Airsoft Action - August 2017

P L AY E R S ’

C H O I C E

B E S T

A I R S O F T

M A G A Z I N E

COMPETITION

WIN A SECUTOR RUDIS III AIRSOFT ACTION

PRACTICAL 3-GUN COMP NPPC FAREWELL

ARMOURY

INTERNATIONAL

PTS 308 GBB TM DETONICS E&L TACTICAL AK AS-01 STRIKER AMEOBA

“BIG” PHIL CAMPION AUG 2017

WARRI O RS

|

INSIDE AIRSOFT AIRSHOOTERS

REA L S T EEL

|

S URV I VA L

|

GIVE IT TO A GEEK

GM TACTICAL CUSTOM KYDEX UK A R A

|

IT’S A CLASSIC

9 772047 348032

AA INTERVIEW

08

PROUDLY SUPPORTING PILGRIM BANDITS

AUG 2017 - £4.50

>

FRANCE BELARUS TENERIFE

*

®

The leading online airsoft equipment specialist and authorised distributor of all the brands below

Call

0131 654 2452 Visit

LANDWARRIORAIRSOFT.COM

P L AY E R S ’

C H O I C E

B E S T

A I R S O F T

M A G A Z I N E

COMPETITION

20

12

WIN A SECUTOR RUDIS III AIRSOFT ACTION

PRACTICAL 3-GUN COMP NPPC FAREWELL

ARMOURY

INTERNATIONAL

PTS 308 GBB TM DETONICS E&L TACTICAL AK AS-01 STRIKER AMEOBA

|

INSIDE AIRSOFT

GIVE IT TO A GEEK

GM TACTICAL CUSTOM KYDEX

AIRSHOOTERS

R EA L S T EEL

|

S U RV I VA L

|

UKARA

|

I T’S A C L A SSI C

9 772047 348032

AUG 2017

WA R R I O R S

08

PROUDLY SUPPORTING PILGRIM BANDITS AA INTERVIEW

“BIG” PHIL CAMPION

AUG 2017 - £4.50

>

FRANCE BELARUS TENERIFE

ARMOURY: PTS MEGA ARMS MLL

ARMOURY: AMOEBA AS-01

26

Editor: Nigel Streeter Assistant Editor: Gareth “Gadge” Harvey Graphic Design: Havoc Design Ad Design: Havoc Design Publisher: Nigel Streeter

UK 13-issue subscription rate: £46.50 UK 6-issue subscription rate: £24.00 For overseas prices email: subs@airsoft-action.co.uk

Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Upper Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6PL Tel: 01684 878 003 Web: www.airsoft-action.online ©Calibre Publishing Limited 2017 Distribution: Distributed to the newstrade by Comag Magazine Marketing, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7QE T: 01895 433 800 Copyright © Calibre Publishing Limited 2017. 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.

FIND US ON… facebook.com/AirsoftAction

SITE: THE FOUNDRY

40

INTERNATIONAL: FRANCE OP INDOCHINA

32 64

EVENT: SOVIET THREAT

85

Search ‘Airsoft Action’

Letter, idea or question?

Got something to say? A question for our experts? An article or article idea?

Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the editor (nige@airsoft-action.co.uk), write to us at the Calibre Publishing address above, or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook.

SPECIAL FEATURE: A CLASSIC: “ BIG” PHIL CAMPION IT’S MOLLE INTERVIEW

CONTENTS AUGUST MARCH 2014 2017

CONTENTS AUGUST 2017 6

NEWS

10 ROGUE’S GALLERY Cool photos of Airsoft Action readers.

11 HOW TO AIRSOFT Airsoft Action’s exclusive cartoon.

12 ARMOURY: PTS MEGA ARMS MLL When gas blow back rifles go “308” you’re going to need big arms to cope with the Mega Arms MML MATEN, as Scott Allan reports.

16 ARMOURY: E&L AK74UN An airsoft AK is an airsoft AK right?

Wrong, especially when it’s an E&L! Jerry Noone looks to his favourite member of the AK family to see what makes the E&L range just that little bit special.

20 ARMOURY: AMOEBA AS-01 Airsoft Action’s French Contributor, Diane Montagnier, sees if Amoeba’s first sniper rifle lives up to the promise of their earlier releases.

22 PRACTICAL SHOOTING: 3-GUN MilSim player and practical shooting convert, Ryan Renard, reports from his first competitive 3-Gun event, where he discovers there is more to it than just “running and gunning”.

26 SITE: THE FOUNDRY Just days after getting back from the USA, Kelly “Femme Fatale” Hardwick reports from closer to home at the opening of a new CQB site in Leeds, where she also got to meet an SAS legend.

32 INTERNATIONAL: FRANCE OP INDOCHINA Diane Montagnier swaps her rifle for camera and gets fully immersed in the French Indochina War. 36 FEATURE: OLD BLOKES & AIRSOFT Airsoft veteran, “Old Man” Les Lee, puts down his listening trumpet to pick up his quill and scribe about a subject close to his heart …and his eyes …and his legs.

40 EVENT: SOVIET THREAT Cold War aficionado, Gadge Harvey, reports from an event that took place at location of the “secret” kind.

44 LEGAL: PACA 2017 & UKARA A lot has been spoken about the involvement of UKARA with regards to the Police and Crime Act 2017, so Frenchie dug out his deer-stalker and magnifying glass to bring us the real story.

48 LUL: IWA WRAP UP In his final instalment covering Airsoft Action’s trip to the IWA show in Germany earlier this year Bill Thomas brings us his recommendations and top picks of the gear that’s now beginning to hit the stores.

52 INTERNATIONAL: BELARUS Maria Litvinova starts a two-part article on the growth of Urban Airsoft in the former soviet state of Belarus, where developing tactical skills is at the top of the agenda.

56 ACTION AIR: THE END OF AN ERA South West Practical Shooters (SWPS) report from the last ever Action Air IPSC “Level 1” Club Competition to be held at the Northern Practical Pistol Club (NPPC) in Burnley.

60 INSIDE AIRSOFT: AIRSHOOTERS Les Lee continues his tour through UK airsoft with a visit to a company in Essex with big plans.

64 SPECIAL FEATURE: “BIG” PHIL CAMPION INTERVIEW Kelly “Femme Fatale” Hardwick interviews Phil Campion, who describes himself as “a 47 year old retired SAS trooper who has been around, more than a little bit”.

66 GITAG: GM TACTICAL Jerry Noone speaks to the founder of GM Tactical to find out just what goes into creating excellence.

68 WARRIORS: SOVIET SABOTEURS IN THE UK Gadge ponders on what “Soviet Special Forces” would look like if they had been sent to sabotage British bases during the 80s East vs West tensions…

72 INTERNATIONAL: TENERIFE When thinking about airsoft internationally, Tenerife is probably not the first place that comes to mind but there is a thriving airsoft community on the island, as Gerry Noone reports.

74 SURVIVAL: GET HOME BAG Paul Yelland writes about a very useful piece of equipment that you never want to use but is indispensable if, or when you need it.

76 AA COMPETITION: WITH THE HUNTER’S SIDEARM! Answer one simple question to win the brilliant Secutor Rudis III that Angelo Di Vito reviewed in last month’s Airsoft Action.

78 REAL STEEL: L1A1 SLR Gareth “Gadge” Harvey is no stranger to this epitome of British weaponry and to many who used it, it is still fondly remembered.

80 ARMOURY: TM DETONICS Known to most as a fairly large frame handgun, even the mighty “Colt .45” has its smaller siblings.

Jerry Noone takes a look at one such model that’s a right little corker!

85 IT’S A CLASSIC: MOLLE Gadge continues his look at classic pieces of military kit used in airsoft with one that has become an “industry standard”.

86 SITE DIRECTORY & PRACTICAL PISTOL CLUBS Looking for a skirmish site, or your local Airsoft Practical Pistol Club?

Then we may have the answer, with pages of sites and clubs throughout the UK.

s w e N t f o s Air

UKARA News WITH OVER 50,000 registered players, 200 sites and 70 plus retailers all using the UKARA database, when something goes wrong (as it did recently), it can cause problems.

As things get back to normal Airsoft Action has received the following statement from UKARA: “UKARA would like to pass on our apologies for the problems with the player database which caused problems for players buying guns, site updates and retailer lookups.

The problem was caused by out of date code, on an out of date server, being attacked by malicious individuals. This status was unknown to UKARA due to the control of the data being by a 3rd party company commissioned 10 years ago, when the database was first created.

None of the 50,000 plus player details was lost or accessed but what happened over a sustained period was a “Denial of Service” (DoS) attack.

The server people refused to keep defeating the attackers and eventually turned off the server.

Within a week of this UKARA provided retailers with temporary access to look up player’s details but other functionality had to be redeveloped into a new more robust system.

During the limited access period, the UKARA admin people were manually renewing players and adding new ones. There are still some who need adding but, on the whole, we have caught up adding playing data.

Last week, on the 5th June, sites were given access to renew players and for the first time sites will be 6

August 2017

able to ADD their own players to the database.

Retailers received access to the new system this week, on the 12th June.

What is available is still a “work in progress” and there will be numerous enhancements over the coming months but our priority was to get a system back up and usable.

For now, players entering their own data into the system is suspended as

No other group has been asked to contribute or help, it was solely through the use of retailer annual payments.

I think we have achieved the best possible results for the industry.

The remaining funds UKARA receives each year are used to pay for approximately 20 hours of admin a week, web site development and server hosting costs.

None of the 50,000 plus player details was lost or accessed but what happened over a sustained period was a “Denial of Service” (DoS) attack this we think was the main assault route, so this process will have to be rethought so as to prevent disruption to the main system in the future.

On a different subject, UKARA has been very active in lobbying the Government and working with the Home Office to try to achieve the best results we could from the Policing and Crime Bill 2017.

We have spent a large amount of money with industry experts so as to get the best we could for the Airsoft Industry (money that has been saved over the years from retailer annual fees for accessing the UKARA system).

Full normal service should resume shortly and I would like to again apologise for the drop in service during the last 2-3 months.

I hope to provide more information soon about UKARA’s discussions with the UK Border Force and Crown Prosecution Service, so that people fully understand the problems with importing and breaking the law when dealing with full auto airsoft guns over 1.3 joules.”

For more information and to keep up to date with developments, visit: www.ukara.org.uk

Airsoft News

TRAINING WITH LACTS WITH MORE PLAYERS than ever before joining the many thousands that already enjoy airsoft, it is becoming vitally important that we all have an understanding of basic first aid.

for just £20 per person but are willing to travel to other parts of the country to provide their courses. Of course, the cost will reflect where they have to travel to etc. but their aim is to keep it as low as

Many marshals are already trained to deal with minor emergencies but they cannot always be first on the scene, should an accident happen and with that in mind, Lincolnshire & Counties Training Solutions are now offering low cost, fully (OfQual) accredited Emergency First Aid courses to any airsoft player or organisation that wants it.

At present they teach in the village of Kirton Lindsey, at a purpose built centre,

possible, to make accessible to as many as possible.

Each student will receive an Accreditation Certificate as well as a comprehensive Emergency First Aid reference book.

For more information about upcoming courses, or to book, please contact LACTS: http://www.lacts.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/ lincolnshireandcountiestrainingsolutions https://www.facebook.com/ events/475249839482218

New Heavyhitters from ASG ACTIONSPORTGAMES, the world famous airsoft company based in Denmark, has announced the expansion of their “Precision Ammunition” BB series, to include both .36 and .43 Heavy BBs. These will perfectly compliment the already much-favoured .40 BB, which has proved to be an excellent choice when running a DMR or Sniper platform. So much so, that the entire range is endorsed by none other than Accuracy International’s Dave Walls, the man behind “The World’s Best Sniper Rifle” – and you can’t get better than that!

ASG Precision Ammunition is available from all good airsoft outlets worldwide.

For more information, visit: www.actionsportgames.com

NEW PISTOL CLUB AT BOMB UP AIRSOFT

Runcorn-based Bomb Up Airsoft have recently launched their new “Time Trial Pistol Club” evening, which started on 20th June and will be held each Tuesday.

There is a two-lane firing range, Man v Man Time Attack and both individuals and teams are welcome.

The cost is just £10 per person and there are monthly league tables and prizes to be won.

For more information, call Bomb Up Airsoft, on: 0800 131 3012.

8

August 2017

AA GALLERY READERS’ PHOTOS

ROGUE’S GALLERY

From Harry Shutler. A player takes the ready stance waiting for the “all clear” after a cease fire was called during the game. Taken at Dogtag Airsoft, Horsham, West Sussex.

Information Fancy seeing yourself in Airsoft Action?

Send in your photos via email (nige@airsoft-action.co.uk) or share on our Facebook page (/AirsoftAction), plus a few words describing what’s going on in the image.

Greg Cross at DogTag Airsoft

10

AUGUST 2017

Richard Jarrett and son Ben (a full-time soldier) at Spartan Airsoft– a good bonding day getting shoot at.

CARTOON

www.airsoft-action.online

11

ARMOURY PTS MEGA ARMS MLL

WHEN GAS BLOW BACK RIFLES GO “308” YOU’RE GOING TO NEED BIG ARMS TO COPE WITH THE MEGA ARMS MML MATEN, AS SCOTT ALLAN REPORTS.

MEGA ARMS MML MATEN IT’S OVER A YEAR LATE from when we saw it at SHOT Show last year but was it worth the wait …or is it just going to be a bag of hot air?

PTS Syndicate, who used to be known at Magpul PTS a few years back have been promising this rifle for some time. Like so many things in Airsoft, release dates are total make believe and items randomly appear. PTS already have their existing LM4 KWA-based Mega Arms electric and gas blow back line and

they are very good performers, in fact they are pretty much the best in their target market.

As a company, PTS have had a tough few years postMagpul license. They had to reinvent themselves with their own branded stocks and grips, ensuring it was the same quality as the previous Magpul replica parts they made - but with their own twist and all of that while making something that the players actually wanted. Working with new real steel companies, such as Mega Arms, is a sure-fire way to delivering excellent-looking products that carry full licensing.

This isn’t the first Gas Blow Back (GBB) by PTS, in fact this is getting near the end of their announced line now. The GBB Masada and AR15 platforms have been around for a considerable amount of time. This is, however, one of the first 308 calibre rifles done in GBB that firstly, doesn’t suck massively and secondly doesn’t break the bank. While no GBB of high quality is ever cheap, the 308 Maten is considerably cheaper than a lot of lesser competitors …but maybe not cheap enough. Why this rifle wasn’t electric I’ll never know, will they ever release an electric version? The question remains sadly unanswered at this stage.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE REAL STEEL

Mega Arms are based in Washington State, south of Seattle, which isn’t the usual hot bed for shooting manufacturers admittedly. Working with PTS for some time now, we’ve seen their unique and exciting products arriving on the Airsoft market with good reception. The latest in new fashionable calibres being announced, such as 6.5 Creedmore, Mega Arms 12

August 2017

ARMOURY PTS MEGA ARMS MLL

are definitely covering all the bases. The MATEN system is their current flagship and coupled with Magpul’s MLOK system, the platform is cutting edge on the compatibility front. There are no signs that Mega Arms will not continue to go from strength to strength and, hopefully, working with PTS along the way.

BACK TO THE PTS VERSION

The OEM manufacturer Yih Kai - the parent company of KWA - makes the 308 MML for PTS and if they are known for one thing, it is making excellent GBB systems. The Mega Arms 308 MATEN uses the dependable Force Velocity system. This is the same system used in the LM4, KWA’s very own GBB range.

Normally the bonus with using the LM4 platform is the crosscompatible magazines but this is a 308 rifle, which means a whole new magazine system and probably magazine pouches to store them all.

The rifle being a 16” barrel means it is long and coupled with the gorgeous lightweight 14” MLOK rail you feel every inch of it (reading that back is sounds pretty bad but also funny).

The MLOK rail should not be confused with the cheaper copies that are not true MLOK specification, this type is fully certified by Magpul and will accept all aftermarket parts, even the real steel. The Mega Arms markings on the receiver are definitely eye-catching and distinctive, being cut into the aluminium bodywork rather than laser etched.

Sporting some of the newest parts from PTS, such as their new Enhanced Polymer Stock (EPS) which is suitable for real fire arms, Enhanced Back Up Iron Sight (EPBUIS) that hark back to the Magpul types and the Enhanced Polymer Grip (EPG), giving you the grip where and when you need it. All of the Enhanced Polymer parts by PTS are high-end products developed to give you everything you could want and need from a real steel product.

The magazine… Oh dear, the magazine, is heavy! Its exterior is a tough Dupont Zytel polymer that I have long believed helps combat the cool down effect you suffer with metal magazines. The magazines do have a “real steel” weight and feel to them, giving the player the ultimate realism feeling having them contained in their rig, this can be a bonus or a negative depending on the player.

PERFORMANCE

GBB rifles are fickle beasts and this has led to a large number of players converting them to HPA. I find this a major faff around, changing a bayonet lug on a magazine after changing a magazine, so personally would avoid this. In fairness to HPA I can see why people do it, it does make it cost effective and gives you a much more consistent performance.

The MATEN has quite possibly the heaviest recoil and realistic bolts I’ve ever seen on a rifle. It’s huge, heavy and awesome, providing the highest level of recoil I think I’ve ever felt from a GBB. The day I tested the 308 it was a cool day, around 13 degrees. Straight out of the box using a standard green gas, the rifle chronographed at a high of

369fps (1.266J) with a Blaster 0.20g and a low of 347fps (1.12J) through a SKAN Chronograph. I should have cleaned everything out thoroughly and relubed it all but I couldn’t wait, like the impatient child that I am. The firing modes of single and three round burst are good but in the colder weather the three round did seems to struggle to smoothly cycle. It fired all the rounds but failed to lock back, I would have been pretty surprised if it had managed it.

SUMMARY OF THE FEATURES

When you break it down this really is a DMR rifle, much like its real counterpart. So much like its real cousin you aren’t going to be at the front of the battlefield trading shots point blank, not to say that you couldn’t but it’s a big heavy beast to do it with. The length is akin to an M16 but it is heavier than almost any other AEG out there, except some of the heavier LMGs you see around.

The Mega Arms is probably one of the most likely rifles to actually give you “mega arms” and probably a

“THE MAGAZINES DO HAVE A “REAL STEEL” WEIGHT AND FEEL TO THEM, GIVING THE PLAYER THE ULTIMATE REALISM FEELING HAVING THEM CONTAINED IN THEIR RIG, THIS CAN BE A BONUS OR A NEGATIVE DEPENDING ON THE PLAYER.” bit of a sore lower back too. On the bang for your buck front, it is always hard to justify a GBB, they are more realistic and undeniably they are more fun but they rarely stand toe to toe against an AEG. There is around £115 just in the stock, grip and sights. Not to mention a good front rail will cost you over £100 and then the magazine is £50. So £265 of your £495 is spoken for just there and I think that is a little reassuring.

SUMMARY OF THE PERFORMANCE

A GBB is never about the endless magazine dumping during a game and the 308 would not suit the drum magazine-loving, BBspewing machine. What it is in Airsoft terms for me, is an expensive training tool for those who

www.airsoft-action.online

13

ARMOURY PTS MEGA ARMS MLL

“THE MATEN HAS QUITE POSSIBLY THE HEAVIEST RECOIL AND REALISTIC BOLTS I’VE EVER SEEN ON A RIFLE. IT’S HUGE, HEAVY AND AWESOME, PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF RECOIL I THINK I’VE EVER FELT FROM A GBB.” want to operate as a person would in a real life scenario, or for those who want an extremely nice GBB DMR. With a 35-round magazine you have a little more than a standard real steel AR15. The real glory during a game comes when you claim a victim, picking your targets carefully for maximum effect. My concern, in Scotland particularly, is that all gas products do suffer in colder or damp weather but with companies such as WE Europe producing some powerful gasses and HPA, there is no reason that you couldn’t run this all year around. You would just have to plan ahead.

USE IN THE GAME FIELD

Heavy magazines are a concern for me as I would naturally prefer to run a chest rig. With 4 spare magazines weighing nearly 4 kilos in total, I would switch to a 6094/JPC type plate carrier to help support the magazines. Also keeping gas nearby so you can refill mid-game will be an on-going issue. You could, however, go for the sniper role with the 308 and ghillie up, fit a silencer and go all out Mark Wahlberg from Shooter. That would be some of the most fun I’d have with the 308. I just struggle to see you using this in anything more than a DMRtype role, although anything is possible and I’d happily see someone prove me completely wrong.

CONCLUSION

It’s over 4 kilos on its own, the magazines are just under a kilo each and you’ll need a lot of gas to keep shooting. Then

14

August 2017

features Magazine Capacity: 35 rounds PTS Sights PTS Stock PTS Grip MLOK 14” Rail Fully Licensed Gas System: Force Velocity [FV] Propellant: Green Gas Outer Barrel Length: 16” Overall Length: 93cm Weight: 4.1kg Velocity: 340-370fps (with Blaster 0.20g and WE Green Gas at 13c) RRP £495 there is the cost, £500 for a rifle and £50 per magazine gets expensive very quickly.

The recoil is nothing short of spectacular, really it is. It’s not quite real 308 but it’s around the same as 5.56 quite easily.

It is a specialist rifle that is for sure but a very rewarding and beautifully made one.

Now if only they’d make the electric recoil version!

ARMOURY E&L AK74UN

ALL THE BEST THINGS… AN AIRSOFT AK IS AN AIRSOFT AK RIGHT? WRONG, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S AN E&L! JERRY NOONE LOOKS TO HIS FAVOURITE MEMBER OF THE AK FAMILY TO SEE WHAT MAKES THE E&L RANGE JUST THAT LITTLE BIT SPECIAL. ALTHOUGH I’M A HUGE FAN of all of the family “Automat Kalashnikova” I have to say that my personal favourite, both in real and replica form, is the smallest member, the AKS 74U. Over the years there has always been one of these in my

personal airsoft collection and I went through a number of electric versions before finally settling on my current gas model.

However, when my mate Ross from NUPROL called me to say that they would be taking on the distribution of the E&L Airsoft brand in the UK in an exclusive agreement, he certainly got my attention. I’ve been following the E&L online group for some time now and the brand certainly has a very committed following and the general consensus has been that they are superbly well made AEGs with great performance out of the box.

E&L are a Chinese company that have quite quietly been making inroads to the UK market with their fabulously made AK variants. Although they are well known for their real firearms, namely the Type 56, they don’t take parts from real AKs and convert them to airsoft parts, which of course could be massively problematical legally in the UK but instead, they have modified their plant so the parts they make are ONLY made for airsoft guns and could have no real world application.

What they do differently is to make their airsoft guns up to real firearm standards using real wood and steel which makes them look and feel incredibly realistic!

A RIGHT LITTLE BE-ATCH!

The original AK47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s, has been in service since its initial adoption by select units of the Soviet Army in 1948. In 1959 the AKM, Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy, or modernised AK, was introduced and this model is probably the most ubiquitous variant of the entire AK series and it has been adopted by 16

August 2017

ARMOURY E&L AK74UN

“I WAS IMMENSELY IMPRESSED THAT THE SU ALSO ARRIVED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FROM THE FACTORY AND THAT UNDER THE TOP COVER WAS A STICKER CONFIRMING THAT IT WAS FITTED WITH AN M100 SPRING. I PERSONALLY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE SO NUPROL WERE NOT JOKING IN ANY WAY WHEN THEY TOLD ME THAT EVERY E&L THEY DISTRIBUTE WILL BE CE APPROVED AND FULLY UK COMPLIANT. ABSOLUTE TOP MARKS HERE!” most member states of the former Warsaw Pact and many African and Asian allies as well. It has been widely exported and produced in many other countries, although in Russia the production of these rifles was carried out at both the Tula Arms Plant and Izhmash.

The AK74 was developed in the early 1970s, again by Mikhail Kalashnikov, as the replacement for the earlier AKM. It uses a smaller 5.45×39mm cartridge, replacing the 7.62×39mm chambering of earlier Kalashnikov rifles. The rifle first saw service with Soviet forces in Afghanistan during the 1980s and continues to be used by the majority of countries of the former USSR. Licensed copies have also been manufactured in Bulgaria, East Germany and Romania. Besides former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries, Mongolia, North Korean Special Forces and Vietnamese People’s Naval infantry use AK74s so, once again, it’s a rifle that ticks many, many boxes for the airsofter.

The AKS74 (“S” standing for “skladnoy”, or “folding”), was developed in tandem with the full-stock version of the AK74 and is equipped with a side-folding metal stock; it was developed primarily for use by airborne infantry. Like many designers though, Kalashnikov had the idea to make an even shorter carbine variant, almost a submachine gun that retained the rifle chambering for commonality of use in relation to ammunition and spare parts.

In 1973, a design competition was initiated in The Soviet Union to find a fully automatic carbine; the Russians had no doubt seen the effectiveness of the XM177 variants in use with US Special Forces in Vietnam and made the decision that

their specialist units should have access to something similar.

Kalashnikov was already quite a long way down the development path with his own design and although a number of other designers put forward competitors, it was the AKS74U (“U” for “ukorochenniy”, or “shortened”) that was adopted. Initially the carbine was issued to a few very select units but by 1979 it was far more widespread, being fielded by Special Forces, airborne infantry, rear-echelon support units and vehicle and helicopter crews.

The size reduction as whole resulted in a very small, relatively lightweight, effective and highly manoeuvrable weapon - but one that needed upmost respect from the user.

Such a short carbine which makes use of the 5.45mm round used in the full size rifles is a bit of a handful to say the least and the extreme muzzle blast and recoil soon earned the AKS74U the nickname of “suchka” or “little bitch”!

www.airsoft-action.online

17

ARMOURY E&L AK74UN

LOVELY INTERNALS!

When the “suchka” arrived at the office I was surprised at how heavy it seemed; the real SU weighs in at 2.7 kg/6.0 lbs and the replica comes in at 3.2 kg/7.05 lbs, the slight additional weight being down to internal parts that don’t need to be there in the real world. There is also another reason for this weight and that’s because the E&L replica is 100% full steel. If you’re buying a more “classic” model not only do E&L have “real steel” plant for the metalwork but they also have a complete woodworking shop where the wood parts and scrupulously finished to the highest standard by a carpenter’s hand. The wood parts are first boiled in oil to dehydrate them and then subjected to seven different processes before final staining and a hand polish. I’m going to say that they are probably better finished than you’d find on a real AK! E&L Airsoft have teamed up with partners known for making very high quality internal parts for the Japanese market, so you can expect the internals to be interchangeable with others out there. Inside, there’s a Type 3 gearbox employing Japanese technology with super tensile pistons, tappet plates and high torque motor. Not only are the E&Ls beautifully finished externally but inside things are equally precise. You have CNC steel gears and 9mm bearings, a one piece CNC steel cylinder, a super wear-resistant POM piston with silent piston head and that high-torque motor; all the wiring throughout is high quality low resistance silver cord. Basically everything just oozes quality and will easily support power upgrades.

The short RIS fixed solidly to the “tactical” model gives it that modern look and you also get the side mount point, where you can add a side scope mount as standard on this model too.

With the conical flash hider and booster along with the RIS at the sharp end and the folding stock at the other it almost has that factory-fresh feel about it - and it arrives very lightly oiled so you even get “that smell”. E&L go as far as supplying a green plastic oil bottle as part of the deal, which indicates to me that the externals will need to be kept maintained. In addition to all the usual features the E&L is neatly finished off with a “SAW” style pistol grip.

Given that the internals are of the finest quality I had no doubt that out-of-the-box performance would be right up with the best of them and I wasn’t to be disappointed! Using

“THE WOOD PARTS ARE FIRST BOILED IN OIL TO DEHYDRATE THEM AND THEN SUBJECTED TO SEVEN DIFFERENT PROCESSES BEFORE FINAL STAINING AND A HAND POLISH. I’M GOING TO SAY THAT THEY ARE PROBABLY BETTER FINISHED THAN YOU’D FIND ON A REAL AK!”

18

August 2017

.20g RZR BBs the SU delivered a massively consistent chrono reading of 1.1 Joule/345fps, which is absolutely perfect.

Although I like to confirm published power levels myself I was immensely impressed that the SU also arrived with a certificate of compliance from the factory and that under the top cover was a sticker confirming that it was fitted with an M100 spring.

I personally have never seen this before so NUPROL were not joking in any way when they told me that every E&L they distribute will be CE Approved and fully UK compliant. Absolute top marks here!

In my experience airsoft SUs have bizarrely, given their relatively short inner barrel, been insanely accurate and it’s one of the reasons why I love them so much. With the 120BB mid-cap magazine topped off it was time to set the hop and the “slide” adjuster is easily accessed by simply pulling back the charging handle. Like all AKs the SU has the lever fire selector with up being safe, mid-point being full auto and fully down being semi. With semi engaged the E&L went off with a right “crack” sending BBs unerringly to target at 30m. Cranking up to full and this just increased the number of BBs going downrange without losing any accuracy at all.

With a retail price iro £300 this is one hell of a performer; okay, I am biased because I love the SU so much as a model but after owning many, I have to tell you that this is genuinely one of the very best AEG versions I’ve ever encountered. The externals are absolutely spot on, the internals are the very best they can be and the performance is first rate; this little AEG has honestly been worth the wait!

My thanks got to www.nuprol.com for the loan of the test sample and once they get the distribution rolling expect to see E&L Airsoft models in all good airsoft retailers!

ARMOURY AMOEBA AS-01

AN AMOEBA THAT B AIRSOFT ACTION’S FRENCH CONTRIBUTOR, DIANE MONTAGNIER, SEES IF AMOEBA’S FIRST SNIPER RIFLE LIVES UP TO THE PROMISE OF THEIR EARLIER RELEASES. AMOEBA IS A BRAND BELONGING to Ares. All Amoeba’s AEG are very appreciated at the moment by airsofters, like the Honey Badger and all the AM-008, AM-009, KM9 or KM10 products. In parallel, Amoeba has released a range of airsoft sniper rifles that are really interesting. The AMOEBA AS-01 STRIKER is the brand’s first airsoft sniper, available since the beginning of the year. Here is a short review.

UNBOXING

The AS-01 STRIKER is delivered in a pretty cool cardboard box.

The box’s prints are colored and attractive, colorful and well designed. The contents are only protected by a cardboard. It is perhaps a bit of a shame that the inside of the box is so poor, compared to the external. But it is enough to protect the airsoft sniper during shipping.

The box contains the airsoft sniper and a 45 rounds magazine. We can also find a bb loader tube and a long cleaning rod. The manual is only in English but it is really clear.

20

August 2017

Illustrations and instructions are very clear and understandable, especially to adjust the settings (hop-up, security/fire mode, loading operation).

It cost up to 170 Euros in France, about 126 GBP. The Amoeba Striker is not a full replica of a firearm. It is a kind of interpretation based on the Remington 700 Magpul stock but it is ready to play, with all the pieces assembled inside the box.

This replica is the DE color model, weighs 2.35 kg for 1090 mm length. It is also available in Black, OD and Urban Grey.

This replica is a very beautiful airsoft sniper and the finishes are meticulous for the price. There are a few failed moldings under the stock but these are very slight. The stock is full made of polymer, a bit rough. It looks very strong, the polymer is hard to damage in any way. The power is about 420 fps (in France and depends on the country regulation and shops).

The buttpad is full polymer and fixed to the stock with 2 Allen screws and these 2 screws also hold a metal sling loop.

The trigger guard is made of polymer, so as the magcatch. This one can be used in 2 different ways: on the front of the mag catch or with your finger under the trigger guard. This system gives a better polyvalence depending on the situation.

The magazine is also made of polymer. Its overall dimensions are 11x11x3 cm. and there are pleasing .338 Win. marks on it and the brand marks on both sides.

The bolt is made of metal. The cocking lever is made of metal too and has a standard appearance but the cocking mechanism is very smooth. There is also a standard picatinny rail under the bolt, which is 18cm length. The hop-up setting is located on the top of this rail, thanks to an Allen screw.

There is no mechanical sights on this replica, so a scope will be necessary. A very good point is that the AS-01 has a switch fire mode, which is a kind of security lever. If the flip switch is toward the rear, it is the safe mode, if the flip switch is toward the front, it is the fire mode.

The fluted outer barrel is made of metal too, with marks.

It is not a cylindrical barrel but a conical one. The flash hider is unscrewable but this is 23mm CW and looks specific. Then, there is a front metal sling swivel.

It is possible to change the sniper appearance thanks to a

ARMOURY AMOEBA AS-01

T BITES!

wide range of accessories. It’s easy to find silencer, different flash hiders, pistol grips, cheek pieces, adjustable stocks and also many different cocking levers in order to customize the replica and mix accessories and colors! These accessories are not so expensive and regardless to the replica’s price, it’s a good deal.

“IT’S DEFINITELY A VERY GOOD AIRSOFT SNIPER. FOR PURISTS, IT’S A FANTASY REPLICA BUT IT WILL SUIT NEW AIRSOFTERS WHO WANTS TO DISCOVER SNIPING WITH A LOW BUDGET.”

HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?

This airsoft sniper is really easy to disassembly. It doesn’t need too many tools or skills.

At first, on both side of the trigger guard, there are 2 screws to remove with an Allen key n°3. Thus, the trigger guard can be removed, so as the bolt/outer barrel block and the stock.

Then, it’s necessary to take off the load indicator pin, in order to separate the bolt and the cocking lever. The whole coking lever is composed by a specific metal cylinder head, a linear AEG type spring, a specific metal spring guide and a specific metal cylinder. I notice that it’s possible to put silent damper VSR type on the cylinder head if the sniper is too noisy. If all these pieces are unfortunately specific, a lot of upgrade parts will be available soon. For example, Action Army Company showed at the beginning of May on its Facebook page a new hop-up block.

Let’s continue the disassembling. In order to separate the handguard from the outer barrel, the sling swivel has to be unscrewed. Thanks to this, these 2 parts can be easily separated.

A very important thing, to unscrew the outer barrel from the bolt block, the hop-up allen screw must be unscrewed. The loading tube (in the magazine well) can be removed with a large flat screwdriver. At that time, it is possible to unscrew the outer barrel and then have an access to the hop-up block and the inner barrel.

The hop-up block is completely specific, it’s not possible to replace it by a VSR type or a T96 type. It is made of plastic and its 2 parts are assembled by 4 Phillips-head screws. The red hop rubber and the inner barrel, made of brass, are VSR type standard. The inner barrel is 550mm length and its aperture is closed.

It seems that the inner diameter is 6.03mm.

So, it’s finally easy to change these pieces by however the one you want.

CONCLUSION

It’s definitely a very good airsoft sniper. For purists, it’s a fantasy replica but it will suit new airsofters who wants to discover sniping with a low budget. For experienced airsofters, there is unfortunately not too much upgrade pieces for the moment.

This point will be probably reviewed in a few months and we should have good news for potentials upgrades. For the left handed airsofters, we must live with but the cocking mechanism is very smooth to be used by all airsofters.

To conclude, according to the price, the value is very surprising. It’s very simple to change the spring and the global appearance, thanks to many accessories currently available.

It’s the first Amoeba’s airsoft sniper and it is a little success!

www.airsoft-action.online

21

event THREE GUN

BAPTISM OF FIRE MILSIM PLAYER AND PRACTICAL SHOOTING CONVERT, RYAN RENARD, REPORTS FROM HIS FIRST COMPETITIVE 3-GUN EVENT, WHERE HE DISCOVERS THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN JUST “RUNNING AND GUNNING”. Photography by Airsoft Media Ops. 3-GUN IS A SPORT FOREVER growing in popularity. Gaining a secure foothold in American with real steel and an evergrowing place in the eastern continents, Jon Cull, Pete Thornton and Matt Reed looked to kick-start a following in Britain.

Based around the use of three guns; pistol, shotgun and rifle, the sport operates around the accurate shooting of targets in the fastest time possible. Still a fledgling sport in the UK, the rules were as simple as possible with an emphasis on trialling rules and having fun.

It is important to say right up front, that I am a skirmisher, more so into his Milsim and when my good friend, OB, first got into the sport of competitive shooting, I was one of many to make jokes and have a friendly laugh about it. Eventually he ground me down and convinced me to try it and I instantly saw the positive aspects. It trained my shooting accuracy, shooting speed and draw speed, along with improving my target acquisition – all things that I find immensely effective in game play.

22

August 2017

What stood out to me most of all and by far my favourite aspect, was the incredibly friendly and supportive atmosphere.

We had an eclectic group of people from all walks of life, all ages and interests, hanging out and having fun, much the same with airsoft.

Not being much of a pistol only man, I jumped at the chance to test my mettle with something I felt far more comfortable with, a rifle and shotgun and signed up to the event. OB agreed to come with me for support, as did both our partners.

To prepare myself for the event I really did not have a lot to go on. However, I knew the established rules, my preference in what I was to use and a space to practise in at the DTPSC (Double Tap Practical Shooting Club), of which I am a member.

They kindly lent me some space and time after the main pistol training to try to hone my skills and put some rounds downrange.

On the day of the event, I saw many different styles of rifles, shotguns and pistols. Having been told to “run what you brung”, those that cannot fill all slots would be allowed to borrow, or share equipment. I settled on my WE GBB 416, a borrowed Tokyo Marui M870 and my trusty TM USP C. I tried my best to keep with “realism” first. My exception in this case was the M870, as it did not eject shells, however, still fired a more concentrated spread. Some people brought CAM 870s and the jealousy bug certainly bit, though it turned out later in the day this would not be the advantage I would have thought.

After some rough and lonely training, learning to ground the rifles, collect from tables and “run ’n gun”, I began the drive up early on Sunday with full party in tow to arrive in Desborough early in the morning for sign up. Having done all my preparation the evening before, a trait carried over from my Milsim and skirmish experiences, I knew I had little to do beside sign up, pay my fees and feel daunted by the challenge laid before me - but with my goal clear in mind: Do not get

event THREE GUN

disqualified and try to come in “HAVING DONE ALL MY PREPARATION THE EVENING BEFORE, A TRAIT CARRIED the top half of the field.

OVER FROM MY MILSIM AND SKIRMISH EXPERIENCES, I KNEW I HAD LITTLE Arriving in the very smart TO DO BESIDE SIGN UP, PAY MY FEES AND FEEL DAUNTED BY THE CHALLENGE Leisure Facility, we settled the kit down, paid the fee and LAID BEFORE ME - BUT WITH MY GOAL CLEAR IN MIND: DO NOT GET had my score sheets handed DISQUALIFIED AND TRY TO COME IN THE TOP HALF OF THE FIELD.” to me, OB lead me to meet each of the shooters there grounded the rifle pointing downrange, grabbed the shotgun that day. Being completely and used my middle finger to release the safety and pumped 3 new and with people dressed in their competitive shooting shots into each plate, safe and grounded the shotgun. I drew gear, it did feel a little intimidating. my pistol and tapped each metal popper down before applying Now, I immediately would like to quash the notion that you the safety and grounding the pistol before running back to the have to wear bright coloured shirts, or wear bright coloured button. 19.13 seconds. The slowest 19.13 seconds of my life! rigs, have specialised belts or be an experienced shooter. For It may all sound quick - and it wasn’t slow as the 5th fastest the first, I was in a bright coloured shirt, representing my time of 18 - but what I didn’t mention was the first up fumbles, club proudly but there were many in normal shirts just the same, it made no difference to anyone’s performance. For the second and third, specialised rigs can aid speed and may shave fractions of a second off but a normal belt and normal mag pouches and hard holsters work just fine and for the latter I, along with many others that day, had never done 3 gun, it just so happened I was completely new to this!

My feelings of intimidation soon subsided. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly, stood in groups talking or looking at the stages in quiet contemplation. Soon we were all called together, after a cup of tea naturally, to go over safety rules and the plan for the day. Originally planned for two groups, it was split to three after Panos volunteered to run (what turned out to be) my group. I was placed with Lab, Ian, Mario and John, all of whom I would like to take a second to thank for making the day as much fun as it was.

Sheet handed in for the first stage, Stage 8: “Transitions” and as luck would have it, I was first up. No big deal… First competition, in front of a group of skilled shooters, shooting the first stage, first! The course of fire was explained to us, targets identified, rules and start conditions laid out.

I carried my shotgun and rifle empty, muzzles pointed at the ceiling as briefed in the safety. My pistol, having been kept in the safe area, separate from loading and magazines, was secured in my holster unloaded for nearly the entire day, hung expectantly at my side. It was most definitely a case of “Now or never!”

I was asked to load my rifle, cocked and locked safe on the table, the same with my shotgun and finally my pistol decocked and ready to rock, back into its holster, before gently arranging the long arms down range in the best position for me to pick up. I walked over to the button and starting point for the day. The stage was the second most simple of the day, focusing on the transition from each platform to shoot each relevant target.

I hit home the button and ran to the table, grabbing and shouldering my rifle, flicking off the safety catch and pumping two shots into each paper target, re-applied the safety, www.airsoft-action.online

23

ACTIONSPORTGAMES

ActionSportGames® is a worldwide leader in the business of replica firearms and accessories manufacturing – including Airsoft guns, Airguns, CO2 guns and firearms replicas.

0034-0617_AirsoftAction_ICS.indd 1

0034-0617_June2017

PROUD DISTRIBUTOR OF ICS AIRSOFT RIFLES & ACCESSORIES

14-06-2017 12:33:29

event THREE GUN

the reassuring of safety when grounded and the lost time in grounding my pistol instead of returning to the button with the pistol continually pointing downrange. Matt Reed took this stage with a time of 14.09.

Unfortunately, I did not know this at the time. I thought I had already destroyed all chances of placing in my goal. But my nerves were out of the way and as the day went on I settled in.

The stages were well designed and great fun, penalties were awarded as additional time for misses, no shoots and failures to engage. Through the day I picked up a few “no shoots� and misses, leading to me dropping quite a lot of time.

Lunch soon came and the courses were broken down and the last three set up. On our return we shot the last 3 courses and started to break down the entire hall, moving and packing the targets, sweeping up and cleaning the BBs to leave the hall in a good condition so we would hopefully be invited back.

Before being invited to gather around the laptop for the results of the day.

First announced was third place, going to Matt Reed. Or so it happened, not to Matt but myself! Jon had misread the document. I could not believe it. I felt I had been very inconsistent with my performance and having dropped so many mistakes. I collected my trophy and shook the hand of Jon, before Matt being announced as having actually won second.

First place was James Still. Ben Farrar won Junior, Mark VDB won Super Senior and Pete Thornton won Senior class.

Overlooking the scores I had done a lot better than I had thought, James was far in front with 219.7 seconds, Matt with 239.94 and myself with 241.55. Overlooking the various stage

times and scores I was consistently in the top 5 for all stages, except two I made big mistakes on and even won a stage.

Aside from the results, it is most important to comment on the level of good sportsmanship I witnessed at the competition.

Everybody pitched in and helped with patching and resetting, everyone was supportive and made the day a real joy. Often you could hear people shouting for people to press the button as they had forgotten to finish the stage, or even shouts of encouragement. We all helped clean up and we all helped to make the day what it was.

I’m thoroughly looking forward to the next competition to be held, in an attempt to defend my third place or even to reach the heady heights of first and try to beat my new rival, James. 3-gun training is beginning in earnest soon for DTPSC, with currently enough members now to field a team of four with a few spares.

It is easy to look at this sport and sign off on it as not being for you. There is just as many tactical aspects to beating a stage, there is the constant effort to shoot at your best and, as I always find in anything I do, it is the people who make it. From the organisers, to the supporters and even the three wonderful people in my corner who cheered me on to do my best on one of the most nervous days of my life.

So, once again, thank you to all the Organisers who made the competition possible. Thank you to all the ROs who gave their time and effort to make the event run but most of all thank you to all the competitors that made my first ever competition one of the best times in my life so far.

Moreover, James, I am coming for you next time!

www.airsoft-action.online

25

Site LEEDS AIRSOFT: THE FOUNDRY CQB

JUST DAYS AFTER GETTING BACK FROM THE USA, KELLY “FEMME FATALE” HARDWICK REPORTS FROM CLOSER TO HOME AT THE OPENING OF A NEW CQB SITE IN LEEDS, WHERE SHE ALSO GOT TO MEET AN SAS LEGEND.

THE FOUNDRY CQB ON THE OPENING WEEKEND OF The Foundry CQB, I was invited by Leeds Airsoft to head over with some friends to review their newest site and also maybe get to meet ex-SAS man “Big” Phil Campion. So even though I was still a bit jetlagged from the trip, I was well up for it!

The Foundry CQB is located in Stourton, Leeds just off the M1. It was a really easy drive from my home in the East

26

August 2017

Midlands; just hop on the A42 onto the M1 and follow it all the way up. The site is at the very end of Haigh Park Road and is signposted, so is easy to find. On arrival there was ample parking space in the car park and around the venue itself. The drive in total took me an hour and 40 minutes, which isn’t unusual for me to travel to get to a game day. When I arrived I was warmly greeted by Stuart Johnson and his team of marshals, who were all very welcoming.

The site itself was previously used for industrial purposes and definitely has that raw, industrial vibe throughout. When you walk into the safe zone, it is a relatively small room but there are plenty of tables/stations and chairs for players to organise and set up their kit for the day. The site has a small on site shop that sells BBs, gas, pyro, a variety of RIFs and other gubbins that you would need during the day, it also sells a variety of snacks including drinks. We can definitely expect to see more stock rolling into the shop during the coming months.

Unfortunately lunch isn’t included in the walk on fee so it is advisable to bring food with you but as the site is pretty close to the centre, there are plenty of places nearby to get lunch including good ol’ maccies or KFC and supermarkets if you’d prefer to grab a meal deal sarnie. In regards to toilet facilities, there is a portaloo on site.

The walk-on fees for The Foundry I feel are really reasonable; £20 for 4 hours and £25 for 8 hours, with members enjoying rates of £15 for 4 hours and £20 for 8 hours. These are cheaper than a lot of other CQB sites up and

Site LEEDS AIRSOFT: THE FOUNDRY CQB

down the country. They also supply rental packages for £10 for 4 hours and £15 for all 8 hours. They are open for private hire between 10am-5pm Monday to Friday and 6pm-10pm for night games if you wanted to enjoy a skirmish with your mates mid-week. On the weekends they are open 10-5pm both days for play.

The Foundry’s FPS limits are in line with other sites, at 350 FPS and single shot only. They also allow the use of pyrotechnics up to 9mm, which is pretty standard and although players aren’t allowed to deploy smoke in game, the marshals do deploy smoke during certain games to add a curveball into play. It definitely adds to the feel of the site. The site has a mixture of close dark spaces, light filled mazes and also open areas to fight through. My favourite aspects of the site are the bar room (which has a red sofa complete with animal print throw and a definite “Austin Powers” vibe going on), the almost pitch black “street” area (which requires torches and pyro to gain access to) and also the maze at the far end of the site, which is the perfect place to use pistols and BFGs to get the drop on people. The site has loads of interesting props scattered around to make it as unique as possible.

We played a variety of game modes during the day, from an all-out team death match to start the day and get everyone familiar with the site, to 2 vs 2 elimination games where 2 players from each team went head to head over the whole site. My favourite games that we played were definitely the attack and defend games, where one team dug in and the enemy team cleared them out of the site. I also enjoyed the bomb placement game, where each team started with a fake explosive and had to get it to the enemy’s control point and destroy it.

I think the games worked well, especially the team death match/elimination games but there were a few issues on site which I feel are to be expected for a brand spanking new site.

There was a couple of incidences of non-hit taking and blind firing which were addressed by the staff in a swift manner.

Overshooting was an issue during the day but as the site is so close it is bound to happen, especially when dead players are returning to spawn when players are rushing out to get back into the game.

The staff on site were very friendly, welcoming and fair. My only criticism is that one of the marshals shouted at players a fair bit, which is isn’t really necessary for a skirmish day in my honest opinion – if I wanted to be shouted at like a recruit I would have joined the military! I think that is best saved for MilSim ops rather than skirmish days but I also appreciate that the marshal was only trying to make the day run smoothly.

Leeds Airsoft also had a special guest in attendance; Big Phil

“THE FOUNDRY’S FPS LIMITS ARE IN LINE WITH OTHER SITES, AT 350 FPS AND SINGLE SHOT ONLY. THEY ALSO ALLOW THE USE OF PYROTECHNICS UP TO 9MM, WHICH IS PRETTY STANDARD AND ALTHOUGH PLAYERS AREN’T ALLOWED TO DEPLOY SMOKE IN GAME, THE MARSHALS DO DEPLOY SMOKE DURING CERTAIN GAMES TO ADD A CURVEBALL INTO PLAY.” www.airsoft-action.online

27

ROBO MURRAY

EG WORLD TEAM

www.enolagaye.com

UK/EUROPE dealer enquiries +44(0)118 9714470 USA DEALeR ENQUIRIES 702-409-8193

omar vega

usa staff shooter

grenade co.

EG67 wire pull frag: frag bang with frag

wire pull grenade: bang with fill

Mk7 thunderflash: bang and flash

wire pull flash 3.0: bang and flash

flash 1.0: 1.0: bang and flash

Mk5 thunderflash: bang and flash

wire pull EG18X: High output 45 sec smoke

wire pull eg18: 90 sec smoke

burst wire pull: high ouput 25 sec smoke

wire pull: 90 sec smoke

Site LEEDS AIRSOFT: THE FOUNDRY CQB

Campion, former 22 SAS. Phil was there on the day handing out patches from his brand Born Fearless and answering any questions players had about what life is like as Special Forces.

He gave a brief talk on his career and about his new Airsoft training that he will be running at The Foundry. I was lucky enough to sit down with him for half an hour and interview him about his career and experiences of 22 SAS, so be sure to keep an eye out for that in Airsoft Action! (Actually, it’s on pages 64 and 65 of this issue. Ed.) Would I make any improvements? Well when Stuart took me on a tour of the rest of the building during lunch, he explained that they will be opening up other, larger rooms in the site to give players more play options in regards to flanking and attacking and this will transform it into a truly awesome site. My only other improvement would be to put a limit on the number of players on site up until the site is expanded, as it is a fairly small space having too many players makes it difficult to move around the site without stalemates or getting bottlenecked.

I spoke to some other players on the day and here’s what they said:

cover, something I like to see with room to room, killhouse style sites is just a room with a door, or maybe a window if you’re lucky. With the Foundry you have obstacles within rooms such as large boxes and even a bar. What I like about this is that you can’t just frag any room you get to and expect it to be clear as there’s a large chance that someone else could be hiding in cover through there.”

Adam Fletcher: “Starting off it surprised me how close the site actually is, we were on top of each other straight out of spawn. Although there was still plenty of avenues to flank and get around, it is definitely at the moment a limited number site.

Having 10 vs 10 would be close to what I’d max the players at to allow games to flow smoothly, until they open up the other rooms on site to make the site larger. If you are a well-coordinated team you can really dominate key parts of the site and make it difficult for the enemy team to move. Overall, I had a good day and enjoyed the face paced close action. I would definitely head back once the whole site is opened up!”

Jay Fitzpatrick: “My overall experience of the Foundry was positive. The site itself is extremely small as it stands which makes it perfect for small team action. On the day it was approximately 11 v 11 which I thought was slightly too many players – however upon expansion that should change. The Foundry is extremely close quarters and very chaotic due to the angles you can fire and receive fire from. The marshals were loud, precise and offered no sympathy towards players who believe “bang bang kills” have a place there. Upon meeting Stuart you can tell he is extremely enthusiastic about building his site and constantly asked myself and teammates for feedback on if we were enjoying the day. I look forward to seeing what they do with available space in the future.”

Overall, I had a really good day at The Foundry and will definitely be back when the whole site is in play. The day was full of intense, close and fast paced CQB carnage which is exactly how I like my CQB games but there were a few issues on the day in regards to none hit taking/ blind firing - this isn’t the sites fault and, unfortunately, these issues occur at most sites.

I was impressed with the level of effort that had gone into the building of the site, it has some really interesting features and the games played were enjoyable! For £25 walk on fee, you can’t grumble!

Chris Tibbott: “I’m quite a fan of the layout of the Foundry, there’s plenty of room to move without being locked into a stalemate with the opposition but due to its infancy there are a couple of places that create an unfair advantage for one team.

Things like long unobstructed corridors down to regen allow for one team to be trapped at one end of said corridor. With age though, barriers could be placed which will minimise this aspect of the site. There’s plenty of variation amongst the Foundry’s

SITE Details: Vulcan Foundry Haigh Park Road Stourton Leeds LS10 1RX 01132777707 07968258952 www.leedsairsoft.co.uk www.facebook.com/thefoundrycqb www.fire-support.co.uk sales@fire-support.co.uk 01733 247171

www.airsoft-action.online

29

ICS CAPTAIN

FPS 300-330 ICS have produced a high quality EBB assult rifles, Very tough metal receivers and RIS systems fitted with ICS’s next generation blowback engine gearbox with high quality reliable internals.

From £199 with extra Hicap in June

R E

F F O

ICS HOG SD

FPS 300-330 Aggressive geometric surfaces, Strong and powerful lines, EBB(Electric Blow Back) System, Spring release function, T-Window magazine, Rear Wired Ver. SD integrated in RIS with Sniper adjustable stock.

From £389

LCT VSS Vintorez

FPS 300-330 Full metal receiver,silencer and sights.

Tough ABS plastic foregrip and 50 round mag.

Real wood stock and pistol grip.

Single shot and full auto fire modes.

Adjustable Hop unit.

Steel side rail for mounting optics.

Sale Price £349

E L

A S

Lonex internal upgrade parts in stock. Upgrade your AEG with Lonex parts OPEN MON-SAT - BUY IN STORE OR ONLINE - REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN

www.fire-support.co.uk - 01733 247171

AAjuly17 v4.indd 2

13/06/2017 21:11:24

NEW IN

King Arms and Classic Army New Rifles in Stock Great prices and stock availability

King Arms CO2 M1A1 Para

Wood and metal construction

King Arms CO2 M1A1 Carbine

Great quality CO2

Classic Army SCARAB AEG

Keymod

Classic Army Nemesis RIS Rail

We Service, Repair and Build GBB Pistols, Sniper Rifle and AEGs CONTACT US FOR TRADE SALES OF ICS AND OTHER TOP BRANDS

sales@fire-support.co.uk - 01733 247171

AAjuly17 v4.indd 3

13/06/2017 21:11:25

International OP INDOCHINA

OPERATION INDOCHINA DIANE MONTAGNIER SWAPS HER RIFLE FOR CAMERA AND GETS FULLY IMMERSED IN THE FRENCH INDOCHINA WAR. IN MAY TOOK PLACE IN France a two-day airsoft Operation based on the French War during the forties/fifties: the Indochina War. It was a full impressive immersion for me as a photograph reporter for Airsoft Action!

The Indochina war lasted from 1946 to 1954 in French Indochina (current Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) between the French Colonial Empire and the Viet Minh. During 7 years,

more than 500,000 victims succumbed in the clashes. At last, despite the American indirect intervention, the French forces, exhausted by the resistance and several years of this increasingly unpopular guerilla against communism, had to give up, especially after the heavy defeat of Dien Bien Phu of May 1954.

THE GAME

About thirty airsofters came to this Op on AMA France Field and just like “Fallout”, AMA France is a great place for the atypical airsoft event.

Starting Friday night, the organizers dispatched over the field a lot of water bottles because the weather was hot and finished to install the playing items. They also welcomed the first gamers and began crony control.

Saturday morning, at 9am, all the airsofters were there for a common breakfast (pains au chocolat of course) and a big briefing about security and game rules took place. Then the two factions, Viet Minh and the French Foreign Legion were separated and the non-player characters (NPC) went to the village “Bourgpallette” (“Woodenpalletton”) with the Viet Minh.

During the first minutes the Foreign Legion and its Colonel had to check the field in order to control Bourgpallette. The villagers and the Viet Minh welcomed them. The French didn’t know that some Viet Minh, without any firearms, had hidden grenades and knives. The first clashes began. The Foreign

32

August 2017

International OP INDOCHINA

Legion hardly tried to save this zone. It was a little bit complicated because all the equipment necessary (ammunitions, crates, food, fake barbed-wire, radio stuff, mortar) was transported with a bamboo stretcher. Then, the Foreign Legion left the village to establish a base camp in a fort. They were not comfortable because the site was boobytrapped! Some fishing line were on the ground, connected to hidden grenades. When the fort was secured, the Foreign Legion Colonel ordered his troops to check the zone. Unfortunately, the Viet Minh discovered a japan mortar.

Some villagers established their camp close to the fort. As the Viet Minh began to attack, it was hard to avoid the collateral damages with villagers. The first airsoft guns sounded in the forest and scuffles began.

At a moment, the French artillery fire declared the war to Viet Minh imminent attack. Fireworks and firecrackers were there to give adrenaline! But at least, Viet Minh successfully entered the fort and swarmed the trenches. It was ensued by a great hand to hand fight without any airsoft gun; knives, axes, fists… Everybody didn’t hesitate to use any means to kill. The fight was very intense and spectacular! All the fighters screamed and ran in the middle of a grenade’s rain! Then, all the Legionaries were exhausted but not defeated.

During the afternoon, the Legionaries had to found a crate that contains a parachute and the Viet Minh had found a bicycle. Both factions had to bring back its item to their main camp. This scenario was more mobile than the morning because the items were hidden through the largest part of the field, in the middle of the forest, through the dense ferns.

Legionaries asked help from NPC to find the crate and the villagers were pleased to confuse them.

Some clashes animated these two hours of hard searching.

French Legionaries succeed to win back by force the part of the lost territory. In order to encourage infantry combats, the French Legionaries put themselves in a long line, through the forest, to avoid bypasses. It was the last battle of this Saturday and the French have suffered from incessant Viet Minh assaults.

Saturday Night, no game, but a big meal at the safe zone.

Everybody reviewed his day.

Viet Minh and French laughed together around the campfire with a casual atmosphere. There was even a real cockroach race!

Sunday morning, at 8:00 AM, each faction came back to its main camp. French Legionaries hired the villagers to build an airstrip, in exchange for their protection against Viet Minh. But the villagers drove them crazy!

It took long negotiations and some villagers betrayed the Legionnaries into the bargain.

When the airstrip was over and the zone was safe, the Foreign Legion Colonel was able to join his troops. At that time, Viet Minh assaulted French Legionnaries. The Colonel ordered the withdrawal of his troops. During this last evacuation with the bamboo stretchers under enemy fire, Legionnaries hardly came back at the village, where they stayed for the final Viet Minh assault. All the fighters were exhausted and put their last forces to protect or attack. It was midday and the OP was over.

French Legionaries suffered during those two days because of the non-stop Viet Minh assaults.

As exhausted they all were, all the airsofters kept smile all through the Op. It was time to head home, especially as some airsofters had come from Switzerland and Belgium!

“VIET MINH SUCCESSFULLY ENTERED THE FORT AND SWARMED THE TRENCHES. IT WAS ENSUED BY A GREAT HAND TO HAND FIGHT WITHOUT ANY AIRSOFT GUN; KNIVES, AXES, FISTS… EVERYBODY DIDN’T HESITATE TO USE ANY MEANS TO KILL. THE FIGHT WAS VERY INTENSE AND SPECTACULAR!” During and after the event, I had time to talk to the organisers about the event.

Bollus is the main organizer and Javel helped him. They gave me their time for Airsoft Action and this is what they had to say: AA: Why did you choose the Indochina theme?

Bollus: “It’s a long story! Five years ago, the KAT, my airsoft association, wanted to organize an OP Indochina. I recovered old already written scenarios by the KAT association, picked up the dress code and the best ideas, in order to create a new elaborate scenario. My friends Greynidlar and Javel offered their help to manage the Viet Minh faction, as I was the Foreign Legion Colonel.

“I chose Indochina theme, especially the year 1948, because the dress code was very large. This made this event more accessible to players.”

Javel: “I found myself in love with the history of Vietnam War, I logically focused my researches on the previous conflict.”

AA: For how long did you set this OP ?

www.airsoft-action.online

33

International OP INDOCHINA

novice airsofters well integrated, understanding the scenarios and going beyond what they were asked for. On the second hand, experienced airsofters gave very good feedback, which is very positive.”

AA: There were few NPC, what do you think about their role?

Bollus: “The NPC had a free will. They could help the coolest faction, or, on the opposite, create confusion.

“They gave a real volume to the Op. Their first goal was to bring uncertainty to the French and to force them to identify their target. In fact, a Viet Minh without firearms is a kind of villager until proof of the contrary! They bring fruits and stuffs to exchange with Legionnaires. They had a real free will, in contrary to the Legionnaires and the Viet Minh. Indeed, these two factions were under commands. It was intended. They just had to play their soldier role: sergeants, medics, radio, etc.”

Javel: “During Indochina War and Vietnam War, civilians had an ambiguous role. Our NPC played very well this role with autonomy and talent.”

AA: Why did you chose AMA France field ?

Bollus: “For many reasons. First of all, Christophe, AMA France’s owner, is a great professional. The safe zone had toilets, tables, a power generator and a very pleasant campfire.

80 airsofters could be there without any problems and water, coffee and tea were in free-service.

“Christophe lent us ammunition boxes, flags, bamboo sticks, three real and functional French radios and the plastic barbed wire. In short, full of things that I did not have to bring or think.

“The field is amazing: a fort, a village, a train, a network of trenches and others.”

Javel: “The geographical situation is really pleasant, close to Paris. Belgians and Swiss can come easily. AMA France is a physical field, very hilly, that offers a lot of tactical opportunities.”

AA: Would you like to organize another Op like that?

Bollus: “All in all, six months. We were three to elaborate the scenario, Greynidlar, Javel and me.

The hardest thing for me was to restrain my ideas!

Greynidlar helped me to concentrate my ideas and Javel was an excellent team leader and accomplice during the Op. “I tried to choose a date where there were no other Op but unfortunately, the Sully Sur Loire Event took place at the same time. It’s the biggest enactment rally in France. Many players did not show up because of this.”

AA: What do you think about your event now that it’s over?

Bollus: “I am sooooo happy! Feedback is incredible, everybody was very satisfied! I created this event to please people and their contentment filled me with joy.”

Javel: “I’m happy! On the first hand, I was very satisfied to see

Bollus: “Thanks to the great feedbacks, I am really motivated to organize another Indochina Op next year. The evacuation of Cao Bang tempts me. I would like to organize a Vietnam Op too!”

I also had chance to talk to some of the players about the event, this is what they said: AA: What do you think about this historical Op? Jean-Francois (aka “Zam”, 50 years old, Policeman): “Awesome! Well organised, beautiful scenery and accessories!

Great atmosphere!”

Jean-Charles (aka “Faraell”, 23 years old, student): “A nice field, good communication and organisation and also good missions. All the gamers were amazing, like their dress code!”

Axel (aka “Potam”, 22 years old, student): “It was the first time for me to take part of an historical Op. I had the feeling to be during the 1950’s! Everything was great: the dress code, the artillery and the people.”

Vincent (aka “Sadsax”, 27 years old, electronic technician): “Simple scenarios but very efficient and pleasant people.”

Vicent (aka “Dup”, 41 years old, IT support): “The collective game was privileged. It was an absolute happiness!”

AA: Could you describe your dress code and your airsoft gun?

Zam: “I was a Foreign Legionnaire. My dress code was inspired by a parachutist non-commissioned officer of the Legion. I also had a custom MP41. My budget was about £430.”

Simon (aka “Kenny”, 29 years old): “I had a HBT OD dress code. My airsoft guns were an M1 Garand ICS and a P38 WE.” Dub: “I had a Carbine M1 and a Thompson M1A1. My dress was not a real one but a custom between US Ranger gear and HBT M42. I spent about 600€ for all my stuff but I use it for every historical Op.” Faraell: “I was a Foreign Legionnaire. I used clothes and accessories that I already owned and some that I’ve been lent:

34

August 2017

International OP INDOCHINA

American, French, British. This is the great advantage for the dress code of that time. I found a hat and a MP40 leather pouch thanks to the internet. The dress code was very well described thanks to the organizers, so I hadn’t difficulties to wear myself. My airsoft guns were a MP40 AGM and a Colt 1911 KJW.” Jérôme (aka “Risway”, 30 years old): “I was a NPC. I imagined and created a villager’s dress code.”

Potam: “I was a Viet Minh and I had my K98 PPS SHS. What an amazing airsoft replica! I brought also my M712 WE and my Sten.”

Sadsax: “I was a Legionnaire, with mixed dress code between British and US WW2 dress. I had a Kar98 custom and a Thompson 1928 King Arms.”

Yann (aka “Grifter”, 40 years old, computer specialist): “I was a Viet Minh. I had a custom USM1. My dress code was a mix between American and Japanese.”

Xavier (aka “Gotham”, 44 years old, textile executive): “My dress code was the FR47 French one. It’s a second-hand sale.

My airsoft guns were a MP40 and a Kar98.”

Harold (aka “Ironman”, 42 years old, doctor): “All in all, I spent £500 for the Viet Minh dress code (Mao cap, Chinese shirt, pataugas, Japanese accessories) and my Springfield 1903 S&T.” AA: Did you feel Indochina theme through this Op? Zam: “Of course! The dense forest and ferns, all the sceneries gave a good immersion!”

Kenny: “I thought I was in Indochina!”

Faraell: “It’s the perfect field! It’s large enough to carry out large troop movements and small enough not to search enemies for hours. The different sites, like the village, the trenches, the train, the wild forest give a great atmosphere and different tactical situations.”

Risway: “All the dress code were fantastic and NPC given a good atmosphere.”

Potam: “Definitely the wild forest that looked like a jungle because of all the ferns.”

AA: What do you think about the roleplay for this kind of event?

Kenny: “It gives realism. You can be someone else which lived this war and when you’re hit, you have to scream and call the medic.”

Potam: “I prefer realism and theatrical side in order to provide a greater scope to this event. Airsoft gives vintage weapons.

When you are screaming during a charge or when you are hurt, it’s so immersive for you and the other guys.”

Sadsax: “As I was the medic, I loved to heal people in a theatrical way. For an airsoft Op, we have to remember that a minimum roleplay gives a great ambiance.”

Ironman: “It’s not a real war, you have to give life to your character but you don’t have to forget it’s just a game.”

Dub: “I find it hard. Roleplay needs actor talent and improvisation that I haven’t got!”

Javel: “I like individual action, close to sacrifice but only the experienced airsofter succeed this kind of action in a beautiful way. Cohesion was very important too.”

In conclusion, for this Op I wasn’t a gamer, only the photograph reporter. As a viewer, I had the feeling of coming years back. I may lived the battles as intensively as the participants.

It was an incredible experience to feel what some old French people lived!

At the beginning of July, there will be a Pacific War Op and I will be happy to be there!

www.airsoft-action.online

35

feature

L-R: Les 57, Trent 46, Jeff 60, Ozzy Oz 62

OLD BLOKES AND AIRSOFT

“ DON’T PANIC

CAPTAIN ” !

G N I R A W N I A M

AIRSOFT VETERAN, “OLD MAN” LES LEE, PUTS DOWN HIS LISTENING TRUMPET TO PICK UP HIS QUILL AND SCRIBE ABOUT A SUBJECT CLOSE TO HIS HEART …AND HIS EYES …AND HIS LEGS. IF THE TITLE OF THIS article rings any bells and brings back fond memories, then this is devoted to you! Of course, everyone can have a read as this is all about old farts, sorry, blokes and airsoft and how it has become a part of our lives in this very “fast and furious” 21st century.

Airsoft is for everyone, agreed? Okay, so can anybody figure out why some airsofters in their 50’s and 60’s are “trying” to run around the woods playing war games with toy guns, when they may be better suited to turning soil down the local allotment where the nearest they will get to an enemy is a combatant slug chewing on their lettuce (and those slug pellets don’t half block up the breech if they’re not lock ‘n’ loaded with care).

Now I confess, when I was in my 20’s I was running around the woods with a Splatmaster paintball pistol (with an FPS of about 50 on a good day) and it was awesome! Messy but

36

August 2017

bloody good fun and after the game I still had plenty left in the tank to go round to see my girlfriend. Happy days indeed!

And so the years passed by and no matter what my job, I still had my finger on some type of trigger; going from paintball (by then “League” status oh yes indeed!) to air rifle, followed by .22 rimfire and then quite a leap when I joined a local Section One club with regular meetings at Bisley. I also tried my hand at clay and action shotgun and whilst in the U.S. almost daily visits to an indoor range, gradually working my way through different handguns and calibres. But as time went on I found that Section One in the UK was rapidly becoming a right legal pain in the butt when I became the club secretary and the associated (but necessary) legalities and ultra-strict compliance took its toll on my enthusiasm.

The fun had gone out of shooting and although I returned to airgun target shooting at a local range, I was somewhat

Feature OLD BLOKES AND AIRSOFT

intrigued when a fellow shooter brazenly wielded an airsoft handgun - which captured my attention with a great deal of interest! So as my inquisitive nature got the better of me, I started asking questions and to cut a long story short I found myself at a local airsoft site.

After seeing the players all decked out in a multitude of kit, looking as mean as a platoon of psychopathic special forces operatives and an array of guns which, until now, had been the weapons only seen in the movies (sorry, they were still “films” back then, before Americanisation took over our lives) I could feel the urge to “sign-up” and so the fun and games (and the expense) began.

I had just turned 50 but so what? I could still shoulder a rifle and I could still squeeze a trigger so with that in the forefront of my mind, off I ran and battle commenced - and I had possibly one of the most fun days of my life! I got to shoot real people (again) and it wasn’t until the next morning that I awoke and every moving part in my body did not want to comply. I just had no idea of the pain that was to follow the exhilaration of the day before, where I now see quite clearly was masked by adrenalin.

After levering myself out of bed I headed for the paracetamol and muscle rub ointment and eventually the agony dropped to around a five out of ten on the pain-ometer which was bearable but ironically it felt like a “good pain” (if there’s such a thing) and all it did was to build on my new-found passion because every two weeks I went through the same experience - but it was oh so worth it!

As the games came and went, I found that I was not alone in my age group, in fact there were quite a few that were indeed older, so I discreetly studied their mission specific movements and soon realised that it wasn’t necessary to sprint to the game, I let the game come to me which also gave me time to dig-in and find a nicely concealed coppice, or uprooted

Jeff Smith age 60

tree to secrete myself behind. Had I finally found my place in this tactical conflict between brothers-in-arms? I think so and it’s called quite simply “strategy”, in other words, use your mind and not your body.

So fast forward several years and after multiple back aches, knackered knees and slaughtered shoulders I’m still loving every minute of every game and have made some awesome friends along the way. But one of the most inspiring sights that I see every game day is the diverse age groups. I know us more

“I HAD JUST TURNED 50 BUT SO WHAT? I COULD STILL SHOULDER A RIFLE AND I COULD STILL SQUEEZE A TRIGGER SO WITH THAT IN THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND, OFF I RAN AND BATTLE COMMENCED - AND I HAD POSSIBLY ONE OF THE MOST FUN DAYS OF MY LIFE!”

Les Lee age 57

“mature” ‘softers are in a minority, just like the young guns often seen having a day out with their dad - and it doesn’t take long to see which of the two is having the most fun! Airsoft is often referred to as “the 21’st century version of father/son bonding” when traditionally it was fishing and what better way to drag your son or daughter away from their Xbox and get physically active.

Recently, it was interesting to see a new group created on Facebook called “Old Bloke Airsoft” and it was really refreshing to join a bunch of more senior airsofters that all had the same thing in common and spoke the same language. We can share military history stories, styles of game play, our chosen firearms (and the reasons why) and in addition, we can refer back with fond memories to things like Fawlty Towers when Basil was beating his broken down car with a tree branch and totally losing the plot, or to Del Boy and Rodney selling their dodgy wares down the Nags Head (when Del wasn’t falling through the counter after Mike left the flap open) but it’s also great to be able to talk to a whole range of people all with the same reason for being there, to have fun.

So, back to us “oldies”. Everyone has a place in airsoft because each has individual skills and experience to offer. For example, if someone sprains an ankle out in the field, you can almost guarantee that the first mature airsofter that you ask will have pain killers in their bag and probably some heat rub gel in their car, plus a wealth of knowledge on how best to avoid a repeat of said injury because us old bug*ers have

www.airsoft-action.online

37

TACTICAL

get the tactical advantage TACTICAL POLO SHIRT

SRP

£19.95

n 100% Fast wicking polyester n Sleeve pockets n Velcro sleeve patch n Button collar Colours: Brown Coyote, Black , Titanium Sizes: S-XXXL

SLEEVE POCKET

GLASSES RETAINER

UPDATES / STOCKISTS / CATALOGUE

www.vipertactical.co.uk

Feature OLD BLOKES AND AIRSOFT

Trent Halligan age 46 (and son Tom, 17)

Ozzy Oz age 62

probably been there, seen it and got the tee shirt …even if the tee shirt has shrunk around the waist whilst hanging in the wardrobe over the years.

So as we struggle to put our boots on and get kitted up (which seems to take forever on game day), why is it that we need to pee again? It’s such a nuisance as is the worry that when the marshal shouts “game on” and the ageing little bit of testosterone that we now produce is needed more than ever, there is that really troubling moment when your bottom makes that scary noise and you just pray that it wasn’t in fact, a shart!

Trust me, it happens because those tight, firm muscles that you used to have ain’t quite the same anymore, especially when the “farmers” get pressure tested!

Anyhow, I decided to catch up with some of my fellow Dads Army types, and it wasn’t difficult because they are stealthy (slow) and calculating (confused) but Jeff Smith aged 60 is a perfect example of what a “life experienced” operative can bring to the world of airsoft.

Jeff, from Crawley, West Sussex has been playing our beautiful game at Dogtag Airsoft just south of Gatwick, for a little over three years and I asked him; “How did you get involved in airsoft”?

“My son brought me along one day and that’s all it took I was hooked and never miss a game, besides, it’s the only legal way that I can shoot my son!”

A fair answer I’m sure, a little unexpected but all said with the mature humour that one might expect from a player that is way past the days when someone might give a shi..., sorry, a damn!

Another great example of the ultimate worldly-wiseweapon-wielding-withering-warrior is the notorious “Ozzy Oz” age 62, another Dogtag regular who travels regularly from Gods waiting room, aka Worthing. I found Ozzy in the safe zone downing a cuppa and paracetamol to ease his aching joints, so curiously I asked him why he signed up and he replied that when he retired from the Foreign Office (where he held a prestigious and dynamic job) he needed to keep himself active and so he started playing airsoft some 6-7 years ago at a local site. However, he had a “not sure about this place” moment

and stepped away for a few years, only to return to our sport/ hobby at his current site and he hasn’t looked back (maybe that’s why he keeps getting shot in the butt) and when asked for the reason he returned, he simply said “THIS place is just awesome and so are the people”.

Definitely a valid reason which is probably shared by many and while younger players might be immersed by the whole experience they are in, older players have a heightened perception about what is good (and what’s not so good) and are eligible and quite proud to hold the title “fussy old git” because quite frankly, many of us are.

One of our younger, “senior players” is Trent Halligan (age 46), who often combines his airsoft days with his son Tom who is 17. Trent, the founder/operator of one of Facebook’s biggest and highly respected airsoft groups, Airsoft Great Britain, enjoys airsoft and is so passionate about it that like myself, has the privilege to work within the industry of this ever growing pastime and gets to travel around the country and meet many fellow enthusiasts.

And me? Well at 57 my body is crumbling around me and I spend three quarters of the game in the safe zone yakking away to anyone that listens but all the time my brain says to me “yes you can” irrespective of my physical abilities and disabilities. If my head’s saying yes then you will see me trying to get comfortable and secreted amongst the trees and bushes ...just as I get a BB hit centre mass and begin the long, slow journey back to regen ...or more often than not, the safe zone ‘cause I’m already pooped!

Les OUT!

www.airsoft-action.online

39

Event SOVIET THREAT AT THE SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER

T E I V SO !

T A E TH

COLD WAR AFICIONADO, GADGE HARVEY, REPORTS FROM AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE AT LOCATION OF THE “SECRET” KIND. “SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER 5km” said the sign… well it can’t be THAT secret then, I thought as I headed to one of the more interesting locations that my job has taken me to!

Writing for Airsoft Action has taken me to some odd places; I’ve been to prisons, I’ve been to asylums and I’ve even done a river crossing in a landing craft (yes, really!), so it should have come as no surprise to find myself in a “Secret Nuclear Bunker”!

To be honest, there is something slightly incongruous about signs that point the way to a “Secret Nuclear Bunker” but in fairness, it was a genuine top secret instillation during the Cold War and only in today’s climate is it a well-publicised tourist attraction.

In this instance, the thing that had brought me to the bunker complex at Hack Green was an interesting event called “Soviet Threat”, which highlights both NATO and Warsaw Pact military and civil defence procedures between the end of WWII and the fall of communism. For readers around my age all of this is deeply fascinating, we may

40

August 2017

have grown up playing “WWII” but we grew up during the Cold War and the Soviets were a very clear and real “threat” (enough to keep a pre-teenage me awake at night worrying about being bombed by them!). So colour me interested and I was more than happy to accept the invitation from Hack Green to travel across to Cheshire and see what the show was all about.

SOVIET THREAT

WWII shows are pretty much the “bread and butter” of the spring to autumn “re-enacting season” (and the scores of shows from small village numbers, to huge events like War and Peace) but Cold War military history buffs (and shows to cater for them) seem to be steadily on the rise. I’d imagine a large part of this is due to WWII “falling out of favour”. As a boy WWII was my “grandad’s war”, to my father it was “dad’s war” (or, in the case of some older guys, “dads army”) but to a newer generation of families, it’s highly possible no one was involved in WWII. However, you can bet your bottom dollar their parents, or at least their grandparents, remember the everpresent threat of nuclear war and the various “flashpoints” of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Perhaps most surprising though is that many of the groups displaying at this event (and many of the individual attendees) are airsofters!

Cold War airsoft has been a growing element of the hobby for some years now and many of the guys who have splashed out on “historically accurate” loadouts want to get

Event SOVIET THREAT AT THE SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER

their money’s worth by attending living history shows as well.

Walking around Hack Green I spotted a lot of familiar faces from various UK skirmish sites I’ve attended but I’m getting ahead of myself here.

Hack Green itself is an imposing concrete and steel affair deep in rural Cheshire, nestled in-between farms and small wooded villages. In the event of a Nuclear War, however, it would have served as a vital seat of local government with the representatives of the state safely ensconced deep underground to monitor communications and attempt to survive a thermo nuclear war and provide basic government to the area in the aftermath.

In an attempt to find out more about this fascinating place I sat down for a cuppa with the event organiser and museum owner, Lucy Siebert.

Lucy told me that Hack Green had originally been built as a ROTOR radar installation (and a huge rotating radar dish can still be seen on the upper level) but after that system became obsolete (as it could not track intercontinental ballistic missiles) it was converted into a nuclear bunker at a cost of £32 million (and that’s £32 Million in the early 80s, I shudder to think what that amount would be now). As an emergency local government centre, the bunker cost a staggering £4 million a year to run but by 1992, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the much expected nuclear war with Russia looked very unlikely to happen and the bunker was decommissioned and oddly enough ended up in her family’s hands as a privately owned “hobby” property. This might sound odd but Lucy enlightened me further, much to my surprise this isn’t actually unusual. There are hundreds of “bunker fanatics” all across the country who own former MOD and Royal Observer Corps cold war and WWII bunkers for fun! (To be honest given world politics at the moment, the idea of my own bunker seems somewhat “AS A BOY WWII WAS MY “GRANDAD’S WAR”, TO MY FATHER IT WAS appealing).

“DAD’S WAR” (OR, IN THE CASE OF SOME OLDER GUYS, “DADS ARMY”) While the bunker has been a museum in one form or another for the last 20 BUT TO A NEWER GENERATION OF FAMILIES, IT’S HIGHLY POSSIBLE NO years, it’s only in the last five that the ONE WAS INVOLVED IN WWII.” Siebert family have had ownership and during that time they have endeavoured most fascinating of all, is the rooms full of decommissioned to make it a firm family favourite (if warheads, rockets and missiles. Lucy smiled as she told me that an odd one) as a day out. Each room is themed to recreate a if all the weapons in the bunker were in “working order” that typical scene from either the bunker’s history or, in some cases, Hack Green would count as the 7th biggest military power on a scene from a bunker of the “other side” in Russia. You can the planet! view emergency hospital wards, a BBC public announcement TV studio and it’s hard not to feel slightly chilled looking at launch code machines and radar dishes that would plot BRING YOUR OWN VODKA the trajectory of missiles heading to the UK and perhaps This weekend, however, a host of re-enactors, airsofters and museum staff in costume, brought each room and the surrounding “outside ground level” to life. Creating both “living history displays” and also recreating small “flashbacks” from a history that could very nearly have happened, as well as a dozen or so vintage military vehicles from armoured cars to soviet jeeps. For example, the bunker’s deafening siren was activated as part of a mock “alert” (and I mean DEAFNING, if you stand directly in front of it when it’s on, you WILL lose your hearing!) as a section of British Infantry in full “nuclear biological and chemical warfare” kit burst out of the bunker to man defensive positions. While the public loved displays like this, I took a particular satisfaction in knowing that the guys playing the 80s squaddies were the Royal Union Rifles airsoft team that I’ve played alongside in the past. Who says we’re just messing about “playing army” and don’t know anything

www.airsoft-action.online

41

Event SOVIET THREAT AT THE SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER

about history eh? And it’s not only the siren that still works.

The building’s independent water, power and air conditioning systems are still very much functional, which is staggering when you consider how long they have been running! They were certainly build to last and literally survive anything that could be thrown at them.

While the public were entertained by the various displays and re-enactments there was also plenty to do for the reenactors. While many of them were as fascinated as I was just to be inside such a cold war monolith, after the public had all gone home the venue put on a “bring your own vodka” Goulash Night social event in the museum’s restaurant, to allow the guys and gals to let down their hair, chat about each other’s

“IT’S HARD NOT TO FEEL SLIGHTLY CHILLED LOOKING AT LAUNCH CODE MACHINES AND RADAR DISHES THAT WOULD PLOT THE TRAJECTORY OF MISSILES HEADING TO THE UK AND PERHAPS MOST FASCINATING OF ALL, IS THE ROOMS FULL OF DECOMMISSIONED WARHEADS, ROCKETS AND MISSILES. LUCY SMILED AS SHE TOLD ME THAT IF ALL THE WEAPONS IN THE BUNKER WERE IN “WORKING ORDER” THAT HACK GREEN WOULD COUNT AS THE 7TH BIGGEST MILITARY POWER ON THE PLANET!”

kit and just get to know fellow cold war enthusiasts.

It’s fair to say Hack Green is not so much a “bun-ker” as a “fun-ker” and well worth a visit for anyone with a healthy interest in military history (or even perhaps and unhealthy interest in nuclear annihilation!). While the nature of the building, with its stairs leading into the lower levels, makes it less ideal for the elderly and very young, families with pre-teen or teenage kids will certainly will have a lot of fun though and younger visitors are catered for with a “small spies training manual” activity book that helps make the complex scenario of the cold war and the bunker’s origins make sense to younger minds.

While “Soviet Threat” only takes place once a year, with its living history displays the bunker is also available to school visits and general visits to view the installation, as well as holding other shows like classic car meets and, for kit monsters (like myself), a giant military surplus sale!

If you’d like to know more about Hack Green, support them as a Heritage charity or just plan a visit, visit their website at www.hackgreen.co.uk

www.airsoft-action.online

43

PACA 2017 Legal

POLICING AND CRIME ACT 2017

A LOT HAS BEEN SPOKEN ABOUT THE INVOLVEMENT OF UKARA WITH REGARDS TO THE POLICE AND CRIME ACT 2017, SO FRENCHIE DUG OUT HIS DEER-STALKER AND MAGNIFYING GLASS TO BRING US THE REAL STORY.

FORGIVE ME. THIS ISN’T THE first time I have written about PACA - the Policing and Crime Act 2017 but I’m a bit of a twonk where this stuff is concerned and I believe it is genuinely important and interesting. If I were ever to write a book about airsoft in the UK, this episode and the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA) would figure large in it as they were the two most significant challenges to our pastime.

It would be hard for me to say which was more important; had the challenge to the VCRA failed we would all be running around with brightly coloured guns; PACA threatened to introduce a change that would have fundamentally altered not only the playing of the game but would have undermined retailers as well.

A little background…

A long time ago, in an appendix of a report produced by the long-defunct Firearms Consultative Committee, it was recommended that lethality in the UK should be set at 1 joule (that’s 328fps with a 0.2g BB in airsoft parlance). There was no evidence to support this recommendation and nothing was ever done with it but the “one joule” figure has hung around government and civil service circles like the ghost of Christmas past ever since.

When the Policing and Crime Bill (PACB) was a youthful green paper before Parliament, the one joule limit made a most unwelcome reappearance as the Bill sought to finally define lethality in law. Does this matter though, surely one joule is enough? No, not really and it has very little to do with your

44

August 2017

Legal POLICING AND CRIME ACT 2017

airsoft guns. There are no guarantee that airsoft guns ordered from abroad will arrive at the correct muzzle energy, even when dealing with reputable manufacturers; what would happen if a retailer imported a bunch of guns over that limit? Would they be classed as Section 5 firearms? Would jail time result? What if you used one on site? What about snipers? No one knew. It was an issue that had been lurking in the background for many years and everyone, police, government and airsoft as a whole had been studiously ignoring. PACB made it matter.

Post-VCRA, UKARA had commissioned work from the Forensic Science Service, the FSS, which had arrived at suggested limits of 1.3 joules for selective fire airsoft guns and 2.5 joules for single shot guns. The Association of Chief Police Officers accepted these findings and issued guidance accordingly - the aim now was get these limits accepted by the government, specifically the Home Office.

UKARA had worked with an Assistant Chief Constable from the Dorset Police Service many years ago who had assisted with contacts with FELWG - the police Firearms and Explosives Working Group. This ACC had since left the force and was working as firearms consultant but UKARA were able to track him down and engage him to assist them present their case to the Home Office. When I spoke to Frank at UKARA about the PACA and the industry’s response, he went on at some length about how indispensable this one individual was. He understood airsoft, he had been involved in the VRCA, he had comprehensive firearms knowledge, extensive contacts throughout the industry, the police services and the Home Office. This is absolute gold if you are in the position where you are trying to influence decisions; being able to field someone who is both known to, and respected by those you are seeking to help you is genuinely about 7/10th of the battle simply because you are no longer seen as “just another fringe interest group”.

One of the problems encountered during the consultation on the VCRA was a failure to properly engage with the Home Office at an early stage, this error wasn’t repeated with UKARA being represented at the initial Symposium and then getting their consultant invited to sit on the panel examining the issues, which included the Home Office and other industry figures.

UKARA were able to persuade the Law Commission to introduce a definition of airsoft into the Bill, however the Commission was still of the opinion that lethality should be set at 1 joule for any type of replica gun. Working with UKAPU, the Airsoft Players Union, further pressure was brought to persuade the Commission to accept the lethality figures derived from the original FSS testing. In this they were successful. Thus far we are looking at quite a lot of win, so you know that something is about to go wrong …and it did.

It was realised that the testing applied only to 6mm BBs and despite arguing that 8mm BBs presented a smaller risk of penetrating injury because of their larger surface area, the Home Office refused to introduce what was seen within the industry as a simple change. Although broadly on board with airsoft at this point, the Home Office refused to move on the 8mm question without similar test data to confirm their safety at the 1.3/2.5 joule limits.

Faced with this intransigence there were two options; abandon 8mm BBs to a one joule limit or to test the effect

of 8mm BBs at 1.3 and 2.5 joules. It’s worth noting here that having agreed the muzzle energy limits, all that was necessary was to prove that 8mm BBs would produce a non-trivial injury at the same levels, rather than establishing at what point 8mm BBs would cause serious injury. It sounds simple but it wasn’t.

Frank and John Dean from Firesupport were able to engage the principle individual from the original FSS test to carry out the testing to a required standard but it fell to John to produce two airsoft “guns” capable of delivering the required muzzle energies reliably.

As most of you will understand, 8mm airsoft is a bit specialised so nothing was available off the shelf. This left John having to build two guns, one single shot the other full auto, both based on Co2 paintball engines and the barrel from a Marushin M1 Garand. The total cost of this exercise was

substantial but none of us can say where airsoft gun design is going to go in the future and had UKARA & UKAPU decided in effect to abandon 8mm, there would have been fury in some quarters. Moreover, the testing once again reinforced the fact that at 1.3 and 2.5 joules airsoft was demonstrably safe.

The upshot was that the Home Office, presented with solid evidence, supported the inclusion of 8mm BBs on the Bill. It’s worth noting here that once they had been convinced to allow the airsoft definition and exemption the Home Office was, as they were with the VCRA, very supportive. It’s quite a peculiar situation to find yourself in - you lock horns with them for months, then you reach agreement and suddenly they are (by and large) exceptionally helpful. It’s like pushing at a stuck door for ages only to have it open suddenly. But - that’s the civil service and the Bill had to pass through Parliament...

It was entirely to be expected that during its journey through the House of Commons, the Committee stage and the House of Lords that the airsoft exemption would be subject to scrutiny. Unlike the VCRA, the section that applied to airsoft had the advantage of being on the face of the Bill and, crucially, the support of the government. I don’t mean to imply that the government was all up in arms on behalf of airsoft for a change but in many matters ministers accept the advice of the civil service as it’s simply not possible to know everything about everything. Although there were challenges in both the Commons and in committee, these were seen off and the most serious challenge arose in the House of Lords. In the long run, changes made by the Lords can be overturned

www.airsoft-action.online

45

Legal POLICING AND CRIME ACT 2017

by the Commons, however, Lord Shrewsbury’s objection was considered serious. He was lobbied by UKAPU and by individuals and eventually withdrew his amendment, claiming that it had been intended only as a “testing” amendment, designed to clarify the reasoning behind the exemption. That may indeed be the case, although some cynics at the time (myself included) pointed to the fact that he was chair of the Gun Trades Association and their members stood to benefit if a blanket one joule limit was imposed.

The Bill received Royal Assent in January 2017 and came into force in May this year. Although it is reasonably straightforward there are a number of unresolved questions.

Some of these I have commented on before but to recap; what happens if a full-auto gun exceeds 1.3 joules? What about readily convertible weapons? How does this law affect gas and HPA guns? The short answer to most of this is “we will see”. The Home Office approach is that these are questions only a court can answer. I’ve seen this before from them and I understand the reasons for it, even if it’s not particularly helpful.

The best approach is to ensure that your guns stay below those limits, regardless of their power source. It is highly unlikely that any police service has the time or resources to start visiting sites and running every gun over the chrono. Frank agreed with my suggestion that these are more likely to be “add on” offences - if you get arrested for doing something stupid and airsoft related then the police might well check the muzzle energy of your guns and decide to charge you if they are over the limit. There is a suggestion that the Crown Prosecution Service feels that there is no public interest to

prosecute someone with a gun over 1.3 joules for the offence of owning a Section 5 firearm.

The truth is that we are unlikely to get definitive answers to some of these questions. Some of them may well be addressed quietly in the course of meetings that are ongoing.

UKARA and its consultant are continuing to meet with those involved, the Borders Force, the police FELWG and the Crown Prosecution Service amongst others. If that’s the case don’t expect to see anything written about them as they are likely to be “understandings”. That’s not unusual.

All of this activity cost money and UKARA has had to dig deep into its reserves. Only retailers pay into UKARA, everyone else benefits at no cost to themselves. Fortunately since the VCRA battle a decade ago their war-chest has been quietly accruing which, given the pasting it has taken over the past couple of years, is a blessing.

I dislike coming across as a fanboy and I am as aware as anyone of UKARA’s failings, however, in this case I have to take my hat off to them. They were not alone in this, UKAPU played an important role and others were deeply involved but to their credit, UKARA took action timeously and managed to get exactly the right sort of help in order to achieve a very positive outcome.

Airsoft is now defined in law as are the safe limits at which we can operate. Since I have mislaid my crystal ball I cannot predict the future but I would hazard an educated guess that future governments will largely ignore airsoft as a legal entity.

It may be that airsofters will have to fight this battle again at some point but it should be many years hence, if ever.

www.airsoft-action.online

47

Loaded or Unloaded WA WRAP UP

IN HIS FINAL INSTALMENT COVERING AIRSOFT ACTION’S TRIP TO THE IWA SHOW IN GERMANY EARLIER THIS YEAR BILL THOMAS BRINGS US HIS RECOMMENDATIONS AND TOP PICKS OF THE GEAR THAT’S NOW BEGINNING TO HIT THE STORES!

IT’S A WRAP! FOR ME IWA IS ALL about clothing, footwear, gear and accessories. Last year I had the great pleasure of introducing my good friend and fellow contributor Kelly to Hall 9 and to say she was shocked (no easy accomplishment that!) is a huge understatement because, if you’re not prepared for the gamut of “tacticool” that you need to run, it can be a little intimidating. Of course I’ve been visiting these stands ever since my very first IWA a good few years back and my response to Kelly, given with a wry smile, was “welcome to my world”.

Like many of you that will be reading this, my entire working life is devoted to the arcane practices undertaken by the artificers of all things “tactical” and IWA for me is truly like coming home, getting to see old friends and new alike and catching up with all that’s innovative and improved.

On the Friday morning I purposely left an hour before my first appointment as I knew that getting through the hall to the Press Room would involve a lot of “glad handing” and back slapping; as it transpired an hour was barely enough and in fact that coffee had to wait as I only just made it to my first port of call on time and that was with Helikon-Tex. Helikon-Tex work with the best quality fabrics and components with strict 48

August 2017

quality control measures in place but they also work with some unusual camouflage patterns which makes them quite unique.

In fact right at the front of the stand were two completely new camouflage patterns from the Hyde Definition PenCott “family”. PenCott and Helikon-Tex go way back so it wasn’t a surprise to see them amongst the early adopters of the new patterns and it’s also great to see the work of a British designer, Dom Hyde, being represented so very well; there were two new patterns to look at, WildWood and MetroPolis.

PenCott WildWood, for us in the UK, is probably the more important of the two; it’s a new temperate pattern developed at the request of Polish Special Forces, through a long collaboration between Hyde Definition and Helikon-Tex and is based on the well-proven and widely used PenCott pattern geometry. Creating WildWood, Dom strived to create a pattern optimal for transitional and woodland areas of the moderate climes of mostly Central-Eastern Europe. He started the process by re-appraising GreenZone, adding more brown shades, while de-saturating greens. He used in-the-field digital colour sampling to create the palette for WildWood and then evaluated several iterations as digital prints in the field. Analyses then informed the process to optimise and finalise the colour values and standards for production. WildWood incorporates all of the features that make the PenCott patterns some of the most advanced and effective concealment solutions on the market today and I’m certain that this will be a real winner.

Talking of colours and patterns, there are a couple more companies that really stood out for me and the first of these was ATACS. I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with Phil and the team that started the ball rolling ever since the initial introduction of ATACS AU a few years back; closely on the heels of the pattern we saw ATACS FG and ATACS LE roll out - but then things went a little quiet. I know for a fact that the guys have been working quietly behind the scenes but for me this was the first time I’d seen a full representation of their two new “transitional” patterns AUX and FGX; both were very impressive indeed and I’m already speaking to them about a full

Loaded or Unloaded WA WRAP UP

update to come soon.

Equally impressive was the new “Urban Frost Grey” from our friends at UFPRO. Nejc and Armin told me this is a different take again on the “grey” subdued colourway and I have to say it was very striking indeed. This new colour is already being incorporated into some of their existing designs but they also had new garments to show, in the shape of the P40 Urban Pant and Shirt, the M1 Urban Jacket and the Delta OL 3.0 Jacket and Pant. All of these are very impressive garments and they all illustrate just how well UFPRO understand the fabric technologies they use and how this goes into a garment to give absolutely first class performance.

Other clothing standouts for me were several new models of pant from Pentagon, including the very cool-looking, outdoor pursuits inspired “Hermes” Pant and new garments from Claw Gear such as the “Enforcer” Pant and “Rapax”

Softshell Jacket. I took the opportunity to pay a quick visit to First Tactical to take another look at their new “Defender” pants and combat shirt - and their new “Operator” boot looks absolutely first rate too. These models are due for release this summer and I’m pleased to say that test samples have already been booked.

I also revisited LOWA to check out the new models they were showing off, including the INNOX mid which I’m now in the process of testing, plus also had some new low cut models which look excellent. Salomon had some new colours in evidence and both Bates and Rocky had some tactical models

www.airsoft-action.online

49

CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW, BLACK

OTP #Airsoft Action, JUNE 2017

OUTBACK LINE

OUTDOOR TACTICAL PANTS速 Meet our Outdoor Tactical Pants速. Pants designed for demanding users operating in the field. The pants cut provides freedom of movement. Used material is light and dries quickly. Carefully planned pockets allow you to comfortably carry your equipment. Several color versions allow you to match your trousers to the rest of your wardrobe. And now OTP速 is available in Camogrom速 camouflage. Enjoy!

WWW.HELIKON-TEX.COM

Loaded or Unloaded WA WRAP UP

that were worth a look. Industry veteran ALTAMA entered new territory with their OTB maritime Assault Mid. UK brand Magnum had a new model which they were shouting about and for good reason as the design looks totally new for them and I hope to secure a pair of the new “OPUS” boots for evaluation in due course.

One clothing and footwear trend that seems to be growing larger and larger is the range of “crossover” models, obviously designed with those “tactical athletes” in mind. Certainly all of the clothing is looking to take a cue from both the outdoor pursuits and athletic markets and some of it is very smart indeed. Once again HelikonTex had great additions to their line with this type of garment and a pair of the new “Greyman Tactical Jeans” are certainly high on my “post-IWA shopping list” … and Pentagon, Blackhawk! and 5:11 are also hot on this particular trail too!

For me, a trip to IWA would not be complete without a meet-up with the

crew from Warrior Assault Systems! This is gear that I’ve been using myself for a number of years and, in my opinion, their DCS DA556 Plate Carrier Combo is one of the best on the market. My current DCS has now given nearly four years of service and still shows no sign that it’s not ready to take even more abuse! I was pleased to see though, that Warrior have not rested on their laurels; the “Recon” Plate Carrier is now available in two styles and I was interested to finally get my hands on the two new variants of the “Covert” Plate Carrier.

VIPER launched the new range of “Hex-Tech” packs which I looked at last month and these are sure to be a success for them. Helikon-Tex bowled me over with a completely new and extensive set of “Range Line” nylon kit (which I’ve already reported on in detail) and fellow Poles, Direct Action, added additional embellishments to their “Spitfire” Plate Carrier, whilst finally introducing the “Tiger Moth” and “Tempest” Chest Rigs. UR Tactical showed a fine line of tactical gear and accessories, also in the new PenCott colours which bodes very well for an overall camouflage solution and First Tactical had a great new rolling duffle and a fine First Responder’s duffle - all of these will be fully evaluated by the Airsoft Action team over time.

IT’S A WRAP!

I did speak to many more great manufacturers large and small, including my good mates at SHIELD Sights and IMI Defense but, as always, three days at the show just seemed to fly by! I also proudly attended this year’s meeting of the Tactical Beard Operators Club and it was absolutely awesome to see so many of my “Bearded Brothers”, not only from the rest of Europe but further afield as well.

IWA 2017 was a tremendous show both for me personally and for Airsoft Action and I hope to see just as many folk from the international tactical community in Nuremberg next year.

The show has already been fixed for 9 - 12 March 2018, so get it in your diary and I’ll see you in Germany for the next one! www.airsoft-action.online

51

International BELARUS

T F O S R I A URBAN S I C E H T IN MARIA LITVINOVA STARTS A TWO-PART ARTICLE ON THE GROWTH OF URBAN AIRSOFT IN THE FORMER SOVIET STATE OF BELARUS, WHERE DEVELOPING TACTICAL SKILLS IS AT THE TOP OF THE AGENDA.

AIRSOFT IN THE CIS COUNTRIES goes to the cities where storming and defending buildings, tactical groups working and countering for terrorists and modern airsoft reflects the main world trends. Before the airsoft players were playing on the “green” but today the most popular places for gathering in the former Soviet Union are abandoned pioneer camps and industrial zones. There you can simulate the situation of small settlements.

The most interesting idea for modern post-Soviet airsofters is to work in assault teams, for example, clearing the settlements and release hostages. The Airsoft community in the Republic of Belarus is a vivid example of this modern trend.

The largest and most experienced teams in this country are increasingly focusing on developing tactical skills.

In March, at the training ground near the city of Minsk (the capital of Belarus) the second airsoft tournament took place - AATG (“Airsoft Assault Tactical Groups”). Hundreds of airsoft fighters from all over the republic competed in the skills

52

August 2017

International BELARUS

of clearing the terrorist’s territories and releasing hostages.

One of the best airsoft clubs in the country held a practical seminar “City”. During this seminar experienced instructor of the leading special unit of the Republic of Belarus shared his fighting skills. Why the tactical airsoft is more interesting than the classical one and what are the further development prospects of this stream? We talked with representatives of the leading airsoft clubs in Belarus.

SCENARIO OF THE AATG TOURNAMENT “KOMSOMOLSKOE”.

The scenario of the tournament plunged the participants into the atmosphere of the counter-terrorist operations in Chechnya, which took place on the territory of Russia in 1999-2009. Between March the 5th and 20th 2000, the combined forces of the Russian army cleared the village of Komsomolskoye from militants in one of the foothills regions of Chechnya. During two weeks of fighting, federal forces lost 50 people dead and over 300 wounded, more than 500 militants were killed and 273 taken as prisoners.

Belarus airsoft players squeezed the brightest events of those days into a one-day scenario. Participants were divided in two tactical groups, each of them had to fulfill 2 tasks: to block and then clear out the settlement of Komsomolskoye (including the assault of the city hospital, where the main group of terrorists were settled, according to the scenario).

LV: Why did you decide to make the AATG tournament?

Alexander Bozhko, organizer of the AATG tournament, Minsk: “The Belarus Republican Sports Public Association “Strikeball” has been actively developing the military tactical airsoft since 2009. It all began with competitions for the special forces airsoft teams “Horse Racing”. They were based on similar competitions for the real military special forces groups.

In addition, we began to play games in the format of milsim, based on the actions of intelligence groups. Over time, we created assault team competitions - ATAC (Airsoft Team Action Contest). By the way, today ATAC is the largest and most popular international airsoft competition in the post-Soviet

space, last year about 30 teams from Russia, Belarus, Lithuania and Poland participated in this event. This year in August ATAC will be held for the fifth time. A tournament ATTG is a kind of version of Milsim for assault groups, they are less scale than ATAC. But this is a good platform for younger teams, where they can prove themselves and gain experience from more experienced comrades. This year it was the second competition of AATG.” Sergei Grom, the commander of the group “Honor”, Minsk: “Last year AATG (Airsoft Assault Tactical Groups) took place on the territory of an abandoned cinema in Minsk. We reconstructed the events of the terrorist attack that occurred in Moscow in October 2002. Then the militants seized upon and held hostages from among the spectators of the musical “Nord-Ost”. We agreed with the local authorities, they allowed us to host this tournament. Then the best teams of the republic came to Minsk. We completely recreated the atmosphere; the whole preparation was to hold one global assault. By the

“AN IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT ALL SPECIAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT MUST CORRESPOND TO REAL COMBAT ANALOGUES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE WEIGHT OF BULLET-PROOF VESTS IS NOT LESS THAN 8 KILOGRAMS (17 LB), THE WEIGHT OF HELMETS IS 1.5-2 KILOGRAMS (4 LB) AND THE TACTICAL SHIELDS ARE UP TO 22 KILOGRAMS (48 LB).” way, part of the funds was transferred to the International Fund for Assistance to Victims of Terrorist Acts. This year, at Komsomolskoye, the tasks for the participants were slightly different; the action took place not only in buildings but also on the street. Participants had to use skills of fighting not only in buildings but also on the territory of settlements.”

The AATG tournament “Komsomolskoye” was for one day in the suburbs of Minsk. There were 13 teams from all over the Republic of Belarus. They were divided into two tactical groups: A and B (about 50 people each). Each group had to go through two stages.

An important point is that all special protection equipment must correspond to real combat analogues. For example, the weight of bullet-proof vests is not less than 8 kilograms (17 lb), the weight of helmets is 1.5-2 kilograms (4 lb) and the tactical shields are up to 22 kilograms (48 lb).

The task of the first stage is to clean out the Komsomolskoye settlement including the Hospital building.

Here the participants were able to work out the methods of assault operation, the procedure for negotiating with terrorists and communicating with civilians in the village. The last task, as noted by the participants and the judges, the airsoft players did not perform very well. As it turned out, they prefer to shoot rather than talk. At the first stage, 10 militants and 12 civilians settled in the village (including in the Hospital). The main goal of the leader of the terrorists was to get out of the encirclement of the military forces. This is what one of the “terrorists” writes about how the groups attacked.

Bad2, the “terrorist” in the AATG 2017, describes the storming of the hospital by the first group A: “Bonfire. Pilaf.

Music. Waiting for negotiations. Assault. A significant group of attacking troopers came from the southwest. To pave the way along the wall peaceful ones were sent as a living shield. Despite their appearance, their raised arms and the corresponding shouts, all peaceful ones were killed by the heavy fire of the assault group. The leader of militants was shot in battle. The fight in the building lasted long time.”

Bad2, the “terrorist” in the AATG 2017, describes the storming of the hospital by the second group B: “The fire died down.

There is no pilaf.. Music died ... Fortunately, there was still enthusiasm. Unlike their predecessors, Group B more evenly

www.airsoft-action.online

53

International BELARUS

closed the perimeter and did not kill everyone. Even when the peaceful ones were sent along the wall Group B were not shot. As the passage along the river further to the parking was tightly closed, the leader of the militants in the crowd of peaceful tried to seep through the perimeter. He has not reached five meters...”

Dobroslav, a participant of the tournament AATG 2017: “I was in the front ranks of storm troopers of the group A as a shield. More than realistic. In the hospital building, while inspecting one of the rooms (Myself + equipment + shield = more than 100 kg (220 lb)), I fell through the rotten floorboards somewhere up to the middle of the thigh. Shooting, screaming, explosions ... By the way, the troopers worked pretty well, if you make a discount to the fact that these teams rarely work together. In general, one more successful event in the history of Belarus airsoft. Thank you to everyone for this day!”

The second stage was “Sturm” - sweeping the object of the main base of the fighters and hostages. In the building there were 14 fighters and 1 “shahid”. They held 7 hostages.

5 militants (including their leader and shahid) and 4 hostages were in the same room. The other militants acted in disjointed groups, each worked in its part of the building and could not leave it. At this stage, the tournament participants showed good skills in assaulting the building but again neglected the lives of the hostages.

Bad2, the “terrorist” in the AATG 2017, describes the second stage of the tournament: “Shooting, radio reports in progress, explosions of grenades underneath, a sliding ladder on the 2nd floor of the southern building.

After a short lull, two grenades flew into the big hall. Then a group of stormtroopers with shields emerged from the stairs. A

verbal skirmish, I repeated my ultimatum with demanding that the stormtroopers take away their weapons, go to the stairs. I threatened to kill the hostages. However, the shields guards ignored and continued to move their “caterpillar”.

Countdown aloud from 10 (during 20 seconds) and the first hostage falls from my knife. Shields guards do not react, they just look. Countdown from 5 (during 10 seconds) and the second hostage is also killed. Fire on the shields. Shahid makes self-explosion in one meter from armored fighters (who obviously did not expecting such reaction). Shield guards are killed. Another shootout. The third hostage has already been killed by stormtroopers. Pause. The second group of shield men. Long-term clarification from the side in whom should not shoot. They shot the leader, 2 militants and a hostage. The last gunman in full growth went with a gun on the shields and he was stopped one meter to the target. I do not know what he would do if he came - knocked on the shields - asked to open?? The dust settled down. Storming of the big hall. At that moment, the reinforcement of the attackers began to burst from the street fire escape. There was a battle between the two groups of stormtroopers with senseless shooting and grenades.

Fortunately, without losses. We made control shots to all ... hostages. Gone.”

Dobroslav, participant of the AATG 2017: “It’s a pity that the potential of the situation with hostages was not used even by a third. It would be very interesting to participate in the negotiations. Thank you for working out the role-playing element, I hope the organizers will find an opportunity to allocate a greater role to it in future tournaments.”

O-pa, “terrorist” in the AATG 2017: “From the side of “terrorists” I can say only one thing - the teams had neither the will nor the incentive to save the hostages! Both teams worked just the assault of buildings. Definitely every hostage should be more valuable. We need a system of motivation for cooperation of the parties - civilians, hostages, troopers.”

To be continued…

www.airsoft-action.online

55

Action Air IPSC LEVEL 1 AT NPPC

THE END OF AN ERA SOUTH WEST PRACTICAL SHOOTERS (SWPS) REPORT FROM THE LAST EVER ACTION AIR IPSC “LEVEL 1” CLUB COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE NORTHERN PRACTICAL PISTOL CLUB (NPPC) IN BURNLEY. THE COMPETITION HELD AT the Northern Practical Pistol Club (NPPC) on 6th-7th May 2017 was to be the last one ever held there due to the club closing at the end of May. It was lovingly nicknamed the NPPC “Grand Finale” and 34 shooters from across the UK were in attendance to support the event and say a tearful farewell to an amazing club.

Despite the freezing temperatures “up North” in Burnley for “Southerners” like myself to adjust to, the NPPC Club competitions were always well attended by shooters from all over the UK; including competitors from Huddersfield, Watford, East Barnet, Coventry, High Wycombe, Hereford, Gloucester and Axminster, along with NPPC’s own Club Members. Some of

56

August 2017

NPPC’s Club Competitions have also been attended by shooters from Germany and Holland.

NPPC was a dedicated practical pistol club located in the centre of Burnley in Lancashire; with two dedicated practical pistol indoor ranges on the top floor of the 4-storey club building which was ideal for all year-round shooting. Regardless of what the weather was doing outside – hot or cold – the NPPC range was open all year round.

NPPC was originally formed in 2002 by Mike Cripps and Andy Brown in a hired range in Barnsley and they ran their first competition in a horse riding arena in Burnley in early 2003.

NPPC found the Burnley town centre range with help from two friends and ran their second competition in Barnsley whilst the new Burnley range was being cleared and organised.

The NPPC range at Burnley was established in early 2004 and the first club competition was held there later that year.

NPPC was one of the longest-running clubs in the UK; operated solely by volunteer members. It is with great sadness that after holding 32 competitions over 13 years, NPPC has now closed.

There has been a steady flow of NPPC “Level 1” IPSC Club Competitions; recently maintaining a regular three per year – March, June & November. Each competition usually had between 12-16 Courses of Fire (Stages), depending on space and volunteers available to support the competition.

For their last competition there were 12 stages set up in three areas within the NPPC Club facility. The two dedicated practical pistol ranges housed four Small-Medium stages, which were then combined into a fifth stage in each range of the “Long” variety; including 1 x 44-shot long stage in Range 2.

Another two stages were set-up in the former Recording Studio on one of the lower floors of the NPPC club building.

As with all competitions held at NPPC, the Competition

Action Air IPSC LEVEL 1 AT NPPC

Stages were well designed and demonstrated a good use of the space available. NPPC chose to keep the stage designs fairly simple this time so that the competition ran smoothly without any complicated stage re-setting delays. Having stages that were not too complex or stressful, also meant that the shooting squads could focus on enjoying the last competition at NPPC, as opposed to feeling the competitive pressure.

The stages involved a variety of shooter starting positions – facing up-range, down-range, and shooting from within a defined box/shooting area. The Stages also involved a variety of Gun starting positions; including Gun Loaded-Chamber Loaded (Condition 1), Gun Loaded-Chamber Empty (Condition 2), and Gun Unloaded (Condition 3) starts.

Although NPPC chose to keep the stage designs fairly simple, they were still challenging and fun to shoot. Each stage challenged the shooter for a different reason; whether it be due to challenging shooting angles, mandatory strong and weak hand shooting, short and long distances to targets, and a mixture of both physical and visual obstacles within the stages – closed doors to open to reveal targets, barricades to shoot over and around and apertures to shoot through to hit specific targets and, of course, “freestyle” shooting.

The stages also utilised a mixture of both 60% and 100% target sizes, as well as a mixture of LED poppers, small and large falling poppers and falling plates. Having a mixture of target styles makes the Competition Stages more enjoyable for the shooters and allows some Stages to be approached as quick-fire Stages, while others required the shooters to approach them methodically and strategically.

Shooters attending competitions at NPPC have always given the option of either shooting the competition across the whole 2-day weekend, or shooting the 12 Stages on either

“ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, MY FIRST COMPETITION WAS AT NPPC IN 2014 AND THEY WELCOMED ME AS IF I WAS ONE OF THE NPPC FAMILY. THAT’S THE TRUTH OF IT REALLY, NPPC FELT LIKE MORE LIKE A SECOND HOME, A PLACE WHERE FAMILY MEET TO SHARE A COMMON INTEREST.” the Saturday or Sunday. This allowed the shooters to fit their hobby round other commitments in their lives; such as work and family events. This flexibility in the competition style is one of the key things that have made the competitions at NPPC so appealing and feasible for so many shooters throughout the years.

34 shooters took part in NPPC’s “Grand Finale” competition; with 21 shooters competing within the “Standard” Division, 10 shooters competing within the “Open” Division, and 3 shooters competing within the “Production” Division. Sub-Categories within those Divisions included Juniors (Under 18s), Ladies (Over 18s), Seniors (Over 50s), and SuperSeniors (Over 60s).

The time has come to announce the results of the competition: Open Division – Winners: 1st – Luke Williams (SWPS) 2nd – Mario Chan (East Barnet) 3rd – James Still (Cobra One Zero) Standard Division – Winners: 1st – Surawoot OB Tanasen (Double Tap) 2nd – Andy Williams (Double Tap) 3rd – Andrew Brett (NPPC) Production Division – Winners: 1st – Ryan Renard (Double Tap) 2nd – Elliot Lee 3rd – Milan Koria (NPPC) Admittedly, there weren’t large numbers of shooters qualifying for all of the Divisional Sub-Categories, but as it’s the last NPPC competition, I’ll give you the Category Results too: Ladies Open – Winner: 1st – Dawn Williams (SWPS) Seniors Open – Winners: 1st – Jon Cull (WPPC) 2nd – Fred Meegan (FBI) Super Seniors Open – Winners: 1st – Steve Birtwhistle (NPPC) 2nd – Ronnie Graham (Double Tap)

www.airsoft-action.online

57

Action Air IPSC LEVEL 1 AT NPPC

Ladies Standard – Winner: 1st – Eluned Pritchard (WPPC) Seniors Standard – Winners: 1st – Danny Yau (Double Tap) 2nd – Panos Pitrakou (East Barnet) 3rd – Darryl Cleevley (Double Tap) 4th – Denis Quinlan (NPPC) 5th – Andy Inglis (NPPC) Super Seniors Standard – Winner: 1st – Dave Rossiter (Double Tap) Juniors Standard – Winner: 1st – Curtis Stevenson (NPPC) Senior Production – Winner: 1st – Milan Koria (NPPC) The way the results are calculated in IPSC Action Air Practical Pistol competitions, mean that a shooter can win a specific Category trophy, as well as an overall Divisional trophy.

The atmosphere at NPPC competitions has always been welcoming, friendly and supportive and that has been a key reason why shooters returned year-after-year to attend their competitions. The atmosphere at the “Grand Finale” was no different. In fact, there was an increased light-heartedness and shooters were showing signs of being semi-competitive as opposed to being 100% in-it-to-win-it. All shooting squad members pitched in with the scoring, patching, and re-setting stages as is the “norm” for Level 1 competitions and showed all squad members support and encouragement; showing true comradery in support of the long-standing friendships built within the sport.

This competition was more than just a normal Level 1 Club Competition, it was a final goodbye. A final goodbye to a longstanding club who have helped so many shooters through their journey into IPSC shooting.

As previously mentioned, NPPC was operated solely by volunteer members. As a Not-for-Profit Club, all Membership Fees and Competition Entry Fees went back into the Club to cover costs. NPPC relied on regular attendance from Club Members, as well the introduction of new shooters in order to continue running the club. Strong attendance at the NPPC Club Competitions covered some operational costs however due to dwindling membership and a reduced interest from new shooters, the club has been forced to close.

NPPC Members did not just run their club in Burnley, they have also supported the wider shooting community throughout the years. They have facilitated practical pistol training and hosted UKPSA safety courses to assist shooters with gaining

their completion licences. NPPC members also offer their support to other UK clubs by being Range Officers (ROs) during competitions at other clubs; including the European Championships.

Losing NPPC is heart-breaking for the Airsoft Action Air Practical Pistol shooting community. There was an underlying sadness during the competition as the realisation hit that there would be no future competitions in Burnley. For some distant shooters, such as those from SWPS, the closure of NPPC in Burnley means we have fewer reasons to make the long drive north.

A farewell meal was held at a local pub; attended by the majority of the Saturday shooters and the NPPC Club Team.

The evening was full of reminiscing; enjoying stories from the “early days” at NPPC, as well as sharing memories from recent events. Three NPPC Team Members (Mike Cripps, Steve Brett, and Stephen Birtwhistle) were presented with trophies in recognition for their contribution to the sport through running NPPC. It was a token of both friendship and appreciation.

On a personal level, my first competition was at NPPC in 2014 and they welcomed me as if I was one of the NPPC family. That’s the truth of it really, NPPC felt like more like a second home, a place where family meet to share a common interest. The three trips each year from Somerset to Burnley for the NPPC competitions will be a significant gap in our shooting schedule.

The closure of NPPC is an end of an era. A change in the Action Air dynamic, a real game-changer. The reality is that if they’d been able to attract and retain more local members, they may have been able to stay open for longer and continue their great work.

So my message is this…

If you are an airsofter who feels they may be interested in giving IPSC Action Air Practical Pistol shooting a try, see what clubs exist nearby to you and pop along and have a go.

If you are a member of a local IPSC club or team, or there is one nearby to you, show your support and do your best to attend regularly.

If we don’t keep the sport alive, we could lose it just as quickly as it has grown.

Dawn Williams South West Practical Shooters (SWPS)

www.airsoft-action.online

59

Inside Airsoft AIRSHOOTERS

AIRSHOOTERS LES LEE CONTINUES HIS TOUR THROUGH UK AIRSOFT WITH A VISIT TO A COMPANY IN ESSEX WITH BIG PLANS. THERE IS ONE PARTICULAR ASPECT that I really enjoy about airsoft (no, not shooting marshals) - talking from a journalists point of view - and that is that when I find something new, something a bit different from the norm and something which if, all goes to plan, could make a considerable difference or improvement to airsoft. I spend a lot of time scouring the web for innovations and concepts that might just be “the next big thing” and the following subject could just be what many airsoft enthusiasts have been looking and/ or waiting for.

Nige introduced me to Stuart Kennedy, a steadfast businessman with a passion for all things airsoft. With a notable background relevant to this crazy game that we all love, he decided to take one very big step back and began thinking outside the box as to how (not 60

August 2017

“if” but “how”) things could be improved for the end users.

Of course, this would have to include building bridges with the big boys and high street retailers alike and co-ordinating, developing, promoting - and not forgetting the element of risk taking that goes hand in hand with investments. It has all been worth it so far and now comes the part where all of the hard work needs to be recognised, which will enable many airsofters to start looking at his websites and social media pages and take advantage of the services that Airshooters has to offer.

Stuart discovered airsoft around four years ago and it was indeed an inspirational discovery at that. He realised that airsoft has a ton of potential in many areas and definitely some room for improvement. He decided to look even deeper into this captivating activity and was not disappointed, in fact quite the opposite and so his journey into this world of ours began in earnest (or was it Essex?). After deep and lengthy chats we decided that his immersion should be shared and give the airsoft community a chance to indulge in some of his ventures

Inside Airsoft AIRSHOOTERS

so far …and thus the Q&A began.

Les: So Stuart, let’s start with the obvious question, how, when and where did you get involved with airsoft and how did you get to where you are today?

Stuart: “Airsoft started for me when the Manager of my 4x4 business bought an airsoft pistol to work, this was in 2013. He then explained airsoft to me and I did some research on the net myself. As I already had one business adding another in a completely different sphere seemed like a logical step to take.

The rest, as they say, was just through hard work and listening to what people actually asked for.”

Les: What drove your passion to take airsoft to a higher level?

Stuart: “Once the decision was made to go into airsoft, it soon became apparent that there were many different levels of player and this was echoed in the available stock for a retailer.

I had to make the decision on what to stock and who to aim at (pun surely intended). We set up accounts with all the major suppliers (as everyone does) but I decided to concentrate on four main points; custom builds and hard to find stock. Our other aims were to bring the affordability of airsoft within the reach of a larger market and provide good customer service to grow the sport that way.”

Les: Do you operate on your own or do you have a team of staff around?

Stuart: “I started Airshooters in December 2013 with a guy called Chris Nunn, he now does all the tech and upgrades here and runs the repairs and spares arm of the business.

I then coerced Mr Chris Hobbs in Stockton in 2014 into custom painting, hydro dipping and selling in our northern branch Geartech Custom Paint. In 2015 we helped set up Mercia airsoft in Owestry, run by Mr Ash Edwards. We also have factory support from Bolt airsoft in Taiwan, as we are UK Bolt airsoft specialists.”

Les: What do you specialise in now and explain your journey so far?

Stuart: “All our stores specialise in different areas , that way we are not trying to be “all things to all men” under one roof, as this requires more space and people than I have. The main base for Airshooters is in Manningtree, Essex which is 9 miles from Colchester and 9 from Ipswich. We specialise here in custom builds, high pressure air RIF’s and the hard to find.

“Airshooters’ other main speciality is Bolt Airsoft. Bolt are a newer brand of recoil RIF that only came to the UK in 2012/3.

I myself bought a first generation Bolt and for the cost it was an amazing first RIF. Bolt specialise in recoil AEGs with the new MP5 due by the time this magazine is published.

“Airshooters is also the import point for all our stores, so we can supply any RIF from here as well if required. Geartech specialises in custom paint, hydro dipping WW2 RIFs as well as being the main sales point for Specna rifles, a new line to the UK recently. Mercia airsoft specialise in Tippmann and soviet style load-outs, as well as having a fully stocked shop.”

Les: Do you have any other airsoft interests that you are involved with (such as other shops, sites, teams, companies, brands, etc.) and if so, would you like to enlighten our loyal army of readers?

Stuart: “We are currently working with the largest UK wholesaler, iWholesales, on the launch of the new MP5 recoil from Bolt. We also work very closely with Gunfire in Poland in an effort to expand some of the brands that are hard to get in the UK, as well as quality entry level RIFs like Specna.

“We are strong supporters of our local site, Airsoftgb in Great Bromley. The guys and girls there give their all to run the place in an effort to ensure everyone has a good day out. We sponsored the RIF giveaway they had for the best player of the year (A Bolt BR47 recoil). Every game date announced can be found on our site as well and hopefully this pushes people to their games. If you don’t support the site where people actually play then you can’t help the sport to grow.”

Les: Do you have any former relevant experience in shooting, military or similar?

Stuart: “Like a lot of people in airsoft, I come from a military background and was in the forces for a while. This gives me a good understanding of player’s wants and needs. It also gives you the knowledge of what will work with what and various kit and gun details.”

Les: What is/are your current specialism(s)?

Stuart: “We hope that we cover all areas of the market with our different locations and skills. High pressure air is a growing part of the business but we also sell a lot of custom built guns. The custom paintwork side of the business is always under 6 feet of snow and young Ash at Mercia provides RIFs to 4+ airsoft sites

Chris Nunn: head of upgrades, spares and repairs www.airsoft-action.online

61

CH E -T X E

TACTICAL

HEX-TECH MATERIAL Uniquely designed, tough, yet lightweight. PVC/PU coated to enhance durability. Woven with hexagon pattern to create a stylish, rugged, look and feel.

get the tactical advantage

H BROWN COYOTE

BLACK

EAGLE PACK

TITANIUM

SRP

£42.00

n Expandable, 5-20ltr n Front zipped compartment n Padded shoulder straps n Padded back panel n Lazer MOLLE webbing located on front n 1 x Velcro ID panel n Main grab handle n Comes with spare puller Capacity: 5-20ltr (approx) Dimensions cms: 45 x 23 x 26 Material: HEX-TECH Colours: Brown Coyote, Green, Black, Titanium

GREEN

RAPTOR PACK

SRP

£35.00

n Expandable, 4-14ltr n Front zipped compartment n Internal nylon bladder sleeve n Rear bladder outlet n Elastic hydration/comms retention n Padded back panel n Lazer MOLLE webbing n 1 x Velcro ID panel n Main grab handle n Comes with spare puller Capacity: 4-14ltr (approx) Dimensions cms: 34 x 24 x 22 Material: HEX-TECH Colours: Brown Coyote, Green, Black, Titanium

VENOM PACK

SRP

£35.00

n Expandable, 4-14ltr n Ambidextrous shoulder strap n Front zipped compartment n Fleece lined zipped pouch n Internal nylon bladder sleeve n Rear bladder outlet n Padded back panel n Lazer MOLLE webbing n Main grab handle n Comes with spare puller Capacity: 4-14ltr (approx) Dimensions cms: 34 x 24 x 22 Material: HEX-TECH Colours: Brown Coyote, Green, Black, Titanium

UPDATES / STOCKISTS / CATALOGUE

www.vipertactical.co.uk

Inside Airsoft AIRSHOOTERS

already. Airshooters service and repair side for RIFs has a two week wait, our reputation has been built on our strong customer service and sound advice, both are free whether you buy or not.”

Les: Where is AIRSHOOTERS going in the future? Any plans or projects to look forward to?

Stuart: “Airshooters main aim is to move into wholesale but still retain our retail presence, this we have already started and will continue with this growth in 2017 in an effort to provide the same standard of service to retailers. Frankly they get the short end of the stick as it now.

“Retailers, especially small retailers like ourselves, struggle to find a supportive supply partner. The logic that follows is that one does not exist then make one. I see small retailers bullied by bigger ones and yet they stick to it for the love of the sport and the friends they have made. Every day I look on Facebook I can see the smaller guys like Matt Skunk and Dave Taylor and ourselves working at it and keeping the community alive. Our role in wholesaling would be to work with the smaller retailers and provide products that don’t break down in 10 minutes and come back. Retailer and customer support is vital for us all to survive. We also aim to provide the retailer with a decent margin so they don’t have to live on beans.”

Les: And finally Stuart, is there anything that you would like

to say? Perhaps something that I have missed?

Stuart: “As the year progresses, we are hoping to be able to announce the production of the GWER43 and an FG42. We also have the MP5 from Bolt airsoft and the Specna range from Gunfire.

Specna guns are fantastic guns; they start at around £150 retail up to £300 for a top of the range one, they don’t break and don’t come back. Bolt airsoft have a recoil AK in the pipeline due early next year here in UK. We also want to encourage new players, old and young, to take up the sport, as the more people who play, the better the sport will become.

“Airsoft is a great leveller and a welcoming sport where you can turn up dressed as Captain America (Chris), or you can spend the mortgage money on Crye. The only thing you can’t do is go into “God mode”, it’s not a Playstation! The bruises don’t lie but the tired legs and big smiles show the true side of airsoft. Any business that makes people smile is a good one as far as I am concerned.”

Thank you for allowing us into the multi-faceted world of Airshooters and enlightening us as to what is presently going on and I’m sure that I speak for many when I say that it is always an exciting time when we can expect a shake-up in the form of enhancement of our awesome sport/hobby.

I must confess that, up until now, I hadn’t heard of Airshooters but it is the perfect example of how airsoft is advancing in most areas where there is room, perhaps even a need for improvement. I’m probably not alone when I think to myself “I’ve had a great idea! What we need to create is......” and it finishes there, simply an idea.

It may be a good or even great idea but I simply don’t have the finances to furnish it any further and so it fades into oblivion and this is where the dynamic businessman can go the distance and make things happen, by turning dreams into reality.

Stuart Kennedy is, in my opinion, one very dynamic businessman that has what it takes to get things done. I hope that I’m not speaking out of turn but I’m very, very good on character assessment and the moment I started chatting with Stuart I could tell he was genuine, determined, credible and a force to be reckoned with. Just the type of guy that WILL be making a significant difference to many areas of the British airsoft scene.

Finally Stuart, the team of passionate airsofters here at Airsoft Action (and that is ALL of us) wish you every success in your ventures ...just make sure you keep us in the loop buddy!

Les OUT!

Contact Details: Airshooters is based in Manningtree, Essex www.airshooters.co.uk Geartech is based in Stockton www.geartechcustompaint.com Mercia is based in Owestry www.merciaairsoft.co.uk Airsoftgb is based in Great Bromley www.Airsoftgb.com

www.airsoft-action.online

63

Special Feature BIG PHIL CAMPION, FORMER 22 SAS

“BIG” PHIL CAMPION:

FORMER D-SQUADRON 22 SAS WHILE REPORTING FROM THE OPENING OF “THE FOUNDRY”, KELLY “FEMME FATALE” HARDWICK MET AND INTERVIEWED PHIL CAMPION, WHO DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS “A 47-YEAR-OLD RETIRED SAS TROOPER WHO HAS BEEN AROUND, MORE THAN A LITTLE BIT”.

ON THE 20TH MAY I attended Leeds Airsoft: The Foundry CQB’s opening weekend and was lucky enough to spend time with (and interview) one of the most well-known former Special Forces soldiers of our time, “Big” Phil Campion – a former D Squadron 22 SAS trooper who is a veteran of Military and Private Contractor operations in almost every conflict zone on Earth.

I’ll start by saying that Phil is exactly how you would imagine him to be and certainly lives up to his tag – he is a tower of intimidating strength and has fists the size of sledgehammers, all topped off by a huge smile and a heavy London accent.

Phil joined the Army at age 17, which he describes as the greatest turning point in his life. He quickly fell in love with the Armed Forces and his new found career. He was cap badged as a Royal 64

August 2017

Hampshire, where he took on the All Arms Commando course with the Royal Marines and the rigorous P Company course. He spent 10 years in the regular Army before deciding he wanted to move into the big leagues and take a crack at the infamous SAS selection – he passed first time and joined the prestigious D Squadron, 22 SAS. Phil spent 5 years with the SAS deploying to Operations in conflict-prone areas before moving on to the world of Private Military Contractors. From Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel and Gaza to the gold mines of the west to the oil fields of Sudan and the pirate waters of Goa and the Indian Ocean, Phil has been around the world …and then some.

He now spends his time writing books such as his best seller: “Born Fearless: From Kids’ Home to SAS to Pirate Hunter – My Life as a Shadow Warrior”, which is the explosive story of a former SAS vet turned gun for hire, presenting TV shows/

Special Feature BIG PHIL CAMPION, FORMER 22 SAS

documentaries including “Fighting IS: Big Phils War” on Sky TV and after-dinner speaking.

FF: Hi Phil, well firstly, thank you for taking the time to speak to me! I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your time in the SAS and your career. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Big Phil: “Of course. I joined the Army when I was about 18 years old, spent 10 years with the regular Army and then went Special Forces and served with the 22 SAS. I spent about 5 years with them and was lucky enough to go on quite a few operations; Op Barras was one of them. I then got out and went straight to Afghanistan for 3 years with private work, from there I went to Iraq – more private work and I then started branching out into Africa, the Gaza strip. All over. So anywhere there was trouble, I was headed.”

FF: You’ve done the block!

Big Phil: “Yeah, all the anti-piracy stuff, training jobs all over Africa. I trained the Nigerian President’s body guard team.

I’ve trained the Fata who were opposed to Hamas, they got slaughtered and I went back in to train Hamas *both laugh* – I’ve done it both ways.”

FF: One burning question civilians usually have is how hard is selection? Is it one of the hardest things you’ve done in your life?

Big Phil: “No, no, staying alive is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and that’s every day. Once you pass selection things do get harder. Just because you’ve passed selection, doesn’t suddenly mean you’re bullet proof. Operations are designed to kill and of course you want to come home. Life becomes a lot harder and you have to keep your standards up at all times.”

FF: Let’s get to Airsoft, so do you play? And do you enjoy it?

Big Phil: “Yeah, yeah, I think it’s great. I don’t so much do the games – I understand them but where the Airsoft is good for me is bringing people’s skill sets up. I give them the skills to get into the game and get more from it. If you do things properly you’ll get a lot more from the game than what you will just charging around.”

FF: Do you train people with Airsoft weapons? If so what do you run?

Big Phil: “The Military have done Airsoft so it’s not completely unheard of, I haven’t done it with the Brit Army but I’ve done it with a lot of body guards. If I’m training bodyguards and stuff in this country, it’s easier to get their skills up to speed with Airsoft weapons, especially because with the Airsoft guns, I can just load up with 30 BBs so they have to change mags and it all correlates to a real weapon. Airsoft guns are roughly the same size, same weight and have the same operation so you can get

people so far with that sort of stuff especially if you’re strapped and can’t get to a range, which is difficult in this country.”

FF: What’s your favourite piece of tactical kit to run?

Big Phil: “For real or for Airsoft?”

FF: Both?

Big Phil: “For real it would be a minimi ‘cause like I say, it’s a great bit of kit – it gives you loads of fire power, with a normal stock it’s great in the shoulder and you can swing it around rooms and buildings. Airsoft wise? I love me little M4s, the KWA ones. For pistols, I like Glocks.”

FF: Is there anything you don’t like about Airsoft?

“FROM AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, ISRAEL AND GAZA TO THE GOLD MINES OF THE WEST TO THE OIL FIELDS OF SUDAN AND THE PIRATE WATERS OF GOA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN, PHIL HAS BEEN AROUND THE WORLD …

AND THEN SOME.” Big Phil: “My only beef within Airsoft is people not taking their hits when they realise they’ve been hit. You know, if you could come up with a marker system to say to someone “look you’ve definitely been hit” I think that would be a good thing but everything else is great!”

FF: You’ve been all over the world and witnessed the boom of Airsoft in America and Europe, what do you think would push Airsoft in the UK? Big Phil: “I think it would be more sites, I think a lot of people have tried to turn paintball venues into Airsoft venues and it doesn’t work, they are totally different sports. Venues such as this (The Foundry) is a cracking little venue, you can utilise it in a lot of ways and I can do a lot of state and skills training here that will bring people’s Airsoft skills along.”

FF: Talking of your Airsoft training, do you run them a lot?

Big Phil: “We’re starting here and we’re bringing out a set of courses. Once you’ve done a set of 3 basic courses you’ll move on to intermediate and we’ll bring people up and patch them up so you sort of become a guru of patches and become an instructor. So we’re going to bring people up through the system so they understand marksmanship, movement, they understand reactions and effect of enemy fire and all that sort of stuff. We’ll teach them how soldiers were taught.”

FF: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me Phil!

It’s been a pleasure!

www.airsoft-action.online

65

GITAG GM TACTICAL INTERVIEW

AIRSOFTERS ALL LIKE SOMETHING A BIT “GUCCI” AND WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN HAVING YOUR FAVOURITE PISTOL NESTLING SAFELY IN A CUSTOM MADE KYDEX HOLSTER? JERRY NOONE SPEAKS TO THE FOUNDER OF GM TACTICAL TO FIND OUT JUST WHAT GOES INTO CREATING EXCELLENCE.

GM TACTICAL INTERVIEW ONE OF THE THINGS THAT makes airsoft special for many of us is that you can be truly individual in how you set up your kit and RIFs. Some go truly down the MilSim route with a loadout that is as close to the real world as possible, whilst others look to WWII, Vietnam and the Cold war for their inspiration.

Many of us though just want a loadout that works and lets our individuality shine through.

One area that’s developing a lot of fans out there is custom holsters, pouches, pods and accessories; whether you want your handgun secured, a tourniquet swiftly at hand, or your mags easy to grab for fast reloads, the guys that are really beginning to specialise in this area have spent a great deal of time, effort and no small financial investment setting themselves up with the right software, tools and machines so that they can ensure a perfectly finished work of art with every project they undertake.

I met Graham, the guy behind GM Tactical some years ago now and believe me that he “knows his onions” when it comes to both airsoft and “real steel” and he’s a very friendly approachable chap who has taken his time to set up very professionally.

Although I’m already a big fan of Kydex products, I was intrigued though as to what REALLY went into taking a project from concept to fruition and Graham kindly offered to make me a holster for my SIG and to provide some other samples of his work. I believe that when you hear how they went about achieving this and see the finished product, you will be as impressed as I am!

Airsoft Action: Firstly, thanks so much for speaking with us!

Could you tell me a little about the history of GM Tactical and what you do?

Graham: “Hi Jerry and thanks for having me! So, GM Tactical all started when I first got my hands on a Kydex holster about 5 years ago. I tried various holsters each time I changed my

66

August 2017

gitag GM TACTICAL INTERVIEW

airsoft training sidearm from a Glock 17 to a Sig 226, I loved the holsters but had to wait out a serious lead time and pay heavy import duty for them. After doing a little research I thought to myself “why not?”, as there was clearly a small gap in the UK and European market (airsoft/training). Since the first press in my living room for a friend, to the last batch in our workshop for our Police Force we have not looked back!

“We create products that are hand-made in the UK, with smaller lead times than our main competitors in the US; we offer a range of holsters and holstering aids for mission essential equipment, from sidearms to combat tourniquets. The ethos of GM Tactical has always been to improve equipment carry, to simplify usability and move to a more “tactical approach” on your gear stowage and deployment.”

Airsoft Action: What is the usual process in creating a custom design? I know I advised a model for the holster and then you did a mock-up very swiftly but once an order is placed, what happens next?

system, the difference is in the materials used and mounting hardware etc. We steer clear of any products that are unique to a company, whether they have a patent or not and work on trying to keep our cuts very unique in a generic product so you can tell it’s a GM Tactical piece.”

Airsoft Action: Since I first spoke to you about what you do I have seen some great comments on social media from really happy customers; to what do you attribute your success?

Graham: “So a custom design; these are dependent on whether we have the weapon system mould first of all. If we do not have it then we always recommend other companies that might have what you need first (we believe there is enough market out there for everyone).

“If we have the weapon system then the angle of cut or type of mounting hardware is discussed and a design to the client’s specification is drawn up. Once all specifications are confirmed, we get to work; cutting, pressing drilling, sanding and perfecting the custom holster.”

Graham: “Success? We aren’t even close! Let’s talk in a few years but however successful we become we will always be striving for more!

“But the one thing that makes us immensely proud is having our range on the “thin blue line”; we take great pride in looking after those boys and I think pride and passion in our products helps a lot with customer satisfaction, that and the ability to be an agile business model helps a lot.”

Airsoft Action: Without giving away any “trade secrets” what’s the basic process for creating a holster for example?

Airsoft Action: Where do you see GM Tactical heading in the future?

Graham: “The basic process sounds rather simple when put on paper, it comprises of 4 main steps • Step 1- heat and mould the Kydex • Step 2 - hardware placement • Step 3 - cleaning and coating (if requested) • Step 4 - a quick test before distribution “Obviously, if it really was that simple everybody would be making them in their living room, right? We make sure we take our time nearly every order goes out earlier than the advised lead time but we will never deliver a rushed product.

Our range is out there carrying serious tools that need to stay secure and be deployed rapidly over and over again, a rushed holster for the real world is going to be bad news.”

Airsoft Action: From speaking to you I know that you’re as passionate about trademark infringement as I; does this mean there are designs that you would steer clear of?

Graham: “Some companies have some Patent Pending for parts, hardware and/or designs, however all weapon holsters are quite similar with regard to how they retain the weapon

“THE ONE THING THAT MAKES US IMMENSELY PROUD IS HAVING OUR RANGE ON THE “THIN BLUE LINE”; WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN LOOKING AFTER THOSE BOYS AND I THINK PRIDE AND PASSION IN OUR PRODUCTS HELPS A LOT WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.” Graham: “Where do I see us heading, hmm? I’d love to see us heading down the military contract route, with a small but perfected product range but there are many ideas bouncing around the GM Tactical headquarters for other avenues within the industry, you’ll just have to watch this space!”

Airsoft Action: If someone is interested in having a custom design created what should their first point of contact be?

Graham: “There are various ways of contacting us for custom designs and orders, specifically for custom designs go to our website and contact us though that, we also have a Facebook and Instagram account where you can follow and message us too.”

Airsoft Action: Thanks so much for talking to me Graham and I’m intrigued to see just what you create next!

The GM tactical range of products is small but beautifully formed so please do go and check out the website. I’ve been using my SIG holster, a Q-CAT Tourniquet Carrier and some of Graham’s innovative Mag Inserts for a few months now and they all work exactly as they should; this is kit made now for the “real world” that is going to be just perfect for your airsoft needs!

Contacts: http://gm-tactical.com https://www.facebook.com/getmoretactical/ https://www.instagram.com/gm_tactical/?hl=en https://plus.google.com/100238656579762497331

www.airsoft-action.online

67

Warriors SOVIET DIVERSIONARY ELEMENT

SOVIET DIVERSIONARY FORCES IN THE UK GADGE’S RECENT VISITS TO HACK GREEN AND GUNMAN AIRSOFT’S “HIRTA” CAMPAIGN GOT HIM WONDERING WHAT “SOVIET SPECIAL FORCES” WOULD LOOK LIKE IF THEY HAD BEEN SENT TO SABOTAGE BRITISH BASES DURING THE 80S EAST VS WEST TENSIONS…

THIS MONTH, “WARRIORS” IS going to take a slightly different approach and rather than look at a real world military unit in a historical campaign I’ll be taking a “what if” approach. I’ll be looking at what I imagine the probable kit would have been for a Soviet saboteur deployed in the UK on the eve of World War Three and tasked with disrupting and destroying British lines of communication and infrastructure.

The most likely individuals to have been tasked with this role would have been the operatives of the 3rd Department of the 5th Directorate of the GRU (Rus: Glavnoje Razvedyvatel’noje Upravlenije UK: Main Intelligence Agency) of Russian Military Intelligence. The Fifth Directorate of the GRU managed operational intelligence (rather than strategic intelligence) and intelligence organisations within “fronts”, “fleets”, and “military districts” in Soviet terminology. While the GRU mainly prided itself on intelligence gathering, departments like the 3rd of the 5th Directorate were trained to operate in a more aggressive way and tasked to destroy nuclear weapon sites, road and rail networks and airfields as well as military and civilian command posts. By crippling the command and control of the “rear area” a few men could create disruption out of all proportion to the unit’s size across the country.

68

August 2017

DEADLY INFILTRATORS

For years before any future hostilities broke out, the GRU would have worked tirelessly to recruit a network of pro-Soviet agents and spies in the area that the GRU saboteurs would work in. These would generally not be obvious “left wing” types or members of socialist or communist parties but quiet and reserved sympathisers with remote accommodation capable of hiding a spetsnaz team, like a farm for example and their own transport (to be commandeered if necessary by the same team). It is believed that shortly before the outbreak of war a GRU spetsnaz unit of four to ten operators would be inserted into the area by either parachute, or a nearby Soviet submarine in coastal areas. The team would then infiltrate the area and meet up with the agents before lying up. Horrifically, and If the words of former Soviet defector and a former GRU officer, Viktor Rezun, are to be believed, the unsuspecting agent would most likely be assassinated by the team once his usefulness was over in order to remove any tell tale “loose ends”. (It is worth noting, however, that Rezun made many bold claims to impress NATO that have since been found to be exaggerated or simply untrue.)

Warriors SOVIET DIVERSIONARY ELEMENT

The highly-trained Spetsnaz team (Spetsnaz is a contraction of the Russian spetsialnogo naznacheniya which means “units of special purpose”) would be selected for its skills in unarmed combat, infantry assault, demolition, navigation and foreign languages and would be truly a “special forces unit” in Western terminology. It is important to note this because the term “spetsnaz” in Russian simply means “special purpose” or “special designation” and does not normally imply any “elite” status, merely an unusual role. When most people talk of Cold War “spetsnaz” they are thinking of the men of the GRU’s 5th Directorate. The Spetsnaz team would have trained for months in the Soviet Union prior to their mission on full size mock ups of the target area and be fully familiar with local units, language, customs and geography and, most importantly, foreign small arms and military vehicles. (It’s interesting to note that Cold War US satellite and spy plane observation of GRU Spetsnaz training areas revealed training grounds with replicas of NATO tanks, aircraft and missile systems scattered around them.)

AGENTS OF CHAOS

Our warrior this month represents the leader of a five-man sabotage group. Sabotage forces are known as “diversionary” forces in Russian terminology, as their efforts to disrupt the enemy rear echelon would cause the opposing forces to divert their attention from the front lines and, in this case, our operatives’ target is the nuclear bunker at Hack Green.

Following any armed conflict, Hack Green would become a regional centre of government and would direct civilian emergency services… shutting it down would create chaos in the area.

As Russian forces never invaded the UK and we thankfully never had a Third World War, we have had to theorise the arms and equipment of the saboteurs working on our knowledge of Soviet uniforms and equipment of the time and looking at any likely comparisons with their operations in Afghanistan in the 80s.

From archive photos we can see that while in peacetime “spetsnaz” forces endeavoured to blend in with the local garrison and wear the uniform of local troops, on operations they favoured the “mabuta” combat suit, or the “gorka” mountain suit and so have chosen to clothe our soldier in the latter. Deployed to the temperate climes of the UK and potentially having to “live rough” for days at a time, the hardwearing “gorka 1” would be an ideal combat suit for a saboteur and perhaps worn over an “m88 Afghanka” uniform in colder weather.

In peacetime the GRU spetsnaz often disguised themselves as airborne forces and wore their uniforms and here our

man also wears the blue and white striped telnyashka of the airborne forces, as well as some airborne pattern lace up jump boots (although some sources believe some units had boots with copies of NATO military soles to avoid leaving a distinctive soviet army bootprint). The uniform is finally topped off with the practical kepi-like polevaya furazhka (peaked field cap), which had proven itself far superior to the traidional Soviet pilotka side cap in Afghanistan. While most insignia would probably have been removed, here we can see from the “other ranks” uniform worn with an officers cap badge that our man is a “praporshchik” or “warrant officer”, a relatively new rank in the Soviet army designed to shore up its crippling shortage of skilled career NCOs.

SPEED AS SECURITY

Personal load carrying equipment and webbing is extensive

by Soviet standards and we have chosen this to reflect a “subsistence load” (in Soviet terms), which would reflect the needs of a team operating without logistical support for some time.

Personal protection comes in the form of a “6b2” armour vest which, while heavy and only resistant to pistol rounds and shell fragments, has been chosen by our warrant officer to add survivability in his raid in which he expects to only encounter bunker staff armed with pistols and SMGs. It is highly likely, www.airsoft-action.online

69

Warriors SOVIET DIVERSIONARY ELEMENT

of plastic explosives in the RD54’s main pack to enable him to knock out the UK communications centre for good!

While this month’s Warriors is a little different from the “hard facts” of our usual format, it has certainly been great fun to put a “what if” loadout together. Scenario’s like Gunman Airsoft “Soviets Invade Scotland” allow us as airsofters to pick and choose the elements we like to create a unique gaming loadout, while still keeping a cold war theme. While it is highly likely Soviet sabotage group would have worn NATO uniforms or used NATO small arms to ease logistics, I’ve chosen here to keep tight to the “theme” by only allowing myself to use what I imagine a GRU spetsnaz operator would be able to source from “regular stores”.

So why not go for it yourself and have a go at your own “what if” loadouts? Given that Cold War airsoft rests upon perhaps the biggest “what if” condition of all, you simply can’t go wrong!

“AS RUSSIAN FORCES NEVER INVADED THE UK AND WE THANKFULLY NEVER HAD A THIRD WORLD WAR, WE HAVE HAD TO THEORISE THE ARMS AND EQUIPMENT OF THE SABOTEURS WORKING ON OUR KNOWLEDGE OF SOVIET UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT OF THE TIME AND LOOKING AT ANY LIKELY COMPARISONS WITH THEIR OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN IN THE 80S.” however, that a light and fast raiding party would dispense with armour entirely and use “speed as security”.

Most of the load carrying equipment is based around the popular Soviet airborne RD54 backpack system (the RD54 can be worn low on the back to allow a parachute to be worn). In Afghanistan our operator would have probably worn his RD54 with its attached ammo packs removed and sported a locallymade chest rig to carry his magazines but its highly likely the “laxness” of the Afghan theatre would not have been allowed by the rigid Soviet hierarchy in a European war and so it is worn here in a “regulation” manner, with the double AK pouch and double grenade pouch attached to a “work belt”. Also carried on the belt are an additional three AK magazines in a separate pouch, a bayonet (which can also serve as wire cutters when combined with the scabbard) to infiltrate installation’s outer defences, two large capacity “late pattern” water bottles (often mistakenly called “airborne” water bottles) and a silenced Makarov pistol in a leather holster to quietly dispose of any guard dogs or sentries. Slung over our man’s shoulders are a standard soviet army respirator to allow him to function effectively in any smoke or gas during the raid and an R147 special operations squad radio which is connected to a bone induction mike and earpiece affixed to a head band, enabling him to keep in touch with the rest of the sabotage team. A final touch for our long range raider is a Russian Adrianov pattern wrist compass fixed to the strap of his RD54.

Personal firepower is provided by his folding stock 5.45x39mm AKs74 assault rifle (shown here with the sling tightened against the stock to prevent it snagging on obstructions) the aforementioned Makarov pistol, a handful of grenades in the RD54s pouches and of course copious amounts www.airsoft-action.online

71

International TENERIFE

SUNSHINE, SANGRIA AND AIRSOFT! WHEN THINKING ABOUT AIRSOFT INTERNATIONALLY, TENERIFE IS PROBABLY NOT THE FIRST PLACE THAT COMES TO MIND BUT THERE IS A THRIVING AIRSOFT COMMUNITY ON THE ISLAND, AS GERRY NOONE REPORTS. I LOVE HOW OUR GREAT wide world of airsoft works sometimes (actually make that ALL the time!) in that chance conversations with one old friend leads you to making new ones. So it was when Danny from NUPROL kindly introduced me to Jose and Justin from the World Airsoft Tactical Centre on Tenerife.

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off West Africa. The island has many fabulous beaches, with sand ranging from yellow to black and very well established resort areas, including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.

Served by two airports, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, Tenerife is also the economic centre of the archipelago; tourism is the most prominent industry in the Canaries, which are one of the major tourist destinations in the world and Tenerife is at the very hub of this.

For this reason Tenerife is best known to most of us Brits as a holiday destination, a place to get some well-earned R&R away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For airsofters though it’s a place where something very exciting and

interesting is taking place and if you want to get your “airsoft fix” whilst you’re on your hols then Tenerife has the very place for you!

AA: Hi Justin! Please can you tell me a little about how airsoft has developed in Tenerife and how the World Airsoft Tactical Centre (WATC) came into being?

Justin: “Airsoft, or in our case, World Airsoft Tactical Centre, was the brainchild of my partner Jose. We started in 2009 and it soon became apparent that the airsoft sport was going to become big. We initially had a shop and from there we organised events that brought some 400-odd players together.

As it was fairly new at that stage the laws were unclear and it was open to interpretation so, we were able to play on wasteland away from main roads and livestock. Things became tougher so the easiest route to take was to base ourselves in a warehouse due to being an enclosed space.

“There are few airsoft shops in Tenerife and we are the only company offering an opportunity for individuals, or indeed groups of up to 100 persons, to play against each other. In the early days it was supported by the ex-military or police community but today we have members from 8 years up to 80 years old. Our centre keeps developing and we even host the local law enforcement and anti-terrorist teams for their training needs. We see a very bright future and our next stage is to start to offer long weekends to European clubs who fancy a sunshine break. Please do contact us if this is of interest to any clubs in UK!” AA: Please could you tell our readers exactly what is on offer at the WATC? Justin: “We have 2600 square metres of indoor Airsoft heaven! Our well-stocked shop caters for all budgets and, as there are so many different nationalities living here, we need to stock a wide variety of weapon systems. For example the Brits love the M4 and related options, whereas the Spanish

72

August 2017

International TENERIFE

and Germans go for the HK G36 range. We then have all the Eastern Europeans that go for the AK family so, as you can imagine, there is always plenty to talk about in between games as there are so many different systems on view.

“The play area is around 2200 square metres in size and is literally a maze which “gamers” have to navigate from one end to the other. We offer several scenarios but are happy to follow what the majority wish to play. We have a fantastic indoor range that is set up for competition shooting and this is the next area of airsoft that we want to develop. In addition we set up special events such as Halloween parties which have proved to be a great success. We also run courses for all sorts of Airsoft-related topics as well as school holiday camps for kids.

Ultimately we are limited only by our imagination!”

AA: Do you have many established outdoor sites too on the Canaries? Could you tell me a little more about them?

Justin: “As the legislation is so tough, I have to say that there are very few outdoor play areas and those that do exist are very limited. I hope that in years to come the category of Airsoft weapons will be downgraded and classed as sports equipment or toys!”

AA: Do sites and players have any legal restrictions to contend with?

Justin: “Yes there are several. In terms of age, the minimum permitted is 14 with parent’s consent.

We don’t have the colour (two-tone) system for replicas that is required by UK law though, so everyone enjoys the full realism aspect of airsoft guns.

“Within your own home you can do as you please but if you wish to shoot on your own land it becomes more complicated as all sorts of safety measures must be introduced.

It is quite complicated so I won’t go into it but in reality it is not worth trying to set up on your own land. Hence, our enclosed warehouse is proving very popular with Airsoft enthusiasts!”

AA: What’s a normal game day like at the WATC? Justin: “Our busy days are on weekends and we start each day with a 4 hour slot for kids aged 8 -14. This is the way ahead for us so we can try to mould these youngsters into the airsofters of the future. The older players tend to start to drift in late morning, or early afternoon so we run 15-20 minute games alternating between the youngsters and the older players. It’s not uncommon to see 150 players through our doors on a Saturday or Sunday.”

AA: What is a popular style of play in Tenerife, regular skirmish, MilSim or both?

Justin: “As it is indoors and set up like a maze, it is very physically intense so we tend to keep game play down to a short period, normally between 15 and 30 minutes. We let two opposing teams enter the arena from different start points and by negotiating the maze, they come into contact with their opponents. The object of each game, or scenario, depends on the players but we have several set ups that we use.”

Tenerife; is it easy to get hold of?

Justin: “There are no problems at all. Actually, our biggest problem is stocking enough different gear to please all the different nationalities that live and play here.

On busy days I find myself advising Germans without HK style weapons or Russians with the AK family, or indeed the Brits with all our current variations. Prices are also really good here compared to mainland Europe. Our equivalent of VAT is only 7%!”

AA: Are there particular brands and models of airsoft replica that are important to you?

Justin: “No, because we want to be able to cater to everyone’s pocket and interests in terms of weaponry and equipment. There are several brands that we favour “ON BUSY DAYS I FIND such as Bolt or Umarex but the MYSELF ADVISING GERMANS truth is that it is all down to WITHOUT HK STYLE WEAPONS personal taste.”

AA: Do you have rental facilities if someone were visiting from overseas?

OR RUSSIANS WITH THE AK FAMILY, OR INDEED THE BRITS WITH ALL OUR CURRENT VARIATIONS.”

Justin: “Yes indeed! You just arrive on our doorstep and for 33 Euros a day we will kit you out with equipment and a RIF. In this is also included a 450 round magazine.”

AA: If anyone is visiting Tenerife and is interested in visiting your site for a game day, where should they head for information?

Justin: “You will find our publicity in all excursion shops but the best way to get a game is to contact us directly so that we can ensure your visit is optimised by getting you to play with people with similar interests and ability as yourselves.

Our website is: www.worldairsoft.es Email: w.a.tacticalcenter@gmail.com Our telephone number is: +34 608 374874” AA: Many thanks for your time talking to me Justin and I hope that one day I’ll be able to take you up on your kind offer of visiting the World Airsoft Tactical Center as it certainly is a very unique place to play!

AA: Do airsofters train either as individuals or teams with you?

Justin: “We encourage both and on the weekends we team players together that would normally never meet up in real life.

Tenerife is very diverse in terms of the multitude of nationalities that live here. We have Russians playing alongside British, Spanish, Scandinavian, Balkan and Eastern Europeans, to name but a few. The great thing is that each nationality tends to favour their country’s weaponry and equipment. To this end the variety of weapons from different countries is amazing. Put it this way, in between play time, in our admin area, there is always plenty to talk about, play with and enjoy!”

AA: You have a very specific climate to deal with, especially in the summer; what’s important to you in relation to your gear?

Justin: “Gas systems here are not so popular. Unless you are ex-military like myself and want the realism, the main emphasis is on AEGs and maximum fire power.”

AA: What is the situation with airsoft and tactical gear in

www.airsoft-action.online

73

Survival GET HOME BAG

PAUL YELLAND WRITES ABOUT A VERY USEFUL PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT YOU NEVER WANT TO USE BUT IS INDISPENSABLE IF, OR WHEN YOU NEED IT.

GET HOME BAG SURVIVAL KITS AND BUG OUT BAGS have become more popular in recent years. These kits enable a person to survive an emergency or disaster whilst either remaining in situ or bugging out and heading for the hills to get away from the source of danger. This bug out philosophy is common amongst the prepper community and could very well be the safest option when the area in which you live faces disaster such as flooding or is experiencing civil unrest. I am pretty certain, that had I been living in one of the London boroughs that saw rioting back in 2011, I would not have stayed around to face a lawless mob intent on causing as much damage and destruction as possible whilst looting shops and other properties. I would have grabbed my bug out bag and headed for a safe destination. In Police try to restore order during the London riots this situation, home is probably not the safest place to stay as a number of people sadly lost their lives at the hands of these thugs during the London riots whilst bravely trying to defend property.

74

August 2017

But what if you are several miles away from your place of residence when you are caught up in a situation such as rioting, a severe weather event, or like we recently witnessed in Manchester - a terrorist attack. In these circumstances, home is possibly the safest place to be, if it is located out of harm’s way. But how do you get back to your home when you have to make that journey - possibly on foot and through hostile and dangerous areas? How are you going to overcome the issues of closed down public infrastructures such as electricity, communications, transport, water supply plus the

This is who you could be escaping from

Survival GET HOME BAG

overwhelming of emergency medical and rescue services? There is a way – by carrying a “Get Home Bag”.

Having a “Get Home Bag” (or GHB), packed and easily accessible when you are faced with one of the above scenarios will provide you with enough basic equipment to safely make it back home. The journey could be long and difficult with various challenges and obstacles to overcome but with some prior planning and preparation for such an event, what might seem like an impossible task at first will gradually appear to be achievable.

Unlike a more comprehensive “Bug Out Bag” (or BOB for short) that will sustain a person for well over seventy two hours, a GHB is able to support you in comfort for up to twenty four hours.

A Get Home Bag is a great accompaniment to a basic survival tin. The bag can carry a few “extras” to make life just that bit easier when you find yourself stranded. The actual size of the GHB should be restricted to a small day sack. If the GHB is too large and bulky, then you will not want to carry it around with you regularly resulting in you not having it to hand when you actually need to use it. Also, when planning to put a GHB together, the most obvious option would be to build your GHB into a bag that you already carry as part of your daily routine such as a work bag. Alternatively, incorporate items of the GHB into your everyday clothing like wearing walking boots as your everyday choice of footwear and having a quality waterproof jacket as your normal everyday choice. Keep a light set of waterproof trousers inside one of the large coat pockets as well as a warm hat and pair of gloves. Then, you will always have these items everywhere you go.

Contents of the “Get Home Bag”

SHELTER / PROTECTION

A poncho or basha is ideal if you need to take shelter whilst on route back home. In addition to the poncho, consider carrying a small ground sheet and a roll of para-cord to assist in erecting a temporary shelter. As an alternative to the poncho, a GoreTex bivvy bag could be carried. Having something to sleep on that insulates you from the ground is important. A cut down foam roll mat that folds up small, will help to keep you warm.

A fleece sleeping bag liner can be used instead of a carrying a full sleeping bag but this will mean compromising between warmth and weight. Other more basic alternatives to survival shelters are the survival bag or foil space blanket that will take up even less room in the GHB.

CLOTHING

Having some warm and dry clothing to put on can make a great difference to your personal condition and morale.

A spare t-shirt or base layer plus a softie coat will help to maintain your body temperature when the weather turns cold. Add a hat and pair of warm gloves for extra protection.

If the weather becomes wet, a light weight set of breathable waterproofs would be of benefit (a poncho will also double up as a waterproof garment). Try to avoid wearing camouflage clothing when escaping from an urban setting. Military clothing tends to attract attention and stands out when worn in built up areas. Attempt to blend in with other people. If you need to wear a suit and smart shoes to work each day, carry some casual walking trousers and robust footwear to change into. Then, if you do need to evacuate the area and “Get home”, you will have clothing and walking shoes/boots that are comfortable to wear should you need to cover a long distance on foot.

Keep the size of the Get Home Bag to the minimum

Ideally, the bag itself should be made of a strong material with good quality buckles and zips that are not going to break when stressed. It should be waterproof and a dry bag used to line the inside of the pack. The contents of the GHB should include a basic survival kit and must be able to address areas of survival such as shelter, fire, water, food, medical and navigation. All items that are included within the GHB should have its usefulness carefully considered before deciding to carry it. Also, try to have good quality items because cheap and poorly manufactured equipment can be unreliable and break at the worst moment.

FOOD AND WATER

It is really important to stay hydrated whilst on the move. The GHB should be a low maintenance grab bag so keep unopened bottles of in date mineral water inside it - ready to drink in an emergency. A water filter will be useful for refilling your water bottles from rivers and streams. Food should be of high energy value and easy to prepare and have a decent shelf life. The weight of the food items needs to be considered as should the amount of space that is required to store it inside the GHB. Carry enough food that you think will last your journey home and add some extra to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

Energy bars and meals ready to eat (MRE) are great for this.

www.airsoft-action.online

75

AA Competition

N I WTHEER’S

SECUTOR RUDIS III

T N U H !

M R A E D I S WHEN ANGELO DI VITO REVIEWED the Secutor Rudis III in the last issue of Airsoft Action, he was completely blown away by its stunning looks and unreal kick and ended his review by saying: “Would I own one? Yes I would! It’s a real heavyweight of the pistol market which adds so much to the realism. It’s loud, it’s accurate and has great range but most of all, it looks absolutely terrific. What more could you ask for?”

He also said “we might just be giving [it] away in a future issue”… so that is exactly what we are going to do!

Win this simple-to-enter competition and you’ll become the proud owner of the pistol that Angelo reviewed - once we have managed to surgically separate it from him!

Etched into the top of the slide are four words: “SECUTOR DICIT INIMICUS SILET” and all you have to do to win this superb pistol is tell us what they mean – but be careful, there are a couple of differing versions out there! The one we are looking for can be found on the Secutor website, in the paragraph that starts “’Hunter’ is the meaning of my name…”

To enter, simply complete the entry form and send it in before the closing date, or visit the Airsoft Action website and complete your entry online.

Good luck!

Post your entries to: Airsoft Action Secutor Rudis Competition, Airsoft Action, Calibre Publishing, Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR13 6PL, or email to: competition@airsoft-action.co.uk with “Airsoft Action Secutor Rudis Competition” in the subject line.

You can also enter online, via the Airsoft Action website (www. airsoft-action.online). Entries received after midnight on 26th July will not be valid. One entry per person. The winner will be the first randomly drawn from all the correct entries.

76

August 2017

“SECUTOR DICIT INIMICUS SILET” means:

Name:.................................................................................................................

Telephone:..........................................................................................................

Email:.................................................................................................................

Calibre Publishing would like to keep you informed of other offers and publications.  Please tick here if you would NOT like to be contacted by post or email.

Survival GET HOME BAG

Be prepared to treat serious traumatic injuries

Contents of the survival kit including a waterproof escape map of the area

situation of being caught up in a Marauding Terrorist Firearms Attack (MTFA) you, or someone around you, could sustain gunshot wounds. Although rare within the UK, these attacks do still happen: August 1987 - Hungerford Massacre

COOKING

There might be a requirement to cook food or boil water. You will need to carry some form of stove – either gas or solid fuel and a small metal cooking pot. The survival kit should include a fire steel, storm-proof matches and tinder. These will help you to make fire in an emergency. The metal cooking pot can also be used over the open fire.

SURVIVAL KIT

Carry the survival kit in a pocket of your jacket or trousers so that you have backup equipment just in case you should lose your GHB. Keep the survival kit as small as possible and packed inside a small pouch or tin. The contents of the survival kit should enable you to start a fire, signal for help, navigate, cut, fish/trap food and collect/purify water. Other additions could include cord, candle, safety pins, pencil and paper. The best piece of advice that I can give is to keep some basic small survival items inside your wallet. A button compass, small torch, emergency money and a whistle will not take up much room.

Add a small fire steel and some tinder and you will have the makings of a basic survival kit that you will always have on your person without needing to think about it.

KNIFE

Serious consideration should be given to what type of knife that you choose to carry. In the current UK climate, there is no way that a person carrying a combat knife with a fixed 6 inch blade whilst walking around the streets will be tolerated by the police. However, a knife with a non-lockable blade of three inches in length or less can be carried by a person when in public, if they have good reason for doing so. If you are caught up in a terrorist incident like the knife attack that happened in Westminster earlier this year and are stopped by the police, it will not look too good for you if your GHB is searched and a large assault knife is found!

MEDICAL KIT

At a minimum, a basic first aid kit that is suitable for treating minor wounds and also includes any prescribed medications, such as asthma inhalers should be kept in the GHB. I would strongly suggest attending a basic first aid course as you really do not know when you may have to deal with a casualty. In the

March 1996 – Dunblane School Massacre

June 2010 – Cumbria Shootings

Consider including military field dressings, chest seals and tourniquets as part of your first aid kit – and be familiar with how to use them. These extra items will also be vital when dealing with injuries caused by an IED blast, such as with the attacks on 7/7 and in Manchester. Of course, the whole point of a GHB is to extract yourself out of a situation like this and not to stay around but you should still be prepared to deal with casualties or injuries that you have sustained to yourself.

Remember, if you are caught up in a terrorist attack, RUN – HIDE – TELL.

NAVIGATION

Having some local knowledge of an area is great and will give you the upper hand against other individuals who are not as familiar with an area as you are. When visiting towns and cities, either for work or socialising, plan some alternate routes to get you home in the event of the main route out of the area being blocked. Carry a map of the area and a compass in your GHB.

PERSONAL ADMIN

If you become stranded somewhere, being able to maintain a level of personal hygiene is important. If you have enough space in the GHB, consider carrying a very small travel wash kit that has some basic items such as a folding toothbrush, toothpaste, small cloth and a small bottle of shower gel plus some tissue paper. However, if you want to save water and space, carry wet wipes instead of a wash kit as these can be used to keep yourself clean – saving valuable water supplies for drinking.

OTHER ITEMS

Additional items to include in the GHB are a torch with spare batteries, cyalumes, mobile phone with power pack charger, money and a small folding saw.

If you plan and prepare for such an event, you will be more capable of coping with the real thing should it ever happen.

Like a pilot who has been shot down in enemy occupied territory, your task is to get back to the safety of your own home. Having a Get Home Bag packed and ready will make that task a great deal easier.

www.airsoft-action.online

77

Real Steel L1A1

GARETH “GADGE” HARVEY IS NO STRANGER TO THIS EPITOME OF BRITISH WEAPONRY AND TO MANY WHO USED IT, IT IS STILL FONDLY REMEMBERED.

THE L1A1 SELF LOADING RIFLE ROCK SOLID AND SQUADDIE PROOF! TO UK AIRSOFTERS OF A certain age there is only really one rifle of our childhood. It was the gun that came with our “Action Man rifle”, the weapon that won the Falklands War and to many squaddies of the time the last “proper” rifle the British army ever had. Yes, you’ve guessed it, we’re talking about the 7.62mm L1a1 Self Loading Rifle… or “the SLR” to those that love it.

78

August 2017

The origins of the SLR lie way back in the search for a “standard” battle rifle for NATO in the 1950s. (Regular readers will notice a recurring feature here as the 1950s NATO trials created a unique situation that gave birth to some outstanding - and some awful - firearms.) As we have previously discussed in earlier “Real Steel” features, combat experience from WWII had found the 1km plus ranges of WWII bolt actions to be excessive, when most engagements happened between 300 and 600 metres. In an effort to ease combined NATO logistics in the expected future clash against the Soviet Union, NATO agreed to try and standardise its equipment and create a “standard” ammunition round and rifle to fire it.

While the British had experimented with the excellent EM2 rifle, firing a superlative 4.85mm (.280) round the US were very much set on their domestic 7.62x51mm round and NATO trials seemed to have been slanted very much in favour of the US ammunition. With 7.62mm winning the trials the US expected NATO to buy their M14 rifle “en-masse” and were somewhat surprised when the majority of NATO opted for the Belgian company FN’s (Fabrique Nationale Herstal) rifle the Fusil Automatique Leger or FAL (Light Automatic Rifle in English).

The FN FAL was (and still is) an excellent battle rifle but the British Army felt that the 7.62mm round was uncontrollable on full auto and rather than buying an “off the shelf” rifle, they opted to build a licensed version domestically that was set to semi-automatic or “repetition” firing only.

The SLR is sometimes known as the “inch pattern FAL”, as UK production models used Imperial rather than metric measurements but early SLRs differed very little from European production FN FAL rifles, other than the aforementioned fire selector and a number of small changes to the cocking lever, flash hider and other parts. While initial production SLR rifles had wooden furniture, an increased fear of a future war being fully “nuclear biological and chemical” lead manufacturers to

Real Steel L1A1

replace the wood stock, pistol grip, carry handle and fore grip/ heatshield with a synthetic black plastic version of the parts, as they would be easier to decontaminate after an NBC attack.

While the intention was clearly to replace all wood furniture with plastic, archive photos show that even up to the mid80s, wood fitted rifles were in use alongside plastic furniture weapons and “hybrids” with a mix of wood and plastic parts.

BATTLE FIELD “FIXES”

The L1a1 SLR is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle that fires from a closed bolt and is fed from a 20 round detachable magazine. The gas return cylinder is sighted over the barrel and the gas block has setting of “regular” and “excessive” to ensure the rifle can still fire if fouled with carbon deposits (a common trick to play on new recruits was to adjust the gas setting to excessive on a clean rifle and watch them deal with the shoulder-crushing recoil). The magazine had some compatibility with the 30 round “L4 Light machine Gun” magazine (the L4 was the WWII bren rechambered and modernised for 7.62) but using L4 magazines could be problematic as the L4 magazine fed with the spring assisted by gravity and was “upside down” in the SLR – while it was an “unofficial” practice, some unit armourers were able to “beef up” the spring to allow the magazine to feed properly in an SLR. In much the same way several impromptu “field fixes” were improvised by squaddies to adjust the rifle’s sear to allow it to fire on fully automatic (again a highly dubious “modification” likely to earn you time in the guardhouse if caught). As we have previously discussed, fully automatic 7.62 in a battle rifle like the SLR was near uncontrollable and Australian users who modified their rifles in Vietnam often added a vertical foregrip but even with this fix in place the recoil was considerable.

Unlike its successor the L85a1, the SLR was very conventional (for the time period). While it also featured a right hand ejection port that could not be modified to eject spent

cases left, this was less of an issue than it became with the sa80 series. In the case of the SLR the port was forward enough to eject spent cases into the firer’s face and the cocking lever did not travel after the first shot had been fired allowing the user to, in a pinch, fire left handed.

The SLR was a solidly built weapon and its large size and long length made it excellent for bayonet fighting, while it was strong enough to be used as an ersatz club in hand to hand combat. In many ways the rifle was “squaddie proof” and durable enough to ensure a long service life, with the first rifles seeing active service in Kenya in 1956 and it could still be seen with some rear echelon units as late as 1991 during “Operation Granby” (Gulf War 1).

Airsofters, however, have been given something of a doubleedged sword with SLR AEGs. On the one hand both the Ares and King Arms replicas are both excellent AEGs and able to hold their own against fully-auto guns on a skirmish site, despite being single shot. The flip side of this is their high price tag and low production numbers, which means that getting a second hand SLR can cost you almost as much as a new one.

www.airsoft-action.online

79

ARMOURY TOKYO MARUI DETONICS

THE WORLD’S SMALLEST .45 ACP KNOWN TO MOST AS A FAIRLY LARGE FRAME HANDGUN, EVEN THE MIGHTY “COLT .45” HAS ITS SMALLER SIBLINGS. JERRY NOONE TAKES A LOOK AT ONE SUCH MODEL THAT’S A RIGHT LITTLE CORKER!

2017 HAS REALLY KICKED OFF with the “Post-Apocalyptic” theme being on the ascendance for me. I really enjoy taking a “theme” to my gun and gear builds and try to stick with it for a period of time. Over the years you can really build up a collection of RIFs for “any occasion” but there are some models that really tick an awful lot of boxes, being perfect for everything from “Cold War” to “Wasteland Warrior”.

Inspiration for any loadout comes from a huge variety of sources and for me one of them is written fiction. I’ve always enjoyed a good book and sitting down to read and lose myself in a story has always been one of life’s simplest pleasures for me. With this in mind I thought back over all of the “Post-Ap” stories I’ve read over the years and one particular series sprang out immediately.

Long out of print (but thankfully available these days as e-books) “The Survivalist” is the generic title of US author Jerry Ahern’s long-lived series of 29 pulp novels centring around John Rourke, ex-CIA officer turned weapons and survival expert, in the aftermath of a nuclear war. In this fantastical series the first few books cover Rourke’s attempts to find his family, on the way fighting invading Soviet troops as well as typical 80

August 2017

ARMOURY TOKYO MARUI DETONICS

post-apocalyptic villains such as biker gangs, mutants and cannibals in extended scenes of graphic violence! Later books head more into science fiction with cryonics, doomsday weapons and underwater cities…

The series is probably most notable for Ahern’s attention to detail on weapons and survival techniques - which should come as little surprise as Ahern was also a firearms writer, who published numerous articles in magazines such as Guns & Ammo, Handguns and Gun World and one of his recognised areas of expertise was holsters and leather gear for firearms (he also produced a range of his own holsters).

Throughout the whole series of “The Survivalist” Rourke uses some very, very specific weapons and amongst his favoured pistols is a matched pair of Detonics Combat Masters, probably, as Tokyo Marui state on their box-top “The World’s Smallest .45 ACP”. At 6.75 inches/171 mm long and carrying 6+1 rounds of devastating .45 ACP, the Combat Master was a pocket-sized with smaller hands! pistol that packed a howitzer punch and ever since I read of As with many Marui pistols, the frame and Rourke’s use of them, the model has always intrigued me. slide are reproduced in a tough ABS. That said, the Now, contrary to popular opinion, the Detonics was a finish is absolutely impeccable, even down to the “DETONICS completely new design and not a cut-down version of a .45” legend on the left-hand side of the slide. It feels very, very full-size handgun. The idea of the Detonics Combat Master solid in the hand and there are some lovely finishing touches originated with an engineer called Pat Yates at the Explosives like the silvered outer barrel, hammer and trigger; the 18 round Corporation of America (EXCOA). By the mid-1970s, Mike magazine of the replica is also silvered so the protruding floor Maes, a manager with EXCOA and the shooter Sid Woodcock plate mirrors what’s above it. formalised collaborative work and Detonics as a company If you’re used to a regular 1911, the controls of the was born. Pat Yates now had an opportunity to fully develop Detonics are pretty much identical. The rear safety catch is his compact 1911 design. Over the course of a few short placed on the left-hand side of the frame and the hammer years, the Combat Master was developed, tested and put into “IF, LIKE ME, YOU WERE A FAN OF THE ORIGINAL TV SERIES OF “MIAMI VICE” production in 1976. It quickly became the gun for those who YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT SONNY CROCKETT, PLAYED wanted considerable power in a IN THE SERIES BY ACTOR DON JOHNSON, USED NUMEROUS PRIMARY small, concealable pistol. In the HANDGUNS LIKE THE SIG220 AND THE BREN TEN BUT THROUGHOUT ALL OF early 1980s, Detonics released both the Service Master and THE THREE SERIES HIS TRUSTY, ANKLE HOLSTER MOUNTED BACKUP WAS Score Master weapons as full-size THE DIMINUTIVE DETONICS COMBAT MASTER!” additions to their “operatororiented” product line.

If you’re interested in more of this, there is an excellent reference book available: ‘Combat Master – Sid Woodcock and Detonics’ by Allen J Chin. It’s also interesting to note that Jerry Ahern was the President of Detonics USA from 2004-07, when it was based in Pendergrass, Georgia.

MASTERFUL MARUI

Tokyo Marui, or TM as they tend to be known, were really one of the originators, if not the originator, when it comes to airsoft replicas and as the range, initially for sale in Japan, grew, TM became an international benchmark for RIFs. I have to admit that I’m a huge fan of the Colt 1911 series and over the years have owned a few different models of airsoft “.45s” from different manufacturers but there was always one replica that had eluded me, namely the compact Detonics produced by TM. In the Combat Master we have a compact pistol that is unique and TM do a great job in nailing it! Weighing in at 634g/1.4 lbs, it’s not exactly a heavyweight and what weight there is comes pretty much from the magazine and the metal blocks attached to the inner side of the faux wood grips; this all also means it’s the ideal “.45” for smaller players or those

www.airsoft-action.online

81

ARMOURY TOKYO MARUI DETONICS

throughout all of the three series his trusty, ankle holster mounted backup was the diminutive Detonics Combat Master!

The Combat Master is available in three versions: all black, black frame/silver slide and silver frame/black slide. The single colour version comes in at £125, with the others at £133; spare 18 round magazines are available and cost £25.50.

Most airsoft retailers worth their salt will stock TM but mine came from Fire Support. For more information on the Combat Master GBB pistol and other excellent replicas from Tokyo Marui please visit them at www.fire-support.co.uk.

can be dropped to “Condition1” with this applied. The magazine release is also located on the left, just behind the trigger.

BANG ON!

For testing I ran the pistol on NUPROL 2 gas and made use of RZR .20g BBs. Tokyo Marui quote the stock power as being 0.58 Joule/250fps with this weight of BB and a string of 10 shots gave an average through the chrono of 0.59 Joule/253fps so they aren’t far off. It really is deceptive though as this little beauty goes off with a real crack and lives up to the claim of “Hi Kick” that TM make on the box!

The trigger is light and responsive and as there’s so little weight to the ABS slide it cycles really well; you can get shots away as quick as you can pull the trigger and although there is a hop-up system in place, I didn’t need to make any adjustment. Even though the barrel is obviously short (the whole pistol is only 171mm long after all) it sends BBs out nice and flat; at 10 metres this is as accurate as I could wish for.

Aftermarket grips are simply found online and easily attachable but again, bear in mind that most of the weight of the pistol is created by the metal blocks attached to the standard grips. I’ve changed mine out for real wood and although the pistol has become even lighter it somehow “feels” better.

Overall the little Detonics is superbly built, functions perfectly and is super fun to shoot. If you want a little handgun to tuck away sneakily in your kit somewhere to emulate the antics of the quick-shootin’ cigarchompin’ John Rourke on his journey through a nuclear wasteland, then this is the one (or in my case two as I’ve finally added a second to the original I’ve been running for over seven years!) for you.

I’ll conclude with another interesting “factoid” though…

If, like me, you were a fan of the original TV series of “Miami Vice” you might be interested to know that Sonny Crockett, played in the series by actor Don Johnson, used numerous primary handguns like the SIG220 and the Bren Ten but

www.airsoft-action.online

83

airsoft action stockists Airsoft Zone Unit 2, Detection House Brooklands Approach Romford, Essex.

01708 733275 www.airsoftzone.co.uk

Land warrior Airsoft 44/1 Hardengreen Bus. Prk Hardengreen Lane Dalkeith, EH22 3NX 0131 654 2452 www.landwarriorairsoft.com

Airsoft Sniper Parts UK Unit 2, Old Station Drive Sheffield S7 2PY www.airsofsniperparts.com

Xsite Airsoft Fryers Farm Lane High Wycombe Bucks, HP14 3NP 01494 881430 www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk

Bomb Up Airsoft 22-23 Arkwright Court Arkwright Road Runcorn, WA7 1NX 0800 131 3012 www.bombupairsoft.co.uk

DTW Airsoft B23 Moorside Business Prk Colchester Essex, CO1 2ZF 01206 790046 www.dtwairsoft.co.uk

Surplus Store Unit 2, Access House Stephenson Way Three Bridges, RH10 1TN 01293 525880 www.surplusstore.co.uk

The Gaol Events Oakham Enterprise Park Ashwell Road, Oakham Leics, LE15 7TU 07976 457602

JD Airsoft Unit 5, Virage Park Green Lane, Cannock WS11 0NH 0845 600 5144 www.jdairsoft.net

Invicta Battlefield Airsoft Pook Hill Wood Farm Wilden Park Road, Staplehurst, TN12 0HP 07876 263290

Johnsons of Leeds 2, Vulcan Foundry Haigh Park Road Leeds, LS10 1RT 0113 277 5237 www.johnsonsofleeds.co.uk

TacTree Unit 3, Stag Business Park Donnington Wood Telford, TF2 7NA 01952 565670 www.tactree.co.uk

If you would like to stock Airsoft Action in your shop or on your site and get a FREE ADVERT on this page, contact Nige on 01684 878003 or by email: nige@airsoft-action.co.uk for details.

It’s a Classic THE MOLLE EQUIPMENT SYSTEM

IT’S A CLASSIC:

MOLLE GADGE CONTINUES HIS LOOK AT CLASSIC PIECES OF MILITARY KIT USED IN AIRSOFT WITH ONE THAT HAS BECOME AN “INDUSTRY STANDARD”.

WITHOUT DOUBT, ONE OF THE biggest developments in infantry equipment that has filtered through to the airsoft scene is the MOLLE webbing system, earning itself a place as a modern day classic.

But to be fair, what we know as the “MOLLE” system is a bit of a misnomer; it would be fairer to call it “PALS”, or Pouch Attachment Ladder System.

Traditionally, webbing systems have relied on fixing the necessary pouches for a soldier’s role to a belt and harness in a relatively “fixed” manner. Certainly with WWII webbing and cold war era webbing the intention was that once a set of webbing had been “set up”, it would stay that way for the soldier’s career.

During the Vietnam War the US army experimented with the ALICE webbing system (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying System), which allowed a faster attachment and changeover of pouches onto a webbing belt or a set of webbing strips affixed to rucksacks and the like. In the 1980s a new vest was introduced to allow ALICE clip affixed pouches to be directly attached to the loops upon it, but the ALICE clips were found to be prone to damage and unfastening.

Before long the US Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center developed a new (but similar vest) for the infantry that used a novel webbing strap system, that interleaved through the loops and attached with a snap fastener. The new Pouch Attachment Ladder System enabled soldiers and operators to carry everything from magazine pouches to daysacks on the army’s new Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) causing the

PALS system to be better known by many as “MOLLE”. Soon after the US army adopted the MOLLE/PALS system the British army also adopted a similar set-up for their Osprey body armour system.

INDUSTRY STANDARD

Since then the PALS/ MOLLE system has become almost “industry standard” in both NATO issue and commercially available tactical kit. While original PALS/MOLLE webbing featured a sturdy reinforced strip to weave between the webbing loops before fastening with a snap closure or cloth tab, newer systems have since been introduced. Perhaps the most interesting of these is the laser cut system in which a single panel, with apertures cut by laser, replaced the webbing loops as a “base” on which to affix the pouch, holster or daysack. By ensuring that the space between the laser cut slots is the same width as the webbing loops, newer laser cut packs and vests can be completely compatible with older PALS/MOLLE equipment.

From its military origins, the ladder attachment system has seen a migration to outdoors hiking and adventure sports equipment more and more with each passing year. For certain airsoft, with its semi military styling, has found a the PALS/ MOLLE system ideal for players who want to be able to tailor their equipment depending on the game they are playing , the season of the year or even the type of site.

Make no mistake, PALS/MOLLE is already a “classic”!

www.airsoft-action.online

85

HALO MILL

SITE DIRECTORY

Taking you beyond 350fps!

Tel: 01484 840554

FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…

Sponsors of the AIRSOFT ACTION Site Directory

SYMBOL KEY

IS IT WOODLAND OR URBAN? CHECK THE KEY! UKARA MEMBER

SHOP ONSITE

WOODLAND

PYROS ALLOWED

URBAN

BATTERY CHARGING

DESERT

REPAIR SERVICE

Email nige@airsoft-action.co.uk to add or change a site listing

ATROOP AIRSOFT

AIRBORNE 101 AIRSOFT CLUB

ALL ARMS AIRSOFT

ARENA AIRSOFT

ABER AIRSOFT – THE BUNKER

AIRSOFT ASYLUM

ALPHA 55

AWA HERTS

Clocaenog Forest, LL16 4SP Tel: 07967 394976 www.atroop.co.uk

Allt-lywd Wood Farm, outside Llanrhystud, nr. Aberystwyth, Wales.

Tel: 07511554740 www.aberairsoft.co.uk

ABSOLUTE AIRSOFT

Maidenhead, SL6 3SS Tel: 07871 314951 www.absolute-airsoft.co.uk

ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES

Holbrook Coppice, Buidwas Bank (A4169), Buildwas, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 Tel: 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk

ACE AIRSOFT WAR GAMES

Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 Tel: 07718 032541 robinsonm24@btinternet.com

North Lanarksire, ML7 5 www.airsoftasylum.webs.com

AIRSOFT COMMANDOS Sutton, near Ferrybridge Tel: 07723 061386 andyace@ntlworld.com

AIRSOFT KGB

Porkellis Moor near Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0 Chef1322@hotmail.com www.kgbairsoft.com

AIRSOFT PLANTATION

Goatsmoore Lane, Billericay, CM4 9RS Tel: 07534 636289 / 07771 556395 www.theofficialairsoftplantation.co.uk theofficialairsoftplantation@gmail.com

Tong Wood, Newport Road Wolverhampton TF11 8PN Tel: 07786 192832 www.aceairsoft.co.uk

AIRSOFT SKIRMISH

ACE COMBAT

AIRSOFT SKIRMISH CQB

Kent, TN12 7DG Tel: 01303 814803 www.acecombat.co.uk

86

August 2017

Stoulton, WR7 4QW Tel: 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk

Studley, B80 7LY Tel: 07764 587410 www.airsoftskirmish.co.uk

Near Trawden, BB8 8SN Tel: 07909 683464 www.allarmsairsoft.co.uk

Halkyn Wood, North Wales CH8 8DF Tel: 0845 257 6937 www.alpha55.co.uk

ALPHA ELITE GAMING

Le Mont de Rozel, Jersey, JE3 5 Tel: 01534 733697 www.aegairsoft.je

AMAZON EVENTS

Hellingly, East Sussex, BN27 4HL Tel: 0844 2570433 www.amazonoutdoorevents.co.uk

AMBUSH ADVENTURES – CHOBHAM Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8SL Tel: 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk

Grimsby, DN31 3JD Tel: 07752 404060 www.arenaairsoft.com

Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM23 4BJ Tel: 07732 184957 www.awaherts.com

BADLANDS AIRSOFT

Rowlands Castle, Hamps PO9 6DP Tel: 07534 465589 www.badlandsairsoft.co.uk

BARNSLEY AIRSOFT

Shafton, Barnsley, S72 8RE Tel: 07779 236166 www.barnsleypaintball.co.uk

BATTLETEC AIRSOFT

La Couture, Guernsey, GY1 2 Tel: 07781 104068 www.battletec.co.uk

AMBUSH ADVENTURES SOUTHAMPTON

BETTER BATTLES

New Forest National Park, SP5 2DW Tel: 01252 315225 www.ambushadventures.co.uk

Ravenshead, Notts, NG15 9DH Tel: 07967 940043 www.better-battles.com

APOCALYPSE AIRSOFT

BLACKDAGGER AIRSOFT

Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7QP Tel: 07872 348 576 www.apocalypseairsoft.com

Grasscroft Wood, Barlow Lees Lane, Dronfield, S18 7UR www.blackdagger-airsoft.co.uk

SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…

BLUESTREAK AIRSOFT

Westcott Venture Park, Westcott, Aylesbury, HP18 0XB Tel: 01296 658600 www.bluestreak-airsoft.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE SANDPIT (DESERT)

Bolton Wood Quarry, Bolton Hall Road Bradford, West Yorkshire BD2 1BQ Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CONTACT! FIGHT SCHOOL Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, CM14 5 Tel: 01438 368177 www.thefightschool.demon.co.uk

COOL UNDER FIRE BORDERLINE AIRSOFT

51 Green Road, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim Northern Ireland, BT39 9PH Tel: 028 9303 7030 or 07729219341 www.borderlinecombat.com

BRAVO 2-2 AIRSOFT Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, Southport. PR46JX Tel: 07790 715059 www.bravo22airsoft.com

BRISTOL AIRSOFT Bristol, BS1 2HQ Tel: 07776 288826 www.bristolairsoft.com

CERBERUS AIRSOFT – RIVOCK EDGE Keighley, BD20 0LS Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT – SHEFFIELD WOODLAND Sheffield, S6 6JE Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE WORKS (URBAN)

Off Badger Lane, Hipperholme, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 8PL Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

BRIT-TAC AIRSOFT Sheffield, S2 5TR Tel: 07795 631331 www.brittacairsoft.com

CHESTERFIELD IMPERIAL AIRSOFT

Brimington, Chesterfield, S43 1DQ www.cia-airsoft.co.uk

Doddington, Kent, ME9 0JS Tel: 07960 532613 www.coolunderfire.co.uk

CORNWALLS ELITE AIRSOFT

Truro, Cornwall, TR2. Tel: 07863 240153 www.cornwallseliteairsoft.co.uk

COTSWOLD AIRSOFT

CLOSE ACTION AIRSOFT Corby, NN17 3BB Tel: 07740 165787 www.close-action.co.uk

BUSH VALLEY AIRSOFT

Runham Woods, Lenham ME17 1NQ Tel: 07786 448608 Email: bushvalairsoft@gmail.com

COMBAT ACTION GAMES

Combat Street, Felthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 4DR. Tel: 07748 023832 www.facebook.com/combatactiongames

C3 TACTICAL

Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH Tel: 07597 938011 www.c3tactical.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE OUTPOST (WOODLAND) HPC, York Road, Flaxby, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG5 0XJ Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

DOG TAG AIRSOFT

Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4SE TEL 01293 852 314 www.holmbushpaintball.co.uk/airsoft

ELITE ACTION GAMES – WORTHING

Worthing, BN13 Tel: 01784 433023 www.eliteactiongames.com

ELITE BATTLEZONE

CUMBRIA AIRSOFT

EXPERIENCE AIRSOFT

Dumfries, DG12 cumbria.airsoft@virgin.net www.cumbria-airsoft.com

Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 0AN Tel: 01380 728982 www.experienceairsoft.co.uk

DANGER CLOSE AIRSOFT

FIREFIGHT COMBAT SIMULATIONS

Ellough Lark Raceway, Benacre Road, Ellough, Norfolk . Tel: 07455 906132

Bexley, Greater London, DA5 1NX Tel: 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk

Lewisham, SE13 5SU Tel: 07973 240177 www.firefight.co.uk

DARKWATER AIRSOFT LTD.

Mobile: 07947 558433 www.darkwaterairsoft.co.uk Email: darwaterairsofthythe@gmail.com DARKWATER AFTER DARK C.Q.B, (Battlezone Building), Britannia Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, TN23 3NA facebook.com/afterdarkcqb DARKWATER SITE, Dering Wood, Church Lane, Shadoxhurst, Ashford.

TN26 1LZ facebook.com/darkwaterairsoftdarkwater

FIFE WARGAMES

St Andrews, KY10 3XL info@fifewargames.co.uk www.fifewargames.com

FINMERE AIRSOFT Buckingham, MK18 4JT Tel: 07976 184897 www.finmereairsoft.com

COMBAT AIRSOFT

Just off the A11 outside Thetford Norfolk follow signs for Combat Paintball Tel: 07703 045849 www.combatairsoftgames.co.uk

CERBERUS AIRSOFT – THE COMPLEX Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4RP Tel: 07891 469492 www.cerberusairsoft.co.uk

Caerwent Training Area, South Wales, NP26 5XL Tel: 07921 336360 www.dragonvalley.co.uk

Bourton Woods, On the B4479, Blockley Near Bourton-on-the-hill www.cotswoldairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07724629140

BUNKER 51

Charlton, SE7 8NJ Tel: 0870 7549653 www.wolfarmouries.co.uk

DRAGON VALLEY AIRSOFT

COMBAT SOUTH URBAN Portsmouth, PO6 3LS Tel: 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk

COMBAT SOUTH WOODLAND

Fareham, PO17 5ND Tel: 02392 655636 www.combatsouth.co.uk

DELTA TEAM 3

Skelmersdale, Lancs WN8 8UT Tel: 07986 053076 www.deltateam3.co.uk

FIREBALL SQUADRON Sutton Coldfield, B75 5SA Tel: 07582 684533 www.fireballsquadron.com

DOGS OF WAR

FIRST & ONLY: ANZIO CAMP

DRAGON’S LAIR

FIRST & ONLY: BUNKER WOOD

Houston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7BP Tel: 07853 195290 www.dow-airsoft.co.uk

Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA Tel: 07703 530189 www.dragonslairairsoft.co.uk

Leek, ST13 8 Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 5SA Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

www.airsoft-action.online

87

SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…

FIRST & ONLY: KHE SANH

WOODS

Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 2NA Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST & ONLY: MANCHESTER

WOODLAND

Bolton, BL7 9TS Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.firstandonlyairsoft.com

FIRST & ONLY: THE HIVE

Middleton, Manchester, M24 1AZ Tel: 0161 727 8863

FIRST & ONLY: THE ARMOURY Wrexham, Denbighshire, LL13 9RG Tel: 0161 727 8863

GASS AIRSOFT – PENN

HUMBER AIRSOFT

North Lincolnshire, DN21 www.humberairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07792 680297

MIA

Penn Bottom, Bucks, HP10 Tel: 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk

GASS AIRSOFT – PIDDINGTON

INVICTA BATTLEFIELD

MIDWALES AIRSOFT

Piddington, Oxfordshire, OX25 1 Tel: 07907 788970 www.gassairsoft.co.uk

GRANGE FARM AIRSOFT Leicester, LE9 9FP www.gingerliberationfront.com

GRANGE LIVE GAMING

Bravo One Birmingham, 93–99 Holloway Head, B1 1QP Tel: 0121 643 2477 info@grangelivegaming.com www.grangelivegaming.com

FIRST & ONLY: THE ACADEMY

Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 6QF Tel: 0161 727 8863

FIRST & ONLY: THE ASYLUM Kidderminster, DY10 3PT Tel: 0161 727 8863

FIRST & ONLY: THE OUTPOST

GREENZONE COMBAT Co. Armagh, BT60 1NE Tel: 07772 919974 www.greenzonecombat.com

GUN HO AIRSOFT

Guisborough, TS7 0PG Tel: 07525 435696 www.gunhoairsoft.co.uk

Kidderminster, DY11 5SA Tel: 0161 727 8863

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – CAMBRIDGE

Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5LS Tel: 0161 727 8863

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 Tel: 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

GROUND ZERO WOODLAND

GUNMAN AIRSOFT – MIDLANDS

FIRST & ONLY: SLEEPY HOLLOW

Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2DF www.groundzerowoodland.com

The Grange, Frogmore Grange, Balsall Common, Coventry CV7 7FP Tel: 01676 532 384 info@suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk www.giairsoft.co.uk/Skirmish-days

FREE FIRE ZONE

Farcet, Peterborough, PE7 3DH Tel: 01733 247171 www.freefirezone.co.uk

GUNMAN AIRSOFT– NORWICH Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 Tel: 07854 277264 www.gunmanairsoft.co.uk

FRV AIRSOFT

Annacloy, Downpatrick, BT30 8JJ Tel: 07730 586926 www.frvairsoft.com

88

August 2017

ISLAND RECON AIRSOFT COMBAT

Near Shorwell, Isle of Wight, PO30 Tel: 07964 751047 www.islandrecon.co.uk

LAND WARRIOR AIRSOFT Gorebridge, Midlothian, EH23 4LG Tel: 0131 654 2452 www.airsoftedinburgh.co.uk

LAC SITE 1

Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH Tel: 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 2

Gainsborough, North Lincs, DN21 4JH Tel: 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 3

Saxillby, LN1 2JW Tel: 07775 877057 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

LAC SITE 5

HILTON PARK AIRSOFT Wolverhampton, WV10 7HU Tel: 08000 354490 www.paintballuk.com

Spanby, Lincs, NG34 0AT Tel: 07971 560249 facebook.com/HomelandTacticalAirsoft

MILITARY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Wrightington, WN6 9PL Tel: 01942 514724 www.militaryoutdooradventure.co.uk

MILSIM UK

Checkley, Staffordshire, ST10 4NS Tel: 07523 916607 www.milsimuk.co.uk

NCIS AIRSOFT

Edinburgh, EH14 4 nick@ncis-airsoft.co.uk www.ncis-airsoft.co.uk

NOMAD AIRSOFT

Fenwick, Ayrshire, KA3 6AY Tel: 07904 998250 www.nomadairsoft.com

NORTHERN ALLIANCE AIRSOFT

Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3LQ Tel: 01845 565465 www.northernallianceairsoft.co.uk

NORTHFLEET CQB

Northfleet, Kent, DA11 9AA Tel: 07968 448475 www.elitebattlezone.co.uk

LINDSEY AIRSOFT

NSC AIRSOFT

Manby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8HE Tel: 07955 487983 www.lindsey-airsoft.co.uk

Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FW Tel: 07974 507166 www.matlockcombatgames.com

MAW HOMELAND TACTICAL AIRSOFT

Abbey Cwm-hir, Midwales, LD1 6PG Tel: 07497 480243 www.facebook.com/Midwales-airsoft

Kirton Rd, North Lincs, DN16 www.lincolnshireairsoftclub.co.uk

MATLOCK COMBAT GAMES

FULL METAL AIRSOFT

Cilyrychen Quarry, Llandybie, Ammanford, Camarthenshire, SA18 3JG Tel: 01269 850404 www.fullmetalairsoft.co.uk

Wilden Park Road, Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0HP Tel: 01622 831788 / 07876 263290 www.invictabattlefield.co.uk

Cornwall, EX23 9JL Tel: 01288 331748 www.airsoftsouthwest.co.uk

Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 Tel: 07793 404346 1midaw@gmail.com

Hetton, Sunderland, DH5 0 Tel: 07983 333521 www.nscairsoft.co.uk

NTAC

Durham, DL4 2ER Tel: 01642 281220 www.ntac.co.uk

OBAN AIRSOFT – ILL ARGYLL Argyll and Bute, PA37 1 Tel: 07967 710185 www.argyllsurplus.com

SITE DIRECTORY FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…

OP-TACTICAL UK – TEAN-OPS

RIFT AIRSOFT COM’S SITE 3

SUSSEX AIRSOFT

OVER THE TOP AIRSOFT CLUB

RIFT AIRSOFT (COTTENHAM)

S.W.A.T. AIRSOFT

Tean, Staffordshire, ST10 4JT Tel: 07964 990831 www.op-tac.co.uk

Anglesey, LL71 www.ottairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07731 744471

PATHFINDER GROUP AIRSOFT MILITARY SIMULATION Former RAF Camp Sopley/Merryfield Park, Hants, BH23 Tel: 02380 899369

PHOENIX AIRSOFT

Welbeck Airsoft, Academy, Budby Road, Notts NG20 9JX Tel: 07956 587213/01623 812483 www.phoenix-airsoft.co.uk

PLATOON 1HQ

Rochester, Kent, ME1 1 HQ Tel: 01634 829063 www.ptt-1hq.co.uk

PLAYERS OF WAR

High Bonnybridge, FK1 3AD Tel: 07767 203979 www.playersofwar.co.uk

PREDATOR COMBAT GAMES Ballynahinch, BT24 8NF Tel: 02897565651 / 07825169631 www.predatorcombat.com

RAVEN’S NEST

Suffolk, IP8 4 Tel: 01473 831563 www.ravensairsoft.co.uk

RAW WAR AIRSOFT CUMBRIA Wigton, Cumbria CA7 3SZ Tel: 01900 85645 www.airsoftcumbria.co.uk

RED1AIRSOFT

Chislehurst, Bromley BR7 6SD Tel: 07956 522691/01727846069 www.red1airsoft.co.uk

RED1AIRSOFT CQB

Red1 CQB. Kings Langley, WD4 8RN Tel: 07956 522691/01727846069 www.red1airsoft.co.uk

Chipping Warden, OX17 1LZ Tel: 07751 586781 www.riftairsoft.com

Cambridge, CB24 8RL Tel: 07751 586781 www.riftairsoft.com

SECTION 8 AIRSOFT

Shotts, North Lanarkshire, ML7 5AB Tel: 07974 026517 www.s8airsoft.com

SG1 COMBAT GAMES Co. Londonderry, BT45 8NA Tel: 07713 273102 www.sg1combatgames.co.uk

SKIRMISH AIRSOFT BILLERICAY

Billericay, Essex, CM11 2TX Tel: 01277 657777 www.airsoft-billericay.co.uk

SKIRMISH EXETER Exeter, Devon, EX4 5 Tel: 01548 580025 www.airsoftexeter.co.uk

SOUTHDOWN AIRSOFT

Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LR Tel: 07766 770830 www.southdownairsoft.com

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT – BLOXWORTH

Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7EU Tel: 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk

SPEC OPS AIRSOFT– THE ROCK Portland, Dorset, DT5 2EG Tel: 07984 656947 www.specopsairsoft.co.uk

STIRLING AIRSOFT

Slinfold, RH12 Tel: 020 8150 9284 www.sussexairsoft.co.uk

Boathouse lane, South Wirral, Cheshire, CH64 3TB www.swatairsoft.eu Tel: 07703 177756

TA EVENTS

Hemel Hemstead, Herts, HP2 7QB Tel: 07894 059794 www.ta-events.co.uk

TACTICAL WALES AIRSOFT Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AS Tel: 01792 473336 www.tacticalwales.co.uk

TACTICAL WARFARE AIRSOFT Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9PL Tel: 020 8665 1299 www.tacticalwarfare.co.uk

TECH BRIGADE

Newgate Street, Hertfordshire.

SG13 8NH Tel: 07841 713356 www.techbrigade.org

TASK FORCE SKIRMISH Cowbridge, S Glamorgan, CF71 Tel: 02920 593900 www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk

Lundholm Road, Stevenston, Ayrshire, KA20 3LN www.thewargamescentre.com wargamescentre@gmail.com

THUNDER PARK AIRSOFT

Luxulyan, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL305FA Tel: 07751808055 www.thunderparkpaintball.co.uk Food & drinks available on site.

TORRENT WARFARE

Co Tyrone, BT71 4DY Tel: 07922 377131 Facebook: search ‘Torrent Warfare’

TROJAN AIRSOFT

Macclesfield, SK10 4SZ Tel: 07428 024874 www.trojan-airsoft.com

TROJAN AIRSOFT – OLYMPUS CQB

Weir Mill, Viaduct Street, Chestergate, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 7JP Tel: 07428 024874 www.trojan-airsoft.com

UCAP AIRSOFT

Portsmouth, Hants, PO17 6AR Tel: 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

UCAP GREEN OPS

Linch, West Sussex, GU30 7 Tel: 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

THE BUNKER

Aberystwyth www.aberairsoft.co.uk Tel: 07841 462806

THE DEPOT

Glasgow, G45 9SB Tel: 0161 727 8863 www.thedepotglasgow.com

UCAP SANDPIT

Bean, Kent, DA2 8 Tel: 07590 818881 www.ucap.co.uk

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – FAWKHAM Fawkham, Kent, DA3 8NY Tel: 01268 796130 www.ultimatewargames.co.uk

THE DESERTERS AIRSOFT

Coventry, CV3 6NX Tel: 07831 429407 www.stirlingairsoft.com

Redford, DD11 Tel: 07751 878175 www.thedeserters.co.uk

STORMFORCE AIRSOFT

THE EX SITE

Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4LD Tel: 07515 937633 www.stormforcepaintball.co.uk

THE WARGAMES CENTRE

Mold, CH7 4 Tel:07840 001975 www.theexsitewales.co.uk

ULTIMATE WARGAMES – LIMPSFIELD Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0RH www.ultimatewargames.co.uk

URBAN6AIRSOFT – ZONE 13 Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0QN Tel: 07432 291729 www.urban6airsoft.com

www.airsoft-action.online

89

SITE DIRECTORY

Email nige@airsoft-action.co.uk to add or change a site listing

FIND SOMEWHERE TO BE THIS WEEKEND…

URBAN6AIRSOFT– THE BLOCK Wood Street, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3AB www.urban6airsoft.com

URBAN ASSAULT

Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 1 Tel: 01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk

VIKING AIRSOFT

Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0UN www.vikingairsoft.co.uk

WARMINSTER AIRSOFT Warminster, BA12 7RZ www.warminsterairsoft.co.uk

PRACTICAL PISTOL DIRECTORY AIPSC

The Grange, Frog Lane, Balsall Common, West Midlands, CV7 7FP Tel: 01676 532384 www.aipsc.co.uk Facebook: A.I.P.S.C info@suspensionofdisbelief.co.uk.

Every Monday night 7pm– 9pm (except bank holidays). £5 or £10 with pistol and shooting rig hire. UKPSA-qualified coaches. UKPSA-qualified Range Officers.

COBRA ONE ZERO AIRSOFT Unit 9 Imperial Buisness Centre Mortimer Road, Hereford, HR4 9SP www.cobraonezero.co.uk Facebook: cobra one zero Airsoft

WATFORD PRACTICAL PISTOL CLUB WatfordPPC@gmail.com

DOUBLE TAP PSC XSITE AIRSOFT OUTPOST Dunstable, LU6 2EE Tel: 01494 881430 www.xsiteairsoft.co.uk

90

August 2017

StrikeForce CQB, Morelands Trading Estate, Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5RZ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Double-Tap-Practical-Shooting-Club979585958732937/?ref=hl doubletappsc@gmail.com

EBSC

MOD-approved gun club PP, IDPA, IPAS, IPSC, 3GUN UKPSA Coaches UKPSA-qualified Range Officers Equipment hire available www.ebsc.co.uk ebpracticalpistol@gmail.com 07752 713 970

HALO MILL

The Penthouse, Colne Valley Business Park, Manchester Road, Linthwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5QG Tel: 01484 840554 www.halomill.com

NORTHERN PRACTICAL PISTOL CLUB (NPPC)

Tanner Street, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 1NA Tel: 07816 992417 www.northernpracticalpistol.co.uk 4 indoor ranges

XSITE PRACTICAL SHOOTING

Fryers Farm Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks HP14 3NP Tel: 01494 881430

SOUTH WEST PRACTICAL SHOOTERS (SWPS)

Action Air IPSC Club Based at The Tunnel Target Sports Centre near Charmouth The Tunnel, Axminster Road, Charmouth, Dorset DT6 6BY Contact: SWPSClub@Outlook.com

WETHERSFIELD AIRSOFT TARGET SHOOTING CLUB (WAT SIC)

Wethersfield Village Hall, Braintree Rd (B1053), Wethersfield, Braintree CM7 4EB. https://www.facebook.com/WATSiC/ Open Thursday & Friday evenings.

Set-up from 6:30pm.

Club shooting commences by 7:30pm.

Pack-up starts at 9:30pm if you can stay to help.

Contact via FB or 07939557029.

Indoors.

Club offers Action Air plus 2 & 3 Gun training and events.