Airsoft Action - April 2023

WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
ISSUE 148 - APRIL 2023
ISSN 2634-9515

CLICK/TAP IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK/TAP IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTENTS
8 ARMOURY: VFC HKMP5K GBB
VegaForceCompany (VFC) certainly appear to be ploughing a
great deal of resources into releasing an ever-increasing array of
gas blowback rifles and submachine guns, replicating increasingly
exciting fully-licensed retro and ultra-modern platforms from some
of the legendary names in the real steel realm! Stewbacca takes a
look at the latest and much-loved MP5k!
WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
ISSUE 148 - APRIL 2023
ISSN 2634-9515
18 ARMOURY: SPECNA ARMS J08
Way back in ISSUE 113 Bill got his hands on one of the first of
the then-new J SERIES “AK” AEGS from Specna Arms, and then
updated things with a look at the J08 in ISSUE 125! Now Miguel
adds his vast experience to Bill’s as he reports back on the latest
J08 that just had a major upgrade to fall in line with the rest of the
latest Specna Arms AEGs, and what an upgrade it is!
Editorial Director: Bill Thomas
Deputy Editor (Asia): Stu Mortimer
Graphic Design: Calibre Publishing
Ad Design: Deadshot Design
Publisher: Calibre Publishing
Web: www.airsoftaction.net
©Calibre Publishing Limited 2023
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise without the
express permission of the publisher in writing. The
opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those
of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit
submissions prior to publication.
FIND US ON…
26 ARMOURY: HUNTSMAN H-SERIES GBB
In Issue 144 we introduced the new AEG models from HUNTSMAN
TACTICAL courtesy of our old friends at iWholesales and this time
we’re pleased to report on the next step of their release program
with their H-SERIES GBB pistol models as THE HUNT MOVES ON!
Bill picks up the story…
LETTER, IDEA OR
QUESTION?
Got something to say? A question for our
experts? An article or article idea?
Drop us a line and let us know. Either email the
Editorial Director: bill@airsoft-action.co.uk, or talk to
us on Twitter or Facebook.
32 ARMOURY: VORSK VM9
In an airsoft pistol-world somewhat dominated by 1911s, Hi Capas,
and G-Series GBBs it’s always refreshing to find something that
breaks out of this mould and goes in a different direction! Recently
launched and first seen by many at IWA this year, Bill has already
spent some time with the new VORSK VM9 and finds his opinion
on an old campaigner changed by it!

Contents
APRIL 2023
38 KIT & GEAR: TRU SPEC ASIA
Stewbacca found it can be difficult
to source clothing in his sizes in Asia
and a lot of apparel in particular can
be over-engineered or less suitable
for his new life in the tropics. In the
first of hopefully many cooperative
efforts with ‘Military’ Anny Wu, he
finally got around to checking out TRU
SPEC Asia’s Taiwanese headquarters
in the far East of Taipei, to meet their
team and see what their product lines
consist of!
64 TECH SPECIAL: AMPED AIRSOFT
NIGHT VISION
At SHOT ‘23 our AA Legionnaire
and US-lead Dan sat down with
Tom Ceraso from Amped Airsoft to
discuss the rise and use of night vision
equipment in airsoft, Amped Airsoft’s
plans for national events, and where
the future of night vision might be
headed!
44 THE CAGE: OVERNIGHT GEAR
Last month Bill got together with
the members of THE AA LEGION to
talk about how their experience has
shaped what they wear and use for a
simple day of skirmishing, experience
that has been gained over many years,
and many, many games! This month
he’s turned their attention to what
they add to this basic kit list when
they need to be out overnight!
76 TECH: MANCRAFT
Our talented in-house Tech Jimmy
continues this month in his quest
to perfect HPA systems within his
primary platforms, and this has led
him to the hallowed doors of a well
(but should be better) known name
in airsoft engineering, those of the
mighty MANCRAFT! He now details
his experience of fitting and fielding
their V3 PDIK engine and V3 CNC
HPA Shell!
48 RED CELL: SPECIAL REPORT
We’re taking a small break from our
regular testing report this month!
The team have been away to IWA as
although Red Cell was created as a
long-term, group-testing entity it’s
also at the very core of everything that
happens at Airsoft Action, be that
days on the range, event attendance,
or working with the manufacturers
direct. Bill opens up our in-house “box
of airsoft tricks” to talk about this, and
about Red Cell plans for the future!
80 AA LEGION: TAIWAN
The Taiwan IDPA organisation and
its local membership has continued
to grow since Stewbacca’s initial
interview with their team back in late
2020 when they were already passing
three hundred local practitioners
and around twenty safety officers
dotted around the island, they are
now nearing a thousand members incountry
and an ever growing number
of staff! Our “Man in taiwan” picks
up the story again at their 2022
“Nationals”!
58 INDUSTRY INSIDER: GETTING
PERSONAL
In a new column for Airsoft Action,
Stewbacca will be talking to
prominent figures within the industry,
allowing you to get to know them
personally! He’ll be looking at how
they got into airsoft as a hobby, or as
an industry they work in, what they
do within the community, what they
want to accomplish, plus how they
want to effect positive change and
who they work with.
96 RELOADED: LCT LK-33/53
Way back in Issue 117 we brought
you the “first look” at the stunning
new LK-33 from LCT Airsoft, and
in Issue 140 it was the LK-53. Now
they’ve spent some considerable time
with both models Bill and Stewbacca
update on how they are performing
now, and any changes they have
made!
88 AA LEGION SHOW REPORT IWA PART 1
Once again it’s the time when Airsoft Action hit the biggest firearms
and airsoft trade show in Europe, and what we found at IWA in
Nuremberg this year was an airsoft industry that is returning to
100% full-form! Bill takes us on his journey through the show
halls in Part 1 of his annual report, and along with Jase and Jimmy
start with all that’s new and improved directly related to RIFs and
accessories!
PHOTO COURTESY KRIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
KOOL
KURZ
KUSTOMER
VEGAFORCECOMPANY (VFC) CERTAINLY APPEAR TO BE PLOUGHING A GREAT DEAL OF RESOURCES
INTO RELEASING AN EVER-INCREASING ARRAY OF GAS BLOWBACK RIFLES AND SUBMACHINE
GUNS, REPLICATING INCREASINGLY EXCITING FULLY-LICENSED RETRO AND ULTRA-MODERN
PLATFORMS FROM SOME OF THE LEGENDARY NAMES IN THE REAL STEEL REALM! HECKLER & KOCH
ARE NO EXCEPTION, ALONGSIDE THE PSG-1 GRAIL GUN HE ACQUIRED PREVIOUSLY, STEWBACCA
IS ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW GERMAN GUNS FOR HIS COLLECTION AND NOW TAKES A
LOOK AT THE LATEST AND MUCH-LOVED MP5K!
8
APRIL 2023

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
MOA2022 hailed the arrival of VFC’s HK53
GBBR, MP5SD2, and MP5k early model so
I’ve got a lot to look forward to getting
my hands on over the coming months, starting
with the smallest of the family, released just prior to
Christmas; the MP5k early model.
As we alluded to in the Red Cell feature of Issue
144 (December 2022) the legendary benchmark
Machine Pistol 5 is a firm favourite of many of Airsoft
Action’s cohort of Legionnaires, and I am very much
an avid fan of the platform. Even six decades after
its inception, it remains the yardstick many use to
measure newcomers against, with its much loved
sewing-machine-like operation.
The roller delayed blowback allows it to have an
atypically lightweight bolt compared to the straight
blowback pretenders to its long standing throne,
and even Heckler & Koch’s own attempts to replace
it with more modern and economical alternatives
have in many cases failed to convince its long
standing following in counter-terror and armed
police or special forces, albeit the relevance of true
submachine guns has admittedly lessened with the
advent of reliable ultra-short AR carbines that allow
www.airsoftaction.net 9

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
for 5.56mm or 300 Blackout platforms in the same
footprint, there are nonetheless many users who
refuse to relinquish them though.
A decade after the earliest full-size MP5 models,
H&K responded to the growing needs of personal
protection and specialist units to field an even more
compact and concealable variant of their already
hugely popular and widely adopted SMG. The earliest
MP5k (kurz - short) variants appeared in the mid-
1970s, with a shortened barrel half the length of the
full-size models, as well as a shortened receiver and
bolt unit, with a rear plug featuring a sling swivel and
internal buffer that replaced the telescopic or solid
stocks of other variants, requiring the SAS style “sling
press” technique or a similarly rigid two hand hold to
facilitate aiming and controlling of the stockless and
shortened beast. It also had a slightly higher rate of
fire as a result of the shortened bolt system and its
travel.
It is this classic ‘early’ version replicated here,
complete with the S-E-F trigger group, with the
reinforcing rib-clad polymer pistol grip group, and left
side only/right hand use only fire selector lever which
is not only physically larger than later ‘Navy’ variations,
but has a longer throw in general between fire modes
as well as much more positive detent locking in each
position. The pistol grip itself also features an integral
thumb shelf and gentle finger grooves on its front
face as well as a less pronounced thumb rest on the
right side for left handed use - clearly it wasn’t geared
all that much towards ambidexterity back in the day.
Besides these idiosyncrasies, the VFC MP5k follows
the format of their previously established V2 system
models, the MP5A2, A5, SD3 and MP5k PDW, with
the same “30 round” real capacity and real external
dimension magazines; these are much slenderer and
easier to handle than alternative manufacturer’s, and
with the correct amount of curvature as well as having
a complete wraparound outer shell. One of the things
I like most about VFC’s magazines is that the realism
extends to the feed lips and method; it’s a true double
stack double feed system with two rows of BBs
stacking beside/between each other and presenting
left and right column heads which are stripped and
fed into two separate left and right ramps on the HOP
unit’s internal face. Not only does this look way cooler
than the typical double stack single feed of most
GBBR magazines, but it makes it noticeably easier to
load and unload BBs into the magazines, as well as
leading to zero feed issues whatsoever in all of my
present testing of them.
INTO THE WILD!
I picked up my review sample from VFC’s Pentagon
Service Centre at the start of February while I was
dropping my FAL and PPQ NPA off for servicing as
well, and eagerly took it home to start planning
around its assessment and integration into my
gameplay and gear. That Sunday team Taichi went
to Linkou CQB, a perfect testing environment for a
platform intended for close protection and clandestine
operatives. I added a simple quick detach Fastex
buckle on a length of nylon webbing to attach to my
integrated sling systems on my plate carrier, giving
just the right length of pull to allow me to employ
the “SAS sling press-out method” myself, pushing
the MP5k to bent arm’s length and making use of the
open iron sights.
I also added the B&T format sight mounting rail I
had lying around to enable the addition of red dot
sights. Initially the T1 style enclosed tube I tried using
proved a little difficult to ”find the dot” in, and I
ended up just using the iron sights after trying the
MP5k on the outside range during HOP setting and
range testing using 0.30g BLS BBs and 12kg “green
gas” as is my typical standard. The recoil impulse of
VFC’s latest in the MP5 range is very stout and reliable;
it’s hard to describe, but compared to my alternatives
I’ve had for much longer, it just feels better and is
less noisy in terms of the bark and metallic or spring
related clanking and reverberation. It’s a much more
pleasant and reliable system in general, a real joy
to shoot and not something that is overly noisy or
unnecessarily clunky; the balance of the springs
and the gas recoil system as well as the general
construction of the action and the whole receiver and
furniture just inspire more confidence. Granted my
other brand GBB MP5’s are not only second hand and
worn, but are also a lot older in terms of the maturity
of their systems.
Many have found fault in VFC’s GBB offerings
in the past, and in all honesty when I first arrived
“I ADDED A SIMPLE QUICK DETACH FASTEX BUCKLE ON A LENGTH OF NYLON
WEBBING TO ATTACH TO MY INTEGRATED SLING SYSTEMS ON MY PLATE CARRIER,
GIVING JUST THE RIGHT LENGTH OF PULL TO ALLOW ME TO EMPLOY THE “SAS SLING
PRESS-OUT METHOD” MYSELF, PUSHING THE MP5K TO BENT ARM’S LENGTH AND
MAKING USE OF THE OPEN IRON SIGHTS.”
10
APRIL 2023

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
www.airsoftaction.net 11

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
in Taiwan and witnessed their earlier V1
system MP5, UMP and G36C GBB models
at the inaugural MOA in 2017, they
did have obvious issues in terms of gas
efficiency and the apparent inability to
finish a full magazine of BBs before the gas
was either expended or vented. Suffice to
say, the intervening years and the obvious
improvements made have assuaged such
issues entirely in my experience, and with
VFC’s ever-growing GBB pistol, SMG and
rifle range (especially with the likes of their
officially licensed variants from HK, SIG,
Glock and Colt) have been blowing me
away in terms of their power, reliability,
construction quality and practical range
and operation, let alone the all-round user
experience! I personally own a PPQ NPA,
Glock 17, FAL and PSG-1 from their range,
and I’m honestly considering just buying
this loaned MP5k to the family and perhaps
an MP5A3, MP5SD2 and the much awaited
HK53 to the family and phasing out
older examples of HK replicas from other
manufacturers that I have; if that isn’t a
ringing endorsement of the product I’m not
sure what is… it’s just a horrendously fun to
shoot little gun!
RACK, LOAD, SLAP!
The handling and manual of arms follow
the classic rack, load and slap and an
important note VFC released relates to the
reloading cycle and, thus far at least, to my
mind the only drawback of the system. The
MP5 platform’s magazines are so compact
in cross-section that it precludes the use of
a system similar to the PSG-1 or G3, as well
as apparently the HK53 where the valve on
the rear of the magazines have extension
arms which swing out of alignment once
the final BB is fired and the magazine
follower reaches the top of its travel; this
gives the user the realistic ‘dead trigger’
click on empty. The older alternatives I own
“I’M HONESTLY CONSIDERING JUST BUYING THIS LOANED MP5K TO THE FAMILY AND
PERHAPS AN MP5A3, MP5SD2 AND THE MUCH AWAITED HK53 TO THE FAMILY AND
PHASING OUT OLDER EXAMPLES OF HK REPLICAS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS
THAT I HAVE; IF THAT ISN’T A RINGING ENDORSEMENT OF THE PRODUCT I’M NOT
SURE WHAT IS… IT’S JUST A HORRENDOUSLY FUN TO SHOOT LITTLE GUN!”
12
APRIL 2023

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
have
a different
system
which lifts
the valve
striker in
the fire
control group itself up over
the valve head on the back
the magazines to give the
fire on empty feature; this
own problems and doesn’t
operate effectively and
much to my dismay.
VFC’s system at
however, is just to
feed nozzle and BB
feeding protrusion
of
dry
has its
always
reliably,
present,
have the
dislodging and
hit the back of
the raised follower in the magazine and
hang the bolt half-open on empty, so the trigger
goes completely dead, rather than dry firing. You do
admittedly get a noticeably different recoil impulse on
that final shot, as you do with any system that locks
open on empty, so you tend to realise prior to trying
the trigger on empty.
To avoid damaging the follower or the BB
dislodging and feeding protrusion on the VFC V2
MP5 system’s bolt head it’s imperative that you do the
proper lock open and reload to retract the bolt first
before removing the magazine, otherwise you’re likely
to impart undue amounts of wear on the parts and
more rapidly find yourself with reliability and feeding
issues; good drills required, I suppose. This is basically
the only major complaint I’ve found thus far after a
whole month of weekends skirmishing it, although
the HOP unit is also a bit over-sensitive to my mind
and the front foregrip retention body pin is extremely
stiff to begin with; I’m hoping it loosens up over time
as it’s nigh on impossible to reseat properly from the
outset when taking the front furniture off to adjust
the HOP.
The HOP itself is
a somewhat narrow
ring on the front of the
chamber construction, and
has
very good tactile
clicking
retention positions, giving a very positive lock
of your settings so at least it never loosens or walks
off, I believe you probably need to use 0.32g, 0.36g
or 0.40g BBs to get the best out of the platform. Even
though it’s got a short overall profile and internal
barrel, it throws rounds out at around 90 m/s in the
variant I have on a 0.20g BB, and the HOP tends to
just fall short on 0.30g as set from the factory, but
then the next click up tends to over adjust upward
somewhat. I imagine slightly heavier ammunition will
alleviate this issue in the longer term and help you
reach out with it.
Those minor setup woes aside I’ve been loving
running the model I got and really don’t want to give
it back in all honesty! It’s just good fun, although I
would be inclined to buy then folding PDW stock
separately and allow me to switch between stockless
and stocked versions on a whim as the stock would
give you a better playing experience and allow more
ready use of a red dot or even just consistent sight
picture using the iron sights. I managed to make use
of the sights with the sling press method, but fighting
with your hands to present and aim each time can
be a bit haphazard in all honesty; it’s great fun if you
want the ultra-short look or need it to be this format
for the loadout you are going for, but adding the PDW
stock to this without having the tri lug muzzle on the
front would complete both the look and usefulness
for me, giving a “Mission Impossible III” setup that
www.airsoftaction.net 13

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ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
looks awesome and handles nicely without the extra
bulk of the silencer or its related QD attachment
muzzle device.
SIGHTING IN
On our last skirmish prior to writing this evaluation, at
our Yangmei site I did manage to effectively make use
of a replica SRO open reflex red dot sight, so perhaps
having something low lying that allows for some level
of iron sight co-witness is ideal for the less consistent
sights presentation without the stock. It can be done
to some extent but is probably harder than using a
pistol with a red dot as your hands are further apart
and again you’re fighting with them to get the gun
aligned properly each time you bring it to bear.
One thing I really appreciate about the VFC MP5
series is the ease of maintenance I encountered;
after the Yangmei skirmish I field-stripped the whole
thing during my photography phase and beside the
aforementioned stiff front handguard pin it was easy
and less problematic than my other variants. The recoil
spring assembly is much better designed and doesn’t
spring out the rear when the stock or rear plug is
unpinned and removed which is a pleasant change,
while the fire control and pistol grip group comes off
easily and the entire trigger pack is easily removed as
a single unit by merely lifting the fire selector to the
vertical position and pulling it out to the left, thus
releasing the trigger pack itself from inside the grip.
I did notice some wear already on the bottom of
the bolt guide rails and the striker valve assembly,
probably where the magazines have been inserted
and removed during my usage of it, but otherwise it
has been solid and inspires confidence in the system in
general, again to the point where I’m leaning towards
preferring it and just retiring my older models and
perhaps outright replacing them. Clearly the upgrades
to the internal components are making a noticeable
and positive impression on me as of late.
The modularity and interchangeability of the
whole family of VFC HK MP5s also means you can
dress up your particular gun exactly as you like, with
apparently all members of the system having both
modern ‘navy’ trigger groups as well as classic S-E-F
non ambidextrous setups which honestly I’m leaning
towards preferring as well. The large, longer-throw
selector levers just suit me better and feel more
positive in their operation as well as looking old school
and thus inherently nostalgic.
For the final day of testing prior to writing I also
took the MP5k to my IPSC club’s new shooting
facility and enjoyed a light-hearted day of competitive
shooting on paper and poppers, complete with the
custom suspenders and sling system I threw together
that allowed me to carry the MP5k at the ready
concealed quite effectively under my business suit;
hey, I have to have some additional fun with this all
eh?
The reception from my teammates on the skirmish
and competition fields has been resoundingly positive,
and most of them get to get hands on with my own
toys and many things I test; as you’ll see in other
articles Military Anny has also been joining us recently
and was also enjoying emptying magazines through
the MP5k at our Hutoushan shoot midway through
my evaluation process! I also managed to get an
elimination using it to shoot through some pretty
heavy foliage that day, although in the longer term I’d
probably want another two magazines for my loadout
especially for outdoor use as you can quickly get
through 30 or even 60 BBs with this little beast; your
ammunition will be gone, but the grin across your
face will endure a little longer at least!
So, all told, I’m trying to find an excuse not to part
with my money and not give the guys at VPSC this
back, because I’ve enjoyed using it so much, and
the growing family of VFC’s MP5 range and inherent
magazine compatibility and the better handling of
them over my existing alternatives make me really
tempted to phase out the old and bring in the
new with these! The drawbacks are fairly minimal
compared to my positive user-experience and the
gleeful mag-dumping of everyone else who’s had
hands on with it.
So, bottom line time...
If you’re in the market for a compact SMG/PDW
that will serve you well as a backup gun for the
likes of sniping, or just close quarters or to max-out
particular loadout requirements for an impression
you’re going for, this old school beauty is definitely
worth your attention to my mind!
As always I’d like to extend my thanks to our
friends at VFC and their VPSC staff for entrusting me
with the MP5K, and I look forward to justifying not
giving this back as well as checking out their other
upcoming H&K releases.
Until next time, fellow shooters… AA
16
APRIL 2023

ARMOURY
VFC HKMP5K GBB
www.airsoftaction.net 17

ARMOURY
SPECNA ARMS J08
NEW AK LIFE!
18
APRIL 2023

ARMOURY
SPECNA ARMS J08
WAY BACK IN ISSUE 113 BILL GOT HIS HANDS ON ONE OF THE FIRST OF THE THEN-NEW J SERIES “AK”
AEGS FROM SPECNA ARMS, AND THEN UPDATED THINGS WITH A LOOK AT THE J08 IN ISSUE 125!
THINGS CONTINUE TO MOVE ON THOUGH, AND NOW MIGUEL ADDS HIS VAST EXPERIENCE TO BILL’S
AS HE REPORTS BACK ON THE LATEST J08 THAT JUST HAD A MAJOR UPGRADE TO FALL IN LINE WITH
THE REST OF THE LATEST SPECNA ARMS AEGS, AND WHAT AN UPGRADE IT IS!
www.airsoftaction.net 19

ARMOURY
SPECNA ARMS J08
Bill: I’ve been really, REALLY happy with the J08
that I got my hands on back in early 2021,
and it’s proved to be a thoroughly solid and
dependable AEG! As much as I do love my “SUs”, and
have almost since I started playing airsoft seriously, the
J08 with its more “105” length has definitely won a
place in my heart, especially with a PBS-1 fitted… it
just looks SO good, and performs well too!
When my J08 EDGE from the guys at Gunfire
arrived in early ‘21 one of the very first things I noted
was the overall heft
and feel of it, as it
had, at 3,245g, a really
good weight to it. As
with the initial J-Series
find that other than steel versions, AK mags can
feel a little insubstantial and even “flimsy”, but the
Specna Arms versions fit and feed well; the inclusion
of two mid-caps to me suggests, as does the keen
pricepoint, that the J08 was aimed at the slightly
more experienced player, or the player who wanted
a solid AEG from the get-go that would last them
for a considerable time without breaking the bank…
on this front the J08 delivers! One associated feature
here I really liked, and still like, is one that you may
easily miss, and that’s the
little
models, all the parts
that should be were metal,
and indeed steel parts included the receiver, top cover,
outer barrel, trigger guard, magazine latch, fire mode
selector plate, gas block, muzzle brake, sling loop
and plate on the stock, rear sight, cleaning rod, stock
latch, stock, and pins and rivets. Even where steel was
not used, all parts were alloy with a special coating
used in the finishing process which gave a very
realistic appearance overall.
There was a black polymer pistol grip, and I’m
pleased that the excellent standard of the wood
handguards carried over from the first range, and
were still a much better colour than versions that
we see all too often on AKs with a keen pricepoint,
as on the J08 they were a very rich brown, almost
“chestnut”, hue. In a nutshell, externally the finish of
the AEG was superb, and the side folding “SU-style”
stock is as solid as the rest of the AEG, both open and
closed; all of these parts have stood up well to use
and abuse, and now the woodwork has a few “nicks”
in it, in my mind it looks even better than it did as
new… a good AK should be a bit battered after all!
The J08 came with a pair of the then-new 130 BB
mid-cap “S-MAG” AK magazines which were finished
with a stippled effect incorporating the SA logo;
I’m pleased to report though that all my AK mags
from different brands fit and function well. I always
locating plate in the magwell that lets you easily
seat your magazines… plus points again for
Specna Arms, as this will really help new AK
users!
The J08 had standard AK iron (steel) sights,
but if you fancy fitting an optic then one
additional feature that came as standard
was an AK sight mount on the left hand
side of the receiver; you’ll need to buy the
correct sight rail to clamp to this though,
and please note that if you fit the rail
then you can’t close the steel stock.
On the range the first SA
AKs gave me very respectable
performance, so I expected, and
received, more from the new J08,
with pretty solid range and accuracy
too. When I first I ran the rifle through the
chrono on .20g RZR BBs I recorded a consistent
1.06 Joule/338fps. Moving up to .25g and .28g BBs,
easily resetting the sliding hop adjustment, and using
just the iron sights, which are also easily adjustable,
I was able from the get-go to clang the Red Cell
“steels” and group on paper reasonably at the limit of
the 30m range; in game I’ve had hits comfortably at
50m-plus now though!
“OVERALL THE 2021 J08 HAS PROVED TO BE A VERY RESPECTABLE AEG, AND I’M
VERY PLEASED TO HAVE IT IN THE “AK ARMOURY”; BUT OF COURSE THINGS DO MOVE
ON, AND THE J08 THAT I HAVE HAS NOW BEEN SUPERSEDED BY A NEWER VERSION…”
20
APRIL 2023

ARMOURY
SPECNA ARMS J08
A 7.4V LiPo battery fits easily under the top cover,
but if you’re judicious you can squeeze in an 11.1V
pack which brings up the ROF quite seriously! My
only quibble with the very first of the J-Series was the
top-cover latch, which seemed a little “short, and I
felt needed to be a couple of millimetres “prouder” to
ensure a solid lock, and I’m pleased to report that SA
took note of this and made a change to ensure that
the new version locks like a padlocked, double-locked
thing… no problems to report here, other than the
lock is now so solid it apparently vexed Miguel, but
more on this later…
Overall
the 2021
J08 has
away. But now Specna Arms dropped some of their
J-SERIES models in the EDGE 2.0 range, and oh boy,
there was this J08 looking right at me, so I had to
take the opportunity. My first impressions were “yeah,
this is it”; solid build and good wooden feel in the
handguard (made with plywood). I know that the J08
is a mix of a 74U and a 105, but, after 15 years, for
me this little hybrid is enough to complete that little
“classic skladnoy” wish.
But now let’s focus a bit more on the airsoft player’s
side of this replica. In the box you get, the replica,
two AK S-MAGS (mid-caps), an extra M90 spring,
your normal brand flyers, some cool stickers, a Deans-
Tamiya adapter and the GATE ASTER configuration
card. Of course, it’s important to mention that this is
an EDGE 2.0, a range in which I
proved to be a very
AEG, and I’m very
to have it in the “AK
but of course things
on, and the J08 that I
now been superseded by
version… I’ll hand over to
bring things fully up to date!
respectable
pleased
Armoury”;
do move
have has
a newer
Miguel now to
EVEN MORE PERFORMANCE!
Miguel: I remember when I started playing airsoft,
and I was picking my first replica, and it all came
down between a JG G36c and a D-Boys AKS74U. I
ended up basing my decision on reviews and choose
the G36c, but that AK model stuck with me even until
today, and in video games that model always caught
my eye. There was just something about a shorter AK
with a foldable stock!
Then later on I got my hands on a more tactical
74U from ForceCore, also sent by Gunfire at the time;
it was a great replica to use, no question about it, but
it kept breaking my mag lugs, so I ended up storing it
have some good
experience, especially
using the Mk18 and H20 (HK416).
These series come with a lot of upgrades
comparing to the normal EDGE, like a reinforced
Orion V3 Gearbox, that according to the brand it can
handle up to M140 springs, the ESA2 quick spring
change system (for AK models with foldable stock)
and of course the ASTER electronic trigger from GATE.
For those who don’t know ASTER (where have you
been???), it allows you to customize and keep track
of some aspects of your replica, especially about the
trigger. You can configure the trigger’s sensitivity,
fire types (like having a 3-round burst instead of full
auto) and you can even change what the fire selector
does in each position; for example, instead of having
the classic AK safe-full-auto, you can go for a safesemi-full.
In the GATE APP you can also keep track of
issues with the replica, BBs fired, and now even an FPS
calculator that can help you in knowing how hot your
replica is shooting! I normally recommend everyone
using the ASTER to get the GATE cable, so you can
“THESE SERIES COME WITH A LOT OF UPGRADES COMPARING TO THE NORMAL EDGE,
LIKE A REINFORCED ORION V3 GEARBOX, THAT ACCORDING TO THE BRAND IT CAN
HANDLE UP TO M140 SPRINGS, THE ESA2 QUICK SPRING CHANGE SYSTEM... AND OF
COURSE THE ASTER ELECTRONIC TRIGGER FROM GATE.”
www.airsoftaction.net 21

ARMOURY
SPECNA ARMS J08
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ARMOURY
SPECNA ARMS J08
connect the replica to your PC or Smartphone using
the GATE APP; in the box you do have a configuration
card, but only with APP will you have access to all the
possibilities.
Many thanks to www.gunfire.com for supplying the
test model, and to check out the very latest just head
on over to www.specnaarms.com and keep an eye on
their social media pages for regular updates! AA
DOWNRANGE
Time to go a bit over the performance; I’ve been
using the J08 for a few games now, enough to get a
good feeling about its performance and range. Hell,
I even got some good feedback from players from
opposing teams/factions about shots that I was able
to make during some confrontations! I do recommend
the use of 0.28g or 0.30g BBs, although this model
doesn’t have the Helium flat hop like the other EDGE
2.0 models, this way you will take the most of the
whole system. Of course, since FPS limits change from
country to country, it’s better if you do some testing
with different BB weights to find the best option.
Even having a short/medium size barrel, it’s not hard
to shoot over 50m with good precision and around
60m with some dispersion. Out of the box my J08
measured around 391 FPS, a bit over what’s allowed
here, so a spring change was in order. I installed a
M105 and now it shoots at a regular 368 FPS.
On the outside, the J08 is still a solid piece of
kit; everything is metal except the pistol grip and
the handguard, nothing wobbles and even the AK
S-MAGs fit like a charm! But of course there are some
points that I don’t like, the top cover is still a pain to
work with, and I also got feedback that the sling point
in the stock can come off, it hasn’t happened to me,
but it’s a warning…
Overall, I’m really enjoying this new Specna Arms
J08 within the EDGE 2.0 range. It’s well-built, and
it comes with a lot of goodies inside; it’s hard to
find something like this at this price range. The
performance is not that different from the other EDGE
2.0, even without the Helium flat hop up. So if you
are looking for an AK, the J08, or any other J series,
should be on your list.
Bill: So, another step forward, one that brings our
beloved AK in line with all the “uber-ARs” already out
in the wild! It’s always fabulous to see something that
we have tested, and continue to test, receive some
love and attention, and hats-off to Specna Arms for
continuing to show the not-so-humble-anymore AK
some true love!
As Miguel notes, the latest iteration of the J08
clearly ups the game yet again, just as its predecessor
did when I first saw that! Seeing new innovation and
technology being incorporated into existing gameproven
platforms is a joy to behold, and promises to
add even more to their owners airsoft experience!
www.airsoftaction.net 25

ARMOURY
HUNTSMAN H-SERIES GBB
THE HUNT
MOVES
ON!
IN ISSUE 144 WE INTRODUCED THE NEW AEG MODELS FROM HUNTSMAN TACTICAL COURTESY OF
OUR OLD FRIENDS AT IWHOLESALES AND THIS TIME WE’RE PLEASED TO REPORT ON THE NEXT STEP
OF THEIR RELEASE PROGRAM WITH THEIR H-SERIES GBB PISTOL MODELS AS THE HUNT MOVES ON!
BILL PICKS UP THE STORY…
I
seem to be saying
this a lot right
now, but after
the lengthy delays
that we saw for
some brands during
the pandemic, new
airsoft platforms
Huntsman H17 Basic
seem to be hitting the
market, and the player communities, on an almost
daily basis! After looking at the new AEG models from
HUNTSMAN TACTICAL only a few issues back, and
coming back to them after three months last issue, it
appears that the development cycle is already farprogressed
for the brand as their pistols are already
“out in the wild”!
And what a great choice they’ve made for
their initial models as they’ve concentrated on the
ever-popular “G-Series” (H-SERIES in HUNTSMAN
parlance!) style that’s
popular amongst all
kinds of airsofter! No
self-respecting MilSimmer
would be without a “G”,
and many new players love
“AFTER LOOKING AT THE NEW AEG MODELS FROM HUNTSMAN
TACTICAL ONLY A FEW ISSUES BACK, AND COMING BACK TO
THEM AFTER THREE MONTHS LAST ISSUE, IT APPEARS THAT THE
DEVELOPMENT CYCLE IS ALREADY FAR-PROGRESSED FOR THE BRAND AS
THEIR PISTOLS ARE ALREADY “OUT IN THE WILD”!”
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ARMOURY
HUNTSMAN H-SERIES GBB
the style as
it’s such
a popular
game, TV
and movie
regular that
they already
feel at home
Huntsman H17 Custom
with.
It’s also a somewhat brave move as I can’t
think of another style that is more contentious
in terms of legal wranglings; we in airsoft
often cannot say the name that we love as
some agressive licencing prevents this, and
I believe that there are other factors at play here
too. Whilst I am the very first to stand up and say
that using actual trademarks without the correct
licence is 100% wrong, having a “look-alike” is a
different matter entirely. I honestly truly believe that
the firearms company here have a far greater agenda
and are using airsoft OEMs to create a “safe trainer”
for the worldwide firearms community that they will
make $$$$ from… I’ll actually say it that I believe
that GHK may well be on shaky ground right now
given their development investment in a project that
I cannot see them making successful in a meaningful
way… honestly, I think they’ve been used.
However, that’s just me gobbing off, and I have
to say that what iWholesales have produced within
their HUNTSMAN GBB pistol range may look like a
handgun that we all know and love, but is distanced
even in categorisation and nomenclature, so let’s
talk more about “H” models and be done with the
politicking!
THE RISE OF THE SECONDARY
More and more of us are carrying “secondarys” these
days, and having one that provides solid performance
whilst not breaking the bank can be a real bonus!
When it comes to airsoft shooting we talk an awful
lot about how repetition and the construction of a
“muscle memory” can help us to become a better,
safer, more controlled, and ultimately more effective
shooter and although I do try to cross-train with
multiple platforms, when it comes to my personal
choice I am pretty much a foreswarn “17/47 man”
these days when
it comes to ingame
use.
I do have a
love for the big
“.306/7.62mm” style
rifles, and I guess that
just harkens back to my
formative years when
for me “7.62 was king”
and the L1A1 SLR was our
“long” of choice; if truth be
told though my rifle-shooting days started with the
venerable SMLE in .303, so I’m a believer in those
big-boy rounds, something that led me to becoming a
fan of the AK! But time, and the popularity of certain
platforms, waxes and wains and although for different
disciplines I now use different platforms, when it
comes to skirmish-day there has only really ever been
one single personal choice for handguns, and that’s
a “17”! Now I know that might not gain me many
fans amongst certain parts of the airsoft shooting
fraternity, and I will admit to a bit of a failing when it
comes to Hi Capas and “1911” models, but my first
ever airsoft pistol was a “17” (unlicenced!) so again,
it’s kind of stuck with me.
During my early days living and playing in Florida
all my American friends would carry a sidearm, but as
a “Brit Abroad” I was very much of the opinion that
“the primary is king”, something drilled into me from
many years in the cadets and then OTC… in the USA
though I was a bit like a kid in a candy store as I was
“DURING MY EARLY DAYS LIVING AND PLAYING IN FLORIDA ALL MY AMERICAN
FRIENDS WOULD CARRY A SIDEARM, BUT AS A “BRIT ABROAD” I WAS VERY MUCH
OF THE OPINION THAT “THE PRIMARY IS KING”, SOMETHING DRILLED INTO ME FROM
MANY YEARS IN THE CADETS AND THEN OTC…”
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ARMOURY
HUNTSMAN H-SERIES GBB
able to try pretty much anything on offer at my local
store and at games! Eventually I bought a DPM vest
with a concealed handgun pocket, and I inevitably
ended up with a “17” in it thanks to Andy Ho at
AEX…
So the “17” has been with me as a trusted airsoftgame-partner
for nigh on seventeen years now; yes,
they (and it is “they” and not “it” now as I have a
collection of “17s!”) have seen me out of many tricky
spots in-game, and have consistently performed and
been great fun on the range. That “muscle memory”
has truly been established, and even in the nowrare
instances when I can use a real 9mm version it
feels “comfortable”. I know the feel, the weight,
how it works with
my holster, where
the triggers break,
and how to get
the best from what
is ultimately a very
simple pistol.
Huntsman H18C
CHEAP, AND
VERY CHEERFUL!
And what iWholesales have done with the
HUNTSMAN H-SERIES is to create something at a
very attractive (sub UK-£100 even for the headline
“CUSTOM” model) price that will be affordable for
any airsofter, but guarantees solid performance based
on excellent QC from the get-go, pistols that whilst
relatively cheap in price will make you extremely
cheerful when it comes to your shooting experience!
In the “launch range” for the H-SERIES are just
three models, the H17, H17 TT Custom, and the
H18c, and you know what? I’d be happy with any
of them! Okay, I’m not a huge fan of the full-auto
function on the H18c, but this is also true of that
style of offering from other brands… I do however
appreciate that some of you love this style, especially
with an extended magazine!
However, the “basic” H17 and the H17 TT Custom
sing to me… quite a lot to be honest given the prices!
In the UK the H17 will set you back iro UK£80, and
it’s a solid, workmanlike pistol that I believe will serve
any airsofter very well indeed. It’s no frills “17”, but
it is nicely put together, and everything is tight, with
minimal wobble (and I mean minimal!) in the slide/
frame interface which is creditable for a pistol at this
pricepoint, especially as the slide is of alloy and not
plastic. I mention this as I hear so many newer players
complain about “wobbly slides”; let’s not forget that
this is an airsoft pistol and not a real firearm, and
that the motive force generated by a real cartridge
is absent! Airsoft pistols are driven by gas from the
magazine, and as such the tolerances are necessarily
not as precise as those of a real firearm until you get
into serious competition territory!
And the basic H17 is NOT a competition pistol
(although certain shooters will probably prove me
wrong here!) but a
“fighting gun”; it’s been
designed to spit BBs at a
sensible power at a decent
range. It’s been designed
to go into your game-day
holster for those “WSHTF”
moments when you need a
reliable secondary to get you
out of the mire, and as such it
performs very nicely indeed. Kicking
out (on a warm day, thank heavens those are finally
returning!) 0.89 Joule/310fps pretty darn consistently
the H17 is by no means a slouch, and it max’d out
at 0.92 Joule/315fps which is pretty tasty given the
price! Thus far it is still performing very nicely indeed
at 10m on steels with solid accuracy at that distance,
the realistic maximum distance I would usually expect
“WHAT IWHOLESALES HAVE DONE WITH THE HUNTSMAN H-SERIES IS TO CREATE
SOMETHING AT A VERY ATTRACTIVE (SUB UK-£100 EVEN FOR THE HEADLINE
“CUSTOM” MODEL) PRICE THAT WILL BE AFFORDABLE FOR ANY AIRSOFTER, BUT
GUARANTEES SOLID PERFORMANCE BASED ON EXCELLENT QC FROM THE GET-GO”
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ARMOURY
HUNTSMAN H-SERIES GBB
to use a “secondary” at.
I’ve run the H17 on green gas so far, and although
it has only had two back-to-back range sessions to
date I’ve had no major issues with consistency of
power, and the 28 BB magazine has performed well
too with no leaks apparent. The action of the pistol
has now been Maglubed and offers the smoothness
that it had when it first arrived with me; in fact, if
anything the action cycles even more efficiently the
more you use it, and it just goes to prove that every
model needs a little time and some use to “bed in”.
So, as a committed “airsoft 17” user, what do I
feel about the HUNTSMAN? I’d say that even if it
were more expensive it would still be a steal! And
that’s before you get to the “TT Custom” (I wonder
what the “TT” alludes to?) as this raises the bar a
little further still; with a more “up to the minute”
slide design and aggressively pre-stippled grips this
is another pistol that screams out “movie gun” and
I love it! As much as the basic H17 is a game-day
workhorse that will serve you well for years if you look
after it, the “TT Custom” is a pistol that I would own
just because it looks REALLY cool… not that looks
mean anything in airsoft of course!
I do believe that iWholesales are properly heading in
the right direction so far with HUNTSMAN TACTICAL,
and the GBB pistol offering really adds to the existing
line of AEGs. I do wonder where they will head next,
but if they keep on releasing well-priced, durable and
functional airsoft replicas then I feel that they will be
pleasing a lot of players, both old and new!
Check out the whole HUNTSMAN TACTICAL
range by visiting www.iwholesales.co.uk for more
information and availability, and the pistols should be
appearing in all good stores soon! AA
“AS A COMMITTED “AIRSOFT 17” USER, WHAT DO I FEEL ABOUT THE HUNTSMAN?
I’D SAY THAT EVEN IF IT WERE MORE EXPENSIVE IT WOULD STILL BE A STEAL! AND
THAT’S BEFORE YOU GET TO THE “TT CUSTOM” (I WONDER WHAT THE “TT” ALLUDES
TO?) AS THIS RAISES THE BAR A LITTLE FURTHER STILL”
www.airsoftaction.net 29

CLICK/TAP IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

ARMOURY
VORSK VM9
CIAO
BELLA
IN AN AIRSOFT PISTOL-WORLD SOMEWHAT DOMINATED BY 1911S,
HI CAPAS, AND G-SERIES GBBS IT’S ALWAYS
REFRESHING TO FIND SOMETHING THAT
BREAKS OUT OF THIS MOULD AND
GOES IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION!
RECENTLY LAUNCHED AND FIRST
SEEN BY MANY AT IWA THIS YEAR,
BILL HAS ALREADY SPENT SOME TIME
WITH THE NEW VORSK VM9 AND FINDS
HIS OPINION ON AN OLD CAMPAIGNER
CHANGED BY IT!
I’m going to come out and say it; I have NEVER
been a fan of Beretta-style GBB pistols! I find them
clunky in comparison to my 1911 and G-Series
handguns, and although their design may have been
“futuristic” back in the 80’s, handgun design has
moved on, and the M9/M92 styles seem somewhat
lost to a bygone age!
Sure, I’ve had a number of M92/M9-style variants
from different manufacturers over the years, and
some have been solid airsoft platforms whilst others
have been absolute garbage! When I lived and played
in the USA the “M9” was very much still the “service
pistol” for the US Army so I kind of had to have one
when we were running “US Infantry” loadouts as we
did at many local games; even then, like many in the
“real world” I found shortcomings with airsoft “M9s”
and often reverted to my classic 1911…
Looking to the history (and some interesting
factoids) of the
M9, officially
the “Pistol,
Semiautomatic,
9mm, M9”
online and
in my own
collection of
firearms books
this was the
version of the
Beretta 92FS used
by the United States
military, and the M9
was adopted by the US
Army as their service pistol in
1985. The whole journey actually
“WHEN I LIVED AND PLAYED IN THE USA THE “M9” WAS VERY MUCH STILL THE
“SERVICE PISTOL” FOR THE US ARMY SO I KIND OF HAD TO HAVE ONE WHEN WE
WERE RUNNING “US INFANTRY” LOADOUTS AS WE DID AT MANY LOCAL GAMES”
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VORSK VM9
www.airsoftaction.net 33

ARMOURY
VORSK VM9
began way back in 1979 due (if you can believe it!) to
research on a multi-functional holster to be ready for
a new pistol to replace the much-loved, but in some
cases much-over-dated M1911A1. The resulting M12
holster was designed by Bianchi and Nicholas, and
what has become known as the “Bianchi Holster” has
served well for many, many years, and was officially
adopted at the same time as the Beretta… yup, that’s
right, it would appear that the holster actually came
first while testing for the new service pistol was still
being undertaken, although ultimately the two were
issued together!
Again, research into the history and development
of the M9 as a military service pistol tells me that
the 92FS performed successfully in a number of
survivability trials, which included, and I quote directly,
“exposure to temperature ranges between −40 to 140
°F (−40 to 60 °C); salt water corrosion tests; repeated
drops onto concrete; and being buried in sand, mud,
and snow”. After the testing process (which also
included firing more rounds through the test models
than they could possibly be expected to fire in “service
life”) the 92FS came top of the trials and was touted
as “THE PISTOL” to replace the M1911A1. It only just
pipped the SIG P226 for cost reasons (another great
example of cost v quality perhaps?) and although
it been officially “adopted” earlier, it only entered
general service in 1990.
Time moved on, and the increased issue and
regular use of handguns even by regular infantry
troops soon began to show some shortcomings in
the M9 platform; I’ve talked about this before, and
anyone that knows the service history of the M9 will
know this well! So, as part of the US Army “Future
Handgun System (FHS)” program, and then the “Joint
Combat Pistol (JCP)” which eventually morphed
into the Combat Pistol (CP) program, the number of
pistols for general issue was majorly cut back. The US
Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps as we know
are replacing the M9 with the SIG Sauer M17 and
M18 (what goes round, comes round!) and of course
certain specialised units continue to use a variant of
the old, but much-improved 1911!
NEXT GEN COOL!
Things though have a habit of moving on as the
history of that development and adoption program
shows, and what at one time was very
much “THE PISTOL” has been
superseded by more modern
performance models. Although
used by the US military the
M92/M9 really entered public
awareness fully as it featured in
some of our favourite movies and TV
shows of the 80’s and 90’s (Yippee
Kay Ay…) of course there’s now
another movie franchise that is a joy
for lovers of “uber handguns”, that of
Mr Wick!
Now I know JW doesn’t use a Beretta
(and probably never will, but who knows?) but the
92FS Inox does make an appearance in the original
movie. However, if Mr Wick were to use one then
I honestly believe that it would a little bit like the
VORSK VM-9! This pistol has a very futuristic look
to it, very much in line with current cutting-edge
handgun design from creators in the real firearms
world, and it strikes me that the design is very much
what Beretta themselves should be looking towards;
perhaps they ought to speak nicely to VORSK!
The VM9 though is 100% definitely NOT an M92/
M9 and does not pretend in any way to be one, but
obviously it shares the basic “shape-DNA” that made
the Italian pistol a hit in the real world initially. What
the VORSK VM9 is though, is a GBB of full metal
construction that features VORSKs distinct style and
flair whilst incorporating more modern tactical and
performance elements that bring an old platform not
just up to date, but take it forward in a very positive
way.
One element I will get out of the way immediately
is the raised rail section on the back of the slide that
both houses the rear green-fibre sights and provides
a stable platform for aftermarket rail-compatible
RDS’. This rail features a cut-out through the centre,
which actually works extremely well to aid in creating
a very clear, intuitive sight picture and a clear line to
the corresponding green-fibre front post. However, I
believe that this element will be a little “marmite” as
you’ll either love it like I do, or think that it spoils the
otherwise clean slide-line of an attractive pistol. The
rear rail section is created as a part of slide so it can’t
be removed, but again like me, if you’re intending
“THIS PISTOL HAS A VERY FUTURISTIC LOOK TO IT, VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH
CURRENT CUTTING-EDGE HANDGUN DESIGN FROM CREATORS IN THE REAL FIREARMS
WORLD, AND IT STRIKES ME THAT THE DESIGN IS VERY MUCH WHAT BERETTA
THEMSELVES SHOULD BE LOOKING TOWARDS”
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ARMOURY
VORSK VM9
to run the VM9
with a full-time
RDS then it’s not a
problem at all. In
terms of furniture,
the moulded, stippled
pistol grip is the only
large section of polymer found
on the pistol and this wraps around a
double-stacked magazine ensuring a firm and chunky
grip.
VORSK tell me that “what was the standard 180°
ejection port opening now features six cut-out “fins”
that line up nicely with the rear slide grip markings
and with the mounted rail, gives a very aggressive
looking slide package” and this I am 100% in
agreement with; as I said earlier the design elements
of the VM9 really move the platform forward in my
eyes, aiding in it becoming something totally unique,
something rather wonderful that will stand alongside
all the other “modern pistols” out there whilst
stamping its own identity fully amongst them.
SOP!
Getting away from the stunning external design of the
VM9, the “standard operating procedures” are very
much what I’ve now come to expect from a VORSK
GBB, but with a couple of unique twists. The 6.03mm
inner barrel is threaded to accept VORSKs barrelextending
suppressor kits, and indeed when I tried the
inner and shroud from the VX-14 it married up easily
and worked perfectly (more on this later); the outer
barrel is also threaded for aftermarket suppressors and
tracer units so the choice is yours!
When cocked with the trigger in “single-action”
position, the clearly-marked safety lever can be moved
through to the “safe” position which de-cocks the
hammer and also disengages the trigger ensuring
the VM9 is completely “safe” (although obviously
you want it made fully safe for the Safe Zone);
disengaging
the safety
allows the
trigger to
become active
again, and so
long as there is
a remaining BB in the chamber and gas in the mag,
you can then fire the VM9 using the double-action
function. Other controls are as you would expect in
relation to the slide-release, magazine release and
hammer, and the VM9 has very simple slide-removal
that will enable you to keep up with maintenance and
lubrication easily.
The magazine is also more modern-looking as it
features a “bumper-style” extension that provides
www.airsoftaction.net 35

ARMOURY
VORSK VM9
capacity up to 30 BBs and a larger gas reservoir than
the standard VORSK VM9 magazine that was supplied
with the VM9 OSIRIS; this looks super-cool on the
VM9, but being the same base platform as the OSIRIS
I’ll tell you now that standard and extended 50 BB
magazines fit and feed perfectly, and these are easily
found with VORSK stockists.
As much as the VM9 setup is a brilliant lightweight
design that 100% updates an “old campaigner”,
if anything it shoots even better than it looks! On
VORSK V6 FUEL from the box it delivered a consistent
mean of 0.77 Joule/288FPS on a .20g VORSK BB. It
has a solid recoil impulse, even more so when you use
an extended inner barrel and suppressor shroud as the
power increases to a mean of 0.89 Joule/301fps on a
.20g, again on V6. With that little extra “oomph” the
VM9 for me steps into that 10 to 15m ground when I
may need to transition to my pistol, and as I’d hoped
at this distance it absolutely rocks! Once you’ve set
up to your chosen weight of BBs (0.28g worked well
for me), at 10m it’s deadly accurate which makes it an
absolutely ideal “secondary”, especially with an RDS
and extended barrel kit fitted.
But even as standard, on the 10m range using
the fibre-optic sights I was happily ringing the steels,
and this was with the standard-length 6.03mm inner
barrel; my thoughts are that with a bit of fettling the
power is certainly there to reach further, and with
good shooting technique you’ll actually be hitting
what you aim at each and every time!
I started this review by stating that “ I have NEVER
been a fan of the Beretta-style GBB pistols” so does
the VORSK VM9 change my mind? Actually it does,
and for a number of reasons. The work that the
VORSK team have done on the overall design brings
the “look” of the VM9 totally up to date, and by
re-designing the slide and removing weight it cycles
brilliantly! I do love the double-action, de-cocking
operating system, and the fact that I can run a fulltime
RDS makes me very happy indeed. With the
extended magazine, an RDS, taclite and the barrelextension
kit fitted the VM9 looks totally, utterly
badass, and it has the performance even as new to
back those cool looks up!
Would Mr Wick approve? I think he very much
might; it’s time to consign the old M92/M9 style GBB
to history and say a big “CIAO BELLA” to the all-new
VORSK VM9!
My thanks go to www.vorskairsoft.com for
providing me with the test model; you’ll be able to see
more on the new VORSK models by visiting the AA
website, where Neil’s video from IWA really sets the
scene! AA
36
APRIL 2023

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KIT & GEAR
TRU SPEC ASIA
TOP SPEC!
WHILE STEWBACCA HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DIEHARD 5.11 FANBOI SINCE THE BRAND CAME TO THE
FORE IN OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT AND TACTICAL GEAR MARKET, AND WHILE THERE ARE SUPPLIERS,
AND MANUFACTURERS, OF THEIR PRODUCTS IN ASIA, HE FOUND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO SOURCE
CLOTHING IN HIS SIZES, AND A LOT OF APPAREL IN PARTICULAR CAN BE OVER-ENGINEERED OR
LESS SUITABLE FOR HIS NEW LIFE IN THE TROPICS. IN THE FIRST OF HOPEFULLY MANY COOPERATIVE
EFFORTS WITH ‘MILITARY’ ANNY WU HE FINALLY GOT AROUND TO CHECKING OUT TRU SPEC ASIA’S
TAIWANESE HEADQUARTERS IN THE FAR EAST OF TAIPEI JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2022, TO MEET
THEIR TEAM AND SEE WHAT THEIR PRODUCT LINES CONSIST OF!
When I emigrated to Taiwan I was dragging a
bunch of 5.11 rolling luggage in my wake;
my SOMS 2.0 was packed to the gunwales
with clothing, boots, shoes, and trainers to suit my
large and in charge frame and pontoon sized feet
(I was nicknamed ‘landing craft’ in the air cadets
for the displacement of my combat boots!) that is
somewhat atypical compared to local physiques, and
much of that stockpile has served me well but slowly
degraded despite attempts to get things repaired, or
has otherwise proven less suitable for use here just as
a result of the sheer heat and humidity of the climate
here.
5.11 Taclite pro pants and shirts are just a whole lot
heavier than is needed in this environment, and I’ve
found myself gradually defaulting to very lightweight
sports-wear; synthetic moisture wicking T-shirts or
active wear style garments and shorts when I don’t
have to be ‘suited and booted’ for work, or when
I have to leave the comfort of climate controlled
environments into the considerably hotter and stickier
outdoors, especially in summer, with highs of 48*C
and 100% relative humidity being the record thus far
for my worst case scenario.
Being a “Brit Abroad”, even in winter I sometimes
get quizzical looks from the locals, or my native
colleagues voicing concern for my well-being because
I’m still in short sleeves, despite my continued efforts
to express how Taiwanese winter is basically British
summer for the most part. Thankfully since being here
I’ve become aware of more suitable domestic products
and manufacturers tailoring the tactical gear and
outdoor wear; on one of my first forays to the Eastern
Coast of Taiwan I and a colleague who’s also from
the UK and also an avid outdoorsman ended up in
the chilled out paradise of Hualien, where I happened
upon a local airsoft supply shop near our hotel and
found some great tiger stripe cargo shorts in my size
which I jumped at the opportunity to buy and made
good use of during my stay in arguably one of the
most tropical parts of Taiwan’s main island.
Looking inside at the label I found ‘TRU SPEC Asia’,
a name I had seen in passing online but not given
much thought to due to my previous biases towards
more familiar brands I’d already found sources for in
Taipei. However the seed was set in my mind, and
once I’d finally worn out this first pair a few years
later I decided to search for replacements on Ruten
(Taiwanese eBay) and managed to find out that there
is a local distributor in Taipei. At the time it was just
more convenient to order a single pair online and try
them out, then I ended up ordering a bunch of their
cargo shorts in black, OD, tan and khaki which have
similarly served me very well since their purchase; with
a variety of very usefully sized, placed and fastened
pockets for multitools, eCards for use in convenience
“BEING A “BRIT ABROAD”, EVEN IN WINTER I SOMETIMES GET QUIZZICAL LOOKS FROM THE
LOCALS, OR MY NATIVE COLLEAGUES VOICING CONCERN FOR MY WELL-BEING BECAUSE I’M
STILL IN SHORT SLEEVES, DESPITE MY CONTINUED EFFORTS TO EXPRESS HOW TAIWANESE
WINTER IS BASICALLY BRITISH SUMMER FOR THE MOST PART.”
38
APRIL 2023

KIT & GEAR
TRU SPEC ASIA
www.airsoftaction.net 39

KIT & GEAR
TRU SPEC ASIA
stores and on public transport, sunglasses, bottled
drinks, cases and all manner of other things I feel the
need to carry when I venture out into the urban (or
very real) jungle of my island paradise.
I saved the location of their distribution centre and
front of house showroom in Xizhi at the far East end
of Taipei and made a mental note to go and visit them
in person… eventually. Another year or so passed
and I found myself once again wanting for full length
tactical trousers, having moved outdoors with team
Taiji playing in genuine jungle sites many weekends
with the kind of plants and bugs Austalians joke with
the rest of the world about, I figured it was better to
transition to covered up legs, despite the sweating
induced! Having already grazed my shins slipping on a
climbing excursion with aforementioned outdoorsman
colleague, skin damage in tropical heat and humidity
tends to get pretty grim quickly and easily infected,
and myself and many others bear scars of scrapes and
bites which just don’t seem to heal effectively in this
environment.
So, how to avoid such injuries without dying of
dehydration in the process? Thankfully TRU SPEC
have the answer! Their own brand of domestically
developed products are produced from durable but
much lighter and more breathable materials than
some of my other favoured brands, making them
cooler and more comfortable in the great outdoors
here, and as it happened Anny had mentioned she
knew the people behind the store personally and was
making a trip to cover their business as part of her
own local blog (https://anny.cc/).
GETTING IT ON!
I figured a personal introduction as well as an excuse
for tactical shopping and an article to boot were well
worth using one of my few days off the day job and
other side projects for, so off we went, making our
way on the MRT way across town and thankfully
getting a ride from the station to the store itself
courtesy of their staff; one of the reasons I’d been
reticent to go all the way there on my own was the
distance and relative inconvenience to get to during
office hours given where I live and my day/night job
requirements.
We arrived at the Yaxin Tactical Outdoor Gear
store, the local business name that represents the TRU
SPEC Asia brand, and got to work taking pictures,
checking out the plethora of camouflage and solid
coloured trousers, shorts, shirts, UBACS, jackets, hats
and all manner of tactical gear, bags, boots, patches,
as well as products from Kryptek and even civilianised
outdoor and active-wear that sits under their own
co-brand of Urban Force. While I have become
accustomed to the sheer variety of goods available in
physical stores in Taiwan that I never had near me in
the UK, this was still a bit of a ‘kid in a candy store’
moment for me, mostly as a result of already knowing
that my required sizes were supported in at least some
of their product lines.
A little later in the day the store manager himself
came by and I was introduced to Mac Chen, whose
thankfully excellent command of English alleviated any
of the worries I had about conducting the interview
in my still non-fluent Chinese plus Google translate
approach!
Originally established as ATLANCO in 1950 and
then as a sub-brand of their surplus and outdoor gear
activities in 1961 in the US, TRU SPEC has focused on
supplying not only serving forces and security services
personnel, but also the typical civilian outdoors
people who put their equipment through demanding
treatment. TRU SPEC Asia and the local storefront in
Taipei was founded in 2012 to develop the brand and
its products to suit the local market better, as part of
its umbrella company based in Indonesia where the
production actually happens. Prior to the impact of
COVID on people’s movements and shopping habits
and capabilities there were actually four different
storefronts dotted around Taipei, but unfortunately
the reality of the pandemic forced the company to
scale back operations and rationalise everything
into their present upstairs warehousing and ground
floor showroom, with a smaller staff of around ten
personnel in total as a result.
Mac explained how the brand has nonetheless
grown in success domestically and in the Asia Pacific
in general, with that being the pure focus of their
distribution, as the name would imply, and the
majority of their business is derived from supplying
local Taiwanese military and police forces with duty
wear and equipment. This accounts for around two
“THIS WAS STILL A BIT OF A ‘KID IN A CANDY STORE’ MOMENT FOR ME, MOSTLY AS A
RESULT OF ALREADY KNOWING THAT MY REQUIRED SIZES WERE SUPPORTED IN AT LEAST
SOME OF THEIR PRODUCT LINES.”
40
APRIL 2023

KIT & GEAR
TRU SPEC ASIA
thirds of their domestic turnover, with the remaining
third being from Taiwanese civilian consumers, no
doubt many of them airsofters! All told TRU SPEC
Asia turnover the best part of ten million New Taiwan
Dollars annually at present… around a quarter of a
million finest UK pounds!
Furthermore their larger umbrella company
activities based in Indonesia also supply the militaries,
police and security forces of Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand and Hong Kong, while also stocking and
distributing Kryptek and 5-Star gear brands for
specific camouflage pattern garments and tactical
gear such as plate carriers and pouches. With plans
to add further brands currently they are in talks with
various suppliers in the US to expand their product
lines available in country and Asia as a whole.
TRU SPEC Asia’s primary focus has been on
adapting product lines and ideas in western
environments to be better suited not only to local
customers physical builds, but also their personal
needs as well as the obvious aforementioned
environmental variations and demands, particularly
in terms of the use of thinner, lighter but still durable
materials, as well as adapting the patterns and
cuts for smaller natives and eliminating superfluous
features and implementing new ones where necessary.
The vast majority of domestic customers have little use
for twin AR magazine pockets and other shootingactivity-related
features found in many rival brands or
the US based TRU SPEC’s original offerings, given the
vastly more restrictive firearms legislation in Taiwan.
Mac also told me that their tactical apparel makes
use of the latest materials and processing to ensure
durability and functionality, with use of either genuine
Gore Tex branded materials in some lines, or allegories
in more economy focused offerings, with duty or
hiking trousers, shorts, shirts, smocks, and all weather
jackets, as well as domestically manufactured duty or
combat boots and a number of gun cases for police
or airsoft use, while 5-Star gear supply the vests, rigs,
duty belts and associated pouches or attachments in
their current lines.
Urban Force as the name implies is their own
sub-brand more geared towards street-wear or
outdoor civilianised gear that adopts the same design,
development practices and materials application as
the main tactical brand has already implemented, but
in more neutral colours and cuts with more emphasis
on practical garments for the very active hiking,
climbing, watersports, cycling and other outdoors
communities that Taiwan lays claim to.
RESET, MOVING ON!
Now with just the main headquarters and store
remaining post pandemic, TRU SPEC Asia rely more
recently on secondary distributors online (as with my
own Ruten related adventures in purchasing) as well
as physical stores like the one I found in Hualien and
direct to consumer sales through their own extensive
and well laid-out online webstore https://www.
truspecasia.com/. Hopefully with the increasing trust
and awareness in their brand at the hands of services
personnel, they will continue to grow and recover well
with their planned expansions in terms of their own
and cooperating brands increasing their reach in the
market.
Of course it would have been rude to waste the
opportunity to meet my own consumer needs, so
along with a nice lightweight Kryptek long sleeve
moisture wicking top that was too large for the
staff who usually get gifted the free samples of new
products, I also invested in a trio of their BDU trousers
in tan, black and OD/Black mix, which have already
been put to good use over the winter months in
both IPSC training and outdoor and CQ skirmishing,
offering me great protection from the elements and
incoming fire already!
Many thanks to Mac for his time and attention
in answering my questions, and his team for going
out of their way to ensure I got exactly what was
suitable for me, and of course to Anny for setting
up the meeting and dragging me along (kicking and
screaming, clearly!) to what will hopefully be the first
of many tactical shopping and collaborative efforts;
I imagine you’ll see more of us in our TRU SPEC Asia
Multicam BDU’s in the field sooner than later. AA
“TRU SPEC ASIA’S PRIMARY FOCUS HAS BEEN ON ADAPTING PRODUCT LINES AND IDEAS
IN WESTERN ENVIRONMENTS TO BE BETTER SUITED NOT ONLY TO LOCAL CUSTOMERS
PHYSICAL BUILDS, BUT ALSO THEIR PERSONAL NEEDS”
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THE CAGE
OVERNIGHT GEAR
THE CAGE:
SWEET AIRSOFT
DREAMS
LAST MONTH BILL GOT TOGETHER WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE AA LEGION TO TALK ABOUT
HOW THEIR EXPERIENCE HAS SHAPED WHAT THEY WEAR AND USE FOR A SIMPLE DAY OF
SKIRMISHING, EXPERIENCE THAT HAS BEEN GAINED OVER MANY YEARS, AND MANY, MANY
GAMES! THIS MONTH HE’S TURNED THEIR ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY ADD TO THIS BASIC KIT
LIST WHEN THEY NEED TO BE OUT OVERNIGHT!
44
APRIL 2023

THE CAGE
OVERNIGHT GEAR
As a new “summer airsoft season” hovers on the
horizon I always get a little tingle of excitement
as to what it will bring me in event terms.
Many of us continue to skirmish during the winter,
but it’s the thought of those longer days and lighter
evenings that really get me thinking about which
games I’m going to sign up for. I’m as fond of
a good “Sunday Skirmish” with the team
as any player, and the occasional, fully
immersive MilSim is always good to
get you on top of your game,
but it’s the middle ground
that I enjoy the most!
I’ve played weekend games that have encompassed
military training areas in the UK and USA, vast tracts
of forest woodland, French mountains, and even
former monastery buildings on Crete, and a good
“overnighter or weekender” to me is the best possible
form for an airsoft game as not only will it usually give
more gametime, possibly with a night game thrown
in, it will also give me an opportunity to catch up with
fellow players that I know, and speak to newer players
that I don’t! There will always be a bit of a “social”
element to an overnight or weekend game with good
friends slinging “plastic death” at one another all day
long and then coming together when play ceases.
Tactics from the day will be analysed, new kit will
be discussed and rated, and new RIFs will be drooled
over; it’s always great fun, especially if it’s warm and
fair, and the evenings are mild. But in many countries
of course we must always be prepared for that “liquid
sunshine” moment, and the preparation of our gear,
what we carry, and how we carry it must always be a
primary consideration. Of course you’re already going
to have all the gear you would normally play in as
we discussed last month and that’s a very personal
choice so we won’t get into that again; what we are
going to alk about this time is what you need
in addition to your “line gear” to make
your overnighter or weekender fully
enjoyable!
I always pack the same set
of gear whether it’s an
informal longer
game, or a
more
structured
MilSim event;
the real things
to consider for
any longer game
are actually quite
straightforward and can
be broken down into eight
key elements; Load Bearing,
Hydration, Food , Cooking,
Lighting, Sleeping, Hygiene,
Comfort, and First Aid (I’m assuming
here that most of us carry some type of
www.airsoftaction.net 45

THE CAGE
OVERNIGHT GEAR
First Aid Kit as part of our usual gear). When the
shooting has stopped then you need to be looking
at the key elements of that list and one of the best
phrases I ever heard to describe this was from an
American friend who referred to it as “Snivel Gear”,
that being the things that will not only let you spend a
night out in the field, but let you do so efficiently and
comfortably… any fool can be uncomfortable after
all!
Now this is a topic that I’ve written about
extensively before, and you’ll find a wealth of
information in our “BACK ISSUES” section on www.
airsoftaction.net so this time I’m going to throw things
over to the members of THE AA LEGION…
TEAM TALK
As always I put up a question in the AA LEGION chat
group online; as there are now members all over the
world, much like all of you we keep in touch online
each day. This month I asked them;
“What would you add to your basic skirmish
load for an overnight game? What would be
in your pack? Bivvy bag, sleeping bag, pad/
sleep mat, and food obviously... cooking gear?
Hydration system? Other “snivel gear”? What
would you absolutely 100% have in there?” and
this is what they had to tell me…
Boycie: In my “kit” would be a Jetboil. It does
so much for a small package, bit like L’il Stu! Mostly
food wise I use snack bars/sausage rolls and the
like. Something quick to get to and be able to eat;
depending on the scenario I can eat them cold so as
not to give away positions with food smells. I also
carry Jelly Babies; these are great not only for a morale
boost, but also what are really good for instant energy
boost!
Robbie: Mega hydration… HYDRATION! A few
snack foods (I can easily fast as needed, I do it all
the time under exertion), always my blowout, booboo
and hygiene kits, along with any medicines and
e-cards. My night vision (PVS 14s) if appropriate,
my thermal vision as needed, and my Syonix colour
night vision digital camera. Appropriate batteries
and power-banks, IR lasers, snap glow sticks, and
IR illuminators, then onto white lights with red and
blue covers… fun stuff like sensors and alarms, other
sound and spook devices as allowed. The it’s weather
appropriate layers, Tac BDUs, boots, spare socks, and
a mini towel. If I am camping/sleeping my bedroll and
ground pad. Then it will be extra BBs, gas, cleaning
and mini tools with spare parts as I will probably need
to fix stuff for others. Don’t forget something to give
to newer guys who have nothing; bring a bag of old
stuff and make those poorer or younger super-happy!
Chris: I pack light; poncho with liner, jumper or
fleece, some form of cooking kit. Extra socks; “you
need 4 pairs minimum”… extra points if you guess
the quote! Some form of snack, coffee (100%
COFFEE!), water (2-3L), wet weather gear (helps keep
the wind off at night if it’s Gore Tex or similar) and if
I’m going for super comfort a half-size Thermarest!
Dan: I try to pack light, but make a few concessions
here and there. Ounces = pounds = pain, as they say.
For a night or two where I might actually be sleeping
(as opposed to “powering through” to the morning)
I might bring a ground pad for keeping one from
freezing, Gore Tex rain poncho and paracord (this
can be made into a nice canopy for staying dry or
grabbing some shade!), inflatable pillow, MSR pocket
rocket (a tiny gas cooker, lightweight and boils water
fast!), and a good ol’ fashioned stainless canteen cup
as this can be used for cooking, making coffee, or
whatever; it’s a little heavy, but it won’t melt or poison
you either!
I swear by freeze-dried food for a few bigger meals.
Coffee is a must, but mostly I load up on snacks
because I’m always starving or “bored-eating” at long
MilSims! Extra water; this can be transferred into my
hydro pouch on my vest to restock that, but is also
used for cooking, cleaning, and anything else where
water is needed. A Surefire headlamp with a red lens
cover. TP and a small stash of wet wipes; nobody
honestly uses pine cones for this task unless they are a
sadist! A small med stash; aspirin, band-aids, alcohol
swabs, anti-diarrheal, just the basics really!
Then there’s a Surefire headlamp with a red lens
cover, along with spare CR123A’s for the Surefire
Taclites and night vision. I might bring a spare change
of uniform depending on the expected conditions. If
it’s colder / wetter, I’ll usually bring both the Arc’teryx
LEAF Atom and First Spear Windcheater. These are
both lightweight and packable, and can be layered to
make a nice windproof shell and warm layer, but these
also breathe well, so they don’t sweat you out. If it’s
absolutely pouring out, then that’s where the Gore Tex
poncho steps in. At least 2x spare wool socks; I wear
wool socks year round and never have feet problems.
They aren’t as hot as people think they are too. I
always also have 2x 50gal. trash bags; for overnighters
here they are usually a site requirement, but useful for
many things; you can turn it into a rain poncho for the
guy who forgot to pack his! Some events I have been
to have shown the need for an E-Tool for digging
fighting pits or a hole in the ground. I’m usually
hesitant to bring such a thing because it’s a massive
chunk of weight and space and admittedly I will “be
46
APRIL 2023

THE CAGE
OVERNIGHT GEAR
that guy” who begs it off of someone else or presses
a nice solid stick into service. But if I was doing it a
lot, I’d consider investing in a titanium digger.
Things that are 100% not useful!
• Giant pig-sticker knives: You are not John
Rambo and nobody cares about your Strider.
• Tomahawks: You are not James Reece and
nobody cares about your Winkler.
• Sidearms: (MOUT/FIBUA sites being the sole
exception here) If you’re on a 1000 acre
woodland site then it’s just dead weight.
• Juggernaut phone cases or silly
electronic suites: You
can browse
OnlyFans
when you
get back
to your
couch!
Stewbacca:
Most of the
MilSim I’ve
done in
the
past
has
been
forward
operating
base (FOB)
related with
respawn or a
requirement to return
to base for rearming due to ammunition limits or
just regular tasking, and as such I haven’t really done
field-camping /LRRP/LARPing style games and the
one MilSim I’ve done since coming to Taiwan was
another secure camp out of game with a cessation of
game overnight.
Nonetheless, as I mentioned in the writeup of that
event, and to an extent with my experiences in the
UK, the main change for me would be hydration
and lot of it. Even back in blighty carrying additional
magazines, ammo/day sack or FOB bag on your back
on the way out or during game can drain you or get
you hot and bothered under all the typical garb like
full BDUs and load bearing gear, especially if you’re
running a relatively heavy or bulky weapons
system.
I have a Camelbak Hydrotanium 3 Litre
bladder which goes nicely in a hydration
pouch or backpack, or a SAAV vest spine
pouch or similar and served me well back
in the UK and in Taiwan. I also got hold
of one of the hydration plates to go in
my carrier which worked quite well
but I only used it the once for the
MilSim here thus far; I might try
it on my back next time as it
does tend to make the whole
carrier a lot more rigid as a
result of using it so can make
your gear behave differently
at the front when reloading.
Otherwise I tend to be
carrying extra snacks and
further bottled water to
keep me going or refill
the hydration systems
when required, as
well as additional
gas or ammunition
where permitted
by game rules. I’ve
never had to brew
up or eat hot food in
the field
as yet, but if I did a Jetboil
would be high up my list if I were to do such things
as it seems comparatively fast, light and versatile.
Likewise camping gear has always stayed at the base
of operations for me so I’ve never had to carry it thus
far… perhaps it’s time I gave it a go as reading what
the team has written here, I may be missing some
real fun! AA
www.airsoftaction.net 47

RED CELL
SPECIAL REPORT
RED CELL
SPECIAL REPORT
48
APRIL 2023

RED CELL
SPECIAL REPORT
WE’RE TAKING A SMALL BREAK FROM OUR REGULAR TESTING REPORT THIS MONTH, AND THERE
ARE A COUPLE OF VERY GOOD REASONS FOR THIS! FIRSTLY THE TEAM HAVE BEEN AWAY TO IWA
AS ALTHOUGH RED CELL WAS CREATED AS A LONG-TERM, GROUP-TESTING ENTITY IT’S ALSO AT THE
VERY CORE OF EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS AT AIRSOFT ACTION, BE THAT DAYS ON THE RANGE,
EVENT ATTENDANCE, OR WORKING WITH THE MANUFACTURERS DIRECT. THIS TIME BILL OPENS UP
OUR IN-HOUSE “BOX OF AIRSOFT TRICKS” TO TALK ABOUT THIS, AND ABOUT RED CELL PLANS FOR
THE FUTURE!
www.airsoftaction.net 49

RED CELL
SPECIAL REPORT
It’s coming up now to three years since I set up Red
Cell, and that time has forced all of us to adapt
and overcome like never before! In the summer
of 2020 I finally made reality of a concept that I’d
been playing around with for some considerable
time, and assembled a group of fellow Airsoft Action
contributors and trusted friends to create a rolling,
ongoing long-term test program to look at all aspects
of 6mm “platforms”.
These “platforms”, a term that I unashamedly
ripped from the firearms world, could be anything and
everything that we use to fire BBs when we’re playing
our beloved game, and since the very first
day the group have shot many, many
different models, from pistols
through DMRs and boltactions
to support guns!
We’ve tested, abused,
and continued to
punish these models
both on the range
and in-game,
sometimes to
utter destruction,
and we’ve
reported back
on them as we
have!
All too often
I’ve heard, and
indeed still hear
to this day, that
the majority of
airsoft reviewers only
concentrate on what
is new and shiny, and
whilst we do love a scoop
and an “exclusive”, we also
know that many of you out there,
just like all of us in the past, only have
a limited budget for your “airsoft armoury”
and therefore I feel very strongly that we should be
looking at models time and again so that we can
REALLY recommend them to you! This way I, and we,
KNOW that when we tell you “buy this gnu!!!” that
what you’ll end up with is fit for purpose and will
remain that way if you maintain it correctly.
And it HAS been a challenge to do this month
in, month out as of course between the creation
of Red Cell and today we’ve had that darn zombie
outbreak… sorry, I meant C-VIRUS… or pandemic…
call it what you like, but it REALLY put a dent into
how often “The Cell” as it’s become known in-house
could actually gather to test and evaluate as a group.
As the “I/C” of the group it was down to me to find
solutions to this, and I did so by creating, with the
help of airsoft manufacturers who trust me and want
ongoing data for their AEGs and GBBs, a constantly
growing “pool” of test platforms covering
every category that we could think of!
This pool has continued to get
larger and larger, with new
manufacturers entering the
program year on year,
and my solution was
to send models out
to all the members
of “The Cell”
so that they
could use and
test individual
platforms using
an agreed
common test
procedure and
provide data
when I needed
to update and
disseminate this. To
give you an example,
we now have half a
dozen different models
of “HK416” within the
pool of different ages, and
six different members of Red Cell
testing them individually to provide
a wealth of information on this one platform
alone!
Where we started with Short-Barrelled AR Rifles
(SBR Category) we can now break that down into
further sub-divisions (HK416, Mk18, etc) and provide
information on each and every one! We can now
“I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT MODELS TIME AND AGAIN
SO THAT WE CAN REALLY RECOMMEND THEM TO YOU! THIS WAY I, AND WE, KNOW
THAT WHEN WE TELL YOU “BUY THIS GNU!!!” THAT WHAT YOU’LL END UP WITH IS FIT
FOR PURPOSE AND WILL REMAIN THAT WAY IF YOU MAINTAIN IT CORRECTLY.”
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do this for G-Series pistols and 1911s, SMGs, PDWs,
SBRs, Mid-Length ARs, Full-Length ARs, historical
models, AKs, DMRs, Sniper platforms… hell, we can
even tell you all about springer shotguns! And yes, we
have, and update regularly, the data on all of them…
Red Cell will continue to test and evaluate as a
group all the models that we can lay our hands on;
where is this all leading you may ask? Well, my goal
is to provide at some point in the future a definitive
catalogue of every single AEG or GBB that has gone
through our hands, even including those that have
failed, but concentrating on the models that have
truly excelled and are still giving fabulous service to
this day!
I will continue to work with all our valued
manufacturing partners to ensure that this process
continues forward, and that every snippet of
information that we garner is shared with you. Red
Cell may have evolved in a different direction than
that I first envisaged, but the “DNA” of the project
will remain unchanged; in the spirit of the true
“Rogue Warrior” Richard Marcinko we will continue
to fire thousands of BBs through a whole host of
platforms until we’re happy that we know each and
every one intimately!
NOT JUST A TESTING GROUP!
And in that spirit of the real “Red Cell”, or “The Naval
Security Coordination Team OP-06D” to give it the
full real-deal title, in-house “The AA Cell” takes on
many taskings above and beyond just taking airsoft
platforms to the range and shooting the living…
stuff… out of them! AA’s Red Cell as I said earlier is
at the very beating heart of everything that we do,
from reviewing gear n’guns, to attending games and
events, and even forming the base team working with
manufacturers for photoshoots.
Last month we were the very first anywhere in the
world to talk knowledgeably about the new VORSK
VMP-1, and as I write this article I believe that I am
still the only person in the world outside the VORSK
team to have actually shot one! This will change soon
as I understand that the VMP-1 has already been a
huge success in terms of sales to retail, and therefore
they will soon be in the hands of discerning players
everywhere. All the Red Cell team, and indeed all the
members of our associated AA LEGION are as keen to
get hands-on as anyone, and we’ll be reporting back
in detail once our testing of the production model is
complete…. Yeah, we don’t rush our testing either!
However, to give you an example of how we roll
in this respect I’ll tell you the story of just how we
put the photoshoot together, and yes, it involves a
number of UK manufacturers and not just VORSK,
although of course the focus was very much on the
VMP-1!
I met with the VORSK team late last November,
strictly under an NDA, to discuss just how we could
work to show off their new model to best advantage,
and just like a “real world op” research and planning
began in earnest last November. Although I wanted to
work with VORSK to showcase what I believe will be
“RED CELL MAY HAVE EVOLVED IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN THAT I FIRST
ENVISAGED, BUT THE “DNA” OF THE PROJECT WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED; IN THE
SPIRIT OF THE TRUE “ROGUE WARRIOR” RICHARD MARCINKO WE WILL CONTINUE TO
FIRE THOUSANDS OF BBS THROUGH A WHOLE HOST OF PLATFORMS UNTIL WE’RE
HAPPY THAT WE KNOW EACH AND EVERY ONE INTIMATELY!”
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a ground-breaking GBB for them, indeed the start of
a new era, I discussed with them that it might be an
opportunity to showcase a couple of other UK brands
that I work with regularly, namely VIPER and KYDEX
CUSTOMS.
Whilst VORSK would provide a primary in the shape
of the VMP-1 and a secondary with both their GBB EU
models and the then-just-launched VX-14 I decided
to approach Ian at VIPER for the kit side. We’ve been
using VIPER clothing for our Red Cell rangewear
pretty much ever since I got the
program rolling, and apart from
the odd broken zip (which was
diligently reported back to
them) we’ve all been more
than impressed by what
they offer, so it was a no
brainer to put together a
clothing list… I wanted for
the photoshoot for Ben,
Jase, Jimmy and I to have
a generic “SF” look to
the clothing, so the VIPER
ELITE trousers and their
new SPECIAL OPS combat
short in V-CAM BLACK
went straight onto the list, as did the FRONTIER jacket
in V-CAM as we’d be out doing our schtick in the UK
in January!
Although all of us wore our own belt kit (more
on this shortly…) our choice of load-bearing/tactical
gear was a bit of a no-brainer too as we’ve all been
working with the VIPER multi weapon system which
is based around their VX Buckle up GEN2 Carrier;
this is a cracking system, especially as they recently
introduced even more quick-detach placards for pistol,
carbine and SMG to the range, and of course as the
focus of the shoot was and SMG… well, I’m sure you
get the picture!
As we knew that we would also be working with
the VORSK pistols my next stop was with KYDEX
CUSTOMS, and after some discussion Taig very kindly
loaned me a number of their excellent Multicamwrapped
holsters. These proved a real success with
the VX-14, although the model available at the time
did not accommodate the VX-14 suppressor shroud…
Taig tells me that this
is now in hand so
you should be
able to carry a
VX-14 with the
suppressor (and
extended inner barrel) attached now with their new
Tracer Series Light-Bearing holsters as these are
designed to work with up to 36mmwide
cans!
Although we would be
taking our own pictures at the
shoot, as would VORSK, I also
asked if I might bring along our
LEGION Associate Josh from KRIOS PHOTOGRAPHY…
I wanted this shoot to be 100% righteous, and
having a dedicated professional photographer who
I respected and trusted on board meant that I could
concentrate on making sure everything looked and
performed well. So Josh got an NDA to sign too, and
away we went…
I’ve included a number of Josh’s superb images
here for you to check out, as of course last month we
really wanted to zone-in on the VMP-1; in addition to
the VORSK SMG and pistols I also put together VFC
Mk18, SR16, and M110 models featuring NUPROL
“I WANTED THIS SHOOT TO BE 100% RIGHTEOUS, AND HAVING A DEDICATED
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WHO I RESPECTED AND TRUSTED ON BOARD
MEANT THAT I COULD CONCENTRATE ON MAKING SURE EVERYTHING LOOKED AND
PERFORMED WELL.”
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RED CELL
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accessories specifically for the shoot, although in
fairness this is pretty much how that stay set up
anyway.
Now you may ask given my relationships with
numerous “real deal” tactical kit and clothing
manufacturers I chose to run with VIPER in the
majority, and there’s a super-simple answer to this…
we are airsofters, and VIPER make gear for airsofters
with sensible prices to match! I hope you’ll agree that
the gear shown in the pictures, whilst in fairness it’s
mixed with some very gucci items that the guys and
I own already, looks absolutely great when you put it
all together as a team effort. In my mind it just goes
to show just how cool you can make your loadout
look with a little thought and some pre-planning…
without breaking the bank… and I have to say the
whole V-CAM BLACK/V-CAM mix really works for me,
and us!
Suffice to say that the day proved to be a real
success, and that everyone had tremendous fun, and
it’s 100% something that we will do again. It also
allowed me to showcase what I believe to be the
“Best of British Airsoft Guns n’ Gear” in one place,
and it was a true pleasure working with our good
friends at VORSK, VIPER, and KYDEX CUSTOMS.
WHAT FOR THE FUTURE?
Again, as I write this article Jase, Jimmy and I have just
returned from Germany and IWA 2023, and you’ll find
our report in this very issue! This is what I has always
intended Red Cell to become… not only our in-house
testing team, and a real team that lived, worked, and
enjoyed our time together covering every aspect of
airsoft. Boycie, Li’l Stu and Dan are also members of
“The Cell” and were our team that reported on SHOT
2023, whilst Stewbacca handled MOA all on his own.
Miguel is also now feeding into Red Cell and it is my
sincere hope that as soon as my budget allows all of
us will be hitting a show together… and then it will
be “Oh my... Here comes the AA Red Cell crew!”
Will we continue to test? Of course we will,
and I’m already in negotiations with a number of
manufacturers and distributors to run specific test
days for their brands so that we can continue to
really dig into the detail when it comes to both the
platforms and the brands themselves! We want you to
know who you’re buying from, to engage with them
in a very positive way from a position of knowledge
just like we do, and to have confidence when it comes
time to buy a new AEG or GBB or a new piece of gear.
Another moan I hear from many about those of
us creating content online is that we keep things to
ourselves to somehow make ourselves look better or
more “important”, but this is NOT the Airsoft Action
way, and it is most certainly not the Red Cell way
either! When we know something we’ll share it with
you, good or bad; yes, there may be some instances
where we can’t talk about something immediately
because we’ve signed an NDA, but that of course
is just good business practice and allows us to get
involved in projects like the VMP-1 even earlier, and
this ultimately means that our understanding of a new
technology, platform, or piece of gear has even more
depth… eventually we can share that knowledge with
you as I did with the new VIPER Soft Shell jacket that I
“WILL WE CONTINUE TO TEST? OF COURSE WE WILL, AND I’M ALREADY IN
NEGOTIATIONS WITH A NUMBER OF MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS TO RUN
SPECIFIC TEST DAYS FOR THEIR BRANDS SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO REALLY
DIG INTO THE DETAIL WHEN IT COMES TO BOTH THE PLATFORMS AND THE BRANDS
THEMSELVES!”
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believe AA talked about first in our daily web news!
Many content creators would like to believe that
they are somehow “your friend”, and that because
they share intimate details of their lives with you, you
will trust them. Me, I don’t give a rats ass whether
you like me personally or not, and in the words of
Mr Eastwood in Heartbreak Ridge “I’m not doing
this because I want to take long showers with you
assholes”; also in character as Gunny Highway “You
can run me, you can starve me and you can beat me
and you can kill me. Just don’t bore me…”. I aim not
to bore you but to ensure that Airsoft Action, and
particularly the members of “The Cell” and the AA
LEGION never bore you either…
However, if you want content that will educate,
enlighten, and hopefully entertain then keep tuning
in, as AA Red cell still has a long journey ahead; we
may change, we may adapt, but we will always aim to
overcome, and whatever life may throw in our way
we will continue to do the thing we love most,
and that’s talk about AIRSOFT and everything
that is included in it!
My thanks again go to the guys at
www.vorsk.com, www.viperkit.co.uk,
www.kydexcustomsuk.com, and
www.kriosphotography.com for
images used in this article. The
Red Cell team and I look forward
to working with you all
again soon! AA
Red Cell is supported by:
www.airsoftaction.net 55

CLICK/TAP IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

GETTING PERSONAL
“MILITARY” ANNY WU
GIRLS JUST
WANNA
HAVE GUNS!
IN A NEW COLUMN FOR AIRSOFT ACTION, “INDUSTRY INSIDER: GETTING PERSONAL” STEWBACCA
WILL BE TAKING A LOOK AT PROMINENT FIGURES WITHIN DIFFERENT FACETS OF THE INDUSTRY
AROUND THE GLOBE, ALLOWING YOU TO GET TO KNOW THEM IN A LITTLE MORE DEPTH PERSONALLY!
WE’LL BE LOOKING AT HOW THEY GOT INTO AIRSOFT AS A HOBBY, OR AS AN INDUSTRY THEY WORK
IN, WHAT THEY DO WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, WHAT THEY WANT TO ACCOMPLISH AND HOW THEY
WANT TO EFFECT POSITIVE CHANGE, ALONG WITH WHO THEY WORK WITH AND IN WHAT CAPACITY…
For the inaugural article of “Getting Personal” I sat
down with Taiwan’s Specna Arms Ambassador,
and representative of many domestic brands
“Military” Anny Wu, and found out what it’s like for
her ‘playing with the boys’ and making headway as a
positive role model for young women in what is still a
largely male dominated industry and hobby.
Even before I made landfall in Taiwan back in late
2017 I was already aware of ‘Military’ Anny Wu;
from earlier mentions in Popular Airsoft articles and
other online media and product promotion work I’d
seen coming out of Taiwanese airsoft manufacturers
or other social media I’d begun to follow given
my interest in moving overseas and my long term
addiction to the hobby in general.
Once I arrived it was only a matter of time before I
had the pleasure of meeting her in person, given the
relatively tight knit community over here, and in fact
it was only a matter of a month or so after getting
here that I first saw her at the inaugural MOA show,
working with our friends of Centurion’s Option on
their booth at the show, decked out in a pink Warrior
Assault Systems ladies’ T-shirt, black BDU trousers,
boots and sporting a battle belt, gloves, shemagh and
ear-pro, and standing nearly 1.8m tall, she certainly
made a first impression, and always a pleasant and
cheerful one ever since, at that! She’s been working
numerous shows and booths since then to explain
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“MILITARY” ANNY WU
the latest products from an array of domestic and
international companies, as well as being actively
involved in promoting national defence, shooting,
sporting and other outdoor activities and products
in local television shows!
More recently we’ve begun to work more closely
together in an effort to better share contacts and
knowledge, integrate her experiences and very
much welcome female perspective into our activities
at Airsoft Action, and develop our respective
language skills through co-operation on visits and
articles. My Chinese has improved somewhat since
arriving, and Anny wishes to improve her English
to open up a wider world of opportunity on the
international stage, so we look forward to bringing
you more from the both of us!
Having recently returned to the fold after a year
or so out of the game due to health restrictions
keeping her from strenuous activities, we welcomed
her along to a shoot with my regular team Taiji
cohort at our long range Xindian site in the hills
south of Taipei, and she was apparently very much
enjoying the opportunity to get involved once again
in the gameplay aspect with us, and was a most
welcome addition among the team. Following
that and our resultant photographic exploits, we
discussed her entry into the airsoft scene with
a mixture of my work-in-progress Chinese and
the benefit of Google translate; we managed to
communicate with each other effectively enough on
a regular basis, so, through those mediums together
we can bring you her story:
GETTING TO KNOW YOU!
AA: Hey Anny, and thanks for talking with me! So
what got you interested in guns/airsoft/militaria?
Anny: Before getting into airsoft, I was an avid
surfer; but my parents objected to me doing that
and worried for my safety. Following that I took up
ballroom dancing, enjoying the Viennese Waltz and
other traditional styles, however my instructor and
dance partner unfortunately got married and moved
out of the area and I was left without anyone to
dance on with.
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GETTING PERSONAL
“MILITARY” ANNY WU
Like many people, I was introduced to “survival
games” (skirmishing) by a friend already involved in it,
and I slowly began to fall in love with the hobby after
my first game starting way back in November 2007! I
began to research the equipment, the history behind
the real guns being replicated, and eventually set up
my own website (https://anny.cc/) to share my many
articles written related to military themed tourism,
product unboxings and longer term reviews and
product testing.
AA: What were your experiences as a female player
earlier on and more recently?
Anny: In this hobby and industry there are many
men and very few women; when I first began playing
many of the opponents would be overly polite and
not shoot, or hesitate when they encountered me as a
female player, but I however would not hesitate, and
would tell them that on the field there should be no
distinction whether you are a man or a woman! If you
fail to shoot me, I won’t show mercy and will shoot
you all the same.
Initially I also had a bad temper at
times, when I played survival games
my blood would rise easily; I wore
sleeveless tops and liked to match
them to my tactical gear, but that
often left me more open to the pain
of being hit… I ended up fighting
with others. In one instance when
I couldn’t eliminate all the players
I slung my gun and began walking
to the opposite side; one of the
opponents shot me accidentally and
I began cursing as I walked away…
my teammates were dumbfounded by
me and dragged me back to the safe
area; later the opposite team came to
apologise.
Looking back, I used to be very
temperamental, and this incident in
particular made my reputation grow,
becoming known as a girl who shoots
and plays very aggressively!
AA: How do your friends/family/
co-workers react to your involvement
with a “combat sport”?
Anny: Before getting involved in
survival games, I had already dabbled
in surfing, ballroom dancing and
skateboarding, so my family were
surprised by yet another new direction
in my interests, but continue to
support me in my airsoft activities!
My neighbours too are well aware
of my involvement; they will see how
I dress during holidays or my time
off, and if they see me with a tent
they know it’s a weekender event I’m
headed to!
AA: Have you encountered any
difficulties working in the industry (&
in particular as a woman)?
Anny: Every industry has its
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“MILITARY” ANNY WU
own different difficulties, but aside from the
aforementioned early incidents, and an occasion of a
sexist player questioning how I could defeat a man as
a woman, I only remember the amusing or interesting
quirks worth bearing in mind, and for the most part I
don’t have any issues with people failing to take me
seriously anymore.
AA: Who do you work with within the industry, and
in what capacity?
Anny: I have already co-operated extensively with
many well-known Taiwanese airsoft manufacturers
such as VFC, Maple Leaf Creative Workshop, Modify,
King Arms, G&G & RATech and of course more
recently as a Specna Arms ambassador for Taiwan.
In terms of soft goods or tactical gear solutions
providers, I have worked with Tru Spec Asia, J-Tech,
Psi Gear, 5.11/Solomon in Kaohsiung, KAM Tact,
Leatherman, Hazard 4, Lowa, Armoured Claw and
Centurions Option.
I’ve worked with these manufacturers and
distributors as either a military model for promotional
materials, a product demonstrator or reviewer,
working their booths at exhibitions to help promote
upcoming releases, or just
to raise the profile of their
companies.
I’ve also worked with
local airsoft chain stores
such as AOG Airsoft
and KUI Airsoft, as well
as dealing with local
media such as Taiwan
Military Magazine, Youth
Daily, and appearing on
various TV news or special
interest shows or features
as a specialist contributor
or general ambassador
for airsoft, as well as
featuring in newspaper
and magazine features
and radio interviews over
the years of my various
activities.
AA: Why do you do what
you do; what do you
enjoy most about it and
what motivates you?
Anny: Taking part not
only in the active games
and MilSim activities,
but the more specialist
training and the media
facing activities all
increase my own confidence and motivation.
AA: What have you achieved so far in the industry
and as an individual shooter?
Anny: Alongside all the exploits mentioned before
I’ve also been overseas to the Philippines to take part
in real steel shooting, using pistols, submachine guns,
carbines, rifles and shotguns, and have also tried my
hand at SCUBA diving, and been through rappelling
training with Itsuya in Japan along with joining her for
other specialist Japanese Self Defence Forces training.
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GETTING PERSONAL
“MILITARY” ANNY WU
I’m also very honoured to have been selected
to represent Taiwan as our country’s Specna Arms
Ambassador on a more international stage and raise
the profile of airsoft here.
AA: What are your plans or goals for the future?
Anny: I want to continue to help raise the profile
of Taiwan and educate people with respect to our
lifestyle, history, military activities and other aspects of
our lives and culture here. I’d also like to improve my
English abilities and in general be invited to participate
in more exhibitions locally but also overseas as well;
IWA or SHOT Show are high on my list, among others.
I’d also like to work with more brands to highlight
their products, as well as perform more unboxings
and testing or review opportunities to use my skills
and knowledge.
Finally I’d like to increase people’s awareness of
myself, and help them find out who Military Anny is!
AA: How do you feel about other women viewing you
as a role model?
Anny: I don’t personally think I’ve reached the level
of being viewed as a role model myself, but I will
continue to work hard and with integrity towards my
goals.
AA: How can the community and industry integrate
more women in a positive manner?
Anny: In general survival games could be seen as
an “extreme sport”; I think it’s important to raise
the awareness and positive profile of airsoft and
its community as well as support new players and
particularly encourage more women to get involved.
So as you can see, despite her own attempts at
being ever the humble and occasionally unwilling
figurehead, Military Anny is a formidable and storied
lady who can do it all, and can no doubt be seen as a
positive role model even if she doesn’t believe herself
one! She continues to work towards promoting airsoft
and engaging more people to join our ranks… at the
next team shoot after her first initial foray with team
Taiji she was already introducing a new friend to our
addiction who wanted to try her hand at shooting
activities!
Many thanks to Anny in general for her time and in
general for her continued support of my own activities
in Taiwan over these past few years; I look forward
to bringing you more exploits of our strengthening
friendship and cooperation here along with those of
others in our community who we should know better,
and not just as faces on our screens! AA
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“MILITARY” ANNY WU
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TECHNICAL
AMPED AIRSOFT NIGHT VISION
OWNING
THE NIGHT!
AT SHOT ‘23 OUR AA LEGIONNAIRE AND US-LEAD DAN SAT DOWN WITH TOM CERASO FROM AMPED
AIRSOFT TO DISCUSS THE RISE AND USE OF NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT IN AIRSOFT, AMPED AIRSOFT’S
PLANS FOR NATIONAL EVENTS, AND WHERE THE FUTURE OF NIGHT VISION MIGHT BE HEADED!
Major industry shows are always an
opportunity to get together with friends
from every part of the airsoft community,
and to speak with experts in specific fields. It was my
pleasure to meet with Tom from Amped Airsoft based
in Pittsburgh and discuss with him “all things NVG”,
so without further ado, let’s get into it, there’s a LOT
we talked through!
Tom: Hi, name is Tom and I am with Amped Airsoft.
I am head of the Tech Department, Head of the Night
Vision Department there (which is kind of connected
to the Tech Department) and I am Head of National
Operations. So, any of the national operations we go
to, I help coordinate with and I go to probably about
40 -50% of them.
AA: Can you tell me more about
Amped Airsoft’s role in the national
operations?
Tom: So we started going to
events, I want to say, about 6 – 8
years ago, actually going outside of
Pittsburg and Pennsylvania events
to national events. But this past two
years we kicked it up like crazy, and
now we go to all the way to New
Mexico with our mobile store and we
drive all the way there. We hit about 65 events
last season doing a variety of MILSIM events. And this
season we’re going to probably kick it up an even
higher notch from last year. It’s pretty crazy.
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TECHNICAL
AMPED AIRSOFT NIGHT VISION
AA: Are you operating out of a booth?
Tom: So what we do is kind of a booth. What
we have is a 24’ racecar trailer that we converted
to hold a bunch of grid-wall, a bunch of tables, and
a checkout area. We drive that to any event we go
to and it’s pretty much a gigantic mobile store. It’s a
crazy, crazy setup and we have a whole crew of guys
that help out with it. And because of that, we started
getting into the night vision side of it, because a lot
of people at events want to use NOD’s. They want to
rent, they want to buy, and they want to be able to
use it at events.
So with that we started looking into it. We tried
to reach out to a few industry partners and just
didn’t really get anywhere with it. We looked into it
a little deeper and found out Photonis was one of
our neighbors, they’re actually located in Lancaster
Pennsylvania, that’s where one of their headquarters
is. We took this crazy idea and were like “alright, let’s
just call them!” They took our phone call and started
working with us.
After that we got in a lot more housings, like PVS-
14’s from Carson, Tanto’s from Nocturn Industries…
We carry DTNVG’s, RNVG’s, any housing you can
think of, we make sure that we have it in. So we
pretty much have a full catalogue. We carry L3
tubes, we carry ELBIT tubes, so pretty much any tube
manufacturer in the USA, we try and carry those. It’s
become its own beast. It’s kind of crazy that we’re at
the level we are at.
And it’s kind of funny that when you show up to an
event like that, or you even show up to a real firearms
event (because there’s a lot of those around us that
we show up to and do the rentals for) you show up
and are like “hey! I’m with an airsoft company and
they’re looking at you like “Are those real NOD’s or
are they…?”
AA: Yeah, they are expecting something like substandard
knock-offs…
Tom: Yeah, they are expecting like a digital thing
or something that has terrible glass. Nope, they are
real. We have a full suite of equipment to make them.
It takes a little bit of shellshock first, then they’re like
“Oh! Wow, this is actually a thing! This is actually to
the standards I normally see.”
AA: How many units do you say you rent out at an
average event?
Tom: 10 – 15 an event, at any one event we go to.
By the end of this season our goal is to have the rental
fleet sitting at 40 units. Currently we have two dualtube
units, but we’re probably going to be working
with Nick and Jeff at Nocturne to get more Tantos in
the fleet because of their Daisho bridge.
The Daisho bridge is a powered bridge unit that you
basically take two of their version of the PVS-14, so
you take the two Tanto’s and the Daisho bridge goes
together and now you have a device that basically
looks and operates like a dual tube unit. So what we
hope to do with that is get in a bunch of the Tantos
and then when people want to upgrade to a dualtube
unit we can just throw a bridge on it and they’re
good to go for that event.
AA: Yeah, I think I saw in one of the airsoft or night
vision groups where Nocturne was showcasing that…
Tom: Oh yeah, Nick and Jeff are all over that
(laughs).
AA: Well that’s cool. Do you see night vision use in
airsoft expanding more? It seems like its really gaining
traction here in the US in the last few years.
Tom: Absolutely. Especially here in the States. What
I would really like to see more of is the EU side of
stuff picking up more, which I know is really hard
because of ITAR regulations in the US, so we can’t
export any of the L3, Elbit or anything that meets the
standards. But I think specifically here in the states
you’re going to see a big uptick in their use. I think if
you continue to provide options for people to access
them outside of buying them, so like renting is a good
way for people to use and use, until they finally build
up enough money to buy one. They’ll go: “Hey, this is
something I have been using a lot throughout the last
year and now I’d like to buy one.”
AA: Right, they build up that familiarity with
them…
Tom: Yes. Once they build up that familiarity, that’s
where a lot of our sales happen: If they’ve ever met us
at a show, or we’ve demoed it for them at a MILSIM
event, or they’ve rented them from us… most of
the people who are buying from us have also rented
from us because they had previously never tried it out
before. And once they try it out they immediately go
“Oh God! I need this!”
AA: It’s easy to sell someone on night vision, you
know, from the cool factor. But I think you’d agree
“MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BUYING FROM US HAVE ALSO RENTED FROM US
BECAUSE THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY NEVER TRIED IT OUT BEFORE. AND ONCE THEY TRY
IT OUT THEY IMMEDIATELY GO “OH GOD! I NEED THIS!””
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with this: the biggest hurdle is going to be the entry
price!
Tom: It’s 100% the entry price. That entry price is
something that we have looked at that we are trying
to be creative in with providing ways for discounts or
maybe some rent-to-own plans. Stuff like that.
AA: Right. I know a lot of manufacturers offer a
payment plan system.
Tom: So we have a payment plan through PayPal on
our website right now. If anyone wants to break in,
we can do it like that. We are going to be looking at a
few other companies for different options. But that’s
a big issue, that’s where it is, just that initial price. I
know it took me a very long time myself to afford a
set of night vision units. It’s ridiculously expensive,
ridiculously expensive.
AA: I actually was a night vision dealer in the past
through another company I worked for. We were able
to get it at dealer pricing,
of
14! And that was something off the used market
that I don’t think the guy realized had a Gen 3 tube
in there because he let it go for cheap. Which I got
very lucky on. Then I opened it up and realized this is
an OMNI 7 green-phos tube that was really not very
blemished at all. That was very lucky that I got that.
But still, that was like US$1600 - $1800 used. That
price is something I laugh at, because I’m like, even
if we sell them used it’s still more expensive than any
of our custom HPA builds. That price is nuts, man. It’s
something we are constantly battling.
Especially since airsofters do not necessarily have
the same budget that real firearms owners do. Real
firearms are very expensive, and if you are buying
multiple firearms a year, you could probably take one
or two of those, not buy them, and buy a PVS-14
instead. With airsoft, it’s more like if you don’t buy like
8 or 9 guns, then you can maybe afford something
like this. (laughs)
course, but even then it
was very expensive. It’s always been
expensive. Back then we didn’t have
dual-tube anything; it was PVS-7’s
or PVS-14’s and that was really the
top end stuff you could realistically
get. And that’s where I’m at right
now with my personal set. But I would love to make
the jump into duals.
Tom: Yeah, so what’s the 14 you have?
AA: It’s actually a MUM style housing, but it’s the
MV-14 Pinnacle, which is a Gen 3 with 72lp/mm. It
was a hand picked unit and at the top-end spec you
could get at the time.
Tom: It’s funny, my first unit was actually a MUM-
AA: (laughs) Yes, some of us spend a lot on
our airsoft guns…
Tom: Oh god yes. Me and West, the head of our
media department, we were talking about how much
money do you think you have invested? Do you think
you have more money in your guns, or more money in
your gear sets? And we both just looked at each other
like, “I don’t even want to think about that answer or
put it on paper (laughs).”
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AA: (laughs) I’m really guilty of getting a new
airsoft gun and I’ll literally write myself a blank check
for what I want to do to it… But kind of leading off of
the last point regarding expense, do you think there’s
going to be any sort of major market disruption in the
night vision industry, say someone like Holosun steps
into the market and starts flooding the market with
cheap night vision?
Tom: Yep, yep. So I think Holosun is a very good
example of this. Specifically because they are a
cheaper (I shouldn’t say cheap!) they are a more
affordable option for optics that have night vision
compatibility. They have night vision settings on it. I
think their new product, from what
I see Nick Chen posting on it,
I think that’s them saying
“hey, we’re going
to start doing
that market
an airsofter using a night vision unit, you could save
possibly a US$1000 and just go with a Photonis tube
in your PVS-14. For a lot of people, that’s a lot of
money, especially for people in airsoft. That’s what I
highly recommend.
To a lot of people in the night vision world who
aren’t industry people, I would say look at this like
a Gen. 2+ hybrid. The fact of the matter is, the
performance in most use cases for Photonis is very
good; comparable to gen 3, L3 filmless or Elbit thin
filmed. They are absolutely not the same, mind you,
especially when you start to get into very dark, dark
conditions. Then Elbit or L3 are going to completely
do better. But for what I like to say the
95% of use case that airsofters will be
seeing, Photonis units are absolutely
fine.
So getting back to price, I think
Photonis units were definitely a
market disruption. I think the
adoption of night vision into
airsoft, that was a market
disruption. I think about
3 - 4 years ago when
Sionyx came out,
that was also
another
market
disruption
you are
talking about.”
Because they
have the cheaper manufacturing ability that a lot
of companies in the States unfortunately don’t have…
but that’s also why the cost is so high here.
But also, if you look at Photonis they’re really high
quality tubes, but they come in at a much lower
low price point. A lot of airsofters I talk to are like “I
want L3, or I want Elbit.” You should definitely try
and afford those if you have the budget. But for the
vast majority of instances that you are going to be
disruption.
I actually had
a
Sionyx Aurora Pro, and
I’ll be
honest, it works in about 30 -40% of use cases for
an airsofter. For me, that’s not enough, and there’s a
very big restriction on performance. Now the OPSIN,
there’s an increase in refresh rate, but marginally and
for me it’s still not there.
I think what’s going to happen in the next 5 to 8
years, digital is going to catch up. I think what we’re
going to see is digital isn’t going to really outperform,
but it’s going to be more of an apples to apples
comparison instead of an apples to a ‘weird orangewww.airsoftaction.net
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TECHNICAL
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thing’ comparison. And it’s going to be more of a
debate of “I can buy this digital thing for US$1,500
or I can buy this Photonis for US$3,000.” As digital
comes up in performance, analog is going to go down
in price. now that’s probably going to be a little hard
to do just because of the chemicals and processes
involved in making an image intensifier. But I think
just because of how things have gone in that market,
I do think that digital will eventually come up. Digital
offers a lot more too, things like augmented reality
features. There’s a lot more that digital offers, that
analog units have to have built in to offer that stuff.
You’ll probably start seeing some digital stuff from L3,
Elbit and so forth.
As far as airsoft goes, and it kind of sucks, whatever
happens in the gun industry, airsoft will pick up on.
AA: Yes, they’re more interlinked than people
realize. Even though a lot of the gun industry likes to
segregate themselves from us.
Tom: Oh definitely (laughs). We are definitely the
red-headed stepchild. Definitely the red-headed
stepchild! But it’s very cool that we have guys like
Garand Thumb, Mojo with Travis Haley, Lucas…
AA: …The Administrative Results guy…
Tom: …Yes, those guys are really pushing it. I
met all those guys at Copperhead, AMS, and those
guys are so supportive of our industry and I really do
appreciate those guys.
AA: It’s really cool to see that
kind of open mind from the
firearms side. They see the
value in it too. Sometimes
when you try to explain
it to a guy who’s got his
foot firmly entrenched….
Tom: …Yes, “That can’t
be good! What’s wrong
with you? That’s a toy!”
But then you have COVID
and ammo prices started
going up in the firearms
industry and people didn’t
want to pay those prices.
Instead of paying US$150 for
500 rounds of 9mm you started
paying US$400 - $500 for the
exact same quality and exact same
amount. So a lot of people started
picking up airsoft guns for training.
AA: Yes, that’s what I noticed
when the pandemic hit. It was beyond
my expectations, but Airsoft actually
made a stratospheric rise. They were my
busiest years ever, but you know, the product wasn’t
always there to deliver to people. But it’s been cool to
witness that.
What is your opinion on the controversy regarding
IR lasers in Airsoft?
Tom: So I am really close friends with Gun Gamers,
and I bring that up because they just started Gun
Gamers Productions, and they are one of the only
people I know of who are running games and
checking if lasers are actually eye safe. Now I think
that’s a really good thing. One, because civilian grade
lasers are going to be less likely to bloom too, and
also they are eye safe. That’s a lot better for people
who don’t really know, or don’t have the background
to know what good muzzle discipline is. If you don’t
have good muzzle discipline, then you probably are
not going to have good laser discipline.
I think the thing with lasers in airsoft, is it’s been
a thing for a while and it’s been a big debate for a
while. A lot of people don’t care. They want their
lasers and I completely understand that. I run a laser
on my gun for night vision, but I don’t run it in the
day. I have it on my platform, but I don’t run it during
the day because I don’t need it. I run it for night vision
because it is a good way to signal people with or
without night vision. You can be like “Hey, white light
users (vis laser on) shoot in that general area.”
I think high-power though; I think a lot of people
need to recognize that it’s regulated for
a reason. But if you treat it responsibly,
I don’t think there’s a reason for people
to not have it. I just think that for what
we are doing, I think there’s ways to
get very cheap civilian grade lasers
for very cheap. Most of the cheaper
high powered devices are coming
from Taiwan or China and they’re
labeled as a toy or something like
that and they are not regulated. I
would advise people that if they
have the ability to grab an eye
safe laser, to do so, if they
are trying to get into airsoft
and night vision. Holosun
specifically. Holosun
makes very effective
units.
If you go for a
really cheap unit, like a
clone PEQ…
AA: …Somogear or
the like…
Tom: …Somogear is really
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interesting because it’s like a US$400 unit and will
in some cases even hold up to recoil. It’s a really cool
unit.
AA: You can pay an extra $10 to have it potted and
it will handle recoil better.
Tom: Yes, but if you compare something like an
FMA, you’re paying something like US$60 - $80 and
that thing is not zero-able. I think a lot of the time
when you get someone buying these cheaper units,
they don’t recognize that I can’t really zero this thing,
or maybe I can, but it doesn’t work that well. Then
they try and use it at night and are like “Why am I not
hitting anything?”, well it’s because your laser is like a
red dot, and a lot of people just think “Oh it’s a laser,
I’m just going to point and shoot...” and they haven’t
actually zeroed it to their rifle.
90% of Airsoft is about “looking good”, we all
know this! So if you want to throw that PEQ on your
gun, by all means. It looks hard as hell. But recognize
that you shouldn’t point it at someone’s face. Just be
careful where you are aiming these things because
you can damage people’s eyes.
AA: One of the things I have noticed with night
games is the rise of more passive aiming solutions, so
now your OPFOR has night vision. It used to be I was
the only guy showing up on the field with night vision
and it was like ‘God Mode’ and I would kill everything
and everyone! It’s not like that anymore.
Tom: Absolutely (laughs). 100%. You would go to
a game and they’d allow an hour or two of night play,
and you would dunk on everyone. Those days were
fun, but they are totally over now!
AA: I went to one event, and this guy had what I
think was a 6x Raptor on his bolty and a full ghillie,
everything. You just could not spot him. Even with
our night vision, we had a full squad of night vision
equipped guys, he was just picking us off. Totally
passive aiming through his scope.
Tom: Yes, passive aiming, and you see it already
in the gun industry, where you have guys who are
moving totally to passive aiming now. We do a lot
of rentals for firearms trainer facilities too. Most of
the dudes there who are running NODS don’t have a
laser, or if they do, its use is very minimal. Most are
running a SIG Romeo 5, or a Holosun, or a Vortex,
and it’s like the US$200ish model that has night vision
compatibility. And honestly, passive aiming is a lot
better if you’re not going to or need to be signaling.
A US$200 sight is a lot easier to acquire and use
than a US$1,500 laser. And honestly it’s even cheaper
than a US$400 Somogear that’s zeroeable and is
probably the cheapest end high power device you
could go. With that, the only downside to passive
aiming is that it’s almost not really doable with
monocular’s. Or it is doable, but you need to have very
clear glass through whatever red dot you’re talking
about, and then you start stepping up in price. But
using a red dot at night is inherently easier for people
to learn as they’re also using it in the day too. Like you
said, I think everyone is going to start doing it.
AA: I usually tell guys, “Hey, just get the Holosun
HR403R. It’s got night vision settings and is only
US$145 roughly.” It’s one of the cheapest most
durable optics you can get into for airsoft use.
Tom: Absolutely. It’s a great optic. And honestly
you have some of the higher end VISM, NcStar stuff
that gets up into US$110 that will kind of work too.
AA: They even have a lifetime warranty now.
Tom: They do! But they don’t always have good
night vision compatibility, and their glass is not as
clear as Holosun glass. They don’t have the light
permeability to feed the tube so you can actually
see what you’re doing or get a good picture on who
you’re aiming at. So if you’re the person who’s going
to buy a VISM sight, in my opinion, for night vision
you should go out and buy the Holosun because it has
the actual night vision settings.
The one thing I did want to touch on is we are not
the only ones in the game right now or in the airsoft
world. But the one thing we are trying to do is push it
so people have as much access to it as possible. I think
it would be a disservice for me to not touch on Night
Vision Inc. They were one of the first guys to do night
vision rentals and they are still partnered with MilSim
West. They’re the ones who provide MilSim West with
their night vision rentals.
However, pretty much any other game you go to,
we want to be providing night vision rentals. We want
to provide it at the 150 person game for the people
who don’t have experience with it and we want to be
providing at the 900 person Copperhead games so
that everyone who goes to those can have it.
The more you can integrate night vision and airsoft
use together, I think it’s just always going to be a
“I HAVE NOTICED... THE RISE OF MORE PASSIVE AIMING SOLUTIONS, SO NOW YOUR
OPFOR HAS NIGHT VISION. IT USED TO BE I WAS THE ONLY GUY SHOWING UP ON
THE FIELD WITH NIGHT VISION AND IT WAS LIKE ‘GOD MODE’ AND I WOULD KILL
EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE! IT’S NOT LIKE THAT ANYMORE.”
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TECHNICAL
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net positive. The more availability people can have
to it, the more fun people will have. And it’s going
to attract more people from the gun industry too.
Because they’ll say, “Oh I actually now have a quoteunquote
real world use for my night vision that I
sometimes only use for hunting.”
AA: Exactly. I know a lot of guys who have it, but
only use it maybe once or twice out of the year for
30 minutes at a time. That’s very little experience in
practice.
Tom: It’s a good excuse for people. It’s a big excuse
for these types of people. Night vision is actually a
really big way to get gun guys into airsoft. It’s a really
attractive feature.
AA: One of things I mention when trying to
convert gun guys is your average airsofter spends
more time under their NOD’s than the average square
range shooter throughout the year. You can go to
something like a MSW or AMS game
and it’s 48 – 72 continuous hours
and you might be under those
things for like 8 hours or
something… all night
long.
Tom: Yeah dude,
the only other games
I’ve ever had to
switch
out the batteries on my NOD’s was at a Grimnir
event because they did 48 hours as well. RealSim is
someone we will be working with as well; they also
put on a 48 hour event. A lot of people when they’re
renting for the first time they have this idea that
‘okay, I’m just going to lightly do it’ especially for a 48
hour event, or they’re in the other camp going into
the dark totally blind.
Then they get into it and are like “I need night
vision. I literally met an enemy force and I can’t see
them or the hand in front of my face. And this dude?
I’ve been holding his shoulder all night and I’m sure
he’s very annoyed with me.” I was that guy once. I
was literally holding a shoulder trying to go through
a bush and it was like “Okay, I’m not having fun and
I’m sure this guy does not like me being on his back
right now. I can’t see anything, and I’m just fearing
for my life and holding my ankles waiting for death.”
My thanks to Tom for spending so much of his
time with me, and you can check out Amped
Airsoft’s selection of night vision devices and
what events they’ll be attending at www.
ampedairsoft.com AA
NVG Page: https://ampedairsoft.com/nvg/
NVG Rentals: https://ampedairsoft.com/nvg-rentals/
Upcoming Events for Rentals:
https://ampedairsoft.com/amped-event-schedule/
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TECHNICAL
MANCRAFT
MIGHTY
MANCRAFT
OUR TALENTED IN-HOUSE TECH JIMMY CONTINUES THIS MONTH IN HIS QUEST TO PERFECT HPA SYSTEMS
WITHIN HIS PRIMARY PLATFORMS, AND THIS HAS LED HIM TO THE HALLOWED DOORS OF A WELL (BUT
SHOULD BE BETTER) KNOWN NAME IN AIRSOFT ENGINEERING, THOSE OF THE MIGHTY MANCRAFT! HE NOW
DETAILS HIS EXPERIENCE OF FITTING AND FIELDING THEIR V3 PDIK ENGINE AND V3 CNC HPA SHELL!
It is becoming the norm these days for more and
more airsofters to seek the holy grail of upgrades
for their chosen airsoft platform and as everyone
knows the Polish have fast become major players
in bringing us some fantastic equipment. The list
of products coming from Poland is very vast and
ever growing and it is great to see the airsoft
manufacturing industry flourish on their soil.
I have been lucky enough to work on a lot of these
offerings so I have a fair amount of experience. It is
with great pleasure that I can now add another great
name to my list and that name is MANCRAFT. If you
are not familiar with the name then I suggest you get
surfing and find out who they are and what fabulous
products they offer!
Back in 2022 I wrote an article on my favourite
sniper platform the TM VSR10 with the addition of
MANCRAFT’s sublime HPA engine, the SDIK, which
stands for Sniper Drop In Kit; being a big fan of the
SDIK I had to know more about MANCRAFT and
wanted to see what their other products had to offer.
After my initial contact with Radoslow they agreed to
send out a few products for us to have a look at and
test.
To my surprise and delight we had been sent a V3
PDIK engine and the exquisite V3 CNC HPA shell along
with some other fantastic little items. Two of the new
“Mjolnir” sound amplifiers, two air lines, CNC trigger,
bolt release, magazine catch and a fire selector for
the AR platform. You can’t beat CNC parts, there is
something very satisfying about it especially in their
raw form where the machine marks are still visible.
The bulk of this article will look mainly at the PDIK
engine and I have to say so far I am very pleased with
this engine, one that offers everything I need as an
airsoft sniper.
So who are MANCRAFT? As previously mentioned
“MANCRAFT… ARE A POLISH AIRSOFT MANUFACTURER WHO PROVIDE SOME OF THE
FINEST UPGRADES AT AN INCREDIBLY RESPECTABLE PRICE AND THEY CATER FOR
MOST DISCIPLINES BE THEY SPEEDSOFTER, SKIRMISHER OR MILSIMMER”
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MANCRAFT
they are a Polish airsoft manufacturer who provide
some of the finest upgrades at an incredibly
respectable price and they cater for most disciplines
be they speedsofter, skirmisher or milsimmer. Founded
over 10 years ago by Michal Smalec they have grown
over the years to become specialists in HPA and
CO2 propulsion, producing specialized equipment
for converting airsoft replicas into something rather
special. All of their products are manufactured by
them 100% in Poland. 95% of their products are
high precision CNC machined and coated with a
hard and durable anodising. If you want to see for
yourself exactly what I mean then hit the link https://
shop-mancraft.com/en/ and enjoy the wonders. I can
guarantee you will be as equally impressed as I am!
PDIK TIME
So looking at the V3 PDIK and casings they are
truly gucci. The shell itself is perfectly machined
specifically for the PDIK engine so no more do you
need to modify your existing gearbox shell to get it
to fit correctly, all you need to do is fit a trigger and
depending on your RIF a selector plate.
The engine itself is a mechanical system so you
don’t have a fire mode but may need the use of a
safety. MANCRAFT make the HPA shells in a raw
finish which exposes all the machine and tool marks
which I love the look of. They look great in the
pictures but much better when in your hand. It is
my understanding that the dimensions used when
machining the shell are those exact to JG, a wellknown
brand in airsoft.
The kit itself is a very wallet-friendly introduction
to HPA and a very good option if you’re looking to
build a DMR platform, so bear that in mind if thinking
about converting an AEG into single shot. Due to its
capability to run higher pressures it lends itself well to
the role of a sniper and can operate between 100 &
230psi and because of these higher pressures it gives
a realistic feel and weight to the trigger, so for you
purists it will fit your bill rather well.
The major advantages of a semi-only system
are the lack of components needed to operate the
engine. No FCU, no electronics, no wiring, no battery
which makes for an incredibly easy drop in installation
and it has fewer moving parts. MANCRAFT have
designed the engine to utilise an AEG nozzle and does
offer a degree of adjustment, also allowing you to fine
tune your nozzle length for a perfect marriage with
your hop unit; this again is a brilliant design as AEG
nozzles are very easy to get hold of and pretty cheap
to buy.
It is incredibly easy to fit a new nozzle but you do
need to be careful with the locking ring and nozzle
retainer as the threads are very fine and can be easily
damaged. Now because of it’s simplistic design this
engine along with the other PDIK engines in the range
is an “all weather” design, meaning you can use it in
the rain you can use it in the cold also. If you look on
their website you can see a video of the PDIK being
fully submerged and still operate flawlessly; that is
a very bold test but it just shows the quality and the
confidence MANCRAFT hold in their products.
Installation was a doddle and I love just how easy
it is. I fitted the V3 Shell into my much-loved Nuprol
Romeo Recon Bravo, a very solid modern tactical AK
platform. It took me longer to remove the parts no
longer needed than it did to install this kit and I was
able to shed a fair bit of weight which is nice as my
AK is quite a heavy object.
I removed the complete gearbox and set that aside
as I would require none of the components in or on
that shell other than the motor cage which is only
needed for the grip to screw on to. I had a Retro Arms
trigger kicking around so naturally that went in and
bolted the shell back together; I would recommend
the use of a trigger spring as it helps with the trigger
reset.
The shell fitted in very easily and required very little
adjustment of the selector bar to allow me to simply
centre the shell for nozzle alignment giving me a
perfect centre fit of the hop unit. A more centralised
nozzle makes for better feeding and gives much
better accuracy over a long distance.
I came to a hurdle when it came to a fitting for
the IGL as I didn’t have any attachments that would
fit the 6mm Airtac hose, so I had to improvise a little
and use one from another IGL, but it fitted perfectly
on the inside of the line and so far is holding well.
MANCRAFT do offer a wide range of fittings and
attachments but at the time I ran with what I had and
it has had no adverse effects on performance.
“INSTALLATION WAS A DODDLE AND I LOVE JUST HOW EASY IT IS. I FITTED THE V3
SHELL INTO MY MUCH-LOVED NUPROL ROMEO RECON BRAVO, A VERY SOLID MODERN
TACTICAL AK PLATFORM. IT TOOK ME LONGER TO REMOVE THE PARTS NO LONGER
NEEDED THAN IT DID TO INSTALL THIS KIT”
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TECHNICAL
MANCRAFT
FIELDING THE BEAST!
Out on the field it really showed its true colours
and the performance was amazing. As mentioned
regarding the lack of all the electronics and associated
gubbins (a technical term you know!) set up on the
day is so quick connect the line to your regulator and
to the engine you are ready to go.
Prior to my first outing I set the pressure and
chrono’d using 0.36g BBs at a hair over 100psi on my
regulator and it was coming in at 1.87j, and sat very
consistently over 50 shots between 1.85j and 1.87j
with a very stable velocity around 333fps; using a
0.20g BB equates to 448fps, perfect for my local site,
very close to the edge but legal nonetheless.
Over the course of the day I had some fantastic
long range hits out to around 70m, and that’s true
meters not airsofter meters (lol) but I know I could
reach out further with a better barrel and hop rubber
as the ones I have fitted aren’t the greatest for long
range shooting.
It soon became apparent that this engine is not for
the trigger happy spammer due to the mechanical
design and the pressure build-up behind the trigger
valve; you can notice it after a while and my trigger
finger did get a little fatigued but rest easy as
MANCRAFT have released a new generation trigger
valve which I am confident will eliminate this.
You would think that because of the higher
pressures you would consume air very fast, but that
isn’t the case and over the course of an afternoon I
consume a little over 1000psi, I can’t recall exactly
how many shots that was but I did empty a 400 BB
hicap mag rather quickly!
So are you thinking of converting to HPA? Looking
for a cheap, quick and easy way to build a DMR?
Looking for quality? If your answer to any, or all,
of these questions is “yes” then I seriously suggest
you look no further than MANCRAFT; you won’t be
disappointed, that I can guarantee!
This is the start of a long journey I am embarking
on at present and there will be more to come from me
on MANCRAFT, but I shall take this opportunity to say
a massive “Thank You” to Michal for allowing us to
get up close and personal with their products, as well
as Radoslow who is our main contact.
Credit where credit is due, from myself and all the
AA team! AA
“THIS ENGINE IS NOT FOR THE TRIGGER HAPPY SPAMMER DUE TO THE MECHANICAL
DESIGN AND THE PRESSURE BUILD-UP BEHIND THE TRIGGER VALVE; YOU CAN NOTICE
IT AFTER A WHILE AND MY TRIGGER FINGER DID GET A LITTLE FATIGUED BUT REST
EASY AS MANCRAFT HAVE RELEASED A NEW GENERATION TRIGGER VALVE”
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TAP/CLICK IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

AA LEGION
TAIWAN
IDPA
NATIONALS
2022!
AS THE TAIWAN IDPA ORGANISATION AND ITS LOCAL MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW SINCE
STEWBACCA’S INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH THEIR TEAM BACK IN LATE 2020 WHEN THEY WERE ALREADY
PASSING THREE HUNDRED LOCAL PRACTITIONERS AND AROUND TWENTY SAFETY OFFICERS DOTTED
AROUND THE ISLAND, THEY ARE NOW NEARING A THOUSAND MEMBERS IN-COUNTRY AND AN EVER
GROWING NUMBER OF STAFF! OUR “MAN IN TAIWAN” PICKS UP THE STORY AGAIN AT THEIR 2022
“NATIONALS”!
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TAIWAN
Taiwan IDPA is the largest such organisation in
Asia, and their national level competition was
held in the very South of Taiwan the weekend
after my previous TPSA IPSC action air competition,
so over the Christmas weekend I went South once
again to cover the event.
Christmas is supposed to be a time to be
surrounded by the ones you love, and while it
isn’t as much of an event for most in Asia due to
the prevalence of Lunar New Year celebrations
and related cultural differences, I managed to
nonetheless spend time in good company among
the local shooting community that has become
somewhat of a family away from home since my
arrival in Taiwan. Continued integration (and perhaps
a little infamy) has allowed me to become a part of
the fine folks who take up replica firearms for pure
hobbyist or defence training reasons on our little
island paradise on the Pacific here.
Just over the river, and county border, from the
new TPSA shooting centre in far-eastern Kaohsiung
I was at the long weekend before, in Pingtung (the
capital of the most southerly Taiwanese county of the
same name) Taiwan IDPA’s 2022 national competition
was held in the Pingtung county gym over the
weekend of the 24-25th of December. Being the
opposite end of the country from the majority of the
aforementioned growing numbers of practitioners
seemed like an odd choice to me, but it is with good
reason; talking to our old and trusted friend Ray
Chang of VFC it turns out that the local Pingtung
county government was very supportive of hosting
the competition and promoting national defence and
civilian shooting activities as well as local tourism and
business in the process.
An atypical olive branch from the greater
government apparatus which (at least on a national
level) seems to be intent on regulating anything
remotely gun-shaped into the annals of history was
a refreshing change in tone, and indeed on the
Saturday some of the local politicians even came
and got involved! They helped with both opening
remarks and general support for the local residents
who have their own IDPA team, as well as trying
their hand themselves at running and gunning some
of the first day stages for their own enjoyment and
the cameras, and positively reinforcing the growing
demographic of people interested can only be a
good thing, especially if we can get some of the folks
in charge to take an interest, as well as demonstrate
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AA LEGION
TAIWAN
the controlled environment and safe practices in local
and national media in a more positive light to increase
the longer term public attention and potential growth.
As it happens I couldn’t really
justify taking a further Saturday
off the day job having already had
two long weekends for MOA and
IPSC in December alone as well as
my time off a month earlier for the
Japan adventures, so once again I
only managed to catch the Sunday’s
second day stages, four of the total
twelve held over the weekend. With
the event starting the midday before,
giving people time to get south and
prepare, and finishing that afternoon
again to give people time to get back
home ready for the next working
week, as a result I had to heave my
slumbering mass out of bed before
the day’s first light and take a taxi to
Taipei main station to get on the first
high speed train available to get all the
way to Kaohsiung before transferring to another train
through the city and over the county line, followed by
a final taxi to the event… arriving just in time for the
09:00 start of festivities, and being ushered in to the
administration office for my press pass and to drop off
my bag and free up my hands for the photographic
exploits to ensue!
FRIENDS AND COMPETITORS!
Given the longer distance to travel, the number of
competitors was reduced to some degree, which
at least made administration a bit
more manageable, and made it
easier to get everyone through the
stages and reset or reconfigure them
between squads. Around a hundred
and sixty competitors took part in
the end, with over twenty of the
hard working Safety Officer and
administrative team of Taiwan IDPA
making sure all the wheels were
greased and turning to move things
in a well-oiled machine-like fashion.
I made my way out to the
gymnasium floor where the teams
were preparing their equipment and
dry running the stages presented to
them, while some of their families or
other folks watched the action from
the stands above; this also provided
“THERE WERE EVEN A FEW INTERNATIONAL GUEST SHOOTERS FROM THAILAND, MACAU
AND HONG KONG WHO WERE VISITING TAIWAN AND HAD BEEN ENGAGING WITH THE LOCAL
SHOOTING TEAMS AND COMMUNITY ON THE RUN UP TO THE COMPETITION”
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a great vantage point for some of the photographers,
myself included! Many friendly and familiar faces
greeted me, and while this year I didn’t have the time
or opportunity to dabble in some of the stages myself
I nonetheless felt right at home in the good company
and pleasant atmosphere of sportsmanship as always.
Safety Officers and competitors from many of
the Taipei teams I know well who
straddle both worlds of competitive
shooting were in attendance; 165
Fighters (IPSC Team Spring Rain’s IDPA
team) from the Southwest of Taipei,
team 32D shooters and team NH2 -
No Hostage; No Hesitate - from the
North end of Taipei, Taiwan Shooters
Union, Deja Vu 1911, Polar Light’s
own team, VFC’s own shooting club
team, and once again the gents from
active military service team who I’d
met at the previous year’s event when
I was squadded with them! There
were even a few international guest
shooters from Thailand, Macau and
Hong Kong who were visiting Taiwan
and had been engaging with the
local shooting teams and community
on the run up to the competition.
Pingtung’s local team were also present and Paul Lai,
one of the leading Safety Officers, and a Pingtung
native was apparently largely responsible for the
organisation and coordination with
the local government to help bring the
event to fruition in the local area.
Another thing I immediately noticed
was the increased attendance of
youngsters and ladies, and indeed
Paul also supports his own two
young daughters in practising the
activity, with many other women and
kids of varying ages getting actively
involved in IDPA and this national level
competition, an excellent continuing
development to my mind. Alongside
the variety of people was once again
the sheer variety of replica gun setups
being used; with the service gents
being allowed to open carry their
sidearms, most of them using peanut
butter VFC Glock 19Xs or standard
frame black Glock 17s, a choice the
vast majority of the other competitors also seem
to have made their standard, with the occasional
variation such a CZs or Walthers, and even a few
revolvers being used.
“I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED ...THE INCREASED ATTENDANCE OF YOUNGSTERS AND LADIES,
AND INDEED PAUL ALSO SUPPORTS HIS OWN TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS IN PRACTISING THE
ACTIVITY, WITH MANY OTHER WOMEN AND KIDS OF VARYING AGES GETTING ACTIVELY
INVOLVED IN IDPA AND THIS NATIONAL LEVEL COMPETITION, AN EXCELLENT CONTINUING
DEVELOPMENT”
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AA LEGION
TAIWAN
There were also a number of people using
submachine guns or full-on AR carbines for the
PCC and rifle divisions, and again the pistols were
separated up into the numerous subdivisions which I
am still trying to learn and navigate the requirements
of; with CO; carry optics, CCP; concealed carry pistol,
SSP; standard service pistol and ESP; enhanced service
pistol being just some of the categories people were
awarded prizes in.
As I made my way around the remaining stages
of the second day I was able to take in a lot of the
trials and tribulations of some of the finale with
my own IPSC & Skirmish teammate ‘Tacticalcat’ Ou
JiaCheng who unfortunately had suffered a fairly
crushing mechanical failure of his Glock 34 with
red dot towards the end of his very last stage which
snatched his otherwise assured podium finish from
him; conciliatory man-hugs all round. Despite a few
disqualifications on safety or procedural grounds
(again these are always approached more as teachable
moments in IDPA where lessons are reflected on in a
more positive aspect) many competitors were excelling
and getting into some very fluid shooting and moving,
again in the typically supportive environment I’ve
become accustomed to in the Taiwanese competitive
shooting circuit.
me and the other photographers and observers to
safely move around the whole shooting arena and get
some great shots looking up-range at the competitors
in action rather than being stuck looking at the backs
of people during their runs. Obviously everyone wears
eye protection as a matter of course, and me sticking
my head over the 6ft fences to grab action shots was
of course no exception!
As the morning turned into the afternoon the
competitors began finishing their runs and packing
away their gear and progressively dismantling the
stages and cleaning up as the last practitioners
finished up their last required stage and everything
was packed away ready for transport back to the
respective shooting clubs who’d provided their
barricades, targets and activators. With everything
left as it was found, including a full on FOD walk style
final sweep, people started filtering out for the trip
south to the ‘Fish Hotel Pingtung’ whose function
room had been booked out for the closing banquet
and awards ceremony; I tagged along with some
of my friends from 165 Fighters as they walked the
thankfully quite sunny and warm southern streets…
it’s always a good few degrees hotter in the deep
south of Taiwan!
SOMETHING FOR
EVERYONE!
With a variety of stage layouts
testing competitors cover
and movement, shooting
from awkward positions or
engaging swinging, twisting or
disappearing and reappearing
target sequences, as well as a
variety of novel activators and
other obstacles or requirements
to consider, there was certainly
something for everyone and I
was impressed to see the guys
running revolvers operating them
so adeptly and pushing through
the round counts despite their
obvious disadvantage in reload
speed and general capacity. Many
of them were sporting Clarence
Lai’s swish-looking holsters, and
no doubt his revolver modification
components as well.
The stage areas comprised lots
of temporary fence units and
internal barricades which allowed
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Despite rolling up without much forward planning
and not being a competitor as such the crew went
out of their way to accommodate me as always and
I was found a place on the VIP table and was even
asked to present some of the awards to the victors!
As always there were plenty of giveaway prizes both
for performance and as part of the competitor raffle;
a VFC BCM MCMR GBBR being one of the grandest
prizes taken by one of the RoC Marines, along with a
CLPD Dan Wesson 712 revolver which was snapped
up by one of the RoC Army guys, a Modify PP2K
GBB SMG, and an array of VFC 1911s, Glocks, PPQs
and a plethora of Safariland hats, mugs, T-shirts,
holsters and quick detachment systems… lots of
people walked away with swag and a smile, as well
as everyone enjoying excellent food, drink and of
course company during the progression of the awards
ceremony.
With the evening drawing on a little and the
ceremony coming towards a close people began
gathering their effects (and prizes!) taking team
and group photos as well as the SO’s and organisers
getting group shots taken on stage, and I made my
way back to the HSR station in Kaohsiung thanks to
Ray & Fred from VFC who kindly gave me a lift all
the way across town in the back seat with the Carl
Gustavs M3s and other effects that had been brought
along to man the VFC presentation booths outside.
I once again made my way home to Taipei as part
of the Sunday evening high speed rail rush hour,
although at least this time I managed to get a reserved
seat to save the suffering of the previous weekend!
I’d like to extend my thanks as always to those
within Taiwan IDPA, Polar Light and VFC who
organised the event and as always went above
and beyond to accommodate me, as well as the
practitioners and friends in the community as well
as congratulate the winners in the various divisions;
one of the RoC marine guys went away with so many
awards around his neck and in hand that he must
have had backache! I look forward to seeing the
continued growth and success of Taiwan IDPA and the
wider acceptance of shooting activities within Taiwan’s
society at large… and of course I shall report back
again when this happens! AA
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AA LEGION
SHOW REPORT: IWA PART 1
IWA 2023
PART 1: AIRSOFT
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AA LEGION
SHOW REPORT: IWA PART 1
ONCE AGAIN IT’S THE TIME WHEN AIRSOFT ACTION HIT THE BIGGEST FIREARMS AND AIRSOFT TRADE
SHOW IN EUROPE, AND WHAT WE FOUND AT IWA IN NUREMBERG THIS YEAR WAS AN AIRSOFT INDUSTRY
THAT IS RETURNING TO 100% FULL-FORM! BILL TAKES US ON HIS JOURNEY THROUGH THE SHOW HALLS
IN PART 1 OF HIS ANNUAL REPORT, AND ALONG WITH JASE AND JIMMY START WITH ALL THAT’S NEW
AND IMPROVED DIRECTLY RELATED TO RIFS AND ACCESSORIES!
As I always say each and every year, IWA is
most definitely my very favourite show of the
year when it comes to airsoft; all too often
airsoft is an “also ran” alongside the mass of the
shooting sports industry as a whole, and all too often
we airsofters are looked down upon by that mass.
2023 for me though marked yet another change …
for reasons that will become apparent throughout
my report. My main observation of this year’s show
in Nuremberg though was one of “togetherness”,
with old friends returning at last after the pandemic,
and new friends made over the three days that we
were there!
Last year, whilst by no means a “bust” as many
said, there were very obvious absences, and the
“airsoft hall” was most definitely not what it had
been in previous years. I’m very pleased to report
back this time though that many of the “absentees”
from 2022 were back in full force this time, mainly
centred around Hall 5 with a few outliers still… I
spent as much time at IWA 2023 just simply catching
up with old friends in the industry on a very personal
level, and there was definitely a feeling of increased
closeness… when you’ve been through a bad shared
experience (the C-VIRUS) and come out punching,
it most definitely cements relationships that were
strong already.
Each and every year pre-covid IWA got bigger
and better, of that there is no doubt, and it’s most
definitely back to being a huge show; the Nuremberg
Messe covers multiple show floors, some of them as
big as a football stadium. To put that in perspective,
when I first attended IWA fifteen years ago now, only
six of the halls were in use, but the show just kept on
growing to eleven halls at its peak, and although it
has slid back a little, it is now properly back on track,
and I believe it will grow yet again next year!
IWA 2023 have confirmed now a notable
turnaround during this year’s show, with bustling
activity and an inspiring atmosphere; approximately
1,100 exhibitors attracted 34,000 trade visitors to
Nuremberg from 119 countries! Once again it has
become the leading international exhibition for
hunting and shooting sports, outdoor equipment
and equipment for civilian and official security
requirements, and of course AIRSOFT! IWA has been
the meeting point for manufacturers, importers,
wholesalers, retailers and mail order firms, authorities
and the trade press from the relevant sectors for
many, many years.
Basically, for the week of IWA (and the allied
Mil/LE EnforceTac show) Nuremberg plays host to
everyone who is anyone in the European shooting
sports family, and to many that come from far further
afield! IWA is where tactical and airsoft writers like
us can stand toe to toe with manufacturers from
around the globe, discuss their plans, check out all
their latest products, and provide feedback to them
from the community. Whilst nobody at Airsoft Action
would deem themself a “voice of the community”
we are of course involved with many groups, and
make note of any genuine problems we see; we also
see and test a large number of RIFs and a huge pile
of gear every year, so amongst the 30+ contributors
to the magazine we have a pretty good overview of
what has worked and where problems exist.
“IWA 2023 HAVE CONFIRMED NOW A NOTABLE TURNAROUND DURING THIS YEAR’S SHOW,
WITH BUSTLING ACTIVITY AND AN INSPIRING ATMOSPHERE; APPROXIMATELY 1,100
EXHIBITORS ATTRACTED 34,000 TRADE VISITORS TO NUREMBERG FROM 119 COUNTRIES!”
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SHOW REPORT: IWA PART 1
I did say this last year too, but I know that many of
you have a good laugh at us when the topic of IWA
comes up, but let me assure you… it’s bloody hard
work! Yes, we do get first look at all the new “shiny
things”, but the schedule is brutal! After making a
500-mile roadtrip, seventeen-plus hour days are the
norm from start to finish, and just as much work
gets done after the show as in it. This year I actually
tracked my footfall in the show and it came in at
over TWELVE MILES a day, and that’s just inside the
show itself! When you see a picture of your favourite
content creator cracking a cold brewski at the end
of the day, believe me, they have bloody well earned
that - and so has everyone that’s been on stands all
day long!
Suffice to say that we pack in as much as
possible to the days we are at the show, because
this is our chance to be with all the manufacturers
and distributors of airsoft goodies in person, and
the opportunity must be embraced in full so we
can continue to bring you the stories you want to
read all year round. Jase puts things in perspective
wonderfully…
“This time last year the apprehension ran through
me like a steam train on the long drive to Germany
and this year was no different as I sat in the airport
lounge while Bill and Jimmy wound their way
through the French, Belgian, and German motorway
systems. Time off for me was 04.30 and the lounge
filled up with people heading off on their travels.
This particular lounge had free food and drink and
I was aghast at the amount of travellers drinking
beer and wine at such an early hour; sat in front
of me was a gentleman who I can only describe as
“Andre The Giant” and on his table lined up were
four bottles of beer which he put away faster than
Hereford’s finest going through an Embassy window!
Only thing I put away was a plate of ‘Full English’.
“Last year was a big deal for me; being invited as
a part of this amazing magazine to cover the 2022
show, this year is no exception but I’m sure Jimmy
was feeling what I felt back then as he embarked on
his first industry trip. It’s been over two years that I
am proud to say I have been working alongside Bill
and the rest of the AA Crew both home and aborad,
in that time we have worked alongside the great
people of Nuprol, iWholesales and Viper to name a
few and I couldn’t wait to meet back up with some
familiar faces.
“Nuremberg is a fantastic location to host the IWA
show; it’s a city steeped in history with a fantastic
transport system. I landed into a crisp but sunny
German morning, and once through passport control
I was quickly onto the U-BAHN speeding my way
to the centre of town. By 1130 I was checked into
my hotel room, which was a pleasant surprise, then
headed to meet the AA gang. As we sipped a fine
German adult beverage, the sun beamed down onto
us as we discussed our battle plan for the next few
days that lay ahead. Bill had lots of meetings lined up
with various companies (business needs to get done
after all!), some which we were to attend, but the
main mission for Jimmy and I was to mooch through
the many halls looking for new and interesting
products!”
Jimmy went on to say:
“That one time in Germany”… actually it was my
first time abroad and it was a bit of a running joke
all week. I think I wore it a bit thin but nevertheless,
IWA is the largest outdoor trade show in Europe
and boy was it fun! The travelling not so much fun
(I can’t believe Bill has done this year after year!) but
we made the most of it and Bill certainly kept us
entertained with his many stories about the history
of the airsoft industry! I didn’t know what to expect
of Nuremburg but it did not disappoint. Great
company, great food although I never did get that
schnitzel I was longing for…”
GOOD TO GO
So, enough of our scene-setting, let’s get on to what
you really want to hear about! Although we run
pretty fast and loose at the show it’s amazing to see
the level of professionalism with many of the guys
in smart shirts and suits, and the girls in suits too
with some lovely blouses! Everyone looks absolutely
tippity-top, and the great thing for us is that are all
on hand to answer our every question!
Our first meeting of the show as usual was with a
VORSK, back at the show this year with a stunning
dedicated stand the entire team was on hand to
meet and greet, and they really showed to the world
“SAT IN FRONT OF ME WAS A GENTLEMAN WHO I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS “ANDRE THE
GIANT” AND ON HIS TABLE LINED UP WERE FOUR BOTTLES OF BEER WHICH HE PUT AWAY
FASTER THAN HEREFORD’S FINEST GOING THROUGH AN EMBASSY WINDOW! ONLY THING I
PUT AWAY WAS A PLATE OF ‘FULL ENGLISH’”
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SHOW REPORT: IWA PART 1
the professional face of the airsoft business in the
UK! Following the run-up to the launch of the muchanticipated
VMP-1 GBB (which I’m pleased to say we
had a little bit of a hand in!) we were finally able to
get our hands on the production samples in black,
grey and tan, and OMG they looked “in-the-flesh”
even better than the images I’d seen beforehand!
I believe it’s safe to say that the VMP-1 was the
standout launch-product of the show and, given the
many conversations I’ve now seen in many online
airsoft groups, the enthusiasm for this stunning little
SMG was not just from those present in Nuremberg!
Of course, VORSK were also showing the new VX-14
and VM-9 (which you’ll find reviewed earlier in this
issue) along with their vast array of exciting existing
pistol designs, gas and BBs… I’ve said this year on
year, but it is just stunning to see a British company
doing so very well in the worldwide airsoft market!
G&G also always have something fresh and this
year was absolutely no exception, and in fact they
blew many, me included, away with their continued
development depth. The one model that stole
attention immediately was the FAR9/556, “FAR”
standing for Folding AR! This is still in development
and won’t be available for a while yet, but a trifold
AR, whilst gimmicky to some, will be sure to
delight others as it did us… Pushing the boundary of
what can be done yet again, the G&G team told us
that they are still refining the hop, but that it does
actually work… folding down to a minimalist size I
can totally see this as a “bag gun” for OPFOR! But
that wasn’t all, as G&G have pushed onwards with
the SMC-9 platform to offer another option with a
Beretta inside; again this will not appeal to everyone
but it’s yet another step forward with a platform that
is pretty much universally respected!
And even that’s not all, as they had the finalised
SGR556 which features a full metal CNC-machined
M-LOK rail and receiver with front and rear flip-up
sights, and G&Gs latest GOS-V8 buttstock. Under the
hood, the SGR556 is a remarkable AEG that boasts
G&Gs absolute newest tech! First, it has their latest
G3 technology which comes with their very first
SPLIT GEARBOX DESIGN! It has a true quick spring
change and an easy quick-change MOSFET module;
new modules drop in for easy replacement. Digging
deeper into the gearbox the SGR556 has G&Gs new
optical selector switch module. This feature allows
an adjustable trigger to travel to one of THREE
levels and adds a pre-cocking mode that can be
programmed by the trigger or wireless programming
remote control. Add to this a new “MP5” and a
whole host of pistol models and G&G once again
had it ALL going on!
ASG had moved stand location this year as the
show continues to grow back to full form, but as
always they were “loud and proud”! News included
the announcement of the CZ SP-01 Bronze Special
Edition and the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 BOOST
edition, and it was a real pleasure getting “hands
on” the latest CZ Shadow 2 Orange Special Edition
“I BELIEVE IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT THE VMP-1 WAS THE STANDOUT LAUNCH-PRODUCT
OF THE SHOW AND, GIVEN THE MANY CONVERSATIONS I’VE NOW SEEN IN MANY ONLINE
AIRSOFT GROUPS, THE ENTHUSIASM FOR THIS STUNNING LITTLE SMG WAS NOT JUST FROM
THOSE PRESENT IN NUREMBERG!”
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AA LEGION
SHOW REPORT: IWA PART 1
pistol which is simply stunning both internally and
externally. They also were showing the new CZ P40C
which looks like a GREAT little pistol, and we hope to
hear more on this soon!
concentrating on the new offerings! Okay, Stewbacca
reported in depth on most of the new models
launched at MOA last December, but they revealed
some super “BCM crossovers” mated to their updated
AVALON platform, and… drum roll!... a prototype
Stechkin with the holster/butt assembly that will be
sure to delight other “OPFORists” like me. Again, this
is still in development, but it looks bloody GREAT!
AND ON WE GO!
Next up was LCT whilst their display at the show was
of largely existing products, they did have some great
new rails and accessories to drool over, especially
those designed to fit the AK-12! As an AK-12 fanboi
I’ve always wanted just a bit more railspace, plus an
even more modern look, and LCT have most certainly
delivered on this front with what I can only describe
as a “micro-lok” with rail sections to go with it… and
a new drop-in pistol grip and trigger-guard assembly
As usual REDWOLF were leading from the front,
with some stunning new BAD AR replicas to drool
over, and their stand, as always, was absolutely
chock-a-block with airsoft goodness and innovation
too! They also showed us a new quick-change AK
buffer tube attachment to line up with their existing
models which is exciting, along with a dedicated tool
to remove the stock pins (a darn tight-fitting pin!) for
their own AEGs and GHK models too! Add to this
some pretty darn funky “Star Wars” themed AKS
and the stainless steel AKM and this was a visit that I
REALLY enjoyed!
Talking of “recoils”, a trip to meet with
VEGAFORCECOMPANY (VFC) saw me reunited after
three years with my very good friend Ray, and yes,
we did spend far more time talking as old mates than
from the likes of LayLax and Heretic Labs HPA systems
(Jimmy will talk about these more technically at a
later date). One thing that particularly caught my eye,
was the new range of TITAN batteries and chargers
which are superbly cutting edge; I look forward
to having a closer look at these in due course. Of
“AND… DRUM ROLL!... A PROTOTYPE STECHKIN WITH THE HOLSTER/BUTT ASSEMBLY
THAT WILL BE SURE TO DELIGHT OTHER “OPFORISTS” LIKE ME. AGAIN, THIS IS STILL IN
DEVELOPMENT, BUT IT LOOKS BLOODY GREAT!”
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course, the real “showstopper” for many of us was
their own stunning custom models and even those
were surpassed by their RWA pistols, along with their
continued collaborations with Agency Arms, Battle
Arms Development, and there will be even more
absolutely righteous looking RIFs on the way soon!
SPECNA ARMS really came to the fore this year,
and their “customs” were just as jaw-dropping as
usual! Their range of product continues to grow and
grow, and seeing and experiencing their own new
with the GATE family and will be reporting back on
this in more detail as a standalone at a later date.
One meeting that I had very much been looking
forward to was with ARCHWICK, as these guys have
been doing some remarkable things over the past
couple of years!
electronics showed me that these guys REALLY mean
business! The HAL2 TM is a high-tech electronic
unit that provides unprecedented trigger sensitivity,
over 500 points of adjustment, as well as responsive
operation, while being insensitive to dirt or external
light. The single-board design ensures quick and
trouble-free installation, while the built-in Bluetooth
Low Energy module provides an easy and stable
connection to your phone for configuration while
ensuring long operation on the replica’s battery. This
was pretty darn “Star Trek” in operation on their
range, as the guys were able to reset the trigger
remotely while I was actually firing! Magic I tell thee…
Magic!!
Also on the Specna Arms stand were GATE, who
obviously have a long-term relationship with SA in
their native Poland. Jimmy spent some quality-time
Of course, we all know them for their tightly
controlled production of models like the L119A2
GBBR, which caused a real stir amongst my MilSim
buddies, but these guys are really pushing things on
under their new B&T licence, with the APC-9 gas SMG
and the SPR 300 PRO bolt-action sniper platform!
Having now had my hands on both models, I am
100% certain that they will be a huge success for
ARCHWICK and of course, Stewbacca will be covering
these models off “at home” in Taiwan as soon as they
are available for evaluation!
iWHOLESALES were, as always, on hand to meet
with their global customers, and I had a couple of very
pleasant meetings with them looking at new models
from the brands they represent so ably! With a stand
absolutely chocker-block with airsoft loveliness, I
particularly set my eyes on the latest “308” platforms
from ARES and the stunning R615 TTI SAND VIPER
pistol that will be just one of a number of models
from “JW4” that they’ll be offering! I’ve already lined
one of these stunning-looking pistols up for review as
“SPECNA ARMS REALLY CAME TO THE FORE THIS YEAR, AND THEIR “CUSTOMS” WERE JUST
AS JAW-DROPPING AS USUAL! THEIR RANGE OF PRODUCT CONTINUES TO GROW AND GROW,
AND SEEING AND EXPERIENCING THEIR OWN NEW ELECTRONICS SHOWED ME THAT THESE
GUYS REALLY MEAN BUSINESS!”
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AA LEGION
SHOW REPORT: IWA PART 1
soon as it returns from Germany - as currently it‘s the
only one they have!
Before I wrap up, as usual I have to make a couple
of “honourable mentions” of things that I saw that I
thought to be first rate.
SLONG AIRSOFT had some truly wonderful
models and accessory/technical parts on show, but
model that uses G-Series magazines - exactly the same
magazines that many of us use in our secondary! I’ve
been saying for years that the first company to do this
would be onto a winner and, as they’ve designed the
platform around one of their Black Rain Ordnance
models, it is simply STUNNING! Will it work? Who
knows …but it certainly LOOKS awesome!
thank heaven for Google translate! I also had an
excellent meeting with EVOLUTION and our testing
program with them should soon be fully back on
track! AIRSOFTZONE I hear are once again shipping
worldwide, but I’ll talk more on them next month in
our “IWA Gear Report”. I also had fabulous meetings
with the guys from ROSSI and DELTA ARMORY. I’ve
been speaking to both these super little companies for
a while and I’m very pleased they’ve both agreed to
join our testing program in the future, so watch this
space!
To conclude my main report though, I have to talk
about KING ARMS…
Yup, good old King Arms! This is a brand that’s
been involved in airsoft almost as long as me, and
every so often they pull of a total blinder and this year
was one of those years! In addition to some really
cool-looking and fully-licenced Lancer Systems L15
Carbon AEGs, they were also showing something
that immediately got my pulse racing… Finally an AR
ROUNDING OUT
To finish up on our airsoft report I’m going to throw
things over to jimmy and Jase again...
Jimmy: It was great to meet and be introduced to
so many new people within the manufacturing side of
airsoft; Vorsk, Archwick, VFC, G&G, RWA, Gate, EPes,
the list is pretty long! As Bill said earlier I managed to
have a couple of long meetings with GATE and EPes
and talk in-depth regarding their new products with
my wingman “Smooth” Jase keeping notes for me
…thanks bro! I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed
every minute of the trip and was gutted we had to
leave, but home was calling and I missed my comforts
to be honest LOL! However, I look forward to doing it
all again next year!
Jase: With all the above gucci kit that Jimmy and I
had come across over the three days, we agreed that
one other thing stood out and that one thing was a
few company’s story.
Over the three days we chatted to countless
companies but certain ones stood out from the rest,
ones that had passion and energy. Let me elaborate.
Over the years Airsoft Action has worked with VORSK,
I’d never met the owners; how these two amazing
characters set out in the world of business, with a
tight bond they have over some 40 years been very
successful business men and the combination of what
is VORSK today. They are more than just a business
but a family which rings true whenever I was chatting
“SOMETHING THAT IMMEDIATELY GOT MY PULSE RACING… FINALLY AN AR MODEL THAT
USES G-SERIES MAGAZINES - EXACTLY THE SAME MAGAZINES THAT MANY OF US USE IN
OUR SECONDARY! I’VE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS THAT THE FIRST COMPANY TO DO THIS
WOULD BE ONTO A WINNER AND, AS THEY’VE DESIGNED THE PLATFORM AROUND ONE OF
THEIR BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE MODELS, IT IS SIMPLY STUNNING!”
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to Ross, Danny, Jean, Tom, Matt, Josh, Megan and
Kelly. Passionate, focussed and fun are how I would
describe them, a company worth supporting!
The next company that hit Jimmy and I in the feels
was GATE, an airsoft tech company from Poland
started in 2009 and owned by brother and sister
combo Marcin and Gabrielle and their cousin. For
those of you that don’t know much about GATE, they
produce products like the Titan, Pulsar, EON and Aster
to name a few. Now a formidable ETU force in the
market, it was fantastic to meet them and understand
what they are now up to within the industry. Learning
of their machining set up, I was blown away. It was
joyous to hear Marcin talk so enthusiastically about
their future.
Finally as fate would have it, Jimmy stumbled across
a company, one I had not personally come across and
not in the correct airsoft hall, EPeS AIRSOFT! Milos,
one of the co-owners, was euphoric with enthusiasm
to explain who EPeS where and their foundations and
this is a company that we look forward to speaking
with more soon! Jimmy and I were blown away by the
personal drive to create parts for AEG, Gas and HPA
shooters. What I took away from their company was
the attention to detail; their own production of some
60 different sized nozzles had me in awe, along with
coatings for smooth movement. It was a pleasure to
meet them!
Airsoft companies continue to innovate and grow
and, as I said at the start of this report, there appears
to be a new dynamism and professionalism apparent
wherever you may look, but now with a very human
face. This is something that I shall embrace, as of
course “business is business” and we only just tip
the rim in the meetings we can physically have over
three days, but after IWA 2023 I believe that we are
all finally moving together to a brighter future all over
the world when it comes to airsoft. However, I always
conclude our IWA Airsoft Report with a single word…
“MEALSIM”! Bigger, bolder, better, and MUCH louder
than before! Together we joined as a global airsoft
community and feasted!
Next month we’ll head into the gear halls for our
usual clothing, footwear and gear report, but for now
I’ll just say that IWA 2023 was a tremendous show
again, both for me personally and for Airsoft Action,
and I hope to see just as many folk from the global
airsoft community next year. The show has already
been fixed for 29th of February to the 3rd of March
at the Messe Nuremberg, so get it in your diary and
the Airsoft Action crew look forward to seeing you in
Germany next year! AA
www.airsoftaction.net 95

RELOADED
LCT LK-33/53
WAY BACK IN ISSUE 117 WE
BROUGHT YOU THE “FIRST LOOK”
AT THE STUNNING NEW LK-33 FROM
LCT AIRSOFT, AND IN ISSUE 140
IT WAS THE LK-53. NOW THEY’VE
SPENT SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME
WITH BOTH MODELS BILL AND
STEWBACCA UPDATE ON HOW THEY
ARE PERFORMING NOW, AND ANY
CHANGES THEY HAVE MADE!
LCT GOLD
STANDARD!
The LCT LK-33A2 and LK-53A3 have been getting
some rangetime both at home and abroad, and
today we’ll focus in on how our test models are
still performing after some hard use. I got into the LK-
33A2 in Issue 117, and Stewbacca looked at the LK-
53A3 in Issue 140 when we first had “hands on”, and
thanks to our mates at NUPROL I’ve had an LK-53A3
in the UK for a while now too, and although we will
go into more detail I can tell you that it both models
have stood up to our testing program very well!
When it comes to the LK-33 this has now been
with me since the summer of 2020, and from the
tip of the distinctive steel flash-hider to the rubber
butt-end this is an AEG that still screams “get me to a
game… NOW!” For those of you out there that own
a G3 or have owned one in the past, the 33 is going
to feel like coming home, and if you have ever used
an MP5 this is going to feel comfortably like a “big
bro” as all the safety and operation controls are of
course based upon that original “Gewehr 3”.
“THE LK-33 THIS HAS NOW BEEN WITH ME SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2020, AND FROM
THE TIP OF THE DISTINCTIVE STEEL FLASH-HIDER TO THE RUBBER BUTT-END THIS IS
AN AEG THAT STILL SCREAMS “GET ME TO A GAME… NOW!””
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LCT LK-33/53
Everything about the LK-33 is rock solid; it’s
made in the majority from steel, with not a groan,
squeak, flex, or indeed any movement, of any kind,
anywhere after being dragged around and generally
abused! This brings me neatly onto the magazines,
and I’m pleased to say that LCT have listened to
player feedback and moved on from the mid-caps
that originally released with this new model!
Whilst “your” LK-33
may still arrive with
the original 130
but things do start to “sing” with an 11.1 if I’m
honest; a 7.4 will drive things happily, but the 11.1
really seems to give the 33 that “powered up” feel,
and makes everything feel more “snappy”. With the
A2 model received for testing the battery lives in the
butt and is accessed via simply pressing off the rubber
butt-plate, so you can use as big a battery as you like
to ensure all-day-power.
Performance-wise the LK-33 still rocks! There’s an
easy-to-adjust rotary hop, and to change out springs
you simply remove the entire butt unit (one large
push-through pin, and it slides off, which means
you can also fit the sliding A3 stock which is offered
by LCT as a “spare”) to access the quick-change
function, and this literally only needs a screwdriver
to achieve! The test rifle came pre-fitted with the
LCT QM PK397 spring which is quoted at 0.83
Joule/300fps/90 m/s on a .20g BB,
although LCT offer springs up
towards 450fps with their
QM PK401 if
BB mid-cap, LCT
have also released two
additional magazines
in the form of a 300
BB and 600 BB hi-cap,
which means again that
with just a couple of mags
you’re good to go for most
skirmish situations.
The magazines are all of full
steel construction too and feel like you could
hammer nails with them; I have used the 33 with
all the magazines of different capacities and all feed
excellently with no jams or misfeeds, although I did
note that the longer style needed a little extra care
when seating; inserting the magazine is a little like a
mix between an AK and an AR in that you need to
place it into the magwell slightly nose first and then
press it straight up for it to fully engage; this is slightly
unusual, but something that no doubt will become
second nature over time.
7.4v and 11.1V LiPos will power the beast happily,
your country allows this
legally!
With the QM PK397 spring
though the LK-33 is quite enough
for me (and the law in the UK too!), and on chrono
using .20g RZRs I got a consistent reading of 0.91
Joule/314fps/95.7 m/s, exactly as was stated on the
printed report stamped and signed by the factory
manager! In terms of range and accuracy the 33
definitely has some grunt, and once the hop is set
to accommodate .30g RZRs (I’ve worked up from
.28g…), and the iron sights were dialled in I’ve
witnessed a consistent, absolutely flat BB trajectory
out to 50m, hitting small steels each and every time at
“EVERYTHING ABOUT THE LK-33 IS ROCK SOLID; IT’S MADE IN THE MAJORITY FROM
STEEL, WITH NOT A GROAN, SQUEAK, FLEX, OR INDEED ANY MOVEMENT, OF ANY KIND,
ANYWHERE AFTER BEING DRAGGED AROUND AND GENERALLY ABUSED!”
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RELOADED
LCT LK-33/53
that range, and at 70m prone I can now easily hit a
240mm x 210mm steel with each and every BB sent!
I’ve always personally fancied an “HK53” to add
to my collection too; as a Brit it’s an important model
to me as it’s believed that “The Regiment” used the
HK33KA3 carbine variant for close protection duties,
usually keeping the rifle in the vehicles, so it sits
perfectly alongside my SLR, Sterling, and Browning.
The shorter of the two has particular resonance for
UK players and fans of a “Brit Loadout” too! For
those of you that don’t know, this model is one that
was used by both UKSF units and by various close
protection units within the British military, including
the Close Protection Unit Royal Military Police and
Royal Marines Police Troop before being replaced by
the C8 CQB carbine.
I’m really happy with both models in terms of
ongoing performance and most certainly in respect
of the 33 the look now too as I’ve fitted an “old
skool” slimline fore-stock, also an LCT accessory!
However, I’ll now throw things over to Stewbacca for
an “in-game take” as he’s been out and about with
his LK-53 again too.
SHORT AND STILL VERY SWEET
The HK53 has a much longer lineage in the use
of security forces worldwide, however; originally
developed along with its full size HK33 sibling during
the early 1960’s to compete with the AR platform
(which had reliability issues in general during the
Vietnam conflict, but especially with regard to its
earliest shortened carbine versions) many special
forces turned to the HK53 as an ideal recoil/ roller
delay operated, handy weapon which was less
sensitive to ammunition and the environmental
conditions which gave the M16 and XM177 such a
bad initial reputation.
With high profile users such as the US Navy SEALs,
UK SAS and other special forces, as well as extensive
use by air crew and Royal Protection details among
other special purposes, the HK53 is a bit of a silent
partner that many airsofters or impression/loadout
lovers might otherwise overlook due to the lesser
fixation upon it in media and historical prominence.
Despite this it clearly offers a great primary choice
and enables you to match it with an array of
different military or police forces impressions should
you choose to.
I recently took the LK-53A3 out for another
day’s shooting in a large CQB style environment
having reacquired my old LK-33 and a bunch of
the shorter magazines meaning I had more spares
to hand; it was especially useful given that it was
quite an unusually cold day, especially by Taiwanese
standards, and for once our gas guns were struggling
a bit.
I switched out to the LK-53 at times to avoid such
issues and found that after a little retuning of the
HOP between games (again made very easy even
with large fingers thanks to the drum style wheel
in the ejection port) it was repeatedly peppering a
container at about 30m away and I was easily hitting
an expended gas canister every shot at 15m, to the
point I knocked it off the table it was on and chased
it around the floor with semi auto fire.
Evidently the HOP has bedded in nicely and is
performing consistently. My teammate’s G36C gas
gun also broke its bolt carrier nozzle due to the cold
making it brittle, so I loaned him the LK-53 for a
few rounds and he managed to make a good few
eliminations with it.
The cold weather did make the turnover and rate
of fire noticeably less snappy due to the battery no
doubt being affected by the lower temperature, but
nonetheless the LK-53 soldiered through the day
without missing a beat otherwise, and I’d forgotten
just how much LCT’s more recent EBB system shakes
it around comparative to the GBB MP5A5 I was also
fielding that day.
Still very much impressed with the handling,
consistency, build quality and the electric blowback
experience, I must say!
My thanks go to Bella at www.lctairsoft.com
for arranging the review sample of the LK-33 and
Stewbacca’s LK-53; I’d also like to thank Tom at
www.nuprol.com for providing me with an LK-53 in
the UK so that Stewbacca and I can compare direct
notes. For more information on both models, along
with other models from LCT, please do pay their
websites a visit! AA
“FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON’T KNOW, THIS MODEL IS ONE THAT WAS USED BY
BOTH UKSF UNITS AND BY VARIOUS CLOSE PROTECTION UNITS WITHIN THE BRITISH
MILITARY, INCLUDING THE CLOSE PROTECTION UNIT ROYAL MILITARY POLICE AND
ROYAL MARINES POLICE TROOP BEFORE BEING REPLACED BY THE C8 CQB CARBINE”
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