Long term readers and followers of Stewbacca’s exploits will likely be familiar with his love for the VFC FN ‘LAR’ FAL GBBR, given its widespread service and adoption and basically cult of personalitylike status especially among the ‘old and bold’! He saw the ‘OSW’ FAL variant at previous MOA shows and handled it, without thinking about it too much or hanging on its release like some of our friend at VFC’s other offerings… but when it finally did arrive, and he got behind and his mind was quickly changed!
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22 ARMOURY: DOUBLE EAGLE DMP9 M924
It appears that the current crop of “PDW” AEGs out there just keeps on growing, with some AR-inspired designs and some that are a more than a little unique! You can pick from pretty much all of our favourite and most trusted manufacturers, but it’s the “curveballs” that are giving us more food for thought; Bill explores this more as puts BBs downrange with the DOUBLE EAGLE DMP9 M924!
32 ARMOURY: NUPROL 2025 AEGS
After biting his tongue for many months Bill can finally bring us his overview of the great new range of DELTA PIONEER AR AEGs from NUPROL following their launch at IWA 2025! With some real performance at a seriously tempting price, can NUPROL regain their place in this highly competitive market after having been meaningfully away for some time in respect of new AEG models? Bill tells all!
42 TECH: TERRABB
More and more airsoft fields and sites are rightly asking players to make use of biodegradeable BBs, but as airsofters we’ve always had questions not just about the performance of “bios” in our AEGs and GBBs, but also if they truly do degrade as we’re led to believe! After a meeting with Stewbacca at MOA, Bill got together to speak with Sakari from TERRABB at IWA to find out more…
48
RED CELL: 1911/2011 UPDATE
It’s that time of year again, so it must be time for RED CELL to comer full circle to look at the “1911/2011” models, some of which they first took to the range in 2020! These same models have been shot on a regular and continuous basis over that period, and with a few additions the team now report back on TWENTY test pistols that are still raring to get in the fight… minus one!
62 KIT & GEAR: SATAC
At the beginning of this year we reported via our daily web news that in a bold move Specna Arms brand have introduced the SATAC line of equipment to go along with their massive and ever-improving line of AEGs! As the new range of gear starts to roll out Bill has been casting his eye over what’s new, whilst Miguel has already been out fieldtesting!
68 KIT & GEAR: RAINWEAR
Have you ever played airsoft in the rain? Sure, it can be demotivating waking up early to go to a game, just to find out that it will probably rain all day! But through the years Miguel has discovered that playing in the rain is not the hard part… the hard part is gearing up while in the rain, and then taking care of our gear after a game!
74 AA LEGION: TAIWAN - SPEEDQB
SpeedQB or ‘Speedsoft’ has been a somewhat divisive play-style in many corners of the world. With HPA systems and their ilk just coming to the fore in the UK as our man in Taiwan was leaving his homeland, how has the landscape changed since then? Stewbacca caught up with the scene and old friend ‘n00b_soft’ who started the whole story in Taiwan but is now looking to step away and return to the US in the short term future, leaving a vibrant community and specialised gaming sites he helped build from the ground up in his wake.
84:
AA LEGION: UK - GREAT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW 2025
While MOA, SHOT and IWA dominate the annual show season there are always other events to visit, as you never know what you might find tucked away! Boycie once again took the lead as he made his way to the 2025 iteration of the Great British Shooting Show, and found that although it was disappointing in relation to airsoft specifically, there were still some great things to see!
88
AA LEGION: EVENT REPORT: IWA 2025
As we start to round out our Show Season for this year, once again it was time for the AA Crew to head to Nuremberg for IWA, and in its 51ist year the show promised to be a another very special one! With airsoft having pretty much its own dedicated space, a show within a show again, Bill, Jase, Miguel, along with new AA Legion recruits Sara and Bruno set forth to find out just what was new and exciting, and to set up the year ahead for Airsoft Action!
FUSION OF THE LEGENDS
• SSS.III E-trigger system (SSS only)
• Smart Trigger & Pre-cocking Function (SSS only)
• MASTER Upgraded Internals (SSS only)
• Metal Air Nozzle (SSS only)
• Lightweight M-Lok Handguard
• Tactical Fire Selector Lever
• Rear-lockable Bolt Plate
• QD Spring Guide Design
• Ergo-Tech Textured Grip
• SF1 Quick Response Stock
VFC’S SHORT RIGHT ARM
LONG TERM READERS AND FOLLOWERS OF STEWBACCA’S EXPLOITS SINCE HIS ESCAPE TO ‘AIRSOFT CENTRAL’ WILL LIKELY BE FAMILIAR WITH HIS LOVE FOR THE VFC FN ‘LAR’ FAL GBBR, GIVEN ITS WIDESPREAD SERVICE AND ADOPTION AND BASICALLY CULT OF PERSONALITY-LIKE STATUS, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE ‘OLD AND BOLD’! HE SAW THE ‘OSW’ FAL VARIANT AT PREVIOUS MOA SHOWS AND HANDLED IT, WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT IT TOO MUCH OR HANGING ON ITS RELEASE LIKE SOME OF OUR FRIEND AT VFC’S OTHER OFFERINGS… BUT WHEN IT FINALLY DID ARRIVE, AND HE GOT BEHIND IT HIS MIND WAS QUICKLY CHANGED!
The Right Arm of the Free World is arguably one of the coolest monikers a firearm could acquire due to turning up in basically half of the world’s armouries, largely those allied with or supplied by the western powers! With its European Belgian origins, as with many platforms it received modernisation efforts over time to try and improve upon it; even if many of us have fond memories of the ‘original and best’ or purist views, and such things informed my initial musings regarding VFC’s announced offering of the ‘OSW’ (Operator Specialist Weapon) or as I’ve taken to calling it since getting properly hands on, the ‘Oh Sh@# my Wallet’… you’re unlikely to want to give it back once you try it for yourself!
As with many good things, the FAL was looked at by our compatriots in the US, and while not eventually receiving adoption in favour of the M14 (the shortest serving rifle in their history in the end!) nonetheless, it similarly received a cult-like following in the American civilian market and DSA (David Selvaggio Arms) are basically the only people still making them or derivatives thereof; the OSW or SA58 using its technical designation follows the original numeric system along with the ‘SA’ from its creator’s latter initials. This cut down FAL variant basically shortens its overall length and places the muzzle end in line with the gas block and handguard front end of the original full length FAL, 822mm as opposed to the full 1095mm, cutting around 280mm
or 10 inches off the overall length and making it thus a lot more manoeuvrable for use in tighter spaces.
Like many expeditious variants of things like the L1A1 SLRs cut down by Aussie Special Forces in Vietnam and made-full auto and fed from extended 30rnd magazines under the moniker of ‘the bitch’ for use in immediate action and counter ambush suppression by the point man, or the later legendary ‘MC51’ half-length chopped-down variant of the G3 rifle furnished to the UK SAS for use in vehicles or covert operations in Northern Ireland, the OSW is, as the name implies, a specialist variant for use by folks at the very sharp end of the spear. It provides handy but nonetheless very powerful, and no doubt concussive and intimidating, firepower, given its cut down 11 or 13 inch barrel, slightly more than half that of the full size original FAL’s 21 inches,ensuring that everyone around you is going to know where and when you’re firing it!
Much like the Colt M733 it provides a very visually pleasing ‘rule of thirds’ assembly; with the folding stock, receiver and front end forming roughly equal parts which makes it very easy and comfortable to handle as well as making it similarly an excellent ‘bag gun’ when the stock is folded. It only measures 610mm in the stowed configuration, around the same as an MP5SD3 with the stock collapsed, and is far more readily carried than its bigger brother!
“SUCH THINGS INFORMED MY INITIAL MUSINGS REGARDING VFC’S ANNOUNCED OFFERING OF THE ‘OSW’ (OPERATOR SPECIALIST WEAPON) OR AS I’VE TAKEN TO CALLING IT SINCE GETTING PROPERLY HANDS ON, THE ‘OH SH@# MY WALLET’… YOU’RE UNLIKELY TO WANT TO GIVE IT BACK ONCE YOU TRY IT FOR YOURSELF”
REAL TO REPLICA
But what of VFC’s gas blowback incarnation? It certainly handles very nicely; the M-LOK handguard
general, and on my first outing with it at Linkou CQB I managed to stack quite a few double or triple taps on people at 15-30 metre ranges through windows
“THIS CUT DOWN FAL VARIANT BASICALLY SHORTENS ITS OVERALL LENGTH AND PLACES THE MUZZLE END IN LINE WITH THE GAS BLOCK AND HANDGUARD FRONT END OF THE ORIGINAL FULL LENGTH FAL, 822MM AS OPPOSED TO THE FULL 1095MM, CUTTING AROUND 280MM OR 10 INCHES OFF THE OVERALL LENGTH”
otherwise identical to the components of the full sized FAL. The receivers, charging handles, striker system, fire control group, selector lever, magazine and bolt
FAL; pressing in the retaining button and turning it 90 degrees clockwise looking down the muzzle end… just be aware that the shortened system and the
“THE
RECEIVERS, CHARGING HANDLES, STRIKER SYSTEM, FIRE CONTROL GROUP, SELECTOR LEVER, MAGAZINE AND BOLT RELEASE/LOCK, AND EVEN THE MAJORITY OF THE BOLT BESIDES THE REVISED RECOIL SPRING ARRANGEMENT ARE ALL TAKEN FROM THE ORIGINAL VARIANT”
M-LOK slots on the sides, bottom and diagonals of the handguard giving you plenty of opportunity to mount lights, switches, QD mount units, hang grips or hand stops to your heart’s content. Aside from the Amarok grip covers I left mine largely un-accessorised as the overall length is very comfortable for me to support hand grip it compared to many of the other rifles or SMGs I usually end up sticking vertical grips on to save my wrists the strain. The inclusion of the DSA-style railed top cover installed from the factory and including different internal mounting furniture, eliminates the receiver bowing caused when adding the earlier replicas to the full sized FAL; this new version has more substantial metal spacer panels inside that allow for riding on the rails of the original receiver without clamping too strongly and deforming them outward, and the whole assembly slides freely off rearward in contrast to the more permanent and annoying fixture method of the earlier version. Similarly it’s a simple case of sliding the whole unit back on again lining the runner inserts up with the rails; I found dropping it vertically on from behind made it easy to guide it on.
Aside from the SRO clone I used for closer ranges, I also took to slapping an ACOG replica atop the rail cover, which I thought really suited the more rugged and industrial aesthetic - similarly to the FNC and ELCAN atop it I reviewed previously, I quite liked the overall look and feel it suits me a lot more than the somewhat increasingly ‘clinical’ aerospace engineered ARs that pad out my collection, and also look a little more rough around the edges and less business like than my beloved HK line up. The FNs really do look like they belong in the jungles and bush-lands and work for a gritty appearance, something reinforced by media and pop culture, with the OSW featuring in the hands of bad guys in quite a few films, as well as another one that turns up in the Sicario franchise in the hands of the drug enforcement agencies, mentioned as it happens in ‘the 1911 syndicate’ on Youtube featured the real steel OSW in one of their pop culture rundown videos just as I was closing up my review process. I’m convinced VFC are in cahoots with ‘big guntube’ as every time I’ve gotten the likes of the HK53, MP5SD3, M16A1, M16A2, T91, FNC, OSW, one or more of the mainstream
firearms content creators have all of a sudden begun featuring their real steel counterparts in their videos I also enjoy watching! As per their assessment of the 7.62x51 firing variant, the airsoft equivalent is also a comparatively loud, concussive and just downright fun gun.
I honestly wasn’t all that interested in it initially as a modernised variation of my much beloved classico FAL full length which many of my teammates also love and some of whom carried the real steel version of in their various national services; with friends from places as far flung as South Africa and Uruguay either handling mine or buying their own and sharing fond memories of the VFC replicas brought back of it being a companion through their military exploits.
The OSW on the other hand has seen use mostly in film and Mexican law enforcement; as with the FNC it hasn’t seen the widespread adoption of the original FAL, but it certainly offers a very attractive addition to the collection, especially if you already have the FAL and magazines. Having enjoyed the convenience of magazine compatibility with the M16A2 and M733 at POLK 4 last autumn reducing the amount of gear and admin I had to deal with, the FAL and OSW pairing with all the magazines I already have are a strong contender for to field at the next POLK instalment, giving me a backup gun if anything does happen to go wrong with my primary selection. It must be said that such things are less and less of a worry with VFC’s recent years’ output and consistency and reliability of everything I’ve been experiencing of theirs.
USE AND ABUSE
The only drawback I have encountered arose immediately when I fielded it at the IPSC range during its initial testing, and was something the Pentagon centre guys had forewarned me about, but hasn’t been much of a concern since I set it up correctly; if you don’t perform an appropriate HOP setting adjustment initially, you may find yourself having a string of ‘baffle strikes’ off the muzzle break style device. The holes are quite close cut, so any variance in flightpath is liable to make the BBs strike the edge of the holes in the baffles and cause a bunch of plastic pellet shrapnel to rain out of your muzzle break! It looks quite impressive to be fair, but isn’t all that
“THE SHORTENED OVERALL PROFILE AND SLENDER M-LOK HANDGUARD REALLY GIVES YOU A CONTROLLABLE AND FAST MOVING PLATFORM; I TOOK TO LIKENING IT TO A SIG553 THAT HAPPENS TO FEED FROM 762 FAL MAGAZINES, A LOUDER AND PUNCHIER MODERNISED MEAT-EATER OF A RIFLE”
“WITH ALL THE EXTRA METALWORK INVOLVED THE WEIGHT OF THE OSW IS ACTUALLY EQUAL TO THE FULL SIZE FAL AT 3.5KG, IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE IN A SHORTER PACKAGE AND MORE WIELDY AS A RESULT ALBEIT FEELING BULKIER WITH ALL THE WEIGHT IN A SMALLER AREA”
places; changing the barrel and/or installing an NPAS unit would allow you to customise it further. The Joule readout across 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.36g and 0.4g BBs didn’t vary much with a 1.2-1.3J range, still a lot less than an MP5SD3 with its full length barrel that drives 0.2g BBs up to the high 130m/s out here in the tropical heat of
Taking things outside to the Xindian and Yangmei jungle and dormitory sites respectively, the longer ranges reached with heavier BBs really allowed me to reach out with the ACOG replica, and the consistent flight of the BBs made short work of some opponents and I could reach out to around 60-70m without
In some cases there was a bit more drop at those distances, but I was once again consistently audibly slapping rounds off the usual tree trunks at the flat range area in Xindian, and I managed a few good eliminations even shooting at uphill angles there; as with the FNC it handles nicely and is an immense amount of fun in that environment!
With all the extra metalwork involved the weight of the OSW is actually equal to the full size FAL at 3.5kg, it just happens to be in a shorter package and more wieldy as a result albeit feeling bulkier with all the
So, despite me initial nonchalance or borderline disinterest about the VFC FN OSW as it doesn’t really scratch my ‘service rifle’ itch, and its lesser media and pop culture impact, as with the FNC it’s kind of won me over just by how handy and fun it is to run, as well as the excellent performance it boasts! If you’re in the market for a good DMR platform that isn’t as cumbersome as some of the other front runners, the VFC OSW could really give you the range and consistency required, especially with some typical
I’m certainly sold on its fun factor at least, and it’s yet another one I’m thinking I’ll have to make space for on the gun wall, likewise many of my teammates who got hands on were impressed with it.
Many thanks to VFC and their Pentagon Service Centre staff for facilitating the review. AA
JUST BY HOW HANDY AND FUN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IT FOR A GOOD DMR PLATFORM THAT OTHER FRONT RUNNERS, THE VFC OSW
ATTACK AND DEFEND
“IN ESSENCE THOUGH A “PDW” BY ITS VERY NAME AND DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE DESIGNED FROM THE GET-GO AS MORE OF A DEFENSIVE-CENTRIC PLATFORM THAN AN OFFENSIVE ONE, AND THEREFORE IN THE “REAL WORLD” A HANDGUN-CALIBRE DESIGN IS PROBABLY THE THING!”
real world would undoubtedly be built for personal or home defence.
What I will say is that ultimately is that all the “PDW” models that we’ve seen in the past are all
thanks to the high-grade polymer construction, the DMP9 really is a nice compact little package that comes into the shoulder well; when you close or remove the picatinny-mounted stock though,
And it would appear that Double Eagle
space for optics and accessories even on a small-
“THE LATEST DMP9 M924 THAT I’VE BEEN TESTING FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS IS A CRACKING LITTLE AEG, BUT ONE THAT IS QUITE UNIQUE IN ITS APPEARANCE! IT APPEARS TO MARRY UP SOME VERY MP5-LIKE SMG FEATURES WITH SOME THAT ARE UNDOUBTEDLY AR, BUT IT’S A MASH-UP THAT I BELIEVE WORKS, AND WORKS WELL THOUGH…”
“THE TOP OF THE HANDGUARD IS A STANDARD RAIL, AND THIS CONTINUES UNINTERRUPTED TO THE REAR OF THE UPPER RECEIVER WHERE YOU’LL ALSO FIND AN AR-STYLE CHARGING HANDLE; LOTS OF SPACE FOR OPTICS AND ACCESSORIES EVEN ON A SMALL-FOOTPRINT PLATFORM”
footprint platform. Front and rear “irons” come as standard on the top rail, and although they’re polymer they appear to be sturdily made, and of course it means that the DMP9 is fieldable straight from the box. The whole front-end/upper receiver combo has a really chunky look to it, but again I think it looks pretty cool.
So far so AR-inspired, but the lower is where things change out as this is much more “MP5”, in fact using an MP5-style magazine housing that accommodates a 130 BB, slightly curved magazine… it looks almost identical to a regular MP5 mag, but it’s not as it’s slightly longer and wider, and the feed lips are different… I tried all of my MP5 mags from different companies and they just rattled around the magwell, and most certainly wouldn’t fit to feed! This is a shame as there are many of us with a collection of MP5 mags, and I feel that compatibility here would have been a real bonus.
Controls on the lower though are fully ambidextrous, and a reconfiguration of the magazine release means that it’s more “AR than Koch”. The selector switch is positioned just above the “Gunfighter” style ergonomic pistol grip on both sides of the receiver and this has a full and positive 90-degree rotation between fire modes. The end plate that mates the receivers is a picatinny design which means you have a lot of potential options for the side-folding stock aftermarket, although the stock that comes with the DMP9 is solid as a rock, well-made, and obviously could be swapped out between platforms if you have more than one of this style… A win here then!
INSIDE THERE’S MAGIC!
Considering the sub-UK£200 pricepoint for the DMP9, inside
the attractive and workmanlike outer parts is where the true magic happens; I cannot believe that what’s included as standard these days!
Double Eagle have obviously created a very neat CQB-ready platform in appearance, weight, and overall size… but it’s the Kestrel V2 ETU that really kicks things up a considerable notch!
I’ve spoken about this before, but the Kestrel V2 offers programmable fire modes via the trigger including three-BB burst and binary, adjustable precocking with SIX levels to choose from and several protection functions such as low battery warning and cycle completion. The result of bringing all this together is a remarkably snappy trigger when precocking is set, and the DMP9 becomes incredibly versatile once you have everything set up just the way
“THE END PLATE THAT MATES THE RECEIVERS IS A PICATINNY DESIGN WHICH MEANS YOU HAVE A LOT OF POTENTIAL OPTIONS FOR THE SIDE-FOLDING STOCK AFTERMARKET, ALTHOUGH THE STOCK THAT COMES WITH THE DMP9 IS SOLID AS A ROCK”
“COUPLED WITH THE ESHOOTER APP, YOU CAN CUSTOMISE FUNCTIONS REMOTELY BY SETTING PRE-COCKING, TRIGGER SENSITIVITY, AND SELECTOR MODES, PROVIDING A REALLY PERSONALISED SETUP; THE SYSTEM ALSO SUPPORTS BRUSHLESS MOTORS AND CONTROLS THE RATE OF FIRE WITH HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO”
YOU want it!
Coupled with the ESHOOTER app though, you can customise functions remotely by setting pre-cocking, trigger sensitivity, and selector modes, providing a really personalised setup; the system also supports brushless motors and controls the rate of fire with high battery voltage too.
Overall the DMP9 features some solid internals for an AEG in this price range; a V2 gearbox with 18:1 ratio steel gears on 8mm ball bearings, a durable hop unit and functional rubber, and a 6.04mm inner barrel come in addition to the Kestrel V2, so once you have everything set as you like it, you are 100% good to go.
One interesting little (quite literal!) twist on the DMP9 is the battery compartment, and you’ll find this neatly tucked away inside the handguard. Unlike many shorter AEGs though you don’t need to remove the handguard to change the battery, as to access the compartment there is a removable plate just beneath the front of the handguard which, by twisting the mock gas-plug, can be removed to find behind it quite a generous space for a small stick LiPo via a Deans/TPlug connection. I actually like this as a batterystorage solution on a small-footprint AEG a lot, and when the battery is in and the plate put back in place, the battery disappears completely so the DMP9 continues to look very cool!
DOWNRANGE
The MP5-style “9mm” magazine is again a sturdy polymer, and although dedicated to the platform, it’s lightweight so it’s easy to carry a lot of them; it loads and feeds well. The DMP9 M924 comes as standard with a rotary hop-up (a durable composite-plastic one-piece design) which I’ve found to be easily and precisely adjusted.
Testing with .20g BBs resulted in a respectable and immediately usable average of 0.84 Joule/301fps through the chrono, which means this AEG is usable straight out of the box for most sites, and is going to be a little more “CQB engagement friendly” than some!
Moving up to .28g, once the hop was re-adjusted and set (easily done as it’s just behind the correctly-
sized ejection-port cover) the little DMP9 was reaching out accurately to the 30m extent of the woodland range and punching sandbags just using the “irons” that are provided with it.
In my opinion it will be a great little platform for CQB encounters where engagement distances are more intimate, though eminently usable in a woodland game too.
My time so far with the DMP9 thus far then has been a fun and positive one; I’ve tried many a “PCC/ PDW” now that have been upgraded quite heavily and the Double Eagle gives them a run for their money as a stock gun, so I can’t really say anything negative at all about this super little AEG, other than the lack of magazine compatibility with similar platforms. Although Double Eagle have been a little quiet of late after an initial glut of models it’s obvious that this more relaxed period has been “time well spent” for them, and I will say a big “GOOD JOB!” to Double Eagle for moving things forward again with their range of AEGs.
So, is the DMP9 M924 a “PDW, PCC, SBR, or SMG”? Frankly, take your pick how you want to describe it, but the bottom line is that this is actually a very capable little all-rounder of an AEG! The combination of light weight and minimalist size makes the little DMP9 easy to manipulate even in the tightest of spaces, and the downrange performance has proved that it’ll be no slouch when you need to get double-tapped BBs away quickly, whether you’re’re attacking or defending!
Based on my experience with Double Eagle AEGs in the last couple of years, and what we’ve found from other models that we’ve tested to date, I’m expecting nothing less than excellent performance from this beautiful little example of innovative engineering as it beds in, and I believe that we’ll be seeing MUCH more from the Double Eagle brand for some considerable time.
As always my thanks go to Tim at www.iwholesale. biz for providing the test sample of the DMP9 M924. For more information on this model and other models in the Double Eagle line-up, visit their website on a regular basis as there are new things arriving every week! AA
“THE COMBINATION OF LIGHT WEIGHT AND MINIMALIST SIZE MAKES THE LITTLE DMP9 EASY TO MANIPULATE EVEN IN THE TIGHTEST OF SPACES, AND THE DOWNRANGE PERFORMANCE HAS PROVED THAT IT’LL BE NO SLOUCH WHEN YOU NEED TO GET DOUBLE-TAPPED BBS AWAY QUICKLY, WHETHER YOU’RE’RE ATTACKING OR DEFENDING!”
“BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE WITH DOUBLE EAGLE AEGS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, AND WHAT WE’VE FOUND FROM OTHER MODELS THAT WE’VE TESTED TO DATE, I’M EXPECTING NOTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE FROM THIS BEAUTIFUL LITTLE EXAMPLE OF INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING AS IT BEDS IN”
DOUBLE
BACK TO THE FUTURE
AFTER BITING HIS TONGUE FOR MANY MONTHS BILL CAN FINALLY BRING US HIS OVERVIEW OF THE GREAT NEW RANGE OF DELTA PIONEER AR AEGS FROM NUPROL FOLLOWING THEIR LAUNCH AT IWA 2025! WITH SOME REAL PERFORMANCE AT A SERIOUSLY TEMPTING PRICE, CAN NUPROL REGAIN THEIR PLACE IN THIS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET AFTER HAVING BEEN MEANINGFULLY AWAY FOR SOME TIME IN RESPECT OF NEW AEG MODELS? BILL TELLS ALL!
Many months ago now when I was paying one of my regular visits to the NUPROL HQ my old mate Ross and marketing-guru Matt quite literally rocked me back on my heels when they announced that NUPROL would be re-launching their range of AEGs, not just with one model but an entire range!
They did have some renders and designs to show me, and what I saw at that stage was a very tasty looking AR CQB model, and a longer field model. At this point in time I was sworn to secrecy.
NUPROL are certainly no strangers to creating well-researched AEGs that offer great performance at a sensible price, and I’ve been running one of the old NUPROL AEGs for some considerable time now; although in fairness it would be remiss of me not to
mention that some players did experience problems with the trigger in the older models, NUPROL as always addressed this quickly and efficiently, and mine has stood the test of time with some careful, and regular, maintenance.
My time with the RECON ALPHA from the original range has always left me feeling massively happy; there really was something for everyone to look at in that old NUPROL line of AEGs, with keen pricing and lots of options to play with. I believe that NUPROL created some superb variants that made a lot of airsofters very happy indeed, and even with a few “teething issues” I know that there a lot of them out there that are still going strong after many years of skirmish-action! The initial ARs looked great, felt great, and I can tell you that out of the box they
“I WAS PAYING ONE OF MY REGULAR VISITS TO THE NUPROL HQ MY OLD MATE ROSS AND MARKETING-GURU MATT QUITE LITERALLY ROCKED ME BACK ON MY HEELS WHEN THEY ANNOUNCED THAT NUPROL WOULD BE RE-LAUNCHING THEIR RANGE OF AEGS, NOT JUST WITH ONE MODEL BUT AN ENTIRE RANGE.”
NUPROL JACKEL 7”
performed pretty darn well too, and that original RECON ALPHA of mine is still running like a dream, and still looks great too! NUPROL brought something very, very special to the party that we as players really benefitted from, and many continue to do so to this day.
As I’ve told you before, I’m very privileged in many ways as I do really get to see what goes on behind the scenes (as I did back in 2016 with the original NUPROL AEGs… jeez, where does the time go???), and as Ross and I are friends outside of work as well as in I knew for a fact that he had been clocking up the air miles travelling back and forth to factories in the Far East for the last few years.
Many of you may not know but Ross started out as a player and gun tech so he knows darn well what needs to go into an AEG to make it sing, and he has gone on to dominate some areas of the UK and wider market market with the gas creations
that he and his team have come up with.
If he, and the team at NUPROL were going to put their reputations behind a line of AEGs again, they had to be the very best that they could produce, and I’ll tell you right now that they put their heart and soul into every single step of creating the new models that I saw at IWA earlier this month.
Even as renders the designs looked right up to the minute, with a few “classics” thrown into the mix
too. Ross asked me if I could spend some “quality time” with him when the production models arrived, and this will happen now that not only have the new AEGs had their “official launch”, but stock is in-hand and ready to hit your local stores! Our intent will be to strip some of the AEGs back to component parts so that I can really see what makes them tick over the course of the next couple of months the some of the AA Crew will be getting “in depth and personal” with the individual models, but for those of you who haven’t yet seen the details yet, let me walk you through the different models that are now on offer in the reinvigorated and re-imagined NUPROL AEG range!
“IF THE TEAM AT NUPROL WERE GOING TO PUT THEIR REPUTATIONS BEHIND A LINE OF AEGS AGAIN, THEY HAD TO BE THE VERY BEST THAT THEY COULD PRODUCE, AND I’LL TELL YOU RIGHT NOW THAT THEY PUT THEIR HEART AND SOUL INTO EVERY SINGLE STEP OF CREATING THE NEW MODELS THAT I SAW AT IWA EARLIER THIS MONTH”
POWER IN THE NAME
Given that the old NUPROL AR AEG range set a tone in their naming system, the new DELTA PIONEER AEGs carry the tradition forward!
Available in Black,
FDE and Two Tone (for those new players in the UK that are awaiting their Defence in Law) the three NOMAD models vary in raillength at 7, 10, and 13 inches and look externally bang-on with their M-LOK systems.
The JACKAL 7 and
RECON 7 inch both have URX-style rails, while the M4SD and SOPMOD are both more traditional with Picatinny setups. All the models have very tidy high-grade polymer receiver sets, flip-up sights as standard, and CRANE-style sliding stocks.
These new AEGs are designed to offer both new and experienced players a choice of highly manoeuverable platforms. Crafted from highdensity polymer (HDP), the frames and rails provide
“THE
a lightweight yet durable design, perfect for both beginners and seasoned veteran players; with seven variants available there’s something for everyone, ensuring you can find the perfect aesthetic to match your style. Each model features a power of 1.0 joule/330 FPS, making them well within UK-legal, site and safety limits.
The entire range has been updated from the previous NUPROL AEG range to fully-modern spec, and they all benefit from Gen II triggers and Gen II gearboxes paired with 18:1 gear sets and a 19.5k RPM motor, offering consistent performance while allowing for easy upgrades in the future.
The metal gearbox is designed with simplicity in mind, making maintenance straightforward, and there’s even a quick-change-spring function; goodquality springs are used throughout to give the AEGs some real “pop” and keep them happily UK compliant too. Parts descriptions are cleverly engraved on the outer gearbox shell for easy identification, which is a detail that I have to say I really like, and should help ensure hassle-free upkeep. To maintain accuracy, all models in the new range are equipped with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel and a rotary hop unit, giving you the ability to precisely adjust your hop for consistent, accurate shots every time.
The HDP rails across the range vary from M-LOK to Keymod and RIS, with a variety of accessorymounting-point options at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. All rails come with a 20mm Picatinny rail at the 12 o’clock position, providing plenty of room for accessories like optics, LAMs, and taclites. Each model will come with a polymer mid-cap magazine which will be colour-keyed to the body (Black/FDE), and
THREE NOMAD MODELS VARY IN RAIL-LENGTH AT 7, 10, AND 13 INCHES AND LOOK EXTERNALLY BANG-ON WITH THEIR M-LOK SYSTEMS. THE JACKAL 7 AND RECON 7 INCH BOTH HAVE URX-STYLE RAILS, WHILE THE M4SD AND SOPMOD ARE BOTH MORE TRADITIONAL WITH PICATINNY SETUPS”
these look great too.
And the final best bit? These new DELTA PIONEER AEGs will be both affordable and accessible, with prices ranging from arounbd UK£99 to UK£125 MSRP, the new line offers a budget-friendly option for new and seasoned players entering the sport without compromising on quality! So even the 13 inch NOMAD will only be 125 quid! Site Rental AEG for filed operators? 125 quid! Backup AEG or one to hand off to a mate in an emergency? 125 bleedin’ quid!!! These have to be a bargain in anyone’s book…
GOOD TO GO!
So there you have it, and what a line-up it is!
There really is something for everyone to look at, and with such keen pricing there are lots of options to play with. Internally all the models make use of high-quality NUPROL-chosen parts; they already have a name for their upgrade parts so why would they not use the best they can in the new AEGs? NUPROL have even specifically chosen the rotary hop unit and rubber to give the most versatility, and in fact this attention to detail has gone on everywhere.
I’ve come away from IWA and my first proper look at the latest NUPROL AEGs feeling massively impressed again, and I can’t help also feeling insanely
proud of what my friends, a truly great British company, have achieved here… again! I’m going to stick my neck out and say I believe that they’ve created a superb new range that will make a lot of airsofters very happy indeed.
They look great, feel great, and thus far I can tell you that out of the box they should perform pretty darn well too; I have earmarked a new NOMAD to take out to the woods range and I am certain it will run like a train.
As I said earlier I’ve been very happy with the NUPROL AEG that I got
some years back now, and I believe that the new range of DELTA PIONEER AR models will set a new tone for NUPROL in-house AEG models going forward from here.
“CRAFTED FROM HIGH-DENSITY POLYMER (HDP), THE FRAMES AND RAILS PROVIDE A LIGHTWEIGHT YET DURABLE DESIGN, PERFECT FOR BOTH BEGINNERS AND SEASONED VETERAN PLAYERS; WITH SEVEN VARIANTS AVAILABLE THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE”
One thing that I know is that I’d be happy to have any of the new models in my armoury, and I’m sure that any of you will be too…
NUPROL AEGs are back, and they’re back with a bang!
For more information on the entire DELTA PIONEER AEG range, and for stockist details, please do pay a visit to www.nuprol.com AA
“AND THE FINAL BEST BIT? THESE NEW DELTA PIONEER AEGS WILL BE BOTH AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE, WITH PRICES RANGING FROM AROUND UK£99 TO UK£125 MSRP, THE NEW LINE OFFERS A BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION FOR NEW AND SEASONED PLAYERS ENTERING THE SPORT WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY!”
NUPROL M4SD
NUPROL NOMAD 7”
“I BELIEVE THAT THE NEW RANGE OF DELTA PIONEER AR MODELS WILL SET A NEW TONE FOR NUPROL IN-HOUSE AEG MODELS GOING FORWARD FROM HERE. ONE THING THAT I KNOW IS THAT I’D BE HAPPY TO HAVE ANY OF THE NEW MODELS IN MY ARMOURY, AND I’M SURE THAT ANY OF YOU WILL BE TOO…”
NUPROL NOMAD 13”
NUPROL RECON 10”
GETTING BIOS RIGHT!
MORE AND MORE AIRSOFT FIELDS AND SITES ARE RIGHTLY ASKING PLAYERS TO MAKE USE OF BIODEGRADEABLE BBS, BUT AS AIRSOFTERS WE’VE ALWAYS HAD QUESTIONS NOT JUST ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF “BIOS” IN OUR AEGS AND GBBS, BUT ALSO IF THEY TRULY DO DEGRADE AS WE’RE LED TO BELIEVE! AFTER A MEETING WITH STEWBACCA AT MOA, BILL GOT TOGETHER TO SPEAK WITH SAKARI FROM TERRABB AT IWA TO FIND OUT MORE…
Have you ever thought about how long it will actually take for the BB to completely decompose? I have, and I’ve tested this myself, with many brands, over many years in airsoft!
When I first moved to the USA in 2012 there was already call from some airsoft fields for compulsory Bios, so I “planted” a few different brands of “BIO BB” in our yard planters… and guess what? Even after four years in the soil of the planters in what some would define as “perfect environmental conditions” for the BBs to degrade naturally… THEY WERE ALL STILL THERE… and still recognisable as BBs!
For years now there has been a competitive market for airsoft BB’s that are made of a plastic formula called “PLA” and marketed as “biodegradable”, telling both players and site operators that when these BB’s are shot and left on-site they will decompose “naturally” and disappear.
The TERRABB blog tells me though that...
“Many of the “biodegradable BB” brands say they fulfil a standard that tells they are biodegradable. Often the referred standard is ISO-14855. The reason for the controversy is that ISO-14855 standard is based on the definition that a product with this standard decomposes in industrial composing, which means a temperature of 58°C (±2) degrees.
This means that there’s no guarantee the PLA-
based airsoft BB would decompose when shot outdoors as the temperature it faces there is far from the temperature of industrial composting. The biodegradation standards aren’t exactly created for stuff that is meant to be left to the soil.”
It is also important to note that the process of the BB breaking down, in one way or another, isn’t necessarily “decomposition” in its true sense; the BB might break down into smaller pieces, but this is mostly caused by erosion, which means the BB is exposed to physical damage caused by, for example, soil and rock movement, or water degradation. In this circumstance though, the BB breaks down but doesn’t decompose fully, it becomes microplastics, tiny plastic particles that can cause damage in many ways in the ecosystem - as we’re finding out more and more these days!
There are (of course!) different standards in the chemical industry that describe the decomposing abilities of the substance. Until now there has been a wide selection of PLA-based airsoft BBs in the market that are marketed as “biodegradable”, and many of these brands say their BB meets the criteria of a standard that tells they are biodegradable, namely ISO-14855.
Among airsoft players there has been a general understanding that there’s no reason to worry about
“THERE HAS BEEN A COMPETITIVE MARKET FOR AIRSOFT BB’S THAT ARE MADE OF A PLASTIC FORMULA CALLED PLA AND MARKETED AS “BIODEGRADABLE”, TELLING BOTH PLAYERS AND SITE OPERATORS THAT WHEN THESE BB’S ARE SHOT AND LEFT ONSITE THEY WILL DECOMPOSE “NATURALLY” AND DISAPPEAR”
the environmental impact of airsoft as PLA BBs fulfil the biodegradation standard, but even unscientific testing will show you that this is not the case.
What is less well-known is that, for example, the ISO-14855 standard is based on the definition that a product with this standard decomposes when subjected to an industrial composting process, which means a temperature of 58°C (±2) degrees. This means that there’s no guarantee a PLA-based airsoft BB would decompose when shot outdoors, as the temperature it faces there is far from the temperature of industrial composting!
Then what are TERRA BBs made of?
TERRABB consists of a polymer called PBS, polybutylene succinate. It can be made from sugarcane, cassava or corn for example, when it is called BioPBS™, or it can be made synthetically, resulting in a chemically similar material called PBS.
Certain types of PBS decompose in natural temperatures, so when it comes to airsoft BBs and the question of decomposing in “the wild”, it doesn’t matter if the polymer is BioPBS™ or regular PBS, as long as it is such type that decomposes naturally.
As a result of careful research committed by the team at TERRABB and their partners, they have created a material that is based on PBS polymers and various fillers that can be naturally found from the soil. This way they’ve created a BB that starts decomposing in just a couple of months in summertime, even in a relatively temperate environment. Using these fillers they can both improve the quality of the product as a high precision airsoft BB as well as enhance the biodegradation properties.
INSIDE OP!
So, who are TERRABB, and what is their solution?
TTERRABB is a product of Terra Composites, and Terra Composites is a Finnish company that specialises in renewing bioplastics!
TERRABB was born when enthusiastic airsoft player and entrepreneur Sakari Vyyryläinen was studying; some of you may know Sakari already from his time spent as an active airsofter, when he ran games at Linnasoft in his native Finland, from his retail experiences at Atom Airsoft, or from meeting him at shows (Stewbacca met him at MOA) where he now
preaches the efficacy of truly biogradeable BBs!
Having now met him myself, and having got a measure for his technical knowldge and enthusiasm to do something meaningful, I understand that it was as a product development engineer that he noted that many bioplastics don’t actually decompose naturally, not in the way we players often understand it. This sparked the idea of a company that could renew the way and the method bioplastics were approached in the airsoft industry. The first product that the company started to work on was, of course, airsoft BBs due to Sakari’s background.
The TERRABB team now includes a dedicated group of people who have a strong expertise in both airsoft and bioplastics production, but I wanted to know more, to really find out what made TERRABB tick, so I took the opportunity at IWA to speak face to face with Sakari, and asked him a few more detailed questions to get “under the skin” of TERRABB:
AA: Sakari, thanks so much for speaking to me and answering my questions! What was your inspiration to create TERRABB? How did the brand come into existence?
SV: Thank you so much for the opportunity! This
“AMONG AIRSOFT PLAYERS THERE HAS BEEN A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE’S NO REASON TO WORRY ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF AIRSOFT AS THE PLA BB’S FULFIL THE BIODEGRADATION STANDARD, BUT EVEN UNSCIENTIFIC TESTING WILL SHOW YOU THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE”
sounds excellent I’d be happy to share the full story behind TerraBB, as it stems from years of dedication and insight.
I started playing airsoft in 2005 and have been actively involved in the Finnish airsoft community ever since. Together with a group of fellow enthusiasts, we founded a local airsoft association called Linnasoft, which is now a significant game organizer in Southern Finland.
My hobby gradually turned into a profession as I became interested in repairing and upgrading airsoft guns. This led me to establish Atom Airsoft, an online store, in 2010. What started as a side project slowly evolved into a more serious business. In 2013, I began studying mechanical engineering at Tampere University, but airsoft remained an integral part of my life.
In 2018, I took a course focused on composite structures, which included lectures on biodegradable materials. At the same time, I was developing a PLAbased bio BB brand for Atom Airsoft. During a lecture, I realized that I actually knew very little about the real biodegradability of PLA plastics; my understanding was based mainly on airsoft BB manufacturers’ marketing materials. It became clear that PLA does not decompose in natural conditions, which is a significant issue for both the environment and the future of airsoft.
This moment marked the beginning of TerraBB’s development. I discussed the matter with a university professor and began researching whether it would be possible to manufacture airsoft BBs from materials that genuinely break down in nature. Over time, we found suitable partners and started testing different combinations of polymers and fillers.
We designed our own injection mold and tested various materials until we finally discovered a combination that provided a real solution to the environmental problem caused by airsoft BBs. We patented this technology, and the first patent was granted in 2023. We are now awaiting approval for international patent applications.
AA: So, what Makes TERRA BB Different?
SV: TerraBB is not based on secrecy, we openly share everything on our website and in our patent applications. TerraBB BBs consist of a bio-based
polymer and a mineral filler that enhances their weight and mechanical properties.
The polymer we use is PBS (polybutylene succinate), which decomposes into water and carbon dioxide in natural conditions. This is a crucial difference from PLA-based bio BBs, which require an industrial composter with a temperature of 60°C, high humidity, and specific microbes to break down. These conditions do not exist in nature, meaning PLA BBs do not decompose in open environments.
The filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, have been carefully chosen to be naturally abundant and environmentally safe.
AA: I commented earlier on the international standard as it stands, ISO-14855; why is there no standard for BBs?
SV: Knowing these aspects of decomposing standards you might wonder why there aren’t better standards to describe the ability of a substance to decompose in the nature – in natural outdoor temperatures – as it would seem much more useful knowledge among products that are meant to be used outdoors and left to the nature after use. Our understanding is that these technologies – both the market for it and solutions, like PBS – are so new
“THE POLYMER WE USE IS PBS ...WHICH DECOMPOSES INTO WATER AND CARBON DIOXIDE IN NATURAL CONDITIONS. THIS IS A CRUCIAL DIFFERENCE FROM PLA-BASED BIO BBS, WHICH REQUIRE AN INDUSTRIAL COMPOSTER WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 60°C, HIGH HUMIDITY, AND SPECIFIC MICROBES TO BREAK DOWN”
that the chemical industry hasn’t simply had time to develop a new standard yet. Establishing a standard is a complicated and time-taking process that requires a lot of research.
The world of bioplastics is yet a bit wild and searching for it’s ways to adapt to new demands and technologies. TerraBB is ahead of its time, bringing a new kind of airsoft BB to the market that actually decomposes while also offering excellent quality features as a high precision airsoft BB.
AA: What are your future plans for TERRABB?
SV: Our goal is to set a new standard for biodegradable airsoft BBs. TerraBB exists to ensure that airsoft can continue even as environmental regulations become stricter. We have launched the mass production of our 0.20g TerraBB BBs, and our first priority is to make them widely available to provide players with a sustainable alternative. Other BB weights will be introduced later.
We aim to expand our product range and offer environmentally friendly options to airsoft players worldwide. We are continuously working on development and are focused on bringing our products to the international market.
DO THE RIGHT THING
With all this in mind I feel that those, like Sakari, with a proper scientific and engineering background and true understanding of how plastics interact with nature, are at last starting to influence the business of not just airsoft, but how airsoft affects the natural environment. Many of us love our time in the woods playing airsoft and slinging “plastic mayhem” at one another, so perhaps it is now time that we tried to at least have an understanding of how airsoft impacts on the natural world we enjoy so much!
My thanks go to Sakari for giving his time to answer my questions and allow me access to his blog, and now of course it’s time to try the new BBs out in a multitude of AEG and GBB platforms to see just how they perform; that said I believe that I, and we, will be speaking to Sakari in more detail over time as TERRABB roll out more BBs in different weights, and I for one will look forward to hitting my woods range with the new BBs knowing that I’ll be at least trying to do the right thing! AA
“MANY OF US LOVE OUR TIME IN THE WOODS PLAYING AIRSOFT AND SLINGING
“PLASTIC MAYHEM” AT ONE ANOTHER, SO PERHAPS IT IS NOW TIME THAT WE TRIED TO AT LEAST HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW AIRSOFT IMPACTS ON THE NATURAL WORLD WE ENJOY SO MUCH!”
RED CELL FULL
FIGHTIN’ IRONS!
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, SO IT MUST BE TIME FOR RED CELL TO COME FULL CIRCLE TO LOOK AT THE “1911/2011” MODELS, SOME OF WHICH THEY FIRST TOOK TO THE RANGE IN 2020! THESE SAME MODELS HAVE BEEN SHOT ON A REGULAR AND CONTINUOUS BASIS OVER THAT PERIOD AND, WITH A FEW ADDITIONS, THE TEAM NOW REPORT BACK ON TWENTY TEST PISTOLS THAT ARE STILL RARING TO GET IN THE FIGHT… MINUS ONE!
them down to really do them justice, and the selection that you’ll see here is all about the pistols that we have used the most, or added to the program because we’ve come to love ‘em!
We’ll keep it short here this time, as the space is better used for the guys to have their say, so without further ado it’s over to the RED CELL testers to have their say on all things “1911/2011”!
TEAM TALK
Li’l Stu: 1911s? Where to start? From playing with toy guns as a nipper, I’ve always had a thing for 1911s, don’t know what it is, just that the shape, form and feel of them is just perfect (for me at least).
So, when I got into airsoft (thanks Gary!) and found there were a number of 1911s available, that was it for me.
As I said at this time last year, back in Issue 119 we kicked off a testing program in Airsoft Action the like of which had not, to the best of our knowledge, been seen before! As we said at the time, “we decided as a team that we were fed up with seeing reports and reviews of airsoft platforms “from the box”, all gleaming and new, that then disappeared as newer, shinier things appeared”, and we’ve continued to test and evaluate some key airsoft models to make sure that what you’re buying I truly fit for purpose!
Since we started off with RED CELL certain manufacturers (Vorsk and ICS particularly, stand up and take a bow!) have continued to create new models, and there are some stunning variants that have entered the test program! That said we find ourselves with SO MANY 1911 and 2011 Hi Capa models now in the program that we’ve had to split
After reading an online review of a Western Arms (WA) SVI Hybrid (around 2001 if I recall ),I was hooked. A quick phone call to Wolf Armouries and I’d ordered a WA SVI 6; yes,its a double-stacker, but still based on a 1911 platform, and even for my hands, it fit and handled fine.
Fast forward a few years; I now have many 1911s, both single-stack and double-stack. All but one of them are Western Arms, a brand which hasn’t made the main RED CELL list not down to lack of performance, but more to overall lack of availability other than in Japan these days, and I know, yes, WA was never as well supported as TM, but I’ve never been one to follow the herd… or I must be a glutton for punishment! Thankfully, I do have a fair amount of spares which allow me to maintain them, so that’s good.
95% of them are custom/one-off’s, lots of which I’ve been lucky to acquire, and many of them have been “fettled” by a certain Matt Dean. 5 inch/6
“WE FIND OURSELVES WITH SO MANY 1911 AND 2011 HI CAPA MODELS NOW IN THE PROGRAM THAT WE’VE HAD TO SPLIT THEM DOWN TO REALLY DO THEM JUSTICE, AND THE SELECTION THAT YOU’LL SEE HERE IS ALL ABOUT THE PISTOLS THAT WE HAVE USED THE MOST, OR ADDED TO THE PROGRAM BECAUSE WE’VE COME TO LOVE ‘EM!”
inch/4.3 inch/3.9 inch, any number of SVIs/Kimbers/ Springfields and a lot of magazines!
I’ve skirmished many of them with no issues at all. They’ve never let me down. Add to that, I’ve been lucky enough to visit the USA for the past three years of Shot Show, and while there I’ve got to shoot a few 1911s of various calibres and ammo types… a dream come true for me! And the Kimber’s at this year’s Show? Oooh boy; too many to choose from ! Pretty much my favourites are all there and after getting to shoot the new double-stacker 2K11 at the Range Day… let’s just say it put a huge smile on my face…. I can but dream….
Jase: Over my many years in the sport the only two 1911-esq pistols have been a TM Hi-Capa 4.3 and my current TM Desert Warrior (DW). The DW is an airsoft replica of the iconic 1911 pistol, designed for realism and performance, and as with all TM products, out of the box it just works. I always wanted a DW or an MEU, just for the coolness of the magazines.
I remember on my first game, seeing this player with two mags poking out of his plate carrier and the chrome finish sparking in the sun light... Ah nostalgia!
Why do I love the Desert Warrior so much? Well, it’s a very modern twist on an old historical and recognisable pistol that appeals to all players. The attention to detail in design and functionality makes it feel very close to the real firearm, which enhances the overall experience. Its reliability and accuracy in gameplay is one of the main things that make it enjoyable to use because you know it’s never going to let you down. Power out the box is about 280/300fps and each mag holds around 20 or so BBs. Ultimately, it’s a combination of preference, performance, and the cult nature that contributes to my love for it!
As this pistol is still new’ish to me, I have only fielded it a handful of times but as I said above, it’s a solid reliable sidearm. In its most recent outing the temperature didn’t get above 5 degrees and of the 20ish BBs it managed to get off a respectable 12/15 which I thought was very good all considered. The other plus about the TM 1911 platform is the amount of upgradable parts that are on the market, because let’s face it, we all love a cheeky upgrade now don’t we chaps?
I’ve finally been able to get some lovin’ time with the Vorsk VX-14, and given it a good hammering! It is a beautifully presented pistol, and straight out the box it’s perfectly fine, it just needed a little clean up and wash up on the rubber and I was happy to field it; this is just my preferred routine with a new shooter.
The finish is very cool indeed (I have the grey/black model) and all the features are thoroughly functional and good to go. The only niggle I have is with the barrel extension going into the suppressor as it doesn’t always mate up perfectly, but that’s more user error and lack of watching what I’m doing; I need to be “Smooth Jase” in this so practice will make perfect!
As I’ve been more recently a SIG/G-Series kind of guy for MilSim then the layout of the 1911-style has taken a bit of getting used to again, but I’m looking forward to seeing what this baby can really do longterm!
Jimmy: Ah, the iconic M1911; who doesn’t love a single action semi auto .45 ACP fighting iron?
Designed by the brilliant John Browning, a man who was responsible for some of the 19th and 20th century’s most popular small arms, even in today’s climate the M1911 is still a popular choice, and despite its age it is a choice favourite among not only civilians but for competition use. It is still used by a selection of special forces units and sports a long history of military use making it possibly one of bestselling pistols of all time!
My first proper airsoft pistol was in fact a M1911, albeit a modern variation the WE Desert Warrior 4.3.
“I’VE SKIRMISHED MANY OF THEM WITH NO ISSUES AT ALL. THEY’VE NEVER LET ME DOWN. ADD TO THAT, I’VE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO VISIT THE USA FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS OF SHOT SHOW, AND WHILE THERE I’VE GOT TO SHOOT A FEW 1911S OF VARIOUS CALIBRES AND AMMO TYPES… A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME!”
based on its appearance; with its tan finish and the rail section it really does look the part. The fact it is full metal is a bonus and gives a very nice weighty feel. Despite being shorter than a standard 1911 it performed incredibly well and yielded an impressive range.
I ran it as a primary mainly for indoor CQB games for around a year with zero issues, and even on cold days it didn’t seem to waver. I did find though that one gas charge would only last for on stack of BBs and if memory serves me right it would hold 17BBs and 1 up the spout, so not the most efficient, but for CQB and a primary I carried multiple mags as reloading a magazine mid-game isn’t really the best idea, especially in fast-paced encounters!
After that first year of use it developed a few issues; light striking, half cocking, gas dump and random full auto bursts. I benched that pistol and purchased a WE M1911 Hex cut. This thing really did look the part with its shiny finish and aggressive hex lightening-cuts on both the slide and the grips; again the looks won me over but the performance was just bad compared to the Desert Warrior. Out of the box this one suffered cold fatigue and would regularly dump gas even on warm days.
queen”! We all can admire its simplicity and just what an outstanding platform this legend in its own right is.
I now had two wall-hangers and this was the point my addiction for collecting pistols really started. I kept buying pistols in search for one without flaw which is when I stumbled across the TM M1911 government in a nickel colour. I kept hearing the Name Tokyo Marui pop up on a regular basis and just the name alone sounds pretty cool… I had to know more. I was serious about buying a TM 1911, but that was before I caught a glimpse of the Gold Match 5.1 Hi Capa, and man this thing looked bad ass. Not only did it resemble a 1911 but it had a much higher capacity magazine allowing for more gas and more BBs. Without hesitation I parted with my money and I am glad I did, as it is quite frankly one of the best pistols…. ever! Several years on and it is still in my opinion one of the best. My personal one is a far cry from the OEM version nowadays, not that it needs any upgrading or modifying; I was just seeing more and more companies manufacturing aftermarket parts and my want became overwhelming. If I am ever
I’ve been fortunate enough to have fired and played with a few of the models featured in the RED CELL list from various companies and even their more “modern takes” on the 1911, and first of all every single one has that “just sits in the hand right!”...it’s that overall shape that gives you that; individually with our opinions we all have different taste and feelings with regards to the looks of the grip’s be it the classic smooth warm wood, or a more modern textile feel given that little extra in hand grip.
The real meat of it though is that satisfying recoil kick we all love; that’s when you forget about everything and enjoy that moment! However, once you’ve tried out a few different makes you then start to be picky on what it is that you prefer...a hard kicker giving you that feel of overwhelming force that effects your aim! Or perhaps you favour the more subtle model with a hyper-smooth slide action allowing for a faster post-recoil control to stay on target and get as many BBs downrange on target in the quickest time!
Now, in my opinion, when it comes to what do I like and am currently using, I prefer the subtle, hyper-smooth slide and haven’t come across anything smoother than the action of the new ICS Legacy!
“WHY DO I LOVE THE DESERT WARRIOR SO MUCH? WELL, IT’S A VERY MODERN TWIST ON AN OLD HISTORICAL AND RECOGNISABLE PISTOL THAT APPEALS TO ALL PLAYERS. THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY MAKES IT FEEL VERY CLOSE TO THE REAL FIREARM, WHICH ENHANCES THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE”
TOKYO MARUI 1911 MEU
Price: iro £150.00
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 840g
Length: 223mm
Magazine Capacity: 28
Cold Chrono: 0.70 Joule/275fps
Hot Chrono: 0.33 Joule/190fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibilty: No
Available From: www.iwholesales.co.uk
RAVEN 1911 MEU RAILED
Price: iro £80.00
Age: 6 Years
Weight: 1300g
Length: 215mm
Magazine Capacity: 15+1
Cold Chrono: 0.73 Joule/282fps
Hot Chrono: 0.65 Joule/265fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Good
Suppressor Compatibilty: Good
Available From: www.rvnairsoft.com
WE AIRSOFT 1911A1
Price: iro £90.00
Age: 11+ years!
Weight: 1200g
Length: 218mm
Magazine Capacity: 15+1
Cold Chrono: 0.78 Joule/291fps
Hot Chrono: 0.71 Joule/278fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: www.weairsoft.com
TOKYO MARUI GOLD MATCH
Price: iro £160.00
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 850g
Length: 222mm
Magazine Capacity: 31 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.74 Joule/283fps
Hot Chrono: 0.78 Joule/290ps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: www.fire-support.co.uk
VFC TACTICAL CUSTOM
Price: iro £130.00
Age: 3 Years 6 Months
Weight: 840g
Length: 224mm
Magazine Capacity: 20
Cold Chrono: 0.83 Joule/300fps
Hot Chrono: 0.89 Joule/310fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Dedicated
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: www.vegaforce.com
Honestly this little beast is well worth it and then some, fires like a wet dream (without any of the aftermath mess lol), has never jammed, misfired nor let me down, so my hat’s off to ICS on this beautiful piece of airsoft artistry!
pistol and enjoy the themed vibe it gives although it’s very much still a decent preforming gun but that just floats away when all you mind can see is... I’m Deadpool!
There are most definitely other good shout-outs, such as Vorsk’s VX-14 which is definitely an excellent budgetfriendly starter pistol, but also perfectly fine for a more intermediate player! Mine is still running well. I also quite like the WE 1911s as they give that more classic, old school look and preform as a good mid-level pistol with a solid recoil kick…
There are actually so many out there we’re spoilt for choice really, but like I said at the start it’s really down to individuality on what you’re looking for in a pistol.
If it’s just going to be a “shelf queen” then I’d say get the best looking classic 1911 you can find as it’s for you to admire and enjoy, but for performance?
Well, I’m sticking to my ICS Legacy ...but you do you! Find out what your kinky is, whether you prefer the hard-kicker or subtle and smooth; neither one is wrong or right but you’ll just know once you start popping the BBs out!
: I won’t get into my latest “2011” as I only reviewed the G&G STP45 PRO in Issue 169, but I will tell you that ‘t’s a very fine pistol; if you’d like to know more then please just head on over to the BACK ISSUES section on the AA website! I am going to follow up on Ben’s comment above about ICS though, but with one of the other new models, the Carnotaurus!
I’ve made no bones about the fact that I love a split-slide design, and the Carnotaurus has performed consistently well at 10 metres on steels too, using.30g BBs, even on cooler days. However, it does appear to be superefficient on VORSK V8 FUEL, cycling the rear of the slide quickly and efficiently, and having no problem whatsoever emptying the entire 30 BB magazine at a solid, consistent power
“HONESTLY THIS LITTLE BEAST IS WELL WORTH IT AND THEN SOME, FIRES LIKE A WET DREAM (WITHOUT ANY OF THE AFTERMATH MESS LOL), HAS NEVER JAMMED, MISFIRED NOR LET ME DOWN, SO MY HAT’S OFF TO ICS ON THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF AIRSOFT ARTISTRY!”
RAVEN HI CAPA 4.3
Price: iro £90.00
Age: 5 Years
Weight: 880g
Length: 220mm
Magazine Capacity: 25
Cold Chrono: 0.96 Joule/323fps
Hot Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Good Suppressor Compatibility: Good Available From: www.rvnairsoft.com
WE DESERT WARRIOR 4.3
Price: iro £110.00
Age: 8 Years
Weight: 995g
Length: 202mm
Magazine Capacity: 15
Cold Chrono: 1.11 Joule/285fps
Hot Chrono: 1.02 Joule/300fps
Holster Compatibility: Okay
Taclite Compatibility: Good
Suppressor Compatibility: Good Available From: www.alphadeltaairsoft.com
ARMY ARMAMENT R501
Price: iro
£80.00
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 1020g
Length: 218mm
Magazine Capacity: 28
Cold Chrono: 0.80 Joule/295fps
Hot Chrono: 0.70 Joule/276fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Good Suppressor Compatibility: Good Available From: www.taiwangun.com
ARMY ARMAMENT R604 (FAIL)
Price: iro £95.00
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 1030g
Length: 225mm
Magazine Capacity: 28
Cold Chrono: 0.86 Joule/305fps
Hot Chrono: 0.67 Joule/270fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Good
Suppressor Compatibility: Good Available From: www.taiwangun.com
ARMY ARMAMENT R45A1
Price: iro £45.00
Age: 5 Years
Weight: 700g
Length: 170mm
Magazine Capacity: 18
Cold Chrono: 0.55 Joule/245fps
Hot Chrono: 0.41 Joule/210fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: www.taiwangun.com
the fast cycling you can certainly “double
another fine example of how elegant yet aggressive and thoroughly unique design can be married to the total understanding
As regular readers of AA will know, I’ve some initial question-marks the player their unique and thoroughly modern
Moving on, whether it’s attractive
threaded outer barrels, green
necessary parts included in the case of the VX-14 an extended inner barrel and accompanying suppressor as part of the deal, VORSK pistols continue to impress and offer us simply…. MORE! None of us that play airsoft are made of money (c’mon, we play airsoft, it’s a money
pit!) so it’s vitally important that what we spend our money on not only does the job intended, but does it in an exemplary fashion, and all those extras that come as standard with a VORSK pistol mean that our money is being well-spent.
I’ve been continuing to shoot all the VORSK models in the RED CELL long-term test pool on a regular basis, and all of them have now undergone some basic maintenance (just a tidy up and an application of MAGLUBE where required to be honest…) and seals on the magazines have been replaced the original models are still rocking.
One of my “go to fightin’ irons” is the Vorsk Hi Capa 5.1; when my ICS Mk18 arrived and I looked around for a complementary pistol in a deep “SF Bronze”, the Vorsk pistol really jumped out
could use my existing Hi Capa magazines (WIN! No new mags needed!), my existing Kydex Customs Holster, and have a secondary that matched up beautifully to my new shiny primary… yeah, that’s me being a true airsofter right there!
And when it comes to performance the Vorsk 5.1 Hi Capa is impressive! It chrono’s consistently using their own V6 gas and .20g Precision BBs and on the 10m range it’s 100% dead-on! I’m currently running the 5.1 absolutely stock… well, almost! I have made a change in that the stock bronze model comes with a very cool FDE wrap-round grip and trigger guard assembly, but all the accents on my Mk18 are black! A quiet word with the ever-patient-with-me Mark at Vorsk though saw a black assembly on its way to me,
“I’VE FINALLY BEEN ABLE TO GET SOME LOVIN’ TIME WITH THE VORSK VX-14, AND GIVEN IT A GOOD HAMMERING! IT IS A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED PISTOL, AND STRAIGHT OUT THE BOX IT’S PERFECTLY FINE, IT JUST NEEDED A LITTLE CLEAN UP AND WASH UP ON THE RUBBER AND I WAS HAPPY TO FIELD IT”
TM DETONICS COMBATMASTER
Price: iro £105.00
Age: 11+ years!
Weight: 634g
Length: 178mm
Magazine Capacity: 18
Cold Chrono: 0.53 Joule/240fps
Hot Chrono: 0.39 Joule/205fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: www.fire-support.co.uk
VFC ULTRA CARRY
Price: iro £150.00
Age: 3 Years 2 Months
Weight: 711g
Length: 176mm
Magazine Capacity: 18 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.68 Joule/271fps
Hot Chrono: 0.72 Joule/280fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: www.vegaforce.com
VORSK VX-9
Price: iro £140.00 (with extended inner barrel and suppressor)
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 873g
Length: 220mm
Magazine Capacity: 15+1
Cold Chrono: 0.70 Joule/275fps (no extension)
Hot Chrono: 0.62 Joule/258fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: No
Suppressor Compatibility: YES!!!
Available From: www.vorskairsoft.com
RWA NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM RECON (CO2)
Price: iro £140.00
Age: 4 Years
Weight: 908g
Length: 220mm
Magazine Capacity: 17+1
Cold Chrono: 1.20 Joule/360fps
Hot Chrono: 0.84 Joule/301fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Available From: https://uk.redwolfairsoft.com
ICS CHALLENGER
Price: iro £190.00
Age: 2 Years 7 months
Weight: 970g
Length: 220mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.91 Joule/313fps
Hot Chrono: 0.94 Joule/319fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: Yes
Available From: www.icsbb.com
and this was easily and quickly fitted by Jimmy! My 5.1 now marries up to the Mk18 perfectly… and I love it!
But, I am sad to report that (at last) we have had one “catastrophic failure” in our 1911/2011 pool, and that’s the ARMY R604…
beneath the red dot, and cracked enough that it had deformed and locked against the hammer itself, damaging that too.
In essence that would mean replacing the slide (if one could be found), the hammer, and the associated springs; it appears that the metal beneath the red dot plate-area was thinner, and therefore not quite up to handle the long-term impact of the slide action.
So, for the first time we decided to “retire” the R604, although the R501 without the red dot mounting-option is still very much alive and kicking!
This means that over the testing period of the RED CELL program we have only had one major failure, something that says a lot about the quality of airsoft pistols, and most certainly 1911/2011 designs, that are available to us these days.
We’ll now compile all our notes with a view to commenting on ALL the models we’ve tested and look to get this information out there later in Q4 of this year! AA
“I AM SAD TO REPORT THAT AT LAST WE HAVE HAD ONE “CATASTROPHIC FAILURE” IN OUR 1911/2011 POOL, AND THAT’S THE ARMY R604… YUP, THE SLIDE DECIDED IT HAD ENCOUNTERED QUITE ENOUGH OF OUR COMBINED ABUSE, AND AFTER SOME 4,200 BBS THROUGH IT THE POOR OLD ARMY JUST DECIDED ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH”
ICS LEGACY
Price: iro £180.00
Age: One Year
Weight: 886g
Length: 205mm
Magazine Capacity: 30BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Hot Chrono: 0.96 Joule/323fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: Yes
Supplied By: www.icsbb.com
ICS CARNOTAURUS
Price: iro £190.00
Age: One Year
Weight: 962g
Length: 220mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Hot Chrono: 0.96 Joule/322fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: Yes
Supplied By: www.icsbb.com
G&G STP 45 PRO
Price: iro £190.00
Age: 6 Months
Weight: 820g
Length: 203mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.02 Joule/332fps
Hot Chrono: 1.03 Joule/334fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: No
Supplied By: www.guay2.com
VORSK HI CAPA 5.1
Price: iro £140.00
Age: 3 Years
Weight: 250g
Length: 900mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 BBs
Cold Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Hot Chrono: 1.02 Joule/333fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: Yes
Available From: www.vorskairsoft.com
VORSK VX-14
Price: iro £120.00 (Tan, Black £110.00)
Age: 2 Years
Weight: 872g
Length: 223mm (342mm with Suppressor)
Magazine Capacity: 23 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.89 Joule/310fps
Hot Chrono: 0.91 Joule/313fps
Holster Compatibility: Good
Taclite Compatibility: Yes
Suppressor Compatibility: Yes, supplied
Available From: www.vorskairsoft.com
Red Cell is supported by:
SATAC KICKS IN!
AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR WE REPORTED VIA OUR DAILY WEB NEWS THAT IN A BOLD MOVE SPECNA ARMS BRAND HAVE INTRODUCED THE SATAC LINE OF EQUIPMENT TO GO ALONG WITH THEIR MASSIVE AND EVER-IMPROVING LINE OF AEGS! AS THE NEW RANGE OF GEAR STARTS TO ROLL OUT BILL HAS BEEN CASTING HIS EYE OVER WHAT’S NEW, WHILST MIGUEL HAS ALREADY BEEN OUT FIELD-TESTING!
It’s something that, in fairness, we have seen before, a manufacturer of airsoft platforms turning their attention to the world of tactical gear to provide a “full spectrum offering” for players worldwide, and in some cases this has been massively successful!
Specna Arms are the latest to take the gear-route, and knowing that they now have some folk in their “design mix” that understand fabrics and equipment Construction, it’s no real surprise that they’ve thrown their hat (or should that be plate carrier?) into this already highly-contested arena!
I’ve long been of the opinion that, as airsofters, as much as we may like the “real-deal-gucci”, there are now sufficient manufacturers offering dedicated load-bearing solutions that we really don’t need to be dipping into the supply chain of the “real”, especially when we know that a good deal of real gear is desperately needed elsewhere!
To illustrate my point, I politely turned down numerous invitations to visit ENFORCE TAC this year as it’s my personal belief that the companies supplying the professional users, “the guys at the sharp end”, whose lives depend on their gear shouldn’t be wasting their time with someone who creates an airsoft magazine.
THE GEAR
However, I did most certainly spend some time at IWA
to talk to them about the new SATAC (Specna Arms Tactical) gear, gear designed by airsofters for airsofters (sound familiar?), and their new QR II Plate Carrier is an ideal solution for those looking for comfort and reliability in difficult conditions.
Made from high-quality 500D CORUND fabric, the carrier is designed to carry two M-Size SAPIstyle plates (not included), and with some innovative features such as the quick release system and compatibility with a yet-to-come “Buckle Up” system, the carrier provides very good functionality and comfort.
The QR II Plate Carrier features:
• Quick release system - two polymer QD buckles allow the carrier to be quickly removed in seconds
• Laser cut MOLLE Laser Cut system – this reduces the weight of the carrier whilst maintaining full functionality
• Compatible with MOLLE/PALS system – you can attach additional pouches, pockets and accessories easily on Velcro or via the MOLLE system
• Flat pocket with organiser - convenient storage of small items on the front panel
• Velcro fasteners for patches and insignialocated on the front and back of the carrier
• Evac handle - allows the carrier to be grabbed
“SPECNA ARMS ARE THE LATEST TO TAKE THE GEAR-ROUTE, AND KNOWING THAT THEY NOW HAVE SOME FOLK IN THEIR “DESIGN MIX” THAT UNDERSTAND FABRICS AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION IT’S NO REAL SURPRISE THAT THEY’VE THROWN THEIR HAT (OR SHOULD THAT BE PLATE CARRIER?) INTO THIS ALREADY HIGHLY-CONTESTED ARENA!”
or carried quickly in an emergency situation
• Space for M-Size and Side SAPI inserts - dedicated for protective inserts (not included)
• Elastic cummerbands – for ease of adjustment of the carrier to virtually any body shape
• Comfort Padsvelcro-fastened cushioning inserts protect the cover from perspiration and improve air circulation between the body and the carrier
• Two front panels - two panels included, one plain to allow any configuration of pouches and the other with three integrated magazine pouches
To kick the range off, in addition to the QR II and some basic pouches (with more to come I understand), there are two excellent “gear luggers” to look at.
Whilst we all want gear to actually play in, we also need reliable equipment to transport our game-gear and keep it squared away in the Safe Zone, and Specna Arms have addressed this from the get-go!
The 120L SATAC gear bag is a durable, roomy option designed to carry equipment, easily accommodating a plate carrier, helmet, belt, extra clothing, batteries, BBs, gas, and much more. The bag has been designed with the user’s comfort in mind, offering the ability to transform it into a backpack thanks to the
“I
adjustable straps with comfort
Key features:
Large capacity80x50x30cm of pace provides enough room for equipment and tactical accessories
Adjustable straps with comfort pads - allows the bag to be worn comfortably as a travel backpack
Velcro-backed carry handles - provide additional options for transporting the
Side zip pocket - allows for secure storage of small
Side carry handlemakes the bag easy to carry Compatible with MOLLE system - allows additional pouches to be
Velcro on bag flap - ideal for attaching nametapes or team patches
• Three mesh organisers inside the flapperfect for storing small items such as wallet,
DID MOST CERTAINLY SPEND SOME TIME AT IWA TO TALK THEM ABOUT THE NEW SATAC (SPECNA ARMS TACTICAL) GEAR, GEAR DESIGNED BY AIRSOFTERS FOR AIRSOFTERS (SOUND FAMILIAR?), AND THEIR NEW QR II PLATE CARRIER IS AN IDEAL SOLUTION FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR COMFORT AND RELIABILITY IN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS”
The 40L SATAC pack has been purpose-designed to organise and carry tactical equipment and accessory items, both in the Safe Zone, and out field for longerduration games; it offers a spacious solution for organising all the equipment you may need to carry into a fixed position or FOB. Thanks to the adjustable straps with comfort pads, the 40L pack offers comfort and convenience even when worn for longer periods of time.
Key features:
• Large capacity - the working space of the backpack provides enough room for equipment and tactical accessories
• Adjustable shoulder straps with comfort pads - allows the pack to be worn comfortably, ensuring all-day comfort
• Velcro-connected carry handles - an additional option for carrying the pack
• Side zip pocket - allows for secure storage of small items
• Zipped compartments - designed to organise items in the pack
• Compatible with MOLLE system - allows the attachment of additional pouches and accessories
• Velcro fastener on the front of the backpackperfect for attaching nametaps or team patches
• Three mesh organisers inside the flap - ideal for storing small items such as wallets, documents or keys
So, having now had my hands on the new SATAC gear at IWA, I will say that they are very competently designed and made with the user in mind, and the 500D CORUND fabric ( a new fabric to me and many of my “fabrics friends”!) does appear to be extremely tough and durable. As ever though, the proof of this will become apparent “in the field” very quickly, and thankfully Miguel has been able to test some of the new SATAC gear out in the wild, so I’ll hand things over to him!
USER PERSPECTIVE
During 2024 it didn’t take much paying attention to understand how much Specna Arms grew! They attacked the market with many new AEGs, new accessories, BBs, brand-new and innovative technologies, and their biggest launch until today, the PRIME series. Almost every two months, there was something new coming out!
So maybe in 2025 things would calm down, but nooooo...! The word “brake” doesn’t exist in the brand’s dictionary, and just a few days into the New Year we started seeing the word “SATAC” (Specna Arms Tactical) and we were into another new adventure!
So it goes without a doubt that I had to get my hands on some of these new items, and the good people at Specna Arms were kind enough to send over one of their new plate carrier models, in this case, the QR II.
The name itself kinda gives away what kind of plate carrier we are talking about, a Quick Release model, that follows one of the trends that see in the tactical gear world.
Focusing on the main feature of this QR II model, there are the elastic cummerbands with a quick release system.
This system not only lets us put the vest on and take it off without the use of velcro (like we see on older models), but the elastic sides will adjust to our body easier, and if they are well-adjusted, they can
“SO MAYBE IN 2025 THINGS WOULD CALM DOWN, BUT NOOOOO...! THE WORD “BRAKE” DOESN’T EXIST IN THE BRAND’S DICTIONARY, AND JUST A FEW DAYS INTO THE NEW YEAR WE STARTED SEEING THE WORD “SATAC” (SPECNA ARMS TACTICAL) AND WE WERE INTO ANOTHER NEW ADVENTURE”
even help support part of the weight; just don’t have it too tight, or it will become uncomfortable after a while, especially if you are carrying something in the cummerband’s pouches, like mags or a radio… and pay even closer attention if you use a combat shirt.
An issue that I found is that the laser cut here are not large enough to fit MOLLE pouches... I’m not sure if this is by design, and these are only meant to hold small objects, like a pen, or a chemlight, but it would be interesting to have the option of adding smaller pouches to the side, like a pistol magazine or grenade pouch.
The QR II comes with two options for the front panel; you can choose the normal panel, where you can later add mag pouches or anything to your liking, or you can use the with three integrated mag pouches. These integrated mag pouches can easily fit AR/M4 or AK magazines, but in the case of M4 magazine (even the PMAG style ones) they don’t really stay snugly in place, so it’s better to use the retention cords… there is a bit too much space between the integrated elastics that hold the pouches.
The laser cut does give it a modern and sleek design though, while helping to reduce some overall weight. There is still the topic of is being sturdier or not, comparing to regular MOLLE, and that might come down to the material used. In this case, Specna Arms claim to use a material called Corund™, and to be more specific Corund™ 500D. To be honest, I never heard of this material, and no search helped me to get any info about it, so I guess time will tell how good it is.
As many other plate carriers, the QR II comes with two shoulder pads that are easy to set up, so if you also adjust the vest for height (like I did), remember to set up the pads correctly! For some reason, I’ve seen more and more players completely ignoring this after adjusting their vest.
One (literally) cool feature that I like are the comfort-pads inserted in the inside part of the vest; these aim to offer more comfort and improve air circulation to the wearer, especially for those prolonged games, and at the same time they help the QR II keep its form. Since it doesn’t come with any fake SAPI plates, that’s a plus.
The other thing that came to mind is that these might be washable, so after a good while using it,
you can just remove the pads and throw them into the washer, or just have them sit in water. As a slight minus, one aspect that disappointed me is the storage space in the front pocket. It’s normally the space where I like to keep my smartphone, but this one is just too small… and my smartphone is not even that big!
I do believe that Specna Arms is onto something here, and don’t think they are stopping, more products will be released!
The QR II Plate Carrier is the brand’s take on more modern models; it’s built in Corund™ 500D, which looks sturdy, but nothing like the test of time. The fact that it’s quite comfortable and light is a huge plus, since we like to play in some longer games, and everything counts!
Right now the most of the new SATAC range, including the QR II, can be found in OD, Tan, Black, Multicam and Wz.93. But, more patterns are on the way! Our thanks to our friends at Specna Arms for letting us test this new product first hand, and if this interests you, you can already find SATAC gear in your Specna Arms stockist or at www.gunfire.com! AA
“ONE (LITERALLY) COOL FEATURE THAT I LIKE ARE THE COMFORT-PADS INSERTED IN THE INSIDE PART OF THE VEST; THESE AIM TO OFFER MORE COMFORT AND IMPROVE AIR CIRCULATION TO THE WEARER, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PROLONGED GAMES, AND AT THE SAME TIME THEY HELP THE QR II KEEP ITS FORM”
DANGEROUS WHEN WET!
HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED AIRSOFT IN THE RAIN? SURE, IT CAN BE DEMOTIVATING WAKING UP EARLY TO GO TO A GAME, JUST TO FIND OUT THAT IT WILL PROBABLY RAIN ALL DAY! BUT THROUGH THE YEARS MIGUEL HAS DISCOVERED THAT PLAYING IN THE RAIN IS NOT THE HARD PART… THE HARD PART IS GEARING UP WHILE IN THE RAIN, AND THEN TAKING CARE OF OUR GEAR AFTER A GAME!
Playing airsoft in the rain can be challenging, but it can also add another level of “immersion” to our games which some, including me, will embrace! Just remember, it’s important to dry everything that was some sort of electronics in it (replicas, radios, red dots, etc.), to avoid any future issue with humidity!
But, I’m here to talk about the game part!
Although the rain won’t bother us that much while we are moving, doing objectives and skirmishing
“ALTHOUGH
around, as soon as we stop, it will get to us. If we lack any sort of rain protective layer, sooner or later, we will start to feel discomfort, and the humidity will ingrain through our light soft shells, combat shirts, and footwear, and it will bother us, especially if it’s windy and cold. And here is where a good jacket comes into play.
Adding that extra layer that will protect our upper body from the weather, be it rain, cold or even both, and can make a huge difference in-game. It doesn’t matter if it’s a smaller skirmish or a bigger game, a good jacket will free us from most issues regarding bad weather.
It’s also important to mention that these reviews are based on the weather that we find in Portugal, which normally allows us to play all year round, but today, with the help of our friends at Military1st, I will show you four jackets that are great options to bring to the field every time the good-weather gods refuse to bless our airsoft time.
LIGHT IS RIGHT
Let’s begin with two lighter options, and the move on to the heavier ones later; the Tramontane and Windrunner (a favourite of Bill’s I know), both from Helikon-Tex. Since both are quite similar, I’m going to do a global review and then point out the few differences.
THE RAIN WON’T BOTHER US THAT MUCH WHILE WE ARE MOVING, DOING OBJECTIVES AND SKIRMISHING AROUND, AS SOON AS WE STOP, IT WILL GET TO US. IF WE LACK ANY SORT OF RAIN PROTECTIVE LAYER, SOONER OR LATER, WE WILL START TO FEEL DISCOMFORT”
The Tramontane and the Windrunner are what we usually call “windcutter” jackets, which are normally very light while offering suitable protection against the weather. Both have a layer that repels water up to a point, so don’t expect these jackets to offer much protection in a downpour. But, let’s be honest, playing in heavy rain is quite rare, since most organizations tend to stop or cancel the event in such conditions!
So most of the time we will face light rain and for these conditions, both these jackets are a great option. But, do keep in mind, that after a good while the water will find its way in, so what I did was spray them a bit with a hydrophobic spray… and it worked quite well!
“ADDING
One of the main aspects that I like about both these jackets are the selfstorage inner pockets. With these you can have stuff the whole jacket in a small
(almost) hand-size pouch, and they only weigh around 120-140g. This way you can always have a jacket ready to use in one of your vest pouches or backpack during the rainy season, and, when it’s not needed, it won’t take that much space in our already huge airsoft storage (*whistles to the air*).
Both jackets also share other similarities, like elastic cuffs, both are made with ripstop nylon, have an adjustable hood and YKK zippers. But, when it comes to their differences, it’s mostly from design; while the Windrunner has a halftorso zipper and two front pockets, which are connected, along with reinforced elbows and under arm mesh area for better breathing, the Tramontane has a full front zipper and one chest pocket (with is also used as the self-storage).
There is not that much to go over in both these options, they are light, can be stored easily and offer sufficient protection rain. It’s still a good idea fleece or a combat because after a while that stays on the jacket might find a way in. But, at least here in Portugal, for the weather that we usually have, both the Windrunner and the Tramontane are great options. These are also jackets that
come in the most options like Coyote, Alpha Green (kinda like a Ranger Green), Flecktarn, Tiger Stripe, Black, Shadow Grey, Desert Night and WildWoods, along the M81 Woodland that I’m using.
THAT EXTRA LAYER THAT WILL PROTECT OUR UPPER BODY FROM THE WEATHER, BE IT RAIN, COLD OR EVEN BOTH, AND CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN-GAME. IT DOESN’T MATTER IF IT’S A SMALLER SKIRMISH OR A BIGGER GAME, A GOOD JACKET WILL FREE US FROM MOST ISSUES REGARDING BAD WEATHER”
LAYERING UP
Now let’s get the next jacket on, and following the trend, this one is the middle point between light and heavier options. The next up is the MFH US Softshell Jacket Level 5 in OD green, and since it’s a big name, let’s go with MFH Level 5.
After testing this jacket for a while, I consider it simply a slightly bulkier waterproof soft shell, since it mostly has the same characteristics as one. The hook and loop in the arms and chest for patches, nickname, and even rank and the fullfrontal zipper, which also has what they call a storm flap, so water doesn’t slip through the zipper. But I don’t mean it as a bad thing, I’m used to wearing soft shells, especially during the winter, so if I can have something that’s similar, but works as a protective layer against rain... that’s awesome!
Now, as we are talking about jackets to use rainy days, of course the Level 5 also falls into that category. It’s built with water and windproof capabilities, but, at the same, time it’s quite breathable; I can even say that it won’t help that much in keeping us warm! So, it’s a good idea to
bring an interior layer according to the cold weather that you are up against. Against rain it will work wonders though, and that’s the main goal here. The nylon and elastane construction is well done, and you will be safe against light and/or moderate rain… but against a heavy downpour... I’m not so sure. But again, like I mentioned before, rare are the events that go on in those conditions.
The MFH Level 5 comes with a few more details, like an adjustable hood that can be stored in the collar, two concealed front mesh pockets, which, due to their design and location, can still be reached while using a plate carrier.
I know that there is still one jacket to go... but, overall, the MFH Level 5 would be my pick as the best solution among all four jackets; in my opinion it’s the best of two worlds, it’s light enough to just be a normal piece of uniform, but at the same time it offers great protection against the majority of bad weather that we find in events. Not only that, but it’s also breathable and can easily be used in a normal game day, expect summer of course. The MFH level 5 can be found in OD, Tan and Black.
It’s now time for the final entry on our list, and the heaviest option on the list, which is the Tactical SoftShell from STOIRM
As you would expect from a quality soft shell, it will offer top-notch protection against both the cold and the rain. One of the main features is the Teflon coating, which adds an extra layer against what the weather throws at us, but at the same time, keeps the jacket light enough to be considered a viable option to use in game.
The interior is lined with fleece, and as you can guess, works wonders to keep us warm, but at the same time we have two under-arm zippers that we can open to help ventilate. Some rainy days can be
“THE
WINDRUNNER HAS A HALF-TORSO ZIPPER AND TWO FRONT POCKETS, WHICH ARE CONNECTED, ALONG WITH REINFORCED ELBOWS AND UNDER ARM MESH AREA FOR BETTER BREATHING, THE TRAMONTANE HAS A FULL FRONT ZIPPER AND ONE CHEST POCKET (WITH IS ALSO USED AS THE SELF-STORAGE)”
very humid, and if that humidity can only vent up, it will end up fogging our eye pro, so having extra means to keep the body not too hot is a good idea.
The hood that we find stored in the collar also has the same Teflon coating, but the zipper that opens the collar is a bit too small, and with gloves it will be hard to find; maybe it would have been a good idea to have a string or something similar. On the other side, the zipper for the interior pocket comes in bright orange, which helps a lot to spot it if we use it! All the pockets come zippers and are also lined
This soft shell comes with a total of six pockets, two in the arms, two in the waist, one in the chest and one interior pocket. And it comes to no surprise that we also have the good old hook and loop in the
arms for all our patches, and, if you look closely, there is even a small insert where we can place a pen.
This Tactical SoftShell from STOIRM also features a few more details, like an interior storm flap, so rain doesn’t pass the zipper, adjustable cuffs and waist. And, something that is seen more and more, elastic thumbhole cuffs, which are great to help keep the hands warm.
It’s no question that this is a great jacket, but I don’t see myself using it in-game; it’s bulkier, and it will get warm really fast. Of course, I’m speaking from my experience, since here we rarely have very low temperatures, so the need for warm jackets are rare. Now, for day to day use, it’s just awesome! It has a good and simple design, with plenty of pockets, and great protection against the rain and cold.
I want to thank our friends at www. military1st.co.uk for sending over these jackets for this special article. AA
“OVERALL, THE MFH LEVEL 5 WOULD BE MY PICK AS THE BEST SOLUTION AMONG ALL FOUR JACKETS; IN MY OPINION IT’S THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS, IT’S LIGHT ENOUGH TO JUST BE A NORMAL PIECE OF UNIFORM, BUT AT THE SAME TIME IT OFFERS GREAT PROTECTION AGAINST THE MAJORITY OF BAD WEATHER”
SPEEDQB: THE LAST DANCE...
SPEEDQB OR ‘SPEEDSOFT’ HAS BEEN A SOMEWHAT DIVISIVE PLAY-STYLE IN MANY CORNERS OF THE WORLD; WITH HPA SYSTEMS AND THEIR ILK JUST COMING TO THE FORE IN THE UK AS OUR MAN IN TAIWAN WAS LEAVING HIS HOMELAND, AND THE MORE ATHLETIC AND PAINTBALL-ESQUE PLAY STYLE LANDING IN HIS NEW FOUND HOME NOT LONG AFTER HIS ARRIVAL, HOW HAS THE LANDSCAPE CHANGED SINCE THEN? STEWBACCA CAUGHT UP WITH THE SCENE AND OLD FRIEND ‘N00B_SOFT’ WHO STARTED THE WHOLE STORY IN TAIWAN BUT IS NOW LOOKING TO STEP AWAY AND RETURN TO THE US IN THE SHORT TERM FUTURE, LEAVING A VIBRANT COMMUNITY AND SPECIALISED GAMING SITES HE HELPED BUILD FROM THE GROUND UP IN HIS WAKE.
When I cast my eyes back over the now years of work I’ve got behind me here in Taiwan (literally hundreds of reviews, events, competitions I’ve covered, and all recorded in my typically nerdy spreadsheets I have for everything), covering the SpeedQB scene was actually the first thing I did after the inauguration of the Airsoft Action Legion! My “Island Insider report No. 001”, way back in issue 112, was “Live and let DYE”, covering the very first SpeedQB Taiwan competition back in the (now unfortunately defunct) Action Bunker underground game site, in the east end of Taipei.
This was back when my original TaiWan Anglophone Team (TWAT) were beginning to transition largely into that play style before the dark times of the WHO-Flu takeover ruining everything, and I was dabbling in the game style myself as it was burgeoning in Taiwan.
in town for a lot of things going on in the world as most players were shut in at home and focusing on maintenance, gear, upgrading or testing as and when they could.
Myself and my fellow TWATs played off against a number of other teams in the inaugural competition n00b had pushed the organisation of, along with our help - and that of the other teams - to bring a true community-driven feel to the whole thing.
As in the UK, the advent of SQB had caused the usual ripples and raised eyebrows from the predominantly hardcore MilSim crowd (which I have always admittedly been more a part of) and shifted into team Taiji in the end as a result of my TWAT teammates going more into the SQB side of things full force, or otherwise people having kids or other adult responsibilities that drew them away from the game.
This was alongside COVID shutdowns and distancing eventually reaching Taiwan, and despite the otherwise stellar job at holding out against its spread internally while we watched the rest of the world suffering. To be fair, we were the only game
Nonetheless, I look back on that initial foray as well as Issue 119’s follow up, “A Good Day To DYE Hard”, a few months later where I’d been working on the side at Action Bunker in my own time in exchange for free gaming.
Given just how much time I spent there in my early years, setting up the firing range and helping design the ‘covers’ or obstacles that Steve and his woodwork suppliers would deliver to bring the ‘second strike’ to fruition, playing within TWAT again as well as covering the event meant I was all over the shop taking photos in the arena and dodging fire, as well as hanging out in the crow’s nest to get oversight of the game rounds I didn’t have to participate in.
But the growing community and its spirit buoyed things along, and I’d later revisit and dabble in “Going Dark” in issue 138; their foray into a full-auto night game down in the outskirts of my earlier native Hsinchu where I spent my first two years in country, at the recently closed 6 Highlands outdoor site with its dedicated CQB area. Suffice to say, despite drifting further from the scene in my years and being increasingly too busy with covering and taking part in all manner of shooting competitions for IPSC and IDPA, or MilSims all over the main island and outlying ones, when I heard about “The Last Dance” I knew I had to go and revisit the crowd once again and be a part of it.
“MY ISLAND INSIDER REPORT NO. 001 WAY BACK IN ISSUE 112 WAS ‘LIVE AND LET DYE’ COVERING THE VERY FIRST SPEEDQB TAIWAN COMPETITION BACK IN THE NOW UNFORTUNATELY DEFUNCT ACTION BUNKER UNDERGROUND GAME SITE IN THE EAST END OF TAIPEI”
A GRAND FINALE
Held at the now thriving ‘Speed Battlefield’ in the industrial area outskirts of northern Changhua (just south of Taiwan’s second city Taichung in the midlands), the grand finale was being held on Sunday the 15th of December and having wrapped up my MOA coverage and IPSC competition in November (earlier in the year than the past few instances), I had a bit more of an opening in the calendar to cover something different.
Taking the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Taichung on the Sunday morning followed, by a bus that happened to pass the end of the road the site is on, I arrived just after the briefing wrapped up in time for the 10:00 kick off.
Nine teams would field their five-person squads, pooled usually from an overall team size of 6 or so where possible to give some redundancy. 38 rounds in total would see every team face off against every other, before gradually sorting out the highest performers to take each other on in the semi and final rounds to decide who would walk away with the champion title.
A leviathan task, to be sure, but the ‘Pew Logic’ crew were already hard at work, with many familiar faces from my MilSim and IPSC exploits manning the observation stands or sides and corners of the field, adjudicating on gameplay
and any discrepancies, adorned in high visibility vests, flashing head/arm/wrist bands and full face protection. Some even sporting riot shields to minimise their inadvertent exposure to the furore of tracer BBs blanketing the arena as soon as the game on electronic whistle went off!
Many of the original teams I’d played alongside way back “when we was comin’ up” were out in full force, with previous champions OPS, who formed from members of TWAT before some of them left the game and absorbed others as well, and KSJV alongside the ‘Filipino death squads’ of Task Force 141 and their spin off team PYB, who we tend to encounter practising at some of the same sites we run CQB games at and are no less nimble or athletic than I remember from my earlier days!
Newcomers were also joining the ranks, with DUC, SNAP, LBPS, ODBS and FWRY filling the ranks in an array of cool looking matching team jerseys with a variety of HiCapas, AAP01s, and other dedicated speedsoft guns, most of them with hoses linked to
“NINE TEAMS WOULD FIELD THEIR FIVE-PERSON SQUADS, POOLED USUALLY FROM AN OVERALL TEAM SIZE OF 6 OR SO WHERE POSSIBLE TO GIVE SOME REDUNDANCY. 38 ROUNDS IN TOTAL WOULD SEE EVERY TEAM FACE OFF AGAINST EVERY OTHER BEFORE GRADUALLY SORTING OUT THE HIGHEST PERFORMERS TO TAKE EACH OTHER ON IN THE SEMI AND FINAL ROUNDS”
their backpack tanks. Everyone was certainly running some serious kit and doing their best to look the part, an interesting and expressive departure from the usual fare of camouflage-clad impressions of military gear you’ll normally find me stumbling through the sweaty jungles of Taiwan in with team Taiji and friends!
Many of the newer teams are composed of earlier players who split off into their own groups, or new/ younger players who were drawn in by the indoor and intense play style, which is certainly a bit more in-yourface and action-packed than a typical Sunday morning for most of my current team and our crowd.
Speed and marksmanship are still essential aspects alongside the ducking, diving, dodging and floor sliding more associated with the sport, and of course everyone was running tracer units on whatever their particular weapons setups of choice were (to make it easier for the Umpires to track their shots and help make calls in terms of eliminated players who may have missed impacts on them or their gear); it’s easily enough done - especially in that kind of intense arena environment!
Each face-off followed the typical SQB rule set of grabbing the flag-rag hung in the centre
opponent’s spawn point, as well as points for eliminating opposing players, maintaining possession of the flag-rag throughout or even managing to get it to the opponent’s spawn before they were all eliminated, followed by a switch of ends and the potential for a third deciding round if there was any doubt over who was leading.
However, for the most part it was all over very quickly in most cases and very few rounds required such efforts, as clear winners tended to arise from the nature of the action and just sheer eliminations.
“SPEED AND MARKSMANSHIP ARE STILL ESSENTIAL ASPECTS ALONGSIDE THE DUCKING, DIVING, DODGING AND FLOOR SLIDING MORE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPORT, AND OF COURSE EVERYONE WAS RUNNING TRACER UNITS ON WHATEVER THEIR PARTICULAR WEAPONS SETUPS OF CHOICE WERE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE UMPIRES TO TRACK THEIR SHOTS”
I immediately donned my eyepro, lower facemask and a hi-vis as well as some of the flashing bands and inserted myself right into the action as I had for the previous iteration; you don’t get the good stuff hiding on the sidelines outside the arena, although there were a few windows for ‘civilians’ and teams not in play to watch the action. Of course, I avoided getting in the way whilst still trying to get in the thick of it to absorb the atmosphere and the inevitable stray rounds… nothing I’m not used to!
Throughout everything I saw the crowd was what I have come to expect playing and observing all aspects of the shooting community and its different facets here in Taiwan; friendly, jovial, welcoming and well-executed in their sportsmanship and I didn’t personally see any tantrums or cries of foul play throughout the day. Despite what the internet clickbait videos you see from other corners of the world show, it is possible to play competitively and remain civilised, and from what I witnessed here and in the vast majority of my
throughout the field, with n00b giving a running commentary through his phone from behind his riot shield and getting into the middle of the action as well to give the overseas or other remote viewers a good show.
IT’S NOT ALL CLICKBAIT!
travels and gameplay, overall the atmosphere and adjudication seemed to be positive and clean.
The whole experience was also being live streamed for the international crowd thanks to the efforts of the support crew and the various cameras and phones
Every round would begin with noob’s briefing at the centre point, with each member of the teams shaking hands and breaking to their respective start points (all players inside the bounding box and with guns touching their respective backboard) which of course leads to some interesting twister arrangements of trying to get the best advantage of breaking and running while still having everyone’s muzzles touching the backstop, and of course many of the players were sporting DYE masks with the highly reflective visors that make for excellent photos and particularly reflection shot close ups.
All my post-processed photos of the day are already uploaded to my ‘Stewbacca Island Insider’ public facebook page at time of writing so you can feel free to check them out at https://www.facebook.com/media/ set/?set=a.962294845956885&type=3 but suffice to say I managed more than a few cool tracerstreak mid-flight shots among all the other related excitement.
The guys and gals of the SQB crowd certainly know how to put on a show, and there were a number of
“DESPITE WHAT THE INTERNET CLICKBAIT VIDEOS YOU SEE FROM OTHER CORNERS OF THE WORLD SHOW, IT IS POSSIBLE TO PLAY COMPETITIVELY AND REMAIN CIVILISED, AND FROM WHAT I WITNESSED HERE AND IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF MY TRAVELS AND GAMEPLAY, OVERALL THE ATMOSPHERE AND ADJUDICATION SEEMED TO BE POSITIVE AND CLEAN”
awesome plays with people stalking behind enemy lines and wiping half a team (or
floor skidding exploits and other actions that just watching made my old man knees sore!
Aria of DUC in particular is a very petite and fast on her feet front-runner and she managed to duck and dive the length of the field popping up and pistoleliminating opponents before charging and diving at the opponents backstop and damn near breaking her hand in the process; thankfully it seems it wasn’t quite so serious an injury after the fact, but, anything for that awesome play and war story eh?
As the Heats wore on the teams would take 15 minute breaks to rest, re-arm and take stock of the proceedings before returning to the furore against new Opponents, until the afternoon wore on and the leaders of the pack began to emerge from the spreadsheets and scoreboards.
I took the opportunity to amble around the prep area and catch up with old friends as well as local airsoft YouTuber, QMoer, who has a habit of showing up at the same events as me, being local media in the same niche. Hopefully I’ll catch up with him again early in 2025 as we have more to discuss in terms of the overall Taiwan scene and a player’s organisation similar to UKAPU in the UK we have been discussing for a while, to try and cement the legitimacy of shooting hobbies in Taiwan outside of the more formalised international bodies such as IPSC or IDPA that are more recognised.
“AS
The evening began to draw in and the sun started setting, not only on the competition, but Pew Logic and n00b’s personal involvement in the continuation of such efforts. I’m sure, nonetheless, that the community he helped build with many of us on the island will endure as he has to take a step back and prepare to return to the US after his long stint here in his more spiritual homeland. Of course, the memories and friendships always tend to endure after the fact and even overseas, as I’ve personally experienced in my time in this worldwide shooting community and the ‘united nations of airsoft’ I regularly run as a small part of in my new homeland here.
As the scores were collated from the final matches and the leaders decided on for the semi and final rounds, old school originators and previous champion teams OPS and KSJV went on to duke it out against the younger blood of ODBS and FWRY.
Once the dust settled, old salts and brightly dressed previous champions KSJV had once again come out on top, with youngsters FWRY and ODBS on their heels in second and third place. The awards were presented along with the obligatory raffle of all the supporting sponsor’s prizes and the typical swag in the form of velcro patches and other trimmings that everyone looks forward to collecting and adorning their gear or patch walls with.
As the night drew in I hung around and went to the post match hotpot dinner with noob, his wife, John and KSJV and had a good feeding and a few beers before we all decided to get a somewhat earlier night and said our goodbyes.
I took a cab to Taichung central and availed myself of a hotel there which I’d booked earlier in the day; I had more business to attend to on my way returning north the next day which you’ll find out about in a future article…
Many thanks to n00b_soft for his continued friendship and support of shooting habits in Taiwan and helping to grow the hobby and its following along with his Pew Logic crew. It’s always sad to see when folks have to step back and turn over a new leaf, but that is the way of all things in life and I’m sure he won’t get away from me, or the rest of the community he helped build, that easily! AA
THE SCORES WERE COLLATED FROM THE FINAL MATCHES AND THE LEADERS DECIDED ON FOR THE SEMI AND FINAL ROUNDS, OLD SCHOOL ORIGINATORS AND PREVIOUS CHAMPION TEAMS OPS AND KSJV WENT ON TO DUKE IT OUT AGAINST THE YOUNGER BLOOD OF ODBS AND FWRY”
“THE EVENING BEGAN TO DRAW IN AND THE SUN STARTED SETTING NOT ONLY ON THE COMPETITION, BUT PEW LOGIC AND N00B’S PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE CONTINUATION OF SUCH EFFORTS; I’M SURE NONETHELESS THAT THE COMMUNITY HE HELPED BUILD WITH MANY OF US ON THE ISLAND WILL ENDURE AS HE HAS TO TAKE A STEP BACK”
JUST ADD AIRSOFT…!
WHILE MOA, SHOT AND IWA DOMINATE THE ANNUAL SHOW SEASON THERE ARE ALWAYS OTHER EVENTS TO VISIT, AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND TUCKED AWAY! BOYCIE ONCE AGAIN TOOK THE LEAD AS HE MADE HIS WAY TO THE 2025 ITERATION OF THE GREAT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW, AND FOUND THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS DISAPPOINTING IN RELATION TO AIRSOFT SPECIFICALLY, THERE WERE STILL SOME GREAT THINGS TO SEE!
Standing in the queue to collect my ticket from the Box Office, there’s a sense of déjà vu... Only a month ago we (that’s l’il Stu, Steve and myself) were prepping to fly to Las Vegas for Shot Show, now I’m back the Box Office, this time at the Birmingham NEC for the Great British Shooting Show!
The show organisers tell us:
“The British Shooting Show is a rifle shooter’s paradise. From “out of the box” factory rifles for target shooting, deer stalking and pest control, to the finest specialist custom builds, the choice is wide, varied and almost endless.
Right across the show there are thousands of brand new and used rifles for sale along with all the current and brand new models on display from the manufacturers. For those who are looking for a competition rifle there are also an abundance of guns available from tactical .22LR semi-automatic rifles right through to the beautiful and mighty .50BMG rifles of Accuracy International. The British Shooting Show is the only civilian show of the year where Accuracy International display their incredible rifle platforms.”
This is the UK’s version of Shot Show, covering all things hunting, sports shooting and all the accessories that go along with all the different disciplines in the shooting world, although, sadly, airsoft still appears to be somewhat “the poor relation” when it comes to shooting sports events in the UK, even though airsoft continues to grow year on year!
After being part of a big team at Shot Show, I couldn’t help looking round to see if I could find Stu as he’s usually my photographer. Even though he lives not a vast distance from the NEC, unfortunately his day job prevented him from being able to attend. Similar with Steve too, so I collected my wrist band and headed in to the show halls but this time “flying solo”.
When you’ve been to Shot Show you realise just what scale the American show is! At near on 900,000 square feet of floor area, Shot Show would most certainly swallow the Great British Shooting Show around six times. That being said, the GBSS is still quite big; major distributors like Highland Outdoors, Umarex and Sportsman Gun Centre usually have large stands, as does Viking Arms, who were sadly not exhibiting this year.
There were also lots of medium stands like Flash,
Bang, Smoke/Specna Arms, DNT Optics, Pellpax and other smaller stands which included Cotswold Classic Arms and Firing Solutions, along with a large number of bespoke Moonshine and Vodka makers, “Ms Tita” which is a Jamaican coffee company, and numerous stands selling pork pies, pasties and other foodstuffs.
AIRSOFT SPECIFIC
My first stop is now getting to become a bit of a ritual, that being to stop by the Umarex stand and meet up with “me old mate” Scott Allan from Land Warrior Airsoft (and other companies he owns).
We usually catch up after Shot Show and compare notes but this year Scott had decided not to go all the way to Vegas. That said, we had a really good chat and have a few projects in the pipeline… Watch this space!
Next, I sought out Airsoft Action’s good friend Trent Halligan of “Flash, Bang, Smoke” and also importer now of Specna Arms. Trent showed me some of the new products coming soon to both the airsoft/
“THIS IS THE UK’S VERSION OF SHOT SHOW, COVERING ALL THINGS HUNTING, SPORTS SHOOTING AND ALL THE ACCESSORIES THAT GO ALONG WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN THE SHOOTING WORLD, ALTHOUGH SADLY AIRSOFT STILL APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT “THE POOR RELATION””
reenactment and professional pyrotechnics markets. We also discussed some possible future projects utilising the FBS products.
Time for a coffee and whilst walking the floor, seeking out stands that I would like to go back to later in the day; this is what the team usually does on day one of Shot Show and it works well. As I was walking round I spotted a small stand, and the gent on the stand was selling coffee from a twenty-seven-strong group of growers on Jamaica. With Steve and L’il Stu’s wife Lucy being big coffee fans, the least I could do was pick up some for them!
CLEAR VISION
One area of the GBSS that I feel is really of interest to airsoft shooters is that of optics, and there was a LOT to check out in this respect! Most shooters, regardless of discipline, will use some kind of rifle scope or optical device on, or with their guns, and there’s a lot to look at (and through!) at the GBSS.
So, after my usual trip to O’Donnell’s Moonshine stand where I sampled some of their latest “adult beverage” flavours (and bagged one of their Pomegranate Jars!) I moved on to DNT Optics.
This company brings in high quality and pocket friendly Optics and Thermal sights from Arken. I know of these products through my day job and I stood talking with one of the US representatives of Arken who I’d also spoken to whilst at Shot Show. I mentioned that the sights are fantastic I did say that what I’d like to see is Arken supplying equally as high quality mounts for their sights. I was told that these were in development and would likely be out this year.
I then went back to the PARD stand, a company that is another making
high quality Night Vision and Thermal sights. I had hoped to meet up with Tessa, who I know from the previous company she worked with, but unfortunately she couldn’t attend this year.
Next was a visit to the Edgar Brothers stand. Whilst
These days it’s not just rifle shooters using optics, as shotgun shooters and pistol shooters are also taking advantage of the abundance of new technology available to them including major advances in thermal and night vision optics… as are we airsofters!
Edgar Brothers are most well-known for Military, Police and Civilian shooting products, they are also the importer of SIG Air products. I met up with my contacts Sam, Jake, Paul and Will who showed me various products from the EB portfolio. What really impressed me (with my “real steel hat on”) were the
“ONE AREA OF THE GBSS THAT I FEEL IS REALLY OF INTEREST TO AIRSOFT SHOOTERS IS THAT OF OPTICS, AND THERE WAS A LOT TO CHECK OUT IN THIS RESPECT! MOST SHOOTERS, REGARDLESS OF DISCIPLINE, WILL USE SOME KIND OF RIFLE SCOPE OR OPTICAL DEVICE ON, OR WITH THEIR GUNS, AND THERE’S A LOT TO LOOK AT (AND THROUGH!) AT THE GBSS!”
Svemko Moderators. This company, based in Norway, are manufacturers of really great suppressors made from Titanium and amongst their customers are the Norweigian Armed Forces…hopefully someone will make these in airsoft form soon!
When we were looking at similar suppressors at Shot Show they were priced around US$1,200 per unit. The Svemko suppressors start at around UK£500, which is comparable to that of Aluminium suppressors available in the UK. One set they showed me was supplied to the Norwegian Armed Forces and can handle up to .338 Laupa Magnum ammo! Coming in at around £2,100 for the boxed set, inc. a torque wrench and all the tools required to fit and service the ‘can’, as well as a heat shroud, all presented in a nice Peli case, it’s pretty good value.
On then to talk with Paddy from Umarex Boys Club. The group promotes air shooting for everyone from young to old and all abilities and this meet-up was most important, as Paddy and the group are visiting the range that I work at in early March. Rounding off the day with a trip over to the Highland Outdoors stand to have a chat with (redacted) about the MDT products which are on show and coming soon; there’s a really nice chassis system coming soon for the Ruger 10-22, which could be of interest to those who run the ASG Special Teams Carbine.
WRAPPING IT
All in all the day was worthwhile for me with a lot of networking opportunities; as my background is in practical shooting like IPSC and UKPSA I was hoping to have seen more representation by more companies associated with those disciplines but there were only a tiny amount of small stands relating to that part of the sport.
Really even more disappointing at the GBSS was the lack of more airsoft-related stands. Okay, there was the Tactical Training Area at the show that was put together and built to simulate hostile target, or multiple hostile target, encounter scenarios. The Tactical Training Area enabled you to navigate corridors engaging targets using airsoft AR rifles and gas blowback pistols kindly supplied by NUPROL under the instruction of ex-SAS and Private Military Contractor Phil “Big Phil” Campion.
TACTICAL
However, I know that this is what most shooters will immediately envision when they think about airsoft, the quasi-military “force on force” aspect shown in the Tactical Training Area, but there is so much more to our “6mm world” that I believe is being missed, and the GBSS seems to me to be a great window of opportunity to show this off to our friends in other parts of shooting sports along with “joe public”. Right now though, it is very much a missed opportunity…
I may have missed a couple of smaller stands but the only airsoft-specific ones I saw and stopped by were Trent with Flash Bang Smoke/Specna Arms, and Scott & Alan from Land Warrior Airsoft, based on the Umarex main stand.
Whilst there is much to see that will be of interest to airsofters as part of the wider shooting sports world, I do hope that the show organisers will make an effort to have “more 6mm” for next year. Airsoft is a part of UK shooting sports that right now is very much un-represented, and I feel that the show is lesser for this!
Adding more airsoft to the already successful GBSS mix would certainly enliven things in so many ways if we could really show shooters from other disciplines what we are really about, and all the different types of airsoft shooting that exist. I hope that they will speak more to airsoft importers and distributors to provide a better and more representative window for airsoft in the future.
Of course it’s not that simple, it’s a “chicken and egg” situation… if there is more airsoft on show at the GBSS then more airsofters will attend, but if airsofters are not attending then there’s no reason for “6mm” distributors or retailers to be there!
What I would say, is that there is enough on show in relation to optics and accessories to make a day at the GBSS worthwhile for many airsofters, and if our numbers increase then there WILL be more airsoft at the show in years to come… It’s up to you what you make of any event isn’t it?
But that’s MOA covered by Stewbacca, Shot Show covered by myself, L’il Stu and Steve, and now The Great British Shooting Show covered too… I now pass the torch for our show reporting to Bill and Jase for their comprehensive coverage of IWA in the March issue of AIRSOFT ACTION! AA
AS WE START TO ROUND OUT OUR SHOW SEASON FOR THIS YEAR, ONCE AGAIN IT WAS TIME FOR THE AA CREW TO HEAD TO NUREMBERG FOR IWA, AND IN ITS 51ST YEAR THE SHOW PROMISED TO BE A ANOTHER VERY SPECIAL ONE! WITH AIRSOFT HAVING PRETTY MUCH ITS OWN DEDICATED SPACE, A SHOW WITHIN A SHOW AGAIN, BILL, JASE, MIGUEL, ALONG WITH NEW AA LEGION RECRUITS SARA AND BRUNO, SET FORTH TO FIND OUT JUST WHAT WAS NEW AND EXCITING, AND TO SET UP THE YEAR AHEAD FOR AIRSOFT ACTION!
I’ll kick things off by saying that IWA 2025 was a very proud moment in the history of AIRSOFT ACTION, and also in my personal journey as a writer, editor, and now company Director, as it was the only the first time that I have attended with the company I run day to day as a fully-fledged Media Partner to one of the biggest shooting sports shows in the world!
I know that I have talked about this before, but being the first-ever airsoft magazine to be recognised by such a majorly important show is a big old feather in anyone’s cap, and it really is a recognition of the continued joint efforts of a bunch of players who got together to create something very special.
I’m insanely proud to lead up a team of some of the very best airsoft writers out there, and once again the “AA Crew” looks set to expand even further!
Heading off to IWA this year I knew that it would be a different show for me personally this year, as obviously I was there to meet with our industry partners on a “B2B” basis in order to secure the budget that every business, including AIRSOFT ACTION, needs to stay rolling. Thank you to everyone that I met with over the three days, and to our longerterm partners who have recommitted support for the coming year, and new partners will certainly be secured once negotiations are completed.
In fact, AIRSOFT ACTION now has more potential partners wishing to work with us than ever before, but, as I have a commitment to all of you that follow us, that advertising space will never exceed 30% of the total pages each month, I am left with the decision as whether we should go up in page numbers… again… to include even more content…
“I KNOW THAT I HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS BEFORE, BUT BEING THE FIRST-EVER AIRSOFT MAGAZINE TO BE RECOGNISED BY SUCH A MAJORLY IMPORTANT SHOW IS A BIG OLD FEATHER IN ANYONE’S CAP, AND IT REALLY IS A RECOGNITION OF THE CONTINUED JOINT EFFORTS OF A BUNCH OF PLAYERS WHO GOT TOGETHER TO CREATE SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL”
it’s a balancing act, but rest assured the relationship of ads to content will remain unchanged.
Because of this I didn’t see as many of the new products first-hand as I would normally do, but having an enlarged team this year ensured that the show report would be comprehensive, both in terms of the new products and also in relation to the very experience of IWA! Thank you so much to my expanded team of Jase, Miguel, Sara, and Bruno for all your efforts pounding the many halls of IWA for four long days and digging out new products and stories… You did yourselves and AIRSOFT ACTION proud!
But why is IWA so important to me?
For more than 50 years, the entire shooting sports industry has been meeting once a year in Nuremberg to present the latest trends and innovations in a
dedicated, state-of-the-art setting. As one of the world’s leading shooting sports exhibitions, which showcases German and international exhibitors in a myriad of exhibition halls (as well as an exclusive supporting programme) IWA really is a true highlight in the industry calendar.
Around a million visitors have visited during the fifty years of IWA OutdoorClassics, and the show opened its doors in Nuremberg for the first time in 1974 with just under 100 exhibitors; this year there were well over a thousand! Over four days, exhibitors from around the world presented trade visitors new products for shooting sports, outdoor performance, self-defence, professional use… and of course AIRSOFT!
Enforce Tac, which runs right before IWA for the Military and LE visitors, brings together leading
“AROUND A MILLION VISITORS HAVE VISITED DURING THE FIFTY YEARS OF IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS, AND THE SHOW OPENED ITS DOORS IN NUREMBERG FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1974 WITH JUST UNDER 100 EXHIBITORS; THIS YEAR THERE WERE WELL OVER A THOUSAND!”
exhibitors and trade visitors to exchange ideas on technological developments, trends, and current challenges. It is a meeting point for experts and decision-makers from around the globe who face critical security challenges in their professional roles.
Both events are not open to the public at all; they are pure trade fairs, to which only trade visitors from the corresponding industries and specialist media are admitted. This enables the IWA team to ensure the quality of what is presented for visitors and exhibitors both.
TEAM ASSEMBLE!
As I have said many times before, IWA OutdoorClassics (or simply IWA) in Nuremberg is undoubtedly my favourite show of the year, and its appearance on our schedule always gives me a boost in so many ways; I’ve been attending the show in Germany for many years now, and have seen it, most certainly for airsoft, develop and evolve into something pretty wonderful as manufacturers, distributors, trade customers and the airsoft media descend en masse to see the very latest that’s on offer… and will be on offer for this year, and indeed coming years!
With around 30,000 visitors over four days, the world-leading exhibition for the entirety of shooting sports once again emphasised its importance, and although it appeared that footfall at the Nuremberg Messe was a little down on last year, it seems that the people and companies that visited the Airsoft Hall were really, truly interested and invested in the latest developments of AEGs, GBBs, clothing and gear, as many of our industry partners told us that the show had been a very successful one for them, with a couple of them reporting that IWA 2025 had been their most successful show in Germany ever! Thanks to the newly-developed method of registration, visitor quality was noticeably better, and more focused.
And visitors from 126 countries came to Nuremberg this year, most of them from Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Switzerland, France and Spain, but also from the USA, The Far East and further-flung realms.
Exhibitors were enthusiastic about the busy and high-quality atmosphere of the exhibition, and the
networking among experts and the close co-operation of all industry participants on relevant topics from the whole of the shooting sports industry was seen as particularly important.
IWA is simply a great show that brings people from the shooting sports world together, and in my experience good things happen when like-minded people with a drive to succeed and the flair to make this a reality are in one place at one time; the atmosphere can be truly electric, and what we do at IWA has a positive impact on the year ahead!
And it’s not just me that feels this way! Jase has been my trusted “wingman” now for four years, and while I now have to concentrate largely on running AIRSOFT ACTION as a business, he gets down to the nitty-gritty with the manufacturers to dig out more detail on new and future airsoft developments. For 2025 though, he was joined by regular AA contributor Miguel, along with Sara and Bruno who I met when I was in Portugal at their own Expo… and what a dynamic this proved to be!
For this year’s report I’ll be adding in their comments to give some flavour to my dry presentation, and I believe you’ll get a real feel from them of just how much fun, as well as hard work, a major show can be!
FIRST STEPS… OF MANY!
After an exceedingly early “stupid-o-clock” start, and the long haul to Nuremberg Jase and I arrived at the Messe to check in and grab our Press Passes. We then spent the afternoon meeting up with old industry friends, catching up with Rob from airsofter. world, Lisa “Skinny Bitch”, Pete and the guys from Patrolbase in the UK, Charlie S who has now found a new “airsoft home” with Novritsch, Ivo and the team from Heavy Recoil Club, Sakari from TERRA BB, Dave and Wilf from TAG-Shop®, our friends Luuk, David and Dionne from the Netherlands, and then new friend Alek from Specna Arms, and there were many more! Later I had an opportunity to speak with Victor and the ANA guys from Portugal too, which was a delight.
We then took a look at the Airsoft Shooting Range as this returned in the same centralised format, a great feature where manufacturers and retailers could
“VISITORS FROM 126 COUNTRIES CAME TO NUREMBERG THIS YEAR, MOST OF THEM FROM GERMANY, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA, ITALY, POLAND, THE NETHERLANDS, GREAT BRITAIN, SWITZERLAND, FRANCE AND SPAIN, BUT ALSO FROM THE USA, THE FAR EAST AND FURTHER-FLUNG REALMS”
focus on the product experience associated with all aspects of the participating brands, and Airsoft Helden did a fabulous job with their “Shooting Parcours” and Video Stage, providing an additional point of contact for specialist retailers and interested parties who wanted to get closer to airsoft. The good folk from Specna Arms had invited us to dinner, but after a long-slog of a day we sadly and tiredly asked for a raincheck before grabbing some food and crashing out!
Arriving back at the Messe bright and early the next day, after greeting our old mates from iWholesales and seeing the new ARES HPA kit, along with all the new models that will be coming into stock for the UK and euro market imminently, we set off for our now-traditional first meeting of the show with fellow UK-ers NUPROL. There we saw their new all-polymer AEGs that looked simply fabulous, but I won’t dwell on these as I’ve detailed them at the start of this issue.
Vorsk next and... Oh! My word... Along with their extensive pistol range, as part of the display was an amazing custom-painted VMP-1 courtesy of Chris Hobbs! We were also excited as the new VMP-2 has now landed with us (more to come on this next issue), but already they’re onto the next part of the program with the VMP-2S, SC, and C, and the littlest of these has already really grabbed at my heartstrings … I want one! This moves the entire Vorsk Modular Platform
forward into “shorty” territory, and I am really looking forward to trying one of the new models… soon!
But that wasn’t all, as I got my first look at the VMAR, the Vorsk AR GBBR, and this too looks amazing! Whilst still in the pre-production phase the VMAR moves Vorsk into new territory yet again; Ross and Matt told me that it’s a whole new, highly efficient gas-system that promises some stunning performance (let’s face it, they’ve proved they know all about this from their pistols and the VMP program!) utilising a VSR-spec inner barrel and a new TDC hop design. Although it appears it will be MWS magcompatible, the QD trigger box and a bolt design are new designs, and with fully-ambi controls and realsteel dimensions I feel this is going to please a lot of GBBR users. There will be three variants to kick things off, but due to development time needed I don’t have a timeline confirmed yet…
I headed on to SPECNA ARMS to meet with Piotr, Olga and Kamila, and their awesome team. After sorting our future schedules we took a close look at what’s to come in their SATAC range of gear, before checking out their 3D printed design concepts and a rather tasty AK rail and stock system… before we looked at their proposed pistols, MP5 and SCAR H! The Specna Arms guy are cooking on gas right now and they ain’t letting up anytime soon from what I saw!
“VORSK NEXT AND OH MY WORD, ALONG WITH THEIR EXTENSIVE PISTOL RANGE, AS PART OF THE DISPLAY WAS AN AMAZING CUSTOM-PAINTED VMP-1 COURTESY OF CHRIS HOBBS! WE WERE ALSO EXCITED AS THE NEW VMP-2 HAS NOW LANDED WITH US, BUT ALREADY THEY’RE ONTO THE NEXT PART OF THE PROGRAM…”
The stand looked probably the “best in show”, and their “Chillout Zone” with an old pickup dripping with gear was simply superb; this was where they hosted their “Booth Party” later… and what fun that was! We’ll be working closely with Specna Arms going forward as they have a lot planned for the coming year and beyond, and you’ll find details of all new items in AIRSOFT ACTION as they appear.
Onwards to ASG! ASG have been a bit quiet in recent years but this year they REALLY got back into the game! I won’t go into the cool products here, as there are quite a few (and frankly Jase took better notes than I!), but the thing that impressed me the most was the sheer joy and enthusiasm for airsoft that I encountered on their stand this year (along with the new CZ and Modify TRINITY pistols!)!
I genuinely thought they were heading all “Corporate” on us, but the work that they’ve done on their existing and new platforms is awesome, and their sheer joy at showing them too us was 100% infectious! Thanks so much to Clark and Jordan for showing us everything! And also more news for ASG (already featured in our Daily Web News), as they also signed off on a distribution deal with DELTA ARMORY! Yeah, you heard it from us…! This is brilliant news and we wish the two brands all the very best in their new relationship.
And DELTA ARMORY… Yeah, still loud and proud, and after the launch of their FREYA AEG last year at the show they displayed their pistol range which is
looking very cool indeed! Also new for this year is the “Stribog” SMG. Like the FREYA, this is an AEG based on “the real” from Grand Power, this time their AP9, and it looks really cool… again, I look forward to working more closely with Jan and getting hands-on with one of these!
On to ESHOOTER, and again... Wow! I met with Tim again and he graciously walked me through all of their new technologies and the partners that he is working with… what a list! We’ll be speaking a lot more about ESHOOTER as their tech spreads even further into our airsoft world, and I’m looking forward to working even more closely with Tim and his team Immediately adjoining the ESHOOTER stand was that of GOLDEN EAGLE, and I have to admit that one of my favourite things of the show was their BLITZ Quick Ejecting Grenade Launcher! This is still in development but it looks like SO MUCH FUN, and many thanks to Ben for his time, good humour, and a
fabulous demonstration, as well as showing me some righteous new products that I am definitely looking forward to covering soon!
I had a great conversation with Ronald from TITAN EU, and they will have some great new things to share with us soon. Bumping into Chris from AMNB was a pleasure as always (and we will be collaborating even further!) as was meeting with Scott from Land
“THE SPECNA ARMS GUY ARE COOKING ON GAS RIGHT NOW AND THEY AIN’T LETTING UP ANYTIME SOON FROM WHAT I SAW! THE STAND LOOKED PROBABLY THE “BEST IN SHOW”, AND THEIR “CHILLOUT ZONE” WITH AN OLD PICKUP DRIPPING WITH GEAR WAS SIMPLY SUPERB”
Warrior, and then Amanda, Randy and Ryan from G&G. G&G were, for once, not exhibiting at IWA, but instead talking about their amazing new 6mm Training system. Again, I won’t go into it here but it is superb and I will be reporting on it is full at a later date.
I really enjoyed meeting my friend Rita at ICS. I’ve been massively impressed with their pistol program so far and there will be more to come on this in 2025, but they also have some amazing plans for a licenced TTI rifle that I know people will love!
We checked in with WOLVERINE, those masters of HPA; there was a bit of a buzz surrounding them this year as they were showing their QUAKE HPA Recoil Stock… actually at points you couldn’t get on their stand due to the sheer amount of people wanting to try the QUAKE out… More on this to come…
After visiting Hall 6 to speak with EARMOR who we’ll be working with directly soon, we checked in with my old mate Darren at SNUGPAK, and then with new friend Chris at PENTAGON… There was so much to see in the other show halls, but the guys will cover
There’s some exciting news here too, as not only will this appear in AEG form, but also as a GBBR using MAXTACT magazine tech which is fabulous news for two close industry partners and friends of AIRSOFT ACTION! I spoke to James from MAXTACT at the show too, and I’ll be speaking more to both him and ICS to find out more about this awesome collaboration! I do believe we’ll be viewing ICS differently in the future…. watch this space!
Sticking with tech, Jase and I then met with ACETECH, and Jase was every bit as taken by the ACEHIVE system as I have been! What REALLY took our eye though was the VOLCANO which truly makes the most of the ACEHIVE system… OMG, this thing ROCKS!
this off in more detail later!
We’ve been keeping well up to date with our old friends at LCT AIRSOFT, and as we’ve had detailed coverage of their releases to date (oh that MOE!) I won’t dwell too much on them here, although as always their stand was amazing and it was a pleasure as always to meet with Kevin, Bella and Benita (especially when they bring me Pineapple Cakes!)… I have to mention that not only do they have their new Hi Capa well on the way, but it appears that we’ll also be seeing an MP5 and a FN FAL from them too! Suffice to say that there will be more to come from LCT later in 2025 and we’ll be right on things as they happen!
Old friends VFC (more Pineapple Cakes, thank you
“I REALLY ENJOYED MEETING MY FRIEND RITA AT ICS; I’VE BEEN MASSIVELY IMPRESSED WITH THEIR PISTOL PROGRAM SO FAR AND THERE WILL BE MORE TO COME ON THIS IN 2025, BUT THEY ALSO HAVE SOME AMAZING PLANS FOR A LICENCED TTI RIFLE THAT I KNOW PEOPLE WILL LOVE!”
Ray!), just like many airsoft companies right now, are cranking out the goods, and seem set to continue doing so! VFC are really having a ball at the moment, and both Jase and Bruno fell in love with the LAR OSW. As an old-skooler, it was their PPsh that took my fancy, but the continuation of the BCM MCMR line, and the new MAXIM DEFENSE MDX:505 and PDXSD AEG models that Ray showed me really whet my whistle… I definitely NEED a PDX-SD!
I had a quick but productive meeting with Rafa from ROSSI , and then Jase and I then re-convened for our final “formal” meeting of the show, another “tradition” which in fact turned out as usual to be particularly, very pleasantly informal!
The guys at EVOLUTION AIRSOFT from Italy are super-nice and I will be honest that once again I made this the last meeting for us, as I was promised a glass of prosecco and some fine cheese by Veronica! Joined by Sergio we took a look at their newly designed M-LOK-style system and adjustable stock, and got the lowdown on their new internal VIPER tech too; there’ll be more to come from EVOLUTION and I’ll report back as soon as I have confirmed news!
Now I could go on and on, but much as I did manage to see many shiny new things, it was Jase, Miguel, Sara and Bruno that hit the show halls
proper… So I’ll now hand over to them for their individual “takes” on IWA 2025!
THE TEAM TAKE
Jase: The merry-go-round starts once again in a super-busy Stansted Airport! As I sit and sip my coffee and the boss (Bill ‘The Old Wolf Of Airsoft’) flicks through his notes and schedule for the up and coming weekend. I stare out onto the Departures Hall with hazy eyes, as I watch all the people going about their business at 05:00. I clock a few faces that I know from within the industry and that little fuzzy feeling hits me in the feels, the feeling of seeing friends and the great enjoyment that the IWA show brings. This year our show team will be Bill, myself, Miguel, Sara and Bruno. I was excited to meet my Portuguese colleagues for the first time after hearing so many good things from Bill.
Wheels up fifteen minutes early we jetted off into the blue crisp sunny skies above London, and we roared our way towards Germany. This year as we landed, we were greeted by snow showers and a very chilly overcast Nuremburg Airport. We quickly made our way to the city where we deposited our bangs at the accommodation and then onto the Messe convention centre for the IWA Outdoor show.
Passes acquired, lanyards round our necks, Bill and I set off with purpose towards Hall 2 where the main airsoft trade stands are situated. As we made our way to the Nuprol stand I was excited to see not only our friends but the new offerings from Nuprol. Matt showed us around stand.
New to the show this year was the launch of the VORSK VMAR. This is Nuprol’s take on the gas AR platform we all love. It has an ambidextrous design, TDC hop unit, mags will be of the MWS design, will hold between 42/48 BBs and Matt told us that they will be planning three variations of this AR’s length. At this moment in time the price cannot be confirmed but we could see it sit between £299/350. I’ll be looking forward to this when the production samples land, very cool.
Before flying out I had just taken delivery of my very own VMP-2D, I was pretty familiar with the product but really happy to clap eyes on the VMP-2S, 2SD, 2C & 2MCR. Of the four new models I already have a
“NEW TO THE SHOW THIS YEAR WAS THE LAUNCH OF THE VORSK VMAR. THIS IS NUPROL’S TAKE ON THE GAS AR PLATFORM WE ALL LOVE. IT HAS AN AMBIDEXTROUS DESIGN, TDC HOP UNIT, MAGS WILL BE OF THE MWS DESIGN, WILL HOLD BETWEEN 42/48 BBS AND MATT TOLD US THAT THEY WILL BE PLANNING THREE VARIATIONS OF THIS AR’S LENGTH”
soft spot for the 2MCR. These rifles will all have the same architecture as the original VMP-2’s and will be in the market place by the summer with the VMP 2MCR following along after but a date could not be confirmed and should ship with a different grip. Like my own VMP-2D, all felt very sturdy in hand and will provide great bang for buck for players and new players looking to get into the GBB scene, as Ross from Nuprol says, ‘get your gas on’!
Matt then ran us through the new budget Delta Pioneer lines. These sport line riffles have a good feel to them for the very little you can pick them up for, starting at UK£99 they are a great starting point for new players or players on a budget. V2 gear boxes and rotary hop units... all a growing boy needs!
One small detail I liked with these models was that floating rails have a spacer between the outer barrel and rail, keeping things snug on this polymer platform. I know they will not set the world alight but that is not the point with these types of RIF, great to see this refresh to the range. For me, the SOPMOD in FDE was my favourite.
I enjoyed looking through the VFC stand, they always have some real quality products on display and this year was no exception. Bruno was quick to show me the Strike Micro Pistol. What a wee little thing it was. For such a small pistol it felt really good in the hand. This small compact unit can fit a SIG Romeo optic on the slide meaning you will always be able to tag your target. Magazine holds 20 Bs with one in the chamber.
Next along the counter was the Stark Arms SA320. At first, I was a bit underwhelmed by this pistol but to be fair to it, it felt good in the hand but on close
inspection noticed that it had an adjustable trigger which I did like because as this pistol is aimed at shooters, allows them to fine tune the trigger pull. It has ambi features and a fixed inner barrel.
As I placed the SA320 on the counter, looked up to see a beaming Bruno with a PPSh-41 in his hand, he looked in love!
This classic Soviet era WW2 SMG was a chunkymonkey in the hand with is full wooden body and steel receiver. With its CNC machined bolt, it really had some clunk behind it. Ray was very kind to show Bruno and myself the inside workings on the drum magazine which was very interesting. Capacity was around 120 BBs we were told and the reservoir could hold enough gas for two refills of BBs.
Then I moved onto ‘my’ rifle of the show, the FN LAR OSW Mk1. This rifle is a true thing of beauty. VFC has done an absolutely amazing job on creating this, the level of detail is amazing. Everything about it feels spectacular. Out of the box we are told that power is about 1.2/1.3J, uses a TDC adjustor from under the bottom of the receiver, utilising an up and over pressure bar, I thought that was pretty neat. The body is of course steel with alloy rail. The rifle will also come with its very own special-all-in-one tool for hop adjusting and take down. Airsoft Action’s very own Stewbacca has just done a review of this rifle, so I’ll let you read his article for a more in-depth review.
Over the course of the show Bill and I visited the good people of ASG at their stand in the main hall. It was great to see Clark who was very excited to not only show us around the new lines on offer, but to inform us of the new partnership with Delta Armory and Army Action.
“I MOVED ONTO ‘MY’ RIFLE OF THE SHOW, THE FN LAR OSW MK1. THIS RIFLE IS A TRUE THING OF BEAUTY. VFC HAS DONE AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING JOB ON CREATING THIS, THE LEVEL OF DETAIL IS AMAZING. EVERYTHING ABOUT IT FEELS SPECTACULAR”
The first pistol placed in my hand was the Modify Trinity. This 1911/Hi-Capa pistol is aimed at the target shooter with its natty hop adjuster tool, I really liked this. Its alloy slide and poly grip felt good and well weighted in the hand. This pistol will run on green gas and chuck plastic death down range at about 310/315fps. Then we looked at the CZ TS2 pistol. This thing was a heavy old girl in the hand. This pistol is again aimed at the target shooting community with its duralumin sliver grips, they did feel good. For me this was a bit on the heavy side but I’m not their demographic for this pistol.
From pistols we moved over to the rifles. Clark happily shows off the new FLCN 556. This polymer beauty will be priced at around £225 mark and it’s got some nice details. Externally, the FLCN 5.56 has polymer monolithic upper receiver that is rigid and light weight. The rail in of the M-LOK variety and lower is an ambi design. A 6-position collapsible and folding stock with a 4-position adjustable cheek rest which I am a fan of gives me that Masada vibe.
There was a new version of the Scorpion EVO 3 A1 Value Pack, this time it’s a price pointed sports line variation. We all know this model series well, so the small variations include losing the three round burst but you will get an 11.1v battery in the box. Clark did say that later in the year we could see some quality ASG branded optics joining the line-up, and the latest STRIKE SYSTEMS models certainly looked impressive!
The one thing this IWA had in abundance was the volume of optics companies. Three years ago, we did start to see a rise in these companies and this year was no exception. Some of these companies have gone from small booths to really big commanding booths showing optics of many varieties like thermal, digital and analogue NV. Hats off to them. Some
optics were questionable to say the least but with help from Miguel, Bruno and Sara we managed to find some diamonds in the rough; hello PARD Pantera 256 Q-thermal imaging scope!
The Pantera 256 Q pairs a compact, 30mmcompatible tube design with a 1024x768 square display and an upgraded side-focus mechanism. Its cutting-edge performance making it a perfect tool
“THE ONE THING THIS IWA HAD IN ABUNDANCE WAS THE VOLUME OF OPTICS COMPANIES. THREE YEARS AGO, WE DID START TO SEE A RISE IN THESE COMPANIES AND THIS YEAR WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THESE COMPANIES HAVE GONE FROM SMALL BOOTHS TO REALLY BIG COMMANDING BOOTHS SHOWING OPTICS OF MANY VARIETIES LIKE THERMAL, DIGITAL AND ANALOGUE NV”
for those seeking innovation. Other features include picture-in-picture, gyroscope, e-compass, hot track and recoil-activated recordings. So all in all, a very cool optic that will be priced at around UK£700 and will be dropping mid-summer this year.
Holy Warrior was another optics company that had some very interesting products on show, like their HWO SZ1 which has electronic heads-up display with twelve different aiming reticles and can show information about your surroundings and bearings in your line of sight. Id quite like to get my hands on one of these to test all this out!
This year some of the larger clothing brands where not showing making it a bit harder to find interesting bits to report on but Pentagon with a very minimalistic stand did have some nice offerings, catching my eye was the Wolf Combat lines. These pants to the look and touch had a great feel and looked to have plenty of features with a very reasonable price ticket of UK£120ish for the pants and UK£85ish for the matching top.
My notebook could tell a hundred more stories of product and cool items seen over the four days of the show but I think I would bore you lovely readers to death. So instead, I shall close with my feelings on the show. As Bill has said earlier, the show was slightly down on footfall this year but it didn’t take away the hard work and efforts put on by the vendors and IWA staff. This is what makes the show, along with seeing “our airsoft family” Firstly, a massive shout out to EVERYONE at Nurpol for all your hospitality and kindness, Clark at ASG, Chris Bravo, Tim at iWholesales, all the team at Specna Arms, and Bill our captain who works so hard, to name a few because it is a very long list.
Special thanks this year goes out to our Portuguese contingent, made up of Miguel, Bruno and Sara. From going into a show without knowing you, to saying our good byes at the train station, it left me feeling like I have known you for years, it was the blessing of new friendships. Thank you.
Airsoft is a game we all love to play but I say this every year, it is about the friends we make along the way and adventures we have that I cherish, this year is no exception. Go out, play, have fun and take those hits. Jase out.
NEW TO IWA… WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE!
Sara: Going to a convention that is related to firearms, knives, airsoft and more? If you would have asked me before IWA began, I would have said I was curious, but not really interested. Being a female player has been in contact with the airsoft world just to accompany her boyfriend, I’m not really the person to talk about the topic. For four years now, I have been in contact with airsoft mostly when I have to.
One of my hobbies has been accompanying Bruno to his airsoft games every weekend to take pictures. It has been a routine for us for the past four years now, since we started dating.
Every weekend you’ll find me in a flashy yellow jacket or vest going around the field capturing the airsoft moments through my camera lens and enjoying the surrounding nature. But Bruno? You’ll find him very pleased going around as part of the group, with an airsoft replica in his hands, strategizing and doing the best he can to play an honest and fun game. That, if you don’t find him speaking with someone about which replica brand and model they have or fixing an issue that him or someone else had with their replica!
When the opportunity arose for us to be part of the “IWA Crew”, Bruno was over the moon, as expected of Him. Honestly, I’m pretty sure he didn’t really believe it was happening until the moment they checked his ticket and allowed him to enter the perimeter...
Me, on the other hand, I was mostly exited for the flight and visiting Germany again, but IWA…? I was
“WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AROSE FOR US TO BE PART OF THE “IWA CREW”, BRUNO WAS OVER THE MOON, AS EXPECTED OF HIM; HONESTLY, I’M PRETTY SURE HE DIDN’T REALLY BELIEVE IT WAS HAPPENING UNTIL THE MOMENT THEY CHECKED HIS TICKET AND ALLOWED HIM TO ENTER THE PERIMETER... ”
curious to what I was going to see, as I wasn’t sure what to expect, but overall, that was it. It would have never been my guess that it would turn out to be such a blast!
The hotel and flight booking experience was overall the most stressful part of the trip, as normal, because there’s always a struggle to manage our expectations in comparison to what we can afford. However, looking back, there wasn’t really a need to get so concerned, as Nuremberg is a city with a huge variety of public transportation, all very organized. With IWA’s ticket including a free pass for all public transportation, our bigger concerns were addressed.
As the day of the trip came, all three of us (me, Bruno and Miguel - our airsoft team captain, but also the person who helped us get into IWA with AA and, personally, a friend) were excited and ready to face whatever was coming, as none of us had ever been to IWA or an event like it.
The overall trip went very well and it was evident from the time we entered the flight onwards that Germans are always willing to help whenever they have the possibility to (if they knew how to speak English that is), as they always guided us whenever we asked for instructions (which happened A LOT!). Getting off of the train on first day of IWA, I felt like I was about to enter a new world, once again, not knowing what to expect, the only thing we were left with was our imagination and curiosity… and it surpassed ALL my expectations. I was concerned about how I would be bored every step of the way and I couldn’t have been more wrong.
When we entered, I went back to the first time watching Jurassic Park, with its theme song and all. The halls were so much larger than what I had in mind and all the lights and booth’s placements were aligned in a way that made the overall first impression grand and magical. That was my point of view. I can’t even begin to explain what Bruno might have
“WHILE
felt at the time, but his exterior said something like “There’s so many cool stuff around me that I might actually explode”! He didn’t know where to turn, everything was calling up to him and he wasn’t sure what to prioritize, as everything looked amazing. He actually ended up comparing that feeling to what he imagines would be like visiting the Willy Wonka factory, and any sweet toothed person can start to imagine what he was feeling at the time with that description.
Personally, IWA was an amazing experience. From the already existing technology (that you can’t even think about trying out because sometimes you don’t have the means to, whether due to price ranges or even country laws), to new technology coming out that you wouldn’t ever imagine possible, to the heart-warming people you meet on every stand from all around the world that share the interest and excitement you feel for airsoft, night visions, optics, weapons... it ends up just being a once-in- a-lifetime experience that you must have at least once and then never deny it again… Because you will want to come back!
During the trip, we managed to get together with Bill again, whom we first met on the Portuguese Airsoft Expo in November, and met Jase for the very first time. Both are such lovely and welcoming people, who made the whole experience even better, as they
THE “BIG BOYS” WERE TALKING ABOUT THE SPECIFICS OF EVERY SINGLE OBJECT THEY SAW IN FRONT OF THEM, I WAS GIVEN THE TIME TO CAPTURE THE MOMENTS OF PURE HAPPINESS THAT WERE WRITTEN ALL OVER THEIR FACES WITH MY CAMERA… AND THAT WAS MY BLESSING”
included us (me and Bruno) as part of their team, welcomed us and showed us around, telling us about their previous experiences and sharing their interests and insights.
Being part of this wonderful group and being able to experience their contagious excitement was definitely the turning point for this trip. Seeing how everyone got along and was willing to check the same booths and try the same things, made it feel like we were all there for the same purpose. Not being as big of an enthusiast for weapons and technology did not ruin the fun. While the “big boys” were talking about the specifics of every single object they saw in front of them, I was given the time to capture the moments of pure happiness that were written all over their faces with my camera… and that was my blessing. Every single picture you see from those guys (and even every single person around them) during the four days of IWA shows the most utter satisfaction and content in being there.
I couldn’t have been sadder when we got home; in the end, it was such an extraordinary experience. I arrived home with my heart full, a big smile on my face and a lot of new crazy stories to tell. It makes me so happy when I see people getting together for common interests and sharing what they love and motivates them. Seeing that IWA gathered 30,000 people with the same interests (which was visible in every single conversation we had during the show) just makes me feel peace… and a definite will to go back!
Bruno: Going through my memories of what I saw and experienced in Nuremberg this year, IWA was my very first time attending, so I knew I had to visit every booth in every hall. It never crossed my mind how exhausting it would be to actually see everything!
On the very first day, as soon as I stepped into Hall 1, I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information around me. Being someone with ADHD, it was incredibly hard to focus on my mission to spread the word about what the magazine
stands for. But beyond that, I was also there to learn more about each brand.
After wandering through Hall 2, checking out new gadgets and replicas from various brands, I found myself getting off track again. It’s crazy how easily I can get distracted, but considering this is my passion, it’s not surprising. And just like that, I ended up in an entirely different hall. That was also the day Sara, Miguel, and I were expecting Bill and Jase; I was really excited to see Bill again and finally meet Jase. When we met, I immediately felt a great vibe with him.
By the end of the first day at IWA, I felt like I had wasted it. I knew I had to do something about it. So, once I got back to my hotel room, I emptied my pockets, sat at the desk, and opened the IWA exhibition guide. With a pen in one hand and my phone in the other, I started going through the list of exhibitors one by one, checking each brand’s website to decide if it was worth visiting. By the time I was done, I had marked at least 80 booths! After finalising my list, I studied the hall maps to pinpoint the location of each booth. It was quite the mission I didn’t get to bed until 02:00, but it was worth it! A big thanks to Sara for going over all my work to check for any mistakes in my booth markings.
On the morning of the second day, I grabbed my
“WE RAN AROUND CHECKING ALL THE BOOTHS WE HAD PLANNED TO VISIT, EVEN EARNING THE NICKNAME “…A PAIR OF TWIN DURACELL BUNNIES…” WHICH, HONESTLY, FELT LIKE A PRETTY ACCURATE DESCRIPTION! SARA HANDLED THE PHOTOGRAPHY BUT ALSO HAD ANOTHER IMPORTANT JOB KEEPING US ON TRACK. WITHOUT HER, I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY LOST MY WAY”
exhibition guide and set off. With a solid plan in hand, I knew the day would be much more organized ...and it was.
I met so many amazing people, had conversations with those as passionate about the technical aspects as I am, and felt truly welcomed. Jase and I were just talking with each other like we had met before, our energy matched perfectly. We ran around checking all the booths we had planned to visit, even earning the nickname “a pair of twin Duracell Bunnies” which, honestly, felt like a pretty accurate description! Sara handled the photography but also had another important job keeping us on track. Without her, I would have definitely lost my way.
The third day followed the same goals as the second... building connections, meeting more people, and strengthening relationships. By the fourth day, I could barely feel my legs. We had already walked countless kilometres, but we kept pushing through. There were still meetings to attend and plenty of goodies to collect. Even an hour before IWA came to an end, we were still scouting for potential partnerships and taking notes on upcoming products. It made me realize that four days just weren’t enough to see everything.
Without a doubt, IWA was the most unique experience I have ever had and one to repeat for sure!
Miguel: Let me get straight to the point!
I won’t bother you, the reader, with how was the flight, or how was the weather in Nuremberg. Let’s go to the fair right to the first day, as we entered Hall 1 and that atmosphere crashed down on our group.
It was our first time in IWA, or any show of that kind, so for us, everything was new.
As soon as we got to Hall 1 we stopped immediately at Holosun’s booth, even knowing that I wanted to go directly to Specna’s booth at Hall 2. But, who can resist optics, thermals or NVGs?! So we tried a few of their new sights, and we were delighted!
Got to get back in track!
So, we moved onward to Hall 2, where most airsoft booths were present, and we visited Specna Arms right away. It was thanks to them that I was able to embark on this adventure, so I wanted to start by thanking them, and of course, check some of their upcoming news.
Let me begin by their main surprises; they officially announced their MP5 and SCAR H series! I’m particularly stoked about their MP5, which have been one of my all times favourites. I tried to say “Hi!” to everyone and even got a guided tour around the whole booth. Checking out more of the SATAC gear, the Kpyk (it reads crook) partnership for their upcoming PRIME J-Series, for accessories like stocks and handguards. I got a sneak peek into the new pistols coming out, and some other news that for now must be kept in secret. Damn them for teasing such news! My thanks for not only the warm welcome, but also for being the initial force behind my presence at IWA.
After spending some quality time on the Specna Arms booth, we decided to go around the rest of Hall 2. And there was so much to see... VFC, Well Pro, LCT, Golden Eagle, Double Bell, Invader Gear, Arturus, S&T, Evolution, Rossi, Nuprol, Novritsch, Lancer Tactical, Terra BBs, ICS, Delta Armory, and that’s just throwing around some that were present.
Some veterans mentioned that some brands were
“IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME IN IWA, OR ANY SHOW OF THAT KIND, SO FOR US, EVERYTHING WAS NEW. AS SOON AS WE GOT TO HALL 1 WE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AT HOLOSUN’S BOOTH, EVEN KNOWING THAT I WANTED TO GO DIRECTLY TO SPECNA’S BOOTH AT HALL 2. BUT, WHO CAN RESIST OPTICS, THERMALS OR NVGS?!”
missing and that the airsoft area is not as big as before, but for us, it’s all new. So we had plenty to see. So, we visited booth to booth, checking out what was new, what caught our eye, had some good conversations, traded some ideas and of course, collected several goodies! Because, what’s IWA without a good haul of freebies?!
But... I wasn’t alone at IWA, I had two team members with me, Bruno “Dino” Nunes, one of our more techy guys, and Sara “Sierra” Agostinho, our official photographer. They were not just awesome company, but while Bruno asked all sort of technical questions, Sara made sure we had good media cover with her camera and her phone. And later on we meet up with Bill and Jase, who are true veterans of IWA, and so the Airsoft Action team assembled!
always be a great option. After lunch, we also had a scheduled meeting with the guys at Vector Optics, one of the brands that I collaborate with. We were welcomed by Curtis, with whom we had a good talk in order to reinforce our ongoing partnership.
Bill had a filled schedule, with meetings planned for almost the whole fair, since this is the perfect place and time to gather more support to this amazing magazine. So, with Bill busy with meetings, Bruno, Jase, Sierra and I kept on checking out Hall 2, revisiting some booths, now that we had a new member with us. And it was interesting to get Jase’s input in many of the novelties coming out, especially since he has different experiences in airsoft.
Day 2 was quite important to me, since I had two meetings with Specna Arms. One was about the Ambassador program, where I was able to hear about what’s coming and also offer my input in what’s good and what can be improved, and there’s nothing like a face to face meeting for such topics. It was great to meet Krzysztof, who is now in charge of the ambassador program, and talk some shop.
The second meeting was regarding the Airsoft Action magazine, but there my main objective was to support Bill; If Specna Arms wants to keep growing safely, especially with how social media has been behaving, then having a presence in the magazine will
“AFTER
SPENDING SOME
QUALITY TIME
ON
This day also had a few special events; there was a raffle at Vector Optics booth, with our group winning THREE out of FOUR prizes, with Sara taking the main prize, the Constantine LPVO! What a haul! And this adding to the monocular that they had already won from the puzzle challenge early that morning!
This was followed by a beer party at Specna’s booth, where I tried Polish beer for the first time! It was good! But Portuguese beer is still better! Sorry! And, later on at night, we were present at the famous MealSim event, a group dinner gathering people from many brands that became a tradition, with its own unique patch every year. Another busy day!
Since we had already seen pretty much everything we wanted to in Hall 2, it was time to check out the other halls. Although the majority have almost no connection to airsoft, we still had some interesting talks with many representatives.
We checked out optics, guns, tactical gear and a bit of everything that caught our eye. And of course, more freebies in the bag! It was also on the third day that we meet up the team from ANA, it was great to see some known faces and to talk a bit of Portuguese
THE SPECNA ARMS BOOTH,
WE DECIDED TO GO AROUND THE REST OF HALL 2. AND THERE WAS SO MUCH TO SEE... VFC, WELL PRO, LCT, GOLDEN EAGLE, DOUBLE BELL, INVADER GEAR, ARTURUS, S&T, EVOLUTION, ROSSI, NUPROL, NOVRITSCH, LANCER TACTICAL, TERRA BBS, ICS, DELTA ARMORY, AND THAT’S JUST THROWING AROUND SOME THAT WERE PRESENT”
with other people. At night, they decided to organize an unofficial Mealsim, since there was a change in the original date, and some people were unable to attend Friday. So, we gathered many of the Portuguese present at IWA, and covertly got them in the event!
since that wasn’t enough we got an armed escort to an office where they checked the toys more closely. In the end there was no issue, and during the all process everyone was respectful, and we even had some good talks with the officers. With that we boarded our flight and got home safe and sound!
During the last day, we checked the booths that caught our eye and that we hadn’t visited yet, and afterward we headed back to Hall 2 just to hang out. And at that time, our legs were already warning us about the high number of kilometres already done throughout the past days. So we kept it simple until it was time to return.
But do you think the adventure ends here? Of course not...! The trip to Nuremberg went without an issue, but the trip back was another story...
First there was a huge delay with all trains around Frankfurt, and at a point it was impossible to reach our flight on time not only for us, but for many IWA visitors who were there as well. Luckily, Lufthansa took care of the issue professionally.
While we were still on the train, we got an email informing us that our flight home had been rescheduled and that we had a free night at a 4-star hotel. All we had to do was getting into the airport shuttle, and it was a short way. So, even after all that initial stress we were presented with a good hotel, buffet dinner and breakfast.
Buuuuut... That’s not all. Monday morning, at the airport, we got stopped at the baggage control gate, due to the miniature 1911s that were among the freebies. Everything was checked by the police, but
For me, IWA 2025 was a great experience, especially since it was my first time being there. It was something that I always wished to do, and now I’m hungry for more. I do hope I’m able to attend it next year!
ANOTHER YEAR… ANOTHER SUCCESS!
Once again IWA 2025 lived up fully to the expectations I have for the show, and it was simply fabulous to see so many friends both from the manufacturing and media side of our industry and community in Germany. As usual the team at IWA were as efficient and friendly as ever, and having airsoft represented largely in one hall again made seeing everything easy and straightforward for us, hoever, before closing I must make an apology…
While in Germany we suffered some “comms issues” that meant we missed out on our final daily report (it also meant I missed most of MealSim as I was stuck behind the laptop…)! These things happen, and I hope that this report has more than made up for it!
And that was it! Four days of hard work, lots of kilometres covered, 28 meetings both formal and informal for me, and a whole host of new stories, reviews, and new content lined up by Jase, Miguel, and Bruno, and some awesome photography landed by Sara!
I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks for all of those that took time to meet with us, and rest assured 2025 is going to be a GREAT year for airsoft in general, and for AIRSOFT ACTION!
We’ll continue with our expanded team in 2026, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Germany for IWA next year, where we’ll all get “Eyes on Target” again, 26 February to 1 March 2026! AA
“AND THAT WAS IT; FOUR DAYS OF HARD WORK, LOTS OF KILOMETRES COVERED, 28 MEETINGS BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL FOR ME, AND A WHOLE HOST OF NEW STORIES, REVIEWS, AND NEW CONTENT LINED UP BY JASE, MIGUEL, AND BRUNO, AND SOME AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHY LANDED BY SARA!”
“I’D LIKE TO EXPRESS MY HEARTFELT THANKS FOR ALL OF THOSE THAT TOOK TIME TO MEET WITH US, AND REST ASSURED 2025 IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR FOR AIRSOFT IN GENERAL, AND FOR AIRSOFT ACTION! ”
