ne Free On-line magazi
English Version
pO Force magazine
Korps mariniers
korps commandotropen
netherland's Forces
M1 Garand Marushin
SIG 552 Commando ICS Glo
ck
1/2011
Translation: Michal “Magnus� Kasinski
military airsoft stylization magazine
Issue 4
17 A rmy
pO Force
on target 2 4. Korps Mariniers
4 6 8
10. Unit Interventie Mariniers
10 12
14. Korps Commandotropen
14 16 18 20 22
24. Glock 17 Army
24
26. Dutch Combat Vest
26
14-23 One of the two main Special Forces units in the Dutch army.
Was founded in Achnacarry, Scotland, and as the majority of modern European Special Forces units, tasked with special operations.
28 30 32. Dutch version of DPM
32 34
36. Reflex sight assembly
36 38 40
42. A Swiss for special assignment
42 44 46
26-31 Tactical Vest as a basis of modern equipment.
Dutch modular vest review. The answer to the question if Dutchmen were able to invent something new whether than already copying an existing solution.
48 50 52. Whip for terminators
52 54 56
58. Under the Burlap
58
60. M1 Garand Marushin
60 62
64. Extreme passion
64 66
68. History of M1 Garand
68
70. Forgotten Master
70
72. In the next Issue
72
42-51 Swiss precission closed in commando casing.
Review of the Swiss SIG 552 Commando ICS carbine tests. How will the small SIG prove itself in the field? Is it able to compete with bigger replicas?
From the Editor
W
e covered a few more kilometres to show you armies of the world. In the last issue of the magazine you could get to know the French army. In this issue we will look at the East-South border of the French Republic to explore the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Why exactly them? Let us not forget, that in the end of the 19th century, Netherlands was a colonial power, dealing cards in the pretty large area of our globe. To gain and hold such power numerous, well trained and equipped armed forces were needed. Did something remain from the former power? I think that our articles will introduce you a little bit to this small country and its units. A fact of very close connections of Dutch and British units will be not without meaning. For instance, the conversion of British camouflage into the needs of the Dutch Army is worth mentioning. You will be able to see the Dutch camouflage on our photographs, while we introduce the uniform and equipment. You will also find the field test report of the SIG 552 Commando replica, produced by the ICS. We will give you a written and photographic report of its capabilities and usefulness in an airsoft game. For enthusiasts of gadgets we have, this time, the review of the sports Solve AT-18 camera. With this article we will begin a series of reviews about using cameras during airsoft games. After all, each of us met with a situation worth immortalizing and it, due to different reasons, has not been always possible. Thanks to our articles you will make yourselves acquainted with cameras which will let you record not only a fragment but even an entire battle. You will become certain that no important moment will pass you by. You will also find more reviews of exceptional replicas. We would like you also to become acquainted with the classic replica of the Marushin M1 Garand rifle. This article is certainly worth recommending, for instance on the account of the uniqueness of this replica. You can also read an article about a sidearm – a very popular Glock17, produced by Army. Our full-time “gunman” will introduce its advantages and disadvantages. Have a nice reading. Tomasz Niwinski Editor
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Korps mariniers
Korps Mariniers Netherlands Marine Corps
The 17th age was a golden age in the development of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which became one of the colonial empires. It was possible to find Dutch settlements in North America and Zealand and the very fleet of merchant ships counted 16 000 units. Of course, the Dutch expansion wasn’t a calm one. Over centuries Netherlands led numerous wars and fought a lot of single battles, as well on land and sea. It is obvious that a country possessing a developed fleet of ships must have soldiers able to fight on them. Such soldiers as Marines. Royal Netherlands Navy Marine corps, named Korps Mariniers by the Dutchmen, was founded on 10 December 1665, during the Second Anglo-Dutch, by the unofficial leader of the Dutch Republic, Johan de Witt, and Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. To this day the unit celebrates its birthday in the East Square in Rotterdam. Willem Joseph van Ghent, a skilled and experienced captain who took part in the war against Sweden, was the unit’s first commander. One should emphasize that the forming of a marine unit was to those times quite innovative. Korps Mariniers was the fifth marine formation in the world, being preceded by Spain, Portugal, France and Great Britain. The unit’s history was turbulent. Netherlands lost the sovereignty to France in the 19th century and the unit was disbanded. A new Marine unit was raised on 20 March, 1801, during the time of the Batavian Republic and on 14 August 1806 the Korps Koninklijke Grenadiers van de Marine was raised under King Louis Bonaparte. In 1814, after the occupation ended, and William V, Prince of Orange, the rightful king of Netherlands returned, the unit was raised again, and received its current name in 1817 The
Netherlands
Corps has its own motto. It is a Latin sentence saying “Qua Patet Orbis”, meaning “As Far As The World Extends” or less literary - “so far as the wide world”. And it is very accurate. The Dutch marines were sent to different parts of the world. The “Raid on the Medway” in 1667 was their debut, showing the effectiveness of Korps Mariniers on sea. During four-day fights the Dutchmen managed to penetrate the British territory. In 1673 they managed to force back an attack of French-British fleet. Despite heavy losses on both sides, the British men didn’t reach the land. In 1704, Netherlands Marines were part of a combined English-Dutch force under Prince George of HesseDarmstadt that captured Gibraltar and defended it successfully shortly afterwards.. In 1816 the British and Dutch marines met again, this time in the campaign against Algerian pirates. In years 1873 - 1913 Korps Mariniers took part in the war against the Aceh sultanate. In World War II, a Korps Mariniers unit in Rotterdam successfully defended the bridges across the Maas, preventing German paratroopers from entering Rotterdam. The resistance was so fierce that Germans were forced to bomb the city. Unfortunately, in spite of Korps Mariniers efforts, Netherlands capitulated. This fact however didn’t keep the soldiers from fighting. Some soldiers escaped to England where they created a so-called “Dutch legion”. On 11 February 1941 by the approval of Queen Wilhelmina the Dutch Legion gained a new name, the Princess Irene Brigade (P.I.B). The brigade distinguished themselves in combat near the Dutch city of Tilburg in the autumn of 1944. After the Netherlands regain independence, Korps Mariniers served in Western New Guinea all the way to 1962.
The Dutch marines aren’t exclusively a unit destined to operate on the sea-land environment. Big experience, rigorous training and excellent weaponry are causing the unit to operate in any environment in the world. Marine As an evidence of their versatility, an counter-terrorist
Foto: www.defensie.nl
action was carried out by Bijzondere Bijstands Eenheid (Unit Interventie Mariniers) on 11 June, 1977, consisting of a selection of specially trained marines of the Dutch Marine Corps. They stormed a train that was being held hostage since 23 May by armed South Moluccan extremists in the village of De Punt, in the province of Drenthe. Even though the threat was neutralised and the train was taken by force, two hostages were killed in the raid. However, the entire operation was considered to be a great success. It is necessary to remember that special counter-terrorist units weren’t as popular as today. Even the famous Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980 (Nimrod operation) had civilian causalities.
British command.
From 18 February, 1992, to 18 December, 1993, the Dutchmen took part in the mission in Cambodia on behalf of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). Three Battalions of Marines and a Navy field hospital (FDS) stationed there. From 1995 until present soldiers are taking part in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Bosnia
1MARNSBAT - stationed in the Netherlands, consisting of HQ Company and 2 Infantry Companies:
From 18 November, 2003, to 19 February, 2004, one platoon of Dutch marines took part in a peacekeeping mission in Liberia.
In years 2005 - 2006 took part in a peacekeeping mission under the leadership of United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). This mission was exceptional since the Mariniers were specially chosen by the UN secretary general Kofi Annan. Major General of the Marines Patrick Cammaert was appointed division commander. He was charged with this task in recognition of his service and experience in carrying and The rest of operations, during the last twenty years, coordinating peacekeeping missions. are connected with the membership of Netherlands In 2010 the unit also brought help to the victims of in such structures like the NATO or the United Na- Haiti cataclysm. tions. These are operations being aimed at assuring stabilization, bringing humanitarian aid and ensuring Korps Mariniers, as every army unit, has its own insecurity mainly for the civilian population. Of course ternal structure. As a whole, it is a part of the Dutch it is necessary to have in mind, that not all of Korps navy; however it has its own Marine Training ComMariniers operations must be public. The ones which mand (MTC). Korps Mariniers contain three operawere made public are: tional Marine Battalions:
11 Coy. is specialised Mountain and Arctic warfare 13 Coy. is specialised in Jungle warfare and equipped with BvS 10 VIKING All Terrain Armoured Vehicles.
From 28 July, 2000, to 7 February, 2003, United Na- 2MARNSBAT - also stationed in the Netherlands, tions Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) consisting of HQ Company and 3 Infantry Companies: 11 January, 2002, to July, 2010, they were supporting the coalition in Afghanistan as part of the Internation- the 21st trained for Jungle warfare and riverine operaal Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The second bat- tions, talion with the field hospital was deployed in Mazar-e Sharif in 2005 to provide security during the elections. the 22nd, generally specialized, equipped with BvS 10 Their task was to ensure security in the country. Ma- VIKING All Terrain Armoured Vehicles rines and Navy personnel were also stationed in the Provincial Reconstruction Team in pol-e-Khomri, the 23rd trained for Urban warfare. province of Baghlan and were relieved in October 2006 when Hungarian forces took over. Dutchmen There is additional 24th Support Arms Company were also responsible for recruiting and training new which assures the artillery and anti-tank support, lomilitary personnel of the Afghan National Army. gistic infrastructure and reconnaissance. It has Spike ATGM, 81mm Mortars, Assault Engineers, Snipers In years 2003 - 2004 Two battalions of marines were and Reconnaissance Marines sent to Iraq after the second Gulf war as part of the Stabilisation Force Iraq (SFIR). They were stationed Amphibious Combat Support Battalion consists of in the province of Al-Muthanna where they fell under two companies, containing all amphibious landing 5
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Korps mariniers
craft as well as the Amphibious Beach Unit that sup- commanding a troop (or squad) of 8 marines. The last and longest phase, consists of commanding a platoon ports landings from the beach. of marines.. It is conducted with the agreement with Amphibious Logistic Battalion (AMFLOGBAT) is the British marines unit. If this is successfully comassuring the logistical support for the entire unit, pleted, the marine officer will be assigned to the opmaking sure it is operating successfully. It consists of erational units of the Mariniers Training Commando two companies supporting, appropriately, 1MARNS- (MTC). BAT (supported by Combat Service Support 1) and 2MARNSBAT (supported by Combat Service Support Marines must be able to operate in every environment. The Dutch marines regularly train in arctic, 2) and the Seabased Support Group. jungle, desert, high-altitude and urban conditions. As mentioned above, Korps Mariniers are being used as a special and counter-terrorist unit. A special battalion was formed within the unit -the Maritime Special Operations Forces (MARSOF). It was formed as a result of merging the Mountain Leader Reconnaissance Platoon, the Unit Interventie Mariniers and the frogman (combat divers) platoon. The BBE unit (Unit Interventie Mariniers), described earlier, is also a part of it. In order to get into this unit, the soldiers must undergo rigorous 40-day training, thanks to which they will be acquainted with newest reconnaissance and counter-terrorist techniques. The unit is sisterly with the British Special Boat Service (SBS). Korps Mariniers is one of the most elite units in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is why not every soldier can join its ranks. Only men can the operational units, albeit women often join supporting units, as medical officers, administrators etc. and can choose two roads of career: marine and an officer. The training program is depending of the assignment, which in turn is depending on the level of education. Initial training to become an enlisted marine in the Netherlands lasts about 33 weeks. It is given at the Mariniers Opleidingscentrum (M.O.C.) at the Van Ghentkazerne in Rotterdam. It is a roughly equivalent to that of the British Royal Marines. It is rigorous and very demanding, both physically and mentally. Eventually only 33%-50% will pass. The ones who pass the test will receive their “dark blue beret”, and will be assigned to the operational units of Mariniers Training Commando (MTC). The training to become a marine officer in the Netherlands lasts a total of 18 months. It is one of the most intense preliminary training courses. To start with a half-year general officer’s training at the Koninklijk Instituut voor de Marine (Royal Dutch Naval Academy)). It is divided into three phases. First - participants are acquiring all practical skills which can be useful on the battlefield. The second phase consists of
Dutch Marines’ commercial Source: www.defensie.nl However, during operational training, there is more emphasis on various other tactics in amphibious warfare. Experienced marines are able to obtain various specialisations: Weapons Instructor, Sniper, Mortar specialist (120 mm mortar), Marine Scout, Medic, Radio specialist or join the Special Forces.
Equipment:
guage what resulted in creating a military power one should reckon with. The Spaniards saw that themSince the Korps Mariniers are a sea-land unit, one selves during the ages 1702-1713 (during the War of should expect a whole range of specialist assault the Spanish Succession). As it was mentioned earlier, equipment. However, being a Special Forces unit, they a two-way, Dutch-British exchange takes place during have the entire range of different equipment at their the officer’s training, improving the soldier’s skills and disposal. The most popular are: BV206S armored all- cooperation with a similar unit. Since 1973, The Royterrain personnel carriers, BVS10 Viking armored al Marines and Netherlands Marine Corps are allied all-terrain personnel carriers, XA-188 Patria wheeled through a ‘Bond of friendship’. Both form the UK/NL armored personnel carriers, Land Rover Defender. A Landing Force. The cooperation led to an operational Canada Colt is Dutch Marines favourite assault rifle integration which is highly promoted in the North Atand comes in different configurations. FN MAG and lantic Treaty Organization. M2HB are used as a support weapon. The Dutch use Marcin “Mirra” Dudojc
Glock 17 as a sidearm. Moreover, the FN P90 sub-machine guns and H&K MP5, Accuracy International AWM sniping rifles and SSG 69 belong also to standard equipment. The British and Dutch armed forces share close relations for over a half-century. In spite of a turbulent history both these countries found a common lanTranslation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Various movies presenting diff eration and training o Source: www.defensie.nl
fferent units and places of opof the Dutch Marines.
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Unit Interventie Mariniers
Unit Interventie Mariniers
Members of Korps Mariniers, being a part of the UIM (Unit Interventie Mariniers), in the seventies formerly known as the Bijzondere Bijstands Eenheid (BBE)), are the core of Dutch special forces. BBE was created as a result of the demand for units which could protect the country from any inside attacks. Year 1973 showed that the world is poorly prepared for terrorist attacks, and the tragedy in Munich was the cause of developing a new military branch - counter-terrorism units.
T
he first real intervention mission was the recapture of the Scheveningen prison in October 1974. One of the best-known intervention mission took place on 23 May, 1977. During the incident in Drenthe, in the North East region of the country, SouthMoluccan terrorists seized the primary school and the passenger train in the De Punt village. They were divided into two groups: four-person group which occupied the school and detained 105 children and 5 teachers, and nine-person group which seized the train together with 50 passengers. The stalemate lasted twenty days. On the 11 June, after unsuccessful negotiations, at about 5: 00 in the morning. the raid was carried resulting in death of 6 terrorists and 2 hostages. Three terrorists were arrested. A raid on school was carried at the same time, however in this case all terrorists surrendered. Despite civilian casualities, the raid was considered to be successful. In March, 1978, the Moluccans decided to test the effectiveness of BBE soldiers once again. This time they seized the town hall in the Assen province, taking 70 hostages. The BBE raid came just in time: the hijackers had almost executed two people. The entire operation ended again with success and since then the Moluccan extremists stopped performing any terrorist operations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The next known operation of the BBE took place in 2004 where, during the attempt to arrest members of the Hofstad Network, there was an exchange of fire. As a result three police officers had been injured by grenades. BBE were called and after a successful raid, the two young terrorists were arrested. In 2008 BBE, known already as UIM, was assigned to secure cargo ships with the humanitarian aid for Somalia and defend them against pirates. In April, 2010, UIM again took part in the campaign against pirates, re-capturing the German oil container ship MS Taipan. The entire raid was recorded with the help of helmet camera, and footage was made available in the Internet.
venties (DSI) was created which is aimed at gathering operators from different units such as: Unit Interventie Mariniers (UIM), National Police Services Agency (Korps landelijke politiediensten - KLPD), Arrestatieteam (AT - the SWAT-team of the Dutch police), border guards and the military gendarmerie.
UIM actions showcase Source: www.defensie.nl As a whole the unit comes under KLPD supervision and it is an example of excellent integration of few branches of uniformed services, where each of them brings unique contribution to joint achievements. Such “interdisciplinary� structure still has one plus. These are times, where terrorist attacks are the best way to fight the system and show social dissatisfaction, arouse misinformation, cause fear and the paralysis of a whole country. More and more terrorists operate in small, hard detectable groups. That is why a UIM isn’t of course a normal police unit. However unit which can effectively, through complex construcit can be used as an inner power during the state of tion, coordinate actions on many plains is far more emergency. For this purpose Dienst Speciale Inter- effective in fighting and counteracting such threats.
Obviously the UIM isn’t of course involved in every operation carried by DSI. There are 3 states of emergency within the unit, and various formations take part in fighting them. The first level, represented by armed criminals, is dealt by KLPD and SWAT operators. The second level is being defined as small scale situations of average threat and high risk. Simply - the ones which happened in 1977. During such situations the Unit Interventie is used, composed in the majority of UIM soldiers, aided by KLPD. It is necessary to emphasize that from this level the life of hostages are most important, and arresting the terrorists during the raid is a secondary goal. The third level consists of big scale complex counter-terrorist operations carried
UIM has also its own internal structure. It consists of around 130 members, divided in three platoons. Each operator is trained in urban warfare and black tactics. Moreover they have a large number of skills, allowing them to survive and operate on hostile land. The UIM members are closely cooperating with the British SBS forming altogether a 7th group. To go with the times and face up to everyday challenges, the UIM members are regularly training with units from all over the world: with the British Metropolitan Police Service (CO19), with FBI, with the French Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale - GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group), the Czech Utvar rychleho nasazeni – URNA (national counter-terrorism unit), German Grenzschutzgruppe 9 - GSG-9 (Border Guard Group 9) and Chinese KSK. Such an approach is assuring the constant skill-sharing and improving the skill. However the success of UIM operators is not only based on their skills. Except excellent training and quite vast experience, the unit is very well equipped. As for now the Canadian Diemaco C8 carbine with all its version was the favourite weapon of operators. However it is a 12 year old rifle and more modern HK416 is slowly substituting it. Its main advantage is configuration and the availability of different variants of the barrel, e.g. 25 cm barrel for urban operations. Apart from the C8 and HK416, the UIM also has the P90 sub-machine gun and the standard MP-5, also produced by German H&K company. As a sidearm the operators are using the popular SigSauer P226. Marcin “Mirra” Dudojc
out in urban areas, at sea and in the air. Exclusively only those UIM members who have sufficient experience and training are being sent to these missions. This makes them perfect for this type of tasks. UIM members, apart from counter-terrorism operations, are being used to carrying special military operations. In 1997, together with their Marine friends, they were sent to Yugoslavia in order to arrest war criminals. They are also serving in Afghanistan gathering information and carrying long-range reconnaissance. Of course, these operations are military secrets and the information is limited to minimum. Translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Unit Interventie Mariniers
Helmet of the Du
The uniform and equipment of the Unit Interventie Mariners soldier
Sub-Machine Gun
Uni H&K MP5
Dutch marine units usin
Sniper Rifle
AWSM
Rifle Diameco C8
utch Royal Marines
Sub-Machine Gun
iform
ng woodland camouflage
FN P90
Pistol SIG P226
Rifle H&K 416
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Korps Commandotropen pO Force
Korps Commandotroepen
It is impossible not to notice British influences in the Dutch army. It is likely caused by the common history these two countries used to share. Netherlands is quite carefully observing the British military actions, drawing the right conclusions - with simultaneous omission of many mistakes. In the space of years the Dutch army developed also personal standards and professional military personnel. There’s also a core of Special Forces, where Korps Commandotroepen (KCT) belong.
T
he unit was formed on March 22, 1942, during WWII (one year after SAS was created) as a No.2 (Dutch) Troop. During that time the Dutch were under the German occupation, that’s why this unit was formed in Achnacarry, Scotland, where the main training base of allied Special Forces was found. Its purpose was to conduct special operations, which, at the time, were operations that were considered too complex and too dangerous for conventional military personnel. Theirs motto is „Nunc aut Nunguam”, what can be translated as: “Now or Never”. This motto reminds the famous “Who dares wins” and it is necessary to admit, that it’s a right comparison, because KCT’s job description is very wide. They participated in guerrilla warfare in eastern India, as Korps Insulinde. After the end of war in 1945, the unit was disbanded; however its members continued to serve in different units. Some soldiers from No.2 (Dutch) Troop hooked up with Depot Speciale Troepen to form the Regiment Speciale Troepen (RST) which operated from 1945 to 1950. RST was involved in the Indonesian independence wars. Others formed the Stormschool (1945–1950), located in Bloemendaal, Netherlands. On 1 July 1950, the RST merged with the Stormschool in Roosendaal to form the present Korps Commandotroepen. During this fusion the main HQ was moved from Roosendaal.
Photo: www.defensie.nl
New threats appeared while the world’s situation changed. Worldwide terrorism has become the biggest threat. Armed conflicts also changed their form a little bit. Precise hits and collecting the information is at present more essential than brutal power which is aimed at destroying the enemy. Units able to react fast and meeting the requirements put for them are needed in such world. Because of it there have been many changes in the KCT structure. A professional team for special assignments was created from a reconnaissance unit. Also the way of recruiting new members changed. The direct conscription of soldiers was suspended for the benefit of recruitment of experienced soldiers from different units. The KCT’s location in Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, and recently also in Iraq, Afghanistan and Côte d’Ivoire, made possible for the soldiers to acquire new experience and improve their skills. The KCT is a Special Forces unit and the selection process is quite demanding. Candidates are being subjected to preliminary tests where they experience what is demanded from an operator. Next, they go through physical and psychological tests and then prospective candidates are sent to Amsterdam for further tests and evaluation. If they
meet all expectations, they are being sent on a 16 week training course (two times eight weeks). The first part is an introductory course known as VO (Vooropleiding), and the next one - ECO (Elementaire Commando Opleiding) covers specific aspects of Special Forces operations. The last course is held in the forests around Roosendaal. Due to the environment and secrecy which the KCT operates under, not much is known about the course. However, different sources state that it is the most rigorous training in the Dutch army, testing the physical and psychological endurance. Candidates, who g o
through VO and ECO successfully, continue the course - Voortgezette Commando Opleiding course (VCO) which covers all aspects of forest, desert and urban combat. The KCT’s weapon equipment is really similar to the one in many Dutch units. One can find Glock 17, Mossberg 590DA1, FN P90 or the distinguished C8A1 SD which is however slowly replaced by the H&K HK416 and HK 417 riffle. KCT isn’t a well known Special Forces unit. However, the professionalism and the ability to operate in every environment place the unit highly enough among other SF units. This status was assured thanks to the determination and confirmed effectiveness which caused the KCT to be a unit one should count with. Marcin “Mirra” Dudojc
Translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Korps Commandotropen
Photo: www.defensie.nl
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Korps Commandotropen
Photo: www.defensie.nl
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Korps Commandotropen
Photo: www.defensie.nl
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Korps Commandotropen
Unif
The uniforms and equipment of the Korps Commandotropen
Helmet of the Korps Co to
Machinegun
FN MAG
The DPM camouflage uniform dotrop Sniper Rifle
AI AWSM
Rifle
H&K 416
form
ommandotropen operaors
m, using by Korps Commanpen
Sniper Rifle
Barrett M82A1
Sub-machine gun
H&K MP5 SD3
Pistol Glock17
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Glock 17 Army
Glock 17 ARMY
Amongst the lower-middle class gas replicas, ARMY and WE are probably most popular at present. However, if the player wants to buy the Glock semi-automatic pistol, WE is not manufacturing any of them. So he has to choose the ARMY replica. I had recently an opportunity to make myself acquainted with the 3rd generation R17 pistol. Here’s its brief description.
W
e are receiving the gun in a normal, grey box made of wavy cardboard, with the silver “R17” overprint and a few different inscriptions. The replica is put in a sponge extrusion, which also has space for the magazine and a small package of bb balls inside. No surprise there, but you are not using the box to shoot after all. The gun is looking quite presentable at first glance. The material of the grip, to my liking, shines too much, however it is still bearable. The lock shines a little less. The markings are quite distinct and have sharp edges. Of course, it is still a replica from the lover shelf, done in China. The lock has a little looseness which is a positive surprise. In this regard it is better than the KWA Glock! The above mentioned markings are not the same as on the original Glock pistol. As can be seen on photographs, the producer put additional markings. Even though not very visible and in quite good quality, it is discrediting the pistol for people looking for an exact copy of the pistol. Unfortunately, I don’t know for how long the paint on the lock will be resisting peeling, scratching and abrasion. The sights aren’t terrible but it is possible to pick on the front sight. The dot is misplaced towards the right side of the edge! One can’t see it even at first glance, but if somebody sometimes aims the gun (and such players
exist, I met a few), it is very irritating. However, it doesn’t influence the functional value. The notched rear sight is completely normal. With the frame which seems to me to be drawn with a thinner, white line than its real equivalent. However, I didn’t have the chance to see both to compare them all at once. Ignoring the dot on the front sight – the sighting arrangement are very comfortable, typical for the Glock pistol. Relatively wide,
thanks to that the clearance between the edges of the notched rear sight and the front sight is perfect. The same is with the height of the front and rear sights. It is however an individual object of liking and there will be people disliking it. There is no sight adjustment. The magazine is similar to the one from Tokio Marui’s Glock17. The differences are slight and purely cosmetic. At first glance of course, because the gaskets are of poor quality. As a matter of fact, they were the reason of me visiting the service. The producer left a strange, black speck of dust inside the magazine, looking like a scraped off varnish. After removing it, cleaning and greasing all gaskets with the right greases (on valves and at the bottom of the magazine, plus the gasket at the clamp of the magazine), the magazine works normally and nothing is announcing any problems within half year. Only the bottom valve is worrying me lightly. It is made with a very poor material and it is already damaged from a normal gas loading procedure. And the replica is almost new after all. The outside barrel is made of plastic. It has a screwthread dummy on the muzzle, so it is not diverging from the actual standard of gas replicas on the market. The inside barrel is made of brass and it makes a good impression, especially on the distances typical for the sidearm, which is probably up to 25 metres. However, the Hop-up rubber doesn’t make a good impression. It is soft and extending, attached loosely to the barrel, turning the bb balls up rather on average or even worse. It is possible to change it i n t o the HU rubber intended f o r VSR 10 and TM gas
pistols – the rubbers are the same, since the HU chamber is also copied from the Japanese version of Glock. The return device consists of the rod of the return spring, the return spring, rubber absorber and plastic slotted ring. Nothing should be damaged inside, in spite of making the rail of poor quality Zamac (ZnAl). It will be enough to clean and grease it periodically. But not too much. The Blow-Back mechanism, found in the lock, has a standard structure, analogous to the one in Tokyo Marui. It is here where the Chinese workmanship strikes. The gas cylinder has irregular colour and the texture lightly reminds spotted marble. Grey areas can be seen on the black cylinder. It shows the variety of material, and it portends badly for endurance. The head of the blow-back piston is sealing the cylinder very poorly. Unfortunately, it is adapted to an untypical, annular gasket, rather than normal o-ring. It is keeping the Teflon tape from wrapping it up under the gasket, with the purpose of pressing it to walls of the cylinder. As a matter of fact, it is a characteristic feature of majority of gas pistols. The ones with normal o-rings are exceptions.
nomic, although it is still within reason. Due to the temperature, I won’t give a specific value but when I assembled and tested this replica at home, the gas consumption was at most - proper. Realizing, that this replica comes from China, I can’t guarantee that every R17 will have a well matched lock with the magazine and poor quality valves and cylinder. It can be that the different copy of the same replica will be precisely the other way round or we will get a very good model. This is the charm of buying cheap replicas. I would like to thank my friend Stalker for borrowing the replica. Jacek “Dexter” Reiter
Certain overlays are visible on the skeleton of the BB mechanism, luckily not in important places where moveable elements are found. They should not affect the replica’s operation. There’s only one spring moving the BB cylinder back despite the fact that there’s place for two of them, and the majority of Glocks have two. It is a typical overlooking but the lack of one spring (not to say both) isn’t influencing the performance. It is worth to clean and grease the whole. The cock mechanism is completely typical for a Glock pistols. The small, internal cock, two spiral springs, the contact breaker, the trigger slat and 3 pivots. It is all. The material, which these elements are made of, isn’t of highest quality, but presumably- is better than the alloy used in WE replicas. A fuse is found on the trigger, exactly in the same place as in the original pistol. It works flawlessly. To sum up: the replica, as for its price, surprises positively with the external workmanship and matching up the lock with the frame and magazine (no looseness). Although it is the 3rd generation, typical Chinese faults are of course still visible. However, this replica should be sufficient as a sidearm. Still, the interior of the replica is unpleasantly surprising, especially the BlowBack cylinder and the quality of the valves. Because of the above mentioned, the replica isn’t particularly ecoTranslation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Combat Vest
Dutch Combat Vest
Modern battlefield requires a highly mobile soldier with the ability of adapting itself to changing conditions. These two assumptions are seemingly mutually exclusive because the adaptation requires the usage of increased amount of equipment, which is automatically increasing the soldier’s weight and restricts his freedom of movement and comfort. It is impossible, however, to reconcile these two problems completely, but it is possible to find some room for compromise. Tactical vest makes possible to carry large amount of equipment in a comfortable way, without limiting the mobility of the soldier too much. The Dutch army also has its own version of tactical vest. It’s time to look closer at this combat vest.
W
e used Modular Gevechtsvest Compleet, NL Woodland, size M tactical vest to write this review. It is an issued tactical vest used by the Dutch armed forces in the full scope of action. The vest is a proof of close c o -
hybrid of LCTV vest - the Assalut Vest, which is also a British production. NSN number of the vest: 8465-17-114-3445 NSN number of the back part: 8465-17-114-4555 NSN number of side modules: 8465-17-116-8507 First impression:
The vest is built from three basic parts – back module and two chest modules. A polyester mesh is the main fabric, on which polyester molle straps were sewn. It distinguishes it from the British version which isn’t modular (I am talking about the Assault Vest and it reminds the LCTV more). Unfortunately, we won’t find out from the label what material the producer exactly used while manufacturing this model. The back module is connected with the chest module in two ways. Its side is tied with rubber wires (a’la paracord), which enable the adjustment of circumference on soldier’s torso. This adjustment is taking place by tightening or loosening the wire on the clamp clip. It is giving great freedom in the adjustment as well and it isn’t especially onerous. The second part of the adjustment of the circumference is in the front part of the vest and is done with fastex buckle. The second linkage is enabling the adjustment of the length of the v e s t , so it is possible to adapt it for almost operevery height of user. The adjustment is taking place in ation between the two ways. The shoulder part is lined with the Velcro Dutch and British armed tape, thanks to which it is possible to set the height acforces. The vest resembles the cording to personal requirements of every soldier. It is
possible to quickly adjust the vest on the field if there’s sewing flawless. On the internal side of the pouch, such need, caused by the modification of the amount the material is covered with a rubber laminate layer, of equipment carried and its weight. After adjusting which prevents the water the shoulder part it is possible to secure the vest with from getting inside. straps, which are sewn at the edge of every shoulder. The snap fasteners We will gain confidence that this way the vest won’t are also faultless. unfasten itself in the least expected moment. They look reliIt is worth noticing, that the tactical vest isn’t too loose able enough in after adjusting, unlike the British LCTV, and lies perorder to carry fectly on the uniform - without the need of putting a everything vest with ballistic plates under it. what we will put into the Modules: pouch. We received the vest with four pouches - two of gen2. Opbouwtas, eral purpose, one grenade pouch and one horizontal, Handgranaat, torn off, general purpose pouch. Apart from that a Polyurethan 280 thigh panel was also attached, intended for a knife. gr/m (grenade pouch) Let us add that it isn’t a complete list of storage pouches available for this vest. However, it isn’t a problem Small pouch, designed for carrying since it is possible to get them in the majority of mili- a fragmentation grenade (or other, depending on tary surplus shops. equipment). The material used was the same as the previous pouch. Also the inside is laminated what protects the contents from moisture. Let us remember Pouch list: that also the Dutch marines are using these vests, so their exposure to moist is high enough. 1. Obouwtas Algemeen, Klein, Polyurethan 280 gr/m The pouches have a citex buckle, making the access to (of general purpose) the contents easier. This type of pouches is being described as “general purpose” Utility Pouch. Dutch designers took care of the general purpose pouches so they are not only “general” from name, but they also have versatile usefulness. As a result, we received the pouch with three different fastenings (yes, it has three fastenings), enabling us to carry and store practically everything in an easy way. The first fastening we see is an external flap fastened with a fastex buckle. Until you put your gloves on, the solution is quite comfortable. Also when we know that the pouch will be used very often and the time to access it will be essential, the fastex buckle can be a little annoying. In order to avoid it, we have the possibility to use the Velcro strip which is far faster than above mentioned fastex buckle. The third type of fastening is a hole with ribbing. It will be useful when we store small things, which can fall out of the pouch during field assignments. It is necessary to add that we can create any combinations with these three fastenings. The very pouch is solid and isn’t diverging from any modern standards for this type of equipment. The material, which it was made from, is substantial, the
3. Opbouwtas, Burst, Algemeen, Polyurethan 280 gr/m (torn off, of general purpose) Small pouch, designed for carrying, for example, personal bandages. It has a two-way closing. The first one - a zipper closing the entire pocket. The second one - the upper flap, with Velcro sewn on both sides. The flap is protecting the contents from moisture, with special consideration of splashing. The whole is made of the same material as the rest of the pouches. 4. Opbouwtas, Meshouder (Been), Polyurethan 380 gr/m (knife thigh holster) A thigh pouch was the last module to which we had access. It is designed for holding a knife. At present it is more of a gadget, although 27
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Combat Vest people experienced in survival skills wouldn’t agree with this statement. So it will be our own decision, based on our own preferences, whether we will have a knife at our vest. The thigh panel is made of a little bit thicker material than the rest of pouches. It is attached to the vest with a combination of connections. Apparently, a possibility of detachment of the module from the rest was considered here, so an increased number of protections were applied. How does the fastening look like? First of all we are fastening the module to the vest with a fastex buckle, previously adjusting the length of the strap. Next we are adjusting it by unfastening or fastening the Velcro with four snap fasteners. After adjustment we attach the pouch to the vest with the snap fastener (that is - to the element linking it to the vest) and the Velcro strip, additionally protecting the pouch from detachment. We are fastening the last module on the thigh with the help of the stretchy tape (textile rubber) and we fasten it with the fastex buckle. The panel can be unfortunately attached to the right side of the vest. They didn’t think about sewing the link on both sides what is resulting in reducing the comfort of using the knife by a left-handed soldier. It is also impossible to attach the thigh holster to the right side without unfastening it. Apart from the modular pouches, the vest has also two internal pockets, sewn into chest modules. We are gaining the access by unzipping them in the front part of the set. They are located on both sides of the chest. Thank to their size we will be able to store, for example, maps or any other documents - even of big format. The entire back part of the module contains molle straps, thanks to that we have the possibility to strap additional kit, for example a buttpack or a camelback. Above them, a safety grip was sewn, allowing the wounded
soldier to be dragged away into the safe place. It also makes possible to carry the vest on short distances. Summary: Pros: 1. Weight 2. The modularity and the possibility of adjustment, depending on the needs and individual preferences 3. Protections against accidental unfastening 4. Rubberized internal part of the pouches 5. Inside pockets Cons: 1. The thigh panel fastening 2. A little bit too big for people of small posture The editors of the magazine would like to thank the www.militarny.com.pl shop for making the vest available for tests.
Frag grenade pouch
General purpose pouch
Horizontal pouch
Translation: Michal “Magnus� Kasinski
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Combat Vest
Shoulder part of the vest lined with velcro
Grenade pouch
General purpose pouch
Thigh panel with knife attachment
Fastex protecting the shoulder part
Horizontal pouch
Modular system straps
Fastex fastening the vest
Translation: Michal “Magnus� Kasinski
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DPM
Dutch version of the Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM)
Almost every country in the world has its own type of camouflage. Sometimes there’s even more than one. However, bigger countries with budgets intended to equip their armed forces every year, are willing to bear the expenses of testing and later introducing their own camouflage. It is a significant expense in every country’s budget. There are countries, however, which choose other country’s camouflage by copying it or buying the licence, often making small but meaningful modifications. This situation took place in the Royal Netherlands Army where two versions of personal camouflage are in force - the copy of the British DPM in the Army and American Woodland in the Navy. We will focus more closely on the copy of the British camouflage.
S
ince the Royal Netherlands Army is the central subject of this edition of the magazine, we couldn’t ignore the basic equipment of the Dutch soldier - his uniform. Because the Dutch Land Forces decided to have the variation of DPM camouflage, we decided to compare it with its elder brother – the British DPM. We will compare not only the camouflage, because it doesn’t determine the quality of the given uniform. We will closely examine t h e material,
First impression: Something seems not right with the Dutch uniform at first glance. At least if you compare it with its British equivalent. The Dutch camouflage seems to be really faded, kind of washed out, completely different than the lively colours of the British uniform. However, excessive wearing off isn’t the reason, since it looks like it is in the stock state. The label on the trousers shows 2004 as the year of production, and 1999 on the jacket so the uniform hadn’t been stored in the warehouse for too long. As a result, the trousers and the jacket, if they were used earlier, their shade should differ in colour. It isn’t so, however. The conclusion that occurs is obvious. The Dutch camouflage differs in colour, or at least in saturation,
from its British prototype. Material:
from which t h e Dutch uniform is made, the and the ality
sewing functionof the uniform.
The material, from which the uniform was made, is a blend of polyester (35%) and cotton (65%). It makes the impression of being solid, thick, and impervious to mechanical damage during normal using. No branches, sharp stones or any other surprises one can found on the field, will affect it. The material is similar in thickness to the American ACU or German Flecktarn. Also the woven technique, called Rip-Stop, makes this material durable. Sewing: The sewing seems to be solid, and the threads used
are of high quality. It guarantees the durability of our research object to all kind of rips.
from the back pocket which is fastened with a button, have snap fasteners. It is a controversial solution, since I heard opinions that the snap fasteners are definitely louder, and can betray soldier’s position. It is also harder to replace them, as opposite to the buttons which are replaced easily. However, I did like this idea because of its handiness and the speed. The durability of snap fasteners seems also bigger for me than it is in the case of buttons. Everyone can however decide alone whether such a solution is positive, or no.
Functionality: One should judge the majority of uniforms as a finished whole, taking all the aspects which influenced the production directly and indirectly. Besides the fabric used and the quality of sewing, functionality of such uniform is also often mentioned. I am talking of course about a way, by which the uniform was designed. So let us look at the functionality of this specific model.
Jacket: The jacket, which is being issued for Dutch soldiers, is made classically. Through classically I mean the design of majority of uniforms which I had the opportunity to see. It is a single-row jacket with a collar (not the mandarin collar like in the ACU uniform), and long sleeves.
Trousers: We will start with the trousers. They are already surprising with the way they fit the waist. The Dutch designers had an idea to increase the versatility of the trousers a little bit and gave a possibility to adjust them in waist. The very idea is based on straps of material, together with Velcro, making it possible to fit the width of every user. Simple and brilliant.
Number of the pockets: Three pockets; ACU and MCCU four, Flecktarn also has three and the British DPM - two
Number of pockets in trousers: One pocket at the back; MCCU has two, ACU two, Flecktarn one, DPM one, Total amount of pockets – cargo (side pockets), two front, one at the back and the side on calf For comparison MCCU has Flecktarn 5, DPM 5. The trousers are fastened button and a zipper, exactly as in the British DPM. Pock-
6: two at the one at 6, ACU 8,
with one the same ets, apart
Snap fasteners are used to fastened the jacket, both lengthwise and at sleeves. Only pockets don’t have snap fasteners. Chest pockets have a zipper, and the small pocket on the sleeve has Velcro. I have to admit frankly that using zippers to me more is more rational, than the British idea with buttons. Both chest pockets are big and capacious. It is a plus in spite of the fact that they are opened from above. Writing on the subject of the Dutch uniform I used a statement that it is a classical design. However, one can see that Dutchmen improved this classical cut a little bit, adapting it to modern requirements. One can see it on the example of Velcro sewn to the jacket. On the right-hand side, 33
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DPM above the pocket, we will find the place to attach the name badge, on the left - a square piece of unit badge. Of course, the described uniform isn’t perfect. It also has faults. For instance the epaulettes, which are lowering the assessment a little bit, speak of a little bit old design. Finally the entire world is giving up on the epaulettes. Summary: To sum up, one should clearly state that the Dutch uniform is a better design than its more elderly equivalent – the British Combat Uniform. The Dutchmen introduced a few modifications which led to improving its utilitarian value. Whereas a few improvements are, to the truth, on the highest level – for example the adjustment of waist in trousers. To sum up, this uniform is worth recommending for, not only for stylizations or reconstructions. Even a normal player will also be content with using this interesting uniform. We would like to thank the [militarny.com.pl] shop for making the uniform available for tests.
Translation: Michal “Magnus� Kasinski
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Dot Sight assembly
The sense of installing reflex sights on pistol replicas is debatable and usually meets with surprise. However, it does not surprise anyone to install it on a rifle/carbine. When the weapon is our main choice during an airsoft game, the device mounted on it helps exceptionally. I will risk even stating, that it will help more on the carbine replica, because taking up a firing position and tuning sights in the carbine, is taking far less time, than in the case of the pistol.
T
he reflex sight cannot be fixed to the lock. There are exceptions of course, like some Docter sights which can be mounted instead of the rear sight. But in ASG, where the lock is using a little compressed gas energy - every additional weight on the lock is making the mechanism harder to work. Unless we have the pistol without the Blow Back, but without a moveable lock it is hardly suitable for a main weapon. Tokyo Marui’s SOCOM, described in the previous issue, is an excellent exception though.
You should prepare:
-frame with sharp serrated blade -big metal file (about 35cm of length, 4cm of width) -smaller metal file with smooth cut (20cm of length, 2cm of width) -set of joint round edge file -old toothbrush -set of taps and dies together with drills for screw holes -reliable engineer’s vise -drill When I made a decision about mounting the assem- -a punch, hammer bly up for the reflex sight to my HC 5.1, I started to -ballpoint pen, ruler go through shop offers. Unfortunately, I found noth- -denatured alcohol ing what would suit me in local shops. However, the offer is very rich in foreign shops. The range of choice Let’s get down to work! of producers and models makes your head spin. Alike some prices. Unfortunately. And then an idea of mak- We are starting the work by putting the machinist ing something similar like that appeared in my head. square so that it wraps the gun from the upper, left side. The back edge should almost reach the base of After seeing many photographs of different models of rear sight. Let us remember that one should take off assemblies, on different guns, I reached to the conclu- the muzzle sight previously. We are copying the measion that my assembly will be fixed on the left, to the surements: at the bottom at the front - rectangular body under the barrel but from side rather than from surface, which the assembly will be attached to the the bottom, with 5 M3 screws. Such solution requires base under the barrel with. considerable interference into the replica’s body and it is irreversible which can potentially expose our replica Next, the parallelogram of such inclination, so the upto damage. Alas... In case of damage I would buy new per surface of the machinist square, after cutting out, body at most. was moved to the rear. The parallelogram will be on the side surface of the lock. Later, the length of the The first thing what I had to do was to look for mate- upper surface of the assembly, which the reflex sight rial. I planned at first bending the appropriate element will be on. We are marking this measurement on the from the piece of 4mm aluminium metal sheet but a narrower, perpendicular part of the machinist square. big machinist square fell into my hands. It had 60mmx- Those of 30mm width. Using the ruler, we are drawing 30mm measurements (width of parts perpendicular to all measurements with the fine ballpoint pen or stylus oneself) and about 500mm of length. A thickness of on metal, leaving 1-2mm of reserve for grinding. the intersection of the blade and body is 4mm. It is just It is worth doing the side surface area of the parallelothe right size. It is ensuring the right supply of material gram meshier. I left only narrow ribs on edges. I filed into every side and, at the same time, it is saving from the rest away. excessive sawing. Of course, we don’t need the entire 50cm of the piece, about 110mm will be enough for us We are putting our drawn machinist square into the including the reserve to grind. engineer’s vise and we cut. If the serrated blade jams itself in the aluminium, and it certainly will jam, one
should moisten the sewing place with denatured alcohol. We are cutting along the edges remembering about leaving some reserve. After we had sawn the whole, we are machining the next edges - at first with the thick file, then the smaller one, and in the end the corners, especially reflex angle, we are correcting with joint round edge file. The next thing I did was drilling holes (hole by hole) on the surface of the parallelogram, that way I put the smaller (narrower) hacksaw and I filed the hole piece by piece. Next, similarly sawing and smoothing the edge with files. Here you will use the old toothbrush because the file likes to clog while sawing the aluminium. It should be cleaned approximately every minute of sawing.
ting in the threading handle. We are securing the assembly in the vice so that the tap and die can come out on the other side. We are moistening the tool with denatured alcohol and slowly, calmly, quite firmly pressing at the beginning (until the tap and die catches it), and driving into the hole. The rule - half turn ahead, quarter to the rear - isn’t applied here. Because the screw tap goes deeper unusually easily. We are repeating the activity with the second screw tap, giving the shape. The other hole is done the same way. After the glue binds, we can do the most difficult part - drilling a hole in the body. Of course one should at first drill holes for such a diameter so that the screw goes in our assembly, in its bottom, rectangular part. Next, to drill in the body, we are choosing the appropriate drill for the M3 screw. The gauge of holes must be identical on the assembly and on the body in order to avoid having to cut them later, at the expense of stability of the assembly fixing. It is better to do it once and properly. Particularly if we have only one body and we don’t want to spend 100$ (about 80 EUR) only because we drilled one hole unevenly.
One should prepare also the distance plate. The lock of the gun is usually wider than the base. To make sure that the assembly attached to the body isn’t in the lock’s way, we must keep the right distance. I cut mine out of 1mm aluminium metal sheet then I filed it to such measurements as the rectangular, bottom fragment of the assembly. It was glued with Araldite glue (epoxy, elastic, apparently this glue has a Guinness record) to the equivalent surface of the body. Of course, the way of gluing is depending on glue. In my case, I We are steadily securing the body in the machinist had to press the elements for 36 hours, so it is worth vise and we are starting to drill, keeping the drill perthinking about it earlier. pendicular to the surface. It is worth to deeply puncture the place for the holes so that the drill doesn’t slip. Next thing is to screw the assembly rail to the upper Next, we drill on small rev, pressing a little bit. One surface of the assembly. To do it we measure the right should thread the holes after that – identically as the piece of rail (mine is short, front rail from the large holes of the assembly rail. It is necessary to remove bed of the SPR mk.12 mod.0 BOYI replica). We need the splinters of metal from the inside after drilling and the length and gauge of holes for screws. We are out- threading. A toothbrush and a piece of the abrasive lining the axis, at which the rail will be fixed. It must paper will be useful. be parallel to the axis of the barrel, however moving it about 2-3mm won’t be influencing it, because the If the holes are the same as holes on the assembly - we sighs can be tuned up. Only aesthetics will suffer. One are screwing the screws to the minimum resistance should however pay attention so that the whole is par- and we are watching whether they aren’t sticking out allel. Next, with a punch, we are marking the places to the inside of the body. If they do - we must saw where holes will be drilled. It is much harder with- them with the file and sand with the abrasive paper. out a drill press but it is still feasible. I found that out Otherwise the lock will be jamming. Clean the body personally. It is important that the drill is sharp and from metal fillings, assemble the gun back, fix the ashas the same diameter as the hole should have before sembly and screw the reflex sight. You can now shoot! threading. I drilled holes for M5 screws with the conical head, because they suited the rail very nicely. A few tips! Next matter - threading. Aluminium is being threaded quite easily. Of course under the condition of having It is worth protecting the screws with thread glue, sharp taps and dies. I am advising against the Chinese although not very firmly. This structure requires un“imitation of taps and dies”. One can only destroy the screwing the assembly in order to clean the gun. effect of one’s several hours’ work. You need to have a lot of patience during sawing and grinding. Sometimes you make only one mistake and Threading: it is necessary to start anew. Depending from the size We are taking the preliminary tap and die; we are put- of the assembly rail, it is later possible to saw the maTranslation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Montaż jority of the upper surface off. We will economize on weight. Jacek “Dexter” Reiter
Preparing for assembly step by step
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Reklama
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SIG 552
A Swiss for special assignments
In 1812, the Swiss soldiers lived to see a quite separate entry in the treaty after the Napoleonic Wars. It forbade the citizens of this mountainous, inhospitable country from enlisting foreign armies. The only exception was done for the Vatican City, where the Swiss Guard serves to this day. Why such an entry was made? Because the soldiers of this Alpine country were well trained and very dangerous. They were modern Spartans. Difficult living conditions, in which they lived from the youngest years, created excellent soldiers. This experience is used till this day, for example while manufacturing weapons. So meet the modern Swiss warrior - SIG 552 Commando.
H
owever, the firearm won’t be our hero, but the SIG 552 Commando assault rifle replica, designed and produced by well known ICS company. External appearance: The replica which we received is a SIG Arms licence model, thanks to what it has the same trade marks as the real rifle. Luckily enough, we won’t find any cheerful company artistic works like the name of the producer or the place of production in the Far East. The only exception from this rule is a body pin that removes the top receiver and has the ICS name on it. However, it is so little that only a thorough examination can reveal it. It is possible to say the replica is 100% kosher. Only marking that’s not connected with the original rifle, is a sticker informing that the product is intended only for adult persons. This sticker, let us add, is being removed right after the purchase. All labels are laser engraved, with paint let into. It should save the inscriptions for a little bit longer than it would take place in normal inscription. The replica is partly built from metal and ABS plastic. The inner parts and the V3 Gearbox are made of metal. Some outer elements are however made of ABS plastic. These are: the folding stock, the pistol grip, fore grip and the 3 RIS rails mounted on the fore grip, muzzle brake and the dummy of the lock. One can see that they used good quality ABS plastic materials which will last for a long time while using it in normal conditions. One has to be
careful of low temperatures since the plastic parts can become brittle and prone to damage because of frost. Such a situation took place unfortunately in our rifle. Plastic, moving in lock’s bed, exposed to frost, hit the body after pressing the bolt release catch, and broke. Apparently, minus 15 centigrade w a s n’ t one of categories,
which
the material was being selected for making the replica. One can not say anything bad about the fitting of external parts because we did not see any faults while doing a thorough examination of the replica. Everything is exactly fitted, leaving no space for wobbling. Also the linkage, as well the dummy of the gas block, which interior is good for hiding the battery, has no faults. Specifications: Length: 728 mm Length (with folded stock): 470 mm Weight (without the battery): 2600g Magazine capacity: 450 Rounds Quality of work: The quality of work of the tested model was on the highest level. The Gearbox work was smooth; no abnormal sounds coming from the interior of the replica were noticed. The only weak point worth noticing during the examination of internal parts and during shooting tests was the Hop-up rubber arranged unevenly. This fault can be eliminated by layman, so we only mention this fact from journalistic duty. By the way, the majority of manufac-
tured replicas have exactly the same problem. It is difficult however to be surprised, because the employed workers have norms to fulfil and nobody will wait until someone places the little element perfectly. Also, all moveable elements like the stock, magazine clip, firing selector, the reload mechanism or the muzzle and the rear sight work exactly smooth. Ergonomics: Perfect arrangement of every button and Photo: Szymon Reiter
switches is extremely important for the user. In this case their usefulness is more important than their appearance. Let us start our inspection from the stock. Stock: The stock, which is rather normal among rifles designed for Special Forces, is folded. This fact is imposed to the weapon’s size during transport. One should take into consideration that Special Forces are often transported to the place of operation using all accessible space for the maximum. This takes place during parachute jumps or underwater transport. The mechanism of the stock is made of metal, what has been tested by me. It is possible more than once to come across replicas where producers used Zamac (ZN-AL alloy), and as a result of normal using the elements are being damaged. It won’t be taking place in this case because the thumb-lock and the hinge are done with good quality metal. Firing selector: The fire selector is put on both sides, thanks to that the left-handed person will be able to operate the replica easily as well as the right-handed person. It is significant while we change hands during close-quarters battle when we cannot unrestrictedly operate our replica. The selector is made of good quality plastic, having the right hardness, without the tendency of tearing off. The selector has three settings safe, single and automatic fire. Every single time we move it in the appropriate position we will hear a click. Thanks to that it won’t be necessary to check if the selector has changed every time we switch it. Small thing, but during battles in dark rooms or at night, when the visibility is limited to the minimum, it means to be or not to be on the game field. One can notice only one minus of the fire selector mechanism and that is its availability. Switching it with the thumb of the hand embracing the grip from the safe to single/auto fire position is no problem. Switching it back without changing the hand’s position is quite hard. And I have to admit I have long fingers and quite big palms of hands. It will be much harder for persons with smaller palms. The very movement of the selector is smooth, albeit with little resistance. We won’t have to worry about accidental switching. 43
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SIG 552 Trigger:
The trigger is made from good quality plastic and nice to the touch texture. Its ergonomics isn’t raising any ifs and buts. Also the trigger resistance is enough, and the very trigger isn’t hard, thanks to that it won’t be necessary to use too much force pressing it. The pivoting trigger guard which can be folded down to the left or right side allowing for unhindered operation with winter gloves. This solution should also be satisfactory for persons which prefer wearing tactical gloves with thick lining on the index finger. It is worth adding that the whole is made of metal.
cas of different producers. Unfortunately, only in plus temperatures, so we have no comparison.
The gas block casing is made of plastic. As well as the RIS rails mounted on it. The rails, for people preferring metal rails, have one facility. They are attached with screws having a hexagonal socket in the head, so their replacement will only take minutes. The block is fitted quite tight what eliminates any wobbling and looseness. Both upper and bottom elements are fitting tight perfectly. Unfortunately, we must pay a certain price for this kind of fitting. The fitting is so accurate and tight that it is difficult to get to the battery. Not mentioning the danger of tearing Magazine clip: out or damaging the fastenings which are holding the upper part in its place. Each time we take the upper The magazine clip works correctly and is made on a part down there is the risk of damage. This element very good level. Material used, which is plastic, is sol- will wear down with time and perhaps this problem id and of good quality. Also the spring, used to block will stop existing. Of course, if one would consider the it, is hard enough. fact of perfect passing as a problem. Muzzle sight and the rear sight:
Gearbox and the Hop-up chamber:
Both parts of sights, the muzzle sight and the rear sight, are adjustable. The rear sight has 4 different settings of the peep sight and the possibility to adjust it horizontally and vertically. The whole is made of metal and the fitting of parts is very good. I found no faults whatsoever. The muzzle sight is also being adjusted. It has two settings and the possibility of horizontal adjustment. In this case the casing is made of plastic and the rest of mechanism is made of metal.
Now that we carefully looked at the exterior and the ergonomics of the replica, we should move on to the inner parts which are directly influencing the usefulness on the airsoft battlefield.
Front facings: Talking about ergonomics, one should mention the facing of the front gas block, which hides the battery. Probably some of you will be worried with information, that there’s little space inside for the battery. Selecting it on your own will cause some problems. No classical structures will fit this place, even the Li-Po 7.4V 1300mAh which are exceptionally small after all. You can only dream about putting the classical Mini Ni-Mh battery. So it looks like we are condemned to special non-standard batteries. And only with small overall dimension, so generally only the Li-Po type. We only managed to put the Li-Fe 6.6v 1300mAh capacity battery to the front grip, but on minus 6 centigrade it did not want to cooperate with the replica. It is difficult however to simply state, whether it happened because of frost or whether it was the replica’s fault, since this battery was used successfully in repli-
The HU chamber is a typical G36 design. With all its pros and cons. There’s not much to write about really, since these chambers were already described hundreds of times and the next review would only copy information. An internal 263mm barrel is mounted inside the chamber, which is quite typical for replicas intended for shooting on close distances. Inside the replica we will find Gearbox v.3 with a few reinforcements. We got the replica with M120 stock spring, thanks to that the exit speed is fluctuating in about 390-400 fps. It isn’t, which is obvious, a power intended for CQB, so anybody who wants to use this replica in such games will be forced to the springs to weaker ones. Everyone else should be content with the replicas performance based on mounted parts. As stated at the madonion.eu shop, the Gearbox has many reinforced parts. These are, among others, steel ratchets which are adapted to cooperate with springs, including M140. They also thought about mounting low-resistance joints and cables, made to reduce electricity consumption. The whole is propelled with a solid ICS Turbo 3000 engine.
Photo: Szymon Reiter
Magazines:
test it admittedly, on account of the lack of access to Chinese magazines but it is necessary to make such an We found two Hi-Cap magazines in the box, 450 assumption. rounds each. They are made of transparent plastic, resembling original SIG Arms magazines. Field tests: The culture of work of these magazines is on a very high level. During the tests we didn’t encounter any Since we described main features, we should go to problems with the magazines passing the bb’s, jam- the core of this review - practical tests. We shot 0.28 ming or exaggerated wobbling. The mechanism gram Guarder bb balls. We only had those bbs availstretching the spring works very smoothly and on this able in the moment of testing (if one’s talking about basis it is possible to say that this replica is from the brand bb balls). We carried our test in winter condihigher shelf. tions. On second thought, the conditions weren’t typiMagazines, as I mentioned above, are Hi-Caps, and cal, because the temperature slightly increased above have a flap of the intake hole, through which you put 0 that day. The snow however, lying for some time, the small bb’s into the magazine. The ICS designers didn’t manage to melt, so the background was rather thought a bit and we received a protection against ac- typical for this season. It had to have little influence on cidental or unwanted opening of the flap. Small thing, the replica’s performance, and especially on the HU but very pleasing. rubber, which isn’t intended to work during such temperatures. It was possible to state it after the fact “of Problems can step out in the moment when we want warming oneself up” after a little bit longer stoppage. to purchase spare magazines, not necessarily the ICS We tested the SIG on distances 20, 40 and 60 metres ones. We tried to use Tokyo Marui magazines which (measured up with the measuring tape), taking an A4 were intended for their SIG 552 Commando, but un- page as a target. fortunately we had to resign. These magazines don’t The first distance wasn’t a special challenge for our suit the Swiss version of the ICS carbine. The similar test model and nine out of ten bbs hit the target. One situation can take place with JG magazines since the passed gently over, only hooking our target. Chinese replica is a copy of Tokyo Marui. We didn’t The second distance i.e. 40 metres wasn’t so easy for 45
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SIG 552 small balls fired from the SIG replica. This time only half of shot bbs found its way to the target. The rest passed the target minimally over, however hitting the distance which would show the size of the human torso. The third distance was only and exclusively a test of the maximum range of the replica. Hitting the target on this distance requires taking the correction and having a little luck since the atmospheric conditions have too big influence on the bb balls. And its speed at the end isn’t big so the target can always avoid being hit. However, it is important to say, that the fight is completely possible on this distance, and after correcting the sights, it is quite possible to hit the target. Especially that a living man, which signalled the hitting on the spot, was this time our target. I am recommending using only burst at the distance of 40m, mainly 3-5 bbs at once, since the possibility of an direct hit is much more greater. Looking at results one has to remember that this is a stock replica, of which the internal barrel isn’t of 300mm. As for this value, the results are more than satisfying. Summary:
Summary: Cons: material not very resistant to frost little space for the battery Pros: high level of Gearbox work very good accuracy with so short barrel quite high maximum range a cocking bolt high quality magazines Scale: 8/10 Below you will find pictures of the targets from our shooting test.
We would like to thank the Madonion shop (www.maThe only thing what we can accuse the SIG 552 Com- donion.eu) for making this replica available for tests. mando of is the irresistance of plastic moving in the bed of the lock. Maybe it isn’t a big fault, but it is certainly necessary to pay attention to this element. Particularly, if the game is taking place at minus temperatures. It isn’t possible not to mention the lack of space for the battery which will limit us exceptionally in her selection. Happily, it isn’t a replica in which we need big power, so the battery can be little - also in overall dimension. The Gearbox’s way of work is a big plus. It has a very big range and fairly good accuracy at the very short barrel. One should not also forget about markings similar to the ones on the original rifle which are giving the replica the taste, and this replica is a must for all reenactors. A cocking bolt is a plus, which isn’t perhaps an element of basic needs, but certainly gives a lot of satisfaction and is a valuable addition which will help setting the Hop-Up rubber. Let us add to the list at very end magazines which are working very well, having a few conveniences and, to tell you the truth, we will receive a reliable replica - not only for fighting on short distances.
Results of 20 metres shooting – after heating the hop-up rubber
Results of 20 metres shooting
Results of 40 metres shooting Photo: Szymon Reiter
Translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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The replica in all its splendour
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SIG 552
SIG’s magazine
Front part with RIS rail and flash supressor
Foto: Szymon Reiter
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Lock and the markings below
View on sights
Magazines that come with SIG
Folded buttstock
Foto: Szymon Reiter
Close up on the back part along with the rear sight
View of the side part of the rep
plica from the lock’s side
Close up on the back part along with the rear sight
RIS rail close up. visible screws attaching it to the body
Muzzle sight
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whip for terminators
Whip for terminators?*
One of airsoft minuses, at least for an individual not-acquainted with the subject, is the lack of mark after the direct hit. One can see clearly every direct hit during the paintball game, so cheating isn’t so simple, like during ASG games. So far, only honesty of participants was an indicator for the elimination of the opponent. Is it possible to change this aspect somehow? Producers of sport equipment have the answer. They created a camera intended for recording extreme events. Perhaps they aren’t intended for ASG directly, although it will change probably very fast. Meanwhile, let us exploit the technique which is accessible at that particular moment. This is the first part of series of articles about sport cameras and their usefulness in Airsoft. land. This model costs about 250 PLN (about 80 USD, 60 EUR), so anyone can afford it. How does the quality look since the price is so low? First impression: We get the camera packed into a solid, cardboard box, with photographs of the camera in different forms. One can’t say anything bad about the box. However its contents will interest us more. In the end, it is possible to sell the worst product, wrapped in a nice box, as a high class product. So let us look inside.
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f course the main purpose of this camera isn’t recording cheaters but rather recording the game. Such devices will allow us to keep the memory of events, which somehow moulded ourselves. They will also allow us to keep a memory of events important for us, interesting places and people we met on the way somewhere. So far we had to choose between sights and the telescope sight. Playing with a picture/movie camera and the replica at the same time wasn’t so far especially comfortable. No wonder - they weren’t designed for simultaneous using. Of course, they are people who managed to reconcile these two things in some way. The hero of our article about tuning the CA-8-2 replica mounted his camera in a box, which was attached right behind the rear sights to the replica’s body. Unfortunately, as a result of this operation, he had lost the possibility of using the sighting telescope completely. However, we asked Marcin to test sport cameras for us, the ones more fit to use them in airsoft games, than using traditional devices.
Here’s what we find inside the box (in order):
We will begin our report with a budget model from sport cameras market, that is, the one available for every airsoft enthusiast - also in our country. AT-18 camera was the cheapest model we could get. It is manufactured by the Solve company from Tychy, Po-
The device is built thoroughly and it should withstand the majority of situations which can happen in field. The casing is made from thick enough material, covered with rubber in some places. It will assure the increased resilience to mechanical injuries as well as it
1. Manual in English language 8GB SD Kingston memory card Warranty card Printed leaflet about the product Manual in Polish language Mini-cd with drivers for the PC Rubber strap for securing the camera on the helmet Two securing straps with Velcro USB cable Audio-visual cable Camera Box with additional accessories (grease, fastening grip for the steering wheel, four rubber straps, self-adhesive protecting distancers). As you can notice, the list of accessories which we are receiving with the camera is long enough. It is a definitely a plus, since the majority of them will be useful for us.
will protect from splashing. Also the protection of the display is, at first glance, solid enough. However let us go to the most important part - the objective. Let us remember that it will be exposed to direct danger of the gunshot being directed front first to the enemy. Its safety is crucial. Luckily, after preliminary examination of the glass, it should withstand the gunshot without greater damage - even from little distance. Ergonomics: The access to the camera’s functions is most important i.e. a normal usage during games and possibilities and the way of assembly. Let us start perhaps recording. Buttons: We will find 3 buttons, arranged around the little LCD display, responsible for all parameters of the camera. Central button, which is also the biggest, turns on and off the recording. On its left side there’s the button for activating and deactivating the camera, to the right there’s a button being responsible for its menu functions. The button, how it should take place in a device intended for using while practising sport, aren’t susceptible to random pressing. In order to start any function of the camera, one should hit the button precisely and with a little bit of power. Of course, it can be harder for people wearing gloves, on account of bigger surface and smaller accuracy to players but still I think it is better to pull the glove off, that to several dozen minutes of random video material. We won’t find a lot of functions in the menu. However, let us remember that it is a sports camera and the multiplicity of functions isn’t essential for us here. Material, from
which he button is made, is quite hard rubber. Rather obvious choice of material, since the camera is supposed to be working in field conditions and to assure the possibility of recording even during rain. As a matter of fact, we tested the water resistance on our own, because the weather made us a prank during the last test examination session, and it drizzled all the time - stronger or more lightly. I cannot say anything bad about the buttons. Of course, there are voices that they are working too hard, but I still think it is an advantage. Assemblies: The producer is adding the set of assemblies which will meet the need of practically every player. This part of the set aroused our admiration. It is possible to mount the camera on every surface you can only imagine. We mounted it on: the telescope sight, thanks to the round assembly; the head and the front of the replica, thanks to the rubber strap. It is possible to mount it also on the wrist of the hand or the helmet, thanks to attached straps with Velcro. It shows an entire multifunctionality of the camera and its compatibility with every surface. It is necessary to add that each of the assemblies was very stable and didn’t let any free movement on the camera. What’s more, the camera was stable and safe even in the moment, when we managed to tear the helmet fastenings off. Their lack should practically deprive her of functional features. It didn’t happen though. Big plus for that. Tests: We tested the camera in two ways. First of all we wanted to know whether this model will be fit for recording airsoft games with regard to the endurance of external parts and the general workmanship. 53
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Whip for terminators We didn’t also omit the important issue there, which was the possibility mounting the camera on the replica and the equipment. Let us remember that this device isn’t intended for ASG players. The “field” tests we decided to carry during one of games, which take place practically everywhere - regardless of the city, country, or continent. A normal, Sunday morning. Let us add only, that December morning. It will have a considerable influence on our review. The air temperature fluctuated around minus 6 centigrade, probably thanks to the sun which decided to disperse a little bit earlier temperatures lower that minus 10 centigrade. The camera was already prepared for action. We attached it with one of the holders to the telescope sight of the sniping replica. It is worth remembering, that thanks to the set of accessories we get in the box, it is possible to mount the camera on every surface you can only imagine. It has an impact of no small importance for functional advantages of this device, since the possibility to mount it almost everywhere is crucial from the player’s point of view. After all, we don’t have to always use the same replica or equipment. The Solve AT-18 camera was supposed to be one of two cameras working that day to record the meeting. This way we could compare them, assessing the quality of recordings and the reliability of the entire system. The second camera was put right away behind the eyepiece of the telescope sight of the rifle. We managed to attach the received model to the telescope sight without any problems - right behind control knobs. Thanks to that we got a comparable scope of recording area. We began the battle after an hour and the camera was started at the very beginning. It was our aim to record the entire meeting then to assess the quality of the recording, selecting individual stages to presenting in this article. Unfortunately, the weather foiled our plans unexpectedly. The low temperature caused to lover the performance of batteries which were mounted in the camera. It ended with automatic shutdown of the camera. We didn’t notice in action whether the camera informed us in any way about the problems with powering. However the worst thing was checking the memory card, which was supposed to record the material. I am writing “supposed to”, because the device didn’t record anything of the battle. The producer probably didn’t expect such a situation and he didn’t considered automatic recording in defined time intervals or in the case of running out of battery. This second option would be very useful peculiarly taking our adventure into consideration and - common sense. It is worth remembering that the camera has a
display which shows the usage of battery. So you can suppose that the device would be capable to operate in such conditions which were mentioned earlier. Adding only a few lines of the code to the steering program would be enough. One should also pay attention to the place, to which the camera will be mounted. In our case, after mounting it on the telescope sight, the engine most probably generated too strong electromagnetic disruptions which caused shimmering of the image. Changing the place to the front of the replica (of different type) eliminated this problem completely. The problem didn’t also appear when the camera was mounted on the head. The second attempt was slightly moved because of the holiday season. However it gave us the possibility of carrying tests once again, and thanks to that they will be even more accurate. The credibility of testing the recording grew still on account of really non favourable atmospheric conditions. The low cloud base and the drizzle falling down incessantly caused the atmospheric transparency to fall down. The humidity of air was also very high. You can see it on photographs and the film which was recorded at that time. Despite the conditions, the camera didn’t stop to work not even once. Also the batteries didn’t run down while recording the entire battle. The camera performed well in these a bit extreme conditions. It can be only better in time. Summary: The camera is performing great when we want to record a movie from the battle. The video materials aren’t of high quality, but one have to consider the price of this camera, which is within the price range of a reflex sight of a telescopic sight. And, what’s more, it is also within the lowest or average quality range. This very camera can be a fantastic solution for groups who want to record their trainings or battles in order to discuss them later in more favourable conditions. It will also be a good purchase for people willing to have a souvenir from manoeuvres in which they participated, but not willing to spend over 1000 PLN for a device with the possibility to record in HD quality. We are also recommending it for people looking for a small device able to hold a considerable amount of video material. It is a device with the possibility to attach it literally everywhere - on the replica, on the equipment, on the helmet, or simply, on your head. A Solve AT-18 camera is intended for such kind of people.
Pros: Price Quite large number of assembly supplements Generally available batteries fit the device One can use popular and inexpensive memory cards Reliable casing Compact Lightweight There is a LCD display Possibility of adjusting all parameters without the access to the computer Cons: Low quality of LCD display The maximum resolution is only 640x480 The lack of auto recording Distortion from the working engine/Gear Box
Sensitivity for the type of battery Quality of sound Below you will find some video material from one of the games which we recorded using this device. We would like to thank Solve Elektronika, the distributor of AT-18 and AT-19 cameras, for making the camera possible for tests. We are inviting you to check the producer’s site at www.solve.pl
* terminator – an expression used for a player or group of players, who don’t call their hits, even if they were clearly hit. Those cheaters are called “terminators” and have great resistance for hits, which makes them hard to eliminate from the game. Exactly as it took place in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Terminator”.
Translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Under the burlap
U n d er th
e Bu r lap I
n the newest Under the Burlap edition you will find the description of the legendary American Bolt-Action Rifle of World War II - M1 Garand. We will present you both the history of its origins, and the replica manufactured by Marushin company. An enthusiast of sniping replicas, who changed his CA-8-2 into over 600 fps of true terror, will also be our guest. He will share with us the method, with which he created such a monster. In order to meet the next sniper which made an impact on history, we will have to move back in time a little bit. We will introduce you the profile of Adelbert Waldron – one of the most effective snipers in American armed forces. Enjoy.
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garand marushin
M1 Garand - legend of legends
There are replicas, which in spite of their usefulness on the field of the airsoft game, are still arousing the admiration and are a dream of many players. Sometimes it is because their workmanship, being a wonderful copy of its real prototype, whereas sometimes it’s the uniqueness of the structure that makes the legend and the irresistible need of having the replicas. It is a rare occurrence that such a collector’s rarity lands in my hands - in order to pass the essential inspection. Only then I can feast my eyes with such a model, see its interior and caress it. Such a situation took place not a long time ago when a Marushin M1 Garand replica appeared on the table of my workshop.
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he usefulness of this replica on the airsoft battlefield is firmly limited. The disadvantages are: the capacity of the magazine; disappointing performance; atypical structure, especially the Hop-up system; practically no parts for the tuning and expensive exploitation. And you can continue it ad infinitum. Yet many players would like to have this replica. Just like this, to have it for the sake of having it, to brag and hang it on the wall. And, I will say it frankly, it is hardly surprising.
The replica is made out of metal and wood. The quality of wood is not fantastic. It is varnished and, what’s more, only from the outside. However, it is aesthetically pleasing and it is a delight to the eye. Parts made out of wood are as following: butt with stock and barrel overlay. In the butt, finished with the metallic butt plate, a container for the cleaning kit is found. Metal parts are made of a little brass, a bit of machined aluminium and quite a lot of zinc-aluminium alloy. However, the zinc-aluminium alloy is better than in the majority of replicas familiar to me. The rifle operates very alike the original. The magazine, similar in appearance to the characteristic ammunition clip, is put in the socket, the lock is closed and the rifle is ready to shoot. Only 8 times, like in the original of course. After the magazine is empty, the lock is staying in the back position, and the clip jumps up. One should put a new one and close the lock. It is also possible to throw away a half-empty
sight, adjusted in both plains, very similar to the one in M14, however without any backlash. Front sight, with side protections, is attached to the joint and pressed with a screw. Unfortunately a hex screw, what changes the whole image. The replica has the Hop-up system, however not in a form which is known to a majority of ASG players. What we would call the Hop-up chamber is in fact only a place of fastening the barrel and inserting the bb balls. A gasket and a small ratchet, holding the bb balls in the place all the way to the moment of shot are found there. There is no HU rubber there. It is found about 15cm from the muzzle of the barrel, behind a strange “hump”. This hump probably has the task of disturbing the flight of the bb balls in the barrel, so that it pushes her way through to the upper edge of the barrel and it comes across the HU rubber. So, the barrel is simply, at first glance, crooked. Moreover, at about one third of one’s length, it has two holes on both sides, each having the diameter of about 2mm. The holes are used to make the assembly easier since the barrel is being screwed to the chamber with the nut. Holes are making easier to place the barrel in the appropriate position. Nevertheless, the holes must have disastrous influence on performance, so they were wrapped up with the Teflon tape. I put the heat-shrink isolation and heated it up. As a matter of fact, it is similar as with the HU rub-
b e r. She has the form of a band wrapping the barrel, with the appropriate low hump turning up the bb balls, which is accessing the opening on the barrel. It has been wrapped up with the Teflon and pressed with the isolation in order to eliminate scavenge.
a m m o clip from the replica with a button placed on the left side of the trigger housing group. The fuse is placed as in the original M1 Garand, in front of the The lock of the replica is similar to the lock in the M14, trigger guard. It looks completely identical with M14 but has the bb mechanism. It consists of a plate in the replicas which are familiar to many players. The M14 upper part, simulating the appropriate lock, with the was a developmental version of M1 Garand. Peep nozzle leading the bb balls into the chamber from the
magazine, together with the inlet of gas from the side. There is a bumper at the back of the lock. The lock hits the bottom of the breech casings with the bumper. The metal plate is connected with the lock in a rotating way, so it is simulating also an unbolting move of the original lock. There is a brass bearing cornet connecting two zinc-aluminium alloy elements. Thanks to that the elements are cooperating
smoothly and wearing down too fast.
a re n’t
A bb mechanism is a separate subject. Because it is very non-standard like for the GBB replica. At first, looking at the interior, it is waking true danger with the multicipity of elements. However, after a while, we are seeing the creativity of designers. Taking the age of the structure into consideration, it is necessary to note that at that time there wasn’t any example one can base on. That is why the structure is starting to arouse certain admiration. There is no valve in the nozzle which would cut of gas supply to the barrel and increase the pressure in the bb cylinder. Two separate valves were applied there, one controlling gas coming to the barrel and the other - gas coming into the bb unit. One hammer is activating these valves. The cycle of shooting looks as follows: the hammer is found at the back, the closed lock, the bb in the chamber. The hammer is pressing two valves, one a bit earlier than the second. The first one is giving gas to the nozzle and thanks to it – is pushing the bb ball. The other valve, opened a few seconds later, is passing gas to the long and narrow tube, finished with a piston with a gasket. It is in a cylinder, attached to the slide and the lock. Gas is coming from the narrow tube to the space before the head of the piston and inwards of cylinder, causing it move to the rear. The excess of gas is left set free after achieving the end of the cylinder which isn’t closed from the front. The hammer is tightened then again, so valves are closed. The lock, together with the slider and the bb cylinder, under the influence of the huge returning spring (almost 50cm of length after taking out of the replica!), wrapped up on the outside barrel (one can’t see this fragment from the outside!), is going back to its initial location. The size of the entire bb unit, the gas cylinder and
the return spring, is justified with lots of moveable elements of lock-slider unit. However, the recoil isn’t sensational alone because of the small speed of the moving lock and the weight of the entire rifle. The gas con- tainer being found in front of the release mechanism is quite flat but it has
enough capacity. It is loaded from the bottom and very valve was put before the trigger guard. I personally did like the release mechanism. There is no contact breaker. It is equipped with single-fire catch, similar to the one in the AK assault rifle. The simplicity of operation and the reliability, plus, thanks to the workmanship, pleasant work of the trigger. Every maniac should fall in love with that rifle. Dismantling the rifle is also pleasure. We are starting with the release of the trigger guard and pulling it down. An entire release mechanism should come out together with the hammer. Next detail which is pleasing: the hammer was equipped with brass roll in the place, which the lock is stretching him in. This reduces the friction and the usage of mechanisms. Next we are unscrewing one screw at the back and we are taking the rifle to pieces: the butt and “mechanisms” with the barrel and the cover to the barrel. After taking the sight, its base and wooden overlays down to the barrel, we can uncoil the outside barrel to two parts and loosen the screws on the ring. The return spring is leaning on the ring, to pull it down with the spring, slider and the BB cylinder. We are dismantling the gun breech mechanism by unscrewing two screws on the sides and at the back and then we are having the access to the lock and everything what is inside. Dismantling and assembling is a horror at first because it will be possible to assembly the replica only in one determined order. Gaining some skills will allow us to dismantle and assemble the rifle without any problems. One has to be careful with the mechanism responsible for stopping the lock at the back and removing the empty clip. It is typically “mean”. It requires the right bending of two independent springs, the right screwing and so on. It took me over an hour to make this mechanism work. So if it is working – do not move. 61
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garand marushin Since I treated this rifle from the beginning as a rarity, a collector’s item, I will not mention its performance. Its usefulness on the battlefield is close to zero after all thanks to the ammo clip containing 8 small bbs. However, the workmanship, markings (fully in accordance with the original!), sound of reloading and operation of mechanisms are admirable. However, every replica has its disadvan-
tages, and since I am describing mainly the workmanship here – I should also mention the disadvantages. First of all, the screw linking the slider with the lock can be seen lightly from the outside, and it’s a hex screw. For me it is crime. Secondly, the barrel’s overlay and front part of the outside barrel have the tendency to catch some looseness. It will be possible to turn everything thoroughly into one whole but it requires quite a lot of trouble. The mechanism was, after fastening in the butt, moved lightly into side, rather than in its axis. It was visible and it was annoyed. Wood was raw from the inside and simply full of splinters. It wasn’t varnished. Complicated mechanisms are unnecessary. However, I am able to forgive it - this model is quite old. The gripping is quite wide and inconvenient for me but I don’t have the comparison to the original, so I don’t know whether it is a disadvantage or an advantage. Apart from it - everything is perfect. I won’t recommend this replica to anyone, who wants to shoot. It burst the gas quite fast, it has 8mm calibre, hard to reach ammo clips, only 8 small bbs in one magazine, weight, the length. For reconstruction groups however, for LARP players or for different events where shooting isn’t so important – don’t hesitate to buy. Jacek “Dexter” Reiter
Translation: Michal “Magnus� Kasinski
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Ekstremalna Pasja pO Force
Extreme Passion
Nothing strikes the airsoft players with terror more than the shout – “Sniper!” It is well understood because the sniper is also exceptionally dangerous on the ASG field. Of course I am talking about people who chose snipers from vocation here, because this profession is reflecting their personality rather than only a passing infatuation based on films and video games. One needs far more than only enthusiasm in order to come true in this super difficult role. There is no place for mistake or improvisation here. A sniper is a chess player of the modern battlefield. Preparing the equipment is an essential part of playing the sniper part. Apart from the maskalat camouflage clothing, which is passive equipment, the sniper also has the active one at his disposal – a rifle. Preparing it requires theoretical and practical knowledge and hours of work in the sweat of one’s brow while fitting every part together. All this in order to finally receive a precise tool eliminating potential targets. To tell the truth, because of the above mentioned, there is only a few airsoft snipers, especially the ones having excellent knowledge of their rifle. The ones able to squeeze literally every fps from their replica, testing its material, often crossing the edge by applying small upgrades in genuine plans. You will get to know one of those people below. A true sniper. For the wider crowd of Airsoft maniacs he is known under the nickname “Czesio”. He is an exceptionally characteristic figure. But he is mostly known for the tool which he is using. The CA-8-2 Classic Army, an underestimated sniping replica, is his favourite one. What can Marcin (called “Czesio”) about its original design?
tell us
The CA-8-2 replica (which is an inaccurate copy of SL-9 Heckler&Koch) was mine second (I still have G36C replica - 350 fps, JG for CQB, and Chinese AK 74 which I sold because the magazines pissed me off, MP5 Kurtz and UMP) during my five-year-old adventure with this sport. I am not counting the toys of course, which lay foundations for my hobby. My SL-9 (let us assume that I will be using such name in
this article) replaced the MP-5 replica in my arsenal, which was also produced by Classic Army. Why did I choose exactly this replica? I will frankly admit that the aesthetic issues played the main role in choice of this rifle. In short – for as long as I can remember I did like the replica very much. Because it was a sniping rifle, it
w a s a good idea to increase its power. In the beginning the replica had less than 400 fps (320 fps). The first service warranty caused it crossing this magic border. Unfortunately, this replica had often been repaired because of those changes. The inborn curiosity and the dissatisfaction with the initial defectiveness of my SL-9 drove me to make myself acquainted with the service and modus operandi of electric replicas. The dissatisfaction with replicas overcame even the fear of loosing the warranty on my rifle (in spite of the fact that I already had certain experience in the service of replicas when I took my MP5 Classic Army apart). The second failure of ratchets persuaded me to do a delicate tuning in one of the shops. Service engineers achieved the
power of 450 fps. The replica didn’t act perfectly but the repair limited itself luckily to adjusting the engine this time. Unfortunately, I also asked for recommending me some good precision barrels, about 650mm length, and I received a SRC barrel. However, one should write the word “precision barrel” in inverted commas, since the quality diverged from adopted norms. I took the replica to one of 48-hour sortie where I noticed that during the shot a strange smoke escapes from the barrel.
It looked good and I thought that the high humidity caused that. However, the next day greeted us with a wonderful weather and my replica still acted as if I used gunpowder. I managed however to wait to the end of the sortie. Back at home I noticed that the surface, which the barrel was covered with chromium from the inside, had burnt itself out completely. The rest of my adventure with Sl-9 it is practically an incessant tuning. And since then, people started bringing their replicas for me to service them, and while fulfilling their needs by shopping for parts, I also fulfilled mine. Because of considerable amounts of money I spent in one of the shops, we reach an agreement and I received considerably lower prices. It permitted me to purchase at least one new part in month to test it. Every new part was installed in my Sl-9 and I tested the quality of material, the endurance and the vitality. For most of the time I used Systema parts, their springs as well, albeit their quality deteriorated considerably after some time and I had
to resign from this company. The springs, which were probably too hardened, started to break up. It occurred not only to me, but also to familiar ASG players. I switched to Guardera springs with which I am content. An Ul-timate spring, which I am testing after the purchase, is mounted in my SL-9 as of today. I am quite content with it at this moment, since chronograph showed the same power it should have according to the producer. Ratchets are one of most important parts in electric replicas. However, this time I stayed with Super Torque Up Classic Army ratchets, since their quality in relation to the price was more than satisfying. The only weak point one can notice while using them, is rotating multispline during very great burdens. Such ratchet must be welded together so it can be used later. It is extraordinary, but at present I have a Mad Bull 650 mm precision barrel in my replica, not particularly recommended by the majority of airsoft snipers. However, I have only dealt with two barrels from this company, and both were faulty. And it is necessary to mention that I am installing quite a lot of Mad Bull barrels in different replicas. One thing I am not recommending - Systema engines, because I burnt three of them, before I reached a conclusion that they were too delicate to the strains I have in the replica and they need Mosfetu protection. The slide rail of the spring – it is important that it isn’t conical and through, meaning –it cannot be full. I have the Ultimate slide rail with which I am content at present. Earlier I had Systema slide rail and I stated no problems while using it. When it comes to pistons, my SL-9 used a really large amount of them. However, the Systema aluminium piston was the best choice. Admittedly, it has the tendency to wear its teeth down, albeit only to certain moment. After the first small cuts, I didn’t state any loss on the piston’s teeth. I also tested plastic JBU pistons with a metal slat which were very good. A litTranslation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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pO Force
Ekstremalna Pasja tle bit worse, albeit also very satisfying, are new Big I am presenting the list of parts one should replace in Dragon pistons with a metal slat. order to get the power and the accuracy of my SL-9 replica. When it comes to the piston’s head, I am recommending ICS aluminium Bore-up. It is, in my opinion, 1. Engine - Chinese short engine from A&K repa good choice for strong tunings. You have to only licas or similar. These engines are incredibly strong choose a good O-ring to this head. and very tough. They are pulling practically every I am recommending the full cylinder to tunings of spring and the price is very decent. this type that is having no holes on the surface. Full 2. Ratchets - Super Torque Up Classic Army already compression is definitely needed at long barrels and mentioned earlier. One should replace pivots of the the full cylinder is just supposed to assure that. In this sprockets to longer so that they are based on an entire case I am not recommending ICS Bore-up cylinders, bearing and didn’t have space. because I already came across a few from which the 3. Spring - Guarder M170 chroming came off. 4. HU rubber - violet rubber made by the Prometheus I am recommending Systema or Classic Army cylin- company der heads. Avoid Deep Fire cylinder heads because of 5. HU chamber – Pro-Win product, albeit it is sometheir defectiveness. times a lottery, probably because of the quality control issue. One should select the Hop-up chamber under one 6. Classic Army 7mm ball bearing, King Arms condition. It must be, or should me, made of metal. 7. MOSFET Gate 4004 AB It is dictated with chronic tearing off of fastenings of 8. Slide rail - Ultimate bearing to GB v3 the chamber in her plastic versions. Unfortunately, 9. Piston – Systema aluminium piston or plastic JBU the market doesn’t have a large range of metal Hop-up piston metal chambers, so one has to hunt for them in any 10. Piston head - Bore-up ICS aluminium piston possible place. 11. Cylinder - full, e.g. Systema 12. Head of the cylinder - e.g. Bore-up Classic Army or Systema The complete cost of assembling such replica as mine, 13. Nozzle - Bore-up Classic Army with the full tuning to 600 fps, is about 900$ (700 EUR), assuming of course, that the cost of the replica is about 400$ (300 EUR). So the tuning can close itself in the amount of 500$ (380 EUR). Marcin “Czesio” Dudek
What chronograph shows after modyfications of CA-8-2
If this text didn’t explain you how it was possible to upgrade the GB v.3 replica to the sniper rifle, Marcin pledged that he would explain all doubts. You just have to write him at: dudek_marcin1@o2.pl.
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Garand Historia pO Force
M1 Garand - rifle of the turning point
There are only a few constructions which are important in the history. A few of them also had an opportunity to participate in crucial events directly, shaping them with their innovation. American M1 Garand was one of such rifles. A rifle which turned up at the moment when history changed its gear completely, having the possibility to influence fates of millions. What else is important - its basic design, used in next models of firearms, accompanies us to this day.
I
n the beginning of the XX century, American Army already started being interested in self-loading rifles. There were a few reasons, but the most important was: the speed of operating and the easiness of service during battlefield conditions. The first tests of the new system begun in 1911 and they were continued during the whole period of the WWI. Serious works on the self-loading rifles started for the American army in year 1919, when the High Command stated, relying on experience of the past war, that the cartridge used in M1903 rifle at that time definitely too strong for the conditions of a normal battlefield. In the same year, Spriengfield Armory, found by GeorgeWashington, hired John C. Garand, a young enthusiast, as a civilian engineer. He soon began working on a new type of self-loading rifle. His first prototype, marked as M1922, was ready in year 1924. It was a .30 caliber primer-operated breech. After an inconclusive competition for the self-loading rifle, Garand started improving his plan. In the result, a M1924 model was constructed. Next attempts, carried out in 1927, had average results, although Garand designed .276 calibre model. A year later, as a result of many attempts, the Army and the Cavalry pointed out to the .30 calibre M1924 plan. During Spring, 1931, Garand’s plan was found in the finals of the bidding proceedings together with the Pedersen’s T1 rifle. Unfortunately, as a result of the cracked bolt during tests, the .30 calibre version was rejected. His other design, powered with the weaker cartridge, had no problem with defeating the competitor and became the winner of the competition proceedings. On 4 February, 1932, the commission published its approval and this model was sent into production. In
the meantime, the design of .30 calibre was corrected and it was subjected to tests which ended again with success. General Douglas McArthur, notified by the Chief of Staff about the results, wasn’t a supporter of reducing the calibre in the new rifle. He decided to suspend all the works on the .277 version and to move all resources to the production of the larger calibre. First 75 rifles went to field trials in May, 1933. A few problems were discovered, but they were solved by Garand and his team. The rifle was ready for standardization, and put into mass production. The first production model saw the light of the day on 21 July, 1937. M1 Garand rifle was in service for almost 30 years. It was replaced in 1965, by its successor M14. Up to this date about 5.4 million rifles were produced. This rifle is still enjoying popularity amongst collectors and organizers of military displays. Specification: Cartridge:. 30-06 Springfield (7.62 x 63mm), Feed system: 8-round “en bloc” clip internal magazine Muzzle velocity: 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s) Effective range: 540 metres Rate of fire: 16-24 bullets/minute Weight: 4.3 kg Length: 110 cm Length of the barrel: 61 cm Additional accessories: the M1905/M1942 bayonet, the grenade launcher
The John C. Garand became the icon of the American munitions industry. The fact is an obvious irony, like many different inventors or scientists, Garand wasn’t an American. He was born 30 km from Montreal where his parents owned a farm. But till the end his origin was shown in his French-Canadian accent. He was born as a seventh child of a 14-child family. Probably that fact encouraged him to become independent. He already had a paid job in the age of 12. He worked as the street cleaner and reel-to-reel in the factory of textiles in New England. His fondness for machinery started to appear. All the small breaks, when the reels filled up with threads, he spent in machine park, watching the machines being repaired. His passion for mechanics fruited in a year after he began working. He created his own patent – a new type of screw. Only after the young John started to earn his first money, he also began to save them to purchase a rifle. He and his brother were skimming through a mailorder weapons catalogue for days on in order to order the Winchester .32-30. Later they improved their skills on local hills, frightening the sheep away for farmers. He was already a qualified mechanic at the age 18. He decided to work occasionally, with the help of his brother, established a shooting range, which was supposed not only to support his budget but also to bring satisfaction from the work with what was his biggest hobby - firearms. John’s satisfaction was so big, that he spent the majority of profits from the shooting range to buy cartridges for his rifle to practice shooting. Next, he was hired by a tool factory in Providence, Rhode Island. It is where he caught the next bacillus – motorbike racing. The engine he con-
in New York, where he worked at the precise products factory on Manhattan. It is there, during one of night-time sessions when he prepared for his lessons (he was supplementing his education), he read in the local newspaper about problems of the government in finding a satisfying machine gun for units fighting in Europe. He couldn’t understand why such problem exists, so he sat down and designed such rifle independently. He put the drawings into an envelope then he sent them to the US Navy Command in Washington. He didn’t wait long for the reply. Experts in the capital city were interested in his idea and they invited him to Washington to the conference. The meeting finished with offering him the post in the United States Bureau of Standards and with the possibility of preparing a working prototype of a machine gun which he designed. Despite the fact, that profits on the offered post were smaller for almost a half, Garand accepted the proposal. In the meantime the war ended in Europe and the demand for a machine gun disappeared. However, a new proposal appeared - to create a design of a semiautomatic rifle, which was supposed to replace the worn-out Springfield M1903. Five years have passed since 1919, and a prototype of the rifle, known as M1 Garand came into existence.
Source: Popular Science, December 1940.
structe d helped h i m win even a few races on the land of New England. He also went in for the skating on the way, but his avocation towards firearms was the strongest. During early years of the First World War Garand was Translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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Zapomniany Mistrz pO Force
The forgotten master
Every nation has its heroes. Those from distant past, and those who take part in present events. Advanced skills and predispositions, often appearing during times of trouble, form the exceptionality of those units. Treating a sniper as an individual is very essential. Those men, mainly loners, rarely are forgotten after they master their skills. But sometimes it happens. One of the forgotten ones is Sgt. Adelbert ‘Bert’ Waldron III – the best American sniper in history.
H
e was born March 14, 1993, in Syracuse, New York. He joined the US Navy at age 20, where he served until 1965, finishing as E-5 (GMG2). 3 years later, in 1968, he enlisted the Army again, as a Sergeant, the equivalent rank he held in the Navy. He was attached to Company B, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division in South Vietnam. The same year he was sent to the Middle East as an expert marksman to attend the sniper school run by members of the Army Marksmanship Unit, and formed with the blessing of the division commander Lt Gen Julian J. Ewell. After graduation, Sgt. Waldron, a fully trained sniper, was sent with the 9th Infantry to the Mekong Delta where they were a part of the Mobile Riverine Force (MRF). ‘Bert’, as he was nicknamed by his colleagues
from the unit, began serving on boats. Their task was to clear the Delta from communist guerrillas and to eliminate smuggling routes. These lands were one of the most dangerous places of Vietnam those days, swarming with hostile units and exceptionally difficult to lead operations because of the rich flora. Waldron was credited with 109 confirmed direct hits in the beginning of year 1969, what made him the most effective sniper in American military history. It is resulting from the fact that he managed to deal with the above mentioned conditions, turning the inconvenience into chance. It was unique that Waldron served in US Army rather than in Marines, like the majority of snipers. A weapon which he used was also completely different. While marines used bolt action rifles, Waldron used an accurized M-14 rifle, known popularly as an M-21. This version, produced in total number of 1435, was specially prepared by the Rock Island Arsenal company to be used as the sniping rifle. The rifle was equipped with a Leatherwood 3X-9X Adjustable Ranging Telescope (ART) and the standard leather M1907 sling. The M21 was accurate out to 800m (according to the producer) and fired the M118 standard NATO 7.62mm round. It had also Starlight night vision scope coupled with a sound suppressor. All those accessories were used successfully by Sgt. Waldron during his service in the Mekong Delta. On one such night he took no less than nine confirmed targets. He was also credited with making one of the most famous mythical shots in sniper lore. “(…) one afternoon he was riding along the Mekong River on a Tango boat when an enemy sniper on shore pecked away at the boat. While everyone else on board strained to find the antagonist, who was firing from the shoreline over 900 meters away, Sergeant Waldron took up his sniper rifle and picked off the Viet Cong out of the top of a coconut tree with one shot (this from a moving platform)” (From Lt Gen Ewell in the
US Army’s Center for Military History’s archives). Decorated with a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Presidential Unit Citation, and two Distinguished Service Crosses, he finished his round in Vietnam and was transferred to the US Army Marksmanship Unit as a senior instructor before leaving the army service in 1970. He worked for a noted mercenary, firearms engineer and former CIA operative Mitchel WerBell III at his private training schools known as “Farm”, as a shooting instructor. He died on October 18, 1995 in California. He was 62 years old.
Translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski
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pO Force
w bastępnym numerze
Jacek “Dexter” Reiter
Marta Ozieblowska
The editor of Under The Burlap. an enthusiast of spring rifles. Despite being a natural-born sniper – he loves CQB. Perfect for OpForce.
Slavic studies graduate with passion for it. She takes on all challenges, even airsoft.
Marcin “Mirra” Dudojc
Malgorzata Dobecka
Airsoft maniac since 2004. He is a five o’clock tea lover and a fan of everything that’s British.
Romance studies graduate. Loves Mediterranean food, works of Melchior Wańkowicz and Polish Kresy (Outskirts or Borderlands).
Michal “Magnus” Kasinski English language editor. He used to live in the UK. Sold his soul to special forces, especially the polish GROM and the british SAS. Pawel Fabisiak German language editor. A big history enthusiast, focusing especially on the WWII history . He loves trips and mountain climbing. Andrzej Walaszek Bulgarian language editor. Keen militarist and historian. Airsoft beginner but already an enthusiast.
Joanna Bartz Russian language editor. Slavic soul and film enthusiast. A restless soul avid for knowledge.
T
In the next issue:
he Italian Peninsula will be our next stop on our map of military stylization. We will take a closer look at the Italian Army and its units – Italian Special Forces mainly. We will also compare present Italian uniforms with the Vegetato camouflage. The review will compare issued uniform and the copy, what will allow us to look at the differences in their making. There will also be quite a lot of space for testing replicas. This time we will have the opportunity to describe the Israeli Galil replica, about which you could read in the first OpForce Magazine issue. There will be the also the second part of sports cameras tests. This time we will introduce you a high quality product - VholdR Contour HD camera. Look out for the next issue, because the above mentioned attractions won’t be the only ones prepared for you. Remember – you can always join the OpForce Magazine team. If you love the military, have something interesting to say about the army, airsoft etc., write to us!
Contact:
tomasz.niwinski@opforcemagazine.com.
Editor: tomasz niwiński tomasz.niwinski@opforcemagazine.com
Your main tasks will be: * writing articles at given subject * searching for information * acquiring information from personal sources * preparing proper articles for the next issue * making sure the information in articles is reliable and precise We expect from you: * independence and initiative in pursuing goals * effectiveness and consistency at work * analytical thinking and logical reasoning * responsibility and the ability to communicate * good job organization * efficiency, creativity, unconventional ideas * the ability to work in team and under pressure * knowledge of Open Office * passion towards and the knowledge about military and/ or airsoft * passion for journalism
Editorial staff:
Under The Burlap Editor: jacek reiter dexter@opforcemagazine.com Advertisement: reklama@opforcemagazine.com News: news@opforcemagazine.com Contests: konkurs@opforcemagazine.com
It would be nice if you: * had previous publications about military and/or airsoft * had the experience in writing * students of the following humanistic subjects are most welcome – Journalism, English Philology, PR, History. We offer: * opportunity to participate in an original project * gaining worldwide experience * the possibility of constant cooperation
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