One operating system dominates the marketplace and that’s the AEG, especially in “AR-guise” - but change is inevitable, and that change comes from having a clear vision. So, this month Bill kicks things off with a long-awaited family of GBB platforms from VORSK that are way different from “the norm” and shows a vision that may just shape our shared future in a very unique way!
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22 ARMOURY: G&G TR16 GMS MK2 13.5”
G&G ARMAMENT had quite the year for exciting, unique, and some downright unusual new models in 2024, showing some real advances in their own technology. It’s been our pleasure to highlight the majority of these as they’ve arrived, but there’s one model that we’ve been testing for a while that we’ll bring to your attention, and that’s their latest TR16 AEG!
30 ARMOURY: SPECNA ARMS SA-P27 PRIME
Miguel brought us the first look at the all-new SA-P23 PRIME AEG from SPECNA ARMS and we really wanted to find out more, indepth, about the latest series of their airsoft creations. Thankfully we were hooked up with Martin, aka RACEK, from RACEK CUSTOM GUNS who was kind enough to share his thoughts and expand our knowledge of this new series of BB-slingers!
42 TECH: RDX XM203 B.O.S.S.
First announced over eight years ago the RDX XM203 B.O.S.S. appeared on the scene with a great deal of fanfare and excitement. For those unfamiliar, this was essentially a sound amplification device (or realistic shot emulator) promising a whopping 120dB of sound with every press of the trigger… then, seemingly without warning it disappeared from the public consciousness nearly as quickly as it had appeared! Dan brings us up to speed…
50 RED CELL: GBBR FAVOURITES 2024
It’s a whole new year, and that means the FINAL year of RED CELL testing before we pull together five years-worth of AEG and GBB tests and evaluations, but before we launch into that it’s time to fully wrap the last year when it comes to “favourite GBBRs”…
Over to Bill and Stewbacca as our in-house “gas-aholics” as they pick up on the models that have seen the most action!
64 INSIDE AIRSOFT: IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS PREVIEW
As we start to further plan out our Show Season for 2025, once again it will time for the AA Crew to head to Nuremberg for IWA OutdoorClassics, and in its 51st year the show promises to be a very special one! But what do we expect from “Bills favourite show”, and how will airsoft be portrayed this time? Bill got together with Georg Loichinger who looks after things “media” at the show to find out more!
70
INSIDE AIRSOFT: MAX TACT
Every so often we happen upon a similarly-minded, industrydisruptive influence, and with James Chan of Max TACT, Stewbacca has found it to be the case indeed! Our “Man in Taiwan” was introduced to him through our good friend, Clarence Lai, while they both visited the good man himself in his southern Taipei home, and now we can learn more!
76 AA LEGION JAPAN: MARUIFEST 2024
It’s been a while since we heard from our man in Japan, Tama, but the start of December in Tokyo meant it was once again time for him to pull double duty, with both the ‘MaruiFest’ 2024; Tokyo Marui’s own dedicated launch show for new products, as well as ‘Bakuretsu Sai’ 2024 occurring on the same weekend again;- first up we’ll let him bring us news of the great and giving TM, with his other Japancentric report to follow next month!
88 AA LEGION EVENT REPORT: KAOHSIUNG LEVEL 3 SHOOT
The end of the year is usually a manic time for our man in Taiwan; with two major MilSims one month after another, then MOA2024 as featured in last issue, and at some point a major competition for IPSC at the opposite end of the country! This year the Kaohsiung Level 3 competition drew in the crowds from overseas more so than last year, with the shoot being held a little earlier in mid-November, instead of on Christmas day which obviously precluded the Filipino involvement last year.
THE GENERATION OF NEW
• SSS.III E-trigger system (SSS only)
• Smart Trigger & Pre-cocking Function (SSS only)
• MASTER Upgraded Internals (SSS only)
• Komodo M-LOK Handguard
• Blaster Flash Hider
• ICS Split Gearbox
• QD Spring Guide Design
• 20°-Vertical Pistol Grip
V FOR VISION!
IN THE WORLD OF AIRSOFT REPLICAS THERE IS ONE OPERATING SYSTEM THAT QUITE LITERALLY DOMINATES THE MARKETPLACE GLOBALLY AND THAT’S THE AEG, ESPECIALLY IN “AR-GUISE”… BUT ONE THING THAT IS INEVITABLE IS CHANGE, AND CHANGE COMES FROM HAVING A CLEAR VISION, SO THIS MONTH, THE FIRST OF A NEW YEAR, BILL KICKS THINGS OFF WITH A LONG-AWAITED FAMILY OF GBB PLATFORMS FROM VORSK THAT ARE WAY DIFFERENT FROM “THE NORM” AND SHOWS A VISION THAT MAY JUST SHAPE OUR SHARED FUTURE IN A VERY UNIQUE WAY!
If you take a look at airsoft manufacturers not only do they offer one AEG but, in some cases, they have an entire range of them, so it’s no wonder that if you visit any airsoft site anywhere in the world, you’ll find the majority of players using some kind of electrically-driven rifle, carbine, or SMG.
I’ve personally always been into true replicas of firearms, and I do love a properly licenced product when it’s done right, but even so there have been AEGs that have come and gone within my armoury as ultimately they just didn’t do it for me. For specific loadouts a dedicated platform is the only one that is appropriate, but I have to admit that having fired the real semi-auto carbines and their SBR civilian siblings on many occasions it’s often been a fact that I have shied away from the AEG as they have left me wanting more.
GBBRs have therefore been the route that I have chosen, and not only “mil-styled” versions or licenced, “true replicas”, but some unique designs that have proved to be deadly effective, and they continue to improve in both efficiency and performance! I’ve also spoken many times about gasses becoming more stable and efficient, and with some awesome HPA systems also on the table right now many manufacturers have been looking more seriously at gas blowback replicas, and VORSK have undoubtedly been one of these with a truly staggering array of pistols that have given some serious joy to airsofters worldwide already!
VORSK then took the boldest of commendable leaps forward with their VMP-1 SMG, I have to say one of my favourite GBB platforms of the last year, and one that I, along with many, MANY of you, have taken great pleasure in fielding and shooting!
VORSK absolutely wow’d the industry when they unveiled the VMP-1 at IWA ‘23, and very shortly after this players were equally gobsmacked as this super little SMG started to land in their local stores and subsequently in their eager hands!
Every single player that I’ve met and talked to has had nothing but positives to share about their experiences with the VMP-1, and whenever fellow VMP1 owners meet, airsoft adventures are exchanged and tall-tales-told, although actually these stories prove in most cases to be entirely accurate… just like the VMP-1 itself!
So, the jump from being a first-rate, market-leading GBB pistol manufacturer to being the originator of an all-new, muchloved SMG creator, whilst not always smooth, was undoubtedly a hugely successful journey for the VORSK team, but it was a journey that I knew was just starting as the very name of the VMP-1 gave things away…VMP, or Vorsk Modular Platform; that, to me and to others, indicated that there was a lot more to come!
The VORSK team have never been afraid to dream big, and I’ve come to expect that those huge dreams
will ultimately be fulfilled in reality, and IWA ’24 saw
“VORSK THEN TOOK THE BOLDEST OF COMMENDABLE LEAPS FORWARD WITH THEIR VMP-1 SMG, I HAVE TO SAY ONE OF MY FAVOURITE GBB PLATFORMS OF THE LAST YEAR, AND ONE THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY, MANY OF YOU, HAVE TAKEN GREAT PLEASURE IN FIELDING AND SHOOTING!”
modular platform the VMP-2! Over the course of the last year I had seen the odd CAD drawings and was delighted to be able to see the new VMP-2 in all its glory; the rifle will come in three variants, a carbine, rifle and one DMR/sniper version locked to semi and with power around the 450fps mark! These gas-platforms using the same magazine as the already massively popular VMP-1 SMG feel great in the hand and when shouldering the rifle, it sits very comfortably. As a package the VMP-2 looks marvellous and I cannot wait to get my hands on
GBB FTW!
As an established user of GBBRs it’s been very interesting to note that since IWA ’23 a lot of manufacturers have followed VORSK down the bespoke gas route with models of their own; it’s also enlightening to see that as more gas platforms have become available, and indeed more players have transitioned from AEG not only to existing gas technologies but via HPA systems to “terra” no longer “incognita”, use of GBBRs ingame has grown.
More players are giving gas a chance, not just for their secondary but also for their primary, and certainly in the UK I would say that VORSK have played a major part in this.
It’s not really a surprise then that VORSK have taken the Modular Platform forward as their flagship platform when you consider just how many VMP-1 SMGs are out there, and when you add in all the companies that are already making accessories for the SMG there’s an entire industry and sub-culture devoted to it.
VORSK produced, in my opinion, a very welcome and much-needed addition to the “GBBR family” with the VMP-1, one which at first glance may seem very “niche”, but has shown
“AS MORE GAS PLATFORMS HAVE BECOME AVAILABLE, AND INDEED MORE PLAYERS HAVE
TRANSITIONED FROM AEG NOT ONLY TO EXISTING GAS TECHNOLOGIES BUT VIA HPA SYSTEMS TO “TERRA” NO LONGER “INCOGNITA”, USE OF GBBRS IN-GAME HAS GROWN”
great potential for gas platforms in the future of our beloved game!
ZONING IN
During the last year I’ve been keeping a very close eye on the continued development of the VMP-2, and the program has been really quite staggering! I’ve had a look at the very latest of these new platforms and have come away being very impressed with just how far they have moved on since I first encountered them as a concept; with a commonality of magazines across the range (including the VMP-1), in have come features that make them as close to the “real deal” as they can possibly be in terms of operation whilst maintaining a truly unique identity in relation to their look and feel.
And to take this to the next level, VORSK have used all the information and techniques that they learned with the production of the VMP-1, tweaked the operating system and efficiency even further, and placed everything in a more “traditional” rifle/ carbine profile. Although the VMP-2 will continue to use the same magazines and the VMP-1, the platforms themselves are thoroughly new beasts that will capture the hearts and minds of players that look for the utility of a rifle/carbine platform rather than an SMG.
Designed from the ground up by the VORSK inhouse team, the VMP-2 shows a real commitment to innovation and user-driven design. Drawing inspiration from extensive field experience and direct engagement with players, this next generation platform-family sets a new standard for adaptability and customisation for airsoft shooters.
At the core of the VMP-2 is its fully modular design, allowing you to unleash your creativity and personalise your setup like never before. Featuring GBB-spec rail systems and compatible stock-tube and grip, and utilising 1911 grip panels, you can seamlessly integrate real steel attachments to tailor tour own platform to your individual preference and play style.
VORSK say: “Innovative engineering lies at the heart of the VMP-2, with a fully independent trigger unit enabling quick maintenance and easy transition
“THE VMP-2 SHOWS A REAL COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND USER-DRIVEN DESIGN. DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM EXTENSIVE FIELD EXPERIENCE AND DIRECT ENGAGEMENT WITH PLAYERS, THIS NEXT GENERATION PLATFORM-FAMILY SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR ADAPTABILITY AND CUSTOMISATION FOR AIRSOFT SHOOTERS”
between select-fire and semi-only trigger groups. This ensures reliability and flexibility on the battlefield, adapting to dynamic gaming scenarios with ease.
“Internally, the VMP-2 boasts a VSR-compatible threaded inner barrel and GBB/WE spec threaded outer barrel for easy change modular barrel lengths. We have fitted the VMP-2 with a TDC precision hop unit, which is compatible with VSR spec hop rubbers.”
VORSK have also listened to feedback from shooters in the industry and the player community since they unveiled the VMP-2 at IWA, and consequently they’ve tweaked things even further as the pre-production program advanced, as for instance they told us in their regular updates that...
“The team has changed the way that the VMP2 breaks down. With the addition of new body pins, the VMP-2 can be broken down more like the AR platform. This addition has allowed for easier maintenance, with the upper and lower receivers now splitting into separate parts, rather than the original design which required all the fire controls to be removed to access any of the internals. This has, in turn, allowed for an easier “drop-in” ability for the trigger group, enabling the user to switch more efficiently between select fire and semi-only trigger groups if desired.
“Also, after listening to feedback and opinions at IWA, the team went away and redesigned not only the fire selector itself but also the surrounding area of the body. With a slightly larger selector switch and greater space on the lower receiver, usability has increased, providing more space for users who play with gloves.
“Some of you may already know about the adaptability of our inner barrel system, but if you don’t, let us share just how adaptable it is! Looking to change your VMP-2D into a CQB machine? No worries! Just unthread the outer barrel and then the inner barrel, and install a shorter inner barrel and outer barrel. All while your hop unit remains undisturbed! This is thanks to the Vorsk team designing the inner and outer barrels to split an inch after the hop unit. We designed this in mind to keep modifications as inexpensive as possible to allow the player endless freedom. To support this, Vorsk will have different power nozzles and bolt groups to cater
“THE
to different site limits.”
Although you’ll find more details of each variant on the individual model highlights, in a nutshell the longest model is the VMP-2D, the intended DMR of the new family, followed by the shorter-barrelled “recce rifle” model, the VMP-2MD. To round things out there’s the VMP-2M which promises to be a real field and CQB animal! All of the variants will be fitted with “irons” as standard, along with the same muzzle device as that found on the VMP-1; if like me you have the VMP-1X package with the suppressor then this will fit straight onto any of the VMP-2 models… Win!
LONGEST MODEL IS THE VMP-2D, THE INTENDED DMR OF THE NEW FAMILY, FOLLOWED BY THE SHORTER-BARRELLED “RECCE RIFLE” MODEL, THE VMP-2MD. TO ROUND THINGS OUT THERE’S THE VMP-2M WHICH PROMISES TO BE A REAL FIELD AND CQB ANIMAL!”
HANDS ON, DOWNRANGE!
So, it’s time to get our thinking-caps on and work out just which model of the VMP-2 we want, and just like you there’s a lot of debate among the AA Crew as which one will suit our individual play-styles best… the fact is though, whichever model we do individually end up with, thanks to that built-modularity from the get go we can always adapt our individual platforms later if we want to!
Early in December ‘24 when I paid a visit to the VORSK “skunkworx” I had the privilege of getting my eager hands on the first of the fully-functional production models of the VMP-2 to arrive; externally speaking the pre-production models were good, but the finished products are truly excellent, with the fit, finish, and features that you’d expect from a premium VORSK GBBR.
Although external design features are very much VORSK (and all the better for that!), the operating system in the VMP-2 does make the operation pretty much identical to any real platform in that you must cock the rifle before you fire. Once the magazine has been emptied the bolt locks to the rear and when you insert a fresh, fully-loaded magazine you need to hit the bolt release to let it slam forward again, just like the “real deal”. Please note that once again like the real world counterpart you cannot engage the safety until the carbine is cocked; trying to force the fire selector into the safe position with an uncocked rifle could lead to damage!
In operation the VMP-2M that I had the pleasure to try when I visited the VORSK Team “at home” it must be said it is an absolute cracker, and if you’re buying it as a training or “practical rifle” tool then you’ll need to do absolutely nothing to it other than charge the magazines with VORSK FUEL and load up your BBs. We tested using VORSK .20g BBs and got an average fps over 10 BBs of 1.01 Joule/331fps and that was on a winter day; if you’re planning to use this as a skirmish gun then you’re going to need to keep an eye on the power when the temperature rises, but that’s the same with all “gassers”; although the VMP2MD and 2D will offer higher power levels these are semi-only so no issues there.
At 10m on the indoor range the VMP-2M drills holes in a target like you’re hitting it with a laser and
solid groups are easily achievable, with BBs travelling absolutely flat which bodes well for longer-range encounters. On semi-auto the trigger is nice and crisp with a proper “reset”, and switching up to full-chat sends BBs downrange with a satisfying little thump in the shoulder!
I have to say that I love the VMP-2, and if you’re looking for a training tool to keep your skills and drills up to date then it works perfectly for that, but it’s also a true contender for field and skirmish use too. I adore the modularity of the entire platform family, and personally I’d find it hard to choose just one model, although given my play-style the VMP-2M looks like the one for me to get rolling with.
And would I own one right now? Yes I would, as the VMP-2 shoots straight, shoots well, and is built like a tank, and VORSK are to my mind the first company to come to market with a truly modular and 100% viable gas platform in rifle/ carbine configuration that offers complete magazine compatibility across all the models… if they decide to at some point create a pistol using the same shorter magazine they will be onto an absolute winner, and being VORSK who knows… c’mon, they already create some fabulous GBB pistols!
I can only say that once again VORSK have delivered something that truly reinforces their position not only as an airsoft brand, not just as a creator of a stunning range of GBB pistols but as a “gun-maker” in the truest sense of the word! The VMP-2 variants really take their modular platform into the next iteration, and I’m keenly interested to see where they go with it next… the VMP-2 production models will be hitting stores soon, but from the industry reception and the levels of player excitement I am certain that they will be yet another winner for VORSK.
It appears that V not only stands for VISION, but in the case of VORSK it undoubtedly now also stands for VICTORY, and as the new models hit airsoft fields worldwide soon, and the program continues to advance, of course I’ll be reporting on this every step of the way!
My thank go to the VORSK team for putting up with all my questions and constant pestering, and to Josh and his crew at www.kriosphotography.com for their usual excellent help in relation to images! AA
“THE VMP-2 SHOOTS STRAIGHT, SHOOTS WELL, AND IS BUILT LIKE A TANK, AND VORSK
ARE TO MY MIND THE FIRST COMPANY TO COME TO MARKET WITH A TRULY MODULAR AND 100% VIABLE GAS PLATFORM IN RIFLE/CARBINE CONFIGURATION THAT OFFERS COMPLETE MAGAZINE COMPATIBILITY ACROSS ALL THE MODELS”
The VMP-2M is to me the “fightin’ carbine” keystone of the entire modular-platform program, and I believe this will offer the best all-round base for advancement within the VMP system; as an existing owner of a VMP-1 I already have a bunch of the longer 48BB magazines that the M-variant comes with, and will add some more of the shorter 20 BB versions that will work perfectly in both the SMG and Carbine. Key points on the VMP-2M are the safe/semi/full-auto functionality, railed upper receiver, five and a halfslot M-LOK style rail with a picatinny upper-face, the sliding stock, included “irons”, suppressor-ready muzzle device, and a really easily-manipulated mid-length; of course by simply changing out the front-end (remember that modularity!) I can easily turn this into more of a “battle rifle” length, which will give me even more rail-space to play with should I need it.
The VMP-2M is the “jack of all trades” in the new lineup as far as I can see, excellent for woodland use and short enough to be perfect in a CQB environment with a sensibly set power level which will make it immediately usable on most sites. I believe this will be an extremely popular model… it’s most certainly the one that I want for myself!
Price: £259.99 MSRP
Weight: 2068g
Length: 770mm
Magazine Capacity: 48 BBs
Chrono (Intended): 1Joule/ 330fps
Rail Compatibility: GBB/ AR15
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
The VMP-2MD also sings fairly sweetly to me as like the shorter M-variant it offers a lot of versatility, and if you’re mainly a woodland player with longer engagement distances then the additional power will undoubtedly let you “reach out and touch” the OpFor in a very satisfying way… for you at least! Benefitting again from a sliding stock with cheek-riser, railed upper receiver, six and a half-slot M-LOK style rail with a picatinny upper-face, suppressor-ready muzzle device, included “irons”, and a full-carbine-length the MD appears ready to rock. It is, however, restricted to safe/semi only as the power here does bump up. However, this power level does still pose a question as to how it may be viewed on-site, as the semi-only functionality and 20 BB magazine combined with increased power to me puts it into DMR territory, and this is still somewhat a contentious issue for some sites…
As I said though, if you’re engagement range is of a longer nature normally then this “recce rifle” could be the perfect thing!
Price: £299.99 MSRP
Weight: 2088g
Length: 950mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 BBs
Chrono (Intended): 1.9Joule/ 450fps
Rail Compatibility: GBB/ AR15
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
The VMP-2D was designed from the ground-up to be a DMR, and both the setup of the parts and the power level put it most firmly and immediately into this role.
I do like a DMR, and in truth I’ve had one of the non-functional prototypes of this model hanging around in the office pretty much since IWA ’23!
I’ve been able to try various accessory setups on the prototype, chopping and changing different optics, bipods, and LAMs, and the base feature set of the D allows you to really personalise it!
Fact is the “as new” feature set is a great place to start as you get a fixed stock, railed upper receiver, a longer six slot M-LOK style rail with a picatinny upper-face, suppressor-ready muzzle device, included “irons”, and a 20 BB magazine.
This is a full-length rifle, and as an intended DMR is restricted to safe/semi only.
I have always said that the DMR is the perfect place for anyone who wants to dabble in using a gas-driven platform in-game, and from what I’ve seen so far the VMP-2D just proves me right!
Price: £299.99 MSRP
Weight: 2088g
Length: 950mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 BBs
Chrono (Intended): 1.9Joule/ 450fps
Rail Compatibility: GBB/ AR15
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Airsoft
“ WHAT IF” there was an alternative?
WHAT IF...
You could use your gas blowback system all year round
Winter and Summer, the same way? Imagine consistent performance regardless of the weather, no more struggling in the cold or worrying about performance dropping in the heat of battle.
You will not have cool down effect and can shoot full auto at the same fire rate?
Sustained fire rates without performance degradation would be a game-changer, especially in scenarios requiring rapid engagement.
You could shoot at any angle, even upside down?
Shooting at any angle, even upside down, adds a new level of tactical flexibility and dynamic gameplay possibilities.
Your mags will be lighter weight?
Reduced weight would decrease fatigue and improve handling, especially during extended games.
You will have multiple ways to fill your mags?
More convenient filling options would increase efficiency, and reduce cost, making it a more accessible, viable solution.
Temperature will not impact your gun's performance, same output?
This translates to reliable power across all conditions, meaning more accurate shots and consistent groupings, improving gameplay significantly.
BRIGHT HORIZONS
G&G ARMAMENT HAD QUITE THE YEAR FOR EXCITING, UNIQUE, AND SOME DOWNRIGHT UNUSUAL NEW MODELS IN 2024, SHOWING SOME REAL ADVANCES IN THEIR OWN TECHNOLOGY, AND SOME INTERESTING DIRECTIONS TOO! IT’S BEEN OUR PLEASURE TO HIGHLIGHT THE MAJORITY OF THESE AS THEY’VE ARRIVED, BUT AS WE WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR 2025 THERE’S ONE MODEL THAT WE’VE BEEN TESTING FOR A WHILE THAT WE’LL BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION, AND THAT’S THEIR LATEST TR16 AEG!
TR16 models have been in the G&G ARMAMENT range for some considerable time now, and the models in this line have really been a bit of a “bedrock” when it comes to their extensive line of AEGs; there’s been a TR16 of one shape or another in the G&G lineup for years, ranging from the workmanlike TR16 A3 rifles and A3 carbines to the more esoteric TR16 VIPER and CANNON models. The fact is, though, that the TR16 has always been home to their latest “AR” offerings, both polymer and full metal.
The TR16 program has also been one of the many areas where they’ve tried something new from time to time, and it’s been a real pleasure to see G&G dip their toes into new AEG technology that has then filtered through to the rest of their range; yes, they’ve headlined new models in other categories with new tech and new directions, but along with their COMBAT MACHINE AEGs, the TR16 category is where they’ve metaphorically rolled up their sleeves
and got down to some serious “airsoft business”, and there are countless players worldwide that get their “6mm fix” with a TR16 of one form or another in their hands!
I’ve been lucky enough to have had hands-on virtually every model in the TR16 range over the years, so you might say that I’m pretty familiar with both their benefits and their pitfalls! Largely though the TR16 of past years has been, sometimes with some minor fettling but sometimes not, a solid base AEG to skirmish with and build upon, and there are a few creations in my own armoury that have used one as the base project donor.
But as G&G have progressed and moved into new territory, so the TR16 continues to change too! I’ve been holding off on my review of the TR16 GMS (Games Master Series) MK2 13.5” for a good reason, that being that there’s some new tech involved in the equation that I wanted to test fully over time; G&G made the bold move to collaborate with another major player in the airsoft industry; this new GMS MK2 model features a factory pre-installed GATE Aster system as standard!
Yup, you heard that right, G&G and GATE, and what a collaboration this could be! G&G have been around now since 1986 and have (with the odd clanger it must be said!) always set their sights on making the best airsoft products that they can, and recently we’ve seen them making use of better materials and innovative systems to make their now-uniquely-designed products stronger, better performing, and more competitively priced; there is literally something for everyone in their range of AEGs and now GBBs!
And GATE? Well, you can’t be an airsofter these days without knowing GATE from Poland; although they’ve only been around since 2009 they’ve had a major impact in our world, designing and producing innovative AEG Control Systems and MOSFETs that are sold in more than 30 countries!
So, an airsoft-industry leviathan from Taiwan and a market-leading electronics provider from Poland coming together to create the next generation of a well-established line of AEGs, what could be better? One of the only criticisms that I’ve heard regularly over the years about G&G AEGs is in relation to their own
in-house electronics, specifically their MOSFETs, so in one fell swoop they’ve addressed this by partnering up with and absolute expert in that field, and the whole, in the form of the TR16 GMS MK2 13.5” is actually way better as a stock AEG than sum of the parts would even suggest in my opinion!
EXTERNALLY COOL
I’ve commented many times that I totally love the direction that G&G have taken, certainly in the last few years, with their external design, and the GMS MK2 most certainly lives up to their recent advances in this area. Although the TR16 range has had some great new takes on the upper and lower receiver area (looking specifically here at the MBR and my beloved SBR 308 MK2), it has really been the area in their range where you get a more “standard AR” configuration, and this is the case with the metal body of the GMS MK2; it’s classic “AR”, but finished beautifully, with a flat-top picatinny rail.
The barrel is standard 14.5” length with a unique flash hider which looks great, and this is topped off with a 13.5” 6463 aluminium rail system, which is a combination of full-length top picatinny, some short, fixed picatinny sections at 3,6, and 9, and then some M-LOK-style cut-outs as well! Basically the rail is like a URX+++, with so many options for mounting accessories that you’re literally spoilt for choice… G&G have even put QD sling points on the front rail sections and on the rail next to the receivers too; we often moan that things have been designed in an office, but in the case of the GMS MK2 rail this has obviously been designed by someone that plays airsoft, and I love it!
Moving to the rear of the AEG you’ll find G&G’s own, and first-rate, motor grip which is extremely comfortable to use, even with gloves, and behind that is a singlepoint sling-plate fitted as standard. The buffer tube sports another G&G design, the easily adjustable six-position, low profile and minimalistic GOS-V15 stock; again I love this stock design as it features both standard and QD sling-points, along an easy access, swing-to-the-side (but retained) rubberised buttpad which makes in-game battery changes a swift and simple. It does, however, offer
“AND GATE? WELL, YOU CAN’T BE AN AIRSOFTER THESE DAYS WITHOUT KNOWING GATE FROM POLAND; ALTHOUGH THEY’VE ONLY BEEN AROUND SINCE 2009 THEY’VE HAD A MAJOR IMPACT IN OUR WORLD, DESIGNING AND PRODUCING INNOVATIVE AEG CONTROL SYSTEMS AND MOSFETS THAT ARE SOLD IN MORE THAN 30 COUNTRIES!”
limited space so you’ll have to, The battery connection here is DEANS/T-Plug as standard, and good as the stock is ergonomically it does offer limited space so you’ll have to pick your battery carefully (just FYI, a short 11.1 NUPROL or TITAN stick works superbly!).
Weighing in at 2960g and at 827/925mm long, overall this is one bomber-solid AEG externally, with a host of metal parts including the upper and lower receiver, buffer tube, outer barrel, flash hider, bolt catch, trigger, selector, charging handle and faux“BCG” cover. All controls are ambidextrous, including the fire selector and magazine release, and there’s also a new-design bolt-catch mechanism, that holds the cover open so that you can easily adjust the rotary hop-unity; it’s another neat little feature that means you can give the bolt-catch that “AR bolt-release slap” to close the cover (yeah, I know, hokey but fun!).
INTERNALLY SOUND
There’s of course one major addition to the GMS MK2 that brings things fully up to date, and that’s the GATE Aster! Yes, you do get their excellent quick change spring function and IFRIT 25K long type motor as usual, along with the GATE ASTER SE MOSFET integrated gearbox, but it’s the functionality and versatility of that ASTER V2 SE ECU that really makes things sing!
included) which I find easy to use; you can also set up the GCS as a free universal app for configuring, controlling and connecting GATE ecosystem elements.
The Aster and GCS give you total control over your AEG, as the GCS offers you the option to:
• control your AEG from smartphone with Android and PC with Windows or macOS via Blu-Link for wireless management or USB-Link (sold separately)
• simply adjust the ASTER settings
• update and upgrade firmware
• see the BB counters and measurements statistics
• perform diagnostics and send reports
If you download the GCS the “Quickstart Guide” will tell you: “Tremendous transformation of your AEG is about to begin. You are entering the era of computerized control over your airsoft gun. This quickstart will guide you through the first stage of this journey – installation and configuration of your ASTER. So go get your new device mounted, your AEG set up and immerse yourself completely in a whole new airsoft experience.”
First I attached my existing GATE USB-LINK unit to a USB cable and popped this into my PC; connecting it to the T-Plug (battery connection) of the AEG the diode first glowed blue as it made connection with the software… again you need to be patient as this might take a couple of moments before the diode glows green and the connection is confirmed onscreen as established (if there’s a problem it will glow red). And this is where the fun REALLY begins!
For those yet to discover this fully (where have you been hiding???), you can program the Aster via trigger pulls but I already have the Gate Control Station (GCS) installed on my PC (via USB link, not
The GENERAL setting lets you see immediately what you’re starting with, but I moved immediately to TRIGGER to see what I could play with there and options are for PRECOCKING and ROF CONTROL and you can recalibrate all of this if you wish; as I wanted to test the AEG pretty “stock” I left the calibration original, although I shall go back and play more with this.
The ALERTS page is self-explanatory and all to do with protecting the electronics inside your AEG, but the STATISTICS page interested me greatly as a reviewer as this is obviously designed to accurately
“THERE’S OF COURSE ONE MAJOR ADDITION TO THE GMS MK2 THAT BRINGS THINGS FULLY UP TO DATE, AND THAT’S THE GATE ASTER! YES, YOU DO GET THEIR EXCELLENT QUICK CHANGE SPRING FUNCTION AND IFRIT 25K LONG TYPE MOTOR AS USUAL… BUT IT’S THE FUNCTIONALITY AND VERSATILITY OF THAT ASTER V2 SE ECU THAT REALLY MAKES THINGS SING!”
track usage and BBs fired. I believe this will be invaluable to me to really keep a track of how the AEG performs during use and over time as it will be in evaluation long-term, and I can track everything perfectly now.
Basically with the GMS MK2/Aster you can now easily control your fire modes, safe, semi, burst, full auto, binary. You can set pre-cocking levels, battery protection alert levels, active braking levels and read any stored error codes and diagnostics, so not only does the Aster/GCS combo allow you to get the performance of your AEG exactly as YOU want it, and it helps protect the operating system overall, ensuring longevity. If you’d like more information on this, then simply head to https://gatee.eu/collections/aster which will show you all you need to know!
DOWNRANGE
So, with the GMS MK2 set up to “default mode” and the diode showing everything “in the green”, of course I needed to check it out, so it was off to the Short 10m Range. After check-firing I logged back into the GCS to looked at those “stats”, and as I’d hoped the page told me that I’d fired 119 BBs, which was spot on as I’d used the supplied 120 BB mag supplied and then cleared… colour me bloody impressed, and I know that by using this one simple feature I am only touching the tip of the iceberg as to what the software/ASTER/AEG is capable of!
On chrono the AEG was as consistent, settling at 1.11 Joule/347fps on a .20g RZR. Performance was in line with the other G&G models I’ve tried before, with both range and accuracy up there with the best of them. As I fired the AEG though I also noticed that the motor seemed even quieter than usual; that IFRIT 25K really is a nice motor, and I can totally see why Jimmy likes it so much!
Just to be on the safe side I did check the DIAGNOSTICS page before finally (yup, I did spend a bit of time on there!) logging out of the GCS, and as that came up with “No errors detected” I rather smugly switched everything off and reflected with a nice cup of Italian Roast just how seamless and straightforward the entire process had been, even for me...
Overall I have to say that as someone not known for their love of “gadgets” that everything I have found on and in this test model has been exemplary! I know that I’ve not yet reached the “sweet spot” yet, but I’ll play with everything more using the options available via the GCS for the ASTER V2 (the trigger sensor offers 250 sensitivity settings after all!).
On chrono the AEG was as consistent, settling at 1.11 Joule/347fps on a .20g RZR. Performance was in line with the other G&G models I’ve tried before, with both range and accuracy up there with the best of them. As I fired the AEG though I also noticed that the motor seemed even quieter than usual; that IFRIT 25K really is a nice motor, and I can totally see why Jimmy likes it so much! And what of range and accuracy; again as with other recent G&G models I was staggered on the 30m woods range just how good the GMS MK2 was as new, hitting the 300mm x 300mm steels each and every time just using a holo sight on .28g RZRs. The trigger is snappy as hell so you can get follow-up shots away super-fast, and I believe that once the easy-to-adjust rotary hop is fully bedded the MK2 has the potential to reach out way further.
So, essentially with the GMS MK2 13.5” you have a super-cool and modern looking AR” that’s relatively light, and sized to cover ground with uber-fast. It has some unique features that will not only protect the internals but ensure its longevity as a serviceable AEG, along with enough operating choices to keep any player happy.
Although my evaluation sample came with a 120 BB middy, the production version has the rather splendid G&G GOM V3 30-round real capacity magazine that mimics a clear “556 magazine” with visible dummy rounds, along with flip-up sights mounted front and rear. I already know that G&G ARMAMENT usually offer solid “bang for your airsoft buck”, but if what I’ve had my hands on for the last nine months is what we can all look forward to in the future, then their airsoft horizon looks mighty bright and enticing!
My sincere thanks to Apple at G&G for providing this evaluation sample, and for more information on the GMS MK2 and other models in the new TR16 line, please do check out www.guay2.com AA
“I ALREADY KNOW THAT G&G ARMAMENT USUALLY OFFER SOLID “BANG FOR YOUR AIRSOFT BUCK”, BUT IF WHAT I’VE HAD MY HANDS ON FOR THE LAST NINE MONTHS IS WHAT WE CAN ALL LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE, THEN THEIR AIRSOFT HORIZON LOOKS MIGHTY BRIGHT AND ENTICING!”
TAP/CLICKIMAGESFORMOREINFORMATION
PRIME CUT
IN ISSUE 168 MIGUEL BROUGHT US THE FIRST LOOK AT THE ALL-NEW SA-P23 PRIME AEG FROM SPECNA ARMS AND WE REALLY WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE, IN-DEPTH, ABOUT THE LATEST SERIES OF THEIR AIRSOFT CREATIONS; THANKFULLY WE WERE HOOKED UP WITH MARTIN, AKA RACEK, FROM RACEK CUSTOM GUNS WHO WAS KIND ENOUGH TO SHARE HIS THOUGHTS AND EXPAND OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS NEW SERIES OF BB-SLINGERS!
Specna Arms recently introduced a new series of their replicas, PRIME. On paper, it looks like a highly advanced gun straight out of the box, which immediately caught my attention, though with a hint of scepticism. So, let’s take a closer look at the PRIME series and see if it’s really as good as it seems. For the review, I chose the Daniel Defense® RIS III 10.5’’ SA-P27 PRIME™ Aster II ETU model, as I’ve
been a fan of Daniel Defense and their M-LOK RIS III rail system for a long time. Specna Arms offers the PRIME line with licenses from both Daniel Defense and Rock River Arms. The offering also includes a wide range of handguards and barrel lengths, so whether you prefer short carbines, assault rifles, or AR-based airsoft DMR builds, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
SPECNA
As is typical with Specna Arms, you’ll also receive an angled aluminum grip, folding sights, and two push-type S-mag magazines with the gun. Unfortunately, the A4 Arch stickers in the package are for the Edge series, so you won’t get specific PRIME stickers. Additionally, the package includes a basic BB speed loader and M90 and M135 springs.
The first test is for shooting and sound. The response in semi mode is excellent. The rate of fire on a fully charged 11.1V Li-Ion battery reaches 25 RPS, which really surprised me. The sound of the motor and gears is relatively good. The motor’s pressure is not secured with thread locker, so it might loosen over time. The impact of the piston on the cylinder head is very loud.
The next test was the performance and stability. The selected model has an internal barrel length of 300 mm. With the spring already installed in the gun, it achieves a muzzle energy of 114 m/s with 0.30g BBs, which corresponds to 1.95J (140 m/s with 0.20g BBs). The stability in semi mode surprised me, holding steady within a 1 m/s range. When testing stability in full-auto mode, there was a drop in power of about 2 to 3 m/s, which indicates poor timing of the tappet plate cycle.
When testing the performance with the M135 spring included in the package, I was unpleasantly surprised; the spring was identical to the one already installed in the gun, including the performance. So somewhere, a mistake occurred, and I ended up with two identical springs. I recommend not relying on the included springs and purchasing new ones according to the desired performance, for example, from
“NOW
AirsoftParts.
Now onto testing with other springs; for the test, I chose springs from AirsoftParts, which I use in all my upgrades, so I could compare the performance of the Prime series to high-end builds. In this test, I was pleasantly surprised by the results, which approached those of fully upgraded guns. I also tested performance with the M90 spring included in the package and the Guarder SP130 for reference.
The final test was for shooting accuracy at 1.95J with 0.30g G&G BBs. For a gun straight out of
ONTO TESTING WITH OTHER SPRINGS; FOR THE TEST, I CHOSE SPRINGS FROM AIRSOFTPARTS, WHICH I USE IN ALL MY UPGRADES, SO I COULD COMPARE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRIME SERIES TO HIGH-END BUILDS. IN THIS TEST, I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY THE RESULTS, WHICH APPROACHED THOSE OF FULLY UPGRADED GUNS”
the box, the accuracy was decent and suitable for advanced players. Compared to most stock guns, PRIME performs very well. For very demanding users, however, it requires some technical tuning, like adjusting all the tolerances in the chamber and inner barrel, and possibly installing a CNC chamber, such as one from Maxx Model.
case, I find this stock unnecessary, as the low power consumption of the brushless motor allows for the use of smaller-capacity batteries. I would have preferred a classic slim stock in the style of Daniel Defense or Light Ops from Specna Arms.
EXTERNALS
The body, like the edge series, is aluminum; outer barrel, handguard, upper and lower receiver, and stock tube. The lower receiver also features Daniel Defense markings, which will be appreciated by any fan of this brand. The body fit is perfect, with no play between the upper and lower receiver. The body also has a nano coating, which is supposed to increase scratch resistance. How effective this coating is and how much it helps will be revealed over time.
The new pistol grip design, known from the new Specna Arms EDGE HAL and Delta Armory Eagle guns, is very comfortable to hold and features a metal baseplate lock for motor storage. The cables are factory-routed on both sides of the grip, leading to a slight motor misalignment. I recommend rerouting the cables to the front of the grip.
The stock is of the “Crane” type and can accommodate 11.1V Li-Ion batteries from Titan. In this
The body also features a quick-change spring system, which I must highly praise. Specna Arms used the “ESA2” system, known from the Specna Arms EDGE 2.0 series. In the EDGE 2.0 series, a significant problem was the spring guide breaking due to the very thin material. In the PRIME series, the wall thickness is 1mm greater, so the strength is much higher. The biggest advantage of this system is the quick spring change without tools. Additionally, thanks to the absence of a spring guide screw, vertical misalignment of the gearbox is eliminated.
Now let’s move on to the internals of the gun in more detail.
BARREL
Compared to the standard EDGE series, Specna used a stainless-steel barrel with a diameter of 6.02mm and a length of 300mm. The hop-up window has a standard shape. During the barrel pass-through test with a polished DIN gauge of 6.01 mm, it passed without issues, meaning the barrel is well-made and maintains its diameter. Compared to the previous aluminum barrels, which had diameters of up to 6.20mm, or basic brass barrels, this is a significant step forward.
What I must point out, however, is the loose fit of the inner barrel within the outer barrel, which reduces the gun’s accuracy.
“THE
BODY ALSO FEATURES A QUICK-CHANGE SPRING SYSTEM, WHICH I MUST HIGHLY PRAISE. SPECNA ARMS USED THE “ESA2” SYSTEM, KNOWN FROM THE SPECNA ARMS EDGE 2.0 SERIES… THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF THIS SYSTEM IS THE QUICK SPRING CHANGE WITHOUT TOOLS”
HOP-UP CHAMBER
The hop-up chamber is a major innovation.
The chamber is made of plastic, but unlike classic “Prowin” type chambers, there is a big change in the pressure system. Instead of a classic arm, a TDC (Top Down Center) pressure system is used, where a part is seated in the chamber at a 90° angle to the hop-up rubber, and this part is pressed by the hop-up arm. This system is the best for hop-up accuracy, as it keeps the pressure centered on the hop-up rubber toward the nozzle. It is used by the best upgrade chambers like Begadi Neptun, Maxx Pro, or Retro Arms. The TDC part has minimal lateral play in the chamber, which helps with better horizontal accuracy.
above the chamber is used, which isn’t sufficient for proper chamber pressure against the gearbox. A better solution would be to install o-rings on the barrel in front of the chamber or at least a stronger spring for better barrel-to-chamber pressure.
HOP-UP RUBBER
The hop-up rubber has a “flat hop” design, meaning it’s smooth inside with no specific contact shape for the BB. The rotation is applied directly by the rubber wall in combination with higher pressure. The advantage of “flat” rubbers is partial compensation for poorer compatibility between the barrel and rubber, and potential slight misalignment of the barrel in the chamber.
The lip of the hop-up rubber slightly protrudes into the feeding tube, but it doesn’t hinder BB feeding. What issues did I find with the chamber?
The first is the adjustment ring. The ring has wide notches, making fine adjustment more difficult, especially for users with shorter nails or gloves. Additionally, the hop-up adjusts by turning the ring upwards, which is different from many other chambers.
The second issue is the spring pressure of the chamber against the gearbox. Only a small spring
When the hop-up was set for 0.30g BBs at 1.95J, there was no drop in performance, which is a good bonus. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet tested how this rubber works with heavier BBs.
MOTOR
The motor, in my opinion, is one of the best features of the PRIME series. PRIME is the only gun that comes with a brushless motor as standard, meaning much lower power consumption, so you can use batteries with much smaller capacities. Also, the motor doesn’t overheat.
The specific motor used in the PRIME series is the Specna Arms Dark Matter 27k brushless motor, which I use in gun upgrades and have excellent experience with. With reasonable RPMs, the gun has a great trigger response and a faster, but not overly high, rate of fire.
After 3600 shots, the 11.1V 1200mAh Li-Po battery dropped from 100% charge to 29%, meaning the voltage went from 12.55V to 11.35V, proving the motor’s low power consumption.
“THE HOP-UP CHAMBER IS A MAJOR INNOVATION. THE CHAMBER IS MADE OF PLASTIC, BUT UNLIKE CLASSIC “PROWIN” TYPE CHAMBERS, THERE IS A BIG CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE SYSTEM. INSTEAD OF A CLASSIC ARM, A TDC (TOP DOWN CENTER) PRESSURE SYSTEM IS USED”
GEARBOX
The gearbox is another new feature in the Prime series. Compared to standard construction, the gearbox is reinforced, similar to G&G’s V2, which is very durable. The main reinforcements are in the bottom and top areas where standard V2 gearboxes crack. Additionally, redesigned radiuses can be seen in the cylinder window.
The gearbox also includes minor enhancements, such as threads for axis adjustment screws, a window for checking AOE, and windows for setting precocking tension.
I’m personally very curious about the durability of this gearbox, which will be revealed over time. However, I see great potential here, as there’s no need to quickly switch to a CNC gearbox.
I must point out two issues, though. The first is the crooked front face of the gearbox, which, unfortunately, is standard in most gearboxes manufactured by casting. The second is the misalignment
“THE
of the gearbox with the inner barrel, which, again, is common in most basic guns.
BEARINGS
The gearbox contains a combination of ball and plain bearings. Ball bearings are found on the piston and motor gears, while plain bearings are used on the middle gear. The bearing diameter is 8mm.
The ball bearings are more robust than in the EDGE series, but unfortunately, some are seized from the factory and don’t rotate well.
For the middle gear, I would prefer ball bearings instead of plain bearings to minimize gear resistance.
Therefore, I find the bearings disappointing, and I recommend replacing them with high-quality ball bearings.
GEARS
Another change is the use of higher quality and more durable CNC gears compared to the basic ones. The gear ratio is 16:1, which, in combination with the
MOTOR, IN MY OPINION, IS ONE OF THE BEST FEATURES OF THE PRIME SERIES… AFTER 3600 SHOTS, THE 11.1V 1200MAH LI-PO BATTERY DROPPED FROM 100% CHARGE TO 29%, MEANING THE VOLTAGE WENT FROM 12.55V TO 11.35V, PROVING THE MOTOR’S LOW POWER CONSUMPTION”
brushless motor, provides excellent trigger response and rate of fire. The gears are identical to those used in the ETU series from Delta Armory.
Unfortunately, the gears are not perfect, so slight compensation for their crookedness is required when shimming.
Shimming has improved things, but it’s still not perfect. In this particular gun, the piston and middle gear were decently shimmed, while the motor gear had more play. In another unit, the piston and middle gear had more play, and the motor gear was slightly overshimmed.
On the piston gear, there is a plastic cam for extending the tappet plate opening time. Unfortunately, this cam is not properly tuned, and in combination with the speed of the gears and motor, it causes the nozzle to open early, resulting in a drop in performance.
PNEUMATICS
The pneumatic system is very similar to that of the EDGE series. I was surprised that the system maintained a tight seal during stress tests, with no leakage. I also tested the seal between the nozzle and hop-up rubber, and everything sealed properly. This level of tightness in a basic pneumatic system is rare, giving the PRIME a big plus.
Now let’s describe the individual pneumatic components
also has two sealing rings.
• The cylinder is made of stainless steel with ribbing and contains four holes in a good position for a 300mm barrel. Compared to the aluminum cylinders from the Edge series, this is a significant improvement.
• The piston has all steel teeth. The second tooth has been removed for better resistance against poor engagement with the gears.
• The piston head is aluminum and contains a ball bearing inside the piston. The piston head screw is secured with a locking washer to prevent loosening.
• The tappet plate is a standard V2 design. The front of the tappet plate is slightly off from a 90° angle, but still within tolerance. The tappet plate’s design ensures proper timing for the nozzle cycle, but the timing is thrown off by the excessively long cam on the piston gear.
• The tappet plate spring is already reinforced from the factory, so there’s no need to shorten it.
ELECTRONICS
The PRIME series features two versions of FCU units. The first version is Kestrel, which, according to its specifications, doesn’t offer much and is programmed via the trigger. I don’t understand why they didn’t use their existing HAL FCU unit, which has similar functions. I don’t have much personal experience with this unit, as the review version includes the second variant.
• The nozzle is aluminum, similar in shape to the Edge nozzle. The main difference is the use of a larger o-ring inside the nozzle.
• The cylinder head is aluminum with a harder rubber cushion for impact. The cylinder head
The second version is the Aster FCU unit from Gate. It features Bluetooth, so it can be connected to a phone, allowing for calibration, settings adjustments, and data monitoring via the app. The phone connection is a nice little bonus, allowing users to check the battery status or see how many BBs they’ve fired during a game.
However, I have to criticize three things about this unit.
• The first criticism is the trigger detection, which is done via an optical sensor. In bright light, the gun may fire accidentally in semi/auto mode, which happened to me a few times during a test game. Unfortunately, just lowering the gun
“THE SECOND VERSION IS THE ASTER FCU UNIT FROM GATE. IT FEATURES BLUETOOTH,
SO IT CAN BE CONNECTED TO A PHONE, ALLOWING FOR CALIBRATION, SETTINGS ADJUSTMENTS, AND DATA MONITORING VIA THE APP. THE PHONE CONNECTION IS A NICE LITTLE BONUS, ALLOWING USERS TO CHECK THE BATTERY STATUS OR SEE HOW MANY BBS THEY’VE FIRED DURING A GAME.”
quickly onto the sling and stepping into the sunlight caused an unintentional shot. For me, this is very dangerous, and no high-end FCU unit should work like this!
• The second criticism is the basic software for controlling the unit. Advanced functions can be unlocked by purchasing an upgrade package in the Gate app for 19 EURO. I don’t understand why they locked software functions that are already present in the hardware. This approach, in my opinion, doesn’t belong in airsoft.
• The third criticism is the trigger. Due to the optical trigger detection, the gearbox has a custom trigger. Without changing the FCU unit, you can’t use standard V2 triggers, like the adjustable ones from Maxx Model.
The trigger also features a screw for adjusting sensitivity. I don’t see the point of this screw for higher sensitivity, as the sensitivity can be adjusted directly in the FCU unit. I would much prefer a screw to adjust the trigger pull’s rear stop.
Overall, I’m disappointed with the choice of processor unit. In the basic version, HAL would have been more than enough, and in the higher version, instead of Aster, I would have preferred a more advanced processor unit with magnetic trigger detection, like the Scylla from Jefftron, which also features Bluetooth connectivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Let’s wrap things up with a complete summary and evaluation.
The main advantages of the PRIME series are:
• Nicely designed bodies with licenses and a quick-change spring system
• Reinforced gearbox
• More durable gears
• Brushless motor providing great trigger response and rate of fire
• Pneumatic system with very good sealing
• Improved basic hop-up chamber and inner barrel
The disadvantages of the Prime series are:
• Lower quality bearings
• Poor choice of processor units
• Random springs in the package
• Imperfect gearbox setup (alignment, shimming), which is unfortunately standard in all basic guns.
When I compare the advantages and disadvantages of the PRIME series to the Specna Arms EDGE, Delta Armory Eagle, or ETU series, PRIME comes out on top, even with the higher price. So, with a clear conscience, I can say that PRIME is currently the best gun straight out of the box.
For regular players, PRIME will be an excellent gun as is, where all you need to do is change springs for the desired performance. Advanced players would appreciate a complete tuning (eliminating the barrel and chamber play, gearbox alignment, and shimming). For demanding users, there’s the option for medium upgrades, such as fully replacing the pneumatic system and chamber with a high-end setup. A big advantage is that thanks to the reinforced gearbox, there’s no need to invest in a CNC gearbox anytime soon.
Finally, here’s the complete setup of MY gun. The base is a Maverick II Plus DBR red dot sight from Vector Optics, mounted on a UT Micro mount from WADSN. I replaced the stock with a Daniel Defense type stock from Castellan. On the handguard, I mounted an M600 Scout flashlight with an offset mount from WADSN. I kept the original pressure switch and placed it in a WADSN adapter. I also added a QD sling mount from Metal and a VSG-S grip from WADSN to the handguard. I left out the suppressor to maintain the compactness of the gun.
Our sincere thanks go to Martin for sharing his excellent insights and overview with us, and we hope that this won’t be the last time his words appear in AIRSOFT ACTION! Racek Custom Guns is an airsoft service from the Czech Republic, specializing in custom AEG and HPA creations. Since 2015, it has been actively collaborating with the airsoft store Actionshop.cz, providing customers with high-endplatform builds.
To find out more about what he does, head on over to www.racekcustomguns.cz and, of course, for more on the PRIME models you can visit www.specnaarms. com AA
“WHEN I COMPARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE PRIME SERIES TO THE SPECNA ARMS EDGE, DELTA ARMORY EAGLE, OR ETU SERIES, PRIME COMES OUT ON TOP, EVEN WITH THE HIGHER PRICE. SO, WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE, I CAN SAY THAT PRIME IS CURRENTLY THE BEST GUN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX”
BLAST FROM THE PAST!
FIRST ANNOUNCED OVER EIGHT YEARS AGO THE RDX XM203 B.O.S.S. APPEARED ON THE SCENE WITH A GREAT DEAL OF FANFARE AND EXCITEMENT. FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR, THIS WAS ESSENTIALLY A SOUND AMPLIFICATION DEVICE (OR REALISTIC SHOT EMULATOR) PROMISING A WHOPPING 120DB OF SOUND WITH EVERY PRESS OF THE TRIGGER… THEN, SEEMINGLY WITHOUT WARNING IT DISAPPEARED FROM THE PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS
NEARLY AS QUICKLY AS IT HAD APPEARED! DAN BRINGS US UP TO SPEED…
While I have not confirmed it, the rumor is that RDX was in the midst of fulfilling a large government contract and consequently had to sideline their ambitions for the Airsoft market. With little to no news henceforth, it was naturally assumed that the XM203 project had completely died on the vine. Thus, it was quite the surprise this year to see the announcement that RDX Technologies was in fact, very much alive and well… and available for ordering no less!
Our newest US member of the Airsoft Action family, Matt, fortuitously was able to get in on the
initial pre-order for the XM203, and he reached out to me earlier this year about having this installed on one of his AEG’s that I had built for him. More specifically, this was a highly customized KWA RM4 fitted with a fixed carry handle upper and configured as a pseudoBlood Diamond style build. This initial “proof of concept” was actually the foundation for my KWA RM4 turned XM177E2 build that was later showcased in Airsoft Action Issue 145.
Since then, Matt had accrued a little over 50K+ rounds on his build and it was now in need of some maintenance.
“OUR NEWEST US MEMBER OF THE AIRSOFT ACTION FAMILY, MATT, FORTUITOUSLY WAS ABLE TO GET IN ON THE INITIAL PRE-ORDER FOR THE XM203, AND HE REACHED OUT TO ME EARLIER THIS YEAR ABOUT HAVING THIS INSTALLED ON ONE OF HIS AEG’S THAT I HAD BUILT FOR HIM”
This was also amongst the very first KWA’s I had started outfitting with the Ulysses recoil kits; these are a machined steel recoil weight with an adjustable spring guide. The main feature being that it produces a more responsive recoil impulse than the factory KWA recoil weight. This increased recoil had ultimately attributed to some literal “rattling apart” of the components, including perhaps, shearing the front lug of the receiver too. Suffice it to say, lessons have been learned since and some new processes would be applied here to mitigate the recoil effects on the hardware.
KEEPING IT CLASSIC BUT COOL
We really wanted to retain some of the classic styling of the rifle itself without changing out the front end to a fullfledged rail system.
The B.O.S.S. itself is designed to attach via way of picatinny rail and it unfortunately does not have a traditional barrel mount option, nor as I found out, is it easily feasible to modify it to accept an Airsoft M203 barrel mount kit. I came up with a good compromise that involved retaining the 6-hole upper handguard and then bolting on a nowancient Laser Devices barrel-mount to the outer barrel.
“WE REALLY WANTED TO RETAIN SOME
I milled some grooves into the mount so the XM203 would center up on it and have both lugs index fully into the barrel-mount. While it was not necessarily the original plan, I feel like this was a good fusion of old school and new school cool, keeping with the spirit of retromodding, if you will.
In addition to being refitted with a new upper receiver to replace the damaged one, this KWA build would also be the recipient of a Gate TITAN II Bluetooth ETU and the new Gate TACTICKER, which readers may remember reading about in Issue 167.
This would present a bit of a technical challenge, as the B.O.S.S. was so new to the market that there was scant info about its compatibility with ETU systems; generally speaking, the B.O.S.S. is intended to be set up off a standard mechanical trigger switch.
ETU’s were new territory and at the time of receiving this, it had only been demonstrated to work with the Perun Hyrbid thus far. To put another twist on the tale, Matt was hoping to have this build up and running so he could trial it out at American
MilSim’s upcoming Arsenal II event. Owing to some scheduling conflicts and shipping being what shipping is, plus the experimental nature of this installation with essentially zero margin for error, I was definitely beginning to feel the crunch to get this done in time!
1:1 BANG FOR BUCK
The B.O.S.S. XM203 is a nigh-on 1:1 scale to a M203 launcher and is constructed of CNC’d aluminum with a polymer handguard. While the B.O.S.S. sports a trigger, this is non-operable. There is a small electronics suite housed within the body of the unit, with a gas adjustment key, ROF adjustment, and a
OF THE CLASSIC STYLING OF THE RIFLE ITSELF WITHOUT CHANGING OUT THE FRONT END TO A FULL-FLEDGED RAIL SYSTEM. THE B.O.S.S. ITSELF IS DESIGNED TO ATTACH VIA WAY OF PICATINNY RAIL AND IT UNFORTUNATELY DOES NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL BARREL MOUNT OPTION”
port for the wiring pigtail which is intended to be soldered into your AEG’s trigger switch.
The entire ensemble weighs 14.8oz/419.5g by my scale and as such it adds some heft to the front end of your replica. This heft represents a rather solidly constructed unit, however, and the quality and fit of the components is excellent.
With regard to operation, the unit is designed to fire when you depress the trigger on your AEG. It performs this action by releasing a set amount of gas, in this case, either propane or MAPP, into an expansion chamber. A small igniter sits within the expansion chamber and when it ignites the gas it produces the signature sound. The expansion chamber has a reciprocating sleeve, which functions to allow the sound generated from the micro-explosion to escape.
RDX’s literature states the B.O.S.S. produces around 120 decibels when it’s fired, and from my unscientific testing with my phone’s decibel app, it is registering around 122 – 124dB on average. While the product description on the website describes a peak supported ROF of 800 RPM, discussions I’ve had with RDX’s
director, Mark Hugill, have indicated it will go up to 1200 RPM depending on the expansion chamber sleeve used.
Initially I had the idea that I could solder the wiring harness directly to the TITAN II’s main board. In the past, I have done this successfully to directly power box magazines, such as with the Stoner 63 system. In practice, I was successful in getting this to power the XM203, but it would not actually register trigger pulls and subsequently would not fire either.
After an inordinate amount of sleuthing, I eventually learned that the RDX Shot Detection Module (SDM) was probably going to be required, though by no means was it certain if it would work with the TITAN II yet.
At this point, I also became a little concerned that all of this would physically fit to begin with.
The SDM is designed to be connected in between the battery and the power supply coming off the gun. Owing to the KWA ERG’s design housing a recoil assembly in the buffer tube, I didn’t have this space available to stash the SDM. As well, this now meant in addition to the TITAN’s wires, I had to also pass
“BUILD WOULD ALSO BE THE RECIPIENT OF A GATE TITAN II BLUETOOTH ETU AND THE NEW GATE TACTICKER, WHICH READERS MAY REMEMBER READING ABOUT IN ISSUE 167. THIS WOULD PRESENT A BIT OF A TECHNICAL CHALLENGE”
through an additional THREE wires to the rear of the gun, a total of FIVE wires! I also needed to be able to clear the TACTICKER itself too…
The other major hitch in the plan was that the SDM modules were on pre-order, and they would not arrive into the USA until several weeks past the Arsenal II event. My backup plan was to simply install a mechanical trigger switch and then I’d plan on having Matt send his replica back at a later date to have the SDM installed when it became available. Fortunately, this was not needed though. Anthony Aprile of Anttech Airsoft came in clutch with a prototype SDM and priority mailed it my direction. This was also much smaller module than the production SDM, being about the size of Perun’s smallest micro-MOSFET. Owing to this, I would actually be able to situate
it within the stock area of the gun without really impacting available battery space.
It took a fair bit of effort to carefully route all of the wiring, but thankfully KWA’s wiring channels are deep and I was able to actually lay all five wires into the gearbox (with the assistance of some Jefftron cable clips). The only modification really required was to mill out an exit in the front of the gearbox so the RDX’s harness could lead out to the XM203, and to file down a couple of posts that would have otherwise cut through the wiring. I was even able to successfully route the RDX’s wiring so it cleared the TACTICKER and did not interfere with the optical sensors on the TITAN II.
One of the things I learned during all of my research was that it’s a good idea to remove the gas
“WHILE THE B.O.S.S. SPORTS A TRIGGER, THIS IS NON-OPERABLE. THERE IS A SMALL ELECTRONICS SUITE HOUSED WITHIN THE BODY OF THE UNIT, WITH A GAS ADJUSTMENT KEY, ROF ADJUSTMENT, AND A PORT FOR THE WIRING PIGTAIL WHICH IS INTENDED TO BE SOLDERED INTO YOUR AEG’S TRIGGER SWITCH.”
GunSav to grease the seal and sleeve. After working the expansion sleeve back and forth a few times and adjusting the gas release setting, I was up and operational!
JUST PLAY IT LOUD, OKAY?
And boy, is it astoundingly LOUD! I was wearing my Sordins to protect my ears, but I do admit to taking them off so I could experience the full effect of the RDX’s sound; it is sharp, concussive… and it probably gave me tinnitus!
For reference, a Thunder B shell cooks off at around 120dB on average. This is basically the equivalent of lighting off a Thunder B with every trigger pull!
After some further adjustment, I had it running fairly smoothly despite the cold temperatures. At this point, my shop was getting pretty fumigated from the propane fumes, so I moved outside to finish functionchecking the gun and see if any further tuning was required. With a few minor hiccups, the RDX generally performed beautifully.
I would have liked to run some MAPP gas through
BUILD SPECS
External:
• KWA RM4A1 base
• CYMA upper receiver & barrel
• KWA front sight post
• Real steel 6-hole handguard
• Old school Laser Devices barrel mount
• RDX B.O.S.S. XM203
• CYMA shortened sound moderator
• BCM style stock
• CYMA A1 grip
Internal:
• Lambda 6.01 stainless steel barrel
• R-Hopped
• G&G green bucking
• MAXX CNC rotary hopup chamber
• KWA AEG 3.0+ gearbox shell
• MAXX 21.25mm nozzle
• KWA Gen. 2 tappet plate w/spacer
• Lonex double O-ring cylinder head
“AND BOY, IS IT ASTOUNDINGLY LOUD! I WAS WEARING MY SORDINS TO PROTECT MY EARS, BUT I DO ADMIT TO TAKING THEM OFF SO I COULD EXPERIENCE THE FULL EFFECT OF THE RDX’S SOUND; IT IS SHARP, CONCUSSIVE… AND IT PROBABLY GAVE ME TINNITUS!”
• MAXX tunable flat trigger
• RDX SDM
• Ulysses recoil kit
FINAL THOUGHTS, MURKY FUTURE?
Speaking as an airsoft player myself, my initial impressions of the RDX B.O.S.S. are a mixture of giddiness coupled with the sensation that this could very well be a disruptive technology in the same vein that HPA and ETU’s were when they first hit the market. But similarly, it could also end up being a disruptive technology concurrently existing in a negative space, similar to the notorious 40 Mike that received bans at many fields. In this latter category, I could foresee players complaining about the noise and potential hearing damage this device could cause.
On the positive side, the B.O.S.S. truly does elevate the feeling of realism. As a practical effect, a group of these on the field would seriously lend some atmosphere to a MilSim event. In CQB, it would probably be slightly terrifying to the player on the receiving end. As the guy behind the trigger, it’s
The B.O.S.S. itself is a little polarizing because not everyone wants to mount a 203-style launcher to their replica; and this is in fact the main criticism I see leveled at the B.O.S.S. unit. Many would prefer something along the lines of a suppressor or PEQ style box that is smaller and easier to mount. I also wonder if the design could not be further refined to be truly standalone and not require the careful soldering and routing of wires.
The biggest hurdle of all is of course the expense.
At the time of this writing, the RDX B.O.S.S. is coming into the USA at US$775. If required, the Shot Detection Module runs another US$42. Tack on labour fee’s to install it and/or any other ancillary components required to mount it up and you’re likely soon skating around the US$1K mark. Time will certainly tell how it all plays out, of course. But I am definitely thrilled to be able to witness this idea finally come to fruition.
Watch this space for Matt’s experience of running the RDX B.O.S.S. at ARSENAL II… coming soon to an issue of AIRSOFT ACTION near you… well, online anyway! AA
“THE B.O.S.S. TRULY DOES ELEVATE THE FEELING OF REALISM. AS A PRACTICAL EFFECT, A GROUP OF THESE ON THE FIELD WOULD SERIOUSLY LEND SOME ATMOSPHERE TO A MILSIM EVENT. IN CQB, IT WOULD PROBABLY BE SLIGHTLY TERRIFYING TO THE PLAYER ON THE RECEIVING END.”
RED CELL GASSIN’ UP!
IT’S
A WHOLE NEW YEAR, AND THAT MEANS THE FINAL YEAR OF RED CELL TESTING BEFORE WE PULL TOGETHER FIVE YEARS-WORTH OF AEG AND GBB TESTS AND EVALUATIONS, BUT BEFORE WE LAUNCH INTO THAT IT’S TIME TO FULLY WRAP THE LAST YEAR WHEN IT COMES TO “FAVOURITE GBBRS”… OVER TO BILL AND STEWBACCA AS OUR IN-HOUSE “GAS-AHOLICS” AS THEY PICK UP ON THE MODELS THAT HAVE SEEN THE MOST ACTION!
Yup, it’s true, we’re nearly at the end of our extended testing in the RED CELL program, and what a joy it’s been to access and use a whole heap of AEGs and GBBs over the last few years! Started initially as a way through those tough “pandemic” times RED CELL took on a life all of its own, and our iconic team patch has now been seen all over the world where testing and evaluation of both new and existing airsoft platforms takes place!
But the final year is still ahead of us, and right now Stewbacca and I have some unfinished 2024-business to take care of as we reflect upon the GBBRs that we’ve cherished the most, and in some cases continue to cherish after many years of action and on-field abuse. As I always say, it’s majorly cool that we get to look at some of the very latest releases, sometimes while they’re actually still in development, but it’s how they last and perform over time that is really of interest to all of us. Yes, we love to shoot the new “shinies” as they appear, but it’s how your investment continues to perform that we want to talk about too.
Don’t worry, there are already plans being put into place for “where RED CELL goes next”, but for now we’ll get right on into it and look at the GBBRs that we have taken pleasure in using ourselves, not “da bestest”, but our opinion on some truly great replicas that we continue to love!
Stewbacca: I have the very good fortune of getting to see and play with things soon after, or even in some cases before public announcement or general release, and of course since being in tropical Taiwan where the gas guns work all year round with ease, and are a lot more affordable by comparison as they’re ‘at source’ I’ve leaned-in heavily to the gasser game since arriving. As many of you are undoubtedly aware I’m a massive ‘fan of the Koch’ and German guns in general, and as a result many of my favourites are Umarex GBBRs and in general a lot of my
favourites or go to guns fall under VFC’s product lines due to their various licenses and OEM work for the likes of Umarex and Cybergun.
But, people often ask me ‘so what’s your favourite gun?’ and it’s always one of those objectively painful questions, like ‘which is your favourite child?’ Of course I have none of those, so my only children that need feeding require gas and BBs. I also have the sheer problem of choice, having used or personally acquired a large number of the latest releases, either through review work, related donations or discount acquisitions, or a mixture of the two, and as a result I’m a bit spoilt and also practically find it difficult to get time behind my favourites or personal collection as I have to spend a month or so worth of games playing with new releases in different environments to give each one a fair shake and bring you the best data points and longer term review information.
It can actually be a challenge to use certain guns regularly for my own means. I also end up associating certain acquisitions with certain events I debut them at or use them for certain memorable actions, but each one nonetheless has great performance and aesthetics as well as working well with me and in a particular niche or environment I prefer them for. So, to my top picks, or absolute favourites GBBRs!
VFC Umarex PSG-1: Certainly the most irreplaceable and one of the more emotive picks has to be the PSG-1; I reviewed it initially in Issue 133 of January 2022 having gotten hands on it at MOA 2019 during the livestream with our good friend Ray on VFC’s booth, and during the show afterwards, and eventually got my own through KIC Airsoft after I missed the initial rush and had the good fortune of one becoming available which I immediately went to pick up.
Ever since it’s been the ‘Grail gun’ spot holder, being somewhat rare and unlikely to be produced
“RIGHT NOW STEWBACCA AND I HAVE SOME UNFINISHED 2024-BUSINESS TO TAKE CARE OF AS WE REFLECT UPON THE GBBRS THAT WE’VE CHERISHED THE MOST, AND IN SOME CASES CONTINUE TO CHERISH AFTER MANY YEARS OF ACTION AND ONFIELD ABUSE”
again as a no doubt bit of a passion project from VFC, and while it’s easily the bulkiest and heaviest system I own, it commands a lot of attention on the field as very few seem to actually use them - I’ve seen maybe one other Facebook friend player further south regularly fielding his, but for most they seem to be collector’s pieces - not so for me, mine is scratched, has a patina and a body count to match - it’s had a few parts breakages or replacements due to wear in its time but it still sings to me and recently worked excellently as a counter sniper at a Xindian game where I stacked a few ‘walking salads’ in ghillie suits and other players from at least 40m away with tight groupings - all I’ve done is replace the original barrel with a Unicorn Airsoft tightbore, which halved the grouping size, and add an NPAS as it doesn’t have one as standard. Yeah, it’s heavy, but it rocks.
VFC FAL/LAR: Hot on the heels of VFC’s PSG-1 is their FAL, first reviewed in Issue 143, November 2022, another which I got hands on with very early on at MOA 2019 and Ray had to wrestle off me at the end of the livestream! As 00Dad carried the L1A1 during his service and it is ‘the right arm of the free world’ serving in so many allied countries, it has a slightly different emotional place in my collection, and is just one of my all-time favourite rifles aesthetically and in terms of its handling and
performance despite its lighter weight it can near rival the PSG-1 for performance at times, but is a lot more readily wieldable, seeing service with me at numerous skirmishes and even in a rifle shooting competition in its shortened version with the original barrel extension removed to make it a bit handier.
However it’s performance at POLK 3 in 2023 stands out in memory as it helped send rounds out to impressive distances and looked and felt the business across the whole weekend MilSim, although it languished for a year or so after as I experimented with a full steel one piece outer barrel and extended Unicorn Airsoft inner barrel which just caused more problems than it was worth and recently returned it to the stock inner barrel and reminded myself of why I love running it, immediately reaching out and stacking rounds on opposing players among the rubble of the tile factory and posting shots through broken windows, it’s had a few parts breakages early on and some other hiccups, but nothing that wasn’t solvable or a result of me beating on it, with eight magazines to hand I don’t half run it.
Bill: I have to agree with Stewbacca that the VFC LAR is a rifle that we had both been waiting somewhat impatiently since the livestream with VFC Ray at MOA for! If any rifle deserved the GBBtreatment then it’s this one, and it could only have been even better if it had been a L1A1 SLR… but who knows what’s in the VFC pipeline! VFC told us of the
“PEOPLE OFTEN ASK ME ‘SO WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GUN?’ AND IT’S ALWAYS ONE OF THOSE OBJECTIVELY PAINFUL QUESTIONS, LIKE ‘WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHILD?’ OF COURSE I HAVE NONE OF THOSE, SO MY ONLY CHILDREN THAT NEED FEEDING REQUIRE GAS AND BBS”
LAR GBBR though;
“The LAR is a representative classic rifle of the “Free World” in Cold War. However, until today the LAR rifles on the market have only had the option of an AEG version. In response to the expectations of many GBB system collectors, VFC launched in 2022 the long awaited GBB version that is a combination of their legendary attention to detail and quality combined with realistic operating performance. The result is what we consider the most worthy GBB version of LAR to date!”
And what a lovely piece of kit this benchmark rifle has turned out to be, a model that in the real world set the tone for many nations; with a production life running from 1953 to 1988 these fabulous battle rifles are still seen around the world to this day, and at the height of their service life they were one of the most widely used rifles in history, having been used, it is believed, by more than 90 countries!
If you’re an oldster like me looking for a single GBBR that has as Stewbacca said “an emotional attachment” then the LAR/FAL could very well be the one for you! I truly adore mine, a replica of a rifle that my father used in earnest too, and whilst mine doesn’t see as much game-time as Stewbacca’s it most certainly does get shot a lot, and I love shooting it each and every time I take it to the range!
Stewbacca: VFC Cybergun FN FNC: If I had to choose a ‘best gun of 2024’ I’d acquired I’d be a lot more ready to tell you the VFC FN FNC was a bit of a dark horse for me; granted it’s another cult ‘HEAT’ gun following the Colt M733, but as I said in my review of it in Issue 163/July 2024 it doesn’t have the same acclaim as its older 7.62 sibling the FAL. Nonetheless, it has been a very enjoyable GBBR to use for me, sharing the same VFC V3 AR mags as five of my other guns made it easy to justify buying after my review, and the chunky but light front handguard and general overall handling and weight compared to other systems coupled with ludicrous performance makes it an absolute hoot to shoot. Wth the ELCAN replica on top I apparently stumbled into a legit Belgian military configuration that I think really suits my personal aesthetic and has the cold war charm for me, but is simpler to run given its AR style magazines and magwell, as well as easier to run the mags in my
gear and carry more of them for, out of the box it was just a game changer on its first outing with iron sights, and once I put the 4x optic on it turned it into a veritable problem for opposing players.
It’s all stock thus far and I don’t see me changing anything about it anytime soon, the dead click on empty is true to the real steel counterpart and the cold war manual of arms ‘keep the bolt closed and the dirt out’ of that era, but it has caught me short a few times in game, nonetheless it’s just too much fun, handles too nicely and looks unique and badass in a field full of ‘not another M4s’ - I fielded it for our team Taiji MilSim in May 2024 and despite being a little heavier than some options, I just loved running it and smacking 0.48g BBs off tree trunks at daft ranges across gullies and opposing hillsides to keep the OpFor at bay.
RATech GHK-system Noveske N4 Gen III: This is one I reviewed back in August 2023 - and I keep coming back to as a ‘go to do it all’ or the ‘one rifle I’d have’ if I had to choose just one (AR, I guess, you’re not getting my FAL or PSG away from me on sentimental grounds) - it continues to just slap, looks awesome, runs flawlessly and with great recoil and an outstanding trigger that any real steel competitive rifle shooter would appreciate, coupled with the long range capabilities when using heavier ammunition, it
“CERTAINLY THE MOST IRREPLACEABLE AND ONE OF THE MORE EMOTIVE PICKS HAS TO BE THE PSG-1; I REVIEWED IT INITIALLY IN ISSUE 133 OF JANUARY 2022 HAVING GOTTEN HANDS ON IT AT MOA 2019 DURING THE LIVESTREAM WITH OUR GOOD FRIEND RAY ON VFC’S BOOTH”
VFC M110K1
Price: iro UK£450.00
Weight: 3070g
Length: 900/980mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.79 Joule/441fps
Hot Chrono: 1.86 Joule/449fps
Taclite Compatibility: Semi-Railed URX
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.vegaforce.com
WE ACE VD
Price: iro UK£500.00
Weight: 3340g
Length: 1218mm
Magazine Capacity: 22 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.38 Joule/386fps
Hot Chrono: 1.41 Joule/391fps
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.biz
VFC/UMAREX PSG-1
Price: iro UK£850.00
Weight: 5200g
Length: 1220/1280 mm
Magazine Capacity: 5 or 20 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.48 Joule/400fps
Hot Chrono: 1.51 Joule/404fps
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.vegaforce.com
VFC LAR
Price: iro UK£700.00
Weight: 3530g
Length: 1095mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.33 Joule/380fps
Hot Chrono: 1.36 Joule/383fps
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.vegaforce.com
VFC FNC
Price: iro UK£700.00
Weight: 3540g
Length: 750/990 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.19Joule/359fps
Hot Chrono: 1.22 Joule/363fps
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.vegaforce.com
is just too dependable and enjoyable to not include, and I’ve fielded it for skirmishes, taken third place in a steel challenge competition with it, and loaned it to teammates to get them addicted to the gas blow back life on multiple occasions as well in games and training.
I keep contemplating fielding it for a MilSim although I only have four 40 round GHK magazines for it at present and given it’s my only GHK system I’m hard pressed to justify buying more magazines for just one gun when I have far in excess of 100 gas magazines knocking around my home-office-armouryapartment, but the temptation is strong.
Bill: EMG/CYMA NOVESKE N4 GEN III: The N4 certainly got a lot of love in the past couple of years, and the one that I like a lot is really the culmination of a long-term project that involved a number of very cool airsoft companies, namely the fully-loaded “Noveske-Licenced” N4 Gen III GBBR from EMG… with a little help from CYMA!
EMG are constantly striving to push the boundaries in terms of design and production, apparently carrying
along a whole host of collaborative partners on the way, and it’s been my great pleasure over recent months to have been able to have a really good look, and much shooting time, with the latest in this lineup which just happens to be Noveske-inspired…another take on the N4 GEN III GBBR that’s driven along by the all-new CYMA Gas System, or CGS!
Finished in a really, really nice and totally even Tan/ FDE colour the EMG/CYMA take on the N4 is a real looker! Every single part is perfectly colour-matched; M-LOK Fore-end, Upper and Lower Receivers, Pistol
Grip, Sliding Stock and even BUIS are the same tone giving the N4 a striking “real world” appearance; the silver barrel and black muzzle brake/buffer tube just act as attractive counterpoints to this. Weighing in at a very usable 2700g, and at 725/800mm long this is a platform you could run all day with, and as I see it as a serious MilSim platform that’s absolutely bang-on.
After spending quality time with this fine GBBR on the ranges my overview is this; here in the UK the EMG/CYMA N4 is not cheap, but in line with many other fine GBBRs it is a solid, well-made, beautifully “traded” replica. I’ve now been able to try some different magazines in the beast with great results, and yes, it’s perfectly happy with the MWS mags I already own. Would I recommend the EMG/CYMA NOVESKE N4 GEN III? It’s an unqualified YES; if you
“THE N4 CERTAINLY GOT A LOT OF LOVE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, AND THE ONE THAT I LIKE A LOT IS REALLY THE CULMINATION OF A LONG-TERM PROJECT THAT INVOLVED A NUMBER OF VERY COOL AIRSOFT COMPANIES, NAMELY THE FULLYLOADED “NOVESKE-LICENCED” N4 GEN III GBBR FROM EMG… WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM CYMA!”
RA-TECH NOVESKE N4 (GHK)
Price: iro UK£750.00
Weight: 2500g
Length: 725/810mm
Magazine Capacity: 40 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.5 Joule/403fps
Hot Chrono: 1.5 Joule/403fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility:14mm CCW
Supplied By: http://en.ratech.com.tw
EMG/CYMA NOVESKE N4 GEN III
Price: iro UK£520.00
Weight: 2500g
Length: 700/780mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/316fps
Hot Chrono: 0.98 Joule/325fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility:14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.biz
VORSK VMP-1 (BASE MODEL)
Price: iro UK£190.00
Weight: 2169g
Length: 557/690mm
Magazine Capacity: 48 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/ 321fps
Hot Chrono: 0.99 Joule/327fps
Taclite Compatibility: Railed
Suppressor Compatibility:14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.vorsk-airsoft.com
ARCHWICK B&T APC9 (BASE MODEL)
Price: iro UK£460.00
Weight: 2499g
Length: 375/553mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.91 Joule/314fps
Hot Chrono: 0.95 Joule/321fps
Taclite Compatibility: Railed
Suppressor Compatibility: Dedicated
Supplied By: www.arch-wick.com
LAMDA DEFENSE GHM9 GENII (BASE MODEL)
Price: iro UK£200.00
Weight: 1420g
Length: 360mm
Magazine Capacity: 48 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Hot Chrono: 0.95 Joule/321fps
Taclite Compatibility: Railed
Suppressor Compatibility: Dedicated
Supplied By: www.airsoftworld.net
are looking to step up your playing style, especially for MilSim, then this smart little GBBR is 100% looking at!
Stewbacca: VFC T91 SOC: ‘Not another M4’; well, not quite, reviewed in Issue No. 161 of May 2024, the T91 SOC is the special forces variant of the Taiwanese service rifle which is domestically produced in the south of the island and is a hybrid of AR15 externals and general setup and an AR18 short stroke gas system much like the HK416 - this one I’ve been pushing towards the closest thing to a ‘go to rifle’ for me given its performance, handling and usage by the domestic military forces - with all the bells and whistles like an under barrel mounted torch with pressure switch, totally cladding the front handguard in the excellent grippy Amarok peel off and squish on rubberised MLOK rail covers, vertical foregrip, red dot and unity riser as well as the EOTech clone G33 and unity flip to centre arm.
The system has performed excellently out of the box as I’ve come to almost expect in a boring fashion from VFC’s more recent releases over the past few years, and again sharing standard VFC V3 AR magazines is a big bonus in terms of minimising footprint and outlay. It performed very well at the MilSim on PengHu in later 2024, although the optics setup did suffer fogging in the dank rainy forests of
the island fortress we were playing in.
VFC Umarex HK MP5SD3: Oh look, another VFC! Yeah, I know, I’m not shilling for them, fellow shooters, they are just making most of the things I love as I tend to favour military or police service weapons and you all know by now that the MP5 retains a special place deep in my heart - this was one that I’d seen at MOA 2023 and eagerly awaited, buying it outright for myself and reviewing it not so long ago in Issue 166.
I love the aesthetics and handling, as with the FNC, the big handgrip just suits my bear mitts perfectly, and it just looks all the more badass in silhouette when you’re stalking in and out of doorways at a disused university complex and using the AR equivalent length inner barrel poking all the way through the integral suppressor to reach out and touch people easily at 50m with double taps to the chest, or stretching its legs as far as 80m for harassing fire, the shorter stroke of the 9mm sized bolt and its throw just makes it superbly snappy and I’ve had it out again recently for urban environment games where it did not disappoint, I’ve also got more magazine clamps inbound to stick pairs together so I’ll likely get another four magazines on top of the ones I have and give serious thought to it for a MilSim given its equivalent performance despite it being arguably much handier than some of
“OH LOOK, ANOTHER VFC! YEAH, I KNOW, I’M NOT SHILLING FOR THEM, FELLOW SHOOTERS, THEY ARE JUST MAKING MOST OF THE THINGS I LOVE AS I TEND TO FAVOUR MILITARY OR POLICE SERVICE WEAPONS AND YOU ALL KNOW BY NOW THAT THE MP5 RETAINS A SPECIAL PLACE DEEP IN MY HEART”
my others.
Archwick B&T AIR APC9SD2: I suddenly come to the realisation that many of my favourite platforms are arguably as old or older than me - so something a little more modern and arguably user friendlythe little Swiss engine that definitely could and is trying to come after the - to my mind regardlessly un-dethronable MP5 - is B&T’s APC9SD2 I acquired from the Archwick gents and reviewed back in Issue No. 168 of December 2024 - the slightly bigger brother of the earlier APC9k, it is much better for my frame and gangly arms, and I really like the MLOK handguard - again with Amarok MLOK grip panels for added controllability, and the modular suppressor and addition of the tracer unit inside the extension unit, coupled with the lower muzzle velocity makes it ideal for CQB use and I’ll no doubt start making it a go to for my recent return to Wednesday night games at Linkou’s police and SWAT training centre after work where the particular game hosts prefer lower velocity guns and lighter ammunition - it’s performed excellently at posting BBs through windows and around cover in the kill house setup.
The more adaptable setup in general certainly makes it a better solution in reality in terms of manual of arms and handling, the straight stick magazines are much lighter and easier to handle and store in your
various gear, while the bolt hold open on empty and ambidextrous release controls are more serviceable than the older MP5 setup, but it doesn’t have the same place in my heart just yet.
Bill: LAMBDA DEFENSE GHM-9: It’s gotta be said that B&T have has some healthy “licenced-love” this year, and one of my personal favourites from the 2024 GBBR-crop is the little GHM-9! Although I do have a GEN I model that uses G-Series mags, the GEN II with its MP9-style mags is a peach as far as I can see.
AIRSOFT WORLD kindly sent me down the GBB itself along with a big old box of parts, and again I have to say that Lambda Defence have made everything up to the standard that B&T as the licencee would expect of a replica with their name on it. Everything is made out of premium-grade aluminium, steel and nylon to make it absolutely bomber-tough.
Weighing in iro 1550g and at just 360mm in length in its base form the GHM-9 GEN II is a right little handful, and beautifully balanced; the alloy/steel parts and the 48 BB metal magazine account for most of this weight as the body, just like the real thing, is of a reinforced, lightweight polymer, although you can also now add a metal upper as an accessory if you so desire; I love the fact that is truly is a “mix and match as YOU like” setup; when the GHM-9 arrives it is absolutely just a bare-bones solid, base platform on
“IT’S GOTTA BE SAID THAT B&T HAVE HAS SOME HEALTHY “LICENCED-LOVE” THIS YEAR, AND ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVOURITES FROM THE 2024 GBBR-CROP IS THE LITTLE GHM-9! ALTHOUGH I DO HAVE A GEN I MODEL THAT USES G-SERIES MAGS, THE GEN II WITH ITS MP9-STYLE MAGS IS A PEACH”
which to build! That’s the joy of the GHM-9 as a GBB platform in my mind, it is VERY modular, and VERY versatile, and therefore can be thoroughly individual too!
If you’re looking for a cracking, compact CQB tool, or an absolutely excellent back-up for a sniper rifle then I have to recommend the GHM-9 to you now. It’s a really solid performer and it appears that Lambda Defence have now made the absolute most of their licence!
Now I could go on and on about my VFC Mk18 and SR16 as I love them both with a vengeance; they are the prefect “training tools” as far as I can see, and no slouch in a MilSim setting either! The same can be said for my VFC BCM MCMR, and the APFG MCX RATTLER, but I’ve written so much about all of these excellent platforms that I’d be covering old ground again. There is however another VFC model that I have to mention here as a very firm favourite, and that’s the M110K1!
Back in 2022 I took delivery of the “MIL SR-25” GBB option that VFC had released, the M110K1, and once again I have to admit that it was love at first sight, but thankfully this one was a “keeper” thanks to my good friend Ray Chang! When I look at the K1 I am staggered once again at just what an elegant rifle it is! It looks like everything is where it should be,
and there’s nothing that doesn’t need to be there! It’s slimline and of a good length (900/980mm with the CRANE-style stock) and weight (3090g) so it feels that although you have an “Enhanced Combat Carbine” it’s one that feels like it is tailor-made to thrown round in-game!
VFC adopted a new version of CNC post-processed aluminium in the upper and lower receivers that were re-strengthened, and the K1 is therefore better able to withstand the recoil from the working parts; and the receivers feature ambidextrous controls with a lightweight “dimpled” outer barrel inside a KAC SR25 URX 3.1 13.5” handguard with KAC style folding micro sights. All the major components are finished a matt FDE with a military-style sand coating which is absolutely impeccable, whilst there are some standout black parts that really make the K1 a properly cool.
With absolutely first-rate build quality and superb materials, the K1 is awesome in all ways! Even the magazine (although it only holds 20 BBs again!) is brilliant, with the fill valve is located on the upper rear face so when the magazine is inserted you wouldn’t know it was filled with gas and not rounds; all in all it’s pretty much my dream rifle!
WE ACE VD: And while I’m most definitely in DMR-territory there’s one GBB rifle that I have to mention yet again, the awesome WE ACE VD! Over the years I’ve often fancied trying the sniper role in airsoft games but frankly, just as in the real world, it takes a very particular mind-set to perform this even adequately, and I’m more of a “direct action” type of player so I’ll be the first to admit I just don’t have the patience to crawl around in a “Ghillie Suit” waiting for that one perfect moment, so a DMR is the thing for me!
For an OPFOR-DMR there are numerous airsoft manufacturers who make a Dragunov replica, and they are all very nice indeed; I’ve had a chance to play around with a couple of the electric versions which have been great airsoft platforms but somehow lacked character… most of the electric versions also require upgrading to get true performance from them.
WE have had two models on offer in their ACE VD range, one with black polymer furniture and the other with a classic wood effect finish (a wood laminate rather than plastic “faux wood” thankfully!), and
“BACK IN 2022 I TOOK DELIVERY OF THE “MIL SR-25” GBB OPTION THAT VFC HAD RELEASED, THE M110K1, AND ONCE AGAIN I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, BUT THANKFULLY THIS ONE WAS A “KEEPER” THANKS TO MY GOOD FRIEND RAY CHANG”
one of the latter has been in my OPFOR Armoury for many years now! The ACE VD with the wood suits me perfectly, and from word go I was thoroughly taken with this elegant yet functional battle rifle. I’ll get this out of the way though; the Dragunov is at 1215mm/48inches long a big rifle! But although it is a long rifle it is far from ungainly; weighing in at 2900g/6.4lbs it’s really not that heavy and you can happily carry it all day. The construction is metal throughout, and the finish is absolutely first rate, a semi-matt black. The heavy, full-travel open bolt is finished in brushed silver which looks particularly attractive, and the laminated wood of the stock and handguard also looks spot on. The 20 BB gas magazine is also metal and finished the same as the receiver.
All things considered I’m still really, really happy with the ACE VD “Dragunov” and all that I’ve done is replace a couple of nozzles over the years! It’s exactly the kind of semi-auto “reach out and touch somebody” rifle that I hoped it would be; it’s a fabulous bit of kit that I keep well-tuned mainly for MilSim events… mainly!
VORSK VMP-1: Although I’ve talked a lot about the VMP program from VORSK in some considerable depth already in this issue it would be completely remiss of me not to make an “honourable mention”
of this superb little SMG here too!
With well over a year of hard use and abuse now in the bag it’s time for me to reflect on the VMP-1 and exactly what my mates at VORSK have created, and moving from GBB pistol platforms, albeit excellent ones, to a fully-fledged gas-driven “long” was quite an achievement for them.
Having the VMP-1 turn out not only to be good, but exemplary in the eyes of players and shooters just adds depth to this undertaking.
After living with the VMP-1 for a while now I’ve had some pretty darn cool, consistent results from the platform, and the VMP-1 does have some “oomph”! I’ve tested pretty much entirely on VORSK V6 and V8 FUEL (V8 in colder months), and even with stable gasses like these I have witnessed some fluctuation in power output, but in fairness now that the OS has bedded in, not that much; using .20g BBs for testing, on V6 with an ambient temperature of 18-19C the VMP-1 chrono’s consistently at 1.07 Joule/341 fps using VORSK .20g BBs, and at 8-12C on V8 I’m getting 1.06 Joule/339fps.
In terms of BBs “for real” I’ve been using a .28g BB as this gives me the best all-round performance given the gasses that I use, although the VMP-1 will most certainly hop a .30g if you so desire. With the .28g weight though once you’ve got the hop set right
“I’M NOW A FIRM BELIEVER THAT EVERYONE SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE ONE GBBR IN THEIR “AIRSOFT LIFE” JUST TO EXPERIENCE, UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE WHAT IT’S LIKE OWNING ONE, EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE FULL ON COMMITMENT IT TAKES WITH A GBBR IN RELATION TO CLEANING AND MAINTAINING IT!”
(easy by finger or with the neat little tool provided), it’s bang on; I’ve continued whacking the 300mm x 300mm steels on the woods range at 30m regularly, and recently I had the VMP hitting “Fig 11s” at 50m with no issue, and the trajectory of a .28g is dead flatto-target at that range… Winner, winner VMP-dinner thank you!
To close this month I’m going to hand over to Ben; he’s really been embracing the “gas life” over the past couple of years and it’s extremely refreshing to see other players immersing themselves in this area of airsoft… Who knows, when we come to reflect on our favourite GBBRs of 2025 then perhaps he’ll be joining us to comment further!
Ben: In the world of airsoft there’s nothing more satisfying than the GBBR, from the feel of that bolt recoil and the expelling of the gas, to that “F#*K!!” moment in middle of game needing to clear a gun jam; I absolutely love my GBBs regardless of if it’s a rifle, SMG or pistol!
I only have in my collection at the moment one GBBR, my WE M4A1 converted to a MK18, which is still a decent entry level GBBR with just a few more hiccups that one must face compared to the higher end GBBR out there.
With regards to my favourite GBBR that would be between the Tokyo Marui MK18 and VFC 416 as both are top-tier, very well-made solid builds, gas efficient and super reliable, I’ve seen very little go wrong with both these brands in the GBB world, and at some point I’ll have both these in my collection to be able to give my full on report on performance, build, accuracy, efficiency, effectiveness and reliability between the two, and trust me I’m SO looking forward to playing with them!
My overall favourite in GBB though is SMG ...and yes, I’m a TM MP7 unicorn whore! I have been taking out both my VMP-1 and my G&G SMC-9 out of late, their element being CQB, and I have been really enjoying it; for me there no better platform than the SMG GBB, it’s Mary Poppins... “practically perfect in every way”!
I’m now a firm believer that everyone should at least have one GBBR in their “airsoft life” just to experience, understand and appreciate what it’s like owning one, even if you don’t like the full on commitment it takes with a GBBR in relation to cleaning and maintaining it! The Manual of Arms, it’s functionality and safety, it’s definitely a step up from your go-to AEG every player Joe Bloggs owns... nothing wrong with that of course, but if you’re looking for the higher-end feel of realism in airsoft then you need a GBBR or GBB SMG in your life! AA
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IT’S ALL ABOUT IWA!
AS WE START TO FURTHER PLAN OUT OUR SHOW SEASON FOR 2025, ONCE AGAIN IT WILL TIME FOR THE AA CREW TO HEAD TO NUREMBERG FOR IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS, AND IN ITS 51ST YEAR THE SHOW PROMISES TO BE A VERY SPECIAL ONE! BUT WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM “BILLS FAVOURITE SHOW”, AND HOW WILL AIRSOFT BE PORTRAYED THIS TIME? BILL GOT TOGETHER WITH GEORG LOICHINGER WHO LOOKS AFTER THINGS “MEDIA” AT THE SHOW TO FIND OUT MORE!
IWA OutdoorClassics (or simply IWA as we all know and love it) at the Nuremberg Messe is without shadow of a doubt my favourite show of the year, and its appearance on our schedule always gives me a big old buzz; I’ve been attending the show in Germany for many years now, and have seen it, most certainly for airsoft, develop and evolve into something magnificent as manufacturers, distributors, trade customers and the airsoft media descend en masse to see the very latest that’s on offer.
more than 50 years. Over the course of these years over 1,000,000 trade visitors have attended the world’s leading trade fair in Nuremberg, but IWA OutdoorClassics is far more than just a product presentation by the exhibiting companies... for 2025 it promises to once again be a show that focuses on face to face dialogue between industry, trade, and users as well as focussing on sharing knowledge, product testing data, and information on the latest trends not just in airsoft, but across the wealth of the
As the one of the world’s leading events for the shooting sports industry, IWA has been facilitating worthwhile networking between manufacturers, specialist retailers, and shooters of all types for
global shooting sports community!
I’m already sensing a frisson of excitement building in the lead-up to the 2025 show, so when I had the opportunity to get an insight from the other side
“IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS (OR SIMPLY IWA AS WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE IT) AT THE NUREMBERG MESSE IS WITHOUT SHADOW OF A DOUBT MY FAVOURITE SHOW OF THE YEAR, AND ITS APPEARANCE ON OUR SCHEDULE ALWAYS GIVES ME A BIG OLD BUZZ”
of things, from the team “behind the scenes” as it were, then I thought it best to share this here. Georg Loichinger from the IWA OutdoorClassics team was kind enough to provide me with a perspective from those inside the show itself, and how they view airsoft and its future as an integral part of things moving forward!
Airsoft Action (AA): Georg, thank you for kindly taking the time to provide me with a unique perspective on the show; IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 is just around the corner, so what can members of the international airsoft community expect in the Airsoft Trade and Shooting Area?
Georg Loichinger (GL): Thank you for the invitation! The Airsoft Shooting Area in Hall 2 will be a real highlight in 2025. We have expanded the stage program to offer visitors even more valuable insights into the handling and trade of airsoft platforms and accessories. Our partner, Airsoft Helden, will implement the shooting course and stage program, ensuring exciting and informative presentations. These expansions make the Airsoft Shooting Area a must-visit for every airsoft enthusiast.
AA: How does IWA differ from MOA Taiwan? Both fairs are significant for the airsoft community.
GL: That’s a great question; IWA OutdoorClassics and the MOA (Military, Outdoor & Airsoft) Exhibition in Taiwan are both important fairs, but they have different focuses. IWA is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for hunting and shooting sports, attracting an international audience focused on the European market. It offers a wide range of products and services beyond airsoft, including hunting and outdoor equipment. MOA Taiwan, on the other hand, is more focused on the Asian market and specialises in military, outdoor,
and airsoft products. It provides a platform for Asian manufacturers to present their products to an international audience, with a stronger emphasis on tactical equipment and military simulations. Both fairs offer unique advantages, but IWA stands out for its internationality and the diversity of products presented.
AA: Are the segments of airsoft and tactical equipment increasingly merging? Many brands have very high sales profiles there.
GL: Absolutely, the segments of airsoft and tactical equipment are increasingly merging. Many brands that originally only offered airsoft products are expanding their range to include tactical equipment to meet the growing demands of consumers. This development is not surprising, as airsoft players are often also interested in tactical equipment that enhances their gaming experience. Brands now offer a wide range of tactical equipment, from protective
vests to helmets and tactical bags. These products are not only popular with airsoft players but are also used in military and police training. IWA provides an ideal platform to showcase this growing integration and introduce new products.
AA: Which airsoft exhibitors can we expect at the IWA 2025?
GL: IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 will present an impressive variety of airsoft exhibitors. Well-known
“THE AIRSOFT SHOOTING AREA IN HALL 2 WILL BE A REAL HIGHLIGHT IN 2025. WE HAVE EXPANDED THE STAGE PROGRAM TO OFFER VISITORS EVEN MORE VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THE HANDLING AND TRADE OF AIRSOFT PLATFORMS AND ACCESSORIES”
brands include Umarex, LCT Airsoft, NUPROL, and many more. These exhibitors will showcase their latest products and innovations, ranging from gas and electric airsoft platforms to accessories and tactical equipment. A complete list of exhibitors can be found on the IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 website. We are proud that so many leading brands choose IWA as their platform to present their latest developments, and new products to an international audience.
AA: How do you see the future of the airsoft market?
GL: The airsoft market continues to show strong growth and is expected to reach a size of USD 3.57 billion by 2030! This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of airsoft as a recreational and competitive sport, as well as technological innovations and the growing participation in organized airsoft events. The development of environmentally friendly and biodegradable ammunition offers additional growth opportunities, as more and more consumers value sustainability. We also see an increasing professionalisation of the sport, with more tournaments and leagues being organised worldwide. IWA will continue to play a central role in supporting these developments and providing a platform for
innovation and networking.
AA: IWA is known for its diversity of exhibitors. How important is the fair for the airsoft community compared to other events?
GL: IWA is of great importance to the airsoft community as it is one of the few fairs that brings together such a wide range of products and services under one roof. Compared to other events, IWA offers a unique mix of internationality and diversity. Here, manufacturers, dealers, and enthusiasts from all over the world meet to exchange ideas, discover new products, and explore business opportunities. The fair not only provides a platform for trade but also for knowledge exchange and further education. This makes IWA an indispensable event for everyone involved in the airsoft industry.
AA: What new trends and innovations can we expect at the IWA 2025?
GL: Visitors can expect to see and experience a variety of new trends and innovations at IWA 2025. These include advanced airsoft platforms with improved precision and performance, innovative accessories, and tactical equipment specifically designed for airsoft players. Another exciting trend is the increasing integration of technology into airsoft products, such as smart scopes and digital targeting systems. These innovations not only enhance the gaming experience but also offer new possibilities for training and competition. IWA provides the perfect stage to present these new developments and give visitors a glimpse into the future of the airsoft industry.
AA: How does IWA support the airsoft community and promote market growth?
GL: IWA supports the airsoft community in various ways. By providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and innovations,
“IWA SUPPORTS THE AIRSOFT COMMUNITY IN VARIOUS WAYS. BY PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS, THE FAIR PROMOTES THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY. WE OFFER SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF THE AIRSOFT COMMUNITY”
the fair promotes the growth and development of the industry. We offer special programs and events tailored to the needs of the airsoft community, such as the Airsoft Shooting Area and thematic workshops. Additionally, we promote dialogue between manufacturers, dealers, and end consumers to ensure that products meet market demands. IWA thus actively contributes to strengthening the airsoft community and supporting market growth.
AA: Thank you, Georg, for your insights, and we look forward to IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 and to seeing exciting developments in the airsoft industry!
GL: Thank you! We look forward to welcoming all airsoft enthusiasts and professionals to IWA 2025 and presenting the latest innovations and trends in our industry.
So, there you have it, the word from inside IWA! As the AA Crew get ready to head to Germany once
again we already know some of the new things that we’ll see there, and all I can say is that these are indeed exciting developments that we look forward to reporting on in full in due course!
I know that I am most certainly looking forward to heading back on out to Nuremberg yet again, and to attending IWA OutdoorClassics another time; not only does the thought of the show itself excite me, but also the energy and enthusiasm that the show organisers themselves “exhibit”.
As we always say, it’s the people that make airsoft special, and it appears that our love for what we do has rubbed off onto the IWA team too, and that promises to ensure that the future of airsoft at IWA OutdoorClassics will not only continue, but will continue to grow and thrive year on year!
For more information on the show itself, and to check out that Exhibitor List, please check out www.iwa.info AA
“IT’S THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE AIRSOFT SPECIAL, AND IT APPEARS THAT OUR LOVE FOR WHAT WE DO HAS RUBBED OFF ONTO THE IWA TEAM TOO, AND THAT PROMISES TO ENSURE THAT THE FUTURE OF AIRSOFT AT IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS WILL NOT ONLY CONTINUE, BUT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AND THRIVE YEAR ON YEAR!”
UNDER PRESSURE
EVERY SO OFTEN WE HAPPEN UPON A SIMILARLY-MINDED, INDUSTRY-DISRUPTIVE INFLUENCE, AND WITH JAMES CHAN OF MAX TACT, STEWBACCA HAS FOUND IT TO BE THE CASE INDEED! OUR “MAN IN TAIWAN” WAS INTRODUCED TO HIM THROUGH OUR GOOD FRIEND, CLARENCE LAI, WHILE THEY BOTH VISITED THE GOOD MAN HIMSELF IN HIS SOUTHERN TAIPEI HOME, AND NOW WE CAN LEARN MORE!
Picture the scene if you will… Clarence was busying himself upgrading my Shadow 2 Orange with his latest components, while James gave me a rundown of his upcoming products including some impressive practical demonstrations, providing me with two samples of his CO2 capsule-powered extended Glock-compatible magazine prototypes for testing. But what makes them so special?
When I first met James and his wife, Sharon, we were sat around Clarence’s living room table merrily reminiscing about how we all got our respective starts in this industry and related addiction when James eventually broke out his party trick; handing me two otherwise unassuming (if slightly elongated) Glock GBB magazines in his branded boxes, he then placed what looked like an industrial Thermos in my hands.
Taking it back off me he casually unscrewed the base plug of one of his sample magazines, proceeded to delve into the flask with some tongs and retrieved a small smouldering cylinder that he dropped into the magazine before re-installing the base plug and setting it aside for a minute or two.
What followed was a very intriguing look inside a strong contender for one of the most interesting and potentially revolutionary technologies I’ve come across in my years both in airsoft in general and out here in Taiwan, the CO2/compressed air-powered multimode system that promises to ease the woes of airsofters the world over, potentially eliminating the need for flammable liquid/gas propellants and their related
environmental and transport concerns, as well as the familiar CO2 metal capsules in some cases.
Not only that, but it will eliminate the usual concerns of overpowered guns in some theatres, as well as the cold weather performance collapses of GBB guns, because unlike the competition, its power output is internally regulated.
“WHAT FOLLOWED WAS A VERY INTRIGUING LOOK INSIDE A STRONG CONTENDER FOR ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING AND POTENTIALLY REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGIES I’VE COME ACROSS IN MY YEARS BOTH IN AIRSOFT IN GENERAL AND OUT HERE IN TAIWAN, THE CO2/COMPRESSED AIR-POWERED MULTIMODE SYSTEM”
Drastically slashing the operating cost and related transport infrastructure of using GBB systems, the multi-fuelled magazines operate consistently across a range of temperatures, humidity and platforms, delivering reliable and stable power within a pre-set value that is factory set into the integrated regulator between the main storage vessel and the output expansion chamber at the top.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
But how did we get to this point? And what was James’ own trajectory to tinkering with such technology in the background while the industry rested on its laurels?
Having studied overseas in Australia in his earlier days, James returned to Taiwan and following his typical national service decided to get into the working world, taking up a job at a factory producing buckles and fastenings for the textiles industry and getting to work for a year or so on growing orders and overseas business, only to end up heading to the US to follow up on a large order from a customer there who had gone silent since production and delivery had been completed. In something that sounds like it’s straight out of a film, he found himself standing in the hastily emptied facility realising the gravity of his situation; left unpaid and broke he happened upon a copy of ‘Law and Order’ magazine someone had left in the remnants of the now defunct customer’s premises.
He decided that perhaps firearms are where his future laid!
Returning to Taiwan he saw the potential for military and law enforcement related orders (given the sizeable police force here that requires sidearms), and at the time they were seeking tenders for new service pistols. He contacted SIG Sauer to explore opportunities only to find that they were very interested given that their existing in country representative hadn’t managed to make any sales despite operating for over a decade.
Around that time the P226 was becoming well known in the hands of US Navy SEALS and the British SAS as a trusted sidearm, but, unfortunately, to attend the SIG Academy you needed to have 30,000 rounds of experience in firearms handling at the time, as well
as a fat wallet!
So James just studied firearms information from publications in the days before the prevalence of the internet. SIG Sauer’s reputation helped sell itself somewhat given the emerging issues with Beretta’s cracking top slides, which the Taiwanese police also happened to be exploring as a potential pistol, giving him a shoe-in to supply a more trusted alternative.
As a mid-twenty-something this opportunity immediately built him some fame within the industry, and he soon diversified into representing Glock and Bushmaster in the Taiwanese live firearms industry (such as it was at the time), following this growth and getting into selling accessories, holsters, ballistic vests and other law enforcement related peripherals.
His success soon caught up to him as it sometimes does for young men, and he lost grip a little with the drinking culture and entertainment expectation of sales in Asia. Eventually the 2004 financial crisis arrived and taking stock he decided to just walk away from the real gun industry and take a new direction.
TAKING THE AIRSOFT ROUTE
At the time airsoft was still illegal in Taiwan, and it was still operating under martial law, but paintball and the related industries were growing in popularity, as well as the potential for less than lethal (LTL) systems for law enforcement usage based on similar technologies.
For a time the paintball and LTL markets remained stable, and James founded Max TACT to fulfil those market needs; however, in the end paintball dropped off (although the law enforcement angle stayed somewhat relevant) and he decided to apply for a license to import airsoft guns as the market and legal landscape was shifting around this time, allowing him to secure the position and benefits of being the sole importer for some time, distributing airsoft guns through the likes of local shops such as Thunder Sports.
He also got interested in the concept of IPSC with airsoft guns, Action Air, becoming the first Regional Director, but was nonetheless unhappy with the lack of domestically manufactured, and thus not content with just importing he sought to enter manufacturing.
Seeing the industry in Taiwan and how it had
“AS A MID-TWENTY-SOMETHING THIS OPPORTUNITY IMMEDIATELY BUILT HIM SOME FAME WITHIN THE INDUSTRY, AND HE SOON DIVERSIFIED INTO REPRESENTING GLOCK AND BUSHMASTER IN THE TAIWANESE LIVE FIREARMS INDUSTRY”
grown since its inception, he decided to try and do something novel instead of just using derivative products based off the typical Marui-pioneered systems, and with COVID ravaging the world he saw an opportunity to quietly work on integrating new and innovative technology from the paintball world into application in airsoft.
Over the past few years he has been perfecting his craft through a significant investment of time and the capital made in his past lives, taking the usual 850 PSI of CO2 systems and throttling it down reliably and controllably to the more normal 150 PSI equivalent to ‘green gas’ or ‘12kg’ propane GBBs typically run on, outside of Japan at least, where CO2 GBBs are already becoming far more acceptable and everyday things.
Here in Taiwan, many players seem resistant to them due to the higher source pressure, regardless of what the chronograph says about muzzle output, at least outside of IPSC where you aren’t shooting other people.
One of the main drawbacks, however, James has found, is the lack of existing standards or control measures over the existing industry leader’s products and in some cases their questionable capability to endure the operating energy of CO2 powered systems in the longer term. This makes a greater case for the internally regulated magazines that ‘neck down’ the power output from the initial reservoir pressures
Paintball is already an internationally recognised sport and the equipment is thus standardised and regulated worldwide, whereas airsoft lacks such representation and standardisation across the board, and especially in terms of IPSC use typical gas guns will tend to struggle with ‘cool down’ even here in the tropics due to the sheer volume of fire the end users put them through. Similarly, replacement and upgrade parts for competition shooters are an entire industry that keeps our friend Clarence busy, among many others!
APPLICATIONS FOR THE WIN!
Applying the air or CO2 powered systems to the competition circuit seems like an easy win from the outset, and therefore James and Max TACT are on a mission to create
a backwards compatible magazine that works well with existing GBB pistols (and rifles in the future!) as well as improving performance characteristics and bringing new technology to the table to improve the user experience and generate organic growth and acceptance through this positive application.
Overcoming the logistical issues of a ‘gas based’ GBB environment, the intended system will allow the use of standard CO2 capsules (as my teammate Eilon and I have been personally testing the prototypes with) as well as compressed air from either from typical compressor systems, storage tanks or specialist decanting bottles he has in development, as well as finally the ‘dry ice’ frozen CO2 lumps party trick that James demonstrated! This would allow for smaller reservoirs that avoid the need for atypically long magazines that had to be stretched to fit the regulator in on top of the ubiquitous industry standard 12g CO2 cartridges.
With his factory pre-set, internally-regulated CO2 system nearing perfection in the Glock prototypes with a variety of equivalent ‘duster gas’, ‘green gas’, and ‘red gas’ (9kg, 12kg, 14kg) and other settings to be made available and further HiCapa magazines also in development to follow on swiftly, as well as murmurings of MWS and VFC compatible systems which apply the same base technology over and ever growing array of base platforms and manufacturers whom Max TACT are either already co-operating with
“HE HAS BEEN PERFECTING HIS CRAFT THROUGH A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT OF TIME AND THE CAPITAL MADE IN HIS PAST LIVES, TAKING THE USUAL 850 PSI OF CO2 SYSTEMS AND THROTTLING IT DOWN RELIABLY AND CONTROLLABLY TO THE MORE NORMAL 150 PSI EQUIVALENT TO ‘GREEN GAS’ OR ‘12KG’ PROPANE GBBS”
or in talks with regarding such efforts.
Once the magazine infrastructure is more established and becoming popularised, James wants to develop better quality and standardised pistol platforms that are more durable and mechanically accurate and consistent in order to better serve the IPSC Action Air. He intends to use real-steel manufacturing techniques and materials while maintaining compatibility with existing industry leaders and their accessories or components, with moulded and finish machined Hi Capa frames of S630 stainless steel nearing developmental completion it is his hope that once the Action Air pistols become more capable and as a result reach better parity with their real steel counterparts.
The community can design and make use of more adventurous and larger stages akin to real steel competitions, and not be held back by the practicalities or range and accuracy currently available in typical airsoft guns being used.
Presently, Max TACT has a fairly sizeable internal manufacturing capability by local industry standards, with a quad cell of three and four axis capable CNC machines churning out their own components in production volume, as well as on site metrology for physical geometry and quality control checking and pressure systems for testing safety and operational aspects.
On site ovens also allow for Cerakote surface finishing, while James and Sharon perform all the final assembly themselves and are training their operatives to perform the safety-critical aspects of this procedure and developing standard operating procedures for wider production to foolproof the production for less specialist personnel and thereby enable its scaling.
For other capabilities their facility is ideally placed to make use of off-site industrial partners that deal with the aluminium extrusion of their magazine bodies, as well as heavier machining, broaching, injection moulding of plastic components and critically the pressure vessel treatment of ‘vacuum evacuation’ which helps eradicate inherent porosity defects within the more complex geometry cast alloy components and refinishes their surfaces with injected resin materials after bubbles have been eradicated. Thus Max TACT, with their in-house innovation and
surrounding industry, are ideally placed to take on the market!
Now James’ main problem is turning out the products in enough volume to meet demand; he’s setting himself up to be a victim of his own success, but he certainly seems to be working hard and capable of working…under pressure!
Many thanks to James, Sharon and their team for welcoming me into their facility… and feeding me! I look forward to seeing their products come to fruition and my own testing of their prototypes alongside my teammate Eilon is already grabbing people’s interest and cries of ‘Where can I buy this!’, so clearly, there’s an understanding and demand within the more informed players…
Watch this space, fellow shooters! AA
“WITH
HIS FACTORY PRE-SET, INTERNALLY-REGULATED CO2 SYSTEM NEARING PERFECTION IN THE GLOCK PROTOTYPES WITH A VARIETY OF EQUIVALENT ‘DUSTER GAS’, ‘GREEN GAS’, AND ‘RED GAS’ (9KG, 12KG, 14KG) AND OTHER SETTINGS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE… FURTHER HICAPA MAGAZINES ALSO IN DEVELOPMENT”
THE HEART OF AKIHABARA
IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE HEARD FROM OUR MAN IN JAPAN, TAMA, BUT THE START OF DECEMBER IN TOKYO MEANT IT WAS ONCE AGAIN TIME FOR HIM TO PULL DOUBLE DUTY, WITH BOTH THE ‘MARUIFEST’
2024; TOKYO MARUI’S OWN DEDICATED LAUNCH SHOW FOR NEW PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS ‘BAKURETSU SAI’ 2024 OCCURRING ON THE SAME WEEKEND AGAIN;- FIRST UP WE’LL LET HIM BRING US NEWS OF THE GREAT AND GIVING TM, WITH HIS OTHER JAPAN-CENTRIC REPORT TO FOLLOW NEXT MONTH!
Hello again everyone, it’s your friendly neighborhood airsoft fighter in Japan, Tama back with some news of greater importance from Tokyo!
It’s that time of the year; another year, another Tokyo Marui Festival, so let’s get up to speed on what Japan’s biggest airsoft company is cooking up this year.
So just to rewind your memories, let Mr Japan explain to you what Tokyo Marui festival is...
There is this big airsoft company in Japan called “Tokyo Marui”, they are one of the pioneers of airsoft guns and the hobby itself, with the first AEG and GBBs having been made by TM. You could say that they’re the undisputed number one airsoft company in Japan; heck you could say in the world!
Because their products are very user friendly, of great quality, boast immaculate performance, and have made them a household name in the airsoft world with a reputation known globally, it’s no surprise that Tokyo Marui has their own exhibition in the heart of Otaku land, Akihabara.
Just like last year, the event is held in the heart of
Akihabara, more precisely in an event hall called the Bellesalle Akihabara (ベレサール秋葉原) located five minutes away from the station; it’s very easy to access and you can see from across the road that the Tokyo Marui Festival is brewing up with passion, especially as this year’s was bigger than ever.
Unlike last year, where they were mainly showcasing their newest or upcoming products, this year was much more than just airsoft guns; they were also featuring the wider lifestyle of airsofters.
When entering you are greeted by a Toyota Land Cruiser that is modified to high heaven, with modified bullbars, bigger wheels, a snorkel for fording or wading in rivers, and modified for all terrain off-road use. But this is an airsoft magazine, I’m not gonna talk about the car, what was on the boot of this car, is the wet dream of any airsofter!
The boot is modified with a gun rack for 6 rifles or shotguns, locked in by a strap so they won’t go anywhere, small racks on the side for pistols and, of course, you can’t have an airsofter-mobile without the Pelican case. If I win a lottery, a jacked up Land Cruiser with all of the airsoft gizmos in the back is the first in
“WHEN ENTERING YOU ARE GREETED BY A TOYOTA LAND CRUISER THAT IS MODIFIED TO HIGH HEAVEN, WITH MODIFIED BULLBARS, BIGGER WHEELS, A SNORKEL FOR FORDING OR WADING IN RIVERS, AND MODIFIED FOR ALL TERRAIN OFF-ROAD USE. BUT THIS IS AN AIRSOFT MAGAZINE, I’M NOT GONNA TALK ABOUT THE CAR, WHAT WAS ON THE BOOT OF THIS CAR, IS THE WET DREAM OF ANY AIRSOFTER.”
my shopping list!
Moving on to the rear of the show, there was a VR booth for trying Tokyo Marui’s brand new「VRサバゲー」or in English, VR Airsofting, where you’ll be playing airsoft using a VR setup… also you’ll be fighting Vtubers. It’s basically playing FPS with a VR Setup, but you do get to fight with your favorite Oshis. Unfortunately, when I was there the setup needed maintenance, so I didn’t have the chance to shoot my favorite Vtuber in the face… of course in the online world though!
Right at the back is what I call the “Airsoft 101” booth; this is showcase of the pure lifestyle of airsofters, from a video introducing to how play airsoft and how to be safe with it, a search engine for fields in the whole of Japan made by Tokyo Marui themselves, mannequins showing how a family can play airsoft, and a wall of pictures showcasing the faces of airsofters of Japan, from normal everyday white collar workers, to Otaku with freaking gundam like armor suits at the back. It’s a gesture of showing that airsoft is for everyone, and it’s fun for yourself and your family.
airsoft by Tokyo Marui’s famous「マルデカ宣伝 本部長」or in English, Tokyo Marui’s Detective Propaganda Officer (I don’t know why they pick that name, it doesn’t make any sense in English), while shooting guns, especially from a company that invented AEG and GBBs, its very good and informative. They shared the story arc from the moment when their first AEG or GBBs were invented, all the way through to the newest and most innovative stuff from Tokyo Marui, like the AA-12 AEG shotguns, MP5 NGRS, Saiga-12 GBB Shotguns, and many more. And there’s of course the shooting range where I got to feel Tokyo Marui’s “+” lineup, with the G-36C+, funnily enough the name kinda resembles a vitamin C supplement, but I’ll get into the details later.
Now we get to the juiciest part of this article; what Marui is cooking up this year!
OLD WILD WEST
My favorite part of this corner was what is next to it; a room with rifles hanging on the walls, pistols on the sides, and showcasing Tokyo Marui’s top of the line guns. And the most fun thing is, you could play with them as much as you liked, rack them, aim them, dry-fire, anything you wanted.
And not only just showcasing, they also had a performance on a live stage! There was a speed revolver-shooting performance by Mr. TK Hero, which is awesome to look at, especially when you’re doing it with an air-cocking replica gun, which is much harder.
They also do an introduction to the history of
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, after reading for like five minutes you made it to where you belong... the new product announcements from Tokyo Marui, and it’s something that nobody expected that’s being released!
Let’s rewind to last year’s Tokyo Marui Festival, where TM did a poll in for their next pistol lineup; there were a lot of variants, from modern revolvers like the Chiappa Rhino or the M19 combat magnum, and there were also WW1-WW2 pistols like the M712, P38, Luger P08, and the Browning Hi-Power. But none of the aforementioned pistols made it into the Festival this year, instead it was something much, much older than that, and it’s still when battle was fought on horses.
Meet the Colt M1851 Navy revolver, the gun of
gunslingers in the Wild West is now in replica form,
Let’s start with addressing the elephant in the room, what is an M1851?
The Colt M1851 Navy or the Colt Revolving Belt Pistol or (again) the Navy pistol, is a six-round revolver, chambered in .38 caliber, designed by Samuel Colt, the founder of Colt himself. It was introduced in 1847, and fielded by the US Army from 1851. It was famously used during the American Civil War, where it saw use by many cavalrymen of the union forces, even though it also saw a lot of use by the Confederates, it was the most used handgun in the Civil War, with its lightness
and ease of wielding. It stayed in US Army use until 1873, when it was replaced by the much more modern cartridge shooting brother, the Colt Single Action Army. It also saw use in a lot of wars outside of America, from the Satsuma rebellion in 1877 to the FrancoPrussian war of 1870, it was the pinnacle of mass-produced handguns of its time, however, it was famous not only in the hands of the military, the M1851
“MEET THE COLT M1851 NAVY REVOLVER, THE GUN OF GUNSLINGERS IN THE WILD WEST IS NOW IN REPLICA FORM, AND IT’S LOOKING GOOD. LET’S START WITH ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, WHAT IS AN M1851?”
featuring Clint Eastwood.
Now let’s get into the gun itself...
Like its predecessor, the M1851 is actually a kid’s toy, this gun is meant for the 10 year old kids in the market, so this is not Tokyo Marui’s first rodeo, although, unlike the SAA, they basically took it up a notch with the M1851.
Just like any other airsoft revolver, it can only shoot the amount of BBs in the cylinder, in this case its 6-per cylinder, but unlike the SAA where you use a dummy cartridge for loading the gun, because the BBs basically sit on the dummy cartridge, this one is different.
You have to load the round individually from the front of the cylinder, and ram it down the cylinder, just like the real thing. You can use your fingers to jam it in, or you can use the ramming lever on the gun, all you gotta do is just align the ramming lever with the BB and just jam it inside the gun. Also unlike the SAA, there’s one other way to reload the gun, because trying to jam a small BB inside a cylinder requires a precision, focus, and time which when you’re trying to outrun bounty hunters or sheriffs is a task no one can do in a heat of battle, but don’t worry you can just reload another cylinder for it. Yes, unlike the SAA, you can just remove the whole cylinder and reload a fresh new cylinder with BBs already in, it’s also much easier to change the cylinder rather than load one BBs one at a time. They also come with a dummy brass on the back of the cylinders and engravings.
The gun also has a rather unique iron sight, where the front is a small aperture made of brass, while there’s a tiny aperture on the rear sight; this is only visible up when the hammer is fully cocked. Overall the gun looks amazing, the level of detail is just well executed, it’s pretty easy to use, especially with the whole cylinder interchangeability aspect in the middle of battles. It’s a cowboy’s wettest dream!
There’s not a lot of information on when they will manufacture or release it, they’re still waiting for the patent of the gun to be granted. If you (or even your kids) want to live out the dream of being a six-shooter
“ANOTHER
THE JAPANESE SECRET GUN
Another of the surprises of this year was something of a secret, not for Tokyo Marui, but for the Japan Self Defense Force; the Type 20 Assault Rifle!
This is somewhat big news, because the Type 20 is a closely guarded secret of the Ministry of Defense of Japan! Because it’s their brand new service rifle to replace their aging and obsolete Type 89 rifles, the Type 20 is designed to do what the Type 89 lacked of which is versatility, ease of use, and the ability to mount stuff on your gun. The Type 89 is very limited in terms of modification, with only a specially made red dot sight available to be attached; meanwhile the Type 20 is equipped with Picatinny rails all over the place, so you can attach lights, red dots, lasers, and many other accessories to it. They also fixed the whole annoying safety switch.
The old Type 89 had a very weird and annoying safety switch; when you flip the safety usually on normal guns you’ll go to semi fire mode, but on the
OF THE SURPRISES OF THIS YEAR WAS SOMETHING OF A SECRET, NOT FOR TOKYO MARUI, BUT FOR THE JAPAN SELF DEFENSE FORCE; THE TYPE 20 ASSAULT RIFLE. THIS IS SOMEWHAT BIG NEWS, BECAUSE THE TYPE 20 IS A CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF JAPAN!”
Type 89 it started with the full-auto switch, then you go into burst, and finally you get to the semi-auto mode. It has almost the same settings as an AK, but unlike the AK where you can just forcefully push it down to turn it to a semi fire mode, the Type 89 has the same system as the Belgian FN FNC (which has a circular movement), making it very hard to switch it to semi fire mode.
So they made sure the Type 20 fixed that problem, with the same safety switch like a SCAR and they eliminated the burst fire mode, just to simplify things.
How about the replica? Well it’s hard to say but it’s not what you think it is… not an AEG replica, nor a GBB replica, but it’s a dummy plastic training gun that mimics the real thing. Which is a big bummer, I thought Tokyo Marui, a huge airsoft company in Japan, were gonna make the JGSDF’s new primary weapon. And according to Tokyo Marui when I asked them if they had any plans for making an airsoft replica of, they told me that they cannot comment on that, so there’s a slim chance that we’ll see a Type 20 in airsoft. Hopefully in the near future we can see the Type 20 as an airsoft replica, especially if it’s a GBB replica.
THE SWISS RIFLE
Since 2023 Tokyo Marui has started their “Plus” lineup, which is their attempt to renew some of their older normal AEGs to raise their standards to that of more modern AEGs.
Last year we saw the P90+ as their first attempt, then their M4 Patriot+ and the G36C+. This year we got a further round and to complete the European gun lineup they’re coming out with Sig Sauer 553, thank God it’s not another M4!
What’s new on the menu?
Well in terms of internals, just like any other “Plus”
series, they’ve added their “PLUS System” FET that makes the trigger response much quicker and an automatic cut out system if there are any problems detected inside the gun. The PLUS System also allows the gun to run on Tokyo Marui’s MS LiPo batteries out of the box, and like the others in the “Plus” lineup, they coated their sector gears and made the piston much stronger. They also redesigned the magazine with a super long follower, which may look really funny, but allows the gun to feed every single BB from the magazine with none left inside the magazine or feed chute.
In terms of the externals, the original Tokyo Marui SIG553 had the plastic handguards that you could attach rails to, but the SIG 553+ has a quad rail attached from the factory, the handguard is a copy of the WFN quad rail, which looks cool and it looks like GHK’s 553 GBB Replica RAS rails, and is made from much better plastic.
Now, I haven’t tried any of Tokyo Marui’s “Plus” lineup as last year they didn’t have any running examples, but this year they had samples to shoot with, in the form of the G36C+ on the shooting range.
“SINCE 2023 TOKYO MARUI HAS STARTED THEIR “PLUS” LINEUP, WHICH IS THEIR ATTEMPT TO RENEW SOME OF THEIR OLDER NORMAL AEGS TO RAISE THEIR STANDARDS TO THAT OF MORE MODERN AEGS; LAST YEAR WE SAW THE P90+ AS THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT, THEN THEIR M4 PATRIOT+ AND THE G36C+, THIS YEAR WE GOT A FURTHER ROUND AND TO COMPLETE THE EUROPEAN GUN LINEUP”
The gun feels much better in terms of build quality, away with the cheap toy-like moulded plastic, they now feel much more like a replica airsoft gun. In terms of how it fires, it feels much smoother and just like a gun with an ETU, they have a rather snappy trigger; it feels light but not very light to the point you can abuse the trigger play. But overall the gun feels much better, much snappier, better build quality, and overall a good gun. It’s a good move with Marui wanting to compete with today’s AEGs with ETUs and more, because TM is pretty late into the very competitive AEG market, where brands are working to be the fastest and the most advanced, now TM is doing it with a little bit more taste to it… Because you never saw a jacked up SIG 553, but now you can.
THE WEEB MARUI
This year might be the year for Anime Otaku to get into airsoft, because Marui have got you covered; not only have they brought another anime collaboration, but in fact two! Last year we got the reveal of the Lycoris Recoil’s Chisato Gun, which is a modified Detonics .45 replica, which they released earlier this year. But this year we got another new anime gun, this time it’s a freaking SMG, The pink P90+ LLENN from the Anime Sword Art Online Alternatives: Gun Gale Online, the main protagonist’s gun… But before we get into that, let’s talk about the anime.
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (SAO GGO), is an independent story set in the same virtual reality game world of Gun Gale Online from the Sword Art Online series. However, it features an entirely new cast of characters and storyline, making it accessible to viewers who haven’t watched the main SAO series. The spin-off is based on light novels written by Keiichi Sigsawa, with supervision from SAO creator Reki Kawahara.
The story revolves around Karen Kohiruimaki, a tall university student who struggles with insecurity about her height and social anxiety. Seeking an escape, she enters the world of VRMMORPGs and finds
solace in Gun Gale Online (GGO), where her in-game avatar, LLENN, is tiny, agile, and pink, becoming a highly skilled solo player specializing in close-range combat.
Her small stature and quick movements earn her the nickname “Pink Devil” within the game. (ChatGPT) And the Pink Devil sports a pink P90, a fitting gun for a CQC combat, quick, and small; TM is releasing a collaboration replica of it, or what I would call a new paint job for the gun. They basically just took their new P90+ gun and painted it completely pink, including the magazine, but they didn’t just paint the mag pink, they basically used a transparent pink plastic. They also retained the original P90 red dot sight, unlike Marui’s original version that uses a
“AND THE PINK DEVIL SPORTS A PINK P90, A FITTING GUN FOR A CQC COMBAT, QUICK, AND SMALL; TM IS RELEASING A COLLABORATION REPLICA OF IT, OR WHAT I WOULD CALL A NEW PAINT JOB FOR THE GUN. THEY BASICALLY JUST TOOK THEIR NEW P90+ GUN AND PAINTED IT COMPLETELY PINK, INCLUDING THE MAGAZINE”
triple Picattiny Rail rather than using the original FN made MC-10-80 ring sight, but the anime used the old military variant P90. And because TM had made a collaboration with the same anime, with an older standard AEG P90, but with the P90+ you get a much better performance, with Marui’s PLUS FET system, you’ll have an improved cute, petite, and pink Anime gun.
It goes especially well with Marui’s Sword Art Online Gun Gale Online collection; you get the old LLENN P90 and the black or obviously pink AM.45 Vorpal Bunny pistols. So if you’re a fan of the Sword Art Online series, or have a fetish for a petite pink SMG, this might be the perfect gun for you. They haven’t announced when it’s going to be released and how much it’s gonna cost, but they announced that the P90+ LLENN is gonna be a limited edition gun, so it might be a very good collector’s gun, do keep an eye out for the pink P90.
THE FULL BB AMMO CASE
It was not only replica guns being revealed in Tokyo Marui Fest this year; but something that any airsofter would be very happy with; an electronic BB loader!
Finally Marui is making their own, and they don’t want it to be just any ordinary fare, but one
“IT
WAS NOT ONLY REPLICA GUNS BEING REVEALED IN TOKYO MARUI FEST THIS YEAR; BUT SOMETHING THAT ANY AIRSOFTER WOULD BE VERY HAPPY WITH; AN ELECTRONIC BB LOADER! FINALLY MARUI IS MAKING THEIR OWN… IN THE SHAPE OF A MILITARY AMMUNITION CASE, MAKING IT LOOK EXTRA SPICY…”
in the shape of a military ammunition case, making it look extra spicy. Unlike its competitors, they have made it compatible with GBBs, not only pistols but also Rifle GBBs are compatible. For now they only have an adaptor for TM based GBBR mags, but as the adaptor is based off their manual loader, it might work with other manufacturer’s GBBR mags. Their adapter also works as the handle for the box, and as a BB extractor for AEG mags; it’s basically a Swiss Army knife for airsofters! It’s powered by four Triple-A batteries and can hold 1600 BB’s in its tank, a bit more than its also Japanese competitor the「 クイックくん」and Laylax’s electronic automatic-loaders. And in terms of looks and quality, I prefer Marui’s new automatic loader. They haven’t announced its release and retail price, but I AM gonna be eyeing this one, because who doesn’t like an ammo box automatic BB loader.
REVIVING THE LEGEND
Tokyo Marui has made tons of GBB Pistols, like their Glock-alike family lineups from the Gen 3 to the brand new Gen 5 pistols, their classic Beretta M9 replicas that stretched until the Biohazard collaboration M92 pistol, and many more. But none of them had the popularity, fame, and versatility of their good old Hi Capa series of GBB pistols; it’s one of their best-selling replica guns, and has gained a reputation as a household name in airsoft!
it’s basically a blank canvas in the shape of a pistol replica. And with every single airsoft maker in the world that makes GBB pistols either made a copy of it or a variation of it, the Hi Capa is the gold standard of GBB pistols, and Marui intends to revive the king.
They have announced a brand new Hi Capa for the family: the Hi-Capa D.O.R 4.3 GBB pistol. So what’s new?
Unlike their older DOR variant, which basically either changes the length or puts a new cosmetic on it, Marui decided to completely remodel the gun, especially its furniture.
Let’s start from the bottom... They redesigned the
Loved by millions, it can be used in any type of games you want, from MilSim to SpeedQB. It has tons of modification parts, from compensators, carbine kits, HPA kits, steel slides, anything you want;
the gun in a much higher position, closer to the safety switch. Talking about the safety, they finally made it into an ambidextrous safety lever, with a beaver tail on the rear to protect your hand from the slide, it allows you to grip the gun much higher but still comfortably.
To the bottom front, it moves away from the old
“THEY HAVE ANNOUNCED A BRAND NEW HI CAPA FOR THE FAMILY; THE HI-CAPA D.O.R 4.3 GBB PISTOL; SO WHAT’S NEW? UNLIKE THEIR OLDER DOR VARIANT, WHICH BASICALLY EITHER CHANGES THE LENGTH OR PUTS A NEW COSMETIC ON IT, MARUI DECIDED TO COMPLETELY REMODEL THE GUN, ESPECIALLY ITS FURNITURE”
weird under-mount that doesn’t want to hold a replica X300 light, and says hello to Picattiny rails. This might be a much more minor modification, but for someone who uses the Blackhawk Omnivore universal holster, not being able to fit an under-mount torch is a pure pain, so the under mount Picattiny rail is a pure helping feature.
On top the slide is completely new, not only the 4.3 inch long barrel, with a brand new look, integral compensator, a new placement for the iron sights, and a mount base for the Tokyo Marui Micro ProSight. They also introduced a brand new magazine.
The original magazine has a big magazine bumper on it, the new mags have a much more lower profile and a sleeker design, even though because of the lower profile magazine bumper, the magazine BB count is reduced by 3 BBs; not much but for a pistol, it’s 3 less kills. For the time being that’s what they announced for the renewed Hi-Capa; they only put up the plastic mould and the prototype slide of the gun,
and of course they haven’t announced any release date or retail price. But this might be a big one, especially for the fans of the Hi-Capa; just keep an eye on it and any news of the performance or internals of the gun, because the king is coming back to its throne.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Overall, this year’s Tokyo Marui Festival in terms of new stuff left a bit more to be desired, especially as most of the announced stuff is a remake or a modification of the original version. In terms of the expo itself, it’s gotten much bigger with more things to do, with the fact that the Airsoft 101 corner is made by airsofters for newcomers, is proof that the biggest airsoft maker in Japan cares for the airsoft community. The revamped Hi-Capa and M1851 are some must have replicas it seems. Well, I guess that’s all for the Tokyo Marui Festival, this is your man, Tama, from Japan signing off. AA
“IN TERMS OF THE EXPO ITSELF, IT’S GOTTEN MUCH BIGGER WITH MORE THINGS TO DO, WITH THE FACT THAT THE AIRSOFT 101 CORNER IS MADE BY AIRSOFTERS FOR NEWCOMERS, IT’S PROOF THAT THE BIGGEST AIRSOFT MAKER IN JAPAN CARES FOR THE AIRSOFT COMMUNITY”
SOUTHBOUND BURN DOWN
THE END OF THE YEAR IS USUALLY A MANIC TIME FOR OUR MAN IN TAIWAN; WITH TWO MAJOR MILSIMS ONE MONTH AFTER ANOTHER, THEN MOA2024 AS FEATURED IN LAST ISSUE, AND AT SOME POINT A MAJOR COMPETITION FOR IPSC AT THE OPPOSITE END OF THE COUNTRY! THIS YEAR THE KAOHSIUNG
LEVEL 3 COMPETITION DREW IN THE CROWDS FROM OVERSEAS MORE SO THAN LAST YEAR, WITH THE SHOOT BEING HELD A LITTLE EARLIER IN MID-NOVEMBER, INSTEAD OF ON CHRISTMAS DAY WHICH OBVIOUSLY PRECLUDED THE FILIPINO INVOLVEMENT LAST YEAR.
With ‘winter’, or Taiwan’s closest equivalent to it, rolling around and the tail end of the year things tend to ‘hot up’ even if the weather is, comparatively at least, ‘cooling down’; last year’s 2023 Level 3 Kaohsiung shoot was in December and I had to juggle being up and down the length of the country a few times to also cover the IDPA nationals in Pingtung, just over the river from where we hold the IPSC competition on the hilltop on the county boundary that is dominated by the prominent ‘Tian Tang’ temple whose grounds we use for the shooting stage bays.
However 2024’s instalment was pulled forward slightly by comparison, taking place on the 23rd and 24th of November, when it was still surprisingly warm and sunny… even furnishing me with sunburn again!
The majority of team SPPT headed down on the Friday afternoon and drove all the way to the south end of Taiwan’s main island; I wanted to avoid losing the day’s holiday on top of the Saturday’s and thus worked until the evening as I usually would, taking my competition backpack and personal effects with me and heading straight off from there after clocking off.
A bus ride to the airport MRT line and then switching to the Taiwan High Speed Rail, our bullet train bought from Japan and of course being the weekend and not having a reserved seat ticket it was somewhat manic but I managed to squeeze into the second train that arrived and prepared to stand in the end area of the carriage for an hour or so.
Cattle class travel is not the most fun, for sure, but eventually I got a seat… then a magnitude 5 earthquake off the West coast near where we travelled through slowed us down and pushed back my arrival another half an hour! Eventually I arrived in Kaohsiung and took the MRT to the hotel and checked in just before midnight and tried my best to get a reasonable night’s sleep before our 0700 rally at the breakfast bar downstairs.
Feeling like hammered @#^*, the next morning I poured myself into my CLPD shooting jersey and black BDU trousers and grabbed my guns and gear for the day, before inserting some toast and coffee into myself as I caught up with Rex, JiaCheng and Kai
in the car for the shooting ground on the Eastern side of town and the county limit. Arriving on site a lot of people were already milling around and getting on with administrative tasks; the first six stages were having the finishing touches put on them while the visiting Filipino range officers were setting up their electronic scoring systems and performing equipment check. Their presence really made things run a lot more smoothly given the volume of competitors on site; with a large contingent of Hong Kongers in attendance as well as a handful of competitors from Macau, Mongolia, Singapore and South Korea on top of all the Taiwanese based shooters (nearly 80 in total completing scoring in the end) and with a broader array of ages than usual with many junior shooters joining us in the Hong Kong crowd.
After signing in at the admin desk we donned our pistol belts and went to holster our guns in the safe area before equipment check, which there was already a sizeable queue for; with our good friend Alex Cruz over from the Philippines running things the rules were being enforced as they should be whereas sometimes they have been slack or selective in the past, so some changes or concessions had to be made by a few shooters. I was once again using my KJ Works CZ Shadow 2 Orange with Clarence’s red dot sight mount rear sight replacement plate and a Gaosen Kinetics Vector Optics dot.
Our team leader Mars and his wife Ching were
“CATTLE CLASS TRAVEL IS NOT THE MOST FUN, FOR SURE, BUT EVENTUALLY I GOT A SEAT… THEN A MAGNITUDE 5 EARTHQUAKE OFF THE WEST COAST NEAR WHERE WE TRAVELLED THROUGH SLOWED US DOWN AND PUSHED BACK MY ARRIVAL ANOTHER HALF AN HOUR”
squadded with me in Squad 4 along with our new South Korean friend Sun Jung and a handful of Taiwanese and HK shooters, meaning that we’d be ‘pulling a Star Wars’ and shooting episodes 4,5 and 6 before lunch then hitting up the 1,2 and 3 prequels after lunch. Loading up our magazines and preparing our range bags with loose ammunition, gas, drinks and snacks, we eventually made our way to Stage 4 at 1000 and prepared for the briefing.
Stage 4 - Zig Zag: Stage 4 was a medium course of 21 rounds total, with 9 paper targets, 3 of which had no shoot obstructions, and 2 poppers and the stop plate at the centre rear of the bay. The fault lines were arranged in a flattened N shape with the shooter starting with their hands on one of the barrels along the front of the middle section, and the gun loaded and chambered in condition 1. 7 bays radiated around the fault lines with one of them to the rear of the start point containing one popper and a low no shoot and paper, with five papers in 3 bays on the left, two of the papers accessible in the middle bay and the other paper and popper being on the right side bays.
I started by taking care of the paper in front of the starting barricade before moving left and taking on all the
targets there then moving back and right to the bay behind the start and taking out the popper and paper there, then swept ahead and right to take the last few papers and popper and get the stop plate. All shot clean, no misses or make ups at all, just 21 rounds with a reload at the rear left and 23.13 seconds, 20 alphas and 100 points. Not a bad start, despite my sleep deprivation… 8/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 5 - Left in Limbo: Stage 5 was an interesting departure from the norm, with a rectangular fault line box with barricades beyond it in the middle and a relatively low-lying fault box of bars running front to back that the shooter had to duck under when moving between left and right shooting
positions; with 7 paper targets, 4 of which had no shoots; two poppers on the left side and the stop plate at the centre rear again, with L and V shaped barricades separating each of the left and right bays up and the targets distributed around them. 17 rounds to score, starting either left or right side with the gun loaded and chambered in condition 1. I started on the left side and worked my way through the targets from the back left around anticlockwise as such before ducking and reloading as I went under the bars and emerged ready to take on the far right rear target before working forwards and getting the stop plate. This time I ended up triple tapping two of the targets and spent 19 rounds, shot it clean again with 16 alphas and 80 points in 17.30 seconds… it’s almost like I’ve done this before eh? 6/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 6 - About Face: Stage 6 was a short course with a small rectangular fault line box in which to work, with just 9 rounds to score; 3 paper targets, one with a no shoot, two poppers and the stop plate, starting with the gun loaded but chamber empty (Condition 2) and also facing up range from the front centre of the fault lines box. Another simple enough shoot out from me; 10 rounds thanks to a miss on the stop plate, preceded by turning, charging the slide and taking the targets out left to right. I picked up a
“ARRIVING ON SITE A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE ALREADY MILLING AROUND AND GETTING ON WITH ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS; THE FIRST SIX STAGES WERE HAVING THE FINISHING TOUCHES PUT ON THEM WHILE THE VISITING FILIPINO RANGE OFFICERS WERE SETTING UP THEIR ELECTRONIC SCORING SYSTEMS AND PERFORMING EQUIPMENT CHECK”
lone charlie at the far rear target but 7 alphas; 38 points in total in 10.75 seconds, not the fastest, but not too shabby either.
6/12 by score for that stage.
HIGH NOON
With the first half of the first day under our belts, we broke for lunch and went to ditch our magazines before taking our guns off and bagging them up again in the safe area and grabbing the usual Taiwanese lunch box on the way back to the long covered breakout area and our team tables. Despite being later in the year it was still pretty toasty and we took the opportunity to chill out under the gazebo and rehydrate as well as reload everything and share our thoughts about the stages thus far and the ones we’d seen yet to come that afternoon.
Stage 1 - V for Victory: Stage 1 at the far left of the bays was a further short course of just 10 rounds to score, with 4 paper targets; two with no shoots, 1 popper and the stop plate, all distributed around an open centred X made of barricades making two toed
a V pointing into the stage, with the shooter starting at either the left or right rear end of it, once again in Condition 2, loaded but chamber empty.
I began from the left side and drew down on the paper target ahead while racking my slide, three shots to that, I got a bit carried away and did a swift double tap after the first shot; sometimes I think the difference between the double action trigger starting from chamber loaded and the much shorter and softer single action trigger from Con 2 or 3 catches me unawares!
Sweeping forward and right and another two shots just above the no shoot on the centre right paper target (very close!) right and rearward to the opposite end of the V to take on the popper… which I missed a shot on, then the back right paper, sweeping left again to the now unobstructed centre left target then moving left to get the ending plate.
A little carried away I nearly dumped the magazine; 14 rounds with misses and makeup/extra shots, 8 alphas and a lone charlie getting me 43 points in 12.26 seconds. A little sloppy with the excess shots, ‘not a complete pooch screw’ to borrow a favourite adage from ‘True Lies’… 7/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 2 - Stand Up Fight: Stage 2 was another rectangular fault line box in which to play with the shooter beginning seated at the rear left of it with their heels against its legs and their hands on
their laps, with all their magazines in one bounding box on the table in front of them, and their pistol left empty in the other, dependant on their handedness or preference. 5 paper targets, 2 with no shoots and the rightmost one being on a swinging
“I STARTED ON THE LEFT SIDE AND WORKED MY WAY THROUGH THE TARGETS FROM THE BACK LEFT AROUND ANTI-CLOCKWISE AS SUCH BEFORE DUCKING AND RELOADING AS I WENT UNDER THE BARS AND EMERGED READY TO TAKE ON THE FAR RIGHT REAR TARGET BEFORE WORKING FORWARDS AND GETTING THE STOP PLATE”
activator triggered by the central popper within a window and the stop plate being at the rear right between the centre and right bays that the multiple barricades formed.
I forced myself out of the chair as best as possible, old man knees, sluggish in general and other whatnot excuses, and grabbed my Shadow 2 Orange from the right box and one of my magazines from the left one and loaded and racked it as I moved to the far left of the fault lines and took on the leftmost paper before moving to the front centre and getting the central paper then the back left one with the no shoot between the now visible gap in the barricades.
Then I shuffled right to trigger the swinger with its popper which took me two rounds, before taking the now visible back left no shoot obstructed paper before swinging right to take on the swinging paper; 3 shots on that before another left movement to hit the ending plate. One of only 3 deltas throughout the whole competition picked up on the swinger, everything else shot clean getting me 51 points in 14.65 seconds… those swingers can really sap your time especially on short stages where they are a larger proportion of targets to engage giving you less opportunity to fill their moving time dealing with other potential targets, but, not a tragic performance at least; no misses or no shoots and 14 rounds fired… 4/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 3 - An I for Detail: Stage 3 was the last for the first day and arguably the most intensive; a long course with the fault lines in an I beam shape with 6 bays at the front end and a corridor leading to the 5 bays at the rear, 13 papers distributed among them 4 of which had no shoots spread diagonally from front left to back right among the different bays, and two poppers at the front right and back left, the stop plate being visible at the far rear centre through a middle gap or around either side of the barricades bounding it.
Starting at the rear centre with heels against the back fault line, gun loaded, chambered and holstered in Condition 1, I immediately drew and took out the right and left targets at visible at the rear sides of the corridor, before ducking left to take on the centre and rear left papers then around the barricade to take the far left one.
On to the window left of the corridor to hit the paper there, then across to the back right to tag the lone popper there, then a reload and working my way left to take on the three papers in the centre right bay then down through the right window to engage
down the corridor and getting in a running reload. Dodging left to get the far left rear paper, swinging right to engage the other to the right through the barricade gap, then moving right and doing the same for the far right rear paper and centre left popper, then moving back to the middle to get the stop plate.
I shot the first load clean before the first reload, then managed to triple tap two of the targets on the front right before shooting the rest clean and needing three shots on the stop plate. 33 rounds in total, so 4 excess or make up shots, 128 points, 23 alphas, 4 charlies and another delta; all in it felt a little glacial at 27.46 seconds, although there was a lot of work to be done to be fair. Another 4/12 placing by score for that stage making it joint best performance with Stage 2.
BREAKOUT
With the first day’s stages rounded off we went to ditch our magazines and put our pistols away in the safe area, before packing up our gear and deciding what to do for the evening; we’d wrapped up fairly early around 1500.
The entirely electronic scoring system the Filipino range officers had brought along made everything far more efficient once we got moving, no more paperwork to deal with and the system automated
“DESPITE BEING LATER IN THE YEAR IT WAS STILL PRETTY TOASTY AND WE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHILL OUT UNDER THE GAZEBO AND REHYDRATE AS WELL AS RELOAD EVERYTHING AND SHARE OUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE STAGES THUS FAR AND THE ONES WE’D SEEN YET TO COME THAT AFTERNOON”
everything seamlessly allowing the shooters to check all of the divisional or individual scores online using a QR code to look at the IPSC website of the event. Out of 12 shooters in the production optics division I finished fifth over the first 6 stages of Day One, so basically no errors as such I was just ahead of middling the pack.
Admittedly some of the Hong Kong shooters were held back somewhat by equipment failures as a result of not being allowed to bring their own guns into the country when they arrived, apparently with little or no support from the local representative body which understandably left many of them leaving with a bad taste in their mouths and disinterested in competing again in future.
Many had to share borrowed guns and had more issues as a result; I don’t like to see competitors struggling with artificial or adverse conditions outside of their control to be honest, I’d rather lose against people performing at their best than tie with people with one hand tied behind their back!
Nonetheless, I was happy with my own performance, no misses as such, a couple of makeup shots overall, and only two deltas and 6 charlies but 84 alphas; not bad marksmanship-wise, it always seems to be my movement holding me back these days, for the most part my stage planning and execution has improved too.
The four of us staying in the same hotel decided to head back early and clean up then eat in Kaohsiung, despite the ‘whole hog’ being on offer in the way of the spit roast pig tempting us all with its smell permeating the stages for the hours of the afternoon.
After we got back and dumped our gear, showered and changed clothes we ventured out to the local area and had ‘err chow’, fast-fried-food-eating out on the street with some cold beers and good company; we all ate well and returned to our rooms to chill out and rest.
We were all beat after getting ourselves to the opposite end of the country on the Friday and getting cooked as usual in the hotter and sunnier weather in the south, despite fears of potential rain like previous years; I was pretty wiped out and rested early, listening to Ou doing dry fire training in the next room… always the diligent practitioner…
“STARTING AT THE REAR CENTRE WITH HEELS AGAINST THE BACK FAULT LINE, GUN LOADED, CHAMBERED AND HOLSTERED IN CONDITION 1, I IMMEDIATELY DREW AND TOOK OUT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TARGETS AT VISIBLE AT THE REAR SIDES OF THE CORRIDOR, BEFORE DUCKING LEFT TO TAKE ON THE CENTRE AND REAR LEFT PAPERS”
DAY TWO
Sunday started a little later as we didn’t have to worry about equipment check; the four of us congregated at the basement breakfast again and had a slightly more leisurely exfil, ending up on site around 0830 and meeting friends and teammates again, preparing ourselves for another 1000 start.
Stage 10 Round the Bend: First of Day Two for us was a long course of fire on the same stretched N zig-zag of Stage 4 the previous day, but starting at the rear left this time and only moving forwards and right. 12 papers, 3 with no shoots, 2 poppers one at the front centre start and one at the rear right end, with the targets distributed over 6 bays along the fault line path in total. 27 hits to score, with the shooter starting heels against the rearmost fault line, gun loaded, chambered and holstered in condition one.
I had the first brain fart of the day in terms of neglecting to set my red dot to a high enough brightness to overcome the washout of the sunnier weather of the second day; compound exhaustion and dehydration no doubt made my noodle somewhat cooked, but I managed to eyeball it on the clock rather than stop and correct it.
I’ve gotten to the point where I effectively pointshoot at closer ranges anyway after so many years of presenting and firing the Shadow 2 in various guises!
inherently accurate with its fixed barrel. Unfortunately after shooting it cleanly all the way through essentially without sights moving from the left, I managed to cut too close to the final no shoot at the forward right and clipped it, having to do a
“I
make-up shot as well as picking up 2 charlies along the way to go with the 24 alphas.
116 points total after the no shoot penalty deduction, and in 27.87 seconds overall and 34 shots fired total; a few triple taps or make-up shots bringing the total up to 7 excess over the minimum scoring… not a total wipeout, but not an ideal start to be fair… 11/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 11 – Springboard: Stage 11 was arguably the most dynamic stage of the competition, with not one but two swinging paper targets, both activated by a trigger in the form of a large panel on the floor which could be stomped on to pull a chord that released both targets… which had different arm length arrangements to ensure they moved at different speeds and in an unsynchronised manner just to add to the challenge! 8 paper targets, 2 with no shoots, 2 poppers and the stop plate at the centre rear. 19 hits in total and a gun loaded and round chambered in condition one, starting at either the right or left front corner of the fault line box, facing up range.
For some reason I decided to do things the opposite way round to basically everyone else I’d seen running it from the left corner start point; spinning round and double tapping the centre and rear right targets first, I dodged right to get the front right target around the barricade before dashing to the left and leaping on to the activator and pausing to tag the swinging targets before leaping off left and taking on the popper and front left target.
Reloading, taking the left centre and rear targets,
HAD THE FIRST BRAIN FART OF THE DAY IN TERMS OF NEGLECTING TO SET MY RED DOT TO A HIGH ENOUGH BRIGHTNESS TO OVERCOME THE WASHOUT OF THE SUNNIER WEATHER OF THE SECOND DAY; COMPOUND EXHAUSTION AND DEHYDRATION NO DOUBT MADE MY NOODLE SOMEWHAT COOKED”
I then totally forgot to shoot the remaining popper to the right bottom of the swinging target window, shooting at the left swinger another two
times then hitting the stop plate.
My first outright miss on a paper, and first failure to engage for the competition, a procedural error penalty to boot, one delta, 15 alphas, 46 points in total all told with the misses and procedurals eating into it, and I took 27.87 seconds to do it!
That, indeed, was a bit of a ‘pooch screw’; sad times… I also fired 24 shots, with a lot of missed shots or additional ones on the latter part of the stage from when the swinger targets started moving, not ideal… 10/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 12 - Hall of Mirrors: Stage 12 was a short course with just 9 rounds to score; a square fault line box with mirrored L-barricades at the front corners and others further back with an inverted V-barricade in the centre, creating an array of target viewing positions to break up the shooter’s movement.
A popper on each side at the front, with 4 papers, 2 with no shoots, arrayed in the different viewing positions which lead to confusion on my part!
I totally brain-farted and didn’t engage the clearly visible paper at the start thinking I would pick it up again later during the planned movement. However, I then counted the front right paper twice having spotted it from different angles and not mentally registered that fact - sunstroke and dehydration mixed with the beers of the night before probably didn’t help with that… it was a gun loaded and round chambered condition one start from the rear of the fault line box,
As a result I swept left, got the popper on the left there and in the centre right, then the distant rear and right front papers I could see from there, dodged right totally forgetting the central no shoot and paper, took the popper on the right and realised it was the same front right target I’d already engaged, looked left to the other paper with no shoot and took that on before having a ‘buffering’ brain moment and just shooting the ending plate without looking for the other target I’d missed.
For such a simple stage that was a pretty dumb outcome on my part and something I thought I’d left behind years back when I first started badly planning and executing stage runs… even monkeys fall from trees!
Another procedural penalty, 2 misses, 3 charlies and 6 alphas; all of 9 points after the penalties stacked up, in 12.97 seconds and firing 11 rounds having missed the stop plate with the first shot and lacking 2 rounds on the target I forgot about, very much subpar. 12/12 by score for that stage… my outright worst performance.
SUN UP DOWNTIME
With lunchtime upon us again, along with the surprisingly still scorching overhead fireball in the sky we broke for noodles and fishball soup as well as an hour or two of rest and reflection. From a slightly above middle position in the pack by the end of the previous day, having seen others have problems on some of the stages, it seemed it was my turn the second day; ‘swings and roundabouts’, I suppose, but my position was slipping somewhat as a result of the cooked brain again.
“FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO DO THINGS THE OPPOSITE WAY ROUND TO BASICALLY EVERYONE ELSE I’D SEEN RUNNING IT FROM THE LEFT CORNER START POINT; SPINNING ROUND AND DOUBLE TAPPING THE CENTRE AND REAR RIGHT TARGETS FIRST, I DODGED RIGHT TO GET THE FRONT RIGHT TARGET”
Stage 7 To and Fro: Stage 7 was a further short course in the same ‘V’ shaped fault line bay of the previous day’s Stage 1. With a lone paper inside the point of the V with three other papers, two with no shoots, and two poppers behind overlapping
different points within the fault lines and the stop plate in the centre of it all, starting with the gun loaded but chamber empty in condition two from either rear corner of the fault lines. 11 hits in total to score.
I shot it relatively quick and clean, thankfully, drawing down and chambering on the central target inside the fault line V, then heading right to take the rear right target, then swinging left now seeing and dropping the popper on the front right, dashing to the far left and hitting the left low popper, left rear no shoot paper which I had to put a make-up shot on, then the left front target and the stop plate. 1 charlie, 9 alphas and 48 points in 12.22 seconds all told, and fired 12 rounds to do it all. A bit more positive at least… 8/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 8 - Front Row Seat: Stage 8 was another seated start with a swinging target on the previous day’s Stage 2 bay, with the same rectangular fault line box, with a gun loaded but empty chamber start. 3 fixed papers, the central one visible through a window also having the only no shoot on it, and the far right paper being the swinger and activated by the lone popper in front centre, stop plate at the rear centre. 9 hits to score.
I leapt up, drew and chambered my Shadow 2 Orange and put it to work immediately on the
“I LEAPT UP, DREW AND CHAMBERED
MY
central no shoot obstructed target visible through the barricade window, another case of my height advantage finally presenting itself as I was in the perfect alignment off the bat, while others had to move forwards to get eyes on so varied their stage plans.
I then took two shots to knock down the activator popper before dodging left to take on the paper there; the swinger wasn’t quite in the right place by the time I swung right so I moved that direction and took the other paper on the left while waiting for the swinger to come back up and taking it out and the stop plate.
1 Charlie, 9 alphas, 48 points in 12.22 seconds and 12 shots fired with a makeup on the swinger; not so bad at least… 8/12 by score for that stage.
Stage 9 - Performing to a T: Stage 9 was a pretty good send-off final round for me.
in the same bay as the previous day’s Stage 3, this time the front left and right flanks of the fault lines were removed to leave a ‘T’ shaped fault line box, with a seated start at its rear, and the pistol and magazines
SHADOW
2
ORANGE AND PUT
IT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY ON THE CENTRAL NO SHOOT OBSTRUCTED TARGET VISIBLE THROUGH THE BARRICADE WINDOW, ANOTHER CASE OF MY HEIGHT ADVANTAGE FINALLY PRESENTING ITSELF AS I WAS IN THE PERFECT ALIGNMENT OFF THE BAT”
stowed separately on barrels flanking the front of the seat. An unloaded and unholstered pistol start, from seated, with 9 paper targets, 2 of them towards the rear sides having no shoots, 2 poppers on the left front and rear, and the stop plate visible at the rear centre between the rear barricades. 21 shots in total to be had.
Heaving myself out of my seat I leaned left to grab a mag off the top of that barrel before ducking right to grab my pistol and load it, taking on the two papers in the bay to the right there as well as the one to the rear right of the central path, then it’s no shoot obstructed counterpart to the left of the path. Leaning over the barrel with my other mags on into the left bay I hit the popper and paper in there and grabbed a fresh mag as I ducked back out and got moving down the corridor, reloading swiftly and almost forgetting the side papers hidden to the sides behind the front bays.
Grinding to a halt and swinging right I got the no shoot obstructed one and then left to get its open opposite number. Dodging to the right end of the ‘T’ I double tapped the paper there before going all the way left and hitting the remaining popper and paper at that end, then leveraging my long arms and tall stature I leaned around the barricade there and took on the central rear stop plate without needing to run back right to the middle, although I did miss the first shot on it.
25 rounds in total; I triple tapped three of the papers at the front end and then had the miss on the first attempt on the stop plate as I regained my balance; totally clean though, with 20 alphas and 100 points in 24.29 seconds all told… 8/12 placing on the stage as a result.
TOOLS DOWN
With all of the action dealt with, our squad finished up just before 1500, again, with thanks to our visiting Filipino ROs and their implementation of the very efficient paperless system, which also greatly streamlined the final scoring for awarding the podium finishers in all the categories.
The usual friendly banter and photos ensued as we began reflecting on our runs across the stages and lamented technical issues or poor performances.
I witnessed a few others have brain farts or bad stoppages during their runs, so we were all in it together in terms of sharing victory and defeat; noone ever has ‘an easy day’ in competitions, especially when they become the less frequent and more important levels!
Emptying our magazines and re-bagging them on the way back to the rest area before heading to bag our guns in the safe area and take off our gunbelts, we settled in for a bit of a rest while the evening banquet was prepared while the final results sheets were at least posted on the whiteboard a lot more rapidly than previous years.
Open division was topped by visiting Hong Kong shooter ‘Jockey’ Wu Chun Ki, closely followed by his compatriot Yao Chun Sing in second place, and local lad Chou Ming Kun taking third place, with our team leader ‘Mars’ Liu Han Lin placing 9th of 24, and ‘Rex’ Chen Yu An coming in 13th.
Standard division was bested by another Hong Konger, Chin Chun Hei, while our own team SPPT’s Ou Jia Cheng took second place, while Hong Kong Lady shooter Wong Ka Yee was just fractions of a percent behind him in third. Our own Ms Ou Yi Ching came in 10th and Yang Kai Hong came in 11th of the 27 shooters in Standard, while Classic division had only one competitor, Taiwan’s Yu Yang Ming
Production division was won by local team Spring Rain’s Cheng Jia Hua, Hong Konger Lam Cheuk Hin took second, and other local Spring Rain’s Lai Yu Chen took third place, with 12 competitors completing in the end.
Production optics division was topped by the Hong Kongers again with ‘Warout’ Lau King Lam taking first, and ‘Tango’ Ng Wai Kin in second, local Huang Wei Shin took third, while I myself ended up placing 9th out of the 12 total competitors; too many mistakes on the second day put me behind after a reasonable performance on the first day that had me above middle of the pack… sad times.
Nonetheless, I felt happy with most of my performance in general, the amount of mess-ups has been gradually but inexorably reducing over my years of competing, and my planning and execution of stages has become much better, while marksmanship is barely a concern for me at this point attaining
“IT WAS A PLEASURE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE FROM SOUTH KOREA, MONGOLIA, HONG KONG AND MACAO, AS WELL AS SEE OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILIAR FACES. THANKS AS WELL OF COURSE TO MY OWN TEAM SPPT CROWD FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT AND HELP WITH TRANSPORT AND ARRANGEMENTS, AS WELL AS THEIR OBVIOUS CAMARADERIE TOO”
around 94% accuracy of A zones… on the targets I remember to engage, at least! Swinging or activated targets are still a challenge for all of us, and probably something the whole of team SPPT will be working on by the sounds of our after action report meeting in the week’s shoot that followed.
I finished up with 798 points of a possible 1020; those few misses, failure to engage/procedural penalties, and lone no shoot really atE into my score, despite cleaning up in general with 164 alphas, 15 charlies, 3 deltas, 4 misses from failures to engage and 2 related procedurals with just that one no shoot from forgetting to turn up my red dot and running blind with point shooting.
At this point it certainly seems to be the movement that’s my limiting factor; a lot of these guys and girls out here have a lot less… ‘inertia’ than me as well as better functioning knees no doubt, but regardless of where I place the camaraderie and atmosphere of honest competition and the supportive and banter filled community nonetheless make the late sleepless nights, long distance travel and sunburn all worth it, we all came away with new friends and more experiences to reflect on; the people, as always, make it what it is, fellow shooters.
With the awards presented along with lots of recognition for the sheer array of participants from various nationalities and age groups, with a number of junior and even super-junior shooters among our ranks who came along with the Hong Kong crowd who were out in force in general (all good to see and something we seem to lack in Taiwan, in IPSC, at least, and need to develop to my mind) we said our goodbyes and got on the long road home, arriving back in Taipei around 2300; thankfully I don’t have to work the day job on Mondays anymore!
Many thanks as always to the TPSA crew who made the event happen, as well as the visiting Filipino contingent who made running all the stages in parallel possible and streamlined the scoring as well as adding their usual cheerful demeanour to proceedings. It was a pleasure to meet new people from South Korea, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as see old friends and familiar faces. Thanks as well of course to my own team SPPT crowd for their ongoing support and help with transport and arrangements, as well as their obvious camaraderie too.
There are some more lower-level competitions springing up in the south and north of Taiwan next year, but the main event we’re all looking forward to is the week long international Action Air World Shoot 2025 in IloIlo in the Philippines in July which we need to start organising for… exciting times! AA
“THERE ARE SOME MORE LOWER-LEVEL COMPETITIONS SPRINGING
NORTH
UP IN THE SOUTH AND
OF TAIWAN NEXT YEAR, BUT THE MAIN EVENT WE’RE ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO IS THE WEEK LONG INTERNATIONAL ACTION AIR WORLD SHOOT 2025 IN ILOILO IN THE PHILIPPINES IN JULY WHICH WE NEED TO START ORGANISING FOR… EXCITING TIMES!”
