With current world events the “Kalashnikov” in all its forms has once again become a very visible tool for oppression… unless it’s in the hands of the “good guys”, who of course are fighting for their freedom with the self-same platforms as their would-be oppressors! Dan gets close with the latest version of the AK-12, the “U”, from ARCTURUS, and overall likes what he finds!
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It’s still not unheard of for Stewbacca to field an AEG once in a while for review purposes, and so it was that he got hands on with the TTI TR1 AEG at VFC’s Pentagon Service Centre. Once behind the ‘JW2’, a reference to its John Wick II origins, the latest batterypowered battle-implement proved its worth, and he quickly realised its utility as he now tells all!
30 ARMOURY: VFC STARK ARMS SA320T
Stewbacca was more than happy to get hands on and eyes behind VFC’s latest project replicating another custom pistol manufacturer’s real steel efforts, in this case the Stark Arms SA320 and SA320T, based on the SIG P320 series of pistols… and unexpectedly our resident “comp pistoleer” discovers yet another handgun that meets with his approval!
38
ARMOURY: VORSK VMP DEVELOPMENTS
We’ve spent quite a bit of time concentrating on the VORSK MODULAR PLATFROM (VMP) program, but we can’t help singing the praises of a team that have created something that is quite unique and shows a true understanding of how gas airsoft platforms work and can be developed through a program that is ultimately ground-breaking!
48
RED CELL: SBR/PDW UPDATE 2025
Time is flying by, and Red Cell is accelerating towards its end-game! When we first put the long-term testing program in place we had no idea just how much interest it would generate, not just among players but also within the ranks of the industry itself… has the program been a success? As the team turn their attention to SBR/and PDW for the final time, Bill picks up the story…
62
6MM TRAINING: THE TACTICAL CARBINE #1
It’s been a little while since we’ve been joined by our old mate and Shooting Instructor Andy N from Calibre Range, but as many of us prepare our gear, and more importantly our primary platforms ready for another year of airsoft, we thought we’d ask him to look at some specific areas that will help players both old and new elevate both their carbine setups, and indeed their game overall! Over to Andy…
68
TECH: NIGHT GEAR SOLUTIONS
When it comes to finding the right gear then we just love speaking to experts in their field, and then bringing you the lowdown on specific areas of tech and equipment! More and more airsoft players are turning to night vision products, but how do you know what to buy, and where can you get the right advice on what you actually need before parting with your cash? Miguel speaks to Ondrej at Night Gear Solutions to find out more!
76
KIT & GEAR: FOOTWEAR
As we head towards what we hope will be another long, hot summer of airsoft adventures as always we look to our personal gear lockers to look at what needs mending, updating, or outright replacing. Whilst not the first item on everyone’s list, good footwear is a must, so Bill looks again at what’s important…
84
AA LEGION: TAIWAN
As we head deeper into a whole new year of airsoft we asked some of the AA Crew to give us, and you, and idea of what we can expect to see from them in the coming months, and as usual Stewbacca was front and centre in providing us a reply! So, without further ado we’ll hand things over to one of the busiest members of our team to give his lowdown, and it certainly seems that our “Man in Taiwan” is as busy as ever!
88 AA LEGION: PORTUGAL
Miguel has always been on point with his reports from games large and small in his home country of Portugal, and the Portuguese airsoft community is one that we believe has many things it can teach all of us! As 2025 progresses we thought it would be of interest to see just how things have kicked off when it comes to games!
96 RELOADED: ICS MK18
The march of the MK18 continues at pace, with more and more manufacturers bringing out their own take on this stalwart ARplatform! But there’s one AEG version that still takes the crown according to Bill as he checks back on his original ICS model that dates back to 2022!
WE DO LOVE A GOOD AK AT AIRSOFT ACTION, BUT WITH CURRENT WORLD EVENTS THE “KALASHNIKOV” IN ALL ITS FORMS HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME A VERY VISIBLE TOOL FOR OPPRESSION… UNLESS IT’S IN THE HANDS OF THE “GOOD GUYS”, WHO OF COURSE ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR FREEDOM WITH THE SELF-SAME PLATFORMS AS THEIR WOULD-BE OPPRESSORS! DAN GETS CLOSE WITH THE LATEST VERSION OF THE AK-12, THE “U”, FROM ARCTURUS INSIDE AND OUT AND OVERALL LIKES WHAT HE FINDS!
In late 2024, Arcturus Tactical released a new update to their well-established AK-12 series: the AK-12U, the “U” being for “Updated.” This new model reflects the continuing product-improvement process that the real steel AK-12 series produced by Kalashnikov Group has undergone over the years. As replicated in airsoft form, the original Arcturus AK-12 models were based on the older 2018 era AK-12s, and this model has subsequently undergone rapid evolution through the crucible of war on a
pace not seen since the transformative processes the Armalite pattern experienced during the GWOT era. Thusly, the latest model Arcturus AK-12U represents the relatively newer 2022 model of AK-12, which itself has since been superseded by even newer iterations.
Right up front, the AK-12U sports a number of visible cosmetic changes over the older model. Gone is the AR-style buffer tube and stock, and an all-new grip module has replaced the previous steel trigger
“AS REPLICATED IN AIRSOFT FORM, THE ORIGINAL ARCTURUS
AK-12 MODELS
WERE BASED ON
THE OLDER 2018 ERA AK-12S, AND THIS MODEL HAS SUBSEQUENTLY UNDERGONE RAPID EVOLUTION THROUGH THE CRUCIBLE OF WAR ON A PACE NOT SEEN SINCE THE TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESSES THE ARMALITE PATTERN EXPERIENCED DURING THE GWOT ERA”
guard and polymer grip. The rear peep sight has been completely redesigned, freeing up even more rail space for optics. For the most part, these are just simple ergonomic changes which result in a slightly reduced weight, but overall they do improve the feel and handling of the AK-12 platform in the comfort department.
Returning to the stock, this is now a 6-position lightweight polymer stock with steel QD sockets. The stock will lock solidly in both the folded and extended positions. As with the older version, when the stock is folded to the side, you still have access to Arcturus’ excellent quick-change-spring guide assembly. I personally like the feel of the new stock better than the old one as it feels more solid. The older stock was heavier, larger, and there was no escaping the characteristic looseness that is inherent with buffer tube stocks.
The grip now encompasses a one-piece assembly that integrates the magazine release into the entire housing. The finger grooves have been omitted in lieu of a straighter and slightly slimmer profile. This also mimics the button release for the maintenance kit that would be stored in the grip of the real steel model. Here, it’s just molded into the grip and not something you can actually depress, however. I’ve never been a particularly big fan of grips with fingers grooves on them myself, so even on my Arcturus PP-19-01 PE ZTAC I ended up replacing the Zentico style RK-3 with the factory slim grip from Arcturus. On the AK12U, I also have found I greatly prefer the feel of the redesigned grip over the original version.
A FAMILIAR FORMAT
Moving on from here, the rest of the rifle pretty much resembles the original AK-12 format we are all familiar with; the receiver and most of the parts (save for the outer barrel, which is aluminum), are still constructed of steel and finished out in the durable QPQ finishing process. The selector switch also remains the same, and features the extended ledge for easier operation with your firing hand finger.
Unique to the AK-12 series is a four-position selector switch, which consists of safe, full auto, two-round burst, and semi-auto. These can also be modified via programming of the ETU. Fortuitously, unlike the original first generation Arcturus AK-12 that had a major design fault that would allow one to overrun the selector switch (and consequently have to tear down the gun to reset the selector plate), the AK-12U has a selector switch stop built in to prevent this from happening. This was also a design revision exhibited on the real steel version too.
The AK-12U comes with a distinctive black muzzle brake which can be attached after removing the orange tip. There is an indexing cap that sits underneath, which if removed, reveals standard 14mm CCW threads. Aft of this, you have a rotational sling loop and the hand guard assembly, which is a two-piece polymer set consisting of an upper and lower handguard. There are two, 1913 rail sections that are mounted to the 9 and 3 o’clock areas respectively. These can be removed by the end user if they wish, but are otherwise rigid enough for a flashlight or laser aiming module. The lower
“THE GRIP NOW ENCOMPASSES A ONE-PIECE ASSEMBLY THAT INTEGRATES THE MAGAZINE RELEASE INTO THE ENTIRE HOUSING. THE FINGER GROOVES HAVE BEEN OMITTED IN LIEU OF A STRAIGHTER AND SLIGHTLY SLIMMER PROFILE. THIS ALSO MIMICS THE BUTTON RELEASE FOR THE MAINTENANCE KIT THAT WOULD BE STORED IN THE GRIP OF THE REAL STEEL MODEL”
handguard also features a full-length 1913 rail for attaching vertical grips or the like.
The railed dust cover finishes it out; this is an interesting assembly that indexes into a pair of steel hooks and is pinned at the front via a captured takedown lever. Underneath, is of course, where one would install the battery for the replica.
Owing to the dimensional constraints of the AK12 platform and that Arcturus have also strove to deliver a 1:1 replica, battery space is a little tighter than what one might find on say, a basic AK-74 pattern. Consequently, larger diameter batteries such as the Titan Power 11.1v Li-Ion’s will not fit without disastrously crushing the cells. Ideally, one should stick with a stick-style LiPo no larger than 15mm x 15mm in diameter. There are a number of brands and options in this size format, both in 7.4v and 11.1v.
The new rear sight is design that is smaller than the old sight. This uses a peep aperture and can be adjusted for both windage. On the real rifle, rotating the large serrated wheel would graduate the sight in 100, 300, 600, 700, and 800 meter increments; obviously a wee bit optimistic for airsoft purposes! However, dialing in the sights for your typical airsoft ranges was not difficult and these actually useful, unlike airsoft irons that simply
“DIGGING
the means to adjust. Should one so desire, the entire sight assembly can be removed from the dust cover in instances where you might need even more rail space or wish to mount an optic lower to the gun.
INTERNALLY SOUND
Arcturus offers the AK-12U model in both PE (Performance Enhanced) and FE (Feature Enhanced) versions. Unlike the older AK-12, there is no ME (MOSFET Enhanced) model offered in AK-12U lineup. The PE editions are essentially the highest grade offering from Arcturus with all the bells and whistles, whereas the FE models should be considered the middle-ground option, with ME finally being the cheapest model in the hierarchy.
As I had previously covered an Arcturus PE version the form of the PP-19-01 Vityaz in Airsoft Action, and subsequently have gamed with it extensively since, I wanted to look in on the FE model and see how they stack up.
Digging into it, the primary key differences between PE and ME is the gears, motor and ETU. The PE uses 13:1 CNC’d gears paired to a 21K Neodymium motor, whereas the FE runs 18:1 sintered gears to a 24K Neodymium motor. The PE is equipped with Perun’s V3 Hybrid ETU, while the FE models use Arcturus in-house ETU design. Aside from this, the rest of the component set is the same throughout. You have a steel racked piston,
INTO IT, THE PRIMARY KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PE AND ME IS THE GEARS, MOTOR AND ETU. THE PE’S USE 13:1 CNC’D GEARS PAIRED TO A 21K NEODYMIUM MOTOR, WHEREAS FE RUNS 18:1 SINTERED GEARS PAIRED TO A 24K NEODYMIUM MOTOR. THE PE IS EQUIPPED WITH PERUN’S V3 HYBRID ETU, WHILE THE FE MODELS USE ARCTURUS IN-HOUSE ETU DESIGN”
O-ring air nozzle, ported POM piston head, stainless steel cylinder, CNC steel QCS spring guide and M120 spring. There is nothing really proprietary here either, so from the standpoint of upgrading or maintenance, you’re absolutely not going to struggle to find suitable parts here.
The in-house ETU is of Arcturus’ own making, though it appears to borrow many a page from Perun, if not maybe even is manufactured under contract by Perun, but this is, of course, idle speculation.
From a features standpoint, there are many of the same features one has come to expect these days from an ETU. Active braking, pre-cocking, adjustable trigger sensitivity, trigger reset distance, programmable fire mode, burst, binary mode, battery protection and an electronic fuse are all standard here.
Generally speaking, I preferred the default fire control scheme and just made some simple adjustments to pre-cocking, trigger sensitivity and reset distance. The two-round burst is kind of fun, although my hands (well trained as they are on the standard AK selector) found the four-position selector slightly confusing. Mainly, where I would normally feel the semi-auto position is in fact the two-round burst position, and I would have to correct this often during operation. I almost wished for an option to program safe/auto/semi/semi to replicate the standard AK format, but this is not possible with the current programming schema.
Incidentally, the Russians have also found that burst modes are not quite as amazing as they sound on paper and much like how the US military axed threeround burst long ago, they too have omitted this on the 2023 AK-12 version.
Now straight up, from a responsiveness standpoint the PE versions do have better trigger response. The 13:1/21K motor combination simply nets a faster ROF and a snappier semi-auto mode. On paper, this translates to around 24-25 RPS with an 11.1v LiPo, while the FE version runs at a much more sedate (albeit, a little more realistic) 17-18 RPS. However, semi-auto response is still quite good on the FE version, helped no doubt by the ETU and the trigger length-of-pull adjustment too. This latter feature allows you to set the amount of travel on the trigger to your preference. In conjunction with the trigger
“ALL
sensitivity adjustment on the ETU, you can, in effect, achieve a ‘hair trigger’ if so desired.
All in all, performing rapid follow-up shots with the FE model is a relative breeze. Comparatively speaking, the FE gearbox still has better semi-auto response than something like LCT’s stock AK gearboxes do and you aren’t going to really outrun the gun if you’re working the semi-auto fast.
All that being said, as a full time tech who tunes a lot of AEGs, I am admittedly spoiled (maybe biased!) by what is possible with different gear and motor combinations. Given the latitude from the customer, I would probably still advocate for the PE model, or taking the FE and dropping in 13:1s and a brushless motor. But as it is, there is honestly a lot to like about the FE gearbox from the price-point it’s offered at. It’s a solid setup with some good components and very little really needs changing.
As was the case with my PP-19-01, the shimming on the AK-12U was pretty good, only a hair on the slightly ‘too loose’ side, but far better than I see from many manufacturers. Compression was also again fantastic, with no leaks or blow-by. The true quick-change-spring guide is frankly a godsend too. Arcturus have smartly also included an anti-tilt screw to prevent the spring guide from tilting under compression. If there was any complaint, I would have wished for the spring guide to use an Allen key for installation instead of a flat-blade screwdriver. A large Allen key is simply more stable on the tool when trying to insert a spring.
All current production is now running the improved GEN2 rotary TDC (Top Down Center) hop-up chamber fitted to a 6.02 QPQ finished steel barrel. This is unquestionably one of the best AK hop-up chambers on the market, in my humble opinion. And to that extent, the barrel and bucking are also quite excellent too. While I experienced some issues with my Vityaz being unable to lift much more than a .28g until I dropped in a different nub, the AK-12U’s chamber was easily capable of lifting heavier without complaint. For most of my testing I used .32g, which held an incredibly tight group out to the end of my 80 yard range.
Inside of the magazine well there is a plate which is designed to prevent over-insertion of the magazine,
CURRENT PRODUCTION IS NOW RUNNING THE IMPROVED GEN2 ROTARY TDC (TOP DOWN CENTER) HOP-UP CHAMBER FITTED TO A 6.02 QPQ FINISHED STEEL BARREL. THIS IS UNQUESTIONABLY ONE OF THE BEST AK HOP-UP CHAMBERS ON THE MARKET IN MY HUMBLE OPINION”
“NOW STRAIGHT UP, FROM A RESPONSIVENESS STANDPOINT THE PE VERSIONS DO HAVE BETTER TRIGGER RESPONSE. THE 13:1/21K MOTOR COMBINATION SIMPLY NETS A FASTER ROF AND A SNAPPIER SEMI-AUTO MODE. ON PAPER, THIS TRANSLATES TO AROUND 24-25 RPS WITH AN 11.1V LIPO, WHILE THE FE VERSION RUNS AT A MUCH MORE SEDATE 17-18 RPS”
Disclaimer: I purchased the Arcturus AK-12U from my own funds for the purpose of this review, and nothing was arranged or furnished for review on Arcturus’ behalf. AA
“STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, YOU’VE GOT AN EMINENTLY USEABLE AEG THAT DOES NOT FEEL DISADVANTAGED IN THE SLIGHTEST WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER STOCK OFFERINGS. WHICH IS ALSO TO SAY, IT’S AMONG THE EXTREMELY FEW BRANDS THAT I’D SAY YOU COULD USE FOR A LONG WHILE WITHOUT TOUCHING A THING”
ROBUST PRECISION
WHILE HE’S USUALLY BEEN A GAS BLOWBACK GUN-ADDICT SINCE MOVING TO TAIWAN, IT’S STILL NOT UNHEARD OF FOR STEWBACCA TO FIELD AN AEG ONCE IN A WHILE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES, AND SO IT WAS THAT HE GOT HANDS ON WITH THE TTI TR1 AEG AT VFC’S PENTAGON SERVICE CENTRE. ONCE BEHIND THE ‘JW2’, A REFERENCE TO ITS JOHN WICK II ORIGINS, THE LATEST BATTERYPOWERED BATTLE-IMPLEMENT PROVED ITS WORTH, AND HE QUICKLY REALISED ITS UTILITY AS HE NOW TELLS ALL!
The ‘Lightweight’ TR1 is just that; superbly wieldy and not an encumbrance in terms of its handling at around 2.5kg, especially when you’re used to lugging around ‘chonkeh boi’ gas guns and their associated magazines in your gear!
The licenced BCM KMR 13” KeyMod handguard allows for a comfortable arm-outstretched-grip and the related ease of pointing with your support hand; similarly the use of a chunky BCM gunfighter pistol grip and wide bodied Mod-1 SOPMOD butt stock make for comfortable and controllable carrying and movement of the rifle in your hands.
The BCM pistol grip also sports the coarse skateboard-tape-style finish moulded into its side panels, with smooth-finished palms swell on the rear and lateral striations on the front strap, the overall shape and feel being quite close to the HK416 pistol grip if you are familiar with that feeling, albeit slightly shorter overall and more slab sided in its presentation rather than oval cross sectioned.
The wide butt stock has the same coarse-moulded in texture on its large release button on its underside which allows for ease of squeezing it in with a wraparound grip where the palm is on the top cheekpiece area and the fingers (whether barehanded or gloved) get a great grip across the button allowing better actuation of it and simultaneous movement of the whole buttstock in or out among the five available locking positions, allowing for a variety of body sizes and arm lengths, or presence of body armour or other worn equipment to be accommodated comfortably between 808 and 894mm of adjustment.
The wide-angled cheekpiece sections make for a very comfortable ‘lock up’ in the hands, shoulder and lining up the sights with your eye in a repeatable and easy manner; in terms of sights you don’t get anything out of the box as it’s a direct replication of the John Wick II-use TR1 example, where the eponymous punching bag and hero makes use of
“THE ‘LIGHTWEIGHT’ TR1 IS JUST THAT; SUPERBLY WIELDY AND NOT AN ENCUMBRANCE IN TERMS OF ITS HANDLING AT AROUND 2.5KG, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE USED TO LUGGING AROUND ‘CHONKEH BOI’ GAS GUNS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED MAGAZINES IN YOUR GEAR!”
an LPVO scope and a 45 degree angled red dot for close encounters. Personally, I stuck a simple T1 style clone red dot with an integral riser and QD lock on the plentiful full length Picatinny rail along with upper receiver and Keymod handguard, but of course there’s no shortage of room for a longer optic should you want to go for the ‘straight out of the movie’ look.
GETTING BBS DOWN
I imagine the performance would also suit such a setup, and while only using a red dot for sighting I nonetheless managed to reach out easily and reliably to the 40-50m range without much effort, posting plenty of 0.30g or 0.32g rounds through tight gaps or multiple windows or odd angles during outings at Linkou CQB once the HOP unit was dialled in.
This is easily adjusted thanks to the lock open faux bolt; pulling the ambidextrous serrated wing charging handle rearward locks the burnt bronze TTI logoadorned bolt-shell on the right hand side slightly open within the ejection port, allowing you ease of access to the drum style adjustment wheel. I think I much prefer these coaxial large wraparound drum adjusters over the older style transverse axle mounted wheels; much like the newer GBBR systems it allows for a lot easier adjustment with a fingertip even if gloved, or a flat bladed multitool in the case of the smaller hidden drums of some GBBRs. This variant is quite sizeable and has coarse castellations or ‘teeth’ making adjustment easy and solid in terms of it staying in place once set and being ease you count adjustment steps if required.
With the HOP setting where you want it slapping the typical bolt release paddle on the left side of the receive will drop the faux bolt and close up the access to it; however I found that the spring-loaded bolt cover didn’t really latch in to the receiver properly so always seems to stay open. There are openings in the latch surfaces to force it open upon retracting the charging handle, but it nonetheless doesn’t seem to engage with the closed portions with its spring loaded latch anyway. This isn’t a huge deal breaker to my mind as it’s an AEG so there’s nothing much to worry about in terms of dirt ingress with the faux bolt closed the majority of the time and no cycling action to consider, but a small gripe in terms of tolerances or
quality control for some perhaps.
The forward assist has no obvious function I became aware of, but is well replicated and similarly its receiver protrusion sports a bold white highlighted TTI stacked ‘T’ logo as does the right side of the magazine well slab side, with the left upper receiver having a smaller similar one and the left mag well slab having a subdued version along with the model and serial number laser engraved into its surface just above the flared fencing edge around it. The included two piece sonic-welded, lightweight, simple and durable STANAG AR AEG mid cap magazine holds 120 BBs and fits into the magazine well reasonably well and fed flawlessly during my use of it.
However, I quickly defaulted to the Amarok MAG250 sample magazines I’ve been using with AR AEGs lately. These are a P-MAG-styled, highly durable mid cap magazine with 250 BB capacity and great feeding as well as a vast array of colours and a selection of surface textures to suit many end user’s tastes… more on Amarok to come later from me, and from Bill as he’s been testing the new magazines as well. Unfortunately with the handguard being KeyMod (to maintain faithfulness to the movie franchise rifle, despite the less common usage in reality) I couldn’t use any of their other accessories, not that I can talk about them for another few months anyway…
SLICK AND LIGHT
I quite liked running the AEG slick and lightweight nonetheless, with high capacity spring-fed magazines it offered me more ammunition in one AEG AR magazine than I typically carry in an entire GBBR magazine loadout of 5-8 GBBR AR mags or similar.
I made use of a 1100mAh stick LiPo battery which easily fits in the large space afforded by the butt stock and empty buffer tube; a ‘Deans’ or T-Plug connector is fitted as standard, with access to the space through the flip down permanently affixed grippy butt-pad which is released by squeezing in the two retainer tabs in the finger divots just rearward of the QD sockets and lateral sling loops. The aforementioned rear butt-pad surface and slightly soft rubberised texture really helps it grab gear or clothing and makes the stock stay in place once pulled into the shoulder
“IN TERMS OF SIGHTS YOU DON’T GET ANYTHING OUT OF THE BOX AS IT’S A DIRECT REPLICATION OF THE JOHN WICK II-USE TR1 EXAMPLE, WHERE THE EPONYMOUS PUNCHING BAG AND HERO MAKES USE OF AN LPVO SCOPE AND A 45 DEGREE ANGLED RED DOT FOR CLOSE ENCOUNTERS”
“I QUITE LIKED RUNNING THE AEG SLICK AND LIGHTWEIGHT NONETHELESS, WITH HIGH CAPACITY SPRING-FED MAGAZINES IT OFFERED ME MORE AMMUNITION IN ONE AEG AR MAGAZINE THAN I TYPICALLY CARRY IN AN ENTIRE GBBR MAGAZINE LOADOUT OF 5-8 GBBR AR MAGS OR SIMILAR!”
pocket, even if only lightly so.
The rear of the lower receiver also incorporates the typical BCM gunfighter styled QD socket rear plate (with licensed star logo baring variants available as optional components) giving you a range of options for attaching quick-detach sling solutions, and while the KeyMod handguard doesn’t incorporate any in its body like the slightly more up to date M-LOK solutions, the plentiful Picatinny rail along its top would allow end users to attach a standoff or angled QD socket mount anywhere along it to best suit their own setup requirements depending what other accessories are fitted to it.
The selector switch is the standard format and left side only, with safe, semi, auto positions at 90 degree intervals. However, hiding inside the guts of the gun is a GATE ASTER electronic trigger control unit, which
gives you the initiation tone when first attaching the battery, as well as monitoring the ‘health’ of the battery and chiming in if the power gets too low and risks damaging it.
I’ve had a few of my LiPos balloon as a result of excessive discharging in simpler AEGs without MOSFET or ETU systems, or due to mechanical damage due to a lack of suitable on-board internal storage space; I blew through the whole 1100mAh battery in the space of less than a whole morning’s gaming thanks to the multiple 250 BB Amarok magazines I was carrying at the Linkou CQB game where I did the majority of my testing, suppressing the OpFor while my teammates flanked and eliminated them in force. The TR1 sent BBs sailing down the length of the play area with ease and repeatability, and even with just a 100m/s muzzle energy on a
“I
BLEW THROUGH THE WHOLE 1100MAH BATTERY IN THE SPACE OF LESS THAN A WHOLE MORNING’S GAMING THANKS TO THE MULTIPLE 250 BB AMAROK MAGAZINES I WAS CARRYING AT THE LINKOU CQB GAME WHERE I DID THE MAJORITY OF MY TESTING”
“THE ELECTRONIC TRIGGER IS ALSO VERY RESPONSIVE, AND ITS INCORPORATED HEAT-RESISTANT MOUNT ENSURES IT DOESN’T ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS EVEN WITH SUCH A LIBERAL USE AND HIGH ROUND-COUNT IN A DAY’S GAMING; THE GEARBOX ITSELF HAS THE NOW SOMEWHAT INDUSTRY-STANDARD QUICK-CHANGE SPRING SYSTEM WITH A STEEL SPRING GUIDE, GEARS AND 8MM BEARINGS”
0.20g BB, the 380mm internal barrel really sends them on their way nicely.
The electronic trigger is also very responsive, and its incorporated heat-resistant mount ensures it doesn’t encounter problems even with such a liberal use and high round-count in a day’s gaming; the gearbox itself has the now somewhat industry-standard quickchange spring system with a steel spring guide, gears and 8mm bearings to ensure it is well supported, coupled with a strengthened tappet plate reinforced piston and CNC machined air nozzle that makes for a very solid overall package that throws out BBs consistently and fills you with confidence, just chewing through magazines without skipping a beat.
Despite it being an AEG and not really making my teeth rattle and ears ring the same as my usual fare, it certainly had no problem getting the job done and sending people walking back to their regen or the dead zone, especially with the already awesome looking front muzzle device swapped out for an Acetech Blaster tracer unit and luminous BBs making it easier for me to track their flight in the slightly dimmed indoor play area.
GETTING PRACTICAL
While we don’t tend to use AEGs for IPSC stages or drills all that often, I nonetheless took it for an outing at team SPPT’s regular training space with a ten metre range and the fold-out VTAC barricade I built for the team. Using the TR1 ‘JW2’ AEG, even without any iron sights or a red dot fitted on its first outing right after picking it up from VPSC just before the session, I was easily able to ‘point shoot’ popper and C-zone steel targets thanks to the long handguard and inner barrel which give it a natural visual pointability and short range accuracy without the usual height-overbore concerns that having sights on would entail. Similarly, my teammate Rex managed to stumble on the programmable modes option by holding the trigger down after insertion of the battery and selection to semi auto; firing off a shot (dry fired, of course) and holding the trigger down for a few seconds afterwards elicits the usual tone of the GATE ASTER telling you that it’s ready to reprogram the ETU from the typical SAFE-SEMI-AUTO into a variety of
semi, multi duration burst or full auto modes assigned to the positions of the selector switch.
In practice we only use semi-auto in games anyway, so I just let it be and used it in semi-auto-only aside from dumping magazines on ranges to ensure function, but every trigger pull was rapidly converted into a BB exactly where I wanted it in short order… I was enjoying using it a surprising amount!
Overall everyone in team Taiji who’s had hands on with the EMG VFC TTI TR1 ‘JW2’ AEG has had lots of good things to say, and similarly I have been quite impressed with the performance and handling even if it isn’t my usual preferred gas-powered noise machine and industrial aesthetic; indeed the lines and branding are sleek and crisp compared to some of my more utilitarian favourites, but if you’re in the line for a faithful movie replica, or just a good solid AEG that has all the bells and whistles out of the box, you should really give it a fair shake… I did, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Many thanks to our friends at VFC and their Pentagon Service Centre for facilitating the review sample for me to test; I can see myself retaining it and using it as a great testing AEG for further related accessories and upcoming magazine solutions, given that I don’t have another AR AEG in my inventory at present... AA
“USING THE TR1 ‘JW2’ AEG, EVEN WITHOUT ANY IRON SIGHTS OR A RED DOT FITTED ON ITS FIRST OUTING RIGHT AFTER PICKING IT UP FROM VPSC JUST BEFORE THE SESSION, I WAS EASILY ABLE TO ‘POINT SHOOT’ POPPER AND C-ZONE STEEL TARGETS THANKS TO THE LONG HANDGUARD AND INNER BARREL WHICH GIVE IT A NATURAL VISUAL POINTABILITY”
“OVERALL EVERYONE IN TEAM TAIJI WHO’S HAD HANDS ON WITH THE EMG VFC TTI TR1 ‘JW2’ AEG HAS HAD LOTS OF GOOD THINGS TO SAY, AND SIMILARLY I HAVE BEEN QUITE IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING EVEN IF IT ISN’T MY USUAL PREFERRED GAS-POWERED NOISE MACHINE AND INDUSTRIAL AESTHETIC”
STARK CONTRAST
EVER THE LOVER OF GAS BLOWBACK GUNS IN GENERAL, BUT A FAN OF PISTOLS IN PARTICULAR, STEWBACCA WAS MORE THAN HAPPY TO GET HANDS ON AND EYES BEHIND VFC’S LATEST PROJECT
REPLICATING ANOTHER CUSTOM PISTOL MANUFACTURER’S REAL STEEL EFFORTS, IN THIS CASE THE STARK ARMS SA320 AND SA320T, BASED ON THE SIG P320 SERIES OF PISTOLS… AND UNEXPECTEDLY OUR RESIDENT “COMP PISTOLEER” DISCOVERS YET ANOTHER HANDGUN THAT MEETS WITH HIS APPROVAL!
Back at the tail end of February I was once again messaged by our good friends at VFC’s Pentagon Service Centre to be informed that “There’s an SA320 that’s been prepared that’s waiting for you.” SA320 you say? Another case of something I was vaguely aware of and had seen advertising released for but hadn’t really taken a direct interest in as my personal tastes tend to be aimed at service
weapons or other such classic platforms.
I went along on the way home after work and found that, in fact, two pistols had been prepared for me to choose from; the standard SA320 comes with a gunship grey polymer frame while the SA320T is the “tactical” variant with a slightly extended and threaded outer barrel and a black frame, otherwise being identical.
“TWO PISTOLS HAD BEEN PREPARED FOR ME TO CHOOSE FROM; THE STANDARD SA320 COMES WITH A GUNSHIP GREY POLYMER FRAME WHILE THE SA320T IS THE “TACTICAL” VARIANT WITH A SLIGHTLY EXTENDED AND THREADED OUTER BARREL AND A BLACK FRAME, OTHERWISE BEING IDENTICAL”
I opted for the tactical model to allow me to slap an Acetech Blaster tracer unit on the end during Wednesday night CQB games where we tend to use pistols-only or smaller guns in general as I go straight from the “day job” with it being close to the Police Training Centre we play at. I also, naturally, took it along to IPSC sessions throughout my testing and reviewing process running it on 1,2,3,4 drill stages on steel and practise stages on paper and steel alike, giving it plenty of run out as well as it serving as my sidearm for skirmishes on Sunday mornings, so I put down plenty of BBs in a variety of environments to gather my thoughts on it.
As it happens, I’ve been an owner of the standard VFC SIG M18 pistol since September 2023 and apparently started a bit of a trend among the “old guard” core foreigner-contingent of Team Taiji. Some of our guys had owned the peanut butter M17 service pistol beforehand, but I didn’t like it quite as much as the slightly more compact M18, which I of course acquired in black as is my wont. Since then our team leader, 2IC and now a further two of the guys in the “core team birthday outings crew” have acquired them as presents having had a go with mine and taken an interest in it as something a bit different from the otherwise standard VFC Glocks or PPQs which seem to fill the holsters of our many of our team.
Similarly our new girl, Ning really enjoyed using the M18 at IPSC training for its great handling, aside from struggling a bit with the magazine release given her smaller hands and thus shorter thumb reach; overall everyone that gets hands on with newer SIG pistols seems to agree that the oval cross-section pistol grip seems to fit everyone’s different hand sizes excellently and just lets them wrap around them in a controlling and comfortable manner regardless of size.
SAME, BUT NOT THE SAME
The Stark Arms SA320 series has slightly flatter sides with a thinner slab-side moulding of the material and inset section but retains the oval cross section at the base, flaring out to the mouth of the magazine well that gives a really comfortable hand retaining grip similar to the GEN5 Glocks with the magwell indexing the edge of your palm really nicely and the pistol
fitting in your hand even more nicely.
The texturing is a lot more aggressive all round, with very grippy general texturing on the sides and sunburst-beam cutouts radiating through them from the backstrap, while the front and backstrap swell slightly more than the standard M18, and have much more aggressive “skateboard tape” style texture pads moulded into them than those of the M18. The thumb rest insets are ambidextrous and again more textured for better handling and the magazine button-flanks are cut away slightly more to make it stick out slightly and be more tactile.
The trigger guard is rounded by comparison but the trigger itself is definitely where the most noticeable changes have been made; not only is it a much flatter and straighter with a slight fingertip retaining flare at its bottom, the break weight is significantly lighter, and there are two grub screws on the trigger main body, one in front and the other behind of the main trigger blade which allow for fine tuning of the travel.
I did perhaps over-egg this feature somewhat as I did with the Tril Tactical Glock kits, and really rode the reset limit on the first adjustment, giving a very crisp break and immediate reset, but resulting in some dead trigger moments which got me “killed in the streets” during a pistol firefight during one of our skirmishes. I found myself pulling the trigger with my finger and having to force it forward to fully reset with my support hand thumb until I got it home to mess around with it some more and get it working more reliably if being slightly sloppier on the break and reset.
Nonetheless, I love this feature and it’s easy to access thanks to the very innovative chassis system of the P320 and its derivatives being replicated in the replicas. From an engineering and innovation standpoint I’m a huge fan of this idea, where ‘the firearm’ is the metal internal cassette that’s serialised with a cut-out in the plastic allowing said serial number to be visible on the right hand side. The whole unitised working parts of the frame can be readily pulled out and slapped into a different cheap polymer frame with a different colour, shape, texture or other features with utter ease; merely cycling the action and locking it rearward to cock the internal hammer (in the case of airsoft guns) and sweeping
“OVERALL EVERYONE THAT GETS HANDS ON WITH NEWER SIG PISTOLS SEEMS TO AGREE THAT THE OVAL CROSS-SECTION PISTOL GRIP SEEMS TO FIT EVERYONE’S DIFFERENT HAND SIZES EXCELLENTLY AND JUST LETS THEM WRAP AROUND THEM IN A CONTROLLING AND COMFORTABLE MANNER REGARDLESS OF SIZE”
“THE
TRIGGER GUARD IS ROUNDED BY COMPARISON BUT THE TRIGGER ITSELF IS DEFINITELY WHERE THE MOST NOTICEABLE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE; NOT ONLY IS IT A MUCH FLATTER AND STRAIGHTER WITH A SLIGHT FINGERTIP RETAINING FLARE AT ITS BOTTOM, THE BREAK WEIGHT IS SIGNIFICANTLY LIGHTER”
the disassembly lever downward and then releasing the slide to remove it forwards.
The disassembly lever itself can then be pulled out to the left and voila, there’s nothing more retaining the internal metallic cassette with all the springs, sears and other components and it can easily be pulled upward and forward out of the polymer frame entirely. This allows it to be accessed easily for general maintenance (or in my particular case tweaking of the two grub screws to adjust the trigger travel to my tastes), but also allows it to be used for the likes of Flux Raider PDW/MP18 style kits which are becoming increasingly of interest to me given their increasing prevalence in both airsoft and real steel realms.
I see our friend Marck West of Laylax fame using his real steel one regularly on his range videos and I’m becoming increasingly tempted to buy a replica to try out the new craze. I absolutely love the simplicity and adaptability of this system and it seems to be finding its way into other systems now like ZEV’s Glock derivatives, so hopefully will become increasingly common in both real steel and replica realms.
The trigger itself is also very different. The M18’s standard more curved variant is also much heavier, around 1.75kg average on my pull weight gauge, whereas the SA320T is over a full kilogram lighter, clocking at 0.6kg on average… being ridiculously light and crisp though allowed me to run it even faster and harder at IPSC than the M18… the trigger and its short travel and reset being one of Ning’s favourite aspects of using it too.
The magazine release can be readily transferred between right or left handed use by depressing it and using a small pin punch to unlatch the front retaining section, the smaller triangle insert at the front of the ‘off-side’ opposite the actual button surface, which can then be pulled out to the side and allows the button to be fully removed from the other side and put in the other way around and reassembled in under a minute with practise.
There are slide-stop release levers on both sides, although in the case of the SA320 there are no manual safety levers at all unlike the ambidextrous ones of the M18; not such a concern in airsoft, however my lawyer would probably advise me not to complete any sentences relating to the lack of safety
in real steel SIG pistols as of late…
SIGHTING IN
Another thing I really like which is also becoming increasingly common on modern service pistols is the inclusion from the factory of optics ready-mounting systems; Glock’s MOS has taken a long time to come to market and take hold, with many seeing its plate system as inferior to some more established alternatives, while the SIG series use the standard iron sight to hold the plate down and four are included with the Stark Arms models, for RMR/SRO, ACRO and DOCTOR footplates, as well as the blank plate that comes fitted to the pistol from the factory.
I seem to have settled on SRO clones as my red dot of choice lately, so I fitted a black bodied replica with a rubberised front lens protector sheet on it for skirmishing purposes.
The slide itself feels a lot lighter as are the recoil springs while its front and rear grip serrations are spaced wider and angled less aggressively, which seem to still work fine as a result of the lower spring tension, and even with the added mass of the red dot the cycling is very snappy in the same manner as its M18 sibling. I did seem to have to zero the dot very low in the case of the SA320 compared to other dotted pistols I’ve been using, but it shoots very flat and straight, largely thanks to its fixed barrel.
Unlike the M18, it lacks the faux-tilting Browning action allowing for a smoother action in general and greater accuracy because of the lack of movement within the action overall. The steel internals also ensure good “oomph” out of the gas system and I have found it to be very reliable aside from the teething issues with the trigger I caused for myself.
The HOP unit is also superbly simple to adjust.
The M18 has a similar but less mature system requiring a tool to slide over the recoil spring guide at the front as you pull the slide partially out of battery to twist the rod and thereby adjust the HOP setting.
The SA320, by contrast, have larger flats that can be easily manipulated with your finger and thumb allowing you to take a few shots, pull the slide back far enough to access the adjustment, but not so far that the gas nozzle retracts and strips and chambers
“I FOUND THE WHOLE SETUP EXCELLENT AND I WAS DOUBLE TAPPING PEOPLE FROM 20M WITH RELATIVE EASE DURING SOME OF THE NIGHT GAMES, WITH THE TRACER UNIT FITTED TO THE THREADED FIXED OUTER BARREL ALLOWING ME TO TRACK THE ROUNDS OUT TO TARGET AND EVEN MORE READILY ZERO THE DOT”
another BB, allowing very rapid on the fly adjustment to really dial in your settings with ease to suit the ammunition being used, followed by zeroing of your red dot to suit as well.
I found the whole setup excellent and I was double tapping people from 20m with relative ease during some of the night games, with the tracer unit fitted to the threaded fixed outer barrel allowing me to track the rounds out to target and even more readily zero the dot during preparation times; the fact the barrel is fixed also means that fitting anything like a tracer or suppressor doesn’t interfere with the reliable cycling of the action as it can with other replicas that do have tilt barrel replication, or even as with real pistols in some cases.
Magazine-wise, the SA320 series uses the same VFC M17/M18/P320 magazines, although the standard one that arrives with the tactical model is also extended with a baseplate plug that actually extends the BB track, allowing for an impressive 30 BBs to be loaded, although occasionally it can fail to lock open on empty as it begins to cool down or run out of gas towards the end of a long string of firing.
The funnelling of the magazine well also aids in smoother reloading under stress or on the clock I have found. Under the barrel, a slightly longer dust cover includes a four slot Picatinny accessory rail allowing
users to fit lights or other accessories; personally I took to fitting a camera mount for selfie camera/muzzle eye view videos during IPSC and skirmishes as well as to provide footage towards the Popular Airsoft awards video I produced regarding pistols.
The 85mm inner barrel gives pretty impressive accuracy with me drilling one large inch-sized hole in a paper target once I’d dialled everything in, and in the tactical model you could swap it out for a 100mm or slightly longer barrel if you felt the need as the outer barrel extends fairly far beyond the muzzle of the inner barrel. Similarly putting a suppressor on and an even further extended inner barrel might be an option for those looking for more extreme range.
All told, while it isn’t something I would usually consider myself, the VFC SA320 and SA320T are nonetheless an excellent option if you’re in the market for a modern-looking, comfortable, reliable and adaptable sidearm, and my IPSC teammate who was also trying it out is giving serious consideration to running one in Production Optics Division given the excellent trigger, accuracy and optics-readiness from the box!
Many thanks as always go to our friends at VFC and their Pentagon Service Centre for facilitating my review! AA
“ALL TOLD, WHILE IT ISN’T SOMETHING I WOULD USUALLY CONSIDER MYSELF, THE VFC SA320 AND SA320T ARE NONETHELESS AN EXCELLENT OPTION IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A MODERN-LOOKING, COMFORTABLE, RELIABLE AND ADAPTABLE SIDEARM”
MODULAR PROGRAM SUCCESS
IT’S TRUE THAT WE’VE SPENT QUITE A BIT OF TIME CONCENTRATING ON THE VORSK MODULAR PLATFROM (VMP) PROGRAM, BUT WE CAN’T HELP SINGING THE PRAISES OF A TEAM THAT HAVE CREATED SOMETHING THAT IS QUITE UNIQUE AND SHOWS A TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW GAS AIRSOFT PLATFORMS WORK AND CAN BE DEVELOPED THROUGH A PROGRAM THAT IS ULTIMATELY GROUND-BREAKING! BILL REPORTS BACK ON HIS OWN VMP-2 AND LOOKS TO THE FUTURE…
It seems a long time ago now that we had our epic “container yard” photoshoot with the Vorsk bois and the team from Krios Photography, and if I look back on my notes then that is indeed way back in ISSUE 147 (March 2023)!
The VORSK MODULAR PLATFORM (VMP) program has literally raced on from there, and in my mind the VMP-1 has already given many players their first
proper taste of just how much fun being in-game with a good gas platform can be! I said at the time:
“Gas airsoft does require a different mind-set, but I’m still of the belief that a well-set-up gas primary platform can be a 100% viable option in all game settings, and not just MilSim or competition shooting, and I have to say that there are others among the AA team that agree with me…”
VORSK
“THE VORSK TEAM WERE NEVER GOING TO STOP WITH JUST AN SMG, AND EVEN BACK WHEN I FIRST SAW THE VMP-1 RENDERS THERE WERE ALREADY PLANS TO MOVE THE PROGRAM MEANINGFULLY FORWARD, TO CREATE FULL “BATTLE AND RECON” RIFLES BASED ON THE SAME GAS SYSTEM”
an SMG, and even back when I first saw the VMP1 renders there were already plans to move the program meaningfully forward, to create full “battle and recon” rifles based on the same gas system, but placing it into a more “traditional” carbine/rifle configuration.
So it was that I saw plans and 3D renders of the VMP-2, and this moved forward to full physical mockups, culminating in the finished preproduction prototypes that I shot in the depths of the VORSK skunkworks and then saw fully-fledged along with the rest of the airsoft world at IWA 2024… and they looked and felt awesome! Folk, especially those that already owned a VMP-1 were excited as hell, and a host of pre-orders were placed, ensuring that VMP-2 would be as much of a success as the VMP-1… and then… we all waited…
Through absolutely no fault of the VORSK team the three VMP-2 variants arrived late, in fact not until the beginning of this year. We all know that international surface shipping has been in complete disarray for a while now, and although the container with all the initial VMP-2s inside left the Far East on time, it then went on a little cruise around the world’s oceans… and kept right on cruising! I spoke to the guys numerous times to get an update on where the container was, and each time I asked it was in a different dockyard at some far-flung “edge of the empire”!
Frustration levels were high indeed, and finally I
on UK shores… and finally late in February 2025 the VMP-2s finally made it to their new homes…
I stress again, this was in no way the “fault” of the VORSK team, or indeed anyone… we’ve all seen what’s going on with surface shipping and it ain’t pretty right now, and potentially could get even worse given the global political situation; perhaps when we see a new model advertised our wait-time is going to be significantly longer then it has been in the past… but most airsofters I know are far from patients beings!
IN DA HOUSE!
As I said though, finally the VMP-2 models arrived and were shipped onwards to stores the moment that the container arrived at the VORSK warehouse. I know this to be true as the guys sent me a WhatsApp message with pictures showing this actually happening… and so, along with many of you reading this, the VMP-2Ds that Jase and I had ordered arrived the week before we set off for IWA!
On February 27th we posted an update on the AA web news that “THE VMP-2 HAS LANDED!”. Matt at VORSK had asked me if I could get out and shoot my 2D ASAP, and I was happy to oblige, setting off one thankfully sunny spring afternoon with the new rifle set up and ready to roll! I reported back at that time that:
“I’ve been playing around with various accessory setups on the 2D as I did on the prototype, chopping and changing different optics, bipods, and LAMs, and the base feature set of the 2D allows you to
rifle, and as an intended DMR is restricted to safe/semi
“I SAW PLANS AND 3D RENDERS OF THE VMP-2, AND THIS MOVED FORWARD TO FULL PHYSICAL MOCK-UPS, CULMINATING IN THE FINISHED PRE-PRODUCTION PROTOTYPES THAT I SHOT IN THE DEPTHS OF THE VORSK SKUNKWORKS AND THEN SAW FULLYFLEDGED ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE AIRSOFT WORLD AT IWA 2024…”
place for anyone who wants to dabble in using a gasdriven platform in-game, and from what I’ve seen so far the VMP-2D just proves me right! But I’ve finally got the setup how I like it, and it’s ended up more as a bit of an old-skool battle rifle… I’ve dropped off the bipod and big optic in favour of a foregrip and holosight with magnifier, and at 30m it is REALLY ringing the steels!
“It’s obviously still bedding in, but I’ve had no issues with either the short or long magazines (from the VMP-1) fitting and feeding perfectly, and my initial chrono recorded .20g BBs at 1.69 Joule/427fps although I expect this to creep up slightly when things settle. The hop has no issue whatsoever with .30g BBs, what I’ll probably end up using in-game, although I believe I’ll need to make sure my secondary is in tip-top shape so that I can still abide by site DMR rules… the VMP-2D to me is now in the same space as my beloved M110 GBBR, and I can see some exciting times ahead!”
And indeed they are, as now I’m back from IWA I’ve been able to have a couple more sessions up on the woods range, and the 2D is thrilling to say the
shorter full-auto variant? Simple really; Jase has always wanted to set up a proper gas DMR, and as we both already have the VMP-1 for “close encounters” I decided that I’d like a longer setup for in the woods, a throwback to my love of older-style rifles like the FAL and SLR. As “GBBR players” already we both tend to stick to semi-auto anyway given the reduced “realcap” magazine capacity of virtually all platforms of this type.
And the VMP-2D is ideally placed to act as the perfect base for both projects! VORSK describe this model thus:
““D” for DESIGNATED MARKSMEN - boasting a lengthy 410mm barrel and Muzzle Energy up to 1.9J using VORSK V6 GBB Fuel, you can command the battle-area at a distance with long-range, accurate (semi-auto) fire”
And if the noise that a .30g BB makes when it hits my steels at 30m is anything to go by, then the VMP2D certainly has the legs to reach WAY out there, and I am really looking forward to getting it in-game soon! But of course this is a truly MODULAR platform, and Matt has promised me a complete drop-in upper
least; it shoots REALLY well, and using VORSK FUEL as intended, even on chilly UK mornings! But why did Jase and I go for the semi-auto VMP-2D over the
“WE
assembly with a shorter barrel and rail as soon as they are available so that I can chop and change configurations as I wish to suit different AO’s and
POSTED AN UPDATE ON THE AA WEB NEWS THAT “THE VMP-2 HAS
LANDED!”;
MATT AT VORSK HAD ASKED ME IF I COULD GET OUT AND SHOOT MY 2D ASAP, AND I WAS HAPPY TO OBLIGE, SETTING OFF ONE THANKFULLY SUNNY SPRING AFTERNOON WITH THE NEW RIFLE SET UP AND READY TO ROLL!”
game scenarios… I’ll report back on this as soon as it happens, but for now I’m more than happy that the VMP-2D, with my VMP-1 as a CQB-option, will serve me well this coming summer.
MOVING ON… AGAIN!
Again, as I said earlier, the VORSK MODULAR
buy into the entire family!
So what is coming next?
The VMP-2S benefits from a 7” M-LOK rail, a 20mm picatinny stock mount, and VMP folding stock, and will be set at around 330fps/1 Joule with a Safe, Semi-only, and Full-auto trigger group. The VMP2SD will have a 7” M-LOK squared rail, an integrally suppressed outer barrel, a 20mm picatinny stock
the new models also have complete
with a 3” perforated, round handguard, a 20mm
magazine compatibility with the existing variants, this is a complete WIN for anyone that has, or wishes to,
picatinny stock mount, the NEW stubby pistol grip, and a NEW enlarged charging handle… it just looks “businesslike”, and with one of the new slimline
“IF THE NOISE THAT A .30G BB MAKES WHEN IT HITS MY STEELS AT 30M IS ANYTHING TO GO BY, THEN THE VMP-2D CERTAINLY HAS THE LEGS TO REACH WAY OUT THERE, AND I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING IT IN-GAME SOON!”
metal stocks added (these will be available as an accessory at a later date, as will many of the new parts!) I can see this being a fabulous CQB tool, or a backup to my 2D for fights between MED and pistolrange. Once again it will be set to around 330 fps/1 Joule with a Safe, Semi-only, and Full-auto trigger group… BUT… remember that the trigger groups themselves are modular so in my mind you could easily swap out the as-stock group and replace it with a dedicated Safe, Semi-only one to make it 1200% compliant with most CQB sites anywhere in the world!
Am I excited by this latest development within the architecture of the VMP program? You bet I am. As the three models set for release hopefully later this year will really round out that modular family, and provide a dedicated variant for virtually every style of airsoft-play out there. With the full modularity options though I can see some wild and whacky combos in the offing, and with the sheer number of accessory parts and aftermarket options out there, it’s really just your imagination that will hold you back from creating something very specifically “YOU”!
I’m delighted with the VMP-2D, and I can see this being a regular companion in the woods for some time to come, just as the VMP-1 has been a fabulous “partner in shenanigans” to date! As far as I’m concerned all VORSK need to do now is to create a pistol using the short VMP magazine and the circle will be complete.
Will this happen? I’m certain that it will as it just makes total sense, but in the meantime I know that those VORSK team have more up their sleeve for the immediate future; at IWA we also saw the VMAR, their first AR-style GBBR, and with a new gas system and with some striking features this is a superb new direction, and I already know that the VMAR will also come in a number of variants! This is still a little way off right now, but the concept is sound, and I’ll be talking in-depth about this model when the time is right…
And, “behind the scenes in the skunkworx”? Yeah, 100% more to come from VORSK… but once again I’m sworn to secrecy so you’ll have to wait a bit… trust me though, the VORSK bois have got the bit firmly between their teeth and they’re far from finished yet! AA
“VORSK UNVEILED A FURTHER THREE MODELS THAT I AM CERTAIN ARE GOING TO ABSOLUTELY DELIGHT PLAYERS EVERYWHERE… AND GIVEN THAT THE NEW MODELS ALSO HAVE COMPLETE MAGAZINE COMPATIBILITY WITH THE EXISTING VARIANTS, THIS IS A COMPLETE WIN FOR ANYONE THAT HAS, OR WISHES TO, BUY INTO THE ENTIRE FAMILY”
“I
KNOW THAT THOSE VORSK TEAM HAVE MORE UP THEIR SLEEVE FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE; AT IWA WE ALSO SAW THE VMAR, THEIR FIRST AR-STYLE GBBR AND WITH A NEW GAS SYSTEM AND WITH SOME STRIKING FEATURES THIS IS A SUPERB NEW DIRECTION”
VMP-2M
VMP-2MD
VMP-2D
VORSK
RED CELL SHORT STUFF
TIME IS FLYING BY, AND RED CELL IS ACCELERATING TOWARDS ITS END-GAME! WHEN WE FIRST PUT THE LONG-TERM TESTING PROGRAM IN PLACE WE HAD NO IDEA JUST HOW MUCH INTEREST IT WOULD GENERATE, NOT JUST AMONG PLAYERS BUT ALSO WITHIN THE RANKS OF THE INDUSTRY ITSELF… HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN A SUCCESS? AS THE TEAM TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO SBR AND PDW FOR THE FINAL TIME. BILL PICKS UP THE STORY…
Four and a bit year of shooting and cataloguing all the AEGs and GBBs that we’ve had in for test and held onto or bought in… one pandemic, numerous range sessions, literally thousands of BBs, many, many bottles of gas, replacement batteries (thank you NUPROL!) and hop rubbers/seals… a fair bit of money spent on platforms to round out categories… and some real commitment from the members of Red Cell… that’s what this program has meant in tangible terms, but it’s of course the intangible that every member of the team is looking at!
It’s the performance of all those AEGs and GBBs that we’ve wanted to find out about, not just as new but as well-seasoned warriors that have seen a mass of action both on the field in-game and on the range… time and again, rinse and repeat! We’ve continued to add models to the long-term test pool in the various categories as they’ve become available, and indeed had to create sub-categories in some areas to accommodate the sheer volume of what’s become available over the past few years… and where new models have been added, taking our initial pool of ten models in each category up to twenty over time, these “noobs” have been properly hammered to bring their BB counts up to match the old campaigners, putting even more stress on their internals!
So yeah, has this program been worthwhile? I believe it has, as we’ve been able to update you on how certain models have performed over time, and it’s already allowed us to give direct feedback to manufacturers along the way too, feedback that we hope (and know) has been taken on board to make what we all shoot with just that little bit more refined.
So, yes, mission success so far and with another eight months to run before we pull together ALL of our notes I believe that overall all the effort put in by so many of the AA Crew will provide a wealth of data the like of which has not been seen before!
But what of our update this month on PDW and SBR AR models? Again, we’ve been able to finally get the category count up to TWENTY AEG models, and each of them in their own way have been tremendous fun to shoot!
How do we differentiate things though?
Basically, any AR model that has a barrel sub-10”
we count, in the testing group at least, as a “Short Barrelled Rifle”, or SBR. Breaking that down further we further differentiate these models by stock design, so an SBR has a standard buffer tube and multiposition stock, whilst a PDW has the minimalist sliding stock with smaller battery compartment instead.
I know that this is a somewhat arbitrary differentiation but it does make things easier for us (and hopefully for you!) in relation to categorisation… but to make things even more difficult of course we’re seeing AR-style platforms, both SBR and PDW, coming more and more with “9 mil” mags rather than “556”… ultimately though what we’re looking at in this category is short rifles and carbines based on the classic AR setup.
Whilst there are a few older models that I’ll look at in more depth this month, I also asked the AA Crew to think about what makes an SBR/PDW “sing” to them, to focus on the utility and end-use as much as individual models… this is ultimately how we’ll wraps things up at the end of 2025, but I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the ride as we move forward, ever forward, through to the end of the year!
TEAM TALK
Bruno: Personally, I’d rather have an SBR. I’ve never been a big fan of PDW stocks; they’re not that comfortable, at least in airsoft. For me, SBRs have the big plus of having a buffer tube, which allows you to use many types of stocks that can increase battery space. PDW stocks are quite tight on battery space. Of course, this is just my personal opinion. If we’re talking about GBBRs, I’d also go with a buffer tube and stock, as it’s something I feel more comfortable with.
Ben: Being a man of “hobbit stature” I obviously tend to find SBRs, SMG and PDWs are my thing, that and my general play style all mixes quite nicely. My thoughts on regarding the Valken Kilo...as a standard out the box SBR it’s actually quite decent, and I’ve seen or heard of very little problem with this platform; it’s very well styled, lightweight for those who are either new to it all or are looking to keep weight down and not suffer with fatigue (which help when playing the CQB games where you’re having to keep
“ONE PANDEMIC, NUMEROUS RANGE SESSIONS, LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF BBS, MANY, MANY BOTTLES OF GAS, REPLACEMENT BATTERIES (THANK YOU NUPROL!) AND HOP RUBBERS/SEALS… A FAIR BIT OF MONEY SPENT ON PLATFORMS TO ROUND OUT CATEGORIES… AND SOME REAL COMMITMENT FROM THE MEMBERS OF RED CELL… THAT’S WHAT THIS PROGRAM HAS MEANT IN TANGIBLE TERMS”
your RIF up ready far longer than say your average skirmish day out in the woods games), and with very little upgrading you can turn this into quite a little beast of its own… definitely worth it’s money in my opinion
But if you’re looking for a true “PDW” and not a jury-rigged AR, well there’s nothing quite like an
iconic MP5k with the PDW stock; I currently run a JG MP5k and love it! However this platform is a little tricky when it comes to parts of it, it feels as if it was rush out without much thought on aftermarket part’s for it...like it was made purposely different just to be awkward which is really it’s only downside if you ask me. If you’re looking to make it easy on yourself with upgrading one and fitting a load of goods to it then I recommend the CYMA MP5k; that’s not to put the JG down in any way in performance but it’s more suited to someone with patience and persistence in get what they what from it…. so from me, if you want an AR SBR then great, but if you want a REAL PDW then go for the Koch!
Dan: Being more of the “hobbity stature” like Ben, and liking my stocks short to begin with, I’ve generally gotten along pretty well with PDW stocks. That being said, there are definitely well designed and poorly designed stocks insofar as ergonomics are concerned. One of my favourites has been the various replicas of the Troy Industries PDW stock, which would probably be closely followed by the HK416C and those found on the KWA Ronin T6 and QRF’s. I had bought a copy of the Strike Industries PDW stock by EMG a few years back, but found it to be obscenely heavy, with a slippery and uncomfortably shaped buttplate and stiff latching mechanism. That was quickly sold after a hot minute.
With regard to AEG’s, you do have to contend with the loss of battery space; which really means you just have to get creative with where you put the battery. Most PDW stocks do not really have room for a battery, if at all. So in a lot of situations you will be using a front-wired AEG. On my PDW build, I initially started out using a PEQ-15 battery box from VFC, which housed a decent sized 1300mah 11.1v LiPo. Later on, I switched out to a G&P Redi-Mag and a hollowed out PTS EPM magazine which would house the same 11.1v 1450mah LiPo’s I used in stuff with a normal buffer tube. I liked this setup best of all as it cleaned up the top of the rail.
Naturally, an SBR will have the benefit of improved battery space, better points of contact (i.e. stability) for your fleshy bits and more adjustment room for stock length, which taller players will find more comfortable. You can do some external modifications
“BASICALLY, ANY AR MODEL THAT HAS A BARREL SUB-10” WE COUNT, IN THE TESTING GROUP AT LEAST, AS A “SHORT BARRELLED RIFLE”, OR SBR. BREAKING THAT DOWN FURTHER WE FURTHER DIFFERENTIATE THESE MODELS BY STOCK DESIGN, SO AN SBR HAS A STANDARD BUFFER TUBE AND MULTI-POSITION STOCK, WHILST A PDW HAS THE MINIMALIST SLIDING STOCK WITH SMALLER BATTERY COMPARTMENT”
ARES X-CLASS AR-091E
Price: iro UK£390.00
Age: 3 Years
Weight: 2600g
Length: 690/770mm
Magazine Capacity: 140, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.12 Joule/348fps
Hot Chrono: 1.12 Joule/347fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.co.uk
BOLT DD DAGGER LITE
Price: iro UK£315.00
Age: Four Years
Weight: 2760g
Length: 645-725mm
Magazine Capacity: 140, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.11 Joule/346fps
Hot Chrono: 1.13 Joule/349fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.nuprol.com
CYMA CM.097
Price: iro UK£155.00
Age: Six Years
Weight: 2770g
Length: 730/815 mm
Magazine Capacity: 160, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 109 Joule/344fps
Hot Chrono: 1.09 Joule/344fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.taiwangun.com
EVOLUTION RECON
Price: iro UK
Age: Five Years Six Months
Weight: 2200g
Length: 690/775mm
Magazine Capacity: 130, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.94 Joule/319fps
Hot Chrono: 0.94 Joule/319fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: store.evolutioninternational.it
SPECNA ARMS SA-F01 FLEX
Price: iro UK£125.00
Age: Five Years
Weight: 2130g
Length: 650/740mm
Magazine Capacity: 300, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340fps
Hot Chrono: 1.04 Joule/335fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail Sections
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.gunfire.com
to change up the barrel length and thus make it so the overall length is really not that much longer than a PDW stocked setup. As a further evolution, replicas of the LAW Tactical folding hinge exist, as do 1913 adapters. So you can enjoy both the benefits of a SBR, but also the advantages of having a folding stock assembly that actually comes out shorter than a collapsed PDW stock does.
Given a choice between an SBR or a PDW setup, I would say the old adage still applies: “mission dictates the gear.” If it was a game scenario where one was working in and out of vehicles a lot, or tight CQB confines, then a PDW makes a lot of sense. Similarly, for a command role where you’re not really expecting to see so much action as much as working a radio and a map, having a more compact replica you can collapse the stock on and keep out of your working space is attractive. With the right upgrades installed neither PDW’s nor SBR’s suffer for range, punch or accuracy. As so much else does in airsoft, it often simply distils down to personal preference and aesthetic choice.
Boycie: I really like SBRs as they’re nice and compact which for me is ideal in a CQB environment. Depending on the stock-type they can be collapsed or folded to be really short almost to the point where it’s basically a pistol. The shortest SBR I have run was a special build on a KWA using a 5” barrel, custom made foregrip and a slither stock. It ran a steady 22 or so RPS but the crack as it fired was great fun. Currently my SBRs are an MPX and a KWA T10 with a T6 upper on. If I had to choose one tho I would have to go MPX. They both have their advantages depending on the site/field and how I want to play on the day.
Robbie: I love SBR and PDW replicas; I prefer to run centre-line, so shorter stocks kind of rule but better yet, SAS-style push underarm slings. I’m not really an “AR guys” so my favorite SBR is the Suchka AKS74U with a side folder stock. But a close behind is the CQB KPOS Glock PDW kit, remove the stock and run SAS-sling-style off the tail. Drive the PDW towards the target. My issue with most SBRs and PDWs is that people overload them with accessories even doubling their weight, especially the AR variety…. so yeah, go OPFOR and run lite!
Bill: All the points that the crew have made so far are observations that I’ve made myself over time, and that I agree with completely! When I’ve run a PDW then it’s for a specific scenario or mission usually involving urban and vehicle work, so that’s basically when I’m acting as “CP” in-game, and as Robbie rightly said for this role you just need to keep things minimalist… for instance with the new ICS PDW (which I love!) I’ve just set it up with a taclite and super-stubby (WADSN) foregrip, mainly to give front-hand index point, but also to help with the cable management of the taclite so this doesn’t get caught up on anything. I do have an optic fitted, a little T1-style, but this is on a QD mount with throw lever… if I want to keep things really pared back I can keep the optic in my pocket and sling it on once my “IA Contact Drills” have been completed.
The length of pull on many PDW models has been an issue for me (and also for Stewbacca) as we both benefit from “positive ape indexes” (look it up, it’s real!) which means we have monkey-arms! Unless you have a stock that unlocks to give a decent length then you’re never going to get it shouldered properly, so until recently I’ve always opted for the SBR-style rather than the PDW. Again, I’ve also found battery space to be an issue like many of you, but the newer PDW models ARE coming with a little more space in this respect, and indeed many manufacturers are now offering tube-extensions for their existing PDW designs.
At the end of the day though, as Dan said, YOU choose what YOU like, as in-game all the models spoken about and show here are going to let you chuck “plastic deff” out to the reasonable ranges we need to be achieving accurately; as some of the nowolder models in this category have proved, they’ll also keep on doing so for some considerable time if you maintain and look after them!
But what of the older models? Well, I have to say that Specna Arms have really embraced the whole “SBR/PDW” thing, and fair play to them; they saw an emerging trend in the player-desire-market and filled it, initially with models like the traditionallystyled EO4 and E12, but then carrying things forward with the FX01 which incorporates much of their own latest design-focus! But the other older AEGs have
“I REALLY LIKE SBRS AS THEY’RE NICE AND COMPACT WHICH FOR ME IS IDEAL IN A CQB ENVIRONMENT. DEPENDING ON THE STOCK-TYPE THEY CAN BE COLLAPSED OR FOLDED TO BE REALLY SHORT ALMOST TO THE POINT WHERE IT’S BASICALLY A PISTOL”
HUNSTMAN TACTICAL M4 SHORT
Price: iro UK£230.00
Age: Three Years
Weight: 2122g
Length: 650/740mm
Magazine Capacity: 300, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.05 Joule/337fps
Hot Chrono: 1.05 Joule/337fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.biz
ARCTURUS KARAMBITAT-NY04
Price: iro UK£250.00
Age: Five Years
Weight: 2500g
Length: 575mm (PDW Stock)
Magazine Capacity: 340, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340fps
Hot Chrono: 1.09 Joule/344fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.taiwangun.com
ICS DAGGER SSS III
Price: iro UK£285.00
Age: Four Years
Weight: 2305g
Length: 640/711mm
Magazine Capacity: 340, will accept all STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Hot Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.icsbb.com
VALKEN KILO
Price: iro UK£150.00
Age: Six Years
Weight: 2494g
Length: 620mm/700mm
Magazine Capacity: 300, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Hot Chrono: 0.98 Joule/325fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW (11mm CW to 14mm CCW
thread adapter included)
Supplied By: www.308-sniper.co.uk
KRYTAC TRIDENT MKII PDW
Price: iro UK£400.00
Age: Five Years
Weight: 2400g
Length: 535mm (PDW Stock)
Magazine Capacity: 300, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Hot Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.landwarriorairsoft.com
performed well, and with more time on the range thus far none of them have failed under pressure!
The newer models are taking a hammering already, and it’s great to see some really cool AEGs from Delta Armory and Rossi coming through, as well as some cool additions to the HUNTSMAN AEG line… with NUPROL dropping new models as well I can see that we’ll have our work cut out in the coming months… but for now I’ll hand you back to the guys…
GETTING INTO IT
Jimmy: Having owned and used the CYMA 0.97 I can safely say that it is a super platform that now holds a small question mark against it after extended use; while it is a lovely carbine it is not without its flaws. In my opinion there are two design flaws on the 0.97, the lower receiver and the stock electronics. Not only have I owned one but I have also had a few on the bench all suffering from failed electronics.
CYMA have used an electronic trigger system which is identical to something that Jefftron made a few years back, they are very similar if not identical. Mine very early on stopped functioning and others I have seen either just stopped functioning or were fried due to over-heating. I swapped mine out for a Jefftron Leviathan V2 and never saw any issues after that. Internally the platinum range gearboxes are pretty solid and many people see CYMA parts as good replacement parts over stock. Their pistons are renowned for being very robust and I for one have used them in many different gearboxes as upgrades.
The second flaw on the 0.97 is the lower receiver and the way they have designed the spring guide. The spring guide screws directly into the rear, meaning the receiver is under stress from the spring and can be detrimental to the receivers integrity. I have seen several crack at the exact same spot just around where the rear gearbox pin goes through. You may think they were using a spring which is too strong but two I know of were fitted with a M110 spring. I could understand it breaking had something like an M140 or M150 but to crack on a lightweight spring shows weakness in the design. I couldn’t wait to get one when they first came out but now I have questions… which is annoying as I really do like the platform! Miguel: I remember when the “PDW” models first
“I
appeared, still within the EDGE 1.0 range. Gunfire and Specna Arms were kind enough to send one for review at the time, since the ambassador program wasn’t a thing yet, and my first thought was “what a little beast this is”! I liked it so much that when the first models with the Aster were available, even before the official “birth” of the EDGE 2.0 range, I got one, and passed the 1.0 to a teammate who still uses to this day!
Being a highly compatible replica, it’s my main choice for pure CQB games, since it’s a model that lets you be more nimble in those corners and tight locations. And of course having the Aster is a great addition; it’s an already well known electronic trigger that offers the players a good amount of customizations, like a faster trigger response and burst fire. The only downside of this model is the battery compartment, which is small, and if you have the 1.0 model, the X-ASR protection Mosfet will leave even less space. Specna Arms did release some extended battery tubes, but they are hard to come by.
The only upgrade I’ve done to my E12 PDW was changing the hop up rubber, something I’ve done to most of my replicas. Other than that, it’s been one of my go-to replicas for the past few years when I know that we are playing in urban environments. It has never failed me.
And the latest FX01; to be honest, when the PDW or “9mm” ARs started to appear, I wasn’t that much of a fan, I just couldn’t get my head around the long and slick magazines… but it was one of those cases when a new model ended up growing on me after I got my hands on the Specna FX01. Not only is it a practical replica for those bigger games where less is more, but it also performs quite well for its price range. And I also do like the Light Ops Stock that comes with it; it does make using an optic easier when rocking earpro. It also has some interesting features, like a working bolt catch, easy spring change and an M-LOK handguard.
Jimmy: I’ve had the ICS Lightway Dagger S3 in my possession for quite some time now and it has been heavily used in both CQB and woodland environments with great effect. It’s never missed a beat and performed impeccably time after time. I have a great fondness for ICS and over the last few years they have
REMEMBER WHEN THE “PDW” MODELS FIRST APPEARED, STILL WITHIN THE EDGE 1.0 RANGE. GUNFIRE AND SPECNA ARMS WERE KIND ENOUGH TO SEND ONE FOR REVIEW AT THE TIME, SINCE THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM WASN’T A THING YET, AND MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS “WHAT A LITTLE BEAST THIS IS””
G&G SR30
Price: iro UK£360.00
Age: Five Years
Weight: 2760g
Length: 700mm/770mm
Magazine Capacity: 90 (G2), will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.98/325fps
Hot Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.nuprol.com
SECUTOR ASTRA III
Price: iro UK£370.00
Age: Four Years
Weight: 2730g
Length: 700mm/770mm
Magazine Capacity: 120, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.06 Joule/339fps
Hot Chrono: 1.06 Joule/339fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.biz
SPECNA ARMS SA-E04
Price: iro UK£230.00
Age: Seven Years
Weight: 2600g
Length: 700/780mm
Magazine Capacity: 2 x 125 S-MAG, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.98/325fps
Hot Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.gunfire.com
SPECNA ARMS SA-E12
Price: iro UK£235.00
Age: Five Years
Weight: 2400g
Length: 620/700mm
Magazine Capacity:
Cold Chrono: 0.98/325fps
Hot Chrono: 0.95 Joule/320fps
Taclite Compatibility: 2 x 125 S-MAG, will accept most STANAG/ AR
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.gunfire.com
SPECNA ARMS SA-FX01
Price: iro UK£110.00
Age: New
Weight: 1900g
Length: 670mm/755mm
Magazine Capacity: 200 BBs
Cold Chrono: 0.95/320fps
Hot Chrono: 0.98 Joule/325fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.gunfire.com
excelled themselves producing more and more airsoft goodness.
The Dagger makes for a formidable CQB rifle being short and lightweight due to its polymer construction (a different thing these days as Bill pointed out earlier!) which allows you to manouver quickly giving you the element of surprise. The addition of the smart Mosfet coupled with a short stroke trigger and the set precock function makes it lightning quick, meaning you can get off a few shots before your opponent has even realized what happened!
The precock function is factory set and nonadjustable; after the first shot the piston lies in a state of readiness and returns to the same position every time. Included is ICS’ famous spring tension release button so you don’t have to worry about the spring being kept under tension at the end of the day, and this is easily operated by simply pushing the forward assist, a great little idea I feel and ICS have been using this for years and if I’m not mistaken the only manufacturer to implement this.
When I first got hands on with the Dagger it came out of the box with a very healthy yet UK legal velocity but over time and with a good cleaning of the barrel and hop rubber the power started to increase slightly to a point it was no longer safe to use for my local sites; strange right, as this is not usually the case and most rifles decrease in power over time. The last chrono check I carried out was showing a 0.30g bb 300fps @ 1.38j which is crazy (and entering legally questionable territory here in the UK!), but rest assured the power was adjusted back down and sits perfectly @ 1.1j which is spot on for CQB venues.
Jase: One of the test models I’ve had long-term access to is the G&G’s Knights Armament SR30. My first thoughts on the SR30 were “impressive”. The immediate quality of this RIF was good. It felt solid, really solid! Apart from the stock giving off a wee rattle, the whole platform did not make a noise, and this has remained the case; I wasn’t expecting this. In the years I have been a player, I have fettled my fair share of AEG’s from expensive to cheap so I know what a good RIF feels like.
As a bit of a “purist” I’m pleased to see how well G&G had engraved this SR30. Talk about a good job, from what I can tell this is the spitting image of the
real thing. The trades are super crisp, and I’d go as far as to say laser engraved as they look so nice. When I compared this with photos of the real Knights SR30, apart from the missing CTR stock and slightly different pistol grip, this was a damn fine Knights Armament replica. Thankfully the finish of the SR30 has stood up well to extended use and abuse too; it still looks bang-on!
The G&G Knights Armament SR30 has been really nice to use too, I’ve had zero issues or gripes over time. The SR30 comes fitted with a programmable Mosfet as standard and it’s great to see G&G moving this along; their “take” on this gearbox/Mosfet combo offers really handy features! Here in the UK this SR30 is competitively priced for a solid, well-made, beautifully “traded” AEG. Would I recommend this G&G SR30? It’s still a “Yes”.
Bill: Finishing up now, and a couple more models from me! I ended up buying the KARAMBIT AT-NY04 after I’d tried their super-shorty LITE, and even though this still has the sliding PDW-style stock the increased rail-length makes it more comfortable for me to use.
There are also some elements of the Karambit’s construction that I have to comment on as I REALLY like them, especially considering the price of this AEG; the magazine catch, bolt catch and fire selector are ALL ambidextrous. The handguard is a very, very nicely achieved alloy M-LOK, but it still has a top-rail that marries up perfectly with the railed upper, and the sliding “PDW-style” stock is solid as a rock (and has QD sling-stud-points both left and right) although it does suffer from the tiny battery compartment that means you have to pick your battery carefully, especially as it’s T-Plug wired; I found that small 11.1V 800mAh 15C works very well indeed.
It’s a great little platform to work with, with great ergonomics and a very positive cheek weld even with the minimalist stock. Adding a finger rest makes it very easy to drive the muzzle from target to target, and the overall length of the rifle makes it easy to work with. Once the rotary hop is set, an easy control to adjust, the Karambit puts BBs straight out to the end of the 30m range, dead-flat-out all the way. The microswitch trigger is light yet crisp, with very little lag so it’s easy to get consistently accurate shots away time after time.
“THE G&G KNIGHTS ARMAMENT SR30 HAS BEEN REALLY NICE TO USE TOO, I’VE HAD ZERO ISSUES OR GRIPES OVER TIME. THE SR30 COMES FITTED WITH A PROGRAMMABLE MOSFET AS STANDARD AND IT’S GREAT TO SEE G&G MOVING THIS ALONG; THEIR “TAKE” ON THIS GEARBOX/MOSFET COMBO OFFERS REALLY HANDY FEATURES”
ROSSI SENTINEL ALPHA
Price: iro UK£140.00
Age: New Weight: 2075g
Length: 650mm/750mm
Magazine Capacity: 300 BBs, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.01Joule/330fps
Hot Chrono: 1.02 Joule/333fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.biz
G&G CM16 BATTO
Price: iro UK£200.00
Age: Six Months
Weight: 2330g
Length: 688mm/784mm mm
Magazine Capacity: 120 BBs, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.99 Joule/328fps
Hot Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.guay2.com
DELTA ARMORY TALOS 3 PDW
Price: iro UK£220.00
Age: New Weight: 2300g
Length: 560mm/650mm
Magazine Capacity: 120 BBs, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 0.95/320fps
Hot Chrono: 0.96 Joule/322fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.patrolbase.co.uk
ICS DDM4 PDW S3
Price: iro UK£TBC
Age: New Weight: 2478g
Length: 585mm/685mm
Magazine Capacity: 120 BBs, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.03 Joule/334fp
Hot Chrono: 1.06 Joule/338fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.icsbb.com
HUNTSMAN TACTICAL RONIN PDW
Price: iro UK£220.00
Age: New Weight: 2100g
Length: 500mm/590mm
Magazine Capacity: 300 BBs, will accept most STANAG/AR
Cold Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps
Hot Chrono: 1.02 Joule/333fps
Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK
Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW
Supplied By: www.iwholesales.biz
I won’t go into the new ICS DD PDW S3 again here as I only just covered it in full recently, and you can check that review out via the BACK ISSUES function on the AA website if you’d like to. However, there’s another new model in the mix that I must comment on, and that’s the Huntsman Tactical PDW RONIN M-LOK. I had the pleasure of looking at the Huntsman M4 Short way back in Issue 144, and I have to say that externally it’s a very tidy AEG indeed! All of the parts have been put together with care and attention to detail and there’s absolutely no wobbles or creaks anywhere. The receivers fit very well indeed, and although I would usually choose a metal-bodied version, the strength of the polymer parts appears excellent. There are a few very minor mould lines visible, but really only on the underside of the buffer tune, and everything else is crisp and precise. This is indeed an AEG platform that has been well thought out and designed by folk who understand the very nature of airsoft, and where possible pitfalls may lay… and I like it!
And whilst it’s by far one of the least expensive AEGs in this particular mix, it continues to bang away just as it did when new, and the polymer body has stood up very well indeed to the rigors of multiple ranges sessions. Taking all this on board I wanted to add another Huntsman AEG to the mix, and as an SBR was already in hand, I thought one of the latest OPDW models would be a really good “add”.
Benefitting from all the good stuff that I’ve already seen from the other Huntsman AR AEG models, the RONIN just compresses that into a very cool and tidy little full-metal package with a short M-LOK rail at the front, and the PDW-style slider at the rear… plus you get a cool-looking “linear comp” at the sharp end that really rounds the overall look out… I’m just getting into the RONIN, but given what I’ve seen from the Huntsman M4 Short I’m expecting very solid performance from it… and with eight months of the Red Cell program still to run, there’s more than enough time to give it a proper beasting! AA
Red Cell is supported
CONFIGURING YOUR CARBINE
IT’S BEEN A LITTLE WHILE SINCE WE’VE BEEN JOINED BY OUR OLD MATE AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTOR ANDY N FROM CALIBRE RANGE, BUT AS MANY OF US PREPARE OUR GEAR, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY OUR PRIMARY PLATFORMS READY FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF AIRSOFT, WE THOUGHT WE’D ASK HIM TO LOOK AT SOME SPECIFIC AREAS THAT WILL HELP PLAYERS BOTH OLD AND NEW ELEVATE BOTH THEIR CARBINE SETUPS, AND INDEED THEIR GAME OVERALL!
By far the most common platform used today in airsoft is the rifle, mostly the carbine. The carbine was developed by the cavalry for use on horseback during the early transition of firearms used by horse-mounted soldiers; problems arose when the rider needed to draw the rifle from the scabbard that carried the rifle when attached to the horse, as the rifle was just too long to draw and bring to bear. The carbine, a shortened barrel version of the rifle, was soon developed so that the rider had less barrel length to remove from the scabbard.
Although the carbine suffered somewhat in muzzle velocity and accuracy, in comparison to its longer sibling, the trade-off was deemed acceptable and the carbine soon also found favour with irregular/ militia groups and for use in close quarters battle. Probably biggest asset of the carbine was its versatility in cramped confines, and with the advent of both vehicle and helicopter-borne troops it proved to be very successful! Of course, now you can pretty much see carbines used by all military and law enforcement units all around the world.
Most airsoft rifles and carbines come pretty much as standard (although “standards” continue to change almost daily it would seem!) when purchased and though by all means workable, most of us want that little bit “extra” from our new shiny thing. It may be power, accuracy, weight, or something to bolt onto those rails that just cry out for accessories. So in this article I want to look at how we can change your bogstandard carbine into a “tactical carbine”.
Upgrades: We all love upgraded kit, none more so than on (and in) our primary platform of choice. The first thing most airsoft players want to do is alter the power, increasing the distance or reach of the platform. Keep in mind however that you will have to keep your carbine or rifle site legal if you want to skirmish with it, but if it’s for target and training purposes (not shooting at people!) then go
for what you can get out of it (legally). If you are not competent at upgrading internal components then have a qualified airsoft-smith carry out the work for you. Many airsoft retailers can offer you this service.
Slings: I have seen many people skirmish without a sling attached to their primary and as I have said before, a platform without a sling is like a rifle without a stock. The sling is a part of the platform and should be attached at all times.
Picture the scene if you will... you are scrambling up a steep embankment or over loose ground and you need two hands to steady yourself, how are you going to carry your primary? The sling is, if you will, an extra pair of hands. When choosing a sling make sure it can do the job you want it to do. It should not interfere with any other piece of equipment you are carrying, nor should it interfere with any part of the platform.
A good resting place for your primary platform is when it is slung in the centre of the body. This position will give you easy access to either side of your body and any secondary and spare magazines you may be carrying. However some airsoft skirmishers like to wear a combat rig that may have many pouches in front of the body. In this case the primary should fall to the “weak” side of the body when slung.
Modifying the sling and the attachments on the platform itself is no bad thing as long as it does what it is supposed to do safety and efficiently. With your primary hanging free it is important to be aware of your muzzle direction at all times. A classic example arose when a friend of mine had changed from a three-point sling to a V-sling that hung the rifle down the centre of his body. No problems with that, apart from that he didn’t realise that the rifle was hanging too low and when he went into a kneeling position whilst using his secondary, the muzzle of the primary dug into the ground and the butt slammed into his jaw knocking out his two front teeth! You have been warned…
“PROBABLY BIGGEST ASSET OF THE CARBINE WAS ITS VERSATILITY IN CRAMPED CONFINES, AND WITH THE ADVENT OF BOTH VEHICLE AND HELICOPTER-BORNE TROOPS IT PROVED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL!”
Lights and Lasers: White lights or torches and lasers are a common sight on the skirmish field and certainly in the CQB arena. When choosing a light and or laser, make sure that they can be fitted to the platform in such a way that it can be operated with ease. Remote tail switches and the newer pressure pads are a good thing if you fit them properly
and electrical tape is a good friend when it comes to tidying up stray cables and switches. Newer pressure switches provide a tidier solution, and this is something I’m seeing more and more; singles and combos provide a neat solution to light and laser activation.
The mounting position of the light is somewhat of an issue with a lot of people; where is the best place
“MOST
to fit a white light? Basically anywhere you want so long as you don’t light yourself up. Some people have issues with the muzzle casting shadows and causing dark areas that you can’t see into, but personally I have never had issues with this phenomenon, neither has anyone I have worked with. It’s how you use the light that counts and leaving your light on long enough to concern you with shadows cast by the weapon is the least of your worries. Switch on, quick observation, switch off, and move. Personally I prefer just behind the front sight and to the side. Although I use a red dot holographic sight on my carbine, I can use the light to illuminate my EBS (emergency battle sights) if my red dot goes down and I have to transition to irons.
Sights and Optics: Non-standard sights are also a common thing to see on any platform and for most
AIRSOFT RIFLES AND CARBINES COME PRETTY MUCH AS STANDARD (ALTHOUGH “STANDARDS” CONTINUE TO CHANGE ALMOST DAILY IT WOULD SEEM!) WHEN PURCHASED AND THOUGH BY ALL MEANS WORKABLE, MOST OF US WANT THAT LITTLE BIT “EXTRA” FROM OUR NEW SHINY THING”
people the first thing they change when customising a rifle is the sight system… and herein lies a problem.
Your platform should have at least one set of sights, the iron sights. If you change to a scope such as a red dot or a more traditional tube scope, then you should still retain your iron sights as a “redundant” sight. A redundant sight is an Emergency Battle Sight (EBS) and is used when something has gone wrong with your main sight (smashed, battery failure); I have seen many players that have kept their iron (rear) sight in place, usually a rear flip-up type. However, the rear sight is completely useless, as when it is flipped up and put into play, if the main (now broken) sight is in the way, and the shooter cannot see a clear line of sight to the front sight. When fitting a red dot or scope to your rifle make sure that your redundant sights (EBS) have a clear line of sight through your main sight.
Gloves: Okay, I know that gloves are not part of your carbine, but there are a lot of contact points on the platform, that when using a rifle a lot in a day, such as training drills, can rub on the hands and gloves can be a God-send. I have many a blister and raw points on my hands due to excessive shooting of rifles. Ill-fitting gloves will lead to ill-shooting and gloves that are too small will just annoy you to hell.
The type of glove that you choose to wear is up to you. In the past I have worn specialised shooting gloves, golf gloves (although a little thin) mechanics gloves even fitness gloves. They will protect your hands from rubbing on the rifle due to extended use and will also protect you from any sharp edges, such as rail edges, charging handles and light mounts.
Magazine Carrier: As we all know, magazines can carry in excess of 400 rounds (BBs that is!) but at some point we need to reload. Plate carriers, combat vests, chest rigs and webbing are the number one choice for carrying extra equipment and spare ammunition for the skirmisher but for common folk like me, who shoot carbines in civilian competition, that option is out of the window. I have to make do with a civilian-type magazine pouch. The one I use is an AR15 pouch made from nylon and mounted on the belt and carries a single M4/AR15 magazine and this has served me well when things have gotten a little hot whilst working security detail overseas.
Magazine carriers come in all shapes and sizes; however, it should be considered part of the carbine too. So choose wisely checking for fit and functionality in use.
Hardware: Extended magazine release catch, extended bolt release catch, and charging handles are all fine but it is important that you can operate them correctly and safely. Extended hardware can and does catch on other pieces of kit such as your combat vest for instance, so purchase these things wisely also.
Ambidextrous Features: Ambidextrous hardware is also something that we should look closely at. Again if you add ambidextrous hardware to the rifle, do it in a way that doesn’t interfere with safe operation and other personal kit.
Stocks: The length of the stock on the carbine can make a difference to your overall reach whilst wearing different kit and most certainly body armour or a plate carrier. A full length stock maybe a perfect fit whilst wearing a shirt, but the reach from shoulder to trigger can be greatly extended and uncomfortable if you have to wear body armour. Collapsible stocks are a good choice here as many collapsible stocks have variable settings for reach. There are aftermarket (short) solid stocks available but these tend to be few and far between and can be quite expensive.
Tubes: I may be “old skool”, but bicycle inner tube is a shooters best friend when it comes to customising and configuration of the carbine to your own needs. I have a small hand grip on one of my ARs and it seems to move around in my hand when firing. I added some layers of bicycle inner tube and not only has it solved the problem of movement by making the grip larger, it has also enhanced the contact of the grip in wet conditions. I have also placed a strip of inner tube around some of my metal magazines, also to aid in grip when retrieving magazines in wet conditions; it improves hand-to-magazine grip to no end.
No matter what you do to tailor your carbine to your needs, it has to be workable for you. Forget what others say is right or is the best thing to do, experiment with different ideas and use what works. Part of the fun of shooting is finding out different methods of configuration and overcoming the challenges of “running the gun” effectively. AA
“FORGET WHAT OTHERS SAY IS RIGHT OR IS THE BEST THING TO DO, EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS AND USE WHAT WORKS. PART OF THE FUN OF SHOOTING IS FINDING OUT DIFFERENT METHODS OF CONFIGURATION AND THE OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE OF “RUNNING THE GUN” EFFECTIVELY”
OWN THE DARKNESS
WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THE RIGHT GEAR THEN WE JUST LOVE SPEAKING TO EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELD, AND THEN BRINGING YOU THE LOWDOWN ON SPECIFIC AREAS OF TECH AND EQUIPMENT! MORE AND MORE AIRSOFT PLAYERS ARE TURNING TO NIGHT VISION PRODUCTS, BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO BUY, AND WHERE CAN YOU GET THE RIGHT ADVICE ON WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED BEFORE PARTING WITH YOUR CASH? MIGUEL SPEAKS TO ONDREJ AT NIGHT GEAR SOLUTIONS TO FIND OUT MORE!
Whether you like it or not, Night Vision gear, be it scopes, monoculars, binoculars, or indeed “Mil Grade” tech has become a part of airsoft! Once upon a time it was the territory of the hardcore MilSim player, but with the technology becoming easier to access, and indeed dropping dramatically in price, it’s now well within the reach of most players, even for a simple night game.
But what are we actually talking about as there are still huge misconceptions about what “NV” really means. Simply put I’m talking about equipment that lets you “see in the dark”, or in extreme low-light conditions, and this can physically have many forms; you can have NV gear mounted on your rifle or carbine, you can carry it in a pouch as a scope, or you can, with the correct mount, have it placed on your helmet, ready to drop down when you need it; this last one of course has a certain “cool factor” and is totally “operator”, but whichever way you may mount or carry it, in my opinion, it can quite literally be a “game changer”.
But where can you find help and advice before you buys? Recently I had a chance to speak with Ondrej from Night Gear Solutions, and this is what he had to tell me in answer to my questions.
AA: Hello Ondrej, so tell us how Night Gear Solutions came to be?
NGS: Hi Miguel! First of all, I would like to thank you for the invitation. NGS as a company was founded on the fact that the Night Vision market was full of dubious second-hand sellers with often
illegal devices. It often happened to us that devices with fake labels, incorrect specifications, etc. came to our service. So I got together with a friend who had been assembling devices for over thirteen years at that time and I dare say that he is one of the best technicians in the entire EU. We came up with our first ideas for improvement, such as our (at that time) new mounting arm for monoculars and we gradually tried to expand the product line. We were also bothered with the number of classic re-seller shops that actually don’t know much about the devices in depth and don’t have the necessary tools to check them before sale. So we decided that we would assemble each
device and offer presentations and try to teach the community a little about those niche things about the devices and the whole technology.
AA: How big is the team? And are you looking to grow more in the future?
NGS: We are a fairly small team of night vision enthusiasts. We are assembled of highly skilled professionals for every position when it comes to NGS as a company and we aim to have the perfect person to fit each position. This is NGS as a company, but we cooperate with more brands and great people, who we count into our “family”. For example KOLIBRI. works are great guys, with whom we have been helping each other A LOT. Also few SOF and EX SOF groups, such as WARSTAC; they are incredibly skilled professionals, but also our good friends. If you mean company, we are big enough for now and as a family we always like to welcome as many great people as we can. Looking back at the business side of the team, we have a few representations abroad for easier work, B-RDY in the Czech Republic for example. This is our structure and it is made to be perfect for everything;airsoft and shooting sessions with our friends and 100% confidence in professionalism of our
AA: Tell us a bit about your products. And in your opinion, what is the most famous one?
exact items with exact level of quality.
Then there are our services which we are very proud of. We have a lot of PRO equipment for a complete diagnostics and check of night vision devices, so we can offer top notch pre-purchase, warranty and post warranty maintenance and service. Other than that we build custom night vision along with personal demonstration to build a perfect fit night vision for any customer that wants one. You can also find us attending various airsoft and shooting events with our tent providing free of charge night vision basics presentation, personal demonstrations, or just a friendly chat.
NGS: Let me split our “offer” here. Firstly the products are night vision, thermal imaging, accessories, various gear, a few of our own inventions (J-Arm for Wolf 14 is exclusive co-operation of NGS and KOLIBRI.works). And we always look for new things to add into our product line. We don’t make any exceptions when it comes to the quality and therefore our product line is perfectly focused on
“OUR
From my perspective, the most famous are two products and a few services. Our TOP product is in fact the whole documentation that comes with every night vision device from NGS; datasheet, quality checklist, warranty, service book with a one free purging in a years time. This is our signature - because a lot of devices were resold in the meantime and a lot of people contacted us, that they have for example our service book and would like to apply for free purging and cleaning and/ or ask about some service work that was done and is written in the book. But to satisfy the need of an answer regarding a device, we sell a lot of budget friendly Wolf 14 monoculars for an excellent price, which we have made our own J-Arm for.
The J-Arm is the thing that connects it to your helmet mount. And these mounts were practically non-existent before we started this project. So a lot of airsofters and night vision beginners tend to choose this option. After that, people tend to step-up and go for NGS PVS-14 or our top seller binocular, Mk.II.
But, and this is a big but, this year we added quite a few new devices and we are yet to see if they will
TOP PRODUCT IS IN FACT THE WHOLE DOCUMENTATION THAT COMES WITH EVERY NIGHT VISION DEVICE FROM NGS; DATASHEET, QUALITY CHECKLIST, WARRANTY, SERVICE BOOK WITH A ONE FREE PURGING IN A YEARS TIME. THIS IS OUR SIGNATURE”
steal the crown. From services, #1 is the complete night vision check, even for devices bought secondhand or from other shops, which includes cleaning and purging. This service took first place after we introduced it. Before that, our TOP service was on demand free of charge presentations for anyone who wants to learn about NVGs (majorly shooting and airsoft teams, MIL and LEO active duty people etc) which people still love, but being able to check devices for anyone and issue a certificate made us really busy.
AA: The use of NVGs in airsoft has been around for a while, but there’s been an increase in use in the last few years. How do you see that?
NGS: Yes, night vision has always been popular, especially in MilSim games. We always enjoyed that. But the second-hand devices that are in circulation are not always of high quality, civilian available, and not always legal. No one knew exactly what they could buy and basically couldn’t be 100% sure of what they actually bought. That was one of the reasons why we founded NGS. So that everyone, in this case, an airsoft player, would have a legal device with proper documentation. We have a lot of experience with the fact that some second-hand sellers changed the device’s tube or pasted it with a fake label. And this may have discouraged a large number of players. There was a lack of certainty about what they would
buy and whether it would be worth it.
In recent years, more and more so-called civilian devices have finally appeared, and the mindset of users is also changing. Before, it was mil-spec or nothing. But mil-spec is basically the bare minimum that devices must meet. We try to push the upper limit of performance and quality. Everyone wanted GEN 3 devices and only now have they started to understand the advantages of GEN2+, so more and more decent and affordable devices are appearing at events... which makes us very happy, because we play airsoft often and quality force on force training at night is simply irreplaceable.
AA: What are the advantages for an airsoft player/team of using an NVG by Night Gear Solutions in an event?
NGS: It probably doesn’t matter whether it’s a specific NGS product or not. There are more available brands and also quality sellers. I can say for us that we are one of the few who assemble each device and devote so much time to it and who have the equipment to do so. You always need to find out as much as possible about the seller, after all, these devices are not cheap and many stores just sell them without being able to check the quality, which is impossible without knowledge and specialized tools.
But if a player decides to go for NGS, he and his team have the advantage of seeing in the dark. Of course not in complete darkness, but the topic of light amplification is for a longer debate; we have the terminology listed on our website. From us, players will receive a quality device that will meet their conditions and they can attach, for example, a
“NIGHT VISION HAS ALWAYS BEEN POPULAR, ESPECIALLY IN MILSIM GAMES. WE ALWAYS ENJOYED THAT. BUT THE SECOND-HAND DEVICES THAT ARE IN CIRCULATION ARE NOT ALWAYS OF HIGH QUALITY, CIVILIAN AVAILABLE, AND NOT ALWAYS LEGAL”
fusion system to it, which will combine night vision and thermal vision into one, we also have such things available.
Training is important. Many people think that NVG will give them a big advantage, but without training, it’s like a beginner buying a tuned airsoft replica. Yes, he will have the advantage of range and accuracy, but an experienced player will use his experience to balance the force. And if such an inexperienced player gets into a fight with an experienced player who has an equally powerful replica, he has no chance. It’s exactly the same with NVGs. There are more and more of them at events and players are starting to understand how important quality training is.
AA: How does the NGS see the airsoft community?
NGS: We are part of the airsoft community. We love airsoft and players who are serious about it, but still understand that it is a sport and fun. Airsoft is simply a top hobby that all of us at NGS grew up with and has a perfect community. That is why we have already made many presentations about night vision at many events and we are happy for every invitation so that we can pass on our knowledge to other people. We also lend NVG devices for airsoft. And the best thing is when we can also play at these events, because getting into a fight at night with ten other players who have NVGs is just a lot of fun!
AA: As you know, many don’t acquire NVGs due to the price, and they turn to more budget friendly solutions. What’s the best way to compete with that?
NGS: We try to keep prices as low as possible while maintaining quality. We don’t compromise on quality. We now have the Wolf 14 available, which is a good budget device for under €2000. It is still an analog GEN2+ device without of band function, like all the others, and it is really usable. From it, one can then upgrade to the NGS PVS-14 and higher. For someone who wants to get into the world of night vision with the smallest investment possible and still have a fully usable device, it is a very convenient choice.
AA: Is there any project that Night Gear Solutions is working on that you can share?
NGS: We are still working on new things. We have almost finished the 2.0 version of our Mono Mount,
an alternative to the J-arm. The older version was a very popular product and the 2.0 filled the gaps; it’s a simple lightweight design, where the user can switch the monocular between their eyes or completely tilt it to the side without having to use buttons, all with one hand.
I think I can also reveal that in the near future we plan to include a new NGS binocular for sale, which will be more affordable and with a lot of additional products in the package. It will not be a worse device, quite the opposite. It will probably be the best bino we offer so far. Follow our Night Gear Solutions social media, we will inform you about it there.
AA: With the constant advancements in technology, how do you think we will see in NVGs in the near future?
NGS: We are now in a time when technology is moving quite a bit. It used to be that everyone wanted GEN3 tubes. Today we have GEN2+ technology, which has caught up with the old 3 and is often better. We also have this written down in our terminology on the website. A few years ago, no one even wanted to hear about Chinese IITs and today there are brands like NNVT that are really good. Overall, I think the future is in the combination of night vision and thermal imaging in one (fusion). We can see this on devices like ENVG and clip-on fusion systems like Jerry C5. Night vision itself is becoming the standard today and therefore adding thermal vision to the same device is an advantage over the enemy. NVGs themselves will definitely be more powerful in the future.
AA: To finish, what can we expect from Night Gear Solutions in the years to come?
NGS: Still the same emphasis on quality and we will try to make NVGs more accessible and cheaper. We plan to appear more at airsoft events with our presentations. We will, as before, try to create a larger and more informed community. And of course, we are still looking for ways to simplify the operation of Night Vision.
My thanks go to Ondrej for taking the time to speak with me, and answer my questions. If you would like to learn more, and check out the NGS online guides to Night Vision Devices and Terminology just head to www.nightgearsolutions.eu AA
“IF A PLAYER DECIDES TO GO FOR NGS, HE AND HIS TEAM HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SEEING IN THE DARK. OF COURSE NOT IN COMPLETE DARKNESS, BUT THE TOPIC OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION IS FOR A LONGER DEBATE; WE HAVE THE TERMINOLOGY LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE”
“WE WILL TRY TO MAKE NVGS MORE ACCESSIBLE AND CHEAPER. WE PLAN TO APPEAR MORE AT AIRSOFT EVENTS WITH OUR PRESENTATIONS. WE WILL, AS BEFORE, TRY TO CREATE A LARGER AND MORE INFORMED COMMUNITY. AND OF COURSE, WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SIMPLIFY THE OPERATION OF NIGHT VISION”
TAKING THE RIGHT STEP
AS WE HEAD TOWARDS WHAT WE HOPE WILL BE ANOTHER LONG, HOT SUMMER OF AIRSOFT ADVENTURES AS ALWAYS WE LOOK TO OUR PERSONAL GEAR LOCKERS TO LOOK AT WHAT NEEDS MENDING, UPDATING, OR OUTRIGHT REPLACING. WHILST NOT THE FIRST ITEM ON EVERYONE’S LIST, GOOD FOOTWEAR IS A MUST, SO BILL LOOKS AGAIN AT WHAT’S IMPORTANT…
While my airsoft adventures have spanned over thirty years now, I did actually have another “professional life” at one point, and during this time I was privileged to work directly with some of the best bootmakers in the business, both in relation to military/tactical models and those for outdoor pursuits. For both end uses the requirements of the footwear are broadly similar, and mainly to do with comfort, support, protection, and suitability for the intended terrain.
All good bootmakers have a range of models to cover every eventuality, from lightweight, quick drying boots for jungle environments, sturdy boots with great support for urban environments, and even thermal-lined waterproof versions for the deepest of winter months. One of the great things about how we play though is that we’re unlikely to be wearing our boots for more than 72 hours straight at a MilSim, and usually it will be just a matter of hours at our local skirmish site. Does this however mean you can save a few bucks by buying into cheap boots for airsoft?
My answer to this is “NO!”
Now I am going to admit openly here that I have written about this topic before, and it’s an article that I update every couple of years both for veteran and newer players alike, as just like eyepro I see it as a vitally important area of enjoying your airsoft games safely; not looking after your feet or wearing badly fitting boots can have severe ramifications. Ask yourself for a moment when you consider your choice of footwear is a boot designed for a desert environment going to be the ideal model for Europe or North America in the depths of winter? You may say “Well, my desert boots are Gore-Tex lined so they’re waterproof, and I’m only wearing them for a short while so they’ll be fine”, but are you analysing this closely enough?
“ALL GOOD BOOTMAKERS HAVE A RANGE OF MODELS TO COVER EVERY EVENTUALITY, FROM LIGHTWEIGHT, QUICK DRYING BOOTS FOR JUNGLE ENVIRONMENTS, STURDY BOOTS WITH GREAT SUPPORT FOR URBAN ENVIRONMENTS, AND EVEN THERMAL-LINED WATERPROOF VERSIONS FOR THE DEEPEST OF WINTER MONTHS”
A good desert boot will inherently be made with less insulation than a winter model, or indeed even a temperate model, so as much as a good waterproof technology will keep your feet dry the boot overall will leave you with cold feet, or worse, on a winter morning. Cuff height may also differ, as in general a winter boot will have a higher cuff to keep out snow and spindrift; I was at a game once where I stepped into a water-filled pothole deeper than the height of my desert boot cuff, and although they’re membranelined water does tend to get in through the big hole on the top where your foot goes in!
So why not just wear wellies? Well, two things here really; firstly wellies are pretty much always not going to be breathable, so although they will keep water out, and with specialist socks be warm, but they will also keep moisture in; someone once told me that we have more than 250,000 sweat glands in each foot, making them the most perspiring parts of your body. Your body can produce as much as a pint of sweat per day per foot, and if you’re wearing wellies most of that will stay inside the boot! Secondly most basic wellies offer very little support.
You’ve also got to build into this equation that boot manufacturers make different outsole units for different conditions; this may not on the face of it be a major concern, but if the tread pattern of the outsole has been designed for warm, dry conditions how will it fare in wet grass or on wet-leaf covered rock? Let me tell you… not very well at all, and you’re seriously asking for a slip which could lead to a turned ankle or worse.
WHAT MAKES A “GOOD TO GO” BOOT
In our “Hi-Speed, Lo-Drag” world of airsoft, one of the most important things is your equipment, especially a good pair of tactical boots. Tactical boots for professionals need to stand up to wear for extended periods of time; although we as airsofters don’t particularly need this level of performance, having it is an absolute plus. When choosing a tactical boot, look for a style with superior support, lightweight and durable construction, comfort, and protection from the elements and rough terrain.
A good boot for airsoft will also provide heightened traction in any tactical/gaming situation that you
may face. The height, midsole, outsole, heel, and structure of the boot factor into its support level too. Ideal tactical boot components include a 6 to 8 inch height and a heavy-duty, yet flexible and lightweight sole to provide traction and grip both in and out of the woods. A good fit that doesn’t sacrifice comfort is crucial in choosing your boots. The use of EVA foam materials guarantees lightweight, cushioned support in the midsole of your boots.
The best tactical boots are easy to put on and take off at the end of the day. Many boots on the market feature fragile side-zippers or complex laceup closures. A good boot will feature a combination of eyelets and D-rings in the closure system, which allows for a personalised fit just by adjusting the lacing pressures.
Flexible and lightweight material construction is an essential component of a good tactical boot, specifically to protect you from the weather. A waterproof exterior or membrane is a crucial boot feature to keep you protected from the elements. By using breathable technologies waterproof boots prevent moisture from building up and potentially forming harmful bacteria and blisters, but also allow for perspiration to get out. For even greater protection in the winter months, look for boots that are both waterproof and insulated. Insulated linings keep warmth inside the boot so that you can stay comfortable and protected during cold weather games. We may all face a range of weather conditions on any site through the year, so don’t let your boots hold you back from enjoying the game!
When you talk about style and comfort, you should think about only good quality boots, as they are manufactured taking into account the best type of materials, construction, padding, cushioning and inner soles. Such boots provide great cushioning and support to your feet as well as avoiding any foot pain and discomfort that arises due to longevity of wearing; your best friend is a good quality tactical boot that provides you the best possible safety, comfort, durability, and flexibility over uneven and rough surfaces. Such boots are obviously made from the top quality materials that offer high performance and long-time comfort and safety for your feet.
To illustrate what I’m talking about, let’s look at some models in more depth.
“I WAS AT A GAME ONCE WHERE I STEPPED INTO A WATER-FILLED POTHOLE DEEPER THAN THE HEIGHT OF MY DESERT BOOT CUFF, AND ALTHOUGH THEY’RE MEMBRANE-LINED WATER DOES TEND TO GET IN THROUGH THE BIG HOLE ON THE TOP WHERE YOUR FOOT GOES IN!”
SEASONAL CHANGE
The thought of having to break in new boots always fills me with dread as well, so I am always extremely careful in my search for a new pair. One model of boot that I found myself returning to time and again for general use was the Zephyr from Lowa; having become something of a Lowa “fanboi” after a very positive experience with their lightweight INNOX boots, the Zephyr GTX were the replacement I chose, and since I got my very first pair they’ve proved to be excellent and have become a “fave” not just with me, but with many of the AA crew!
of agility, lightness and stability makes it perfect for by professional users, but in my mind it’s also a perfect boot
The raised, mid-cut styling provides the necessary support fast over rough terrain but is not restrictive in any way. The upper combination of water-repellent resistant suede and abrasionresistant and
materials. An innovative clamping
MILITARY sole meets the highest anti-slip standards; slip protection depends primarily on the design and rubber compound of the outsole, and the outsole designed by LOWA has an optimised rubber compound to provide good grip.
The waterproof and highly breathable GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear laminate liner is ideal for use in wet environments, and the two-layer PU midsole with MONOWRAP® frame surrounds and supports the foot like a kind of exoskeleton. The Zephyr MK2 GTX MID is certified as an “occupational shoe” in accordance with EN ISO 20347:2012, is antistatic and has a cold and heat-insulating sole unit. Going back to the outsole, it is not only highly slip-resistant, but also resistant to oil, petrol and contact heat…. they also fit me really well with a slightly narrower heel cup and wider forefoot area and raised toe-box.
highly breathable and durably waterproof. The leather uppers and GORE-TEX waterproofing will keep your feet dry and the anti-static and anti-slip sole will keep your feet firmly on the ground whatever the terrain.
The HAIX Climate System uses the pumping action created during movement to allow air to circulate with every step; moist air is released and fresh air comes in through the vent holes at the top of the boot. Add to this the anti-bacterial insole, and your feet will not only feel as if they are well protected, but will smell fresh too even after a long game! The energy absorbing heel also keeps your feet cushioned and will prevent jarring when walking on uneven surfaces.
Sadly the Black Eagles are finally beginning to show wear and deterioration in the later areas around the rand, but they’ve truly been an excellent investment and I will be sad to see these go as they’re now supercomfy. They’re still waterproof right now, but once that leather splits it will expose the membrane and unfortunately that will be “Job done!”… after seven years though I believe I’ve had my mileage out of
Staying lightweight but moving into the autumn/winter months (in a relatively temperate environment still) I’m still wearing a pair of HAIX Black Eagle Tactical 2.0 GTX Mid Boots that are now seven years old… with a leather boot maintenance really is your friend! They’re based on advanced running technology, so this means that they are light, dynamic, extremely slip resistant,
As I mentioned earlier, last but by no means least are the boots that I keep for full winter, my “winter specials” if you like, otherwise known as LOWA MOUNTIAN BOOTS! If you were to visit any barracks in the UK I guarantee that you would find a high number of guys wearing LOWAs and one of the most sought after models has been the Mountain Boot to wear along with their MTP. I’ve put a good number of miles under the soles of my LOWAs during the past few winters, and at no time did they feel anything other than sturdy and solid; the Vibram “Tsavo” sole unit has provided stability even on the worst
“THE HAIX CLIMATE SYSTEM USES THE PUMPING ACTION CREATED DURING MOVEMENT TO ALLOW AIR TO CIRCULATE WITH EVERY STEP; MOIST AIR IS RELEASED AND FRESH AIR COMES IN THROUGH THE VENT HOLES AT THE TOP OF THE BOOT”
days with a nice high cuff giving excellent support around the ankle.
The boots are made 2.4/2.4mm full grain leather which has moulded well to my foot and the GORETEX liner has meant that my feet have stayed 100% dry even in deep, soft snow or extreme wet weather. Open hook lacing means that you can set up the fit of the boot just as you like it, and once you’ve found your “fit” then everything stays locked down and in place; the foot is anchored solidly in place with no movement or “sloppiness” that will cause blisters. Certified as a “working boot” according to CE EN ISO 20347 – 2012, overall this is one heck of a boot and I can see now why it has become the choice of the professional user. Whilst our lives may not depend on it, this is a fabulously well-made boot, put together with the very best of everything.
MAX PERFORMANCE!
I’ve chosen the boots here not because they are the cheapest out there but because in my opinion they offer great value for money, and between them will have you covered all year round other than in mountainous areas in full winter and all will provide maximum performance for your money; for “true and deep winter” you’ll need a more specialist mountain boot that is crampon compatible, and that’s a whole other ballgame!
Now do bear in mind that these boot models fit my particular foot-shape well and may not be so ideal for you, but I hope I’ve given you an idea what to look for when you come to buy; when it comes to buying boots go to a specialist tactical boot fitter, or the top outdoor shops will be able to offer a very good service in relation to precise fitting when it comes to the civilian models. If you’re after a dedicated military model then your local tactical store or airsoft shop is the place to go.
Buy right, buy once even if you are flush with cash, but if you’re usually as broke as most airsofters I know (including myself!) then getting it right first time is a bonus!
My sincere thanks go to www.lowamilitaryboots. com and www.haix.co.uk for their help in completing this article. Check out their websites for more information on the models featured. AA
“BUY
RIGHT, BUY ONCE EVEN IF YOU ARE FLUSH WITH CASH, BUT IF YOU’RE USUALLY AS BROKE AS MOST AIRSOFTERS I KNOW (INCLUDING MYSELF!) THEN GETTING IT RIGHT FIRST TIME IS A BONUS!”
2025 –NEW YEAR... NEW STU!
AS WE HEAD DEEPER INTO A WHOLE NEW YEAR OF AIRSOFT WE ASKED SOME OF THE AA CREW TO GIVE US, AND YOU, AND IDEA OF WHAT WE CAN EXPECT TO SEE FROM THEM IN THE COMING MONTHS, AND AS USUAL STEWBACCA WAS FRONT AND CENTRE IN PROVIDING US A REPLY! SO, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO WE’LL HAND THINGS OVER TO ONE OF THE BUSIEST MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM TO GIVE HIS LOWDOWN, AND IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THAT OUR “MAN IN TAIWAN” IS AS BUSY AS EVER!
So, fellow shooters, it’s well into 2025 already, and my life in Taiwan is, as ever, becoming increasingly equal parts busy/exciting/exhausting, with a lot of things I can’t talk about going on behind the scenes with regard to more official or commercial ventures I’m becoming more involved in. With gaining permanent residency around two years back I’ve somewhat cut down my ‘day job’ or ‘work work’ hours to four days a week from Wednesday to Saturday, maintaining a good baseline income while giving me a three day ‘weekend’ of sorts which makes me less exhausted from the perils of the ‘education’ machine here.
Sunday mornings continue to be the essentially weekly skirmishes (aside from certain skipped due to all weekend events doing other aforementioned things or covering events out of town); joining Team Taichi what must be four years back, I forget exactly, I’ve become one of the regulars and core foreign members for regular shooting days, more in depth training for squad tactics and other such skill building practices to bring the general team capabilities up, while as of this year a reasonable group of us have also begun joining in with the Wednesday night shoots at Linkou CQB not far from the day job. I head straight there with the help of rides with passing teammates who then take me home afterwards as well, and it gives me more time to focus on smaller and more portable platforms or pistols-only action for review purposes or just practise on the tools. Given the close range and reduced power limits of the particular closed group who play in the evenings there, it’s given me a good opportunity to put my IPSC pistol skills to good use on meat targets under stress.
Speaking of IPSC, I’m still a very active member of team SPPT here in Taipei, with our team leader ‘Mars’ Liu starting his own training ground as his main business over a year back. Our team train every
Tuesday and Friday evening which again gives me a further opportunity for testing new guns, pistol or SMG and rifle alike, on Tuesdays doing ‘drill stages’. It allows me to practice for speed on steel targets in repeated ‘1,2,3,4 bay drills’ (or re-arrangements of said numbers) cycling through condition 1,2, and 3 starts; I’ve also recently taken possession of a basically new Shadow 2 Orange thanks to our good friend Clarence Lai, and my teammate Ou JiaCheng has also decided to join me in Production Optics division and the two of us went around to Clarence and Katherine’s recently for gunsmithing, catching up and for him to join the CLPD sponsored shooter’s team and acquire himself a Shadow 2 Orange of his own, joining the ranks (aside from me the crash test dummy) of countless shooters in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Europe and further afield running Clarence’s signature customised Shadow 2 pistols.
GOING GLOBAL
We’re also in the process of preparing for the extremely exciting upcoming Action Air World Shoot to be held at the end of July in IloIlo on one of the central islands of the Philippines! With up to 800 slots for shooters from the world over to go and join in, we’ve applied for our positions, ordered new personalised team uniforms, paid our entry fees, booked our hotel, and now have to navigate the legal documentation for registering our guns in Taiwan and the Philippines for the purposes of travelling with them to and from there. This can be a bit of a nightmare at the best of times, as a lot of the Hong Kong shooters found last Christmas trying to enter Taiwan with guns for the Kaohsiung Level 3 TPSA shoot!
I’ll not only be competing in the 5 day, 30 stage long leviathan course of fire, but also reporting not only on the event, but also the run up to it, our
“JOINING TEAM TAICHI WHAT MUST BE FOUR YEARS BACK, I FORGET EXACTLY, I’VE BECOME ONE OF THE REGULARS AND CORE FOREIGN MEMBERS FOR REGULAR SHOOTING DAYS, MORE IN DEPTH TRAINING FOR SQUAD TACTICS AND OTHER SUCH SKILL BUILDING PRACTICES TO BRING THE GENERAL TEAM CAPABILITIES UP”
preparations, as well as a general more in depth explanation of IPSC and Action Air prior to the big event, as well as our teams intended expedition after the main event to do live fire firearms training while we’re there, which should be exciting.
The aforementioned time off ‘work-work’ at the start of the week and permanent residency has also allowed me to do other work and return to my design engineer roots, with a few products I’ve designed and been involved with already out on the market now, or heading there soon at time of writing and lots more exciting things to be done. So that’s bringing in some extra income as well as leveraging my technical capabilities and airsoft related knowledge into a very satisfying and motivating turn of events out here away from just the typical English-teaching monotony many of the foreigners here are engaged in.
Of course my activities for Airsoft Action have continued apace, with numerous sample guns from our generous industry partners and supporters filling my ever increasingly cramped ‘gun wall Mk VII’ adorning the walls of my office/mezzanine personal abode; I need to re-arrange it all yet again to try
and make space as I’m heading for 70 guns in the collection at this point and literally tripping over the damned things along with all the prototypes of my design efforts!
The hobby is becoming a habit, small wonder when this year marks my 40th birthday and 20th year in airsoft! So yeah, half my life in years has been spent in the awesome airsoft community, and now half my time in hours is spent doing some form of shooting or related design, reporting, reviewing, or training.
NO FOMO HERE!
Despite always having the ‘feeling of missing out’ (in retrospect I could actually have made my way to ShotShow this year) the opportunity on the part of aforementioned design work client arose too late for me to factor it in with my work schedule. Likewise #IWAsnt in Nurnberg with the Euro crew there either, sad times. Nonetheless I still get to cover the even longer four-day MOA 2025 here in November again, as well as the bi-annual TADTE Taiwan Defence Expo coming up again this year in September; this of course in addition to the other localised mischief I’m getting increasingly involved with that I can’t discuss, I’m certainly keeping myself busy. I continue to be a die-hard gas blowback gun user, with the general trend of Taiwan’s mostly MilSim oriented players also increasingly shifting towards their use on the wider scale, with the VFC M16A2 and M733 joining my collection and me to the POLK 4 MilSim late last year, as well as the VFC FAL OSW, SA320T pistol and the long awaited PPKS coming into the fold since the start of this year; the latter only just returned to me along with my first dabble into custom Kydex holsters with ‘Bean’s Workshop’, one of the local small businesses engaged in holster making as well as present at MOA 2024. I took the plunge and let Yaohui use my PPKS for a month or so to prototype his IWB (Inside the Waist-Band; for concealed carry use in the likes of IDPA) holster moulds as well as two each of IWB & OWB magazine carriers for use in various settings; I’ve been using the PPKS at training
“I’M STILL A VERY ACTIVE MEMBER OF TEAM SPPT HERE IN TAIPEI, WITH OUR TEAM LEADER ‘MARS’ LIU STARTING HIS OWN TRAINING GROUND AS HIS MAIN BUSINESS OVER A YEAR BACK. OUR TEAM TRAIN EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENING WHICH AGAIN GIVES ME A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR TESTING NEW GUNS”
since acquiring it, and the fixed barrel and additional optional suppressor with integral barrel extension make it surprisingly accurate and despite getting lost in my bear mitts it’s quite comfortable and I’ve also made use of it as a sidearm for skirmishing as well.
Most of my games since the beginning of the year have taken place at Linkou CQB, both Wednesday evenings and at weekends as the early months of the year tend to be the rainy season in Taiwan. So we keep having our plans for outdoor play dashed by the weather and have defaulted to indoor play, although we have had a few occasions at the Yangmei dormitories, Xindian in the south of Taipei, and a newer site at a mountainside area in the Southwest of Taipei. Here I’ve made use of VFC’s FAL OSW, MP5SD3, HK53, T91 SOC, M733, Glock 17 Gen 5s with TrilTactical RMR slide kits, as well as their JW2
AEG paired with recently released Amarok MAG250
AEG magazines I’m also testing; Wednesday evenings have also seen me make use of the ideal backpack gun, Archwick’s B&T APC9SD2 with Acetech tracer unit in the integral suppressor which makes for a great tool in the darkened corners of the site at night. Our group is able to hold our own in most cases with the likes of rolling regen games in many instances, where the game mode is basically whoever
can reach the OpFor’s regen area starting barrel first wins! The round counts climb along with the experience of moving in small teams to take rooms in the killing house style gaming space, and typically we have to wait at regen until four or six players on our team congregate to re-enter the game as a useful squad, and the ability to try different tactics on the fly in the same space instead of the more typical ‘dead and out’ games we normally have to play is a refreshing change and opportunity to work as a team in changing situations. I have managed to collect two bleeding headshots in the process, however, a few weeks apart with the second landing exactly on the centre of my brow right where the previous one was in the process of healing… I guess that will leave a cool scar at least, made for some good photos…
There’s still a lot to look forward to for 2025, fellow shooters, with plenty of Sundays left to play and a bunch of exciting products to look forward to the release of, as well as my existing collection to enjoy; especially the likes of the FAL, FAL OSW, FNC, and my collection of Heckler & Kochs and of course the vast swathe of pistols too! I look forward to bringing you all more news from this side of the world in the coming year as the “wild west out east” still has a lot to give! AA
“I STILL GET TO COVER THE EVEN LONGER FOUR-DAY MOA 2025 HERE IN NOVEMBER AGAIN, AS WELL AS THE BI-ANNUAL TADTE TAIWAN DEFENCE EXPO COMING UP AGAIN THIS YEAR IN SEPTEMBER; THIS OF COURSE IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER LOCALISED MISCHIEF I’M GETTING INCREASINGLY INVOLVED WITH”
KICKING THE YEAR INTO GEAR!
MIGUEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON POINT WITH HIS REPORTS FROM GAMES LARGE AND SMALL IN HIS HOME COUNTRY OF PORTUGAL, AND THE PORTUGUESE AIRSOFT COMMUNITY IS ONE THAT WE BELIEVE HAS MANY THINGS IT CAN TEACH ALL OF US! AS 2025 PROGRESSES WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO SEE JUST HOW THINGS HAVE KICKED OFF WHEN IT COMES TO GAMES!
By the time you are reading this article, we are well into 2025, but for me, at the moment of writing barely a month and a half has passed. Now, that means little... because for us, airsoft is almost non-stop! Every weekend we have either a game or we can just go to one of our fields for practice. And, there is one thing in particular that is different from last year. We have EIGHT new team members! Well, nine new team members, if we count Sierra, our official photographer, whose photos you’ve seen in pretty much all my articles! (Thanks Sierra! Keep up the good work!).
Since the start of the year we haven’t stopped, but I’m going to focus my report on two events that although small, compared to some major events down the line, were also fun and good tests for our newer members! Since a few of them are completely new to airsoft, it’s always better to start a bit slow. They are still getting the hang of their gear, seeing what they still need to add to their loadout or what’s not necessary, which is quite important for when we tackle bigger games!
But let’s jump right to the first event! And it was none other than the anniversary of our friends, the USAC team! This meant a little trip over to the small town of Estreito in Oleiros where we are always welcome. Some of us departed Friday night, while others hit the road during the early hours of Saturday. I was in the group that left Friday night, since there is always a good get-together with the other players there; there’s nothing like sharing a few adult beverages with players that I’ve known for years.
VILLAGE LIFE
Saturday morning, we got up and got ready to drive to the meeting point, which was in the middle of the town. From there, we drove with a game staff member toward the game area. Now, one thing that’s important to imagine is the field for this game; in a couple of my previous game reports, I’ve talked about this amazing field. It’s a huge field, around 14 km from end to end, four old abandoned villages, a creek, valleys, and hills; a dream field for any team. But, since this was a game on the smaller side, only with a few hand-picked teams, the game focused only in and around one of the villages.
After arriving, we geared up and headed to the briefing area. The game was simple, in and around the village there were several resource points, and after capturing said point you could extract a small card that counted as that resource, fuel, ammo, or manpower. The goal of the game was to use the collected resources to “buy” parts of a map that was held by the organization, and each bought part would offer either a bonus for any future resource that you used (like a 50 fuel card would count as 75 fuel) or special missions.
“SINCE THE START OF THE YEAR WE HAVEN’T STOPPED, BUT I’M GOING TO FOCUS MY REPORT ON TWO EVENTS THAT ALTHOUGH SMALL, COMPARED TO SOME MAJOR EVENTS DOWN THE LINE, WERE ALSO FUN AND GOOD TESTS FOR OUR NEWER MEMBERS!”
We started on the Western part of the village and the lowest point, so my first thought was that we were at a disadvantage, since we were fighting a literally uphill battle! But we also had a small advantage; our faction was composed of mostly my team and four members from the BTA team (where our friends The Duchess and Geraldo are from), and we were also all already coordinated in the same radio frequency. So as soon as the game started, our goal was to rush in and reach as far into the village as possible, and control as many supply points as we could. I guess luck was on our side, as for some reason the enemy faction was slow to get into action, allowing us to take position in most of the village.
And from here on... it was a complete “slaughter”... the enemy faction never even reached the centre of the village, where we could buy the map parts. I don’t know if it was a mix of dis-coordination among the teams that composed the enemy faction, combined with our faction coordination. After we
dominated the village, I divided our faction in three groups, East, Centre and West, and moved people around every time a sector was in need of some reinforcement.
Slowly I started gathering resources that each sector brought me, and used them to buy the map parts. Soon we held a good portion of the map, while the enemy faction was still kept at bay, so to change things up I decided to buy the special mission!
The mission came in a riddle, so to say, which stated: “Follow the water, and you will find what you are looking for”. With this info, we started scouring the creek that passed in the western part of the village, and after a while one of my team members located something that looked like a person laying on the floor. We moved in, using cover from some members in the central sector, and got what ended up being the USAC team’s mascot in a multicam uniform. We brought it to safety and searched its pockets, where we ended up finding a good pile of resource
“FROM HERE ON... IT WAS A COMPLETE “SLAUGHTER”... THE ENEMY FACTION NEVER EVEN REACHED THE CENTRE OF THE VILLAGE, WHERE WE COULD BUY THE MAP PARTS. I DON’T KNOW IF IT WAS A MIX OF DIS-COORDINATION AMONG THE TEAMS THAT COMPOSED THE ENEMY FACTION…”
cards.
The game progressed mostly as it started, with the enemy faction trying to breach our defences, but never with an attack strong enough to breach them and take hold of important areas. So, after collecting more resources, we bought the second and last special mission. And this time, our goal was to “blow up” the small bridge that passed over the creak, using one of Ares Alpha cases.
So I gathered a small force and headed toward the western flank, which was under attack at that moment. Although the enemy attack wasn’t strong to push our line, it wasn’t safe to advance towards the mission location. Some time was needed to activate the device, and the player would be completely exposed during the process. So I ordered our defensive line to push up. And with that I was able to move toward the bridge and activate the “bomb”, which now we had to defend it during the countdown.
As the game reached the end, the organization decided to offer an extra special mission to the enemy faction. The mascot that we found early on was given to them, which they had to defend until the clock ran out, just a simple objective, to get them in the game. As such, we pushed to attack the area and retrieve the objective, but in the end we were unable to. As we got eliminated, there were no more respawns. So, little by little, we headed back to the cars and the game ended.
After the event, our USAC friends even reserved a whole restaurant just for us, and we even had lunch with a representative of the City Council… so of course I took the chance to talk about airsoft, and its benefits for the region!
CARGO DROP
Let’s fast-forward one week, to the next event! We were invited to take part of Cargo Drop, a game that would take place in MegaCampo, which is probably the only commercial field in Portugal. I know it might sound a bit strange to our readers in the UK and USA (which are the majority, I know), but here in Portugal things run a bit differently. This field runs with a mix of paintball and airsoft, with several built scenarios.
So, with the objective of bolstering the Airsoft Community, they decided to team up with our friend Pestana from ANA, and offered a more complex event to the players. The field offers great conditions to the players, a covered location to gear up, WCs, snack bar, BBQ spot, HPA station, the works. And with the light rain that persisted through the morning, it was great to have cover over our heads at the start and the end of the event (who cares about rain during the game itself?!).
After gearing up, we headed toward the special briefing area, where Pestana explained the game module. We started the game with four different hints, for four different locations where we could
“CONFRONTATION WITH THE ENEMY FACTION WAS FIERCE, WITH BOTH GROUPS TRYING TO GET THE SAME OBJECTIVES, BUT, SIMILARLY TO THE EVENT IN CASTELO BRANCO, MY TEAM WAS THE MAJORITY OF THE FACTION… WE WERE ABLE TO COORDINATE QUITE WELL AND PUSH AND COMPLETE OUR OBJECTIVES”
find some sort of item that had to be brought back to our HQ/Respawn. And, with all of them, we could progress to the next part of the game.
As the game started, we moved toward the River and Fort sectors and quickly found two of the hinted objectives. They were envelopes (one marked to each faction) with a transparent sheet (acetate sheet) that had the markings and timings of the cargo drops. When placed over the map in our HQ, we could see where and when the drops would be. With this in mind, we moved to get the remaining envelopes, located in the Wild West and in the Iraq sectors. At this time the confrontation with the enemy faction was fierce, with both groups trying to get the same objectives, but, similarly to the event in Castelo Branco, my team was the majority of the faction. And, with the rest of the players, who were also known to us, welcoming our guidance, we were able to coordinate quite well and push and complete our objectives.
With all four envelopes in our HQ, it was time to change tactics and focus on certain areas and capture the cargo drops (a total of nine!). There was a drop every 30m in a different spot. But, the enemy wasn’t going down without a fight, and even with them missing two of their envelopes, they still had information about some objectives. So they quickly grabbed the first drop, which was close to their HQ.
From here on, it was a head on fight for the drops, and since each was in a different location, we were forced to move from sector to sector, trying to control and defend them while
we waited for the drop to appear, and then take it to our HQ. At a time we held four objectives against the enemy’s two, but we lost the next two objectives which brought the game to a tie!
That meant that the last objective was going to decide who “won”. And, of course, the objective was in the middle of the game are, in the Iraq sector. Knowing this, I ordered all available to rush to the location, and we were able to control it pretty quickly. The enemy was slow to react, but they did try to attack our positions several times, but never with success. And with that, we picked up the last drop as soon as it dropped and took it to our HQ, ending the event. It was now time to remove the mud from our boots and take off our wet gear!
This was our start of 2025, a few simple games among some team practices. But 2025 already has some good events in the calendar! So more airsoft is to come, and I’ll be sure to share the stories when they happen. AA
“IT WAS A HEAD ON FIGHT FOR THE DROPS, AND SINCE EACH WAS IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION, WE WERE FORCED TO MOVE FROM SECTOR TO SECTOR, TRYING TO CONTROL AND DEFEND THEM WHILE WE WAITED FOR THE DROP TO APPEAR, AND THEN TAKE IT TO OUR HQ”
MK18 SUPERIORITY
THE MARCH OF THE MK18 CONTINUES AT PACE, WITH MORE AND MORE MANUFACTURERS BRINGING OUT THEIR OWN TAKE ON THIS STALWART AR-PLATFORM! BUT THERE’S ONE AEG VERSION THAT STILL TAKES THE CROWN ACCORDING TO BILL AS HE CHECKS BACK ON HIS ORIGINAL ICS MODEL THAT DATES BACK TO 2022!
If there’s one single model of AR that I find myself returning to time and again it’s the MK18 CQBR; I simply love this chunky little platform in all its forms, right from the MOD 0 up to the very latest iterations, and if I had to choose just one style of AR for use in-game then this would most definitely be it! In airsoft form I believe that the MK18 is the perfect tool, performing excellently in the woods and in urban environments too.
Let’s face it, the MK18 was undoubtedly designed for work “close up and personal”, but also for medium range engagement distances; as none of us are likely to often encounter airsoft fights over, at the most, 50-70m with a standard AEG or GBBR the MK18 to me is pretty much the perfect airsoft
carbine. Now we’ve talked in Red Cell this months
“IF I HAD TO CHOOSE JUST ONE STYLE OF AR FOR USE IN-GAME THEN THIS WOULD MOST DEFINITELY BE IT! IN AIRSOFT FORM I BELIEVE THAT THE MK18 IS THE PERFECT TOOL, PERFORMING EXCELLENTLY IN THE WOODS AND IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS TOO”
noted before what a beauty this carbine is! I am still of the belief that ICS make some of the finest, highperformance AEGs out there, and I’ve tested many, many of their models of all types during my long and mutually respectful relationship with the Taiwanese brand. I’m not going to say that ICS have never got things a little wrong, but their AEGs impress me over and over again, and their recent forays into both the spring sniper market, and the GBB pistol realm have done so as well... from what I saw at IWA they are poised to also enter the GBBR market in the very near future, and this excites me greatly!
But the MK18 AEG? The facts remain unchanged that ICS collaborated with EMG ARMS in the USA, and the ICS DD MK18 has been created under the EMG Daniel Defense Licence and as such is 100% fully-branded, and I do mean FULLY, even down to the correct font in the trademarks and the DD logo on the mock-BCG. Everything is where it should be on both the upper and lower receivers and 9.55” RIS II rail, right down to the NSN numbers, and along with these the overall finish of the AEG is just splendid, replicating the “chocolate tan” of the receivers and furniture that I was so taken with when I first saw it on the real models, and the “SF Bronze” of the rail is impeccable as new; this colour also appears on the latest ICS “DD” models that I had the pleasure of reviewing in ISSUE 171, and I am totally looking forward to working both models up
proper “use and abuse”.. of course there are some scrapes and lumps taken out where I’ve had it on the range (a lot!) and in-game (full disclosure, not so much…), and I’ve now needed to re-tighten the rail a couple of times, but generally speaking it still looks great… if anything even better than new now that it’s a little “battleworn”.
Looking at the externals in detail, they are flawless and offer some nice little features in the way of trades. “DD” trades, a serial number on the handguard, and plenty of real estate for all the accessories you could ever wish for! The upper receiver has been etched with a bullet logo containing the calibre of the real counterpart 5.56 and toward the rear an etched MK18, as Jimmy noted “just to let everyone know you have good taste”. The lower receiver has been deeply engraved with the full Daniel Defense logo. The dual tone grip has a perfect angle and is semi-coated in rubber which is bears the EMG logo. Moving to the rear there’s a full-metal five point buffer tube which houses the wiring in an under-tray, allowing for a variety of good-sized, allday-play batteries. A polymer stock, just like the real DD version, with rubber cheek pad again bearing the EMG logo is a nice touch and has minimal wobble on the buffer tube (no one likes a wobbly stock, now do they?).
And the furniture itself still appears to me to be a first in the airsoft world to the best of my knowledge as the MK18 features some super replications of the ergonomic DD Buttstock and Pistol Grip, both of which are colourcoded to the receivers, but with a twotone black inset that frankly looks the absolute business. On the real civilian-spec carbine these are “Glass Filled Polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding”, whilst on the ICS they
“AMONGST ALL THE AEG REPLICAS THERE’S ONE THAT UNDOUBTEDLY STANDS OUT FOR ME, AND THAT’S THE NOW-OLDER AND CLASSIC ICS MK18 VERSION, AND AS I’VE NOTED BEFORE WHAT A BEAUTY THIS CARBINE IS! I AM STILL OF THE BELIEF THAT ICS MAKE SOME OF THE
are very high-grade polymer. Once again the finish if these parts is splendid and has stood up well, but with the grip accommodating the motor and the buttstock giving lots of battery space that is easily accessed via that “twist and turn” buttpad; the MK18 is rear-wired with Deans. ICS call their take “ZETA” and the newly-designed “20°-Vertical” pistol grip offers both comfort and control; the QD bottom cap allows you to perform motor maintenance more easily too. With the real deal “iron” sights are sold separately, but ICS have been kind enough to fit their excellent flip-ups as standard so that the AEG just needs a battery to be field-ready.
I’ve stayed pretty much with the accessories I first fitted, a NUPROL NPQ15 LIGHT/LASER BOX (PEQ-15) that offers all the functions I need, an NP WEAPON LIGHT, a replica XPS holosight, shorty foregrip and some ladder rail covers. This to me is a functional, tried and very-much-tested setup that I run on all my MK18s, although I have upgraded the old “rats tails” to more user-friendly WADSN pressure switches. I’ve also been running a NUPROL “SF-style” tracer unit for lo-light/night training and scenarios, and I this rocks!
Depending on the power level (there are different models for the global market!) you can choose between 7.4v or 11.1v batteries and there is plenty of room in the butt stock with an easy access butt pad; just pull and twist it’s as easy as that. The battery you choose is entirely up to you but ICS recommend up to 360fps use a 7.4v, and over 360fps use an 11.1v; I’ve been using a 15c 1300mah 11.1v with no problems at all. As new my MK18 came in at 1.03 Joule/334fps and this has remained pretty constant so far, and as yet I haven’t needed to change out the hop-rubber; there’s been no degrade in either the power level or accuracy so far which just illustrates how good the original internals spec was, and is.
As Jimmy said last time we looked at our MK18s:
“This is truly an out of the box high performing rifle sporting premium quality, reliable parts, and has a rapid response thanks to the SSSIII trigger system and the high quality evolution motor; with reinforced MasterMod internals to ensure longevity, everything is nestled nice and neat in the now-iconic
split gearbox which from a techs standpoint is a joy to work on.
Performance-wise I can’t fault it and for an out of the box AEG it will supersede most others on the market, pushing BBs out easily to around 70m, and very effective at 50mtrs all thanks to the fine tunability of the rotary hop unit, 6.03mm barrel and the MasterMods CNC brass tension nub which will lift 0.30g beebs with ease.
Semi-auto response is instant thanks to a short trigger pull and great electronics and follow up shots are lightning fast; this is due to pre-cock so that after the first shot the piston sits fully pre-cocked. This is where the piston sits fully rearward laying in a state of readiness just waiting to slam forward sending the next BB out toward your opponents.”
As a midcap player I’ve continued to run the ICS MK18 on N-MAG 30/125 models and these have fed flawlessly throughout the life of the AEG thus far, which now totals some 10,000+ BBs. I’m still happily hitting the 300x300 steels out to 70m consistently on .30g; as I noted when I last looked at the MK18 I prefer to shoot on semi-auto and the ROF, although exactly where claimed at around 20 RPS on an 11.1, is of little interest to me, but the trigger response is still crisp and positive.
Once again I’ll come back to my original conclusion, one that I reached back in 2022 when the AEG was new and say “I have to commend ICS for once again for creating something that sings to me in every way possible… this is one AEG that you will most definitely want to own. If you’re in the market for a new AEG generally though, then I would certainly take a very good look at the ICS DD MK18; if this is the shape of things to come from ICS in the future then I’m super-excited to see what they come up with next!”
Of course after IWA I know where ICS are going next, into “terra incognita” for them as they head towards their very first GBBR! However, the fact is that ICS have made some truly exemplary AEGs and will continue to do so, and in my opinion, an opinion based now on nearly three years of shooting the platform on a regular basis, the MK18 is genuinely one of their best, a really superior AEG! AA
“THE OVERALL FINISH OF THE AEG IS JUST SPLENDID, REPLICATING THE “CHOCOLATE TAN” OF THE RECEIVERS AND FURNITURE THAT I WAS SO TAKEN WITH WHEN I FIRST SAW IT ON THE REAL MODELS, AND THE “SF BRONZE” OF THE RAIL IS IMPECCABLE AS NEW”
My sincere thanks as always go to the lovely team at www.icsbb.com for providing the Mk18 AEGs for Jimmy and I, and it is genuinely a pleasure to work with people that have such a passion for airsoft!
Thanks also to AA LEGION ASSOCIATE Josh, from www.kriosphotography.com, for working with us on this article, and I’m looking forward to working with him more in 2025!
“OF COURSE AFTER IWA I KNOW WHERE ICS ARE GOING NEXT, INTO “TERRA INCOGNITA” FOR THEM AS THEY HEAD TOWARDS THEIR VERY FIRST GBBR! HOWEVER, THE FACT IS THAT ICS HAVE MADE SOME TRULY EXEMPLARY AEGS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO”
