Tanaka Kar98k review: Hey it's the weekend, and what better than to sit down and read a review? ...well actually I'm watching the rugby at the moment ^_^ . The new review is written by 888, and it's of his gorgeous Tanaka Kar98k. Read the full review to see why Tanaka have come up a real winner with this WW2 replica:

"...The last time I purchased an "old" gas powered rifle, I was met with immediate disappointment, which was with the now infamous Marushin "Winchester" maxi. Add to that a disappointing Tanaka Super Redhawk, I was more than just hesitant to drop $400 toward a gas powered rifle from a company that mainly specializes in gas pistols. Sure, I do believe Tanaka makes the best revolvers available in the market today, but it doesnt mean they can't produce a flop, which is exactly what I thought of the Super Redhawk when I first got it..."

Image courtesy of AirsoftClan

Rumours of Marui's latest product: Information, hints and rumours have been going around about Marui's next AEG release which is due out in August of this year. So what do you get if you take a Marui SR16 and fit a G3 size (7.62mm) mag well to it? You get the Knight's Armament SR25!

So you may be asking what's been said about this? Well as everyone knows TM are very tightlipped about their releases, but Knight's Armament themselves have let slip that they've been working with TM on a new release of one of their Stoner rifles, and that we would see it released some time in August - this combined with the latest information from Airsoft Club somewhat coroborates this rumour:

"...We are proud to present to you our Airsoft version of this weapon created by Mr. Tim Chan - our in-house gunsmith. Tim has used almost a month's time to come up with this 1:1 scale electric version, the first of its kind in the world. We believe this version will be available as a production model in August 2002 as Tim has provided an Airsoft toy gun manufacturer with all the moulds and designs. There are no details on pricing at this stage..."

So why haven't we mentioned it before? Well up until now we haven't had much more than one email conversation to go on. As anyone who's in the Airsoft biz knows a TM release just isn't out until "the fat lady sings", so you can just take all the above information with a pinch of salt. Effectively it's still just a rumour, but if I was a betting man (which I'm not) I'd have my money on it. In short - don't take the above too seriously, rumours are rumours until they are a fact, it's just that some rumours have more details behind them. ^_^

But.. don't forget that the newest TM Armalite (the TM SR16) is, in fact, a copy of the Knight's Armament SR15, but was named differently for copyright reasons, so it stands to sense that this proposed release will be called the TM 'SR26'.

A

• KJ G23 w/ metal slide- 110 USD
• KJ G26 w/ metal slide- 105 USD
• Top M249 Minimi with a Marui Version 3 gearbox- 1580 USD (With all the metal already present on the M249 and the inclusion of a very strong gearbox it makes this an extremely well made system.)

Latest Gunmart: It's been out for a bit, but the scanner has been away on holiday, so I couldn't scan the cover in until now. The April release of GunMart is out on the shelves. Included in this months issue are articles covering:

• What is Airsoft Skirmishing - a wonderful article written by Roger ( of Practical Airsoft fame) that details what our sport is, and just exactly what it is that we do. It may be obvious to some, but not to everyone.
• Site review - Ambush Strines (near Sheffield) is the latest Airsoft skirmish site to be reviewed in GunMart
• New TOP AEGs - News of that latest and greatest developments from TOP (as mentioned here)
• New G26 sight mounts from Guarder
• The 'Dimwit test' - Yup yours truly's own idiot proof safety spec test in full glorious detail ^_^
• AirsoftMap.co.uk - Frank's own well updated website with details of all the known Airsoft skirmish sites in the UK

Just incase anyone doesn't know, some of the information in the Airsoft GunMart pages is sourced (with permission) from this website - just incase you find any of the images/news a little familiar. Anyway the latest issue is a good read as ever, and has joined the collection in my magazine rack. Not got your own copy? Shame on you.. ^_^

'Shoot and Scoot' L96: Warren has made this lovely custom 'L96A1 style' stock for the Maruzen APS2 series. Fitment couldn't be simpler, all you have to do is bolt the APS2 mechanism to it with 2 bolts. The photos that are online are that of the owner/designer's own prototype. Stocks can be built to order. Check the full article that I've put up in the projects section for more info.

"...There can be no doubting the popularity of Maruzen's APS2 sniper rifle within Airsoft these days. It has become the de facto sniper weapon of choice and owners are faced with a steadily increasing array of upgrade options with which to improve both the appearance and performance of their weapons.

Into this arena have entered Shoot & Scoot with their replacement stock based on the Accuracy International L96A1 sniper rifle, the current British Army sniper rifle..."

Head protection news article updated: I've updated the article covering the new headprotection that's in the works with some more info and more prototype pictures of another design, this time in DPM. The article has also been revised as there are two dealers in the UK that will be stocking this item and have been kind enough to send comments and information in to us for publishing.

For this reason a big thankyou go out to both Simon Dakin of Extreme Procurement Limited (http://www.extremeprocurement.com/) and Animal of MasterChief's (http://www.master-chiefs.co.uk) for sending in all the latest news and info about this product.

"...[this] helmet is designed for use with goggles. As the Military already use these they should be fine for upgraded /normal Airsoft - they were designed to take a 0.5gr FX Marker Cartridge travelling at 490fps.

Also we are working with our supplier to make some replica PASGT Helmets which have taken 20 direct hits from the above type velocity so will advise when we have a price and availability on them..."

UK Airsoft Map updated: Our UK Airsoft Map has been updated, courtesy of Frank. The latest updates include:

"...the UK Airsoft Map has been updated, Pathfinders formerly [known as] WASPs has had its details updated, Swat Airsoft has also had its details updated. Norwich Airsoft Club and Mepal 1-Commando have unfortunately closed down, and Battletec of Guernsey has changed its email address. I have also added a pointer for Combat Games - Northern Ireland's only Airsoft Site..."

For anyone that hasn't spotted it before there's a little logo to the left hand side () that when clicked on will take you to the most complete map of Airsoft skirmish sites in the UK.

This map is updated regularly by Frank of FreeFireZone. If you have any updates or information that should be included, please do drop either myself or Frank line via email.

SAS news: Mark at SAS has dropped in some news for everyone to read. Here's the latest from them, of interest is that are going to start stocking the PDL fragmentation grenades!

"...S.A.S have now lowered our prices even further and into the bargain have included a battery as well. For example we can now supply the M4A1 with a custom 9.6v 1500mah battery for £225 and can supply the new P90TR with battery for £225. We have also now started to list the custom parts we can get hold of in an easy to find format.

Other news is that we have just agreed to import and start selling the new fragmentation grenades from Italy that [Arnie's Airsoft reviewed] . These will be available within the next 3 weeks and will be sold for approx £7.50 for a pack of 3. There will be a limited quantity of 100 boxes with another 200 boxes to follow approx 3 weeks later. Because of this we will be taking pre-orders on the first batch as of Monday 29th April...."

No news update? So why no news update today? Well I've been busy with the power tools all tonight. With a bit of spare time and some regained enthusiasm I thought it was about time I got back into building 'Jericho'. I've actually got quite far with everything now, and got the whole project to a state that I'm rather proud of.

I've left the dremel (my favourite powertool) to cool off, as the poor little bugger is all tuckered out. So how far have I got? As you can see from the photo, and the updated project notes the front grip is rock solid, and the M203 is very tightly fitted. At the moment the M203 is bolted on with two 6mm bolts, and a custom cut down 1mm box steel frame.

To cut things short it's now full metal, weighs a lot, and is built like a brick outhouse. For this reason the next item on my purchase list will be a tough three point sling, as Jericho weighs more than my beloved G3 SG1. As always you can place feedback and comments in the forums.

New product info: After the last news update, some interesting bits of news have dropped into my email box. Firstly the new TM P90TR not only looks a lot better than it's predecessor (in the flesh so to speak), but the three RIS rails on it are metal and not plastic as was previously thought.

Of the new KJW releases (as seen on the Wargamer's Shop website) the "...Berettas are actually functional copies of the Marui GBB pistols. Parts are even interchangable between them. The KJW P99 is sadly a copy of the Y&P P99. The quality of this replica is poor at best, and a person would be better served to get either the P8 or M9 series guns...". Thanks go out to RK3 (of NNA Airsoft) for this updated info.

WGC Shop updates: We've been sent some new stock updates from WGC (Wargamer's Shop). Of interest here are the new KJW P99, P8, and M9 Tactical Edition copies. The Beretta's appear to be KSC copies, and the USP and P99 appear to be Maruzen copies.

Marui MP5A4 In Stock Again!!!
Marui M4A1 In Stock Again!!!
Systema Fuzzy Logic Computer Charger ( 110V / DC ) USD205
Marui Samurai Edge Standard Mod USD150
Taiwan Metal Slide for Marui Tactical Master USD58
Taiwan Metal Lower Frame for Marui Tactical Master USD58
Hen Long RC Battle Tank - LEOPARDII A5 USD58
PGC Durable Loading Muzzle for WA 1911 / SV / Hi-Cap Series USD20
KJ Works P99 USD80
KJ Works H&K P8 USD80
KJ Works M9 Tactical Edition USD80

AirsoftClan Custom TL: They said it couldn't be done - and praise be AirsoftClan has come forward to prove everyone wrong. To be fair though, nothing is impossible, if you put enough work into your idea. :)

AirsoftClan have taken your basic 'boggo' TM TacLauncher, and fitted a SunProject 40mm grenade launcher under it (rather than the original TM shotgun affair) to create their own 'Custom Tactical Launcher'.

RRP is set at 315 USD, not cheap - but not too expensive either, considering the work time and energy that has gone into it's production (click here for a larger image). I've had to cut down my own SP 40mm Launcher, so I for one understand how tough the metal is that it's made from.

AirsoftClan review: In the second of our retailer reviews I'm pleased to bring you a good review (including first impressions) of AirsoftClan (the folks mentioned in the above news headline ). Thanks go out to Steve for writing this article.

"...This is was my first experience with over seas retailers and airsoft guns. I started this experience with a search for the best listed prices for the guns. Then I hunted for retailer reviews. After finding which retailers were most liked by fellow airsofters I sent out a request for pricing. For me purchasing a gun wasn't just finding one place and ordering it was a process..."

New event: Ad Best (aka Beast) of Team Spectre has sent in some news about a new and promising event that they are going to be hosting. Cost is set at £20 for the whole event, with a £10 deposit. Here's the full blurb:

"...Spectre Wargames is having a non stop 24hr scenario soon 18-19 May more information is on the website and on the dedicated page here, www.spectre.itgo.com and www.spectre.itgo.com/tumbleweed.htm respectively.

It will be based around a non stop 24 hour scenario, which will be free flowing and rolling leaving the players pretty much free to do what they want, with a few interejected missions to keep the tension up, the scenarion will start saturday afternoon, with player arriving saturday morning not to early though!, with the option if wanted of players arriving on the friday night and having a night down the pub with the team and the crashing in the buildings if wanted, we are able to accomidate most needs and requests.

The scenarion will end sunday afternoon, a few quick games will be played if people want and still have the energy, then back to the HQ, for a beer and a debrief.

It is a relatively new site, run by a very well established and travelled team who hopefully have learnt a thing or two on their travels and visits, which promises to be a very good weekend..."

P14.45 typo: Matt (aka MobiusStrip - that well known lovable WA guru) pointed out a small error in the news post about the new WesternArms pistol (the ParaOrdnance P14.45). My apologies it's ParaOrdnance, not ParaOrdinance.

Engrish strikes#2: I'm beginning to get that TwilightZone feeling...("It's deja vu all over again") I had just finished the above news headline, and received an email from ZeroDivider (of Team G.a.S.) regarding KSC's new 'limited edition' Sig Pro release:.

"Hi mate, as you know KSC is producing a limited edition of their Sig Pro 2009 with serial number and GSG9 markings. However, if you check the preview pictures on their homepage (http://www.ksc-guns.co.jp/new/new.html), you'll find that they have misspelled the German word "Grenzschutzgruppe", writing "Greszschutzgruppe" instead. A truly limited edition... ;)"

Thanks go out to ZeroDivider for pointing this out, as my German speaking doesn't stretch much past ordering multiples of beer.

S.O.Tech shotgun scabbard: Not so long ago I posted about Special Operations Technologies (who are an equipment dealer based in Los Angeles, California) that I had come across completely by chance. They have a huge range of equipment, and like all large tactical gear companies will also take on special/custom orders, but what took my fancy was their shotgun back_holster/scabbard.

I've been chatting to Jim Cragg (the very helpful and chatty owner), and I can now bring you some more info about their shotgun scabbard. I've been looking for such an product high and low, so I'm really please to bring you folks this info. I'll be getting one for myself very shortly. ^_^

"Shotgun scabbard - easy draw / reholster and secure / comfortable carry.

The need: Having a breaching shotgun bungee corded to your chest for a few moments is tolerable during a single room entry, but anything large turns it into a huge metal pole banging around on your chest.

The answer: S.O.Tech has developed a padded and hinged shotgun holster that mounts to your back. A release at the bottom allows the barrel to pull away from your lower back as the weapon is drawn forward over your shoulder. This enables you to avoid having to draw the weapon straight up awkwardly above your shoulder. Next, we backed the holster with a large plastic lined paddle to act as a barrel guide for no-look reholstering of the weapon. Finally the retention device at the bottom of the rig keeps the weapon snug to your back during long movements.

· Mounts using two rows of ALICE clips to back of vest. Velcro /Snap tactical vest adapter available on request (sold separately). Custom mounting available, please call.
· Please state model of weapon, barrel length, and light configuration.
· Two layers of 1000 Denier Cordura® are used throughout the pouch (not just the stress points). We double and triple stitch with thick
mountaineering harness thread."

The shotgun scabbard from S.O.Tech was developed with the assistance of Joede Vanek, Las Vegas Metro SWAT. You can get both designs in either a left or right handed format, their RRP is set to around 90USD, but the price may vary with the required design.

New Western Arms pistols: WA have now jumped on the Para-Ordinance bandwaggon, and have produced the ParaOrdinance P14.45 (regular). The Para-Ordinance pistols are still your same old 1911 varient, but are different from the normal SV line in quite a few small but unique ways. WA are quick to point out that the reciever and magwell are markadly different from anything they've done before (look carefully or you might miss the changes) ...but seriously though it's nice to see a change in the WA linup, no matter how small. That aside though to quote a rather well known and respected WA guru (and a good friend too):

"...Hmmmph, looks like a poor mans SVI to me ^_-..."

Specs for the Airsoft version are that it features: 25+1 capacity, 990g weight, hop-up and a 108mm barrel. WA produce this new pistol in matt black, chrome/silver, and a NATO green/black two tone affair (see in the inset image top left). The NATO varienty might be a bit more practical if you remove that rather out of place chrome ("shoot me! - look I'm over here..") hammer. Trade/dealer RRP is set to 19,800 Yen.

For further info you can find the real steel Para-Ordinance P14.45 here. Have a browse of the Para-Ordinance website for some more ideas that you can be sure that WA have been looking at. Para-Ordinance 's compact carry 1911 clones look like some likely candidates for WA production...

For those of you that don't know Extreme Procurement Limited are a UK company that "specialise in supplying equipment to the Military, Special Forces, Emergency Services, Close Protection and Film Industry". The images are of two different prototypes, one (the helmet) that features complete head protection, and another one (the muzzle) that is of a similar but more open design. ReadMore...

SAC Updates: SAC's website has been updated. Thanks to Ben (the SAC Editor) for letting us know. Here's the latest from Ben:

"...Hi Arnie, just letting you know that [we] have been busy recently, updating the SAC website. We have added a load more pictures to the gallery and updated the interactive map. Many more links have been added to the links section aswell. The latest version of the March write up is now online, and able to download for further viewing. You can always view it in the 'more relaxed' version on SAC's sister website, Airsoft Sniper Hide, run by Lee Wade. P.S. The SAC online booking form is still active, but bookings need to be made in the next few days to be registered..."

Hudson new kit: There's some new accessories on their way out from Hudson, these accessories include '6 connected magazines', full length silencer, and sling for the M3A1 (aka GreaseGun). You can see all of these accessories featured in the image to the right. The silencer (according to Hudson) is fully functional, meaning it makes the GreaseGun 'whisper quiet', it's also made of aluminium.

There's also been several comments/hints about Hudson releasing their own M1A1 GBB in the near future.

There's no official word anywhere about Hudson's Thompson, so this is officially classed as a rumour, but given Hudson's love of WW2 kit, it's not an unreasonable idea. For you folks that don't know Hudson have several product lines, which include 1:1 non functional (static) replicas, in their 1:1 lineup you'll notice the M1A1. The image to left is from their 1:1 linup, and is only used here as a reference.

You can expect the new Hudson M1A1 GBB (if it ever appears) to use the same internal mechanism as the grease-gun, which in turn is based on the Maruzen MP5k, This means you'll be looking at 55 round mags, powered from HFC134a. Again, just to stress the point, there's been nothing officially mentioned by Hudson anywhere, so this is just a rumour at the moment.

New at Wolf: There's been several new updates at Wolf (thanks go out to Lee for emailing them in), the first is that they are stocking a new range of BBs previously never seen on the Airsoft front. Sadly I have no prices as of yet for the BBs.

"These originate from Japan and have been specially packaged to suit Airsoft skirmishers, a first in the UK. Each of the range come in bottles for ease of storage, carrying in the game and have a screw cap for speed loading. The bottles are totally reusable and come sealed to ensure quality control. We are promoting a range that truly get away from the ‘one BB does all’ mentality. If the player has spent huge amounts in upgrading their gun then they will want the best possible ammo to get the performance that matches the gun. Similarly, the standard gun player does not need to pay through the nose for high grade BB’s that are simply not needed. "

Next one up is for Wolf is that as of the 19th of this month, they have GBB’s and stuff at "silly prices":

S.O.Tech: Special Operations Technologies are an equipment dealer (based in Los Angeles, California) that I came across completely by chance. They have a huge range of equipment, and like all large tactical gear companies will also take on special/custom orders.

What brought them to my attention was that not only do they work with Japanese Airsofters (though most of their business comes from the military and law enforcement sectors), but they also produce a 'shotgun scabbard'. Here's what Jim Cragg (the very helpful and chatty owner) had to say

"...It is meant for breaching shotguns, but can accomodate most weapons. We custom tailor the scabbard to your weapon length, pistol grip/stock configuration, tactical light or not, type of vest/harness mounting system and side shell carrier..."

You can find their complete catalog here, and a downloadable list of their product range here (requires Acrobat Reader). Hopefully I'll have some more pictures, info and specs of the scabbard in the near future (maybe even a full review. ^_^ keep your eyes on this page)

Weekly news round up: Well it's been a busy weekend here (hence no news updates over the weekend). So what's been happening around the world. Well here's the latest updates from our friends at Airsoft Network:

• New Limited Edition Wilson CQB From Sheriff
• M11 CQB at Club Michelle
• Interview With Eddie
• RPK Conversion Kit From Guarder
• New GSG9 GBB from KSC

Typo, or fact? Spotted by one of our readers (thanks Ian), in the RedWolf news section they will be comparing the new Tokyo Marui MK23 gas blowback with the KSC MK23 GBB later this month. We rather assume that it's a typo, as there hasn't been a word said about a TM Mk23 GBB.

On the bright side (and assuming it's a typo) it looks like we'll be seeing the new TM MK23 Non blowback hitting the shops in the next few weeks.

It looks as if those of you that have been holding your breath can finally finish turning a pale shade of blue, and breath a sigh of relief.

That's my bag baby! So you want to get from A to B with your Airsoft armoury and use public transport without looking like Schwarzenegger in the film Commando? Well have no fear the SWAT Deluxe carry bag is here - you may remember us mentioning it here before, as Wolf have started importing SWAT gear (the makers of this porduct) into the UK. Thanks to Charlie Omega we can now bring you a review of this product (adorned with plenty a piccie), funnily enough bought from Wolf themselves after seeing it mentioned here.

"...I often take the train to skirmish'es.. so I had been looking for a soft case for a while. If Iwas on the train on my way to a skirmish then I would usually carry the rifle hardcase + 1 bagpack with a bin liner covering the smg sticking out from top.. one sports bag with mask / ammo / bb's etc inside. Now most of it can fit into one bag..."

M4-RAM: I've received so many emails about the M4-RAM in the past month or so that I thought it was about time that I produced a full article about it. I know that it's not that new, and that it's not quite Airsoft, but as there's a lot of interest in it, it's only fair to answer the commonly asked questions. Currently the M4-RAM manufacturers are targetting the US market, but when they turn their attention to the UK market we have been promised one for review for you guys to read about.

In the meantime, if you're a supplier looking to sell the M4-RAM in the UK, do drop AsiaPaintball an email and tell them, and don't forget to mention us. :o)

Latest releases: Up on TokyoModel shop's 'coming soon' page you'll notice a host of new kit and accessories that are on their way out. Some of these have been mentioned before but just incase anyone missed anything the complete list includes:

• Tanaka S&W M36PC2 revolver
• TokyoMarui BioHazard (aka ResidentEvil) M92F pistol (a re-release)
• Western Arms SCW Bulldog .45 (Limited Edition) pistol
• WesternArms SV 5inch and 4.2inch
• KSC Cz75 1st edition
• CAW 165 shot 'Shower' Cartridge for M203/M79
  
• TOP M249 box magazine
• MOKEI G3 5000rd magazine (yup it's still not officially out yet) P-90 TR Silence
• TokyoMarui P-90 TR (Silenced)
  

Of interest is the new Tanaka G33/44 which would look to use the same internal gas mechanism (10 shot) as the Kar98k, so like the Kar98, should be of the same build quality (loads of wood and metal) and power (~2 Joules).

New at AOS: The guys at AOS have put up an article that covers on of their more frequently asked questions: "Where can I buy Swedish M90?".

"...Swedish M90 heavy-duty camouflage uniform is most likely one of the best uniforms ever produced. Only natural colors (no black for example) are used in a 3D-pattern created with computers to fool the human eye. The quality is truly "milspec." - this uniform can take a lot more abuse than any other (to me) known uniform..."

CLGunClub updates: Clarence Lai's website has been updated with some news, some really obscure info (details of American cruise missles and the like), and details of his 3rd generation Glock 17. Based around the KSC G17, as the Tanaka G17 is no longer available, it features all the advancements that you've come to expect from Clarence's work (now operating under the revised name of AirsoftSurgeon).

The AirsoftSurgeon™ Glock17 Pentium comes in at US$650 (plus shipping costs), sports a new Taiwanese metal slide, a host of reinforced and metal parts, and hours of loving care and attention.

If Glocks 'just aren't your bag baby', then look a little deeper and you'll spot Clarence's gorgeous 5"Hybrid Comp Limited Class. Not much more can be said about this replica other than Clarence really is a master when it comes to custom WA pistols - To (badly) quote a 'pointy-eared' gentleman "It's a WA pistol Jim, but not as we know it".

Highlights of Clarence's design, include new roller bearings that have been fitted for some very smooth blow-back action, steel hammer, unique serial numbers, specially tuned trigger, fibreoptic sight, new guide rod, and a host of other hand crafted parts. To be honest, I think the only part left on this WA replica that is original is that lovely little 'SV' logo on the side of the grip, but then again Clarence might have bought the logo direct from SV... ^_^

Price? ..erm well these IPSC beauties aren't cheap and the clock in at a hefty USD999, but then again Clarence has only built 8 of them.

Duster adapters: Thorin Brown emailed in about his innovative product. Few of us in the UK are aware of 'duster gas', but in the US it's a popular and cheap replacement for Marui HFC gas. Thorin's wonderful little products are duster gas can adapters that enable you to refill your GBB mags with duster gas easily and efficiently. Here's the full spiel from Thorin's website:

"...The duster adapter allows you to use regular duster gas, available at almost any computer or photography store, to refill your gas powered airsoft gun. Duster gas is much cheaper and more available than airsoft gas. The adapter itself is made out of a white polymer that is quite durable and provides a very good seal with your gun's filling valve. The adapter replaces the spray trigger piece that duster cans come with. Once you press it on to the exposed duster nozzle, you can simply use the duster can like you would a can of ordinary airsoft gas..."

As I've said here in the UK it's something we don't tend to use, but I'm sure there's a call for such cute and useful items in the US and in other countries where Airsoft propellant is exorbitantly expensive. At 9.99USD each they certainly would seem to be worth their weight in gold, looking at the saving you can make by using the cheaper gas.

SOCAL Airsoft updates: Goodness only knows how I missed it, but the guys at SOCAL have put up a review of Monster's in Motion Vampire Hunter MK1. So what is this strange pistol? Well to help out anyone who's in the dark, I've added a lovely picture from our archives to the left. ^_^

"...When the guys over at Monsters in Motion told me I had the chance to check this little baby myself, I was thrilled (I mean, who wouldn't want to play around with a piece from movie history?). Their MK1 is based off an actual prop from the movie, so the appearance and dimensions are exactly duplicated, down to the last screw. If you have a chance to check out the movie, you can see several close-up shots of the MK1 when Blade hands it over to Whistler and when he fires it at Frost in the park. Very sweet indeed...
..."

Sadly I also missed a few other reviews at SOCAL, check out their website for some more great reviews, including:

"...a review of the Wilson Combat Protector .45 (I don't think you mentioned it =), a comparison MK23 LAM review (between the Grenade and the Monsters in Motion), and finally, a review of the Maruzen MP5K (yes... another one =)..."

Apologies go out to the guys at SOCAL for not posting this info sooner. Sorry guys, I managed to overlook your email. :o(

BTILC toys! Yup, well you're all going to think I'm mad after reading this next post. :) N2 Toys have recently released a new set of scale minature models. So why am I mentioning it? Well because they are making Big Trouble in Little China (BTILC) figures, that's why! (No they are not dolls :o) It's not quite Airsoft, well to be honest it's got nothing to do with Airsoft, apart from the fact that I'm a huge BTILC fan, owner of a white vest, blue jeans, and a Maruzen KG9 GBB - sadly I appear to be missing the "Pat Sharpe mullet", but praise be for small miracles. ^_^

So what do you do with these things? Well I dunno really, but I have some room left on my desk here after removing the empty coffee mugs, so I thought Jack could stand just there and look impressive.

On an even more obscure note, make a note in your diary (yup that pristine little book you never write anything in), the UK release of the BTILC DVD box set is due to be released on May 6 2002. Thanks go out to Josh at WingKong.net (my fav BTILC website) for the audio clip and the news. Anyone caught playing 'mock air battles' (whilst making swishing noises) with Wang Chi and Lightning will be carted off to their own ensuite BTILC DVD equipped padded cell. ^_^

"You take the advice of old Jack Burton on one dark and stormy night when the lightning’s crashing, the thunder’s rolling and the rain’s coming down in sheets as think as lead, you remember what Jack does when he’s up against a storm. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol’ storm right square in the eye and says 'Gimmie your best shot, pal... I can take it.' "

No mullets, multi eyed demons, or green-eyed women were harmed in the making of this news article.

Change of look: I've been wanting to change the look of things here for some time, and finally had the inspiration and time to do everything last night and this morning. I've put a lot of work into the redesign, hopefully it'll look the same on all newish browsers (IE4+).

Things aren't quite finished yet, but as it stands I hope you'll agree that it's a lot cleaner, easier to use, and more professional.

If you have any comments about the new look (good or bad), please do post them in the forums here. Sorry - but I don't have time to read loads of emails, but I can scan through forum pages fairly quickly. I do know that various old news pages are still in the old website colours. Please bear with me, as they will be changed in time.

SAC Updates: Lee Wade (aka 6mmGuru) has emailed in news of his latest, entertaining and very detailed report, that you can now find online at SAC. There are very few places in the world, that you can sleep with an AEG in your tent (ooh err..), and wake up to the smell of frying bacon. Now that's Airsoft, the British way! ^_^

"...Just dropping you an e-mail to let you know I have completed the MARCH write-up of the shoot at SAC. You can find it on the AIRSOFT SNIPER HIDE. It is not dissimilar to the FEB report, with 10 pages and lots of pictures. it was a frantic event to say the least.....With day 1 being a Speedball warm up and Day 2 being 1 continious game all day.

Only 3 weeks to our SPEEDBALL tournament, and I'm looking forward to MARSHALLING it. Anyone can book now online @ the SAC website ."

So, readers how's your Skirmish calendar? Are you planning on going anywhere special, if you've got the time free why not visit SAC?

Arnie's Airsoft in China: Well it seems that this website's popularity has grown so much that we are being translated into Chinese. If you pop on over to Combat 2000 China you might just recognise a few of their reviews and articles. ^_^ It's nice to know that we're read and translated around the world. Thanks go out to everyone that has helped make this website what it is.

The beach litterbugs just didn't know what hit them when Red Cell Team hit the sands

New team photos: Maclean of Red Cell Team (in Taiwan) have sent in some great skirmish photos. Sadly their website is down for renovation at the moment (well I can't get to it at least).

Do check the new team photos section, at the bottom of our photos page. If you think you can pose half as well as Red Cell Team, then please do drop them in to use via email, and we'll put them online for you. Please keep the photos tasteful folks, photos of the WASPS in 'skinnies' on the sands at Portsmouth will not be published. ^_^

As is customary for such photo pages, we're going to add comedy captions to all the new team photos. There's no prize or anything, but if you want to see your own quote or humorous string of words under the relevant photo, just send it in via email, with the photo's name as a reference (or I won't know where to put the quote). So get those thinking cap(tion)s working folks, and drop in your suggestions.

Weird wacky and wonderful updates from ARMS#2: MatthewDean (aka MobiusStrip) has been enough to send in some more interesting scans from ARMS magazine.

This is the latest Marshin advert, that shows the Ruger Super Redhawk in 8mm BB size. Barrel lengths are 7.5" and 9.5".

Also shown are the "silenced" Ruger MK II pistols. yum!

(Click on the image for a larger version)

Please note the image above is of Darren's much loved and rather modified Car15

Another Car15 review? Just because we love you lot so much (yup that's you) we've put up the third CAR15 review (this time reviewed by Richard Horgan aka Horgy) to prove that there's nothing wrong with it. :)

"... Imagine an M16-A1 put into a car crusher. The same foregrip, only much shorter. Same receiver and handgrip, and the same front sight, with a small suppresser just in front. The stock looks very much like an m16 stock, although again, much smaller, and it runs on a rather cool spring loaded rail, so can be retracted or extended as needed. The receiver is standard m16 grey, and the foregrip, handgrip, front sight assembly and stock are all black. The front sight, flash suppresser, stock rails and minor details such as the selector switch and ejection port are metal, adding a lot of weight to the gun...The 190 hicap that comes as standard is based on the 20 round 5.56 mag the m16 series rifles used in 'nam...."

Weird wacky and wonderful updates from ARMS: MatthewDean (aka MobiusStrip) has been enough to send in some interesting scans from ARMS and COMBAT magazine. (Click on any of the images for a larger version)

Number one on the list is some imagery of the new WA SV Infinity with ITI Rail (these are scans from ARMS and Combat magazines). Here's what Matt had to say:

"...showing the new 4.3" and 5" Infinities with the ITI Rail cut. Also fitted to these are chrome plated mag release, beavertail and ambi safeties, as well as a set of dot sights featuring BOMAR rears, not forgetting the blue triggers of course!! ^_-..."

Next up on the list, and in at a close second is the G3 Bullpup. Built buy a company called 'Factory Ammo' (we think?). Yup that is an MC51 hidden inside all that plastic casing. ^_^

This is just my own educated guess from the image, but the parts price is listed as 24,000Yen (126 UKP) , and 59,600Yen (313 UKP) for the complete prebuilt kit (including the MC51). It looks weird, but much like the TM P90 I think it's a look that could grow on me. Keep an eye on your local (or not so local) stockist for this kit!

Old/New review: The TokyoMarui Walther MPL GasGun is now at least 10 years old, and is somewhat of a classic. Ash, like any true Airsoft collector, has a large wardrobe full of Airsoft replicas (and a heap of clothes on the floor ^_^ ). This time he's brushed off the dust off the box of another collectors piece, and produced another gem of a review for us (thanks Ash). Do remember folks that although this replica isn't made anymore, you just might be able to find someone selling one 2nd hand.

"...Ever since I got into airsoft, and I'm certainly no skirmish veteran, I've searched for that holy-grail: the perfect airsoft replica. To my mind this means a collectors piece that is functionally skirmishable, but the thing I really craved was a realistic action i.e. ejecting shells. I'd seen old shell ejecting springers before, but never a semi-auto, let alone a full auto shell ejector. None of the current airsoft manufacturers seem to want to go down this path, primarily because they are targeting skirmishers and no-one wants to run around after themselves picking up cartridges. Of course, the ideal would be a gun that combines skirmish practicality with high-end amusement value. Ladies and Gentlemen, from the mists of time I give you the Tokyo Marui WALTHER MPL..."