added durability as well, providing a recoil impulse that is solid and consistent, which makes the shooting experience fun and immersive. Like my SR-16, it has a full-travel “bolt carrier group (BCG)” and this replicates exactly the operation of the military carbine, so your drills need to be 100% the same. For instance, the VFC magazines only hold 30 BBs, so your reloads need to be on point. In relation to magazines, the grey STANAG style provided is also the latest version from VFC, with no visible valve on the base, which adds to the “real feel” overall. This version is even more reliable and will go through more BBs with less cooldown if you do decide to go crazy in full auto - this is a “gasser” where you can actually do that without the whole deal venting! Bottom line, I guess, is that I bought a VFC Mk18 GBBR myself as I already own their SR-16 GBBR, and yup, you better believe I have, as the Mk18 is “of its time and place” and quite apart from that, it’s a darn fine airsoft gun! Although my days of hard charging “Zero Dark Thirty” style play may be on the decline, I still love an AR with a “soul” and the Mk18 GBBR has a very big soul. Add to this that it’s also a fine training tool, it’s reliable and accurate, and you have a package that’s sure to delight you every time you pick it up, and that’s a more-than-good enough reason to own one!
However, if AEG is your preferred choice, then the Daniel Defense Mk18 SA-E19 EDGE that’s being offered to us by Specna Arms is a great model to look at! This has been in the Red Cell Test Pool for a while now and still continues to delight us. Running stock from the box it’s yet to let me down in any way. There are no frills, no bells and no whistles, just a solidly made short AR AEG that’s immediately ready to BB-up and get out onto the field with.
The Mk18 has been manufactured in cooperation with EMG Arms in the USA and every part of it appears to have been made and fitted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Internally the Mk18 is what I have come to expect from Specna Arms and for a “stock gun” that’s top notch! Inside you get a precision 6.03 inner barrel that provides accuracy from the get-go, both on first and followup shots; this barrel works in tandem with the rotary Hop-Up that allows for very precise adjustment of the BB spin. The carbine also features a factory-fitted X-ASR GATE Mosfet and the ORION gearbox which is rated to work with springs up M140. As well as the gearbox itself, you’ll find a reinforced polymer piston with steel teeth, aluminium air-sealed nozzle, aluminium double air-sealed cylinder head, aluminium double air-sealed piston head with bearings, a set of steel gears and 8.mm bearings.
I have to say that the Mk18 AEG has definitely rekindled my love for all things NSW in ANY game. It looks great, feels great and shoots excellently. So as far as I can see, Specna Arms and EMG have got this very, very right and I look forward to seeing what they do with that Daniel Defense licence next, although with very little effort I believe the Mk18 will make a superb base for very passable “Team Six” carbine!
BLOCK 3
Heading back again to that very informative briefing document from Crane, “BLOCK 3” is, as they say, all about “Emerging Capabilities” and a big part of this is the Upper Receiver Group, Improved (URG-I). Whilst not having so much fanfare with all the addon goodies, the “BLOCK 3” setup appears to be as follows: • Colt M4 Receiver • Daniel Defense 14.5” CHF barrel with midlength gas system, also available in 10.3” with carbine length gas system • Daniel Defense pinned gas block • Geissele Mk16 Super Modular Handguard in Desert Dirt Camo • Geissele Airborne charging handle in Desert Dirt Camo • Colt M16 BCG • Surefire 4-prong flash hider
The Upper Receiver Group, Improved or URG-I initiative was launched by the United States military to refresh rifles used by some of its units that had been using similar platforms from the “Block program”. The URG-I is designed to upgrade the current Mk18 and SOPMOD Block 2 versions of the M4 and boasts improvements over its predecessors, such as an updated M-LOK handguard, charging handles, a suppressor-compatible flash hider and new barrel. Available with both 14.5” and 10.3” rail systems, the URG-I has been designed to provide users with a lightened upper receiver
which provides increased parts life whilst maintaining
modularity with accessories previously provided as part of the overall SOPMOD program. Though primarily issued to USASOC personnel, the URG-I has now been spotted in the wild with a number of USSOCOM elements.
Now you may think that as the “BLOCK 3” is still not so commonly seen, that it would be difficult to replicate in airsoft form but the fact is you can already have one, in both lengths from VFC in AEG or GBBR form, or as an NGRS AEG from Tokyo
Marui! However, much as I do love my VFCs,
I was recently given the opportunity to try a
GHK M4 URG-I GBBR and I have to say it’s as awesome as their AKs!
This lovely 10.3” short-barrelled “M4” has really taken my fancy as it has authorized COLT engraving (via Cybergun this time) on the receiver and some super Geiselle trades on the Super Modular Rail (SMR)! It feels great, weighing in at 2980g, and the overall length of 715mm-800mm suits me perfectly for a CQBtool. If you are more of a regular carbine than a shorty-soul though, there’s also a 14.5” version at a similar weight that comes in at 820mm905mm.
BOTH LENGTHS FROM VFC IN AEG OR
GBBR FORM, OR AS AN NGRS AEG
FROM TOKYO MARUI! ”
Everywhere you look there is attention to detail; the M-LOK system is beautifully finished and apart from the trades and the low-profile gas block inside it, the colour is a very close mimic to the new “Desert Dirt” colour of the real deal. This is a far more muted tone than FDE and I have to say I rather like it. The “Geissele Airborne” charging handle is also fabulously replicated and is finished “Desert Dirt” too. Overall it is simply stunning - from the “Crane Stock” right up to the four-prong flash hider at the sharp end. Inside I’m told that the URG-I benefits from a CNC heattreated V2 all-steel bolt carrier, along with a V2 new magnetic bolt lock set improve the system stability
The URG-I comes with a thirty-six BB “polymerstyle” magazine and a speedloader with which to fill it, and it’s solid and heavy as obviously there’s a lot going on with the gas valves and the like. The open bolt system in this carbine makes the operation pretty much identical to the real thing, in that you must cock the rifle before you fire. Once the magazine has been emptied the bolt locks to the rear and when you insert a fresh, fully loaded magazine you need to hit the bolt release to let it slam forward again - just like the “real deal”. Please note that, once again like the real world counterpart, you cannot engage the safety until the carbine is cocked; trying to force the fire selector into the safe position with an un-cocked rifle could lead to damage!
In operation the GHK is an absolute cracker and if you’re buying it as a training tool then you’ll need to do absolutely nothing to it, other than charge the magazines with green gas and load up your BBs. I tested using .20g BBs and Vorsk V8 gas and got an average of 1.07 Joule/341fps which is more than enough for me!
The GHK URG-I retails for UK£430 and I have to say that it’s absolutely amazing value for an up-tothe-minute spec ops-style GBBR. If you’re looking for a training tool to keep your skills and drills up to date then it works perfectly for that. If you’re in need of a base gun for a full SOPMOD build that’s fully compatible with “real steel” accessories, it’s a real contender. For skirmishing I’d say that it is absolutely in prime “MilSim” territory, although (given the accuracy) I’d also say that you could definitely hold your own at a general weekend skirmish game if you’re doing things right. I think it’s a complete gem of an airsoft replica and certainly one of the closest I’ve ever come across to the real thing!
To round things off, I would just say that I hope that you find the information included in this article informative and useful. Whilst most of the details, especially the “Parts Lists”, are easy enough to find these days, I hope that including them here makes this a bit of a “one stop shop” if you’re thinking of really building a really great SOPMOD M4 replica.
If you’re into UKSF then you’re of course wanting to get yourself an Archwick L119A2 or create one yourself, but if you’re into “SEALs or DELTA”, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, then you’re going to want a SOPMOD M4. Whether you choose to buy an “off the shelf” model such as those mentioned here or collect the parts and build a “custom”, I wish you the very best of luck. I sincerely hope that yours will last you just as long as my old “BLOCK 1” has lasted me, and that the airsoft adventures you have with it are as memorable as mine!
It only remains for me to say a big “THANK YOU!” to all of you for sticking with Airsoft Action over the last 10 YEARS and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens next with the SOPMOD program; perhaps I’ll update this in another ten years and see where we’ve got to!
If you’d like to REALLY get under the skin of some righteous airsoft SOPMOD builds, then I’d thoroughly recommend that your check out https:// thereptilehouseblog.com as this is a real fount of all things “SF”!
My sincere thanks though go to everyone that’s been involved with helping me create this article; thanks to Tom at www.nuprol.com for the loan of the BOLT B4 SOPMOD Block 2 AEG, to Danny at www.uk.redwolfairsoft.com and my main man, Ray, at www.vegaforce.com for access to the VFC Mk18 GBBR and the VFC URG-I AEG, Pawel at www. gunfire.com for supplying the Daniel Defense Mk18 SA-E19 EDGE and to Tim at www.iwholesales.co.uk for providing access to the GHK M4 URG-I GBBR. It’s been a pleasure working with all of you in the last few years, and I look forward to MANY more to come! AA
NATIONAL AIRSOFT FESTIVAL 2021
TEN YEARS AGO NIGE HEADED DOWN TO “THE NATIONAL AIRSOFT EVENT” TO LAUNCH A NEW MAGAZINE CALLED “AIRSOFT ACTION” AND NOW THE AA CREW HEAD ON DOWN TO THE UK’S NEW FOREST TO CHECK IN AT THE NATIONAL AIRSOFT FESTIVAL EACH YEAR, TO FIND OUT WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING WITH FRIENDS OLD AND NEW AT A THOROUGHLY CONVIVIAL EVENT THAT’S ALL ABOUT THE AIRSOFT ...AND AFTER THE LAST YEAR, THERE WAS A LOT TO TALK ABOUT!
With player numbers traditionally in the thousands, The National Airsoft Festival is the UK’s largest airsoft event and this year’s gathering was even more highly anticipated as it was the first big game “post-lockdown”. However, its significance for us at the magazine was even greater, as it was here ten years ago that we launched Airsoft Action!
When he wrote his review of the event back in Issue 2, Nige said: “If the sound of 1,600 voices shouting “Hurrah!”, followed by 1,600 guns firing into the air doesn’t make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, I suggest you check that you still have a pulse!”
Since then, Airsoft Action has been present at all but one event and we have seen (what was then called) The National Airsoft Event become de-rigueur for airsofters Europe-wide, with players travelling from across the continent to enjoy not only the wide-ranging gameplay, but also the incredible social atmosphere created when thousands of airsofters get together! Of course, this year’s event was tempered by the travel restrictions still in place due to C-19 and the fact that the event itself was in doubt until the middle of July (when restrictions were thankfully lifted in the UK) but for those 1800-plus players who did make it this year, we were treated to a fabulous weekend – both on and off the field of play!
Over the years I have reported from the NAF we have seen it grow into more than “just another game of airsoft” …into something really special. Yes, the gameplay is great fun and, given the sheer size and scale of the Ground Zero Airsoft site (where the event is held), wide-ranging and as challenging as you choose to make it, but there is just something “special” about it that raises it to a whole new level. From the moment players start arriving on Friday morning to check in and get their player number and wristband, the atmosphere starts
