Airsoft Action - May 2023

CONTENTS

8 ARMOURY: JW4 PIT VIPER

You’d have to be deaf not to have heard the hissed whispers about out headline replica this month! We’re pleased and proud to have had access to the TT PIT VIPER - the very special movie-inspired handgun made especially for JOHN WICK 4 - for a while now so that we can talk about it from a position of knowledge based on range-use… and oh boy, what fun this hefty hand-cannon is!

18 ARMOURY:

ARES X AMOEBA AR308

Over the course of the past few years Bill has become a true devotee of the “DMR”, building and shooting his own for fun as well as in-game, and he’s therefore delighted when a new model hits the market! At IWA he got together with the team from iWholesales who presented the latest offering from the ARES AMOEBA line, and now he’s had one on the range!

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24

ARMOURY: SPECNA ARMS X SERIES

At IWA 23 we spent some quality time with the guys from SPECNA ARMS (SA) discussing a number of “skunkworks” projects that will become fact as this year progresses! One of the things that we most wanted to talk about though was the new X SERIES AEGS, and thanks to AA LEGIONNAIRE and SA AMBASSADOR Elvis, we can now provide the lowdown; Bill sets the scene…

32

ARMOURY: ROSSI AIRSOFT PROFILE

At IWA Bill had a great meeting with the team from Rossi Airsoft! Rossi are a brand that are extremely well-known in their home country of Brazil, and they have been marching forward steadily throughout European player communities, but what makes them special in an already well-subscribed market, and what is their remit for the future?

Are you setting up for your summer airsoft adventures? Does the “contractor” look do it for you? If the answer to both these questions is “YES” then you’re going to want to read on as our “gear guru” Bill delves into a new clothing and equipment brand, STOIRM, whose kit seems pretty much tailor-made for airsoft!

68 AA LEGION: PORTUGAL

Some games that we attend are truly special, and whilst they are not all as large as OP KIA II – GOLD LORDS”, players everywhere are one as they remember the players that are no longer with us. Miguel reports back on an ANA APD-run game that pays homage to players past with a true military feel!

Over the last couple of months we’ve been looking in detail at the personal gear used by the AA LEGIONNAIRES and slowly building up a picture of exactly what they use, and why they use it. This time we up the ante again from equipment that you may need for a simple “overnighter” to that which is useful when you start talking about those rare, but much-loved, multi-day scenarios!

76

At Airsoft Action we largely endeavour to steer clear of all things “politic”; however, we believe that you’d have to be deaf and blind not to see the undercurrent of threat towards Taiwan right now, and Stewbacca has been right at the heart of some of the “mainstream coverage” of preparedness training as “Airsoft Central” gets serious and we put our “serious head on” to look at what this means.

84 AA LEGION: HONG KONG

Back in Issue 119 (that’s TWO AND A HALF YEARS ago!) we kicked off a testing program in Airsoft Action the like of which had not, to the best of our knowledge, been seen before! We decided as a team that we were fed up with seeing reports and reviews of airsoft platforms “from the box”, all gleaming and new, that then disappeared as newer, shinier things appeared.

Larri is back with us this month to report on the latest developments in the “HK Scene”, and this time he takes us all on a journey to a site that was founded by a group of airsoft players that promises to make airsoft great again by offering a venue for the most passionate CQB players out there!

As someone who’s spent a large proportion of his entire “airsoft career” firmly behind a pistol, as well as being a notorious destructive tester and general klutz, who better to put a pistol holster through its paces than Stewbacca? After extensive field tests in various gaming environments and loadouts, Stewbacca brings us his thoughts on a somewhat unconventional but excellent product.

88 AA LEGION: TAIWAN/ PHILIPPINES

Following on from his introductory article about “Military” Anny Wu in Issue No. 148 April 2023, Stu sat down with her again to discuss her recent return to live-fire training in the Philippines, having been waiting with an ever itchier trigger finger to once again feel muzzle blasts and smell freshly spent powder!

62 TECHNICAL: PDIK GEN3

Jimmy continues his journey into the mystical world of HPA engines, and demystifies it as he goes along! To many of us HPA is just “another thing” but this time Jimmy looks at the results, consistency and reliability that are achievable with the Mancraft PDIK GEN3 when it comes to putting together a superior DMR!

96 RELOADED: MODIFY PP2K

Having initially covered the Modify PP2K GBB/PDW in his initial armoury article in Airsoft Action issue No. 123 (March 2021) how has it fared since? With nearly two and a half years of service under its belt and some additions and upgrades, Stewbacca enlightens us on the progress of his testing regimen, and the in-game performance and other player’s reactions to the Russian’s MP7 contender.

38 KIT & GEAR: STOIRM CLOTHING

48 RED CELL: 1911 UPDATE

56 KIT & GEAR: LAYLAX HOLSTER

44 THE CAGE: MILSIM

AA LEGION: TAIWAN

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BE WICK-ED: THE NEXT CHAPTER!

OKAY, WE BELIEVE YOU’D HAVE TO BE DEAF NOT TO HAVE HEARD THE HISSED WHISPERS ABOUT OUR HEADLINE REPLICA THIS MONTH! WE’RE PLEASED AND PROUD TO HAVE HAD ACCESS TO THE TT PIT VIPER - THE VERY SPECIAL MOVIE-INSPIRED HANDGUN MADE ESPECIALLY FOR JOHN WICK 4 FOR A WHILE NOW SO THAT WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT FROM A POSITION OF KNOWLEDGE BASED ON RANGE-USE… AND OH BOY, WHAT FUN THIS HEFTY HAND-CANNON IS!

Idon’t believe I’ve ever come across a movie franchise that excites players from virtually every aspect of airsoft more than that of “John Wick”, and have we been waiting for “Chapter 4” or what?

I do believe that pretty much every airsofter I know has been revved up about this latest instalment, especially given that Mr Wick inevitably has a few new favourite toys of his own to play with in every new movie!

The relationship between Taran Butler of Taran Tactical Innovations and Keanu Reeves and his armourer seems to be a match made in heaven, and each new blockbuster appears to drive the real steel world onwards when it comes to firearms design! Okay, it’s the Pit Viper that we’re talking about here but a lot of the heavy lifting was done by the Sand Viper before anyone really knew about the new movie gun!

With an asking price of nigh on US$7,000 and a waiting list of 20-30 Weeks, the TT website tells me that...

“The Sand Viper was designed to be the ultimate 2gun/3gun pistol. This firearm runs flawlessly with any factory or handloaded ammunition. With its extremely flat shooting compensator and low bore axis optic cut, point of aim will be nearly dead on at every distance from 5 yards to 50! This gun is already the sickest serpent on the planet holding the overall win at the USPSA 2gun nationals.”

Now that’s one hell of a starting point, right? RIGHT!

Building on the success of the Sand Viper, the Pit Viper spiel goes along the lines of (and I quote directly, you couldn’t make this shizzle up!):

“Taran was called upon once again to create the ultimate pistol to help John, quite simply put, kill them all. The Pit Viper was created specifically for JW4, to be the apex fighting pistol. Not only is this gun poised to take the crown for the most badass handgun in Hollywood history, Taran sent it (incognito) to take the overall title at the first ever USPSA 2-Gun Nationals in 2021. The Pit Viper was designed before the Sand Viper, but had to wait in the shadows to strike until now. The Pit Viper let its sister take the limelight— which completely set the industry on fire with no Hollywood movie behind her... (yet)”

“TARAN WAS CALLED UPON ONCE AGAIN TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE PISTOL TO HELP JOHN, QUITE SIMPLY PUT, KILL THEM ALL. THE PIT VIPER WAS CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR JW4, TO BE THE APEX FIGHTING PISTOL ...THE MOST BADASS HANDGUN IN HOLLYWOOD HISTORY”

Again, with an asking price of nearly US$7K for the real deal, and for a pistol that’s not actually due to ship to customers until September this year, the replica of the hand-cannon that is the TTI PIT VIPER has already caused quite a stir in airsoft circles, and I’ve already seen conversations come up in relation to “whose Pit Viper will be bestest”… a LOT of conversations… all over the world… still ongoing…

All I can tell you is that I’ve spent some loving quality time now with the “Jag Precision x Taran Tactical International Licensed JW4 Pit Viper” (jeez, let’s just call it The Pit Viper and be done with it!) and I can kinda see why this is a pistol that Mr Wick would be all over!

IT’S A LOVE THANG!

So as we’ve established the TTI JW4 Pit Viper is a highperformance pistol made by Taran Tactical Innovations, and it’s one of the new firearm stars of John Wick 4. The pistol that I’ve had the sheer delight of testing is the one made by Army Armament in cooperation with Jag Precision, and having had some really good pistols from Army Armament in my hands over the past few years I had high expectations for a pistol that would carry so much emotional baggage for so many fans.

I’m pleased to report that after numerous range sessions, both on the short 10m range, and up in the woods on the 30m range I. LOVE. THIS. PISTOL!

Okay, I’m an unashamed “JW Fanboi”, but the fact is that this is possibly the best GBB pistol that Army Armament has put together to date; combined with the obvious provenance that immediately makes you want to own a Pit Viper, the fact is that it sports a durable aluminium-alloy frame, CNC machined aluminium slide, and an alloy barrel so it feels solid as a rock in your hands. The use of alloys throughout gives it a lovely weight (1057g mag in) and feel, whilst the ergonomic design copied from the real deal (the location of the TTI-inspired slide-lightening cuts help the slide cycle faster) means that everything sits properly centred for ease of manipulation.

The “Full Wrap Stipple” that appears on the real TTI pistol is also neatly replicated on the replica, and this comfortable textured grip provides a really secure hold; nobody will be taking this from JW’s hands, I

“I’M PLEASED TO REPORT THAT AFTER NUMEROUS RANGE SESSIONS, BOTH ON THE SHORT 10M RANGE, AND UP IN THE WOODS ON THE 30M RANGE I. LOVE. THIS. PISTOL!”

“I KNOW IT’S NOT A REAL FIREARM BUT THE PIT VIPER MAKES ME IMAGINE, JUST FOR A MOMENT, THAT I HAVE THE REAL THING IN MY HANDS AND THAT THE HIGH TABLE BETTER WATCH OUT FOR ME WHEN I COME A CALLIN’…”

can tell you, and the reproduction of the TTI Carry Magwell just adds to that ease of retention! It’s said that the Pit Viper has been designed with both rightand left-handed shooters in mind, and although I’m a dominant-righty it does feel surprisingly good offhand too; it comes equipped with a fibre optic front sight and Taran’s signature “Ghost Profile” shrouded rear adjustable sight just like the real deal, and this provides ease of target acquisition and precise aiming with both eyes.

Other features that I adore are the oversized mag release, and the big old beavertail that looks just like the “Ultimate Ergonomic Beavertail” fitted to the real thing. The bronzed accents to the outer barrel and hammer also sing to me, and the fact that I can still fit my X300 should I wish to is simply a great practical benefit. While I’m mentioning the barrel let’s not forget that the Pit Viper benefits from a non-tilting barrel design which ensures smooth cycling regardless of the compensator or barrel extension mounted to the end (the internal mock compensator barrel is 11mm threaded for adapters).

RANGETIME AT THE CONTINENTAL

Now we’ve had a TTI Combat Master in our Red Cell pool for a while, and I have to say that it’s a FUN pistol in all ways (we’ll come back to that model in our “others” in due course), fun to shoot and fun to own too! The Pit Viper just moves this on in complete lockstep with the new movie, and I can see that it’s going to become a favourite with many for lots of reasons! Obviously it’s a gas blowback system, and one that gives a creditable amount of felt recoil. It also goes off with a properly good “crack”, and even dropping the slide on this bad boy makes you smile as it rams into place snappily and with real intent (okay, it’s the little things that make me happy right enough!). Add to that it just looks darn good with its V2 Black DLC coating which gives it a high gloss black finish, and all the right trades in all the right places (as far as I can see), and you have a potential winner in your hands! But would JW be getting out of Dodge (or indeed simply the Bowery, but no spoilers here!) with a Pit Viper in his hand? Perhaps I should rephrase that… of course our dear Mr Wick wouldn’t be using an airsoft pistol (although I’m certain Keanu would love one!), so does the 6mm Pit Viper have some fangs for use in game?

Now I mentioned earlier that I’d tried the Pit Viper on both the 10m and 30m ranges (but very sadly not on the range at The Continental), and there’s good reason for that; the sample I had was kicking out a solid, spot-on 1.00 Joule/ 329fps on a .20g BB and

the precise hop-up system was able to handle a .30g from the get go! On the 10m range it was physically moving the steels back with each and every shot (something that only usually happens with an AEG or GBBR!) so I knew it had some “go”. Moving up to the woods the Pit Viper was sending .28g BBs happily to the 30m extent, and I was actually hitting the target most of the time too! This thing rocks, in all the very best ways!

So, what we have in the “Jag Precision x Taran Tactical International Licensed JW4 Pit Viper” is an airsoft pistol that can proudly stand up and be compared favourably to the performance firearm it replicates; okay I KNOW it’s not a real firearm but the Pit Viper makes me imagine, just for a moment, that I have the real thing in my hands and that The High Table better watch out for me when I come a callin’… alright, let me dump my little fantasy (Pop! There it goes, right there…) and say simply that the Pit Viper makes me smile… A LOT… and that’s a rare thing indeed when it comes to me and most run-of-the-mill airsoft pistols!

Dare I compare the Pit Viper to my other GBB pistols? Not really as it’s pretty one-of-a-kind, although it stacks up incredibly well against all my favourites in both performance and sheer good looks. It’s very well made with high-quality construction throughout, it has a super weight and supremely balanced feel, and it offers both consistent power and, so far, reliable operation. Given its licenced replication the Pit Viper has some unique features and functions that provides things that other airsoft pistols don’t, and I am 100% certain that just because of what it is it will bring great joy (and a big smile like mine!) to airsofters all over the world.

Now someone please make an airsoft version of the TTI Dracarys Gen-12 and I’ll be a VERY happy man!

My heartfelt thanks go to the guys at www. iwholesales.co.uk for letting me get “hands-on” with the Pit Viper and Sand Viper at such an early stage; for more information on their entire range of “John Wick” replicas and their availability simply head on over to their website! AA

GOING LONG!

OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST FEW YEARS BILL HAS BECOME A TRUE DEVOTEE OF THE “DMR”, BUILDING AND SHOOTING HIS OWN FOR FUN AS WELL AS IN-GAME, AND HE’S THEREFORE DELIGHTED WHEN A NEW MODEL HITS THE MARKET! AT IWA HE GOT TOGETHER WITH THE TEAM FROM IWHOLESALES WHO PRESENTED THE LATEST OFFERING FROM THE ARES AMOEBA LINE, AND NOW HE’S HAD ONE ON THE RANGE!

without deviation in all settings and conditions.

A marksman is not a sniper, although you could describe any sniper as being a marksman! A “designated marksman” is a shooter that carries a platform with greater capability than that carried by squad members and is able to use it effectively, say a 7.62mm rifle over a 5.56mm carbine. But things can still be clouded in “definitive terms” as any US Marine is trained to marksman standard and they use at squad level the M27 IAR which is 5.56mm…

So, where does this leave us in airsoft terms? Let me put it this way… as I get older I crave more unique and different experiences, and where once just getting out and shooting little balls of plastic at my mates both old and new in the woods captured my imagination and set my pulse racing, I find myself wanting “more” these days… more from games and scenarios, more from my personal preparation and fitness, and definitely more from the AEGs and GBBs that I play with, and it’s a litany that I hear repeated by many “veteran airsofters”, those that have stuck with our game for more than the usual two/five/five-plus year churn.

There are many of us that desire development

game organisers/site-ops, offer us. We vote with our feet and our wallets, searching out unique airsoft experiences such as battlesims and milsims, historical and themed games, and very special places to play; indeed my airsoft journey has carried me to other countries and to playing in some wonderfully unusual places, and memories are made from this!

But I still want more…

In a local pick-up skirmish game the “old but still bold” will not be at the front of the pack “door kicking”; nope, we’ll be more sedately bringing up the rear, checking the flanks, and setting up overwatch positions so that you young bucks can keep respawning and crashing headlong into battle! We’ll have platform setups that are designed for range and accuracy over “spray and pray”, platforms that we’ve toiled with long and hard both in the workshop and on the range to get our BBs hitting exactly where we want them!

And this is where I return to that word, “marksman”, as in essence this is where a lot of us who’ve played for a while end up, and we inevitably end up with an AEG or GBB that fulfils this role.

“A MARKSMAN IS NOT A SNIPER, ALTHOUGH YOU COULD DESCRIBE ANY SNIPER AS BEING A MARKSMAN! A “DESIGNATED MARKSMAN” IS A SHOOTER THAT CARRIES A PLATFORM WITH GREATER CAPABILITY THAN THAT CARRIED BY SQUAD MEMBERS AND IS ABLE TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY, SAY A 7.62MM RIFLE OVER A 5.56MM CARBINE”

searching for something unique and different, something that touches my heart and makes me want to simply go out and shoot; when I first saw the latest ARES X AMOEBA AR308 models at iWholesales I definitely got a little tingle, and immediately knew that I had to get one out on the range!

SHINY THING!

Okay, we all love shiny things, don’t we, and the first thing that struck me was the finish of the ARES as it’s a really, REALLY smart-looking “SF Bronze”! The finish is deep and lustrous and 100% uniform throughout… honestly, to me, it looks absolutely perfect. This main colour that encompasses the receiver set and M-LOK rail system is offset with black accessories, and it looks THE BOMB! The accessories included with the base rifle are simple yet attractive, with the excellent ergonomic pistol/high-torque motor grip we’ve seen from ARES before and the magpul-esque ARES PRO stock; I actually really like this design as it’s both easy to adjust and provides straightforward battery access. In addition you t some

14.5 inch rail, 12 inch (medium), or 9 inch (short) wit corresponding outer and inner barrels. All the rails are M-LOK style and beautifully finished, and the short variant also gets the ARES PRO Brace Stock” to keep the package neat and tidy.

The control setup on all three models is extremely functional too though, and anyone that is familiar

“AND THE FIRST THING THAT STRUCK ME WAS THE FINISH OF THE ARES AS IT’S A REALLY, REALLY SMART-LOOKING “SF BRONZE”! THE FINISH IS DEEP AND LUSTROUS AND 100% UNIFORM THROUGHOUT… HONESTLY, TO ME, IT LOOKS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT”

and “AR-standard. The magazine release is also ambi with a pretty standard release on the left with a “Knights-style” paddle on the right. The fire selector features the standard S-F-A settings, but with an extremely positive 90 degree throw between them; if you intend to turn this fully to a semi-auto DMR with a physically obvious auto-cut-off pin there is already a raised “bump” at 90 which will let you position this correctly.

But the new rifle of course benefits internally from the programmable ARES EFCS system which I like and have written about before, and here with a potential semi-only DMR setup it really comes into its own! Yes, you may wish to create an obvious external semi-only cut-off, and although this makes things very obvious for marshals at chrono it does mean drilling into the lower receiver carefully to position it… definitely a job for your local tech! However, you do have the choice to lock the AEG to semi using an ARES programmer if you don’t want to permanently change the rifle, and this may be a positive to you if you wish it to be your “one and only” and change out functions via the EFCS and power levels for different games using the quick-change spring function.

So, all in all this is one exceptionally tidy package from ARES, and kicks their modern AEG series pretty much up to the level of finish that I’ve seen recently on their stunning historical models! I had the medium length rifle to test, and although shorter than I would usually pick for a DMR it puts me very much in mind of my old custom “MC51 SD” that served me well for many, many games; okay, this is a far more modern take on the shortened “.308/7.62mm” rifle than my trusted old campaigner, but with AR muscle-memory in place it felt immediately comfortable and intuitive to use and manipulate.

DOWNRANGE

I fitted the rifle with my usual testing optic for this style, a QD 1.1-4x25E MilDot, popped on some lo-profile M-LOK rail covers at the mid-rail-point for comfort of manipulation and retention, although in this instance I stopped short of adding a Harris-style bipod as I felt that given the overall length and more DA-feel of the rifle it was better without; however, there is a short four-slot section built into the lower of the rail should you wish to fit one.

From the box the ARES 308M chrono’d very respectably at 0.93 Joule/317fps with .20g BBs, and once I’d reset the precise and easy-to-adjust rotary hop it was more than happy on .30’s although I felt it could actually hop heavier than this! I really liked the flat-face trigger which proved to be super-responsive

even on a 7.4V LiPo, and the enlarged polymer trigger guard seems purpose made for use with gloves. The 130 BB “.308-style” magazine fits and feeds perfectly, although I’ll give you the heads-up that this is again a “mid feeder” so you’ll need to find extra mags with great care as many of the box-set options out there are “front feeders”.

With .30g BBs in the mag, hop dialled in and the optic zero’d to 30m for the woods range it was time to have at it, and the 308M sent BBs straight and true downrange to the steels without breaking sweat! Okay, 30m would basically be the MED for a decent DMR with a higher power level, but I was looking for accuracy on semi at CQB distances, and the ARES certainly delivered on that front; if you’re hitting 300x400mm steels at 30m unerringly with a new rifle and your shooting technique is sound, then longerrange accuracy is pretty much a given, and I truly believe that this rifle could actually hit past 70-80m with little effort once bedded in and with a modest upgrade.

And of course this is the MEDIUM variant, not the full-length LONG which should actually aid in increasing both range and accuracy at distance, and I’m told that the “L” offers iro 1.27 Joule/370fps on a .20g from the box too! I also said I’d come back to the ARES QD suppressor earlier, and I do so now as in addition to the three standard models ARES have also put together a rather nice “DELUXE” package which includes two 130 BB magazines, ARES own 1-6x24 Illuminated Optic with an ARES Dual Ring Scope Mount plus the ARES QD Suppressor, so all you need to add is a bipod and you are 100% set… I have to say I’m yet to try the ARES optic myself on the range, but I does look jolly cool, and is finished almost the same colour as the “SF Bronze” of the rifle itself… sweet!

In conclusion I have to say that in my opinion ARES have really upped the ante with their new .308 rifles; the shoot well from the box, and they look just dropdead gorgeous… being a shooter has never looked this good! All the rifles come in solid green polymer hard-cases which is a splendid touch and the whole presentation moves things on to a new level. The medium is a superb rifle, and I love the direction that ARES are taking these days… now I am very much looking forward to my planned range day with Tim from iWholesales and Neil from RACKNLOAD later in the Summer so I can get my hands on the DELUXE!

Thanks as usual to iWholesales for providing the test model; you can check out all the ARES models they have by visiting www.iwholesales.co.uk AA

INTENSE X-CITEMENT!

AT IWA 23 WE SPENT SOME QUALITY TIME WITH THE GUYS FROM SPECNA ARMS (SA) TAKING A LOOK AT ALL THE NEW GOODIES THAT THEY ARE SET TO RELEASE SOON, AND DISCUSSING A NUMBER OF “SKUNKWORKS” PROJECTS THAT WILL BECOME FACT AS THIS YEAR PROGRESSES! ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE MOST WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THOUGH WAS THE NEW X SERIES AEGS, AND THANKS TO AA LEGIONNAIRE AND SA AMBASSADOR ELVIS WE CAN NOW PROVIDE THE LOWDOWN; BILL SETS THE SCENE…

cutting-edge technology drive not only their own brand AEGs forward, but pushed others to follow suit. Now I have said many times in the past that I do love a short-barrelled-rifle or “SBR” like the SA Mk18 (that recently featured in video on the AA website; check it out!), and indeed own a number of models of that style with sub-10 inch barrels, but all of them have a traditional buffer tube and sliding stock; most usually these days I use a 14.5 inch carbine or an even longer-barrelled “.308” style rifle as these feel most comfortable with my “ape arms”!

I have to admit though that being a big guy, 6’2 and with long old arms I have somewhat of a “love/ hate” relationship with the current crop of Personal Defence Weapons, or PDW models, an area that seems to have become dominated by the minimalist

However, I do appreciate that for physically smaller players than I that the PDW style can be a godsend, and that in a CQB environment this style also comes into its own in a major way! I know a number of players who totally rock their PDWs, and of course with effective airsoft ranges being somewhat more balanced than those in the real world, having a big old rifle gives you no added advantage other than that of personal comfort in terms of manipulation.

DANGER CLOSE

When it comes to “tight spaces” though, this is where the PDW style of AEG really sings, as ultimately this is exactly what they were designed for in their “real steel” form! “PDW” actually fully describes

“I DO APPRECIATE THAT FOR PHYSICALLY SMALLER PLAYERS THAN I THAT THE PDW STYLE CAN BE A GODSEND, AND THAT IN A CQB ENVIRONMENT THIS STYLE ALSO COMES INTO ITS OWN IN A MAJOR WAY! I KNOW A NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO TOTALLY ROCK THEIR PDWS…”

the military role the weapon was conceived for, that of a compact yet effective (in terms of both performance and accuracy) platform that can be easily and discreetly carried by rear echelon personnel, not as combat troops expected to regularly engage the enemy, but as support elements who may need to defend themselves in an actively hostile environment. In this situation it’s all about an effective platform that is easy to use and deploy, but that provides sufficient firepower to suppress an enemy until the cavalry can arrive! Although originally designed for a military role, due to their compact nature, light weight, ease of operation and control, and their close-range

this might be “the one”, and our AA Legionnaire and SA Ambassador Elvis now takes over to give us all the lowdown on a stunning new PDW AEG!

GETTING INTO IT!

The long-awaited X Series from SPECNA ARMS is here! Beautiful news and an even more beautiful product! Let’s go in order, from impressions to performance.

So let’s start right at the beginning; upon opening the box, I realized that I was dealing with a very, very different product and a replica at a new, higher level of craftsmanship and an exceptional impression

they’re just TOO darn short for an old ape like me! As I’m also all about properly aimed shots, I also find that most of the current PDW stocks don’t allow me to get a proper cheek-weld when lining up iron sights; again, I’m not a huge fan of optics on something that’s designed to be small and compact, and deployable from concealment…

So, when SPECNA ARMS announced the introduction of their new “X SERIES” models, with a new receiver which has been designed from the ground up to accommodate a new “9mm” S-MAG and many novel new features, I had high hopes that

program the Gate Aster unit that comes inside the X series as standard equipment.

As for the X series itself, it is equipped with a strengthened and newer model of the ORION series gearbox. Also, the gears inside the gearbox are steel and extremely high quality, as is the default aluminium nozzle with a double O ring. The piston is also reinforced and this will guarantee a long service life. The precise barrel with the HELIUM™ flat hop guarantees extremely good grouping of hits, but we will talk about that a little later. The “engine” itself is extremely strong; the newer generation of

“THE TEST OF THE AEG AS DELIVERED TO ME WITH 0.30G BBS GAVE ME AN AVERAGE OF 1.6 JOULE/340FPS WHICH MAY BE “TOO HOT” FOR SOME FIELDS, BUT THANKFULLY THE QUICK SPRING CHANGE SYSTEM MEANS THAT YOU CAN DEAL WITH POWER ISSUES QUICKLY AND SIMPLY”

motors with neodymium magnets guarantees 22 turns per arm, and exceptional feature that offers low consumption. Great job Specna Arms!

As for the front part of the AEG, the handguard, it is of aluminium construction with CNC production, with a license from Strike Industries, which guarantees us a replica with the official model of this real steel manufacturer. Underneath, on the lower part, there is a horizontal grip, also of high-quality CNC production, and this is extremely comfortable to use and gives an excellent grip in the palm itself, without difficulties and disturbances in terms of discomfort or the feeling of squeezing the hand, which some grips have.

The body is exquisitely crafted with notches on the front lower part of the body, where many hold the replica, making sliding an option impossible. The 9x19 marks let us know what the inspiration for the “X SERIES” was, a really amazing touch! A working bolt catch release is also standard on this model. On the other side we have a “9mm style open bolt unit” which hides the tried and tested rotary hop up chamber inside. The PDW stock, very well-known from before, fits extremely well and is easy to adjust; it also has precise adjustment points and like the previous series, and I can’t find any fault with it.

The battery compartment is still small; a small brick battery can fit, but it also has a smaller capacity. However, SA and GUNFIRE provided me with a battery case extension, so a larger battery with a higher capacity also fits without problems, and this is an accessory I would recommend. You need to pay attention to the cables and how to put them back when everything is assembled ready to play.

Now my favourite part that I purposely skipped at the very beginning is the GATE ASTER! Paired with the Solar Trigger unit this technology gives excellent results in the field. Personally, I can recommend this product as an upgrade for any replica, having personally used it for four years without any problems! You’ll love the 250 trigger sensitivity settings as well as the LED RGB notification when you program this advanced optical unit. Battery protection against reverse polarity is included. Goodbye bloated batteries, welcome ASTER as my gold standard in the SPECNA ARMS EDGE series.

DOWNRANGE

All good so far, but let’s go to the performance. I tried multiple batteries, Titan 3000 mAh Lithium Polymer as well as LiPo 11.1 1300 mAh (which I have been using for years in my replicas); let’s be honest, although sceptical initially, I now hold as tried and tested the Titan battery range. There is a great response on the trigger, the motor heating slightly on semi and full auto with no “pass on heat” to the battery.

The test of the AEG as delivered to me with 0.30g BBs gave me an average of 1.6 Joule/340fps which may be “too hot” for some fields, but thankfully the quick spring change system means that you can deal with power issues quickly and simply; it also goes to prove that the “X” has been designed and built durably enough to handle even high levels of power!

What is much more interesting is the constancy when grouping BBs; I had the test set at a distance of 50m and at no point did I have a single “flyer BB”! Consistency, low battery consumption expending six used mags lets me know that the X SERIES approach was a level up in the design and manufacture of the AEG itself.

The weight of the replica itself of 2400g says a lot about the material used in manufacturing, the overall strength and some exceptional craftsmanship. All in all this is a fine tool for CQB fields and even long range ones, an exceptional choice that will not leave even the most demanding of users anything but satisfied!

Many thanks as always to www.gunfire.com for supplying the test AEG, and of course if you want to know more about SPECNA ARMS then head on over to www.specnaarms.com or follow their regularlyupdated social media channels. AA

“THE WEIGHT OF THE REPLICA ITSELF OF 2400G SAYS A LOT ABOUT THE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURING, THE OVERALL STRENGTH AND SOME EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP. ALL IN ALL THIS IS A FINE TOOL FOR CQB FIELDS AND EVEN LONG RANGE ONES, AN EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE THAT WILL NOT LEAVE EVEN THE MOST DEMANDING OF USERS ANYTHING BUT SATISFIED!”

“THE BODY IS EXQUISITELY CRAFTED WITH NOTCHES ON THE FRONT LOWER PART OF THE BODY, WHERE MANY HOLD THE REPLICA, MAKING SLIDING AN OPTION IMPOSSIBLE. THE 9X19 MARKS LET US KNOW WHAT THE INSPIRATION FOR THE “X SERIES” WAS, A REALLY AMAZING TOUCH! ”

THE ROSSI REMIT

AT AIRSOFT ACTION WE’RE CONSTANTLY SEARCHING FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS WHEN IT COMES TO AEGS, GBBS AND EVEN HUMBLE SPRINGERS, AND AT IWA BILL HAD A GREAT MEETING WITH THE TEAM FROM ROSSI AIRSOFT! ROSSI ARE A BRAND THAT ARE EXTREMELY WELL-KNOWN IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY OF BRAZIL, AND THEY HAVE BEEN MARCHING FORWARD STEADILY THROUGHOUT EUROPEAN PLAYER COMMUNITIES, BUT WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL IN AN ALREADY WELL-SUBSCRIBED MARKET, AND WHAT IS THEIR REMIT FOR THE FUTURE?

Ihave to say that I’ve been following the Rossi Airsoft story for a few years now, since I first saw their name cropping up I international airsoft groups that I frequent. Those of you that know me understand that I have built up a huge number of airsoft friends around the world, and a number of them are in Brazil where I spent some quality time back in 2003!

I fell a little bit in love with the Brazilian way of life, and especially the food; I ate the very best steak I’ve ever had (EVER!), so much fish and seafood I staggered, and if you’ve not experienced a coxinha from one of the roadside shacks, you haven’t lived in my opinion! My journey took me from Rio down to Salvador, and then onwards to explore the coast of Bahia;

South Bahia’s coast is one of the most beautiful and untouched coastlines I have ever come across, and it stretches over 700 km! Yup, Brazil is a BIG country sure enough!

Did I play airsoft there at the time? Sadly not, although my personal “airsoft journey” was already seven years underway… what I did learn though was that Brazil actually had a very interesting history when it came to producing firearms, and one name that I remember from that adventure to South America was “Rossi”.

Amadeo Rossi SA, or simply Rossi, was founded in 1889 in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, and quite amazingly their first products were jewellery, cutlery and crockery! However the fine metalworking and engineering that first made their name allowed them to turn in a new direction, and in 1922 Rossi started to develop and produce firearms and ammunition. Although you will still find Rossi-branded firearms in the USA and North America to this day, in 2007 they stopped producing firearms and focused on airguns, and their development in this area eventually led them to start importing and distributing airsoft products under other brand names in 2012!

Then with an understanding of airsoft products in place, in 2018 Rossi started to develop and sell airsoft replicas under its own name; let’s face it, Rossi built firearms for over 130 years, and indeed the Rossi brand represents a piece of firearm history and a tradition of excellence. Over the years, firearms bearing the Rossi name led the way in design and engineering, all the while remaining an affordable product without any sacrifice to quality, and for a while now now they’ve been producing airsoft platforms with that same drive.

Rossi is still run by the same family, and the key people in Rossi Airsoft today are Eduardo (Rossi) in Brazil, and OVERGUNS in Spain where Rossi Europe are now based. They put that same dedication and innovation into every airsoft replica they now produce, and at Rossi, their “firearms” legacy” is alive and thriving to this day but now in airsoft replica form! The tradition at Rossi is more than just building guns... it is a family’s history and tradition!

The ethos at Rossi Airsoft is all about bringing its customers (we the players) the best price/

performance ratio that they possibly can, aligning the latest technology with unique designs. All the airsoft developers at Rossi are also players, creating airsoft-model-configurations that can stand as equals alongside even the most expensive replicas on the field, and they tell me that “this is what excites us the most!”

When I asked them where Rossi Airsoft models are physically manufactured, rather refreshingly they told me openly and honestly that “currently, the airsoft models that we are developing and creating are manufactured in various factories other than China; we look for where we can find the best price/quality ratio for users”. So many companies make a big old story about exactly where they manufacture, and such openness shows me that Rossi are all about being honest with their users from the get go… I like this a lot!

ROSSI RANGE

It must be said that, obviously, the most successful area for Rossi Airsoft is undoubtedly still the domestic Brazilian market, but from what I understand this, like the country itself, is a BIG market, bigger than we know! However, as I said earlier, Rossi is becoming more and more well known amongst the European player communities, and having distribution from OVERGUNS in Spain now makes their products more readily accessible, and this is a another “good thing” in my opinion.

More choice for “we the players” is always a good thing; Rossi produce some unique models and more about them later! Their range is sensible and quite tight, with four product categories REDWINGS, NEPTUNE, SENTINEL, and STORM (and more to come!) which contain their key models and cover off the main areas of GBB pistol, Metal-bodied AEG, Polymerbodied AEG, and Spring-bolt-action models.

You’ll see from the category names that there’s a definite inspiration from NAVSPECWARGRU; if you’re unaware of “OP REDWINGS” then shame of you, and of course NEPTUNE has an obvious connection to all things “SEAL”, and when you look at the models in detail there’s a few choice examples that carry that inspiration through to the finished product!

The REDWINGS category is the home of Rossi GBB

“SO MANY COMPANIES MAKE A BIG OLD STORY ABOUT EXACTLY WHERE THEY MANUFACTURE, AND SUCH OPENNESS SHOWS ME THAT ROSSI ARE ALL ABOUT BEING HONEST WITH THEIR USERS FROM THE GET GO… I LIKE THIS A LOT!”

models having an extended compensator rather than a threaded outer barrel, but I would be happy to field any of them as they’re all strikinglooking examples of a classic design, and let’s not forget that the Brazilian Army used a version of the M1911 developed by IMBEL in 9×19mm Parabellum, designated the M973 so again… connections! Specs therefore for the pistols are largely identical apart from the muzzle device, but I’ll give them for the REDWINGS BLACK:

• Body material: alloy

• Inner barrel diameter: 6.03 mm

• Inner barrel length: 112 mm

• External barrel length: 128 mm

• Overall length: 238 mm

• Total weight: 776 g

• Muzzle Adapter screwed and covered

• Ergonomic polymer grips

• Lower Picatinny rail

• Extended gas magazine capacity 34 + 1

• Dual power: CO2 and gas

• Skeletal hammer

• Light trigger

• Unique serial number

Moving on to the NEPTUNE Series of metal-bodied AEGs (some of which are already “Gen 2” models) which is my favourite category in the Rossi Airsoft range to date, there’s some designs that will endear them to most “mil players” straight away although there’s also a tasty “5.5 PDW” in the mix here too! The NEPTUNE 9” DEVGRU BRONZE and BLACK have

a definite and quite accurate replication nod towards the much-loved “Koch” style with a very nice “A5 G-style rail”, whilst the NEPTUNE 9” MARSOC BLACK and BRONZE wouldn’t look at all out of place with any “CQBR” loadout! And then there’s the NEPTUNE 10.5” SAS BRONZE and BLACK which are 100% going to please players that want to create a UKSF or “O-W-N” style set of kit!

For the main models there is again commonality, but I’ll give you the specs for the NEPTUNE 9” MARSOC as an example of what you get as standard, and it’s a lot!

• Electronic trigger with active brake

• Combined CNC gears

• Piston with steel teeth

• Bushings with 8 mm bearing

• QD spring guide with bearing

• 6.02 mm precision barrel

• 25.000 rpm motor (Hi-Speed)

• One-piece outer barrel

• “MK18” CNC Light Bronze handguard

• Folding metal sights

• Metal stock tube

• Nylon fibre stock

• 2 x mid-cap polymer magazines

• Length 720mm/800 mm

“THE SENTINEL SERIES IS EQUALLY WELL-SPECCED, BUT IS OBVIOUSLY DESIGNED MORE TOWARDS THE ENTRY-LEVEL PLAYER OR THOSE ON A BUDGET, PERHAPS PLAYERS WHO WANT A SOLID BACKUP TO THEIR MAIN AEG, OR ONE TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS NEW TO OUR BELOVED GAME”

the same spring-powered bolt-action “M700” style at different spec levels (standard and PRO), but both look to be VSR-compatible which bodes well for the airsoft sniper that likes to upgrade and “fettle”!

THE FUTURE OF ROSSI

As I said initially it is a very tightly-focused range of models that concentrates on “of the minute” design aesthetics for the externals whilst ensuring that the internals are solid, durable, and dependable; in both areas Rossi appear to use the best components that they can find and develop, and that tight focus to me means that they are putting their efforts into creating GBBs, AEGS, and Springers that endeavour to offer superior performance straight from the box.

I asked the guys at Rossi Europe where they saw things progressing in the future for the brand and they told me;

“We dedicate ourselves in developing all our sub-brands equally, and soon we will have new designs for the NEPTUNE and SENTINEL series, and a new REDWINGS pistol model. Our focus now is developing new models, and soon we will be entering in the market in the USA. Being successful in the most competitive airsoft markets in the world is our goal and dream!

And I believe that success is truly within their grasp from what I saw at IWA! But ultimately is Rossi a brand that players can trust? To answer this I’d have to say that there are thousands of players that already do both in Brazil and with some 10,000 models sold in Europe closer to home as well, and that all the indicators from a technical perspective show that Rossi mean to ensure that their long history of excellence remains untarnished.

The guys at OVERGUNS in Spain have already shipped us a test sample of the NEPTUNE 10.5” SAS which shows their commitment and belief that Rossi products are the best they can currently be, and I am very, very keen to get on the range and then in-game… I’ll come out and say it that although the upper/rail on this model is a two-parter rather than a monolithic, the overall impression is SO close to an

L119A2 that after a paintjob and accessory “dressup” I believe that any player wanting it could have a REALLY cool UKSF-style carbine at a sensible price!

I for one am extremely interested to see where the guys at Rossi Airsoft do head next, and as far as I can see Rossi most definitely have great technical ability, a huge heart and BIG dreams, and if they bring all of these together then I do believe that we may be seeing something pretty darn exciting as their development program kicks further into gear!

I’ll be getting to grips with the NEPTUNE 10.5” SAS as soon as it arrives with me for the initial review, and then working with it to bring it fully “up to spec” in

“ROSSI APPEAR TO USE THE BEST COMPONENTS THAT THEY CAN FIND AND DEVELOP, AND THAT TIGHT FOCUS TO ME MEANS THAT THEY ARE PUTTING THEIR EFFORTS INTO CREATING GBBS, AEGS, AND SPRINGERS THAT ENDEAVOUR TO OFFER SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE STRAIGHT FROM THE BOX”

THE L119A2 IS JUST ONE POPULAR EXAMPLE OF OUR CURRENT RECOIL MODELS, BASED ON TOKYO MARUI’S FANTASTIC SYSTEM - FITTED WITH THE ANGRY GUN RAIL SYSTEM AND REAL STEEL MAGPUL FURNITURE

STOIRM WARNING!

ARE YOU SETTING UP FOR YOUR SUMMER AIRSOFT ADVENTURES? DOES THE “CONTRACTOR” LOOK DO IT FOR YOU? IF THE ANSWER TO BOTH THESE QUESTIONS IS “YES” THEN YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO READ ON AS OUR “GEAR GURU” BILL DELVES INTO A NEW CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT BRAND, STOIRM, WHOSE KIT SEEMS PRETTY MUCH TAILOR-MADE FOR AIRSOFT!

Ilove new gear! I mean, we all love to add items to our personal “CAGE”, and indeed the search for said items can be every bit as enjoyable as actually getting them. Over the years (many of them!) that I’ve been playing airsoft I’ve built up quite a collection of clothing, boots, and tactical gear ranging from historically-themed through thoroughly modern to “post apocalypse” and every bit if gear that I have tells a story… of course there’s also the armoury to go with all the gear, and each and every AEG and GBB now has its own tale to tell too!

But when it comes to loadouts there’s most definitely one that could simply be described as “multi-purpose”, and that’s the “PMC” style that’s been talked about many times before, so you may wonder why I’m bringing it up all over again and I would answer simply that that this loadout to me almost entirely embodies my own style of play, and I view it as one of the easiest to achieve but most versatile of any set of gear you will ever own! It’s also time to talk about it again as our friends at Military1st have been telling me all about a new brand, STOIRM, that they are carrying which seems tailor-made for a catch-all PMC loadout.

This style of loadout is important to me as I’ve used a “contractor” set of kit for an uncountable number of games, from straightforward skirmishes to full on multi-day Milsims, from “Wednesday night under the lights” to post-apocalypse grindsters, and it’s one that has become almost a default setting to me. It’s incredibly simple to achieve, but done right can see you through playing everything in every setting, be it protecting civilians and supplies at your most altruistic to carrying out the darkest of ops for an evil mega-corp.

Since I put my first set of “contractor” gear together of course the tactical world has moved on, and the “look” of the modern-day contractor reflects this. Although the way the guys appear is most definitely still individual, many aspects of their gear have been updated with really “lo drag” gear. Much of the time these days, even in the airsoft world, we are operating in urban environments, so in keeping with an ultra-low profile “look” the choice of gear will reflect this; jeans or civilian cargo pants, t-shirts and polos and performance gear from outdoor pursuits brands when necessary, along with tactical boots or hi-top trainers. Tactical gear is pretty simple and straightforward too as well, with some form of plate carrier and lightweight belt kit being thrown on when needed as things go “hot”, along with tactical gloves, a ballcap or helmet, and some “cool guy” ballistic shades.

In terms of clothing I usually just use either a check long-sleeved shirt or a plain colour UBACS for the top half, and either jeans or some plain colour combat pants , but I’m always searching out good new gear at a sensible price to add to my “CAGE”, or replace things that have simply worn out! Remember here that although I don’t play as regularly as I once used to I am out on the range at least one or two days a week and I still like to get involved with a good training course when the opportunity arises. Of course for rangework or training the non-military “contractor” style is also perfect, so this type of gear gets a lot of use and abuse; I want clothing especially that will stand up to the kind of hard use it gets with me when I part with my cash!

BREAKING IT DOWN

So, with all of the points above in mind what makes me excited about the new gear from STOIRM? Firstly it’s the “provenance”; STOIRM are a brand that design and manufacture clothing and packs to meet all our needs in environments where high performance is not only required but a necessity, and all their clothing is made to keep you comfortable and protected whatever “old ma nature” may throw at you!

STOIRM’s sustainable and utility-focused products were, so their website tells me, “inspired by Scotland’s arduous landscape, where you can experience four seasons in a day”. STOIRM’s clothes and accessories aim to “create an entire ecosystem to provide maximum protection and versatility, no matter the weather or circumstances”. To fulfil this goal and to kick things off their range is very tight and focused with just STOIRM jackets, trousers, T-shirts, and rucksacks in popular colours, such as Black, Olive Green, Grey and Coyote.

To understand their “ecosystem” goal let start from the outside and work in, so first up is the STOIRM TACTICAL SOFTSHELL JACKET, and this this technical jacket is neatly designed and fully specified and aims to give you all-weather protection for allyear-round use. It’s made of 90% Polyester/10% Elastane with a bonded micro fleece material that offers a good hydrostatic head (weatherproof) rating of 5000mm, along with a Moisture Vapour Transmission (breathability) rating of 4000g/ m2. Along with a Teflon fabricprotection finish for added durability this jacket will offer you functionality and protection in all but the harshest, most sustained wet weather.

Features are solid too with an integrated full-length storm guard under two-way front zipper, fully adjustable peaked hood concealed in fleece-lined collar, and twoway underarm side zippers for extra mechanical breathability. There are two large fleece-lined handwarmer pockets with zip closure, a concealed zipped chest pocket, and fleece and Tricot-lined bicep pockets with zippers and external loop for patches/ IDs… there’s also a neat internal zipped pocket with hi-vis zipper just “because”… Add to the mix

adjustable and elasticated thumb-hole cuffs, an adjustable hem with elastic cord and cord locks, and solid YKK-branded zippers throughout and this jacket offers a lot for the money as well as looking pretty darn righteous too!

In terms of trousers Militar1st are offering two models from STOIRM, the TACTICAL TROUSERS and the URBAN TROUSERS, and there are some differences between the two designs. The TACTICAL model is made from 63% Polyester/35% Cotton/2% Elastane, a durable Teflon-coated, woven-stretch-ripstop fabric with a weight of 220g/m2 so it’s nice and tough whilst still offering great levels of mobility. Features are as you might expect with waist/hip stretchable side panels for perfect fit extra movement, two hand pockets with reinforced inserts, two front knife pockets, two large side cargo pockets with internal organisers and velcro flaps, two back pockets with velcro flaps, lightly articulated knee panels, and a bottom hem with rear reinforcement.

The URBAN model is a bit more “pared back” and not so obviously tactical, but they still offer and awful lot of functionality! Here you get a fabric mix of 53% Cotton/45% Polyester/2% Elastane with a slightly lighter weight of 210g/m2, a Teflon-coated stretch Twill rather than ripstop for a neater look, but one that still offers great durability. Features are much the same as those of the TACTICAL trousers, but with two low-profile cargo pockets with internal organisers and zip closure under protective flaps that offer a neater, more “lo-drag” look.

I’ve sadly yet to see the shirts, but STOIRM do currently offer two models of “range polo”, one a “professional” style which is made from a comfortable, high quality cotton and polyester blend

that offers moisture wicking properties and quickdry fabric which is suited to everyday wear, and another “performance model” that’s a more athletic style with a lightweight and quick-dry fabric which offers performance and comfort in “more active environments/scenarios”.

PACKING IT IN

In addition to their clothing models STOIRM also offer three sensibly-sized gear-slinger and back packs that in my mind could have been made with airsoft use specifically in mind as the sizes are 12L (gear-slingerstyle), 25L and 40L (full packs). This to me covers pretty much all the bases other than full-winter load lugging as “12” will give you a great skirmish-day sustainment pack, “25” will cover you from full-day engagements, and “40” is my optimum size for multi-day (with replen) games of its properly and efficiently packed!

All the packs are “designed for everyday carry” and offer a full clamshell opening to the main compartment instead of traditional toploading entry. These clamshell backpacks feature a front loading main compartment with a zipper opening that spans three of the four sides. Made from tough 1000D material for protection against rips, wear and tear, and with padded straps and an EVA moulded back system they have a sleek look whilst retaining a tough construction.

And I have to say that I absolutely love some of the little features that these packs offer, especially the easily-accessible hard shell eyepro pocket with two-way zipper, inner Tricot lining and external loop ID panel! I also like the fact that the packs offer hi-vis internal zips and straps throughout and feature a solid and durable top carry handle… it’s the simple things and attention to detail that really make a good pack a great one in my opinion!

So, add some good supportive boots, gloves,

ballcap and some tasteful accessories (don’t forget the “cool guy” shades!) to the STOIRM clothing and packs, and with your favourite AEG or GBB in hand you’ll be really good to go! The only thing here that costs a few meaningful bucks is a good plate carrier setup or decent chest rig, but these days you can find a very serviceable “buckle up carrier” model from a number of manufacturers that are very, very well priced so you won’t even get close to breaking the bank.

All in all, the “contractor” loadout is relatively cheap and straightforward to put together, and works in many styles of airsoft scenario, including both BLUFOR and OPFOR at larger MilSim events if said scenario is a good and involved one. However, your choice of clothing and load-carrying gear for this style of loadout is just as important as when you’re going “full Mil” so take your time to get everything right; STOIRM offer some great gear in my opinion, in perfect colours for this type of “look”, so if you’re looking for clothing and packs that will see you covered through multiple “ops” then the brand is well worth a look!

Ultimately airsoft is the adventure that YOU make it with your own choice of AEG/GBB and loadout, your own sense of fair play and honour, and your desire to hit “Game On” as well-prepared as you can be. If money is tight, as it is with any airsofter, then having spare cash to build a complicated and involved loadout may be beyond you, but there is NOTHING wrong with that! Airsoft is all about getting out there and playing the game, whatever your style may be, taking your hits and coming back for more, and a simple yet effective loadout is well within your grasp if you plan it right.

If you’re like me and preparing for those longer spring and summer games ahead, then NOW is the time to be thinking about getting your AEG or GBB exactly as you like it, and making sure your gear is ready to work for you. Don’t overcomplicate things, find a simple set of clothing and gear that is unique to you and lets you play hard and fast from “GAME ON” to “ENDEX”!

My thanks as always go to our good friends at www.military1st.co.uk for additional images used in this article; please do go and check out their website from the new STOIRM gear and much, much more! AA

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THE CAGE: UPPING YOUR GAME

OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS WE’VE BEEN LOOKING IN DETAIL AT THE PERSONAL GEAR USED BY THE AA LEGIONNAIRES AND SLOWLY BUILDING UP A PICTURE OF EXACTLY WHAT THEY USE, AND WHY THEY USE IT. THIS TIME WE UP THE ANTE AGAIN FROM EQUIPMENT THAT YOU MAY NEED FOR A SIMPLE “OVERNIGHTER” TO THAT WHICH IS USEFUL WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT THOSE RARE, BUT MUCH-LOVED, MULTI-DAY SCENARIOS!

Ultimately as airsofters we are NOT in the military (although we appreciate that some of you out there may have served!) so the thought of creating what is in effect a micro “deployment bag” is not something that we usually have to think about!

For most games, even longer-duration events we’re talking about a couple of nights at most, and then often in a safe camping area where we can kick back with a BBQ and a cold one at the end of the gaming day. However, for those of us with a desire to spend longer in the field, and gain more immersion in our game than ever, then there are events that go to 72 hours and beyond, and for those a little more serious consideration of your gear needs to take place.

Over a long airsoft “career” I’ve been lucky enough to attend a few such events at home and abroad (the latter needing even more careful planning!), and when you’re talking about three days or more in the wild then your kit choices need to be on point from the get-go. Most games of this kind of duration will offer a degree of “replen” in the field for food and water, but then again some don’t. I’m going to make the assumption here that we’re talking about a scenario where you’re going to be 100% “in game” for 72 hours plus, but with in-the-field-replenishment and shelter provided.

What you need to be looking at here then is your “snivel gear” as my American chums so delightfully call it, kit like your sleep and shelter systems, your cooking kit, and your hygiene kit… yup, you heard that right, HYGIENE you stinky apes!

The first consideration here is hot food and drink so you’re going to need something to cook on; I’ve tried various ways of cooking in the field over the years, but have really settled on a gas system, and my absolute favourite cooker is the “Pocket Rocket” from

Mountain safety Research (MSR). This is an ultralight backpacking stove that weighs just 73g (2.6 ounces) with a flame that easily adjusts from a simmer to a rolling boil; combine it with mess tins and you’re sorted!

As darkness falls you’re going to need some light, not only to go about your admin and planning with, but also to find your way around as many sites are not lit; red and white light is a minimum requirement. I always carry a micro head torch in my Admin Panel but I beef that up by including a Petzl Tac Tikka in the top compartment of my ruc, with spare batteries for both. When you do get time to get your head down, then a good sleeping bag is a must, and many moons ago I invested in a Special Forces Sleeping Bag System from Snugpak, money that was well spent then, and still is to this day; add a lightweight Thermarest self-inflating mattress and it’s “sweet dream time” whatever the conditions

Hygiene is one that folk laugh about when I mention it, but to me it really separates serious guys from the wannabes! Okay, I know that most weekenders are just a night or two and that you can rough it out knowing there’s a hot shower waiting when you get home, but I always try and look at it from the perspective that if you set yourself good discipline from the outset then that will aid you for longer periods. Keeping yourself clean is a very good habit to get into, not just for yourself but for those around you! I carry a small wash kit from Web Tex that contains the essentials, along with a small microfibre towel. With the wash kit I stow in a tiny sewing kit as you never know when something is going to get ripped or torn.

Other than this I just use my usual skirmish gear, although I do carry extra socks and underwear,

“FOR THOSE OF US WITH A DESIRE TO SPEND LONGER IN THE FIELD, AND GAIN MORE IMMERSION IN OUR GAME THAN EVER, THEN THERE ARE EVENTS THAT GO TO 72 HOURS AND BEYOND, AND FOR THOSE A LITTLE MORE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION OF YOUR GEAR NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE.”

spare trousers and shirt, and my waterproofs… and of course a few choice morsels and my “nosebag” tucked away for those long, cold hours “on stag”!

TEAM TALK

I’ve talked about this subject many times, and what I’ve included above is basically a précis of areas covered in fullness in the back issues section on the AA website. As usual though I wanted to include the experience of the guys in THE AA LEGION, and as we’ve already talked about our kit in terms of skirmish and then overnight situations I asked them “WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO YOUR GEAR FOR A 72 HOUR+ MILSIM EVENT?”

Dan: I’d definitely have one or two spare changes of uniform, especially if the weather is adverse, as keeping warm and dry will be important. Spare socks and undies too. One thing I’ve noticed is during hot and humid weather, the accumulation of sweat and dirt can make you feel very grimy at the end of the day, to where you feel like you’re in a state of constant

damp. This can make for an uncomfortable night too. A small packet of wet wipes is a life saver and will help keep the funk at bay. We have a few brands here in the USA sold in small package sizes, such as Grime Busters, which are a little more potent than a normal wet wipe.

If you’re doing a lot of patrolling on your feet, some moleskin is handy to have if you start developing blisters or hot spots. This can also be used to alleviate chafing from straps or other annoyances. I strongly recommend buying good foot inserts. Buy the best ones you can.

Iggy: Socks and underpants..... honestly! A very important bit of kit to have. Also a decent set of DRY fatigues ideally the same camo if you’re in camo. Stove burner, and depending on climate 2 or 4 hot meals, mobile/easy solutions that don’t need to keep kept fresh, then for lunch and energy throughout the day, sweets for moral and energy spike, TEA AND COFFEE usually with powdered milk. Warm kit for night sentry duties, waterproofs, ground sheet, roll mat, sleeping bag, bivvie bag… all are “must haves”. Spare batteries, and of course ammo!

Stewbacca: This area again is not something I’ve had much experience of as of late, but usually additional changes of clothes, hydration and salt/ sugar sources; bagged boiled sweets, nuts and the like in easy access pouches for quick bursts or pick me ups. Depending on terrain or environment I might pack extra layers (not so necessary in the heat and humidity here. More water, less clothes). Camo cream compact perhaps, additional batteries for sights or other supplementary equipment (our new radios have huge batteries so not such an issue since coming to Taiwan, and to be fair none of my optics have needed fresh batteries yet it seems).

Additional carrying equipment such as karabiners/ zip ties/bungees or string or even a lightweight strapped bag are sometimes overlooked, but can be a lifesaver if you have objectives to carry and want to

stay hands free or have more convenience to handing them off or sharing the load around.

Miguel: Extra socks, instant coffee, salty dry fruits like peanuts and cashews, power bank, meals that can easily be heated up. There’s also a lot that can be organized among the team, so we can distribute the weight.

Robbie: So many possibilities; where, when, what is the theme, goals, etc. So in general, in addition to the base kit loadout, always an extra skivvy roll, a third pair of quick-dry socks in with sleep gear, some kind of high-calorie easy-eat foods, additional supplies for both the boo-boo and hygiene kits, a good pen and paper (the bigger the event the more notes you need to keep, and I regret not gathering names and contact info of some awesome people I have met!). Extra batteries for anything/everything and in modern times power banks. Night kit, sleep kit, and in the vehicle extra replicas, game supplies, and of course... stuff to loan, or give away to those in need.

Boycie: Maybe a big-ass Command/Comms vehicle haha! Warmth, hot food, secure safe area for sleep and space for a butler! Seriously though, dry clothing, high energy snacks/drinks (dehydrated) are a must for me.

Li’l Stu: Anything and everything as above… as long as the game isn’t based at Senny!!! (For our non-UK readers, “Senny” is the UK MoD Sennybridge Training Area in Wales; about 37,000 acres of sometimes inhospitable land famous for sorting men from boys!)

Many thanks to Miguel for providing the images this month, and credit to @saduddles. photo for the images taken at their VIPER photoshoot; you’ll no doubt be seeing more of Miguel and Almeida, team-leader of the FOE Airsoft Team, in the weeks to come! AA

“MAYBE A BIG-ASS COMMAND/COMMS VEHICLE HAHA! WARMTH, HOT FOOD, SECURE SAFE AREA FOR SLEEP AND SPACE FOR A BUTLER! SERIOUSLY THOUGH, DRY CLOTHING, HIGH ENERGY SNACKS/DRINKS (DEHYDRATED) ARE A MUST FOR ME.”

RED CELL MR COLT’S BEST!

SO, THAT’S IT, RED CELL IS COMING FULL CIRCLE AS THEY LOOK BACK ON THE “1911” MODELS THAT THEY FIRST TOOK TO THE RANGE NEARLY TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO! THESE SAME MODELS HAVE BEEN SHOT ON A REGULAR AND CONTINUOUS BASIS OVER THAT PERIOD, AND WITH A FEW ADDITIONS THE CELL NOW REPORT BACK ON FIFTEEN LONG-TERM TEST PISTOLS THAT ARE STILL RARING TO GET IN THE FIGHT!

Back in Issue 119 (that’s TWO AND A HALF YEARS ago!) we kicked off a testing program in Airsoft Action the like of which had not, to the best of our knowledge, been seen before! We decided, as a team, that we were fed up with seeing reports and reviews of airsoft platforms “from the box”, all gleaming and new, that then disappeared as newer, shinier things appeared!

The world’s collective attention span, it would seem, has shrunk somewhat dramatically during the past few years - so if you’re after a 30-second video of dancing llamas then you’re sh1t-out-of-luck with us, as we like to get into things in a bit more depth… Stop reading now if you’re uninterested in the benefit of experience and go enjoy those llamas!

So... Still here are you? Cool! Let’s crack on! Most of us love a good “1911”, and why not as the venerable Colt pistol was formally adopted by the US Army on March 29, 1911, and it’s a pistol model that is still going to this day and shows no sign of stopping! With well over 110 years of service history under its belt the “1911” is a true classic that is a pleasure to own and shoot, both in airsoft and “real deal” form.

As I’ve said before, just as in the real world there is now an industry within an industry when it comes to airsoft “1911s”, with a plethora of aftermarket parts available for upgrades, from an upgraded trigger spring right through to full steel body kits! You can go completely classic with a super M1911A1, or come literally “bang up to the minute” with some of the newer designs that are currently available. You can stick to classic “single stack” models or head on into Hi Capa territory for that extra magazine capacity, but one thing that is shared amongst all the models is that wonderful geometry that makes the 1911 style so popular; it just sits perfectly in the hand whether it’s designed for competition or combat!

In the initial Red Cell Shoot we decided to throw all the 1911 models into one big, massively impressive (and ever-growing!) pile, no matter what their magazine capacity, although of course this could be a decider for you when you come to buy. All the pistol models that we test are owned, or have been owned, by members of the group, and they are all models that have been, or will be, used in game. Some have been owned for a considerable time, and this will always be noted in the data so

“THE WORLD’S COLLECTIVE ATTENTION SPAN IT WOULD SEEM HAS SHRUNK SOMEWHAT DRAMATICALLY DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, SO IF YOU’RE AFTER A 30-SECOND VIDEO IF DANCING LLAMAS THEN YOU’RE SH1T-OUT-OF-LUCK WITH US, AS WE LIKE TO GET INTO THINGS IN A BIT MORE DEPTH… STOP READING NOW IF YOU’RE UNINTERESTED IN THE BENEFIT OF EXPERIENCE, AND GO ENJOY THOSE LLAMAS!”

TOKYO MARUI 1911 MEU

Price: iro £150.00

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 840g

Length: 223mm

Magazine Capacity: 28

Cold Chrono: 0.70 Joule/275fps

Hot Chrono: 0.33 Joule/190fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: No

Suppressor Compatibilty: No Available From: www.iwholesales.co.uk

RAVEN 1911 MEU RAILED

Price: iro £80.00

Age: 5 Years

Weight: 1300g

Length: 215mm

Magazine Capacity: 15+1

Cold Chrono: 0.73 Joule/282fps

Hot Chrono: 0.65 Joule/265fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Good

Suppressor Compatibilty: Good Available From: www.rvnairsoft.com

WE AIRSOFT 1911A1

Price: iro £90.00

Age: 10+ years!

Weight: 1200g

Length: 218mm

Magazine Capacity: 15+1

Cold Chrono: 0.78 Joule/291fps

Hot Chrono: 0.71 Joule/278fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: No

Suppressor Compatibility: No Available From: www.weairsoft.com

TOKYO MARUI GOLD MATCH

Price: iro £160.00

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 850g

Length: 222mm

Magazine Capacity: 31 BBs

Cold Chrono: 0.74 Joule/283fps

Hot Chrono: 0.78 Joule/290ps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Yes

Suppressor Compatibilty: No Available From: www.fire-support.co.uk

VFC TACTICAL CUSTOM

Price: iro £130.00

Age: 2 Years 7 Months

Weight: 840g

Length: 224mm

Magazine Capacity: 20

Cold Chrono: 0.83 Joule/300fps

Hot Chrono: 0.89 Joule/310fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Dedicated

Suppressor Compatibilty: No

Available From: www.vegaforce.com

you can work out how consistent they have remained over their “service life”. We want you to be able to pick a GBB or AEG for yourself that is both worth the money, and worth placing your trust in. Ultimately we want you to have the information to be able to buy something with confidence, to obtain a model that you can own and cherish for years to come, and that will keep on working with minimal fuss and equally minimal maintenance as long as you own it.

So, from my perspective how have our initial models fared, and what have we added to the mix since that started out with? All the pistols in the pool have now had a minimum of 2000 VORSK PRECISION BBs through them (chrono’d on .20g) using VORSK V6 FUEL (apart from those that are noted as C02 driven), and minimal maintenance has been undertaken. We’ve basically changed out seals and o-rings where needed, and made sure that each pistol is stripped and mag-lubed after every 500 BBs or so. Nothing more has been done to them other than a regular barrel clean, so what you’re seeing is in the main bog-standard GBBs with zero upgrades. Notes have been taken during their “journey”, and these will become a part of our 5 YEAR PLAN… yup, that’s right, we’re only half-way through what we believe will be a meaningful test period, and we aim to have at least 20 MODELS, with a minimum of 5,000 BBs through them, in each and every pistol category by the time we reach the end!

RED CELL RUMINATIONS

So, all of our test pistols are still alive and still performing well even after use; sorry, but we’ve actually had no major failures in the 1911 group, and that’s all she wrote! But the “airsoft 1911” is a muchtreasured beast, and in keeping with that I thought I’d ask the members of THE CELL about their relationships with this platform!

Dan: The Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU was my first airsoft sidearm, which was purchased shortly after buying my first airsoft rifle, the TM Type 89. A weird mix, I know. I had opportunity to “try before you buy”, so the shop clerk let me run a few mags through several platforms to get a feel for things. With the MEU I was immediately impressed by the accuracy and range, and of course, being a

lightweight plastic slide, it had a relatively decent ‘snap’ to it, which stood in contrast to some of the heavier metal offerings. This was also in the era when Tokyo Marui was arguably the king of gas blowback pistols, and if you were in the market for a sidearm, you could certainly do a lot worse.

I used the MEU for many years, often running straight propane, and it was pretty much dead reliable and trouble free, requiring only the usual cleaning maintenance and greasing of seals. One of the very first things I replaced was the Pachmayr grips, which I thought made the grip overly thick. I modified a pair of real steel wood grip panels to fit and this really improved the aesthetic and feel for me.

Eventually my interests changed and I moved onto more modern platforms. I think I ended up trading it straight across for a G&P Colt 9mm SMG build, as I recall. But I still really like this model in particular and would have no hesitation in recommending it to new and experienced players alike.

Iggy: The Tokyo Marui Gold Cup GBB pistol was how I first got into airsoft when I was 13 years old. After coming across one in the cadets; I approached the Sergeant that had the pistol and I asked what on earth it was he had. He showed me and let me have a few shots. I WAS HOOKED!!!

It took four months begging and annoying my mum but at the age of 14 I went and got myself a Tokyo Marui Gold Cup GBB pistol and an MP5 A3. Since then I have mainly been a fan of the USP and USP compact but I have for many years had a TM Hi Capa 2011 and I also own a WE Tech 2011 Gel ball pistol out here in Australia!

L’il Stu: 1911s ? Erm. Where to start... I’ve been a fan of 1911s for a very long time (early 1970’s) as I played with the toy versions available at the time. Then about 23 years ago, I discovered airsoft, yes, that old familiar tale! I signed onto the forums that were around at that time and saw a review of a WA SVI hybrid; just fell in love with the look a straight away. I then saw an ad for Wolf Armouries, phoned ‘em up and asked if they had a Hybrid in stock to be told no, as even then, they were rare. But…. they did have a WA SVI 6 and would that do? Foolish question!!!

And that’s how my WA addiction started. Double stack SVIs at first, until I discovered they did a proper

“WE’RE ONLY HALF-WAY THROUGH WHAT WE BELIEVE WILL BE A MEANINGFUL TEST PERIOD, AND WE AIM TO HAVE AT LEAST 20 MODELS WITH A MINIMUM OF 5,000 BBS THROUGH THEM IN EACH AND EVERY PISTOL CATEGORY BY THE TIME WE REACH THE END!”

RAVEN HI CAPA 4.3

Price: iro £90.00

Age: 4 Years

Weight: 880g

Length: 220mm

Magazine Capacity: 25

Cold Chrono: 0.96 Joule/323fps

Hot Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Good

Suppressor Compatibilty: Good Available From: www.rvnairsoft.com

VORSK HI CAPA 5.1 SPLIT SLIDE

Price: iro £130.00

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 900g

Length: 250mm

Magazine Capacity:

Cold Chrono: 1.11 Joule/346fps

Hot Chrono: 1.02 Joule/332fps

Holster Compatibility: Okay

Taclite Compatibility: Good

Suppressor Compatibilty: Good, Adaptor fitted as standard Available From: www.vorskairsoft.com

ARMY ARMAMENT R501

Price: iro £80.00

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 1020g

Length: 218mm

Magazine Capacity: 28

Cold Chrono: 0.80 Joule/295fps

Hot Chrono: 0.70 Joule/276fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Good

Suppressor Compatibilty: Good Available From: www.taiwangun.com

ARMY ARMAMENT R604

Price: iro £95.00

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 1030g

Length: 225mm

Magazine Capacity: 28

Cold Chrono: 0.86 Joule/305fps

Hot Chrono: 0.67 Joule/270fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Good

Suppressor Compatibilty: Good Available From: www.taiwangun.com

ARMY ARMAMENT R45A1

Price: iro £45.00

Age: 4 Years

Weight: 700g

Length: 170mm

Magazine Capacity: 18

Cold Chrono: 0.55 Joule/245fps

Hot Chrono: 0.41 Joule/210fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: No

Suppressor Compatibility: No Available From: www.taiwangun.com

single stack 1911. I’ve now got quite a few of WA’s 1911 variants so far (not as many as Luke Dobson, or that very nice Matt Dean chap) but quite a few (15 or so I think?)… some are stock as they were intended, others have been “fettled” , mostly by some chap called Mobius Strip..... Yes, some will stay almost unused, others have been used far too often and still keep going.

Usually to my great amusement when I get asked are they TM/WE/”insert brand here”, upon finding that they are WA, its often a case of “never heard of them” or “don’t they make AR rifles?” or “it’s a museum piece”. Currently though I’m shooting a RWA Nighthawk on C02, but I use it sparingly as it tends to be a little “warm” sometimes… but it hoofs a .36g quite happily, and it just don’t quit! Glocks/ USP’s/SIG’s… all very lovely, but at the end of the day, it’s the 1911 that holds sway.

Stewbacca: Aah, the 1911. Somewhat Marmite for me being a fan of mostly German or at least European polymer-framed modern service pistols or different classical handguns (someone make a good HiPower Mk3 already!). I had a Marui 1911 more years ago than I care to count back when we were doing the whole “Namsoft thang”, and I kept hold of it for a while afterwards where it availed itself well enough in CQB encounters at the likes of the old SYA Proteus site when I’d managed to hide quietly enough for the enemy lines to pass me and allow me to stalk out and muller them from behind in hidden corners. Much fun.

I found the magazine release tended to be a little too easy to operate and had to retrace my steps a few times, including on that very game day, luckily finding the lost magazines that dropped out during movements with a leather shoulder holster. More recently I’ve eschewed the Hi Capa crowd and their cajoling to join them in the competition arena, still settling for my CZ CLPD Shadow 2 or VFC PPQNPA; I was using them before it got cool, don’t you know? But that being said, hanging around the Archwick facility a lot I’ve had hands in with a lot of the Army R-Series pistols and quite like the ones with CO2 magazines for their heft, feeling and triggers. Maybe I’ll eventually succumb to their charms... But not today…

Robbie: The 1911 is a hit or miss with me. The real firearm is very much fun to shoot and tune/ gunsmith but I would never carry it again; I had a bad experience with a few real ones, and I now prefer Glock pistols for all my work and personal carry. With that said the airsoft versions are fantastic fun and I have had some amazing indoor CQB games with the full metal classic WE 1911 and low capacity magazines. If we count variations though the TM Hi Capa is in my “Top 3” airsoft replicas to own for tuning and shootability.

Jimmy: Real men shoot a “45”… there, I said it, fight me on this! I am a massive fan of the “1911” although have become more than infatuated with the modern variation, the 2011 aka the Hi Capa which will always be my go to sidearm; you can always rely on the trusty 1911. From memory my first ever BB gun was a springer Ruger P85 and I thought I was super cool, moving forward in time to my first proper airsoft GBB pistol which was a WE 4.3 Desert Warrior, a modernised, very tactical take on the 1911 which served its purpose incredibly well. Constructed of mainly metal it was a lovely, weighty pistol and its only flaw was the sear spring would lose its power which resulted in full auto bursts! That was solved after three new springs when replacing with an AW sear spring, and the problem never happened again.

My entry into airsoft was predominantly CQB and I would often run just my pistol with an Xcoretech tracer unit and a full 90BB speed loader! Being of full metal construction it allowed me to use a stronger RED gas giving a higher velocity at around 300fps on a 0.25g BB which for CQB is perfect. I had to stay on top of maintenance due to the abuse it saw. I ended up selling it for reasons unknown to me but because I had fond memories of it I just had to buy another, so now I have another box fresh one!

My personal collection is mainly 1911/2011 models and I feel it is the perfect platform mainly because of parts availability, be it stock parts or aftermarket parts. Having owned and used many different 1911’s to date I can say there are some brands I detest but there are far more brands that I enjoy immensely. Marui for one is a brand I will always trust and I have my eye on a very particular model the Colt government 1911 Mk IV series 70 in a nickel finish… ooh, that gets me

“REAL MEN SHOOT A “45”… THERE, I SAID IT, FIGHT ME ON THIS! I AM A MASSIVE FAN OF THE “1911” ALTHOUGH HAVE BECOME MORE THAN INFATUATED WITH THE MODERN VARIATION, THE 2011 AKA THE HI CAPA WHICH WILL ALWAYS BE MY GO TO SIDEARM”

TM DETONICS COMBATMASTER

Price: iro £105.00

Age: 10+ years!

Weight: 634g

Length: 178mm

Magazine Capacity: 18

Cold Chrono: 0.53 Joule/240fps

Hot Chrono: 0.39 Joule/205fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: No

Suppressor Compatibility: No Available From: www.fire-support.co.uk

VFC ULTRA CARRY

Price: iro £150.00

Age: 2 Years 3 Months

Weight: 711g

Length: 176mm

Magazine Capacity: 18 BBs

Cold Chrono: 0.68 Joule/271fps

Hot Chrono: 0.72 Joule/280fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: No

Suppressor Compatibility: No Available From: www.vegaforce.com

VORSK VX-9

Price: iro £140.00 (with extended inner barrel and suppressor)

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 873g

Length: 220mm

Magazine Capacity: 15+1

Cold Chrono: 0.70 Joule/275fps (no extension)

Hot Chrono: 0.62 Joule/258fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: No

Suppressor Compatibility: YES!!! Available From: www.vorskairsoft.com

RWA NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM RECON (CO2)

Price: iro £140.00

Age: 3 Years

Weight: 908g

Length: 220mm

Magazine Capacity: 17+1

Cold Chrono: 1.20 Joule/360fps

Hot Chrono: 0.84 Joule/301fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Yes

Suppressor Compatibility: No

Available From: https://uk.redwolfairsoft.com

ICS CHALLENGER

Price: iro £190.00

Age: 1 Year 8 Months

Weight: 970g

Length: 220mm

Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs

Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps

Hot Chrono: 0.96 Joule/323fps

Holster Compatibility: Good

Taclite Compatibility: Yes

Suppressor Compatibility: Yes Available From: www.icsbb.com

excited. Anywho, I digressed a little there. The 1911 is and always will be a popular choice of pistol and at some point most airsofters will or will have owned a 1911 of some description. Most modern changes to the platform are minor at best, all operating on the same similar design so it surprises me not that all the “pool pistols” are still rockin’ and rollin’!

If I had to choose from all the 1911’s produced for airsoft though it would most definitely have to be the RWA 1911 Nighthawk Custom Recon, as this for me is the closest I have come to its real counterpart which, might I add, featured in the Magpul Dynamics videos and was used by both Chris Costa and Travis Haley (not forgetting the fact it was designed by Chris himself and used heavily through their instructional videos). The RWA is the heaviest of all the 1911’s I have tested and due to it being CO2-powered sports the heaviest recoil effect adding more to a realistic feel.

Being made from heavy metal (sadly not the steel version!) makes it a very solid piece, and the only part not metal is the plastic grips (wooden ones are available). The use of C02 makes this a very efficient pistol and can see multiple reloads on one magazine keeping you in the fight for longer. The ability to easily lift a heavier than normal BB (this will lift over a distance a .28g BB but let’s be honest, most pistol engagements are at a close range so the use of a .30g BB is no problem) and you know the recipient will feel their hits.

CO2 is a great choice for propellant, but alas some sites do not allow its use so “green gas” of some form is the other option. When looking at green gas pistols lightweight is your friend and lightweight comes in the form of a TM; looking back at our Red Cell test day the 1911 MEU was one I really liked and as everybody knows TM pistols are very efficient on gas. I know lots of players who turn their noses up at the fact TM use plastic slides but the truth is they work incredibly well and contrary to popular belief do not easily break.

Jase: I’m straying off the main test group here, but the RWA Nighthawk GRP Recon - CNC Steel Limited Edition that Jimmy mentioned is a high-end airsoft pistol that features a CNC-machined steel slide and frame for added realism. This limited edition version is designed to replicate the look and feel of a real Nighthawk Custom GRP 1911 pistol, and it’s a great choice for the serious airsofter if you can find one on the used market now. We were lucky enough to have one to test, but sadly this did not remain in the pool as it was the “precious” of a trusting friend, and as a mainly “G-Man” to date this is my top 1911! It might

be out of most airsofters grasp financially but it is a truly remarkable bit of kit, and every shot fired is a joy, crisp with a beautiful thump of the slides movement!

Bill: From our initial pool we’ve added a couple of new models as friends on the manufacturing side have asked us to include their new creations in our extended test; the first of these was the VFC Tactical Custom, closely followed by the VFC Ultra Carry that joins the TM Detonics and Army R45A1 in our “Compact 1911” sub-category; I’ve managed to catch both these models up the BB count of the others during my weekly testing days, and both are standing up superbly!

We’ve also added the ICS Challenger to the mix as our relationship with ICS is excellent, and they genuinely wish to know how one of their flagship models is going to perform over time. Jimmy has this model and is in the process of catching it up to the others as well, so there’ll be more on this at a later date.

Of course our great friends at VORSK have been really cranking out their Hi Capa variants, and more have been added to the test regime in the form of the standard Hi Capa 5.1 and 4.3 models, along with the new VX-14, but the last three are playing catch-up still in terms of BB count so again comment will be reserved until this happens although thus far they are all performing superbly!

Although I like each and every model in the test pool (and the RAVEN 4.3 still sings to me as a “fighting gun”!), and they’re all a joy to shoot, I have to admit that the more I use it, the more I adore the VORSK 5.1 Split Slide! It’s the slide that makes all the difference on this pistol, that Split-Slide design, which means only the rear half of the slide actually moves, dovetailing beautifully with the fixed front half so there is much less weight moving, making your gas usage massively more efficient, and the cycle time meaningfully less when it comes to taking follow-up shots; if you’ve not tried one of these for yourself then you’re missing out! AA

Red Cell is supported by:

BREAKOUT SUCCESS!

AS SOMEONE WHO’S SPENT A LARGE PROPORTION OF HIS ENTIRE “AIRSOFT CAREER” FIRMLY BEHIND A PISTOL, OR MULTIPLE ONES, AS WELL AS BEING A NOTORIOUS DESTRUCTIVE TESTER AND GENERAL KLUTZ, WHO BETTER TO PUT A PISTOL HOLSTER THROUGH ITS PACES THAN STEWBACCA? OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT LAYLAX MUST HAVE THOUGHT THE SAME AS THEY WERE GOOD ENOUGH TO GIFT HIM THEIR LATEST IN SPECIALIST HOLSTER RELEASES WHILE HE WAS VISITING THEM FOR THE KRYTAC OWNER’S MEETING AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. AFTER EXTENSIVE FIELD TESTS IN VARIOUS GAMING ENVIRONMENTS AND LOADOUTS, STEWBACCA BRINGS US HIS THOUGHTS ON A SOMEWHAT UNCONVENTIONAL BUT EXCELLENT PRODUCT.

Strangely enough I’d never added a Tokyo Marui Mk23 NBB to my collection during all those years in the UK; I did end up with an NBB P99 which I managed to jam and break spamming the trigger in my typical destructive product testing manner, and then ended up forking out for a P99 GBB and never really returned to the NBB fold as a result of that money pit experience. Before I even started skirmishing I was an avid gas pistol collector as I’ve always loved handguns of all shapes, sizes and makes, and for most of my early days I resorted to fabric holsters for the likes of Glocks, Berettas, even my original Desert Eagle, and twin AEP Beretta M93Rs, given the sheer variety of platforms I accumulated, fabric holster solutions were more economical and adaptable at the time.

With the advent of Kydex, rigid plastic or carbon fibre holsters I soon turned to the likes of model specific Blackhawk SERPA level I & II holsters for my Glocks, Berettas, Five-seveNs and even P99s… an expensive game to play, especially when you add all the QD platforms on to allow me to easily move them all around between different rigs… plus the SERPA

name had become somewhat of a taboo in real steel shooting circles given their safety and durability track record.

Since being in Taiwan I’ve accumulated a few more knock-off SERPAs for HK45/USP Compact use, as well as genuine Safarilands for Glock-specific and multi-platform use in the guise of the 6379 and 579 models, the latter carrying basically anything I carry as a matter of course, but then I’ve rarely made use of optics on pistols since being here, and even less frequently fitted silencers or tracer units to sidearms, unless I’m using them exclusively in CQB environments. Like the good old latter days back home, however I can’t remember a time I’ve ever mounted a pistol light and been able to holster it; the Surefire Masterfire type system seems an interesting solution to that or perhaps the illumination unit locking Safariland models, but truth be told I haven’t gotten into a low light situation given the largely morning and outdoorsy nature of my gameplay as of these last few years with Team Taiji, so it’s never been a priority.

“WITH THE ADVENT OF KYDEX, RIGID PLASTIC OR CARBON FIBRE HOLSTERS I SOON TURNED TO THE LIKES OF MODEL-SPECIFIC BLACKHAWK SERPA LEVEL I & II HOLSTERS FOR MY GLOCKS, BERETTAS, FIVE-SEVENS AND EVEN P99S… AN EXPENSIVE GAME TO PLAY”

MK23 SPECIFIC

Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, however, while at the Laylax KOM in Japan back in November 2022 (See Issues 145 & 146 for more on that) the ladies and gents of our friends in the house of the wolf were good enough to give me their Breakout Holster for the Tokyo Marui Mk23 SOCOM NBB pistol, as well as their Nine Ball internal upgrades for the gas valve system, trigger improvement and outer barrel front adaptor section (more on those to follow in later issues once I’ve fielded them and made comparisons to the stock gun). So, upon my return to Taiwan I immediately went to KIC Airsoft (my closest and favourite supplier in Taipei) and managed to snap up one of their remaining Mk23 NBB units as well as an extra magazine for the purposes of testing both the gun and its upgrades and the Breakout Holster.

I have to admit I was initially a little sceptical when I first saw the marketing materials for Laylax’s Breakout Holster, with its side swinging chassis system that encloses and positively indexes the fixed top slide before swinging closed and locking the trigger guard and trigger itself in the stationary mount portion of the holster. As someone who’s spent years perfecting vertical or slightly canted axial draws from god knows how many conventional combat and competition holsters (especially since taking up IPSC three years back from time of writing) and having had issues using the CTM Glock holster which locks up in a similar manner but without the swinging cage, I did wonder how effective the setup would be. I managed to get hands on with Laylax’s tooled up optics ready custom slide version of the Marui Mk23 NBB at their facility in Osaka while the international guest crowds were producing their content, practising the draw and reupholstering motions before running through it

with Ryan Sensei on camera for my own introduction video.

At first it took some getting used to as you have to learn to swing the pistol in forwards and at a bit of an angle to seat the front face of the slide on the bottom supporting face of the holster’s swinging component, then push forward to align the spine of the slide along the rest of the holster before swinging it closed and latching onto the trigger guard. The draw-stroke is basically the reverse, enabled by depressing the serrated textured thumb drive latch button inboard of the pistol itself, and this motion gets surprisingly natural over the course of a few days of use, allowing you to swing the pistol (and the affixed standard silencer) clear of the main body and ‘cage’ part of the holster and bringing it to bear in a fairly snappy wrist-flick movement.

RUGGED RETENTION

It’s also surprisingly rugged in terms of its retention and protection of the Mk23 NBB, as the silencer is the only exposed concern really as it sticks out the front of the holster in an unsupported fashion; your mileage may vary of course, but thus far I haven’t had many issues with it snagging when holstered, although I have long legs so it doesn’t come close to my knees, which offers it some protection from bumps and snags. Add to this I rarely go prone as such these days, but on occasion I would leave the silencer off and stow it in my plate carrier ready to screw on to the muzzle if I did encounter a need for the sidearm while running my PSG-1 on the longer range outdoor sites.

The retention is also improved by an additional vertical sliding locking tab that blocks the movement of the front edge of the trigger guard and by extension the swinging cage section even if the main

“NEVER ONE TO LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH, HOWEVER, WHILE AT THE LAYLAX KOM IN JAPAN BACK IN NOVEMBER 2022 ...THE LADIES AND GENTS OF OUR FRIENDS IN THE HOUSE OF THE WOLF WERE GOOD ENOUGH TO GIVE ME THEIR BREAKOUT HOLSTER FOR THE TOKYO MARUI MK23 SOCOM NBB PISTOL”

thumb drive release is actuated; for me with my long digits it’s surprisingly intuitively placed and allows me to quickly snap it upward with my index finger before driving my thumb down and releasing the pistol. It’s certainly worth the extra momentary effort to my mind for the security, especially if you plan on going leopard crawling through long grass to get to an objective silently where the hush puppy Mk23 would be best employed; the silencer makes a marked difference in muzzle report and I did manage to get the drop on three OpFor at one Hutoushan game while I was testing the VFC MP5k SEF and had already blitzed through all 60 rounds of the two mags I had for that, so I displaced, slung the MP5k and drew the Mk23 NBB, quietly peppering the bushes and getting multiple kills before someone on overwatch took me out.

The additional retention latch is definitely advisable as well even in urban environments, the only retention failure I had during all my testing was when I was playing at our Yangmei CQB site and was in a somewhat awkward position rolling far right over my knee to try and aim down a stairwell I was about to descend (I died, as it happens. Stairs are hard!) but before descending to my demise I managed to drop my Mk23; the weird angle and extreme leaning over managed to actuate the thumb drive release button either on part of my load bearing gear or perhaps some of my own chonk, and the pistol went clattering to the ground, quickly retrieved in an “of course I meant to do that” like a pro moment, but from then on I decided to make use of the additional retention and it really hasn’t hampered the draw all that much for the added peace of mind.

For the moment I have left the cant angle basically vertical or near as putting the silencer down my thigh, but you can rotate the holster body relative to its mounting paddle to your heart’s content by releasing it from the paddle section and snapping it back into place in the appropriate orientation where the myriad radial striations on the surfaces of the paddle and holster will interlock once more and keep the holster in a rigid alignment to your taste.

I’ve also found carrying the whole setup slightly past the three-o’clock position helps in some situations, putting the barrel and silencer slightly

behind your thigh to minimise the amount of gun sticking out sideways and provide a bit more protection from hang-ups or otherwise keeping it further out of any mud you go prone in.

CONTINUATION TESTING

Thus far throughout all my testing, using the Laylax Breakout Mk23 SOCOM NBB pistol holster has been an almost entirely positive experience barring that one retention failure in a bit of an odd situation, but certainly I can see this having great utility for snipers who want to use a discreet NBB platform as a backup and have it solidly retained, but in a readily accessible manner. In fact the outward and then rearward swinging draw stroke might actually be more comfortable and useful in such situations, as you don’t have to worry about clearing your plate carrier or any obstructions along the axis of the gun itself as with other holsters when lying prone behind your long gun.

The fact that it locks up on the slide and trigger guard internal faces also means that your accessory rail and muzzle are unencumbered for the addition of the LAM or other illumination options as well as the standard silencer, or any other silencer or even tracer unit of your choosing if you make use of the Laylax Nine Ball replacement front outer barrel threaded unit, which I’ll be availing my own of and putting that through its paces perhaps indoors with a suitable Acetech tracer unit for disco CQB funtimes over the coming months to bring you further reviews alongside the Laylax Nineball softened trigger spring and magazine gas valve systems.

I must once again extend my thanks to Koshida sama, Ryan, Marck and the rest of the fine folks at Laylax for entrusting their upgrade parts and holster to me, no doubt knowing the abuse they’re likely to endure at my hands! If you’re in the market for a very specialised but effective holstering solution for the Marui Mk23 SOCOM NBB or similar variant pistols, I can certainly point you in the direction of this product.

For more information on Laylax holsters and all the other good things mentioned in this review don’t hesitate to pop on over to www.laylax.com... Prepare to drool just a little if you do! AA

“I MUST ONCE AGAIN EXTEND MY THANKS TO KOSHIDA SAMA, RYAN, MARCK AND THE REST OF THE FINE FOLKS AT LAYLAX FOR ENTRUSTING THEIR UPGRADE PARTS AND HOLSTER TO ME, NO DOUBT KNOWING THE ABUSE THEY’RE LIKELY TO ENDURE AT MY HANDS!”

NEXT GEN MANCRAFT!

JIMMY CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY INTO THE MYSTICAL WORLD OF HPA ENGINES, AND DEMYSTIFIES IT AS HE GOES ALONG! TO MANY OF US HPA IS JUST “ANOTHER THING” BUT THIS TIME JIMMY LOOKS AT THE RESULTS, CONSISTENCY AND RELIABILITY THAT ARE ACHIEVABLE WITH THE MANCRAFT PDIK GEN3 WHEN IT COMES TO PUTTING TOGETHER A SUPERIOR DMR!

So as the Mancraft series continues my next port of call is the brilliant new PDIK GEN3 and in true fashion this latest engine is the pinnacle of mechanical HPA engines; if you are looking to create an effective and reliable DMR setup that you can cherish and use for years (such as Bill describes earlier in his ARES review) then this is the engine for you, undoubtedly the best mechanical engine on the market for the job in my professional-tech opinion! But why I hear you ask? There are many reasons why,

I love Mancraft. Being an avid airsofter and a lover of tech it is my belief that for both the tech and the enduser airsoft doesn’t need to be complicated. What Mancraft have given us is something that is incredibly easy to work with and even easier to use and for some the thought of having to programme something can become quite daunting and not completely understood, so for some the experience can be jaded. Even I have had to learn how to properly programme FCU’s and trigger boards and I find myself still having to revert back to manuals.

Mancraft have provided many different engines catering for many different platforms but they have made them so everybody can use them and enjoy them being able to focus on the game rather than ‘is my rifle setup properly’, it is a true plug and play arrangement.

and I am here to tell you those reasons. Firstly though I thought I would give a brief insight as to why

Once fitted you simply need to plug in your airline, setup your regulator to give you the power you need (site legal of course) and just go and have fun. As mentioned these mechanical engines make building a DMR as easy as 123 or ABC. It’s the simplicity that I love, simplistic but oh so effective. It would be such a joy to see Mancraft produce a mechanical engine that offers selectable fire; I’m

“BEING AN AVID AIRSOFTER AND A LOVER OF TECH IT IS MY BELIEF THAT FOR BOTH THE TECH AND THE END-USER AIRSOFT DOESN’T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED”

sure it could be done with some form of direct impingement system but I’m no engineer so what do I know but someone smarter than me could make it work I’m certain of that.

WHY CHOOSE MANCRAFT?

Why Mancraft? Because CNC aluminium! If you don’t look at something that has been created from a billet of aluminium and instantly want it, are you even human? Let’s be honest, airsofters love CNC’d components. Mancraft make most of their products from the CNC process and the quality is absolutely perfect; strong, lightweight, attention to detail, cost effective, reliable. Most things airsofters look for and one company can provide these.

HPA builds are notoriously expensive and a lot are the wrong side of UK£800 and if you are looking to create a DMR than a lot of features from most of the other engines on the market are going to be wasted, so for a fraction of that cost a mechanical build will meet your needs more and be better value for money. If money is an issue then the mechanical choice is so much more economical; to some it may still seem expensive but for anyone who is thinking of upgrading a rifle to DMR-level the cost is roughly the same if not more for an AEG build when you factor in all of the components plus the extra labour costs of having it built and fine-tuned.

Another pro with the Mancraft kit is as mentioned the lack of electronics which can be achilles heel for a lot of platforms. Want to play in the rain but worried your precious electrics will get damaged? Buy a Mancraft PDIK engine problem solved. PDIK engines laugh in the face of water and there is proof of this on their website, talk about put your money where your mouth is.

FITTING FOR PURPOSE

Fitment of said engine is a simple process providing your receiver will accept the casings as we all know gearbox shells are not all made equal. I had initially decided to fit the casing into my Specna E06 but that was thwarted by the fact Specna have used a slightly thinner shell than that of Mancraft and it simply would not fit. Fortunately I had another long rifle and that fitted perfectly.

“IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO CREATE A DMR THAN A LOT OF FEATURES FROM MOST OF THE OTHER ENGINES ON THE MARKET ARE GOING TO BE WASTED, SO FOR A FRACTION OF THAT COST A MECHANICAL BUILD WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS MORE AND BE BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY”

I fitted it into a Arthurian M16VN with little effort and it lined up very well with the hop unit which is something you need to pay attention to when fitting aftermarket components such as a HPA engine. I did not need to purchase any extras as the standard Arthurian safety lever, selector plate and trigger fitted although I opted for a different trigger. The replacement was sent from Mancraft and it felt a lot smoother than the original and it looked a whole lot nicer being CNC’d from alloy and it did not require any shims.

You can fit your own AEG nozzle should you need a different length but that was not an issue either as it would happen to be a perfect length for the hop up already in the M16 (I will probably swap that out for a Retro Arms unit at some point. Nozzles are very easily changeable and can be done in a matter of minutes, but always remember after disassembly to use a small drop of loctite to secure it; I’m sure Mancraft recommend 542. The entire engine is fully serviceable should it require any additional love over time, and this can be done using basic tools; any service parts are available on request.

I haven’t yet had to the chance to field the newbuild rifle but I have had time on a short range and to date I am very happy with its performance. It has what I believe is the new trigger valve making trigger pull a lot lighter than its predecessors, so less finger fatigue. I have been powering this using a Balystik HPR800

regulator; I was given the new MMR regulator but due to not having the right fitting I haven’t been able to use that as yet. I have US foster fittings and that requires EU fittings I will eventually get a hold of some.

Even with the Balystik reg the power/pressure readings are pretty much the same as those given by Mancraft and operate anywhere between 7bar or 100psi and 16bar or 230psi for my setup and barrel length; I’m pushing 105psi giving me 1.85-1.87j using a .36g BB, and I would like to test on .40g but my hop at present won’t support that. Being a much lighter trigger follow up shots are much faster than the PDIK3. Due to its closed bolt nature it makes for a very accurate and efficient unit… less air more fun.

If you are someone thinking if converting your AEG rifle to DMR and longing for accuracy over longer range the PDIK GEN3 is a serious must, it’s a no brainer in my opinion. What are you waiting for you know you want one… and perhaps with this I might even convert Bill to HPA!

From the team at AA we would wish to say a big thank you again to all the guys at Mancraft, but Michal and Radoslaw especially for providing some fantastic products and giving us the opportunity to test the latest models; keep up the good work chaps! Please do go and check them out on social media and give www.shop-mancraft.com a browse, I know you won’t be disappointed! AA

“IF YOU ARE SOMEONE THINKING IF CONVERTING YOUR AEG RIFLE TO DMR AND LONGING FOR ACCURACY OVER LONGER RANGE THE PDIK GEN3 IS A SERIOUS MUST, IT’S A NO BRAINER IN MY OPINION”

OP KIA III –GOLD LORDS!

SOME GAMES THAT WE ATTEND ARE TRULY SPECIAL, AND WHILST THEY ARE NOT ALL AS LARGE AS OP KIA II – GOLD LORDS”, PLAYERS EVERYWHERE ARE ONE AS THEY REMEMBER THE PLAYERS THAT ARE NO LONGER WITH US. MIGUEL REPORTS BACK ON AN ANA APD-RUN GAME THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO PLAYERS PAST WITH A TRUE MILITARY FEEL!

When the year started, the ANA APD (one of Portugal’s Airsoft associations) released their calendar and the first event was “KIA III - Gold Lords”. It was the third edition of the already yearly series, a more skirmish-like game that launched the association 2023 events.

Now, what makes KIA a special event for the Portuguese community? KIA, as many of you know, means “Killed In Action”, and this game aims to remember those of our community who passed away. Before the briefing, the president of the ANA APD (Vitor Conceição) reads the names of all those from the community who are no longer with us, over the low sound of army drums and a heavy silence from all those present. But, this is airsoft, and even those who can no longer share some BBs with us would like to see a good game and the players having some good fun!

We arrived early to the check in zone, and although the grey sky was threatening us with rain, the organization was ready to welcome us under

tents and tarps. So after checking our tickets and parking, we started the old slow ritual of gearing up, and some time after, little by little we started heading to the chrono area. Here the ANA APD had several chronos ready with several different BB weights to measure the replicas, and after that there was a second check in where the players could pick up their game kit, which was composed of a set of dog tags, ANA patch, game map and other trinkets. While the rest of the players were arriving and doing their check in, it was time to meet with a lot of faces that we’ve known for years. Since there were teams from all over the country, it was great to see some old friends.

With briefing time getting close, the players were almost all ready and although it had rained a bit we were looking forward to the event. At the determined hour, the staff started calling the players to begin the briefing and everyone gathered around, since the event had a special military aspect (that I will explain a bit later) before anything we had the

raising of the Portuguese flag, and like I wrote previously, after it the president of ANA APD made an address about all those who were no longer with us, a moment highly respected by all who were present. After it, in a lighter ambiance, the organization handed out some prizes to some players, like the one who travelled the most, the first that got a ticket and even the oldest player present.

The briefing was light and straight-forward since an online briefing was made a few days before, giving the players time to share their doubts and questions beforehand, and we also got to meet in person both faction commanders, who are active, highly decorated members of the Commando forces in the Portuguese Army. And after a few words from both commanders, it was time to “march” to the field with the sound of army drums.

FIRST CONTACT

After we hit the field both factions headed toward their own base, and it was time to get ready for the first missions. The event was called “K.I.A. III Gold Lords”, so we already had an idea that the main focus of the event was the fight for gold that would probably be around the field. This wasn’t far from the truth, but there was a bit more to it. Our commander started his work by breaking the faction into three Companies (instead of the initial two), and these Companies were composed of several different Sections and their respective leaders. In our case, we were part of the First Company, Charlie Section. As during the game every Section would have a special task at determined hours, and ours was early in the game, our first assignment was to hold a position with gold close to the base while the other Sections, with missions later on, moved further into the field.

This was a straightforward tasking; as we predicted, we were close to our main HQ and the field was big enough so that the enemy would have some difficulty to reach that position so early on. So close to the time of our special task, we moved back to our HQ and entered the commander’s tent for a small briefing. The task was simple, collect the dog tag of a fallen soldier from a previous battle, a request from the “family” of said soldier. Although

the task looked simple, the location was not, it was really behind enemy lines, so at first we planned to move around the limits of the field and get as far as possible without enemy contact, but with over 300 players in the field we knew it was impossible.

KICKING THE HORNETS NEST

After a while and already behind the enemy lines, we got into a prolonged fight, and we basically kicked a hornet nest, as enemies started to appear from everywhere and we had no chance. So not long after, it was time to regroup in the advanced respawn and plan a new approach. We decided to try to advance a bit more in the woods; we found resistance once again, but this time we got the upper hand, we were able to break the enemy line and move toward our objective. A bit further North we got to the coordinate we wanted and started searching for our goal; since there were many “crosses” around the field from previous fights we had to find the right one and bring it back. After a few minutes, we found the dog tag we were looking for, and it was time to head back. Luckily, we were able to get back to our HQ with close to no contact and deliver the dog tag to our commander, mission completed.

Our next assignment was to relieve a defending team who were going to get their special task soon, so we took our positions and rested for a while. More downtime, and some of my guys even went to help out a group of our faction in pushing back the enemy from the location of the gold dealer. After a while, we were requested to help some members of First Company in completing their special tasks, and since the location was close to the one we’d completed we knew the area. Since we knew that the enemy was focused around the gold dealer, we were able to move with little resistance and got to the location fast. We stayed, protecting our retreat, but for some reason the team that had another dog tag to collect lost the name of the fallen soldier... Finally, after some phone calls, they got the name of their objective and collected it. When we started back, an important order was given, all Sections had to report to the HQ before 14h00 for the final mission, so it was time to hurry up and get back!

FINAL COUNTDOWN!

We were able to arrive on time, and it was time for the final briefing; the goal was simple, secure and hold the gold dealer location, so we started moving as soon as the green light was given! The First Company had the objective of creating an inner circle around the area, while the Second and Third created an outer circle. We were the first to arrive at the area and started doing what was requested of us, but soon after the enemy contacts started showing up here and there, and unfortunately the other two companies were slow on their arrival, so the enemy was able to push against the inner circle before the other players had the chance of getting into a defensive position.

A huge confrontation was taking place, with both sides trying to push the other and the staff using smoke grenades to create smoke screens. It was s sight to behold, 300+ players all fighting for the same objective! Unfortunately, around 15 minutes before the end of the game, there was a “NO PLAY” situation, where a player broke his ankle and the staff rushed to the location. He was well taken cared off, and soon there was a vehicle there to pick him up and carry him to the ambulance. And with that the game was also over, since it was already pass 1500. All the players started their walk back to the check in area for some well deserve grub…

The check in area was now turned into a concert, with an open market for players who wanted to sell some of their gear and of course, a catering area where a company was serving the players. Time to get some food in and then head back home, ending our K.I.A. III experience.

I was able to speak with the ANA APD after the event, and they kindly told me;

“This is the most difficult event of our yearly calendar. Not because it is our biggest event in terms of number of players, or because it has a massive operational structure to accommodate all the experiences we provide to players that day.

“No, it is the harshest because this is where we salute and remember all the Portuguese airsoft players that have passed away during the years. The friends of our community that are no longer in this earth to play alongside us. This event is where

“NO, IT IS THE HARSHEST BECAUSE THIS IS WHERE WE SALUTE AND REMEMBER ALL THE PORTUGUESE AIRSOFT PLAYERS THAT HAVE PASSED AWAY DURING THE YEARS. THE FRIENDS OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT ARE NO LONGER IN THIS EARTH TO PLAY ALONGSIDE US.”

we present our yearly homage to them, a moment that gets its symbolic peak when the military tune presents its memorial service while the ANA President recites their names. We salute you, and we miss you!

“But after this initial sad moment, we bring the spirit up with a really engaging game! Every event of ANA has its own identity. The “Killed in Action” series is all up to military stuff! We bring military elements to the experience, from the Military band, to active military personnel as part of the game, to all the props involved. It’s all about merging airsoft and real life military environments. But the game is just one part of the day. As usual, ANA events are more than playing airsoft. We aim to create true Airsoft Festivals!

“In KIA 3, players had food stands with several free-of-charge options (vegan included), a photo spot dressed in military scenario for their team photo (with dedicated photographer), a trading market where they would be able to trade and negotiate their no-longer-used airsoft stuff, a stage for all the speeches and briefings, a spot to get free merch, and a ROCK BAND! Yes, after the game, the lounge opened with a Rock Concert. What better way to heal the bounds with the “enemy” than a free beer and a rock concert!

“This was “Killed in Action III”, and the series will be back in 2024! We hope to see you all there, or at any of our 2023 events. Check out our events’ calendar for the best airsoft experiences in facebook. com/anairsoft”. AA

AIRSOFT CENTRAL GETS REAL

WE UNDERSTAND THAT AIRSOFT IS MEANT TO BE A FUN ACTIVITY, AND AT AIRSOFT ACTION WE LARGELY ENDEAVOUR TO STEER CLEAR OF ALL THINGS “POLITIC”; HOWEVER, WE BELIEVE THAT YOU’D HAVE TO BE DEAF AND BLIND NOT TO SEE THE UNDERCURRENT OF THREAT TOWARDS TAIWAN RIGHT NOW, AND STEWBACCA HAS BEEN RIGHT AT THE HEART OF SOME OF THE “MAINSTREAM COVERAGE” OF PREPAREDNESS TRAINING AS “AIRSOFT CENTRAL” GETS SERIOUS AND WE PUT OUR OWN “SERIOUS HEAD ON” TO LOOK AT WHAT THIS MEANS.

With the continuing war in Ukraine grinding seemingly inexorably on, and with no immediate resolution in sight the whole world is increasingly getting involved by proxy and has been affected by the knock on consequences. It is without doubt that the conversations in and about Taiwan addressing its situation in the wider geopolitical landscape on the international stage have turned towards continued comparisons of the two countries and their opposing aggressors.

Once again I find myself straying into addressing unpleasant realities that somewhat tie into my replica firearms activities in Taiwan as well as those of many others in the community here. With continuing shifts in the Taiwanese firearms legislation situation and even more tightening of restrictions on importing anything airsoft-related from overseas it seems we’re more between a rock and a hard place for anything firearms-training-related despite the fact many

people are of the opinion the government should be actively encouraging such things rather than leaning on all things gun-related in an attempt to stem minor gangsterism related activities of illicitly reactivating prop guns or other real steel pistols.

Back in November 2022’s Issue 143 I touched on the activities of Polar Light, the outfit closely linked or overlapping with IDPA Taiwan and VFC here and their weapons handling courses among other training being made widely available. However they aren’t the only ones getting in on the act. Kuma Academy are a civil defence training advocacy organisation offering various classes in medical/ triage and casualty care training, information warfare and propaganda awareness, as well as the likes of Taiwanese semiconductor magnate Robert Tsao who wants to donate a large amount of money to raise a cadre of local rifle-trained defence reservists, having given up his Singaporean citizenship and reverting

to Taiwanese nationality under the increasing and shared disillusionment with anywhere remotely tied to the People’s Republic of China and its influence operations.

his team who I met at MOA2022 selling Ukrainian themed souvenirs or delicacies to support their compatriots back home as well as maintain awareness and co-operation with the local populace.

The support for the Ukraine is also evident in the community here given the empathy towards their situation in relation to our own, with PVC patches of the national flag as well as ‘Saint Javelin’ and ‘Saint NLAW’ floating around many of our own and other team’s plate carriers or BDUs, as well as events being held by locally-based Ukrainians for fundraising and aid donation, with the likes of Alex Khomenko and

Taiwan has also continued its more official diplomatic efforts as a political entity with donations of resources and even domestic manufacturers donating body armour, ballistic plates, plate carriers, and other relevant equipment and medical supplies, while still other Taiwanese natives with military experience have even made their way all the way to Ukraine as volunteers for their foreign legion,

WHO WANTS TO DONATE A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO RAISE A CADRE OF LOCAL RIFLE-TRAINED DEFENCE RESERVISTS, HAVING GIVEN UP HIS SINGAPOREAN CITIZENSHIP AND REVERTING TO TAIWANESE NATIONALITY UNDER THE INCREASING AND SHARED DISILLUSIONMENT WITH ANYWHERE REMOTELY TIED TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND ITS INFLUENCE OPERATIONS.”

“TAIWANESE

SEMICONDUCTOR MAGNATE ROBERT TSAO

with some such as “Jonathan” Tseng Sheng-Guang unfortunately paying the ultimate price for their support. He sadly succumbed to wounds from combat back in November 2022 and was repatriated; Ukrainian representatives helped conduct his final resting services here in Taiwan and commended his efforts and his family for their sacrifice. Evidently Taiwan is maintaining its positive light in the international setting and showing that despite all the odds and what we are staring down here, it can still be a force for good in the democratic world and maintain a level of decorum in the face of our day to day reality.

steel-adventures in a related article soon!), and while some of this may be purely recreational at this point and an effort to put their airsoft-related pistol training to better use rather than an effort in preparation for a worst case scenario, it nonetheless punctuates the growing interest in skill at arms many people from a wide spectrum of life in Taiwan are actively seeking.

Such efforts inevitably attract more like minded participants; Team Taiji has been actively involved in our own training regimen of range command style activities, skill at arms, small unit tactics, communications and usage of hand signals, navigation and command structure over the past year or so just as a basis of getting our newer members (some of whom don’t have any official past training on real steel platforms or military environments like some of our older guard members from foreign lands, or native former Taiwanese national service personnel among our ranks have encountered) up to speed on general safe handling and best practices, but also more advanced cross training from our array of skilled members from various corners of the world and background.

This has also tied in nicely with the activities of CAMP 66 (who used to operate a part militaria museum, part skirmish site and training centre with all-terrain vehicles) staffed by former Taiwanese and USMC personnel. They have taken up residence in the same building as the TaiWan Airsoft & Airgun Association I covered previously in March 2022’s Issue 135; evidently, many spheres of influence within the local communities, manufacturing and representative bodies as well as civilian and military interests are all increasingly coalescing in a somewhat unified direction and mindset.

TRAINING DAYS

Many of my competitive shooting compatriots have also been travelling to Thailand and of course the Philippines (I’ll tell you all about Military Anny’s real-

Some of our keen-eyed friends already spotted myself and a large cadre of Team Taiji in some B-roll and one of our younger members Mike giving a short interview during a BBC 2 segment “Taiwan; standing up to China” aired in late March, our part of which was actually filmed back before Christmas and I had already mostly completed this write-up before it finally dropped; timing, as they say, is everything, but NDAs are also “everything”!

Likewise Anny had just returned from the Philippines and her live fire training there before jetting off again to the outlying Kinmen island a few

“TAIWANESE NATIVES WITH MILITARY EXPERIENCE HAVE EVEN MADE THEIR WAY ALL THE WAY TO UKRAINE AS VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR FOREIGN LEGION, WITH SOME SUCH AS “JONATHAN” TSENG SHENG-GUANG UNFORTUNATELY PAYING THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR THEIR SUPPORT. HE SADLY SUCCUMBED TO WOUNDS FROM COMBAT BACK IN NOVEMBER 2022...”

miles off the coast of Mainland China to witness some live fire artillery drills and engage in her usual mix of military tourism and historical research and article writing regarding restricted access installations and museums. She was also approached by both a local media outlet and a French magazine’s team for interviews about her experiences and training from a Taiwanese woman’s perspective.

With so many people from different walks of life using their own time and paying out of their own pockets to undertake medical or casualty care, weapons handling, communications or even high risk entry training, clearly the people living here want

to develop a more active role and capability in civil defence for the event that the worst does come to pass, and throughout all of this, the media has been a constant presence, of course.

Even just our own team’s activities over at least three separate days of training scenario sessions held in the basement car park of the TWAAA/CAMP 66 building, and airsoft-driven range work in its top floor training range and classroom have coincided with multiple news crews being on site from the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, the UK, as well as Foreign Policy magazine among numerous other local and international coverage in print media from the

world over regarding various activities on island aimed at improving preparedness in uncertain times.

THE ROAD TO…

While I have lamented at the negative impact the external news stories may have on friends and family overseas given the disparity of experiences or opinions within Taiwan compared to some of the unrealistic or sensationalist misrepresentations in foreign media, we also have to face the reality that the global and local situations are progressing, and the CCP/PLA are apparently increasingly actively providing aid to

Russia in its continued efforts to bring an end to the war they started that suits their ends, while poorly pretending to be a mediator and peaceable force for good. All the while they are taking notes on the responses, military equipment provided and sanctions brought to bear, and further trying to insulate their own economy and grow their own conventional and nuclear military capacities, as well as rather chillingly beginning to use the same “special military operation” lexicon for describing their own intents towards Taiwan and related sabre rattling. We have seen them increasing their information warfare and taking notes from Russian propaganda to make their

efforts more nuanced than their previously poor and laughably obvious attempts.

With all this going on in international and local media, the feeling of urgency here seems to be intensifying despite most people’s attempts to live life as normal, and with the international community increasingly looking to align and support Taiwan given its history of supporting other nations through the global pandemic and just on the basis of moral and ideological alignment, finally it seems the local government and defence apparatus is also beginning to realign priorities to support more of these homegrown movements. As well as the US arms increase and domestic manufacture of drones, medium range missiles, and even exploration of submarine co-operation with the UK and wider AUKUS umbrella, and with the recent announcement of increased US service personnel presence on island, news from the Ministry of Defence that the domestic national service term will be increased back to one full year from the current four months for all those men born in 2005 or afterwards is quite obvously an attempt to shore up the arguably beleaguered services.

As to the global mainstream media’s coverage, some of our team are understandably mistrustful, and in general some members with past foreign or domestic service histories prefer to wear face covers and avoid talking to the mainstream press in any great length or at all. It’s no secret that those in the halls of the political or military circles over the strait have openly talked about ‘kill lists’ or people requiring eliminating if the day comes; I myself kind of got cornered a little in an interview that didn’t make it to the current cut of the BBC documentary. Perhaps the progression of the news cycle hasn’t come around again to make it relevant, or I deliberately avoided framing things how they wanted them to be presented; again we have concerns about the way they might present or cherry pick our activities and the realities of the situation here for their own ends, but nonetheless, at least the continued willing participation of the broad spectrum of people here is encouraging to domestic audiences and the wider world that sees our efforts to improve preparedness.

AIRSOFT AVENUES

Of course many might detract from the efficacy of

using airsoft for training compared to real combat drills, but until the local MoD or legislature make changes that make live fire more accessible to civilians there’s not much else we can manage. At least our work towards communications, small unit tactics, general physical exertion and acclimatisation to it in the tropical heat and humidity, and just familiarity with load bearing equipment and manual of arms are all positive outcomes we can easily accomplish under the legal and practical restrictions we are faced with.

CAMP 66’s team along with others from the likes of G&G have been engaging with all manner of classes of people from teenagers on site in school outreach programs, as well as office staff and other non-military services such as emergency responders, giving them introductions to basic weapons handling skills and marksmanship principles using electronic targeting systems and AEG or GBBR platforms in the guise of the national service weapons the T91 AR, the T75 variant of the Beretta M92 and the National Police Authority’s PPQ NPA models all helping to familiarise anyone who cares to join the classes with typical weapons systems they may encounter locally in a worst case scenario.

Our own team Taiji training sessions at the TWAAA / CAMP 66 have centred around force on force actions using patrol and room clearance activities, aggressive entries using Polaris all-terrain vehicles as well as fire and manoeuvre tactics using empty magazines and dry firing to avoid shooting up any of the camera crews or their equipment! This obviously added to some of the complication in determining who was eliminated and we had to improvise to some extent and face the realities that a lot of it was obviously just for show compared to our normal ‘live’ training or gameplay activities.

The classroom side of things upstairs looks toward familiarising participants with current body armour technologies and options available from domestic producers such as HTTI who make level IV plates with live-tested examples on hand showing the penetrative effects of different calibres and their spall or deformation on the plates, there’s also a plethora of replica weapons of various eras and origins on display for people to get comfortable handling, as well as the latest in OpFor weapons in the guise of the QBZ97 and QBZ191 small arms training models with dummy rounds for familiarisation with PLA firearms.

The threat seems to intensify ever more of late in cross strait relations, with the PLA allegedly severing subsea internet cables to outlying Taiwanese islands to isolate them, as well as high profile ‘civilian’ drone incursions over RoC military facilities, ongoing

encirclement and navigation operations by the PLA Navy and incessant and intensifying aerial incursions by the PLAAF into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). There are also influence operations in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the Pacific Islands to weaken diplomatic and military cooperation in the area, and while the outside world seems to finally be waking up to the nature of mainland China’s political leadership and the consequences of leaving them unchecked, there at least seems to be some movement in a more positive, unified and productive direction by the people here who want to stand up for their freedoms and each other if the day does come where it becomes a necessity to do so.

Hopefully the poor performance of Russian forces in what was supposed to be a simple threeday steamroller surprise attack, coupled with the international reactions to it, and the added topographical difficulties Taiwan presents will dissuade the noisy neighbours from going truly loud and kinetic.

But if the day comes, hopefully we’ll be better prepared to look after each other and continue to triumph and flower under adversity, and our humble and beloved airsoft, along with the efforts of a number of enlightened Taiwanese airsoft manufacturers, will have undoubtedly played its part in this preparedness. AA

LANDING ZONE 2.0

LARRI IS BACK WITH US THIS MONTH TO REPORT ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE “HK SCENE”, AND THIS TIME HE TAKES US ALL ON A JOURNEY TO A SITE THAT WAS FOUNDED BY A GROUP OF AIRSOFT PLAYERS THAT PROMISES TO MAKE AIRSOFT GREAT AGAIN BY OFFERING A VENUE FOR THE MOST PASSIONATE CQB PLAYERS OUT THERE!

The premises rental fee in Hong Kong is one of the highest in the globe without doubt! Facing such a challenge right from the start of creating any site gives a lot of airsoft venue businesses a tough time operating their business, and this was especially true during the pandemic time. Airsoft in Hong Kong is mostly a weekend “thing” and during weekdays, especially 9 am – 6 pm, all sites face the challenge of getting consistent player numbers except corporate clients.

To maximize their income and use of the site, airsoft venue owners run a lot of weekday service campaigns like public games, corporate training and the like However, to absorb more players, the best approach would be to go for vertical expansion which helps a lot to get more players playing at the same time. So this month, let’s take a deeper look to see how the team at Landing Zone upgraded their venue.

Landing Zone was founded by a group of airsoft players from venue settings wishing to introduce new game modes, and foster new communities; their aim is to “Make Airsoft Great Again”, and to make airsoft become an even more popular sport in Hong Kong with more sustainable player numbers.

It was founded in 2020, and the first version was mixed with Kill House and Market Zone. As it has a high rooftop which is unique in the market and great for competition arrangements, as I have mentioned in an earlier issue, SpeedQB has become more popular in Hong Kong, so the venue has also modified its Market Zone to a SpeedQB setting to cater to this market, which helps a lot in SpeedQB Competition development.

PLAYER LED

In my own UBCA game day experience, the

airsoft game HERE, but if we go for a large-scale CQB event or maybe a competition a larger venue is welcome! In July 2022 we had great news that Landing Zone had created a partnership relationship with War Zone & Tact Zone, which has led to even more new upgrades in the venue, and more still to come!

The venue was basically demolished, and based on player experiences and feedback the previous setting was changed to create a better playing experience; they also installed a lot of air conditioners, which helps a lot, especially in the summertime!

This upgrade took almost two months, from September to November, and as we first headed into the new game zone, there was a huge briefing room session with an audio system and chrono device, which made pre-game briefing and testing much more userfriendly; if you want to test or zero your airsoft guns, they also provided a gun range rental service as well.

There were two exits, which lead to different insertion points, so people would not mix, or bunch up easily. Both game zones are rwo2 stories high, and a lot more choking points need to be covered

since there are a few staircases in the middle which helps for a surprise attack. During the first launch of “Landing Zone 2.0”, there were several rooms with no cover and empty rooms. As they gathered feedback, the owners installed doors or a window which brought us new challenges to get everywhere covered in a 40 people game. As many of you are no doubt interested to hear, the major capacity of the new setting I believe will be up to 60 people; if it is a team “Death Match” game mode I think it can be up to 70 people…

As they had kept the SpeedQB game zone for the community, they have upgraded the area to become larger with more barricades, and we are looking forward to seeing more SpeedQB competitions coming in the 2023 Summer!

NEW GAMES, BETTER SERVICE!

During the past couple of years, the owners have also invented new game modes, and I have tried one which is called “High Noon”. As the name suggests it is a 1 v 1 competition, and each competition last 5 rounds and whoever wins more will be the champion. In this game mode, each person could use only one magazine per match, and they also provided a game referee! It is great to experience, a western cowboy duel in tactical gear… at this moment they are finetuning the game mode, so I strongly believe we will be seeing this game mode or event again soon.

For their staff service, they are passionate and friendly too, they are keen on all preparation work, especially when it comes to safety issues. They require

every player to check their power levels before the first game and issue a “hand string” as a recognized tool. Before each game, their game coordinator will check the player’s hand string at the starting point again before it starts to ensure that power levels remain safe an acceptable. Besides their weekday public game coordination by their community coordinator, they have also formed an online booking system on their website, so players can check for vacancies and book easily.

So, in my opinion, Landing Zone is fun to play and it is great for large-scale airsoft events. People who enjoy the “kill house style” should try this venue as the whole layout brings you a milsim experience. Also, the venue is adding more barricades and upgrading a lot of minor details every month, so I wish them great success so that they can bring more great experiences to airsofters.

As border restrictions are getting clear now hopefully we can meet AA readers in Hong Kong when they visit someday; I, and my fellow HK ‘softers have a LOT to share with you! Finally, for those who are interested in the venue, please check out our gameplay video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oXGwlqjiwcs

My thanks for the official venue photos by the Landing Zone crew and action photos by Photo.Lok! More information on Landing Zone can be found via their social media channels https://www.facebook. com/landingzonehk, https://www.instagram.com/ landingzonehk/, https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCXv-X1Ed9hVIk4StGQyBaNA and via their own website https://www.landingzonehk.com AA

“MILITARY” ANNY WUGOING LIVE!

STEWBACCA ISN’T THE ONLY TAIWAN-BASED SHOOTER AMONG OUR RANKS WHO HAS TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT OF COUNTRY ONCE RESTRICTIONS WERE FINALLY LIFTED! FOLLOWING ON FROM HIS INTRODUCTORY ARTICLE ABOUT “MILITARY” ANNY WU IN ISSUE NO. 148 APRIL 2023, STU SAT DOWN WITH HER AGAIN TO DISCUSS HER RECENT RETURN TO LIVE-FIRE TRAINING IN THE PHILIPPINES, HAVING BEEN WAITING WITH AN EVER ITCHIER TRIGGER FINGER TO ONCE AGAIN FEEL MUZZLE BLASTS AND SMELL FRESHLY SPENT POWDER!

Iset the scene in the article just before this one that in Taiwan right now training is very much to the fore; it’s not just about airsoft drills either, and just like those of us who wish to train properly with real firearms Anny has travelled to perfect her shooting art! I had the opportunity to get together with her to discuss this is more depth recently, and I was able to get the lowdown on her recent trip to the Philippines where she was fully able to “get her gun on”! This is what she had to tell me…

FIVE DAYS, THREE NIGHTS, AND A FEW CRATES OF AMMO!

My long-awaited return to live ammunition training officially started in early March this year after last travelling to the Philippines for shooting adventures in 2020 prior to the pandemic; I arrived at Taoyuan Airport early in the morning and waited to board a Philippine Airlines flight, preparing for a 4-day, 3-night journey. On this occasion, I would also be accompanied by airsoft players and members of the National Fire service’s Taoyuan Bade division who I met for the first time, comprising two men Yu-Hung Pan, Ming-Yi Chien and one woman, Pan; during the flight out we chatted and I found that Pan, who was travelling with her partner, would be handling a real gun for the first time - she was both excited and nervous. The flight to Manila lasted around two hours, and we quickly passed through customs and retrieved our luggage; being the national airline, it has independent take-off and landing terminals, customs, and other preferential arrangements and thus we did not need to queue up with other airliners to wait for the plane to land, and the otherwise long waiting times for customs clearance and baggage claim… this certainly makes the travelling far more painless!

Greeting us at the airport was Mr William Shi, a practitioner who has participated in shooting sports in the Philippines for many years, and who speaks Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, English and Filipino, making him an excellent host and adept guide for many. Following a quick stop off for supplies and refreshments it took two and a half hours to drive to the Batangueno Gatilleros Firing Range; be warned, if you travel during peak commuting times, you will encounter terrible traffic jams! Luckily there were no stops for the likes of shopping or sightseeing required for our group, we only went to shoot!

After arriving at Batangueno Gatilleros Firing Range and completing the check-in procedures, the chefs in the shooting range prepared delicious local Filipino cuisine for all of our three-meal-a-day requirements, and after dinner, our first night of training started. Regardless of whether participants had live ammunition shooting experience or not, the coach instructed the students on the safety rules of safe firearms handling; even for those well versed in such things, it never hurts to review them again! Before

dry fire practise with their pistols, the participants first removed their magazines, cleared the guns, and began learning the basic actions of proper handling, practising with an empty gun in order to ensure the foundation and muscle memory would transfer to the live ammunition training the next day.

The training schedule of 4 days and 3 nights would consist of live ammunition training for two consecutive days; after eating the breakfast prepared by the shooting range, the basic training started at 0800 following gearing up with our range attire. First, the guns and ammunition are separated into different areas; magazines are taken to the area where the ammunition is kept, and the prescribed number of rounds are loaded by the shooters themselves. Prior to the start of the course, students were issued Glock pistols, without magazines or rounds, and began once again going through basic training movements. The instructor would inform the students how many rounds were to be loaded, and then commence shooting paper targets at fixed points, with the instructor then assessing the targets with the students, and each individual’s shooting conditions, giving relevant suggestions.

Following several hours of training, the basic grip and shooting essentials of the rifle were then addressed; after the students learned to load the rifle ammunition, they began again with shooting at fixed points, with drills in safe usage being impressed upon the students; after firing single shots the weapons were to be immediately put back on safe, then following subsequent fire commands taken off safe, a single shot discharged, and safeties reapplied. Regardless of previous experiences and whether or not you are a novice or a veteran, such

“REGARDLESS OF WHETHER PARTICIPANTS HAD LIVE AMMUNITION SHOOTING EXPERIENCE OR NOT, THE COACH INSTRUCTED THE STUDENTS ON THE SAFETY RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING; EVEN FOR THOSE WELL VERSED IN SUCH THINGS, IT NEVER HURTS TO REVIEW THEM AGAIN!”

re-indoctrination training ensured the safety of subsequent movements on the range. The afternoon saw us move to further advanced drills; training in transitions between different targets and primary and secondary weapons, as well as further situationally pertinent training.

Training from 0800 to 1700, with an hour break for lunch, the whole day’s training was actually very intense; after all, this is very different from experiences of using airsoft replicas! During dinner, the students began to exchange thoughts and reflect on the day’s training experience, and later in the evening everyone began appropriate firearms cleaning and maintenance training; the firefighters shooting live ammunition for the first time carefully learned how to disassemble and wipe down their issued platforms, throughout which Batangueno Gatilleros Firing Range also arranged for a masseur to come to the range to work their magic on each student in turn at their own expense of around 700 Philippine pesos per hour, excluding gratuities… certainly a welcome experience after a whole day in range gear and handling weapons in the heat and humidity!

GETTING PERSONAL

On the final day of the live ammunition training, the shooting range had already set up various assessments; after the simulation training from more basic handgun only to rifle only drills, we progressed to training with pistols and rifles together, and then to the more complex situational training akin to simplified three gun stages in the afternoon, finally the trainees were allowed to relax a little and partake in more fun activities such as balloon shoots,

check through your tactical gear, personal equipment, clothes, shoes, and other effects to make sure empty casings have not found their way into anywhere, as is their wont. If you have accidentally embedded them anywhere, it’s extremely important to declare them to the range and have them disposed of properly; casually bringing them back to Taiwan or other countries is undoubtedly illegal and very problematic! Finally, it’s important to remember to sign the visitors book at the shooting range to confirm that you have been doing live-fire training here for the past few days in case of any further questioning or follow up procedures.

During the course of our training we had the pleasure of using a variety of modern and more classic firearms ranging from Glock 17s (both fourth and fifth generation models) as well as the G19X, and even Norinco Chinese made G17 imitations, PT92 Beretta clones, Colt AR carbines,

close; the inevitable arrival of the famous Filipino whole hog roast for dinner drew near… despite being very tired, my eyes suddenly lit up at the prospect of tender and delicious meat!

On the evening of the last day, we returned to Manila Airport and flew home to Taiwan again by Philippine Airlines; however that morning, some of the trainees were still keen to undertake some final self-sufficient training and rented guns and bought further ammunition from the Batangueno Gatilleros Firing Range at their own expense; with a full 4 days and 3 nights of training under our belts we made our departure.

MORE BRASS THAN SENSE!

Of course an important reminder to everyone at this point is that before packing your luggage, first of all,

“MILITARY” ANNY WU - GOING LIVE!

5.56mm NATO, .357 Magnum, .38, .45 ACP and 12 Gauge shotgun rounds… is there anything more enjoyable than turning ammunition into noise?

THE RANGE

Batangueno Gatilleros Firing Range is about 2 and a half hours’ drive from Manila Airport, in the Philippines; on-site gun rental and bullet purchase services are provided, while there is also an independent accommodation space in the shooting range, with double bed, single bed and bunk bed rooms for four people, with the largest room being a bunk bed with additional mattresses, which can accommodate up to 8 people - with each room having its own independent bathroom, and basic toiletries being provided.

As it happens, during our stay and training on site, Philippine military units also held a 2-day live ammunition shooting competition as well; there were also Filipino soldiers with live ammunition on site, guarding the entrances and exits, and generals came to the scene, along with resident singers performing; my photos of their event were taken with kind permission.

MY METROARMS FIRESTORM CONTENDER

The MetroArms Firestorm Contender gun factory in the Philippines mainly provides firearms to military and police units in the United States, but also retail to local

shooters, those who meet the requirements to acquire a real firearms licence. Additionally, the renowned action martial arts star Steven Seagal was once invited to be the spokesperson of the gun factory!

When I first came to the Philippines for live

ammunition training in 2017, I was fortunate enough to visit the MetroArms firearms factory, and I was Immediately drawn to the ultra-tamped MetroArms Firestorm Contender .45 pistol. From the serial number to the grip panels and shape, it was completely designed according to the user’s hand shape. When I came to the Philippines for training, I also came to check on the progress of the pistol; after waiting more than a year the gun licence application for this gun was finally granted and I could get my hands on my very own MetroArms Firestorm Contender .45 pistol, which is now exclusively available to me when I visit the Philippines for live fire training!

My own custom .45 features my English initials along with my birth month and date as

“AFTER WAITING MORE THAN A YEAR THE GUN LICENCE APPLICATION FOR THIS GUN WAS FINALLY GRANTED AND I COULD GET MY HANDS ON MY VERY OWN METROARMS FIRESTORM CONTENDER .45 PISTOL, WHICH IS NOW EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE TO ME WHEN I VISIT THE PHILIPPINES FOR LIVE FIRE TRAINING!”

the serial number, along with my own unique “Anny Taiwan” handwritten signature being engraved on the slide. The Metro Arms logo is centred in the skeletonised hammer, along with the skeletonised trigger adjusted to my preferred pull weight giving a low key but fashionable flair to its aesthetic as well as a comfortable trigger pull and break for my own taste. The grip texturing is designed directly into the panels, which are sand coloured with green inlay checkering as well as having a specially thickened grip ridgelinewhich not only look great but improve controllability in my hand - the magazines are single stack ACT-MAG

ITALY PSI USA offering 8 rounds of capacity; further information is available with this article https://anny. cc/2019-03-18-113/

I’d like to once again thank Anny for her time and introducing her exciting overseas adventures and experiences, and no doubt Bill is also equally jealous given her similar tastes in classic handguns! We’ll have more to come from her in future as we continue to work more closely together and integrate her perspective both as an airsofter and a “real deal” shooter into Airsoft Action! AA

BACKUP BEAST

HAVING INITIALLY COVERED THE MODIFY PP2K GBB/PDW IN HIS INITIAL ARMOURY ARTICLE IN AIRSOFT ACTION ISSUE NO. 123 (MARCH 2021) HOW HAS IT FARED SINCE? WITH NEARLY TWO AND A HALF YEARS OF SERVICE UNDER ITS BELT AND SOME ADDITIONS AND UPGRADES, STEWBACCA ENLIGHTENS US ON THE PROGRESS OF HIS TESTING REGIMEN, AND THE IN-GAME PERFORMANCE AND OTHER PLAYER’S REACTIONS TO THE RUSSIAN’S MP7 CONTENDER.

As I said in my initial article I was originally somewhat divided over my opinion of Modify Airsoft’s entry to the GBB arena; it’s a bold statement of intent and a niche and very atypical platform to launch a totally new venture into an otherwise untouched division of products for a manufacturer to take the risk on, but, nonetheless, the best part of three years after its release, I’ve seen them fielded here in Taiwan in the hands of others on more than one occasion, especially in the Russian kit and ballistic shield operator crowds.

The PP2K is ideal for that kind of role really, being a pistol-grip- mounted-magazine format keeps their overall length down as well as the straight long magazines keeping the encumbrance to a minimum aside from if you have to go prone with them for some reason; I’d honestly go to a crouch or kneeling position myself more often than not for better mobility, but the ease with which you can single-handedly wield the PP2K and make use of your support hand for other objective based props or in game actions, coupled with the 56 BB capacity means that it’s ideal for building entry purposes and I’ve made excellent use of it for doing just that in the confined and darkened corridors of the Yangmei dormitories site we tend to use for CQB training and

games. It makes clearing rooms and leaping through doorways or hugging corridor walls and peeking out from cover with a very minimal cross section visible a breeze, and the trigger be the glass-rod like-break and reset which I also mentioned before.

I did, however have initial teething troubles with the magazines and their gas efficiency and while I managed to get it running reasonably well with long fills of the stick mags, I later found out through more knowledgeable folks that the first batch of a few hundred had encountered some issues which were later corrected. Luckily those same folks in the know were able to help me strip down and modify the appropriate internal components and after that intervention the efficiency and performance have been nothing short of stellar, I have to say, with the gun reliably feeding all 56 BBs in each of its now four long magazines I’ve acquired and sending them flying

“THE EASE WITH WHICH YOU CAN SINGLE-HANDEDLY WIELD THE PP2K AND MAKE USE OF YOUR SUPPORT HAND FOR OTHER OBJECTIVE BASED PROPS OR IN GAME ACTIONS, COUPLED WITH THE 56 BB CAPACITY MEANS THAT IT’S IDEAL FOR BUILDING ENTRY PURPOSES”

straight and true out to a quite surprising range! This is something I’ve put to the test at our more open jungle warfare sites such as Hutoushan or Xindian, and scored some pretty reasonable eliminations with a few BBs tapped out on a short string.

FIELD EXPEDIENT

The magazines themselves did present somewhat of an issue initially, especially once I ended

fashion, alongside two other pouches to carry sidearm magazines or speedloaders.

This has greatly improved the general field performance of the whole platform, making it far easier for me to run and gun, with much more reliable reloads and no worries about shedding magazines when diving around in the long grass and dodging the local eight legged monsters that hide in the trees. It’s become a joy to use the PP2K, and now it’s

my three different camo scheme JPC clone plate carriers, with one specifically for PP2K / MAC11 / Glock long magazines that are very slim. I made use of four columns of PSI Gear taco pouches with the floor panels cut through to allow the magazines to go straight through and be effectively held by their floor plates resting on the tops of the pouches in a very stable and reliable

on everything else carving me up in that hellish jungle,

petite frame and the relatively high capacity meant she had less need to deal with reloading (although she was a fast study and managed to get the manual of arms down relatively quickly in all fairness to her!) and she seemed to enjoy fielding it and got through a few magazines in more than one of our rounds. The ease of handling is a real benefit in such situations,

“I LET HER USE THE PP2K AS SHE HAS A SOMEWHAT MORE PETITE FRAME AND THE RELATIVELY HIGH CAPACITY MEANT SHE HAD LESS NEED TO DEAL WITH RELOADING (ALTHOUGH SHE WAS A FAST STUDY AND MANAGED TO GET THE MANUAL OF ARMS DOWN RELATIVELY QUICKLY IN ALL FAIRNESS TO HER!)”

as well as the performance at a lower muzzle energy negating the need for her to lug around a sidearm for the day too.

CHANGE IS GOOD

Since the initial first few months of playing I moved the Eotech 558 replica permanently to my T91 replica and replaced it with the Aimpoint T1 style red/green dot I’ve pretty much standardised on all of my SMG/PDW platforms, and it’s now a lot slimmer as a result, with the optic being about the same profile as the gun itself, rather than the chunkier Eotech overhanging it either side and obstructing a lot more of the user’s peripheral vision.

The only real issues I’ve had have been very recent and no doubt likely to my typical menacing lack of appropriate preventative

maintenance… it gets a lot harder when you have multiple lives to juggle and thirty odd GBBs and at least four of each platform’s type of magazine! The trigger continues to break crisply however the reset has become a bit sticky and ShanShan had a few instances of having to push it forwards manually to reset it during some of her game rounds on its last outing; no doubt I just need to more thoroughly field strip and clean and re-lubricate it because it’s had very little care or attention in the entirety of its service with me. The surface finish has tarnished slightly on the operating rod (no doubt due to friction and wear upon the steel which has since rusted a bit); aforementioned woeful maintenance, coupled with Taiwan’s horrendous heat and humidity conditions is no doubt to blame.

The later issue magazines have had some internal geometry and design changes made to them it seems, and again I was beset by doubts when I first loaded them up and found I had all manner of feed issues, hangups and ‘side by side’ stacking of BBs at the bottom of the magazines. As it happened I took them to MOA Campfest in April 2022 and talked to the folks at Modify on their booth and showed them the issue, they got on the phone to their engineers there and then and described and alleviated the problem immediately; due to a change in the magazine feed column the overall ‘length’ of the stack of rounds has actually shortened, so as long as you only load 56 BBs into them they will still function fine, but there’ll just be a larger empty space beneath the stack where the feeding entry at the bottom front face of the magazines is. This is just something to be aware of and I’m very thankful for Jane and her team addressing the issue on the spot for me!

These minor recent issues aside I’ve been immensely impressed with the performance and downright dependability of the whole system, the ease of HOP adjustment with the long allen key going through the hole in the trigger guard and receiver make it a non-issue to adjust your BB’s flight, and the efficient delivery of rounds all the way through the magazines out the barrel with each string of fire makes it something I keep coming back to time and again. AA

“THE ONLY REAL ISSUES I’VE HAD HAVE BEEN VERY RECENT AND NO DOUBT LIKELY TO MY TYPICAL MENACING LACK OF APPROPRIATE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE… IT GETS A LOT HARDER WHEN YOU HAVE MULTIPLE LIVES TO JUGGLE AND THIRTY ODD GBBS AND AT LEAST FOUR OF EACH PLATFORM’S TYPE OF MAGAZINE!”