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Editor: Nigel Streeter Assistant editor: Gareth “Gadge” Harvey Graphic design: Havoc Design Ad design: Havoc Design Publisher: Nigel Streeter Cover Photo: Curtesy Ioan "Iggy" Roberts. UK 13-issue subscription rate: £46.50 UK 6-issue subscription rate: £24.00 For overseas prices email: subs@airsoft-action.co.uk
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Distribution: Distributed to the newstrade by Comag Magazine Marketing, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7QE T: 01895 433 800 Copyright © Calibre Publishing Limited 2016. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publisher in writing. The opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.
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Letter, idea or question? Got something to say? A question for our experts? An article or article idea? Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the editor (nige@airsoft-action.co.uk), write to us at the Calibre Publishing address above, or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook.
SURVIVAL: THE BASHA
SKILLS: WOUNDED SHOOTER DRILL
CONTENTS OCTOBER MARCH 2014 2016
CONTENTS OCTOBER 2016 6 NEWS
11 THE ADVENTURES OF MAG Mag continues his adventures in Airsoft Action’s exclusive cartoon.
42 EVENT: WAR & PEACE REVIVAL 2016 Last month Airsoft Action regulars Jerry and Andy took a couple of days to attend a very important show on every military enthusiast’s calendar and travelled to Kent for the “new look” 2016 War and Peace Revival!
12 ARMOURY: ASG CZ 805 BREN ActionSportGames have finally released their much-anticipated CZ 805 BREN and Jerry Noone managed to get his hands on one of the very first to arrive in the UK.
45 INSIDE AIRSOFT: DANGER ZONE CUSTOMS Les Lee goes Inside Airsoft with a visit to a company that caught his attention at the recent Airsoft Showcase.
16 ARMOURY: SAR OFFIZIER M41 When you need to pack a punch you need 7.62mm and when you want 7.62mm that ticks all the Airsoft boxes look no further than the SAR Offizier M41. Scott Allan explains…
51 LOADED OR UNLOADED: SCANDI COOL If you’re considering a new loadout which is a little different but that has a thoroughly up to the moment feel, then Jerry Noone may well have the solution for you – in the shape of Swedish M90.
10 ROGUE’S GALLERY Cool photos taken by Airsoft Action readers.
20 ARMOURY: CLASSIC ARMY AR017-XM Frenchie has always had a passion for the M16, so when he heard that Classic Army has re-released this timeless M16, he couldn’t wait to get his hands on it. 24 KIT: SIRMI MESH FACE MASK Les Lee is persuaded to switch from lens to mesh as he takes a close look at this unique piece of face protection. 28 INTERNATIONAL AIRSOFT: IRON MAN 2016 - SPAIN Marine Recon Asturias report from the annual event in Spain where, in true Iron Man style, not even one of their team falling over 20 feet would stop them.
56 DEBATE: HOW DO YOU CARRY YOUR KIT? Often overlooked, how you carry your kit can sometimes be just as important as the kit itself, so in this month’s debate, Gadge simply asks “How do you carry your kit?” 60 SITE: COOL UNDER FIRE – BATTLEGROUNDS Les Lee heads into the wilds of Kent to visit Cool Under Fire’s newest site. 64 GITAG: MILITARY GRADE COMMS Modern airsoft comms can be quite confusing, so when Jerry bumped into the guys from Tactical Associates, he took the opportunity to pick their brains on the subject.
34 MILSIM: C3 TACTICAL Keen to highlight “good practice” MilSim wherever he may find it, this month Bill Thomas speaks to Kim Chapman about C3 Tactical and their recent event, “BORDERWAR”.
68 ARMOURY: CLASSIC ARMY MK46 MOD 0 Scott Allan takes a look back (and forwards) at a re-launched classic from a company that has been sadly missing from UK airsoft for some time – Classic Army.
38 EVENT: FLINTLOCK AIRSOFT Are you fed up with being raked by full-auto fire and yearn for a time when “one shot, one hit” was the difference between life and death? Frenchie might just have found the answer…
72 WARRIORS: POOR BLOODY INFANTRY This month “Warriors” is going to go way back to the dark days of WWII, as Gadge looks at what the “welldressed British squaddie” was wearing in the summer of Normandy 1944!
76 TRAINING: PROJECT GECKO Whatever your style of airsoft, sooner or later you’re going to find yourself “fighting in someone’s house” (FISH). Last month Bill Thomas attended a CQB Level 1 Course run by Project GECKO to find out what tools we can all add to our “tactical toolbox” to help in a “close up and personal” encounter. 80 SURVIVAL: THE BASHA Paul Yelland gets underneath one of his favourite pieces of equipment and gives us some tips on how to get the best out of it. 84 ARMOURY: WEAE SCAR-H GBB Jerry Noone is a huge fan of gas driven replicas. This time he heads to the range with the very latest “FN” battle rifle, the “tack-driving” SCAR-H. 88 FAMOUS RAIDS: OPERATION POSTMASTER Billy Basics heads to West Africa to write about an island few have heard of and a raid that even less know about. 93 BIG BOYZ TOYZ: WESTLAND SEA KING - PART 2 In the concluding part of his article, Ratty looks at the Sea King’s service history and even tells us where we can buy one! 96 SKILLS: WOUNDED SHOOTER DRILL Calibre Shooting’s Andy Nightingale describes how you can stay in the fight even when wounded. 100 SITE DIRECTORY & PRACTICAL PISTOL CLUBS With the ever-growing popularity of Practical Shooting, we thought it was about time we started listing where you can go and take part – as well as over four pages of awesome airsoft venues! 106 DEALER LISTING: AIRSOFT ACTION’S ADVERTISER INDEX Find who you are looking for in our listing of all the adverts that appear in this issue.
S W E N T AIRSOF
NETLEY HALL AIRSOFT
NEW SITE OPENING – 4TH SEPTEMBER HERE AT NETLEY HALL AIRSOFT we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best experience imaginable. We work closely with Shropshire’s premier Airsoft supplier, Mercia Airsoft Ltd, who are always on hand for advice on equipment and supplies, along with their sponsored team, DY Assassin’s. Whether you are a hardened veteran of the sport or a new player you can expect:
Friendly and experienced marshals. Our marshal team are experienced in the fields of Airsoft/Paintball/Tanks with over 20 years of experience. They know how to keep a game fair and fun.
Interesting arenas and enthralling mission objectives. Our arenas have been designed from scratch with specific missions in mind, making them perfectly suited for scenario gameplay. Missions from “Mortar Strike” to “Abduction” have been designed with the help of the players who know and love the sport. Mission specific props such as 3 usable mortars, provided by Mercia Airsoft and DY Assassins are used for each mission.
That all important “something extra” to make a good day amazing. For no extra charge players will have the opportunity to drive and command 6 different vehicles within the combat zones. Each vehicle serving a different essential role, from infantry support and transport to bomb delivery vehicles. At just £25 per person with a warm lunch included why not come and have a go? Official Opening 4th of September. http://www.netley-hall-paintball.co.uk/airsoft/ Mercia Airsoft Ltd Gobowen Road, Oswestry Shropshire SY11 1HS 07854 759368
Airsoft Surgeon European Championship
AIRSOFT ACTION WOULD LIKE TO say a huge thank you and well done to all those who took part in the 4th Annual Airsoft Surgeon European Championship, held at StrikeForce CQB over the weekend of 13th/14th August. Many congratulations to all the winners – and to the many people who worked tremendously hard to make this such an amazingly successful event. There will be a full report and loads of photos in the next issue of Airsoft Action, which goes on sale on 22nd September – and keep your eyes open for details of a competition with a simply stunning prize, curtesy of ASG and Team CZ’s Lars Hagemann. You definitely won’t want to miss it!
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OCTOBER 2016
AIRSOFT NEWS
AN EVENING WITH ANDY MCNAB MUCH HAS BEEN WRITTEN and talked about the (in) famous patrol that has become synonymous with the callsign “Bravo Two Zero” but if you want to know what actually happened, you need to hear it from someone who was really there – and you can do exactly that on Saturday 5th November. Andy McNab will be at The Royal Court Hotel, in Coventry, from 7pm until late that evening, helping to raise funds for Airsoft Action’s supported charity, Pilgrim Bandits. Tickets cost £48.00, which includes a hot buffet and a signed copy of Andy’s latest hardback book, entitled “Cold Blood”. There will also be live entertainment in the form of Michael Buble tribute artist, Michael Clews and an auction of unique, autographed military and sports memorabilia. To buy tickets or for more information, contact Terry Arnett via email: terry-arnett@ pilgrimbandits.org and help this hugely worthwhile charity while meeting the legend that is Andy McNab. Please note: Photography of Andy McNab will not be permitted.
New Action Air Club Congratulations! open in Essex We would like to wish our resident survival expert, Paul Yelland and his wife Claire, many congratulations on the birth of their daughter, Olivia.
WETHERSFIELD AIRSOFT TARGET SHOOTING CLUB (WAT SiC) is now open on Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30pm. Shooting starts by 7:30pm with pack-up around 9:30pm. The Club also offers Action Air and 2/3-Gun training and events and has a Club Shop on-site for pistols, gas, bbs and holsters etc. The Club is located at Wethersfield Village Hall, Braintree Rd (B1053), Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 4EB. For more information, contact WAT SiC via their Facbook page: https://www.facebook.com/WATSiC/ or by phone on: 07939 557029 8
OCTOBER 2016
Olivia came in the world during the afternoon of 9th August, weighing in at a healthy 7 pounds 6 ounces and, according to Paul, her brothers aged five and nine are fascinated with their new sister! Much love and best wishes to you all, from everyone at Airsoft Action. PS. Apparently, there is no truth in the rumour that Paul is planning a nursery for Olivia in his garden, made from half a dozen branches, two bits of string and a camouflaged poncho!
AA GALLERY READERS’ PHOTOS
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ROGUE’S GALLERY This Page: Euros - sneak peak
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October 2016
A Bawtry Liam at YT ur by Cal Arth
Information Fancy seeing yourself in Airsoft Action? Send in your photos via email (nige@airsoft-action.co.uk) or share on our Facebook page (/AirsoftAction), plus a few words describing what’s going on in the image.
Rich “Tricky” Wooton - Brit-Tac Bawtry - Pilot Hostage
THE ADVENTURES OF MAG
CARTOON
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ASG CZ 805 BREN ACTIONSPORTGAMES HAVE FINALLY RELEASED THEIR MUCH-ANTICIPATED CZ 805 BREN AND JERRY NOONE MANAGED TO GET HIS HANDS ON ONE OF THE VERY FIRST TO ARRIVE IN THE UK. ACTION SPORT GAMES (ASG) really seem to have a got a handle on their marketing and for the last couple of years they’ve really been teasing us with their latest collaboration with Ceská zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ); the fully licenced CZ 805 BREN. I first saw things taking shape on the new model at IWA 2015 and at that stage it was already looking very good. ASG, however, like to take their time in relation to development though, only fully releasing a new model when they are 100% happy that it’s as good as it possibly can be. Looking at past performance they did exactly the same with the CZ EVO and the SP-01 and both have turned out to be great, beautifully crafted replicas with superb performance and durability and I for one haven’t heard anybody complaining about either. The fact that a manufacturer takes time to get things right from the get-go can only be a good thing for all of us; how often have we seen a RIF rushed to market because it’s right on the current trend and been disappointed due to sub-par performance and a lack of reliability? Over the years I’ve seen this just too many times and although today things are much, much better, there’s still always the possibility of a “lemon”. At IWA this year I saw from one manufacturer several AEG models that were “ready for release right now” and they’ve yet to reach any market at all, as design faults were discovered post-production! I’d much rather have a RIF that’s gone through all the checks and balances, thorough torture-testing, design and redesign and a carefully controlled manufacturing process before I part with any cash. I also like a properly licenced replica as I know then what I’m getting is going to be as close to the “real
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deal” as possible and ASG are past masters at conforming to all of the aforementioned processes. So I guess the question is: Has the build-up to the release of the BREN been just hot air, or is it the RIF we’ve all been eagerly anticipating?
MULTI-CALIBRE COOL
Czechoslovakia was unique during the Cold War for being the only Warsaw Pact member whose army did not issue a rifle based on the Soviet AK-47/AKM. Instead they ploughed their own furrow and developed the Sa vz58 in the late 1950s; although it fired the same 7.62×39mm cartridge and externally looked similar to the AK, its operating system and features were dramatically different to its Soviet sibling. It was effective at the time it was introduced but by the next decade had already become obsolete. In 1977 a program to create a new rifle started but it was not until 1984 that a new design was approved. Named the “Lada”, it fired the smaller 5.45×39mm cartridge and could fill three roles; a sub carbine with a 185mm (7.3 inch) barrel; a rifle with a 382mm (15.0 inch) barrel; and a light support weapon with a 577mm (22.7 inch) barrel. All three variants followed the family of AK-74 rifles and mostly took after their designs except for differences in the receiver cover, sights and safety selector. The weapon was first manufactured in late 1985, testing started in 1986 and it was approved for full production in November 1989. With the end of the Cold War, however, by the time it was declared fit for production, the Army had no funds. The country itself was splitting apart and on 1 January 1993 it separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, ending 74 years of the country of Czechoslovakia. In the late 1990s, the Lada project was restarted with the prospect of the Czech Republic becoming a full member of NATO. For the domestic Army Replacement Rifle Program, the Lada was re-designated “Project 805” and design work for the assault rifle began in 2006. With the prospect that the Army would re-arm gradually rather than on a large scale, CZ drew up entirely new specifications in late 2005. Project 805 became the CZ XX and then the CZ S805. It wasn’t until November 2009 that the Czech Army finally released a tender for a new infantry rifle and CZ were ready to pounce! The company reduced its modularity for the competition and submitted a 5.56mm rifle (A1) and 5.56mm carbine (A2), as well as similarly configured 7.62 Soviet-chambered variants. This was eventually reduced to just the 5.56mm system. When the tender was released, 27 weapons were submitted but this soon reduced to just the CZ 805 and FN SCAR-L. The CZ 805
Armoury CZ 805 BREN
won narrowly due to the emphasis on a domestic design and the result was made public on 1 February 2010. A production contract issued to the famous Czech arms factory CZ-UB in the city of Uhersky Brod. CZ 805 rifles were also offered for export, either in military (select-fire) or in civilian (semi-automatic only CZ-805 S1) versions. The first delivery of the CZ 805 was on 19 July 2011 and consisted of 505 guns and 20 grenade launchers. The initial order was completed in 2013. The CZ 805, which is called the “CZ 805 BREN A1” in Czech sources, is a modular, multi-calibre design, with an aluminium alloy upper receiver and polymer lower receiver/fire control unit. The magazine housing is a separate detachable unit, which can be replaced in the field as part of a calibre change. The weapon is gas-operated and features a rotating bolt and a manual gas regulator. The CZ 805 also features quick-change barrels, allowing users to change calibres and barrel lengths according to the mission profile. There are short “carbine”, intermediate “standard”, long “marksman” and heavy “squad automatic” barrels available in each calibre. The fire control unit includes an ambidextrous safety/fire selector switch, which permits single shots, two-round bursts and full automatic fire. The charging handle can also be installed on either side of the weapon, depending on user preferences. In standard configuration, the CZ 805 will use proprietary 5.56×45 calibre 30-round magazines made of translucent polymer. Other magazine housings will allow use of STANAG or HK G36 5.56mm magazines, as well as various 7.62x39 and 6.8x43 magazines. The BREN is fitted with integral Picatinny rail on the top of receiver, with additional rails running on the sides and the bottom of the fore-end. The rifle is issued with folding “iron” sights and will also accept a wide variety of additional sighting equipment (red-dot or telescopic day sights, night sights and laser units). The rifle is equipped as standard with side-folding buttstock, which is adjustable for length of pull and can be completely removed if maximum compactness is required. Additional equipment also includes a new, specially designed 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher, the CZ G 805 and also a new knife-bayonet.
“ALL IN ALL THE 805 IS A FINE LOOKING RIFLE AND I’M PLEASED TO REPORT THAT IT’S ALSO A REAL PERFORMER!” both models are available in black or desert colour schemes, the only real difference being the length of the barrel. Other than this both have a commonality of parts, starting with a CNC machined aluminium alloy upper receiver and polymer lower. Both the A1 and A2 versions of the CZ 805 assault rifle are fitted with a CNC machined monolithic integral Picatinny rail on the top of receiver and additional rails running on the sides and the bottom of the for-end; the side rails can be removed should you so desire and this then gives the 805 a really slim profile. There’s also a really well-shaped ergonomic pistol grip. The side-folding buttstock, which features a very nice cheek-riser is adjustable for length of pull and can be completely removed if you want it really short for CQB environments. Removing the stock, held by one pin, requires no tools and provides extremely easy access to the battery compartment and the quick-change spring guide, allowing fast in-the-field spring changes to adjust to field regulations; this is a direct access design and requires only a flat-blade screwdriver to get the job done. Internally there’s a solid V3 gearbox with 7mm bearings and the 805 also benefits from a non-linear
AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
The 805 BREN might be seen as an odd choice for an airsoft replica but given the relationship that ASG have with the venerable firearms manufacturer and the success that they’ve had with all the other CZ models, perhaps it’s not such a bad bet after all! And what a superb replica it is! ASG have made the decision to replicate both the A1 rifle and the A2 carbine and
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Armoury CZ 805 BREN
“ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS IS EVERY BIT THE RIF I HOPED IT WOULD BE AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE BEEN WAITING SO PATIENTLY YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” (progressive) spring design which results in less load on all the internals and which should add to the longevity of things. The finish of the 805 is absolutely exemplary, with the metalwork a rich, deep black and the “polymer” parts complement this beautifully. Both models come with removable front and rear folding sights as standard and just like the real thing the charging handle and cheek-riser can be relocated for left-handed shooters; all of these adjustments are clearly shown in the full-colour manual that comes in the box. All in all the 805 is a fine looking rifle and I’m pleased to report that it’s also a real performer! First step was, as always, at the chrono and my particular BREN came in at 1.38 Joule/387fps using .20g BLASTERS, just a touch off the max 1.4 Joule quoted. As a side note, I’ve seen some retailers putting the 805 on their websites quoting them as 0.95/320 but I would double check that if you buy one, rather than turn up at your local site with your shiny new purchase “hot”. The A1 rifle version I received for testing has a nice long 375mm (14.7 inch) barrel; the outer barrel features a 14mm CCW thread with a two piece flashhider assembly. In addition to the flash-hider proper there’s a separate collar which you can leave it place should you wish to fit a suppressor and I have to tell you that the ASG “Brugger & Thomet” QD suppressor for 5.56mm NATO rifles looks mighty fine on the 805! I was expecting very good things in relation to accuracy and yet again I wasn’t to be disappointed. As I was at my local site the weekend before I sat down to write this review I took the rifle along with me and with the longer barrel it’s a great
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woodland tool. With the rotary hop set I was easily sending every shot consistently through the open side window of one of the old “junk cars” at 30m using .25g BLASTERS (using just the standard folding sights) and I feel that the 805 would handle an even heavier BB still! Running it on an ASG 11.1 LiPo, I got a great ROF on full-auto and an exceptionally quick trigger response on semi too; literally the only thing missing on the replica is the two-round burst function. One slight disappointment for me though, is that ASG have told me that they will only be making the 550 BB Hi-Cap proprietary magazine that comes as standard with the 805. This is a great shame as I feel that the 805 would make a superb modern MilSim OPFOR replica, given that it’s not an M4 but that it’s obviously very different from an AK. Thankfully though all hope is not lost as when I spoke to Paul, UK & Ireland Sales Manager for ASG, he confirmed that at some point in the very near future there will be a STANAG magwell converter, meaning that you will be able to use virtually any “M4” style mag. All things considered, I have to say that this is every bit the RIF I hoped it would be and for those of you that have been waiting so patiently you will not be disappointed; from my modern OPFOR perspective I love it! I do hope that ASG will offer the A2 length barrel assembly as an accessory so that I’ll be able to swap out different lengths for woodland and urban; that would make the 805 an almost irresistible and utterly versatile package! If they decide not to though it’s not the end of the world as the CZ 805 BREN is such a stunning RIF anyway. If you fancy something unique, that’s high quality and really delivers on the performance front, then I’d urge you to check out this new model as soon as possible! Expect to pay IRO £320 for the 805 BREN; they are already appearing in UK stockists as I speak but for further information and to see all the other great, licenced RIFs in their range please do visit www.actionsportgames.com
SAR OFFIZIER WHEN YOU NEED TO PACK A PUNCH YOU NEED 7.62MM AND WHEN YOU WANT 7.62MM THAT TICKS ALL THE AIRSOFT BOXES LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE SAR OFFIZIER M41. SCOTT ALLAN EXPLAINS… WHEN IS A G3 NOT A G3? When the G3 is built by a company other than H&K and this version is the Schwaben Arms GmbH version - and before you ask, yes the real versions are that short whilst firing the mighty NATO 7.62mm round and one can only imagine how epic the muzzle flash is! Classic Army, or Yick Fung International as they are slightly less commonly known, as is an Airsoft manufacturer based in out in Hong Kong. They disappeared for a long, long time but now they’re back and it is pretty awesome for everyone in the Airsofting world because they make lots of really cool versions of Airsoft rifles. CA were the original alternative to Tokyo
Marui, the first real competitor who made full metal rifles. They gave you a full metal rifle for just a little bit more money than a Marui and that was a cracking deal all those years ago when you consider the cost of aftermarket parts back in the day. Then the market changed and the CA prices jumped up and up. After cruising along at crazy prices for a couple of years they dwindled and then in one go they just disappeared. This was around the time the clone brands appeared and took over and changed everything. Now the clone brands have settled down to their more expensive forms Classic Army have reappeared with better than ever prices and updated internals. So are they still able to stand up and take a swing against the big hitters or are they now years too late to the party?
A G3 IN ALL BUT NAME
The SAR M41 is really just a G3 with a different name for all intents and purposes of Airsoft. Tokyo Marui released the H&K version of this rifle under the MC51 name. To you and I these are almost the same rifle and only someone who really wanted to split hairs and rivet count would bother correcting you normally. What I have always liked about this style is that the 7.62mm, 5.56mm and 9mm variants all looked related and this is long before all these new-fangled multi calibre weapon platforms were even thought of. You wanted a battle rifle? You had a 7.62mm, it stopped people… every time! SAR are based in Germany and for under €2,000 you could have one, if you had all the appropriate licenses of course. If you do like a giggle you should check out the SAR website. It looks like the sites I used to see in school in the 90’s, yes it is that bad. I almost expect it to be on Geocities and if you’re not old enough to remember Geocities it was at one time the 3rd
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Armoury SAR M41
R M41 “WHILE I DO LOVE AN M4 PLATFORM THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR A GOLDEN OLDIE BIG LAD WHO WAS DESIGNED TO KNOCK THINGS DOWN IN A WAY THAT MEANT THEY NEVER GOT BACK UP. IT IS ABOUT POWER, IT IS ABOUT PRESENCE AND THE SAR HAS THAT IN BUCKETFULLS.”
largest site on the internet and it was kind of like Facebook lots on individual webpages on one site. I digress anyway! The real version fires .308 win (which is civilian speak for 7.62 x 51mm) - I have never understood why military is in millimetres and civilian is in imperial measurements but there you go. SAR make effectively a G3 clone, it is everything a G3 is without the H&K name - I am sure this pleases H&K greatly too.
THE AIRSOFT VERSION
Back to the Classic Army version. In days gone by Tokyo Marui reigned supreme but all their rifles were plastic. Now that isn’t a totally bad thing but they could be better, they could be more realistic and this is where CA came in. They make lovely full metal replicas with stunning finishes and good internals. The pistol grip and foregrip are all a tough polymer just like the real thing. The barrel, body and stock are all solid metal again, like the real thing. Okay maybe they aren’t steel but that keeps the weight down and means you can keep running around mad without your shoulders killing you at the end of the day. Being a standard Version 2 gearbox it means you can do a whole host of cool and funky things with it, from ASCU and electronic trigger upgrades to high speed or DMR set ups. So the SAR is definitely tinker friendly but out of the box it is a solid little performer regardless. It isn’t particularly fast in terms of rate of fire but the range was what I would expect and the hop up held the grouping quite nicely together. The 500 round high capacity magazine is one of the biggest magazines you get for any rifle but I’d always be prone to sway towards mid capacity magazines myself. Newer players will appreciate the 500 rounds and you would probably be able to live with a single magazine per average skirmish game.
It is all fairly standard and non-eye catching to read over the features but then this isn’t really meant to be the latest and greatest in Airsoft innovation, hence the very respectable price. It is the actual replica being available again from Classic Army which is the most attractive thing for me and the prices are much more competitive than ever before. The fact that it is £100 cheaper than they used to be just means I can blow that money on lovely upgrades! The FPS is fairly punchy, a little higher than some sites will allow so you may wish to double check for a spring fitting at your local store before heading off happy as larry only to be told sorry at an indoor site. The G3 magazine can be a
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Armoury SAR M41
little more difficult to store too so think about your magazine storage carefully when purchasing a bundle of video cassettes, err… I mean 7.62mm magazines. I love the magazines though and they look great with some 7.62 Magpuls on them.
USING THE SAR
The one thing that got me the most was how quiet this was in its standard configuration. You could quite easily pick away at targets on single shot and the shot sound was covered over easily compared to some other models. Fitting a silencer to this would certainly take it the rest of the way in masking the muzzle report. The quiet gearbox is a sign of a well put together gearbox – or that it is non-functioning but this was not the case this time around thankfully. I liked the collapsible stock as it felt rigid as it is brought up into the shoulder and there are no creaks or wobbles like you occasionally found on some of the Marui plastic versions. There are also full stocks available if this would suit you more too - so many options! These rifles are not M4s and I’m not pointing out the blatantly obvious here, I mean in terms of accessories. You are fairly limited with the changes you can make. Even if you want an optic mounted it is an extra claw mounted MP5/ G3 rail you need.
CONCLUSION
I have so much love for the G3/M41 and with a full range of the metal types available again it offers choice again into the UK market. While I do love an M4 platform there is something to be said for a golden oldie big lad who was designed to knock things down in a way that meant they never got back up. It is about power, it is about presence and the SAR has that in bucketfulls. It is a bit retro but it doesn’t look out of place on a modern game field, it looks a bit bad guy but you could use it as a western forces weapon easily enough. What I have to ask myself now is, do I have enough space on the shelf for another G3?
features • QD Spring Change System and Quick Disassembly Metal Body • 9mm Bearing Bushing Advanced Version 2 Gearbox • High Quality Steel Gears, Gearbox Shell, and a Polycarb Piston • New Design Hop Up System and Metal Cocking Tube, Sights and Receiver • Sling Mounts, Retractable stock and Unique Serial Number Length: 680mm Weight: 2.9kg unloaded. Battery Type: Small Tamiya Type Connector Magazine Capacity: 500rd G3 Magazine Materials: Metal and ABS FPS: Average 360 FPS (1.2J with .20 bbs) Gearbox Type: Advanced V2 9mm Bearing Bushing Gearbox Inner Barrel Length: 280mm Outer Barrel threading: 14mm ccw RRP £230
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Removing the stock requires no tools and provides easy access the to battery compartment and the quickchange spring guide, allows fast changes to adjust to field regulations. The CZ 805 Bren is available in both black and desert. ActionSportGames® is a worldwide leader in the business of replica firearms and accessories manufacturing – including Airsoft guns, Airguns, CO2 guns and firearms replicas.
0067-0616_AirsoftAction_Bren.indd 1
Direct access to quick change spring system Version 3 gearbox platform incl. 7mm ball bearings Steel spring guide with ball bearings Non-linear (progressive) spring design for less load on internals CZ 805 A1, Long version Black
CZ 805 A1, Long version Desert
Ref. 18197
Ref. 18200
CZ 805 A2, CZ 805 A2, Short version Short version Black Desert Ref. 18201
Ref. 18201
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0067-0616_June2016
Bren 805 A1 // A2 We’re proudly introducing the CZ 805 Bren assault riftle to the Airsoft world. The A1, long version and the A2, short version.Both versions of the CZ 805 Bren assault rifle are fitted with a monolithic integral Picatinny rail on the top of receiver, and additional rails running on the sides and the bottom of the foreend. The adjustable side-folding buttstock can be completely removed if maximum compactness is required.
15-06-2016 12:18:58
CLASSIC ARMY AR017-XM
THE MOUSE THAT ROARED! FRENCHIE HAS ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR THE M16, SO WHEN HE HEARD THAT CLASSIC ARMY HAS RE-RELEASED THIS TIMELESS M16, HE COULDN’T WAIT TO GET HIS HANDS ON IT. IN 2016 THERE IS MORE in that short heading than many of you can possibly imagine! Firstly it’s Classic Army, and that alone is significant. Secondly despite the slightly arcane nomenclature it’s a Vietnam-era M16 and at the risk of letting the cat out of the bag, it’s a good one. Allow me to inject a bit of historical perspective... A long time ago, on a skirmish field far, far away Marui ruled the roost. They set the pace, they were behind all the designs and everything was made of ABS plastic. If you broke your gun, or wanted to make it more realistic you sought out Classic Army who made metal receivers and accessories. They also made full-metal guns and they were priced similarly to, or slightly higher than, Marui. They weren’t cheap and their reputation for reliability was mixed to put it mildly. That was a quality control issue – Classic Army (CA) guns were claimed to be made in Hong Kong but actually much of the production was done in China, a fact that was to bite them hard years later. They were, however, relatively easy to get in the UK and they had a sizeable presence. 20
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Fast forward a few years and CA were facing competition from G&G, G&P and, most significantly, the first wave of “ChinaSoft”. They stuttered and faded from the UK scene, their apparent demise hastened by the arrest of a very senior executive during the Chinese clamp down on the production of airsoft guns. China has very strict replica gun laws which had been quietly ignored in the interests of trade. Personally I thought they had shut up shop, so low on the radar were they. Earlier this year I was intrigued to hear that not only were they still around but seemed to be active once again. More interestingly, their pricing structure looked to have changed radically – how radical? OK, many years ago I sold the CA M249 Para Minimi for about £800. Today I can get one for less than £300. It’s the same gun with a pressed steel receiver, much better than the A&K version which is a clone of the CA at the same price. The rifle I’m reviewing here retails for a scrape under £200 and to put it frankly, that is not a lot. Classic Army appear to be back and although I was never a huge fan at the time, I am willing to be persuaded, moreover, probably as a result of nostalgia, I am delighted to see them back on the shelves at seriously competitive prices. Moving along – the M16 is a passion of mine, although it has taken me quite a long time to realise the extent of it. I’m probably the only member of the Airsoft Action staff who can actually remember the Vietnam War first hand, although in fairness I was born just as Kennedy escalated the United
Armoury CLASSIC ARMY AR017-XM
State’s involvement and wasn’t even a year old when Lee Harvey Oswald killed the American Dream. Early influences count though and what coverage there was on UK television and especially in the Sunday newspapers, clearly seeped in and took hold. For a long time I was a passionate AK fan (and I still am to some extent) but possibly because it was introduced a decade or so later the M16 has somehow never acquired quite the same iconic status. The story behind its development and introduction is worthy of an article in itself (watch future issues!) but a few facts will suffice for now… The US military was already evaluating Small Calibre, High Velocity (SCHV) weapons even as they forced NATO to adopt the 7.62x51mm round and took the M14 as their own primary battle rifle. The well-publicised reliability issues with M16s in Vietnam were largely down to the use of a different propellant than that for which the round (and the rifle) were specifically intended. Married to a lack of training for troops in basic cleaning and maintenance, a disaster was a matter of “when”, not “if”. The Bolt Forward Assist (BFA) which appeared on the M16E1 was introduced at the insistence of the US Army, not because it was actually necessary. The US Air Force used M16 variant without the BFA for decades, and Eugene Stoner demonstrated that the BFA could actually damage the rifle and make it less reliable. During the Vietnam War, which saw the M16 introduced and then adopted, the rifle went through a number of major and rapid changes. The rifle that went to South East Asia with MACV-SOG and the US Airforce was basically the ArmaLite AR-15 – flat-sided receiver, no BFA and the three-pronged “duckbill” flash hider. As the US Army insisted on changes, the AR-15 morphed into first the M16 (essentially similar), then the M16E1 (E for experimental) and finally into the M16A1. The rifle that CA have replicated is the M16E1 – BFA with the tear-drop shaped plunger, three-pronged flash hider, minimal fencing on the receiver and chromed bolt-carrier with the notches for the BFA. G&P did a similar model (which seems no longer to be available) but theirs was based on the earlier Model 601. Starting at the beginning, the rifle comes in a substantial cardboard carton with the CA logo printed large on the top. Inside, nestling in Styrofoam is the rifle, a 20 round “hi cap”, basic instructions and a slip cover. This last is a nice touch – it’s a bag, not a proper case but it is something with which you can cover the rifle. The instructions supplied are generic and very basic and tell you almost nothing about the rifle itself. Actually, they tell you nothing... For me that’s fine, for someone new to airsoft there is just enough in there to scrape by. The rifle itself is desirable... CA are the only manufacturer who ever tried to replicate the grey, phosphate finish on early M16s. I’ll grant you that involves grey paint but it is more accurate than black, which came much later. The receiver and A-frame foresight are this dull grey colour – the barrel, flash hider, charging handle and ejection port cover are black or blued. Furniture is a textured black plastic which is reasonably accurate – these tended to become much smoother and shinier in use. The pistol grip is the correct early version without the finger bump found on the A2 variant. There is almost no fencing at all (“fencing” is the raised areas that would later protect the magazine release and strengthen the lower receiver). Its lack was one of the most distinctive features of pre-M16A1 versions and is often overlooked by airsoft manufacturers. Another major improvement is the revised receiver markings. Gone is “ArmaLite” in large letters (only correct on AR-15s), being replaced with a simple “Rifle 5.56mm – M16A1” and a serial number. On the right hand side you will find “Classic Army, made in Hong Kong” and the fire selector markings. The M16A1 designation is neither correct nor incorrect; the M16 evolved in Vietnam and older rifles didn’t just disappear as newer models arrived. Moreover the M16E1 was a transitional model and could be found with a
combination of components, for instance the six-hole birdcage flashider wouldn’t be wrong. Yeah, it gets confusing! To recap then: In design this is a very good representation of an early period Vietnam M16. If doing a Vietnam US loadout is your thing, or if you are a re-enactor looking for a non-firing prop this is pretty damned close and frankly anyone arguing the toss with you over minor points clearly has way too much time on their hands. Moving on to the airsoft gun at the heart of this I found a few major changes from Classic Army of old. Firstly, if you retract the bolt carrier that covers the hop unit, you can hold it back and then release it using the bolt release catch on the left hand side. The mechanism seems similar to that pioneered by VFC and works as well. It’s a nice touch as you can go “kerching!” as you lock and load but more importantly it makes adjusting the hop a breeze as you don’t need to manually hold the cover out of the way. The hop unit is a much bigger change. Gone is the traditional version 2 hop chamber to be replaced with an all-metal unit that more closely resembles the Madbull hop chamber, with an indexed (clicky) rotary adjustment dial. No more hop creep! This hop unit works exceedingly well, allowing you to dial in hop quite precisely safe www.airsoft-action.online
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Armoury CLASSIC ARMY AR017-XM
Photo: Ronald L. Haeberle – The LIFE Images Collection – Getty
in the knowledge that once set, it’s going nowhere. The final change is found in the stock where the silver wiring (massive improvement for CA) ends in a MosFet board. It appears to be a simple switch-saving ‘fet and it terminates in a mini-Tamiya connector. A really nice touch, however, is that the board has a hard-wired deans connector and you can remove the two-inch adapter and plug directly into the board if you use Deans, as I do. I have pretty firm views on MosFets but I’ll leave this here and see how it does. With 0.2g Blasters the M16 was recording a very consistent 330 fps (1.01J) across a Skan chrono, which is perfect, although
“I SHOULD REALLY CONCLUDE; “DEAR READER, I MARRIED HER” BUT THIS BEING AN AIRSOFT GUN I HAVE TO SAY I BOUGHT IT. IT IS SIMPLY TOO GOOD NOT TO.”
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there is a noticeable “boing” from the gearbox, suggesting a relatively short spring. I must confess I hesitated to split the box - “It’ll be standard CA stuff I thought”. I’m glad I didn’t listen to myself! The gearbox is completely different from previous CA airsoft guns. It has a quick change spring - OK, you will still need to remove the gearbox but you can remove the bearing spring guide and mainspring without splitting the gearbox. Gears are the expected CA marked steel set, running in 8mm bearings. Piston is a blue polycarbonate item with an aluminium piston head. The cylinder head is also alloy, the air nozzle plastic – a good combination with the metal hop unit. The bolt hold open feature is similar to the VFC but achieved differently. My only complaint is lack of radiusing around the cylinder head end of the gearbox and I can live with that. The best comparison I can offer is with Krytac gearboxes. Yes, the CA is slightly less radical and harks back more to traditional gearboxes but when you remember that the whole rifle cost £199.99, what is in there is exceptional. One thing I did notice during the strip and reassembly was that the painted finish is relatively soft and marks easily – these guns are likely to weather fairly quickly. This is either a good or bad thing depending on your outlook but it does scratch much more easily than anodised finishes. At this point I should really conclude; “Dear reader, I married her” but this being an airsoft gun I have to say I bought it. It is simply too good not to. It is a more than acceptably accurate reproduction of an iconic and important firearm, it is well made and it incorporates a whole host of innovations nearly every one of which adds value and is worth having. It costs £199.99 and I know that is the third time I have mentioned that but that is only £40 more than a plastic G&G SR series rifle. The G&G is damned good and I have just sold mine to fund this but the Classic Army is, well… classic! I can only hope that we see more from CA in the future and that they can once again carve themselves a decent niche on the skirmish fields of the UK. My thanks to Land Warrior Airsoft for shutting up and taking my money!
SIRMI MESH FACE MASK LES LEE IS PERSUADED TO SWITCH FROM LENS TO MESH AS HE TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT THIS UNIQUE PIECE OF FACE PROTECTION.
DURING ONE OF MY “Airsoft research days”, where I goa-searching through social media, websites, retail contacts, etc. I found something so unique that it could be the Airsoft equivalent of the Holy Grail, well at least for that day! The moment I saw this, I screen captured the page (just in case) and then further investigations led me to conclude that I MUST look deeper into this piece of gear as my curiosity took over and of course, it is every journalists ultimate goal to find something new, unique and worthy of a full and comprehensive review in their respective publications, which for me is obviously the UK’s biggest and best of its kind, Airsoft Action. I will start by saying right up front that this is possibly one of the most innovative pieces of gear so far in the critically important area of face protection. I am talking about the SIRMI mesh face mask.
BACKGROUND
This conceptual idea, presently only available in its birthplace country of Italy, was the invention and creation of David D’Andreagiovanni after 10 years in the Airsoft game. David was looking for comprehensive eye and mouth protection which would also provide excellent all-round visibility but most importantly, offer every angle of face protection whilst keeping the design to a minimalistic profile that is completely safe and very comfortable to wear for lengthy battles of the pew pew 24
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kind - all in a very streamlined and simplistic design. The task was to create a face mask which was first and foremost safe in all areas, comfortable to wear for long periods, allowed for a better than average visibility than a mass-produced mesh mask and above all, was of a minimalistic design; something as simple as putting on a pair of glasses. Eventually he came up with the unique creation known as “SIRMI”. David took a lot of factors into consideration during the design process. For example, he researched and found that a person’s eyesight remains the same when looking through a uniform network of mesh, as opposed to a lens which can change many times during a game through heat, moisture (humidity) and everyone’s most frustrating factor, which is fogging, usually when you need clear vision the most! Even with the most high-end and expensive “anti-fog” lenses available, you simply cannot eliminate condensation if that is what the body temperature and weather choose to burden you with. I’m sure that all lens wearers (myself included) feel almost totally blinded and vulnerable at times like this because if your full vision is decreased, or perhaps even eliminated whilst in a fire fight, it puts you in a bad place. We all know that the occasional ‘softer will sneak off behind a tree and wipe the lens dry whilst still in the game area and that this is just stupidly dangerous. I remember doing this shortly after I started
kit SIRMI FACE MASK
playing Airsoft and I got such a boll…, sorry... telling-off from a Marshal that I was embarrassed, felt stupid and realised I had broken the rules - but most importantly I could have been blind for the rest of my life. So from that day on I have tried many different types of eye protection and, ultimately, I favoured lenses over mesh but I still swear under my breath when conditions have caused my lenses to gradually build up with so much condensation that I have to return to the safe zone and fix the problem.
SIRMI
I searched high and low (okay, I Googled) what the word “SIRMI” meant but to no avail, so I contacted the team of NAQA in Italy and I was told that the word SIRMI derives from another language, Esperanto and it simply means “shield”. David was looking to develop a mesh-type full face mask which is designed on strength, style and simplicity, something as light and simple to use as a pair of sports glasses. So taking into account the minimum but mandatory needs, this lead to the eyes, nose and mouth to be covered whilst still allowing for comfort and freedom of movement. For example, this design can be worn with all headwear and comms equipment whilst allowing the user to actually line up his/her target by looking directly through the crosshairs whilst resting their cheek on the cheek rest on the stock. Donning the mask, which is very lightweight at just 65 grams and anti-allergenic, couldn’t be simpler as the principle is that it is worn in the same way that a pair of glasses are worn; just unfold the arms and place them over your ears and you are good to go. However, saying that I would encourage
everyone to use the strong silicone rubber retention strap which is supplied because not only will this keep the mask firmly in place, it also brings it closer to the skin all around which virtually eliminates all but the most miniscule (and I’m talking sub 4-5 millimetres at the bottom of the chin area) of gaps around the sides, while still maintaining the comfort of a very snug fit. The mesh is made of a high quality steel and is designed to allow a certain amount of manipulation by the wearer, in that you can gently squeeze the mesh with both hands to create the perfect fit to your face. NAQA, the manufacturers, do actually encourage you to do this, as well as one other minor custom modification. The mesh is very strong indeed but it does allow for a very good degree of visibility, better than I have ever seen before in any mesh face mask and during my testing day I found that I had a superb level of visibility, without any of the darkness and diminished vision often associated with mesh. The one-piece plastic nose pads can also be gently modified so that they rest comfortably on your hooter. The mask is supplied with a fairly narrow gap on the nose pad, which will almost certainly need another easy modification with the aid of a hairdryer (sorry my bald ‘softer friends but trust me, it’s worth borrowing one at this stage and to hell with the prying questions). What I did was to slowly and carefully heat up the plastic and gently prise the pads apart with a pair of padded
“THE TASK WAS TO CREATE A FACE MASK WHICH WAS FIRST AND FOREMOST SAFE IN ALL AREAS, COMFORTABLE TO WEAR FOR LONG PERIODS, ALLOWED FOR A BETTER THAN AVERAGE VISIBILITY THAN A MASS-PRODUCED MESH MASK AND ABOVE ALL, WAS OF A MINIMALISTIC DESIGN; SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS PUTTING ON A PAIR OF GLASSES.”
www.airsoft-action.online
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kit SIRMI FACE MASK
Post test at one metre
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pliers until I found the sweet spot and they sat on my nose just fine. Please be careful to let the nose-piece cool down and not to burn yourself during this process you have been warned! With the physical modifications done and the mask is contoured to your face, you might feel that this is adequate but to get the absolute best fit, now is the time to fit the strong silicone retaining strap over the arms (the mask’s arms – not yours!) and slip it over your head. Depending on how far you push the straps up the arms and where you choose to place the straps behind your head is really determined by the size of your head, so at first you might be inclined to push the straps on right up the arm but this isn’t necessary. If you do, you will find that after a short time the strong plastic frame will probably start to dig into your forehead, so I would urge you to try differing degrees of tightness until you find that the fit that gives you enough all around protection balanced with comfort. I would recommend spending time at home doing this because you WILL find the exact correct tension that will give you a perfect fit and better to find out before game day in the comfort of your own home. Just one other point… don’t wear it around town because you will most likely find yourself surrounded by an armed response unit of trigger-happy bobbies - and their rules of engagement are a tad different to ours. All that is very good but just how strong is it? For testing I used a variety of brands and weights of BB as this would be the closest replication to what you would encounter out on the field, from .20 up to .30. I used five different makes, including a biodegradable and in no particular order, I loaded approximately 200 rounds into a couple of mid-caps and also into two pistol mags (one green gas and one CO2). I fixed the mask to a static structure and started the shooting test from ten metres, walking right up to one metre, on both semi- and full-auto and then repeated the test on semi with a pistol. The rifle is pretty consistent at 335-345 on .02s (approx.
1.1J) and the pistol was about the same but neither exceeded 350 feet per second which is our typically accepted limit. I was unable to test with a sniper or DMR rifle but with the normal MED rule the basic test would replicate an impact at some stage. So having shot the living daylights out of the mask, I expected to find damage and some broken BBs on the floor, so I am very happy to report that the mask was still in one piece and apart from a few very minor dents in the mesh the mask remained completely intact, including the plastic/nylon rim and still 100% safe and fully fit for purpose. Under close scrutiny the plastic frame showed “bruises” from a battery of BBs but not a single flaw. As you can see from the photos, the steel mesh was virtually unscathed. I also searched for evidence of shattered BBs expecting to find some (steel versus plastic - steel surely wins) but again, this proved fruitless I am happy to report. So my conclusion? Well, I used it for a day’s practical testing courtesy of South Coast CQB (thanks for the complimentary game day Gary), so we were in an up close and personal arena where close-up impacts are very much on the menu. It was a hot day and I was often in a confined area which would have usually had me cursing over the inevitable condensation - but not today. The comfort of fit throughout the day and practicality of use (as in allowing me to use my scope as it was designed to be used) were just superb, thanks to the high visibility ergonomic design. As this product test and report goes to print, the SIRMI mask is only available direct from NAQA who can be contacted at info@naqa.it but I do believe that a UK Distributor is currently being sought which will make it readily available at most retail outlets and which will give you the opportunity to try before you buy. For now the SIRMI mesh face mask is available online at €50.00 which (at the time of writing) is approximately £42.24 plus p&p. And am I going to change from lens to mesh? What do you think? See you in the field.....CLEARLY! Les OUT!
Contact: NAQA Via Solferino, 120 57122 Livorna ITALY www.airsoftmask.it info@naqa.it
IRON MAN 2016 OPERATION ARROW HEAD FROM HELL’S HOLE TO BASKERVILLE’S DOG MARINE RECON ASTURIAS REPORT FROM THE ANNUAL EVENT IN SPAIN WHERE, IN TRUE IRON MAN STYLE, NOT EVEN ONE OF THEIR TEAM FALLING OVER 20 FEET WOULD STOP THEM. BACKGROUND
Much has changed the Economic and Social model from May 1769, when James Watt improved the steam engine, resulting in the First Industrial Revolution. In this era of technological breakthroughs be born the first companies. Coal gave way to oil, steam to electricity, the telegraph to Internet and the surgery to the genetic biotechnology. All these advances would be the perfect breeding ground for these Eighteenth Century’s primitive companies were gaining more and more power, exceeding a many Third World countries, from both the technological and economic power too. In the Second Century decade, the first major fusion of several leading companies from different sectors would be made, disregarding the threats of tariffs and economic reprisals coming from various concerned countries about the relevance which would take that new corporation in the World Economy. Shibume Corporation officially enter the NYSE on March 6, 2018. They achieved, through trickery and deceit, that Congo Republic President Nguesso and his top political appointees
give the Corp great territories. In these areas, rich on natural resources, the Corporation will do their more controversial and dangerous activities, sharing the benefits with the Government. Worried about the isolation of the African country, due the new Shibume local influence and with the unexpected Wiki leaks declaration by a Japanese dissident Shibume scientific, the World focus their eyes on the, just now, enigmatic country. The additional pressure of rival lobbies to demonize Shibume due their fear to miss the industrial leading, the global protests of the Nature Friends associations and the positive advices from the Secret Services have force NATO to take actions and to make an intervention in the Congo as soon as possible. Infiltrated agents indicates that large indigenous masses are being moved to huge underground facilities in which seems, perform certain type of forced labor, under control of Shibume and with the support of former SF contractors teams. At December 2nd, 2023, starts cover operation Arrow Head…
THE MISSIONS
THE HOLE TO ENTER THE HELL– Tercio Viejo de Cartagena Team Patrol We are inserted at 23:00 h, on the perimeter of a village. We are wagered, waiting for instructions that take nearly an hour to arrive.We are nervous, eager to get into action. For these nerves we were going to pay a high price, although we don’t know yet.
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International IRON MAN - SPAIN
MISSION 1/5
Orders arrive: To check and clean a building, 132 meters straight to our position. Too easy. A river between us, it sounds strong, the brave shallow water, visibility is good on the streets of the town, just inexistent when you leave the yellow lights halo. Let’s navigate, we place the target on our GPS devices and mark the route. All right, NO. Better flanking the building one kilometer above, come from behind, slightly high and surprise. We go ahead! Outflank well, mud halfway up the leg, very dark, silent as we use to do. An hour later we are in position, 53 meters to the target by the west corner, over the heads of the enemy, we start to down the hillside, lined, without looking and navigation devices. If we had taken a look more on the map, we would have seen what contour lines were too close, we would have stopped and turned around… We did not and, suddenly, the ground disappears under the feet of our point man. First he falls and goes to the waist, desperately hands me the barrel of his gun, grabbed him and escapes my hands. He falls and disappears completely. This is no longer a game! We light lanterns and I look in the dark to finally find him 7 meters beneath my feet. We were on a wall, on a false vegetation floor. He bleeds but seems OK. Miraculously the fall has not caused high damage. His weapon, falling from above, has impacted the head and caused several cuts above the eye. Our captain tries to access, looking from the side: impossible. I step back, vegetation ledge on which I am and that has literally swallowed our soldier Noa. No possibility of rescue, knowing that is fine but not out, we contact the event organization. This is the Green Hell but the Marine Recon Asturias watch over the shadows that display in the jungle. Come, rescued Noa mounting him with a circumstance’s harness and a 9 meters sling. So diagnosis at the base and quick visit to the hospital is required. Must be stapled and sutured head eyebrow and eyelid. It is a shock, the opportunity (never wanted) to check with the people who are able to continue playing at his best. There is no doubt (and we’ve learned, we’ve learned a lot. Zero tolerance with confidence, trust yourself, you fail and your men pay for it). 6:00 h we are re-deployed, only three of the five, Noa rests with Luna taking care about him. Three survivors continue, in honor of the wounded comrade, crossing the jungle, climbing, descending. We pursue objectives in the middle of the woods, enjoy suffering, step by step, up, way up, fog and water does not abandon us or night and day. This is Ironman, this is the Green Hell, we are old and we are alive. Thanks Marines, you make it experience something unique.
00:00h, pitch black night, I am the point man with my NVG trying to find enemies. We have orders to recover some diamonds at any price. In some minutes we arrive to a tunnel, the team sticks together, my second man holds me by the pack handle and I advance slowly. The noise is multiplied in the tunnel, dark like the Judas soul. I have the feeling we can be heard from the summit of the next mountain! When reaching the exit I can see some lights far ahead. We instantly kneel. Friend or foe? Are we moving towards an ambush? This looks like a good spot for an ambush... Anyway We only have this path... While I was thinking a beam of light wipes the turn in front of me. Damn, they are much closer than we thought! Take cover! - The squad leader quietly yells. We briefly illuminate the area and jump into a group of bushes in front of us. We are dead silent while 4 contacts move along past our position, right in front of our faces. Once the danger has past we try to make our way out of the bushes. “Hurry guys let’s move, beware they don’t turn around!” A few minutes later after passing a long tunnel we hear a possible vehicle, we are in a more or less open area, and there is a small building. We hide... if the vehicle stops and someone comes out we will fire! The 4x4 turns less than two meters
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from the hole in which I find myself, it seems that no one has left it, it has only been around in that part of the road. We met designated point without major problems, the entrance of a long tunnel. Two of us are left out watching and three we find the package, do not give in, when we are going to communicate with the headquarter from outside warn us that have seen lights approaching. We do not expect friendly units, were preparing to fire as soon as possible. We have not yet come out of the tunnel and have already taken the first shots and casualties. It is a close and very intense combat, no one lights a lamp to avoid detection and we fired by pure instinct. I try to position myself better from the edge of the tunnel to try to locate the last member of the enemy team when I feel
without them is next to 0. We move slowly in silence until a hoarse, deep bark gives us the willies... Dark hosts a mastiff! All cried seeing lit lantern man pointed a brown mole lying ahead of us. If the Baskerville dog had puppies and some of them travel to the South, for sure it would be the pack’s biggest! So slowly we step back and take a detour in search of the huts in which we assumed the enemy patrol base is located; but we are not able to locate them so we decided to move to a more protected area and wait about 40 minutes at dawn. With the first light of day we locate an enemy patrol moving silently about 60 meters from our position. As the vision is scarce two men decided to go down part of the slope to be at the back of the enemy patrol and three will move to them perpendicularly, “THE GROUND DISAPPEARS UNDER THE FEET OF OUR POINT MAN. FIRST move slowly and quietly... and always keeping the distance with unfriendly HE FALLS AND GOES TO THE WAIST, DESPERATELY HANDS ME THE mastiff not want to betray. BARREL OF HIS GUN, GRABBED HIM AND ESCAPES MY HANDS. HE FALLS We do not see them, we communicate the two men below so AND DISAPPEARS COMPLETELY. THIS IS NO LONGER A GAME!” we started to move us too so that we do not escape. Where are they? They impacts in my position… “Eliminadoooo!” could not go far but with this fog may have sneaked us ... we Shit, a ball has hit me! I think somebody have seen the put online and we sweep the area. reflection of the IR flashlight while trying to find him. Then a Contact! Scream is launched and follows a burst after comrade shoots to last bad guy to eliminate him. another on what appears to be the patrol enemy. They are as After the combat and after asking for new coordinates, surprised as I seem to have not heard us coming, returned the finally we can leave that hot zone and we start brisk walking. fire that miraculously does not impact me. Red! I cry for my Just being eliminated, I only can go ugly walking at the column teammates know I’m out of ammo, while I lie on the floor as bottom until the extraction point. much as possible while extra charge. Green! I go back to get up and walk over to the bushes where I see some eliminated with its reflective vest, to my right a member of my patrol continues MISSION 2/5 firing on the area so I gather that there is still someone asset On board two 4x4 we go to a new point, up and up the hear them dead! And the patrol to complete is given by mountain at about 1300m altitude in the mythic Angliru eliminated. Pick. To salute us we are plenty entering in the orbayu (local rain which use to unexpectedly turn you totally wet on 10 minutes). We finally reached the area of deployment, enter the MISSION 3/5 destination coordinates in the GPS and after a brief indications After contacting, the command urges us to search for a latest of command began to delve into the dark and fog. technology fallen drone chip in order it not fall into enemy Once we locate the way to go, we must to light our hands because there are other groups looking for it. small lights, because it is really complicated, the road is quite We arrived in the area that marks the GPS and started to irregular, is filled with pools of mud and dangerous wet stones look for in a short time is located and extract the chip. Quick and is not possible to see anything in the close forest. extraction is requested because the area is “hot” so we move With all the care that we can reach the end of the road, to other more defensible place in the vicinity. The command before a next open area. The night viewer is quite useless, denies extraction transport so order us to leave the area on our due the tough fog, so our trust on detect enemy patrol base own. 30
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International IRON MAN - SPAIN
We played cat and mouse through the mud, rain and slopes with at least one other team, until it seems we got sidelines, using the fog as an ally. We hide waiting for orders, tense calm while each attends to his sector. We took the opportunity to eat something and hydrate during stop.
MISSION 4/5
After a while the command tells us that the enemy has an anti-air battery. We have to attack it and destroy try taking with us the ammunition. We have green light to eliminate all opposition we meet. We recompose after stopping and going, still under huge fog; more than 10:00 in the morning and the day has not improved! It could be worse, it could rain more… Orbayú!! We are arriving to the target position and because the visibility is poor we decided to again divide us into two squads to comb a larger area, move silently trying not to be discovered when we heard voices, so we notify it by radio to the other squad and we deploy online to find the source of those voices. Soon the first shots are heard, it being eliminated several players but my focus is on some bushes that I have in front, I saw movement. I stay still trying to see a clear target before firing, there is a moment of indecision on the part of both, we do movements to not betray each other. I soon discover that it is an error when I am eliminated by the precise shooter across the bush. -”Eliminado!”- While my left hand up, seeing this my binomial located a few meters left with a burst sweeps the bushes. Okay… Dead! We listening on the other bush side. There are a few moments of indecision until verified that the enemy patrol was eliminated, 3 of 4 casualties our own. The survivor will have to destroy the conquest cannon and carry the ammunition box to the extraction point himself... Meanwhile comrades we chatted amiably with members of the opposite patrol, “FEAR & GOD”, with we took all morning playing cat and mouse in the mountains, as we head to the extraction point.
MISSION 5/5
have been discovered, walked through a low position and we noticed the other teams have started the attack a lot of time ago. In a great confusion we try to outflank the enemy but bursts sound everywhere, there is like a ball storm coming from a better lined cloud of enemies on superiority. Soon they impact us with a series of shots. Additionally our desperately attempt to flank for the difficult path was also thanked by our own band friendly fire. The game ends. Bye guys! Enrique Santos aka “Georgius” – Egoitz Urkiza aka “Deathblow”- Roberto Lopez aka “Tenchu” Pictures from MRA, UAG, Tercio and Airsoft Bilbao.
Again, we are transported in two 4x4 to a mountainous area, this time members FEAR & GOD collaborate with us through the payment in diamonds. We need to connect with several teams and to drive them to attack a water tank protected by an undetermined number of enemy troops. The command gives us coordinates and we initiate our path, the fog comes and goes still raining. We move down a fairly thick ferns area. Plants are more than 1.80m high, after a trek we realize that we made a navigation error and we are not in the best path to the goal. When we try to correct the situation we found several cut on the ground that not allow us to find the right way... so finally we reached the target in the worst way possible. We
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C3 TACTICAL THE MAN BEHIND THE MISSION KEEN TO HIGHLIGHT “GOOD PRACTICE” MILSIM WHEREVER HE MAY FIND IT, THIS MONTH BILL THOMAS SPEAKS TO KIM CHAPMAN ABOUT C3 TACTICAL AND THEIR RECENT EVENT, “BORDERWAR”.
THROUGHOUT MY YEARS PLAYING airsoft there have been numerous individuals that I’ve met that have become firm friends. One such individual is Kim Chapman, one of the superb team from C3 Tactical. Kim and I first met at a large weekender I was running; as with any large scale scenario you are totally reliant on key players to move the action along and when Kim stepped up as “Sgt Major” of the Green Team he proved to be a completely competent “man manager” and a real hard charger! It’s been my pleasure in the past to play both alongside C3 and against them and in each and every instance they’ve proved to be a capable and honourable team and much of that ethos comes directly from Kim and the rest of his cadre. But great teams don’t just appear from nowhere, so I thought it was time to catch up with Kim and have him tell us all about
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C3, especially given that they’ve just run a rural MilSim that has received praise from all who attended! AA: Hi Kim! Please can you tell me how and when C3 Tactical came into being and who the team consists of? C3: “Hi Bill. We started about 5 years ago on September 11th, cracking choice hey! Patrick Guilfoyle is my business partner and keeps things running behind the scenes and our tame Irishman, “Irish” who runs our sniper courses. “We started planning C3 about 12 years ago when all the sites were either playing paintball or paintsoft and we wanted to do something different. All the games we went to were about as militaristic as a bag of kittens and with all the hardware that everyone was carrying or wearing it just felt strange. “This has driven how we run C3 Tactical ever since. We run
MilSim C3 TACTICAL
a very friendly and easy safe zone, with a lot of banter, laughter and cracking food put on by our chef but the games are different, they are tactical, at more than the individual player level. Every game requires team work and we support this by running regular training sessions which are led by current serving or ex-forces. A lot of my guys have completed all of their basic courses and are now getting into the meaty stuff, like Leadership, Sniping and our Airborne course, plus a dozen other courses and training sessions.” AA: You have your home site at Cwmcarvan; could you tell me a little more about it?
AA: Obviously this was important for your 24 hour “BORDERWAR” MilSim; what was the overall scenario for that? C3: “This one was, of course, Irish’s idea! The game was based loosely on the fighting in Northern Ireland in the 80’s, something that the C3 site is well suited to. We used the spawn points as “Hearts and Minds” locations that had to be patrolled to and the time of arrival logged, this allowed both sides to set ambushes and OPs to keep track of the enemy’s positions and find the ideal time to destroy them (casualties
“WE DID GET HAMMERED IN ONE ENGAGEMENT WHEN OUR MEDIC WAS HIT EARLY ON, MEANING WE HAD NO WAY OF BEING MEDICED BACK IN AND ALL HAD TO BLEED OUT. THAT WAS A BRUTAL FIRE FIGHT, FOR A WOODLAND SITE WITH OPEN FIELDS AND THICK HEDGE ROWS, THAT FIRE FIGHT WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY AT CQB RANGES.“
C3: “The site itself has several streams running through it, gullies, deep ditches, bracken patches, dense hedge rows, 4 woodlands, tracks and paths and a ruin, a barn and a killing house, the start of a village complex that will include wrecked vehicles and other set dressing. The site is under constant improvement to make the individual features of the site even more exciting to fight through and provide an even better experience for our players.” AA: What’s a normal game day like at C3?
C3: “At C3 Tactical we pride ourselves on the tactics-heavy scenarios that we run. Across our site we have 16 spawn points, all placed to provide tactical flexibility across the site. We run a 30 second medic rule that adds to the excitement of the fire fights and makes control of the spawn points around the site essential for a rapid redeployment of your troops. Each scenario that is played is between 1 hour to 2 hours to allow for flanking moves around the 80-acre site and for plenty of to and fro combat between spawns. “By linking scenarios across a whole day or full weekend, with the outcome of one scenario affecting the next, or even scenarios the following day, it keeps the players involved and invested in the games, allowing them to plan as a group, any movement, vital locations to be secured, deployment of blocking forces or even where to carry out feint attacks to draw enemy from the chosen objective. “We try not to heavily script our scenarios, allowing far more interaction from the players, there may be an in-depth background, which may include major plot hooks for our games but we let the scenarios flow, even going so far as encouraging teams to set their own scenarios in certain games. “At C3 Tactical we also run in-depth training courses and plan our scenarios around this training, allowing our players to get even more out of their games and to leave C3 having experienced something they can’t find anywhere else; tactics rich scenarios, backed up by tactical play, wrapped into a game day that’s thrilling with a group of players and staff that only improve on the experience.”
were also logged to get a body count for the end of the weekend).” AA: And how did the scenario play out? C3: “As the Rebel Commander it was fascinating; I had a “border” I could retreat over where my guys could get their heads down and eat without the fear of being attacked, unlike the Government side that were always in the combat zone so had to post stags all night for their harbour and had most of their rations cold. “I had an advantage over Irish in that more of my guys had done our training courses, or were regulars at my site and were used to me firing orders at them, so they knew how to respond or react to every situation we encountered and this showed when we attacked Government held positions or were ambushed by them and instantly rolled them up. Total casualties for my side across the 24 hours were 9 dead, as opposed to the Government side that took 41 dead and 5 captured (if you had to go to re-spawn then you were “dead” and placed a token in the “dead box”, same for captured). “We did get hammered in one engagement when our medic was hit early on, meaning we had no way of being Mediced back in and all had to bleed out. That was a brutal
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CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW, BLACK
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With its minimal weight and bulk Windrunner is a great all-round piece you can always carry in your pack. Featherlight nylon fabric with dense weave offers excellent protection from wind and has a good, easy-to-reapply DWR coating. Its perfect for athletic activities such as running, as the mesh vents under the armpits and mesh inner pocket provide good airflow channels. Windrunner windshirt performs equally well in cold weather when worn over warm fleece jackets, as it adds wind and light rain resistance as well as prevents body heat from escaping.
MilSim C3 TACTICAL
fire fight, for a woodland site with open fields and thick hedge rows, that fire fight was almost entirely at CQB ranges. “As for the objectives, we managed to meet 38% of ours and the Government only managed about 17%.... Safe to say we dominated them for most of the weekend. “It has left me with a lot of new ideas and things to try out for next time. I don’t want scenario-based games for the MilSims, I want a more realistic command and control element to the game, with both commanders reacting to events on the ground, being put under pressure by enemy actions and creating their own battle plans. The weekend worked but the next one is going to be better!” Thanks so much for talking to me Kim and as always it’s been a pleasure! From what I’ve followed on social media everyone that attended “BORDERWAR” thoroughly enjoyed it. In the words of one player, Josh, attending: “Big thanks to everyone who came along and made the experience of my first MilSim so amazing. You were all so willing to help and answer any questions, which I know I would not have got at any other venue. I learnt so much in just 24 hours with you guys and loved every minute of it. Can’t wait to be back up again and do some training with you!” That in a nutshell sums up C3 Tactical for me; they’re serious about their airsoft but always have fun with it (don’t even get Kim started about “Napoleonic Airsoft”!), run a tight ship and offer first rate training but are always welcoming to new players. They play hard but always with honour, taking their hits and their objectives with equal alacrity. This to me is what airsoft should always be like and once I’m over the injury that stopped me going to “BORDERWAR” in person, rest assured I shall be getting up to Cwmcarvan at the earliest opportunity! I’ll finish with one last question for Kim; AA: If anyone is interested in joining you for one of your game days, training sessions, or MilSim events where should they head for information on the C3 schedule? C3: “Our website or Facebook page are the formal points of contact but if you want some banter and a quicker response to any questions then head over to our group page instead: www. facebook.com/C3-Tactical."
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ARE YOU FED UP WITH BEING RAKED BY FULL-AUTO FIRE AND YEARN FOR A TIME WHEN “ONE SHOT, ONE HIT” WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH? FRENCHIE MIGHT JUST HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER…
FLINTLOCK AIRSOFT AIRSOFT IS DEFINED BY the availability of weapons. That is a simple fact! If you cannot get accurate World War 1 weaponry, it’s really pointless to make yourself a spiffing loadout only to utterly ruin the effect by carrying an M4 with scope and PEQ box. You could but really, what’s the point? It therefore follows that most of us exist in a simulated military world that post-dates the Second World War. It’s true that there are now a small but useful collection of WWII
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weapons available to airsofters; MP40, Sten, MG34 and 42, Garand and others but the vast majority of airsoft guns are modern, selective-fire weapons, so most of us end up with load-outs that reflect this. Vietnam load-outs are almost as old-fashioned and as hardcore as WWII German and Allied. Modern uniforms are easy to get and are relatively inexpensive. There are, sadly, plenty of conflicts still going on that provide an endless source of ideas for ways to deport ourselves on the skirmish field but what if your heart is really, really set on battles past? What if WWI is simply too damned modern and you want to airsoft Napoleonic style? This, my friends, is where “FlintSoft” comes in. As the name suggests, FlintSoft uses airsoft guns that as closely as possible resemble flintlock weapons of yore and is the brainchild of Warren Reynolds, who runs The Hill airsoft site near Dundee. I have known Warren and The Hill for years… lots and lots of years. It was there, a long time ago that I served my time as a springer-toting newbie. During that time I bought my very first AEG, a Marui FAMAS which I ran with seven hi-caps – and it was never enough! The Hill is an interesting site. It’s small – no more than fourteen acres if I recall correctly – and wooded. Warren was always keen to make the most of the limited space he had available and I have memories of going up there to dig trenches and to erect timber and tarpaulin buildings. It is fair to say that many of my best memories of playing airsoft date back to that period. The site was such that I could run spring guns and still stand a chance of taking on the boys with their AEGs. The hills
FlintSoft FLINTLOCK AIRSOFT
made it bloody hard work at times and the nettles still sting like a bu**er, even if you are crawling through them like a tacti-cool boss! I knackered one shoulder up there and during that period started taking guns apart to squeeze as much performance from that as I could. I also learned the value of imagination, as if I needed to be taught that! Bridges that were really no more than a route marked by two ropes, a tank that had to be lifted from the inside by the crew to move... Don’t get me wrong, a real APC on site is an awesome thing but there was something almost innocent about it back then. Trust me, if everyone accepts that two ropes are a bridge and that once on it you cannot simply step off when things get too hot, it gets the heart pounding and the blood flowing just as effectively as being 100 feet off the ground! During that time I came to know Warren well – his attic was then (and I suspect is still now) just stuffed full of all sorts of militaria, a result of his passion and a fair dollop of wheelerdealing. Back then he was building custom L96 rifles because no-one did. The first time I used an airsoft M1919A4 was at The Hill; Warren built it from scratch. He is still the only place that I know of where you can get a Bren gun should you need one. I have a pair of M65 US trousers I bought from him – they were well used then and they are much more used now but I still use them on site and off! He sourced my first proper set of South African M83 webbing (the famous South African Assault Vest) and it cost me £15 if I recall correctly. You will be lucky to find an original set these days in decent condition and it’ll cost you a damned sight more. Ah! The memories! Just to guild the lily for those of you who don’t know Warren, this is someone who dug a complete tunnel system in what is now his back garden. Playing that at night was one of the most heart-
were either making their own or hunting down stock from film and TV props companies. In truth the chances of finding originals are slim and actually feeling flush enough to risk something of that rarity and value in an airsoft game would be even rarer! A basic rule is that whatever the weapon, it has to be loaded with only one BB at a time, even if you’re using a modern bolt action rifle. Warren has cast up flintlock actions that replace the bolt handle on VSR-style rifles and when bedded into a period stock, these really look the part. The sequence goes a bit like this: pull back the bolt, leaving the action open. Place the butt on the ground and drop a single BB into the barrel. Tap the butt on the ground to ensure the BB has rolled as far as it can. Close the action. Take aim, fire. Now repeat. It actually takes longer to do than the description took to write! It follows, therefore, that massive fire-power is not a feature
“THIS WILL BE AIRSOFT PLAYED AS MANY OF US, OVER A DRINK OR THREE, HAVE YEARNED FOR - A STEP AWAY FROM 40 ROUNDS PER SECOND AND TOWARDS SOMETHING THAT IS FAR MORE AD HOMINEM… MAN AGAINST MAN.”
stopping experiences of my airsofting career. It is therefore no surprise to me at all that Warren would be the man to try and take airsoft backwards through time. A quick look at www.shootandscoot.co.uk will tell you all you need to know about what awaits. A number of Warren’s FlintSoft guns are built around single shot pump action shotgun mechanism, utilising the ramrod under the barrel to charge the action. Not only is this hugely ingenious but it means that the shooter has to remove the rifle from their shoulder between shots to reload, just as their forebears would have to. This is going to slow things right down and each shot becomes much more important. Yes, if you’re organised you could volley fire but you cannot deploy the sort of withering fire that became a feature of the battlefield during the American Civil war and reached its apogee in the trenches of WWI, where machine guns made movement at times impossible. Straight off then, this will be airsoft played as many of us, over a drink or three, have yearned for – a step away from 40 rounds per second and towards something that is far more ad hominem… man against man. There is still a lot of room for personal expression and creativity; weapons and uniforms have to be hunted down or made. I asked Warren about this and he suggested that players
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“AIRSOFT IS A FAIRLY BROAD CHURCH BUT ITS CORE IS IN POST WWII WAR GAMING. THERE IS A PLACE FOR THIS KIND OF ECCENTRICITY, IN FACT I’LL GO FURTHER… THERE IS A NEED FOR IT. “ of these games and the highest number of kills occurred when the players closed on each other and, having discharged their weapons, draw swords, axes and bayonets (all rubber naturally). At this point it all gets a little crazy and the bodies hit the floor. One of the many features of the day that struck me forcibly was the sheer amount of laughing going on. This was like watching children playing soldiers… all “Bang! You’re dead!” accompanied by suitable collapsing and groaning by the afflicted player. It had me laughing along too as I hunched behind the camera because it was simply so much fun. There was no preciousness on the part of the players, regardless of the quality and quantity of kit they had. That it was a small group no doubt helped the overall atmosphere but it is really difficult for some of the bugbears of modern airsofting to get in the way of you having fun. Of course there were some nippy shots at close range but no player ever got more than one. No “accidental” full-auto at close range. No issues with hits being called – if in doubt, run the bu**er through! Airsoft is a fairly broad church but its core is in post WWII war gaming. There is a place for this kind of eccentricity, in fact I’ll go further… there is a need for it. It was like watching a load of guys recharging their batteries as they took airsoft right back to the very basics. They looked great – hopefully you can see that for yourselves – but it was all simple. You shoot, if you’re lucky you get to shoot again before having to move. It is not possible to deny area to the enemy unless you have plenty of players to hand. Each shot needs to count, more so when none of the guns had anything more than a foresight bead with which to aim. The biggest and only complaint on a lovely day was how hot the uniforms get! I’ll be honest and suggest that modern gaming doesn’t need to start looking over its shoulder for ranks of players straight from the Peninsular Campaign but it would be a fool who thought it was not the way things should be done. On a small site near Dundee it is being done and done very well and although I cannot see Marui rushing out a Brown Bess musket this side of my eventual and natural demise but weapons can be bought or made, uniforms found and it is my fervent hope
that sufficient like-minded players across the country will swell the ranks of Reynold’s Irregulars to give flintsoft greater reach and appeal. It is so rare to see something new done with airsoft that I can only applaud the players at The Hill and wish them every success. Even if I didn’t go back to play I would go back just to photograph more reckless sword charges. You don’t get to say that about airsoft very often these days!
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WAR & PEACE 2016 LAST MONTH AIRSOFT ACTION REGULARS JERRY AND ANDY TOOK A COUPLE OF DAYS TO ATTEND A VERY IMPORTANT SHOW ON EVERY MILITARY ENTHUSIAST’S CALENDAR AND TRAVELLED TO KENT FOR THE “NEW LOOK” 2016 WAR AND PEACE REVIVAL! JERRY:
Every year as July creeps nearer I always start to get excited as I know that “War and Peace”, as most of us call it, is just around the corner. The War and Peace Revival (until 2012 the War and Peace Show) is the world’s largest military vehicle and militaria collectors fair. It is held annually over several days, usually in late July, at Folkestone Racecourse (the old RAF Westenhanger) and formerly at the Hop Farm Country Park, in Kent. It
showcases hundreds of military vehicles; everything from a German WWII bicycle, up to modern main battle tanks! This year was the first in the hands of new organisers so I wanted to see how it stacked up. Each year the racecourse at Westenhanger burst into a frenzy of activity as enough tents are pitched so that they resemble a small town! The hustle and bustle as people and vehicles come and go increases as the date for the gate 42
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opening of the show gets closer. Finally, with the trenches dug, displays erected, pyrotechnics planned and militaria displays stocked, the gates swing open to the public. To give you an idea of the scale of the show, in 2015 it attracted over 100,000 visitors during its five day run! Visitors head off in all directions across the site, which by now looks like a series of sets for well-researched war films; the seasoned “gear hunters” like me immediately head towards the trade stands, looking to find those all-important finishing touches for loadouts or build projects. I normally compile a list of things I’m looking for and try, often in vain, to stick to it; this year for instance I wanted two real pistol grips for my gas AKs and came away happy with one from Izhmash and one from Tula! Others with different passions go straight towards the vehicles and then there are the living history displays with re-enactors who are ready to interact and answer questions. For those who have never been before it is a question of prioritising! From my perspective the Vietnam area was superb again this year, and the “Blackhawk Down” display is a work of art. A major part of the show revolves around the different re-enactors that portray various armies, units and events during armed conflicts during the 20th century. Especially prominent are Allied and Axis forces from the World War II, although each year there are more and more “modern” displays, with mock battles staged in a main arena using period vehicles, re-enactors and pyrotechnics. As this year the show fell on the dates of the centenary of The Battle of the Somme there was a specific focus on that, with a dedicated WWI area and some stunning memorial displays.
Event WAR & PEACE 2016
In airsoft terms there are plenty of traders onsite too and there’s a LOT to choose from; you can also often pick up a show bargain as some traders take along second-hand RIFs and boxes and boxes of used spare parts, plus many also offer some cracking “show deals”. There are also traders specialising in high-quality reproduction items and these have a wide range of uniforms for British, German and American WWII forces and modern gear is also available, both real and reproduction. Ultimately for me though, War & Peace is a place to connect with old friends, not only airsofters but re-enactors and traders alike. The new layout worked for me as it made me move through the re-enactment area to get to the traders and the positioning of the car park this year was far more forgiving to my car suspension too. I’ve been going to the show for years now and have even been one of those on a Vietnam Era Living History display; these days though I tend to just spend a couple of days at the show but even now it’s a real buzz!
ANDY:
Calibre has been on the road quite a bit this year setting up displays at shows, attending public talks on all things gun but the one show we never attend, as Calibre Shooting, is the War and Peace Revival. This, for us, is our “busman’s holiday”. Every year we throw the hammocks in the car (being from Yorkshire we’re too tight to pay for accommodation) and set off on the six hour journey to Folkestone. Arriving at the show at 09.00, I made my way to the main entrance after parking the car in a large field that is constantly being patrolled by show security. Being an ex-Tom, I was charged a discounted fee of just £10 for the day as I was able to produce evidence that I was a HM Armed Forces veteran. Once in the show ground I made my way through the living history area and down to the main arena. The living history part of the show was for me the best part of the day. There are literally hundreds of military vehicles parked up alongside what can only be described as works of art. In just a short walk I passed WW2 encampments inhabited by Germans, Yanks,
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Event WAR & PEACE 2016
British and Russians, right through to modern day military displays. The re-enactment groups really go to town in perfecting every little detail in their displays. The vehicles, all of which are the real deal, are parked up for you to enjoy at leisure. The vehicle owners were only too pleased for you to ask questions and take photos and, in some cases, even give you a quick ride. During the course of the day it wasn’t unusual to see a patrol wander on by, each member of the patrol playing their part as if they were really in the field. One of the more modern displays was of the famous “Blackhawk Down” story. The team had set up a replica market scene from down town Mogadishu, complete with said Blackhawk helicopter on its side. The live display was short but to the point and with lots of noise. The scenario depicted the team coming under fire from the Rebels and the US forces storming a building. This was quite a popular display during the day. My travel from the living history area brought me past the main arena and into the stallholders area. This is a bargain hunters Valhalla. If you want it, it doesn’t matter what it is, you’ll find it here. Quite a few of the stallholders have travelled from the length and breadth of Europe to attend the show and it’s quite possible to end up with something you can’t normally get in the UK. There is everything military, from buttons to
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missiles for sale. Looking round some of the gun traders I managed to find quite a lot of spare parts (rails, grips, stocks and woodwork) that would make an Airsoft gun tech drool. There are quite a few bargains to be had also. I managed to pick up a good quality real steel leather holster for my Glock for just £3.00! Throughout the day the main arena has displays filling the air with noise, smoke and flames. The main event of the day is held at 15.00. On the Wednesday that I visited the event was set in Vietnam; a very small group of VC were hiding in the mock village when a US patrol was ambushed. The patrol retreated to regroup and call for reinforcements. Like always the US didn’t disappoint the crowd that had gathered as the VC were defeated by the armour and fire power that the Yanks brought into the arena. The noise was deafening and the explosions fantastic and throughout, the display was accompanied by a running commentary. This is truly a family day out and definitely one for the period air-softer. There were a few Airsoft retailers at the show but I would have liked to see more as there is a big market to be had at such an event. The day ended with aching feet and so it was off to my digs (offered for free from my colleague Jerry) and a look forward to day two. The show is on for five days each year with displays in the main show arena running all day. There are plenty of food courts and free parking, public talks as well as book signings and military activities for all to enjoy. This is one show that I will return to every year.
JERRY:
Dates for the War and Peace Revival 2017 have already been set for the 2th to the 29th. To keep up with developments please visit www.warandreacerevival.co or like their Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you there!
Inside Airsoft DANGER ZONE CUSTOMS
INSIDE THE DANGER ZONE LES LEE GOES INSIDE AIRSOFT WITH A VISIT TO A COMPANY THAT CAUGHT HIS ATTENTION AT THE RECENT AIRSOFT SHOWCASE. WHILST WANDERING AROUND this year’s Airsoft Showcase in Gloucester, I came across a trade stand which definitely caught my attention. That reason was that not only was it a bold statement of black and yellow (which typically indicates danger) but more to the point, I recognised absolutely nothing, not a single thing - but it was all most definitely for tactical use in Airsoft (and probably a few other outdoor sports or hobbies to boot). As usual, my curiosity was too powerful to simply walk on by so I stopped and started to trawl through these rather unique pieces of gear which were clearly custom made with the Airsoft world in mind. I have to say that from the first item that I picked up to the last that I put down I felt that these guys were now in my crosshairs and so I introduced myself and as you would expect, I started asking a lot of questions. Rob and Nick were very busy but as any determined reporter would do, I persevered until I eventually got their attention (even if it was just to get rid of me) but that wasn’t the case at all, in fact they were really interested in the fact that I was asking a lot of questions about the array of custom kit that they had on display. I was also aware that they had a lot of curious and cash wielding customers awaiting their attention, so I politely said that I would pop back when they had a quiet five minutes, but this was not to be because their unique range of tactical gear was in big demand all day so I never did get a chance to find out more. Anyway, fast forward a week or two and Rob contacted Nige and asked if he could get in touch with me and so we made that happen and it was time to find out what Danger Zone Customs were all about.
(Saxon), Dave (Bayley) and Nick (Thomas). We all worked at The Zed Events Zombie Manor in Daresbury, which is where we all started playing Airsoft. “When the Manor closed down late 2014 we were all gutted and a few of us wanted to carry on working in the industry, so decided to put all our skills together. Dave had already been working on altering and designing his own kit and had been thinking about starting to sell to small retailers, as they proved popular with the players coming to the Manor. This also became apparent the more games we attended, the smaller items such as the bb bags and gas pouches were quite popular so we started to make tactical items for our personal kit and for friends. It was when we started doing this that we noticed that Airsofters come in all shapes and sizes and standard military kit sometimes isn’t suitable. The more our kit was shown the more interest we got from other sites then we
Les: Hello Rob, nice to chat again and this time uninterrupted so what better place to begin than when, where and how was Danger Zone Customs started, so can you give me a brief history from the start up until where you are today? Rob: “Danger Zone Customs was founded in 2015 by Rob www.airsoft-action.online
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realised we had a product that people liked that we could make to a high quality. “After working out of our back room for months on end and things started to grow, we decided it was time we got a workshop to further sell our products. Since opening we have been designing new products and refining old ones and started doing our fully tailored custom work, such as a 1980s SAS load out. We have also been working hard on trying to build the DZC brand name by going to social events and events such as the Airsoft Showcase.” Les: So where can our readers find you guys and what can they expect to find? Rob: “We are based smack bang in the middle of Trafford Park, so we are very easy to get to with plenty of parking. The facilities we have are pretty basic but have everything that we need. “In the building we have our small shop front; we don’t see the need to have a massive shop as most of our items are custom-made so it is mainly for people to get a glimpse at what we do. We also have the workshop, this is the heart and soul of DZC and where all the magic happens, in here we have everything you can think of to make every type of kit and clothing. Along with our tailoring and alteration services this area is always busy. “Lastly we have the studio; one of the main points to DZC is that we want to try and do as much as possible in-house, this includes doing our own marketing and advertising, supplementing this with a full range of photo shoot packages.” Les: So tell us about you guys and who does what. Rob: “We have three directors at DZC, we don’t have official titles yet but in a nutshell; Rob is in charge of production and sales of the DZC basics range, smaller items such as the BB Bags, Gas/HPA and Mag pouches that are sold on our website
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and various other online shops, as well as directly from our workshop in Trafford Park. “Dave is responsible for product design and custom designs and manufacture and trained in furniture restoration and brings skills learnt in upholstery, cabinet making and polishing to the company, along with experience of working in industry and higher education. “Nick’s main roles include the photography and media side of things from stock photos to adverts, using his many years in the media industry. Along with the website, Nick is the main social media representative for DZC. “We have all been playing for around 4 years since we met at the Manor and haven’t found a sport we enjoyed more.” Les: Is Danger Zone Customs wholly dedicated to Airsoft or do you stock other products to effectively make it of interest to other hobbyists. Rob: “Although mainly focused on the Airsoft market, we realised that shortly after opening, our kit can be easily adaptive to other sports and hobbies. Paintball and practical pistol mostly, but we have also had some of our pouches used by customers of ours that go fishing (we’re not sure how as none of us fish personally, but he seemed happy!” Les: Do you also sell any big name products or consumables, or indeed anything else at all? Rob: “No, just the one brand... Ours! All of the stock that we sell is designed and handmade by us in our workshop. It is very important to us that the quality of the product that we put out is something that we would be happy to wear ourselves and to this end we rigorously test it… mainly by pulling each other round the shop by a mag pouch or tac vest and we game test all new ranges multiple times before we release them. The feedback that we have received has been great with most of the comments centring on how durable and versatile our kit is.
Inside Airsoft DANGER ZONE CUSTOMS
Another reason is because we are a custom company; most of the requests for work that we get are because there is nothing else like what they want available out there.” Les: So what are your most popular and “in demand” products? Rob: “Our two most popular items are our BB Bags and gas bottle pouches through our online stores. Our HPA pouches seem to be popular at the minute with retailers now that HPA set ups are being used more frequently.” Les: Do you have connections with any other parties such as local teams or organisations, charities, etc? Rob: “We are all part of a small local team called “Team Bacon”. We met Terry from Pilgrim Bandits at a couple of events and think the work they are doing is great, so at our Cold Recon event in September we will be hosting a raffle with all of the money raised going to their charity.” Les: Going back to your premises, what can a customer expect upon entering the Danger Zone? Rob: “Black and yellow… and lots of it! When someone first comes into the building they are greeted by a full-on assault of the eyes, it’s bright but definitely memorable. Inside you will find a display of the full range of our tactical gear, along with 3 guys fuelled on Red Bull and pies. We will always make time for everyone that comes through the door whether they want something small or a full new load out, and if you’re nice you may even get a brew. “With Cold Recon 0 coming up soon there will be people milling around the workshop more and more, making props and discussing storylines. But what people should mainly expect is a functioning workshop. We do have a shop to show off what we can do and let people come and try things out. For us it’s all about the custom work.” Les: What makes your customer service excel above others? Rob: “What makes DZC’s customer service better than most is that we can give the customer exactly what they want, whether it be size, colour, material. We haven’t said no to a custom request yet and don’t plan to. This along with our relaxed atmosphere, makes it a great place for customers to come and make full use of our personalised tailoring service.” Les: As you do carry a certain amount of readymade kit in the shop, if an item isn’t in stock, how long before it can be
‘built’ and sent to a customer. Rob: “However long it takes us to make it. We do have a buildup of stock of our “basic” range so if it’s through the internet then we normally try to despatch within 3 days for smaller items. If someone comes into the shop wanting a pouch or something small that we don’t have in stock we can make it while they wait and have a brew. Obviously larger items such as plate carriers, chest rigs, clothing and custom work can take longer depending on the size and quantity of items wanted.” Les: Well I think that just about covers everything - and some! Thank you for a very interesting look into the world of custom kit Rob. So as they say, “It’s a wrap” on this very immersive insight into custom made Airsoft kit from a very professional and completely passionate “army of three” AKA Rob, Nick & Dave of Danger Zone Customs. Danger Zone Customs If you’re looking for a multicolour 27A Long Wood Road tactical outfit which would not look Trafford Park out of place in a Pride parade then look M17 1PZ no further as these guys have got you
Contact:
covered, quite literally!
0161 848 8525 www.dangerzonecustoms.co.uk info@dangerzonecustoms.co.uk
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TACTICAL SNEAKER BOOT n Ultra-lightweight n Multi-sectioned sole for better maneuverability and grip n Tactical sports fit n Vented instep n Cordura side and tongue n Suede finish UK Sizes: 6-12 Colours: Black / Coyote / Green SRP: £44.50
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Loaded or Unloaded SCANDI COOL
Pics: Spartan Airsoft
IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING A NEW LOADOUT WHICH IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT BUT THAT HAS A THOROUGHLY UP TO THE MOMENT FEEL, THEN JERRY NOONE MAY WELL HAVE THE SOLUTION FOR YOU – IN THE SHAPE OF SWEDISH M90.
SCANDI COOL SWEDISH M90 CAMOUFLAGE is really quite unique and has been used by that country’s armed forces for some considerable time now. However, with the original temperate pattern still very much in use, there are now new variants to give a concealment solution for any given environment and new manufacturers working with the pattern. I’ve always wondered why the Swedish pattern was so individual and seeing some of my old mates from the wellestablished and highly respected Bristol Recon creating an entire and extremely effective team loadout in the pattern, I thought it time to get my detective hat on and find out more! Information on the M90 pattern is extremely scarce but taking some background from the excellent blog www. strikehold.net, which is run by a very good friend of mine, I was able to track down some information. My sincere thanks go to him for allowing me to reproduce this information. “Throughout the Cold War Sweden resolutely followed a policy of international independence and armed neutrality. But unlike Switzerland, which depended primarily on its difficult terrain for defence and purchased much of its military equipment from Western countries, Sweden took a more self-sufficient approach. In the great open spaces of the north they adopted a reactive strategy based around the mobile force-projection and firepower of armoured mechanised ground forces. In the more populous and vulnerable south of the country they implemented a strategy of defence-in-depth based on the integration of mechanised ground forces, mobile amphibious infantry, naval forces and coastal fortifications. In both the north and south, the surface elements were supported and protected by a large air force comprising of a high number of advanced interceptor and ground-attack aircraft. “Also, unlike the Swiss, Austrians or Finns, the Swedes protected their independence further by relying almost exclusively on domestic companies to manufacture military equipment specific to their requirements (although they did receive some covert US assistance in the field of advanced aviation technologies). The result was that the Swedish armed
forces became well-equipped with advanced equipment built to perform well in tough environments.” Currently, Sweden has military forces deployed in Afghanistan with the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. Swedish forces were part of the previous International Security Assistance Force (2002-2014) in Afghanistan and also part of the multinational Kosovo Force and has a naval force deployed to the Gulf of Aden as a part of Operation Atalanta. Military observers from Sweden have been sent to a large number of countries, including Georgia, Lebanon, Israel and Sri Lanka and Sweden also participates with staff officers to missions in Sudan and Chad. Going back to the phrase “well-equipped”, of course that starts with something as simple as the uniform worn by the Swedish soldier and “M90” is the camouflage pattern used by the Swedish Armed Forces. Along with the standard pattern, desert and jungle variants have been developed for the international peace-keeping missions in Afghanistan and Liberia. The pattern employs basically a downscaled pattern of what has been used on vehicles since the late 1970s, consisting of hard lined geometric shapes in order to create a camouflage pattern effective in the temperate forests and plains of Sweden. M90 camouflage comprises of four colours: dark green, medium green, dark navy blue and grey. Navy blue was chosen instead of
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black because natural shadows generally tend to be in shades of blue to the human eye, much like the approach taken by other manufacturers with their “shades of grey”. M90 uniforms entered service during the late 1980s, with widespread issue from the early 1990s. The three main patterns are: • M90F: the F stands for “Fält” or Field and this is the standard uniform for general issue throughout the Swedish armed forces. • M90P: the P stands for “Pansar” or Armour and this model is issued to armoured vehicle crews. It features padding on elbows and knees, suspenders, a shorter jacket, ankle pockets and penholders on the sleeves. It is also made from a heavier material providing better fire protection. • M90H: the H stands for “Helikopter” or Helicopter. This is the model issued to helicopter crews. The jacket is bright orange on the inside. • The changing mission involvement for the Swedish military, with a heavier emphasis on operations overseas, has led to two new variants: • M90L: for forces working in hotter climates. The L stands for “Lätt” or Light. This uniform is made from thinner fabrics. • M90TR “Tropik” or Tropic is for forces working in rain forest environments. Similar in appearance to the M90L but the fabric is even thinner and with more subdued colours. • M90TR BE “Tropik Beige” has been designed for forces working in desert environments. Similar to the M90TR but with the splinter pattern in desert colours. The M90TR BE system also includes a smock because nights in desert environments can be very cold Given that many operations are taking place in desert areas
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there is also M90K Ökenkamo, a camouflage uniform designed for use in desert environments. It has been issued to troops of the Swedish ISAF contingent from 2004 onward. It contains the standard M90 splinter pattern, re-coloured for use in a desert environment. M90K has earth brown, light green and medium grey splinters on a sand-coloured background.
TAKING IT TO THE AIRSOFT FIELD
What really set me off in relation to the M90 variants was seeing the team from Bristol Recon. I first met the founding members a few years ago as they were, like me, originally all regulars at a site called Ultimate Airsoft near Bristol. They played alongside each other a lot before Dave (Elvis) decided to set up the team with a small number of core founding members. For several years UA was their home site, now they play across the UK so don’t really have a home site as such,
Loaded or Unloaded SCANDI COOL
although they admit they do have some favourites! As with all teams that have been around for a while, they’ve got a core group of players who have been with the team since it started in early 2008. They’ve also had some great friends who have joined and left but I think that’s part of being a healthy and established team. Initially most of the team were from the Bristol area but now they have players from further afield including Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Wales and Shropshire. There are currently 10 active players (well, some more active than others!): BR-01 Elvis, BR-02 Sabre, BR04 PJ, BR-08 Ares, BR-10 Spidey, BR-14 Sparkz, BR-16 Hawk, BR-17 Jester, BR-23 JD and BR-26 Mook. They’re a team who love to play a variety of airsoft, a variety of sites and most importantly have a good time while playing. Two of the lads are passionate WW2 players who have some brilliant kit and they have a group who are more MilSim orientated (Fireteam Viking). They play Sunday skirmishes, themed days, through to fullon MilSim weekends. Over the years they’ve played something like 60 sites and approaching 70 weekenders, so they definitely get around a bit. With some great friends in Sweden, they’re planning a trip over for their first taste of international airsoft next year. I asked Dave (BR-01 Elvis) when they had first encountered M90 and why did they start using it. He told me: “Darren (BR02) and I originally played at Ground Zero loads when we first started and we wore Danish M84 which is a great woodland pattern. On one skirmish we met a couple of lads who were wearing a strange looking splinter pattern that was working very well in the woodland. It looked good! Not long afterwards we set up the team. “It took a while to decide on a pattern but as we played mostly woodland back then and we wanted to go with something a
little different, M90 fitted the bill nicely. It also helped that Jock, one of our 4 founding members, bought himself a full set of M90; seeing it in action again definitely convinced us to go with M90. From a pure practical pattern for the environment we played in, it’s become a core part of who we are and has got a few of us interested in more accurate Swedish inspired kit/loadouts.”
PULLING THE LOADOUT TOGETHER
Dave also told me that for woodland (or events where they need to be “green”) most of the team run with TacGear M90 KSK Combat pants and TacGear shirt or UBACS, married up with either a TacGear boonie or replica OpsCore helmet. It’s no secret they, again like me, are huge fans of the bombproof Warrior Assault Systems kit, so virtually all of them run with either Coyote Brown RPC Shooter’s Cut carriers, or the WAS Recon 901 chest rig in OD. They’ve also
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got a growing amount of SnigelDesign gear; they’re a Swedish company who manufacture some high quality kit. If Bristol Recon are playing CQB or MilSim, you tend to find them in the desert version of M90, known as M90K and they’ll usually run with a mix of the superb Taiga gear or some replica kit (surplus M90K is as rare as you know what!). They then tend to wear the WAS RPC or SnigelDesign PAL-10 plate carrier and replica OpsCore. If you’re looking for M90 there are several manufacturers of the woodland M90, including Artkis, TacGear, TacupGear, Taiga and of course surplus issued gear from army surplus stores. Dave told me they’d also come across some domestic Swedish manufacturers and a few clones/rip-offs. His firm favourites are Arktis and TacGear; some of the team have been using and abusing their original M90 for 7-8 years and they tell me it’s still going strong. It’s more expensive than some of the manufacturers but obviously you definitely get what you pay for. On the other hand genuine surplus kit also works really well, just make sure it’s got the three crowns on the label so you know it’s not a knock-off. The guys are regularly asked about their M90 and where to buy it in the UK. Again Dave told me: “There used to be 2-3 go-to retailers in the UK for TacGear, unfortunately it’s now really hard to come by here unless you go to eBay. “If you can stretch to it, definitely go with Arktis for their kit, as it is high quality and they’ll manufacture items for you if they don’t have it in stock. We also tend to buy a lot of our kit overseas through three Swedish stores; Cold Skills, Faltbutiken and Rodastjarnan. Service from all three is great. You can find some gems in local army surplus stores, for example Marcruss Stores in Bristol tends to have some M90 in stock regularly. “It also helps that the team has some good friends in Sweden to help us source hard to find items; a huge thank you to Rikard, Robin and Thomas!” I did do a little searching around and www.flecktarn.co.uk have a reasonably priced M90 suit of shirt and trousers in stock. M90 mediumweight combat shirt or jacket, never issued. Swedish nationality insignia removed. The shirt at £28.80 features the distinctive Swedish M90 green tone camouflage in angular shapes. The shirt has a button down front with a velcro tab at the bottom, velcro cuffs, traditional collar and commando style chest epaulette. It has two large chest pockets which close with velcro and a feature a pen slot. The left chest has velcro for a name tape and right arm has a velcro panel for insignia. The elbows are over-patched with an extra layer and the sleeves have an upper arm button for securing them in a rolled-up position. The trousers at £34.95 are original Swedish military M90 medium-weight combat trousers, never issued. The trousers feature a wider seat and
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hips tapering to narrower lower leg, double button waist and chunky zip fly, pleat front, hip pockets with press button closures, large zippered cargo pockets on both legs, a shaped knee reinforcement patch, lower leg zippers on left and right legs, Cordura lower legs ending in an elastic ankle cuff with double stage press button studs. The Cordura lower legs help to make the trousers more resistant to scuffing near the boot. If you fancy following the lead of Bristol Recon then this is a great place to start; with the uniform in place it’s then just a case of adding the tactical gear and accessories that you like. If you need more inspiration then search out information on Särskilda Operationsgruppen (SOG) and Särskilda Skyddsgruppen (SSG) as there some superb reference pictures online to help you in your gear choices! I’ll conclude this month by thanking www.strikehold.net and Dave from Bristol Recon for sharing information with me. I’d also like to thank Snook Snaps, SAS Photography and Spartan Airsoft for kindly sharing some of the “in game” images used in the article.
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HOW DO YOU CARRY YOUR KIT? OFTEN OVERLOOKED, HOW YOU CARRY YOUR KIT CAN SOMETIMES BE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE KIT ITSELF, SO IN THIS MONTH’S DEBATE, GADGE SIMPLY ASKS “HOW DO YOU CARRY YOUR KIT?” IF THERE IS ONE THING as individual in airsoft as your choice of primary gun, then it’s going to be how you hump all your kit around the site. Everyone’s solution seems to be different and whether you’re a “light and fast” sort of person or loaded for battle each weekend, the chances are you‘ve tried out a fair few ideas, assault vests and webbing rigs before you found that ideal solution. This month we asked our readers how they carried their kit. Were they relying on speed as their security and just stuffing a spare mag in a combat jacket pocket, or were they full-on MilSim gamers who needed a bergan full of combat rations, 56
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basha and a small repair kit to keep them self-sufficient in the field for three or four days? Players have a bewildering amount of options in today’s world. Gone are the days where surplus military “webbing” in canvas or nylon was used to carry their kit. While that option is still there (and undeniably cheap) there are hundreds of assault vests, chest rigs, tactical “go bags”, ops jackets and even body armour plate carriers that can have pouches and rigs attached to choose from. For most players it’s what works best on a Sunday skirmish and many of you found that after starting off with “real steel” webbing loadouts, you now strip your kit down to
Debate KIT CARRYING
the essentials and rock a MOLLE belt with a few pouches, or perhaps just a chest rig full of mid-caps. Some of you told us you went for a very specific look and chose your webbing and load carrying kit to match that real world unit’s specific kit for that particular war or military unit. This can often be a more expensive option (especially if the kit has been out of production for a while and no repros exist) and usually ends up with a “style over substance” loadout, with a lot of extra pouches and packs that are essential for a real world operator but less useful to a Sunday skirmisher... field trauma management med-pack anyone? The overall feeling, however, was that adaptability was the key and being able to tailor your load-bearing kit to your AEG or the scenario was essential to most of you. Anyway, without further ado, here is what you had to say!
to a molle belt three years ago for the Gunman International and have never bothered going back. Far more comfy and less sweaty with near enough the same carrying capacity. Usually a pistol with two mags, technically up to 6 AK mags (although usually one is full of granola bars and another has a speedloader), two grenades and a radio along with a large utility pouch for “stuff” and a dump pouch. Non-essential and heavier stuff goes in the backpack.” Anthony S Lovatt: “I wear a Molle belt with a yoke, two G3 mag pouches, pistol mag pouch, tool kit pouch, dump pouch with spare bbs, suppressor pouch, pistol holster, garden pruners, radio pouch,
Richard Power: “I use a dyed green desert British army molle vest. Cheap, second hand and with lots of pouches fully customisable for you load out. Depending on the game length/ type, I can change my load out accordingly. If I need lots of BBs I have a cloth bag with the drinks lid sewn in to it (3,000 capacity).” Scott Allan: “It depends on the event; if it’s a MilSIm/Combat Mission and it is as much about the look as the game then a bigger rig. If I’m playing a skirmish to win then it’s as little as possible on a chest rig.” Barnes Kno Al: “For a normal skirmish day I’ve found that jeans, a ubacs top and an old blue stab vest cover works fine. A cheap holster on my belt for a pistol and two 7.62 quick mag pouches for the Scar H. A single point sling for the rifle and a baseball cap to save my forehead. Super light, quick to get on and off and minimal fuss. I don’t like to spend ages on kit when I pay my money to pull the trigger as often as I can.” Martin Garrett: “I use a chest rig pretty much all year round. In this I’ve got three hi-caps, a radio and a bag of spare ammo (3,000). I play at MMA in Cornwall which is a woodland site and I use my rifle more like a support weapon, hence the hi-caps.” Patrick Storrar: “I use a molle belt with a first aid kit, dump pouch, radio pouch, spare pistol mag for the pistol in a drop leg, and mags for the primary. Normally either five MP7 gbb, or six M4 aeg etc. It’s light and easy.” Dave Langdown: “Tactical Mankini every time!” Dave Clark: “I wear planet eclipse playing gear with a spare battery in the squeegy pouch, then a dye paintball pack with six mags in and a bottle of bbs! Job done! Light, fast and slim! No unnecessary tactical gear.” Richard Daws: “I use a flecktarn molle tactical vest with mag pouches, spare bb bag pouches and radio pouch. Belt system with first aid kit, dump pouch water bottle and grenade pouches with drop leg panel on one side for extra grenade pouches and leg holster on the other. Day sack/hydration system on the back and a set of waterproofs. I use the M4 pouches on my kit as grenade pouches and G36 pouches as my primary ammo pouches.” Christopher Fearn: “Always as light as possible. No excess kit. I use webbing if required for extra hi-caps. I’m changing to a sniper load out soon so it will then be rifle, spare mag and pistol only.” Ian Mays: “In the Autumn/Winter I use a CIRAS type vest with all the bells and whistles. In the Spring/Summer I go for a chest rig same mag capacity but lose most of the survival/first aid kit and comms etc.” Nick Thompson: “I used to run an assault vest but switched
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Debate KIT CARRYING
rubber knife sheath and hydration bladder. Everything is ghillied and has hair bands attached for vegetation. If am using a bolt action I will lose the G3 mag pouches as the rifle has a shock pouch with two mags in there and for long games I will also have a large belt pouch attached so I can carry food with me.” Stip Warne: “A chest rig does me for most things.” Andrew Lane: “I like to change my rig depending on which weapon I’m using. A chest rig for my AEG. A shoulder bag or pouch for Sniper role. Most liberating, however, is a tri-barrel shotgun and half a dozen shells.” Tom O’Connor: “I pack heavy.” Sam Tonks: “I used to cover myself in pouches and kit. Recently started not bothering and just running a belt as lighter is just better.” Sy Vuong: “I have a medium and small utility pouch and magazine holders for four Glock 19 mags. Used to use an M4 but have more fun with my Glock 19.” Andy Davidson: “My kit is a tactical molle vest, ubac, top dump pouch, two mag pouches, a small canvas bag with tools, batteries and bbs.” Richard “Jimmy” Lowton: “Summer time: team t-shirt, 3/4 or full length combats, a couple of mag pouches on the belt. The other 11 months: either fancy dress, or plate carrier with three 5.56 mag pouches, a couple of pistol mag pouches and room for a snickers/pyro or two.” Ian “Taz” Stokes: “I am a fan of Russian federation kit. My favourite being the smersh, a load bearing harness that has changed since introduction in early 90’s, to the extent I have 3 different variants from an early Sbruya, Azvient smersh and hybrid modern smersh to compensate for LMG and PKM variant magazines. Then there are a plethora of older style vests
such as tarzan and pioneer with are exceptionally functional holding up to 8 mags contrasted by the molle vest variants used by the day to day military.” Alex Holmes: “Old school webbing! I use midcaps so I couldn’t fit all of them in my pockets, I need more. And you have to keep it organised so you know where everything is, a place for everything and everything in its place!” Dan Adamson: “Like Ian, I like to run Russian kit. Depending on event, loadouts can vary. For fast and light, I like to run AK74su, with tiger kamysh camo and sso jaegar chest rig and dump pouch, kneepads and bandana. It allows freedom of body movement and fast moving if needed. My main role is support gunner, running RPK with drum mag, M23 vest in flora (one of few vests that can hold RPK mags) and old recon satchel attached to belt with spare ammo bag of 3,000 inside. If crappy and cold weather, run with BARS Gorka 4, if decent weather or warm, SSO partizan top and bottom and kneepads. Lightweight but very good quality. Love it!” Robbie Durham: “For me it’s US ALICE webbing, two mag pouches for six mags, two water bottles in pouches and a butt pack for loose bbs and spare battery suits me perfectly.” Matthew Philpott: “I like to run fast and light for a standard skirmish game; British tac vest hoodies and a Baggie pair of combats. If it’s woodland and longer games I’ll add a bag to my belt for extra ammo and a bottle of water. My other games are Film or MilSim so then it’s period load out.”
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LES LEE HEADS INTO THE WILDS OF KENT TO VISIT COOL UNDER FIRE’S NEWEST SITE.
COOL UNDER FIRE: BATTLEGROUNDS ONCE AGAIN I FOUND MYSELF on a journey to the middle east (of Kent) on a glorious summer day to execute my invitation to Cool Under Fire’s newest Airsoft site, an area of varied and rather unique terrain of hills and valleys, woodlands and marshlands known as “CUF: BATTLEGROUNDS”. This is easy to find with a satnav which will take you to the farm entrance, which is further marked with a red and a blue flag and a short drive along a decent roadway will lead you into the parking area and safe zone. Parking is plentiful and immediately adjacent to the safe zone where you will find the check-in desk, covered areas and proper separate male and female toilets, complete with delicate, floral fragrances emitting from air fresheners (a little home comfort is liked by many but admitted by few). I think what I am trying to get across is that these guys pay great attention to detail in all areas - and that includes the bogs! Free tea and coffee, free battery charging, on site tech, on site shop, proper toilets, tuck shop and of course, the burger stand are all in place. Platoon Stores, Kent’s premier Airsoft store are the highly respected on-site shop and always well received because Peter Everett and James Smith really know their stuff. The shop has an array of kit and RIF’s unlike many other site shops, hence their popularity. If you want or need something (within reason) then I’ll bet you a bag of BBs that they have it with them on 60
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the day. But before we get into the site facts, I would like to introduce you to the team behind Cool Under Fire and how it all developed. The name came from one of the club’s founders, James T Kirby, where it had been used as a clan name for the multi-player computer game Quake and it continued into the fruition of CUF. James got to work with fellow creator, Karl Gunn, on their first site and a woodland area between
Site Report COOL UNDER FIRE – BATTLEGROUNDS
Faversham and Sittingbourne was developed in August 2011, which became a very popular and successful site. After some years they decided that it was time to expand and around a year and a half ago they were offered 60 acres of very mixed terrain, useless as agricultural land as it had been desecrated by years of recreational four wheel drive enthusiasts. Nor was it user friendly for most other outdoor activities but it was just perfect for Airsoft so once the red tape had been cut through and health and safety had been risk-assessed, it was a go! The team of James, Karl, Jason Stringer and Gary Humphries got to work to turn this wreck of an area into a fighting arena of valleys, hills, dense scrubland and much more, until it was both ready for skirmishers and of course, very fit for purpose. The overall area which is a five minute walk from the safe zone, is absolutely a Snipers dream. The many vantage points were both varied and offered enough density and concealment to get their overall kill numbers up into perhaps three figures. Indeed, during my visit I saw a couple of lightly armed Mercs. crawling through the scrub undetected and taking out a whole detail of gunmen with just a few shots from their primary weapons… pistols! If stealth is your preferred style of play then there are no other sites (that I have seen) that offer the same level of secretion and surprise. Definitely something to take into account whether you are the shooter or the shot, a kind of open CQB style. Even if you are with a few teammates on a hilltop vantage point feeling that you are safe, don’t think for one minute that you are because crawling up the overgrown grassy embankments around you is most likely an armed snake in the grass carrying a BB with your name on it! The whole site is suited to BattleSim and MilSim style games, with one multi-objective mission with many sub-
objectives built in. You could feel the intensity of the game play just by observing as I did. The hills and hollows meant that there was little point in planning your course of action down to the last detail because one step around the wrong corner could end your strategic attack on the objective and take out half your platoon in a few seconds. Okay, time for lunch and my, oh my, oh my, what a top quality lunch it was too! There was a choice suitable for everyone but I settled for just a plain old burger. But this wasn’t just a bulk-bought burger of who knows what ingredients, this burger was THE tastiest meat I have eaten at any Airsoft site and being the nosey old git that I am, I asked the girls behind the grill about its origins and was told that these are locally made with the finest of meats and ingredients that you might expect from a country farmland butchers. So that adds another
“EVEN IF YOU ARE WITH A FEW TEAMMATES ON A HILLTOP VANTAGE POINT FEELING THAT YOU ARE SAFE, DON’T THINK FOR ONE MINUTE THAT YOU ARE BECAUSE CRAWLING UP THE OVERGROWN GRASSY EMBANKMENTS AROUND YOU IS MOST LIKELY AN ARMED SNAKE IN THE GRASS CARRYING A BB WITH YOUR NAME ON IT!”
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Site Report COOL UNDER FIRE – BATTLEGROUNDS
good dimension of what you can expect at CUF Battlegrounds! If I had to make one observation it would be that the safe zone and notso-safe zone had no definitive border areas. For example, the shooting/test range was not, in my opinion, marked as well as it could be but Jason was quick to remind me that as the site is relatively new, there were still many jobs to do and that they are well aware of this and it was next on the list to be completed. This is also highlighted in the safety briefing and after seeing that the bulk of the players on the day were clearly very experienced ‘softers, I’m happy with that! What I did enjoy was the friendly attitude that was evident from when I arrived up until I left. Regrettably in this day and age, some Airsoft sites (and indeed all sports clubs) have developed a reputation for being “cliquey” and if I had been a new player at a site where this was the case, I most certainly wouldn’t return. Every site should welcome new players with open arms because at the end of the day we all share the same single common interest which should (according to the instructions) bring everyone closer together. I’m the first to admit that although I rock up in some fairly decent gear and carry nice weaponry, I’m a cr*p player but it matters not because I just love the club atmosphere and social element of the game and I don’t ever recall having a bad day that I regretted going to. Before I finish my digression I must add that CUF is definitely up there amongst the “friendliest sites in the South East” that I have had the pleasure to visit. From the “man hugs” when I arrived to the cries of “please come back and spend a day with us Les, you are always welcome mate”, they made me feel welcome. A nice parting memory to remember. I managed to grab Jason, the Head Marshal for a few moments and asked Tel: 07960 532613 him for a brief summary of his time with Offices: Unit 127, CUF and this is what he had to say: 15 Church Street, “My first game was many years ago Weybridge, and from the start I was hooked. Cool Surrey, KT13 8DE Under Fire was a great first site to attend. Site: Cool Under Fire: Very friendly bunch who were willing Battlegrounds, to help a new player out. CUF started Uplees Road, out as just WW2 games and changed as Uplees, Oare, more people attended and brought in a Faversham, wide range of games. I’ve been involved Kent, ME13 0QR with airsoft for many years, first as a player, then part time Marshal, moving www.coolunderfire.co.uk
Contact:
on to head Marshal working under James and Karl. I’m also the site tech and deal with promo. James is the front man, booking in players, ordering of stock and also doing promo. Karl is the man with the plan, he has designed the site and thinks up all the games, the more challenging the better. He is also our prop and pyro. guy. I must mention that we have recently been granted permission to use motor vehicles in the game area which is exciting news as it will add a completely new dimension to the variety of games that we can offer and develop”. So as you can see, the warmth and friendliness at any CUF site isn’t exclusively directed to visiting media, everyone will feel the love! I also managed to ask Jason about a typical game synopsis and he responded with: “Mostly we like to play multi-objective style games. For example, teams cannot progress to the next stage of the game until certain things are done. It may be moving a gun in pieces, get it to a position and hold it until a certain time then move on to the next objective. We like to vary the games to keep things fresh”. These are relatively early games at CUF Battlegrounds with an average attendance of around 30 plus but this is steadily increasing as the weeks go by and judging by the passion that drives these guys (and the burgers), I can see that they will soon have that figure doubled. Rental guns are a mix of M4s, AKs and G36s and are available to suit your load out but some M249s are on the agenda as the profits made are reinvested into the site - and that is how a good site becomes a great site. Future plans include the building of more defensive structures and some FOBs in different areas if and/or when the attendance increases but for now, they are intent on keeping the whole area manageable and in line with numbers. It’s also worth noting that overnight games are on the agenda, so if that’s your thing then it might be worth keeping an eye on their very informative website or Facebook group for updates. So to wrap this review up, what exactly is CUF Battlegrounds? Well it’s not woodland, it’s not CQB, it’s not a quarry and it’s not an open field but what it is, is a mixture of all four and not forgetting that it’s a snipers paradise! Would I recommend it? Of course, because I love to find a site in the early stages of development as whatever is built or added will only enhance the arena and it is great to see how things grow from the early days. As the site grows so will the attendance of our very own Airsoft special forces, military, contractors and operators and I honestly think that the very unique layout of this site will offer some great adrenalin rush moments because you will never have any idea what is waiting for you around the next corner, or over the top of the next hill. I’ve seen it in action and I want some because like life itself, CUF Battlegrounds is full of surprises! Les OUT!
playairsoft@coolunderfire.co.uk
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COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY MODERN AIRSOFT COMMS CAN BE QUITE CONFUSING, SO WHEN JERRY BUMPED INTO THE GUYS FROM TACTICAL ASSOCIATES, HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PICK THEIR BRAINS ON THE SUBJECT. IN AIRSOFT THERE’S AN ONGOING debate about “comms”, what radios to use an how best to use them. At a recent MilSim I was lucky enough to be introduced to Dave and Emmet from Tactical Associates UK who, amongst other things, specialise in military grade communications and training. When I first started playing airsoft the use of radios to
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communicate with your team-mates was almost non-existent; MilSim was in its infancy and high grade “comms” were really not a priority. Yes, marshals would often make use of Motorolas or something similar to co-ordinate gameplay but that was really the extent of things. What a difference a few years makes! These days, even at the most humble “Sunday Skirmish”, you’ll see players with communication setups that would make even professional users jealous and when you go to a MilSim, things can get downright outrageous with “comms” setups between individual team members, with the unit hierarchy and even with the “Command Net”. When you get to this level, things get pretty serious when it comes to competently managing this amount of traffic over the airwaves. Many former, or indeed serving, military players will have their comms chatter fully sorted but for the newer player with their recently purchased Baofeng and Peltor headset setup, the task of learning how it all works together and how they should employ it can be positively daunting! It’s at this stage that you really need to seek out the guidance of a specialist in the field and get some proper training; this way you can really get the absolute best and add to your enjoyment in the immersion of the scenario. I’ve in the past played as a MilSim team leader and when you’ve got two radios on the go, one to your mates and one to “Higher, Higher”, things get pretty exciting with the constant
GITAG TACTICAL ASSOCIATES UK
background of the battle unfolding audibly in your ears. Now I was lucky enough to have former military mates to lead me through my “radio training” but if you don’t have the luxury of this, than all hope is not lost as Tactical Associates UK, who are based in Hereford, have various courses you can take to really make you a “comms ninja”. Recently I got together with the guys and asked them what exactly was on offer. AA: So guys, in your own words please tell me what led you to set up Tactical Associates UK? TAUK: “Tactical Associates UK was first set up in 2005 to provide training and guidance in small arms marksmanship and operational communications skills. It was originally set up to offer a service to members of the airsoft community, to give them the opportunity to experience military skillsets and drills which could be used within skirmishes and MilSim games. We were conscious that people don’t want orders barking at them, or learning skills and drills which have no direct relevance to airsoft so we set about looking at our real world communication skills, drills and tactics which would enhance the player’s enjoyment of the game.” AA: When and where did you start running your courses? TAUK: “Back in the day, a local indoor airsoft venue was in the process of setting up, so we approached the owners and offered to put on a Close Quarter Combat course, as this was how their indoor arena was configured for game play. We delivered both a static shoot and live force on force application to demonstrate and develop a player’s understanding of basic close quarter application.” AA: Who do you see as your target customer for your courses? TAUK: “We currently work primarily within the airsoft communities, mainly MilSim but we’ll more than happily work with any organiser to support their events if they feel what we offer adds additional dynamics to their intended game play. In addition to the Airsoft sector, we’re very active within the outdoor/adventure industry where we specialise in delivering high end radio and SATCOM communications solutions to event organisers, sometimes at up to sixty miles away! We work very closely with former “Hereford and Poole” personalities who deliver Special Forces themed events based on the aptitude or “hills phase” of selection. As such, we’re adept at working within very challenging environments.” AA: Do you work with specific teams or groups, or is anyone welcome on your courses?
TAUK: “Anyone, individuals or teams are very welcome and we can offer bespoke courses to teams who have a specific need.” AA: What exactly do you specialise in? TAUK: “We offer a selection of basic weapons and tactics courses which are directly specific to airsoft players. We also offer complete radio and SATCOM communications solutions to both airsoft event organisers and to the large scale, long distance endurance events communities. “We offer professional product reviews and endorsements of any military equipment which we feel may be of use to the communities we serve. We don’t charge for this service as we feel to do so sets an expectation of a favourable review; we offer our honest and genuine opinions based on real world experience. “We also offer (through our social media footprint) general advice on a range of subjects associated to MilSim and radio communications and we are able to deploy a fully functional radio communications Ops Room, complete with an experienced team of signallers, watch keepers and intelligence analysts to support any MilSim events.” AA: I know that you work with excellent training facilities; can you tell me more about those and what you do there? TAUK: “We have excellent training facilities available to us which are both class room and field based; this allows us to deliver high quality enjoyable training in the right setting to maximise the learning curve and includes the ability to shoot airsoft weapon systems as well as working with communications.” AA: Do you offer training in specialised equipment? TAUK: “We can deliver training in military communications systems and processes, from command post to combat infantry signalling. We have around 10k worth of radios and ancillary equipment which can be used if the student doesn’t own their own.
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GITAG TACTICAL ASSOCIATES UK
“We have a range of professional quality training airsoft weapons systems and ancils which allow us to train/coach/ develop a student’s understanding of how best to employ their own kit and equipment in both a rural and urban setting.” AA: Do you have all the equipment available as part of your courses? TAUK: “Generally we see students who already have the required kit and equipment to hand, such is the way the airsoft community operates; however, we always have kit and equipment on hand if a student needs something specific and doesn’t own it themselves.” AA: Without going into specifics who do you work with? TAUK: “We’re very fortunate to work with some market leaders within their own sectors; Avalanche Endurance Events, Combat Airsoft Group and Stirling Airsoft are just three to name drop here. We’ve also developed very good relationships with a number of companies, both within the UK and overseas who manufacture kit and equipment, such as C2R-FAST, Platatac and HR4K in Hereford (for whom we’ve written reviews and endorsements), along with the likes of Nite Watches and UK Tactical.” AA: When someone has attended one of your courses what new skills will they be able to bring to a scenario? TAUK: “Of course that all depends upon what they as individuals wished to focus on in terms of their own skills and training, however, generally speaking, a greater appreciation of how to best utilise their chosen primary and secondary weapon platforms, along with a greater understanding of military format radio communications and the application of infantry tactics at individual, section and platoon levels.” AA: Where do you see Tactical Associates UK evolving in the future? TAUK: “We’d like to see our reputation grow. Whilst we have considerable military and civilian experience to draw upon, we’re not a bunch of loud mouthed squaddies on a power trip. We’d like to apply our combined experience in a much more relaxed learning environment. “We’d like to get involved at a greater level in major UK and overseas MilSim events and deliver our communications solutions to both the organisers and their patrons.” AA: If someone reading this article likes the sound of what you offer, what should be their next step? TAUK: “Get in touch via our social media footprint (www.facebook.com/Tactical.Associates) and say ‘Hello!’” AA: Thanks so for speaking to me and it was very interesting to get an insight into what kit you use and how you use it. When it comes to specialist areas and as always I say, don’t go for second fiddle, “Give it to a Geek” and end up with training that is the very best it can be!
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SCOTT ALLAN TAKES A LOOK BACK (AND FORWARDS) AT A RE-LAUNCHED CLASSIC FROM A COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN SADLY MISSING FROM UK AIRSOFT FOR SOME TIME – CLASSIC ARMY.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET BELT FED! SUPPORT WEAPONS ALWAYS have had a welcome place in my armoury and I know most of my Airsoft friends feel the same. From my horrifically bad and very expensive TOP M60, that used a bellows system unless you upgraded it with the ANGS cylinder set for another £100, which brought the whole package to a wallet-destroying £700 - and for all that money you were rewarded with a terrible hop unit and 260fps! Oh how things have changed and changed very much for the better! These days you are a little spoiled for choice but when you go back the a decade or so there was always one name that stood out; long before G&G or even G&P were making excellent rifles we had Classic Army. Classic Army is a name you are probably aware of yet haven’t seen in many, many years. Well there are a couple of reasons and most of them involve a clamp down on mainland China production of Airsoft replicas. Bear in mind, in Mainland China these are classed as firearms. So some good old fashioned commie justice derailed Classic Army considerably and they slipped almost out of memory. CA used to be distributed by two European distributors and got more and more expensive over the years, to the point that their rifles were tipping past £400 - which was crazy and part of the reason G&G shot ahead in market share so easily. Now things 68
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Armoury CLASSIC ARMY MK46 MOD 0
“HISTORICALLY PRAISED FOR THEIR EXTREME DURABILITY AND FIREPOWER, THE CLASSIC ARMY M249 IS JUST AS COMPARABLE ON THE AIRSOFT FIELD AS THE REAL STEEL COUNTERPART, OKAY MAYBE NOT QUITE AS DANGEROUS BUT I’M SURE YOU GET THE IDEA.” have changed, Classic Army are back and they are hungry to have a large market share once again and regain their glorious crown with their excellent replicas. So what we are looking at here is one of the earliest high end performing support weapons Airsoft ever saw. Back in the day these cost £600-700 depending on what model you went for. Classic Army have updated the gearbox and relaunched these and they now come in at half of the old prices. How is this achieved? Well, I suspect someone was a little greedy somewhere but I couldn’t say where for sure. All I know is Classic Army used to make the best rifles for years and I am happy they are back making some of the best models available. Here I have the very luscious MK46 MOD 0 or M249 SPW (Special Purpose Weapon) and it truly is a beautiful rendition in 1 to 1 scale of a model specifically developed to meet the requirements of U.S. Special Operations Forces. The gun sports the MK46 fluted barrel, as well as both an upper and a lower rail system for all your mission adaptable accessories. This means it is both compact and easy to use firepower, providing the player with a really mean-assed system. The SPW also features a railed feed tray, so that the user has a 20mm rail space to mount their desired optics. Historically praised for their extreme durability and firepower, the Classic
Army M249 is just as comparable on the airsoft field as the real steel counterpart, okay maybe not quite as dangerous but I’m sure you get the idea. The AEG is a full-size replica, built using full-metal furniture where applicable to ensure ruggedness. Now you may think “what about the A&K?” Well the A&K is merely a copy of the Classic Army and I think part of their new attractive pricing, as well as a gearbox redesign shows the difference between an innovative and a copying company. On top of all that, the A&K while decent isn’t as good value against the quality of the Classic Army… it’s good but it isn’t quite that good. The real MK46 is essentially a lightened version of the M249 which is designed to accept the SOPMOD range of accessories. Dishing out the NATO 5.56mm round in a squad assault weapon (SAW) role it provides a chunk more of firepower for teams in a tight situation. The benefit of the M249 platform over a M60 or M240B/GPMG is that the ammunition is considerably lighter and less bulky. On the flip side of that, it packs a bit less of a punch so range and penetrating power are both lost which means the M249s are “light machine guns”.
THE AIRSOFT VERSION
Externally the Classic Army is very nice, showing off the full www.airsoft-action.online
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Armoury CLASSIC ARMY MK46 MOD 0
metal parts, barrel, bipod, body front RIS unit and the rear sight that will add weight and strength to the whole thing. When you pick it up it is a bulky beast but with the compact frame it doesn’t feel too bulky. The black finish looks good and would look even better after a few skirmish scuffs have been added. The stock is a standard adjustable crane that you can swap out for many different standard types in a few seconds. The magazine options are also flexible; as standard the rifle comes with a high capacity magazine and it can use any standard M4 type magazines but you can also get the large type box mags, holding nearly 2,500 rounds, or the more compact version holding 1,200 rounds for around £55 and £70 respectively. I’d be tempted to go for the slightly smaller 1,200 round magazines, as they are a bit less bulky and look nice but choice is the beauty here. Internally, Classic Army rifles have always been solid. With this new revamp the 8mm bearings and metal piston head means you are getting near endless performance and reliability. On top of that, Classic Army are easier to talk to than the likes of A&K as they’re a bit less “underground” than the clone companies. They turn up at trade shows and you can have a coffee and a chat (or just eat all of their chocolate like I did at IWA). Can’t say I felt very guilty afterwards either. I have reviewed most of the big support weapons and I can’t lie but say many are very much of a muchness. As most of them copied CA in some way or another, the apple hasn’t fallen from the tree very far. But CA did it the best first time around and I couldn’t be happier to see them return to the table and to having an impressive line up to boot. It’s not just the exact same stuff at the same old prices, it is improved on and cheaper than ever before. There are two things you should be clear on if you are a support gunner in Airsoft: You will chew through BBs at a rate that will only be rivalled by the number of milliamps the rifle will consume. Spare ammunition and batteries will need to be carried on you at all times and this is an extra cost. One event I remember a few years ago using a M240 Bravo, I used a bottle of 3,000 BBs and a battery per 30-minute game. Admittedly we did do quite well throughout the day and I had a laugh, until I ran out of batteries anyway and had to switch to a spring L96! Using a LMG like these will take its toll on your legs, arms and back if you aren’t used to the extra weight, it’s not a bad thing
but just don’t expect it to be an MP5K. The relentless hail of fire you can dump out into enemy positions is satisfying I won’t deny it, often you don’t even have to fire at an actual individual for these to have a great and demoralising effect on enemy players. The path of least resistance is rarely toward a LMG on full spray.
CONCLUSION
In equal measures I am happy to see such a lovely M249 at such a tremendous price. I am even happier to see Classic Army back on the scene with better than ever before pricing and updated internals. Okay, they haven’t all got MOSFETS (which I think are largely a pain in the ass anyway) but Classic Army always stood for quality, which means you really do have a hard-hitting bargain with their MK46 package. A slight shame that it doesn’t come with the box magazine but then beggars cannot be choosers as they say.
features Features of Classic Army MK46 SPW (CA037M) • Retractable Crane Stock and Low Profile Iron Sights • Metal Feed Cover, Scope Mount Base Rail and RAS • Stamped Steel Receiver, Barrel & Adjustable Heavy-duty Steel Bi-pod. • Full Metal Advanced 8mm Bearing Gearbox with Version 2 internal parts Compatible • Mk46 fluted barrel Length: 880mm / 970mm Weight: 5.9kg unloaded. Battery Type: Small tamiya connector Magazine Capacity: 300rd M4 High Capacity Materials: Metal and ABS FPS: Average 360 FPS
“THERE ARE TWO THINGS YOU SHOULD BE CLEAR ON IF YOU ARE A SUPPORT GUNNER IN AIRSOFT: YOU WILL CHEW THROUGH BBS AT A RATE THAT WILL ONLY BE RIVALLED BY THE NUMBER OF MILLIAMPS THE RIFLE WILL CONSUME.”
Shooting Mode: Full auto Inner Barrel Length: 363mm Outer Barrel threading: 14mm cw RRP £350
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BRITISH INFANTRY NORMANDY 1944 THIS MONTH “WARRIORS” IS GOING TO GO WAY BACK TO THE DARK DAYS OF WWII, AS GADGE LOOKS AT WHAT THE “WELL-DRESSED BRITISH SQUADDIE” WAS WEARING IN THE SUMMER OF NORMANDY 1944! WWII AIRSOFT IS A POPULAR and still growing aspect of the sport but it seems that “Brit kit” is one of the least popular choices. It has the reputation of being hot and impractical (compared to, say, US cotton-based kit) but in fact it’s an excellent and hardwearing skirmish outfit, as we’ll see here. Prior to WWII nearly all armies used a form of “service dress”, usually a two-piece wool suit with straight-legged, close-cut trousers and a jacket with a long skit and two to four chest pockets. In a revolutionary move the British Army of the 1930s decided to revamp its combat uniform to reflect the forthcoming “mechanised” era of warfare that military theorists, such as Liddell Hart, had prophesised. This new outfit was based heavily on skiing and outdoor pursuits clothing, that was in fashion in the 30s and featured a baggy pair of wool trousers with a large map pocket and a short, waist length blouse with two large external chest pockets and smaller internal ones. It was known as “battledress” and by the end of WWII nearly every major combatant nation would adopt this style in some way.
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BRITAIN LEADS THE WAY
Britain not only led the way in battlefield clothing but in load carrying equipment too. Prior to WWI nearly all combat “webbing” had been made out of leather and canvas with metal fittings. Leather is prone to rot or drying out and cracking in extreme hot and wet climates and metal on metal fittings clink noisily. These problems were largely ironed out by the American company, Mills, who developed a woven cloth “webbing” system - as used in the American WWI-era M1910 webbing (that saw service throughout the 2nd World War as well). The core principles of this manufacturing technique are still used to make the load bearing equipment of some armies today. Using this system, hard wearing, rot proof pouches were attached by metal hooks to a wide adjustable belt which could also be fitted with braces/ suspenders to help spread the weight of the soldier’s kit. The main problem with the US system, however, was that each belt was
Warriors BRITISH INFANTRY - NORMANDY 1944
FORMIDABLE REPUTATION
Pictured in this month’s “Warriors” is a vignette of two infantrymen in a rifle section belonging to the North Staffordshire Regiment, themselves part of the 59th “Staffordshire” infantry division. The “North Staffs” are sometimes overshadowed in military history by the more “glamourous” airborne and Special Forces roles allotted to their glider-borne and Chindit comrades in their sister regiment, the South Staffords. The North Staffs, however, had an impressive pedigree of their own.
As one of the longest serving regiments in the British Army, the North Staffs fought during the 2nd Boer War and on both the Western front at Gallipoli in WWI. In WWII they initially entered the war as part of the BEF in the battle of France and later would fight in both North Africa and the Anzio landing in Italy. It would be in the battle for Normandy where they would earn themselves a formidable reputation though, fighting to almost destruction in the Normandy Bocage and enduring horrific casualties during the battle for Caen. Interestingly the North Staffords not only earned a reputation for being ferocious fighters but also had been known since WWI to be a unit with a tremendous capacity for swearing, foul language and fearsome oaths! The 59th Division was known at the “pithead division” due to its divisional shoulder insignia of a stylised coal mine and winding wheel to represent the dominant mining industry of much of Staffordshire. The Division fought well in France but as a whole was so badly mauled by the Axis defence of Normandy that the division was disbanded and it remnants sent to reenforce other badly damaged infantry units in other divisions. While the division itself was disbanded, North Staffs battalions would continue to serve in other formations, including the famous “Eighth Army” until the end of the war. Both our ‘Tommys’ here wear the aforementioned battledress and 37 pattern webbing. Of interest is the mix of earlier “37 pattern battledress” with pleated pockets and covered buttons and the later “austerity 40 pattern” battledress, which attempted to save cloth by deleting the button cover flys and pocket pleats. Underneath the heavy duty battledress uniform both men would wear collarless wool
Pictures: Poor Bloody Infantry re-enactment group.
designed for a different weapon (SMG, Rifle, LMG etc.) and it lacked flexibility. British 1937 pattern webbing would solve this problem instantly. Ground breaking for its time, 1937 pattern webbing (commonly known as 37 pattern) would dispense with specific belts with set cartridge carriers and instead use a hoop and sleeve system to allow various different pouches to be carried and easily swapped over by a soldier. Most combat infantry would, however, carry the “basic” or “bren” pouch, as these were able to carry magazines for the squad’s Bren LMG, Sten magazines, rifle ammo bandoliers, mortar rounds and the like. Non-combat soldiers would sometimes be issued less bulky rifle “cartridge carrier” pouches but as the war drew on the bren pouch would be seen as standard throughout the British Army. It’s fair to say the British Infantry man of WWII was relatively well-equipped and armed compared to many nations (perhaps only the US with their innovative layered clothing system and semi auto Garand M1 rifles could compete in terms of kit quality) but it is their fighting prowess that really marked them out as outstanding soldiers of WWII.
“WITHOUT A DOUBT THE “WWII TOMMY” IS A CLASSIC LOOK BOTH FOR WWII AIRSOFT, OR JUST TO LOOK THAT LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT ON THE SKIRMISH FIELD.”
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Warriors BRITISH INFANTRY - NORMANDY 1944
shirts and woollen underwear. While this would be hot and uncomfortable in the Normandy summer days they would both be glad of the warmth when sleeping in foxholes with just a groundsheet for cover at night. The webbing of both soldiers is relatively standard for a British Infantryman of WWII and has been coated with a substance known as “blanco” to both camouflage it, waterproof it and protect it from rotting. Blanco came in many shades (pictured here is KG3, most common in North West Europe) and it served well to camouflage the light sand raw webbing in the woods of France and Germany. Coating webbing with blanco was messy and laborious and akin to painting the webbing. It was important that blanco should not get on any of the metal parts of the webbing (or risk the wrath of the sergeant major!) and to complicate matters further, when brass work was polished in barracks, any “Brasso” polish contacting the blanco would result in unsightly white stains and another rollicking from the RSM! In wartime, however, brass work was not regularly polished and in some units where there was neither the time not the supplies to repaint the webbing with blanco, webbing could be seen in various states and shades. Despite its modern nature, 37 pattern webbing had a few failings. Most notable was that at the time of its design, the infantry solder was expected to carry a much lighter load then would be seen in the reality of frontline combat. While originally nothing was supposed to sit below the waist belt to aid in mechanised transport, by 1944 the water bottle had been removed from the pack and put on the belt and small items such as the soldier’s tin mug were often attached to haversack strap, along with other kit like gas capes and ground sheets being rolled up and tied to the pack or the belt. Worn loose on its shoulder strap is the lightweight “assault respirator” haversack. This model of respirator replaced the
cumbersome “box respirator” with its hose and haversack carried canister worn on the chest. While the WWI spectre of gas attack was a constant threat in WWII, luckily neither side used chemical weapons on the Western Front. Also harking back to WWI roots are our soldier’s headdress and boots. The MKII steel helmet and leather ammo boots with hobnails would have been familiar to their father who fought in the Great War. The MKII helmet was an improved version of the WWI “Brodie” helmet but was designed to protect the wearer from shell fragments falling into a trench and unsuited to the mobile warfare of WWII. A replacement helmet the “Turtle Back” MKIII would begin to filter into British Army units from the Normandy invasion onwards but would never fully replace the MKII
A CLASSIC LOOK ON A BUDGET
The personal weapon for both men is the No.4 Lee Enfield. A modernised and improved version of the venerable SMLE which had been in service for decades (and still used in the early stages of WWII and in far off theatres). While theoretically “better” than its predecessor, many older soldiers disliked the No.4 (old soldiers always dislike replacement weapons systems!), mainly because its bayonet was a simple “spike” and felt to be rather useless compared to the SMLE’s lengthy sword bayonet - which could be also used as a fighting knife, a toasting fork or spit and, at a push, a bottle or tin opener! Without a doubt the “WWII Tommy” is a classic look both for WWII airsoft, or just to look that little bit different on the skirmish field. The great news is that original webbing and helmets are still about and won’t break the bank but even better, there are many companies making incredibly accurate reproduction kit at a variety of budgets. It’s very true that you get what you pay for and with battledress buy the best repro you can afford. I know I bought mine in 2000 and it’s not had a hole in it or a tear despite doing hundreds of battles over the last 15 years or so… the webbing and helmets, well you’ll only ever need to buy those once, they are indestructible! www.airsoft-action.online
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E N O G ! G N I H S I F
WHATEVER YOUR STYLE OF AIRSOFT, SOONER OR LATER YOU’RE GOING TO FIND YOURSELF “FIGHTING IN SOMEONE’S HOUSE” (FISH). LAST MONTH BILL THOMAS ATTENDED A CQB LEVEL 1 COURSE RUN BY PROJECT GECKO TO FIND OUT WHAT TOOLS WE CAN ALL ADD TO OUR “TACTICAL TOOLBOX” TO HELP IN A “CLOSE UP AND PERSONAL” ENCOUNTER. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT you’ll have had to be living in a closed, dark room not to have seen the impact that’s been made over the past couple of years by the Project GECKO team and especially their “main man” Eli; this is a guy that has “been there and done that” for real and the videos available online show him plying his impressive skills across Europe. Using both airsoft and live fire, Eli has made it his mission to, amongst other things, instruct us in the dark and arcane arts of Close Quarter Battle. He and I have worked together on other articles but until recently I hadn’t had the opportunity to witness him in action first hand, so when he told me he was coming to the UK to deliver his first course here, I knew I had to be there. CQB is one of the most dangerous and rapidly changing environments. Common CQB environments are problematic and complicated; there are no fixed solutions or procedures and too many problems. It is short range (under 10m), violent and has immediate effects which promote or hinder the individual from being proactive. As a rule CQB is all about finding an immediate solution to an immediate problem. The Project GECKO system is based on the Israeli counterinsurgency, or COIN, doctrine and Elis’ military experience is in the IDF in one 76
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of their specialised units. The focus of the system is to deal with and solve a room from a tactical point of advantage. Eli does not believe in just running into rooms, or working in a dogmatic pattern. He believes in the idea that once on the door you can work more safely and more accurately from the frame while “solving” the room. This is done with careful manipulations of angles and a healthy risk assessment “muscle” that he develops with his students. All in all his system is true to reality and he will ensure that you will learn more than just ‘’running’’ into rooms looking for your corner. In his system he focuses on engaging the threat from an advantage perspective; he wants us to work as safely as possible while maintaining efficiency. Eli believes in the idea that most of the problems in the room can be examined and fixed, if necessary, from the outside of the room or with a deliberate manipulation of “angles” while sticking to basic principles. These principles will allow the individual to work and deal with threats with less risk. The Project GECKO system fits in principle to most scenarios or applications of actions (such as stealth, scan, swarm, dynamic or deliberate clearings) and ensures the individual has confidence in compliant tactics, which will not hinder the
Training PROJECT GECKO
individual or put him at unnecessary risk. There is one thing that is critical though, even more than gear and tactics and that is the human behind it all. Human behaviour and physics are what will eventually dictate your decision and your opponents’ reaction. Human behaviour plays a major role in an individual’s ability to react, according to previous information or experience. Some call it fear, Eli calls it “default”. With all this in mind before I set off, on Friday 29th July I picked Eli up from the airport and together we drove north to Tac House Spartan in Chesterfield. I’d not been to this particular site before so when we rocked up I was taken immediately by the imposing old factory buildings that make it up. Set over three floors it’s a maze of semi-lit rooms and warehouse spaces that I was keen to see in play. Eli and I were greeted onsite by Dave who runs the site shop and logistics and immediately he gave us a walk round of the ground floor and ushered us to where the majority of the weekend would be spent, the “Skills Room”; this is a self-contained space within the bowels of the site set up specifically for CQB training with multiple “room spaces” made from plywood that can be changed easily and quickly simply be opening and closing doors. The room also comes complete with an array of falling plate targets of different colours set at different heights that can be positioned anywhere as required.
ASSEMBLING THE TEAM
Shortly after we arrived Martin, the Site Owner, joined us. No stranger to the CQB environment himself, he assured us that everything the course attendees needed would be provided. We were bunking onsite and he explained that there would be someone onsite to assist at all times. We were given free reign of a very impressive Safe Zone that would be the classroom for Friday evening and he provided constant hot water for tea and coffee all weekend. I have to say that Martin is a thoroughly switched on, yet friendly and approachable guy and he and the whole Tac House Spartan team could not have been more diligent, nor have done more to make us feel at home. By 21:00hrs, the “kick off” hour for the course to start, the full group had assembled. John, Michael and Anthony (soon to be known to one and all as “Ronin”!) had all been to MilSim events together before. Tony was visiting from Hong Kong
“THINGS STARTED GOING SOUTH, TECHNIQUES GOT SLOPPY, MISTAKES WERE MADE AND FRUSTRATION CAME TO THE FORE. THIS WAS THE LOW POINT FOR ALL BUT ELI JUST PUSHED THEM HARDER TELLING THEM “TO SEE THE VALLEY YOU MUST FIRST CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN!” AND THE GUYS JUST DUG IN AND GOT THE JOB DONE.” (he’s involved with the Expat Airsoft group there which I’ll be speaking to him about at a later date) so took the opportunity to join us. Adam and Greg I’d met before at a CAG event and are solid players. Percy joined us from the Site Marshals and Ajax (AJ), the youngest of the group, had taken it upon himself to come along and better his growing skillset. After introductions Eli immediately got cracking with the classroom part of the course. He first briefed us that the course would be all about identifying problems and about solving them safely, efficiently and effectively. To start things off he showed us a short section of live-action video of different CQB situations from all over the world and immediately encouraged us to share our thoughts about what we’d seen; from this point it was obvious that he intended to push the guys not just physically but mentally as well! As the evening progressed Eli moved on with a superb PowerPoint presentation, discussing Room Anatomy, Common Room Shapes, Hard Corners, Soft Corners, Entry Angles and introduced the principle of analysing a situation using this
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information, how we could work out the room in some cases before even entering by examining the external features. Quietly spoken and humorous, yet authoritative at all times, Eli encouraged input at every stage; his approach was that if we were asking questions we were paying attention. After an introduction to the Skills Room and to “Combat Stance” we’d already got to midnight so it was time for lights out, to lie in the darkness and assimilate all we’d learned.
DRIVING ON!
After the late night finish, it was an equally early start. Eli would drive the guys forward with his passion and skill and he seemed intent to deliver a thoroughly full course with each and every minute accounted for. I spoke again with Martin, who was going to be running a full skirmish day and he provided us with a radio so we could co-ordinate our movements around the site with him. Saturday morning, even at 08:00, was bright and warm and Eli opened the day outside with a pretty ruthless workout or “phys” session to get everyone switched on and soon the guys were feeling the heat! I would stress here that any pictures
you see where eyepro is off means that all rifles, carbines and pistols were safe, with mags out. Once again, Eli worked on the “Combat Stance” and on muzzle awareness, having the guys advance on one another from different angles; in the pictures it may look confusing but it was a very effective method. After this it was back to the Skills Room for more individual skills development and practice; this moved swiftly onto working as a two man team, then four. Eventually during the course of the day, eight individuals began to meld into teams “Alpha” and “Bravo”. As the day wore on though, the sheer overload of information combined with the sheer physicality of the course saw attention beginning to wander as the “black dogs” of fatigue and stress kicked in. Things started going south, techniques got sloppy, mistakes were made and frustration came to the fore. This was the low point for all but Eli just pushed them harder telling them “to see the valley you must first climb the mountain!” and the guys just dug in and got the job done. After a thirty minute break where everyone was told to eat and hydrate, the guys that I saw re-enter the Skills Room had changed. With just a short time to contemplate what they had learnt, there was a new drive and urgency about them. Eli took things back out into the sunshine for another short “phys” session and spirits seem to visibly lift as everyone begun to realise what they had gained from the course so far, tough, hard work now seeming straightforward. Back in the room, scenario flowed to scenario and the guys ruled. As a “hostage” to rescue I screamed and hollered and they found me every time, leading me to safety outside. Assailed by “snipers” on the exfil, carrying a stretcher and dragging me, the “hostage” they had rescued, pressure was piled upon pressure and they excelled each and every time with Elis’ critical yet supportive eyes upon them. After an hour stop for dinner where I introduced Eli to the delights of “fish n’ chips” (“a heart attack wrapped in paper” as he described it!) the guys were full of drive and having bombed up, back out they went and still they trained. Eli continued to push them but they now seemed to relish the incessant tempo! Another midnight finish…
THE FINAL PUSH
I woke early on Sunday morning to find a thoroughly silent bunkroom. As I made coffee for Eli and me, sleeping bags started to move and one by one the guys came awake and began to prepare for the last day. By the time the Sunday skirmishers arrived “Alpha” and “Bravo” had already been at work for two hours and the players must have wondered who these silent “warriors” were that moved about the site with such assurance and purpose! Drill followed drill and the pace continued unabated. By the time the course concluded with a “force on force” scenario the teams were working efficiently and cohesively, the skills and practices they had learnt flowing smoothly and naturally. Everyone had worked their backside off, they’d had highs, lows and yet more exultant highs individually and together. They’d felt pain and sheer tired numbness and overcome these to achieve the fundamentals of CQB excellence. And all of this was down to a superb training facility in the shape of the Skills Room at Tac House Spartan and ultimately to one man. Eli pushed them to their limits; as a gifted instructor he broke them down, made them question techniques they had previously thought gospel, showed them new way to work a scenario, gave them the skills to do so and finally rebuilt them into a functional and efficient CQB unit, building confidence with each and every “pie cut”. This is a man who has always had my respect but seeing my friend in action has increased this exponentially and I hope that he will return to the UK soon to run more courses. I’ll conclude this report with a blunt statement; if you are a physically fit player, with a true desire to learn and a passion for your game, then you REALLY need to get yourself on a Project GECKO Level 1 CQB Course. You WILL be pushed to your limits
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Training PROJECT GECKO
but the physical skills and the mind-set you learn will make you welcome on any CQB site in the UK, if not the World! I asked some of the guys after the course what they felt they had gained and they told me: Adam: “Coming from a predominantly CQB background, this course totally changed the way I look at manoeuvring around in CQB; getting the right angles is vital and I think I have a better advantage now. I learnt more here than I have in the years playing!” Greg: “I started airsoft four years ago, with no military background. I’ve learned a lot from this weekend; before the weekend I thought I was doing well but I knew I needed to improve a lot. The course has given me all sorts of tools to start working with.” Anthony: “I really enjoyed it. Like Greg I started airsoft a few years back, having always been interested in military things. I always look to improve and had been following Project GECKO for a while so when the opportunity came to train with Eli in the UK there was no hesitation. The 2.5 day course was jam packed with ways of understanding and processing the overload of information that is CQB into manageable chunks. That’s not to say it wasn’t physically and mentally challenging and that’s how I like it. I slept well last night! I particularly enjoyed the “phys” and overall it’s definitely made me realise some of the basics I’ve been getting wrong!” Tony: “Had a great weekend guys, really proud to have met you all! I have certainly come away from the experience with a different mental attitude thanks to Eli and his training.” Michael: “Just to echo what the others have said really. A very valuable course for people who want to get it right; excellent value for money and very professionally delivered.” For more information on the excellent facilities and game days available at Tac House Spartan please do take a look at www.tachousespartan.co.uk. For details of CQB courses and other trainings available from Eli you need to check out www. projectgecko.info
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THE UBIQUITOUS PAUL YELLAND GETS UNDERNEATH ONE OF HIS FAVOURITE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT AND GIVES US SOME TIPS ON HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF IT.
BASHA
BASHA
I have heard the word “basha” being used for many years to describe the waterproof sheet that is carried by individual soldiers for use as a very basic small tent. Online research about this term indicates that the word “basha” is actually Malay for “shelter”, with the phrase originating from British troops who served during the Malayan emergency in the 1950’s. I have been using various styles of military basha since I was a young lad and there is always one in my day sack whether I am walking on Dartmoor, or skirmishing in a wood. The reason for having a basha to hand is because it is a very quick and simple form of shelter to put up when the weather turns bad and you need somewhere to rest. The basha can be extremely adaptable to your soundings and various types of shelter can be built from one. On a personal note, the basha is easily one of my favourite items of equipment that I carry, so in this article I am going to explain to you about some different designs that are available and I will also show you some of the methods used for putting one up.
running along the edges and press stud fasteners along two of the sides, which allows for these sides to be secured together when being used as a poncho. When the sheet is unfastened and opened out, it can be fashioned into a basha. When two or more ponchos are available, they can both be joined together to form a larger shelter. When being used as a basha, however, it is important that the hood is closed and tied off at the neck to prevent rain leaking into the shelter.
DPM BASHA
This was the replacement for the ‘58 pattern poncho and is solely for providing shelter – hence the lack of hood and press stud fasteners. The basha is rectangular in shape and there
BRITISH ARMY 1958 PATTERN PONCHO THIS DESIGN WAS MY FIRST and favourite. The ‘58 pattern poncho is exactly that – a poncho which is worn as a waterproof garment. Gadge is probably the more knowledgable person to explain in detail about the history from this era, as the poncho was issued and carried in the 1958 pattern webbing during the period of the Cold War. This poncho is basically an olive green, rectangular tarpaulin measuring approximately 2 metres x 1.6 metres and has a draw string hood in the middle of it. There are studded eyelets
are webbing loops spaced along all four sides to allow for the attaching of cordage. There are many other brands of shelter available on the market but at the end of the day, the basha is just a waterproof sheet which means anything of this nature could be used as one – even a space blanket from your survival kit.
BIVVY BAGS
A bivvy bag is a waterproof and breathable form of shelter which is in the style of a sleeping bag. Some types of bivvy bag are “hooped” with a small external frame that turns the bag into a small tent and can be closed at the head end by means of a zip. There are pros and cons when choosing to use a bivvy bag in that both types are restrictive and take a few extra seconds to exit when needing to do so in a hurry. Both types don’t have any room for keeping equipment dry and changing into dry clothing needs to be done out in the open and exposed to the weather. The field of view is also restricted when inside the hooped bivvy bag. The basic bivvy bag does have a good field of view due to the open top. The basic bivvy bag is probably the fastest form of shelter to use as all you have to do is pull it out from your
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Survival THE BASHA
My preferred method is to pass the live end of the cord around the tree and make a basic overhand knot. I then pass the live end around the cord once more as if to make another over hand knot but this time I make a loop instead and pass that up through the single turn. The knot is then pulled tight around the loop and it will not undo unless the live end is pulled. The knot will then quickly untie. day sack, unroll it and crawl inside – instant protection. The bivvy bag can be used in conjunction with a sleeping bag and foam roll mat to make things more comfortable over longer periods.
MAKING A SHELTER
A quick release knot
Your choice of shelter will be dictated largely by the tactical requirements and terrain. The basha/shelter sheet is such a versatile item, you can often adapt the shape of your basha to the ground that you find yourself on. I am going to talk through a few different methods about how to put up a basha but this is just a guide and the designs are very much adaptable to your own requirements.
CLOSED SIDED SHELTER
Hooped bivvy bag open and closed
ACCESSORIES
Although it is possible to erect a basha without pegs, cord and poles, (use rocks, logs or carved out pegs instead) it is far easier to do so if these items are available. One really useful item to carry with your basha set is bungee cord with hooks. Bungees make easy work of putting up a basha – especially when doing so in a forest where there are plenty of trees around to use as anchor points. Poles can always be made from straight sections of branches found when out in the field but I always carry a pair of my own. For this job I use extendable fishing rod rests.
Find a suitable location which is safe from hazards such as falling branches. Clear the ground of stones and debris. Make sure that the wind will not be blowing into the entrance of the shelter. Select two solid trees with a distance between them being slightly greater than the length of the basha. Attach the middle loop on the two different ends of the basha to the two trees. Do this by securing the basha using cordage or bungees and ensure that the sheet is pulled tight. Allow enough space between one of the trees and the entrance to the basha for you to get in and out without too much of a problem. The height at which the shelter is set can be important. In a tactical scenario (such as in a skirmish), the height of the basha should be no more than fifty centimetres from the ground. Once the height is set, the bottom edges of the basha can be secured to the ground to make a basic tent shape. It is easiest to tie short lengths of cord to the loops on the bottom edges and fasten the tent pegs through the cord. Once the basha has been put up, a ground sheet can be added to the inside.
Bungees, pegs, para cord, and poles
TYPES OF KNOT
The basha should be just as easy to take down as it was to put up and the quickest and simplest way is to use bungees, as these can be put on/taken off in seconds. If, however, cordage is being used to tie the basha to a tree or poles, it is important to use a knot which is easy to untie – even when wet and under tension. I find that quick release knots work best.
Closed sided poncho shelter. Notice the hood tied up to stop rain water from pooling on top
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Survival THE BASHA
LEAN-TO BASHA
This is one of the easiest shelters to make when using a basha or waterproof sheeting. There are a few different variations of building a lean-to and the style you choose will depend on your circumstance.
of the basha are fastened to two trees or poles. The basha is then folded into half and is pulled back underneath so that there is some waterproof sheeting on the ground inside the shelter. This method reduces the overall space within the basha but is low profile and easy to put up.
Method 1
OTHER TYPES OF SHELTER
A low profile lean-to basha One pole shelter
Find two trees which are far enough apart so that you are able to lay out the basha length ways between them. Check the direction of the prevailing wind and plan to position the opening of the shelter facing away from it. Fasten the top left and right corners of the basha to the respective trees by using cord or bungees. The height of the lean-to should be set so that the tallest person is able to sit up comfortably without their head being able to touch the material of the waterproof sheet. For a low profile shelter, the highest part of the basha should be no more than fifty centimetres from the ground. Pull the bottom edge of the basha tight so that it runs off diagonally, then peg down the middle loop into the ground. Pull the bottom two corners tight and also secure these to the ground. Poles can then be placed on either side to prop up the shelter (keep them lower than the top corners). Doing this will increase the head room inside the basha and will also stop rain water from pooling on the outside of the sheet.
Method 2
All in one lean-to and ground sheet
This shelter is a diamond shape and only requires to have one corner raised and secured to a tree. The other corners are all pegged down. A pole can be added to the inside of the shelter to push up the middle of the basha which will increase the head space. Some Places to Avoid • River banks • Areas prone to flooding • Bottom of cliffs • Tracks • Exposed areas • Bottom of valleys (Cold air sinks down into these) • Gullies that could fill with water during rainfall Don’t forget: When constructing a shelter in wooded areas, always be aware of dead fall which could come crashing down on top of you in windy conditions, so look up and check the tree canopies when selecting a safe basha site. It is also advisable to dig a small channel around the outside of your basha to direct rain water away and prevent the shelter from being flooded out. As I once found out, it is no fun waking up to find a small stream flowing underneath you! Setting up a temporary shelter during a skirmish can give you somewhere to rest and take cover from bad weather, especially if the game is over an extended period and involves lots of waiting around in woods. It is surprising what a big difference getting underneath a thin waterproof sheet can actually make to morale.
This shelter provides you with protection from the ground as well as from above by using just one sheet. The top two corners www.airsoft-action.online
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WEAE SCAR-H GBBR ANY REGULAR READER OF THIS SECTION OF AIRSOFT ACTION WILL KNOW THAT JERRY NOONE IS A HUGE FAN OF GAS DRIVEN REPLICAS. THIS TIME HE HEADS TO THE RANGE WITH THE VERY LATEST “FN” BATTLE RIFLE, THE “TACK-DRIVING” SCAR-H. AS I’VE OFTEN NOTED IN my reviews on rifles that came about in the latter part of the 20th Century there was a real race to find smaller calibres from virtually every military user in the world; for NATO that was the 5.56x45mm round, and for the might of the Soviet Bloc the 5.45x39mm. The rise of conflicts seen in built-up and urban areas with much diminished engagement distances, as well as the increased adoption of troop deployment from vehicles and helicopters meant that it was seen as the way forward to ditch the big old “7.62s” in favour of a smaller round, and in most cases a smaller rifle. However, as we entered the 21st Century it soon became apparent that many of the forces we were battling against were themselves, in the main, fielding older weapon platforms like ageing AK 47s or AKMs still using the old Soviet 7.62x39mm round, and although the rifles themselves were old and the quality of ammunition variable, quite often NATO or Task Force Troops found themselves being outgunned, certainly at middle distance engagements, which could be a life or death struggle especially for Special Forces personnel with little back-up. You only need look at the movie “Black Hawk Down” to see what I mean. There were numerous stories of the SAS in the Gulf War returning to the venerable L1A1 SLR to add to the weight of fire provided by their smaller calibre M16s in the desert where engagements distances widened out considerably; for the US troops the model that came into play was an updated M14, but it was really in 2000 with the creation of the Mk 14 Mod 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) that things got going. After a request from the United States Navy SEALs for a more compact, larger calibre “battle rifle” in 2001, Mike Rock Rifle Barrels, Inc. was asked by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to participate in a SOPMOD conference to create what would be the Mk 14 Mod 0 EBR, with features that included a collapsible stock, an aluminium body, and a rail system.
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Armoury WEAE SCAR-H GBBR
BRINGING IT UP TO DATE
Indeed it was the United States Navy SEALs that were the first forces to be armed with the EBR in 2004, followed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Army was also being armed with the M14EBR-RI, so a whole new era of 7.62mm came about. At the same time though USSOCOM issued a solicitation for a family of Special Forces Combat Assault Rifles, shortened immediately to SCAR, designed around two different calibres but featuring high commonality of parts and identical ergonomics. FN Herstal took part in the, for once, full and open competition, where nine manufacturers submitted twelve different designs for the new weapon systems, and released prototypes of a brand new family of weapons within the tight time constraints, taking full advantage of their long-standing firearms know-how; from the first pre-selection tests the FN SCAR system developed by FN Herstal has remained the first and only choice of USSOCOM. The FN SCAR-H CQC assault rifle is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO calibre and is fitted with a short 13” barrel for close quarter combat. The user however can replace the short barrel with a standard 16” barrel in less than five minutes if the mission requires engagement at longer distances. The rifle is then called FN SCAR-H STD. The FN SCAR-H CQC assault rifle can be fitted with a FN40GL-H grenade launcher mounted on the lower rail of the rifle, for additional firepower. The SCAR-H is a highly adaptable platform as it features a foldable buttstock, an adjustable cheek piece (2 positions) and an adjustable length of pull (6 positions) to adapt to any user. It also has a reversible charging handle and an ambidextrous safety/firing selector and magazine release so that both right and left-handed users find it straightforward to operate. It weighs in at no more than 3.590 kg (without magazine) and does not exceed 645mm in length with the folded buttstock. The SCAR-H features an upper Picatinny rail for optional day or night optics systems, and lower and side rails are in place for optional accessories such as a tactical light, laser designator, or
foregrip. Other accessories are available, such as sling, bipod, carrying bag and blank firing system. Emerging from the U.S. Military’s FN SCAR program, the current MK 16 (5.56mm SCAR-L) and MK 17 (7.62mm SCAR-H) weapon systems use a common multi-calibre architecture that is highly modular and instantly adaptable to virtually any mission requirements, and is further enhanced by the MK 13 grenade launcher. The FN SCAR is serving on the front lines with America’s Special Forces personnel worldwide and comes full circle to the core principles of the true military marksman.
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Armoury WEAE SCAR-H GBBR
HITTING THE GAS!
In my opinion NUPROL are providing some of the best WE gas airsoft replicas available today. I own four myself and each one of them functions superlatively. WE’s gas system has become the “one to beat” in relation to the very best full bolt systems, especially since they’ve progressively tweaked and worked on their open bolt technology to make it best of the bunch. Like the real thing the advanced design of the SCAR-H replica gives it magazine release on sides, a fire selector that is also ambidextrous and a charging handle the can me moved to either side. This modern style has the newer design stock with multi-position adjustable length and ability to fold down to the right side; in addition, the cheek rest is adjustable to either a flat or raised position. The front end has rails “around the clock” adding plenty of potential for adding accessories, again just like the “real deal” With their full metal and polymer SCAR replica, WE have created something that feels very solid and robust, a fairly common feature on gas guns as unlike AEGs their bodies are built to contain actual mechanical forces and are not just a basket to hold a gearbox. Besides the realistic action and real cap magazine, it also field strips like the real thing. The length, 878mm, and the weight, 3.4kg, along with some superb ergonomics make this a great replica to manipulate, as it comes into the aim easily and is quick and
easy to transition from target to target. The open bolt in this rifle makes it pretty darn realistic and the WE technology really kicks back and forth with a great “slam” with every trigger pull. The replica also has a last-round cut-off feature which is excellent, although you can switch this off by simply flicking a lever on the top rear of the magazine. With an inner barrel that runs almost to the end of the outer barrel, running NUPROL 4.0 Ultimate Power Gas through the 31rnd magazines allows you to launch 0.20g 6mm BBs downrange at around 1.79Joule/440 FPS which makes it a superb choice for a DMR locked to semi-auto for MilSim. Alternatively fitting an easy to source NPAS (Negative Pressure Air System) Kit will allow you to dial down the power to a more site-friendly level for full-auto skirmishing. Although the replica comes with perfectly acceptable, and fully adjustable, flip-up iron sights front and rear, I set up the SCAR-H as I’ve often seen it configured in the “real world” with a 1.1-4x25 MilDot scope on QD mounts, a PEQ 15 laser designator, stubby foregrip and one of the new NUPROL BOCCA series MAMBA suppressor models so the whole thing looks exactly as it should. With everything on-board I loaded the magazine up and set to work on some plate targets at 30m; with the rotary hop that’s located just inside the chamber set, within seconds all ten plates were over and it was time to re-set. Using just one magazine of 30rnds I managed to get the hop set and take down two sets of ten plate targets which is darn good going for a rifle that was nigh-on fresh from the box! All in all this is one cracking replica! Not only is it as true to the real thing as it can be, but it’s beautifully made, and flawless in operation. NUPROL offer two models of the SCAR-H, one in plain black and the other tan, but in terms of operation they are both the same so it’s purely down to which colour you prefer. The rifle comes in under the magic £350 mark, mainly retailing iro £340 which is a brilliant price for what you’re getting. If you’re considering your first gas blowback rifle then I have to say that I’d check this one out soonest! My thanks as usual got to www.nuprol.com for supplying the rifle itself, along with gas and accessories for this review. For more information and dealer listings please just check out their website. www.airsoft-action.online
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BILLY HEADS TO WEST AFRICA TO WRITE ABOUT AN ISLAND FEW HAVE HEARD OF AND A RAID THAT EVEN LESS KNOW ABOUT.
OPERATION POSTMASTER THIS MONTH DEAR READERS, we’re heading off to an island that I had never heard of before. The island was known as “Fernando Po” and it is off the coast of West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. It has subsequently been renamed as “Bioko”, as many pre-colonial territories are when they are handed back to their rightful owners. In this case it was the Spanish Government who were in control of this particular part of the world and this is the story of a daring raid that made me chuckle a wee bit if I am honest, you’ll see why in a moment. But first we need to wind the clock back… During the dark, dark days of WW2 in 1941, the British started to receive disturbing information from their sources and spies that the Germans were using Vichy French bases off the coast of West Africa to refuel and administer their submarine fleet. These so-called U-Boat “Wolf Packs” in the years to come were going to take such a terrible toll on the Atlantic convoys bringing war materiel from America (once it entered the war after the attack on Pearl Harbour) but their threat was still considerable in 1941 and it was deemed to be worth addressing. Of course the problem here, away from the more kinetic
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battle spaces of Europe and North Africa, was that Spain (who controlled the island) held a firm neutral position and the British diplomatic residents and Ambassadors and heads of sheds were not keen to upset the status quo. This was the same position in several other countries nearby who did not want Spain’s neutrality violated. Maintaining the appearance of playing by the rules was everything in those days… well to some people anyway. SOE and SSRF had other ideas and wanted to give the Krauts a nasty surprise. Protocol and decorum aside, these bases had to be first identified, located and then a raid mounted on them, men’s lives were at risk and there was a war to be won after all. Despite the Admiralty, Senior Army figures, Home Office and Foreign Office objections in the run up to the raid it was decided eventually by the Foreign Office that the raid should proceed. It was worthwhile and we were going to be blamed anyway, so what the heck! The raid was to be carried out by a small unit called “The Small Scale Raiding Force” - SSRF (also known in some circles as 62 Cdo) which was attached to the Special Operation Executive - SOE. SSRF consisted of 55 Commando-trained personnel and was created to work alongside the SOE and to act as their
Billy Basics FAMOUS RAIDS
HMS Violet
enforcers and/or muscle should they need it. At this stage in the War the SOE were very keen to establish their credentials and this raid seemed like the ideal job for them. Many small hybrid organisations were springing up vying for a piece of the action and all were keen to prove themselves. Churchill had mandated that the SOE should be raised to “Set Europe ablaze” but, of course, Churchill was not going to hold their hands and they needed to stand on their own two feet, demonstrate that they could find their own prey, plan and then prosecute the target successfully. This was how you got credibility and your pages in the history books. Three characters of note pop up in our story; the first is a Major by the name of Gus March-Phillips who headed up SSRF. The second is a young Private soldier originally from Denmark, Anders Lassen - a born hero who would go on to join the SAS and become one of the most famous SAS soldiers. The third character is a civilian by the name of Richard Lippett, recruited and trained as an SOE agent. Before Op Postmaster was conceived, Lippett had secured a job with a shipping company called John Holt & Co. back in Liverpool, which had offices on the island. SOE needed eyes in West Africa and Lippett had arranged to be sent out to Fernando Po, the Spanish territory. Lippett arrived in Fernando Po and settled quickly into his new role, establishing his cover as a shipping agent and building his network of sources. He discretely began to direct his attentions to locating the likely locations for the Wolf Pack refuelling bases. He began to take a keen interest in all the ships in the area particularly in the port of San Isobel, their origins and also to see if they had any unusual comings and goings or business activities. Using his cover Lippett had compiled a list of likely vessels that his network could keep an eye on. He was looking for discrepancies, abnormalities and quickly found what he was looking for. The three ships that caught his interest were the Italian 8,500 ton Merchant vessel Duchessa d’Aosta, the second, a large German tug Likomba. The third was the dieselpowered barge Bibundi. Duchessa d’Aosta had a working radio
which was considered a threat, with the potential to provide details of Allied naval movements. Probing a little more into the archives and documents, he discovered that one of the ships registers (to his suspicious eye) had been falsified and the Duchessa d’Aosta had, in fact, an unusually powerful radio set up for a trading vessel… what were they up to? Furthermore, at a social occasions members of her crew were guarded in their speech about the cargo; were they in fact weapons, stores, fuel for the Wolf Packs? Lippett set his small network of informants the task of keeping kept tabs on the ships. During his comings and goings Lippett was a regular on the social scene on the island and he noticed that many of the ship’s crews were often Major Anders Lassen VC MC seen at parties on shore with a skeleton crew on board looking enviously to the lights and music on land and a plan formed in his head. Over the next few weeks, messages were exchanged with London, briefings were held, plots were hatched and soon two ships slipped out of Poole harbour with mischief in mind. On the 9th August 1941, Maid Honor, a 65 ton Brixham yacht trawler commanded by Major Gus March-Phillips set sail for the long sea voyage to Sierra Leone, from where the men of SSRF would start searching for the submarine bases. As they sailed they passed the time on the 6-week journey pouring over mapping of the coasts, creeks and inlets that might conceal a refuelling base. Ahead of them went a troop transporter with the young Dane Anders Lassen aboard with the rest of the Commandoes. While the SSRF were making the long sea Major Gus March-Phillips journey to Sierra Leone, where they would RV with their SOE colleagues, arrangements were made in Nigeria with Governor of Nigeria, Sir Bernard Bourdillon, who provided two tugs, Vulcan and Nuneaton, which they could utilise in the search for the bases along the coast and inlets. Meanwhile on Fernando Po, Lippett became more and more convinced that the three ships were key and in consultation with his masters in London it was decided to mount a raid to take the ships. If the SSRF failed to locate the refuelling bases then the taking of the ships (which were probably housing the stores) would achieve the mission. The final go ahead, eventually supported by the Foreign Office, was not given until 6 January 1942, on the grounds that suspicion of British involvement in the raid was inevitable. Graham Hayes The SSRF/SOE group were briefed on the change in their mission, prepared their kit and undertook rehearsals as best they could, then left Lagos in their two tugs on the morning of 11 January 1942. While en-route they practised lowering their folding canoes into the waves and
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Billy Basics FAMOUS RAIDS
“NOT LONG AFTER THE CHARGES DETONATED ON ALL THREE CHAINS WITH A DULL THUD. THE SOUND WAS MUTED BUT UNMISTAKABLE AND ASHORE THE GERMAN AND ITALIAN CREWS DROPPED THEIR DRINKS AND RACED TO THE JETTY.”
boarding ships at sea under the command of Captain Graham Hayes. They approached Santa Isabel harbour on 14 January 1942 with both tugs were in position 180 metres outside of the harbour. Onshore, Lippett had arranged for the officers from Duchessa d’Aosta to be invited to a dinner party. Twelve Italian officers and two German officers from Likomba also attended. In the darkness Anders Lassen and the other men lowered the canoes into the waves from the tugs. Complete with satchels containing explosive charges and a light scale of submachine guns they dropped into the “Folbots” and pushed off with their paddles. Slowly and quietly they made their way towards the three ships, trying desperately hard not to make any noise. The crews aboard the Duchessa d’Aosta, Likomba and Bibundi made cursory checks, occasionally shining torches over the sides. Lassen and the other Folbot teams paddled stealthily up to the ships. Approaching the anchor chains one man wrapped a forearm around the chain, steadying the Folbot and keeping his submachine gun trained on the ship, while the other attached an explosive charge just below the water line to sever the chain. The time pencil was initiated, the clock was ticking. Almost as soon as Anders Lassen’s charge had been initiated they were challenged from the boat. A cry went up and Lassen levelled his submachine gun at the source on the bow of the Duchessa d’Aosta, if he opened fire they were going to be very exposed paddling away and they would not be able to get on board. Thinking quickly he berated the guard for his foolishness and shouted up that it was the Captain of the ship coming back early from the party. A tense few seconds passed when Lassen’s finger hovered over the trigger, gunfire was sure to scupper the chances of the other crews getting aboard the other boats. The shout came back and the torch went out, “Come on up!” Lassen and his Oppo, thanking their lucky stars, paddled swiftly towards the ladder, tied up their Folbot and dashed up the ladders before they were spotted and shot. The guards on board all three ships were expecting merry officers chatting about their night out, instead they were greeted by grinning soldiers delighted with the success of their raid. Lassen and the others quickly overpowered the guards and thrust them onto the floor. Not long after the charges detonated on all three chains with a dull thud. The sound was muted but unmistakable and ashore the German and Italian crews dropped their drinks and raced to the jetty. What greeted them was the sight of their ships being towed out of the harbour to the open sea; it must have been a horrible, career-ending moment for all concerned. The Fuhrer would not be happy! Lassen on the other hand was extremely happy, Gus MarchPhillips was so impressed with him that he was commissioned that evening on board the ship. He went on to become a Major in the SAS and was posthumously awarded the VC. Ed: Editing this article sparked a memory of something I’d read a while ago… One of the men heavily involved behind the scenes of Op Postmaster was Ian Fleming, who would later use the raid and the men who took part in it as inspiration for his own “licensed to kill” agent… James Bond. “Ian Fleming and SOE’s Operation Postmaster: The Top Secret Story Behind 007”, by Brian Lett, is available on Amazon, along with another of his books, “The Small Scale Raiding Force”. Both are worth a read.
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Big Boyz Toyz WESTLAND SEA KING
HELICOPTER HERO IN THE CONCLUDING PART OF HIS ARTICLE, RATTY LOOKS AT THE SEA KING’S SERVICE HISTORY AND EVEN TELLS US WHERE WE CAN BUY ONE!
UK SERVICE HISTORY
The Sea King series in all of its configurations have served this country well. Its long and illustrious service history pretty much follows everywhere that the British Forces have operated in. From saving lives around the coasts of the UK and up our mountainous regions, to the harsh and bitter conditions of the Falklands, to the stifling hot temperatures of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Sea King has proved itself a valuable asset. It was during the Falklands War where the Sea King first really cut its teeth. A fair number of them saw service in all manner of roles, including their ASW role but also as reconnaissance flights, troop transports, replenishment flights and even Special Forces Insertions. Operating from the decks of various Royal Navy ships, including the platform deck of HMS Fearless. From HMS Invincible, 11 Sea king HAS.5 from 820 NAS operated in their Anti-Submarine as well as carrying out Search & Rescue missions. One helicopter was always airborne to carry out surface search duties. It was one of these Sea Kings that, on 14 June 1982, flew Major General Jeremy Moore into Port Stanley to accept the Argentine surrender. This Squadron alone flew 1,650 sorties throughout the course of the war! Elsewhere, Sea Kings of 824 NAS were used to move supplies around the various ships as they headed south to the Islands. In total, they moved over 2,000 tons of stores. One Squadron, 825 NAS was formed specifically for the War. With 10 Sea King HAS.2, these were modified to Utility
PART II
versions by removing all the anti-submarine equipment and fitting troop seats, so as they could support ground forces. With 9 HAS.5, 826 NAS were based on HMS Hermes and they carried out continuous anti-submarine sorties from Ascension Island all the way up until the Argentine surrender. The squadron had at least 3 helicopters in the air continuously for fleet protection. However, it was not all “plain sailing” for the Sea Kings during this time. An HC.4 ditched whilst performing a night operation moving supplies to a ship on 23 April. Then on 12th May, a Sea King from Hermes crashed into the sea due to a problem with the altimeter. The most catastrophic incident happened on 19th May though. A Sea King from HMS Hermes, whilst transporting 22 SAS troops to HMS Intrepid crashed into the South Atlantic at night, whilst trying to land on Intrepid. Of these, 18 SAS troops were killed, which was the highest number of casualties the Regt had lost in one day since Second World War. The Royal Signals lost 1 man and the RAF 1 man also. In all 22 men died that night, with 9 survivors. Although an accident’s cause was inconclusive, bird feathers had been found in the debris suggesting a bird strike.
FIRST GULF WAR: OP GRANBY
Sea Kings from several allied countries, including the US, Canada and Britain all took part in the First Gulf War. Due to
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out a similar task. The Royal Navy had several vessels operating in the Adriatic, HMS Invicible being one of them. Again the Sea King played a vital role, with 814 NAS carrying out patrols along the Balkan’s coastline and also heavily used transporting troops and equipment.
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
During the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Sea King ASaC7 from 849 NAS, operating from HMS Ark Royal, were used in their role of Early Warning. On 22nd March 2003, two of these Sea Kings collided at night over the Persian Gulf, resulting in deaths of 7 personnel. An accident investigation called for several changes in operating procedures, better on-board safety equipment as well as all Sea Kings to be fitted with Night Vison Goggles. In the war in Afghanistan, Sea King HC4 were used extensively as troop transports for ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) forces that were stationed there. Initially, Sea Kings were criticised as they had not been fitted with Kevlar armour. Based at Camp Bastion, Sea Kings flew over 1,000 operational missions between April 2009 and July 2011. However, in October 2011, the Sea Kings returned back to the UK, to be replaced by the AugustaWestland AW101 Merlin.
the potential threat of Iraq using WMD, all Sea King crews had to wear their NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Warfare suits as standard practice. As part of Britain’s contribution, 845 NAS supplied 6 Sea Kings as did 848 NAS. These primarily worked on intership tasks, moving stores etc. as well as ferrying troops and supporting ground forces. At the end of the war, some Sea King stayed behind on deployment repatriating refugees.
BALKANS
In 1992, with the UN finally intervened in Bosnia, sending troops and equipment to carry out peace keeping duties and supply humanitarian aid. Late in that year, 845 NAS was despatched and with their Sea Kings, which were put to use carrying out a wide range of logistical and support missions, such as casualty evacuation, to repositioning L118 Light Guns for the Royal Artillery. During the war in Kosovo, NATO was called upon to carry
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OTHER OPERATIONS
British Sea Kings also saw operational service in 2000, where they took part in Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone. Sea Kings from RNAS Yeovilton were temporarily based in Cyprus in July 2006 to help in Operation Highbrow, the evacuation of British citizens from the Lebanon.
OTHER NATION’S SEA KINGS
Australia purchased 12 Westland Sea Kings as far back as 1974, to fulfil their Anti-Submarine Warfare role. Early in their career, they suffered from a series of accidents. Operating in higher temperatures, they required more powerful engines to allow them to hover in this climate. The Aussies also deployed a number of Sea Kings during the Gulf war in 2003, mainly in logistical roles. Their last operational outing was used in the SAR role during the 2010 -2011 floods in Queensland. Finally decommissioned in December 2011, the Australians now use the MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter, known as “Taipan”. Part of the Eurocopter programme, this is made by Airbus Helicopters. Germany ordered 22 Sea Kings back in June 1969. This
Big Boyz Toyz WESTLAND SEA KING
was the first export sale for the Westland Sea King, as well as being the first specific Search & Rescue variant ordered. All their Sea Kings went through an upgrade programme between 1986–1988. Fulfilling a number of roles, the German Sea King is scheduled for replacement in the near future. Norway has 12 Sea Kings, once again, fulfilling many roles. These are being replaced by the AugustaWestland AW101 Merlin. Oddly, India has been a large-scale user of the Westland Sea King. Placing their initial order back in 1969 for 6 helicopters, they started taking delivery in 1971, just prior to the IndoPakistan war. Throughout the years, India bought many more Westland Sea Kings. In fact, between 1988–1992 they took delivery of another 20 of them! There were trade sanctions imposed on India in 1998, which then grounded their whole fleet as they could no longer purchase spares for them. These sanctions were relaxed in the late 2000’s and a contract was signed with AugustaWestalnd to maintain and upgrade India’s fleet of Sea kings. Egypt too, is a prolific user of the Westland Sea King, with 23 in operational service as of 2011. Pakistan, Qatarand Belgium have still got or have until recently, had numerous Sea Kings in operational use. Lastly, although not the Westland built Sea King version, The United States Marine Corp’s HMX-1 unit operate the official helicopters of the President of the United States and have a mix of Sea Kings or the smaller VH-60 ”WhiteHawk”. Call-sign “Marine One” these helicopters are used from day to day movement as well as many ceremonial duties.
of them, albeit in limited numbers of each release. Some have been scrapped too. At the time of writing, Witham Specialist Vehicle Ltd (www.mod-sales.com) had 3 for sale. Although being sold without engines but with all their corresponding paperwork, log cards etc. These 3 are all HC.4 Commandos and have tail numbers ZD 476, ZA 312, ZF 120. How much? To you Sir, a steal at £150K!!
SUMMARY
The demise of the Sea King in the UK is a mix of signs of age as well as a sign of the times. With the cutbacks that the UK Armed Forces have faced since 2010, the Sea king with its flight/service schedule time was just becoming uneconomical to run and there are only so many upgrades you can do to an ageing platform to elongate its working life. Many people will see the retirement of the Sea King and the selling off of the whole Search & Rescue service in the UK to an outside (and foreign) contractor as the same thing; a money saving exercise! No longer a familiar sight around our shores or in our mountainous regions, saving lives, or transporting Royal Marines from ship to battle zones and back again, or hunting a threat that is now so much smaller than it once was and soon, with the replacement for the ASaC7, it is a sad time that they are now resigned to the history books and museums.
SEA KINGS FOR SALE
Although many counties are still operating their fleets of Sea Kings, with extended maintenance and upgrade programmes, these will still only have a limited lifespan. Speaking to guy I know in the Royal Navy involved with Sea Kings, he explained to me that with the age of the Sea King, every 1 hour of flight time now equated to something like 30 hours service time. Not good for a military being faced with massive cutbacks as ours has. Many of the major users are either in the process of or have retired their fleets of these aged machines. The Australians have certainly sold off most of their fleet. Here in the UK, where we have been phasing them out over a few years now, there has been fairly regular availability
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WOUNDED SHOOTER DRILL CALIBRE SHOOTING’S ANDY NIGHTINGALE DESCRIBES HOW YOU CAN STAY IN THE FIGHT EVEN WHEN WOUNDED. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT if you are shot during the heat of battle then the battle really begins... the battle for survival that is. With any luck you will pull through and be able to continue the fight. Depending where on the body you are hit and how bad it is depends on whether or not you can still stay in the fight and be able to make a difference and survive. There has been many a warrior that has lost the battle because they were poorly trained to cope when they sustained an injury. Fighting on whilst injured is a massive feat in itself but if you are properly trained for a disaster, then everything tends to fall into place just when you need it the most. We spend copious amounts of time on the range training to win the fight but not nearly enough time training for when Murphy’s Law rears its ugly head and takes over. As we all know, the sting of a BB is nowhere near as bad as the pain a real round hitting you square in the body can cause, however, recently I was asked to train a group of, let’s just say “very enthusiastic airsofters”, in how to deal with being shot and the drills needed to carry on the fight if they lost the use of the strong hand or arm. How would they manage to hold the rifle? How would they be able to pull the trigger and how would they be able to perform simple tasks such as reloads and make ready the rifle with only one hand? The answer to this question was simple but unless you train for this eventually, then it all sounds impossible. They did show me a method that they had learned on the good old internet but this was with an AK47 and it was minus a sling. As all the lads were using an array of weapon platforms, the AK drill didn’t suit all the weapons that were being used, nor did it facilitate the use of a sling. The sling in itself can (and does) cause problems if you need to run wounded shooter drills with the rifle. The method they showed 96
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me involved the weapon being clamped between the thigh and calf muscles when in a kneeling position. All well and good but the muzzle tends to wander around in all directions when manipulating the weapon’s working parts and whilst changing the magazine. The AK was also missing a sling, this was probably because it is impossible to execute this drill with the sling attached to oneself. As the chaps were using different weapon systems, with the magazine catches and charging leavers being located in different places and also with slings attached, the drill rendered itself totally useless. The drill that I’m going to show you may have you crying out with disbelief and cringing at the very thought of the procedure but I assure you, I have trained in this drill for many years (thankfully never having to use it for real) with live rounds and BBs and have never had any issues of concern. I have also taught this drill to PMCs and never had any comebacks or complaints (more on this later). The fact is that this drill works for all rifles and with all types of slings. The biggest problem you will have, if you aren’t already use to it, is shooting with your weak hand. The rest of the technique is quite simple to operate and overcome. On receiving your injury the weapon must be immediately transferred to your weak side and rounds must continue to head towards your adversary until you can either neutralise the threat, or you can seek cover. Once in cover you can perform the “Wounded Shooter Rifle Drill”. First you must adopt a double kneeling position and make sure that the weapon’s safety device is set to safe. Once kneeling you need to bring the weapon in front of you and turn it upside down with the butt resting just above your belt buckle and with the muzzle on the ground. Yep you heard right, muzzle on the ground. I told you that this would make
CALIBRE Shooting Skills WOUNDED SHOOTER DRILL
“ONCE KNEELING YOU NEED TO BRING THE WEAPON IN FRONT OF YOU AND TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN WITH THE BUTT RESTING JUST ABOVE YOUR BELT BUCKLE AND WITH THE MUZZLE ON THE GROUND. YEP YOU HEARD RIGHT, MUZZLE ON THE GROUND. I TOLD YOU THAT THIS WOULD MAKE YOU CRINGE!” you cringe! As you can see from the pictures, the rifle is at a low angle and the muzzle is resting on the floor and not dug into the ground. I have used this method with live rounds on a very muddy surface and have maintained a clear muzzle at the end of the drill. The trick to this is very simple, you must keep the angle of the weapon low enough so as not to plant the muzzle into the dirt. As you can appreciate, it is not good practice to block the muzzle, no matter if it’s BBs or live rounds. It is doable. You should firmly clamp the butt of the rifle, or large optics if you have any fitted to the weapon, between the thighs to steady the weapon during the reloading proses and also to lower the profile of the weapon even more. Make sure that if you do have optics fitted to the weapon, these do not touch the ground at any point. Once the weapon is in a stable position you can carry on with the drill. Using your non-injured hand (I suggest holding a tennis ball in the injured hand when practicing) remove the seated magazine that is in the rifle and replace with a fresh one. Be sure to retain and secure the depleted magazine for use later on. Secure the fresh magazine by giving it a positive tap to make sure it is locked into place. Caution should be taken here
so as not to drive the weapon, especially with optics fitted, into the ground. Then turn the rifle over and make ready for firing. You are now back in the fight. When performing this drill the weapon should remain close to the front of the body and in centre line, making this drill possible to perform. With the sling still secured to the shooter the weapon does not have to be removed from the body taking up valuable time and the possibility of further injury. If it is necessary to bug out from your position of cover, before you have CALIBRE Shooting provide tactical completed the drill, the weapon training courses for the Security Industry will still be attached to you when and Air-Soft community. If you would you move out. Although quite a like more information on the courses we simple drill to perform, it can be provide visit www.calibreshooting.co.uk quite challenging when there is a hail of rounds coming your way and stress levels are high, so like all drills for survival it must be practiced as often as possible during your training sessions. Have fun with this one and if your game rules call for you to be medic tagged then run the drill just for the hell of it – it will make you look super cool and hard core! Stay safe and happy shooting. www.airsoft-action.online
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DIGITAL EDITIONS
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Tel: 01484 840554
Sponsors of the AIRSOFT ACTION Site Directory
SYMBOL KEY
IS IT WOODLAND OR URBAN? CHECK THE KEY!
ATROOP AIRSOFT Clocaenog Forest, LL16 4SP Tel: 07967 394976 www.atroop.co.uk
ABER AIRSOFT – THE BUNKER Allt-lywd Wood Farm, outside Llanrhystud, nr. Aberystwyth, Wales. Tel: 07511554740 www.aberairsoft.co.uk
ACE COMBAT
Kent, TN12 7DG Tel: 01303 814803 www.acecombat.co.uk
AIRBORNE 101 AIRSOFT CLUB Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 Tel: 07718 032541 robinsonm24@btinternet.com
AIRSOFT ASYLUM
North Lanarksire, ML7 5 www.airsoftasylum.webs.com
ABSOLUTE AIRSOFT Maidenhead, SL6 3SS Tel: 07871 314951 www.absolute-airsoft.co.uk
AIRSOFT COMMANDOS Sutton, near Ferrybridge Tel: 07723 061386 andyace@ntlworld.com
ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES Holbrook Coppice, Buidwas Bank (A4169), Buildwas, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 Tel: 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk
ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES Tong Wood, Newport Road Wolverhampton TF11 8PN Tel: 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk
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October 2016
UKARA MEMBER
SHOP ONSITE
WOODLAND
PYROS ALLOWED
URBAN
BATTERY CHARGING
DESERT
REPAIR SERVICE
AIRSOFT SKIRMISH
Stoulton, WR7 4QW Tel: 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk
AIRSOFT SKIRMISH CQB Studley, B80 7LY Tel: 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk
AMBUSH ADVENTURES – CHOBHAM Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8SL Tel: 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk
AMBUSH ADVENTURES SOUTHAMPTON
New Forest National Park, SP5 2DW Tel: 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk
ALL ARMS AIRSOFT Near Trawden, BB8 8SN Tel: 07909 683464 www.allarmsairsoft.co.uk
APOCALYPSE AIRSOFT Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7QP Tel: 07872 348 576 www.apocalypseairsoft.com
ALPHA 55
Halkyn Wood, North Wales CH8 8DF Tel: 0845 257 6937 www.alpha55.co.uk
ARENA AIRSOFT
ALPHA ELITE GAMING
AWA HERTS
Grimsby, DN31 3JD Tel: 07752 404060 www.arenaairsoft.com
AIRSOFT KGB
Porkellis Moor near Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0 Chef1322@hotmail.com www.kgbairsoft.com
AIRSOFT PLANTATION
Goatsmoore Lane, Billericay, CM4 9RS Tel: 07534 636289 / 07771 556395 www.theofficialairsoftplantation.co.uk theofficialairsoftplantation@gmail.com
Le Mont de Rozel, Jersey, JE3 5 Tel: 01534 733697 www.aegairsoft.je
AMAZON EVENTS
Hellingly, East Sussex, BN27 4HL Tel: 0844 2570433 www.amazonoutdoorevents.co.uk
Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM23 4BJ Tel: 07732 184957 www.awaherts.com
BADLANDS AIRSOFT
Rowlands Castle, Hamps PO9 6DP Tel: 07534 465589 www.badlandsairsoft.co.uk
SITE DIRECTORY
Email nige@airsoft-action.co.uk to add or change a site listing
FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…
BARNSLEY AIRSOFT
Shafton, Barnsley, S72 8RE Tel: 07779 236166 www.barnsleypaintball.co.uk
BATTLETEC AIRSOFT
La Couture, Guernsey, GY1 2 Tel: 07781 104068 www.battletec.co.uk
C3 TACTICAL
COMBAT AIRSOFT
CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE COMPLEX
COMBAT SOUTH URBAN
Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH Tel: 07597 938011 www.c3tactical.co.uk
Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RP Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
BETTER BATTLES
Ravenshead, Notts, NG15 9DH Tel: 07967 940043 www.better-battles.com
BLACKDAGGER AIRSOFT
Grasscroft Wood, Barlow Lees Lane, Dronfield, S18 7UR www.blackdagger-airsoft.co.uk
BLUESTREAK AIRSOFT
Westcott Venture Park, Westcott, Aylesbury, HP18 0XB Tel: 01296 658600 www.bluestreak-airsoft.co.uk
BORDERLINE AIRSOFT
51 Green Road, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim Northern Ireland, BT39 9PH Tel: 028 9303 7030 or 07729219341 www.borderlinecombat.com
BRAVO 2-2 AIRSOFT Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, Southport. PR46JX Tel: 07790 715059 www.bravo22airsoft.com
BRISTOL AIRSOFT Bristol, BS1 2HQ Tel: 07776 288826 www.bristolairsoft.com
BRIT-TAC AIRSOFT Sheffield, S2 5TR Tel: 07795 631331 www.brittacairsoft.com
BUNKER 51
Charlton, SE7 8NJ Tel: 0870 7549653 www.wolfarmouries.co.uk
BUSH VALLEY AIRSOFT
Runham Woods, Lenham ME17 1NQ Tel: 07786 448608 Email: bushvalairsoft@gmail.com
CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE OUTPOST (WOODLAND) HPC, York Road, Flaxby, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG5 0XJ Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
Just off the A11 outside Thetford Norfolk follow signs for Combat Paintball Tel: 07703 045849 www.combatairsoftgames.co.uk
Portsmouth, PO6 3LS Tel: 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk
COMBAT SOUTH WOODLAND
Fareham, PO17 5ND Tel: 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk
Bolton Wood Quarry, Bolton Hall Road Bradford, West Yorkshire BD2 1BQ Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
CERBERUS AIRSOFT – RIVOCK EDGE Keighley, BD20 0LS Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
CERBERUS AIRSOFT – SHEFFIELD WOODLAND Sheffield, S6 6JE Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE WORKS (URBAN)
Off Badger Lane, Hipperholme, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 8PL Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk
CHESTERFIELD IMPERIAL AIRSOFT
Brimington, Chesterfield, S43 1DQ www.cia-airsoft.co.uk
CLOSE ACTION AIRSOFT Corby, NN17 3BB Tel: 07740 165787 www.close-action.co.uk
COMBAT ACTION GAMES
Combat Street, Felthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 4DR. Tel: 07748 023832 www.facebook.com/combatactiongames
DELTA TEAM 3
Skelmersdale, Lancs WN8 8UT Tel: 07986 053076 www.deltateam3.co.uk
DOGS OF WAR
Houston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7BP Tel: 07853 195290 www.dow-airsoft.co.uk
DRAGON’S LAIR CONTACT! FIGHT SCHOOL
CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE SANDPIT (DESERT)
DARKWATER SITE, Dering Wood, Church Lane, Shadoxhurst, Ashford. TN26 1LZ facebook.com/darkwaterairsoftdarkwater
Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, CM14 5 Tel: 01438 368177 www.thefightschool.demon.co.uk
Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA Tel: 07703 530189 www.dragonslairairsoft.co.uk
DRAGON VALLEY AIRSOFT COOL UNDER FIRE
Doddington, Kent, ME9 0JS Tel: 07960 532613 www.coolunderfire.co.uk
CORNWALLS ELITE AIRSOFT
Truro, Cornwall, TR2 Tel: 07863 240153 www.cornwallseliteairsoft.co.uk
COTSWOLD AIRSOFT Bourton Woods On the B4479, Blockley Near Bourton-on-the-hill www.cotswoldairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07724629140
Caerwent Training Area, South Wales, NP26 5XL Tel: 07921 336360 www.dragonvalley.co.uk
DOG TAG AIRSOFT
Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4SE TEL 01293 852 314 www.holmbushpaintball.co.uk/airsoft
ELITE ACTION GAMES – WORTHING
Worthing, BN13 Tel: 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com
ELITE BATTLEZONE
Bexley, Greater London, DA5 1NX Tel: 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk
CUMBRIA AIRSOFT
Dumfries, DG12 cumbria.airsoft@virgin.net www.cumbria-airsoft.com
EXPERIENCE AIRSOFT Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 0AN Tel: 01380 728982 www.experienceairsoft.co.uk
DANGER CLOSE AIRSOFT Ellough Lark Raceway, Benacre Road, Ellough, Norfolk Tel: 07455 906132
FIREFIGHT COMBAT SIMULATIONS Lewisham, SE13 5SU Tel: 07973 240177 www.firefight.co.uk
DARKWATER AIRSOFT LTD.
Mobile: 07947 558433 www.darkwaterairsoft.co.uk Email: darwaterairsofthythe@gmail.com DARKWATER AFTER DARK C.Q.B, (Battlezone Building), Britannia Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, TN23 3NA facebook.com/afterdarkcqb
FIFE WARGAMES
St Andrews, KY10 3XL info@fifewargames.co.uk www.fifewargames.com
www.airsoft-action.online
101
FINMERE AIRSOFT Buckingham, MK18 4JT Tel: 07976 184897 www.finmereairsoft.com
FIREBALL SQUADRON Sutton Coldfield, B75 5SA Tel: 07582 684533 www.fireballsquadron.com
FIRST & ONLY: ANZIO CAMP Leek, ST13 8 Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
FIRST & ONLY: BUNKER WOOD Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 5SA Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
FIRST & ONLY: KHE SANH WOODS
Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 2NA Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
FIRST & ONLY: MANCHESTER WOODLAND Bolton, BL7 9TS Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com
FIRST & ONLY: THE HIVE
Middleton, Manchester, M24 1AZ Tel: 0161 727 8863
FIRST & ONLY: THE ARMOURY
GROUND ZERO WOODLAND Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2DF www.groundzerowoodland.com
Farcet, Peterborough, PE7 3DH Tel: 01733 247171 www.freefirezone.co.uk
FRV AIRSOFT
Annacloy, Downpatrick, BT30 8JJ Tel: 07730 586926 www.frvairsoft.com
FULL METAL AIRSOFT
Cilyrychen Quarry, Llandybie, Ammanford, Camarthenshire, SA18 3JG Tel: 01269 850404 www.fullmetalairsoft.co.uk
GASS AIRSOFT – PENN Penn Bottom, Bucks, HP10 Tel: 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk
GASS AIRSOFT – PIDDINGTON Piddington, Oxfordshire, OX25 1 Tel: 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk
GRANGE FARM AIRSOFT Leicester, LE9 9FP www.gingerliberationfront.com
GREENZONE COMBAT
FIRST & ONLY: THE ACADEMY
GUN HO AIRSOFT
Kidderminster, DY10 3PT Tel: 0161 727 8863
FIRST & ONLY: THE OUTPOST Kidderminster, DY11 5SA Tel: 0161 727 8863
FIRST & ONLY: SLEEPY HOLLOW
Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5LS Tel: 0161 727 8863
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October 2016
HILTON PARK AIRSOFT Wolverhampton, WV10 7HU Tel: 08000 354490 www.paintballuk.com
HOMELAND TACTICAL AIRSOFT Spanby, Lincs, NG34 0AT Tel: 07971 560249 facebook.com/HomelandTacticalAirsoft
Guisborough, TS7 0PG Tel: 07525 435696 www.gunhoairsoft.co.uk
GUNMAN AIRSOFT
– CAMBRIDGE Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 Tel: 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk
GUNMAN AIRSOFT – MIDLANDS RAF Honiley/The Grange Frogmore Grange, Frog Lane, Balsall Common, West Mids CV7 7FP Tel: 01676 532 384 info@suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk www.shop. suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk
LINDSEY AIRSOFT
Manby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8HE Tel: 07955 487983 www.lindsey-airsoft.co.uk
MATLOCK COMBAT GAMES
Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FW Tel: 07974 507166 www.matlockcombatgames.com
MAW
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 Tel: 07793 404346 1midaw@gmail.com
MIA HUMBER AIRSOFT North Lincolnshire, DN21 www.humberairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07792 680297
ISLAND RECON AIRSOFT COMBAT
Co. Armagh, BT60 1NE Tel: 07772 919974 www.greenzonecombat.com
FIRST & ONLY: THE ASYLUM
Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 Tel: 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk
FREE FIRE ZONE
Wrexham, Denbighshire, LL13 9RG Tel: 0161 727 8863
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 6QF Tel: 0161 727 8863
GUNMAN AIRSOFT – NORWICH
Near Shorwell, Isle of Wight, PO30 Tel: 07964 751047 www.islandrecon.co.uk
LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT Gorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4LG Tel: 0131 654 2452 www.airsoftedinburgh.co.uk
Cornwall, EX23 9JL Tel: 01288 331748 www.airsoftsouthwest.co.uk
MIDWALES AIRSOFT
Abbey Cwm-hir, Midwales, LD1 6PG Tel: 07497 480243 www.facebook.com/Midwales-airsoft
MILITARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Wrightington, WN6 9PL Tel: 01942 514724 www.militaryoutdooradventure.co.uk
MILSIM UK
Checkley, Staffordshire, ST10 4NS Tel: 07523 916607 www.milsimuk.co.uk
LAC SITE 1 Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH Tel: 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
LAC SITE 2 Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH Tel: 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
LAC SITE 3 Saxillby, LN1 2JW Tel: 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
LAC SITE 5 Kirton Rd, North Lincs, DN16 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk
NCIS AIRSOFT
Edinburgh, EH14 4 nick@ncis-airsoft.co.uk www.ncis-airsoft.co.uk
NOMAD AIRSOFT
Fenwick, Ayrshire, KA3 6AY Tel: 07904 998250 www.nomadairsoft.com
NORTHERN ALLIANCE AIRSOFT
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3LQ Tel: 01845 565465 www.northernallianceairsoft.co.uk
NORTHFLEET CQB
Northfleet, Kent, DA11 9AA Tel: 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk
SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…
NSC AIRSOFT
RAVEN’S NEST
Hetton, Sunderland, DH5 0 Tel: 07983 333521 www.nscairsoft.co.uk
Suffolk, IP8 4 Tel: 01473 831563 www.ravensairsoft.co.uk
NTAC Durham, DL4 2ER Tel: 01642 281220 www.ntac.co.uk
RAW WAR AIRSOFT CUMBRIA Wigton, Cumbria CA7 3SZ Tel: 01900 85645 www.airsoftcumbria.co.uk
OBAN AIRSOFT – HILL ARGYLL Argyll and Bute, PA37 1 Tel: 07967 710185 www.argyllsurplus.com
RED1AIRSOFT Chislehurst, Bromley BR7 6SD Tel: 07956 522691/01727846069 www.red1airsoft.co.uk
OP-TACTICAL UK – TEAN-OPS Tean, Staffordshire, ST10 4JT Tel: 07964 990831 www.op-tac.co.uk
OVER THE TOP AIRSOFT CLUB Anglesey, LL71 www.ottairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07731 744471
PATHFINDER GROUP AIRSOFT MILITARY SIMULATION Former RAF Camp Sopley/Merryfield Park, Hants, BH23 Tel: 02380 899369
PHOENIX AIRSOFT Welbeck Airsoft, Academy, Budby Road, Notts NG20 9JX Tel: 07956 587213/01623 812483 www.phoenix-airsoft.co.uk
PLATOON 1HQ Rochester, Kent, ME1 1 HQ Tel: 01634 829063 www.ptt-1hq.co.uk
RED1AIRSOFT CQB Red1 CQB. Kings Langley, WD4 8RN Tel: 07956 522691/01727846069 www.red1airsoft.co.uk
RIFT AIRSOFT COM’S SITE 3 Chipping Warden, OX17 1LZ Tel: 07751 586781 www.riftairsoft.com
RIFT AIRSOFT (COTTENHAM) Cambridge, CB24 8RL Tel: 07751 586781 www.riftairsoft.com
SECTION 8 AIRSOFT Shotts, North Lanarkshire, ML7 5AB Tel: 07974 026517 www.s8airsoft.com
SG1 COMBAT GAMES PLAYERS OF WAR High Bonnybridge, FK1 3AD Tel: 07767 203979 www.playersofwar.co.uk
PREDATOR COMBAT GAMES Ballynahinch, BT24 8NF Tel: 02897565651 / 07825169631 www.predatorcombat.com
Co. Londonderry, BT45 8NA Tel: 07713 273102 www.sg1combatgames.co.uk
SKIRMISH AIRSOFT BILLERICAY Billericay, Essex, CM11 2TX Tel: 01277 657777 www.airsoft-billericay.co.uk
SKIRMISH EXETER Exeter, Devon, EX4 5 Tel: 01548 580025 www.airsoftexeter.co.uk
SOUTHDOWN AIRSOFT
Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LR Tel: 07766 770830 www.southdownairsoft.com
TECH BRIGADE Newgate Street, Hertfordshire. SG13 8NH Tel: 07841 713356 www.techbrigade.org
TASK FORCE SKIRMISH Cowbridge, S Glamorgan, CF71 Tel: 02920 593900 www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk
SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – BLOXWORTH
THE BUNKER
Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7EU Tel: 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk
Aberystwyth www.aberairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07841 462806
SPEC OPS AIRSOFT– THE ROCK
THE DEPOT
Portland, Dorset, DT5 2EG Tel: 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk
STIRLING AIRSOFT
Coventry, CV3 6NX Tel: 07831 429407 www.stirlingairsoft.com
Glasgow, G45 9SB Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.thedepotglasgow.com
THE DESERTERS AIRSOFT Redford, DD11 Tel: 07751 878175 www.thedeserters.co.uk
STORMFORCE AIRSOFT
Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4LD Tel: 07515 937633 www.stormforcepaintball.co.uk
THE EX SITE Mold, CH7 4 Tel:07840 001975 www.theexsitewales.co.uk
SUSSEX AIRSOFT
Slinfold, RH12 Tel: 020 8150 9284 www.sussexairsoft.co.uk
S.W.A.T. AIRSOFT
Boathouse lane, South Wirral, Cheshire, CH64 3TB www.swatairsoft.eu Tel: 07703 177756
TA EVENTS
Hemel Hemstead, Herts, HP2 7QB Tel: 07894 059794 www.ta-events.co.uk
TACTICAL WALES AIRSOFT Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AS Tel: 01792 473336 www.tacticalwales.co.uk
THE WARGAMES CENTRE Lundholm Road, Stevenston, Ayrshire, KA20 3LN www.thewargamescentre.com wargamescentre@gmail.com
TORRENT WARFARE Co Tyrone, BT71 4DY Tel: 07922 377131 Facebook: search ‘Torrent Warfare’
TROJAN AIRSOFT Macclesfield, SK10 4SZ Tel: 07428 024874 www.trojan-airsoft.com
TROJAN AIRSOFT – OLYMPUS CQB TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9PL Tel: 020 8665 1299 www.tacticalwarfare.co.uk
Weir Mill, Viaduct Street, Chestergate, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 7JP Tel: 07428 024874 www.trojan-airsoft.com
www.airsoft-action.online
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SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…
UCAP AIRSOFT
ULTIMATE WARGAMES – FAWKHAM
Portsmouth, Hants, PO17 6AR Tel: 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk
Fawkham, Kent, DA3 8NY Tel: 01268 796130 www.ultimatewargames.co.uk
UCAP GREEN OPS
ULTIMATE WARGAMES – LIMPSFIELD
Linch, West Sussex, GU30 7 Tel: 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk
Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0RH www.ultimatewargames.co.uk
URBAN6AIRSOFT – ZONE 13
UCAP SANDPIT Bean, Kent, DA2 8 Tel: 07590 818881 / www.ucap.co.uk
Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0QN Tel: 07432 291729 www.urban6airsoft.com
URBAN6AIRSOFT – THE BLOCK Wood Street, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3AB www.urban6airsoft.com
URBAN ASSAULT
Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 1 Tel: 01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk
VIKING AIRSOFT
Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0UN www.vikingairsoft.co.uk
WARMINSTER AIRSOFT Warminster, BA12 7RZ www.warminsterairsoft.co.uk
XSITE AIRSOFT OUTPOST Dunstable, LU6 2EE Tel: 01494 881430 www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk
XSITE AIRSOFT – LANE END High Wycombe, HP14 3NP Tel: 01494 881430
PRACTICAL PISTOL DIRECTORY AIPSC
The Grange, Frog Lane, Balsall Common, West Midlands, CV7 7FP Tel: 01676 532384 www.aipsc.co.uk Facebook: A.I.P.S.C info@suspensionofdisbelief. co.uk. Every Monday night 7pm– 9pm (except bank holidays). £5 or £10 with pistol and shooting rig hire. UKPSAqualified coaches. UKPSAqualified Range Officers.
DOUBLE TAP PSC
StrikeForce CQB, Morelands Trading Estate, Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5RZ Facebook: www.facebook. com/Double-TapPractical-Shooting-Club979585958732937/?ref=hl doubletappsc@gmail.com
HALO MILL
The Penthouse, Colne Valley Business Park, Manchester Road,
Linthwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5QG Tel: 01484 840554 www.halomill.com
WATFORD PRACTICAL PISTOL CLUB WatfordPPC@gmail.com
NORTHERN PRACTICAL WETHERSFIELD PISTOL CLUB (NPPC) AIRSOFT TARGET Tanner Street, Burnley, SHOOTING CLUB Lancashire BB11 1NA (WAT SIC) Tel: 07816 992417 www.northernpracticalpistol. co.uk 4 indoor ranges
Wethersfield Village Hall, Braintree Rd (B1053), Wethersfield, Braintree CM7 4EB. https://www.facebook. com/WATSiC/ Open Thursday & Friday
evenings. Set-up from 6:30pm. Club shooting commences by 7:30pm. Pack-up starts at 9:30pm if you can stay to help. Contact via FB or 07939557029. Indoors. Club offers Action Air plus 2 & 3 Gun training and events.
XSITE PRACTICAL SHOOTING
Fryers Farm Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks HP14 3NP Tel: 01494 881430
www.airsoft-action.online
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DEALER LISTINGS
ADVERTISERS INDEX Land Warrior Airsoft Inside Front Cover + 3 Airsoft Zone 7 + Inside Back Cover JD Airsoft 9 + 23 + 99 NUPROL 15 ActionSportGames 19 ASPUK 27 Fire Support 32 + 33 Helikon-Tex 36 Urban Airsoft Megastore 40 iWholesales 48 + 49 Viper Tactical 50 + 55 Crawley Surplus Store 58 Platoon Stores 58 Pro-Pell 62 BombUp Airsoft 66 Pro Airsoft Supplies 70 A2 Supplies 74 Gunman Airsoft 82 BadgerTac 86 Silvermans 90 Dragon Valley Airsoft 92 Military Outdoor 92 Tactical Airsoft Shop 92 Airsoft Action Digital Editions 98 JD Bay 99 IPSC 2017 Action Air World Championship104 Military 1st Outside Back Cover
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2014