airsoft digest march 09 by Robert Showe

March 2009

Airsoft Digest Magazine c/o Robert & Isabel Showe 4604 49th St N Ste 74 St Petersburg FL 33709-3842 airsoftdigest@gmail.com http://AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved Disclaimer Certain products represented in this magazine and website may be subject to federal, state and local prohibitions, restrictions or special licensing for sale, possession or interstate transport. Check with local and federal authorities regarding legality of purchase, possession and transport. The information described and portrayed in this magazine and website is based upon the personal experiences of the author(s), under specific conditions and circumstances. Due to time and space constraints, the entire author's experience may not be reported or otherwise verified. Nothing in these pages should be construed to substitute for a manufacturer's manual, advice or for professional training. This magazine, its officers, agents and employees accept no responsibility for any liability, injuries or damages arising from any person's attempt to rely upon the information contained herein. add text, images, video, widgets, etc... What is Airsoft Digest? Welcome to Airsoft Digest - A free online airsoft magazine published in a weekly blog and monthly PDF format. Featuring: Raw stock airsoft gun reviews, Tuned customized airsoft replica reviews, The Workshop - learn affordable customizing, tuning & upgrading, The Lab, testing tunes... finding out what really works, Kit & Gear - reviews, customizing and mods, A female perspective on airsoft, BB Testing, RBT reality based training with airsoft, drills, etc, Gaming - fields, arenas, games, ideas, etc, Other - safety, gun prep, fitness, etc, Girls with Guns Pictorial (Future editions)

About Us - The staff at Airsoft Digest consists of serious airsoft enthusiasts, players, collectors, shooters, trainers, armorers and gunsmiths. Not just the writers…all of us. Like you, we’re interested in saving money, what works…and what doesn’t. Airsoft Digest strives to provide instructive and honest information on affordable replicas, upgrading, tuning, customizing and more. We consider this honest information invaluable to readers like you...individuals who are interested in substance vs. hype; practicality vs. novelty; and honesty in reviews vs. ego stroking. Notes: - Everything is In Our Opinion Only - We lay no claim to any of these ideas, suggestions, tunes, etc. We learned, in person and online, from people who are a lot smarter than us and we merely use and try to improve upon what we consider to be useful. We are open to any additional ideas. If you have an idea you think we may be able to use then send us an E-mail detailing your thoughts. If you have a unique idea and would like the full credit for it, please submit an article. Questions or Comments? airsoftdigest@gmail.com Submit an Article: http://airsoftdigest.typepad.com/airsoft_digest/submissions.html Sponsorship: http://airsoftdigest.typepad.com/airsoft_digest/advertise-with-airsoftdigest.html Table of Contents BB Test – The Lab – 0.2g BIO White Goldenball BB Kit - Review - Matrix Alien Spec Op Mask (New Lens) Other - Pocket and Field Emergency Kit(s) Mini Review... Budget Motor Pinion Gear Removal Tool Raw Review - Y&P SOCOM MK23 NBB pistol RBT DVD Review - Fist-Fire 2 (Female Perspective) Other Safety - Dehydration and Heat ADM now taking on Writers... Sponsors

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BB Test - The Lab - 0.2g BIO White GoldenBall BB

0.2g BIO White GoldenBall BB A series of 5 groups of 5 bb's, selected at random from the package. 5 BB Batch 3 axis avg mm 5.930 5.925 5.919 5.930 5.919

3 axis high mm 5.95 5.94 5.93 5.96 5.95

3 axis high avg mm 5.94 5.94 5.93 5.94 5.93 3 axis low mm 5.92 5.90 5.91 5.91 5.91 3 axis low avg mm 5.92 5.91 5.91 5.92 5.91 avg g per batch 0.202 0.202 0.202 0.202 0.204

3 axis avg range mm .02 .03 .02 .02 .02

g avg for 25 .2024 25bb g total 5.06

Testing Notes: The dark stuff on the cut bb's is my own fault as I didn't clean the cutting tool before use. Measuring on 3 axis points

Cut BB Bubble pictures:

Kit - Review - Matrix Alien Spec Op Mask (New Lens Version March 2009)

Matrix Alien Special Operation No Fog Airsoft Mask (New Lens Version March 2009) Evike.com Listed Features: - True Anti-Fog Finish - Shatter Proof Safety Ultra Clear Lens - Spare Lens Available. - Ultra High Density Foam Inner Padding. - Non-Slip Elastic Fully Adjustable Goggle Strap. - One piece shell for maximum durability and comfort. AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

We go by our mailbox center and pick up these wonderful boxes (It's always Christmas for us airsofters ha ha) and in one box is two of the evike/matrix Alien spec op masks and some extra lens for shot testing. I'm stoked, as when we play airsoft on certain paintball fields and indoor arenas they require us to have full face and ear coverage. Personally I had yet to find a full face mask I liked. I'm normally a bolle x800 goggle + fogtech user (I can fog any plain goggle/mask system alone) But as noted I needed something full face with ear coverage, and as I was still looking this sure looked like it could fit the bill for my personal needs. So what is the best way to test a mask? Take it to your local insane team mates and let them have a go at it, I say. The first comments were like Looks cool, Hey this fits pretty well, I can get good line of sight on my replica, My glasses fit inside, It protects my ears, No itchy foam, etc. These could be taken on a plus side. Of course no mask fits everyone and is satisfactory for everyone's taste, but it was overall consensus this one was pretty good and at a great price. $45 from evike.com

Safety Tests Safety testing Conducted on a closed indoor range (no wind-no sunlight) with a temp of 69 degrees F and humidity of 65% with .2g goldenball white bb's and .32 goldenball white BIO sniper bb's. Replica 1 was tuned for 400 fps with hop setting 1ft level /.2g bb. Replica 2 was tuned for 2.38j 400 fps with hop setting 2ft level /.32g bb (approximately 506fps/.2 equivalent) Lens shots Point blank semi In airsoft, it isn't about being shot at distance, airsoft bb's lose tremendous momentum over even short distances, it's about an accidental discharge (sometimes intentional) from the guy standing next to you. Our first safety testing was to be point blank at 1 foot with a 500fps/.2g equiv bb shot. My understanding was that the original lens sent by the manufacturer wasn't up to spec, so evike included some of these in my test pack to show us the difference and the old lens did indeed fail. But the new lens was a complete pass with barely a mark. Lens shots Full auto five feet Test two was full auto at min shoot distances which usually run around 10 ft at 400 or so. We decided people can't really judge distances very well and thought we would test on the side of error So we shot the lens at 5 feet - 400fps/.2g bb for 5 shots at the same spot. Result... Pass Mask itself Next up was the actual mask material itself. Both point blank 500+ and full auto 35-400 at 1 to 5 feet. Results... Pass

Fit and adjustment The mask has a nice firm strap with anti slip rubberizing to it. I found the mask to not only fit me well but was comfortable for extended periods of time. Considering the mask is quite rigid it may not fit all face types as comfortable. Fit with glasses Of course many of my insane team mates wear glasses or wanted to wear sunglasses underneath. The fit with glasses was unexpectedly very good. No one seemed to complain and from looking closely vision was still top notch.

Line of sight â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cheek weld Ability to shoulder a replica and using the sights of a replica is important to me. I'm not a spray and walk the rounds in type of player. I prefer a precise aimed shot. Most times with a full mask this isn't possible. We found with this mask it was.

Vision The vision was fantastic with great upper and lower sight along with peripheral vision. Looks OK this thing just looks awesome. I mean if you have to cover your ugly mug why not do it in style, alien style.

Cleaning - lens One very nice feature about this mask is the ability to take out the lens easily for cleaning. Just turn the 2 release screws on the sides and pop the lens out. I'm a firm believer if you take care of your lens it will stay bright and clean. These particular lens have a great anti fog coating on them but it does wear off over time. Still we want to preserve that anti fog as long as possible. To clean my lens I removed it and ran it under hot water. I placed 1 drop of dawn dish soap in my hand with a bit of hot water then lathered it up and gently rubbed it over the lens until clean. I then rinsed the lens under the hot running water and my hands until no soap remained. You could see the water bead up on the now clean lens. To dry you want to use a soft micro cloth and gently blot any water off the lens, taking extra care not to touch the lens in process. I then put it on the counter and cool a few minutes before reinserting it into the mask. (using the micro cloth to handle the lens and prevent any finger smudges. Now with a clean lens I AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

wrapped the whole mask in the micro cloth protecting it from scratches and dirt until my nest game. Eventually the factory anti-fog coating does wear off. Personally at this stage I use “fog tech” anti fog on the inside of the lens the day of the game and I use “All Kleer” Plastic Cleaner & Polish on the outside. (See future anti-fog and anti-dust lab tests)

Cleaning - mask Unlike most masks which use the soft open cell foam, this mask uses cleanable closed cell foam. After a game, simply remove the lens for separate cleaning and rinse of the mask then dry with a clean towel simple. Fogging! So, how does the factory anti-fog hold up. In a word, excellent. Personally I can fog any goggle system or mask. I was surprised that when the lens was properly cleaned it's anti fog ability was top notch. The only issue is with glasses. If they are not treated with anti fog on both lens then they will fog inside. I still prefer the anti-fog ability of fog tech, the only true 100% no fog I have found so far but for most people the factory coating will be far more than enough with proper care.

Pimped Stay tuned for the mask mods done on this (like all masks we get, we can't just leave well enough alone ha ha.) Mods allowing the use of a Boonie hat, more airflow, cooling fans and Vietnam special forces style painting.

Other - Pocket and Field Emergency Kit(s)

Airsofters game in all types of environments, enjoying the experience without injury. But, unfortunately, accidents do happen. A little knowledge can help quell the panic and reduce the seriousness of most of them. Apart from stomach upset, headache, heat exhaustion or similar problems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; often from too much sun, bad food or water - the most common problem is minor cuts and scrapes. An untreated cut can fairly easily become infected, especially if it was produced by a plant. Treatment is simple. Clean the cut, apply disinfectant and close with a band-aid. For larger cuts, requiring gauze and roll bandage, you could have a more serious problem. You'll have to estimate how deep is the cut and whether the bleeding is venous or arterial.

Venous bleeding is more even flowing, and often bluer. Arterial bleeding comes in spurts (as the heart pumps blood) and is usually redder. Venous bleeding can usually be clamped and the wound will self-close. Arterial spurts require special clamp-and-release techniques. What are the essential items to be kept in basic first aid kits, and why? I have two kits I take to airsoft events. A pocket kit and a field kit. One is my small pocket e kit for very minor injures like a scratch. I try to keep this on me no matter when I play. The other is a larger field kit to handle possible injuries like puncture wounds. I carry this with me when further away from the loadout area or during extended play. I keep my items in small clear plastic baggies so that I can find what I need fast, yet keep the kit organized. On top of that the clear sealed baggies keep the contents clean and dry. My pocket set fits in a small baggy.

My larger more complete field kit is kept in separated small baggies as well, but all of its contents fits in to a small go bag that can be worn over the shoulder attache' style or attached to my belt as a butt pack.

Be sure when you attend an airsoft event to have the local emergency numbers written clearly in waterproof form. Keep these emergency numbers such as Police, EMS and of course poison control in the front of AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

your first-aid kit. Be sure to include the local hospitals addresses and a map with directions. IMO Everyone should take a basic first aid and cpr class. Remember to keep these skills and certifications up to date.

Be sure to read the instructions on all of your emergency kit supplies when you buy them. Don’t wait until you need them. The first few minutes can be very important in an emergency. Don’t waste those precious minutes trying to figure out how to use the items. Also periodically check the expiration date of all items in your first aid kit. Pocket kit Band Aids/plasters (Variety). The most common injury you will treat are small cuts and scrapes.

Triple Antiseptic/Antibiotic ointment for treating minor wounds and scrapes. Disinfectant wipes for cleansing wounds and to clean yourself after you’ve treated someone’s wounds. Tweezers for removing splinters. Latex gloves. Many diseases are transmitted by touching bodily fluids such as blood and urine.

Field Kit First Aid Manual

Large (4â&#x20AC;?+) sterile gauze bandages for those slightly larger cuts and bloody noses. Cloth adhesive tape for taping bandages, and minor splitting like broken fingers. Cotton roll sterile dressing for holding bandages on the bigger lacerations and abrasions and to put direct pressure on wounds to stop the bleeding. Blunt scissors for cutting bandages, and removing clothing if needed. Forceps for removing other items and sewing. Scalpel for cutting out things like certain burs, fishing hooks ect Cotton swabs - Q tips to get particles out of the eye, ear and to apply ointment. Instant Cold packs for bumps on the head, sprains, and heat exhaustion.

full eye protection accidents can happen. Eye drops allergy drops Vet wrap for sprains and immobilizing areas Mole skin for minor rubs and blistering areas QuickClot Sport A professional grade answer to an incident that causes excessive bleeding.

Tourniquets, Suture kit, wound glue, IV & Saline kit - Only if trained in their use! Ammonia inhalants for fainting, unconscious. Antihistamine (Benadryl) Used for bug bites and allergic reactions.

NSAID's Plus + Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, amodium a.d. (anti diarrhea) & gas x (anti gas) Water Electrolytes (Gookinaid), Energy (Spike), Calming (Kava Kava) After bite - Bite relief

Bug repellent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Deet (Sealed separate in double baggy) Waterproof Sunblock Safety pins, needle and thread set for emergency repair jobs AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

Gorilla (100mph) Tape, Zip Ties, Para cord & super glue Flashlight + Spare Batteries Rescue Blanket the reflective kind, for keeping someone warm, or cool.

Extra Plastic Zip-Lock bags for a variety of purposes, including cleaning up hazardous material or storing cut-off fingers, etc. Marker/Pencil + Notepad for noting any observations & treatments . Mini cooling fan + extra batteries Multi tool-knife + hex keys Remember replicas can need first aid too.

Compass + map Whistle - Radio - Cell Phone This is a basic kit idea that we use. You, of course, may have needs for a bit more or less in your personal kit. Also there are numerous complete ready to use emergency kits out there to buy, just be sure it contains everything you need and read as well familiarize yourself with it's package.

Mini Review... Budget Motor Pinion Gear Removal Tool In these hard economic times, or for that matter, any time, I'm always looking for budget items and certain tools we use infrequently that can be expensive and as such budget priced items can save ones wallet.

This tool is just one of those rare budget finds. Most motor pinion gear removal tools sell for around $50 plus dollars, not including shipping. This particular model (Turborix Pinion Gear Removal Kit) cost us just $22.37 shipped from r2hobbies.com AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

The package Included: • • • • • •

The Body T-screw 3 pins Set pin screw Allen key for pin screw V plate

The removal method is quite easy: • Select the proper pin. Look at the motor pinion gear and make sure it is smaller than the opening and the motor shaft.

• Install the selected pin into the t-screw then lock it in place with the enclosed set pin screw and allen key. • Thread the t screw into place.

Insert the V plate into the Body (slots)

Check your motor pinion gear to see if it has it's own set screw and remove if it does. â&#x20AC;˘ Slide the motor in place, lining it up with the pin

Slowly turn the t screw down until the motor pinion gear pops off. this may take a bit of effort to do depending on how tight the gear is on the motor shaft.

This particular tool you can use to reduce costs by repairing a good motor or salvaging parts from damaged or old motors.

Raw Review - Y&P SOCOM MK23 NBB pistol

Raw Review: Y&P Airsoft SOCOM MK23 NBB Gas Replica Pistol So you are looking for a special operations style pistol that will perform with the gas blow back big dogs, but on a budget. I think we have found your solution. The y&p mk23 SOCOM NBB - non blow back. This isn't a new pistol by any means. It's in all sense a reduced cost version of the Tokyo Mauri and at 1/3rd the cost it's a budget bargain. We were able to acquire this one from http://evike.com/. In the performance department the y&p leaves nothing lacking with a ten shot average around 334fps/.2g stock performance (barrel extension not attached). Then a ten shot average of around 402 fps/.2g when the AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

included fake suppressor barrel extension was attached. Gas efficiency was excellent at this higher power with 2 to 3 magazines full of rounds per one propane+silicone (green style) gas charge. I was able to get no less than 2 magazines full from it firing at a high double tap then wait 1 second rate till empty. As a non blow back, the noise produced is far less other gas pistol types and about what one would expect from a NBB, making this IMO a perfect outdoor anti sentry pistol with the barrel extension (and minimum shooting distance for that fps).

The casting quality and looks could have been improved upon. Still at this cost there are no complaints from us. It seems they cast the orange tip directly in the body, thereby eliminating the ability to remove the orange tip, still it could be repainted (more on that in the tuned review). To my eye the plastic body was acceptable at it's seams and such but I would have liked a much better finish as the plastic was a bit shiny for my likes. There is a lack of all trades unlike the TM version. You can manually operate the slide coking the pistol into single action mode. The slide lock is non functional for locking the slide but does work as a second safety when cocked into single action mode. The decocking lever is molded into the pistol itself and does not work.

Pic above: Y&P on top and TM on bottom The mk23 is quite large in comparison to other combat pistols, being a full size .45 replica. We'd say in the size range of a Dessert eagle. • Pistol: 9.75 inches long x 6 inches tall by 1.25 inches wide • Suppressor: 7.75 inches long x 1.25 inches diameter • Combined: 17 inches long x 6 inches tall x 1.25 inches wide Our holster choice to carry the behemoths of a pistol was the adjustable tornado thigh rig. We did have to let it out to full size for a proper fit of the pistol, showing it's size. Understand that the longer sight radius is good for accuracy, as well longer inner barrel length adds to making it pretty accurate. The body is made mostly from plastic with the magazine, trigger, mag release and barrel being metal. This makes for a lighter weight replica despite it's size making the tactical handling characteristics better than expected.

Recently we got to use the mk23, in out of the box stock condition, at a local outdoor game. While using it as my only replica for the game, I didn't quite have the rate of fire or accuracy that a longer barreled aeg has but I was able to hold my own due to it's increased power with the barrel extension and better than normal gas pistol accuracy. This is a double/single action pistol. With a full single trigger pull the pistol cocks the hammer, loads a bb and fires a single shot. You can pre cock the hammer reducing the trigger pull length but it is still quite firm, not unlike a real combat double action pistol. The trigger pull is quite long compared to single action pistols and at times was a bit sticky. This is nothing to sweat because with a bit of care, cleaning and proper lubing it worked into a smooth as silk shooting machine. Like many lower costing replicas from China the quality control wasn't near as nice as the premium TM version which can cost 3 times as much, still it was well within acceptable levels at it's budget price. One very nice thing I have noticed so far is that the mags hold gas exceptionally well, a good point as was noted the TM mags tend to leak, a + in the favor of the ACM IMO. Of note, the mags are 100% interchangeable between the two brands for this model.

Although I usually go over my replicas and re-clean all parts as well as relubricate everything, for the sake of testing I didn't do this at first on this mk23. Performance was so so at that level and a few jams and mis-feeds happened. After the cleaning and re-lubing it performed flawlessly.

The Y&P Package includes... Foam filled box – Great for using as a spacer in your bookshelf or if you are the creative type you can line it with felt and use it as a display box. • • • •

H&K MK23 socom .45acp replica pistol. Suppressor - Barrel Extension, often referred to as a silencer. 1 metal magazine A bag of bb's (safe only for claymore use, not in any replica)

Although the TM unit (shown in above pic) includes the Mock LAM unit, the y&p does not. The LAM unit is almost worthless but for looks.

If you are on the look out for an inexpensive nbb this may fit the bill.

Click here http://airsoftdigest.typepad.com/photos/mk23_raw/ For the complete photo set of the Y&P MK23 socom. A total of 45 pics at all angles. -

RBT DVD Review - Fist-Fire 2 (Female Perspective)

RBT DVD Review - Fist-Fire 2 (Female Perspective) By Isabel Showe The “How we do what we do” video. Watch and learn from an actual FIST-FIRE class! Subjects covered: The Science of Index & Point Shooting, Drawing, Recoil Control, Shooting on the Move, Reloading Strategies, Fist-Fire Flashlight Techniques and much more. Run time is approximately 1.5 Hours. This, for some of you readers, may be an atypical review. I have, over the years, watched countless videos and shows plus taken classes on executive protection, martial arts and shooting. However I still consider myself a novice to tactics in pistol control and how it relates to function. My perspective as a girl is going to be different, perhaps right down to how I watched this video. AirsoftDigest.com © International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

Now remember I am a girly girl, so in preparation for my evening entertainment I put on my PJ's got a bowl of chips with dip and soda, pen and paper. I laid my 1911 Caspian by my side just in case. What I determined after watching DR Middlebrooks video is that it is an excellent resource for laying a basic foundation and for those willing to learn a new style of shooting it is a superb introduction.

I was pleasantly surprised after a brief introduction to fist fires how we do what we do and the evolution of the stances, I see where the cop shows on TV get their stuff, I was going to abandon my chips for some interactive viewing. Middlebrooks really takes his time to both explain and show with another person, what the fist-fire stance is. He also delves in to great detail on how to hold the pistol, essentially how can you shoot where your index finger is pointing, and recoil control. So here I am standing in the living room practicing guarded, partial and full extension positions, griping my pistol over and over again, the whole intention being to master recoil control, not exactly an issue with airsoft, but certainly an issue with real steel shooting in the end, being able to hit what you mean to.

Now where fist fire really differs, to the things that I have see other shooters do, to hit the target is the concept of his particular indexing. Most shooters use their sights to hit the target. As previously mentioned, Middlebrooks mentions his method in how to hold the pistol, but explains and shows it in further detail. The concept of indexing with your finger is not a revelation to me as I am right handed but left eye dominate, I cannot close just my left eye. Usually I have to shoot with both eyes open. With indexing and the way middle brooks shows how to go from drawing the pistol to actually shooting it, I found that I could simply shift my pistol to my left line of sight, so I can see clearly, no blurring, and shoot what my index finger is pointing at. Though if I really want to I can use my sights with no problem. So at this point I've got the idea you will truly be able to hit what you aim at even if you are only partially drawn, as long as your pistol is level. Cool!

The video moves on to foot positions for avoiding your pistol being drawn by any one but yourself. From the looks of it, it is modified from various marital arts disciplines, the basic principal , keep your movement options open. This section was a bit brief. I can say that from here the explanations for the following sections gets fast, almost as though Middlebrooks is trying to cram everything in. He hustles though the hook draw, the moon walk, the Groucho walk. So I got the idea of retreating backwards with out falling down and going forwards with out bouncing the pistol. No sideways motions were mentioned.

Equally expediently we went though reloading strategies. I got the concept that there are different ways to reload in the slide lock or tactical method. Poof and then the video is over. Basically what Middlebrooks does well is lay a foundation. I got the basics and got them pretty well as the instruction allowed for involvement at first. As concepts and practice got more intricate I found watching his movements rather than listening to his words was more helpful. It was as though explanation and visual did not quite match, like watching a dubbed movie. I will have to really go back and watch the later portion of the DVD with a remote so I can do a bit of self study. This is something that I think we all end up doing when watching an instructional video. So how does this apply to air soft? If you play out doors generally you are using a rifle as apposed to a pistol. So how would these concepts work? I would guess the same way. Shoot where you point. The benefit is that if you are wearing a full face mask which makes it nearly impossible to use your sights indexing the fist fire way is an option. So rather than spray and AirsoftDigest.com ÂŠ International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

pray, point and shoot. I personally like pistols in a cqb environment. The best fields I have played on they are really fast. There is no time to set up and look though your sights. You had better be able to shoot accurately from the time you level your pistol out of the holster or when you come around a corner. The fist fire technique is great for that. Fist Fire 2 is over all a well done DVD. I learned a bunch and will learn each time I watch. It was easy to watch and it flowed in such a way as not to be monotonous. I definitely recommend this to all calipers of airstofters and real steel shooter a like.

Get fist-fire training at the Tactical Shooting Academy: www.tacticalshooting.com or the DVD and other goodies at: www.tacticalshooting.com/merchandise.html Tactical Airsoft Arena - An airsoft CQC gaming and aRBT airsoft reality based training center in Rockville, Maryland, USA

Other Safety - Dehydration and Heat

Dehydration and Heat Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very common heatrelated illnesses that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Dehydration can lead to a serious heat-related disease. Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person is overexposed to the sun and or heat, dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate. Dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.

The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • • • • • • • •

thirst less-frequent urination dry skin fatigue light-headedness dizziness dry mouth and mucous membranes increased heart rate and breathing

In cases of mild dehydration, simple re-hydration is recommended by drinking electrolyte drinks-fluids. There are many sports drinks and electrolyte formulas like Pedialyte on the market and home brews which effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.

For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including: • Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun. • Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing. • Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. • Drink appropriate sports/electrolyte drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.

Heat Stroke! Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity and/or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels. If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke. AirsoftDigest.com © International Copyright 2008-2009 - Robert and Isabel Showe - All rights reserved

The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • • • • • • • • • •

headache dizziness disorientation, agitation or confusion sluggishness or fatigue seizure hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty a high body temperature loss of consciousness rapid heart beat hallucinations

It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive. • Get the person indoors. • Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. • Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits. • Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke. There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include: • Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to increased dehydration. • Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. • Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using cover from the sun. • Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat. (Heat tolerance) • During outdoor activities in the heat, take frequent drink breaks.

The 13 Levels of Heat Illness 1. Thirst 2. Discomfort 3. Appetite loss 4. Nausea 5. Headache 6. Dizziness 7. Slurred speech 8. Difficulty breathing 9. Difficulty walking 10.Loss of Senses 11.Inability to swallow 12.Collapse 13.DEATH! -

ADM now taking on Writers... Do you have some cool ideas about... airsoft games with story lines, great gear, kit tweaks, replica mods, and more? Airsoft digest Magazine is looking for your input. You don't have to be experienced at writing, just willing to try. Submit your article to ADM showing us your ability to creatively write and photograph. We may then choose you to test and review some of the great products we get in. You may get anything from a washer to a tactical training tool. It just depends on you and what we are receiving to test at that time. Send us your article and pictures. Also send us your bio so that we can get to know you.

Airsoft Digest welcomes contributions of articles and photographs. Whether you're an experienced writer, photographer or just getting started, we'll be glad to review your material for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

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