Editorial, August 04
UKASC, shop updates and random movie trivia

Well I've not written a rather long editorial for a bit, and as I'm somewhat at a loose end at almost 5am in the morning I thought I'd get to work on an article or two. Why awake so early? Heh, that's easy this week isn't exactly the least stressful one this year, but anyway that's an irrelevant aside.

Airsoft related: Here I've been busy getting the forums and gallery better optimised for everyone and fixing the odd glitch and error that's been bugging me, but that 've just not had the time to get around to to fix. Enough of the site news though, what's going on in the Airsoft world?

For anyone that missed it the UKAN and ASC forums are now owned by the same crew, although different people effectively run each site. Comega and Fluffy bought UKAN when it recently came up for same (so now own both websites), and after the site was moved across servers some huge tidy ups took place. The end result is that the two forums now work together better with much the same goals, this means that there is none of the rivalry that did occur in the past which was rather non-constructive. All in all I'd say it was good news for the two sites.

There's not a huge amount going on in the realm of major releases out there at the moment, the Japanese websites are severly lacking in anything or real great interest, past the VP70 and new TM 5.1 blowback being launched earlier last month.

Wargamers have moved to a new domain name (oops that reminds me really ought to update site links here too) of wgcshop.com. They've also posted piccies of their new warehouse, clean nicely organised with everything sat where it should be; pity that I've never seen a ParcelForce depot that looks like that. While we're over at WGC, it's worth noting that they've mentioned that some new G&P complete rifles will be coming to their store shortly

GR16-R4 Carbine: Steel front outer barrel and flash hider, Magnesium RAS, RAS panels, Forward grip, Magnesium receiver set, Detachable rear sight, Tactical sling attachment, 6 position buttstock, Redi-mag and battery case, 450 rounds hi-cap magazine.

GR16 Carbine: Steel front outer barrel and flash hider, Magnesium receiver set, Detachable handle carrier, Tactical sling attachment, 6 position buttstock, , 450 rounds hi-cap magazine.

GuayGuay being their usual selves have been quiet yet very busy making good quality upgrade parts. Keep an eye out for the rather nice USP compact metal slide and barrel upgrades that are kicking around now.

G&P have also released several new front ends for the M4 series. We have an older M733 style, XM177E1 set, and M635 set that were all announced on the 11th.

Over at Guarder, there's a heap of rather nice and attractive products on their way out. First up is a selection of tri-rail scope systems. There's an illuminated scope with 3 RIS rails mounted to it, a deluxe version of the same product, and a tri-rail mount (suitable for the M4/16 range). There's nice new tactical modular flip up sight, steel front sight for the MP5 series, and steel cocking handle for the Maruzen L96.

If there's still not enough rails on your Armalite, you can get a small mount that fits to the front sight that features three rails . Also we have new protective pads new ally m4 outer barrel, pisotl lanyard, and a new m4 receiver coming out soon.

For anyone interested in bits for their SIG55X rifle, Guarder are planning on a series of updates for that specific range of AEGs. There's a new "USSOCOM OPS" silencer, more AK kits, a QD front sling mount and.. well what looks to be my favourite, some new protective shooting glasses. I have a set of the older Guarder glasses which have come in for all kinds of use, not limited to just skirmish and target use they've held up really well in the workshop and out on the bike.

AirsoftEscrow.com Matthew Kruss (aka Pikachoad) has launched his new aid for folks looking to enter into online trades. The system isn't original, but the application and dedication to Airsoft related sales is. Personally I find it somewhat of a pity that PayPal themselves didn't impliment such a system years ago.. but there you go. Matt recently added support to the system for Candadian dollars (CAD), Euros (EUR), and Pounds Sterling (GBP). The site only takes Paypal for payment, but to be honest that's about all you need. The idea is simple, the website holds the funds, and when both parties have agreed that the sale has proceeded amicably the fees are released to the seller less AE's fees (2%).

Over at RedWolf there's mention of the new TM precision barrel for the VSR-10 series. This is somewhat of a novelty part, at least as far as I'm concerned to-date, save the normal replacement parts that TM make (spare motors etc), have not made any parts for their replica rifles that upgrade performance, or encourage anything more than a basic strip down and service. Perhaps this indicates a slight trend change for TM and their future products? I suppose we'll have to wait and see on that one. If you haven't seen it there'a a review of the CA33E over there too.

Randomly on Asobiya Japan there's some shots of a custom built one off Biohazard '357 Python' pistol. Based on what looks like one of the Tanaka S&W series frame. Most likely not in everyone's best tastes, but it's certainly different.

Non-Airsoft related: Now as I hastily turn off the David Letterman show (not exactly the most thrilling thing at this time of the morning) I can bring you a handy useless fact.. an uncooked steak sinks when immersed in water. See there's a point to early morning telly, other than to dull the effects of a strong coffee for you. Anyway..

Movies: I keep a casual eye on a fair number of releases as by enlarge I tend to watch more videos and dvds than I do TV, but that's simply because there's quite often little on when I swing time to be able to watch the terrestrial channels.

Aliens Vs Predator - Urm yes... well if you've never ever seen a sequal in your life and had recently had a frontal labotomy you could be forgiven for thinking that a film that merges two huge popular franchises would be a truly amazing product.

Well, it's not. If you really do feel the need to watch the film, it's more than likely enjoyed more after four or five beers. If you don't drink, try beating your head against a wall until a numb feeling comes over you instead. The film really is that bad, you'll laugh, but most likely not in the scenes where the director intended you to. My advice, go for a walk and get some fresh air instead.

Blade3: Oh the bright side of upcoming releases Blade3 is out in December. Looking to be pretty much on a par with the previous two films the end of the series "Blade - Trinity" will most likley prove to be a pretty decent end to the saga. For any prop collectors out there or folks that like custom movie pieces a rather large revolver features in the film (source). I doubt many custom houses will make copies of it given the amount of holes milled in the barrel seciton, but you never know. Here's hoping they end the film with some dignity rather than bowing to the monies and punch out lame PG13 sequels afterwards.

Random drivel: I've not been there for ages, but true to form Engrish.com has some wonderful updates that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Have you a "happy life creator" paper shredder, or do you fancy a mug of "The most mysterious tea drink for nowaday global village people especially for you now"? Well, look no further. Oh, Harrison Ford has made an appearance over at Japander.com do check it out (sadly not as downright funny as the Arnold S movies though).