ISSUE 123 - MARCH 2021 - FREE ISSN 2634-9515

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TAP/CLICK IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTENTS MARCH 2021 08 14

ISSUE 123 - MARCH 2021 - FREE ISSN 2634-9515

ARMOURY: ARMOURY: G&G PCC45 FALKOR BLITZ

PROUD TO SUPPORT PILGRIM BANDITS CHARITY 28 36 Editor: Nigel Streeter Graphic Design: Calibre Publishing Ad Design: Deadshot Design Publisher: Nigel Streeter

KIT & GEAR: INSIDE AIRSOFT: Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, CHOOSING THE EVOLUTION Upper Colwall, Malvern, RIGHT BOOTS AIRSOFT Worcestershire, WR13 6PL Tel: +44 (0) 1684 878 003 Web: www.airsoft-action.online ©Calibre Publishing Limited 2019 60 64 All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publisher in writing. The opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions prior to print.

UPGRADES: FEATURE: WARHEAD MOTORS IMMERSIVE AIRSOFT

FIND US ON… facebook.com/AirsoftAction Search ‘Airsoft Action’ 68 72

LETTER, IDEA OR QUESTION? Got something to say? A question for our experts? An article or article idea? Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the Editor: [email protected], write to us at ARMOURY: THE CAGE: the Calibre Publishing address above, or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook. MODIFY PP-K2 PLATE CARRIERS Contents

MARCH 2021

8 ARMOURY: G&G ARMAMENT PCC45 looks and its many movie cameos and finds there’s much to We are very honoured to work directly with some of the love about the airsoft take on the mighty Chiappa Rhino! biggest “names” in the global airsoft industry and every so often that means that we get to take a “first look” at 52 RELOADED: WE MP5K new models from source. This month our good friends at There are few real steel platforms as iconic and instantly G&G have entrusted us to do this with their very latest recognisable as the Heckler & Koch “Maschine Pistole 5”. 2021 model and sent Bill an evaluation sample of their new AA Legionnaire, Stewbacca, revisits this airsoft stalwart, in PCC45 all the way from Taiwan! the form of the WETech Apache MP5K.

14 ARMOURY: EMG FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ 56 UPGRADES: MASTER MODS When is an AR AEG something more than its component We are always pleased to hear about new upgrade parts, parts? When does it cease to become simply a tool and especially when one of our trusted brands is involved. ICS become a work of “firearms art” that grabs the user and were kind enough to supply us some of the parts they fills them with a desire to shoot it as often as possible? distribute from Master Mods, so we tasked Jimmy to get to Bill gets behind the sights of the latest version of the work and check them out! EMG-licenced FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ SBR to provide an answer… 60 UPGRADES: WARHEAD MOTORS AA Tech Team member, Jimmy, has a bit of a “thing” 20 ARMOURY: LCT “AK BABY” & “TX BABY” about upgrading his personal AEGs to get maximum Whilst LCT Airsoft have been wowing us with a host of performance and durability from them and recently he put new models, that’s not to say that they are neglecting his knowledge to good use by thoroughly “beasting” some their extensive “back catalogue” and amongst the models unique new motor technology from Warhead Industries - benefitting from a restock are two diminutive models that and liked what he found… A LOT! we love - but not for the most obvious of reasons! 64 FEATURE: IMMERSIVE AIRSOFT 24 FEATURE: SPECNA ARMS Whilst he waits for various components to arrive for his The last time we saw our friends from Specna Arms face missile silo projrect, James moves onto the next project to face, was actually at SHOT in January 2020, after which on his list. In Part 1 of 2, he details his research to create that they had a busy year - and 2021 looks set to be equally a working version of the UK Cold War era “HANDLE” exciting! warning system!

28 KIT & GEAR: FOOTWEAR CHOICES 68 ARMOURY: MODIFY PP-2K There are places where you can skimp and save a bit Airsoft Action Legionnaire, “Stewbacca”, is right in the of money with your airsoft loadout but having good thick of Taiwanese airsoft and able to bring the latest from footwear is not one of them. Choosing the wrong boots the airsoft companies that reside there, including Modify can make all the difference to having a superb day on site and their PP-2K. or going home early. Bill looks at making the right choice - irrelevant of your budget! 72 THE CAGE: PLATE CARRIERS In his gear article last month, Bill took a long hard look at 32 KIT & GEAR: ONETIGRIS Chest Rigs but the Plate Carrier still seems to be the choice Elsewhere this month Jimmy has had a look at some for many players and thought it was high time to revisit righteous tech to increase the efficacy of our AEGs but he’s what the “AA Crew” are using themselves and why! also interested in the gear that makes him equally efficient on the field, like the new Chest Rig and Low Profile Plate 76 FIRST AID: CPR & AEDS Carrier System from ONETIGRIS! Although we hope it never happens at an airsoft event, it is always worth remembering “Prior Preparation and 34 KIT & GEAR: PMC LOADOUT Planning Prevents Poor Performance” and might just save Bill takes a moment to look back on his “PMC Gear” and someone’s life. Survival expert, Paul Yelland, explains… muses on this versatile loadout and why he believes everyone should have their own “take” on it in their 80 KIT & GEAR: MAXPEDITION HEAD-TO-HEAD personal gear locker. The no-name bag (Noteus) from eBay arrived only a day or so after Frenchie finished his previous article comparing the 36 INSIDE AIRSOFT: EVOLUTION AIRSOFT Versipack & the Siebertron copy. In that case, the copy won Bill takes look at Evolution International as we go “Inside but will it be 2-0 for the copies this month? Read on… Airsoft” to look at a European company that’s taking on the established manufacturers of the Far East and succeeding 82 RETAIL ROUNDUP in their own unique way… with a dash of Italian flair! Another month has gone by, and the goodies for 2021 just keep on arriving! Last time we looked at some of the new 40 RED CALL: PDWs AEGs and GBBs that have been hitting the market, but that As the UK lockdown continues once again, the Red doesn’t mean that there’s not accessories and gear that Cell crew have had to work remotely to bring in their we can be equally excited about, so here are some of the conclusions of the latest batch of “AR” style “PDW” models. things that have got the Airsoft Action team excited this This has led to some pretty in-depth analysis of the chosen month! AEGs as they detail more variants than ever before! 86 LAST POST: BAGS OF OPINION 48 ARMOURY: CHIAPPA RHINO Last Post was always intended to be a bit of light-hearted, Bill steps back into the world of the silver screen, as he slightly ranty, fun. Since Frenchie is given to being a little indulges his passion for revolvers and gets his hands on a opinionated, this has generally proved not too difficult… big old wheelgun that became famous both for its unique

armoury

G&G ARMAMENT PCC45

PCC PERFECTION 8 MARCH 2021 armoury

G&G ARMAMENT PCC45

AT AIRSOFT ACTION WE ARE VERY HONOURED TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH SOME OF THE BIGGEST “NAMES” IN THE GLOBAL AIRSOFT INDUSTRY AND EVERY SO OFTEN THAT MEANS THAT WE GET TO TAKE A “FIRST LOOK” AT NEW MODELS FROM SOURCE. THIS MONTH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT G&G HAVE ENTRUSTED US TO DO THIS WITH THEIR VERY LATEST 2021 MODEL AND SENT BILL AN EVALUATION SAMPLE OF THEIR NEW PCC45 ALL THE WAY FROM TAIWAN!

s we move further into the beginning of a new It may surprise some of you that are a little cynical year and as our friends in the Far East celebrate about the review process, that a good tester takes Atheir own start to the “Year of the Ox”, we are their role very seriously indeed! Unlike some, we do all living in a slightly uncertain world but one thing not do this for our own self-aggrandisement but that I can be certain of, is that G&G Armament will because we love airsoft, every single part of it! We continue to launch more new AEG and GBB models, want to see and understand the advances that are along with a host of parts and accessories! being made every day in the airsoft industry and to Throughout the duration of the global pandemic play our part in it; this is not about “me” but about I have been in close and direct contact with Rick at “us” and, most importantly, about the AEGs, GBBs, G&G HQ in Taiwan and although business is always accessories and equipment we all rely on from the business, my personal friendship with him has, much manufacturers we trust. I hope due to a shared sense of humour, grown As it turns out and given my knowledge of the by leaps and bounds. It’s strange isn’t it, that quality and performance of recent G&G releases, I somehow our communication with others should not have been worried, as the PCC45 has via video meetings and regular messaging turned out to be one awesome AEG, a style that most has led in some cases to us getting will love but some (strange people!) will not but one to know others better and which carries forward the positive advances that G&G finding out that our shared have made in recent years in a whole new way! passion for airsoft is just one of the many things PCCs, WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR? that we share! The idea of a Pistol Calibre Carbine is far from It’s become very new and indeed G&G have ruled the roost with their important to me personally excellent ARP9 for quite some time. As you will see - and to Airsoft Action as from our “Red Cell PDW” report this month, the line an entity - that we need to between a PCC and a PDW is hair-thin but at the spend more time with the end of the day, a short carbine that uses a “pistol companies and the calibre” magazine differentiates the placement and wonderful individuals categorisation of the models. Whilst virtually any who work within them and super-short carbine can be crowbarred in to the PDW make them flourish, to give all of our category, it’s only those models that use a “pistol readers a better understanding of how the “mighty calibre” magazine than can enter the hallowed halls machine” really works behind the scenes and Rick of the PCC. has most certainly helped me, on behalf of course of And although G&G have had undoubted (read Mr Lau and the G&G team as a whole, to understand HUGE!) success with the ARP9, this has not stopped more about G&G and we hope that we may share this them taking things forward and as usual, they have with you more as the year moves forward. done this in their own special way to create a “.45” Airsoft is fundamentally based on the principles of model to go alongside the “9mm”! trust, integrity and honour and that also happens to It would have been easy for them to simply be a great foundation for both friendships and mutual redesign the ARP9 a little and slap a big old UMP-like respect, so when Rick asked me at the back end of “.45” mag into it - and many would have shaken 2020 if I would like to be one of the first to physically their heads sadly and said “oh, another AR” and to see, and indeed test, the new PCC45 AEG I was both be honest, I would have been amongst them. But no! pleased and a little apprehensive in accepting this As usual G&G decided to do things THEIR way and kind offer. Pleased of course, that goes without saying rather than go with an existing design in a different but also a little nervous at the possibility of finding a “calibre”, they threw that all to one side and created problem with a product I was being entrusted with by something entirely, refreshingly new, something that someone I trusted and respected as a friend.

www.airsoftaction.net 9 armoury

G&G ARMAMENT PCC45 gives a nod to the past but brings things completely, “UMP” I’ll concede) and down to the slim, elegant thrillingly up to date. motor grip. At the sharp end there is an alloy knurled Many that have seen images of the PCC45 have muzzle cover which hides a standard 14mm CCW immediately said “this is a modern take on the thread and the PCC45 comes pre-fitted with G&Gs Heckler & Koch UMP” and they would be right in own excellent flip up iron sights. There’s a QD-stud saying this, purely down to the fact that the PCC45 sling point on both the handguard and the stock but uses that larger magazine but they would also be very if you prefer there’s also a rock-solid sling point to rear wrong in my opinion, as this is an entirely new beast left too. that just happens to use a similar magazine! Internally is what we have come to If anything, the gun bunny in me would say that expect as the “norm” now from G&G - in looks the PCC45 is far closer in aesthetic to the and that’s reliable and effective electrics Walther MPK/L, the poor “second” of the 1960’s and mechanicals! to the H&K MP5 but with an UMP-style stock and a In addition big mag. Yes, I know that the MPK and MPL were to a 25K both 9×19mm

Long Axis (G&G Orange) motor there’s a full metal G2 8mm bearing gearbox with a quick Parabellum spring change design, full metal but if you look gearset and metal bushings, at the silhouette and the along with G&Gs Gen4 way that the forward venting slot Mosfet with ETU. The positioning on the Walther is so similar to what we ETU is designed to would class as M-LOK these days, then I believe you’ll add choice, as well see where I’m coming from. Like it or not though, as offering battery the PCC45 is one of a kind and that uniqueness of protection to prevent character to me makes it all the better for that. the carbine from firing Externally the PCC45 is a solid affair that feels when the voltage is too low, beautifully put together whilst having an enormous along with motor jam and spring visual appeal. It retains and enhances the design traits compression detection to be totally on the safe side! seen on both the SMC9 and the latest TR16 SBR 308s The ETU also lets you reprogram the full auto mode to give a feeling that a “new family” is emerging here, through the trigger, so you can choose between semi/ being both futuristic and at the same time traditional. auto and semi/three round burst modes easily and The front slim-line 205mm CNC Hard Anodized QD with audible cues to assist. M-LOK Handguard looks absolutely modern and of course gives great scope for mounting accessories. It “ROUNDS DOWN” melds almost seamlessly into the upper receiver, which The PCC45 comes with a 110 BB “exposed bullet has a continuation of incuts to mimic the M-LOK mag” as standard which fits and feeds well and we at the front and “flow” the design pleasingly along understand that G&G will also provide 520 BB hi-cap the length of the AEG, as well as a railed upper for to support the AEG. I was unable to try the hi-cap but mounting optics if you desire. I have no doubt it will also function perfectly. I did try Whilst many of the external parts are made of high- the magazine in a couple of SMG-mag pouches but, quality alloy, the upper and lower are of high-grade, as with the UMP, these are physically quite large, so high-strength fiberglass-reinforced polymer and this an UMP mag pouch is the obvious solution here. Just construction carries on through to the generously- to note, I also tried a couple of different brand UMP long, side-folding stock (okay, this does look a bit mags in the AEG and neither fitted, so my advice is to

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G&G ARMAMENT PCC45 buy what you think you’ll want, or need, in terms of astonishingly well achieved battery storage solution mags when you buy the AEG itself (I‘ve pre-ordered that I like a lot! more mids and a hi-cap from UK distributor NUPROL Re-bombing with .25g RZRs, setting the fire selector for long-term testing). to semi-auto and easing the sensitive flat-bladed Filling up with my usual .20g RZR BBs the trigger sends BBs downrange with an extremely PCC45 gave a mean chronograph reading of 1.07 satisfying “crack” and in super-quick time. For Joule/340fps which was on the nose pretty much each something with a mid-length inner barrel, the PCC45 and every shot! I’m not sure what G&G have been up is quite astonishingly accurate, hitting to in the depths of their “skunkworks” but this shot- sandbag targets easily at 50m, with legs to-shot consistency is becoming the norm for them, to go even further. Switching things to as I had the same when I tested the TR16 and this is full-auto/3-round burst will undoubtedly put a smile on your face, as the

obviously perfectly site G&G does really sing away, sending BBs to target friendly for the majority unerringly. Again, I have to say that this was my of countries legally. experience with the new TR16 too, which bodes well The rotary hop is easy for further G&G releases in the future. Overall, the and simple to adjust even PCC45 is a really tremendous AEG and I can really see wearing tactical gloves, it comfortably acting as your main (make that only!) with the ejection port primary if you’re getting started, or simply love the staying locked back after design as I do and fancy adding something different charging with the ambi charging to the armoury. Although it won’t be super-cheap handle, before being released (and given what it is, it shouldn’t be!) it’s not going by the ambi “bolt” release… to be an uber-expensive model either and trust me actually ALL the controls on when I say you are getting an absolutely tremendous the PCC45 are ambidextrous, amount for your money. making operation extremely The PCC45 looks great, is superbly, impeccably simple and comfortable for all finished and put together and functions flawlessly. users. The technology inside has been tweaked, refined, Now you may be wondering and completely perfected prior to release and in my just where you fit a battery and opinion this AEG continues G&Gs march towards the I have to say that without the ultimate. What you will get with a G&G Armament direction of the clear and concise PCC45 is a superb AEG that will become a trusted instruction manual I companion for the majority of your “airsoft life” if may have been searching you look after it and that, my fellow airsofters, is all for some time! Beneath the we can ask of any AEG and therefore my conscience is M-LOK handguard in front of the totally clear in recommending it to you! magwell is a ratchet lever. When you My sincere thanks go to Rick and the team at G&G pull this downwards to release the handguard forward Armament for supplying the PCC45 test sample. (a pleasantly snug and superbly engineered fit BTW) Please do check out www.guay2.com for the very this exposes a protected battery compartment that latest news on their products and if you’re in the UK will securely and invisibly accommodate a small 11.1V keep an eye on www.nuprol.com for information on LiPo stick. Reversing the process locks the handguard when the PCC45 should be landing with your local immovably back in place, a well thought out, and shop. AA

www.airsoftaction.net 11 TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION armoury

EMGARES FALKORAIRSOFT DEFENSE L85A3 BLITZ LIGHTNING STRIKE!

14 MARCH 2021 armoury

EMG FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ

WHEN IS AN AR AEG SOMETHING MORE THAN ITS COMPONENT PARTS? WHEN DOES IT CEASE TO BECOME SIMPLY A TOOL AND BECOME A WORK OF “FIREARMS ART” THAT GRABS THE USER AND FILLS THEM WITH A DESIRE TO SHOOT IT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE? BILL GETS BEHIND THE SIGHTS OF THE LATEST VERSION OF THE EMG-LICENCED FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ SBR TO PROVIDE AN ANSWER…

ith so many AR pattern AEGs on the market But as with everything, you get what you pay for! it’s hard to differentiate exactly what If you buy a 100K car (I wish!), you can expect more Wmakes one stand out from another, isn’t it? performance from it than a 10K family hatchback, Ultimately, an AEG is our “tool of the trade” that lets right? Luckily for us, we’re talking of additional tens us get out and enjoy our airsoft in whatever form that and possibly hundreds of buckeroos rather that may take, from a simple day of skirmishing with our thousands but my point still stands, and enhanced mates, to full-on competition if that is your thing! uniqueness, quality and performance when I spend These days we are inundated with AR AEGs that more is my expectation, otherwise I’m potentially perform more than adequately straight from their spending money just to chase a fancy name or follow factory-fresh packaging, so having a reasonably the latest, unjustified and “influenzed” trend! reliable and functional carbine or rifle that delivers When I first saw the FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ from solid performance and enough accuracy to “get the EMG I have to say it was a bit of “love at first sight”, job done” as soon as it arrives with you is not only as the visually unique look of this AEG really took my wished for, but also now expected. External parts, on eye. Not being a name I immediately recognised, I offer as standard, are better than they have ever been, started to find out just who FALKOR Defense were with even a “budget AEG” looking great as well as and this only increased my already deep interest in the being solid and workmanlike, whilst the internals design elements of the rifle further. FALKOR Defense “arms race” seems to bring us more performance and is located in Kalispell, Montana, where in their 50,000 durability in function almost weekly. square foot facility they do their magic using the latest Whilst there are still some “lemons” out there, aerospace technology in CNC machining, anodizing they are increasingly rare. I’m not talking about and assembly, ensuring the highest manufacturing having uber-levels of performance as standard, as standards. They continue to grow as one of the most “standard” can inevitably be improved on to suit your innovative, accurate and reliable firearm creators personal taste, your desire for specific performance around, where their mission is to continually exceed elements and your wish for the AEG to look and feel the expectations of the consumer by delivering firearm just as you want it. The aftermarket parts industry technology that is relevant and well-priced, without for airsoft upgrade parts and technologies has never jeopardising quality and reliability. been stronger and has certainly never been so easy On their website FALKOR tells us that the real Blitz to access as it is now, and even the most basic of SBR “represents the latest technical advancements in “techs” can do upgrade work in the comfort of their todays modern sporting rifles, boasting unparalleled own workshop, or even at home. control and reliability.” As I’ve said many times before though, I am no The upper and lower receiver sets are precision “tech”! Yes, after nearly 26 years of playing around machined in-house to optimise operation and with AEGs I know my way around a gearbox and when combined with the specially designed bolt motor and I can normally diagnose a problem when carrier group, Blast Cap tunable muzzle break and it appears, but this is not a side that I am personally mirrored ambidextrous controls, the Blitz represents over-enamoured with, I just want to get and shoot a breakthrough in AR design, resulting in a superbly my stuff, and I want that “stuff” to perform properly reliable SBR. As much as the overall rifle is real eye- from the get-go! Is this an unrealistic expectation? candy though, there was one element that particularly I’d say not, as my belief is that you should be able drew my attention, and that was the FALKOR Defense to head to a new field or site, pick up whatever they “Blast Cap”; this is a specialist muzzle brake that was have as a rental and get your game on, no matter designed specifically for short barrelled rifles to both what AEG you are offered and if said AEG performs direct the concussion away from the shooter, whilst even halfway-well, you should be having yourself a eliminating muzzle travel including rise and recoil - fine day of airsoft adventure! and it looks like nothing else!

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EMG FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ

REAL TO STUNNING REPLICA thermal and frictional coefficient. 8mm stainless ball In keeping with the precision behind the real thing, bearings, a smooth trigger, high heat contact switch, undoubtedly part of the licencing agreement, EMG a ball bearing spring guide and a high-quality steel started with a metal upper and lower receiver unlike gear set make the internals of the Blitz match the any other AEG on the market, “billet” type AR outstanding externals of this rifle. receivers treated with firearm grade external finish In this latest iteration, the APS Silver Edge gearbox for ultimate realism. With extensive tactical styling, is yet another step forward with improvement of the these receivers are quite something as, in addition to tried-and-true version 2 gearbox and when APS set the unique look, nearly every control is ambidextrous, out to develop the new gearbox, they wanted to bring including the magazine catch, bolt to market an ultra-smooth, low-amperage- draw, release, ultra-reliable system with huge upgrade potential. The newest iteration of the Silver Edge gearbox, named “eSilver Edge” takes everything that made the original great - and improves upon it! APS tell us in their information pack that they took short their original gearbox design and improved upon it throw fire selector and a with some excellent new features. First, they use an FALKOR Mach 15 ambi-charging handle. improved strength Grade 5 aluminium alloy for the A flat-blade, straight design results in a fast and gearbox shell material and then they then fully polish positive trigger and the flared magwell grip features the interior of the gearbox to a chrome-like finish, ridges on the front for ease of manipulation. There’s effectively reducing friction on the moving parts that a contiguous, flush top rail for optics leading to the contact the gearbox walls, such as the sides of the “FALKOR Fatty” Free-Float 11.5 M-Lok handguard, piston and the tappet plate. From there they deck the allowing you to install any M-Lok compatible gearbox out with steel gears riding on 8mm stainless accessory you might desire! The furniture of the Blitz steel bearings, low-resistance wiring and trigger is also optimised for performance, modularity and switch and, to top it all off, a QC spring guide allows comfort and feels very positive in terms of fast and for easy spring changes in the future. APS quote that easy manipulation. On the sharp end you’ll find a all of these improvements net around a 15% increase superb representation of that unusual “Blast Cap” in overall efficiency, when compared with standard and this, to me, gives the Blitz a real personality; this Ver2 gearbox designs. What this means for the user part is beautifully made too. A textured, slim profile is better battery life, smoother gearbox performance, motor grip paired with a distinctive and comfortable and improved gearbox longevity. RS2 minimalist stock with QD sling point not only In addition, the newly developed advanced S.D.U completes the look of the rifle but makes it natural to (Super Dynamic Unit) chipset monitors the amperage shoulder and shoot. draw from shot to shot and will cut power to the Internally, the Blitz gearbox if the current spikes too high and before features a damage can be done to your gun. To improve trigger performance further, the eSilver Edge gearbox features a micro switch trigger which works together with the S.D.U. chipset for near instantaneous trigger response (as fast as 0.02 seconds). When combined with a short-stroked trigger, users can achieve an incredible semi-auto rate of fire. reinforced gearbox that has DOWNRANGE been precisely polished and With an overall length (stock in) of just 33.25-inches inspected to ensure a low (844.55mm) and weighing in at 5.75 lbs (2,608g),

“THE MICRO SWITCH/S.D.U. CHIPSET TRIGGER COMBO IS INDEED SUPER-CRISP AND YOU’LL NEED TO FINE-TUNE YOUR TRIGGER FINGER, AS IT’S SENSITIVE AND SENDS BBS DOWNRANGE WITH THE GENTLEST TOUCH!”

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EMG FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ

the Blitz is an easy AEG to drive from I also got the Blitz onto the 10m short range where I target to target, especially with the have the Attack Sense Target System set up and the ergonomic pistol grip and the positivity rifle performed superbly. In reality, again down to the of that striking “Fatty” handguard. The responsiveness of the superb trigger when the targets ambi-everything controls are familiar were flashing on the highest, fastest setting! but the fact that you can operate them I’m pleased to report that the FALKOR DEFENSE with either hand is a huge bonus. In BLITZ certainly lived up to my expectations and that terms of practicality, the RS2 stock the striking, unique look is certainly backed-up by has a push-thru-pin-release, hinged more than adequate performance straight out of the buttplate so changing batteries is fast box. I would like to have seen some “irons” fitted as and straightforward even in the heat of standard, which would make the AEG usable straight the moment! The battery connection from the get-go but this is a minor quibble in relation is Deans/T-Plug, so this is obviously set to what is a stunning rifle. I’ve seen the Blitz for sale up to work with Titan Power batteries generally around the UK£380 mark which these days from the get-go (although others will is not super-cheap but the fact is that it really does work just fine), as of course that’s provide quality and performance for the money - and I another collaboration that EMG have come back to “getting what you pay for” here. these days. FALKOR Defense were voted “brand of the year” With a Titan Power 3000mAh, 7.4V at SHOT Show in 2017 and I have to say that when Li-Ion battery installed, I loaded up the you get your hands on the Blitz, even in replica form, 450BB wheel-winder with .20g BBs and had “I’M PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE at it on FALKOR DEFENSE BLITZ CERTAINLY the LIVED UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS AND 50m THAT THE STRIKING, UNIQUE LOOK IS CERTAINLY BACKED-UP BY MORE THAN range. ADEQUATE PERFORMANCE STRAIGHT The micro OUT OF THE BOX.” switch/S.D.U. chipset trigger combo is indeed you can begin to understand why they received this super-crisp and you’ll accolade! The fact is that the Blitz looks stunning, is need to fine-tune fast and easy to manipulate and puts BBs on target your trigger with alacrity. Once again I believe that APS and EMG finger, as it’s have got this totally right and I applaud them for yet sensitive and another fine licenced replica that personally I find both sends BBs attractive and completely functional from new - and downrange one I would sincerely love to own myself! with the gentlest touch! My thanks go to www.iwholesales.co.uk for Through the chrono the Blitz supplying the test sample. You’ll find all the EMG/APS settled perfectly and consistently at “FALKOR Defense” models on their regularly updated 1.07J/341fps. website. AA There are no “iron” sights fitted as standard to the Biltz (sadly a minor niggle these days!), so I fitted some that I had in the spares box and at 50m supported, on .25gs, it was easy to get hits on a torso-sized target, with each BB flying straight and true.

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LCT AK BABY & TX BABY BE MY BABY!

20 MARCH 2021 armoury

LCT AK BABY & TX BABY

WHILST LCT AIRSOFT HAVE BEEN WOWING US WITH A HOST OF NEW MODELS, THAT’S NOT TO SAY THAT THEY ARE NEGLECTING THEIR EXTENSIVE “BACK CATALOGUE” AND AMONGST THE MODELS BENEFITTING FROM A RESTOCK ARE TWO DIMINUTIVE MODELS THAT WE LOVE - BUT NOT FOR THE MOST OBVIOUS OF REASONS! hese days, when it comes to my own airsoft, I’m designers of the day wanted a piece of the action! quite a dedicated opposing force (OPFOR) player; In 1977 the Glavnoye raketno-artilleriyskoye Twhilst I love this in a fully immersive Military upravleniye MO RF, or GRAU, decided to adopt Simulation setting, it’s also a role that is becoming Kalashnikov’s model (which was pretty much just increasingly popular in more relaxed scenarios. Many a shortened AKS-74), as it promised significant players spend a lot (and I mean a LOT!) of money production cost savings by utilising existing equipment getting their “BLUFOR” or modern Russian “Ratnik” for the AK-74 line. A final round of large-scale testing gear absolutely nailed (and full credit to them for that) with Kalashnikov’s model was performed by airborne but OPFOR players can be much more relaxed in this divisions and the AKS-74U (“U”, Ukorochenniy, or respect, so it’s a great way for newer players to move “shortened”) was officially adopted in 1979. on from just general skirmishing. The carbine’s compact dimensions were achieved by Equipment in relation to OPFOR is often very using a short 206.5 mm (8.1 in) barrel and a reduction straightforward. I tend to play as a “Militia Fighter” in the length of the operating mechanism; this in and that means it can be as simple as throwing on turn led to a rise in the cyclic rate to 700rds/min. In some civilian clothing (an old Adidas tracksuit top is order to effectively stabilize the round, the barrel’s an OPFOR “must have”!) mixed with army surplus twist rate was increased to adapt the AKS-74U for gear, a canvas ChiCom chest rig and a concealed muzzle velocities of 720 m/s (2,362 fps) and higher. A carry pistol holster. To give this loadout a distinctly new gas block was installed at the muzzle end of the different feel to modern military armed with M4s and barrel, with an extremely distinctive muzzle booster. H&Ks, my choice of primary is always some form of This featured an internal expansion chamber inside the venerable AK. For woodland scenarios that means the cylindrical section of the booster, while the conical my classic AKM/S or SVD but when things get a little end acted as a nozzle to increase pressure inside the more “up close and personal” in an urban setting, it’s gas chamber by supplying an increased amount of my short AKS-74U that comes into play. propellant gasses from the barrel. The “SU” is a cracking little bit of kit, and I’ve The chrome-lined muzzle booster also burnt any reviewed both gas and electric versions in the past; remaining propellant, which would normally reduce my personal choice is an open bolt gas version, but muzzle blast. However, due to the extremely short this takes time and no little expense to get right, so barrel and conical end of the booster, the muzzle many players will opt for an AEG version both for blast was still dragon-like! The forward sling loop was ease and cost-efficiency. Once upon a time, like all relocated to the left side of the carbine and the front airsoft AK variants, you would have been limited to a sight was integrated into the gas block. The AKS-74U select group of manufacturers but these days if you also had a different sighting system, with a U-shaped decide to opt for playing an “SU” wielding “freedom flip sight instead of the standard sliding notch rear fighter”, your options are almost unlimited! sight. The rear sight is housed in a semi-shrouded protective enclosure that is riveted to the receiver’s THE SHORT OF IT spring-loaded top cover. To recap… No doubt inspired by the US carbines of The AKS-74U bridged the gap between a the time, in 1973 the Soviets decided to look for a submachine gun and an assault rifle. It was intended shorter weapon themselves, even shorter still than for use mainly with Special Forces, airborne infantry, the folding stock AKS74. The specifications set out rear-echelon support units and armoured vehicle requirements that the new weapon should weigh no crews. It is still used in these roles but has been more than 2.2 kg, have an overall length of 75/45 cm augmented by various submachine guns and the AK- with the stock unfolded/folded, and a muzzle velocity 105. of at least 700m/s. The challenge was taken up by Kalashnikov with the PP1 design, Stechkin with the OH BABY! TKB-0116, Simonov with the AG-043, Konstantinov As an airsoft replica the AKS-74U is a personal OPFOR with theAEK-958 and Dragunov, who called his favourite; it’s simple, straightforward, lightweight and model the “MA”. In fact, all the great Soviet firearms extremely compact, especially with the stock folded

www.airsoftaction.net 21 armoury

LCT AK BABY & TX BABY to the side. In close quarters this compactness makes hooded SU front sight, as well as other parts from the it extremely effective whilst you’re navigating gloomy Norinco Type 56 and the AKMS. Given then that this corridors and compounds. Unlike the “NATO” troops, shortened AK would have used the 7.62×39mm M43 I and my fellow “militia mates” will often get into intermediate rifle cartridge, it does beg the question character, firing from the hip and even with the stock of how it would actually worked, given the problems collapsed, so it came as no surprise to me when I saw it would have encountered in cycling; with no muzzle two REALLY short AK “pistols” in the LCT range and, booster” the gas pressure must have been a real issue. after a brief period of being out of stock, they’re back I’ve spoken to a number of “AK friends” around the and oh baby, are they cool little numbers! world about this and it’s seriously left us scratching LCT Airsoft, as we know, make some superb airsoft our heads! replicas and their extensive range of “Soviet” rifles, That aside though, the LCT is a corking lookalike carbines, SMGs and now support guns, has to be of the “movie gun”. It’s of full steel construction with seen to be believed. LCT AEGs are made from a mix a 35mm CCW steel flash-hider, a shortened 110mm of steel, wood and aluminium; they are extremely real wood handguard and a polymer AK74 tactical well finished with a hard wearing coating that is more pistol grip, which offers a rugged surface and finger resistant to wear and tear than normal airsoft AKs, groove design for maximum grip retention. There’s an with excellent and realistic colour matching. Internally AKM style adjustable rear sight, whilst the front sight things are equally as good; there’s a tried and tested is distinctly SU and on the left side of the receiver V3 gearbox, a ribbed aluminium cylinder, aluminium is a mount for an optics rail. Metal front and rear cylinder head with double O-ring, a plastic nozzle sling points mean it can be used with single, two, or with O-ring, polycarbonate piston with steel teeth, an three tactical slings - as there’s no stock at all on the aluminium piston head, and a precision hop chamber. “Baby”, it screams out to me for a singlepoint. This sounds all very well and in actual fact it is, as Having created a super “movie” replica, I would these components will give you great performance have thought that LCT would have called it quits but straight from the box. the “TX Baby” model proves to me that there must What makes the “AK Baby” so interesting for me also be some pretty serious CQB players working for though, is that it’s very close in look to the movie the company. Taking the original “Baby” as a donor, firearm used by Art Malik in the 1994 film “True Lies”. LCT seriously up the ante by dropping the wood “Salim Abu Aziz” can often be seen using a custom and the AKM style flash-hider and replacing them shortened, stockless AK with two magazines taped with an absolutely beautiful 155mm metal quad rail together “guerilla-style” as his primary weapon. It

and a chunky spiked muzzle brake. All the other features remain the same but these slight, far from subtle changes, turn the “TX Baby” into a serious CQB monster! appears to Both AEGs come with a steel 600 BB High have had the Capacity magazine, although for the “TX” model barrel professionally I would change this out to a “Bakelite” ’74 shortened to compact version, or even one of the “tacticool” status and clearly uses the variants, to bring the look fully up to date.

“HAVING CREATED A SUPER “MOVIE” REPLICA, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT LCT WOULD HAVE CALLED IT QUITS BUT THE “TX BABY” MODEL PROVES TO ME THAT THERE MUST ALSO BE SOME PRETTY SERIOUS CQB PLAYERS WORKING FOR THE COMPANY.”

22 MARCH 2021 armoury

LCT AK BABY & TX BABY

LCT offer different styles is not what these little beasties were designed for. and capacities of AK- In fairness though, with the “TX” supported I was style magazines (even able to send a BB out to the end of the 30m range a very cool drum reasonably accurately. these days!) at To sum up, these two re-released models from very reasonable LCT have proved to me again that this manufacturer prices (£13 is truly building some of the nicest AK-style AEGs will get out there right now and each model I receive from them puts a big smile on my face. Both the classic you an “Baby” and the “TX Baby” come in at £199.00 apiece AK74 70 which, for what you’re getting in terms of looks, rounder!), materials, build quality and performance, makes them so this is easily absolutely tremendous value for money. If you’re a achieved and dedicated CQB player then one of these cracking there’s now a whole little Kalashnikovs should be on your shopping list range of supporting and, if like me you’re more into your outdoor “AK Accessories” in the scenarios then don’t worry, as LCT do a first LCT range too, made to the rate AKS-74U for the same price as well! same scrupulous standards For more information on the two as their AEGs. A 7.4v LiPo is models featured here, as well as the full recommended and this type of range of AK variants from LCT, visit battery fits easily under the top cover, www.nuprol.com. AA although you can squeeze in an 11.1V LiPo and this does have a positive effect on the rate of fire. Of course, when you’re playing close-in you really don’t need as much power as when you’re engaging over longer distances and again, LCT obviously recognise

this. With the magazine fully loaded and wound and a charged NP Power LiPo fitted, it was time to run the “Babies” through the chrono and the result was a very highly consistent average in both models of 0.78J/290fps using .20g BBs. Obviously, with such a short barrel, I did wonder how the wee ones would perform in relation to both range and accuracy and once the hop and the iron sights were dialled in I was pleasantly surprised! At 10m (a normal CQB distance) I was able to nail a target “centre mass” time and again, perfect for indoor and urban settings. The total absence of any stock at all means that as ranges increase things do tend to widen out significantly but that, of course,

www.airsoftaction.net 23 FEATURE

SPECNA ARMS NEWS

A BUSY 12 MONTHS! 2020 WAS OBVIOUSLY A VERY STRANGE YEAR AND 2021 HAS STARTED THE SAME, ALBEIT WITH A HINT OF SUNSHINE NOW ON THE HORIZON! THE LAST TIME WE SAW OUR FRIENDS FROM SPECNA ARMS FACE TO FACE WAS ACTUALLY AT SHOT IN JANUARY 2020, AFTER WHICH THAT THEY HAD A BUSY YEAR - AND 2021 LOOKS SET TO BE EQUALLY EXCITING!

ast year was absolutely thrilling when it came new quality and uniqueness to the Specna Arms to new products from Specna Arms. Newly- family, by adding new functionalities and innovations Llicensed replicas appeared, some older models to the standard already enjoyed by airsoft players were superbly upgraded and the brand expanded its worldwide. As a result, Specna Arms EDGE 2.0™ range of accessories, some of which we saw at SHOT carbines now offer a new and exceptional level of just as 3D printed “prototype” forms! The beginning quality and technical advancement straight out of of 2021 has already been similarly intense, with the the box. The latest version that we reported on a introduction of the EDGE 2.0™ series and dedicated little while ago (VERY cool!) is equipped with GATE parts, some of which originated from those self-same ASTER™ Unit, Solar™ Trigger (made under Gate 3D prints, so as there are no shows to report from Quantum Trigger ™ license), Helium™ Flat Hop (where we’d normally see all the new models), we Bucking, High Torque Motor and the ESA2™ Quick thought we’d give you an overview of their most Spring Change System. We saw this again as a pre- important new products. production item but the newly-released models also have reinforced ball bearings ready for high speed EDGE 2.0™ configurations and a polymer piston head that offers The EDGE 2.0™ series has introduced a completely better sealing and gives more stable results (including stronger springs).

24 MARCH 2021 FEATURE

SPECNA ARMS NEWS

MK18 SA-E19 spring exchange system, as well as high-quality The MK18 has to be one of the Airsoft Action materials make these AEGs suitable for beginners team’s favourite AEGs of 2020, on the range and and seasoned airsoft players alike. With well-known subsequently our test model is absolutely exemplary! replicas from the Specna Arms lightweight series, the The AEG was manufactured in cooperation with EMG new edition X-ASR™ versions include the advanced Arms and carries engraved licensed markings of Daniel X-ASR™ MOSFET by GATE. The module looks after Defense®, which make it internally and externally a the safety of the replica components, improves the very attractive package. The carbine features a factory- trigger reaction and extends the lifetime of electronics fitted MOSFET X-ASR module by Polish GATE, the and the battery. high-quality MOSFET X-ASR that looks after the safety of the components, improves the trigger reaction and SA-H11/SA-H12 extends the lifetime of electronics and the battery. It H-Series replicas in the Specna Arms ONE™ line, will also enable diagnosing basic malfunctions inside the SA-H11 and SA-H12 carbines are made of an the AEG thanks to integrated status diodes. The aluminium alloy, steel, and polymer. The models MK18 also features an ESA™ Quick Spring Change are equipped with the Enter & Convert™ system, a System. The heart of the replica consists of the ORION rotary hop-up chamber, ambidextrous manipulators, gearbox based on a reinforced frame and equipped an active bolt-catch and a set of mechanical flip-up with the function of the main spring release. sights. These are all-new models for 2021 and we have CORE X-ASR to say that if they’d been shown at SHOT or IWA, This too is an exceptional series of replicas that we firmly believe they would have caused a LOT of introduces a new quality to the market again. An conversation! Benefitting from just about everything attractive price in combination with an innovative that Specna Arms have become known for, these also

www.airsoftaction.net 25 TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION FEATURE

SPECNA ARMS NEWS mimic the ever-popular “416 look”, in the case of max 1,020mm x 325mm the H-12, right on the nose for current models. Not • total capacity: 45 litres only do the H11 and H12 look GREAT, but they’re also setup to perform wherever you are in the world with PROMETHEUS SPECNA ARMS EDITION minimal fuss! A new series of internal parts has been created in A sample of the H-12 is on the way over to us from cooperation between Specna Arms and the legendary Gunfire in Poland as I write, so you can look forward Japanese brand Prometheus, whose products have to seeing the full lowdown soon! been placed on the top shelf for many years. Precisely made Prometheus/Specna Arms Edition components GUN CASE will be a perfect choice for AEG replica tuning for If you are looking for a solid hard case to transport every demanding player. your carbine, then this is another model that we can thoroughly recommend as we’ve been using one SAAS (SA ACCESSORY SYSTEM) ourselves for a number of months now! This is a well- As mentioned earlier, we first saw these as prototypes sized gun case made of thick and durable polymer, early last year and we’re extremely pleased that this and it can easily store a carbine with a maximum new range has become a reality! The SAAS (Specna length of 1,020mm, along with additional equipment Arms Accessory System) project is a result of their such as optics, magazines or tactical accessories. vast experience in manufacturing airsoft replicas Thanks to strong walls and inserts made of soft and it covers various types of accessories like stocks, magazines, and tactical grips. Designed in the European Union, from the initial concept to the finished production items, SAAS accessories have been designed with ergonomics and durability in mind and, to provide users with the best performance possible, they have selected high- quality materials and used precision manufacturing technology. SAAS accessories are the perfect complement to your Specna Arms AEGs (and of course other brands too!), increasing their level of functionality. We hope that you’ll find this short overview helpful foam, the case allows you to safely and comfortably and rest assured that Airsoft Action will continue to transport equipment to a game, even in the back of a bring you the very latest exciting developments from rattly 4x4. Specna Arms as soon as they happen AA High-quality polymer makes the case resistant to impact, shock and falls. Inside, there are two inserts with the option of cutting out the shape of your primary, secondary and accessories, which allows you to personalize it to your liking. The case features: • hook and loop fastener panel with a laser-cut Specna Arms logo • closed using 4 solid latches • 2 holes for additional securing padlocks (not included in the set) • up to 4 inserts made of foam: thick, thin and two special inserts that allow for cutting out the shape of a replica • thick seal made of EDPM rubber • wheels for easy transport • 2 case grips • pressure adjustment valve • room inside the case for a replica measuring

www.airsoftaction.net 27 KIT & GEAR

FOOTWEAR CHOICES CHOOSE THERE ARE PLACES WHERE YOU CAN SKIMP AND SAVE A BIT OF MONEY WITH YOUR AIRSOFT LOADOUT BUT HAVING GOOD THE FOOTWEAR IS NOT ONE OF THEM. THIS SHOULD BE AS FUNDAMENTAL A PART OF YOUR AIRSOFT GEAR AS YOUR AEG OR GBB! CHOOSING THE WRONG BOOTS CAN MAKE ALL RIGHT THE DIFFERENCE TO HAVING A SUPERB DAY ON SITE OR GOING HOME EARLY. BILL LOOKS AT MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE - IRRELEVANT OF BOOTS YOUR BUDGET! uring the course of my professional life I’ve the depths of winter? You may say “Well, my desert been lucky enough to work directly with boots are Gore-Tex lined so they’re waterproof and Dsome of the best bootmakers in the business, I’m only wearing them for a short while so they’ll both in relation to military/tactical models and those be fine…”, however, are you analysing this closely for outdoor adventures. For both end uses the enough? requirements of the footwear will be broadly similar A good desert boot will inherently be made and mainly to do with comfort, support, protection with less insulation than a winter, or indeed even a and suitability for the intended terrain. temperate model, so as much as a good waterproof Most good bootmakers will have a range of models technology will keep your feet dry, the boot overall to cover every eventuality, from lightweight, quick- will leave you with cold feet, or worse on a snowy drying boots for jungle environments, sturdy boots morning. Cuff height may also differ, as in general a with great support for urban environments and even winter boot will have a higher cuff to keep out snow thermal-lined waterproof versions for the deepest of and spindrift. I was at a game where I stepped into winter months. One of the great things about how a water-filled pothole deeper than the height of my we play though, is that we’re unlikely to be wearing desert boot cuff and although they’re membrane- our boots for more than 36 hours straight at a MilSim lined, water does tend to get in through the big hole and usually it will be just a matter of hours at our local on the top where your foot goes in! skirmish site. Does this, however, mean you can save a So why not just wear wellies? Well, two things here few bob by buying into cheap boots for airsoft? really… Firstly, wellies are pretty much always not My answer to this would be an unequivocal and going to be breathable, so although they will keep resounding “NO!” Not looking after your feet, water out (and with specialist socks be warm), they or wearing badly fitting boots, can have severe will also keep moisture in. Someone once told me that ramifications. Ask yourself for a moment, is (for we have more than 250,000 sweat glands in each instance) a boot designed for the deserts of the foot, making them the most perspiring parts of your Middle East going to be the ideal model for the UK in body. Your body can produce as much as a pint of

“I WAS AT A GAME WHERE I STEPPED INTO A WATER-FILLED POTHOLE DEEPER THAN THE HEIGHT OF MY DESERT BOOT CUFF AND ALTHOUGH THEY’RE MEMBRANE-LINED, WATER DOES TEND TO GET IN THROUGH THE BIG HOLE ON THE TOP WHERE YOUR FOOT GOES IN!”

28 MARCH 2021 KIT & GEAR

FOOTWEAR CHOICES

sweat per day per foot and if you’re wearing wellies, For even greater protection in the winter months, look most of that will stay inside the boot! Secondly, most for boots that are both waterproof and insulated. basic wellies offer very little support. Insulated linings keep warmth inside the boot so that You’ve also got to build into this equation that you can stay comfortable and protected during cold boot manufacturers make different outsole units for weather games. We may all face a range of weather different conditions. This may not, on the face of it, be conditions on any site through the year, so don’t let a major concern but if the tread pattern of the outsole your boots hold you back from enjoying the game! has been designed for warm, dry conditions, how will When you talk about style and comfort, you it fare in wet grass or on wet-leaf covered rock? Let should think about only good quality boots, as they me tell you… Not very well at all and you’re seriously are manufactured taking into account the best type asking for a slip which could lead to a turned ankle … of materials, construction, padding, cushioning and or worse! inner soles. Such boots provide great cushioning and WHAT MAKES A “GOOD TO GO” BOOT support to your feet as well as avoiding any foot In our “Hi-Speed, Lo-Drag” world of airsoft, one pain and discomfort that arises due to longevity of of the most important things is your equipment, wearing; your best friend is a good quality tactical especially a good pair of tactical boots. Tactical boot that provides you the best possible safety, boots for professionals need to stand up to wear for comfort, durability, and flexibility over uneven and extended periods of time. Although as airsofters don’t rough surfaces. Such boots are obviously made from particularly need this level of performance, having it the top-quality materials that offer high performance is an absolute plus. When choosing a tactical boot and long-time comfort and safety for your feet. look for a style with superior support, lightweight and To illustrate what I’m talking about, let’s look at durable construction, comfort and protection from the some models in more depth. elements and rough terrain. A good boot for airsoft will also provide heightened LOWA ZEPHYR GTX traction in any tactical/gaming situation that you A few years back, before the word “Lockdown” may face. The height, midsole, outsole, heel and became part of our vocabulary, I found myself coming structure of the boot factor into its support level too. out of the winter months and looking forward to a Ideal tactical boot components include a six inch to spring of skirmishes and MilSims, without a pair of eight inch height and a heavy-duty, yet flexible and lightweight boots in the gear pile for general use. The lightweight sole to provide traction and grip, both thought of having to break in new boots always fills in and out of the woods. A good fit that doesn’t me with dread, so I was extremely careful in my search sacrifice comfort is crucial in choosing your boots. The for a new pair. use of EVA foam materials guarantees lightweight, One model of boot that I found myself returning to cushioned support in the midsole of your boots. time and again was the Zephyr from Lowa. The best tactical boots are easy to put on (and take I’d been using their full leather off at the end of the day) and many boots on the Mountain Boot for a while market feature fragile side zippers or complex lace- and it had performed up closures. A good boot will feature a combination (and continues of eyelets and D-rings in the closure system, which to perform) allows for a personalised fit just by adjusting the exceptionally lacing pressures. well. Having Flexible and lightweight material construction become is an essential component of a good tactical boot, specifically to protect you from the weather. A waterproof exterior or membrane is a crucial boot feature to keep you protected from the elements. By using breathable technologies waterproof boots prevent moisture from building up and potentially forming harmful bacteria and blisters but also allow for perspiration to get out.

www.airsoftaction.net 29 KIT & GEAR

FOOTWEAR CHOICES something of a Lowa “fanboy” I decided that the so that water can’t get in, but moisture vapour can Zephyr GTX could well be the replacement I was escape through the billions looking for and since I got my very first pair, of pores in the Gore-Tex they’ve proved to be excellent and have become membrane. In addition, a “fave”, not just with me but with many of the an Aegis antimicrobial, AA crew and other players as well. odour-fighting As part of Lowa’s Task Force range, these boots treatment keeps are highly rated by both UK and US SF alike as a tactical lightweight desert boot. The Zephyr GTX fulfils the requirement for those operating in a lightweight role who require a Gore Tex lining. They feature a slip lasted construction with an injected Lowa “Cross” sole; more of that in a bit. The upper is a clever combination of suede leather (1.4 - 1.6 mm) and Cordura and a full Gore Tex VISION 3LY inner lining ensures waterproofness. They weigh in at a meagre 1,120g per pair, with a very supportive mid height cuff; the foot is held firmly your feet fresh for longer. Humidity isn’t a problem in in place courtesy of closed hook lacing. these breathable boots either, as a membrane keeps The Zephyr also features Lowa’s innovative your feet dry and a large bellows tongue keeps debris MONOWRAP® 2 sole unit construction with a firm away from the foot. When you encounter slippery 7/8 TPU stabilizer is the most stable and offers optimal patches after rainfall, you’ll be thankful for two traction and perfect support with its high-quality features, a mid-length cut that adds ankle support, surface materials. The system features a PU heel and a durable rubber outsole for better grip. For more stabiliser, a PU-Frame, an additional plastic stabiliser on these super-light yet supportive boots please check and the “Cross” outsole. The plastic stabiliser element out www.merrell.com. features in all Lowa multi-functional footwear, improving ankle and joint stability and torsional BATES SHOCK FX rigidity. My “EDC” boots of choice are the SHOCK FX from I’ve continued to wear them on an almost daily Bates. With a really cool look and a “mid-cut” cuff basis and have now subjected them to some pretty these are cracking-looking boots and foul conditions. In all situations other than full, come in three colourways snow-on-the-ground winter, they have performed to complement different admirably. The Lowa Zephyr GTX is available in a uniform requirements number of different colours for use with UK MTP or but, in each case it MultiCam types of uniform and clothing but I have to would look just as good say, given the sporty look of them in black/grey, they on a mountain trail or look pretty sharp with a pair of cargos or even jeans simply out and about. too. Expect to pay iro £130 for a pair from www. I think these will lowa.co.uk or most good stockists. be a real winner, not just for the MERRELL ACCENTOR UK market but Beloved of units like the US Rangers, Merrell boots globally as from their outdoor line are certainly worth a look if it most you’re running a “tactical athlete” set of range gear and a trip to my local outdoor pursuits store showed me that Merrell definitely still have what it takes! I recently invested in a pair of ACCENTOR GORE- TEX MIDS for summer and indoor wear and they look the absolute business if you’re running fast and light, especially in “black kit”! With a waterproof inner to keep your feet dry and comfortable, the body has been designed

30 MARCH 2021 KIT & GEAR

FOOTWEAR CHOICES definitely sits in the “tacticool athlete” category and Vibram “Tsavo” sole unit has provided stability having a waterproof and breathable membrane inside even on the worst days, with a nice high cuff giving means it will perform in most weathers too. As well excellent support around the ankle. as benefitting from the Bates EPS system, the SHOCK The boots are made from 2.4/2.4mm full grain FX benefits from waterproof full grain leather and leather which has moulded well to my foot and the performance nylon upper with protective panels, Gore Tex Duracom inner has meant that my feet have a breathable waterproof membrane with moisture stayed 100% dry even in deep, soft snow or extreme wicking lining to keep your feet dry, mesh tongue for wet weather. Open hook lacing means that you can added breathability, plus Bates anti-fatigue Endurance set up the fit of the boot just as you like it and, once Performance System, providing you all day comfort you’ve found your “fit”, everything stays locked down and flexibility. A multi terrain slip resistant rubber and in place. The foot is anchored solidly in place with lug outsole and a “Cement” construction provides no movement or “sloppiness” that will cause blisters. a lightweight and flexible platform. I’ve worn these The boots are available in UK 3–15 including half boots day in, day out whatever the weather and sizes. Overall, this is one heck of a boot and I can see they’ve become trusted partners for all my outdoor now why it has become the choice of the professional adventures come rain or shine. You can check them user. Whilst our lives may not depend on it, this is a out by visiting www.tactree.co.uk fabulously well-made boot, put together with the very best of everything. LOWA MOUNTAIN BOOTS As I mentioned earlier, last but by no means least are MAX PERFORMANCE! my “winter specials”, otherwise known as LOWA I’ve chosen the boots here not because they are MOUNTIAN BOOTS! If you were to visit any barracks the cheapest out there but because, in my opinion, in the UK, I guarantee that you would find a high they offer great value for money and between them number of guys wearing “LOWAs” and one of the will have you covered all year round (other than in most sought- after models has been the mountainous areas in full winter) and all will provide Mountain Boot, to wear along with their maximum performance for your money. For “true MTP. I’ve put a good number of winter” you’ll need a more specialist mountain boot miles under the that is crampon compatible - and that’s a whole other soles of my LOWAs ballgame! during the past few Do bear in mind, however, that these boot models winters and at no fit my particular foot-shape well and may not be so time did they feel ideal for you but I hope I’ve given you an idea what anything other to look for when you come to buy. And when it does than sturdy come to buying boots, go to a specialist tactical boot and solid. fitter, or one of the top outdoor shops, who will be The able to offer a very good service in relation to precise fitting when it comes to the civilian models. If you’re after a dedicated military model, then your local tactical store or airsoft shop is the place to go. Buy right, buy once even if you are “Daddy Bigbucks” - and if you’re usually skint, like most airsofters I know (including myself!), then getting it right first time is a bonus! AA

“I THINK THESE WILL BE A REAL WINNER, NOT JUST FOR THE UK MARKET BUT GLOBALLY AS IT MOST DEFINITELY SITS IN THE “TACTICOOL ATHLETE” CATEGORY AND HAVING A WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE MEMBRANE INSIDE MEANS IT WILL PERFORM IN MOST WEATHERS TOO.”

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ONETIGRIS CHEST RIG/PLATE CARRIER ONETIGRIS CHEST RIG AND LOW-PROFILE PLATE CARRIER SYSTEM WHEN IT COMES TO THE “AA LEGION” WE ALL HAVE OUR AREAS OF SPECIALITY BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ARE ALSO ALL PLAYERS, JUST LIKE YOU! THIS MONTH, ELSEWHERE JIMMY HAS HAD A LOOK AT SOME RIGHTEOUS TECH TO INCREASE THE EFFICACY OF OUR AEGS BUT HE’S ALSO INTERESTED IN THE GEAR THAT MAKES HIM EQUALLY EFFICIENT ON THE FIELD, LIKE THE NEW CHEST RIG AND LOW PROFILE PLATE CARRIER SYSTEM FROM OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT ONETIGRIS!

ou may well remember a few issues back, the UK) I haven’t actually been able to get out to that we tickled your tactical tastebuds with a game day to really put them through any kind of Ythe taste of a new line of tactical gear from torture but rest assured, I have tested and used them the wonderful people at ONETIGRIS (www.onetigris. to the best of my imagination and ability! com) and we announced we would be bringing you ONETIGRIS have used up to date technology an evaluation of that new gear. ONETIGRIS make and materials to ensure not only will it be strong, an amazing array of gear for many applications and lightweight and comfortable but that it also comes occasions and compliment any user’s experience. with certain resistant properties against the elements. Whether you are walking the dog or living the life Made from high-quality solid 500D nylon you can be “off-the-grid”, they produce some fine tactical dog sure these carriers will endure anything even the most gear, amazing tactical gear for even the most operator unforgiving player can throw at it. among us and a rugged outdoor range for the First, I shall be looking at the lightweight Chest Rig campers and explorers among us. and if you are a player who likes to keep things light I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to then this rig will suit you down to the ground. It will bring you my findings and give an honest evaluation compliment anyone fitting a marksman or sniper role of this great new range. who doesn’t require the need to carry much into the Over the past couple months, I have been putting field. The simplistic, yet very effective design, allows both the new modular chest rig system and the low- you to maintain manoeuvrability with no restrictions profile modular plate carrier with a selection of the to function. Adjustable straps will accommodate many buckle up placards through a series of tests. Now, sizes of player and can be worn over or under a jacket unfortunately, due to government guidelines and the or ghillie suit. most recent lockdowns (which are widespread across The buckle up system on this is really quite strong,

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with an exceptionally rugged Velcro, ensuring once house - which got me some funny looks from my your placard is attached it really isn’t going anywhere. wife. LOL! With the chest rig ONETOGRIS have designed the Weight-wise, it’s specced at around 1.2kg but I buckles to be clipped to the placard, as well as the honestly think it’s closer to 1kg. The placards, which placard buckles clipped to the 2” harness straps. The are made of equally strong materials and are of the harness itself is very comfortable and designed in same high quality, come in different guises: such a way it evenly distributes any weight you may • No.1 Triple AR/AK magazine be carrying. The Duraflex buckles appear to be nice • Double pistol magazine and strong and you can be certain these are going to • Utility pouch endure the test. The harness itself comes in at a mere • No.2 Triple AR/AK magazine 350g (that’s without any placards attached) so it is • Triple pistol magazine one of the lightest rigs I have ever seen, but in no way • No.3 Triple AR/AK magazine is this a lightweight contender. ONETIGRIS say that Added webbing for MOLLE compatibility provides this will fit up to a maximum chest size of 45 inches, space for add-ons or tools. Each placard sports the but I think that may be a little out as I’m a 44.5 inch same characteristics, such as adjustable shock cords chest and I can fit it on over two layers and a soft shell for retention of magazines, drain holes to combat any jacket, so I’d say probably more around 48 inches water from building up and each are the same size realistically. I think that ONETIGRIS could have added with the same strong velcro and clips, allowing them some form of tabs over the shoulder straps for cable to be used on both the chest rig and on the plate management were you to want to use any comms, carrier. but honestly that’s just a little niggle which most could I can safely say that what ONETIGRIS have made, overcome. are of high quality and I would be confident to rock Moving on brings me to the Plate Carrier and I out at a game day knowing that what I had not only must say I am highly impressed with it. This isn’t me looks awesome but does its job just as well. I can see being nice just because we have been given some kit a bright future for ONETIGRIS gear and myself and I’m to review, this is a genuine “I’M IMPRESSED!” What sure I will be purchasing many more of their products! am I impressed with? I hear you cry. Well, the fact is Not having being able to get together with the …everything! The quality is perfect in every way, as it crew this month due to the ongoing restrictions, my can stand next to some of the higher priced carriers thanks go to ONETIGRIS for letting us use their images and easily hold its own. and I’ll finish up by wishing you all “Happy New It is produced of the same materials as the Gear”; let’s hope this year will see the demise of the lightweight chest rig, rugged 500D nylon and has dreaded c-virus so we can start to get back to some the same wear resistant properties. Once fitted you sort of normality - and start enjoying again what we can really load this thing up due to the fact it has the all love the most: airsoft! AA placard system on both front and back, so not only can you carry your own gear you can backup carry for team mates as well… genius! Both cummerbunds are adjustable by way of strong velcro and give you the ability to carry mags, radios, phones and all your shizzle without the need to attach extra pouches, as each side has 4 elastic cells which largely increase your carry capacity. It’s probably because it’s still relatively new but fitting mags in 5.56 guise is a bit stiff, although I’m sure over time this will become a lot easier. It comes with adjustable velcro shoulder straps which are easily adjusted on the fly. The carrier can accommodate medium SAPI plates and ONETIGRIS are kind enough to supply you with two EVA foam plates. These I found to be too flat but with a little heat and some flexing they are easily formed to make them a lot more comfortable for the user. So comfortable that I spent most of Christmas day wearing it around the

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PMC LOADOUT THE LURE OF THE PMC LOADOUT DURING THE C-VIRUS LOCKDOWN PERIOD WE KNOW THAT MANY OF YOU, LIKE US, HAVE BEEN WORKING ON YOUR OWN PROJECTS. BILL HAS TAKEN A MOMENT TO LOOK BACK ON HIS OWN “PMC GEAR” AND MUSES ON THIS VERSATILE LOADOUT AND WHY HE BELIEVES EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN “TAKE” ON IT IN THEIR PERSONAL GEAR LOCKER.

hen it comes to loadouts there’s most and there may well be a shemagh involved, along definitely one that has been done to death with tactical gloves, a ballcap or helmet and some W- and that’s the “PMC” style. So you may “cool guy” ballistic shades. wonder why I’m bringing it up all over again and I For my own gear I tend to stick with Warrior would answer simply that that this loadout, to me, Assault Systems (WAS), as they offer all I need and almost entirely embodies my own style of play and for the plate carrier I use my tried and trusted Ranger I view it as one of the easiest to achieve but most Green DCS. The DCS (Dynamic Combat System) is a versatile of any set of gear you will ever own! lightweight, low profile system which is rugged, yet Over the years I’ve used a “contractor” set of superbly designed to provide exceptional comfort kit for an uncountable number of games, from and functionality. Designed with direct input from straightforward skirmishes to full on multi-day active S.F. personnel the DCS is suitable for all types MilSims, from “Wednesday night under the lights” of operating environment and is available in a number to post-apocalypse grindsters and it’s one that has of camouflage patterns, plain colours and platform become almost a default setting to me. It’s incredibly specific configurations. As well as the Ranger Green simple to achieve but done right can see you through version shown here with the WAS Open Top mag playing everything in every setting, be it protecting pouches, they also have closed top M4, G36 (which civilians and supplies at your most altruistic, to will carry 7.62mm mags) and AK specific setups carrying out the darkest of ops for an evil mega-corp. available from stock. In the image Jon also wears a Since I put my first set of “contractor” gear WAS carrier but this time the RECON variant in Coyote together the tactical world has moved on and the Tan. “look” of the modern-day contractor reflects this. Since I got the DCS I’ve also upgraded my belt kit Although the way the guys appear is most definitely to a great set from the Polish former “operators” still individual, many aspects of their gear have been Direct Action, again in plain “adaptive” green. The updated with really “lo drag” gear. Much of the lo-profile Mustang inner belt works simply as a time these days, even in the airsoft world, we are trouser belt and as a stabiliser for both the Mustang operating in urban environments, so in keeping with and Warhawk outer belts. As it attaches to the inner an ultra-low profile the choice of gear will reflect this. Velcro loop panels of those belts, it prevents ride- Jeans or civilian cargo pants, t-shirts and polos and up during dynamic movement or when drawing a performance gear from outdoor pursuits brands when pistol from a holster. With this belt in place there’s necessary, along with tactical boots or trainers. Tactical no need to use suspenders or a drop leg panel in gear is pretty simple and straightforward too as well, order to achieve a secure pistol draw. Made out of with some form of plate carrier and lightweight belt proprietary laminate and Velcro this is simply a flat, kit being thrown on when needed as things go “hot”, feather-light accessory to keep your pants up and

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PMC LOADOUT your working equipment belt where you’d expect it to be. The ultra-thin profile of the trouser belt effectively eliminates “buckle over buckle” discomfort and can be worn all day long. Made of heavy-duty tubular webbing, proprietary laminate and lined with Velcro loop the Mustang Rescue/Gun belt is bartack-reinforced in stress points, stiffened to carry the weight of holsters and magazine pouches and secures with a certified AustriAlpin Cobra buckle. There’s an anchor point for carabiner/lanyard/tether next to the buckle and this is compatible with FROG buckle or shackles. It’s Velcro-loop lined on the inside so that it mates perfectly with the inner trouser belt, so you can have all your kit pre-mounted and be good to go within seconds! In terms of clothing I just use either a check long-sleeved shirt or a plain colour UBACS for the top half and either jeans (as Jon has in the picture) or some plain colour combat pants, in this case the excellent MK.II Operator Combat Pant from Clawgear, for the bottom. That said, “civvy” combats can be picked up for much cheapness if you don’t already own some. Add some good supportive boots, gloves, ballcap and some tasteful accessories (don’t forget the “cool guy” shades!) and with your favourite AEG or GBB in hand you’ll be good to go! Really the only thing here that costs a few meaningful bucks is the plate carrier but these days you can find a halfway decent “buckle up” model from a number of manufacturers that are very, very well priced and won’t even get close to breaking the bank. All in all, the “contractor” loadout is relatively cheap and straightforward to put together and works in many styles of airsoft scenario, including both BLUFOR and OPFOR at larger MilSim events if said scenario is a good and involved one! Ultimately airsoft is the adventure that YOU make it with your own choice of AEG/GBB and loadout, your own sense of fair play and honour and your desire to hit “Game On” as well-prepared as you can be. If money is tight, as it is with a lot of us right now, then having spare cash to build a complicated and involved loadout may be beyond you but there is NOTHING wrong with that! Airsoft is all about getting out there and playing the game, whatever your style may be, taking your hits and coming back for more and a simple yet effective loadout is well within your grasp if you plan it right. Now is the time to be thinking about getting back out to games in the foreseeable future, getting your AEG or GBB exactly as you like it, and prepping your gear to work for you. Don’t overcomplicate things, find a simple set of gear that is unique to you and lets you play hard and fast! And for this, a “PMC” loadout is the very thing, and this is why it should be in your “gear locker” as it is in mine. The image shown here was taken when Jon and I did a photoshoot with NUPROL a while back, so thanks to Ross for allowing us to use it. AA

www.airsoftaction.net 35 INSIDE AIRSOFT

EVOLUTION AIRSOFT

ALTHOUGH WE’VE LARGELY BEEN CONFINED TO OUR HOME OFFICES DURING LOCKDOWN, THE FACT IS THAT AIRSOFT IS NOT ONLY ALIVE AND WELL BUT POSITIVELY THRIVING IN TERMS OF NEW PRODUCTS AND NEW INNOVATION! THIS MONTH BILL TAKES LOOK AT EVOLUTION INTERNATIONAL AS WE GO “INSIDE AIRSOFT” ONCE AGAIN, TO LOOK AT A EUROPEAN COMPANY THAT’S TAKING ON THE ESTABLISHED MANUFACTURERS OF THE FAR EAST AND SUCCEEDING IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAY… WITH A DASH OF ITALIAN FLAIR! don’t know about you but knowing the people (Milan), Italy. In the HQ you’ll find the Commer- behind the brands in airsoft and finding out a cial and Sales Department, the Marketing, Ilittle bit of what makes them tick is very important Communication and Graphic Design Offices, to me. Whilst I do not expect them to share their Administra-tion, Tech Department, R&D and the innermost secrets with me - and none of us should Warehouse. That’s just the physical stuff but to me the have that expectation to be honest – as, after all real history of the company is far more interesting, as “business is business”, I do like a bit of the inside it all began with what I will call “one of us”! track! Evolution International S.r.l. is the result of a I also like to know that what I spend my “airsoft passionate concept born in 1996, the year in which pocket money on” is not only worth it in terms of Sergio Castelluccia, one of the two founders, made the product itself, but also in relation to the passion, airsoft not just his passion but his way of life! Sergio drive and ethical position of the company be-hind it. was part of a very competitive and well-known airsoft I was lucky enough to meet Sergio Castelluccia, from team, which played at very high lev-els around Italy Evolution International, in person many moons ago at and, given his technical skills with a background as IWA and each year I attend that show I always make a Licensed Gun Smith for real firearms, he began a beeline for their stand to see what airsoft loveliness to repair airsoft rifles for his teammates, becoming they have on offer! Sadly, as we all know, there is no known by various teams, who in turn came to trust “IWA 2021” so I thought it was a great chance to him for repairs and upgrades. He told us: highlight an airsoft company I have the greatest of “At the time, it was not easy to find replacement respect for, a respect that has grown with the years. parts and upgrades, so I decided to start manu- But what is the history of Evolution International? facturing them, using them for my own businesses Who set it up, when and why? and selling them to stores.” Evolution International S.r.l. is based in Vimodrone At the same time Sergio also created the first

“SERGIO’S AMBITION, HOWEVER, WAS TO CREATE HIS OWN PRODUCTS, SO HE DECIDED TO GRADUALLY ABANDON DISTRIBUTION TO DEVOTE HIMSELF TO INNOVATION AND PRODUCTION, FOCUSING ON THOSE ASPECTS THAT, IN HIS OPINION, WERE NEGLECTED BY OTHER MANUFACTURERS. ”

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Italian online Airsoft blog, airsoftnews.net, which become very popular with us early adopters online! After graduating university, Sergio decided to convert his passion into a full-time job by involving the co-founder of Evolution in his fledgling business, Giovanni Castelluccia, his father. Their first intention was to make the Far Eastern brands available to the European market and in a short time, Sergio gained the exclusive distribution of very important brands such as Classic Army, Systema and ICS and Evolution International’s activity continued as sole distributor for several years. Sergio’s ambition, however, was to create his own products, so he decided to gradually abandon distribution to devote himself to innovation and production, focusing on those aspects that, in his opinion, were neglected by other manufacturers. The first product launched on the market, dating back 15 years (around the time I first met him from memory as I remember the launch of these!), was the XTREME PRECISION BIODEGRADABLE BB. At the

was adopted for all Evolution products. Sergio’s obsession was perfection. To him, airsoft replicas had to reflect faithfully real weapons so the next step was obtaining licenses to produce faithful replicas of real firearms such as Tangodown, Z-M Weapons, Lone Star Tactical, ADC Armi Dallera Custom and DSR Precision. For several years Evolution International S.r.l. focused on production of licensed replicas but for Sergio it still wasn’t enough, so he decided not to limit himself only to the production of replicas but to design his own original models! He hired a well-known Italian firearm designer based on Val-trompia (the “Firearms Valley” of renown!) and working side by side with him for six months, time, biodegradable BBs timidly appeared on the he developed from the ground up the GHOST series, market causing many problems to us-ers due to their an original family of rifles with a very distinctive look unstable production materials. Sergio’s solution was designed in-house from scratch. by way of using PLA (polyactic acid, typically made But Sergio’s obsession as an airsoft player was from the sugars in corn starch, cassava or sugarcane; not just about the exterior of an AEG but also the it’s biodegradable, car-bon-neutral and edible!) as a interior! Thanks to technological development that basic material, creating biodegradable BBs with the made miniaturized electronic components available, it same characteris-tics as normal ones. The XTREME has been possible for Evolution International to start PRECISION BBs have been an incredible success developing its unique electronic boards. They have and cemented the path Evolution chose to follow: gradually evolved up to the ETS III CONFIGURATION, innovation, technological superiority and out of the which are built-in as standard in all the new HARD box think-ing! In the years following this philosophy

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EVOLUTION AIRSOFT

CORE SERIES AEGs giving freedom to the user to working on new products that will be released in the personalize the behaviour of the gun in endless next 2/3 years. They will be characterized by an even configurations. This is a great system and one that I greater technological push. can personally comment on positively, having tried the “Our ETS III is not a point of arrival but we consider very latest iteration in the E-416 reviewd (and on the it as a starting point. AEGs in many ways arrived at cover) last month! their limits of mechanical development a few years ago, but with electronics we are able do anything!”

INTERACTION AND UNDERSTANDING For Evolution International, shows like IWA represent a meeting point with customers, dealers and other manufacturers. It is an opportunity to get together, to exchange news, show prototypes of products to be released the following year and have direct feedback from customers. They are also a direct meeting point with the airsoft community via airsoft media, and this is obviously important to Evolution as a whole in their wish to interact with and understand the wants and needs of their end-users! In line with this wish, this year Evolution International decided to create a new Brand Ambassador Program, different from others that had gone before. For 2021 Evolution launched the “Evolution Face Program” because every single selected player represents the company around the world. The “ambassadors” will help Evolution to raise awareness, promote products and represent the company in a positive light in their own countries. Evolution Faces are based in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Germany, Ukraine and from this year in Japan too as Evolution now export there as a releavant part of their production, taking European airsoft inovation Evolution has been behind some great innovation back to the cultural home of the game! “in-house” and obviously works extremely well with Sergio and his team have created a new experience, License Partners, so I asked Sergio what were the high encouraging the “Faces” to have fun while points in this respect and he told me: “spreading the good word” of the Evolution Brand; “Working with License Partners represents a key point for Evolution International. This cooperation helps the company to increase the technical knowledge of process design for manufacturing real weapons, which has enabled Evolution to create absolutely perfect replicas. “Thanks to the relationships established with the License Partners, the Company has free access to the original Weapons Blue Prints, to the firearms production departments and to weapons sam-ples. Our replicas were designed starting from technical drawings of the real weapons and by tak-ing measurements directly on the real firearms. This is why they are so realistic.” He also went on to tell me: “Evolution International is entirely dedicated to innovation, so we can confirm that we are already

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“…as an “Evolution Face” you must think about your behavior, not only what you post but also as a player on the fields, and this drives me to excel and wish to spread this along with the message of Evolution International; exemplary conduct, not only in airsoft, but in life too.”

he stated: “Ultimately though, as an “Evolution Face” you “For us the Evolution Face Program is an extra must think about your behavior, not only what you boost to spread the Evolution brand and its qualities post but also as a player on the fields, and this drives to players, customers and dealers from all over the me to excel and wish to spread this along with world.” the message of Evolution International; exemplary And, of colurse, we’re lucky enough to have one of conduct, not only in airsoft, but in life too, this is those newly-appointed “Faces” as a part of our very something we should all aspire to. This is the core own Airsoft Action international “Legion”, in the form message for Evolution, and you have to know that of my friend and fellow “Bearded Bro” Bjorn Klockar. they are counting on you to bring this message “front I asked Bjorn to expand on what exactly being an and centre” in everything that you do.” “Evolution Face” means to him in a practical way, and It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know what responsibilites he has to the company and he more about Evolution International as a company, responded: one that we can trust to deliver new and exciting “Practically my role is to expose the brand in the airsoft products for many years to come! But for me best way possible, not only by photos and videos, once again it has been another joyous journey of but also to be involved in discussions about Evolution discovery, one that I have undertaken in possibly the in different forums and on social media. They get a worst of times from my office desk and returned from “man on the ground” so to say. enlightened and strengthened by my experience! “We are now a team spread over several countries Along the way I have got to speak even more to embedded in the global airsoft community, so the my old friend Bjorn but have made new friend-ships exposure gets pinpointed to the right people at the based on mutual trust and a passion for airsoft with right time, the players themselves. But we also can be both Sergio and Francesca at Evolution; my thanks go of help with development as we are in a direct link to to them for their kind participation in the creation of Evolution and their (development) staff.” this article and not only do I look forward to seeing I also asked Bjorn about the benefit to him. them at a show as usual soon, but also one day to “Well, it’s definitely not only that you can get a gun visiting them in person and seeing everything first- or whatever it may be! I see it as a mutual ex-posure hand. kind of deal as they also share my photos, put my face Now that will be a journey to look forward to! in their catalogue, on their web page and so on. That For more information on everything that Evolution also makes my face and name recognized in both the International create, please pay a visit to www. community and the airsoft industry. Isn’t that a nice evolutioninternational.it AA benefit or what?

www.airsoftaction.net 39 RED CELL

PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS RED CELL PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS AS THE UK LOCKDOWN CONTINUES ONCE AGAIN, THE RED CELL CREW HAVE HAD TO WORK REMOTELY TO BRING IN THEIR CONCLUSIONS OF THE LATEST BATCH OF “AR” STYLE “PDW” MODELS. THIS HAS LED TO SOME PRETTY IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE CHOSEN AEGS AS THEY DETAIL MORE VARIANTS THAN EVER BEFORE! up, lockdown is most definitely getting to us all, overall length of less than 26 inches, or a barrel or isn’t it? That said, the Red Cell team have been barrels of less than 16 inches in length is assembled Yin constant touch with one another, looking at or otherwise produced from a weapon originally different AEG models and breaking them down into assembled or produced only as a rifle, such a weapon “bite-size chunks” as the sheer volume of “AR-style” is a “weapon made from a rifle” as defined by 26 AEGs out there is just absolutely vast! U.S.C. 5845(a)(4). Such a weapon would not be This month we decided to take a look at the current a “pistol” because the weapon was not originally crop of “PDW” AEGs, picking from our favourite designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile by and most trusted manufacturers, as well as throwing one hand.” in a couple of “curveballs” to give you all food for So, these are not “pistols” either, so what are thought. they? The general consensus is that a model of this In fact, the term “PDW” itself, as in Personal length with a retractable stock is simply an ultra-short- Defence Weapon, caused quite a debate amongst barrelled carbine and, on that basis, the term “PDW” the crew, as the “AR” models that we look at here actually does fit, as such a compact weapon in the are brought together by that sliding minimalist stock real world would undoubtedly be built for personal or design and there was some friendly argument as home defence. to whether these were “true PDWs” or in fact AR What I will say is that, ultimately, these are all great “pistols”. AEGs, consistent, accurate over our foreshortened US legislation tells us (in relation to real firearms) engagement distances, and certainly ideal for CQB/ “…a firearm, as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(4), is CQC use, although most of them will hold their own made when a handgun or other weapon with an outdoors as well! So, bottom line is, if you are a overall length of less than 26 inches, or a barrel or smaller player, or someone that just likes REALLY short barrels of less than 16 inches in length, is assembled ARs, then you’re going to have a hard time choosing or produced from a weapon originally assembled or between the models featured here! produced only as a rifle” and this would indicate most But enough with the blah blah blah, let’s get down of the airsoft models here fit into that category. to business and see what the guys had to say about The same document goes on to say: “… the TWELVE models we put through their paces, both nonetheless, if a handgun or other weapon with an together and in isolation!

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James: Not quite the PDW day we had in mind, with it would be the extended battery tube for the sat at home with the wind and rain lashing against stock, as the Mosfet is installed with the wiring loom the windows as I write this but needs must and the in the battery compartment and after purchasing the ongoing pandemic restrictions continue to put a hold smallest battery I could find, there was still no way for now on the groups usual meetings. This month to fit them in on the standard tube supplied. Again, I I will look at two models one from my personnel shall keep you updated on ongoing usage. collection, the Classic Army X9 Nemesis and the Jase: With lockdown 3.0 still ongoing, I took a Specna Arms E21. call from the Boss telling me to pick up a wee care The Classic Army X9 Nemesis has been my “go package. So, as I knocked on his door, I was greeted to” for my last few games and so far has performed with the new VFC Avalon (along with licks from his flawlessly in it’s out of the box state. Classic army’s dog, Minty!). This prime example had been lent to first venture in to the 9mm AR section of the market, us by the good people of RedWolf UK. I now had it has a full aluminium receiver, M-Lok front rail and something to keep me occupied for a few days. Yes! flip up iron sights and a “PDW” style stock. It comes First up though, a quick history lesson for those with an ESC mofset as standard which makes for a who don’t know and the reason for the big debate snappy trigger response and burst fire options and a amongst the group… quick-change spring. The “PDW” was an idea for a firearm that could On my usual set up I have it with a stubby fore grip, be carried as a concealed weapon, or for use with standard red dot sight and set to semi-auto and five non-frontline service men. As we now know, speed round burst, along with a Nuprol NX600s taclite for defeats body armour and with the new concept, those dark interior spaces. NATO wanted to replace the It consistently chronos .45acp and 9mm round with and easily keeps range “AS I SPENT A FEW HOURS faster 5.7mm and 4.7mm with the longer AEGs I’ve FETTLING WITH THIS LOVELY “PDW” ammunition. The first PDWs come up against in game. came out in the 1980’s, in the The rotary style hop up I STARTED TO REALLY LIKE IT. guise of the H&K MP5K-PDW, is simple to set and one PDWS, PER-SE, HAVE NOT REALLY Parker Hale PDW, and Spectre thing I do love about it, is BEEN A STYLE THAT’S TAKEN MY PDW to name a few. the fact that although it FANCY BUT THIS EXAMPLE, IN ITS I don’t get to unbox many has a super-compact size, EXQUISITE BRONZE COLOUR, REALLY new AEGs so this was a bit Classic Army have thought of a novelty for me, that about the fact that to use HAD ME.” “new car smell” as I opened it you will need to be able the box…. ”Ahhh, Bisto!”. to put a battery in it and The AEG was secured well it has ample space in the compartment on the stock by Velcro, which was nice to see, this meant no hard to fit without crushing the wires in! It comes with surfaces scratching it while in transit. In the box you 120rd mid cap stick mags and a drum mag is available got a magazine, larger battery box and user manual. should you require. This AEG is one that I shall be This particular example didn’t come with iron sights doing a long-term test on so I shall keep you updated but I’m not sure if that was a packaging issue from on its progress. the factory or this being a review example. The Specna Arms E21 is one of the AA Red Cell As I spent a few hours fettling with this lovely pool guns I have taken out on long term loan to test “PDW” I started to really like it. PDWs, per-se, have over an extended period. Unfortunately, the ongoing not really been a style that’s taken my fancy but this lockdowns have prevented much in-game use so far example, in its exquisite bronze colour, really had but, hopefully it will be on the field again soon. With me. There are plenty of great features on it, from a solid receiver, alloy M-Lok front rail and the split the ambidextrous mag release/selector to the well- bronze and black finish it looks great. It comes out moulded pistol grip but there were three features of the box with a “PDW” style stock, flip up sights, that I really liked. The first being the index finger rest an X- ASR Mosfet from Gate, a quick-change spring that was built into the trigger guard, just a nice place and an easy to set rotary hop unit. Trigger response to rest your finger while your finger wasn’t on the is fast and snappy and it chronos consistently. It takes trigger. The second was the charging handle, the way standard M4 mags so plenty of options out there. The this one is set up can be manipulated with either one only addition I would recommend purchasing along or two fingers, that was a nice touch. The third thing

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PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS

Model: G&G PRK9 RTS Cold Chrono: 109J/344fps Model: NUPROL Freedom Cold Chrono:1.1J/ 345 fps Price: iro £340.00 Hot Chrono: 1.07J/340fps Fighter Hot Chrono: 1.04J/335fps Age: New Taclite Compatibility: Standard Price: iro £240.00 Taclite Compatibility: Standard Weight: 2580g Rail Age: New Rail Length: 557mm Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Weight: 2580g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Magazine Capacity: 40 BBs (200 CCW Length: 557mm CCW BB and Drum Available) Supplied By: www.nuprol.com Magazine Capacity: Any AR Supplied By: www.nuprol.com

Model: Nuprol Spec Ops Cold Chrono: 1.01J/330fps Model: Specna Arms E21 Cold Chrono: .07J/340fps Price: iro £250.00 Hot Chrono: 1.01J/330fps Price: iro £210.00 Hot Chrono: 1.04J/335fps Age: Two Years Taclite Compatibility: Dedicated Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Weight: 2252g Accessory Rail Weight: 2275g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Length: 525mm (with regular Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Length: 570mm CCW flash hider) CW Magazine Capacity: Any AR Supplied By: www.specnaarms. Magazine Capacity: Any AR Supplied By: www.nuprol.com Magazine com

Model: Krytac Trident MKII Cold Chrono: 0.92J/315fps Model: G&G ARP9 Cold Chrono: 0.89 Joule/ 310fps Price: iro £325.00 Hot Chrono: 0.89J/310fps Price: iro £210.00 Hot Chrono: 0.89 Joule /310fps Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Weight: 2400g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Weight: 2000g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Length: 533mm CCW Length: 490mm CCW Magazine Capacity: Any AR Available From: www. Magazine Capacity: 300 BBs (60 Supplied By: www.nuprol.com Magazine landwarriorairsoft.com BB and Drum Available)

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PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS

Model: G&G ARP556 Cold Chrono: 0.9J/320fps Model: Saigo Defence RONIN Cold Chrono: 1.01J/330fps Price: iro £250.00 Hot Chrono: 0.9J/315fps Price: iro £180.00 Hot Chrono: 0.95J/320fps Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Weight: 2420g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Weight: 2000g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Length: 506mm CCW Length: 500mm CCW Magazine Capacity: Any AR Supplied By: www.nuprol.com Magazine Capacity: Any AR Available From: www. Magazine Magazine allagesairsoft.com

Model: ICS PDW9 Cold Chrono: 1.07J/340fps Model: BOLT B4 PDW Cold Chrono: 0.96J/323fps Price: iro £325.00 Hot Chrono: 1.01J/330fps Price: iro £360.00 Hot Chrono: 0.95J/320fps Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Age: New Taclite Compatibility: Dedicated Weight: 2692g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Weight: 2800g Accessory Rail Length: 619mm CCW Length: 530mm Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Magazine Capacity: 330 BBs Available From: www.fire- Magazine Capacity: Any AR CCW (Dedicated) support.co.uk Magazine Supplied By: www.nuprol.com

Model: VFC Avalon Calibur Cold Chrono: 1.01J/330fps Model: Classic Army X9 Nemesis Cold Chrono: 1.07J/340fps Price: iro £390.00 Hot Chrono: 1.01J/330fps Price: iro £260.00 Hot Chrono: 1.04J/335fps Age: New Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Age: One Year Taclite Compatibility: M-Lok Weight: 2199g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Weight: 2400g Suppressor Compatibilty: 14mm Length: 545mm CCW Length: 500mm CCW Magazine Capacity: Any AR Available From: www. Magazine Capacity: 120 BBs Available From: www. Magazine uk.redwolfairsoft.com (1,200 BB Drum available) patrolbase.co.uk

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PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS

I really liked was the spring-loaded stock, with the nasty habit of locking up on semi-automatic; the only touch of a button the stock would shoot out from remedy for this is to go to full-auto! Other than that, fully closed to fully open, this I loved! this is a solid AEG that’s well made and performs well. Being lucky enough to have a long garden, I can The NUPROL Special Ops (read “Amoeba”) is again utilize this by putting up a target at 45m away. So, I a nice gun, a great performer as it has the Electronic connected the only battery I had with a Mini Tamya Fire Control System (EFCS) gearbox that’s supremely fitting, which was an 11.1 stock tube type. This gave programmable (I have the programmer in the shop for me a good excuse to try out the longer battery box just this reason!). It has a great trigger, a rigid polymer which fitted in behind the body. Rate of fire was good body, and the the only downside to this AEGs is the and so was the trigger response, I couldn’t complain. battery compartment, as it’s quite small. With a few quick adjustments of the hop I had this The G&G ARP9 is also a fine AEG, with a well-built little number dialled in; four mags worth of the finest body, a good gearbox and fire control unit but you RZR .20g BBs were all sent down range with good have to run 11.1v batteries on them as the fire control grouping. Now this should not surprise me, as this unit is set up for this, although it does also have a low AEG is sold with a pre-installed Maple Leaf bucking. voltage cut out built in. Again, the biggest problem I’ve run Maple Leaf nubs and buckings for many years with this AEG is the battery compartment as it’s very and rate them highly. So fresh out of the box, no small, but I like the straight 9mm mags and for people new buyer would be unhappy. I run a Platatac Badger that like really big mags, there’s a large 2500rd drum plate carrier pretty much without fail in all the airsoft mag that has a really great and smooth winder on games I go to and I use this particular PC because it. Overall, not a bad AEG at all! The G&G ARP556 is its slim shoulder straps allow me to really shoulder a more or less the same as the ARP9 but uses a standard butt stock and this was no exception with the Avalon AR mag that’s more convenient for most, but it has PDW. Its stock is not very tall and sat snugly into my the same same problem with batteries though. shoulder - that made me very happy. On the whole I When it comes to the Saigo Defence RONIN, this really liked this RIF and what it offered. is a really great little AEG that sells well and players Now, where are the “but’s” I hear you asking?? like! It has a nice strong body and a good gearbox, Well, there are only a couple. Firstly, the battery box, which shouldn’t be a shock as it would appear that all be it the small or large one didn’t fit tight enough for the Saigo’s are basically Specna Arms with new party my liking and I feel that they could have possibly been clothes on! Internally the gearbox and the majority made to sit a bit tighter into the clips. Second gripe of the working parts, along with other body and grip was the trigger, I’m just not a fan of the straight-cut parts are identical to Specna Arms, which is strange triggers but that is more of a personal thing. The last but not bad news really. The only downside to this being the magazine quality, it was poor, at one point gun is again the battery compartment but at least you of filling I could see it flexing in a way that I wasn’t can run a 7.4v battery in this. Overall a superb AEG happy, it was far too malleable when compared to for the money, even if the internals are a bit of an the likes of a PTS magazine and if I was pay the £389 “eyebrow raiser”! for this Avalon, I think I’d like a magazine with much Now I do like the BOLT B4 PDW, as it has an better build quality. One last thing I should point out, exceptionally strong body and gearbox and a nicely set that in the instruction booklet it states you should up recoil system that actually provides some “recoil”! always drain the battery before charging but now we This AEG is not for everybody as it’s an expensive gun know this to cause irreversible problems, that’s a no- and not everybody likes the recoil but if you do, it’s no! On the whole though, very well done VFC, keep it a great performer! The battery compartment at the coming. front is a great solution, although you obviously can’t Marcus: As I work as full-time tech in my shop in run a minimalist rail system and as you have to run Dover, I’m used to seeing many makes and models 11.1v batteries in this (that’s just for the recoil system), come through the door for me to fix and upgrade and it’s a great AEG when it comes to ROF and trigger as CQB/CQC is popular in Kent (with the likes of the response. Finishing up, the Classic Army X9 Nemesis .308 Sniper Killhouse just up the road), “PDWs” seem is not bad either, with a good solid body and rail, a to be regular visitors to me, so I can comment on a good gearbox, and I particularly like the fact you can number of them! program “burst”. Again, as with all the “PDWs”, the The NUPROL Freedom Fighter has a nice solid battery compartment is too small but that’s the nature construction, and really the main issue that I have to of the beast with these models; overall a good all- deal with is the micro switch gearbox, which has a round performer in a CQB environment!

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Jimmy: I was initially going to do a small review It is of full metal construction, with the exception on my Saigo Defense Ronin but then I thought to of the usual parts (grip, stock, sights) and in typical myself do I really want to publicise something which fashion, it is a well-finished body incorporating their is a straight knock off of a respected brand and it is nano-coating to prevent scratching (I like the matt blatantly obvious it’s a knock off? Unfortunately, I finish the coating gives). Everything fits together can’t bring myself to do it. Saigo have appeared out very snug and due to this snug fit there is no wobble of nowhere - much like a dandelion pops up out of between receivers at all (hat’s a gripe of mine… the patio. Nobody likes a dandelion. So I decided to wobbly receivers, I can’t stand them!). Its free-float give you my thoughts on a brand I do respect; Specna M-Lok system is nice and solid with a slim profile, Arms SPECNA and in particular, the EDGE PDW. sporting full length top rail and 3 removable M-Lok Out of the box you are getting a gun that, quite rails, which is a bonus as you don’t need to buy extras frankly, doesn’t need any upgrades or fettling and as giving plenty of room for the solid stubby grip which usual gives you the same quality which all the EDGE is also supplied and heaps of rail space for torches, range hold and for the money, a gun of this quality lasers, peq, and all that gubbins! The stock, being should cost far more than they do. collapsible, offers a full 100mm of adjustment, taking However, I’ll start with what I find to be a little bit the length from 560 to 660mm long and even at of a flaw in the design and I think Specna may have full extent it doesn’t wobble like some I’ve seen. The realised this and have already taken steps to change it, motor grip is the same tool-less motor removal style. by way of making a new part. That flaw, as with a lot One thing I always do with Specna, although this is by of “PDW” style models, is the battery compartment, no means a criticism, is alter the wiring so the wires as it is too small for the vast majority of batteries. come up the front of the grip rather than the factory Specna got straight on this though and brought out placement, and I find this makes the motor sit at a an extended battery tube, giving you far more room better angle which actually makes it a tad quieter. It than before, so they redeemed themselves in my comes with two 125BB polymer S-Mags which are a book! robust mag and the fit is good with minimal wobble Let’s look at the specs which really show off this and they feed exceptionally well in my experience; rifle. if you need extras they are readily available at a very

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PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS

respectable price, although I found it cheaper if you aim properly, rather than just holding it above your buy the box of five rather than individually. head spraying and praying! One thing that stands out for me, is the fact a At the front end things are also distinctly different, gun of this quality and this price comes with a GATE as the muzzle of the PRK-9 is only a mere 90mm X-ASR Mosfet so you can use either a 7.4v or an 11.1 from the front of the lower receiver! Yes, it really is LiPo and it will allow the use of up to a m120 spring THAT short! Even so, there are some cool features in as stated in the specs. Included is a little card which evidence with a fixed 5-slot lower rail for a foregrip, tells you what the Mosfet is diagnosing as it features and additional 10-slot rails fitted at 3 and 6 o’clock. a basic troubleshoot; in the event something goes The rail on the RHS is cut away to accommodate a wrong you may be able to rectify it yourself before short folding cocking lever which reveals the hop the unnecessary trip to a tech. Specna Arms still use adjustment wheel. In addition, the muzzle itself is the standard shuttle and contact system in a lot of the neatly finished off with a knurled cover, which can be EDGE models, so trigger response can sometimes be removed to reveal a standard 14mm CCW thread so a little slower than the person using it …just FYI. This that you can fit a suppressor or tracer unit… in my AEG would make a great starter for anyone looking to mind the PRK-9 is just gagging for a suppressor. All I purchase their first, or it would provide a great base can say in conclusion about this lovely “oddball”, is for the more experienced player looking to buy and that I have added a PRK-9 RTS to my “Kalashnikov upgrade. Kollektiv” because it’s superbly made, shoots well and Bill: Well, it would seem that the crew have done a is actually a genuine addition to the ongoing story really cool job with the individual models, all of which of the much-revered, much-loved (by me at least!) I’ve tested myself in the past, apart from the Krytac Automat Kalsahnikova! AA Trident MKII PDW that I’ll review fully next month as it As always, our thanks go to Red Cell partners NUPROL really deserves some space! (www.nuprol.com), VIPER (www.viperkit.co.uk), It only remains for me to mention the “curveball” Attack Sense Smart Targets (www.attacksense.com) model in our selection, which is the G&G PRK-9 and and Invader Gear (www.invadergear.com). we decided to place it in the “PDW” category given its size! At just 350mm long with the stock folded to the side, the PRK-9 looks utterly like an insanely chopped AK, with a full metal lower receiver and hinged top-cover visually the same as those you’d find on any AK variant. The fire-selector is also 100% “klacker” but of the “tactical style”, featuring (as it does) the thumb-rests for ease of use. Whilst the dedicated and stockless “pistol” variant is nice, it’s the RTS model that to me is the most useable, as it features a FAL-style locking system that holds a buffer tube with polymer sliding stock (the stock design is one of G&Gs own, and is very, very good!) firmly and solidly open, or closed, meaning you can shoulder and

46 MARCH 2021 TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION armoury

CHIAPPA RHINO AS TOUGH AS THEY COME BILL STEPS BACK INTO THE WORLD OF THE SILVER SCREEN, AS HE INDULGES HIS PASSION FOR REVOLVERS AND GETS HIS HANDS ON A BIG OLD WHEELGUN THAT BECAME FAMOUS BOTH FOR ITS UNIQUE LOOKS AND ITS MANY MOVIE CAMEOS AND FINDS THERE’S MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT THE AIRSOFT TAKE ON THE MIGHTY CHIAPPA RHINO!

here are few firearms that stand out as the when Ezechiele (Oscar) Chiappa opened his company. choice of movie armourers when it comes to Initially an artisanal workshop, the company has Tportraying “guns of the future”. The Steyr AUG grown over the years to become a thriving gun- springs immediately to mind, from the movies and TV making entity. Still wholly owned by the Chiappa series of my youth, making appearances as it did from family, their firearm models are now available in 60- classics like “The Fifth Element” and “Robocop”, to plus countries, competing with the biggest companies far-reaching space-operas such as “Space: Above and in the world! Beyond”. Many “prop guns” have started out quite The Chiappa Rhino is undoubtedly one of the unassumingly, like Han Solo’s Mauser-based “Blaster” most innovative developments in revolver technology and Deckard’s “LAPD 2019” “Frankengun” that was for quite some time, with improvements that the fusion of a humble Charter Arms Bulldog revolver move the revolver forward into the 21st century! (somewhat bizarrely) mated to a Steyr Mannlicher Unconventional in appearance and with superior bolt-action rifle! performance, the Rhino fires from the bottom of And, as a child of that time, I come from the cylinder rather than the top, as is usual with a generation where, to many, the revolver, or most revolvers. An aluminium alloy frame and barrel “wheelgun” is still an absolute favourite when it shroud make the Rhino (relatively!) lightweight and comes to pistols and I’ve dipped in an out with easy to shoot, whilst an accessory rail on the bottom different models over the years. More recently, the of the barrel shroud takes it into regular lights and airsoft world has been dominated by semi-auto laser-indicator territory. The snag resistant “hammer” models like the (not a) Glock and, of course, the is actually a cocking device because of the Rhino’s venerable 1911 in all its glorious forms, so you might innovative, completely enclosed firing mechanism, well ask if the revolver is dead to us as players? which can be fired either single or double action. Personally, I’d say not and even today there are new A cocked indicator is clearly visible to indicate the revolver models coming to market in the real firearms internal hammer status. Another innovation is the world, amongst them the “Rhino” from Italian hexagonal cylinder which keeps the revolver’s width to master-gunmakers Chiappa and, like the AUG, this a minimum. futuristic looking wheelgun has attracted movie and TV armourers, given its unmistakeable silhouette and WHEELGUNS IN AIRSOFT its sheer on-screen presence! I spoke to my friend and fellow AA contributor Andy The history of Chiappa Firearms began in 1958, N, an aficionado of airsoft revolvers, who shared his

48 MARCH 2021 armoury

CHIAPPA RHINO opinions with me. In his words (and I paraphrase): with the Chiappa Rhino. Most famously and obviously “My personal choice, or should I say my favourite used by Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale in the handgun, is the revolver but I would only consider remake of “Total Recall” and not so obviously by a revolver as an emergency back-up and not Linda Hamilton in “Terminator: Dark Fate” (one of the something I would carry as my first choice. Revolvers redeeming features of the movie for me if I’m honest!) manufactured today are a popular choice amongst the Rhino has gripped many an airsofter as “the many of us, but you should know which type of wheelgun of the future” already and, as an eminently handgun is best for the right application and also usable airsoft pistol, it’s endeared itself to me as well. why. The semi-auto can accommodate more BBs than that of the revolver and is easier to reload with speed. A MIGHTY BIG HANDFUL! So, if semi-automatics hold more BBs and are easier I’ll get this out of the way straight off… the airsoft and faster to reload, why are revolvers still a valuable Rhino is one big, sweet handful of pistol! At just over model to consider? a kilo this is absolutely no lightweight but the unusual “The Revolver is basically a “load, point and shoot” design, carried over from the “real deal”, actually or a “fire and forget” tool. There is no safety device lets you handle it like a far smaller handgun. As with or complex procedure to get a revolver up and the real firearm, lowering the barrel results in it not running once the rounds are loaded in the cylinder. sitting in the traditional position and having a BB fire Semi-automatics, on the other hand, require several from the “top” of the cylinder, but instead the Rhino procedures to get them into action and this can lead fires from the bottom. This change in overall design to some mistakes being made on the part of the transfers the weight and balance and lets the Rhino operator. sit much lower in your hand and you don’t experience “Revolvers also have very few exposed moving as much of a “height over bore” issue as other, more parts and rarely need to be stripped down for “traditional”, revolvers either. In the real thing this cleaning and maintenance. Semi-automatics have to also helps with recoil mitigation as the barrel sits much be disassembled for cleaning, which can be difficult lower, making the transfer of rearward force straight and there is always a risk of losing or breaking back into the arm of the shooter. In practical terms components in the field. One of the more common this design also allows the pistol to have a beaver tail fails with semi-autos is turning up at the range or at the rear of the grip, allowing the shooter to have a site and finding that you have left your magazines relatively high grip for a revolver. at home, something that will never happen with a As you might expect, the Rhino is all metal, in this revolver!” case a nice quality alloy which adds to the overall feel. Although I have personally owned (and still own) a Everything is very sweetly put together and finished, number of airsoft revolvers, I’ve always found them a with zero “shake, rattle or roll” apparent anywhere, little uninspiring, apart from the ASG “Dan Wessons”, even when it comes to the cylinder fit. With many which are a great handgun in fairness. Most though airsoft revolvers the cylinder feels quite rattly but work right enough, although they have generally there’s none of that with the Rhino, and this leads been either seriously overpowered for skirmish use, or to a superb seal between the barrel and chamber, underpowered enough so as to make them relatively which (with the fixed hop) means that you can use useless! The overall construction generally left them virtually any weight of BB within reason and get great with a very poor feel in the hand and poor plastic performance in relation to accuracy. moulded imitation wood grips didn’t really set my There’s the double-action trigger that you would world alight either, as you couldn’t change them expect, so that you can cock the pistol using the much as the gas storage was usually tucked away hammer, or jut pull the trigger in single action as inside the pistol grip. I was also wary about trying to you desire. One strange feature to note here, is holster them hard and fast as they felt fragile; things that cocking using the hammer actually actuates of beauty to look at but far from practical. an internal mechanism (again like the real thing) Recently (and thankfully) though, that has changed and, in principle, this should make the trigger more

“I’LL GET THIS OUT OF THE WAY STRAIGHT OFF… THE AIRSOFT RHINO IS ONE BIG, SWEET HANDFUL OF PISTOL! AT JUST OVER A KILO THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NO LIGHTWEIGHT BUT THE UNUSUAL DESIGN, CARRIED OVER FROM THE “REAL DEAL”, ACTUALLY LETS YOU HANDLE IT LIKE A FAR SMALLER HANDGUN.”

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ULTIMA JACKET BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: £89.95 armoury

CHIAPPA RHINO

responsive and easier to pull – but It doesn’t! If about perfect on a .30g. Fitting a taclite onto the anything, the trigger sensitivity “pre-cocked” is lower rail may pose a few problems with positioning heavier than in single action, which is a bit odd but for ease of activation and I actually found that my you soon get used to it and I’m certain that, like me, INFORCE rifle light worked better on the Rhino than you’ll soon find the “take-up-sweet-spot”. my Surefire X300… and honestly, it looked pretty cool When you do pre-cock the Rhino, there’s a super too in a futuristic, slight sci-fi way! For close-in work little red indicator nub that pops up next to the this pistol is going to be every bit as accurate as you hammer on the left to show that you’re hot-to-trot need and it really is just so much fun to shoot! and ready to fire. A trigger safety is also located just to Developed by engineers from Chiappa Firearms in the rear of the hammer for keeping things controlled Italy, BO Manufacture in France, Wingun in Taiwan properly when the pistol is not in use, or when it’s and assembled in Italy in the Chiappa Firearms stored. factory in Brescia, this unusual and striking revolver certainly ranks right up there in terms of quality and BACK TO BASICS performance but, unlike some, the Rhino has both As with many airsoft revolvers, the Rhino is powered usable power allied to durability of construction. I’m by a CO2 Bulb in the pistol grip, which splits like a not going to say for a moment that this is a pistol clamshell to give access. A nice touch is a hex-key model that will suit, or even appeal, to everyone but if that’s an integral part of the (actually quite nicely you’d like something unusual and with a character all done) nicely logo’d fake-wood grips. Going absolutely its own and that still offers great range and shoots as back to “airsoft revolver 101” basics you simply pop a straight as a laser, then the Rhino is a must have! single BB in each shell and load them into the cylinder. For more information on this lovely revolver please With the BBs loaded you’re ready to hit the targets. pay a visit to www.iwholesales.co.uk, and my sincere I tried the pistol in numerous “pancake” and shoulder thanks go to them for the loan of the test sample. AA holsters designed for revolvers and one problem is that the Rhino is such an unusual shape that you’ll probably need a dedicated carrying solution, which hardly came as a surprise. With this done, first stop (as ever) for me was the chronograph and I got an extremely consistent mean of 1.01 Joule/330fps using .20g BBs, which was decidedly pleasing. Moving up to .30g BBs, accurate placement of shots and good groupings are possible at 10m thanks not only to the consistent power, but also thanks to adjustable rear sights and a clearly defined front sight. Moving to a heavier BB is certainly the right thing to do with the Rhino, and it really does seem to be just

www.airsoftaction.net 51 RELOADED

WE MP5K EMISSION POSSIBLE: 3 THERE ARE FEW REAL STEEL PLATFORMS AS ICONIC AND INSTANTLY RECOGNISABLE AS THE HECKLER & KOCH “MASCHINE PISTOLE 5” OR, AS WE KNOW IT, THE “MP5”. AA LEGIONNAIRE, STEWBACCA, REVISITS THIS AIRSOFT STALWART, IN THE FORM OF THE WETECH APACHE MP5K.

rom the outstanding free advertising in the hands I’m asked as to where I got mine), I was happy to of the UK’s SAS resolving the Iranian Embassy add it to my ever-growing collection of HK-themed Fsiege, to the ubiquity in media and video games GBBs. Although its manual of arms and reloading are and no doubt many of you, like me and the Airsoft arguably outdated and more cumbersome than more Action Red Cell folks, recently enjoyed the great modern platforms, the fun factor of shooting it and Christmas tradition of watching Die Hard …with a enjoying the handling and iconic style of it in game suitable MP5 to hand if you own one! and in close quarters environments, is undeniable! From its initial introduction in the late 1960’s, to With the relatively short 50mm stroke compared to its continued presence even today in the hands of larger rifle platforms, its response and dwell time as military and law enforcement operatives the world such are much snappier, although the bolt assembly over, the HK MP5 has cemented itself as a firearms itself is significantly heavier than the likes of my MP7’s. cultural centrepiece. It is the “model of comparison”, As a result of this heavier bolt group, the recoil is or what everyone seeks to better, with its roller fairly clunky and forceful and although arguably not as delayed action famous from its WW2 origins and the crisp as the MP7, it has never left me wanting or able Mauser works engineers (who would go on to work to outrun it with my trigger finger. The trigger itself is for CETME in Spain before founding Heckler & Koch consistent, if a little creepy or spongy. Unlike an AR- in Oberndorf, in Germany), building on the decades style trigger, there isn’t a two stage take-up and then of firearms experience that brought the world the G3 wall break but the 1.5kg/3lb weight is continuously battle rifle, which was then scaled down to its new taken up before the sear break at about 6mm (out 9mm sibling, in the guise of the submachine gun. of the around 8mm of total travel), with a reset click Personally, I’ve owned various versions over my occurring at the very front of return travel, which at years of airsofting, with JG and Galaxy MP5J, MP5A4 least makes it easy to loose multiple rounds in semi- and MP5k PDW AEGs back in the UK and now for auto in quick succession due to the predictable travel most of my time in Taiwan, a second-hand WETech during its cycle. Apache MP5k PDW GBB. With imminent plans to The performance is perhaps limited due to the obtain more spare components, magazines and a solid short barrel, comparable to any typical pistol at stock, as well as either a WETech MP5A3 or MP5SD3 around 100mm overall length, with a muzzle velocity in early 2021, to allow me to cover a wider range of around 85-95m/s (280-310fps) and definitely a lower models with replaceable telescopic, folding or fixed accuracy or shot placement consistency compared stocks. to the likes of my other GBBs. Perhaps with an upgraded tightbore barrel in future, I might be able SHOOTING FUN! to achieve greater consistency with my typical 0.3g Having acquired my own from a local player who BLS ammunition. Nonetheless, it is already predictable was selling his off and given the apparent difficulty in enough to achieve shots on body-sized targets in CQB sourcing them (judging by the amount of questions environments and with the claw mount picatinny rail adaptor installed on its upper receiver, it can accept a

52 MARCH 2021 RELOADED

WE MP5K suitable red dot or even holographic sight to suit your offerings did so. Admittedly, this is an older, simpler tastes or requirements. I immediately purchased and system akin to the burst ratchet mechanism of AR affixed a T2-style, heavy-duty red dot sight on a fixed platforms, which has a “memory” and will always riser unit with a through-vision slot to enable iron count out the number of rounds before resetting, sight usage, which not only gives the classic MP5 look whether the cycle is interrupted or not during firing. but also provides excellent practicality and durability. So if you fire one shot and release the trigger, the next The included muzzle device allows not only for trigger press will release a maximum of two rounds standard 14mm threaded adaptor usage for silencer before resetting the burst cycle, unlike the real steel or tracer units but also the typical three lug silencer HK and more recent VFC systems, which always reset adaptor of HK style barrels. I tend to run a tracer regardless of progress through the burst. This feature unit on my own during games, having used it for also has a tendency to wear on a particular internal my occasional SpeedQB game involvement thus far, part, which then leads to firing of four rounds per due to its compact nature and relatively high 45 burst in some cases as the total round count climbs round magazine capacity. Aside from the new PP2K, over the life of the gun. This can be remedied with Thompson or P90 (and discounting cumbersome drum regular servicing and replacement of the culprit magazines), the highest capacity of any GBB SMG or component. PDW I’ve found thus far and I tend to run two of them The other benefit of the WETech MP5k series, is the taped together with a spacer in the “jungle mag” or inclusion of an empty chamber gas valve deflection “Wmag” format. I like to use this for all my guns as unit, which lifts the valve striker above (and out of it allows for rapid reloading without the requirement alignment with) the magazine valve once the last for re-indexing empty magazines or retrieving a fresh round has been fired. This allows for dry firing in one and all the time (and fumbling) associated with general, causing the hammer to drive the striker doing so! 90 rounds is usually sufficient for most forward without it striking the valves and therefore game rounds in the CQB environments I play in and, not firing on an empty chamber, thus replicating the failing that, I will sling the MP5k PDW across my back functionality of the real steel gun properly. As there is and switch to whatever sidearm I’m running that day. no bolt hold open functionality on the MP5, the bolt There is also an interchangeable flush variant of the will drop on an empty magazine and chamber and muzzle nut I acquired, to give the sleeker appearance result in a dry fire/ the hammer falling on an empty of the flat fronted unsuppressed MP5k, as seen in the chamber as well. This can, however, be overridden likes of “Mission Impossible: 3”. should you wish to dry fire test magazines during maintenance; there are nubs on the top of the THE BEST THINGS… magazines which can lock the followers down to The WETech MP5k PDW weighs in at an overall avoid the valve striker being deflected by them inside “dry” weight of 2.7kg with no magazine fitted, the gun. no doubt thanks to its realistic stamped sheet steel In terms of other mechanical failures during the two construction and the hefty bolt carrier group and fire or so years I’ve had the MP5k PDW, I’ve had to replace control group. With the T2 red dot and twin 45 round the main hammer spring guide rod inside the fire magazine pack fitted, the overall weight tops out at control group. This failed mid-firefight and obviously exactly 4kg, the heaviest replica I have (second only jammed up the gun! The rod has a hole through to my LCT HK33, which is considerably bulkier but it which is used to capture the mainspring during only half a kilo heavier) but despite such mass, it is reassembly of the whole fire control group which, all concentrated into a small package. This makes it unfortunately, also represents a weak point and likely easy enough to handle and operate, although it can location of failure. put a little strain on your arms if you are holding it at Aside from that somewhat catastrophic failure the “low ready” or not shouldering it or crouching in-game, there have also been a few oddities in into a stance with it for prolonged periods. This is operation. not something typical for me and the integral vertical The bolt carrier group itself is comprised of softer foregrip and side folding triangular PDW stock do alloy, so to avoid excessive wear it has a steel shoe at least make it comfortable and easy to control and installed on its lower face which trips the auto sear shoulder effectively. bar in the fire control group. I have had to reattach For me, one of the great selling points for the or replace this on a few occasions, as the original WETech Apache series, is its inclusion of the three- small retention screw found its way out and probably round burst functionality before many other GBB ended up in the fire control group, before falling

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COVERT BOOT BLACK / BROWN / TITANIUM / SRP: £49.95 RELOADED

WE MP5K out completely at some point. I ended up gluing require the usual maintenance to prevent slow leaks the original and replacement ones back in place. If or underperformance over the long term but, other (or perhaps when) this wear component falls off, it than that - and the room for improvement in terms prevents the reset of the fire control group and auto of basic accuracy or consistency regarding the barrel sear, so the bolt will cycle properly but the hammer - it presents a very solid and reliable replica, which is will fail to drop due to the sears not resetting as eminently enjoyable to make use of in game. the bolt returns to battery at the end of the firing The takedown procedure is very much like that of cycle. This has happened a couple of times during a the real steel, with the typical process of cycling the firefight, resulting in runaway, full-auto fire - or just a action to cock the hammer, then removing the two dead gun! rear body pins which hold the buttplate to the main The bolt carrier group also has retention screws in receiver, as well as holding the fire control group both sides of it for the telescopic gas nozzle, which pistol grip unit upward in place. Once this is done, is retained by plastic inserts disguised as the roller the stock and butt plate can be removed - usually locking components of the real gun. These have springing backwards due to the recoil spring - then caused some issues in the past, by hanging up on the fire control group can be rotated down to allow internal surfaces of the receiver, with the screws the recoil springs and bolt carrier group to be removed backing out and catching on the receiver, causing out of the rear. If the fire control group also requires the bolt to jam occasionally during its forward return maintenance then the front body pin can also be movement into battery. removed to separate it from the main receiver body. The outer barrel is screwed onto a threaded section Despite the very occasional failures of individual split across both of the hop unit shell halves, which components within the fire control group, the WETech fractured during a range night session while I was at MP5k PDW GBB has performed excellently and reliably KUI Airsoft. The outer barrel, front sight and cocking throughout my use of it. It has been well worth the tube then fell off forwards somewhat comically and I investment, to the point that I very much want to had to acquire spares to repair the hop unit and the expand my collection, especially having used my outer barrel assembly. teammate’s MP5A3 in some games. If you can find Aside from these relatively minor (and easily one, or get the chance to borrow one, I’d certainly remedied failures) I haven’t experienced any other recommend giving it a try for the fun factor alone! AA problems with the WETech MP5k PDW. The magazines

www.airsoftaction.net 55 TECHNICAL

MASTER MODS MASTER MODS AIRSOFT UPGRADE PARTS In association with ALTHOUGH IT’S OUR BELIEF THAT EVERY AEG OR GBB SHOULD COME AS “FULLY FUNCTIONAL” FROM THE BOX, AIRSOFT ACTION ARE ALWAYS PLEASED TO HEAR ABOUT NEW UPGRADE PARTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE OF OUR TRUSTED BRANDS IS INVOLVED. ICS WERE KIND ENOUGH TO SUPPLY US SOME OF THE PARTS THEY DISTRIBUTE FROM MASTER MODS, SO WE TASKED JIMMY TO GET TO WORK AND CHECK THEM OUT! his month I have been presented with yet biggest names in airsoft mods. another haul of shiny goodness, courtesy of I had a couple of rifles which were in need of a TOlivia over at ICS - and who doesn’t love shiny little love, so off I went to the man cave with mods goodness! I have been looking at some of Master (and coffee) in hand. I would be testing the parts on Mods’ very impressive internal parts, which you can a nearly two-year old (and well-abused) G&G GC16 purchase here in the UK from the chaps over at Fire Predator, plus a relatively new Specna SA-E12 PDW. Support (www.fire-support.co.uk). One thing that stood out for me (and altered some of Never heard of Master Mods? NO! Well neither my opinions) was the barrels and the new R hop setup had I until just recently, as ICS and Master Mods have from Master Mods. I’ve never seen the fascination and collaborated to bring you some of the highest quality indeed, never felt the need, to R-Hop a barrel, purely internal upgrade parts - and boy are they high quality! for the fact that it is a fine art and a lengthy process. Yes, they are distributed by ICS but that does not For me it is a lot of faffing when, quite frankly, you mean they are proprietary, as they cross over and fit can get the same results from doing things another other brands exceedingly well. way, where it’s just a case of fitting which saves you We were sent a nice little bundle which included so much time. What Master Mods have done in my two precision barrels, piston, piston head, cylinder and eyes is to reinvent the R-Hop and it’s really quite nozzle. I couldn’t wait to get these open and have a genius, as it allows you to have a R-Hop without the nosey and my first initial thoughts were “WOW these cutting, trimming, gluing and sanding. Included with look expensive!” so, first up I looked into how much the precision machined barrel you get an AEG flat hop these parts would be setting you back. Pleasantly rubber, GBBR flat hop rubber, an R-Hop patch and a surprised was I to see the prices were actually very nice little very-well- machined brass tensioner, so that respectable. I was expecting to see a much higher one barrel can be used on different styles of rifle. price if I’m honest which would reflect the quality. The R patch is a little ring which fits over the hop These mods are coming in at a middle-of-the-market window and sits very precisely and flush with the price bracket but can easily hold their own with the barrel and the flat rubber sits snug over the top. Once

“I HAD A COUPLE OF RIFLES WHICH WERE IN NEED OF A LITTLE LOVE, SO OFF I WENT TO THE MAN CAVE WITH MODS (AND COFFEE) IN HAND. I WOULD BE TESTING THE PARTS ON A NEARLY TWO-YEAR OLD (AND WELL-ABUSED) G&G GC16 PREDATOR, PLUS A RELATIVELY NEW SPECNA SA-E12 PDW. ”

60 MARCH 2021 TECHNICAL

MASTERE MODS both are fitted they give an amazing air seal when or as strong as the Master Mods piston, so I can’t see fitted in the hop chamber, so good in fact, that I had this breaking any time soon. The metal teeth of the to detune the Specna to bring it back down to legal piston mesh really cleanly with the G&G sector gear, limits - and the same with the G&G! Just the barrel so they should wear relatively well, prolonging the life. alone gave me an increase of nearly 40fps and a The spring was a nice snug fit also, which I believe substantial increase on range over the stock Specna is the reason why it no longer twangs after each barrel and rubber. shot. The runners are very smooth, making piston I fitted the rest of the parts to the G&G, with some travel much more efficient (I’ve definitely found my minor alterations to the cylinder head, which took new replacement pistons!). The 6061 aluminium 8 all of 10 seconds just to make the holes fit over the vent piston head is a nice chunky piece of kit, which locating pins inside the gearbox casing. Once they comes with a thrust washer and the anodising is near were all fitted I was eager to get testing and I was a perfect. It’s been etched with the Master Mods logo, little disappointed at first, as I had a drop in power not that it’s on show but it is a nice little touch of output. Puzzled… Hmmm… What could be the class. It sealed well in the stock cylinder, giving me problem? So, I started the process of elimination and most of the power uplift due to its superior seal. it fast became apparent as to what the problem was: The 6061 aluminium cylinder head is again of high the aluminium nozzle wasn’t sealing inside the hop quality and has a nice little feature to the front. It rubber feed lips. So, I had to dismantle the gun once has a rubber insert which, when fitted, cushions the more and remove the Master Mods nozzle, replacing head against the inside of the gearbox. Sadly, I had to it with the stock G&G nozzle, only to find when remove this in order for it to fit the G&G gearbox but chrono’d again that the power was now at 380fps. So that said, it didn’t take away any of its performance. the nozzle was the issue 100%. Two O-rings give a really good seal; it was a little tight 380fps though, on a gun that was only pushing to fit but nothing a little silicone oil couldn’t fix. The around 295fps to start with! I’m very impressed with two holes which hold the cylinder head in place had the parts as I was using the original spring, which to be very slightly modified in order for it to fit over obviously meant the stock G&G parts weren’t giving the pins but I’m not talking anything drastic, no more a good air seal. The Master Mods nozzle is very flat than 1mm of material removal to get it sitting over and square edged on the end, with no taper for it to the pins (and it’s not the first time I’ve had to do this seal on the rubber (which was strange) and I can’t see to a cylinder head!). why they would do this. Was it a manufacturer defect Sadly, the 6061 aluminium M4/M16 cross air nozzle or an actual design flaw? We shall endeavour to find was a bit of a let-down for me if I’m honest. The out. nozzle itself is a lovely piece of kit with its O-rings and its cross cut on the end for air direction, with a great FITTED TO PERFECTION finish on the anodising but it’s just I feel the flat non- Let’s have a look at exactly the parts fitted in the G&G. tapered end has made this part the lesser for me. 300mm stainless 6.04mm barrel which has been We’ve now spoken to the Master Mods techs about precisely machined and finished to an exceptional this, and they told us: “We consider it’s important standard, with not a single flaw to be found. I when players are getting this nozzle from Master personally prefer a 6.03 or a 6.02 but I have no Mods, that they need to check if their stock gun fits complaints over accuracy or range achieved with the 21mm, which is on the nozzle marking, because there Master Mods parts - I was losing sight of the BB they is always dimensional tolerance between each brand were travelling that far! and the boxes. The combination of their barrel and new R-Hop Though it says it’s for “M4” (which we will amend setup is a game-changer and the 14-tooth metal to be clearer), still, there are dimensional gaps and racked reinforced piston is of superior quality and it is the user may have to do some adjustment. Therefore, honestly so solid. I haven’t ever seen a piston as beefy maybe we will develop more nozzles of different

“THE 6061 ALUMINIUM CYLINDER HEAD IS AGAIN OF HIGH QUALITY AND HAS A NICE LITTLE FEATURE TO THE FRONT. IT HAS A RUBBER INSERT WHICH, WHEN FITTED, CUSHIONS THE HEAD AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE GEARBOX. ”

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STRETCH PANTS BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: £69.95 TECHNICAL

MASTEREAEG MOTORS MODS lengths in the future to fit more brands specifically!” been great fun and who knows, maybe, just maybe, This is a great response and a real step in the right I might be converted to using a master mods R-Hop direction; not everyone understands the importance over my usually brands! of correct nozzle length and it would be a good idea Time will tell… AA to offer different lengths as not all are 21mm. I’m always happy to recommend brands that truly listen to feedback, another huge plus for Master Mods in my view! With the exception of the nozzle, the rest of the mods have transformed the G&G into something quite remarkable! It’s better than it has ever been (which wasn’t all that bad to start with!) and I can only applaud both ICS and Master Mods on some fine, high-quality parts products that are a joy to work with! I would like to say a massive thank you to Olivia from ICS for sending us the parts to test out. It has

www.airsoftaction.net 63 TECHNICAL

AEG MOTORS THE FUTURE OF AEG MOTORS

AIRSOFT ACTION TECH TEAM MEMBER, JIMMY, HAS A BIT OF A “THING” ABOUT UPGRADING HIS PERSONAL AEGS TO GET MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE, COUPLED WITH MAXIMUM DURABILITY FROM THEM AND RECENTLY HE PUT HIS KNOWLEDGE TO GOOD USE BY THOROUGHLY “BEASTING” SOME UNIQUE NEW MOTOR TECHNOLOGY FROM WARHEAD INDUSTRIES - AND LIKED WHAT HE FOUND… A LOT!

ack in November, during my daily perusal of motors come in a variety of guises also but brushless a certain social media platform, I stumbled motors are generically torquey motors and do not rely Bacross a newly born brand and what they had on TPA, as they are governed by something called to offer really caught my attention. After several “Kv”. days of researching this company and watching “What does Kv mean?” I hear you ask. numerous videos I was convinced that what they had Kv refers to the constant velocity of the unloaded manufactured was something truly quite amazing motor and it is measured by the amount of turns that and, in my opinion, could very easily become a market motor will rotate when using 1volt of power. As with leader. A bold claim I know, the brand I’m talking any motor, the more power you throw at it the faster about is Warhead Industries and they have created it will turn. That is a given but a brushless motor will what I believe to be the best brushless motor to date! literally absorb everything that you can throw at it! Let’s be real here; when it comes to airsoft motors, Having done my research, I was mightily impressed we are really quite behind the times compared to the with what I was seeing and, with the help of Airsoft guys in the RC industry, who have been using - to Action, I had an arsenal of tools to enable me to great effect - brushless motors for over 15 years now approach Warhead industries in the hope of getting and we need to be seeing better motor technology. some sample motors which they were putting the Yes, the brushed motors we all use do work and do final touches to. I found myself talking to a lovely a good job but they are flawed in more way than guy called Ben Lawrence (who is the European “go one. A brushed motor has certain parts that wear, for to guy”) and he was more than happy to let me have example brushes and a commentator, which require a couple of samples to test. Might I add, the level of the users to either replace or maintain, whereas a service these guys have provided has been second to brushless motor (there’s a small clue) does not have none, top notch communication, they are very open- these flaws as such. minded and are super eager to hear feedback from Brushed motors come in a variety of guises… you the people using their motors. have speed motors, balanced motors and torque Warhead Industries are a sub-company of KO motors; each motor differs in performance and is Technologies, who are experts in the design and denoted by the TPA (Turns Per Armature). Brushless manufacture of brushless motors and electric vehicle

“…WHEN IT COMES TO AIRSOFT MOTORS, WE ARE REALLY QUITE BEHIND THE TIMES COMPARED TO THE GUYS IN THE RC INDUSTRY, WHO HAVE BEEN USING - TO GREAT EFFECT - BRUSHLESS MOTORS FOR OVER 15 YEARS NOW AND WE NEED TO BE SEEING BETTER MOTOR TECHNOLOGY.”

60 MARCH 2021 TECHNICAL

AEG MOTORS technology and currently work with some of the CNC shaft is fitted with the well-known ezo bearings biggest names in the world, delivering product for minimum friction and strength to boot. There’s and bespoke solutions. They have spent many very crisp laser etching (which is a nice touch) on the years refining the perfect motor. Their experts hail outside, so this motor screams quality but, for me, from Europe, UK, Australia and China and the it’s all about the numbers and the output. With the manufacturing facility is based in Wuxi, China, in the loctite set after 24 hours I dropped the motor into my Jiangsu province. The new brushless motor from upgraded PDW ready for a day of testing. them offers the user amazing performance across I use a Jefftron Leviathan which enables me to power, response and torque allowing you to dominate see exactly how the motor is performing and on a the field. The motor has been designed from the 7.4v battery I saw instant gains over my brushed ground up, with the highest specification and the motor, giving me an increase in efficiency and a vast greatest quality and utilising the best parts available increase on my ROF, jumping from 12rps to 22rps! on the market in order to offer what they claim to be Cycle time had improved greatly, which made semi the best AEG motor to date. auto very fast, making the follow-up shot so much quicker. Amperage draw had been decreased by 25%, FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST! meaning less stress on my batteries and giving me a I was excited to receive the motors and very eager longer battery life. I spent 12,000 BBs on 7.4v and the to get some testing done and, to be honest, I was motor did not once miss a beat - and I was not being like a child waiting for Christmas (I am a great fan of nice to it! Mag after mag and temps on the Mosfet brushless motors from my years racing RC drift cars)! didn’t go past 35 degrees on the Leviathan. I went for Upon arrival I was impressed with the packaging, this another mag dump and my rifle made a horrendous was just a sample model and the packaging was very screech; you all know that sound, we’ve all heard it! retail-ready and the motor was nicely nestled in a I removed the motor to discover to my horror that quality foam cradle, which was very reassuring to see. the pinion head was no longer attached to the shaft. I removed the motor to find that I could only imagine the horror that I was going to I had to fit the pinion discover. I was expecting the worst, gear which was so I had to pull the gearbox to make no real sure but there was nothing adverse to be found, not even a scratch to my amazement, so I retired back to the drawing board. I mentioned earlier about using a strong Loctite? Yeah, I found out for myself that you need a good loctite on an ultra-high-speed motor. I purchased a stronger loctite but this time I also put a small amount on the shaft itself as well as the grub screw and again issue as allowed 24 hours for it to cure. In the meantime a it was a D pinion, colleague had dared me to test my SSG build using an so nice and easy to fit 11.1v battery… How reluctant was I, given the fact (be sure and use a nice strong loctite the super-high-speed model spins in excess of 50,000 and use a sufficient amount). There is a reason it has rpm on 11.1v and I hadn’t built this to sustain a high a D pinion, as Warhead didn’t want you to be tied to ROF and was running a M105 spring? I was about as just one pinion (not all pinion gears are made equal), reluctant as a kid being taken to the dentist! I really so you have the option to use another brand which did not want to do it but, for the purpose of science may mesh better with your gearset. and you, the readers, I bit the bullet (or should that be With the pinion head fitted and while I was waiting BB???). With gritted teeth and breath held I squeezed for the loctite to set, it gave me the opportunity to the trigger and, to my amazement, my rifle cycled have a real good look at the motor and I honestly at an incredible rate and I cannot lie, I grinned like a could not find one single flaw, this thing was made to Cheshire cat and chuckled like an evil villain… Mwah perfection. The quality of the 7075 aluminium casing ha ha ha! was very high. It has a solid CNC base plate which It was fair game from that point on and I was in my will accommodate any height adjustment screw. The element, spitting out BBs at a rate of 36rps! OMG! I

www.airsoftaction.net 61 Helikon-Tex® MCDU® Combat Shirt Unmatched Comfort on a Mission

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#Journey to Perfection TECHNICAL

AEG MOTORS have never had that rate of fire in my life and I don’t know many people who strive for that kind of fire power. The fact my gearbox withstood that kind of punishment astonished me, as it was not built for a high ROF seeing I used 18:1 ratio gears. I continued the abuse and dumped another 6,000 BBs in about an hour, mag dump after mag dump and not once did that motor hesitate. The motor also has incorporated a built in custom designed ESC (Electric Speed Controller) which features a handy LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) at 3.1v and over current draw, which will protect your LiPo batteries from over discharge which can cause you cells to degrade.

THE NEED FOR SPEED! Warhead have produced three speed variants to their motors and at present they are only available in a long shaft but the wait won’t be long for a short shaft version. You can find all the info at www. warheadindustries.com Version 1: Ultra high speed 35,000rpm 7.4v- 52,000rpm 11.1v Version 2: High speed 25,000rpm 7.4v- 36,000rpm 11.1v Version 3: standard speed 20,000rpm 7.4v- 30,000rpm 11.1v Why would you want to use a brushless motor in your AEG?

To start with, it is the step forward that AEG motor technology needs, quite frankly! Brushless output is significantly higher and has more efficient output and has a lower susceptibility to mechanical wear than their brushed counterparts. Brushless motors also offer a number of advantages, including: • higher torque to weight ratio • increased torque per watt of power input • increased reliability and lower maintenance requirements • reduced operational noise • increased lifespan • elimination of ionizing sparks from the commutator as it hasn’t got one • near elimination of electromagnetic interference

I would like to thank Warhead industries for allowing me to give this motor a damn good torture- testing and I really look forward to what they have in store for the future of airsoft. Please do watch this space and follow us for more info as we shall be giving away to one lucky reader one of these beautiful motors soon! AA

www.airsoftaction.net 63 FEATURE

IMMERSIVE AIRSOFT FOUR MINUTE WARNING! FOLLOWING LAST MONTH’S FEATURE AND WHILST HE WAITS FOR VARIOUS COMPONENTS TO ARRIVE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC-SLOWED INTERNATIONAL POST SYSTEM FOR THE MISSILE SILOS, JAMES MOVES ON TO THE NEXT PROJECT ON HIS LIST. IN PART 1 OF 2, HE DETAILS HIS RESEARCH TO CREATE A WORKING VERSION OF THE UK COLD WAR ERA “HANDLE” WARNING SYSTEM! hinking about what makes airsoft immersive to the remote-control system for the public air raid sirens players, a big part comes from our senses. The were scrapped, with only some parts of the system Tsight of plumes of smoke coming from smoke adapted for rural fire stations to call out firemen. By grenades and the flash of MK5s and Tag rounds the early 1950’s and with the cold war tensions rising, detonating over the battlespace draw us in visually. the Home Office made the decision to reinstate the When it comes to hotly contested targets, the sounds air raid warning system. A new system known as of GBBRs cracking, AEGs running full-auto bursts “Post Office System E” was installed by General Post and the thud of incoming pyro certainly gets the Office (GPO)/Post Office Telephones who, at the time, adrenaline pumping. There is one iconic sound related were the sole provider of the telecom network to to warfare, especially here in the U.K., that is missing public and military, to remotely control the sirens from though, one that’s instantly recognizable and could central locations. work in a number of scenarios - and that’s the humble During the 1960’s the system was upgraded to British Air Raid Siren. Simply having a siren on a pole the first incarnation of “HANDLE”, the code name which you switch on and off would give you that given to the warning system, which used 250 Carrier sound instantly, job done! But after research the UK’s control points based at police stations all over the warning system I found there was a lot more involved country. The system was split into two units; WB600 to make that siren start and the idea of making a (WB standing for wire broadcast) which controlled representation of that system you could interact with the air raid sirens and WB400 was the receiver for began to form. speech and warning signals. At the time of installation little was known about the effects of EMP (electro- ”HANDLE”: THE UK NUCLEAR ATTACK magnetic pulse) released during a nuclear detonation and, as a consequence, this system would have been WARNING SYSTEM vulnerable in the event of attack. In the immediate period after the WWII, most parts of

“THERE IS ONE ICONIC SOUND RELATED TO WARFARE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN THE U.K., THAT IS MISSING THOUGH, ONE THAT’S INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE AND COULD WORK IN A NUMBER OF SCENARIOS - AND THAT’S THE HUMBLE BRITISH AIR RAID SIREN.”

64 MARCH 2021 FEATURE

IMMERSIVE AIRSOFT

By the 1980’s British Telecom was in charge of attack warning. When the broadcast was complete the UK’s telecom network and a new system was the circuits would be released and would return to the being introduced to replace the ageing technology. talking clock. This time taking account for the effects of EMP, the The reason behind the use of the public circuits was WB1400 equipment carriers replaced the units at that they already existed and were maintained by BT police stations and WB1400 Receiver speech and against faults, so were a very effective cost-saving way signalling replaced the units at warning points and to run the system. On receipt of the attack warning, siren stations. This version of “HANDLE” ran until the the message it sent would then be passed on via end of the Cold War, until the UK made the discussion the same unit (by lifting both red handsets) to the to decommission it in 1992. Now just a few sirens warning points in that sector. In total, 20,000 warning remain in use as flood warnings in coastal areas, in points around the UK, including R.O.C Monitoring chemical plants or as escaped inmate warnings at posts, RGHQ’s, military installations, fire stations and some psychiatric institutions but even now, these are centres of industry (to name a few) would receive slowly being decommissioned to be replaced by text the warning via the WB1400 receiver speech units at alert systems, sending alerts directly to people’s mobile their locations. A series of tones sent from the carrier phones and the iconic siren warble will be consigned control points via the BT Exchanges would active these to history. It is this last version of the system I shall units and start a six-second “warbling” attack signal, make a representation of. which would then be followed by a spoken “Attack Warning Red” broadcast from the carrier control HOW IT WORKED FOR REAL points. Even today here in the UK, if you dial 123 on a From there, the final part was to warn the public of BT landline or on some mobile networks, you will impending doom! connected to the UK’s “talking clock”, telling you “At Back on the WB1400 equipment carrier at the the third stroke the time will be... XX:XX”, followed police carrier control point, a master key turn and by three “pips”. The number may have changed button sends the attack warning signal to WB1400 but, started in 1936 by the GPO, this service has Receiver Signalling units in street cabinets and high been running ever since. However, if you had rung buildings at 7,000 locations, telling the air raid sirens the talking clock at 02.00 or 02.15am on the 1st to start. By using these tone sequences the system Wednesday of the month in January, April, July or was protected from accidental activation by short October before 1992, you would have heard a BT circuits and the like. engineer stating “this BT testing from...” followed With all this information in hand, I set to re-creating by a random UK town name, before it kicked back to my very own “HANDLE”, a “prop” that could be the talking clock. This rather innocent sounding test made to work in an airsoft game setting with some was, in actual fact, a test of the secret “HANDLE” effort - but one that could certainly add a real air of nuclear warning system. Utilizing the public talking tension. I imagine that an industrial-level siren going clock circuits, BT exchanges and existing telephone off would certainly get your attention and in a “Cold trunk lines it sent attack warnings all over the UK. war Goes Hot” game it would most certainly add to In its finale guise, the initial warning would be the immersion level! sent from The Air Defence Operations Centre at Next month I’ll show you how I went about the Strike Command in RAF High Wycombe, with its project! AA back up location being Preston U.K.W.M.O Sector Headquarters. The WB1800 units at these locations, when activated, would seize control of the UK’s two main public talking clock circuits and send a sequence of tones to activate the 250 WB1400 carrier control points at police stations around the UK, wired into these circuits at local BT Exchanges. At the police stations the two red phones on the WB1400 equipment carrier (one for the X Circuit, one for the Y Circuit) indicator lights would illuminate, along with a ring tone. By picking up either set the War Officer on duty would receive a spoken message of national

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CHUVILLE HOODIE// £25.00

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MODIFY PP-2K PP-2K HAVING A “MAN ON THE GROUND” IS THE ROUTE TO “THE BEST INTEL”. AIRSOFT ACTION LEGIONNAIRE, “STEWBACCA”, IS RIGHT IN THE THICK OF TAIWANESE AIRSOFT AND ABLE TO BRING THE LATEST FROM THE AIRSOFT COMPANIES THAT RESIDE THERE, INCLUDING MODIFY AND THEIR PP2K. he airsoft circuit can often seem very “boom Having already visited their facility way back in early and bust”, in terms of new releases hitting 2018, I was already familiar with them at least. Tthe market, waiting for one of the mainstream Fast forward to late 2020 and the PP2K was finally manufacturers to risk something new, or looking for released following delays due to the pandemic and something “other than an M4” as many will lament the impact it’s had on all industries, even though (usually without understanding the sheer investment Taiwan has been largely unaffected in terms of involved in such differentiation). The majority of airsoft infection. I managed to score an early release model manufacturers seem to follow the same development complete with its carry case, “hug emoji” PP2K velcro arc over their lifespans… beginning as a distributor or patch, short gas magazine, long gas magazine and custom parts manufacturer, progressing to releasing long CO2 magazine, plus, of course, the gun itself, all their own full gun (usually a simple air cocking or encased in cellular foam I later cut out to conform to electric model), before finally venturing into the most the gun and mags. complex realm of gas blowback technology. Having a penchant for CQB short profile weapons The majority of manufacturers will also make and related gaming environments I was very excited these steps using derivatives of proven platforms or to try out the shiny new gun and, in particular, assess technologies; most likely derived from Tokyo Marui’s how it fares compared with my KWA MP7 GBB and long standing product lines and developments. Modify WETech MP5k PDW GBB. Having done some research of Taoyuan in Taiwan, however, decided to “go big or into what optics are suitable to use in conjunction go home” with their first foray into the gas blowback with it, I found something akin to a C-More open market, by showcasing their bold new design at the reflex, a short hooded Holosun style windowed optic, Military Outdoor and Airsoft in 2019 (as featured in as well as some Russian troops making use of the my article in Airsoft Action Issue 110, back in February EOTech 558 mounted at the very front of the short 2020) and breaking clear away from the pack by picatinny rail atop the receiver. undertaking a totally new replica model as a totally As most will know, I have an affinity for EOTechs new GBB producer, the Russian-made PP2K/PP2000 despite them being massive targets for incoming fire PDW/SMG. and requiring specialised screen protectors as a result Garnering immediate attention, both for their and I had recently invested in a 558 replica intended entrance into the GBB field as well as their atypical for use with my WETech T91, due to its own top rail (and much sought after) choice of initial offering, I being shorter than my other GBBRs (where I have the was very pleased to spend some time on their booth space to mount the EOTech 552 models I otherwise back in 2019 and get the low down from their staff. use).

“THE MODIFY PP2K, BY COMPARISON, HAS AN OUTSTANDINGLY CRISP TRIGGER WITH ALMOST NO TAKE UP, MAYBE A MILLIMETRE OR TWO OF SLACK BEFORE YOU REACH A HARD WALL THAT BREAKS LIKE A GLASS ROD EVERY TIME YOU PULL THROUGH IT ”

68 MARCH 2021 armoury

CHIAPPAMODIFY RHINO PP-2K

With keep the gun a real world running largely flawlessly relevant optic otherwise. Adjusting the hop unit affixed and also is done by using the extra-long allen key supplied making use of a with the gun, which can be inserted through new Acetech Lighter S tracer unit the hole in the bottom of the trigger guard, up onto the standard muzzle thread into a hole on the underside of the receiver and - accessed by removing the small grub straight into the hop unit adjustment grub screw. screw on the underside of the flash hider This is a great setup which allows you to do very fine - I took the PP2K for its first outing to Linkou CQB adjustment and get the trajectory shooting nice and west of Taipei. Initially I found myself very frustrated flat without any disassembly - top marks for that with repeated failures to fire more than 15 rounds design feature. from either the short or long gas magazines which After the first few fieldings at Linkou I decided to surprised me, although the range and accuracy from try the PP2K in the smaller and even more intense the few shots I did manage seemed very good - no and up-close environments offered by Action doubt thanks to Modify’s well regarded internal barrel Bunker Taipei. Now that I maintain the gas fill on the and hop unit components and the inclusion of their magazines properly it’s been an absolute dream to premium hop bucking. use and I haven’t touched much else since I started Despite this rocky and disappointing first outing, using it. Even though I only have the one long gas which meant I basically couldn’t field the gun and had magazine with 56 rounds, that’s still nearly 50% more to resort to a teammate’s GHK 553 GBBR (that was ammunition than my MP7 in one load, plus, now the not a terrible eventuality at least) having talked to the gun will cycle and fire it entirely it presents the highest source of the gun, it seemed that their magazines are capacity I own. I might get another long magazine just somewhat gas hungry! Whereas a 3-5 second or two at some point but for now it provides ample blast of green gas will fill most of my pistol or PDW firepower for CQB and allows me to get some sidearm magazines completely, it takes around 8 seconds to usage in if I do run it dry during longer games, or fill the smaller gas magazine and a good 15 or so survive longer into the games. seconds to fill the longer gas magazine. Possibly the best feature of the gun overall is its As for the CO2 magazine, I haven’t used that at all trigger. Most guns I own have slightly spongier or really, as most fields won’t allow CO2 guns to be used creepier triggers; the KWA MP7 is very usable but but having talked to other reviewers locally, it seems still has a long throw Glock like trigger, while the that even the CO2 capsule magazine is unable to feed WETech MP5k PDW has a long throw but a reasonably and fire a full 56 round load on a single capsule. I am consistent pull and a crisp break. The Modify PP2K, by aware that Modify did further delay the release of the comparison, has an outstandingly crisp trigger with PP2K due to some mechanical concerns, perhaps this almost no take up, maybe a millimetre or two of slack issue has been resolved as a result, or otherwise it’s before you reach a hard wall that breaks like a glass just worth realising that the performance may not be rod every time you pull through it and also resets at directly comparable with other models on the market. the initial position, meaning you can easily get used With the magazines fully gassed up on its next to the two positions of break and reset. I’ve managed outing I had a much better experience in game, once to run the gun so fast people assume I’m on auto as a again at Linkou CQB, where it performed very well result! It just fires crisply and cleanly and the short bolt throughout the day’s gaming. I did forget to fully top throw and trigger pull make it a dream to run in CQB, the magazines off before one round but managed to quickly laying down double taps with accuracy.

“THE HANDLING IS ALSO EXCELLENT AND VERY WORTH MENTIONING. NOTICEABLY LIGHTER AND HANDIER THAN MY KWA MP7 AND DEFINITELY FAR LESS CLUNKY THAN MY WETECH MP5K PDW, THE PP2K FEELS COMPARABLE TO A HEAVY PISTOL AND HANDLES SIMILARLY ”

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TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION armoury

MODIFY PP-2K

I haven’t had much call to use the short 23-round, The fire selector lever on the left side is easily pistol-sized magazines and even when fully charged acutated by the right hand, thumbing it down from with gas they don’t seem to have the same endurance safe (also locks the bolt from travelling), into full auto, or consistency and I imagine the cool down on the then down to semi auto at the bottom in the manner full metal construction with such a thin gas reservoir typical of AKs and other Russian platforms. The lever cross section is to blame. Nonetheless, running the itself can sometimes be a little loose or not engage gun quite simply with just the long gas magazine entirely positively but for the most part I just leave it in fitted and switching to a sidearm if required makes for semi auto anyway. excellent game play in my experience, and the sheer Thus far, despite a bit of a disappointing start where accuracy and consistency of the barrel and hop once I didn’t understand the idiosyncrasies of the new gun set up, coupled with a good optic and the trigger, and worrying I’d picked up a lemon, I’ve otherwise mean that you can really make those rounds last well had an excellent time using the PP2K and look and take on heavily armed OpFor. forward to fielding it more in the long term. It’s just a The handling is also excellent and very worth horrendously fun gun to use and the accuracy, trigger mentioning. Noticeably lighter and handier than response and experience, as well as its ergonomics my KWA MP7 and definitely far less clunky than my and cool factor, make it well worth considering if you WETech MP5k PDW, the PP2K feels comparable to a want something new and different. AA heavy pistol and handles similarly - aside from the long magazine dangling from the pistol grip. Nonetheless, it is easily wielded one-handed if required and easily controlled. With a two handed grip it’s extremely comfortable and responsive and just points really easily. The folding stock is slender but extremely sturdy despite its appearance and the only thing I have had to do is wrap the box section which fits into the back of the polymer frame of the PP2K. As per the real one, you can use the stock affixing port to also fit spare magazines in, perhaps interchanging two long magazines when the first runs dry. However, that would mean performing two reloads simultaneously by taking the full one from the rear stock well and putting it in place of the empty one in the pistol grip, then putting that empty into the rear stock well. This is somewhat kitsch but cumbersome and the magazines wobble even more than the stock extension/fitting block itself. I would personally just use the stock and pack it with electrical tape as I have to eliminate all wobble completely, making it an excellent and stable option. Takedown of the PP2K is also very simple. Pushing forward on the lever secreted in the hollow forward grip section of the polymer frame allows the upper receiver to be removed off the lower frame (almost in the same manner as a pistol), taking the gas piston and “engine” with it, leaving the fire control group components in the frame below. Thus, whatever maintenance may be required is extremely easy to effect and the general layout of the gun is very simple internally, but it’s worth mentioning that the magazines lack a hold open device so the bolt will just stop short out of battery, held back by the fairly substantial magazine follower when empty.

www.airsoftaction.net 71 THE CAGE

PLATE CARRIERS THE CAGE: PLATE CARRIERS IN HIS GEAR ARTICLE LAST MONTH, BILL TOOK A LONG HARD LOOK AT CHEST RIGS BUT THE PLATE CARRIER STILL SEEMS TO BE THE CHOICE FOR MANY PLAYERS! AS THE AIRSOFT ACTION “LEGION” HAS GROWN DURING THE LAST YEAR AND, GIVEN THE FACT THAT NEW MANUFACTURERS AND NEW MODELS OF CARRIER HAVE ENTERED THE MARKETPLACE DURING THAT TIME, HE THOUGHT IT WAS HIGH TIME TO REVISIT WHAT THE “AA CREW” ARE USING THEMSELVES AND WHY!

late Carriers are, in my mind, quite a strange issue, once explained to me in no uncertain terms by concept for airsoft in one way, as we really don’t a prior-service USMC friend who’d taken an AK round Pneed (I hope!) the ballistic protection they offer to centre mass and lived to tell the tale, thanks to his (or at least that given by the plates they conceal), body armour!) and lighter, although “lighter” is a to protect us from those dreaded BB hits, now do somewhat relative term. That efficacy though, meant we? However, the humble “Armour Vest” has been that a “plate carrier, or PC”, that combined the vest transformed in recent years into something far more with load-carrying capability became both feasible and useful, carrying not only protective plates but also a reality. all the other “shizz and shingle” that we carry into These days it’s almost impossible to find an image contact with us! of a soldier and indeed many police officers, where Once upon a time (and not so long ago, if I’m some form of plate carrier system isn’t in evidence honest), an “Armour Vest” was exactly that, a vest and whilst I would revert to my opening comment - into which you fitted plates to protect you from that perhaps we don’t need the ballistic protection harm and again, it wasn’t too long ago that these element - the “look” is all-important if you’re going to were simply called “bulletproof vests”, although that create an even halfway decent MIL/LE airsoft loadout. in itself was a bit of a misnomer! Not truly “bullet Whilst the “military” plate carrier has changed in proof”, the majority of vests were just about able to increments though, the “civvy” versions are pushing protect your vital core and organs from pistol-calibre the boundaries of design, even being created to carry rounds and movies of the time would often refer to mock, weighted “plates” for exercise purposes (I bullets that would still penetrate these vests as “cop came across a guy wearing a 5.11 TacTec the other killers”, as the vests were predominantly used by day when I was out with the hound, running happily LEOs. wearing it!). However, materials science moved on apace and And it must be said that there are even some armour technology moved swiftly on with it. Plates interesting and unique designs out there designed became more protective, better able to withstand specifically for airsoft use and those are making the larger calibres (even though impact trauma was still an plate carrier even more affordable for even the most

72 MARCH 2021 THE CAGE

PLATE CARRIERS budget-oriented player and you know what, some of latest Templars Gear them are actually pretty darn functional! Bottom line TPC in black. This is is that if you want one piece of tactical gear that will a Large plate carrier let you carry everything you need “in game”, from as it is the biggest magazines to comms, from BBs to hydration systems, that they currently then the not-so-humble plate carrier is actually worth make and is all laser a darn close look… Do I own and use a PC myself? cut in the latest Yes I do, I have several, from an old OSPREY MKII in fashion. It forms the DDPM, right up to a relatively new low-profile Direct basis for my “Red Action Spitfire, and I use an old out-of-ballistic-date Cell” and Bill’s “Lost SAPI in the front of them all to offset the weight of Ship” inspired set the big old hydration bladder on the rear! up. Again, in this I run Large plates by TEAM TALK Milsimminded. I also pair this rig up with the Templar’s So, as usual these days I spoke to the great team of Gear PT5 belt. For the most part I also use Templar’s Airsoft Action contributors and writers and asked Gear pouches. Due to Covid restrictions, I haven’t them the simple questions “Do you use a plate carrier, been able to “field” the TPC kit yet but I have loaded if yes which type, and if no, why not? Do you wear it up and had some practice sessions (in my garage real/training/foam inserts and why? How do you set so that I am out of public sight). In addition to these up your plate carrier (pouches/accessories/comms), rigs, I also have ones that I made or adapted myself to and why?” And this is what they told me… suit a specific game day/weekend/event and I think so Boycie: “It’s a never-ending search for the far there are about 10 different rigs and set ups that I “perfect” way to carry the magazines and pyro that own.” I want for skirmishing and MilSim. A lot of people Andy N: “I’ve been wearing the VANQUISH plate find a picture of a kit they want and make an exact carrier in Coyote Brown from CONDOR. I was looking copy. That is fine if you have the same body shape for something low profile and low fuss. I don’t and body mechanics as the original wearer. Its by far skirmish anymore, better to get a setup which works for you. A wise (yes, I’m now man once told me “to be effective you have to have officially old!) but I your kit where it suits you and then practice, practice, still work hard drills practice with it”. Some units have a requirement for on the range as both “operators” to have certain equipment in a specific an instructor and location, so everyone in the “unit” knows where it student. All I need will be most, however, will specify a type of pouch or from my BA is real specify brands and then allow the end user to position estate for my long them where is best for them. and short magazines “My first rig (plate carrier) is my Multicam C2R and somewhere to Lite, one of the first types that C2R in Hereford made put my paperwork and often was seen worn by UKSF and UKSF Support (drills and TAMS). troops. As a big lad, a medium size plate carrier, for The Vanquish ticks all the boxes for me and coupled medium plates, isn’t always ideal but this fits well and with real steel plates it will probably be the last one I’ll is very comfortable. In this I use training plates either ever own. made by Trident Gear Co or Milsimminded. Both “I’ve opted for the Vanquish Armour System (VAS) types are lighter than ballistic plates but give a little KANGAROO mag panel and for those hot days on the weight to help the rig sit better and maintain shape. range I’ve chosen the Condor TIDEPOOL Hydration My second rig is the C2R Laser Cut in Wolf Grey. This carrier. For the rest of my kit, holster, dump pouch and is the second rig I have owned in Wolf Grey and I Ute pouch I have on a separate belt system. There is believe is the only XL size carrier in civilian hands. The plenty of MOLLE to attach other items and plenty of big advantage to this rig is that it covers more of my Velcro for patches, if that’s what floats your boat. Fully torso and is even more comfortable than the medium adjustable for size this is a cracking set up for me. I’ve MC version. In this I currently run XL plates made by added a single point sling to the vest via a MOLLE ‘T’ Milsimminded to again, give me the shape and weight sling. This gives me easy and unobstructed access to that I find makes the rig sit properly. My third rig is the my pouches. The armour panels are front and rear

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TAP/CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION THE CAGE

PLATE CARRIERSOPTICS with clear open sides that doesn’t obstruct access to use EVA foam plates to maintain shape but minimise my battle belt. The Condor Vanquish is one we use at unnecessary weight. I find they help spread the load Calibre Shooting and is highly recommend by all the and keep my torso, especially my lower back, more instructors.” supported, as I have issues with my back. I find lately Jimmy: “Personally I do use plate carriers and I though that mine has been shrinking in the wash a bit prefer them purely for the weight distribution factor, and is probably undersized to fully protect me now.” plus it makes it easier for carrying other things such Jon: “I use my jean pockets now! I’m real Op3r8or as comms, and hydro packs - and they look tacticool you see, you could even say “proper8or”! Ha Ha!” imo! I have several carriers, all setup very similarly (he’s lying, I have pictures of him in his Warrior Assault purely for muscle memory and the fact that is what Systems rig – Bill) works best for me. I like to carry as many mags as I Björn: “Depending on mission/playstyle could be can on a plate carrier and try to keep my belt light, either Chestrig or PC. But yes, I usually use a PC. I as I feel a lot of weight around my middle slows me have always liked the JPC style (or similar) and in the down. I always run with my mags front and to the past I always used foam in mine because wearing one left, as I like to keep my right side clear so to keep my without is just a no... floppy flop floperator! But since right arm tight to my body. Being a right-hander I load Jut at Travail fitness asked me a couple years back if I with my left, hence why I prefer mags round to my wanted to try his plates out, I never went back. Now left side even on my belt which is common sense to I have three different sets of plates, even one set for me. one of my Russian Cs that takes Granit plates. I gave “I don’t feel real plates are required, as they can Jut measurements to make them and they turned out be expensive and very weighty so I opt for a dummy so great out he sold some more right after! I also have training plate, usually EVA foam which is nice and a real set of plates that I sometimes use. As for setting solid but is easily formed to be comfortable and once the vests up, I try to balance them up front and formed generally keep that shape which is nice. A back as best possible and preferably add extra stuff training plate gives the carrier a bit of bulk and feels to my weak shooting side to have better and freer better and requires less tension on any straps or point movement on my strong one.” of adjustment. When I first started I never used any Chris: “The only plate carrier I own is an old gen form of plate and I found when running the carrier Warrior DCS as a stand in for TBAS for when I’m in my would bounce up and down and become quite Aussie Navy kit. This DCS came from an SFSG bloke, annoying, so naturally I would tighten it to combat so it’s “combat used” and pre-fitted with Warrior mag the movement, which in turn had an effect on my pouches (soon to be replaced by TBAS ones), TBAS breathing. Flare pouch, Hydration pouch, Medium utility, FFD “I have three favourites, one of which is a very holder, Folding Dump pouch. I also have on it a SORD new part of the collection, the cheapest being from mini admin pouch, Platatac Strobe pouch, and Eylex 8FIELDS; while it is the cheapest of my faves it is still (Australia) prc152 pouch. Rest of the time it’s a chest a great setup. I recently purchased from smooth Jase rig with a PACA for CQB!” AA a lovely TMC CPC in Multicam, which is my most expensive and it is very nice and looks very military. The third is the cracking ONETIGRIS; it hasn’t seen a game yet but I’m confident it will perform as well as it looks!” Bill W-R: “I have never used plate carriers as I have never found one at a decent price to fit my pure specimen of a body! However, if I found a reasonably priced one that fitted I would use it and use training plates to aid more weight loss and increase cardio... Manufacturers please take note!” Stewbacca: “I used TMC 6094 PCs with my old team back in the UK just before leaving and in Taiwan have used the same Kryptek JPC style PC the whole time I’ve been here. I switched over from chest rigs or other custom loadouts as I rationalised most of my RIFs to common magazine sizes, or pouches and

www.airsoftaction.net 75 FEATURE

FIRST AID – CPR & AEDS FIRST AID: CPR & AEDS KNOWING WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF SOMEONE SUFFERING A CARDIAC ARREST CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PERSON LIVING OR DYING. ALTHOUGH WE HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS AT AN AIRSOFT EVENT, IT IS ALWAYS WORTH REMEMBERING “PRIOR PREPARATION AND PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE” - AND MIGHT JUST SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE, AS “AIRSOFT MEDIC”, PAUL YELLAND, EXPLAINS… cardiac arrest can happen at any time, and RESPONSE during an airsoft event is no exception. I On approaching the casualty, start to look at how they Aam going to explain the principles of the are presenting. What position are they in and are they Primary Survey, how to perform Cardiopulmonary moving? What is their skin colour – normal, pale or Resuscitation (CPR) and talk about using Automated blue? Talk to them and introduce yourself. Are they External Defibrillators (AEDs) in conjunction with a alert and looking at you normally, or do they have resuscitation attempt. I am also going to highlight some important changes that have been made to Speak, shout and shake to check response the resuscitation guidelines that need to be followed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE PRIMARY SURVEY By approaching every incident in the same methodical way will ensure that the rescuer remains safe and that any life-threatening conditions / injuries are dealt with before less serious ones. The Primary Survey is the initial assessment tool used for this purpose and it is abbreviated as DR ABC, which stands for: Danger Response Airway their eyes closed and only open them as you speak? Breathing If their eyes remain closed as you talk to them, loudly CPR give a command such as “open your eyes for me”. If there is no response from this, place your hands DANGER onto their shoulders and give them a gentle shake Before rushing into any situation, it is important (be careful if you suspect a spinal injury). If there is no to make sure that it is safe to do so. Deal with any response, the casualty is classed as unresponsive. dangers that are present and if it is not possible to remove the danger away from the casualty, then as A = ALERT a last resort, the casualty must be moved away from V = VOICE - Eyes open and they respond when the source of danger. Personal safety is paramount you talk to them – especially during the global pandemic, and the P = PAIN - Place hands firmly onto the shoulders rescuer should be wearing gloves and face mask as a and gently shake minimum with safety eye wear if available. U = UNRESPONSIVE

76 MARCH 2021 FEATURE

FIRST AID – CPR & AEDS

AIRWAY and CPR commenced. In an unconscious casualty, maintaining an open and clear airway is priority. The unconscious casualty is at IMPORTANT – COVID-19 risk of aspirating vomit and their airway obstructing as ADJUSTMENTS TO ADULT CPR Use the head tilt and chin lift method to open the airway During the COVID-19 pandemic, the resuscitation guidelines have been changed to prevent cross infection from casualty to rescuer and vice versa. The rescuer must not place their head / face close to the casualty’s, but instead perform a visual breathing assessment from a safe distance. If the patient is found to be in cardiac arrest, no artificial ventilations should be performed. Instead, place a light cloth over the casualty’s mouth and nose to prevent expired air from being forced upwards towards the rescuer and commence chest compression only CPR, which is uninterrupted compressions at a rate of between 100 and 120 compressions per minute. the tongue drops backwards. Inside the mouth needs to be visually inspected for any foreign objects and the CALL FOR HELP airway must be ‘opened’ by lifting the chin and tilting It is important to call for help at the earliest the head backwards. Doing this will lift the tongue off opportunity. Bystanders can be used for this task, or from the top of the airway, allowing for unobstructed if you are a lone rescuer and have a mobile phone breathing. with good signal, calling 999 and using the speaker function will keep your hands free for carrying out CPR. If you are on your own and have no mobile BREATHING phone or poor signal and the casualty is an adult in Once the airway of an unconscious casualty has cardiac arrest, you must place them into the recovery been opened, the next step is to check that they are position before leaving to go for help. On your return, breathing. To do this the rescuer places their cheek you would then start CPR. close to the casualty’s mouth while looking down towards the chest. This allows the rescuer to look for chest movement, to listen for any breathing noises STARTING CPR Early recognition of a cardiac arrest and the swift Look, listen and feel to check for breathing commencement of good quality CPR is required if the casualty is to stand any chance of surviving. Once a cardiac arrest is confirmed, the rescuer should

Place your hands on the middle of the chest

and to feel for any exhaled breaths on the side of their face. This breathing check should last no longer than ten seconds. If the casualty is breathing effectively, then place them into the recovery position. However, if the casualty is not breathing or is only making start to perform chest compressions. To carry out occasional gasps that are ineffective breaths (agonal compressions, the rescuer needs to kneel beside the breathing) they should be considered in cardiac arrest casualty and place the heal of one hand onto the

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FEATURE

FIRST AID – CPR & AEDS middle of the casualty’s chest (onto the breastbone) be operated by a person who has received no training with the other hand put on top of the first one with in its use. There might be an AED located near to fingers interlocked. Lean directly above the casualty’s the incident and some airsoft sites might have one chest with straight arms and locked elbows and press available. If so, someone else should go and collect it down onto the centre of the chest between 5 to 6 while CPR is being carried out. centimetres and then let the chest wall fully recoil When the AED arrives at scene, open the box and upwards, and repeat. The chest is compressed 30 turn on the machine. There will be voice prompts times at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. As a guide, giving clear, simple instructions. Stop CPR and compressing in time to the Bee Gees song ‘Stayin expose the casualty’s chest. Remove jewellery such as Alive’ will give you an idea of the required speed. necklaces and dry the chest if wet. If the casualty is After completing the first 30 chest compressions, laying in water, move them to a drier area. The next move towards the head and re-open the airway by command given will be to apply the two adhesive lifting the chin and tilting the head back. Pinch the pads to the patient’s bare chest (after removing the plastic backing). There will be diagrams on the front Give two ventilations of the pads or the packaging showing where to place them. A hairy chest might need to be shaved in places to allow the pads to stick properly. The pads will then need to be plugged into the AED and the socket will be clearly indicated. Once plugged in, it is important that everyone stands clear and does not touch the casualty while the AED analyses the heart rhythm. The AED will either inform you that no shock is advised and to continue CPR or to ‘Stand Clear – charging’. Some AEDs will deliver the shock without the user needing to press a button, whilst other units will need someone to press the ‘Shock’ button. Either way, nose closed and take a deep breath, lean down and Safely delivering a shock completely cover the casualty’s mouth with your own and blow until their chest rises. Move away from their face, take another breath and deliver a second ventilation. Each one should last for around a second and try to avoid over inflating the lungs as this can cause problems with vomiting. Then repeat the process – 30 chest compressions to 2 ventilations (30:2) either until help arrives, you become too exhausted to continue or the casualty starts to show signs of recovery. safety is paramount and whoever is using the AED REMEMBER – During the COVID-19 pandemic must ensure that nobody is touching the patient when DO NOT perform mouth to mouth ventilations on a shock is being delivered. Once a shock has been an adult and continue with chest compressions given to the casualty, continue CPR until the AED gives only. a further voice prompt after two minutes. Not all cardiac arrests result in an AED delivering DEFIBRILLATION a shock as the heart could be in a non-shockable The one piece of equipment that can really improve rhythm. If after defibrillating the casualty and giving the chances of a casualty surviving a cardiac arrest is CPR they start to show signs of life and begin to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). There are breathe again, place them into the recovery position, public access AEDs everywhere nowadays and the monitor them closely and keep the AED attached and reason for this is early defibrillation following a cardiac switched on – the casualty could re-arrest. arrest can increase the casualty’s chances of survival. The information in this article is current and up The chain of survival demonstrates this well. to date at the time of writing but it is no substitute If any link in the chain is broken, surviving the for attending an actual first aid course. Visit www. cardiac arrest is less probable. The AED is designed to airsoftmedic.com for more information and advice. AA

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MAXPEDITION HEAD-TO-HEAD MAXPEDITION HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALTHOUGHROUND THESE PIECES WILL APPEAR A MONTH APART,2 THE NO-NAME BAG (NOTEUS) FROM EBAY ARRIVED ONLY A DAY OR SO AFTER FRENCHIE FINISHED HIS PREVIOUS ARTICLE COMPARING THE VERSIPACK & THE SIEBERTRON COPY. IN THAT CASE, THE COPY WON, DESPITE THE UNDOUBTED QUALITY OF THE MAXPEDITION ORIGINAL. WILL IT BE 2-0 FOR THE COPIES THIS MONTH? READ ON… he Maxpedition Versipack Proteus is a pack although 48 inches in length, simply doesn’t work as which will be familiar to most of you. If it’s a shoulder strap, which is what I really wanted. I had Tthe original (and I cannot confirm that) it qualms about wielding the knife but in the years that is very widely copied. Small in size, with a main have passed, I’ve never missed the belt. compartment, a separate front pouch, two full- Thanks to the smaller size and the heavy nylon height end pouches and a substantial waist belt, it construction, the Proteus feels like you could feed it is designed to be used as a standalone utility pouch or attached to any PALS/MOLLE equipment. It is also fitted with substantial plastic loops to accept a shoulder strap, although none is supplied. For many years Viper have carried a version of this, although it finally seems to have fallen by the wayside as they introduce more original designs.

THE PROTEUS The Proteus is made from the same 1,000 dernier nylon as the Jumbo Versipack and on the smaller bag the stiffness of that material is really apparent. When I got it, I used the built-in waist band for a while but ultimately the kit-bashing knife came out and it was removed. I don’t use waist bags and while the design is fairly good, when folded into the velcro’d holder on through a rock crusher - and probably break the rock the back of the bag, that two-inch webbing strap with crusher in the process! All the fittings are standard its two-inch buckle was a noticeable lump. I also felt Maxpedition, consequently the zips feel slightly it impacted on the utility of the main compartment, oversize, contributing to this sense of invulnerability. which is adequate but not huge. Also, the waist strap, For me it is a bag I use to carry what I need with me, it’s not a bag for a spontaneous shopping trip – unless

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MAXPEDITION HEAD-TO-HEAD

I was buying watches I suppose. There is an integrated a shoulder strap; a smart idea badly let down by its handle which doubles as compression straps; this is a execution. For me it is far too short to be a useable mixed blessing. I love having a handle I can grab when shoulder strap, although it is a perfectly functional I’m not wearing a bag over my shoulder, however, you waist belt despite the fact that, like many of us, I have have to unclip two buckles to access anything but the gained a few pounds over this year. The method of end pockets. attaching the strap is good but let down by shoddy In summary, tough, compact, and versatile, if not construction. A combination of Velcro and a press- large. Expect to pay between £65 - £85 depending on stud is combined to hold the strap ends onto the the retailer. anchor points and this works well, unfortunately, the poor stitching doesn’t really give me much confidence THE “NOT-EUS” that it would withstand much abuse. To its credit, This came from eBay and has no branding whatsoever, this bag does feature the same belt storage as the unlike the Seibertron bag. It doesn’t even pretend. Maxpedition and while I feel exactly the same way Cost? £10.00! about it, it works and it’s there, so some points for The basic design and layout are identical to the that. Proteus but that is where the similarity ends - with a screech of balding rubber and the crump of CONCLUSIONS something hitting a concrete barrier!! Yeah, I think you’re way ahead of me here! For £10 the Noteus is almost a disposable item, I certainly wouldn’t spend any time repairing it should it fail. It will do all that you can reasonably expect of a cheap bag but it is just that – a cheap bag and while it might last and last, even as I unpacked it, I was expecting something to fail, which is a poor start. The Maxpedition, on the other hand, is an absolute tank and I would expect it to emerge from a nuclear conflict unharmed! It is a very particular piece of luggage and will do what it does very well. It isn’t large but within its capacity limitations it is very This is basically, well… crap! Yes, the nylon is PU competent. I really like mine and it gets more use than backed but it feels like something a “bag for life” my Jumbo Versipack. You could stuff it with anything from your local supermarket should be made from. I suspect, and it wouldn’t care and certainly wouldn’t The buckles are functional black plastic, although tear. It screams “quality” and “tough as a bast***” I suspect I could snap them by hand. The webbing and I like it for that alone! straps are thin and floppy, unlike the Seibertron where Value for money is subjective and there is an ocean they were flexible but reassuring. The overall standard between the price of these two. I find the price of of construction is, sadly, exactly what you should the Maxpedition less daunting but that is in part expect for £10! Someone, maybe many someones, because I like this style of bag and I appreciate the has made some money from this and that left precious quality, so while I do stand by my comments regarding little for construction and materials. In order to Maxpedition’s pricing in the previous article, I think photograph it, I have stuffed it with socks, otherwise this is acceptable. You will get you money’s worth it was just a coyote brown blob with buckles. out of this bag and it is very functional, discrete, and The colour matched zips are, to my surprise, similar flexible. in size to those on the Proteus but again, that’s where The Noteus and its ilk are best avoided. There are the similarities end. They’re unbranded and are stiff much better bags available for a little more. Even and jerky in use, giving me all the confidence of a though it was twice the price of Noteus, it is still man parking his car in the middle of a frozen lake at substantially cheaper than the original Proteus and is the start of the spring thaw! Stitching is off-line, off- very impressive for the price. For the purpose of this centre and generally awful. article, I bought a fairly rotten bag so that you don’t There is one interesting original idea though, and have to. Tucker couldn’t even bring himself to give it a that is a strap which serves as either a waist belt or serious savaging, I think he felt it was beneath him!

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SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!! ANOTHER MONTH HAS GONE BY, AND THE GOODIES FOR 2021 JUST KEEP ON ARRIVING! LAST TIME WE LOOKED AT SOME OF THE NEW AEGS AND GBBS THAT HAVE BEEN HITTING THE MARKET, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THERE’S NOT ACCESSORIES AND GEAR THAT WE CAN BE EQUALLY EXCITED ABOUT, SO HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE GOT THE AIRSOFT ACTION TEAM EXCITED THIS MONTH

o kick off we’re currently snowed in as we create this snow and spindrift. It’s an ideal jacket for this time month’s issue! Yup, you heard that right! Having said of year and for those chilly MilSim overnighters as Tthat we’ve been cooped up in our individual offices an extra shell layer, and it’s not even that expensive! over recent months, and like many of you have found one www.military1st.co.uk have these in stock right now day blurring into another, not so much working from home in four plain colours with sizes ranging from XS to a as living at work! With the cold weather very much upon us it’s been great fun to get out in the snow and, as one of whopping 4XL! our mantras is “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear” it’s finally given us a chance to try out a couple SNUGPAK of cold weather garments we’ve been holding onto! One jacket that we’ve REALLY been keeping back because it is actually SO specialist is the SJ12 PENTAGON Reversible from our good friends at Snugpak! The Lightweight and practical, the Panthiras Jacket SJ12 is Snugpak’s warmest jacket model and one, that from Pentagon is made of breathable fabrics (88% in its standard fettle, we’ve been very thankful for on Nylon 12% Elastane) with light padding (60Gsm cold range days and training courses. To be honest, 3M Insulation) for added warmth. The jacket comes it’s actually too warm if you’re doing much else with an adjustable hood with an elastic cord on the than standing still! The reversible model is obviously back, high collar with a chin guard and a full front designed for the likes of the Mountain and Arctic YKK zipper with a glove- Warfare friendly pull. There are two Cadre as one zipped hand pockets and one side is the internal zipped pocket traditional for documents, keys, Snugpak or other personal OD, whilst belongings. The the other is elasticated cuffs, pure, snowy bottom hem and white! This is hood provide a UK-made excellent protection insulated from the wind or jacket, a rain, and indeed technical from wind-driven jacket

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SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP suitable for extreme winter alpine conditions, so need without having to dig through a massive main the SJ12 is rated down to -20°C / -4°F and uses compartment, and it performs exceptionally well in windproof and weather-resistant Paratex Micro outer virtually all conditions. fabric, whilst inside the exclusive-to-Snugpak Softie Premier insulation retains heat and can even work TAIWANGUN when wet. Lightweight and packable, with a stuff Moving on to airsoft-specific items the next things sack included, the SJ12 Reversible offers warmth, on our list of “good kit” are actually re-issues that comfort and protection from the weather whenever we haven’t seen around for a little while, but we’re you need it. If you’re planning a winter adventure or very glad to see that the guys at www.taiwangun. expedition, the SJ12 reversible is an outer layer jacket com have found more of the MAG Midcap magazine that will keep you warm and comfortable whatever box sets! We still have a bunch of the MAG 100BB conditions you may encounter! AK74 magazines in the test pool, and after over ten years of both skirmish and test use we have to say WISPORT that they have stood up better then virtually any other We’ve made it pretty clear that we like the packs magazine of this style that we’ve come across! Not created by Polish brand WISPORT, and again at only are they sturdy and dependable, feeding in just Military1st we’ve noticed that they have some about every AK-AEG we’ve ever come across, but new colourways available in the different pack they’re also a far better “Bakelite” colour than most models to match your loadout, and one model too, and a box of five of these will set you up nicely in particular has caught our eye for most games! MAG also offer box sets of other for those summer weekenders styles of magazines, and once again the 130BB M16 we’re all looking forward to so shorties (box of seven) have served a number of us much, and that’s the very well for “Namsoft” over the years; whilst these CRAFTER. Designed haven’t had the abuse that the AK74 mags have, for one or two- they’ve still given great service, and the polymer shells day long trips, this have stood up to abuse really well. If you’re in need of new generation of multiple midcaps in one go, then the MAG boxes are single compartment excellent value for money! tactical backpacks has a lightweight and VORSK durable PU coated (for Of course if you’re buying magazines you’re going to added flexibility, impact need high-quality BBs to fill them with, and although and water resistance) we did announce this on the website quite recently Cordura construction, high we thought we’d give a bit more detail on the newly- functionality and innovative released VORSK BB range! VORSK have entered the technology. The main feature of BB market with one of the most comprehensive BB this unique backpack is a “U” shaped clamshell zip ranges that we’ve seen to date, comprising 5 styles, opening, which allows for quick and easy access to across 8 weight classes, with 6 different size options, the main compartment from the front. Wide and resulting in 96 unique products that come beautifully ergonomically shaped shoulder straps, together with and precisely packaged! padded waist belt help to distribute weight evenly Instead of being forced to buy over 3,000 BBs for and relieve the pressure from the back. The belt can each desired weight, VORSKs new, smaller container easily be detached from the rucksack which allows the sizes allow you to buy exactly what you need: 2,000 use of modular belt kit together with a tactical vest .25g and 1,100 .25g Tracer BBs for your AEG? No or plate carrier. Multiple quick-release buckles allow problem! A small bottle of .36g for your DMR? Easy! the backpack to be quickly dropped on the ground The convenience of having smaller bottles gives when required. The pack is also fully CamelBak the ability to carry them onto the field to match your compatible, with an easily accessible zipped hydration choice of primary, with the 2,000 BB bottle fitting compartment, and fully MOLLE compatible thanks nicely into a 40mm grenade pouch. Lower size to webbing placed around and inside the pack, and options also give players more choice when preparing also comes with waterproof rain cover hidden inside their loadouts. Of course, VORSK also want to provide easily accessible bottom compartment. The CRAFTER for players looking to purchase in bulk. The 3,600 BB (packed properly!) is big enough to fit everything you bottles offer additional savings when compared to

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KIT & GEAR

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

RWA AGENCY ARMS Okay, we couldn’t let a month go by and not include at least one shooter, now could we? Back in early December we posted on the website the imminent arrival of the new RWA Agency Arms EXA GBB pistol from Redwolf Airsoft (RWA), and we’re pleased to tell you that a test sample has literally just arrived with us from Redwolf UK. This is an exciting model, as it’s the first GBB Pistol that RWA has ever released under the Agency Arms and Lone Wolf Distribution license. At a glance, the EXA boasts Agency Arms’ EXA Hybrid slide cut, mid-line fluted outer barrel, and Lone Wolf’s signature Timberwolf frame custom modified to Agency specifications. Out of the box it feels superbly made, with a smooth action and sensitive trigger, and the the standard 3,000 and 3,300-count bottles and 1kg ergonomics are excellen The EXA pistol’s footprint resealable bags, along with huge 25 kg sacks finish off is similar to the Glock 17, so you’ll get holster the range of size options! Your favoured site will also compatibility as the EXA will fit holsters compatible play a role when deciding your choice of BB. Many with the Glock series of pistols (excluding 19, 19X, CQB Events are held inside, in contained areas, whilst 42, 45). As a final touch, the inner barrel is blacked the majority of skirmishes still take place on woodland out to add realism to its fluted, midline tapered barrel sites and these woodland sites can sometimes be which sits flush with the slide, with engravings on the found bordering Nature Reserves where there is a ejection port that denotes the real steel calibre. legal requirement to run Bio-Degradable BBs. In fact, Overall, this pistol is designed to provide you with location is key for some players in territories where the best performance features and details in this price plastic BBs are no longer used at all. VORSK’s range category, and from what we’ve already seen direct of Bio-Degradable BBs is broad to say the least, as from the “Redwolf stable” this model has a LOT to .20g to .43g BBs are on offer, as well as Bio BBs live up to and we can’t wait to get it on the range infused with Tracer Green for those night-time battles. as soon as possible! Even though February is a short Tracer Green and Tracer Red BBs are also available as month we’ll do our best to get this downrange and standard plastic. evaluated for a full report in the March 15 main issue We all know that high-grade BBs are essential but for now you can check out some great videos to get best performance from our AEGs and GBBs, from Redwolf’s very own Marck and Max by visiting and VORSK BBs come in with a consistent 5.95mm the EXA page on the Redwolf UK website! diameter (+/- 0.01 mm tolerance), are triple polished and manufactured in such a way as to ensure a consistent “centre of mass” throughout regardless of weight, which of course leads to enhanced performance, shot after shot; thankfully the guys at VORSK sent us a “goodie box” of the new BBs across the weight/type range and we’re pleased to report that in testing we found zero issues in loading and feeding, the new BBs performing very well indeed in multiple AEG and GBB platforms. We’ve come to expect A LOT from VORSK, and with the new BB range it would certainly appear from our initial 10m testing that once again they have met our expectations and surpassed them. You can check out all the new BBs by visiting the VORSK CONSUMABLES PAGE on the VORSK website, and we’re told that As usual, keep safe, stay frosty (no pun intended!) these will be arriving with your favourite shops right and keep prepping ready for the return of regular about now! games! AA

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BAGS OF OPINION HOW CAN YOU BE OPINIONATED... …WHEN THERE IS NOTHING GOING ON?! “LAST POST” WAS ALWAYS INTENDED TO BE A BIT OF LIGHT- HEARTED, SLIGHTLY RANTY, FUN. SINCE FRENCHIE IS GIVEN TO BEING A LITTLE OPINIONATED, THIS HAS GENERALLY PROVED NOT TOO DIFFICULT!

irsoft, like any other aspect of life, turns up the rig, just forward of the side centreline. What do you fabulous, the stupid, the silly and the dumb mean I’ve already given this too much thought?! Awith repetitive regularity. Or rather, it used to. The Maxi, despite its name, is not a big pouch, For nearly a year now, in case you hadn’t noticed, nowhere near as large as the Maxpedition Jumbo life in general has been anything but normal and Maxi but it is well thought out and well built. The airsoft has ground into complete inactivity. So, you’ll colour - Titanium (grey) - is nicely neutral and doesn’t forgive me if this month I make a start on a series that look out of place if you use this away from the site. I have been wanting to do for a while. If I had to give The central pouch is big enough for odds and sods - it a title, I suppose “Site to Street” would encapsulate chocolate, electrical tape, bag of BBs - stuff like that. it well. The lid is slightly elasticated to keep the elements As someone who wore camo trousers for nearly (and curious hands) out and the pouch is closed by a a decade (because working within airsoft you could drawstring. It’s held closed by a single strap and clip - get away with that) and let’s face it, they’re really the strap is a very decent length, handy if you need to practical, I have a penchant for kit that works both secure something that is too tall for the pouch itself. on site and on the street. Nowadays, that tends There is also a drainage grommet in the bottom of the to preclude camo for me but the increased use of pouch - a useful feature that’s often overlooked. Coyote brown, greys and other solid, neutral colours The zipped side pouches are large enough for on tactical gear ensures that this isn’t an issue. I’m things like a mobile phone, pistol magazines, hand also a bag whore and I refuse to apologise for it! So, sanitiser and are accessible without having to open it’s natural that I would gravitate towards these for the main pouch. There are mesh sleeves inside both, everyday carry. I’m going to go into these in greater allowing a degree of content organisation. They detail in future editions but this month I’m going have big zip pullers on them which will facilitate to have a look at the Viper Modular Maxi Pouch. I manipulation with gloved hands and my only criticism bought a couple of Viper bags through Viper Tactical is that they are slightly angled towards the front of the Shop. Despite the name this site is not an offshoot of pouch and that can be a slight irritant if you’re trying Thatchreed, Viper’s parent company but the service I to open them in a hurry, as the main lid gets in the received was outstanding nonetheless and I have no way. hesitation in recommending them. Under the lid, on the front face there is a simple This is a rarity - a pouch which I would happily sleeve pocket - ideal for pens or small tools and there incorporate into a MOLLE-based loadout. It’s a good are a couple of elastic loops in there to secure items size and would make a fantastic general-purpose better. pouch. In my head it sits on the left-hand side of my On the back, between the two MOLLE straps is

86 MARCH 2021 LAST POST

BAGS OF OPINION another sleeve pocket - this is handy as it can be used compared to some. That said, I was really impressed without having to open anything. The MOLLE setup is with this bag. It feels solid, I’m guessing the material good and solid - I suspect the stiff straps would punish is around 1,000 dernier, it’s well-designed and that fingers while fitting but it’s going absolutely nowhere design is well executed. I would put it up against the once attached. Maxpedition bags any day of the week in terms of A long shoulder strap is supplied, affixed by a snap function and it works better over the shoulder than clip at each end. With this in place the Maxi makes a the much more expensive American products. A little highly usable shoulder bag, albeit on the smaller side. fiddly to access at times but that is part of the size/ The strap mounting points are quite close together function compromise and I can live with that. Were it but the bag sits well regardless and it can be worn larger it couldn’t work as a pouch attached to LBE and on either side of the body and over the thickest of it will fulfil that role really well; I wish this had been clothing with ease. It’s also easy to put on and take off available years ago. - something that should never be taken for granted! If you regularly use a shoulder bag and this appeals, The additional spring clip pictured on mine was there better grab two, because you don’t want to be to hold filled “dog bags” until I could reach a bin! unravelling your MOLLE between every game. The As an everyday carry I rate it highly. With a bit suggested retail price is £25.00 but shop around - I of careful organisation it was capable of taking paid just over £10.00 for mine and for that paltry sum everything I normally carry in my 5.11 Bail Out Bag - a the Maxi is a stunning little bargain. much larger beast. The only thing I lost was the space Given my bag habit, you would be correct in to chuck some shopping in! assuming that I have loads of them strewn around That statement may serve to sum up the Maxi - the house. Many get little use, others like the 5.11 both on site and elsewhere - it’s a bag that is capable bag see near constant use - the Maxi will be my go-to of carrying what you put in it. I know that is rather when I want a tough, casual bag that isn’t so large as axiomatic, that is what bags do after all but some give to be intrusive. you a degree of flexibility to deal with unexpected Next month I’ll get opinionated about another bag carry requirements. That is a function of size and that should be really, really good but, sadly, isn’t for the Maxi just doesn’t have enough spare space the silliest of reasons! AA

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