In the last issue Stewbacca assessed the WE L85A2 GBBR and how it stacked up to his experiences of weapons handling training, but what of the classic bolt action No.8 .22LR training rifle, and its forebears? He got his hands on G&G’s latest gas powered No Mk.I offering to see if the old chap has been given any new tricks compared to the sudden influx of alternatives.

CONTENTS

WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

ISSUE 142 - OCTOBER 2022 ISSN 2634-9515 8 ARMOURY: G&G No.4 Mk.I SMLE

In the last issue Stewbacca assessed the WE L85A2 GBBR and how it stacked up to his experiences of weapons handling training, but what of the classic bolt action No.8 .22LR training rifle, and its forebears? He got his hands on G&G’s latest gas powered No.4 Mk.I offering to see if the old chap has been given any new tricks compared to the sudden influx of alternatives.

Editorial Director: Bill Thomas Graphic Design: Calibre Publishing Ad Design: Deadshot Design Publisher: Calibre Publishing

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18 ARMOURY: ARES L42A1

ARES have really been rolling out their historical bolt-action program as we’ve detailed in past issues, but their latest release takes things forward into the heart of the Cold War era! Bill takes a very close look at the L42A1, a rifle model that he adores, and finds out if it lives up to its hefty airsoft price-tag!

28 ARMOURY: SAIGO DEFENSE KYUDO

Saigo Defense are a still relative newcomer to airsoft but they appear to have gained a healthy following amongst players with their aggressively-styled, well-priced, and competitively-specced AEGs, but in keeping with our theme this month Bill has been getting some rangetime with their latest model, the KYUDO boltaction!

36 ARMOURY REAL SWORD SVD RETROSPECTIVE

Amongst the Airsoft Action crew we have a number of dedicated OPFOR players, and in recognition of its well-earned standing in airsoft circles Dan and Stewbacca put their heads together to take a look back at one of the most respected 6mm “Dragunov” marksman rifles to have been made, the mighty, and now rare, Real Sword SVD!

OCTOBER 2022

42 THE CAGE: BATTLEFIELD ROLES

It’s time for a big new sequence for discussion amongst the members of the AA Legion, and in the next few issues we’ll be casting the net a little wider as we look at different roles within a coherent airsoft team, and the kit that you need to perform those roles not just adequately, but effectively!

74 TECH: BOLT ACTION UPGRADES

When it comes to the subject of upgrading bolt-action rifles, this arena can be just as in-depth and complex as it is for upgrading AEG’s. The plethora of options, systems, and platforms available is extensive, and it’s easy to get “lost in the woods” trying to figure out your avenue of approach, so Dan simplifies things a little to give some pointers in getting the best “bang for your buck”!

50 RED CELL: PLAYING THE LONG GAME

What do YOU look for when it comes to a “precision airsoft rifle”, and what do WE mean by that? Within Red Cell we have members who have searched long and hard for the best “long gun” and some of those rifles are veterans of numerous games with a healthy “kill count” notched on their stocks! This month Red Cell take a look at many that have already undergone some rigorous testing both in-game and on the range!

80 AA LEGION UK: NAF 2022

Each and every year the AA crew head on down to the New Forest to check in at the National Airsoft Festival (NAF) to find out what’s been happening with friends old and new at a thoroughly convivial event that’s ALWAYS all about the airsoft, and with numbers maxed out for NAF 2022 we’re delighted to report on an airsoft event that is truly unique, and continues to thrill in many, many ways!

66 KIT & GEAR: MAGNIFIED OPTICS

This month we’ve decided to get into “long guns” and of course a crucial part of this setup is choosing the right optic to sit on top of your favoured precision rifle. With the vast experience amongst some of the seasoned members of Red Cell and The Legion factored in Bill quite literally takes a look at some of his favourite options that may suit you too!

70 TECH: HPA RIFLE BUILD

Keeping with our theme this month we thought that it would be remiss of us not to include an HPA system-driven platform, and our once-sceptical tech Jimmy has been creating one of his very own. Delving into the mechanics of his chosen platform and system he now begins to detail his very own “HPA Adventure”!

92 AA LEGION: HONG KONG

Although we have gone unashamedly “long gun” for this issue we couldn’t resist bringing you the latest report from Larri, our Legionnaire in Hong Kong and most-definite “pistoleer” as he brings the latest news on a righteous CQB site… and who wouldn’t want to play at Impact Force CQB when it offers such a brilliantlythemed experience? Larri tells more…

96 RELOADED: VFC PSG-1

Having had his iconic dream rifle that is the VFC PSG-1 GBBR for the better part of a year now, how has it fared in Stewbacca’s reckoning? With more use in the field and additional accessories, and work being done on and with it, what’s gone more right or wrong since the initial purchase and Armoury Review in Issue 133?