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FOREWORD WORD FOREWORD AIRSOFT INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
AIRSOFT INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 11 ISSUE 9
AI500 NG BOOKI AE IRNS! OFTERS P O M NOW A G OR VI A 17 ZI D NSITenEix OF AN 16 GES
PAUL MONAF
CALL IT QUITS?
paul@ai-mag.com
Hello all and sundry and welcome to none other than Volume 9 of Airsoft International! Yes, that’s right, we are into our ninth year of publication and it’s true, from tiny acorns mighty oaks grow! Things have changed and progressed a lot over the years and we like to think Ai as an entity has evolved into something much more than what we started out goes with and we certainly be stopping any Scarcely a month by without the won’t very future time soon! At this notable likesome to once againorthank you of airsoft coming underjuncture attack I’d from angle readers forbe your overwhelming support, enthusiasm passion another, it local governments making a fussand over every step ofmisusing the way, itasimply couldn’t have happened without you! somebody market stall BB gun or indeed, So then, why do people decide to callaitwider quits?rethink I’m not talking large scale terror attacks forcing of about magazines here, but airsoft in general. Once in a while you’d firearms availability. see a poster up at the local skirmish site “Quitting Airsoft Sale, All So far though, nothing has really penetrated the Kit Must Go” and now you see the same in a digital medium. On shield. We’ve weathered a good few storms and by forums and Facebook. What makes a person just lose interest and and large, that’s because what we do is legitimate stop airsofting? Family situations I guess are a valid reason, kids, and has its own checks and balances that really do finances and real life can get in the way and make it difficult to play have a track history of working pretty well, even if that much, but surely just once in a while even if it’s only once a theyit’s aregood a bittoshaky infirm. year, get outand in the fresh air and blow out the cobwebs? I think many airsofters justconsideration have a guiltybut even then we Health is also going to be a valid conscience even ifrefuse further restriction know of guys and that simply to quit and havewere actually played bought into play, there’s no real reason to think CQB in a wheelchair, that’s pretty inspirational! that it would bring about the people end ofbecome our hobby. I guess the main reason is that boredWhy and the would licensing registration really havefrom to be such stale passion dies but it’sorpossible to prevent things becoming anprogressing issue? Youthings need along. a rod license to go fishing and by Back when I first started playing, my plenty worry of people do that… biggest was being able to afford to keep my gun running and moreover, pay for fixes. being outcriminal of action for a couple Truth be told, unlessI dreaded you have some of months that and having to doing spend the money spend on lifestyle you are your best I’d to otherwise hide there’s BBs and walk-on labour charges. My solution was to learn no real reason fees thaton a law-abiding citizen shouldn’t to things myself it wasunder truly liberating. then if my gun befixallowed to playand airsoft any new Since legislation. has gone down fixing it isn’t a big thing, £10 on a spareapart and a Sure, you might end up having to jump through couple of hours of my I’m backhappens in. few more hoops buttime willand whatever really be Things are than always going to staleyou if you only go to the same any worse having to get prove have a defence? sites week in, make case sure you keep things fresh, Probably notweek andout thistoo, is asoworst scenario. visit new places and try new things. Evenmore if youcause don’t really Airsoft retailers MAY have a little for like what you find at another site, be at least you’ll be thankful for what concern. There could well a legislative change that you haveabout at the more “local”.checks New challenges are essential too; the brings and processes and restricts very nature of airsoft makes for an awkward translation into the availability of products meaning there will be less a competitive pastime so the one person you should really be profit or higher prices introduced which will not go challenging is yourself. If you are used to playing a game with 5 high down well, but as airsoft players, it’s probably best caps, try cutting down to 5 mid caps and test your shooting skills. If to let the retailers themselves worry about that by you try and achieve an objective, try it next time but try not to get brokering better deals with their distributors. hit at all. Push yourself and you’ll soon find yourself uninterested Onetrivialities thing is for certain, ranting about how “they’ll in the of others taking hits or complaining about games take unfair, my RIFs from cold, dead being you’ll bemy improving YOURhands!” game. probably isn’t going to representisairsoft in a things good light at all and it’s Ultimately, progression what keeps interesting andvery to the that probably demonstrates the thinglaw-makers, that has given Ai its longevity. We’ve progressed as a rather undesirable character trait those and made time has gone on and we’ve overcome newinchallenges passionate aboutwithout the hobby. We’re not goingTry to doing be that new achievements resting on our laurels. corralling any pitchfork mobsairsoft or lighting any torchesand yourself because it’s what makes such an engaging to make any kind of stand here but by the same absorbing hobby! token, weonare See you thealso field!not going to discourage individuals
The man that started it all. He calls the shots behind the scenes.
PAUL MONAF BEN WEBB
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR EDITOR
paul@ai-mag.com bwebb@ai-mag.com
The manface thatatstarted it all.ready to A fresh the wheel, He calls thetoshots behind the scenes. steer Ai on the next level.
BEN WEBB DICKIE EDITOR ART DIRECTOR
bwebb@ai-mag.com designteam@ai-mag.com
A fresh face of at the wheel, ready to The Rambo steer Ai&oncolours. to the next level. shapes
BEN DICKIE JAMES KENTON ART DIRECTOR STAFF WRITER
designteam@ai-mag.com jay@ai-mag.com
The Rambo Finding and of upgrading the perfect shapes & colours. AEG is his holy grail.
JONATHAN WADE CONNOR JAMES CONSULTANT STAFF WRITER
jonathan@ebcon.co.uk connor@ebcon.co.uk
A veteran of the Armed With a wealth ofCanadian knowledge underForces his lends his aconsiderable knowledge. belt he’s welcome addition.
JAMES KENTON JACK BAXTER STAFF WRITER
jay@ai-mag.com jack@ai-mag.com
Finding and upgrading thethings perfectapart, Has a penchant for taking AEG his holy he’ll is break stuff,grail. so you don’t have to.
CONNOR JAMES BILL PRYCE THOMAS STAFF WRITER
connor@ebcon.co.uk bill@ebcon.co.uk
With a wealth of his knowledge his Bill joins us with technicalunder experience belt a welcome addition. and ahe’s ‘wild’ passion for ‘Namsoft!
CRAIG ATKIN ILLUSTRATION
craig_atkin@hotmail.co.uk
With a pen in one hand and a 1911 in the other, this talented guy has us covered!
STEPHEN DEMAGALSKI AI TEAM OPERATIONS
SUBSCRIPTIONS dddemo@ebcon.co.uk SIGN UP TODAY AND GET AI IN BOTH AND DIGITAL Away missions andHARD excursions, Demo is FORMAT! CHECK first OUT PAGE FORkey MORE INFORMATION in and88our man on point.
Order online at: www.ai-mag.com Or over the phone on: 01775 750005
PUBLISHING PUBLISHING PAUL MONAF: SALES AND PUBLISHING DIRECTOR paul@ai-mag.com PAUL MONAF: SALES / PUBLISHING DIRECTOR paul@ai-mag.com SHARON MONAF: ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR sharon@ai-mag.com SHARON MONAF: ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR sharon@ai-mag.com EBCON PUBLISHING LTD
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UNDER ATTACK!
from talking to their MPs and local governments. What we will ask though is remember that you are representative of the hobby in yourself and you owe it to everyone to demonstrate your best side.
Issn: 1750-8584
publishing ltd. publishing ltd.
I S S U E 1
THE ONLY MAGAZINE MADE BY AIRSOFTERS FOR AIRSOFTERS
Always remember the key positive teachings and values of airsoft and anyNS!kind of shooting are: I
N
T
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
GET
GEAR ZONE! SOME!
TASTY TREATS Personal FOR YOU AND YOUR GUN!
L
GU GE A R! TECH !
✔ responsibility. ✔ Respect for others and the environment. ✔ Team building and honesty. ✔ Social interaction and skills. ✔ Promotion of health and fitness. ALL NEW!
A I R S O F T I N T E R N AT I O N A L
W NE ION CT SE GE PA
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A MIXED GRILL OF MOUTH WATERING CHOICE CUTS IN GEAR ZONE THIS MONTH
TEAM WORK IN OUR NEW SECTION ‘SOLDIER SKILLS’ WE FOCUS ON FORMATION
416D RECOIL HOW DOES MARUI’S NEW REPLICA HOLD UP IN OUR FIELD TEST?
INSIDE UPGRADES WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT ALL THOSE CRITICAL COMPONANTS
FERRO CONCEPTS INNOVATIVE LIGHTWEIGHT GEAR FOR THE MODERN WARRIOR... STAY LIGHT! FIGHT RIGHT!
Push and demonstrate these positive attributes when talking about airsoft and associated activities SWORDS IN THE SAND to any kind of organisation to show the most TRIED AND TESTED! DOWNLOAD AI NOW! TEAM SCENE! GALLERY valuable parts the hobby to them. Despite what it ! ON THElike, COVER THISisn’t MONTH looks airsoft about war, killing or violence SWORDS IN THE SAND - CHECK OUT PAGE 22 and it is in fact completely the opposite. GOOD GUYS IN BAD LANDS - GOING UNDERCOVER
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GET NATIVE AND GO UNDERCOVER WITH TWO ORIGINAL
LOAD OUTS THAT WILL SET YOU APART ON THE FIELD
I R I S H E D I T I O N
weapons. Airsoft replicas should not be confused with real firearms, air rifles or BB Guns. In accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Home Office in the UK (overseas readers may DISCLAIMER be subject to different laws), airsoft replicas are not to be used or brandished by any individual in a The publishers of Airsoft International (Ai) to magazine do not condone the possession threatening manner in public or in any way cause a person to fear personal injury. of firearms, airsoft models or are replica weaponry for Airsoft replicas recommended forillegal use atpurposes. professionally run skirmish sites. Individuals The hobby airsoft skirmishing is conducted at specialist or clubs ignoring this sport adviceofwill be breaking the law and can expect severeskirmish penaltiessites imposed upon throughout the world, in controlled conditions where strict safety policies are implemented. them from their local constabularies. Airsoft International magazine does not publish articles on real firearms or blank firing weapons. Airsoft replicas should not be confused with real firearms, air rifles or BB Guns. In accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Home Office in the UK (overseas readers may be subject to different laws), airsoft replicas are not to be used or brandished by any individual in a threatening manner in public or in any way to cause a person to fear personal injury. Airsoft replicas are recommended for use at professionally run skirmish sites. Individuals ignoring this advice will be breaking the law and can expect severe penalties imposed upon them from their local constabularies.
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responsible for any loss or damage to unsolicited material. Please enclose a SAE if you wish your material to be returned. Competitions DISCLAIMER The publishers of Airsoft International (Ai) magazine not condone the possession firearms, will be judged on the dates specified. Nodocorrespondence will beofentered airsoft models or replica weaponry for illegal purposes. into judge’s isisfinal. In the event of the published The and hobbythe sport of airsoftdecision skirmishing conducted at specialist skirmish sites or clubsprize not beingthe available due to circumstances beyond control of the throughout world, in controlled conditions where strict safetythe policies are implemented. Airsoft International magazine does not publish articlesvalue on realwill firearms or blank firing magazine, a suitable alternative of similar be provided.
V O L U M E
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles in this magazine, but the publisher accepts Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles in this magazine, no responsibility for any errors contained in material from independent sources or authors. but the publisher notext, responsibility for any errors contained Reproduction in whole oraccepts part of any photography or illustration in any form without in permission from theindependent publisher/editor is strictly prohibited. We welcome articles, photographs or material from sources or authors. Reproduction in whole artwork. Airsoft International cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to unsolicited or part of any text, photography or illustration in any form without material. Please enclose a SAE if you wish your material to be returned. Competitions will be permission from the publisher/editor is strictly We welcome judged on the dates specified. No correspondence will be enteredprohibited. into and the judge’s decision is final. In the event of the published prize not Airsoft being available due to circumstances the articles, photographs or artwork. International cannotbeyond be held control of the magazine, a suitable alternative of similar value will be provided.
OF THE 2015 POPULA AIRSOFT PLAYERS R CHOICE AWARDS
WE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! OUR HONEST OPINIONS!
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WE ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE! SEE PAGE 68
GET YOU & YOUR TEAM RECOGNISED
YOUR PHOTOS IN PRINT
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JUNE 2013 VOL-9 ISS-1 £4.25
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T PA npho CHECK OU om/games/falle g.c HOW TO www.ai-ma TEST INFO AND LA BOOKED AM FOR THE TE UR AS AND YO THOUGH GET YOU QUICKLY ES ARE IN! MOVE BOTH SID PLACES ON ATCHED UP BEING SN ! VERY FAST
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CONTENTS INCOMING!
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 9
62
09 GALLERY
Reader’s images from around the globe! Got a shot of you or your friends in action? Send it through to editorial@ai-mag.com
AIRSOFT INTERNATIONAL
your shots, in print!
12-13 LOVE LETTER
Our gear monkey reflects on what it is that makes a decent game and site at it’s most basic.
15-17 INDUSTRY AWARDS
Find out who you voted top of the pile in the Ai Industry Awards!
FEATURED
22-29 GEAR OF THE YEAR!
We run down through our favourite selection of gear at kit from 2015.
SIT-REP
32-33 KSC ERG
Phil gives us his viewpoint on the new KSC ERG, sourced from eHobby Asia.
34-37 FIGHTING FIT
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Is airsoft feeling a little too much like hard work these days? Maybe you need to get fighting fit…
GEAR LOCKER
40-45 GEAR ZONE
Top gear and kit for your gun, inside and out! Go on, treat yourself to a little something special!
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TRIED AND TESTED! WE BREAK IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT
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HEY, DO YOU SUBSCRIBE? SIGN UP NOW AND GET AI IN BOTH HARD AND DIGITAL FORMAT! CHECK OUT PAGE 88
ARMOURY
48-50 KRYTAC LMG ENHANCED
48-50 - Krytac LMG Enhanced - Check out the Krytac LMG Enhanced with us. Could this be the most practical support gun ever?
52-54 CYBERGUN COLT RAIL GUN
Cybergun’s latest Colt licensed offering is the “Rail Gun”, a tricked out modern 1911.
58 STAFF KIT
Ben shows off his trusty HK45 and it’s companion piece, a swanky GM Tactical kydex holster.
62-63 THE BIRD IS THE WORD
We go grey with some Arc’Teryx bargain in the Wolf Grey colour scheme.
64-67 TRIED AND TESTED
BBs, tourniquet holders and some new gloves… A varied selection of kit from some interesting sources.
70-71 FIRING POINT
Things get a little bit political as we wade into theoretical gun ownership.
SKILLS
75-79 BUILD A MOSFET!
MOSFETs are all the rage but we show you how easy (and cheap) they can be with a DIY guide.
82-83 BAGGED UP
Carry your kit with style. A refresher of the latest range of Viper bags for on and off the skirmish field.
INDUSTRY INSIDER 86 READER’S LETTER
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Write in with your views and be in with a chance to win a fun prize from AiHQ!
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PICK UP A SUBSCRIPTION TO OUR DIGITAL ISSUES AND YOU CAN READ AI ON ALL OF YOUR DEVICES, FROM PHONES AND TABLETS TO DESKTOP COMPUTERS WITH JUST ONE QUICK AND EASY ONLINE LOGIN! CHECK OUT WWW.AI-MAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE
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READERS GALLERY YOUR SHOT S IN PRINT! - YOUR SHOT S IN PRINT!
READERS GALLERY!
TAYLOR GILBERT AT HIS FIRST GAME @ THESANDPIT
VENTING @ STRIKEFORCE CQB ACTION BY SNOOK Y SNAPS
DON WHEELER AND TEAM FETT @ THE SANDPIT
COLOURFUL CHARACTER BY SNOOK Y SNAPS
ARIBA!! SPEEDY GONZALEZ BY SNOOK Y SNAPS
SNAKES IN THE GRASS @ BULBY WOODS UK
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS TO: BWEBB@AI-MAG.COM
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TAL K ALL
A I R S O F T
A P P L I C A T I O N S
T H E
M A K I N G
WHAT IS LOVE? THE MAKING OF A GREAT GAME!
THIS MONTH OUR RESIDENT GEAR MONKEY MOVES THE NARRATIVE ON AND GIVES US THE FRUITS OF HIS EXPERIENCE, OF WHICH THERE IS PLENTY, REGARDING JUST WHAT IT IS THAT MAKES A GAME GREAT. THERE’S MORE TO AIRSOFT THAN JUST SHOOTING LITTLE BALLS, WE KNOW THAT FOR SURE, BUT UNDER THE SURFACE WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES US GO HOME FEELING LIKE WE'VE HAD THE BEST.. DAY.. EVER..
So, team - last two issues we've discussed blasters, namely my PTW and two of my plate carriers, The JPC and CPC. But, as it's the festive season and we start to become a little more cheery and nostalgic - The Editor set this months 'homework' (assignment) subject as Airsoft, or “Plastic Deth" as I prefer. Essentially we'll take a look back on what I think makes a great game, a love letter if you will... As I previously opened, with a blaster and some modicum of load bearing equipment, even if it just pockets to put a bottle of BB's in - without the above you won't really be able to partake in the fight, unless you
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intend to use a training dagger and a fairly artistic use of the 'bang rule’. Anyhow, whilst I digress - let’s get down to business and discuss what makes a good game. For me, I vividly recall my first ever game, at Elite Action Games woodland site. It was a wintery Sunday morning, and before I'd even fired my first shot in 'anger' I'd already gone some way to building a contemporary US Infantry load-out in UCP. This, naturally to my chagrin, drew some wry smiles from regular players more suitably garbed in M81 or DPM… Nonetheless, I was warmly welcomed and encouraged on board, not only by organisers and staff but the players too.
By S23: Gear Monkey It was this altruistic sense of camaraderie that perhaps left its most telling mark. This was only further exemplified when a particularly long standing benevolent gave me some free kit to help get started. Again, when rolling with the sites big dogs later that day, I deplored midst fire fight 'I'm out of ammo' - without hesitation the Multicam clad pro, calmly handed over his pistol without a second thought. So, first impressions make a big impression and in this case the sense of community spirit only further ratified my love of the game. Suspension of disbelief. For me, regardless of what others perceive it to be, Cowboys and Indians, Toy Soldiers regardless, without some element of disbelief and an attempt to thinly veil reality - it somewhat otherwise defeats the purpose of going to all that effort. It's about having fun at the end of the day, but personally I'm often disheartened when skirmishes devolve into nothing more than basic paintball tactics such as 'capture that flag’. A good game for me has an element of scenario to support an objective based days play. It's in my opinion this goes some way to adding a little colour or even flavour to the proceedings and for the most part breaks up the repetition.
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THE MAKING OF A GREAT GAME! BY S23: GEAR MONKEY
I'VE SEEN MANY A PLAYER WITH JUS THE BARE ESSENTI T A TRUCK LOAD OF EN ALS BUT ABSOLUTELY DECIMTHUSIASM OPPOSITION WITH ATE THE KIT TO PUT MOST MENOUGH OD SPECIAL FORCES ERN TO SHAME! If done well, hours can fly by as you crawl and creep through muddy undulating woodland basins or anxiously dash from building to building in sprawling urban complexes without firing a single shot. But, the enjoyment and excitement is palpable no less. Conversely those same scenarios can fuel the most blisteringly violent firefights, the very ground kicking up dust around you, reloading so fast, stripping out magazines and dropping them on prone team mates as you blaze away... It's both the tense moments of suspenseful silence and by contrast the moments of sheer frenetic violence of action that culpably combine to provide moments of unbridled escapism. Now, getting dusty and muddy are undoubtedly the end goals here, but my passion for equipment is even more long standing. As a vehicle 'Plastic Deth' has for me provided the ultimate playground to put my latest and greatest new bit of 'treasure' through its paces. Undoubtedly, like many of of us, and quite happily too, I've been guilty of falling foul to form over function when the allure of that shiny new camouflage has proven too strong. This is for me though all part of that journey that makes it oh so enjoyable.
I've played in full VBSS load outs replete with circulation stopping extraction harnesses to ineffectual camouflage patterns designed for arid theatres in woodland settings. But, it's provided me with a level of self awareness and experience with some degree to now self source equipment that's practicable and functional. That said, I've seen many a player with just the bare essentials but a truck load of enthusiasm absolutely decimate the opposition with enough kit to put most modern special forces to shame! It's this keynote, thematically, what you expect to draw from a game, be it a casual skirmish to a full on Mil-Sim - you, your mindset, enthusiasm and willingness to participate and naturally mange your expectations of the game will ultimately influence your enjoyment. I've had days where everything has worked, team work is outstanding, attitudes and hit taking are positive but, I've been either tired or distracted with real world matters and it's been a lack lustre affair‌ Or in complete polarity, hit taking has been poor, at a fairly disingenuously organised day but, I've nonetheless made the very best of it and bizarrely had a great time. All of the above, may or may not apply to you as regards to having a good game.
What is vital however is you. Be it team mates, the Op For, the site organiser or the marshals, without all of you getting involved embracing the spirit of the game in its truest sense - I'd be standing around not only lonely but looking pretty stupid too... It's with great pride I can reflectively look back and say a well deserved thank you. Through muddy woodland and undulating forests, to arid quarries and desolate industrial complexes I've fought and played alongside friends and strangers alike with almost religious zeal and fervour, all born from our love of our past time. So, sometimes it's a shared cup of coffee, a cigarette or a speed loader or even that hand gun when you expended all your ammo that really makes it what it really is, a community, a tribe of fanatics who band together come rain or shine in the pursuit of thrills and spills doing something I think is a truly positive experience... So, we plucky few - this is my 'love letter' to you all for making the last eight or so years the compelling adventure it's been this far, I can't think of a better bunch of people to ruin a lazy Sunday with than you. Best wishes for the festive a season, stay low, move fast and take your hits - S23.
J O I N T H E D E B AT E W I T H 5 0 0 K O T H E R S O N O U R FA C E B O O K PA G E : FA C E B O O K . C O M /A I R S O F T I N T
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THE VO TES ARE IN!
THE AI INDUSTRY AWARDS
THE AI INDUSTRY AWARDS! 2 01 5 AS WE WRAP UP 2015 AND PREPARE TO MOVE BODY INTO 2016 IT’S TIME TO PAUSE AND TAKE STOCK OF THE SITUATION WITH ANOTHER ROUND OF THE COVETED AI INDUSTRY AWARDS WHERE YOU, THE READERS, GET TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYERS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY… WE ARE TALKING SHOPS, RETAILERS, SITES AND MANUFACTURERS.
HAVE YOU WON AN AI CUSTOM RIFLE!
If you made your nominations for the Ai Industry Awards, make sure you keep an eye on your email inbox and we will be randomly selecting a winner and notifying them via the email address provided. In fact, you may have already received a message by the time you are reading this.
Due to the nature of the prize it is essential that we make contact with the prize winner before we can make an announcement. For more information please check our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ airsoftint or email editorial@ai-mag.com.
J O I N T H E D E B AT E W I T H 5 0 0 K O T H E R S O N O U R FA C E B O O K PA G E : FA C E B O O K . C O M /A I R S O F T I N T
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THE VO TES ARE IN!
SHOP RETAILER OF THE YEAR:
This category focuses on stores with physical premises. Places you can walk into, touch and feel products, have a cup of coffee and chew the fat with some fellow airsofters.
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FIRE SUPPORT AIRSOFT WORLD LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT
Once again the mighty Fire Support top the “Shop Retailer of the Year” category with Land Warrior coming in a tight second. Holding up third place with a solid performance is Airsoft World who return to the category after a break last year!
THE AI INDUSTRY AWARDS
WOODLAND SITE OF THE YEAR:
Do you prefer sneaking through the undergrowth to kicking down door and fragging rooms? This is the category where you could nominate your favourite woodland wonderland.
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RIFT COMMS 3 FREE FIRE ZONE MAW
Again yet more unpredictable results in the woodland category. Woodland gaming seems to have fallen out of vogue in comparison to CQB these days but thanks to these three top sites it’s clear that the trees are still alive with action!
ONLINE RETAILER OF THE YEAR: CQB SITE OF THE YEAR:
Here we ask readers to nominate their favourite online retailers. Those web-based shops that have everything you could need for a project or that obscure spare part to fix a beloved gun.
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REDWOLF UK BOMB UP AIRSOFT PRO AIRSOFT SUPPLIES
It’s no shock that Redwolf UK net the top spot in this category at all but it is surprising to see Bomb Up, a relative newcomer to the scene taking second place. They must definitely have a legion of supporters out there to be netting almost as many votes as the likes of long established Redwolf!
If corridors and stairwells are your preferred domain you will have voted for your favourite indoor/urban site in this category. CQB is as popular as ever and more and more sites are popping up…
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UCAP SANDPIT THE GAOL RED 1 AIRSOFT
Although it’s debatable that The Sandpit is really a CQB site, there are enough votes in this category to put them in the top spot! Relatively new site The Gaol comes in second and Red 1 Airsoft net an honourable third spot.
EVENT OF TECHNICIAN SERVICE RETAILER WEEKEND/MIL-SIM THE YEAR: OF THE YEAR:
This category is all about getting guns fixed or customised. We are looking for readers to recognise those retailers that offered a comprehensive, professional and reliable service when they needed it most.
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KINGDOM OF AIRSOFT PRO AIRSOFT SUPPLIES FIRE SUPPORT
A great turnout here and a very surprising but definitely deserved win for Sam at Kingdom of Airsoft. As in independent tech, Sam isn’t affiliated with any shops but a vast knowledge of the basics combined with some fancy electronic know-how net him the top spot!
CUSTOMER SERVICE RETAILER OF THE YEAR:
Who made you feel best catered for? This category is all about the retailers that gave you the best advice, made you feel most welcome or helped you when you needed some guidance.
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FIRE SUPPORT JD AIRSOFT LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT
As tradition dictates, Fire Support uphold their title of Customer Service Retailer of the Year. JD Airsoft and Land Warrior follow not far behind with more than a solid share of adoring and happy fans!
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Everyone likes to get away for the weekend and what better excuse to do so than to go and play airsoft until you can’t stand anymore? We asked you to nominate your favourite weekender or Mil-Sim event.
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AI500 GUNMAN AIRSOFT ZERO ONE WEEKENDER
Once again we suspect a little flattery regarding the Ai500 in this category as there were more votes than attendees this year! Gunman Airsoft net second place and Zero One’s Weekender takes up third position.
AEG MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR:
AEGs are the bread and butter of airsoft and most players have at least one in their armoury because they are reliable and consistent. With so many brands to chose from, this is always an interesting category.
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G&G TOKYO MARUI VFC
No doubt based on their affordable entry level guns, G&G once again take the top spot in this category, as ever closely followed by Tokyo Marui. Third place is a little more hotly contested but VFC take it this time round!
GBBR OF THE YEAR:
Gas guns might be favoured by the seasoned player or those guys looking for a little extra realism but they are on the rise thanks to some new releases from a few companies. Counting these results was just as interesting as the AEG category this year.
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WE GHK KWA
A few shifts this year in the GBBR category but WE still make it through on top. GHK climb to second place whilst KWA make their entrance in third spot.
HPA OF THE YEAR:
An all-new category in response to the growing popularity of HPA guns sees some interesting results with no precedent. This is a learning experience as much as anything for us!
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TIPPMAN WOLVERINE POLARSTAR
Tippman take top spot with their airsoft debut after crossing over from paintball markers and the slightly more familiar brands Wolverine and Polarstar fill out the second and third place spots.
SPRING WEAPON OF THE YEAR:
Spring weapons used to be the kings of the hill in the early days of airsoft, but these days they are the preserve of the would-be sniper. They still deserve recognition though.
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ASG TOKYO MARUI VFC
ASG make first place with more than enough votes for their M40 springer to do it alone. As Ever Tokyo Marui make the rankings and also VFC, although we suspect those votes might actually be for the aforementioned M40 but outside of ASG’s remit!
GAS PISTOL OF THE YEAR:
Before we began the count we figured this could be a tight category. Most players own a gas pistol or two and they are often used as a back-up weapon.
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TOKYO MARUI WE CYBERGUN
Very few surprises this year as the Gas Pistol category remains largely unchanged thanks to consistent performances all year by familiar names. Cybergun make the cut through, perhaps something to do with their recent FN-X release.
INTERNALS OF THE YEAR:
It’s easy to make a gun that’s all show and no go, and it’s the internals that make a shooter into a ball-slinging beast. We’ve asked you to nominate your favourite internal parts manufacturer this year.
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SHS LONEX MADBULL
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THE VO TES ARE IN! Not much in the way of surprises this year round when it comes to Internals with SHS taking the top spot after a slight jiggle around in the running order.
EXTERNALS OF THE YEAR:
External parts are what gives your gun its styling and whether you go for a custom look or realism, you demand the best. We asked you to vote for the manufacturers that rose to the occasion.
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PTS VFC KWA
AIRSOFT GRENADE MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR:
With a recent spate of blank firing grenade releases we are sure we are going to see some new names in this category!
TRMR OHSHIBOOM DYNATEC
No massive shocks there, the expected BFGs ruled the roost! Maybe next year we will see even more innovation in this area and it will become a hotly contested category?
MOST INNOVATIVE WEAPON:
Innovation never stops in the airsoft world and it can be tough to judge just who is leading the way. The nominations for this category had to be counted to the last before we could see a clear winner.
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TOKYO MARUI RWA KWA
Interesting results here but it’s no shock that TM take the top spot once more with their AA12 replica due for release anytime now. RWA presumably make the cut thanks to the rare and sought after guns they have been putting on the market and we expect KWA are popular thanks to their ERG system.
ACCESSORY OF THE YEAR:
Weapon accessory of the year. That one item you bolted on or added to your gun that you felt made all the difference. We never know what to expect in this category.
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CLOTHING OF THE YEAR:
There’s a massive selection of brands to choose from when it comes to nominating a clothing manufacturer but you guys did yourselves proud and made some impeccable choices!
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HELIKON
HEADGEAR OF THE YEAR:
Headgear encompasses everything from hats and caps to helmets and we asked you to choose your favourite brand. You responded loud and clear and we counted the many votes.
Only minor shifts again this category this year with PTS finally managing to shake off the “Magpul” attachment. VFC and KWA coming in as runners up thanks to their high quality complete guns and parts.
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THE AI INDUSTRY AWARDS
PTS NUPROL G&P
Interestingly the trend for voting this year was for brands rather than specific items so we had to consolidate a few votes to get any sense out of them! What was clear though was that PTW were doing the right thing with their replicas and Nuprol are making a big dent in the accessory market!
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FMA
GLOVES MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR:
As airsofters we ask a lot of gloves. Protection, insulation and also dexterity to deal with rather fiddly situations on the fly so it’s only fitting that we recognise the best here.
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SKD PIG
PLATE CARRIER OF THE YEAR:
A huge amount of players rely on a plate carrier system to act as the basis of their load out. They are comfortable and give plenty of options so we asked who you thought created the best ones.
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VIPER
CHEST RIG OF THE YEAR:
Chest rigs are an alternative manner of carrying your fighting load and many prefer them because they are smaller and lighter than a plate carrier often a little more comfortable and usually a bit cooler in the summer.
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WARRIOR ASSAULT SYSTEMS
HOLSTER MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR:
A good holster can make your sidearm far more useful, a bad one will hinder you no end so we asked you which brands you trust to look after your back-up weapons.
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NUPROL
BOOT OF THE YEAR:
The foundation of a good load out, boots should never be overlooked and we asked you to tell us which ones you have invested in and found to be up to the job.
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INNOVATIVE TACTICAL GEAR MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR:
Just as we asked about airsoft gun manufacturers, we want to know who you think is the most innovative tactical gear manufacturer. Who’s turned the tactical nylon world on its head?
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CRYE PRECISION
TACTICAL GEAR ACCESSORY OF THE YEAR:
Again, in parallel to the Weapon Accessory category, we wanted to know what piece of tactical gear lifted your game and solved problems for you. There’s plenty to choose from but you voted assertively.
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HALEY STRATEGIC D3CR
EYEWEAR MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR:
Eyewear. If there’s one piece of kit that really matters above all else it’s this, so there’s no excuse to skimp on decent protective glasses. We asked which brand you trust with your eyesight.
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OAKLEY
SPECIAL AWARD:
The Special Award goes to a personality in airsoft that has made a considerable contribution to the sport/ hobby. This year it goes to another Youtube video producer, the very mush deserving BodgeUps and his amazing sniper cam videos!
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BODGEUP’S AIRSOFT
ONLINE COMMUNITY:
The Online Community award goes to the virtual meeting place that readers find most helpful, friendly and pleasurable to hang out in. Facebook seems to have knocked the forums off the roost and certain groups prove popular, none more so than UKAC!
UNITED KINGDOM AIRSOFT PROTECTIVE PADS COMMUNITY FACEBOOK MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR: NEWS BLOG: 1
Knee pads should never be overlooked as a piece of skirmish field protective wear and they can keep you in the game after a fall or impact that would otherwise sideline you. We asked which ones you trusted most.
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VIPER
We asked you to vote for the best online news portal where you go to for your daily dose of airsoft. We are honoured to discover that Airsoft International’s Facebook Page has taken the top spot, with over 500,000 fans!
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AIRSOFT INTERNATIONAL
J O I N T H E D E B AT E W I T H 5 0 0 K O T H E R S O N O U R FA C E B O O K PA G E : FA C E B O O K . C O M /A I R S O F T I N T
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HUEY’S MILITARY - TACTICAL - OUTDOOR
TS S P EC I A L IGSR E EN ! I N RA N G ER S M O R E
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TEL: 0114 286 4192
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NE W CA IMA N PA T TER N !
£44.95 £39.99 £74.95
£16.00
LBX ASSAULTER SHIRT: CAIMAN AND MULTICAM
OPS RANGER GREEN CAP
£79.95 LBX ASSAULTER PANTS: CAIMAN AND MULTICAM
MECHANIX: M-PACT 3 GLOVE AVAILABLE IN COYOTE AND BLACK
N EW IN!
FERRO CONCEPTS: THE SLINGSTER AVAILABLE IN MULTICAM RANGER GREEN OR COYOTE
£184.99
£27.50
£64.99
£149.99
LBX 4019 ARMATUS SLICK PLATE CARRIER: MAS GREY
OPS HYDRATION POUCH RANGER GREEN
OPS GEN 2 IDA SHIRT M81 WOODLAND
FERRO CONCEPTS: THE SLICKSTER AVAILABLE IN: MULTICAM AND RANGER GREEN
£79.50
£19.99
£158.99
£39.99
£129.99
OPS EASY CHEST RIG RANGER GREEN
LBX M4 SPEED DRAW MAG POUCH - RANGER GREEN
UF PRO STRIKER HT COMBAT PANTS AVAILABLE IN: MULTICAM AND COYOTE
FERRO CONCEPTS: THE DANGLER! MULTICAM, COYOTE AND RANGER GREEN
LBX MODULAR ASSAULT PANNEL - MULTICAM
£154.99
£82.95
£114.99
£178.00
UF PRO: DELTA ACE JACKET AVAILABLE IN BROWN GREY AND MULTICAM
UF PRO: HUNTER SWEATER AVAILABLE IN MULTICAM AND GREENZONE
UF PRO DELTA ACE SWEATER AVAILABLE IN BROWN GREY AND BLACK
ARC’TERYX LEAF WRAITH JACKET: MULTICAM
N EW IN!
£174.99
£13.99
£98.50
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£29.99
ARC’TERYX: DRAC JACKET AVAILABLE IN WOLF GREY AND COYOTE
OPS DOUBLE 556/AK MAG POUCH - RANGER GREEN
OPS EASY PLATE CARRIER RANGER GREEN
OPS ADVANCED MODULAR PLATE CARRIER AVAILABLE IN COYOTE AND MULTICAM
OAKLEY SI GLOVE LIGHTWEIGHT - COYOTE
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2015
GEAR OF THE YEAR HERE AT AIHQ WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET OUR HANDS ON A LOT OF KIT AND FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PUT MOST OF IT THROUGH ITS PACES! NOW THAT 2015 IS RAPIDLY BEING COMMITTED TO MEMORY WE ARE GOING TO LOOK BACK OVER SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES. SOME CLASSIC KIT HAS REALLY PROVEN ITS WORTH THIS YEAR AND SOME NEW ITEMS HAVE POPPED UP ON THE SCENE AND MADE SOME RIPPLES SO LET’S SIT BACK AND REVIEW WHAT’S GONE ON! What makes great kit? That’s not an easy question to answer and we guess if it was, everything would end up looking and working in the same way. The truth of the matter is we all look for something different and our own personal requirements heavily influence our opinions. Buyer A might be looking for something that gets the job done for as little money as possible. They might literally want to spend as little money as possible to meet their needs but then Buyer B might be the opposite… He might like having a lot of extras, a lot of features and not really worry too much about the pricetag. Buyer C might not even really like all the gear and may just want something that does what is needed without getting in the way. On top of this we have the luxury of worrying about
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what things look like. We’re not looking for something to save our lives (although something that will outlast us might be part of the criteria) but some buyers want something that looks right, fashionable of different. Fashion and trends are something of an elephant in the room when it comes to tactical kit. Everyone is supposed to be all about the function and getting the job done and aesthetics are secondary, but c’mon, let’s stop kidding ourselves… We all buy stuff because it looks cool! With all this in mind we are trying to distill the best of the last year’s experiences and consolidate a shortlist of some of the finest items we have used to satisfy a variety of needs and wants. The end result will hopefully be a collection of timeless kit that kicked ass in 2015 and will continue to do so in 2016 and beyond!
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ARC’TERYX LT ATOM HOODIE
recommends! ✪✪✪✪✪
When it comes to insulated jackets, the entire Ai team is unanimous and in agreement on the Arc’Teryx Atom. It’s a “don’t leave home without” garment and a year-round utility jacket. It has come on weekenders and it comes down the shops or to the pub with us. Simply put the Atom has a great cut, amazing insulation, slick styling and even a reasonable amount of complete weatherproofing. Sure, it might not be a cheap jacket but the investment is probably one of the safest spends we have made over the years with all of our Atoms lasting well over the 2 year mark despite rigorous usage and some fairly atrocious treatment in terms of care! To offset the cost, the Atom is available in less overt colours that you won’t feel too self conscious wearing day-to-day or if you want something purely for “tactical” use, you can pick up Multicam patterned versions!
SEMAPO UNIFORMS
SEMAPO GEAR MADE IN KOREA
SEMAPO GEAR’S DELUXE 3DONLY 1 IS UNIFORM IN AORSET THAT A AS AVAILABLE T AND PANTS. COMBINES A SHIRE EXQUISITELY BOTH ITEMS AR E A GREAT MADE AND AR CLUSIVE REPLICA OF THE EX CRYE NAVY CUSTOM R PRECISION GEA
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The Crye Precision Gen. 3 Combat Uniform rapidly rose to prominence as the most popular combat uniform set around, with copies, clones and “borrowed” features trickling down to even entry level clothing these days. For impressionists and re-enactors that want to get that load out just right though, certain items of Crye kit still hold their value. A great example of this is the US Navy AOR patterns that are technically restricted. Genuine Crye uniforms are still fetching close to 4 figure sums! Semapo Gear, from Korea, kick the ball out of the park when it comes to reproductions of these items, using accurate patterns and US sizing, their AOR1 and AOR2 patterned uniforms are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Admittedly the price tag is something comparable to that of regular Crye uniforms, but you can pick up patterns that are not available “off-theshelf” via their website.
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LBX ASSAULTERS UNIFORMS
LBX as a brand came right out of left field as an offshoot of London Bridge Trading. Seemingly in an attempt to widen the market reached with some slightly more affordable products and commercial collaborations, LBX gear is made by selected foreign retailers as opposed to the US made LBT kit. This of course keeps the price down and has gone a considerable way to ensuring buyers pick products from legitimate retailers instead of counterfeit knock-offs. The LBX Assaulter’s Uniforms take many of the features of the aforementioned Crye Precision uniforms but cost considerably less thanks to a simplification of the designs used. Despite lacking the characteristic hard knee pad inserts, which frankly aren’t always required or desired, the LBX uniform is fully featured, capable and available in some cutting edge, eye-catching camouflage patterns that will certainly set you apart from the crowd yet still allow you to blend in to the right environment. Overall though, we love what LBX have done when it comes to providing airsofters and hobby shooters with a genuine, quality product at an affordable price, empowering them to support their preferred brands.
5.11 STRYKE TDU
5.11 have long been a firm favourite with outdoorsy types and shooters and as we have laboured over in the past, their flagship products that set them apart from the rest are their exceptional trousers. Original 5.11 pants still have a firm place in our hearts but when the company introduced the Stryke TDU Uniform pants, we really had to sit up and take notice. With an exceptional list of technical features and an amazing cut and fit, the Stryke TDU pants put even products that cost twice as much into the shadows. Tough ripstop material provides strength and durability without being overbuilt, hot and bulky whilst intelligently placed stretch panels allow easy access to pockets and equipment within without forcing discomfort. It must be something to do with the heritage behind 5.11 but they certainly know what makes a good pair of trousers and they seem to be able to continue improving this idea year after year!
PURPOSE BUILT FOR URBAN OPERATIONS
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VIPER LAZER CARRIER
Long have Viper been unfairly branded the butt of many jokes but 2015 was really the year that the high-value tactical brand really launched an all out assault to change the general opinion of their brand… With a new patented Lazer Cut line of tactical gear, Viper have pioneered a new manufacturing technique that makes gear lighter, more compact and stronger and as ever have maintained rock bottom prices that you just can’t compete with. For out and out practicality the Viper Lazer Carrier gives you a modern, compact plate carrier system roughly equivalent to the Crye JPC at a fraction of the price. Featuring full MOLLE compatibility via the matrix of laser cut slots, this kit is absolutely unbeatable for the price-point, in fact it happily punches above its weight and has impressed many self-confessed “geardos” since its introduction to the marketplace. As we have said before, ignore Viper Tactical and it’ll be your own loss!
SEMAPO GEAR 6094K
The LBT 6094k is a plate carrier system based on the venerable 6094 platform designed specifically for US Navy SEALs. It’s reportedly the variant used by certain SEALs on the infamous Bin Laden Raid and instead of having to pick one up on the open market via a surplus supply, you can save money by going with a Semapo Gear replica. Much like their Crye replica kit, Semapo replicate many specific LBT and Crye products that are not available for general purchase and they do so with a fantastic level of accuracy, not to mention amazing quality. The 6094k is a compact, low profile plate carrier that includes 3x double m4 mag pouches sewn to the front panel giving a fixed load out that’s suitable for both 5.56mm and 7.62mm based load outs. Also included is a 6094 cummerbund that incorporates integrated radio pouches on either side. Semapo Gear’s 6094k makes the ideal choice for the modern SEAL impressionist.
SEMAPO GEAR MADE IN KOREA
airsoft international
recommends! ✪✪✪✪✪
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FERRO CONCEPTS SLICKSTER
When we first picked up on Ferro Concepts, the operation was tiny. Operating out of Calgary with only a very basic Blogspot website as a customer facing solution, Ferro was putting out a small range of goods that were packed with potential. Fast forward a few years and Ferro are now a much more comprehensive enterprise with UK and US distributors spreading the much larger and more advanced range of goods out into the eager market. The Slickster is a low profile, modular plate carrier system designed with Ferro’s “Stay Light” mantra firmly in mind. It’s available and compatible with a large range of Ferro’s own modular components to build or adapt into the system you need for the mission at hand but it will also work in conjunction with numerous other brands and products to truly give you freedom. Although the Slickster is a basic piece of gear on its own, it’s a brilliant foundation to build the armour carrier system of your dreams!
5.11 RANGE VEST
Did you really think we’d be able to complete this round-up without mentioning this outstanding piece of gear from 5.11? Hell no! The Range Vest is perhaps one of the most basic pieces of load bearing equipment and in fact, it’s so simple and so timeless, it comes all the way full circle and is actually pretty gucci in its own right. Whats so good about it? Well, it just works. For those days you need to be fast, light and unencumbered, the Range Vest give you the option of something cool that you can just sling on, fill the pockets of and get down to business. There’s just about enough space to support almost any weapons system for a short duration and there’s even inbuilt holster systems and an expansion belt design from 5.11 to further the capacity. Fold it up, chuck it in your kit back and it’ll be there ready to whip out and spring into action when you really can’t be bothered with the full “battle rattle”. Be warned though, a 5.11 Range Vest is addictive and you’ll find yourself questioning whether you really need all this other gear and kit!
WWWWW W..AAII-- M M AA GG .. CC OO M M
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FMA ARAMID MARITIME FAST
Based on the Maritime cut Ops Core ballistic helmet, this FMA product, unlike most other helmets, is actually made from a kevlar weave giving it a more realistic weight and appearance than the usual plastic shelled versions. Whether you actually desire the additional weight is down to how hardcore you are feeling but trust us, it takes your neck a little getting used to! Initially we were drawn to the Maritime because of the realism as a replica (it’s not actually ballistically protective, it’s been tried) and because there are few other Maritime cut helmets out there. The finish is more authentic than many other options and it feels a lot more substantial. The FMA Aramid helmet is second only to the prohibitively expensive and generally restricted sale real deal, so if you want to up your brain bucket game, this is the one to go for!
NOTCH HEADGEAR CAP
Notch Headgear came flying out of nowhere with some tactical ball caps with an interesting feature. That feature was the namesake, two “notches” removed from the peak of the cap to facilitate a better interface between the hat itself and your eyewear. Honestly, we’d never considered this and issue up until Notch pointed it out but as soon as they did, we recognised that if you wear your hat a certain way, your shades do get involved in a bit of a tussle at certain times! Provided you select the right size Notch hat, this issue goes away. OK, it’s a bit on a tenuous selling point we can’t deny it, but on top of that, the Notch hats themselves are really nicely made, available in some slick patterns and aren’t actually that expensive at all. From something we weren’t hugely pumped on to start with, the Notch Headgear range has become something we actually really like here at AiHQ.
VIPER TACTICAL FAST
If you are after a helmet for styling or basic protecting the Viper Tactical FAST helmet ticks all the boxes… Looks, value and quality are all there in equal measure along with a selection of colours and even a V-Cam option to suit MTP or Multicam load outs. With familiar expanded foam blocks and memory foam liner pads you can tailor the fit as you require and an adjustable dial on the back gives you a refined fit on seconds. Obviously the ABS shell gives no ballistic protection but you’ll get bump and knock protection and also some shelter when the BBs really start flying. On top of this the ARCstyle rails give you some accessory mounting options for lights or cameras… In fact anything you can imagine!
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FERRO RECCE BEANIE
The original Ferro Burglar Beanie is still firmly lodged I my “emergency warm gear” pouch in my bag and I love its grid fleece construction, compact compression and also the fact it dries out super fast. The Recce Beanie is a bit chunkier and more traditional, and dare I say it, a bit more fashionable. It’s plenty utilitarian and a great insulator but it doesn’t look out of place on the high street with a casual outfit with it’s speckled synthetic material. It’s available in a selection of drab but varied colours. If you’re looking for something stylish with a tactical edge to add to your wardrobe for the colder seasons, check out Ferro’s Recce Beanie!
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GM TACTICAL KYDEX
GM Tactical is a new brand that emerged during 2015 and is forging along creating custom and specialist Kydex goods for the duty shooter or the first responder. Beyond just holsters, GM Tactical are crafting kydex goods to perform more varied roles. From magazine retention to tourniquet holders, they range is growing and as always, the GM guys are ready to tailor something to your needs. One thing that holds all these products together is great attention to detail and a high quality finish. Kydex is formed and finished by hand but that’s no excuse for sloppy cuts or a poor presentation. GM Tactical double and triple check every item for finish and function before dispatch and will happily make adjustments to your specific needs. Hit them up you need an off-the-peg solution or open up a conversation to discuss your individual requirements.
airsoft international
recommends! ✪✪✪✪✪
NUPROL HOLSTERS
Nuprol, a sub-brand of WE Airsoft Europe that seems to have a taken on a life of its own has been growing the range of products available under its banner for the last year and there are some cracking items. Some of our favourites are the Nuprol Holster range, a product line that airsoft has long awaited. Hard plastic holsters are perfect for airsoft use as they protect your weapon hold it securely and allow for rapid access but unfortunately, compatibility issues arise because some airsoft guns differ slightly in their specification and sizing compared to the real thing. Nuprol have created airsoft specific holsters to fit the range of WE-based replicas out there, which covers 90% of the market. Using a proven design similar to the IMI range, Nuprol Holsters get the job done and even solve the longstanding problem of holstering a Maruispec Glock. What’s more, as we write this, Nuprol have announced a Hi-Capa specific holster too making this range one of the biggest problem solvers of the year!
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TAL K ALL
A I R S O F T
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ICS M4 ERG AT LAST, A STANDARD RECOILING M4! BUT WAS IT WORTH THE WAIT? BY PHIL BUC K N A LL
ONE OF OUR NEWEST CONTRIBUTORS, PHIL B. IS As you guys know from last months piece I'm a big fan of the current crop THIS MONTH TURNING HIS HAND of recoiling guns and have a few of TO THE SUBJECT OF GUN REVIEWS the KWA/PTS ERG's and a couple of the TM next gen series too. If I had to AND SINCE HE'S SO FOND OF HIS NEW pick a favourite brand it would be the KSC M4 ERG, WE THOUGHT WE’D LET KWA version as it's just more solid in my humble opinion and kicks harder HIM TELL YOU SOME MORE ABOUT IT. but the only downside was the range; SO, OVER TO PHIL AND WE’LL LET or lack thereof! Like Henry Ford "you can have any body as long as it's Magpul!" HIM TAKE IT UP FROM THE Okay, I embellished that quote a little but BEGINNING! you get the gist. So now I have ANOTHER M4 review for you, but difference is, this one kicks! IKE MANY I JUST WANTED THE ERG system with standard M4 receivers not the Magpul billet set, nice as they are, with rear wiring and KWA have been promising one since shot show about two years ago. Now their version is en route to KWA USA for QC and onwards distribution. Heck, it may even be on sale by the time this gets printed but KSC brought theirs out mid October and as a bit of an ERG junkie I was on it like a tramp on chips. EhobbyAsia beat all records for all past orders I've placed and got one to me within a week and that included customs clearance too! As most of you know the manufacturing company for KSC is the same as KWA so what you get is the same product with different branding on the receiver. No trades for KWA and USMC markings on the KSC. There are a couple of small differences such as one piece outer
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barrel on this and a two piece on the KWA version but they're not significant enough to warrant further discussion at this point I feel as they won't affect my review or my dribbling over the gun! This platform uses the KWA Kinetic Feedback System or KFS to generate a felt recoil using the main spring working through the back of an open version two-esque gearbox against a weight and a smaller return spring, all mounted in a buffer tube that threads onto the lower like a real AR. This is, I have been informed an evolution of the venerable TM system and is supposed to be more durable. A claim that my other ERG's seem to support after many thousands of BB's. The wires for the battery are routed under the buffer tube in the same fashion as TM employ for their rear-wired M4's and are covered with a plate to both conceal and protect them. Rather than
use sliding metal contacts the KSC features a telephone curly style cable to allow for movement of the collapsible stock and it terminates in a mini tamiya connector hidden in a nicely done little clamp to prevent it snagging under the clip on, rather secure butt plate. Again the quality and overall strength and durability shine through. So, by now you've probably guessed I like this gun. A lot. The box is an understated brown affair with KSC branding with a solid polystyrene inner holding the gun, a low cap 30/60 round mag and a few of the usual bits and bobs like loading tube, manual and unjamming rod. Picking it up it’s like "wow!!" You could beat a rhino to death with this thing and then go do a full days skirmish. It has some heft for sure and is solid; not a creak or rattle anywhere. The metal is nicely finished and the black paint
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used seems to be well applied and even. The plastics too are well finished and tough, what more could you ask for? The trades are okay but I for one would've preferred engraved Colt trademarks and definitely no “calibre 6mm� on there! No! No! No! Stop doing this Airsoft manufacturers, are you listening? You know it fires 6mm BB's, we know it fires 6mm BB's. There's no need to put it on the gun! Battery wise you're going to need a pretty thin split pack lipo as this is rear-wired to a very nicely done crane stock mounted on a mil-spec buffer tube. I ended up using the super thin 1450mah 7.4v Nuprol branded ones and there is ample room in the tubes for this particular battery. It is recommended to use an 11.1v lipo but I prefer the more realistic rate of fire the 7.4v pack delivers and also the reduced load on the internals that results in. Out of the box this one was doing about 370fps so a little warm for most UK sites but spring sets can be obtained to lower that to about 340 which is fine for 99% of the sites you might want to play at. The mag is a STANAG type and disappointingly smaller than a real one but that's like the majority of Airsoft mags so it's not too bad. What sets the mag apart is the switch on the base plate meaning that in literally one second you can change between 30 and 60 BB's capacity with no tools or disassembly required. This is a great feature, just make sure it's empty when you switch! The mags also feature a follower that feeds every BB and a little lever in the top at the back to actuate the bolt stop
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feature that really boosts the realism levels - especially if you're running 30rnds! Some people worry about the followers being fragile but in the years I've been using ERG's I've certainly never babied any mags, they've been dropped, chucked and manhandled at will and I've yet to break one so I think it's fair to say they are up to the job. KSC have also released a hi-cap and 120rnd midcaps to accompany this release as well as the 30/60rnd mags and they're available in boxes of three at very reasonable prices but for me there's really only one choice for magazines and that's the real/low caps! Anything else doesn't activate the cut off feature and just doesn't feel "right" to me! It isn't all sunshine and flowers though and my only concern with this gun, and it was the same for the PTS versions too, is the hop rubber! It just isn't good enough to give this gun the range it deserves. Usually my go to hop rubber is a clear Guarder 50deg as I've found this gives amazing range and shot to shot consistency in both grouping and velocity. It was a tight fit in the PTS guns but I just could not cajole the darn thing into the hop unit in the KSC version, so I've fitted a Maple Leaf version, which is a little thinner but works as well as the Guarder. In my experiences with these guns I've found the standard barrel and hop unit to be more than adequate unless you really want to build the ultimate DMR platform in which case an aftermarket tight bore barrel should be all you need as the hop unit itself is proprietary to the gun.
J O I N T H E D E B AT E W I T H 5 0 0 K O T H E R S O N O U R FA C E B O O K PA G E :
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So, we've sorted the velocity and range so how does it shoot? Well... simply put It's flipping marvelous! Even with a weighty M203 slung underneath on the 7" KAC RIS rail I fitted immediately the recoil sensation is very good. Once I took that off and ran just a surefire illuminated fore grip that feeling of the rifle "thudding" into your shoulder only increased. Now if you're used to gas rifles then it's a weaker feeling and if you're used to the other recoil type guns on the market then it's a bit of a stronger one and if you shoot real steel you'll probably wonder what the heck I'm on about as it's no where near, but it is there and that's the important thing. After a few mags you know you've been firing it; there's a tingle in the shoulder that reminds you what a blast you've just had. Will it make you a better player? No, of course not, it just won't but will it make you enjoy playing more? It certainly did for me and anyone who fired it after me felt the same. It adds an extra element to the experience and gives the user the best of both gas and electric powered guns in one reliable, reasonably cheap package. At the time of writing I haven't had a chance to use the new G&P or Lonex recoil systems but I've heard the recoil isn't as good and the systems themselves aren't quite as rugged either. So for me purely for build strength, reliability and felt recoil the KSC/KWA series is king of the hill. If you want something to reinvigorate your passion for airsofting this could well be it! It worked for me!
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FIGHTING FIT HIT HARDER ON THE FIELD! LAST MONTH WE BEGAN TO ATTACK THE MYTH THAT AIRSOFT WAS A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR HEALTH. SURE, IT CAN BE GIVEN YOU ACTUALLY WORK HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE IT WORK AS AN EXERCISE BUT HOW MANY OF US HONESTLY GIVE IT OUR ALL AT A GAME? IF YOU’RE FEELING A LITTLE GUILTY, READ ON AS WE APPROACH THE SUBJECT OF GETTING “FIGHTING FIT” FOR A SECOND TIME In the previous issue we opened up the idea that we perhaps don’t give it our all when we play airsoft and leave our loved ones and interested other parties falsely under the impression that we spend our weekends working hard, breaking balls and ushering ourselves into shape. The truth is that we are all guilty of perhaps being a bit lazy, eating one too many burger van treats and maybe even indulging in one too many post-skirmish pints before lumbering home, laying it on thick and ordering a takeaway. If you are lucky the powers at be back at home might not care and you might have more than enough slack on your leash to do whatever the hell you like, whenever the hell you want to and if that’s you, you are lucky. Fitness in general still applies though… Wouldn’t you like airsoft to be easier? Wouldn’t you like to be able to sprint up that hill, waste everyone at the top and not be so out of breath you nearly passed out? The good news is, you don’t need to embark on a military boot camp style regime to get fitter, faster and give yourself an edge, you might just need a little push in the right direction!
HAVE YOU BEEN GOOD? Last month we gave you three points to work on… Stretches being the first. these are important because they stop you from getting injured but they will keep you feeling lighter and more nimble on your feet. We trust you have been working at these, right? If not, please don’t come crying to us when you wake up and feel like you have been run over when you wake up the morning after a big game!
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The second point we moved on to was diet… That terrifying word that strikes fear into the heart of mere mortals. Your diet is a cornerstone of this whole health concept. You are what you eat is the oldest saying in the book and we asked you to cut down of sugar, fats and those “adult beverages”… If you’ve stuck to that rule you may well be feeling healthier and dropped off a few pounds already. Lastly, we attacked another critical aspect of health and fitness and that’s “Cardiovascular Exercise” that isn’t as terrifying as it sounds.
In fact it can be as simple as getting off the bus a couple of stops early and walking to and from work, doing a bit of swimming or maybe spending an afternoon out on a bike ride. This month though, it’s time to think about stepping things up a level…
STEP IT UP A GEAR! To really make inroads and your own health and fitness, you should be looking at stepping up the intensity of your exercise. To do so you will need to consider going running, cycling, swimming or similar. You can of course do these activities without any extra gear or equipment. A run around the park is fine but a lot of people find it’s easiest to join a gym to get this level of exercise under their belts.
DON’T WORRY, JOINING A GYM DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN HAULING WEIGHTS AROUND, GRUNTING AND VESTS. YOU’LL MORE THAN LIKELY BE SPENDING YOUR TIME WORKING OUT ON CROSS TRAINERS, CYCLING MACHINES OR TREADMILLS FOR THE SORT OF ACTIVITY YOU WILL START OUT DOING. ONE THING IS FOR SURE THOUGH, YOU‘RE GOING TO SWEAT!
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WHY BOTHER?
You might sit there and think to yourself, why bother? Airsoft is only a game and if I was bothered about getting in shape and running miles, I’d join the army! There’s an element of truth there for sure but we would argue that good health allows you to get more out of the game and it allows you to enjoy it for longer. Airsoft is in itself a reasonable form of exercise but sitting at the sidelines in a sweaty mess whilst your team mates forge on, bagging kills and having a great time can be depressing so just giving yourself a little boost and getting in a little better shape will really unlock your potential and allow you to take your fun to the next level!
MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS
Unless you have joined a gym or you are lucky enough to own a fancy aerobic machine, like a treadmill or cross trainer, you will find it easiest to monitor your heart rate with a dedicated device. These are useful for all kinds of activities from running to swimming and cycling, all good sources of the exercise you want to be doing! Polar make a great range of trusted and accurate wireless sensor/ watch combos for you to wear and keep track of what zones you are working in. If you don’t have a monitor, there’s a lot of guesswork involved and it’s just as easy to over-work as it is to underwork.
JOIN IN THE DEBATE ONLINE! V O L U M E 1 1 I S S U E 4
FROM TACTICAL KIT TO GUNS & AMMO, WE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! PAGE 62
A I R S O F T
AN AK A DAY KEEPS THE BAD GUYS AWAY! PAGE 82
N A L I N T E R N AT I O
RWA FALCON FILL YOUR HAND! THIS SPS CO2 FROM REDWOLF PACKS A PUNCH!
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ASG M40A3
THE AMERICAN SNIPER ON TEST!
FERRO DANGLER! CONCEPTS EXTEND YOUR PLATE CARRIER’S CAPACITY
OR HEL LO OPE RAT
HIGH PRC-1522 GROUND PRC-15 PRCTESTED: THE DROP-DOWN POUCH!
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IN THE ZONE! LEVEL UP
If you have been working hard on kicking some bad habits and introducing some healthier ones, you might have started to get a taste for what comes next and you might have considered moving on to working out a little more. If that’s you, that’s a good thing because to take things up to the next level, working out is going to be essential. We hope you have been taking that idea of cardio exercise seriously though, because that’s going to continue if you want to make any difference. To get the most out of your time, cardio exercise can be divided into zones, generally expressed as a percentage of
LIGHT
THE ENERGY EFFICIENT OR RECOVERY ZONE: 60% TO 70% (OF MAX)
Training within this zone develops basic endurance and aerobic capacity. All easy recovery training should be completed at a maximum of 70%. Another advantage to training in this zone is that while you are happily fat burning you may lose weight and you will be allowing your muscles to re-energise with glycogen, which has been expended during those faster paced workouts.
MODERATE
THE AEROBIC ZONE: 70% TO 80%
Training in this zone will develop your cardiovascular system. The body’s ability to transport oxygen to, and carbon dioxide away
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your “maximum heart rate”. Your maximum heart rate is a theoretical figure most easily determined using the following equation:
MAX HEART RATE = 220 MINUS YOUR AGE
That’s simply subtracting your age in years, from 220. This gives you a figure that will be roughly your maximum heart rate expressed in beats per minute.There is a little variance but the figure you get will generally be within about 20 BPM of your heart rate when you are working as hard as possible, which is by and large, good enough for our requirements. Your cardio exercise can then be divided into the following zones with each bout of exercise needing to be sustained for at least 20 minutes to have a positive effect.
from, the working muscles can be developed and improved. As you become fitter and stronger from training in this zone it will be possible to run some of your more intense training to be performed at up to 75%, so getting the benefits of some fat burning and improved aerobic capacity.
HARD
THE ANAEROBIC ZONE: 80% TO 90%
Training in this zone will develop your lactic acid system. In this zone, your individual anaerobic threshold (AT) is found - sometimes referred to the point of deflection (POD). During these heart rates, the amount of fat being utilised as the main source of energy is greatly reduced and glycogen stored in the muscle is predominantly used. One of the
by-products of burning this glycogen is lactic acid. There is a point at which the body can no longer remove the lactic acid from the working muscles quickly enough. This is your anaerobic threshold (AT). Through the correct training, it is possible to delay the AT by being able to increase your ability to deal with the lactic acid for a longer period of time or by pushing the AT higher.
MAXIMUM
THE RED LINE ZONE: 90% TO 100%
Training in this zone will only be possible for short periods. It effectively trains your fast twitch muscle fibres and helps to develop speed. This zone is reserved for interval training and only the very fit are able to train effectively within this zone.
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INTERVAL TRAINING
HEART RATE VARIATIONS FOR A GIVEN INTENSITY
A reduction in heart rate for a given intensity is usually due to an improvement in fitness but there are number of other factors might explain why heart rates can vary for a given intensity: ■ DEHYDRATION CAN INCREASE THE HEART RATE BY UP TO 7.5% ■ HEAT AND HUMIDITY CAN INCREASE THE HEART RATE BY 10 BEATS/MINUTE ■ ALTITUDE CAN INCREASE THE HEART RATE BY 10 TO 20%, EVEN WHEN ACCLIMATISED ■ BIOLOGICAL VARIATION CAN MEAN THE HEART RATE VARIES FROM DAY TO DAY BY 2 TO 4 BEATS/MINUTE
RESTING HEART RATE
The idea of interval training is something that many athletes find effective for improving fitness and gaining speed. It has also been found to help burn fat faster than steady state training in many cases. Interval training can be applied to any activity, be it running, swimming or cycling and at its simplest, it requires the participant to exercise in short, high intensity bursts interspersed with low intensity rest periods. Sounds good right? Practically, interval training can be performed in the following methods. On a field or open space, without machines or a gym, a predetermined distance is set out, for example 100m. The participant then sprints that 100m and then walks back to the start point briskly. Every interval, for example every 3 minutes, the participant sprints again. When using treadmills or cycling machines, most can be set to interval training modes where they will require the user to work harder for a short burst before a relatively relaxing slower period. If you’re new to exercise, we recommend that you keep things simple to start with and stick to getting some basic exercise on the clock before adding complications. The most important thing is that you get a good 20 minutes of elevated heart rate exercise in as often as possible. Sure, it will be tough to start with but you will start to feel the effects more rapidly!
To determine your resting heart rate is very easy. Find somewhere nice and quiet, lie down and relax. Position a watch or clock where you can clearly see it whilst lying down. After 20 minutes determine your resting pulse rate (beats/min). If you have a heart rate monitor then put it on before you lie down. After the 20 minutes check the recordings and identify the lowest value achieved. The heart is a muscle so with regular exercise it will become larger and become more efficient as a pump. As a result you will find your resting heart rate gets lower so you will need to check your resting rate on a regular basis (e.g. Monthly).
NEXT MONTH
So far we have been keeping things pretty sedate and getting into the swing of things slowly. Next month we’ll be looking at upping the level incrementally and also checking out some clothing, shoes and equipment to make your workouts more enjoyable and more effective. You’ll be fighting fit in no time!
DISCLAIMER
Please be aware that all information supplied in Fighting Fit does not take into account your personal health and is supplied as general information. We would always recommend consulting your doctor prior to partaking in any arduous physical activity and more importantly you should always make sure to listen to your own body when performing any physical activity. Information provided should only be used as a guideline and you should aim to shape it to you personally to help benefit yourself.
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2016 IS ALMOST UPON ON SO LET’S GET OUR GEARDO ON AND SEE IN THE NEW YEAR WITH SOME TASTY TREATS FOR YOU, YOUR GUN AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN! THIS MONTH WE HAVE A BUMPER CROP OF TRICKED OUT TIDBITS FOR YOU TO ADD TO YOUR EVER-GROWING SHOPPING LIST.
ASG £50 B&T RO TE X SUPPRESSORS
ASG are one of a band of companies at the forefront when it comes to producing high quality, officially licensed products and their latest releases are just that, a range of replica silencers based on the ROTEX range from real-steel manufacturer Brugger and Thomet. For those unfamiliar, B&T are a small but perfectly formed Swiss arms manufacturer and have the privilege of producing weapons accessories for giants such as Heckler & Koch. B&T boast that if you ask H&K for a silencer, you get a B&T product! The ROTEX suppressors themselves come in a variety of sizes and styles designed for various different weapons. The samples we received are 2 “M4” style cans, in a cool grey or desert tan and the much-anticipated MP9 specific suppressor. Each of these models shares a similar ratchet mounting system and fits over the existing flash hider or barrel end on the gun in question, the “M4” styles even coming with their own high quality, steel “birdcage” hider threaded for 14mm negative threads. Because of international laws, the ASG cans are not filled with foam, instead they have 10-12mm wide inner barrels mounted inside them and are sold as “barrel extensions” although stripping them out and filling them with foam is a simple procedure if you so desire. We think the longer ROTEX models would look right at home on something like the HK416, and yes, before you ask, that IS a tiny RIS rail on the MP9 suppressor! It’s perfect for mounting a weapon light!
ta c os!
H S G I £36 2 XRP-TACO POUCH
Ai has long followed the development of the HSGI Taco as an all round, versatile, secure and adaptable solution to carrying magazines. In fact, there are still a few of the rather rough looking generation 1 Tacos in the kit locker. They might not have the polish of the latest revision, but damn, they are still going strong! One of the latest additions to the range and new in at Tactical Kit is the 2XRP-TACO. The X2RP TACO® combines two modular rifle mag pouches and a modular pistol mag pouch into one secure unit and can securely hold an infinite combination of mags and other accessories. Two original Tacos® form the base holding USGI, HK, PMAG, ARC, FAL, AK 30/ 40, LR20 and M14 magazines securely and deploying easily and silently on demand. On top, we attached a Pistol Taco®. This versatile pouch will hold almost any pistol magazine. Single stack, double stack; it makes no difference. 1911, HK 45, M9/Beretta 92, Glock, XD mags are all held securely. The Pistol Taco® can also hold a variety of multi-tools and flashlights. All pouches are made of Cordura, an injection molded polymer and shock-cord. The pouches both maintain a positive, adjustable grip of the mag and do not require any other securing systems unless desired. Webbing tabs are sewn in on the top for use of “over the top” bungee retainers (not included). Additional loop Velcro® is sewn in the inside of the rifle pouch if the user wishes to utilize adhesive backed hook Velcro on his magazine body for added security. Covered by HSGI’s™ Lifetime Warranty. Made in the USA. MALICE™ Clips Included.
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NEW GEAR GERBER £29 ESSENTIAL S K IT 2
Forever scrabbling around trying to find a tool? Find yourself wandering the safe zone hoping some helpful soul has a blade you can borrow? Why not treat yourself to the Gerber Essentials Kit? A utility knife is teamed with a small navigation light and Gerber’s Mini Suspension Multi-tool. All perfect additions to your utility pouch, on your keyring or in a pocket on your backpack. You’ll find them all coming in handy time and time again as back-up items or just “every day carry” utility tools, plus they are from Gerber, so you know you can trust them to perform when you need them to!
tools!
SHARPIE £3 PAINT PEN
Working on a “Special Forces” replica gun and want to add those cool looking blue armoury numbers? We were and we did, and it took us an age to find the right pen to do it with! Eventually we found the best thing is a Sharpie brand paint pen in “Aqua Blue”. It’ll write on pretty much any reasonably clean surface and doesn’t rub off too easily. Aside from making your gun look all special, it does have a practical application. We’ve used it to number our magazines and initial them to identify them in the event of loss. It’s all about the little details!
spec ia l f o r c es look! B L U E F O R C E G E A R £34 HELIUM WHISPER HK417 POUCH
Support for the HK417 magazines is limited at best currently, but ever a company at the forefront, Blue Force Gear has released their versatile and minimalistic 10-Speed Helium Whisper pouches in an expanded 417 mag size. They use exactly the same laminated backing as their other products, and the elastic fronted pouch works in exactly the same way, it’s just these 417 pouches are even wider than the SR25 versions. Of course, because of their design, these pouches are very versatile and well suited to carrying a huge range of essential items. If you are a 417 owner or simply looking for some low-profile additional carrying capacity, look no further! Available in coyote brown, MultiCam and black.
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ITW £19 FAS T MAG
Need to add an extra emergency mag to your rig for those “SHTF” moments, or perhaps you’d like to build an entire “high speed, low drag” set-up? Either way, look no further than the ITW FastMag Range in stock at Tactical Kit. With dedicated holders for pistol mags, 5.56 rifle mags and now even 7.62 mags there’s a FastMag for nearly every situation and they all feature a simple tensioning system to grip your mag securely but keep it at the ready. They come in two varieties, one for belt mounting and another for MOLLE mounting and they can all comfortably retain a magazine upside-down, which is super-useful for belt mounting when wearing a plate carrier. Available in Black, Tan, Coyote Brown and Foliage Green.
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GATE £47 MERF 3.2
The MERF3.2 is one of Gate’s third generation MOSFETs and boasts a whopping 10 features, the newest, the 3-rd burst firing mode. The system allows for lossless rate of fire adjustment and protects modern Li-Ion: LiPo and LiFePO4 batteries from deep-draining. It has active braking and prevents your trigger from arcing and burning out. The “Smart Trigger” allows for faster trigger response with the first shot but at a programmed rate of fire down to 30%. Thanks to two operating modes, the MERF3.2 works with a standard and modified installation meaning you can plug and play, or wire in in a slightly more complex manner for greater features. No permanent modification to your AEG is required and the MERF3.2 is compatible with most airsoft guns, including upgraded guns. It will operate with the strongest springs (including M170). Features include...
■ Works in a wide range: Voltages 3.2-15V. ■ Compatible with highly upgraded AEGs. ■ Simple installation. ■ Full protection. ■ Very low current consumption in stand-by (0,15mA). ■ Very low resistance (2,4mΩ). ■ Compatible with all types of gearbox. ■ 4 LED display. ■ Deans-T Connectors. ■ Extra pair of Deans-T Connectors . ■ Single signal trigger wire. ■ Dual signal trigger wire. ■ Programming button.
n a no tec h!
PROME THEUS £102 NORMAL TORQUE GE ARS
Here’s another option for those wishing to upgrade their Tokyo Marui Recoil weapons, although this one is definitely the premium choice. Hardened metals and beautiful CNC work are combined to make a set of gears that are almost too pretty to hide away inside your gearbox shell, especially when it’s unlikely you’ll have to open it up again anytime soon. If your recoil gun has got you through some tough times, this has got to be the ultimate reward for it!
GATE £15 PICOSSR
The PicoSSR is the smallest AEG MOSFET on the market. It measures up at only 4x6x18mm, about the same size a cylindrical fuse without the holder. Gate say it has better electrical and mechanical parameters than the previous version, and is now resistant to immersion in water, good to know if the worst happens at a game. The circuit is compatible with most airsoft guns, including upgraded guns, and it will operate with the strongest springs (including M170). The PicoSSR is an electronic circuit designed for installation in automatic electric guns. It removes the loss of energy that occurs while mechanical trigger contacts arc as the come into contact, protecting your AEG by eliminating trigger burn-out. Thanks to the MOSFET the battery energy is not lost through arcing contacts but is directed straight to the motor resulting in an increased rate of fire and faster trigger response. Suitable for use with batteries down to 7.2v.
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I N T E R N A L
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GET YA MOTOR RUNNIN’ INFINITY CNC MOTORS
The latest high-performance motors in the ULTIMATE Upgrade Series are made with CNC machined parts for greater strength and performance, and have all been developed to include the latest technological developments in a continuing effort to offer a wider selection of motors allowing the discerning Airsoft player to find the optimal solution for any particular upgrade. CNC machined aluminum front and back covers By using CNC machined parts, finer tolerances can be achieved in the fitting of the motor shaft ensuring optimal support during the great forces that this part experiences during operation, resulting in optimal power transfer and virtually no wear on the moving parts.
CNC MACHINED PINION STEEL GEAR
The pinion gear is CNC machined from SCM415
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CNC U-30000
Rated to run at 30,000 revolutions per minute the U-30000 is the entry level model in the Infinity CNC range. A full selection of spare and repair parts for the Infinity CNC range is available.
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CNC U-35000
STANDARD INFINTITY UPGRADE MOTORS
Rated to run at 35,000 revolutions per minute the U-35000 gives improved performance over the entry level models and balances price with performance. As with all Infinity CNC motors, a full selection of spares are available for user maintenance.
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The new high-performance motors in the ULTIMATE® Upgrade Series all have handcoiled and equalised rotors that ensures optimal performance. The motors build on the latest patented technology, requiring less maintenance, longer life span and not least higher performance – abilities vital to the professional gamer and the conscientious Airsoft enthusiast.
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CNC MACHINED STAINLESS STEEL SHAFT
In order to handle the tremendous twisting forces it is exposed to during operation the motor shaft is CNC machined from SUS415 stainless steel resulting in a precision component with much greater strength.
SILICON STEEL ROTOR
The addition of silicon to steel makes the steel more efficient and faster in terms of building and maintaining magnetic fields. Thus, silicon steel improves the efficiency and increases heat dissipation of any device using steel as a magnetic core material. As a result the INFINITY CNC motors will run at lower temperatures, ensuring long lasting performance.
CNC U-40000
Rated to run at higher speeds of up to 40,0000 RPM the U-40000 gives the demanding player the performance they need. After extended, hard use the full range of Infinity CNC spare parts can restore the motor to “as new’.
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PRECISION BUILT MOTOR HOUSING
alloyed steel and undergoes a hardening process to become an extremely strong and durable component with an exceptional long life span.
30000 RPM
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The tolerances in constructing the motor housing is kept at an astonishing low 0.05mm compared to 0.2mm – 0.3mm on competitive products. This keeps the magnets at a highly precise distance from the rotor, thus avoiding any unstable performance during stator rotation, making the INFINITY CNC run smoother than most motors.
HEAT RESISTANT RARE-EARTH MAGNETS
Magnets lose the magnetism when exposed to heat; by using “Nd-Fe-B” magnets which can perform in up to 150 degrees Celsius, the INFINITY CNC will keep performing even in the most extreme upgrades.
OTHER FEATURES
■ Enlarged motor-shaft ball-bearing stabilisers. ■ High-grade silver plated wiring & larger carbon
brushes for improved electrical conductivity.
35000 RPM
2
40000 RPM
3
45000 RPM
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CNC U-45000
For the most outrageous projects, the Infinity CNC U-45,000 is rated to run at speeds of 45,000 RPM, higher than any other ultimate motor. As with the entire range, spares and parts can be sourced should your creation take its toll eventually!
U-30000
U-35000
U-40000
LOW SPEED, HIGH TORQUE
STANDARD SPEED, NORMAL TORQUE
HIGH SPEED, LOW TORQUE
The U-30000 motor is rated to 30,000 revolutions per minute and is optimised for lower speed, but higher torque in most applications. When paired with appropriate gears, the U-30000 can be used to pull an M130 spring all the way up to M210.
The U-35000 motor is rated to run at 35,000 revolutions per minute and is optimised for general use with neither a peak in torque or speed. When paired with appropriate gears, the U-35000 can be used to pull an M90 spring up to an M120.
The U-40000 motor is rated to run at 40,000 revolutions per minute and is optimised for high speed, high rate-of-fire use. When paired with appropriate gears, the U-40000 can be used to pull springs between m100 and M110 effectively.
FEATURES: ■ Anti oil-absorbing function. ■ Motor stabiliser. ■ Superior heat emission. ■ Polymer back cover. ■ Unsurpassed Durability. ■ Internal ball bearing support. ■ Super magnets for repeated and perfect performance. ■ Oversize carbon brushes for long life performance. ■ Steel pinion gear hardened to 50-55 HRC.
30000 RPM
35000 RPM
40000 RPM
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R N A L
C O M B U S T I O N
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C O M B U S T I O N
AND GET IN GEAR COMPLETE GEARBOXES
balanced to minimise friction. Each technician makes sure that every complete ULTIMATE® gearbox performs and sounds like a well-oiled piece of machinery.
If you are building a custom gun, starting from scratch or your beloved shooter has given up the ghost and you really need to go to town with replacing broken parts, a complete gearbox may be the easiest, cheapest and least stressful way to go. The ULTIMATE® Upgrade Series complete gearboxes are assembled by skilled technicians to ensure that the tolerance of the mechanical parts is
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M4/M16 V2
■ High-strength casting with chromium plating. ■ All parts are made of reinforced material to
secure the best performance and durability. ■ All gearboxes come with unique serial number.
AK V3
2
If you have an M4, M16 or any AEG that uses a V2 variant gearbox, there’s a complete Ultimate gearbox that will drop in place of your old one. Starting with the standard M100 gearbox, you get a set-up that is perfect for 328fps usage, basically the ideal starting point for a standard, allrounder. If you require some more punch, there’s also an M120 uprated gearbox and for the snipers out there, there’s the M150 Ultra torque set-up, great for semi-auto, high FPS usage where trigger response and the ability to pull a big spring is required! For ease of installation, literally drop in a bolt up, all gearboxes come in front and rear wired varieties plus precise V2 variants specifically for the MP5 and G3 series are available.
There’s no need to feel left out if you run an AK variant AEG or maybe even something like a Galil, in fact a lot of guns use V3-based gearboxes. If you are having trouble with your internals, why not drop a ready made gearbox straight in place! Just like with the V2 gearboxes, you can start with a standard M100 gearbox that will produce around the 328fps mark, for general usage or step up to a meatier M120 set-up if you need more power and more range. If you are building a V3-based sniper rifle or DMR, there’s always the monster M150 gearbox you can step up to, to give the most grunt! AK/V3 gearboxes come in both front and rear wired version to make installation a breeze no matter which replica you place it in!
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SPRING INTO ACTION!
IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS SPRING COLOURING CONVENTION IS UNIQUE TO MADBULL SPRINGS AND OTHER BRANDS MANY VARY
The spring in your gearbox dictates the velocity of the BB leaving the barrel. You can have any motor, gears or battery and provided they can completely cycle the gun, the spring is the only thing that generates the motive power for the BB. ASG distribute a full range of Madbull springs that are colour coded so you can easily identify the fitted weight that is fitted. ■ M100 - 328FPS – LIGHT BLUE ■ M110 - 360FPS - TURQUOISE ■ M120 - 393FPS - GREEN ■ M130 - 426FPS – GOLD ■ M150 - 492FPS – RED
The M-rating a spring has is generally an expression of the velocity that the spring would achieve in an ideal set up, in meters per second. For instance M100 would mean that the spring should ensure the BB travels at 100 meters per second. Due to variations and inefficiencies, sometimes this isn’t true and often a spring will produce less than quoted. Dropping 10 or 20fps isn’t unusual but any more might indicate and issue with the airseal elsewhere in the gearbox. Likewise, some springs can produce a higher velocity than quoted due to variables like over-compression and a very efficient airseal. The number should be used as a guide only and proper chronograph testing should be carried out.
100 328 FPS
110 360 FPS
120 393 FPS
130 426 FPS
150 492 FPS
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L M G R E V IE W
K R Y TA C ’ S T R IDE N T L MG E NH A NC E D R
KRYTAC
TRIDENT LMG ENHANCED KRYTAC’S RANGE OF AEGS HAS BEEN MET WITH A GREAT DEAL OF ENTHUSIASM FROM THE AIRSOFT MARKET. DESPITE BEING A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM THE NORMAL OFFERING OF A MIL-SPEC WEAPON, COMPLETE WITH REALISTIC COMPONENTS AND TRADEMARKING, KRYTAC HAVE OUTFITTED THEIR WEAPONS WITH A HIGHLY PRACTICAL BALANCE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION AND USEFUL, MODERN COMPONENTS. THE FIRST WAVE OF THE FULL RANGE MADE A FEW RIPPLES BUT NOW WE HAVE THE LMG ENHANCED IN OUR HANDS… A GUN THAT WILL PUSH THE PLATFORM AS FAR AS IT WILL GO. THE LMG ITSELF Krytac’s original releases consisted of the less-than-extraordinary looking SPR to the frankly outrageous SDP model without even a proper stock. It was a nice, balanced release with plenty to satisfy the majority of players in the majority of situations. Now though, what we have been waiting for, in the LMG Enhanced. Yep, that’s right… LMG as in Light Machine Gun. LMGs are nothing new but Krytac’s take promises to put the “light” firmly back into the machine gun and also, thanks to the rock solid gearbox design contained within, with some modicum of reliability. M249s and other popular LMGs are nothing new. We have had AEGs for ages now but they all do suffer with a level of inherent unreliability. If it’s not the gearbox shells cracking, it’s the box mags failing to feed or the barrel wobbling loose. I’ve actually got one here sitting in pieces next to me, waiting to become something new as I write this! The idea of belting out hundreds of rounds into a magnificently beaten zone is highly attractive though and once in a while I really get the urge to just unleash some BB hell so the prospect of a fully functional, reliable LMG is quite attractive.
BEAUTY OR BEAST…
Most LMGs are quite ugly and unwieldy. The M249 in all its many guises is hardly a good looking gun. It’s a brute that’s chopped around and modified to meet the requirements of its users and it can be an arduous beast to handle. Krytac’s LMG has unashamedly taken a good deal of influence from the Shrike Machine Gun, an experimental and
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conceptual upgrade kit for the M16 platform, produced by real-steel company, Ares Defense. Most notably, the Shrike was an upper system that fitted to the standard M16/AR lower that essentially turned the weapon into a multiple-feed, automatic infantry weapon. That means it’s capable of feeding 5.56mm ammunition from standard magazines, drum mags, or belt fed SAW-style magazines all the same. The Krytac LMG uses these features too.
As with all of Krytac’s AEG range so far, the LMG is very, very well made. For want of a better term it is “all metal” in terms of parts that you would want made from metal and as we have commented in the past, it’s very reminiscent in terms of finish of KWA’s AEGs and GBBs. As the LMG design is similar to the Shrike, the lower half is almost identical to that of the other M4s in the range, at least the ones that use a buffer tube design. The stock is the rather pleasant offering as used on the CRB that reminds us a lot of some of Magpul’s recent designs, combined with products from the likes of MFT. As a proprietary airsoft-designed stock, it’s a really nice piece of kit in its own right. The lower itself is a Mil-Spec design, no mock CNC or billet machining to speak of, but the trademarks on the side of the magazine well are engraved and feature the Krytac “kraken” or “angry octopus”. The fire selector and trigger guard are enhanced “upgrade” type parts and slightly disappointingly, the pistol grip is just a regular A2 style design… Could do better in this area at least. The upper is a unique design, mated to the lower via two allen bolted body pins. it’s larger, blockier and a little heavier than the normal AR upper you might expect and has a bit more going on to accommodate the side belt feed on the left. This is of course, all just for show and there are no more features present than that on a normal AR. You still retract the mock bolt cover using the charging handle, a folding design found towards the rear left of the upper but this doesn’t lock back on the bolt catch at all. Forward of the receiver you have a beefed up barrel design that measures approximately 14” long. Underneath the barrel runs the false gas tube which adds heft to the front end of the
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gun, despite not really having much in the way of practical application at all. Around all this the “Enhanced” Keymod hand guard fits. Devoid of any traditional RIS to speak of, the hand guard features keymod slots on the top, bottom, left and right giving the user options to attach accessories using this next generation attachment standard. The overall effect slims the front end down nicely, making it feel lighter and less bulky than you would expect. Despite being mostly for show, all this upper does fit on the lower well and the gun looks very “together” as a whole.
THE BOX MAG
Despite all the lovely gun and fancy internal parts in this LMG, perhaps the biggest breath of fresh air to us was the box magazine itself. It’s designed as a massive, electrically winding hi-cap and the best thing about it is that it actually WORKS unlike so many others that have come before. It can be filled like a hi-cap, it can be would with the big red button that activates the motor, found on the base and it can be manually would with the thumb wheel found next to that. Holding around 3500 BBs you have a massive capacity and the whole thing feeds and fits and AR style weapon via the usual magazine well and hop unit arrangement. There’s no tubes, springs, watched or annoying tiny grub screws. You just bang it in and go… In fact, there’s nothing stopping you using it with any other M4 AEG you feel like!
INSIDE THE KRYTAC RANGE…
When the range of Krytac AEGs was announced it was met with a little trepidation in the Ai camp. It’s not like there aren’t a lot of quality M4-style replicas on the market. This reaction was completely reversed when we got to look inside one and appreciate the finer details of this advanced and refined V2 gearbox design. Krytac have really gone back to the drawing board and reworked almost every aspect to improve the performance but also made it far easier to work on from a technician’s point of view. It’s not until you start to look do you notice all the incremental improvements that add up to a bounding step forward for airsoft gun technology. Guided mock bolt cover and improved bolt release for a smooth and reliable function.
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Reinforced front section and pre-radiused cylinder window corners to prevent cracking.
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Quick release main spring system featuring strengthened bearing spring guide.
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Sector gear/piston mesh inspection window in shell.
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8mm precision ball-bearing gearbox shell for low-friction.
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Geared, ambidextrous fire selector mechanism using a notched tappet plate for positive “lock” into each position.
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Internal MOSFET board for a compact and robust design with no fragile exposed electronics or delicate wiring.
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Super-hardened gears with self-shimming intermediate gear axle for low-noise operation.
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Plastic wiring guard to prevent the motor pinion gear damaging the insulation and shorting the gun.
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Fixed AR latch post and AR latch spacer to make assembly easier and improve performance.
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Reinforced wiring at high stress points including gearbox exit holes and motor connection joints.
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KRYTAC
TRIDENT LMG ENHANCED
GOOD AS GOLD!
From being initially a little skeptical about the Krytac range, our in-depth insight into the finer details that make up these guns has completely turned us around. The refined gearbox design is nothing short of genius and it’s something that, when placed in front of you, makes you think “why did it take so long for somebody to put this into production?” This, matched with great quality externals and a fit and finish to match makes the whole package incredibly attractive, not only to the player that demands performance, but also to the more technically minded buyer. Working on one of these things is a treat once you get used to all the small differences to look out for. Initial reports from the USA suggest that Krytac’s Trident range is being very well received and is responding well to hard use from players. The guns featured here are built to the US spec but by the time you read this, Shield Airsoft, the UK’s exclusive Krytac distributor, should have product on the shelves of your preferred retailer!
CONCLUSION
The Krytac LMG is a lovely weapon. It’s well made and feels solid as you like, plus it carries over some tasty features from the rest of the Krytac Trident range including that lovely gearbox.
At £430 or so in the UK it’s also pretty good value for money considering most other “support” guns will cost you at least £100 more than that. On top of this the gun is compact enough to happily use all day in a CQB environment and light enough to lug around for extended periods. Sure, it might not satisfy the Mil-Sim crowd with the whole realism vibe, but to be fair, if you want to shoot BBs at your opposition this is a very capable tool and will be formidable in the hands of the right players.
OUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THE LMG IS THE BOX MAGAZINE IT COMES WITH. EVER THE ACHILLE’S HEEL OF THE SUPPORT GUN, THIS IS A RELIABLE AND EASY TO USE SYSTEM THAT’S QUICK TO CHANGE, QUICK TO FILL AND EVEN COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER M4 TYPE GUNS. LET’S HOPE THEY MAKE THEM AVAILABLE ON THEIR OWN SO WE CAN ALL JOIN THE HI-CAP PARTY!
HIGH TORQUE MOTOR
The Krytac Trident range all come equipped with a high quality, high torque motor which, teamed with the internal MOSFET system give snappy and rapid performance even under stress.
PRECISION HOP-UNIT
Krytac’s hop unit features locking points of adjustment numbered 0-15 allowing you to precisely dial in the right amount of hop for your chosen BB weight and retain zero’d performance.
BARREL STABILISER
Krytac’s precision inner barrels feature a stabilising o-ring near the muzzle to support them inside the outer barrel giving a more consistent shot-to-shot grouping and less barrel vibration.
KEYMOD RAIL SYSTEMS
Where applicable, Krytac’s rail systems use the newly emerging Keymod system for a lighter, easier to handle and more adaptable modular accessory system.
VITAL STATS
■ PRICE: £430 approx ■ WEIGHT: 3.3kg ■ LENGTH: 750-850mm ■ HOP UP: Adjustable (rotary) ■ MAG CAPACITY: 3500rnds ■ VELOCITY: 345fps (UK SPEC) ■ PROS: Solid, lightweight, easy to use and the box mag we have been waiting for!
■ CONS: Essentially a £430 justification to use a massive hi-cap on an AEG M4…
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HELIKON-TEX_Level 7, Raider, January 2016, right page
The LEVEL 7 is lightweight winter jacket which provides insulation and protection against frost, wind and light showers. Climashield® Apex™ provides thermal insulation and ultimate warmth. Two chest pockets are lined with fleece to provide protection against frostbite. The hood can be easily adjusted without removing hands from the chest pockets via two drawstrings located there.
Climashield® Apex™ insulation (grammage: 100g body; 67g hood).
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CYBERGUN
COLT 1911 RAIL GUN
IN ALL THE HISTORY OF MISLEADING GUN NAMES, THIS HAS TO TAKE THE BISCUIT. WE’LL SET THINGS STRAIGHT BEFORE EXCITEMENT SETS IN. THIS IS NOT A RAIL GUN, WHICH IS SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT AND OF A “SECRETIVE MILITARY TESTING” KIND OF NATURE. NO, THIS IS SIMPLY A 1911. DISAPPOINTED? YOU SHOULDN’T BE BECAUSE IF YOU LIKE 1911S, THIS IS ACTUALLY A PRETTY DAMN FINE EXAMPLE! The 1911 is basically the USA personified in a handgun. It’s a firearm equivalent of a hamburger, the Statue of Liberty or only being able to buy bottles of Coca Cola that are so big you could drown in them. Firearm luminary, John Browning designed the 1911 around the turn of the 20th century and Colt were one of the first selection of manufacturers to produce the semi-automatic .45 caliber pistols under license. We’ll spare you the history lesson as it’s one of the most well known stories in all of firearms and there are plenty of books and other information that cover the subject. It suffices to say that the 1911 design is about as important to firearms as the Ford model-T is to motoring. Now, in this day and age, many variations of the original 1911 design
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exist and although the core of the weapon is the same, modernisation has enhanced the weapon over it’s considerable service period. This official replica of a Colt railed 1911 design combines classic looks with just the right level of updates to keep things competitive with the likes of today’s new polymer handguns. The rail being the reason for the odd naming convention… Well, that combined with some slightly awkward marketing blurb.
CYBERGUN’S 1911
So what do we have in terms of a replica here then? Well, as you can see from the accompanying imagery, the 1911 is actually a real looker. Personally, I’m not a 1911 fanatic but if I were to own one, this one certainly has the aesthetic I’d be after. As we have come to expect from
manufacturers outside of Japan, the Cybergun 1911 is all metal externally, or at least what you would expect to find made of metal on the real thing, is made of a metal on the replica. We say “a metal” because it’s not the steel or aluminium you’d find on a real weapon, instead a lower grade alloy. That’s not to say the gun is made from pot metal though, it’s just not a $2,000 worth of machined steel which is probably a good thing. What you do have though is crisply shaped and finely finished with pleasing hard edges and defined lines.
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CYBERGUN
COLT 1911 RAIL GUN
It’s impossible to criticise Cybergun’s choices of parts and assembly here, the whole things is very well put together and ready to operate straight out the box with no adjustments of tweaks required. Even the magazine and slide operate smoothly from the word go, without any “running in” to speak of.
PERFORMANCE
Traditionally all metal GBB 1911s suffer from the issue of “cool down” more than most. This is basically because they have small, slim magazines that don’t contain a huge amount of gas and that lose heat rapidly. This means the gas inside them produces less pressure and you’ll struggle to empty the magazine of BBs before it runs out of puff.
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Additionally the Cybergun 1911 features dual recoil springs, one which shrouds the outer barrel, also acting as a stabiliser but also speeding up the return of the slide. This Cybergun 1911 instead uses 12 gram CO2 sparklets to propel the BBs instead of gas refilled from a can. CO2 guns have their foibles of course, some being a little bit to aggressive in certain conditions and also the capsules being a little more tedious and long-winded to replace. Generally though, they tend to leak less and in this instance, actually give the gun plenty of grunt to clear the magazine and lock the slide back on empty. With the temperatures we tested the gun in, the velocity stayed well under the magical 340fps mark too, making it a solid choice as a winter gas pistol, something that metal 1911s generally don’t excel at!
1911 RAIL GUN VITAL STATS
■ PRICE: £160 ■ WEIGHT: 0.9kg ■ LENGTH: 220mm ■ HOP: Adjustable ■ MAG: 17+1 rnds ■ FPS: 345fps
EXTRAS
No extras, other than the box it comes in.
THE GOOD STUFF
Nice external quality paired with a solid internal construction. Official trademarking.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD STUFF
It’s basically just another 1911, of which there are so many.
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TH E FINAL PART
T H E
C A R L
G U S T A V
R E C O I L L E S S
THE PROS
With Project Charlie completed it was time to get it out in the field so we could assess it’s strengths and weaknesses – and we found a few of each. We’ll start with the good and then look at the not so good. The first of it’s strengths is the range. With the inner barrels we used (which aren’t that long really) range has more than doubled and this thing creates one hell of a beaten zone at 40 metres. If used correctly (and given how Airsofters have a bit of a habit of bunching up on the field so presenting a rather large target) this thing has the potential to take an awful lot of the opposition out of the game in one fell swoop.
WE’VE FINALLY DONE IT! OUR CHARLIE G IS FINISHED! THE QUESTION IS, DOES IT WORK AS IT SHOULD AND WAS IT WORTH THE HUNDREDS OF HOURS (LITERALLY) THAT WE INVESTED IN TO BUILDING IT? The longer you’ve been involved in Airsoft the more likely you are to have built something either a: impractical b: downright strange c: completely over-the-top – and over the years we’ve seen all three. The impractical, namely PTRD-41 and Boys anti-tank rifles. The downright strange, by way of an Airsoft Morita (from the film Starship Troopers) and the completely over-the-top courtesy of a shorty M249 with three grenade launchers attached to it. To these, we now add our project Carl Gustav – which attracts the tags of being that wonderful combination of being impractical, downright strange and completely over-the-top! So why on earth did we build it? The reason for that is two fold. Yes, there are already shoulder launched grenade launchers in Airsoft that you can buy off the shelf. Russian Mania have their RPG-7, Deepfire with their AT-4 and M72 66mm LAW designs. However, these designs have a bit of a problem – even with CO2 powered gas grenades they don’t have much range to them. In an effort to deal with this problem we decided to resurrect an old idea, which could be considered as “ancient history” in Airsoft terms as it’s been around for over a decade and a half now. Back in the day you had a pretty poor choice of grenades, and the big player in the market was Craft Apple Works (CAW) / Mosquito Molds. Range was short and you used to spend a fair bit of time on keeping them in working order. In an effort to increase the
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range CAW created an inner barrel set to fit their M79 and a special flat-fronted grenade that would engage with the barrel set when the M79 was closed. This increased the range significantly, doubling it at least. All we did was take this idea and then apply it to a more recent design of grenade, one that would take Green Gas / Propane with ease. Then we had to come up with a platform to fire it. We could have simply gone down the RPG-7/AT-4/ M72 LAW route but these have a few issues. The first is that they are rather expensive and the second is that they can be incredibly slow to reload. This led to a wider search and we eventually decided to build the platform from the ground up, going for the classic Carl Gustav recoilless rifle design as it would allow us to quickly reload it due to it’s breach loading design.
The second strength is it’s speed of reload. It’s certainly not as quick as an M79 or a UGL, but it is much faster to reload than the RPG-7/ AT-4/M72 LAW designs. The third strength is that not one of it’s function, but that it simply looks scary. What do we mean? OK, you’ll have to follow us on this. In our head we all know that most AEGs or GBBRs are pretty similar in performance (we await the deluge of emails about how “PTWs are best” or “GBBRs beat all”), but psychologically bigger guns always seem more scary. Look at how those new to Airsoft will avoid an M60 or a PKM at all costs, yet think nothing of running into a hail of fire from a G3 or an AUG – even though deep down they must know that they’re all pretty similar in terms of performance (until you start going overboard on the modifications of course). It’s on this point where the Charlie G really wins - it just looks scary. As to the pros, that just leaves one left to mention, the sighting system we used. Although it looks like overkill the short-dot works brilliantly allowing extremely quick target acquisition, something you simply do not get with a high-magnification scope. All you have to do is spot a group of players, roughly place the dot in the middle of them and then pull the trigger, and with a bit of luck you have a fair few players putting their hands up and shouting “hit”.
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R
S S
R I F L E
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THE CONS
T H E
C A R L
OK, that’s the good points, what about the bad? To be entirely truthful about it, yes, there are some bad points. For a start it’s bulky. REALLY bulky. If you think lugging an MG42 around is a pain, then this thing takes it to a whole new level! It has numerous parts (particularly the sight) that snag on undergrowth rather easily, and it’s not a piece of kit that you can easily sling in order to use another gun you’re carrying. If you’re using this thing then it’s your primary, and if you want to use anything else you’re going to be putting it down rather than trying to sling it. The second issue is one of practicality. Just like the real Carl Gustav it’s a crew served weapon – you really do need two people to use it properly. If you only have one person it’s rather slow to load and fire. It’s also not a bit of kit that can be used by those that are impatient. When loading you have to rotate the grenade to index it to the inner barrels which reduces the rate of fire even further. That just leaves one last topic to discuss: if we were going to build another Charlie G, what would we do differently? We’d stick with the same materials – the PVC was pretty cheap, we spent less than £50 on it, and the aluminium
G U S T A V
R E C O I L L E S S
tube and flat that we used came to less than £25. A few pounds on filler, pipe welding solvent and some bits of wood pretty much complete the build. All in all, it’s not been a build to break the bank account. However, some things we would change. The first would be to find some way of adding an adjustable Hop. The system we fitted does increase the range but we can’t help but feel that it has more to give and that an adjustable system would help us get the best out of it. It wouldn’t be an easy task though, give the extremely restricted space to fit it given the close proximity of the six inner barrels, so the thought of adding an adjustable Hop-up may just be nothing more than just wishful thinking. The final issue is not really one of materials, design or practicality though – it’s one of presence. Not the Charlie G itself, but with the ammunition. Quite frankly it feels a little wimpy hoisting such a large bit of kit onto your shoulder and then loading it with a little gas grenade, and it’s here that we think we could have made life a little easier for ourselves, combining the gas grenade and the inner barrel set into one assembly. One shaped and sized as to the real Carl Gustav round. Perhaps there’s a future project in that....
R I F L E
FINAL THOUGHTS
And now we have to ask the really big question – was it all worth it? The answer to that is rather mixed. A hell of a lot of work has gone into it (we stopped counting at 250 hours build time), and certain aspects of the design and build have been rather interesting – particularly resurrecting Craft Apple Work’s inner barrel concept – but it’s major downside is that you really do need a two man crew to use it properly. A timed test showed that a two man crew can fire a round every eight to ten seconds with relative ease. When used-single handed that time rises to thirty seconds, and in a fast moving combat sport such as Airsoft, thirty seconds can be an awfully long time. So to finish we have to ask the big question: would we build one again? Yes. We’d produce a batch of them. Why? Because the idea of 4 or 5 Charlie G’s used right just puts a big (if somewhat sadistic) smile on our faces.
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STAFF SHOOTERS MARUI’S HK45
Ai STAFF S R E T O O STOH K YO MARUI HK45 WITH
GM TACTICAL K YDEX HOLSTER FINDING THE RIGHT PISTOL FOR YOU IS A GLORIOUS THING TO BEHOLD AND IN THE HK45, I’M SO PLEASED TO HAVE FOUND THE IDEAL BALANCE OF SIZE, FUNCTION, AESTHETICS AND PERFORMANCE FOR MY OWN TASTES. IT’S ALSO A GUN I FIND REALLY HARD TO PUT DOWN! TEAMED WITH THE RIGHT HOLSTER, ME AND THIS HANDGUN ARE NIGH ON INSEPARABLE… TM make the closest thing to the undisputed best gas blow back pistols on the market. Yes, they have a few detractors that moan on incessantly about the fact they are all plastic and the finish isn’t totally realistic but they can soon be silenced by year-round, high performance shooting. It’s also worth noting that in recent releases, TM have gone a long way to ensuring their finishes both looked and felt more realistic than ever. This has led me to call some of their latest guns, including the M&P9 V-Custom and this HK45 some of my favourite guns, full stop. The HK45 as a real weapon was designed with input from none other than Larry Vickers, the ever-outspoken former Delta operator with a wealth of experience under his belt. One of the major stipulations was an operating system that mirrored that of the preferred Sig226 which many of the USSF members would already be familiar with.
Personally, I have a lot of time for the 226 so the transition to the HK45 is an easy one. I find the 45 fills my hand almost perfectly and there’s a selection of interchangeable backstops to facilitate a sound fit with all users. I have gotten so used the operating system of the gun, with the double action initial pull of the trigger working as a great safety mechanism, and then the crisp single action pulls thereafter that it just feels like second nature to use. Plus there’s the decocting mechanism that’s easy to disengage at will. Then there are the looks. Maybe I’m showing my age here but there’s a real place in my heart for the sort of retro, 80’s throwback vibe that HK guns wear, especially the HK45 with it’s angular lines and black, red and white colour scheme… The “spiderman-esque” pattern on the grip just elevates it a little bit beyond the super blocky USP line.
On top of this I have the ideal holster for use with the 45, a prototype GM Tactical inner waistband kydex product. Now, the 45 is probably a little beefy for your average concealed carry application but I don’t really have to worry about it printing on my clothes at a game and I don’t really need to conceal it, so I can just benefit from the great retention and protection on offer. Of course, being clamped close to my body means the conducted body heat keeps the gun and gas magazine a little warmer in cold conditions lending to slight better performance.
USER: BEN WEBB GUN: TOKYO MARUI HK45 PRICE: APPROX £140 OWNERSHIP: 18 MONTHS USAGE: FAVOURITE SIDEARM
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RIFLEWORKS FOR AIRSOFT AND REAL STEEL SIGHTS & ACCESSORIES
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T H E
B I R D
I S
T H E
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A R C ' T E R Y X
L E A F
! Y E R G WOLF THE FIRST WORD IN GUCCI OUTDOOR KIT IS ARC’TERYX AND THE DEAD BIRD BRANDED KIT HAS SOMETHING OF A CULT FOLLOWING, FOR A DAMNED GOOD REASON. IT’S HIGHLY CAPABLE, LOADED WITH TECHNICAL FEATURES AND HAS GREAT AESTHETIC STYLING TO BOOT. THE ONLY ISSUE IS THE PRICE TAG BUT SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO TREAT YOURSELF! Arc’Teryx LEAF kit, that’s the discreetly branded and drab coloured variants of the civilian gear you find in outdoor stores, has been used in military circles for some time now. Lots of the product lines are no compromise, fully featured versions of garments that have been tested and developed via hard use in extreme places by top mountaineers and outdoor sportsmen. Some are simply “sanitised” versions of the top of the line civilian range meaning they come in camouflage or drab colours and don’t feature reflective or accented branding and logos. There’s no escaping it though, this tasty gear might be the top of the line when it comes to features but it’s also top of the line when it comes to price tag. Three figures are commonplace when it comes to individual garments and with the flagship Alpha line coming in at well over £500 for a jacket, you are talking about stuff that’s in the same ballpark as catwalk designer clothing. What Arc’teryx gear gives you though is kit that lasts and performs, it’s not a flash in the pan fashion item and provided you can bring yourself to put the goods
in a position to test them, you’ll find they simply roll with the punches and come back asking for more. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather as long as you have the right clothing and in Arc’teryx gear, it’s like being in the Bahamas all year round!
BLEND IN WITH THE URBAN SPRAWL
With war efforts in the Middle East beginning to wind down and domestic actions becoming more and more commonplace, a growing number of gear manufacturers are producing tactical gear in discreet colours. Grey is one of the most popular. By eschewing camouflage patterning and instead opting to produce tactical gear in a mid-tone, the average result of the general urban palette, these manufacturers
have avoided making anything that catches the eye and immediately brands the wearer as “military”. There’s an old saying that goes along the lines of “black goes with anything” but in all honestly, something less harsh will often blend better and that is “wolf grey” as many brands are calling it. It’s made to go un-noticed without catching the eye or drawing attention but we have to wonder if that’s really its appeal? After putting together these two load outs we have to say they look rather striking although of course, we’ve gone to the extreme. A simple few items teamed with casual clothes would suit a concealed carry situation and a grey plate carrier or chest rig would certainly compliment the uniform of a law enforcement officer without looking out of place and would definitely play to the strengths of the “low profile” intention behind the gear. As airsofters, we can benefit from the versatility of grey gear whether you want a single item that will compliment many different load outs, or if you prefer to sever your ties with armed forces impressions or reenactment, grey is perfect. You won’t get branded a good guy or a bad guy, an American or a Brit… You’ll just be you and sometimes that’s rather refreshing!
GREY GEAR IN ACTION
Recent terrible and tragic events have seen the Police Counter Terrorism Units raise a higher profile in the UK than ever before, giving us a more detailed glimpse at the equipment they are using. Of particular note are the uniforms that appear to be a combination of Arc’Teryx LEAF Talos pants and also the Talos shirts under basic, BLACKHAWK black plate carriers. Its also interesting to see a smattering of tactical leg/thigh rigs and also a healthy amount of HSGI Taco style pouches in use.
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A F
W O L F
G R E Y
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A R C ' T E R Y X
THE NAGA HOODY
The Arc’Teryx LEAF Naga hoody was introduced into the lineup a couple of years ago and found favour with the likes of Chris Costa who even got his own special edition version featuring additional embroidered logos and a limited edition colour variant. The Naga is an athletically cut, form fitting mid-layer designed to be insulating underneath other outer garments. Thanks to the hard-faced soft-shell material its made from though, it’s perfectly at home as an outer layer in slightly warmer conditions and during rigorous activity. Thanks to the flat LEAF zippers and great, flexible cut, the Naga works well under armour or plate carriers and is a welcome addition to the wardrobe when temperatures dip down to single figures. Featuring a form fitting PolarTec fleece torso section the Naga has plenty of stretch in it. The arms are a slightly contrasting hard face soft-shell material that have plenty of elasticity and hold their shape. Elasticated cuffs help baffle drafts and thumb hole slots keep the sleeves covering your arms when layering up. Finally a mock collar and hood provide comfort around the neck and additional ventilation can be provided by the quarter zipper.
DESIGN
Warm technical thermal mid layer functional for everyday use. More generous fit increases comfort with a design facilitating full range of motion. Communications compatible larger chest pocket is repositioned for ease of use. Refitted hood improves comfort while strategically placed seams reduce friction points.
FEATURES
✔ Low profile hood sits cleanly against neck; separate collar provides warmth and protection from the elements. ✔ Left chest pocket with secure zipper closure has media port. ✔ Quarter-zip allows enhanced ventilation.
MATERIALS
✔ Polartec® Power Stretch® nylon jersey ✔ Polartec® Power Stretch® with Hardface® technology
W O L F
G R E Y
THE TALOS PANTS
As well as jackets, Arc’teryx also make some fantastic trousers, or “pants” as they like to call them. As well as more casual products, Arc’Teryx have some pretty hard-edged combat pants in their range and the Talos Pants fall in as a hot-weather option to rival that of the Crye Precision gear. Calling on their mountaineering heritage, the Talos pants are made from tough 50/50 cotton/cordura material and instead of stretch panels they use an advanced cut and gusseted fit to allow for unhindered movement. Having used these on a climbing wall complete with a sit harness, the low-bulk cut and shape allows brilliant and unrestricted movement. Another difference between the Talos pants and the popular Crye design is the knee padding. Instead of hardshell inserts the Talos pants incorporate a tough webbing strip over each knee to add durability and internally there are sacks for extra padding should you wish to fit it. This results in a tough but lighter and cooler option than Crye, something I have to say I think I prefer. A hot climate military-ready trouser made of light, breathable, nylon/ cotton jersey fabric, reinforced with heavy duty webbing knees. Articulated patterning and generous gusseting offer an athletic range of movement.
DESIGN
Full featured no melt / no drip technical pant suitable for a variety of combat applications. Spacious fit allows for seasonal layering. Articulation in the knees and seat provide unrestricted motion. Reinforcements over high stress areas offer protection and long term durability and performance.
FEATURES
✔ Internal knee cap sleeve fits soft knee pads or LEAF knee caps. ✔ Two hand pockets with internal knife pocket; two seat pockets; two thigh dump cargo pockets with daisy chain hard points. ✔ Integrated ankle gaiters with drawcord closures.
MATERIALS
✔ No melt / no drip knit 50% cotton / 50% nylon Cordura® ✔ MilSpec 3" Cordura® webbing (over knee)
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WE TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT!
TRIED AND
TESTED £34.99
A TOURNIQUET ISN’T SOMETHING THAT YOU EVER REALLY WANT TO HAVE TO BE CONCERNED WITH USING, ESPECIALLY NOT AT AN AIRSOFT GAME BUT NONETHELESS, PLENTY OF PLAYERS LIKE TO ADD THEM TO THEIR KIT FOR LOOKS AND AUTHENTICITY. DESPITE THIS, THERE ARE MANY SITUATIONS WHERE A CORRECTLY APPLIED TOURNIQUET COULD ACTUALLY SAVE LIVES. In any situation where critical bleeding cannot be stopped via application of pressure or bandages, a tourniquet can be applied, particularly on a limb, to stem the flow of blood. It’s not an option to be entered into lightly, for instance in the example of a general cut or scrape but in a life/death situation, the rapid application of a tourniquet can make the difference between living and dying. Of course in the cut and thrust world of
combat and the battlefield, the threat of this kind of injury is far more prevalent than in day-to-day life, hence the routine carriage of one or more tourniquets. To put the level of danger and the timeframe involved into perspective, it has been written that some SF units have actually entered missions with tourniquets lightly wrapped around all 4 limbs and even with IV cannulas already inserted, just to save time in the event of serious injury.
THE Q-CAT IS A MOLLE MOUNTED SOLUTION THAT FITS TO YOUR PLATFORM VIA A MALICE CLIP BOLTED TO THE REAR. THIS IS NICELY LOW PROFILE AND CERTAINLY ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE ONCE PROPERLY AFFIXED!
This grisly tale aside, the GM Tactical Q-Cat provides a slightly less extreme but no less prominent, high speed tourniquet delivery system to the user. The Q-Cat is comprised of a folded sandwich of 3mm Kydex that is formed to accept a folded CAT tourniquet with the windlass handle held vertically. With a rubber grommet and an adjustable screw, it’s possible to adjust the amount of tension applied to the tourniquet and therefore the amount of force required to remove it. Because of the almost totally coverage of the tourniquet itself, the device is kept clean and clear or debris and can be folded up in a manner so that it unfurls as you remove it, pretty slick! The Q-Cat is intended to be used as a MOLLE mounted solution that fits to your platform via a MALICE Clip bolted to the rear. This is nicely low profile and certainly isn’t going to go anywhere once properly affixed, also providing wide compatibility with belts, plate carriers, chest rigs, bags and more. GM Tactical are also working on a smaller design that simply retains the tourniquet via tension and can be mounted on velcro platforms called the Go-Cat. Whether you need a tourniquet or multiples of as part of your role or you just fancy something to enhance and embellish your airsoft kit, the GM Tactical Q-Cat provides a great mounting option and certainly beats the old method of strapping them on with elastic bands!
PRICE: £34.99 (PLUS POSTAGE) FROM: TACTICAL-KIT.CO.UK OR GM-TACTICAL.COM
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TRIED & TESTED WE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY - WE TRY BEFORE YOU
ASG CURSED BB R ANGE £TBC
WE’RE NOT SURE IF IT’S SOME SLIP OF TRANSLATION OR JUST A STRANGE CHOICE IN NOMENCLATURE BUT ASG’S LATEST RANGE OF BBS ARE “CURSED”… QUITE LITERALLY. THE CURSED RANGE OF BBS JOINS THE EVER PRESENT BLASTER AND BLASTER DEVIL BB RANGE AND OFFERS BIG BAG VALUE AND ALLEGEDLY “SUPERIOR” QUALITY IN .20G, .25G AND .28G WEIGHTS. We say allegedly because BB performance is famously tough to quantify and varies from test bed to test bed wildly. Scientific or even consistent testing can be insanely difficult to pull off and for that reason we only ever really rely on our practical experiences to rate and review BB ammo. That said, ASG were kind enough to send me over a bag of each of the weights of the Cursed BBs and we made great use of them in game. Digging straight in to use the .28gs, a weight I have long been a fan of since back in the days where Guarder .28g ammo was in plentiful and affordable supply I found them to function pretty much flawlessly in my TM Recoil 416. The only hiccup I experienced was a failure to feed in one magazine where the added weight of the .28g ammo seemed to cause the follower to stick slightly. This is more than
likely an indication towards my poor magazine maintenance than anything else. Whilst I had great experiences with the .28g BBs, even at one point managing to hook a shot in the wind directly into the back of some hapless soul’s head, I won’t say that they performed any more or less fantastically than any of the other .28g BBs I’ve been fortunate enough to experience in the past. The same goes for the .20 and .25g weights which I’ve not yet managed to get all the way through the bags of. Although that doesn’t seem to be much of a glowing review, I’m pleased with the Cursed BBs mostly because they offer the afore mentioned big bag value and they actually work. Basic functionality has proven to be something of a sticking point for certain BB manufacturers in the past and we hope that
ASG manage to maintain a level of control over the QC of these Cursed ranges. If their Blaster products are anything to go by, we certainly don’t have any major concerns here. One last point of note is the actual bags that the BBs come in themselves. They are rip-top offering that can be released after the initial opening. Simple and effective. I prefer this design to bottle for anything more fussy because it’s dead easy to sing your speed loader or hi-cap into the bag of ammo and simply scoop BBs into the opening without pouring or risking any more spillages. You can even do this with gloves on and in a hurry. The bags can also be scrunched down to compact them and this limits noise, unlike with bottles. Not the flashiest choice from ASG but it’s actually a gimmick free, practical way of packaging these things.
PRICE: TBC FROM: ANY DECENT ASG DEALERS
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T H E
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W I T H
JOIN IN THE DEBATE ONLINE! V O L U M E 1 1 I S S U E 4 A I R S O F T
FROM TACTICAL KIT TO GUNS & AMMO, WE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! PAGE 62
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
AN AK A DAY KEEPS THE BAD GUYS AWAY! PAGE 82
RWA FALCON FILL YOUR HAND!
THIS SPS CO2 FROM REDWOLF PACKS A PUNCH!
ebcon publishing ltd.
HANG OUT !
FERRO DANGLER! CONCEPTS
EXTEND YOUR PLATE CARRIER’S CAPACITY
HEL LO OPE RAT OR
PRC-152 PRC-152 PRC-
HIGH GROUND
TESTED: THE DROP-DOWN POUCH!
V O L :1 1 I S S : 4
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ASG M40A3
THE AMERICAN SNIPER ON TEST!
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WE TALK ABOUT: PACKING HEAT
ILLUSTRATED BY CRAIG
IT’S A RARE OCCASION THAT WE DEDICATE ANY PAGE SPACE IN AI TO “REAL WORLD” ISSUES, ESPECIALLY POLITICAL ISSUES OUTSIDE THE REALM OF AIRSOFT. FRANKLY, THIS IS A CONSCIOUS EFFORT BY US TO DELIVER YOU A PRODUCT FREE FROM ANY POLITICAL BIAS AND HONESTLY, THERE’S ENOUGH POLITICALLY MOTIVATED MATERIAL OUT THERE TO KEEP YOU GOING IF YOU WANT TO FIND IT. AI IS ON THE WHOLE, FULLY AIRSOFT RELATED.
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J O I N T H E D E B AT E W I T H 5 0 0 K O T H E R S O N O U R FA C E B O O K PA G E :
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With the recent attacks on Paris though, now is the time to buck this trend and this decision hasn’t been entered in to lightly. Dealing with an issue quite as contentious as the one this piece is going to cover off is a rare thing, but rest assured, this is merely the opinion of one writer. We are not going to be lobbying to change laws in America, England or otherwise and this is merely a piece to propagate thought and discussion amongst the readership…
THE FOLLOWING IS AN EDITED VERSION OF A POST I MADE FOR MY PERSONAL BLOG UPON WHICH I HAVE EXPANDED FOR A WIDER AUDIENCE... It was inevitable that this attack in Paris would turn into a civilian firearms ownership debate at one point and predictably, this has become the case. I’m probably more “pro-gun” than most. I like guns. I like the technology and the engineering of guns and I like shooting things and the ballistic principles involved. As I’ve said before though, I’m not comfortable with EVERY individual being able to own a gun, because let’s face it, there are some individuals out there that shouldn’t even be able to use the TV remote, let alone a deadly weapon. If, however, a concealed carry type guy or guys had have been present at the site of the attacks in Paris, things might have happened differently. 1... The terrorists might have decided against going down the “let’s have a good old-fashioned mass shooting” route. Instead they might have... I don’t know, used a bomb or flown a plane into something. Even then, when you have a war it’s generally expected that both sides have guns. That doesn’t stop it from happening does it? 2... As soon as things kicked off, some random hero unveils his badass concealed weapon and neatly dispatches said bad guys in John Woo style before re-holstering and taking a sip of his beer... Except it won’t be a beer. It’ll be something non-alcoholic because we all know drink and guns don’t mix. In fact, random hero probably hasn’t even been able to pay any attention to whatever event he’s at based on his 100%, 360 degree, tactical, spatial, situational, vigilant, ready-for-the-fight awareness. Random hero hasn’t actually been able to enjoy anything since burdening the responsibility of his concealed carry weapon and in honesty, it’s amounted to nothing less than inner waistband mounted PTSD. There’s also the fact that this myth of permanent vigilance is unattainable. I’m sure until some mobile application is developed, total situational awareness is impossible. I say this based on the fact that most people seem to be addicted to looking at their phones every 4.5 seconds and peripheral vision has been curbed completely and a tunnel of around 3.5x5” (the same as a phone screen) seems to be the norm. One thing is for sure, if regular civilians, lawabiding or not, were armed at any event, there would have been a lot more shooting. Probably badly aimed, panic shooting. That’s because MOST people don’t know squat about shooting another person (and rightly so). Add into the mix the idea that the target might actually be shooting back and things go really badly. Want proof? Ask any soldier
that’s been in a firefight to honestly tell you how many aimed shots they took at the enemy… So, you still really want to carry a gun around “fur prurterkshurn!” don’t you? Guns are a great leveller and really help in a fight. You know what else does that? Knowing how to punch somebody, knowing how to take somebody to the ground and subdue them... Do you know how to do that? Maybe not... You probably don’t even really know how fast you can run or for how long and that’s the most basic form of protection you have. In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, I took the liberty of researching a few knowledgeable sources to find out what the recommended course of action was in the event of such an incident and you guessed it, step one is “run”. Especially if you have loved ones or people you are trying to protect. Note how “be a hero and take down everyone” doesn’t even rate up there. I think the great issue with the concealed carry concept is that many people’s view is as basically becoming a member of a paramilitary and the move for CCW holders to become more and more offensive, rather than defensive is apparent. Sure, when under threat a modicum of aggression is absolutely necessary but do you need to get into the mindset of going out and actively seeking it? It you want you want to do that, maybe a career in the Military is better suited. So, I’m pro-gun but where do I stand on this concealed carry debate? Well, I’m all for it... But... CCW holders need to be trained. They need to be trained to de-escalate a situation with non-lethal means, they need to be able to neutralise an attacker without a gun or even a weapon. What concerns me is that CCW permit holders will basically form a vigilante militia, actively looking for issues to solve when a weapon like a handgun should really only be carried in day to day life as a purely defensive option to be employed in the driest of circumstances and with utmost justification and diligence. I’m sure there are people out there that will willingly sacrifice their own ability to “switch off” and relax in a social context in favour of being able to be a “protector” but I think the weight of this massive responsibility and burden should really be considered before you can say that you support the option to carry a concealed gun. So… Don’t worry, as I have said, I’m not interested in lobbying to change any laws or alter the status quo but form an airsoft player’s perspective, I’ve found it all too easy to openly support the idea of concealed weapon carry without fully appreciating the weight of the situation… There’s something to mull over at least…
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LATEST ISSUE OUT NOW!
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THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL
HOW TO BUILD A MOSFET
MOSFET BUILD
HOW TO BUILD YOUR VERY OWN MOSFET!
MOSFETS ARE FREELY AVAILABLE NOW AND COMMONLY FOUND IN AIRSOFT GUNS STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY. NOT THAT LONG AGO THEY WERE A RARE AND COMPLICATED PIECE OF KIT ONLY FOUND IN THE MOST TECHY, TUNED GUNS. HERE WE ARE GOING TO SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MOSFET FROM SIMPLE, CHEAP COMPONENTS. THEY ARE SURPRISINGLY LOW IN COST, BUT DO REQUIRE A PRETTY SOUND AMOUNT OF SKILL WHEN IT COMES TO CONSTRUCTING SMALL ELECTRONICS!
DISCLAIMER
This is a fiddly job. Take your time and use common sense and you’ll be fine. If you are struggling though (we won’t be held responsible for failed mosfet repairs!), contact the experts at Firesupport who will be happy to help.
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THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL
HOW TO BUILD A MOSFET STEP 1
MOTOR
+ -
BOLT ON DO NOT SOLDER
While you’re unlikely to have a problem, you are working with potentially static sensitive devices here, so don’t wear a nylon shell-suit, and make sure you earth yourself regularly during the project (ideally without shuffling across the carpet in your socks each time). I touch a copper heating pipe in my garage to do it, but the EXTERNAL screws on a light switch or mains socket work just as well.
5KP18A 18V 5000W
IRLB3034PBF TRIGGER
G D S
DO NOT USE CUT OFF
100 Ω ¼w CONNECT AS CLOSE TO BATTERY AS POSSIBLE
+
BATTERY
2200 Ω ¼w
STEP 2
5KP18A= 5KP18ALFCT-NO
NOV 24, 2015 AIRSOFT INTERNATIONAL
The centre pin of the MOSFET itself is the ‘drain’ pin, and is the same connection as the metal plate on the back, so we can cut it off carefully and neatly near the body.
HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN MOSFET
Put simply, the standard trigger on an AEG takes a huge amount of current through its blades as it spins up the motor, and can suffer from arcing (Marui triggers survive better than many others). A MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) circuit sends a low current to the trigger, which when pulled, opens a ‘gate’ to allow the battery to power the motor directly. Imagine a herd of bulls straining at a farmer’s gate – rather than standing in front of it to open it by hand, you have a latch that you can pull with a piece of string while you’re safely out of the way… This is the most basic of ‘FET designs, and while it’s quite possible to build your own active-braking trigger system (but not the compact piece of excellence we saw in the recent AWS Raptor review), to kick things off we’re keeping it simple. I’ve been running this very MOSFET in my 500fps M14 for over a year with absolutely no problems at all. You’ll see in the steps that I built a heat-sink into the design, but in the end I had to take it off as it wouldn’t fit in the stock! When I built this, I was running a large NiMh pack, which took up the whole battery compartment, so this is designed to fit in the small amount of space behind the motor. I now use LiPos with the gun, so I would have more space if I needed it, but to be honest, a heat sink is unnecessary with this circuit.
STEP 3
First, we’re going to work out the position of the diode. It’s very important that you put it the right way round, so make sure the silver bar is at the top, connecting to the plate. Carefully bend the legs, and form a loop for a screw that we’ll fit later.
SHOPPING LIST
Where to buy: I use RS Components in the UK, but you can also check out Farnell and (more helpful in the US) Digikey. Shipping from RS is £5.94, but I bought enough parts to make several units, so it works out very cheap. I’ve included the RS stock numbers* to help you with your order. ■ 0.25W 100 Resistor: £0.13 *(385-910) ■ 0.25W 2200 Resistor: £0.13 *(386-672) ■ 5KP15A Diode: £2.40 *(638-7640) ■ IRLB3034PBF MOSFET: £2.94 *(688-7204)
You’ll also need some wire – I use the silicone cable from www. component-shop.co.uk (see page 3 for their advert) – 20AWG for the trigger wire, and 16 AWG for the main power wire (also a great shop for heat-shrink tubing). If you don’t have any spare small ring crimp connectors, screws and nuts, you can get some packs from Maplin.
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THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL STEP 4
Now place the 2200Ω (also known as a 2K2 – the one with three red bands) resistor over the ‘FET’s legs as shown, before carefully wrapping the leads around a few times, then trimming them off. Don’t worry – resistors aren’t directional.
HOW TO BUILD A MOSFET STEP 7
Pass a screw through the connector, then the loop of the diode, through the hole in the ‘FET and finally into a nut (or the heatsink I’ve used here).
STEP 8
STEP 5
Now add the 100Ω resistor by wrapping one of its leads around the left leg of the ‘FET (the gate) and trimming it neatly. Leave the other end of the resistor intact for now. Once it’s all neatly wrapped you can solder the leads to the legs. Use a good, clean hot iron (mine’s 40W) with decent solder and apply just enough heat for as little time as possible.
Take another length of the 16AWG wire and tin one end (this will be running to the battery negative). It helps to have a pair of ‘helping hands’ (available really cheaply from The Component Shop) to hold everything… make sure the free end of the diode is running along the right hand leg of the ‘FET (the source), then solder the leg, diode and wire into one. You need a good solid joint, so take care whilst doing it. As always, slide a little heat-shrink over the joint.
STEP 6
Take a length of the thicker wire, making sure it’s long enough to reach from the motor to the proposed location of your ‘FET. Tin one end of it, then solder on a ring crimp. Finish it off with a little heat-shrink.
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THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL STEP 9
Trim the end of the left ‘FET leg and pop a piece of heat-shrink over it to insulate it. You can seal the open end by nipping it with pliers while it’s still warm. Now take a length of the thinner gauge wire, which will be the return from the AEG’s trigger switch. Solder it to the free end of the 100Ω resistor, then slide some heat-shrink over the resistor and the joint.
HOW TO BUILD A MOSFET STEP 11
My gun is using a connector between the battery lead, which stays in the M14 stock, and the MOSFET, so I’m soldering onto a deans connector quite close to the ‘FET.
DISCLAIMER
STEP 10
All the hard work is done now. It’s very important that nothing is shorting out, so make sure the connections are all covered – for instance, you don’t want the trigger wire or resistor to touch the back plate of the MOSFET.
If you’re careful, you’re very unlikely to damage your gun in this project, but there’s a chance you might spoil some of the components when you build it. If you’re not that proficient in soldering, I’d recommend getting a few of each part, in case of mistakes. If you’re really not sure, or have never handled a soldering iron, just buy a ready-made one from someone like Extreme Fire or AWS, or discuss what you want with the professionals. Fire Support in the UK will be able to give you some excellent advice if you need it.
The large wire from the right hand leg of the ‘FET goes to the negative of the connector, then take one length of red 16AWG and one of 20AWG to run from the connector to the motor and trigger. As always, pop some heatshrink tubing on before soldering!
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THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL STEP 12
Now solder the thick black wire from the ‘FET’s plate to the motor’s negative terminal, and the thick red wire from the battery connector to the motor’s positive terminal. The two thin wires are now soldered onto the two original switch contacts. Note how the wires are twisted together – this reduces electrical ‘noise’ which can cause problems. The finishing touch is a large piece of heat-shrink tubing over the whole circuit. I’d strongly recommend buying heat-shrink for the whole job, but you could use standard electrical tape for this step if you preferred.
HOW TO BUILD A MOSFET STEP 13
As I mentioned, I couldn’t quite get the whole assembly into my gun with the heat-sink fitted in the end, so I replaced it with a small nut, then sealed it all up again. I’ve never had one problem or failure since.
NOTE: Don’t plug a dead battery into this MOSFET, or anything below a 7.4V LiPo or 8.4V NiMh – a low voltage can permanently damage the MOSFET. Don’t worry about it in play - your gun would have stopped firing before it gets to the ‘danger’ level, but it’s worth knowing.
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READER’S LETTERS
NEWCOMER: BOLT ONS, BOLT OFFS...
SEND IN YOUR LETTERS, RANTS, CONGRATULATIONS OR RANDOM VITRIOL AND ANYTHING INTERESTING ENOUGH OR EXPLETIVE FREE IS IN WITH A CHANGE OF MAKING IT IN PRINT IN OUR “INCOMING” PAGE WHERE WE WILL FURTHER DISCUSS YOUR IDEA. IF SOMETHING IS GETTING YOU DOWN OR YOU WANT TO SAY THANKS TO SOMEBODY, DON’T BE AFRAID TO WRITE IN TO EDITORIAL@AI-MAG.COM PLUS, THERE’S RANDOM PRIZES TO BE WON! Dear Ai, I’m a newcomer to airsoft and recently picked up your magazine and have taken out a digital subscription to read on my tablet! Great idea! Technology is brilliant! After serving in the British Army some time ago, I was attracted to airsoft as a way to exercise those tired old muscles and get the blood pumping again. I’ve only been to about 5 games but I’m really getting into things and started to pick up the gist of the game. One think I have noticed though is how much kit everyone has, especially on their weapons. It seems a bit odd to me as during my army days, we tried to keep things as lights and as simple as possible. Admittedly, we didn’t have all these rails to clamp thing on to but the idea of making our rifles heavier was totally alien! I know it is probably a stupid question, but what’s with all the added extras people seem to like? Am I missing out on something or is it as silly and pointless as it seems? Oh well.. Each to their own I guess, but thanks for hearing me out! Alan Lancaster, Cheshire.
SEND YOUR LETTERS IN TO EDITORIAL@AI-MAG.COM AND IF YOURS IS PRINTED YOU WILL WIN A PRIZE FRESH FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR! MAYBE A VELCRO PATCH? MAYBE A BAG OF BBS OR AN UPGRADE PART FOR YOUR GUN, IT’S TOTALLY RANDOM BUT WELL WORTH HAVING SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS ALONG WITH YOUR LETTER! 086
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WHAT AI SAY... Hi Alan, We’re really glad you have picked up a copy of Ai and a digital subscription to go with it and we are even happier you are getting in to airsoft. As you have no doubt found, it’s a game for all ages and abilities and anyone can enjoy it! As for added extras on guns, that’s a good point really and here is a smart place to bring it up! Because Airsoft has such a wide appeal, you’ll find some people enjoy it for different reasons. We find that there are a number of types of player you will encounter from people that just enjoy a good shoot up to guys that enjoy re-enactment almost, with gear and kit to match a certain military unit or time period. There are even people that like to build outfits based on films, TV programmes and Sci-Fi. Some people like to extend on this idea and indeed, building a replica of a certain gun is part of the fun for them. I have to say, part of the enjoyment of airsoft for me is replicating certain weapons from certain pictures and the challenges it poses to get it just right and also to get it to shoot well is what I really enjoy. Sure, it might only lob BBs out but the satisfaction you get from building what I consider a “functional model” is great. Some people also like the training aspect of what airsoft can offer. Building a gun that has as many features as the real thing and operates in as close a fashion as possible to the firearm is a goal. This means that some details will even be replicated despite them not really having any practical application at all. The coolest thing is that there are no real rules… If you get on better with a bare bones gun with just iron sights, more power to you! Less fuss, less mess and ore focus on the game at hand. Of course things like torches or aiming lasers can really come in handy in some situations but that’s up to you to experiment with and see what works best! We hope you continue to enjoy the game Alan, and please feel free to write in again!
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